THE BRIEF
During my stay at MARRIOTT PALM JUMEIRAH RESORT, I was informed that buying a New Year’s Eve package was not an option. They don’t want a bunch of drunken tourists on the streets during the celebrations, so to curb this kind of activity they force everyone to buy some form of indoor dinner and drinks venue. I was feeling like Japanese so I chose to celebrate at OKKU JAPANESE RESTAURANT, one of the resort’s eateries.
Okku is a multiple award winner. It won Best Dining, Best Bar, and Best Japanese Restaurant. If there were an award for style and ambiance, this establishment would win it.
In the long hallway to the main dining room, you pass by 3D-printed Samarai Soldiers and lighted Sake Barrels among other Japanese artifacts.
The main dining room is a large space and has a traditional Japanese atmosphere with beautiful stone walls and large wooden panels interspersed with time-honoured artwork. The jellyfish aquarium along the walls is a signature OKKU thing, although this one is of the virtual variety. You will also notice the generous spacing of the tables to add a bit of privacy for your dinner party.
After being escorted to my table and making myself comfortable, I began researching the extensive menu. As is my custom, I also asked the staff what specialty or traditional signature dishes to consider.
The package I purchased for the special evening only allowed certain dishes and drinks to be ordered. It was a very generous variety and the manager allowed me to order the drink I preferred which was a nice gratuity. I went for many signature “O” dishes the restaurant was known for.
I started with some cold dishes and salads. I intended to get as wide a variety of offerings as possible to soak in what the restaurant was all about. The Hushihu salad was huge and tasty with a salty vinaigrette. The lobster salad was delicious, as was the Truffle Tuna Tartare. Nice Rock Shrimp served with spicy wasabi. The King Crab was butter-soft and a treat for the taste buds.
Where’s the beef?
Finally, it was time to bring out the beef selections. I’ve always found that Japanese Grade A5 Wagyu is hard to beat, especially when cooked to perfection ( I prefer medium rare). It’s a fantastic way to end this amazing nosh-up.
THE DEBRIEF
My only negative comment would be the price that was charged was much too high. New Year’s Eve is always a bit special. This one was filled with Japanese ambiance and scents, plus wonderful food presentations cooked with fresh ingredients either at the huge Sushi bar or right at your table. To top the evening off, as we approached midnight, we were escorted outdoors onto the Hotel’s Terrace where champagne and fireworks awaited. It was an amazing show that lasted for more than twenty minutes and a great way to finish the night and start the New Year!
👍👍👍
