Rivington Grill is closing
News that the British restaurant at Souk Madinat Jumeirah is closing caused something of an uproar on social media on Monday with expats expressing shock at the idea it will be turned into a new concept from Jumeirah Restaurant Group.
Fret not: The original outlet, at Souk Al Bahar in Downtown Dubai, will remain open. Jumeirah announced the Madinat location will close at midnight on April 17 “ahead of a significant renovation project” that will see a “an exciting new restaurant brand in Dubai in Q4”. No word yet on what that will be. Friday will see a closing party serving the Rivi a la carte menu “while stocks last” for Dh250 per person; the beverage list is “Reduced to Clear”. Call 04-4230903.
Jumeirah Restaurant Week is back
The annual celebration of the hotel group’s F&B outlets will see both fine dining and casual outlets — including the uber-pricey Burj Al Arab — lower their prices. The ten-day event, now in its fourth year, starts on May 14 and will include more than 40 restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Each restaurant serves a three-course set meal available at lunch and dinner for a fixed price; highlights include Junsui and Al Iwan at Burj Al Arab (Dh370 each; last year it was Dh270); romantic Pierchic (Dh370) and The Rib Room (Dh180) at Jumeirah Emirates Towers. There are also outlets at under Dh100: Perry & Blackwelder’s, the BBQ restaurant at Madinat Jumeirah (Dh95); all Noodle House restaurants (Dh95) and Naya and the Dhow and Anchor at Jumeirah Beach Hotel (Dh95). The full list of restaurants will be announced on May 1 at jumeirahrestaurantweek.com.
Outdoor market in RAK
Head to Al Hamra Marina this weekend for a two-day market. Running from 5-10pm on April 16-17, in addition to food there will also be a raffle, crafts and family activities; event proceeds go to the Joud Foundation, part of the Beit Al Khair Society. Shake Shack and 54° East will also be on site, as will Ice Cream Lab, Pesto Restaurante, Holland House Pancakes, Ice Cup, Monkey Cookies, Food Truck Dubai, Anytime Ice Cream, Organic Oasis, Cocoville and Sough Jewelry.
New Al Fanar outlets in Al Ain, Yas
The Emirati restaurant chain is expanding rapidly, opening outlets in Al Ain and Yas Island. The Garden City restaurant is due to open in May near Souk Al Zafaran; they say they will be the largest restaurant in Al Ain with a combined indoor and outdoor capacity of 900 people in the same rustic, traditional setting seen at their locations in Dubai Festival City and Venetian Village in Abu Dhabi.
The Yas Mall outlet, with 340 covers, will open after Ramadan to mark Eid Al Fitr. All Al Fanar Restaurants are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; call 04-3442141. If you’re after more Emirati cuisine, check out Logma at Boxpark (the fries with bezar spice are fantastic) and the upcoming Seven Sands at The Beach.
Supperclub at China Grill
The pan-Asian restaurant, lounge and bar at the Westin Dubai starts “Enter The Dragon” on April 16, a new fixed-price Thursday night party from 10pm. For Dh195, guests get a selection of unlimited signature dishes, including the king scallop and lobster siew mai and our favourite, the spicy beef and scallion dumplings, plus maki, futomaki and small plates such as salt and pepper soft shell crab, served in the lounge to the sounds of DJ Ivy V. There are also unlimited selected beverages; it goes on until 2am. Call 04-5117333.
