Meet chef Todd English at Olives
The US chef is returning to his Mediterranean restaurant at the Venetian Village (at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal) from October 24-26 and he wants to meet his UAE fans. There are two dinners hosted by the chef, on October 25 and 26, with a four-course menu including lobster tortellini, duck foie gras and “chocolate falling cake”. It’s Dh299 with beverage pairing. There’s also a lunch on October 25 that includes a cooking demonstration and a three-course menu for Dh120++.
English says the restaurant has had a great year and “Olives has been so well received in the UAE”.
“My visit this time will have a special focus on introducing people to the basics of Mediterranean cooking. I’m looking forward to the cooking classes and meeting the foodies of the UAE.” Call 02-4041941.
A little man on your table?
If your dining partner’s conversation leaves something to be desired, fear not: We’ve found a spot where there’s an entertaining little man right on your dinner plate. Le Petit Chef, a Belgian creation, is putting in an appearance nightly at The Forge restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal for the next three months. Using a projector, an animated chef guide diners through their meal, preparing dishes at their seats (get a sneak peek here). There are three tables at the restaurant serving the special Le Petit Chef menu for Dh195++ (or you can also choose favourites from the steakhouse’s menu). Call 02-8188282 or email restaurant.reservations@ritzcarlton.com.
Nando’s launches on Al Reem Island
There’s more marinated chicken in town. Diners at Boutik Mall on Al Reem Island have a new Nando’s to eat at, and it’s decorated with the spirit of South Africa. The artwork has been commissioned from artists in the home country of the grilled chicken brand, while the furniture was also sourced from there. The grilled meat, fries and sides that people obsess over are the same, however.
55&5th The Grill has a revamp
The steakhouse at the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort has had a “refresh” and added some new theme nights including an al fresco BBQ. The Gourmet BBQ
has meats cooked in the insanely hot charcoal Josper oven, seasoned with homemade BBQ sauce. It takes place every Wednesday from 7pm and is Dh354+++ per person. Tuesdays features a South African musicians The Jade Trio trio and the Wagyu Brisket Board — Dh540+++ per couple inclusive of a bottle of red, or Dh270+++ per person with a glass. On Thursdays and Fridays, it’s buy one get one free on selected drinks from 10.30pm-midnight. Call 02-4988443.
