A Portuguese treat

Tasca at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira serves authentic fare with a breathtaking setting

by

Farhana Chowdhury

• Follow us on
• 
• 
• 

Published: Thu 4 Jul 2019, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Thu 4 Jul 2019, 2:00 AM

Tasca, by renowned Michelin-star chef José Avillez, is the latest brunch spot in town that brings a refreshing slice of Portugal to Dubai's shores in a vibrant, laidback setting. Located on the sixth floor of Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, I was welcomed into a calming décor with incredible ocean vistas, hip music, and contemporary flavours that proudly represent its Portuguese roots.
During the hot summer months, you can take a seat on high chairs for a clear view of nimble chefs, or relax on couches and regular chairs. When the weather gets a little cooler, brunching outdoors is bound to be a sweet treat, as the hotel's impressive infinity pool boasts uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf.
Portuguese cuisine is renowned for its hearty use of olive oil, so at Tasca, each dish was bathed in generous amounts of the condiment. And with seafood as its preferred protein, the saladas, petiscos and tradicionais all featured the traditional ingredient. Here is a quick take on what we thought of the restaurant...

Taste - Each dish was mellow and palatable; the olive oil perfectly enhanced the flavours. The salted codfish (Bacalhau), presented on a bed of roast potatoes, caramelised onions and garlic chips, is tender, living up to its status as Portugal's revered dish.

Ambience - Bright, spacious and airy, the restaurant has a serene, casual ambience tinged in shades of turquoise and beige, complete with retractable glass walls. The kitchen is set smack in the centre, cleverly designed and well-ventilated to give brunchers a peek into the preparation process.

Service - The staff were attentive and upbeat. The DJ livened up the venue with Portuguese-inspired summer jams; however, the music felt too loud to hold a conversation. Also, it was difficult to get their attention for drink refills, which I believe may have been due to our seating.

Presentation - Brunch at Tasca is visually appealing and presented in small portions. The food is served on wooden boards and simple ceramic ware. Our server told us the names of each dish as she set them down, adding titbits of information about it, which I found quite thoughtful.

Value for money - The brunch is priced at Dh300 (soft drinks) and Dh400 (house beverages). If you consider the Portuguese summer vibe, the assortment of authentic dishes and, of course,  Michelin-winning Chef José Avillez - then you've got yourself a steady brunch spot.

AT A GLANCE
Tasca by José Avillez, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
Reservations: 04-7772231
Avg cost per pax: Dh400
farhana@khaleejtimes.com

• Food and Dining