My Top Dishes of January 2019.
It was a whirlwind month – one with overpriced meals, color themed parties, 40th birthday parties, high-end alcohol events, and looking after one small long dog. I really could have done without the cold that refuses to die, but that will teach me for not getting a flu shot. In no particular order… High Burger, High Joint. Yes, I found the best burger in Dubai. Yes, you should go. Why haven’t I gone back yet? Flank steak, Oak Room. Chicken and waffles, Black Tap. February is going to be just as steady as January, which is fine by me. What were your favorite dishes this month?
My Top Dishes of September 2018.
September came and went in a hurry! A packed month, to be sure. As I’m still committing to my Keto diet, I went out quite a bit less, but there was still some delicious food. Gyu no tataki, from Zuma. Seared octopus, from my dinner with guest chef Federico to Emirates Palace. Private dinner, by Chef Morimoto, at Morimoto Dubai. C’mon guys. Food prepared by a world-renowned chef? #happythankyoumoreplease A few dishes from our trip to the Maldives almost made the list, but overall we were a bit disappointed (however, I fully realize very few people travel to the Maldives and worry about the food). Next month should be a challenge to pick through — Korea, San Fransisco, and Atlanta are all on my horizon. What was your favorite dish this month? Eat anything good?
My Top Dishes of May/June 2018.
I didn’t even realize I managed to skip a month until we were back from Tbilisi. Oh well, as I’ve been on a reduced dining out schedule, it seems okay to push these two months together. In no particular order: A meal at the Gogi Dvalishvili winemakers home (Gori, Georgia). As part of our exploration into food, wine, and culture with Taste Georgia, this was a highlight of our trip. True home cooking, fresh produce, and traditionally made wine? Yes, please. Calamari Mozambique, from Flamingo Room by Tashas. US Tenderloin 200g, from Prime 68, JW Marriott Marquis. July will be a huge food month for me, with planned meals at The Ledbury and Core by Clare Smyth, the Tasting Counter in Boston, and additional fine dining in Portland and Atlanta. I’m fairly certain my diet doesn’t stand a chance! Where have you been recently? Anywhere worth noting? Let me know in the…
My Top Dishes of March 2018.
A relatively subdued March, but still some good dishes out there. In no particular order: Beef Tataki at SLAB Fritto Misto di Mare at The Yacht Club, Bulgari Tuna Ceviche at Garden Special mention to the trio of tacos at the Peyote brunch and the tapas preview at BOCA. What was your favorite dish this month? Any recommendations for next 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 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?
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?
My Top Dishes of August 2017.
A fair amount of food this month, and plenty to be excited about! Sugar snap salad, Le Cirque Vegetarian degustation, Libirje’s Zusje Shredded lamb from Sean Connolly at Dubai Opera (review coming soon!) These were my best dishes in August – what were your favorites? Looking ahead, I’m ready to see Dubai perk back up and get going again. As balanced as August was, I think September is going to be a very busy month!