Restaurant review: All aboard the QE2 brunch in Dubai

The iconic cruise liner's newly launched brunch takes you on a culinary trip around the world

As the lyrics of Hotel California, belted out by a live band, faded away and we made our way out of the iconic QE2 on a recent Friday afternoon, there was a tinge of nostalgia in the air. It was perhaps the spirit of the happy passengers who had sailed on the cruise liner in the years since she was commissioned in 1969.
Just a few hours before we had climbed aboard the floating restaurant at Mina Rashid Port to enjoy the infamous Dubai brunch on the newly opened Pavilion Deck.

With the deep azure waters visible across the rails it wasn't hard to imagine passengers of yore lazing around on the deck, earlier the site of the outdoor swimming pool. While the live stations were placed on the Pavilion Deck, the BBQ station and another with burgers laid out for you to assemble according to your taste, proved just a dip in the ocean for hardcore brunchers.
The Lido, up a short flight of stairs, was where all the action was, so to speak. From Pani Puri (yes, there was a chaat section for those in the mood for some Indian street food) to Sushi, Pasta, Mediterranean and Asian fare as well as an array of starters including Arabic mezze and Continental favourites, there was not a single cuisine left out. Unlike most brunches, which tend to play it safe as far as spice levels go, this one wasn't shy about making a Chicken 65 with gravy as fiery as they come. The quintessential British pub grub was amply represented with the traditional Yorkshire pudding and Fish & Chips with mashed peas alongside.

While we would be hard pressed to pick a favourite from this world-encompassing menu, the dimsums and sushi clearly stood above board for us. So much so that we didn't have room to sample the tempting desserts except for a chocolate tart!
A brunch is a brunch is a brunch, you may argue. but if you are in the mood for a majestic spread that ensures it has something for everyone - be it the fussy tot who will eat only pizza or burgers or the indiscriminate foodie who will sample everything from a creamy pasta to spicy kebab or the more picky eater who just wants to nibble on some fresh roasted veggies, set in an iconic landmark, you know where to find it.
As you sit back and enjoy the cool sea breeze afterwards and imagine the passengers who have circumnavigated the world on this ocean liner, you know you are in August company.
Much like the Eagles song, 'you can check out anytime you like' from here but it is hard to leave the memories of a good brunch behind!

• Food and Dining