Abu Dhabi Culinary is now a year-round affair – and other food news

Plus, firm behind La Serre to launch four restaurants in the UAE; and Fairmont Dubai restaurant offers authentic dishes from Kerala

Abu Dhabi residents can expect more culinary collaborations between star chefs as part of Abu Dhabi Culinary in the months to come. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Culinary

Restaurant launches may be commonplace in the UAE’s bustling culinary scene, but even we can’t help but get excited when a quartet of new eateries is announced in one go, coming, too, from F&B consultants Restaurant Secrets Inc (of La Serre, Taikun, and Mitts & Trays fame).

Although exact dates are yet to be announced, the company has confirmed that the launches – across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah – are scheduled for this quarter and the next.

Abu Dhabi residents can expect M1, a two-storey cafe and lounge, while Dubai residents will be able to dine on grilled meats and small plates in Sage, or check out Amazigh, a North African restaurant with a focus on Moroccan cuisine. Meanwhile, Sharjah will get a pastry-focused cafe with a flower shop on its premises.

“Despite being in the midst of a pandemic, business in the restaurant development world has remained steadfast. People still want to open restaurants,” said Gabrielle F Mather, chief executive and founder of Restaurant Secrets Inc.

“Restaurateurs are paying closer attention to the details than they were before, which is very encouraging. It’s positive to see that things are not slowing down.”

DCT Abu Dhabi makes Abu Dhabi Culinary a year-round affair

There’s some good news for foodies in the capital: the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has announced that Abu Dhabi Culinary (which puts together seasonal chef’s tables and limited-time menus) will offer residents and visitors year-round food and beverage events.

One such initiative will be Nomad Supper Club, championing collaborations between domestic culinary talents and stunning locales that shine a spotlight on the beauty of Abu Dhabi.

After the last Nomad Supper Club with UAE pitmaster Hattem Matter and food blogger Hessa Khalifa at the Pura Eco Retreat and Emirates Palace, sold out, the event is set to become a staple throughout 2021.

Meanwhile, Food Forward includes residencies by recognisable brands and chefs taking place in cultural locations, be it in the desert, surrounded by mangroves or in Warehouse 421 in Mina Zayed.

Some brands and chefs participating include Faisal Alharmoodi and Balkan bistro 21 Grams. Details will be updated through the year at adculinaryseason.ae.

Cool down with a Dragon Colada popsicle

Dragon Colada is made of dragon fruit, banana and pineapple. Courtesy House of Pops

With temperatures soaring, there’s nothing quite like a cool treat to help you beat the heat – and home-grown brand House of Pops has you covered.

The all-natural brand, known for its ice pops and ice creams, has launched an exotic flavour for the summer months. Dragon Colada is a blend of dragon fruit, banana and pineapple, along with ingredients such as coconut milk, organic agave and chia seeds.

The popsicle, priced at Dh20, packs in just 102.8 calories. This is the latest addition to House of Pops Happiness Collection, which features flavours such as Fancy Choco (cocoa and coconut), Super Strawberry, Galactic Lime, Crazy Coconut, Blackberry Lemonade and Pineapple Basil.

Like all the brand’s ice pops, Dragon Colada is vegan and free of artificial colourings, flavourings and refined sugars. The range is available online via Chatfood and Deliveroo, and at House of Pops shops.

Little Miss India offers limited-time dishes from Kerala 

Meen pollichathu cooked in a banana leaf. Courtesy Little Miss India

South India is known for its delectable coastal cuisine, characterised by fresh seafood, tangy spices and all things coconut.

The Indian restaurant in Fairmont The Palm is bringing back its character-led gastronomic experience Travels of Mohini, where guests to Little Miss India are taken on a culinary journey based on the travels of fictional character Mohini Singh.

Part one of the series serves authentic dishes from Kerala until Saturday, May 29.

Tuck into specialities such as njandu pepper fry-up (stir-fried crab legs with curry leaves, coconut and shallots, and served with vegetable stew); meen pollichathu (red snapper cooked in banana leaf); nadan chammen manga curry (scallops and shrimp simmered with raw mango, coconut and turmeric); and njandu roast (soft shell crab seasoned with shallots, fennel, black pepper, anise, curry leaves and tamarind chilli sauce).

Prices range from Dh145 to Dh295, and the dishes are available only for dinner during Ramadan, and for lunch and dinner post Ramadan.