Sufra Sunny Saturdays @ The Hyatt Regency

  The newly opened and hitherto unheard of restaurant Sufra (which means come to the table in Arabic), located at the Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights is one of the latest entrants onto the Saturday Brunch scene. Sufra Sunny Saturdays is a quirky concept which seemed to be focused on the subtleties and relaxing elements of an afternoon leisurely long lunch, rather than the occasional outlandish displays reserved for it's often more raucus friday equivalent. This is a gentle transition from the excesses of the day before, allowing you to smooth away the onset of the Sunday morning blues, for a few hours at least.   THE FOOD Before we made our way around to the various buffet stations, our chefs brought a selection of freshly prepared dishes around to each table in a pre showcase of some of its signature dishes. These included a pretty looking Crabcake with Mango Salsa, a Chicken Tikka Wrap, Chicken Shwarma's and some Mini Sliders and Pizzas. The buffet itself consisted of a healthy array of cold salads, a generous spread of breads, croissants and cheeses, assorted cold cuts, a whole selection of Breakfast Cereals and a carvery featuring Beef Wellington and creamy Dauphinoise Potatoes. We paid particular attention to the cold starter counter which offered up an abundance of beautifully presented miniature delicacies on spoons and inside tiny "shot glasses," looking equal parts inviting and innovative at the same time. There were also various cooking stations, including a live Grill showcasing a selection of succulent Steaks, Fish and Kofta kebabs grilled a la minute and brought to your table. The excitement inducing Eggs and Hash station offered to cook eggs "your way," including the traditional eggs benedict which we still talk about to this day, Steak and Hash, Fried, Scrambled or as an Omelet. Next up was the Shawarma station which we had already sampled at our table and had found them to be lacking in a little heat and flavour as it seemed they had been prepared a while ago. In addition to this we nibbled on Crepes & Waffles, a selection of Western, Arabic, Asian and Indian inspired favourites & various leafy, cous cous and quinoa based salads, noodles and more hearty fare such as a Cajun Rubbed Chicken Breast with Roasted Vegetables.   Last but by no means least is the desserts section, which for a relaxed breakfast/brunch was surprisingly large. The "candy store" entices guests with favourites such as Baklava, Falloudah, Fresh Tarts, Home Made Gelato, Pancakes and a decadent chocolate fountain. Our personal favourite of the day was the outstanding Baked Cheesecake with White Chocolate and Raspberry Coulis.     THE DRINKS The cocktail bar we passed on our earlier walkaround displayed a colourful range of 6 alcoholic beverages which could be selected on one side, and on the other side some quirky, anti-oxidising non-alcoholic beverages for the health conscious amongst us. We started off the day feeling good about ourselves with a Sunny Saturday Mocktail, a refreshing blend of Orange, Pineapple and an Egg Yolk while Mrs B treated herself to a vitamin juice with mine called a Verde. There was a detox and a homemade lemonade but by this point we had got the taste for something a little more devilish.   The other side of the menu was a showcase of some real Brunch favourites, Think Sex and the City with Mimosas, Bellinis, Bloody Mary's and a rather sharp Gin fizz. We have never been that keen on the thickness of Egg Nogg, so gave that one a wide berth, and unfortunately found that the red wine used in the Breakfast Sangria lacked in quality and depth, leaving the drink with an overtly water consistency. Areal shame as this was one we were really looking forward to.   THE OTHER STUFF The bright interiors overlook the neighbouring creek park through huge floor to ceiling windows and give the impression and ambience of an inside/outside urban garden. We really enjoyed the fresh Saturday morning vibe you walk into, created by the tantalizing aromas of coffee and other quintessential breakfast fare. The Soundtrack of mellow latin beats has a distinctly South American vibe. Again, think the theme tune to Sex and the City and with your cocktail in hand you are along the right track.   Overall this brunch has everything you could want on a relaxing Saturday afternoon without creating a big song and dance about it. An abundance of food, cocktails or healthy mocktails...knowledeable staff really that do really know the food on the menu and are very helpful with their suggestions of what to try next, something that so many of us would definitely welcome on a Saturday after the excesses of the day before! Sometimes you just want to be fed!   Despite a couple of disappointing dishes and a lackluster Sangria, the simple, honest food served in Sufra's clean, bright and welcoming atmosphere wins through. Nothing too over the top for a long leisurely lunch. A pleasant addition to the Saturday chilled brunch scene.       Every Saturday 12.30pm - 4pm   AED205 including alcoholic beverages AED140 including soft beverages AED70 for children aged 6-12 years   To Book contact +971 4 553 1272 or email: sufra.reservation@hyatt.com +97143172221