OF all the fresh dining names that have appeared at The Beach over the past year or so Big Chefs has arguably stood out – not least because of the curious name.
HEIGHT CUISINE: Big space at Big Chefs for a scrummy menu
But a visit to this cool and casual eatery, which faces the Amwaj Rotana hotel on JBR, swiftly reveals that ‘big’ features in other ways beyond the words above the door.
For Big Chefs is also very generous on space – glance up from your table and the high ceiling makes the place feel huge – and on portions.
But where the big reputation is being truly forged is in the subtle innovations within the broad and varied menu of this evolving chain that began life in the Turkish capital, Ankara.
The urban loft vibe created by exposed brickwork and a wood and steel staircase lends a modern feel that extends to the outlook of food that takes in some traditional favourites, brought up to date with some cunning flourishes.
A huge case in point can be found in the heart of the dessert menu. Okay, so we’re starting the wrong way around here, but the Big Chefs Kunefe is something to write home (or on a blog) about.
The Middle Eastern sweet can be a struggle to tackle at the end of a meal, but this kitchen has devised a version that is lighter and slightly less guilt inducing than the often stodgy offering.
The not so secretive secret lies in the use of mozzarella in the preparation, alongside a delightfully balancing blueberry filling and a refreshing scoop of ice cream. It’s a classic sweet Vs savoury tag match that is enhanced by a sprinkling of pistachio nuts and delicate syrup that attaches to a hair-do of shredded pastry. The Pumpkin Cheesecake was the closest rival for the finale on this outing, but the baked kadaif was a triumphant treat that lingered long in the memory.
But where the big reputation is being truly forged is in the subtle innovations within the broad and varied menu of this evolving chain that began life in the Turkish capital, Ankara.
The urban loft vibe created by exposed brickwork and a wood and steel staircase lends a modern feel that extends to the outlook of food that takes in some traditional favourites, brought up to date with some cunning flourishes.
A huge case in point can be found in the heart of the dessert menu. Okay, so we’re starting the wrong way around here, but the Big Chefs Kunefe is something to write home (or on a blog) about.
The Middle Eastern sweet can be a struggle to tackle at the end of a meal, but this kitchen has devised a version that is lighter and slightly less guilt inducing than the often stodgy offering.
The not so secretive secret lies in the use of mozzarella in the preparation, alongside a delightfully balancing blueberry filling and a refreshing scoop of ice cream. It’s a classic sweet Vs savoury tag match that is enhanced by a sprinkling of pistachio nuts and delicate syrup that attaches to a hair-do of shredded pastry. The Pumpkin Cheesecake was the closest rival for the finale on this outing, but the baked kadaif was a triumphant treat that lingered long in the memory.
KUNEFE IS ENOUGH: Leave space during your visit for this dessert gem
So, that’s what you can look forward to if you eat your mains like a good boy or girl.
Before those tempting platters, however, the starters present a tasty hurdle for the indecisive diner.
That said, shouting from the page, Pumpkin Patty and Grilled Zucchini Rolls with Spinach Tzatziki proved a worthy new addition to the menu.
The appealing aesthetics were more than matched by textures and flavours – the freshness of the rolled vegetable element and creamy tzatziki blending interestingly with the slightly sweet mouthfuls of gently cooked pumpkin patty.
It’s a decent sized starter, so bring an ample appetite - or tear yourself away and grab the satisfying Mini Pittas – luscious little kayak-shaped servings with an irresistible diced beef and vegetable filling.
The Chef’s Tapas also comes recommended; a sharing platter, it includes a BBQ chicken skewer, mini kebbes, vine leaf rolls with minced meat, meatball yakitori, crispy spicy sausage and more.
With pause to refresh with one of the speciality iced teas – a jar of rosehip with lime juice hit the spot - the mains selection could have gone several ways, one route being an enticing range of salads. If the images of the Sauteed Beef Salad with Balsamic and Fried Goat Cheese Salad are anything to go by, a lunchtime visit beckons. Likewise the sandwich, burger and wrap options – and the pizzas, pastas and noodles.
Before those tempting platters, however, the starters present a tasty hurdle for the indecisive diner.
That said, shouting from the page, Pumpkin Patty and Grilled Zucchini Rolls with Spinach Tzatziki proved a worthy new addition to the menu.
The appealing aesthetics were more than matched by textures and flavours – the freshness of the rolled vegetable element and creamy tzatziki blending interestingly with the slightly sweet mouthfuls of gently cooked pumpkin patty.
It’s a decent sized starter, so bring an ample appetite - or tear yourself away and grab the satisfying Mini Pittas – luscious little kayak-shaped servings with an irresistible diced beef and vegetable filling.
The Chef’s Tapas also comes recommended; a sharing platter, it includes a BBQ chicken skewer, mini kebbes, vine leaf rolls with minced meat, meatball yakitori, crispy spicy sausage and more.
With pause to refresh with one of the speciality iced teas – a jar of rosehip with lime juice hit the spot - the mains selection could have gone several ways, one route being an enticing range of salads. If the images of the Sauteed Beef Salad with Balsamic and Fried Goat Cheese Salad are anything to go by, a lunchtime visit beckons. Likewise the sandwich, burger and wrap options – and the pizzas, pastas and noodles.
MEAT-ING OF MINDS: The Yoghurt Kebab is a super tasty take on a tried and tested favourite
On this occasion, one of Big Chef’s other key innovations commanded attention. And it quickly becomes apparent why the Yoghurt Kebab is a leading choice in these parts.
The novelty of the Fajita Con Carne briefly challenged it, as did the Grilled Slices of Entrecote, Begendi (a Turkish-themed dish with eggplant puree) and Pistachio Meatball Skewers, but the kebab vote was vindicated on the first chomp.
The deconstructed combination of sautéed beef, eggplant puree, buttered flatbread and yoghurt and tomato sauce sent these tastebuds reeling. It’s no reinvention of the wheel, but it is honest food turned out with a spin, and substantial to the point where much of the bread didn’t make it onto the fork.
Big Chefs aims to hit a lot of different dining desires at all times of the day and the lengthy menu seeks to please all-comers, even at breakfast.
That section promises positive starts to a morning; the pages glow with photos and descriptions of fancy bagels, bruschetta, pancakes, waffles, cereals, omelettes, eggs benedict and a substantial cooked Farmer’s Breakfast, or a sharing platter intriguingly titled Morning Delight.
The novelty of the Fajita Con Carne briefly challenged it, as did the Grilled Slices of Entrecote, Begendi (a Turkish-themed dish with eggplant puree) and Pistachio Meatball Skewers, but the kebab vote was vindicated on the first chomp.
The deconstructed combination of sautéed beef, eggplant puree, buttered flatbread and yoghurt and tomato sauce sent these tastebuds reeling. It’s no reinvention of the wheel, but it is honest food turned out with a spin, and substantial to the point where much of the bread didn’t make it onto the fork.
Big Chefs aims to hit a lot of different dining desires at all times of the day and the lengthy menu seeks to please all-comers, even at breakfast.
That section promises positive starts to a morning; the pages glow with photos and descriptions of fancy bagels, bruschetta, pancakes, waffles, cereals, omelettes, eggs benedict and a substantial cooked Farmer’s Breakfast, or a sharing platter intriguingly titled Morning Delight.
LIGHTER MOMENT: Farmer's Salad for those watching their waistline
That’s all well and good, but stepping out of the glass doors into the humid night air with shirt buttons straining after our debut visit to Big Chefs, it seemed such a return would have to come a few gym visits down the line.
Then one could always settle for one of their Vitamin Boost drinks, Mocktails or Frozen Big Juices…until the hunger pangs return.
DETAILS:
FIND Big Chefs at The Piazza, on The Beach, opposite JBR, Dubai - and look out for news of their new branch, opening soon at the Box Park, Al Wasl Road.
OPENING hours at The Beach premises are 7am until 1am.
CHECK out the menu or book a table by calling 04 551 5302 and by going to www.bigchefs.co
Then one could always settle for one of their Vitamin Boost drinks, Mocktails or Frozen Big Juices…until the hunger pangs return.
DETAILS:
FIND Big Chefs at The Piazza, on The Beach, opposite JBR, Dubai - and look out for news of their new branch, opening soon at the Box Park, Al Wasl Road.
OPENING hours at The Beach premises are 7am until 1am.
CHECK out the menu or book a table by calling 04 551 5302 and by going to www.bigchefs.co
