Carluccio’s at YAS Mall – Win Meal Voucher worth 200 dhs #ItalianCuisineCelebrationonMahiBlog

Congratulations, And the winner is:

1) OMAR SAMI

– Thanks for sharing a lot – Please send us your full name and contact details on mahiblog.ae@gmail.com within 2 days to claim your prize. Incase of failure another winner will be chose.

Carluccio’s at Yas Mall:

Those who are following my blog are already aware of my love for this brand. I once read an interview of Founder “ANTONIO CARLUCCIO” where he has mentioned that Olive oil, flour, tomatoes and basil are the ingredients you can’t live without; yes we are talking about 78-year-old Italian chef and restaurateur himself who was in Abu Dhabi last year to open Carluccio’s in Yas Mall – his third restaurant in the capital. Having about 100 restaurants around the world, he shows no signs of slowing down, and his great concept of love for Italian Cuisine is beautifully cascaded to the recipes at Carluccio’s restaurant menu.

Super Gorgeous and our Ultimate Favorite Antipasti Mixed Board, it has each element of our liking ranging from home-baked Focaccia bread to roasted bell pepper with basil pesto.

 

Well, apart from covering their FESTA DELLA PIZZA offerings and tasting from the best pizza festival in town, we did taste their main menu items too, and this time in a different location i-e @ YAS Mall. It is quite a big and spacious venue. In the evening, Carluccio’s welcomes those who are looking for a more relaxed dining experience. Carluccio’s deli here is unrivalled – offering a scrumptious selection of fresh meats, cheese, salads, olives, tarts and baked food items, in addition to a range of take-away dishes, they even sell these handy gadget so you can make similar dishes at home! In short YAS Mall Carluccio’s is not just a food outlet but it is a food shop that offers a range of specially imported products from Italy to give it the authentic taste of Italy to this region.

I must say we had found our spot for comfort food that goes to our very heart. Our visit was memorable; we have been well greeted by the branch supervisor. Kids were well entertained with a customized kid’s pack they offer having a number of fun activities for kids aside from coloring too, I found myself well engross while they were solving the puzzle mysteries.

 

Starters were best to name few were Tomato, Pesto & Garlic Breads. We tried on our host’s recommendation their Ravioli and it is just divine, so full of flavors and the tiny pouches will do the magic mix in your mouth where sauce is so carefully coordinated with soft home-made ravioli which is filled with tender spinach and cheese giving the classic breakdown of each ingredients, it’s just absolute harmony. Being served in a traditional way with butter it kept it’s true essence.

LAGAGNA is also up there in this same category, baked at its perfection simply must-try item on the menu. My kids have thoroughly enjoyed the dish.

Hubby ordered Lamb Shank which is basically slowly braised lamb shank with herbs and vegetable, served with rosemary and mashed potatoes. Meat was well done and juicy at the same time the aroma of braised lamp just satisfies your taste buds and you will fall in love with this dish.  Uncomplicated ingredients, basic taste! It can even cater to my craving for lamb roast incase I am up for big challenges next time.

Kids enjoyed the very simple and basic Penne Pasta with pink sauce, which is too good and accurate to the taste and liking for the kids. The fact that the staff gave extra attention while taking your order you can actually customize your dish by requesting to add on or reduce the selected ingredients.

As for the Desserts, they have a lovely selection. We tried 3 in total, 2 from the new range and one regular.

CASSATA which is Semifreddo Sicilian Dessert with Chocolate pieces (I hardly felt any in mine), pistaccio ice-cream and candied fruits (as it’s comparatively hard to chew dint give me much of my dreamtime while enjoying this dessert.)

 

CHERRY SUNDAE: Being a die-hard fan of cherries I had no reasons not to fall in love with this awesome treat, very well proportionate dessert made by simple amalgamation of Italian Amarena Cherries and Vanilla Ice-cream and the syrup was there to balance the sweet ratio too. Love it!

Last but not the least Chocolate Fondente a warm chocolate pudding served with Ice cream. It was a chocolate lovers dream. Thick, chocolaty goodness all over with a layer of ice-cream. If you want a drinking chocolate version, try the Ciccoletta fiorentina.

WOW Factor:

• On weekend they are serving new Nutella e Banana so go for it!
• If you looking for real taste of Italy at home their colorful cornucopia of fantastic fresh food, Keep sake & store cupboard items and gifts you should definitely pass by their deli.
• Their fondants are mind blowing – pure choco lovers, welcome.

Buon Appetito!

I loved the romantic ambiance and an extended space where you can enjoy with your loved ones or close group of friends for a special dine-outs. There is even possibility to get variety without giving up on your Italian cravings. Categorically worth next visit, maybe even after to try some more Gnocchi next time 😉 I would rate my overall liking for Carluccio’s 4.6 on 5. And it can take mouth-watering 5 for just deli itself as it’s too good to ignore.

Find more info on their FB page here or go to their Website.

GIVEAWAY/ COMPETITION: 

Mahi Blog and Carluccio’s have teamed up to offer Mahi Blog readers “Gift meal Voucher worth AED 200” to be used at any Carluccio’s outlet across UAE

How to win:

For your chance to win simply do the following:

1- Answer the following question in comments; Name any one of the PIZZA offering at Carluccio’s during FESTA DELLA PIZZA?

2- Subscribe (via email id) on Mahi Blog, Share this post on social widgets. (Use buttons below of FB, Twitter, IG etc)

3- Like, Follow, Share us on following:

• Facebook (/mahiblog)
• Twitter (@mahiblog)
• Instagram (@mahiblog)

To win you must do all the above steps. Winners will be announced on September 10th, 2015.  All UAE fans can take part.

Disclaimer & Notes: A huge Thank you to CARLUCCIO’S Management, Andjelka Pavlovic and our host staff at restaurant. We were guests there however it did not influence our thoughts and reviews, all opinions content are our own. Pictures are owned by Mahi Blog. You can not use any pics without prior permission.

 

CITY WALK – Guylian Chocolates R Here! – Rich in Creativity, Style & Cocoa butter!

 

 

 We were invited at the launch event of Guylian Belgian Chocolate Café, at YAS mall (Yas Island) – AbuDhabi. In it’s Unique Sea shell creativity, this Chocolate Café offers Original Belgian Chocolate Sea Shells which are sure to deliver you the ultimate chocolate experience. It is so rich and creamy from outside and have this oh-so-yummy  famous Guylian hazelnut flavor.

 

The open-air cafe location was classy, and the evening was startling with Chocolate truffles, desserts, snacks and coffee served in a modern Art Deco setting, we surely had enjoyed the beautiful array of delights and pander to our passion for the premium Belgian chocolates, exquisite cakes and decadent desserts.

 

 

While the cafe focused on Guylian’s signature chocolate that made them a recognized global brand, the eatery also sell sandwiches, pastries, coffee, cakes and more. I simply loved the fact how soft and creamy these chocolates are, they simply melts in your mouth simultaneously giving you this delectable taste of signature hazelnut praliné filling with in.

     

We had a privilege of greeting the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the UAE and a meeting and interview with an Ever-smiling Mieke Callebaut, Marketing & Sales Director Europe/USA of the brand Guylian. She has briefed us about the origin of the World’s Favorite Belgian Sea Shells, of how the Chocolatier Guy Foubert become the first to come up with the idea of making chocolates in this shape, while returning home, thinking of bringing gifts to friends and family and passing along the coastline and getting his inspiration from the seashells.

 

A Story of Love and Chocolate:

She also narrates how the whole journey of Guylian begans, “Guylian”, the romantic combination of the founders’ names, the Belgian couple Guy and Liliane. Guylian was started in 1958 by a Guy Foubert, a Belgian chocolatier who specialised in artisanal handmade chocolate truffles. The chocolates are now sold in more than 120 destinations around the world, but the company’s signature truffle recipe is still made in small-batch copper kettles exclusively by Guylian’s master chocolatiers in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium. The chocolates are available in hypermarkets, department stores and duty-free shops at major airports around the world.

Inspiration for Outlet in UAE:

It lovely to know the similarities and fondness Brand Owners find in the culture of UAE, they love the culture and tradition of giving and sharing in this region which inspires them to have Guylian Belgian Chocolate Café established here and the products be part on national and traditional festivities, Giveaways and Warm Gifts giving activities which is a part of our rich culture in UAE.

Some interesting fact:

• Every Sea Shell is marked with a Guylian “G” stamp, the sign of a genuine Guylian chocolate & a mark of an artist.

• The shape of the Guylian chocolate seahorse is distinctive. It has its tail coiling the other way around than seahorses in life.

• They serve a gourmet range too.

 

It is an exclusive and classy location at Luxury Court on the ground level in Yas Mall. to indulge in all the luscious Guylian pleasures. it’s open from Saturday to Wednesday: 10:00am – 10:00pm and Thursday to Friday until midnight.

All in all it was a great event, very well coordinated and organized by TohPR, with goody bags and unlimited flow of Guylian famous chocolates and Canapés, we surely had some coddle chocolate moments there! We are going back there very soon 😉

 

Images Courtesy: Kaby Klick

 

A Sweet Journey to Candylicious !

Candylicious is not just a store it a dream concept representing fantasy, joy and inimitable early days reminiscences. It’s a heaven for Candy Lovers and home to the largest ‘pick and mix’ wall in Asia and the Middle East. I recall tourists footing outside posing for pictures at the storefront when I walked past Dubai Mall Store when we visited.

Candylicious — the world’s largest candy store, recently launched its branch in Abu Dhabi at Yas Mall. You won’t miss the store because it is located just next to the Food Court.  Mall Walks with Little humans of my family give us a plea to pass through this store in each trip. 

But then last week’s Blogger’s Event Invite for #ASweetJourney from Candylicious made this sweet fantasy a truly memorable experience providing a sneak peak into their Exciting newbie’s at Store such as the Garrett’s Popcorn and Spun Candy stations, followed by lunch at ROGO’S, the world’s biggest ROLLERCOASTERRESTAURANT®.

I was so impressed by the oversize candy tree in the middle, near the entrance. It was dripping with candy flank & Swirly Spun Lollipops, hanging full of candy bars and chocolate balls. The design and section Management of the store is well engineered & fascinating that it invites curiosity to every by passer who desire to consume every candy available, I felt myself  “Alice in Wonderland” but “Kid in a Candy Store” – Candylicious Version 😉

We have also been given live demo for Spun Handmade Delicious Confectionery in Covent Garden and believe me seeing a hard candy being made infront of me has major influence on my understanding of what the results look like since its been always my concern when consumed by my kids.

  

Sight of those Clustered dispenser and lined walls with over 250 pick-and-mix varieties that reaches the ceiling awed me. The store also offers thousands of different products from well-known brands such as M&M’s and Hershey’s, gourmet cookies, lollipops in all shapes and sizes you can imagine, & above all mouth watering smell of popcorn was announcing the Garrett’s Popcorn caramel indulgence.

  

They have my very favorite Oh-so-Yummy Tiny & Chewy Jell Belly in all flavors; it can burst happiness in your mouth. We had an opportunity to taste some delicious candies and also take away some with us too. We tasted the signature Reese’s Peanut butter chocolate too.

Word of caution: All in all it was great event; Sweets, Treats and Candy Galore, What a Celebration they had in store. This store casts a spell and mesmerize all specially the candy lovers and chances are that you may shop till you drop so do watch your calories, watch your teeth, Keep shopping as they gluten free options too 😀

 

 

Fruitful day for me; Fruity Competition for you – Jamba Juice is here !

  

Jamba Juice, the oh-so-famous American smoothie brand having over 850 stores worldwide has landed in UAE and has opened its door in the recently inaugurated YAS Mall in the capital. The launch day was indeed a much awaited day as lots of fans are eager for the grand opening and have attended on their customized invitations for the day sent to them, they celebrated a week of fun-filled activities with lots of free smoothies and juices.

I have always loved smoothie as it falls somewhere between juices and ice-cream and keep my guilt level on average for not consuming creamy-milk base product or end up on blanched fruit juices, hence it’s a perfect choice to provide a better-for-you alternative for a guilty conscience like me.

On our visit to the branch we were well-assisted by Mr. Shobad and we had a real fruitful day watching the whole process of making those delicious smoothies with the most-tastiest fruit chunks as they are preserved via special IQF (Instant quick frozen) method thereby plucked when they are at their best ripen stage and contained all its freshness and fullness of flavor. And yes we tasted our way through the lineup and were surprised by the results.

   

My personal favorites were Aloha Pineapple, Peach Pleasure and Pomegranate Paradise. Kids thoroughly enjoyed the Banana Berry & Mango a-go-go. One must try their special treat for Middle East customers, new flavours have been invented exclusively for the region including date smoothies and juice blends prepared from local favourite fruits. Other amazing flavors are Strawberry Wild or Razzmatazz

Jamba Juice intends to offer other products too, but for me it is as an on-the-go snack/smoothie option. Their health wraps are not loaded and are baseline with minimal ingredients, if you ever thought of dropping those greasy burgers, then you must pick up one of their delicious wrap, one of them was actually lettuce-wrapped and tasted unusually good after few bites. We also tried their veggie wrap however it’s not as tempting as the lettuce and chicken one.

You can try their breakfast bowls too it ranges from Berry, chunky strawberry and mango peach flavour. Their hearty breakfast has ‘Whole Food Nutrition’ value and is light on stomach.

Location wise it’s one lively spot and you won’t miss their Jamba Dance, Banana Man, and those loud Cheers and the Boost, the Jamba Juices staff will surely keep you entertained and you will remember you visit.

I thoroughly loved my experience; here are some brownie points for your visit:

• Happy hour offer from 9-11 om, if you buy 24oz smoothie you will get a health wrap free.
• You shall take your selfie, or group selfie i-e Gelfie or family portrait felfie to win buy one get one smoothie free vouchers.

   

Fruity Competition: (6 winners in total to be announced)

Mahi Blog would like to thanks Jamba Juice for inviting us to their lovely berry fruity place and to feature us on your page and also generously offering Exclusive prizes and giveaways for Mahi Blog readers:

Please join us in celebrating the arrival of Jamba Juice in the Middle East! through this competition.

Prize details:

• 1 x Jamba Juice Credit Card preloaded with Dh100 to spend at any Jamba Juice
• 5 x Jamba Juice discount books where you could save up to 180 Dhs to be used at any Jamba Juice outlet.

How to win:

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

(make sure to confirm through email in your inbox, which you will receive after typing your email id and press follow button at right side on web blog)

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- Answer: Name three unique Jamba Juice flavours? (Hint visit their fb page facebook.com/jambajuiceme

Deadline: 24^th December 2014, winners will be announced on 25^th Dec, 2014.

Have a Fruitful Day!