What’s a better excuse to eat like a Greek than on Greece’s Independence Day this March? Yalla knows just where to find authentic Greek fare in the capital.
‘Oli mazi’, or ‘all together’ is an endearing Greek social principle, and Mazi Abu Dhabi is the capital’s tribute to the notion of togetherness people feel when sharing a meal. The fare is described as the reinterpretation of old-time classic recipes, but the décor and guiding philosophy is thoroughly modern so come together with friends and come hungry—very hungry!
Most holidays in Greece is about the food, and on 25th of March, their Independence Day, the thing to do is to eat like the Greeks. Traditional dishes like batter-fried cod and garlic dip are on top of the list for this occasion, and MAZI Abu Dhabi joins the festivities with a selection of fresh and flavorsome dishes inspired by classic recipes.
March 25
4.00 PM – 11.30 PM
A la carte
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, 02 498 8888
Better Together
The dynamic duo behind MAZI, Christina Mouratoglou and Adrien Carre, are vivacious and effortlessly chic and well reflect their new Greek dining offering. Yalla discussed MAZI with them.
How was the concept for Mazi born?
Christina: The culinary tradition in Greece is all about sharing. When I go to restaurants, and I look at the menu, and I want to taste everything. I won’t be restricted to one main course and one starter. A sharing menu allows you to try a lot of food!
Adrien: Also, we noticed that people interact much more at MAZI, because they’re talking about the food. When you are sharing everything, it brings you together.
This is your first debut outside of London?
Adrien: Yes, this is our first international restaurant.
How did you choose Abu Dhabi, or did Abu Dhabi choose you?
Christina: Abu Dhabi chose us.
Adrien: A bit of both. Yes, Abu Dhabi did choose us, but we have a very strong Middle East following in London, and many people had asked us to come to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Riyadh. So, it just feels right. The cuisine goes very well with this locale.
What’s your signature dish?
Adrien: We have three. I can’t name just one! Grilled aubergine with thyme honey, soy sauce, and aubergine chips is definitely one. Courgette cakes, cucumber and mint, and the feta tempura (shown above) with lemon marmalade and caper meringue. They are all big hitters.
Mazi, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, 02 498 8888
