“It’s the ideal weekend experience and caters to persons of all age groups.” Bab Al Qasr
If you are looking to try a new family-friendly weekend brunch the Street Food Picnic set-up at Bab Al Qasr Hotel may just fit the bill. Held every Friday and Saturday this alfresco affair is held from 1pm until 10pm, a staggering nine hours to literally eat and drink yourself silly.
Guests can chose to relax in the central grassy picnic areas with its painted pallet tables and colourful beanbags, select a more traditional seated dining arrangement or pay the additional charge for a cabana (seats up to eight people) with beachfront views. Younger members of the family will enjoy the bouncy castle and the opportunity to socialise and play on the lawn with their peers. With the children safe and entertained the adults can indulge in the various beverages from the stations dotted around the perimeter or those delivered to the table by bike in inflatable pink flamingos.
The food is a mix of international flavours from Italian pasta served from a makeshift colosseum to a Moroccan station with tasty cheesy bread and pretty much everything inbetween. Chillers disguised behind cardboard food truck facades offer a selection of individual sized salads, Arabic cold mezze and cheeses. Select a custom made shawarma, grab a slice of pizza, some tacos, bbq meats or a variety of items smoked in the traditional smoker. Overall, I felt it was more quantity over quality, while there were plenty of options for meat eaters and a dedicated kids hot section (not great unless you asked for freshly cooked items) the options for vegetarians was more limited.
The desserts were good, take a trip down memory lane with a soft serve ice-creamas you are let loose in your very own ice-cream van. Grab a waffle cone or a tub, pick your flavour (I can recommend the vanilla/chocolate combo) and then decorate to your own taste with a range of toppings including oreos, sauces and sweeties. Crepes and waffles are made to order and can also be loaded with multiple toppings for those with a sweet tooth.
The location provides the perfect place to relax and enjoy an Abu Dhabi sunset. Live music (that was overly loud at times) keeps everyone entertained and as day turns into night the kids can enjoy an outdoor movie screening. This brunch is designed with families with young children in mind who want to enjoy being outdoors while the weather still allows. Those without children may like to consider the more private and quieter cabana area.
Street Food Picnic Brunch
Location: Bab Al Qasr Hotel, Corniche Road West, PO Box 63410, Abu Dhabi
Telephone: 02 205 3000
Email: reservations@babalqasr.com
Website: www.babalqasr.com
Prices: AED* 180 with soft beverages, AED 220* with house beverages and AED 350* inclusive of house beverages and bubbly. Cabanas (which accommodate up to 8 persons) for AED 1,340* with soft beverages, AED 1,660* with house beverages and AED 2,700 inclusive of house beverages and bubbly.
*Prices are subject to 10% service charge, 6% tourism fee, 4% municipality fee and 5% VAT.
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
I was invited to the Bab Al Qasr brunch launch. All views are my own based on my experience. Unless otherwise stated all photos © Jo Brett 2018. All rights reserved.