Go to Galleria Mall
And we mean, STAT. There are some very cool new food concepts there waiting for you. First up, South African expats will rejoice at the news that Tashas, the lovely cafe in Cape Town and Johannesburg, is occupying a big spot at the mall. Head there for a light and airy restaurant serving upscale and modern versions of cafe classics, such as a hoummous toastie and ‘Billionaire’s eggs’ — with truffle. Also at the mall is Ginza Cafe, a Japanese-style bakery and coffeeshop that sells — get this — sea salt lattes. For an Emirati take on classic bakery treats, head to Home Bakery, where the likes of rosewater layer cake is on offer. And finally, hoardings are up for Taste Of Italy, an “Italian gourmet”, signed by Italian cuisine masterchef Heinz Beck (who also has his name on Social at the Waldorf Astoria The Palm). We’ll bring you details on that as soon as we can.
Gaucho starts cinema nights
The Argentine restaurant in DIFC starts a monthly “luxury cinema experience” in its upper lounge area, from August 25, kicking off with Breakfast at Tiffany’s. While it’s free to watch the films (and they’ll even throw in some popcorn), their lounge menu dishes (chipotle chutney-spike mini burgers with thyme fries; South American flatbread; salmon ceviche with pink grapefruit and fennel) will be on offer. There will also be specials to reflect the film showing. Starts at 7.30pm; contact dubai@gauchorestaurants.com
Karamna Beirut opens at Ramada Abu Dhabi
Lebanese restaurateur Tony Karam has opened a fine dining spot at the newly renovated hotel in the capital. Known for the Karam restaurant brand in his own country, the focus of the Abu Dhabi restaurant is on “gourmet Lebanese fare”; in the kitchen is executive chef Mohammad Molla. There are 98 covers and three private dining rooms with six seats each. Open daily for lunch and dinner; call 02-4019000.
A lobster that looks like a car?
That’s just one of the new dishes on the menu at Amalfi, the newly relaunched Italian restaurant at the Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi. Chef Pascal Sfara has tested both traditional and fusion dishes for the new rollout. “We had lots of great ideas for the new menu and it actually became a challenge to choose our favourites. The dishes that we selected offer their own personality and are bursting with flavour,” said Sfara.
They include Lobster California, a dish modelled on Ferrari’s 2014 California convertible; black and gold rice (a risotto with squid ink and 24 carat gold leaf); and a deconstructed tiramisu incorporating candy floss, 70 per cent Valrhona chocolate and coffee jelly. For traditionalists, there’s still homemade pasta and wood-oven-baked pizza — and an outdoor terrace. Open daily for lunch and dinner; call 800-101101.
A second Joe’s Cafe in Dubai
The chic cafe (well it was founded by the creator of the Joseph fashion label) has opened a second spot at — where else? The Beach JBR. (Who isn’t opening there?) It’s got beach views, perfect for those Joe’s Cafe fans who want a change from its other location’s fabulous views of the Dubai Fountain. What hasn’t changed is the menu: summer carpaccio, risotto special chicken and Joe’s club sandwich, plus they are serving breakfast from 6am. They stay open until midnight on weekdays and 1am on weekends; call 04-4307086.
