All in Restaurant Reviews
Situated at what is essentially the base of Ain Dubai and taking up an entire upper floor in Bluewaters, Clay has taken on the ambitious challenge of representing Nikkei style Japanese food in an atmospheric, upscale dining destination.
There’s a lot going on at Aramada Avenue, including Cafe Isan which now has a brilliant roof top terrace to compliment their indoor space and it seems it’s the place to be - especially on weekends.
I’m not prone to get excited about places that don’t spell their names properly, and no I’m not old fashioned - it’s just that gimmicks like that (that used be cool in say the 90’s) are pretty much played out. Anyhoo….
This is not a review about bob haircuts or nostalgia though we may make glancing references to both when waxing lyrical about Mimi Kakushi.
In place of what old school Dubainians will fondly remember as being Girders, Motorino Dubai is the newest outlet from the world-famous New York pizzeria that is loved by celebrities, foodies and savvy locals alike.
So out with the old and in with the new as they say and the addition of Raffles to the Palm is a power move that certainly raises the stakes. With that said and as a big fan of Raffles in Singapore, I was always going to venture back to this beautiful, opulent venue to see what’s been going on.
I think I’ve been to most of the Japanese restaurants in the city and each of course has its own style and hook. That said, there are many good ones - some less so, regardless, few poses the sheer gravitas of authenticity that you’ll find at Fujiya.
Japonisme, Wabi Sabi, Ikagai, they all sound like exotic Japanese culinary delicacies. They’re not, but they are books about the various philosophies that encompass the Japanese way of life. One of these words also heralds the arrival of a new Japanese street food tavern to the Marina.
Could there possibly be a more picturesque spot than Fish Dubai? From the moment you arrive and stroll down to the restaurant along the quaint cobble stoned path, you are immediately struck by a sense of tranquility that few venues can match in the city.
Is this really the new Home of Asian Street Food? In place of what used to be the Crab Shack, (which for whatever reason didn't quite make it), comes the highly thematic Mr Miyagi's with a fly kick in the face to the old establishment...
Taking inspiration from Japanese cooking techniques and blending them with Western ingredients to create an East meets West sense of fusion, Morimoto Dubai - the first Middle East restaurant to brandish the legendary Morimoto name promises to be something different and there’s only one way to find out - Brunch it!
We visit Perry & Blackwelder’s billed as an original and unique smokehouse experience, which is something that I can easily get excited about.
In what seems to be part steak house, part gentleman’s club this spacious and sleekly styled venue has all the trappings of wealth and absolutely looks the part but can it produce a decent steak?
Promising the best of Italy - Luigia at the Rixos Premium on JBR seems to be making a pretty bold claim. While there aren’t many would be competitors along the strip other than the highly rated Bianca, it would seem that Luigia is a very sensible choice if they can deliver.
With seven cooking stations and the promise of an exciting buffet of freshly cooked seafood treats, Thursday night is Simply Seafood at the Sheraton Grand downtown. Talking Fork went and checked out what this Feast is all about.
While DIFC naturally steals the culinary limelight in the Trade Centre area, a stomping ground is emerging close by in the form of One Central. One of the early openings to set up shop is Andes, which is a new South American concept that is flush with elegance and style.
One of the sprinkling of eateries on Bluewaters to become fully operational is the Selfish Bull, which is word play based around the idea of surf n turf. That means you can expect steaks and seafood along with some tasty sides to compliment these two staples.
Now let’s be honest, there are a lot of misses when it comes to attempts at character led dining destinations in Dubai, but this little Miss isn’t one to be missed….
Taking inspiration from local heritage and focusing on the simplicity of diligently sourcing the freshest fish and seafood, The Fish House prides itself of delivering an authentic dining experience that is underscored by great service and stylish surrounds.
Food trends change quicker in Dubai than a Nissan Patrol does lanes down SZR. Right now, seems that Mexican is the new Peruvian. Recently there’s been a bunch of new places to throw open their doors offering their take on the Cantina.
