Oléa Brunch, Review

Every Friday the Mediterranean-influenced Oléa, the all-day dining venue of The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is set for brunch. Set in Oléa and extending to 55&5th the brunch includes a selection of live cooking stations, an impressive cheese room, outdoor grill, sweet section and much, much more.

Oléa offers panoramic views of the ocean and beyond. Guests can choose from indoor and alfresco options making it ideal for a relaxing dining experience with family or friends.

After our recent interview with Executive Chef Malcolm Webster and his personal recommendation we decide to make our way to The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort to experience their brunch.

As we arrive the brunch is already in full swing. We are warmly greeted by the team and escorted to our table. As we browse the brunch offerings we have a sense of excitement, the Willie Wonka themed dessert station is very unique. However we resist starting with dessert and continue to browse our options.

For starters we opt for the oysters. The dedicated oyster station is located in 55&5th and features a selection of large succulent oysters. We opt for the Kelly oysters served with pomegranate mignonette and a side of lumpfish caviar. Fresh and full of flavor this sets the tone for the day.

Next I enjoy a selection of fresh seafood that includes prawns, mussels, lobster and crab. Wanting to try something different my colleague opts for the savory waffle benedict topped with 13 hour braised beef cheeks, soft poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. The seafood is remarkable and from his silence I can sense that the savory waffle is equally as enjoyable. The live band adds to the vibrant atmosphere playing a mix of modern tunes, they keep the atmosphere fun and lively.

As we graze through the butcher section we sample the mini beef burgers, gourmet hot dogs and mini calzone. The choice of food is extensive, offering something for everyone. The variety of food stations include oyster, foie gras, BBQ grills, cold cuts, Asian, butcher and salads to name a few, all serving mouthwatering selections.

Moving onto our mains we opt for a serving of Wagyu brisket and saddle of Welsh lamb with rosemary jus complimented by a side of roasted root vegetables.
The Welsh lamb is close to my heart and does not disappoint in anyway. A delectable and scrumptious dish. The Wagyu brisket is perfectly cooked, tender it flakes off the forks and melts in the mouth.

We then move onto the cheese station or should we say the cheese room. Boasting over 50 different varieties of international cheeses this is by far the largest selection we have ever seen at a brunch. So much so it occupies its own room above 55&5th. We sample a selection of cheeses including the Kirkham’s Lancashire cheese which tastes lemony yet yoghurty with the texture being moist, rich and creamy. We also sample the Caerphilly ducketts cheese which tastes more earthy and creamy. Last but not least we sampled the Colston Bassett stilton. This cheese has a rich mineral tang and a buttery texture. Its flavor is strong and full without being sharp or overpowering. Mellow, deep and savory.

We slowly move onto our final dish, the dessert. The Willie Wonka themed dessert station certainly looks amazing and Executive Chef Malcolm is definitely trying to bring out the child in all of us. We love the fish for your dessert section which literally allows you to hook your dessert as pods of sweets float around the small pool. Very well done Chef Malcolm, very creative indeed.

If you’re looking for a fun, creative and great tasting brunch with a wide variety of stations to suit everyone’s needs, pay a visit to The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Friday brunch. An affordable and modern place to brunch with a contemporary feel and great ambience.
Prices start from AED 300* inclusive of food and soft drinks.

Prices are subject to 10% Service Charge and 6% Tourism Fee.

Oléa
St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
02 498 8443