Foodpreneur | 5 minutes with Nisha Primlani-Pugnet Chief Flavor Officer of NBARS

April 29, 2017 by Minna Leave a Comment

Become a #NBARSnation-alist. I did couple of months ago. I am active instagrammer and stumbled on a new UAE based healthy snacks bakery @NBARS_healthypleasure Daily snacking in my mind, bought six-pack with 72 UAE dirhams. Nisha arranges free home delivery for two family packs, it’s 20 chewy, crunchy, nutty, fruity, seedy, sweet and savory snack bars!

If you are for healthy snacks, you must try NBARS. Proudly made in the UAE. NBARS is a line of snack bars aka ‘healthy pleasures’! dedicated to promoting smart snacking choices for Dubai residents. Crafted from a simple proprietary recipe, NBARS are made with the fewest, cleanest and simplest ingredients possible.
A truly perfectly balanced chewy, crunchy, nutty, fruity, seedy, sweet and savory snack bar. Made for people who want to make smarter choices; health-conscious but still not willing to compromise on taste and pleasure. Read more about what and where after the 5 minutes session with foodpreneur Nisha Primlani-Pugnet the founder and Chief Flavor Officer of NBARS.

5 minutes with foodpreneur Nisha Primlani-Pugnet Chief Flavor Officer of NBARS

1. HOW DID YOUR JOURNEY BEGIN TO BECOMING A FOOD ENTREPRENEUR?

After 15 years climbing the corporate ladder in the US and the GCC, I decided to take a sabbatical. With time on my hands, I went back to the gym more frequently, and as a result I found myself feeling hungrier during the day. So I looked for a sustainable energy bar to eat pre & post training sessions. I looked everywhere: organic stores, health & nutrition stores, and grocery stores of every format. Unhappy with available offerings, either too sugary, no flavor, artificial taste or simply not good on the palate, I decided to look into it myself. I dived into the world of energy bars and took over our kitchen at home.
Within a few months, I had tried every possible combination but soon realized I needed my creations to bring me pleasure not only health benefits. So I sourced the best ingredients from all over the world and sprinkled in some fairy dust to create something truly flavorful. I handed out some samples to family and friends, and when they came back for more, I knew I had to pursue this new adventure. What first started as a need became fun, challenging and is now a passion and a mission!

2. WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

Gratitude for the present moment! I feel extremely grateful for having a chance to work hard, to pursue my dream and to do so here in Dubai. And every moment I get to do this is a gift. This approach to life has been hugely self-empowering because in this state, I truly believe I can do anything I set my mind on.

3. YOUR DAY ON A PLATE?
Routines are boring to me so no two days look the same in my world!
Also, I look forward to snacks more than main meals. I tend to munch on the go and I’m always looking for portable snacks to keep me chugging through my day!

BREAKFAST: It’s a rare morning when I get to have a leisurely coffee at home these days! I love breakfast bowls and smoothies but given my on the go lifestyle, an NBAR really suits my hustle. I grab a bar on my way out the door and it keeps me going till I have time to sit down for a meal, which can be as late as 6pm, especially the days when I bake.
SNACKS: Greek yogurt and raw honey, berries and nut butter, turkey & cheese roll-ups, tuna and celery sticks. My snacks are usually powered with protein and fiber so I only need a small portion. I’m partial to cappuccinos and golden or matcha lattes to go.
LUNCH: Lunch is usually an extension of snacking. When home, I’ll fry up an egg in coconut oil, smother homemade guac on rye. In a restaurant, I order whatever I fancy and eat half the portion. The trick is to stop before you feel full!
DINNER: As I snack frequently through the day, dinner portion is not massive but this is the most anticipated meal of the day as I get to share it with my husband. We both enjoy cooking and take turns. I like to create healthier versions of classic indulgent desserts though in all cases, portion control is what’s important.

4: FAVOURITE WAY TO GET MOVING?
I looove HIIT (high intensity interval training). It suits my personality and I get the best results with repetitive short burst/short break circuits.

5. THREE THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT
Regular contact with my husband and family, my cat, my cellphone with a huge-ass 3G limit.

6. YOUR SECRET VICE
I don’t really like to sleep. I’d much rather be doing anything else. More so after launching the business, I’ve got a million ideas and want to work on them immediately. It got so bad that I studied tactics to fall to sleep because counting sheep didn’t work for me!

7. TOP SONG ON YOUR PLAYLIST OR BOOK YOU ARE READING
I haven’t found time to read in a while though what I’m obsessing over right now is any and all content by Gary Vanyerchuck.

8. YOUR MANTRA
“Don’t be a lady. Be bold. Be brave. Be inquisitive. Take chances. Have fun. Ask questions. Demand answers. Speak up. Stand up. Breathe deeply. Be smart. Be adventurous. Be a trailblazer. Smile only when you feel like. Break the rules. Interrupt. Be opinionated. Be passionate. Be disliked for what you believe in. Don’t apologize unless you mean it. Be feared. Be a leader. Be a lioness. Be a wildly untamed woman.” By Margaret Rose sums up how I live.

9. YOUR FAVOURITE RECIPE
NBARS, of course!
A favorite recipe with Bilberry powder that I made recently…

About NBARS:

Consumption Occasions:
NBARS are versatile:
(1) ideal for breakfast on the go
(2) as a standalone snack between meals
(3) pre exercise
(4) enjoy NBARS as is
(5) or as your favorite yogurt or smoothie bowl topping

What’s in NBARS?
Fiber from organic rolled oats, nuts & seeds
Good fats from nuts and seeds
Natural sweetness from dates & brown rice syrup
Clean savory flavor from pink Himalayan salt
Pleasure & indulgence from bits of 56% dark chocolate
Each 40g NBAR is approximately 150-155 calories of healthy pleasure
Total Fat 7.5g (Saturated Fat 0.9g and Trans Fat 0g)
Cholesterol 0g
Sodium 18g
Total Carb 19g (Sugars 7.5g)
Protein 4.5g

What’s not in NBARS?
No caffeine
No added/refined sugar*
No animal products
No added gluten**
No alcohol
No preservatives
No peanuts
*Aside from the bits of high-quality dark chocolate
**If you’re simply trying to avoid gluten, NBARS are perfect for you as none of our bars are made with gluten-containing ingredients. If, however, if you’ve been diagnosed with Celiac disease, we recommend you exercise caution and only consume products with GF certification.

What’s the shelf life & storage condition of NBARS?
NBARS shelf life is 2 months. We ask for NBARS to be stored in a cool, clean and dry place away from sunlight.

You find Nbars snacks at OConcept cafe and Stumping Grounds Cafe in Jumeirah.

For other point of sales contact Nisha at NBARS.ae

Foodpreneur | Five minutes with Olivia from HelloChef!

March 30, 2017 by Minna Leave a Comment

Let me introduce a new series I decided to kick start, it’s about food entrepreneurs. I am having five minutes with food enthusiasts, who are deeply into entrepreneurship and love anything and everything about food. My first guest is Olivia Manner from Hello Chef! Her company helps busy folks eat healthy, tasty food. Every week they send directly to customers a box full of easy recipes for delicious dinner ideas with the fresh ingredients to cook them at home. Is it GOOD or GOOD?

Olivia Manner of Hello Chef! company fore food ingredient and recipe deliveries

Olivia Manner of HelloChef!

HOW DID YOUR JOURNEY BEGIN TO BECOMING A FOOD ENTREPRENEUR?

I wanted to feel good about my work and have a purpose. I have a bachelor’s in Hospitality and Kitchen management and I used to cater for my friend’s family parties and gatherings when I was still in high school. Then I decided to pursue another career for 10 years which taught me more about business, quality assurance and project management. So a few years ago I decided it was now or never and that I should at least try to do something that I absolutely love and see how it goes. This is how Hello Chef was born and my husband and I became (e-commerce) food entrepreneurs.

WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

Fresh vegetables – I love thinking about new recipes and coming up with new dishes while shopping at a vegetable market
Athletes – Their passion and sacrifices make me want to be better and achieve more – and also stop whining about nocturnal wake ups and hard work
Tony Robbins – He is huge and he is for real. People that succeed in life with their perseverance, willingness to learn and helping others are extremely inspiring

YOUR DAY ON A PLATE?

BREAKFAST: Chia seed pudding with pomegranate seeds and bilberry powder!
SNACK: Pear
LUNCH: Vegetable Curry and brown rice
DINNER: Smoky Lentil Nachos with crunchy ice berg salad, home made salsa and guacamole!!! (It’s a Friday night treat!!!)

FAVORITE WAY TO GET MOVING?

Basketball or a long run with my friend while chatting about our daily lives and dreams

THREE THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT

Hugs, Champagne, French Movies

YOUR SECRET VICE

Cheese and pathetic high school movies

TOP SONG ON YOUR PLAYLIST OR BOOK YOU ARE READING

Ini Kamoze: Here comes the hot stepper is my all-time energy song. Currently I am reading Marie Kondo’s Konmari – just in case I get a spring cleaning bug 🙂

YOUR MANTRA

Life is not that serious and humor conquers all

YOUR TOP 3 ACCOUNTS TO FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM

I mostly follow my friend’s in business whether its food, lingerie, branding, party accessories or interior design – I am just proud to know such brave women

YOUR FAVORITE RECIPE

Chick Pea Masala – best curry in the world Masala Chickpea Curry
and Minimalist baker’s Vegan Chocolate Cake (to die for!)

Read more about Olivia

If you liked this article check back next week, I will introduce foodpreneur Nisha from nBar company she have founded on 2016.

Experience Unseen Trails of Dubai – Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve Safari

February 14, 2017 by Minna Leave a Comment

Was it the breathtaking sunrise at pristine quiet desert, wild animals and briefing of falconry which made the early morning wake up worthwhile. Or rather ‘Give a Ghaf Tree’ tree planting followed by the wholesome back to basics breakfast on desert. Each and all were very good reasons to experience Unseen Trails of Dubai – Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve safari. I ditched the city life and fancy weekend brunch to trip to the true desert. No matter weather you are living in UAE or planning your vacation here, if there is one thing to do in Dubai in your bucket list, it’s this must do safari experience. Take this tip from long stayed resident. How many of us even knows, there is Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve in Margham desert just 40 minutes drive off the urban Dubai. I did not.

Living in Dubai more than 10 years, it was first time I made it to the desert wildlife, but this was with a food and photography twist. Worry not you do not have to be outdoorsy, photographer or foodie. Just take your smartphone, wear some warm clothes and have your appetite with you, and oh, set your alarm to 4.30 AM.

Ticket to the Unseen Trails, a collaboration between Gulf Photo Plus and Frying Pan Adventures, which explores the extra-ordinary and unexplored areas of Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve aka DDCR costs 400 AED per person. I got mine online. It is 100% value for money “desert safari” sans all those safari camp touristy activities, they are fine too but hardly ever you like to return, Unseen Trails is different. I am already thinking of my next trip to observe the sunrise and experience the quiet desert with cool wind and some birds chirps and desert owl’s hooting.

At 5.30 AM on Saturday morning Sheikh Zayed Road was already buzzing beside our meeting point at Time Square Center mall. We were welcomed by lovely Arva from Frying Pan Adventures with cup of hot and sweet chai. She brought with her Royal Shaheen falconer crew with fleet of delux Jeeps. We split into our three Jeeps. What a cute welcome committee there was waiting and sitting on the middle console, Mr Kushman, the hawk having al burgha hood on his eyes to continue his sleep. At first I thought it’s one of those toy mascots. It was real hawk. Really unusual travel buddy, instant liking.

Mr Kush-hawk at Unseen Trails Dubai

Unseen Trails Dubai – travel buddy hawk Mr Kushman on his seat

Keep on scrolling I try not to spoil your experience by telling all nice treats we got, but have a look to few images I took at desert to get idea. I cannot bring here the beauty and zen of desert, that’s priceless experience. I had absolutely no expectations I just made myself wake up and drive to meeting point on the morning, I knew this will be good desert trip, because every Arva’s Frying Pan Adventure tours I have made were brilliant. I was absolutely right.

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve – photography tips and trick from Gulf Photo Plus pros

If you own a smartphone you are all covered, take your fully charged smart phone, you’ll capture best images without any fuss. Guaranteed! Think of you FB or Instagram feed, loaded with lovely desert animals and sunrise shots, must share. Remember to take an extra power pack with you. If you want to make use of your DSLR here’s few tips worth reading before you go.

Light:

The light will change quickly, adjust your camera accordingly.

Watch the directions and color of light, before sun rises the sky will have lots of pastel colors. Once sun peaks over the horizon the sand will glow with warmth.

Wildlife:

Consider Shutter Priority and at least 1/200s shutter speed to capture the motion.

Try burst mode to capture a series of images (moving subject)

Create a silhouette, place your subject between the light and your lens, then expose for the sky.

Try filling the frame with your subject, or try having them be a smaller element in you image

Essential camera settings to try:

Always keep your ISO as low as possible to reduce noise in your images

Try Aperture Priority, use f/8 for lots of details in your images

Try shutter Priority, use 1/200s or faster to freeze motion (good at falconry photos)

Select the white balance which provides the most accurate color fo the scene.

Try fluorescent white balance at dawn to enhance the color palette

Capture images in the RAW file format (takes more space, remember to clear space in memory card)

Story:

What your image s say?

Capture the details, capture the wider scenes.

Create series of images that help tell the story of your experience

Royal Shaheen Falconers

Falconry was and is an essential part of desert life, Emirati heritage. Today, falconry is practiced purely for sport, but the skill of the falconer is still highly esteemed and the power and beauty of the falcon greatly treasured. The training process hasn’t changed over time. We were introduced to the female Peregrine falcon (Pandora), male Desert Eagle Owl (Xbox), Harris Hawk (Harry), Common Kestrel (Rogue).

Unseen TRails Dubai - Harry the Harris Hawk

Meet Harry the Harris Hawk

Harris Hawk Al Burgha on - Out of sight out of mind

Harris Hawk wearing Al Burgha headcover – Out of sight out of mind

Unseen Trails Dubai - Desert Eagle Owl

Unseen Trails Dubai – Desert Eagle Owl

.

Wildlife sighted

Animals: Arabian Mountain Gazelle and Arabian Oryx

Birds: Black Wing Stilt, Grey Heron, Red Wattled Plover, Laughing Dove, Collard Dove, White Cheek Bulbul, Arabian Babblers, Sand Grouse, Houbara, Grebe, Wild Desert Eagle Owl and her nest of baby owls!

Plants: Ghaf tree and Fire bush

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve Oryx flock

Unseen Trails Dubai – Oryx flocks

Firebushes at Dubai Desert

Unseen Trails Dubai -Fire Bushes and Ghaf Trees

UnseenTrails_DeserOwlNest_Dubai

Unseen Trails Dubai – Desert Eagle Owl Nest

Meet the Ghaf tree

I became a proud Ghaf parent of Amal, keep on reading, because you should too. The Ghaf tree is a smallish thorny tree, with slim branches and dark green leaflets. Needless to say if tree grows in desert it is the great survivor! The Ghaf tolerates fierce temperatures, burning hot winds and lack of water. The greatest danger to Ghaf is from browsing by camels and goats; and intensive lopping to provide forage especially during summer. In some places degradation is so intense that Ghaf regeneration has been totally eliminated. Moreover, as urban spread and infrastructure develops rapidly, Ghaf trees often bear the brunt.

For the UAE, an accelerating decline in Ghaf trees and woodlands suggest a loss in cultural and biological heritage. Goumbook wants to preserve wild Ghafs esthetical, cultural and ecological significance and raises a public awareness by conservation program for protecting the wild Ghaf.

Goumbook is an organization aiming at raising awareness on Sustainability and Green Living across the UAE and the Gulf region. Goumbook is a Social Enterprise, not a charity neither an NGO.

To help save the Ghaf tree, Goumbook and its local partners have launched the “Give a Ghaf” program to raise public awareness about the Ghaf and its values, while encouraging people to plant them.

That’s about tree planting program, back to our desert trip. The beauty and one of the many highlights of the Unseen Trails DDCR trip was the giving back aspect. Each of us were able to donate and plant seedling of Ghaf tree at the groves in the desert. I named my little seedling Amal which means Hope in English. I dedicated it for hope of keeping our nature for generations to come. It made me to feel good to be able to contribute to reserve UAE’s beautiful nature.

Ah that food – Desert picnic

The last stop was the best part – the desert breakfast picnic by foodie pro Arva’s Frying Pan adventures and Baker & Spice, an award-winning food shop and restaurant from Dubai. I love their food philosophy it resonates with mine “local, organic, fresh and homemade.

Nice people from Baker and Spice gave few ingredients pairing ideas to go. My favorite was ka’ak aka sesame seeds bread with labneh, yoghurt-cheese springled with za’atar, black seeds and extra virgin olive oil on top. What about sour dough bread with raw tahini drizzled with date syrup. Nothing taste better than good food al fresco. Baker and Spice have the best breads and jams in Dubai. Yes, true that!

I have always loved the desert. One sits down on a desert sand dune, sees nothing, hears nothing. Yet through the silence something throbs, and gleams.

-Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The little Prince

Unseen Trails Dubai - Falconry

See ya at sand dunes – look at that hawk!

Links to collaborators of the Unseen Trails tour:

Unseen Trails | DDCR

Frying Pan Adventures

Gulf Photo Plus

Baker & Spice – centre of artisan food excellence

Royal Shaheen Evets

Trendy Dubai | Molecular Gastronomy – Very Indian Tresind

December 25, 2016 by Minna Leave a Comment

Derived from French expression très Indian Dubai based modern Indian restaurant got it’s name Tresind. The chef Himanshu of Tresind marries a progressive fine dining approach with traditional Indian cuisine. Their creative molecular gastronomy methods not only make food look artistic but brilliantly brings all together respecting the original recipe and flavours. I have been into molecular gastronomy from the time it was brought to Dubai on 2012 at Marta’s Kitchen.

Tresind introduced their menu at Taste of Dubai on March 2016. I got slice of Vada Pao Pan Pizza and thought then I have to dine there to deep dive into forward-thinking modernist Indian cuisine with a twist.

Tresind Mango Frooti

Tresind Tropical Fruits, Mango Frooti (picture captured by Minna Herranen)

As usual, in Dubai foodie heaven, having so many options to choose for, it took couple of more months from me to actually go and dine at Tresind. I got invited to try Tresind 9 course tasting menu and was impressed of everything on the entire experience. Food was clearly Indian cuisine but with modern twist. It’s all about light, healthy and colourful so very millenial style dining, not westernized but very Indian. Ever since my visit they have won several awards and introduced another interesting restaurant Carnival by Tresind. Modern Indian is IT now in Dubai food scenes.

At the moment Tresind has absolutely value for money Lunch set menu in their offering. It’s an extensive lunch set menu at AED 99 per person from Sunday to Thursday.

Back to my experience at Tresind. Before going to food I must mention that waiter knew the food, it’s always pleasure to fine dine in a restaurant where waters are knowledgeable. It makes the whole dining rolling smoothly and allow us to know the food we are going to get. Tresind had paired each plate with suitable wine, however I cannot comment weather it was success or not, I am aqua drinker. In all honesty I think Indian cuisine works well without wine.

Tresind food

Tasting lunch started with modern art of chaat, the Indian snack flavours composed under our eyes as in any chaat stall. It was entertaining work of food artist painting for us a tasty tangy sweet but savory chaat art. I really liked the way chaat was served with smoky effects sponge like Gujarati Dhokla, tamarind chutney, mint & coriander chutney, sweet yogurt, chaat masala gel, palak patta, mustard water, fresh pomegranate, nimbu sev and red chili pepper all spread on wide tray as a canvas – very artistic.

Followed by Chilli hoisin duck khurchan with pickled carrots and beets, Deconstructed pani puri, Zaatar Pav with Pindi Channa Hummus and Sundried tomatoes & olives, Tandoori Portobello Steak, Vada Pao Pan Pizza, Khandvi Sorbet to clear palate, Paneer Cafreal, Potato Sphere Dahi Kebab, Daulat Ki Chaat.

Tresind chilli hoisin duck khurchan, pickled carrots and beets

Tresind chilli hoisin duck khurchan, pickled carrots and beets (photo provided by Tresind)

Tresind Signature Recipe – gift for you

Thanks to nice people from Tresind I have signature recipe to share with you. I asked chef to share one recipe from their summer menu and got this wonderful Mango phirn popsicle recipe. See the Tresind presentation on top of the post. My eyes were eating the dessert before I get to taste mango lollies with passion fruit salsa. Who doesn’t like mangoes!

SUMMER MENU RECIPE_TropicalFruitsMangoFrooti

Here’s my take of Tresind signature mango ice lollies. I was more into easy presentation and froze mango lollies in egg shape silicone molds and dipped them in dark chocolate and fresh coconut and pistachio nuts. It was great mock up from the original recipe which was more of the inspiration than one to one follow thru for me this time. What if you try to make ice lollies inspired by Tresind, the way you like it.

Naked Plate Mango ice lollies

Mango phirn ice lollies made by Naked Plate blog’s Minna

I have had bad, good and very good food experiences, Tresind was one of those very good ones. However it is just me, you should try yourself, this might be specially for you if you find Indian food too heavy and intense. I was invited by Tresind, all of my writings are my own opinions though. Value of 9 course signature Chef’s tasting menu was 365 AED. I might be bias because I love Indian food and molecular gastronomy. To read more about Tresind experiences and particularly food reviews from real Dubai foodies visit The Cluttonous couple and The Thezzy Files

Check out Tresind set lunch menu worth 99 AED. Good value for money!

Hey don’t go yet, you might like to check out my post from 2012 Do play with your food – Look-see into Molecular Gastronomy

Boutique Le Chocolat – experience of being a chocolatier

December 10, 2016 by Minna Leave a Comment

This is unique – Don’t just eat chocolate, make it and personalize the wrapping of your own chocolate bar. Most of us just enjoy the chocolate without giving a thought from which cocoa beans they are made of, or even more precise from which country and farm cocoa beans come from. I just got bite of being my own chocolatier at beautiful chocolate boutique at Dubai, Boutique Le Chocolat, the bespoke and artisanal chocolate concept store by Meraas.

Do you know how to eat chocolate, how about care of it…errrr other than induldge and eat it quickly when chocolate craving hits. I will share you best tip here in my blog but to get full insights, please take some time and visit this chocolate heaven and do not forget Cocoa Kitchen at next door. Both located in trendy and stylish new City Walk mall at Jumeirah.

Every customer is taken care of by knowledgeable chocolate connosseurs at the boutique. They know everything about over 750 chocolates they have in shop. You get to taste and can also bring home your favorite chocolate. Initially I went there on my own but was bit shy to ask questions, then I got invited for visit at boutique followed by their most lovely chocolate themed choco making experience guided by Chocolatier chef Fatmah.

About Boutique Le Chocolat

Boutique Le Chocolat is the first and only multi-brand retail experience based on chocolate – a totally unique and original concept in scale and diversity. Inspired by the Paris Salon du Chocolat and reinvented and elevated to another level, the store celebrates chocolate in all its glory offering an exceptional platform for a truly unique ingredient. It is every chocolate lover’s dream as they get to experience the best form of chocolate craftsmanship at the hands of the world’s renowned chocolate artisans. Moreover, it is a journey that allows chocolate lovers to discover the most confidential chocolatiers in the world and enjoy the most innovative experiences around the cocoa bean and chocolate. Meraas has built relationships with chocolate luminaries such as Salon du Chocolat & Cacao Barry. Fueled by the interaction between chocolate, chocolatiers and chocolate lovers, Boutique Le Chocolat is a brand exclusively dedicated to the delights of chocolate and cocoa.

Bespoke experience of making chocolate

I do not want to spoil the experience, it’s best you book your own chocolate making session at Boutique Le Chocolat. I made short video clip of some part of the preparation.

I chose two dark chocolates, which I first tasted, St Domingue 70% cocoa and Alto Del Sol Peruvian 65% cocoa, picked up topping salted caramel crisp and designed the wrapping for 4 bars which I am going to gift to someone special. This is great unique gift idea at any time of the year. In following images Chocolate chef is tempering the chocolate. Scroll down to have quick tour in Boutique Le Chocolat.

How to care your precious chocolate

Storage

Chocolate is best kept in dry places without strong odours and with good ventilation. Temperature should be 18-20 C (65-68 F) Humidity should be below 50 % as it causes sugar bloom, which is a grey or white layer of sugar crystals on the surface of chocolate. Sugar bloom generally does not render the chocolate inedible, but the taste definitely suffers.

If chocolate is stored too cold, water droplets condense on the surface when it is brought to room temperature and this can too cause sugar bloom. This can be avoided by keeping the chocolate covered until it has reached room temperature.

If chocolate is stored in a too warm place, fat bloom occurs, which also appears as a grey layer on the surface of the chocolate and is related to structural changes in the cocoa butter. Chocolate which has suffered fat bloom is still also edible, but again, the taste and texture will not be nearly good.

Breaking and smelling chocolate

Before you actually taste the chocolate, in particular bars please note how it breaks when you snap it. Chocolate should not be too brittle (it might be too cold if it is) but also not too soft – a quiet snapping sound is perfect. Additionally smell the fresh broken piece, noting any unusual aromas. You can often already recognize good chocolate at this point.

Quick tour at Dubai’s unique chocolate boutique

My favorite gift basket from Boutique Le Chocolat full of MarieBelle goodies.

Follow me at Instagram @Minnahe

Why We Love Super Food Salad (And You Should, Too!)

October 28, 2015 by Minna Leave a Comment

In Dubai we are surrounded with superlatives or super everything, Super Food Salad is just that, it makes super impact to health. The trendy healthy eating encourages us to make better choices and that’s not bad at all. Most super foods happen to be low in calories and are naturally gluten free, they are very easy to add into many diets. Recipe included below. I have re-created the salad and replaced broad beans with snap peas, I did not find miso paste from my supermarket, but found Japanese miso dressing and used that instead, worked perfectly.

‘What’s cooking at The Beach’ was the theme for bunch of food lovers invited for the food tour at The Beach in Dubai Marina opposite of Jumeirah Beach Residence towers just on the shore. Honestly I haven’t visited Dubai Marina neighborhood because of terrible traffic jams or lack of parking space at Marina. It was really surprise for me that there is underground parking at the basement of The Beach. Well okey, there is also a metro and a tram nowadays to avoid traffic. I will be going again just because it’s so easy to park and you have over 40 restaurants to choose on beautiful contemporary stylish beach side go-to destination. It seems I am liking many of the Meraas project in Dubai, think Boxpark and Citywalk at Jumeirah.

We started at Big Chefs for scrumptious breakfast, they bake and prepare everything in house, we had chance to bake with their chef. Next stop at DriDri gelato parlor for wonderful Italian churned ice creams and gelatos and Fratelli La Bufala, mamma mia what juicy Neapolitan pizzas, I mastered one of my own. Multo bene! The Counter, custom made burgers, where you can ask them to make your burger from hundreds of ingredients, just like you want it. Stylish Joe’s Café, elegant but relaxed café for fresh-pressed juices and formal dining. Keep reading or scroll down, watch few photos I snapped with my iPhone at The Beach.

Chef Melad Joe's Cafe The Beach

Chef Melad Kattouf of Joe’s Cafe The Beach

Oh yes, back to The Super Food Salad. I got Joe’s Café’s chef Melad Kattouf’s guidance and recipe of soba noodle salad with plenty of green super foods. Chef Melad has worked his way up from managing the kitchens of Michelin star restaurants to developing and planning food concepts. “There is nothing better than having a home cocked healthy meal, that looks great and taste excellent” is one of Melad’s beliefs… and mine too.

Superfoods are multi-taskers, here’s reasons why we love Super Food Salad:

Beans are a good plant-based source of iron (up to 13 mg per 3/4 cup), a mineral that transports oxygen from lungs to the cells in your body

Sprouted foods are high in B vitamins, high in minerals like potassium, iron and calcium and the protein

Broccoli has a high source of vitamins A, C, K and B-6 and folate. To preserve as many nutrients as possible and avoid turning it too bitter steam broccoli for three to five minutes. Broccoli can enhance detoxification and is believed to reduce inflammation

Pumpkin seeds, are one of the best sources of plant-based omega-3s

Fermented foods are good for digestion. Enzyme rich miso is the elegant Japanese term for fermented soybean paste. It’s rich of antioxidants that protect against free radicals

Joe’s Café’s Super Food Salad recipe

Ingredients
Broccoli
French beans
Soba noodles cooked al dente
Broad beans
Bean sprouts
Pumpkin seeds slightly roasted
Mixed green leaves

Miso dressing:
1-2 table spoons miso paste or ready miso salad dressing
Lemon juice
Water
Extra Virgin Olive oil

1. Steam the broccoli and French beans 3-5 minutes and cool in ice cold water to stop cooking and keep color nice and green.
2. Roast the pumpkin seeds on dry hot pan, watch out they burn easily.
3. Clean the broad beans and remove the skin.
4. Boil the soba noodles according package instructions or until it become al dente.

Put the soba noodles on mountain formation on the plate first. Mix all the ingredients with the miso dressing and put it on the top of the soba noodles. Garnish with roasted pumpkin seeds.

Joe's Cafe's Super Food Salad

The Super Food Salad – Joe’s Cafe, The Beach, Dubai Marina JBR

Super good super food salad is ready for serving!

Keep on scrolling here are my snap shots….

Thank you you reached the end …….big smiley emoticon here !!!

Namrata with Chef Melad in some images, Check out Namrata’s and Nancy’s beautiful blog ‘SheSaidSheSaid‘
Carla with me and Namrata in foodie selfie, check her amazing blog ‘Memoirs of a Taste Bud‘

Sprüngli Truffle Cake – wonky chocolate cake

April 14, 2015 by Minna Leave a Comment

Seductive specialties, light and airy temptations, delicately smooth chocolate indulgences, confectioner’s craft with tradition. Sprüngli is loaded with superlatives. I got their classic truffle cake recipe and boy it did not dissappoint. I want to think my homemade truffle cake belongs to that 1st class.
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The Farmers’ Market at Dubai

December 6, 2014 by Minna 1 Comment

UAE farmers want you to find their produce. The Farmers’ Market at Dubai on The Terrace is wonderful place to start Friday. Buy cup of coffee from one of the market stalls and fresh bakes from stall of Baker & Spice Dubai. Arrange an instant picnic for yourself and enjoy.

Another secret of Dubaian foodlovers is revealed. It’s the only farmers’ market in Dubai where farmers are every Friday selling their locally grown organic vegetables directly to us. Prices are less than in many other markets in Dubai and atmosphere is down to earth. Excellent value for your money and health.
The Farmers’ Market is located on gardens of Emirates Towers. Scroll down for map at the end of the post. Hey don’t go…

Take tour with me at my blog. Pictures are speaking more than thousand words.

Farmers' Market Dubai

Farmers’ Market Dubai

Seasons local organic veggies

Seasons local organic veggies

Single origin coffee Boon Coffee from Ethiopia

Single origin coffee Boon Coffee from Ethiopia

Organic Oasis Farm

Organic Oasis Farm

Astraea olives and oils, organic dates and handmade soaps

Astraea olives and oils, organic dates and handmade soaps

Yael Mejia, food consultant to Baker & Spice Dubai and the Farmers’ Market champion, says: “When I came to Dubai to set up Baker & Spice as 2008 was drawing to a close, one of my first tasks was sourcing local and regional fresh produce.

Yael Mejia pioneered the farmers’ market revolution

Yael Mejia pioneered the farmers’ market revolution

“This is one of the guiding principles of our kitchen and I had no intention of changing course. I knew there was farming here and I just had to find it and connect.

“It took a year of investigations, phoning, cajoling, travelling in the desert, begging, and we ended up working with three farms. They delivered fantastic produce to our kitchens, mainly vegetables.

“The knowledge that the produce is organic, local, of such amazing quality and so cheap, has resonated with people who are concerned about what they put in their mouths and how they feed their children.

“Being able to connect directly with the people who grow the food we eat is something most people think is important. Many global food scandals have contributed to this global concern.

Here’s capture of message from Yael at opening of 6th season of Farmers’ Market. We’re sharing same stance on food with her, key to success in kitchen is good, clean and fresh ingredients, there’s so less you have to add to create wonderful meal if you use the best you can get products and ingredients.

Baker & Spice invited me and other bloggers to Seasons opening breakfast, for me the invite was win-win, I literally could eat anything from their restaurant, all food is whole, real and simple like myself. I am happy to promote my favorite market.

Chef Gabriele Kurz from Jumeirah Group Talise Wellness at Baker&Spice breakfast

Chef Gabriele Kurz from Jumeirah Group Talise Wellness at Baker&Spice breakfast

Tree Entrepreneurs: Farmers' Market pioneer, Organic Oasis farmer and Astraea olive farmer

Tree Entrepreneurs: Farmers’ Market pioneer, Organic Oasis farmer and Astraea olive farmer

Last season I wrote about field trip to Kitby farm, they are selling at The Farmers’ Market On The Terrace their produce. Check photos from the farm here LINK

Kitby Farm from Al Ain

Kitby Farm from Al Ain

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Hey, if you reach here, don’t go quite yet, you might like to read what other food lovers found at Farmers’ market, lots of clicking ahead…
Orangekitchens
Memoires Of A taste Bud
CoffeeCakesAndRunning
DimaSharif.com
Kitchen In The Sand
Ishita Unblogged
My Custard Pie
Cinnamon Weekends
Noni’s Place
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LINKS
The Farmers’ Market on the Terrace

Farmersmarketme at Instagram

Emirates Towers Jumeirah Group at Instagram

Organic Oasis Farm

Olives and oils from Astraea olive grove

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How to find Farmers Market:

Drive Along – the way around to Dubai’s Farmers Market at Emirates Towers Terrace

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Thank You for reading!

Naked Plate | Project365 | Ice Cream from Cham

December 8, 2013 by Minna Leave a Comment

Ice Cream is food, right? I remember as kid at dinner table I would complain how full I am already and I’ve finished eating. But come to proposal of having dessert, I miraculously had a tiny mini bit of space in my belly. There’s always room for ice cream.

As part of my Project365.org daily food posts I am sharing one minute of one of the tours I walked with Frying Pan Adventures in old Dubai.

Would You try this kind of ice cream?

Dubai is Foodie Wonderland, if you ever have chance to visit Dubai or UAE, you must experience almost limitless options of any food of the world. I have taken three food tours with Dubai based Frying Pan adventures and they never fail. Check the link below to discover more about walking food tours in Dubai.

Click link Frying Pan Food Tours

Naked Plate | Food Photography & Styling workshop Dubai

October 26, 2012 by Minna 18 Comments

I am lousy writer, therefore I rather cook and take photos than write posts. Most of the time I struggle to produce decent fluent text to my blog. For that reason this post is about photos which I took at Food Styling and Photography workshop with amazing photographer Meeta K. Wolff in Dubai just few days ago. The workshop was organized by blogger from My Custard Pie Sally Prosser. I am going to add links to the blog posts from other participants, for sure you will find good reads there.

If you love snapping photos like me, or are more advanced photographer and like to know about styling food, then this workshop is for you. Definitely you like to eat, right? 🙂 Don’t miss this workshop next time.

I left out the part of Atlantis The Palm visit, it’s worth of own post. We ate in three restaurants and visited Nobu Garden. Sally and Meeta, they set the bar high for them self for the next workshop, because we had extra bonus surprise at Ronda Locatelli, Giorgio Locatelli join our table and brought Italian white truffles and lovely stories with him. Auw, auw, auw this girl was sold!

It was really fun packed two days hands on food photography and styling course, including loads of food tasting, cooking, styling practises, serious photographing, less serious photo snapping, social media and Lightroom tips. And hey wait, the bonus, its the goodie bags, they were great value, like those film festival goodie bags 🙂 very generous. One more reason to look forward Meeta’s and Sally’s Food Photo workshop on 2013.

Photo collage 1: Brunch by Gourmet Culinary Director Russell Impiazzi from Galeries Lafayette Gourmet. Scandinavian Brunch was just wonderful, visit them at Dubai Mall, amazing selection of anything foodie can imagine. We made tasting tour there last April on Meeta’s and Sally’s first workshop.

Photo Collage 2: Assignment was to take location, ingredients, cooking and magazine cover photos. Food Artisan Dima Sharif taught us how to make perfect tagine. We had her pumpkin soup and tagine for lunch and after we finished our soup we did the classic food blogger act, stooop, no eating before we take photos. Tagine was our main food model in the photo shoot. All groups had different style and mood for assignment.

Photo Collage 3: Working with Meeta and learning from others, I worked with Tavola’s photographer Antone, not bad hah? The cover picture is Antone’s, our cover style was Jamie Oliver with feminine mood. By the way in food styling, I don’t like flowers on food photos as props, and this time I got lost and chose red rose as one feminine prop…..erm.

Photo Collage 4: Miele Gallery is really dream place to have cooking demos and food tasting, you get to try all their kitchen appliances and for coffee addict like me, open Miele coffee bar was just hit on head of the nail. Thank You Miele and Gynthia for hospitality. Look at those antique Miele “machines” from their museum. Aren’t we just happy that we have advanced ever since?

Photo Collage 5: Spanish dinner by Tapeo (Galeries Lafayette) and Chef Russell, Oh that paella, it’s the best paella I have eaten in Dubai.

Watch clip of Spanish Fiesta at Miele Gallery

Thank you Shy, Moya, Sandy, Catherine, Lionel and Antone
Moya’s Food and Tools
Catherine’s SandCat
Shy’s Cooking With Shy
Sandy’s Ginger and Scotch
Lionel and Antone were the real photographers, We learned a lot from them as well. If they have photo gallery I will add link later, I have seen their work, they are good. Very good.

Thank You for sponsors:
Miele Gallery and Lafayette Gourmet for the place and food. San Pellegrino and Acqua Panna supplied all the water for the two days, and we all left with goodies from them. Artisan made Scottish tablet in some irresistible flavours from Toffee Princess. Luxury chocolates from Lindt, and a card loaded with 50 AED for a Lime & Tonic experience as well as Dima’s generous gifts with Breast Cancer awareness and support gifts. My favorite kitchen shop in Dubai Tavola provided props to our workshop.
Atlantis The Palm, Dubai hosted our first dinner and we got to test couple of restaurants.
Dima’s blog Dima Sharif
Meeta’s blog What’s for Lunch Honey
Sally’s blog My Custard Pie

Count me in for the next workshop, it’s worth of that investment, money and time wise and best of all it’s FUN.

Read other posts about workshop
Meeta’s blog post at What’s For Lunch Honey?
Moya’s take on Food and Tools
SandyCat’s take on Photography and styling workshop