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! 

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.

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

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.  

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.  

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

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.

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