A French repast in Vida Downtown Dubai

Top Stories

A French repast in Vida Downtown Dubai
Burrata et tomates, creamy goodness

It goes without saying that when we reach the place, it is brimming with people.

By Purva Grover

  • Follow us on
  • google-news
  • whatsapp
  • telegram

Published: Thu 23 Mar 2017, 8:14 PM

Last updated: Thu 23 Mar 2017, 10:41 PM

On a weekday evening, we head to explore French dining at its best. We slip into our best wear, for La Serre Bistro and Boulangerie, Vida Downtown Dubai, is where the who's who drop by for a French bite. You never know whom you'd run into - a couple of weeks ago, singer Rihanna indulged in a meal here. And, in a recent interview (to Khaleej Times) visual artist Owais Husain quoted the chic French restaurant as his favourite in the city. It goes without saying that when we reach the place, it is brimming with people. Whilst complimentary bread makes way to your table (ours was by the window and allowed us a view of DXB's skyline), you can peel and eat the juicy oranges making up for edible table décor.
On the recommendation of my French friends (it's their comfort food) I ordered Burrata et tomates - the creamy and pillowy puff of goodness melted in my mouth. Heirloom cherry tomatoes and the salad leaves accompanied the hollow pouch of cheese - one of the freshest and most delectable salads I've had in the city. My dining partner enjoyed Salad de homard et asperges - the bowl full combination of succulent lobster and the mild, earthy asparagus was wiped off within minutes. Selecting the mains was a tough one so we let the server choose for us. Travers de bouef cuit 50 heures et oignons doux: 50 hours cooked beef short rib with sweet onion lived up to its promise of an unctuous taste sensation. Agnolotti a la crème de cèleries fricasseè de tomates cerise et girolles - pasta squares stuffed with a fresh celery pureè served with mushrooms bore a meaty (almost chewy) texture and stirred in a heady, delectable feeling.
The meal called for a sweet end titled Pudding moelleux au caramel et glace à la vanilla - don't make the mistake of sharing the sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice-cream (We did and regretted). A marriage of stodge and sweetness - the moist dessert calls for a second (third, too) visit.
Meal for two: Dh400
Will we go back? Definitely. To sample delights in a Parisian ambience.
purva@khaleejtimes.com
Child-friendly café
Indulge in an experience that includes bespoke story telling sessions, musical evenings, health and nutrition talks, and more at Qiso Café, Dubai Silicon Oasis. The child-friendly café encourages one to visit with friends to enjoy coffee and sample delicious gourmet food from around the world. They make a conscious effort to only select ingredients that are kind to one's wellbeing. Try from a delicious range of beverages, chocolates, nuts, chips, cookies, sauces, and pasta. Plus, they specialise in ready to go meals, dips, sodas, and juices. Do check out their spices and herbs section. Time for a nutritious meal, we say.
Open daily from 7am to 9pm
Tasting Turkish
The Mahal (045149108), meaning district in Turkish, explores the rich culinary diversity of the country's cuisine. Notable items from the delectable menu include Kofta with Cheese, juicy meatballs with a core of melting cheddar; Çöp Sis, a luscious and tender beef skewer; the all-time classic Iskender Doner, one of the most famous meat dishes of northwestern Turkey, and an array of various lamb dishes. Central to the food offering is the bakery station with its oven, where the crispiest flat breads, Baklava, and Kunafa are freshly baked.
At Dragon Mart 2, open daily from 9 am to 11pm
An alpine experience
Publique Dubai, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, fuses a vibrant bar and restaurant together for guests to explore an authentic Alpine experience. On the menu - Foie Gras Crostini, Alpinist burger made with fondue cheese, Raclette (melting French cheese served with potatoes and cold cuts) or Pierrade (hot stone cooking, which will have guests prepare a choice of meats and vegetables live at the table, perfect for sharing with family and friends).
Lunch bag delivery
Kareem (024019012), Ramada Hotel Abu Dhabi, has put together a lunch offer featuring four combos - available exclusively for home delivery. Offered in two price options of Dh30 and Dh35; you can choose from two vegetarian and two non-vegetarian options. Each bag includes a combo of two curries, roti, jeera or steamed rice, a salad, and a dessert. A special package will allow you to replace one of the curries and rice with chicken biryani. Available daily from 12 noon until 3.30pm
 


More news from