Living up to hearsay

The buzz from the bees was that Gossip was the place to be. If you're connected to the grapevine too, you know we're talking about the pretty boutique restaurant at Boxpark, Al Safa. Chic and modern, the place looks like the perfect hangout during the day. Don't let the name fool you: this place is about far more than desserts - although there's that too... Lots and lots of sweet treats to satisfy your sweet tooth.
The menu spans over 160 pages - members of The Indecisive Club, don't freak out - as each dish gets its own page, complete with images to entice you. The restaurant is a fusion of Emirati, European and American tastes, with much to offer by way of breakfast, drinks and mains. And no, the menu does not come to you in a heavy tome; in keeping with its upscale vibe, it's an iPad that you swipe through to figure out what you want.
Speaking of which, allow us to wish you all the best, because there is so much you instantly want to try. Starting with their flatbreads and pastas, but also - if you're a fan of eggs, these guys have a dozen ways to whip them up. We started with a most addictive spinach dip, cheese puffs and risotto bites, followed by a Mediterranean Quinoa salad. The mains lean heavily towards meat and seafood options (but there's plenty for vegetarians elsewhere on the menu). We appreciated being able to go from Angus beef sliders served on miniature potato buns to traditional Ouzi Lamb, served on a bed of rice, Emirati-style - in the same dining space.
Taste - Did we mention that spinach dip was addictive? I'd come back just for it! My dining partner gave the meaty mains his stamp of approval, while The Ultimate Dessert is a must-try for chocoholics. None of the dishes will blow your mind, but it's all quite well done. No complaints!
Ambience - Clean, modern, chic - maybe it's just me, but it's the kind of set-up I'd opt for my own personal space or home. To find it in a restaurant, with '90s tunes playing overhead, pleased me no end. The views are of North-bound traffic, but still a neat place to relax in the city.
Service - The servers were amiable and helpful - just the way we like them. They gave us our space in between courses (bonus points there), while also exhibiting a keen knowledge of the menu - even cautioning us about the heaviness of cake shakes before it was time for dessert. Good call!
Presentation - You can tell the food is plated to be snapped. Loved the little fry basket the cheese puffs were served in (see above), as well as the decorative drizzles and crumbles that accompanied the lovely Macaroon Bed dessert (also pictured). It's all very made-for-Instagram.
Value for money - It might feel a tad too pricey at first, but when you consider the location as well as how every dish goes out of its way to be gourmet, you can see why starters range between Dh35-45, mains between Dh65-105, drinks at Dh30-35, and desserts between Dh50-100.

Overall rating - 4/5
karen@khaleejtimes.com

• Food and Dining