By the looks of it, the first diet fad of the year is Kimiko Barber's Chopstick Diet. It apparently works - not because it's impossible to devour a Big Mac and fries using two sticks of wood, but because it slows you down and that in turn makes you eat less.

Obvious, really. Although, if special utensils are the key to limit our calorie intake, then, personally, I'd opt for the Tiny Utensils Diet instead. I tell ya, Fisher Price-sized cutlery is equally effective at slowing you down, and doesn't have you trying to slurp yogurt off a stick.

A more dignified way, however, is slowing down the entire meal process. And that's one thing we have to admit our Southern neighbours are pretty good at. So we're none too displeased that longtime favourite Ryad Raval is inviting us in for a drink and a bite tonight.

The occasion is new management - but don't worry, it's the same yummy Moroccan fusion cuisine being served, and in the same comfortable Arabic setting, replete with shisha pipes and belly dancing to distract you from eating. If you aren't convinced, well, I guess you can bring your own sticks.