Without warning, the temperatures have skyrocketed recently, leaving us wondering how much time we have to enjoy the simple pleasures of al-fresco dining. Luckily for you, Time Out Dubai will be rounding up the best last-chance outdoor brunches in coming weeks, but if you’re already finding the weather too hot to handle, head to Hakkasan. The sleek Chinese restaurant at the foot of Emirates Towers has launched a new brunch on Fridays and Saturdays, serving 10 different types of dim sum and 50-year-old puer ya jian tea, as well as home-made sorbets. The non-alcoholic option is a snip at Dhs199, though those who like brunch with a glass of bubbly can splash out Dhs500.

Malls will be one of the few places we’ll soon be able to walk without combusting, so Marina-based residents will jig with joy at the news that More Café is opening in Marina Mall. And not just any old More – a More ‘Little’, which, we’re guessing, means it’ll be smaller than the other More venues. How little, we’re unsure, but we hope it will be big enough to house human-sized diners.

Staying with mall-based food, Millions of Milkshakes at The Dubai Mall did its best to remind everyone it still exists by inviting US teen stars Zendaya and Bella Thorne to create their own brain-freezing, tooth-rotting concoction (aka milkshake). Zendaya’s shake consists of chocolate chips, cookie dough, almonds, ice cream and whipped cream, and Bella’s is a combination of mixed berries, Ferrero Rocher and Oreo with whipped cream. Haven’t the foggiest who these girls are? No, neither have we.
Insider likes nothing better than a spurious rumour to get Dubai jabbering with excitement. Our latest favourite is that there are plans afoot to build a new restaurant in the grounds of The Westin (in the place they do the blessing ceremonies, we’re told). When this will happen and what food we can expect is another thing altogether.

Last, but by no means least, we felt chuffed that Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire and full-time Cockney Jamie Oliver both expressed delight at their respective restaurants winning the Contemporary European and Family categories at the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards. ‘I’m really delighted about receiving this award. It’s an accolade for the efforts the whole team has made since opening Reflets, and year after year we are succeeding in becoming a real, established Dubai restaurant,’ said Pierre in a thick French accent. Meanwhile, Jamie screamed from his scooter: ‘To be awarded Best Family Restaurant shows the team is really flying the flag for Jamie’s Italian. Thanks so much, guys.’

You’re welcome – and bon appétit.