BLVD On One Friday Brunch, FIVE Palm Jumeirah
Brunch Reviews | In Unspecified on June 27th, 2017
200-300 AED
Unspecified
The "Hot Smokey Brunch" is a poolside bonanza by Chef Robert "Bobbi" Nilsson and the team at BLVD on One. Another new brunch in yet another recently opened hotel (March 2017) on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah. Not without it's controversy over who actually operates the resort (Five still own the property but do not manage it) and though it had gone through a recent rebrand, it will likely revert to being a Viceroy again in the near future... Still confused!? Us too.
Less confusing is the concept of the brunch itself, and the rap sheet that includes saliva-inducing smokey BBQ smoked brisket, grilled short ribs and other smoky classics served alongside pickled cabbage, cucumbers, coleslaws and corn on the cob to name just a few…and that is without exploring the other letters of the alphabet.
THE FOOD
The brunch begins with small starters served family style to share amongst us. The freshly baked bread and humus some paired well with the smooth and buttery filling of the mini devilled eggs.
The chefs themselves, provide a constant theme throughout the brunch of how "on show" they are, and they came to present the table themselves with stunningly plated portions of freshly baked salmon and mini chicken karaage sliders in a nikkoman bun! Nothing too heavy as yet, just the perfect quantities to prepare the stomach for the title attraction. But before we allowed ourselves the pleasure (we hoped) we got up to visit the impressive salad station. A veritable smorgasbord of freshness, perfect for those on a health kick or anyone with a penchant for trying something new such as the yellow beats & pomegranate salad, the honey roasted pumpkin salad with kale & pine nuts, or the Apple, fennel & watercress salad to name a few exciting and unusual combinations.
As we walked around it was hard not to be tempted by all of the many dishes on offer from all over the globe in particular Japanese chicken yakitori, the Korean beef BBQ sticks, Thai lemongrass chicken skewers and not forgetting the best kimchi we have every tasted!! All of this and we hadn't even got to the main event yet!...
The hot smokey BBQ itself is located poolside...700KG of black, imperious Milwaukee smokehouse hardware that exudes the most glorious of smells to massage the senses of mankind since time immemorial…smoked wood over fire.
Aside from the magnificent smell, the 12 hour slow cooked beef brisket did not disappoint in the taste stakes either, nor did the chefs recommendation of their special coffee sauce which sounded worryingly "fad-like" but surprisingly mellow and complimented the aroma of the smoke rather than overpower it.
We are still yet to find anywhere in Dubai serving a better shawarma than the hole in the wall in Karama, and the lack of spiciness and seasoning in the versions here means the wait continues unfortunately, however the Freshly BBQ'd lamb chops, lamb kebabs, chicken tikka and sides, especially the chipotle and confit garlic slaw more than made up for it.
When it comes to the desert section, it is more about quality over quantity as the selection is not overly large, but ticks all of the right boxes. From amazing cinnamon doughnuts to fresh strawberry cheesecake, hazelnut roche, red velvet cake, large pieces of broken chocolate, cherry mousses, tiny portions of banoffee and lemon meringue tart which were all to die for! The item that impressed us the most was the traditional English fudge, a rarity to find at brunches in Dubai and left our entire table chomping at the bit with its rich, buttery texture.
THE DRINKS
The drinks offered on the alcoholic package include...Red wine and white wine sangria (both infused with seasonal fruits), Viceroy Mojitos, Bloody Mary's, hops (Budweiser), Vodka, (Skyy), Gin (Greenalls) & Rum (Appleton VX). Lovers of grape have the option of either a Red Cabernet Sauvignon or a White Sauvignon Blanc (both Cuvee Sabourin).
THE OTHER STUFF
Overall, the new brunch on the block certainly lives up to its 'Hot & Smokey' tag line with some of the finest BBQ this side of the Atlantic. The stunning entrance and surroundings, the backdrop of the Marina, the seamless blending of modern finishes and open kitchens with their warm rustic edges and wooden interiors sitting in front of the hotel's sprawling infinity pool. The menu changes four times a season to reflect the different BBQ seasons and keep things fresh, with the food prepared by "people who believe memories from our childhood are linked to the tastes and aromas we love."
Every Friday from 12.30-3.30pm
To Book call 04 455 9988 or email vpjd.dining@viceroyhotelsandresorts.com
As we walked around it was hard not to be tempted by all of the many dishes on offer from all over the globe in particular Japanese chicken yakitori, the Korean beef BBQ sticks, Thai lemongrass chicken skewers and not forgetting the best kimchi we have every tasted!! All of this and we hadn't even got to the main event yet!...
The hot smokey BBQ itself is located poolside...700KG of black, imperious Milwaukee smokehouse hardware that exudes the most glorious of smells to massage the senses of mankind since time immemorial…smoked wood over fire.
Aside from the magnificent smell, the 12 hour slow cooked beef brisket did not disappoint in the taste stakes either, nor did the chefs recommendation of their special coffee sauce which sounded worryingly "fad-like" but surprisingly mellow and complimented the aroma of the smoke rather than overpower it.
We are still yet to find anywhere in Dubai serving a better shawarma than the hole in the wall in Karama, and the lack of spiciness and seasoning in the versions here means the wait continues unfortunately, however the Freshly BBQ'd lamb chops, lamb kebabs, chicken tikka and sides, especially the chipotle and confit garlic slaw more than made up for it.
When it comes to the desert section, it is more about quality over quantity as the selection is not overly large, but ticks all of the right boxes. From amazing cinnamon doughnuts to fresh strawberry cheesecake, hazelnut roche, red velvet cake, large pieces of broken chocolate, cherry mousses, tiny portions of banoffee and lemon meringue tart which were all to die for! The item that impressed us the most was the traditional English fudge, a rarity to find at brunches in Dubai and left our entire table chomping at the bit with its rich, buttery texture.
THE DRINKS
The drinks offered on the alcoholic package include...Red wine and white wine sangria (both infused with seasonal fruits), Viceroy Mojitos, Bloody Mary's, hops (Budweiser), Vodka, (Skyy), Gin (Greenalls) & Rum (Appleton VX). Lovers of grape have the option of either a Red Cabernet Sauvignon or a White Sauvignon Blanc (both Cuvee Sabourin).
THE OTHER STUFF
Overall, the new brunch on the block certainly lives up to its 'Hot & Smokey' tag line with some of the finest BBQ this side of the Atlantic. The stunning entrance and surroundings, the backdrop of the Marina, the seamless blending of modern finishes and open kitchens with their warm rustic edges and wooden interiors sitting in front of the hotel's sprawling infinity pool. The menu changes four times a season to reflect the different BBQ seasons and keep things fresh, with the food prepared by "people who believe memories from our childhood are linked to the tastes and aromas we love."
Every Friday from 12.30-3.30pm
To Book call 04 455 9988 or email vpjd.dining@viceroyhotelsandresorts.com
