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. 

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?

An Al Wasl Stroll and Book Munch

I delight in finding new little places in Dubai to lose myself in and one of them is Al Wasl. Located close to Safa Park and with plenty of walking routes Al Wasl is a peaceful little weekend retreat. Happening upon Book Munch was a pleasant surprise indeed. 

I truly love a good book and when that is paired with a good cup of tea and some breakfast treats I am in a blissful state. 

Take a seat and enjoy a cuppa.

Deciding on the Ricotta Pancakes was no easy feat as the menu is thoughtfully designed with diverse choices.  But I am quite glad I did as the pancakes were fluffy and clearly home made; the ricotta cheese in the centre toned down the sweetness of the dish. And the accompanying honey comb butter was truly a nectar of the goods. There was also banana and berries served with the Ricotta Pancakes (possibly to tone down the naughtiness of the dish?)

Ricotta Pancakes

There is plenty of diverse seating in Book Munch but if you will be eating something more substantial then I recommend taking a proper table and chairs as you will hunch over less.

The team at Book Munch is also very lovely and friendly. I felt quite at home here.

You can grab a book off the shelf here and read while you enjoy your meal without being obligated to buy it, though if you dirty it you buy it.

To finish this post I will leave you with a lovely quote I found in a book once:

"There is no friend as faithful as a good book. There is no worse robber than a bad book"

*as per the norm this is not a sponsored post

A taste of Autumn

There comes that time of year when #PSL is used again and people await the aromas of pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg. In Dubai we are missing the scent of dried leaves and the crunch of dried leaves under our feet. We don't get to experience the biting winds which precede winter nor do we get to take out the racks for one final attack on the remaining maples leaves that blanket our lawns. We we do have though is Starbucks; ready and willing to indulge our craving for the taste of autumn. I take mine tall, one pump of syrup, no whipped cream and a dash (or three) of cinnamon. Maybe next season we will even be graced with the Pumpkin Scone, one can only hope. For a more humourous approach to the Pumpkin Spice Latte craze check out this article from the Canadian weekly, Maclean's.

Cinnamon Roll and a tall Pumpkin Spice Latte

So where are you enjoying your #PSL? And do you miss about Autumn?

Tom and Serg: an Al Quoz hotspot

Al Quoz continues to suprise. Maybe it was that having three rather fantastic bistro/breakfast style restaurants in what is usually considered an industrially area threw me off but I did not expect this. Near the Times Square Centre in Al Quoz is not only a Lime Tree Café but also Tom and Serg and The One Café (which I have yet to try). Tom and Serg was suggested to me by a friend and I am so very glad she did.

A large and light flooded place, Tom and Serg seems to be quite the meeting place. On a Saturday we were quite glad to have met at 09h30 because later it got quite busy. And I was always under the impression that nothing happened before 12h00 in Dubai.

Coffee artistry

Our Gado Salad

Pumpkin Squash Croquette

The Our Gado salad was a big hit with both sets of friends that I have gone here with. And the menu, though small, is still quite diverse. What I found that stood out in particular was how fresh the food, and ingredients in general, tasted. Serve is wonderful and friendly; the general vibe really does take influence from the Aussie coffee culture.

Tom and Serg draws a diverse crowd from young families to students studying and professionals having a lunch during work hours. Parking, both paid and unpaid, is in abundance and Tom and Serg can be the prefect respite from shopping at Ace Hardware which is just around the corner. 

At.mosphere

At.mosphere in Burj Khalifa is a must visit if you are looking for a more indulgent way of enjoying the Burj Khalifa and its magnificent view of Dubai. Having been there twice now I can safely say that both times the service has been lovely. And the view cannot be beat. Getting there at the start of high tea (during the weekday we were able to get in at 14h30) will generally guarantee you a window table. And really, where else would you want to sit?

Unlike some of other high teas in Dubai, At.mosphere allows you to have different hot drinks, you can go from a latté to a tea and back again if you so wish. You will also be served a small hot appetizer and fresh fruit drink before the high tea display with its small desserts and sandwiches comes out. You will also be served scones as needed. Throughout your time there will also be live music. The first time I went there was a harpist and the second time we were serenaded by a live singer. 

With regards to dress code:

-Men: must wear shirt with collar and sleeves and closed shoes. Wearing shorts, bermudas, baggy or torn jeans, shirts with large/colourful prints and sports shoes are not allowed when visiting At.mosphere. Sandals are only allowed when worn with national dress.

-Women: are not allowed flip flops, baggy or torn jeans, shirts with large/colourful prints or sports shoes

View from the WC

Looking over Downtown Dubai

At.mosphere can be reached at +971 4 8883444 for reservations.

Fortnum & Mason: The Dubai Edition

Only a couple more days to go until we can get our manicured little hands on the goodies at Fortnum & Mason here in Dubai. Though with one caveat; there will be no foie gras. Controversial but delicious, foie gras is not halal because of how it is produced. I am sure though that the rest of the goodies will make up for the lack of foie gras and maybe our waist lines and pocketbooks will be the better for it.

The new Dubai store is described as being a vast, three story department store. It is located between the Dubai Mall and The Address Downtown Dubai in a free standing location. The current facade around it was done by the brilliant Rory Dobner.

Link to original photo

Check out the facebook page of Rory Dobner for more of his work and some gorgeous and inspiring pictures.

Will let you know how it is as soon as I make a trip to Fortnum & Mason. Which will be soon. Very soon. Tah for now, dahling.

Eataly: get some Italian in Dubai

Dubai is known for its rather pretentious dining and clubbing scene. There is of course nothing wrong with partaking in this I have enjoyed dinner at Nobu before and going to Cavalli and People by Crystal, amongst others. There are though times when you want to sit back a bit, wear jeans and share a joke with the kitchen chefs. I adore kitchen chefs and find then rather amiable. On a recent Dubai Mall shopping excursion with my friend we happened upon Eataly. From the outside it is quite eye catching with its large, open and bright store front. Upon stepping inside you see the scale of this place. It is a mix of grocers with a café, gelateria, chocolate counter, restaurant and other delightful stations. The glass enclosed room where they make the fresh mozzarella is a thing of beauty.

Smoked Turkey Piadina with the lovely chefs in the background

Simple yet delicious tomato spaghetti

In addition to the site down dining there is also a bar which one can sit at and watch the chefs at work in the hot station. Once we were seated we were brought our menus as well as a serving of bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping the bread in. Delish! Wanting something simple, warm and with carbs, as we had been shopping, we settled on a simple tomato spaghetti and a smoked turkey piadina. As a started we tried their fresh made mozzarella. Over all we had a wonderful experience the food was fresh and tasty and the mozzarella in particular gets a massive thumbs up, no matter how geeky it looks. I even took the other half of the piadina home with me as it was a large portion. The next day I heated it in my Panini press and it was delicious. Sitting at the bar was a fantastic idea as we were able to watch all the other lovely dishes be prepared and it gave us some ideas for another home made dinner get together.


Eataly can definitely be recommended as a casual date night or a less hectic mall meal. The fact that you can combine it with some of your grocery shopping is a bonus. Of course you can also pop in for an ice cream or an espresso at the coffee counter. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Car watching and a date (or two)

In the background is the aforementioned Ferrari

In Dubai we see our fair share of luxury cars and soon enough it becomes second nature to see a red Ferrari or matte purple Cayanne parked in your buildings garage. What is fun though it the people watching associated with these cars. Dubai is currently in the full swing of its tourist season and that means luxury car neophytes ... everywhere. I find it rather humorous watching a grown man make his elderly mother pose in front of  a red Ferrari and getting the perfect shot from every which angle. Oddly enough though it peeves me when I see people leaning on said Ferrari. It seems almost disrespectful and jeans have rivets which could scratch that rather expensive paint job. Maybe I am hyper sensitive on this subject, maybe not, the point is: respect the car.


As this is Dubai we have to enjoy every chance at out door dining before summer slaps us across the face in all its heated humid glory. We grabbed a table at Bateel and set to work pouring over their menu.


As we only wanted to stay for a refreshing drink we ordered a mocha shake and for myself a Bateel Date Shake which is made with vanilla ice cream, milk and fresh Rhutab dates. Bateel is well known in the middle east and both the mocha and the date shake lived up to Bateels name. Neither were too sweet and were perfect for sitting in the sun and watching people watching cars. The shakes were reasonably priced at AED22 each. Their menu looks nice as well and I may need to get myself a snack at their Mirdif City Centre location.


The Bateel location we went to is located on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall on the outside promenade near the fountains.


Please note this is not a sponsored post.

Cravin' some Cajun?

In Dubai one can find almost any food and now Cajun has been added to that ever growing list. Enter Cravin' Cajun in the newly opened Novotel Al Barsha just off of Sheikh Zayed Road. I had gone here with a friend who expressed an interest in Jazz music and lamented the fact that in the UAE jazz is rather difficult to find. Though I had not been here before I said let's try it.

Cravin' Cajun has a nice mix of seating styles from lounge style seating to tables and bar seating. We settled ourselves at the bar as neither of us were hungry and decided to enjoy some grape beverages with the jazz music. The interior is beautifully done with muted tones, ash and dark woods and a beautiful stone bar. Definitely dress in business casual here. You may feel a bit out of place in jeans and a t-shirt. Though most places in Dubai command a higher level of dressing.

The jazz band was great and play from 19h30-23h30 each evening except on Sunday when the restaurant is closed. I got chills when the bassist (who also plays the sax) sang as he had a decidedly Satchamo quality to his voice. I may not be a jazz connoisseur but I thoroughly enjoyed myself as did my friend and the decision was unanimous that not only must we return but we must have dinner.
Gulfnews did an informative review about Cravin' Cajun if you would like to know more about the restaurant.

from the Gulf News

If you too enjoy jazz the  OSN Jazz Garden - The Weekend Edition takes place at Festival Park, Dubai Festival City, from February 15-18. A bonus is that admission is free to the public via online registration at dubaijazzfest.com. Possible belated Valentines Day activity? It does have the potential to be. The Dubai Jazz Festival runs from the 13-20th of February and bills itself as a unique take on jazz, pop and rock.




The Cravin' Cajun details:


Located in the Novotel Al Barsha
Open Monday to Saturday from 19:00-23:30
The Novotel is opposite the Sharaf DG Metro station, has valet parking and I noticed many taxi driving past


As per the norm this is not a sponsored post

Back to Jumeirah

Once again this weekend saw me down in Jumeirah. Down in Jumeirah 1 is the ever popular, and rightly so, The Lime Tree Café & Kitchen. The Lime Tree provides indoor and outdoor seating with a lovely laidback atmosphere. For those who have not been before be aware that you order and pay inside and the waiters will bring your food out to you. The menu is written up on a chalk board and the vitrine displays other delicious items. The Lime Tree is right beside the Spinneys in Jumeirah and has ample paid parking.

Courtyard of The Lime Tree

Muesli

Quiche

After our delicious breakfast my friend and I headed on a walk around Jumeirah 1. Close by was the Village Mall which contains the store, S*uce. What a beautiful location and store. When we got in we were greeted and told that there was a section with 50% off (we were also told that this sale will last until DSF). Which for S*uce is rather amazing. And the 50% off section did not disappoint. Amazing dresses, clothes, accessories  and even Cambridge Satchel Company bags were on sale. After snagging a lovely little Cambridge Satchel we headed out the door with an extra spring in our step.

those Satchels are on sale!

inside S*ce

inside S*uce

The next stop was at the Comptoir 102. Comptoir 102 mixes home décor and a café in one light and airy location. They also sell espadrilles and other sandals which may seem like a random addition but somehow works well into the concept. Being in Comptoir was like stepping into someone's home; each room had a different theme. If you are looking for some quirky home décor items drop in as they are also having a sale.   

As we continued our walk down Jumeirah Road we got side tracked by a red sign  declaring "vintage" atop a decidedly 60s style house. And in we went. I have heard that Dubai has a small vintage scene but never had I taken the time to research it. Bambah is well curated and the clothing quality is excellent though one does pay significantly more than in a vintage/thrift store in Europe or North America. If you are looking for something unique this is the place to visit. There was also a rack with items for sale at AED100. I asked how long it is valid and was told as long as supplies last.

there is a section for LBDs

quirky entry way

There you have it. Another walk, another shopping trip all with out having to enter the Dubai Mall and at the same time supporting small business and staying unique. This is one of the reasons that I so enjoy Jumeirah: it is unique.  

Jetting home?

Slowly Dubai is emptying itself of its expats. Many are going home for the holidays. And as home is often so far away check out this link from the Huffington Post on how to sleep in an airplane.

For those of you who are still having difficulties with packing wikihow has a simple and to the point packing guide. Personally I prefer to travel with carryon only. Then again I am childless and single so it is more than possible to travel in such a manner. Sometimes it just takes a list and knowing your itinerary to plan outfits in advance.

For those lucky expats staying in Dubai Time Out Dubai has a great site showing where you can get into the Christmas spirit.  Planning a Christmas dinner can be exhausting and executing it even more so. Why not settle down with friends and family at one of the many places in Dubai offering special brunches, luncheons and dinners. Gulf News and Time Out Dubai have put together a list of places to enjoy the holiday spirit without having to clean your own dishes.

Have yourselves a happy holiday season.

Road Trippin' it to Fujairah

Once again the weekend is fast coming up. Now that temperatures across the UAE are becoming more comfortable it is time to make a road trip and hit the beach. Fujairah can easily be a day trip or a weekender.

My preferred Fujairah trip encompasses most of the Emirate of Fujairah not just the city of Fujairah. Usually we head out in the wee hours of the morning and drive towards Dibba/Al Aqah, which is well known for its snorkeling and diving around both Snoopy Island and Dibba Rock.



The above map may or may not show (I err on the side of may not) my usual "trip to Fujairah" driving pattern. Basically we take the E88 towards Fujairah and once in Masafi take the E89 to Dibba which then magically turns into the E99, towards Al Aqah.

Before you reach Masafi you will find yourself driving past the Friday Market (there will be signs announcing it and it is open everyday, so don't let the name mislead you). Here you can pick up anything from fresh fruits, to plants, pots and carpets. Definitely take a stop here, pick up coconut juice and interact with the sellers.

If you want to dive/snorkel by Dibba Rock there are dive centres at both the Radisson Blu and the Holiday Beach Motel. I learned to dive with Blue Planet Diving (at the Holiday Beach Motel) and thoroughly enjoyed my experience. To people who have not dived before it is like being in a National Geographic documentary.

Further down the road in Al Aqah there is a wider variety of hotels like the Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa Al Aqah Beach, Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort. For a lower priced hotel (and also directly across from Snoopy Island) is the Sandy Beach Hotel. There is also a open beach (without facilities) beside the Sandy Beach Hotel where people come on the weekend and set up small camps. The beaches here are sandy and the water is amazingly clear. There is a petrol station with convenience store just before the Rotana so remember to have plenty of liquids with you and snacks.

Looking towards Snoopy Island from the open beach

Once your beach day is done and you want to grab some lunch or and early dinner make your way to Fujairah along the E99, if you feel the need to stretch your legs or grab something to drink Khor Fakkan is a great place to stop as it is very green and has a lovely corniche.

My favourite place to eat in Fujairah is at the Hadramut Mandi Restaurant. Though it is not much to look at from the outside the food is excellent and inexpensive (a chicken mandi cost AED19, a bottle of water AED1 ... mind blown!). There are 2 private rooms and an area of the main seating section can also be curtained off. There is also the possibilities to sit at tables but if you are going to eat Mandi sit on the floor and enjoy a more authentic experience. The Hadramut Mandi Restaurant is located just before the fish market in Fujairah (at the Hilton keep going straight through the round about, do not turn left to follow the E99). Below are some pictures to show you where.



Façade of the restaurant



To the right is the Al Madina Supermarket


Lamb and chicken mandi, ask for one rice

Should you have space for dessert try the Kunafa, it is amazing. My friend and I shared one after our lunch/dinner and promised to come back after a walk for round two.

 

After such a meal it is nice to get out and enjoy a digesting walk. You can keep your car parked and less than 100 meters away is the vegetable and fish market. The fish market sells everything from shrimps to baby sharks, with a lot of flies buzzing around. Located past the fish market you will happen upon the vegetable market which sells various fresh produce in nice displays. There is also a meat market and some shops selling clothing items. In the evening it is rather quiet, if you want the hustle and bustle of market life check it out on Friday mornings.

 

For the way back to Dubai drive towards the vegetable market and head right at the round about onto the E89. If you want some shisha and sweets (or another meal, I won't judge) before you head back to Dubai check out the Al Meshwar Restaurant. It is a Lebanese restaurant that has both indoor and outdoor seating and an extensive shisha collection, grill and desserts. From the outside it looks like ruins (take the exit from E89 that is by the KFC).

 

If you just want to head home follow the E89 until it becomes E84 (direction Dubai). The E84 will eventually become the E102 which you can follow to the E611 (the old Dubai Bypass Road).

A little bit of "The Dubai Fountain" love

The Dubai Fountain is a stunning piece of art. When it is not playing it is an unassuming calm pond. When it plays, it plays. A trip to Dubai is not complete without seeing this stunning work of choreography. Like most popular tourist attractions in Dubai it can become incredibly crowded and finding a good viewing spot becomes an uncomfortable experience. Below are some places, mostly restaurants, were you can enjoy dinner or drinks and have an unobstructed view of The Dubai Fountain. There is also a walkway which goes around the area where the fountains are located. Along this walkway, especially near the mall entrance/Souk Al Bahar area it can become quite busy. Best to go more in the direction of Burj Khalifa where there are generally less people.

The following pictures were taken from Joe's Café in The Dubai Mall.

1. Joe's Café: Joe's Café is located on the second level of Fashion Avenue of the Dubai Mall across from Mulberry. We ended up here as the outside terrace of Madeleine was full. A café latte/cappuccino will cost you AED29 each. A more contemporary feel than Madeleine or Ladurée it still has a cozy, classy vibe to it.

2. Madeleine: is located on the first level of  Fashion Avenue. Wonderful Pariesien style restaurant which serves excellent food and has, like Joe's, amazing and unobstructed views of the fountains, Burj Khalifa and The Address Downtown Dubai. A café latte/cappuccino will cost you AED18 each. I have eaten dinner here a couple times and each time walked away happy and satiated.

3. PAUL Bakery & Restaurant: also located in the Dubai Mall (first level) and a very popular institution in Dubai also offers outside seating with views of the fountains. The view may not be as direct as Joe's and Madeleine but it is still a good option. PAUL is a French style restaurant with wonderful desserts and a very rich hot chocolate. The hot chocolate is definitely a more budget friendly version to what is served at Ladurée.

4. Neos: Neos is the skybar located in The Address Downtown Dubai. From the 63rd floor you have a birds eye view of the fountains as well as a view across downtown Dubai and to the Burj Khalifa. Going there before 21h00 will usually guarantee you the best seating. Neos is more chic and upscale than the previous mentioned locations so take care to follow a smart casual dress code as a minimum. They will turn you away if you are dressed in sneakers. In The Address Downtown Dubai also has Calabar which is a Latin inspired lounge bar which offers various styles of indoor and outdoor seating and is also worth checking out if you prefer a chic night out.

5. Armani Hotel Dubai: one cannot talk about chic and skip past the Armani Hotel Dubai. The design aesthetic of Giorgio Armani is ever present in this name sake hotel. The Armani/Lounge, looking out to The Dubai Fountain, ideal for a light meal and opportunity to experience the vision of Giorgio Armani.

6. At.mosphere: quite possible the crème de la crème of "overlooking the fountains" dining is At.mosphere. Located on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa it takes high tea to new heights (that pun was necessary). The high tea was an experience like no other and truly an indulgence. Whether you go for high tea or evening drinks before dinner take care to dress to impress and bring a camera with full battery.

So there you have it: a small list of different places to view the fountains from. There are so many more restaurants and cafes on the ground floor of The Dubai Mall to view the fountains from but often your view will be obstructed by others who are trying to view the fountains. Souk Al Bahar also as a wide variety of dining options to choose from.

Hot Pot in the Desert

There is something about finding an authentic restaurant in a city like Dubai that makes your heart beat a little bit faster. One of those places would be the Xiao Wei Yang International Restaurant also known as the Little Sheep/Lamb Hot Pot.

Exterior of the restaurant

The restaurant is easy to find across from the Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa on Al Sufouh Road. There is still construction taking place in the area so parking is still at a premium.

Interior of the restaurant

The moment my friend and I walked into the restaurant our throats were tickled with the hint of spice which was lingering in the air. And with that my smile grew broader as I have not had hot pot in about two years, one could say it was a long time coming. After settling at our own table we were given the menus and allowed a moment to peruse them. A definite plus here is that there are pictures showing what you will get which is perfect for hot pot neophytes. We went with menu four which has a divided "pot" which just means one side has a spicy broth and they other is a milder beef broth. In addition to the normal assortment of mushrooms, fish balls, lettuce and thinly sliced meat which comes with the hot pot we also ordered golden needle mushrooms. Be still my heart of I do have a fondness for these.

Hot pot ingrediants

As expected the food came quickly and was fresh. Hot pot is essentially an eat at your own pace food where you can cook as you go.

Ready to eat

As usual I was not compensated for writing about this restaurant. I do, though, welcome suggestions on new places to try out.