Team FoodeMag:
We are so excited to present the Gallery Cafe at the newest opening of Hyatt Place™ in Al Wasl District. Hyatt Place™ is an innovative hotel concept comprising of hotel rooms and apartments inspired by modern travellers seeking a contemporary, yet homey and casual stay. Gallery Cafe, the all-day signature dining under the brand is no different. It’s a casual dining concept where breakfast is offered free to the residents and the a la carte dining menu offers an array of signature dishes across the globe. Each property is meant to have evolved as a neighbourhood concept and every nook and corner reflects certain elements pivotal to that locality. Hyatt Place™ Wasl District is a subtle showcase of the heritage of the neighbourhood – Wasl District, which has been built as a self-sustaining hub in a traditional style souq with neighbourhood cafés, antique shops and other retail stores.
Al Wasl District is a historical site that hosted the first modern hospital in the Emirate – Al Maktoum Hospital. The architectural style in the area is traditional Emirati and sikkas and courtyards lend an old-world charm to the entire neighbourhood. The space inside the hotel appears ‘seamless’ – a part of the philosophy of the brand. A spacious lobby blends into the space of Gallery Cafe and the interconnecting Coffee to Beverages Bar. Long chaises and couches with plush cushions splattered with modern Arabic designs, motif artworks on the walls and bright skylights attract attention. Casual yet elegant, this is a place where one can put their feet up or carry on a business conversation with equal ease. We are so proud to present Gallery Cafe to our readers and following the ethos of the brand, we too would like to say “Welcome to a different Place™!”
The wall motif in the lobby lounge; Image: RDC
Apart from a selection of light bites, salads and soups, the menu at Gallery Café offers a glimpse of six different types of cuisines – Arabic, Indian, Asian, Italian and Continental with freshly prepared meal options for lunch and dinner. Chef Tarun Kumar wanted us to try a bit of everything from the menu and hence our lunch started off with a selection of Arabic mezze comprising of Cheese Sambusek and Meat Kibbeh, as well as a classic Club Sandwich and some vegetable Spring Rolls. A plate of Shish Tawook with tender pieces of chicken cooked in herbs and spices and a Riyash, succulent pieces of grilled lamb chops with sautéed vegetables followed next. The mains from the Indian menu comprised of slow cooked Dal Makhani and a signature Butter Chicken with the chicken cooked in the tandoor and served in a familiar spicy onion and tomato gravy. A bowl of steamed rice, tawa roasted hot Chapatis, crispy Papads and some home-made pickle completed the Indian spread. The homestyle Tiramisu is a highlight from the dessert offerings.
Chef Tarun boasts of many signature dishes in his Gallery Cafe menu , much beyond what we tasted – the Indonesian Chicken Satay, Rosemary marinated Rib Eye, Malai Murgh Tikka, Couscous with chicken and vegetables etc – something special from the six different cuisines. While the Gallery Cafe serves an a la carte menu throughout the day, the Coffee to Beverage Bar situated alongside the café is open round the clock and offers signature mocktails, beverages and light bites. Also, there’s a tiny nook with a market kiosk at the hotel lobby – for guests fancying some ‘grab and go’ nibbles of drinks!
Shish Tawook – tender chicken with spices and fattoush
Rosemary marinated Rib Eye
Riyash – Lamb chops with spices with sautéed vegetables; Image: RDC
Couscous with chicken and vegetables
In our next post, we will take you behind the scenes and introduce you to the faces of Gallery Cafe – the talented chefs that stir up deliciousness. Do stay tuned and follow our updates and posts on socials as we give you a chance to join us soon for an exclusive readers’ event at the beautiful Gallery Café. As culinary explorers, you will be able to experience a curated dining experience filled with fun games and exciting prizes!
Disclaimer: All images and videos have been taken by team FoodeMag, excepting two images which have been taken by photographer Rupa Dutta Chowdhury (RDC)