Switch serves up Nutella menu

The bizarre news on Monday was that someone has started selling Nutella in syringes (the company denies it is involved in the unusual sales tactic). While just a little disgusting, it’s testament to just how far chocoholics will go to get their fix. Strangely enough, it was the same day that I went to try out the new Nutella bar at Switch, the futuristic cafe in Dubai Mall. The Karim Rashid-designed restaurant, which opened a couple of years ago and is very popular with the local crowd, has always done things a little differently — it is one of the few places serving camel meat, for instance, with a burger and steak on the menu. “ I was there to try the “Switch to Nutella” menu, which takes their usual desserts and gives them a chocolate twist ” Natalie Long, tabloid! Editor But I was there to try the “Switch to Nutella” menu, which takes their usual desserts and gives them a chocolate twist. There are pancakes (with caramelised banana), a deconstructed cheesecake, puffs with Nutella dip, profiteroles, and a layered pudding with Oreos among the treats. Do not tell your dentist where you’re going — Nutella has that children’s chocolate quality, being not only thick and gloopy but also intensely sweet. I started off my meal the way my mum would want me to: with a burger (I can’t just skip to dessert, can I?). The mushroom-cheese (Dh58 with fries) was compact and flavourful, although I would have preferred it cooked medium rather than well done. Can’t fault the fries though — they have a hand-cut, homemade quality. A garlic-chilli prawn starter (Dh53) was tasty, although the sauce it came in was lemony to the point of tartness, drowning out the garlic, and a handful of prawns for the price was a little mean. Mushroom soup (Dh29) comes in a bread bowl, and again has a nice home-cooked flavour. Although there’s plenty of mall competition, I’d definitely give the food a second try, although it is rather expensive. But for the chocoholics out there, I have a feeling price won’t make a difference, as Switch does have a unique offering of desserts based on the treat. The brownie (Dh35) comes warm in its own little frying pan, topped with real whipped cream, with a side of warmed, slick Nutella to pour over. It’s incredibly sweet and chocolately, and the brownie is moist, although not as fudgy as I hoped. However, if you’re looking for a great waffle, do try the one at Switch (Dh35). It’s not too thick or cake-y, and comes sandwiched with the choco-nut spread -- the right balance of sweetness and stodge. Don’t wear a white shirt while eating it, though. Fact Box Where: Switch, Dubai Mall, near Galeries Lafayette Call 04-3399131 Must-have: Nutella waffle, burger Atmosphere: Local and buzzing Decor: Like eating in a waterslide Bowls 3