2022-06-29
Since it opened in 2018, Bluewaters Island has been a food and drink destination in the city. With plenty of options to choose from, you’re never short of great places to eat and drink there.
To name a few, there is Alici that brings a true taste of Southern Italy, Japanese-Peruvian fusions can be discovered at Clay, while there are Cuban flavours at Havana Social Club and British grub at The London Project.
And, as of tomorrow, another spot is being added to the line-up with VAGA preparing to welcome guests from Thursday June 30.
As the venue is calling its menu of Armenian and Arabic plates ‘experiential’, we were intrigued so headed down to check out the new spot ahead of its opening day.
The name ‘VAGA’ draws from the term vagabond (meaning nomad), which the brains behind the restaurant, OY Hospitality claim is the inspiration behind their ‘fusion’ menu.
Though, from gazing at the menu, which will be served daily from noon until late, the fusion part of the two cuisines appears understated, to say the least.
Starters include kibbeh – spiced beef or lobster – fattoush and lahmacun, and for mains, expect grilled meats and fish, tagines and skewers. While desserts include almond chocolate tarte, bannana soufflé, mango carpaccio and knefeh.
All the dishes on the menu will be familiar to those who like to eat Middle Eastern cuisine. VAGA’s presentation has aesthetic appeal due to being prettily presented.
The restaurant certainly has a sprawling venue, as VAGA is spaciously spread over two floors.
Downstairs, diners can take a seat inside one of three booths below an eye-catching chandelier made up of metallic rings that cascade down from the ceiling. Each halo is decorated with symbols, illuminated in blue, which link in with the nomadic traveller theme.
For those who like to see the cooking in action, two large windows, framed by copper tiles, look into the kitchen area where the chefs work away.
Another nice touch is that part of the walls have been built out of red tuff stone imported from Armenia.
The stone slabs are made of volcanic ash ejected from a vent during a volcanic eruption and many buildings in Armenia are covered in orange-hued stone, which inside VAGA gives a warmth to the space that is perfectly complemented by the turquoise and grey chairs that surround wooden tables.
Upstairs is where we expect VAGA will come alive.
A large bar takes centre stage in the dining area, where the décor is in keeping with the lower part of the restaurant as terracotta tones and blue touches feature.
The main event is the rotating DJ booth where VAGA’s in-house DJ will pump out tunes every night from 8pm until late.
As for the music there is only one genre on the agenda – ethnic house.
The stone slabs are made of volcanic ash ejected from a vent during a volcanic eruption and many buildings in Armenia are covered in orange-hued stone, which inside VAGA gives a warmth to the space that is perfectly complemented by the turquoise and grey chairs that surround wooden tables.
Upstairs is where we expect VAGA will come alive.
A large bar takes centre stage in the dining area, where the décor is in keeping with the lower part of the restaurant as terracotta tones and blue touches feature.
The main event is the rotating DJ booth where VAGA’s in-house DJ will pump out tunes every night from 8pm until late.
As for the music there is only one genre on the agenda – ethnic house.
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A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY AWAITS AT VAGA
