Saturday, November 29, 2014

Biella - Caffe Pizzeria Ristorante - Wafi Mall

[caption id="attachment_3640" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Myself along with restaurant manager of Biella Mr. Riyaz Myself along with restaurant manager of Biella Mr. Riyaz[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3636" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Maincourses at Biella Maincourses at Biella[/caption]

Some of those days where you get everything right from A to Z. I love Italian food! Atleast that's how I felt when I came out of Biella. The cuisine tasted great and ingredients that were set right. Biella, is one of the oldest restaurant at Wafi Mall. I've been seeing this restaurant in the same spot at Wafi Mall for many many years now. Scroll down further to read my Italian tale...

[caption id="attachment_3630" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Biella - outdoor seating - smoking area Biella - outdoor seating - smoking area[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3628" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Biella - Interiors Biella - Interiors[/caption]

You can choose to sit inside or outside this restaurant. The outside felt more like you sitting in a garden with plants around you. The outdoor faces the same space where the lazer show takes place at the pyramids. It's a frequent site to see the BIG BUS tour making it's way around the restaurant. I was surrounded mainly by local crowd and I am not surprised as I was at Wafi Mall! :)

[caption id="attachment_3626" align="aligncenter" width="705"]On the house - Italian breads with Olive oil On the house - Italian breads with Olive oil[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3627" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Drinks - Dhs 38 - Right(creamy Picasso - vanilla ice cream blended with passion fruit syrup-left) and Left(Frutti Di Bosco - A medely of mixed berries, lime juice and fresh mint charged with lemonade) Drinks - Dhs 38 - Left(creamy Picasso - vanilla ice cream blended with passion fruit syrup) and Right(Frutti Di Bosco - A medely of mixed berries, lime juice and fresh mint charged with lemonade)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3629" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Iced Coffee - Dhs 26 - La Giola Italiana - combination of vanilla, milk and freshly brewed espresso topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle Iced Coffee - Dhs 26 - La Giola Italiana - combination of vanilla, milk and freshly brewed espresso topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle[/caption]

The moment we placed the order, came the usual breads and olive oil. Always enjoy having them. We tried 3 different drinks from their menu and all of them have been impressive. The Frutti Di Bosco had all kinds of berries inside it and their iced coffee was as good as those you find in any coffee house. My favourite was their Picasso which was vanilla ice cream blended with passion fruit syrup. It reminded of indian lassi but an italian version I'd say. The little pieces of passion fruit shoots through the straw and hits you in taste. The drinks gave me a good feeling at Biella.

[caption id="attachment_3632" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Caprese - Dhs 68 - Buffalo mazzarella from compania with Roma tomatoes, olives, sundried tomatoes and biella pesto Caprese - Dhs 68 - Buffalo mazzarella from compania with Roma tomatoes, olives, sundried tomatoes and biella pesto[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3631" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Crocchette al Formaggio - Dhs 55 - deep fried cheese croquetes with tallegio, ricotta and mozzarella cheese served with basil mayonaise Crocchette al Formaggio - Dhs 55 - deep fried cheese croquetes with tallegio, ricotta and mozzarella cheese served with basil mayonnaise[/caption]

For starters we tried something new in their menu which was their deep fried cheese sticks and wow it's one of the best cheese sticks I've had in a long time. A fry heavy with cheese and you just can't stop with one.  Their basil mayonnaise was just a perfect dipper for those cheese croquetes. The salad scored on it's buffalo mozarella cheese, sundried tomatoes along with homemade pesto. Eventually I begin to realize I am having a cheese feast so far, but I am loving every bit of it. By the way, if you hate tomatoes and sun dried ones then this salad might not be the one for you.

[caption id="attachment_3634" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Salmon alla griglia - Dhs 79 - grilled samon with aubergine, olives and tomatoes Salmon alla griglia - Dhs 79 - grilled samon with aubergine, olives and tomatoes[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3637" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Salmon alla griglia - Dhs 79 - grilled samon with aubergine, olives and tomatoes Salmon alla griglia - Dhs 79 - grilled samon with aubergine, olives and tomatoes[/caption]

Then came their main course starting with Grilled salmon which tasted fresh and just from the sea. The aubergine below was even better. The way the heavy salmon was hanging on top of that aubergine and that lemon flowing over the thick salmon just got me hungry for it.

[caption id="attachment_3635" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Ravioli Di Ricotta E spinaci - Dhs 78 - Ravioli with ricotta, spinach in cream sauce and pesto Ravioli Di Ricotta E spinaci - Dhs 78 - Ravioli with ricotta, spinach in cream sauce and pesto[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3633" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Pappardelle osso buco - Dhs 99 - homemade pappardelle tossed with artichokes, ortobello mushroom and osso buco ragout Pappardelle osso buco - Dhs 99 - homemade pappardelle tossed with artichokes, ortobello mushroom and osso buco ragout[/caption]

Stuffed ravioli is our family favourite. The cream sauce was delicious but I felt it a little hard and cold while I was cutting it, felt like they should have cooked it for a little more time. But otherwise they got the taste right. The item from their new menu which was PAPPARDELLE OSSO BUCO was a runaway hit. Simply mind blowing! Beef lovers should definitely try this one. Everything was just perfect in this dish.

[caption id="attachment_3639" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Torta Cioccolato - Dhs 47 - chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and espresso sauce Torta Cioccolato - Dhs 47 - chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and espresso sauce[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3638" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Baked vanilla ricotta cheesecake - Dhs 42 Baked vanilla ricotta cheesecake - Dhs 42[/caption]

The dessert Torta Cioccolato was out of the world. The chocolate was rich and that combination with ice cream took it to a different level. Actually the vanilla ice cream felt short of that gigantic rich chocolate cake. The baked ricotta cheesecake was a genuine cheesecake and so original that you better be a cheese lover to enjoy it. But the cheesecake felt a little too less compared to the chocolate cake. Overall it's been an impressive journey at Biella. By the way, food does take some time to reach you after you place the order. You need to be a little patient from that perspective :)

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Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Guess & Win - Jamba Juice Vouchers

[caption id="attachment_3647" align="aligncenter" width="705"]JAMBA JUICE JAMBA JUICE[/caption]

Hey! Competition time and this time there will be more winners. Our sponsor is Jamba Juice who just inaugurated their first outlet at the YAS MALL, AbuDhabi last week. They are further expanding to Dubai and they should be ready to serve you in December. Here's a little snippet about Jamba Juice so you know what to expect.

Jamba Juice was founded in California in 1990 with a vision to inspire and simplify healthy living. Their offerings would be whole fruit and veggie smoothies, freshly squeezed juices and juice blends, and a variety of food items including energy bowls, healthy wraps and snacks. Jamba Juice products do not contain artificial flavors or colours, preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, or trans-fat.

[caption id="attachment_3648" align="aligncenter" width="705"]JAMBA ENERGY BOWLS JAMBA ENERGY BOWLS[/caption]

The competition is very simple. Below is a glimpse of my next post. All you need to try is to describe the dishes in front of me starting from LEFT. Points will be based on your description and accuracy of answers you provide. You will be collecting the vouchers directly from the sponsor. I am just a mediator :(. Following is what you could win:

1 Winner gets Jamba Juice Credit Card preloaded with Dh100 to spend at any Jamba Juice
5 runners up gets Jamba Juice discount books where you could save up to 180 Dhs to be used at any Jamba Juice outlet.

Winners will be announced by Friday evening.

[caption id="attachment_3636" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Guess & Win Guess & Win competition - Describe the dishes in front of me starting from LEFT[/caption]

[contact-form][contact-field label='Name' type='name' required='1'/][contact-field label='Email' type='email' required='1'/][contact-field label='Mobile Number' type='text' required='1'/][contact-field label='Guess and describe the dishes from the picture above' type='textarea' required='1'/][/contact-form]

Friday, November 21, 2014

Flavours on Two - Towers Rotana - Friday Brunch - Dhs 185

[caption id="attachment_3606" align="aligncenter" width="705"]The team - FLAVOURS ON TWO The team - FLAVOURS ON TWO[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3603" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Desserts at FLAVOURS ON TWO Desserts at FLAVOURS ON TWO[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3596" align="aligncenter" width="705"]My son enjoying his shk zayed road view and busy playing from our seating My son enjoying his shk zayed road view and busy playing from our seating[/caption]

I love brunches! The only sad part is most brunches are only on Fridays. Flavours on Two is a restaurant located in Towers Rotana which is found just before the first interchange when going from Dubai to AbuDhabi(take the first right in found next to Crown Plaza Hotel). Friday brunch is available here from 12:00noon to 04:00pm. Priced at Dhs 185 for an adult which is inclusive of soft drinks and juices. Kids aged between 6 and 13 go in for half the price.

[caption id="attachment_3605" align="aligncenter" width="705"]FLAVOURS ON TWO - INTERIORS FLAVOURS ON TWO - INTERIORS[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3593" align="aligncenter" width="705"]FLAVOURS ON TWO - INTERIORS FLAVOURS ON TWO - INTERIORS[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3604" align="aligncenter" width="705"]FLAVOURS ON TWO - KIDS PLAY ROOM FLAVOURS ON TWO - KIDS PLAY ROOM[/caption]

Located on the second floor of Towers Rotana, As soon as I was at their door step, I was immediately impressed with their lovely interiors, sleek flooring and a modern design all around. The ambiance was fantastic. The restaurant was busy but at the same time there wasn't any waiting at the counters. The interesting part about this restaurant was that they had a separate hall just for kids and a room dedicated for their entertainment which had full size cartoon projected on the wall as well as playstations connected for them to play. Kids also had a separate buffet line for their brunch with teasers that they just wouldn't resist. The desserts were colorful and mini sized as well.

[caption id="attachment_3601" align="aligncenter" width="705"]BREAD STATION BREAD STATION[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3595" align="aligncenter" width="705"]SALAD station SALAD station[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3587" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Arabic Mezzeh Arabic Mezzeh[/caption]

Like everywhere they too had a bread station, cheese station and a stretched salad station. From the cheese station they had an interesting item which was made from apricots and dryfruits, it was more like a halwa to me but it tasted pure and genuine. They had a good collection of fresh breads and salads. Some of the items found at the salad bar would be alo chaat, pasta salad, thai noodles, beef pastrami, waldorf salad, caesar salad, king crab leg, channa chaat, carne fumada, mixed seafood, roasted potato, burrata cheese, smoked salmon, turkey pastrami, grilled vegetable, cauliflower tikka, beef with pumpkin, crab with cucumber , marinated black musssel, baby spinach with mushroom. In other words, too many that you will have to ignore a few. I throughly enjoyed their arabic mezzeh.

[caption id="attachment_3588" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Appetizers at FLAVOURS ON TWO Appetizers at FLAVOURS ON TWO(spring rolls, sticky rice, samosa, cheee sambousek, spinach and ricotta, gratin cannelloni[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3589" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Mixed Grills Mixed Grills[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3594" align="aligncenter" width="705"]ROASTED DUCK AND ROASTED LEG OF LAMB ROASTED DUCK AND ROASTED LEG OF LAMB[/caption]

For some reason I missed their japanese station which consisted of sushi, oyster, sashimi, maki roll with condiments. I planned that plate just before the dessert but totally forgot about it. This is what happens where there is too many food around. The lamb was good. The mixed grill wasn't up to the mark. The taste didn't come out right. From appetizers some of my favourites would be their Fried sticky rice, spinach and ricotta, gratin cannelloni.

[caption id="attachment_3600" align="aligncenter" width="705"]BEEF GETTING READY AT LIVE ASIAN STATION BEEF GETTING READY AT LIVE ASIAN STATION[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3599" align="aligncenter" width="705"]DIM SUMS DIM SUMS[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3598" align="aligncenter" width="705"]LIVE ASIAN STATION LIVE ASIAN STATION[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3602" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Mongolian beef in oyster sauce Mongolian beef in oyster sauce[/caption]

The LIVE asian station was in the center and everyone made a point to visit this booth for some hot stir fry. You can pick your meat(chicken, beef, prawns.. etc), different sauces(soy, sweet and sour, sambal oelek, oyster etc) and different vegetables for your meal. Also you would find some dim sums here. You can see my plate of mongolian beef in oyster sauce which came out well and juicy.

[caption id="attachment_3592" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Desserts - waffle station with different sauces Desserts - waffle station with different sauces[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3591" align="aligncenter" width="705"]chocolate fountain and it's add ons chocolate fountain and it's add ons[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3590" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Dessert station Dessert station[/caption]

The best part to me was the desserts. They had many and most of them were quality desserts. The chocolate cake was the best from their pastries. Their arabic baklawas were crispy, not cold and dead. Those marsh mallows soaked in chocolate was so damn good! The chocolate flowing from that fountain was very satisfying. Also there were some fruit custard shots which was really nice in taste. You could also order hot waffles topped with different sauces of your choice. Overall I thought their desserts beat them all to it. ;)

More details about the restaurant can be found here. Click below to view pictures in full screen view.

 

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Friday, November 14, 2014

ROSA MEXICANO - Dubai Mall - A Mexican affair

[caption id="attachment_3566" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Feeling in Mexico at ROSA MEXICANO In the land of ROSA MEXICANO[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3576" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Me with restaurant manager of ROSA MEXICANO Me with restaurant manager of ROSA MEXICANO[/caption]

My first post on a Mexican restaurant in Dubai. Have been passing by this restaurant almost every time I visit Dubai Mall  but never was sure if mexican cuisine was the right one for me. Finally I explore and its been an  interesting ride at ROSA MEXICANO. There are some that you can only find it here, so scroll down to know more...

[caption id="attachment_3559" align="aligncenter" width="705"]ROSA MEXICANO - interiors ROSA MEXICANO - interiors[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3560" align="aligncenter" width="705"]ROSA MEXICANO - interiors ROSA MEXICANO - interiors[/caption]

I've noticed this restaurant several times before for their catchy interiors. The restaurant is big and spacious and infact they have a mini replica of the Dubai Mall waterfall inside the restaurant which you can see in the picture above. That's where we sat where the little ones won't bother to bug you as they are as much thrilled eating next to the waterfall.

[caption id="attachment_3561" align="aligncenter" width="705"]The making of guacamole - Dhs 54 The making of guacamole - Dhs 54[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3562" align="aligncenter" width="705"]The making of guacamole - Dhs 54 The making of guacamole - Dhs 54[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3563" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Guacamole - Dhs 54 - avocado, jalapeno, tomato, onion and cilantro served with tortilla chips and tomato salsa Guacamole - Dhs 54 - avocado, jalapeno, tomato, onion and cilantro served with tortilla chips and tomato salsa[/caption]

I've noticed one thing while we waited for our drinks. Their staff going around tables with avacados. That's when I found out they were making fresh Guacamole in front of them. Majority of customers make a point to order their signature Guacamole which is mainly avacado combined with others like jalapeno, tomato, onion and cilantro. This is a must try in here and you should not miss this order. Make sure you try it medium spicy else it could get a little blank in taste.

[caption id="attachment_3565" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Drinks From left - frozen pomegranate margarita - Dhs 25 and Strawberry Mojito - Dhs 25 Drinks From left - frozen pomegranate margarita - Dhs 25 and Strawberry Mojito - Dhs 25[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3564" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Appetizers trio - Dhs 59 - selection of 3 appetizers: chicken wings, shrimp and crispy chiicken tacos Appetizers trio - Dhs 59 - selection of 3 appetizers: chicken wings, shrimp and crispy chicken tacos[/caption]

We were able to enjoy both drinks, the frozen pomegranate margarita and Strawberry Mojito. The frozen pomegranate came thick so I was more comfortable with the Mojito while my wife enjoyed the margarita. We also tried their plate of trio which consisted of chicken wings, shrimp and crispy chicken tacos. To me the chicken wings were the best here. The crispy chicken and shrimp tacos came crispy but somehow from taste perspective it didn't go very well to my liking specially their prawn tacos.

[caption id="attachment_3569" align="aligncenter" width="705"]chicken burrito - Dhs 55 - cooked chicken, beans, pico de gallo, house rice and cheese rolled in a soft flour tortilla served with fries chicken burrito - Dhs 55 - cooked chicken, beans, pico de gallo, house rice and cheese rolled in a soft flour tortilla served with fries[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3567" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Quesadillas - 2 flour tortillas filled with chihuahua cheese, served with pico de gallo and  a small side of guacamole - Dhs 45; add Grilled chicken for Dhs 12,  add grilled steak - Dhs 15 Quesadillas - 2 flour tortillas filled with chihuahua cheese, served with pico de gallo and a small side of guacamole - Dhs 45; add Grilled chicken for Dhs 12, add grilled steak - Dhs 15[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3568" align="aligncenter" width="705"]inner content of beef and chicken Quesadillas inner content of beef and chicken Quesadillas[/caption]

The Quesadillas was mainly cheese and meat. It could be mixed with two flavours of your choice which would be grilled chicken, grilled steak, marinated shrimp or roasted vegetables. We tried it with grilled chicken and steak in it. I enjoyed the grilled chicken more than the steak as I could taste some flavour in it. On the other hand the chicken burrito came loaded. It was filling and you wouldn't find much to complain about their burrito.

[caption id="attachment_3570" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Fajita Mixtas - Dhs 99 - Mix of chicken, beef and shrimp along with warm tortillas, bell peppers, onions and guacomole, cheese and cream Fajita Mixtas - Dhs 99 - Mix of chicken, beef and shrimp along with warm tortillas, bell peppers, onions and guacomole, cheese and cream[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3572" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Fajita Mixtas - Dhs 99 - Mix of chicken, beef and shrimp along with warm tortillas, bell peppers, onions and guacomol, cheese and cream Fajita Mixtas - Dhs 99 - Mix of chicken, beef and shrimp along with warm tortillas, bell peppers, onions and guacomole, cheese and cream[/caption]

The Mixta Fajitas was the grand part. They would serve everything on a plate and we could prepare our own fajitas. From the grills the giant prawns really stood out. It tasted fresh and everyone was happy with it. The thick beans curry also came out well. The house rice tasted very original and not necessary it has to go with everyone's liking. I must agree whatever we ordered came in lightning speed, the delivery time was pretty quick and impressive. The staff was also kind enough to explain us about what is being served and gave us a better understanding on the food we ordered.

[caption id="attachment_3573" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Blackberry three-milk cake - Dhs 33 - sour cream pound cake soaked in three milks, topped with blackberryhibiscus glaze and toasted meringue Blackberry three-milk cake - Dhs 33 - sour cream pound cake soaked in three milks, topped with blackberry hibiscus glaze and toasted meringue[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3575" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Blackberry three-milk cake - Dhs 33 - sour cream pound cake soaked in three milks, topped with blackberryhibiscus glaze and toasted meringue Blackberry three-milk cake - Dhs 33 - sour cream pound cake soaked in three milks, topped with blackberry hibiscus glaze and toasted meringue[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3574" align="aligncenter" width="705"]Hot mexican donuts - Churros - Dhs 29 served with 3 dipping sauce: chocolate, caramel and strawberry Hot mexican donuts - Churros - Dhs 29 served with 3 dipping sauce: chocolate, caramel and strawberry[/caption]

They make many items fresh in their kitchen including their desserts like you see above. Both their desserts were mesmerizing. The pound cake which is soaked in three different milk came really soft and you just couldn't stop appreciating the taste of this dessert. Their mexican donuts was again very different from the traditional donuts that I see and eat very often. The donuts were also presented in style which came inside a cover accompanied by 3 different sauces. He then shakes the cover and unveils the donuts on the plate. Oh and they were sparkling as if it were diamonds(sugar) around the donuts. The donuts were very light, warm and gets better as you have it dipped in their sauce. To me the mexican caramel here was the best. It's not the usual caramel which is sticky as a glue but caramel sauce at it's best. You need to try this to know.

ROSA MEXICANO OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://www.rosamexicano.com/ and click pictures below to see them in full screen slide show.

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