Mazi Abu Dhabi opens its doors today at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, offering exquisite gastronomic experiences as the exclusive venue in the region to serve modern Greek recipes.

The duo behind the brand, concept and menu is husband and wife Adrien Carré and Christina Mouratoglou, who opened their first restaurant of the same name in London in 2012 that enjoyed immediate popularity and continues to be frequented by celebrities.

Their shared vision for the Mazi brand, which means ‘together’ in Greek, is to create a vibrant and casual setting for patrons to enjoy a memorable dining experience while they discover the refined and innovative side of Greek cuisine.

Christina Mouratoglou, co-owner of Mazi Abu Dhabi, said: “The potential of Greek cuisine remains largely unexplored and Mazi Abu Dhabi is our answer to casting aside dated perceptions. We are thrilled to join the dining repertoire at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort as pioneers of the new wave of modern Greek dining in the UAE.”

Set to be the ultimate Greek restaurant in the UAE, Mazi Abu Dhabi introduces the concept of sharing small plates that are reinterpreted versions of classic dishes.

The newest and first Mazi to launch outside of London will be led by chef Sarantos Rapatas. The gastronomic expert, hailing from the small town of Sparta, brings with him a world of experience in contemporary cooking with a history of working in London with the flagship Mazi.

The 26-year-old has been living his dream as a Greek chef for more than seven years. He has been trained by some of the culinary giants in the industry like three Michelin star awarded chefs Martin Berasategui and Thomas Buhner, and Gordon Ramsay.

Rapatas said: “The menu is abounding with imaginative and deconstructed Greek classics, prepared using the finest, fresh ingredients and served in modern-day presentation styles. My aim is to breathe new life, colour and flavour into the worn stereotypes of Greek cuisine and simultaneously introduce Abu Dhabi’s foodies to enjoy the fun element of sharing plates.”

Favourites from the London menu have been made available, including the Greek salad with cherry tomatoes and small barley rusks, loukoumades with lavender honey, and chocolate éclair with Greek coffee ice-cream. Signature dishes, like the grilled octopus served with herb potato salad and olive tapenade, also make an appearance.

Mazi Abu Dhabi – which can house up to 120 guests – boasts a playful take on Aegean blue balanced against a sea of white. The interior takes a modern approach to the rustic architecture and décor of Greek towns echoed by strategically placed elements like a traditional fishing boat at the entrance and door handles made of olive branches. The venue also features a cosy bar area as well as a terrace that features tables spaciously distributed within a garden of olive trees.

Marwan Fadel, general manager at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, said: “The innovative use of authentic Greek ingredients and the bright and breezy setting is sure to make Mazi Abu Dhabi the best dining destination for families and friends to try out this season.”

“With ours being such a diverse city, it seems apt to have a Greek restaurant as part of our offerings; and Mazi Abu Dhabi certainly ticks all the boxes when it comes to its fantastic menu and lively atmosphere, making our guests’ experience exquisite as is customary at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi,” he added.

MAZI Abu Dhabi will be open daily from 4.00 pm until midnight on weekdays, and from 12.00 noon until midnight on weekends.

Set across the expansive resort are five other dining venues, including the world-renowned Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi, the Mediterranean-inspired Olea, an award-winning Southeast-Asian restaurant Sontaya, the Manhattan Lounge, and a pastry shop – The Drawing Room. - TradeArabia News Service