The French are famous for their romance, and (fortunately for us) their food as well! Indeed Paris tops as the “Must Visit Romantic Spot and Food Destination” with enough bistros and patisseries to make a gourmand’s dreams come true forever in food heaven. Since we couldn’t literally hop on a plane and jet off to gay paree, Tempo’s foodies went off on a local French cuisine quest…
THE BREAKFAST
Where: La Brioche – Khalidiya
What: Scrambled Egg and Smoked Salmon Tartine
Build: Smoked salmon served on toasted bread, scrambled eggs, sautéed mushrooms and tomato provencale.
Comment: A sumptuous king-size breakfast ! All breakfasts are served with fresh orange juice, jam, French butter and a choice of hot beverage (Espresso, American Coffee, Cappuccino or Hot Chocolate). The waiters here are very conscientious and give you their undivided attention. As I nibbled on the freshly baked bread basket, my breakfast arrived fairly quickly. The scrambled egg was perfect – light yet creamy with a soufflé-like texture. However, my smoked salmon, the main component of the dish, was a tad too salty and tempered my enthusiasm. Overall I was happy with the breakfast and to sweeten the ride back picked up a box of their macarons and éclairs to go.
Recommendation: Breakfast is a definite mainstay at La Brioche, and their quiches if ordered fresh, are deliciously gratifying.
Rating: 4 stars
THE LUNCH
Where: Fauchon Le Café – Etihad Towers, Ras Al Akhtar
What: Veal Fillet on Creamy polenta
Build: Veal fillet served on polenta bed with baby steamed vegetables and figs sauce.
Comment: Located at the suave first of its kind boutique destination Avenue, Fauchon panders to the elite shopper, and the discerning gourmand. Founded in 1886 in Paris and renowned world over for its patisseries and confectionaries, Fauchon chose this swanky address as its first branch in Abu Dhabi. Their menu was like the décor – sophisticated and subtle. I ordered a veal fillet, and as I waited for my food, I was treated to their freshly baked French bread which teased my appetite and prepared my palate for the main meal. When my food arrived I wasn’t disappointed at all. Four juicy veal medallions were placed atop the creamy flavoured polenta bread. The fig sauce was prepared with the right acidity levels and gave the right kick to the veal. I was totally blown away by the simple yet elegant French flavours. In fact as I dug into my meal, I was already thinking about my return visit
Recommendation: If you’re taking guests out be sure to make a reservation, as this restaurant can get busy in the evenings.
Rating: 4 stars
DINNER
Where: Paul Café – Al Ain Mall
What: Peppercorn Steak
Build: Medium rare steak served with peppercorn and mushroom sauce
Comment: I started with a heart bowl of soup and it came with wonderfully textured sesame bread. The great thing about restaurants that double as bakeries is that the bread never disappoints, and so it is with Paul. ( If you are a bread connoisseur make it a point to taste Paul’s ‘crombeil’ mini croissants – kids especially love them! ) Next in my meal came ‘la piece de resistance’: the peppercorn steak, with vegetables on the side. The dish tasted as if the ingredients were farm fresh. The mushroom sauce did not smother the entire flavour, and the meat was perfectly grilled to order.
Recommendation: It’s a good this long term Dubai favourite has made forays into the capital. And if Al Ain is too far for you, check in their restaurant at Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi city.
Rating: 5 stars
FULL DAY MENU:
By Diji Shujahi
