FooDiva turns 10. The 10 most popular restaurant reviews. Plus some news.
9th February 2011. The date my trade licence for FooDiva was issued. I can’t quite believe a decade has whizzed by. Well 2020 doesn’t count, so perhaps that’s why. 12 awards later and 607 articles have been published on the website – so I thought I would share the ten most popular posts, by views. I’ve eliminated the round-up guides which naturally would garner more traffic – and focused on Dubai restaurant reviews and features. A far more juicy read 🙂
My business has morphed over the years, ‘pivoting’ well before this word became trendy last year. From a blog, to a website that shares impartial restaurant reviews, food features, drink stories, chef interviews, culinary travel guides and competitions. Supported by LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram channels. In that order. I think. And a newsletter. Despite the advent of social media, the website and newsletter remain my priorities. These are platforms I will always own, unlike social media channels where you’re at the mercy of mega organisations. FooDiva earned its keep through advertising and sponsorship opportunities. Mystery #DineAroundDubai and #ThreeChefsDinner experiences were born. As was brand and F&B consultancy.
And now I am launching a new dining tips service for residents and visitors to Dubai, since this emirate appears to be one of the world’s most popular destinations 😉 More info HERE. I am also threatening to host a #TenChefsDinner later this year. I must be mad. In the meantime, stay tuned for a #ThreeChefsDinner on the 22nd March (I will give my dining database advance notice when the booking page is live, and if you would like to receive the alert, please drop me a message with your email). A new F&B business is also in the works.
A MAMMOTH thank you for following and reading FooDiva over the years, and for joining in the foodie fun of the dining experiences. I wouldn’t be writing this post without your longstanding support – and that of my web developer, guest reviewers and event social media curator.
Anyhow, hugely digressing, in reverse order, starting with the tenth most popular article, moving up to the top spot. You might be surprised.
10. Giannino: my review in October 2012 of an Italian restaurant import at Meydan Beach Club (since closed) that went viral, even hitting UK and Italian newspapers – all thanks to the Milan chef’s obscene comment on the post. You can read all about this saga HERE.
9. Michelin: my open letter aka rant in July 2017 on why the term ‘Michelin chef’ is factually incorrect. My biggest bugbear with industry reporting and PR material to date. Makes my blood boil.
8. Play: my mostly favourable review in February 2016 of chef Reif Othman’s first solo venture after leaving Zuma – Play in the H Hotel. Here’s a restaurant that took the constructive feedback on board – with the chef since becoming a firm friend.
7. Coya: remember anon guest reviewer, Mr Man In The White Hat? Well here’s his acerbic review of Coya at the Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach in February 2015.
6. Gaia: another review that went viral in November 2018 – with the chef banning me from his restaurants, despite the fact that this Greek restaurant in DIFC was reviewed by a guest contributor (Matt).
5. Q’bara: the restaurant that I miss the most here for its modern interpretation of Middle Eastern cuisine by talented chef Colin Clague. At Wafi. A December 2013 review of mine.
4. Al Mahara by Nathan Outlaw: a disappointing experience at this Burj Al Arab seafood restaurant that can never quite get its concept right. Reviewed by moi in October 2016.
3. BB Social Dining: a glowing review of this modern Far-Eastern gem in DIFC by guest contributor, Jovel in January 2018.
2. La Serre: another flattering review in September 2013, this time of a French-Mediterranean concept by the same chef that banned me from his Greek restaurant five years later.
1. Nusr-et: the reason this review of mine in February 2015 garnered so much traction, was down to the chef-owner Nusr-et, aka #SaltBae going viral a few years later. And my SEO did its job 😉
I would love to know your favourite FooDiva review over the years? Or which restaurant you have frequented on the back of a FooDiva review?
A bientôt.
FooDiva. x
Congratulations, Sam, on the landmark anniversary of Foodiva! It’s been a venture we’ve celebrated from your first day, and while you may have expanded with new elements to your brand, a number of particular qualities have always made you a standout. These include your authenticity, your independent, informed opinions, and your consistency in maintaining them. Just about any new restaurant I’ve visited in the past 10 years has been inspired by a review on Foodiva – thanks to your balanced views, highlighting both the good and the bad.
Thank you for sharing your talent – and low levels of tolerance for the mediocre – it guides our gastronomic choices in our vibrant city and, hopefully, keeps restaurateurs on their toes!
Thank you so much Tara. You were one of my first readers, something I will always treasure. It’s incredibly motivating to see you and others venture to restaurants that I have reviewed. Makes all the hard work worthwhile. I hope I can continue to entertain you!
Congratulations Foodiva! Your single-minded focus, adaptability, quality (attention to detail), impartiality and imaginative new ideas… plus a determined work ethic… have earned all your success and carved a place at the heart the food scene as THE authority on restaurant reviews and more in the UAE. Here’s to at least another 10 years.
Says the lady whose blog I actively followed before starting my own 🙂 Thank you Sally for guiding me in those early days and welcoming me into the Fooderati community. Another ten?! The digital sphere will have changed even more by then, so here’s to a few more adventures. Cheers Sally.