• Emirates Palace is launching Italian cookery classes this month. Called The Secret of Italy’s Cuisine, the classes will be led by executive sous chef Carmine Pecoraro. The classes will utilise Thermomix food processors, which are often referred to as the smallest kitchens in the world. Here’s what’s cooking: January 9, hot and cold appetisers; January 16, Thermomix class with classic Italian mains; January 23, pasta and fillings; and January 30, desserts. The Saturday classes will be held in Mezzaluna from 10am to noon. Dh250 per person, per class. Advanced booking is required. To reserve a spot, call 02 690 9000.
• The wait is almost over: we've been told that Barfly, the last of the six restaurants in Venetian Village, will open this month. The two-level eatery from the same group behind Buddha Bar features an innovative menu served in a funky, high-energy atmosphere. The menu will offer international cuisine including French, Italian, Mediterranean, Asian, and American dishes. Venetian Village, located within The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, boasts a central piazza with spacious al fresco dining areas for each of its six restaurants. For more information on Barfly, visit www.venetianvillage.ae/barfly.
• Have you tried BouBouffe, the new Lebanese brasserie in Yas Mall yet? The eatery, which debuted in Beirut in 1976, is the first branch in the UAE. BouBouffe chefs serve up a variety of hot and cold mezzes; a host of grills; classic Lebanese dishes (think sayadieh and mujadara); soups; sandwiches; Lebanese burgers and more. They also serve up special dishes each weekday such as lamb chops with stuffed vine leaves and courgettes on Mondays or traditional Lebanese moghrabieh on Tuesdays. BouBouffe will open a second UAE eatery in Dubai this year and another in Dubai in 2017. For more information, call 02 418 2594.
• Hakkasan Abu Dhabi in Emirates Palace has refreshed its Hakka Brunch offering to start the new year off right. The four-course brunch menu will continue to offer the famous Hakkasan Peking duck station, but there are some new additions to the menu, including steamed wild prawns in a signature chilli sauce. Don’t forget to save room for the dessert station. Every Friday from noon to 4pm. Dh245 with unlimited soft drinks. For reservations, call 02 690 7999.
