Big Brunch on 8

Location: Media One Hotel
Pricing:
-250AED Non-alcohol package (soft drinks, juices and water inclusive)
– 395 AED Alcohol package (Martini Prosecco + house spirits  – vodka, whisky, gin, rum, beer, red & white wine)
– 595 AED Bubbly package (alcohol package + unlimited Moet Champagne)
*Pool access is complimentary
Timings: 12.30pm-4pm

“You can learn a lot about a woman by getting smashed with her.”
~ Tom Waits

After a long and grueling season in the Dubai Amateur Football League (DAFL), my team organizes an end of season brunch at the Media One. The big brunch is located on the 8^th floor of the hotel with three different seating areas: indoors (MED restaurant), outdoor beer garden terrace (garden on 8), and poolside (DEK on 8). My team of 30 thirsty footballers is seated in the garden area which is probably the nicest place to sit. The indoor area is buzzing with people, the garden is half full, but the pool seating is dead quite.

In a disappointingly recurrent theme amongst the lazy brunches in Dubai, beverages are limited to bottled beer, wine, and spirits. A brunch without a Bloody Mary or Mimosa is not fit to be called a brunch. Choosing to serve bottled beer only when you have draught available simply makes me tremble with anger. I have a couple of jagerbombs, and feel a little less angry at the world.

On to the food, which is yet another international buffet. The buffet includes a seafood station, sushi station, Mexican corner, salad bar, hot dishes and desserts. Overall the food is unappetizing and I was not inspired to go for seconds. For AED 395 I expect miles better in quality.

There is a happy hour from 4-6pm and a DJ begins his set by the pool. For a drinking session from noon-sunset this is an attractive option, just make sure you have a big breakfast before you come.

Rating
Ambiance: 16/20.
Beverages: 10/20.
Food: 5/20.
Service: 14/20
Value for Money: 5/20.
Total: 50%