When the sun sets, do you go big or go home?

THIS WEEK, FOR our choice Iftar, we went big. probably the biggest you can go. Much lauded hotel the One & Only Royal Mirage is home to a few special restaurants, but come Ramadan it's all about Moroccan establishment Tagine. The luscious dining room - an Aladdin's Cave of splendour - comes alive around 7pm every day welcoming a diverse range of guests for a feast.
We began with a piping hot lentil soup, ladled into bowls on the stroke of Iftar. Wholesome and hearty we could have had a gallon of the stuff, but it was onto the starter buffet. Here we found some innovative cold appetisers, the best of which included a sweet carrot mash, a wonderful hummus and some cold lamb we enjoyed immensely. Then, however came the piece de résistance: the four tagines brought to the table forming the main course. Lamb, chicken, fish and a vegetable couscous, the lamb accompanied by fries won out overall, although the chicken had a mild spiced flavour we thought was excellent. For dessert it was back to the buffet, the table laden with every sugary confection imaginable.
All in, we'd go back every day if we could. Topped off with a shisha and Turkish coffee in the Disney World-like Ramadan tent just outside it was a very good night not to go home.

GOING BIG
Ballarò Restaurant, Conrad Dubai
Iftar at Ballarò has a wide selection of live cooking stations and an Oud player. It includes traditional dishes such as Daod Basha, and Dajaj bil Batata.
GOING HOME
Spinneys Easy To Cook range
Spinneys has ready-prepared sides, salads and desserts, so you can spend less time in the kitchen.
For the main event, take your pick from a range of pre-prepared meat dishes, including the Easy to Cook Leg of Lamb with either a Moroccan-style stuffing (pictured) or a mint, garlic, herb and sumac stuffing, or feast on the Easy to Cook Spatchcock Chicken, available with either a harissa, tandoori or a Mediterranean glaze.
GOING BIG
Al Falak, Burj Al Arab
The palatial Al Falak Ballroom has been dressed in arabesque patterns, complemented by classical Arabic music notes. Located on the 27th floor, it offers unparalleled views of the Dubai coastline. Try the kofta with pistachio and Kishke sauce.
GOING HOME
Bloomsbury's
Bloomsbury's has a new range of Ramadan-themed cupcakes and desserts. The cupcakes are priced at Dhs16.
david@khaleejtimes.com

• Food and Dining