When you think about brunch, what comes to mind? Food. A lot of food. And a lot of people. When I think about brunch, I think about cozy Sunday afternoon, friends, food and friends again. The set of friends you go to brunch with and the set of friends you end-up having after you leave.

I have this new image of what brunch should look and feel like, after this Sunday’s experience, when I had the opportunity to try the new brunch at this 5-star, market leading hotel in Bucharest. This Sunday was an almost-winter day, with blistering wind, dark clouds and cold, sporadic raindrops. I arrived at the hotel around 1 pm, the brunch usually starts at 12:30. I found a very comfortable design with airy table set-up, big leather corner-sofas and the most inviting fire-place that was lit just to make the perfect ambiance for a cold and windy autumn afternoon.

Relaxed guests were sitting at their intimate tables, chatting, while animated waiters were passing through, serving wines and food. Just about enough dynamics for a Sunday. Surprisingly, there were no children running around and this was not because of parents with kids not attending the event but, as I found out later, because there was a private kids’ room available, with animated kids entertainment. Just perfect.

After I had ordered my glass of Pinot Grigio, first thing that I had in mind was to try the pasta, as this restaurant prides itself with the authentic and fresh Italian ingredients. I went over to the appealing buffet but I couldn’t complete my intentions because I got charmed by the sushi assortment available on the cold buffet. While I was sitting and enjoying my choice, one of the waiters came next to the table with a pan filled with the most appealing and alluring shrimps, baby-calamari and fried salmon and sea-bass, asking me if I would care for some of that delicious temptation that he was presenting. I was very surprised by this offering, as normally, at the brunches, you do not get served at the table by a charming, elegant waiter, asking to fill your plate.

Needless to say the shrimps were fresh, juicy and perfectly cooked.

Between the wine glasses and the relaxed conversation with my friends, the elegant waiter came back with pans, offering us also some Penne Arrabbiata, fresh Spaghetti Norma and a delightful mushroom and gorgonzola risotto, all in small portions as for a degustation. All of these delicious dishes were also available at the buffet, but this way of serving was innovative for a brunch, elegant, relaxed and inviting.

The wine was flowing, the carvery with roasted bio chicken (imported from an ecological farm in Italy!) was praised, the hospitable waiters were so attentive and suddenly it was time for dessert. This time also, our friendly hosts offered us the delight of the cooked-to-order pancakes, filled with sweet cherry and chocolate sauce and served with a touch of cream. Among others, the forest fruit panna cotta was also a top seller and, of course, Galta’s gelato artigianale.

I must say this was an exceedingly relaxed and entertaining Sunday afternoon. You will love to replace the buffet line with the friendly waiters with the hot pans, the packed frenzy with the cozy and warm fire-place glow, for a whole new brunch experience that happens these days only at the Athenee Palace Hilton’s Roberto’s Restaurant.

Manuela Meres

(P) – this article is an advertorial