"Brunchin it up Proper Like"

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.”
*Ruth Reichl

When I was asked if I wanted to partake in brunch here in the UAE, I automatically assumed that I was finally going to get some breakfast food without cooking eggs, toast, and oatmeal in  my own kitchen. However, it was nothing like that. To my surprise, brunch here in the UAE has an entirely different meaning with few similarities to the USA.

Bruch is usually enjoyed on the weekends (Fridays and Saturdays) with hours ranging from 12 pm all the way into the night with evening brunches.

So far, I have been to two and they both have been enjoyable with completely different experiences.

My first brunch was an evening brunch held at  Le Meridien Dubai hotel near the Dubai Marina.

We got all dressed up and caught a cab to enjoy an outdoor event of food and entertainment. It was buffet style with many food and dessert options to choose from that you got up and plated yourself. This brunch also included all you can drink alcohol and beverages. This particular brunch is usually very expensive, however, we caught a deal on Groupon, but it did not include the drinks, so you had to pay full price for that portion if you chose to drink any alcoholic beverages.

The entertainment portion included live karaoke like music, juggling, and a guy oiling himself down well enough to climb on the inside of a rubber ball. It was interesting to say the least. Lol.

After this brunch, we headed to "Barasti Beach Club" which was an actual free party on the beach in the sand. I don't recall ever partying in the sand after dinner, but it was cool.

This was my first brunch. I met some really cool people and had an awesome time soaking up the fact that I was looking and feeling good in a new country 8,000 miles away from home. I truly was living for the weekend in this moment.

Brunch number two was a complete opposite of my first brunch here. First, it was an afternoon that started at 12pm. We made reservations ahead of time but was running a little late due to the traffic. We walked into a more quaint atmosphere of all you can eat Italian goodies that was brought to your table instead of you going to make your own plate.

"Jazz at Pizza Express" included a set menu of all you can eat items like pizza, pasta, bread, and salad. You also had an all you can drink menu that was included in the price you paid. The mojitos were my favorite!

Not only were we provided with great food, but we also heard great music, and enjoyed ourselves with dancing and laughs. 

The dress was a little more casual than the first brunch I went to, but everyone who attended still looked conservatively nice. I decided to dress up some jeans.

I met some really awesome people this day as well. We talked, laughed, danced, sang, and ate until we couldn't eat anymore.

Although we were inside, the restaurant did have outdoor seating with a great view.  

The after spot for this brunch included shisha (hookah) at a beach lounge and evening stroll on Jumerirah Beach. This area had an entire strip of restaurants and vendors for shopping. They also are actually in the middle of constructing the biggest ferris wheel in the world.

Brunch here in the UAE all offer something different. A friend I recently met here told m e that last year, her and her boyfriend probably went to 30 brunches. This is why I workout with running and Crossfit during the week, so that I can enjoy my cheat day on Fridays (not every Friday if I can help it). I can't wait to enjoy plenty of more though. They are quite adventurous.