If food be the food of love...

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If food be the food of love...

Music is all well and good, but we’re here to show you the true route to a person’s heart – through their stomach

By David Light (senior Reporter)

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Published: Wed 11 Feb 2015, 9:59 PM

Last updated: Thu 25 Jun 2015, 7:27 PM

Sweet nothings: Caramel, DIFC, has a special menu to tempt you

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

Level 43, Sky Lounge, Four Points by  Sheraton, SZR, Dubai 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 inDelphine, The H Dubai

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 

Iris, The Oberoi, DubaiAll 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

If food be the food of love...

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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