DRINK

BAR OF THE MONTH: PENELOPE’S

An effortlessly cool jazz bar by the Yas Marina waters

We’re going to come right out and say it. Penelope’s Brasserie & Jazz Bar Américain on Yas Marina is one of the coolest, most exciting Abu Dhabi openings of 2022. That short waterfront stretch of terrace performs a Herculean effort in accounting for its name, serving unmistakably Riviera vibes, a red hot Mediterranean menu, suitably chic cocktails and unlike some other ‘claimants’ in the country, actual jazz.

Penelope’s has some particularly glittery marrow in its bones. It’s owned by locallybased hospitality legends Layla Kardan (Papillion, Dubai) and Hamdan Al Khafaji (La Carnita), and is a concept conceived by Eddie Ghazal (Canary Club, Dubai). And the mark of this all-star trio is already clearly stamped into design touches across the venue.

Against the plucked strings of the double bass, waitstaff glide over the Niçois monochrome-tiled floor. Across the bar, a framework of art deco bronze is backed by safari-palm print, whilst above our heads, the brasserie’s blanched awning stretches over the dining terrace softly tracing the curve of a porcelain wave. It’s cosy, almost cavernous, like a jazz bar should be.

We’re going with the set menu. It’s Dhs375 for the soft package or Dhs550 for the house (which includes selected cocktails). The starters include options such as onion tarte, escargot and calamari. We’ve commandeered burrata and tuna tartare. The crudo dish is detailed in its notes, a tightrope of sharp citrus over soft honey.

The unofficial law of brasserie dining is that when you see an entrecote on the menu (and there almost invariably is), fate dictates that you must order it. We also take a seabream to go along with the mandated steak frites. Both dishes are delivered with almost faultless execution, though the wagyu entrecote with rendered butter marbling raises its voice a little louder.

Dessert is placed on the table amongst cut glass tumblers and hands tapping along to the looping rhythm of the live house band. Tarte tatin and crème brûlée, what better way to au revoir this grand repas.

Before we leave, we take a seat closer to the jazz quartet, the Marina waters providing percussion support behind us. The momentum is palpably building and we have no idea where the melody is leading us, but like the journey of Penelope’s itself, we cannot wait to find out. Yas Marina, Yas Island, 6pm to 2am daily. Tel: (0)2 635 1116. @penelopes.ae

WHAT’S ON VERDICT There’s an almost impossible level of cool exuded by Penelope’s, a prospect made all the more impressive by the simple fact that they’re just warming up.

What happened when What’s On and friends checked out the brand new The Bollywood Bronx

Las month, we gathered 50 friends of the What’s On brand for the final What’s On the Menu? of 2022 at Abu Dhabi’s luxe new modern Indian restaurant, The Bollywood Bronx. And by every measure, it was a roaring success.

Only days old when our opinionated readers and foodie crew got a first look at the new restaurant, this addition to WTC Mall Abu Dhabi put on a polished display. As you can see from the photos, the food took centre stage – but shared the spotlight with stunning interiors, epic tunes from the DJ, and of course, the glitz and glamour of our gorgeous guests.

What was on the menu...

Our menu-attendees were amongst the first people to taste-test the kitchen craft of this brand-new South Asian urban bistro. Inviting community degustation presented with exceptional culinary flair (hello dry ice and open kitchen), featured dishes from this flavour safari included king crab puri, a seared salmon, anardana, citrus explosion, kolhapuri fried chicken with Indian pesto, babganoush with pulled beef chilli chao, and a 48-hour slowcooked lamb shank with roganjosh sauce. It was all paired with a selection of adult drink options to go along with the delectable courses. It was a truly memorable evening, and one of our favourite community events to host. For more information on the restaurant, visit @thebollywoodbronx.

JOIN US FOR THE BIG WEEKEND BREAKFAST AT MOSAIC, NAJDA STREET

What’s On The Menu? – our fun supper club, is turning into a breakfast club for one day only, and for good reason. On Sunday January 22, we’ll be waking you up with a lavish Lebanese breakfast at Mosaic’s Najda Street restaurant, created with love by chef and recipe editor, Hassana Baroudi.

Famous in foodie circles for signature mezze dishes, mixed grills and a chicken musakhan that’s the stuff of neatly wrapped legend, this get-together will showcase the vibrancy of Mosaic’s beloved cuisine in a breakfast format. Of course, if you’re familiar with the Najda venture of Mosaic, you’ll know its attention to detail extends beyond the menu, with an aesthetic that’s busy but not cluttered, complete with chandelier stars, a mosaic floor and walls punctuated with joyfully eclectic pieces.

‘Gram worthy interiors, a breakfast of champions and insightful discussion with the city’s top foodies? If this sounds right up your street, come and join us for a morning of foodie fun and warm hospitality, where divine Lebanese home cooking takes centre stage. RSVP now to bag an invite.

Chef Hassana Baroudi

SIGN UP!

10am to 12pm, Sun January 22, Mosaic, Najda Street RSVP to taran.singh@ motivate.ae

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