Whatever the occasion, expectations are always sky-high when a visit to this palatial hotel is on the cards.
In fact, so keen are we to get there for the start of the Brunch at the Palace– back after a summer hiatus – that we arrive 20 minutes early, which affords us some time to gape at our opulent surroundings (and take some selfies) alongside the copious number of sightseers gathered all the way up the grand staircase of Emirates Palace.
After killing a bit of time being a tourist in our own city, we make our way to the street-food style brunch where elegant tables are dotted poolside around the lush lawns. There is no inside seating at all, so be sure to apply the sun cream liberally to the whole crew.
Although there are plenty of sunshades to keep UV rays and heat to a minimum, we find half our table is directly in the sun, but our request for an additional umbrella is immediately fulfilled.
The kids immediately head off to the play area that has a bouncy castle, face-painter and a chocolate fountain, while we grown-ups set off on our culinary journey through the rows of market stalls.
The spread is as lavish as the setting with Canadian lobster claws, crab and oysters all being expertly shucked and cracked to order, a cheese stall with baked camembert, fondue and racelette (a first for us at a brunch in the UAE, but we absolutely agree that it’s a great idea) and a chef dishing up avocado burgers – evidently popular given the queue.
Moving on to mains, the lobster biryani and the lobster bisque in bread are two to try – and we shellfishly (sorry, not sorry) take two portions of each in one go.
The attention to detail is spot on with a cute Aga style oven housing cinnamon-infused jacket potatoes, seafood yellow paella bubbling away in a traditional black steel pan and tasty cold cuts served in a paper cone – we can’t help but grab one each time we walk past (by final count we have polished off eight).
Don’t miss the pasta station where you can tailor a risotto to your personal taste (saffron and scallops is our winning combination).
The Irish singer encourages the brunching crowd on to the dance floor (not that they seem to need much encouragement), as we make our way to the deserts.
We can’t resist the mini cheesecakes that come in various flavours such as Oreo and salted caramel – and because they are smallish, we can fit a waffle with Nutella and some macarons on to the plate too. Oh, alright, we also have a scoop of coconut sorbet, or two, as well.
While the settings don’t come much better, you’d be hard-pushed to find better food, too, making this a great Friday spot to enjoy the cooler weather.
Dhs370 (soft drinks), Dhs465 (house beverages), Dhs695 (bubbly), Dhs185 (kids between six and 12), free (kids five and below). Fri 12.30pm-4pm. Emirates Palace, West Corniche (02 690 9000).
WHAT IS IT…
A Friday feast fit for a king, a queen and the little princes and princesses too
WHY GO…
To experience Emirates Palace properly
