My Top Dishes of January 2018.
How are we already one month through 2018?! I’m not sure about you, but I was able to enjoy a few great meals in January. In no particular order: Gunpowder Naan, Mint Leaf of London Lobster Thermidor, 101 Lounge Slow-cooked octopus, The Artisan I’m not exactly sure what’s on tap for February, but I look forward to finding the best of what’s available. What were your favorite dishes this month?
My Top Dishes of December 2017.
Best of the year and best of the month? That’s a lot of pressure for December! There were some standouts this month, and it was a great way to finish the year. 2018 has a lot to live up to if it’s going to be as good as 2017 (well, for food at least). In no particular order: Dynamite Bao from BB Social Dining Rib Eye from Cabin Creamy Mushroom Rice from Bord Eau An honorable mention goes to the outstanding Short Rib started at Axe House (well worth stopping in for). I also enjoyed the Wagyu at Center Cut, but overall, I’m happy to stand by the above dishes. What were your favorite dishes this month?
My Best Three Meals in 2017.
So, last year, I shared my top three dishes of 2016, and throughout this year, I’ve been sharing my favorite monthly plates. This year, I think I want to expand and mention my top three meals instead. As I reflected on the many dining experiences I’ve had throughout 2017, there are plenty of excellent contenders. However, after a lot of deliberation, these are the meals that stuck with me the most. In no particular order: Test Kitchen, Cape Town, South Africa. I cannot think of a better way to usher out my 35th year than our meal here. Should you find yourself in Cape Town, do whatever you can to get a booking at this fabulous venue. It’s precisely how unpretentious fine dining should be done. And please splurge to opt for the iconic wine pairing, you will not be disappointed. The Experience by Reif Othman, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. …
My Favorite Hotels in 2017.
Although more loaded in the front of the year, I was able to stay in some absolutely exceptional properties during 2017. And looking ahead, I’m hoping some excellent hotel stays come together in 2018 as well (the Maldives in Q1 looks like a real thing right now — keep your fingers crossed for me). I also find it interesting that my hotel visits this year seemed to be fantastic or average, with nothing much in between. I would either be a huge fan of a place or not interested in returning. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Did any of these properties knock off my favorite hotel in the world, the Four Seasons Sayan? No, they didn’t. Here are some of my reasons why. In no particular order: Le Quartier Francais, Franschhoek, South Africa St. Regis Maldives Vommuli, Maldives Casa Angelina, Amalfi Coast, Italy The Siam and W Bangkok were almost on the list, as was…
Top Five Apps to download when visiting Dubai.
Whether moving here, a visitor, or a long-term resident, there are a few apps that I recommend to make any amount of time in Dubai easier! In no particular order… Careem. I was an early adopter of the app (back in 2014), and haven’t looked back (sorry not sorry, Uber and their treatment of women among other misgivings can jump off a bridge, I don’t care how epic riding in a Tesla is). Careem is my go-to for any time I need a driver. Given I live in a location where taxis seldom frequent (not to mention my Type A tendencies to make advance bookings), I use Careem a minimum of once a week and often much more. As a frequent solo female rider, I always feel safe. My husband uses it when he attends meetings where parking is difficult, and they are always our reliable ride to the…
My Top Dishes of November 2017.
Honestly, with a few exceptions, there was not a lot of exciting food this month. I’m not sure if that’s because all the other months this year had so much going on, or that I slowed down a bit, but I had to think about what my favorite dishes were (usually they readily come to mind). In no particular order… Edamame hummus at Katsuya. Steak course from the Chef’s Menu at JW Steakhouse. Carne Y Trufa at Waka Dubai. Honorable mention: gravy and jalapeno cornbread from Clinton Street Baking Company (part of our Thanksgiving feast). There are already more than a few exciting venues on the calendar for December, so I’m hoping to finish the year with a bang! What were your favorite dishes this month?
Top Five Desserts in Dubai.
(And let’s try not to forget I almost wrote ‘desert,’ which would not be entirely inappropriate, would it?) Now, I’m not going to claim to be an expert on all things sweet. A look at my Instagram feed will confirm that I rarely post photos of desserts, puddings, or petit fours. Nor, have I consumed anything that could be considered a ‘freakshake.’ To be quite honest, when it comes to consuming calories, I far prefer a glass of wine to a bowl of ice cream. However, now and then, I will be in the mood for a delicious finish to a meal. I understand some people prefer a cheese plate or maybe even something savory. However, for an entirely subjective list in no particular order, please continue reading… Churros at Toro + Ko. Fried dough? Yes. A caramel sauce that dreams are made of? Also yes. An environment that is chill…
My Top Dishes of October 2017.
The start of October feels like aaaagggess ago, but somehow I can’t believe it’s almost November. Or, maybe that’s just me? I was out and about quite a bit this month. What do I remember best? Chicken croquettes, Toro + Ko (with a very close entry from the Churros at the same location) Tenderloin steak, Toro Toro Abu Dhabi Black cod, 99 Sushi Bar An eclectic mix to be sure. I’ve got a few potential commitments in November, but I’m hoping for some unique plates. What were your favorite dishes this month? Any place I should check out?
My Top Dishes of September 2017.
September certainly was a busy month with plenty of great restaurants and amazing chefs. Even better? I managed to (mostly) stick to a balanced schedule of dining out (and working out). In no particular order: Burrata Butter Chicken, Bombay Bungalow Caviar, The Experience by Reif Othman Corn Esquites, Chef Carlos Gaytan (on his visit to Emirates Palace) Looking ahead to October, I’m hoping to get to Toro Toro in Abu Dhabi, and already have the new Hakkasan brunch lined up for next Friday. What were your favorite dishes this month?