Friday Marina Brunch – Intercontinental Hotel, Abu Dhabi
Over the weekend, I went to the Friday Marina Brunch at the Intercontinental Hotel. This brunch consisted of an all you can eat buffet featuring various restaurants at the Hotel. We were seated at Circo (Italian) but we were able to go to the other restaurants nearby for their specialty cuisine (ie Chamas (Brazilian Meat) & Belgian Cafe (Mussels). There were also several other outdoor kitchens open offering dim sum, a noodle bar, tacos, ice cream and more! The highlight for me were fresh oysters and crab legs!
They feature a new theme each month. For the month of November they started an 80s theme where they bring in live music, cool props, photo booths and an all around classic vibe!
My husband and I went with 2 friends and we literally stayed for our entire brunch experience 12pm – 4pm. Within the first hour of the meal my husband had literally threw in his napkin and stopped eating. Well into our last hour, my friend Winnie and I were still contemplating which desserts to finally end with.
Here are 9 TIPS to Maximize your Buffet Experience:
(1) Go for a Walk Around – before you even start eating its best to take a walk around to see all the food so you can set your expectations and be able to pace yourself. Its the worst when you have already stuffed yourself but you did not make enough room for the fresh-made cannoli.
(2) Round 1 is all about small portions. I know its tough to only get two-bite items when its like your favorite cuisine in the world, but you have to portion yourself if you want to try everything! Just remember, its all you can eat. You CAN get seconds!
(3) Avoid drinking too many liquids during your meal – liquids DO make you feel full. Also be mindful of the type of drinks – fizzy drinks may cause bloating and sugary drinks take longer to digest. Water or fruit juices are the best pairs for buffets – Watermelon juice was SO good at Marina Brunch!
(4) Take Walks – take a walk around the restaurant, stand up and chat etc. These movements will help you create more space in your stomach! The walks between the restaurants at the Marina Brunch were perfect!
(5) Slow and Steady – The guys piled their plates and were eating so fast during the 1st plate like it was a race. I remembered this tip from Winnie as she continued to gobble down her 3rd plate and my husband looking at her in awe asking “HOW HOW”. She said to think of it as a marathon and not as a sprint!
(6) Drink Tea – tea aids with digestion. Not only does it aid with my digestion but also provides me with the caffeine for ROUND 2/3/4! We ordered teas, thinking it was my end meal drink but I ended up going for more oysters!
(7) Mix up the courses – this is a tip I found to be useful to me where I would eat an appetizer when I’m full then go back to a main course. Refreshing apps are the best like seaweed salad!
(8) Avoid the Carbs – do not be tempted by the pastas, breads, rice, potatoes! Just say no. Your stomach will thank you later.
(9) Enjoy! Do not focus on eating, but more on the company you’re with – ie friends and family! Did you know you actually eat more without noticing when you are with good company? So enjoy the laughs and photos!
