Al Ain has come a long way from sleepy backwater town to a now thriving restaurant and cafe scene – thanks in part to very clever and tasteful developments like the new Hazza bin Zayed stadium.

Besides being a fully-operational sports complex with residences, there is a new outlet of Jones the Grocer!

A trendy gourmet grocery originating from Australia, but now bringing great food and love to Shanghai, Singapore, New Zealand, and of course UAE!

The concept is one of lazy lunches and very high quality healthy ingredients, and food that makes you sigh and smack your lips in delight.

For instance, what is probably the world’s second most delicious Mac and Cheese – nobody beats my Mom’s! – though at Jones the Grocers it is served up a notch with massive chunks of lobster tail!

The fries also were spot on, and with several creative add-ons to suit every taste.

Then come more avante-garde offering than my first impulse choices of Mac and Cheese and fries!

The beetroot and sweet potato salad with quinoa and Greek feta cheese was delicious and a jolt to the taste buds – tangy, yet subtle enough to titillate and not overpower.

And then for the mains the selection really shifts gears and succulent lamb, or top beef cuts, or several fish are on offer. The salmon was a good size serving, and excellently cooked and served.

Desserts are a long list and you really must return several times to have the chance to sample them and get a feel for what catches your fancy – we were lucky with an immediate winner with a creative polenta and honey cake.

Besides the feel-good and taste-good food, Jones the Grocer has developed the brand to include a wider client experience, with a lovely gift corner – all delicious, I’m sure!

And the very feel of the place is welcoming and conducive to friendly conversation with friends and family.

Overall, Jones the Grocer adds a fresh lunch dimension to Al Ain residents and visitors alike – and I’ve heard they serve wicked breakfasts, so that’s on the wish list for the upcoming weekend!