Sand & Koal is coming to Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

The day-to-night dining destination will harness the power of open-fire cooking on the beach.

The evolution of Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental continues, bringing with it details about its newest culinary offering: Sand & Koal. Echoing the rising demand for immersive dining in the capital, the concept will debut on 1 December, exploring the endless possibilities of live-fire cooking.

As for the name? Sand & Koal is derived from the al fresco location and the innovative cuisine that it serves. It also represents day through ‘Sand’ and night with ‘Koal’. The scenic beachfront setting will allow for casual lounging and leisurely lunches, picturesque sunset drinks at dusk and torch-lit fine-dining, with views of the property and Arabian Sea in every direction. On the menu are vegetable-based recipes, unique cuts of meat, grilled skewers, and delicious crudos alongside raw, smoked and charred seafood. Winning dishes are finished tableside for a sense of entertainment and interaction, whilst minimalistic plating allows the natural taste of the ingredients to shine — with the added bonus of smokiness and depth from the grill.

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is committed to responsible sourcing in an effort to promote local agriculture and minimise waste. As a result, Sand & Koal’s seasonal menu is designed to showcase unique and high-quality ingredients. “Open-fire cooking has taken the world by storm in recent years as an inventive, theatrical and complex method that requires both precision and subtlety,” says Michael Koth, General Manager of Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. “Sand & Koal fulfils our fans’ desire for exceptional, unscripted, homegrown food and beverage concepts by offering a vibrant atmosphere, engaging service, amazing mixology and exceptional eats — centrally positioned on the beach to unite fire and water elements.”

The free-spirited daytime experience will be accompanied by laidback tunes spun by DJs before darkness descends and fire dancers take centre stage. Guests can enjoy unique, interactive experiences including a chef’s table and private VIP gazebo for up to 15 people. There will also be a set brunch menu with live cooking on Saturdays, backed by cocktails crafted using charcoal and smoke.

GO: Visit www.mandarinoriental.com or call 02 690 7999 for reservations and more information.