Enjoy Convenient Meals at Home with DinnerTime ME

The DinnerTime concept has been around from one busy cosmopolitan city to the next, and it now caters to the residents of Dubai with creative meals using the freshest of ingredients delivered right to your door. With options ranging from daily to weekly deliveries, DinnerTime meets your meal requirements efficiently.  DinnerTime also has a Gluten Free dinner package option for those with dietary restrictions.   I received my weekly box delivery consisting of four meal options: Smoked Salmon and Spinach Risotto, Curried Chicken Noodles, Baked Cabbage Rolls, and Quick Cottage Pie. One large cardboard box was delivered with all the fresh vegetables and additional ingredients.  The proteins were delivered in a thermal food bag in order to keep everything as cold as possible.   

 The first meal prepared out of the four was the Smoked Salmon and Spinach Risotto. After reading the description of the dish, I knew I had to get my hands on that arborio rice and do some damage in the kitchen. The quality of the ingredients was top notch, with the exception of the cubed seafood stock of course.  I prefer to make my stock from scratch, but this is a convenient shortcut when time is a factor in the process.  Like all meals whether you buy your own ingredients or they are delivered to you, the most time consuming part is in the preparation.   After carefully reading the directions I organized my ingredients into ready to go portions for an easier execution. Cooking can become burdensome if your kitchen doesn't stay organized, keep these top tips in mind for a cleaner and more productive cooking space!

 The final outcome of this recipe is pictured below. The arborio rice was perfectly al dente based on my personal preference and the spinach tendrils delicately woven through the rice gave it that wholesome touch I always enjoy in my meals. The rosettes of salmon placed on top of the rice offered another dimension of smokey flavor, and according to the recipe supplied, the goats cheese here was the final touch. I would have omitted the cheese in this particular dish as there were so many other robust ingredients used, but it comes down to an individuals taste.  Some of my guests enjoyed the dish as is and  others concurred with my sentiments.  Nonethless the meal was tasty, I just felt the portion was a little small.

The following meal prepared was the Curried Chicken Noodle. A generous serving of carbs and minced chicken along with red bell peppers and heaps of fresh herbs. The red curry paste used in this recipe had some heat, so make sure you proceed with caution if your tolerance for chili is low. I also thought it could have used a touch of cocount milk or something sweeter to balance the powerful taste of the curry and spice.  The recipe also states the fish sauce is optional, but it needs the salty seafood touch to round out the other pungent ingredients.  Aesthetically pleasing and  easy to prepare, this plentiful mound of noodles was prepared in under 30 minutes.

The Baked Cabbage Rolls and Quick Shepards Pie were less popular among my guests for dinner options. Although both were hearty and filling for a family/party of four, the appeal wasn't as enticing as the first two. Every week the menu changes, so make sure you check out the DinnerTimeME website for the most up to date info and delivery times. With choices ranging from pumpkin salads to eggplant pizzas and even a Thai cashew chicken, meal time  never sounded so good!  Now all that's left is dessert.....

Have you ever tried Dinner Time ME or a similar service?  What are your thoughts? 

Southern Food Done Right at Novotel's Cravin' Cajun

The Cravin' Cajun concept  at The Novotel hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road was introduced to me by some media colleagues, who keep their ear to the ground about all the happenings in the region.  Long story short, they only highlight the best of the best, and persisted until I made my way over to this unique concept in Dubai. I am so glad they did because as far as REAL soul food goes in the UAE, it's virtually non existent, until the introduction of this funky new joint. With a head chef recruited straight from the bayou, this was a promising culinary adventure deep into the southern wild.

The menu was chock full of southern classiscs, creole, and cajun style dishes. The first on the list of "Must Haves" according to Chef Jeff, a Louisiana native, was the gumbo. Scented with the signature ground sassafras leaves, also known as gumbo file powder, this strong flavored soup with home-made Andouille chicken sausage and okra has a nice kick. The medley of southern flavors really stood out as we dissected this soup bite after delectable bite. Chef Jeff Whitfield had executed one of the most delicious gumbos I have ever tasted outside of New Orleans.

Another pleasant surprise from the appetizer menu was the baked brie en croute smothered in a honey maple pecan sauce.  Anything described as en croute means has to be ordered as far as I'm concerned, how could one resist anything wrapped up in a pastry dough and baked in an oven? The combination of the sweet sauce and savory cheese was perfectly balanced along with the buttery pastry dough which brought everything together beautifully. This treat along with many other of Chef Jeff's creations accurately represents Cajun cuisine, a touch of French-Canadian influence melding with the best of the Southern region.

All of the items at Carvin' Cajun are created with a signature New Orleans touch, I recommend going with a group of at least four in order to try a little bit of everything . The entrees feature everything from blackened catfish to a jambalaya, however the hands down favorite was the southern classic chicken and waffles.  It could be that this item is novel outside the Southern US, but the combination of Fried chicken, cornbread waffles, sauteed cabbage, and  potato puree, smothered in a turkey gravy and drizzled with a chili-spiced maple syrup knocked it out of the park. By no means was this a dish to calorie count, in fact after sharing it among our party, we considered ordering another round because it was so addictingly good.  However the waitstaff were savvy enough to remind us about the desserts, so we decided to hold off and save the little space we had left.    

Everything on the sweeter side of the menu was enticing my curiosities.  It had been a  while since I had seen peanut butter pies anywhere in the UAE.  In addition to this Southern favorite was a classic Pecan Pie, Nola's signature Beignets, and the ever so popular Bananas Foster French Toast.  Needless to say our task was a difficult one here, which one to order? So we did ourselves a favor and tried them all!  Everything we tasted was good, but the highlight of the evening was the nutty chocolate treat, peanut butter pie. I am generally a fan of this combination of flavors, but because of the density of the ingredients used, it can often go very wrong.  Cravin' Cajun's version of this dessert was light and tasty, the exact formula to make you want to go back for more.

Not only was the food absolutely fantastic, the ambiance was uber cool with smooth jazzy tunes from the live band which made the evening with friends a memorable one.  The Cravin' Cajun experience is not for the faint hearted, but one I encourage those with an appetite for rich Southern soul food to try.  It is an affordable food memory that will stay with you for years to come. Make sure you wear your elastic waist pants and be prepared to indulge in a calorie fest like no other. Cravin' Cajun is open Mon-Sat for dinner from 7:00 pm-11:30 pm. For more information, click on the link below.

                                                         

Chicken and Waffles are a classic, what's your favorite Southern Dish?

A little Chinwaggery is good for the Soul, check it out at Movenpick JBR

When I think about a Manhattan inspired brasserie, many things come to mind, and a hearty steak dinner is at the top of the list. Finding that kind of experience outside of NYC can be tricky, especially half way across the world.  Many have attempted, but few have managed to replicate the vibe I have experienced from my time in the Empire state. Thanks to the new Chinwaggery + Soul restaurant at the Movenpick, JBR, there is a new comer on the Dubai restaurant market that has a menu which highlights the best of an upscale urban New York Style restaurant with all the frills including live entertainment.  

My guests and I were lucky enough to visit on an evening there was a talented jazz musician playing. Paul Moutarde lit up the funky space and filled it with the cool sounds of his saxophone, which set the mood for the rest of the evening.  The lighting was just right, bright enough to enjoy all the visual offerings at Soul, the decor had that sort of urban swank, a mash up of street style complimented by a touch of elegance.  

Chef Edi Panchamal formerly of West 14th Steakhouse on The Palm, is the creative talent behind this operation.  I knew from my past experience of dining with this talented culinary expert, that he knew a thing or two about cooking a steak.  Not only was the BOH operations well trained and versed on this menu, but the FOH staff as well.  They were able to make recommendations and prepared to answer any questions we had about menu items with confidence and pride. . 

As any proper chef would do, an amuse bouche arrived at the table. Beautifully plated and perfectly portioned, this was the tastiest fried oyster I've ever had. Sitting on top of a seaweed salad and topped with a tomato relish this little morsel of goodness set the bar very high for the meal to come. I wasn't worried though, I have seen Chef Edi work his magic not just in the kitchen, but when I first met him as a guest while I was presenting the TV Show Studio One on Dubai One in 2011. It was the anticipation of the scrumptious meal that was killing me....in a good way of course!

The highlights from our starter selection included a half a dozen oysters on the half shell and the Scallops "Rockefeller".  Oysters, clams, and mussels have always been a hit or miss for me in the UAE.  I don't always trust the quality because the extreme heat and customs policies can compromise the integrity of the seafood. However these freshly shucked bivalves defied all of my concerns.  Served with a shallot vinaigrette and chive bread these two items balanced the natural briny-ness of the oysters.  The vinaigrette was just the right amount of acid and the chive bread soaked up anything extra for a richer more complete dining experience. 

I have to admit the Scallops "Rockefeller" were an unexpected surprise. Prepared, baked, and served in the scallop shell itself, hats off for the presentation alone.  Nestled under the bread crumbs and cheese were the hand caught diver scallops sprinkled with a bit of turkey bacon, the combination of the smokey turkey, salty scallops and cheesy bread crumbs was exactly what I needed to make me come back for more. Each bite was better than the next, the only disappointing part was sharing this starter with my guests, but they were kind enough to give me the last bite.

As part of the nightly spread, there are always a few additions to the menu available. This is another great attribute to the Soul experience, you would be hard pressed to find many restaurants in Dubai with a specials menu option.  In addition to the chef's appetizer creation of celery root veloute which received rave reviews from my guests there was also a daily special from the spit roast.  On this particular Friday evening when we dined at Soul, the Wagyu Prime Rib Roast was the offering. The waitress had simply mentioned this item, and everyone's ears perked up.  Cooked to a gorgeous medium temperature topped with a mushroom sauce and served with all the trimmings, this was the winning dish of the evening.

Second to the prime rib roast was the Lobster Thermidor, a dish fit for special occasions, which I consider to be every day of life! Although this dish is French in origin, I have grown to enjoy the American rendition of it just as much as the original. A whole lobster stuffed with a cream sauce, lobster meat and topped with cheese, crisped until a golden brown.  Decadent is a word that comes to mind when describing lobster in general, this particular execution went far beyond that. The cream sauce inside Chef Edi's Thermidor was a leek fondue and as a substitute for the gruyere cheese he topped it with Parmesan. Paired with a saffron tagliatelle, the aroma of this dish alone was mouth wateringly delicious,

As a vegetarian  option, my guest ordered the pan fried goat's cheese gnocchi on top of a smoked aubergine puree topped with artichoke and sun-dried tomato. The colors and plating of this dish were playful and simple.  I couldn't resist stealing a bite off her plate, as the crispy caramelized exterior of the gnocchi  was screaming my name. Utterly rich and full of creamy goodness, these dense potato and cheese dumplings hit the spot. The aubergine puree seemed a bit heavy as a sauce, I would have preferred it with a roasted red pepper puree or even a classic tomato basil. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable dish, which satisfied the vegetarian contingent.

Now when  group of ladies goes out for a meal, the dessert is undoubtedly the highlight of the meal.  Especially when it comes to my friends, who all share the same passion for gastronomy as I do. We ordered a selection of the houses best, here are a couple of my faves of the evening.  The saffron poached pear with marzipan vanilla ice cream and grand marnier sabayon and the chocolate mousseline.   The poached pear dessert was a unique combination of flavors which I would not have paired together, but ended up working out nicely. Even the sabayon which I normally find to be too eggy, here was balanced with a touch of the the Grand Marnier. Lastly the chocolate mousseline was a classic dessert which complimented the rest of the menu. Slightly bitter with a hint of sweetness, the silky texture of this mousse put a smile across all my girls faces. 

If you're looking for an evening out of the ordinary, make your way down to Chinwaggery+Soul at the Movenpick Hotel, Jumeirah Beach.  The restaurant itself is worth the trip down to the JBR area, plus the gorgeous patio where you can enjoy some after dinner libations is a bonus. Next door is another popular venue called The Talk, where Friday Brunch is served in style. The overall F&B program at Movenpick is top notch, and this particular locale delivers it with flying colors.  

The Gateway to Modern Indian Cuisine at La Porte des Indes

When I first heard about this unique restaurant concept located in The Address Hotel, Dubai Mall I was intrigued. Inspired by the French colonized Pondicherry region of India, the menu takes influences from French, Tamil, and Creole cuisine. Based on the success of the UK and Belgian sister outlets, the Dubai restaurant was created.  Revamped and "Dubai-ified" for the local clientele, La Porte des Indes has made great efforts to glamorize the decor when compared to it's understated European counterparts. As the old saying goes...."When in Rome" comes to mind, although it would have been a nice to change to see something a little more rustic and warm around this already glitz and glammed over city.

Nonetheless the highlight of any restaurant is the food, which always comes before the decor and La Porte des Indes has delivered that with a very bold statement. Chef Vishal Rane, who I first met at Taste of Dubai 2014 while I was moderating the Kenwood Cooking School,  takes pride in his menu.  He has perfected the execution of these classic restaurant dishes. Considering ingredients and the local palette, the menu has stayed true to the original concept with a few minor adjustments here and there.

As an amuse bouche we were served this little gram flour fritter topped by a dollop of green chutney and a generous serving of tamarind chutney garnished with micro greens.  The plating was modern, but the flavors remained ethnic.  The crispy exterior of the fritter had the perfect crunch factor for this flavorful little bite.

Next up we were served the Souvenirs des Indes, a selection of the house's best starters and grilled items.  Starting from the left we have the tandoori seared foie gras, served on a honey naan bread with a fig and ginger chutney, next the Achari Salmon, rolled in mustard, fennel, chillies, and aniseed, nestled right next to that was a grilled king scallops with a hint of garlic in a mild saffron sauce, and lastly the Barra Lamb Chop, marinated with browned onions, yoghurt and garam masala. There was enough color, texture, and variety of proteins on this plate to keep us occupied for sometime. Tasting each item after the next with it's own distinct aroma and flavor profile, Chef Vishal made sure we experienced the BEST of what this restaurant had to offer.

The stand out item here was the salmon, cooked to a tender stage with that slightly charred exterior I love so much The flavor explosion of spices in contrast to the natural fattiness of the fish was memorable, but not overwhelming. The lamb chop was also cooked wonderfully to a medium temperature, which you will hardly find at most Indian restaurants. The heavy coating layered on top if the chop although full of flavor, was so intense, it dulled the taste of the lamb. Some prefer the "masala" factor over the meat, but if the cut of meat happens to be a good quality lamb chop, I would prefer a hint of spice to compliment this already delicious protein. 
Now if that wasn't enough, my guests and I still had to tackle the main course, which we weren't ready to shy away from. After seeing the preparation of the Crevettes Assadh by Chef Vishal Rane at Taste of Dubai , I knew I wanted to try the real deal made in his restaurant kitchen.  The succulent tiger prawns simmered in a mild coconut curry with green mangoes, tumeric, chillies and ginger represented this unique cuisine elegantly. The sauce was beautifully balanced, I could have had it as a soup. Instead I came close to licking the plate clean with every last  morsel of naan I could find on the table.

Served along side the prawns was the Policha Meen  a grilled sea bass marinated with green pepper, garlic and shallots, enveloped in banana leaves.  This is an original recipe from the house of Mme Blanc, the “Grande Dame” of Pondicherry. With so much history and thought behind this restaurant, the sentiments and emotion can be felt through each of these menu items, especially this one. The seasoned fish was flaky and packed a punch as did almost everything else we tasted this evening.

After our decadent meal, came this elaborate dessert tasting plate. From a ras malai cheesecake to a belgian dark chocolate mousse plus a pistachio kulfi and last but not least a mango creme brulee, we were spoiled for choice. Although I could only manage to take a single bite of each item, the most memorable would have to be the pistachio kulfi. Cool and creamy, this was a smooth rendition of this classic south asian sweet treat.
In summary, the evening at La Porte des Indes was truly a remarkable experience.  The warm hospitality I felt upon entering to the passion behind the food has made a mark in the culinary scene of Dubai. Although the price points are a tad on the higher side, you get what you pay for with generous portions and prompt service.

Dubai Food Festival Gourmet Trail Guide: Best Kept Secrets

As a Dubai Food Festival Gourmet Trail Guide, I was asked to select four of my favorite restaurants in five different categories.  This actually proved to be a difficult task, as I have had so many wonderful dining experiences in Dubai.  Here are the top four under Best-Kept Secrets

Manhattan Grill- (Grand Hyatt-Oud Metha)

• Occasion to Visit: Casual dining/mid-week meal
• Location and Price: Grand Hyatt/Meal for two AED 450
• Insiders Tips: Great for steaks, but explore other menu options also
• Menu Top Tip: BURGER-one of the best I have ever tasted, the crispy battered fries were also divine, ask for extra ketchup

The Grand Hyatt hotel has to be an institution for good food and drink in Dubai.  Out of the several restaurant venues here including Peppercrab, IZ, and Wox, it’s difficult to pick one favorite.  In order to narrow it down, it came to the most memorable food item, which was the burger at Manhattan Grill.  Dining at this restaurant during a mid-week afternoon, it was a moderately busy atmosphere with hotel guests and ongoing business lunches. 

 

Seated at a centrally located table with views of the pretty dining space, the staff went out of their way to ease us into the meal.  Presented with the regular a la carte menu as well as the seasonal specials, the selection was overwhelming.  The meat was the highlight for the Manhattan Grill, because nothing is more Manhattan that a perfectly cooked steak, or burger in my case.  Once I laid my eyes on the  signature “Manhattan Grill Wagyu Beef Burger with Monterey Jack Cheese, Veal Bacon, and Crispy Idaho Fries”, the decision had been made. 


Once the main had been decided, next up was selecting the starter.  The seasonal specials included a seared sea bass with beet root puree, which screamed wholesome goodness and provided the balance to the burger.  A dish that sounded basic in its description was anything but.  The seared fish was seasoned and cooked well.  The flaky buttery fillets of sea bass melted in my mouth, and the beet root puree was smooth with just the right amount of a savory touch to compliment the earthy undertones of this flavorful vegetable.  

Claypot (CityMax Hotel-Bur Dubai)

• Occasion to Visit: When you are having a craving for chaat or other south asian delicacies
• Location and Price: CityMax Burdubai/Cost for two people AED 190
• Insiders Tips: request a booth table with comfy seating towards the back as the band can be loud, but enjoyable
• Menu Top Tip: the Chaat selection is extensive; make sure you save room for the Signature Claypot curries and Sizzling Grills

 This north Indian style eatery is tucked away at the Citymax hotel in Bur Dubai located on Kuwait Street at the intersection of Mankhool Rd.  A quick left hand turn once you enter the busy hotel lobby, the moderately sized dining space has ethnic touches inspired from the subcontinent.  The casual atmosphere lends itself to a mid-week meal where you will get great value for your money.

Marketing being one of their strong suits, the Indian Street Food Festival was the talk of the town during the busy September month.  The restaurant took pride in recreating the street stalls found all over India where people typically enjoy this street style snack.  In a more maintained environment, we were given an extensive tour of the set-up and brought to our comfy booth in the back. 

In addition to the extensive variety of chaat ranging from vegetarian and non veg options, the Claypot curries are the signature items at this quaint foodie destination in Bur Dubai.  The Goan Fish Curry spiced and full of flavor was a particular favorite as was the classic butter chicken.  The Naan to accompany the meal was also delectably delicious, and kept me going back for more. 

 

The restaurant caters to clientele from all walks of life.  Not only do they have an extensive vegetarian menu, but they also have a great meat and seafood menu, along with a special Jain menu. This restaurant requires a return trip, as one could not possibly enjoy all the menu choices on one sitting.    

Kebab Kolony (Karama)

• Occasion to Visit: Casual snack/Meal on the go/Desi comfort food
• Location and Price: Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road-Karama/Meal for two AED 40
• Insiders Tips: the kebabs are great, but make sure you get an order of Biryani too, plus Kashmiri tea as dessert
• Menu Top Tip: Malai Boti, Bihari Boti, Green Boti, Sindhi Biryani, and Chapli Bun Kebab 

 This conveniently located restaurant is quirky and too cute for words.  Located right off the main road with a limited amount of parking, coming here during the week is your best bet.  The fake brick walls decorated with classic Bollywood movie posters and anecdotes from current film stars and those of generations past make this a unique dining experience. 

The basic concept allows you to order directly at the counter, a la fast food style of service, but the meal will be delivered to your table.  The portions are a reasonable size, and allow you to order numerous items without filling up.  It’s a great place to go with a group of 2 or more people to get a sampling of several menu items. 

The quality of the meat in the kebab is good as is the marination and execution.  The depth of flavor in this authentically Pakistani style Sindhi Biryani is incomparable.  The delicate tendrils of sella rice don’t clump together and maintain their character throughout the dish.

The bun kebab is reminiscent of Karachi style street food vendors, conjuring memories of my childhood visits to the bustling capital city.  The thin layer of savory egg placed on top of the spicy meat patty nestled between two buns makes the perfect meal or snack, depending on your mood. The final touch that made this meal a lasting memory was the piping hot cup of sweet Kashmiri chai, with it’s gorgeous pick hues and milky consistency it worked its way into my heart and soul.

Wok It (Bur Dubai)

• Occasion to Visit: Craving some solid Asian cuisine
• Location and Price: Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road-Al Karama/ Meal for two AED 120
• Insiders Tips: When booking as for table on the left side of restaurant with comfy seating, otherwise the main restaurant has long tables with bench style seating
• Menu Top Tip: The sweet and savory Martabak, Curry Laksa, and Szechuan Wok Beef. The beef pairs best with the Nasi Lemak (Steamed Jasmine Rice with coconut milk and lemongrass)

Wok It is truly a one of a kind culinary delight in Dubai.  The restaurant itself was built on the idea to provide authentic Asian fair by sourcing the best of the best when it comes to quality of ingredients, staff, décor, and service.  The owner took a hands on approach to opening his first F&B venture and did so with an immense amount of passion.

 

He diligently did his research and recruited staff from the heart of Jakarta and beyond to execute the cuisine he craved from his travels to South East Asia.  The trained chef has a history of cooking in five star establishments which gives some background on his talent in the kitchen arena, however since his specialty of street food with a modern touch, he thrives in an environment such as Wok It.

 

The menu is inspired by pan Asian style cuisine, featuring dumplings, noodles, soups, curries, stir-fries, and of course the famous Martabak.  Each item on the menu is carefully planned and thought out. The starters contain a balance of traditional and modern items such as Satay and Firework Shrimp respectively. The noodle soups are a particular favorite not only for the incredibly developed broths, but their warmth and satiating effect on the body. 

The Szechuan Beef is a dish you would find in almost every Chinese restaurant, but the special Indonesian touch and quality of beef will make you want to come back for more. Lastly whether you opt for the savory or sweet variety, the Martabak is a treat that will linger in your mind for weeks on end.  Prepared in a special cast iron skillet especially imported from Indonesia, this dish is worth the trip to Karama alone. 

For more information on the Dubai Food Festival, click on the icon below: