What’s happening this week?

From exquisite Italian dining to a sophisticated sports bar and contemporary Middle Eastern flavours, here’s our suggestions for everything exciting in the UAE 

Armani/Ristorante

Armani/Ristorante recognised in the launch edition of the Gault & Milllau UAE 2022 guide and recipient of a prized Michelin star now offers an Exclusive Journey menu comprising an eight-course menu. Begin with Capesante Hhokkaido (pan-seared hokkaido scallop, cauliflower emulsion, heirloom cauliflower, and calvisius caviar) and Foie gras. Follow with mains, featuring Bottoni ripieni (ravioli filled with braised lamb and artichoke), Castelmagno cheese fondue, and Lamb ragout. Other dishes include the Riso e gamberi rossi, Astice blu, and Costoilette di wagyu (wagyu braised short ribs with spinach, mashed potatoes, spiced baby carrots, and gremolata). For an elevated experience, opt for the pairing menu. End the epicurean experience with deserts, a refreshing Frutti di bosco and La sfera made from coconut foam, passion banana crème brulee, exotic fruit brunoises, and exotic sorbet. 

From 6:30-11:30pm. Exclusive Journey menu from AED999 per person and AED1,698 per person (inclusive of grape pairing). Call +9714 888 3666 or email restaurant.reservations@armanihotels.com for reservations. Visit the website or Instagram.

TJ’s

TJ’s sports bar nestled at Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers features quirky décor that evokes an old-school charm, making it the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. End the week with TJ’s “Unwind Night Brunch” an indulgent Friday evening brunch with bubbly. The four-hour experience boasts a three-course meal and unlimited soft drinks, house grapes, bubbly, and sparkling packages.

Every Friday from 7- 11pm. Unwind Night Brunch for AED199 per person (inclusive of soft beverages), AED249 per person (inclusive of house beverages) AED 379 per person (inclusive of sparkling beverages) and AED 549 per person (inclusive of bubbly). Call +9714 574 1111 for reservations. Visit the website or Instagram

Bushra By Buddha-Bar 

Bushra by Buddha-Bar, situated in the heart of Dubai Marina at Grosvenor House, welcomes you to enjoy a fun-filled Saturday afternoon with Dubai’s stunning marina views, sumptuous traditional and contemporary Middle Eastern cuisine and live entertainment including a live DJ, drummer, violinist, and saxophonist.

The “Good News Brunch” a unique sharing-style menu features cold and hot mezze including authentic Turkish truffle pide, Silky hummus bi tahini, Crispy baby squid and an array of mouth-watering mains bursting with flavours such as Turkish beef manti, Sea bass and Mixed grill. To end on a sweet note, indulge in a Middle Eastern Tiramisu and Turkish baklava and enjoy free-flow beverages. 

Every Saturday from 1-4pm.Non-alcoholic package for AED395 per person and House beverage package for AED595 per person.  

Orfali Bros. Bistro 

Experience an exquisite culinary journey over one night by Chef Mohamad Orfali of Orfali Bros. and Chef Álvaro Clavijo of Bogotá’s El Chato. The evening showcases a ten-course menu with local and innovative flavours that revolve around Colombian produce and dishes from the Orfali brothers’ journey and experiences.

October 18, 6pm and 9pm seatings. AED600 per person. Visit the website or Instagram.

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi 

Bord Eau located at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri Abu Dhabi reopens its doors soon with Paris-based two Michelin Starred chef, Sylvain Sendra. From October 20-23, Chef Sylvain will present a sumptuous 6-course menu as part of the hotel’s Culinary Master Series. Highlights include an amuse bouche centred around Ravioli, paired with mushrooms and eggs, Classique choux fleur vanilla served with a creamy purée, and Pigeon molasses with pomegranates, sumac, beetroot, and black currants, to name a few. 

AED448 per person (inclusive of 6 courses), AED696 per person (inclusive of 6 courses paired with grape) and AED158 per person (inclusive of cooking class and glass of grape). Bord Eau Menu from October 28, 2022. Every Friday & Saturday for AED295 per person (inclusive of main course and charcuterie table).