Peruvian gastronomic treats are the latest trend on the culinary scene, with this in mind we tried out new venue, Garden.
Decor
As its name would suggest, green flowers and foliage are the centre pieces in this wonderfully electric restaurant where a mix of classic South American mural artwork and Latin American newspapers line the walls.
Standing out from typical UAE offerings, the decor is trendy and unique – forget pristine and marble accents, its all about combining up-cycled and retro furniture here.
Even the staff are cool with a uniform that includes black Adidas trainers, mainly fashionable Stan Smiths.
Ambience
Lively but not overbearing or boisterous. Noise level is spot on – you can have a conversation without having to shout, but also don’t feel like you’re being listened to. Perfect for crowds – there were two birthday bashes when we went – and for romantic tête-à-têtes.
Food
For starters the typical ceviches and tiraditos are a must. Try the yellow fin tuna which is the freshest we’ve ever tasted. The anticucho de pulpo al miso hot plate is a fantastic example of traditional Peruvian cuisine – explosions of flavours but also healthy. In fact the menu is very detailed with symbols depicting of dishes have egg, dairy or alcohol. The only down side is that most dishes have either eggs or diary so for someone who cant have either, my choices were limited.
That said what I could eat was incredible. The octopus was some of the best with tasted – meaty, not chewy, and fragrant thanks to tit accompanying tangy tomato sauce.
There are four incredible options but trust us here when we say skip the traditional tres leches and tempting chocolate fondant and inside opt for the passion semifredo – a semifrozen dessert smothered in passion fruit sauce and served with a scoop of strawberry sorbet.
Why bother?
Escape the humdrum and the predictable and enter a trendy and friendly environment that makes your feel like you’ve been transported to South America.
Go For
A great atmosphere, exciting pisco cocktails and incredible food.
Details
Garden, JW Marriot Marquis Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road
