Learn to grill like a pro
If you’d like to learn how to barbecue like a pro (no blackened on the outside, raw in the middle meat allowed) Norberto Palacios, the head chef at the Argentinian restaurant Asado, is holding a masterclass every week from November 17. Sign up and you’ll learn how to marinate your meat for the best results, cook on wood and charcoal and prepare sauces to serve alongside. The classes cost Dh295 per person (including lunch) and start at 11am, at The Palace-The Old Town. For reservations, call 04 428 7806 or email dine@thepalace-dubai.com.
Hawaii Kona coffee in UAE
Hawaii Kona is the latest, limited-edition blend from Nespresso. The company’s first “special reserve” coffee is making its debut in the VIP Lounge of the Abu Dhabi Film Festival and will go on sale in select UAE Nespresso Boutiques (Abu Dhabi Mall, The Mall of the Emirates and The Dubai Mall) from October 29, with a sleeve containing 10 capsules costing Dh100. Supplies of the coffee, which is made from 100 per cent Kona coffee beans from Hawaii – grown on the slopes of the Hualalai and Mauna Loa volcanoes – are very limited, so act fast if you want to add this full-flavoured, velvety coffee to your repertoire.
Barbecue at Rivington
In celebration of the rapidly cooling weather, the Rivington Bar & Grill in Souk Madinat Jumeirah has just launched the “Rivi weekend BBQ” out on its rather nice terrace. The barbecue package starts at Dh150 per person (including soft drinks) and options include Black Angus sirloin, marinated baby chicken and the house burger, as well as barbecued prawns, salmon and vegetables. The barbecue begins at 12.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays. For reservations, call 04 366 6464 or email reservationsmj@rivingtongrill.ae.
Afternoon tea – Vietnam-style
Most of us are probably familiar with European afternoon tea and the cucumber sandwiches, clotted cream and cakes that traditionally come with it. What about trying a Vietnamese-style take on this mid-afternoon indulgence? Starting in November, Voi, the French-Vietnamese restaurant at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on Palm Jumeirah, will be serving up a refined menu including Asian teas, tropical sweets and Vietnamese-inspired scones every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1pm to 4pm. Prices start at Dh160. Call 04 453 0444 for more information.
Shangri-La dinner offers
Alexandre Pernetta, the head chef at Bord Eau in the Shangri-La Abu Dhabi hotel, is offering up a “blind” tasting set menu throughout November, priced at Dh375. If that doesn’t appeal, from November 2 to 4, Hoi An restaurant is serving a special “culinary ride” Grand Prix menu and throughout November at Shang Palace you can eat unlimited dim sum, noodles and rice for Dh88. Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. For -reservations, call 02 509 8555.