With the weekend finally here, it’s time to make some plans, and what better way to spend your short respite from work than trying these five delectable offerings from Dubai’s famous culinary scene? Whether you are in the mood for Italian delicacies or an elegant afternoon tea that reminds you of hazy summer days in the South of France, Dubai has something for everyone.
Shai Salon
Photo: Courtesy of Shai Salon
The Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach is exalting summer days with a newly launched afternoon tea at Shai Salon. Nicolas Lambert, the senior executive pastry chef at the property, has crafted an exquisite menu inspired by idyllic summers spent in the South of France. Drawing upon nostalgic moments from his childhood in les Vosges, chef Lambert created an afternoon tea concept that is summery, light, and brimming with Mediterranean flavors. With an emphasis on freshness and fruitiness, Shai Salon brings delicacies such as the raspberry and tarragon tart or the pistachio and yuzu flower which offers an Arabic and Asian twist. Elsewhere, the Strawberry and Vanilla Lifebuoy presents a tantalizing combination of fresh strawberries, almonds, and Schar bread. A collection of savory bites including smoked salmon mousse, smoked chicken tartlet with sundried tomato cream cheese, orange zest, and kumquat, perfectly complement the plethora of sweet treats on the table.
Mina Brasserie
Photo: Courtesy of Mina Brasserie
For a scrumptious weekend breakfast, look no further than Mina Brasserie in DIFC. A newly launched breakfast experience curated by award-winning celebrity chef Michael Mina has now arrived at the charming brasserie. The chef has ensured the most important meal of the day is well taken care of with an array of tantalizing specials. From a full English breakfast featuring a generous portion of perfectly cooked eggs, golden hashbrowns, sizzling turkey bacon, and baked beans to the Middle Eastern breakfast presenting labneh, hummus, and shakshouka, all palettes are kept in mind. Other classic options include avocado toast, acai bowl, and more while sweet carvings are satisfied by a range of irresistible options – brioche french toast, fluffy pancakes, and so much more. Guests can savor this exceptional breakfast experience from 7:00am to 11:00am on weekends, with the menu available à la carte.
Monno Ristorante
Photo: Courtesy of Monno Ristorante
Monno Ristorante has added a selection of fresh flavors inspired by coastal Italian summers to its artisanal menu, ensuring that summer in Dubai feels just a little closer to your European vacation. Italian head chef Federico Bartoli and his team have curated a selection of delights from the Mediterranean and Atlantic taking diners on a journey to Italy’s seafood-abundant shores. The dining experience begins with delectable antipasti dishes including Italian shrimp panzanella salad with tomatoes, basil, and chili caviar, there’s also ‘la tana del polpo’ – slow-cooked octopus served with potato cream and seaweed tapioca cracker. From there, the culinary journey moves towards the main event. Imagine delectable offerings such as a Mediterranean seabass dish served with spinach sponge cake and a beurre blanc drizzle or lamb roll with provolone cheese, smoked pancetta, Roman artichoke, and fermented lemon. Then, there are the quintessentially Italian pizzas and pasta crafted from dough made in-house and shaped by hand. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with the Black Mirror – a dark chocolate mousse with raspberry, Sicily made from Sicilian pistachio and white chocolate, and the Rocher with caramel chocolate and gianduia.
Chic Nonna
Photo: Courtesy of Chic Nonna
“There’s no place like home,” invites Chic Nonna, awaiting you in the heart of DIFC. Step into an open-plan kitchen that evokes the nostalgic atmosphere of Dolce Vita, as recipes remind of grandma’s lovingly cooked meals. Delight in the Stuffed Quail, tenderly roasted and filled with delectable chicken liver paté, resting on a bed of creamy mashed potato and adorned with delicate black truffle shavings. Alternatively, savor the signature dish of executive chef Vito Mollica – the Cavatelli Cacio e Pepe, a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave you longing for more. Let your tastebuds reminisce the Torta della Nonna, a heartwarming tart, filled with luscious custard and adorned with fragrant pine nuts, candied lemons, and a dollop of homemade ice cream, that will transport you to a place of sweet nostalgia.
Ida Bakery & Bistro
Photo: IDA Bakery & Bistro
Ida Bakery & Bistro might still be the newest addition to the neighborhood but is most definitely serving the classics to your plates. Tucked away in Downtown Dubai, Ida invites you to start your morning the right way with their new breakfast menu. It might be its hearty Reyoog Plate, an English Breakfast-style meal with Ida’s own twists with Avocado & Spicy Labneh toast topped with poached eggs, that would encourage your first visit. However, it will be Ida’s emphasis on consuming clean, unprocessed, feel-good food that will keep you coming back for more. From specializing in the finest sourdough bread to Ida’s homemade butter and jams, the bakery and bistro will certainly find itself on your list of favorites.
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