TRY A RAMADAN MENU INSTEAD OF AN IFTAR MENU THIS YEAR
It doesn't have to be an Ifar menu, why not a Ramadan menu that's available all evening? That's what Mint Leaf in DIFC are offering this year. We think it works very well.
AED 195 for a 7 course meal, you can opt for a vegetarian or non vegetarian menu. Some tiny courses, others way larger. We liked this and would go again. Expect beetroot tikkis to begin with, and seafood hidden in a quinoa kichadi to follow. But save yourself for the heavier sea bass in a spicy creamy South Indian gravy.
You'll be pinching tastes from the vegetarians too! Beverages also available all evening for AED 25. So all in all a good deal this season. I liked how they incorporated Middle Eastern flavours into the Indian dishes, so dates and sumac appear on some courses. They also have an iftar menu at AED 145. Note the Ramadan menu is available all day as is their regular a la carte menu in case you're not fasting.
A BRAND NEW SETTING BY THE WATER AND SOME CULTURE TOO
Dubai Creek Harbour? Near Deira? No thanks, not for me. But no it's nowhere near Deira, it's left on the E44 towards Ras Al Khor off the MBZ road just after International City. Not far at all according to a map, but there was heavy traffic on a Thursday afternoon.
We're at Rise Dubai Creek Harbour, the new Emaar Development that's showcasing the new tallest building in Dubai. It's called The Tower and should be ready by 2020 in time for the expo.
There is a very large, functional space that's been set up right in front of the water and it's serving a traditional iftar every evening this Ramadan. But we liked the various pop ups that are also on show on the way to the food. So unusual quirky clothing and jewellery was on dispay and some modern art too.
There is a pirate ship that forms a bit of a play area outside but it's a bit hot for the moment. I loved the large swimming pool area at the back, but it's not a lido, it's a water feature, for now. Prices are AED 140 for Iftar, kids aged 6 to 12 eat for AED 60 and kids under 6 eat for free.
Have a look at the video here to give a real idea of what it's like:
THE ART OF GIVING AT GRUB SHACK
Remember Grubshack, that groovey Goan joint in Health Care city that serves Goan food but also Indo Chinese food? We spoke about it earlier on this year. Well they've got a worthy initiative happening this Ramadan.
For every Iftar meal consumed at the restaurant, they'll give away an Iftar meal box to a needy person in the name of the diner!
I love this idea! Some of our favourites are those Goan Rechado prawns and the crispy bhindi Nurani! Don't forget to try the kulfi on a stick from the cart. It's not licensed, but as it's health care city, it is open all day for discreet dining in and takeout. The Giveaway deal is only during Iftar time though.
CUSTOMISE YOUR OWN IFTAR IN DIFC FRENCH STYLE AT LE CIRQUE
Have what suits YOU at this customizable iftar by Le Cirque at DIFC. 2 vegetarians, a pescatarian and an omnivore challenged their chefs to come up with some inspiring inftar meals.
We all really liked what we got!
But all the iftars start with dates and a gorgeous soup as well as a Ramadan drink. This was hibiscus based, not too sweet. Salads, agnolotti, steak, salmon and desserts that were too delicious means I will highly likely go again. There's minimal wastage this way as well. 3 courses cost AED 245 that includes a Ramadan drink, dates and that gorgeous soup.
The sourdough bread was SO good we had to ask for more!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BU0zXw2j0Lm/?taken-by=doindubai&hl=en
KATSUYA DID IT LIVE UP TO OUR EXPECTATIONS ?
We mentioned Katsuya's new branch on the show before last and we tried it at Iftar time on Wednesday night! And we really liked it.
Must trys are the crispy brussel sprouts at AED 49 and the chilean seabass at AED 155 You must try the grilled brocoolini at AED 35. Did you know if you looked into Katsuya from above, it would look like a bento box?
Great little sections of restaurant which can be used as required, so no empty cavernous space that would put diners off! But be aware as it's Ramadan while Katsuya is open for lunch and dinner, the windows are misted out, not from the humidity but to comply with Dubai regulations. When the weather is cooler, their larger terrace will be the ONLY place to be and be seen! Delicious food with delicious views to match.
Not high end, but not cheap and cheerful either, Katsuya, as hoped, has got it just right! We'll be back.
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