Pantry Café spreads some festive cheer
For foodies around the world, a chilly nip in the air is eagerly anticipated as it signals not only the onset of winter but also an entire change of menu, devoted to the turn of the season. Crisp salads make way for hearty soups and summery sorbets are guiltlessly swapped for warm, sinful puds. And dining venues such as Pantry Café go out of their way to make up for all the homesick expatriates in Dubai may miss in terms of a traditional white Christmas, by recreating much-loved classics that draw up instant images of evenings spent in front of a fireplace.
Staying true to its tagline of being the neighbourhood gourmet café, Pantry Café seems to draw in just the right mix of faithful frequenters and word-of-mouth walk-ins to give you reason to believe you’re on to a good thing. Located in the vibrant Al Wasl Square opposite Safa Park, this cosy café has managed to retain its personal feel. However, what continues to make it a favourite among regulars is its idyllic al fresco seating, a clear-cut winner in this weather.
Having opened its doors in January, Pantry Café received a warm response from health-conscious residents in the area, given both its proximity to the park and use of organic and locally sourced produce. Parking, too, is easily available.
I have come to find the best culinary experiences are those that arise outside one’s comfort zone, and so with great curiosity I opted for the parsnip and apple soup, served with cheese bread. Never having been big on sweet and savoury pairings, I am pleasantly hit by the distinct flavours of both ingredients that work together rather harmoniously.
The monotony of what could have been just another reassuring creamy soup is broken by the presence of a thin, wafer-like cheese pita crisp, which is perched atop my bowl.
The roasted lamb chops that I choose for my mains, while not dramatic in their mode of execution, boast a rather unusual accompaniment of sautéed warm lentils.
Not one to do dessert in half measures, the warm home-made sticky toffee pudding proves, in my eyes, to be the undisputed champion. With a generous lick of salted caramel and a dollop of ice cream to mop up my slice, I end my evening with the same content feeling I have after a Christmas dinner done right.
The Pantry Café’s exclusive festive menu will be available until December 27.
Timings: Open daily from 9am — 11:30pm
Italian in the city
In a city where over the top has come to be the norm, it is always pleasant to come across a fine dining restaurant such as Roberto’s, which manages to hold its own while being both refined and discreet.
Tucked away in Dubai International Financial Centre’s (DIFC) uber-hip and cosmopolitan Gate Village, Roberto’s offers a great backdrop for occasions ranging from professional lunches to romantic dinners.
And while you wouldn’t be completely off the mark to imagine this to be just the sort of place frequented by suit-toting bankers and chic art gallery owners in search of an impressive after-work venue to entertain clients, the restaurant has witnessed a steady shift in clientele from its days of mostly being an exclusive hotspot for professionals from the area. Aside from its enviable location that offers sweeping views of the Burj Khalifa, Roberto’s presents diners an inimitable Italian experience.
Italians have long been known to serve food from the heart, and although Roberto’s may be a far cry (read fancy) from the humble nonna-run trattoria, you will never forget in Tuscany, the dishes have soul.
The task at hand was to sample the festive-themed menu, and I found myself curious as to what to expect when conventional Christmas classics take on an Italian twist.
Seafood isn’t necessarily something I’d associate with this time of year, so I opted for a warm seafood salad with artichoke hearts.
The pronounced vegetarian note in the dish gives way to the pleasing chewy texture of squid and prawns. Unable to finish my rather large serving of salad, I am playfully reminded by our attentive waiter that I should forget any mention of a diet as it is a Christmas meal after all.
For my mains, I succumbed to the delights of a beautifully presented pumpkin ravioli. With a more than generous drizzle of nutty pesto sauce and unusual accompaniment of almond biscuit-flavoured milk foam, I am in a kind of culinary heaven.
The fairly simply named Roberto’s pudding, however, is what really delivers Christmas in a bowl to me.
Laced with sabayon and currants, with the distinct taste of orange zest, this one’s enough to make any Scrooge come around.
Christmas Day and Boxing Day lunch will be served on December 25 and 26 for Dh380 plus 10 per cent service charge. Christmas Dinner will be served on December 24, 25 and 26 for Dh480 plus 10 per cent service charge.
Timings: Lunch 12-3 pm, Dinner 7pm — 12am
