It is sad that of all my kitchen adventures and my own version of epicurean journey that I have never had a Roasted Turkey that is not dry and over roasted and tasting like either cardboard or paper. 

When I got invited to a festive tasting at Lafayette Gourmet, I knew I'm one lucky gal!

Every single dish tasted soooo good that it makes me salivate right about now just thinking about all the yumminess I put in my mouth that night... for which I'm definitely looking forward for a repeat as I, yes I, will be feasting on them again this Christmas! 

I'd like to think I'm the kitchen goddess and all, but to be honest,,, I couldn't be bothered to roast a whole bird for just two adults and two kids and I'm still undecided if we want to dine out on Christmas eve so it is the safe zone then.

Order in .... but make sure it's from Lafayette Gourmet... because that Roasted Turkey and Beef Wellington with all the stuffing and veggies that it will come with... why eat hurrily, why rush, why not stay in, in the comfort of our own house ,,, put our feet up and indulge ourselves with some additional inches on that sacred waist.

That moist, tasty and just unbelievably succulent meats were soooo memorable. Just like my first bicycle ride, first realization that ice cream is actually delicious and first everything.... my very first PERFECT festive meat will forever be remembered in my palate's memory chip.

Don't take my word for it! Prove me right! Order in and make everyone happy, you definitely included.

Enjoy my humble shots... I tell yah, the shots didn't do the dishes much justice as the skills, great produce they used, art and patience it required can never be captured... enjoy it nevertheless!

Selection of festive mini plates:

• ‘Scotch egg’ with duck confit and quail egg, piccalilli 
  
• Duck and chestnut ‘chipolata’, spiced blueberries
  
• Turkey and foie gras ‘sausage roll’cranberry dip

The starters – served Family style
Maple cured Scottish smoked salmon platter with traditional garnish
Canadian lobster and poached prawn ‘cocktail’, gem lettuce, heirloom tomatoes and Lafayette cocktail sauce


Main Course, Carved Table side
Classic whole Roasted Turkey
Served with Cranberry sauce, Bread sauce, Turkey gravy, Chipolatas, chestnut stuffing, festive seasonal vegetables 

And


Canadian Heritage Roast Prime Rib of beef with Yorkshire pudding
Served with duck fat roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetablesTo Finish


Festive dessert platter
Mini Christmas pudding, warm Puff mince pie, seasonal Berry Trifle 

Lafayette Gourmet
Level 2
Dubai Mall
Phone: +971 4 339 9933
Email: [email protected]

Mexican flavour is a taste that I enjoy, a lot. Not sure if it's the lineage or because I have some weird affinity to anything and anyone related to Español.

When I heard that a new Mexican foodie joint has just opened, I got very excited. The other fave Mex place that I adore is currently under renovation and so it's a blessing in disguise for me to have a new one to try out. 

With high hopes, I, hubby and kids marched down to Mall of the Emirates salivating over the thought of Mexican flavour explosion (mostly me on the salivating part).

The Sad Story (... but continue on and you'll get to the happy ending... I promise)
Safe to say that the first time around we tried Taqado, it was pretty eventful or lacking thereof.

I ordered Burrito with barbacoa beef and pinto rice while my husband ordered tacos. Kids got their lunch dishes somewhere else.  

Tacos were filled to the brim with the filling soaking wet and so it fell apart even before my husband got his hands on them. So that's flop 1. They replaced it but forgot to add tomatoes and cheese. Flop 2. The third time, it was still soaking wet... and so, he's able to hurriedly eat the first taco intact while the rest broke into pieces. I'm sure you know how to count.

My barbacoa wasn't bad but it's just missing the Mexican character I was so craving for. I was expecting more oomph from it... sadly it bored me.

We really looked very disappointed and the good thing about Taqado team was they knew they are on teething stage and have to be very aware of how happy customers are with their food and service. A very nice Mexican gentleman name Isaac came over to our table and asked how the meal was. And so we told him ... everything. No holds barred. At the end of the day, it's for their benefit.

He did try to find us something that we perhaps might like. Brought us Churros con Chocolate, Chili con Carne, Nachos con salsa y guacamole. 

Churros con chocolate was a hit especially to my kids, it's just how we want it. And the cacao they used to create their chocolate es muy buena. It reminded me of our Cacao tree back home which we pick, dry, roast, grind and mold to medallón de chocolata. To put it mildly, HOME RUN!!!!

I was prepared to be disappointed with the Chili con Carne because one of their staff said it's not that spicy and I thought well, "why is it called chili if it's not going to be spicy?". Apparently, it wasn't crazy spicy. It was warm and comforting that the heat tickles your throat just enough for those cold weather. It was really lovely. 

Another enjoyable snacks are their Nachos. It went well with guacamole but its at its best when eaten with their spicy salsa. Those cinema nachos should be very, very ashamed.

We tucked in to whatever was on the table while telling him which we like, what's missing and some suggestions we think will help. Isaac was very receptive and all the while everyone's just nice and super friendly. 

Hubby and I swear it definitely felt like we were back in Disneyland where everyone's just smiling... even when we complained and pointed out the flaws with really irritated faces and tones, they were just ALL SMILES! It was crazy nice,,, too-out of this (Dubai) world. Usually it will feel fake and condescending but surprisingly, it didn't. They're just genuinely nice group of people! Whoever hired them definitely aced job-fit. 

It's not the food that impressed us the first time, it was the fantastic attitude that is missing in other places. They might be located in the food court with other fast food chains but their service is definitely up there with the many stars. 

So I made the decision to give them another try, when they're on more stable footing and less stressed out with the opening.

Happy Ending! (I told you we'll get there) 
After a month, we came back and it was a totally different story. 

I ordered Tacos the way Isaac will enjoy Tacos. I call it Tacos-the-Isaac-way... And so it came with a kick that made me enjoy it more than I have ever expected. I finished all three in a jif, it was that tasty. Definitely not boring, full of ooomph, and not soaking wet. I ate every single bit that fell off my hand onto the serving box.

The kids went for the usual. Nachos con salsa, guacamole y crema agria or sour cream and Churros con chocolate. 

We were so happy that we even lingered a bit, took funny shots of our 'taches. That's the TaqadoMo initiative supporting the month of Movember. We had so much fun. Defo looking forward to next year and what awesomeness they'll come up with.

The other plus that Taqado does is strive to serve their dishes in recyclable items, from spoons, forks, cups, to boxes and tissues. I think that earns some awesome points, don't you? 

Insider info
Taqado makes their own salsa, guacamole, churros and chocolate dips. Guacamole is made from Spanish Haas avocados.

Other vegetables they use are produced within the region. They're also trying to find a local supplier for their Roma tomatoes which at the moment is coming all the way from Brussels.

One of my faves, the Chili con Carne is made with grass fed beef from New Zealand.

Enjoy this post? Subscribe to Reviews for updates!

Curious of What I Wore Today? http://wiwt.com/user/AcousticChef/52008/

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!

I used to love Ping Pong,,, the sports. It's a part of my younger years which I cherish. I remember family fun, neighbors competing, high school intra-sports. I remember being the best in it. That was then. Now when I watch the Olympics, I watch my other interests, gymnastics, ice skating and those hunks swimming like a fish. Ping Pong, not so much anymore. I still like to play it once in awhile but I'm over the hype now. 

Then I learned about the other one! An Asian foodie joint that will actually make your eyes play the sports. Mine literally went gaga over the number of Dim Sums they offer. It's not the type of craziness that makes me whine and rant endlessly about quantity over quality. THIS IS DIM SUM! Bite size. Teasers. Now-you-see-it-now-you-don't magic parcels. DIM SUM joints are the only one excused from that rant. To be honest I don't know of any other Dim Sum dedicated foodie joint in town. If you know of any, leave me a comment.

I asked my hubby what he thinks of Ping Pong Dim Sum experience, the location, the price, the setting... to which he replied...

Right he is! We've been to a lot of fancy places in our lifetime and not all of them met our expectation when it comes to comforting, filling, tasty food. Our Ping Pong dinner was filled with it. Yes of course there will be some dishes that doesn't quite make it, either a square peg in a round hole or missing a little on the flavour, it's not a mood dampener because there are gajillions to choose from.

We started the evening with surprise drinks. It's like a gift waiting to unfold. 

Lemon Grass and Lime drink was a sight! Adorned with hard to miss fresh lemon grass in it... what a beauty. Taste yum too according to my foodie pal.

Next amazing drink was the Flowering Dragon Eye Tea. They got us on "dragon eye". It starts as a bud and really blooms as it infuses the hot water with its flavour. Very theatrical.

I got the adorable enjoyable Blackcurrant Bubble Tea. I enjoyed that a lot, a lot, a lot. I love 'sago' or tapioca pearls. I can see my kids loving this, drinking and giggling at the same time. It will be music to my ears!

Hubby ordered his usual drink wherever we go, Ping Pong's version is Lemon and Vanilla. It is fresh lemon, vanilla sugar and lemonade. He liked it but also couldn't contain his curiosity and ordered Flowering Dragon Eye Tea for his after meal. We enjoyed how it blossomed and he enjoyed drinking it too.

Soups
Hubby ordered Chicken Wonton Soup while I settled with Mix Mushroom Soup. Mine was the winner of course, it was creamy with a hint of acidity in it. It has depth and definitely has full of characters. I wouldn't mind catching a flu once in awhile if it means an excuse to take refuge in this mushroom's soup.

Dim Sums
I love almost everything but definitely will come back for Chicken Char Siu Bun or what I normally call "bao". I make Siu Bao myself but their bao is so fabulous that I just have to have it again. It was light and fluffy it was unbelievable. Definitely hate them for having waaay better bao than I can ever muster (not fair!). 

Sticky rice was yum too... surprise filling inside makes it a complete meal on its own. King prawn, scallop and sticky rice, steamed in a lotus leaf, it was lovely.

Lamb is one of my weak spots in cooking. Unfortunately, hubby has a soft spot for it, though he's not a big fan of lamb with sauce. He prefers it grilled or pan-fried. But when one of the guests ordered Braised Lamb Claypot and offered hubby a taste, he ended up stealing few spoonfuls. We could see how much it has taken him by surprise. For sure it will be in his "must eat again" list.

The one that didn't stand out for us were the Puff Pastry looking treats. European dish in the midst of an Asian theme they were going for. It fails in comparison to the other treats they have. It's not of the same level of flavour as the others.

I'm also not a big fun of their Sesame Prawn on Toast with fish sauce as a dipping sauce just because I make mean chunky prawn on toasts. Yup, no humbleness here, I'm going to do a mighty brag, mine is waaay better ....:P #PingPongPlsDontSueME #PingPongDon'tBanMeFromYourResto

By the time it's dessert time, we were full to the brim but munch away we must. Tough job eh? 

I enjoyed the Coconut Bun. It certainly reminded me of childhood snacks from our school canteen.  Chocolate Banana Roll is similar to our "turon" but theirs is missing on the sweet side of dessert life. Frankly, I like our turon over their roll. It has to be the banana they used since the method is the same. If they use the "saba" banana from Philippines and add a little brown sugar, it will taste hundred times better. I say they should make it for their test kitchen and compare.

The awesomelicious night ended with a delectable note still lingering our palates and a grin still plastered on our faces. 

It was relaxed, surrounded by food jam packed with flavours. Add never ending chat about foodie joints, laughter about foodies ultimate disorder - paparazziness. That's paparazi mixed with craziness. How our spouses or family members have to endure every meal as a photo op. Family members usual line is:

Shame I have not had the chance to see their outside seating. I got so distracted. I heard it has a very good view of the Dancing Fountain. With the weather so ideal now, it should be fun to come back with our kids. 

If I may sum up what Ping Pong's customer consideration is all about? It will be "every gesture, big or small, counts". 

The benches with no back rest - a person can only sit so upright for so long. Dim Sum eating needs time, lots of time. It's like having yoga while having a meal. It's like a version of reflection by foodies. You want to be grounded yet relaxed.

The stand alone wash basin - dim sum eating can easily be 'finger food' style dining. Why settle for just towelettes when you can freely wash your hands before and after your meal.

Different choices of dining table arrangement - options, a luxury they offer guests which are not too frequently given to us.

Partial open kitchen - tastes are heightened when you think that your presence is a part of your dish's preparation. I love seeing stacks of bamboo steaming pans in action.

Online booking - a lot of people now prefers emails over phone calls just because the latter option has time limit and it does not necessarily creates records for future reference. Online booking is really the way to go nowadays.

Nutritional information - if you click on the dish via their website, Nutritional Information will pop up to give you a chance to prepare and know what you will be munching on or avoid any if you have allergies.

As I wander about taking shots of the restaurant, I noticed the writings on the .... ceiling. Chinese characters that says...

Sounds very Ping Pong. 

Lazy Fridays Promotion
Dim Sums are morish? then go for their ALL YOU CAN EAT DIM SUM. AED 135 for adults and kids under 12 years old can enjoy them for only AED 65.

Also have Monday Mocktails and Sunday Funday, check them all out in www.pingpongdimsum.ae

Ping Pong Dim Sum is located at Dubai Mall's Lower Ground Floor, close to the food court.
If you still prefer calling over online facility, their number is +971 4 339 9088

I won this via Channel 4 FM early last year. Fun times then, Vicky White and Rob were still hosting the morning show.

What a treat! Looking at this photo collage still makes me smile.... big, like Joker BIG mouth smile. It was something I did not expect at all. This is the kind of treat that under promised but definitely without a doubt, over delivered. A year after and my heart still swells of joy.

Up there, looking at how beautiful this place is, through a different perspective, really just incredible. This tour holds a special place in my heart, it was that memorable.

I know nothing about taking nice pictures then. I even took lots of shots of just tips of my hair, the button of my nose, some even just seat's headrest. It was basically a hit and miss. 

I just took as many as possible and hope some are clear enough. I did know how to work with the camera. Didn't know anything about adjusting lens. Clueless about lighting too... so bear with the photos.

Everyone in the plane was too busy taking pictures of the view and themselves. It was an odd yet funny visual. Imagine a plane-ful of people holding camera with the lens facing themselves because they were too shy to ask other passengers to take a picture of each them when the view outside will disappear at any moment. It was a frenzy of trigger happy tourists.

One spectacular view gets replaced by an equally mesmerizing one and for at least 30 to 45 minutes, we were all in awe. A trance that we really did not want to get out of.

Dubai up there is an ABSOLUTE beauty. 

If you have a chance to grab a trip through Seawings. Do so. I know Cobone sometimes offers Seawings Tour with Afternoon Tea and other great deals, take it. 

I promise you, you will not be disappointed. Even if you buy a tour on its regular price, it is sooooo worth it.

Of course if you are scared of heights, might not be the best deal for you, stay on the ground then. :)

SEAWINGS: DUBAI +971 4 807 0708

http://www.seawings.ae/

Moons and moons ago, I distinctly remember a lovely Soup on Bread Bowl which hubby and I enjoyed at Coco's Deira City Centre. Trying to remember what else we had seems to be quite an effort. It was as if it fell into the abyss of my food memory, not that memorable then. Indeed it wasn't.

 I, hubby, our two boys and their nanny arrived at Coco's barely filled restaurant at Sheikh Zayed Road on a mid Saturday. Granted it's past the usual lunch time, it still looked odd. Then again, Dubai is saturated with gajillions of dining choices that they really have to be on top of their game to convert curious diners into patrons.

Based on our experience, I don't know how many converts they have made, we definitely are not.

We sat down in one of the the booths and received a thick menu. We are pretty surprised at the number of dishes that is in it.

Thirty-eight (38) options for breakfast. One hundred thirty-seven (137) for lunch/dinner. Seventeen (17) desserts and the remaining Twenty-three (23) are for drinks. Too many to create at its best and for diners like myself, it was confusing for my appetite. Nevertheless since we are already there, we thought we might as well try to enjoy the meal. I had a feeling though that mediocrity is inevitable. It was quantity over quality and it's never a great thing. I'd rather go to a small place that offers ten outstanding dishes than infinite forgettable ones.

I told the server I want to order fajita, which he immediately shut down with, "Oh, that's very spicy". And since he made the assumption that I couldn't handle spicy, I asked him how did it fair to him when he tried it, to which he replied, "it's one step milder from Indian spice". Duh? So I asked again, "yes, I heard yah but what do you think of it?" That's me showing him how assumptions sound, me hoping that he sees where I'm heading to. Knowing that his tolerance of spice has no bearing on mine, I'd like to push the button and assume away the way he was doing it. Like talking to a smart mouth wall he replied, "I DON'T KNOW since I don't know how much spice you can take". I would have enjoyed interrogating him until he realizes how arrogant and nonsensical he sounded but we're not in court and I'm trying my best to keep my excitement up for the soup.

I just wish F&B management train their staff up to the mark and consistently remind them of what standard service is, most especially what manners are. 

I find it ridiculous sometimes that some staff take the lazy road or the subpar level expecting us to cut them a slack just because they're from the same country as where we came from. I really take offense and find it discriminatory. Why attend to customers differently based on nationality? At the end of the day, we are all paying customers. We don't want you to treat us special, we only asked fair.

Anywho, we proceeded and ordered Baked Potato and Cream of Broccoli Soups in Bread Bowls. Deep Fried Calamari. Mixed Fajita to share, one of the burgers for my hubby while our oldest boy chose Gone Fishing and Chips. The youngest decided for Champ's Chunky Chicken Strips. 

Our soups arrived and we were very happy with it. Even my kids were impressed. The presentation, the taste, it really was a soup experience, one which I would like to re-create at home. Between the two soups? Baked potato was the clear winner. Broccoli was top notch too but just a tad lower than the potato.

Happy ever after however ended after the soups arrived.

The soup came, kid's meals, starters, main course... I guess what I'm trying to say is, they served every single dish we ordered all at the same time! The whole table was filled with food. While we were "trying" our best to enjoy the soup, we had to tuck into the calamari before it gets cold. Also keeping in mind the main dishes that's quickly losing its warmth.

So irritating that hubby had to say something. Clenched jaw and trying his best not to lose it, he told the server the right way to serve food. The difference between courses and the importance of enjoying the meal hot.

Server was apologetic a little too late. Damage was already done. Our meal felt like a disaster. Appetite disappearing fast. He retreated to the kitchen's entrance where somehow every single server retreats to.

What do we think of our meal?

Bread rolls with butter on the side was okay, tasted commercial as opposed to baked fresh in-house.  Calamari was okay but I think they could have done better with the dip. There's nothing extra ordinary, we're not expecting it to be superb in the first place.

Since the server did not bother to ask how hubby wanted his burger patty done, it arrived well done of course. Seriously? If I wanted a template burger, I'll just go to MickeyD's or some other fast food chain. Assuming how a particular customer like their meat done, is total no-no. This server looked like his guide on how to attend to us was based on our nationality. Assumptions like that really irks me to no end. Lucky for him, hubby does like his burger well done, I like mine cooked medium and sometimes I even like mine medium rare. Had it been my order, it would have been a pretty interesting and entertaining discussion. 

Burger verdict? Hubby said it was like any other burger, there's nothing special to it. There's nothing that separates them from other fast food chains. The chips that came with it were like every other too, from a huge packet, ready to be fried. Definitely not hand cut. His meal was ho-hum.

Moving on to my curious Fajita. Lackluster to say the least. The Mexican rice was uber spicy which overpowered everything else. Chicken strips were dry, so, honestly, this dish did not do it for me, at all. Not the beef strips which were also forgettable, not the onions or capsicums that came with it, nothing in the dish will ever make me order it again. Definitely, spicier than Indian food, I think they miss the mark on this dish altogether. Fajita is sooooo hard to do wrong... but they managed. Maybe it's time to revise their recipe? If the server felt the urge to jump in and warn customers, it only means he knows it's not a tasty dish to fork your dirhams over. Only problem is, he didn't really communicate well.

My kids enjoyed their meal which was puzzling. I tasted both their meals and it tasted like the ones that came out of a box. I think they will say the same thing had I fed them "Smiley Meals"... meaning, no difference in taste, just difference in price. Disappointing.

Will we ever come back to Coco's again? Maybe not. I think I'll just look for another place to get my soup in bread bowl fix. I'm not willing to pay for forgettable meals and endure disappointing service.

Don't take my word for it though... explore. Consistency has always been an issue in most F&B outlets, so there's a chance that our dining experience could be different from yours. If you do happen to dine at Coco's and find a dish that redeems them or had a better service than what we received, drop me a line via comments!

If Coco's team read this? I think it's time you overhaul your menu and have some focus. Under promise but over deliver. It certainly has better results than the other way around.

www.cocosme.ae seems to be under construction. Right now it's a static one pager.

Branches: 
Deira City Center - 042953777
Khalid Al Attar Tower, SZR - 043326333
Jumeirah Beach Residence - 044243740

Friday Brunch is so popular in this place that it has become like a normal thing to do on a Friday. Too late for breakfast yet too early for lunch,,, have a brunch then! Frankly, it has become a common meal in the UAE that sometimes F&B outlets throw it way too casually and charge way too high and sadly not all are satisfying as the others. Not in Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi's Silk Route Cafe though. When they announced the Re-launch of their Friday Brunch, we were more than happy to oblige and enjoy the better part of the day with them. 

What makes their Brunch unique is how they use their position to support a good cause, The Make A Wish Foundation. Think about it, people are more generous when they are well-fed or are on their way to being well-fed. 

They donate the proceeds of every "Star Coffee" ordered by guests. Brunch is at least four hours. Even if the guest orders only one coffee with his brunch, that's already a few Dirhams to the Make A Wish Foundation. And that's just me estimating conservatively. I'm sure they get more donations than just one coffee. 

They also have a story book for sale on display at their reception. A book published by Sheikha Shamma Bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan titled "The Lost Princess". I don't have a little girl but I couldn't pass the opportunity to make a donation since the proceeds of its sales go to the same foundation.

Now tell me, how often does any hotel or F&B outlet go out of their way to support a charity? Not very often. 

I am sometimes very suspicious about events supporting charities. As awful as it sounds, sometimes I assume that some events piggyback on the concept of "giving" as a marketing stint. Not this one. The level of service and the carefully selected dishes on the spread speaks for itself. If they are as consistently good as how they were when we had our brunch, I think The Make a Wish Foundation will receive a pretty good contribution from Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi.

After digesting enough information on how to support TMAWF, I thought it's time to get down to business for moi. So start I did.

First things first, their concoction, the White Lady. If I remember correctly, Gin, Cointreau and Lemon Juice mixture... some more please! I had this before my coffee which wasn't a very good idea. I sort of missed a whole stretch of Chafing Dishes and it bugs me to death that I don't know what was in them!

I'm not really one to taste everything in buffet. I eat more on ala carte to be honest. I feel like a buffet fools your brain into already feeling full because your eyes already had a feast. Let's just say we were there for more than three hours and I wasn't just busy taking pictures.

I believe their buffet albeit not as vast as others I have been to, gave diners enough to choose from. 

Sometimes, too much options is not good for the soul. The more options there is, the more food will be wasted at the end of the meal. Nod your head... that makes sense :) I do feel a little bit bothered with that and I can't really enjoy my meal while thinking of what happens next.

This brunch was an enjoyable one and I wish my older son was well enough to be in the mood to tag along. He sure missed a whole lot.

They also have a Live BBQ station outside... imagine an ice cold drink with a fabulous weather to boot... 

Dessert definitely did not disappoint... my fave was the cherry mango something... sorry forgot what it's called but that's a super dooper winnah! They have other delectable desserts, some healthy ones like fruits but really? I'm not going to choose fruits over desserts made by pro chefs ... I can always eat fruits at home.

Brunch being a family thing... kids of course have their own little world. Kid's zone. Cartoons, toys, their own buffet with matching sweet treats.. and parent's prolly not allowed since my 5-year old kicked me out when I was taking pictures of them. No worries for mom's like me... there is a very friendly child minder in the zone... the only adult that is seemed to be be welcome by kids.

Special Thanks to Kitsch Cupcakes for our bonus treats. It's always a good thing when other organization supports a cause like the Make A Wish Foundation. It shows how businesses aren't just all about the bottom line.

If you're visiting Abu Dhabi, already in Abu Dhabi or wanting to have an excuse to go? Include the Friday Brunch in your agenda. Have a fabu-licious time supporting a good cause. International Brunch for AED 120 with unlimited soft drinks or upgrade it to AED 150 to have your brunch with bubbly and house beverages. Kids under 6 years old eat for free! 

Now how fabu-licious is that?

When I first heard of Turquoiz, I thought, "what a chic name!?" Knowing that turquoise means the alluring ocean, I knew I'm up for a treat!

Media dinner occurred one week after opening, a very brave move for the team to throw themselves into the deep and test how well they'll survive. Needless to say, they were indeed on teething stage and to add to the pressure, the excitement to taste what they offer tantalised not just myself but closed to 50 other individuals. They surely didn't expect such a high turn-up. In this part of the world... last minute cancellations occur too frequently. Turquoiz launch was different. I think 90-95% of invited guests arrived. 

And so when hubby and I walked into the restaurant's beach side,  they had to squeeze us in, in one of the long tables they have prepared. It looked as though, those tables were not initially prepared to grow that long! It is never disappointing to see more guests than expected. Just goes to show how much of a heavy weight this place and St. Regis Saadiyat Island is.

Finally seated, hubby and I browsed the tables and definitely there is no shortage of seafood. The set-up looked grand with plates after plates of seafood delights. Shrimp cocktails, chilled oysters, crab claws, calamari are just a few. And don't get me started with the drinks! "Oh hello mojito... it's nice to meet you!" I love reds too so let's just say I was a lot merrier after a few.

While enjoying the spread, I overheard the talk about the pre-seat down bites. Fabulously scrumptious were words I never thought I'll hate to hear. Only because WE WEREN'T THERE to enjoy it. Fish and chips served in paper cone while watching the beautiful sunset? I was really not happy we missed it. They couldn't stop talking about it until dessert! Reminder to myself, "travel to Abu Dhabi requires at least one hour". It also didn't help that the walk to Turquoiz was a little distracting, what with the lapping pool water, splashing ocean waves and the grand lights emanating from the building, we were like Hansel and Gretel, wanting to go home but just couldn't.

I can only imagine how enchanting it will all be during daytime, which we will witness soon (I hope). 

Our dinner started with:
Beetroot Salmon Carpaccio - beetroot cured salmon, mixed herbs and mustard sour cream
Mackerel Salad - mackerel with fennel, blood orange and pomegranate glaze
Tuna Tartar - with tomato consommé and squid ink dressing

To be followed by (the plan):
Seafood Risotto - risotto with crab meat, calamari, green peas and pea shoots 
Surf and Turf - grilled beef, shrimp and potato purée
Vegetable Tart - aubergine caviar, sun-dried tomato, wild mushroom, goat cheese and watercress purée

As for dessert, it was lip smackingly yummilicious Chocolate Texture. Crunchy sponge with frozen bitter chocolate dust, caramel sauce, chocolote mousseux and cocoa nib tuile 

I certainly enjoyed the presentations and the unapologetic display of cooking and serving techniques. I for one would rather dine out than re-create them. Those lady dishes, finesse as ever has "delicate" written all over it. Really exquisite. I am indeed impressed.

However, to be honest, I was looking forward to the Surf and Turf and the Vegetable Tart which was skipped due to the amount of dishes already served. It was getting quite late and some (mostly ladies) were a bit full. 

In any case, for the rest of the expecting guests, especially the gentlemen, it was a bit of a let down because I could see they were reserving their appetites for the grilled beef and shrimp. I couldn't for the life of me imagine these burly guys eating delicate food such as what was offered and feel satisfied. If there's anything, I saw them looking at the menu and whispering (which meant talking loudly) about the Surf and Turf. 

Don't get me wrong, guests did not leave hungry. Dessert for sure left a happy note. But I think it's safe to say that the gentlemen wanted more. 

As for I and hubby, we plan to come back with a vengeance and try out the "manly dishes" I saw in their menu. Mmmm Mmmm Mmmm, they look and sound delicious. I am definitely psyched!

Lunch Menu (click to view)
Dinner Menu (click to view)


Overall, Turquoiz team did a great job and they certainly know (now) which areas to improve the next time around a whole battalion attack their restaurant. (",)

With our dinner done. We were given a little tour to see the hotel. Saw their other restaurants (definitely eyeing 55&5th and Sontaya), walked down their grand hallways and checked out one of their many fabulous rooms. 

Suffice to say, this will most probably be a series review. We were invited to come back and have lunch at Sontaya (their Southeast Asian Restaurant that gives you the illusion you are dining in a floating restaurant!) and so until my next St. Regis post! Enjoy the view! and DON'T WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW!

This video is not for the faint-hearted. You will feel a salad of emotions, gooey chocolaty sweetness, a bubbly excitement and a tad pinch of spicy envy. Watch at your own peril!

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

An offer to join a Master Class by Hakkasan's Head Chef, Chef Pang Pin Lee is one of those foodie fortunes that I am most certainly glad have found me. 

It was a day of absolute fun surrounded by certified foodies. I'm talking Ahlan Gourmet, Gulf News, Arabian Woman, a Professional Chef, an ex-TV broadcaster, just a plethora of amazing people who are far more experienced in the foodie arena than I am. 

These are just some of the tantalizing dishes we feasted on. Hakkasan has so much more to offer on their menu and of course their venue is as exquisite as the food they serve. Nothing was short-changed.

The Kiwi and Lime drink I had at Ling Ling Lounge was refreshing to the bone! I thought I can easily re-create it because it looks pretty easy? How hard could it be, it's Kiwi and Lime. Let's just say,  I'll wait for the inside scoop on the method used. 

Their Tofu is home-made. It was awesome-licious! I have never in my entire life eaten a tofu as silky as Hakkasan's. I want to go back with my family just to show off this amazing melt-in-your-mouth tofu. Silky inside and nice crunch on the outside. Blown away.

Tofu, aubergine and shiitake mushroom claypot in chilli black bean sauce is one of the dishes that Chef Lee demonstrated. Silky tofu, meaty shiitake (which I lurve soooo much) and aubergine drenched in a fusion of flavours. The chili is not at all overpowering, it is such a beautiful dish where nothing is competing and everything is complementing. A simple dish that resembles a choir in perfect unison.

Another dish in the menu which Chef Lee demonstrated was Prawn Har Gau. What a combination of art and skill! Chef Lee showed us how skilled a Chef has to be, to be able to fold har gau dough. Six to seven folds in one dumpling means you are a decent dumpling maker. More than that means you are skilled. Hakkasan's Dumpling Chef? Superman. He made 13 folds in seconds!!! And don't get me started with the dough. The only time I realized it was a dough (and not a super white cloth) was when Chef Lee formed the casing for filling. No. I'm not even gonna try to re-create it. I'll leave it to the experts to feed me. The filling was combined just right. The prawn still chunky and fresh. This process made my jaw drop! 

As if we're not impressed enough, the team served one of their UAE signature dishes, Jasmine tea smoked Wagyu beef ribs. This dish is not even available in Hakkasan London, Miami or other internationally located branch. Ha! Aren't we super spoiled? 

One bite, foodnomenal! We all have to ask how it was made (prolly smugly thinking we'll do this at home, I know I did!). Chef Lee explained and counted the ways it was cooked. Five ways. Huwat now? 5 WAYS?! A resounding no in my head. No way high way will I be spending probably a whole day slaving in the kitchen to make this dish. I'll book a table for 5 please, thank you very much! 

If there's one dish that didn't shine amongst the spread, albeit a decent one, it's the Spicy prawn with lily bulb and almond (I think that's what it is, sorry it was lost in the commotion). Just didn't wow me the way the rest of the dishes did. I treat it as a teenager mingling with the veterans.

The last dish Chef Lee demonstrated was Stir-fry rib eye wagyu beef with black pepper sauce. He made it look so easy with all those wok-frying technique. While he was doing it, I was thinking, that'll be an alright dish, nothing special, it's just a stir fry beef. Ehrrmm Boy was I wrong?! 

Beef were precisely cut, perfectly fried and the sauce lets the meat shine. If you watched (I will end you if you didn't!) Julie and Julia's Boeuf Bourguignon scene... that was me, secretly dying and resurrecting over and over again in every bite. In case you don't know what I mean, watch.

Now that you're curious enough from all those food displayed to tease you, the master of it all, Chef Lee! He was awesome. He reminded me of Jackie Chan every time he apologizes for his English, which was by the way not bad at all! He's so humble, so approachable, just super nice. You! Celebrity Chef (GR), I'm talking to you, you should take lessons from him. 

Just to let you in a little secret, he actually called his dumpling chef to do a demonstration of har gau. He felt we need to see har gau made the right way. Now that humbleness earns him more than a 5-star (where 5 is the highest). 

His kitchen team has this really friendly camaraderie which I doubt is common. The psych in me was working over time, competing with the foodie in me. It was such an enjoyable atmosphere, I wanted to volunteer as a slave for a day or a fly on the wall just to see more of them well oiled friendly machines. They're not competitive at all! It's just really hard to put into words. I was in definite awe. 

Entering Hakkasan's kitchen, I was transformed into this little 5-yr old who just entered Disneyland. What a dream to work in. Shiny worktops, mise en place, squeaky clean utensils, fire ablaze under the well used woks. It's just amazing.

Chef Lee's woks in particular made me think of how many dishes it made, how many patrons it bowled over, just a never ending fantastic stories weaving in my head. If only Woks could talk! I want the first interview please! 

I don't know how old are those woks but it reminded me of one particular sauce pan I have. We don't scrub it to death because for some reason, the dishes we cooked over the years in that pan renders a wonderful flavour in succeeding ones we make. And no, I don't care if the inside looked identical to the bottom, I AM NOT REPLACING IT!

It's not just the food that makes Hakkasan exquisite. The restaurant is meticulously designed to match the outstanding service and delicious dishes served out from their pristine kitchen.  

Arriving via Emirates Towers The Boulevard, I had to do a double take if I entered a restaurant because the hallway was so serene with its bricked wall and marble flooring. It almost confused me into thinking I'm approaching a spa. To top it off, the reception was adorned with lovely orchids. Yay! fash.

First stop was Ling Ling Lounge where apparently I have to order Hakka drink the next time I come around. While waiting for the rest of the group, I had the chance to have a chit chat with their GM, Mr Amit and get a little of history of the restaurant. He got me in "Michelin star" and "one of the 50 best restaurants in the world". I am definitely impressed and obviously felt very privileged to be invited to such a wonderful treat. 

The tour of the restaurant showed off the Asian décor that practically completes the whole landscape which creates a dining experience, rather than just the usual meal. 

If you use the Hakkasan Entrance which is the side closest to World Trade Center, you can valet your car and enjoy the garden path to the covered area of the restaurant. As you enter the garden, you hear the splash of water coming from the waterfall on your right and the shuffling of leaves which is everywhere. A brief moment that will make you forget you are in the middle of the busy Sheikh Zayed area.

Mind the path though, seems like some diners assume that the water next to the marble path is covered by glass. So mind your steps and please don't go swimming. 

There are 88 available seating outside and 155 inside. 

All areas are beautifully arranged to suit different types of privacy required by diners. The Garden certainly makes one feel as if you are just having a meal in your own garden with a dish that just so happen to be prepared by fantastic chefs. Also a perfect place to chill out with the night sky as your view.

Inside dining is equally elegant but with a bit more drama, the lighting, the intricate walls, even the ceiling fan, it's private and yet not claustrophobic. Their own 14-seat VIP rooms have see-through walls. Though the walls still speak for itself and impose on keeping the area private, it doesn't scream boxed in. A superb venue for office's private dinners/lunches or special meals with friends & family.

If you are not really dining in and don't feel like staying in the lounge, they also have a separate bar just right after the reception. Perfect for that brief drink or catching up with your buddies. 

So before I bid you adios and let you tour Hakkasan via my shots below, I leave you with a short video of how Chef Lee demonstrated how to cook Stir fry beef in black bean sauce... the unedited one is in detail with lots of secrets revealed but will leave it for next time if I'll be permitted to publsih :) ta-ta!

*menu's available below too... have fun browsing!

Awesome day with lovely people, Amit and Alina!

Did you enjoy this review? 
Subscribe to Reviews Page