Peyote

 Place: DIFC, Dubai
Price:
AED 250(Soft beverages)
AED 395 (House beverages)
Timing: 12.30pm- 4.00pm

“Take your pleasure seriously.”- Charles Eames.

“Peyote” is Spanish for a small species of cactus, that contains Mescaline; a psychedelic substance. I can confirm that the restaurant did not have any available.

Peyote Dubai is the fourth opening of the Peyote group, following successful openings in Mayfair, Notting Hill, and Ibiza. They serve modern Mexican cuisine, in an upscale type setting (hence the choice of location).

So far it appears that none of the DIFC based restaurants have been able to crack the “weekend code” of attracting a full house during the daytime on a weekend, and Peyote did not fair any better. The restaurant was no more than 20% full, which is never a positive for a fun brunch experience.

For starters, we are served the following appetizers, to share (Unlimited)

• Huevos a la Cazuela: Mexican version of “Shakshouka”
• Ceasar Salad with Tuna: I thought it was a strange combination, but was proved wrong
• Jicama and Cucumber salad: cool and refreshing salad
• Avocado Toast: THE favorite dish of the modern hippie
• Ceviche Blanco- red snapper in a coconut and lime marinade: absolutely delicious. We ordered seconds
• Ceviche Negro- prawns marinated in a black jalapeño sauce: I enjoyed this but my date did not. The smokiness of the sauce and texture of the shrimps will not suite everybody’s palate
• Pulpo a la Mexicana- octopus served with tomato juice, radish and avocado. Delicious we ordered seconds.

 

Followed by tacos (Unlimited)

• Carne Asada Taco- grilled beef, avocado, radish and Brussel sprouts: tender beef served on a handmade corn tortilla, what’s not to like?
• Chicken Pibil Taco- anato marinated chicken, red onions and black beans: I have yet to like a chicken taco, and this did not change my mind.

For Main course, you get to choose one of:

• Chuleton- Grilled rib eye
• Pollo Blanco
• Hurrache
• Arroz a la Tumbada

We ordered the rib eye and Arroz to share. Unfortunately both dishes were a let down compared to the tasty starters. The rib eye was dry and chewy. The arroz was too bland. Mains were served with Patatas bravas that were delicious.

For desserts we were served Churros and Sorbet. The Churros were definitely the best in town, hands down.

The Beverage options are as follows:

• Beer: Did not ask what brand they serve, as I have limited my beer consumption to exclusively craft beers
• Wines: White (AnaKena Sauvignon Blanc, Rapel Valley, Chile). Red (AnaKena Cabernet Sauvignon Rapel Valley, Chile). Rose (Dark Horse, California USA)). Both the white and red options are good and smooth, superior to what you would be offered at your average Dubai brunch. Interestingly both are rated 3.5 stars on Vivino, with an average price of $10
• Spirits: (Gin, Rum, Vodka, Whiskey, Tequila).
• Cocktails:
• Classic Margarita
• Passion Fruit Margarita
• Mojito
• Shots: Tequila, Mezcal

The Margaritas were well balanced and easy to drink. This is the only brunch that I am aware if that serves Mezcal, so make sure you try it if you visit!

I can not compliment the service at Peyote enough. The staff was extremely friendly and eager to please. The Head Chef came over to meet us when we first arrived to discuss my dates food allergies, and suggested suitable alternatives with her. This was a simple but truly meaningful gesture, especially that many restaurants’ we’ve been to have an embarrassing attitude of “take it or leave it” when informed about food allergies. If a professional kitchen cannot cater to customers with food allergies, then they should not be in the restaurant industry, as simple as that.

Despite the flat ambiance, and the disappointing main course, the tasty starters, margaritas, and excellent service would make me return. However I do hope that the atmosphere is livelier when we do return.

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Rating:
Ambiance: 10/20. Mostly empty restaurant and a flat atmosphere. Bring on the Mariachi and piñata!
Beverages: 16/20. Good wine and excellent margaritas.
Food: 14/20. Delicious starters, but disappointing mains.
Service: 20/20. Simply superb.
Value for Money: 14/20. If they can mange to improve the vibes and quality of mains, then it will represent good value for money.
Total: 74%