“The new menu concept perfectly complements the casually elegant ambiance of Market Kitchen with fresh, locally produced ingredients.” Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi
A new team may have taken the helm at Market Kitchen, located at Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, but one thing remains the same, its delicious seasonal cuisine. Under the leadership of recently appointed restaurant manager Ismael Sielinou, formerly of the Edition Miami and Colombian Head Chef Jhon Faver Martinez, this popular Abu Dhabi restaurant is now offering a new menu packed with Mediterranean flavours with a regional twist.
With a wealth of expertise under their belts, both Sielinou and Chef Jhon, the latter who moved to the capital just a month ago with Michelin starred expertise including a stint at Tickets in Barcelona, have created a menu that emcompasses their global experience and knowledge. Chef Jhon has worked with Market Kitchen’s creator Jean-Georges Vongerichten to evolve the original concept that originated in Paris followed by Boston and then Abu Dhabi in 2014.
The original farm-to-table concept remains with Chef Jhon personally visiting the local markets to select the very best fresh local fruit, vegetables and seafood that the region has to offer. He pairs these ingredients with seasonal produce from around the globe to ensure that the dishes are not only seasonable but also healthy.
Fear not those, like myself, who loved the old menu as some of the Market Kitchen classic dishes, such as the tuna sashimi, Market Kitchen tomato soup and black truffle pizza are encompassed within the new offerings such as red snapper ceviche and charred kale pizza. Another thing that remains unchanged is the Market Kitchen bar menu with its selection of botanical inspired drinks including cocktails and mocktails that steer away from the usual sugary, fruity mixology and instead use flavours such as tarragon, pea, rosewater, saffron and oud all concocted with the unique Market distilled spirit.
We went for dinner and tried the new Market Tasting Menu (AED 309) with five courses that showcase the very best of the menu has to offer with dishes from the different sections. The tasting menu started with the aforementioned spicy red snapper ceviche with a crunchy toasted quinoa and the hearty and tasty tomato soup with cheddar sourdough toast. Next up was the Ahi tuna steak with market spice rub followed by the tender soy glazed short rib served on apple-jalapeno puree. The grand finale was the creamy Chocolate Pots de Creme topped with marshmallow grantine and served with tiny chocolate financiers, so delicious!
Vegetarians are well catered for with such delights as charred kale pizza with taleggio cheese, fresh salads and pasta I opted for the tomato soup (an old favourite that I couldn’t resist) and the burrata served atop an eggplant and sesame spread much like a hummus with perfectly cooked parmesan crisps. My sweet tooth was instantly satisfied with the deliciously creamy and smooth chocolate pot de creme. Other popular new menu choices include bbq chicken mac & cheese, braised lamb shank with roasted eggplant and pavlova with vanilla cream and poached plums. I must also just mention the sweet potato rolls with honey glaze that had a distinctive flavour.
The contemporary interiors are just the same which is pleasing. Simple modern decor, warm lighting and exposed white brick walls meets sleek furniture and comfy sofas. Floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with coordinating trinkets and kitchen artefacts complete the quirky New York loft style interiors. Upstairs there’s additional seating that overlooks the restaurant below and a bar that’s the hive of creative mixology. The open-style kitchen counter gives you the chance to watch and interact with the chefs while they work.
Sielinou and Martinez have honed their skills in high profile venues around the world and although they may have given up serving their celebrity clientele, their proficiency shines through in their consummate service and cooking. Diners in Abu Dhabi are now lucky to enjoy their mastery and they, along with the whole Market Kitchen team, are ready and waiting to give you a memorable dining experience.
Market Kitchen
Location: Ground Floor, Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi
Telephone: 800 101 101
E-mail: restaurants.lrmad@lemeridien.com
Website: www.marketkitchenabudhabi.com
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Opening Hours: Lunch from Noon to 4:00pm and Dinner from 7:00pm to 11:00pm. Kitchen Counter Menu available from 4:00pm to 7:00pm
Click HERE to view the menu
Read more about Market Kitchen in previous posts HERE
I was invited to review the new menu at Market Kitchen. All views are my own based on my experience. Unless otherwise stated all photos © Jo Brett 2019. All rights reserved.