This new restaurant is set to ignite the capital’s dining scene on 15 November.
Abu Dhabi’s food scene is buzzing with exciting new restaurants such as the FACT award-winning Antonia Chic and TOTÓ Abu Dhabi. Now, the capital is about to get even more exciting with the arrival of a new dining concept that promises to set your taste buds ablaze—quite literally. Acclaimed chef Ross Shonhan of Netsu-fame in Dubai, is bringing Strawfire to Abu Dhabi.
Strawfire is set to open on 15 November at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi. It will introduce the capital to the ancient Japanese cooking technique known as warayaki. This method of cooking involves grilling over a roaring fire fueled by straw, creating a unique, smoky flavour. This sophisticated, luxurious, and rather blazing dining experience promises to ignite all your senses.
Chef Ross Shonhan couldn’t be more excited to bring this unique concept to life in Abu Dhabi. “Strawfire is designed as a spectacular collision of ingredients, techniques, art, culture, and conversation,” he said. “This unique concept epitomises the theatrical nature of dining out while serving a modern mix of Japanese cuisine and I cannot wait to welcome our first guests later this year.”
In addition to the warayaki experience, Strawfire will feature four other distinct spaces, each designed to offer a unique and theatrical experience. These include the Tsumiko Lounge, , a serene setting inspired by the moon harvest, the Kumiko Room, the Terasu Room and the private dining Toyama Room. The Toyama Room will also feature an extraordinary Shimenawa rope installation, suspended above the table, that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
The Shimenawa rope weighs 830kgs and is the largest synthetic Shimenawa ever made. In Japanese culture, Shimenawa ropes are traditionally used to mark sacred spaces and ward off impurities—a fitting symbol for a restaurant that aims to offer a dining experience that’s nothing short of sacred.
The main dining room features an open grill and golden drapery evoking dancing flames, enhanced by Kumiko panels and bespoke furnishings. The ambience is complemented by live entertainment, including a DJ spinning Jazzy House and NU Disco, with live jazz on weekends.
Strawfire’s menu offers a variety of options: à la carte, a signature tasting menu, and the Chef’s Omakase menu. Chef Shonhan, known for his previous ventures such as Netsu Dubai, Nobu Dallas, and Bone Daddies in London, brings an inventive spirit and depth of culinary experience to Strawfire.
So get ready to taste the fierceness of warayaki cooking in the capital very soon.
GO: Visit www.mandarinoriental.com for more information.
