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

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.

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.

Tulum (Doha)

After visiting a mall in Dubai, we decided to check out this restaurant for drinks. It is conveniently located in a Marriott hotel (and you get a 20% discount for being a Marriott Bonvoy Gold member).

For drinks got an Aperol Spritz and a Glenfidech 12 neat.

For appetizers, got the lollipop chicken. Would probably not get that again.

Overall like the vibe and the drinks, so would come back.

Dear Irving Gramercy

Went to this cocktail lounge after going to The Stand at around 12:30am.

They sat us in our own private room which was nice.

Ordered some whisky cocktail. All I remember is that it’s be great to come back. Also, across the street there was a place called Pete’s Tavern (pictured with the Christmas decorations below is that)

The Bar Room

After a great dinner at Le Gratin, went to this lounge that was right beside it in the financial district.

Great architecture, vibe, and drinks.

For my first drink asked for something between an old fashion and whisky sour, but did not have simple syrup. They gave me something pretty good, but wish it was slightly sweeter (my fault for not mentioning they could have thrown table sugar in there).

For my second drink asked for a pisco sour. That was great.

Food menu looked good, it did not order anything. Next time.

The Parlour Room

We went here on a night we landed in New York City. We were staying near Penn Station, and wanted a place with some seafood, steak, and a full bar. Their whisky selection was awesome (see the pic below).

It is recommended to get a reservation beforehand since it does get full easily (although you can also eat at the bar).

For main courses got the crab dip, the seafood tagliatelle (had shrimp, clams and mussels), and the filet mignon. I would get all of them again.

For drinks, did a Japanese flight (note you can only get 1 flight for your whole visit). They have a cool placemat for the flight glasses (see below), and they tell you the background of each one. Two things that stood out. First is that the Shibui wishing was a pure malt, (which is different from a single malt since that whisky comes from two distilleries, but the families are related). For the Kaiyo whisky, apparently their requirements is that the oak tree is 350 years old (partly due to the fact it is endangered).

I also did get a whisky sour, which was also good.

Oh, and we finished off with a crème brûlée.

Public Gardens

We were at the King West area trying to find a bar that had a good vibe and served drinks. This definitely was both.

They have a variety of espresso martinis, even a Nutella one! My friend got a decaf espresso martini since it was 10pm, and I thought it was reasonable. I stuck to whisky’s (they had a good assortment). Only complaint is that for one of the servings we specified two oz. But they only served a single oz.

I will say that the mozerella sticks were also not that great (would not order that again).

(FYI below is not my photo)