Tag Archives: SOTP

Toko Family Friday brunch | The Viel family review

My family were invited to review Toko’s newly launched family brunch, and FAMILY is the focus of the brunch.  We sat outside under Toko’s signature umbrellas in the cool shaded gardens of the restaurant and the weather in Dubai is just perfect for outdoor dining at the moment.

We were impressed with the brunch, and it was genuinely easy with the children.  As most people know brunch isn’t the easiest thing for my family with 4 children aged 6, 4, 3 and 1.

Toko Sydney is the original award winning restaurant that has changed the Japanese dining landscape in Australia and Dubai opened its doors a few years back bringing with it the same concept.

Food at Brunch

As you would expect with a Japanese restaurant there was an assortment of sushi and sashimi, including salmon, tuna and seabass.   There are plenty of cooked dishes from noodles, tempura, dumplings, and they have set up a robata grill for roast chickens, beef, skewered vegetables which my boys definitely enjoyed.

Children

The lunch is generally frequented by other families whose children are aged between newborns and 8 year olds.  The kids are free to roam and run between the tables – no one judges since every table has at least one child.  The outdoor area is enclosed and  small enough to keep an eye on your children at all times.

The restaurant set up a very small but clean play zone, probably best for toddlers up to 5 years – my kids loved it.  The kids were entertained with face painting, and balloon twisting that kept my children busy until we were ready to leave.  The restaurant also brought out candy floss machines, and I was relieved that my kids turned down, who opted for the  trays of fresh watermelons instead.

If your kids aren’t so adventurous to try Japanese food, you will be relieved to know that they are children’s favourites listed on a separate menu including pasta bolognese, chicken and vegetable fried rice, vegetable tempura, mini cheese burgers, Toko chicken strips, and Toko fries.

Top tip: bring a cardigan or jumper for the children as the garden can get a bit nippy.

Prices are definitely competitive and there are three packages.

AED 195 – Non-alcoholic brunch 

AED350 – Alcoholic brunch includes an assortment of beer, wine and house cocktails.

AED535 – Champagne Brunch – this price allows one bottle of Verve Clicquot max.

For more information go to www.toko-dubai.com 

For bookings +971 (0) 4442 8383 or email reservations@toko-dubai.com

Miracle on 34th Street The Musical in Dubai

Miracle on 34th Street The Musical | Madinat Theatre

This Festive Season, Madinat Theatre brings you the true magic of winter holidays with Miracle on 34th Street show.

On stage from 19th to 30th December, this musical will take you on an all singing, all dancing journey in New York where Kris Kringle and little Susan bring the spirit of hope and miracles to life.

Featuring all time classic songs such as “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas”, this heartwarming tale is not to be missed by the whole family.

Shows:
Saturday 19 to Wednesday 23 at 11:00 and 15:00
Thursday 24 and Saturday 26 December at 15:00 and 19:00
Sunday 27 to Wednesday 30 December at 11:00 and 15:00

Prices start from AED155

Tickets available now at MadinatTheatre.com or at Souk Madinat Jumeirah Box Office

Caramel and Sun | Coffee with Olivia Corsi | A trip down memory lane, a sweet boutique for children

Olivia Corsi is the creator of the sweet little shop in the Mercato Mall, Caramel & Sun, a showcase of great items to purchase for boys, girls and babies under the age of 7 years.  If you are stuck this Christmas before the weekend, it is worthwhile to pick up a few gems from Olivia’s store.  We sit down with Olivia who is from Paris who moved to Dubai back in October 2007, and gave birth to her two beautiful daughters here. The items displayed in her shop do give a modern update on toys we, as mums, grew up with.  For me, it is the sweet lifestyle displays, full of memories of my childhood mixed with that of my children that appeals to me.

What inspired you to start Caramel and Sun?

I used to be a marketing manager for a luxury group and I’m a mum of two little girls. I was lucky to be brought up in a creative environment that developed my passion for design. In 2013, when Stella was born, I realized that I would be unable to recreate for her the same kind of inspiring universe that my mum had created for me as a child that would allow her to develop her personality and creativity. I was unable to find the products I was craving here. There was a definite lack of trendy, contemporary, unique children’s furniture.

It is great that 80% of your products comes in internationally to give us mums more choice, whilst 20% comes from locally created products to support business here too? Can you tell us more about your 5 favorite products that you import and why?

#Pineapple light from Goodnight LightLight is important to consider to help your kids to fall asleep and calm them down. It reassures them! Try to create a soft atmosphere with a night light. The soft glow kept them company amidst fears of monsters in the closet! Nightlights aren’t just for kids either, new moms need a little help getting to baby in a darkened room and can help provide a little soothing glow during late night feedings.

#Tepees from Nobodinoz – A little house to hide, play Indians vs cowboys, take a rest or read a book. Of realistic dimensions, this teepee can shelter up three children. Unique touch of color that makes it join perfectly all the types of rooms.

#Skateboard shelves from Lecons de Choses – they are simply the most creative shelve for a kid’s room

#Animal trophy from Cardboard Safari – it gives such a great twist to your kid’s room and even for your living room!

#Desk and chair from Les Gambettes – it remains me my childhood with all this furniture in Formica

#And one more! cabinet from This is Dutch – fresh, colorful and trendy cabinet for babies. You won’t see them anywhere else!

Christmas is just around the corner; can you tell us which 5 items would be great for children between 3 – 5 years old?

#Sonny Angels figurines

#Pencils from Studio Skinky

#Lights from La Tete dans le Bocal – La Tête dans le Bocalis a very young kids interior design brand. It’s how to preserve the toys of your kid’s childhood in a beautiful way. So they put them into a “Le Parfait” jar, that is itself customized with a socket and a lovely electrical cord, and made a fun and original lamp that we just love!

#From the OMYgiant coloring set to the OMY educational toys, all items of kid’s room decoration or children’s toys will transform your kid’s bedroom into a great place to experiment.

#Nobodinoz Bowling set

Which are your children’s 3 favourite play areas?

I love to have a stroll at The Beach JBR; my husband being half Greek, we love to stop at Eat Greek for a frappe – or a day at Kite surf beach with a cheeky burger at Salt for lunch! We discovered few weeks ago they now have a bounce area for kids. Leaving in the Lakes, we hang out most of the time at the Reform and Lakes Club during the weekend where we can have a family dip in the pool and enjoy a nice meal

Is there something that you are very strict about when it comes to your children?

Teaching them how to say thank you and be grateful. A simple smile can open you so many doors in life!

 Can you list your children’s three favourite bedtime stories?

While my husband is teaching the girls English, I am the one speaking French at home. Stella loves Tchoupi, Goldilocks and the 3 Bears and of course Peppa Pig!

I am personally the Walt Disney generation and I made discover Stella few weeks ago Bambi which was my favourite!

Your favourite idea of a date night?

I am afraid I won’t be very original but I must say I simply LOVE La petite Maison

For more information check out www.caramelandsun.com  located in Mercato Mall in Jumeirah Beach Road.

The ZB Foundation - #onthewingsofanagel

On the Wings of an Angel Tee | The ZB Foundation

The ZB Foundation, established in 2012 by parents Danielle and Akber Naqvi is a Dubai-based non-profit organization that works to raise both awareness and funds for the New Born Screening in Pakistan.

They have recently teamed up with four leading UAE-based fashion designers – All Things Mochi, Reema Ameer, Bambah and Ayesha Depala – to create a series of unique T-shirts in order to raise funds.

Dubbed the #Onthewingsofanangel tee, each bears the emblem of an angel, sketched by graphic designer Dima El Atab, and are available in forever-chic black, white or grey. Each of the designers have sewn their stylish threads into the tee, making it their own.

The Dhs225 proceeds from the sale of each tee is enough to cover one new born screening test. “Our aim is to get as many women and children as possible to purchase and wear their tees and shout loud about it. It’s a fun way to raise awareness and we hope to be able to spread our mission around the region, if not globe!” says Danielle.

The tees are now available at the following stores:

Boom & Mellow – Town Centre Jumeriah Beach Road

Saucette Concept – Galleria Mall Al Wasl Road

Bambah Boutique – Jumeriah Beach Road

The Change Initiative – Shk Zayed Road

Babysouk.com – online

For more information visit The ZB Foundation,

Or visit its Instagram page The ZB Foundation. #onthewingsofanangel