Abu Dhabi Day 1

My first 24 hours in Abu Dhabi have been a blast! Last night Kitab sponsored a reception/dinner for the exhibitors and guests of the book fair.  Buffet tables of fresh, delicious Middle Eastern appetizers and hearty basmati rice and meat dishes looked as great as they tasted.

Photo: Last night's reception with  Strategic Book Group and World Book representatives

After breakfast this morning I headed to the exhibition center to check out the show kitchen where I'll be demonstrating tomorrow. I was introduced to  two fantastic chefs and restauranteurs - Karim Haidar and Robert Arbor (I'll check out their restaurants in New York and Paris and get back to you). Then, we were escorted to a supermarket to complete the shopping for our demos.  Surprisingly, we found EVERYTHING we were looking for in 1 stop!

Photos: Views from my hotel room

Photo: Children's Class in the Show Kitchen

Photo: Book fair entrance

Photo: Chef Robert Arbor, me, Chef Karim Haidar

Photo: The 1 stop supermarket

Photo: Downtown Abu Dhabi

Later in the afternoon I decided to check out the Gold Souk - an indoor mall consisting of gold only shops. Sorry - no pictures allowed -but I'm sure you can imagine - everything you've ever dreamed about in gold and more.

Then, I went to the Emirates Palace for its breathtaking views, both inside and out. As I entered the cafe, three musicians were playing traditional Arabic music. I was craving Arabian coffee and felt that it would be the best way to enjoy the entertainment. To my surprise, the cafe only served Italian and Turkish coffees (I love both- but we are in UAE)! I was told if I wanted the Arabian coffee I would have to be served in the reception area. Since that would impair my hearing, I decided to forsake the coffee for the live music, but left a comment that it should be offered on the menu.  Arabian coffee is such an intrinsic part of this culture - a symbol of hospitality - an important historical trading commodity, that an Arabian coffee pot is even depicted on the 1 Dirham coin! Why it is so hard to find in Abu Dhabi is beyond me. In Saudi Arabia it is everywhere and if anyone could turn it into a trend, it would be the restaurants in the Emirates!

Photo: Emirate's Palace Lobby

My complaints were soon appeased when I was delivered this beautiful caffe latte complete with artfully crafted foam, a local date, a pistachio filled chocolate and pistachio k'nafeh.  Note the glass of water - in the Arab world you are always served water with coffee because coffee can cause dehydration. It's important to drink the water first - and then finish with the coffee. If you finish with the water you are "washing away" the taste of the coffee and the hospitality of the person who offered it to you. This service was worth the 35 dirhams (about $12 US) that I paid for it.

I also ordered the "feathery light scones" which was accompanied with berries, lemon curd, butter, and an assortment of preserves.

My overall impression after exploring Abu Dhabi today is that it is a city in a country which is a sum of many parts. Sights of its downtownn will remind you of lower Manhattan, while the mosques will remind you of India and central Asia. The palm groves call to mind Miami and the highways Los Angeles. The cuisine of Abu Dhabi is the same - different restaurants all serving up a portion of a multi- ethnic melting pot.When combined with the warm local hospitality, business savvy, and oppulent style the parts fuse together in true Emirati fashion.