Golden leaves crowned upon a cup of cappuccino is quite a change for Followd’s strictly black-coffee drinker Melissa Randhawa.
After a traditional Russian princess had instilled in me the joy of drinking one’s coffee black and unsweetened, there was no turning back. Almost a decade later, however, I’m intrigued by this trend of golden leaves upon coffee drinks, and decided to do as the Italians say, ‘attraversiamo’.
I’ll admit that it’s an indulgence for the majestically inclined to order a golden cappuccino at the World’s Tallest Tower Burj Khalifa right in the City of Gold – Dubai. Geographically, this architectural pairing of venue and city is a plum spot to savour what could be mankind’s commemorative crowning of coffee culture. I’m quite certain that the café houses of 17th century Vienna which had first sensationalised our beloved dark brew would never have imagined such a decadent octave of coffee epicureanism in the middle of the Arabian desert. Roman emperors from bygone eras have certainly missed out on this drinkable ode to opulence – a golden cappuccino at Armani Hotel, Dubai.
In fact, if you’re visiting this accessible lounge at the Centre of Now in Downtown Dubai, then opt for a prized window seat. The glassy façade overlooks The Dubai Fountain which is a stunning view to behold while the barista sets your golden brew in motion. I’ll go as far as saying that the act of using a slim tool to surgically mount the golden leaves onto a luxurious cup of brewed arabica beans does put a twist into the term Midas Touch.
In order to enlighten me on this particular serving, Miss Gao Di who is the Marketing and Communications Manager explained, “The Armani Golden leaves are 23 Karat eatable pastry golden on top of our Armani Cappuccino, and the chocolates are from Italy – our brand Armani/Dolci”. Quite right of Miss Di to highlight the chocolate accompaniment.
Do you see the pair of chocolate cubes with the capital A embossed on them? The ‘A’ appears to grade this ambrosial presentation, a culinary talent favoured by Italian confectioners, worldwide. While a serving of treats with coffee are staples of high end dining, this golden element has raised the bar for café society in the 21st century.
Written by Melissa Randhawa
https://www.armanihoteldubai.com/
The Good
Savouring a cup of AE80 golden leaf coffee on your own or with fantastic company, preferably those who are in favour of seeing golden residue upon lips and enamel.
The Bad
A ridiculous urge to receive gold leaves on all of one’s food, henceforth.
The Trendy
Thinking up fancy hashtags for Dubai’s golden gastronomy in coffee culture