The Californian burger bar concept by Michelin-starred chef, David Myers, moves into the UAE capital
After last year’s success story at Expo 2020 Dubai, ADRIFT Burger Bar by Michelin-starred Chef, David Myers – also known as Gypsy Chef – returns to the UAE this spring. Serving signature burgers, epic milkshakes and crispy sides, ADRIFT Burger Bar will open the doors to its first ever permanent address at Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi on May 2nd in partnership with local Emirati investment group, By Me Burger, alongside its operating partner, Auriga Consultants.
Based on the legacy of his now-iconic DM burger recipe, once named “The Perfect Burger” by The New York Times, ADRIFT Burger Bar draws inspiration from Myers’ own childhood as well as his global travels. The concept was born in 2020 at the height of the global pandemic as a pop-up in Myers’ home-town neighbourhood, Venice Beach in California.
The following year, the brand was exported to Expo 2020 Dubai where many labelled it as the most successful restaurant at Expo 2020 for serving nearly 115,000 burgers. The restaurant counted both His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan amongst its guests during its 168 day residency. ADRIFT Burger Bar at Yas Mall marks the brand’s first ever permanent location worldwide.
David Myers says: “I’m excited to touch down in Abu Dhabi this month to launch our first ever permanent ADRIFT Burger Bar! Yas Island is a great location for the brand, it’s evolved into a buzzing destination for leisure and entertainment in recent years and has just the right energy that we want for ADRIFT Burger Bar. During our time at Expo 2020 Dubai, we saw a lot of local residents come through our doors, in particular from Abu Dhabi, so I personally can’t wait to see some familiar faces again at ADRIFT Burger Bar in Yas Mall.”
The menu will feature Myers’ signature burgers, including:
- The DM Burger: Taking it back to where it all began with Myers’ iconic burger; served with a perfectly cooked, medium-rare patty topped with Vermont Cheddar cheese, shaved onion and lettuce, and secret sauce on a brioche bun
- The 1940s Classic Burger: A cheeseburger with classic fixin’s and house sauce
- ADRIFT Burger: Medium-rare burger topped with tomato ajwan jam, pickled jalapeños, herb aioli, arugula, Parmesan and Gruyere cheese
- Impossible Earth Burger: A spin on the 1940s Classic, this time with a plant-based patty and vegan cheese and mayo on a vegan potato bun
- Good Morning Burger: 5oz beef patty topped with a fried egg, Gruyere cheese, tomato ajwan jam, herb aioli and arugula
Side dishes include Truffle Grilled Cheese, Curry Leaf Fries, Fried Mushrooms with Japanese BBQ Sauce and Truffle Chips. The menu also includes three unique and distinctive shakes; Chocolate and Miso Caramel, Matcha and White Chocolate, and Strawberry and Vanilla.
Featuring interior designs by LA designer, Danny Gonzales – the man behind the brand’s previous Venice Beach and Dubai pop-ups – ADRIFT Burger Bar at Yas Mall captures cultural and design elements native to both Venice Beach and Tokyo. Signature features include shou sugi ban textures, wave patterns and a floor to ceiling mural by local artist, Wesal al Ali that features both traditional symbols from Japanese culture and more modern, whimsical elements.
The brands effortlessly laid-back vibe reminiscent of Venice Beach fused with the minimalistic style of Tokyo is prevalent throughout the space, but with a nod to local culture through the addition of a custom designed surfboard inspired by Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
The design uses intricate line work and floral details inspired by the architecture of the mosque, including hand-picked flowers which were pressed and dried before being applied to the design and sealed with glassing.
Details:
Address: Level 1, Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi
Opening hours: Sunday – Wednesday: 10AM – 10PM / Thursday – Saturday: 10AM – 12AM
Website: www.adriftburgerbar.com/abu-dhabi
Instagram:: www.instagram.com/adriftburgerbar.ad
Reservations: ADRIFT Burger Bar offers dine-in and take-out on a first-come, first-served basis
