Forever Rose Café Dubai

BACKGROUND The Insta-worthy Forever Rose Café, which opened in Dubai’s Box Park in November, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s the brainchild of Alsamadi Group CEO Ebrheem Al Samadi, who wanted to a create a restaurant with an all black-and-white colour scheme, providing a backdrop that would bring out the colours of the food. The café, an extension to the Forever Rose brand (luxury long-lasting forever roses) and the second Forever Rose Café in the UAE (there’s one in Abu Dhabi), can seat up to 100 people overlooking the outdoor garden and is available for events.

WHAT’S IT LIKE As you enter the café the tiles read ‘your story starts here’. Indeed, it is like walking into a storybook, perhaps the modern-day Alice in Wonderland, with 2D monochrome styling and an eclectic array of illustrations that range from past and present UAE Sheikhs, for that all-important Emirati touch, to portraits of British royal icons HRH Queen Elizabeth and the late Princess Diana. “We like to cater to all demographics – expats and locals,” says Al Samadi, who has incorporated Islamic and Christian art, with iconic domes – the Dome of the Rock Mosque, the Sistine Chapel, Hagia Sophia – reflecting how the café embraces all faiths.

THE FOOD The menu is not the café norm. True to the original brand, it was developed to create a floral experience through dining, with the edible flower garnishes just one manifestation of this. A must-taste is the ‘Forever Rose Crème Brûlée’. “I would skip everything on the menu for this,” says Al Samadi. “People fight for this dessert.” It’s French toast with rose extract (in the batter) on the bottom with a crème brûlée topping. There is also a selection of virgin juice cocktails and hot drinks infused with rose extract from France. The rose latte is to die for. The ‘Sharing is Caring’ section of the menu (appetisers), features some intriguing creations ranging from ‘The Blooming Cauliflower – chargrilled cauliflower with tahini sauce topped with pomegranate molasses and special spices to ‘I love Corn and Cheese’ – corn on the cob surrounded by melted cheese. Mains include mushroom-based risottos; the ‘Crave Beef Burger’ made with double wagyu beef; and plenty of chicken and seafood options.

THE SERVICE The sta are very friendly and attentive. Al Samadi opened the Dubai branch during the pandemic – a time when many restaurants around the world were closing, providing jobs to people of all ethnic backgrounds, true to his commitment to diversity.

THE WORKSPACE The café and dining hall are not only great places to eat and meet, but inspiring spaces in which to work. The hall, which can be hired to host corporate events, parties or weddings, opens up into the courtyard.

VERDICT This is a fun and relaxed space, perfect for one-on-one meetups, business meetings and events. It o ers a lighter ambience than many of Dubai’s more suited-up restaurants and cafés. The unique design concept keeps customers engaged – with the food and the art. Allyson Portee

HOURS 8am to 10pm

LOCATION Box Park, Al Wasl Road

CONTACT Tel: +971 50 605 3889;

myforeverrose.com We decided that we wanted to cater to all demographics, to expats and to locals

BEST FOR Personalised service

DON’T MISS Chic alfresco dining, comfort food and DJ nights at Artisan

PRICE From ₹9,000 (US$123) per night

CONTACT Sofitel Mumbai BKC, C-57, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai-400051; sofitel-mumbai-bkc.com

So tel Mumbai BKC

BACKGROUND Sofitel Mumbai BKC is one of Accor’s most prominent addresses in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The French hospitality group’s other hotels in the city are operated under the Novotel and ibis brands.

WHERE IS IT? The e ortless marriage of French flair and Indian hospitality is unmissable from the moment you step into the property. The “Bonjour Namaskar” greeting sets the tone. As soon as I entered the lobby, I gravitated towards the rotating totem featuring motifs of Indian and French elements such as a peacock, art and fashion. I was told the totem’s role is to create pleasant and positive vibes. In terms of health and safety, my bag was thoroughly disinfected prior to security scanning and contactless temperature mapping was conducted. Basic details such as my name and contact number were also recorded on entry. Hands-free sanitiser dispensers were also placed throughout the property. The check-in sta were well-equipped and informed about the sanitisation and hygiene protocols, which are carried out according to Accor’s ALLSAFE programme. WHAT’S IT LIKE? The hotel is located in the commercial and financial hub of Mumbai, the Bandra Kurla Complex, and provides easy access to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. It is less than a fiveminute drive from Bharat Diamond Bourse.

ROOMS I stayed in a Prestige Suite (pictured), which I would like to define as an “uber-luxe cocoon”. The living and sleeping areas featured bold furnishings in striking hues like royal purple, coupled with elegant artworks. High-speed Wi-Fi and a Bose audio entertainment system took care of my mandatory multimedia content consumption for the day. In the evening, I made myself a cup of co ee from the inroom co ee machine and watched bustling city life pass by me through the giant windows. The bathroom had a separate tub and a shower and the aroma of the French Note toiletries was divine. Guests are allocated rooms at least 24 hours following prior occupancy to allow for cleaning and sanitisation procedures. pancakes with maple syrup; sausages; south Indian delicacies like vada (savoury fried snacks) and dosa (rice pancake); and north Indian favourites such as chole puri (spicy chickpeas with fried bread). A cappuccino rounded o my hearty indulgence. I tried out in-room dining for lunch; a margherita pizza and a plate of hakka noodles satiated my hunger pangs in between work and the food arrived piping hot.

Dinner was at Artisan, the hotel’s chic outlet that blends music and gastronomy. I opted for the kung pao sweet and spicy potato wedges followed by the classic house fries, which are a must when visiting this venue. For a comfort-food fix, I ordered the fusilli alfredo pasta for my main and finished with a five textured chocolate cake, which was sinfully decadent.

MEETINGS The meetings and events o ering is extensive, ranging from a grand ballroom to intimate indoor venues and scenic outdoor spaces, including poolside and the pretty Kitchen Garden.

LEISURE If you like to work out, it’s best to plan ahead as guest numbers at the Sofitel FITNESS health club are restricted due to social distancing measures. For some R&R and pampering, there’s a Sofitel SPA and the Savio John Pereira Salon.

VERDICT Ideal for a business stay where all your work, leisure and dining needs are met with style, substance and sophistication. Sanchita Nambiar

The “Bonjour Namaskar” greeting sets the tone

FOOD AND DRINK A multi-cuisine bu et breakfast featuring local and international delights at Pondichéry Café, the hotel’s all-day dining venue, set me up for a productive day. Guests were asked to wear transparent gloves while taking food from the counters for hygiene purpose. That did not deter me; I tucked into an eclectic feast of