BONNE SOIRÉE

EXCELLENCE IN FOOD. WINE. INTERIOR. AMBIANCE. & SERVICE. I'm sold. I've gone to heaven. And here I am, indulging in pure pleasure. So sue me.

There are few places that just speak to the soul like this place. Why you may wonder. Because when you walk in, you're immediately taken aback by the gorgeous interior. I swear, I could spot those chandeliers from a zoomed-in picture, of them and them only, published randomly on the internet. Like I would know. Those are from The Maine.

This day, we decided to have a little j'ai du temps late lunch. So we went to one of my favorite restaurants in Dubai, but this time at their newer location in Business Bay (I have since been there a few times!). It wasn't crowded that day, business lunch had probably just finished and all returned to

their offices.

It's my favorite time, when I can enjoy all the good places without the buzz.

As we were seated at a table not par from the

bar, the bartender could conveniently attend to

to us. My friend and I love attention, specially in the context of being served. I judge a place, not only by it's appearance, but by it's people, and their ability to do their job and provide excellent service. Because why would we dine out if we had to serve ourselves? It's about creating an experience, and they are in the business of service and experience. It's a prestigious job, if you ask me.

So to demonstrate the greatest of services, let me tell you what happened next. One, he was incredibly polite and energetic. He asked us what we'd like to drink, and we ordered a drink each before our meals. I described what I like but was open to suggestions, "surprise me", I said. And he, as the professional he is, raised to the challenge and delivered! I'm sad now that I realize I didn't take a picture.

Socialising a bit with guests, is actually a nice thing to do, it's appreciated. And his approach was not too much, not too little - he let us be to chat with each other.

He kept an eye on our table, not in a creepy way, but to ensure we had what we needed.

Although ambiance, service and experience is highly important, I am here for the food. I ordered braised beef (it's a weakness I admit), with mashed potato, sauce and kale. We both did actually. Pairing this with a glass of Malbec (Mendoza), but a cool climate Shiraz or a Cabernet Sauvignon would pair greatly with this dish too.

Let me tell you, that beef melted in my mouth. Such a taste sensation, pairing it with kale chips just elevated the experience of adding another distant flavor to an already flavorful beef.

I'm a happy girl, you deserve to experience the best too.

THE QUICKIES: Why I love it: The combination of great food, in a Great-Gatsby-gone-French kind of ambiance, with great service sprinkled all over - what more can you ask.

Go for: Business lunch, Fancy but energetic dinner/ drinks with friends or peaceful, fun late lunch ;)

Location: The Maine Land Brasserie, Business Bay Dubai

Let me know what you think

Bisous! /Charlene