BU!RNCH @BU! Trinity - The Hub, World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi
Brunch Reviews | In Unspecified on January 31st, 2017
300-400 AED
Unspecified
An inauspicious start to proceedings as we were dropped off by a confused looking cabbie at one of the many entrances to the World Trade Centre and shuffled meekly inside the gaping expanse that is one of the quietest, most tranquil shopping malls we had ever set foot in. (think 8am at the MOE). With an eerie sense of quiet, we made our way through the concourse and couldn't help but feel over/underdressed as the few local families, children and shoppers we did see glared attentively at us two intrepid "brunchers" as if we were creatures from outer space. Reluctant to ask anyone for directions, but undeterred we marched on until we chanced upon the "Hub." A purpose-built tower of licensed eateries spanning the 4th, 5th and 6th floors in a similar style to Pier 7 in the Dubai Marina Mall, with BU !sitting proudly on the 4th floor.
THE FOOD
BU! is unashamedly Latin-American. The Brunch or BU!RNCH as it is called (however difficult on the tongue) is an al fresco feast served outside on the extensive roof terrace and is designed to invoke the spirit of a South American street market with a combination of à la carte ordering and live cooking stations.
Botanas (small snacks) and a salad kicked off our meal, with the Papa Chimichurri, a moreish, spice infused rendition of the classic tapas dish "patatas bravas" stealing the plaudits. The Guacamole with Tortilla chips were simple and flavourful with a lovely hint of garlic, but we struggled with the Fresca salad which though pretty, contained more fruits than leaves and didn't mix well with the other two dishes.
Next entered the world of street cuisine as we designed our own ceviche's and tiraditos by selecting from a combination of proteins, sauces, and garnishes or from 3 chef's recommendations. Accompanying these cold dishes are soft tacos, a selection of arepas (corn pockets) and anticuchos (skewers) which are the dishes found on every street corner in Peru. Favourites included the Black Angus beef with panka and cumin, the shredded duck with tomato and onion and the Tuna, Ponzu & Habenero Ceviche. Packed with flavour, piquant and steadily growing in heat without overpowering the taste.
Careful not to over-indulge on the street food (De la Calle) we advised our waitress that we were ready for mains, and were thrilled to be presented with our very own table top grill (La Parilla )and a pre-cooked selection of tender Lamb Ribs, succulent Picanha steak, Chicken Breast and Veggies. Rather than overcook the meat, the grill served to provide an additional element of smoky flavour to the meats, as well as acting as a handy deterrent to any flies with any ideas of sharing our food.
For postres (desserts) we received a beautifully presented mini selection of traditional Latin American sweets in the form of the cheese cake alfajor, fried arepas and their take on a piña colada with pineapple butter sauce,
Salted coconut ice cream and white chocolate dust. One word. Buenissimo!
THE DRINK
What better way to start the day with an ever-so-slightly dry, fresh, and crisp Cava Brut named Hola! (from Barcelona). The wine selection included a Red (Cabernet Sauvignon, Kawin), a White (Sauvignon Blanc, Kawin), Club Rose & 2 kinds of hops (Antarctica & Xinghu noche).
The 5 cocktails, a large selection by brunch standards and did not lack in ferocity, were the Mai Tai, Caipirinha, Cuba Libre, Margarita & Mojito. The 4 mocktail options to explore were the Lemon con Chia, Fresco, a virgin Mojito and a vergin Colada.
Finally, and what really sets the spirit selection apart from other brunches is the attention to detail in one particular area, with Bu offering both the 3yr and the 7yr old versions of Havanna, the original Cuban rum to really get you in the mood.
THE OTHER STUFF
The music being played by the duo was relatively sombre when we arrived. Fortunately the tempo soon picked up from the latin love songs they started with, to more upbeat bolero beats, creating a more vibrant carnival-esq atmosphere out on the sun-kissed terrace…a far cry from the solemn entrance we had experienced through the mall just a few hours earlier.
The staff are also very authentic and a significant part of the day. From their mannerisms, to the way they spoke about the menu, laughed, moved to the music, and most importantly…the way the chefs interpret the menu! Dishes are so authentic they will have you practicing your Spanish pronunciations in order to impress your waiters in this unexpectedly vivacious, industrial, yet delightfully rustic space.
BU!enisimo! (Spanish for exceptionally good!)
Every Friday from 12.30pm - 4pm
AED 250 - Soft Drinks
AED 350 - House Beverages
AED 450 - Champagne Devaux ‘D'
To book call +971 2 6668066 or email
Book Now with Eat App
THE FOOD
BU! is unashamedly Latin-American. The Brunch or BU!RNCH as it is called (however difficult on the tongue) is an al fresco feast served outside on the extensive roof terrace and is designed to invoke the spirit of a South American street market with a combination of à la carte ordering and live cooking stations.
Botanas (small snacks) and a salad kicked off our meal, with the Papa Chimichurri, a moreish, spice infused rendition of the classic tapas dish "patatas bravas" stealing the plaudits. The Guacamole with Tortilla chips were simple and flavourful with a lovely hint of garlic, but we struggled with the Fresca salad which though pretty, contained more fruits than leaves and didn't mix well with the other two dishes.
Next entered the world of street cuisine as we designed our own ceviche's and tiraditos by selecting from a combination of proteins, sauces, and garnishes or from 3 chef's recommendations. Accompanying these cold dishes are soft tacos, a selection of arepas (corn pockets) and anticuchos (skewers) which are the dishes found on every street corner in Peru. Favourites included the Black Angus beef with panka and cumin, the shredded duck with tomato and onion and the Tuna, Ponzu & Habenero Ceviche. Packed with flavour, piquant and steadily growing in heat without overpowering the taste.
Careful not to over-indulge on the street food (De la Calle) we advised our waitress that we were ready for mains, and were thrilled to be presented with our very own table top grill (La Parilla )and a pre-cooked selection of tender Lamb Ribs, succulent Picanha steak, Chicken Breast and Veggies. Rather than overcook the meat, the grill served to provide an additional element of smoky flavour to the meats, as well as acting as a handy deterrent to any flies with any ideas of sharing our food.
For postres (desserts) we received a beautifully presented mini selection of traditional Latin American sweets in the form of the cheese cake alfajor, fried arepas and their take on a piña colada with pineapple butter sauce,
Salted coconut ice cream and white chocolate dust. One word. Buenissimo!
THE DRINK
What better way to start the day with an ever-so-slightly dry, fresh, and crisp Cava Brut named Hola! (from Barcelona). The wine selection included a Red (Cabernet Sauvignon, Kawin), a White (Sauvignon Blanc, Kawin), Club Rose & 2 kinds of hops (Antarctica & Xinghu noche).
The 5 cocktails, a large selection by brunch standards and did not lack in ferocity, were the Mai Tai, Caipirinha, Cuba Libre, Margarita & Mojito. The 4 mocktail options to explore were the Lemon con Chia, Fresco, a virgin Mojito and a vergin Colada.
Finally, and what really sets the spirit selection apart from other brunches is the attention to detail in one particular area, with Bu offering both the 3yr and the 7yr old versions of Havanna, the original Cuban rum to really get you in the mood.
THE OTHER STUFF
The music being played by the duo was relatively sombre when we arrived. Fortunately the tempo soon picked up from the latin love songs they started with, to more upbeat bolero beats, creating a more vibrant carnival-esq atmosphere out on the sun-kissed terrace…a far cry from the solemn entrance we had experienced through the mall just a few hours earlier.
The staff are also very authentic and a significant part of the day. From their mannerisms, to the way they spoke about the menu, laughed, moved to the music, and most importantly…the way the chefs interpret the menu! Dishes are so authentic they will have you practicing your Spanish pronunciations in order to impress your waiters in this unexpectedly vivacious, industrial, yet delightfully rustic space.
BU!enisimo! (Spanish for exceptionally good!)
Every Friday from 12.30pm - 4pm
AED 250 - Soft Drinks
AED 350 - House Beverages
AED 450 - Champagne Devaux ‘D'
To book call +971 2 6668066 or email
Book Now with Eat App
