Day: March 16, 2024

Eat Greek Kouzina, Abu Dhabi

Eat Greek Kouzina is a restaurant serving Greek cuisine on The Galeria Al Maryah Island. It has a charming outdoor seating area with views of the water and contemporary Mediterranean decor, creating a stylish and inviting atmosphere.

The restaurant’s menu boasts a variety of Greek dishes and beverages, including specialties like tzatziki, moussaka, and gemista.

All dishes were visually inviting. The entire staff was delightful. They regularly checked in on our dining experience, which added a wonderful warmth to our time there. Even the person who prepared the coffee took the time to personally inquire about its quality.

The original cappuccino Freddo AED 24

The rich and velvety espresso is perfectly chilled and blended with just the right amount of frothy milk. This refreshing pick-me-up hits all the right notes.

Soup of the day AED 44

The beef soup with potato and carrot was a simple yet deeply comforting dish. It offered a satisfyingly hearty meal, and its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients made it quite filling.

Cretan salad AED 44

Sweet cherry tomatoes, Greek feta, barley rusk, oregano and olive oil

The sweet juiciness of the cherry tomatoes paired perfectly with the creamy richness of the Greek feta cheese, creating a delightful contrast of textures. The addition of barley rusk added a satisfying crunch, while the fragrant oregano and drizzle of olive oil elevated the dish with its aromatic essence.

Homemade pie AED 72

Spanakopita (spinach and feta pie)

The pie’s crispy outside and creamy inside created a lovely contrast. Its mild herbaceous taste added a delightful hint of freshness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Pan-roasted chicken AED 130

The roasted chicken, complemented by eggplant puree and herb oil alongside chicken jus, was truly delightful. Fresh sage provided a minty, slightly peppery flavor that enhanced the dish beautifully. Cooked to perfection, the chicken was juicy and subtly seasoned. The eggplant puree resembled a lighter variation of mashed potatoes with a hint of buttery goodness, adding depth to every bite.

 

Eat Greek Kouzina

Website: https://www.eatgreekkouzina.com/
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Telephone: +97123092323
Address: The Galeria, Ground Floor – Abu Dhabi

Pizza Pilgrimage to Pepe in Grani

Like many others, I first learned about Pepe in Grani through the Netflix series Chef’s Table.

Franco Pepe is widely recognized as one of the world’s best pizzaiolos. His restaurant, Pepe in Grani, is located in the quaint historic town of Caiazzo. It is approximately an hour’s drive from Naples or about an hour and a half by train. The restaurant can also arrange a taxi transfer back to Naples upon request.

The restaurant has an inviting atmosphere, with rustic yet charming décor. Pepe in Grani offers three distinct dining areas to suit different preferences and party sizes. The Ordinary Room offers a choice between à la carte and tasting menus. The Hall of Taste is exclusively reserved for guests enjoying the tasting menu, while the Gustarte provides a more spacious and comfortable setting for larger groups of six or more.

Pepe’s pizza dough is handmade and left to rest in traditional wooden boxes. The ingredients are seasonal and locally sourced.

The tasting menus are available for a minimum of two people, and I highly recommend making a reservation in advance to avoid a long wait. You can also indicate any allergies or intolerances when making your booking.

I chose the ESSENZA tasting menu, which included one fried pizza, four slices of assorted pizzas, and one fried dessert. If it’s your first visit, the chef will curate the selection for you. However, if you have specific preferences, you can let the staff know, and they will gladly accommodate your choices.

So, what did I think of the pizza?

I found the pizzas delicious, with unique combinations of flavors that I hadn’t experienced before. The crust, in particular, stood out for its incredibly light and airy texture. Unlike some Neapolitan pizzas, the center wasn’t soggy either. I later learned that only certain ingredients, such as mozzarella, artichokes, and prosciutto cotto, are baked together with the dough, while the remaining ingredients are added after the pizza comes out of the oven.

However, given the high expectations created by the media, I was anticipating a truly mind-blowing experience, which unfortunately didn’t quite happen for me. That said, the pizza was still excellent and unlike anything I had tried before. My advice? Go in with an open mind, leave your expectations at the door, and simply enjoy the culinary journey.

CIRO

Cone with 12-month Grana Padano DOP fondue, rocket pesto, dehydrated Caiazzo black olives.

MARGHERITA SBAGLIATA

Campana DOP Buffalo mozzarella cheese, purée of “Riccio” tomatoes, basil reduction, Evo oil.

SCARPETTA

Campana DOP Buffalo mozzarella, 12-month Grana Padano fondue, uncooked tomato compote, freeze-dried pesto basil, flakes of 24-month Grana Padano DOP cheese

MANGIABUFALO

Fabula buffalo soft cheese, fiordilatte mozzarella cheese, toasted bread with Balsamico Modena IGP vinegar, walnuts, buffalo bresaola, raw frisée, and Evo oil.

SALSICCIA E FRIARIELLI

Fiordilatte cheese, dried Casertano pork sausage, friarielli (broccoli rabe), chili pepper, buffalo ‘stracciata’ cheese, crunchy almonds, garlic EVO oil.

CRISOMMOLA DEL VESUVIO

Slice of fried pizza with lemon peels flavored DOP buffalo ricotta cheese, Vesuvio apricot jam, roasted hazelnuts, Caiazzo dehydrated olives, and fresh mint.

 

Pepe in Grani

Website: https://www.pepeingrani.it/
Telephone: +39 0823 86 27 18
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 18:30 p.m. – 00:30 a.m., Sundays 12:30p.m. – 15:50 p.m.
Address: Vicolo S. Giovanni Battista, 3, 81013 Caiazzo CE, Italy