Gather your clan and with tong and fork in hand make your way to one of the capital’s many public parks for a barbeque
Make the most of the weather and abandon the malls in favour of the great outdoors. There’s nothing like good weather and good company to inspire a barbeque, so if you’re planning one, this guide to parks, equipment and the perfect marinade will come in handy…
Family Park
Family Park along the Corniche in Khalidiya is one of the most populated parks in the capital. As the barbeque is being set up, older kids can skate on ramps in a skate park while younger ones enjoy mini climbing walls, swings and slides attached to a pirate ship in a playground with sponge floors. Parking is available, but it is often crowded. Free entry. Corniche West, Khalidiya. Open 24/7.
Heritage Park
Barbeque fans are well catered for in Heritage Park, as its barbeque pits and kiosks overlook fountains and sandpits – always a great source of entertainment for children. There are two car parks available, making it easy to load and unload from the car. Free entry. Located on Corniche
East, opposite Mina Port. Open 24/7.
New Airport Park
Relax near a waterfall in New Airport Park, and reunite with nature. In case you forget any supplies, or just fancy a couple of drinks, stop by Airport Park restaurant. Parking is available. Entry fee AED 1. Free for kids aged 10 and under. Next to Al Ghazal Golf Club, in front of Abu Dhabi International Airport. Sun-Wed 8am-10pm, Thu-Sat 8am-11pm.
Formal Park
Formal Park has a host of barbeque pits – and a running track with exercise stations in case you want to burn off calories after your feast. As it is lined with trees, you can tie a badminton net between them. The park is spacious and children will be fascinated by its maze. Yes, there’s a maze. Free entrance. Corniche East, between 6th Street and Muroor Road. Open 24/7.
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Recipes
Need some marinades to get you in the mood for grilling? These recipes are sure to be a hit at your next flame-grilled outing
Fish Marinade
Serves 2
2 180g tuna steaks
8 tbsp dark soya sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp malt vinegar
1 tsp ginger powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder (for mild spice)
2 cloves garlic, diced
Salt and pepper
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl before pouring over the steaks in a shallow tray. Rub marinade into the steaks and leave for 2-4 hours in the fridge. Cook on a hot barbeque – but not on direct flames – for two minutes each side.
Garlic and rosemary chicken marinade
Serves 3
1 whole chicken, cut into 6 pieces
Juice from 2 lemons
3 sprigs fresh rosemary
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp olive oil
5 garlic cloves, crushed
Salt and pepper
Place all ingredients into a Ziploc bag and shake to coat chicken pieces. Leave overnight in the fridge. When grilling on the barbeque, cook on a low to medium heat and not on direct flames.
Bistek tagalog
Serves 4-6
450g sirloin beef, cut into cubes
100ml soy sauce
Juice from 1 lemon
½ tsp ground black pepper
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 large onion, sliced for skewers
3 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper
Place all ingredients in a bowl. Leave for 2-4 hours. Skewer the beef cubes and onions – you can add other vegetables too. Cook on a medium-hot grill and don’t worry if the flames give it a lick.
