In my years living in Abu Dhabi, I visited Jumeirah Etihad Towers on a number of occasions for brunch or dinner or drinks, but never had the chance to stay over at this popular property. Thus, when I saw an incredible menu come across my inbox (yes, I often think first with my stomach), I asked if the hotel might be kind enough to extend me a stay while I dined at the restaurant with the amazing menu. Imagine my delight when they agreed! In my typical fashion, I think it’s easiest to break down my visit into an easy to reference list. Should you want to know more about room types or other details for the property, there is plenty of information out there, but basically, this was my experience. Pros So much choice! As a foodie, there are a ton of outlets to choose from, without ever having…
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When given a chance to visit Abu Dhabi a few weeks ago, I was happy to accept an invite to Sambusek, located at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi. With a promise of an At Home dining experience with the head chef, Emad, it was an easy choice to make. The meal itself was a lovely one — and a perfect experience for those with out of town guests. Even though I’ve lived in the Middle East for more than a decade, I still find it best for regional chefs to select the mezze and mains on my behalf. For the At Home with Chef Emad, diners get to experience a communal meal with tableside service from the head chef. That Chef Emad is engaging and welcoming simply adds to the charm. Guests could easily follow up dinner with a shisha outside on the expansive terrace. So, what else does the hotel…
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While staying at the Edition Abu Dhabi, I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to enjoy a meal at Oak Room. Having already heard fabulous things from other foodie friends in Abu Dhabi, I was delighted to check out one of the newest steakhouses in the city, a menu which includes oversight from a well-lauded and internationally known chef, Tom Aikens. After a quick drink at the beautiful Library (located just across the way – plan to have a quick cocktail here if you can), we were warmly greeted and shown inside. The interior of Oak Room immediately passes with the highest of marks. I’m not sure where the contract was signed to say that steakhouses should be done in dark paneling and low lighting, but in the Edition, the concept works. The design is modern and doesn’t feel outdated in any way (as many steakhouses tend towards). Instead, the fit out…
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Sharing the screen with one of my good foodie friends, David Tapley, of Out & About UAE. One of my favorite episodes of What’s Cooking UAE to film!
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Some of my favorite meals have been in museums. There’s something satisfying about viewing priceless art and then having a long conversation about everything you just saw with a pleasant bite to eat and putting your feet up for a rest and then heading back to your car and driving to Dubai. I’ve already shared some of my love of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and recently I was fortunate to visit the attached cafe. While you do have to be a guest of the Louvre (tickets are only AED60), the team is working to make the restaurant available without the cost of admission (I think this would be a mostly utilized option for Saadiyat residents). However, the museum has plenty to offer, so if you’re already there, why not make the most out of your visit? The cafe is located towards the back of the museum complex, with plenty of natural light and…
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While living on Saadiyat Island circa 2014-2016, Hubs and I had a few routines in place. One of those was to take out of town guests to the (now closed) Fanr. This venue was an easy drive from our apartment at Saadiyat Beach Residences, and, while the food might have been a tad basic, the setting was beautiful, and there was usually a unique (and free) art exhibit to check out after a lazy breakfast. When the weather was pleasant, we would sit outside and simply relax. Thus, when the restaurant closed, I was sad and wondered (like Axe House) how the new venue would compare against the older property. Fortunately, we recently had the opportunity to visit LARTE during its soft launch. With the place to ourselves — should you want to experience the same, try arriving before 10 AM — we had our pick of seats inside the slightly renovated…
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It’s been awhile since I’ve dined at Bord Eau. If memory serves, the last time I was there was with an Entertainer coupon for a buy one get one offer for the Hubs and myself. Fast forward three years and I was happy to host a dear friend for a meal at this intimate French bistro. Both of us recalled dining at the venue, but our memories were neither good or bad (not a particularly good sign for a restaurant). Located at the Shangri-La Qaryat al Beri (of which I’ve had my issues…), the restaurant is set directly off the usually bustling lobby. Once inside, the noise disappears, and visitors are left with stunning views of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. Tables are spread quite far apart, such that there is privacy (unless the sound is turned off and then it’s awkward for everyone). For our visit, although I had initially been interested…
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My visit to Cafe Milano in Abu Dhabi has been a long time coming! Having heard great things from foodie friends in the capital, I timed my reservation for an evening in early December. With absolutely beautiful dining room views (ask for a table overlooking the water for maximum romantic value), and a soundtrack that not only a) makes sense and also b) was played at the correct volume, this meal had all the hallmarks of a lovely evening. Warmly welcomed, for a Tuesday evening the restaurant was quite buzzy — a mix of holiday office parties and perhaps those at the Four Seasons to catch a glimpse of a particular famous football team in residence. Settling in, upon reviewing the menu, I appreciated a rotating list of specials so that diners can try old and new favorites alike. To start, after placing cocktail orders, we received a small arancini, which was quite twee…
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As a former resident of Saadiyat Island, I have long been looking forward to the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. In my initial commute to work, I crossed the bridge every day and would peer to my right to see the progress of the one of a kind museum. After moving to Dubai, for trips to review restaurants in Abu Dhabi I would more often than not choose to approach via Yas/Saadiyat just so I could get a glimpse. I also loved the commitment to art on the island and spent many a Friday or Saturday morning browsing Manarat Al Saadiyat, a small gallery with creative and rotating installations. Of course, it’s been a few years since I visited the Louvre in Paris, but let me be the first to tell you that, while not identical, a sense of wonder has been transplanted to the capital city of the UAE. …
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