Frankie’s Italian Bar & Grill along Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach Residence has injected a bit of mystery into dining out. The restaurant has launched a ‘surprise’ concept which allows diners to choose from a four or six course menu put together by executive chef Fabio Nompleggio.
If you have a particular food preference, be it meat, fish or vegetarian dishes, then chef will tailor your meal accordingly. Equally, if you are wheat or dairy intolerant then the kitchen will make sure your needs are catered for. Want extra heat, less garlic, only pasta? No problemo! You can, of course, still order a la carte and opt for Frankie’s favourites like the Burrata & basil Caprese salad or one of its award winning pizzas. However, if you are feeling more adventurous, here’s our guide to off-piste dining.
Food:
Standout dishes we tried included some of Frankie’s staples like the Mediterranean octopus and feather-light fettuccine with monkfish. We also loved the seared tuna with a pistachio-polenta crust and cannellini cream. If you’re mad for truffles, you’ll adore the generous shavings that come with the house risotto and the chef cooked our Angus fillet with porcini sauce to pink perfection. For those with a sweet tooth the croccantino di caffe, or coffee parfait coated in hazelnut crunch and chocolate mousse, can’t be beaten.
Atmosphere:
We’re loving the live music that has become part of Frankie’s DNA. Head to the restaurant at lunchtime on Saturday’s, Sunday’s and Monday’s to catch a soulful performance by jazz singer Cassandra. The restaurant also now has a festive feel with a 7ft Christmas tree twinkling in the bar area.
New Year treats:
In January, Frankie’s will make an olive oil based menu available for two weeks. The four-course meal will start with an olive oil crème brulee, followed by pasta buttons infused with extra virgin olive oil, garlic and chili. Diners can then choose from roasted lobster with sautéed turnip tops and olive oil zabione or succulent veal cheek, served on a celeriac puree with red chicory confit. Dessert will be a yogurt mousse, cherry tomato sorbet and basil jelly with a hint of olive oil. The menu starts from Dh365 per person and is available from January 18-24.
Frankie's Italian Bar & Grill is located on the Ground Floor of Oasis Beach Tower, Jumeirah Beach Residence and is open every day from 5:30pm until 2:00am. The Surprise Menu starts from Dh300. For reservations call +971 (4) 3994311 or email frankiesalfattan@rmalhospitality.ae
