“A fresh new brunch at a grand new resort.” Saadiyat Rotana
An indulgent Friday brunch has been launched at the sweeping beachfront Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas on Saadiyat Island. But aren’t all Friday brunches indulgent you may be thinking? The answer is yes, this four hour feast is always extravagant but The Market Brunch concept at the Saadiyat Rotana has just raised the bar in Abu Dhabi brunch game.
Let me justify this statement by giving you a snippet of what you can expect. Firstly, a seafood counter like no other with a 400+kg tuna as its centrepiece surrounded by all manner of fish and LIVE crustaceans wandering around. Select your fish, crab or lobster, it will then be cooked to order and delivered to your table. Next, pop into the VIP premium beverage area for a glass of Moet Chandon or perhaps a shot of Patron Tequila, some caviar paired with Grey Goose, a cocktail or two and a bottle of on-trend craft beer from Brewdog. You get the jist it’s all about the finer things in life.
Presented in Sim Sim, the vast all-day dining restaurant, the brunch is lively with plenty of indoor seating and spills outside onto the large terrace with its pool and beach views. While there’s plenty of premium goodies, the Market Brunch is inspired by the idea of a traditional farmers market market and it’s very much a family-friendly affair with a large dedicated children’s area and child-friendly menu. An actual organic market is set up at the restaurant’s entrance, wooden stalls and pallets laden with fresh fruit and vegetables that are all available to purchase if you fancy some after-brunch grocery shopping.
Diners are spoilt for choice with a variety of live cooking stations that offer a culinary flavours from around the globe. There’s the Asian stations with edamame, dim sum, peking duck and spicy noodles, Indian curries and sides, regional delicacies in the Arabic area and a large selection of roasted meats in the carvery section. Plenty of antipasto, pasta, salads options for the vegetarians and a mighty display of breads and pastries of all shapes and colours. Outside on the terrace the live acoustic band keep guests entertained, there’s bbq stations with kebabs a popular choice and a second drinks area with individual bars offering Aperol Spritz, beer, cider, rum, gin and whiskey.
Desserts are displayed between an old-fashioned gramophone, vintage luggage and books. Tuck into a selection of sweet treats, try the Italian gelato and decorate yourself with various toppings on offer and don’t forget the classic brunch favourite, the chocolate fountain. If you still have room the cheese selection is incredible, a vast display of international favourites, flanked by a full-size cow, served with crackers, nuts and dried fruit.
No expense or imagination has been spared with this brunch, it really offers something for everyone whether brunching with family or friends, it may not the cheapest option in the capital but you get what you pay for. We were lucky enough to be invited to the launch and while there still a few tweaks to be made (like not keeping the wine in the sun for one) overall it’s really a great way to relax and enjoy a Friday afternoon. My top tip would be to opt for an outdoor table and I highly recommend post-brunch drinks at Nasma, the resort’s new Caribbean themed beachfront bar right on the sand, you can thank me later.
Market Brunch
Location: Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Telephone: 02 697 0000
E-mail: saadiyat.resort@rotana.com
Website:www.rotana.com/rotanahotelandresorts/unitedarabemirates/abudhabi/saadiyatrotanaresortandvillas
Friday Brunch: 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Cost: Soft Package AED 335 (soft beverages), House Beverage Package AED 475 (house beverages, wines, beers & cocktails) and Premium Package AED 595 (Access to the VIP lounge inclusive of champagne, premium beverages, wines, beers & cocktails). Children from 6 to 11 years old at AED 165. Children below 6 years dine for free.
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Read more about Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas in previous post Turtle Bay Bar & Grill | Saadiyat Resort & Villas and Hamilton’s Gastro Pub and Si Ristorante Italiano & Bar
I was invited to the media launch of The Market Brunch. Unless otherwise stated, all views and photos on this page © Jo Brett 2018. All rights reserved. One additional photo used with courtesy of Saadiyat Rotana
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