Maison Rouge – Trade Center Area

Sensational is the one word which best describes Maison Rouge at the Conrad Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road. Located on the mezzanine floor where Russian restaurant and lounge Vesna used to be, the interior of Maison Rouge is a bar, a lounge and a cluster of dining areas separated by small, elevated stages where the performers…um, perform. As you might have guessed by now, Maison Rouge is Dubai’s version of Paris’s Moulin Rouge. There is no entrance fee, but a table booking is recommended. An evening at the Maison Rouge can cost as much or as little as you want. There is no obligation to dine there. Drinks through are understandably expensive (see receipt I posted).

• 

• 

• 

Maison Rouge is all about the show and let me assure you, it is every bit as good as it is advertised to be. The routines are well choreographed, the costumes have glitter and pizzazz, the dancers are amazing, and the singers are divas in their own right. I would happily pay to see this show. The fact that we don’t have to just makes it even more special. Gentlemen, be very, very careful (you can figure that one out for yourselves).

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The food at Maison Rouge is surprisingly good (and less expensive than some of the drinks). With the exception of the disappointing Khachapuri, everything else was excellent, particularly the Chicken Kiev and Beef Stroganoff. If you are going to dine here, I recommend coming in before the show starts – you don’t want to have your mouth stuffed when those bodacious dancers come frolicking around your table. Because they will, especially if you’re sitting in one of the front row tables. I know. It happened to me, my best attempt at flashing a ‘how you doing’ smile made me look even more like a chipmunk with his cheeks filled with nuts. It wasn’t a pretty sight.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Contrary to some of the reviews I’ve read, service at Maison Rouge was near excellent. We were attended to by an infinitely attentive and accommodating team headed by a young, cheerful Filipino lad whose name I’ve forgotten. He, however, will no doubt remember us as the simpletons he served AED115 glasses of Veuve Clicquot to instead of the Prosecco we actually ordered. Bad boy! That aside, we had a memorable night thanks to the magic of the Maison Rouge. This is a must visit venue whether you are a resident or just visiting Dubai and well worthy of a detour.

Hey! Now read this –
Xerxes physically dines at, or orders from, each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his companions eat, drink, take away or occasionally throw at each other. Xerxes accepts no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews or favouritism. What you have read was NOT influenced in any way by the venue. Join me on Instagram @ravenousxerxes or email me on xerxes@dellara.com.