BRUNCHES come in all shapes, sizes and colours in Dubai - seemingly hundreds with scores of themes designed to catch your eye.
But The City Brunch puts the focus firmly back on the stuff that matters, namely good food and refreshments in a family-friendly environment where you can really socialise.
But The City Brunch puts the focus firmly back on the stuff that matters, namely good food and refreshments in a family-friendly environment where you can really socialise.
It might sound odd that at some brunches the grub comes secondary to the liquids – and you can actually go home hungry - but it does happen.
However, there’s little chance of that happening at The Westin - Al Habtoor City which draws on the other hotel kitchens in the development - W Dubai and St Regis - to fuel a special culinary adventure.
However, there’s little chance of that happening at The Westin - Al Habtoor City which draws on the other hotel kitchens in the development - W Dubai and St Regis - to fuel a special culinary adventure.
In through the front doors and up an elegant illuminated staircase, the Seasonal Tastes restaurant is light, airy and very long.
On one side you have views of the Dubai Canal - elsewhere you get to watch some very busy chefs doing some inspiring work.
For The City Brunch acts like a taster board for the best that the Al Habtoor City hotel collection can offer, meaning 17 different food stations are on offer.
On one side you have views of the Dubai Canal - elsewhere you get to watch some very busy chefs doing some inspiring work.
For The City Brunch acts like a taster board for the best that the Al Habtoor City hotel collection can offer, meaning 17 different food stations are on offer.
EDIBLE ART: Bread-making here hits an entirely different level - get a loaf of this
It draws from French brasserie BQ, at the St Regis, which offers foie gras, including a melt-in-the-mouth pan-fried option.
The team from J&G Steakhouse demonstrate why they’re in demand among city grazers by offering six different cuts of steak and a bewildering 30 sauces and eight mustards to accompany.
Elsewhere you will also find New York strip and moist short rib, plus potatoes prepared a dozen different ways, some exceptional mash of more than one type of spud, and sprouts your gran would take her hat off for.
Sticking with meaty goodness, there are barbecue bites from The Westin’s own pool lounge, Firefly.
And there’s some innovative sushi and sashimi from W Dubai’s signature Korean restaurant, Namu.
The team from J&G Steakhouse demonstrate why they’re in demand among city grazers by offering six different cuts of steak and a bewildering 30 sauces and eight mustards to accompany.
Elsewhere you will also find New York strip and moist short rib, plus potatoes prepared a dozen different ways, some exceptional mash of more than one type of spud, and sprouts your gran would take her hat off for.
Sticking with meaty goodness, there are barbecue bites from The Westin’s own pool lounge, Firefly.
And there’s some innovative sushi and sashimi from W Dubai’s signature Korean restaurant, Namu.
OCEAN DELIGHTS: Grab crabs and load up the lobster from this very fresh display
With its Insta-friendly whole tuna, this is a popular starting point for many with spicy tuna maki hitting the mark with these tastebuds.
But the trick is not fill up too soon; the little and often missive applies here as there is simply so much to go at. Including a decorative bread section that also cries out to be photographed.
Salads, including Arabic mezze, also ease you in - and bodes well for the hotel’s iftar agenda. As does some of the finest shish tawook to cross our plate in a while.
The extravagant element extends to several different types of smoked salmon, plus extensive seafood choices, including French oysters and lobster.
But the trick is not fill up too soon; the little and often missive applies here as there is simply so much to go at. Including a decorative bread section that also cries out to be photographed.
Salads, including Arabic mezze, also ease you in - and bodes well for the hotel’s iftar agenda. As does some of the finest shish tawook to cross our plate in a while.
The extravagant element extends to several different types of smoked salmon, plus extensive seafood choices, including French oysters and lobster.
THRILL OF THE GRILL: BBQ is just one of the many cooking stations to entice and nourish
Ease your guilt with a few extra steps to check out the other themed stations, including Chinese, Indian, Middle Eastern and Italian specialities – maybe with a stop at the cocktail or self-pour sections.
If you still have space in your body after that, then 40 different types of dessert – some that are little short of works of art – beckon.
And then there’s the cold cuts and cheese selection on the other side of the lobby.
Among the latter, inspired imports include sheep milk cheeses Ossau Iraty, from France, and Italian L’Ulivo and Aceto and French Comte.
This section is also where you will find the more family orientated area, with music, invigilated games and activities – and a giant red cockerel.
If you still have space in your body after that, then 40 different types of dessert – some that are little short of works of art – beckon.
And then there’s the cold cuts and cheese selection on the other side of the lobby.
Among the latter, inspired imports include sheep milk cheeses Ossau Iraty, from France, and Italian L’Ulivo and Aceto and French Comte.
This section is also where you will find the more family orientated area, with music, invigilated games and activities – and a giant red cockerel.
SWEET DREAMS: Photogenic and worth leaving a space for in your appetite - and there's more around the corner
Besides a giant playpen, there’s face painting, drawing desks, a movie corner, a PlayStation – and even a cooking class.
And the little ones have their own buffet plied with healthy snacks and desserts.
After brunch the taxi can wait a little bit longer. With its cool industrial look, American gastropub Cook Hall, on the ground floor, serves craft hops, grape and short measures.
And for City brunchers, the first drink is free, followed by happy hour until 8pm.
Told you this was no ordinary brunch.
DETAILS:
THE City Brunch happens every Friday, from 1pm-4.30pm
PRICES starts at AED250 for the soft drinks package, with a good value house beverages and sparkling wine option at a very competitive AED345. Kids aged five to 12 get to join in for AED135 (free for under fives).
CALL 04 435 5577 for reservations.
And the little ones have their own buffet plied with healthy snacks and desserts.
After brunch the taxi can wait a little bit longer. With its cool industrial look, American gastropub Cook Hall, on the ground floor, serves craft hops, grape and short measures.
And for City brunchers, the first drink is free, followed by happy hour until 8pm.
Told you this was no ordinary brunch.
DETAILS:
THE City Brunch happens every Friday, from 1pm-4.30pm
PRICES starts at AED250 for the soft drinks package, with a good value house beverages and sparkling wine option at a very competitive AED345. Kids aged five to 12 get to join in for AED135 (free for under fives).
CALL 04 435 5577 for reservations.
