Girl Time at The Galleria

Have you been to The Galleria at Maryah Island?  This weekend my daughter and I had the pleasure of visiting as The Galleria wrapped up its Spring Festival, an entertaining month filled with art, music, and films for audiences of all ages.

I don't think I have been in a more breathtaking "theater", as The Galleria had the Abu Dhabi skyline as its backdrop for its movie screenings. That's right, my daughter and I got to lay underneath the beautiful night sky on big comfy loungers and take in the Cherien Dabis film, Amreeka. Amreeka is about a Palestinian family that finds themselves plucked out of Bethlehem and dropped into American society. Great movie, and I especially recommend it to any expats here in the Middle East. It's an interesting look at the flip side of the coin.

The Galleria's theater with a view.

Al fresco dining at Emporio Armani Caffè

Prior to getting all cozy and enjoying the film, we enjoyed some retail therapy. With labels ranging from Gucci to Dior, and my daughter's favorite, Alexander McQueen, The Galleria will bring out the inner Carrie Bradshaw in any woman. I behaved myself for the most part, but I've put together an impressive birthday wishlist.

Perfect spot for a quiet dinner.

I can't leave out another magnificent part of our evening at The Galleria.....dinner! My lovely dinner date and I enjoyed a quiet dinner at Emporio Armani Caffè. As the name would suggest, Emporio Armani Caffè was created by the man himself, Mr. Giorgio Armani, and it serves a variety of Milanese fare. A perfect dinner choice for two girls that just so happen to love Milan.

Sorry, but as always, I have to share when I have a fabulous meal. For starters we shared the Vellutata di Zuchinne, a zucchini cream soup with Robiola cheese and croutons. Zucchini is one of my favorite vegetables, and as I enjoyed every spoonful of this soup I felt slighted that I hadn't experienced it before now.

Vellutata di Zuchinne

We also enjoyed an Insalata di Tonno, perfectly grilled sesame and black pepper crusted tuna served over a bed of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and eggplant. The flavorful warm tuna mixed with the robust flavors of the cold mixed salad form a perfect duet.

Insalata di Tonno

For our main course, we both were feeling carnivorous and opted for some of Armani's beef dishes. My daughter had the Tagliata di Manzo, a melt in your mouth beef tenderloin, that she claimed was "pure Heaven". Served atop a bed of plump perfectly cooked asparagus, she said she could not dare let a piece go to waste despite feeling quite full.

Tagliata di Manzo

I opted for a tender slow roasted veal shank, the Ossobuco. Served with a medley of some of my favorite roasted vegetables including squash and zucchini along with creamy mashed potatoes, the Ossobuco was one big delicious serving of comfort food. This dish reminds me of one my mother would have spent hours cooking while filling the house with delightful aromas.

Ossobuco

We could have stopped at the main course, but my daughter's eyes lit up when she saw a warm chocolate fondant served with pistachio ice cream on the dolci menu. Suddenly, she got her second wind and had to have this Tortino al Cioccolato with a warm cup of hot chocolate. Based on the fact that she did not leave a single crumb behind, I would say she quite enjoyed it.

Tortino al Cioccolato

I believe it is safe to say that The Galleria and Emporio Armani Caffè get two thumbs up in not only my book, but my daughter's as well. She spent the entire night posting her "story" to her friends on Snapchat. As a mom of teenagers it's always nice to know you have successfully entertained them, and it would seem our evening at The Galleria was a smash hit.

The Galleria at Maryah Island
OPERATING HOURS
Thursday: 10am - 12am
Friday: 12 Noon - 12am
Saturday – Wednesday: 10am - 10pm

FOOD COURT CAFÉS & RESTAURANTS
Weekdays: 10am - 10pm
Weekends: 10am - 12am

The Emporio Armani Caffè
Telephone: 02 676 6995