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

My birthday last year. That's the first time I dine in at Ruth's Chris Steak House. It's at the H Hotel, formerly known as Monarch. T'was a memorable night.

We ordered sumptious steaks that still makes me smack my lips in joy. Really superb dinner on which my husband got us a bottle of vino which is off the wine list and which price I'll never know and don't want to know. A grand gesture that included a gorgeous suite upstairs, booked for the weekend.

So yes, when I got invited to join other fooderatis for a food taste at Ruth's Chris Steak House new Lunch Menu at The H Hotel? I did not do a leap and a hop to say yes! I definitely did not! I did better... a Chandler happy dance.... I was without a doubt thrilled.

So dancing away, I was the first to arrive at the H hotel, gave my car to the valet and off I go. Easy peasy. Ruth's Chris Steak House is so easy to find even with your eyes close, just follow the wafting smell of juicy steak...hmmmm

Reaching the steak house, I was shown to the bar / lounge while waiting for the rest of the group. Ruth's dining area could be choc-a-bloc at night, a nice drink and a lovely chat while waiting for your table is a good way to calm hungry diners.

For this tasting however, it's not as crowded and I was able to take clear shots of Ruth's. I love the high back seats, lots of privacy. I also love the dramatic lighting (though challenging to photo shoots) even during the day and the beautiful display of wine.

Didn't take long before the lunch menu arrived. A mouthwatering selection of well thought dishes perfect for both corporate lunches, quick meetings with friends or just an excuse to eat something delectable.

There are nine dishes on offer in Starters Soups and Salads and so I digged in to a few of them. Stuffed Mushrooms is one of my fave. It is broiled mushroom caps with jumbo lump crab stuffing sprinkled with Romano cheese. How did it taste? Exactly how it was extravagantly described, orchestra of top quality ingredients.

Another starter that made it to my favourite list is the Pink Pepper Corn and Sesame Crusted Ahi-Tuna. It was my first time to eat Ahi-Tuna and I was not sure if I will like it. It's seared and crusted and served with saffron mayonnaise and a fresh cucumber salad. Let me put it mildly, I took my first bite and I saw angels dancing gangnam style. I am fo sho coming back to have a whole plate of them Ahi-Tuna.

I also had a bowl of seafood soup thickened with okra and topped with little scoop of rice called Louisiana Seafood Gumbo. It's the kind of soup one will enjoy having on rainy days or on cold months. 

Two dishes that I took a pass were Chilled Gazpacho with Blackened Shrimp served with guacamole, and creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip served with garlic rounds. They look absolutely beautiful but had to eat smart if I want to last the day.

*Other dishes to choose were Calamari, Arugula Chicken Salad, Crispy Tomato Salad and Chicken Wings

For the main course, I chose something unexpected from a steak house. I always think it's foolish to order anything else other than the house specials but in this case, I decided to take a gamble. If they are brave enough to offer this along side their super star dishes, then I'll be risky enough to give it a try. 

I ordered, Grilled Cajun Gamba's. It's grilled jumbo prawns served with fresh sweet and sour homemade coleslaw and garlic aioli. I'm glad I took the risk. Shrimps tasted fresh, plump and juicy... if it was pasta I'd say it was al dente. It's cooked but it still has that nice bite in it and the Cajun flavor was not overpowering at all. It was a hint of spice that complements the sweet and sour crunchy coleslaw and creamy aioli. It's the third in my fave list.

Braised Short Rib, a slowly cooked short rib served with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted bell peppers and onions and drizzled with gravy, certainly, definitely, without a doubt looked appetizing ... but I didn't want to risk my dessert space.

Other mains were Ruth's Bistro Burger, Tuna Melt Tortilla, Roastbeef Sandwich, Chicken Shrimp Pasta, Chicken Piccata and Fish & Chips.

The finale was nothing short of a standing ovation... well at least in my head. Dessert did not come on a disguised appearance. There's no false humility anywhere in sight. It was an all out display, in-your-face dramatic descent on the table. One of those times I hated myself for being a shutterbug. Imagine my eyes trying to focus on the subject while my hand wants to just do a snap-and-run scheme like a criminal. Few minutes torture which felt like dinosaur years (whatever that means).

Petite Chocolate Sin Cake was indeed sinful. It's chocolate and espresso cake, a temptation that is definitely irresistible. Rich, bitter sweet surrender.

Apple Crumble need no further explanation. I am cray-cray ca-ray-zee about apple crumbles and apple pies and so believe me when I say... I have to now up the ante of my apple pie making because after tasting Ruth's ... it feels like how one feels after first class seats, there's no going back to coach.

Last to enter the chamber was the Cheesecake. Beautiful in both presentation and taste. It's simple and posh adorned with fresh fruit slices and coulis but was packed with a full blown explosion of flavours with cream cheese still the star. If I'm a guy, I'll ask Ms Cheesecake to marry me. 

Wanna know about Ruth's Chris Steak House history? Click here.
For complete and torturously delicous lunch menu description... Click here at your own peril