Breakfast at Carluccio's in Mirdiff City Center

Do you want to have a hearty meal for breakfast? How about enjoy a quiet breakfast early in the morning in Mirdiff City Center? I'm not even talking about tasty meals yet but just given the 2, I would consider and that is the reason why my daughter and I drove all the way to Mirdiff City Center to have our breakfast.

Carluccio's is an Italian diner style eatery which is in the mid-range bracket. Comparing to other diners, Carluccio's is still affordable.

So, why do we like this place? Food, price, serving size, customer service and ambiance are the factors that make us come back.

For our breakfast, my daughter and I ordered the following:

Colazione - This is your choice of eggs with grilled turkey bacon, sautéed mushrooms, grilled
tomato and toast.

Berry Crepe - This slightly sweet crepe with various berries as filling

Ham & Cheese Crepe (take-out order) - Thin crepe with turkey ham and cheese filling.

Chamomile tea

Tropical Smoothie - A mixture of banana and mango smoothie. This tasted a bit weird for me because I haven't mixed banana with mango yet.

Tiramisu cake for my daughter's dessert

Acqua Panna water

Our total bill was around AED 159 after discount. I used my Entertainer coupon to get another meal free (which ever has the lower value from breakfast meal). Not bad.

My daughter and I liked our orders and we were both satisfied. The food serving is just right, the taste is good (not too bland nor overpowering with salt, pepper or any spice) and the service of the crew is superb. I will definitely come back here for another round of our healthy breakfast, next time with the hubby!

My recommendation: 4 spoons and forks out of 5 (5 being the highest)

Carluccio's in Mirdif City Centre is located at the 2nd floor, South Walk.

Disclaimer:
I was not compensated to do this review. My opinion is 100% mine and may vary from yours.

Chopsticks in Sahara Centre, Sharjah

We love eating out and trying new delicacies from all over as long as our taste buds can take them. We found Chopsticks in Sahara Centre in Sharjah few months ago when it was newly opened in the new extension of the mall.

We were offered 25% off on our entire bill as their promotional offer that time so we decided to give it a try since we love Asian Fusion type of cuisine and they served mainly those kinds of meals.

What I like?
The serving is just right. We can order for 2 and actually can feed around 4 people.
The taste is right; cooked just the way I prefer. The vegetables were not soggy and over cooked and the viand were not overpowering with MSG or sodium.
The serving is perfect. We can actually feed 4 people with all our order.
The quiet ambiance.
I like the courteous and friendly staff.

What I don't like?
I think, if we weren't given an discount, I would find their meal price a bit expensive.

The ambiance:
Spacious with lots of red and black decors and motif.  It is a quiet place maybe because we went there around 4 p.m. so it was not crowded at all. Pipe-in music was not too loud and the lighting is ok.

The food selection we ordered:
For appetizer:
Shrimp Blast -

Main Course:
Chicken Fried Rice
Orange Crispy Chicken
Beef Broccoli

Drinks:
Water


The price:
I paid around AED 150++ for the whole entree. I was unable to save the receipt so I couldn't provide the exact amount but we were given 25% so it was a good deal for us.

The staff:
The staff are all friendly and accommodating. They served with a smile and were happy to provide our requests for extra water, tissue papers and condiments.

My recommendation:

I have to give this a rating of 4/5. You should check this restaurant out. They have a branch in Dubai Mall too.

*I was unable to take some photos to put in this review. I will update this when we dine in Chopsticks again.

Amsterdam’s Top 3 High-End Eateries

Photo credit: tanamatales.com but I added text

Amsterdam is one of the best places to take a weekend break, not only because of the liberal and relaxed nature of the Dutch people, but mainly due to the fact that there’s so much to see and do! From cafés and canals to amazing architecture and exciting culture, Amsterdam is a must-visit city this summer, and as the capital of Holland, it certainly lives up to its reputation.

Offering mesmerising beauty, world-renowned coffee shops, art galleries, live music, street acts, bicycles and so much more, there’s never been a better time to visit Amsterdam. One of the best things about the city is the amazing food, and there are vibrant and diverse restaurants, pubs and bars around every corner.

Considering the size of the city, Amsterdam packs one hell of a punch, and because it attracts millions of tourists, the food industry has to be on its best game all year round. Let’s take a look at some of the best high-end restaurants in Amsterdam.

1.     La Oliva

If you like wine, stunning décor, Basque-style tapas, and generally a great night, then La Oliva is the place for you. This fantastic restaurant can be found in Egelantiersstraat in the heart of the city, and with main meals costing around 20 euros, you certainly get a lot for your money here. One of this restaurant’s special dishes is something called pintxos, a selection of bread-based delights with various toppings and flavours.

If you’re looking for something a little more filling, then there is a full European menu on offer, including succulent steak, homemade chips, great pies and a variety of pasta dishes. Furthermore, the wine list is also extensive, meaning you can simply come to La Oliva for a quiet drink.

2.     Beddington’s

Named after the head chef and owner, British-born Jean Beddington, this restaurant is a joy to behold. After opening her first restaurant in 1983 in Amsterdam city centre, Jean used her worldly experience – including influences from her time in Japan, England and other parts of Europe – to create Beddington’s.

As one of the most creative and stylish digs in Amsterdam, this restaurant can be found hidden down a quiet side road, away from all the hustle and bustle of the tourist hubs of the city. If you’re looking for signature dishes to try out, then the sweet potato mash is the one for you – with the spuds freshly grown in Jean’s own private plot.

Due to its clientele, which are mostly business types, prices are a little steep, however well worth it. Overspending on your accommodation is also much wiser than overspending on your travel and you can effectively control your flight spend by using an online flight comparison website. Cheapflights is a good place to start.

3.     De Kas

De Kas – or ‘the greenhouse’ – is a local favourite in Amsterdam. Not only is the entire restaurant housed inside a specially made greenhouse, but the food is some of the best in the city. One of the best things about De Kas is where it gets its produce. The restaurant is actually split into two parts – one half for growing vegetables and fruit for sides and desert, and the other is where people are seated! If the food you order isn’t grown here, then it’s sourced from local farms with high quality cattle.