Citymax, the contemporary budget-friendly chain of hotels, is UAE’s answer to the stereotype that a vacation in this country is as expensive as the glitz and glamour that surrounds it.

For the longest time, we were under the impression that this was all that Citymax was; a hotel stay for the wallet-savvy, and not a destination for those of us who actually live here.

Being avid fans of Chinese and Thai cuisines, we are always on the lookout for new places to dine, and Sizzling Wok came up on our radar. Surprise, surprise, this restaurant has outlets in Citymax Bur Dubai and Citymax Sharjah.

sizzling wok citimax review

Situated by the scenic waterways of the Dubai Creek, Barjeel Al Arab offers a gastronomic look into the rich cultural heritage of an Emirati past.

Barjeel Al Arab is located in the Barjeel Heritage Guesthouse, a restored historical building that has now been converted into a guest house.

Barjeel Al Arab review

Tony Roma’s has built an empire on their signature ‘Baby Back Ribs’. Established over 40 years ago in 1972, Tony Roma opened a burger joint which soon gained a reputation after he added ribs on the menu. From there, it was no looking back.

Today Tony Roma’s has over 150 chains across 30 countries the world over, and has won a number of prestigious awards including the title of ‘The Best Ribs in America’. The original ribs continue to be served, but the menu has vastly expanded to include delectable steaks and seafood dishes.

One beautifully sunny afternoon, my little family and I decided to lunch at Tony Roma’s at Wasl Vita Mall. Read on about our experience.

tony roma's wasl vita mall dubai

Every Saturday from 7 pm onwards, the space before the entrance of Gharana (the Indian restaurant in Holiday Inn, Barsha – Dubai) is transformed into a quaint Indian bazaar. Saturdays bring in ‘Street Food Night’, an ode to the delicacies sold by street vendors across India.

We dined at Gharana last night, and were transported to an exotically colorful world of Indian cuisine and music, a heady mix reminiscent of novels by Jhabvala.

The interiors are styled to resemble a Mughul Emperor’s courtyard. Marbled arches, bejeweled seating, complete with a plush silver swing right at the entrance.

gharana dubai interiors swing

Fridays are the laziest days of the week in our household. We rise just before noon, brunch, watch some telly and fall into a deep siesta all over again. The idea of an evening brunch on a Friday therefore sounded very appealing to our rewired internal weekend clocks.

Latest Recipe at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi is open for buffet brunch from 7 pm to 10.30 pm every Friday. We were there last Friday, and are still recovering from the gastronomic overload.

latest recipe le meridien review restaurant interiors

Nando’s has long been a family favorite. We love our spicy food, and given its budget-friendly menu offerings, their flavorful fire-grilled chicken makes a far healthier alternative over regular junkfood. *Colonel Saunders heaves a heavy cholesterol-laden sigh*.

Last weekend, we drove up to Al Qasba, Sharjah and ended up having dinner at the Nando’s branch there.

nando's qanat al qasba sharjah review

Let them eat cake! – Marie Antoinette.

These infamous words by Marie Antoinette always fascinated the foodie in me. Being the Queen of France, surely she had the best of desserts at her disposal.

Enter Dalloyau, Dubai’s latest addition to the Parisian fine-dining scene, and my taste-buds were sent on a gastronomic journey into history dating back to the grandeur and royalty of Versailles.

So you didn’t win The Tezzy Files Valentines Day meal at Le Relais de l’entrecote, but don’t fret.

You can still book a table there and take advantage of their delicious Valentines Day deal.

Or choose from a plethora of tantalizing dinner-date venues. Living in Dubai, we really are spoilt for choice.

Valentines Day Dubai

Rashi Chowdhary is a firm believer of the age-old adage that you are what you eat.

The gorgeous nutritionist introduced us to The Protein Bakeshop and gave tips on healthy eating the last time she was here. Now she’s back with advice on how to eat your way into a more beautiful version of ‘you’.

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Craving a home-style Italian meal? I suggest you book a table at Romano’s Macaroni Grill.

Offering a trattoria (or casual dining) setting befitting of a memorable night out with friends and family, Romano’s Macaroni Grill has a line up of rustic Italian favorites including Lobster Ravioli, Cannelloni Bolognese and a very delicious Penne Rustica.

Dine at any of Romano Macaroni Grill’s six branches in the UAE (see their Facebook page for details), or try replicating their Penne Rustica at home.

Penne Rustica

Penne Rustica is a delicious medley of roasted chicken, shrimp, rosemary cream, prosciutto and parmesan.

Read on for the recipe by Romano’s Macaroni Grill: