Spaccanapoli, Crowne Plaza, Abu Dhabi, UAE

I asked Piero, the restaurant manager, “What does Spaccanapoli mean?” He brought me to the corner and showed me a photo of Naples, Italy. He explained that Spaccanapoli means the “Break in Naples” which was a narrow street which split the town right in half towards the financial center. To this day they have many popular shops set up on this street, making the best dishes Italy has to offer. I wish I could visit one day to Naples, but for now I will have Spaccanapoli in Abu Dhabi.

Spaccanapoli Restaurant has gone through renovation and most recently will be offering new dishes to their menu. I was lucky enough to be invited to the restaurant to experience the best of Spaccanapoli. It was a beautiful Italian themed brick restaurant with an open kitchen and a fire burning oven, perfect setting for date night!

Valentines Day at Spaccanapoli –  luscious 5 course set menu featuring Yellow fin tuna Carpaccio, an exotic asparagus soup, beetroot risotto with toasted almonds, grilled swordfish steak and a decadent 60% dark chocolate dessert with cupid’s infusion.  Date: 14th February Time: 18:00 – 23:00 Price: AED 135* per person (food only) & AED 195* (including grape pairing and glass of bubbles on arrival) Reservations are required – please call 02 616 6166 

Cho Gao, Crown Plaza, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Chinese New Year is fast approaching this year taking place from January 28 to February 11. 新年快乐 (Xīnnián kuàilè) – happy Chinese New Year to all those celebrating! As this is my first year in Abu Dhabi, my husband and I are far away from our families, but we found comfort in finding restaurants like Cho Gao who remind us of our traditions!

Welcome the Year of the Rooster during our week long celebration! Expect authentic Chinese dishes, live entertainment, and great prizes to be won at Crown Plaza,The Garden. During the week, guests can also enjoy delicious Cantonese specialties in Cho Gao! Date: 27th January – 3 rd February 2017 Time: 12:00 – 16:00 (The Garden)

During Chinese New Year, these 7 foods are believed to be LUCKY

1. Fish – prosperity
2. Dumplings – wealth
3. Spring Rolls – wealth
4. Tangyuan (sweet rice balls ) – family
5. Oranges/Clementines – fullness
6. NianGao – high income/high position
7. Noodles – happiness and longevity

Many of these items can be found at Cho Gao! Read on further for my experience on their scrumptious sharing platters of divine dim sum and sushi! Day & Time: Wednesdays, 18:00 – 22:00 Price: AED 160* with unlimited house beverage

Hiccup Cafe, Fotouh Al Khair Mall, Abu Dhabi, UAE 

This particular location of Hiccup Cafe is a hidden gem among the hustle and bustle of the Abu Dhabi city core. Its located in the mall beside the World Trade Center on the 1st floor of the Fotouh Al Khair Mall. As soon as you see the Marks and Spencers on the 1st floor (not ground level), delicious food is just steps away! Hiccup has several branches within the UAE, this one, is the largest one where it fits all occasions – whether it be a romantic candle lit dinner with your beau, family meal with kids, or just a cake-and-latte kind of night.

I was invited to sample the menu at the restaurant. Read on more for my experience and suggested must-try items.