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DXB opera dining: Top pre-show joints

After the success of Les Miserables, Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats is now up and running at Dubai Opera and, judging from ticket sales, people can't wait to go see it.
With that part of Downtown turning into a regular Broadway or West End, we thought it was high time to import another theatre-going tradition: the pre-show dinner. There are three rules for the venue. The play's call time is normally around 8pm, so you've got to find something within walking distance so you can dash over, serving dinner early (say around 6.30pm) and nice enough to befit the occasion. With that in mind, here are our thoughts to help your night go off in style.
Food, glorious food at TOKO
This Japanese fusion eatery situated at the Vida Downtown is always a popular choice, so make sure to book in advance. Swanky enough that you'll feel it's a special night out, yet sufficiently casual to dine and dash, we can't recommend the duck noodle soup and Chinese style seabass enough. The duck tacos are also a delight for the senses, not to mention the pervasive hipster vibe. 
Be Italian at Armani Ristorante
An Italian meal is always a crowd pleaser, so if you're looking to impress on a date, why not make it an Italian dinner to remember at the Burj Khalifa's Armani Hotel? Armani Ristorante is the perfect place to set the mood before your musical. You'll be astounded by the service and attention to detail with the recipes; and the egg yolk tagliolini with white truffle (seasonal) will unlock anyone's heart. You can be sure you'll be humming That's Amore.  
Starlight Express at The Courtyard
Grab a snack and a few libations under the night sky at this Al Manzil Downtown hotel favourite. Offering Arabic specialities including  great shawarma and kibbeh, not to mention excellent shisha, this one is perfect if you can't stomach a big meal so early.
Don't cry for me Argentina at Asado
It's all about the meat at this South American treat of a restaurant and you'd be a fool not to try it out. The Argentinian establishment's name roughly translates to 'barbeque' so you know what you're in for - the dish for which Buenos Aires is most renowned: char-grilled steak. Combined with amazing views, you'll have a great time at this Palace Hotel joint.
Do, re, mi at Ting Irie
A tad more relaxed, if you're heading to the theatre to have a sing-along Ting Irie on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard is the perfect place to start. Jamaican recipes and music make this venue a place to liven things up to the point you'll think it should be you on stage. Food-wise, all we can say is, try the jerk chicken once and you'll be hooked.  
david@khaleejtimes.com