Planning a ladies night. Let’s be honest, in Dubai, corralling a group (of any size, gender, or demographic) can be a difficult endeavor. \u00a0While we had no trouble deciding on a night, there was some back and forth about where to go. \u00a0After all, we were ready to make every minute count (and did not want a repeat of the last evening<\/a>). \u00a0We considered\u00a0Marina Social<\/a> and The Act, when I remembered the Cellar Experience<\/a>\u00a0(a 5-course meal with wine pairing) at BOCA<\/a><\/strong> and made the call.<\/p>\n

After fighting some particularly horrendous traffic (seriously, what is going on in Dubai these days? Is it 2008 again?), I walked through the crowded restaurant and was shown downstairs to the private cellar room. \u00a0As it is both on the way to the toilets and near the kitchen, the placement of the room is a bit strange, but a welcome oasis from the crowds (and smoke) upstairs. \u00a0I don’t have a ton of experience with private rooms, but at DIFC I can think of a few (Gaucho<\/a>) that offer a bit more luxurious experience, should you be interested.<\/a><\/p>\n

However unique the setting is, with good friends and a few glasses of wine, there will usually be a fun evening. \u00a0Well, almost. \u00a0As if the kitchen was competing for some sort of record in delivery, we received the first three courses in under an hour. \u00a0Given that we had the room booked for the evening (and relatively full glasses of wine), I wasn’t sure why the pacing was set the way it was. \u00a0I always feel bad having to tell servers to change anything, but in this case, we had to speak up (often) and remind things to slow down… \u00a0Until nearly an hour had gone between courses. \u00a0Similarly, trips to the ladies room resulted in a clear lack of attention (at a not altogether late point in the evening). \u00a0I also couldn’t quite understand why BOCA would have a cellar, but not a true sommelier (although the website says differently). \u00a0Our server was obviously well versed in wine, but it seemed an obvious addition to be visited by a sommelier or senior bar staff member for at least one of the courses.<\/p>\n

So, how was the food? The dishes themselves were delicious and yet I had a very difficult time understanding what exactly the cuisine was (or specifically what it was trying to be). \u00a0While the website claims influences from Italy, France and Spain, I thought the translation of this was a bit muddled (I’ve posted the menu in its entirety at the end of the post). \u00a0While the starting soup couldn’t decide\u00a0whether or not it was hot or cold, overall, I was impressed with the plating and range of dishes. \u00a0I was also happy that they were easily able to accommodate a vegetarian friend in the group (who was quite delighted with her selection).<\/p>\n

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So really, for AED450 per person (this includes the DIFC tax and water), I think the evening evened out. \u00a0Did everyone have a great time? \u00a0They did. \u00a0Did we all enjoy a nice meal? \u00a0We did. \u00a0Were there issues with service? \u00a0Yes, there were. \u00a0Do I think a\u00a0Mediterranean restaurant (or, a place that claims to be) should be a bit more focused in its delivery? \u00a0Yes. \u00a0Were they generous with the wine pouring? \u00a0Yes, they were. \u00a0Did I like all the wines? \u00a0No.<\/p>\n

And still, I would go back. \u00a0The lively atmosphere (created by a great group of gals) and dishes were something I would seek for a change from a typical dinner brunch or night out. \u00a0If the management puts just a bit more effort into fixing the minor issues I experienced in the evening (leave the water on the table, if the server is going to disappear for awhile, as an example), I think they’ll be on to a real winner.<\/p>\n

Have you tried the BOCA Cellar Experience?<\/p>\n

A to Za’atar used some promotional images from the BOCA website for this post.
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\n[googlemaps https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3609.681115015539!2d55.280874551476515!3d25.21397428380933!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x3e5f429188913435%3A0x63ebe7d7b7e6ffc3!2sBoca!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sae!4v1476189997950&w=600&h=450]<\/p>\n

In case you were interested, here is the summer 2016 menu:<\/p>\n

First Course AMUSE BOUCHE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cecina de L\u00e9on, Green Gazpacho, Pan con Tomate<\/p>\n

First Pairing MASIA PERELADA BLANCO<\/p>\n

Andaluc\u00eda, Spain<\/p>\n

Second Course GRILLED OCTOPUS & AIR DRIED BEEF<\/strong><\/p>\n

Air Dried Beef, Paprika, Potato Salad, Tomato Dressing<\/p>\n

Third Pairing TORRES DE CASTA ROSADO<\/p>\n

Catalunya, Spain<\/p>\n

Third Course BLACK RICE & SEARED SCALLOPS<\/strong><\/p>\n

Aromatic Clams, Bottarga<\/p>\n

Fourth Pairing PASSORI ROSSO<\/p>\n

Veneto, Italy<\/p>\n

Fourth Course GNOCCHI WITH BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIB<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fried Sage, Grana Padano<\/p>\n

Fifth Pairing M. CHAPOUTIER BELLERUCHE ROUGE<\/p>\n

Rh\u00f4ne, France<\/p>\n

Fifth Course ASHANTI CHOCOLATE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fig, Orange Blossom Honey, Verbena<\/p>\n

Eight Pairing VI DE GLASS<\/p>\n

Andaluc\u00eda, Spain<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Planning a ladies night. Let’s be honest, in Dubai, corralling a group (of any size, gender, or demographic) can be a difficult endeavor. \u00a0While we had no trouble deciding on a night, there was some back and forth about where to go. \u00a0After all, we were ready to make every minute count (and did not want a repeat of the last evening). \u00a0We considered\u00a0Marina Social and The Act, when I remembered the Cellar Experience\u00a0(a 5-course meal with wine pairing) at BOCA and made the call. After fighting some particularly horrendous traffic (seriously, what is going on in Dubai these days? Is it 2008 again?), I walked through the crowded restaurant and was shown downstairs to the private cellar room. \u00a0As it is both on the way to the toilets and near the kitchen, the placement of the room is a bit strange, but a welcome oasis from the crowds (and…<\/p>\n

Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2473,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[200,201,335],"yoast_head":"\n