Simply Abu Dhabi III

Not only will you be treated to some delicious food, you’ll also discover the history surrounding this family business.Most of the friendly and well turned out waiting staff have built up their skills in London, New York and even Harry’s Bar in Venice, where it all started.Cipriani opened their latest venue in Abu Dhabi at the Yas Yacht Club in November 2010, but it’s a 79 years-old hospitality business brand and helping to celebrate its opening was a guest list including the King of Bahrain, King of Spain, Prince of Monaco, and Prince, the international superstar. This gives you some idea of the high profile diners you could be mixing with.In an informal atmosphere with no stuffy dress code, an effortlessly chic clientele come together to socialise and sample the unique flavour and approach the chefs bring to simple yet sumptuous food. A spin-off from Venice’s legendary Harry’s Bar (there are also branches in London, Hong Kong, New York and Buenos Aires); Cipriani has an A-list clientele which includes visiting movie stars and big-name sportsmen. Harry’s Bar has been a favourite of Ernest Hemingway, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, Sophia Loren, Orson Welles, among other iconic celebrities, so it is no surprise that the Italian Ministry for Cultural Affairs declared it a national landmark in 2001. For a little taste of this Venice tradition in Abu Dhabi, Cipriani recreates the magic. From the minute you arrive you are treated to the full on VIP experience. We were warmly greeted at the Yacht Club reception and escorted through the stylish restaurant out onto the terrace. Dining out on the terrace provides an intimate setting overlooking the Marina, with round tables covered with crisp white linen tablecloths and a lamp for the perfect ambient lighting. Whether you’ve sampled the delights of other Cipriani locations around the world or Abu Dhabi is your first taste of this renowned brand, you’re in for a real Italian treat. With a menu featuring signature dishes from Harry’s Bar in Venice and all the classic Italian favourites, you will be treated to an elite dining experience where you will be welcomed with warmth and served with genuine interest. With all the classics – carpaccio, calamari, scallops, steaks and grills - together with more modern dishes,fresh, well cooked and beautifully presented food is just a small part of what this incredible Italian restaurant has to offer. The glamorous set seem to be drawn by the appeal of Cipriani and so this highly exclusive dining treat comes at a price, but one which we more than happy to pay.You may pay a little more than the average restaurant bill, but you’re paying for the overall Cipriani experience and believe us, when we say it’s an experience to remember. Cipriani Yas Marina – Yacht Club Elegant and exclusive, when it comes to innovative Italian eateries, Cipriani is the cream of the crop. With much of character of the original Venice bar, a real nostalgic vibe is created and having discovered from our informative waiter that the house speciality – Beef Carpaccio – was invented in the first Harry’s Bar for a countess on a raw meat diet, I couldn’t resist trying it.Jordana settled on the calamari, although it took some time for her to decide with so many delectable treats on offer. The Italian waiting staff achieve the right level of attentiveness, offering recommendations and checking that you are enjoying your meal – we certainly were! The vanilla cream pie was simply to die for and if only we’d had room left, we’d have happily tucked into the whole array of delicious desserts on offerincluding tempting meringues, crêpes and chocolate cake – a veritable feast. A&J would like to thank everyone at this stunning restaurant for a truly memorable evening spent sampling impeccable food and service in the true Cipriani tradition, which welcomes rather than intimidates despite the exclusive surroundings. Now we know what all the fuss is about! Where: Yas Island, Yas Marina & Yacht Club, Abu Dhabi Contact: 00971 (0)2 657 5400 52 SIMPLY ABU DHABI

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