Post Category - EatEat - Post Category - Eating OutEating OutWhen my husband asked if I would like to try Gary Rhodes’ new restaurant Rhodes W1, I jumped at the chance. British food at its best – I definitely couldn’t turn it down!
Rhodes W1 is located where the old Gary Rhodes restaurant “Mezzanine” used to be located at the Grosvenor House, Dubai. As you enter the restaurant, it’s bright, fresh and airy, yellow and white and oozes a sophisticated garden scene – something I would expect to see in an English country garden restaurant or conservatory. I loved how spacious and fresh the restaurant was but at 8.30pm I thought it could have had a little dimmer light (Yikes -not sure how much make up I applied as in this light you can see everything mamas!)
In the middle of the main dining area is a round table with a large butterfly chandelier that captures the essence of what Rhodes W1 is creating and the restaurant’s white trellis like dividers and the plants give a botanical garden approach.
“Drinks before dinner?” Yes please, after the hectic day I’d had with three screaming monkeys and my work to-do list growing rapidly (Mamas you know what I’m talking about!), I was definitely ready to escape for a couple of hours. So off we went to the gorgeous terrace for a refreshment or two, topped with a beautiful view of Dubai Marina.
Ok! So now that I’d enjoyed a few tipples it was time to dine. The menu really does deliver on Great British classics. I have to be honest, I felt like the starters were all on the heavy/filling side so decided against ordering so that I could make sure I enjoyed my main, however my husband fancied trying the salmon soup which he really enjoyed, delicately flavoured and actually quite light (his words not mine, I’m afraid I don’t eat fish). Things had got off to a really good start which was great as I was now absolutely starving and very much looking forward to 2 more courses!
For my main course I ordered a steak on spinach with salad while hubby ordered traditional chicken kiev – I know neither sound particularly adventurous but they were both cooked Gary Rhodes style and were simply yummy and presented immaculately.
Now, for mamas who know Gary’s style and choice of menu –and for all you mamas from Blighty (that’s slang for Britain to anyone who’s wondering what on earth I’m talking about) – you’ll know that he does his good old fashioned British puds really well. From jam roly poly and warm mini scones to a modern take on the after dinner chocolate – the After Eight chocolate slice – hubby and I decided to try them all (after all I hadn’t had a starter right?!). Now mamas I have an unbelievably sweet tooth but felt the jam roly poly was a little too rich and doughy (sorry Gary – everything else was simply divine) but my taste buds went to heaven and back with all of our other choices.
From the moment we arrived at Rhodes W1, we were completely looked after with efficient, knowledgeable and friendly service.
What I was shocked about through the entire Rhodes W1 experience however were the prices – unbelievably affordable! I have eaten in cafes and hotel lobbies more expensive than this and certainly nowhere near as good. Everything was priced between AED 45-135; personally I feel that’s value for money.
So to end my review,: mamas, if you want a classy date night with excellent food at very reasonable prices and to feel like you’re enjoying the best of British complete with a garden vibe and butterflies in the air, then Rhodes W1 is definitely the place for you.
Rhodes W1, Grosvenor House, Al Sufouh road, Dubai 118500, (+971)(0) 4 317 6000, www.rw1-dubai.com
