It’s always nice to send “the heart” back to the kitchen, because good restaurants will have chefs that look to see if plates are full or empty (as they don’t usually get to see the diners), so I want them to see the heart so they know they were appreciated. I stole the idea from a very famous chef because it’s a great idea that works!
The only reason I don’t eat dinner here everyday is because they don’t have delivery on some of the platforms that I seem to use. I have been only once, I am forever a champion of this phenomenal joint.
Yeah it would be dangerous for me too if they offered delivery. I have a joke about some of my favourite restaurants that I go so often, it’s less embarrassing to tell my wife I’m cheating on her than to admit I’m going back to eat at Al Naqa AGAIN.
Chef AJ is an absolute rockstar as is his food - honest, straight for the heart and consistently good! He's also such a kind, fun loving guy so involved with the whole process of cooking and it shows in his food - truly Chef lead! TBH almost all the outlets at NFH deserve some sort of recognition, they are all so good!
Aj and his ninjas at Al Naqa have raised the bar but still under it. They deserve more than just a shout. All my love to Aj and his dedication to cooking. Exceptional and consistent .
"I could make them at home, but I am lack(ing) the imagination laid bare on each silver tray."
I love his seemingly simple spells; recipes that are much more complicated to conceptualise (reigned in balance) and oh so delicious to want to recreate!
His Sikka supper club menu was another impeccable display of talent and understanding of flavours. Unforgettable.
I'm waiting patiently for his fish and seafood chapter.
I haven't read many food/ restaurant writing that I've enjoyed and wished that I'd written in years
Almost everything has been not even near tepid. Just garishly glorifying of a wannabe culture. So, thank you.
Wow high praise and even some proofreading edits 🤭 I appreciate that! AJ is great and so approachable and humble too. Really hard not to like kind of guy.
Absolutely! And 🙈 sorry couldn't help it. His kindness is what had me try his food in the first place. That and his love for math and puzzles! His kindness and exceptional culinary skills are what keep me going there whenever I can. And thank you once again. 🙏🏼🌷
I don’t eat meat but coconut hummus has piqued my interest! Also, why is it that the Michelin Guide here doesn’t cover budget options if it does for other cities? I’m curious now.
This is a HUGE discussion with lots of speculation, but my belief is that it has something to do with the sponsorship. These budget places are not exactly tourist attractions and the Dubai Michelin Guide is sponsored by Dubai Tourism. Net, it’s not a Guide for residents.
… and I’ve spent some time off the bench recently just focusing on some long term projects, but this is where my head is for when I properly step back into the fold.
I would order all of this (the lamb platter and Caesar salad look especially tempting). Less than a month to go to see if Michelin shakes out a few more Bibs.
What a place! And I always love to see your hand-written messages to the chefs
It’s always nice to send “the heart” back to the kitchen, because good restaurants will have chefs that look to see if plates are full or empty (as they don’t usually get to see the diners), so I want them to see the heart so they know they were appreciated. I stole the idea from a very famous chef because it’s a great idea that works!
The only reason I don’t eat dinner here everyday is because they don’t have delivery on some of the platforms that I seem to use. I have been only once, I am forever a champion of this phenomenal joint.
Yeah it would be dangerous for me too if they offered delivery. I have a joke about some of my favourite restaurants that I go so often, it’s less embarrassing to tell my wife I’m cheating on her than to admit I’m going back to eat at Al Naqa AGAIN.
Chef AJ is an absolute rockstar as is his food - honest, straight for the heart and consistently good! He's also such a kind, fun loving guy so involved with the whole process of cooking and it shows in his food - truly Chef lead! TBH almost all the outlets at NFH deserve some sort of recognition, they are all so good!
Yes finally . Thanks Liam.
Aj and his ninjas at Al Naqa have raised the bar but still under it. They deserve more than just a shout. All my love to Aj and his dedication to cooking. Exceptional and consistent .
Bravo - I hope this wakes up Mr Bib!
This:
"I could make them at home, but I am lack(ing) the imagination laid bare on each silver tray."
I love his seemingly simple spells; recipes that are much more complicated to conceptualise (reigned in balance) and oh so delicious to want to recreate!
His Sikka supper club menu was another impeccable display of talent and understanding of flavours. Unforgettable.
I'm waiting patiently for his fish and seafood chapter.
I haven't read many food/ restaurant writing that I've enjoyed and wished that I'd written in years
Almost everything has been not even near tepid. Just garishly glorifying of a wannabe culture. So, thank you.
Wow high praise and even some proofreading edits 🤭 I appreciate that! AJ is great and so approachable and humble too. Really hard not to like kind of guy.
Absolutely! And 🙈 sorry couldn't help it. His kindness is what had me try his food in the first place. That and his love for math and puzzles! His kindness and exceptional culinary skills are what keep me going there whenever I can. And thank you once again. 🙏🏼🌷
I don’t eat meat but coconut hummus has piqued my interest! Also, why is it that the Michelin Guide here doesn’t cover budget options if it does for other cities? I’m curious now.
This is a HUGE discussion with lots of speculation, but my belief is that it has something to do with the sponsorship. These budget places are not exactly tourist attractions and the Dubai Michelin Guide is sponsored by Dubai Tourism. Net, it’s not a Guide for residents.
This makes me incredibly sad. I’d much rather learn about places like these with great food and character than cookie cutter trending places.
… and I’ve spent some time off the bench recently just focusing on some long term projects, but this is where my head is for when I properly step back into the fold.
Looking forward to it!
I would order all of this (the lamb platter and Caesar salad look especially tempting). Less than a month to go to see if Michelin shakes out a few more Bibs.
Love this place (Al Naqa and the food hall in general)! And Chef AJ! 🙌
It should definitely be on Michelin's radar
For an award that's fighting for relevance, this is one of those moments where I point and say "it's right there, do the right thing".