A charming little restaurant and a true gastronomic hidden gem set out of sight in the far most corner of Kempinski Hotel, Mall of the Emirates. Right from the entrance prepare to be transported to the fiesta-like ambience of a trendy Spanish wine cellar where delicious aromas of olive oil, roasted garlic and herbs are paired with wisely selected wines, soulful conversations and Flamenco (especially on Wednesday nights).
All tables are nicely positioned around a central bar with an open kitchen where chefs simmer delicacies on a gas stove. Up on the ceiling large wicker baskets replace ordinary lamps adding cosy warm lighting. The pops of red here and there are gingham napkins which add to the Mediterranean allure and an abstract wall mural echoing cubism screams Picasso.
While I slowly studied the menu the band walked in, immediately stealing all the attention with the never fading lyrics of “Bamboleo”. We couldn’t help but sang along: “Porque mi vida yo la prefiero vivir así”. Francesco, who looked after our table, suggested we start with a selection of tapas (small savoury dishes) and end the feast with a seafood paella prepared on the stove. I insisted that jamón was a must try as it’s mission impossible to find fine pork in Dubai (spoiler: it was the best jamón I had in a while). Francesco advised that a pitcher of fruity red Sangria would be a perfect pairing to the food we ordered.
Our feast started with a dish of traditional Spanish bread “Pan Basico”, fragrant roasted garlic, “pa amb tomaquet” (soft plum tomatoes), sea salt and olive oil. I rubbed a clove and a tomato all over my toasted slice of bread, sprinkled some salt and olive oil and only paused eating when a board of “Jamón de pata negra” aged 36 months landed on the table (AED 195). The selection of tapas, which arrived next, was extraordinary tasty: “Pimientos de Padron” (small green peppers AED 49), “Croquetas de polo y croquetas de setas” (chicken and mushroom croquets AED 49) and absolutely magical “Gambas al ajillo” (shrimps simmered in olive oil with garlic and chilies AED 69).
While I dipped the remaining pieces of bread in deliciously tangy sauce, Maria the gorgeous Flamenco dancer, walked on the stage. She moved so powerfully and gracefully that all eyes were drawn to her including mine.
A few minutes later my small seafood paella (AED 215) was served in a rather large pan with lots of simmered shrimps and mussels on the top. Size wise it was enough for four hungry eaters and we ended up packing leftovers for a takeaway. The taste generated by the broth was quite intense at first but would quickly settle into a creamy heaven. I didn’t have any room left for the dessert however churros looked truly irresistible.
Let’s be frank. 
Warm spotlight works perfectly with rather classy walls presenting a combination of two solid paints: beige and dark green. The polished look is accented by a museum-like art collection arranged with a personable touch to create the illusion of home. The importance of detail is evident in the shining crystal glasses, exhibition of occasional eccentrics (skull wall decor, central spider chandeliers and a giant orchid on a red velour sofa).
What you see from the entrance is a long wooden bar with a reflective surface and many tempting tall bar stools. The simple décor is augmented with liqueurs, spirits and incredible bartender, 
Moving from the bar into the dimmed dining zone, I was stunned by the view. The whole of downtown Dubai was right in front of me sparkling in night beauty. The full moon rose over Burj Khalifa, softly reflecting in its mirrored panels. The traffic looked rather fun and easy going, pouring slowly from one street to another and changing colours from white to red as it turned. I was able to see all the way to the horizon and a bit beyond into the darkness of the never-ending sky. It was difficult to overt my gaze from this majestic scene. It was finally Riona who got my attention.
Born and raised in South Africa, Riona moved to Dubai a few years ago and is a Weslodge veteran. Apart from detailed knowledge of the dishes, Riona is a confident public speaker and keeps an eagle eye on her guests, ready to cheer with a joke or help with a recommendation. I was lucky to get both. While we studied the sharing menu, Riona suggested the following must-tries: Mediterranean sea bass ceviche with pickled watermelon, deep fried calamari with slices of crispy lemon and spicy chilly, roasted cauliflower with curry leaves resting on a bed of almond paste, and obviously the steak.
My evening ended up with Death by Chocolate (dessert), paired with a very unique cocktail based on peanut butter infused whiskey. I left full, happy and unsurprisingly craving more.
Life at Her Brightest 