HIGH above the fiscal fervour of Dubai International Finance Centre city slickers have been learning to let their high-rolling hair down in style at Bull & Bear.
Now the internationally renowned F&B concept has brought the energy of the New York Stock Exchange floor to Saturdays via its stylish new brunch.
Now the internationally renowned F&B concept has brought the energy of the New York Stock Exchange floor to Saturdays via its stylish new brunch.
Never mind Nvidia shares vying with Apple in the Nasdaq or pontificating over your portfolio, this is a trade you will want to make...with dividends guaranteed.
THERE’S little mistaking the theme or location of the Bull & Bear…
For a start, they have impressive metal sculptures of said stock market beasts just inside the entrance doors.
And the fledgling brunch of this vibrant venue on the 18th floor of the Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre carries the New York Stock Exchange theme further with both flair and playfulness.
For a start, they have impressive metal sculptures of said stock market beasts just inside the entrance doors.
And the fledgling brunch of this vibrant venue on the 18th floor of the Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre carries the New York Stock Exchange theme further with both flair and playfulness.
RISING ABOVE: Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre is home to the vibrant Bull & Bear
Not long after being wrist-banded, given a welcome cocktail and shown to the table, a sound snippet of Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street sets the tone - as does the ringing of a replica of the famous financial address’s open trading stock bell.
Plush booths and window seats gifting stunning views swiftly fill, as do table tops with a well-crafted selection of cocktails such as East Village and Good Fellas and food served across four courses.
Much like the surroundings, the standard is decadent yet convivial, refined yet not over indulgent.
The brunch is inspired by, and suitably imbibes 1920s New York, right down to the vintage trading floor uniforms worn by some of the waiting staff.
Positive energy is abundant, from the busy open kitchen through to the pace of service, which comes with warmth and chat alongside professionalism.
Plush booths and window seats gifting stunning views swiftly fill, as do table tops with a well-crafted selection of cocktails such as East Village and Good Fellas and food served across four courses.
Much like the surroundings, the standard is decadent yet convivial, refined yet not over indulgent.
The brunch is inspired by, and suitably imbibes 1920s New York, right down to the vintage trading floor uniforms worn by some of the waiting staff.
Positive energy is abundant, from the busy open kitchen through to the pace of service, which comes with warmth and chat alongside professionalism.
GREAT PLATES: Perfect burrata is among many artfully assembled dishes giving this brunch a classy edge
The format is table service and the menu sharing style - and extensive.
Cold appetisers make an instant impact with locally-sourced Dubai Bay Oysters delivered with truffle sauce and the first slice of the afternoon's food ‘theatre’.
About the size of an average baseball, the Brooklyn Burrata is a refreshing globe of silkiness lifted by zesty caper pesto and mastic-compressed tomato, with pine nuts and olive powder for subtle complexity.
Beef Tartare from the Trolley is all the more elegant for kaluga caviar and saffron aioli, while smart tweaks such as wasabi avocado and ponzu dressing enhance a serving of cured salmon, with tapioca crackers providing contrasting texture.
Heading up the hot appetisers, meanwhile, the Bull & Bear chefs turn out perfectly cooked octopus portions, enhanced well by salsa gremolata and aioli potatoes, topped off with caramelised olives.
Cold appetisers make an instant impact with locally-sourced Dubai Bay Oysters delivered with truffle sauce and the first slice of the afternoon's food ‘theatre’.
About the size of an average baseball, the Brooklyn Burrata is a refreshing globe of silkiness lifted by zesty caper pesto and mastic-compressed tomato, with pine nuts and olive powder for subtle complexity.
Beef Tartare from the Trolley is all the more elegant for kaluga caviar and saffron aioli, while smart tweaks such as wasabi avocado and ponzu dressing enhance a serving of cured salmon, with tapioca crackers providing contrasting texture.
Heading up the hot appetisers, meanwhile, the Bull & Bear chefs turn out perfectly cooked octopus portions, enhanced well by salsa gremolata and aioli potatoes, topped off with caramelised olives.
STARTER GAINS: Juicy sliders land alongside a brace of arancici other outlets can only seek to emulate
Simpler pleasures are delivered by 100% Black Angus beef sliders, pimped up by good tomato chutney and crystal cheese, while Bull & Bear scores large with top notch truffle mushroom arancini.
Often viewed as a simple treat, the venue elevates it close to perfection with a combination of gruyere cheese, Parmesan and truffle emulsion.
All in all, the gauntlet is laid down for the Main Event and three very different dishes continuing the decadence thread.
Top of the credits list, the BB Butcher Block is a meat lovers’ indulgence which delivers big, high quality flavours in manageable portions.
Braised short rib arguably steals the show, closely followed by juicy Australian wagyu striploin and beef polpette - aka meatballs - generously bathed in rich tomato-based sauce.
Often viewed as a simple treat, the venue elevates it close to perfection with a combination of gruyere cheese, Parmesan and truffle emulsion.
All in all, the gauntlet is laid down for the Main Event and three very different dishes continuing the decadence thread.
Top of the credits list, the BB Butcher Block is a meat lovers’ indulgence which delivers big, high quality flavours in manageable portions.
Braised short rib arguably steals the show, closely followed by juicy Australian wagyu striploin and beef polpette - aka meatballs - generously bathed in rich tomato-based sauce.
BRIGHT BITES: A colourfully creative eggplant parmigiana more than caters to the vegetarian segment of this brunch
In the vegetarian corner, baked Eggplant Parmigiana is beautified with a swirl of basil pesto and tomato sauce, crowned with pine nuts and plant-based cheese.
Completing the mains with a serving flourish is Bull & Bear’s Our Prawn Cocktail.
This involves perfect tiger prawns arriving in style and settling into an understated setting of mango salad slaw and orbs of yuzu mayo and caper & piquillo sauce…all conspiring for memorable mouthfuls.
Add in sides of mac ’n’ cheese - probably not required at this stage, but too good to resist - and the infamous Waldorf Salad for something of a palate cleanser, and those belt loops may well be straining.
Even a grilled corn on the cob is given sparkle courtesy of Parmesan cheese and sprightly harissa emulsion.
All the while, this lavish grazing is soundtracked by a slick band with a compelling female singer alongside a sax player and singer-guitarist.
Completing the mains with a serving flourish is Bull & Bear’s Our Prawn Cocktail.
This involves perfect tiger prawns arriving in style and settling into an understated setting of mango salad slaw and orbs of yuzu mayo and caper & piquillo sauce…all conspiring for memorable mouthfuls.
Add in sides of mac ’n’ cheese - probably not required at this stage, but too good to resist - and the infamous Waldorf Salad for something of a palate cleanser, and those belt loops may well be straining.
Even a grilled corn on the cob is given sparkle courtesy of Parmesan cheese and sprightly harissa emulsion.
All the while, this lavish grazing is soundtracked by a slick band with a compelling female singer alongside a sax player and singer-guitarist.
NATURAL PRAWN THRILLER: This gorgeous plate of Tiger prawns is given a subtle lift to make it shine
They run through a varied set in three parts, including some re-worked classics ideally paired for the setting, touching on smooth jazz, adapted standards and some remodeled modern pop.
In between shifts, a DJ matches the vibe with deep house jazzy selections, although to us more mature folk a few of the livelier modern choices seem a tad out of step with location and theme.
That said, this is no subdued brunch gathering as it seeks to match enduring New York glamour with the ebullience of the Big Apple financial hub, both old and current.
There’s a celebratory vibe at times, not least with the arrival of a flotilla of espresso martinis held aloft and distributed among diners.
A fanfare is also reserved for a truly over-the-top culinary spectacle - an unfeasibly long vanilla mille-feuille unveiled and added to tables already graced with dessert artistry.
In between shifts, a DJ matches the vibe with deep house jazzy selections, although to us more mature folk a few of the livelier modern choices seem a tad out of step with location and theme.
That said, this is no subdued brunch gathering as it seeks to match enduring New York glamour with the ebullience of the Big Apple financial hub, both old and current.
There’s a celebratory vibe at times, not least with the arrival of a flotilla of espresso martinis held aloft and distributed among diners.
A fanfare is also reserved for a truly over-the-top culinary spectacle - an unfeasibly long vanilla mille-feuille unveiled and added to tables already graced with dessert artistry.
SEA YOURSELF RIGHT: Octopus cooked to perfection by a kitchen that turns out consistent quality beside variety
The former - on the menu under the rallying moniker Go Big or Go Home - is as impressive to consume as it is to behold, balancing rich cream and berries with a triple deck of delicate puff pastry.
Not to be outdone, the B&B Dessert Collection includes a chocolate and hazelnut centerpiece that features chocolate gold bars and coins, and even an edible US dollar bank note.
Add to that velvety signature olive oil ice cream and there’s no way anyone is leaving this place hungry.
Launched in late May, this new addition to the Saturday brunch scene is a truly stand-out affair, not least for consistent quality, myriad flavours, location and attention to details.
There’s a vibrancy that seeks to emulate the vibe of NYC, ably driven by enthusiastic staff who lead applause for the band in between their layered and efficient service.
The food is exceptional and generous, given finesse, depth and vivacity by a highly skilled kitchen that works seamlessly with servers to present Insta-friendly dishes far beyond regular brunch fair.
Not to be outdone, the B&B Dessert Collection includes a chocolate and hazelnut centerpiece that features chocolate gold bars and coins, and even an edible US dollar bank note.
Add to that velvety signature olive oil ice cream and there’s no way anyone is leaving this place hungry.
Launched in late May, this new addition to the Saturday brunch scene is a truly stand-out affair, not least for consistent quality, myriad flavours, location and attention to details.
There’s a vibrancy that seeks to emulate the vibe of NYC, ably driven by enthusiastic staff who lead applause for the band in between their layered and efficient service.
The food is exceptional and generous, given finesse, depth and vivacity by a highly skilled kitchen that works seamlessly with servers to present Insta-friendly dishes far beyond regular brunch fair.
NEXT DAY DELIGHTS: The Bull & Bear is also making waves on Dubai's Sunday Roast circuit with a new offer
As much suited to a ‘date day’ with your partner or a classy catch-up with friends, this Dubai-meets-Wall Street weekend fixture is a sophisticated yet laidback food hit you’ll wish to return to.
And if you still have a weekend appetite - or Sunday is your big dining day - Bull & Bear has also recently introduced its Sunday Roast offering.
Touted as a “delightful fusion of flavours inspired by British traditions and American influence”, think succulent roast prime rib eye of beef, roast cajun chicken, premium angus beef, roast za’atar cauliflower, lamb rack or corn-fed chicken, backed up by garlic and thyme roast potatoes, honey butter biscuits, and signature bone marrow gravy.
DETAILS:
FIND the Bull & Bear in the Waldorf Astoria, Burj Daman, Al Mustaqbal St.
THE four-course Saturday brunch runs 1pm until 4pm, with prices starting at AED355 (non-alcoholic option), while alcohol packages cost AED475, or AED650 for the champagne deal.
SUNDAY Roast prices start from AED105, or AED225 per person with free flow drinks. Children aged up to five can dine for free while ages six-12 receive a 50% discount on the roast offerings. Head along this Father’s Day and Dads get to eat for free. Terms and conditions apply.
TO find out more or to reserve your place for either of these events, email [email protected]
And if you still have a weekend appetite - or Sunday is your big dining day - Bull & Bear has also recently introduced its Sunday Roast offering.
Touted as a “delightful fusion of flavours inspired by British traditions and American influence”, think succulent roast prime rib eye of beef, roast cajun chicken, premium angus beef, roast za’atar cauliflower, lamb rack or corn-fed chicken, backed up by garlic and thyme roast potatoes, honey butter biscuits, and signature bone marrow gravy.
DETAILS:
FIND the Bull & Bear in the Waldorf Astoria, Burj Daman, Al Mustaqbal St.
THE four-course Saturday brunch runs 1pm until 4pm, with prices starting at AED355 (non-alcoholic option), while alcohol packages cost AED475, or AED650 for the champagne deal.
SUNDAY Roast prices start from AED105, or AED225 per person with free flow drinks. Children aged up to five can dine for free while ages six-12 receive a 50% discount on the roast offerings. Head along this Father’s Day and Dads get to eat for free. Terms and conditions apply.
TO find out more or to reserve your place for either of these events, email [email protected]
