Hotel Cartagena: It’s a jungle up there!
While I’m sad to see any restaurant close, after my original visit to Morah, I had the feeling (as I do on a fairly regular basis, sadly) that the venue might not go the distance. Was it the Miami Vice vibes? No one can say for sure. Either way, I was delighted to be invited back to Morah’s replacement, the recently opened Hotel Cartegena. Guests should make a right in the lobby, and go to the far end where the elevators are located and head up to the 68th floor, then, like Weslodge, switch over to the private lifts to the 72nd floor. Visitors will immediately note the change in tone, starting with the massive panther print, screened on the elevator doors. When the doors open, tropical themes, bright primary colors, and a Latin bar immediately invite visitors inside. Yes, there is still some of the ugly furniture, but I’m told…
It’s all in the details; why Hōseki is one of my top dining experiences in the UAE.
After my enjoyable visit to the Yacht Club earlier in the year, I was more than excited to return to Bulgari. In fact, I enjoy the hotel so much, I arrived early, just so I could do a bit of people watching in the luxe lobby. Grant me this tendency, as I wrote a novel set at a fictional hotel (available for purchase here). At the designated time of my reservation, I was shown to the dedicated lift to Hōseki (Japanese for ‘jewel,’ in case you were wondering) and up to the fourth floor I was whisked. Greeted warmly by name, one of the traditionally attired servers escorted me to the dining room, while explaining the history of the chef. Entering through the traditional noren, the interior of the restaurant matches the overall Bulgari aesthetic, done in cool black marble, with large windows overlooking the private beach and skyline of Dubai. The…
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…
The Yacht Club @ Bulgari Resort.
This is a story of redemption. Let’s face it; if you’re a long time reader, you’ll understand I don’t love every place I go. And, for the most part, by and large, my notes are either ignored by venues or effusively defended. As those who know me, know my motto: ‘you do you.’ As the intent of this blog has always been to honestly review restaurants, sometimes it’s difficult to publish my thoughts, but I feel like my audience has a right to know — the good, the bad, and the memorable. Anyway, after I posted about my visit to Il Ristorante Niko Romito (spoiler alert, it wasn’t good), a member of the Bulgari F&B team reached out to me. They invited me to meet with Chef Niko while he was in country (I declined), but also extended an invitation to try one of the remaining restaurants at my leisure. I thought…
The Fish House: Revisiting DFC.
We may or may not have already established that my first port of call in Dubai (circa 2007) was Dubai Festival City. Thus, I have an exceptional place in my heart for the entire property. Friendships that started at the golf club course, beautiful weddings attended, and discovering what expat life was all about during our weekly shop at Hyper Panda (or, as one friend used to affectionately call it, ‘Disco Panda’). Before I seriously got into fine dining, one of my finest UAE dining experiences at the now-shuttered Reflets, so I’m always curious to see what changes happen in the area. Thus, entering the Intercontinental Festival City for me comes with a greater expectation than most. Fortunately, I was immediately greeted by an airy and elevated space. Replacing what used to be the Bistro Madeline (?), the interior at The Fish House instantly appeals to my style — not overly fussy, with plenty…
Il Ristorante Niko Romito: What does Bvlgari deliver?
A friend’s 40th was an occasion I’d been looking forward to for some time. Even better? We’d be celebrating at the recently opened Bulgari Resort, a property I was insanely curious about. While I could go into many reasons why I love the hotel (it feels like NOTHING else in Dubai), unfortunately, Il Ristorante does not live up to the expectations of the brand or the chef, Niko Romito. While I’ve not dined at Chef Niko’s other venues, I feel that something got a bit lost in translation here — and what is delivered is not quite a fine dining experience, nor is it truly rustic. The meal started with a cup of delicious vegetable consomme, served in a charming bowl, along with some uniquely made breadsticks and a freshly baked loaf of bread. After a quick review, I decided to opt for the tasting menu, because, well, that’s kind of what…
Scalini: Four Seasons introduces Italian.
Another day, another Italian restaurant. While Italian might be the new Peruvian in Dubai, my visit to Scalini should mark the final visit to this particular cuisine for the near future, as I’m not sure I can eat another bite of pasta. Carved from what I believe used to be part of the Jean-Georges Kitchen, upon arrival, the London import Scalini has a dedicated bright blue lift to mark the restaurant’s entrance in the busy corridor at the Four Seasons Jumeirah. When I question if its the only way in (or out), I’m met with a tentative yes. I assume that should there be an emergency there are alternate ways out of the pit restaurant, however, a word to the wise, press VERY hard on the button to for the lift (and then search around like the cool person you are for the actual button to go down a level). My…
Il Borro Tuscan Bistro: Fit for Royalty (Literally).
When you’re meeting the best chef in the UAE, you are pretty much happy to meet up wherever he suggests. In this instance, a return trip to Al Naseem — perfect for a beautiful day in January, to Il Borro Tuscan Bistro. To be completely honest, I don’t usually crave Italian food — especially when dining out. Yes, I’m probably doing it wrong, but pasta rarely comes off as genuinely elevated to me. Additionally, I’ve had a few friends visit this venue with decidedly average feedback. Anyway, delighted with the company, I would’ve been happy to dine just about anywhere. With three foodies together, we all defaulted to ‘please let someone else make the decision for us.’ That is, I make food choices EVERY SINGLE TIME I go out. I am continually ordering for myself, my husband, and larger groups of people. Thus, with the briefest look at the menu,…
Bleu Blanc by David Myers: Renaissance Act.
Having had an unexpectedly above average meal at Bhar, I was excited to return to the Renaissance. After all, with two restaurants by the acclaimed ‘gypsy chef’ David Myers, I knew I was in for a treat. While I somehow managed to miss the prominent and very large independent entrance of Bleu Blanc by David Myers (also accessible from inside Basta!), a quick ride in the dedicated elevator and I was on the first floor and warmly greeted by the hostess. Inside the restaurant, the layout is quite an open plan and done in the style of a charming French countryside home. Overall, I almost would like to see a bit more definition in the space, or a few more private tables, but I think that’s just my personal preference. Across the room, I spy seating overlooking the lobby below, as well as the canal, and I’m sold on where I…