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WALNUT GROVE An upmarket South African cafè in City Walk Dubai

Walnut Grove

Walnut Grove is a high-end cafè/restaurant from Johannesburg, South Africa that serves fresh, Mediterranean meals, juices, coffees and dessert style cakes.

Coffee Walnut Grove DoinDubai

Location of Walnut Grove

Walnut Grove is located on the ground floor of the newer section of City Walk in Dubai. City Walk itself is a mixed development of shops, restaurants, cafes and flats by established developer Meraas. There is easy parking in the basement. Walnut Grove is in one of the ground floor malls and you’ll be sitting near shops like American Vintage and Sandro. So it’s a bit like an indoor section of Marylebone High Street in London!

The food at Walnut Grove

We visited for lunch and ordered a Mamma Mia pizza and burrata salad. Both dishes were beautifully presented, extremely tasty and made to a high standard. Portion sizes are on the generous side but prices reflect that. So our 2 dishes could have fed at least three hungry people if not four with ease!

Walnut Grove DoinDubai City Walk Pizza

We asked for extra chilli oil to add to our pizza, this could have had a little more heat to it but was good nonetheless. I would have preferred a little less pomegranate molasses on my pizza but the combination still worked very well. We really liked the salty, flaky flat breads that came with our buratta salad.

Walnut Grove Buratta salad DoinDubai

We somehow found room for pudding and opted to share a portion of what looked liked a very fancy lemon meringue pie. Again this could have fed 4 people easily if you were having a dessert after a meal.

The lemon cream part of the pie was a little too sweet for me. The meringue was more of a cream than a meringue top.

Desserts in general are a little extra sweet in this part of the world I feel. So this is not a classic lemon meringue pie, it’s a much richer version.

Walnut Grove Lemon Meringue Pie DoinDubai

Prices at Walnut Grove

Mamma Mia Pizza     AED 95

Burrata Salad AED    AED 96

Lemon Meringue Pie AED 45

There are plans to open another branch in Dubai Mall later in 2018 or early 2019.

This would be a great place for breakfast if you had a walk at Al Kazzan park opposite this bit of City Walk, or if you were shopping in the mall. Service was friendly and competent. I would go to Walnut Grove again probably for breakfast.

Breakfast is served from 8am to 12pm and I recommend the Smashed Avocado on Sourdough toast for AED 69. I am sure this would feed two people! Coffee is roasted in Melbourne, Australia.

Lunch and dinner come from a different menu and that starts from 12pm lunch time till 11pm at night.

Website for Walnut Grove

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ITS A FOODIE WORLD DUBAI

IT'S A FOODIE WORLD IN DUBAI...What's NEW on the global cuisine scene

We're bringing you a Foodie World in Dubai direct from the Arabian Travel Market, so you can get in the mood for holiday food right here at home. Come with us to a new born French bistro in Dubai Festival City, make a wish under Japanese cherry blossom tree in Downtown Dubai or check out a very good Vietnamese in JLT.  Welcome to our Food News post that accompanies the broadcast on Dubai Eye 103.8. Bon Appetit everyone.

Dubai Eye The Ticket Radio Show

APRIL 24th 2018

PIERRE'S BAR AND BISTRO Dubai Festival City

Fancy French food with entertainment at the week ends.

DINNER REVIEW

We're in France first checking out a new born French bistro by the water. The high end Pierre Gagnaire restaurant on the waterfront level of the Intercontinental hotel (next to Fish House from last time) has had a complete make over and rebranding.

It's now known as Pierre's Bar and Bistro and serves mainly French cuisine. So yes you can expect Frogs Legs and Oysters on the menu! We tried the oysters but not the Frogs Legs on this occasion.

Image ofIt's a Foodie World Dubai DoinDubai Pierre's Bistro Oysters

We also tried the Lobster tortellini, which while not strictly French is highly recommended.

The vibe here is contemporary fun, vibrant, grown up in a pretty sort of way. Check out the flamingoes on the ceilings and I think there is entertainment with a dj at the week ends. It's only just opened, early April 2018, so it was still a little quiet inside but quite lively outside with the music show.

Image ofIt's a Foodie World Dubai DoinDubai Pierres's Bistro Decor

All our table gave a unanimous Thumbs Up to the tuna tataki so thanks for making us try that one! Stand outs also included the tortellini we spoke about and interesting vegan aubergine caviare type dish that would have great to have with a few drinks.

Image ofIt's a Foodie World Dubai DoinDubai Pierres's Bistro Tuna Tataki

I also really liked my baby squid starter with mushrooms and spinach in a French sauce that with their bread "course" is a meal in itself. Forget being Gluten Free here, it won't work at all!

Image ofIt's a Foodie World Dubai DoinDubai Pierres Bistro Baguette

Do leave room for the puddings here, because the chocolate  souffle is superb, but at AED 95 with the pistachio parfait with some pretty berries will be enough for 3 to share, so that's around AED 30 each for some French desserts.

Image ofIt's a Foodie World Dubai DoinDubai Pierres's Bistro Dessert

Lobster Tortellini AED 85

Tuna Tataki AED 80

Aubergine AED 60 (vegan)

CARINE Emirates Golf Club 

High quality, contemporary Mediterranean food sensibly priced.

Great terrace.

DINNER REVIEW 

Chef Izu from Nigeria named this new restaurant after his French wife Carine. So while the way to a man's heart is via his stomach, maybe the way to every woman's heart is to have a restaurant or boat named after her? But seriously good food here, reminiscent of La Serre and La Petite Maison, not surprising as Chef Izu worked at both places.

Image ofIts a Foodie World DoinDubai Carine Burrata

Try the burrata  and fried calamari with courgettes. These are both dishes I would order again. Perfect to have as a light meal in themselves with some bread and the olive oil and balsamic combination.

Image ofIts a Foodie World DoinDubai Carine Calamari and Courgettes

Or have as starters before a main course. We had the roasted fillet of seabass with tomato sauce and sumac rice and the excellent lamb cutlets.

We also ordered and loved the rigatoni with truffles.

Image ofIts a Foodie World DoinDubai Carine Rigatoni with truffles

 

All of which I would order again. Get a table on the terrace. A great bar but no happy hour, drinks with those artisanal Fever Tree mixers are a bit pricey. I envy the people that live in the Lakes, Meadows, Springs, Emirates Hills development for this restaurant on their door step! When are you coming to Arabian Ranches chef Izu?

Image ofIts a Foodie World DoinDubai Carine Table on the Terrace

Burrata AED 55

Calamari and courgettes AED 30

Roasted seabass fillet AED 145

G and T with standard mixers around AED 55

NB The Tarte Tatin costs AED 95 and does take at least 35 to cook from scratch, but then there is enough for 3 people at least.

VIETNAMESE FOODIES JLT Cluster D

VERY GOOD VIETNAMESE -  Authentic and tasty Vietnamese food by the water in a cafe type setting. Great prices. 

LATE LUNCH REVIEW 

We're in JLT eating by the waterside while it's still not too hot. This time it's naturally healthy Vietnamese food, so think summer rolls wrapped in thin rice paper pastry and bowls of steaming pho (pronounced fur) with chicken or vegetables.

Image ofIts a foodie World Dubai DoinDubai Vietnamese Foodies Summer Rolls

A reasonably priced neighbourhood cafe that's worth trekking out to even if you don't live in JLT.

A Turkish man marries a a very well spoken Vietnamese lady chef who used to teach Vietnamese cooking lessons and the eaterie was the natural progression.  Welcome to Vietnamese Foodies! We recommend you try the Chef's signature prawns and those summer rolls and some honey roasted chicken buns!

Image ofIts a foodie World Dubai DoinDubai Vietnamese Foodies Chicken honey buns

Finish with a cool, sweet but not too sweet glass of iced Vietnamese coffee.

You could still sit outside, but there is some seating inside, although this place is popular, despite it just being open 2 months (Feb 2018)

Image ofIts a foodie World Dubai DoinDubai Vietnamese Foodies Signature Prawns

We'll let you know if they are going to be open during Ramadan. And if this has got you in the mood for Vietnam, then check out these Vietnam travel posts. Hanoi is Foodie Heaven!

Image ofIts a foodie World Dubai DoinDubai Vietnamese Foodies Pho

ARMANI HASHI Downtown Dubai 

Make a wish under the Cherry Tree at the Armani Hashi for Sakura Season. 

DINNER REVIEW 

You don't have to fly to Japan to see a cherry tree in bloom! Go to the Burj Khalifa, walk to the back of the Armani hotel and go to the W for Waterfront level in the lift and write a wish to tie on the cherry tree at the entrance to the Armani Hashi restaurant.

Image ofIt's a Foodie World Dubai DoinDubai Armani Hashi Cherry Blossom Sakura

Not a newcomer to the show here's what we said about the Armani Hashi last time, but very appropriate to mention as it's cherry blossom time in Japan and visitors flock there to experience the atmosphere. The Armani Hashi has created a Cherry Blossom promotional menu and they've put the best sellers of their menu into one elegant, 4 course offering.

Image ofIt's a Foodie World Dubai DoinDubai Armani Hashi Main Courses

The starter course whets the appetite with the smell of truffle and pretty morsels of seabass carpaccio, shallots, edible flowers and ume mint dressing. The second course is all about tempura and the rock shrimps I think are a favourite of our region. Then the mains, really liked our Miso chilean seabass and the chicken and leek skewers. Of course all the cameras will come out, not just to take photos of your food, but for capturing those "look what you missed out on" moments when

a. the fountains start to dance in time to the music (and you are right in front of them) 

Image ofIt's a Foodie World DoinDubai Armani Hashi Fountains

b. the Burj Khalifa lights up! 

Image ofIt's a Foodie World Dubai DoinDubai Armani Hashi Burj Khalifa

Dessert, well just take a look at what the dessert is..

Image of It's a Foodie World DoinDubai Armani Hashi Dessert

The Armani Hashi Cherry Blossom promotion is running from 10th April till the 11th of May, it costs AED 450 per person, great for a memorable night out. This menu is designed for a minimum of 2 people, but I think you could ask them if 3 people could share the menu for 2, making it excellent value.

You MUST BOOK though as it was packed on the terrace when we visited. Everyone of course wants to sit there.

Try one of their signature beverages - a Kumquat Caipirinha, I highly recommend it. Or take advantage of the half price drinks offer on the terrace from 5.30 to 7.00 before you eat.

Kanichiwa Cool at the Armani Hashi.

 

 

WE ALSO HAD A BITE AT 

MASTI at La Mer - it's also licensed. An Indian that's a bit different down in Jumeirah 1, try the beetroot croquettes and the mushroom and burrata pizza, but the decor is delicious too! And if that's put you in the mood for more Indian then read our Delicious Reader Offer for a Wellness Vacation in India just 2.5 hours away from Dubai.

Image ofIt's a Foodie World DoinDubai MASTI DECOR

NEW SHANGHAI - a new Chinese all the way from Australia, now in Dubai Mall

CRAZY FISH is now open in DIFC.. as is CRAB MARKET.... as it a new Mexican called LUCHADOR at the Aloft hotel, also on the Palm, all as yet to try.

Image ofIt's a Foodie World DoinDubai LUCHADOR Aloft hotel

F O L L O W  on the DoinDubai Instagram page to FIND OUT FIRST

Talking of restaurant food, which restaurant trends do you think need to go -  for good? Fabulous article from The Independant January 2018.

Previous posts with lot's of good foodie ideas are here..

DoinDubai Eating Out in Dubai 

MISSED THE LIVE BROADCAST?

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We'll add it into the article here when it's ready for uploading, the day after the live broadcast. But in the meantime, we've left the podcast from the last show in for you to listen to.

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Alternatively visit THE TICKET BLOG HERE.

Don't miss the show on Tuesday   Dubai Eye 103.8 The Ticket - listen live

We will post the shows podcast here when it is available to us.

If you'd like to collaborate, then click here to find out how you could work with me on Blogger Events, Food Photography, Foodie Videos and PODCASTS!

Thank You Monica.

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ZAFRAN INDIAN BISTRO

Zafran Indian Bistro isn’t new but it’s relaunched it’s Mirdif branch with a brand new look, feel and menu. We’ve eaten there twice recently and really enjoyed it both times. Read about what we ate so you can have a good idea of what to order for when you visit Zafran Indian Bistro. It’s a home grown brand, not an import and it’s part of Dubai’s Landmark Group. Go now while it still looks fresh and new.

Zafran Indian Bistro DoinDubai Street Food Chaat

What to Expect Food Wise at Zafran Indian Bistro

Gaurav, the operations manager at Zafran used to work for the Maurya group in India and is very familiar with traditional North West frontier type tandoor cooking. So quite sensibly the focus of the restaurant is on high quality, classic North Indian cuisine with a good selection of tandoori items, both non vegetarian and vegetarian.

We tried the tandoori platter which at AED 78 was more than enough for 2 to share. The seekh kebabs were particularly good, it’s great the restaurant doesn’t use any preservatives or food colouring, so no nasty artificially coloured kebabs here! I also recommend the street food items of aloo tikki (served on a bed of spicy chick peas) and the new to me dahi kebab. Both of these items are vegetarian.

Zafran Indian Bistro DoinDubai Aloo Tikki

Eat whatever you like the sound of for main courses if you still have room, portions are generous! I recommend the Bengali mustard prawn curry and a home style daal. I also liked the saag paneeer, again a classic North Indian combination, often seen on Delhi tables.

Zafran Indian Bistro DoinDubai Curries

For a bit of showmanship you may want to order the Zafran naan, the video tells you what’s it’s all about, and at this point greed got the better of us, but we managed to try the very good biriyani, both the vegetarian and chicken varieties.

Where is Zafran Indian Bistro located 

The restaurant is located on the 1st floor of Mirdif City Centre, right next to the Platinum Fitness First gym.

Get some expert opinions on the food at Zafran Indian Bistro 

Don’t take my word for it, get a few more views on what’s good and why here. A group of us had a special set meal here and we all had a slightly different take on what worked well.

THE TEZZY FILES thought: 

THE VEGETARIAN SOUL thought:

MEGS BLOGGED thought:

DINEOUTDUBAI thought:

OMNOMNIRVANA thought:

THE SHAZ WORLD thought:

And we also spoke about our experience on The Ticket Dubai Eye 103.8 with Mark and Stef, LISTEN to the PODCAST here:

PODCAST 20 SEPTEMBER 2016

If you’d like to organise a Blogger Managed Event for your organisation, then email me, Monica at [email protected]

Thank you Monica.

 

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LETEN DUBAI MALL

Leten Dubai Mall is a real find 

A great addition to our choice of mall eateries: Leten Dubai Mall. I really liked the ambience of Leten Dubai Mall, but I thought it would come with an expensive price tag to match! I was wrong. Welcome to good pan Asian food, sensibly priced in a very smart setting.

Leten Dubai Mall DoinDubai Ambience

The Food at Leten Dubai Mall

We had dinner at the mall early on a Friday evening and we knew it was good as it seemed to be popular with smart Chinese shoppers! Expect modern pan Asian dining options here that span China, Thailand and Singapore. In fact Leten is an outpost from an original branch in Singapore. We LOVED our duck pancakes especially as they shredded up the duck at the table. That’s not so common here in Dubai, but it’s how we’re used to eating duck in London.

Leten Dubai Mall DoinDubai Shredded duck

We also liked our Siam glass Thai noodle salad to start with. This had dried shrimp, peanuts and cherry tomatoes all tossed in a spicy lemon dressing with glass noodles as the base. This is a great choice is you’re avoiding meat or going gluten free. You can easily omit the shrimps if you’re vegetarian.

Leten Dubai Mall Glass noodle salad

But we also had to try the Singaporean noodles as it was a speciality of the restaurant and a Singapore chain! We weren’t disappointed!

Leten Dubai Mall Singapore Noodles

These were served with prawns, chicken and lime and good value for AED 45.oo

Where is Leten located

Leten Dubai Mall is located on the second floor of the Mall in Fashion Avenue. Tel: +971 (0)4 3253244

Special Offers at Leten Dubai Mall

Leten Dubai Mall has some really good value meal deals as well, with options that range from just AED 49.00! That beats even food court prices. I liked the fact there are plenty of vegetarian only choices as well. So you might want to try a vegetarian noodle meal that consists of classic chow mein, stir fried morning glory with garlic and some stir fried edamame and garlic. All for AED 49! That’s not all, the combination meals (combo meals) are all served with complimentary soft drinks or water.

Leten Dubai Mall Paintings

Thank you Monica.