Aprons & Hammers - Seafood

Aprons & Hammers -  Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi Beach Resort 

Since I have seafood almost daily at home, I rarely crave any when I'm dinning out, but then I've always wanted to pay Aprons & Hammers a visit not only for the food but for the fun experience, took me long to do so though.I kept myself updated with reviews for few months, most of them mentioned how fresh the seafood is. So, I walked in expecting much, for a country that is well known for it's seafood your expecting nothing but the freshest. Unfortunately, nothing was fresh! and i mean NOTHING! 

Entrance of the Marine Club

Beautiful view on our way to the Dhow

Here we are - Aprons & Hammers Dhow

Wanted to steal this signage *hehe*

Our lovely table

Fresh Complimentary Bread - was the ONLY fresh thing on the table!

Crab Eating Gadget

My non-alcoholic Beer - goes well with seafood

Putting on our Aprons and Hammers waiting for the Crabs

Classic Crispy Calamari - OK, that wasn't bad but tasted nothing like fresh ones!

Sweet Chili Crab Cakes - Me no likey!

The GOV's Fish & Chips - Honestly, this made my day! it's not even close to being fresh but was lightly battered and perfectly fried, if I'm ever back to Aprons&Hammers "i doubt it though" will definitely have fish and chips ONLY!

 

Crab Bucket (Over cooked mushy meet - had one piece only) Shrimps Bucket (weirdly was bitter)

Loving the concept NOT the food

 Lobster Platter - DRY RUBBERY TASTELESS & BORING!

 

Oj Says: Food is terrible, unless you wanna have fish and chips?! maybe?! and nothing so special about the experience, if you guys craving fresh seafood pay SAMMACH a visit! what to eat at SAMMACH? ask me!

Food Rating: 3/10

Overall Experience: TOTALLY Disappointed

 

 

xx,

Oj

 

Seville's - Spanish

Seville's - Wafi City - Dubai

Among the very few Spanish restaurants in Dubai, I find Seville's the best when it come to Paella, not that their Paella is the best I've ever had, but the best in town so far, on the other hand the worst when it comes to tapas and drinks. Service is Ok, not too helpful though.

My last visit - Saturday Lunch Buffet 

Two Spanish guitarists

 

Selection of tapas - Sausages were ok, Shrimps were tasteless (noticed the canned mushroom? Eh!!)

Mashed Potatoes with a Roasted Quail Leg (This was so balanced, the sweetness of the potatoes and the saltiness of the quail - just Fantastic)

Cannot say this Paella tasted just like the one I had in Spain, but well it was really good!

Enjoyed the terrace, now that the weather has changed

Ordered some kinda special drink (as waiter recommended) - was just colored 7up! How impressive!

Oj Says: The place to go if you are a Paella fan, and if you guys really wanna try this place out then Saturday Lunch Buffet is the way!

Food Rating: 5.5/10
Overall Experience: *Blank Face*

xx,
Oj

Hadoota Masreya Restaurant - Egyptian

Hadoota Masreya Restaurant - Sheikh Zayed Road – Dubai
As a huge fan of Egyptian cuisine I was flattered when Shamsa Lootah (a big-time foodie and an amazing friend) mentioned Hadoota Masreya on her twitter page, got me all excited to try this new place.
Been there 4 times so far, big menu, lots of delicious choices and food just keeps getting better. On the other hand, service is really slow; you've got to be patient (I can't believe I'm saying this!! LOL)

Few pictures of the place:

 

 

Breakfast at Hadoota:

 



Egyptian Shakshuka - sizzling hot slow-cooked fava beans topped with an egg (YUMMY)

Hadoota Masreya's Special breakfast: 3 pieces of Flat Egyptian Tameya/Falafel (crispy from the outside, fluffy and flavorful from the inside, perfectly fried), Egyptian Fetta Cheese with Tomato's, Egyptian Fava Beans known as Foul, and some Tahini & Honey Dip - (Delicious, perfect portion for one)

Tow eggs your style: Mine is  Sunny side up with Egyptian Pastrami (Super Tasty - i'm drooling over my keyboard, wish i can have this ALL the time)

Heavenly!!

 Feteer Meshaltet - Flaky layered dough topped with cream cheese and some honey on the side (Honestly speaking, this is the best feteer i've had so far in the UAE)

 

all the above should be knocked back with a cup of mint tea - The Egyptian way!

Lunch at Hadoota:

Complementary Karkadé

Egyptian Mango Juice (LOVE)

Complementary Dips

Mahshy Kromb - Stuffed Cabbage (Highly Recommended, tastes exactly like homemade)

Rice-stuffed sausages called Mombar - Crispy sausage skin, the stuffing is a bit dry though, i think it needs some kinda dipping sauce

Pastrami Feteer - Flaky layered dough stuffed with Egyptian Pastrami

Egyptian Style Fattah - the vegetarian version of fattah, it's usually cooked with veal cubes (this is comfort food, but was my least favorite dish)

 

Oj Says: I always leave with a full belly and a happy face, soon will be back for desserts!

Food Rating: 9.5/10
Overall Experience: On cloud nine! *lil dance of JOY*

xx,
Oj

Gary Rhodes's Signature Afternoon Tea

Rhodes in Residence - Lobby level of Grosvenor House Tower Two - Dubai Marina
Although I had a bad experience a year back at Rhodes Mezzanine for serving cold main courses for dinner, but that didn’t stop me from wanting to try Gary's afternoon tea.

Fortunately, I was totally pleased; we were warmly welcomed, seated promptly in a nice table by the piano. Everything was perfect that afternoon, and food was SUPERB and plentiful!
 

Finger Sandwiches (Cucumber creme faiche, Quile's egg, Smoked salmon, Lemon chicken, and Roast beef)

Special savoury of the day (Cream cheese, onion and herb croque monsieur & Duck and cranberry pasties)

Roast beef cooked to perfection!

Cream cheese croque monsieur was so good!

Homemade Scones - wasn't my favorite

Red berry Eton mess - Yummy

Warm raspberry buttered crumpets - Nothing could be more British!

Cakes (Warm honey Dundee cakes, Chocolate muffins, Lemon & Bluberry cakes, and finally Victoria Sponge)

All cakes were perfectly baked

a special complementary treat - mini homemade creamy strawberry ice-cream cones

No, ice-cream wasn't the only treat - Thanks Rhodes for the generosity!

Oj Says: Definitely one of my fav afternoon teas in Dubai, but be careful that’s plenty of food!
Food Rating: 9/10
Overall Experience: Happy, like REALLY HAPPY!

xx,
Oj