On The Table // 2nd August

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:

• "Dim Sum & Sip" at Mott 32

Located on the 73rd floor of the Address Beach Resort, JBR, Mott 32 Dubai offers breathtaking views and an exceptional culinary  experience."Dim Sum & Sip" is their brilliant mid-week experience every Wednesday from 7pm to 10pm in the breathtaking indoor lounge and bar area. Priced at AED 188 per person, guests can savour three types of delectable dim sum from an exclusive set menu, paired with three curated cocktails, house wines, or spirits, in signature Mott 32 style. 

For information and reservations, reservations@mott32dubai.com / +971 4 278 4832, or visit: www.mott32.com

• Fresh Seafood and Historic Recipes on a Mediterrnean Summer Getaway at Bordo Mavi

Escape the heat this summer to the heart of the Mediterranean at Bordo Mavi. Offering incredible fresh seafood and traditional recipes dating back 300 years. Nestled waterside at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, this restaurant provides an idyllic setting for a culinary escape.

Guests can indulge in the aroma of daily freshly baked bread and the sight of fresh seafood on display, ready to be cooked to their preference. The menu offers a wide selection of traditional and modern take on favourite dishes, from 250 years old recipe Butter Shrimp casserole to Wagyu butter fresh oysters. Bordo Mavi’s menu also offers different types of seafood dishes such as home-made fish burger with chips and Black seabass Shashlik – a creamy soya marinated char-grilled black seabass skewers. The combination of the picturesque location and rich culinary heritage makes Bordo Mavi a standout choice for seafood lovers.

For reservations: +971 56 508 5002.

• Olympics viewing parties at Chalco’s Cantina

Chalco’s Cantina in the heart of Dubai Marina has some great new summer promotions, all with their usual fun Mexican experience. Sports fans can head to Chalco’s Cantina to celebrate the 2024 Olympics with AED 24 drinks as they watch the biggest sporting event on the planet. The deal includes house spirits, beers, wine and shots, and is available during the games showtimes. They can watch all the Paris 2024 action unfold on the venue’s multiple screens and enjoy delicious Mexican bites with a Super Starter platter including delicious quesadillas, taquitos, chicken wings, and nachos.

For information and reservations: 052 112 8923.

• 80s & 90s Nostalgia at Barbossa Saturday Summer Brunch

Every Saturday, Barbossa transforms into a brunch paradise, offering a bountiful spread of modern Mexican and Latin American cuisine, from 1pm to 5pm at the heart of Yas Bay Waterfront. This urban oasis, known for its eclectic blend of Latin American vibes and LA-style sophistication, invites you to indulge in a brunch experience like no other filled with 80s and 90s throwback vibes. The brunch packages range from Soft Package at 249 AED, House Package at 399 AED, to the extravagant Champagne Package at 599 AED.

For reservations: https://barbossa.ae/

• Café James unveils permanent home in Al Qana

Following the success of its Al Qana pop-up, the multi-award-winning James is delighted to unveil its permanent residence within the vibrant Abu Dhabi district. Stepping away from its temporary digs, James introduces a modern, minimalist haven designed to enamour guests as profoundly as its exquisite French cuisine. The new Al Qana branch boasts over 50 indoor and 40 outdoor seats with prime views of the bustling waterway.

In celebration of its opening, the Michelin Guide-selected establishment welcomes a fresh new menu, showcasing classic and French-inspired flavours. Complementing James' signature coffees, breakfast offerings range from the comforting delight of scrambled champignon to the indulgent decadence of croquettes madame, the signature avocado croissant and the iconic French toast—an instant crowd-pleaser crafted from brioche bread, vanilla custard, caramel, and Chantilly cream. 

For reservations: 02 886 9949 or email cafejames.abudhabi@gmail.com.

• Novikov Café's New Summer Delights

This summer, Novikov Café invites guests to step into a culinary oasis with the addition of refreshing new summer dishes to its à la carte menu. Located in the vibrant Fashion Avenue of Dubai Mall, the lunch is available daily 12pm to 12am and is the perfect mid shopping break.

The new menu now includes The Novikov Café Salad which features Boston lettuce, avocado, cucumber, sesame seeds and balsamic dressing providing a refreshing and nutritious option, as well as the Watermelon Salad that artfully combines sweet juicywatermelon with tangy crumbled feta and crunchy flaked almonds finished with a balsamic drizzle. The Quinoa Salad, another standout, features nutrient-rich quinoa mixed with sweet corn, juicy tomatoes and savoury olives, all enhanced by a zesty citrus dressing. Rounding out the offerings is the Tomato Carpaccio with Basil Pesto and Taggiasche Olives, presented on thinly sliced tomatoes. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared to offer a delightful combination of flavours and textures.

For more information or reservations:  www.novikov-café.com.

• New progressive-Indian restaurant by Chef Ajay Chopra is now open

Situated within Shangri-La Dubai, Indikaya is a new Indian restaurant presenting fusion Indian Tapas, stunning ambiance, and an unforgettable dining experience celebrating India's rich culinary heritage. Breaking new ground and bringing Indian ingredients to the fore, the restaurant celebrates India’s diverse flavours, textures, and culinary traditions in an exciting new format, promising a feast for the senses. Helmed by the renowned Chef Ajay Chopra, Indikaya’s ethos revolves around seasonal ingredients treated in imaginative ways while staying true to their roots. Bold yet thoughtful, playful yet meticulous, each dish on the menu is a tribute to a different region, culture, and flavour profile of India.

Chef Chopra, a celebrated figure in the culinary world, is known for his innovative approach to Indian cuisine. With a career spanning over two decades, he has worked with culinary legends like Gordon Ramsay and Angela Hartnett. His expertise has graced prestigious kitchens worldwide, including his role as a judge on Masterchef India for two seasons.

Highlights of the menu include the Mungbean Tartine, a plant-based delight featuring a mung bean dip flavored with Maharashtrian thecha, and the Indikaya Vada Pao, a sophisticated take on Mumbai’s beloved street food with tempered russet potato and wasabi relish.

For reservations: +971 54 279 3647  

• Steak & Wine Tuesdays at Mezzanine Bar & Kitchen for Just AED145

Dig into a delicious steak at Mezzanine Bar & Kitchen in Souk Madinat Jumeirah, with your choice of red, white, or rose wine, or Mezzanine Lager, all for AED145 from 6pm to 11pm - Every Tuesday.

For reservations : https://www.mezzaninedubai.com/reservations

• Lola Taberna Española Launches a New Brunch 

Authentic Spanish eaterie Lola Taberna Española, located at TRYP by Wyndham Dubai, has launched their new La Festa Do Pulpo Sunday Brunch. Inspired by Galicia's famous Octopus Festival, you can expect a delicious set menu featuring dishes prepared with traditional recipes while enjoying a lively flamenco performance. Indulge in Gilda de Pulpo, a flavourful octopus skewer, Pulpo a la Gallega, a classic Galician octopus dish served with sliced cooked potatoes, smoked paprika, and olive oil, and Octopus Paella, all paired with refreshing Galicia Beer.

The brunch takes place every Sunday starting August 4th until August 25th between 1-4pm. Packages start from AED 199 with soft drinks to AED 239 for the Estrella Galicia package.

For reservations: +971 4 247 6688 or emaill info@lolataberna.com.