Bistro Madeline (Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City) and Citymax Hotel Friday Brunch

I received a promotional email saying Bistro Madeline (Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City) was serving a platter of seafood for AED 160 per person.

Tempted, we went over on Thursday evening but instead there was a buffet running (I didn’t ask if À la carte was an option because the buffet looked so good). The servers were extremely pleasant and took us around the buffet explaining the various dishes. I really cannot describe the dishes because I don’t remember any of the names. From what I remember the buffet consisted of the following - salads, stew (seafood, chicken and beef), salmon, various cheeses and desserts (crepes, apple tart, chocolate mousse cake, crème brûlée, fresh fruits, caramel etc). There was a separate corner for the pork and cheese.

The buffet with unlimited soft drinks was AED 185 per person (with unlimited wine was 40 bucks more). My hubby and I absolutely loved the food. I recommend the chocolate mousse cake which was heavenly. My hubby loved the roast pork.

On Friday afternoon we met up with a few friends for brunch in Citymax (Bur Dubai). We first headed to Times Café which was too crowded and then opted for Citymax which was spacious and bright (unlike Times which is dimly lit). The brunch was AED 79 with 2 fosters and AED 59 with 2 soft drinks (or unlimited – the server was thoroughly confused and she couldn’t remember the prices/options of the buffet). Anyhow, the food was pretty good and included items like roast turkey, oven roasted potatoes, cauliflower au gratin, pasta, stir fried noodles, seafood stew, fish in garlic sauce, stir fried vegetables and a few Indian dishes. Desserts included strawberry mousse, chocolate mousse, rabadi (Indian dessert), some sort of kheer (I am not sure whether it was an Indian or Arabic dessert – nonetheless it was salty), caramel and fresh fruits. The mousse was yummy but I can’t say the same for the rest of the desserts.

On Saturday afternoon we went for lunch to Lamcy Plaza. We tried the fish and chips from Salt n Vinegar at the Food Court. It was nothing fantastic but fish deep fried in batter and chips. I couldn't eat it all as the deep fried batter was kinda heavy.

All in all one tummy filling weekend!

Assia in Wok, Dubai Mall

It seems like all my hubby and I do is eat. Well that is true because I loveee eating so here is my take on Assia in Wok at Dubai Mall.

We went on a weekday and well, it wasn't really crowded except for the regular mall-goers. So anyway, I was tempted when I saw dumplings on their menu which is why we opted for this joint. Unfortunately the dumplings were not available as their steamer was not working or something like that. Too lazy to pick another place we ordered chicken red curry, a fish dish and 2 iced teas (yes we love iced tea and are searching for the perfect one - we got lipton cans so the search is still on).

So, the chicken was just ok and I didn't like it too much. There was a very strong flavour of something like fennel seed. I couldn't make out what it was but it was just too strong.

The fish on the other hand was pretty good.

Both main courses were served with rice.

Oh and we also ordered chicken satay and I must say they give you the tiniest bits ever. Seriously guys! could have been more generous with the chicken. The peanut sauce was yumm and I ended up eating it with the rice since I didn't like the red curry.

We spent about AED 150 or so which I didn't think was worth it considering we were eating out of a food court. The sticky rice with mango looked like a good option for dessert but since I was disappointed with the taste of the red curry and the portion of the chicken satay I opted to go for no dessert and gulped down the tea instead. I would suggest trying out the dumplings which I couldn't.

Cactus Cantina - Dubai

Located inside Rydges Plaza in Satwa, Cactus Cantina is a cozy mexican restaurant/pub.

My hubby and I went on a Friday as it was "buy one get one free on any mexican dish" night. I liked the look of the place - had a sort of old and rustic charm to it. The servers were freindly and we opted to dine in the non-smoking area. As soon as we were seated, our server brought us a bowl of nachos with salsa.

There was a different menu for the buy one get one free option and I went for enchiladas with tacos combo, and my hubby with beef burritos. Both were served with a side of mexican rice (not very tasty), chickpea salad and beans.

I must say I was disappointed with both dishes. I went with beef too and honestly the burritos, enchiladas and tacos all tasted the same to me as they all had beef mince. I also didn't like the enchilada tortilla/pastry  and I wasted half of it. I finished the tacos and my hubby also somehow gulped down his burritos.

On the other hand we ordered a non-alcoholic pina colada and an iced tea both of which were lovely.

Of course these are my views and maybe we were just unfortunate to pick the wrong dishes. As I said we have many more places to explore and I have heard Billy Blues (opp Cactus) serves amazing ribs :)

For the main course and drinks we paid approx AED 100.