Entertaining Spread…that’s about the best two words I could think of as soon as I saw the restaurant.
Those who are arriving here for the first time, will have some difficulty finding the location, therefore make sure to ask for the directions in advance and to be on time for the Friday Brunch outlaid between 12 pm – 4 pm. I was not expecting a large crowd, so I could call myself and my brunch companion really fortunate to have found a table. The Village is a large shisha tent, with indoor and outdoor seating arrangements, and we were recommended to sit inside so as to catch some entertainment that was being arranged for the customers.
Being famished, we commenced the buffet line and were welcomed to a wide array of assorted breads, salads and lentil soup. The menu was predominantly Lebanese, with a few continental main courses such as Grilled fish, Spaghetti and Sauteed mushrooms. Remarkably kid friendly, with a whole row of foods dedicated to children, lowered dishes of Chicken Nuggets, hot dogs, pastas, sandwiches and popcorn!
Among the main courses were: Grilled meats, assorted Fatayer, Noodles and the winner item: Lamb Rice. This rice is so flavorful, and with the meat well done, it simply melts in the mouth. There was also a Margarita pizza, Cheese stuffed bread and condiments of hummus, gravies and several sauces.
Noodles
Assorted Fatayer
Lamb Rice
The entire while of picking up my main course items, I was distracted by the desserts counter. And from the other side, one cannot make out its expanse or contents, but I was looking forward to it especially after seeing another customer with a heap full of chocolate!
My wait was certainly not disappointing. The extraordinary array of desserts made me guilty for having taken a second round for main course, since many of the ones displayed were my all-time favorites: Chocolate Ganache Cake, Opera Cake, Cheese Cakes, Chocolate Mousse, Parfaits, Black Forest Cake, Crème Caramel, Baklava, Macaroons, Chocolate Brownies and much more. These complimented with steaming tea or coffee (also included in the buffet), made me request to see the Pastry Chef for a personal commendation.
Chocolate Brownies
Profiteroles & Fruit Cake
Carrot cake
Crème Caramel
Chocolate Ganache Cake
Live Entertainment
Chef Ziad, as he is well known in One to One Hotel, has a remarkable patisserie experience of over 30 years. His expert knowledge in chocolate and pastries is the secret behind the divine taste of all those desserts on display. He was humble and forthcoming enough to show me pictures of his works in the field of pastry making. I am confident that his expertise and talent will lead him to more successful heights. As for the chocolate cake, I firmly believe this was the one I have been looking for – the ever perfect complement of moist sponge and ganache.
Middleastexpat 