GASTRONOMY …AND TWO TO TRY! Nocturnal hotspot 4 GALVIN DUBAI CITYWALK 2 When news of the Michelin-starred Galvin Brothers setting up shop in Dubai first broke about, we were thrilled. It began with their Parisian-style café Demoiselle by Galvin, within the vicinity, followed by this fine dining eatery at The Square. And they’ve opened just in time for alfresco season. Boasting seating both indoors and outdoors, the restaurant terrace mimics a European-style vibe, while indoors, décor exudes a sophisticated British charm. Emerald-tone couches, velvet textures and a touch of gold are noticeable, with simple dark brown wooden tables that complement the grandeur. The menu showcases the best of British fare with a Mediterranean touch. Our chosen appetiser was a plate of meaty escargot with a crunch topping and the Galvin Brother’s signature dish that has stood the test of time, Lasagne of Devon crab. Morsels of chunky crab meat were encased between layers of lasagna, all drenched in a moreish creamy foam-like bisque. Since my dining partner and I are meat-lovers, we opted for the Côte de boeuf for two to share, which arrived with a side of delicious carb-loaded truffle macaroni and cheese. The thick bone-in rib steak was sliced tableside and had just the right amount of fat to balance the meat. On our plates, it sliced beautifully and was even more relishable with Hermitage jus drizzled all over – we love a well-made jus. For dessert, we couldn’t resist a cult favourite, chocolate fondant, with warm chocolate sauce oozing out. Need to know: The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Call +9714 590 5444 SCARLET CARDINAL SOFITEL DUBAI JUMEIRAH BEACH Music-lovers will enjoy this bar-meets-club theatre setting, with all eyes on the stage. For a fun night out with friends, live music and a theme that’s worth dressing up for, look no further. The menu features a selection of starters featuring foie gras terrine with fig chutney and gingerbread (how festive!) as well as Oysters fines de Claire. For mains, lamb chops, salmon with lemon butter sauce or shrimp Provençale may take your fancy. End the evening with a dessert – raspberry millefeuille, apple tart and a chocolate brownie are some to choose from. Call +97156 222 9914 RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE THE ADDRESS DUBAI MARINA Picking a Christmas menu and the perfect location to enjoy a great meal on the day can be a tricky task, especially for those who have family visiting. Ruth’s Chris Steak House has the menu to suit vegetarians, pescetarians and meat-lovers. Begin the meal with a welcome drink, followed by an aromatic Northwest snow crab bisque with flavours that linger on your palate, or a fresh smoked duck breast salad. Flavoursome slow-cooked meat is showcased in osso buco ravioli with tender cremini mushrooms in a creamy ragout. For entrées, take your pick from a petite filet with foie gras and black winter truffle, barbecue spiced salmon with roasted fennel, stuffed chicken with dried fruit, and the highlight of most dinner tables – turkey with all the trimmings (fire roasted corn with a moreish garlic butter, roasted Brussel sprouts tossed in honey butter, and rosemary baby roasted potatoes) with cranberry jelly. Forget about calorie-counting and dig into a decadent white chocolate bread pudding with custard to feast. Dhs450 per person, call +9714 454 9538 58 EQUITY
Dubai’s only high-end real estate and interior design company, setting extraordinary records in the marketing, designing and selling of the most important residential properties. Office 804-806, Arenco Tower, Dubai Media City | 04 432 79 72 | www.luxhabitat.ae 59 EQUITY