Five top... brunches for Thanksgiving in the UAE

What two things come to mind when we say the word ‘Thanksgiving’? Family and way too much food! That may be so, but here in the UAE, it’s an Evening Brunch!
This new food concept is all the rage this Thanksgiving and the nation’s restaurants have risen to the challenge and are putting their best fare forward for this American festival that’s strangely found a following here in Dubai. Take a look.

DUBAI

A Feast of Thanks
US-inspired gastropub the Black Lion serves up a hearty three-course evening brunch for Thanksgiving, in what they’re advertising as the foodie’s American dream! On offer are starters such as roast squash soup and smoked duck pat, as well as mains including the traditional roast turkey, grilled seabass or maple-braised short rib. Wrap up with a selection of drool-worthy desserts such as the chocolate brownie with sour cherry ice cream, pumpkin pie or pecan tart.
The pub offers both early and late options for those who have other things to do.
Details: The Black Lion, The H Hotel Dubai. Dh250 for food only or Dh395 including beverages and bubbles. From 6pm to 10pm, Thursday 26th November, contact reservations@theblacklion.ae or 04 359 2366

Crabby Brunch
Sharing is caring and Media City favourite Crab Tavern is also offering an evening brunch, featuring an array of specialities. Start with the Tavern Platter, consisting of the best of the sea- crab claws, Cajun shrimp, a retro eighties-style prawn cocktail and more! Indulge in your favourite main entrées and choose between pulled Beef Surf & Turf, bucket-fried Turkey and our classic soft-shell crab burger, amongst others. Veggie tastebuds don’t need to be left out and can opt for the cauliflower and blue cheese risotto. Puddings include American faves such as chocolate brownies, baked cheesecake and bourbon and maple-soaked waffles.
Details: Crab Tavern, Media One Hotel. Dh250 including soft beverages or Dh350 including unlimited eggnog, cocktails and house beverages. From 7pm to 11pm, Thursday November 26, contact 04 420 74 89 or reservations@crabtavern.ae

All-American Dinner & Brunch
For those who like to celebrate their holidays in traditional style, why not head over to Liberty House at DIFC, where Original Wings and Rings promises a lively atmosphere, upbeat music and warm ambience. They will be serving an open-buffet style of traditional dishes – turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce and everything else you could possibly imagine at your Thanksgiving meal. That includes pumpkin and apple pie.
Details: Original Wings and Rings, Liberty House. Dh198 without beverages, Dh289 with unlimited spirits, Dh99 for kids under 12 years. From 8pm to 11pm on Thursday November 26, contact buffalowingsandrings.ae or 04 359690

Meatopia Brunch
With its North American roots weaved through the restaurant including its raw décor and classic American meats with a twist, The Hide’s chefs have designed a party-like Thanksgiving brunch on Friday November 27 to include traditional Down Home Pumpkin Pie with a ginger crunch, whole roast bronze turkey with all the trimmings and a patriotic Stars and Stripes soufflé with frozen white chocolate custard. For the ultimate sharing experience, show-stopping feasting joints for the table are available including slow roast prime rib, whole braised salt bush lamb shoulder and a whole roasted chicken with a honey glaze. To finish, try the apple pie or a Campfire Smores sundae.
Details: The Hide, Al Qasr Hotel. Dh395 including soft drinks or Dh495 for stronger beverages. Three seatings are being taken, at 11.30am, 1pm and 2pm on Friday November 27. Guests can purchase an additional hour’s drinks at the first or second seating for Dh150. Call 04 432 3232

ABU DHABI

Traditional evening brunch
For something in the capital, The Sportsman’s Arms in Zayed Sports City is also joining the evening brunch trend. Its special Thanksgiving menu includes appetisers such as corned beef with jalapeno hash and quail eggs, maple- and balsamic-roasted beetroot salad with goat’s cheese and honeycomb, and pastrami-spiced cured salmon with whipped horseradish and rye bread.
For mains, there’s the inevitable roasted turkey breast, roasted butternut squash risotto and glazed meatloaf with buttermilk-smashed potatoes, while desserts include carrot cake with ginger ice cream, New England-style  caramel pumpkin pudding, and traditional Marlborough pie with whipped cream.
For those who don’t believe in heavy meals (do they exist?) the pub’s serving Thanksgiving-themed bar snacks and late night platters from 9pm.
Details: The Sportsman’s Arms, Zayed Sports City. Three packages are available, priced at Dh349 with sparkling beverages, Dh299 with house beverages, and Dh195 with soft drinks, while children can dine for Dh125. From 6pm to 10pm on Thursday November 26. Call 02 403 4235, or email reservations@sportsmanszsc.com.