Spitalfields

First dinner in Dublin (and it is Michelin star recommended).

Setting is a pub like place, but food is definitely not ordinary pub food.

For “snacks” (in Ireland it is almost equivalent to appetizers, it smaller) we got the scallops, the deviled eggs, and the oysters (which I did not try for obvious reasons). Scallops were cooked pretty good, but sauce could have been improved.

For “starters” (equivalent to appetizers) got the beef cheek and oxtail roll, and the cured yellow fin tuna. Both were great.

For mains, tried the pork schnitzel and the pork chop. The latter was great. Wouldn’t get the former again since it was too oily.

For drinks, for the hazelnut martini (which was pretty good. Sweet but not too sweet). Also got an Aperol spritz, and tried the Teeling single malt whisky, and the Dingle Founding Father’s single malt. Will say I liked the Teeling better

Goldie

Our only meal in Cork, Ireland, and it was amazing.

For starters got the Taiwanese fried fish nuggets, and the mussels. It’s great choices, especially the nuggets!

For mains, did two fishes: the pan fried Brill and the Turbot. Although different fishes, what really distinguishes from each other (and according to the waitress) is the sauce that they come with. Both were great, but if I had to choose 1, it would be the Brill bases in the sauce.

And for side, got the baby potatoes and green cabbage. It’s so easy to eat.

Coqbull

First restaurant we ate at in Ireland!

We stopped by here after visiting King John’s Castle in Limerick.

Got the 1/4 chicken rotisserie with traditional sides (stuffing and mashed potatoes). It was a good combo, and would get it again.

I will say their whisky selection is limited (they have only Jameson, and 2 other whiskies). They do have Aperol Spritz thought.

ps. I did try my friend’s dirty fries, and definitely had more than a few bites.

Almeja

This is a Michelin recommended restaurant, and it did not disappoint!

We started off with the pig’s head terrine toast. Didn’t know what to expect but it was awesome (slightly like a pate).

We then got the lobster dish to share. It’s for two people, and it came with other sea foods like shrimp, and squid. Also great.

For desert, we got two. The queijada Ike a tart served with whipped cream and sorbet), and a flan like fish served with bacon flavored ice cream. Both were delicious.

For drinks, got a port tonic (their version with lime instead of orange and cinnamon), and an Aperol spritz. I liked the port tonic but didn’t finish it since I felt it was like a drink with simple syrup (ie the brain effect).

100% would come back to this place.

TimeOut Market Porto

Visited TimeOut in Porto.

Obviously got an Aperol spritz from the Aperol Spritz stand. (Should’ve worn my Aperol visor).

Got also a pizza and sushi salmon hand roll. Both were good.

Overall, this TimeOut did not disappoint.

The Tap Room

We went here for our last meal in Dubai, which has an excellent view of the Dubai fountains.

Kept it pretty light for this meal. Just got an Aperol Spritz, with wings and beef empanadas. Would come back to this place for drinks and the view (food wasn’t bad, but mainly at a bar level quality).

FYI drink pictured below is a friend’s drink which was a cranberry mule. Apparently it wasn’t the greatest, but my drink was fine.

Ce La Vi

Came to this restaurant for our last (late) lunch in Dubai. Gotta say this is definitely a place I would recommend.

First, this restaurant is on the 54th floor of a building called the Address Sky View building (which has two towers and, and this restaurant is located on the bridge that connects them). The view itself is awesome, and it does have a south west view for a good sunset photo. Also the elevator ride to the top has a great view (feels like we didn’t need to go to The Frame for the view).

We ended up staying here for almost 3 hours (from 3pm to 5:40pm… sunset is at 5:28pm). Now to get to the food…

For drinks (for descriptions see the menu picture below), I got the cacao hunter, the champagne pina colada, and the crimson sun (basically an Aperol spritz with grape fruit soda), and an ild fashion (which came with my friend’s dessert). The crimson sun I would get again and again. The others I could get again, but would probably try other drinks in the menu first.

For food, all of it was amazing. Definitely best meal in Dubai. Started of with beef bao buns. Best bao buns I’ve ever had. Also got fried calamari, and the fried rice tuna. Both great. For mains, got the sea bass and scallops. Also both great, and the sauce with the scallops was amazing.

For dessert, got the chocolate fondant cake. Thought the restaurants name printed on it was classy. A friend got the churro. The sauces with it (especially the chocolate one) was good. It also came with an old fashion (for two people).

Again, loved this restaurant.

Bar 44

We ended our Dubai Marina walk by going to this cocktail bar on top of a hotel on the sea wall.

They had “happy hour” until 8pm (called summer sunset at this place).

Got a single (Canadian) shot of Glendfidich 12, and a granny Aperol spritz (which has granny green apple syrup). The vibe and view of this place I definitely recommend. Also good drinks overall.

Infinity Rooftop Bar

Went to this bar that is right beside our hotel in Doha (it is located in the Alwadi Hotel in Msheireb area).

The view and the music vibe was great (chill house music… more closer to disco house).

For drinks got an Aperol Spritz and Canadian Club

Zengo Doha

We went here for drinks at sunset, but ended up being pleasantly surprised on several levels.

First, this is located in the 2nd building in Doha, and is on the 61st floor that has an excellent view of the Lusail area of Doha, and also a good sunset view.

For drinks, got an Aperol Spritz and a double shot of Canadian Clib (which their shot is close to an American one at 40ml, and at 13.50 USD). Both great.

For food got the Lobster roll. Also really good.