Superstar chef Tom Aikens is packing his suitcase for a culinary weekend in the UAE capital. From Friday March 17 to Sunday March 20, the culinary genius will be in residence at The Abu Dhabi EDITION to host a series of special dining experiences.
Aikens, the partner chef of the beautiful Abu Dhabi hotel, will collaborate with avant-garde local chef Mohamad Orfali from Orfali Bros Bistro – winner of Best MENA restaurant at the recent Time Out awards – to create a delicious Iftar. He’ll work on an innovative new vegan brunch at Market, and then present new dishes at Alba Terrace and Oak Room.
A charismatic character, Aikens will mingle with diners during the weekend at the plush hotel where he has three restaurants. For those who want to immerse themselves in Aikens’ world, they can book a Tom Aikens Weekend stay package featuring one dining experience from the Saturday brunch at Oak Room, brunch at Alba Terrace or the Oak Room Sunday roast.
Aikens kicks off the weekend on Friday night with a five-course dinner at Oak Room, the British rock ‘n’ roll-inspired restaurant. Dishes include homemade ricotta, seared and peppered beef carpaccio, Black Onyx striploin, 18-hour braised short rib, and sticky toffee pudding. Friday March 18 from 7pm. Dhs395 (soft drinks), Dhs595 (wine pairing).
The following day, why not try the three-hour à la carte Saturday brunch at Oak Room, starting with the restaurant’s signature sourdough bread with Marmite butter that you won’t forget in a hurry. Saturday March 19, 12.30pm to 5pm (three-hour experience). Dhs245 (soft drinks), Dhs365 (mixed and house drinks), Dhs485 (bubbly).
Alternatively, you could sign up for the brunch on Saturday afternoon, a leisurely Mediterranean-style afternoon on the terrace with a selection of light dishes and mixed drinks inspired by Italy’s Amalfi coast. Saturday March 19, 12.30pm to 5pm (three-hour experience). Dhs215 (soft drinks), Dhs325 (mixed and house drinks), Dhs445 (bubbly).
Conclude this memorable foodie weekend with a proper British Sunday roast at Oak Room comprising treats as hot smoked salmon, beef Wellington, lamb pin wheel and roast rib of sirloin, coupled with a mixology experience and trolley. Sunday March 20, 12.30pm to 5pm (three-hour experience). Dhs245 (soft drinks), Dhs365 (mixed and house drinks), Dhs485 (bubbly).
The stay package runs Friday March 18 to Sunday March 20 and offers one night with early check-in and late check-out in a Deluxe Marina Room with a balcony from Dhs1,875 including taxes. Choose from the Oak Room Saturday Brunch, brunch on Saturday at Alba Terrace, or the Oak Room Sunday roast for two people with house drinks, plus breakfast at Market.
The youngest star to win two Michelin stars, Aikens has been at the sharp end of world cuisine for almost 30 years and, with this weekend package at The Abu Dhabi EDITION, there’s never been a better way to understand the complex craft of this talented British chef.
The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen editionhotels.com (02 208 0000).
