What is American food? Burgers and fries? Well, sometimes. But US cuisine has evolved over the years to become so much more than just more than drive-thru fast-food.
Defining American cuisine is not straightforward. It’s a melting pot of native American fare such as local seafood dishes, European food such as hotdogs and hamburgers from Germany and pizza and pasta from Italy, dishes from the Mexican border, and steak and barbecue from the South. Fried chicken, a favourite with many American families, was introduced to the United States by Scottish immigrants and adapted by cooks in the South, who added spices and herbs to diversify the flavours.
It’s all too tasty not to try it all – and you can at one of Abu Dhabi’s new kids on the US block.
Caramel
Nuevo American restaurant Caramel offers dishes including sliders (mini-burgers), and fried treats such as tater-tots. While fried food does play a part in the American-themed menu, the ‘nuevo’ aspect ensures a mix of other recognisably Stateside plates including mac and cheese, steak and seafood dishes. And did we mention the oh-so-swanky interior? Because this is not your run-of-the-mill diner. The food is gourmet to match the venue – while tater-tots do make an appearance, it’s the sliders and seafood that stand out at Caramel. And all is presented with flair.
Open Mon-Wed 7pm-2am, Thu 7pm-3am, Fri 11am-3pm, 7pm-3am, Sat-Sun 11am-3pm, 7pm-2am, The Collection within the St Regis Saadiyat Island, www.caramelgroup.com (02 678 3344).
Hwy 55
With a classic aqua and pink colour scheme and black-and-white checkerboard flooring, Hwy 55 is a classic 1950s diner decked out in Americana and serving burgers, shakes and frozen custard. A branch of the New Jersey-based brand, this restaurant prides itself on speedy turn-around, with a four-minute order-to-service food policy. Standout dishes include thick and creamy milkshakes, mouthwatering chilli-cheese fries and the epic Hwy 55 eating challenge (trust us, you won’t miss this on the menu). Wallet-friendly and fun.
Open daily 11am-midnight, Opposite the Y Tower, Al Nayhan, www.hwy55burgers.com (02 641 1161).
18 Oz
What used to be a steakhouse has rebranded itself as an American bistro. The smooth décor has splashes of American-isms with newspapered walls lining the staircases up to the door – you’ll spot Marilyn Monroe and Elvis on the walls here. The menu features all the classics – burgers, pancakes and sandwiches. It’s a relaxed atmosphere, with subtle decorative touches – more fancy than a diner, but more relaxed than other venues.
Open Sun-Fri 11am-3.30pm, 7.30pm-11pm, One to One Hotel, The Village, Al Salam Street (02 495 2000).
Stars ’N’ Bars
This loud and proud American destination is emblazoned with, unsurprisingly, red, white and blue stars. The restaurant also houses sporting memorabilia of American legends and car-seat style chairs (yes you can recline in them), and hosts celebrations for large American events, such as the Super Bowl and Independence Day. There are also screens showing sporting events and the menu is a good mix of bar food, burgers, steaks and Tex-Mex, with a few tapas plates thrown in for good measure.
Open Sun-Wed noon-1.30am, Thu-Sat noon-2.30am, Yas Marina, www.starsnbars.ae (02 565 0101).
South of the border
If American cuisine doesn’t tickle your fancy, here are three South American menus to sample:
El Sombrero
Try flavours of Mexico at this authentic destination – it’s an animated night out, complete with a Mexican band. The guacamole is mouthwateringly good.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Corniche (02 677 3333).
Chamas
The only Brazilian restaurant in Abu Dhabi, Chamas dishes out meaty goodness with an extensive salad bar to boot. Enjoy flavours of Brazil to the sounds of the Latino band.
InterContinental Abu Dhabi Bainouna Street (02 666 6888).
Cantina Mariachi
It’s a little cheesy, but in a good way. Cantina Mariachi is open for business in the World Trade Center Mall and serves up sizzling fajitas, enchiladas and tacos.
World Trade Center Mall Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Street (02 627 1137).
