It sounds like an idea cooked up during a late night shisha session. You can imagine a pair of entrepreneurs discussing the latest episode of their favourite TV drama, Game of Thrones, then the conversation turning towards another subject they are equally passionate about – toast.
It is getting late and one of them mixes up the two subjects: “So, habibi, about Game of Toast ...” Suddenly, their eyes light up with dreams of a lucrative new restaurant idea. This almost certainly did not happen – but it does illustrate the same spirit that permeates Game of Toast, a new American-style sandwich shop.
Located in the Darat Al Miyah area of Khalidiya (tell the taxi driver it is behind Etisalat), the restaurant is completely bonkers, but compellingly so. The yellow signage in the familiar font of the TV show might yet result in a strongly worded letter from broadcasters HBO.
Enter, and you immediately realise it is easily the prettiest place on the block. The wooden interior is accentuated by tasteful dim lighting – you can imagine this place nestling nicely in the ritzy part of the Free City of Braavos.
There is an open kitchen dominated by a shiny grill manned by young and hip-looking staff. If you want to eat in, there are three stools to sit on to watch cars go past.
And, of course, Game of Thrones memorabilia lines the walls, from maps of Westeros to swords, shields and masks. There is even a replica of the Iron Throne – made of spoons, knives and forks.
The menu is simple but solid. All items are cooked to order and the results are hearty, perfect for the chilly weather.
I visited twice to sample the “House of Rolls” section of the menu (there is also “House of Toasts” and “House of Sides”).
On my first visit, I order the pulled beef brisket roll (Dh28). It is well cooked with the mandatory softness. Other than some coleslaw, more tangy than creamy, the meat is the star of this show.
The next time I try the steak and cheese roll (Dh25).
It is, they say, their bestseller –and no wonder. The chunky steak strips are juicy and they use cheddar rather than vomit-inducing Cheez Whiz.
The pick of the sides is the Sweet Potato Fries (Dh10), the chunkiest I have ever seen.
I also tried the apple pie, which is a trial offering. Crunchy, deep-fried and flaky, it tasted suspiciously similar to a McDonalds’ apple pie.
Then again, this is one place where imitation is indeed the most sincere form of flattery.
When you play the Game of Toast, you tuck in or you die (of hunger).
• Game of Toast, Darat Al Miyah, Khalidiya. Call 050 100 1969 for more information. Reviewed meals are paid for by The National and conducted incognito
sasaeed@thenational.ae
