Looking for a new bar that oozes sophistication and class? Angela Beitz has found it at the Rosewood.
The Rosewood Abu Dhabi only opened in early May but it’s already made an impression on the city with its boutique-style venues and friendly, warm service. They have a variety of attractive bars and restaurants to choose from but on this particular evening we are visiting the chic and secluded grape bar, La Cava.
As you approach the entrance you’ll be greeted by an impressive timber spiral staircase that leads you down into the bar itself, where we meet Isael Goncalves, the very passionate head sommelier at the Rosewood who explains what is so special about the concept. ‘The La Cava grape beverages menu is based on 1,000 different labels with traditional and commercial, boutique and exclusive grape producers. On display, ready to drink and in the aging room we have a total of 8,500 bottles in La Cava. The grape varieties are from 15 different countries and include sparkling, white, red, dessert and fortified styles.’
Décor and atmosphere
This is one slick bar. Big, comfy leather couches are perfect to sink back into while savouring your glass of grape, they have polished concrete floors which give the bar a semi-industrial look and the lighting is low and intimate. There are cool stone walls and the shelves and cabinets are made of French oak and American walnut which display the impressive collection of drinks on offer. La Cava also boasts a cosy private area at the back of the bar with the Cigar Room and humidor. This area seats six people and it feels like you are sitting in someone’s lounge room. It is perfect for cigar lovers or people wanting a more intimate chat.
Service
La Cava offers two different options of grape pairing every day from 5pm-8pm. One is five grape varieties with five tapas dishes and the other is eight grape varieties with eight tapas dishes. On this particular evening, we try the option with five.
Isael talks us through the different offerings at the bar. ‘La Cava has a unique ambience compared to other bars, we also let guests taste the selection of wines from the different restaurants before your dining experience. We have a cigar and blend pairing that is offered to guests after their dinner and it makes La Cava a place to enjoy beverages before and after dinner. Guests come to La Cava with different purposes and we can accommodate all of them, from grape tasting before dinner at the three tasting tables, to pairings with tapas. Besides this, it is a place to meet other grape connoisseurs and to gather with friends to socialise.’
They also offer a range of cigars based on the well-known Cuban names such as Romeo Y Julieta, Partagas, Bolivar, H Upmann, Cuaba, Montecristo with the Cohiba cigar being the favourite of guests for
the pairings.
Food
‘The tasting can be based on regions and countries, grape varieties, producers or even style of grapes. We have a special menu designed by Chef Antonio Saez from Catalan that is presented in a tapas version and can cover all the different pairings I suggest for the grape choices,’ says Isael. ‘We can accommodate private bookings and we can offer a special menu from Antonio with oysters and foie gras, cheeses and chocolate or selected tapas. I will select the grape according to the guest’s preferences and make the pairing serving the grape along with the food.’
The tapas that we try on our visit include tortilla with aioli sauce, salmon with cream cheese and salmon roe, roasted pepper and aubergine with goat cheese spheres, air-dried beef loin and Brie cheese and chicken, green apple and celery. All the offerings are very tasty and are paired perfectly with each glass of grape. Our favourites would be the salmon and the air-dried beef.
Pros
Amazing service, expert grape knowledge and a fantastic venue to visit for a drink. If you have an appreciation for fine grape and tasty tapas then you will love La Cava.
Cons
Can be a little chilly so bring a jacket.
Open daily 4pm-midnight. Five tapas with grape pairing costs Dhs250 per person, eight tapas with grape pairing costs Dhs380 per person. The Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Sowwah Square, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5550).
