Vegetarians, look away now. Anantara Gourmet week got underway this weekend at the Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa – and the meatiest morsel on the menu was the Big Aussie BBQ. Hosted by the guest Australian chef Mike Tafe, of the Mulwarra company, it was a hands-on experience far removed from the regular five-star restaurant experience, with diners being encouraged to fire up their own barbie-sizzled treats before sitting down to eat the results.
Before getting our hands dirty, we were given a short masterclass on how to successfully barbecue lamb, beef and venison – which was all sourced from Tafe’s native land. The secret, in his opinion, is slow cooking on a lower heat, plus generous seasoning and a range of rubs, something that we patiently tried out once the grills were handed over to the civilians. Tafe probably doesn’t have to watch his back too much, as my lamb burger came out a little raw, but other than that, it was a culinary success.
Don’t worry if you missed the Big Aussie BBQ, however, as Tafe continues his Eastern Mangroves residency tonight, with a special à la carte menu entitled Australian Flavours. The delights on offer are set to include some of his signature dishes: tataki of venison loin prepared with ginger and leek, smoked lamb loin salad with minted spring vegetables and seared Wagyu striploin with pink peppercorns. If that doesn’t bring on the meat sweats, then nothing will.
• Mike Tafe’s Australian Flavours menu is available on April 13, from 7pm to 11pm, on the Pool Deck at Anantara’s Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa, Abu Dhabi. Reservations are recommended. To book, call 02 656 1000. For more information, visit www.anantara.com/gourmet.
