Martini Brunch, The Westin AUH
Arriving at the grandiose greenery of the Abu Dhabi golf club, we were both allured and intruigued as to how our afternoon overlooking the course would eventually play out. Usually, a brunch set inside what could easily have been described as an evening lounge-bar (Lemon & Lime) with a cocktail synonymous with a well-known, albeit fictional Spy as its main attraction would seem at least to us, to infer that we were in for an afternoon of smoky backroom political chat and the hushed whisperings of disgruntled stepford wives. As famous American Author E. B. White once said, Martini's are known as "the elixir of quietude". We are happy to say that neither of those 2 presentiments were true as the Martini Brunch is anything but a sleepy gossip-fest.
The Food
We were shown to our low comfy sofa chairs by the restaurant manager Andre and guided through the Brunch concept, which involved 8 separate food areas and an extensive list of Martini based cocktails which we will aim to delve through later on.
We began at the Oysters and Seafood Martini bar, with 4 different varieties of Oysters which were freshly shucked to order and an assortment of Crustaceans which included Dungennes, Tourteau and King Crabs, Atlantic and Rock Lobsters, and finally Crayfish and Shrimp. This displayed their commitment to diversity as well as quality in that they didn't seem satisfied with having just one variety of the same dish. A theme that would recur when it came to selection of Martini's on the drinks list. We then slid auspiciously down the ice bar to complete our cold plates with more fresh Seafood, a selection of sushi and a "create your own' Cerviche staation, of which you could select from delicacies such as Tuna, Yellow Tail, Octopus and Razor Clams which the chef wild then mix and then present to you as a Martini. Genius!
Breakfast was next on the agenda and the idea of perfectly Sous Vide Eggs benedict always excites us as much as the sight of the huge basin which keeps all of the eggs perfectly heated at 67 degrees. I enjoyed mine with Veal pancetta, whilst Mrs B selected the Smoked Salmon version, although my eggs were slighty too gooey for my own liking. We also noted that you could select Foie Gras to be cooked to your liking, although at this stage we were more concerned with what lay on the carvery to its immediate right in the form of the perfectly flaked crust and succulently centered beef wellington. The Chef slices each piece to order and presents atop a creamy trufle mash with extra-large asparagus. Homely pleasure on a plate and truly delicious!
The central island was home to the Italian flair cooking station from which you were able to order freshly selected pasta to be cooked in a number of different ways, and the Asian Grazing bar which included a section of Dim Sums, Spring Rolls, Vegetable Tempura and exquisite Lobster Money Bags.
Our penultimate "course" was to be served a small platter of cheeses at our table, which was just sufficient to satiate any lingering pangs of savoury hunger that the Grazing Station did not quite finish off, without standing out as particularly noteworthy itself, when stood in comparison to the other courses. Our Final hurrah came in the form of an invitation to "Visit the Chocolate Wall" which we ever-obligingly accepted and were surprised by the sheer volume, variety and imagination of the chocolate themed dishes. There were all manner of delicious looking Mousses, Tiramisu's, Cakes, Crumbles, Creams and freshly made Chocolate Truffle drops served by the waiting chef to give that added level of pazazz to proceedings.
The Drink
Where better to start then at the beginning, or at the entrance, as you cannot enter the bar without first being confronted with a ‘Bond-Esq' Royale bar where you are offered the Martini of the day…(Blueberry I believe?) which set the tone for the day very nicely. We were confronted by an extensive list of around 17 Martini's and true to form, had already subconsciously decided to try and work our way through from top to bottom. We can safely say that although we did our very best to sample every variety, the sheer strength of each drink (Thanks Pedro!) soon made us realise that this was a fools errand, and so instead went about sampling a few from each section. These were the APERITIF MARTINI'S, the LUNCHTINI''S, and the LEGENDS OF THE MARTINI BRUNCH. This lengthy menu consisted of Breakfast martinis, Dirty Martinis, Tonic martini's, Bourbon martini's… you name it they had it!
Some of our particular favorites were…The Espresso Martini, The Gimlet (which was a gin and lime based martini) The Latino Mule (which was a rum, ginger and lime mix) The Blackberry Ginger Martini and The Raspberry Martini (which consisted of vodka, raspberry and lime) There was even a special made by inimitable Pedro which we ofcourse had to try, and love.
If you weren't quite in the mood for Martini's, you could also take your pick from the Ribera Spanish Wine Selection of Red (Tempranillo), White (Sauvignon Blanc), Rose (Pasos de la Capula) or a Sparkling White (Nederburg), Bottled Beers and premium spirits such as Bombay Sapphire, Russian standard, El jimador tequila, Bacardi white and Dewaars whisky. It is safe to say they certainly have you covered for an afternoon of delectable dissipation.
The Atmosphere
The ambiance is set with the inclusion of quirky DJ Lucy Stone, whom at first we assumed was purely there for show with her funky hairstlye, headphones across her forehead and decks set atop a large grand piano laden with 2 oversized Magnums of Champagne. We soon realised that we were in the presence of a "serious" DJ as she skillfully mixed tune after tune after tune, taking the crowd on a meandering journey through the depths of deep, soulful and vocal house classics whilst bubbling away with an infectious toe tap and head nod that indicated that she was having just as much fun as we were. The skill of a DJ playing in such an environment is maintaining the balance between background music which allows you to comfortably hold a conversation, and providing enough of an uplifting accompaniment to what should be a convivial afternoon of good food, good drinks and good company without stretching to the outlandish and quite frankly ridiculous bounds of a David Guetta concert. A DJ that fits in with and subsequently creates the vibe of your Brunch is just as key as the chef and the mixologist creating the food and drinks…and fair play to the Westin, they seem to have uncovered a gem!
Overall
Whether you like it shaken, stirred, or Dirty…there is sure to be something on offer to suit every partiality. Couple that with a menu that has enough variety, whilst remaining compact enough never to feel too daunting in an environment that is part-lounge, part-bar, part-cocktail reception yet manages to pull off the preparation and serving of its food in its comfy purple seating areas very comfortably.
As a couple we found this perfect for an indulgent Saturday date, or a catchup with a group of friends in a mature child-free atmosphere. There were similar groups of friends dotted around the restaurant, each it seemed with a particular area of strength, be it the music, golf, the food or the Matini's!
As the first bar in Abu Dhabi to hold a Saturday brunch, they are already pushing the boundaries in terms of offering something a little different. So to coin their phrase, Lean back, relax, and let the weekend fade out in a sophisticated ambience to the sounds of the DJ, spectacular views of the Golf Course and not a care in the world other than how to take your next Martini!
AED 305++/person - Martinis, sparkling, red, white wine, spirits AED 495++/person - Martinis and bubbly package
Saturday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm
FBadmin.Auh@westin.com or call +97126169999
