A great seafood place in Jumeirah Al Fannah like Bu Qtair
If you want to eat on a budget in a smart area in Dubai then try Al Fannah like Bu Qtair by the sea in Jumeirah. Find out what you need to know about Al Fannah, as well as the new Intersect by Lexus restaurant/cafe in DIFC plus where to eat in a 17 mile drive Cali setting near Sports City – new brunch menu starting on March 4th 2016. And some new Spanish style down in the extension of City Walk. North, South, East and West, we go all over Dubai to bring you what’s NEW on Food News my slot on Ticket Dubai Eye 103.8.
Intersect by Lexus Dubai
I really wasn’t sure what the concept of Intersect by Lexus Dubai was, but the first time I stopped to stare, I was invited in to know more. No thanks, not today I said and walked on, not keen on being told about all the virtues of a Lexus, or so I thought.
The design of Intersect by Lexus Dubai
Designed by top Japanese interior designer Masamichi Katayama, the space, both up and down is modern, arty, light and very contemporary.Everything in the cafe that you experience (apart from the food I guess) is somehow connected to the Lexus car brand. For example the leather on the dining chairs is the same as the leather on a Lexus car seat, the table top is made of the same wood as the dashboard of the car and so on. They are using the same high quality materials in the cafe as they do in the car.
So is it just a cafe then
In terms of functions the space is obviously a cafe upstairs, they are serving breakfast, lunch and dinner opening at 8am. But as well as diners there were people beavering away on their laptops with a coffee, as it’s supposed to be a work space as well. I am not sure how long you can linger here with one coffee though ! We thought the lamb with the sweet potato and yoghurt was good, slice it up thinly and share. Other people I know also liked the kale and avocado salad but we have had plenty of this at home recently so didn’t order. I think I was expecting a bit more Japanese fusion type food here, maybe with some of the things they currently have on the Intersect by Lexus in Tokyo. Would love to have tried their special raw sugar smoothies with yuzu apple or dragonfruit! Why do they have a Lexus car on the lower ground floor in full view
Are they using a cafe as a front to sell you a Lexus
I don’t think so, at least no one offered me a test drive of the car, cost AED 367, 000 and available in 3 colours. But I am definitely much more aware of the brand now and can see why it’s associated with luxury and very high quality materials. And please can I join the book club!
It’s Downstairs at Intersect by Lexus Dubai that’s really fun
We were taken on a little (10 minutes) tour of the downstairs by Halil Asar, the head of operations. We learnt all about the prototype car, and the corridor of toy cars were very artistically displayed on the way to the washrooms where the Japanese design features are very plainly evident! There are 2 obvious EMPTY spaces on the car corridor walls, one space is reserved by Mr Omar Al Futtaim’s choice of car and the other for the head of Lexus Mr Fukuichi.
Al Fannah like Bu Qtair in Jumeirah r the Poor Man’s Burger Lobster
We’ve all heard of Bu Qtair, the seaside South Indian shack that sells fried fish and prawns, and it’s now in relatively smarter premises in Jumeirah, still by the sea. So Al Fannah, also quite near here, Jumeirah Beach road, turn left at the petrol pump/Macdonalds, you’ll see Al Suq Jumeriah fishing harbour, walk in and turn to the left.
Al Fannah’s on the ground floor and serves it’s seafood in similar style to Al Btair. I thought my fish was better, we had sheri or hammour grilled with tandoori spices and some fried prawns, a VERY FRESH salad and some water to drink.
But you MUST ask for some FISH GRAVY, it’s spicy, wholesome fish based coconut gravy that you have with your rice or pop your prawns in to the curry. You can and should sit outside, you do have a view but it’s through the electrical box and other obstructions! Still good though and phenomenally good for the price!
The Flame Tree Restaurant and Grill the Club House restaurant at Jumeirah Golf Estates
I spent a morning there looking and trying out some of their facilities and ended up having lunch at their club house restaurant the Flame Tree Restaurant & Grill. I really liked the fish and chips which was enough for 2 to share, but you must try this restaurant as it really feels like you’re on a golf course on that 17 mile drive between Carmel and San Francisco (without the sea)
They have a new brunch starting on Friday 4th of March 2016 from 1pm to 4pm and you can expect hearty British classics and some Asian & Mediterranean food. But you’re in the best golf course in the Middle East! Book a table on the terrace, possibly with a view of the 18th hold on the Fire Course. A hole that’s surrounded by water and just breathe in the atmosphere.
A great place for families I think they have some entertainment for them as well, or if you want to try the restaurant during the week, they have a number of theme nights. AED 245 with a soft drinks package AED 375 with a house beverage package. Contact restaurants@jge.ae or call 04 360 1816 to make a reservation
New Spanish Cafe in New part of town Bubo Barcelona
Already open in Abu Dhabi, the newest branch of this award winning Spanish cafe opens on March 2nd 2016 in the extension of City Walk. Loved the location of this cafe on the pavement life bit of the extension. Go now before it’s too hot and sit on the street, pretend you’re in Spain! Only cakes, desserts and pastries available to begin with, so it’s a soft opening, but then full service starts in a week or so. They have an award winning chocolate cake called the Xabena made of 4 layers that include olive oil, spices, crisp praline and cocoa beans that won French best chocolate in the world award a few years ago in Lyons.
The restaurant started life in Barcelona in 2005, they have 3 cafes and a bar in Barcelona, a branch in Abu Dhabi and now here in Dubai and they will also open in Tokyo! Owned by Carles Mempel, an multi award winning Catalan pastry chef really knows what he’s doing and I can’t wait to try their cod with vanilla, peas and mint! AED 100 in Abu Dhabi, not sure how much it’ll be here! Ola!
We’ll add the podcasts of this broadcast when they’re uploaded by the radio show so you can listen again! We were broadcasting live from the Boat Show at the Dubai Marine Club!
Last few days
2nd march 2016 – These competitions have now closed, the winners will be emailed shortly
Still 3 competitions to enter, last day 1st of March, so enter NOW for your chance to win a meal at Nolas, a meal at La Tablita or have a pizza delivered to your door in Dubai!
Thanks Monica
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