WOW, WOW,WOW!!! When eating at Yalumba at the Saturday brunch at Le Meridien Dubai hotel this is the phrase that will be on your lips, says Melanie Gordon.
The impeccable service, food, setting and attention to detail are clearly visible in this award winning restaurant that gets its name from the South Australian wine region, reflected in the warm, earthy and welcoming decor of the restaurant.
Chef Don and his dedication to the team in producing a versatile and massive variety of international cuisine was palpable. Not forgetting the real guests of this brunch: The children! Even the fussiest of kids would have had their appetites vetted by the amazing array of foods on offer. The interactive kitchen allowed kids to make pizza, multi coloured burgers, fish fingers, chicken nuggets and offered the most amazing desserts.
We started with the salads, a rich array in variety from Greek to Quinoa displayed on boards which was a most visually pleasing and appetizing surprise. The first rate chefs had prepared a smorgasbord of Pan Asian, Indian and European dishes; from butter chicken to roast lamb, beef and chicken with fresh vegetables and a wonderful gravy. As a Brit it is always most pleasant to have a good roast dinner on hand, and I can definitely recommend the roast potatoes. The Sushi was fresh and tasted immaculate with cheeses, bread and fruit in abundance. Dim Sum, noodles, pasta dishes and much, much more. The best was yet to come, drum roll please, for the desserts. The unbeatable presentation and the assemblage of the most perfect pastries. There was excitement at our table as I opened the Snow White red apple to reveal the soft vanilla custard and apple slices inside. The indulgence was immense.
As the afternoon rolled on and the kids were having the most amazing time watching the magician, (who even had a live Dove, to be honest not too sure how I feel about that.) They were having a blast with having their face and hands painted and making pizza and cup-cakes. Outside there was also a vast itinerary for small people to enjoy whilst the grown-ups enjoyed some liquid refreshments. There was a mini bouncy castle, an environmental station which they could learn about potting plants, for the green fingers and ecologically sound; a science lab for the most budding scientists with exploring minds; play dough and for the artists a station dedicated for the most creative. Whatever your child was into from bubbles, cooking, magic or something more scientific they had all the bases covered.
Saturday afternoon has never been more interesting, delicious, exciting and fun for the whole family. If anyone is difficult to please, then this is the place to bring them. The food, ambience and massive amount of play things for the kids to enjoys, set this brunch apart from all the others. Yalumba has got it just right. Yalumba is the place to go for a sensational experience for all.