As temperatures continue to soar, seek refuge at Flamingo Room by tashas, a dreamy restaurant nestled alongside the turtle lagoon at Jumeirah Al Naseem. It has remained a firm favourite among residents and visitors alike (as well as celebrity vacationers) since its opening in 2017; saunter into the stunning venue on any given day and you'll find a gaggle of guests tucking into contemporary South African cuisine, perched beside the bar or snapping photos of the whimsical interiors. Interior design has always been an interest of tashas founder Natasha Sideris, and her passion is evident throughout the airy venue. Inspired by the glamour of golden-era Africa, walls are adorned in pastel pinks with hypnotising baobab light installations, lush greenery and elegant gold accents punctuating the space.
To mark the summer season Flamingo Room by tashas has unveiled a specially curated menu of delights (and punchy cocktail offerings to boot). The starters are the perfect accompaniment for a sizzling summer: zingy scallop crudo comes adorned in pickled cucumbers and yuzu pearls while apricots and sweet pea shoots complement tuna tartare. Moving onto mains, seafood and homemade pasta are the stars of the summer menu. The indulgent scallop pasta (the reason behind its status as signature dish is quickly apparent) transports you from our scorching shores to those of the Amalfi coast. Opt for the delicate pan-seared sea bass complete with fresh herbs and artichokes if you're in the mood for a lighter lunch (and saving space for dessert) or order the Calamari Mozambique if you would rather share between friends - the perfectly cooked calamari is coated in peri peri sauce and buried under shoestring fries and is a must try for first-timers.
Trust us when we say that no matter how full you are (yes, even unbutton-high-waisted-trousers levels), when the dessert menu at Flamingo Room by tashas lands on the table, you don't ignore it. Summer brings with it an array of treats including strawberries and cream atop crisp meringue and Lizel's lemon meringue tart - a zesty pick-me-up that awakens the senses. Round-out your meal with a selection of thoughtfully crafted cocktails inspired by the landscapes of Africa, from its flora and fauna to the blazing Savannah sunsets.