3 minute read
BRIX Dessert Bar, Dubai
Many Dubai residents are already familiar with the popular 3 Fils, one of our favourite locally grown restaurants, located in Jumeirah 1. Directly next door to 3 Fils is the new(ish) sister restaurant, BRIX Dessert Bar, which offers contemporary dessert concepts. BRIX serves modern desserts, handcrafted chocolates and truffles, homemade ice creams, and a tasting menu that changes seasonally. We are invited to experience BRIX Desserts and for our visit, we are tempted by the tasting menu, which comes paired with beverages.
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The intimate interior of BRIX is done in cool marble tones, with a small glass case showcasing some of what the restaurant has to offer at the front. We are politely instructed to sit at the counter, which, much like any restaurant, allows us to watch the chefs work their magic. Personally, I love being so close to everything. There is also a larger table for bigger groups at the back of the restaurant, and I would imagine that some outdoor seating would be available in cooler months.
To start the experience, after first checking for any food allergies, we are first given a palate cleanser, mixed fresh in front of us, entitled ‘Liquid’ which includes a pearl of Earl Grey Tea, floating in a semi-sweet liquid. Given Dubai’s pervasive summer heat, it is a welcome (and unique) start to the meal. Our next course is entitled ‘Smell’ and has a bit of fancy technique involved, including an olfactory element that I do not want to spoil. The delicate Guava, Coconut, and Coffee combination is a lighter start than you might imagine, and the course is accompanied by a Japanese touch beverage, our second favourite, of the drinks we try.
Following ‘Smell’ is ‘Grain,’ which features flavours of Semolina, Gooseberry, and Almond. The course is accompanied by our favourite paired beverage of the day, the ‘Clean Colada.’ A tropical treat. The dessert is heavy on textures, and we enjoy the mix.
We are asked if we would prefer a break between the next course, but we’re so excited that we request to continue, and I’m so glad we do, as the next dish is our favourite. As much as I’ve dined out, I’ve tried many classic flavour combinations. While I recognize some things were meant to go together, however, for the first time in a long time, we try something unique. For the ‘Fat’ course, you wouldn’t think Mascarpone, Olive, and Wakame would work so well together, but the unbelievably perfect creamy blend of the dish ensures it. Even for someone who doesn’t typically love olives (me), I would still happily see this dish at any restaurant. It kind of defies classification, and I would encourage you to seek it out. ‘Fat’ is accompanied by a drink of Lacto Plum and Tomato, which cuts through some of the umami of the dish.
Next up is the uniquely named ‘Chlorophyll,’ which is a combination of Apple, Gunpowder, Celery, and Pea. Of all the dishes we try, this is the one that doesn’t work for me. While many of the ingredients are independently interesting, collectively, it’s not something I would personally seek out again. Something about the textures and tastes doesn’t appeal to my palate. Fortunately, the chef and his team take our (hopefully) constructive comments with patience. Obviously, food is subjective, and this combo might be a favourite for someone else.
We finish the meal with ‘C’est La Vie,’ which consists of 65% Chocolate, Honey, and Truffle (yes, this is Dubai after all). For those chocolate lovers out there, this is the dish you have been waiting for. However, it doesn’t read as overly sweet as you might imagine and is a beautiful conclusion to the tasting menu. It is accompanied by the ‘Coffee in Mind,’ which finishes with a slight bitterness. What I personally love most is the team environment in which all of these desserts are created. Guests can see first-hand the skills and techniques executed by a well-run kitchen.
Furthermore, there is honestly nothing like this experience in Dubai. While the price point per person, AED 300, might seem a little steep, I would challenge any guest to find a similar bespoke tasting menu in the city or perhaps even the UAE.
BRIX Tasting Experience, two seatings, 5.00pm and 7.00pm, Friday and Saturday. Open for a la carte, Monday to Saturday, 12 noon to 12 midnight, closed on Sundays.
