The location:
The Friday Marina Brunch at the Intercon in the capital is a combination affair with Chamas — the Brazilian Churrascaria; Italian eatery, Circo, and the Belgian Cafe providing a selection of options for brunchgoers. The restaurants sit side-by-side in the marina and diners can choose to sit out on the terrace or inside at any of the three venues.
The atmosphere:
During winter, the marina itself is abuzz with alfresco diners — the outside terrace is the place to be as you can breathe in the cooler air and gaze out over the water, while listening to the live music being played on the landing between the eateries. There aren’t many children running around the day I go, but it is family-friendly, and with the addition of food trucks along the promenade, it feels relaxed and the perfect spot for a casual Friday gathering.
The food:
If you’re a meat lover, you’ll be in your element. The selection of meats at Chamas include skewers of picanha, rib-eye, lamb and flank, to name just a few. My advice is to make sure you ask the server to remove the outer layers of the meat, if it’s a new skewer, before taking your piece. Sadly, I made a rookie error and ended up with the toughest pieces of picanha, which simply didn’t do the traditionally tender cut I remember fondly from a trip to Brazil a few years ago justice at all. Don’t miss out on the pineapple skewers, they are a sweet, juicy must-try. Chamas also has a good spread of fresh salads, breads and desserts too, but it’s worth venturing into the other venues from the outset to see what they have first. There’s no point filling up in one place only to discover the others are more to your liking. As expected Circo, being Italian, serves up a selection of pasta offerings including bolognese, penne and lasagne, along with fresh seafood — oysters, lobster, crab, and sushi — and a jam-packed dessert station (food allergies are catered for, labels are marked). For the kids, or those who prefer more simple fare, there are a number of food trucks set up outside serving up hot dogs, fish and chips, dim sum, noodles and tacos.
Who is it best for?
Ideal for those who can’t get enough of their pasta and red meat. The seating set-up is such that it can cater for small or large groups across three establishments.
The verdict:
There’s no battling the crowds here, the food is fresh and there’s plenty of variety. The location is perfect for a lazy afternoon outside.
The National was a guest of the venue
The Friday Marina brunch at the Intercontinental Abu Dhabi costs from Dh245 per person with soft beverages (excluding taxes). Children eat from Dh150 (excluding taxes). To book call 800 423 463, email reservations.icabudhabi@ihg.com or log onto www.dining-intercontinental-ad.ae/friday-brunch-abu-dhabi/
mhealy@thenational.ae
