This traditional French brasserie serves some of France’s best-known dishes.
REVIEW: It’s the perfect end to the weekend. A table for two on the water’s edge in the Venetian Village at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, where a plethora of international restaurants tease with their delightful waterside setting and offering.
But tonight, we’re going French.
Renaissance-inspired architecture, a central plaza and winding cobblestone streets provide an old-world charm.
Sitting by the water’s edge to the sounds of French music, one could truly be dining by the Seine. The offering is true to France at La Brassiere, which surrenders classics such as Velouté Poireaux-Truffles (Potato, Leek, Truffle Soup encased by Puff Pastry) and La Niçoise (Seared tuna, tomato, potato, French beans, bell pepper, olives, onions, anchovy and eggs), among others.
Rosalie, a charming, well-versed host, politely guides us through the French delights. Starters of Escargots a la Bourguilgnonne (snails), Pastilla de Chèvre au Miel et Noix (Crispy Goat Cheese Pastilla Salad), and Saint-Jacques, Asperges Rôties au Beurre de Truffle, Mousseline d ’ Agrumes (Scallops over Asparagus Roasted in Truffle Butter, Hollandaise Mousseline) are beautifully presented.
Generously drizzled in garlic butter and sprinkled in fresh, flat-leave parsley, the escargots are meaty yet delicate to taste. The scallops are sweet and buttery with a delicate nutty flavour and perfectly complemented the Hollandaise sauce and asparagus.
The Goat Cheese Pastilla Salad is one of the tastiest starters that Team Yalla has had the honour to experience. The goat cheese with almonds, dates and honey, all encased in crispy, golden pastry, delivers a sweet yet salty taste that teases the palette.
For mains, we are served the French classic Boeuf Bourguignon, and Confit de Canard Soulard (Soulard Duck Confit, Herb Crushed Potatoes, Wild Mushroom Sauce).
Judging by the intensity of the sauce and the depth of flavour, the Boeuf Bourguignon has been clearly slow-cooked for hours and the meat is nothing less than succulent.
The Confit de Canard was incredible and the helpful host attended to our request to replace herb potatoes for dauphinoise potatoes, which were deliciously creamy and cooked to perfection.
There’s always room for desserts and the classic Crème Brûlée has to be one of them.
And recommended by Rosalie is the Menage a Trois, a massive serving of a trio of lava style chocolate with crème fraiche ice cream. Enough for two, it was simply scrumptious. The evening ends gazing across the water as the boats sail by, espresso in hand while making a mental note to return very soon.
To find out more and book your spot, visit venetianvillage.ae/la-brasserie
