Dubai: Those not in the know could be forgiven for mistaking Caramel for a confectioner specialising in sweets made from molten sugar. I had similar ideas until I landed at their swanky balcony level restaurant and lounge in DIFC’s building 3 on a recent Sunday evening.
Their dimly lit giant saucer-like lamps don’t outshine the wonderful night-time atmosphere of the restaurant and candles on every table provide the trappings for a perfect silhouetted dinner. If the crowd on that weeknight was anything to go by, Caramel is much more than the cool hangout.
Informal yet sophisticated, it appeared the perfect contemporary American restaurant with an international touch and buckets of class, as we soon confirmed.
Welcome mocktails
Having just sat, our hostess delivered their signature mocktails (Dh40): Caramel Colada – a blend of fresh pineapple juice with real chunks of the fruit, coconut syrup and lime frothed with double cream; and Guns N’ Roses - a sweet drink of lychee juice, rose cordial, fresh strawberries and lemon juice. A rock fan alright, I preferred the latter for its syrupy smoothness and refreshing taste.
A quartet of lobsters and grilled mango tacos (Dh100) was our first food arrival. Effectively a finger food, the cold manicured meat – tender and delectable – wrapped in crispy tacos, tasted great with the avocado cream and cilantro dip. An exotic Black Cod Miso (Dh100) was next on the list. Warm and luscious, the cod – glazed in miso, marinated for five to six days and wrapped in Bibb (or Boston) lettuce, was another delicacy. Their signature Chicken Lollipops (Dh80) made buffalo style, tossed in a spicy ‘Frank’s hot’ sauce, and served with bleu cheese made for a perfect Americanisation of a world classic. The tender meat that came off the bones in one bite upgraded the starter from good to outstanding.
However, what really shone among starters was their humble Crispy Eggplant (Dh75). Tossed in Hoisin (or Chinese barbecue) sauce, the lightly battered dices of my favourite vegetable simply tasted other-worldly. This was a suggestion from the restaurant’s Cypriot manager, Xenios Voniatis, and for good measure. Eggplant (especially in moussakas) remains a favourite among Greeks and Greek-speaking Cypriots and this one is a must try for all vegetarians – Greek or otherwise.
Almost full to the brim, we selected the Seared Chilean Sea Bass (Dh150) and Petite Kobe Sliders (Dh120) for mains. Full marks for the unusually large white chunk of the pan-seared fish served on a bed of rock shrimp risotto and finished with shellfish broth. The crispy top layer of golden bake made it irresistible.
A massive burger fan, I also loved the three mini burgers (or ‘sliders’ as Americans call them). The patties made of highest quality Kobe beef (well done) and topped with aged cheddar, tomatoes and pickles on fresh brioche buns were mouth-watering. The caramelised onions made all the difference.
It was finally time to round off with their Chocolate Fondant (Dh49). A chocolate cake with a liquid centre served with delicious cappuccino ice cream; the end couldn’t have been more fitting.
Details
Meal for two: Dh600
Location: Balcony Level, Building 3, DIFC, Dubai.
Timing: Sunday-Thursday: 11am to 2am;
Friday & Saturday: 7pm to 2am
Bookings: 04-425 6677
We recommend: Lobster tacos, Crispy Eggplant, Petite Kobe Sliders, Guns N’ Roses, Chocolate Fondant