IF you are something of an indecisive creature then the brunch at Brasserie 2.0 could present you with some issues.
Then again, there are worse scenarios to be presented with than a five-star spread that ticks all the boxes.
Brasserie 2.0 is much more than a Friday feast – the over-riding impression the Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa brunch leaves you with is one of quality and diversity.
Certainly a lot of the usual favourites are there, but they are taken to another level with finesse that goes beyond careful aesthetics.
This weekly three-hour fixture doesn’t come cheap, but the extra spend rewards with displays that sing and flavours that will have you hard-pressed to move onto another station rather than simply loading up more.
Certainly a lot of the usual favourites are there, but they are taken to another level with finesse that goes beyond careful aesthetics.
This weekly three-hour fixture doesn’t come cheap, but the extra spend rewards with displays that sing and flavours that will have you hard-pressed to move onto another station rather than simply loading up more.
TOM FOR TUM: The salads alone are worth taking a keen interest in at Brasserie 2.0's brunch
The salad section is a prime example – and sets the theme for what follows.
You’re confronted with striking colours, well-plotted textures and combinations you’ll want to remember and try at home.
After you’ve taste-tested all that’s on offer here, of course.
The carrot salad alone is inspired; several varieties of the root vegetable provide an arty display that give this veg a fresh, exciting presence. Seriously.
Just as well, as the dish has to compete with eye-catching tomato and mozzarella cold starters and much more before you reach the hot dishes.
It takes willpower not to fill up quickly, although the sushi, Alaskan crab legs and crab claws swiftly catch the attention at a generously-stocked seafood station.
You’re confronted with striking colours, well-plotted textures and combinations you’ll want to remember and try at home.
After you’ve taste-tested all that’s on offer here, of course.
The carrot salad alone is inspired; several varieties of the root vegetable provide an arty display that give this veg a fresh, exciting presence. Seriously.
Just as well, as the dish has to compete with eye-catching tomato and mozzarella cold starters and much more before you reach the hot dishes.
It takes willpower not to fill up quickly, although the sushi, Alaskan crab legs and crab claws swiftly catch the attention at a generously-stocked seafood station.
SASSY SUSHI: Seafood is another strong point at this smart and well-catered brunch fixture
Again, presentation is a powerful lasso so as to draw you in but no over-face.
And that extends to other areas, with sumptuous roast beef and roast potatoes your grannie would be proud of a short stroll from an Arabic selection that includes moist shish tawook.
That chicken is only narrowly beaten – in this diner’s opinion – by chicken tikka that erupts with flavour alongside an elegant tiffin-style station with other taste and texture surprises that Indian friends were happy to curate.
There are 10 live cooking stations present, ready to take your tastebuds around the world – and a fruit juice and smoothie bar to reward those skipping adult beverages or simply seeking healthier liquids.
As always, all the above make it a tough feat not to stuff yourself crazy before hitting the desserts.
And that extends to other areas, with sumptuous roast beef and roast potatoes your grannie would be proud of a short stroll from an Arabic selection that includes moist shish tawook.
That chicken is only narrowly beaten – in this diner’s opinion – by chicken tikka that erupts with flavour alongside an elegant tiffin-style station with other taste and texture surprises that Indian friends were happy to curate.
There are 10 live cooking stations present, ready to take your tastebuds around the world – and a fruit juice and smoothie bar to reward those skipping adult beverages or simply seeking healthier liquids.
As always, all the above make it a tough feat not to stuff yourself crazy before hitting the desserts.
CAKE WALK: These dessert creations aren't just a feast for social media savvy snappers
And that would be something of a dining misdemeanour at Brasserie 2.0 as this kitchen has expertise there too...the dessert section shimmers with colour as it does creativity, from lavish puddings and tarts to bite size temptations that look innocent enough on the calorie front.
If none of that tempts, then the cakes should do. An imperious carrot cake redefines this enduring favourite and is seemingly more the work of an artist - even if you have no stomach space for a slice, these sugary designs at least demand a glimpse as a spectator and maybe their own Insta snap.
Brunch at Brasserie 2.0 will do nothing for the waistline – unless, perhaps, you sit on the terrace with its sea views and give yourself extra steps to/from the food. Although the outdoor grill could put pay to that.
But with so much competition out there for your dining dirhams, this is a contemporary culinary adventure to challenge many of the Friday rivals.
If none of that tempts, then the cakes should do. An imperious carrot cake redefines this enduring favourite and is seemingly more the work of an artist - even if you have no stomach space for a slice, these sugary designs at least demand a glimpse as a spectator and maybe their own Insta snap.
Brunch at Brasserie 2.0 will do nothing for the waistline – unless, perhaps, you sit on the terrace with its sea views and give yourself extra steps to/from the food. Although the outdoor grill could put pay to that.
But with so much competition out there for your dining dirhams, this is a contemporary culinary adventure to challenge many of the Friday rivals.
AFTER BRUNCH: What better for post-feasting contemplation than one of Le Meridien's outside bars
And with a variety of outlets at this hotel – including Zengo, Geales and Latitude Bar 25 - you’ve plenty of places in which to review and extend your afternoon.
Or simply head over to Vibe at Le Deck, a poolside venue with a generous happy hour running 5pm-8pm.
FACTS:
BRUNCH at Brasserie 2.0 happens every Friday, 1.30-4.30pm.
PRICES run from 425AED (soft drinks package) to 750AED (inclusive of selected house beverages and champagne). Or 575AED for selected house beverages and sparkling. Kids under six dine for free or 210AED for aged six to 12.
Click on www.brasserie2point0.com or call 04-316-5550 to book.
FOR more on Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa rooms and F&B opportunities, visit www.leroyalmeridien-dubai.com
Or simply head over to Vibe at Le Deck, a poolside venue with a generous happy hour running 5pm-8pm.
FACTS:
BRUNCH at Brasserie 2.0 happens every Friday, 1.30-4.30pm.
PRICES run from 425AED (soft drinks package) to 750AED (inclusive of selected house beverages and champagne). Or 575AED for selected house beverages and sparkling. Kids under six dine for free or 210AED for aged six to 12.
Click on www.brasserie2point0.com or call 04-316-5550 to book.
FOR more on Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa rooms and F&B opportunities, visit www.leroyalmeridien-dubai.com
