A decadent lunch at The World Famous IVY restaurant in Dubai

Enjoying a lovely summer mocktail in my cute sun dress on a hot and lazy Dubai afternoon.

Miss Mimi enjoying her berry cooler!  We take the term "Ladies who Lunch" to another level:)

Heirloom tomato and Onion salad, sweet, tangy, and fresh! The gorgeous textures and colors make this salad so appetizing even in its simplicity.

The IVY burger has developed quite a reputation around town, and after trying one for myself.......

I would have to say, it's nicely presented and has a lovely array of condiments including the delicately cut relish and the mustard ketchup concoction, but it was overcooked, which is a BIG deal in the burger world! Perhaps it was an off day...... 

The Salmon cake was rich, with the creamy sorrel sauce and sauteed spinach.  The texture was soft and seemed to just melt in my mouth.

This was definitely one of the heaviest lunches I've had in a while, and to top it off......Banana Sticky Toffee Pudding!  This has got to be one of my most favorite desserts in Dubai.  Sticky Toffee pudding on its own is divine, but with the added banana, its unreal! 

The food at the IVY is rich and tasty.  It's one of those places you should save for special occasions, because the calorie count gets pretty high.  But every meal is presented beautifully, and meticulously crafted by the culinary arts professionals in the kitchen.  The IVY is located at Emirates Towers in Dubai.  For more information on the menu....

http://www.theivy.ae/

Asado in The Palace Hotel, Argentinian Steak House number one......check back for more;)

The Empanada (a stuffed bread or pastry baked or fried in many countries of Latin America and the south of Europe) selection was diverse including items ranging from chilli and corn,  spinach and cheese, spiced beef, and flavorful chicken all served with a fresh tomato salsa.

The Burrata (below) was nicely presented with foam and all, but  I'm not sure how much the foam enhanced the flavor of the dish. The berries were a cute touch also, and complimented the mildly seasoned cheese.  It was overall a good dish, but doesn't compare to the Burrata at Le Petite Maison, which is seasoned to perfection.  I am personally a fan of saltier foods....you'll see more on that next.....

The mixed seafood grill was an overwhelming amount of food, but I did a pretty good job at it.  It consisted of Tiger Prawns, Salmon Fillet, Scallops, and Calamari.....what more could you ask for!

On the other end of the table was this gorgeous grill filled with some very flavorful delicacies like veal sweetbreads (the thymus gland of veal or lamb) and this delicious fatty cut of steak (of which I'm blanking on the name)

This meal was also accompanied by a beautiful collection of salts from all over the world. Below is a list of what they had on offer at Asado.  Pretty cool concept....If you like salt!

• The Palm Island Black Salt: It is obtained by craftsmen from Hawai. It is rich in minerals, black lava rocks are added to the seawater of the basins, That is why its colour is so black.
• Murray River Salt: It is obtained from salt flakes introduced into the salty water from the basin of Murray River (in Australia) in the ponds of cristallisation. They, then, evaporate naturally. Crystals obtained have got a nice apricot colour.
• Bolivian Mirror Salt: Thanks to its concentration in minerals, its surface looks like a mirror which reflects the light of the Bolivian sky.  It comes from the Bolivian "salty sea". That expanse of salt, relic of a dried lake, is situated at 3700 m of altitude
• Halen Môn flakes Smoked Salt: To obtain this colour and this delicate smoked smell, flakes are placed on a fire with shavings of oak. The origins of this sea salt are collected in the Atlantic Ocean close to  Anglesey Island or Ynys Môn in Welsh.   

All of the above information plus more on these special salts can be found on: http://boutique.terreexotique.com/

After enjoying the salty meal, we had to have a sweet treat to cleanse the palate.  The Dulce De Leche (a thick, caramel-like milk-based sauce or spread) pancakes were the perfect end to the meal.

  The over all dining experience at Asado is top notch.  Situated at the opulent Palace Hotel in Downtown Dubai, the ambiance is warm and inviting, and if you're lucky, you can even catch a glimpse of the Water Fountain show! There is another Argentinian steak house on the rise in Dubai, let's see how that compares to this fabulous experience.......

Some behind the scenes shots from my Mojeh photo shoot today

I have been cooking for three days straight, and on my feet since 8 AM this morning, but it was so worth it seeing it all come together......

The very talented photographer captured the textures, colors, and lighting just right.

The state of my kitchen was pretty horrendous....cleaning up is my least favorite thing to do!

 Every last inch of counter space and every single utensil was used.

I made everything from signature mocktails and starters to desserts and tea.

The mains weren't too shabby either! How does a star anise and orange braised  lamb shank sound?

I made sure to feed everyone, there was plenty of food to go around! Nobody complained about working those extra long hours today.....

I told you I would be back for dessert....Round 2 at Jones the Grocer!

If this doesn't say seasonal goodness, then I don't know what does! Back in New England, where I grew up, around this time of year would be the start to apple picking season, which is then followed by Pumpkin season....two of my favorite times of year! This apple tart was so seasonally appropriate, I thought it was the right choice....

The macaroons were colorful, Pistachio, Raspberry, and Vanilla.  They are nicely presented but they don't match up to my all time favorite Laduree.....

This is a classic Creme Brulee, it was the perfect balance of crispy burnt sugar and the cool and creamy custard below.  The serving size was also just right, enough for a single serving, but also possible to share.

O.M.G.........Jones the Grocer is my new fave spot in Dubai!

 All I can say is WOW!  This place just hit the spot on so many levels.  This Australian Restaurant concept/Food Emporium not only has a hip, cool, and relaxing aesthetic, but there is a full range of healthy menu items ranging from organic sparkling beverages to breakfast (served until 3) to sandwiches, and hot entrees as well.  And don't even get me started on desserts......there is plenty to go around.

These thirst quenching juices to begin are a MUST! 

They have just the right amount of effervescence to keep you refreshed on a hot summer day.

 My friend and I went for the Jones Special Treat for AED 40.  It includes a bubbly beverage (featured above) a Sandwich, and your choice of Crisps, Fries, or a Green Salad. Not a bad deal! Below is the Goat's Cheese with Roasted Vegetables and Pesto on Ciabatta Bread.

 This sandwich was my particular favorite.  It's Aged Cheddar and Pickled Onion on Multi-Grain Bread with Crispy, Salty, and Delicious French Fries.....and Yes, I ate every last one:) They are actually cooked in Olive Oil, so they are essentially Guilt-Free Fries!

 My other friend enjoyed this Grilled Chicken with Vegetable CousCous and a Roasted Red Pepper Aioli accompanied by a fresh grapefruit juice....Presentation and colors are all on point here also.

 Now after a meal like that, who has room for dessert? Unfortunately, we didn't, but it just gives me another excuse to head back.  I did however manage to peruse the sweets section, and there were some tempting goodies on display.  But these little treats looked unusual.  I've never had chocolate coated organic licorice, have you?

Jones the Grocer is located on Sheikh Zayed Road across from the Times Square Center.  It's easily accessible with plenty of parking. For more information, check out the website below:

www.jonesthegrocer.com

Lunch at Lime Tree Cafe, Media City Dubai

This Lime Tree Mint Cooler was very refreshing on a HOT day like today.

My friend enjoyed these tender chicken skewers with a chilli lime dipping sauce.

 I have to thank my dear friend Muna for twisiting my arm on this one because this dessert was simply a treat:)  It's called the Banana Monkeytail Cake.....not sure how it got it's name, but it's well worth the calories!

Social House Dubai Mall, Eat, Drink, and Socialize:)

This restaurant is situated in a strategic place in the Dubai Mall, over looking the fountain from one side with floor to ceiling windows and an exposed wood interior. And on the other a Demo Kitchen concept with shelves that line the walls, large wooden barrels of fruit and vegetables and an open seating area facing the center of the Mall.  The menu features items that span across the globe, from Pan-Asian cuisine to Rustic Italian and European fare.

We went for the Pan Asian side today with the beautifully assembled Dragon Roll

This is just a fresh squeezed pomegranate juice, but the color was so gorgeous, I had to capture it.  In addition to this refreshing drink they feature a wide array of juices, smoothies, and hot drinks.  I even saw a gingerbread latte on the menu...look out Starbucks!

 This is a seaweed and spinach salad with tofu in a carrot ginger dressing.  Healthy and delicious!

Social House is great for a casual meet up night or day, because the restaurant concept is so large, even on a busy night, you won't have to wait to long for a table, if at all.   It's also one of the only place in Dubai I have seen a traditional Vietnamese Pho (beef brisket and rice noodle soup in fragrant broth) on the menu.  I'm going to have to try that next time or should I go for the European fare??!!!