The options are endless when it comes to choosing a Friday brunch venue in the city but not all of them cater to everyone’s needs. La Turca restaurant at the Rixos hotel on The Palm Jumeirah promises it can do that, and more. The hotel is situated at the far end of The Palm Crescent, which in many ways makes this location special because you get the best of both views – a panoramic view of the city at one end of the restaurant and The Palm shoreline at the other.
The brunch was relaunched because the management wanted to differentiate it from other brunches in town. “This is not only about authentic Turkish food and a family ambience. The restaurant has great views of the Dubai sky line. On a Friday you feel like you are going on a journey, a family day out and that’s what makes it extra special,” Rixos’ general manager Joe Batshoun told tabloid! “It’s a relaunch because I wanted to deepen the roots of the cuisine so it’s more of a Turkish brunch.”
Batshoun points out that unique thing about the brunch is that they are selling the food and culture together. “We have Turkish staff in the back end of the restaurant, in the kitchen and on the restaurant floor. Our executive chef and almost all of the staff who prepare the food are from Turkey,” he said.
All the ingredients used to make the authentic dishes are exported from Turkey, including the small appetisers such the olives, and the coffee beans and spices. There’s lots of choice for meat and buffet fans available in the large spread of international stations which includes pasta, biryani, sushi, grilled chicken, lamb and much more. For those who are after a salad and Turkish mezze, don’t miss the three-tier mezze stand in the centre of the restaurant – you’ll be spoilt for choice with the delicious array of colourful stuffed vegetables.
Another must-try is the freshly prepared doner kebab and cig kofte, a raw meatball dish. Batshoun guarantees the kebab is the real deal because “the restaurant’s butcher prepares the meat for the doner in a specific way and the spices we use are different”.
Also worth trying out is the traditional etli ekmek (bread with minced meat) prepared by the bakers in the open-air oven at the restaurant.
“Etli ekmek and baked dishes are very popular in Turkey. There are many different types of flavours and ingredients available in different regions of Turkey. The thin dough should be freshly baked in the hot oven and served on the wooden board not to lose the crispy taste. According to the guests’ requests we can prepare the bread with different ingredients such as with cheese and vegetables,” said executive chef Serdar Kaygusuz.
Families have the option to leave their children at the Rixy Club, located in the restaurant. The dedicated dining and play area is perfect for keeping the little ones entertained while you sit back and unwind during the last hour of the brunch.
Where: La Turca restaurant, Rixos The Palm, Dubai. Call 04-4575555
Must-Have: Etli ekmek, doner kebab
Atmosphere: Spacious venue with a chill-out ambience, gorgeous views of the city and Palm shoreline.
Décor: Contemporary fitting and fixtures which add a chic European elegance to the restaurant.
Cost: Dh195 including a welcome drink and water; Dh225 including a welcome drink, soft drinks, fresh juices and water; Dh295 including a welcome drink, house wine and beers. It’s free of charge for children under 10; 50 per cent discount for children aged between 10 and 14.
