A French repast
On a weekday evening, we head to explore French dining at its best. We slip into our best wear, for La Serre Bistro and Boulangerie, Vida Downtown Dubai, is where the who’s who drop by for a French bite. You never know whom you’d run into — a couple of weeks ago, singer Rihanna indulged in a meal here. And, in a recent interview (to Khaleej Times) visual artist Owais Husain quoted the chic French restaurant as his favourite in the city. It goes without saying that when we reach the place, it is brimming with people. Whilst complimentary bread makes way to your table (ours was by the window and allowed us a view of DXB’s skyline), you can peel and eat the juicy oranges making up for edible table décor.
On the recommendation of my French friends (it’s their comfort food) I ordered Burrata et tomates — the creamy and pillowy puff of goodness melted in my mouth. Heirloom cherry tomatoes and the salad leaves accompanied the hollow pouch of cheese — one of the freshest and most delectable salads I’ve had in the city. My dining partner enjoyed Salad de homard et asperges — the bowl full combination of succulent lobster and the mild, earthy asparagus was wiped off within minutes. Selecting the mains was a tough one so we let the server choose for us. Travers de bouef cuit 50 heures et oignons doux: 50 hours cooked beef short rib with sweet onion lived up to its promise of an unctuous taste sensation. Agnolotti a la crème de cèleries fricasseè de tomates cerise et girolles — pasta squares stuffed with a fresh celery pureè served with mushrooms bore a meaty (almost chewy) texture and stirred in a heady, delectable feeling.
The meal called for a sweet end titled Pudding moelleux au caramel et glace à la vanilla — don’t make the mistake of sharing the sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice-cream (We did and regretted). A marriage of stodge and sweetness — the moist dessert calls for a second (third, too) visit.
Meal for two: Dh400 Will we go back? Definitely. To sample delights in a Parisian ambience.