The 2008 Festival of Taste returns

Jumeirah, the Dubai-based luxury international hospitality management group, has announced the return of the much anticipated Jumeirah "Festival of Taste" event which will take place in Dubai’s leading hotels and resorts from 9 to 13 November 2008.
The biennial Jumeirah Festival of Taste will draw on the unrivalled experience from seven celebrity chefs from America, India, France and Great Britain. This year’s event will feature the UK’s favourite TV kitchen personalities including Ainsley Harriott, who will host "The Ainsley Live Show" at The Emirates Academy, Brian Turner and Cyrus Todiwala, one of the world’s foremost Indian cuisine chefs, who owns and manages Café Spice Namasté in London.

They will be joined by returning world-class celebrity chefs James Martin, Jean-Christophe Novelli and Michel Roux, who cooked up a storm during the inaugural event in May 2006 and are back by popular demand to deliver outstanding food at a series of interactive dinners and events held at a number of Dubai hotels.

The event will take place at Jumeirah’s hotels, kicking off with a grand opening event on Sunday 9 November at Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah. Over five days, nine events will take place including intimate dinners at destinations such as the Rib Room and Vu’s in Jumeirah Emirates Towers. A boat trip departing from the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and a grand gala dinner in the ballroom of the Burj Al Arab hotel is also set to be included in the festivities.

For reservations, call +971.4.301 7781

Ronda Locatelli among famous culinary names to choose from at Atlantis

The family is at the heart of celebrity chef Giorgio Locatelli's business and nowhere is this more evident than at his new restaurant Ronda Locatelli at the Atlantis hotel on The Palm. The Ronda Locatelli eatery has a pizza oven at its very centre, with bar-style seating for children all around it.

But Locatelli, 44, is a Michelin-star chef – and a family man himself. He says his flagship London outlet, Locanda Locatelli, which counts Tony Blair and Madonna among its guests, is the only Michelin-star restaurant in the British capital to welcome children, and he wants to be able to do the same here in Dubai. "My business is about hospitality, and if we cannot deal with kids it is ridiculous. You can come to eat, but if you cannot come with your kids, forget about it.”

The 210-seater restaurant, finished in earthy tones to convey a country feel, the casual-dining venue will source organic ingredients regionally and import authentic products to serve up the traditional Italian food Locatelli specialises in.

When Kerzner International's Atlantis opened on September 24, 2008, 17 restaurants, bars and lounges were added to Dubai’s culinary. Besides Ronda Locatelli, there will be Nobu Matsuhisa's Nobu Atlantis, whose Asian-fusion cuisine has seen it become world-renowned with a celebrity status that is matched by its famous clientele; Santi Santimaria's signature seafood restaurant Ossiano and Rostang – The French Brasserie, by acclaimed French restaurateur Michel Rostang.

For Reservations, call +971 4 426 2626

MJ's Steakhouse a carnivore's haven !

MJ's at Madinat Jumeirah's Al Qasr hotel is a true carnivore's haven, where all the time-honoured steakhouse favourites are captured in authentic form under one roof.

Savour Wagyu beef; superbly subtle with a velvety taste, or the mouth-wateringly authenic Boston Clam Chowder. The ever popular Surf and Truf adds a seafood spin to the sumptuous menu with all meals guarateed to tantalise your taste buds. MJ's connects to the outdoor life through large windows and an enchanting terrace overlooking the waterways, pools and beach.

Opinion"Quite simply one of the best steaks I have ever had the pleasure of tasting"

Budget: Average price of a meal for two with a glass of house wine Dhs600-700.

Hours: Lunch 12:00pm - 3:00pm, Dinner 7:00pm - 11:30pm.

For Reservations, call (04) 366 8888

Flooka Mediterranean Seafood Restaurant

At Flooka, Located in the heart of the Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa, you will experience a unique dining affair, serving the best in Mediterranean seafood with a Lebanese twist. With daily catches enjoy your meal on the terrace while enjoying uninterrupted panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. There is a relaxed feel to the restaurant; light wood ceilings and a combination of parquet and marble flooring give you the feel of a real Mediterranean seafood restaurant. The visual effect of the bar is a design feat of its own, made to look like a wooden boat being built, reiterating the fact that this place is for seafood food lovers. Flooka is a very special dining experience.

Insiders Opinion: I always enjoy the fresh fish catch of the day (from the ice display) fried in rock salt. The prawns, on the other hand, are big and infinitely more pleasant on the palate. Just sit down, indulge in your meal while you settle in and enjoy the decor and eclectic background music. This is absolutely my favorite place !

Budget: AED 300.00 (Meal for 2)

Opening Hours: Friday and Saturday 12:30pm-12:00am; Sunday to Thursday: 12:30pm-15:00pm and 07:00pm – 12:00am.

For Restaurant Reservations, call +971 4 3461111

The One and Only: Beach Bar and Grill

The beach bar and grill is at the One and Only Royal Mirage. The setting is better than you could possibly imagine. Out on the multi-level wooden decking, with chunky rope railings and a view out over the beach it does look like a holiday brochure come to life. There are palm trees, golden sand stretching out in front of you and clear water sliding up and down the shore.

Insider's Opinion: For main course the tenderloin is a fine chunk of ex-cow and cooked wonderfully with a rose pink centre and requisite tenderness. They also do the famedwagyu beef here but the steak is less than half the price and certainly better than half as good as wagyu. The sea bass is a tender and flavoursome piece of fish, it just felt a little to minimal to suit the surroundings. That said, the setting outside is just so perfectly relaxing it demands that you undo the top button, sit back a bit and loosen up a little.

Hours: 12 noon-3.15pm, 7pm-11.30pm daily

Budget: Meal for 2: Dhs370

For Restaurant Reservations, call (04) 399 9999

Al Hadheerah: Experience desert magic!

Al Hadheerah, the region's first open-air traditional Arabic desert restaurant. As the Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert resort's signature restaurant, Al Hadheerah offers diners a unique experience with scenes straight out of an Arabian legend featuring belly dancers, henna painters, live bands and a falcon display. The restaurant features ethnic cuisine from the Middle East, as well as live cooking stations with wood-fired ovens, spit roasts and Arabic bread ovens.

Insider's opinion The atmosphere is amazing.... Something completely different from the rest of the restaurant experiences. Amazing buffet and great entertainment. Definitely worth to visit!

Hours Daily: 7.00pm to 11.30pm

Budget Meal for 2 AED 650 (All beverages, henna painting & shisha are available at additional charges)

For Restaurant Reservations, call +971 4 8096100

Contemporary Seafood at Pisces

Pisces located in the Souk of Madinat Jumeirah; is the most upscale seafood restaurant in Dubai. Here, minimalism makes a sophisticated statement and choice takes on an oceanic scale. Fresh fare presented on a table of linear precision is complemented by crisp Chardonnay from the world’s mouthwatering Mediterranean selections, Pisces is ocean dining with stylish simplicity.

Insiders Opinion The views on the terrace overlooking the waterways are great. The seafood was excellent and I would really recommend it for food , service, atmosphere and views. The black eden mussel marinière starter is fantastic; which is an exclusive tender molluscs prepared in a half-shell under a sizzling sauce. Move onto the pan-roasted sea bream Provençal, which floats on a bed of risotto nero and is blackened by rich squid ink. A great dish is the pan-fried sea scallops and foie gras with sautéed spinach, wild mushrooms and truffle juice, the food is very flavourous and tasty. Don’t miss this one!

Hours Lunch 12:00pm – 3:00pm, Dinner 7:00pm – 11:30pm

Budget Meal for two, AED 800.00

For Restaurant Reservation call +971 4 366 6730

Chinese restaurant with a radical twist: ZHENG HE'S

Zeng He’s is a Chinese restaurant located in the Mina Salam Hotel of Madinat Jumeirah. Modern, progressive and beyond compare in Dubai – this is a ‘new Chinese’ cooking – a fusion of Western tastes and Far Eastern ambience. China most modern is expressed in beautifully prepared and presented dishes which simultaneously combine Western presentation with Chinese flavors – a style which is designed to constantly surprise. The result is an exquisitely refreshing blend of East and West enjoyed whilst overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Only a few restaurants can claim a view of the Bur Al Arab and from its large terrace. This is one of the best

Insiders Opinion The best restaurant in Dubai! The service was brilliant, they really made you feel special here! The food was out of this world, and the portions were a good size. I would certainly say this is the best restaurant in Dubai.Hours Lunch – 12:00pm – 3:00pm, Dinner – 7:00pm – 11:30pm

Budget Meal for two with a glass or house wine AED 600.00

For Restaurant Reservations call +971 4 366 6730

The spirit of Buenos Aires: La Parrilla

La Parrilla is located on the twenty-fifth floor of Jumeirah Beach Hotel. The heart of Argentinia finds its home in La Parrilla. The restaurant boasts live grill cooking and authentic steaks. The spirit of Buenos Aires comes alive with the tango dancers and a live band. A truly unrivalled experience recalling traditional Argentinean nights with spectacular sea views!

Insiders Opinion Excellent food and service.. Tango dancing is very exciting. It's a great place for special occasions... Fun to Learn Spanish dancing.

Hours Lunch - 12:30 to 15:00, Dinner - 18:30 - 1:00 (last food order 23:30). Entertainment starts at at 20:00.

Budget Meal for two with a glass of wine, approx AED 600.00

For Restaurant Reservations call +971 4 4068999

Al Hambra: The taste of Spain

Al Hambra, an authentic Spanish restaurant nestled in the breathtaking Al Qasr hotel is exactly what you’ll find in Al Hambra. This charming venue offers traditional tapas, mouthwatering paella and your choice of delicious home-made sangria with the beautiful waterways of Madinat Jumeirah flowing by. Dine alfresco or indoors as Spanish musicians set the mood for a taste of Spain you won’t soon forget

Insiders opinion The tangy gazpacho steals the show from the tapas selection, while the melting quail’s egg perched atop a neat square of Spanish omelette, a hefty pile of calamari rings, and the garlic-infused prawns are all almost as impressive. The paella with chicken, prawns and mussels is tasty and large enough for two, but overpriced at AED 180 (Dirhams). Extra points are chalked up with the desserts, but only through the sheer generosity of the portion sizes.

Hours Dinner – 7:00pm to 11:30pm

Budget Meal for two, 500 AED

For Restaurant Reservations call +971 4 366 6730

Al Mahara - Superb Cuisine in a dramatic setting

Al Mahara to dine at Burj Al Arab Hotel is an experience out of this world! In Arabic, it translates into 'oyster shell', Al Mahara is a seafood paradise that drives into the Arabian Gulf to delight its guests. Diners will be treated to a truely memorable and exciting experience as they approach this restaurant via a three-minute simulated submarine voyage from the hotel lobby. Passing through a marine wonderland, they arrive to the entrance of Al Mahara, where an open cellar is stocked with a selection of the world's finest wines. Guests can enjoy the selection of seafood, either in the main restaurant area, surrounded by the varied sea-life of the Gulf, or in the privacy of one of the three dining rooms.

Insiders Opinion Food and Service are fantastic. A Breath-taking ambiance and an unforgettable experience!

Hours Lunch 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm, Dinner 7:00 pm - 12:00 midnight

Budget Average price of a meal for two with a glass of house wine Dhs1,000+.

For Restaurant Reservations +971 4 301 7600

Royal Steak: The Rib Room

The Rib Room is located adjacent to the Jumeirah Emirates Towers hotel lobby. Specializing in Wagyo and other prime quality beef, there are also creative and fresh seafood dishes available. An elegant private dining room, separated by glass panels from the main dining area, can accommodate up to 12 guests.

Insider Opinion The steaks are cooked perfectly to your requirements. The T-Bone is exceptional as is the fillet. Sides can be small and expensive but the size and quality of the steaks will make up for this. Best Steak I have ever eaten!

Hours Lunch-Dinner 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm / 7:30 pm - 12:00 am, Lunch-Closed on Fridays.

Budget AED 175.00 per person.

For Restaurant Reservations call +971 4 319 8088

Authentic Lebanese: Al Khayal

Al Khayal located on the first floor of the famous Jumeirah Beach Hotel; taking you on a journey through the Middle East, which features a rich variety of regional cuisines and specialties from Lebanon.

Insider Opinon Very warm and welcoming ambiance with delicious traditional lebanese food. Just leave it to the waiter to recommend a variety of Lebanon's greatest! Make sure not to get full on the starters (tabbouleh, hommos, arayes, kebbeh, etc..); as you'll be taken by surprise with the Grill portion. Make sure to order a shisha while you sit back and enjoy the 'Tarab' music brought to you by 'Bassel' and his band with inviting interuptions of arabic folklore belly-dancing.

Hours Open Daily: Dinner 7:00pm to 2:00am

Budget Approx. 180.oo per person

For Restaurant Reservations call +971 4 4068999

Uptown from downtown - new Nezesaussi

Nezesaussi Within the proximity of the famous Burj Dubai, and adjacent to the Old Town, Here somewhere is the Al Manzil Hotel, and its sports-bar-restaurant, whose name might be utterly unpronounceable - Nezesaussi.

A special place for not only the meals but also to catch all the sports action from around the globe. It offers finest beverages and dishes from the three countries of New Zealand, South Africa and Australia (no surprise, that’s where the name comes from).

Nezesaussi shows live league matches during the various gaming seasons on huge plasma screens. Being away from home doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your active lifestyle.

Insider Opinion From, the egg-battered bread, crispy potatoe wedges and delicious guacamole and salsa dips, to all sorts of seafood, giant beef skewers and Australian steak… be sure that Nezesaussi will win you over with its buzzing atmosphere, friendly service and good food.

Hours Open Sun-Thu 3pm-1am; Fri-Sat 1pm-2am.

Budget Up to AED 200.00 per person

For Restaurant Reservations +971 4 428 5888, Nezesaussi Al Manzil Hotel Burj Dubai Boulevard, off Doha Street, The Old Town.

One and Only Rotating Restaurant - Al Dawar

Al Dawar Restaurant is located at the top of Hyatt Regency Hotel. You can experience a nice view of Dubai & the gulf while eating as the restaurant rotates. This popular restaurant, which can accommodate 140 diners, is famous for its unique rotatating design and views as it is for its superb international buffet, offering a wide selection of starters and main courses including European, Middle Eastern, Asian and Japanese dishes.

Insider Opinion Its quite dark inside which really makes the best of the views. All the tables have a good view but I would book a window table if possible. I would say its an unmissable experience. Only thing is that it might seem a little pricy - but I guess you get what you pay for.

Hours Open daily for buffet lunch from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm and for dinner from 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm.

For Restaurant Reservations please call + 971 4 317 2222