We have been working straight more than our regular shift and any reason to chill and relax (if I have a time to spare) I normally grab it.
I was so happy when I received an invitation from Dusit Thani Dubai to try out PAX special offer for the month of Feb. A carefully selected winter menu straight from the heart of Northern Italy.
PAX is Dusit Thani Dubai's signature fine dining Italian Restaurant. Situated on the 24th floor of hotel, you can glance at the panoramic view of the busy Sheikh Zayed Road.
As an architect, even though I came mostly for the food, I always tend to check on how the decoration translates to the theme of the restaurant. I must say, there are a few missed steps but in general I felt that I was transported/ teleported to a very rustic Italian Ristorante.
I have visited a few places in Italy and dined in several 'authentic' Italian restaurants and stepping inside PAX I must say that it brought a lot of memories. Not only the sight, but also the smell (smell is very important for me, it provides you with a very strong nostalgic feeling--- do you agree with this or it's just me?).
Amazingly, inside a 'Thai' inspired hotel, you will find a very rich Tuscan high ceiling decor complete with murals a typical Italian plains.
What I love most is that each table is like having your own private booth with a view.
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CHEF CARMELO ROSSELLI[/caption]For the menu, we were served with 3 courses prepared by PAX Head Chef, Chef Carmelo Rosselli. We had 2 appetizers, 2 first courses and 2 main courses (and bonus desserts).
APPETIZERS:
CREMA DI ZUCCA AL CROCCANTE D' AMARETTO - AED 35
Cream of pumpkin with crunchy amaretto flavored crisps
VITELLO TONNATO - AED 45
Pink thick slice of slow-roasted veal with tuna caper sauce
As I traverse the hustle and bustle that is Sheikh Zayed Road (as mentioned previously, we were busy at work, so I ended up staying a bit in the office), all my blogger friends were already enjoying their first appetizer. A rich cream of pumpkin soup called Cream Di Zucca Al Croccante D' Amaretto (disclaimer, if I got any of the spelling wrong, as early as now I apologize :P). I didn't get a photo of this, but when I arrived they served me with a fresh bowl of soup and yes, this is comfort!
Our second appetizer is the Vitello Tonnato (description above). To be honest, I am not a fan of this dish. It reminded me of a tuna sandwich spread. Maybe the tuna and the sauce overpowered the veal as if i didn't read in the description that it has veal in it, I will completely think that it is all tuna.
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VITELLO TONNATO[/caption][caption id="attachment_2519" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
VITELLO TANNATO[/caption]What I love about eating with fellow food bloggers are the talks in between. We've known each other for quite some time and there are running jokes everywhere. While we enjoyed each other's company and briefly checking the view of Dubai traffic from the 24th floor, the both first and main courses were served on our table.
FIRST COURSE:
RAVIOLI DI MANZO AL SUGO D' ARROSTO FUNGHI E SPINACI NOVELLI (PIEMONTE) - AED 55
Beef ravioli tossed in natural veal jus, forest mushrooms and spinach
RISOTTO CON ASPARAGI, RADICCHIO E TALEGGIO - AED 55
Risotto with green asparagus, radicchio and Taleggio cheese
MAIN COURSE:
COSTATA DI MANZO CON ZUCCHINE E PEPERONI SALTATI IN PADELLA (TUSCANY) - AED 105
Grilled T-bone steak with pan fried zucchini and capsicum
GALLETTO ALLA GRIGLIA CON PATATE ARROSTO, VERDURE ALLA GRIGLIA IN SALSA ALLE ERBE E OLIO D’OLIVA. - AED 85
Grilled corn-fed baby chicken, roast potatoes and grilled vegetables with herb extra virgin olive oil sauce
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RAVIOLI DI MANZO AL SUGO D'ARROSTO, FUNGHI E SPINACI NOVELLI[/caption][caption id="attachment_2522" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
RISOTTO CON ASPARAGI, RADICCHIO E TALEGGIO[/caption]I was happy that both the first and main courses came at the same time. I don't know if it is intentional but I must say it worked. I think it is the Asian in me that wanted carbs with meat haha. I love risottos and this one is really good. Some of my blogger friends thought it was a bit on the salty side, but for me, I love that it is salty. The ravioli didn't disappoint as well. The shell was soft and the whole dish was tasty.
For our main course, we were served with meat! Grilled T-bone steak and grilled corn fed baby chicken. Yes, baby chicken. At first I really felt guilty slicing the baby chicken, although I must admit I liked how tender the meat was. The steak was superb. I do love my steak medium rare, this was a bit well done but it is still tasty and not dry.
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COSTATA DI MANZO CON ZUCCHINE E PEPERONI SALTATI IN PADELLA[/caption][caption id="attachment_2520" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
GALLETTO ALLA GRIGLIA CON PATATE ARROSTO, VERDURE ALLA GRIGLIA IN SALSA ALLE ERBE E OLIO D'OLIVA[/caption]Our meal was almost over. I still didn't want it to end! hahaha. We were served a cup of tiramisu for dessert. YUM! But the highlight of our desert was a surprise Birthday cake from Danelle c/o Dusit Thani. It was awesome! Both Sheila (www.abandme.com) and were February celebrants and it was such a generous gesture from the management of Dusit Thani.
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TIRAMISU[/caption][caption id="attachment_2526" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
OUR BIRTHDAY CAKE![/caption]Although this heartfelt offer was only available last February, but if you fancy Italian, you can still check out their regular signature dishes.
To know more about PAX Ristorante and Lounge check out the information below:
Location: 24th floor, Dusit Thani Dubai , 133, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
Available from: Lunch: Daily, 12nn-3:00pm. Dinner: Daily, 7:00pm-11:00pm
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