Was it a play on words? Was it intentional? Answers to which we will never know
whether The Hide, located on the lower ground floor of the Jumeirah Al Qasr and
hidden from plain sight was named as such. The place is elegant, modern and opulent.
The space has an Art Deco feel and a vintage vibe: moody lighting and masculine
interiors with geometric patterns and a soundtrack of old school glamour.
The menu boasts of classic appetizers, raw dishes, grills and desserts. Classic
cocktails, and an extensive wine selection by the glass ensure every meal is
complemented.
Whilst The Hide’s interior is a glimpse of an era gone by, it has certainly taken on the
pre-requisites of modern dining – healthy sides, international flavors, plant-based
options, great service and a somehow youthful exuberance.
Although very meat-centric, I opted to take on a different route and ordered the
Beetroot and Goat Cheese roasted and pickled beetroot, goat cheese and toasted
seeds, a decision I didn’t regret. This salad is the perfect balance of flavors to make the
palate ready for the next dish. It’s tangy, earthy, fresh and umami all in one bite.
The name escapes me now but I remember how the sort of crispy beef teriyaki plays
with both the mind and the mouth as it felt almost like a meatball – juicy, melts in your
mouth yet it’s tender chunks of steak, battered and fried crispy in a pomegranate
molasses sauce. For the main course I had the Atlantic Salmon served with lemon,
garlic butter sauce, roasted whole garlic and ribbons of potato crisps. I was a bit wary of
the roasted garlic, such a strong flavor can overpower the delicate salmon but my fear
was put to rest, the variety of garlic they used was sweet.
I ended my The Hide gastronomic journey with an order of Sticky Toffee Date Pudding
with Vanilla ice cream that left a sweet taste in the mouth both literally and figuratively.
By : Derek Garcia