Strawfire by Ross Shonhan.

A new reason to visit the capital? 🤔

In a blur of recent invites—‘tis the season, after all—I accepted one (of 10) to Abu Dhabi (transfer provided) to try something new at Emirates Palace. (And by “new,” I mean Asian cuisine, which is not new or unexpected in our fair country). Chef Ross Shonhan is already known to many in Dubai, as he is/was the one behind Netsu at the Mandarin Oriental Dubai (no, I still haven’t been, but I have heard good things). With my earlier visit in the year to Broadway, which was something of a disaster, I was ready for EP to redeem itself.

I make use of any early arrival to catch up with Chef Luigi of Talea* for drinks, but not before I marvel at the interior of Strawfire. Readers, it’s clear some MONEY was spent here. Like, a lot. Like, more than I usually anticipate. I point this out because I also know there are multiple competing restaurants at the property: Strawfire, Hakkasan*, and the about-to-open (and incredibly popular) Sushisamba. I’m not saying I expect one of these venues to fail;…