REVIEW: Market at EDITION Iftar.
PARTNER CONTENT: Low-mood lighting gently lights a vast lobby where low slung sofas sit beside giant potted plants, amateur players show off their skills on a golden pool table and the scent of Le Labo fills the air; this is not a scene from James Bond; this is The Abu Dhabi EDITION.
To the left, is a hive of activity with bright lights illuminating the way; Market at EDITION is hosting its pre-Iftar showcasing and Team Yalla is partaking in the breaking of the fast but with a special twist; Michelin starred Chef Tom Aikens and local culinary talent Chef Mohamed Orfali who was voted sixth on Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants list, are firing up the grills to bring traditional Ramadan delights to your plate.
Greeting at the entrance of the stylish restaurant, stands a smiling assistant with gahwa in hand, ready to pour a cute finjaan to begin your experience.
Bathed in bright lights, oak-coloured furniture replete with soft cushions sit atop a white marble floor with pops of colour introduced by the various plants that are nestled around the restaurant.
As you may your way to your seat the first station surrenders a kaleidoscopic array of sweet treats, tempting thoughts of foregoing the starters and mains and diving street into dessert.
The sounds of an oud instrumentalist play out over the sound system as you take your seat where a Trio of Tom’s Mezzeh; pumpkin hummus; muhammara; and marinated chickpeas, wait for tasting alongside wonderfully crunchy flaxseed and turmeric crisps.
Soon Orafali’s Fattoush arrives at the table. Adorned by a sumac bread which will see you crack with your spoon, for a bowl full of refreshing yet sharp tastes of heirloom tomatoes and red onion pickles.
Bread lovers will be delighted to hear that a pita bread trolley makes it way around the restaurant where you can enjoy sumac or za’atar, laced with olive oil.
Once the appetisers have been polished off, one can wait for the mains of freekeh with braised lamb neck and turmeric and saffron brined chicken skewers or discover a wonderful set of live cooking stations from where Chef Aikens and Chef Orfali are interacting with guests.
Cast your gaze over hot and cold mezze, alongside fabulous cold cuts, Arabic cheese selection and moreish quiches and creamy soups.
For something more hearty, plump for flavourful chicken shish tawook, lamb kofta, succulent beef kebab and garlic prawns that can be drizzled in piquant garlic sauce or chimichurri sauce.
The lamb stew is to die for with tender chunks of lamb and carrots swimming in delicious gravy. Reminiscent of a Sunday dinner from Britain or Ireland, second helpings are most definitely advised.
With such a fine spread, dessert might be a plate too far but Rose Water and Raspberry Baba with crème, glazed almond and mint and Hitaliyeh with Mastic Ice-Cream with Aleppo Pistachios sprinkled throughout are just too wonderful to turn down and perfect way to end the evening.
To your Iftar dining experience at Market at EDITION call 02 208 0000
