LEBANESE FOOD FROM DUBAI

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It is evening in Dubai and I just returned from dinner with Rashida from Carizma.
We went to a cafe and had a ton of arabic food including lamb kababs, tabouli, pickles (a big deal here), and lamb brains. That's correct, lamb brains. Not bad actually. A bit mushy but I find myself thinking very wooly thoughts since then. We concluded dinner with a hooka (surprisingly pleasant!), and tea.

My update on the day begins with a trip to the Mall of the Emirates. This is the HUGE Shopping mall with everything from a "Super Wal-Mart" type of store to benneton, to Baskin Robbins. EVERYthing I could imagine. This is the mall with the indoor ski slope. While I was there, the PA system broke in with the call to prayer. This happens 5 times a day and signals to Muslims that they need to stop what they are doing and kneel facing Mecca to pray. This is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. I noticed that no one actually did this at the mall, but you can't miss the call. In my hotel room (and any hotel room in the Middle East) there is a small green sticker on the window sill which points the direction of Mecca. Rashida told me that cell phones are set up to signal this direction as well.

I am quickly abandoning my notions of the Middle East as they apply to Dubai. This place is really open to everything. At the Mall I passed by women and men in traditional dress (veils, robes, etc.) to women dressed very provacatively and guys in jeans and T-shirts. There were lingere shops and places to buy veils. Everything. People here are used to and seemingly accepting of about any dress. This is good as I wore only my speedo swimsuit.

Jet lag hit me like a hammer today about 2:00 and I retired to the room for a big nap.

The haze I referred to earlier today is actually a sandstorm. It blocks much of the view of the city, but as I move around, I get a good look at what is a thriving, growing area. I heard today that 28% of the worlds construction cranes are here in Dubai.

Lebanese Restaurant in Dubai You Must Visit
Al Qasr is one of the best Lebanese restaurants in Dubai. At this fine establishment you can dine on the terrace, which overlooks the tropical pool below, or dine indoors for a more formal affair. The service is one to be marveled at and often tries to be emulated by other Dubai restaurants. The grilled minced lamb plate, mixed grill entrée and any of the Lebanese cuisine starters such as houmous and fattoush salad are sure to please. You will also find that when you consider the food and service you receive at Al Qasr, the price is reasonable as well.

Amaseena
The Ritz-Carlton is a name associated with class and elegance and Amaseena, a Lebanese buffet-style restaurant at the Ritz, is no different. Dine under large tents near the beach and have incredible food while enjoying out of this world ambience. Some of the dishes which must be tried include the fattoush salad, grilled shrimp and succulent lamb chops. It is a bit pricier than other Lebanese restaurants as one might expect but definitely worth the splurge.

Al Tannour
The Crowne Plaza is another upscale hotel which calls for upscale restaurants inside such an establishment and Al Tannour is one of them. With Lebanese fare which rivals most other restaurants in town, Al Tannour is a sure bet. The food items which often please the most discriminating of tastes at Al Tannour include the house specialty shish kebab and tender lamb chop entrée. Another reason to visit this restaurant is for the entertainment. A live band and belly dancers help to round off the experience.

Café Blanc
Café Blanc presents Lebanese food with a twist. Menu items which are sure to please your palate include the fattoush, mixed meat platter and the meghleh for dessert. As the food is delicious, the staff is quite good as well. Overall, a dining experience at Café Blanc is quite worthwhile.

Sidra
Sidra is the perfect spot to dine on delicious Lebanese cuisine while gathering with your friends for good conversation. Feel free to linger over your starters or dessert and make sure to enjoy main entrée favorites such as the Sidra grill, which features a good array of meats. Sidra is also reasonably priced which won't hurt your wallet too bad in the end either.

Shu
The extraordinary interior at Shu is what will first hold your attention upon entering the restaurant. With its brightly colored furniture and unique lighting setup, Shu will leave you spellbound for a few minutes, at least. That is until you try the food. All of the Lebanese favorites are served at Shu and done just perfectly. Some of the tried and true favorites include the falafel, sujok and tabbouleh.

Reem Al Bawadi
Very so often you will find a restaurant which covers all of the basics and then some. Such is the case with Reem Al Bawadi. At Reem Al Bawadi you will find fantastic Lebanese cuisine, particularly the fattoush salad and shish taouk, as well as friendly staff waiting to help you every step of the way without being overbearing. Also, at Reem Al Bawadi, feel free to linger and enjoy the sights while sipping on delicious beverages along the way.

Awafi
If dining poolside on delicious Lebanese cuisine is what you crave, Awafi is the place to go. The seating is set so there really is not a bad seat in the house. The staff is accommodating and the food never fails to please. Some great items to try include the spinach sambusak and flavorful fattoush. Top it off with one of the delicious fruit juices and you will be extremely pleased with all Awafi has to offer.

Ayam Zaman
Set in the Royal Ascot Hotel, Ayam Zaman has a little bit of everything for those searching for a Lebanese fare restaurant. The service is quite good as is the entertainment, a Lebanese signer and belly dancers entertain the crowd. The set menu provides you with various delectable treats, such as the hot and cold mezze platters. Good food and ambience make the Ayam Zaman a place to visit.

Fish Basket
Combining a plethora of fish entrees with Lebanese flair is Fish Basket. This restaurant in Oud Metha presents fish choices as far as the eye can see and great service to take care of your every need. The fattoush and houmous are delicious as is the vast array of other seafood choices such as prawns, crab and calamari. The seafood is fresh and cooked to
just what one would expect from a name like the Fish Basket.

 

Lebanese Restaurant Entrée
Arayes Kafta

Description Grilled Kafta
Ingredients

• 16 oz kafta
• 1½ pitta bread rounds, cut into 12 pieces
• 2 tbsp butter

Preparation

1. Spread some butter on the inner part of bread pieces.
2. Divide kafta into 12 portions.
3. Spread over buttered bread.
4. Put pieces in a grill or an oven at 200°C for 5 minutes or till kafta is cooked.
5. Serve hot with yoghurt.

Lebanese Falafel

Serves 4 - 6
Ingredients

• 1 cup dried broad beans
• 1 cup dried chick peas
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 4 cloves of garlic crushed
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tbs ground cumin
• 1 onion chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh coriander chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley chopped
• 1/4 tsp mixed spices
• Salt & pepper

Preparation
Soak the beans and the chick peas in water and bicarbonate of soda overnight or for 24 hours. Drain and wash. Put with the rest of the ingredients in a food processor, and blend till you get a soft dough like mixture. Remove and keep in the fridge for 1 hour before use. Divide and shape the mixture into small balls, the size of a wallnut. Flatten with your hand, then deep fry in hot oil till golden brown. Serve warm, rolled in pitta bread, with added salad and Tarator.

Tips
Tinned broad beans and chick peas work well in this recipe so if you dont have time, just use 1 tin (400g) of each

 

Lebanese Tabbouleh

 
Ingredients

• 1/2 c Fine grain cracked wheat
• 1/2 c Finely chopped onion
• 1/2 ts Allspice
• 1/2 ts Pepper
• 1 ts Salt; or to taste
• 3 c Finely chopped parsley
• 1/2 c Finely chopped scallions
• 2 c Finely chopped ripe tomatoes
• 1 1/2 c Fresh spearmint leaves
• 1/2 c Fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 c Olive oil

Preparation
RINSE THE CRACKED WHEAT several times then cover with water by 1/2-inch and let soak for 20 minutes, then drain well, squeezing out excess water. Combine minced onion with the allspice, pepper and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine the parsley, scallions, tomatoes and mint. Gently fold in the drained wheat and refrigerate until an hour before serving. Just before serving, stir in the seasoned onion and dress with lemon juice and oil to taste.

 

Grilled Minted Lamb Chops

 
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients: 

• 4 (about 1 pound) lamb rib chops
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, coarsely chopped 
• 2 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoons water
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh grated ginger root
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (for garnish) 

Preparation:

1. Trim off excess fat from chops. Place chops in a shallow dish and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, combine the mint, lemon juice, oil, water, ginger, paprika, cumin, cayenne and garlic. Mix well then pour over lamb chops, covering both sides. Cover dish with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.
3. Remove chops from dish and discard marinade.
4. Prepare grill until coals are hot. Grill chops until desired doneness, turning once. Lamb chops are cooked when the center of the thickest part is at least 140ºF measured with a metal stem meat thermometer. For more information on the proper cooking of meats, see the Danger Zone.
5. Transfer lamb chops to a platter and sprinkle with the chopped fresh mint and serve.

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