Dubai Design District, D3
Having been curious about the relatively new and upcoming D3 area, otherwise known as Dubai Design District for a while, the Van Gogh Alive exhibition held here for six weeks between March and April provided the perfect opportunity for me to kill two birds with one stone and check them both out.
First impressions
To be honest my first impression of Dubai Design District was that it seemed pretty dead. I guess I was expecting more of a buzz around the area. I did go on a weekday during late afternoon, but it definitely didn’t have the atmosphere and life I was expecting.
I was expecting somewhere a bit quirky and creative. A place for the hipsters to hang out and connect. I did see a few arty types, but the majority seemed incredibly glamorous and well dressed. It’s not NY hipster or Europe hipster, its Dubai hipster which is a very different breed!
It’s all a bit sterile at the minute in all honesty. However, it is a relatively new district and new restaurants, cafes and galleries are opening up all the time.
Eating and drinking:
In typical Dubai style, the most populated cafe was Starbucks *rolls eyes*. Come on, in the creative hub of Dubai, the area which is supposedly a platform for the artistic local talent to connect and flourish, and everyone flocks to the homogenous Starbucks?! I was intrigued by a few of the other more interesting offerings, and headed to the home grown, independent Espresso Lab to fix my coffee cravings.
The Espresso Lab
Its theme reminded me of one of my favorite coffee shops in Dubai- % Arabica, where the emphasis is purely on the coffee. Don’t come to Espresso Lab expecting a peppermint mocha or a unicorn latte. Here you will be greeted with a simple menu focusing on coffee.
Well I say simple, but actually you’d need a Phd in coffee to interpret this menu. I pointed at the ‘3ways’ ooh err, which turned out to be an iced coffee with milk. Or maybe I asked for it to be iced…I can’t remember. I mean I know my coffee fairly well, but had no idea what a ‘catuai’, a ‘tel’ or a ‘fika’ is, and still don’t.
Like I say, they don’t add flavored syrups etc which suits me fine as I actually do love just a simple, sugar-free coffee. However, I was a little surprised that they didn’t have a dairy alternative to the milk. They offered low fat milk, but no coconut, almond or soy option. With the growing vegan market, and not to mention those who are lactose intolerant, this is a bit of a shortcoming. Nevertheless I enjoyed sitting on the table outside sipping on my iced coffee.
After a little more research, aka by going on their website, I read that it is a coffee shop founded by a local Emirati. The company apparently owns their own coffee plantation, although I’m not sure exactly where this plantation is. The founder is clearly passionate about coffee and this is reflected in the venue. It is an interesting concept and I would have liked to have had more information about the options and varieties offered.
Would I go back? Yes definitely, although I will ask a few more questions about the menu next time.
Ice-cream:
If you’re an ice-cream fan you have got to make a visit to Amorino cafe. I think it might even be the best ice-cream in Dubai.
One small tub cost 20AED and I got two flavours- coffee and chocolate, both incredibly delicious and rich in flavor.
The Van Gogh Exhibition:
Sitting on a bean bag you’re taken through Van Gogh’s life as an artist, from his early inspiration to his peak to his demise. His quotes reflecting his passion, and his depression, were displayed alongside a backdrop of music which were matched with his art which surrounded you from every direction.
The ‘show’ lasted around 30 minutes, I actually think it could have lasted longer with more detail. To have some of his original art on display would have been the perfect touch.
New exhibitions are coming to Dubai Design District all the time. Check what’s on here
Getting here:
There is a bus that you can get from Dubai Mall area. You can’t miss the barbie-esque bus stop.
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If you have any recommendations on what else to check out in D3 please comment below.
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