Mighty Quinn's BBQ at The Dubai Mall

October 18, 2018

Every time Ferald and I open our Instagram accounts, we are always prompted with photos of mouth-watering and juicy looking smoked meat, burgers filled with slices of beef brisket piled high and delicious looking beef ribs soaking in barbecue sauce. Each time, we were like "okay we got to have that and that too, also that one," while checking the photos one by one for who knows how long. Lol!!!

Those pictures were posted by Mighty Quinn's, a highly-celebrated BBQ chain in New York who now have two branches in Dubai. They are located at the Duba Mall inside the Souk, ground floor parking 3 cinema parking and the other, in JBR. With all the hype and the good things we heard about this joint, we decided to check them out.

It was lunchtime in the middle of a work week when we went there to eat. I jokingly thanked my husband for renting the whole restaurant to ourselves. It is usually crowded when we pass by it at night and/or on weekends.

The restaurant interior has all that industrial vibe. Wood and steel dominate the furnishings and decorations. Very casual and relaxed. And very manly.

It's awesome really but our eyes were fixed on their 16-22-hour smoked meat cooked the old school way, with lots of wood and plenty of time in the smoker. It is what really makes it special.

For starters, we had some nice and crunchy Onion Rings (AED25). It's one of my favorite starters, it simply livens up a meal.

For the main entry, we ordered the Mighty Trio Platter (AED129) as recommended by our server. It comes with slices of beef brisket, BBQ chicken breast, and lamb ribs but we omitted the lamb and replaced it with more beef brisket instead. The beef brisket is fork tender and cooked perfectly. It is even more delicious doused with their special bbq sauce. I like that they serve it with some freshly pickled salad on the side. The chicken, on the other hand, was flavorful as well. This order comes with one side dish and we opted for the baked mac and cheese which was excellent.

We wanted to try their burgers too so we asked for the Brisket Sandwich (AED 75). Sliced in half to share. I couldn't finish my burger just because I was already full from all the beef brisket I had but it was really yummy with the flavor hugged together by the jack cheese and spiced up by the slices of jalapeno peppers.

We thought that the beef brisket portions were small but it was really filling, trust me. Coming in hungry is highly recommended. Lols!!!

And because it was our special day, we got dessert to cap off our lunch. Blueberry cheesecake courtesy of Mighty Quinns. Thank you.

What I didn't know, it came in with a surprise from my love and partner. Thanks love!

Happy 15 to us.

Our overall dining experience at Mighty Quinn's Barbeque at The Dubai Mall was great. Service was excellent, food was delicious and the staff is friendly and well informed. Price as expected. We are definitely going back.

Mighty Quinn's Barbeque
The Dubai Mall - Gold Souk area facing the Dubai Mall Dino
+971 4 341 7158

This is not a sponsored post.

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Chicken Pizza Crust

The week before I got sick almost two weeks ago, I was on a ketogenic diet. I craved for pizza but couldn't eat a regular pizza because I was trying to reach ketosis.

When I went to see the doctor, he said the space between the L4 and L5 of my spinal segment is smaller than usual causing the disc to bulge touching the nerve roots. This is what causes the tingling sensation, pain and a bit of numbness in my lower back and left leg. This condition is called sciatica. Common among people working longer hours sitting. I was given medications to be taken morning and night after food. Was taught how to exercise my back to open the spine and release the pressure on the disc. Then there goes my vitamin D deficiency and some infections here and there.

In short, I am not on diet right now. I am eating normally but as healthy as possible. I am very careful not to gain back all those pounds I've already lost. The good news is, I am almost done with all my medications and feeling much better now. Hoping to get back to eating low-carb after this.

Going back to that pizza craving, I tried making another keto recipe. It is called Chicken Crust Pizza.

It is easy to make and it tastes good too. I am going to make another batch of this soon. It is great for kids packed lunch too. You can even eat it with rice, my daughter did.

I am sharing this recipe with you and you can make it if you are craving for pizza but couldn't compromise your diet just because you are having a craving.

Ingredients

1 lb Ground Chicken
1/2 Cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
Your favorite pizza toppings (mozzarella cheese, red pepper flakes, fresh basil leaves)

Equipment Needed

Bowl
Parchment Paper
Pizza Cutter

Instructions

1. Pre-heat the oven to 180C

2. Add the ground chicken, cheese, Italian seasoning and salt to a bowl. Mix thoroughly with your hands. 

3. Pour the mixture on a piece of parchment paper and spread into a pizza shape about 1/2 inch thick.

4. Place the pizza crust and the parchment paper directly on the oven rack. (I don't have parchment paper so I used foil) Bake for 20 minutes

5. Remove from the oven and add your favorite pizza toppings. I added pizza sauce and more cheese.

6. Bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Remove from the oven and cool slightly. Slice and serve.

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Crustless Keto Cheesecake in Coffee Mugs

My officemates and I had this crazy craving. We all want to eat cheesecake but doesn't want all the carbs in it. To satiate our cravings, we decided we'll make crustless keto cheesecake in coffee mugs for dessert, to be eaten after our office lunch or during our tea break. The keto cheesecake recipe was courtesy of my colleague's friend doing the ketogenic diet like us. It is a no-bake recipe because there's no crust. It was very easy to make and it tastes so good sans the guilt. If you have a microwave and fridge in your office pantry and an hour lunch break, this recipe is for you. It only takes less than 10 minutes to make.

Here's what you'll need

Ingredients

8 tbsp Kiri cream cheese
4 tbsp Kiri labneh
4 tbsp Cooking cream
2 tbsp of Stevia
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp of lemon zest (optional)
2 heaping tbsp of sugar-free raspberry jam
fresh raspberry

Procedure

1. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, labneh, cooking cream, stevia, and lemon juice.

2. Mix it until incorporated.

3. Microwave it 3 times 30 seconds each time, mixing it each time it comes out of the microwave

4. It will soften a bit. Mix it once more and divide into coffee cups.

Since we are five, each got 2 1/2 tbsps of cheesecake filling.

This recipe serves two or one if you don't want to share. Lol!

5. Place the cups in the fridge and chill for two hours or until it sets.

6. Top with raspberry jam and fresh raspberries.

7. Serve and enjoy!

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Family Portraits with Great Image

They say family portraits are important because of three main reasons. Growth. Milestone. Memories

We grow each year and having family photo captures how we look at that particular year. Doing it every year or once in two or three years will show how we have changed over the years.

Throughout our lives, we will pass quite a lot of milestones and wouldn't it be nice to remember them all through photographs. When our kids are newborn or when they enter kindergarten or graduate college. Kids grow up too fast while on the other hand, the parents grow old. Life happens and even we may not want to admit it, the make-up of the family can change without warnings.

Photos also bring us back in time. It is a great way to reminisce. Wouldn't it be nice if you have family photos to show your children or great-grandchildren?

My sister has been doing this practice for many years for her own family, I did it twice and I will continue doing it every now and then. Remember the photoshoot we had before.

Last year was our family reunion and we took advantage of it capturing beautiful images we can look back after a few years.

Emam Concepcion with Benjo, Erin, Claire, Faith, Lanna, and Prince. We missed Dinoh here but we hope he can join us next time.

Don't wait for the right time because there is no such thing. A moment gone is lost forever. If you have the chance, grab the camera, put on some coordinated clothes and shoot away. You can also have it done professionally with many studios providing such service. Thank me later. You're welcome!

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Hot Spring Resorts in Pansol Calamba Laguna

Same time last year, I was already counting down the days to my vacation.

But now, all I can do is wait and be patient. At least for a few more months. Not that I'm complaining. I am actually thrilled that we will be spending Christmas and New Year in the Philippines again with our family. I just can't wait to go as if my body clock has set this time as a vacation time after two consecutive years of going in the same month. If only I can drag the days faster, I would.

My kids (well we) are missing everyone and we can't wait to see all of them again.

This was taken in a private resort we rented for a day in Pansol, Calamba Laguna, (where hot spring resorts are famous), while we were having lunch-boodle fight style at the rooftop (3rd floor) of the resort.

We had the whole resort to ourselves. It was like a vacation house with five or six air-conditioned rooms with ensuite toilet and shower. It has a swimming pool, kitchen with stove and fridge, shower room, videoke machine, billiards table and a grill. All you have to bring is food, refreshments and loads of fun.

There are many private resorts in this area but to be honest, I couldn't remember the name of the resort we rented, it was my sister-in-law who did the booking for us.

What I do remember is that we paid half the price because it was off-peak.  And yet we enjoyed the same amenities and the same incredible views.

Not all of the private resorts in Pansol have hot springs, most of them have private pools. If you are after dipping in a real hot spring pool, make sure to check with the resort if it is available.

If you are looking for a place to take your family around Calamba Laguna, this is still a very good option for a day of bonding.

We had a good time here, I'm sure you will too. Sharing with you some more of our photos in the resort with my husband side of the family.

We really miss everyone. We hope to see you all very soon.

If you are wondering, we got the crabs from here.

We spotted the stall on our way to buy some fresh fruits.

and the fresh fruits were from here.

*This is not a sponsored post

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Ramadan 2018 Iftar Guide

Ramadan is a beautiful time of the year here in the UAE. It is when the whole country and its people including us expatriates embrace the spirit of the season. 

During this period, our Muslim brothers abstain from eating or drinking from dusk till dawn. They wait until sunset to break their fast. Traditionally, fast is broken by eating 3 dates and some water. Followed by a prayer called Maghrib. Only then iftar commenced. Iftar is the meal shared with family and friends after a long day of fasting. It is a meal either prepared at home or savored at many restaurants around town offering Ramadan buffet. 

Local families prepare a big meal for Iftar to share with the relatives and friends they invited over. One of the best ways to truly feel Ramadan is to join and have an Iftar meal whether it is in the comfort of a friends home or go out. But before you go, you may want to check first where to go.

Just make sure to book ahead of time.

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Dinner Date at Serendipity 3, Dubai Festival City

I've always wanted to dine at Serendipity 3 but never had the chance, because you know, we have gazillion dining options in Dubai. Until finally, hubby and I decided to try a new restaurant at Dubai Festival City hence a visit to Serendipity 3 to celebrate 15 years of togetherness.

15 years and 4 months to be exact last April 19.

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