BRUNCH

BRUNCH OF THE MONTH: BELGIAN CAFÉ AT INTERCONTINENTAL ABU DHABI

A well-established favourite that never disappoints

The phrase ‘an oldie but a goodie’ has rarely been more relevant than when referring to InterContinental Abu Dhabi’s Marina Brunch. One of the city’s original weekend feasts, many experienced brunch goers (us included) hold a soft spot for this familyfriendly affair.

Although set at Belgian Café, the menu is a long way from merely waffles and hops. Instead, it’s an expansive buffet of Asian specialities from Cho Gao Marina Walk, South American cuts from Chamas, Lebanese recipes from Byblos Sur Mer and delicious European signatures from the host.

This means unique and unexpected dishes, such as steaming pots of mussels, croquettes in every flavour, ceviches and aromatic Southeast Asian curries, are all found alongside usual subjects like sushi, mezze, cheeses, grilled meats and seafood. Belgian Café is most famous for its vast patio and gorgeous marina views, and as the temperature hits an inviting level of ‘hot, but not too hot’, we chose to sit out on the terrace, assess which of the moored boats we’d most like to own, and enjoy this delectable affair in the winter shade.

We know that your weekend blow-out isn’t usually the appropriate time for a trip to the salad bar, but we urge you to start this hedonistic voyage with some of the incredible creamy broccoli, roasted sprouts, papaya salad and as many of the other fresh and colourful delights as you can manage. We have rarely tasted such a delectable spread of cold appetisers in all our years of brunching.

Other highlights include the tasty Peking duck, teriyaki chicken and beef bao buns, the succulent, melt-in-themouth Argentinian beef, and the German speciality sausages and ribs, served smothered in homemade sauce and on a pile of thick-cut golden fries. It all tastes sensational paired with a hefty tankard of Belgian brew or two.

While the inside buffet is all carefully labelled, we feel we could do with some help identifying ‘what is what’ outside. The live stations are easy enough to navigate, but the many large steel food warmers were not labelled, and we nearly missed out on some of the best dishes. If in doubt, have a peek.

However, this is the only change we would advocate to its otherwise winning formula. The staff are friendly and attentive, the soundtrack is awesome, and the dessert spread spans all our top sweet weaknesses. InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen, Sat 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs325 with soft drinks, Dhs435 with house beverages, Dhs125 for kids under 12. Tel: (0)50 723 5441. @belgiancafead WHAT’S ON VERDICT Perfect for alfresco dining and impressing visitors, the quality of the food is flawless. It’s bound to be busy and buzzing all winter.

What’s On The Menu at The Bollywood Bronx

JOIN US FOR A SUPPER CLUB AT THE BOLLYWOOD BRONX, THE HUB AT WTC ABU DHABI

What’s On The Menu? is a supper club series that offers What’s On readers the chance to experience a new hotspot, and sample its menu for free, before anyone else. This month, we are heading to the newly opened Bollywood Bronx at The Hub, WTC Abu Dhabi for a lavish Indian-inspired feast, and we’re inviting 30 foodies to come along and join us. The Bollywood Bronx takes guests on a journey of experimentation and culinary discovery. Presenting contemporary Indian dishes, served with an innovative twist, it treats foodies to elegant signature cocktails and theatrical, sharing-style recipes, brimming with enticing spices and aromas. Presenting a distinguished ambiance enhanced by an urban chic interior, the alfresco terrace provides views of the city skyline, while a live DJ sets the mood for socialising and relaxing with eclectic beats. The talented team of expert chefs will prepare a specially curated menu of artistic specialties just for What’s On The Menu? this November. If this sounds like your idea of a dream night out, RSVP now for a rst-come- rst-served chance to attend this truly unforgettable gastronomic experience.

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RSVP to taran.singh@motivate.ae

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