Happy Days at Firebird
UPDATE ALERT! Firebird has closed down and will reopen soon with a new Michael Mina concept.
This is not you're average diner.
If you've ever been to the states and eaten at a 'real' dinner you will immediately know that this high end interpretation does the genre justice and in spectacular style. Firebird Diner pays tribute to the iconic American eatery of the 1950s, with some clever menu choices that pay close attention to the details.
Acclaimed interior designer Adam Tihany has delivered an elegant and refined version of the once ubiquitous diner that comes complete with an authentic circa 50's jukebox that guests can actually select songs on. Deco inspired light fixtures and architectural details combine well with the plush booths and tables to make for a sophisticated and luxurious experience that is a big step up from Jack Rabbit Slims.
Naturally there is enough checkered flooring and chrome to keep even the Fonz happy with an additional thumbs up for the three ornate wall mounted sculptural pieces that feature the rear ends of some beautiful, finned - yank tanks. These show stopping pieces definitely add a sense of presence to the interiors, allowing the space to transition from breakfast through to late night.
Spectacular fit out aside, it's clearly the food that needs to shine through when pitching a high end diner at the Four Seasons. So the big question is - does it deliver? Yes and yes.
The food is perfectamundo. Ya dig?
Presenting a well thought out and executed menu the Firebird gets all the classics spot on. For appetizers, the Soup is sublime, while the Popcorn Shrimp, is light and fluffy and comes with a homemade Tabasco, chili lime and a spicy mayo.
The mains roll in and all of the dishes are presented on clean and crisp crockery and it seems a real sense of care has been taken in the delivery of each. The Mina Trio Sliders are fabulous and perfectly executed. The All American, the Classic and The Short Rib are each special in their own way. Let's be honest, there's no where to hide with a slider it just has to be good - and it was.
The Short Rib, served on a bed of sweetcorn with a sprinkling of pop corn is clever and melt in the mouth kind of stuff with the deep flavor that you would expect from a dish like this. The side of Brussels Sprouts were amazing (ever heard someone actually say that?), while the complimentary home style biscuits with their spiced butter were naughty but overwhelmingly nice.
Service is a big thing when your commanding the prices of a high end outlet and everyone was super professional and extremely knowledgeable and made some great recommendations. Thankfully at no time was there any reason to tell anyone to sit on it.....
So from exceptional service to food quality and taste, the Firebird in DIFC really does deliver a great diner experience that offers classic comfort food that is at once refined and yet down to earth. If they keep this up, there's no doubt they'll be made in the shade.
*Note. The venue has now closed down :(
