Prince Andrew will be in the capital on Wednesday to open Marco Pierre White’s latest UAE venture at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr. The new hotel, situated in Bain Al Jesrain (Between the Bridges, will be home to two of the celebrity chef’s restaurants – an Abu Dhabi branch of Frankie’s and the all-new MPW Steakhouse.
White flew in to oversee preparations on Saturday, meeting the local media last night to present samples of the menu. He was accompanied by Lady Elizabeth Anson, a renowned party planner and first cousin to Queen Elizabeth II. The pair mingled late into the evening, though the notorious chef – as well known for his explosive passion as his first rate cooking – was as interested in discussing the latest football scores as the restaurant itself. A kind but ultimately shy character, MPW spent much of his time on his mobile phone, at one point dialing up Man City legend Mike Summerbee in an attempt to secure Time Out‘s tickets to their friendly game in Abu Dhabi on November 12.
The opening party takes place at the MPW Steakhouse, Wednesday, 7:30pm. With the Duke of York and members of the Al Fahim family in attendance, the event is by invitation only. The restaurant will begin normal operations the following day.
