Madeleine Cafe and Boulangerie Dinner Specials in Dubai Mall

Madeleine Cafe and Boulangerie offers weekly specials to its patrons. From starters to desserts, you can find specials not part of their daily menu and will only be available for the whole week.

A few months back I was invited to try some exclusive dishes prepared by their guest chef, Chef Sebastian. Last month I was invited again to try their special weekly dishes. Not part of their daily menu, you can see their offer on the board placed on the left side wall upon entering the restaurant.

Check my blog: Madeleine Cafe & Boulangerie: A Night With Chef Sebastian Torres

Check my blog: All Day Lazy Breakfast at Madeleine Café & Boulangerie

[caption id="attachment_2846" align="aligncenter" width="800"] WEEKLY SPECIALS[/caption]

The Weekly Specials Menu that week was:

Rillette de Saumon - AED 70

Atlantic salmon belly mousse with shallot avocado lemon and butter

Navarin d' Agneau - AED 110

Lamb and vegetable stew served with pilaf rice

Poire Pochee Aux Epices - AED 35

Madeleine, spiced poached pears and vanilla sauce

[caption id="attachment_2848" align="aligncenter" width="800"] CLASSIC, GINGER AND LEMON GRASS AND PASSION FRUIT FLAVORED ICED TEAS[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2849" align="aligncenter" width="800"] RILLETTE DE SAUMON[/caption]

During my previous visits, we always eat by the balcony to have the view of the Dubai Fountain, but as the weather is starting to get really warm, we opted to dine indoors. I think I have mentioned it already in my previous blogs that I really love the interior decor of this restaurant. Sitting down on the bistro inspired chairs and tables, I felt I was transported back to the time I visited Paris.

We were welcomed with a generous basket of sliced bread and butter while we waited for our orders to arrive.

Our starter was the  Rillette de Saumon (see description above). At first I thought I will not like it, there was a bit on an acquired taste in it but eventually, I started to like it. It is a light dish and very refreshing to the palate.

When the main course arrived, Navarin d' Agneau (see description above).  We were surprised how big the serving was. To be honest, it tasted like a Filipino dish called Mechado. Partnered with a pilaf rice, it reminded me of home. With this reason, I am giving this a thumbs up.

[caption id="attachment_2850" align="aligncenter" width="800"] NAVARIN D'AGNEAU[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2851" align="aligncenter" width="800"] POIRE POCHEE AUX EPICES[/caption]

For desserts, we were served with a Poire Pochee aux Epices (see description above), I loved both starters and main dish, but I was not a big fan of this dish. Good thing, Madeleine is known for other desserts and yes we ordered our favorite creme brulee afterwards (more on that below).

What I love with the weekly specials is that every week you can expect something new.

Aside from these, Medeleine Cafe provides other classy contemporary French Cuisines,  and of course, we can't leave this restaurant without trying some of them (again).

[caption id="attachment_2852" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Madeleine Boulangerie Dubai Mall[/caption]

Escargots - AED 65

Snail served with toasted baguette

Seafood Bisque - AED 55

Seafood soup served with rouille and gruyere cheese croutons

Tagliatelle aux Saumons - AED 90

Tagliatelle pasta with creamy fish veloute and smokef salmon

Fillet de Loup Nicoise - AED 120

Sea bass fillet served with La Ratee potatoes, beans, asparagus, olives, cherry tomatoes and capers in noisette butter

Creme Brulee - AED 30

[caption id="attachment_2853" align="aligncenter" width="800"] SEAFOOD BISQUE[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2854" align="aligncenter" width="800"] ESCARGOTS[/caption]

I have tasted their Escargots before and I don't mind to try it again. I really like its strong garlic flavor. The surprising dish for me was the Seafood Bisque. It was rich in flavor with a sort of creamy texture. I can have this dish alone and I am good for the night already.

[caption id="attachment_2855" align="aligncenter" width="800"] TAGLIATELLE AUX SAUMONS[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2856" align="aligncenter" width="800"] FILLET DE LOUP NICOISE[/caption]

For our mains, we added the Tagliatelle aux Saumons  and Fillet de Loup Nicoise. I was not a fan of the Tagliatelle aux Saumons as I feel that it was lacking something. It feels bland and dry. On the other hand, the Fillet de Loup Nicoise was amazing. The skin of the sea bass was perfectly crispy while the rest of the ingredients effortlessly complimented each other.

For our additional dessert, we ordered the creme brulee and it was perfect. ( check my previous blog when I first tried it).

[caption id="attachment_2857" align="aligncenter" width="800"] CREME BRULEE[/caption]

All in all I really enjoyed my time here (again). If you are looking for a quiet place to dine with friends or family on your visit in Dubai Mall, I strongly suggest trying some of these awesome French stylish fixins.

More about Madeliene Cafe and Boulangerie

Madeleine Cafe & Boulangerie: A Night With Chef Sebastian Torres

 All Day Lazy Breakfast at Madeleine Café & Boulangerie

Located at: Ground Level, Fashion

Avenue, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, UAE

Website: www.madeleinecafe.com

Madeleine Cafe & Boulangerie: A Night With Chef Sebastian Torres

We are back in Madeleine Café and Boulangerie, this time not for breakfast but to try a 3 course menu prepared by their guest chef, Chef Sebastian Torres.

Check out my blog about their All Day Lazy Breakfast.

When I got the invitation, I was very excited to try what Chef Sebastian will offer for that day. Every day from the 26^th of August until the 6^th of September 2014, a special menu will be available for all patrons of the restaurant. And yes, everyday, it is a different set of menu.

[caption id="attachment_927" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Chef Sebastian Torres in Madeleine Cafe and Boulangerie, Dubai, UAE (photo credits to Madeliene Cafe and Boulangerie FB Page[/caption]

From the information that I got, Chef Sebastian Torres comes to Dubai from time to time to create a special menu for Madeleine Café and Boulangerie. This helps the restaurant offer fresh authentic French cuisines to its loyal patrons and first time visitors. So when he comes back, I suggest that you head  to Dubai Mall and visit Madeleine Café and Boulangerie. To get these updates follow them in their facebook page (they have a lot of promotions and competitions there also).

Ok, back to our experience. I came along with my friend Kay in the restaurant around 8pm and we were joined by two of our lovely 'couple' friends Angelo and Joana. On the board placed outside the restaurant, the special dishes  prepared by Chef Sebastian were displayed. These are:

[caption id="attachment_930" align="aligncenter" width="800"] CHEF SEBASTIAN TORRES' SPECIAL MENU FOR THE NIGHT[/caption]

Entrée

Boudin Blanc Truffé ausc Pommes

(chicken mousse, truffle, apple)

Main Course

Poulet Basquais

(chicken breast cooked with onion, pepper, tomatoes, served with rice)

Dessert

Tarte Tatin

(warm caramelized apple with vanilla ice cream)

[caption id="attachment_936" align="aligncenter" width="800"] BOUDIN BLANC TRUFFE AUSC POMMES = AED 75[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_938" align="aligncenter" width="800"] POULET BASQUAIS = AED 95[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_939" align="aligncenter" width="800"] TARTE TATIN = AED 35[/caption]

From the looks of it, we will be enjoying this meal ^^… I WAS INDEED READY FOR THE CHALLENGE ^^

Because the weather was good (tolerable now), we decided to dine al fresco to enjoy the view of the Dubai Fountain. All of us agreed that this is the best location to watch the musical fountain (show +  good food = perfection). For a food blogger, it was a bit challenging to get some good photos though, because the lighting was very intimate. Good thing mobile phones can be used as torch lights haha (snap!!)

Aside from the Chef’s menu, we also ordered some house specialties. Most of the menu items are in French but everything has an English description, plus you can always ask the waiters for some suggestions and thorough descriptions of each menu item (they were very helpful).

For entrées we ordered a Salade Nicoise, Fois Gras de Conard Torchon and Escargots. I love the fois gras. I have been looking for a good fois gras in Dubai for a long time since my first visit in France and I think I found it!

[caption id="attachment_933" align="aligncenter" width="800"] SALADE NICOISE = AED 65[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_934" align="aligncenter" width="800"] ESCAGOTS = AED 65[/caption]

The best thing about dining with a small group of people (aside from sharing stories) is that you can all vote for your favorite dish. For the entrée it was a landslide for the escargots (although I voted for the fois gras because I was biased with this). If you will order the escargots, I suggest that you ask for more garlic as the dish becomes more flavorful. We had ours and it was awesome…oooh I want it again now!

 

[caption id="attachment_935" align="aligncenter" width="800"] FOIS GRAS DE CANARD TORCHON = AED 95[/caption]

For the main courses, aside from the Poulet Basquais, we also ordered the Pavé de Saumon, Plateau de Fruits de Mer and the Filet Mignon (Steak).

The Poulet Basquais that Chef Sebastian prepared was interesting. It was served with rice and it tasted like a cuisine that we normally serve in the Philippines. At first bite I felt at home with this dish. As a seafood lover, I think our selections were perfect. The Plateau de Fruits de Mer , which is a mix seafood platter with romanesco dressing and the Pavé de Saumon (Salmon Steak) were both heavenly.

For this round, the winner was the Pave de Saumon!

[caption id="attachment_940" align="aligncenter" width="800"] MAIN COURSES POULET BASQUAIS AND PAVE DE SAUMON[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_943" align="aligncenter" width="800"] PLATEAU DE FRUITS DE MER = AED 155[/caption]

For our last course, we ordered the very French Crème Brulee, Profiteroles, Dame Blanche and the Chef’s specialty, the Tarte Tatin. We are all flan aficionados and for sure we will all be biased with the crème brulee so we removed that from the nomination of the best dessert (it was done perfectly though). Amongst the remaining desserts, I really liked the Tarte Tatin. The warm caramelized apple, topped with vanilla ice creams works perfectly to create a wonderful fusion of warm and cold sweet fantasy (haha). This dish was the winner in the dessert category.

[caption id="attachment_941" align="aligncenter" width="800"] CREME BRULEE = AED 30[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_942" align="aligncenter" width="800"] DESSERTS TARTE TATIN AND PROFITEROLES[/caption]

With the Dubai Fountain entertaining us in the background and tasting all the delectable French cuisines, it was an awesome night indeed. We left our table with our bellies full and of course with smiles on our faces. I can't wait to go back and the other dishes (and some of my favorites). Have you visited Madeleine Cafe & Boulangerie? Tell us your favorite.

 

Check out other photos in the gallery below:

[gallery link="file" ids="944,945,946,947,948,950"]

Madeliene Cafe & Boulangerie

Located at: Ground Level, Fashion

Avenue, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, UAE

Website: www.madeleinecafe.com

 

 

All Day Lazy Breakfast at Madeleine Café & Boulangerie

When it comes to food, there are two things that are close to my heart, French and breakfast.

There is something about the French cuisine that seems so simple yet very sophisticated. Not too flavorful, yet not too bland and still will hit you directly to the heart.

As for breakfast, Filipinos are heavy breakfast eater. I never skipped breakfast as I feel  that this is the most important meal of the day (some new studies will disagree with this). I love smelling the aroma of freshly toasted bread and newly brewed coffee in the morning.

So, When I received an invitation to try the All Day Lazy Breakfast Promotion in Madeliene Café & Boulangerie, I didn’t even have any second thought--- I said YES!

[caption id="attachment_798" align="aligncenter" width="800"] The Lazy Breakfast Menu[/caption]

I remember when I was in France a few years back , early morning for breakfast, we went to the nearest boulangerie and bought a freshly baked baguette and croissant. I really love that experience..oh simple joys (#takemeback).

Check out my previous posts below:

The City of Food Lovers

Boulangerie at Saint Andres de Sangonis

I Left My Heart In Paris

[caption id="attachment_796" align="aligncenter" width="800"] LAZY BREAKFAST SPECIALTIES[/caption]

Madeleine Café and Boulangerie is a traditional and hip French restaurant located in Dubai Mall over looking the famous Dubai Fountain. The interior of the restaurant mimic a traditional French brasserie. With reddish stained wooden furniture, french windows and doors, the mood of the place will surely transport you to the streets of Paris.

We were welcomed very warmly and ushered to our table. We sat near the window to have a view of the outdoor. We didn’t dine outside as it is still summer here in Dubai (summer for me means ‘ONLY INDOOR OPTION’). Although, I can imagine how beautiful dining outside will be on a much cooler season (I will try that for sure).

As I said earlier, we were invited to try their All Day Lazy Breakfast offer. I must say, it was already passed lunch time..but I will not even argue to get a French breakfast any time of the day.

All Day Lazy Breakfast:

" An à la carte lazy breakfast... for those who enjoy in a charming brasserie-style setting with a choice of excellent breakfast items prepared à la minute." (Madeleine Cafe & Boulangerie website)

[caption id="attachment_806" align="aligncenter" width="800"] CHEESE PLATTER = AED 45[/caption]

I think we ordered almost everything from the menu. Well, you gotta taste everything right? (with a grin smile haha)

Selections

French Toast - Brioche dipped in egg & milk batter pan fried, served with raisins, caramelized banana and honey (YUM!!!)

Croque Madame - Gratinated ham & gruyere cheese sandwich with fried egg, roasted tomatoes, potato and mushroom. (I first tried a Croque Madame in Paris and I must say, this is delish!)

Egg Benedict - Poached eggs on brioche with smoked salmon and hollandaise sauce. (We didn't order this)

Scrambled Egg Croissant - Croissant filled with scrambled egg and served with tomato and potato and mushroom. (We didn't order this also)

Smoked Salmon Scrambled Egg Croissant - Croissant filled with scrambled egg, salmon and served with tomato, potato and mushroom. ( I like the French toast more but my friend preferred this one)

Assorted Cheese Platter (THE BEST!!)

I am a big fan of everything cheese, walnut and jam,  so needless to say that the cheese platter alone won my heart already.

Among all the ones we ordered, my favorite was the French toast. It was very tasty and soft (I love the caramelized banana flavor). My friend’s preference was the Salmon Croissant. It was a rich dish and very heavy.

[caption id="attachment_813" align="aligncenter" width="800"] FRENCH TOAST = AED 55[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_812" align="aligncenter" width="800"] SMOKED SALMON SCRAMBLED EGG CROISSANT = AED 55[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_814" align="aligncenter" width="800"] CROQUE MADAME = AED 55[/caption]

The croquet madame, another specialty and a best seller during the lazy breakfast comes with a serving of fries. It is a full meal itself.

To complement our meal, we also had coffee and an orange juice. I can actually stay all day and enjoy their breakfast offerings. I love idea of serving breakfast till 5pm on a weekend when everyone is too lazy to wake up early.

If you are looking for a place to enjoy a tasty French breakfast, I recommend Madeleine Café and Boulougerie. Aside from their lazy breakfast, they have pastries if you want to satisfy your sweet weekend cravings instead.

Check out other photos in the gallery below:

[gallery link="file" ids="805,803,820,818,817,815"]

Madeliene Cafe & Boulangerie

Located at: Ground Level, Fashion

Avenue, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, UAE

Website: www.madeleinecafe.com

All Day Lazy Breakfast

Available every Fridays & Saturdays

from 10am - 5pm

My Dubai Food Blog: Iftar at Na3na3 The Address Dubai Mall

Ramadan officially started and yesterday I was so excited to receive an invitation to try the traditional Iftar buffet at Na3na3 in The Address Dubai Mall.

Na3Na3 is a Middle Eastern restaurant  famous for its traditional Arabic home style cuisines.—- and I must say, Arabic Food + Iftar = Perfection.



As me and my friend arrived in the restaurant, we were greeted very warmly and welcomed with a sip of Arabic coffee. This really sets our mood for the night.



A table full of of dates, nuts and other dried fruits were present also to kick start the night’s feast. Traditionally, after a whole day of fasting, food are gradually being introduced in one’s body. In order to not shock the body’s system, dates should be eaten first  (somewhat a light appetizer—as far as I know ^^).





As me and my friend were ushered to our table, I can already smell the strong aroma of an Arabic cuisine. The whole place feels very intimate but at the same time I saw a number of families enjoying the feast (maybe it’s the Iftar vibe).

Just a disclaimer before I start discussing about food. I am not an expert in Arabic Cuisine so I will be blogging mainly on what I experienced and tasted. If any of the food I mentioned was wrongly described (and spelled) please do let me know—- thanks ^^





The first thing I grabbed was a plate of salad, feta cheese and hummus (plus a warm Arabic bread). They presented a wide selection of appetizers, dips and rice dishes (mostly I can’t pronounce) . Foul salad, modardara and  mohammara just to name a few.







(yey my starter plate—- I love these labneh balls and of course,  HUMMUS!!!)



After a light starter, let’s move on to a heavier meal. This time around, I got a chance to try a more familiar Arabic food. A wide selection of meat dishes can be found in the warm food stations.





Firstly, you can find some traditional treats such as a very tasty kibbeh, a spinach fatayer, lamb sambusek and a cheese spring roll (I forgot the name of this)—let’s call it a cheese stick.





Also, In the same station, I  got excited to see a casserole of already shredded chicken shawarma, shish tawook, chicken biryani and beef shanks (to be paired with cucus).



I have to make two rounds to taste all of them and I must admit, even though I already felt full, I was able to finish everything on my plate.





Feeling full (as mentioned already), I forcefully convinced myself that I still have room for some desserts. Middle Eastern desserts are known to be one of the best in the world and I for sure will not miss a handful of those during this Iftar.







The cheese konafa and the um ali became two of my favorite desserts of the night.There’s something about warm desserts that I found mouth watering (although I am not a fan of rose water—I didn’t mind that night).

Aside from the wide selection of Arabic sweets, they also offer a number of international desserts such as a very cute carrot cake cups (shown below—cute right?) and a shot of  tiramisu.





If you like to experience authentic home cooked style Arabic food, I will highly recommend Na3na3. I truly enjoyed spending my Iftar here. Good food, reasonable price and a very nice location.

Of course, aside from food, Iftar really is a time to bond with family and Na3na3 for sure has a good enough space and food selections for the whole family (and FYI, children below 6yrs old are free ^^)

Iftar buffet price is AED 195 (inclusive of unlimited drinks)

Time: Sunset until 9:30pm

Location: The Address Dubai Mall

Aside from Iftar, Na3na3 also have regular restaurant hours (with doors half open during Ramadan)

Breakfast: 630am -11am (11:30am on weekends), AED 140

Lunch: 12:30pm -5:30pm, AED 155

Dinner: 9:30pm - 11pm, AED 195

to know more about Na3na3, check out their facebook page and website below:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theaddressdubaimall

Website: http://www.theaddress.com/en/hotels/the-address-dubai-mall/dining/na3na3.aspx