Hello November, albeit a little late. For good reason though.
A trio of dining experiences this month. Plus a new British brasserie...and book!
From one dining experience to another. Actually three events this month. All are ticketed so you’re able to join, should you wish.
You will know I am a big fan of super woman Natasha Sideris of Tashas Group and her restaurant concepts, recently featured in my Where Restaurateurs Eat column. With Natasha, we’re hosting acclaimed cookbook author, Finnish-Greek-Cypriot Tessa Kiros who I first met and interviewed a decade ago here in Dubai on a visit from her dreamy Tuscan home. Both pictured above. To add to Tessa’s multi-cultural heritage, she was born in London and raised in South Africa. We’re curating two lunch experiences, whilst I moderate conversations with Tessa and Natasha. Both events will touch upon Tessa’s new cookbook hot-off-the-press Now & Then, with copies personally signed by Tessa.
20th November, 12.30 - 3pm at Avli, DIFC. A smörgåsbord buffet-style menu and conversation are themed around Tessa’s cookbook and my go-to Greek cooking bible, Food From Many Greek Kitchens. Booking info ⬇️
22nd November, 12.30 - 3pm at Flamingo Room, Jumeirah Al Naseem. A smörgåsbord buffet-style menu and conversation are centred around Tessa’s cookbook, Falling Cloudberries. Booking info ⬇️
Meanwhile…for my third event this month, I am bringing together our homegrown chef talent. Something I’ve been working on behind-the-scenes. A five-part series of Dining Duets pairing chef Lily of Vietnamese Foodies with five different Dubai-based chefs over ticketed dinners at their restaurants. The first event was hosted by chef Reif Othman at his Korean restaurant, Hoe Lee Kow last month. And the next dinner sees chef Lily cooking at 3Fils with chef Jhovani Manalo on 27th November, 7pm. Expect a seven-course Vietnamese-Japanese menu. Booking here ⬇️
I’ve been dining…
I had every intention of reviewing a new British brasserie, The Spaniel at Bluewaters, but my cover was blown as soon as I walked in. I need to start thinking about a disguise. The bill was comped and even though we left a generous tip, a fair review is impossible. So, instead, some highlights from me here. What can you expect?
A homegrown concept by the team behind The Ivy, Rivi and Marina Social. A two-storey restaurant and bar in Bluewaters ‘mall’, to the left of the entrance. Licensed.
I love a steak tartare that lets you mix in the yolk. And charred sourdough, spread, with, wait for this…beef dripping. Yes please. Aged Parmesan is shaved table-side. A buttery chicken liver and foie gras parfait of dreams, with a doorstopper of a toasted brioche. A novel presentation for the scotch egg, as you can see pictured above. Roast Wagyu beef for Mr S with all the trimmings, served all day on weekends. And an apple crumble that could benefit from a tad more crumble.
For the first time here in Dubai, I spotted a Breakfast Martini on the cocktail list. For dinner. With the orange marmalade made in-house.
The Spaniel’s well-engineered menu boasts many compelling dishes, making it easy to return time and time again for new fare. I have always loved the ease of access to Bluewaters, parking included, and, for many of us, it’s the right side of town.
I’ve been reading…
If you don’t know UK-based Frenchman Fred Sirieix, then now you do 😜 This ex-maître d' turned TV presenter’s new book Seriously British is a love letter to Britain, food and wine chapters included. An easy, delightful read. You can feel his sexy French-English accent bouncing off the pages.
In the media…
I’ve been on quite a few podcasts since they became a thing, but never one that has gone viral on Instagram, like this one, Travel Stories with Moush - all about my go-to foodie destinations. If you’re in need of culinary travel inspiration, have a listen.
I had the privilege of working on a very special project over the last couple of months. Jumeirah invited me to run a session at its Global Leaders Forum addressing the definition of a successful restaurant. I brought in Claudia de Brito from 50 Best and we hosted a live conversation on stage over many a controversial topic. Just my cup of tea 😜
Some housekeeping…
I have finally got round to categorising all these newsletters to help you when searching for something specific. The home page now has tabs for Restaurant Reviews; Where Restaurateurs Eat Columns; Culinary Travel Guides; and News Bites.
In addition, you’ll see a bunch of other links including my main FooDiva website; online meeting requests; and FooDiva-curated events.
You may have missed…
My 2024 guide to Dubai’s top restaurants. A record 45 homegrown concepts. Paid subscribers also receive a PDF of this guide.
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 consider an annual subscription to this newsletter with the added bonus of breaking news, advance notice of my dining experiences, invitations to special events, and more perks! You’ll have my forever love.
As this despicable genocide intensifies across the region, I leave you with my unwavering hope for a free Palestine and Lebanon 🇱🇧🇵🇸🍉🕊️
FooDiva. x