The Big Brunch
It’s just turned 12.30pm and as we take our seats in the light and airy dining room of Origins at Yas Viceroy, the smell of freshly grilled lobster and lamb chops floats in from the terrace.
A glass of something bubbly later, it’s time to take a tour of what’s on offer at the well stocked counters dotted around the room. We opt for some sushi and dim sum to start and we’re pleased to see Kazu’s sushi chef preparing our favourite salmon nigri. We’re even more delighted to find our favourite barbecue chicken buns at the dim sum counter.
With our plates soon empty, we head out onto the terrace to discover freshly fried crunchy prawn tempura, Mexican chicken and beef fajitas and a grill packed full of lobster, steak, lamb chops and marinated chicken. Never one to refuse a lamb chop, we load up our plates and head back inside to the salad bar.
The usual suspects can be found here – Arabic mezze, the makings of a Caesar salad – but we also discover some wonderful fish terrines and plenty of little extras to pep up our salad, such as mini pickled gherkins and onions and freshly baked croutons. Then there’s the seafood bar, with lobster, prawns, oysters and crab – the hardest choice is knowing where to start!
Back at the table our drinks have been refreshed and as we linger over our second plateful of food we are treated to a performance from the live jazz band that plays throughout brunch. They really are good, performing everything from Sinatra to Queen and Bon Jovi, and they certainly liven up the atmosphere as the dining room begins to fill up.
After a long break it’s time to assess the dessert situation. The choice is positively epic, with not one, but two chocolate fountains, an ice cream bar stocked with treats, every kind of cake imaginable, dates, Arabic sweets AND, if that wasn’t enough, a well stocked cheese board.
Our advice: don’t eat breakfast before you head to the Yas Viceroy’s Big Brunch!
Megan Wynes
What? The Big Brunch at Viceroy
Where: Yas Viceroy
Why? Great value and plenty of choice in a beautiful setting
Cost: AED 180++ or AED 240++ with free flowing house beverages
Contact: 02 656 0600
