The best Vu's in Dubai

Sometimes we get so busy, we forget why we live in Dubai. When we're rushing around in our day jobs, or moaning about traffic, or regretting that even though it's almost Christmas, the weather hasn't done anything different since Halloween, we literally forget that we're a part of something bigger and better than all those little woes that bog us down. Sometimes, don't you think, we should be a little more grateful for the opportunity to live and work in a city that's changing faster than the Spice Girls backstage on their current tour? And maybe we should make the time (or save the cash!) to do something just a little bit special, to put it all back in perspective?

Vu's, on the 50^th floor of the Emirates Towers, does just this. As well as an ear popping journey, perspective is another thing you'll get when you step out of the lift. Personally, I've been in Dubai for almost six months now, and not since I arrived and stood beneath the Burj Al Arab for the first time, have I been forced to gasp in amazement at a view. Actually, so impressed was I that a childlike squeal escaped my lips and I had to fight the urge to rush ahead and spread my fingers over the (distinctly smudge free) glass!

Dubai spread out beneath me like a neon blanket as we were led to our low-lit table. Streetlights flickered like fireflies in the night - a far more romantic vision than being down there in the traffic. Floor to ceiling windows offered just a touch of shading at the bottom (probably for sufferers of vertigo!) - in fact, the feeling was almost like dining in a really fancy aeroplane! And the menu? Let's just say if anything was to force our eyes away from the view - this was it.

We opted for one of the Chef de Cuisine's (Emil Minev) special set menus - the best way, we were told, to experience every remarkable flavour on his new and luxurious sounding list. My date was a little dubious of the fois gras, but even he had to admit it was amazing! Served seared with caramelized mango and ginger dressing, it was a pretty weird combination of flavours we wouldn't have dreamed about mixing, but left us both wanting more (round up the geese!).

Roasted scallops with avocado puree, crispy squid and oriental dressing were another delicacy we couldn't imagine until they arrived. How does an avocado puree work exactly? Well... extremely well, is your answer. Soft, squidgy... we never want our scallops with anything else! Next up we tried Black Angus tenderloin with a soft poached langoustine and foie gras sabayon. I wasn't particularly sure what a sabayon was and in fact, I'm still not, but even though my stomach was stretching beyond its usual limits, it was definitely craving more when the waitress took the plate away. My date raved about his perfectly seared sea bass with scallops, beetroots gnocchi and black truffle jus. Yes, truffles. You knew it was a posh night out!

Possibly the best thing of all though, was the dessert - a warm chocolate fondant with ground black olives. And before you say it, yes, olives do go well with chocolate. No Cadburys bar is safe from this magical combo from this point forth, and I'm not even pregnant! As the chocolate spilled out onto the plate like molten lava from a sweet volcano I decided that food with a view,... or a Vu... was definitely the way to get re-aquainted with Dubai. Oh, and did we mention that each course comes with its own recommended wine - all chosen specifically to bring out the flavours of each, ingenious dish? Perfection, we tell you.

Don't be tempted just to head to Scarletts. When you've sampled their finest, you'll get stuck in Harry Gattos and whilst both are firm favourites in our beloved Emirates Towers - I can guarantee that once you experience Vu's, you'll most certainly be a bigger fan of the 50th floor!

Vu's - Jumeirah Emirates Towers
Open: 12.30pm-3pm, 7.30pm-11.30pm daily

Vu's set menus start at Dhs280 per person.
For more information and booking, call 971 4 319 8088