Abu Dhabi Foodie News: Dairy Queen opens; Famous Dave’s pit barbecue is coming and more

Dairy Queen opens this week at Yas Mall. Courtesy Dairy Queen

• Dairy Queen, the iconic American chain, opens in Yas Mall on Thursday (October 22). Known for their signature frozen treats called Blizzards, the casual restaurant also serves up burgers, hot dogs and other typical American fare. Malik Bajwa, director of operations for the Dairy Queen franchise in the UAE, says, "Dairy Queen brings a true taste of America. We pride ourselves on bringing people authentic American food from our burgers and chilli cheese fries to the Blizzard desserts." Dairy Queen is already up and running in Ras Al Khaimah and, after Yas Mall's opening, a second location will follow in December in the World Trade Centre Mall, Abu Dhabi. Bajwa says, "We have plans for 20 outlets in the UAE by the end of 2019 and are well on the way to achieving that." www.dquae.com

• New restaurant Famous Dave’s is coming to the UAE. The American pit barbecue chain is scheduled to open in the Abu Dhabi Mall in January with a second outlet to follow in Dubai by the end of next year. There are plans to open four Famous Dave’s in the country within three years. The restaurant is known in the US for its hand-rubbed meats with signature sauces and spices, which are slow-smoked over hickory wood chips in a live wood smoker. The restaurant also serves up salads, burgers, sandwiches and classic American desserts. Famous Dave’s has 180 restaurants. When Famous Dave’s opens in Abu Dhabi Mall, it will be the first franchise outside North America.

• Caramel Restaurant & Lounge at The Collection within The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort has just launched a new menu with 14 new dishes. The new menu highlights the best of contemporary American cuisine. New options for mains include chicken marsala with mushrooms and broccolini; truffled fish and chips with black truffle mayonnaise; mushroom and arugula risotto with pesto and thyme; and a grilled Wagyu strip loin paired with marinated prawns, burnt lemon and steak sauce. There are also new starters and desserts, including a dessert called the Butterscotch Bomb with caramel and pine nut cookies. The restaurant is open from 5pm to 2am Saturday through Wednesday and until 3am on Thursday and Friday. For reservations, call 02 678 3344.

• La Mamma, the Italian restaurant at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort is launching Pizza Bambini this weekend where kids can decorate their own pizza. The kids’ pizza-making option will be available every day for lunch and dinner from Sunday, October 25 onward. Kids will get to wear aprons and chef hats while creating their own pizza and, for a sweet ending, they can also decorate their own dessert. Dh45 for pizza only; Dh65 for pizza and dessert. To reserve a spot for your little one, call 02 677 3333.