Fümé opens at Pier 7
Now they’ve got a fine dining outlet (Atelier M), a sports bar (Cargo) and a Mexican (O’Cacti), it was about time Pier 7 tower got a no-frills neighbourhood restaurant. It’s now open, called Fümé (which is an approximation of the French word for smoked; seafood and meat are smoked onsite, in a Balinese barbeque). The drinks licence is in the works for now but the rustic-style spot is already serving up food from around the world with a nostalgic, homey feel.
Dishes include sourdough bread with smoked butter; meatballs with papardelle and tomato sauce; honey and chilli marinated chicken and the amazing sounding Monster DIY Sundae from the Milk Bar. What else we like the sound of: “Our key aim is to create customer loyalty based on value for money. This is not just a ‘special’ night out, it’s an ‘every night out’ restaurant,” says operations manager Angelo Rosato. Call 04-4215569 or visit www.fume-eatery.com.
Azzurro, an Italian at Souq Qaryat Al Beri
Abu Dhabi has a new Italian seafood restaurant, open daily from noon-midnight. In the kitchen is chef Giancarlo Campoli, serving his signature dishes, such as sformatino di parmigiano, a souffle with tomato sauce; spaghetti with shellfish shrimps, and homemade linguinie with black truffle oil and shaved parmesan. The restaurant is run by Horizon Hospitality Holdings, the people behind Abd El Wahab and Karma Cafe. Call 02-5759993.
Sushi lessons at Toko
The Downtown Dubai restaurant (read our review here) is starting weekly masterclasses from June 8, led by chef Lin Htet Aung every Sunday at 7.30pm. Sushi students get ingredients and refreshments during the two-hour class, as they learn the art of rolling and nigiri. Each class is for up to eight people, Dh300 per person. It ends with a sushi and drinks tasting. Call 04-4428383.
Japanese grills in Silicon Oasis
The second UAE branch of Haru, a robatayaki (grill) restaurant has opened in Dubai Silicon Oasis. What’s on the menu? Sharing, small-plate-style eats, from grilled beef, salmon, prawns and chicken. There’s also tempura and sushi, salads, rice bowl (don) dishes and udon and soba noodles, served hot or chilled. (Another outlet is in Green Community.) Call 8004278.
Goan Food Festival at Options
The spicy seafood classics of the western Indian state are celebrated at Sanjeev Kapoor’s Dubai World Trade Centre restaurant this week. Running until June 6, diners can chose Goan specialities from a special menu; kick off the proceedings with the likes of sweet and tangy Kokam Sherbat (Dh25); malwani sukhat of prawns, clams, crab or lobster (cooked in a paste of spices, chili and coconut, from Dh85, depending on the choice of seafood). Mains include a vegetable or lamb vindaoo (from Dh50); a Goan curry of fish or shellfish in a coconut sauce (from Dh99) and hot and sour ambotik seafood (from Dh99). Call 04-3293293/4.
St Tropez Bistro goes live
The French bar and brasserie at the Mall of the Emirates has added something new to the menu: jazz musician Anita Williams. Williams will perform every Thursday and Friday evening from 8pm starting this week, backed up by her band. Call 04-3413415 for reservations.
