I was certainly looking forward to this, although I wasn't expecting much. I still think that it's a little crass that 'celebrity chefs' open up a million chain restaurants and charge excessively because everything is branded with them all over it . . .
Anywho . . . We picked up some books at the wee little market they had in the foyer of Festival City Shopping Mall and slowly made our way to the Restaurant Pavillion by the Creek side. It really is a lovely part of the UAE - Very European and not a construction crane in sight!
Upon arrival, we were politely ushered to the table of our choice within the cavernous restaurant. I wasn't impressed with the size! It was not at all cosy.
The maître d’hôtel was happy to chat with me about the restaurant and Jamie Oliver. He was a bit of a sycophant actually. It really amazes me. Jamie Oliver works so hard to appear in our lounge rooms as an everyday, approachable guy who is passionate about what he does and the truth be told that's how I see him. He is my age and I could imagine shaking his hand, breaking bread and sharing a bottle of wine while chatting away comfortably . . . He aint no messiah!
Once we had settled in with a glass of Prosecco that was labelled 'Jamie's Italian Prosecco' {shameless self-promotion} we placed our orders . . .
WE SHARED AN ANTIPASTI PLANK
CURED MEATS: Fennel Salami - Pistachio Mortadella - Prosciutto and Schiacciata Picante
ITALIAN CHEESES: Buffalo Mozzarella with Chilli and Mint - Pecorino and Amazing Chilli Jam
PICKLES: Green Chillies - Best Green Olives - Gaeta Olives and Caper Berries
CRUNCHY SALAD: Shaved Carrot and Beets with Chilli, Lemon and Loads of Mint
For mains, the Mr ordered the 'Game Tagliolini' {Slow cooked ragu with garlic and herbs, mascarpone and Amalfi Lemon} with a glass of MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO {red} and I enjoyed the Cockles Linguine with a glass of SAUVIGNON BLANC DI FRIULI GRAVE
For dessert we managed to share a slice of Sicilian Cheese cake with a splash of sweet Italian wine with 'rich luscious fig, almond and honey flavours'. The Mr and I are fairly recent converts to dessert wines - such a delight!
After all was said and done, I set my sights on some product. It turned out that the restaurant only sold merchandise :( I was so looking forward to snaffling up some dried pastas and sauces to take home! Instead I bought a tea towel! Shhh . . . Don't tell anyone!
You don't give a verdict. Was it worse any hype?
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ReplyDeleteThe service was excellent {which is high praise for this country}.
The ambiance was lacking because the restaurant is too cavernous and we were lone diners for the first hour of lunch.
The food was tasty and brilliantly presented. The other dishes that we saw coming out of the kitchen looked good enough to stop our conversation so that we could check it out!
The bill was exorbitant, as you would expect from a 'celebrity chefs' restaurant!
I'd certainly recommend that people check out Festival City's Marina Pavillion and grab a bite to eat while they're there. Go with your heart's desire, I'd suggest and that may be Jamie's if you're up for a bit of Italian . . .
In Dubai there are a lot of italian`s restaurant with good price and quality. Those who are really looking for a best Italian restaurant in Dubai with delicious taste of Italian Food, then visit CioccolatItaliani Restaurant, great Italian Restaurants in Dubai with amazing food and service.
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