Frankly, until a few days ago I had no idea about Calissons d’Aix until I discovered them, produced skillfully by Imed. Not that I did know where the Provence was; as a kid I spend my summer vacation there in the south of France. I guess as kids we did have other eating habits and these delicate sweets where not on our menu.

Let me tell you; I am just hooked on this little almond sweets, made of the best almonds and different flavors.

This almond-paste delicacy with its sugar icing is world renowned.

The little boat-shaped pastries were given out at the Notre-Dame-de-la-Sed church in Aix-en-Provence every September 1st, celebrating a vow made to ward off the plague in 1630. The Archbishop of Aix chanted the Latin during the handout, and the Provencals translated this to “Venite ad Calicem” “Venes toui i calissoun”, or “Venez tous au Calisson” (Come, everybody, to Calisson). And the name stuck.

My mother always advised me as a kid; “never save money on food and shoes”. Being born French, I guess she would know but these days, having experienced many different food from around the world I would agree what she meant. With my shopping I always end up buying stuff from the French product section off the shelfs, is it now Duck confit, French butter and cheese or like today, Fois Gras de Canard and Concassee de tomate.

Another, ultimate sandwich:

One slice of Walnut bread, from Paul, buttered with rich French butter. Tomato concassee spread, few slices of sweet onion, some leafs of rocket, slices of tomato and sprinkle with Fleur de sel and fresh black pepper. Heat some duck fat in pan and pan fry Fois Gras from both sides. Cover the sandwich with another slice of Walnut bread. Voila!

The Meat Company from South Africa just opened its second restaurant at the Old Town-Burj Dubai and it was time to check out this place. The booking by phone was not all that smooth but this did not stop me at all to go there with excitement and a healthy portion of appetite.

Knowing The Meat & Co. from Madinat, I was surprised to find this restaurant in the same theme but much better designed!

The Leek-Potato with Salmon soup was excellent, so was the grilled Haloumi cheese for starters. While sitting outside, in front of the Burj Dubai under construction, we where served by a very knowledgeable South African waitress.

The marinated cubes of lamb on a skewer was very tender and juicy, served with roasted potato and a Portuguese sauce.

Established in 2000, The Meat Co was the vision of two of South Africa’s most successful restaurateurs, Bradley Michael and Costa Tomazos, who in their own words wanted to – “Provide a unique and exceptionally enjoyable dining experience that catered for meat lovers in a sophisticated yet relaxed environment.”

The Meat Company, Souk Al Bahar, Old Town-Burj Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Tel: 04 420 0737