sayad unveils pacific rim menu
Unique culinary concept a first in Abu Dhabi
Emirates Palace’s flagship restaurant Sayad has unveiled a new menu concept that has caught the fancy of gourmet connoisseurs and foodies alike. Known as Pacific Rim, this concept has been developed by itinerant chefs – from Hong Kong to California - who brought together the many culinary traditions and exotic ingredients they acquired during their travels to countries in Asia, Australia and the Americas.
Although the term ‘pacific rim’ is seen often on menus around the world, true examples of this cuisine is found only in a few select venues. Sayad is the first restaurant to implement the true form of this exquisite cuisine in Abu Dhabi, an effort that reflects Sayad’s status as the flagship restaurant of the region’s leading resort hotel.
Chef Bryan Chan of Sayad said the Pacific Rim menu is unique and not to be confused with fusion cuisine. “It is an all together different menu offer, one that creates exciting new dishes of unusual combinations and flavours with a particular focus on seafood and Asian spices in addition to some of the more traditional meats cooked with a Pacific twist. We use only the freshest ingredients sourced locally, as well as from Europe and Australia.”
For Chan, the Pacific Rim concept is something that allows him to express his creativity and talent as an artist: “I’ve always believed that cooking is an art, and when we thought of introducing a new menu, we said it had to be a creative effort. This menu concept, so refreshingly simple and yet so sassy, promises not only to be stimulating to the palates, but also guarantees a unique culinary experience,” added Chan.
Chan, whose lifelong passion as a chef is to turn each diner into a loyal customer, leads a team of 12 staff. The Hong Kong native is working for the first time in the UAE, but has worked previously in the Philippines and Macao as well as for prestigious hotels such as the Peninsula and the Ritz Carlton.
Among Chan’s signature creations are the Asian Nachos, as he explains, “It is a kind of Wanton-style snack with Guacamole and Sushi-ginger, roasted garlic, coriander and chili, fish sauce and many other ingredients. It is similar to traditional nachos but served in Asian style, an altogether different concept.”
The Pacific Rim’s 3-course menu starts at AED500 per person, and includes a fine selection of signature deserts that include pineapple tiramisu and chili chocolate cake.
