Dubai Foodie News: Two new brunches and more

Solo Bistronomia launches a new brunch this weekend. Courtesy Raffles Hotel Dubai

• Solo, the Italian bistronomia in Raffles Hotel Dubai, has just introduced its first brunch concept, called Dolce Vita. There will be unlimited sharing options brought to guests’ tables as well as a range of appetisers, side dishes and desserts. Dishes include tomato salad and avocado with squash chips, radish and onions; seared sea bass; slow-cooked veal served on potato truffle fondue; and homemade gnocchi with duck ragout and chestnuts. Guests will also be able to sample pizzas from the wood fire oven. For desserts, try the Sicilian cassata or the restaurant’s signature tiramisu. A kids’ play area is available to keep little ones entertained.

Fridays from 1pm to 5pm. Dh225 with soft drinks; Dh120 for kids ages six to 11. For reservations, call 04 370 8999

• Chez Sushi is launching its first Friday brunch this weekend and it's one of the most economical brunches we've found. The brunch will be offered at the Arabian Ranches branch, starting February 19. The casual Japanese spread will include salads, tempura, mains and desserts with dishes such as spring rolls; vegetable gyoza; calamari salad; rock shrimp; chicken or salmon teriyaki; and custom-built sushi rolls made to order. There will also be lots of mochi on hand to finish on a sweet note. Kids will stay entertained with face painting, a balloon artist and more. Fridays from noon to 4pm. Dh125; Dh75 for kids up to age 12. For reservations, call 800 78744 or visit www.chezsushi.com

• The Hilton Dubai Jumeirah is celebrating Canadian cuisine this weekend. On February 18, they'll host a Canadian barbecue by the beach at Wave Breaker where they'll have Canadian beef and veal on offer. The lunch is free (that doesn't happen often in Dubai) from 1pm to 4pm. Then, on February 19, you can try a five-course menu with premium cuts of Canadian beef at Bice Ristorante for Dh495 per person (inclusive of select beverages). Finally, on February 20, head to Wave Breaker for a Canadian beef soirée in the garden near the beach. Chefs will put on cookery demos at live cooking stations from 7pm to 10pm for Dh195 per person. Guests can also enter a raffle to win two return tickets with Air Canada. For more information or to book, call 04 318 2319.

• Rivington Grill will host masterclasses on how to create a perfect beef wellington. The three-hour classes will teach participants the secrets of making this classic British steak dish. The classes, hosted by chef de cuisine Shaun Watson, are part of the upcoming Dubai Food Festival. “Attendees will be guided through the key steps from preparation through to serving,” says Watson. “We’ve purposefully kept class sizes small and intimate to allow people the opportunity to ask questions throughout the sessions and really understand how the dish comes to life.” The classes can accommodate six people each and will be held February 29 and March 1, both at noon. Dh285 per person. To book a spot, call 04 432 3232