CHEF CHAT

BRUNCH O F T H E MONTH

MEET THE CHEF

JAMIE OLIVER

The legendary British chef chews the fat at his new Jamie’s Italian in Dubai Mall

We already have Jamie Oliver’s Pizzerias and Italians across the Middle East, but we couldn’t pass up an opportunity to open a restaurant in the world-famous

Dubai Mall. What an iconic location. We’ve also got a number of other new sites lined up, too.

I’d say we’re most known for

our silky fresh pasta. We make it on-site from scratch, every day.

The menu really is a celebration of the Italian way of

eating, so there are plenty of opportunities to share, which is exactly the way I like it.

If I was dining with Jools

[Jamie’s wife] right now? We’d kick things off with a beautiful antipasti plank – they’re a bit like an Italian picnic – loaded with bites from different Italian regions. We’d then pick a couple of pastas to share, followed by the beautiful fish stew and the rocket salad. You’ve made me hungry just thinking about it!

Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to have a restaurant in the

biggest mall in the world? The space is beautiful with room for 180 covers and a gorgeous ‘pasta theatre’ to showcase what we do best.

We created some extra showstopping pastas for our first ever

‘pasta theatre’. Look out for the amazing giant truffle raviolo with a hidden egg yolk. It’s just delicious. q @jamiesitaliangcc

La Mezcaleria JBR

Mexican classics and fiesta fun down by the beach

By day, Pavilion at The Beach is a calm venue. By late afternoon –Saturdays in particular – it’s buzzing. And that’s all down to La Mezcaleria, now bringing its second branch of the successful Mexican-inspired magic to JBR.

Inside, it’s a fun and relaxed atmosphere with jungle chic interiors featuring bright green walls and even brighter plants.

We nabbed a table that looked out onto a double-tap-worthy view of Ain Dubai. You’ll be sitting comfortably in a plush seat for the next four hours as a gamut of Mexican classics are brought directly to your table.

Starters feature salmon tacos, chicken and cheese quesadillas, while mains include tenderloin, grilled chicken, sea bass and penne arabiatta. The sea bass was served with a tangy ratatouille, fresh asparagus, zingy lemon beurre blanc, while the pasta was simple yet skillfully executed with roma tomato marinara, chili flakes and basil.

You’ll wash this little lot down with house wines, spirits and cocktails, which include peach bellinis, refreshing sangrias and rather strong lemon margaritas.

The whole space does feel on the smaller side, but the party is spread across two floors and an outdoor terrace. While it welcomes larger groups, it’s all a little ad hoc as smaller tables are pushed together.

If you’re after a quiet, let’s catch-up and chat brunch, this is not the place. The atmosphere (and volume) gets turned up several notches, as desserts are followed by dancing. One for your new ‘party brunches’ list. a Pavilion at The Beach, JBR, Dubai, Dhs180 with soft drinks, Dhs250 with beer and wine, Dhs350 with open bar, Dhs480 with premium open bar, Sat 1pm to 3am. Tel: (0)56 520 2020. @lamezcaleriajbr