Fifty Shades of Food

 Dubai, as a destination, is known for the overwhelming offers for brunch experiences. An exploration of all that is on offer will take years to fathom and discern. Nevertheless, there are some experiences which immediately appeal not only to the taste buds, but also the who range of senses. After half a dozen repeat visits, each perhaps with a view to find something wrong, finally one had to surrender and admit that the Crescendo Brunch at the Anantara ranks in the best five one can experience in Dubai. Is it the oriental welcome, is it the relaxed detail to customer care, or it is simply the food?  The welcome is warm, the staff attention is always subtly always present but not in your face. The food is what does the trick. The salads without exception over all the visits stand out as the best on offer. A particular favourite is the Thai Beef salad that seems to have an Anantara twist to it. The food stations are many, from Japanese, to Sub Continental, Mexican, Italian, Arabic, Sing

 The Bolt Hole at the new community of Villanova (on E 611 near Habtoor Polo) is the latest addition to community centred food and drink offerings in Dubai. Community focused eateries always have a challenge to cater to the diverse cultural composition of residents in Dubai's communities. The Bolt Hole certainly overcomes that challenge with ease through two simple steps; a diverse but uncomplicated international menu and secondly with an impeccable quality of food and service. Yes for out of the main stream restaurants TBH comes across as pricey, however in fairness this Jumeriah group owned place does have a mix of price points that can let you enjoy a good meal without breaking the bank.  There is some chatter that a price review is in the offing but still judging by the reception the place is getting there are a lot of good things going on here. The decor is very good and inviting; comfortable, uncluttered. The open kitchen is an attraction in itself seeing 8 or 9 staff busy, s

 Discovering this gem at the entrance on Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah was a treasured moment. Lovely setting, rustic architecture, simplicity with class and the great beach front added by the fact the place is dog friendly makes it a must visit location. Having been there now half a dozen times, one can assuredly say that the first experience being great was not a fluke. Each visit has shown the attention to clients, the good quality of food and just something different from the glitz of many hotels is what UAE needed. The weekend brunch was exceptional with an accent of Palestinian food, the poolside seating, the sound of the ocean waves next door and the wonderful service want to pull you back each time.  It was no surprise that in the last month each time we have called on a Thursday to book for the brunch it has been booked. (Note to self must call a week in advance). The owner, Mr Banan himself, is usually on hand and very friendly and likeable. The manager of the facility Mary

 The opening of Rags to Riches is a welcome addition to the culinary and social scene around Studio City and Arabian Ranches. Located on the first floor of the restaurant area of the hotel, it is accessed from either the lift facing the courtyard or from the larger lift to the left of the reception desk of the hotel, (through the lobby). While we went for lunch we did feel a second visit in the evening is warranted.  The welcome was warm, the seating well thought out, the decor simple but tasteful and the large outside terrace promises to be ideal with the weather cooling down. The menu is a delight, with an excellent food offering that is a hybrid between classy pub grub and a casual dinning experience. The bread rolls (baked in house) with rosemary were absolutely divine as was the nachos and the jalapeno poppers. The service stood out and later we were joined by the co founder and brain behind the concept Shaban Ibrahim, (previously at the Ranches Restaurant at the Golf Club). Shaba

 Sometimes stumbling upon an eatery can be a pleasant surprise. This was the case with our visit to Pangolin at the Els Golf Club in Dubai Sports City. Our first visit was a delight in every respect from the food, to the service and the over all feel of the place. So after a gap of two months we revisited Pangolin. Knowing from our first visit that the restaurant had been acquired by a new group we expected some changes. While no visible changes had emerged we heard that the restaurant was being rebranded and the offering would change from the current theme. Our two visits had given us the distinct impression that the Pangolin was a hidden gem. Its Mediterranean accented food offering was simply amazing. The food fitted in so well with the poolside presence of the restaurant and had a nice casual feel to it. While one may say the decor looked 'tired' it at best needs a facelift. The menu was well constructed and every item we ordered was well prepared, with just the perfect tas

 Once you have weaved your way past two or three competing restaurants on the terrace of The Pointe, you come to A Capella. The decor barely distinguishes it from its competitors but this can be deceptive as soon the food and drink experience that follows sets A Capella as a unique and special eating experience. The views of the Atlantis across the bay of water and the light and fountain show that repeats itself every 30 minutes create an ambience that makes your visit special.  It would be hard to classify this restaurant with a "Passport" menu of offers from select countries, and the food presentation with hints of fusion cooking, (A Tandoori chicken with Japanese sauces as an example). Put aside the need to label this eat place and each item you taste is an explosion of flavours and an attention to gastronomic detail that made us feel A Capella really does deliver. The Aalo Tiki (potato starters) and the Patata Bravas (from Spain) were simply exceptional. The Yellow Dal wi