In Hiroshima, the city devastated by the first nuclear bomb, the biopic's Academy Awards success met a mixed reaction
Sweet nothings: Caramel, DIFC, has a special menu to tempt you
Regular readers know my predilection for Caramel. It is one of those places you only have to visit once to understand why it is so popular. At first, you may look at the regular menu and not see the correlation with the number of full tables around you. However, one order of Buffalo wings and you’ll instantly recognise why this is the case.
Expectations were therefore incredibly high when I was asked to preview the Valentine’s Day menu, available from now until February 14.
Dhs399 for three-courses including a glass of rose bubbly isn’t bad for the ‘most romantic night of the year.’ Especially when you consider the restaurant’s calibre.
The Valentine’s Day menu offers patrons a choice of first course with appetisers such as layered shrimp and avocado salad with louise sauce or heirloom tomato mozzarella salad with balsamic glaze. The second course is a choice of three mains: the pan seared fresh sea bream with creamed leek and fennel orange salad, black truffle pappardelle in cream sauce and Parmesan or CAB beef tenderloin with parsnip puree and braised potatoes.
For dessert, you have a choice of chocolate lava cake with a liquid raspberry centre and sorbet or the raspberry cheesecake with a raspberry coulis.
That’s the entire menu in a nutshell. First off, the bad news. Sampling both starters, it was felt they could have been significantly better. It’s not that they were bad and, as stated expectations may have been too high, but the two dishes just fell a little flat. There wasn’t enough flavour in either and the ingredients weren’t particularly impressive.
However, we were not to be disheartened and were rewarded when the mains came out. The black truffle pappardelle was good, but the tenderloin was excellent. A succulent cut of beef accompanied by a delicious parsnip puree was just the ticket.
The desserts were also a triumph, delivering exactly the sweet after notes desired after such a meal.
Guests have the option of dining al fresco on the new dining terrace this Valentines Day.
Call: 04 425 6677
Thai do
Pachaylen, Anantara Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi
Enjoy a Thai feast at Eastern Mangroves Hotel’s Pachaylen. Delight that special someone with a degustation menu with perfectly paired beverages.
Dhs600 per person, including soft beverages.
Call: 02 656 1000
Turkish delight
Lalezar, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Dubai
An authentic culinary journey awaits as you explore an array of Turkish cuisine complemented by cellared beverages from the hills of Antalaya, traditional Samovar-brewed tea and Turkish coffee during a Valentine’s menu at Dhs900 per couple.
Call: 04 453 0444
Love lifts you up
Level 43, Sky Lounge, Four Points by Sheraton, SZR, Dubai
With a panoramic 360-degree view, Level 43 takes romance to another level by treating couples to oysters, bubbly, a canapé sharing platter followed by an exclusive salsa dancing experience for Dhs350 per couple.
Call: 04 316 9888
Don form
Don Alfonso, Shangri-la Hotel, Dubai
Celebrity Chef Alfonso and his culinary team have concocted a menu twisted with special ingredients to tantalise your inner senses for a unique Valentine in style for Dhs995 per couple.
Call: 04 355 1591
Delph in
Delphine, The H Dubai
Enjoy a special menu for Dhs590 per couple with a four-course dinner and Valentines mocktails or Dhs990 with a bottle of bubbly and gift for the ladies.
Call: 04 501 8623
Choose well
Choices, Al Bustan Rotana, Dubai
Impress your loved one with a special Seafood Night amid romantic ambience starting from Dhs299 per person.
Call: 04 282 0000.
Spice things up
Zafran , Dubai Marina Mall
Zafran’s terrace, with a beautiful view of the Marina, provides a romantic setting with the three-course meal of Indian specialities for Dhs299 per couple.
Call: 04 399 7357
Ivy league
The Ivy, Emirates Towers, Dubai
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at The Ivy with a choice of a seven-course degustation menu or a three- course full dinner from Dhs499.
Call: 04 319 8767
All in favour say Iris
Iris, The Oberoi, Dubai
With ‘red’ being the colour of the moment, ladies will receive complimentary ruby-red Cool Shower cocktails from 9 to 11PM, courtesy of the mixologists.
Call: 05 695 11442
Maison is where the heart is
This Valentine’s surprise your better half with mouthwatering menus that include a savoury main course and sensual side dishes for Dhs399 per couple.Maison Lounge - DAMAC Maison, Dubai Mall Street
Call: 04 2700700
Standing ovation
Pergolas, Al Murooj Rotana, Dubai
Enjoy International Night featuring a lavish buffet starting at Dhs300 per person.
Call: 04 321 1111
david@khaleejtimes.com
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