Fifty Shades of Food

 Our friends, Claire and Alex, kindly invited us to a belated birthday dinner at the City Grill at the Atrium at Al Habtoor City, Dubai. one often can rate Grills as either moderate or as exceptional; the City Grill was exceptional. The welcome was warm and we were ushered to the table instantly. The ambiance was was cosy and the striking images on the walls gripping, the only change one would like would be to have a lightening a few watts stronger. Our waiter, Vitali from Zimbabwe, had an infectious smile and a professional demeanour that was a welcome start to the evening.  The menu was well presented with an emphasis on the meat offerings. Positioned as a South African grill there was a larger  presence of South African meat offerings, though there were some selections of Argentine and Australian meat too. This restaurant is a meat lovers paradise and a vegetarian would certainly struggle for a main  course though the many side orders could pacify a grumbling vegetarian. As the star

Gordon Ramsay's Hells Kitchen at Cesar's Palace in Dubai offers a Friday brunch, which is carved with his signature all over, from the decor to the food offerings. There is an option of seating outside and it was no surprise that place was soon filled up. The booking experience, while efficient was a tad misleading with the lady insisting that no beach wear, and certainly no shorts or slippers. We did see a few men in shorts and slippers, and upon asking the staff about the dress code were informed that it applies to the dinner service only and not the brunch. Attendance at arrival was warm, cordial and very welcoming. The staff clearly knew their job and our waiter, Jassab from the India, (we may have the name spelled wrong), was very helpful and attentive. During the course of the afternoon Ryan, (from South Africa) also came up and was a delight to talk to. The drinks offerings were balanced and while for a non alcoholic customer an additional mocktail to the two on offer