Traiteur Friday Brunch | Park Hyatt Hotel Dubai

“Gluttony kills more than the sword.” George Herbert

I am what I like to call a ‘selfless diner’ (yes, I made that phrase up and translated it means fussy eater) and in this self titled role, I accompany the meat-eating, fish loving, beer guzzling other half, friends and visitors to luxurious feasts called Friday Brunch. Yes, this is another post how much food we scoffed and beverages we polished off in the space of a few hours. Stay with me readers, this particular brunch is like no other, a super classy, show-kitchen affair that serves up sheer decadence on a plate that thoroughly deserves a mention all of its own.

Where does this not-to-be-missed foodlicious (another new word) event take place you might ask? The answer is at the swanky Traiteur French restaurant located at the Moroccan-inspired Park Hyatt Hotel in Dubai. Nestled next to a rather splendid marina on Dubai creek, Traiteur offers diners a sophisticated and delicious take on Friday Brunch in either its sumptuous dining room, conservatory or alfresco terrace area.

Traiteur’s stylist interior, which is modelled on the hull of a wooden ship is swanky and oozes wow factor and even though it’s a French restaurant it felt very British with Pimms aplenty, bubbles flowing and non-stop G & T’s. Set against a backdrop of live music (well a singer and a backing track), the tables are perfectly set with thick white pressed linen, heavy silver cutlery and good glassware even the lemon garnishes are individually served wrapped in muslin, you get the gist. Diners were dressed in a sea of pastel oxford shirts and larey bright trousers (think prime colours not out-of-place at Henley Regetta) and pretty flowing dresses and heels. It may be a very posh affair but the atmosphere is really chilled and the unobtrusive service was exceptional.

This is our second visit to Traiteur and this time it was for the finale of our Dubai staycation with friends to see the Ed Sheeran concert (read about that here in Thinking Out Loud) and a final hurrah before we returned to Abu Dhabi for another final hurrah before they returned to blighty, yes I know any excuse! Not much has changed since our last visit except the introduction of the distinguished Besserat de Bellefon Champagne (the leading choice of ninety-eight Michelin starred France restaurants) exclusively imported and served at Park Hyatt Dubai, replacing Veuve Clicquot as the champagne of choice.

This particular Friday brunch has won many awards (including Time Out Dubai Best Brunch 2010, 2011 and 2014) and is described as a ‘foodie’ brunch. Its unique open show kitchen or ‘theatre’ as it is also known, sees the team of chefs prepare and cook every type of cuisine imaginable that you associate with fine dining. The live cooking stations offer an abundance of delicious fare that includes foie gras, tuna tartare, whole baked salmon, oysters, raw seafood bar, roasted duck, lamb, beef and chicken and even freshly grilled lobsters and whole spit-roast pig turning outside on the terrace.

A whole assortment of pork charcuterie sits alongside every type of salad, seafood, entrée, vegetables and potatoes (proper roast potatoes, hallelujah) all served in vintage style copper pots. Special requests are catered for (like moi) and food is cooked in front of you by your own chef to your desired taste, all very fancy!

The dessert room is packed with an extensive array of sugary treats that included a live crêpe (I can vouch for the Nutella version) and waffle station, homemade ice-creams, the standard brunch chocolate fountain, a praline station and a multitude of macaroons in every flavour and colour of the rainbow. There was a rather pleasant apple and blackberry crumble too served with a lovely creme anglaise. Not forgetting the cheese selection of course, which even when you complain about how full you are and can’t possibly eat another thing, you still get a plate full of cheese!

This Friday Brunch is a tad pricey but worth every dirham if you fancy a bit of opulence and a classy outing, treating a loved one or celebrating a special occasion. I have to say it’s my favourite in Dubai of those I’ve sampled to date, but then I am very fickle. Cocktails on the terrace watching the sunset are a perfect end to the day and I would suggest that at that point you go home and not go onto The Irish Village like we did for more beverages and end up staying out to the wee small hours. Always seems a good idea at the time!

Traiteur

Location: Park Hyatt Dubai

Friday Brunch: 12.30 pm. to 4.00 pm

Telephone: 04 317 2222

E-mail: restaurants.dubai@hyatt.com

Website: www.duabi.park.hyatt.com

Non-alcoholic package: AED 485 per person (includes food and non-alcoholic beverages and children aged between 6 and 12 years are charged AED 242 per person).

Sparkling wine package: AED 680 per person (includes food, beer, wine and sparkling wine).

Champagne package: AED 750 per person (includes food, beer, wine and Besserat de Bellefon champagne)