What does Dubai taste like?

Text and photos: Irina Ivanova

THREE DAYS, IN MARCH, IN THE GREEN TERRITORY OF “DUBAI MEDIA CITY”, A REAL Gourmet FEAST WAS HELD. 25 BEST DUBAI RESTAURANTS TAKE PART IN THE TASTE OF DUBAI ANNUAL CULINARY FESTIVAL.

Together with the other numerous visitors, in an informal setting in the open air, accompanied by live music, we enjoyed gourmet cuisine from the chefs, marked with Michelin stars. Those wishing to attend cooking classes at the “Chef Theater with Philips” and “Culinary School Miele”, tried to mix original cocktails at the “Theater of Beverages” on their own and made purchases of the “gourmet” class. Walking along the many mini-restaurants and, despite the variety of cuisine presented, I could not pass by my favorite place, following his aromatic "call" of fried meat.

GAUCHO

"SINGLE WALKER"

Modern ethnography refers Gaucho to the ethnic group of South America, which was formed in the XVII-XVIII centuries as a result of marriages of the Spaniards with the Indians of the La Plata region. The word "gaucho" comes from "huachu", which in the language of the Quechua Indians means "lonely wanderer."

My argentinian passion

What could be better than a juicy piece of meat cooked on charcoal? It was his haze that enveloped the Media City amphitheater, warming the appetite of visitors. Being a lover and connoisseur of meat dishes, having visited many steakhouses in Dubai, I decided for myself that the best meat is in restaurants of Argentinean cuisine, and of these, the most delicious is in Gaucho. Having once tasted beef, not “stuffed” with hormones, with the “wild” taste of South America, saturated with the aroma of bonfire, you will never want to return to the “fake” American steaks that fill Dubai restaurants. No tenderness of a steak can replace the natural juiciness of the main dish of gaucho - Argentine shepherds, who created a real culinary cult from meat.

Despite the apparent simplicity of the dishes and the historical background of their origin, the stylization of the interior of the Gaucho restaurant speaks more about elitism than about a cowboy dinner, recalling it only with spotted cow skins, which are covered with chairs and walls of a luxurious two-story restaurant. Black and white tones, chrome, glass, candles, sparkling crystals and prices - all shout about the exclusivity of your choice. "But what about the warmth of the southern sun and the freedom of Latin American wanderers who were supposed to find their embodiment in a restaurant under the so-called" Gaucho "?" - you ask. All this can be found in a wonderful dinner with a “sensual” tenderloin of Argentinean beef, a glass of aromatic red wine, in the company of a passionate lover ...

TORO TORO

For those who like hotter

If you do not just love Latin American cuisine, but you like its main components, such as fire and drama, then here you are! You instantly recall the bullfight, clutching the burgundy velvet drapes, at the sight of the bowed heads of two angry buffaloes meeting you at the entrance. Warm, you can even say hot tones in the restaurant’s interior, a collection of horns on the walls and a dance rhythm of Latin American melodies - all this surroundings complement the excellent menu from the chef Alfredo from Peru. Taste preferences throughout modern South America, with the influence of Mexican, Peruvian, Brazilian and Chilean culinary, found their embodiment here. The menu consists of three parts - "From the sea", "From land" and "From the garden". The concept of the restaurant was carefully thought out by its owner, chef Richard Sandoval: in Dubai there are not many places where dishes are served on the common table, and not individually, and this applies not only to tapas, but also to the main course, that can not but rejoice. How not to try such delicious “empanadas” pies with various fillings, crunchy squid and, of course, the famous “shurrasco” skewers on a spit?

The feeling of warmth comes not only from hot appetizers, savory sauces, spicy seasonings and the atmosphere of the restaurant, but also from the unusually friendly staff with sincere smiles on charming faces. Immediately after dinner, you definitely won’t want to leave the restaurant, so you should definitely go up to the bar to try the signature Toro Toro cocktails. As a digest I highly recommend a glass of greenish “Sex with Alligator” - this is not served anymore in any of the Dubai bars - original, tasty and refreshing.

Armani peck

Gastronomy for high society

Well, lovers of the classics - welcome to the restaurant of traditional Italian cuisine with a 125-year history, which, of course, did not start in Dubai, but in Milan - the largest gourmet food store in the city “Peck”.

An original combination of gourmet dishes and fast service, with a wide selection of fresh pasta and other products presented on the hot and cold shelves - Tavola Fredda and Tavola Calda, makes the concept of this restaurant different from others. A varied menu of Italian dishes makes the choice quite difficult, especially since you still have to leave room for the most delicate “tiramissu” or other airy desserts.

The establishment is distinguished by its elegant interior, designed in cool black and white colors, like the whole Armani hotel - a bit “cool” for a romantic dinner, but very convenient for a Friday brunch in a large and cheerful stylish company. The restaurant also offers takeaway dishes for desert picnics or yacht cruises.

So, if you briefly talk about the best on Taste of Dubai. Although no, of course, a variety of gourmet restaurants attracted attention, attracting visitors with their exquisite supplies obtained from personal wine cellars, and a variety of exquisite menus. Fans of coffee, tea, the best cheeses or ice cream just did not pass the stands of the leading manufacturers of these drinks and delicacies, where everything could be tasted and bought home. From afar, the famous Jack Daniels was visible! Yes, the bronze figure of this man, who created one of the best sorts of American whiskey, "invited" everyone to sit next to him on a bench and drink a portion or two of the good old Jack Daniels. In general, the Taste of Dubai version of 2012 pleased both participants and guests. It was fun and delicious. Live music was playing, and the audience rejoiced at the opportunity to just chat with friends in a pleasant atmosphere under the open and warm Dubai sky. We will go for new culinary experiences next year, but for now - bye!

Watch the video: Taste of Dubai. Dubai Food Festival (April 2024).