There’s something about the ritual of grape and cheese that just sends everyone into a frenzy of excitement.
Yes, we know it’s January and that we should probably still be trying to work off all the cheese and biscuits we had over Christmas (after all, once you open the Brie, it’s just game over), but what can we say? We honestly can’t help ourselves.
La Cava is a hidden, underground bar in the Rosewood Abu Dhabi on Al Maryah Island.
Specialising in grape from around the world, its one of the only places in the capital where you’ll find such an extensive selection of varieties.
The staff are extremely knowledgable, too, and they are always on hand to offer a suggestion or tell you a few interesting facts about your chosen drink.
We’re here to try out the grape buffet, which looks about as amazing as it sounds.
Featuring more than 15 different types of grape (including red, white, pink and sparkling), the Dhs150 deal is available from 7pm to 9pm every evening. It also gives you access to the incredible selection of cheeses.
Whether your like your fromages a bit blue and smelly, mild and creamy, smoked or super sharp, you’ll find it all amongst this decadent spread.
La Cava also clearly knows that the joy of cheese is partly down to the things you pair it with.
The spread features a range of crackers and breads (the mini white French baguettes are almost too good to be true), honeys, jams, seeds, nuts and dried fruits.
Once we’ve prepared our first (of many) platefuls of cheese, the chef brings a platter of cold meats to our table.
This is then followed by a further plate of antipasti loaded with huge green olives, artichokes, courgettes, and numerous other vegetables.
For a night that should really be more about the drink than the food, the spread is wonderful.
With stone walls, comfortable armchairs and walls filled with displays of bottles, it feels like we’re dining in an Italian castle, or at the very least an authentic European grape bar. There’s also a seperate cigar lounge and lengthy cigar menu.
We leave feeling highly sophisticated and grown up.
For the chance to sample grape from around the world in a classy setting, it doesn’t get much better than this.
WHAT IS IT…
A classy grape bar with a European feel
WHY GO…
For the grape and cheese buffet. It’s held every evening from 7pm to 9pm
