Brunch is a much-loved constitution in Dubai and now with a new American twist in Le Meridien Hotel Warehouse comes the Empire State Brunch. Melanie Gordon checks it out.
This established hotel is bringing a longer brunch of over four hours with many entertainments and live music options and an after party into the game. As with most brunches, when the allotted time is over there is not much to do; Empire State is hoping to change that so that the party continues well into the late afternoon. Not a family friendly brunch (let us leave that to the excellent Yalumba, next door) this is a brunch for the adults. Drinks, food and fun a plenty for all and for all tastes. Warehouse is hoping this will be come a constitutional right for all the guests to get the party started for the weekend ahead.
We came early to have a good look around and found that not only was there table service but also different stations offering a wide range of international cuisine. We were met with a jovial hello and a beer or glass of bubbles before being shown to our table. The lovely start continued as the stations of BBQ meats, Indian foods, Spanish, Italian, Mexican, Chinese and Japanese were all gearing up for the opening. All foods were freshly prepared, and you could either wait and help your self or be served on your table.
We kicked off with fresh sashimi salmon, lobster tails and prawns. The taste was sublime and cleared the palate for the next course of different salads at the Mexican bar; including all manner of ingredients for all to choose from. The BBQ was then lit, ready for the all-important hamburgers, steaks and different meats. We chose the steak and grilled shrimp which came in lovely bite size pieces leaving room for another course. I had differing dishes from the Chinese stand including chicken and prawn dumplings, mixed rice, sweet and sour chicken and my husband had chosen the Spanish Paella with an array of shellfish which he loved. The bread station was something of a favourite, as all very fresh and delicious with an enormous variety to be found. Cocktails started to arrive, I can recommend the Moscow Mule and the Virgin Mojito. Both refreshing-although one more alcoholic!
The beauty of the surroundings was not lost with a lovely lake in the middle sporting turtles on rocks and greenery abound. The band was playing tunes from the 80’s /90’s and the relaxed atmosphere carried on well into the late afternoon when it was time for the desserts to come out. All beautifully presented and it reminded me somewhat of something from Harry Potter as bookshelves were added into the creative mix, with the desserts displayed on each shelf. My favourite was the vanilla New York cheesecake. Tiny morsels of delicious naughtiness were nestled into nooks and crannies ready for the picking. Macarons to chocolate eclairs the variety was endless.
All in all, a wonderful way to spend a delightful afternoon for all those who enjoy good music, good food and an excellent atmosphere. The Empire State Brunch is an up-and-coming attraction on the Dubai brunching constitutional bill of rights and a fantastic way to spend the start of the weekend.
The brunch runs every week from 1pm–5pm and has seating indoor and outdoor on the garden terrace. Packages range from AED 495 for premium beverages, AED 395 for pouring brands, and AED 295 for non-alcohol.
For reservations contact +971 50 368 5149 | Warehouse.Lmdubai@lemeridien.com