Dubai: I’d been to the old Applebees on Shaikh Zayed Road before it had a retrofit. The way it looked then was a bit unremarkable. Despite the prime location, the food and service made one ask why it’s kept that way considering that in its home market (US), Applebees rule the roost in casual dining — serving over 2,000 neighbourhoods in North America.
In the UAE the diner recently revamped its flagship branch on Dubai’s main thoroughfare (Applebee’s also opened a new outlet in Sharjah at Sahara Centre, in addition to two branches in Abu Dhabi and one in Al Ain) and it now has an easy, but cozy feel.
We had an eye for the new sizzling Arabic-inspired menu, which features many seafood delights for the first time. My dining partner, Abdel, and I first got our hands on the appetiser, called a “Sampler” (Dh61) — a platter for everyone at the table.
This delectable selection includes mozzarella sticks, the delicious cheese quesadilla grande (which contains beef bacon) and boneless chicken wings. This is a must-try in my book.
The signature spinach and artichoke dip (Applebee’s closely-guarded secret) is the subject of much speculation by many a curious copycat.
From Applebees’ new Arabic-inspired sizzling sensations, I had tried quite a few at the the insistence of our hosts. The arrival of Sizzling Jumbo Shrimp (125g to 130g each at Dh98) was not just an eye-popping treat but was actually a real delight to the palate.
These blackened sautéed prawns (served over a bed of Mexican rice with onions, peppers, cherry tomatoes and corn tossed in a spicy garlicky tomato sauce) is a relatively affordable indulgence for seafood lovers, without blowing a hole in one’s pocket. This was, for me, the star of the menu.
I also had a cut of the Mushroom Steak Skillet (Dh82) which at 270 grams of house sirloin steak was quite generous. It was served on a sizzling skillet with garlic mashed potatoes, mushroom cream sauce, sautéed onions and mushrooms. It was a flavourful steak, tender and juicy.
My “Jamaica Freeze”, a pina colada mix with kiwi syrup, pineapple juice and banana topped with a cherry and fresh pineapple cut, washed it all down nicely. I skipped the desert as per my endocrinologist’s advice.
The amiable crew was a definite bonus. Should the sizzling plates get cold over a winding conversation, they offer to heat it up for you.
For the flavours one gets, Applebees offers good value for money. Now that’s worth a lot.
Jay B. Hilotin is Tablet Editor, Gulf News
Details
Meal for two: Dh200-Dh300
Location: Essa Tower
Shaikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Timing: 10am to 12.45am (last order)
Call:04-343 7755
We recommend: Sampler, Sizzling Jumbo Shrimp, Jamaica Freeze
