What happened this weekend? – BBC Middle Eastern Food
What happened this weekend? – BBC Middle Eastern Food
From laid-back lunches to vegan brunches and innovative hummus creations, here are our recommendations for all things exciting in the UAE
torno subito
Experience La Dolce Vita at food guru Massimo Bottura’s charming Italian restaurant, Torno Subito, and head to the sophisticated, social and laid-back Italian Riviera of the 1960s. Dive into Buona Domenica, a lovely laid back retro afternoon for a shared Italian lunch just steps from the beach. Imagine daring foods, including sea bass ragu, wagyu cheeks and chicken milan, elevated by free-flowing triumphant sips and live entertainment, ending with a sinful note of Cocco bello or Baba’ al limone.
Sunday 1pm to 4pm. AED249 per person (including soft drinks) and AED349 per person (including house drinks). The price includes free access to LIDO, a beach experience in Torno Subito. Visit the website or Instagram.
Fi’lia, SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences Dubai
This Mediterranean-influenced Italian restaurant has launched new brunch offerings just in time for summer. The menu takes diners on a delightful culinary journey, starting with Fi’lia’s signature focaccia and salami, Stracciatella and tomatoes, paired with creative dressings. Next comes a sharing platter full of delicious snacks, followed by the main event, Bresaola and burrata pizza, Rigatoni with tomato sauce and ricotta, and steak on the grill. Finish your feast with a classic tiramisu while rocking to the tune of a solo guitarist.
Saturday 12:30-4pm. AED250 per person (including soft drinks), AED395 per person (including house drinks) and AED550 per person (including sparkling wine). Visit the website or Instagram.
alo beirut
Today is International Hummus Day, and Lebanese restaurant Allo Beirut has launched a new “Future Hummus”. From mint, cumin and spicy traditional to modern twists, silky sips are filled with protein-packed chickpeas. If you want to stick to the classic dip, the restaurant has a hummus platter for you to enjoy, with seven limited-edition flavors such as Basil, Chickpea Salad, Carrot & Orange, Black Sesame, Beetroot, Dried Tomato & Peanut and Zaatar and nut.
Dine-in and delivery May 13-20. Hummus Shake for AED 9 (one flavour) or AED 24 (3 flavours); Hummus Platter for AED 23 for one flavour and AED 55 for three flavours. Visit the website or Instagram.
Marks & Spencer
Celebrate International Hummus Day at home with Marks & Spencer’s Hummus Dip. Think hummus variations in spicy red peppers, chunky layered Moroccan-style with sultanas, balsamic caramelized onions, and more. Order your favorite flavor and enjoy it with whole wheat pita bread.
Shop or order in-store via the website or the M&S Food Delivery mobile app. Visit the website or Instagram.
Abu Dhabi
Hakka Abu Dhabi
Synonymous with Cantonese cuisine, Hakkasan Abu Dhabi has launched a new weekend dim sum set menu called “Dim Sum, Then Sum”. From classic creations to new ones, diners are encouraged to choose from soft shell crab taro croquettes, truffle chicken xiao long bao, Chilean sea bass dumplings, roast duck pumpkin dumplings, king crab dumplings and fluffy wagyu beef puffs.
Saturday 12pm to 3pm. AED 98 for three baskets or AED 138 for five baskets (three per basket for all refreshments). Visit the website or Instagram.
EDITION MARKET, The Abu Dhabi EDITION
Market at EDITION has launched a new vegan brunch that combines gourmet flavors with premium plant-based ingredients. To meet diners’ demand for more vegetarian experiences in the capital, the sophisticated hotel has worked closely with its exclusive partner, Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens, to master brunch offerings. result? The exquisite three-course menu includes highlights such as kale salad, cauliflower tabbouleh, charred eggplant steak and black rice pudding.
Sunday 1pm to 5pm. AED 155 per person (including soft drinks) and AED 255 per person (including house drinks). Visit the website or Instagram.