The seventh edition of the popular fine-dining gastronomic affair Gourmet Abu Dhabi is almost here. Although it now falls under the umbrella of the Abu Dhabi Food Festival, and has been scaled back from previous years, there will still be plenty of options for fine-dining foodies to explore. Here’s what’s happening:
Unique bites
The Gourmet Pie Festival at Stills Bar & Brasserie is offering mussel, clam and shrimp and Wagyu beef pies, as well as a chef’s offering, featuring salmis of guinea fowl with duck liver sauce.
• February 17 and 18 from 8pm to 11pm, Dh99, Stills Bar & Brasserie, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Yas Island. For reservations, call 02 656 3053
Burgers, lobsters, cocktails
Burster Tail, a pop-up event at the Forge at the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, has been aptly named for what’s on offer: burgers, lobster and cocktails. This lunchtime affair includes a gourmet burger, lobster dish and a choice of 10 signature beverages.
• From February 12 to 14, from noon to 3pm, Dh200, For reservations, call 02 818 8282
Slice of Italy
Book a table at Bocca for its Venetian Carnival. A special week-long menu created by chef Leonardo Passoni will include a range of classic Venetian dishes.
• From February 12 to 17. Bocca, Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche. For reservations, call 02 692 4160
Get in the kitchen
Take an Emirati cookery class with chef Anas Mourtada. Held at Yas Island Rotana’s steakhouse Blue Grill, chef Mourtada will teach participants how to make lamb thareed, a traditional Emirati dish, followed by food tasting. The best part? It’s free.
• On February 6 from 12.30pm to 2pm. To reserve a spot, call 02 656 4000
Marinade masterclass
Learn valuable tips and tricks on how to create the best rubs and marinades for a perfect barbecue with chef Dean Berry. This one is also free. Food tasting to follow.
• On February 11 from 12.30pm to 2.30pm. Blue Grill, Yas Island Rotana, to reserve a spot, call 02 656 4000
One for the kids
Sign the kids up for Villa Toscana’s cookery class where the restaurant’s chefs will teach them to make pizza and pasta. Parents can enjoy beverages and canapés while the kids get messy. For kids ages 5 to 12.
• February 17 and 18 from 4pm to 6pm, Dh200 per child, includes a light dinner for kids and beverages and canapés for one adult. Dh100 for each additional adult. To reserve a spot, call 02 694 4553
A formal affair
The chef Todd English – a regular on television cooking shows in the United States – will be in the capital for one day only to host a special dinner at the Forge. The dinner will be a sneak peek at the food he’ll offer at Olives, his soon-to-launch restaurant in the Venetian Village within the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. English opened his first Olives in Boston in 1989.
• On February 16, from 7pm, Dh320+. For reservations, call 02 818 8282
All aboard
Safina restaurant at the Saadiyat Beach Club will host a Cruise Through the Mediterranean dinner. The four-course set menu will feature classics from Spain, France, Italy and Morocco.
• On February 11, reception at 6.30pm, with dinner from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, Dh575, beverages included. For reservations, call 02 656 3555
A meaty affair
Taste the Art of Delicious Food with Irish chef Mark Taquet, where he’ll showcase his modern interpretations of classic meat dishes using French cooking techniques. Taquet is known for his innovative approach to using lesser-known techniques and cuts of meats.
• From February 15 to 18, from 7pm to 11pm, Blue Grill, Yas Island Rotana. For reservations, call 02 656 4000
For a taste of India, don’t miss these events:
• From February 11 to 20: Ushna at Souk Qaryat Al Beri will host a Culinary Journey through India, featuring unique food and flavours from each region of the country. Call 02 558 1769.
• From February 17 to 20: Guest chefs – and brothers – Ashfaque and Irfan Qureshi will feature their family classics in a special tasting menu for lunch and dinner at Indigo in the Beach Rotana. Call 02 697 9011.
sjohnson@thenational.ae
