Top Tier Abu Dhabi Brunch: Chef's Brunch, Ritz-Carlton

SEAFOOD, SUSHI AND OLÉ!

Our brunch had a recurring theme: have you seen this? Did you try that?

I love a brunch you could go to three times a season and still eat a whole new set of food from what you had last time, while having a solid list of ‘I’m having that again!’. At the Chef’s Brunch it feels exciting: you keep finding little secrets, like little Swiftie Easter eggs, where you go back to the table and everyone says ‘where did you get that?’ 

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There’s much to love:

Sashay your way down the entrance stations, past the chefs making dumplings, past the seafood station sporting lobster, prawns and crab. Zero in on the oyster stand and either choose a pre-schucked, in-the-shell job from the ice or choose from four different options, have them plucked out of the tank just for you and shucked on the spot.  It’s cool, it’s fun and it’s like nowhere else!

The sushi is also excellent, whether you’re a nigiri gal or a maki guy - we rated the salmon and the beef.  There’s Mexican to the left of you, caviar to the right … and a whole tuna with a guy looking cool and slick wielding a huge Japanese katana stuck in the middle!

He cut huge slabs off this gorgeous fish, then sliced them for you with the incredibly sharp katana.. There’s literally nothing better than cool, fresh fish, served in style - what a treat!

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Before you head inside, you’ll be waylaid by the caviar gal who’ll serve you caviar on a blini with a dollop of sour cream - I mean, is that not the ultimate in high end? And gosh it was good!

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ROAST, RAMEN AND GRRRILLS

So that’s outside … head inside for a table of beautiful canapes and the biggest side of roast beef we’ve ever seen at a brunch, beautifully cooked and sliced for you. There are ice sculptures to really up the ante, a fabulous choose-your -and-how-you’d-like-it-cooked station, a ramen station with a chef throwing his own noodles (very cool!), vegetables, salad, grilled prawns … you name it, they serve it.

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For kids or people who prefer kids food, grab a burger, a piece of pizza or a plate of risotto or pasta.  

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SWEET SENSATIONS

There’s a range: who can resist a chocolate fountain or a candy floss stick made to order? Don’t miss the baby peach pavlovas or the tiramisu.  

And if you don’t want to finish with something sweet, the cheese table stretches away, offering everything a cheese purist could want. 

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SPRITZ, SLUSHIES AND A SPOT OF AGAVE!

There seemed to be drinks stations everywhere: the Spritz at the Ritz station was not only beautiful but served the most delicious versions - passionfruit, plain Aperol and Hugo, all looking fabulous and tasting better.

In a clever marriage, grab a glass from the Casa Tequila station beside the Mexican food on your way in - who doesn't love a bit of agave with their tacos!

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Visit the coffee-everything station for an espresso martini, a cup of coffee or a little cup of frozen coffee - one of Italy’s best ever ideas!

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Glasses of bubbles can be found beside the caviar, naturally!

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There’s a slushy station that can get you either a gorgeous tequila drink or a non-alcoholic option.

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And most exciting of all, watch the guy grind a slab of ice, add a bit of syrup and away you go with granita in a beer handle! We confess to absolutely smashing these out on our table and declared the passionfruit and strawberry the winners.

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You can also get cocktails and mocktails from the bar delivered to your table.

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ADDING TO THE GREATNESS

What actually sets this brunch apart is all in the title: the Chef’s Brunch.  There are chefs everywhere - you can spot them in their candy pink aprons, looking super dapper and super happy. This happiness flows on to the crowd - it’s impossible not to think this is a good-time brunch where you’re going to love and laugh.

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There’s a brilliant sax/DJ combination, both playing upbeat tunes you sing along to. They bring  a really palpable energy that can't be taken for granted. 

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This article comes with a huge congratulations to the whole team at Giornotte: for us, you’ve pulled it off and we can’t recommend it enough. 

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DETAILS AND BOOKING

Timing: Saturdays 1-4PM

Price: Soft AED399, House with prosecco AED499, Champagne AED699, children 6-11 AED200

Booking: 02 8188203