UAE

Maison Rouge: Fine-Dining with a Side of Cabaret

Last Thursday we were treated to a culinary and visual treat at newly opened Maison Rouge in Conrad Dubai. As the name suggests, the restaurant cum bar is luxuriously plush in vivid tones of red. Everything looks so theatrical even before the show begins!

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We arrived a little before 9, and were ushered in with peppy, upbeat tunes by the live DJ. A well-stocked open bar adds to the ambiance, and you can also get a glimpse of the open-fire kitchen where a lineup of international delicacies are assembled together. 

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Umair’s Peshawari Mutton Karhai Recipe

Last week we had an office barbecue party. The weather was perfect, and a day out with work-mates proved to be a great way to unwind after a long week.

Our colleague Umair Ahmad, who is the Finance Manager in our team, is an exceptional cook. He took charge of the menu of the day, and we enjoyed a smorgasbord of grilled delicacies including Masala Salmon, skewered kebabs that had the rustic aftertaste of charcoal, and a very delicious Peshawari Mutton Karhai.

This mutton dish was by far the highlight of the evening, and I coaxed Umair to share his special recipe with us. Do try it, its super easy and I’m sure it will soon become a favorite on your family table!

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Infinity Brunch at Shades (The Address, Dubai Marina)

Last Saturday, I was invited to try out the Infinity Brunch at The Address, Dubai Marina. Always on the run and all over the place, I graciously accepted without really doing a background check. I assumed that as it’s at The Address Marina, I could go all out ladylike in my new Vero Moda lacy black number, and top it off with shit-loads of bronzer.

And there I was, high-heeled and astute, till we got ushered into Shades, the restaurant where the Infinity Brunch takes place every Saturday from 2 pm onwards. Shades is a poolside restaurant. The place was flooded with sun worshipers in scantily-clad swimwear, and there I was all dressed up and made up.

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Chef Talk: A Chit-Chat With Legendary Chef Satish Arora

Indian cuisine arguably has an even stronger fan following across the globe than does the glitzy world of Bollywood. Butter Chicken has also been considered the national dish of the UK, and Indian Chefs today are enjoying celebrity status thanks to the reach of social media.

Well before the likes of Zee TV star Chef Sanjeev Kapoor and Master Chef stars Vikas Khanna and Kunal Kapoor, Chef Satish Arora took humble Indian dishes to fine-dining status. With a career expanding 50 years which was catapulted by his success as the world’s youngest Executive Chef of a five-star kitchen at a mere 26 years of age, he has been the inspiration for many in his industry, and has also been a role model for his kin.

I had the immense pleasure of meeting the legend in person at Mahec (Le Meridian, Airport Road Dubai) which he has recently taken over. Here is an except on Chef Arora’s trailblazing career, his undying passion for food, and advice for the next generation.

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Sugar Factory: So much more than desserts

There was a time I’d pass by the colorfully quirky facade of Sugar Factory and mistaken it to be a candy store. The rainbow of candy options are enough to make Willie Wonka go green with envy, and for my little girl to get a major sugar high with just one look.

And then I discovered their soulfully delicious Laksa. Very few menus in Dubai offer this coconut milk based noodle soup, and who would have thought an American chain (in the guise of a candy store) could do such a good job?

That was in their Dubai Festival City branch, and they have since opened up in La Mer Dubai. I was invited for a review there, and took it as a great opportunity to catch up with a friend.

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Chef Talk: Chef Sameer from Roti Rollers Recreates Indian Street Food for a Healthier Global Palate

Chef Sameer who is heading the kitchen and the overall operations of newly opened Roti Rollers, is a walking, talking encyclopedia on all things food. His insightful knowledge on the vast varieties of cuisines within India itself had us as awestruck as did the innovative dishes that came out of his kitchen.

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Chef Sameer

Here are snippets from our conversations with him. And look out for more blog posts with his insightful food gems, coming soon!

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The Art of Soap Making: Chit-Chatting with SoulPure Soap Founders Uttara Ramkumar and Nishi Bhuvandas

For the longest time I’ve come to believe that washing my face with soap is a big skincare no-no. Commercial soaps tend to be harsh on delicate facial skin, stripping it of precious oils.

However, I was recently introduced to the concept of hand-made soaps, free of nasty parabans and SLS, and loaded with skin-loving ingredients that are good enough even for tender baby skin. Just look at the gorgeous hamper I received from home-grown brand SoulPure Soaps!

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All Aboard Bateaux Dubai (Luxury Cruise Across the Dubai Creek)

The waters of Dubai Creek host a wide number of floating restaurants, the majority of which serve up buffets onboard gaudily decked up wooden dhows. Bateaux Dubai is a far cry from the norm. This glass-enclosed air conditioned luxury cruise, complete with a set gourmet menu and live entertainment, makes for a very memorable experience and it is therefore no surprise to learn that Batueax Dubai has been touted as one of the top 10 things to do in our city.

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Image taken from JAResortsHotels.com

 

My husband and I set aboard Bateaux Dubai last Friday. Docking time is between 7.45 to 8.15 pm, and the cruise sets asail at 8.30 pm sharp. 

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Ballaro Seafood Night (Conrad Hotel, Dubai)

Hooray its Thursday! The weekend is finally here. Looking for dining options tonight? If you are a true-blue seafood fan, I would highly recommend the Seafood Night at Ballaro, the Italian fine-dining restaurant at Conrad Hotel (Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai).

The expansive buffet has you covered with all things seafood, with a wide variety of world cuisines to boot. From sushi to fish & chips, they have something here for even the most discerning diner.

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Park Regis Boutique (Jumeirah’s Newest Hotel)

My family and I had the pleasure of spending a weekend at Jumeirah’s newest hotel this month. Trendy new Park Regis Boutique Hotel is quite a stark contrast from what we are used to in the UAE. No expansive lawns or swimming pools, no towering buildings or suited chauffeurs to usher in the traffic.

Instead, you have a trendy, Arabesque 2-storey building at a street corner that can easily be mistaken for yet another villa on the expansive street of Jumeirah Beach Road.

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