Known as the “drink of the Gods” in ancient China, the history of the simple rice wine known as “sake” spans as far back as 4000 Known as the “drink of the Gods” in ancient China, the history of the simple rice wine known as “sake” spans as far back as 4000 B.C. Accounts dating back to the 18th century record the Japanese using sake as an alcoholic beverage. It soon became mass produced in the 20th century and quickly became an international favorite at Japanese restaurants and bars throughout the world. Boasting one of the largest special imports of sake in the UAE, Okku is clearly one of the best Japanese dining spots in which to experience this revered drink. I visited Okku one evening to experience a firsthand a selection of the restaurant’s most coveted sakes paired with their delicious Japanese cuisine.

And yet another nightclub opens in Dubai. But this one, contrary to what it may seem, is a bit more than your average late night dance club – it’s a playground. From the dramatic, mysterious interior design to an exceptional list of upcoming international DJs, Mansion is about non-conformity, individuality and rebelliousness.

On 17 May London’s cutting-edge fashion brand Vivid Flair London made an exciting entry into the Emirates with an exclusive launch of its Spring/Summer 2012 Collection at the Armani Hotel.

Renowned for its generous and decadent portions of juicy steak and hearty American cuisine, Ruth’s Chris now has a new home at The Address Dubai Marina. Founded in 1965 by Ruth Fertel, a single mother of two, the restaurant originated from a humble location on Broad Street in New Orleans. Over the last four decades, Ruth’s Chris has grown to 122 locations across the United States and all over the world, including two venues in Dubai. This much-loved and heartwarming restaurant oozes American spirit and charm. Its latest venue boasts a vibrant new lounge area, reportedly the first in the world for the chain, swanky sophisticated surroundings set out of sharp reds, black and whites and expert staff.

Hidden away within the colossal structure of the Dubai World Trade Center, Donatello Restaurant and Lounge boasts lavish décor and an enticing Italian menu. Yet situated not far from DIFC, known for its abundance of high-end dining options, one immediately wonders at how the placement of this new Italian venue can compete with the nearby haven of renowned luxury eateries. With such musings in mind my guest and I ventured inside the restaurant and were pleasantly enraptured by the appealing ambiance furnished with gold tables and chairs and plush gold-toned tie-back drapes. Friendly staff welcomed us eagerly within the interior which we found was surprisingly – empty. While a bit dismayed by this realization, we were equally intrigued by the restaurant’s level of sophistication and knowledgeable staff. We were quickly seated and waited upon as the only guests in the house – a rare and uncommon treat when dining out in Dubai.

For a city with such a wealth of luxury designer boutiques, it’s often surprising to note the very little presence of bespoke men’s tailors. Fortunately, this fact appears to be changing. American Dubai-based fashion designer Eugene Franklin has recently joined forces with Savile Row to launch its first men’s couture label: Eugene Franklin. Featuring a collection of ten different styles which range from dressy casual to corporate and formal and found in a variety of colors, each design aims to reflect the best part of the wearer’s character. Franklin’s collection is made up of exceptional fabrics of high quality wools, silk and cashmere. We caught up with Franklin in Dubai to learn what inspired him to design menswear, the Dubai fashion scene and his vision for the future.

Take the elevator up 45 floors at Grosvenor House’s recently opened Tower Two Hotel and discover Embassy’s Kitchen 45, a swanky new restaurant in the city’s first supper club concept featuring. I’d been to Embassy a few times before to visit the subdued lounge area on the second floor with abstract artworks hung from the walls and the dance floor on the first level. But this was the first time I journeyed up to the top floor of the club to be seated in an exclusive dining area. Decked out in rich tones of red and black with soft touches of light beige on the furnishings, the restaurant makes up for its small size through its regal decor and innovative Provencal cuisine.

Bespoke Italian accessories designer Rodo is offering a selection of three limited edition evening bags exclusively for Harvey Nichols Dubai. The items showcase the designer’s meticulous craftsmanship and heritage through the use of signature elements such as Swarovski embellishments which beautifully embellish each style.

Tucked away in Dubai’s Sunset Mall in Jumeirah 3 sits West L.A, the city’s latest boutique embodying the luxe-bohemian style of Los Angeles. The new store prides itself on bringing effortlessly cool clothes to Dubai straight from the heart of L.A. Peruse the labels to find such names as House of Harlow and Winter Kate, the lines created by California native Nicole Richie, along with Belle Noel, a celebrity jewellery collaboration between Pascal Mouawad and Kim Kardashian. Other brands on offer include young, fresh international designers Mink Pink, Stylestalker, J.J Winters, BLANK NYC, Nanushka, Vanessa Mooney and Cleobella, Paper Crown, among others.