Enough food for an army
Eid is just around the corner which means it’s almost time to renew our undying commitment to the Friday brunch. Looking for a good place to take the kids? Check out the family brunch at the gorgeous Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel. Home to a massive selection of all sorts of cuisine, AFOCH’s Friday brunch is one of the biggest in town.
What sets this brunch apart is what it doesn’t have. Other venues attract diners with the promise of copious amounts of premium beverages – not so at AFOCH which means you’re not likely to spend your afternoon with a rowdy hen’s party stumbling over your kids.
We realised right away that we could easily fill up on salads alone, thanks to so many Eastern and Western varieties plus sushi, build-your-own-salad, some interesting originals and plenty of dips. We loved the shrimp salad which was composed of large prawns tossed in a scrumptious sauce made with tiny prawns and walnut labneh. Got an allergy? Don’t worry – all nut dishes are clearly marked.
Moving on to more substantial fare, we could hardly decide between all the Arabic, European and Indian choices. We tried a sampling of naan with several curries, hot and cold mezze, soups and the must-have biryani. We especially like the build-your-own-shawarma which features some unique options like sweet chili quill, which is one flavourful fowl.
Moving around the buffet and the globe, it was time for a few of the many pasta dishes, pizzas, roasts and grills – too many for us to taste them all, but we certainly tried. Even better, the kids had their choice of standard stuff for little fingers like nuggets, pasta, burgers and hot dogs.
We were too stuffed by the end to check out many of the huge range of both Arabic and continental desserts, but we couldn’t resist dipping a marshmallow in the flowing chocolate fountain – which was a huge hit with our little editorial assistants.
What? Friday family brunch
Where: Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel
Cost: AED 130++
We say: Definitely worth a try – once the weather cools down, be sure to bring your kids and their bouncy castle socks!
Contact: 02 441 5900
Laura Fulton
