The best thing about Dubai’s winters is that you can see a lot of places outside the mall! And hats off to Dubai as it buzzes with so many activities every week that you’d be left choosing between the many awesome choices. The food festival this year is even crazier, with such an amazing line-up of activities. I missed many (especially the Food Trucks convoy), but am glad I visited many.
Though I am a lazy bum on most Fridays, waking up usually after the sun is over the head. While the morning is missed, so are the many events that happen. This Friday Saloni and I made an attempt to start the morning with ‘The Farmer’s Market At The Terrace’ whose venue is Jumeirah Emirates Towers.
The organic produce available here is simply beautiful. Looking at such bright veggies is a sight to behold, and makes you feel closer to the food you eat. We went crazy buying many veggies, planning the week’s dinners in advance. The one basket I can’t forget is the cherry tomatoes one that had heirloom tomatoes, tumbling tom, roma, patio princess, sun gold, black cherry, etc. I didn’t even know these many types existed within the Cherry Tomato family, as Saloni gave me a crash course on the varieties. I should watch those food programs with her more often now (Note to self).
The artisan breads available at Bakers & Spice’s stall were irresistible. After buying a wholemeal bread, I couldn’t resist buying the Fresh Herbs Sweet Potato Foccacia as well. Their live station had a yum spinach & fried egg enwrapped in a bun. The Zaatar Croissant was the best croissant I’ve ever had!
Next in our itinerary was the Beach Canteen. We had been there last year, and loved the concept. This year around, the choice of eateries were even better, with Moti Roti leading the pack (as far we are concerned). Their healthy wraps are totally desi style, spices in them just perfect. Then we went to Pantry Cafe where I finally had Shakshooka, a dish I had been longing to have for a long time. The tomato gravy was tangy thanks to the piquant jalapenos, the eggs were perfectly poached, and I was indeed overwhelmed. How could I have never had Shakshooka for so long? Anyway, after the Tamota Par Edu at Kebab Bistro, this is my new egg favourite (though I could see some semblance in them).
The Beach Canteen will come to end tomorrow, I think they should extend this next year to a 3 month event. It’s heart-warming to see such a brilliant place having food stalls inside containers, a DJ playing to a hungry audience lazing around in bean bags, families busy at the table tennis tables, some playing volley ball, and a lot of food at a beach. What else would you want from life? Oh yes, they do play movies in open on selected days. Kudos to the organizers to bring such a lovely concept to Dubai.
Now that the Dubai Food Festival is coming to an end, but the winters seem to be still in love with Dubai, I think next weekend should be spent at Ripe Market. After all, it feels good to be around food, raw or cooked!
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