Those in the mood for a laid-back Dubai-style Valentine weekend might want to check out the late-starting al fresco brunch at Treehouse in Business Bay.
It takes its name and inspiration, La Guinguette, from olde-worlde French cabarets, the terrace lounge has low seating and a full-on view of the Burj Khalifa, which catches the sun's rays as it sets, rendering everything warm and golden.
Copious amounts of sponsored bubbly, Mason jar salads, cold cuts and French cheeses in picnic baskets and a hot Peruvian buffet from Chef Julio Cesar at neighbouring restaurant Tesoro make for a pleasant winter afternoon. Among the highlights? Quinoa tabbouleh and a homestyle ceviche.
There's plenty in the way of dessert: a chocolate fountain, quaint cupcakes with French motifs and churros, which are made fresh on request and come piping hot with chocolate sauce and a sinful dulce de leche dip.
Every now and then, a mime artist came up and playfully interrupted our conversation, joking about and posing for selfies. Bright yellow and black props - spectacles and moustaches - offered the chance for yet more selfies.
While we visited on launch day, it was clearly still a work in progress — the staff were rushed off their feet and forgot our orders, and drinks ran out. Nevertheless, we did have a lovely, relaxed time and we'd recommend it as a venue to take visitors to while the weather's still pleasant.
Treehouse, Taj Dubai; Friday from 3pm, from Dh345; 050 648 3083.
