Birthday Dinner at PierChic

Hello friends,

Last night, a friend and I went to this really exclusive seafood restaurant at Al Qasr, Dubai. Pierchic is regarded as one of the best restaurant in Dubai, and in my opinion it certainly lived up to the expectation.

Al Qasr is located next to the famed Madinat Jumeirah, and while Madinat Jumeirah is hustle-bustle, Al Qasr is more tucked away and less crowded. As you drive on the bricked drive-way, you are welcomed by these awesome bronze-casted Arabian stallions. The main entrance is palatial, complete with Arabian architecture: arches, hanging lamp, majlis style seating, fancy tile work and the greeters dressed in long flowing robes.

It takes about 5 minutes to take a walk down to the beach side, where the buggy was to take us to the pier. However, we decided to walk the entire way. We passed through the swimming pools, and once we came to the pier, it was a sight to behold. About 300 meters out into the sea, the pier was lined with flaming torches, and water was flowing beneath us. Cold towels welcomed us at the end of the pier, which was refreshing as the humidity started to get the better of us. The restaurant is built on the sea, and while some diners sat outside on the perimeter of the restaurant, we opted to sit inside in the air conditioned area.

The highlight of the restaurant is the bar area, where the color changed every 10 seconds or gradually into another color. The menu didn't have an extensive list to chose from, and there were only two dish which were alcohol or pork free. I opted for the Wild Sea Bass, while my friend opted for the Roasted John Dory. They served us three different kind of breads for starter, and my favorite was mustard-cheese bread. So delicious! Then they gave us in this deep bowl a small appetiser, which was a piece of fish, with soy sauce on cucumbers. While it was a one-bite appetiser, it was certainly a great one. It took a while for the main meal to come, so we exchanged gifts in the meantime.

I got her a book The Secret, which is apparently one of the hottest book nowadays, on the occasion for her new job. She got me the Burberry perfume- my absolute favorite perfume in the world! The main course arrived, and on first impression, it seemed too little. This was seafood after all.

I truly relished each and every bite of my Wild Sea Bass. It was cooked so perfectly, and was placed on a bed of vegetables. I took time to devour my main course, for each bite was meant to be enjoyed. After the main course was over, we were set to go, when the waiter bought this small chocolate mousse cake, with a small Happy Birthday written on it. "Many happy returns of the day. Compliments from Pierchic." I blew out the candle and my friend and I shared the delicious cake together.

Nothing could have been more perfect as we walked back towards the pier, taking in magnificent views of the Burj Al Arab hotel, the grandeur Arabian architecture of the Madinat Jumeirah's hotel, all the while having water below gently hitting the pier's wooden legs. Dubai Explorer claims that the venue of PierChic is worth the visit alone, and I second that opinion.

This coming Friday I am going out to yet another dinner with three of my other friends, and I am in the process of choosing the venue. Watch out for this space! :-)

Mansur