RAISE THE STEAKS

Because it’s always brunch o’clock on the island, FACT’s Layal El-Mahmoud skipped breakfast on a Friday and made her way to InterContinental Regency Hotel. On the agenda? The Steak Brunchism at Legendz Steakhouse, of course.


By the time you read this, we’ll be well into 2021, reflecting on how we managed to survive 2020 and asking questions about what the future holds. But today, I’m welcomed by an abundance of festive flowers in cheerful silver-coloured pots at the revolving doors of InterContinental Regency Hotel.

My eyes dart around the lobby until I spot the beautifully decorated Christmas tree and, paired with the sound of Yuletide tunes wafting through the air, it sets the tone for what’s ahead: a carefree feast with family. A mere steps up the stairs later, I find myself at the award-winning Legendz Steakhouse. Greetings are exchanged, all the necessary safety protocols are carried out, my reservation is quickly confirmed – and the enjoyment begins! As the dining area of this restaurant is cosy and intimate in nature, adding a sense of exclusivity, the team has set up stands for the main courses, side dishes, and desserts in the adjacent corridor.

Alongside these are other mains such as short ribs and pulled beef lasagne, both equally appealing for the carnivores amongst us. But don’t let the name of this eatery fool you. While Legendz has built a reputation for its downright succulent steaks, everyone’s welcome, kids included. There’s a dedicated stand where the likes of chicken nuggets, fries, and mini beef burgers are served. Struggling with a picky palate? Not here.Inside, a live pasta cooking station neighbours the cheese table, and the phrase ‘match made in heaven’ comes to mind. The bar is to the left side of the entrance, while the sushi selection occupies the area in front of the open kitchen alongside the display stand of this show’s stars: premium cuts of meat, lamb chops, salmon fillet, and even Gulf prawns.

I can’t help but notice they’re all safely shielded behind glass and served by hospitable staff whose smiles I sense, even behind all those face masks. My dining companions and I sit down and take in the surroundings, the dark wood tables, understated beige furnishings, and contemporary light fixtures contrasted by Christmassy tabletop arrangements. Somewhere between the elegant ambience and festive accents, I feel the stress of the week melting away. A whopping six different kinds of salad – one more interesting than the last – are served to our table. My favourite? It’s a toss-up between the beef salad and the potato salad.

When it comes to sushi, what you want is a selection that is achingly fresh. And that’s precisely what you’ll get, proving this brunch is a great choice from the get-go. It only whets our appetites further, so we order our steaks, opting for filet mignon and angus ribeye from New Zealand. Only minutes later, we receive our cuts of choice done exactly to our liking. They’re juicy, they’re tender, and they’re just as flavourful as you’d expect of this address. A few steps away, we find their perfect accompaniments: fluffy truffleinfused mashed potato, hearty roasted root vegetables, and caponata. The latter is a Sicilian dish, as I learn, consisting of grilled vegetables such as eggplant and zucchini. Pair it with a couple of pasta dishes, and you’ll be reminded of why brunch is the best meal of the week. But is brunch even complete without dessert tipping you into unbutton-those-jeans territory? Hint: no.

The extensive array of delicately prepared sweet creations here is incredibly hard to bypass. The chef, however, has other plans for us and a special surprise – molten chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and fresh berries – appears out of nowhere. It ends the afternoon on a truly high note, and that’s exactly why InterContinental Regency Hotel stands in a league of its own. The hospitality industry continues to face unprecedented challenges as a result of the pandemic, but this property rises to the occasion. Every time. ✤

GO: CALL 1722 7777 TO MAKE A RESERVATION OR MORE INFORMATION.