Food news: new restaurant openings, a Tiki brunch, and more

The brainchild of the team behind Reem Al Bawadi, The Kitchen offers traditional Middle Eastern dishes in a modern set-up, punctuated by a large statement deli bar, in Dubai Design District (D3). Expect classics such as hummus Beiruti, muhammara, sambousek and shish tawook alongside moreish beetroot hummus, kafta burgers and quinoa tabbouleh. The deli also offers four money-saving combinations, which are available for delivery and ideal for those working in and around the D3 area: a croissant or manakeesh and a ho t beverage for Dh20; a selection of mini manakeesh, foul, labneh, mixed-olive shakshuka and fresh bread for Dh35; a sandwich or wrap, plus a coffee or soft drink for Dh45; and three cold mezze and a choice of three skewers for Dh60. Call 04 557 8009. Since its launch in the Middle East in 2015, Australia’s home-grown cafe group has mushroomed across the UAE, with its 20th outlet opening its doors in Abu Dhabi’s Dalma Mall this month. Known as much for its healthy food as its cold-brew coffees, the ever-expanding menu features all-day breakfast items, gourmet wraps and sandwiches, salads and dedicated kids’ meals. The latest dishes, which will also be available at the Dalma Mall outlet, include: fried eggs on naan bread with sriracha (Dh38); and zaatar-grilled chicken with a yoghurt-tahini dressing (Dh60). Vegetarians have plenty of options, too, including the signature power bowl (Dh55), which takes in kale, edamame, avocado, cherry tomato, roasted pumpkin, mixed quinoa, couscous, feta cheese, pistachio, pomegranate and chilli flakes. Call 02 554 4068. Trader Vic's Mai Tai Lounge at Hilton's Ras Al Khaimah property combines brunch with live music, and pool and beach access every Friday. The pan-Asian-inspired menu includes jalapeno poppers, wontons in sweet chilli sauce, chicken masala skewers, barbecue peanut beef skewers, volcano prawns in a sweet-and-sour sauce, marinated lamb chops and Angus beef burgers. These can be enjoyed alongside music from a Colombian band or as you try your hand at making your own tiki puka puka beverage. The brunch costs from Dh225, and includes pool and beach access from 12pm to 4pm. Call 056 677 7849. The Latin-American restaurant is celebrating Mexican cuisine in all its taco and guacamole glory today. Visit The Beach venue with a ripe avocado in hand and you’ll be entitled to a complimentary portion of its mouth-watering guacamole, which usually costs Dh65. The eatery is also offering its diners a free taco (which usually go for Dh70 for four pieces), with every meal ordered today. Alternately, you can enjoy unlimited tacos, including Poco Loco’s popular crispy shrimp and duck confit tacos, for Dh111. Call 04 456 2081. The new bakery and dessert parlour opened its doors opposite the original L’eto Caffe in Dubai’s City Walk last Saturday. While L’eto’s Abu Dhabi and Dubai branches are popular for their speciality teas and coffees, the new restaurant by the London-headquartered cafe will focus on fruity mocktails and desserts, with more than 40 types of cakes on offer. The chef recommends pairing the mango pearlini mocktail with the blueberry and apple Napoleon cake, while caffeine lovers can sample the gold saffron latte alongside a slice of the Dulcey nougat cake. Some other items on the Secret Garden menu include: baked banana meringue tart, chocolate blueberry figs pavlova and raspberry hazelnut lychee rose delice. “Secret Garden by L’eto will be a truly Instagrammable cafe, taking inspiration from time spent in a garden,” says managing director Artem Login of the floral-themed venue. ________________________ Read more: Why 'Table Tales’ is just as much an anecdotal history of Abu Dhabi as it is a cookbook New guide focuses on honest ethical eateries, so which UAE restaurants made the cut? Kitchen 'gran' central: the taste for family favourites has returned ________________________

Food news: new restaurant openings, a Tiki brunch, and more

The Kitchen and Secret Garden come to Dubai, while the Coffee Club opens its doors in the capital