LaResidence, Dubai

This year on Valentine’s Day we decided to go to La Residence on a romantic date to spend the 14th of February in a romantic atmosphere and enjoy spellbinding musical and vocal performance by a special guest from London, Kerrie-Anne Phillips, former Dubai resident who sung her way into the fourth round of hit UK reality TV show ‘The X Factor.

As we entered we were mesmerized by the rich interiors with crystal chandeliers and deep maroon furniture. We chose the Amore Sharing Menu which was a set menu designed especially for the Valentine’s dinner package priced at AED 250/ person. We ordered soft drinks and freshly squeezed orange juice.

We were served complimentary bread basket that consisted of bread sticks along with croquettes bite sized bread balls with cheese oozing out of them once you chewed on them and black olives.

For starters they served us Oysters and a cold seafood appetizer platter which seemed more like a salad platter since the shrimps were served with onions and mandarins. It was very interesting.

Then came the main course. Although our main course arrived late but since everything is prepared fresh and it was a busy Valentine’s night so it was justified. The main course was more of a surprise for us as what was served was different from what was written in the menu. Pardon me if I’m unable to describe the dishes properly.

The risotto platter was delicious. The taste of parmigiana was overpowering for me but it enhanced the flavor of the risotto. It was topped with fava beans.

The Grilled Salmon was a delight. It was grilled to perfection and the pea puree that was served with it, complimented it perfectly. The platter also had Asparagus and baby turnip which was a very interesting combination.

The desserts were equally interesting and were in sync with the Romantic Theme.  We were served Raspberry Heart which was Raspberry mousse with pistachio filling inside it. It tasted heavenly. The pistachio filling inside was gelatin based. The base of the heart was a thin slice of cake which was relatively hard and difficult to cut. I left the base and ate the rest of the mousse.

We were served a fresh fruit platter which had fresh fruit slices decorated on a mountain of crushed ice. It also included two unique sorbets – Banana and peach. A very innovative way of serving. I really liked it. Nothing tastes as good as fresh fruit.

While we were enjoying our romantic meal, Kerrie-Anne sang melodious tracks of various artists on the stage. She even interacted with the guests, going around the hall and singing to the audience at their tables. It was very entertaining to watch her sing.

The restaurant had arranged a raffle draw for all the guests. We wrote our names and contact numbers on small cards while waiting for seating which were then used for a raffle draw. To my surprise,  I heard Kerrie-Anne call out my name as the first winner. I was totally gobsmacked but very excited to win.

I won a spa treatment at the Raffles Spa along with a cute ”I heart Mini” mug filled with chocolates which will remind me of this amazing night every time I will sip my coffee. Cheers to the highly efficient and hardworking staff of LaResidence.

The place was buzzing with people. The live singing and the DJ at intervals was awesome. The interior is rich and comfortable. Food at its finest. A Must try if you have taste for the french cuisine. The staff and service were excellent! Had a great time.