Rose Brunch at Alba Terrace | The Abu Dhabi EDITION

“The vibrancy of the Aperol Spritz bar invites you in, while the informal sharing menu encourages you to dive in as the hours go by unnoticed.” Alba Terrace

The Abu Dhabi EDITION has forever changed the capital’s hotel scene with its sleek contemporary design and modern interiors. Located downtown in the heart of the Al Bateen Marina district it offers guests five-star luxury and exceptional service with a touch of European flair in both its concept and cuisine mixed, of course, with regional touches.

Alba Terrace, one of the hotel’s three restaurants led by Michelin-starred British chef Tom Aikens, has introduced a table style Friday Brunch bursting with fresh, mediterranean flavours. Three courses are served sharing style accompanied by a menu of drinks including cleansers, fine wines, beers and Italian favourite Aperol Spritz from the restaurant’s stylish semi-circular bar.

The Rose Brunch is a social affair with a good selection of well-presented, delicious dishes that’s also well suited to vegetarians with lots of veggie options, something that is not always the case. Welcome drinks were served along with warm focaccia bread and oil infused with garlic while we glanced at the menu and salivated at the feast that was to come. Warning, there’s lots of cheese, which suited me perfectly! Starters of creamy burrata with lemon, black olives and mint, mozzarella with cherry tomatoes, ricotta filled heritage tomatoes and courgette, goats cheese and basil tart, all a veggie’s dream. Other starters of marinated prawns with grapefruit and red snapper carpaccio were devoured around the table and seconds ordered.

Mains of veal and lamb meat balls, crab linguine and tender roast baby lamb leg went down a treat as did the provencal vegetable tatin and extra veggie dishes of risotto verde (with spinach, kale and rocket) and my absolute savoury favourite, aubergine parmigiana. Now let’s talk dessert. Forget the miniature offerings and chocolate fountains of a traditional brunch, an Aikens brunch will satisfy all your sweet cravings with just four dishes. An incredibly moorish smooth crème brulee, an even more additive hazelnut praline chocolate mousse, a delicious crispy vanilla mille feuille with mixed berries and homemade vanilla ice cream. All Simply Divine.

Diners can choose to sit inside the well-lit modern, intimate venue or dine al fresco in one of the outdoor pavilions or sunken tables surrounded by water. No detail has been left to chance, tonal wraps and blankets to match the navy textiles are provided for guest’s comfortable. Unfortunately due to freakishly high winds we had to abandon our lovely outdoor table and retreat inside, a sign that I need to return. The lively band battled the wind to keep us entertained with a great performance throughout the brunch.

The Abu Dhabi EDITION, that falls under the Marriott International umbrella, is the newest property of the global EDITION Hotel brand that has boutique properties in London, Miami Beach, New York, Sanya, Bodrum, Barcelona, Shanghai, Times Square and West Hollywood. The vision of Ian Schrager, long time hotelier and co-founder of the iconic nightclub Studio 54, the EDITION concept is different in each city embracing the culture of each location in its own unique, sophisticated way but what remains constant throughout is cool design, comfort, food and beverage options, service and entertainment.

I highly recommend post-brunch drinks in the Library Bar. Hidden behind floor-to-ceiling curtains this gentleman club-esq bar has quite the selection of gins and other premium beverages. It’s an elegant and comfortable spot to relax with an extensive floor-to-ceiling gallery wall and excellent service. Finish your Friday experience, as we did, with a game or two of pool in the spacious, plant filled lobby area.

The Rose Brunch is a foodie brunch, high on quality rather than quantity of the huge traditional buffet style brunches. I really enjoyed the food and the table style is always a winner in my book as everyone is present throughout the meal. The desserts were a real highlight and the visit to the Library Bar is a must. This new hotel, that opened at the end of last year, is the talk of the town. If you haven’t visited The Abu Dhabi EDITION yet I suggest you do, next on my list is the Saturday British roast in the fabulous Oak Room.

Alba Terrace

Location: The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen Marina, Abu Dhabi

Telephone: 02 208 0000

Website: www.editionhotels.com/abu-dhabi/

Reservations: restaurantreservations.auh@editionhotels.com

Friday Rose Brunch 12:30pm – 4:30pm

Soft Package AED 250, House Beverages Package AED 400, Bubbly Package AED 500 (children aged 6 and over AED 125)