Some things in life are constant.
The passage of time, traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road and that Jones the Grocer will consistantly churn out brilliant food.
We’ve come to expect nothing less from the popular chain, so when we arrive at the newest branch in the capital, the bar is already set high. The new digs at the Holiday Inn Downtown are pretty cool.
The dining room is half full and for midweek during the summer that’s a good sign that they’re on to a winner. We start with lentil soup and as much as we like the Arabic take, we’re delighted that it’s not been blended into a thick yellow paste. Happily slurping away, we dip the freshly baked bread into the filling soup, that’s probably big enough to suit two people, and thoroughly clean the bowl.
Next, we go for the chargrilled chicken burger and it’s huge. The meat is spicy, topped with a crunchy slaw and it’s every bit as satisfying as it looks. Plus it comes with a giant onion ring and that’s an A+ in our book.
The pan-fried sea bass is equally simple and brilliant. The skin is wonderfully cripsy and the soba noodles, crunchy bok choi and red chilli, keep us going back in for ‘just one more bite’.
Although, unlike some branches, there’s no dedicated kids’ area, there is a special children’s menu, and for every two adult meals ordered you’ll get a kids’ meal free.
Time is still ticking, traffic is still queuing and Jones the Grocer is still consistantly great.
Open daily 7am-midnight. Licensed. Holiday Inn Downtown Abu Dhabi, Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi (02 615 6440).
WHAT IS IT…
The latest branch of the Aussie restaurant
WHY GO…
You can count on Jones for a good meal
