Recipes for success: Chef Sara Aqel offers advice and a tasty panelle recipe 

Recipes for success: Chef Sara Aqel offers advice and a tasty panelle recipe 
Chef Sara Aqel. (Supplied)
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Updated 19 February 2023
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Recipes for success: Chef Sara Aqel offers advice and a tasty panelle recipe 

Recipes for success: Chef Sara Aqel offers advice and a tasty panelle recipe 

DUBAI: Sara Aqel was born and raised in Jordan by her Palestinian parents. Food, she says, has always been a major part of her life.  

“My mom’s a very warm person and she loved playing host. The house was never empty. I think most people in the Levant would agree that food is the center of everything. At funerals, you’ll have everyone crying, but a couple of them are crying and planning what to cook for everyone else. At weddings, we think about what’s on the buffet or what’s for dessert a lot more than we think about the dress or the shoes. So, just organically, food was where I found comfort. 

“Curiosity played a big role too,” she continues. “Seeing a cake turn from a batter into a sponge and not understanding how that trick worked. ‘What’s happening?’ So I started reading more and more about it.” 

At 18, Aqel headed to culinary school in Switzerland, then landed a prestigious internship in Hong Kong, and eventually made her way to Dubai.

Here, Aqel discusses experimenting, the joy of dough and the power of love, and provides a delicious panelle recipe.  

What’s your top tip for amateur chefs cooking at home? 

Taste it. Sometimes you think ‘It looks the same as last time I made it, so it must be OK.’ But you have to taste it. I mean, cooking at home is different — in a restaurant you have the pressure: You don’t want someone’s first impression to be that you’ve made a mistake. But when you’re cooking at home, you can take some risks: If you want to put chocolate in your risotto, do it. It’s no big deal. When I was cooking at home, I’d experiment and try dishes out on my parents. Sometimes they sucked, but my dad would just laugh and say, ‘This is great. But let’s never do it again.’ 

Is there a single ingredient that can improve any dish? 

Love. If you put your heart into it, it always works. No matter how difficult you’re finding it. If you treat it like one of those relationships where you really love the person and you don’t want to break up — you want to keep trying — that’ll make it work.  

What’s your favorite cuisine? 

I like Levantine cuisine, for sure; it’s healthy and it’s earthy. And Japanese. The Levantine feeds my soul and nourishes my body. The Japanese moves my entire palate; my brain eats it with me. [Laughs.] And bakeries too. I could eat cake any time of day.  

What’s your favorite dish to cook?  

I really enjoy making pizzas. I like the combination of bread and something else — savory or sweet. I always have pizza dough in the fridge, so sometimes, especially if I’m in a hurry, I’ll make a pizza. It takes five minutes, but it stays in your heart for a full day. I really enjoy making things with dough — but with my hands, not a machine. I like handling the dough itself. 

You’re quite tactile? You like to feel the food? 

Yes I do. And then I like to eat it. I like to feel it twice. [Laughs.] 

What customer request most annoys you?  

To customize a dish — unless it’s for dietary needs. I feel like we’ve put a lot of effort into our menu and there are a lot of options for everyone. We’ve covered all areas. Actually, it doesn’t annoy me, it just kind of breaks my heart a little. I’m a very emotional person; I get attached to the food I make. So I feel like they’re telling me, “Your son’s hair isn’t nice. You should shave it.” I’m, like, “Whyyyy?” 

Chef Sara’s Panelle 




Panelle. (Supplied)

Panelle dough 

INGREDIENTS: 300g chickpeas; 900g water; 10g chopped parsley; salt to taste 

INSTRUCTIONS: 

1. Warm the water in a pot 

2. Gradually add chickpea flour, mixing constantly with a whisk until the mixture is firm and lump-free 

3. Add parsley and salt 

4. Spread mixture on a tray lined with 5mm baking paper 

5. Keep in the fridge for a day to dry out 

6. Remove dough and cut into equal rectangles 

7. Fry at 200c for two minutes 

8. Serve with tzatziki mix 

Tzatziki mix 

INGREDIENTS: 300g Greek yoghurt; 100g cucumber; 1 garlic clove; 15g dill; 6ml white vinegar; 20ml olive oil; salt and pepper to taste 

INSTRUCTIONS: 
1. Grate cucumber and strain all the water using a cheese cloth 

2. Grate the garlic and mix with the cucumber 

3. Add the yoghurt and mix. Add dill 

4. Add olive oil and vinegar 

5. Mix well and store in fridge 


Beyonce champions Georges Hobeika on tour for third time 

Beyonce champions Georges Hobeika on tour for third time 
Updated 22 September 2023
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Beyonce champions Georges Hobeika on tour for third time 

Beyonce champions Georges Hobeika on tour for third time 

DUBAI: US pop superstar Beyonce championed Lebanese designer Georges Hobeika during her Renaissance World Tour stop in Dallas this week — the third time she has sported a Hobeika design during her current tour. 

The multi-award-winning singer selected a glitzy turquoise gown embellished with silver Swarovski crystals from the couturier’s Fall 2023 collection.

The first time Beyonce wore one of Hobeika’s designs was in June when she performed in Cologne, Germany. On that occasion, she wore a custom-made catsuit embellished with nude-illusion panels, pearls and silver sequins. The 41-year-old singer paired the ensemble with black velvet gloves, thick-heeled pumps and custom Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

In July, at her New Jersey show, Beyonce wore a fully embroidered dress — crafted from pink tulle — featuring shimmering crystals and completed the look with tulle gloves and a beaded headpiece made entirely of 3D embroidered flowers. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by JAD HOBEIKA (@jadhobeika)

Hobeika is not the only Arab designer whose outfits Beyonce has selected for her tour. She also showed off a gown from Omani label Atelier Zuhra in Las Vegas and one from Lebanese designer Nicolas Jebran in St. Louis, Missouri. 


Georgina Rodriguez wears green abaya for Saudi National Day

Georgina Rodriguez wears green abaya for Saudi National Day
Updated 22 September 2023
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Georgina Rodriguez wears green abaya for Saudi National Day

Georgina Rodriguez wears green abaya for Saudi National Day

DUBAI: Georgina Rodriguez, the Argentine model and long-term partner of footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, was spotted this week shopping at the Saudi fragrance brand Laverne in Riyadh wearing a green abaya just in time for Saudi National Day.

The “I am Georgina” star also held the Kingdom’s flag in honor of the country’s 93rd national day.

Georgina Rodriguez was spotted shopping at Laverne. (Twitter)

Rodriguez has previously collaborated with the Saudi perfume label on a campaign in March that promoted the scent, Blue Laverne. In the clip, she answered candid questions about her time in the Kingdom.

Riyadh-based Rodriguez said: “I feel very safe in this country and really appreciate its family values.

“I felt very happy to be able to connect with this heaven on Earth. The power and magic that is in the Saudi desert is incredible,” she said when asked her thoughts on visiting the country’s desert region earlier this year.


Saudi models show off high-street fashion in Milan

Saudi models show off high-street fashion in Milan
Updated 22 September 2023
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Saudi models show off high-street fashion in Milan

Saudi models show off high-street fashion in Milan
  • Hala Abdallah and Lama Al-Akeel joined by Iraqi fashion influencer Deema Al-Asadi at events in Italy

DUBAI: Saudi fashionistas Hala Abdallah and Lama Al-Akeel jetted to Milan this week to attend the city’s much-awaited fashion week.

Abdallah and Al-Akeel, who were joined by Dubai-based Iraqi fashion influencer Deema Al-Asadi, attended the Max Mara show.

Abdallah wore a burnt orange, flowy dress with cut outs around the chest and added a large leather belt around her waist.

Al-Akeel stepped out in a beige Max Mara suit with a maroon undershirt. Al-Asadi also opted for a full look by the Italian brand, wearing a printed green skirt and blazer set.

The three regional style stars met with Lebanese bloggers and entrepreneurs Karen Wazen and Nathalie Fanj at the show.

The renowned brand tapped part-Arab models Nora Attal and Imaan Hammam to walk the runway.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Max Mara (@maxmara)

Hammam turned heads in a camel-colored velvet set that featured hot shorts and short-sleeved blazer.

Attal walked the runway in a pinkish-purple jumper with a matching shirt layered underneath and pink hot shorts.

Hammam and Attal were joined by Danish model Mona Tougaard — who is of Turkish, Somali and Ethiopian descent. She wore a pink coat dress that was also paired with a pink shirt.

Abdallah and Al-Asadi then hopped on to the Moschino show. Abdallah donned a sequined mini dress that read “In love we trust,” while Al-Asadi wore a white t-shirt dress with a gold sequined blazer, black boots and a red clutch.

British-Moroccan model Nora Attal walked the Moschino show. She graced the runway in off-white tailored pants, a white t-shirt, a black blazer, a white heart-shaped clutch, and had her hair wrapped in a turban. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by HALA (@thehala)

For the Moschino show, fashion designer Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele created a high-low, mix-match collection that can go anywhere and suit any woman. Gabriella Karefa-Johnson tapped a rap vein with high-energy hip looks featuring ruffled, tiered skirts, denim and granny squares that were size-inclusive.

“What a show,” wrote Al-Asadi on Instagram after the event.

Abdallah attened the Prada show in Milan. (Getty Images)

Abdallah could not miss Italian luxury brand Prada’s show. On Instagram she wrote that she enjoyed the “cape and shoulder pads,” the fringe details, the “angelic flow fabrics” and the unique sleeve designs. 


Music stars have fans rocking at Azimuth festival in AlUla

Music stars have fans rocking at Azimuth festival in AlUla
Updated 22 September 2023
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Music stars have fans rocking at Azimuth festival in AlUla

Music stars have fans rocking at Azimuth festival in AlUla
  • Third edition of the event part of Saudi Arabia’s 93rd National Day celebrations which falls on Saturday

ALULA: The third edition of Saudi Arabia’s Azimuth festival in AlUla began with a bang on Thursday with performances by several top international musicians.

Australian singer and songwriter RY X was the opening act for the festival which forms part of Saudi Arabia’s 93rd National Day celebrations.

“I have never been to this place in my whole life. I would love to come back and spend more time. It is truly an incredible place,” said RY X of AlUla on stage.

US electronic music duo Thievery Corporation, famous for their song “Lebanese Blonde,” were up next, and performed several of their hits.

Fans then welcomed legendary UK rock band The Kooks, comprising Luke Pritchard, Hugh Harris and Alexis Nunez. “We are so happy to be here … Probably the most beautiful place we’ve ever played,” said Pritchard, the band’s lead singer.  

Egyptian band Cairokee also made their presence felt by belting out some fan favorites including songs “Nefsi Ahebek,” “Samurai,” and “El-Seka Shemal Fe Shemal.”

South Korean DJ and record producer Peggy Gou, and DJ Nooriyah — who was born in Bahrain, raised in Saudi, and now based in the UK — ended the eventful night with their upbeat mixes.

AlUla Moments’ collaboration with Spotify allowed fans to check out the lineup on the Azimuth AlUla Official Playlist.

The festival vibes were enhanced with Azilook stations for makeup, hair, nails and henna tattoos. There was also an opportunity to shop for attire from Creative Collection, accessories from Qurmoz, or perfumes from SURGE.

In addition, several food vendors were available including Gun Bun, SALT, Out of Line, Just Chill, Creamery, Baroque and Maui.


White Milano hosts gala event with Saudi 100 Brands initiative

White Milano hosts gala event with Saudi 100 Brands initiative
Updated 21 September 2023
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White Milano hosts gala event with Saudi 100 Brands initiative

White Milano hosts gala event with Saudi 100 Brands initiative

DUBAI: White Milano, the international apparel and accessories trade show which famously takes place alongside Milan Fashion Week, and the Saudi 100 Brands project - an initiative by the Saudi Fashion Commission – hosted a gala event on Wednesday against the backdrop of the historic Palazzo Serbelloni in Milan.

A number of selected pieces from the collections of 40 Saudi fashion talents – ranging from couture, ready-to-wear fashion, handbags and footwear – were showcased at the event using scenography and choreography, and featuring dancers from the renowned La Scala Theatre.

Selected pieces from the collections of 40 Saudi fashion talents were showcased at the event using scenography and choreography, and featuring dancers from the renowned La Scala Theatre. (Supplied)

White Milano this week is welcoming the Saudi 100 Brands project as part of its EXPOWHITE program, taking place from Sept. 22-25.  

In line with its mission to foster a dialogue between the industry and global creative trends, the EXPOWHITE showcase will focus on brands and designers from countries like Saudi Arabia, Armenia, Brazil and South Africa.  

Guests at the event. (Supplied)

The Saudi 100 Brands project is an initiative by the Saudi Fashion Commission that supports established and emerging design talents from Saudi Arabia, who work across the ready-to-wear, modest, concept, premiere, demi-couture, bridal, bags and jewelry categories. 

The Saudi 100 Brands project showcase will be on display at the Padiglione Visconti.