Food: Miss Lily's Dubai IS the Caribbean

THERE ARE MANY approximations of Caribbean culture to be sampled in the UAE. Be it a particular coffee chain, a few nightclub evenings and even a couple of locally based bands, any attempt at brining the beauty and vibrancy of the islands to the Middle East is to be encouraged. Though, if you're looking for as close to the real deal as you can get - a veritable mini Jamaica in this case, right here in Dubai - Miss Lily's is the only place to be. We don't say this lightly. The nation which gave us Bob Marley, Patra and Usain Bolt, alongside the neighbouring gems adorning the Caribbean Sea, are all very close to our heart, but thankfully there is now a place to unwind surrounded by the food, drinks and tunes we know and love.
Primarily a restaurant (although doubling up as a nightclub and lounge), we'll begin with the food. In a nutshell: superb. Making our way through a hefty sampling of the full menu, at times we were not physically able to eat another morsel, but such was the exquisite blend of flavours that we made ourselves sit there until it was all done. A fine example was the serving of the slow-roasted pimento short rib. The pick-a-peppa gravy possesses the aromatic soul to elevate nearly any meal, but slathered on this simultaneously delicate and hardy charred scallion was too good to put down. Ditto for the world-famous jerk chicken - everything you need to know is in the name. The most surprising element of the meal: there's a way to make corn even more delicious. Add a load of jerk mayo and toasted coconut and you've got yourself a sweet, yet slightly spicy treat, which could be served at any occasion. However, don't go thinking everything on the menu is "fill-your-boots" heavy. If for some mad reason the above doesn't appeal, we can wholly recommend the pan roasted sea bass with coriander and scotch bonnet. The heat from the chili infuses the soft, flaky fish creating a nuanced culinary experience.
For dessert there's only one choice. The chocolate special you can see pictured. Need we say any more? Oh, yes we shall... head to Miss Lily's immediately. Sit down to one of the finest meals in town before chilling out to the sounds of the many live DJs and taste of the even more numerous cocktails.
Where: Sheraton Grand Hotel, Dubai
Top dish: Slow-roasted pimento short rib
Average price per person: Dhs250   
david@khaleejtimes.com

• Food and Dining