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Welcome to DoinDubai on the radio! I am a regular guest on Dubai Eye 103.8 The Ticket's show with Stef Burgon and Mark Lloyd. My main remit is to talk about the latest happenings on Dubai's restaurant scene but sometimes I get to talk about Travel too! Look at the post on a London Christmas and the edible gifts show.

May 20, 2018 by monica 1 Comment

RAMADAN IN DUBAI Best Iftars and Deals

IT'S RAMADAN IN DUBAI Welcome to the best iftars and deals in Dubai

Ramdan Kareem to all our listeners and readers, you've come to the right place for the best iftars and deals in Dubai. How about a floating iftar on the majestic QE2 moored in Rashid Marina? In need a classy MEAL DEAL? Then try Moombai and Co's curry combo for AED 69 and add a dish from the Mango Memory Menu.. it's alphonso time again! For those who aren't fasting I recommend a pop up breakfast at mediterranean restaurant Boca in DIFC. Plus 2 of our favourite casual cafes open for lunch in JLT. All this and more on this week's Food News on Dubai Eye 103.8.

QE 2 PORT RASHID MARINA

On the waterfront - literally

DINNER REVIEW - IFTAR

We're about to set sail from the Rashid Marina to Mainland Britain! We've come on board to look around the luxury ocean cruise liner the QE2. The history of the ship is fascinating and it's worth booking a tour.

Highlights for us were the Queen Mary apartments complete with a sun lounge and a private deck area. They've even had a marriage proposal (accepted of course) on this deck! The newest and most modern eating area is definitely The Lido restaurant as shown below. The poshest restaurant though would be the Queen's Grill!

We experienced the QE2 iftar in a tent accessed directly from the Lido restaurant. It's not possible to see the sea from the tent though.

The iftar had a large variety of salads, but there was quite a limited choice of mains for vegetarians. The traditional ouzi normally made with just lamb also contained beef which I've not experienced before. The iftar tent was surprisingly full, but I think many people had a combination ticket of the tour and the iftar. As we were on the iconic QE2 we had expected a grander, more luxurious ambience as well as a wider choice of dishes for this iftar.

Cost AED 250 for iftar and AED 175 for Suhoor. But if you book a tour for AED 150, you can redeem AED 100 on food and beverage.

MOOMBAI AND CO Sheikh Zayed Road at the H hotel

A special Mango Memory Menu celebrating Alphonso season.

Great curry combo deal too.

LUNCH REVIEW

We were a bit skeptical about mango with everything at Moombai and Co but We LOVED every course of our lunch from the special mango memory menu! It's alphonso season again and that brand is synonymous with the highest quality mangoes around.

The Mango Memory Menu itself is short, that's a good thing according to me, so we tried the very moreish crispy bhindi and tangy, but perfect mango chicken tikka to start with. The main course is a very good raw mango and coconut prawn curry which we all agreed was excellent.

If you have room you should try (maybe share) the almost tropical mango lassi to drink, or if that's a bit heavy for you, then opt for the thirst quenching aam panna drink, that has a bit of kick to it. Everything is designed to share. I'd go back again to try this menu. Not sure how long mango season is on for so go soon.

How would you describe a mango? to quote from the article from The Guardian.. 27th April 2012..."a cross between peach, nectarine, apricot and melon with notes of honey and citrus. But better..." If you shared a large aam panna drink, both starters, one main and one thick, creamy, glorious mango dessert you'd be looking at around AED 200 per head with rice, naan bread and still water. Worth going back for.

And if you fancy making that crispy bhindi at home then try our easy doindubai recipe here, great to eat with DoinDubai's favourite spicy red pepper dip recipe.

ALSO OPEN DURING RAMADAN are

CALI POKE - a new branch just opened in JLT Cluster J! Vegetarian or Seafood bowls of fresh goodness to eat in or take away. The eat in area is quite small, so I would opt to take out from here.

WOKYO - our favourite noodle bar also in JLT Cluster J for Japan. Every kind of noodle and broth you can think of, or customise your own. Don't forget they have a vegan ramen bowl as well. We love Zak and Nazlie and Wokyo, but I think I love their Singapore Laksa and cappucinos more than them! Lovely vibe at Wokyo, a very cool place to sit during the day if you're not fasting

We also think the DEMOISELLE Deal at lunch time is really cool..

A very pretty cafe in City Walk that will be serving a 3 course lunch for an extremely reasonable AED 53. You get a choice of hot soup to start then one of 3 choices for a hearty lunch and to finish you get a choice of an artisan coffee or fresh juice.

Here's Corrado who now works at Galvin telling us about the delightful decor at Demoiselle..

BOCA in DIFC is offering a pop up breakfast every morning. So expect some avocado on toast and the usual breakfast fare at this very cool, upmarket Mediterranean style cafe in Dubai's main financial district.

But if you're in the media city area, then I like the sound of the deal at CERTO at the Radisson Blu Media City. Certo is a very established Italian restaurant that had a brand new make over last year. The deal is AED 199 for 2 people sharing a range of Italian dishes or AED 299 to include a bottle of wine! That's a really delicious deal in my book, it's open for lunch and dinner of course..

FIND OUT FIRST following the DoinDubai Instagram page

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

MISSED THE LIVE BROADCAST?

The live broadcast happens on a Tuesday, this week Tuesday 22nd May from 3 to 4 pm on Dubai Eye 103.8, but if you missed it, then you can listen to the podcast.

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.

Those of you reading this article in your email or on RSS feed may not see the podcast here unless you click on 'view email in browser'

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.

No grilled meats on this iftar plate! We're eating pure vegan food at Urth in Cluster J. We really liked both our soups - carrot and mint and spinach, beautifully presented too. The most interesting dish on this vegan iftar menu was the fattus hummus with vegan yoghurt made with a cashew cream base.

Warm, wholesome, real chick peas, perfect as a mini meal in itself with salad and bread. But you have more, the main courses are vegetarian stews served with rice and condiments. I would like to have tried the special Urth Style Sayadieh with fried onions, but that wasn't available on the day we tried.

You will LOVE the desserts.. we had and highly recommend the raw carrot cake and an apple spice cake with warm apple puree icing on top.

Open for those who would like to try the vegan iftar in the evenings, after fasting time is over, but also open during the day for those who aren't fasting. Very cool, laid back vibe. Last but not least point to note is there is a Ramadan Deal on - 2 iftars for the price of one till 28th of May, so for AED 120 you get 2 five course iftars! Well Done Urthlings!

For some vegan cooking at home this Ramadan try our brilliant cauliflower burger recipe..

April 23, 2018 by monica 2 Comments

ITS A FOODIE WORLD DUBAI

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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!

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)

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!

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.

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.

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)

b. the Burj Khalifa lights up!

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

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.

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.

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?

The live broadcast happens on a Tuesday, this week Tuesday 27th November from 3 to 4 pm, but if you missed it, then you can listen to the podcast.

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.

Those of you reading this article in your email or on RSS feed may not see the podcast here unless you click on 'view email in browser'

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.

March 25, 2018 by monica Leave a Comment

BEST NEW PLACES TO EAT reasonably priced with genuinely good food

SIMPLY BETTER SOUTH INDIAN FOOD...on the terrace of Marina Mall

So South Indian food isn't just about Idlis, Dosas, Sambhar and vadas! It's a whole regional cuisine that spans the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka!

For one month 3 chefs have created a special Simply South menu that I recommend you go and sample at the newly refurbished Zafran restaurant at Marina Mall. We've spoken about Zafran before, and it's very good quality North Indian food we've had there. We had dinner there on Sunday night and can highly recommend all the dishes we had from their Simply South menu....

The alleppey king prawns in a mango and coconut gravy were a favourite all round, but the chicken biriyani and both the lamb dishes were also really good.

I also liked the Gonguru Royallu prawns we had to start with. Not a menu for vegetarians, and the only higher priced item was the king prawn dish, but they were giant prawns, so 6 of us shared that dish. (AED 159) The other dishes around the AED 60 mark, so try the Simply South Menu till around 20th of April and taste some authentic regional cuisine from Down South..

FAR OUT FUSION AT FUNKIE TOWN....now in Business Bay

A new branch of an existing restaurant just opened in Bay Avenue in Business Bay. Named after the craziness of Mumbai.. Roshni, the owner, manager called her restaurant Funkie Town and it specializes in Parsi food. The Parsis are a community that came to India from Iran and brought their food with them.

Try the akuri paneer version of scrambled eggs for breakfast (AED 32) along with some kheema made with minced lamb and spinach (AED 34) Wash down with a couple of glasses of masala tea or coffee - AED 10 (ask for no sugar) and you've got yourself a very Funky breakfast that will keep you full for ages!

Ask for the really tasty Lagan nu Achar... which is a pickle or chutney made with carrots, dates, raisins and spices to go with your breakfast dishes.. I thought it was a specially made version of the Gujerati chundoo, or spicy mango chutney, made with dates etc as a fusion dish for the region, but no. This is the original!

By the way.. if you want to cool down in the heat then eat a falooda - big debate about whether the seeds that are part of this dish are chia seeds and the Indians knew about them all along? Turns out they are actually not chia seeds but Takmaria seeds or sajda.. seeds...! Go and do some research...you superfoodie Ticketers!

And do tell all the restaurants you go to you're there because you heard about them on Food News with Monica on The Ticket!

WE'RE STILL LOOKING FORWARD TO EATING AT

- Masti at La Mer - it's also licensed. An Indian that's a bit different down in Jumeirah 1 and super sleek sandwiches at Slab also in La Mer, all for next time.
- Eat by Chloe a fast food vegan restaurant that we just tried in London. Yes it's Fast Food vegan, we understand coming to Dubai soon.

View this post on Instagram
By Chloe - a new fast food, vegan restaurant in London's Covent Garden just opened from NYC and I think coming to DXB soon. Bacon made from shitake mushrooms, chickpea hamburgers, raw almond butter smoothie bowls all served fast food style! Really good. My kale salad pictured with that mushroom bacon, avo, maple wheat croutons and ceaser dressing cost under £10.00 so AED 50 or so...a morning glory burger costs the same.. plant based vegan, not expensive. . . . . . . @eatbychloe #eatbychloe #vegan #veganfood #plantbased #ceasersalad #fastfood @sundaytimesfood #sundaytimesfood #brunch #veganbrunch #newplace #foodie #foodblogger #foodblogging #londonfoodie #fooding #innovative #tastyfood #vegetarianfood @felicityspector
A post shared by Monica Kapila (@doindubai) on Feb 18, 2018 at 9:56am PST

And almost open in Pierre Gagnaire's new bistro restaurant in place of the original Les Reflets in Dubai Festival City, so STAY TUNED to DoinDubai.com and Food News.
And CRAZY FISH coming soon to DIFC we think.. follow 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

SOCIETY CAFE AND LOUNGE just opposite La Mer

A cool, large, very white space that has some of the prettiest desserts and some fine dining tasting prawn linguini that I'd love to try again!

We're eating at a new place called Society that's on Jumeirah Beach road just opposite the entrance to La Mer, next to the Lime Tree Cafe.. So I guess it's a real cafe society kind of place.

But the quality of the food here is excellent and far from a cafe.. more like a proper restaurant with a great variety of choice for food options.

So you can eat halloumi fries with pomegranate molasses.. that' s quite a heavy dish but fun and young or opt for the prawns linguine. The pasta is made in house and the sauce is properly made, tomato properly reduced and seasoned with fresh, plump prawns, chilli and creme fraiche. These noodles are inpired by ramen noodles and have some nice substance to them..

We also recommend the eggs with strong, melty cheddar cheese in katchapuri bread.. salty and very breakfasty with a large coffee. Try the almond cake for dessert if you have room! I think that was gluten free, but I was going to eat it anyway!

King prawn Linguini, chili tomato sauce, garlic gremolata actually! It cost AED 69 and is good for 2 to share

The Katchapuri egg dish is AED 48

There are so many things I could eat off this menu...I really want to go back and wish I lived nearer.. one of those local little gems, not cheap as chips but the chips at AED 15 are cheap!

CUTE FOOD AT KISH MISH Modern Afghan food now at Dar Wasl Mall

We didn't try the standard kebabs you'd normally associate with an Afghani restaurant, we opted for some leek pancakes, crispy little turned over pancakes and emerald rice.

That's rice cooked with spinach that went well with their hot aubergine and tomato dish.. called aubergine.. or we would call it bartha!

The setting is really delightful.. with a open shelved wall filled with hurricane lights that peek straight into the Emirati coffee Company on the other side. Dar Wasl Mall foodie branded this area the One Third space is well worth checking out.

I also liked the fact that the you could enter the restaurants from a door in the street beside the mall, as well as the front, so it felt very "normal"!

If you want to get a sweet tooth fix, then try the home made vanilla milky ice cream dessert laced with rose water and topped with pisctachio, enough for 2 people or even 3! Kish Mish means raisin in Hindi and in Pashtu too!

Leek pancakes called Bolani and cost AED 30

The noodles, bean and lentil soup called Aash AED 40

Emerald Rice (large portion) AED 55 so good for 2

Ice Cream AED 35 would feed 2 at least!

So you thought Afghan food was all about kebabs? Think again...a cute, contemporary cafe called Kish Mish serves newly imagined Afghani food.. try the very tasty leek turnovers and the wholesome vegetarian soup. Don't miss the emerald rice dish with the hot aubergine...and if you need to cool down...try the ice cream with rose water and piatachios..all at Dar Wasl Mall. What does Kish Mish mean? Good Morning.. . . . . . . @kishmishdubai #kishmish #kishmishdubai #leek #leeks #snacks #afghan #afghanifood #darwaslmall #dubai #dubaifoodie #doindubai #foodblogger #fusionfood #newplace #cafe #littleplace #afghan #sundayfunday #sundayvibes
A post shared by Monica Kapila (@doindubai) on Mar 24, 2018 at 9:33pm PDT

MISSED THE LIVE BROADCAST?

The live broadcast happens on a Tuesday, this week Tuesday 27th November from 3 to 4 pm, but if you missed it, then you can listen to the podcast.

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.

Those of you reading this article in your email or on RSS feed may not see the podcast here unless you click on 'view email in browser'

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.

February 26, 2018 by monica 2 Comments

OUTDOOR DINING DUBAI

A BRAND NEW FISHY FIND NEAR THE WATER

It's not just great fish on offer here, if you go in the evening you also get a laser show on the water for free!

We're on a large, airy terrace in Dubai's Festival City at a new restaurant called The Fish House. I recommend the Halibut on a bed of greens and a side of crunchy green beans with hazelnuts.

Splash out and start with some oysters from Brittany.

The halibut dish is excellent and costs AED 95. It's also one of the dishes on their business lunch menu at a brilliant AED 98 for 2 courses. We love that that the price includes water and a coffee and even a soft drink or juice!

So if you're heading off to the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature then plan lunch at The Fish House. I will be back there with the family. Oh and here are my Top Book Picks for the Festival!

SOUTH EAST ASIAN THAT'S A FAVOURITE WITH CHEFS

This outdoor dining Dubai spot isn't that new, but I've just got round to trying it and I highly recommend it. Why?

Because the setting is perfect, a small, unpretentious cafe with tables right in front of the water
The food is genuinely good South East Asian food cooked by an accomplished chef
It's reasonably priced
Chefs eat there!

We're at 3 fils in Jumeirah Fishing Harbour 1, so near the Al Uroba street bit of Jumeirah, walk to the end of the little pier on the left and go to the last restaurant.

It's open form 11am to 5pm on Monday to Wednesday but later during the weekends. We liked their sushi and Indomie Madness bowls where you choose your base and then the spice level you'd like.

One thing you shouldn't miss is their chai karak ice cream that involves some karak chai flavoured tea ice cream, and tea crumble, with cardamom flavoured milk.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Be12QiiBIrE/?taken-by=doindubai
It's not licensed but you could have a drink at the Four Seasons hotel first or afterwards, that's very near by.

WE'RE STILL LOOKING FORWARD TO EATING AT

- Masti at La Mer - it's also licensed. An Indian that's a bit different down in Jumeirah 1 and super sleek sandwiches at Slab also in La Mer, all for next time.
- Eat by Chloe a fast food vegan restaurant that we just tried in London. Yes it's Fast Food vegan, we understand coming to Dubai soon.

By Chloe - a new fast food, vegan restaurant in London's Covent Garden just opened from NYC and I think coming to DXB soon. Bacon made from shitake mushrooms, chickpea hamburgers, raw almond butter smoothie bowls all served fast food style! Really good. My kale salad pictured with that mushroom bacon, avo, maple wheat croutons and ceaser dressing cost under £10.00 so AED 50 or so...a morning glory burger costs the same.. plant based vegan, not expensive. . . . . . . @eatbychloe #eatbychloe #vegan #veganfood #plantbased #ceasersalad #fastfood @sundaytimesfood #sundaytimesfood #brunch #veganbrunch #newplace #foodie #foodblogger #foodblogging #londonfoodie #fooding #innovative #tastyfood #vegetarianfood @felicityspector
A post shared by Monica Kapila (@doindubai) on Feb 18, 2018 at 9:56am PST

And almost open in Pierre Gagnaire's new bistro restaurant in place of the original Les Reflets in Dubai Festival City, so STAY TUNED to DoinDubai.com and Food News.

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

A NEW TERRACE IN GATE VILLAGE DIFC - AN AMERICAN BRASSERIE

A very airy, spacious terrace has opened up at a restaurant that has morphed from it's original American Burger heritage into an American Brasserie.

We're at Mina Brasserie and the Mina comes from Michelin star chef Michael Mina who opened Firebird Diner in the Four Seasons DIFC. The higher end of a brasserie type restaurant with dishes like Michael Mina's tuna tartare for AED 90

We really liked the Wild Mushroom Ravioli with black truffle butter, parmesan crisps and pine nuts for AED 95. Get 3 sides for AED 100, so broccolini, crispy brussel sprouts and truffle fries.

They do spcialise in steaks but we didn't try, but I do recommend you leave room for the puddings at this outdoor dining Dubai spot as they are delicious and very generous.

Try the giant chocolate macaroon with chocolate sauce. All puddings around the AED 40 mark.

So if you shared, expect to pay around AED 200 a head to eat pretty well in a pretty place in DIFC. There is also a business lunch menu, but it's sometimes better to go a la carte.

THIS WAS AN ART GALLERY BUT NOW IT'S A RESTAURANT

We're still in DIFC. but this time we're at a space that was once an art gallery that's now been converted to a contemporary cafe. Expect to eat Bites, Bao's and Bowls at this aptly named cafe BB Social Dining.

We liked our starters of padron peppers and an unusual green hummous dip, but we thought our bowls of ramen and pho could have had a bit more kick to them, despite having all the right bits and pieces.

We were impressed with the black sesame ice cream with the apple won tons hiding inside!

It's set on different floors all connected with a spiral staircase, so there a variety of places to dine here, some places you may feel a little close to your fellow diners. But a good start. There is a 3 B lunch deal where they are offering 2 or 3 courses for AED 80 or AED 100.

The inspiration from BB comes from one of the manager/owners who is Indian and Bibi is a general term for a grand mother or a older lady, but it's also a play on Habibi which we all know from our region, hence BB social dining!

MISSED THE LIVE BROADCAST?

The live broadcast happens on a Tuesday, this week Tuesday 27th November from 3 to 4 pm, but if you missed it, then you can listen to the podcast.

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.

Those of you reading this article in your email or on RSS feed may not see the podcast here unless you click on 'view email in browser'

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.

Radio

IT'S RAMADAN IN DUBAI Welcome to the best iftars and deals in Dubai

Dubai Eye The Ticket Radio Show

MAY 22nd 2018

QE 2 PORT RASHID MARINA

On the waterfront - literally

DINNER REVIEW - IFTAR

MOOMBAI AND CO Sheikh Zayed Road at the H hotel

A special Mango Memory Menu celebrating Alphonso season.

Great curry combo deal too.

LUNCH REVIEW

ALSO OPEN DURING RAMADAN are

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URTH JLT Cluster J

A vegan Iftar at Urth - Healthy food vegan style with a Middle Eastern twist

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

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

CARINE Emirates Golf Club

High quality, contemporary Mediterranean food sensibly priced.

Great terrace.

DINNER REVIEW

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

ARMANI HASHI Downtown Dubai

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

DINNER REVIEW

WE ALSO HAD A BITE AT

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BEST NEW PLACES TO EAT genuinely good food no high price tags

Dubai Eye The Ticket Radio Show

MARCH 27 2018

SIMPLY BETTER SOUTH INDIAN FOOD...on the terrace of Marina Mall

FAR OUT FUSION AT FUNKIE TOWN....now in Business Bay

WE'RE STILL LOOKING FORWARD TO EATING AT

SOCIETY CAFE AND LOUNGE just opposite La Mer

CUTE FOOD AT KISH MISH Modern Afghan food now at Dar Wasl Mall

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OUTDOOR DINING DUBAI 2018 Check out where to eat outside

Dubai Eye The Ticket Radio Show

FEBRUARY 27 2018

A BRAND NEW FISHY FIND NEAR THE WATER

SOUTH EAST ASIAN THAT'S A FAVOURITE WITH CHEFS

WE'RE STILL LOOKING FORWARD TO EATING AT

A NEW TERRACE IN GATE VILLAGE DIFC - AN AMERICAN BRASSERIE

THIS WAS AN ART GALLERY BUT NOW IT'S A RESTAURANT

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DoinDubai.com

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