Eastern Mangroves Promenade gets better and better: Carluccio's now open

Abu Dhabi's second Carluccio's is now open in the gorgeous Eastern Mangroves Promenade (the first is in The Galleria, Al Maryah Island) and it's about as lovely a spot for a meal or a coffee or a drink as you will find in the city. Although Anthony Carluccio was supposed to be on hand for Tuesday's night opening, a routine visit to the doctor revealed the 76-year-old Italian needed a pacemaker. All is fine though, and in a video message he promised to stop by the capital soon. Guests, who nibbled on cheeses, chicken liver and mini-pizzas, were also treated to a lovely surprise when Paul Bester, above, revealed he's not a waiter but a beautiful opera singer. The 27-year-old, who moved to Dubai from South Africa last year, performed several songs - never setting down his tray.