Nicosia, Cyprus. A planned outdoor Saturday brunch shifted indoors as dust moved in, leading a group of five to the rooftop venue Memories at the Rise Hotel. The space was full inside and out, with a broad menu and fast service despite the crowds.
A reworked rooftop space
The rooftop area at the Rise Hotel has been redesigned from what was described as a quiet buffet space into a venue called Memories. On arrival, the dining room was busy, with all indoor tables occupied and the outdoor section also full.
A large menu and varied orders
The brunch menu was presented as a large placemat with extensive options. Orders included multiple English breakfasts listed with bacon, eggs, sausages, mushrooms, beans and hash browns, as well as the Emerald Benedict with crispy bacon.
One diner chose the Strawberry Madame, described as toasted bread layered with strawberry jam, bacon, cheddar, edam, béchamel, aromatic herbed oil and a fried egg, and requested a poached egg instead.
Dishes served and initial impressions
Food arrived quickly given the volume of customers. Several English breakfasts were served in two-handled pans, each heavily filled with bacon, mushrooms, sausages and eggs, with the bacon noted for its quality.
The Strawberry Madame was served stacked with béchamel and melted cheese on top and a poached egg positioned in the centre. The Emerald Benedict arrived neatly assembled with sauce.
Flavours, atmosphere, and a key complaint
The Strawberry Madame combined sweet strawberry jam with salty bacon and savoury cheese, with béchamel described as used sparingly. The Benedict eggs were described as slightly more jammy than runny.
The main negative cited was noise, with high ceilings and a full room amplifying conversation and leaving background music competing with the overall volume.
Would you choose a sweet-and-savoury brunch dish like the Strawberry Madame or stick with a traditional English breakfast?
