Looking for a special night out? Date night, friends night, any night is a good night for Atelier M. Located at Pier 7 on Dubai Marina, this is a picture perfect location for any occasion.
Rebecca and I didn’t really need an occasion, the promise of a night out was enough. Even though the restaurant has a beautiful art deco fit out, we opt for the balcony to make the most of the still mild night (by Dubai standards) and the spectacular views. Rebecca orders an espresso martini from our Ladies Night menu and before I can really consider the consequences, I order one as well.
The mood is hushed elegance. There is background music playing that is atmospheric without being intrusive. When our espresso martinis arrive at the table the sky is still is just turning from blue to lilac. As we sip, the colours of the sky move through the sunset spectrum from lavender and orchid to violet and plum.
We order off the Ladies Night set menu, three courses with a choice for entree, main and dessert. We begin with the burrata and wagyu gyoza. Tomatoes, 10- year aged balsamic and sesame grissini accompanies the burrata. It is soft and creamy, just as it should be, but the tomato and balsamic is too sparse to make it feel like a dish and the grissini sits awkwardly on the side. It really requires a good drizzle of olive oil and some hearty, chewy Italian bread to accompany. The gyoza are made with wagyu strip loin and served with sauteed kimchi and spicy ponzu. They would make a good canape to accompany an aperitif but are unremarkable as an entree and slightly cold by the time they make it to our table.
There is an appropriate pause before our main courses arrive. We have both selected the soy honey glazed salmon with celeriac and sesame puree, glazed asparagus and yuzu froth. The glaze is nicely done being simultaneously sticky, salty and sweet and the salmon is beautifully cooked. However, the accompaniments appear hidden on the plate and the yuzu froth is undetectable.
I enjoy the dish, despite the lack of accompaniments and besides, we are both distracted by talk. Families, children, school, travel and the impending summer holidays whereby neither of us currently have fixed plans. Eight weeks of Dubai summer with two children (each) feels rather daunting from where we sit right now, despite the fact that we are overlooking the glittering Marina on this balmy May night.
After trying the sangria on offer we opt to go back to espresso martinis. And a good thing we do! They compliment dessert, which turns out to be the highlight of the meal, perfectly.
My sticky date molten lava cake turns out to be delectably molten and sticky with the perfect balance of date. The chocolate ice cream is exceptionally creamy and chocolaty and the crunchy hazelnut praline and caramel smudge complement the flavor and texture magnificently.
Rebecca enjoys her trio of sorbet although it doesn’t live up to the molten lava cake.
After dessert sip our way through another espresso martini and linger over the view.
The sky has turned midnight blue. The lights of the Marina and passing boats reflect in the water that mirrors the same hue. Exiting the restaurant, the gold chandeliers and settings for white table service make me want to linger a little longer. Eventually though we make our way to the lifts. We travel from deco golden wheat cast lighting down to ground level. Suddenly we are back in the bright reality of night lit Marina life. As I arrive home in an espresso martini haze I’m glad for the muted tones of my own bedroom. The gentle pur of my cat greeting me calms caffeine induced flutter. Not that it helps lull me to sleep. I lay buzzing until around 5am when I finally give in to the gentle tones of the coming dawn. Next time, I vow consider the consequences of late night caffeine more seriously…
Good To Know
Atelier M offers a Ladies Night set menu on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 6pm – 10pm for AED159. The offer includes three courses and three drinks (from a selection of house wine, spirits and cocktails). Make a reservation for your group and they’ll include an additional 2 drinks.
Despite the unremarkable meal, Atelier M is a gem amongst ladies nights. It is exceedingly good value for dinner and drinks and the location, service and atmosphere make this a ladies night that I will return to again and again. I can not say the same for the espresso martinis, although by next time…
Would I Return?
Yes.
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