From Devon to Abu Dhabi for Michael

Exeter's favourite son Michael Caines is opening of his first restaurant outside of the UK: Pearls by Michael Caines, located in the stunningly beautiful hotel Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

As one of Britain’s best known and acclaimed chefs, Michael has made his reputation by creating exciting, modern European cuisine that makes full use of local produce and seasonal ingredients. At Pearls by Michael Caines, he is delighted to have the opportunity to create a cuisine that utilises the full bounty of the Emirate and the Arabian Gulf, a casual dining experience mirroring the cultural diversity of the city and its eclectic palates.

The stunning 80-cover restaurant is a fitting venue for Michael’s exciting and modern cuisine. With its floor-to-ceiling open glass walls, it offers unrivalled views of Abu Dhabi’s islets and the surrounding sea. The open terrace on the upper floor is perfect for sundowners, aperitifs and relaxing with friends. A private landing jetty offers boat and yacht access. An innovation is the addition of a dessert bar with a wide selection of stunning desserts and delicious cocktails.

Michael has created a menu that features eight starters, eight main courses and six desserts, an eclectic mix of tastes and foods that will change throughout the year. Signature dishes include a warm lobster salad with mango and cardamom vinaigrette and curried mayonnaise, and local red mullet from the Arabian Gulf with Thai purée, fennel and dill salad. Main courses include braised beef cheek with red wine sauce; sea bass with king prawn bouillabaisse sauce; and sautéed cod with paprika and red pepper purée and samphire. Mouth-watering desserts include chocolate orange confit mousse, Michael’s innovative white chocolate candle, and coconut panacotta with spiced pineapple, accompanied by a refreshing mango and lime sorbet.

Michael comments: “It is a real privilege and honour to open my first restaurant outside the UK in Abu Dhabi. It is a spectacular opportunity and I am delighted to be working with the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers to create the Pearls by Michael Caines brand. The location of this stunning restaurant, with its independent entrance, will make it one of Abu Dhabi’s dining destinations. It is hugely exciting to be able to bring to this special place my concept of dazzling food, sensational beverages, perfect service, and gracious hospitality in a relaxing and beautiful setting. I’m sure that Pearls by Michael Caines will be a buzzing hub where people mix, mingle and do business during the day and indulge in relaxing times with friends in the evening.”

Stefan Fuchs, General Manager, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, said: “After welcoming Michael for a promotion week earlier this year, we are delighted to announce the opening of the new restaurant. It is a very exciting concept brought for the first time to Abu Dhabi and the UAE, which will delight guests and foodies with enticing cuisine, casual ambience and a relaxed atmosphere.”

See also: Michael maintains his Michelin stars

http://www.theexeterdaily.co.uk/news/business-daily-food-drink/michael-maintains-michelin-stars