Making memories

It's funny how some of life's most unforgettable moments are associated with food.

There is a tiny trattoria in Siena that serves a most luscious lamb shank that still causes my mouth to water almost six years later, while memories of Barcelona's gothic quarter are intermingled with the sampling the creamy delights of the local gelateria.

Meanwhile a spicy choo chee chicken will forever be linked with the first date I shared with my husband. But after three years in Dubai, there have been few such occasions to cause me to reminisce... until now.

Video: Cooking Japanese New Wave style

The city's latest contemporary Japanese offering, Mirai has a dish so salivatingly delicious that once sampled it will be hard to walk into any old sushi joint again.

The dish in question does not immediately jump out at the diner as a "must pick" so I will feel forever indebted to the restaurant's affable staff for recommending it.

Life Experience

I will also now impart this same valuable advice: DO NOT leave Mirai without ordering the slow braised short ribs. It's no exaggeration to suggest it's a life affirming experience.

When delivered to our table of four, there was a collective sigh of joy followed by satisfied silence as we each let the beef sweetly caramelised in ginger and soy, dissolve after each prolonged bite.

It was so mind blowing you could almost wipe the drool from this page and will easily be remembered as my best meal in Dubai - ever.

I could continue to wax lyrical but that would be amiss as there are plenty of other dishes at Mirai to boast about.

Until that evening, foie gras had, for me, been uncharted territory, having succumbed to the ethical arguments against the production of duck liver. If truth be told, it was just an excuse for not being overly adventurous.

My exploration were rewarded, the foie gras intermingling salty yet sweet flavours thanks to the miso marinade and perfectly roasted scallops. I've since opted for foie gras at other establishments but it has failed to match Mirai's offering.

The restaurant's sushi menu is vast and most importantly fresh. It can be a little overwhelming to those who lack an expertise in raw fish, so the staff patiently guide you through the enviable selection.

And while it's easy to have your fill just on the yellowtail sashimi, don't overlook the oysters three ways served in a shot glass and infused with dashi ponzu, yuzu and spicy jalapeno.

It's a much more enterprising way to try these molluscs.

Typically tabloid!'s reviews would include something about the interior but at Mirai it's really inconsequential.

All you need to know that the restaurant is suitably slick, because the real reason to book a table at Mirai pronto is the unforgettable food.

Where: Mirai, Souk Al Bahar
Phone: 04-4397333
Ambience: An intimate foodie haven.
Decor: Contemporary cool with Japanese flourishes.
Must-haves: Slow braised short ribs
Price: Sample menu Dh350 per person

No zoom to Zuma

One of the things I love most about dining at Zuma is the buzz. And by buzz I don't mean because "It's the place to be seen daahling" but rather it's one of the few restaurants about town that actually has any real energy.

There a few factors that work in its favour: Firstly it's not located in a five-star hotel, freeing it from a museum-like ambience.

Secondly, it doesn't rely on a cheesy theme, dodgy karaoke band or an interior straight out of an episode of Cribs. Instead, it depends upon the quality food, exceptional service and an understated but striking venue to draw its enviable crowd. So it's kind of an understatement to say I was eager to sample Zuma's new Friday brunch menu but I was left a little disappointed.

While all the elements were there - a sumptuous spread (including the delectable miso marinated black cod and chilli miso marinated lamb chops from the á-la-carte options), the attentive service and same exquisite venue, it was lacking the patrons that give Zuma its usual buzz.

In fact, the venue was almost empty. A myriad of reasons could have accounted for the echo factor. Still, all I know is that my next visit will be on a Thursday night.

Price: Dh325 including soft drinks
Phone:04-4255660