ONE thing the UAE is renowned for by food and fun lovers is its brunches.
But there are brunches and then there is Jumeirah Zabeel Saray’s Avenue of Indulgence Super Brunch.
But there are brunches and then there is Jumeirah Zabeel Saray’s Avenue of Indulgence Super Brunch.
GARMENT GLORY: This Super Brunch holds back on nothing from costumes and setting to cuisine
It can take much to turn the head and win the wallet of a dedicated brunch veteran when so many are on offer around the emirates.
The Brunch Spectacular - Super Brunch is one such example – doing exactly as its name suggests.
The Brunch Spectacular - Super Brunch is one such example – doing exactly as its name suggests.
The moment you enter the eating ‘arena’ of the Ottoman-inspired Palm Dubai resort’s Friday concept the superlatives begin to accumulate. It is no wonder this happens just once a month.
On one hand you have the setting. This West Crescent hotel is one of the most elegant and opulent in the city, if not the country.
But that is only the start of this feasting adventure…
On one hand you have the setting. This West Crescent hotel is one of the most elegant and opulent in the city, if not the country.
But that is only the start of this feasting adventure…
CULINARY CATWALK: Presentation is one of the key stand-outs of this Palm spectacular
If the violin-accompanied opera singer on the balcony, serenading guests as they prepare to enter, isn’t enough to convince you that you’re somewhere a little different, the costumes will.
Posturing and parading through the lobby and in the brunch venue itself, the exaggerated period clothing sported by these characters underlines the richness of the concept – and delivery - not least the stunning Imperium.
The restaurants design, with tall pillars, lavish décor, huge mirrors and elaborate chandeliers, reminds of somewhere such as the Palace of Versailles - and is arguably the centre stage for a sprawling brunch that excels on many levels.
Posturing and parading through the lobby and in the brunch venue itself, the exaggerated period clothing sported by these characters underlines the richness of the concept – and delivery - not least the stunning Imperium.
The restaurants design, with tall pillars, lavish décor, huge mirrors and elaborate chandeliers, reminds of somewhere such as the Palace of Versailles - and is arguably the centre stage for a sprawling brunch that excels on many levels.
SHELL OUT: When you've got escargots on offer you know you're at a brunch with a difference
It has that “so Dubai” feel, but is done so tastefully it manages to stay on the right side of tasteful and classy.
And the food certainly doesn’t play second fiddle to the theatre of this elegant foodie fixture.
While the scale of choice is significant, quality is clearly also in evidence. From taste and ingredient combinations to presentation, the settings and stations offering a myriad rewards for the senses and the palate.
It took willpower enough not to sample everything on the colourful and inspirational salad zone, but this writer could have gorged on the chicory and cabrales blue cheese salad and been satiated.
And the food certainly doesn’t play second fiddle to the theatre of this elegant foodie fixture.
While the scale of choice is significant, quality is clearly also in evidence. From taste and ingredient combinations to presentation, the settings and stations offering a myriad rewards for the senses and the palate.
It took willpower enough not to sample everything on the colourful and inspirational salad zone, but this writer could have gorged on the chicory and cabrales blue cheese salad and been satiated.
CRUSTATION STATION: There's no shortage of shellfish or ice sculptures on hand
Likewise chicken, mushroom and spinach duxelle stuffed roulade with red cabbage relish. Then it would have been a shame to miss out on the roasted quail, enhanced by a kai lan teriyaki sauce.
Range is key here, from the impressive selection of artisanal cheeses – willpower is defined by your ability to leave stomach space for a visit - to the nations represented across the brunch ‘theatre’.
Let’s face it, how many brunches have you been to that serve foie gras or escargot in the shell? And then there are the oysters.
This extravagant affair is orchestrated by teams from the resort’s individually exceptional restaurants, presenting their signature culinary selection and delivering a formidable range of international flavours via 18 cooking stations.
Range is key here, from the impressive selection of artisanal cheeses – willpower is defined by your ability to leave stomach space for a visit - to the nations represented across the brunch ‘theatre’.
Let’s face it, how many brunches have you been to that serve foie gras or escargot in the shell? And then there are the oysters.
This extravagant affair is orchestrated by teams from the resort’s individually exceptional restaurants, presenting their signature culinary selection and delivering a formidable range of international flavours via 18 cooking stations.
YES CHEF: Creative kitchen staff busy at one of numerous food stations
That means that within a short walk you can take in a stunning beef Wellington, some authentic paella, zesty and abundant with seafood, fragrant curries and a generous pork section adorned with cold cuts including salami that sings with flavour.
And should you still have room – or simply want to behold its colour – head to what is usually the Voda Bar, turned temporarily into a playground of inspirational dessert options, from luscious moist tarts and macaroons to rich mousse and a chocolate fountain. If Tim Burton did dessert stations…
You can choose to eat inside with the impressive ice sculptures or on the terrace where a DJ rinses ears down with laidback beats, but we’d recommend requesting Imperium for sheer opulence befitting the concept.
And should you still have room – or simply want to behold its colour – head to what is usually the Voda Bar, turned temporarily into a playground of inspirational dessert options, from luscious moist tarts and macaroons to rich mousse and a chocolate fountain. If Tim Burton did dessert stations…
You can choose to eat inside with the impressive ice sculptures or on the terrace where a DJ rinses ears down with laidback beats, but we’d recommend requesting Imperium for sheer opulence befitting the concept.
PLAYFUL PUDDING: Save space for the dessert station in the usually very cool Voda Bar area
For this is a brunch that feels like an occasion. It comes with a price that reflects this, of course, but if you want to feel special or celebrate a landmark birthday, this should be in your diary.
And, depending on when you are reading this, the next one is on April 7!
DETAILS:
THE Brunch Spectacular - Super Brunch is held each month, 1pm until 4pm, and is priced at AED 525 per person.
FOR more information on dates and reservations, visit: www.jumeirah.com/jzsbrunches
JUMEIRAH Zabeel Saray features extensively in the current Entertainer app. Log on now to find 2-4-1 deals in The Rib Room, Plaj, Lalezar, Amala and Al Nafoorah as well as Voda Bar and Imperium.
And, depending on when you are reading this, the next one is on April 7!
DETAILS:
THE Brunch Spectacular - Super Brunch is held each month, 1pm until 4pm, and is priced at AED 525 per person.
FOR more information on dates and reservations, visit: www.jumeirah.com/jzsbrunches
JUMEIRAH Zabeel Saray features extensively in the current Entertainer app. Log on now to find 2-4-1 deals in The Rib Room, Plaj, Lalezar, Amala and Al Nafoorah as well as Voda Bar and Imperium.
