What’s a weekend without brunch? It’s the city’s favourite pastime for good reason, and the capital is pulling out all the stops at the minute, with weekend bashes launching all over the city. And we’re absolutely thrilled.
Excited to try something new we head to Rosewood Abu Dhabi on Al Maryah Island to see what’s in store at the much-talked about Hidden Bar’s weekend brunch. And if you’re the type that can’t get out of bed before noon, then you’re in luck as this one runs all the way through until 9pm. Just pick your three-hour slot, set your alarm for PM and you’re good to go. We choose a time somewhere in the middle, so we can enjoy sitting outdoors and take in that sunset from the terrace.
The brunch is made up of a platter of different starters, followed by main courses and a dessert to share, all served to the table. The grub is joined by free-flowing drinks –with special attention given to juniper-based beverages that are available in a variety of combinations and concoctions.
Before the food starts arriving there’s time to enjoy a cool drink and soak up the views from Al Maryah Island over towards Al Zahiya and the city.
Starters arrive to the table, and come hungry as there are a lot of them.
Sushi and sashimi, bruschetta, oysters, seafood, cheese tarts, seared tuna salad, a Caesar salad and heaps more. Everything is pretty good and we particularly enjoy tucking into the fresh lobster and seared scallops, slurping oysters and digging into sushi.
The cheese tarts are also a thing of beauty with buttery, flaky pastry and a heap of warm, gooey cheese. We hardly make a dent in the salads, which look nice enough, but you can only eat so much in one sitting. Sorry salads, it’s not you, it’s us.
The vibe is pretty chilled and while it’s not super-lively, it’s laid-back and friendly.
For the main event there’s a nod to British cuisine, with beef wellington taking a star turn. The meat is pink, tender and enveloped in perfectly flaky pastry. Fish and chips is no slouch either, the batter is crispy, the fish cooked well and the chips are sturdy enough to withstand a barrage of vinegar and salt. We’re a little sad about the lack of mushy peas, but admittedly they’re a pretty niche request so we’ll forgive it.
Shepherd’s pie is pure comfort food but maybe a little heavy for this stage in the proceedings, as our waistbands are already starting to complain.
Stuffed, we give dessert a miss – dishes could comfortably feed four rather than two – and just enjoy the vibe.
While the food at Hidden Bar’s weekend brunch isn’t mind-blowing it’s all tasty enough, and given the choice of food, juniper drinks – for which the bar is known – and the flexibility in timings it makes for a popular choice.
Dhs265 (house beverages). Fri noon-9pm (three hours). Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5550).
