I've never been to the US, but our recent visit to Claw BBQ has somehow made me experience what's it like to be in their bars. Deviating from the upmarket hub of Souk Al Bahar, walking into Claw, complete with the overall southern shack vibe, made me feel like I wasn't in Dubai at all!

I've always thought of Dubai, being part of a Muslim country and the fact that alcoholic drinks are widely prohibited, as somewhat a monotonous and boring city especially in terms of its night life. But I was totally wrong. When it comes to night life, Dubai has got to be the liveliest night life scene. It definitely has a lot more to offer. I never thought that there are a lot of gastro pubs in Dubai, from the loud and lively pubs to the relaxed and chill ones.

I've mentioned before how I enjoy a lively crowd while sipping a glass of bubbly or cocktail drink, but of course it's also fun to just chill along with a soothing music and delicious food and drinks. And that is what I love about Muze. Located in Souk Al Bahar in Downtown Dubai, Muze combines the fine sounds of Latin, World, and Arabic fusion music in an eclectic and artistic setting.

Coffee shops, having sprouted like mushrooms over the years, aren't really something that tickle my fancy. So when I got an invite to do a review of Icons Coffee Couture in Souk Al Bahar, I must admit that I wasn't that ecstatic. I didn't even check their site out to see what they have to offer, as what I usually do when invites come my way. Nothing.

Add the fact that our fun and enjoyment at the Al Ghurair Dub Fest 2015 had to be cut short as we needed to go from Deira to Downtown Dubai.

But although there wasn't a single diner when we came, the minute I set foot on Icons, I already felt that it wasn't just an ordinary coffee shop.

With its black and white interiors, photo wall of fashion icons, and a zebra print accent wall, I knew that Icons has something more to offer.