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

 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