Scott’s in Abu Dhabi!

Offering fish, shellfish and seasonal game in a chic modern setting, the restaurant provides indoor and al fresco dining, a bar and an open terrace, which is also available for private entertaining and events.

The second oldest restaurant in London, the original Scott’s first opened in 1851 as an oyster warehouse managed by John Scott, a young fishmonger. Scott’s is steeped in history — Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond was often seen there in the 50s and 60s, and it was reportedlyhere that he discovered his favourite ‘shaken not stirred’ beverage. Over the years, Scott’s evolved into the now famous Mayfair seafood restaurant and oyster bar regularly frequented by the city’s glitterati and power brokers.

Many of Scott’s characteristics may be experienced in its new Jumeirah at Etihad Towers home, starting with the seafood and oyster bar and its signature green onyx bench top, allowing guests to dine in a less formal setting. Open vistas of the surrounding sea and Abu Dhabi’s islets are stunning, and the restaurant provides boat and yacht access with its own landing jetty.

Scott’s is open for lunch and dinner and the oyster bar is open from 12 noon to 1am daily. While oysters are at the heart of the Scott’s seafood traditions, other recommended dishes include the Shetland mussels, Dressed Cornish crab, Scottish smoked salmon and Roasted shellfish platter, which includes lobster, scallops, razor clams and tiger prawns. Classic meat and vegetarian dishes are also on offer, with chef de cuisine, Carl Tichart, ensuring the culinary integrity of all that is served.

Business lunch

Le Deck restaurant at Monte Carlo Beach Club on Saadiyat island is also bringing something new — a business lunch!

Three starters, three mains and three deserts are on the new menu and diners may choose one each or opt for a two-course lunch.

“Our specially designed business lunch menu is perfectly suited to the time constraints of a busy work schedule, while maintaining our excellent reputation for fine food,” said the Club’s General Manger Patrick Nayrolles. “Our executive chef, Mathew, has fused some of Monte-Carlo’s best dishes into a fast and fun menu that is full of flavour but light on the pocket,” he also claimed.

By “light” Nayrolles means Dh140 for a two-course lunch or Dh190 for the added desert.

Designed by the Club’s executive chef, Mathew Goodlet, the menu encompasses Monte-Carlo’s most popular dishes, such as Hainan Chicken Broth, Tuna Tataki or its indulgent ice cream burger.

The launch of the new menu comes after the announcement that both Le Deck and Goodlet have been nominated for awards at the upcoming Gourmet Abu Dhabi awards.

Christmas at Sheraton

Foodies, fun seekers and family gatherings are all welcomed with a Christmas to remember at one of the emirate’s oldest hotels, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort.

It all starts on Christmas Eve at La Mamma Italian restaurant, where the Italian chef Andrea prepares a three-course (Dh165 net) or a four-course set menu (Dh185 net). Alternatively, seafood enthusiasts will find a large range of fish delicacies, along with international Christmas favourites, Far Eastern and Middle Eastern fare with live piano music at Flavours Restaurant for Dh250 net per person.

With live Latin tunes and a Mexican Christmas three-course set menu, it pays to experience an upbeat, somewhat spicier Christmas Eve at El Sombrero for Dh165 net per person. If you would like to enjoy the perfect weather, gather your crowd in the cozy sofa sets of B-Lounge and enjoy your favourite Christmas songs while sipping delicious cocktails and punches. Share a cheese fondue, some sweet or savoury platters and treat yourself to some Irish coffees.

At Bravo Spanish Tapas Bar or al fresco on the terrace, there is an a la carte menu of cold and hot tapas, paella and deserts! Try the Escudella Catalane, a traditional Christmas stew with meat and vegetables and have some Sangria while listening to the passionate rhythms of Richar Gimenez, a flamenco guitarist from Paraguay.

On Christmas Day itself there is a Bubbly Brunch at Flavours restaurant, featuring a free-flow of bubbly and live music for Dh275 net.

La Mamma celebrates Christmas the Italian way with a three-course set menu and a large antipasti buffet for lunch, available for Dh165 net per person. Special turkey carving and traditional English Christmas dishes are on the special a la carte menu of The Tavern Pub. Live entertainment with the Chavela Duo and mulled wine promise an authentic Christmas feeling on this special day. Tickets are for sale throughout December.

For private parties, Sheraton is offering a special take-away Christmas dinner. This includes one roasted turkey, two kinds of vegetable, one potato dish, turkey stuffing and sauce. All this is available for Dh650 net for six to eight persons (4-5 kg turkey) and Dh850 net for 10 to 12 persons (7-8 kg turkey).

silvia@khaleejtimes.com