There are loads of ways to celebrate Christmas in Abu Dhabi, from takeaway turkeys with your family at home to traditional festive feasts with your friends in one of the city’s best restaurants.
Adding something a little different to the options is Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, which is launching Richard Sandoval’s VaKaVa just in time for the festive season.
The stunning venue that sits out back of the iconic hotel has incredible views out to sea and has vibrant décor inside.
VaKaVa Pan-Latin Grill & Lounge, to give it its full name, will open its doors on December 23. It is the only VaKaVa from celebrity chef Sandoval around the world.
You can visit the venue from Tuesday to Saturday between 7pm and 11pm, with the upstairs lounge bar open from 6pm to 1am.
The menu includes dishes from across the continent, including churrasco-style grilled meat. There’s also a strong sharing element to the menu, with tasty side dishes, too.
Each dish on the menu draws on the ingredients and flavours of Latin America providing a sensory experience. Just try the creative small plates such as ceviche and suviche and grilled seafood and meat dishes to see what we mean.
A day after opening, on Christmas Eve, there will be a festive-inspired set menu on offer for Dhs375 per person.
There will be four courses, taking in cold starters such as smoked guacamole, tuna ceviche and beef tiradito, hot starters such as turkey tacos and butterfish anticucho, mains of wagyu picanha, roasted turkey, kale salad and potatoes three ways, with desserts rounding off the culinary experience, including French toasted panetone and fruit salad.
Check out the restaurant on social media @VaKaVaAbuDhabi to see more.
Christmas with a Latin twist? Don’t mind if we do.
Dhs375 (set menu). Dec 24. VaKaVa Pan-Latin Grill & Lounge, Conrad Abu Dhabi at Etihad Towers (02 811 5666).
