COMPLIMENTARY
EDITION 36 | JANUARY 2018
10 Realistic Healthy Eating Tips
Best Places To Dine Al Fresco
A’L BAHAR, New Beachfront Community
EDITION 36
Dining and Nightlife Abu Dhabi Published 12 times a year by Smart Communications FZ LLC
EDITOR’S BITE
Editorial Editor In Chief Leanne Smart Email: Leanne@diningandnightlife.ae Dear Foodies, Firstly, let me start by wishing you all a Happy New Year! In this edition we round-up the best places to dine al fresco, recommend a few places to add to your 2018 travel bucket list and give you 10 realistic healthy eating tips for the new year! We review Café 302 who have just launched their new vegan menu. Discover some tasty tapas as we dine at Bravo the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort’s authentic Spanish restaurant and enjoy a day of dining and relaxation at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi. For the latest foodie news visit www.diningandnightlifeabudhabi.ae Culinary Regards
Leanne Smart Leanne Smart | Editor In Chief Follow us! www.youtube.com/DiningandNightlifeUAE www.instagram.com/diningandnightlife www.facebook.com/DiningandNightlife www.twitter.com/DininNightlife
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Conchas y Coral
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January Contents 12 10 Realistic Healthy Eating Tips...................page 8 Best Places To Dine Al Fresco.......................page 10 Bravo, Authentic Spanish Dining................page 12 Cafe, 302, New Vegan Menu..........................page 14
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Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi........................................page 16 Chicken Fajita Recipe..........................................page 18 2018 Travel Bucket List.......................................page 20
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10 Realistic Hea It’s the new year and you’re ready to make a fresh start. You’ve already purchased those new trainers and that fancy gym membership, you’re planning on getting eight hours of sleep every night and eating well. However, as we all know, even though we all come into the new year with the best intentions our busy schedules soon take over and we are back to eating a take-away on the sofa. To help support your new years resolutions we’re sharing 10 realistic healthy eating tips. 1. The Clean Out With new year celebrations just passed chances are that your kitchen is full of goodies, chocolates, crisps, sweets, biscuits and ice-cream. To avoid temptation, clean out the kitchen and offload the goodies to friends, family or take them to the office and score some major points with the boss. 2. Meal Planning This is something that we personally implemented last year and found it worked well for us, not only did it help us stay on course but it helped us save a lot of money because we were only buying what was on our weekly shopping list. Start by preparing a weekly menu, write down what you plan to eat for the week, that’s breakfast lunch and dinner every day. By doing so you will be able to see if you’re planning on eating too many carbs or if you need to add more greens. Once you feel happy with your menu buy all the ingredients you need for that week. Prep your meals the night before, this ensures that you can take your healthy lunch to work and when you come home at night your meal is ready to be cooked. 3. Healthy Breakfast You know the saying, it’s the most important meal of the day and for a good reason. Not only does a good breakfast set you up for the rest of the day but if you’ve started your day eating well you are less likely to be tempted by any junk food as you’ll be more inclined to keep your day going well. If you’re normally rushing out the door be sure to prep your breakfast the night before. Freshly cut fruits, smoothies and bagels are easy to make and can be enjoyed once you reach the office. 4. Drink More Water You’d think living in a warm climate this would-be a given however its surprising how many of us don’t drink the required amount of water. Hydration is key to decreasing hunger as well as contributing to healthier skin and better digestion. Make your water more exciting by adding fresh lemons, limes or fruit, it’s a great and healthy way to add some taste to your water. 5. Take Your Time Make time to eat your meals. How many times do you end up rushing your food and heading back to the office? Or frantically grabbing a snack before heading out. This isn’t healthy for a few reasons, the obvious one is that we are rushing our food, meaning we are not taking the time to think about what we are putting into our bodies or the portion size, secondly, we aren’t chewing our food correctly, this itself can have an adverse effect on weight gain.
6. Eat More Omega-3 Omega 3 fatty acids are necessary for the human body however our body doesn’t produce Omega 3 naturally so its important that we get these fatty acids through food. For those of you who dislike fish there are alternative foods high in Omega-3, for example, vegetable oils, nuts, like walnuts, wild rice, flax seeds, flaxseed oil and leafy vegetables. When preparing your weekly menu add a few of these ingredients to the list. 7. Get More Fiber You’ve probably been told a hundred times to eat more fiber but do you actually know why it’s good for you? Fiber helps control blood sugar levels, lowers cholesterol and helps maintain a healthy bowel movement. Adding fiber to your diet couldn’t be easier, try whole grain breads with at least 3 grams of fiber per serving, cereals with at least 5 grams of fiber per serving, brown rice because it still has the husk, which is the fiber and chia seeds that can be added to smoothies. 8. Add Some Fruit and Veg We all know that fruit and veg are an essental part of healthy diet. However here are a few tips to help you incorporate them into your daily eating routine. • Add veg to your dishes, select veg like broccoli or carrots that can be eaten raw or cooked. • Keep a bowl of cut fruit in the fridge, if you feel hungry or fancy something to snack on after dinner sprinkle the fruit with some cinnamon or drizzle with honey to curb those sweet cravings. • Buy some dry fruit, these are great to place in your bag and snack on the go. 9. Reduce Red Meat The demand for red meat is having a negative effect on the environment that’s because red meat impacts the environment more than any other food we eat, mainly because livestock requires much more land, food, water and energy than plants to raise and transport. Apart from the environmental aspects studies show that eating too much red meat can negatively affect your health. When planning your weekly menu try to cut back on red meat and add alternatives to ensure you are still having your recommended iron intake, alternatives such as legumes, spinach, pumpkin seeds, quinoa, broccoli and tofu are easily found in the supermarkets. 10. Cut Back On Sugar When you think of sugar the first thing that pops into your mind is the sugar you add to your morning coffee, or sprinkle on top of your cereal or perhaps even eat in that cake you had the other night. Whilst these all obviously contain sugar you also need to be award of items with hidden sugars. Sometimes you’ll pick up a fruit juice as a healthy alternative to a soft drink but some juices actually contain just as much if not more sugar than soft drinks. Products such as ketchup, yogurt, cereals and snack bars all tend to contain hidden sugars. Make time to read the labels, it may take a while but once you are aware of which products contain hidden sugars you will be able to find healthier alternatives. This article can be used to help make healthier choices however we always recommended that you consult your doctor for professional dietary requirements.
8 | Dining and Nightlife Abu Dhabi
althy Eating Tips
January | 9
The Best Places T We’ve rounded-up the best places to dine al fresco, letting you take in magnificent views whilst enjoying a delectable meal. Azura Spread across three levels, Azura Panoramic Lounge offers mesmerizing views of the Abu Dhabi Corniche and the Gulf. The menu is a mix of Arabic mezze, sandwiches and sushi. So after a long week in work, feast on some delectable dishes, watch the sun set and enjoy a relaxing start to the weekend. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, 02 694 4553 Vasco’s This beachside restaurant is named after the famous explorer Vasco Da Gama, the menu is inspired by Vasco Da Gama’s exploration route. Choose to dine on the deck and enjoy spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf. Hilton Abu Dhabi, 02 681 1900 Catch Located at the Nation Riviera Beach Club, Catch offers some of the best views of the Arabian Gulf in the city. The stylish décor and coral tones exude a sense of class and refinement. Be sure to try the blow torch dynamite rolls, sure to add a sense of excitement to your dining experience. Catch, 02 611 0909 Inakaya Located within the Venetian Village, at the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal, Inakaya is set along the shores of Abu Dhabi’s Grand Canal. Inakaya presents a distinctive dining experience called robatayaki, a Japanese grilling art that is as much a performance as it is a way of cooking. As you enter the restaurant you immediately feel that you have left Abu Dhabi and arrived in Japan. Inakaya, 02 404 1921 Finz Finz is nestled behind Beach Rotana on a quiet corner of the hotel’s shore. The view across the water is pristine as it overlooks the tree lined promenade of Al Maryah Island. This scenic spot is perfect for lounging or indulging in some fine seafood. Beach Rotana, 02 697 9000
Asia de Cuba Chino-Latino favourite Asia de Cuba is a place to see and be seen especially on the beach deck at weekends. Vibrant Latin sounds and flavoursome cuisine inspired by Havana’s Chinatown make this venue unique. The vibe is always good on the colourful outdoor terrace, whisking guests to the heady heights of Cuban night’s right here on our very own Corniche. Asia de Cuba, 02 699 3333 Bentley Bistro & Bar Featuring a new generation of fusion cuisine Bentley Bistro & Bar blends classic French recipes with Europe’s contemporary dining influences. Located on Al Maryah Island, Bentley Bistro & Bar offers ocean views illuminated by the glistening city lights. Bentley Bistro & Bar, 02 626 2131 Barfly by Buddha Bar Barfly by Buddha Bar is an edgy restaurant and supper club concept that offers a unique dining venue where food, drinks and music melt in a superlative lifestyle statement. Situated on the water’s edge at the Venetian Village, Barfly by Buddha Bar offers an electric atmosphere making it one of the most sought out venues. Barfly by Buddha Bar, 02 404 1951 Sontaya Sontaya is set amongst a series of floating pavilions that look out on to the beach and across the turquoise Arabian Gulf. Featuring enchanting ambience and flavoursome fare, the pavilions and terraces overlooking shimmering pools exude romance by night, while signature beverages compliment the restaurant’s cheerful energy during the day. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, 02 498 8888 Todd English’s Olives Chef English’s unique interpretation of Mediterranean cuisine, his famous showmanship with food and his restaurants and concepts have impressed diners from New York all the way to the Venetian Village, Abu Dhabi. The restaurant setting is quite remarkable, with a large outdoor seating area, guests can enjoy an array of delectable Mediterranean dishes whilst unwinding to the tranquil sounds of the soft waves. Todd English’s Olives, 02 404 1941 The Meat Co With locations in South Africa, the UK and across the Middle East The Meat Co. has established an excellent reputation. Located in Abu Dhabi’s Souk Qaryat Al Beri The Meat Co’s menu offers some of the widest variety of steaks in the city. The Meat Co, 02 558 1713
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To Dine Al Fresco Cipriani Yas Island Recognized as one of the world’s premium names in Italian fine dining, Cipriani Yas Island offers culinary classics from Harry’s Bar in Venice, with a stunning terrace overlooking the Island’s iconic landmarks. Cipriani offers timeless elegance. Yas Marina, 02 657 5400 Flooka Flooka offers a unique dining experience of Mediterranean seafood with a Lebanese twist. You can enjoy the daily catch on the terrace with uninterrupted views of the Eastern Mangroves. Be sure to try the red snapper, one of the best we’ve tasted in the city. Flooka, 02 441 8244 Brasserie Flo Brasserie Flo is a traditional French brasserie that serves some of the best known French dishes in a relaxed and casual ambience. Brasserie Flo stands for a culinary tradition that dates back to the 1960s when it was founded by Chef Jean-Paul Bucher in Paris. Today, Chef Bucher’s undeniable talent has seen his signature culinary style carried across borders, with the Brasserie Flo brand now available from the Netherlands to Spain, China and at the Venetian Village here in Abu Dhabi. Brasserie Flo, 02 404 1931 Ushna Located at Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Ushna’s beautiful terrace offers scenic views of the Grand Canal and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque creating a truly distinct ambience ideal for a relaxing meal. Fresh ingredients, high quality spices, consistency in every action and an open attitude to cooking are the four elements that make Ushna unique. Ushna, 02 558 1769 Byblos Sur Mer Authentic Lebanese dining, the award-winning Byblos Sur Mer offers spectacular variety of mezzeh, grills, traditional Lebanese dishes, prepared by expert chefs. Set over two floors with spacious terraces, this contemporary restaurant overlooks the spectacular marina. InterContinental Abu Dhabi, 800 423 463
The Beach House The Beach House sits on a vast stretch of environmentally protected white sand beach as part of the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi. This two-storey standalone venue offers guests a romantic beach setting serving a delicious Mediterranean menu and a selection of grape and mixers in the ground floor restaurant. After dinner sip a mixer against the stunning ocean backdrop whilst listening to chilled out tunes and admiring the view across the Arabian Sea. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, 02 407 1138 Hooked What better place to enjoy uninterrupted sea views than on an island? Hooked is an experience not to miss. Indulge in the flavours of the Levant at this stylish venue. Hooked is the perfect place to spend an evening with friends or that special someone. Zaya Nurai Island, 02 506 6222 B-Lounge As an exclusive al fresco venue nestled in the lush palm tree garden, the B lounge offers a beachside feel, amphitheatre with Arabic cushion seating, a bar, live performances and DJ sessions. Enjoy the evenings outdoors at the B Lounge! Surrounded by the palm trees, you will slowly and calmly indulge in refreshing beverages and great food. Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort, 02 677 3333 Café Milano Café Milano serves contemporary Italian cuisine in a setting reminiscent of a stylish boutique. This is the first Café Milano location to open after the U.S. flagship. The food is spectacular and the view is equally as impressive. Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, 02 333 2630 Toro Toro Celebrate Latin culture in a vibrant and entertaining setting as you experience a colourful twist on contemporary South American dishes. Latin food lovers will enjoy a culinary journey through the most delectable hot and cold sharing plates. Toro Toro, 02 811 5882
BOA Nestled within the Eastern Mangroves Promenade is the super stylish BOA Steakhouse. Steaks and chops include a selection of prime mid-western Texas and Kansas beef, such as the “40 Day” Dry Aged New York Strip and the “Bone In” Rib Eye, as well as Certified Organic Beef and Premium American Wagyu. BOA, 02 641 1500 January | 11
Bravo
Bravo, located at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort, offers mouth-watering Spanish tapas and refreshing Spanish beverages. The menu features a selection of delectable tapas as well as traditional delicacies.
If you wish to dine at Bravo, valet park at Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort and walk to the side of the hotel, the winding stairs will lead you to Bravo. Bravo offers guests the opportunity to enjoy outdoor dining on the terrace where they can enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city or to enjoy the vibrant sounds of the live flamenco guitar music indoors. Tonight we opt to dine indoors so we can enjoy the live music. The restaurant has a very distinct homely feel, like you are dining at a friends house, this is mostly due to the warm welcome given by the team. To start we order a selection of tapas, Albondigas con Tomate, beef meat balls in tomato sauce, Hongos al Ajillo, button mushrooms in garlic butter and herbs, Las Rabas, fried calamari rings with tartar sauce, Patatas Bravas, crispy potatoes with spicy tomato sauce and garlic aioli and Gambas al Ajillo, shrimp ‘Guindilla’ pepper in olive oil and garlic. All the dishes are delightful but the Patatas Bravas and the Gambas al Ajillo really stand out with their bold flavours, these two dishes are a must order. Be sure to enjoy the garlic and olive oil dip from the Gambas al Ajillo with a slice of warm bread. For mains we select the Paella de Mariscos, Spanish rice with seafood, fish and vegetables. It’s been years since we ate Paella, mainly due to the lack of being unable to find it on any menus, so we are just a little bit excited at the prospect of this dish. We wait patiently and hope it tastes as good as we imagine. The live flamenco guitar music is really enjoyable, the music is relaxed and at just the right level to make it enjoyable without having to shout over the table, finally a restaurant that gets the volume right. A little while later the large piping hot Paella is placed before us, we take our spoon and take our first bite, amazing, the Paella is sensational. The portion size is based on two sharing but this dish can easily feed three people. It tastes great and we can see why this dish is Bravo’s best seller. Without a doubt we would return just for the Paella it was that good. To conclude our dining experience at Bravo we enjoy a delicious selection of warm Churros con Chocolate Especiado, fried pastry dough with cinnamon sugar and spiced chocolate sauce. We absolutely loved our dining experience at Bravo, the only question we were left asking ourselves is how had we not visited before? For an authentic Spanish dining experience look no further than Bravo. Bravo, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort, 02 677 3333
12 | Dining and Nightlife Abu Dhabi
January | 13
Café 302 Since its inception Café 302 has established itself as one of the leading cafés in the city. Located within Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana, Café 302 offers diners a selection of wholesome dishes and sweet treats. The décor is trendy yet comfortable and features earth like tones. The cosy space is ideal to sit down and talk with friends, hold short meetings or just catch up on a few emails. As well as an extensive main menu Café 302 caters for vegetarians and now vegans with the introduction of their new vegan menu. Today I will be trying a few dishes from their new vegan menu whilst my dining companion revisits their main menu. To start we are given a selection of complimentary breads with a cream cheese, olive and anchovy dip. It tastes so good, the warm fresh bread is hard to resist and we must restrain ourselves to ensure we don’t eat it all. From the vegan menu I order the Spinach and Kale Salad, dates, cashews and pomegranate dressing, Cold Mezza of Olives, Dips and Spreads, hummus, tabbouleh, moutabel, picked vegetables and crisp flatbread and the Sweet Potato Fries with house dip.
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Some of you will recognise the Spinach and Kale Salad from the main menu, this is one of the most ordered dishes at Café 302, we are pleased to see that they have adapted it for their vegan guests. The salad tastes just as great as the main menu version, the only item that has been removed is the feta cheese. The Cold Mezza is delightful and the portion can easily be shared between two people. The Sweet Potato Fries are my favourite. Perfectly crisp, I will be sure to order these again. From the main menu my dining companion orders the Sticky Chicken Wings ‘Lollipop Style’, covered in sweet and spicy soy glaze and the Fork and Knife Caesar, baby gem, parmesan, boiled egg and beef rashers with roast chicken. Both dishes are well presented however the spicy soy glaze on the chicken wings tastes phenomenal. Overall Café 302 makes for the perfect lunch spot and we predict that it is set to remain one of Abu Dhabi’s most popular cafes. Their extensive menus and welcoming ambiance is an award-winning combination but now with them adding vegetarian and vegan menus, this café is set to attract an even larger crowd. Café 302, 02 610 6666
January | 15
Dining and Relaxation at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi
16 | Dining and Nightlife Abu Dhabi
post-beverage in a smoke-free setting. The restaurant also has a Bringing Thai-inspired design and hospitality to Abu Dhabi, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi is our destination today for a day filled with fine food separate private dining section, tastefully crafted for an exclusive dining experience where luxury, space and privacy comes second to and relaxation. none. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi boasts a selection of dining options including For appetizers I opt for the classic Prawn Cocktail. The Prawn Cocktail the hugely popular Benjarong, serving classic Thai cuisine and The Capital Grill, the renowned steakhouse. As well as these awarding win- is beautifully presented on a bed of ice, the prawns are plump and ning restaurants Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi also offers elegant and stylish scrumptious. My dining partner selects the Duck Foie Gras Terrine, Foie Gras, spiced plum, port gel, smoked duck and pecan granola. The rooms, Namm Spa and DFiT Fitness Centre. Foie Gras is divine, rich and creamy, a perfect choice. To begin we make our way to Namm Spa. As we enter the spa we are From the main menu we opt for the Grilled Wagyu Capital Burger. The warmly greeted by the therapists. Here we have a brief consultation large burger is filled with homemade pickles, aged cheddar, gem with the therapists about areas we would like them to focus on, we lettuce, smoked tomatoes, foie gras and comes with a side of house decide to experience the 90-minute-deep tissue massage. We’ve cut fries. The burger is cooked well done, as requested, the portion is selected the deep tissue massage as we have been advised that this huge and we do struggle to finish our dish. is the best for releasing chronic muscle tension. Given that we spend hours typing away on a computer we have extremely stiff shoulders My dining partner opts for the 1824 Australian 120 days Grain Fed and the deep tissue massage promises to release that tension. Tenderloin 220g complimented by béarnaise sauce. This tenderloin is Namm Spa offers a variety of treatments including signature journeys cooked well done, a great tasting tenderloin, flavorful and appealing. For sides we opt for garlic mash and crispy calamari both compliment starting at AED 850, massages starting at AED 500 per hour and facials starting at AED 490 for 60 minutes. Namm Spa also offers an the steak perfectly. Arabian honey and milk bath and for AED 300 which sounds For dessert we choose the Classic Baked Cheese Cake with extremely relaxing and one treatment we plan to try. strawberry coulis and seasonal berries. Presented beautifully on a After 90 minutes we are left feeling relaxed, the massage is performed slate plate the cheese cake is light and fluffy. My dining companion opts for the Sticky Toffee Pudding, a date pudding with toffee sauce perfectly. The therapists are highly professional and clearly have a and vanilla ice cream. Served warm this dessert is perfect for the cool deep understanding of massage techniques. You don’t have to be a nights. hotel guest to experience the spa just simply book an appointment. Next, we head over to our dining destination, The Capital Grill. This award-winning steakhouse serves a selection of premium aged cuts from farms across the USA, Australia and Ireland. The décor of the restaurant is chic with deep red and purple tones. The open show kitchen adds a sense of theater to guests dining experience whilst the lounge area offers a place where guests can relax and enjoy a pre or
Overall Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi impressed us. The spa team were professional and knowledgeable and the restaurant offered a variety of dishes at good prices. If you are looking for a relaxing day at the spa or a succulent steak that wont break the bank check out Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, 02 698 8888
January | 17
Grilled Chi
18 | Dining and Nightlife Abu Dhabi
icken Fajitas Ingredients Chicken Seasoning: • 1/2 tsp onion powder • 1/2 tsp garlic powder • 1 tsp each cumin, paprika, oregano • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/4 tsp black pepper
Fajitas Filling: • 2 large chicken breasts • 3 tbsp lime juice • 2 tbsp olive oil, separated • 1 red, green and yellow capsicum • 2 red onions
Wraps and Toppings: • Small tortillas • Sour cream • Lime wedges
Instructions: 1. Combine chicken seasoning in small bowl. 2. Then cut chicken breasts into small pieces then place in bowl, add chicken seasoning, lime juice and drizzle 1 tbsp of olive oil. Mix all together and set aside for 30 minutes. 3. De-seed all 3 capsicums and cut into strips. 4. Chop onions into thin slices.
Cooking: 1. Heat remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil over a high heat in a heavy based skillet. 2. Add the chicken until nicely charred. Then add the capsicums and onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly crisp. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to finish. 3. Warm up the tortilla wraps in the microwave for 20 seconds.
Serving: 1. To serve, take a tortilla and add chicken then top with capsicums and onions add a dash of sour cream and lime juice and enjoy!
January | 19
2018 Travel Buck Now’s a good a time as ever to start planning your travels for 2018, even if it just distracts you from the harsh reality of going back to work.
Malta Malta is located in the Mediterranean, don’t be fooled by the size of Malta, this little island promises beautiful scenery, delicious dining and some of the best history on earth. Being an island means that Malta is surrounded by water and as a result has some of the cleanest beaches in Europe. Malta’s Blue Lagoon is a great example of this. For scuba diving enthusiasts Malta is ranked 3rd in the world for diving. History buffs will fall in love with Malta. The Maltese Islands have three sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These are the City of Valletta, the Megalithic Temples and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum. In all, seven megalithic temples are found on the islands of Malta and Gozo, each the result of an individual development. Cuba Amazing Spanish colonial architecture, gorgeous white sandy beaches, rolled cigars and vintage old cars await the adventurous traveller looking forward to exploring the Caribbean’s largest island. Stroll along the streets of Old Havana, discover the world of Ernest Hemingway, get into the salsa rhythm in the clubs of Trinidad or enjoy a beach vacation on Cayo Largo - no matter where you go, Cuba will draw you into its orbit. Such a mix of Spanish, African and Caribbean cooking traditions has turned Cuban dishes into an explosion of taste. The best food can be enjoyed in “casa particular” despite the menu offered, can have a limited choice: dishes are in fact freshly prepared depending on the day. Food lovers should try lobster but if you are not that hungry you can go for bocaditos, small sandwich. Sri Lanka Only a short four and a half hour flight Sri Lanka is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Apart from the beautiful beaches and picturesque scenery Sri Lanka offers a range of fun filled activities for tourists who can enjoy, whale watching, trekking and hot air ballooning. Sri Lanka, the natures treasure chest is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Sri Lanka’s written history exceeds 2550 years. Its pre-history consists of planned cities, magnificent palaces, and expansive man made reservoirs, stunning temples and monasteries, green gardens, hard to believe monuments and works of art are characteristic of the rich and jubilant lives the celebrated monarchy of Sri Lanka lived. Nepal Home to Mount Everest, Nepal not only boasts amazing scenery and crisp fresh air but an endless list of activities to keep you and the family entertained from mountain biking, bungee jumping, sky diving, paragliding and white water rafting are just a few of the activities that await you. If you love nature a trip to Bardia National Park and Chitwan National Park are a must. The abundant wildlife includes crocodiles, rhinos, deers and the popular Royal Bengal Tiger. Nepalese cuisine has been influenced by its neighbours, India and China, but it also offers a unique gastronomic experience. Dhal bat, momo and other Nepalese dishes should not be missed while in Nepal. Japan Japan is a world-renowned food connoisseurs haven, with Tokyo alone boasting 227 Michelin Star restaurants. Apart from fine dining restaurants Japan has some of the best street food in the world. Visitors can experience Japanese tea ceremonies, a cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha, powdered green tea. Soft-serve ice-cream is another must when in Japan it literally comes in every flavour, for the adventurous try the wasabi ice-cream (if you dare). If you are heading to Tokyo be sure to try all the weird and wonderful things like robot restaurants, cat cafes and purchase some Hello Kitty merchandise. If you want the perfect Instagram moment visit Japan during cherry blossom season.
20 | Dining and Nightlife Abu Dhabi
ket List
January | 21
A’L BAHAR
Abu Dhabi’s New Beachfront Community Located on Abu Dhabi Corniche, “A’L BAHAR” is due to open in first quarter of 2018. “A’L BAHAR” plans to deliver on the capital’s vision of offering unique experiences for residents and visitors, establishing the emirate as an entertainment and leisure destination of distinction. Miral will develop an 80,000 square meter location into a dedicated beachfront space for leisure and wellbeing. “A’L BAHAR” will create a vibrant and contemporary outdoor space to relax, eat and shop. The integrated family beach will expand its offering to include over twenty food and beverage outlets that cater to different tastes, satisfying those who seek the finest international and local food experiences from the best providers in the market. The beachfront will comprise of basketball and beach volleyball courts, soccer pitches, an outdoor gym, kids play area, spaces for concerts and community events as well as an inflatable floating structure for fun-filled experiences. A promenade, stretching over half a kilometer in length, will also be set aside for walking. “This project reflects our continuous efforts to make Abu Dhabi a top tourism and entertainment destination, even beyond Yas Island by expanding our expertise to create a new leisure experience on Abu Dhabi’s highly popular Corniche. With its inclusive atmosphere and authentic experiences, we’re excited and confident that the beachfront project will make a valuable contribution to the capital’s family appeal as from a wellness and entertainment stand point,” commented Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral. Miral is opening up the opportunity for leasing the food and beverage and retail space at the beachfront project, meaning that Abu Dhabi will be getting even more fantastic dining options.
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Join us at The Terrace on The Corniche for our new theme nights presenting an infinite section of exquisite seafood, sushi, foie gras, fine grilled cuts and much more, served from live interactive stations with service beyond expectation at Abu Dhabi’s finest address. 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm, From AED 195* Sunday – Traditional Roast Monday – Fresh Monday’s Tuesday – Spice Night Wednesday – From the Sea Thursday – Sushi & Steak Friday – Ravioli & Wellington
The Terrace on the Corniche The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Nation Towers, Corniche, Abu Dhabi, UAE 02 694 4553 | restaurants.abudhabi@stregis.com | theterraceonthecorniche.com *Prices are subject to a 10% service fee, a 6% tourism fee, a 4% municipality fee and VAT taxes