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“Fuel your weekend with a hot new evening brunch oozing with Mexican flavours and Latin vibes.” Amerigos

Hola Amigos! You can now start your weekend in fine form at the lively weekly Mercadito Night Brunch held poolside every Thursday from 7pm. We could be considered regulars at Amerigos located at Park Inn by Radisson on Yas Island, it’s right on our doorstep and it serves really good and affordable Mexican cuisine. Park Inn is a modest hotel, it’s not swanky like some of its neighbours but it sure attracts a crowd, Amerigos is consistently one of the busiest restaurants I’ve seen in the capital.

Upbeat latin music, traditional Mexican flavours and a bevvy or two is the ideal way to kick start the weekend, judging by the lack of empty tables other people have the same idea. The night feast has a set menu that starts with a family favourite of nachos, served in cute colourful baskets with salsa and fresh guacamole. The highlights of our regular dining at Amerigos is the jugs of delicious sangria (me), guacamole with chorizo and the steaks (everyone else), all of which are unfortunately not available on the evening brunch menu.

Head Chef Jorge Rodriguez has devised a menu packed with Mexican favourites that all are served to your table, the food fiesta starts with a soup that changes on a weekly basis, we had a thick and creamy sweetcorn variety. Popular street food Antojitos (translated as ‘little cravings’) are served to share on a wooden board; shredded beef salpicon tostada, chicken taquitos dorados (small crispy rolled-up tacos) and ceviche atun (yellowfin tuna). Vegetarians options include traditional mushroom quesadillas (I substituted these for monterey cheese quesadillas) and a rather zingy pineapple and cucumber salad presented in a glass jar.

The bright yellow table top bucket grill is a carnivores dream, served hot and sizzling it has a selection of meat options. Marinated US Flank Steak, Adobo Australian Lamb chops, free range chicken breast and chargrilled corn-on-the-cob are served with sides of charro beans, house salad and corn tortillas.

While I ALWAYS leave room for dessert, I was disappointed with the brunch selection. I found the creamy Tres Leches fairly bland and the Amerigos Flan with dulce de leche crème caramel and fruit salad unremarkable, bring on the churros with chocolate sauce I say. Those who decide to partake in the house beverage package can choose from free flowing beers, wines and refreshing mojitos to accompany the food.

It’s may not be the fanciest place on Yas Island but dining by a pool with a backdrop out across the water, a drink in your hand and tasty food on your plate is always a winner in my book. More vegetarian options would have been nice and a wider choice of desserts would have pleased me greatly but overall the brunch is a popular concept and good value for money. The staff are nice and friendly, a warm greeting of recognition is always a pleasant start to any evening.

Mercadito Night Brunch

Location: Amerigos Mexican Bar & Restaurant, Park Inn by Radisson Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Telephone: 02 656 2000

Email: amerigos.abudhabi@rezidorparkinn.com

Website: www.parkinn.com/hotel-abudhabi

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Time: Mercadito Night Brunch – Thursdays 7:00pm – 11:00pm

Cost*: AED 144 brunch with soft beverages, AED 228 brunch with house beverages (*All prices include 10% service charge, 6% tourism fees, 4% municipality fees).

I was invited to review the Mercadito Night Brunch. The views in this post are all my own based on my experience. Unless otherwise stated all photos © Jo Brett 2017. All rights reserved. Additional photos used with courtesy of www.parkinn.com/hotel-abudhabi