FOR many regulars around Media City the Icon Bar is a mainstay of after-work socials and the occasional informal meeting.
Now, with the hottest months of the year upon us - as well as a certain international football tournament - this enduring Dubai gem is seeking to attract weekend diners with its Iconic Summer Brunch.
Now, with the hottest months of the year upon us - as well as a certain international football tournament - this enduring Dubai gem is seeking to attract weekend diners with its Iconic Summer Brunch.
GAME ON: The Iconic Summer Brunch matches great food alongside sporting memories during a busy season
Yet, while this may essentially be a stylish sports bar, Icon’s served-to-table feast is anything but your average pub grub…
AT a time when some venues are winding down their brunch activity for potentially quieter holiday months, the Icon Bar has just launched a summer fixture well worth checking out.
One of the key selling points at this fondly-regarded Radisson Blu Media City venue is timing flexibility.
One of the key selling points at this fondly-regarded Radisson Blu Media City venue is timing flexibility.
BLU VIEW: One of Dubai Media City's most enduring hotel destinations comes with weekend action
With the Iconic Summer Brunch, you get three hours in which to participate, but you can choose when that session starts - at any point from midday through to 9pm.
We opted for a 2pm slot and while it was quieter in terms of other customers - perhaps due to the late night finish of some of the previous Euro 2024 group games - things perked up towards the end as customers arrived for the first match of that day.
That said, it was good to be able to chat, be smoke-free and to play pool, bar-top footy or on-screen games if desired.
Icon Bar was fully refurbished in 2022 and mixes photographs of suitably iconic sports stars such as Michael Jordan and legends from football, rugby and more in action alongside decor and furniture that is both comfortable and on-trend.
We opted for a 2pm slot and while it was quieter in terms of other customers - perhaps due to the late night finish of some of the previous Euro 2024 group games - things perked up towards the end as customers arrived for the first match of that day.
That said, it was good to be able to chat, be smoke-free and to play pool, bar-top footy or on-screen games if desired.
Icon Bar was fully refurbished in 2022 and mixes photographs of suitably iconic sports stars such as Michael Jordan and legends from football, rugby and more in action alongside decor and furniture that is both comfortable and on-trend.
SPORT ON: Icon Bar remains a much-loved location for many working in Media City and beyond
Brunch is available as a choice of three drinks packages, while the food menu remains the same, with an emphasis on sharing style.
And currently there are two-for-one deals on whichever option you go for.
Hot and cold small plates kick things off in fine style with a zesty chicken Caesar salad and deep fried brie proving instant hits, the latter lit up by flavoursome but not overpowering apple and chilli chutney.
Tempura battered prawns are given refreshing heat by a wasabi kewpie dip while the vegan end of the ‘starters’ is covered by roasted beetroot hummus dotted with walnuts, plus excellent padron peppers, pan fried but not greasy and garnished with sea salt.
The stars of the show, however, arrive amid a second course designed “to graze or share”.
And currently there are two-for-one deals on whichever option you go for.
Hot and cold small plates kick things off in fine style with a zesty chicken Caesar salad and deep fried brie proving instant hits, the latter lit up by flavoursome but not overpowering apple and chilli chutney.
Tempura battered prawns are given refreshing heat by a wasabi kewpie dip while the vegan end of the ‘starters’ is covered by roasted beetroot hummus dotted with walnuts, plus excellent padron peppers, pan fried but not greasy and garnished with sea salt.
The stars of the show, however, arrive amid a second course designed “to graze or share”.
GRAZE DAYS: Plenty of colour in the starting plates of this flexible new Saturday brunch fixture
Peri Peri chicken wings are spicy, but don’t knock out your senses, and finger fillets of cod in beer batter come with decent tartare sauce and dense chunky chips.
The kitchen excels, however, with braised beef short ribs that rank as the largest this diner has witnessed at a brunch, if not most restaurants.
The generosity of the portions is backed up by a sticky bourbon glaze that makes the moist meat a real treat, every mouthful.
Backing up the comfort food corner is a Vegana (vegan) pizza that holds its own even amid all that carnivorous activity.
A good base, edged with a lovely chewy crust, is populated with piquant peppers, grilled courgettes, onions and vegan mozzarella...and is well worth ordering as a standalone another time.
The kitchen excels, however, with braised beef short ribs that rank as the largest this diner has witnessed at a brunch, if not most restaurants.
The generosity of the portions is backed up by a sticky bourbon glaze that makes the moist meat a real treat, every mouthful.
Backing up the comfort food corner is a Vegana (vegan) pizza that holds its own even amid all that carnivorous activity.
A good base, edged with a lovely chewy crust, is populated with piquant peppers, grilled courgettes, onions and vegan mozzarella...and is well worth ordering as a standalone another time.
MEAT YOUR MATCH: The short rib and pizza offerings are among the stars of this strong weekend feast
And if you sill have the capacity after all that, the Something Sweet section comprises three elements.
While the strawberries & cream is a bit too keen with the dairy, the tiramisu bites are a great discovery; packing all the usual traits of this much-loved dessert into a chocolate-coated ball in a busy bowl.
With bellies already pretty much bursting, the stack of waffles proved a tough ask, even with the colourful delivery of fruit pieces, including caramel banana, chocolate sauce, ice cream, and more whipped cream.
The latter would definitely prove a hit with younger diners, who are welcome at the Iconic Summer Brunch.
Downstairs is the family-friendly section, while the larger upstairs area is for adult customers only.
While the strawberries & cream is a bit too keen with the dairy, the tiramisu bites are a great discovery; packing all the usual traits of this much-loved dessert into a chocolate-coated ball in a busy bowl.
With bellies already pretty much bursting, the stack of waffles proved a tough ask, even with the colourful delivery of fruit pieces, including caramel banana, chocolate sauce, ice cream, and more whipped cream.
The latter would definitely prove a hit with younger diners, who are welcome at the Iconic Summer Brunch.
Downstairs is the family-friendly section, while the larger upstairs area is for adult customers only.
SWEET DREAMS: Enticing presentation meets comfort foods on a dining journey, including tiramisu done differently
In some ways it is perhaps a daring time to launch a new brunch.
But, given the busy sporting calendar - with the Olympic Games Paris 2024 following on from the Euros - plenty of Dubai folk in town for summer will be seeking to escape the heat and still treat themselves to the finer things in life.
And as those international athletes are seen burning off their calories via Icon’s numerous widescreen TVs, what better way to add a few to your day.
But, given the busy sporting calendar - with the Olympic Games Paris 2024 following on from the Euros - plenty of Dubai folk in town for summer will be seeking to escape the heat and still treat themselves to the finer things in life.
And as those international athletes are seen burning off their calories via Icon’s numerous widescreen TVs, what better way to add a few to your day.
PLAY ON: This brunch format includes games on the table or screen if you want take on friends
DETAILS:
THE Iconic Summer Brunch happens for three hours, between 12pm and 9pm.
PRICES are AED298 (soft package); AED398 (house); AED498 (premium) - and remember there are currently two-for-one deals on each.
DURING the Euros - until July 14 - food and football fans can avail a limited-time menu showcasing small plates and beverages inspired by top-contending countries. One food item costs AED39, or take one food item plus one beverage for AED69, or three food items without beverages for AED99.
ICON is also running lunch deals with a free main dish for every one ordered, on all food items from the menu. Monday to Friday, noon to 4pm.
THERE’S currently a AED37 all day deal on selected hops, grapes, and spirits and a cocktail night every Tuesday, 6pm-10pm, with buy one, get one free on selected beverages.
WINGS Wednesday features all-you-can-eat chicken wings, plus three hops for AED99, there’s live music on Fridays and a Sunday roast, weekly from 12pm.
BOOK your table by calling 04366 9137 or emailing [email protected]
THE Iconic Summer Brunch happens for three hours, between 12pm and 9pm.
PRICES are AED298 (soft package); AED398 (house); AED498 (premium) - and remember there are currently two-for-one deals on each.
DURING the Euros - until July 14 - food and football fans can avail a limited-time menu showcasing small plates and beverages inspired by top-contending countries. One food item costs AED39, or take one food item plus one beverage for AED69, or three food items without beverages for AED99.
ICON is also running lunch deals with a free main dish for every one ordered, on all food items from the menu. Monday to Friday, noon to 4pm.
THERE’S currently a AED37 all day deal on selected hops, grapes, and spirits and a cocktail night every Tuesday, 6pm-10pm, with buy one, get one free on selected beverages.
WINGS Wednesday features all-you-can-eat chicken wings, plus three hops for AED99, there’s live music on Fridays and a Sunday roast, weekly from 12pm.
BOOK your table by calling 04366 9137 or emailing [email protected]
