The mysterious new venue brings old-fashioned glamour to SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences.
The term ‘smoke and mirrors’ can be traced back to 1770, when the phrase was coined to describe an illusion in which an entity appeared to hover in an empty space.
Fast-forward 250 years and the name is now being used for Dubai’s latest speakeasy, located on the 74th floor of SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences.
The sultry new Dubai venue follows hot on the heels of its first location in Mondrian Doha. Guests to Dubai’s new sky-high nightlife venue with its impressive Burj Khalifa views can expect smooth music from a Latin-style jazz band, Argentinian singer, and salsa dancers to setting the scene for an evening of fun.
Smoke & Mirror’s rich colour scheme characterises the space, with warm wooden floors, sumptuous velvet textures, and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide impressive skyline views.
Complex flavours and classic offerings characterise a specially curated cocktail list where beverages are served with a twist. The Pirate is a fun take on an island-style drink with tropical pineapple, coconut and banana flavours. Elsewhere, the Old Ways blends cane and dark sugars cut with spices and served with flamed zest. Finally, a sweet touch can be discovered in the Torito, which consists of peanut butter, condensed milk, vanilla and coconut.
The food menu at this hidden bar features South American dishes, such as Chicharron de Calamari (crispy fried calamari served with tamarind and Pico de Gallo), Taquitos (where barbecued brisket is paired with creamy avocado), Tiradito (yellow tail with fresh lime and grilled pineapple), and Provoleta (coal grilled cheese with sourdough),
The dessert selection is just as tempting and features the Dominican Republic Chocolate Cigar (a rich smoked chocolate mousse with almond and hazelnut praline) and the Venezuelan Chocolate Cigar (complete with caramelised chocolate mousse, caramel cremeux and passionfruit).
They say that the best things happen behind closed doors and Smoke & Mirrors exemplifies this notion, hidden away on the upper levels of the chic hotel close to premium steakhouse Carna.
DSCVR: Smoke & Mirrors at SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences, Level 74, Marasi Drive, Business Bay, Dubai. @smokeandmirrorsdubai
