Picking up some produce at the market?

Eastern Mangroves executive chef aztaj Eddoukani on what to look for

When choosing vegetables, always look for crisp items with brightly coloured leaves. Stay away from any brown patches, bruised or soft flesh and wilted leaves.

When buying broccoli look for bright, compact heads. the bud clusters should be dark green and should not be open, which is a sign of over-maturity.

It helps to know what vegetables are currently in season. they will be mature and will taste much better.

always buy a whole fish with clear eyes, bright red gills and scales firmly attached to shining and brightly coloured skin. “If you look hard enough you can find some great produce locally, and yes it is as good if not better than some of the same produce that can be imported. One of my favorites is the local rucola from Al Ain, I use it in stratos instead of imported water cress or rocket; the taste is sublime, its

peppery bite is a perfect counterpart to the grass-fed beef we serve.” Chef Justin galea, Le Royal Méridien

abu Dhabi

Market Kitchen

This four-hour cooking class includes a visit to the capital’s local farmers’ markets (think the fish souk, as well as the fruit and vegetable markets in Mina Port) to pick up fresh and local ingredients for your lunch. Once you return to the restaurant you’ll be able to cook your meal with help from the professionals. The master classes are hosted on Saturdays, and will resume after the Holy Month of Ramadan. While you’ll pay for your produce, you get to decide how much to pay for the rest of the experience.

e Royal Méridien, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Sat 10am. Tel: (02) 6742020. Taxi: Le Royal Méridien. leroyalmeridienabudhabi. com