A new restaurant serving solely seafood
Restaurant reviews. My anti-Valentine's top tip. Food news bites.
Hello much-appreciated new and existing subscribers :) If you’ve just joined my Substack community, scroll to the end for links to recent newsletters, guides and reviews.
My anti-Valentine’s top tip
February is Valentine’s month. I shared a tip on Instagram stories that hugely resonated with followers, so you might too :) Please do not waste your money dining out on over-priced set menus. The same rule applies to new year’s eve. Stay at home on the 14th, order in - and if you wish to celebrate with a special occasion meal, venture out another day. It doesn’t even fall on a weekend, after all ;) Admittedly, a few restaurants are offering à la carte - but do you really want to be surrounded by cringe-worthy diners?
If you’re searching for a novel Valentine’s foodie gift, I spotted this genius alternative to panettone - a pizzattone! Savoury, of course. Who knew? AED140. At Odeon deli. And whilst you’re there, order a seafood platter with oysters delivered shucked.
Whatever you decide to do, sending you all lots of love :)
I’ve been reviewing…
A new restaurant in Dubai serving SOLELY seafood. And a few veggie dishes. But ZERO meat. Not even one single dish. Fish restaurants in Dubai typically feature a couple of meat dishes to appease those in a group booking who might dislike seafood. So this concept is a rare, refreshing find here, and brave move.
Bordomavi Seafood is the latest opening by the 3Fils-cum-Brix team and a Turkish fishmonger, located on the same Jumeirah Fishing Harbour strip. Much of the seafood is sourced sustainably from the Black Sea including prized flying fish and turbot. Have a read of the review HERE.
What do you reckon? Is a seafood-only menu off-putting?
The next #ThreeChefsDinner
I revealed the line-up and venue for the #ThreeChefsDinner last week to this community and my subscriber-base, selling out. Paid subscribers received a heads up to book 24 hours in advance (one of the many perks!). 5th March with a modern Greek culinary theme. My most requested cuisine to date. At Mythos Urban Greek Eatery in City Walk’s C2 Licensed District with chefs Yiannis Katsikas of Kyma on canapés and starters; host chef Ilias Kokoroskos on mains; and Tim Newton of Opa on desserts. We are taking a waiting list. Spots do open up, so if you’re keen to join, please email or message your full name, number of guests, mobile number and email.
I’ve been dining at…
A reminder that all meals in this newsletter and on my website always abide by my no-freebies, no-invitation review policy. It’s quite simple - no receipt means no review and no mention in this newsletter.
There’s a second Ninive in town. Well slightly out actually…in the desert. At Bab Al Shams. A 40-minute drive from Media City end of town, which, frankly, is a lot less these days than to DIFC. Open daily from 4pm. Pop in to the sundowner bar, Anwa, for an aperitif first.
When our Careem bike ride across Dubai was scuppered due to the windy weather over the weekend, we introduced our friends to a late breakfast at jam-packed, Palestinian-owned Three by Eva.
For Dubai’s best Mexican, Lila Taqueria. Where the tacos are hand-pressed in-house. Don’t miss ordering the signature ‘al pastor’ spit-roasted lamb shoulder, only available 3pm onwards. If you live within its delivery radius, the tacos also travel well.
This coming Friday (9th February) is International Pizza Day. My top restaurant guide lists my go-to pizzeria for a Neapolitan sourdough cornicione (Blu) - as well as my top three for delivery. I marked the occasion early last night with visiting friends, ordering the Roman-style crust from PitFire. And legendary garlic butter knots, of course. A licensed Pitfire in Dubai Hills Business Park is set to open pronto.
More outings continue on my Instagram stories.
I’ve been listening…
I was back on Dubai Eye 103.8FM chatting no-freebies dining, credit card confirmations, and my top restaurant guide. Podcast HERE from the 48min mark.
You may have missed…
My welcome launch newsletter. A special edition newsletter in support of all things Palestinian. The November newsletter; December’s; and January’s.
My 2024 guide to Dubai’s top restaurants. A record 45 homegrown concepts. Paid subscribers also receive this as a PDF.
I update My Little Pink Lifestyle Book with new finds every month.
A private one-hour Zoom call with me to pick my brains. More info here for F&B industry enquiries - and here for foodie/ diner queries.
Looking for a gift for a foodie friend? Perhaps an annual subscription to this newsletter and the added perks.
A bientôt,
FooDiva. x
I leave you with this pic of the sunset at Nikki Beach resort after a serene pool day.
