Restaurant-wise, in Dubai we are spoiled for choice — everything from Armenian and Ethiopian to French haute cuisine and Indian fusion.
Musically, too, we can't complain too much — this year we've had Stevie Wonder, Snoop Dogg and Shakira — so far. But put the two together, and it's perhaps something people don't think about too much, beyond having a hot dog at a concert.
Live music and food, however, are the perfect combination, when done right. Think the supper clubs of the mid-20th-century — women in fancy frocks, guys in double-breasted suits, live jazz and lobster thermidor.
Okay, so perhaps I'm living in a GQ-induced fantasy land, but I was determined to find a place where the dinner and good music could be enjoyed simultaneously as the perfect post-Ramadan celebration.
Luckily, it wasn't too hard — although the double-breasted suits only turned up once.
Ember Grill, The Address Dubai Mall
My first stop on the quest took me to this revamped, high-gloss steakhouse. Since relaunching with a slicker, fashion-inspired feel (it's connected by a short walk to Bloomingdale's in Dubai Mall, and my dining partner was late because she was distracted by the Kiehl's counter on the way), the restaurant has brought in a number of different nights, one of which is the Thursday night jazz all-you-can-eat.
The name is slightly misleading — a solo female singer belts out easy-listening standards — but it's still an original and unique idea, with the lady on a platform while the diners enjoy their grilled steak, chicken and shrimp around her.
Atmosphere is key to making a good supper club — the music shouldn't be so loud that conversation is drowned out, but also needs to make its presence known and get a little respect from the diners. Ember has managed that balance perfectly — possibly since many of the diners were groups of stylish women having a pre-Thursday night party meal.
The food is a mix of a la carte and buffet, with starters and desserts served in a buffet and the orders for mains taken at the table with your drinks order. The staff are efficient, classy and knowledgable, and will gladly bring you a gigantic plate of grilled meats and seafood to share.
Starters are mainly composed of salads and cold cuts, while on the dessert counter, don't miss the creme brulee.
Every Thursday, 6.30-11.30pm
Dh180, including soft beverages; Dh245 with house beverages.
Call 04-8883828
Pachanga, Hilton Jumeriah Resort
Now for something completely different.
Pachanga, the South American restaurant down by the Walk in Dubai Marina, has been dishing out flaming cuts of beef alongside the Latin tunes for years now, and shows no sign of slowing down. Expect an adorable boy-girl duo with Latin guitar sounds and lovely vocals that transport you to Argentina (on Wednesdays there is a free tango lesson and a professional floor show).
The (a la carte) food here is the best from all the venues we visited, with several stand-outs — the lobster trio is a ocean-sweet ode to the shellfish, with a whole claw alongside a creamy warm cocktail and a tangy tartare. Seafood lovers with a small appetite shouldn't miss the grilled prawns with white beans, a flavour-packed dish that is a little small for a main course.
But if someone with you is having the churrasco, you better not fill up beforehand: the giant skewers of hand-carved grilled meats just keep on coming — different cuts of beef, chicken and even a grilled pineapple to help with the digestion. You'd need it.
Call 04-3182530
The Gramercy, DIFC
This Financial Centre bar was one of our favourites even before they introduced their jazz brunch earlier this year, probably because of its long oak bar, where a burger, drink and conversation with a bartender are the order of the day.
The jazz brunch sounded like an excellent alternative to the usual brunch soundtrack of cheesy tunes, and the menu of comfort classics a good way to kick off a lazy Friday. Plus, there's a raw bar — Bloody Mary oyster shooters, tartare of the day, lobster.
Music (when it started, a little late for my taste, way after 1pm) was provided by a super-talented roaming saxophonist. (This is something that makes me happy; I predict the return to popular music of the sax solo, thanks in part to Kenny G's one in Katy Perry's Friday, and Lady Gaga's Edge of Glory.) Once the food has gone down, DJ Sticky Fingers plays more jazz tracks.
This was our only double-breasted suit sighting — thanks to a party dressed in Jazz Age costumes.
Every Friday
Dh175 with soft drinks, Dh325 for brunch and beverages
Call 04-4377511
Try these next
Bice, Hilton Jumeriah Beach: Listen to a live pianist as you slurp down fantastic spaghetti in tomato and cheese sauce.Jambase, Madinat Jumeirah: A live band nightly from 8.30pm, and a dance floor for you to work off the Tex-Mex-style dishes.
Al Qasr, Dubai Marine Hotel and Spa: The Lebanese musical night out, bar none. The massive set menu features hot and cold mezze (don't miss the lemon garlic chicken wings), grills and dessert and will be more food than you've ever seen. Throw in a classy clientele, belly dancer and a man cracking out Lebanese pop hits, and you've got a great night out.
