It’s a special occasion. It’s my birthday and it’s a big one. I had imagined having a big party with family and friends but it is not happening this year so a nice dinner is the next best thing. My husband has booked Pier Chic to celebrate.
The rest of the day has been relatively quiet. It did start out with two excited boys bouncing around in bed while I unwrapped some special packages. We had cake for breakfast and the candles have been blown out. But now it’s Monday and the boys are at school, my husband at work. I Skype with my mum and sister, respond to a few birthday messages and emails. The boys come home from school and we play and I sneak away to get ready to go out. I’m excited and there’s a sense of anticipation. I feel it’s important to mark the occasion.
A few family portraits in the front garden for good measure and we’re off in a taxi. The Al Qasr Jumeriah hotel is only 10 minutes away but it feels like another planet. The valet opens the door for me and we breeze into the Al Fayrooz Lounge for a pre dinner drink, ordering prosecco which comes with some little accompaniments.
We toast as the sun sets. The views are breathtaking.
We have made a booking for dinner at Pier Chic and wander down, over the canal and along the pier, pausing to admire the views some more. I see the Burj Al Arab all the time but it’s only from this angle that you can really admire its grace and architectural beauty as well as get a feel for the scale. It’s impressive.
The pier and hotel are also impressive. In this light, everything seems to glow and as the lights come on, everything takes on a radiance all its own. We approach the restaurant and glance back to towards the beach and hotel.
The restaurant is equally impressive. Perched on the end of the pier, Pier Chic is both modern and elegant. We are ushered to the bar for a(nother) pre dinner drink which is mixed and muddled in front of us by someone who has clearly done this before.
At this point I realise how hungry I am and we are shown to our window seat table with the lights twinkling across the water. I opt for the signature tasting menu and choose my husband’s meal too as I want to try everything.
It’s all spectacular. The salmon is sweet and melt in your mouth, the scallops are plump and perfectly cooked, the presentation is delightful as is the taste. The service is attentive yet discreet, the views exemplary and the company perfect. I match my meal with a tangy margarita, finish off the meal with the lemon meringue and the night is faultless.
Would I Return?
Yes! I just hope that I don’t have to wait for the next big birthday.
