Life & Style | Food
The top menu venues this December
The latest openings, reviews and meal deals for December
- By Kate Birch, Editor, Aquarius
- Published: 00:00 December 1, 2011
- Image Credit: Supplied picture
- Vói is described as a 'Vietnamese restaurant inspired by French cuisine'.
Vói
Where: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
Tel: 04-4530444
Cost: Dh395 or Dh595 for a seven-course tasting menu
I'm a fan of fusion food, so I was excited to visit new restaurant Vói. Describing itself as a ‘Vietnamese restaurant inspired by French cuisine', its innovative menu takes the best of French ingredients and techniques - think foie gras, duck and scallops - and dips it in the exotic flavours of Vietnam - think ginger, lime and mango.
My starter of quail with an aromatic herb salad was a blend of flavours and textures. The softness and richness of the quail meat and poached quail eggs was an exciting contrast to the fragrant crunchiness of the Vietnamese salad.
Similarly, my partner's main of crispy Pacific cod with clams, garlic, red chilli and coconut rice was a texture sensation: a buttery hunk of cod set off by crunchy, spice-infused vegetables.
Dessert is even more innovative - think double-baked banana with honey ice-cream or rice crêpes with chilli raspberry sorbet. It's all about unexpected combinations and zingy flavours. As well as à la carte, Vói offers two tasting menus of seven courses. This fusion theme is also reflected in the décor, which is contemporary French colonial. With high ceilings and chandeliers, Vói is like a grand palatial dining room with a hint of old-world charm. Mixed with its fine dining, this is a fusion concept impeccably delivered.
Real value!
Head to Bistro Madeleine for the Christmas Eve French Noël Dinner buffet, for just Dh199. 8-12pm. 04-7011127.
Xmas meal deals
Blue Orange
This Westin Mina Seyahi outlet is offering a Christmas Eve buffet with festive music, inclusive of alcohol. 6pm-1am, Dh395, 04-3181398.
Sanabel
The Mad for Christmas Lunch on December 25 at The Pullman hotel includes a festive-themed buffet and live cooking stations. Dh130-Dh170. 04-3772000.
Cabana
Enjoy a Christmas Eve BBQ bash in your own private cabana at The Address Dubai Mall. Think live cooking stations and a DJ. From 7pm. Dh185-Dh245. 04-8883444.
Topkapi
Dig into a festive lunch buffet on Christmas Day at this Taj Palace Hotel restaurant, which combines Indian, Japanese, Asian, Arabic and Italian. Plus entertainment for kids. 12.30-4pm. Dh125. 04-2232222.
Zaytoun
A fun, festive, family-friendly Christmas Day brunch on the outdoor Leisure Deck at Zaytoun. Think buffet and a bouncy castle. 12.30-4pm. Dh195-295, 04-7011127.
Three of the best Christmas deals
1. Take a float down the Creek on the Bateaux Dubai with its Festive Brunch Cruise. Enjoy a three-course brunch with unlimited house beverages, while taking in the sights and sounds of the city. A great one if you've got guests. Available December 9, 16, 23, 1pm-4pm. Dh395 or Dh495. 04-3994994.
2. This family-friendly Christmas Day brunch at the Cavendish, Bonnington Hotel, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, will tick all your festive boxes: a traditional buffet-style festive feast, live Christmas music and a special visit from the man in red. Dh295-Dh445 and Dh100 for kids. From 12.30pm-4pm. 04-3560600.
3. Feel sand between your toes as you dig into Christmas pud at Barasti's beach barbecue party. Rock up to Le Méridien Mina Seyahi's Barasti beach on December 8 and 15 wearing red and white, and enjoy the festive tunes, games and a delicious BBQ. From midday-4pm. Dh250. 04-3181398.
Dining
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