Sacci Friday Brunch - The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa
Having tried Sacci 's a la carte menu on a weeknight, I fell in like with its honest simplicity. I wanted to see how its translated itself into a brunch. Needless to say, I intended to see why so many diners had chosen this as one of their top restaurants in the city. In my case, it was specifically to see how it did as a brunch in a city spoilt for choice with brunches.
Five talking points
Unique in more ways than one
On arrival we were shown to the bar area where we had our welcome drink: a choice of mojitos. We were seated and offered some finger foods including focaccia bread. There was no rush at the door to put drinks in our hands. Just relaxed and easy. How symbolic this would prove to be. It is an authentic Italian brunch, from music, to the decor (highlighted by classic red and white checkered table cloths) and of course the serving of Prosecco. However, it joins a couple of other restaurants in the city who have eschewed the over indulgent buffet and opted for something fresher, more personalised a la carte concept.
Service
Cannot be faulted on any level. Between Marco and Stavroula and an excellent support staff, the service is in-keeping with the character of the brunch while maintaining high levels of service and attentiveness. It is relaxed and engaging, much like visiting the home of a friend and being waited on by someone who, by the end of the meal, will be all the more closer to you because of that deep kind of engagement. Originally from Florence, Marco ensures that your brunch is a culinary journey in which he shares anecdotes. comments on the sourcing of ingredients and reveals a deep passion for his Italian roots.
Cibo, il cibo glorioso
Sacci Chef de Cuisine, Stefano Micocci has created a menu that is both abundant in the finest ingredients and also imposing on the taste buds. After moving from the bar area to the dining area, we are greeted with a stellar selection of antipasti, with the highlights being the Sacci Bruschetta, Burratina and the Parmigiana. The Bruschetta is exceptional, presented 3 ways: artichokes, sundried tomatoes and olive oil and tomatoes.
As for the Parmigiana, I can only say it is evidence that you sometimes want that antipasti to be a Secondi! That eggplant is beautifully panfried. Finally, the Gioia Del Colle burratina with Italian tomatoes and Puglia olive oil is all freshness. Simply presented, it too leaves me wanting more. We move through the insalate, zuppe and pasta, with each subsequent course bringing something new to the experience. The pizze, Bufalotta is a hit also with my daughter as she comments on the gorgeous buffalo mozarella.
At this point the strength of this concept dawns on me - no dried and overcooked pizza. It is out of the oven onto the table. No chance for main dishes and I apologise profusely, but always room for dessert of course.
The crowd
This is very much a brunch aimed at those who appreciate great food. While buffets can often be hit and miss, with a handful of dazzling dishes and a large selection of dishes that can pass for a brunch, Sacci is on the money here. There are enough big brunches in Abu Dhabi catering for 250 or more guests, so Sacci's intentions are clear: a family brunch focusing on the food, and here children get to eat what mummy and daddy is having because Between the pizza and pasta, who needs chicken nuggets and fries? It complements the Bubbalicious brunch perfectly
The Verdict
Very personalised service where you get to know the staff by name. I like that about it, as well as the intimacy. Big brunches have their place of course, but this one is one of my faves.It is a true Italian brunch experience. Buono!
The low down
Sacci
Westin Golf Resort & Spa,
02 616 9999
http://www.sacciabudhabi.com/
Soft drinks package 230AED++
House beverages 350AED++
Fridays 12h30-16h00
Five talking points
Unique in more ways than one
On arrival we were shown to the bar area where we had our welcome drink: a choice of mojitos. We were seated and offered some finger foods including focaccia bread. There was no rush at the door to put drinks in our hands. Just relaxed and easy. How symbolic this would prove to be. It is an authentic Italian brunch, from music, to the decor (highlighted by classic red and white checkered table cloths) and of course the serving of Prosecco. However, it joins a couple of other restaurants in the city who have eschewed the over indulgent buffet and opted for something fresher, more personalised a la carte concept.
Service
Cannot be faulted on any level. Between Marco and Stavroula and an excellent support staff, the service is in-keeping with the character of the brunch while maintaining high levels of service and attentiveness. It is relaxed and engaging, much like visiting the home of a friend and being waited on by someone who, by the end of the meal, will be all the more closer to you because of that deep kind of engagement. Originally from Florence, Marco ensures that your brunch is a culinary journey in which he shares anecdotes. comments on the sourcing of ingredients and reveals a deep passion for his Italian roots.
Cibo, il cibo glorioso
Sacci Chef de Cuisine, Stefano Micocci has created a menu that is both abundant in the finest ingredients and also imposing on the taste buds. After moving from the bar area to the dining area, we are greeted with a stellar selection of antipasti, with the highlights being the Sacci Bruschetta, Burratina and the Parmigiana. The Bruschetta is exceptional, presented 3 ways: artichokes, sundried tomatoes and olive oil and tomatoes.
As for the Parmigiana, I can only say it is evidence that you sometimes want that antipasti to be a Secondi! That eggplant is beautifully panfried. Finally, the Gioia Del Colle burratina with Italian tomatoes and Puglia olive oil is all freshness. Simply presented, it too leaves me wanting more. We move through the insalate, zuppe and pasta, with each subsequent course bringing something new to the experience. The pizze, Bufalotta is a hit also with my daughter as she comments on the gorgeous buffalo mozarella.
At this point the strength of this concept dawns on me - no dried and overcooked pizza. It is out of the oven onto the table. No chance for main dishes and I apologise profusely, but always room for dessert of course.
The crowd
This is very much a brunch aimed at those who appreciate great food. While buffets can often be hit and miss, with a handful of dazzling dishes and a large selection of dishes that can pass for a brunch, Sacci is on the money here. There are enough big brunches in Abu Dhabi catering for 250 or more guests, so Sacci's intentions are clear: a family brunch focusing on the food, and here children get to eat what mummy and daddy is having because Between the pizza and pasta, who needs chicken nuggets and fries? It complements the Bubbalicious brunch perfectly
The Verdict
Very personalised service where you get to know the staff by name. I like that about it, as well as the intimacy. Big brunches have their place of course, but this one is one of my faves.It is a true Italian brunch experience. Buono!
The low down
Sacci
Westin Golf Resort & Spa,
02 616 9999
http://www.sacciabudhabi.com/
Soft drinks package 230AED++
House beverages 350AED++
Fridays 12h30-16h00
Brandon Stoltenkamp
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