Friday Brunch @ Zuma Restaurant

So long anticipated and finally had the chance to treat ourself on a Friday Brunch @ Zuma Restaurant,DIFC the gate.

First had a drink on the terrace as its beautiful weather at the moment here in Dubai,light breeze not to hot,chilling on Zuma’s terrace between the office buildings.

After being seated in the restaurant we couldn’t wait to “smash” the buffet as it looked amazing!!

1 buffet was full of seafood,sashimi and all kinds of sushi and the other buffet was for other Japanese cold starters and salads.

In between they are serving continuous food on your table such as: mis ho soup, japanese bbq,tempura fried vegetables and lots more!

For the main course we were able to choose from the ala carte menu.

The misses took Black Cod which was far out the best preparation of such fish i ever came across!

Myself went for the Japanese style ribeye which was also absolutely spot on,perfection!!

Medium rare(for me the ultimate “guison”),juicy and burst full of flavors!

After a good cup of cappuccino and a great platter of desserts with a tropical sorbet,a banana greentea caramel sponge cake and a Amadei Chocolate mousse with tropical fruits.

Absolutely a must try when you are in Dubai and looking for a lazy Friday Brunch with kickass Japanese food!!

Sebastiaan

Ok now back to color!!

Men@Work in Nad Al Sheeba

After wondering long time whats the massive building behind Al Khail road,went today for a look arround in Nad Al Sheeba.

A huge project going on named Maydan,what partly going to be finished before the famous Dubai WorldCup Horse racing,now named “Maydan Masters”.

The Grandstand and the hotel attached are in a league of their own!!!

Wow, what a amazing huge project,beautiful design and architecture which blends Arabic with a modern style,clean neat and super chic!!

Absolutely THE new place to be in Dubai when completed!!

p.s. Dubai,dont forget to “appreciate” the workforce who realizes these kickass structures which we enjoy everyday!

When Japan meets India

Last week we had a very unusual but very exciting wedding program for 2 days.

A mixed wedding with Japan and India!!

The whole conference center was changed into a Japanese scenery with temples,lampions,big drums,Sakura(cherry blossoms)and off course many more what make you remember of Japan.

First day was very exciting as there would be a double cake cutting ceremony which was done by sheikh Mohammed and the chairman,plus the groom and the bride.

Also was the first day only for the family,Royal guests and close friends.Which reached the number of 1200!

It was a great success with lots of elegance,luxury and no limit on money spending.

Second day was a bit different as this day was for all the staff from the universities and hospitals which were owned by the chairman (father of the groom)

Wedding cake was also an unusual flavor which was Greentea with Vanilla.

outside of the cake we layered with chocolate sheets which were printed with cacoabutter in the same design as the invitation card.

I hope you enjoy.

Sebastiaan

“Rocket Launch” Burj Dubai-Khalifa 04-01-2010

After 6 years completed and broke already 10 world records,tallest building 828mtr,highest structure,highest observation deck,highest swimming pool,most floors,160,57 most fastest elevators etc.!!

The long anticipated Burj Dubai or Burj Khalifa as we heard the new name!

After work jumped in the car along with camera and tripod and of i went to find a spot somewhere nearby the happening.

Hearing the chaos on the roads on the radio,made a different turn and planted my car next to Al Khail road,which is on the back side of the Burj.

Thinking to have found a silent ideal spot,which turned out later in a complete traffic jam and arround 1000 people had gathered to see the unique show!

Wow what a amazing display of lights and of course fireworks and dancing water fountains!!

Absolute a one of a kind event that i will remember for a long time!

Too bad i was a little far away but ,didn’t want to find myself into a few hours traffic jam.

Fantastic show,keep up being the biggest,tallest,richest,etc in the world Dubai,for sure no loose promises!!!!

Sebastiaan

Porsche Panamera Turbo

In 2 days saw 2 of these awesome and beautiful machines!!

Nothing to do with pastry,food or anything but i thought you might like it!!

The brand new Porsche Panamera Turbo: “a pretty monster”!!

Enjoy,

Sebastiaan

My last New Year’s Eve Gala Diner in Dubai Monster Posting

First of all i wish everybody a spectacular,gastronomic and healthy 2010,may all your wishes come true!!!

Again a event to remember!!NYE Gala diner on the beach for 1800pax,wow what a blast!!

Amazingly decorated and setup in the colors white,violet and black,and as you can see in the pics it looked amazing!

For the pastry we needed to setup 4 buffets,on both head sides of the tent 2.

It was again lots of organizing, logistic planning and of course every 5 minutes on the line with suppliers to check if our ingredients will come on time,hhaha!

Once the buffets were setup everybody could finally breath and also enjoy from a magical NYE to follow!

(In the header is written:”my last”,this because i will be moving on…..!!will keep you posted).

Stunning bread displays by our resort executive baker: Chef Michael Muhry (Austria)

Seafood display on ice carved cylinders!

Always a “runner and a stunner” the live ice cream station.

Giant ice cream station,carved in ice cylinders

Firework show was absolutely amazing,it felt like an hour in a fairytail,even in the backdrop we saw the fireworks from Atlantis as well,amazing!!!

And offcourse the band,which made 1800 people left their table and swing the night away on the dance floor!!

After heading back up to the kitchens for the final debrief of the year we had a small sneak peak at Aterlier party which was going in our Multi Purpose Venue.Wow,2000 people having a absolute blast!!

A final peak at the skies and 2010 is officially started,my last New Years Eve event in Dubai came to a end!!

Sebastiaan Hoogewerf

Twilight is amazing!!

Having a lazy day off and watching the beautiful twilight from the balcony here in Dubai!!

Merry Christmas!!

Pastry Network wish you a Merry Christmas!!!

Crunchy Valrhona Chocolate/Raspberry Cremeux with Gingerbread Biscuit

One of our first festive cakes for a x-mas bash,Crunchy chocolate/raspberry cremeaux with a Gingerbread biscuit base.

Hope you enjoy,

and Merry Christmas from PastryNetwork!!

Sebastiaan

Chop Chop Teahouse & Restaurant @ Mall of the Emirates

After sitting many times opposite at Butchery Shop & Grill, it was again time to visit the neighbour,Chop Chop Teahouse & Restaurant.

Nice view from the ski piste and nice easy food with excellent tea’s,

mostly i go for their Nasi Goreng,which is excellent executed the way i know already for years.

Nice vegetable fried rice with shrimp,fried egg on top,”kroepoek” some sticks of sateh and of course peanut sauce!

Would it be back home (Netherlands) then expect some warm ham and some sour pickles and of course “Atjar” a pickled cabbage.

Enjoy and regards Sebastiaan

(Picture top and below is a Salmon Sashimi salad with a ginger sesame dressing)