Lights flicker, Lightning flashes, wildlife squawks and roars around the room in an orchestra of noise.
A chimp swings overhead and a tiger makes eyes at us – but we keep cool and take our seats to soak up the eclectic and rather brilliant atmosphere at the Rainforest Café.
The American chain recently opened it’s first branch in Abu Dhabi and it’s a welcome addition as there’s nothing quite like it.
When it comes to the menu it’s unapologetically US comfort food – and we’re not complaining.
For starters we’re soon served a dish of lava nachos, a truly volcanic display of colourful goodness that we tear into like, well, wild animals.
We follow these with the truffle mac ’n’ cheese alongside the BBQ burger. The former arrives in a pan and is every bit as decadent as you’d imagine.
The burger is pretty good, too, although we’re defeated by both dishes as the portions are massive (and decent value in the process). Indeed, hearty portion sizes mean there will be no post-meal hunt for snacks to fill the corners.
It’s not knockout dining, but really you’re here for the experience, especially when the cubs are in-toe. And although aimed at families, don’t discount it if you’re after some jungle-esque fun with grown-up mates.
