food review Dubai Archives

September 2, 2019 by cbrandtwright 0

Marea: New York arrives in Dubai.

Back in Dubai for a bit, I was more than happy to accept an invitation to lunch at Marea, which has long been on my list of restaurants to visit. For those who remember, Marea operates where Totora (RIP) used to be located. Marea has maintained the same upstairs/downstairs areas as before, although the installation of an elevator is a smart touch for anyone with mobility issues. There is a chic bar upstairs, and the downstairs remains the lounge (and where the toilets are located). The area now also includes a private dining room. Once seated, I opened the branded menu to have a look at the options. The business lunch is listed as AED125 for two courses (off of four different menu options — Crudo or Antipasti, Pasta or Secondi), and there is also an a la carte menu available. Seeing options from both we wanted to try, my…

April 9, 2019 by cbrandtwright 0

Dubai

A Capella, a new reason to visit The Pointe.

Although signage is still a bit of an issue at The Pointe (and really, many places in Dubai), my dining partner and I found our way to A Capella, a newly launched global tapas bar on the Palm Jumeirah. Located on the second level, there is room outdoors for shisha, although on the night we’re visiting it’s one of the rarest of Dubai occasions – a rainy evening. Inside the venue, I start looking for individual tables, only to find there aren’t any. At first, this is weird to me. As our meal progresses, I realize the layout works and appreciate the restaurant has gone all in on the tapas theme. And really, I love this sort of outlet — if it was a busy night, it would be the kind of place you might start talking to your neighbor (something of a rarity in this city). We find two…

March 1, 2019 by cbrandtwright 0

Dubai

Akira Back, Asian vibes at the Palm.

My original plans for the past weekend did not involve a big brunch, but Friday came and went with a relatively average outing to the rebranded Loft at the Opera. One thing led to another, and it was a later day than initially intended. On Saturday, I managed to pull together a somewhat productive day (Dubai Eye, meal prep, sort of packing for my trip to the States) before meeting a friend for dinner at the newly opened Akira Back, located at the W the Palm, a meal I was optimistic about. Having been on a string of nice, but mostly basic meals recently, I was more than ready to be impressed by a new outlet. On arrival, the neon blue doorway is instantly Instagrammable, and a statement piece. The interior is similarly suitable for the W, all dark tones, and a slightly modern Art Deco vibe, with views overlooking…

January 3, 2019 by cbrandtwright 0

Dubai

Villamore, Mediterranean vibes on the Palm.

Another day, another trip to the Palm — this time to Villamore. As Hubs and I stayed in town for the holidays, I responded to my invite by confirming a lunch reservation — perfect for the late December weather. Walking down through the OTT lobby of the Emerald Palace Kempinski (and even more ridiculously outfitted all-day dining venue), we step outside to the pristine grounds at the resort. Given the hotel is in early days, there is no one by the pool, and we easily spot Villamore, which is located in a separate building. Do I think there should be more of an effort made to determine the entrance to the restaurant? Yes. My suggestion would be large planters, or some other landscaping feature, however, once inside the venue, guests will feel immediately transported to the Mediterranean. Done in blues, whites, natural stone and materials, and tiled surfaces, the restaurant…

April 23, 2018 by cbrandtwright 0

Dubai

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…

July 6, 2016 by annbenjamin 0

Personal

A to Za’atar video trailer.

So, I thought it might be fun to make a ‘hype’ video of sorts for my little blog. Let me know what you think! (Its permanent home will be on the ‘Work With Me’ tab.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYzZoFT7ZSo

A to Za'atar food blog food blog video food blogger food review Dubai hype video intro video