Haute Eat: Blue Marlin Ibiza Dubai

Straight from the shores of Cala Jondal Beach Ibiza, one of the Mediterranean’s most renowned beach clubs can now be found on Ghantoot Al Jazira Island just 20 minutes outside of Dubai. Situated by the Golden Tulip Hotel, I’d driven past the location many a time, but would have hardly been able to imagine its rendition into a place so similar in looks and vibe to Spain’s biggest beach club. Surprise, surprise – a step inside Blue Marlin Ibiza has the very spirit of its Spanish sister offering a brunch, beach and clubbing experience.

Anyone can venture into the posh ambiance that is Blue Marlin Ibiza, but the venue does offers some exclusive packages – such as a membership and a pick-up and drop-off service, an added benefit which certainly comes in useful for those who’ve spent hours on end within the premises and might enjoy the comfort of a ride home. My guest and I arrived in order to get some sun and relish in Blue Marlin’s acclaimed brunch.

Immediately inside, we were taken with the elegant, minimalist decor – boasting white chairs, sofas and tables and lots of space to

accomodate a big crowd. Deck and lounge chairs were occupied to a host of guests all tanning or dancing subtly to the DJ’s edgy sounds. We made our way up to the second level where the restaurant is situated and were soon guided to a table with a lovely view onto the premises and the man-made island below.

Upon being seated we were greeted by the restaurant’s manager Franco di Tommaso who warmly welcomed and advised us on what to eat. We chose the Combo Sushi platter with California and Shrimp tempura cut roll, nigiri of seabass, Unaghi with eel, shrimp, yellow tail and tuna. A delicious and wide variety of sushi was set before us and we relished in our selection – particularly favoring the unaghi with eel, the yellow tail and California roll. Given the large amount of sushi joints in Dubai, Blue Marlin Ibiza’s offering compares well. Of particular note was the freshness of the ingredients and the wonderfully chewy texture of the pieces.

For our main, Franco made us try the Fish of the Day – a whole seabass served with roasted potato and mix bell peppers. Incredibly satisfying, the dish was one of, if not the best seabass I had yet to eat in Dubai. Astonished by the quality of the fish and the hearty and fresh Mediterranean quality of the roasted vegetables, food cooked as such was not what I expected when visiting a venue renowned for its clubbing; we were just as blown away by the quality and presentation of the food as by the attractive decor of the club.

With hardly any space left for more, we were advised to try the decadent chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream for our dessert. Beautifully presented, the chocolate cake was divine, moist, rich and extremely satisfying. It was accompanied by Blue Marlin Ibiza’s renowned Italian drink Sgroppino made with lemon sorbet, vodka and champagne. One of my all time favorite digestives that can be found predominantly in the Veneto region of Northern Italy, the Sgroppino is tangy, fresh and cleansing with a bit of an edge from the vodka. A perfect way to cool down after a big meal, the drink left of feeling refreshed and satiated.

So, yes, Blue Marlin Ibiza goes beyond its reputation for a great clubbing experience, which is no doubt, now one of the best in town. It offers, in addition to great beats and dancing, a fine dining experience which is optimum in quality and presentation as well as delightfully relaxing.

Blue Marlin Ibiza Dubai is located at Golden Tulip Al Jazira Hotel & Resort, Ghantoot, +971 553333928. www.bluemarlinibiza-uae.com