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.’ …
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…