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Dubai Restaurant Review

Welcome to the latest Dubai Restaurant Review. As an influential Dubai Blogger we get invited to new restaurant openings, relaunches and media parties. Here you'll find mini posts with the key points about what's going on in the ever expanding world of Dubai's restaurants. We take items from here to make up our radio show and sometimes do more detailed articles of certain openings.

Watch this space to be in the know about Dubai's latest foodie happenings. It is in this category as well as in the DoinDubai Give-Aways category that we have most of our competitions to WIN complementary meals for DoinDubai Subscibers

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LA VILLE CITY WALK

La Ville City Walk is a new, luxury boutique hotel that’s part of the Autograph Collection from the Marriott Group. There are 4 places to dine at La Ville City Walk. We checked out the 3 spaces  that were fully open in a type of culinary immersion experience! It’s easy to go from one dining space to the next.  Read on to see which bit of La Ville you would to experience most.

La Ville City Walk – A Culinary Immersion

There are 4 areas you can dine in at La Ville City Walk:

  • Chival  – a Californian style, bright, all day dining area serving modern food with a large courtyard setting.
  • Graze Gastro Grill – a Mediterranean inspired contemporary eaterie serving lunch and dinner opening out onto City Walk.
  • Grapeskin – a full service wine bar with a special week end menu
  • Look Up Roof Top bar  – located on the 5th floor with spectacular views of Dubai serving cocktails, mocktails and light bites.

La Ville City Walk DoinDubai Exterior frontage

We started at La Ville City Walk with some drinks and snacks at the Look Up Roof Top bar

This would be a perfect place to meet for some drinks and classy snacks before dinner or even for a light dinner itself! Expect gorgeous views of the Burj Khalifa on one side and the beach on the other. It was quite a cool evening for Dubai when we visited (Feb 2017) but we felt deliciously warm sitting close to the contemporary lampshade style heaters!

I recommend the peach bellini cocktail to drink, this can be made with or without alcohol. Choose any snacks you like the sound of, but we all really liked the chilli jalopenos. The Look Up Roof Top bar is situated on the 5th floor of the property.

La Ville City Walk DoinDubai Look Up Bar

Starters and Main courses at Chival

This was the 2nd time I was eating at Chival and it’s reassuring to see that quality has been maintained. We were served a Morrocan inspired spicy lentil and beetroot salad, some roasted cauliflower with freekeh (gluten free I think) and a very pretty plate of tuna tataki and cucumber salad. We all really loved the tuna tataki starter.

La Ville City Walk DoinDubai Tuna Tataki salad

Main courses consisted of a dish of roasted king prawns with yucca plant crisps, a plate of agnolotti pasta stuffed with ricotta and spinach and a prime burger served in a pretzel bun. The weakest dish for our party was the prime burger. Some said it was a little greasy, and while it certainly wasn’t a “bad choice” it wasn’t exceptional either. I don’t eat beef so I’m reporting honest feedback from my fellow diners!

We did however order a second plate of the very good agnolotti pasta. This was a completely vegetarian dish but hugely popular with the carnivores too!

La Ville City Walk DoinDubai Agnolotti pasta

Chival is the all day dining restaurant of the hotel, and it has 3 distinct areas you can eat in: the outside courtyard, the inside main dining area and a very cute private room within the interiors. This area would seat 10 comfortably, so would make a really good choice for a special occasion. This is where our group sat.

Moving on for some signature desserts at Graze gastro grill restaurant

Still on the same floor, but with a different feel and look, we moved to Graze gastro grill for our desserts and coffees. Some extremely modern techniques in evidence here, so I was impressed with the dessert selection. I LOVED my little pre dessert though!

La Ville City Walk DoinDubai Pre Desserts

We also tried a smoky, vanilla dessert in a glass jar, some dark chocolate Mississippi pie, some Japanese white cotton cheesecake and some white chocolate zabaliogne.

All very high quality desserts using fabulous ingredients and fun presentation without any gimmicky distractions! I really liked the dark chocolate dessert and ate this despite being full from my snacks, starters and mains!

La Ville City Walk DoinDubai Desserts at Graze

Our chefs for the evening were Pedro Joaquin Arceyut from Puerto Rico, David Schaumburger from Germany and Juan Pablo Dominges from Mexico.

This event was part of a Dubai Blogger Managed Event, so you can also see what my fellow foodie friends thought of their culinary immersion experience here. I’ll add their blog posts as they come up, see who’s views resonate with you the most. Do come back and keep checking the page.

La Ville City Walk DoinDubai blogger managed event

  • Nairuz of Nairuz Reviews could almost become a vegetarian based on what she tried!
  • Mohit of BigFoodBoy loved the coconut rice and is keen to go back for more at La Ville
  • Mark of MarkMyWorld thinks La Ville will always be fully booked!
  • Javeria of DineOutDubai loved La Ville, here’s why.
  • Meghana of MegsBlogged would love to go back to Graze, here’s why.
  • Rachel of BeingRandomRachel liked the Prawn dish best, find out why here.

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Thanks Monica.

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FOOD NEWS AND REVIEWS 21st FEBRUARY 2017

"Join me every Tuesday on The Ticket Dubai Eye 103.8 for the NEWEST Food News & Reviews in Dubai"

The latest on Dubai's Dining Scene

Restaurant REVIEWS
Which new restaurant has opened in Dubai this week, who's got a new menu or a new chef in town?
Restaurant NEWS
What could you do today, or later this week, where's the newest dining deal in town?
LISTEN to Podcasts
Missed the live chat, then CLICK to listen to the latest podcasts here, we'll add this one as soon it's up, usually 24 hours from the live broadcast.

Radio Show February 21st 2017 New LOCAL FLAVOURS this month

FAB NEW BREAKFAST AT FARZI

Farzi Cafe in City Walk is now serving Portobello Poha! A traditional, lightly spiced flaked rice dish very commonly had at breakfast time! Just one of the items from it's new breakfast menu, just introduced 2 weeks ago. Great vibe, cool, relaxed and contemporary mix of Indian fusion, but this dish was exactly as you'd find in any Indian home! Farzi really is fab! Try Farzi's French Toast, but you must like Nutella!

 

Food News and Reviews Ravioli DoinDubai copy

TRUMP GOLF COURSE NOW OPEN BUT WHATS THE FOOD LIKE

We tried the food at one of the 6 dining spots at the new Trump International golf course in Damac Hills near the Arabian Ranches last week. We ate at the Members Bar, open to all after 6pm and quite liked the Mediterranean/Italian food on offer, stylish crockery and general set up . Try the parmigiana or the very good tortellini "plin" style with burrata cheese and artichokes.  AED 95 but I think we got a smaller portion as it was a tasting menu. The club has a very impressive entrance, more like a luxury boutique hotel, when you eventually find the place. Definitely worth having a coffee and maybe some breakfast one morning to take in the views and to check out the spaces. I'd like the sound of the infinity pool overlooking the golf course, where you can also order snacks. Open to the public from Sunday 19th February, cappucinos only AED 18.

Koshari Point DoinDubai classic koshari

KOSHARI IS COOL BUT WHERE DID THE WORD COME FROM

I had no idea how popular Koshari was here in Dubai! Koshari Point is serving Koshari in a new way with it's addition of butter chicken! So a real fusion of flavours going on here. Koshari comes from the word Kicheree which is a blend of rice and lentils cooked together. The British brought it with them to Egypt from India, the Italians added pasta and Koshari was born! Koshari Point in al Barsha is one of those hidden gems serving contemporary Egyptian street food. They've very recently added the butter chicken and labneh to their Koshari. And it's cheap as chips only better for you. Here's Mustafa, one of the owner's of Koshari Point telling us a bit more about how it came about and butter chicken koshari.

 

Food News and Reviews Il Borro DoinDubai Dessert

TASTY TUSCAN BY THE TURTLE LAGOON WHATS IT LIKE

Italian food in a modern, but comfortable setting by the turtle lagoon. Those window tables will be hugely popular. A nice buzz on a Thursday lunchtime despite the weather, try the artichoke salad and fried calamari to start with. Then maybe a pasta, we liked the lamb shank sauce on a spinach pasta. Excellent creme brulee, full of vanilla pods then just a short walk away from the beach side at the Burj al Arab for more pictures, set in the very new Al Naseem hotel between the Mina A Salam and the Burj Al Arab Il Borro Tuscan Bistro from Tuscany. We spoke about this one on last week's Food News and Reviews February 7th 2017 AED 65 for a calamari and prawn starter, AED 115 for my pumpkin tortellini with truffles. But the Margherita pizza is only AED 50! 

Sikka Cafe DoinDubai Food News and Reviews

STYLISH SIKKA NOW AT CITY WALK

This is definitely one for bringing visitors to as it's draws on the heritage of what the UAE is all about. Opened in the very modern City Walk area of Dubai, the very stylish Sikka Cafe serves food from a mix of Emirati, Indian and Iranian cuisines, and a few bits of fusion too! I loved the vibe here, the design of the interiors, the floor tiles, it has a real identity and there's always something to look at. Brownie points for serving real sugar cubes too! Choose between Karak Chai or a decaff cappucino, but do try the labneh cheesecake. I also recommend the halloumi sandwiches too. I'll be back to try the breakfast here. But perhaps head to Ostadi for more authentic biriyani...

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KOSHARI POINT

 

What is Koshari Point

Koshari Point is a cozy, contemporary café serving both traditional and modern Egyptian street food in the al Barsha side of town in Dubai.

It opened about a year ago but they’ve recently added some very contemporary twists to their classic Koshari menu. Already very popular with locals, the owners of Koshari Point want to spread the word further afield.

The inspiration to set up Koshari Point came from a trip to the UK where a small Koshari café in central London was doing a roaring trade!

Koshari Point DoinDubai classic koshari

Where can I find Koshari Point in Dubai

Koshari Point is located in Al Barsha, not far from the Mall of the Emirates. Here’s the Google Map reference showing the exact location.

What is Koshari Point?

Koshari comes from the Hindi word kicharee, which in turn means a mix of rice and lentils cooked together. The British brought kicharee to Egypt with them during the 19th century.

Apparently the Italian community in Egypt were responsible for the addition of pasta to the rice and lentil dish. But there is a version of Lebanese version of Koshari called Mujadara which consists mainly of rice and lentils and omits the pasta!

Now found on many street corners in Egypt, Koshari is still made of a mix of rice, lentils and pasta which is topped with a spicy tomato sauce and crispy, fried onions. The macaroni type pasta added to the dish makes it even more substantial than in it already is!

Koshari Point DoinDubai Basic elements of koshari

What should I eat at Koshari Point

Try some of the classic Koshari, you can customize it according to your liking or you try one of their new combinations. My dining partner tried the butter chicken  Koshari and really liked it. I had just the classic Koshari but omitted the pasta. There is a selection of fresh salads you can eat with your koshari.

To drink I recommend the very refreshing Karkade desert rose drink. It’s made from dried desert roses and is very popular during Ramadan. I recommend diluting with water. It reminded me very much of a dry cranberry or lingonberry type drink. I really liked it.

Koshari Point DoinDubai Karkade drink

Koshari Caters too

Koshari has a very good value takeaway box with a selection of eggs, salad, felafels, fouls, labneh with herbs and hot, fluffy Egyptian bread! Amazing value at only AED 48! Ask for the Point Box. Great idea for feeding hungry teenagers during the holidays!

They are also exhibiting at various street food markets in and around Dubai, including the Ripe market at Al Barsha park. You can treat your friends to Koshari from the Koshari Cart that can be hired if you’d like to cater at your home or venue.

Opening Hours
From Sat to Wed 8 AM – 12 PM
Thurs and Friday 8 AM – 03 AM
Tel 043944455

Koshari Point DoinDubai Whats it about

No need to book, but there is limited seating. I think the late opening hours make it a great place to head for if you’re still hungry after a late night out! No coffee served here as yet though! And if you really want to avoid the carbs, then the salads and foul are still substantial and tasty.

Here’s Mustafa, one of the owners of Koshari Point tellin you a bit more about it:

 

Thank you Monica.

Flowers in Dubai

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LA CANTINE DU FAUBOURG BRUNCH

Loved the La Cantine du Faubourg Brunch last Saturday (January 14th 2017) Perfect for celebrating a special occasion, with or without the kids. Here’s why.

La Cantine du Faubourg Brunch 105 Clock and Menu copy

When is the La Cantine du Faubourg Brunch on 

Their Reveille Brunch 105 is on every Saturday from 12.00 pm to 4pm. So you can start with a proper breakfast type offering and then move on to try some of their signature dishes. It’s challenging leaving room for dessert and or the cheeseboard, but do try!

La Cantine du Faubourg Brunch 105 DoinDubai Cheese Board gallery

The Food at La Cantine du Faubourg Brunch 

The food comes to your table as per your order, I really like this about the brunch. No traipsing up to large buffets of pre prepared food. Select from 6 different types of egg based offerings to begin with. Small, perfectly formed plates with your selection. I recommend the Eggs Royale. So that’s some poached eggs with grilled avocado, smoked salmon and hollandaise sauce.

La cantine du Faubourg brunch DoinDubai Eggs Royale

Then go on to choose from up to 16 Signature plates. You’ll find a good mix of seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes on the menu with a bit of an Asian slant. Have what you fancy at the time and don’t be afraid to mix up flavours, they all seem to work very well together. I recommend the tuna ceviche, chicken ceasar salad and whatever the catch of day is.

La cantine du Faubourg brunch DoinDubai Mix Up flavours gallery

My brunch partner loved his angus beef sliders too. All our choices were excellent. If I had room I’d have tried the aubergine gratin, mozzarella and tomatoes and maybe the risotto with leeks and truffle, both from the Signature Plates section. Catch of the Day is shown below!

La Cantine du Faubourg Seabass DoinDubai gallery

To Drink at La Cantine du Faubourg Brunch

We had a glass of champagne to start with, then I chose to have a glass of grapefruit juice with my Eggs Royale. We finished with fresh coffee. There is a small selection of fresh juices on offer, but depending on what package you choose, you can also have mocktails and other alcoholic beverages.

Parisienne ambience at La Cantine du Faubourg Brunch 

I spoke to the creative director of the brunch 105 as it’s called at La Cantine and he explained how they’ve recreated a Paris morning in Emirates Towers. Here’s Sofianne


Strangely the serving staff in pyjamas and dressing gowns running around turning off alarm clocks really does work in this setting! It’s not at all silly, it’s stylish! You can choose to sit inside or outside on the terrace. We chose a table just inside that looked out onto the terrace, it can get quite hot on the terrace.

La cantine du Faubourg brunch DoinDubai Bedroom Set up

Packages available 

There are 3 types of packages available depending on what you’d like to drink.

AED 250 includes mocktails and juices

AED 380 includes wines, sangria, Pimms and beer.

AED 495 includes Moet and Chandon champagne and Aperol spritzers

There is also a small a la carte section for oysters, crabs and caviar.

Location map 

Key Points about this Brunch 105

  • Food is cooked specially for you, no big buffets
  • Excellent quality of food and presentation
  • Fun, French ambience in an al fresco setting
  • Possible to  avoid carbs on this brunch IF you can resist the sophisticated bread basket!
  • Early start at 12 pm enables starting with a proper breakfast that progresses to lunch
  • AED 380 (mid package) includes wide selection of alcoholic beverages
  • Vegetarians fairly well catered for
  • Most of the serving staff were speaking French adding to the French ambience

La cantine du Faubourg brunch DoinDubai Breadbasket

NOTE

While this was a review meal, I’d choose to take visitors here or go with friends for a celebratory meal again. They’ve made it feel very informal but stylish at the same time.

Go now while the weather is great. Has this post helped you decide which restaurant to book for brunch? Let me know in a comment and do share on FB!

 

Thank You Monica.

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