The gourmet franchise Jones the Grocer is now peddling its wares in Abu Dhabi. Jessica Hume pays it a visit
If it's the ingredients that make the meal, the ambitious at-home chef just got a serious upgrade in materials. It isn't visible from Muroor Road or 15th Street, but at this intersection, just behind the first row of buildings facing the road, is Jones the Grocer - the first of this Australian gourmet chain to grace the UAE's luxury-loving city.
The centrepiece of the store is its deli. Almost all the items on its menu can be bought to be prepared at home. Among them, Wagyu beef burgers, a Wagyu pie, fish of the day, fresh pasta (on the day of the visit it was chilli squid linguini), mushroom risotto and a lamb shepherd's pie.
Inside the small but impeccable shop are shelves full of rare and delectable goods. Alongside the deli's hot meals and sandwiches, there are housewares and cookbooks - all branded and priced for discriminating clientele, of course.
The owner Yunib Siddiqui, 40, explains that the building his shop sits in has more than 4,000 people working in it during the day, so he "won't have to worry about daytime business".
He takes me on a tour of the shop, starting at the bakery. It's the end of the first day of business - busier than expected - and the bakery has been almost completely cleaned out by customers.
"I got here at 7am," the baker says. "When I come in I start baking the bread from scratch. We have four different kinds. I make 20 or less of each. Today was busy; people loved the sandwiches."
Next on the tour is the chilled cheese room, where clients can choose from 80 varieties that Siddiqui assures will not be found elsewhere. Brie with a truffle centre, for example, can be yours for a cool Dh35 per 100g. In addition to top-of-the-line cheese graters and other accessories, dried fruit and sauces to go with the cheeses sit outside the room.
The juice selection includes the Jones brand as well as a fresh-squeezed blend - a different combination each day. Today's is beetroot, carrot and orange; Dh15 for a small container, ready for consumption. Voss "artisanal" water is available at Dh18 for 800ml, for the H2O connoisseur.
Jones makes several type of pastas (egg fettuccine, Dh35.9 for 375g) and sells other high-end brands. An impressive oil selection follows, stocked on shelves from the cheapest at the bottom to the priciest up top. At eye level is a bottle of hazelnut oil for Dh100. Jones brand apple and tomato chutney goes for Dh42 for a 320g jar. An equally extensive offering of spice rubs will surely help remind clients to get out the barbecue. Jones brand rubs can be refilled on site; among its selection, Jamaican Jerk, Dh39.90 for 105g. And just in case you aren't convinced this store offers only quality items, make note of the Peugeot salt and pepper mills, Dh150 each, or the red and steel edition sitting next to them, Dh210 apiece.
jhume@thenational.ae
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Essentials
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Delhi from about Dh950 return including taxes.
The hotels
Double rooms at Tijara Fort-Palace cost from 6,670 rupees (Dh377), including breakfast.
Doubles at Fort Bishangarh cost from 29,030 rupees (Dh1,641), including breakfast. Doubles at Narendra Bhawan cost from 15,360 rupees (Dh869). Doubles at Chanoud Garh cost from 19,840 rupees (Dh1,122), full board. Doubles at Fort Begu cost from 10,000 rupees (Dh565), including breakfast.
The tours
Amar Grover travelled with Wild Frontiers. A tailor-made, nine-day itinerary via New Delhi, with one night in Tijara and two nights in each of the remaining properties, including car/driver, costs from £1,445 (Dh6,968) per person.
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- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
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Credit Score explained
What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
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