La Mer lunch: Strictly a business affair

Abu Dhabi: If you’re a die-hard seafood lover and you are looking to try out something new, then you should take a look at the new business lunch set menu introduced by La Mer, the French restaurant in Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche.

Though the restaurant claims it’s an authentic French fine dining place, there’s a difference here. Vietnamese head chef Chef Than Aung has incorporated Asian flavours in the menu. However, lovers of authentic French cuisine will not be disappointed as the spices have been toned down to suit all palates.

Priced at Dh129 a head, the new menu features a starter, a main dish and a dessert, and the dishes change daily.

It was a Thursday and as I settled down I wondered what was in store for me on the day’s menu. But I was satisfied with the menu as it featured South East Asian specialities.

The starters had a choice of Sushi Temaki (hand-rolled stuffed sushi); Marinated White Asparagus with seared scallops and Pumpkin Cappuccino with vanilla foam. I opted for the White Asparagus. The preparation was impressive as it had a rich and delectable sauce. The scallops were cooked so well that you didn’t have to struggle while slicing through this marine delicacy.

Although the business lunch offer claimed it was a set menu there was a choice between dishes — at least two.

For the main course, it was a toss between Sweet and Sour Fresh Market Fish (with steamed rice) and Soba Noodle Soup (with beef, enoki mushroom and bok choy). I opted for Sweet and Sour Fresh Market Fish. Though the fish tasted fresh and was cooked well, the sauce lacked balance. I found the sweetness a bit overpowering.

Having got a taste of the new set menu, and not being too impressed as the choice was limited, I tried some items from the a la carte menu.

I ordered Grilled Tiger Prawns, accompanied by Asian salad leaves and grilled vegetables. The prawns were well done and were served with potato puree on the side. It was a nice combination.

Following this, I ordered Pan Fried Lamb Cutlets (Dh128) which were served with grilled vegetables and sweet potato puree. The dish was average, nothing out of the ordinary.

I ended the meal with a Fresh Berry Tiramisu (Dh38). The taste was satisfactory. One can’t go wrong with this popular coffee-flavoured Italian dessert.

All in all it was a tepid affair, nothing too hot, nothing too exciting and as the name suggests, strictly a business lunch.