A quizzical education: virtual quiz nights to keep you entertained in isolation

Heading to a restaurant for a bite to eat and socialising over a night-time quiz is a time-honoured tradition for many. But with people staying home right now, UAE establishments are getting creative … and bringing the quizzes to them.

Here are the restaurants hosting virtual quiz nights to help keep those in self-isolation entertained.

McGettigan’s

In an effort to “bring back a sense of normalcy”, McGettigan’s has launched a free Quarantine Quiz, to take place every Tuesday at 8pm, starting on Tuesday, March 31.

Quiz master Jono will be conducting the competition live from McGettigan’s JLT, with entry free for anyone who wants to join in. Participants can be a part of the live quiz by signing into MyQuiz.org – the quiz code will be shared on the McGettigan’s Facebook page, with a maximum of 50 devices being able to participate every week, on a first come, first served, basis. Enter solo, as a couple or as a household, and get cracking on the challenging multiple-choice questions. Answers have to be submitted live from each player, directly through their devices on MyQuiz.org – so there’s no possibility of cheating!

To sweeten the deal, some of the prizes up for grabs include a brunch and stay for two at McGettigan's JLT (the “stay” part refers to a staycation at Bonnington Hotel afterwards) and a breakfast-for-four deal at McGettigan’s in Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Naturally, prizes are to be redeemed once doors are back open – that gives residents plenty to look forward to.

Quarantine Quiz nights will continue every week for the foreseeable future.

For more information, visit www.mcgettigans.com

Reform Social & Grill

Dubai's Reform is launching a home version of its popular brunch, complete with a Quarantine Quiz with presenter Aylissa Boyce. On Friday, April 3, users can sign up as teams of two or four and dial in on Zoom to take part. The cost for a team of two is Dh150, and a team of four is Dh210, which includes entry and a roast that will be delivered to your home (with beef, chicken or vegetarian options).

The brunch and quiz takes place from 1pm to 3pm. Registrations have to be completed by 7pm on Thursday, April 2, and capacity is limited to 50 teams.

For more information, visit www.reformsocialgrill.ae

Publique

The alpine restaurant has brought back its popular Friends-themed quiz nights with a virtual twist. The One with all the Trivia quarantine edition will take place every Wednesday throughout April, starting on the evening of Wednesday, April 8.

Teams of two can register for Dh160 and teams of four can register for Dh300 (if they're Dubai residents). This will be accompanied by the delivery of a French platter, comprising a selection of cold cuts, cheeses, pickles, pate, nuts and savoury biscuits, with a vegetarian option available on request.

Those living in other emirates can join in for a fee of Dh50 per team, sans the French platter.

Capacity is limited to 50 teams so register by 7pm on Monday, April 6 to be a part of the event. The quiz will take begin at 8pm with prizes awarded for first, second and third place.

Fuchsia Urban Thai

The family-friendly Thai restaurant in Dubai's Barsha Heights has recently expanded its delivery options to include “bundles” for singles, couples and families (up to four people).

While it may not fall under the category of a traditional quiz night, the restaurant is throwing in a game to be delivered along with the bundles in an effort to keep families entertained at home. Residents are encouraged to spend more time with their loved ones over a round of questions, laughter and food.

Set bundles include The All Out (red curry, massaman curry, Thai spring rolls, rice and banana fritters, available for Dh140), the Pad Thai bundle (prawn pad Thai, green curry with rice and chicken satay for Dh110) and the Vegan bundle (corn fritters, papaya salad, no chicken cashew or morning glory and mango with sticky rice for Dh120).

Bundles can be ordered directly from the restaurant or via Deliveroo.

For more information, visit www.fuchsiame.com