Grilled octopus for business lunch, why not?

Grilled octopus

for business lunch, why not?

Basko, the retro-style Mediterranean restaurant that curates masterful dishes, from beautifully thought-out influences from Spain, France, The Basque, and Lebanon, is offering a business lunch throughout the working week from 12 pm to 4 pm. Guests get a chance to mix pleasure, as they enjoy delicious flavours while discussing business as usual. The recently opened 60’s-inspired restaurant has the city talking. What better way to experience the new Basko than to indulge in the restaurant’s three-course business lunch along the outdoor terrace under the stunning views of the Burj Khalifa. This specially crafted menu offers a choice of mouth-watering starters featuring the Crispy Tuna Tartines with crispy rice, Bluefin tuna and spicy sauce, and the unique Basko Salad with Mesclun mix, orange, grapefruit and pomegranate. Next in line is the main course that is sure to take guests on an unforgettable culinary journey. The show-stoppers include the Swinging Linguini with Girolles and Parmeggiano, the Grilled Sea Bass and the Short Ribs, braised with roasted freekeh and onions, finishing with the restaurant’s heavenly exquisite desserts such as St. Honore and the Lemon Tarte. Of course, there is also the exotic grilled octopus to enjoy! Basko opened its doors in January 2022 in low-key fashion, yet it has quickly built a loyal and vibrant following within the Dubai dining movement becoming a key destination for discerning diners. The Mediterranean cuisine on offer at Basko is focused on the quality of ingredients at accessible pricing. The award-winning head chef Youssef Akiki has designed a modern classic menu that brings touches of France, Italy, and Spain to the table. The sonic seasoning comes through the elevated retro vibe with a music program that twists nostalgic hits with a modern warmth. All in all, the ambience is reminiscent of a sexy 1960’s Niçoise lounge that always has you wondering “who is that on the table next to me?”. With a Mediterranean Retro Modus Operandum, Basko brings nostalgia, vibrancy, design and culinary craft to Dubai.

Wild mushroom

and truffle bao can perk you up

Authentic and award-winning restaurant Hutong, presents DIFC executives and gourmands with the perfect business lunch for the summer. Impeccably crafted by the head chef, the menu consists of flavourful dishes and fresh ingredients, ideal for weekday dining.

Diners can begin the lunch with a tempting Hot and Sour soup and may choose from a selection of mouth-watering starters. The likes of the Wild Mushroom & Truffle Bao, Crystal Vegetable Dumpling and Sichuan Beef Salad are some of the show-stopping starters on the menu. The main course includes the famous Woktossed Beef Tenderloin, spicy Mapo Tofu and Kung Po fresh King Oyster Mushroom.

In addition to the lovely meal, diners can complete the business lunch menu with a pairing of grapes. Hutong is located at Gate Building 6, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Born in Hong Kong in 2003, Hutong restaurant is acclaimed for its contemporary and occasionally fiery Northern Chinese cuisine, as well as its stunning views of the Hong Kong skyline. The restaurant has received many awards, including the first Michelin star award for a Chinese restaurant in the city.

Seared Wagyu

flank steak always hits the spot

People prefer Wagyu beef over the regular ones due to its marbling -- the layers of intramuscular fat that adds a mouth-watering extra flavor.

Wagyu flank steak is cut from the bottom belly section of the cow, prepared long and wide, but with a generous amount of thickness to it.

This steak is usually bestsellers in most dining destinations across the world.

Here in Dubai, a homegrown modern Italian restaurant, Roberto’s, has fashioned a delicate and delectable business menu set to elevate weekly dining in DIFC.

Being the only venue in the bustling financial district to replenish its lunch menu every week with fresh and locally sourced ingredients, Roberto’s Head Chef Danilo Valla truly knows how to cater to and enchant his guests’ taste buds. The diverse menu suits all tastes and is available exclusively at Roberto’s elegant dining room Piemonte and the main lounge on weekdays from 12 pm to 3 pm.

The specially curated and distinct menu gives, where guests the indulgence of a three-course, or a two-course spread served with coffee or tea. L

Lunch-goers may select from a wide variety of dishes such as the hot Zucchini and basil soup to a traditional Homemade Cannelloni Pasta. Roberto’s adds new dishes and favourites each week.

The award-winning restaurant, and long-time favourite since its launch in 2012, is known for its palate-enlightening cuisine, polished service, and talented chefs. Roberto’s calls out to all Italian aficionados to dine in style for their next weekly lunch. Welcome to the world of gastronomic indulgence • FOODTRIP MAGAZINE • JUNE 2022

Stone-baked lamb keema roti

indulgence

Keema is traditional South Asian for minced meat prepared with curry, peas or potatoes and spices, and sometimes used as a filling in samosas or naan.

Roti, meanwhile, is a round, soft flat unleavened bread prepared on a flat iron pan or griddle.

So, put them together and you have? Indulgence to your heart’s delight!

Among dining destinations in Dubai rolling out keema roti is the one-of-a-kind Roobaru, located on Burj Khalifa boulevard.

With a kitchen run by the youth of today, Chef Gaurav Yadav brings a fresh perspective of Indian cuisine to the hard workers of Downtown Dubai. Their modern techniques and blend of flavours, give diners that element of surprise as they indulge in some Indian delights like the Sharjah Sambusa - a cheddar cheese & onion samosa, with sweet yoghurt, date & tamarind chutney, topped with Chips Oman.

From 12 pm to 3 pm choose from a delicious two-course meal or fill the tummy with a three-course feast.

Although the thought of a spicy-sweet Butter Chicken is what got you out of the office, don’t miss out on the Keema Roti - lamb keema parcels stone-baked, served with herb chutney and kachumbari, or the Aslam’s Chicken - old Delhi style chicken tikka in a buttery kebab dressing served on Chota naan.

Lastly, it would be rude not to end with a sweet touch of their signature soft-serve dessert, the Gulab Jamun and Ice Cream.

The venue also doubles up as a chai room, perfect for topping off the experience with a soothing cup of tea before heading back to the office.

Welcome to the world of gastronomic indulgence • FOODTRIP MAGAZINE • JUNE 2022

Mango – that sweet, fragrant gift of nature!

Mango, the fruit of the gods. That fragrant, sweet work of nature used in cuisines or enjoyed as desserts, or in lassi mix, ice cream, puddings and other sweets, are believed to have originated from the region between northwestern Myanmar, Bangladesh and northeastern India.

While we are lucky to have access to mangoes all year round in the UAE, this season is a particularly special time to enjoy the fleshy mango fruit in all its glory.

In addition to their velvety textures, fragrances, vibrant colors and creamy tastes, mangoes are packed with nutrients for the body.

Mangoes contain magnesium and potassium, which can help with blood pressure regulation. These fruits are also a source of Mangifera, which early studies have linked to reduce heart inflammation.

Mangoes are also a good source of fiber that is important for a healthy digestive system; and have lots of beta-carotene yellow pigment, an antioxidant that helps improve overall health

The varieties of mangoes with buttery tartness or full of sweet fibrous bites on offer include: end of June. The fruits have a rich, creamy, tender texture and delicate, non-fibrous, juicy pulp. This type of mango is a huge source of iron, vitamin A, vitamin E and selenium along with being rich in antioxidants.

• The Lalbagh mango, which is very elongated in shape and has skin of red and green color. It is also known as Honey Mango because of its extreme sweetness and flavour. These mangoes are rich in Vitamin A & C and contain minerals like iron, folate, and magnesium.

• The Yamani mangoes, meantime, are a superfood, rich in fibre, vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and polyphenolic flavonoids. Sweet and rich, their texture is juicy, and tender flesh with limited fibers.

• The Malgova or Malgoa is an important mango cultivar mainly grown in Tamilnadu and Karnataka and also in other parts of South India.

It is large and round and very juicy and fragrant. It is generally considered to be one of the best mangoes globally.

• The Rajapuri mango meantime is the largest of the Indian mango varieties with an attractive combination of smooth and unblemished yellow, orange and red skin. Smooth and tender flesh without fibre, the smaller versions of the fruit are much sweeter.

• Sindoor mangoes are distinct in appearance with pleasing reds and greens among the golden skin. It is also called a “Sindhoora’ or the

‘honey’ mango owing to its super sweet nature.

• The ‘Sindhri’ mango is a large oval shaped mango which is extremely sweet and aromatic. It is considered the Queen of Mangoes because of its taste.

• ‘Neelum’ is a South Indian dessert mango, which is smooth-skinned and bright yellow upon ripening and have no blush. The flesh is deep yellow or orange.

• The Mallika mango produces high quality, fiberless orange mango fruit.

The fruit has prominent citrus, melon and honey notes and is exceptionally sweet.

• The Badami mango meantime is one of a number of delicious mangoes grown in India. It is slightly earlier than the sort-after Alphonse mango due to its more southerly production but is attractive as a fresh variety.

The fruit has pale yellow, thin skin through which it is easy to detect the softness of the flesh.

Aamsutra Mango Fest

is on!

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray welcomes diners to embark on a journey of flavours this month, with the celebration of ‘Aamsutra’ Mango Festival at its family-friendly Mughal inspired venue, Amala.

Running from 23 June till 2July and led by Indian Chef Pravish, guests will enjoy the mango inspired menu, highlighting the versatility of the king of all fruit, or to savour their choice of delicacies alongside the a-la-carte menu.

Throughout the festival, the menu will introduce diners to five distinct Indian varieties of the fruit – the Majorly Alphonso from Maharashtra, the Kesar Mangoes from Gujarat, the Badami and Rajapuri mangoes from Karnataka and the Totapuri from Southern India. Each variety brings a new flavour profile to the table adding depth to the dining experience.

To tantalise all palettes, guests are invited to sample the mangoes used to create these culinary sensations either diced or as purees and smoothies upon their visit.

The menu includes exquisite starters including Mango Badami Tagdi Tikka and Aam Papdi Chaat, while the mains comprise the rich, aromatic Alphonso Prawn Curry and delectable Tawa Mango Seabass.

Diners can end their mango trip on a sweet note with enticing desserts, such as the Raw Mango Pudding and Fresh Alphonso Mango served with Green Cardamom Ice Cream.

Mangolicious

festival: It’s the time of the season

It’s the time of the season indeed – mango season, that is. People everywhere are celebrating this sweet, flagrant fruit of the gods.

India Palace, known for authentic Indian cuisine and award-winning hospitality, has introduced a very summer special ‘Mangolicious’ festival dedicated to mangoes. From Mango Rasmalai, Saffron Mango Milkshake to various drinks and desserts, there is a bit of everything on the menu.

The restaurant is known for combining Indian cuisine and the rich heritage of Mughlai hospitality since 1997 in the UAE. Hence, keeping in line with its culinary legacy, the India Palace team ensures to use only the most premium quality mangoes to cater to the most discerning diners and mango lovers around town.

“We keep hosting several festivals depending upon the season. Being the favorite fruit in summer, the fine dining restaurant – India Palace – has some delectable offerings. One can sip into the fresh mango-flavored beverages or simply devour the delicious desserts,” said Rohith Muralya, Director Concept Cuisine, SFC Group.

Summers can never be finished without a decent devour tasty mangoes, which will surely send you on a trip to the mango orchards.

Michelin Star Chef Hidemasa Yamamoto

brings authentic Japanese experience to Dubai

Mark your calendar.

Newly-opened traditional Japanese restaurant, Hidemasa, is set to be the modern heartbeat of lively Dubai neighbourhood, DIFC. Created by and named after Multi-Michelin Star Recipient, Hidemasa Yamamoto, the restaurant presented an exclusive chef’s table hosted by the critically acclaimed Japanese expert on 15 and 16 of June.

For the first time ever, visitors will have a unique opportunity to be up close and personal with a world acclaimed chef.

Promising a delicious meal with only the freshest ingredients, diners can look forward to a one-of-a-kind experience with dishes such as: Soba Noodles Caviar with Virgin Olive Oil, Soy Dashi Broth as a starter, luscious Sashimi on Ice appetizer inclusive of Fatty Tuna, Akami, Botan Shrimp, Salmon, and a mouth-watering main platter of Marinated Black Cod and a selection of appetizing Sushi.

Chef Yamamoto will end each evening with a show-stopping Green Tea Fondant Chocolat and Vanilla Ice Cream dessert.

Attendees of the evening can enjoy the dinner for AED 1000 in addition to a paired special sake and wine package selection for AED 350.

With over 41 years of experience, Michelin Star Recipient Hidemasa Yamamoto has always had a passion for food.

He began building the foundations of his craft at a young age, which led to him becoming the Executive Chef of The Ritz Carlton in Washington D.C. Following that, he had the honor of cooking for and serving three generations of American presidents, Ronald Reagan, George Bush, and Bill Clinton. In 2010, he was awarded the “Global Chef Award” from the World Gourmet Summit, who recognized him for his talents and excellent culinary skills. Yamamoto’s latest venture has brought his vision of true Japanese cuisine to Hidemasa in Dubai.

Hidemasa offers an authentic, multidisciplinary Japanese fine-dining concept. The restaurant’s luxurious and fastidious interiors feature a carefully curated design inspired by authentic Japanese design. A vocal point of the venue is Hidemasa’s open sushi bar, and teppanyaki dining experience where diners can observe the chefs as they meticulously construct every delicious dish. The kitchen staff were trained for 15-years by Yamamoto himself, making them experts at their job while providing guests with the best gastronomic experience.

Impressively, Hidemasa is only a quarter of the unique Dolce concept, flanked by French-Mediterranean restaurant La Voile Rouge, Northern African concept Mamounia, as well as the Dolce Lounge and Nightclub.

With a sophisticated vibe and calming atmosphere, delectable dishes, and exciting beverage offerings, Hidemasa is set to serve guests the best, most authentic Japanese dining experience in the city.