In New York City, we think we know how to do brunch. Thousands of restaurants around the city break out special menus for the weekend feast. Some brunch hot spots have lines around the block just so hungry patrons can get a taste of their eggs, pancakes, whatever the specialty may be. This New Yorker, however, is humble enough to admit when she finds another city that does brunch in a superior manner. The city would be Dubai. Specifically, The Fairmont Dubai.

This past weekend, before returning to New York, I had the opportunity to experience my first Dubai brunch. I had heard all about it before, but I had never had time to experience it myself. I was told I couldn’t leave town without trying the brunch, and I am glad I listened this time around. Several city venues do brunch. The Fairmont does their brunch in partnership with Moet et Chandon. The champagne flows freely, and the selection of delicious food is beyond comprehension.

The most difficult part was deciding where to start! The restaurant showcases several open kitchen stations from around the world, including Japan, China, Thailand, the Middle East, India and Europe. My brunch started at 12:45 with some fresh sushi from the Japanese kitchen. I followed with some Indian dahl, chicken curry and fresh nan bread. I couldn’t make up my mind on my next course, and I couldn’t turn my attention away from the dessert station. The station must have occupied 500 square feet and was filled with delicious delicacies, including a sticky toffee pudding that would satisfy the most difficult critics.

Located on the first floor of the hotel, at Spectrum on One, The Fairmont Champagne brunch is an ideal place to celebrate an occasion, catch up with friends or family or just enjoy the start of the weekend. I highly recommend not having any other plans for the day except for sitting on the beach with another glass of Champagne!

— Alex Young, vice president and associate publisher