On The Table - 25th October 2024

With one of the best food scenes, we're spoilt for choice with weekly launches and openings. 'On The Table' is our weekly round up of the best food and beverage news and things happening out and about in the UAE.

Here's our top picks this week:

• Ginger Moon Brings New Californian Cuisine to the Limelight

Ginger Moon at W Dubai boasts an exciting and new cuisine concept, New Californian, that has not been seen in Dubai before which is enough to transport you to another realm of relaxation and great vibes. New Californian cuisine is a chef-driven food movement with dishes filled with fresh vegetables and fruits, lean meat and seafood native to the California coast - a food culture that is inspired by European Mediterranean, Latin American and East Asian cuisines from its rich multi-cultural community. From flatbread with zucchini and truffle; salmon and avo nachos; and cauliflower steak with romesco and tomato rice, ingredients are always fresh and sourced locally wherever possible – and while the food is based on simplicity, the craftsmanship is not. Complementing Ginger Moon’s diverse culinary offerings, our signature cocktails reflect the vibrant fusion of New Californian flavors and ingredients. Open Monday to Sunday, 12:00pm – 12:00am.

For reservations: +971 4 350 9998 or at https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/gingermoon

• Pelá Restaurant Unveils a Bold New Hotspot for the Ultimate Mediterranean Escape

Pelá, a vibrant new Mediterranean restaurant, is ready to make its mark on Dubai’s dining scene, bringing bold coastal flavours and an energetic atmosphere to BCH:CLB, one of Dubai’s hottest beach clubs at W Dubai – The Palm. Capturing the essence of coastal living, Pelá blends modern Mediterranean cuisine with a laid-back yet dynamic vibe, set to become the city’s next culinary hotspot.

Pelá will also host an unforgettable Signature Brunch that promises a one-of-a-kind dining experience. From 1:00pm to 4:00pm, diners can savor a variety of fresh, inventive dishes. Start with the refreshing Tzatziki, enjoy the Ceviche of the Day from the Sea, or opt for flavorful mains like Chicken Souvlaki or succulent Tenderloin. No brunch is complete without dessert, and guests can indulge in sweet delights like the Mini Amalfi to round off their meal. Brunch packages start from AED 350 (soft drinks), AED 395 (house beverages), AED 450 (spirits), AED 595 (premium), and AED 795 for bubbles. 

For reservations: +971 4 834 3803 or WhatsApp +971 58 575 0805.

• La Dolce Vita Lands in Dubai; Il Gattopardo will open in ICD Brookfield Place this December

This December, ICD Brookfield Place will become home to the Italian restaurant, Il Gattopardo, promising a timeless Italian dining experience. Located on the 51st floor with stunning views, the restaurant will offer understated, refined luxury of the Italian Riviera, welcoming guests from lunch through to last orders.

Guests can expect a taste of ‘La Dolce Vita’ starting their journey with traditional Antipasti, from Arancini to creamy Bufala (buffalo mozzarella served with marinated heirloom tomatoes). These are joined by a selection of crisp Pizzette, including signatures such as the Tartufo (truffle mascarpone, caramelised onions and truffle shavings). No Italian menu can be complete without an array of fresh pastas, featuring the Sorrentina (homemade potato gnocchi with mozzarella, tomato and fresh basil) and the Astice (half native lobster, linguine with lobster reduction). Whether perched on a stool at the Crudo Bar enjoying the more delicate dishes such as Gamberi (Sicilian Mazara prawns with citrus zest) and Spigola (sea bass carpaccio with tarocco orange, fennel & Creignola olives) or embodying true representation of the Italian spirit and generosity feast on the larger sharing dishes, such as the Milanese, Pollo Cacciatora and Risotto (Vialone Nano mantecato, Navelli saffron and veal jus) from the Padella section. A resident DJ will entice revellers with funky Italian hits, mixing retro pop, lively swing, and iconic classics of the era, all capturing the vibrant, carefree spirit of La Dolce Vita.

For more information: https://gattopardo.restaurant/

• Beachside BBQ at Le Royal Meridien

The outdoor season is here and Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa invites guests to experience a one-of-a-kind Beachside Barbecue where the Mediterranean meets the Arabian Gulf. Taking place every day of the week from 6:00 PM until 11:30 PM, the BBQ offers an evening under the stars, combining the finest fresh seafood, breads, salads, and grills in a breathtaking beachfront setting.

 For reservations; 04 316 5555

• Step into the Unusual. Welcome to The CucumBar.

Mark your diaries for Cucumber Day! On 23 November, we celebrate as the annual extravaganza that is Cucumber Day returns – and as ever - with a twist. The CucumBar will open its doors for two back-to-back evenings of unexpected celebrations, accessible only by a lucky few – so keep your eyes peeled and your drinks ready as we prepare to toast to the marvel that is the humble fruit: The Cucumber. There will of course be UAE-wide celebrations on our most splendid of celebratory days, so stay tuned and follow @TheCucumBarDXB for more marvellously odd updates.

The CucumBar Details

Location: The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina

Timings: Every Saturday 1pm-4pm

Prices: Starting from 585AED per person

For reservations: + 971 (0)4 511 7373 / Whatsapp: +971 (0) 56 501 0502 / Email: 03034.restaurants@westin.com

• Carluccio’s Re-Opens In Marina Mall with its Contemporary Take on Italian Dining

Firm favourite Carluccio’s, the home of authentic Italian cuisine, is reopening its Marina Mall branch after an extensive redesign that delivers a contemporary and vibrant dining experience. Guided by Brand Chef Roberto Senese, the revamped location artfully combines classic Italian recipes with modern twists, showcasing bold and premium ingredients that honor the essence of Italian cooking.

Experience the new menu at Carluccio’s today – where authentic Italian flavors, luxurious touches, and unforgettable dishes await. Carluccio’s is located at Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina Mall and The Ranches Souk, Doha Festival City and Pearl Doha.

For further information and reservations: www.carlucciosme.com or email hello@carlucciosme.com

• Indulge in Brasserie Boulud's Business Lunch Experience

Step out of the office and into an exquisite culinary journey at Brasserie Boulud with Chef Daniel Boulud's contemporary French menu. Whether it's a casual lunch with friends or a business meeting, savour the flavours of France with the hotel’s Business Lunch menu, every Monday to Friday between 12.30 and 3pm for AED 125 for two courses (choice of appetizer or dessert with one main course, including tea, coffee, and water) or AED 150 for three courses (choice of one appetizer, main course and dessert, including tea, coffee and water).

• Sabroso Sunday Brunch: A New Sunday Grill Tradition at Tamoka

This exciting Sunday brunch offers a Latin American grill experience paired with ceviches, live Colombian entertainment, and breathtaking ocean views. Sabroso Sunday Brunch is the perfect way to celebrate the cooler months in Dubai. Guests can enjoy a Ceviche Bar with Dibba Bay Oysters, Salmon, and Prawn Ceviche, as well as a wide selection of grilled specialties like Corn-Fed Baby Chicken, Tiger Prawns, and Sea Bream. As the afternoon draws to a close, guests can head to Caña beach for stunning sunset views of Ain Dubai and Palm Jumeirah. Enjoy it every Sunday 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM, starting at AED 349 per person (add a 3-hour free-flow beer and wine package for just AED 160).