Burger Rebel’s got a cause in Downtown
Eating in Souk Al Bahar and fancy a burger with duck confit and melted brie and fig sauce, or with a marinated grilled giant mushroom, spiced aioli and Provolone cheese? You got it. Burger Rebel is now open at the foodie mall opposite Dubai Mall, serving up classic beef cheeseburgers (Dh37) and sliders-with-a-twist. The 93-seater, which also has outdoor space, has been graffiti’d by a local artist, similar to the original outlet, which is in Wafi. They also serve hot dogs (how about venison?) and desserts — think sweet pumpkin pudding blended with honeyed cream cheese. Most items, including the potato starch buns and sauces, are made in-house. Open 10am-midnight daily; call 04-3244252.
Punjab Grill is next up at Venetian Village
Interesting news: An Indian fine dining chain is getting on the international expansion bandwagon with an opening in Abu Dhabi. Punjabi Grill, which specialises in the royal cuisine of the region, has eight restaurants around India (and one in Singapore). It’s due to open at the Venetian Village restaurant area at the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal later this year. This month at the same venue is Todd English’s Olives. Barfly, by the creators of Buddha Bar, will also open later this year.
Opening discounts at Taj Dubai
The Taj hotel in Business Bay had a spectacular opening earlier this month, and to celebrate, they are giving a 25 per cent discount on all their restaurants (and the spa, if that’s more your inclination). New places to check out are Peruvian restaurant Tesoro (it’s got a terrace with a spectacular view of Burj Khalifa); Indian at Bombay Brasserie; afternoon tea in the lounge; and gastro-pub food at The Eloquent Elephant. The discount is on until August 31.
New offerings at The Gramercy
Following its revamp, the DIFC gastro pub has got live music (open-mic night is Friday) and some tasty food offers. And while we take issue with the name of the new ‘Business Man’s Breakfast’, aimed at “the stylish gentlemen of the DIFC”, the menu does sound delicious (and something we’re sure plenty of DIFC women will enjoy just as much): the Full English Breakfast includes Cumberland sausages, scrambled eggs, portobello mushrooms, beef bacon, home-made baked beans, hash browns, herb grilled tomatoes and toast; and who are we to turn down a bit of homemade crumpet? It comes with a poached egg, Portobello mushrooms and cherry tomatoes and strawberry jam. Breakfast is Monday-Thursday, 8.30am-11am. Call 04-4377511.
Learn Japanese in Abu Dhabi
Japanese cookery, that is. Koi, the LA import at St Regis Saadiyat Island, this month launched cooking classes, taking place every Saturday from noon-3pm. The fun includes sushi making, a tour of the kitchen and a beverage and then a tasting of your efforts (so no snoozing in the back of the class, please). It’s Dh225 per person; call 02-6783334.
