Last Updated on August 3, 2018 by hungryoungwoman
After Le Petite Maison and Izu Brasserie (and loving both experiences), we are at Izu’s latest concept. Located at Emirates Golf Club, Carine Dubai is Chef Izu’s ode to his lovely wife. Not just recipes, but even the decor has been designed keeping his wife in mind. Talk about romantic!
We arrive on a Saturday afternoon to find the restaurant almost full. The crowd is young and bustling, a baby shower and birthday are being celebrated simultaneously on opposite sides of our table. I find a lemon looking odd on our table and inquire about it. The server explains that it is specially brought here from Izu’s farm in Greece and a few drops of the juice in olive oil with balsamic vinegar tastes like heaven with bread.
Our starters are Beetroot Salad, Tuna Carpaccio, the popular burrata with roasted peppers and rocket leaves. The menu is picked for us by the Chef in advance so we are anticipating what the next dishes would be. We sometimes opt for chef menus as they challenge our taste-buds and prevent repeat orders in every restaurant. Our starters arrive and I immediately spot Goat Cheese in the Beetroot Salad. Apart from which, I am happy with the taste of the dish.
I don’t think much of carpaccios but the husband is the opposite, so it goes without saying that he takes a liking towards the Tuna Carpaccio which is topped with grape relish and nuts. I too agree that if I avoid thinking about the fact that it’s half raw, it tastes pretty good. The familiar burrata dish is a mutual favorite on the table and a must order if you’re visiting Carine.
Once done with starters, our server appears (like he’s been waiting for us to finish the course!) to clear our table for mains. Main courses are Seabass with tomato, lamb cutlets, soft and pillowy Gnocchi in a tomato sauce. The seabass comes with a side of sumac rice which does justice to the tomato sauce it’s served with. I’m not too big a fan of lamb, but the taste comes as a surprise to me. I only tried it because the hubs literally forced me to take a bite, and the tender meat was stunning with aubergine and toasted pita bread.
Same for goes for the gnocchi, simple and great. I think it’s one of the best gnocchi dishes I’ve tasted in Dubai!
I cannot help but notice the tables at Carine (there are plain white tables, a round one next to the counter, and a wooden communal table!) For the sake of pictures (and because of my love for everything rustic) I am drawn to the wooden table for dessert. Dessert is Passionfruit Cheesecake, Molten Cake with creme, Banana Brioche with ice cream. A little too heavy for our party of two, but we are encouraged to try them and give feedback. I’d like to say chocolate stands out, but the banana brioche was the winner. The macadamia nuts a strong contrast to the soft cake and the ice cream just cut the sweetness making it right for dessert!
If we’re going back to Carine Dubai:
To conclude, Carine Dubai is a place that can be visited equally by large groups or if you’re looking for an intimate meal. The ambiance is calm, and the service prompt. The food is just what Izu has earned a reputation for.
We recommend the Burrata with grilled peppers and Lamb Cutlets.
Have you been to any of Chef Izu Ani’s restaurants, and which one is your favorite? Let me know…
Until then, happy eating! xx
