Restaurant review: Kitakits Kafe & Klubb

My last memory of Kitakits Kafe & Klubb left little to like: water was dripping from the ceiling, the interiors looked old and shabby, and even the staff and band looked tired. Clearly, age had caught up with Dubai`s first Filipino resto-club in a hotel.
 
So you can imagine my surprise when I visited the club recently and found it had undergone a huge transformation, and a tastefully modern one at that. No wonder why it was named Favourite Pan Asian Restaurant of 2013 by an award-giving body in Dubai.
 
There was not a trace of the old Kitakits I remembered. The entrance leads to a lit-up al fresco sitting area with tables for two, in case you need some quiet conversation. 
 
Inside, the drab and darkly-lit warehouse look has been replaced by a swanky, modern interior design that featured various sitting areas to match the mood. I loved the liberal use of decorative wall lights, which easily created a fun yet warm ambiance.

It was only 8pm, and the crowd had started trickling in. At a corner, a group of well-dressed professionals were sharing a few laughs over dinner before the club scene started to heat up. Near the stage, a group of friends were celebrating someone`s birthday, while at another corner, a couple were celebrating their anniversary along with their friends.
 
Even the service has gone up by several notches. The staff members were attentive, quick and professional. The traditional food was stellar. I checked the menu and found out they have added a pit-roasted Filipino meat delicacy I couldn`t buy anywhere else. There were plenty of other options for a la carte or combo meals with drinks at astonishingly lower prices compared to what other Filipino resto-clubs charge. I could hold a big party here and not have to break the bank.

Comedy and song
  
The evening entertainment started with a performance by stand-up comedians Sweet Dexter and Tabby who not only sing, but sing well. Tabby can imitate a female singer so well that at one point I thought I was sitting there listening to Regine Velasquez. I love their brand of comedy and the way they connect with the audience. They know how to deliver a punch line without the snarky and cheap humour that has become the sad norm in most Filipino comedy bars.
 
Next came the club`s long-time resident band Resound, who gamely performed songs requested by the audience. The repertoire included a saxophone accompaniment. It`s easy to request a song or to have the band make an announcement for you: Song request cards are handed out at each table so you can send out a request, which waiters or waitresses will quickly deliver to the band.
 
The next time I look for a Filipino hangout that delivers a 5-star setting and service at a 2-star price, I will definitely pick Kitakits.