L’Elixir, Nina Ricci’s latest eau de parfum has arrived in Dubai with a full-fledged celebratory performance by Florrie, the fragrance’s new face. Guests mingled while listening to the electrifying private performance this past Wednesday at Art Sawa.

Dubai’s incessantly developing landscape boasts of new hotels, restaurants, clubs and residential properties on a monthly and at times, even weekly basis. The real pleasure of such never-ending change is that there are always new restaurants to visit and gastronomical adventures to try. The following are the top five new restaurants in Dubai.

It will be hard to find someone who doesn’t have a love for a hearty Italian pizza. Whether it’s a Quattro Formaggi (Four Cheeses), a Margherita, Pizza ai Funghi (with mushroom) or a Calzone; get your Italian fix at these top pizzerias in Dubai.

With a history which spans as far back as 4000 B.C. in ancient China, it was the Japanese who began the mass production of this simple rice wine once known as the “drink of the Gods.” Sake still remains one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in Japan and is quickly become an international favorite at hip Japanese restaurants and bars throughout the world. At a recent sake tasting at Zuma restaurant I gained a firsthand educational experience of this marvelous drink led by expert sommeliers and fine-dining specialists. There is an art to sake which is parallel to the Dionysian experience of fine wine.

Dubai’s diverse range of international eateries certainly does not miss out on great Mexican fare. Try these great places for the top five fajita platters in Dubai.

Max Girombelli, owner of the prestigious Italian men’s tailor Duca Sartoria is back in Dubai for another exclusive Made-to-Measure event at the exclusive Capital Club which celebrates it’s 3rd year anniversary this evening with a James Bond styled party. One of the sponsors, Duca Sartoria hosts its trunk show to celebrate the occasion.

“Resistance”, an exhibition of recent works by renowned Saudi artists Faisal Samra opens today at Traffic Gallery. His first solo show at the gallery, Samra combines digital photography, painting, sculpture, video and performance to investigate various states of the human condition. His work raises questions about the nature of identity, liberation, survival, and religious belief.

How else not to break up your day and get a little kick with a lovely dose of a smooth and creamy espresso? Believe it or not, this renowned Italian shot of coffee has its origins on a hillside in Ethiopia. Numerous stories site that coffee was found in the African country and discovered by the Arabs around 1000 AD who then brought it to Venice through trade in the 16th century. The Italians then developed a lively coffee culture of their own. As a city of crossroads, you can find a strong Arabic coffee brew as well as the renowned Italian espresso in Dubai. Delight in the following top places for your espresso break in Dubai.

Victoria Pisa led home a Japan one-two finish in the US $10 million (DH36.7) Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates Airline this past week at the Meydan Racecourse. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE threw his hand in the air in delight when Japan’s Camp won, a rare gesture for the Ruler of Dubai even when his own team wins.