I didn’t particularly set out for a brunch this weekend, but when plans for dinner on Thursday fell through, brunch seemed like the best way to get out of the house. \u00a0As usual, I wanted a place that was in the Entertainer (buy one, get one free offers, natch) and served ala carte. \u00a0El Sur<\/strong><\/a> seemed to fit the bill perfectly. \u00a0We were fortunate to have two additional diners join us, which made for a fun quartet.<\/p>\n Inside the Westin, the restaurant is located off of the left from the lobby. \u00a0With a deceptively small entrance, the interior is unique. \u00a0Walking directly into the high-ceilinged\u00a0lounge, we were seated at one of the tables in the main dining room. \u00a0Having passed two tables for 10-12 brunchers, I thought it was a smart move by the restaurant to sort of separate the larger parties from the smaller groups. \u00a0Also, should you have any smokers in your group, apparently you can smoke at the bar. … \u00a0And finally, El Sur does have a beautiful terrace, which I’m sure is nice when it’s not 40+C outside.<\/p>\n And what does the website claim?<\/p>\n El Sur is \u00a0our own interpretation of fine-casual gastronomy in a Spanish Tapas restaurant. We present a relaxed and elegant atmosphere where guests can unwind and enjoy extraordinary service with attention to detail.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n A bit more about this in a moment…<\/p>\n So, while there was no cava\u00a0on offer for this brunch, we were happy with cocktails, beer, and wine. At the end of the meal, we even tried a pitch of the house sangria (tasty!).<\/p>\n While there are definitely more filling ala carte brunches, there was a bustling crowd and good service at El Sur. \u00a0The concept of the brunch is, (as you may have guessed) a selection of tapas (15 in total). \u00a0Brought out quickly, we immediately dug into some of the classics (patatas bravas, Padron peppers<\/em>) and some other standard Spanish selections (olives, cheese<\/i>). \u00a0Much like many similar brunches, you try all of the dishes and then order anything you want more of.<\/p>\n While I found the selections to be varied (although vegetarians, fair warning, there might not be enough to consider a filling meal for you here), having a look at the full menu at El Sur, I think I was a bit disappointed in what was offered. \u00a0Whereas brunches at Hide<\/a> and Intersect<\/a> give a thorough introduction to their menus, I think El Sur holds back a bit (this could be for any number of reasons and I’m guessing the kitchen would be overwhelmed with much more). \u00a0Additionally, as El Sur prides themselves on being ‘fine-causal gastronomy’ (points for whoever came up with that definition\u00a0– !?!), I failed to see much (or any) of this in action (based on my interpretation). \u00a0I guess on a positive note, with the smaller dishes, there was almost no food wastage, which is always something I count as a successful brunch.<\/p>\n My suggestions to El Sur:<\/p>\n Would I go back? \u00a0With the Entertainer, I think the value for money is quite good. \u00a0At AED395 total (for two), this brunch doesn’t quite live up to Hide or Intersect, but it does deliver a solid experience and a variety of dishes. \u00a0Rather than get involved in the Bubbalicious mess downstairs, El Sur offers up a great alternative. \u00a0At full price, however, I’m not sure this brunch is worth it…<\/p>\n\n
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