We're having a baby

When you have some big news to deliver, sometimes a phone call will not do it justice. Especially when you live on the other side of the world.

Instead, why not mail a special package to your loved ones and ask them to skype while they open it? That way, you can capture their reactions to the surprise on video and celebrate with everyone at the same time.

Miranda and I did just that and this is what happened...




Yes, it's official. Our lovely home in Abu Dhabi will be gaining another. He or she is expected in late August and we could not be more excited.

I am humbled to become a father and just overjoyed that this special lady, who decided to take a huge leap and move with me to the UAE over two years ago, is about to become the mother of my child.

It's always fun to look back. I still remember the day she arrived at the airport and I knew then that my life would never be the same again. I even wrote about it.

Now a baby is on the horizon. And we could not be happier.

Love is definitely blossoming in the desert.

No March Madness in the UAE

Let's get one thing straight: when you move to the UAE, the opportunities to view North American sports live at your house, streaming it online or watching in a bar (Oh, how I remember those days) are few and far between.

During the NFL season, I become a sleep-deprived junkie. I can't afford to get serious about baseball until September. The NBA action is only thinkable after Christmas when they start to show the daytime triple-headers on Sunday. As for the NHL? Well, who really watches ice hockey anyway??

My sanity can be sacrificed in an attempt to follow my top teams back home. I am willing and able to do so. But one sport that seems to always fall by the wayside while living in the UAE is men's college hoops.

Sure my office does a March Madness pool. I was hired in late December two years ago so when I won the whole thing while still holding 'fucking new guy' status, my new colleagues were not too impressed. Plus, I was unaware of the tradition that the office winner was supposed to buy pizza for the staff one night.

Oh no, I took the money and laughed all the way to the Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.



But during my younger years, I remember so many tournaments when I combed over my brackets and would put my expertise and knowledge of the game on the line. Countless hours spent watching SportsCenter highlights during the winter came down to one faithful day in mid-March when I would select a winner. It was great fun and I was good at it.

This year, you might as well have put me in that group of aloof office women, who pick the winners based solely on school colors or how cute the team mascot was.

Just to prove the parity between the former seasoned sports fans (aka Expat men) and girls who watch 'for the commercials and to see what the cheerleaders are wearing' in this year's pool: After the Sweet 16, there are three women atop the office standings.

One of these women asked me -- before she picked her brackets -- if LeBron James was still playing. The second woman said she basically took the higher seed in every single match-up until the Final Four and then she just flipped a coin. The third woman happens to be my wife Miranda, who did not know she entered the pool until a copy of her selections magically appeared on our refrigerator a few hours before the tournament tipped off.

So the women are currently in the top three spots. I am sitting in 17th place. For shame.

But there is nothing to fear and only riches to gain if Wisconsin brings it home. I knew of Kentucky's ridiculous win streak before the tourney but I -- ehh, I mean Miranda -- had a hunch about those Badgers. Plus, it's her home state so are we talking about fate here?

If they can clip the Wildcats and drown Duke or Gonzaga in the final, then for the second time in three years, I ... ehh, WE will be the big winners. It will allow me to laugh again, start the slow, victorious walk back to ADCB and buy myself a nice slice of pizza.

For the real losers in any March Madness office pool are the participants who can not actually watch any of the games during the regular season and therefore, cannot make informative selections on their tournament brackets. Trust me. It's a proven formula.

Feeling lucky? I know Miranda is. Go Badgers.

Best restaurants in Abu Dhabi

While I have started to explore the idea of cooking at home -- yesterday I successfully experimented with a slow-cooked pot roast -- my wife and I still love to hit the town and dine in style with the best of them in Abu Dhabi.

Let's get down to brass tacks here: this city has many fabulous hotels, which feature many different restaurants. We have not eaten at all of them. Not even close.

That is why I do not consider myself an accredited restaurant critic. So don't hate.

I am just another empty mouth to feed as we are are in constant search for good, affordable grub. So the following list was compiled with absolutely zero allegiance to any of these fine establishments.

But each of them made the final cut because we like them and continue to visit them again and again. So take that for what it's worth and Bon Apetit!

(Drumroll, please...) Our Top 10 in no particular order:

Noodle Bowl

Located at A1 Madina Al Riyadiya, next Zayed Sports City. Phone# 02 447 2405

I would say it's one of the best Chinese food restaurants in town as we are addicted to the dim sum. It's sort of a hidden gem because it is located above a bowling alley. So random. They actually have a balcony that overlooks the bowling lanes. Classic for people watching. They do not sell booze.

Le Boujolias

Located at A1 Madina Al Riyadiya, next Zayed Sports City. Phone# 02 447 2405

An old-school French cuisine restaurant with a pulse. We come for the steak entrees and always find the time to dabble with an assortment of delicious starters like Escargots and frog legs cooked in buffalo sauce. The smoking room in the back is where all the action is. Cheap house wine served in crafts.

Lebanese Flower

Located at Defense Road, Al Dhafra. Phone# 02 641 4128

Outdoor dining area is always special and the food -- they have the best schwarma in town -- is very good but the service in notoriously bad. You have to put up with douche bag servers hitting on your wife right in front of you. The food comes out when it's ready and they take cash only. Kind of shady. No booze.

Indian Palace

Located at Mushrif Mall, 2nd Street and Airport Road. Phone# 02 447 2420

Been there with actual Indian people  -- mad street credit -- and they give this place high reviews. The menu goes on forever as the options are endless. The booths are pretty cool as you can shut the doors for privacy. It is inside a mall but you lose track of that as soon as you walk in. No strong drink.

FANR

Located at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island. Phone# 02 657 5888

One of my favorite afternoon chill spots. Also a must for visitors. Not only is it right next to the upcoming Guggenheim Museum on Saadiyat Island, but it also has a very cool outdoor patio. And with no hotels in eye sight, they also serve booze, which is a welcome surprise. Try the camel burger. Yes, you heard me right. Camel.

Sontaya

Located at St. Regis Island Resort, Saadiyat Island. Phone# 02 498 8888

Had to put one luxury restaurant on the list and I'm glad it is this one. This Southeast Asian spot has a very scenic layout and is right near the water at the St. Regis Island Resort. Every time we have been here, we fall victim to their different curry dishes. Very sexy place to take a lovely lady on a date. Full bar ready to go.

Cafe Arabia

Located at Villa No. 37, 15th street, opposite Mushrif Park. Phone# 02 643 9699

A definite go-to spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner or brunch. It is built inside a villa so they use all three floors as they have one of the best rooftop scenes in the city. The menu is very healthy and the service is usually awesome. No alcohol but climbing the staircase is like a serene walk through an art studio. Very relaxing.

Diablito

Located at Yas Marina, Yas Island. Phone# 02 565 1175

If there is one thing this city could really use, it is an up-tempo Tex-Mex restaurant and this spot comes close to the mark. Amazing sunsets views from the rooftop patio and it's located right in the heart of Yas Marina. The drinks flow, including their homemade sangria. They have huge burgers, fajitas and burritos on the menu but don't sleep on the pizza.

Leopolds Of London

Located at Nation Towers on the Corniche. Phone# 02 665 4776

This place has a top-notch coffee and tea game, if you're into that. The food is also amazing as we tend to visit during the hangover (ahem) brunch hours on the weekend. The sun room provides great views of the the Corniche as the deli and bakery will wet your tongue before you even take your seat. Unfortunately, no booze.

Frankie's

Located at the Fairmont Hotel, between the two bridges. Phone# 02 654 3333

Best Italian spot in town and contrary to what many think, it's not pretentious. Well, not too much. A stylish atmopsphere sets the tone and the live jazz piano music during the evening hours adds to the experience. We are in love with the Capesante Gratinate and the Involtini Di Melanzane. Vast selection of wine and beer.

Honorable Mentions:

El Sombrero

Located at Sheraton Hotel & Resort, Corniche Road. Phone# 02 677 3333

They do have this amazing all-you-can-drink and all-you-can eat special on Thursday nights (may have to double check the actual night) that definitely does not disappoint. The deal includes margaritas along with a loaded food menu. Private rooms that seat up to 10 are available if you call ahead.

Shakespeare and Co.

Located at Guardian Towers, off Murror Road and 31st. Phone# 02 491 7673

Their chic Victorian-style will warm your heart and their menu is very classy, and at the same time, it offers everything. We like to think of it as the closest thing to an American diner in Abu Dhabi, but with a more aristocratic feel. They serve all three meals around the clock and it's also a great meeting spot for coffee. Popular among Emiratis. No alcohol.

Le Boulanger

Located at Corniche Road, just before Marina Mall. Phone# 02 428 5371

Loaded menu with different nationalities featured but the best thing about this spot is their location. Overlooking the Corniche, it also provides a front-row seat for any water sports events. It's a huge venue but no on-site parking. Shisha burns all day long but unfortunately, not a drip of alcohol to be consumed. Their lentil soup served in a bread bowl is a must.