Foodie delights coming to Mercato
The Jumeirah Beach Road mall might be Italian-themed, but the food has plenty of variety. Newly opened is Sushi Counter (a branch of the original on Shaikh Zayed Road). But even more exciting is what’s coming up: The first opening by Nick Alvis and Scott Price, the two inventive chefs who started Table 9 and have now set out on their own concept, called Taste Kitchen. A Milk & Honey — an offshoot of the already established gourmet grocery store on the Palm Jumeirah — is also in the works. And finally, how about a Barcelona-based hard candy company where the only limit is your imagination? That’s Papabubble.
Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Abu Dhabi restaurant opens
Market Kitchen, the first UAE restaurant from French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, opens at Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi on April 28 (he has a restaurant in Doha’s W hotel). Despite his French origins, Vongerichten’s cuisine is casual and often Asian-inspired.
The restaurant, a “modern American kitchen concept” is to serve his “greatest hits”, we’re told; expect a market approach with a menu such as Simply Raw, Fish and Meat. Think dishes such as Hamachi Sashimi with Shiitake Mushrooms, Yuzu- Soy Vinaigrette; or Soy Glazed Beef Short Ribs with Apple-Jalapeno Puree and Rosemary Crumbs. It will be open for lunch from noon-4pm, and dinner 7-11pm (Sunday-Thursday) and 7pm-midnight (Friday and Saturday). A Kitchen Counter Menu will be available 3-7pm daily.
China Grill to open at Westin Dubai
The beach hotel is the latest Dubai resort to get an international brand restaurant. Coming this autumn is US eatery China Grill, an Asian-inspired restaurant that opened its first brand in New York in 1987 — not a longevity many restaurants can claim (there are also outlets in Mexico City and Miami, and the same group, China Grill Management, are behind Asia de Cuba, Red Farm, All’Onda and Blue Door). A look at the NYC menu brings up the likes of spicy beef and scallion dumplings, curry miso black cod and lobster pancakes.
Four years of Armani Hotel Dubai
Four of the Burj Khalifa hotel’s five restaurants are celebrating the anniversary with four days of four-course dégustation menus from April 24. They are Armani/Ristorante (Italian), Armani/Hashi (Japanese), Armani/Amal (Indian), and European Armani/Deli. All menus are — quelle surprise! — Dh444 per person; call 04 8883444.
Ladies’ night at Sicilia
The Ibn Battuta hotel’s Bella Donna night at its signature — and authentic — Italian restaurant takes place on Wednesdays serving Sicilian-style home cooking. Traditional Italian dishes and a dessert selection, sharing plates, antipasti, pizza and pasta are on offer for Dh189 (soft) and Dh299 (unlimited house beverages). Tables of four ladies dining between 7-8.30pm get a free sparkling bottle; call 04 4445613.
Light summer menu at Rhodes Twenty10
Ok, so the Brits may not have much experience in cooking for searing summer heat, but Gary Rhodes says he’s got the dishes to cool you down this summer with the launch of the new seasonal menu at Rhodes Twenty10 at the Royal Meridien Dubai. Think heirloom tomato salad with spring onions, tarragon, chives and French dressing; warm smoked salmon and green pea gazpacho cream.
New mains include sticky lavender honey roast chicken breast and pan-fried cod with carrots, fennel, tomatoes, orange and gremolata butter sauce on saffron risotto. For dessert, how about raspberry cream tartlet with lemon sorbet? It’s open daily, 7pm-midnight; 04 3165550.
St George’s day at Reform
The Lakes restaurant Reform Social & Grill is showcasing beef wellington on St Georges’ Day on April 23 — the patron saint of England’s day — for Dh140 per person. It’s available from noon-late; call 04 4542638.
Nutella turns 50
Smoother than a Hollywood star, the choco-hazelnut spread has defied the years and is asking its fans around the world to share their favourite Nutella-related stories. As odd as it may seem, we think there are probably a few of you out there with odes to the chocolate-y delight. Submit your story to www.nutellastories.com — it can be text, photos or videos in either English or Arabic. The folks at Nutella will pick the best each week. There’s also a stand at Abu Dhabi Marina Mall giving tastings from April 24 to 26. Expect a Nutella-flavoured birthday celebration on May 18.
Did you know: Nutella was created in 1964 by Michele Ferrero, based on a recipe developed in 1946 by his father, Pietro Ferrero, the founder of Ferrero, in Italy’s Piedmont region.
