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Go with the flo

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With French jazz tinkling in the background and a view of the creek, when you dine at Brasserie Flo in the grounds of The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, you could almost be sitting along the River Seine in Paris.

The restaurant opened in December 2014, and it still smells new. The interior, with its beige chairs, white tablecloths and mosaic floor, is classic, but we find it sterile – especially as it’s empty.

A waiter, dressed in a white shirt and black apron, greets us in a French accent and guides us to a table that’s too small for two, so we choose a bigger one. Helpful and attentive, he sources a heater when the wind picks up.

We start by sharing tuna tartare with avocado, decorated with a swirl of balsamic vinegar. It’s tasty, but overpowered by the flavour of raw onion. We also share slices of smoked salmon with chives, lemon and wedges of rye bread and a generous portion of French onion soup – delicious.

Our main is tuna pavé, a slab of seared tuna on a bed of roasted peppers and coin-sized potatoes. It’s cooked perfectly, but lacks flavour.

The seared scallops on rye spaghetti, however, are a hit. We’ll be thinking about the four soft, plump scallops in lobster bisque for some time to come.

For dessert, our companion opts for the chocolate mocha soufflé, which is as light as the whipped cream that accompanies it. It’s also served with tangy yoghurt ice cream.

We go for the poached pear crumble, which is a whole poached pear with oats scattered around it. We’d expected layers of baked fruit with crumbled granola on top, so are a little disappointed – until we try the warm chocolate sauce that comes with it, and all is forgiven.

Like the décor, the menu isn’t designed to surprise, but if you’re after a romantic evening in a Parisian bistro, Brasserie Flo hits the mark.

Sarah Riches

Details
Location: Venetian Village, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
We say: Paris in the spring, on your doorstep
Cost: AED 500 for two with soft drinks
Opening times: Daily 12.30pm-11pm
Contact: 02 404 1931
www.venetianvillage.ae

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