A Real Sport

If you’re a hard core armchair sports fan who enjoys a good rib of steak, mixed platter or plain ol’ wholesome fish and chips while cheering aloud during the game on 
widescreen, all in the company of good friends, we can’t think of a better place than The Huddle Sports Bar & Grill. Well, even if you aren’t such a sports freak, there’s more than one reason we would recommend this cosy, comfortable and totally relaxed joint to you.

Personally, The Huddle reminded me of some good old 
days when, low on budget but high in spirits, my friends and I —fresh out of college or just into our first jobs — frequented sports-themed bars and restaurants to watch matches and finals of popular sporting events. It was a great way to catch up, enjoy our favourite sports and have a mini-reunion over fun, food and frenzy.

Walking into The Huddle at Citymax Hotel in Bur Dubai on a lazy Friday afternoon brought back fond memories, but this time, we were there for a slightly different dining opportunity —and a favourite weekend activity — the Friday brunch. The Citymax brand ethos is great hospitality at a sensible price, and The Huddle follows this maxim too. The place is a typical no-fuss set-up, focusing on your overall experience, rather than trying to bowl you over with frills or fancy interiors. The sporty details are all present —bats and gloves smattered with insignia, tees worn by sporting stars, groovy posters and, of course, the larger-than-life flat screens.

By no means is the Brunch menu limited in comparison to the regular à la carte one. With over 40 items spanning Continental, Far Eastern, Indian, Middle Eastern and South African cuisines, and spread over soups, main course (including a live carvery), a live sushi counter, and desserts section, you can be sure your brunching goes on for a while, as it did for us!

Starting with a light and velvety-textured cream of mushroom soup, we went on to try Russian salad and the time-honoured Middle Eastern favourites hummous and tabouleh, and dug into a hearty main course of spicy peri peri chicken, some superbly pungent Durban chicken curry, hot and sour fish and dal pancharatni and dingiri palak from the Indian selection, teamed with egg fried rice and sautéed potatoes.

Lounging over this most relaxed of weekend meals wouldn’t be complete without your favourite drink in hand, and The Huddle has an ample selection to whet your meal with.

The live stations are a must-try as well, with the roast meats at the carvery, delicate hand-rolled sushi delicacies and the quintessential Indian street food item —pav bhaji — if you’re not in the mood for traditional cuisine options. Thinking nothing could beat the meal so far, we were in for a surprise with the delectable desserts: assorted French pastries, sinful crème brûlée and a refreshingly light bread and butter pudding. If that doesn’t make for Friday heaven, what does?

marypaulose@khaleejtimes.com

Cost for 2: Dh160 (approx. for food only); Dh280 (approx. for brunch with select regular beverages); Dh320 (approx. for brunch with premium beverages)

Did you know: In sporting terms, a “huddle” is the act of the team gathering together, usually in a tight circle, to discuss strategy, celebrate or just pep up the team

Contact: Citymax Hotel, Kuwait Street and Mankhool Road, Al Mankhool, Bur Dubai; 04-4078000