Celebrating 50 Editions! EDITION 50 | APRIL 2019 | COMPLIMENTARY
EDITION 50
Dining and Nightlife Abu Dhabi Published 12 times a year by Smart Communications FZ LLC
Thank You!
Editorial Editor In Chief Leanne Smart Leanne@diningandnightlife.ae Dear Foodies It is with great pride that Dining and Nightlife Abu Dhabi has hit a significant milestone. As we celebrate our 50th edition we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone in the community who has picked up a magazine, liked one of our posts or visited our website. We would especially like to thank all our wonderful clients, whose support over the years has meant that today, we are able to celebrate 50 editions of food, lifestyle and travel.
Management Michael Hine CEO
Graphic Design Wayne Smart info@diningandnightlife.ae
Last, but not least thank you to all the people behind the scenes who tirelessly work with us all hours of the day, perfecting our great publication for all to enjoy. We celebrate our 50th edition with our new refreshed look, breathing a breath of fresh air into our content and style. Over the next few weeks we will be making some big announcements as we look to further shake up the culinary scene in Abu Dhabi and beyond. Finally, we would like to conclude by saying thank you for all the support of our latest venture, Dining and Nightlife Discounts app. All your support throughout our ventures means the world to us! Culinary Regards Michael & Leanne, Co-Founders
Advertising Wasif Ahmed Group Sales Manager wasif@diningandnightlife.ae
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April Contents
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Wellness At The Abu Dhabi Edition...........Page 8 Buddha-Bar Beach Turns 1.................................Page 10 Dine With World No 6 Chef...............................Page 12 Origins Friday Brunch...........................................Page 14 Dining & Nightlife Discounts App................Page 18 The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Explored.............Page 20 The Foundry.................................................................Page 26 Finz, Beach Rotana................................................. Page 30 SushiSan........................................................................ Page 32
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Ministry Of Crab Comes To Abu Dhabi
One of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants comes to the capital for a three-night event dedicated to the finest locally-sourced shellfish prepared by celebrity Chef Dharshan Munidasa.
endemic to Sri Lanka, where the freshness of the crab is fused with the heat of hand-crushed peppercorns, whole peppercorns and pepper stock.
For the first time in the UAE, celebrity Chef Dharshan Munidasa visits Abu Dhabi for a three-day Ministry of Crab pop-up event hosted at Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi from 25th to 27th April 2019. The event features four signature dishes from the famed Sri Lankan restaurant, which has been named as one of the top 50 in Asia.
“We’re delighted to be hosting the Ministry of Crab pop-up with Chef Dharshan. His delicious signature dishes bring a taste of the distinguished Sri Lankan cuisine to our shores, with Chef Dharshan himself at the helm of the kitchen, the event is set to be a success. Knowing his penchant for fresh ingredients, we’re sure it’s going to be a visual treat and a culinary delight” said Ahmed Issa, General Manager of Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi.
Chef Dharshan is best known for his focus on high-quality, fresh ingredients that he often pairs with Japanese cooking philosophies. Having gained a reputation for his out-of-the-box thinking and his knack for pushing boundaries, the renowned chef-restaurateur revolutionised Sri Lanka’s gastronomic landscape by putting it on the global culinary map. “I am very excited to introduce the delicacies we serve at Ministry of Crab to the UAE with this pop-up at Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. We receive many travellers from the UAE at the restaurant in Colombo and we are delighted to plate up our unique preparations to them in their home country,” Chef Dharshan said about bringing his pop-up menu to the UAE. The menu kicks off with a sharing plate of a creamy Crab Liver Pâté, followed by the rich Baked Crab, likened by many to a Crab Risotto. A winning dish is Garlic Chilli Prawn that Chef Dharshan cooks in Italian olive oil, Japanese soy sauce, garlic and chilli flakes in a style that is unique to Ministry of Crab. Ideal for two to share, the much-loved Pepper Crab celebrates two ingredients
Ministry of Crab, Sri Lanka’s first restaurant dedicated to serving export-quality lagoon crabs, is the brainchild of celebrated Chef and restaurateur Dharshan Munidasa, who partnered with Sri Lankan cricketing legends Mahela Jayawardane and Kumar Sangakkara in 2011 to bring the concept to life. The restaurant employs a daring no-freezer policy, sourcing all its produce locally with daily deliveries, as the co-owners believe that freezing both detracts from the taste and renders redundant the use of fresh produce. Chef Dharshan was born in Japan, and takes inspiration from the native culture to create his signature cooking style. He has been invited to create plenty of degustation menus at top dining destinations around the world, including Shangri-La hotels at The Shard in London, Hong Kong and in Singapore. Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, 02 509 8888
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A Day Of Wellness At The Abu Dhabi Edition Located at The Abu Dhabi Edition, the Edition Spa is now welcoming guests. Blending local, authentic, healing practices, high impact treatments and wellness programs from around the world, the Edition Spa will offer guests a variety of unique treatments. Today we are visiting The Abu Dhabi Edition for a day of wellness, our journey begins at the Edition Spa. As we enter the spa we are warmly greeted by the team and taken to the relaxation area. The décor is light with oak flooring, timber walls and soft furnishings. The spa features separate zones for men and women, consisting of seven treatment rooms, including two Hammams, a facial room and couple’s treatment suite. The women’s area also houses a beauty salon and a relaxation lounge. The men’s area features a barber shop by Chaps & Co. Upon our visit we will be experiencing the Himalayan Sound Therapy alongside a custom Massage. Edition Spa is the only spa in the UAE offering Himalayan Sound Therapy. We begin our treatment by experiencing and embracing the unique grounding welcome ritual that precedes every visit. During the ritual, we take centre stage in the purpose-built grounding bowl, allowing us to experience a cellular renewal while our aura is cleansed before entering the sanctuary that is the Edition Spa. This is the first time we have ever experienced Himalayan Sound Therapy and being very honest we are slightly sceptical. However, after our treatment we are left feeling surprisingly relaxed. Himalayan Sound Therapy offers a range of benefits from, deep relaxation, improved sleep, stress reduction and stimulated circulation. It works by the sound of the hammered bowls bringing the brainwave frequencies into what is called the theta state, which is the state our brains are in during sleep. At the same time the vibrations provide a cellular massage which penetrates deep into your body. Personally, I really enjoyed it, Himalayan Sound Therapy offered more of a mental relaxation than that of a physical one. Next, the Build A Massage treatment, I was already sold when I was told I was able to tailor my treatment. I select the deep touch, focused style with the relaxing oil blend. My therapist is exceptional, she listens to all my requirements and by doing so offers a spectacular treatment. Continuing our wellness journey, we make our way to Market at Edition, The Abu Dhabi Edition’s imaginative, healthy lifestyle restaurant. For those of you who haven’t yet visited, Market boasts open kitchens, bright airy décor, farm to table cooking and a healthy no waste kitchen which makes use of its ingredients to their entirety. I select the Daily Poke Bowl and my dining companion opts for the Smoked, Sweet, Sour a Smoked Seabass dish with Spiced Sweet Mango Puree, Earl Grey, Miso Marinade and Sour Onions. The Daily Poke Bowl consists of Salmon, Ginger, Spinach, Broccoli and Eggplant. Both dishes are excellently presented and taste phenomenal. Wanting to end on a sweet note but not wanting to divert from our wellness journey we opt for the Vegan Chocolate and Avocado Mousse and the Beetroot Sorbet. The Beetroot Sorbet is our favourite, Blackcurrant, Yogurt and Aquafaba Meringue, all infused to offer bite after bite of deliciousness. If you are looking for a mental and physical escape without leaving the city, followed by a healthy dining experience we would highly recommend a visit to The Abu Dhabi Edition. Himalayan Sound Therapy, AED 550 for 60 Mins Build A Massage, AED 525 for 60 Mins Daily Poke Bowl, Small, AED 40 Smoked, Sweet, Sour, AED 120 Vegan Chocolate and Avocado Mousse, AED 40 Beetroot Sorbet, AED 40 The Abu Dhabi Edition, 02 208 0000 8 | Dining and Nightlife Abu Dhabi
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Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi Turns 1! Those looking for a big night out and an energy-packed entertainment schedule lasting for more than 12 hours straight need to make sure they do not miss Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi’s first anniversary exclusive party! On April 26th partygoers in the UAE will want to head over to the award-winning beachside bar and restaurant at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi for a party like never before. Prepare to party from 1.00pm until 2.00am, with a three-hour brunch, DJ sets by local and international artists and an electric live act by a renowned violinist duo.
Two electric violinists, Dimitris Isaris and George Gaitanos, play adaptations of classic, rock and modern tracks while showcasing quality entertainment and blending electric and traditional string sounds. The award-winning duo offers a unique experience, while guests enjoy modern Pan Asian flavors and signature beverages in the venue by the sea. Adding to the fiesta vibe at Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi from 10.00pm until 1.00am is DJ Ahmet Kilic, an internationally renowned artist that has been performing music professionally for more than 25 years. The deep-house legend guarantees a remarkable set of incredible tunes to enjoy in the laidback setting.
Celebrating its first anniversary in style, the first permanent location from the famous Buddha-Bar concept will start the celebrations with its first-ever brunch. Served from 1.00pm until 4.00pm, the feast will include cold and hot starters served as a buffet spread, sushi and robata live stations, main course served for sharing at the table, and a dessert corner. Guests can choose from two packages, AED 350 for food only and AED 475 inclusive of selected beverages.
The line-up of DJs visiting the exciting nightlife venue also includes Apollo 84 on April 4th and DJ Danny O on April 11th.
Offering live entertainment from 1.00pm until 5.00pm is the legendary Brazilian DJ – Darly – who brings to the stage an ideal mix of indie, deep, tech and house in electronic music and rhythms from different countries around the world.
Performing live from 10.00pm on April 4th, Apollo 84 has also built a monthly radio show, global showcases and quality music from industry stalwarts. With a label establishing its place in the scene and an ever-increasing release schedule, he has cemented himself at the top level of house music.
Darly has been playing electronic music professionally for seven years and is influenced by genres including downtempo journeys and minimal house. Her unique style includes an acoustic landscape of hooks and innovative mixing methods, which is sure to make the crowd dance. Resident DJ Bambina and saxophonist Milan Ivkovic will celebrate the year-round success of Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi from 5.00pm until 7.00pm with a birthday special of their much-loved After-Brunch Party. The Ukranian DJ has been shaking up the floor with her house and progressive mixes six nights a week since the launch of the venue, while Milan amps up the crowd with his inventive and entertaining blend of jazz, pop and blues music performed on the saxophone. 10 | Dining and Nightlife Abu Dhabi
Apollo 84, who will kick off the international DJ acts in April, has been relentless in the competitive world of house music with his unique mix of tech beats, propelling his sound to the forefront of the industry with a succession of top 10 chart releases.
Danny O is as familiar with the desires of Ibiza’s musically educated and diverse crowds as any DJ could be. From sunsets to ten-hour sets and chill-out to techno Danny O has extensive experience regularly playing alongside the likes of Fatboy Slim. Enjoy his eclectic soundtrack at Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi on April 11th from 10.00pm onwards. The first permanent location from the award-winning Buddha-Bar concept, Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi also has nightly entertainment six days a week with a resident DJ, percussionist, saxophonist and violinist. Guest performances start at 10.00pm and continues well into the night. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, 02 498 8888.
embrace the moment
Make every second count with friends and family during the Holy Month of Ramadan at Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi. Iftar at Origins AED 185
FOR BOOKINGS, Please call 02 656 0600, email dining@marriott.com or visit yashotelexperiences.com
Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 131808 Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Above price is in UAE Dirhams and is inclusive of all local fees and taxes.
Dine With Chef Virgilio On Thursday 4th and Friday 5th of April, LIMA Dubai, the award-winning Peruvian restaurant invites guests to celebrate their second birthday with an unmissable dining experience. Famed for bringing Peruvian cuisine to the forefront of international gastronomy, LIMA restaurant co-creator and World No.6 Chef, Virgilio Martinez will be visiting Dubai to mark the occasion. Guests will have the opportunity to join an exclusive dining experience and enjoy a menu cooked by Chef Virgilio and LIMA Dubai Executive Chef, Diego Sanchez. Diners will savor an out-of-this-world nine course menu with the opportunity to meet chef himself, as he circulates throughout the restaurant. Menu highlights include, The Diversity Of Corn, an intricate dish showcasing the variety and versatility of this Peruvian staple ingredient, Raiz Purpura, a signature dish from Virgilio’s Central restaurant and Selva, which features lucuma, a unique fruit from Peru beloved by the Inca. Priced from just AED 380 per person this is truly a once in a lifetime gastronomic opportunity not to be missed. 12 | Dining and Nightlife Abu Dhabi
LIMA is the creation of Virgilio Martinez and his partners, Gabriel & José-Luis Gonzalez. LIMA Fitzrovia opened in 2012, the year of the London Olympics and was awarded a Michelin Star a little over a year after opening. A new identity was created for the second restaurant, LIMA Floral, located in London’s famous Covent Garden. Peruvian cuisine is a melting pot of different cultures, which have come together to form a unique blend of flavors and techniques. With the arrival of European, Japanese and Chinese immigrant’s centuries ago, their ingredients and customs intertwined over the decades with those of the locals, creating what is known as Peruvian cuisine, one of the fastest growing gastronomic movements today. LIMA is a constantly evolving representation of the gastronomic expansion that has taken place in Peru during the last few years, with the idea of showcasing LIMA as the gastronomic capital of the Americas to important world cities such as Dubai and London. Home to a dynamic, vibrant community of diverse cultures and nationalities, Dubai is the perfect location for world-renowned Peruvian chef Virgilio Martinez to express his talents. Diners can contact LIMA Dubai at reservations@limadubai.com to book directly. LIMA, The Square, City Walk, Dubai, 056 500 4571
CHARMING
CAN BE AN UNDERSTATEMENT Dine where everything charms, be it the company, the view, the service or the divine premium cuts. We like to take it up a level or two on floor 63. Experience Ray’s Grill.
grill
+971 2 811 5666 | jumeirah.com/Raysgrill
Origins Brunch Origins Friday Brunch offers a wide variety of tasty cuisine for guests to enjoy. From live cooking stations, specialist food counters, to international and regional cuisine inspired by the hotel’s much-acclaimed restaurants. With spanning views across the F1 track and beyond the selection of cuisine on offer is set to get your palate racing. This sunny Friday afternoon the vibe at Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi is fun yet relaxed. The crowd at Origins is mixed, many families, couples and groups are enjoying their brunch experience. We immediately notice the new addition of the outdoor BBQ area, something we didn’t see upon our last visit. Here chef and the team are offering guests a wide variety of grills straight from the BBQ, from Salmon, Shish Tawook, Lamb Chops to Lobster. We begin with the flame grilled Lobster, cooked to perfection, we enjoy it so much we go up for a second helping. Next, we sample a small plate of the Beef Wellington which we enjoy with a serving of thick and creamy mashed potato. From the live cooking station, we are unable to resist the fresh pasta, which is being made to order before our eyes. We select the Eggplant Tortellini, we are not disappointed, the pasta is cooked well and the butter sauce, although slightly rich for our palate, is tasty. No brunch would be complete without a visit to the Oyster Bar, located next to the colourful Sushi station, we enjoy a few Oysters along with a quirky Sushi Burrito. For those wanting to end their brunch on a savoury note, Origins Friday Brunch offers a wide selection of cheeses from Rocaillou, Castelmagno, to Roquefort, to name a few. Admittedly, we also decide to try a few of the desserts on offer. The dessert station is located outside of Origins restaurant and takes over the lobby of Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi. We enjoy Chocolate Brownie, Pistachio Pot De Crème, Carrot Cake and Apple Tart. Our favourite dessert is the Chocolate Brownie, soft and gooey it makes for a great end to a relaxing brunch. The decadent dessert room tops off our experience, complete with a show stopping liquid nitrogen bar. If you are in the Yas area this brunch is worth checking out. Brunch highlights range from succulent BBQ grilled Lobster, make-your-own Poke Stations, tender Beef Wellington with all the trimmings, and a spread of International delicacies. Origins Brunch, Every Friday, 12.30pm to 4.00pm. Packages start at AED 285 for the soft beverage package, AED 395 for the house specials package to AED 495 for the premium package. Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi, 02 656 0600
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In The Hot Seat Tell us about your career and how you came to work in hospitality? I’ve worked in a variety of fields and actually began my career training as a chef. In the UK I worked in social housing before moving into digital media, journalism and now hospitality. You also manage a popular blog, what encouraged you to start blogging? I started Out & About UAE more as a showcase for my writing style than anything else. I was working for an online magazine in Dubai at the time and while trying to move on from that position, it was suggested I start a website to showcase my style of writing in a field that I am passionate about. Hence the food and hospitality blog was born. For me the blog is a cathartic way of showing my creativity and tying together my passions for writing and food, it seemed like the logical thing to do. Bloggers have come under criticism, with many saying they are just after a free meal, what is your opinion on this? It’s a very interesting question and unfortunately, I have seen both the good and bad sides of the blogging industry and the rise of the ‘influencer.’ I personally believe that if you are blogging just for invitations, free gifts or a free meal then your success will be very limited. To create excellent content you need to have passion and if you’re continually concerned about what’s coming next then your heart will never truly be in it. I know some truly wonderful bloggers whose passion really shines through and they have a genuine interest in curating high-quality content. I also see a lot of disgusting behaviour and grabbiness on an almost daily basis which is disheartening, especially when that is the general industry perception of bloggers. Yet I truly believe it’s the duty of the brand and PR companies to research who they are working with to ensure it’s going to be an appropriate fit. Do you feel being a blogger allows you to bring more value to your hospitality role? I began blogging long before working in hospitality and before the term influencer was really a thing. Moving from journalism and into the world of PR and marketing has been a learning experience and I think I am able to cast perspective and insight from both sides of the table. As a blogger you have the opportunity to be exposed to a lot of positive things such as restaurant launches and hotel openings. So, when
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you have to do one of these events for yourself, you’re fully prepared for the pitfalls and expectations of the media. In my hospitality role we are very selective in who we decide to work and collaborate with. As a custodian of the brand, it is my job to ensure that I pick the correct people to reflect the brand values in a positive and meaningful way, rather than a numbers mentality which is so prevalent in the industry. Between all of this you are also a presenter on What’s Cooking UAE, how did this come about? Television was the next logical step and having known Himadri (the founder of Acumen Productions) for some years, I was delighted when he extended the offer to me. Trained as a chef, a hotelier and a food writer by profession, I believe these genuine credentials certainly helped. We should begin filming season 4 of the show in the coming weeks which I am VERY excited about. The Foundry just launched a new menu, tell guests what they can expect Value for money and a few surprises in their dining experience. With The Foundry we are looking to promote value for money which is not the easiest things to do with a steakhouse concept. Our F&B team have really looked at the pricing structure and have made it an affordable dining option without compromising on quality. Guests who visit the restaurant all receive a complimentary liquid amuse-bouche, a complimentary side and sauce with their steak and complimentary petite-fours for dessert! Our objective is to create memorable dining experiences and I think we have managed to do so with The Foundry. What’s your favourite restaurant in Abu Dhabi and why? That is a tricky question as I have so many! So, in no particular order… Zuma, Coya, Tamba, Catch, 99 Sushi, Butcher & Still, Alba Terrace, La Petite Maison and most recently Mare Mare at the new Jumeirah Saadiyat. These for me are restaurants that can compete on the world stage when it comes to dining and offer consistent quality in terms of both service and food and beverage.
Hotelier, Blogger, Presenter
David Tapley
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Nightlife Ray’s Bar - Jumeirah at Etihad Towers – 2-4-1 on Selected Beverages Back Yard Bistro – The Hub WTC - 2-4-1 on Beverages
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News - read the latest happenings from around the UAE as we report on all the happenings.
Immerse in the culinary shores of the Mediterranean as the days transcend to night. By Tom Aikens
Al Bateen Marina, PO box 127799, Abu Dhabi, UAE T +971 (0) 2 208 0000 restaurantreservations.auh@editionhotels.com www.editionhotels.com
The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain
This month we venture to The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain as we explore what the hotel and the stunning city of Manama has to offer. After a short flight from Abu Dhabi we are met at the airport by a representative of The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain. We are then transferred to The Ritz-Carlton in the hotel’s private car, a Maserati.
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Rooms For our visit we will be residing in a Club Suite, this allows us to enjoy access to The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge. The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge is extremely spacious and offers spanning views across the resort and beyond the horizon. The culinary team are clearly very meticulous in their preparation, even the open buffet in the Club Lounge is well presented and offers a variety of tasty bites for guests to enjoy. After our private check-in we make our way to our Club Suite. Highlights of the Club Suite are, a walk-in rain shower, large sunken bathtub, garden and ocean views, a walk-in wardrobe, 42-inch LED TV with premium channels, a Nespresso machine and fine 600-thread count cotton linens. The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain is set within 20 acres of lush gardens and golden sandy beaches on the Gulf of Arabia. The 245-room
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five-star city resort is one of the most celebrated destinations in Bahrain. In addition to the Deluxe Room categories, the resort also features 31 Suites and 42 Club Level Rooms as well as 23 well-appointed, Seafront Villas, each with three-bedrooms, its own private infinity pool, private beach access and 24-hour butler service. Spa In need of some rest and relaxation we venture to The Ritz-Carlton Spa. The sea-inspired Ritz-Carlton Spa for ladies and gentlemen features a hammam with four plunge pools, a couple’s suite and signature treatments drawing from Arabic rituals. Today we will be experiencing a 60-minute Relaxation Massage. The recreational facilities are immaculate even the changing rooms offer space and privacy for guests. 60-minutes later and we feel fantastic. Our massage is performed wonderfully, and our therapists are extremely professional.
Dining Catering to the most discerning epicurean connoisseur, the resort offers both modern and international dining experiences with its seven award-winning restaurants, including a Mexican (Cantina Kahlo), Indian (Nirvana), Steakhouse (Plums), Beach Café (La Plage and Bar de Plage), Asian Fusion and Sushi (Thai), Mediterranean (La Med) and an Italian (Primavera). This evening we will be dining at Plums, The Ritz-Carlton’s award-winning steakhouse. Cooking for us is Executive Chef, Yann Lejard and Executive Pastry Chef, Jonathon Challenor. In Paris, France, Chef Yann began expressing himself through street art, taking inspiration from the likes of modern art legend Jackson Pollock (1912-1956). Eventually becoming a chef by the age of 16, it was then where he found food to be a catalyst for artistic expression and where his signature, abstract style of “splattering” sauce on a plate was born.
Chef Yann’s cuisine has been described as daring, unique and playful. Like a modern-day disruptor he turns the simplicities of food into plated works art, his talents have taken him across Europe, into major Michelin Star restaurants, before arriving to the region. He now holds the position of Executive Chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, overseeing a culinary team of 130 chefs, along with the menu creation and kitchen operations of the resort’s 11 restaurants, in-room dining and banquet catering divisions. Our dining experience is nothing short of sensational, had we known better we would have said we were dining at a Michelin Star restaurant, Chef Yann and Chef Jonathan really exceed our expectations. We dine off the menu, allowing both chefs to express their creativity. Highlights include the Grilled Octopus with Strawberry and Lemon Puree and the Alaskan Crab wrapped in Linguine. Although all the dishes served are enjoyable these two dishes show innovation and a deep April | 23
understanding of the culinary arts. Dessert is served in the shape of a skull, upon breaking the hard exterior with your spoon you release a flow of a rich delectable chocolate. The next day we dine at Cantina Kahlo, the hotels Mexican restaurant. The chef, waiting team and the guitarists are all from Mexico, making this truly one of the most authentic Mexican restaurants we have dined in. We sample a range of dishes, Guacamole Kahlo, Ceviche De Hamachi, Ceviche Aguachile De Pulpo, Ensalada De Coliflor and Churros. The Guacamole is delicious, when done authentically you can really taste the difference. The Ceviche De Hamachi, another fantastic dish, bursting with flavour. We end with the Churros, perfection. Cantina Kahlo, brings the pulse of Mexico to Bahrain. Visit Bahrain Although we were only in Manama Bahrain for a short visit, we did get to explore a substantial amount of the city thanks to Visit Bahrain. Our local tour guide Amir was amazing, and his local knowledge proved to be an asset. We start our tour by visiting Al-Fateh Mosque. The Al-Fateh Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world, encompassing 6,500 square meters and having the capacity to accommodate over 7,000 worshippers at a time. The mosque was built by the late Sheikh Isa ibn Salman Al Khalifa in 1987 and was named after Ahmed Al Fateh, the founder of Bahrain.
Next, we head over to the Bahrain National Museum. The Museum is the repository of 6000 years of Bahrain’s history. The story of Bahrain comes to life in the Halls of Graves, Dilmun, Tylos and Islam, Customs and Traditions, Traditional Trades and Crafts, and Documents and Manuscripts. Amir then takes us to the most wonderful sweet shop, Showaiter Sweets, where we can try Bahraini Halwa. Bahraini Halwa is very different to the usual halwa we have tasted. This halwa is served warm and is gooier than its firm cousin. When visiting Bahrain, we would highly recommend you try this delicious local delicacy. We conclude our tour at the Bahrain Fort, a true gem in Bahrain’s history, this is the perfect way to end our tour and our visit to Bahrain. For more information on Visit Bahrain go to www.visitbahrain.bh The Verdict If you are a foodie traveling to Manama Bahrain, you will be hard pressed to find another hotel with such a large culinary offering. The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain not only offers a multitude of exhilarating dining experiences it also honours its reputation as a leader in the hospitality industry through its tenacious five-star service. Perfectly located for work or play we would highly recommend The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain. The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, +973 1758 0000 www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/middle-east/bahrain
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Spring Beach BBQ Weekend A St. Regis Family Tradition Friday 5th & Saturday 6th April 2019 The St. Regis Abu Dhabi invites you for an exquisite and colorful day at its exclusive Nation Riviera Beach Club. Join us for a day to remember with alfresco dining on the beach with BBQ favorites for all the family, an upbeat selection of live music and a plethora of children’s activities including arts and crafts, face painting and an impressive bouncy castle!
AED 250* for Adults including BBQ and soft drinks AED 125* for Children (6-12 years, below 6 are free) Stay Exquisite from just AED 975* *All prices are in UAE Dirham and are inclusive of all applicable service charges, local fees and taxes.
Weekend Family Stay Package includes: • Overnight Stay in a Superior Room (for 2 adults & 2 children) • St. Regis Signature Private Butler Service • Buffet Breakfast at The Terrace on the Corniche • Full access to Nation Riviera Beach Club BBQ & Activities with soft drinks (2 adults & 2 children)
©2019 Marriott International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, St. Regis and their logos are the trademarks of Marriott International, Inc., or its affiliates.
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates t. +971 2 694 4553 stregisabudhabi.com
For reservation and information please call +971 2 694 4553 or email restaurants.abudhabi@stregis.com
The Foundry
Under the influence of Executive Chef, Damian Kasperczyk, The Foundry, the award-winning steakhouse located at Southern Sun, announced that it had launched its new menu. We were invited to experience the new menu, here is our review. We arrive at The Foundry and are warmly greeted by the team. The team has completely changed since our last visit, this team is energized and welcoming. As we browse through the deliciously tempting new menu our complimentary liquid amuse bouche arrives, a fancy start, this is something that all diners will experience when dining at The Foundry. The new menu is displayed on one page but does offer a myriad of dishes. The range of steaks available is exciting, from ULSA Grass Fed Tenderloin, Karan Grain Fed Sirloin to AFFCO Grass Fed Ribeye. The menu boasts a total of 17 cuts from around the world, including South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Argentina. The most expensive steak on the menu is the 500gm USA Cowboy at AED 320 with other cuts coming in at an affordable AED 135 for 200gms. To begin, the Lobster Bisque with Dungeness crab claw and bottarga mascarpone. The Lobster Bisque is perfect and offers a much-needed warm hug in the mouth. From the starters we select the Crispy Salmon and Crab Croquettes with avocado hummus and heirloom tomato chutney. We thoroughly enjoy this dish, the croquettes are bursting with salmon and crab, whilst the avocado hummus adds a bit of fun to the plate. The Prawn Togarashi Tempura with chili lime ginger jam and kale chips is also enjoyable and its great to see that even the simple dishes do not lack attention to detail.
26 | Dining and Nightlife Abu Dhabi
The next dish is absolutely sensational, Smoked Burrata, imagine the rich creaminess of the cheese, but because it has been smoked you get this beautiful cherry oak smell, which in turn translates to the flavour. We would return for this dish alone, although I would happily enjoy this with the cherry tomatoes and dill dressing and probably ask to remove the salad. Before moving onto the mains, we opt to try the Oysters Rockefeller, it has been a while since we enjoyed baked oysters and they do not disappoint. Onto the mains, I select the Trio of Salmon whilst my dining companion opts for the Grilled Seafood Platter. The Trio of Salmon consists of smoked salmon served with fennel and orange salad, salmon confit with asparagus risotto and pan seared salmon with sundried tomato polenta and citrus beurre blanc. I am personally a big fan of salmon and I really enjoy the range of flavours and options this dish offers. The Grilled Seafood Platter which is available in a single or a couples portion comes with lobster, tiger prawns, black mussels, scallops and octopus. My dining companion gradually makes his way through the dish. I think we can all agree that flame grilled seafood is hard to beat. We give the new menu at the Foundry a big thumbs up. Given that we don’t eat meat ourselves we weren’t short of dishes to enjoy. For those that do like to tuck into a juicy steak you’re in for a treat the new menu is sweet on the lips and easy on the wallet. The Foundry is now also open Friday to Wednesday at 6.00pm and is offering a 50% early bird discount on orders before 7.00pm. The Foundry is also a partner of the Dining and Nightlife Discounts app and welcomes guests with the app to enjoy 25% off the bill. Lobster Bisque, AED 65 Crispy Salmon and Crab Croquettes, AED 65 Prawn Togarashi Tempura, AED 70 Smoked Burrata, AED 65 Oysters Rockefeller - 1 Oyster, AED 21 Trio of Salmon, AED 169 Grilled Seafood Platter, AED 249 The Foundry, Southern Sun, 02 818 4888
April | 27
Sunset Island Comes To Al Maya Island This April Have you ever dreamed of jetting off to a beautiful private island to escape reality for the weekend? Well, this April you can do just that as the Global Music Festival Series are coming to Abu Dhabi for the very first time in the form of a special Island Edition. Yes, you heard correctly; listening to International music acts while kicking back on beautiful sandy beaches with your best group of friends by your side could become your reality very soon. Sunset Island is part of the Global Music Festival Series that celebrates the transformational power of the sunset in some of the world’s most iconic beaches, mountains and cities and will be making its debut in Abu Dhabi with Sunset Island on Al Maya Island. On Friday 5th and Saturday 6th April, guests will be whisked away by boat to the private island of dreams, where there’s pristine white sandy beaches and stunning skyline views and will be treated to a full-day and evening of enjoyable and blissful activities.
on a paddle board for a little competitive fun. Get into the spirit and let the glitter make-up artists get creative in achieving your inner festival goddess look – it wouldn’t be a festival without a little glitter, right? If playing music is your thing, then head over to the live beach drumming masterclass where you can unleash your inner musician. Or you can simply just sit back and relax with a cool beverage in your hand and take it all in – you deserve it after all. As the sun starts to set, guests will say goodbye to the chilled and laid-back atmosphere that was created throughout the day and will head over to the Griffin Stage where top local and international DJ’s will be playing along with incredible fire dancers on stage to get you in the mood for dancing your way into the night.
Surrounded by magnificent blue waters and a glorious beach, Al Maya Island and Resort is located offshore, approximately 3.5 nautical miles or 9 kilometers southwest of Abu Dhabi Island.
Sunset Island is taking place on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th April, from 11.00am to 11.00pm on Al Maya Island, Abu Dhabi. Guests must be aged 21+ and ladies can attend for free if they arrive before 1.00pm. Tickets are priced at AED 125 per person, which includes a complimentary beverage on arrival.
If you and your friends like to keep active, you can all start the day by taking part in the volley ball challenge or even hit the surf
Tickets can be purchased from Al Maya Island and Resorts, Abu Dhabi Jetty and Abu Dhabi Country Club.
28 | Dining and Nightlife Abu Dhabi
If you know then you know. Join us every Thursday at The Lounge where we play the best, funkiest oldies but dish out the most current street-food trends and fun drinks at our roof-top terrace. Let’s get retro.
7PM - 10PM AED 345 - Including unlimited bites and drinks
Jumeirah.com/JSIthelounge | +971 2 811 4342
30 | Dining and Nightlife Abu Dhabi
Finz
Finz, Seafood Restaurant and Lounge is located at the popular Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi. This waterfront eatery is nestled on the shores of the hotel’s private beach. Designed to replicate a peaceful overwater bungalow, its white wood, natural colours and coral accessories add a luxurious element to the design, Finz wouldn’t be out of place in the Hamptons. The view across the water is pristine, especially in the evening as the sparkling Cleveland Clinic lights up the sky. It is an obvious venue for the romantic seafood lovers’ date night, but it cannot be forgotten as an ideal spot for a bright and airy family dinner. The service is attentive, and waiters are happy to cater to the needs of any guest, whether wanting to eat and run, or sit and relax, enjoying the view for hours. The serene blue and grey minimalistic menu is a perfect reflection of Finz’s character, modern and fresh. Dishes range from Ceviche, Just Hooked, Smaller Plates, Oysters, Fresh Plates, Signature Dishes, Mains and Soups. You would be hard pressed to find something not to your liking at Finz. We begin with the Alaskan Crab Bisque, creamed shellfish broth with shredded crab meat and harissa. The Alaskan Crab Bisque is delicious and perfect for these cold evenings. The shredded crab meat and light hit of harissa give the soup a depth of flavour. One of the dishes that cannot be missed is the Yellowtail Hamachi, orange and soy infused with chili. This dish packs layers of flavour from the fiery chili to the rich soy juice, we enjoy the excitement of heat and tang with every bite, one dish we would highly recommended. Also, from the Ceviche menu we order the Lobster and Scallop Ceviche, tamarind, chili and tomato with coriander. This dish is more suited to those not liking strong flavours, for our taste (especially when in comparison with the Yellowtail Hamachi) we found it slightly bland. As a main dish, we order the Oven Baked Black Cod with clams, squid, tomato and mushrooms alongside the Red Snapper from the Just Hooked menu. The Black Cod is enjoyable but nothing in comparison to the Red Snapper which is sensational. The large chunks of moist flaky Red Snapper offers an excellent balance of taste and structure. Tip, be sure to order from the Just Hooked menu, chef personally selects the fish himself from the market in the morning, making the freshness of the fish unmistakable. While other seafood restaurants seem to forget the importance of a side dish, at Finz everything from the Grilled Broccoli to the Tunisian Couscous is perfectly done. Offering guests six desserts to choose from we conclude our dining experience with the rich and creamy Rosemary Crème Brûlée, a great choice. With a significant menu, it is difficult to choose only a few dishes, so my recommendation is to go with friends, sit on the terrace, lounging, whilst sharing food and drinks and ordering more as the sun sets. Alaskan Crab Bisque, AED 91 Yellowtail Hamachi, AED 91 Lobster and Scallop Ceviche, AED 91 Oven Baked Black Cod, AED 233 Red Snapper, AED 258 Rosemary Crème Brûlée, AED 53 Finz, Beach Rotana, 02 697 9000 April | 31
SushiSan
Since its inception SushiSan has gathered quite a large following. Located at the Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi, SushiSan boasts cozy booths, bold red walls, an open sushi counter and geisha inspired art, making this one trendy Japanese eatery. Tonight, we are visiting SushiSan to try their Thursday Night Fusion Brunch. We are welcomed by the team and escorted to our table. Our waitress explains the concept to us, we are shown a menu which features eight Maki Roll options and three Nigiri options, we can select either three or six pieces of each option. Guests simply tick their preferred sushi option and how many pieces they would like, and the chefs freshly prepare the selected sushi. Whilst we wait for our fresh sushi to arrive, we have the option to graze from the open Asian influenced buffet. The buffet features an array of delightful Asian delicacies from Asian Noodles with Chicken, Lettuce Wraps, Sushi Fish Burger, Fried Dim Sum, Chicken Manto Bun, Chicken Laksa and Pumpkin and Coconut Salad. Not wanting to overindulge before the sushi arrives, we select a small helping of the Vegetable Tempura and Vegetable Spring Rolls. Shortly after our selection of sushi arrives, presented in a platter. Our selection consists of three pieces of each of the four different varieties of Maki Rolls. The Maki Rolls selected are, California Rolls with avocado, cucumber and crabstick tobiko, Philadelphia Rolls with smoked salmon and cream cheese,
Dynamite Amethyst Rolls with prawn, spicy mayo, crabstick, takuan, spring onion and purple potato chips and the Mucho Bonito with spicy tuna, cucumber, spicy mayo and fried bread crumbs. The Dynamite Amethyst Rolls are our favorite, bursting with flavor these are a must try. From our last visit we were slightly disappointed to see that the Tiger Tempura Rolls and the unique Beetroot Rolls are no longer on the menu as these were two of our favorites, although with the options available guests are still sure to find something to their liking. After we finish our sushi platter the waitress asks us if we would like to try some of the sashimi, we opt for a small helping of the Salmon. With each bite the Salmon Sashimi melts in our mouth, its some of the best fresh Salmon we have tasted in a while. For dessert we head back to the buffet, although many tasty desserts are on offer from Red Velvet Cheesecake, Coconut Caramel Cake to Black Sesame Macaroons we opt to skip dessert as we are full. The Thursday Night Fusion Brunch at SushiSan, Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi is a great way to start the weekend. If you like sushi and want to get into the weekend mood, you will be hard pressed to find a better offer than that at SushiSan on a Thursday night. AED 199 for food and soft beverages or AED 265 for food and selected beverages. SushiSan, Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi, 800 78 744 726
32 | Dining and Nightlife Abu Dhabi
Distinct steakhouse with British Rock & Roll air at Oak Room. By Tom Aikens
Al Bateen Marina, PO box 127799, Abu Dhabi, UAE T +971 (0) 2 208 0000 restaurantreservations.auh@editionhotels.com www.editionhotels.com
Chocolate Afternoon Tea
Gather your little ones this Easter as Crystal Lounge introduces a new Chocolate Afternoon Tea this April. The perfect Afternoon treat for adults and kids alike, enjoy bespoke tea infusions presented by a dedicated tea sommelier alongside a range of deliciously chocolate-y treats. In addition to a delicious range of savory sandwiches, discover chocolate and lemon s’mores, pistachio and chocolate opera cake, raspberry and chocolate choux. Our very important little people (VILP) can enjoy a delightful lucky charms chocolate milkshake for the ultimate Easter treat! Available from 1st to 30th April, daily from 2.00pm to 6.00pm. AED 195 per adult or AED 85 per child. 34 | Dining and Nightlife Abu Dhabi
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, 02 694 4553
SERVING HEALTH FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER BY TOM AIKENS Al Bateen Marina, PO box 127799, Abu Dhabi, UAE T +971 (0) 2 208 0000 restaurantreservations.auh@editionhotels.com www.editionhotels.com
Join us as we celebrate our one year anniversary with an energy-packed entertainment schedule for more than 12 hours straight. Prepare to party from 1:00 PM until 2:00 AM, with a three-hour brunch, DJ sets by local and international artists and an electric live act by a renowned violinist duo.
For Reservation, Call: +971 (2) 498 8888, WhatsApp: +971 50 621 3583
restaurant.saadiyat@stregis.com
@buddhabarbeachabudhabi
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi