Iftar Preview at The Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi.
I recently attended the Press Preview of The Fairmont's Iftar. Let me tell you, they know how to do things here. Hotel General Manager Nils Axing was in attendance to welcome everyone as he thanked his team for the work they had done. He spoke with enthusiasm about the plans for Ramadan and shared with guests the vision that Fairmont had for the upcoming month. Between him and F&B Director, Stephen Meredith, it was made clear to guests that this would be an iftar that would serve to launch an exciting time at The Fairmont, right up to the time of the Rugby World Cup when The Fairmont will remain a hub of activity.
Basically, it would be an iftar that would not be dominated by kitschy Arabian iconography. Instead, guests could expect something more minimalist and subtle. This makes so much sense to me. The Fairmont screams contemporary, so whatever approach it takes for iftar, should reflect this. It is about being true to its core philosophy. It is about balance isn't it though? There needs to be sufficient respect paid to this event on the calendar while also keeping things fresh and off the clichéd path.
On display was a mock up of what one of the Ramadan tents is going to look like. Made by the Chocolate Gallery team, I was not sure if I should admire it or grab one of the chocolate chairs for my daughter! Very clever to use one of the strengths in their F&B arsenal to make real a concept. Moreover, it is the way they plan to incorporate the tents so that there is a flow from the main building to the tents.
Some of Cuiscene's key stations will remain in place for iftar. One of their strongest, the sushi station, proved immensely popular and will no doubt be a big hit during Ramadan. Notwithstanding an impressive seafood, Asian and a dessert area, the latter good enough to make you swoon, the most exciting station was the one dedicated to Emirati cuisine. It is actually called that. It is about time that someone acknowledged the country we all live in, in term of its food. At the end of Ramadan, so many more people will know about machboos and harees!
Iftar at The Fairmont promises to be memorable. Whether you choose the tent or indoors, the spirit of abundance as symbolised by the beautiful buffet will truly be alive, not only the hearts of those who break their fast here, but even those not fasting but feeding on the spirit of Ramadan!
The Essentials
Iftar during the Holy month of Ramadan.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr,
Abu Dhabi
Fairmont Abu Dhabi
+ 971 2 654 3333
Basically, it would be an iftar that would not be dominated by kitschy Arabian iconography. Instead, guests could expect something more minimalist and subtle. This makes so much sense to me. The Fairmont screams contemporary, so whatever approach it takes for iftar, should reflect this. It is about being true to its core philosophy. It is about balance isn't it though? There needs to be sufficient respect paid to this event on the calendar while also keeping things fresh and off the clichéd path.  |
| Yes, this mock up is made from chocolate. |
Iftar at The Fairmont promises to be memorable. Whether you choose the tent or indoors, the spirit of abundance as symbolised by the beautiful buffet will truly be alive, not only the hearts of those who break their fast here, but even those not fasting but feeding on the spirit of Ramadan!
The Essentials
Iftar during the Holy month of Ramadan.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr,
Abu Dhabi
Fairmont Abu Dhabi
+ 971 2 654 3333
Brandon Stoltenkamp
Disclaimer: I consult at restaurants and hotels in an attempt to look at the entire product to take service levels to where they should be. I visited The Fairmont in Abu Dhabi as a guest of the restaurant.part of the Press.
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