The location
At the rear of the Park Inn, the fairly standard-bar inside of Amerigos isn’t perhaps the most exciting place to spend your Thursday evening, but the terrace, looking across the waters of Yas Island, is much pleasanter. The Mexican bar and restaurant has been in danger of getting left behind in compatriot cuisine terms by the likes of new capital-city spot Loca in recent months, however, which may or may not be why it’s upping its game by launching a night brunch.
The atmosphere
Surprisingly family-leaning for a weekend evening. The vibe was gently underscored by a two-piece band probably best described as mariachi-flavoured pop who managed to blend into Amerigos’ ambience without disrupting anybody’s conversations or totally fading away into inconsequential background music.
The food
We skipped chef’s soup of the day and went straight to the sharing starters: salsa and chips, onion-heavy guacamole, neat little triangles of mushroom quesadilla, slightly oily chicken taquitos dorados, mini pockets of shredded beef salpicon tostada and, best of all, a large, round jar of lime-drenched ceviche de atum (tuna). There was also a small pineapple and cucumber salad with Tajín chilli powder.
That would probably be plenty for those wanting a light dinner, but it was followed almost twice as much food with a selection of grills to share, presented atop a green bucket containing a lit gas heater to keep everything warm. The pick were the sweet, tender, lollipop-esque adobo Australian lamb chops, while the marinated US flank steak and free-range chicken breast continued a backyard-barbecue undertone. Sides included charred corn on the cob, which thankfully didn’t resemble the charcoal concoction that its name suggested, plus charro beans, house salad and warmers full of corn tortillas. The tastiest dessert, meanwhile, proved to be the dulce de leche creme caramel.
Who’s it best for?
Evening brunchers on a budget looking to get the weekend underway in understated fashion.
The verdict
Value for money is high at this worthwhile addition to the capital’s night-brunch scene.
The National was a guest of the restaurant.
• Thursdays 7pm to 11pm, from Dh144, Amerigos Mexican Bar & Restaurant, Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Reservations 02 656 2000
aworkman@thenational.ae
Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill
Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
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Name: N2 Technology
Founded: 2018
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Startups
Size: 14
Funding: $1.7m from HNIs