The sushi and shashimi platter is fabulously Instagrammable.
Recently, Team Yalla was invited to Catch at St Regis, the popular award-winning Abu Dhabi eatery in the Nations Riviera Beach Club, to sample an indulgent seven-course dinner curated by its supremely talented chef, Chef Remon Nabil Hanna.
The restaurant is set in a striking pavilionesque building with floor-to-ceiling windows offering striking views over the Corniche beach.
We visited in the evening and the reflection of the Marina Village lights twinkling on the sea added to the mellow and relaxing vibe created by an in-house saxophonist and singer, who gently serenaded guests.
The restaurant is open and airy with a stylish minimalistic décor that makes you feel like you’re sitting in a luxurious weekend beach house.
Team Yalla has had the great pleasure of dining at Catch in the past so our expectations were high, but how do you follow the previous dishes of Krystal caviar, blue prawn and Icelandic toothfish?
Well, Chef Remon Nabil Hanna continues to impress as we were served a first course of delicate Scottish salmon carpaccio with katsuobushi, shiso-yuzu garlic condiment and jalapeno dressing. Pretty as a picture too, the presentation was exquisite.
This was accompanied by a super avocado rock melon salad. An Instagram friendly sushi and shashimi platter followed in an ice wheel alive with dry ice, providing a fun piece of culinary theatre. Fresh wasabi was grated at our table to enjoy with the sushi.
The signature blow torch dynamite roll is a must-try.
Grilled Spanish octopus with piquillo purée, braised baby gem, sweet potato pickle, bell pepper condiment came next, then slow-cooked braised short ribs with pomelo, pickled carrot and sesame seeds followed, again a must-try.
Our main course comprised grilled sliced wagyu, teriyaki salmon and seabass, all of which were simply fabulous.
Dessert was truly indulgent – coffee ‘caviar’ with mascarpone cream and almond crumble, as well as a chocolate sphere with brownies with kumquat compote served with hot chocolate sauce, both served with great theatre involving flames and dry ice.
This was a fabulous dinner, complex and exciting with texture play, interesting citrus and herbal overtones, and Japanese influences but it was not overly fussy or overwhelming.
Our charming waiter, Asrofi, was delightful and knowledgeable. Catch continues to shine and is up there with the very best Abu Dhabi has to offer.
For reservations, call 02 694 4553 or email [email protected]
