Equity Magazine November 2017

GASTRONOMY
2
LAPITA
DUBAI PARKS AND RESORTS
While brunches and staycations might be two very different
activities for many, Lapita at the Dubai Parks and Resorts
offers an amalgamation of the two, calling it a daycation.
Kick off the day with pool access from 9am and when noon
rolls around, and you’ve perfected your tan, make your way
to the extensive buffet. The Polynesian-themed brunch has
re-opened, showcasing a sushi bar that covers all bases with
urumaki, sashimi, nigiri and maki. The oysters are fresh as
ever, and taste as though they were plucked from the ocean
and placed onto your plate. As you make your way through
the indoors buffet area, you’ll notice an assortment of
cheese, Indian vegetarian corner, candy floss station and a
dessert zone offering cookie crumbles, a chocolate fountain,
macarons and several frozen treats.
Out on the lawn is where the live grilling action takes place.
Help yourself to beef, chicken and seafood, as well as regional
specialities that tips its hat to the Indian sub-continent and
Thailand. It’s here where a three-piece band livens up the
venue. At around 3pm, the staff and chefs covered with face
paint, face off against each other performing the haka for
guests. Positioned as a family brunch, there are plenty of
activities for children including a special indoor play area, where
the staff at hand are keen to keep children occupied. There’s also
a separate kid’s buffet section with light nibbles including burgers,
pasta, popcorn and cupcakes. If you aren’t ready to leave, just
grab a float and head back to the pool – just as we did.
Family Brunch
Need to know: Every Friday. The daycation
including soft beverages is Dhs195, with in-house
beverages is Dhs295 and children below the age of 12
are charged Dhs95. Call +971 4810 9421
Indulgent frenzy
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CAFÉ BELGE
RITZ CARLTON DIFC
Great Gatsby comes to mind when you step into this elegant
Belgian restaurant, with a Twenties vibe prevalent throughout.
The Granch Brunch commences at the sumptuous seafood
station, where you can fill your plates with sushi, freshly
shucked oysters, blinis with caviar and ceviche prepared on
the spot and served in a pineapple. Across the seafood
station, help yourself to eggs cooked to your liking with freshly
baked bread, croissants and quiche. Outdoors, tuck into a
wide selection of comforting dumplings, before biting into
steak with a side of Yorkshire pudding and gravy, and grills
including shrimp, juicy lobster, tender meaty lamb chops and
chicken tandoori. Our favourites were the Turkish chicken
doner, moules (mussels) in white wine sauce, and the fish
and chips – brought to your table in little steel buckets
complete with torn-out newspaper. Thai curries with
chicken and vegetables are also on hand for those who
want to dowse a bowl of steamed rice in spicy goodness.
Walk towards the gin-and-tonic station, and you will notice
a foie gras stand and cheese section - try the comte, truffle
cheese and brie with crackers. Don’t be surprised when you
see yourself in another room all together, the dessert station.
A sweet aroma fills the air, and you are surrounded by
desserts, cakes and puddings in all four corners. We absolutely
loved tucking into warm berry cobbler with custard, the
classic Opera cake slices, mango pudding, donut from a stand,
and ras malai from the decadent Indian treats. Make sure you
pace yourself, as there’s a lot of ground to cover here.
Need to know:
The brunch takes place from 12:30pm, priced from
Dhs295 for the soft drinks package, to Dhs595
including champagne. Call +971 4 372 2323.
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EQUITY