Tired of the customary brunch bonanza, we headed to the sophisticated Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche for a relaxed affair in the all-day-dining restaurant, Corniche.
The latest offering, billed as a ‘jukebox brunch’, features the soulful sounds of new resident jazz band The Scene. As diners take their seats, the staff hand out song lists for guests to select a tune from the playlist. While reading down a list of Coldplay and Adele favourites, we were filled with dread at the thought of a karaoke version. However, The Scene are a surprisingly talented band that perfectly soundtracks the leisurely weekend meal.
Corniche’s buffet features the usual spread of Arabic and international starters, main courses and desserts highlighted by a fresh seafood selection, cheese display and chocolate fountain.
We started with a simple starter of Arabic mezze and fresh seafood before filling our plates with hot dishes from vegetable ratatouille to kibbeh bi laban (kibbeh in yoghurt sauce). Don’t forget to save room for desserts – the highlight of the meal. Tuck into chocolate cone pops, chocolate mousse, homemade French macaroons, fresh oven-baked cookies, Moroccan sweets, crème brûlée and the popular qatayef, a half moon shaped pancake stuffed with spiced nuts.
Although every dish is labelled, a host of chefs man each station, carving slices of succulent meat and scooping out fresh balls of ice cream to top your warm chocolate pudding, adding a great personal touch to the buffet. We soon found ourselves sitting back and listening to the jazz band, with applauses echoing throughout the restaurant.
The service proves equally as chilled, the staff attentive but unobtrusive, just the ticket for a relaxed brunch with friends.
Details
What: Jukebox Brunch
Where: Corniche, Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche
We say: Don’t be put off by the brunch title
Cost: AED 245++ with soft drinks, AED 295++ with grape beverages, AED 440++ with French bubbly
Contact: 02 813 7777
Rachael Peacock
