It’s Bar-B-Q party time! – Urban’s Barbecue at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi

It’s Bar-B-Q party time!

As committing to its promotion that “DUSIT THANI ABU DHABI BRINGS A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE THIS AUTUMN”. The Thai hospitality once again hit the mark bringing best of the tastes from different cuisines under one roof. Although what’s to be notably commended is their effort to gain the diners attention by bringing the “best quality with reasonable price” this autumn, reflecting specially in this particular theme offering we have reviewed.

We were privileged to be invited to the exclusive preview of their very first Urban’s Barbecue last Monday, at Urban Kitchen. Experiencing the event first hand was indeed a pleasure as we found this package a complete steal in this value.

It brought together the finest taste and the flavors of Middle Eastern, Turkish and Tandoori BBQ specialties, you can actually taste all that in just AED 129/- net per person including soft beverage, every Monday and Wednesday from 19:00 to 22:30hrs.

   

Chef Aiham, Chef Bulent and Chef Bede have introduced the authentic flavors from each region with their very own recipes that have been passed down over generations. The set-up and spread of dishes was dynamic. We loved their tandoori BBQ items, Adana Kebabs, Paneer Tikka and Vegetable Tandoori. Hariyali Kabab with green marinade was also a must-try item.

 

We loved the aroma and tenderness of tandoori items and how they were prepared fresh over live counters. Middle Eastern menu items gained a lot of my attention that day. We have tasted Fish Magli with Harissa sauce and Tikka Marinated Sea bass wrapped in spinach leaf and it was delicious. Ispanakli Yumurta (Eggs with spinach and onion) and Couscous Bil Khudar (Marrakesh classic taste) were made with full dedication and was deliciously tasty.

 

 

In desserts it was a grand affair and we tasted vast variety and sweetness, from Muhalabyia to Halawa Bil jiben and from Znood Alsitt, Baloryia Pista to Katayef. Opera cake was another great find in their desserts menu. You may conclude on assorted Indian Sweets or warm Umm Ali.

All and all it was a great value treat that every individual should try. Don’t forget to bring along your friends and family as the fun are always doubled when shared with the close ones.

Do comment below on what you think of Urban’s Barbecue themed buffet at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi.

For reservations or more information on Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi’s food and beverage promotions, please contact +971 (2) 698 8137 or email: reservation.table@dusit.com.

 

WINNERS Announced: Holiday Inn AlBarsha Review & Giveaway, Indeed ‘’The 4Star Hotel with a 5Star Look’’

CONGRATULATIONS – And the 2 lucky Winners are

1- Karen Ajka

2- Mehwish Fatima

Please email your full name, contact details from the email ID by which you are subscribed on the Blog to mahiblog.ae@gmail.com to collect your voucher latest by Saturday June 6th, 2015.

*Incase you fail to provide same id / not registered via that email id you will be disqualified and another winner will be chosen.

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I was so enthused with the weekend stay at Holiday Inn AlBarsha that I have decided to blog to highlight my experience.

After I tell you about my familiarity of the recent stay, I would like to test my readership with a quiz, that will enable the readers / followers to win a meal voucher from HIAB at The Royal Budha (Dim Sum for 2) & Gharana (Street Food Night for 2).

 

Located in the pivot of Dubai, Holiday Inn Dubai – Al Barsha is a perfect fuse of fashionable design and archetypal grace. Hotel is equipped with the latest facilities, discerningly festooned to congregate each guest’s requests and ease, it has 309 rooms including 54 suites. It is also 5-minute walk from the Ski Dubai Resort. Dubai Media & Internet City, the Jebel Ali Free Zone and Knowledge Village are also nearby. Al Barsha is a great choice for travelers interested in Shopping, Clothes Shopping and Luxury Brand Shopping.

 

Arrival:

We arrived at this hotel at 6.00 pm, after a long drive from Abu Dhabi. On arrival, we were warmly greeted by every one of the hotel staff and when we checked in, we were been asked to sit and rest in lobby which was much appreciated. My family and I stayed in this wonderful hotel for 2 nights in a 2 Bed Room Suite. Check in was prompt. The suite was spacious for our family of 2 adults and 2 kids. The bathrooms were also clean and also prepared with all essential toiletries.

Hotel Staff & Management:

The most laudable factor during our stay was the staff of the hotel. From the moment we entered the hotel until we leave, staff are very convivial. They always genuinely greet you with your name and carry a smile. I must praise them for particular attention to the kids especially at concierge being so courteous and bell boy being so attentive and telling us bits about the direction and quick access to the lift area and other amenities.

This is the first time we stayed in any IHG hotel and we’ve started to love it from here, stay which offers you great comfort in reasonable price, it is not so cheap yet not very expensive. Shopping can be done close to the hotel with Mall of the Emirates within few kilometers only, I personally loved the accessibility of the Metro Stations.

Room & Hotel Amenities:

Our room (Suite) was at the rear and was very spacious and calm, the view was not of Sheikh Zayed Road, but it’s still very bright. In-room amenities include Iron and Stand, Hair dryer making your life even more at ease. Bathrooms were small but well fitted with bathtub and shower for your convenience. Bed furnishings, curtains and carpeting is well sanitized and were smelling great adding to the room’s placate. The lobby and floor passages in the Hotel always smell so great and this is one thing I loved about the hotel (they must be having efficient House-keeping staff).

We were even happier to see a Writing desk, and a small in wall rack giving a counter kitchenette look-alike area next to the mini bar compartments. It was much convenient for kids to finish their coloring and assembling book activity from the “KIDs Welcome Pack” which they were joyfully offered at our check-in and was actually been topped-up by rewards in form on cookies when they showed finish version to concierge desk! What a lovely surprise for kids I must say and really kept them busy and give us some time to freshen up while they were busy finishing it up while we got ready for the dinner at The Gem Garden . Internet access is available for guests’ convenience. Internet connectivity comes with each guestroom as an additional convenience. Room service was swift, they supplied bottled water each day and room cleaning staffs were excellent.

The most interesting part is although the hotel is located on a very busy street, and also during the Stay some mega hosted event was going-on at the venue however we were not affected by any noise or interruption and distracted services.

Parking is available at this hotel for guests arriving in cars. Sharaf DG Station is the closest metro station to the hotel for easy access around the area. Dubai International Airport is also not far away. You can certainly stay fit at the hotel’s fitness centre well stocked with all the required equipments. If you want to use their beauty salon and massages, you should book them in advance and they cost extra. Although it has 4 stars, but can expect all kind of extravagant overhaul offered.

Pool & Terrace:

Kids have enjoyed in their pool.

Night view of the Rooftop Pool.

We used the impressive pool area on the roof  having two pools (adult/kids pool), though it’s small though but enough sun beds, and also gives you splendid views over Burj Al Arab. If it’s not dusty weather you can even see Burj Khalifa and hotel Atlantis from hotel’s rooftop terrace while enjoying shisha.

Food:

Completing the Holiday Inn experience are award winning outlets The Royal Budha (Thai), Gharana (Indian), The Gem Garden (All Day Dining) , The Q (Sports Bar), Lounge@Barsha (Coffee Shop) , The Q Underground (Retro Venue), Dolphin Bar (Rooftop Bar) and Xennya Terrace as well as banquet facilities and immaculate service.

Live Entertainment at their famous Gharana Restaurant

 

The breakfast was included in package & Dinner buffet we had at The Gem Garden it was indeed above average with a wide selection of dishes to choose having a combination of generous buffets and classic a la carte dishes including a live station for eggs and omelettes in buffet, must to appraise in such set-up. It is basically all-day dining with a difference, I adore their minimalist Zen styling making it ideal place any time of day or night.

 

I really enjoyed my Ala carte menu orders there too, Jumbo Prawns and sea-chowder soup being my favorite. Kids had enjoyed their custom ordered pasta and shakes and fresh juices.

  

The Dim-Sum Fridays at the “Royal Budha” is very scrumptious Thai variation and I must say indeed a different and great experience as well. Award winning creative cuisine is delivered in a stylish setting under the watchful eye of a towering Buddha makes this a royal treat. Situated on the ground floor, this contemporary Thai restaurant is the perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

 

We enjoyed a mix-platter starter with various items and variety of dim-sum in their homemade sauces. Their flavored and Chamomile tea is also an interesting factor to finish off the meal but the highlight of  the menu was desert Fried Banana with Ice-cream.

  

Another Plus:

The hotel offers a free shuttle twice a day to Kite beach, including pickup., and guess what you can carry along with you Picnic pack (Inform them before in time and they shall keep it ready for you in minimal rates).

We also take a quick tour to The Club Lounge, dedicated exclusively for Club Floor guests with private check-in and check-out services will be opening soon. Business houses have access to a wide variety of conference venues equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

All in all it was a great experience in a Stylish Hotel which is well-equipped with the most up-to-date amenities and is decked in good taste. The room rates are good and I would recommend. Completing the full experience are 3 fabulous dining outlets and buzzing bars, outstanding banqueting facilities and impeccable 5-Star service accorded at 4-Star prices.

Ideally Located on Sheikh Zayed Road next to Mall of the Emirates and Ski Dubai, the hotel is in close proximity to Dubai’s most prominent Business Districts and other leisure venues. I will definitely come back at the Holiday Inn Albarsha as its ideal #staycation spot and would also recommend this hotel to anyone going to Dubai for business or Leisure I am heading back there very soon.

Check their Stay Together Package, it’s ideal for Summer Holidays !!

Awards and Decorations:

• Best Waste Management Practices – 4 Star Category – Dubai Green Tourism Awards  2014, Winner:HIAB
• Favourite Thai Restaurant below Dhs400 category – What’s On Awards, 2014 : Winner The Royal Budha
• Best 4Star Business/Corporate, Silver Award: MENA Travel Awards 2012,  2013 and 2014
• Silver Best Fine Dining Restaurant– MENA Awards, 2013 : The Royal Budha
• Time- Out Top Ten Restaurant, 2012, South Asian Category: The Royal Budha
• Top three nominated Best Asian Restaurant – Masala Awards , 2012: Gharana
• Best Decorated 4Star Hotel in the UAE: “Spirit of the Nation”, 2011
• Quality Excellence Award:IHG EMEA 2010

Ramadan June Offers  2015

The Gem Garden

Daily: Iftar Buffet

• Event : Iftar Buffet
• Brief Description : An extensive Oriental & Continental Buffet with live cooking station
• Time : Sunset  to  10pm
• Price : AED 109/- per person with special Ramadan beverages

Daily: Sohour set menu

• Event                 : Sohour Set Menu
• Brief description : Oriental set menu
• Time : 12 midnight to 4am
• Price : AED 75/- per person
• Venue              : The Gem Garden & Room service,  Lobby level

The Royal Budha

Daily: Dish of the week prepared by Chef Sanya who will be very pleased to prepare your favorites dishes too or you can simply take his recommendations from the A la carte menu.

Every Friday

• Event : Dim Sum on Friday’s
• Brief Description : Homemade Dim Sum served fresh from the trolley
• Time : 12pm to 12midnight
• Price : AED 78/- per person (all you can eat Dim Sum with                                                                                       unlimited specialty tea.)                           

Gharana (No Live Entertainment during Ramadan)

Daily    :  talented Chef will be very pleased to prepare your favorite dishes.

Every Saturday

• Event : Street Food Night
• Brief Description : The finest pick of Indian street eats
• Time : From sunset
• Price : AED 95/- per person

Outdoor Catering

Specialized Catering

They undertake catering on any scale, corporate clients, high-end house parties, get togethers, weddings and concerts etc, An experienced team who carries valid occupational health cards, basic food hygiene certificate and trained on HACCP standards.Offer multi cuisines to suit all requirements be it Indian, Thai, Arabic, Italian, Mexican, Spanish etc and the option of a customized menu

Functions & Events Catering

You need a buffet for your monthly meeting, get together, product launch? Require catering services for an educational institution? Daily meal/meals to your staff at the office? Require a hassle free birthday party at your house? Invited friends and families and need to offer them their favorite dishes? Holiday Inn AlBarsha’s Outdoor Catering will take care of your catering requirements

• Price: As per menu selected
• Time: 24 hours

Overall Rating by Mahi Blog to HIAB : 4 out of 5

For more Information regarding Holiday Inn AlBarsha: www.hialbarshadubai.com

Tel: +971 4 3234333 www.facebook.com/hidubai

GIVEAWAY / COMPETITION:

Mahi Blog and Holiday Inn – Al Barsha have teamed up to offer Mahi Blog readers 2 vouchers for Dine-In at Hotel in the award winning restaurants The Royal Budha (Dim Sum for 2) & Gharana (Street Food Night for 2).

How to win: 

For your chance to win simply do the following:

1- Answer the following question in comments; What is the tagline of Holiday Inn AlBarsha Hotel?

2- Subscribe (via email id) on this Blog, Share this post on as many social widgets AND tag along ur friends. (Use buttons below of FB, Twitter, IG etc)

3- Like, Follow, Share us on following:

• Facebook (facebook.com/mahiblog)
• Twitter (twitter.com/mahiblog)
• Instagram (instagram.com/mahiblog)

To win you must do all the above steps. Winners will be announced on MAY 31st, 2015. The more you share this post & Mahi Blog on social widgets, better the chance to win! All UAE fans can take part.

Scrumptiously yours,

Mahi.

Disclaimer & Notes: A huge Thank you to those who made this trip extra special: HIAB &Staff , very elegant Roxana Jaffer, CEO of Holiday Inn Dubai – Al Barsha, Ever smiling & humble Kezia Da Rocha, Director of Marketing & Quality Assurance, F&B team at the property and of course Kaby Klick.

We were guests at HIAB but it did not influence our thoughts and reviews,  all opinions are our own. You can not use any pics without prior permission.

 

WINNERS :) Mughal Dynasty and Flavorsome Cuisine – Visiting India Palace + Competition (3 WINNERS)

Congratulations, And the winners are:

1) NIPA GANDHI

2) NAZIA KAZIA

3) RIMPYMANISH GUPTA

– Thanks for sharing a lot – Please send us your full name and contact details on mahiblog.ae@gmail.com

 

India Palace is not at all a new restaurant but as I keep a rolling list of new spots and try to vary according to cuisine, location and reader requests, I decided to review their yet the latest branch in Abudhabi i.e Dalma Mall. The place is also inviting, beautifully convoluted with red and green colored glass pieces and woodcarvings, the mughal darbaris/guards statues standing at the entrance and the wooden chambers cast their patterns from upper limit to flooring.

 

There is also a small kiosk of inexpensive Indian Jewellery and souvenirs which surely has kept me engaged while my hubby waited. The most interesting part is they crafted the wax bangles on spot, yes my little girl has bought the handmade bangle. They are also selling inexpensive trinkets and souvenirs and bling items, you may wear them and dine in like royals in the Palace. Restaurant staff is so humble and well aware yet so prompt in suggesting to make your choices easier, they look very welcoming in their royal Indian Avatar and will surely greet you with smile and courtesy. I must say it is one of those few Indian Restaurants where you can find majesty & yet so economical on your pocket, hefty space & serene setting at the same time.

  

 

Lets now talk about the main thing, Food.

I loved the dishes we tasted, it included:

 

   

BBQ platter which stands out the most in taste and I would surely recommend it, Jhinga (Prawns) was my favorite in the platters. Kebabs and chicken pieces were so tender and yet so full on taste and very well marinated. It came to table moist yet with tandoori crisp, sheathed in Onion rings, yoghurt and Green Chutni. The sizzler sound coming out from the platter just drifted about my senses with the amazing smoky magic of charcoal that is nowhere to be seen as adequate and flavorsome.

   

Rogan Josh & Butter Chicken: Since I am not a great fan of Rogan Josh I was not keen on having it however I must admit it is something which tastes dissimilar than usual onion-tomato salan/gravy served in different Indian Restaurant under same label. Butter Chicken wins the choice award with its soft and creamy texture and best blend with Romali roti.

 

Biryani: Oh so delicious and my 2nd favorite in the menu, When I peek under the dough cover, an intense aroma turns my sensory taps on to a full gushing speed. The savory smell of chicken blends with the urban gulp of air of Indian spices.

 

I love the use of original spices in cooking and am sometimes thwarted when the spice level is bargained, luckily at Indian Palace the Chef was so confident to utilize spices authentically and mentioned to us that he tried to keep spice levels true to the dish rather than to temper them along for the sake of accurate savor. All in all the menu is each speck as refined and packed with Indian close-to-heart dishes. You must try their Mango Lassi, it’s delicious. I should also mention that the cocktail menu looks pretty fancy & innovative. This was the best value meal indeed with a freshly made romali/butter/naan rotis (Indian bread).

 

For desserts I opted for gulab jaman and rasmalai, Gulab Jaman was so tasty that I can have again and again each time I visit them. I wish to give genuine feedback in terms of presentation, taste etc. hence I will share something I noticed at India Palace which is yet so unique and a good practice. Color-wise I found their biryani and butter paneer not too bright and dark when I enquire into, I was impressed to know that they don’t use artificial coloring at all and have very strict practices for it. I believe one must get to engage with the staff to the level that we did to clarify so many perceptions about food

  I may sound influenced as I am but all in all India Palace restaurants are no less than a satisfying and reliable option compare to lots of other Indian cuisines. For me, its on my list of places to return, with a famished tummy and with my IPhone and start diggin and clickin.

Special Thanks to Mr. Prashob, Mr. Sateesh, Chef Amit & Chef Javed & to ever smiling Staff of India Palace.

INDIA PALACE GIVEAWAY / CONTEST : We have 3 VOUCHERS worth AED 150 and we will announce 3 winners.

How to win: 1- Subscribe (via email id) on maheenabbas.wordpress.com and comment below “Done”. 2- Share Mahi Blog & this post on as many social widgets, Like, Follow, Share & Tag friends on following: FB: facebook.com/mahiblog Twitter: twitter.com/mahiblog Instagram: instagram.com/mahiblog 3- Like www.facebook.com/indiapalacearabia & write on their wall “Mahi Blog has sent me here” (tag Mahiblog using @) To win you must do all the above steps. Winners will be announced on March 12th, 2015. The more you share Mahi Blog on social widgets and this post, better the chance to win! All UAE fans can take part.

Scrumptiously yours, Mahi.

Disclaimer : MB team were guests at India Palace, however all feedback and observations are our hold as are the photographs above which were taken on the day of my trip.

 

Foodie Competition – Meet/Greet and Click with Master Chef “Sanjeev Kapoor” & giveaways !

Indian celebrity masterchef Sanjeev Kapoor is launching his fine dining restaurant ‘Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor’ in Abu Dhabi’s Nations Tower. Whole team is excited as they are gearing up for Grand Launch on Wednesday, 7th January, 2015.

 

Its indeed the best Authentic Indian cuisine in town, My personal Fav are the Tawa Maachi, Smokey Lassi and the twist in sweet “Gulab Jamun Samousa”.

   

Coming back to the Competition, there will be “Come and get Clicked” session on the Grand Launch day for the choosen few ! Well being a previledge Mahi Blog fan/reader 3 (Three) of you can be amongst those who can earn this spot.

Yes, courtesy to our great host, we will give you an opportunity to earn a golden ticket for clicking the best selfie of yours with non other than Masterchef Sanjeev Kapoor. And that’s not it you might walk away with some giveaways from Signature Restaurant 🙂

How to win this Meet & Click Spot:

1- Subscribe (via email id) on maheenabbas.wordpress.com

2- Share this post on as many widgets as you can tagging/mentioning Mahi Blog on respective social media (FB, Twitter, Instagram etc)

3- Like, Follow, Share & Tag friends on following:

• FB: facebook.com/mahiblog
• Twitter: twitter.com/mahiblog
• Instagram: instagram.com/mahiblog

4- Like Client’s page & Answer below on this blog post: Where is Signature Abu Dhabi located? (Hint visit their fb page facebook.com/SignatureBySanjeevKapoorAbuDhabi)

 

To win you must follow all points. I wish if I could have more readers join us but the Photo Opportunity is for lucky few this time.. but nonetheless we will bring more oppprtunities and giveaways from authentice royal Indian cuisine.

Happy Holidays and a very happy New Year 🙂

Stay Happy and Enjoy with your loved ones.

Mahi.