An open kitchen with a blazing wood-fire grill is the centre of attention in the Provencal-accented dining room, it’s sprawling size making it ideal for social distancing. Flickering candelabras, pots filled with subtly scented lavender and suspended chandeliers complete the South of France ambiance. It’s definitely one of the prettiest spaces in Dubai, with a semi-private area festooned with wooden spoons on the side being the ultimate place to perch.
Bleu Blanc has undergone a subtle rebranding since it opened its doors under the helm of celebrity chef David Myers, but though the association may not have survived, its allure most certainly blazes on with trademarks of the original staying intact. Covid-centric touches start even before you get out of your car – self parking is an easy option if you don’t want to valet – and temperature checks are done before you enter the premises with white bottles of hand sanitiser discretely decorating every table.
Menus are accessed via a bar code on your phone and once you’ve perused the sharing-style dishes – and demolished the hot French country loaf served with rosemary-spiked olive oil and fresh butter – your (masked, of course) waiter is on hand to guide you through the menu.
A complimentary amuse-bouche of crab and lobster on charcoal bread set the scene, as our signature BBG prawn Caesar salad ceremoniously came to the table. Every aspect of this American staple was elevated, from the umami-filled creamy dressing to the perfectly grilled giant prawn and crisp lettuce. Walnuts added further crunch to a celery and apple salad that we also ordered, misjudging the very generous size of the portions. Carnivores have plenty of cuts to pick from; there’s everything from a 1kg Australian Black Angus Tomahawk to a milk-fed veal chop. Meat is revered here, just sprinkled with sea salt and pepper though there are a plethora of sauces to opt for too.
Our corn-fed baby chicken was delicious but the star was definitely the wood-roasted salmon. Sides are given as much attention as mains as parmesan cheddar macaroni cheese gets jazzed up with black truffle, lemon zest enlivens grilled asparagus, and duck fat adds decadence to roast potatoes. You’d expect some Edith Piaf to complete the Fracophile picture but an eclectic soundtrack, featuring some eighties hits, had us and our fellow tables traipsing down nostalgia lane as we lingered over coffees and scoops of home-made ice-cream before heading home from a charming night out.
Find Bleu Blanc Oysters & Grill at Renaissance Downtown Dubai, Marasi Drive, Business Bay CALL NOW or BOOK HERE
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