EATING
TASCA BRUNCH AT THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL
THE TASCA BRUNCH UPADTED OCT 2020
THE TERRACE WILL BE OPEN FOR BRUNCH BOOKINGS FROM THIS FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER. TABLES OF UP TO 8 PEOPLE PERMITTED
THERE IS NOW A DEDICATED VEGETARIAN MENU IF YOU NEED IT
PRICE OF ALCOHOLIC PACKAGE IS NOW AED 450 PER HEAD.
There is definitely a seafood slant to the Tasca Brunch at the Mandarin Oriental. That’s because José Avillez a Michelin starred chef brings it to you from Portugal.
Expect a range of starters, main courses and desserts all served at your table around a sharing concept
The Food
The most unusual thing to eat was an Apple Margarita. Delightful! A slice of crunchy apple drenched in some kind of alcohol, we had a piece each but could have asked for more. This came as part of the starter section of food.
I liked my cod cake and tempura beans to start with and our fellow brunchers raved about the veal chorizo. Another all round favourite was the crispy aubergine in a yogurt sauce with pomegranate, we all wanted and got more of this dish. I also went on to make it at home!
We also upon prior request got a non-fish rice dish made with mushrooms that was a real hit all round the table. I actually preferred this to the fish rice.
The hot, fat, crispy outside and fluffy on the inside chips were perfect and how all chips should be, I passed on the wagyu beef strips though. The crunchy broccolini was well cooked and a great accompaniment.
The Puddings
Desserts were outstanding with some obligatory custard tarts as these are a Portugeuse classic. Expect light, buttery, flaky pastry and a creamy filling. A range of fruit ice creams and a hazelnut cream pudding complemented the custard tarts. All beautifully presented and demolished by our table.
Expect a range of starters, main courses and desserts all served at your table around a sharing concept so no getting up and down for a buffet!
The Drinks Package
I think it’s quite a generous drinks package as far as high end Friday brunches are concerned. There is a range of cocktails you can order with no limit. You are greeted on arrival with a choice of red or white sangria or a mocktail. We opted for red sangria and got a tall carafe of it brought to our table.
There is also red, white or rosé wine on offer from Portugal, no sign of those iconic Matheus Rose bottles although we would probably have been the only table that remembers them well!
The passion fruit martini was a success all round only surpassed by the Espresso Martinis had at the end of our brunch. The cocktails are expertly crafted by mixologists, so we really appreciated that.
The Ambience
It’s lively and busy at brunch. If you want a table in front of the pool and the sea, then you need to arrive early at about 12.30 or so on Friday. Otherwise you’ll sit on the side facing the Dubai skyline. It seemed a little less noisy near the skyline side, but you maybe nearer the josper ovens and so it might feel warmer. Service was attentive and platters of food arrived at the right time.
Meet me at the Mandarin Oriental
Get a feel of the vibe of this place.
Prices for the Tasca Brunch
There are no Entertainer or Zomato type deals for this brunch, but it’s not too expensive at AED 400 for the alcoholic package and AED 300 for the non-alcoholic package. I’d highly recommend and definitely go there again.
Location
where is Tasca
at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Jumeirah 1
MOTIVATION
Start your Fridays with some rigorous exercise, go for a swim, do a yoga class or an early morning walk, then you can eat brunch guilt free!
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