Lunch at the Media Lounge, Dubai Media City

Author John Thomas
Last week I was at the Media City side of town around noontime and just when hunger got the better of me, I decided to hop into the nearest restaurant. The media Lounge looked like the closest bet, so I hopped in.

I managed to find myself a seat in a quiet corner in the no smoke zone of the resto cafe.   I considered myself lucky to have found a table, for I found myself there in one of the café’s busiest hours. Nicknamed TML, the Media lounge is one of the most popular cafes in that side of town, where scores of media professionals from surrounding offices, stop by for a mid work breather or post work chillaxation.



The Media Lounge from Blogliterati on Vimeo.

Ambiance : First off, the place looked completely chilled out, with smell of shisha renting the air, green foliage walls, unfinished floors and loads of people chatting over hot coffee and hubble bubble. I learnt that 40% of their customers are repeat loyal customers who visit as often as 3 times in a week and  usually spend at least an hour in the resto.

Service : The place is managed by half a dozen waiters and waitresses most of whom seemed to be from the Philippines. The service was prompt, attentive and friendly.


Food:  I ordered a glass of refreshing Lemon Ice tea. Nothing could have been a better option on a sultry afternoon. I am glad they use honey instead of processed sugar for sweetening. I also tried their caffe latte at the end of my indulge. It was perfect.

For the starters I ordered Dynamite King Shrimps and followed that up with Quinoa Superbowl in salad.

Dynamite King Shrimps – This lip-smacking appetizer truly lived up to its name. It had a perfect dressing of spicy sauce enough to cause a sweet explosion of flavors in the mouth and the plump, succulent pieces were mouthful - crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside and good!




Quinoa Superbowl – This Quinoa based superbowl salad was literally a bowl full of goodness. With loads of fruits and veggies peppered over it - including avocado, pomegranate, shredded carrots, sliced broccoli and chia seeds - this salad was fresh, filling and scrumptious. Additional shrimp topping, gave it that crunchy and exciting twist.


I spoke to Outlet supervisors Cindy and Ahmed who were happy to speak about their restaurant's ongoing promotions and offers on tape.


Cindy- TML from Blogliterati on Vimeo.

For the main course I had Charcoal Grilled Chicken. The chicken was tender and grilled to perfection, which made it taste very authentic. It was served with garlic paste, grilled vegetables and steamed white rice.


Dessert: The dining experience was made complete with some delicious home made waffles in the end. The waffles came smothered with Nutella and topped with generous cuts of Banana and Strawberry.



If you love the combination of these two fruits, then you’ll absolutely love the Nutella waffles at TML. Add some ice cream to the mix for an exciting cold dessert.


Ahmed TML from Blogliterati on Vimeo.

Shisha : For many, relaxation means spending hours inhaling flavored smoke emanating from the pipe of a hubble bubble. TML has that section covered too and does that really well. I tried two variants of Shisha at TML, first my 'ever fave' peach flavor and then double apple which gave me just the right level of 'smokagzation' I so craved for at that hour.


Verdict:
If you're ever on the media city part of town or even need a place to catch up with some associates in a slightly less formal setting, then TML would be the best option. They even have a special and private meeting room with an interesting wall laden with facts right from the evolution of internet to when Instagram became popular. Its just an amazing space for informal team meetings with your workmates. The menu is very east meets west with Italian, Arabic and Lebanese served there.
If You're Going




Need to know
Cuisine: Italian, Arabian, Lebanese
Where: Concord Tower, Dubai Media City, Dubai
Hours:   9 AM to 12 Midnight
Atmosphere:  Chilled out, earthy, relaxing
Parking:  Public Parking on two sides
Prices: AED 185 for two people (approx.)
Credit cards: Cash, Cards accepted
Sound level: Moderate
Wheelchair access: Accessible
Service: Good
Recommended: Charcoal grilled chicken, Quinoa Salad, Dynamite Shrimps
Additional Info:   Its close to the Palm Jumeirah tram station
Reservations:  04 4535431
Facebook:  TML FB The Media Lounge - TML Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Comments

Post a Comment

Most Read Blogs

Miss Wang – Bur Dubai’s Little Secret

Author John Thomas
Image
Dubai is known to have many hidden hotspots and Miss Wang is one of them. A few blocks away from the computer complexes – Al Khaleej and Al Ain Centre, tucked away on the Al Fahidi Street is the 4 Star Majestic Hotel Tower . Located just a stone throws distance away from the Al Fahidi Metro station on the confluence of the old and new Dubai, Majestic hotel is a favorite not just among business travelers, but with the locals who reside in the vicinity, as well. The Ambiance Housed on the 1 st level of this award-winning hotel, Miss Wang is a Restobar and hangout tavern like no other. From the very name – its easy to sense the verve, youthfulness as well as the 'orientality' of the place. This becomes even more evident as one walks in to the facility. Industrial style Filament bulb lighting and Brick-finished walls give the interior a character, warmth and texture while exuding a very Asian downtown hipster vibe.  This vibe can be further seen in the menu which has t
Read more

A Bong Affair at Dil Se Desi, Bur Dubai

Author John Thomas
Image
Bengal is home to one of the most diverse and unique cuisines in the whole of India and no two Bengali dishes are alike. Having lived in the UAE for past thirteen years, I have had the good fortune to enjoy some varied international cuisines however, however there has been a big lacunae in the Bengali culinary space with very few restaurants specialised in Bengali fare. There are hardly any restaurants here in Dubai that cater to this segment. I thank my good friend and blogger Subashree for introducing me to Dil Se Desi. This restaurant is an answer the long felt need for more north indian and bengali cuisine restaurants in this space.  The restaurant is run by a passionate couple who left their jobs to follow their dream of starting a restaurant that offered very true-to-roots simple and sincere fare that could be enjoyed by all. I visited Dil Se Desi last week - a very humble and unassuming restaurant offering some very refreshing north eastern tastes. I enjoyed s
Read more

Gursha Dubai : Serving Gourmet Ethiopian Food With A Cultural Twist

Author John Thomas
Image
Enjoy a truly cultural experience in one of Dubai’s most progressive neighborhoods at Gursha Ethiopian Restaurant Ethiopian cuisine has been gaining a whole new level of popularity globally off late and this is with good reason. The usage of highly nutritious native vegetables, spices and meat make Ethiopian cuisine one of the most unique and delicious cuisines in the world.  What's more, the Ethiopian national staple food - the Injera, is made of highly nutritious and gluten-free  teff  grain. This grain indigenous to the Ethiopian region, is known to contain a very high proportion of fiber — more than any other grain on Earth. It is also a complete source of protein, iron and calcium. These healthy properties coupled with the variety in culinary choices make Ethiopian food one of world's more favored food choices. Sadly, if there’s one cuisine in Dubai that most people haven’t tried, it’s probably Ethiopian. With only a handful restaurants serving traditional Et
Read more

Zou Zou at La Mer, Dubai

Author John Thomas
Image
After my recent visit to Gunaydin – which in my opinion is the best Turkish restaurant in Dubai, my expectations from any Turkish restaurants have risen to all time high. When I got invited from Zou Zou – the Turkish Lebanese restaurant at La Mer, I was all in for it, to try and compare. I visited Zou Zou last week with a very dear friend who is also a big foodie like me and a lover of all things Turkish. So needless to say, we went there with lots of expectations and a hungry tummy of course. I must mention that Zou Zou didn’t disappoint. First off I have to remark about the service. It was pleasant, warm and quick. I was met by Latif Kural the friendly operations manager who has played a role in the setting up several reputed Turkish restaurants in the Dubai.  He is a fine guy with a very pleasant disposition who ensured we felt 'at home'. Latif assigned a waiter de table for us and made sure to drop in every now and then to check on us and see if we were enjoyi
Read more

Jazz @ Pizza Express, Dubai Relaunches in Style

Author John Thomas
Image
Dubai’s most favorite pizzeria Jazz @ Pizza express has relaunched with a stunning new interior design and jazzy personality. In conjunction with this relaunch, a grand party was thrown last night to dignitaries from media and other special guests. Jazz@Pizza Express has been a sought-after destination for its delicious fare, live music, decadent cocktails & bubblies and awe-inspiring service. With the new facelift, this JLT restaurant is touted to be the hottest pizzerias in Dubai for dining and wining. Known globally for the great design of their restaurants, Pizza Express commissioned the award-wining British interior designer & consultant Sharon Jutla for the refurbishment. Listed on Interior design & Architecture magazine's top 50, Sharon's portfolio includes high-end projects like Moscow Terminal 3 Airport, Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi Sports City, PWC head office in London, Noor al Ain shopping centre in Abu Dhabi, and the Edgbaston Cricket Stadium.
Read more