Food News on The Ticket Dubai Eye 103.8
Welcome to this week’s Food News – my new slot on Dubai Eye 103.8. Stay informed and make a better choice. Food News is my new radio slot from 3.30 to 4pm on Tuesdays! I’m chatting to Mark Lloyd, Stef Burgon and Zarah Soar. Find out what’s happening, what’s new on the restaurant scene, which places have relaunched a menu or reopened with a brand new look. Stay informed and make a better choice when you’re Dining Out in Dubai.
Food News New Bateel Emporium in the Marina
Try some items from the Seasonal Specials menu at new Bateel Emporium that is a restaurant/cafe/bakery and gourmet gift shop all in one! I think we got high end restaurant quality food for a very reasonable price. Two of us shared a fresh mushroom soup, a large burrata salad (Dhs 65) and a sesame encrusted sea bass which sat on a platform of fresh cannelini bean puree (Dhs 115 – about half the price you’d pay at a top seafood restaurant) The bean puree is great if you’re avoiding gluten too. And if you want to eat the most impressive ice cream and chocolate brownie, eat it here. Very grown up dark chocolate brownie with flecks on gold leaf on it, vanilla ice cream with a blob of salted caramel on the top.
You can buy some gourmet gifts before you leave, Dhs 55 for the chocolate hazlenut spread that is a real step up from Nutella and beautifully packaged too! Great if you have visitors staying at a hotel in the Marina side, and they want to eat at a more typical Dubai connected venue. Loved the date infused oil and vinegar salad dressings as well. We’ll be returning to Bateel for a factory tour including a report from their gift preparation room, think Dubai Nutcracker ballet!
Food News Coya Chilli Lunch – Was it Worth It at Dhs 282?
In a word YES! We ate there on Saturday and I think Coya has this deal just right. Why – ? Because it would cost arounds Dhs 200 for just one main seafood item at some of Dubai’s equivalent top restaurants, and you’re getting so much more than that. In fact the Chilean Sea bass (course 5 of 6!) is one of the best main courses I’ve had. This is a real Eat with your Eyes restaurant and if you like colour, style, good food and a beautiful interiors then try Coya’s Chilli lunch on Saturdays.
Their private members lounge has to be in everyone’s little black book of best venue for any private party or event. I am thinking Gabriel Marcia Marquez in Dubai! Go see for yourself. This restaurant has a completely different feel in the day to the evening. Loved the turquoise blue headphones of the Latin Lady dj!
Food News Zheng He’s Chinese Go and Explore the new look
Zheng He’s has re opened with a brand new look. This classic Chinese restaurant at the Mina A Salam, down from the Bahri Bar has an excellent waterside terrace and still best views of the Burj Al Arab. I recommend their steamed black cod miso dim sum dumplings made with ginger, garlic and soy for Dhs 65.
I also liked their Chilean Sea Bass with spicy chilli (Dhs 165) best had with steamed jasmine rice. They call this dish Wok Fried Tooth Fish! But what was unusual was the sweet dim sums! I’ve had in Royal China in London before, these are steamed dim sums filled with sweet lotus bean or custard type paste. Try them here, very good. A point to note amidst all the celebrity chef mania Dubai is experiencing is that Zheng He’s executive Chinese chef Ken Min Foo Chin Fatt was too modest to come out of the kitchen to do a meet and greet with diners for the special media banquet evening, he let his food speak for him!
Food News New Saturday Brunch at the Desert Palm
I haven’t tried this one yet but I mention it as the weather is almost just right for hanging around the Desert Palm and then doing some plant shopping! I was intrigued by the sound of their new Swiss chef whose spent lots of time in Sri Lanka. So the brunch by the pool side garden and terrace (not the Polo field side) has plenty of Asian twists. The menu has Asian stir fries, but also steak and salads, bbq fare and fresh desserts. The brunch is called Saturdays Two Chill. They are encouraging you to go casual, so it’s fine to wear flip flops and shorts I was assured! Families are welcomed too! The excellent deal is Dhs 195 including house beverages! I think this has to be the best Saturday deal going. Try it and tell me what you think. On Saturday’s from 1pm to 5 pm at the Desert Palm, would make sense to stop off on the way back at Warsan and pick up some plants as it’s that season again!
Surfers Cafe in Jumeirah
We are going to try this new cafe near the beach for breakfast. The deal for Dhs 80.00 includes full breakfast including lots of choice for vegetarians, so plenty of avocados, tomatoes and mushrooms, apparently a great dish they serve are the poached eggs in the hollow of an avocado! But I think two might be too much for me?!
Thanks Monica
