The Abu Dhabi EDITION is undoubtedly a style icon on the capital’s hotel and restaurant scene. And now the hotel’s award-winning steakhouse has rolled out its first Friday brunch experience.
words Derek Issacs
Tom Aikens, slated at 26 to be the youngest chef awarded a Michelin star, is the brainchild behind the menus for the luxury hotel group EDITION’s healthy spot Market, Mediterranean-inspired Alba Terrace, and award-winning The Oak Room steakhouse.
While the pandemic temporarily closed many of the capital’s eateries, many have now reopened and, we’re happy to say, the award-winning The Oak Room steakhouse is one of them. And to add to the collective cheer across Abu Dhabi, the steakhouse is now presenting its first ever Friday Brunch, à la carte style.
Those familar with The Oak Room will know that thick sides and cuts of beef are the true stars under the lights displayed behind glass, despite the walls being adorned with over sized framed photos depicting some of England’s legendary rock star groups, such as the Human League, The Jam and the Rolling Stones, among others.
The list of British legends continue onto the brunch menu of this traditional English oak panelled restaurant, such as Eton Mess, a traditional English dessert of a mixture of strawberries, meringue and whipped cream. And that all time English favourite Sticky Toffee Pudding, consisting of a very moist sponge cake, covered in a toffee sauce and served with a generous scoop of vanilla ice-cream.
Eton Mess is believed to originate from Eton College in England.
It’s a daring chef who places a devisive food item on a restaurant table but that’s what Tom Aikens has done. I am referring to the butter that accompanies the Sourdough. There’s something familiar about the taste, which I adore. Is it tapenade? Could be, but no… oh wait! This tastes of a tradional childhood favourite (For me at least)… it’s only Marmite infused butter.
The Marmite butter is a pleasant surprise.
If you err on the side of hate in terms of the Marmite war, I think the Oak Room’s Marmite butter might have you running open arms to the enemy, ‘love’. The butter is just that, butter but with a mild infusion of Marmite; just enough so you recognise this English classic, but not enough (for the haters) that it’ll turn your nose. Go on, spread some love and tuck in!
So how does the brunch work?
I’ve already mentioned it’s à la carte. You’ll get to taste all the starters, but you’ll choose a main (Expect a long deliberation) and get to add on extra sides, which you’ll undoubtedly want to. We’ve already mentioned the desserts, and the drinks are free-flowing, but your poison will depend on the brunch package you choose.
There are four starters, each delectable and, as you’d expect, artistically presented. Kale & Cashew, housemade ricotta drizzled in aged balsamic, seared and peppered beef tenderloin carpaccio, and oh so green English crab with pickled cucumber.
The waiting staff are attentive and expertly explain each dish, and are quick to replensih the table with an array of welcomed refreshments. Oh and on entering the venue, you are greeted by a South African bar tender guarding his drink’s trolley packed with the best ingredients to concoct a Bloody Maria or Bloody Mary for you at your table.
And then the mains.
Beef is the main feature of course, but there’s the traditional English Friday fare of fish ‘n’ chips, a mix of crushed peas, battered cod and triple cooked chps. Keeping with seafood, you could try the split grilled lobster and buttered asparagus, which you’ll need to add an extra AED 100 to your overall check. There’s a half roasted chicken for the taking, and for vegetarians, you could try the salt baked celeriac.
Expect a variety of unique, speciality steaks from USDA Prime Rib, Westholme Wagyu and Black Onyx cuts to Little Joe Tomahawk and Wylarah Wagyu Rib Eye. Accompanied by menu highlights including, Triple Cooked Chips with truffle and parmesan, Kale and Cashew salad, Lobster Cocktail.
Little Joe Tomahawk
For the spirited yet leisurely three-hour affair, we choose red-bloodied meat, the Westholme Wagyu Denver Steak (grade 3-5) and enjoyed all 200 grams of it. We also tucked into a 250 grams worth of Grade 6 Westholme Wagyu striploin (Add AED 100). For sides, the buttered asparagus, green beans and ratte mashed potato withcrispy shallots are the perfect partners.
If we have piqued your interest, and we sure we have, there are three packages to choose from:
- Soft beverages – AED 195
- House beverage – AED 365
- Bubbles – AED 465
If you are one to imbibe, we say brunching at The Oak Lounge simply deserves a bubbly afternoon, and indeed so do you. It’s a sheer treat and one in surrounds that you’ll find difficult to leave. One thing’s certain, though, you’ll be back to try more of this luxe hotel’s venue, we promise!
The Oak Room Friday Brunch from 12pm to 5pm every Friday, The Abu Dhabi EDITION. For reservations contact 02 208 0000 or email restaurantreservations.auh@editionhotels.com
For more information, visit: oakroomabudhabi.com
The post This rock ‘n’ roll brunch hits all the right notes appeared first on Abu Dhabi World Online.
from Abu Dhabi World Online
Comments
Post a Comment