DINING OUT IN THE CITY

Touch-free digital entertainment platform now available to hotels

MediaPad, Touch-free Digital Entertainment Platform by Gold Key Media offers access to the world’s leading newspapers and magazines. In line with COVID protocols recommending a reduction of touchpoints at hotels, this touch-free solution offers a great solution without disrupting the experience. Guests can get instant access to the latest local, regional and international newspapers and magazines in 25 languages, e-books, games, audio, and video content. The perfect solution for hotels to also display their COVID guidelines, restaurant and room service menus, spa brochures, local attractions, and various hotel promotions, completely contactless. The platform is also compatible with the Arabic language. It’s also fully customizable and access to the platform is via a QR code or URL with no passwords required. The brand is now an essential part of the guest experience at hotels such as Claridges, The Ritz, Gleneagles, The Berkeley, The Dorchester, The Corinthia and Marriott Grosvenor Square.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group bans plastic

In the hopes of eliminating all singleuse plastic across their portfolio of 33 luxury hotels, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is en route of meeting their target by the end of March 2021. Complete ban of items such as cocktail sticks, straws, body scrubs, tasting spoons, plastic spatulas and takeaway bags have succeeded. The most commonly used items are plastic water bottles, which have now been substituted by on-site filtered and bottled water at a dozen hotels. Across the properties, glass and aluminium bottled water will be the benchmark throughout the portfolio. So far, 70% of the 60 most common single-use plastic items have been replaced. Furthermore, in keeping with hotel safety measures, the brands’ “We Care” packages for hotel guests now include plastic-free reusable fabric facemasks.

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The latest in meal delivery services

Food Nation Go delivers nutritious restaurant-standard ready meals to your door. Created by award-winning UK Chef Magnus Mumby, the meals are nonprocessed, additive-free, naturally low in sugar and saturated fats, and made from quality-sourced ingredients. The menu even includes gluten-free, kids and vegetarian options. Kickstart your day with burritos, the Five-a-day pot, or The Golden Ticket starring carrot, banana, orange, pineapple and mango with a kick of ginger and turmeric. For lunch, try the skinny shawarma box, the falafel and hummus wrap, or the vegetable tom yum soup, to name a few, and come dinnertime, tuck into lasagne, traditional cottage pie or lighter options including cauliflower katsu and noodle, or salmon tartare fishcakes. The kids ‘Easy Eats’ range features dishes with hidden veggies such as carrot and corn fritters, and pumpkin, black beans and feta enchiladas, amongst others.

The app is available on Google Play and App store.

The Oven Market (TOM), a Dubaibased app, connects customers with some of UAE’s best at-home chefs. When you’re interested in trying something different, or too fatigued to cook, open the app to search through a diverse network of local chefs and menus, and order their homemade meals with just the click of a button. Along with the promise of providing an inclusive gourmet-like experience, the reliable delivery service aims to have the meal at your doorstep in less than 60 minutes. Taking every precaution necessary, the network of chefs and kitchens are vetted daily, certifying that all the kitchen appliances, hygienic methods and food-handling meet the safety UAE municipality policies. Looking to cook from home as a chef? Register at theovenmarket.com.

Flavours of the month

Take a look at the latest hotspots in town, brunch offerings and spots you just can't miss for a memorable meal

1484 by Puro

Sited at the top of the Jais Adventure Peak is the UAE’s highest restaurant, named for its height of 1,484 metres above sea level. 1484 by Puro offers magnificent views of the peaks and valleys of the Hajar mountains alongside a menu brimming with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant is the latest venture by PURO and offers eggs benedict and traditional shakshouka for breakfast; wasabi shrimp, Korean fried chicken, fish and chips, braised beef ribs and more for lunch. The decadent sticky date pudding is a nod to the delights of the Arabian Gulf alongside classics such as tiramisu and s’mores pancake topped with marshmallow cream and maple syrup.

Contact +9717 244 5018.

Forever Rose

Luxury florist boutique Forever Rose has opened the region's first 3D café. Located at Boxpark, it will transmit the feeling of a floral boutique environment, with 3D illustrations to evoke emotions of being part of a story. The black and white theme (including dishware) is a nod to the current colour scheme of the Forever Rose floral boutiques. The menu is just as gorgeous featuring signature French toast of rose extracts, international cuisine with a Middle Eastern twist and seasonal dishes.

Contact +9714 548 4210.

The Pangolin by Sergio Lopez

The brainchild of renowned restaurateur Sergio Lopez and Australian cook Troy Payne, The Pangolin sprawls across two floors and includes a private dining room, a member’s room, and a terrace. The menu, devised by Troy Payne who believes in championing local farming, is inspired by family feasting and traditional cooking methods. Apart from the extensive range of cured meats and cheeses, the offerings include breakfast dishes such as fresh hot smoked salmon with pull-apart bread soldiers, and crumpets with poached eggs and wilted greens. For a substantial meal, try the smoked beef rib, and Biltongaise and avocado mousse with pink peppered rucola. Soups, salads and sandwiches will be also available to order from lunchtime.

Contact +97154 4438 288.

Brasserie du Park, Park Hyatt Dubai

The award-winning Traiteur Brunch is back to make your Friday afternoons all the more fun. The relaxed waterfront terrace overlooking the Dubai Creek and skyline is the perfect escape for the finest of French and Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy premium sliced meat, charcuterie and terrines as well as an extensive selection of cheeses, unlimited lobster, shrimp, salmon and caviar from the seafood buffet, and plenty more. Friday, from 1-4:30pm. From AED 495-895 per person. Contact +9714 602 1814.

Punjab Grill

Overlooking the stunning Grand Canal at the Venetian Village in Ritz Carlton, Punjab Grill recently reopened its doors with a spacious outdoor terrace. New additions to the menu include the palak patta chaat (crispy batterfried spinach leaves, topped with tangy tamarind chutney and spicy mint chutney) for appetisers. A must-try for mains is the raw banana kofta made from steamed plantain in pungent gravy with whole spices and paste of fresh, green coriander. Colocasia or taro is showcased in the arvi kofta, (crumbed taro with crushed roasted vermicelli draped in a golden leaf, served with peanut and tamarind gravy). The Kolkata coconut prawns come in highly recommended, as does the chaamp taajdar (an Indian interpretation of western Australian Lamb, marinated in spices and labneh, grilled in the tandoor).

Bolla DIFC

Make a reservation via WhatsApp +971 50 668 3054. Located at the heart of the financial district is this bistro-style bar and restaurant that serves fresh, hearty meals in a casual environment. The menu features quick and healthy breakfasts, dishes with an international flair, cheese boards and sumptuous bites, designed to complement their extensive beverage selection. The all-day evolving menu reflects the diversity of world grape regions and is the perfect spot for after-work catchups. The eatery is currently hosting a special promotion every day of the week, offering steak and fries, paella, oyster platters, roast and more.

Contact +9714 340 0046.

Glo, Rosewood Abu Dhabi

The latest addition to the capital’s culinary scene is the dining experience, ‘Wood & Fire’ at Glo, Rosewood Abu Dhabi. Known for its open-air setting and offering captivating views of Abu Dhabi’s skyline, Wood & Fire is led by Chef Jaka using the classic cooking method of firewood, as well as American and Komodo pressure grills. The menu features highlights such as the Jimbaran-style red snapper, lamb rump, short ribs, lobster, oysters, and the 12-hour smoked beef brisket.

Contact +9712 813 5550.

BBQ Al Qasr, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi

The idyllic beachside eatery has opened its doors just in time for winter. Dine al fresco and whet your appetite with dishes from the newly launched menu including seafood and grills.

Contact +9712 690 88 88.