The vibe is friendly as the locals greet each other on the patio. A traditional exterior mingles with the beautifully modern interpretation of Arabian themes within the interiors at the Qamardeen Hotel.

In stark contrast to the traditional feel, the morning treat at Esca restaurant offers an eclectic mix of international gastronomic favourites. It is hosting a weekly buffet called Q-Brunch in aid of the Breast Cancer Awareness Programme, where 10 per cent of the proceeds will be donated to the cause.

Take a tour of the buffet before digging in to determine where the calories would be best spent.

The dessert counter is strategically positioned in the centre 
of the hall, simply to get you hungry even if you’ve just finished a seven-course meal.

As you sit down and watch the ripples on the swimming pool, you get a whiff of hot bread from the pizza oven. Served at the table, you can choose between hot pizza bread, rustic Italian or focaccia bread from the live pizza station with any topping of your choice.  

The sushi bar, salad dressings and cold mezze, erren’t very impressive with the common French, Caesar, Italian and Thousand Island dressing on the platter. In long porcelain bowls at the cold buffet, you will find hummus, moutabhel, tabouleh, labneh, babaganoush and mixed olives. Boring. The dragon roll, rainbow roll and tuna roll that made up the sushi bar were also pretty bland.

But, if you sample the mixed grill from the live barbeque station, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. On the plate, you’ll get a heap of Caribbean jerk chicken skewers, lamb cutlets, fat jumbo prawns, baby snapper Cajun style, oriental kofta kebabs, vegetable skewers and rotisserie quail, which are delectable and mouth-watering. The fat tiger prawns were by far the best.

The main course has a mix of Indian and Italian. Taste the five spices beef and pepper stir fry, stir-fried shrimps szechwan style and duck stew with mushrooms and red cabbage along with the favourite salmon lasagna. My friend tried and enjoyed the Australian beef fillet with pink apple sauce, while I steered clear of the beef due to the fact that it looked like pot roast in brown gravy. (I make killer beef dishes myself, so I am possibly prejudiced). The only rice dish that was available was saffron with raisins and nuts, and the usual butter chicken wasn’t anything out of the ordinary.

With all the savoury stuff under our belt, we moved to the desserts. Large vases full of pink and white marshmallows were delicious. The raspberry pavlova with fruit was just fine as it was clearly canned fruit that was used, and the rose flavoured macaroons were similarly unimpressive. The best part was the mini strawberry madeleines topped with whipped cream. They were indulgent and luscious, while the raspberry lamingtons and raspberry roulade were a bit sour, but good enough, considering the season.

Gourmands can sample a weekend of taste and flavour at this brunch and have a sophisticated Friday meal with a difference. That’s food for a good cause.

What we liked: The mixed platter from the live BBQ station

What we didn’t like: The berry desserts

Dh275 for a meal for one

Qamardeen Hotel, Downtown Burj Dubai,

04-4286888