The stars of Umro Ayyar: A New Beginning on why the most expensive film in Pakistani cinema's history also opens a new chapter for movies in the industry
entertainment2 hours ago
The corridor leading to Sim Sim restaurant, where Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas' weekly Friday brunch is held, is lined with produce. Carrots, cucumbers and green leafy vegetables, fight for dominance, giving the space that 'market' vibe. But once you enter the restaurant's sprawling space - with both indoor and outdoor seating - you'll realise this is no ordinary market.
What you will find is an explosion of sights and sounds. Outside, a live band entertains diners as numerous booths and stalls offer a variety of drinks and barbecued meats, fresh from the grill. Coupled with pool and fountain views, and the lovely weather we've been having, this is the perfect place to be on a lazy Friday afternoon. Inside, the airy space - decked in shades of cream and green - is just as busy, with numerous counters. We walked past an appetiser section, complete with a make-your-own-salad bar and a pretty extensive cheese spread. There's also an Asian street food corner (try the Peking duck), dim sum bar, Indian Corner, British roast section, and dessert station. One of the most popular spots seems to be the live seafood station, where diners can pick their own fish, lobster or prawns and ask the barbecue station outside to grill it according to specifications. There was never a time that counter was empty!
The food is top notch. There are a couple of lags in service, mostly because of how busy and bustling the brunch is. But with a crowd like that, you know they're doing something right.
TASTE
While a lot of brunches offer quantity without quality, the Market Brunch's fare was genuinely delicious. Perhaps that had something to do with the freshness of the fare - just grilled at the barbecue section or made in the live stations and brought to the table.
AMBIENCE
The place is light and breezy - so, basically, everything a brunch should be. With the weather we've been having, the outdoor seating is the best place to enjoy the live music and pool and fountain views. Lively and cheerful, this is the perfect place for a group.
SERVICE
This was the only section we thought could do with a little improvement. A little more clarity about the stations from the waitstaff would have been appreciated. The seafood we had given for barbecue took a long time to arrive and a few drink orders went wrong.
PRESENTATION
It's a pretty standard brunch presentation, where you have great a variety of food. We liked that the stations were well-organised and the variety was certainly easy on the eyes. Bonus points for the individual desserts, which looked appealing.
VALUE FOR MONEY
Prices are competitive, starting from Dh335 (per pax) for soft drinks and going up to Dh475 for house beverages. You can also opt for A Brunch Escape if you're travelling from outside Abu Dhabi - a brunch and overnight stay package for two at Dh1,620. The perfect staycay!
Sim Sim
Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas, Saadiyat Island,
Abu Dhabi
Reservations:
02 6970000
Cost:
Dh335 (per pax)
janice@khaleejtimes.com
The corridor leading to Sim Sim restaurant, where Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas' weekly Friday brunch is held, is lined with produce. Carrots, cucumbers and green leafy vegetables, fight for dominance, giving the space that 'market' vibe. But once you enter the restaurant's sprawling space - with both indoor and outdoor seating - you'll realise this is no ordinary market.
What you will find is an explosion of sights and sounds. Outside, a live band entertains diners as numerous booths and stalls offer a variety of drinks and barbecued meats, fresh from the grill. Coupled with pool and fountain views, and the lovely weather we've been having, this is the perfect place to be on a lazy Friday afternoon. Inside, the airy space - decked in shades of cream and green - is just as busy, with numerous counters. We walked past an appetiser section, complete with a make-your-own-salad bar and a pretty extensive cheese spread. There's also an Asian street food corner (try the Peking duck), dim sum bar, Indian Corner, British roast section, and dessert station. One of the most popular spots seems to be the live seafood station, where diners can pick their own fish, lobster or prawns and ask the barbecue station outside to grill it according to specifications. There was never a time that counter was empty!
The food is top notch. There are a couple of lags in service, mostly because of how busy and bustling the brunch is. But with a crowd like that, you know they're doing something right.
TASTE
While a lot of brunches offer quantity without quality, the Market Brunch's fare was genuinely delicious. Perhaps that had something to do with the freshness of the fare - just grilled at the barbecue section or made in the live stations and brought to the table.
AMBIENCE
The place is light and breezy - so, basically, everything a brunch should be. With the weather we've been having, the outdoor seating is the best place to enjoy the live music and pool and fountain views. Lively and cheerful, this is the perfect place for a group.
SERVICE
This was the only section we thought could do with a little improvement. A little more clarity about the stations from the waitstaff would have been appreciated. The seafood we had given for barbecue took a long time to arrive and a few drink orders went wrong.
PRESENTATION
It's a pretty standard brunch presentation, where you have great a variety of food. We liked that the stations were well-organised and the variety was certainly easy on the eyes. Bonus points for the individual desserts, which looked appealing.
VALUE FOR MONEY
Prices are competitive, starting from Dh335 (per pax) for soft drinks and going up to Dh475 for house beverages. You can also opt for A Brunch Escape if you're travelling from outside Abu Dhabi - a brunch and overnight stay package for two at Dh1,620. The perfect staycay!
janice@khaleejtimes.com
The stars of Umro Ayyar: A New Beginning on why the most expensive film in Pakistani cinema's history also opens a new chapter for movies in the industry
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