The conundrum: How does one transport the authentic Italian vibe to the desert without losing the, well, you know, the Italianness (Italianicity?) of it all?
Does-a one-a make-a the waiters speak-a like-a this-a in the manner of an English actor portraying an Italian in an '80s era sitcom? Dress them up as gondoliers? A horse's head in the bed free with every bread basket? Too far?
Luckily BiCE Mare know what really matters - the dishes are fresh from the Med and made-a up-a accents ain't-a on the menu!
Cue ultra-laidback atmos, non-intrusive service, a family friendly vibe, and a large terrace overlooking the Burj Khalifa, a view that's set to become as iconic as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, although ever so slightly less leany, we would hope.
What we like about BiCE Mare is not the lower-case ‘i', which we'll admit confuses us, but the fact that you can enjoy many different combinations of a meal - making it totes not your usual three-course affair. Starting with antipasti? Then why not move onto soup and then pasta? Or how about kickstarting with a salad, before sampling a fish dish then devouring a pizza? If we were mathematically inclined, we'd work out how many combinations there are, but we're not, and anyway, life's too short - the world's ending on December 21, haven't you heard?
With a list of ever-changing specials, as well as a BiCE Classics section where you'll find the mouth-watering Rack of lamb in Tuscan garlic and herbs sauce, you're treated to an extensive menu that caters to vegetarians, fish fans, meat lovers, and pizza and pasta purists alike.
The Organic mix salad with warm goat's cheese on a chive crouton is a great light entry, offering up supremely creamy goat's cheese on a bed of leaves that are thankfully not saturated in balsamic or oil. Elsewhere, the Sushi grade tuna tartare on basil scented sour cream, avocado and crispy prawn and Tuscan soup of shrimp and barley are all filling, authentic options; but those in search of heartier fare should definitely plump for the juicy Hand-cut Angus beef with roquette, toasted almonds and marinated wild mushrooms on the Classics menu.
The pasta dishes are well thought out, with not a dud among them, from the deceptive simplicity of the Tagliolini all'Astice, Pomodorini e Basilico (that's tagliolini tossed with Maine lobster, cherry tomatoes and basil), to the intricate Homemade ravioli with veal, beef and spinach. Plus, do not leave without spearing a forkful of the Ravioli filled with salmon, potatoes and spring onions in a fresh herbs butter sauce. Yep, pasta and potatoes - carb overload - too, too Italian.
When it comes to the fish, we opted for a contender for our last-meal-on-earth choice of Lightly breaded Dover sole fillet with green and white puree; a melt-on-the-tongue, food envy-inducing - and surprisingly large - portion of delicately flavoured fish heaven.
For meat lovers, the Breaded pounded veal chop and Grilled Wagyu tenderloin are standouts, whilst the Marinated baby chicken grilled under a stone, sparked a lively ‘Which Stone: Mick or Keith?' debate. For dessert, you'll find the classics, panna cotta and tiramisu here. But we have to admit we stepped away from all things Italian and crossed the Pond for the creamy New York cheesecake. But, hey (*Adopts Tony Soprano voice* ) ‘Whaddaya gonna do aboudit?'
Need to know
Restaurant BiCE Mare
Location Souk Al Bahar, Downtown
Tel 04 423 0982
Tasty trio: Seafood
Pearls & Caviar
There’s nothing shy and retiring about Pearls & Caviar, as the monochrome seafood restaurant is kitted out with pearls and shimmering silver from top to bottom and boasts an impressive menu to match the décor and a DJ to provide the soundtrack. You simply cannot go wrong by keeping it simple, letting the chefs do what they do best and ordering the seafood platter. The tuna tartare with wasabi is also well worth a try.
Location Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
Timing Sat-Thu 7pm-11.30pm; Fri 1pm-4pm and 8pm-11.30pm
Tel 02 509 8888
Fishmarket
This restaurant is decorated to look like a beachside seafood shack – filled with lobster tanks and kitted out in bamboo – but the relaxed atmosphere by no means results in an sub-par culinary experience. The open kitchen, fronted by an impressive display of the catch of the day, prepares the fish you fancy, with whichever sides you select, topped off with the sauce of your choice. Fresh deliciousness every time.
Location InterContinental Abu Dhabi
Timing Daily 12.30pm-3pm, 7pm-10pm
Tel 02 666 6888
25/55 Café Bistro
Where better to enjoy seafood than whilst looking out onto the Dubai Marina and watching the world sail by? This relaxed bistro fittingly takes its name from Dubai’s nautical coordinates and keeps the menu simple, ensuring that every meal is perfectly prepared. We recommend keeping it classic and ordering the battered hammour with chunky chips, or venture out of your comfort zone and try the fresh and very juicy fillet of snapper.
Location Dubai Marina Yacht Club, Dubai
Timing Daily 7am-11.30pm
Tel 04 362 7955
