A really great cookbook is harder to come by than you might think. In order to top the list, they need to bring a number of different elements to the party: great ideas, recipes that have been tested and actually work and a few (nicely shot and styled) photos, so that you know what you're aiming for.
Cheffy books such as Rene Redzepi's stunning Noma: Time and Place or Thomas Keller's classic Under Pressure: Cooking Sous Vide have their place, but for most of us this will be on the coffee table, rather than in the kitchen.
Despite having a bookshelf filled with all manner of cookbooks, there are a few that I tend to return to time and time again, and would happily recommend to anyone who likes cooking.
First up is this one:
Jo Pratt's In the Mood for Food is filled with interesting, appetising, achievable recipes. She includes ideas for healthy breakfasts and lunches, suggestions for quick evening meals when time, supplies and spirits are low, recipes for romantic dinners, luxurious treats and much more besides.
The recipes are divided into sections according to mood (hence the title), so if you're "In the Mood for Being Lazy" you'll find plenty of quick, hassle-free dishes that can be whipped up with minimum time and fuss (Greek lamb feta salad, parmesan-crusted chicken and corner-shop curry, for example).
Under the extravagant header, there's everything from cakes and sandwiches for an elegant afternoon tea party to interesting canape ideas and three-course meals that won't send you into a panic. In the "In the Mood for Some Comfort" part, the fish pie with sweet potato topping is a winner on a cold(ish) evening and the roast chicken for two...in one pan tastes great and saves on washing up. I'm also a big fan of her Vietnamese chicken noodle salad.
Jo writes in a fun, friendly way and comes across as a very good home cook, rather than chef - she's not afraid to include the occasional "cheat" ingredient or admit that you don't always need or want to spend hours preparing the evening meal. Recommended.
The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
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World ranking (at month’s end)
Jan - 257
Feb - 198
Mar - 159
Apr - 161
May - 159
Jun – 162
Currently: 88
Year-end rank since turning pro
2016 - 279
2015 - 185
2014 - 143
2013 - 63
2012 - 384
2011 - 883
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
UAE rugby season
FIXTURES
West Asia Premiership
Dubai Hurricanes v Dubai Knights Eagles
Dubai Tigers v Bahrain
Jebel Ali Dragons v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Division 1
Dubai Sharks v Dubai Hurricanes II
Al Ain Amblers v Dubai Knights Eagles II
Dubai Tigers II v Abu Dhabi Saracens
Jebel Ali Dragons II v Abu Dhabi Harlequins II
Sharjah Wanderers v Dubai Exiles II
LAST SEASON
West Asia Premiership
Winners – Bahrain
Runners-up – Dubai Exiles
UAE Premiership
Winners – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Runners-up – Jebel Ali Dragons
Dubai Rugby Sevens
Winners – Dubai Hurricanes
Runners-up – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Conference
Winners – Dubai Tigers
Runners-up – Al Ain Amblers
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Company profile
Name: Fruitful Day
Founders: Marie-Christine Luijckx, Lyla Dalal AlRawi, Lindsey Fournie
Based: Dubai, UAE
Founded: 2015
Number of employees: 30
Sector: F&B
Funding so far: Dh3 million
Future funding plans: None at present
Future markets: Saudi Arabia, potentially Kuwait and other GCC countries
Tailors and retailers miss out on back-to-school rush
Tailors and retailers across the city said it was an ominous start to what is usually a busy season for sales.
With many parents opting to continue home learning for their children, the usual rush to buy school uniforms was muted this year.
“So far we have taken about 70 to 80 orders for items like shirts and trousers,” said Vikram Attrai, manager at Stallion Bespoke Tailors in Dubai.
“Last year in the same period we had about 200 orders and lots of demand.
“We custom fit uniform pieces and use materials such as cotton, wool and cashmere.
“Depending on size, a white shirt with logo is priced at about Dh100 to Dh150 and shorts, trousers, skirts and dresses cost between Dh150 to Dh250 a piece.”
A spokesman for Threads, a uniform shop based in Times Square Centre Dubai, said customer footfall had slowed down dramatically over the past few months.
“Now parents have the option to keep children doing online learning they don’t need uniforms so it has quietened down.”
Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.