Romano's Macaroni Grill - Dubai Mall

[caption id="attachment_3846" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Dessert - warm berry torta - Dhs 36 - zabaglione, pistachios, raspberry sauce[/caption]

Here I am at one of my favourite Italian restaurants, Romano's Macaroni Grill! I've been here several times before but this would be the first time featuring them on my blog with a little more detail on what they have to offer. Always cherish eating at RMG and it's one of those restaurants that you don't mind spending a little more to eat some quality food. It gets even better when you find entertainer vouchers to get their main course discounted ;) They are no more located in Dubai Festival City though. For me the only challenge eating at RMG, Dubai mall was how to get our little son not going out of the restaurant to stare at the fishes in Dubai aquarium located just opposite to the entrance of Romano's Macaroni Grill.

[caption id="attachment_3838" align="aligncenter" width="678"] From left: Fresh raspberry lemonade - raspberries, lemonade, limonata - Dhs 19, Ultimate Bellini(white peach puree, raspberry) - Dhs 24[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3836" align="aligncenter" width="705"] complimentary bread[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3837" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Soup of the day - Dhs 21 - lentil[/caption]

Once you place the order, as always you are greeted by their thick hot herb bread(my favourite) which you dip in that olive oil and yummy. Ultimate Bellini is the signature drink at Macaroni Grill but it really didn't move me as much as I expected. it's comes in a sexy glass and it is hell tempting. The raspberry sauce place a critical role in boosting the taste of ultimate bellini but I more enjoyed the Fresh raspberry lemonade. Guess I was more in a mood to have something fizzy today :( The soup of the day which was a lentil soup gave me an excellent start. It was a clear soup, felt healthy and good having it.

[caption id="attachment_3841" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Spicy ricotta meatballs - dhs 28[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3840" align="aligncenter" width="705"] chicken florentine - Dhs 48 - spinach, orzo, pine nuts, capers, parmesan, garlic lemon vinaigrette - dhs 48[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3839" align="aligncenter" width="678"] Goat cheese peppadew peppers - dhs 27[/caption]

From starters the goat cheese peppadew pepper was mind blowing. It was the most I enjoyed out of the whole lot we ordered today. The stuffed peppadew(sweet pepper) with goat cheese was very special. Each of the stuffed peppadew hits you with a strong punch of spice. You get the same one packed in a jar at EATALY but instead of goat cheese they stuff tuna. You can find about that post here. The chicken florentine was also one of a kind. You normally get a little bit of this if you order the Parmesan crusted hammour. I could just have the chicken Florentine alone and be happy as it comes in a descent sized portion. The spicy ricotta meatballs was my wife's favourite and so was the recommendation from the restaurant. It was good but I wouldn't call it great as compared to other two(chicken florentine and Goat cheese peppadew peppers).

[caption id="attachment_3844" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Mama's Trio - Dhs 74 - chicken parmesan(INFOCUS), lasagna bolognese, chick and mushroom cannelloni[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3843" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Mama's Trio - Dhs 74 - chicken parmesan, lasagna bolognese(IN FOCUS), chicken and mushroom cannelloni[/caption]

Then came their maincourse. First came in the Mama's trio which is a combination of three dishes in a plate. It's bit tough to decide which one to begin with and but the good looks of lasagne stands out from the crowd so I jumpted into it right away. You should order this one specially if you are a lasagna freak. To our unluck the cannelloni was out of stock and got a replacement with pasta and white sauce :( The chicken came crispy with that KFC look but was much tender. I am sure if the chicken and mushroom cannelloni was there then that would have been the highlight for me. The white sauce over the paste made it creamy and delicious. The mushroom ravioli is definitely one of the best at Romano's Macaroni Grill. Since I've showcased it before, I didn't order it this time. You can find the post about their mushroom ravioli here.

[caption id="attachment_3842" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Pan- seared hammour - dhs 64 - vine-ripened tomatoes, arugula, cannelini beans, balsamic glaze[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3845" align="aligncenter" width="705"] BBQ Filet - filet, veal pancetta mac-n-cheese, grilled vegetables, garlic dip, crostini - dhs 99[/caption]

After eating Parmesan crusted hammour last time, the pan seared hammour felt less exciting. I suggest to try their parmesan crusted hammour than the pan seared version. The BBQ fillet was the man of the match. Super tender and juicy. The steak was the best out of our three main course today. The pasta that accompanied the bbq fillet was bland in taste but the grilled vegetables was nice to have along with the steak. If you love steaks then you should definitely try one of their steak at Romano's Macaroni Grill.

[caption id="attachment_3847" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Dessert - warm berry torta - Dhs 38 - zabaglione, pistachios, raspberry sauce[/caption]

It finally ended with a warm berry torta. It came hot including the plate, you should be careful! The cold ice cream on top of the hot torta as well as nuts and berries were fun to have, but the cake within itself was a bit on the tougher side(not soft enough). I should have gone for their Tiramisu which I found later on their facebook page here
Click below to see pictures in full screen view:

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The hummingbird Bakery - Dubai Mall

[caption id="attachment_3822" align="aligncenter" width="705"] The hummingbird bakery - interiors[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3816" align="aligncenter" width="705"] The hummingbird bakery - Interiors[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3815" align="aligncenter" width="705"] The hummingbird bakery - choose your cakes at the counter[/caption]

It's the festive season and there are lot of baked treats being passed around. I got one from the hummingbird bakery and that's what prompted to come here and explore the treasures at the hummingbird bakery. I love the theme of this bakery. Elegant with contrasting colors and flying birds. Their cakes are colorful and definitely make a statement from a distance. They sell american style baked items which mainly includes cupcakes, layer cakes, brownies, pies, cheesecakes.

[caption id="attachment_3817" align="aligncenter" width="705"] cupcakes - front(Salted Toffee Caramel Chocolate Cupcake - Dhs 20 - a daily special), left(season special - gingerbread man - Dhs 20), behind(brooklyn blackout - dhs 16),[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3818" align="aligncenter" width="678"] Gingerbread man in trouble - Handmade decoration cupcake - Dhs 20 - a season special[/caption]

They've got a big range of attractive cup cakes in categories such as season special, daily specials, handmade etc . It's those thick rich frostings like butter cream, cream cheese, vanilla, peppermint, lemon, cinnamon and even nutella that make these cupcakes look and taste so good. I loved their pearl white cream cheese frosting. They were so pure and delicious. Brooklyn blackout which came with a chocolate custard frosting was definitely one for those chocolate lovers and it does try to black you out with it's chocolate intensity.

[caption id="attachment_3820" align="aligncenter" width="705"] cheesecakes - From left: chocolate - Dhs 18, Newyork - Dhs 16[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3827" align="aligncenter" width="705"] chocolate cheesecake - Dhs 18[/caption]

They had 2 types of cheesecakes and I was really curious to try the chocolate cheesecake as it's not available everywhere. I'd say after eating many times a newyork cheesecake, the chocolate cheesecake would help. The chocolate definitely dominates the cheese in taste for the chocolate cheesecake. I feel in the long run you would prefer to eat more often the newyork cheesecake than the chocolate version. But if you've never had one, you better try it cause it's one of a kind and a trendy one today.

[caption id="attachment_3821" align="aligncenter" width="705"] red velvet whoopie pie with cream cheese filling - Dhs 16[/caption]

The whoopie pies were an attractive looking item. The outer crust is dense until you reach into it's cream cheese filling. They do have a light chocolate sponge filled with marsh mallow butter cream known as chocolate whoopie pie. But to be honest when compared to cupcakes, cakes, brownies, cheesecakes around, the whoopie pie is the least attractive one to me.

[caption id="attachment_3819" align="aligncenter" width="705"] cappuccino - Dhs 16[/caption]

They do serve hot drinks and my cappuccino definitely came attractive on the table. One of the happening cakes are their tower cakes and the prettiest cake I've seen would be their Rainbow cake where the inside would be multi-colored sponge layers lightly whipped. I just couldn't stop staring at it :( Also I've noticed during my time at the hummingbird bakery one of the most fast sellers in their cakes would be their red velvet cake which is a deep red vanilla cake with a light taste of chocolate, topped with cream cheese frosting. Atleast I would have seen 5 different people collect a full size red velvet cake. Guess the Christmas is in the air ;) You can also order their cakes online at their website: http://ae.hummingbirdbakery.com. They do also have brownies and cookies which I would want to try next time :)

Click below to see pictures in full screen view.

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GAHWA COMPETITION - Win a pack of 250gms coffee bean, flask and pair of gahwa cup

[caption id="attachment_3795" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Coffee beans taken from Gahwa website[/caption]

Last week I bumped into the founder of Gahwa.ae who has a vision of delivering people the best coffee possible. Their coffee beans are imported from farms of Yemen and Eritrea roasted, grinded and will be delivered to your doorstep. Packed in sizes of 250gms(dhs 30) and 1kgs(Dhs 60/70) which should reach you in 48 hours once the order is placed on their website The good news is GAHWACO would like to give a pack of 250gms fresh coffee beans, flask and a pair of gahwa cups to 15 readers of my blog. Participate and you could be one of the 15 winners to own these 3 items from Gahwaco.

[caption id="attachment_3793" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Enjoying the Arabian style coffee from Gahwa - RUSTIC[/caption]

The arabic tradition of having coffee is a little different from the american style. The traditional arabic coffee is served in a small cup and the coffee is poured less than half. Once you finish that little bit of coffee you are again poured a little of it and this continues until you wiggle the empty cup for the server to stop and take away your cup.

[caption id="attachment_3792" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Gahwa Giveaway - Thermo flask, pair of gahwa cups and a pack of 250gms of coffee bean.[/caption]

What you see above is what you get! So here's the competition. All you need to tell me is

1. Give me your feedback about their website: http://www.gahwa.ae/

• Does the website have all the info you need to choose a coffee.


• What more info would you like to see etc.


• Anything else

2. Tell me which is your all time favourite coffee and why?

[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='A1: Gahwa website feedback A2: Which is your favourite coffee and why?' type='textarea' required='1'/][/contact-form]

 

Sehr Al Bahar - JA Ocean View Hotel - JBR - Dhs 180

[caption id="attachment_3773" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Me having dinner at Sehr Al Bahar restaurant, JA Ocean View Hotel[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3772" align="aligncenter" width="705"] My company at Sehr Al Bahar restaurant, JA Ocean View Hotel[/caption]

I recently got invited to the opening of this new restaurant called Sehr Al Bahar located at JA ocean view hotel which is found at the tip of Jumeirah Beach residence, THE WALK. Sehr Al Bahar has a set menu for dinner between 07:00pm to 02:00am for Dhs 180 which includes combination of hot and cold mezzeh along with mixed grilled composed of beef, lamb, chicken and ends with a fruit platter. Also with the set menu comes complimentary entertainment which is belly dance every 45 minutes by different artists which is one of the highlights having dinner at Sehr Al Bahar. You can pay additional Dhs 80 to enjoy some good sheesha.

[caption id="attachment_3762" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Sehr Al Bahar seatings[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3763" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Sehr Al Bahar seatings[/caption]

This would be the best time to visit an open terrace restaurant as the weather is fantastic and it will get even colder in the coming weeks during the night. The great views of the sea is spoilt due to the absence of day light. You definitely would spend hours here as the set menu is such with a fantastic cool weather. Many people who come here make a point to blow some sheesha while their eye balls pop watching some entertaining belly dance.

[caption id="attachment_3781" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Mocktails - dhs 32 - From left: Marrakesh Express(pomegranate juice, almond syrup, sprite)) and Sobia(dates, vanilla ice cream, honey, cinnamon)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3764" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Fresh vegetable crudities[/caption]

For mocktails you will need to pay additional Dhs 32 and I loved their Sobia drink(dates, vanilla ice cream, honey, cinnamon) which was rich in taste. For the marrakesh express the almond syrup plays a key role and was a pleasant drink but you know milkshakes(sobia) joy is on a different level ;) . The fresh vegetable crudities which is put in front of you as a part of starter was the least interesting one to me.

[caption id="attachment_3767" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Selection of Cold Mezzeh[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3770" align="aligncenter" width="705"] My plate of Cold Mezzeh - labneh toubleh, bettroot moutabal, babaganoush, spicy prawn with iraniansaffron, eggplant stuffed with spicy walnut mixture, stuffed vine leaves[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3771" align="aligncenter" width="678"] Senior Chef posing with my plate of cold appetizers[/caption]

Selection of Cold Mezzeh:

• Lebanese tabouleh with marinated prawns


• Beetroot moutabal


• Babaganoush


• Spicy prawn chermoula with Iranian saffron


• Stuffed vine leaves


• Makdous - eggplant stuffed with spicy walnut mixture


• Mixed Arabic pickles


• Olive oil marinated halloumi with rocca


• Sweet melon wrapped with basturma, drizzled with olive oil


• Rocca and thyme salad with olive oil and lemon dressing


• Labneh with garlic and olive oil

Then came the best part starting from the cold mezzeh. You are eligible to pick 2 cold mezzeh from your package of dhs 180 and pay dhs 18 for any additional cold mezzeh. Interestingly for cold mezzeh you don't have to rely on the menu as they bring you the entire collection of prepared cold mezzeh right in front of you and you can see and choose what you like. This is specially done for tourist who can't really understand much by the menu names. For me the no.1 pick would be their beetroot moutabal. Makdous was pretty interesting in taste with that spice giving you that kick, It's not often I find this one. The only turn off for me was their marinated prawns where I thought the marination could be a better one.

[caption id="attachment_3769" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Selection of Hot Mezzeh[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3768" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Aarayes filled with minced lamb and parsley[/caption]

Hot mezzeh collection:

• Falafel with garlic tahini


• Arayes filled with minced lamb and parsley


• Kabeh filled with minced lamb, onions and roasted pine seeds


• Grilled halloumi with rocca and sumae dressing


• Makanek leabnese sausages flamed with lemon juice


• Lamb sambousek

From the hot Mezzeh you get to pick only one and pay dhs 28 for additional. The Arayes was undoubtedly the most you wanted from this section. Well grilled and great tasting meat. I felt their grilled halloumi could have come a little more thick in size.

[caption id="attachment_3766" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Mixed Grilled of the day - lamb chops, lamb kofta, lamb koobideh, beef skewers, chicken tikka, shish taouk[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3761" align="aligncenter" width="705"] The chefs behind the grills[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3765" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Meat getting grilled[/caption]

Then came the maincourse which is

• Lamb chops marinateed with garlic and thyme


• Oriental lamb kofta


• Iranian lamb koobideh


• Beef skewers with vegetables and grilled red pepper


• Chicken tikka marinated with aromatic spices and yoghurt


• Lebanese sheesh taouk chicken kabab.

The good news for main course is that you get all of them from the menu. The maincourse comes hidden under a pair of spicy red kuboos. The spice on that kuboos was hot and damn good in taste at the same time. The better news would be these guyz know how to cook their meat. The spices and sauces used are also top notch. You can really taste it in their food. Love their meat, it's well done and it has a great flavour to it. The Lamb kofta was my favourite even though I loved the entire plate.

[caption id="attachment_3775" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Grilled tiger prawns mariinated with parsley, chili and olive oil - Dhs 75[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3774" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Grilled tiger prawns marinated with parsley, chili and olive oil - Dhs 75[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3776" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Fish kebab with lemon, coriander an saffron marinated - Dhs 50[/caption]

If you love seafood then you can pay additional Dhs 50 for fish and Dhs 75 for prawns. They also have a lobster for Dhs 180. I did try the Fish Kebab and tiger prawns and they were simply brilliant. The Tiger prawns was quite big and scary but they taste so damn fresh as if they just pulled it out now from the sea. The fish was tasting even more wonderful. It was a white cod fish. You definitely can't be disappointed with any of the meats at Sehr al Bahar :)

[caption id="attachment_3777" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Fresh fruit platter[/caption]

The ending is with some fresh cut fruits. They do serve desserts as well but then again you will have to shell out extra with cheese kunafa selling at Dhs 45, Um Ali Dhs 30 and Mix arabic sweet platter for Dhs 35. Overall it has been a very satisfying experience at Sehr Al Bahar. There is no doubt they make some of the best tasting grills here. Click  here to read more about them on their website.


To view the pictures in full screen view, please click on the pictures below.

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3in1 - Vida Downtown Dubai, Friday Brunch - Dhs 225

[caption id="attachment_3710" align="aligncenter" width="705"] The Urban picnic at 3in1[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3720" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Pulling out the next item from my picnic basket[/caption]

My son was quite happy to know that we were going for a picnic this friday but little did he know this is an URBAN PICNIC which does not happen in a park! A new concept for some of us, different from the usual. Urban Picnic by 3in1 restaurant is held on Fridays between 01:00pm to 05:00pm. Starting at a rate of Dhs 225. Diners can grab a basket, blanket and enjoy some lovely cuisine listening to their LIVE DJ played by the pool.

[caption id="attachment_3731" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Outdoor seating - foodies enjoy their urban picnic moment[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3730" align="aligncenter" width="705"] cabanas - pay additional 100 Dhs per person to be inside this one[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3722" align="aligncenter" width="705"] cabanas with LIVE music on the background - pay additional 100 per guest to book a cabana[/caption]

You can opt to sit inside or outside. The best is sitting outside in their cabanas which will cost additional Dhs 100 per person. The weather is also in a fantastic mood. Even though there is no real grass they try to build the theme by matching table mat to the green grass on every table as well as carpets. The restaurant is definitely packed for their friday brunch and you need to be booking them a little bit in advance just to be sure to get your seats in here. It's a very chilled out atmosphere and everyone's felt to be actually having a picnic here. They do have an xbox console for kids to pass their time which I noticed only when we were leaving the restaurant :( (Imagine the disappointment on my son's face)

[caption id="attachment_3714" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Different types of cheese[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3724" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Pizza selections and in focus is their peanut butter with strawberry[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3752" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Fresh toasted bread with cheese and different combinations of either fig, turkey,mushrooms, pear etc.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3723" align="aligncenter" width="705"] PIES - fig with goat cheese, mushroom and cheese[/caption]

The cheese station is a dream for all those cheese lovers. You can find all kinds of cheese at the big round table found at the center of their buffet hall. The breads were fresh from the oven and cut thick mixed with cheese along with different combinations of either pears, fig, turkey, mushrooms etc. Those thick toasted breads were so fresh that you really appreciate the good side of breads and didn't really care much if it was white or brown but just wanted have a bite of it. Their pizzas were different. The one I couldn't stop eating is the pizza with peanut butter and strawberry jam topping. It's a must try if you are here and I haven't found this combination anywhere else before. :(

[caption id="attachment_3725" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Grilled lamb chops served with lentils, Grilled US Beef tenderolin served with mash potato, asparagus, mushroom skewer and pepper sauce, Rib eye steak and roasted vegetables[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3726" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Marinated chicken skewers served with roasted sweet tomato, seafood boil with alaskan crab claw, clams, mussels, shrimps, seafood sausage, corn and red potato[/caption]

There is a set main course which comes as a part of the buffet and will be delivered once you say you are ready for it. What they had for the mains was the chicken skewers and seafood. From the grills they had lamb chops, US beef tenderloin and Rib eye steak. There was no selection, all of them gets served to your table and it is covered in the brunch fee. The reality is that they've got such a large collection for their open buffet that by the time you think you are ready for the mains, you already would have stuffed yourself quite a bit. Luckily you have time till 05:00pm to make some space :p

[caption id="attachment_3736" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Desserts - Tarts, Pie and Cakes[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3706" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Desserts - tart, pie and scorns[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3707" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Desserts - tart, pie and scorns[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3705" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Desserts - tarts and pie[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3709" align="aligncenter" width="705"] chocolate dippers along with quality icecreams from MORE[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3708" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Whoopie pies[/caption]

Desserts were a dream. It's not about sugar and cream but you get to enjoy some genuine baked cakes, tarts(cinnamon apple tart, hazelnut basque tart, scorn tart), pie(Apple), panacotta. Other items that I found around were blueberry granola truffle, sago pudding. They also had varieties of jelly and cream. They had some quality ice creams from the local brand called MORE. It was my first time and the vanilla ice cream flavour from MORE was of great taste and quality. Besides vanilla they had other flavours too like the swiss chocolate, cinnamon etc.

[caption id="attachment_3719" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Drinks - ice tea(pomegranate and peach)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3727" align="aligncenter" width="705"] complimentary coffee at end of meal[/caption]

For drinks they had pomegranate and peach lime tea and besides the option of fizzy drinks they also had different brands of bottled juices and water. You can enjoy some smoothies like pomegranate, passion mango salsa and also ice cream shooters. At the end you are also eligible for some hot coffee or tea and as you can see above I ended my session with a nice hot cappuccino ;) Overall I am happy to be at the URBAN PICNIC of 3in1 restaurant this Friday. It was a nice healthy experience. Click pictures below to view them in full screen view.

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