There’s no greater joy in the life of an extroverted-introvert than happening upon a new café. Tucked away in Jumeirah ( Wasl 51) Brunch and Cake was first introduced to me by a colleague on Instagram, and since then it continually swivelled in my mind as the only place that would be appropriate to host my birthday lunch.
(On November 17th, 2020, I re-visited Brunch & Cake Dubai. Watch the full review above.)
But, getting into this Pinterest-worthy haven wasn’t necessarily easy. In fact, after facing considerable anxiety over planning a birthday celebration in four days, I was less than amused when advised over the phone that reservations weren’t permitted and that guests usually have to arrive at the restaurant and wait to be seated. This in itself aggravated me, after all, why would I have my guests stand at a caféwhen we could be instantly seated at another establishment? Thankfully, a little phone conversation later and the wonderful hostess along with the manager were able to accommodate my request providing that we arrived post-breakfast rush-hour. Having secured the reservation (and with much less anxiety) I slept soundly, thinking of the following day.
Upon arriving at Brunch & Cake I found it to be every bit as fantastical as its Instagram imagery would suggest, no- even better. The outdoor seating is plush beige couches nestled amongst giant ferns and shadowed by welcoming cloth umbrellas while the indoor section is illuminated by light from the giant glass panels located atop significantly high ceilings. Accenting the whitewashed walls are pots of pampas grass, giant ferns and hints of brushed golden. An open-air bakery showcasing the freshly baked croissants and doughnuts line the left corner of the caféwhere one can find the soon to be cult-classic design ornament ‘the shark head’. Yes, a shark head reminiscent of Jaws, positioned in the centre of a wall the colour of pink-frosting looms over diners as a swing fastened by rope dangles before its gaze.
As my guests take in the visual splendour, I begin to survey the menu, lemon meringue, freshly baked fruit and nut loaves, brownie pancakes and pistachio French toast, the menu is nine pages long and covers everything from sugary goodness to more wholehearted comfort food like Homemade Nachos and Loaded Sweet Potato Fries with Avo & Feta, and even healthy shakes, acai bowls and of course, coffee. The friendly wait staff who make the rounds are always available for questions.
There is a definite emphasis placed on the very visual world we live in, a great deal of attention paid to the colours and arrangements of the dishes that will no doubt result in a multitude of Instagram pictures. But there is also a greater understanding of food, at Brunch & Cake visual artistry meets culinary expertise in a symbiosis that very few brunch café’s every accomplish. Here, at this breakfast cafébustling with excited diners, the cookies are warm and doughy, the pastries light and crispy and the burgers thick and fulfilling, and I do believe none of us would want it any other way.
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