The best things to do in the UAE this week: 16 to 22 January
Brunches, lunches, ladies’ nights and afternoon teas.
The third week of 2023 brings with it several culinary treats. From waterfront brunches to vibrant ladies’ nights, these are FACT’s best places to wine and dine this week in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Monday 16 January
Enjoy the buzz of this new afternoon tea
SocialBee at the newly opened Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah is home to a special afternoon tea inspired by locally sourced honey from Hatta. Shaped like a bees nest, the afternoon tea stand has hidden drawers that reveal an array of treats, including egg salad and watercress brioche bun, truffle arancini with coffee foam, and smoked salmon mousse éclair with avocado and dill. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the range of pastries, including carrot cake, pistachio éclair, Hatta honey cake, and freshly baked scones. The experience also includes flavoured teas or unlimited coffee. Available daily, from 2pm to 5pm. AED 289 per stand.
GO: Call 04 230 000 for reservations and more information.
Tuesday 17 January
Savour superb sushi
Barfly by Buddha-Bar’s new “Sushi Social” offers unlimited food from a selected menu, music from a live DJ and a sharing carafe of white, red, bubbles or sake. The menu features Japanese wafu salad, miso soup, vegetable dumplings, truffle chicken gyoza, maki rolls and a mixed grill with chicken yakitori, lamb kabab and beef anticuchos. Dessert options include mochi, yuzu tart, cheesecake, and exotic fruit platters. Tuesdays, from 7pm to 11pm. AED 295 per person.
GO: Visit https://barflydubai.ae for reservations and more information.
Wednesday 18 January
Grab the girls for a night on the town
Winner of ‘Best Pan Asian Restaurant’ at the FACT Dining Awards Dubai 2020, 2021 and 2022, Indochine is more than just a place for a great meal and masterful mixology. Ladies can party amidst the tropical décor with an evening of free-flowing white, rosé and red wine, complemented by smooth beats from DJ Crown Prince. Wednesdays, from 8pm to midnight. AED 265 (four small plates and free-flowing house wine).
GO: Email reservations@indochinedxb.com or call 04 208 9333 for reservations and more information.
Thursday 19 January
Masticate on the new menu at Monno
Inspired by the trattorias of Italy, Monno boasts a rustic charm in the heart of Jumeirah. The new menu from Head Chef Federico Bartoli features dishes prepared with fresh and natural ingredients imported directly from Italy. Highlight dishes include Alici Camouflage (marinated anchovies with burrata dressing), Saffron Risotto, Japanese Wagyu Brisket, and handmade pasta dishes. Desserts include classic Sicilian Cannolis and house-made gelato.
GO: Call 04 332 2255 for reservations and more information.
Friday 20 January
Celebrate Burns Night
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah is hosting a Burns Night celebration at their beachside garden, Wavebreaker. The event celebrates the life and works of Robert Burns with a night of songs, tributes, a live Ceilidh band and a traditional “Burns Supper”. The three-course set menu includes gravlax salmon, braised beef short rib with haggis, and Scottish Cranachan cheesecake. Friday 20 January, from 7:30pm to 1am. AED 495 per person.
GO: Call 056 682 4382 for reservations and more information.
Saturday 21 January
Brunch at a FACT Award winner
Paradiso in Yas Bay now offers a brunch menu of bruschetta, beef carpaccio, burrata, crab croquettes, homemade pasta, seabass, ribeye steak, grilled gambas and roasted cockerel. Pizza lovers can indulge in stone-baked delights topped with chorizo or truffle whilst live music sets the tone for a relaxed afternoon on the outdoor terrace overlooking the water. Saturdays and Sundays, from 1pm to 5pm.
GO: Email contact-paradiso-abudhabi@groupebarriere.com or call 050 437 2869 for reservations and more information.
Sunday 22 January
Experience a taste of Mexico
Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island have opened a Mexican-themed dining experience on the terrace of Al Meylas Lounge. Celebrating Executive Chef Christian Buenrostro’s Mexican heritage, the three-month pop-up offers a special heritage menu, refreshing cocktails and lively entertainment. The menu features guacamole, prawns cooked in chilli-lime juice, tortilla soup with avocado and sour cream, tacos, slow-cooked beef ribs, and chicken enchiladas with fresh cream and jalapeño. Dessert options include churros with caramel and chocolate sauce and “flan Mexicano” with fresh berries.
GO: Call 02 333 2444 for reservations and more information.
