witsandnuts

When driving from Abu Dhabi, I know that I am gearing towards the border to Dubai once I see the last petrol station (Adnoc) in Ghantoot area. It seems that I have a new and hip landmark to tell me that I am already at the neighbor emirate, that is ‘Last Exit’ to my right in Jebel Ali. It is impossible to miss it because it seems to be an assembly of food trucks. While it is open 24 hours daily, we decided to pay our first visit last Saturday for brunch.

After less than an hour drive from the city center of Abu Dhabi, the cutest Starbucks truck greeted us. We went around first for a quick view of the other trucks since they operate as drive throughs. I may not have this luxury during peak hours, i.e. it may tend to get crowded in time for the sunset and onwards.

There is a reasonable number of choices at the moment while it is in its first year of operations. Take note though that what is being offered are gourmet street food; not the real street food that you will find in Southeast Asia or the streets of New York City.

• All Day mini-mart
• Starbucks
• Poco Loco
• Baja Fresh
• Burger Pit
• Big Smoke Burger
• Clinton St. Baking Company
• Il Cafe de Roma
• My Karak
• Operation Falafel
• The Brass
• The Hotdog Stand
• Urban Seafood

We decided to park first near the indoor dining area.

I thought I will get hotdogs because I was psyched to being in the vintage cars era. One might think they are at the set of Cars movie or being reunited with the food trucks in New York or just being  transported somewhere they have never been before. Although meals on wheels made an appearance at some events in the past years, the food truck park is a very new concept in the UAE.

But then, we craved for paella from Urban Seafood and had classic burger from Burger Pit. We ordered through the intercom, paid and collected the food in few minutes. We were so hungry by the time we went in the indoor seating area (otherwise referred as canteen) that we hardly thought of taking food photos.

There is an ATM and Turkish ice cream corner (although there are other sweets outside). If you turn left, there are other cozy spaces for diners.

Elvis Presley’s songs from the jukebox aptly filled the air being a Saturday morning.

Ceiling

Door handle. I applaud the attention to details.

Watch out for the pedal

There is a free charging station (designed as mini safety deposit boxes) at the end corner.

The outdoor/picnic area. Must be more beautiful at night.

This seems to be a favorite corner for photo ops. You can just imagine the plenty of ‘fuel up’ funny shots.

Unfortunately, I do not see myself frequenting this park if food is the main factor. We noted that there are works in progress surrounding the area; we can only presume that there would definitely be more food trucks and services (what about a mini library? other points of interest to draw people to visit and turn t

hem into regular consumers?) in the coming months. However, apart from providing more variety in choices, Last Exit should pay equal attention to the value for money factor in the edibles themselves. However, I would be pleased to revisit every now and then to enjoy the picnic area during winter (soon) or stop by for a driving break at midnight or early morning, or use the washroom/toilet.

In fact, the highlight of my visit is the discovery of the funky toilet/washroom. I have learned that there are changing rooms, but I have not checked those.

Tyres as sink! The ‘accelerators’ on the floor need to be pressed to make the water flow. Take note of the side view mirrors. So many details, well put.

This is not a promo for Suicide Squad. Look for the flush.

Do not be deceived. Still part of the washroom.

If you see this wall, congratulations! You are steps away to the hippest washroom in the UAE.

Last Exit
Exit 1, E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road) towards Dubai, Dubai, Jebel Ali Village, Dubai
You may click here for specific navigation depending on your location.
Contact numbers: +971 (0)4 317 3999, 800 MERAAS
Email: customerservice@meeras.ae
Websites: Last Exit, Facebook page