A taste of Catalonia in the capital

Catalan, the signature restaurant at the newly-opened Rosewood Abu Dhabi on Al Maryah Island, is keen to put down a statement that it offers some of the
finest Spanish dishes in the Middle East.

Making sure that happens is Chef Antonio Saez, who has relocated to the capital after being awarded two Michelin stars while working at the Lasarte restaurant in Barcelona.

Sourcing local produce and the finest traditional ingredients from Catalonia along with an exhaustive beverage list of specially selected labels from Spain, Chef Antonio and his team have a real treat in store for diners.

We started with the Mediterranean sardines marinated in sherry vinegar with fresh sofrito, beetroot cream and anchovy canapé while our partner opted for the escabeche of duck foie gras served with green asparagus, cabbage, spring onion cream and honey dressing. Both plates were simply faultless and set the standard for the rest of our meal.

We couldn’t resist trying the slow-cooked organic eggs sitting in chick pea broth and surrounded by sautéed wild mushrooms and potato cream – it was simply divine with the flavours mixing perfectly.

It would have been remiss of us not to try the traditional Catalan seafood paella crammed with prawns, cuttlefish and clams. Simply perfect.

The beef tenderloin, recommended served medium rare, was again exquisite, served with creamy gnocchi, black olive cream and foie gras emulsion.

We couldn’t fit in desserts but there’s a rich choice available for those of you with a sweet tooth to end your meal.

Everything we chose was impeccably presented and the restaurant and Chef Antonio offer a perfect blend of classic and modern dishes served in opulent surroundings. A tasting menu is also available for those eager for a gastronomic treat. We can’t wait to return.

Catalan is open daily from 7pm-midnight for dinner.

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