Carine: Emirates Golf Course and Chef Izu get it right.

Gang, I’m going to admit something.  I went to the former version of Carine, back when it was Le Classique.  I feel the statute of limitation is over, but wowzers that was a bad meal.  When researching for this post, I went back to my notes and found a nearly 1,000-word e-mail of all the things I would change (and really, I don’t think there was much worth saving).  While I’m always sad to see a restaurant fail, in this instance, I think it’s for the best, because now we have Carine, the latest offer from Chef Izu (who you might remember from my visit to Citywalk).

The interior space, which used to be dark, closed off, and hopelessly dated is now completely refreshed.  Unlike many – ! – a Dubai venue, this is the right size restaurant, not overly large, and not too imposing as to make diners feel overwhelmed.  No, for once, the designers created a venue that has an excellent blend of seating arrangements and outdoor space.  Imagine it — under 100 covers, be still, my heart.  My dining partner and I choose a seat by the window (lighting is important for us foodie blogger types).  As we peruse the drinks menu, our waiter pours imported Greek olive oil into a bowl, and explains the story of the oversized Italian lemon on the table.  A bit sweeter and less tart than other varieties, it’s cut in front of us and then squeezed into the olive oil, with an additional dash of balsamic – this is an excellent touch with the fresh bread.  Trying to keep to my diet, I keep my alcohol to one cocktail and order the signature Carine Martini, which is delightfully tart (and even comes with a bit of bread and jam — #winning).

The menu, which is still in the process of being finalized, has many cafe comforts one would expect, however, Chef Izu has put his own spin on the dishes.  We start with three appetizers, Tuna Tartare (price not yet listed), Panzella Salad (AED45), and a Beetroot Salad (AED50).  Plating and presentation are a highlight here, but the beautiful dishes don’t get in the way of what is most important — taste.  There is a delicious complexity to each of our appetizers that I often find lacking at other restaurants in this category.  There are plenty of venues who do something similar, but I honestly enjoyed the (pun intended) fresh takes here.  Furthermore, it’s always lovely to see ample vegetarian options available.  Of the group, we basically can’t stop eating the Panzella (with subtle bits of baked goats cheese just to keep things interesting).  I’m also impressed that the tuna manages to include some texture, which is not always the case.  Of the three, I’d happily order them all again, and prices feel quite fair.

Our mains are also unique, Veal Tenderloin (a rare find in Dubai), Sea Bass, and my favorite of the dish of the meal, the Seafood Risotto (AED110).  While my guest is enamored with the veal (and we both particularly love the accompanying mint pesto sauce), it’s the savory risotto that keeps my taste buds happy.  Creamy, flavorful and packed with plenty of seafood, I would happily eat this any time of day.  Not to overlook the fish, which was cooked perfectly, to me, it was the weakest dish of the meal, but only by a very small margin.  If I have to make a complaint, it’s that the fish is slightly bland for my tastes.

We finish with a massive production of Tiramisu, as well as a Molten Chocolate Cake and a slice of Passion Fruit Cheesecake.  Once again, we’re a bit divided in our favorites (although all the dishes are above average).  I love the chocolate dish, mainly because there’s an accompanying nut crumble which goes perfectly with the gooey chocolate.  For fans of the not too sweet, the Tiramisu offers something memorable.

Any suggestions?  Service is warm and engaged here, and I enjoyed the soundtrack quite a bit.  I think with a bit of a larger crowd, the venue would be a lovely spot for a weekend lunch.

Would I go back?  Yes, definitely.

Who would I recommend a visit?  Your perfectly casual, yet utterly delicious date night.  Book clubs.  A great place to meet a new friend (as I did).  Be sure to look at the timings — as of now, lunch service is limited to Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Highly recommended.

A to Za’atar was a guest of Carine.  Opinions are my own, just ask my husband.