Dubai: Guests had a go at a colourful pinata near the pool bar at Vida Downtown's "Urban Picnic" with a Latin American twist, taking me back to memories of fiestas at home.
It took several whacks with a stick before the paper mache split into two, sending candy falling on the floor and a crowd of onlookers bursting into cheers.
But that was just part of the action there. Unlike previous editions, much of the Friday brunch at this Downtown Dubai restaurant has been taken outdoors where guests can use poolside cabanas without the extra Dh100 charge.
The live barbecue station provided a real feast with items that included smoked beef brisket, slow cooked lamb, bistec ahumado and cuero de cordero, with side dishes of corn on the cob and mashed potatos.
There are more diners outside than inside at this time of the year, with a cooler weather that's perfect for al fresco brunching.
Inside, they kept the salads, dessert and pizza stations, but what caught my eye was the nacho station that included crisp nachos and tacos with dips that included chilli con carne. The churro station, with its sugary and chocolatey offers, was not to be missed.
Price: Dh310 per person including soft beverage. When: Fridays, 1pm to 5pm. Telephone: 04 8883444.
