We love brunch. We love dining outdoors this time of year. But most of all we love Al Boom. Over the years it has been a source of happy memories. For some of us birthdays, special occasions, and major life milestones have all been marked by a celebratory dinner on the boat. And now you can finally enjoy Friday brunches on the newly revamped deck of the traditional Arabic dhow at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait.
Part of the beauty of a visit to Al Boom Steak & Seafood Restaurant aboard Mohamedi II at Radisson Blu Hotel is that it is a part of history. Not just our personal timelines, but it is a reminder of a period when things were made by hand and designed to last generations. It was built in Calicut, India and took three years to be completed. In 1980 the dhow sailed to Kuwait where it started a new life as Kuwait’s most unique dining destination.
You’re probably already familiar with the steak and seafood menu served under the lavish gold leaf accented ceilings. This winter you will be treated to something completely new. A 21-course plated brunch that was designed to give your palates a whirlwind tour of flavors, colors and cuisines.
After being cooped up for months we were so ready to be spending more time outdoors in the fresh air and wonderful winter Kuwaiti sunshine. The brunch is scheduled to run every Friday from noon until 4 pm. It is the perfect time to be outside, getting your dose of vitamin D. The view from all of the tables is fantastic. You can see the glittering Arabian Gulf and the majestic Al Hashemi II dhow, one of the largest wooden ships ever built.
We were already in a fabulous mood when we sat down. It is a plated brunch, so all you have to do is arrive with an appetite and sit back and enjoy being treated like royalty by the lovely staff at Al Boom. The Mezzes on Wood Fired Flatbreads arrive first. It is a new take on the concept. Instead of separate dishes, the chef has combined our favorite morning Middle Eastern dips in a modern, colorful tapestry of colorful spreads and fresh herbs on freshly baked hot bread. The carrot and beetroot hummus were delicious and a pleasant surprise. The cracked falafel were crunchy and exciting. Peppered with beautifully roasted vegetables throughout, enjoy a bite of sumptuous roasted beetroot and caramelized beetroot as you dive into this sharable plate.
It was fun to try the different flavors and textures. As soon as we were done with the mezze, the salads arrived. The Torched Buffalo Mozzarella was so creamy and perfectly paired with the tangy matured balsamic dressing. The pumpkin seeds added a complementary crunch to the dish. And then there was the Classic Shrimp and Avocado Cocktail, which signaled that there was more of Al Boom’s famous seafood coming our way.
The sea breeze and the sound of lulling waves are the perfect background for a brunch like this. It slows down time and you can focus on having a meaningful conversation with the people at your table. We reminisced about all the times we’d visited Al Boom before, we talked about food, philosophy and future plans. It felt like the first time in months that we were this relaxed.
The hot tapas made an entrance. Beautifully plated; Dynamite Shrimp, Punjabi Samosa, Lobster and Prawn Momos and Cauliflower Nuggets with their dips. There was Spicy Mayo, Mint Chutney, Tomato Adjika and Dukka and Garlic Sauce. It was a party of spice, heat and flavor. They play well together, complement each other and are zesty.
You might need to pace yourself because there’s still a delicious Morroccan Harrira with Hamour and Prawns before you get to the Grills segment of the dining experience. It is a rich, thick and hearty soup, with crunchy garlic croutons. Soup is usually an underrated dish in any meal, but this one stands on its own.
You can hear the sizzling plates, just off the grill as they make their way to your table. There was Scallop Gratin with Cream Mushroom Sauce and Roasted Butternut with Young Hamour Filet, Beurre Blanc and Grilled Asparagus. We also loved the Omani Lobster Tail that came with the most delicate Coconut Green Curry with Lemongrass Saffron Rice. Even the humble chicken made an appearance as Baby Chicken Musahab with Grilled Tomatoes, Green Chili, Garlic Mayo and Skinny Fries which was out of this world. Serious meat lovers will love the Koobideh with Grilled Tomatoes, Red Onion and Tahina Sauce and the Prime Tenderloin Skewers, Bordelaise Sauce, Buttered Potato Mash.
There are two types of people in this world. Those who save room for dessert and those who don’t. But even if you are the former, the Al Boom Brunch will be too tempting. And the dessert game is serious. Saffron Om Ali with toasted Pistachio and Almonds, sliced fruit and Petit Four mini desserts selection. But we fell in love with the Chocolate Espresso Torte. It is a flourless chocolatey gooey wonder that might make you rethink your choices in life. The Real Profiterole was a show stopper too, fresh crispy choux pastry with vanilla bean ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce. Life is sweet.
Designing a menu is a science and an art. Portions and flavors need to be carefully measured. The order and the timing of their arrival also needs to be studied because it needs to work like a well oiled machine. There are so many moving parts in a meal like this, but the staff at Radisson Blu pulls it off perfectly. The brunch is balanced in every way, without a single overpowering taste; it is a beautiful symphony created in the kitchen and served by wonderful staff. We can’t wait to do it all over again soon.
Al Boom is located in the Radisson Blu Hotel. For more reservations call 2567 3000, visit the website radissonhotels.com/blu or follow @radissonblukuwait on Instagram for more information. Friday Brunch runs from 12 – 4 pm and the restaurant is open 6–11 pm Monday – Saturday and is closed on Sunday. Featured image courtesy of Radisson Blu.
