Perfectly paired to unlock your tastebuds

When was the last time you had a meal that made your spirits soar? The Bombay Brasserie at Taj Dubai has something that does that, and with aplomb. Their new four-course menu consists of a delectable take on classical and contemporary dishes paired with a selection of beverages.
Convincing someone to accompany you for dinner on a Thursday night can get difficult, that too on short notice. The weekend was just kicking off and any 'available' dining partner had already made plans to celebrate their time off from work. But who would want to give fine dining a miss? And we did manage to find a dining partner to join us for this experience!  
So, after a busy work day, we headed out for the pairing meal. And what started out as an early (we were there before the clock struck 9), quick bite, ended up in hours of revelations as the conversation over food and drinks got more and more absorbing with the chef, who filled us in on details and facts on pairing.   
The experience involves a number of tiny bites, accompanied by beverages paired with each dish. Before commencing on our 'guided tour' through four solid courses of flavours, spices and exotic Asian dishes, Executive Chef Jitin Joshi played the perfect host and kept us engaged as he explained to us the finer points of the menu.
Chef Joshi came across more a science geek than someone whose expertise revolves only around the best cuts of beef in-house or other  food related topics as he spoke extensively, and in detail about how pairing was done.
The set menu started with Amuse Bouche. The platter featured four bite-sized ingredients, a combination of fruits and veggies, paired with spices and a beverage: a piece of pineapple with thyme, apple with crushed cardamom, watermelon with a rose petal and cucumber with powdered cumin. Each  combination fired up our taste buds with its diverse flavours.
For starters we were served Khurmani Ki Tikki - Apricot -filled spicy Asian potato cake served with apple yoghurt on the side. Mumbaiites and Delhiites must surely be familiar with the potato cake (known as tikki, and patties in Mumbai) which is relished by thousands on the streets of metropolises in India, and even Asian snack joints in Dubai. We were impressed with how well the soft, spongy cakes went with the apple yoghurt.
Next up was Sea bass fillet in a coriander marinade, wrapped in banana leaves and grilled.This is a favourite with Mumbai's Parsi community and is popularly known in the city as Patrani Machchi (meaning leaves  and fish). The fish was as fresh as the sea and the coriander chutney gave the fish a unique spicy, tangy flavour. Surely the winner for us on the night and deserving a repeat order.
The fish dish was followed by Organic Chicken Breast coated with a mild curry sauce spiked with the sweetness of cinnamon and cardamom. Done well, the chicken was juicy and the sauce (made from the juices of the chicken) enhanced the flavour of the crisply done chicken skin. The pairing menu ended with an assortment of chocolate-based desserts, though we would have preferred the evening to have signed off with a classical Asian sweet.
With its unique take on classical and modern dishes, the Bombay Brassiere's offering is a deal worth considering... for a 'perfect' Thursday eat out !
michael@khaleejtimes.com

• Food and Dining