Guys, I went out. I went out and tried a new place. I finally left the comfort of my couch & Netflix, closed my kitchen, and ventured out to explore some of what is new in the wilderness of Dubai’s F&B situation. My choice of destination: the hottest new talk of the town: Phoenix Social Club at The H Hotel.
As I walked in, I was pleased by the dimly lit interiors and 3 levels of seating, thus giving it the illusion of being much larger and roomier. The private room looked like a fun time waiting to happen, and live music is always a treat (even when it’s a little off-tune, as it was here).
We had the Experimental Tuesdays menu which included all of the below items (and originally the duck breast instead of the pumpkin I went for because the former had red wine jus), however, I will list down the ala carte prices for better reference.
Tandoor bread with wagyu pancia herb cream, semi-dried tomatoes and fennel (AED 48)
The (already) famous chicken liver parfait with creme fraiche, caramelized yogurt, pickled shallots, endives, and crystalized rose. (AED 40)
Hamachi ceviche with burnt avocado, tiger’s milk, chili oil, sesame and radish. (AED 75)
My friend’s cocktail, AED 55
The white asparagus with smoked potato espuma, slow cooked egg, caviar and gold leaf (AED 70). This was my favorite course of the night.
Chargrilled octopus with yuzu kosho, miso foam, grapes, pickles kohlrabi and nori powder. A little chewier than I would have liked.
Tortellini with porcini beurre monte, parmigiana-reggiano crisps, fresh truffle and braised beef cheek (or mushroom). AED 75.
Slow roasted miso pumpkin and sweet potato, pumpkin seed oil, pickled pumpkin and pumpkin crisps. This was way too salty and pumpkin overkill. (AED 45)
Compressed watermelon, fresh mangosteen, textures of white chocolate, kefir lime and basil. (AED 30)
The only saffron dessert I have ever ever likes and ended up really loving: saffron and pear sorbet with spiced caramel, vanilla yogurt, milk crumble, apples and brick pastry. (AED 30)
Did Phoenix Social Club live up to the hype? Yes and No. No, because not everything we had was outstanding, but yes, because the value for money was a rare find in Dubai, especially at a licensed establishment serving up elegantly plated food with exquisite ingredients that ranged from ok to really delicious.
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