A little brunch action in the UAE

Back when I was a wee lad, my mother would take me to a Bob's Big Boy restaurant and we would indulge in their breakfast buffet. The whole gluttony of food concept was just taking off in the States at the time.

All you can eat? Sounds like a challenge to me.

For a youngster, there was nothing better than getting chocolate chip pancakes with syrup and powdered sugar on top, followed by a bowl of Fruit Loops and perhaps a visit to the make-your-own-sundae bar to top it all off.

More than twenty years later and the game has changed a bit. Now the words 'breakfast buffet' have been replaced with 'brunch' and in the UAE, there's no cereal but enough champagne to drown a thirsty French mob.

First off, let me mention that around these parts, the boozy brunch every Friday is a big social scene. Gals get dressed up, dudes bring their appetites and everyone goes hard.

Just about every major hotel hosts one but the best one is at the Fairmont Hotel in Abu Dhabi.

Different action stations represent different regions from around the world.

They send an army of servers around to make sure your champagne glass is never half empty and the cooks are always there to slice your prime rib or put gravy on just about anything...

My make-your-own-sundae days have sort of passed me by but anyone with a sweet tooth could do some serious damage here. As you can see, the spread was incredible.

There's usually live music or a DJ in the house and after everyone gets their fill and are slightly buzzed, most revelers retreat to the pool to relax or just to keep the party going. I've even seen post-brunch dance parties take shape. It's the perfect start to any weekend.

Courteous question: A little whiskey in your dessert coffee, sir?
Obvious response: Of course, only a proper brunch will do.