Chez Charles delivers chez nous, plus another diva!
Dubai; Even though many a local farmers market has popped up across Dubai over the last year, sadly most produce is still imported and coupled with the ongoing issue of seasonality, we often struggle to find gourmet ingredients. But what if you could have delicacies from Europe and Australia delivered straight to your doorstep in typical Dubai-style?
Well that’s exactly what new online food haven, Chez Charles promises – driven by a gent with a passion for fine food (yes he does indeed go by the name of Charles) and chef partner Greg. The shopping website has a drop-down menu of 11 categories – fish & seafood, red & white meat, cheese, dairy, seasonal fruit & veg right through to oils & vinegars, a dry store, rice & pasta, chocolates & sweets, fresh juices and hamper gifts.
Mini Australian Wagyu beef burger with foie gras and Violet mustard - from the launch
Whether you’re after rather hard-to-come by plump French quails, Australian Wagyu beef, an unusual fruity Violet mustard made with grape must (a perfect accompaniment to foie gras also available), or Valhrona dark chocolate – just select your favourites and order online. Greg’s cooking and serving tips are helpfully peppered across each product.
You will receive an email confirmation and a call to arrange a convenient time for delivery within 24 to 48 hours. No payment upfront – simply cash or cheque on delivery – but there is a catch, a minimum order of AED 200.
Prices do vary quite drastically from a fresh Scottish salmon fillet for AED 19 to a 50-year aged Balsamic Pensato at a staggering AED 1,215! Clearly this isn’t a one-stop shop for your weekly groceries (carbon footprint in mind too), but if you’re hosting a dinner party, planning a romantic supper or just after a particular product you can’t find elsewhere, then most definitely bookmark Chez Charles.
Chez Charles. T; +971 55 1065745. E; contact@chezcharles.co
Whilst on the subject of foodie websites, we have a new online chocolatier just launched in Dubai, Diva Life – no relation to moi – importing handmade dark Belgian chocolate squares infused with the likes of Taiwanese oolong and Japanese green teas, as well as plain dark with 70-88% cocoa. Also available are French certified organic truffles – the fleur de sel flavour is exceptionally smooth and mellow.
Using only 100% cocoa butter, its philosophy of preservative-free healthy chocolates lies in the strict selection of the finest cocoa beans from Sao Tome, Tanzania or Ivory Coast in Africa. Diva Life uses maltitol, a natural sweetener – safe for diabetics and for gluten-free diets. We’ve all heard of dark chocolate’s potent antioxidant benefits – if not Diva Life’s cute explanation here will make you giggle am sure.
Perfect for us divas, and thanks to elegant packaging a great gift idea.
Diva Life delivers across Dubai – within 3-4 days. A minimum order of AED 165 including AED 25 delivery fee. Free delivery for purchases of AED 300 or above. Prices start at AED 25 for six pieces of flavoured dark chocolate rising to AED 265 for 24 pieces in a leather gift box. Payment by Paypal online or cash on delivery.
Any other online food retailers FooDiva should be aware of? Where do you shop for gourmet ingredients?
A bientôt.
FooDiva. x
Great website and recommendation – as you know I failed in my search for decent size quails this weekend!
And priced very fairly too – corn fed chicken, scottish salmon, eggs and duck all around the Spinneys price mark.
The pont l’eveque far beats Jones the Grocer on price and the comte looks amazing.
Will be ordering very soon!
Thanks Nicki. Indeed very reasonably priced considering it’s delivered straight to your door. Could become quite addictive 😉