Second Helpings (IV).

New seasons, menus, and special events.

Second Helpings (I, II, & III) can be found here, here, and here.

DiverXO x La Mar

While all my favorite foodies have tried Dabiz’s food, a recent collaboration in November 2023 at La Mar was my first opportunity. With a significant amount of food on the menu, the dishes went back and forth between the two teams all night and we were able to try quite a bit of food. Highlights include DiverXO’s incredibly moreish nigiri croquette (topped with sea urchin, natch), as well as the Wonotnolini soup which included an incredibly spicy, sour chicken broth (enough of a stock to rival nearby Tresind Studio). There was also a lovely cebiche from the La Mar team featuring tuna loin, aji amarillo & acid orange leche de tigre. At the table, there were mixed thoughts about the generously presented grilled chili lobster, but we all felt the clunky and pasty churros needed a bit of fine-tuning. Upon reflection, at AED990 (!) per person (inclusive of a welcome drink?), the price point of the collab seeme…