Breakfast at Carluccio’s

Getting out of the house at 9:30 in the morning and driving more than 10 kilometers to the mall in order to have breakfast isn’t my normal routine. In fact, this is a first. Normal for me means getting out of bed at 9:30 am.

Today is special, however, because I am having breakfast with a blogger friend whom I’ve known for almost four years now! She’s in town with her adorable (mashaAllah!) twins, and I’m having such a nice time with them. I’d wake up at 4 am if I had to!

Maybe not. But I can make it at 8 am.

Carluccio’s is an acclaimed Italian café chain that serves breakfast all day, opening at 9 am each morning.

The place is empty when we arrive at 10:30 am. I lost my way to the mall despite following the GPS, and we ended up at the airport tunnel instead, but that’s not what this post is about so I’m sparing you the details.

A menu card is handed to us and, considering how hungry we are, order the heaviest breakfast item on the list that comes with coffee or tea and a glass of juice.

I ask for my coffee to be served later after the meal, but the lovely waitress decides to serve it first. Oh well.

I haven’t been a serious coffee drinker until a few months or so ago which means I can’t really differentiate between Caribou, Costa, Starbucks, and Tim Horton’s. But my friend assures me that Timmies serve the best coffee.

What I do know is that Carluccio’s coffee turns out too bitter for my taste. There’s this strong aftertaste, and this is after adding a good amount of cream in it.

 

Green apple juice and pomegranate juice. Mine is the green apple one, which tastes fresh with just the right amount of sweetness. It makes me forget about the coffee.

And now, the main breakfast:

 

Colazione Magnifica.

Free range egg omelette with grilled turkey bacon (instead of Pancetta), sautéed mushrooms, grilled tomato and toasted ciabatta. You can’t really see the ciabatta because it’s tucked underneath the eggs and mushroom.

The omelette is cooked just the way I like it! The seasoning is just right and the texture smooth. The grilled tomato goes really well with the mushrooms and turkey.

While the serving size is just right for me, it may not be enough for others. I’m saying this because we still have room for Tiramisu afterwards!

AED 49

Carluccio’s know how to make their Tiramisu. I don’t remember the price but what you get is the real deal: Savoiardi biscuits soaked in strong espresso coffee with mascarpone and chocolate. The serving size is good enough for three people!

Did you know that tirami sù means pick me up which metaphorically means make me happy? Such a beautiful and apt name for this gorgeous dessert!

I’m sure it’s the caffeine from the espresso and chocolate that’s responsible for the pick me up effect.

Soft and moist, melt-in-your-mouth good. That’s how the tiramisu is. Not too sweet, not too bitter. We couldn’t finish it so I took the rest for Masood. He probably just had a teaspoon for himself while I devour the rest. He’s sweet and caring that way.

Overall, my friend and I have a nice and peaceful breakfast. We take our sweet time eating and chatting. We both enjoy the food. The staff is attentive yet not intrusive.

There’s a cute little shop at one end of the restaurant where you can buy oil and vinegar, sauces, pasta, chocolates and biscuits, coffee, and Antonio Carluccio’s cookbooks.

Carluccio’s
1st Floor, Mirdif City Centre, Emirates Shaikh Mohammed bin Zyed Road
+97142843728