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American comfort food finds a niche in Dubai

I began to fall in love with the non-greasy, breakfast-food serving, all-'merican eatery in Downtown Dubai.

On the side of a narrow street, behind the brightly-lit roads and flashy cars that surround Dubai's iconic Burj Khalifa, sits a restaurant-café, Clinton Street Baking Company. In its quiet element, minimally decorated in shades of red, black and white, with the word EAT painted on the walls, the café serves up a big American menu that reflects the nation's southern comfort food - think waffles and fried chicken.
I know the thought of American food can be daunting with "heavy" and "fattening" being the words that go with it. But let me assure you, the food here tasted American, and still managed to be super light.

At first I was blown away by the Beef Short Rib (pictured above). It was tender, succulent, placed rustically on a base of buttermilk biscuit, and topped with a spicy sauce. It's the kind of food that would get a party going.
Chatting with the co-owner Dede Lahman, I learnt, "all the beef served comes from Australia and they smoke it right here in the restaurant. The salmon too is smoked here."

But, then came along the fried Chicken and Waffle Bite (pictured above). OMG! Think about being blown away twice within 30 minutes. This was the first time I was tried this combination at a restaurant. Sure, back in university I have stuffed my face with chocolate cake and friend chicken in one morsel, but to be served it, took me back to that terrace festivity in Bombay.
The sweetness of the syrup drizzled on the waffle, and the crisp, light spiced chicken works wonderfully. That much of deliciousness is ambrosial!
Kale and Quinoa Salad
I began to fall in love with the non-greasy, breakfast-food serving, all-'merican eatery. The kitchen kept the goodness rolling.
Read: Eggs Benedict for breakfast, please
From the Kale (who even eats it?) and Quinoa Salad that changed my mind; to the Beef Chorizo with Caramelised Onion, Cheese and Apple that kept me going back for more; I found my happy place.

On the dessert front, I would definitely recommend you try the Black and White cake bites (pictured above). They don't look as delish as they really are. As you must've been warned in life, I repeat, "Never judge a book by its cover". The burst of white chocolate takes over the cake, only to be superseded by the milk chocolate again. It's confusing, but the good kinda confusion.
It's a good spot to catch up with friends for coffee, or quick light meal. The staff is a smiling lot, and know their dishes well.
Verdict: Not all American food is fast food
Must-try: Chicken and Waffle Bite
Cost for two: Dh200
kymberlee@khaleejtimes.com 

 

At @clintonstdubai trying out s beautiful spread of chorizo, crab cakes, short ribs et more. Waiting on the sweet stuff now #clintonstdubai #dubai #mydubai #review #goodfood
A photo posted by Kymberlee Müller (@kymbeerlee) on Oct 4, 2015 at 9:34am PDT