The newly-opened restaurant, P&C by Sergi Arola, seems to tick all the right boxes — great location by the sea, check; vibrant ambiance, check; a two-Michelin-star chef behind the menu, check; delicious food, double check.
The restaurant, which was recently launched at the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, is Arola’s 14th one globally, with other locations in Barcelona, Madrid (holding two Michelin stars), Sao Paulo, Istanbul, and Mumbai, among other cities.
Originally named Pearls and Caviar (hence the P&C) and operating as a Mediterranean seafood restaurant, the restaurant was given a makeover as Arola took over management and introduced a new menu that offers Spanish tapas and sharing dishes.
“The philosophy is very clear because what we want to [deliver] is fun on the table. The menu is all about tapas and Spanish food, and we’re going to change the menu at least twice a year to combine some of the most classic Sergi Arola tapas with new creations,” the Spanish chef told tabloid! in an interview.
So, expect dishes like Arola’s famous patatas bravas (cubes of potatoes with aioli), his version of tortilla patatas (Spanish omelette), steak tartare, and plenty of Spanish dishes like paella and other rice dishes.
But that’s not all, because Arola’s attention to detail also includes music, with the restaurant playing jazz music from the region’s first jazz music station, Jazz Arabia.
“We will combine jazz and tapas in a very cool and trendy atmosphere... Food is a necessity but it should also be a pleasure. Our creations, our menu; it’s an experience, [with] flavour, colour, presentation, and delivery designed to be shared and enjoyed together,” he said.
Though he is based in Spain, Arola assured he will be hands-on at P&C, visiting Abu Dhabi at least four to six times a year.
“[During] the most important dates in Abu Dhabi, I’ll be here. For example, during the Formula 1, the Golf [Championship], or the festivals, I’ll be here,” the chef said.
As to why he chose to bring his food to the city, Arola said he “fell immediately in love with it” when he first came to see the property.
