The location:
Executive Chef Giancarlo di Francesco has created the ‘Friday Best’ brunch in Crust restaurant, located on the first floor of the Four Seasons Hotel, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi.
The atmosphere:
This is a sophisticated, family-friendly brunch where soft jazz and gurgling babies provide the soundtrack. The restaurant is functional, light and lengthy — with capacity for around 120 people inside and a further 20 outside on the terrace.
Be sure to request for a table with a sea view though, and if you have young children, sit near the entrance to the venue for easy access to the dedicated children’s suite. Packed with toys, a bouncy castle, face painting tables, balloons and film screening facilities — the Four Seasons has set the bar high with its plush playroom. Parents are able to relax and enjoy their meal while trained caretakers fuss over their offspring and ensure they are well-fed, courtesy of a Mini Brunchers menu.
The food:
There is no clowning around when it comes to Crust’s food and with expectations high, the Four Seasons, reassuringly, comes up trumps. The hotel’s approach to brunch is refreshingly different from the norm with fewer stations, a well considered selection of food and keenly edited sides.
In addition to dishes from the hot plates, oyster bar and salad section, a selection of tasting plates are served to the table, starting with a crowd pleasing amuse-bouche of caviar, crackers, sour cream and chives. Other sides come directly to us at intervals throughout the day including crisp and salty whitebait, a tangy feta and red quinoa salad and spicy edamame beans.
On the meat front — we love the mini kofta skewers and slices of succulent turkey breast served with a rich vegetable jus alongside gargantuan Yorkshire puddings. And for those who favour their beef mi-saignant, Crust’s magnificent rib accompanied by creamy truffle mash is a must-try.
Of the rice offerings, the perfectly al dente risotto — which comes straight from a wheel of Parmesan and drizzled with truffle oil — is delicious. As for the cheese selection itself, I can highly recommend the Tipperary Brie.
Sweet treats for adults come in the form of red velvet cupcakes, truffles, unctuous brownies and a selection of exotic fruit pots. Playing on the theme of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory for Crust's junior diners, the desert area also boasts candy floss, ice creams of every colour and handmade confection of all imaginings.
Who is it best for?
Families and foodies — preferably both.
The verdict:
Crust should be top of mind for those seeking a fine dining experience catering to the whole clan. Moreover, given today’s economic climate, Friday Best at Four Seasons offers great value with the top tier package priced at Dh375.
• The Friday Best brunch runs from 12:30pm to 4pm. Packages are priced from Dh275 for soft drinks, Dh375 for house-beverages and a Mini Bruncher deal — for children aged 6-12 — costs Dh75. Children under five dine for free.
Find Crust at the Four Seasons Hotel, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi. Call 023332222 or visit www.fourseasons.com/abudhabi/
The National was a guest of the Four Seasons Abu Dhabi.