My first mistake: I should have read the email confirmation. Then I’d have clearly seen that Chicago Meatpackers has valet parking: a huge bonus given I’d booked a weekend table at prime The Pointe fountain-watching time. My second mistake: waiting this long to visit what is arguably one of the best steak spots in the city. Carnivores should put this on their hit list pronto. We’d nabbed one of the popular al fresco tables – the restaurant is on two levels so if you don’t see one free on the sprawling balcony on the ground floor, there’s a more grown-up outdoor section upstairs. The combination of fresh air and table spacing is ideal for social distancing in Covid-times. Sanitizers sit discreetly on every table, with the waiters managing to convey warm smiles despite their chic masks.

We were here for the meat but were astonished by the number of vegetarian “Plant Powered” options on the menu. From crunchy eggplant burgers to (Beyond) Chicago hot dogs – not to mention a host of delicious starters, sides and crunchy salads that we could have easily made a meal out of on their own, there will literally be a comforting something-for-everyone here. There are also fish, chicken and lamb entrees if you want to veer away from beef. Our fried aged cheddar cheese curds – moreish and delicious, came swiftly to the table alongside the soy-caramel dressed crispy brussels sprouts. It was a tough choice to narrow down our options as the grilled bone marrow with chimichurri, sweetcorn with chipotle aioli, paprika-spiced tempura mushrooms and 24-marinated BBQ chicken wings had all also caught our eye.

When we saw the main event – our 400g grain fed Wagyu rib-eye for two, served with two sides and two sauces – we were glad we had tempered our ordering as this was a serious, buttery cut that deserved savouring. The huge portion of mac ‘n’ cheese and parmesan truffle fries were the perfect accompaniment though the onion rings, charred broccolini and sweet potato fries also tempted. Burnt jalapeno butter and a béarnaise completed the feast. We declined a glance at the dessert menu; until we saw a sizzling skillet containing a brown butter cookie with Valrhona chocolate being delivered to the table next door. This rich, gooey delight, which came topped with vanilla ice-cream was definitely worth the calories.

The setting is as dreamy as the cuisine. Ring-side seating with Atlantis The Palm right in front, flanked by neighbouring resorts with the fountains in front, you couldn’t get a prettier spot to perch. Families are made to feel welcome and usually gravitate towards the ground floor while groups of friends and couples step upstairs. Given its high-end carnivorous offerings and large portions, this meat haven offers up value for money. And, the puppy fraternity is welcomed at this dog-friendly joint too. We still haven’t tried the Korean kimchi burger, the 24-hour slow cooked short rib and the strawberry shortcake so a return visit is definitely in order.

Find Chicago Meatpackers at  East Marina, The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, UAE CALL NOW or BOOK HERE

USDA Dry Aged NY Strip

Grilled Barramundi

Mac n Cheese