BRUNCH in the UAE has traditionally fallen on a Friday – but a new breed of gathering is occupying usually sensible Saturdays.
And as the concept catches on, of course, there is more than one vying for your weekend dirham.
We took our appetites along to check out one of the options that seeks to ease your weekend into the new working week.
We took our appetites along to check out one of the options that seeks to ease your weekend into the new working week.
Brunch spells different things to different people with well-lubricated gourmet indulgence usually central to proceedings.
But where Saturday has more often than not been set aside as the day of recovery, it is increasingly seeking a slice of the brunch pie courtesy of some cunning, if logical, restaurant innovation.
A few players have entered the field and, while the drinks are still free flowing and food plentiful, there’s a family feel to the example we experienced.
Behind one of the new family-friendly fixtures is Dusty’s, a laidback bar and restaurant in DIFC.
A popular destination for financial types during the week, the outlet in Al Fattan Currency House is making good use of its refurbished outdoor terrace on Saturdays.
The Lazy Saturday Brunch is a thoroughly chilled out affair, from the music served up by the man on the decks to the pace of the food and drinks.
But where Saturday has more often than not been set aside as the day of recovery, it is increasingly seeking a slice of the brunch pie courtesy of some cunning, if logical, restaurant innovation.
A few players have entered the field and, while the drinks are still free flowing and food plentiful, there’s a family feel to the example we experienced.
Behind one of the new family-friendly fixtures is Dusty’s, a laidback bar and restaurant in DIFC.
A popular destination for financial types during the week, the outlet in Al Fattan Currency House is making good use of its refurbished outdoor terrace on Saturdays.
The Lazy Saturday Brunch is a thoroughly chilled out affair, from the music served up by the man on the decks to the pace of the food and drinks.
OUTDOOR CHILL: Dusty's refurbished terrace now hosts a Saturday brunch
Brunch munchers are encouraged to dine in comfort. That not only means no dress code is required, but customers can follow the lead of staff and turn up in their pyjamas.
Cushions and beanbags – besides bench-style seating – adds to the effect, as does the surrounding water and rooftop views.
While the offering is aimed at all ages, a kids-designated play area means parents are able to kick back and relax as well. Kids also get to eat for free.
The main brunch happens between noon and 3pm, but food is available throughout the day, from a ‘morning after’ breakfast beginning at 10am through to post-brunch session that takes punters on until 6pm.
Cushions and beanbags – besides bench-style seating – adds to the effect, as does the surrounding water and rooftop views.
While the offering is aimed at all ages, a kids-designated play area means parents are able to kick back and relax as well. Kids also get to eat for free.
The main brunch happens between noon and 3pm, but food is available throughout the day, from a ‘morning after’ breakfast beginning at 10am through to post-brunch session that takes punters on until 6pm.
BED HEADS: The dress code includes pyjamas, as modeled by the Dusty's staff
So far, so playful, but there is a serious feel to the food here.
Again, unlike most brunches, it’s an a la carte scenario, though still with a soft drinks or adult refreshments package.
Not long after finding your table, a tasty helping of spinach hummous lands with a welcome drink – Dusty’s does a good range of mocktails and stronger. The menu has a laidback feel too, in that there isn’t a mind-bending choice.
Beef carpaccio proves a hit. Arriving swiftly, the flavoursome, wafer thin slices are accompanied by a peppery rocket and a sensible amount of dressing.
It’s good, but is narrowly beaten by lobster tacos. These gorgeous and messy wedges are filled with sweet seafood, mango, avocado and release a gentle heat that is absorbed by guacamole that isn’t really needed but completes the look of the plate.
Again, unlike most brunches, it’s an a la carte scenario, though still with a soft drinks or adult refreshments package.
Not long after finding your table, a tasty helping of spinach hummous lands with a welcome drink – Dusty’s does a good range of mocktails and stronger. The menu has a laidback feel too, in that there isn’t a mind-bending choice.
Beef carpaccio proves a hit. Arriving swiftly, the flavoursome, wafer thin slices are accompanied by a peppery rocket and a sensible amount of dressing.
It’s good, but is narrowly beaten by lobster tacos. These gorgeous and messy wedges are filled with sweet seafood, mango, avocado and release a gentle heat that is absorbed by guacamole that isn’t really needed but completes the look of the plate.
PLEASING PLATE: Beef carpaccio sets the bar high early on at this Saturday brunch
It’s a strong start with leisurely, sunny flavours matching the al fresco weather.
There’s a winter comfort feel to the baked aubergine lasagne. One of the main courses, this is comfort food, rich in taste but not heavy.
Lighter still, black cod here is vibrant and filling and the chef keeps the sweetness under control. Moist layers of white fish, marinated in miso, are joined on the plate by a perky salsa matched with good coconut/sesame steamed rice as a side.
The dessert list is also a pleasing read, but the mighty cheese platter for two somehow fits the cooler weather and surroundings as DJ Lobito plays funk, soul, Latin and reggae. A ‘lazy’ percussionist and dancers are also promised to entertain guests.
The Chiller Entertainment starts at 4pm - a live recorded open turntable session broadcast live over social media, it is aimed at international DJs heading to Dubai to showcase their latest work.
All in all, there are certainly worse ways to prepare yourself for the new working week.
DETAILS:
THE Lazy Saturday Brunch at Dusty’s includes a la carte menu and house beverages for AED299. Kids dine gratis.
TIMING: 10am-6pm (brunch: 12-3pm). Dusty’s, Al Fattan Currency House, Al Sukook St, DIFC. Call 04 354 5435 or visit www.dustysdxb.com
There’s a winter comfort feel to the baked aubergine lasagne. One of the main courses, this is comfort food, rich in taste but not heavy.
Lighter still, black cod here is vibrant and filling and the chef keeps the sweetness under control. Moist layers of white fish, marinated in miso, are joined on the plate by a perky salsa matched with good coconut/sesame steamed rice as a side.
The dessert list is also a pleasing read, but the mighty cheese platter for two somehow fits the cooler weather and surroundings as DJ Lobito plays funk, soul, Latin and reggae. A ‘lazy’ percussionist and dancers are also promised to entertain guests.
The Chiller Entertainment starts at 4pm - a live recorded open turntable session broadcast live over social media, it is aimed at international DJs heading to Dubai to showcase their latest work.
All in all, there are certainly worse ways to prepare yourself for the new working week.
DETAILS:
THE Lazy Saturday Brunch at Dusty’s includes a la carte menu and house beverages for AED299. Kids dine gratis.
TIMING: 10am-6pm (brunch: 12-3pm). Dusty’s, Al Fattan Currency House, Al Sukook St, DIFC. Call 04 354 5435 or visit www.dustysdxb.com
