Restaurant Review: Nineteen, Montgomerie Dubai
Overview of the Weekly Saturday Roast that's Become a Favourite
Apr 1, 2009
The Montgomerie's signature restaurant Nineteen has won itself several accolades including the 'Highly Commended' status for Time Out Dubai's Best Contemporary European Restaurant, two years running in 2007 and 2008. Overlooking the lakes and the fairway of the picturesque and award-winning golf course, it's the perfect venue to spoil the family or indulge out of town guests on the weekend. Already famous for its popular Friday brunch (it won Best Friday Brunch at the Time Out's Restaurant Awards 2009), it's now earning more fans with its take on the traditional British Sunday roast. The only difference is that it's served on Saturday because the weekend in the UAE falls on Friday and Saturday.
Décor
Handsome is the first word that comes to mind with dark wood-panelled walls and white furniture punctuated by a rich red. The cellar wall is impressive and there is plenty of natural light that filters through the wide windows. However, don't expect stuffy golfers winding own after a morning on the greens. The Saturday Roast is a classy yet casual affair with several young western expatriates in attendance along with friends and family.
Appetisers
You can start at the make-your-own salad bar or pick up miniature versions of pepper crusted tuna Nicoise, smoked duck breast with roasted apple salad or white asparagus salad with lemon dressing. Portions are neatly presented in small dishes so you can have a little taste of the veritable spread (there were nine salads the day we visited) on offer. A cream of white asparagus soup and charcuterie table was also available.
Main Course
Make no mistake, this is tailored for carnivores. A peek at the open kitchen reveals all the roasts on display, making it a visual feast for the eyes.
However, the best part has to be when the roast arrives on the table. Selected cuts of beef, lamb and chicken are presented on a wooden platter with small stuffing balls, Yorkshire puddings and roasted potatoes. Mint sauce, mustard and horseradish are also served along with a selection of vegetables including mashed potatoes, braised red cabbage and Vichy carrots.
All meats were cooked to perfection and there's even a grilled salmon steak for pescatarians, which went well with the accompaniments on offer. For those who prefer pork, slices of the roasted loin along with applesauce is available on special order and is not kept on display like the other meats to respect the Islamic sentiments of the country.
A white and red Chilean wine was served and guests' glasses were generously topped up throughout the afternoon.
Sweet Ending
An impressive dessert buffet is laid out and is worth saving space for. Assorted fruit tartlets, cheesecakes, pannacotta and éclairs dominated the cold section while a warm apple crumble with vanilla custard, waffles and bread and butter pudding sated guests with a more traditional sweet tooth. Children and adults both enjoyed the chocolate fountain that was laden with marshmallows, dates, cookies and fresh fruit for dipping.
Booking
It is recommended to book in advance. Call (04) 3905600 for reservations. Prices start at Dhs190 (approx. US$52) per head. The Saturday Roast runs from 12pm to 3.30pm.
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