What do you do when the crispy deep-fried mayonnaise shrimp tastes so damn good but it falls a step or two out of line from your healthy week?
You eat it anyway.
Because that’s what we do when we’re not governed by food and our relationship with it is a healthy, balanced one. One more of them please!
After a nacho and cheese-filled evening at Maya, we were ready for some world-class seafood and a restaurant that never fails to deliver on atmosphere. Eating at Catch can be a hit on the bank balance but boy, is it worth the treat!
Dark leather covered seats, huge round tables and bare, brick-walled design gives an authentic feel to this New York born success. The waiters and hosts look like they could have just walked off a catwalk, yet the place has not a touch of superiority about it. A relaxed, welcoming vibe to a restaurant you know will make for a good night.
Like any good girls night, we start with a round of cocktails.
And a nibble or two whilst we wait for our other guest…
I can’t work out what the seasoning is that the chef puts over the edamame here, maybe it’s the smoke pit they arrive in, but either way – how they manage to turn such a simple ingredient into the tastiest of dishes is a reflection of how good every single item on the menu is. I order the edamame to start without fail and not once have they been less than perfect.
Crispy shrimp, spicy mayo and king fish tacos. Then I promise, we waited.
Lucy arrived, late as always. Although that sounds a touch harsh, maybe she’ll think twice for our dinner on Tuesday night ;) and before any more food, a glimpse into the all-important other menu of the evening.
Catch is a fine-dining restaurant, but they do it in a quirky and unique way. No white linen table cloths here.
The best dish on the menu – ‘Tartare Trio’. I genuinely have dreams about this … no judgements.
It’s a mix of salmon, hamachi and tuna served with caviar, wasabi creme fraiche, avocado and scallions. A style of popped cracker which gives not only taste but texture. Here you have yourself one of my top 3 individual dishes amongst all Dubai restaurants!
Half a dozen fresh oysters. The thick, juicy ones that are perfectly seasoned and taste like little mouthfuls of heaven.
The lighting must have shifted because our lobster rolls are a touch on the rouge side, but my word are they worth shouting out about! Hot, butter soaked buns with spoonfuls of creamy fresh lobster meat on the inside. Two mouthfuls and these are gone – SO delicious!
Joined by my friend Andy for a bite or two, who also happens to be the guest relations manager at Catch. Always lovely to have a friendly face bopping around!
One more quick glance at the menu before the star of all desserts.
Sashimi and their signature king crab spicy hand rolls. Whilst I admit the presentation of the crab rolls isn’t quite the same standard as the others, this was definitely a case of don’t judge a book by it’s cover. The soy paper encloses the most surprising textures with crunchy rice, meaty king crab all topped off with delicious yuzu flavours. They are quite filling so make sure to leave room!
And then we have this.
This, people, is what we call the most heavenly, indulgent, rich and highly addictive dessert there is. So good in fact, that guests come to Catch to eat this alone … not that I would advise eating only chocolate for your dinner.
It makes everyone smile and sends the brain into a chocolate pleasure frenzy. It’s called “Hit Me” and I believe they have it in every single Catch restaurant, no surprises why.
A layer of white chocolate ice-cream, a layer of rich fudge brownie, and a layer of “devil’s food”, all topped off with liquid “klondike”.
I wouldn’t suggest adding it to your daily diet, but for a well-deserved treat – this is the one you want!
Catch, you remain in my heart. Fellow foodies, scroll below for restaurant details.
Hope you enjoyed this blog!
LLG X
For more info about Catch, check out their website here or call them on +971 4 357 1755 to book a spot. (I recommend the brown round tables!).
