Restaurant Secrets Inc. announces the opening of M1 Café & Lounge in Abu Dhabi
The UAE-based restaurant consultancy has revealed the launch of its latest turn-key project in the capital – M1 Café & Lounge UAE-based F&B firm Restaurant Secrets Inc. has announced the opening of M1 Café & Lounge, its latest turn-key project located in Abu Dhabi’s Al Bateen area. The new, ultra-modern venue is now open to the public and presents visitors with three floors for varied dining experiences. M1’s café welcomes guests on level one of the outlet, while diners will find the main dining lounge on level two, and an exclusive private members’ social club on level three. All-day dining takes place at the café, where an approachable menu features casual bites, while M1’s dining lounge opens for lunch and dinner with a unique yet familiar menu inviting guests to lounge, graze and relax. At the private members’ social club on level three, exquisite food and drinks will be served along with a VIP individualized service. The luxurious facility features a lounge, meeting room, and two private dining rooms. Curated by the Director of Operations at Restaurant Secrets Inc., Brian Voelzing, the menu features highlights of braised short rib fettuccini, rosemary & garlic grilled prawns, varied maki rolls including the classic California roll, burrata & pesto pizza, whole roasted seabass, and more. “We aimed to create a menu that offers something for everyone by using the best ingredients available and taking inspiration from some of the most popular dishes found in the region. Guests will find the menu divided into sections where each item is cooked or prepared like the Josper Grill, Sushi Counter, or the Woodfire Oven, there’s also Handmade Pasta,” said Brian. Gabrielle F. Mather, CEO & Founder of Restaurant Secrets Inc. and Cornerstone 61 Consultancy said, “The team has worked very hard over the past twelve months to open this unique concept of café, lounge, restaurant, housed in a three-level villa in Abu Dhabi’s prestigious Bateen district. Our latest turn-key project, M1 has opened doors successfully to a full house, which reaffirms our faith in Abu Dhabi’s burgeoning F&B scene”. For more information about Restaurant Secrets Inc. call +971 56 216 1511, e-mail [email protected], visit restaurantsecretsinc.com or follow @restaurantsecretsinc on social media. For reservations at M1 visit @m1cafelounge on Instagram.
Five key trends to expect in the F&B industry this year
UAE Restaurant consultancy, Restaurant Secrets Inc. says Dubai will see the heightened openings of delivery-only brands, the launch of more community-driven outlets in new neighbourhoods and licensed restaurants in residential areas, as well as the continued export of homegrown brands to international markets and furthered demand for health-conscious concepts and plant-based products this year Looking at the year ahead UAE restaurant consultancy, Restaurant Secrets Inc.’s founder & CEO, Gabrielle F. Mather shares her outlook on 2022’s top trends in F&B and where the industry will witness substantial growth this year. Rise of delivery-only brands Delivery brands will find better representation and standardization of aggregator fees at negotiated industry standards this year, as we see the launch of more delivery-only concepts. As the landscape of how we dine at home and work changes positively, the delivery business is seeing a renaissance in the quality and variety of offerings available. We forecast the shift to a four-and-a-half-day work week and emphasis on life/work balance to be a game changer to how people invest their leisure hours. With more time and disposable income, couples, singles and families will order in more than ever. It’s the best time to launch high quality delivery brands. More non-licensed standalone brands in new neighbourhoods New neighbourhood locations will become prime options for non-licensed standalone brands in 2022 as the city expands and demand for suburban living rises, bringing with it an audience looking for accessibly-priced, family-friendly restaurants close to their homes. Further openings of licensed venues in residential areas More licensed restaurants in prime neighborhoods with licensed pavilions will emerge in 2022, as Dubai residents living in communities around the city seek to enjoy a quality F&B offering without having to travel too far from their place of residence. Continued international export of Dubai homegrown brands As more and more quality, original concepts are born and successfully operated in Dubai, we will witness the continued export of homegrown brands to international markets – particularly to KSA, London and other major destinations. A demand for health-driven concepts and plant-based products 2022 will bring a heightened look at health-driven dining experiences, with high demand for immunity booster juices, nutritious menu items, as well as plant-based products, as consumers become increasingly educated on what they are putting in their bodies, as well as being more mindful about food nutrition because of health risks from viruses like Covid-19. For more information about Restaurant Secrets Inc. call +971 56 216 1511, e-mail [email protected], visit restaurantsecretsinc.com or follow @restaurantsecretsinc on social media.
New breakfast deal debuts at Medi Terra in Abu Dhabi
Now available every Friday and Saturday from 10am – 12pm, laid-back breakfasts at Medi Terra invite guests to enjoy any breakfast dish with fresh juice and a cup of coffee for AED 90 . Bringing those chilled out Mediterranean vibes to the shores of Abu Dhabi’s Marsa Al Bateen Marina, Medi Terra invites diners to enjoy relaxing weekend breakfasts by the water with its new rise and shine deal that launches this weekend. For AED 90 per person on Fridays and Saturdays between 10am – 12pm, guests can start the day with a breakfast dish of their choice, plus a healthy juice and a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Hearty and wholesome options on the menu include dishes like truffle hollandaise eggs benedict with turkey ham, button mushrooms and poached eggs atop an English muffin, the Medi Terra breakfast with roasted baby potatoes, sautéed veal bacon, scrambled eggs, and pain viennois, and avocado sour dough toast with piquillo pepper marmalade, pickled red onion and feta. There’s plenty of egg options including eggs benedict and florentine, omelettes, and sunny side up eggs with hash browns and toasted wholemeal bread, plus delicious plates of indulgent French toast, fluffy berry pancakes, and grilled cheese. For something lighter and fruity, the açaí bowl with caramielised bananas, mixed berries and granola is a must try. To drink, freshly made juices will be included in the offer, including options like pineapple, watermelon, orange, carrot, and green apple. In addition to a choice of a cup of freshly brewed coffee such as an Americano, latte, cappuccino, mocha, cortado, Turkish coffee, Spanish latte or affogato. With idyllic, uninterrupted views over the marina, Medi Terra offers guests both indoor and terrace seating, which has been covered and cooled for the summer months to ensure a relaxing breakfast experience for all. Medi Terra is located at the Marsa Al Bateen Marina in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and is open from 12pm – 11pm on weekdays, and 10am – 12am on weekends, serving coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner. For more information or reservations, call 02 633 6366, or follow @mediterra_ad on social media.
Medi Terra has opened its waterfront doors in Abu Dhabi
Transporting diners to European shores for a laid-back dining experience by the water, Medi Terra at Marsa Al Bateen Marina in Abu Dhabi is now open to customers. Serving up Mediterranean-inspired cuisine overlooking the serene waters of Marsa Al Bateen Marina, Medi Terra has officially opened doors to guests. With an al fresco terrace reminiscent of coastal European hot spots during summertime, Medi Terra serves up laid-back vibes in a casual and inviting environment. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the eatery prides itself on using only premium ingredients to create simple, high-quality and satisfying dishes that showcase fresh flavours from the Med, with a particular focus on Italian classics. With idyllic, uninterrupted views over the marina, Medi Terra offers guests both indoor and outdoor seating for relaxing dining experiences and leisurely coffee breaks. From the kitchen, diners can expect highlights dishes of calamari with lemon aioli, basil arancini filled with cheddar and mozzarella to start, as well as fresh salads of kale, fig and avocado with cranberry and lemon oregano dressing, and creamy burrata on a bed of red and yellow cherry tomatoes with arugula and balsamic reduction, plus more. For a heartier bite, a selection of sliders, pizzas and pastas are available. The seafood linguini with scallops, shrimps, calamari and bisque is a surefire pleaser, as is the Medi Terra pizza topped with a feta and mozzarella mix, Kalamata olives, mushrooms and bell peppers. While for main course, the beef tenderloin served with kale, mushrooms, crispy potatoes and parmesan pepper veal jus, and braised chicken alfredo pot are firm favourites. Those with a sweet tooth will be well catered to with treats from the dessert counter such as indulgent tiramisu comprising generous layers of creamy mascarpone, cocoa, lady fingers and coffee, red velvet cake with vanilla custard and raspberry sauce, and coconut panna cotta with mango and almond foam. The family-friendly restaurant also offers a kids’ menu including options like penne alfredo, Margherita pizza, mozzarella sticks and more. Commenting on the opening, Saeed Alshamisi, Owner & Operator of Medi Terra said: “We’re incredibly excited to open Medi Terra. We’re a family-run restaurant designed with families in mind, and seeing my passion project come to life is a blessing. Our opening plans were set back because of the pandemic, which forced us to close during our initial soft opening phase, so seeing the restaurant open now is incredible. I look forward to warmly welcoming all our future guests, and personally ensuring everyone has a great dining experience with us.” Medi Terra is located at the Marsa Al Bateen Marina in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and is open from 12pm – 11pm on weekdays, and 10am – 12am on weekends, serving coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner. During Ramadan, opening hours are 3pm – 1am on weekdays, and 3pm – 2am on weekends, with special iftar and suhoor menus available. For more information or reservations, call 02 633 6366, or follow @mediterra_ad on social media.
Get to know: Chef Mariam Almansoori
Chef-Owner of Montauk Boutique Café & Restaurant in Abu Dhabi, Mariam Almansoori’s passion and artistry is ingrained into every aspect of the homegrown brand. Here, she shares her journey with us. Chef Mariam Almansoori discovered her passion for cooking at an early age while spending time in the kitchen with her parents and watching Julia Childs on television. Born and raised in United Arab Emirates, the Emirati national has always dreamt of one day opening her own restaurant, and took the steps to make it happen in 2021 when she opened the doors to Montauk Boutique Café & Restaurant in Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi. As a mother and a wife, family is incredibly dear to Mariam’s heart – an element of which the foundations of Montauk were built upon. She cites her family as her biggest inspiration, in and out of the kitchen, sharing: “I wouldn’t be here without the encouragement and support of my family, especially my husband who has been by my side every step of the way – because of him my dream has become a reality, and I’ll be forever thankful for him.” Preparing meals a plenty for her family and friends, Mariam’s cookery is wholesome, soulful and made with love. Cooking with fresh ingredients, Mariam creates simple, honest recipes that marry traditional cooking methods with international cuisines. She shares one of her favourite, nostalgia-sparking dishes as shakshuka – a dish that her family would share for breakfast during her childhood, and one which can be found on Montauk’s menu. Commenting on the opening of Montauk, the restaurants Chef-Owner expressed: “At Montauk, our home is your home – it’s an extension of our family living room where it’s a welcoming and cozy. I feel incredibly proud to be bringing a touch of local culture to the outlet and my personal Emirati heritage.” When Mariam isn’t in the kitchen at Montauk, she’s enjoying time with her family, travelling to experience new cuisines, and flying the flag for her very own abaya brand, Begsha Fashion.