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 Palace Brunch that we arrive 20 minutes early, which affords us some time to gape at our opulent surroundings – and take some selfies.
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.
The kids head straight 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 raclette (a first for us at a UAE brunch, but we don’t disa-brie that it’s a great idea) and a chef dishing up avocado burgers.
Moving on to mains, the lobster biryani and the lobster bisque 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 paella bubbling away in a traditional black steel pan and tasty cold cuts of meat served in a paper cone – we grab one each time we walk past.
The Irish singer encourages the brunching crowd on to the dance floor as we make a beeline for the array of desserts.
We can’t resist the mini cheesecakes that come in 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, and 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. Las Brisas, Emirates Palace, West Corniche (02 690 9000).
What the kids say
The ten-year-old
The variety of food is better than any brunch we’ve ever been to. I love the cold meat stall and end up going back to the pasta stall a few times. The kids’ area is a bit young for me, but my friends and I play tag on the lawn around the pool. It’s a shame we can’t go swimming as the pool is very tempting.
The six-year-old
I have my face painted like a bunny and do cartwheels on the grass after I’ve eaten loads of pizza and spaghetti.
The four-year-old
The kids’ area is so fun. I like jumping on the bouncy castle best, having my face painted and the chocolate fountain.
