Crab Festival at Chimes Far Eastern Restaurant

I've been to Singapore twice - first time was with my Uncle Dad and it was also the first time that I got to taste the famous Chili Crabs it was so good! My 2nd trip was with my boys (LittleMan V and Daddy C) sadly during this trip we didn't get the chance to enjoy them crabs.

Mud crab is not widely available in our local Dubai market, it's one of the things I miss from my hometown-Davao. I grew up having a seafood feast every weekend which my whole clan enjoys. A simple steamed garlic crab dish eaten with rice using our hands and ice cold Coke just makes me so so happy!

Social House

After passing by the restaurant several times in each of our Dubai Mall visit we have finally dined at Social House.

For appetizer we had the restaurant's best seller-Dragon Roll (dhs 55)

[caption id="attachment_1900" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Social House - Dragon Roll[/caption]

I was craving for some noodle dish and ordered Chicken Ramen (dhs 58)

Daddy C ordered Seabass Fettuccine (dhs 59)

Kuya V and LittleMiss didn't get to try the kids menu since both were sleeping.

Daddy C and I enjoyed a quiet dinner while the kiddo's are eating and we surely did enjoy every bite.

Total bill: dhs 198 (includes 1 bottled water)

Rainforest Cafe

Eat, watch fountain show, visit footlocker, and say “Hi” to the crocodile – sums’ up our visit to Dubai Mall.

Crocodile! In the mall? Yes, a big one welcomes mall visitors as they pass by Rainforest Café.

This is our second time dining in the café and on both visit we celebrated something special. First visit was to celebrate V’s 3^rd birthday and this time to congratulate him for doing a good job in school.

Thursday morning we told him that Dad and I had a surprise because he is a super big brother and for doing good in school. He immediately though of his SkyLander Giants collection and started talking about the characters he wants to buy. I told him it was not a toy but we are sure he’s going to love the surprise.

V was obviously excited that even the bus nanny told us that he can’t stop talking about the special surprise gift we have for him, he played a guessing game with his bus friends.

We walked our usual Dubai mall trail and when he saw me stop right in front of the crocodile (or is it an alligator) V gasped “Oh! I know! We are going to eat here?! It’s my surprise?!”

V got to choose where to sit and of course he wanted to sit near the fishes.  Inside Rainforest Café you get a good view of the Dubai Mall aquarium, one of the divers welcomed us with a wave.

[caption id="attachment_1851" align="aligncenter" width="540"] photo captured using FujiFilm X20[/caption]

Our table was near the aquarium across the rainforest animals which was just perfect for us to enjoy a "jungle animal show" which happens every 30 minutes. During this time the animals (monkeys, elephants, and snakes) come alive making noises along with the sound of rain and thunder. LittleMiss C was screaming with them as well hehehe.

[caption id="attachment_1855" align="aligncenter" width="490"] photo captured using Iphone 5 Panorama[/caption]

Our server for the night, Abegail took our orders and suggested to have V's food serve along with the appetizer that we ordered. Manager for the night Mr. Mohammed made sure that we were comfortable, he also did visit other guests as well.

Appetizer: Pita Quesadillas

Daddy C and I enjoyed every bite the filling was full of meat, cheesy and tasty. I didn't mind the thickness of the pita bread but Daddy C would have liked a thinner bread.

[caption id="attachment_1853" align="aligncenter" width="540"] photo captured using FujiFilm X20[/caption]

V's Kid Meal: Poppin' Shrimp

The meal came along with a Apple juice that was served in a spill proof cup. V enjoyed his shrimps and finished the whole bowl and described it as "crunchy outside, soft and yummy inside"

[caption id="attachment_1854" align="aligncenter" width="540"] photo captured using FujiFilm X20[/caption]

Mom's Main Dish: TBone Steak

Daddy C mistakenly requested medium well (I prefer med-rare) but surprisingly the "done-ness" of the steak was tender enough for my liking despite it being med-well. I also ordered Mango Monkey juice drink.

[caption id="attachment_1857" align="aligncenter" width="540"] photo captured using Iphone 5[/caption]

Daddy's Main Dish: Steak and Shrimps

Daddy C ordered the winning dish on our table, he particularly enjoyed the buttered shrimp.

[caption id="attachment_1858" align="aligncenter" width="540"] photo captured using FujiFilm X20[/caption]

V also helped himself with a few bites of my steak and Dad's shrimp and vegetables. LittleMiss C had corn and peas which I prepared at home or her dinner.

We didn't have any room for dessert but was really tempted to order "Sparkling Volcano" I guess we need to schedule another visit and have some room for it.

Mommy notes:

[caption id="attachment_1859" align="aligncenter" width="324"] photo captured using Iphone 5[/caption]

• Your kids might fancy a jungle themed party, Rainforest Cafe is the perfect venue they have a good space for your party needs. Visit facebook page Rainforest Cafe, Dubai Mall to inquire on birthday party packages.


• For those moments when your little one needs to pee, a comfortLoo is located inside the café with a changing table too.

Disclaimer: Rainforest Cafe, Dubai Mall invited us to enjoy and dine in the forest with them. 

 

2000 Restaurant

My MIL is in town and we initially planned to go around the city and try all sorts of cuisine. On her first week we had dinner at a Ahl AlMandi Restaurant but the food well was not pleasing to her taste. Each time we ask her what food she want's her only reply - no local food :( we always end up eating at a Chinese restaurant.

 

Last year while waiting for Vierte's laboratory results and very hungry we managed to get a table at 2000 Restaurant which was packed with Chinese expats celebrating the Chinese New Year. We were sure glad to have accidentally dined here because we had one of the freshest and yummy dumplings.

 

[caption id="attachment_1079" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Seafood Steamed Dumpling - 2000 Restaurant[/caption]

 

You get to choose between chicken, beef or seafood filling and whether you want it steamed or fried. We had a  steamed seafood dumpling (DHS 18) each amazing bite with the hints of fish, shrimps, and spring onions that you need not dip it soy sauce.  Two ladies standing behind a clear glass manually roll each wrap, fill them with your choice of meat and cook them to your liking.

 

[caption id="attachment_1076" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Mixed Seafood Fried Rice - 2000 Restaurant[/caption]

 

My husband C can eat fried rice everyday in each of his meal, so whenever one is available in the menu we order it.  We also ordered Mixed Seafood Fried Rice (DHS 18) on our first visit and it was yummy, sadly this batch of rice was overcooked.

 

[caption id="attachment_1078" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Sizzling Seafood with Japanese Tofu - 2000 Restaurant[/caption]

 

Sizzling Seafood  with Japanese Tofu (DHS 45) seconds the dumpling for it's yumminess. It has the right amount of sweet and salty, seafood was not overcook and veggie had the right crunch.

 

[caption id="attachment_1077" align="aligncenter" width="488"] Salty Chicken - 2000 Restaurant[/caption]

 

"Chicken looks funny Mama!"

Vierte's comment when the chicken arrived on our table, I don't remember the actual dish name but it did have salty in it thus I shall name it Salty Chicken. It is not salty at all! Each bite had the right amount of salt that is quite addicting it would have been nicer though if it was accompanied with a side dish of fresh cucumber or something pickled.

 

We had a good dining experience as the food was yummy and price reasonable, it would have been more nicer if our lady server was not grumpy. We both had a hard time understanding each other since I don't speak Chinese and I was having a hard time understanding what she was asking. I think she speaks little English because when C asked for Coke Light she looked clueless that we had to act out drinking from a glass which she replied by pointing at the refreshment fridge.  I suggest that when you order point out at the pictures and or the choices at the menu to avoid confusion.

 

Total bill: 138 DHS (includes 2 Coke Light and 1 Big Water)

 

2000 Restaurant                                                                                                                                                                   Ground Floor, Al Rabaan Building                                                                                                                                                 Opposite Reef Mall, Deira

Ahl AlMandi Restaurant

We've been walking pass our nearby Mandi restaurant but haven't tried the food yet. It was my friend Diane and his husband that invited us for dinner to their favorite Al Mandi restaurant which to our surprise was the same restaurant just two blocks away from where we live.

The serving was huge, one order is enough for us family of three. A week after our first Mandi dinner we had a craving for it again.

 



 

As much as I wanted to enjoy the food on the Arabic Majlis area my bulging preggy tummy won't allow me so we settled ourselves on the tables of the dining hall. Our smiling server laid a plastic table cover and asked for our order and laid a plate of green leafy veggies and a salsa kind of dip/sauce.

 



On our second visit we decided to try Grilled King Fish Mandi which was perfectly grilled still juicy inside. The king fish was just not huge but a thick cut as well.



 

And we had some Mutton Mandi as well. My husband C have issues ordering mutton or lamb because of its strong after taste, I on the other hand am used to eating kambing since it's a staple in our family gatherings on my father's side. On our first visit we had the Mutton Madfoon which to my husband's delight doesn't have a strong mutton taste and the meat was so soft.

C really enjoyed Mutton this time accompanied by spicy salsa-like dip, he actually asked for 2 more bowls of them.

 



 

V was happy eating with his hands and enjoyed  the soft mutton meat and juicy king fish but the most unforgettable for him was the soup. He can't get enough of the soup that he finish two bowls. I can't quite figure out what the soup is made of, must ask them what kind it is when we get back.

 

Did we finish all two huge orders? Not quite, well we ate all mutton and fish meat but left more than half of the rice serving.

 



 

We may be bloated from the dinner but V and I can still squeeze in some dessert - Konafa! Hey we still have to walk 2 blocks to get back home. We ordered Cream Cheese Konafa to go.

 

Total bill: 78 Dhs (with 1 large water)

 

Ahl Almandi Restaurant

Amman Road, near NMC Hospital behind Sahara Shopping Centre, Al Nahda 2 Dubai

Tel: 2574448 (free delivery)

 

 

Pullman MOE Easter Brunch

It's our anniversary month and since our day falls on a school night we decided to celebrate early at Pullman's Easter Brunch. This was also our first brunch experience.

 

Back home you'll either see restaurant offers for either breakfast, lunch or dinner buffet not brunch. Yes we Filipinos love to eat a full meal three times a day (sometimes 5 if you include a snack time).

 

How do you prepare for brunch?

 

Brunch was from 12 noon to 4 pm, eating straight for 4 hours! C and I prepared for this 4 hour meal by skipping our usual breakfast and opted to just have some bread. V on the other hand upon hearing Easter was excited for egg hunts (which we haven't done yet), easter bunny and eating a whole lot of candy.

 

With an empty stomach and excited toddler we arrived at Pullman MOE around 12:30 and was comfortably seated 5 (big) steps away from the Chocolate Room.

 

We looked around the buffet spread and noticed the abundance of seafood choices (though they don't have any seaweeds) particularly the yummy oysters, C was quick to remind me that I can only have 2. What can I say Pullman had me at oysters and sushi.

 



 

I failed to ask whether the oysters was a local produce but it did taste like the ocean and was opened right in front of me.

 



C opted to try what the outdoor barbecue has to offer- steak, grilled prawns, and kofta. We didn't quite enjoy this plate since that steak was a bit tough. V did however enjoyed the shrimps and asked for more.

 



My 2nd plate - baked mussels, smoked salmon, baby squid, and some veggie salad.

 

Since I was in sushi heaven my boys went to the kids craft corner for V to have some Easter fun making a bunny and have his hands painted.

[caption id="attachment_956" align="aligncenter" width="375" caption="V showing off his Easter Bunny"][/caption]

 

The craft area had him busy for a 30 minutes which kept his mind off the chocolate room. Not all of the staff know where the kids area was since 2 of them asked us where we got our bunny.

 

[caption id="attachment_957" align="aligncenter" width="348" caption="and his hand paint"][/caption]

As promised once he finish his proper meal he get's to enjoy the chocolate room. He initially wanted to just stay inside the room and eat his way around the table good thing the man promised him a big chocolate bunny if he finish his goodies in the table.

This picture was taken before we left since he got annoyed of me asking him to stop cause Mom has to take photos hence no nice photos inside the room.

[caption id="attachment_959" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Chocolate Plate"][/caption]

V well enjoyed his chocolate dipped marshmallows and m&m's while C and I absolutely love the brownies. The other pastries well were ok.

Just before we left I once again indulged with my favorites.

I would go back for brunch again if only for the oysters and sushi. C finds the buffet choices quite limited since he didn't find any noodles (my husband and his love for noodles).

Pullman MOE Easter Brunch via LivingSocial - AED 190

Bu Qtair

I finally got to try one of the food joints Anthony Bourdain featured when he visited Dubai - Bu Qtair.



 

We arrived at 7:45pm, luckily the line wasn't that long and we were able to place our orders by 8:10pm. Ordered half a kilo shrimps and large size fish (the medium size the man showed us was too small) and V requested "not spicy please"

During that time the line was already way too long. You have to wait in the right side of the restaurant (they have stools), they don't let you sit with the table while you're still waiting for your food.

Finally by 8:45pm we were called our food was ready. Ordered additional plate of rice (for V) and 3 paratha's. The server also gave us some vinegar.

 

 



These were yummy and still slightly spicy even after we requested them to wash of the "orange marinade". Enjoy them with a squeeze of lemon.

 



V enjoyed the fish that we actually taught he might finish the whole thing on his own.

 

The produce was fresh and yummy but we could have enjoyed them more in the comforts of our home with rice and some homemade soy-lemon dipping sauce.

 

Total bill: 130 Dhs

 

This includes a plate of rice, 7-Up, and 3 parathas.

 

 

Sino Chai

Whenever we crave for a good dim sum, C and I always choose to eat at Sino Chai. It's a plus that on weekends they have an eat-all-you-can dim sum.

C opted to order Fried Rice with Sweet & Sour Chicken while V and I shared the dim sum. The server asked if we preferred any dim sum to be served to us and since we can't decide I asked to try one of each dim sum available.



This Chives Pancake is one of V's favorite. Crunchy but doesn't feel oily.

 



Before I forget the eat all you can comes with a free soup of the day. I forgot the name of the soup but it's a rich broth infused with tea with chicken shreds and tofu.

 

 

Lotus Leaves Dim Sum - a steamed sticky rice with chicken and shrimps.

 

Mix Dim Sum. I can't remember all the name but what we have here if I'm correct they are Shu Mai, Beef Dumpling, and Vegetable Dumpling. We had to request another batch of this since V ate almost everything. Sharing is strictly not allowed but when I asked if I can share it with my 4 yr old the server said yes since he was still a small boy, they just don't know that he had an appetite of a 7 yr old when it comes to dim sum.

Checking our bill I think what we have here are the dim sum cakes: Radish Cake, Tofu Skin, and Seafood Cake. Radish cake was the least favorite, the texture didn't appeal to us.

Fried Dim Sum Plate: Chicken Spring Roll, Almond Prawn, Beef Fried Dumpling. The fried Almond Prawn on the left was a favorite. I stopped V to order another set of them since I know I'd end up eating everything and I no longer have any space in my tummy.

        

We ended our meal with some Red Bean Cake, and Sesame Ball.

And of course the meal wouldn't have been complete with some bubble tea.

Total bill: 198 Dhs.

This includes C's seafood fried rice and sweet and sour chicken, a diet coke, bubble tea and my Dim Sum lunch promo that cost 78 Dhs.

 

Sino Chai specializes in Chinese and Taiwanese food prepared in a healthier way and they also have a wide range of tea available. For all of you tea lovers and would like to try some healthy good food drop by this hidden gem inside Healthcare City.

 

Sino Chai Teahouse Restaurant

Building No. 27,

Block B, IBN Sina Building

Dubai Healthcare City

Telephone: 04 435 5650

A taste of Atlantis: The Burger Joint

In each of our Atlantis visit I always tell Coy that they should open a less intimidating restaurant. A casual place where guests can sit down and order a familiar dish without worrying if they are wearing the right clothes. The newly opened "the burger joint" might be the answer to my wish.

[caption id="attachment_576" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="the burger joint"][/caption]

I remember Chef Sasha saying that they wanted to bring something "American" in Atlantis which eventually led to the burger joint (tbj). Indeed a great addition to the family and nicely located near Aquaventure an area which is always crowded with guests.

[caption id="attachment_578" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="inside tbj"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_579" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Anja of http://www.anjasfood4thought.com/"][/caption]

I absolutely love tbj's interior with beautiful black and white photos and guests can even write on the white walls.tbj team prepared mini burgers for us to try on. I wasn't too eager to try some burger since I still had a steak hungover from Seafire (and secretly wishing that I left the meat haven with a plate of yummy steaks mmmm...) but I'm looking forward to tasting their homemade style fries.

[caption id="attachment_577" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="mini burgers"][/caption]

I tried three kinds of burger "cheesy," "rooster booster" and "the works" out of the five choices tbj has to offer. I find cheesy the best among the three but then we had baby burgers it would be unfair to judge them right? I have to try the adult burgers and then decide whether I've found the best burger in Dubai that would beat my favorite Brothers Burger back home. The fries are just yummy crispy thin on the outside and soft inside. Unlike other fries where it seems to be empty inside, tbj fries have real potato feel in every bite.

tbj definitely is the answer to my no fuss dining wish in Atlantis but it's still not cheap with burger priced at 40dhs - 60dhs and if you want some fries (which you should) add 15dhs, which is roughly around 700 pesos.



 

A taste of Atlantis: Seafire Steakhouse & Bar

One Friday I found myself at Atlantis The Palm on a food safari from the steaks of Australia, burgers and fries of USA, cheese and desserts of France and finally pizza and truffles of Italia. A big THANK YOU to Sally of My Custard Pie for organizing the event.

Entering the grand lobby we were welcomed by Amanda Chong, Public Relations and Tarik Kaddoumi, Manager/Online Marketing of Atlantis, Dubai. We first proceeded to Seafire Steakhouse and Bar restaurant and we were introduced to Chef Sasha Triemer, Executive Chef of Atlantis.

I have always been intrigued on what Seafire has to offer, yes I do know it's a steakhouse but is it like any other steakhouse?

Behind those massive wood doors a warm interior welcomed us bunch of lovely ladies.

Did you know that Atlantis have their own beef? Atlantis cattle are raised in Queensland, Australia. They don't even marinate their steaks it's all in the beef just a little bit of salt and pepper, a good grill temperature and viola beef loving goodness mate!

The steaks are the best I have tasted here in Dubai! mmm...

next stop the Burger Joint

****

 

Location: The Avenues - Atlantis The Palm, Dubai

Dinner: Sunday - Saturday 6pm-11:30pm

Seafire Bar: 6:00pm - 11:30pm