19 minute read
Off The Hook opens at Dubai Festival City
Off The Hook Seafood Restaurant, the leading family-oriented dining venue inspired by American and French culinary tastes, is continuing its aggressive expansion drive in the country with the opening of its fourth location in Dubai.
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The grand inauguration of Off The Hook at Dubai Festival City (DFC), one of the emirate’s premier shopping destinations, was held on Sunday, 05 June.
It is part of the company’s plans of growing its footprint throughout the rest of the emirates and a broader strategy of branching out in other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. “The restaurant and dining industry has always been a great opportunity for investment. But, more importantly, it affords establishments like Off The Hook the chance to bring people together as a community,” said Rolly Brucales, managing partner of Off The Hook.
“We remain steadfast in our goal to expand not just in the UAE but to the rest of the GCC as well. Our vision is to be a worldclass seafood restaurant of choice and a trusted brand in the GCC by 2024.”
Off The Hook, which was founded as a small business venture in 2016 by eight friends, now has a total of 11 branches in the UAE – five in Abu Dhabi, four in Dubai and one each in Al Ain and Sharjah.
Off The Hook’s DFC outlet follows the opening of its first branch in Sharjah last October, which marked the company’s foray into the Northern Emirates.
The Sharjah branch added another milestone to Off The Hook’s long list of achievements as it is the first franchise of the brand under the trade name Chef Signature.
More branches will be opening soon further north in Ras Al Khaimah’s Manar Mall and Fujairah.
Summer flavours are here!
Located on the 15th floor of the luxurious Dukes the Palm, A Royal Hideaway Hotel, Khyber is taking guests on a magnificent culinary journey this season. As the award-winning restaurant unveils its Summer Flavours, an immense selection of mouth-watering dishes awaits patrons with a specially curated set menus to be enjoyed daily.
With a remarkable combination of flavorful Indian spices and traditional delicacies from various Indian regions, Khyber is introducing a specially curated summer set menu enhancing diners’ experience. Guests can savour the delectable flavours from the Keema Seekh Kebab, Chicken Amritsari, Makai Ki Tikki starters, to indulgent Khyber Butter Chicken, Mutton Roghan Josh, Palak Paneer, and more in their mains. The menu also offers an abundance of sweet endings with refreshing Matka Kulfi and Gulab Jamun to cap off the delightful evening.
Decorated in warm tones, terracotta
The Japanese food wave will definitely be in Dubai for the long haul with the scheduled opening of Sumo Sushi & Bento, one of UAE’s Japanese restaurant chains, in Mirdif Hills Avenue Mall, Dubai at Shop 20 & 22 on 7 June, 6:30pm onwards.
This will be its 14th franchised and also marks its 18th outlet in the Middle East and Southern Europe. Guests can enjoy exciting games and activities in the likes of Origami Crane Tutorial, Japanese Kendama and live food carving. archways, and ornate tapestries, Khyber transports diners to the classic Mughal era with a modern, unparalleled 180-degree view of the Dubai Marina while enjoying a scrumptious dinner. The authentic spices and traditional techniques and delicacies from various Indian regions will enlighten the tastebuds, offering a palatable set menu representing the gastronomic routes of India.
Julianne Holt-Kailihiwa, CEO, Sumo International Inc. LLC said, “Sumo Sushi & Bento continues to expand its business and franchise in the region. This is an exciting and proud moment for the brand to open its 14th outlet in the UAE. Japanese cuisine is growing in its popularity around the Middle East, and we would like to think that Sumo’s formula of personal service, affordable cuisine and fresh ingredients have gone a long way towards making it the favored choice across all nationalities.”
“The ‘Japanese food wave’ is here to stay and the developing residential area of Mirdif Hills was the prime location to expand the new branch outlet strategically and align with our vision to provide a happy and fun dining experience to its residents.”
Japanese cuisine has become a favorite of many because it is very suitable to those with specific dietary preferences and restrictions. The clean flavors and generous use of vegetables provides ample of options for vegetarians and vegans while non-vegetarians can delight in high quality varieties of seafood, meat, and spices. In UAE, Japanese eateries continues to grow in popularity because there is no lack of people who enjoy unique flavorful ingredients and delicious healthy fine dining in the city.
Japanese ‘food wave’ is here to stay
A great lunch is good for the soul
Gathering with friends and family over a table full of great food and plenty of laughter does wonders. Given that Lucia’s fluently speaks the language of Italian conviviality, they are delighted to launch an all-new business lunch, filled with mouth-watering Italian dishes will ensure that lunch is the most memorable meal of the day. Begin your business lunch with either Insalata Caprese, an Italian classic consisting of mozzarella cheese, beef tomatoes, basil, and finished with a touch of pesto or Tartare di Salmone, that sees the freshest salmon combined with shallots, capers, parsley, and a Capri lemon dressing. Alternatively opt for Black Angus Beef Bresaola served with marinated grilled vegetables or Fritto Misto Capritano, a delightful medley of saffron arancini, veal ham, smoked cheese croquette, calamari, and Capri lemon mayo. Main course is a magnificent affair with seafood, meat, and pasta all on offer ensuring every craving is sated. Homemade Ravioli with Spinach & Ricotta, with Butter Emulsion, and Fried Sage will prove a delightful pasta dish, while seafood lovers will thoroughly the Seared White Cod, Cherry Tomatoes Sauce, Black Olives, and Caper Sauce. Those with an appetite for meat can choose from either Black Angus Beef Rib Eye served with Salad or Pan-Fried Chicken Escalope with Lemon Butter Sauce, and Roasted Potatoes. End lunch on the sweetest lunch of all with Vanilla Pannacotta, Peaches, Almond Biscuit Crumble or a Medley of Vanilla, Pistachio, Chocolate, and Lemon Gelato. Lucia’s is located in Address Sky View offering unobstructed Burj Khalifa views.
Wagyu Beef Cheeseburger, anyone?
Known for never missing an opportunity to celebrate, it’s no surprise that European eatery Mondoux, located at the iconic Dubai Creek Harbour, has a special treat for burger lovers on International Burger Day. In time for the occasion, the restaurant has added not one, not two, not three, but four novel mouthwatering burgers to its extensive menu, available to visitors from Saturday, 28 May, 2022.
On the list are the Avocado Beef Burger – handcrafted with a premium beef patty, turkey bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. There is also the Wagyu Beef Cheeseburger for a “melt in your mouth” experience with a richly marbled wagyu beef, turkey bacon, Emmental cheese, caramelised onions, baby spinach, tomatoes, and homemade pickled cucumbers in a fresh potato bun.
Avocado Vegetable Burger, a vegetarian option, and Beyond Burger that comes with a homemade potato bun, creamy Stracciatella cheese, fresh guacamole, tomato slices, baby gem lettuce and roasted baby potatoes.
The ‘Impossible Burger’ has arrived!
Johnny Rockets, Fatburger, and Elevation Burger have just launched every sustainable consumer’s dream: the “Impossible Burger.” Plant-based eaters are in for a treat as world-famous brands, Johnny Rockets, Fatburger, and Elevation Burger have joined the meatless bandwagon by collaborating with Impossible Foods. To accommodate the growing demand for being more environmentally conscious in Dubai, the three brands have added delicious Impossible Burgers to their menus. The renowned California-based company makes succulent and nutritious meat products entirely from plants including the Impossible Burger, which is making a debut at everyone’s favorite FAT Brands. The Impossible Burger is everything you can ask for and more. The thick, juicy, plant-based burger patty brings everything that you would expect when ordering from your favorite burger joint and will satiate all your cravings. All three brands are bringing the plantbased patty to their signature and most popular burgers, allowing all plant-based eaters to relish in the deliciousness that they have been missing out on. The overwhelmingly appetizing plantbased burgers will fully satisfy your cravings and will have you coming back over and over again. The Impossible Burgers are now available at Johnny Rockets, Fatburger, and Elevation Burger and are available for order through Deliveroo, Zomato, and Talabat.
The Owen Burger makes a comeback
Pickl, Dubai’s favorite, award-winning burger restaurant, has announced the addition of two new menu items. As a blast from the past, Pickl OG’s will recall, the alltime favorite ‘Owen Wilson is Pure Fuego’, now called the ‘Sloppy Owen Burger’ has resurfaced on the menu, alongside the first-ever ‘Sloppy Ellen’. Both the Sloppy Owen Burger and the Sloppy Ellen options entail a generous helping of chili con carne, Monterey Jack cheese, and chive sour cream, leaving your taste buds screaming the classic Owen Wilson “WOOW”.
Following the fame the Sloppy Owen Burger saw when it was first released back in 2021, Pickl chefs were confident that the “golden-oldie” was set to make a second appearance and immediately took to the kitchen to level up and rework the magic recipe. As innovators and burger gurus, it’s almost natural for Pickl to acknowledge the itch to expand its offering to cater to the “Pickl-palette”.
Burger-eating competition is on! How fast can you gobble this?
Catch 22 – Dubai’s favourite social contemporary eatery, is challenging all burger lovers to participate and compete in their Burger Challenge Contest titled, “Cheeto Fall Combat 2022.”
Catch 22 is hosting the fun contest exclusively at their JBR branch which will run for three days starting from 6 June, with the winners being announced on 9 June. Timings for the challenge are from 3pm-6pm with a maximum of 10 participants per day. The winner will be chosen by a simple evaluation of who can devour the scrumptious and cheesy Cheeto Fall burger as quickly as possible with prizes for 1st and 2nd runners-up.
Creating the perfect charcuterie board
Charcuterie, pronounced “shahrkyu-tuh-ree,” is a French word that translates to “pork-butcher shop,” and actually refers to the art of preparing and putting together cured meats and other meat products. Over time, it has evolved to include pairings like cheeses, toast, herbs, fruits and sauces. Cheese selection may include brie, smoked gouda, blue cheese, Pecorino Romano and a slab of cream cheese while fresh Rosemary and thyme will be perfect for their scent that adds a certain zest.
Meat varieties will be some good pepperoni, varieties of salami, sausage and prosciutto. There’s pride and quality in presentation and so best it is to keep the meats in groups – bring out the artist in you and make your arrangements just like a florist would put flowers together in a vase. Don’t leave out the fruits though, like grapes and raspberries because a charcuterie board is a cornucopia of all things good, and a mix of flavours. Remember, it’s all about colours and flavours.
An afternoon tea fit for the Queen
In honor of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the voco Bonnington Dubai, found in the heart of the bustling and cosmopolitan JLT, announced a delightfully British Afternoon Tea, taking place from 2pm-5pm on Saturday, 4 June in The Authors’ Lounge. The Jubilee Afternoon Tea menu is fit for any royal and features everything from a selection of perfectly cut sandwiches, with quintessentially British ingredients, to freshly baked scones accompanied with irresistible seasonal preserves and traditional Cornish Clotted Cream.
For those with a sweet tooth, celebrate the queen with a rich fruit cake and traditional British-favourite, the Battenberg Cake, among other British culinary delights. Bubbles and other beverages are also available to upgrade the celebration.
Raise a cuppa for International Tea Day
There are few things more relaxing in life than taking a much-needed break with a freshly brewed pot of tea. Celebrate International Tea Day on 21 May with Marks & Spencer, offering a range of premium blends and a lovely afternoon tea experience.
Browse through a variety of tea selections at M&S Food Hall or sit back with a cup of choice at the M&S Café for a truly calm and blissful day. For those who prefer their tea vibrant and aromatic, M&S Earl Grey Teabags are beautifully fragrant with zesty bergamot. Enjoy a more traditional cuppa with M&S Luxury Gold Teabags that are perfect for a mid-morning or midafternoon break.
Relish the sweet scent and taste of M&S Raspberry & Strawberry Tea – a rich and fruity drink infused with sweet strawberry notes and tangy raspberry aromas. To help relax the body and mind, M&S Calming Lavender Tea combines the soothing effects of camomile and lavender with flavors of limeflower and liquorice root.
Tea-lovers also need look no further than M&S for their perfect teatime accompaniments, from M&S Extremely Chocolatey Milk, White & Dark Chocolate Biscuits to deliciously buttery Devon Scones with fruity British Strawberry Soft Set Jam.
Yalla Veggie, the world’s first meat-free app aggregator has launched in Dubai. Yalla Veggie aims to reduce meat consumption habits to create a positive impact on carbon emissions on our planet. Yalla Veggie wants to make plant-based options in Dubai easily accessible while providing the best UX experience and creating an active community of meat-free consumers.
Yalla Veggie is a plant-based start-up, created from a sustainability perspective, and is staffed by vegans and vegetarians. Yalla Veggie offers a selection of sustainable and green restaurants, supermarkets, organic stores, bakeries, florists, and ethical startups, all under one stop App.
Yalla Veggie is launching the app with more than 50 businesses and 50k+ products/SKU, and brands like Papa John’s, Just vegan, Organic Foods and Cafe, union coop, and Lifco to name a few already live on the app. Apart from having the city’s best selection of meat-free products, Yalla veggie is Dubai’s single platform that hopes to bring the now scattered community of plantbased mindsets together and engage. With the help of a plant-based community, Yalla Veggie aims to grow to include members from around the world who are passionate about the meat-free lifestyle as a healthy, compassionate, and environmentally sustainable way of living. Yalla Veggie stands for equality, universal peace, love, and unity for all beings–both humans and animals.
The Yalla Veggie app is now available to download from App Store and Google Play store.
It’s World Cheese Day!
It’s World Cheese Day on Friday, June 4. Cheese-making is as ancient as prerecorded history with some experts speculating that the magic of cheese started around 8000BCE following the domestication of livestock. In fact, archaeologists have found evidence of cheese around the world including strainers coated in milk-fat molecules in Kuyavia, Poland dated around 5500BCE, murals in Egypt dated at 2000BCE, and an artefact of preserved cheese in Xinjiang, China believed to be more than 3,000 years old! The most popular cheese of all time is the mozzarella, also popular for being standard pizza topping, and was first created near Naples from the rich milk of water buffalos. Today, cheese dishes can be found everywhere in the world -- melted, deep fried, chilled in ice cream, in pastas like spaghetti, fettuccine carbonara and lasagna. (Photos courtesy of leading British retailer, Marks & Spencer)
Full course meal explained
Afull course dinner is one that features multiple courses, usually starting with precursors to a main dish, such as an amuse-bouche, followed by the main course and finished off with sweets, coffee or tea. The basic full course meal has three or four courses.
Recently, award-winning Chef Alessandro Miceli rolled out an eight-course Italian feast, the idea of which, he said, was “to showcase the best of Bella Restaurant & Lounge in smaller portions, so guests can experience the best our brigade has to offer.” The feast started with the homemade bread and grissini “Pane e Burro”, followed by a collection of Stuzzichini, from the beetroot-marinated salmon to the fried calamari and prawns, the signature “Insalata Bella”, comforting bruschetta and “Cripyzza Burrata”. Guests then chose from Bella’s handmade pastas of “Ravioli di Scarmorza” or “Strozzapreti” with swordfish and a main of sea bream or slow-braised oyster blade with a vegetarian option of king oyster mushroom with topinambur, kale and radish. tooth, the creamy chocolate “Sorpresa di Cioccolato” with hazelnut ice cream will seal off the dinner.
Preparing for a full course meal can be daunting, especially if it’s for a big crowd attending a special occasion like a wedding reception. But one need only to follow a central theme to make it easy. Bella Restaurant & Lounge is located on the rooftop of the Grand Millennium Hotel Business Bay.
The ultimate guide to picking the perfect kitchen knife
Preparing food is easier, faster, and safer when you have the right tools. But with so many different types of knives on the market, finding the one that suits your needs can be tricky. Without the right knowledge, it’s all too easy to buy a selection of specialist knives you hardly ever use — meaning you end up with a selection of unused knives languishing at the back of your utensil drawer.
Here are some of the kitchen must-haves:
• Chef’s Knife: By far the most versatile and popular of kitchen knives, used for chopping, dicing, slicing and mincing. The perfect all-rounder. • Utility Knife: A versatile knife for everyday tasks, though not quite as versatile as the chef’s knife given its shorter length. Can be used for slicing meats or chopping smaller vegetables. • Peeling/Paring Knife: The smallbut-mighty paring knife can be used for precision tasks such as peeling, trimming and coring vegetables and fruits.
Leading specialty retailer of kitchenware, Simply Kitchen, provides an array of essential kitchen tools that perfectly compliment the modern day kitchen.
The origins of pizza
Pizza, that glorious piece of heaven on earth. The nice thing about t is that pizza has a lot of variations suiting everyone’s wish – from those with lots of meat and all, to those with anchovies and, yes, even pineapple. The first known pizza is believed to have taken its roots back to the ancient Middle East where the Babylonians, Israelites and Egyptians ate flat bread baked in mud ovens. Over time, the Italians did their share where street vendors in Naples were selling flat breads with toppings ages ago. A story has been passed from generations over about Italian King Umberto I and Queen Margherita visiting Naples in 1889 where baker Raffaele Esposito was asked to make them a pizza. He topped the pizza with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil in has become known as the Pizza Margherita today. Italian immigrants brought pizza with them to Spain, France, England, and the United States and the rest is history. (Photo courtesy of Valerio Capello )
People around the world indulge in blood for food
Many cultures around the world consume livestock blood for food, often mixed with meat and offals – from the Philippines’ “Dinuguan” or pork blood stew, to Brazil’s “Arroz de Cabidela,” prepared with chicken and mixed with the chicken’s blood toward the end before serving. China has “blood tofu” while India serves irattam poriyal, stir-fried lamb blood mixed with lamb intestines and spices. Indonesians serve Saksang, which uses pig’s blood. In Finland, pig’s blood is used, with milk, flour and molasses, to make blood pancakes. Italians have sanguinaccio dolce, a kind of pudding prepared with pig blood, chocolate, sugar, pine nuts, raisins and mil. The Germans have blood soup prepared with pig’s blood used to be traditionally mixed with vinegar, scraps, spices and sugar. (Photo courtesy of Lutong Bahay https://www.lutongbahayrecipe.com)
