FESTIVE SPECIAL
CHRISTMAS ALL SORTED
CHRISTMAS EVE
Kuzbara Swing by Kuzbara with family and friends this Christmas Eve and treat your taste buds to a festive feast.
Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street (Old Airport Road), 6.30pm to 11pm, Dhs163 food only, Dhs272 with house drinks, Dhs82 children aged 6 to 11, under sixes free. Tel: (02) 3047777. marriottdowntownabu dhabilife.com Roberto’s Enjoy the cena di natale with a special four-course menu featuring calamarata pasta with shrimp and a selection of josper-oven mixed grilled fish from chef Enrico Bartolini, set to the sounds of resident DJ Nikola.
The Rosewood, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm. Dhs350 per person. Tel: (02) 6279009. robertos.ae/abudhabi Chamas Look no further for your vespera de natal (that’s Portuguese for Christmas Eve) celebration than Abu Dhabi’s most popular churrascaria restaurant. Think 16 different cuts of meat continuously on offer, a turkey carving station and a sumptuous salad bar, with a live Latino band providing a soundtrack for the festivities.
Intercontinental Hotel, Abu Dhabi, 6pm to midnight. From Dhs385 with soft drinks. Tel: (800) 423 463. abudhabi.intercontinental. com/festiveseason Coya Mark the night before Christmas with special holiday-inspired additions to the famous Latin American menu at Coya. Guests can enjoy three festive dishes, including spit roast chicken, grilled flank steak, and beef fat roasted potatoes. There’s also a quirky twist on the popular yule log, this time with passion fruit, cherries and sorbet.
Coya Abu Dhabi, The Galleria, Al Maryah Island. Tel: (02) 3067000. coyarestaurant.com/abu-dhabi
Sayad Transport yourself to an elegant under-the-sea world at Sayad, which means “fisherman” in Arabic, and enjoy a five-course set menu featuring the finest in seafood. Book a table at the outdoor terrace for a beautiful view of the Arabian Gulf.
Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, 6.30pm to 11.30pm, From Dhs485 per person with soft drinks. Tel:(02) 6609000. kempinski.com Oléa Seafood is top of the menu this Christmas Eve at Oléa, the gorgeous restaurant at the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. The festive buffet also offers carving and rotisserie stations and a stunning array of desserts.
St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, 6.30pm to 11pm. From Dhs380 to Dhs695, Dhs180 Children six to 12, under sixes free. Tel: (02) 4988888. marriott.com Parmigiana It’s a Festaggia di Natale at the Hotel Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche. Select your favourite antipasti, paired with a special set menu.
Hotel Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, 7pm to 11pm. Dhs195 with soft drinks, Dhs245 with house drinks. Tel: (02) 8137777. sofitelabudhabicorniche.com Dino’s Bistro Italiano Abu Dhabi’s newest Italian joint is located at the Pearl Rotana and it’s hosting a Celebrazione festiva – aka Christmas Eve dinner – featuring a set menu, with a la carte option available.
Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, Abu Dhabi. 6pm to 11pm. Dhs170. Tel: (02) 3075566 rotana.com
CHRISTMAS DAY
Le Vendome The most palatial Christmas spread in town and probably the hottest brunch ticket in Abu Dhabi on Christmas Day. Tables at Le Vendome will brim with all your favourite Christmas foods from around the world.
Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. 12.30pm to 3.30pm. From Dhs450 with soft drinks. Tel:(02) 6609000. kempinski.com Cafe Milano Italian-style family Christmas with a selection of antipasti, pasta featuring house-made tortellini stuffed with capon bollito and followed by three varieties of mains including pan-seared sea bass and roasted lamb shank. All wrapped up with gelato and a selection of pastries.
Four Seasons Abu Dhabi. From Dhs300 to Dhs420. (Tel): (02) 3332222. cafemilano.ae Sofra Packed with sumptuous food and lively activities for children and adults, Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri’s Polar Christmas Day Brunch is one of the busiest locations in the capital.
Shangri-la, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. 1pm-4pm. From Dhs345. Tel: (02) 5098555. shangri-la.com @Dine After the gifts have been opened, head to Dine at the Aloft Hotel, where Christmas is just getting started. Featuring a full buffet offering Christmas favourites, including roast beef, turkey, pudding and Christmas cake, stuffing and more.
Aloft Hotel, Abu Dhabi. 12pm to 3pm. From Dhs199 for buffet and soft drinks. Tel: (02) 6545193. marriott.com The Marina Christmas Brunch The Marina Christmas Brunch provides access to all of the Intercontinental Abu Dhabi’s outlets, including pan-Asian from Cho Gao, Brazilian churrascaria at Chamas, and Italian at Circo.
Intercontinental Abu Dhabi, 12pm to 4pm.From Dhs275. Tel: 800 423 463 abudhabi.intercontinental. com/festiveseason The Scene A five-course meal of British gastro dishes that have proven extremely popular at the Dubai Marina location. Think gooey brie and camembert, succulent beef cheeks, and a proper roast turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. From Dhs275 to Dhs550. Children 7 to 12 years Dhs99, under six are free. thescenedubai.com
CHRISTMAS DAY
Sim Sim The Market Brunch at the new Saadiyat Rotana has it all, including whole lobsters that can be grilled and delivered to your table, a special VIP drinks area and some of the best – and most inventive – desserts around.
Saadiyat Rotana Resort, Abu Dhabi. 1pm to 4pm. From Dhs335 with soft drinks. Children six to 11 Dhs165. Tel: (02) 6970000. rotana.com Mr Miyagi Step out of tradition for the all-singing, all-dancing Wok & Ho Ho Ho brunch, with five courses inspired by Indonesian cuisine spread over three very merry hours. For entertainment, there’s house band the Karaoke Superstars. Plus, games, shows and dance contests.
Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. From Dhs190 to Dhs290 eat@mrmiyagisauh.com Nahaam The perfect place for large family gatherings and those dining with little ones, this Christmas Brunch at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers features seafood grilled to order, plus a saxophone player creating that festive feel. There are gorgeous water views and plenty of activities to keep the little ones engaged.
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, noon 12 to 4pm. From Dhs395 to Dhs575, children four to 11 Dhs150, under fours free. Tel (02) 8115666. jumeirah.com Oak Room New boutique hotel The Abu Dhabi Edition has three signature restaurants created by Tom Aikins, notable for being the youngest chef ever to have been awarded two Michelin stars. Be the first of your friends to head to Oak Room, a traditional English steak house.
The Oak Room, Abu Dhabi Edition, Abu Dhabi. Tel (02) 2080000 editionhotels.com
TURKEY TAKEAWAYS
Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi Let Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi take the stress away from preparing a turkey for the family at home. They’ll do it all for you, including all the trimmings with traditional bread, apple and sage stuffing, cranberry sauce, roast gravy and a selection of sides to choose from. Available from December 1 to 25.
Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street (Old Airport Road), Dhs565 (5-6kg turkey and three sides); Dhs765 (8-9kg turkey and three sides). Tel: (02) 3047777. marriott.com Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche Spend time with loved ones in the comfort of your home as Sofitel Abu Dhabi’s culinary experts prepare the centrepiece for your table. Order your turkey takeaway, roasted to perfection and complemented with all the scrumptious sides and trimmings. Available throughout December until Christmas Day.
Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, Dhs495 (suitable for 8 people). Tel: (02) 8137777. sofitelabudhabicorniche.com Jones the Grocer One of Abu Dhabi’s original turkey takeaways is all about the baste again this year. Pick up a roast turkey with all the best sides, including duck fat roast potatoes, sautéed Brussels sprouts and chestnuts, roast sausages wrapped in beef bacon, roasted red onions, honey glazed parsnips and carrots, broccoli and cauliflower cheese. There are a variety of packages on offer with some including apple or pumpkin pie. Available throughout December.
Jones the Grocer, Roast turkey Dhs635; roast turkey with all the trimmings Dhs885. jonesthegrocer.com Intercontinental Abu Dhabi Enjoy a merry celebration at home with turkey and chestnut stuffing, all the trimmings, plus baked apple and pumpkin pie.
Intercontinental Abu Dhabi. Dhs130 per kilogram of turkey, Dhs100 per pie. Tel: (800) 423 463 abudhabi.intercontinental. com/festiveseason St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort The Drawing Room offers a mouth-watering roast, a wide range of traditional trimmings, as well as a selection of cheeses and desserts to go. Available throughout December.
St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. Tel: (02) 4988888. marriott.com Holiday Inn Holiday Inn’s chefs-on-call prepare your traditional turkey along with veggies, potatoes and sauces. Available throughout December.
Holiday Inn, Abu Dhabi. Dhs599 for a 6kg whole roast turkey serving eight. Tel: (02) 6156666. ihg.com Aloft Hotel Treat your family and friends to a roasted turkey with homemade stuffing, Brussels sprouts, oven-roasted sweet potatoes and pumpkin, gravy and cranberry sauce. Re:Fuel at Aloft Hotel throws in a yummy Christmas pudding and apple pie for free.
Aloft Hotel, Abu Dhabi. Dhs499. Tel: (02) 6545125. marriott.com
FUN FESTIVE EVENTS
Roast turkey cooking class Daunted by the thought of cooking your first turkey? Learn from the best at Jones the Grocer and sign up for one of their masterclasses, where you will prepare an envy-worthy bird complete with a side of dauphinoise potatoes. There is also a gingerbread house assembling and decorating demo for the little ones.
Jones the Grocer, various locations, Abu Dhabi. Dhs295 bird prep class, Dh149 gingerbread house classes. jonesthegrocer.com Afternoon Tea The Shangri-la, Qaryat Al Beri hosts a festive-themed Polar High Tea, offered daily throughout the holidays and into the New Year. December 3 to January 7
Lobby Lounge, Shangri-la, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, daily 3pm to 6pm, Dhs100. Tel: (02) 5098888. Shangri-la.com Winter market New restaurant Sanderson’s is hosting a special winter market. A selection of festive dishes are also available to try, such as turkey and cherry ciabattas, stone-baked chicken roast dinner and bread and butter pudding. December 13 to 15
The Walk Al Seef Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi. wearesandersons.com Movies by the beach Skip the turkey, get outside and spend the night at Intercontinental Abu Dhabi’s Bayshore Beach Club. All film screenings are free to attend. December 24 to 28
Bayshore Beach Club, Intercontinental Abu Dhabi, 7.30pm, free. Tel: (800) 423 463 abudhabi.intercontinental. com/festiveseason Make a gingerbread house It’s the grandest gingerbread house party in the city at Emirates Palace’s The Dome, as the talented chefs work alongside children to make take-home gingerbread houses. December 15
The Dome, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, 2pm to 5pm, Dhs245 per child. Tel:(02) 6609000. kempinski.com