Flamingo Room by Tashas | Dmitri Ruwan

(Prior to this review press-material was requested by FRBT, unfortunately, there was no response so here we go)

After seeing a tasteful amount of images on social media by the rarefied phenomenon known as the 'actual-influencer' it was time to discover what this ultra-pink restaurant was all about.

Flamingo Room by Tasha's Dubai

It couldn't have come at a better time, after two months of hosting multiple family members at our home, what was needed was an elegant night out. So, without missing a beat, reservations were made, and while the outdoor section of the restaurant was already pre-booked the tables indoor would do just as well, after all, if pictures did this place any justice its entire ambience was in the decor.

Upon arriving at Jumeirah Al Naseem Hotel, where FRBT is located we were courteously escorted nearly all the way to the restaurant by one of the informative hotel-staff who explained to us why this particular wing is known as 'The Turtle Lagoon' which in itself is a well thought out effort by Al Naseem to rehabilitate turtles that wash-up onto its private beach and lagoons.

Dmitri Ruwan at Flamingo Room by Tasha's

We arrived at the restaurant at 9:15 pm and were politely escorted to a table located on the left from the central bar area. The decor is fabulous, golden motifs sparkle in the shadowy-light accented by shades of flamingo-pink which appear across everything from napkins and floral arrangements to the walls of the restaurant itself. Meticulously positioned palm-fronds peeks from shadowy-corners, while crystal-vases brimming with exotic blooms seem to be straight out of a high-society party in the 1940s. But, the true star of the business lies somewhat higher-up, for elevated on both sections of the restaurant lies a rather magical light instalment. Shaped like otherworldly botanic blooms, this frothy confection grows across the ceiling, ingeniously mirroring off a watery-light ( think of silver sun reflecting off crystal water) and the more you stare, the more entrancing it gets.

As we sat and ordered our starter cocktails from the menu, the fusion of Arabian opulence with African decadence is evident in dishes such as Seared foie gras (AED 128

foie gras, brioche, caramelised popcorn, peach & fennel chutney) and Norwegian salmon burgers ( AED 125, Norwegian salmon burgers, lemon, Japanese mayo, red onion, coriander, micro sprouts, avo salsa) not to mention the Lobster & prawn vol-au-vent ( AED 285, puff pastry, lobster & prawn Thermidor sauce, peas, lemon zest, non-alcoholic white wine) which I can personally attest to as a millefeuille of rhapsodic flavours. Though as a light-eater, my decision to opt for the Calamari Mozambique ( AED 150, 250g calamari & squid heads, lemon butter, peri-peri sauce, tarragon, roasted cherry tomatoes, shoestring fries) was perhaps a bit too ambitious; it's certainly enough for two.

Rather content with the meal, we decided to split a dessert of Chocolate mousse 'to share' ( AED 48 per person, dark chocolate, chantilly cream) with a shot of coffee. At this stage the restaurant was so abuzz our server forgot the order, but a gentle reminder and all was well. The music had started to smoothly transition into indie-acoustic jazz renditions of music from bands like the Bee Gees and was just as delightful as the dessert ( dare I say the best chocolate mousse in Dubai?)

All in all, a must-visit for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in a unique fine-dining experience, complete with the glamour of old-world elegance.

(For those who may question why this restaurant is in our 'Secret Diners' section. While immensely popular, it is, much like Haute-Couture; for those with an appreciation for artistry, and much like the latter, it fits like impeccably)

Note:- Founded by South African restaurateur Natasha Sideris.