ZAATAR W ZEIT - Shk Zayed Road, Dubai

[caption id="attachment_1929" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Zaatar w Zeit Interiors[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1944" align="aligncenter" width="705"] seatings facing Sheikh Zayed Road[/caption]

Everyday I drive on Sheikh Zayed road to my office passing by this restaurant Zaatar W Zeit on my right hand side. Finally after those years of curiosity I am inside this restaurant. Great interiors with different comfort seatings. The inside of this restaurant is surrounded by giant black and white posters of modern architecture and photography. At least its worth a stare while you wait for your delicious order.

[caption id="attachment_1930" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Fresh Juices - Dhs 16 - Orange and Carrot Juice[/caption]

As always we start with our drinks. They have these fresh juices here and they really taste fresh. My orange juice was really good and the carrot juice was pretty strong a taste of carrots. Less water and more carrots.

[caption id="attachment_1931" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Zooza salad - Dhs 34[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1932" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Fattoush Salad - Dhs 24[/caption]

They've got a big list of salad and all of them sounded great so it was a little difficult for me to decide on one out of the big list. So I've tried two of them which are Zooza and Fattoush salad. Both of them had their pictures on their menu so the look of it enticed me to order them. After having their salad I was pretty sure my lunch was in the right hands :) I like their colorful menu with wide pictures and young fonts used.

Zooza Salad
A BRIGHT MIX OF BAKED POTATOES, WHITE BEANS, BOILED EGG, TOMATOES, CORN, BLACK OLIVES, TUNA AND LETTUCE. BEST ENJOYED WITH MUSTARD VINEGAR DRESSING

Fattoush Salad
A FRESH PICK OF TOMATOES, CUCUMBERS, MINT, PARSLEY, GREEN ONIONS, GREEN PEPPER, PURSLANE, LETTUCE, HALLOUMI CHEESE AND OVEN BAKED BREAD SQUARES. BEST ENJOYED WITH OUR SPECIAL VINAIGRETTE DRESSING

The Fattoush Salad was mind blowing and zooza salad like in the picture was loaded with fresh vegetables. Their salads are worth a try. You are sure to enjoy them.

[caption id="attachment_1936" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Wild Zaatar - Dhs 17[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1941" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Wild Zaatar wide open - Dhs 17[/caption]

I never understood why was Zaatar so famous until I tried this one. I've never enjoyed zaatar as much as I enjoyed this one. You have the option of having your zaatar on different types of bread. I asked mine to be prepared with whole wheat bread. It was super tasty and everyone on the table ate even though I was the only one who insisted on trying it. I am glad I picked this one in the order.

[caption id="attachment_1939" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Halloumi Pan - Dhs 32[/caption]

After my encounter with Hallomi cheese in a pan at Ocean Basket I've always had a craving for halloumi cheese. This one is a baked version of it. So much healthier. Wish their halloumi cheese came a little more thicker. By the way no matter what we ordered surprisingly it reached our table pretty quick. We didn't have to wait as much as I expected. The service was quick with a smile :)

[caption id="attachment_1940" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Mighty Kafta - Dhs 30[/caption]

Whatever you ordered they ask you a list of items that you can opt to remove from your main order. so If i wanted I could have skipped the mayo and other sauces. So any order I made they would continue to ask if i need that and this so as to ensure I only eat what I enjoy. Mighty Kafta was easy to eat and good tasting. You can't complain much about their Manakeesh. They make it pretty well.

[caption id="attachment_1935" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Labneh - Ds 27[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1934" align="aligncenter" width="705"] White Pita bread[/caption]

The Labneh comes with tomatoes,herbs and olives along with a choice of whole wheat or white pita bread. Since they make very good breads it can only be further tasty dipping them and having it. However I'd say this Labneh could have been a little more smoother.

[caption id="attachment_1937" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Spizy Chicken - Dhs 33[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1938" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Spizy Chicken - Dhs 33[/caption]

Spizy chicken wasn't as spicy as I thought but it was surely juicy and a recommended sandwich to try.
It was pretty long so I got them together and took a second shot for you to have a better view of the inner beauty of spizy chicken. Once nice part about Zaatar w zeit is you feel healthy and good after eating their meal.

[caption id="attachment_1942" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Banana Ashtalieh - Dhs 18 and Stawberry Cheesecake - Dhs 16[/caption]

No matter what, please do try their Banana Ashtalieh. It's a milk based dessert where once you order they add fresh bananas and pour honey on top and serve it for you. Simply Superb! Strawberry cheesecake was nice but to me the strawberry cheesecake was more of a mousse than a cake. My son enjoyed his strawberry jelly as usual.

[caption id="attachment_1943" align="aligncenter" width="705"] STRAWBERRY JELLO - Dhs 8[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1945" align="aligncenter" width="705"] ME with Restaurant Manager and Crew[/caption]

You can see their full menu on their website: http://www.zaatarwzeit.net/

Click to enjoy photos in full screen view:
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Peppermill - Lulu Hypermarket - Al Barsha, Dubai

[caption id="attachment_1894" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Private dining rooms at Peppermill[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1887" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Peppermill juice Bar[/caption]

Wow what an experience it was. If you've never been to Peppermill before I'd tell you this should be one of the top restaurants on your list especially if you have any guests or business partners to impress ;). Sadly this restaurant is located inside LULU HyperMarket. I believe this restaurant should be standalone and deserve a better space where it can meet it's right audience like Downtown Dubai. Located on the first floor of LuLu Hypermarket Al Barsha, the moment you see the restaurant name from a distance you realize it's not ordinary looking.

[caption id="attachment_1888" align="aligncenter" width="705"] TRADITIONAL INDIAN FAN[/caption]

The moment I got in this restaurant it's been a thriller ride for me. It was like entering a Maharaja's palace. Most elegant interiors you could find in a restaurant. This restaurant is trying to take you back to the golden era of undivided India when ruled by Maharajas and the whole theme is set around it. As I step inside this restaurant on both sides I see this huge posters of different emperors of ancient India. Right on top of me were those bent fans which were common back the colonial years in India. Chairs were heavy and royal. The dining rooms were simply special. Each of them had these huge chandeliers surrounded by beautiful art and wallpapers. One of the best dining places to impress any guest.

[caption id="attachment_1896" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Antique Collection - Cash register[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1895" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Antique Collection - Cameras and Iron Box[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1904" align="aligncenter" width="705"] ANTIQUE COLLECTION - TELESCOPE[/caption]

They went one step further by keeping a collection of antique items for us to see. I was fascinated by some of them specially the camera. Technology has evolved quite a bit :). There is many more to see. I just took a few shots for you to know else i'll end up showing your more of their antique collections. They had many posters of different rulers of India. It was a good informative experience.

[caption id="attachment_1886" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Complimentary with any order- on the house[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1890" align="aligncenter" width="705"] DHS 18 - From right: Banana Strawberry Lassi, Strawberry Colada, Watemelon Mojito[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1897" align="aligncenter" width="678"] BERRYLICIOUS(LEFT) - DHS 18 AND SAFFRON ROSE LASSI (RIGHT) - DHS 18[/caption]

From the menu we first ordered a few drinks. Since this restaurant was all about traditional India I was sure to try their Lassi. Infact I tried two of them. The first lassi I tried was the banana and strawberry Lassi but the banana was so dominant that it more tasted like a banana shake. The moment I highlighted my view to the restaurant they were kind enough to quickly replace my drink with Saffron and rose Lassi and it rocked! If you enjoy Lassi like me do try their saffron and rose Lassi.

Their Strawberry colada had that coconut milk which gave that unique taste and to me this drink was my second favourite. The mojitos were very refreshing too. :)

[caption id="attachment_1889" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Dhs 24 - SOUPS - FROM RIGHT: MULLIGATAWNY SOUP, CORN SHORBA[/caption]

MULLIGATAWNY SOUP - National lentil based soup with hint of basmati rice and chicken.
CORN SHORBA - An Indian style corn soup blended with fresh corn and herbs finished with cream.

Out of the 2 soups I enjoyed the lentil soup more. However both had it's taste but whoever sipped both wanted to have more of the lentil soup.

[caption id="attachment_1891" align="aligncenter" width="705"] JHINGA CHAAP - AED 55[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1893" align="aligncenter" width="705"] KARARE PALAK CHAAT - AED 26[/caption]

KARARE PALAK CHAAT - Batter fried fresh spinach topped with mint, tamarind chutney and yoghurt sprinkled with ground spices and fresh coriander.

JHINGA CHAAP - Prawns marinated in crumbed masala deep fried and served with mint chutney.

Both these starters were amazing specially the Karare Palak Chaat. It was weird that the chaat was able to give stiff competition to a deep fried meat. It was funny that you couldn't stop touching these plates until you got it empty. Thoroughly enjoyed our appetizers.

[caption id="attachment_1898" align="aligncenter" width="705"] SIKANDARI RAAN - AED 110[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1892" align="aligncenter" width="705"] PEPPERMILL MAHARAJA PLATTER - AED 75[/caption]

Then came their main course.

SIKANDARI RAAN - An entire leg of baby lamb marinated in aromatic spices and slowly cooked in the stock, served with potatoes.

If you didn't order their RAAN for here then that's the biggest mistake you are making. I've had many raans before and I can tell you these guyz make it really good. The lamb was really young, supple, tender and great tasting.

I wasn't sure which kebabs to choose from their long kebab list so I chose the platter which consisted a little bit of everything but later I realized the panner tikka were missing but it was too late to order by then :(

PEPPERMILL MAHARAJA PLATTER (A sampler of Murgh Achari Tikka, Tandoori Chicken, Tandoori Malai Prawn Seekh Kebab and Fried Calamari Rings)

All their Kebabs tasted good as their appearance. Somehow me and the calamari wasn't getting very well(maybe it was it's elasticity) but otherwise I was able to enjoy the rest of the platter.

[caption id="attachment_1903" align="aligncenter" width="705"] GOAN FISH CURRY - AED 55[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1901" align="aligncenter" width="705"] BADSHAH’S DELIGHT - AED 46[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1900" align="aligncenter" width="705"] PASLIYON KA SALAN - AED 65[/caption]

GOAN FISH CURRY - Tender pieces of fish simmered in fiery red gravy with kokum and finished with freshly pressed coconut milk.

PASLIYON KA SALAN - Peppermill’s signature dish! A perfect lamb rib curry.

BADSHAH’S DELIGHT - Chicken breast stuffed with almonds, cheddar cheese, bell peppers and spices, braised in curry sauce.

The Goan fish curry taste was similar to one of the keralite fish curry taste and lamb ribs in Pasliyon ka salan was pretty good. The chicken found in the Badshah's Delight was very soft and had that special taste of spices coming out of it. Thick and juicy!

[caption id="attachment_1902" align="aligncenter" width="705"] ROTI BASKET - ROTI BASKET - ROOMALI ROTI, BUTTER NAN, PUDINA PARATA, PANEER KULCHA,[/caption]

We ordered a mix of Roti. For naans I generally like it thinner and crispier. Here their garlic naan came a little thick than expected. They make very good stuffed roti though like the Paneer kulcha and Onion Kulcha. Pudina paratha is also one of my favourites which came out well. The Roti photo above can very well speak for itself, you've got some good roti options to enjoy ;)

[caption id="attachment_1899" align="aligncenter" width="705"] VEGETABLE RAITA(LEFT) AND BOONDI RAITA(RIGHT)[/caption]

Whichever Raita you order it's all the same on the inside. The difference is on the top. So if i remove the top content then it's just pure yoghurt underneath. I think this is one department they can improve in taste. The raita was too pure and didn't have any flavor as such. Maybe they could add some salt/sugar to give it some taste.

[caption id="attachment_1906" align="aligncenter" width="705"] KESAR PHIRNI - AED 22[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1907" align="aligncenter" width="705"] RASMALAI - AED 24[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1905" align="aligncenter" width="705"] SHAHI TUKDA - AED 24[/caption]

Indian desserts were always my favourite.

SHAHI TUKDA - Toasted brioche caramalized and served with pistachio kulfi (ice cream) drizzled with saffron sauce and topped with a biscotti.

RASMALAI - Delicious patties of clotted cream submerged in a light and creamy saffron sauce.

KESAR PHIRNI - Traditional saffron flavoured rice custard cooked with fresh milk.

Out of this 3 desserts we ordered their Shahi Tukda stole the show. It's mainly that kulfi ice cream on the top that does the trick. Also the breads under it are homemade. When it came after our heavy dinner we thought we can never finish it but it was easily gone in a few minutes. Since Peppermill try to give you the best and they want you to feel that premium touch it looks like they add saffron wherever possible. That's the reason you see the other 2 desserts yellow in color. The rasmalai as such was good but I prefer it to be a litte more thicker.

[caption id="attachment_1908" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Me with Eldho Mathew(restaurant manager) and his team[/caption]

You can find their entire menu on their website: http://www.peppermill.me/

Oh and  just a quick note here that pepper in the old days was considered as a royal spice and hence the restaurant was named peppermill. In this restaurant you will also find the worlds tallest peppermill (not yet certified by Guinness world records). You also get to buy different type of pepper mills in this restaurant(small, big, manual, electronic etc). I really wanted to cover this for all of you. I kept it for later and forgot about it :(

Click any photo below to enjoy them in fullscreen view.

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Petals Restaurant - Rose Rayhaan by Rotana - Shk Zayed Road, Dubai

[caption id="attachment_1865" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Me with Captain(Mohsin) of Petals Restaurant[/caption]

Did you know Rose Rayhaan is the second tallest hotel in the world. I just knew it yesterday when I went into Petals restaurant for dinner during the weekend. Now don't expect Petals to be located on the top floor, it's located down below on the first floor probably for safety reasons. Every night for dinner Petals restaurant have a different theme for their diners. Also the pricing change as per the theme.

[caption id="attachment_1863" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Buffet section inside Petals Restaurant[/caption]

Days and Pricing for their different dinner nights:

Sunday - Arabian Night - Aed 125 inclusive of Beverages
Monday - Surf and Turf - Aed 145 inclusive of Beverages
Tuesday - Mediterranean - Aed 145 inclusive of Beverages
Wednesday - Flavours of Asia - Aed 125 inclusive of Beverages
Thursday - Fisherman's Night - Aed 155 inclusive of Beverages
Friday - Barbecue Night - Aed 155 inclusive of Beverages
Saturday - International Favourites - Aed 125 inclusive of Beverages

[caption id="attachment_1864" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Shk Zayed road view from Petals[/caption]

Petals restaurant located in Rose Rayhaan on shk zayed road was easy to locate due to Rose Reyhaan's well known structure and height. It's just opposite to the Rolex Tower. I love the interiors of Petals with comfortable seatings and colored chairs. Makes you feel good in the first glance inside this restaurant. Also your window faces the shk zayed road if you were to eat inside the Petals restaurant. I was in at Petals for the BBQ night but I was a little disappointed to know that BBQ was not happening inside their restaurant and was on the pool side located on the 4th floor. Just because I will be missing their comfy seatings and colorful interiors.

[caption id="attachment_1853" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Fruits and Desserts[/caption]

So we went to the 4th floor to the pool side. It was open and the weather was cool, no drizzles, no rain so we were lucky tonight. There were a collection of round tables and you could go sit anywhere you wanted. So our round table was just next to the dessert. So here's my first shot for you :) As soon as i saw the dessert I got excited specially their Blueberry cheesecake.

[caption id="attachment_1855" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Dessert - Blueberry Cheesecake[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1850" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Dessert - Walnut Caramel Tarte[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1854" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Saffron and Date creme brulee[/caption]

As you can see there were quite a few interesting items from the dessert section. Sorry I am starting from behind this time I just thought let me go in the same order I visited. I haven't covered all their desserts but some to let you know. If I had to pick a few of them, one of my top favourite was the Saffron and Date creme. Superb quality and you just go back to take more. Second topper was the Blueberry cheesecake. Cheese cake lovers should be more than satisfied with this one. I love tarts but I try to avoid caramel so I couldn't eat their tarts as much as I wanted. The caramel was controlling me indirectly :(. They had almost all that you wanted from the desserts section. If they had to improve anything from the desserts then it would be their assorted arabic sweets. It was a little hard and didn't taste fresh. Maybe the open weather spoilt it, I wouldn't be sure.

[caption id="attachment_1852" align="aligncenter" width="705"] A portion of Salad Bar[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1851" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Arabic Mezzeh - Kishki(white), Mujadara(brown), Muhammara(red), Fattoush, Hummous, Babaganoush, [/caption]

I really enjoyed their Arabic mezzeh section. Really nice and some of them I haven't tried before. Normally I am a big fan of Arabic Mezzeh and here you were rich in options. I loved their red colored Muhammara. They made better Tabouleh than Fattoush. Ate quite a bit from their Arabic Mezzeh.

[caption id="attachment_1858" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Steak on Grill[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1857" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Fish - Baby snappers[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1856" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Giant Prawns[/caption]

Some of their grills were outstanding like their giant Prawns and beef steaks. I might have actually ate a dozen prawns that night. Their grilled fishes had quite a bit of extra thorns and that was disturbing my wonderful dinner so I quit that one and went for the others like their sheesh taouk or spicy chicken breasts. All of these are coming from the grill. But like I mentioned, the seafood and Beef were the best from the lot :)

[caption id="attachment_1861" align="aligncenter" width="705"] Pasta, Vegetables, Corn[/caption]

They had lot more in their buffet but I think I'd just highlight some of those for you.

[caption id="attachment_1859" align="aligncenter" width="678"] Rolex Tower[/caption]

Besides eating you do enjoy the weather and the view. I was also happy to be eating starring at some of my favourite building like the Rolex Tower. You just can't stop starring at that beautiful architecture. Some of those design that will be appreciated forever :)

[caption id="attachment_1860" align="aligncenter" width="705"] DIFC buildings[/caption]

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