Dubai Special Part 1: Caramel Restaurant and Lounge bar

Introduction

My two week work trip to Dubai left me plenty of opportunity to check out the different types of cuisines this international city has to offer.  I thought it would be a great idea to share some of the foods I sampled and the style and culture of Dubai.

Caramel restaurant and lounge bar

I was lucky to have come across Caramel, a plush restaurant and bar offering a variety of modern style cuisine. Once I stepped inside, I immediately felt relaxed and was impressed with the design of the decor. It was slightly dark and lighting was dim yet the restaurant and bar breathed elegance.

The menu allows one to choose from small plates for this wanting just to munch or graze or main dishes for those that is always hungry. The selection on the menu is very modern and there is something for everyone ranging from spicy tuna roll (small plates) to herb braised lamb shank. I did have trouble choosing which to go for as I really could have tried them all.

I definitely would want Caramel to come to London as later I found out that this was a Las Vegas owned restaurant. I have been told it gets busier as the evening unfolds and it is a place to come for drinks if you work near the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC).

I finally chose the seared Chilean seabass which came with rock shrimp risotto, lobster broth, tomato basil tapenade while my friend chose the pan roasted Scottish Salmon with veal bacon and white bean salad buttered asparagus and lemon beurre blanc.

                                                         Chilean Seabass

                                                        Scottish Salmon                                              

                                                           Spinach          

Chocolate raspberry mousse cake

Having tasted both of the dishes, both the fish was pan fried beautifully, leaving the fish to be tender and moist inside and crispy on the outside. The lobster broth in my dish really brought out the sweet freshness of the lobster together with my seabass.

A side dish of sautéed spinach was cooked to perfection and I preferred that garlic and shallots were used instead of butter. This meant it was less rich and so the main flavours were only coming from the main dishes.

The dessert was equally impressive and is very big. I needed to share and that is unusual for me!

The service was very attentive and professional. By the end of the night, I could see why it was doing well and I really think London needs more places like this that is relaxing but exciting at the same.

The portion size is very reasonable and left me very full. I miss this place and am hoping this will come to London!

Caramel is not cheap as the bill came to about £46 each including service charge but then again it is a very stylish and place to be seen restaurant and lounge bar.

o   2 main dishes: Scottish salmon and Chilean Seabass

o   Side dish: spinach

o   Dessert: Chocolate Raspberry mousse cake

o   x 1 Cocktail

o   x1 Mocktail

Address:

o    DIFC Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road