Eat Out: Appetisers, tabloid!’s food news

Finally! Wasl Square café details

If you’re like us, you’ve been driving past the new development opposite Choitrams on Al Wasl Road wondering when on earth they are just going to open those interesting-looking cafes, already! We can bring you news about two of them. Yamanote Atelier, a Japanese-style bakery (green tea sponge and the like) has had some setbacks but is expected to open in December – fingers crossed for this exciting project. Also coming at Wasl Square in December is Pantry Café, which promises “a neighborhood gourmet café concept for people who appreciate and enjoy freshly cooked food from across the world,” according to the café’s “chairperson” Mahesh Kalwani. On the menu: quinoa, scotch eggs, salads and sandwiches from the deli counter, tandoori salmon, steaks, custom made pizzas, artisan breads, pastries and a deli with cheese, cured meats, oils and jams. The café – which we sadly don’t have an opening date for but will bring you as soon as we have it – also has outdoor seating, and will be open 7am-midnight.

Dubai’s going truffle crazy

Zuma emailed us on Monday to say they’ve managed to bag a 347g Italian white truffle -- one of the biggest in the world, apparently, and even more expensive than it would normally be because it’s been a bad truffle season. That’s big because you only need a gram on your food to get that unique earthy scent. The monster truffle, sourced for the DIFC restaurant by a chap called Massimo Vidoni (who calls himself “the truffle man” on his business card), is expected to last one week, and can be shaved onto any dishes on request, at Dh150 for 1g (there’s a minimum order of 2g). On the marina side of town, Ossigeno at Le Royal Méridien has a truffle set menu until November 15 with starters, mains and yes, even a truffle dessert (pear pannacotta with moscato jelly, foie gras ice cream, truffle and crunchy hazelnuts. The truffle menu is Dh350 per person. Call 04-3165550.

Desert Palm starts brunch, vintage style

Making this brunch vintage is a half bottle of Tattinger, not a Chanel handbag -- and anyway, Desert Palm is chic, but not uptight. You’re better off in a floaty dress as you head to this polo estate on a Friday brunchtime for the new offering at Rare, the boutique hotel’s steakhouse -- the views over the polo field from the terrage towards Dubai are fantastic -- it’s one of those places to take visitors. Dishes include pan-seared foie gras with apple compote, 120-day beef tenderloin. It’s Dh395 per person with the bubbly, unlimited cocktails from the brunch menu and other beverages.

Call 04-3238888

Indego goes from lunch to brunch

Vineet Bhatia has only just launched lunch at his Dubai Indian fine-dining outlet, Indego, but we’re guessing it’s been successful, as on Sunday the restaurant announced it’s also starting brunch – on Fridays AND Saturdays.. It’s Dh350 (selected beverages included) or Dh250 (soft drinks). Dishes to expect on the thali plates include roasted courgette-pumpkin seed salad, lemon tandoori prawns, Indian naan pizza and caramelized banana and pineapple chocolate samosas . Call 04-3176000.