My first time to Macaroni Grill I ordered their cannelloni, since I’ve discovered (only in the last year!) that I do love cannelloni pasta. The cannelloni was really good, although personally I preferred the one I’d had months ago in Sheffield.

There was also their veggie salad on the table, since Chirag was … well … IS vegetarian (How we agree on where to eat is beyond me) and was (is?) on a health kick.

What we both loved completely was their bread. He’s a bit of a bread-enthusiast (okay, I lie…”bit” is an understatement!) and watched excitedly as I broke off a bit of the bread and dipped it in the olive oil. It really was good bread…I must agree.

This part I enjoyed: they have white sheets of paper and crayons which they leave to your imagination. I was drawing random flowers, we played naughts and crosses, and then I wrote out our ongoing conversation in shorthand. I just hope no one ever saw it and deciphered it!

I loved the location of the restaurant – it’s right off the aquarium in Dubai Mall, which is perfect for me because I like that sort of thing. It’s another of those restaurants that’s well worth repeat visits.