hidden gem – Life at Her Brightest

Flamenco night at Salero (Tapas and Bodega)

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).

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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The House of Waka

Waka is not a regular restaurant but a destination to experience the authentic flavours of Latin American cuisine with a fusion of Japanese influence. The place is decorated in warm earthy colours, with splashes of bright expressive patterns bringing in a cosy homey feeling. So does the art on the walls.

The reception outside the restaurant sorts out calls and reservations, keeping the extra noise away. A short corridor with dimmed lights opens up to a small lounge, beautifully lit bar, and DJ booth. The main dining area, divided in two parts, can easily be transformed in exclusive secret rooms for private events.

The kitchen is divided from the main dining area by a transparent glass wall. Interestingly, while guests can sneak peak on chef’s movements, the window is blackened on the other side. Just like American detective stories but the other way around.

Ordering is a pleasure, as the team gets very passionate talking about food and describing dishes. Frequent recommendations are followed by a brief history of a particular ingredient or a dish.

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The food is fantastic. Most of what I tried had a distinctive individuality in taste and presentation including many little special effects (dry ice, so hot right now). The finely sliced wagyu steak that resembles salami from a distance gets cooked right at the table with a blowtorch and then quickly dressed with delicious bits and pieces. Chicken skewers served on tiny charcoal grills are deliciously juicy and out of this world. On a personal request a little bowl of fresh chilly sauce was prepared especially for me and was quickly consumed with great appreciation.

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Nepal’s well kept secret – Dwarika’s

We arrived in Katmandu early afternoon.

Being in a habit to rush off the plane, I noticed only the tourists were hurrying, worried about queues and luggage and airport wifi. Local Nepalese travelers smiled peacefully, letting us push past.”Namaste, welcome,” smiled a man in a uniform. “Namaste,” I replied and bombarded him with visa related questions. He patiently answered them and pointed me through the visa formalities. My destination was an hour away from the capital, a gem of a hotel hidden high in Himalays.

Exiting the airport, Katmandu greeted me with sun, cheerful conversations, fresh breeze, laughs and uniquely melodic truck horns. I was welcomed by a charming man in a suit, Dwarika’s ambassador, who relieved me of two heavy suitcases and supplied a bottle of water, hot towel and a lovely chatty driver. I jumped into the car and we bravely joined the traffic chaos.

The music of street life burst through the bus windows. Motorcycles, fruit vendors, authentic houses, gossiping girls, moms holding kids and lots and lots of construction. My eyes were shining bright, piercing for every little detail. Katmandu’s daily routine is paradise for a curious soul.

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Katmandu is still rebuilding after the 2015 earthquake, however nothing apart from bricks and cement indicate it. My camera couldn’t get enough of outside scenery, especially when lavish green fields replaced the urban streetscapes. I spotted women in colorful sari-like outfits crossing farms with huge wicker baskets hanging off their shoulders, at the same time boys were enjoying themselves at coffee houses spread along the road. Needless to say it was all casually happening against a background of traditional huts, clay temples, resting cows and powerful statues. Meanwhile our bus was taking us way up, higher and higher with every turn.

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The road curved one last time and the bus stopped. I was at the footsteps of Dwarika’s. A few minutes later a golf cart appeared out of nowhere and in a matter of minutes I was sitting in a lobby on top of the world sipping a refreshing welcoming drink. Life has never been better!

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To be continued…

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