Christmas treats for you to enjoy this festive season
DAVID LIGHT david@khaleejtimes.com
tHERE’S NO GETTING away from it, the festive season is nothing if not a chance to throw the diet out the window (along with the jeans you save for ‘good days’) and get down to shovelling down as many calories alongside your loved ones as possible. For those not travelling it’s an opportunity to get together and enjoy a little slice of home, or the more exotic if that’s your bag, in the sun across the UAE. Here are just a few options for you to try for lunch or dinner throughout the season.
Something fishy
We wouldn’t claim there is anything particularly festive about Rockfish aside from the fact Christmas is a time to celebrate good food and this place has some of the best. Mediterranean-style seafood and breathtaking views are all you need for either their a la carte lunch or dinner.
All alone?
For those who can’t celebrate the festive season back home, Brunswick at Sheraton Mall of the Emirates is asking all Dubai Christmas “orphans” to enjoy brunch from 1pm-4pm for Dhs299. An orphans’ table will be set up where those who are missing their usual festive crews from home can spread the holiday buzz together. We’re welling up...
Turkey time
It’s an American affair at Perry & Blackwelder’s on the day in question and Dhs250 per person will get you two-courses including a selected mocktail, available all day from 11am. Enjoy traditional turkey, while BBQ meat loaf, Cajun spiced blackened salmon and stuffed bell peppers are on offer for something a little different.
Duck!
There is a two and three-course festive menu available all day with seasonal entertainment at the just-this-secondopened Duck Hook at Dubai Hills Golf Club. Choose from starters like duck pâté, goats’ cheese or broccoli and red onion tart before a butterball turkey takes you home.
Eastern promise
On Christmas Day, Pai Thai at the Al Qasr Hotel has a Festive Feast Menu including authentic Thai starters and soups plus a turkey station and dessert buffet for Dhs295 per adult, available from 12.30pm-3.30pm and 6-11pm with live entertainment.
City slicker
A wholesome three-course Christmas menu, highlighting Chef Luigi’s signature festive specials, is on at Galvin, City walk. Choice dishes from the menu include a marinated Scottish salmon alongside roasted turkey with all the trimmings, from 12pm-11.30pm for Dhs325.
Italian vibes
Newly opened Venetian restaurant, all’onda at the Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai is serving up a three-course menu. Antipasti dishes include calamari paccheri salad and Burrata, followed by roast turkey served with rosemary potatoes. Get there from 12pm.
Eve onboard
It must be one of the most special places to spend a unique Christmas in Dubai and this Xmas Eve you will find us at the Queen Elizabeth 2’s indoor and outdoor BBQ Brunch in Lido and the Pavilion. It’s on Monday from 7pm - 11pm from Dhs295.
It’s Santa!
Yes he’s real and yes he’s really here! French bistro Couqley in JLT will be visited by Father Christmas on Friday, 21 from 12pm – 3pm. That’s not all! You can also enjoy their Français-style festive menu from Dhs189.
Brit of all right
You know what you’re going to get at this traditional Jumeirah Beach Hotel Dubai favourite. The Dhow and Anchor is all yours any time of the day on December 25 from 12pm to 11.30pm with a full Christmas dinner for Dhs310 per person. Book ahead!
Outdoor fun
Need a touch of class this Xmas? How about dinner surrounded by polo fields? A Christmas feast is going on at Olive Garden on Tuesday with an international brunch of festive and Meliã Desert Palm Dubai fancies. A turkey carvery and themed beverages will be at hand alongside live music entertainment from Dhs350. Get there from 12.30pm.
Going Loca
Viva Mexico y Feliz Navidad! Expect an epicurean journey inspired by the Loca Christmas menu on Tuesday – from holidaythemed grilled turkey breast to traditional handmade tortillas, filled with slow roast ribs at Loca outlets in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Que rico!