When I first heard of Turquoiz, I thought, "what a chic name!?" Knowing that turquoise means the alluring ocean, I knew I'm up for a treat!
Media dinner occurred one week after opening, a very brave move for the team to throw themselves into the deep and test how well they'll survive. Needless to say, they were indeed on teething stage and to add to the pressure, the excitement to taste what they offer tantalised not just myself but closed to 50 other individuals. They surely didn't expect such a high turn-up. In this part of the world... last minute cancellations occur too frequently. Turquoiz launch was different. I think 90-95% of invited guests arrived.
And so when hubby and I walked into the restaurant's beach side, they had to squeeze us in, in one of the long tables they have prepared. It looked as though, those tables were not initially prepared to grow that long! It is never disappointing to see more guests than expected. Just goes to show how much of a heavy weight this place and St. Regis Saadiyat Island is.
Finally seated, hubby and I browsed the tables and definitely there is no shortage of seafood. The set-up looked grand with plates after plates of seafood delights. Shrimp cocktails, chilled oysters, crab claws, calamari are just a few. And don't get me started with the drinks! "Oh hello mojito... it's nice to meet you!" I love reds too so let's just say I was a lot merrier after a few.
Media dinner occurred one week after opening, a very brave move for the team to throw themselves into the deep and test how well they'll survive. Needless to say, they were indeed on teething stage and to add to the pressure, the excitement to taste what they offer tantalised not just myself but closed to 50 other individuals. They surely didn't expect such a high turn-up. In this part of the world... last minute cancellations occur too frequently. Turquoiz launch was different. I think 90-95% of invited guests arrived.
And so when hubby and I walked into the restaurant's beach side, they had to squeeze us in, in one of the long tables they have prepared. It looked as though, those tables were not initially prepared to grow that long! It is never disappointing to see more guests than expected. Just goes to show how much of a heavy weight this place and St. Regis Saadiyat Island is.
Finally seated, hubby and I browsed the tables and definitely there is no shortage of seafood. The set-up looked grand with plates after plates of seafood delights. Shrimp cocktails, chilled oysters, crab claws, calamari are just a few. And don't get me started with the drinks! "Oh hello mojito... it's nice to meet you!" I love reds too so let's just say I was a lot merrier after a few.
While enjoying the spread, I overheard the talk about the pre-seat down bites. Fabulously scrumptious were words I never thought I'll hate to hear. Only because WE WEREN'T THERE to enjoy it. Fish and chips served in paper cone while watching the beautiful sunset? I was really not happy we missed it. They couldn't stop talking about it until dessert! Reminder to myself, "travel to Abu Dhabi requires at least one hour". It also didn't help that the walk to Turquoiz was a little distracting, what with the lapping pool water, splashing ocean waves and the grand lights emanating from the building, we were like Hansel and Gretel, wanting to go home but just couldn't.
I can only imagine how enchanting it will all be during daytime, which we will witness soon (I hope).
Our dinner started with:
Beetroot Salmon Carpaccio - beetroot cured salmon, mixed herbs and mustard sour cream
Mackerel Salad - mackerel with fennel, blood orange and pomegranate glaze
Tuna Tartar - with tomato consommé and squid ink dressing
To be followed by (the plan):
Seafood Risotto - risotto with crab meat, calamari, green peas and pea shoots
Surf and Turf - grilled beef, shrimp and potato purée
Vegetable Tart - aubergine caviar, sun-dried tomato, wild mushroom, goat cheese and watercress purée
As for dessert, it was lip smackingly yummilicious Chocolate Texture. Crunchy sponge with frozen bitter chocolate dust, caramel sauce, chocolote mousseux and cocoa nib tuile
I can only imagine how enchanting it will all be during daytime, which we will witness soon (I hope).
Our dinner started with:
Beetroot Salmon Carpaccio - beetroot cured salmon, mixed herbs and mustard sour cream
Mackerel Salad - mackerel with fennel, blood orange and pomegranate glaze
Tuna Tartar - with tomato consommé and squid ink dressing
To be followed by (the plan):
Seafood Risotto - risotto with crab meat, calamari, green peas and pea shoots
Surf and Turf - grilled beef, shrimp and potato purée
Vegetable Tart - aubergine caviar, sun-dried tomato, wild mushroom, goat cheese and watercress purée
As for dessert, it was lip smackingly yummilicious Chocolate Texture. Crunchy sponge with frozen bitter chocolate dust, caramel sauce, chocolote mousseux and cocoa nib tuile
I certainly enjoyed the presentations and the unapologetic display of cooking and serving techniques. I for one would rather dine out than re-create them. Those lady dishes, finesse as ever has "delicate" written all over it. Really exquisite. I am indeed impressed.
However, to be honest, I was looking forward to the Surf and Turf and the Vegetable Tart which was skipped due to the amount of dishes already served. It was getting quite late and some (mostly ladies) were a bit full.
In any case, for the rest of the expecting guests, especially the gentlemen, it was a bit of a let down because I could see they were reserving their appetites for the grilled beef and shrimp. I couldn't for the life of me imagine these burly guys eating delicate food such as what was offered and feel satisfied. If there's anything, I saw them looking at the menu and whispering (which meant talking loudly) about the Surf and Turf.
Don't get me wrong, guests did not leave hungry. Dessert for sure left a happy note. But I think it's safe to say that the gentlemen wanted more.
As for I and hubby, we plan to come back with a vengeance and try out the "manly dishes" I saw in their menu. Mmmm Mmmm Mmmm, they look and sound delicious. I am definitely psyched!
Lunch Menu (click to view)
Dinner Menu (click to view)
Overall, Turquoiz team did a great job and they certainly know (now) which areas to improve the next time around a whole battalion attack their restaurant. (",)
However, to be honest, I was looking forward to the Surf and Turf and the Vegetable Tart which was skipped due to the amount of dishes already served. It was getting quite late and some (mostly ladies) were a bit full.
In any case, for the rest of the expecting guests, especially the gentlemen, it was a bit of a let down because I could see they were reserving their appetites for the grilled beef and shrimp. I couldn't for the life of me imagine these burly guys eating delicate food such as what was offered and feel satisfied. If there's anything, I saw them looking at the menu and whispering (which meant talking loudly) about the Surf and Turf.
Don't get me wrong, guests did not leave hungry. Dessert for sure left a happy note. But I think it's safe to say that the gentlemen wanted more.
As for I and hubby, we plan to come back with a vengeance and try out the "manly dishes" I saw in their menu. Mmmm Mmmm Mmmm, they look and sound delicious. I am definitely psyched!
Lunch Menu (click to view)
Dinner Menu (click to view)
Overall, Turquoiz team did a great job and they certainly know (now) which areas to improve the next time around a whole battalion attack their restaurant. (",)
With our dinner done. We were given a little tour to see the hotel. Saw their other restaurants (definitely eyeing 55&5th and Sontaya), walked down their grand hallways and checked out one of their many fabulous rooms.
Suffice to say, this will most probably be a series review. We were invited to come back and have lunch at Sontaya (their Southeast Asian Restaurant that gives you the illusion you are dining in a floating restaurant!) and so until my next St. Regis post! Enjoy the view! and DON'T WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW!
Suffice to say, this will most probably be a series review. We were invited to come back and have lunch at Sontaya (their Southeast Asian Restaurant that gives you the illusion you are dining in a floating restaurant!) and so until my next St. Regis post! Enjoy the view! and DON'T WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW!
St. Regis Saadiyat Island is a WOWSER!
This video is not for the faint-hearted. You will feel a salad of emotions, gooey chocolaty sweetness, a bubbly excitement and a tad pinch of spicy envy. Watch at your own peril!
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