Ramadan at Asateer Tent Dubai

Ramadan in Dubai is often a very glitz and glam affair. Some people will say to excess, and rightfully so, but this is Dubai and we are known for our buffet meals.

Asateer Tent at The Atlantis Palm Dubai is a known Dubai institution and this year I partook in it as well.

Reservations are needed as it does fill up quickly. You can reach the lovely people at Atlantis on +971 4 426 0800. There is a dress code and skirts must be below the knees, shoulders covered and no cleavage. They do provide shawls but it would be better to plan your fabulous outfit with the dress code in mind. This being Dubai there is valet parking but be aware that once the buffet ends there will be a queue while waiting for your car.

On to the food.

Wow. Presentation and taste really came together for this iftar. It was not an entirely massive buffet but for iftar you should not eat too much anyway. We broke our fast with a collection of dates, refreshing jalab, three different types of laban and cold mezze. Dinner included ouzi (perfection) and an assortment of Arabic and non Arabic main courses. The dessert section catered to all tastes and even included and ice cream station, chocolate fountain and a pillar made of lovely macaroons,

Iftar at the Asateer Tent is definitely an experience and at AED195 it is at the higher range for iftar buffets in Dubai but it is also open until 21h00 where as with some you feel rushed because of the 20h30 cut off.

Use an iftar at the Asateer Tent as a lux dinner with friends, celebration with family or just as a chance to experience a different side of Dubai's opulent life style.

Ramadan kareem. I hope that the last ten days of ramadan will bring you peace and blessings.

The Hamptons Cafe: East Coast meets Jumeirah

Our fair city Dubai has an ecclectic and wonderful range of cafes and restaurant and one of these gems is the ever so lovely, Hamptons Cafe in Jumeirah. Located just past the Miraj Islamic Arts Centre on Jumeirah Road The Hamptons Cafe is a cool and calm East Coast style oasis in Dubai. The inside of the restaurant is like the idealistic Hamptons property. It welcomes you with its slightly preppy East Coast charm.

Having been here twice now I can safely say that the quality is unquestionably good and small details are appreciated. Lattes are served with water and a macaroon and food is beautifully presented and tastes as good as it looks.

The Hamptons has three stories of dining and it is suggested if you are a larger group to make a reservation. As we are still in the cooler months make sure to grab a table on either the roof top or down on the street level. I can imagine that indoors will be quite popular in the summer as it is so calm and cool inside.

The best way to start and weekend breakfast or brunch is with a delicious latte or cappuccino which, at The Hamptons, comes beautifully presented with a macaroon and glass of water.

A lovely addition to a latte

On my first visit to The Hamptons I tried the Eggs Benedict which comes withe choice of either smoked salmon or veal bacon. I went for the smoked salmon. A great choice and my friend agreed. There is something quite satisfying about a well made Eggs Benedict.

The Hamptons Eggs Benedict with amoked salmon

For my second visit I wanted to try something sweet so I went with the classic french toast, with a twist. There was peanut butter. Of course as we are health conscientious it was served with about seven berries. One must keep a steady antioxidant intake. Also a lovely choice if you enjoy french toast but not super sweet though it could be served with slightly more maple syrup. 

French Toast and the hidden berries

I am quite glad to have found The Hamptons Cafe as it is a lovely addition to the Dubai dining scene and with its location quite near to the beach promenade and, my favourite, Al Wasl area it can be a good start point for a car free day in Dubai.

A little bit of romance. 

Welcome to The Hamptons

Look for this classic.

The Hamptons would be a lovely place to spend a Valentines Day breakfast or lunch this Saturday. If you need more unique Valentines Day option check out my post from last year.

As per the norm this is not a sponsored post. I write them on the sly. 

Zeta Restaurant/Lounge: Pan Asian Cuisine at The Address Downtown Hotel

I made the reservation for Zeta on a whim. It was my father's birthday and my parents last night in Dubai; naturally I needed something not only special and with a great view but great service to boot. My usual go to place for impressing is Neos which is also in The Address Downtown Dubai but I wanted something outside. I spoke with one of the lovely girls at restaurant reservations who recommended Zeta. I told her it was my father's birthday and she said said she will reserve us a table with a direct fountain view and she also explained the dining concept at Zeta.

At Zeta we were warmly welcomed and promptly seated at our, as promised, table with the fountain view. The menus were given to us, the concept explained in brief (after we had confirmed it was our first time) and we were asked if we would like water to start.

Background = dynamite roll, foreground = salmon skin roll

We started of with drinks which included a glass of rose, the "Forever Young" cocktail and a "Apple Julep" cocktail for myself. Drinks were served ladies first; quite a rare occurrence in Dubai. As the concept at Zeta is sharing we opted for a mix of warm and cold dishes which included a Burj sushi roll, salmon skin roll, dynamite roll, japanese style chicken and edamame beans. It was a wonderful combination of flavours and textures. The dynamite roll in particular was not too spicy as to distract from the other flavours present. What also struck me, with regards to service, was that our individual plates were not cleared until each person had finished eating. This is proper and attentive service.

Burj Roll

After our plates had been cleared and the tabled cleaned we received a lovely surprise. A gorgeous and decadent chocolate cake for us to share. By share I mean we only managed about a third and the remainder came home. We ended our evening at Zeta with a decadent chocolate cake, coffee and another couple fountain shows.

The birthday cake surprise

Zeta was an excellent choice and I am glad I went there with my parents from the attentive service with restaurant reservations, to the warmed blanket which arrived and the attention we received during dinner  it was a well worth it and worth repeating event.

The iconic: The Address Downtown Dubai

The is post is not sponsored. I just think we should all eat good food. 

SALT: Wagyu Burgers at Kite Beach

Most chefs will tell you if they could only use one spice, herb etc to add flavour it would be salt. Salt emphasises flavours and can take a dish from bland to bam! in a moment.

Kite Beach has a relatively new kid on the block and the open beaches along Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah have received a much needed update in the form of board walks, shower and toilet facilities as well as some pretty great restaurants and cafes. One of which is Salt. Salt stands out because it is perpetually busy. There are not too many places in Dubai were both locals and expats will queue up for something as simple as a burger. Yet at Salt this is the case. With my curiosity piqued after seeing this phenomenon a couple of times I decided to investigate.

Verdict? Not bad. Not bad at all. Wagyu beef makes a good burger. The fries as well were crisp and, ironically enough, not over salted.The service is not as fast as a normal fast food joint but why should it be? You are after all waiting for a Wagyu beef burger. The burger comes as two smaller ones, perfect for sharing portions especially with the amount of fries you receive.Menu is short and to the point. Service is friendly and cheerful.

Grab a blanket, order at Salt and sit at the beach to enjoy the fire works which are currently on during Dubai Shopping Festival. Romantic much?