Food news: Urth and Galliard open in Dubai, Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi launches no-mobile challenge and more

The Week of the Italian Cuisine in the World, which is taking place in the UAE for the third year in a row, will celebrate World Pasta Day on October 25. Events and activities include a day of debates at the Dubai Knowledge Park Auditorium and cooking sessions with Italian and local chefs at the ICCA, International Centre for Culinary Arts. Celebrations will continue at selected Italian restaurants in Dubai all week. The one we’re most excited about is a pasta party at Ronda Locatelli at Atlantis, The Palm, which is serving eight dishes on October 28 for only Dh15, for lunch and dinner. Options include penne arrabiata, spaghetti al Pomodoro e basilica and penne 4 formaggi. The team at Trattoria Toscana, meanwhile, have crafted a limited-edition range of pasta dishes that will be served between October 25 and November 2. They include: Squid ink tonnarelli pasta (Dh60); Pomegranate-flavoured paccheri pasta with artichoke cream, mint and lamb medallions (Dh55); and a vegetarian and dairy-free short-sleeve pasta with red capsicum jus, onions and black olives (Dh50). The leading organic coffee roaster from the United States counts Kylie Jenner and Hayley Baldwin as its fans. Since launching in Los Angeles in 1991, Urth travelled to Japan, Saudi Arabia and now Dubai, where it opened its doors at CityWalk on October 24. Its beverage selection includes Japanese tea latte, Spanish latte granite and the good old Italian cappuccino, as well as black, green, white, and oolong teas imported from the most famous tea gardens of the world. Known for its all-natural and chemical-free ingredients, the café also serves bites such as caravan kale salad, matcha pancakes, a wild mushroom pizza and vegan chocolate cake. Three restaurants at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, aim to being conversation back to the dinner table, with a fun challenge. Just lock away your mobile phone in a box every time you dine at Li Jiang, Mijana and The Forge, and get 20 per cent off your bill, provided you don’t take a single sneak peek. Oh, and just to make it a bit more challenging, your phone will be placed in a transparent box. Call 02 818 8888. The Washington-headquartered eatery, which opened its only international branch in Abu Dhabi last year, will serve up unlimited pizza every Monday from 6pm until closing. Chef Federico will deliver endless slices of the popular Margherita and Marinara options, for Dh190 for adults, inclusive of two beverages, and Dh95 for children (ages 6-12), inclusive of two soft drinks. Call 02 33 32630. Turkish fusion brasserie The Galliard opens in Dubai Grammy-nominated artist Kelis is all set to perform at the launch party of The Galliard, which is opening at the revamped Address Downtown Hotel in Dubai on October 25. The Turkish-Mediterranean concept offers Turkish delicacies alongside Italian, French and Spanish cuisine. Signature dishes include cig köfte (patty with minced beef, tomatoes and mango salsa); roasted bone marrow with caramelised onions, marmalade with pears and crostini; and tantuni (beef tenderloin and lamb tail, served with onions, tomatoes, chiles de árbol, mustard, chives, sumac, arugula, drizzled with balsamic sauce and a side of crispy baguette slices). Call 052 489 9982 Folly by Nick & Scott will open its relaunched rooftop from October 30. A level up from the main restaurant, the space boasts views of the Burj Al Arab and Arabian Gulf. The launch coincides with an updated menu that now includes small-plate options such as Portobello mushrooms, squid spinach, sea trout, beetroot and ricotta cheese, and a white asparagus and almond dish. Additions to the main course include duck liver, sea bream with sunflower seeds, and a cauliflower truffle creation. The chocolate fondant comes with a home-made ginger ice cream, while desserts also include rhubarb custard and banana toffee. On November 10, Jim “Shaft” Ryan will perform a four-hour set at the rooftop from 8pm. Call 04 430 8535. The food event, which will run at Dubai World Trade Centre from October 30 to November 1 will feature Michelin-starred chefs from eight countries, alongside the UAE's chefs and pizza masters. Visitors can be witness to demo kitchens, pastry and gelato labs, pizza acrobatics, and a dramatic animation by American celebrity masterchef Walter Potenza. Seats at the theatre are free with registration at www.speciality.ae . The Speciality Food Festival will also feature 137 exhibitors from 26 countries, all promoting fine foods and culinary gifts. _____________________ Read more: _____________________

Food news: Urth and Galliard open in Dubai, Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi launches no-mobile challenge and more

Plus: Pizza Mondays at Cafe Milano; The Rooftop @Folly reopens; and Dubai celebrates World Pasta Day and a Chefs’ Theatre at the Speciality Food Festival