When we walked into Yalumba for brunch last Friday, I saw a few tables decorated with balloons and festive streamers. ‘What a lovely day to celebrate a birthday’ I thought. And then as I walked on further, I realized the party vibes were spread throughout the venue. Everyone had balloons and streamers, and fun party props! This looked like just the place to be to start off the weekend on party mode!
Yalumba is an eclectic Australian restaurant located on the Ground Floor of Le Meridien Hotel (Airport Road, Dubai). We tried out Yalumba’s Bubbly Brunch, which runs from 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm every Friday, and starts from AED 499 per person inclusive of house beverages and champagne.
The Yalumba Bubbly Brunch is an expansive full-course intercontinental buffet. They really do have something for everyone here.
Here’s a look at some of the starters:
I am a huge fan of raw salmon, and was spoilt for choice with so many variations. I had it in the form of sushi, as a tarter, and even smoked.
The Yalumba brunch also has an impressively wide variety of dimsums. 
They have a live station from where you can order any of the dishes listed on the menu. These are dishes that cannot be served buffet-style, and are therefore made fresh, from scratch. 
I ordered an Eggs Benedict. The yolk was deliciously runny, and the brioche was soft, spongy and lightly toasted. And ofcourse it had smoked salmon in it as well!
My husband ordered the Honey Glazed Chicken from the live counter. These semi-sweet Asian style drumsticks were the perfect accompaniment with his chilled Corona beer.
The Yalumba buffet also includes pork. For those who don’t eat it, fret not. They have a special designated area for pork and pork products, and it is clearly labeled.
The Yalumba buffer extends outdoors. Here you are spoilt for choice with different cuts of roast, and their Butter Chicken is absolutely divine.
The Yalumba dessert corner is heaving with naughty treats! There is a whole load of lollies, pretty little pastries, and miniature mason jars featuring layered puddings. They also have a chocolate fountain, and an ice-cream trolley.
At Yalumba, its one big party. The music blares loud and clear, and the playlist includes crowd favorites like ‘Mama Mia’ and ‘It’s Raining Men’. Ofcourse everyone was singing along! And when they played ‘YMCA’, hands shot up in union forming the famous acronyms with drunken ease.
Blame it on the free flow of champagne and choicest wines, but before long couples were taking to the floor and letting loose with the hip-swaying tunes. Neighboring tables were turning chairs for chats, like old croonies reuniting over a pint! Amazing what good food, great tunes and an endless supply of drinks on a hallowed sunny afternoon can do. Purely magical!
My daughter made friends with some lovely ladies who let her steal their party prop stash. A staff member befriended her too, and she scored the coolest mask at the party!
If you are looking for a brunch spot that spells ‘FUN’, Yalumba is the place to be!
Yalumba is located on the Lobby Level of Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre (Airport Road, Garhoud) Dubai. Given the popularity of the place, I would strongly recommend table reservations; call 04 2170000.
The Tezzy Files 