Caramel: Las Vegas glamour the Dubai way

Caramel Restaurant And Lounge

DIFC is well known as one of the coolest après-office hangouts in the city. Packed with hip venues that attract Dubai's high fliers night after night for a post-work pow-wow (or gossip, in non-corporate terms) you could be forgiven for thinking these people may not have homes to go to, since so many appear to spend most of their off-duty hours winding down here. But when there are places like Caramel to hang out at, well, who can blame them? The first international branch outside of the Las Vegas ‘Ultra Lounge', the legendary Bellagio venue counts Ashton Kutcher, David Arquette and Paris Hilton amongst its glamorous regulars. And while we didn't spot any celebrities when we visited, we're pretty sure they'd happily kick back with the razzle-dazzle crowd that frequent the Dubai incarnation of the luxurious lounge bar. Totally buzzing when we arrived for our Wednesday night dinner date, there were beautiful people everywhere; perched at the gorgeous, glowing amber bar (note to self - I want one of these in my kitchen), dotted around the many dark and glossy dining tables or chilling out in the cabanas on the terrace, cocktail in hand, soaking up the mellow tunes. ‘Ooh yes', I thought, as we crossed the polished wooden boards to our outdoor/indoor table, ‘I could quite happily take up residence here'.

Featuring the signature dishes from the original Bellagio venue, the menu boasts a well-edited offering that won't disappoint. Glossed-up versions of American classics sit alongside Mexican-inspired nibbles and delicate pan-Asian treats, designed to share or indulge in blissfully alone. With some handy pointers given by our waiter, Karthik, who happily spilled deets on the favourites on the menu as we supped fresh passion fruit mojitos, we finally decided on some of the Caramel classics that the regulars adore. To begin, one of my personal faves, miso glazed black cod, along with Karthik's recommendation of grilled lobster and mango tacos. The black cod was, as I'd hoped, sweet, rich and utterly delish, and remains one of my all-time restaurant go-tos. Since I'm a sucker for lobster, I'm willing to try any dish that it features in, but these divine seafood-packed shells have rocketed to the top of my ‘can't-eat-these-often-enough list.' Topped with chunks of juicy lobster, fresh avocado cream and the perfect amount of slightly tart mango, the light and crispy tacos are a total dreamboat of a dish - potentially the food version of Ryan Gosling, in fact.

Lulled into a New York state of mind courtesy of the DJ delivering a supremely mellow American house soundtrack, our mains soon appeared. And while said DJ had managed, rather impressively, to read my mind regarding what awesome tunes to spin, he missed the fact that a fanfare would have been in order for the arrival of our dinner. As beautiful to eat as it was to gaze upon, the boyf was rendered speechless, bar a few dreamy ‘OMGs', as he tucked into his Steak frites - five medallions of velvety soft beef, accompanied by a rich, green peppercorn sauce and a generous side of perfectly cooked French fries. Meanwhile, my seared Chilean sea bass in lobster broth with rock shrimp risotto silenced even me. Unbelievable, I know, but it did. The giant chunk of firm and juicy fish was plump, springy and delicately flavoured, perfectly matched with the rich bed of shrimp risotto (recipe required immediately, please chef), and set off with an intensely flavoured tomato and basil tapenade. OMG indeed.

If you can manage a dessert, the sinful chocolate torte is ridiculously good, and beats the baked Alaska hands down. But if an after-dinner cocktail before a night of partying is on the cards in true Vegas style, an espresso martini is a must, to be enjoyed as you chill out in one of the secluded cabanas on the terrace, to soak up all the luxurious trappings of your evening. Luscious food, stunning décor, sophisticated glamour and a crowd that keep coming back for more. Yep, we're seriously sweet on Caramel now.
Location Gate Village 3, DIFC
Tel 04 425 6677

Tasty trio: Lounge bars

Cavalli Club Restaurant and Lounge
Any restaurant masterminded by Roberto Cavalli was never going to be a low-key affair, and Cavalli Club doesn’t disappoint. The flamboyant venue boasts impressive chandeliers, animal-print furniture and crystal embellishments in every corner, with expertly executed Italian food that matches up to the impressive decor. This month, try the special Caviar and Oyster menu – it’s a splurge, but well worth it.
Location Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road
Timing 7pm-2am, daily
Tel 04 332 9260

Siddharta Lounge
The Buddha Bar’s sister spot is all buzzing atmosphere, amazing food and stunning views. The poolside lounge is
a top choice to kick off a night out, and
is a fave of ours for pre-dinner nibbles.
The bar snacks menu is brill – order tapas style if there are a few of you
so you can share the moreish goodies. The salmon carpaccio and satay skewers are delish!
Location Tower Two, Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai
Timing 10am-midnight, Sat-Wed; 10am-1am, Thu-Fri
Tel 04 317 6000

Okku
There’s rarely an evening that Okku isn’t packed to the rafters. From members to party goers and foodies in the restaurant to bar hoppers enjoying a few nibbles at the sushi counter, it’s always bustling with beautiful people who love Okku’s uber-cool New York vibe and lush Japanese food. Booking ahead is essential if you want a table, regardless of what day it is – you have been warned!
eat cheaper
Location The Monarch Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road
Timing 7pm-2am, daily
Tel 04 501 8777