The global economic crisis may seem unending, and let me here apologise for bringing it up again. I know you can't turn on the telly these days without a po-faced, be-suited French, German or Greek complaining about debt. What they don't seem to understand, unlike those awake in the UAE on a Friday morning, is that brunch may be the answer. Well, that's my theory, anyway. Having been to several over the last few weeks in an unusual (for me) blitz of brunches, what I have noticed is that many, many people in Dubai think nothing of dropping Dh500-plus on a half day's eating and drinking. Now, I'm no economist (I can hear my bank manager laughing somewhere) but if Athens just put on a spread like Dubai's top hotels do, I reckon they'd make back those billions pretty swiftly.
The hunger (and thirst) for brunch seems as insatiable as ever, and testament to that is the enduring popularity of Al Qasr hotel's Friday brunch, which for several years has been packing them in to enjoy the spread, over three restaurants. It is now so vast that they have just relaunched with a theme-park style map to guide diners around the offerings.
I must say here that I am not a very good bruncher. I want to chat to friends and eat, and the constant to-ing and fro-ing tires me out. I have a strategy which involves collecting two plates of food at a time, but usually this leaves me rather full after the first hour and a half, and thus immobile.
Favourites
I've been to brunches where variety is the name of the game, and I have to say I am most often disappointed, because the emphasis has been on quantity rather than quality. That wasn't the case here. Variety was vast yet unique — mini burger bar with a foie gras option, anyone? — and most items top notch. Standouts included the sushi in the centre of Aboretum, where we were seated; the egg station, where they'll try to cater to any whim; the Indian chaat stand; the raw bar and the grilled seafood section. The chocolate station was essentially a room filled with the heady cocoa scent, and was frankly outrageous. I loved the chocolate-raspberry cake.
Another great twist is they bring in your Madinat Jumeirah favourites. So the Thai station is catered by Pai Thai, while the Healthy station is courtesy vegetarian restaurant Magnolia. The Spanish restaurant Al Hambra makes up a corner of the brunching space (as does steakhouse MJs) and contributes hot and cold tapas. But the map didn't always help me, as once I reached that fatigue point, I simply wanted to lounge, pick over my mountainous cheese plate and listen to the even cheesier (but immensely enjoyable) covers band. That meant the next time I launched myself out of the chair (after being goaded by my dining partner to accompany her to the chocolate room one more time), I discovered the German corner, with plentiful sausage and spaetzle. "Crushed" does not begin to describe how I felt on missing out, but I'd already embarked on dessert and there was no going back -- my stomach wouldn't allow it.
Apart from the bounty, Al Qasr is simply a dreamy — if rather overpacked — place to spend a Friday lunchtime: classy, family-friendly, bright and chic. Everyone is very merry, but not unpleasantly so, as can happen at other brunches. It's joyful without being raucous.
Where: Al Qasr Friday Brunch, Madinat Jumeriah.
Decor: Three restaurants, outdoor terrace, trickling fountains and as many tables squeezed in as possible
Ambience: Eat, drink and be merry - with class
Price: Dh525 inclusive of bubbly; Dh425 inclusive of soft drinks. Dh250 for children aged between four to 12 years, while children under four dine free.
