The red carpet was rolled out at the Constellation ballroom at The Address, Dubai Marina. As we step in, we are greeted by a space that has been transformed into an Arabian-inspired haven filled with makeshift canopies in maroon and blue cloth and colourful lanterns.
Round tables with chairs work towards creating an atmosphere of communal eating, making it perfect for corporate and business events. The expansive buffet with specialities from around the world also reflects the inclusive nature of the buffet, lending itself to entertain large groups with different food preferences. There’s biryani, shawarma, stir-fried noodles and carved meats — all jostling for space.
Now here’s a sentence I thought I would never write: The salads were phenomenal. And I say this because I naturally gravitate towards meat and rice, but the greens were appetising. The Arabic mezze comprising tabbouleh, baba ghanoush with smoky aubergine and tuna salad hit all the right notes. The food stations were erected outside the ballroom and there was a designated corner for every cuisine, obliterating the chance of long queues, since you can just target any corner depending on your taste.
The succulent lamb and chicken kebabs complemented the salads. And what’s an iftar without some ouzi (spice rice and lamb) and a shawarma roll. They get it right on both counts. But my favourites were the chicken and shrimp dim sums that were served hot. The live station serving pasta is a must-stop too. The penne was cooked al dente, neither crunchy nor too soft, and the arabiatta sauce was delightfully piquant — just the way we asked.
Among desserts, my heart went out to the rich sticky date toffee pudding, waffles served with a scoop of ice cream and the crispy donuts. Also be sure to try their puddings topped with blue berries and soufflé. We couldn’t ask for a sweeter ending to our evening.
