The location
Bistro Des Arts on the Dubai Marina Promenade has just launched a Friday brunch and, held from 8am to 2pm, it’s the perfect alternative to brunches that end up consuming your entire Friday. The outdoor terrace is a beautiful space with a definitive French bistro feel. It’s the perfect place to spend a few hours with friends or family on the weekend. The inside space is cosy and serene too, surrounded with artwork depicting scenes from the streets of France.
The atmosphere
With real French tunes set at the right volume, the terrace was full on our visit last Friday, which added to the buzzing, yet still laid-back, atmosphere. This isn’t an over-the-top parody that capitalises on French stereotypes. This looks and feels like a bistro you could find on a trendy street in Paris today. It’s chic and modern with an air of unpretentious sophistication.
The food
This is a refreshing change from the usual Dubai brunch as this one keeps its focus on freshly prepared breakfast fare — you won’t be scooping up stews and meats from chafing dishes that have been out for too long. Start with an unlimited selection of the fresh pastries, French cheese, cold cuts, quiche, cereals, fruits, freshly squeezed juices and more — all displayed on a beautiful buffet in the centre of the small dining room. Following that warm-up, choose from one of eight breakfast dishes — prepared fresh when you order. Options include croque monsieur, galette bretonne, pancakes, pain perdu and our favourite — the classic eggs Benedict. You then get a crepe to finish your meal — sugar, strawberry, Nutella or salted butter caramel. You get plenty of food to fill you up but not so much that you feel guilty at the end of the meal — a rare thing to find in a brunch.
Who’s it best for?
Families, couples, groups of friends, children — they’ll all feel welcome here. But if you’re looking for a wild, party brunch where the focus is less on the food, this one probably isn’t for you.
Bottom line
This is a chic, French affair and a welcome addition to Dubai’s brunch scene. It’s a great place to bring guests from out of town or for repeat visits with your closest friends and family. And, for just Dh99 per person, this is the best value for money we’ve found in the emirate — by far. Don’t miss it.
• Fridays 8am to 2pm, Dh99, includes juices, coffee and tea. Dh199 includes select beverages. Bistro Des Arts, Dubai Marina Promenade. www.bistrodesarts.ae
The National was a guest of the venue
sjohnson@thenational.ae
Checks continue
A High Court judge issued an interim order on Friday suspending a decision by Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots to direct a stop to Brexit agri-food checks at Northern Ireland ports.
Mr Justice Colton said he was making the temporary direction until a judicial review of the minister's unilateral action this week to order a halt to port checks that are required under the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Civil servants have yet to implement the instruction, pending legal clarity on their obligations, and checks are continuing.
The biog
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Holidays: Spends most of her days off at Senses often with her family who describe the centre as part of their life too
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