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Family Garden Brunch at Toko Dubai

The weather is perfect to spend outdoors and I don’t feel like cooking on weekends. During this time we find ourselves going and eating out. Luckily, here in Dubai we are spoilt with so many brunch offers that the whole family can enjoy.

We recently went to the Family Garden Brunch at Toko located at Vida Downtown. It was our first time to dine at Toko and we immediately fell in love with its Japanese themed garden. Adorned with colorful floating Japanese umbrellas, a relaxing water feature and tall trees, a secret garden in the middle of a concrete jungle.

Toko’s brunch is divided in two, an outdoor barbecue/carving area which offers sweet chilli Angus ​b​eef skewers, rib eye steak and miso glazed black cod to name a few and inside the restaurant a beautiful spread of dim sums, desserts, raw salads, sushi and sashimi.

If that’s still not enough to convince you, I hope the photo’s will.

The brunch setup was not overwhelming which we really liked. It doesn’t mean though that you will leave hungry. If you love Japanese food the selection was more than enough to satisfy your appetite.

TokoKidsMenu

They also have a dedicated kids menu, if they don’t fancy the food offered in the buffet. My LittleOnes did not order from the kids menu.

TokoGrillCarvingSection2

Kuya V’s favorite in the grilled/carving station is the sweet chili soy Angus beef. Daddy C  enjoyed the Salmon teriyaki.

I was not able to explore the grilled section with much gusto, the miso glazed black cod  was really good that it melts in your mouth while the rib eye steak was a bit dry to my liking.

I was happy filling myself up with the raw section and salad, it’s so hard to choose which was my favorite but I kept going back to have some more fresh seaweed salad, crispy duck salad, salmon tartare and beef ceviche taco. The staff noticed that I kept coming back inside the restaurant and suggested that I try some dish from the grilled & carving section as well. LittleMiss was satisfied with their shrimp tempura and chicken siomai that she forgot to order fries.

Toko Desserts They have a good selection of favorite desserts like brownies, petit fours, profiteroles and fruits. Our favorite dessert is the Mango Panna Cotta and chocolate fondant.

They have a dedicated area for children where they can play off all the food they ate, have their face or hand painted and a balloonist to keep them entertained.

What I really liked about Toko’s Family Garden Brunch was that we did not feel rushed, buffets intimidate us and we usually end up not enjoying the dish because I have this feeling that I have to get one of each food offered. Crazy me. Servers were attentive enough to notice that the kids ran out of juice.

Family Garden Brunch at Toko, Vida Downtown happens every Friday from 12PM – 4PM.
Starting at AED 195 including food and soft drinks. Additional AED 155 including selected alcoholic beverages. Kids Package at AED 85 (Ages 5 to 12 years)

For reservation and further information visit www.toko-dubai.com or call +971 (0) 4442 8383.

We were invited to review this brunch, but all views and opinions are my own.

Included in the Top 10 Mummy Blogs

I am over the moon with a news I got this week.

MediaSource_10MummyBlogs

Our wee little space has been listed as one of ‘Top 10 Mummy Blogs in the Middle East’ published this week. It brings me so much joy to be included on the list of blogs I follow and admire, some of them I’ve got a chance to personally meet.

This recognition arrived just in time when all I do with the blog is stare blankly at my computer screen. Sally of MyCustardPie was the bearer of this good news.

Thank you MediaSource.me. Thank YOU! for taking time to visit and read our blog.

Ottoman cuisine at Saray Sultan

We were invited to dine at the newly opened Saray Sultan, the newest Turkish restaurant in Dubai that promises to serve authentic Ottoman cuisine in Dubai.

 

Saray Sultan has glass walls and open terrace that’s perfect for the lovely weather we have right now. The LittleOne’s chose to sit inside because they wanted to see how the chef’s prepare our food.

SaraySultanJumeirah3

Daddy C and I ordered our favorite appetizers – Baba Ghanoush and Hummus which was serve with a huge warm Turkish bread. The smell of freshly baked bread was divine, I had to remind the LittleOnes’ that they have to leave space for the main dish.

TurkishBread

HummusBabaGhanoush

For drinks we had Lemon Ginger Mint, Fresh Orange, Mango and Homemade Aryam.

We were the only diners that Friday lunch time and had the opportunity to go inside the kitchen. How the chef’s work in the kitchen always fascinates Kuya V. Thank you Chef Zafer and Chef Lemuel for allowing us inside your kitchen.

As much as we wanted to try something unfamiliar in the menu like the Belen Tawa Saute or Hatay Tepsi Kebab, we had to order something that the kids would eat and not waste anything. Kuya V had his mind set with Saray Mix Grill and grilled Lamb Chops.

SaraySultanMixGrilled

Saray Mix Grill consists of lamb chops, minced beef, mutton and chicken cubes accompanied with the usual fries, onions, chili and tomato. Meat was seasoned well, juicy and tender. LittleOnes were kind enough to share a bite to us.

Saray Sultan Grilled LambChops

Kuya V had this plate of grilled Lamb Chops all to himself and wanted to have some more.

MixGrillBread

The pita bread filled with a red sauce made by Chef Zafer was really delicious that goes well with the grilled meat.

Saray Sultan Chicken Saute

Chicken Saute served in a clay pot reminded us of a Filipino Dish-Chicken Menudo, we requested that the they prepare dish to not be spicy so the kids can try it as well. A smoky tomato base dish that was so simple but full on flavor that you just want to have some more.

Saray Sultan Kunafa & Mix Turkish Sweets

I ordered Saray Mix Turkish for dessert when our server explained that it would consist of baklava, Kazan dibi and seker pare. It was for me the perfect choice it only had a slice of what I want to try but sadly at the last minute the kitchen decided to serve basbusa instead of baklava and they did not inform me prior to serving the platter. Out of the three Turkish sweets the least I liked is the seker pare because it was too sweet for my liking. Kunafa Cheese is a family favorite and it never disappoint us but the one we buy in our neighborhood still is the best.

Overall we had a good dining experience the food was served in a timely manner (we were the only diners),  servers explained the dish well to us and polite. One funny thing is that when we went inside they were playing Filipino love songs which was changed when the Turkish bread was served.

Saray Sultan is located on the first floor of Reem Mall, Jumeirah 3, Dubai UAE. For reservations or more information, call 04 3217700 or write to info@saraysultan.com.

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Disclosure: We were invited to dine at Saray Sultan for the purpose of review. All views and opinions are my own.

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Banana Biscoff Bread

Yes, I know another banana base recipe. We love them. It’s affordable and you can use it in a lot of things – smoothies, ice cream and pastries.

I have a bottle of Crunchy Biscoff that’s going to expire in two months, the kids are over the biscoff cravings so I’m finding creative ways to use them.

Banana Biscoff Bread

I have a lot of zebra ripe bananas, compared to other recipes we have here this recipe make use of more bananas which makes it yummier. I ladle about two cups of batter and add biscoff then top it off with banana slices and repeat till your pan is 3/4 full.

BananaBiscoffBeforeBake

Looking at the biscoff swirls made so happy, I imagined how pretty it would look when we slice the bread. But…

Banana Biscoff Bread Sliced

The swirls were not obvious when I sliced the bread. Unless you look at each slice closely will you see the biscoff swirls, it will be a different story with nutella spread.

Swirls gone but bread is moist and bursting with banana goodness.

Tag me when you get a chance too bake this bread. Enjoy!

Banana Biscoff Bread

  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

BananaBiscoffBreadCover

Ingredients

  • 1 cup softened unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 5 cups mashed banana (about 2 cups)
  • 1 1/2 cups Biscoff crunchy or smooth spread (warm on microwave for 5-10 seconds)
  • 2 banana, sliced

Procedure

  1. Pre-heat oven to 180C. Lightly grease and line bread pan with parchment paper.
  2. Mix softened butter and sugar over medium speed then add eggs, vanilla and 1/2 cup of Biscoff spread.
  3. Mix sifted dry ingredients to your wet mixture just until just combined. Fold in mashed banana.
  4. Spread about 1 1/2 cups to 2 cups of batter on your pan. Dallop about 2-3 spoonfuls of biscoff then swirl with a knife of fork then add a few of banana  slices. Place another spread of batter, biscoff and banana slices. Repeat till the pan is 3/4 full. End with banana slices.
  5. Place pan in the middle of the oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick/cake tester inserted comes out clean. Let bread cool inside the pan for about 20 minutes then remove to completely cool on wire rack.

 

Linked to What Kids Eat Wednesday

Best restaurants in the Middle East

A lot of new restaurants has been opening around the UAE, it’s already hard to keep up on who now serve’s the best Asian or Middle Eastern cuisine. Today, I welcome a guest post from Nihad Huzayen who will share with us his take on the best restaurants in the Middle East.

Nihad Huzayen is a passionate person who loves reading, writing, and of course… Food! His passion lies in sharing the love of food through leading people to restaurants that offer the best cuisines, service, and atmosphere.

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Home to 16 countries – Arabic speaking mostly – the Middle East is a region famous for its exquisite cuisines, which is inspired and dates back to the oldest cultures and civilization. Consisting of both small and large dishes; cuisines commonly use rice, wheat bread, cheese, various salads and dips, such as tabbouleh, hummus and mutabbal, pickles, and more substantial items, such as grilled meat, kibbeh, and sausage to their table.

SUFRA – Jordan

Dedicated to deliver a truly authentic Jordanian experience, Sufra perfectly reflects and celebrates the Jordanian taste savored for over a thousand years based on culture and heritage through dishes prepared in their Arabic kitchen set in an old house. Jordanian food paired with the famous Jordanian hospitality. Each time a dish is served, Sufra creates an atmosphere of festivities. Ahlan wa Sahlan wa Sahtain…

Sea Fu – Dubai

One of the exceptional restaurants in Dubai, and located in the five-star Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Sea Fu – as the name suggests – is a seafood restaurant set on a terrace with a waterfront view to enjoy the breezy al fresco dining. An intimate place that is perfect to enjoy your meal with your special one while gathering around the sunken fire pit and enjoying the sunset.

Set El Hesen – Lebanon

Also located in Beirut, Set El Hesen is undoubtedly one of the most genuine Lebanese restaurants that makes you feel right at home, with their oriental mezza, fresh meats and fish, aside to several delicious desserts, Set El Hesen is a dream for traveling in time and space to enjoy traditional and various Lebanese dishes that have become a part of the Lebanese kitchen.

KOI – Abu Dhabi

Located in Abu Dhabi, KOI offers their guests a range of imaginative dishes inspired by traditional Japanese dishes, and signature cocktails, paired with an atmosphere that evokes both intrigue and serenity. KOI introduces their featured Crispy Rice topped with Spicy Tuna, Hamachi Fusion, and Spicy Crunchy Yellowtail Tartare, and many more plates to offer a truly unforgettable experience.

The Meat Co – Bahrain

With their new place in Bahrain, The Meat Co is located in the heart of the popular culinary area of Al Quadaibiya, is considered one of the must-go-to restaurants in Bahrain, bringing experience in slicing meet and cooking it, they also bring an elegant design mixed with polished wooden flooring perfectly blends with the tastes offered by this restaurant.

Al Dana

As the only oceanfront restaurant in Doha, Al Dana entertains their guests with a visually exciting show kitchen and sushi counter where they can observe the art of cooking in action while gathering over evening cocktails, and enjoy an outdoor beach terrace with stunning views of wind swaying palms over Doha bay.

International Children’s Day at Petit Bateau

Earlier this month, I attended a media breakfast hosted by Petit Bateau held at La Serre Dubai. Have you been to this cozy place located at the heart Downtown Dubai? They have one of the most amazing Eggs Benedict I have ever tasted.

It was a really nice morning spent with some of my favorite UAE Bloggers, we got a chance to see Petit Bateau’s AW15 Collection before they hit the stores.

UAE Mom Bloggers

I was only able to snap photos that I know LittleMiss will love because she has been requesting for a new set of clothes. They have really nice choices for our boys as well, I will share some of our favorites when we visit the store.

“The Petit Bateau AW15 collection this season shakes things up as French designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac visits his colourful, whimsical style on iconic Petit Bateau pieces. This kind of poetic reinterpretations is an art-designer who is constantly renewing his style and passion for colour. Reimagining Petit Bateau’s wardrobe and its nautical themes has been a fun cruise. In his talented hands the brand’s iconic pieces change to take on a new meaning. The classic raincoat becomes a poncho and its hood a hat. The traditional mariner goes “pop” with shoulder pads in bright patent yellow or red canvas fabric.”

PetitBateauChildrensDay

Kids + Parents are invited to have fun on all three stores located at Dubai Mall, MOE and Yas Mall to celebrate International Children’s Day with sand art, t-shirt painting and a chance to win movie tickets and shopping vouchers when you play the “spin to win” wheel. You might just see us at the MOE or Dubai Mall branch, please say hi!

Minions Themed School Bento Lunch Box

We love minions. The LittleOnes are crazy about them, after watching the latest Minion movie they spent a few days talking like minion Bob and Stewart.

Minions Tamagoyaki

Mini Minions Tamagoyaki (Egg Rolls), steamed rice, fried dumplings, fruits and pretzels

 

Minions Cheese

Open face cheese sandwich, edible pen was use to draw a minion face.

Tamagoyaki hearts, mix fruits and animal crackers.

Make sure you also connect with us on Instagram and Facebook, where I do regular updates.

Linked to Let Kids be Kids | What Kids Eat Wednesday

Tag us on any of your bento lunchbox creations and use #UAEMakesBento and #WhatToEatMom on instagram. We are @cuddlesncrumbs on all social media platform.

Kuya V’s 8th Birthday iFly Dubai Challenge

Every time we pass by iFly Dubai located at Mirdiff City Centre, we would always spend a few minutes staring at people brave enough to fly and do tricks.  The boys would always tease each other on who would be brave enough to do it.

While standing in amazement by the tricks done 7 years old Kuya V  blurted out “Ok! I’m doing it. When I turn 8 years old, I challenge myself to do iFly.”

He is terrified with heights so this is a big deal for him.

He finally did it on the eve of his 8th birthday with a request that Daddy do the challenge with him.

iFlySo proud of your Kuya V!