Go, go, go!
We spent many enjoyable weekends in Hemingway’s when we first arrived in the UAE but haven’t been there for a while, which is why we decided that a return visit to our old haunt was long overdue.
On arrival we are greeted by a friendly waiter and seated in the non-smoking dining section, toward the back of the pub. Here we have the best of both worlds, we enjoy the live music but it doesn’t interrupt our conversation.
Resident band The Newz, have been entertaining Hemingway’s patrons since 2010 and it’s easy to see why they remain such a popular act. The South African duo kick off the night with their own unique version of Shania Twain’s Man! I Feel Like a Woman! Following on from that, they belt out familiar hits including My Girl and I’m a Believer, and we can’t help but toe-tap and hum along to Jonny B Goode “Go, go, go Johnny, go.”
The Newz seem equally as comfortable covering Tina Tuner’s Nutbush City Limits as they do performing a rendition of Nat King Cole’s Unforgettable. Part of their charm is their ability to swiftly switch from country and western, to jazz or rock.
We begin to feel peckish and have a peek at the Tex Mex menu. The comprehensive menu comprising soups, fajitas, nachos, enchiladas, steak, salad and a tempting assortment of desserts, impresses us.
The Combo starter sounds too good not to order: deep fried mozzarella sticks, chicken wings, calamari and potato skins with sides of barbeque sauce and sour cream. It really is a little bit of everything. When the combo arrives the saying ‘a moment on the lips, straight to the hips,’ springs to mind but it looks and tastes so divine, that we really don’t care! The prawn enchiladas are also delectable, smothered in homemade guacamole and a tangy tomato sauce.
Another beauty of Hemingway’s is that it’s within walking distance to two other venues should you fancy a change of scenery. Five steps to the right of the bar and you arrive in Cinnabar nightclub; walk to the left to reach Jazz Bar.
We are happy where we are, as we sit back, relax and enjoy the music into the early hours of the morning.
Catriona Doherty
