Review: Thursday Steak Feast, The Foundry, Southern Sun Abu Dhabi

The location

The Foundry is the flagship restaurant at the Southern Sun Abu Dhabi hotel, which is located in the emirate’s central business district, just a few minute’s drive from the Corniche.

The atmosphere

Like the hotel itself, the eatery exudes a certain warmth, which is in part due to its decor, which is both contemporary and arabesque in nature. The setting is comfortable, thanks to the suede seating choices, and tables that have privacy screens which make for both an enjoyable relaxed evening with friends or a more intimate dining affair. The staff are friendly and the chef often makes his way out onto the floor to mingle with guests.

The food

The Thursday Steak Feast menu is, as the name suggests, targeted toward meat lovers, and being a South Arican owned hotel, it’s little wonder why. Steak is something this restaurant does very well. The evening starts with a selection of breads - baked freshly within the hotel - and several different butter choices, including sun dried tomato, olive, paprika, garlic, curry and smoked bacon.

After we have had our fill of bread, we are given a serving of freshly shucked oysters and beef carpaccio. Other tasting plates include a classic caesar salad with anchovy dressing and herb croutons, a seafood fritto misto with a kaffir lime tartar and a butternut squash creme with white truffle oil.

While these dishes are nice and the portion sizes good, it’s the steak I am most interested in. With cuts of meat from Australia, South Africa and the United States the proof is in the tasting. The trio of tasting cuts that are delivered my way - Tajima Wagyu cube roll, USDA Angus flank steak and a South African Karan Tenderloin - are well-cooked and flavoursome. They come with a choice of truffle mash or signature fries and a signature sauce. For those not too keen on steak, there is also a choice of Norwegian salmon, pan-seared and served with confit potatoes, and butternut pumpkin lasagna, which is accompanied by sweet potato and rocket with balsamic.

And, if you’re still hungry after all of that, The Foundry’s dessert offering of red velvet cheesecake, chocolate mudslide and passion fruit cake will end your night on a sweet note.

Who is it best for?

A great dining option for a group of friends or those who fancy a flavoursome date night.

The verdict

A great way to spend a Thursday night in the capital.

• Thursdays 7pm-11pm, starting from Dh199 (excluding taxes), The Foundry, Southern Sun, Al Mina Street, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi. For reservations call 02 818 4888, email abudhabi.dine@tsogosun.com and visit www.tsogosun.com/southern-sun-abu-dhabi.

The National was a guest of the restaurant.

mhealy@thenational.ae