Margaux
What French/Italian Mediterranean brasserie
Where Souk Al Bahar
Why Indulgent gourmet cuisine
Cost Dh500+
I was sold on a postcard-perfect photo of Margaux, the restaurant with sweeping arched colonnades playing peek-a-boo with each other, firmly yet shyly, and the frothy jets of fountains peeping out against the Burj Khalifa, trying to catch sight of the softly lit tables hunched near the pillars. It is similar to imagining the windblown sea spray on my face by looking at nothing more than a postcard of azure Caribbean waters.
And so it was with Margaux. I sensed the romance dancing in the crisp air like a ballerina, pirouetting around French inspired décor and flirting with the elegant Italian furnishings. The purling waters were the auditory background for delightful conversation over exquisite gourmet food.
When I finally walked into the exuberant French/Italian Mediterranean brasserie to soak in its ambience, I experienced that windblown sea spray feeling. My partner, entirely unprepared (unlike me), had a hard time saying anything more than
“very nice, very nice”.
We tried out the terrace but the air was too pesky, a deterrent to overcome. Reluctantly we settled for the main seating area inside with its sleek wainscoted walls and eclectic artwork.
Our attendant Mouaad, a genial young man, offered a few suggestions, mainly the signature Burrata mozzarella with tomato and basil, speaking of its Italian provenance. We, however, had other desires.
My selection elicited more than an eyebrow-raising comment from my partner. I said Foie Gras Terrine, putting on my best French accent, adding: with Fig Marmalade and Toasted Bread. My partner placed his order in plain English: Grilled Vegetables, Italian Style. In between waiting for France’s culinary heritage to arrive flanked with the creamiest, silkiest texture I have ever forked through, I ate from the mini breadbasket.
Bread is my weakness, especially if it comes with a swirl of butter melting its will on its warm crust. I began to eat through the perfect crust to crumb ratio of pesto bread and wholewheat bread with raisins and walnuts, and proceeded to sample my entrée.
Once done with my share of indulgence, I leaned over to taste my partner’s aromatic vegetables.
By now, the romance dancing in the crisp air like a ballerina wasn’t too pleased with the crescendo in the music and excited confab. Neither was my partner. The place was busy for a weekday, an indicator of how popular it would be on a weekend. I had to cock my ears to decipher my partner saying he wanted his beef fillet (served with Perigueux Sauce and Truffle Mash) blue. Blue? That’s another word for very rare. Not the way I prefer it. But I wasn’t going to argue with his one-word verdict – perfect. After all, he’s an expert in the manner.
My Farmed Chicken (served with Creamy Wild Mushroom Pasta and Sauce Reduction) on the other hand was showing off its robust texture and delicate spice treatment. By the time dessert clocked in its arrival, I wished I could’ve been warned.
Mouaad arrived with a salver of delectable selections – all lined up, dressed-up like chocolate pawns on a chessboard, each advancing its own move rather lethally. And in this manner, that postcard-perfect photo of Margaux got that franking of: been there, done that.
PS: will do it again.
This week’s food deals...
Cabana outback fridays
What Enjoy and chill out at Cabana’s pool and lounge every Friday with great food and music.
Where The Address, Dubai Mall, 04 438 8888
Cost Starting from Dh155
Chameleon pub
What Enjoy the promotion on the pub lunches and indulge in a buffet selection of salads and condiments, hot dishes and desserts all at Dh59. Plus live music from the resident band.
Where Traders Hotel, 04 214 7305
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
What Celebrate Mother’s Day with a meal from Ruth’s and win a complimentary voucher of Dh150 for Mandara Spa
Where The Monarch Dubai,04 501 8666
Cost Dh225 (mothers only)
Lebanese early nights
What Enjoy Lebanese food and live entertainment from 9.30pm onwards.
Where Tannour, Crowne Plaza Hotel, 800-CROWNE (276963)
Cost Dh120 (traditional set menu) between 09.30pm and 10.30pm
