Latest news with #BarDesPrés
Khaleej Times
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Restaurant Review: French artistry meets Dubai's skyline at Bar des Prés
Picture, if you will, ascending through Dubai's financial district until the city dissolves beneath you — 51 floors above DIFC's bustling energy lies something extraordinary. But who would dare to transplant the intimate charm of a Parisian neighbourhood brasserie into Dubai's gleaming corporate heavens? The answer lies in understanding Chef Cyril Lignac's remarkable vision for culinary elevation. What transforms France's most beloved television chef into Dubai's newest culinary ambassador? Perhaps it's the kind of humble confidence that emerges from childhood in the French countryside, where cooking became a pathway to recognition. Chef Lignac's journey from Aveyron, where his mother worked at a hospital and his father crafted wood, to Paris kitchens under masters like Alain Passard reads like culinary destiny fulfilled. Step into Bar des Prés Dubai, and witness something remarkable indeed. The transformation from London and Paris iterations feels both familiar and revolutionary, luxurious velvet finishes meet opulent marble tables, whilst vibrant embroidered draping creates intimate pockets within the soaring space. How does one maintain Parisian intimacy whilst embracing Dubai's appetite for grandeur? What's truly impressive is the menu that bridges continents with remarkable grace. Crab and avocado galette with Madras curry, who dares to marry French technique with subcontinental spicing? The signature dish reveals Lignac's philosophy: patient craftsmanship meets bold flavour exploration. Each delicate avocado slice tells a story of precision, whilst the Madras curry whispers tales of cultural fusion. Watch the beef gyoza arrive, and you witness East-meets-West artistry perfected. Lignac's passion for Japan permeates these dumplings — crispy exteriors yielding to tender, marinated interiors that reimagine bolognese through Asian sensibilities. The dipping sauce becomes essential poetry, adding zest to depth. How the culinary genius within the langoustine ravioli that captures oceanic essence within silken pasta parcels resting in velvet bisque foam excites, accented with Espelette pepper powder, each bite demonstrates Lignac's mastery of restraint allowing ingredients to sing without overwhelming crescendo. The 51st-floor perch creates dining theatre unlike most others in Dubai. Views of Jumeirah Mosque, Al Yaqoub Tower, and Emirates Towers transform meals into elevated experiences. The berry pavlova reveals why Lignac would choose pastry over savoury for eternity. Crisp meringue yielding to cloudlike centres, sharp raspberry sorbet providing counterpoint to sweet foundations, this dessert embodies his philosophy that timing and technique create magic. Bar des Prés succeeds because it answers a fundamental question about international culinary expansion: can restaurants maintain their soul whilst embracing new territories? Lignac has created something genuinely transportive, a space where French sophistication meets Dubai ambition. The 51st-floor location isn't just positioning; it's metaphor for culinary elevation itself.
What's On
10-02-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Sip your way through Cocktail Week at ICD Brookfield Place
Cocktail lovers, this one's for you – ICD Brookfield Place is bringing back Cocktail Week for a week-long celebration of all things shaken, stirred, and expertly poured. From Tuesday, February 11 to Monday, February 17, some of Dubai's most sought-after venues will be serving up signature cocktails, creative mocktails, and perfectly paired bites at special prices. Ready to raise a glass? Cocktail Week at ICD Brookfield Place is calling. The hot spots Expect a stellar lineup of spots, including Bar Des Prés, Il Gattopardo, Josette, La Niña, Lulu & the Beanstalk, The Guild, and 1920, each offering exclusive menus from 7pm onwards. Whether you're after a classic cocktail, a bold new creation, or a well-crafted mocktail, there's something for every taste. And at Dhs35 for drinks or Dhs60 for a drink-and-nibble pairing, it's the perfect excuse to explore multiple venues throughout the week. Mixology meets music Beyond the drinks, expect a lively atmosphere, live entertainment, and a front-row seat to some serious mixology magic. With a lively atmosphere and a focus on quality, Cocktail Week at ICD Brookfield Place invites guests to immerse themselves in the art of mixology while vibing to upbeat tunes and sampling curated bites. It's a week where exceptional drinks meet great company, making it the ideal social outing for cocktail lovers. Pre-booking is highly recommended to secure your spot – these experiences are set to be in high demand. ICD Brookfield Place, Dubai International Financial Centre, 312 Al Mustaqbal st, Trade Centre, DIFC, From Tuesday, February 11 to Monday, February 17, priced at Dhs35 for drinks, Dhs60 for a drink-and-nibble pairing. @icdbrookfieldplace Images: Supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
