Life & Style | Food
The top menu venues for January
The latest openings, reviews and meal deals for January
- By Kate Birch, Editor, Aquarius magazine
- Published: 00:00 January 1, 2012
- Image Credit: Supplied picture
- Sample some of the best Japanese cuisine in town at Okku at The Monarch Hotel.
OKKU
Where: Monarch Hotel
Tel: 04-5018777
Cost: Approximately Dh350 for dinner for two without drinks.
What to expect: As a major Okku fan, I was waiting with chopsticks at the ready for the launch of the new menu - and I wasn't disappointed.
After a bowl full of steaming chilli-and-garlic-coated edamame, we launched into HuShiHu Salad - crispy duck on a bed of crunchy baby gem salad leaves, with pomegranate seeds and a plum-sauce-inspired dressing - then Seared Scallops with a small dollop of fig in a rich truffle sauce; and a delicate Steak Tartare served with beetroot crisps - the latter would convert even the most raw-meat-averse amongst you.
Already feeling a bit full, we went totally overboard on the next course of sushi and maki and ordered the fabulous Ama Rainbow, which has five different types of fish held in a hollowed-out cucumber slice; delish Dynamite Black Cod Maki; the Seabass and Papaya, which we consumed in seconds; and, at the suggestion of our charming waiter Leo, the Black Cod in Black Miso - beautiful, soft chunks of cod in a sticky black miso sauce, served in a basket of leek crisp, which may well be my new death-bed-wish-dish.
I will end by saying this: other Japanese restaurants in town need to up their game.
-- Louisa Wilkins
Meal deals
>> TERRACE @ KGRILL
Enjoy al fresco dining with BBQ Nights at this Kempinski Mall of the Emirates eatery. Every Thursday, 7-11pm, Dh175 adults, Dh90 kids. 04-4095999.
>> MISTRAL
Dine al fresco with a BBQ Buffet at this Ibn Battuta Gate terraced restaurant. Enjoy everything from sizzling steaks to plump prawns, for just Dh180. Every Saturday lunch from January 14. 04-4445613.
>> CHEF'S HOUSE
Take a curry world tour with Radisson Blu's Tuesday night Curries of the World buffet - think Thai, Japanese, Indian, Mauritian and African curries. Dh135-180. 04-3669111.
>> PLANTATION
This relaxed lounge at Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach will start Sushi & Sake nights (all you can eat and drink) every Monday from January 23, 7-10pm, Dh210. 04-4484873.
>> MINATO
New themed nights begin at this popular Japanese, with the Sushi and Teppanyaki Buffet Nights on Saturday, Monday and Thursday, Dh198. Radisson Blu Hotel Deira. 04-2057333.
Three of the best Chinese New Year celebrations
1. Zheng He's
Chef Tan has created a special Chinese New Year set menu with a wine pairing option. Sit among Mandarin trees and enjoy traditional Chinese dishes and entertainment, including lion dance and a Chinese harp player. January 22/23, 12-3pm and 6-11.30pm, Dh250 for lunch, from Dh500 for dinner, call 04-3666730.
2. Latitude
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at Jumeirah Beach Hotel. For one night only, Latitude will put on a massive international buffet, offering a huge array of Cantonese specialities. January 23, 7-11pm, Dh275 with soft beverages, Dh395 with alcoholic beverages. Call 04-4068999.
3. The China Club
Enjoy a Chinese culinary experience tailored by Chinese master chef Fu at this Radisson Blu restaurant. Dig into stir-fried lobster, wok-fried chicken in Peking sauce, steamed black cod and assorted steamed dim sum. From January 22 to February 5, lunch and dinner, Dh188, call 04-2057031.
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