The Opening of Nofara Cafe at JLT | Dubai

Last Monday night we had the privilege to take part in Nofara Cafe’s grand opening at Jumeirah Lake Towers.

We anticipated to arrive at seven however as a result of taxi driver confusion, we ended up on the wrong side of JLT, heading to Abu Dhabi.

Despite the predicament that we found ourselves in, we walked for 20 minutes until we saw our landmark – the large-blue-full-glass building with the ‘Swiss Tower’ sign on top of it, as well as the big “DAMAS” store on the opposite side of the road. The location is not far from Dubai Marina metro station on the JLT side.

Our 20-minute walk was worth it when we finally arrived at the place. The cafe fills a big indoor space with full glass walls on the side, it is brightly lit at night. The interiors have a modern but homely touch to their design, just perfect for lounging and chilling out. They also have a shisha area and outdoor seating facing the lake. The interior, complete with chalkboards and tasty looking home-baked goods on display, reminded my partner of Organic Cafes which are currently very popular in the UK.

We are very grateful to Ms Lindi and the rest of her team for their invite. They were great hosts, with their fantastic staff always looking after us and topping us up with refreshing drinks and tasty samplers from the menu.

The theme of Nofara’s menu is Organic Homemade style food with an Arabic twist. We sampled a great variety of dishes, including a very tasty Mousaka (our favourite), Moroccan style chicken, Parceled Hammour, Cumin Beef and some sandwiches (chicken pesto and lamb meatloaf). Their drinks were super refreshing, the most memorable being an apple mojito with fresh apple pieces floating in it.

For desserts, the Arabic/Eastern influence was definitely noticeable, sumptuous chocolate brownies and cupcakes infused with flavours such as Turkish delight and pistachio. My partner has just returned from Istanbul and it felt like a revisit for him!

The prices are very reasonable, main meals are around 35-50 AED, fresh fruit drinks are under 20 AED and cakes are generally priced from 15-20 AED. No more than you would see in similar organic style cafes around town.

They also have a tie up with “Ripe”, a service that is really getting popular in the UAE, where people can order fresh organic veg and fruit delivered to their door. You can place your orders from Nofara and I believe you can also arrange to pick up from there too.

For all the food we were generously provided with, you could really taste the freshness in the vegetables/fruit and the warm meals felt like they could easily have been cooked at home by a loving mother.

As a big fan of the Lime Tree Café, I am excited at the prospect of seeing Organic style eateries such as the excellent Nofara Café popping up in Dubai – for us customers, this is only a good thing!

On our exit, we were given a cute little goody bag containing Turkish delights, coffee beans and some materials about the Café. A lovely way to say goodbye to a fantastic visit.

Of course, having been treated so well by the Nofara team, it’s no surprise we will speak such good words! There’s only one way to find out if we’re speaking the truth…

P.S. Let me know of your favourite organic style café in the UAE!

Fiesta Bistro Cafe at Spinneys Burjuman

Nothing beats the convenience and easy access to our weekend breakfast nook at Fiesta Cafe. Since the weather is turning a bit warmer these days we opt to dine in a walking distance place.

I love the al fresco setting of Fiesta Cafe. The cafe is just the same building as Spinneys and has indoor and outdoor dining areas. Beside it are McDonalds and Max Fried Chicken Restaurant.

The chairs are soft and comfy and the sun brights up the whole place that makes you appreciate mornings. Boyfriend doesn’t normally like mornings but with the idea of having yummy breakfast served in front of us makes him want to wake up.
Aside from breakfast they offer gourmet selections and other menu. Which you can find here.

The amount served per meal is just the right portion for me and it’s very cheap! Their coffee is 10 dirhams but you can ask for refills which is very good.

Feista’s Original Breakfast
Two eggs any style (poached, scrambled or fried) with grilled tomato, grilled mushrooms, hash browns and your choice of toast along with two pieces of turkey bacon or chicken sausage.
AED 26.00

My first time to try their wild berries fruit juice and it was heaven!

Last week we had our breakfast there and we noticed that they forgot to charge us for the two coffee. We asked the staff and their store manager approached us and said that there’s no need to pay for it. We thank him with a big smile on our faces. We are so grateful for the complimentary. He probably noticed us frequently visiting the cafe.

I say businesses should always be like that. Just a small thing can make a huge difference in gaining loyal customers. It’s not about high sales but it’s how you value your customers and that gives a good impression that will keep them coming back.

Expect a loyal customer from us Fiesta Cafe.
Fiesta Bistro
Trade Centre Road, Dubai
Ph : 04 3664682
email : info@fiestacafe.com
Working Time : 8:00 AM to 11:30PM

Newly Opened Dosa Plaza – Karama | Dubai

Dosa Plaza finally opened it’s doors for customers. It’s taking them a while to  launch it’s grand opening, until now. So this is one of my anticipated event – to try some of their massive selections of dosas!

The first time I had is in a vegetarian restaurant somewhere in Marina that it left me with an insane craving ever since. I never thought that a simple dish could be so delectable.

The smell is so enticing plus an array of delicious chutneys are served. Just the perfect combination for a meal.

Dosa Plaza is one of India’s fastest growing food chain serving south Indian cuisine. It offers world’s widest menu and with 104 varieties of dosas to choose from.  Catering  internationally with countries such as USA and UK. 

The restaurant is located  just beside the ever busy Pizza Hut during weekends and across Centrepoint.

I must say that I am totally in love with Dosa. Can’t wait to go back!

 

Tony Roma’s Restaurant | Sheikh Zayed Road

Once upon a lazy Saturday, dearest boyfriend realises that he has been sulking for hours with his laptop on until finally decided to go out and do something productive. Coffee shop hopping is the first thing to pop up on our mind.

I’ve been wanting to visit this cute little coffee shop somewhere in DIFC but we end up stopping by at World Trade Center Station where the wander begun. We were strolling from Dubai side which is the opposite of Crowne Plaza. A bit lost and uncertain to where we are heading we found an interesting shortcut tunnel which is an access to cross the huge road of Sheikh Zayed to the other side. It’s like a wee adventure, discovering a shortcut tunnel.

After we reached the end, we are then facing Crown Plaza Hotel, while tiling my head to the left my breath was caught up by the scenic view of the towers piled up on each side of the longest road in Dubai. City lights brlliantly shining and feasts my eyes. Such a wonderful feeling to see this remarkable man made toy-look-a-like .

On our way, we spotted some Indians filming along the side of the road. Being nosy we hang out a bit and suddenly realising that we needed to get food.

So the story ends with food. We went to try out Tony Romas. A steak house diner, same building as Sahara Tower. I have noticed this one many times while passing SZR but have never had the chance to try it until that night. Tony Romas are famous for grills, chicken, steak, seafood and burgers, more of like American diner.

They welcomed us with complimentary chips with salsa dip sauce.

We ordered for one portion of Shrimp Scampi and Roasted garlic and rosemary chicken.

Shrimp Scampi

Served with a Farfalle Pasta Chicken breast crisped golden brown, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. Served with Alfredo pasta.

Roasted garlic and rosemary chicken.

Two grilled chicken breasts smothered in Roasted Garlic & Rosemary BBQ sauce and sprinkled with grated Romano cheese.  Served with rice and mixed vegetables.

The portions are really big and are of good quality and for that we are solved. It doesn’t require us to order antipasti or dessert. Excellent service as well as the staff being so accommodating. We will definitely go back and will highly recommend this one. The price isn’t too bad as the food is reasonably worth the try.

Kimchikin (Bonchon) The best Korean fast food chain in Dubai

Hail to Kimchikin! As always Kimchikin never cease to amaze me. The undisputed best fast food chain in Dubai  after boyfriend introduced it and became my number one top list for delivery inspite the fact that I just live 5 minutes away. Lucky me to live in a place surrounded by these oh-so-gloriously-enticing food!

Kimchikin, formerly known as BonChon is a contemporary Korean restaurant serving the best chicken in Dubai. It has been voted as the 2010 Best Take Out Restaurant in the city.

The shop is situated next door from KFC and is beside Bobavoom (beside Park Regis Hotel). It has a Korean colorful touch which I find very cute and adoring. LCD tv is hung on the wall and features K-pop music videos. On the opposite side you will see sticky notes posted on the entire wall written from some of the visitors who came. It makes the place look lively and vibrant.

As opposed to Dubai’s massive unhealthy fast food chain – Kimchikin uses a unique method of cooking by double frying the chicken in a low temperature using trans-fat-free oil. It means enjoying your food without much guilt.

The famous chicken soy is crispy and tender juicy on the inside. There’s this special sauce that will keep you coming back for more. The kimchi coleslaw is a perfect side that goes well with the chicken leaving your mouth with a taste of magic.

For this picture I have ordered a chicken soy meal that includes a side dish, kimchi coleslaw and rice. Total bill isAED 26.00.

I hope to leave you drooling after reading this post 🙂

Free home delivery (only within Dubai)
Landline: +971(4)3977650
Mobile: +971 552662466
Blackberry PIN: 220A6A21

Location: Shop #5-6 Al Shafar Building, 65 Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road, PO Box 124583, Dubai, UAE. (Trade Centre Road opposite Spinneys and Max’s Restaurant)

A taste of IHOP pancakes in Mall of the Emirates

Pancakes and an unlimited coffee for breakfast- sounds lovely is’nt it? so to Mall of the Emirates we go. We agreed on spending our lazy Saturday morning breakfast at the restaurant.

IHOP, known as The International House of Pancakes, is an American based restaurant chain that specialises in breakfast foods. It’s best known for its signature pancakes, omelettes and other breakfast specialties and are also offering a menu of lunch and dinner items.

IHOP restaurant looks like the typical american diner. The staff are nice and accommodating. We arrive early noon but the place was already full packed. Surprisingly, it didn’t take long for our order to arrive which is a good start.

Here’s what we order:

• Breakfast Sampler

two eggs, bacon strips, beef ham, veal sausage links, and golden hash browns and buttermilk pancakes

• Original french toast

six fluffy triangle-shaped slices topped with whipped butter and powdered sugar

• and an unlimited coffee pot

I can say it really is an American chain knowing their common trademark of having food mixed with sweet and savoury taste.

The buttermilk pancakes were soft and fluffy just like their french toast. I like the french toast more. They have varieties of fruit-flavoured syrup but I seemed to like none of them. It has a weird taste which I find it not a good combination for the pancakes. I’d rather stick to the original one. It’s a good way that they are serving unlimited coffee as it is not common in Dubai – we really enjoyed it. We suddenly thought that it’s a very good idea that cafe’s in Dubai should start serving unlimited coffee. That’ll be awesome.

For the feedback, we find it quite a bit pricey for the portion. The sausages were too tiny while hash brown is dominating the whole meal.

It’s not a good impression for a first comer like us but we are still considering on going back in the future or maybe try the rest of their menu. Well, to sum it all, it was fun and a good try out.

Location: Mall of the Emirates, Barsha, Dubai
Tel: 04 385 0891
Travel: Sheikh Zayed Road
Times: Open daily 8am-midnight