Situated at what is essentially the base of Ain Dubai and taking up an entire upper floor in Bluewaters, Clay has taken on the ambitious challenge of representing Nikkei style Japanese food in an atmospheric, upscale dining destination.
From the street to the suite our culinary curiosity has taken us across more than 25 countries and countless cities where we’ve dived head first into what’s on offer.
From hawker stands to Michelin starred restaurants and everything in between our passion for sharing the good life with those close to us sprouts conversation and opportunity.
For this we are eternally grateful.
Thanks for stopping by.
Situated at what is essentially the base of Ain Dubai and taking up an entire upper floor in Bluewaters, Clay has taken on the ambitious challenge of representing Nikkei style Japanese food in an atmospheric, upscale dining destination.
There’s a lot going on at Aramada Avenue, including Cafe Isan which now has a brilliant roof top terrace to compliment their indoor space and it seems it’s the place to be - especially on weekends.
I’m not prone to get excited about places that don’t spell their names properly, and no I’m not old fashioned - it’s just that gimmicks like that (that used be cool in say the 90’s) are pretty much played out. Anyhoo….
This is not a review about bob haircuts or nostalgia though we may make glancing references to both when waxing lyrical about Mimi Kakushi.
In place of what old school Dubainians will fondly remember as being Girders, Motorino Dubai is the newest outlet from the world-famous New York pizzeria that is loved by celebrities, foodies and savvy locals alike.
So out with the old and in with the new as they say and the addition of Raffles to the Palm is a power move that certainly raises the stakes. With that said and as a big fan of Raffles in Singapore, I was always going to venture back to this beautiful, opulent venue to see what’s been going on.
I think I’ve been to most of the Japanese restaurants in the city and each of course has its own style and hook. That said, there are many good ones - some less so, regardless, few poses the sheer gravitas of authenticity that you’ll find at Fujiya.
If a German group that’s Carribian and sings in English can work then I guess Mexican from Canada in Dubai can too. Enough of Boney M though, let’s talk food.
Japonisme, Wabi Sabi, Ikagai, they all sound like exotic Japanese culinary delicacies. They’re not, but they are books about the various philosophies that encompass the Japanese way of life. One of these words also heralds the arrival of a new Japanese street food tavern to the Marina.
Could there possibly be a more picturesque spot than Fish Dubai? From the moment you arrive and stroll down to the restaurant along the quaint cobble stoned path, you are immediately struck by a sense of tranquility that few venues can match in the city.
Is this really the new Home of Asian Street Food? In place of what used to be the Crab Shack, (which for whatever reason didn't quite make it), comes the highly thematic Mr Miyagi's with a fly kick in the face to the old establishment...
From Professional snowboarder in Colorado to head chef of Nobu and battler of Bad Bobby Flay on Iron Chef, seems Akira Back has an interesting story and with the W Palm finally opening we just had to check it out.
Taking inspiration from Japanese cooking techniques and blending them with Western ingredients to create an East meets West sense of fusion, Morimoto Dubai - the first Middle East restaurant to brandish the legendary Morimoto name promises to be something different and there’s only one way to find out - Brunch it!
We visit Perry & Blackwelder’s billed as an original and unique smokehouse experience, which is something that I can easily get excited about.
In what seems to be part steak house, part gentleman’s club this spacious and sleekly styled venue has all the trappings of wealth and absolutely looks the part but can it produce a decent steak?
Promising the best of Italy - Luigia at the Rixos Premium on JBR seems to be making a pretty bold claim. While there aren’t many would be competitors along the strip other than the highly rated Bianca, it would seem that Luigia is a very sensible choice if they can deliver.
“Oh and the food will arrive when it’s ready”……. the famous last words of many a Dubai waiter after dutifully repeating your order. Dubai it seems never tires of rolling out a share concept.
While I’ve been to India a bunch of times, from New Dehli to Mumbai and elsewhere, I have to admit I’ve never poa’d before, so I was intrigued to see how this admittedly weird concept in the back street of Karama would play out. Spoiler Alert! It rocks.
In keeping with our approach to doing different kinds of Iftars this year, we found ourselves at the delightful Fogo De Chao in DIFC for a completely different take on the tradtitonal Ramadan feast.
Everyone loves a good Iftar, yet for most the part the majority of them are essentially the same. For those that are looking for something engagingly different then look no further than the whimsical pop up by Dish over at Warehouse Four.