Clockwise from left: camel rides across the dunes; dining in the desert; falcon handling; fresh catches at the Dubai Waterfront Market
Credit: Nathaniel Malone
Day Four
Markets and the Desert
Lunch took place at Alserkal Avenue, an open-space arts and cultural center that also houses a number of food stalls. We ordered from multiple ones and shared everything. For me, the best bite was a falafel shawarma from a small vendor whose name I wish I had written down because they deserve to be remembered.
The day ended in the desert with so many firsts stacked one on top of another. Camel rides. Sand surfing. Falcon handling. Gin and tonic in the sand as the sun fell behind the dunes. Dinner came with fire performances that felt ancient and theatrical and strangely intimate even with Brittany Spears playing on the speakers.It was all surreal, and I’m grateful in a way that is hard to express without sounding too dramatic.
About the Author
With more than 30 years of diverse culinary experience, Nathaniel Malone serves as the corporate executive chef at Creative Dining Services, a dynamic mid-sized contract foodservice company serving clients across the country. In this role, he leads national culinary strategy, innovation and chef development, shaping a food culture rooted in creativity, quality and purpose. His culinary approach seeks to always connect diners to the land, the season and the story behind each dish. Nathaniel is also a strong advocate for zero-waste cooking and ethical sourcing. Follow him on Instagram at @nathaniel.malone.9.Read More Stories by Nathaniel MaloneYou May Also Like
