IT may well be that we eat with our eyes before we eat with our mouth.
In the case of Above – set in evolving Downtown Dubai – it is near impossible not to gorge on the view before even contemplating the menu.
The ultra cool rooftop bar launched in the autumn of 2014 at the Sofitel Dubai Downtown - and gives customers prime top-to-bottom views of Burj Khalifa.
In the case of Above – set in evolving Downtown Dubai – it is near impossible not to gorge on the view before even contemplating the menu.
The ultra cool rooftop bar launched in the autumn of 2014 at the Sofitel Dubai Downtown - and gives customers prime top-to-bottom views of Burj Khalifa.
BURJ: Above customers get panoramic views of the neighbours
That’s not to say there isn’t plenty at Above to draw attention, with stylish furniture and fixtures, subdued lighting and a surprisingly spacious layout giving the place a trendy al fresco atmosphere where relaxation and socializing is primary.
The easy-going nature of the venue extends to a menu that offers upmarket small plates produced with care and finesse and presented with a subtle but current look conducive to the setting.
Among the stars of the show is Tuna Tataki. Chunky slices of marinated tuna steak are gently seared and served with avocado salad and a ginger dressing. The result is a light summer appertiser, almost melt in the mouth, that lingers.
Likewise the Chicken Crunch; simple little breaded golden fingers are brought alive by a mellow chilli mayonnaise.
Plenty of chefs get heavy handed with tempura batter, but whoever was on duty during this visit gave his Prawn Tempura a coating that was pleasingly fluffy to attract just the right amount of sweet chilli sauce.
Among the stars of the show is Tuna Tataki. Chunky slices of marinated tuna steak are gently seared and served with avocado salad and a ginger dressing. The result is a light summer appertiser, almost melt in the mouth, that lingers.
Likewise the Chicken Crunch; simple little breaded golden fingers are brought alive by a mellow chilli mayonnaise.
Plenty of chefs get heavy handed with tempura batter, but whoever was on duty during this visit gave his Prawn Tempura a coating that was pleasingly fluffy to attract just the right amount of sweet chilli sauce.
LIGHT: Prawns in tempura batter
Vegetable spring rolls can also be a simple barometer of a kitchen, sometimes turning up weighty and claggy in spite of their apparent simplicity. The neat little pile that arrived at our Above table were two-bite sized, and made light by contents that included glass noodles. The delicate flavour almost rendered the accompanying sweet chilli sauce unnecessary.
The three components of the Mini Burger sliders clearly demanded plenty of attention in the kitchen. Small, but detailed, the beef version gave a rich mouthful, the meat enhanced by choron sauce and a tome de savoie cheese.
But the real contest was between the chicken and Gulf prawn burgers. The former gave a satisfying meaty hit, lifted by crunchy iceberg, mayo and balsamic. But its seafood rival scored higher, lit by a gentle curry dressing and an inspired slice of raw mango.
The three components of the Mini Burger sliders clearly demanded plenty of attention in the kitchen. Small, but detailed, the beef version gave a rich mouthful, the meat enhanced by choron sauce and a tome de savoie cheese.
But the real contest was between the chicken and Gulf prawn burgers. The former gave a satisfying meaty hit, lifted by crunchy iceberg, mayo and balsamic. But its seafood rival scored higher, lit by a gentle curry dressing and an inspired slice of raw mango.
THREE'S COMPANY: Trio of tasty burgers
That had to lead to the grills section and a seafood skewer of Scottish salmon, prawns and fresh scallops, served with lemon butter. The scallops were plump and seared just right to promote texture, while the salmon pieces and perfect prawns sang with the edge delivered by a dip in the sauce.
Above offers a handful of desserts – tiramisu, a cheese platter and fruit skewers, with Japanese Mochi ice cream among them.
But those small plates had already done a collective job in leaving us full and soaking up the work of the lady DJ as the evening prepared to move up a gear.
The beverage menu is extensive and includes mocktails. Berry Ice Tea is rightly their signature mocktail, a huge burst of refreshment with two blue berries on top of the crushed ice and a concoction featuring blue and red berries, cranberry juice, strawberry an black tea.
Coco Exotic, with mango, pineapple and peach juice, plus passion fruit and coconut syrup, was like a breezy drinkable desert, all the way from the Caribbean.
Just like a holiday to that location, Above advises you to book in advance as word is justifiably spreading fast.
Above offers a handful of desserts – tiramisu, a cheese platter and fruit skewers, with Japanese Mochi ice cream among them.
But those small plates had already done a collective job in leaving us full and soaking up the work of the lady DJ as the evening prepared to move up a gear.
The beverage menu is extensive and includes mocktails. Berry Ice Tea is rightly their signature mocktail, a huge burst of refreshment with two blue berries on top of the crushed ice and a concoction featuring blue and red berries, cranberry juice, strawberry an black tea.
Coco Exotic, with mango, pineapple and peach juice, plus passion fruit and coconut syrup, was like a breezy drinkable desert, all the way from the Caribbean.
Just like a holiday to that location, Above advises you to book in advance as word is justifiably spreading fast.
DETAILS:
Above, Sofitel Dubai Downtown, off Sheikh Zayed Road. 04 503 6666
www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-7492-sofitel-dubai-downtown/index.shtml
Above, Sofitel Dubai Downtown, off Sheikh Zayed Road. 04 503 6666
www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-7492-sofitel-dubai-downtown/index.shtml
