Celebrity chef-fronted restaurants, weekend brunches and Emirati Women’s Day celebrations all make for a fun-filled weekend.
The last weekend in August is finally upon us, and these are the things to look forward to before you return to school and work next week.
Friday 26 August 2022
Visit a new celebrity chef-fronted restaurant
The second Jamie’s Italian outlet in the country is now open at Dubai Hills Mall, boasting an al fresco dining area, impeccable interiors and charming furnishings. From antipasti to freshly made pasta and pizzas, hearty mains and an array of wholesome salads, the recipes from acclaimed chef Jamie Oliver showcase homestyle Italian cuisine packed with flavour. Open daily Monday to Thursday from 11am to 11pm and from 11am to midnight on weekends.
GO: Follow @jamiesitaliangcc on Instagram for more information.
Enjoy a foraging dinner
Join Nick Alvis and the team at folly for a four-course dinner inspired by the Isle of Islay, off the west coast of Scotland. The Foraging Dinner will include creative canapes and the main event of wood-fired bread and ash butter, sandy scallops with wasabi and lemon balm, Halibut with wood sage and samphire, and lamb or venison with neeps and tatties. A refreshing wild strawberry and elderflower meringue will finish the meal. Pairings from the Botanist will include the Windy Martini and the Folly Hanky Panky, plus a special White Negroni. Friday 26 August. AED 595 per person,
GO: Email reservations@folly.ae or call 04 430 8535 for reservations and more information.
Saturday 27 August 2022
Try an Italian-inspired Saturday brunch
The newly-opened Via Toledo at Address Beach Resort, JBR now offers a feast for the senses with its new Saturday brunch. Here, the menu is served, sharing style and includes parmigiana, fritto del pescatore, and burrata e pomodorini. The pièce de résistance is the polpo alla brace (grilled octopus), followed by a sweet treat of either tiramisú, millefoglie, or frutta mista. Saturdays, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 395 (soft beverages), AED 595 (house beverages), AED 745 (bubbly) and AED1,600 (premium bubbly and oysters).
GO: Email info@viatoledo.ae or call 050 545 9278 for reservations and more information.
Head to the desert for afternoon tea
Escape to Abu Dhabi’s desert dunes for a palatial spread of bite-sized nibbles and snacks, served within the beautiful setting of the FACT award-winning Terra Secca at Al Wathba, A Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa. This classic afternoon tea comes with enchanting vistas of the golden dunes for a real desert adventure. Here, Parisian-style macarons are served alongside custard tarts, Italian panna cotta, freshly baked scones, chocolate lava cake, tiramisu and many more irresistible creations. Available daily, from 4pm to 6pm. AED 195 for two.
GO: Call 02 204 4553 for reservations and more information.
Sunday 28 August 2022
Tuck into an Emirati Women’s Day menu
Honour the remarkable women in your life with a beautiful meal at Chef Izu Ani’s FACT Award-winning Carine. Alongside the a la carte menu, Carine will offer a special menu to mark this special day. Available exclusively for Emirati Women’s Day, a series of specials include; crab and prawn croquettes, asparagus risotto, confit duck leg with caramelised endives, and slow-cooked veal ribs with Bordelaise sauce. To end things on a sweet note, diners can enjoy the indulgent sticky toffee pudding. Available Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 August, from 9am to 3pm and 7pm to 11:30pm.
GO: Email reservations@carine.ae or call 04 417 9885 for reservations and more information.
Watch Emirati films at Cinema Akil
Deliveroo is taking over Cinema Akil to host a special screening celebrating the cinematic work of five female Emirati filmmakers on Emirati Women’s Day. The free event will screen short films directed by Sarah Al Hashimi, Mariam Al Awadhi, Raihana Al Hashimi, Amna Al Nowais and Hind Abdullah. Deeply rooted in Emirati culture, the films follow the themes of societal judgement, mixed cultural identity, and loss of family. Guests at the event will receive a complimentary serving of snacks from Project Chaiwala, including cups of chai and generous portions of popcorn. Sunday 28 August, from 7pm to 9pm.
GO: Visit https://cinemaakil.com for reservations and more information.
