Delightful dishes, a cool atmosphere and first-rate service make this Media City-based restaurant worth the trip.

          Carpaccio           The Med                       Carpaccio

If you don’t live or work in the vicinity of Dubai Media City, you might find a visit to THE MED somewhat challenging. But one meal is enough to prove that this restaurant – located on the 8^th floor of the funky Media One Hotel – is among the most worthwhile dining destinations in the metropolis today.

For those who are particularly enamoured of Mediterranean food, a trip to THE MED is a must. Depending on the season, guests may opt to sit inside the stylish restaurant or on the balcony where they can enjoy some fresh air and natural light (supplemented by lamps as night falls). A friend and I were lucky to have a bracing al fresco dinner there in late springtime.

The menu contained a wide range of choices, which the attentive waiters narrowed down to several “favourites”. Faced with the choice between at least three starters, we took their suggestion to try Argentinean prime beef carpaccio, the famed appetizer consisting of thin slices of meat. The raw meat’s natural aroma was enhanced by a garnish of mustard sauce and arugula leaves. Lightweight and tender, the beef carpaccio was a great way to prepare one’s palate for the exciting main dishes that would soon follow.

For the main course, we went the familiar route: steak and fish fillet. These choices may seem too safe for others, but as far as upscale comfort food goes, the dishes were simply among the best we’ve ever tasted. The Black Angus beef ribeye steak was done just right, its succulence complemented by sidings of mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables. The pan-seared local halwayo (pomfret) fillet on crust was cooked in a manner that retained much of the natural flavour and freshness of the fish. It’s ideal for foodies who prefer subtle seasonings to thick sauces.

These dishes were accompanied by tall glasses of mojito, which may be ordered with or without alcohol content.

Then came dessert, a surprise especially prepared for us by Chef Nicolas. On a huge platter was a lovely selection of sweets including macaroons, chocolate mikado, melt-in-the-mouth blueberry cheesecake, refreshing raspberry sherbet, and a bowl of assorted fruits. The slight tartness of the fruit and the rich taste of chocolate – not to mention the perfect cup of coffee – made up a fine mix to cap off our satisfying dinner.

Later on we were led to the hotel’s outdoor lounge, a separate space where guests can shoot the breeze while having a drink anytime of the day. The restaurant’s relaxed and friendly ambience extended to this area as well.

In addition to the impressive food and the impeccable service at THE MED, another fascinating element was its interior design. The restaurant is furnished in such a way that urban minimalism takes on an artistic twist, heightening the experience of those who expect both culinary and visual feasts from a single place. With such attractions, THE MED is sure to win over gourmets from Dubai and elsewhere, regardless of the distance.

THE MED

Where: Media One Hotel

T: 04 427 1000

By Karen Atienza

May 2010