Exploring The Fairmont Friday Brunch – Abu Dhabi

If you don’t have plans this weekend, head down to The Fairmont Friday Brunch for a limitless feast, in an atmosphere that is light-hearted and fun, with an upbeat playlist to match.

As we enter through the food cart-lined passageway, we are seated within the light and airy ambience of CuiScene, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr’s International Restaurant. If you want to be in the heart of all the buzz (and closest to the buffet spread) this is the best place to reserve your socially-distanced table. However, if you are looking for a more intimate seating space, you can also reserve your brunch table at Marco’s New York Italian Restaurant or Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse & Grill.

Just in case we didn’t already have food on the brain upon entering, we strategically take our seats with a direct view of both the Carvery and Cheese Counters, and eye up the delicious goodies on offer. With cart upon cart of various cuisines leading up to the main buffet spread, it is one of those brunches where you need to do a quick lap of the place first before committing to where you’ll start. And the best part is, if you decide you want to have a Chocolate Brownie for starters or a few Sushi Rolls for dessert, you most certainly can.  

While it is understandable to feel discouraged from the buffet brunches at the moment, fear not because the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr has every safety and precautionary measure in place, without compromising on the quality of your food or your overall dining experience.

Diners are offered an extensive mixture of buffet counters and live-cooking stations which feature dishes from Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse & Grill, New York-Italian favourites from the award-winning Marco’s and international staples from CuiScene. From freshly Shucked Oysters and Sushi to homemade Wok-Fried Asian Noodles and Roasted Meats, there’s something to please even the most discerning palate.

If you are a meat lover or simply enjoy a traditional Roast Dinner, the Carvery Station is a must-try. Featuring staple favourites from Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse & Grill, you can expect signature succulent Roast Beef, tender Chicken and a selection of tasty side dishes including crispy Yorkshire Puddings and roasted Root Vegetables. At the neighbouring Grill Station, you will find an equally appetising selection of Grilled Lobsters, Tiger Prawns, Lamb Chops and Kebabs.

While the carvery may take the centre stage at this brunch, there are plenty of options for the non-carnivores out there too. From Greek Salads to Wild Rice and Kale, the selection of fresh Salad pots was aplenty. One of the highpoints for me was the freshly prepared Caprese Salad, courtesy of one of the food carts. Fresh tomatoes with a ‘just-picked’ sweetness layered in-between creamy slices of Mozzarella cheese and topped with a drizzle of Balsamic Vinegar and Fresh Basil.

If it wasn’t already obvious, my favourite offering was from Marco’s New York Italian. The miniature Calzones stuffed with Cheese is unsurprisingly delicious. Equally impressive is the live Pasta Station, featuring freshly rolled and cut Pasta, prepared right in front of you with the Veggies, Meats, Herbs and Sauce of your choice. Both Calzone and Pasta are worth breaking my zero-carb rule for, and I am not at all embarrassed to admit I go back for a second round. The Shrimp Tacos and Vegetable Quesadilla from the Taco Cart came in at a close second place.

And I did not stop there. Oh, the Artisan Cheese spread; here happiness comes in many forms – diced, cubed, sliced. Barra Tierra, Chamois D’or, Chaumes, Beaufort, Crottin, Morbier, Coulommiers and so much more. I indulge in a little bit of every variety decked atop of a Cream Cracker and a layer of delicious homemade Fig Jam.

Finally, it’s time for the Dessert Counter of dreams, and I would be lying if I said I didn’t get carried away. The display is large without being overwhelming and includes Chocolate Brownies, Mango and Passion Fruit Doughnuts, Sticky Date Pudding, Cheesecakes, Chocolate Éclairs, Banana-Dulce Berliners and so much more. I must give a special mention to the Raspberry and Peanut Butter Croissants. While it may sound like an unusual flavour combination, I assure you these little bites of goodness are worth returning for, even if they are the only things being served. My only regret is not leaving enough space to devour more than one. If that isn’t enough to satisfy your sweet tooth, you can take your pick of creamy goodness from the Ice Cream Cart, too.

Excellent hospitality, the staff set the right tone for an unforgettable dining experience, the team is faultless in their service throughout the entire afternoon. You know you have had a great meal when all you want to do thereafter is take a long nap. Could not think of a better way to kick start my weekend.

Brunch is priced at AED 249 for unlimited buffet with soft drinks, AED 359 for unlimited buffet with soft drinks, and selected beverages and AED 429 for unlimited buffet with soft drinks, bubbles and selected beverages.

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi, +971 2 654 3333