New burgers in Abu Dhabi
Fans of New York burgers in the capital now have an outlet at their doorstep, with the opening of the second Burger Joint (above) in the UAE (the first is at Citywalk in Dubai). The patties are crafted from US beef by an in-house butcher before being chargrilled over coals imported from the States. Find it at Nation Galleria on the Corniche; call 02-2222456. Meanwhile Eat Out burger favourite Steak and Shake (it’s a better value, less greasy Shake Shack), opened in Abu Dhabi’s Delma Mall this week.
New French bistro coming soon at Souk Madinat Jumeirah
It’s been a while since there was a new opening at the Madinat in Dubai, so here’s something to look forward to: Frioul Bistro de Luxe, created by hospitality group Utopia (the folks behind the upcoming Pacha Ibiza Dubai) and having a soft opening this summer. It’s named after the Frioul islands off the coast of Marseille in the south of France (so expect a Mediterranean vibe) and will be open from breakfast to late in the evening. In the kitchen crafting the sharing style food is Brian Hughson, formerly of the Dorchester Collection in the UK. There’s a large terrace, jazz music and a Friday brunch planned.
A sprinkle of Oregano in Mirdiff
Casual Italian dining chain Oregano has re-opened its outlet in Mirdiff, moving from the Pink Mall to the Al Barajeel complex, with rustic Ligurian-style interiors (think brick walls). New on the menu: Stone baked pizzas. They have five other outlets; Dubai Media City, The Greens, Motor City, The Galleries (Downtown Jebel Ali) and Dubai Silicon Oasis; call 04-2559990.
Lafayette Gourmet’s young chef summer camp
Book spaces for your little Gordon Ramsay (aged six and over) at the department store’s food hall camp, which runs August 6-27. Classes (Dh75 per person) include kitchen fundamentals, food experiments, an icing class and a fruits and vegetables workshop; call 04-3399933 ext: 2394 or e-mail lafayette.events@medsdubai.com.
Turkey vs Greece in Dubai Marina
It’s a battle of mythological proportions: Would you chose a doner or a gyro? A new chain, Doner & Gyros, opening next week in Dubai Marina and Al Barsha will be offering both variations on the vertically-grilled kebab sandwich that has sopped up many a night’s revelries across the world. The style of the two sandwiches, which come with a customisable element, are inspired by the two places that claim to have adopted them. The doner is modelled on chef Gul Fahrettin’s Berlin-style; while the gyros takes a leaf from Chicago chef Michael Markellos. Branches are due to open in DIFC, Abu Dhabi. Al Barsha Mall, 9am-2am daily (04-3484333); Marina Diamond Building 4, 10am-4am (04-441 2150), expect to pay Dh40 per person.
