Mohalla: Smart pricing and a creative menu in D3.
In a slightly better turn of events than my failed breakfast (and then lunch) from the day before, my meal at Mohalla started off on an excellent note. Although my ability to correctly park at D3 has not changed (I needed the steps, so who’s counting, really), Mohalla was easily found – at the front of Building 5 – well signed, and with outdoor seating. Inside, like many a D3 property, the ceilings are high, but in a smart move, the restaurant is not overly large (I’m looking at you, Molecule). By keeping the number of covers small (or at least, smaller than average for Dubai), there’s an immediate intimacy that many a venue in the city lack. With floor to ceiling windows, there is also plenty of natural light, with quirky references to India throughout. My guest and I were greeted warmly, and I’m told ‘mohalla’ translates to ‘community.’ …
Urth Caffe, Angeleno options in Dubai.
Although I’m trying to be as keto (low carb) as possible, sometimes a girl’s gotta eat. And sometimes, if I plan my schedule correctly, I can kill two birds with one stone. Case in point, a trip to the newly opened Urth Caffe at CityWalk Dubai for a review (why the extra ‘f’ in cafe, I will never know), while at the same time treating a new contact to a lovely breakfast. Until I was canceled on, most unprofessionally, the hour before. (For the record, in my world, ‘I don’t have the car’ is not a valid excuse in a city with heaps of taxis, Careem, and Uber.) I digress. Thus, not wanting to cancel on an arranged PR meal (I rarely, if ever, flake once something has been arranged), I put out a call to a few friends in the area but was unable to find a partner for my…
Zuma, revisiting a classic.
Often, when I think of this blog, I’m reminded that I should’ve started it in…oh, 2007. Or, at least when Instagram was getting off the ground. Anyway, as I was late to the game, there are a number of venues which I visited in the past, but not recently enough to write about. I did visit the Abu Dhabi branch of Zuma when living in the capital, however, it’s been a few years since I’ve made it to the DIFC location. Enter, Zuma, the original. When I realized Zuma was about to celebrate their 10th anniversary (really, how many restaurants in Dubai live up to this sort of caliber?), I was delighted to have an invitation for lunch. As I entered, one thing became clear — should anyone try and tell you that Zuma isn’t still hitting the same levels it was in the late 2000’s, that person would be wrong. …
Tresind Revisited.
When I first started this blog back in 2016, Tresind was one of the first ‘big’ fine dining experiences I had in Dubai (read my original review, here). I was struck by the creativity, which is also echoed in the sister restaurant, Carnival by Tresind, which not only takes gastronomy to new levels, but also frequently changes the entire menu. However, on some retrospection, I realized while the food at Tresind stood the test of time (mushroom chai, anyone?), the former experience did not. The too low ceilings, dated decor, and children screaming throughout the venue (even late on a Friday night) did not, in my opinion, equate to an authentic fine dining experience. Thus, I was excited to hear about the refurbishment and refresh for Tresind. Hubs and I, finally free from jet lag, chose a recent Saturday night to check out the new experience. Stepping off the elevator,…
Flamingo Room by Tasha’s.
Flamingo Room by tashas – where African Glamour meets the Arabian Sea. Is that a thing? Whenever Flamingo Room by Tasha’s has popped up on my Instagram feed, I’ve always been impressed by the design of the restaurant. Furthermore, having visited Tasha’s in Abu Dhabi (and enjoyed the experience), I’ve had this venue on my list for quite some time. Perfect timing then, as one of my favorite South Africans is leaving Dubai and was happy to join me for dinner. Located in Jumeirah Al Naseem (next door to Katsuya and nearish to Il Boro), the interior is striking. In a Miami art deco meets pastel romance palate (just go with it, people), the fit out is inviting and stands apart in the market. While just approaching oversized, the layout ensures a bustling ambiance, and with two bars present, both are attractions. Music is very low key (such that I…
Desert Palm, Samāna Spa, & Rare: A triple threat close to town.
Having lived in Dubai for over ten years, I have been fortunate to visit Desert Palm on a few occasions (including a previous dining experience at Rare), and have always been impressed with how out of town it manages to feel, with remaining so close to the city. For those not in the know, essentially, if you drive just a few minutes past Dragon Mart, nearish to the new Dubai Safari, you’ll reach this urban oasis. In a city full of large properties, Desert Palm, with a limited number of keys (including suites and villas) feels immediately intimate and relaxed, without even trying. Overlooking polo fields — yes, you read that right — this is definitely outside the norm. Feeling good about today! Finished writing a book, submitted an article, went to the gym, and really looking forward to my trip to Tbilisi on Wednesday. • Of course, I’d be…
This is the steak experience you’ve been looking for: Prime 68.
Ever since reading about The Emireati’s experience at Prime 68, the venue has been on my radar. Having had a delightful visit to Garden earlier in the year, I knew I was due to a follow up to the JW Marriott Marquis and a Wednesday in May proved perfect timing for a long overdue catch up with one of my oldest Dubai friends. After stopping in for a quick drink at Weslodge (honestly, is there a better place for sundowners in Dubai?), we went back down the lifts and crossed over to the South Tower to the 68th floor and the stunning Prime 68. Now, I had a bit of a clue as to what to expect, but my friend went in without any previous research. Both of us were stunned by the beautiful views, and I was glad we timed our visit for near sundown. While I think the design…
Akiba Dori: Akihabara style in D3.
I’ll admit, I’ve been negligent in visiting D3. I just… Well, no excuses. When a foodie friend showed an interest in the pizza on offer at the recently opened Akiba Dori, I thought it was a decent excuse to make amends and return to this part of town. Although I’m still unsure of how exactly D3 gets around being licensed, I’m happy for whatever bureaucracy is in place to make it so. Meeting up with a friend I am well overdue to see, I manage to park far away (this is an ongoing habit when I visit D3), but as I walk through the buildings, I’m delighted that the location is starting to see some activation. Restaurants with actual customers, tourists taking pictures, and boutique clothing and furniture stores I’ll never be able to afford…just the way Dubai is supposed to be. You’ll know which restaurant is Akiba Dori from…
RIVA Beach: A relaxed day on the Palm.
Even on vacation, I’m not the type who can lay by a pool for hours. However, before the summer sets in, I thought a few hours in the sun would be a fun way to spend a Thursday afternoon in Dubai. RIVA Beach Club is located on the trunk of the Palm, and, on a clear day, views of both the Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa are visible. Entering through the commercial space near Building 8, parking is a bit hit or miss (as it always seems to be on the Palm). I park near the bridge in a gravel lot, and for early May, it’s not too hot a walk (and allows me an easier exit from the location). Entrance to the beach club is downstairs. The cost is AED105 for a weekday pass (AED55 for children), which grants access and a towel (you might want to bring…