The latest addition to the Dubai food scene from famed Chef Izu is now open at Emirates Golf Club. Carine, named after his wife, serves up some mouth-watering French-Mediterranean dishes. The restaurant’s bright interiors, floor to ceiling windows, modern furnishings and views of the golf course certainly add to the dining experience.
The place is filled with all of Carine’s favourites from freshly baked breads inspired by the bakery she worked at in Northern France to lemons straight from their farm in Greece – which all come together to set the right tone for the meals.
We begin with the appetizers and the burrata with marinated grilled peppers is one of Chef Izu’s signature dishes. This fresh Italian buffalo milk cheese made from mozzarella and cream had me doing a happy dance! Everything about this plate of food is amazing right down to the presentation.
Here we have the tuna carpaccio with a citrus dressing topped with a grape relish, pomegranate and hazelnuts – such a bold combination of flavors and textures.
On to the main courses – they had me at risotto. Creamy, flavorful and packed with plenty of seafood, I would very happily eat this every single time! One of my favorites on the menu for sure.
Don’t think we really needed a knife to cut through these perfectly cooked lamb cutlets. So tender and juicy – a must order if you eat meat! The spiced aubergine on the side is the perfect accompaniment.
Roasted filet of seabass with a tomato sauce and sumac rice was extremely satisfying. I am not a big fan of anything in a tomato gravy but this was DELISH!
Moving on to the final course. We had to make sure we left room for dessert! Both the ‘Tiram-izu’ (get it?) and the crème brûlée were delectable! Of course by now we were in a food coma but it was totally worth it.
Image courtesy hoteliermiddleeast
Izu Ani, a Nigerian-born chef, was brought up in London, spent time learning to cook the classics in France and Spain before relocating to the Middle East in 2010. He first made his mark in Dubai as the head chef of the French fine-dining restaurant, La Petite Maison in the DIFC and the rest as we know it is history. Carine is definitely another feather he can add to his very impressive cap.
This gorgeous restaurant makes for the perfect weekend lunch or date night. Would highly recommend you add it to your list of places to dine at. You will not be disappointed!
Restaurant: Carine
Pricing: Avg cost for two (without alcohol) is between 300 to 400 AED.
Location: Emirates Golf Club, Dubai
Timing: 9:00am to 11:30pm
Contact: 04 2482152
Disclaimer: One Latte Please was a guest of the restaurant. All photos and opinions are my own unless stated otherwise.
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