Toscana gets a make-over
Souk Madinat Jumeirah’s Italian outlet has a new look and name: Trattoria Toscana (formerly Toscana) has a rustic menu and Italian staff and has just reopened. Dishes include baked pastas, risottos, flat-bread pizzas and braised meats, seafood, salads and regional desserts. They’ve gone for classic Tuscan looks with shaded outdoor, red brick interiors and exposed wooden tables; it opens early-ish (from 10.30, for an Italian-style breakfast called Caffe e Cornetto) and the Italian tradition of early-evening, pre-dinner aperitivo; call 04-3665866.
Oeno’s new supperclub
The Westin Dubai’s super-popular drinking spot is launching Soul Supper, serving unlimited “soul food bites” while classic R’n’B, soul, funk, hip hop, disco and jazz by resident DJ Soto plays out, every Thursday night. It starts this week, 9pm-1am, for Dh195, including a house beverage; call 04-5117139.
Some waffling down at Box Park
The latest in the seemingly non-stop series of launches at Box Park in Dubai (are there enough people in the country to fill these restaurants, we wonder?) is No 3, a waffle joint open daily from 9am-midnight. Thre are several waffle bases, toppings and fillings, both sweet and savoury, and graffiti by a local artist, because Dubai just really wants to be Brooklyn right now. There are mini waffles, diet and gluten-free waffles and waffles with buttermilk fried chicken, tiramisu and kamikaze waffle chips.
Head to Dubai Music Week for food
You may or may not be attracted by the music of Jason Derulo and Jared Leto at this week’s Dubai Music Week, kicking off at 1pm Wednesday at Dubai World Trade Centre, but if you’re interested in food, there’s something for you. It opens for free today giving hungry types a chance to check out two of the food trucks (Calle Tacos and Gobai) from Roundup, a company providing food truck services to existing restaurants and start-ups. Calle Tacos and Gobai are joined in the UAE by MOB, Fit, Bio Bean, Shawarma Station, Jordanian Brisket Truck, Toasted Grilled Cheese.
Vongerichten does brunch
Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s JG Kitchen — the casual eatery at Dubai’s Four Seasons (it sits alongside his fine-dining outlet there) is adding an international brunch, served a la carte style on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s aimed at families and groups; expect the likes of waffle with caramelised banana with whipped cream, smoked salmon with toasted Swedish rye; Maine lobster grilled cheese on brioche served with three cheeses and green chili mustard. There are also omelettes, shakshuka and eggs Benedict and classic drinks. It runs 11am-4pm; call 04-3436118.
