It sounds like an idea cooked up during a late night shisha session. You can imagine a pair of entrepreneurs discussing the latest episode of their favourite TV drama, Game of Thrones, then the conversation turning towards another subject they are equally passionate about – toast.
It is getting late and one of them mixes up the two subjects: “So, habibi, about Game of Toast ...” Suddenly, their eyes light up with dreams of a lucrative new restaurant idea. This almost certainly did not happen – but it does illustrate the same spirit that permeates Game of Toast, a new American-style sandwich shop.
Located in the Darat Al Miyah area of Khalidiya (tell the taxi driver it is behind Etisalat), the restaurant is completely bonkers, but compellingly so. The yellow signage in the familiar font of the TV show might yet result in a strongly worded letter from broadcasters HBO.
Enter, and you immediately realise it is easily the prettiest place on the block. The wooden interior is accentuated by tasteful dim lighting – you can imagine this place nestling nicely in the ritzy part of the Free City of Braavos.
There is an open kitchen dominated by a shiny grill manned by young and hip-looking staff. If you want to eat in, there are three stools to sit on to watch cars go past.
And, of course, Game of Thrones memorabilia lines the walls, from maps of Westeros to swords, shields and masks. There is even a replica of the Iron Throne – made of spoons, knives and forks.
The menu is simple but solid. All items are cooked to order and the results are hearty, perfect for the chilly weather.
I visited twice to sample the “House of Rolls” section of the menu (there is also “House of Toasts” and “House of Sides”).
On my first visit, I order the pulled beef brisket roll (Dh28). It is well cooked with the mandatory softness. Other than some coleslaw, more tangy than creamy, the meat is the star of this show.
The next time I try the steak and cheese roll (Dh25).
It is, they say, their bestseller –and no wonder. The chunky steak strips are juicy and they use cheddar rather than vomit-inducing Cheez Whiz.
The pick of the sides is the Sweet Potato Fries (Dh10), the chunkiest I have ever seen.
I also tried the apple pie, which is a trial offering. Crunchy, deep-fried and flaky, it tasted suspiciously similar to a McDonalds’ apple pie.
Then again, this is one place where imitation is indeed the most sincere form of flattery.
When you play the Game of Toast, you tuck in or you die (of hunger).
• Game of Toast, Darat Al Miyah, Khalidiya. Call 050 100 1969 for more information. Reviewed meals are paid for by The National and conducted incognito
sasaeed@thenational.ae
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The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
Three trading apps to try
Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:
- For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
- If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
- Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Which honey takes your fancy?
Al Ghaf Honey
The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year
Sidr Honey
The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest
Samar Honey
The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments
Company profile
Company name: Suraasa
Started: 2018
Founders: Rishabh Khanna, Ankit Khanna and Sahil Makker
Based: India, UAE and the UK
Industry: EdTech
Initial investment: More than $200,000 in seed funding
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Bombshell
Director: Jay Roach
Stars: Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron, Margot Robbie
Four out of five stars
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Profile of Whizkey
Date founded: 04 November 2017
Founders: Abdulaziz AlBlooshi and Harsh Hirani
Based: Dubai, UAE
Number of employees: 10
Sector: AI, software
Cashflow: Dh2.5 Million
Funding stage: Series A
Company profile
Company: Verity
Date started: May 2021
Founders: Kamal Al-Samarrai, Dina Shoman and Omar Al Sharif
Based: Dubai
Sector: FinTech
Size: four team members
Stage: Intially bootstrapped but recently closed its first pre-seed round of $800,000
Investors: Wamda, VentureSouq, Beyond Capital and regional angel investors
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
What is 'Soft Power'?
Soft power was first mentioned in 1990 by former US Defence Secretary Joseph Nye.
He believed that there were alternative ways of cultivating support from other countries, instead of achieving goals using military strength.
Soft power is, at its root, the ability to convince other states to do what you want without force.
This is traditionally achieved by proving that you share morals and values.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5