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Monica’s Weekend enjoy a beautiful Business Lunch at Sushi Samba, take a sunset walk and watch live theatre where a school girl is missing

This week May 27th a beautiful business lunch at Sushi Samba, a sunset beach walk from DOSC at dusk and a girl in school uniform is missing at The Junction for some thrilling theatre in Al Quoz

Monica Kapila and Mark Lloyd broadcast every FRIDAY on DUBAI EYE 103.8 at 1.45pm repeated on the Sunday Brunch at 1.15pm

Missed the live broadcast on Dubai Eye?

Don’t worry just listen again here, we’ll add the podcast linked to this post when it’s shared by Dubai Eye, usually by Monday.

Try the beautiful business lunch at Sushi Samba on the Palm at the St Regis hotel Nakheel Mall. You could also eat the view!

SushiSamba Dubai, St. Regis The Palm, Business Lunch available Monday to Friday, 12pm to 3pm, Dhs 139

We’ve had dinner at Sushi Samba twice, last year when it opened and from Jan 2022 they’ve added a Business Lunch too.

A much more affordable way to experience the food here especially if like me, you need some good conversation to digest your meal! No loud music at lunch, a bit clubby at night, but very, very popular!

VEG AND NON VEG STARTERS CHOICE OF 2 BUSINESS LUNCH SUSHI SAMBA

You get to choose 2 starters from a very comprehensive selection and then a main course too. Miso soup is served to you before your choice of starters arrive. So it’s a 3 course meal with good options for vegetarians and non vegetarians alike.

Seemed to be very popular with Ladies who Lunch and people celebrating birthdays. It’s great value for money and you could also eat the views.

EAT THE VIEWS AT SUSHI SAMBA 51ST FLOOR ST REGIS HOTEL

See our Instagram Reel of dinner at Sushi Samba when it opened.

Outing Try a sunset walk starting at DOSC past Kite Beach

TAKE A SUNSET WALK FROM DOSC AT DUSK

Start at DOSC, do the u turn just part Odeon restaurant on Beach Road now Jumeirah road and park just outside DOSC or anywhere near there to start your DOSC AT DUSK walk!

It’s much quieter than the Kite Beach area to walk, but note there is a little bit of construction happening sort of out at sea.

Maybe they’re widening the beach? But when we visited and walked from 7pm till about 8pm last Sunday there was a definite cool breeze in the air – just about!

There is a cafe half way along this beach called Feels, but everything is served in paper cups and plates. It’s a nice place to sit for a while if you need to but I suggest taking your own water bottle for your walk!

A bit of theatre at The Junction where a Girl in School Uniform goes missing

SOME THRILLING THEATRE WHEN A SCHOOL GIRL IS MISSING AT THE JUNCTION

Head to The Junction at Alserkal Avenue to catch a show of Lulu Razcka’s A Girl in School Uniform.

This captivating theatrical production is about a series of mysterious black-outs during which women disappear.

The Junction is a home grown arts centre and small theatre located in the very arty, alternative to the mainstream Alserkal Avenue. This play sounds really good!

27 May 2022 and 29th of May so that’s Friday and Sunday. Ticket prices from AED 75 but you have to be aged 15 and over to attend.

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY 8PM

SUNDAY 2PM AND 8PM

On the Sunday after the matinee performance there’s a Q and A session with the director and you have a chance to ask questions too.

Tickets and more information here

Try these easy 3 ingredient spicy edamame beans much cheaper than buying in the shops!

3 ingredient spicy edamame beans RECIPE

3-ingredient-spicy-edamae-beans-doindubai-finished-dish
3 INGREDIENT SPICY EDAMAME BEANS
Monica’s Weekend – Posts
LADIES WHO LUNCH AT SUSHI SAMBA

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TASCA BRUNCH AT THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL

EATING

TASCA BRUNCH AT THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL

THE TASCA BRUNCH UPADTED MARCH 2022

BRUNCH IS NOW ON SATURDAYS 12.30 TO 4.00PM 

THERE IS NOW A DEDICATED VEGETARIAN MENU AND A VEGAN MENU TOO.  

PRICE OF ALCOHOLIC PACKAGE IS NOW AED 450 PER HEAD. 

BEST TABLE is definitely anything on the promontory deck overlooking the sea, if it’s not too hot! There is definitely a seafood slant to the Tasca Brunch at the Mandarin Oriental. That’s because José Avillez a Michelin starred chef brings it to you from Portugal.


Expect a range of starters, main courses and desserts all served at your table around a sharing concept.

The Food

The most unusual thing to eat was an Apple Margarita. Delightful! A slice of crunchy apple drenched in some kind of alcohol, we had a piece each but could have asked for more. This came as part of the starter section of food.

I liked my cod cake and tempura beans to start with and our fellow brunchers raved about the veal chorizo. Another all round favourite was the crispy aubergine in a yogurt sauce with pomegranate, we all wanted and got more of this dish. I also went on to make it at home!

We also upon prior request got a non-fish rice dish made with mushrooms that was a real hit all round the table. I actually preferred this to the fish rice.

The hot, fat, crispy outside and fluffy on the inside chips were perfect and how all chips should be, I passed on the wagyu beef strips though. The crunchy broccolini was well cooked and a great accompaniment.

Tasca Brunch at the Mandarin Oriental Apple Margarita
Apple Margarita and clams

The Puddings

Desserts were outstanding with some obligatory custard tarts as these are a Portugeuse classic. Expect light, buttery, flaky pastry and a creamy filling. A range of fruit ice creams and a hazelnut cream pudding complemented the custard tarts. All beautifully presented and demolished by our table.

Custard tarts and hazelnut dessert

Expect a range of starters, main courses and desserts all served at your table around a sharing concept so no getting up and down for a buffet!

The Drinks Package

I think it’s quite a generous drinks package as far as high end Friday brunches are concerned. There is a range of cocktails you can order with no limit. You are greeted on arrival with a choice of red or white sangria or a mocktail. We opted for red sangria and got a tall carafe of it brought to our table.

There is also red, white or rosé wine on offer from Portugal, no sign of those iconic Matheus Rose bottles although we would probably have been the only table that remembers them well!

The passion fruit martini was a success all round only surpassed by the Espresso Martinis had at the end of our brunch. The cocktails are expertly crafted by mixologists, so we really appreciated that.

Passion fruit martini at Tasca brunch at the Mandarin Oriental DoinDubiai
Passion Fruit Martini

The Ambience

It’s lively and busy at brunch. If you want a table in front of the pool and the sea, then you need to arrive early at about 12.30 or so on Friday. Otherwise you’ll sit on the side facing the Dubai skyline. It seemed a little less noisy near the skyline side, but you maybe nearer the josper ovens and so it might feel warmer. Service was attentive and platters of food arrived at the right time.

Meet me at the Mandarin Oriental

Get a feel of the vibe of this place. 

Prices for the Tasca Brunch

There are no Entertainer or Zomato type deals for this brunch, but it’s not too expensive at AED 450 for the alcoholic package and AED 350 for the non-alcoholic package. I’d highly recommend and definitely go there again.

Location

where is Tasca

at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Jumeirah 1

Four Seasons brunch in Jumeirah

You may also like Saturday Brunch at the FOUR SEASONS IN JUMEIRAH. See our instagram reel for a flavour, PLUS they are currently offering 25% off for all mums this weekend 19th/20th March 2022

This review was written independently of the restaurant, we paid in full for our brunch. The pictures are all my own.
Monica Kapila
Founder of DoinDubai

MOTIVATION

Start your weekend with some rigorous exercise, go for a swim, do a yoga class or an early morning walk, then you can eat brunch guilt free!

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Another Mandarin Oriental Moment

Christmas tea at the Mandarin Oriental in London.

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DUBAI FINE DINING RESTAURANTS – My shortlist based on real experiences

I’m always being asked which restaurants I’d choose for a special meal out so here is my pick of some of Dubai’s fine dining restaurants. Real pictures based on meals that we’ve experienced and paid for ourselves (unless stated)

Note the points about outside dining and location. Remember many of these high end places have good value Business Lunches that cost a fraction of what you’d pay for an evening meal so that’s worth remembering.

These restaurants are in no particular order. These pictures were all taken in 2021, please remember sometimes consistency of quality is an issue in Dubai.

Dubai Fine Dining Top Picks DoinDubai Monica Kapila Roka Business Bay
ROKA DUBAI – Business Bay

Roka Dubai

Located in Business Bay Roka Dubai has a large outside terrace and is in the ME hotel. We’ve visited for lunch and dinner and would definitely recommend the excellent value Business Lunch. Good choice for vegetarians too, generous portions at this Dubai Fine Dining Restaurant.

Dubai Fine Dining Top Picks DoinDubai Monica Kapila Sushi Samba Palm Jumeirah Nakheel Mall
SUSHI SAMBA – Palm Jumeirah

Sushi Samba

Opened in November 2021, the first Sushi Samba in the UAE, we loved our dinner here. Located at the top of the St Regis hotel in the Palm Jumeirah adjacent to the Nakheel Mall. Only open for dinner so far, it has a vibrant, chic ambience with incredible views of the Palm. Plse note we were invited for this meal but I would definitely go again with my own money.

LOWE – Koa Canvas Al Barari

Lowe Dubai

A bit of an out the way location, this excellent restaurant is definitley worth a visit. We’ve visited twice for lunch and once for breakfast. High quality food prepared by accomplished chefs from New Zealand. Great outside seating. Lowe Dubai is located just beyond Al Barari.

Dubai Fine Dining Top Picks DoinDubai Monica Kapila Maineland Brasserie Business Bay
MAINELAND BRASSERIE – Business Bay

Maineland Brasserie

A smart high end brasserie with chandeliers inside located in Business Bay. It also has an outside terrace for cooler months. We loved our snails and lobster rolls here. They also have branches in the Marina at the Hilton Double Tree and in Studio One hotel near Arabian Ranches.

Dubai Fine Dining Top Picks DoinDubai Monica Kapila The Bay Mandarin Oriental Hotel Jumeirah 1
THE BAY – Mandarin Oriental

The Bay Mandarin Oriental

I’ve had lunch, breakfast and dinner a few times at this restaurant but this particular lunch (lobster salad and the mezze selection) was by far my favorite meal and I wold definitely recommend it. I had this meal with a friend who is a regular guest at the hotel so honestly I’m not sure if this is how they normally serve this dish, but show them it and say this is how you’d like your lunch! The Bay is best experienced sitting outside. There is a beautiful, large al fresco dining area overlooking a very cool pool. The Mandarin Oriental is located in Jumeirah 1.

Dubai Fine Dining Top Picks DoinDubai Monica Kapila Akira bak W Hotel Palm Jumeirah
AKIRA BACK – W Hotel Palm Jumeirah

Akira Back

We visited this restaurant for dinner to celebrate a friends’ 50th birthday. We really liked all our food and there is excellent choice for vegetarians too. There is also a large outdoor terrace with great views of the Palm, BUT I found this restaurant quite dark. Their cocktails were good. Akira Back is located at the W hotel on the Palm Jumeirah, so it’s a bit of a trek from anywhere except the Palm Jumeriah itself.

Dubai Fine Dining Top Picks DoinDubai Monica Kapila NETSU Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah 1
NETSU – Mandarin Oriental hotel Jumeirah 1

Netsu – Mandarin Oriental Hotel

SItuated on the ground floor of the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Jumeirah 1, Netsu is billed as a steak house. But there is plenty to eat for those like me (who don’t eat beef) and vegetarians. The setting is lovely especially on their terrace in the cooler months. It’s on the ground floor of the hotel. Cocktails are also good. Service could be a little better, if you order carefully, it’s good value. We’ve been 2 or 3 times for dinner.

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WHERE CAN WE TRAVEL TO FROM DUBAI? without having to quarantine. IDEAS HERE

Where can we travel to from Dubai without having to quarantine is the question we’re all asking ourselves. It IS possible to go places but as we know restrictions are definitely in force on many fronts. BUT travel is in our DNA so see where you can go NOW.

LONDON

So now we can GO TO LONDON WITHOUT HAVING TO UNDERTAKE EXPENSIVE HOTEL QUARANTINE, but so far we still have to isolate and quarantine privately for 10 days with a possibility of early release after day 5.

So that’s a lot of expensive covid tests AND many days of leave for those who work “wasted” . I also understand it can take up to 48 hours to get your test result back after day 5 so that’s a minimum of 7 days!

So some of us are waiting till the UK recognizes our entirely genuine vaccines. BUT when and if you do get to London check out some ideas we’ve experienced below.

LONDON IDEAS AND EXPERIENCES from boutique hotels to cooking lessons and everything in between. We LOVE London!

Click on the picture to see our many London posts. Psst we’ve also been alerted to a cool new hotel to check out in London’s West End. So add The Mayfair Townhouse to your list of places to consider having a drink, meal or few sleeps at!

ARTESIAN BAR AT THE LANGHAM LONDON

KENYA

We’ve just travelled to Kenya for a short break from Dubai and while the visa process has changed, there is no need to quarantine. Click to KENYA IDEAS HERE to see all our previous posts linked to countries we’ve been to to inspire you to book a trip.

KENYA IDEAS tried and tested here.

KENYA BEACH HOUSE

It’s possible to go to Kenya without having to quarantine, you just need a -ive PCR test on arrival and you have to generate a QR code via a link. The link to how you generate that code is here It’s a short 4 hour 40 minute flight from Dubai to Kenya direct on Emirates.

You do need a visa before hand so apply for an e visa on line first. Then on return you need a _ive PCR test.

SUNDOWNERS IN THE BUSH KENYA

NOTE the terminal is now in a NEW PLACE at Nairobi airport. Check you get dropped at the right place. Covid tests are quite easily available in Nairobi, the cost is around US $65.00 or so.

AMERICA

Well California Ideas here tried by us.

It’s possible for us to fly directly to the States from Dubai. Click for CALIFORNIA ITINERARY for you to copy. It’s a long flight but you do just get on and get off!

Shutters View Visit California

(16 hours from here to California) And I understand if you spend 10 days there you can now also go to London from there.

California Holiday Big Sur Beaches

WHERE CAN WE GO IN EUROPE ? European Trips we’ve been on check the itineraries here.

I think you can go many countries in Europe from Dubai without having to quarantine, BUT check which countires are or would be green if you need to go on to the UK. See where we recommend in

SPAIN, NORWAY, ITALY, THE CZECH REPUBLIK, BUDAPEST and TURKEY.

SPAIN

You can travel to Spain from Dubai without having to quarantine. We LOVED Barcelona and our foodie adventures in San Sebastian. The H10 hotel group has a 25% discount on 2 of our favourite hotels at the moment.

IN THE MOOD FOR BARCELONA

CZECH REPUBLIC

We loved our long weekend in Prague, click the link to read about what we did and where we stayed. It’s a very quick flight from Dubai.

NORWAY

This is an expensive destination but if it’s clean air and fabulous scenery you’re after then this is the place!

FABULOUS FJORDS IN NORWAY

ITALY

A really easy flight, fabulous food, good infrastructure and very friendly vibes, choose what kind of holiday you want in Italy.

BUDAPEST

A really good short trip from Dubai, fabulous architecture and a very walkable city. Lot’s of history too.

SHORT BREAK IN BUDAPEST

TURKEY

Well we’ve put this into Europe but know it can be classed as Asia as well, we went to Istanbul, Bodrum and Cesme, I’d do that whole trip again if I could. We LOVED the Maçakizi hotel but there is a Mandarin Oriental in Bodrum too!

TURKEY TRIP

As always CHECK ALL RESTRICTION AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS VERY CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU BOOK ANY TICKETS! We were almost off to Poland BUT we’re not clear as to whether they accept our vaccines or not, please let me know if you have any updated information on this. Poland seems like an amazing place to visit, great value too!

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