The oyster feast

Vivaldi restaurant

What Italian cuisine
Where Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers, Baniyas Road; 04 207 1717/04 228 1111
Why To fix your oyster cravings head to the Vivaldi. November 13-26
Cost Dh50 onwards

One man's food is another man's poison. Or so, I've been told numerous times by my dad, every time I'd make a face when a peculiar (looking or sounding) dish was ordered to our table. But those days are in the past. Now, I'm more adventurous. Feed me anything, as long as it doesn't wriggle or bite me back! So, when my mom shot me disapproving looks for staying exclusive to the oyster menu, it was a classic case of déjà vu.

Since moms are our ultimate food guides, constantly cooking up new recipes, I thought it'd be befitting to turn the tables around and introduce mine to the delectable creatures of the sea world.

Cut to the scenic backdrop of the Deira creek, studded with boats and abras, the setting for an oyster treat couldn't have been more apt. As we sat marvelling at the stunning view, our courteous server helped us initiate the food proceedings. But mom instantly shot down any oyster orders (for her), picking a plate of grilled tiger prawns with the promise of trying one oyster!

So, as the chefs prepared our meal, we were served fresh Canadian oysters. As I drizzled lemon zest over the oyster, before scooping out the squishy interiors, my mom watched the drill in amazement. Though amusing, the drama can be a tad intimidating for a novice. So, I waited for mom to finally give in to her first oyster swig. And she did. Only the results weren't as approving. She quickly washed away the aftertaste with a big gulp of her orange drink.

Soon, she concentrated on her mildly seasoned dish of prawns served with steamed veggies and lemony risotto. While I continued the oyster drill, working on each mouthful with a different garnish - Tabasco sauce and vinaigrette onion bits. I did bite into her shellfish, only I wasn't too pleased. A little less time on the grill, would've ensured a softer texture for the prawns. But that's a minor point given the accompaniments made up for this neglect.

The oven baked oysters with a sprinkling of finely chopped veggies and seaweed played up the Mediterranean flavours flawlessly. It got a slightly more approving nod from the mother, only because it faintly underplayed its pungent tang. The pale green, fennel velvet soup, teased our visual senses with its chic presentation. Fried de-shelled oysters and caviar, delicately placed on a thin, bread sheet, added to the drama. But the showstopper of the meal was the luscious slab of code fish and oyster in piquillo pepper sauce. Perched on a bed of baked potatoes and roasted bell peppers, with a dollop of caramelised onions, each bite was a revelation. The crunchy oyster balls added to the zing. We'd only suggest toning down on the salt.

We ended our gluttonous feast with a sinful helping of cheesy tiramisu and a chocolate-based expresso shot. Not ideal for an over-loaded tummy, we concur, but at that point, we were incapable of making the right decision. We are glad we didn't!

This week's food deals...

Ushna restaurant

What Kick-start your weekend with a massive lunch spread comprising a range of healthy delicious Indian dishes.
Where Abu Dhabi; 02 558 1769
Cost Dh145 with soft drinks, Dh235 with house beverages

Rivington grill

What Head to Downtown to satisfy your cravings for British cuisine and make sure you try out the city's best sticky toffee pudding.
Where Souq Al Bahar, Downtown Burj Khalifa; 04 423 0903
Cost Dh500 to Dh600

Anise restaurant

What Apart from the live cooking stations and a live band, the brunch is the perfect way to unwind with the family.
Where InterContinental Dubai, Festival City; 04 701 1111
Cost Dh285 with soft drinks

Sezzam Restaurant

What Enjoy the yummy buffet spread while taking in the stunning view of the indoor ski slope.
Where Kempinski Hotel, Mall of the Emirates; 04 409 5999
Cost Dh250 with select house beverages