After hearing much praise about this popular Sunday brunch over the past several years, I finally headed up to the renowned Laguna property with my family last Sunday for a go.
We arrived just after noon, as other hungry guests in clean and casual attire began to stroll in. I felt as if I were at a fine country club on an esteemed estate, birds chirping about the pristine garden lake landscape outside.
The tables were set neatly, and the serving staff, highly attentive as dedicated kitchen staff, put their final touches on the various stations.
We were seated in the air-conditioned, indoor dining hall. Though naturally lit through wide glass windows offering a splendid view of the serene lake outside, in hindsight, I think outdoor seating would have been a good choice, likewise.
After all, that’s where the band – a jazz trio comprising keys, bongo drums and saxophone – were performing a light yet rhythmic set. Soothing sax, sophistication, serene sounds and sites, the perfect formula for Sunday satisfaction.
The bar outside served up Bloody Mary’s and the aroma from the seafood, roast beef and pork barbecue was tantalising, as guests lined up to sate their growling stomachs.I began my culinary adventure at the sushi station, where a skilled sashami surgeon carved up a generous cutting of tender raw salmon – truly “Oishi” as they say in Japan. I snapped up a few baskets of deepfried, breaded squid and another stuffed cheese balls, which my nephew and son seemed to enjoy more than anything (barring the desserts).
A special highlight for me was a plate of wok-fried vegetables, specially cooked up by Executive Chef Alfonso de la Dehesa.
A seasoned Spaniard who had previously worked at the renowned 3-star Michelin restaurant El Bulli in Catalonia, among others, Alfonso is in his zone as he shows off his impressive flaming wok skills.
And the final product on my plate was absolutely delectable – I can’t recall carrots and broccoli ever being so savoury before.
No doubt, another major selling point to the brunch is their foie gras. You either love this European delicacy, or loath it. While I lean towards the latter lot, I did notice a constant queue of folks licking their lips while lining up at this station, which speaks for itself.
The indoor spread also has an array of Southern Europe delights, featuring risotto and pinchos (Spanish style tapas), and of course a fine carvery station with a variety of cheeses, cold cuts and breads. All so tempting, but I knew I had to save some room for the fresh seafood, ready for the picking at the bar outside.
A Phuket native, my wife was in heaven, opting for a generous plate of Canadian lobster and king prawns, served to our table smoking hot off the grill. Dipped in local spicy seafood sauce or lemon-herb butter dipping sauce, the tender white lobster meat melts in your mouth. Succulent!
Other types of fish on offer included mackerel and white snapper, and there was an abundant spread of Fine de Claire oysters from France, clearly a favourite by many guests.
Alfonso notes, however, that the fish may be changed periodically depending on the market, as only the best and freshest will do.
My son and I shared a large, grilled “Pla Mong”, the snail-eater pangasius, which paired well with soya sauce.
And then it was time for dessert. Just too much to choose from. If the crape or chocolate fondue station doesn’t find your fancy, then certainly a cake or two will do... Chocolate mousse, brownie cake, forest cake, cheesecake, strawberries, oreos, or perhaps a plate of cantaloupe will hit the spot.
Those with a lion’s appetite should not miss this brunch. The all-inclusive price of B2,499+ includes free-flowing beverages for all ages. Kids are half price, and if that doesn’t convince you to round up the troops this Sunday, the price also allows for select water activities on the lake, including canoeing, and for those with good balance, be sure to give the human hampster water ball a go.
For more information, visit banyantree.com, or call 076 372 400 for bookings.