Friday Brunch

Because my last day in Abu Dhabi was a Friday, Craig and I decided that we would take on a Friday Brunch. These lengthy, all you can eat and drink, events are really an endurance challenge. I'm not going to post all the pictures here, because Craig posted 39 picture on Facebook here. But I will include a few highlights.

The brunch started with a "welcome drink" which we were allowed to select from a variety of prepared drinks. It may not be obvious from the picture, but nearly half of these drinks are mocktails (cocktail style drinks made without alcohol). 

There was an incredible variety of food presented. The chef came out and walked through all the stations with me, pointing out the items that were made with cilantro (there were only half a dozen things). Most of those, he offered to make without cilantro if I wanted to try them. But in the end, my favorite things came from this display of appetizers, mostly served in shot glasses.

This cheese fountain is only included because I have serious questions about it. The cheese is not hot. I repeat, this fountain has COLD cheese flowing through it. First, I would like to know how cold cheese is flowing like this. But more importantly, why is cold cheese being served like fondue? Who wants this?

After our brunch, I was texting a friend who was confused about the time we finished brunch (about 4 pm, local time). In response, I took these two pictures of signs in our hotel elevator. Each is advertising a different "bunch". You'll note that one is a Thursday Night Brunch, running from 6:30 to 10:30 pm. The second is a traditional Friday Brunch, available from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm. I suppose "brunch" is a term of art in the UAE.