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Afterthoughts – Decadence at Zuma Brunch

Some indulgences are so grand that they need to be limited to a yearly basis.  I like to adhere to my once-a-year quota for 2 things:  Zuma brunch and Godiva Chocolixir.  

The former because, although I am an intrepid glutton, I prefer devoting only a few days a year to a food / champagne induced coma, completely passed out by the afternoon on our sofa.  And the latter because the icy chocolatey drink eats like a meal and I would prefer to only use it once a year as a meal replacement.

Usually to prepare ourselves for the brunch (and to feel less guilty about consuming all that champagne and food) we like to do a hike or jog in the morning, so we can feel better about spending the rest of the day in sluggish lethargy.  We usually do this brunch with a few friends, because what better way to spend a lazy Sunday than with good buddies and plenty of champagne?

 It is quite a dangerous affair, as the servers like to continue pouring into your glass, so I always try to keep a count on the number of glasses I’ve had.

I always like to start with a chilled flute of peach bellini.  There is an alcohol-free option to the menu, but seriously, if you are going to brunch in style, there must be champagne! 

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The brunch is structured as a semi-buffet, so you can pick and choose the starters and place orders for the main.

I like to try a bit from all the different buffet areas:  salads, kushiyaki, oyster bar, noodles, sashimi and sushi counter.

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I love the onsen egg.  After all, eggs are a quintessential part of brunch!

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There were 4 of us at brunch this time, so we ordered different mains to share.  First up was the grilled yellowtail collar.  I know it sounds strange, but fish collars have some of the most tender, succulent cloves of meat.  This particular dish was good although I felt on the dry side.  I felt that it was a touch over-grilled.  

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Next up was the wagyu beef with mushrooms and garlic flakes.  I really enjoyed this dish and the fillet was cooked to a perfect blushing pink.  The garlic really enhanced the robustness of the steak and the meatiness of the mushrooms.  

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Lambchops!  These baby chops had nice charcoal crusts, although they were not very tender.

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Miso-glazed salmon – always a classic menu item at Japanese restaurants.  I thought the salmon was also over-grilled, and lacked the trademark richness of the fish.  It was palatable, just not incredible.

After copious glasses of wine and champagne, we arrive at dessert.  I always love how Zuma displays the desserts, like a big holiday hamper with goodies tucked into every nook and cranny.  The giant iced bowl consisted of a mountain of ice cream balls, custard, chocolate mousse, cake and pudding, plus slices of fresh fruits.  There was nothing that’s a particular standout, but the visual presentation certainly makes you feel giddy like a kid in a candy store.

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Verdict:  This is definitely a must-try.  It’s a great way to relax and just enjoy a lazy Sunday with friends.  The price is very reasonable for the quality / quantity of food and drink – around HKD$600-700 per person.  Although, having said this, I always believe that you can’t have extraordinary sushi or sashimi in a buffet seating, as you need to eat sushi within a few seconds of it being made.  Having raw seafood sitting around will always detract from its texture and freshness.  This is not a place to go for the absolute pinnacle of sushi experience, but it is a fun way to unwind.  

The food is fair and not outstanding, although by the time you’ve finished your 5th glass of champagne, you might not care as much!  

This is a great brunch option for the holiday season, but make sure to reserve well in advance as spaces are highly in demand.

Zuma

5/F and 6/F of Landmark

15 Queen’s Road, Central

Tel:  3657 6388

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