The name says it all.... this food joint is a rebel in all sense of the word!

"Another burger joint!", one would say but this one believe me is SKIN DEEP.

I have not been to the area in awhile (which means a looooong time). Frankly speaking, I live quite a distance from it and there are so many foodie places in between, so when I received the invitation I thought, "it has to be a different experience", so different it was. I brought my two boys to the food tasting and it was very refreshing. 

Foodies like me sometimes get too caught up with our own complicated expectations. My kids, however, still love the basics. Sure they appreciate the adult palate and presentations but they do know good and tasty food when they bit on one. Burger Rebel had them the minute we entered the place until the time we left. 

The colourful sign, the hanging bicycle as a sort of art exhibit with its own story to be told and the corrugated steel for roofing used as a wall panel painted ala-DIY way. I had to think twice whether I'm entering an exhibit or a restaurant. It immediately hits you of how special it is.


*BTW if you have unused bikes which you would like to donate to be part of Burger Rebel installation, please let me know or contact them directly through their details below.

There I met Chef Adrian, a Mexican chap who's worked  all over Europe for so many years before giving the land of sunshine, desert and malls a chance. He gave us a little tour of the place and explained the reason behind the eccentric, playful and inviting décor that I and the boys just can't help but get curious and be so awesomely entertained. 

The graffiti were created by students from different Universities, the winner was from University of Wollongong in Dubai. 

I was so intrigued by each design trying to get into the artists' heads thinking what was going on in there when they were creating these pieces. What did they envision? Very curious indeed.

The interior exhibits gorgeous re-purposed furnitures,,, genius stroke a couple of times at Burger Rebel. Used banners, building metal I-beams, window louvers palettes, it's really something. Witnessing true commitment to preserving the environment, not just through their interior decoration but the whole place breathes around the concept of conservation. The iPad instead of printed menu, recycled take-away bags, the Naked Bar (because it's kept organically designed)... it's very inspiring. Makes me want to look at Pinterest and see other ways to re-purpose throw away items.

We sat down and gawked and drooled over their menu. Of course my boys checked their dessert's list first... and also checked if there's an internet connection in those iPad beauties. 

I wanted to taste all but given my current throat situation, I know I couldn't really munch much without tearing up so I have decided to focus on sliders. To be honest... they have amazing sliders selections. Throat pain or now, I will not let anything ruin a foodie treat with my kids. 

I ordered for myself dishes that I will probably not find in the usual burger places. Ceviche, Duck Confit and Burger Rebel Sliders, not to mention Beetroot Chips. My boys chose Burger Club with extra serving of chips. 

For drinks, I took the usual soda, my youngest went for the ever undying Vanilla Smoothie while my oldest opted for fresh juice. 

We were delightfully informed that everything was home-made, from the buns up to the tomato ketchup in the bottle.  We felt super special.

Oh we are coming back! 

It's a distance but it's not Abu Dhabi. I like the Ceviche although a bit soupy. The mango bits made the flavour rounder. In between citrus bites were kick of spice and a soothing tart sweetness.

Beetroot crisps were fun. Salty, sweet, dunk it in their home made mayo and ketchup and you're set to finish it all off! I'd prolly buy more next time, to-go. I can see myself just polishing the whole packet off while watching telly. I'm sure there are beetroot crisps in packets from supermarkets but home-made fresh ones are of a different level altogether. Yumminess through and through! 

My best bites were spent on Duck Confit Sliders which I love sooo very much. My youngest ended up eating some of my sliders as it was just darn soft and tasty. I really enjoyed it. I am the type who would buy those duck confit spread from supermarkets and slather it on crackers and just sit in one corner and eat at my leisure until I feel stuffed to last me a lifetime. 

I still have to taste their other dishes the next time I visit but definitely Duck Confit and Beetroot chips will be a staple.

My oldest boy ate everything in his plate! He said he loved everything. Sure I have to cut the whole Club into pieces as the bread, being home-made, doesn't hold quite well, but I couldn't care less,,, my boy finished off a man-burger all by himself!

He even had a bite of my Burger Rebel Slider (how awesome is he?). I thought he'll be squeamish as it is beef tongue, even I had to prepare myself mentally, I was a beef tongue virgin eater, he took it on a stride. He said, "mom, why wouldn't people eat it? It's still part of the beef, what's the difference between that and tenderloin or rib-eye part",,, hmmm the boy has a point.  

If I didn't know it was tongue, I wouldn't have guessed it... it was so tender that I felt more pain (bad case of throat condition) eating some of my boy's club burger than the sliders

I personally look forward to hearing more of Burger Rebel and it's wonderful mission to get the community (youth in particular) involved in meaningful activities such as arts, exhibits and competitions.

This is my second post about Oushe... they are indeed one of my fave but mostly because they offer something no one should ever, ever, ever miss.

Moist Fruit Cake, Festive Legendaries and Gingerbread cookies for everyone to decorate... now tell me that's not enticing enough!

It's like moist Turkey, this was my first fruit cake that I didn't hate... it definitely was not dry, hard as rock and it didn't have alcohol! It was just a glorious piece of art and love from Reem to everyone.

Festive Legendaries which I hope will be a staple, served me from insanity couple of times. Just a pop of it made me literally happy and so I must drop by and get my supply before crazy meeeh appears again. That and hot coffee... aahhhh feet up, relax and enjoy the flavour.

I and my kids enjoyed decorating our gingerbread cookies.... I have never attempted to make one and  so it was the first for me and the kids... such fun! I tell you if you have kids, nephews, neighbors (which all of us has)... you must buy them in boxes!

It's the 23rd.... go run to Oushe or call them quick!

Surprisingly I'm not really a chocoholics. I'd like to eat and enjoy a bar or two once in awhile but because I bake a lot for my little family... chocolate as it is isn't that a big deal for me. But when it's incorporated in cookies or... like the Chocolate Presentation that was held at Novotel... in drinks? 

I AM IN!

We got the recipes of all the drinks but unforch it's not to be shared... it's like our chocolatey sticky secret... enjoy the photos though. Will upload one vids (out of the many) just to tease you more and show you how the magic happens :) 

Of course we won't be allowed to leave without our goodie bags and I got these yumminess... thoroughly enjoyed Chocolate Coated Almond and the Milk Chocolate with fleur de sel which amazingly melts oozingly when required... ;) 

One thing I enjoyed the most with Monbana is the pretty awesome prices they have. I actually thought they'll be expensive but yey for chocoholics,,, they're not!

You can have your own Monbana treats delivered to wherever you are for a small fee... free delivery for orders AED 150 and above. 

Go to CLICK CUISINE for all your gourmet ingredient cravings!

Let me start this mildly, I am jealous, again JEALOUS of tourists who have an excuse to stay at Jumeirah Creekside Hotel which screams of Jumeirah opulence. From the cherry blossoms in the lobby, art pieces (more than four hundred of them all over the hotel apparently) I saw, the décor, the lay-out and most importantly, the nightlife they offer. Hard not to appreciate the grandiose gesture. I hear a strumming of Hotel California in my head... ♫ you can check-out anytime you like, but you can never leave" ... ♫ obviously not in that creepy way but you get my drift. You really have to hang-out there to understand the standard they set. 

I love Jumeirah but I think their Creekside Hotel has that home-away-from-home feel because of its more intimate size. You get the luxury of the big brother's facilities because you have access to them yet you get to keep the light environment. It's chic met traveler at home.

Now to the nightlife's launch... how awesome is the concept of inviting more than five hundred guests, media, bloggers, hotel execs and let them roam around and try everything to their heart's content? I say, pretty awesomelicously chic! I couldn't even believe but it hit me pretty quick. I smelled the aroma and saw beautiful people roaming around. It has to be THE PLACE.

Arriving at JCH, a tall and proud art piece will greet you. At night it's brightly lit with a muffled sound of water welcoming you.  On the nightlife launch, the water was accompanied by a blasting party music that doubled my excitement. It's like opening a present but this time, the present is encased in a huge glorious architecture called Jumeirah Creekside Hotel.

I was mesmerized by the flying carpet on the wall and the cherry blossoms!!! Love, love, love, love it! It doesn't hurt that I have a very close affinity to anything pink

Guests were welcomed by gorgeous ushers holding signs to the destinations of the night! Nomad, Blue Flame and Cu-ba. Of course I head straight to the nearest one... I can no longer contain my curiosity.

Nomad, is a Puccini designed restaurant which has four diverse dining experience: Asian Pool Grill, Asian Tapas Wine Bar, 24-H New York Style Deli, or ala carte / buffet dining. Asian Pool Grill is fab with it's modern take on bonfire at night and just a few steps away from the hotel pool. I can imagine it making loungers happy as a bee with their amazing treats at daytime. Not too far away is the other side of the pool with it's own cabanas, an extension to the enclosed Bar which on that particular night was serenaded by a wonderful Sax player.

(*For mom's like me... I'm happy to report that they are looking into movie nights by the pool, events for kids and prolly some romantic ones too! Watch this space!)

I tried Duck Burger at Asian Pool Grill and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. I was so ready to write it off since I am a huge fun of Peking Duck and how much integrity it retains. Well, there are times like this one when I got it wrong. It was delicious and I won't mind having the regular size one.

There were also Beef Ribs which I heard were yum and tender, two good things you know you want in a meat. I saw it, it waved at me and was jumping up and down "pick me, you know you want to!". Heartbreaking to report that I did not give in. I had to eat smart otherwise I will not be able to survive the night.  The whole hotel was flowing with food and drinks and it's a matter of trusting your companions to tell you the awful truth. It's a joyous yet scary thought too that I'll be eating and drinking and merry making until 1 in the morning when we started at 7PM

The Edamame Tempura that was sitting next to the ribs were however, a very curious thing. I think it confused some of the diners because it was presented as a tempura which to be honest was not necessary if not a blunder. I know of edamame tempura but they're out of the pods so they're like popcorn balls, edible all throughout. But Some diners mistook the pod as edible and as far as I know it is inedible regardless of the method you cook it with. Unless of course I'm wrong again which I will appreciate a correction.

Next in the list of to-taste was the Polynesian Roasted Chicken and Singapore Noodle. The Roasted Chicken was okay but not a big fan of the Singapore Noodle. I found it too salty and spicy for my liking... but then again, I have not really had a Singapore Noodle that I liked, it just seems like the kind of dish that I will not personally order. Lucky for me, there are so many dishes to choose from, from the fusion and not, a sushi bar ready to create something delectable, the place was just buzzing with happy guests. The place sounded like the floor of Wall Street Stock Exchange.

As we move on to the next stop, we passed by a much quieter area by the entrance. It was the lounge next to Nomad's bar and I could see pockets of cherry blossoms inside the bar. Pretty happening place. 

The lounge is probably more like my place. There were shelves filled with cooking books, bottles of gourmet oils, herbs and other equally interesting treats for the cook in all of us. I can seat there and have coffee and admire the buzz and the view but I had to get moving if I want to complete my JCH nightlife experience.

Blue Flame, Grand Grill and Restaurant is on the mezzanine floor. For that night alone, the fine dining section of the restaurant was almost emptied to give way to the DJ's apparatus and some more leg room for the fabulous crowd who were really dressed to the nines. I was starting to think I was a midget in the midst of all these runway models. 

The have a display screen which I totally dig. It projects an illusion of the sea view and the underwater which speaking of ambiance, next to it is the oyster bar. If you are into oysters, then the smoked oysters is a must to try. Why? I had a foodie pal with me who had a second helping, perhaps third, not too sure but also because it took me ages to get a clear shot of the bar. People just won't leave! I almost wanted to yell, "people this is a tasting event, don't hug the bar!" but it was indeed entertaining seeing how much everyone love the food.

I have to confess I didn't try it because I'm not accustomed to the taste and texture of oysters. A short deets about me? I had an extreme allergic reaction to seafood as a kid and have been working my way back into appreciating what the sea offer. So far, I managed to reach crabs and mussels but have not reached the comfort level with oysters just yet. Such a shame since I practically grew up in a place known for uh-maze-balls seafood.

Anywho, what I tried was their delectable grilled beef. That, was my heaven for the night. They served it in taster sizes but I saw a guy balancing 4 or five taster plates which is either greedily going to be consumed by him or for his friends. All I knew was that it took me some weaving through to get to the point where I can reach a plate. It's like a fort that the meat lovers were guarding. 

*you see how Julie's husband was stuffing his face with this scrumptious dish... imagine him lost in Blue Flame's beef...

The other bonus I enjoyed was the various mustards they have on offer. You name the flavour and they have it. It was like a parade of highlighters that sure add to the experience without clouding that meaty greatness the beef offered. Of course they have other condiments but I'm all about the mustards. Ever since I discovered it, I never enjoyed beef without it and I certainly appreciate a restaurant that understands how monumental mustard's role is. (Okay, got carried away a bit)

Drinks, I'm a red wine kind of gal and I got to taste their house wine. Well, a house wine is a house wine, it's not a bad one but it's better than the wine I ordered from the wine-list of a not-to-be named hotel. Obviously, if you will be enjoying a mighty good piece of meat, you should order a really good wine and from their wine list, they have some pretty nice ones that they will recommend.

As if I've seen it all, right smack in the middle of Blue Flame is a somewhat futuristic looking room which I will only assume is were the cooking classes are held. I didn't have the chance to take a picture of it because the place was just choc-a-bloc.

Up we go to the rooftop. CU-BA! I have not been to the country though I plan to. For now, JCH's rooftop venue is a pretty great place to be. Beautiful lap pool, panoramic view of the city and beyond, a choice to hang out in the lounge or chill out under the moon in the cabanas and enjoy the weather. Either way you get to enjoy the rockin' beats by DJ Jodie Lee, Cu-ba's very own rockin' resident DJ.

Posh setting befits posh guests. Cu-ba is not short of great things, they also offer large cigars and infused rums, so for the cigar and rum lovers? it's the place to be. As for the rest of us? Everything that is on offer in Cu-ba is too good to resist!

The night ended on a very high note and we went back to Nomad's Asian Pool Grill to soak up the now jam packed area and talk more about food and the awesome night we had. 

It was a fabulous night, one which I wish my husband was well enough to have enjoyed it with me. I felt so guilty coming home past midnight waaaay too happy. I spared him most of the details but now after reading this? He might sulk a li'l bit for missing out :(

If you are coming to Dubai, I do hope you stay in Jumeirah Creekside Hotel. You will not be disappointed to get the best of both worlds. You are close to the airport and are probably 50 steps away from the Irish Village and Century Village which also happens to be the home of ever popular and talked about Dubai Tennis Championship. If you are into golf, you can practically have it as your view because right across the hotel is the view of Dubai Creek, Gold and Yacht club, of course getting there is a totally different discussion but if you can see it, it's closeby. 

The hotel is right smack in the middle of city center strategically located along Garhoud street, which is  the least crowded area in city center. As guests, you have the option to enjoy the ocean which Jumeirah group boasts off but with the intimate setting this hotel offers.

As for Dubaians and fellow UAE residents, we don't need an excuse to enjoy a fabulous night or a lovely meal (do I hear DATE NIGHT?!), don't take my word for it... head down there and have fun!

-AcousticChef, cookin' one tune at a time!

Know more about what JCH offers by visiting their website. They offer three more restaurants (which they hid from me): Biscotti, Crimson Gallery and Plumeria. Sample menus are available to dream about, be warned, you will be hungry. Please don't hurt me if you do. 

For more details
Jumeirah Creekside Hotel's website

I am a great food lover. Creating, eating and even just looking at food makes me appreciate life and it's delicious glory. 

I have been a hermit lately, spreading my wings as a social butterfly in cyberworld alone, but now and again, I go out and mingle with real people, only if it has anything to do with my fave past time, food. Albeit socially awkward in real life (no one notices, somehow), food always manages to calm my nerves.

I am all for new food joints, even got invites from some of them, though sadly missed some. I love it. I love it! I love it. I think the more foodie place options, the better for the world. Let's make food, not war! So delighted is an understatement when I was invited to try out a new gourmet shop in town.

After a fantastic treat, I think Oushé is not just an exception but an example of real passion for food. I sense that this place was opened to tantalize taste buds and surprise you with combinations of ingredients you didn't think will work. Seems like it was opened to have that sheer pleasure of knowing they made someone happy just by putting that small teeny tiny bit of concoction into someone else's mouth. Happiness from eating a really tasty dish has more value to me than the pleasure of purchasing the "it" fashion trend. It might just be me but that's how I regard food and that's what I like about this new place in town. 

Coming to Oushé's pre-tasting shindig made me give up my hermit-induced solitude and must  I say, I have no regrets. I felt the hard work, attention to detail and the passion for food put nicely together by Reem (the brain and may I add, the heart behind the biz). She didn't go with "what's the usual or what's popular?". She went with, "what taste she enjoys? what she likes to eat? how does she want her dishes presented".

When I came into the shop, my eyes scanned the whole place and saw the sampler's in detail even before Reem welcomed me to her bakeshop. She's just the right person to own a foodie joint, she's warm and personal... I know because I have an allergy for awkward hi's and hello's. She felt like someone I knew before and that normally means, this business is not some branch of a well known food chain. She's not welcomed me the way a cold bottom-line-worrier entrepreneur does. She welcomed me the way one welcomes a family to one's home. This business is close to her heart, more than one can imagine. That attitude not just get attention from the usual Johns and Janes of this fabulous place but it also retains customers... loyalty and support goes hand and hand for a business to work.  

She didn't tell me any of those of course, but I saw it and tasted it in the dishes I tucked into last night. Her personality is everywhere. From the bakeshop's minimalist décor, letting the food be the star while staying functional... to the food that has secret infusions of Reem's own discoveries which makes it work. She didn't reinvent the wheel altogether, let's just say, she pimped the wheel to put it mildly.

And so the tasting journey began, straight to sweets. Yes, that's wrong, I should go for sandwiches and salads first like a normal person would but I'm far from normal and so my main course? Desserts.

Anyone watching me last night would have notice I was having a very good conversation in my head. Anyone else inviting me for tasting must warn other guests that I'm a food loony. Every flavour and every texture is a beautiful chaos in my head waiting to be untangled. That's just how it is.

My first victim was The Legendary. That's what their brownies are called. It tasted not very far from the name. I was baffled though because the one "without nuts" felt like it had! Trickery I tell you... trickery... they were just the right amount of sweetness with the right amount of chocolate... I didn't run to the bev's section because I didn't need to. Everything were in unison. I knew then that I have to buy some for home so I can enjoy The Legendary flavour with my boys.

Some more photos of these babies just for good measure that you understand how happy I was to be there...

Next stop were the sandwiches and salads... I'll try to describe it as close to the taste as possible. Even the camera failed to capture how great they all tasted!

Bresaola Rocket Salad ... my very first and I tell you... my affinity with Carpaccio was shaken by their bresaola. I took it with apprehension because I know Bresaola are cooked and thought it'll be tough and salty. It wasn't! I dipped it into their special sauce and took another one just in case I'm mistaken... really fresh tasting and rocket leaves are becoming more and more my go-to leafy for almost anything possible. Their Bresaola we delicate to my pleasant surprise.

They also have Feta, Watermelon and Rocket salad which I didn't get the chance to photograph before eating. It is an upgrade to the usual feta and salad combination. I think the combination will be a hit or miss for some... it was a hit for me so I'm quite happy with it.

Next important bite was the Lime, coriander and chicken salad... beautiful texture with even a surprise appearance of pumpkin seeds if I'm not mistaken. Tender chicken, crunchy seed and greens drizzled with fresh lime infused dressing. I doubt I can replicate that at home... definitely coming back for it soon.

I tasted the cheese and chutney sandwich combination too and enjoyed them. I'd say chutney was the star of the dish. It's a marriage of subtle flavours. Simple sometimes work. It doesn't hurt that the bread with flecks of seed complete the texture in every bite.

Appetite still on the go, I moved on to the Chicken curry wrap. I was a little scared to say the least. I'm not a big fan of curry but tried it anyway. It was tasty and filling. Anyone who'll say it was heavy definitely isn't looking for a sandwich. I think if I'm grabbing a sandwich for a meal, I want it to be tasty and filling the way their chicken curry wrap does. It felt like comfort food to me. Creamy with a tinge of curry spice in a really soft bread, yum! This wrap has characters hard to put in words.

Even the beverages on offer were highly interesting. The most hit was the homemade lemonade which if I give to my husband, the biggest fan of lemonade will yelp... SORCERY! It was infused with orange blossoms... really good.

Green tea with lavender was a different story to some. I eavesdropped, a lot and I apologize but that's what I do when I come for tasting. I listen and try to see it through someone else's point of view. Some didn't like this drink maybe because they are not accustomed to the flowery essence included into something they'll eat or drink but I think this drink is beautiful. It smelled pretty and tasted healthy... I wish there's another way of describing it without sounding like I'm describing a perfume but lavender has a subtle flavour that doesn't really overpower food or drink flavours... my appetite was not dampen at all.

If there's one thing that I think should be improved in both drinks... serve it ice cold. Just imagining it in a glass with beads of condensation on the side, sipping its cold freshness... perfection I say!

I, of course tried the mini quiches. I love quiche and personally haven't made them myself. I love smoked salmon and so dove into it first... it tasted good but seemed like smoked salmon was lost in the tasty pastry. I'll prolly try the smoked salmon quiche again, the normal size and give it another shot... have a feeling the normal size will have the smoky flavour I so love. Will keep you posted!

I tried the Leek, Corn and Mascarpone next and fell in love with it! The sweet tasting corn definitely owns this dish. Leek and mascarpone complemented the star beautifully.

Then my fave pit stop, Apples on apples. A deconstructed apple pie was the last sample that I munched on. I love baking apple pie and love experimenting with everything similar to it and apples on apples? It's morish. I actually sat on the ledge next to it so it can be easier for me to grab some more. I love it. Ideas were exploding in my head on every bite.

I think to sum up my tasteful (literally) journey last night... it was indeed a pleasure. All I can say to Reem is mucho gusto and see you soon! I am definitely coming back, prolly with kiddos tagging along.

She's done well opening a bakeshop that feels so warm and friendly, far from the cold giants out there, indeed an accomplishment for the neighborhood food joint.

Here are some more photos I took last night ... enjoy and don't forget to visit Oushé, our neighborhood Gourmet Bakeshop.

www.oushe.com
04 - 3850011
Check out their menu and find more treats on offer! ONLINE MENU

Curious about what I WORE TODAY? http://wiwt.com/user/AcousticChef/43415/