‘Mad Men’: A binge-worth TV show

The first episode was released in 2007. (Supplied)
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Updated 22 May 2020
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‘Mad Men’: A binge-worth TV show

AMMAN: On paper, “Mad Men” seemed like — at best — a niche, and quite dull, idea. Exploring the workings of a New York ad agency in the 1960s? Who cares? (Except for ad-agency employees, perhaps, keen to see their choice of occupation as dramatic and meaningful, rather than inherently loathsome.)

However, Matthew Weiner’s depiction of life at the fictional Sterling Cooper agency was one of the finest television shows of this century. First off, it looks spectacular: Weiner and his writers carried out intensive, exhaustive research to ensure the sets, costumes and props were historically accurate (hence the almost constant smoking and boozing), and with a budget that reportedly ran to more than $2 million per episode on average, they were able to create a lush, immersive visual style (Weiner has cited Alfred Hitchcock as a major influence) that rivaled big-budget movies. 




Matthew Weiner’s depiction of life at the fictional Sterling Cooper agency was one of the finest television shows of this century, the reviewer thinks. (Supplied)

Secondly, the casting and the cast’s performances were superb throughout. Jon Hamm became a global star for his portrayal of the agency’s complicated, conflicted, alpha-male creative director Don Draper; Elisabeth Moss was brilliant as Peggy Olson — Draper’s secretary who rises through the male-dominated ranks to become an acclaimed copywriter (with her own office!); John Slattery got most of the funniest lines as jaded senior partner Roger Sterling; and Christina Hendricks stole numerous scenes as office manager/office mother Joan Harris — charged with keeping the chaos in some kind of order, with varying degrees of success. They were supported by an ensemble cast who were equally adept at giving their characters an emotional depth rarely matched in primetime TV. 

Thirdly, the actors were aided by scripts in which powerful drama was balanced by biting humor; social commentary (particularly about race and gender roles) that still hits hard 60 years on from the period in which the series is set; great tragedies; and life’s big questions. Weiner showed real respect for audiences, providing a show that demanded and deserved their attention (this was not ‘background viewing’) and rewarded focus and inquisitiveness. Even the most minor of characters had three dimensions, and heroes and villains — as in real life — were often hard to separate. Indeed, they were often the same character in the same episode or scene. 

Five years on from its final episode, “Mad Men” still deserves its position as a benchmark by which other shows are judged. It may be a period piece, but it’s a compelling, aesthetically gorgeous, and timeless look at life.


Gigi Hadid’s latest cashmere launch inspired by New York

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Gigi Hadid’s latest cashmere launch inspired by New York

DUBAI: US Palestinian Dutch supermodel and brand founder Gigi Hadid has released her latest collection — and a new summer campaign — under her cashmere label Guest in Residence.

The new line was inspired by New York, according to Hadid, who founded her brand in 2022.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Gigi Hadid (@gigihadid)

“I’m endlessly inspired by New York City — a place I’ve called home for many years — and the notion that we’re all guests here. For our collection, we embrace the great duality every New Yorker faces in Summer: the thrill of a busy day in the city, paired with the urge to hop in a car with friends and escape to somewhere quiet and laid-back. No matter where you find yourself, our cashmere pieces embrace a spirit of timelessness that always works,” Hadid is quoted as saying on the Guest in Residence Instagram page.

The launch was complemented by a video campaign shared on social media, in which Hadid is joined by fellow models as they explore New York in the summer.

Paolo Santosuosso acted as the campaign’s art director, while the looks were styled by Elizabeth Fraser-Bell.

Hadid launched her clothing label, which features soft, colorful knitwear, in September 2022.

“Over the last handful of years, I didn’t want to be backed into starting my own line just because there was an offer on the table or a deal to be made,” she wrote to her followers on Instagram at the time.

“The earliest days of Guest in Residence came about when I started to question the cashmere market, and those answers gave me a path,” she added.

“I believe that because of its sustainable qualities — natural and made to cherish and to pass down — cashmere is a luxury that should be more accessible.”

Celebrities including Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Taylor Swift and Bradley Cooper have been spotted wearing the label’s designs.

In June, Hadid also unveiled a new campaign with Brazilian footwear brand Havaianas.

The model, who launched a line with the flip flop label, starred in a vintage-inspired series of photographs. In the shots, she shows off slippers from her collection with the brand and is seen wearing retro outfits on a beach.


Post Malone to headline 2025 Esports World Cup opening ceremony in Riyadh

Updated 20 June 2025
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Post Malone to headline 2025 Esports World Cup opening ceremony in Riyadh

DUBAI: US rapper Post Malone – known for tracks like “Rockstar,” “I Had Some Help” and “Sunflower” – will perform will headline the opening ceremony of the 2025 Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia.

The rap and country music artist will hit the stage in Riyadh on July 10.

In August 2020, the singer became part of Envy Gaming‘s ownership group, taking an undisclosed stake in the company, Esports Insider reporter of the North American organization that has since merged with Native Gaming.

The singer will return to the region to perform at the 2025 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Friday Dec. 5.

Malone previously performed at the 2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He then returned in 2022, taking to the stage at Etihad Park.


Two Dubai restaurants make World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list

Updated 21 June 2025
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Two Dubai restaurants make World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list

DUBAI: Two restaurants in Dubai made the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list, which was unveiled on Thursday.

Orfali Bros placed 37th, while Trèsind Studio came in at 27.

“The Orfali brothers from Aleppo, Syria, have created a genuinely unique dining experience in multi-cultural Dubai,” the guide read.

“There are three brothers: Mohamad (head chef), Wassim and Omar, pastry chefs. They mix traditional Syrian staples with pan-regional favorites, and European culinary tropes with Asian ingredients to create a menu that defies categorization.”

The restaurant also has one Michelin star.

Meanwhile, Indian eatery Trèsind Studio, which has three Michelin stars, was awarded No. 27 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list.

In a released statement, head chef Himanshu Saini said: “Being named #27 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants is a celebration of the team, our culture, and the flavors that inspire everything we do. This honor reinforces our belief that modern Indian cuisine belongs on the world stage while staying true to our heritage.”

The restaurant was also awarded The Best Restaurant in the Middle East 2025 top spot.

“Dining at Trèsind Studio, now located on The Palm Jumeirah, can be a dramatic experience, with just 20 seats available. As you progress through the tasting menu, expect to be relocated to different areas of the restaurant, each carefully curated to match the plates in front of you, cooked by chef Himanshu Saini,” the Best Restaurant guide read.

The World's 50 Best Restaurants list is annually created by William Reed Business Media. It collates the opinion of more than 1,000 international restaurant industry experts, including chefs and food writers who vote for their favorite dining experiences.


The hottest music festivals of 2025 

Updated 20 June 2025
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The hottest music festivals of 2025 

DUBAI: Make your summer travel plans with music in mind 

Glastonbury 

Where: Wiltshire, England 

When: June 25-29 

What: Glastonbury has a convincing claim to being the world’s most famous festival, and regularly attracts more than 200,000 people to the Somerset countryside to see a diverse lineup that — apart from music megastars — includes stand-up comedy, circus acts, theater performances and more. This year’s Pyramid Stage headliners are English pop-rock outfit The 1975, US veteran Neil Young, and US singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo, while top of the bill on The Other Stage are UK hip-hop star Loyle Carner, the inspiration behind last year’s ‘Brat Summer’ Charli XCX, and seminal electronic-music act The Prodigy. Elsewhere, there really is something for all tastes.  

Other must-see acts: Raye, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Rod Stewart, Biffy Clyro, Noah Kahan, The Big Moon, Wolf Alice, Doechii, Wet Leg 

Tomorrowland 

Where: Boom, Belgium 

When: July 18-20 and 25-27 

What: A regular award-winner, Tomorrowland is one of the world’s best electronic dance music festivals. A reported 400,000 people attended last year’s event in De Schorre recreational park, which also accommodates the festival’s official campsite, DreamVille. This year’s Mainstage headliners include Martin Garrix, David Guetta, Armin van Buuren, and Swedish House Mafia, but there’s also plenty of less-mainstream acts performing over the festival’s two weekends on its 14 stages. 

Other must-see acts: Steve Aoki, Afrojack, Charlotte De Witte (pictured), Alok, ANNA, Amelie Lens, Eric Prydz 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Lollapalooza 

Where: Chicago, US 

When: July 31–Aug. 3  

What: It may no longer be seen as quite the cultural thermometer it once was, but Lollapalooza is still an eclectic feast for music lovers — booking acts from genres including alt-rock, metal, punk, pop, hip-hop and EDM — and attracts around 400,000 people every year to its home in Chicago. This year’s headliners include Australian alt-dance group Rüfüs Du Sol; US rap star Tyler, The Creator; Olivia Rodrigo; and US singer-songwriter Sabrina Carpenter. 

Other must-see acts: A$AP Rocky, Twice, Luke Combs, Gracie Abrams, Cage The Elephant, Bleachers, Doechii, Martin Garrix 

All Together Now 

Where: Waterford, Ireland 

When: July 31-Aug. 3 

What: The great joy of Irish festival All Together Now is the hidden gems further down the lineup, as well as the ‘sideshows’ of art, spoken word, comedy, theater and wellness in a gorgeous setting. Since its inception, All Together Now has built a reputation for having a deep bench full of quality. So while the headliners — who this year include Fontaines D.C., Nelly Furtado, and London Grammar — aren’t on the megastar scale of the world’s major festivals, this festival is still well worth a visit. 

Other must-see acts: Wet Leg, Leftfield, Michael Kiwanuka, Infinity Song, Gurriers, Glasshouse 

Osheaga 

Where: Montreal, Canada 

When: Aug. 1-3 

What: Spread over six stages in Montreal’s beautiful Parc Jean-Drapeau, Osheaga focuses on up-and-coming acts as well as major names and incorporates a variety of genres. Other attractions apart from the music include volleypong, a Ferris wheel, and art exhibitions. This year’s headliners on the main Bell River Stage are US pop-rock giants The Killers; Tyler, The Creator; and Olivia Rodrigo.  

Other must-see acts: Doechii, Glass Animals, Lucy Dacus, The Chainsmokers, Gracie Abrams, Jamie xx, The Beaches, FINNEAS 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by OSHEAGA (@osheaga)

Sziget Festival 

Where: Budapest, Hungary 

When: Aug. 6-11 

What: Sometimes called “Europe’s Burning Man,” both because of its size (around 1,000 performances each year) and its weird side attractions — including a very odd amusement park — Sziget takes place on the breathtaking Old Buda Island on the River Danube. Headliners on the main stage this year include Charli XCX (pictured), Canadian singer Shawn Mendes, US rapper A$AP Rocky, American rapper and singer Post Malone, and US singer-songwriter Chappell Roan. 

Other must-see acts: FKA Twigs, The Last Dinner Party, Mother, Empire of the Sun, Justice, Amelie Lens, Caribou, Armin van Buuren 

Reading & Leeds 

Where: Reading and Leeds, England 

When: Aug. 21-24 

What: With the same lineup performing on different nights in two different venues a couple hundred miles apart, Reading & Leeds usually attracts a total of more than 200,000 people to shows that tend to focus on indie and alternative music as well as hip-hop. This year’s headliners are Irish rocker Hozier (pictured), Chappell Roan, English rock band Bring Me The Horizon, and US rapper Travis Scott.  

Other must-see acts: Limp Bizkit, Becky Hill, The Kooks, D-Block Europe, Amyl and the Sniffers, Rudim3ntal, Red Rum Club 

 


Recipes for success: Chef Ritu Dalmia offers advice and a tasty dal recipe 

Updated 20 June 2025
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Recipes for success: Chef Ritu Dalmia offers advice and a tasty dal recipe 

DUBAI: Few chefs have had a journey as dynamic and influential as Ritu Dalmia. From her early days in the family stone business, she has become one of India’s most celebrated chefs and restaurateurs.  

Frequent work trips to Italy sparked her love for Italian cuisine, eventually leading her to open Mezza Luna in Delhi and Vama in London. Today, she is the force behind several acclaimed restaurants in India, Italy and the UAE, including her latest venture, Atrangi, in Dubai. 

Beyond her achievements in the kitchen, Dalmia is widely recognized as a leading entrepreneur and social activist. She has authored three cookbooks, hosted TV shows and continues to mentor aspiring chefs.  

Here, Dalmia discusses common kitchen errors, her favorite comfort food, and the small but meaningful rituals that elevate everyday cooking. 

When you started out, what was the most common mistake you made?  

Adding too many elements into a dish. It’s imperative not to stray from the main flavor, or the hero, of the dish by adding too many unnecessary elements. I still make mistakes, but that’s the thrill of being a chef. You are not a robot programmed to churn out a fixed model. 

What’s your top tip for amateur chefs?  

Play amazing music when you cook. A cook in a good mood always cooks a good dish. I would also say that whenever a dish calls for garlic, roast the garlic first.  

What one ingredient can instantly improve any dish?  

Hing, which is also known as asafoetida. Use it in tiny quantities to add depth, fragrance, and a subtle umami richness to dishes. 

When you go out to eat, do you find yourself critiquing the food?  

It’s shameful, but yes. I really don’t know how to let go and enjoy a meal. In fact, most of my friends refuse to eat out with me.  

What’s the most common issue that you find in other restaurants?  

That they spend a lot of money on décor and hardware, but not much on talent, both in the kitchen and service.  

What’s your favorite cuisine to order? 

I love Asian food and junk food when I eat out. Dim sum bars are a favorite. 

What’s your go-to dish if you have to cook something quickly at home? 

A khichdi  — a one-pot meal with rice, lentils and vegetables; easy ingredients packed with flavor. This humble dish can be elevated to another level with toppings and garnishes.  

What customer behavior most annoys you? 

When they click their fingers to call the server to their table. Or when they ask for one dish to be divided in three or four portions. We even had one guest who requested that their soft drink be divided in three! 

What’s your favorite dish to cook ?  

My aunt Chanda was an amazing cook — a trait which, unfortunately, my mother didn’t share. Every time we visited Chanda in Calcutta, she would make a yoghurt khadi which was so fragrant and packed with herbs. Years later, when I was writing a cookbook, I begged her to tell me why her khadi was so different. She told me her secret was to add roasted crushed fennel and fresh coriander after the kadi was made and cover it for five-to-seven minutes. It’s a dish I make at least two or three times a week. I do it with a bowl of rice and some potatoes with cumin and the world suddenly seems to be a better place.  

What’s the most difficult dish for you to get right?  

Way too many to recount.  

As a boss, what are you like? Are you a disciplinarian? Or are you more laidback. 

You want my dirty secrets out? (Laughs.) I’m very disciplined and hardworking, and yes, I do lose my temper, and my vocal cords would make any speaker company proud. I’ve mellowed out a lot with age, but there is still scope for a lot of improvement. I’m learning that it’s unfair to have unrealistic expectations, and that that harms both my team and me.  

Chef Ritu’s moong dal khichadi with vegetables 

Ingredients:  

2 tbsp ghee 

½ cup moong dal 

½ cup Gobindobhog rice (or basmati rice) 

½ tsp cumin seeds 

1 bay leaf 

1 pinch hing (asafoetida) 

2-inch piece ginger, grated (~1 tbsp) 

1 green chili, chopped (optional) 

½ red onion, finely chopped 

1 tomato, chopped 

Salt, to taste 

½ tsp turmeric powder 

½ tsp red chili powder 

½–1 tsp garam masala 

1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, cauliflower) 

3–3½ cups water (adjust based on desired consistency) 

Instructions: 

1. Prep the dal and rice 

Rinse moong dal and rice together in water 2–3 times until the water runs mostly clear. 

Soak for 10–15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients. Drain before cooking. 

2. Cook the tempering 

Heat ghee in a pressure cooker or deep pot over medium heat. 

Add cumin seeds, let them sizzle for a few seconds. 

Add bay leaf and a pinch of hing. 

Stir in grated ginger and green chili (if using), sauté for 30 seconds. 

Add onion and cook until translucent (2–3 minutes). 

3. Add tomato and spices 

Add chopped tomato, cook until soft (3–4 minutes). 

Mix in turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well. 

4. Add vegetables, dal and rice 

Add chopped vegetables, soaked dal and rice. 

Stir everything together to coat well in the spices. 

5. Cook 

Add 3–3½ cups of water depending on how soft or porridge-like you want your khichadi. 

For pressure cooker: Cook on medium heat for 2 whistles. Let pressure release naturally. 

For pot: Cover and cook on low, stirring occasionally, for 25–30 minutes until soft and creamy. Add more water if needed. 

6. Finish 

Once cooked, stir in garam masala and let it rest for 5 minutes. 

Adjust salt or spices to taste. Add a dollop of ghee on top if desired. 

Serve hot with: 

A side of yogurt or pickle 

A drizzle of ghee 

Papad or a simple salad for crunch