“Farm and ocean-fresh ingredients take centre stage as the hotel’s master chefs create memorable dishes for you and your family.” Emirates Palace
There are not many brunch spots in Abu Dhabi that can rival that of Brunch at the Palace. Overlooking one of the pools and beach at the Emirates Palace, this outdoor dining extravaganza takes place poolside at Las Brisas in this magnificent hotel’s East Wing.
You enter the main street of the food market via an iron arch where the hotel chefs await you at twenty-six gourmet food stations offering an array of international cuisine and live cooking displays. Colourful food stalls entice you with their tantalizing aromas and well presented fare taking you on a journey around the world’s cuisine.
Mingle with fellow diners as you jostle to find your favourite dish amongst all the global fare, if may take you some time to decide where to start. Try lobster bisque served in a bread bowl, some grilled Greek delights or perhaps some spicy Mexican tacos and quesadillas at the Tex Mex stall. Indulge in some foie gras and sample regional favourites such as mezze, lamb ouzi and camel meat kofta. The popular Italian station offers pizza, fresh pasta and a giant, steaming hot pan of my favourite eggplant dish, Melanzane Parmigiana.
New this year is a station dedicated to the vegetable of the moment, the avocado. Feast on bun-less avocado burgers with crab or salmon options and quinoa for the vegetarians (disappointingly this was just a quinoa filled avocado rather than a burger). Meat eaters can enjoy the finest cuts at the wagyu beef bar as well as grilled meats and sausages served straight from the smoker. There’s plenty of seafood on offer and a selection of posh street food such as lobster dogs and soft shell crab burgers. There’s also salads and vegetables aplenty, delicious breaded goats cheese from the cheese stall, French inspired tartines and DIY jacket potatoes with all your favourite toppings.
The family-friendly brunch has plenty to keep the children entertained with a supervised play area while adults can relax and enjoy the alfresco dining and upbeat music from the live band. Accompanying all the international flavours are a selection of cocktails, beers, wines and premium beverages and fresh juices, mocktails, coffee and tea for the non-drinkers all delivered straight to your table.
As always save room for dessert, my sweet tooth propelled me to the dessert stalls where many calorific temptations awaited. Brownies and quite the selection of individual cheesecakes awaits you at the Cheesecake Factory (I can confirm that the raspberry cheesecake was a delight) and donuts of all varieties.
No visit to the Emirates Palace would be complete without a touch of gold and this brunch is no exception, a whole station dedicated to golden desserts including a tower of gold macaroons. Executive Pastry Chef Francois Leo and his team are on hand to showcase the art of making miniature ice creams with dry ice. Crepes, french toast and waffles cooked to order can be topped with sweet sauces, fresh fruit and gelato. The candy stall offered chocolates, fudge, biscuits and many varieties of jelly sweets.
Perfectly capturing the ambiance of an outdoor food market, with the added gourmet touch, elegance and service expected at the Emirates Palace, Brunch at the Palace is an enjoyable and indulgent way to spend a Friday afternoon. Take a post-brunch stroll along the beach and look out for the hotel’s resident camels. Gather your friends, family and visitors to enjoy alfresco dining poolside under the shadow of the undulating date palms at Las Brisas.
Brunch at the Palace
Location: Las Brisas, East Wing, Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi
Telephone: 02 690 7999
E-mail: restaurants@emiratespalace.ae
Every Friday: 12.30pm-4pm
Dress Code: Casual
Cost*: AED 370 with soft drinks, AED 465 with house beverages, AED 695 with premium French bubbles. Children between 6 and 12 years AED 185 (5 and under dine are free) *All prices are in UAE Dirham and are inclusive of all applicable service charges, local fees and taxes.
Read more about Emirates Palace in previous posts HERE
I was invited to this event. All views are my own based on my experience. Unless otherwise stated, all photos on this page © Jo Brett 2019. All rights reserved.