Abi:original - If you aren't original, what are you?

Location is everything.  Not every eatery can offer scenic views to its guests. Fish and Bread in the UAE, offers all this and much more. Situated at the heart of Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, this modest eatery offers the most delectable South Indian, Italian and Arabic meals. Many visitors choose to catch the sunset, while others sit under the stars and dine here, amid the backdrop of fountains and greenery. The service is quick and friendly. Appetizers include salt and pepper crispy squid or golden calamari. For mains, the Chemmeen Manga curry is a must try. It is made with raw mango and prawns and is served in a clay pot and is bursting with flavour. It is paired with steamed white rice. Another particularly tempting dish is the beef parotha. Made in authentic South Indian flavours, it is a medley of rich flavours which bursts in your mouth. Instead of the usual chapatti, you may want to try the Tapioca bread or 'Kappa,' which can be paired wit...

Many people from my home country, India often say that Dubai is so much like home. That is pretty accurate. With so many residents from the sub-continent and a plethora of Indian dining options, it is easy to forget that home-sick feeling. One venue that pulls out all the stops offering an authentic Indian dining option, is Bar Baar. This fun gastronomic pub located at Majestic Hotel, Bur Dubai, is designed in a colourful desi-style. From various comfy couches, to film posters and an array of mouth - watering treats, the venue is sure to leave you delighted. We actually dined on an old carrom board! The Thela Bar Baar brunch is set up on Fridays from 1pm to 4pm and is priced at Dhs. 99 without drinks. With live music and a few brightly lit up food stalls, I knew we were in for a treat when we walked in. Lovers of spirits can try the brunch for Dhs. 199 and premium spirits at Dhs. 259 respectively. Choose from a varied quirky selection of 65 dishes from savoury snacks to main...

When we first get to the entrance of Blaze Burgers, the sign on the door has a rather hilarious sign. 'No stupid people beyond this point.' Its a pretty bold statement to make for an eatery that's barely opened five months ago. This premium burger joint has met tremendous fame in Bahrain and is now receiving a lot of attention in the UAE. Something tells me that this was going to be a fun venue. We choose the outdoor seating to soak in the January weather. Located amid the bustling scene of The Walk at JBR. To me it resembles Beverly Hills, where luxury cars and fashionably dressed people brush past each other. We are literally a stone’s throw away from the beach access. In the distance an outdoor foos-ball table is set up for the public and teenagers are having a game. There’s an outdoor theatre in the vicinity and everyone seems to be on a mission to make their weekend matter. Soon our focus soon shifts to the spread prepared by the staff at ...

It has been a special summer but what made it even brighter was a staycation at Centro Barsha. After a particularly busy week, a relaxing hotel stay was a heaven sent.  Centro Barsha is centrally located and about a six-minute walk from Sharaf DG metro station. It is just 8km from the Mall of the Emirates as well. The lobby of the hotel bears a stylish, uncluttered look. We were greeted by Faisan who was extremely efficient and kind. We could not wait to see our room.  Located on the 6 th  floor, our room had an attached suite. It truly felt like home. Not one, but two television sets spelt ‘excitement’ for my family. Finally, there would be no arguments on what we could watch on the telly.  Managed by the Rotana group, Centro Barsha pitches itself as a business hotel. The pricing is modest and there are 245 rooms in all. The hotel has a swimming pool which was the highlight of my stay. Situated on the rooftop, with a separate outdoor seating area...

If you’ve lived in this region, a brunch is probably something you’ve been to. For the unacquainted, it is a combination of breakfast and a hearty lunch spread over approximately four hours. From noon till about 4pm. Most brunches are held on Fridays -- the weekend for residents here. There is no shortage of food and beverage in most venues. Some brunches organise activities for families with children.      We visited the brunch held at Park Regis hotel in their restaurant called Kris with a View. True to its name, the view was certainly one of the best highlights. It is located on the 19 th floor of the hotel. One can gaze at the heart of Dubai with its metro and iconic landmarks in the far distance. There are a lot of venues in this exciting city that have stood the test of time. For me, these are establishments that are worth visiting time and again. As the venue filled in, it didn’t take long to realise that this brunch is particularly popular wit...

  Ab:original checks out the latest dining venue on Dubai Marina.  Wh en you don’t know anything about Persian cuisine you go with the flow. Luckily I am always willing to learn and I have a weakness for good food. It is why I love to travel and explore new countries and opportunities. On this occasion I   got to meet what could arguably be the first man in Iranian cuisine in Dubai, Chef Ebrahim. He is unobtrusive. Almost childlike when we first meet. Addresses my husband at first and I soon realise it is because most women he meets would never really dare to ask too many questions. There’s an air of respect that I admire and it is good to listen to the banter that ensues. The food that is laid on the table is all fresh. I can see a few drops of water on the crisp green grapes that are laid on the table. They are put right next to fresh cheese and walnuts all waiting to be eaten. If this isn’t sheer poetry, I don’t know what is. W...

If there’s one place my family simply loves to frequent when hunger strikes, it has got to be China Kitchen. The evidence of our repeated visits is shown by the staff who always greet us with hearty smiles whenever we walk through the door. Tucked away in a quiet lane on Hamad Al Mubarak Street, China Kitchen isn’t one of those places that scream for attention. It doesn’t need to. With a steady stream of regular visitors and plenty of take away requests, they seem to be in pretty good shape. This is a cosy little place with a pleasant ambience where the food will definitely be worth what you pay. The line on their menu sums it up perfectly - ‘Small in size, big in taste.’ For starters, we almost always go for the Steamed Dumplings, either chicken or beef. (The restaurant also offers shrimp). What makes these dumplings irresistible is the unique sauce that accompanies them. They also have a number of other starters such as Sesame Prawn on toast, besides soups and a variety of spring rol...