Crab Tavern 80's & 90's Brunch, Media One Hotel
This week, we visited one of the 2 new kids on the block who are currently making a lot of noise in the previously unoccupied space on the 9th floor of Media One Hotel. Crab Taverns 80's & 90's themed brunch aims to do exactly as it says on the tin; so think rubix cubes, slinkies, Top Gun, The Spice Girls and everything weird and wonderful in between. If you are an 80's or 90's baby (which we are…) then this should be right up your street.
The Food
The concept of Crab Taverns Brunch is sharing platters for starters and desserts, with a choice of main course from the menu and also some lighter egg themed bites for those of you wanting more of a liquid lunch or just a light, late Breakfast in the traditional sense of the word Brunch.
When the sharing platter arrived in its fish shaped serving dish, we were pleased to see that it had a little something for everyone in it. From classics such as fried Black Pepper Squid, Boneless Tavern Ribs and JD Wings, to Cajun Shrimp, their very own ‘80's' Prawn Cocktail and Crispy White Bait which were soo "fishy" fresh you could still taste the sea in them. There were Crab donuts which were a tad difficult to decipher in terms of flavour and texture, not entirely sure as to whether they were meant to be sweet or savoury, and finally a couple of unfortunate, anemic looking Rock Oysters. In hindsight, we should have started stated with the cold appetisers before moving onto the hot as it was slightly unnerving moving from the heat of a JD Chicken Wing to the cold slurp of an Oyster…but that is just personal preference I guess.
After picking through the sharing platter with the efficiency of a pair of 8 year olds and a bag of cinema pick n mix, out came the menu once more as it was time to select our main course. Again there was a wide enough selection of dishes for there to be something for everyone without being too labour intensive and a chore to select from countless options. As you would expect from the name, Seafood features quite heavily in dishes such as the Soft Shell Crab Burger, which is served with Red Pepper Jelly, Shiso and Old Bay, The Saffron infused Seafood Risotto which was jam packed with Mussels, Cod, Salmon and Squid, and the Moules Frites with Old Bay Fries. They do not however, neglect other popular dishes such as the Rump Steak & Chips, Pot Roast Chicken and the ever popular Tavern Burger, which seemed to be flying past on at at least 50% of the trays coming out of the frenetic open kitchen.
We opted for the Soft Shell Crab Burger and the Surf and Turf salad. The Crab was golden in colour, tender, crisp and full of flavour which burst from its crispy exterior on each bite in the form of the most tantalizing juice. The Surf and Turf Salad on the other hand was slightly more run of the mill in comparison. Whilst The Steak was plentiful and well-seasoned, parts were slightly over cooked, the Shrimp too cold and the whole dish lacked a seasoning or dressing that these simple, fresh ingredients needed to give them a much needed punch. I guess it serves me right for going to a crab shack and ordering a salad!!…Having said that, if we would have asked for any additional condiments or dressings, we are sure it would not have been an issue, such was the accommodating and ebullient nature of our waiter Christopher. (more on him later…)
Following our mains, and surprisingly with more room left for dessert then we had initially anticipated, we arrived at the course usually given only a tertiary nod with a much heightened sense of expectation. Our dessert sharing platter for two was a fine-looking arrangement of Chocolate brownies, Pecan Tarts, Upside Down Baked Cheesecake, and a Bourbon and Maple soaked Waffle which was drizzled with a Sweet Vanilla Cream. A real treat for the sweet side of our palette and a memorable climax to our meal which had enjoyed a mediocre beginning with our expectations set so high. Someone once said "Chocolate is the answer, I don't care what the question is…"on this occasion it certainly was.
The Drinks Having taken our seats at our window-side table, our energetic and excitable waiter Christopher took us through the list of drinks available throughout the day with an infectious yet friendly conviction that instantly created a bond between us. So much so that we almost wanted to pull up a third chair and invite him to brunch with us. Before we could do that, however, it was back to business and we started off with a crisp glass of Prosecco to make our customary toast to the day. The first glass was swiftly followed by the second as Christopher (as if he had been tipped off about our partiality to bubbles) had conveniently placed the bottle in a bucket of ice on the window ledge next to our table…well played sir!
To our ever-increasing delight, and before we had the chance to finish the bottle, Christopher hopped and skipped over, smiling like a Cheshire cat holding what we described as the lovechild of a tequila-fuelled tryst between the Pink Panther and Mr Frosty the snowman. Otherwise known as a Giant Desperita. (a crushed Ice Margerita with an upside down Desperado, served in an oversized martini glass). Having watched Mrs Brunch marvel at the electric pink colour for a while, we both managed to refocus and caught each other's eye with the "knowing" look, which meant only one thing...We both knew this Behemoth would only be leaving our table one way..Empty!
On top of the seemingly bottomless top ups of prosecco, we were also brought over two Jam jars which were called ‘Mason Jar Mary Bars‘ which were a lot like bloody Marys but a little sweeter, and a few too many shots of tequila which I don't think were ever ordered, but were welcomed with a cheer each time nonetheless. Also available were your regular house beverages and a selection of Bellini's.
The Atmosphere
Stepping out of the lift onto level 9, we were startled to find ourselves confronted by a substantial que of people spilling out of the entrance waiting to pay. Usually this would put us on an instant downer off as we all know, everyone hates a que, not least in the UAE! Fortunately for us, however, the wall of music emanating from inside the restaurant created such buzz of anticipation around the queing guests that the mood was one of eagerness, high spirits and banter as opposed to rudeness and frustration. The fact that the queue was moving relatively smoothly as well eased any linger fears we may have had over disorganisation and a delayed start to proceedings. (We hate being late for Brunch…especially when we have already arrived at the venue)
We have mentioned him before, but he was so good we feel we would be doing him a disservice if we failed to highlight him yet again. Our Vivacious waiter Christopher made everything a into a performance. From the way he danced around inbetween tables, to his interactions with other members of staff and brunch guests…nothing was too much trouble, and yet he had a charming trait of making you feel as though he was going over and above the normal bounds of service for you each and every time he came back to your table. We pointed out that this is a "happy place", with "happy music" and "happy staff"… even if you were having the worst day imaginable when you arrived, there is no way that you could leave this brunch still in a sour mood.
Overall
The atmosphere inside the tavern is undeniably 80's and 90's….big, loud, at times brash, but unashamed at the same time. It has an energy that permeates through the entire floor, right from the hustle and bustle of the open kitchen, to the tables and booths and the bar area. We challenge anyone to turn up to this brunch and not revel in a few 80's and 90's classics or catch yourself singing along to a tune or two with Staff who seem genuinely happy to be serving you.
It is safe to say that this brunch has a real feel good factor. It is unpretentious in its approach, which may be its biggest let down in terms of the food offering (Softshell Crab aside). We would have liked to see more of a Crabby theme running through the menu and perhaps buckets of whole crab available to devour, but as an overall Party Brunch package, is great for a group of friends or even a couple of 80's babys who just want to reminisce… and even if you want to throw on a pair of leg warmers and flash dance on the table…"Frankie says Relax" and just go for it.
Friday 1-5pm & then our Crabby Hour happy hour from 5-8pm
AED 250 - Soft Drinks
AED 350 - unlimited Mason Jar Mary Bar, Desperitas and House Beverages
AED 395 - Bellinis & Prosecco package
reservations@crabtavern.ae / 04 420 74 89
