SimplyAbuDhabi XV

6 5 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Top-notch cuisine, in a vibrant, modern atmosphere? Sounded to us as if BOA and Abu Dhabi would be a perfect match. With that in mind, Jordana and I were eager to investigate the scene for ourselves and set off for the Eastern Mangroves Promenade one beautiful evening. Located in Sheikh Zayed Street in the heart of the city, the Promenade is a residential and retail destination with dramatic views of the skyline and the mangroves fromwhich it draws its name. The restaurant is situated in the Eastern Mangroves Suites by Jannah, a setting that perfectly reflects the elegant yet leisurely vibe that made BOA such a hit in L.A. Indeed, as we were seated on the terrace in time to witness the spectacular twilight sky, we couldn’t help but feel a connection to the BOA’s Hollywood location on Sunset Boulevard – half a world away, but marked by the same effortless chic. We were soon to find out that the service was also very much in keeping with the BOA standard: warm, friendly, inviting. Immediately we were made to feel welcome and relaxed, as our server greeted us with a genuine smile and an informative explanation of the menu. Sipping on a delicious, refreshing concoction called Nirvana (lychee, lemon juice, cranberry juice and ginger ale), we perused the many tempting options on offer. Nearly all of the beef on the extensive menu is certified USDA prime, the American standard of quality, and sourced from a partner that ages the beef