C O N S U M E
EAT // REVIEW
LA CUISINE DE MANOU CAFÉ
An ode to the newest classic French café in Abu Dhabi all us old-fashioned, but our idea of the perfect French café is a place where dishes are kept traditional, the food is simple, the service attentive, the price acceptable, and our relationship with the chef or owner (preferably one in the same) is close enough that we know each by their first name. The concept of La Cuisine de Manou Café, a new spot in Khalidiyah located in the Alliance Française, is just that. It feels like home or, at least, someone’s home. Perhaps the terrace of its owner and chef, Manou Magnin, who wants all her guests to feel welcome and leave full.
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that we wished Manou sold Manou started out as in vats. a caterer (she still caters, Home-cooked food – oventoo, in the event you baked salmon (Dhs40) and need one) so her menu braised lamb shanks (Dhs70) changes frequently, and Manou Magnin served over mashed potatoes with if there’s anything special roasted veg on the side – was brought that you’d like from her online out as mains, and they were equally catering menu, you can order it ahead substantial and tasty. No reasonable meal and have it delivered to the café if you’re closes without a dessert, so we chose a that organised. If not, the menu has lovely mille feuille and carrot cake from much to explore: excellent crusty freshly the cabinet (Dhs18 to 23), and each baked baguette and croissants, a wellpudding made the meal even more a treat. stocked pâtisserie cabinet and, naturally, Verdict: Manou’s café is new so she’s an excellent cup of coffee. You won’t find still working out some kinks, but the foam, strange deconstructions, anything preparations are simple with a price tag charcoal-activated or plated on something that’s well suited to families. Here you’ll other than a plate here, because it’s find simple, delicious and filling meals Manou’s goal to serve café fare without and desserts any time of day at La Cuisine pretense. de Manou Café. The terrace is equally welcoming for a a Al Khalidiyah, French Alliance, across quick coffee or any kind of meal, but we from the Nissan showroom. Sun to Thur enjoyed an alfresco dinner. We started 10am to 10pm, Fri and Sat 10am to 7pm. with refreshing mocktails, a simple grilled Tel: (0)2 5526608. @lacuisinedemanou prawn and avocado salad (Dhs35) and a sharing platter of mini bites with mini RATING caprese salads, blinis with olive tapenade Food �������������������������������������������������������������� Aand smoked salmon and cream cheese, as Atmosphere ��������������������������������������������������� well as a divine bruschetta with sundried Price �������������������������������������������������������������� tomatoes and an artichoke dip (Dhs30)
