Don Alfonso 1890 Dubai - Food Fit for Kings

A couple of weeks ago, myself and a colleague were invited to go to a female press afternoon at the restaurant Don Alfonso which is located in the Shangri La on the Sheikh Zayed Road and all I can say is “WOW”!

The restaurant is everything you would expect from one located within the Shangri La. The bar, with it’s brushed aluminum top, the brushed aluminum chandeliers each table with the comfortable arm chairs and beautiful fresh flower arraignments, give you an insight into luxury that they convey into their food.

Since moving to Dubai, I have really struggled with flavors.  Asian food is amazing.  Arabic food fantastic, American food delicious, English food gorgeous, but Italian food…  Maybe it is my heritage.  Maybe I know the flavors so well because I was brought up, sat in the kitchen after church on a Sunday, with my Nona, Mother and aunts, gossiping, squealing, laughing, shouting, arguing whilst they all fought for to be heard (think Big Fat Greek Wedding and times it by 5).  But at the heart of this, they were all cooking.  Each one - including me, was always given a job to do which would finalise in the whole family being sat around the dinner table as we ate what we had cooked just a few hours later.

Eggplant Parmigiana with San Marzano tomato sauce

All food is a passion to me, but Italian food is in my blood.  Nowhere in Dubai that I had eaten so far, has been able to get the flavors spot on, and more often then not, the pasta is horrendously overcooked.  Not so at Don Alfonso.  Actually, the food took me straight back to thinking about my Nona, which left me really rather emotional.

All plated beautifully, the Eggplant Parmigiana with San Marzano tomato sauce, was superb.  The tomato sauce was beautifully sweet, yet it perfectly offset the saltiness of the strong Parmesan cheese.  The main course was a stunning Sea Bream in Aqua Pazza, a delicious broth – very similar to one that my Uncle would make.  

Neapolitan Sfogliatella with Cinnamon cream and candied sour cherry

I was very worried that I would have no space left for the desert, but when they brought out the Traditional Neapolitan Sfogliatella with Cinnamon cream and candied sour cherry, suddenly I was not so full.  

The typical Italian desert, which my Nona would hand-make herself, was nutella perfection.  I was desperately hoping my colleague would not eat hers so I could, but sadly, this was not meant to be as she ate it quicker than I.

All in all, I will definitely be back.  I have my family visiting at the end of March and this is absolutely on my list of places to take them.  

Culture Club

Culture Club

At the moment, I seem to work, work, work. So what little time I have outside of the office I spend with my family although this makes for a very boring life.  Luckily though, the guys in my office make up for this.  As I have said before on here, one of the great things about Dubai is meeting people of so many different nationalities and cultures.  In my office alone I have six different nationalities, and this is due to grow over the coming month as we rapidly hire more staff. 

Now, in the UK people would say they were Italian, Pakistani and Czech despite being born and raised in the UK, often third generation (yes, I am one of these people – Italian BTW).  Here though, this is not the case.  More often then not, the people who are here have never, and are very unlikely to ever, visit your home country if you live in Europe or America.  But they burn with curiosity about your home and culture, as you may about in theirs. 

Take Christmas for example, my colleague is a Pakistani Muslim.  He is shocked that in the UK, you don’t have church bells ringing in every village like you used to.  He believes it is a great shame that we are losing our identity and national religion, but he was very confused about Christmas.  He understood the religious side, but was unable to get his head round the idea of Santa Claus, the tree and presents.

Now this is my favourite time of year.  I love nothing more than preparing for it months in advance, and spending the time with my family and friends.  The whole two weeks surrounding Christmas is a time of food and because you are on show, catching up with those you haven’t seen in a while, you have to look the part too – Food and fashion, two of my favourite things.  Because of this, I was only too happy to explain, getting incredibly animated with excitement about the whole day and it’s importance (think of an Italian mama gesticulating and you can get an impression of me).  I explained the about the excitement of children when they open their presents and how you can use Santa to get your children to behave as he only gives presents to those who are good.  I described in detail, the importance of the huge family dinner, where you have three different types of meats, two types of potatoes and ridiculous amount of veg – and that is just the main course.  And how you spend the next few days eating the left overs whilst friends visit. 

I was so excited about the whole day that my colleague went out, brought a Christmas tree with all the trimmings and had his children write to Santa.  They had their own big family Christmas day and his brother, who loved seeing all the kids happy, said that next year, Christmas would be at his.  Clearly this is not a religious day, but in the same way westerners, atheists and Christians alike all celebrate Ramadan here, they too have experienced one of the best things about our culture.

With all that is happening in the world, the shock and disgust that 99.9% of Muslims feel, is often overlooked.  So often I read in the western press negative things about their religion, because people don’t understand it.  They fear it.  There is nothing to fear.  Take it from me, someone who is completely western but has fully embraced and loves the culture of Middle East.  It is just a shame that others don’t have the opportunity to have this life experience.

A New Beginning…

Well it has been more than a while since I last posted anything and my, how things have changed.

We are still in Dubai – So much for staying here just two years! Life, as we know it has moved on dramatically.

Firstly, my husband and myself adopted the most beautiful baby from Ethiopia.  We have just celebrated her second birthday and 18 months of being her parents.  We are so blessed to have her in our lives, but I am aware of becoming one of ‘those’ mothers, so I am going to try not to post too much about her! 

Secondly, I have landed my dream job.  I am now the Editor of BUSINESS INSIGHT MAGAZINE, a magazine that is published in partnership with the DMCC, which is a business freezone in Dubai and have many other things in the pipeline.

Thirdly, we moved from the apartment with views over the palm to a villa.  It feels much more homely and we have a large garden, swimming pool and friends all over the village.

It is all very exciting!

Expats celebrating UAE National Day our way...

UAE National Day celebrations have been going on all weekend, with everyone enjoying a 4 day weekend.   For expats, this long weekend is especially advantageous as it is not a 'dry' weekend, so with all the pubs, bars and restaurants open, it is a great time to go for a brunch and catch up with friends and, if you are lucky enough, family.   

Now don't get me wrong, if you are not into eating and/or drinking you too were taken care of; there have been parades, buildings adorned with flags and lights, street entertainers and programmes on TV empowering women and the younger generation (reminding them that they can achieve whatever it is that they want to achieve) as well as a stunning fireworks display over the beach last night.  Oh, and let's not forget about the Rugby Sevens! 

For us however, the highlight of our long weekend was taking my sister, her partner and my nephew to Beachcombers Brunch at The Jumierah Beach Hotel.  We were recommended the Beachcomber as it is family friendly with a magician, a man making poodles and such like out of balloons, and a children's play room containing everything from soft toys to Sega computer games.   

Beachcomber - From TripAdvisor

Located in a fantastic setting, right on the beach and in full view of the Burj Al Arab, we met with friends and had a 4 hour lunch;  for 900aeds per couple (or £163.63 - Seve ate for free).  We drank Laurent Perrier champagne, cocktails and just about any other drink that took our fancy, whilst eating from an amazing buffet of Asian food.

This being our first brunch, we had made assumptions on the drink choices.  Initially, Ian and myself opted for the champagne brunch when our waiter explained that without taking this option, the glasses of champagne retail for 150aeds (£28) each.  When they brought out the bottle, and Rachel saw it was Laurent Perrier, immediately the upgrade came along with her apology to the waiter, "I thought it would be like the UK - House sparkling wine.  Certainly not good champagne!"

The food was some of the best we have had whilst being in Dubai.  The first island contained an assortment of salads, from beef to chicken, with varying intensity of heat of spices.  Next to it, and away from the ice cream machine, was the desert islands, with an array of mouthwatering individual deserts and various pies that you were able to chose from.

Just a little on from the desert island, was the main course area.  Here, you could elect to have everything from Pad Thai to Nasi Goreng, Beef and Chicken Satay to Sweet and Sour Chicken.  As I am sure you can imagine, I loaded up on a selection of as much as I could possibly eat and before you ask, yes I did finish it all!  Ian and our friend Jerry, managed to find the Roast Beef station (everyone thinks about us Brits), but I completely missed this.  From Ian's plate, it looked to be cooked to perfection - medium rare; lovely and pink.

It was a chilled day.  Ian, Jerry and Bert went out to the beach just before the rain and lightening started and played football on the sand with a couple of dads who were out there already.  The girls, being much more civilised, stayed indoors with the champagne.

People may think that £81 on lunch per person is expensive, but I would vehemently disagree.  It was great value for money;  You could eat as much as you wanted and your glass was never more than half empty before being refilled.  My only complaint was that I realised I had forgotten about the chocolate fountain...  Luckily though, my sister agreed that next time they come over, we will definitely be taking them there again! 

UAE National Day

Today is the UAE National Day; a day when Emiratis celebrate that 41 years ago, they gained full independence from the UK and set up the unification of the seven emirates.

United Arab Emirates National day, as with all other holidays, is celebrated with by a long 4 day weekend for workers in public office (and most private companies take this up also).

Throughout the Emirates, flags and car stickers are sold; transforming cars to bespoke models by those whom cover the cars in them.  Younger adults, normally males, drive around town blaring their music and bibbing their horns until the early hours - Much like the Italians do when they win a football match!

It is lovely to see just how patriotic this young country is.  Buildings are lit up in red, green and white, fairy lights are strewn on public highways and everyone is out to have a good time.  Expats, though they may celebrate the long weekend differently, are not forgotten... Last night, both Ian and myself received a text welcoming us to the UAE and reminding us that this is a day of 'joy and pride in which we remember the journey' that the UAE has taken so far and which it continues to do.  

Whilst some may scoff at this, I thought that this was a lovely gesture - A little goes a long way to make you feel welcomed when you move somewhere new!  We all know that the UAE has a great vision, and wants to empower it's own people, but what many do not know, is that it wants to do so, whilst learning the lessons that other countries in the developed world have, and embrace their ideas and assistance.  

I know Ian would cringe at me writing this, despite him agreeing with the sentiment, but we are both excited to be a part of it all.  I have heard the UAE (particularly Dubai) being called the place where dreams are made.  When I look at the country with all the people we have met here, and what they have all achieved, I completely agree.

Your name's not down, you're not coming in...

My sister Rachel, her partner and one of Ian's best friends Bert, and nephew Seve, arrived yesterday to stay with us for a week.

As their flight was overnight, and realising the lack of sleep they would have had, we arrange for a 'nothing day' of chilling on Barasti Beach, eating and drinking the day away... Sadly, this was not how it worked out.

Meeting them at the airport was weird.  The waiting area of Terminal 1, is outside by the road and full of every nationality waiting for people.  There were those holding name placards waiting for business people to arrive, they do not know.  There were a couple of men holding bunches of flowers, looking on and round others expectantly, and there were those, waiting for family just as we were.

I was excited; the thought of 'Seve cuddles' and that I had not seen him for three months was spurring me on.  He is only 2 years and 4 months, so he changes every day and therefore, the time away is lost time for me - Especially as I used to live within 2 miles of them previously so I got to see him all the time.  Oddly though, I hadn't realised how much I must have missed Rach.  When she arrived I gave her a big hug and promptly burst into tears (yes, I know, PDA's are very much frowned upon out here, but when there are Emerati men kissing each other hello on the lips, I don't think a sisterly hug would have offended anyone)!

Rachel though, much to her embarrassment, managed to leave the alcohol and perfume that she had brought in Duty Free, on the plane.  With her banging headache, we walked into the terminal and up a flight of stairs to Airport Police, who then told us to go back down the stairs, through the next building, down to ground floor and carry on to the third building.  In there, we were to go to the lost and found.

The third building was old.  Rather reminiscent of a terminal you see in the movies of a 1960's film with dark wood and marble floors.  Here, we were informed that we had to go past the rows of rent-a-car cubicles to the elevator, take the elevator down one floor and turn right.  We copied these instructions, but on going down to the lower level, we were taken to a windowless grubby room in white, with 4 office doors on each of the walls, and on all doors said 'Authorised Personnel Only'.  Luckily for us, after a few seconds of 'should we, shouldn't we' deliberation, a man came out of one of the doors and after asking if he could help, herded us through the door to the right and another windowless corridor.  He then ushered us into a small office with government officials.  Here, within 5 minutes and after taking Rachel's passport copy, she was given back everything.  

When we got back, we did the obligatory tour of the facilities and showed everyone where we lived.  We wasted no more time in walking across the road to the beach as we had been building it up big time to Seve because he had wanted to stay by the pool and play on the climbing frame and slide at the building.  So by the time we got there, Seve was full of "Daddy making sandcastles and me knocking them down again".  Sadly though, when we arrived, we were told that as it is a bar, the minimum age is 21 and therefore, Seve could not come in unless we were eating in the restaurant.  Gutted!

We went for lunch (more so the boys could have a few pints and I could have a cocktail) and looked out onto the ridiculously inviting beach.  It really did feel like we were the donkey with a carrot being dangled on stick that we just could not reach!  We then did that thing that parents and grown-ups do to kids, you know, when they back track massively and 'forget' what they had promised, rewriting the rules as they go, in the hope that the children won't notice.  Whilst this may not work with an 8 year old, a 2 year old is a different matter, "And when we go back, we can go in the pool and you can play on the slide!" Bert said, steering him away from building sandcastles on the beach.

"Yes please...!" said Seve beaming.  That afternoon was a pool afternoon, with Rachel and I trying to convince Seve to walk carefully around the pool for fear of him slipping over.  Ian spent the afternoon either in the pool with Seve and Bert, or being dragged to the slides with Seve whilst Bert slept and Rachel and I just caught up.

Last night, after a day in the sun, Rach and I had a quiet night in whilst the boys watched the football at Barasti.  Start as you mean to go on lads!

Arsenal Soccer School Sweep the Board!!

Last night, Arsenal Soccer School played a tournament against local side Soccer Stars Dubai.  

4 Arsenal teams competed in the tournament held at The Sevens and ALL 4 teams swept the floor with their opponents.

Age                 Arsenal        v           Soccer Stars Dubai

6                            12                              0

8                            5                                2

10                          8                                0

12                          6                                2

The under 12's actually played twice - against their under 12's and under 14's.  They had been playing so well that Ian changed the play and told them to play 2 touch...  They still managed to beat them.

"I was really proud of the way all the boys performed today, " said Ian "They outclassed the opposition in every single way.  I am my players worst critic, but today I couldn't fault them!"