American comfort food finds a niche in Dubai

On the side of a narrow street, behind the brightly-lit roads and flashy cars that surround Dubai's iconic Burj Khalifa, sits a restaurant-café, Clinton Street Baking Company. In its quiet element, minimally decorated in shades of red, black and white, with the word EAT painted on the walls, the café serves up a big American menu that reflects the nation's southern comfort food - think waffles and fried chicken.

I know the thought of American food can be daunting with "heavy" and "fattening" being the words that go with it. But let me assure you, the food here tasted American, and still managed to be super light.

At first I was blown away by the Beef Short Rib (pictured above). It was tender, succulent, placed rustically on a base of buttermilk biscuit, and topped with a spicy sauce. It's the kind of food that would get a party going.

Chatting with the co-owner Dede Lahman, I learnt, "all the beef served comes from Australia and they smoke it right here in the restaurant. The salmon too is smoked here."

But, then came along the fried Chicken and Waffle Bite (pictured above). OMG! Think about being blown away twice within 30 minutes. This was the first time I was tried this combination at a restaurant. Sure, back in university I have stuffed my face with chocolate cake and friend chicken in one morsel, but to be served it, took me back to that terrace festivity in Bombay.

The sweetness of the syrup drizzled on the waffle, and the crisp, light spiced chicken works wonderfully. That much of deliciousness is ambrosial!

Kale and Quinoa Salad

I began to fall in love with the non-greasy, breakfast-food serving, all-'merican eatery. The kitchen kept the goodness rolling.

Read: Eggs Benedict for breakfast, please

From the Kale (who even eats it?) and Quinoa Salad that changed my mind; to the Beef Chorizo with Caramelised Onion, Cheese and Apple that kept me going back for more; I found my happy place.

On the dessert front, I would definitely recommend you try the Black and White cake bites (pictured above). They don't look as delish as they really are. As you must've been warned in life, I repeat, "Never judge a book by its cover". The burst of white chocolate takes over the cake, only to be superseded by the milk chocolate again. It's confusing, but the good kinda confusion.

It's a good spot to catch up with friends for coffee, or quick light meal. The staff is a smiling lot, and know their dishes well.

Verdict: Not all American food is fast food

Must-try: Chicken and Waffle Bite

Cost for two: Dh200

At @clintonstdubai trying out s beautiful spread of chorizo, crab cakes, short ribs et more. Waiting on the sweet stuff now #clintonstdubai #dubai #mydubai #review #goodfood

A photo posted by Kymberlee Müller (@kymbeerlee) on Oct 4, 2015 at 9:34am PDT

This post first appeared on khaleejtimes.com

Lazy brunches of nachos, steaks, and pies

Photos by Kymberlee Fernandes ©

Whoever came up with the concept of brunches is a genius. If you're like me - late for breakfast, but always hungry before lunchtime - you'll get my drift. One thing I must make clear is that if you've got a brunch scheduled for the day, try not to make any plans for at least 4 hours after it.

I had other commitments lined up after my brunch, and trust me, I had never felt this sluggish in a long long time.

Let's go back to my Friday brunch at The Black Lion restaurant, at the H Hotel on Shaikh Zayed Road. I was pretty kicked about eating a good meal (to me, a good meal consists of a refreshing beverage, a hearty main course and something sweet to finish that up).

What's cookin', good lookin'?

Platter of appetizers 

So, I started with a good helping of appetizers including - Cobb salad (Cajun chicken, avocado, tomato, boiled egg, and blue cheese); Hot and Sour Chicken Wings; Homemade Nachos; and Shrimp Cocktail.

From that platter, I fell for the homemade Nachos, and the Chicken Wings. Sprinkled with a spicy tinge and served with cheddar cheese, guacamole and tomato salsa, all I was missing was a good movie to watch while I munched on those nachos. We've all eaten nachos at least once, and if you haven't yet, I'd say start with the ones they serve at The Black Lion.

I'm on the hunt for the best eggs benedict in Dubai, and it was a no brainer that I asked for the Braised Beef Short Rib Benedict. Now I've eaten this preparation several times, but these guys sure know how to poach eggs. That kind of precision is mastery! The beef was cooked well, and took no effort to chew.

Braised Beef Short Rib Benedict 

Rump Steak and Frites

Then came the Rump Steak and Frites, medium-rare. Cooked in garlic butter, I've never thought of that combination before. I'm a fan of calamari in butter garlic sauce, and I can gorge on it through eternity. But the steak in its raw-cooked state, blushed a glorious pink and now I'm second guessing my fandom for calamari in butter garlic sauce.

Super-Sized Sundae

To complete my meal, I was served a Super-Sized Sundae, of chocolate cake, nuts and strawberry ice cream; and a deep-filled Apple Pie. Now that kind of a meal calls for a good snooze, hence I stress, do not make plans after a hearty brunch as such.

Verdict: Potions are large

Must try: Homemade nachos and Rump Steak and Frites

Price: AED 250, with unlimited soft drinks

This post first appeared on khaleejtimes.com