Travel broadcaster Phil Blizzard discovers how to ‘Dine for Free’ at the award winning Rodeo Grill in the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel in Dubai. 
The UAE homegrown hospitality brand ‘Rotana’ has, in Dubai, brought back one of its most popular offers to their ‘The Rodeo Grill’ steakhouse. The restaurant is one of a handful of steakhouses in Dubai with a heritage stretching back more than more than 15 years - in this case 17 plus years.

I decided it was time to re-pay it a visit and sample their signature dishes, so before giving you details of the promotion, let me tell you how the evening started. A relaxing aperitif in the bar with some fine American jazz being played, accompanied by New York accents from a couple of gentlemen guests in the corner.

From the fully stocked bar and into the restaurant - a little retro in style, and to our favourite corner table, seating just to one side of the open kitchen. Dark wood panelling, comfortable seats and music at a sensible level create a relaxing ambience.

The dishes flowed with a most delightful amuse-bouche from the chef and on this occasion a substantial asparagus risotto - crunchy stems and a tangy cheese combination. Next up the signature Caesar Salad, prepared alongside the table, and ‘Mount Everest’ in size. Crisp, fresh and very filling. Then after a little sojourn to visit the wine cellar the signature main. My choice being Surf and Turf with the relatively ‘local’ Omani lobster, alongside the exclusive Chairman Reserve US Beef. Twenty eight days old and only available in the UAE at the Rodeo Grill - succulent, tasty and accompanied by a fennel chutney. An excellent combination - despite the use of a little too much salt on the steak. On this point I wish it was standard practice for guests to be asked.  I must say the cutlery was wonderful - the Laguiole knife, original from Aveyron region of Southern France, is high quality and heavy, but with a good balance - a well thought out of choice.

Onto the signature desert - Chocolate soufflé, everything it should be - light, rich and extremely delicious, and that was not all. A combination of dark and white chocolate balls in a bowl of flowing dry ice topped off a wonderful meal.

Onto now the “Cut & Weigh” offer which takes place on Saturday Nights where guests have the chance to guess the weight of their chosen meat. If you are with-in the margin of plus or minus 3 grams you will get the your steak free of charge.

For more information visit the website http://www.rotanatimes.com/albustanrotana/offers/10831

Telephone: +971 4 282 0000