Belgian Beer Cafe (BBC)
What to expect: When I heard that my favourite evening haunt was launching a brunch, I kissed my Fridays goodbye. The BBC’s earthy atmosphere, pub-like decor and fab Belgian-inspired menu pulls in the punters every night of the week. And its new brunch proves to be no different.
We booked for two and on arrival, we asked if we could up it to four. We couldn’t – every table was booked – so we relocated to stools at a high table.
Food-wise, they have shunned the buffet and gone down the classier (and diet-dooming) route of offering a brunch menu (with breakfast dishes, starters, main courses and desserts), which you can order from as many times as you want. We started with tiger prawns and (my favourite) steak tartare – and then ordered them again. We then moved on to yummy chunky fish fingers, mussels and beef stew, before heading back to breakfast for a perfect eggs Benedict and (finally) finishing off with a chocolate mousse. By then we could barely move.
The atmosphere got livelier and livelier as the afternoon wore on and had we not had another engagement to go to, I am sure we would have stayed until it closed. A great brunch – especially for those days when flip-flops and jeans are a must.
Where: Madinat Jumeirah
Tel: 04-4470227
Details: Fridays from 1pm-4pm. Dh180 without drinks, Dh269 with drinks.
– Louisa Wilkins
Three of the best afternoon teas
At.mosphere
Look out over Dubai from the top of the Burj Khalifa during sunset, with the Ramadan Late High Tea. Tuck into traditional Arabic foods fused into a glam High Tea experience – think Zataar quiche and Sumac-spiced turkey falafel. Dh250. Call 04-8883828.
Al Fanar
The revolving restaurant at the top of Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi offers afternoon tea every day from 3pm to 7pm with 360-degree views of the city. All the usual tea fare, including French pastries, scones and a selection of teas. Dh111, including hot drinks. Call 800-101101.
Cipriani
A lovely, classy Argentinian-inspired afternoon tea at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, with beautiful views of the sea. Yummy sandwiches, cakes, scones and macaroons and live guitar music. Wednesdays to Saturdays, 1pm or 3pm. Dh185, or Dh225 with a glass of bubbles. Call 04-4068999.
Iftar venues
The Market Place
Delicious Arabian and Asian dishes and sweets are freshly prepared and served at the JW Marriott from sunset to 11.30pm. Dh150. Call 04-6077977/7009.
The Address Dubai Marina
Held in the huge Constellation Ballroom, The Address offers Iftar (Dh140), from sunset to 9pm, and then Suhour, with shisha and games. Call 04-4367777.
Al Bahou
Traditional fare at the Möevenpick Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel’s Moroccan restaurant. Dh15O, Dh75 for ages seven to 12. 6.30pm to 8.30pm daily. Call 04-4445613.
AZUR
From sunset to 9pm daily overlooking Raffles Dubai’s botanical gardens. Dh185. Call 04-3249888.
