Canadian import\u00a0Weslodge<\/a><\/strong> has been on my radar for awhile. \u00a0While the timing wasn’t particularly ideal (I had just stuffed about a kilo of sushi<\/a> in my face a few hours previously), when an invite came from a dear friend on Tuesday night, how was I to say no? \u00a0Upon arrival to the JW Marriott Marquis (a special favorite of mine, given that it is the tallest hotel in the world, and I wrote a novel about a hotel<\/a>), we were directed to the right side of the lobby and took the elevator to the 68th floor. \u00a0Much like the Emirates Towers, the lift has a view onto SZR (great way to impress your out of town friends before even stepping in the restaurant). \u00a0As the venue takes up the entirety of the floor, the doors open into a large lobby, where a hostess greets you. \u00a0Now, here’s where things get interesting. \u00a0From everything I’d seen to date on social media, my interpretation of the restaurant was weirdly skewed. \u00a0In my mind, I had pictured a different space than the one I walked into\u00a0and was more than pleasantly surprised as we walked through the bar and lounge to the dining room. \u00a0On a clear night, the views of Business Bay, Sheikh Zayed Road, and the iconic Burj Khalifa are brilliant.<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

The fit out of Weslodge is unlike anything in Dubai, so imagine an upscale saloon, but one that includes designer seating (if at weird heights — you might end up bumping your knees if you get a table in the lounge). \u00a0Anyway, we were escorted over to a strange two top (you know the kind where you can’t look at your dining partner) and requested another table. \u00a0During the time we walked around to enjoy the panoramic views, the section we were in became relatively busy, so we begged another move (this time to a four top with some room to breathe — and this will become important as we ordered multiple plates). \u00a0Finally settled, we had a chance to look at the rather extensive (and perhaps almost too artisanal) cocktail list. \u00a0I ordered a Gin & Tonic<\/em> (which came back pink!) and my dining partner a cucumber gimlet<\/em>. \u00a0While the drinks menu was a bit overwhelming, it was explained that my G&T was made with bespoke tonic (hokay then).<\/p>\n

<\/a>