Al Qasr Arboretum, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai

Al Qasr Arboretum, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai

Wednesday 17 October, 2007

Imagine having breakfast every morning under the biggest chandeliers, with the largest food selection or dining outside looking out to the waterway and Burj Al Arab. This was our reality every morning at Al Qasr.

For us it was too hot to dine outside - at 9am it was already 30 degrees - so we chose the comfort of the palatial interior. It was actually a little overwhelming dining under such huge chandeliers you felt like you should be wearing a ball gown and not shorts and thongs.

On arrival you are met with well dressed staff who greet you perfectly and direct you to a table. A short time later another staff member arrives with fresh tea or coffee and returns at regular intervals to ensure your cup is never empty.

There are several stations - fresh fruit, yoghurt, smoothies made to order, choose your own cereals with toppings and fresh juices. I'd be happy with this alone but when you are confronted with about 10 more stations you can't help but have a larger than normal breakfast.

Next up a selection of hot breakfast with everything you can imagine plus a complete suite of Japanese breakfast offerings. Then there is the egg station where the chefs will make your eggs to order or prepare an omlette with your choice of toppings. This was an experience as I watched several guests try to bamboozle the chefs with their intricate orders e.g. two egg whites beaten and cooked with a pinch of salt, discard the yolks and fry up some bacon with no fat on the side. Oh please......I just loved to have an omlette cooked up - simple and no fuss.

After this was the pastry and bread section. Freshly baked breads, french butter, pastries, croissants, muffins, pain au chocolate etc. What a selection. Fortunately we were staying here for a week so were able to enjoy some different delicacies each day.

Al Qasr Arboretum - Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai - +971 4 3668888

http://www.madinatjumeirah.com/al_qasr/arboretum/