Classy Lebanese fare in Al Maeda – Double Tree by Hilton JBR

There’s something about Lebanese cuisine which keeps taking me back to experience it over and over again, albeit at a new place everytime. This time around is was Al Maeda. A class apart from the regular Lebanese restaurants I have been to, the licensed Al Maeda, located in Double Tree by Hilton JBR is accented with beautiful wooden and green elements, an open kitchen and a glitzy bar. They also have an outdoor terrace area for shisha lovers and big screens that show FIFA.

Read on to know more about the food, drinks and dessert. On our visit, we started with a grand selection of hot and cold mezzeh. These included along with some crispy bites.

Drinks

For drinks, we opted for two of Al Maeda’s most refreshing bestsellers. The classic lemon mint cooler, as the name suggests was a classic mix of minty and lemony flavors in a mojito style. Granada Rosa, on the other hand, brought together flavors of fresh pomegranate juice and lemon juice with a subtle essence of orange blossom water and the sweetness of homemade cardamon syrup.

Cold Mezzeh

Spanning across a selection of all the basic salads and dips, the cold mezzeh at Al Maeda was a grand bunch. The selection included the classic hummus which was really smooth and just the right accompaniment to their pita bread, crunchy and fresh fattoush, the basic mutabal topped with sweet pomegranate seeds and a very different hued ganoush, thanks to addition of chilli paste.

Hot Mezzeh

Among the two hot mezzeh options, my favorite was the crispy calamari. The calamari was especially unique, thanks to its presentation over an eggplant and veggie salad and its crisp texture. The other was a mixed platter featuring meat kibbeh, spinach fatayer and cheese sambusak.

Lamb Kebab

Next in line were the mains. I was hoping we would be able to try something in chicken or prawns. But to my slight disappointment, both the mains we were offered were lamb based. The lamb kebabs were alright, although a bit tough, but the only reason I enjoyed it was because of the dips it was served with – chilli, garlic and pistachio hummus.

Smoked Frikih

The smoked frikih on the other hand was fair. It would ideally have made a great choice for mutton lovers, since it comes with rotisserie slow cooked lamb leg. But I don’t like frikih and I am not a fan of lamb so this was not for me.

Basboussa Cheesecake

What lacked in mains was fulfilled by the pretty desserts. This gorgeous dessert started with a dramatic Insta-worthy presentation where the white chocolate sphere melted under a hot and sweet strawberry syrup to unveil one of the creamiest cheesecakes I’ve had. I would have eaten this all by myself had I not been so full with all the mezzeh.

/>

Mango Muhalabia

The Mango Muhalabia was more like a piece of art in a glass. Blending in the classic dessert with a layer of jelly, this dessert was topped with mangoes, pistachios and kunafa, and served in a stylish glass.

Al Maeda

Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Dubai
Contact: 055 1668092

View this restaurant on Zomato