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I’m going to admit to something you might have already guessed.\u00a0 For the past month, I have been in a bit of an eating slump.\u00a0 There, I’ve recognized my problem.\u00a0 And as someone who genuinely loves food, this is a giant bummer.\u00a0 To not be excited about dishes, or to receive plates and view them in a hypercritical manner isn’t much fun for anyone.\u00a0 Add in boredom and the unwillingness to go out and try new restaurants, and you would pretty much have my modus operandi for the past month or so.<\/p>\n

Thus, when I saw the new restaurant Cabin, I thought, “I will have a nice enough brunch and be on my way.”\u00a0 My expectations were not high.<\/p>\n

Readers, I was very wrong and so happy to have my faith in food and service renewed.<\/p>\n

Greeted warmly by owner\/artist Jonny, we were immediately given a tour of the venue.\u00a0 While I would initially classify the interior as ‘hipster,’ having actually dined at the location, I would move towards ‘authentic.’\u00a0 With eclectic art everywhere, an open kitchen, bar style seating and booths, outdoor seating, coffee sourced from local roasters, and a relatively creative menu catering to whatever you want at almost any time of day, Cabin is the place in Dubai I didn’t know I had been looking for.\u00a0 Did I mention they only play vinyl?\u00a0 Service is laid back, but efficient, and the menu skews towards fresh, healthy cafe food — with more substantial fare if you want it.<\/p>\n

We ended up speaking with Mr. Gent for the better part of two hours.\u00a0 While I would not demand this sort of time with other owners, this sleepy Thursday afternoon was the right time to have an engaging chat about all the trials and tribulations of opening a restaurant in Dubai (have no fear, Jonny has plans to open additional versions of Cabin in the United Kingdom and Los Angeles).\u00a0 Jonny’s approach to the kitchen, hiring, and life in general were all refreshing to hear.\u00a0 I don’t walk into every restaurant expecting to make a friend, but, lucky for us, that’s precisely what happened.<\/p>\n

After a fair amount of conversation, we were unable to decide on breakfast or lunch, and opted for\u00a0Charred Broccoli, Pine Nut, Pomegranate, Bulgur Wheat Salad (AED45)<\/em>, the\u00a0Pure Salad (AED50)<\/em>, Poached Eggs with Hollandaise (AED45),<\/em> and Rib Eye (AED60)<\/em>.\u00a0 I also appreciated the small, simple plate of bread with salt, freshly peeled tomatoes, radishes, and butter which started our meal.\u00a0 The beautifully plated food was delivered in a timely manner.\u00a0 The ribeye was the absolute winner for both of us, served with small potatoes, beetroot and an earthy green sauce, it’s one you can share, but for the cost, why not just order your own.\u00a0 As our discussion waned, we decided to enjoy some Lemon Tart (AED25)\u00a0<\/em>al fresco.\u00a0 Split three ways, it was an excellent way to tie up the meal.\u00a0 We left feeling satisfied and excited to start telling everyone we knew<\/del> people about the restaurant.<\/p>\n

Is there room for improvement?\u00a0 Well, yes, of course.\u00a0 The only thing that would make this venue better is perhaps a bit more central location (honestly, what is Barsha South) and an alcohol license (add in a bottomless mimosa and I might still be there).<\/p>\n

Cabin does what so few restaurants in Dubai manage — a perfect\u00a0je ne<\/em>\u00a0sais quoi<\/em> of ambiance, food, and pricing — so rare in this town and therefore immediately recognizable.<\/p>\n

Would I go back?\u00a0 Yes.\u00a0 I can’t wait to see what the team comes up with next!\u00a0 With a seasonal menu that changes four times a year, there will always be something new to try.\u00a0 If I needed a place to meet up, or wanted to try working away of my office, this would also be a go-to destination.<\/p>\n

Highly recommended.<\/strong><\/p>\n

A to Za’atar was a guest of Cabin.\u00a0 Opinions are my own, just ask my husband.<\/em>
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