What’s the Catch?
New York restaurants are moving to the UAE in a big way. After China Grill, it’s time for Catch — a modern seafood restaurant in the Meatpacking district — to open its doors over here. Although it’s got a relaxed, distressed wood interior and sharing serving, this is still chic dining — with the likes of Beyonce and Jay Z as fans. It’s run by NYC restaurant group EMM Group, run by Eugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum; in the kitchen is Top Chef winner Hung Huynh. On the menu are the likes of tableside torched Catch roll with crab, salmon and miso honey; salmon belly carpaccio with watercress, sweet, sour onion; Wagyu surf and turf; and crispy whole red snapper for two with oyster mushrooms, peppers and chili-garlic sauce. It’s taking over the space formerly occupied by Spectrum on One at the Fairmont Dubai. Stay tuned for an opening date.
Put some gold on your Christmas table
If ever there was a cake made for Dubai, it’s this French Bakery festive special, called Oh My Gold. Shaped like a massive bullion, inside there’s hazelnut mousse, speculoos cream, hazelnut dacquoise and white chocolate parfait on a biscuit Breton base. Get it for Dh270 at all French Bakery locations including First Interchange on Shaikh Zayed Road, Dubai Outlet Mall and Al Ghurair Mall.
Now there’s a food truck in Downtown
Following in the ketchup-smeared tracks of Salt and Jake’s By The Food Truck comes the Vida Hotel’s own “portable gourmet station”, serving the mean streets of Downtown Dubai. They’ve restored a genuine 1960s Airstream to serve the likes of R-rated Mac n Cheese; ceviche and popcorn pita; bunny chow and smoked brisket on Chef’s hot buns. You can also book the truck for up to 50 people with beach chairs and picnic tables. You’ll find it on the courtyard outside The Pavilion Downtown Dubai, 11am-11pm daily. Mains from Dh40, desserts from Dh15 and beverages Dh10; call 04-4286960.
Absolute Barbecues is open
Head over to Fraser Suites in Media City to get your fix of meat cooked over charcoal. This new restaurant — which has outlets in Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad — offers an international take on the do-it-yourself grilling experience. There’s a barbecue at each table and a central live cooking station; diners choose their meat, seafood and vegetables, and pair them with sauces, salads and side dishes. Chefs will stop by to help you out; there’s also a no-tips policy. A buffet lunch is available from 12-4pm and a buffet dinner from 6pm-12am. There are also Friday and Saturday brunch options. Call 04-5520562.
Shore Time now in Karama
If you’re a fan of this Filipino restaurant from Qatar, good news: It’s now open in Karama, serving Bulalo, Lechon Kawali, Tapsilog, Chopsuey, Kare-Kare, Mix Pancit and Daing na Bangus. Also on the menu: a dose of karaoke; they also do delivery (04-3368333) should you prefer to sing in the privacy of your home.
Chikalicious does breakfast
The home of the stupendously yummy dough’ssant is now putting its dessert into breakfast. NYC dessert bar Chikalicious, at The Village Mall in Jumeirah, is serving breakfast from 8am, with their own inventions and some classics with a twist. The dough’ssant — a cross between a donut and a croissant that, yes, resembles the cronut — is put into a Benedict, with a poached egg, a slice of turkey and Hollandaise sauce on top. There’s also organic French toast and pancakes with bananas, strawberries and frosted pecans. Call 04-3444700.
