The Aquarium Restaurant Review         

One good thing to have come out of the recession is the lack of traffic which means that journeys across Dubai are now much easier and restaurants that hitherto seemed a step too far away are now possible. Which means the area that encompasses the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club and Park Hyatt are an option for either an evening out or weekend visit.

And, so of we went last week to visit the original Dubai Aquarium located within the Dubai Creek Golf and yacht club. For those of you who are new to Dubai this part of town is a must, the golf club is situated on the Creek, there is no better way to wind down at the weekend than watching boats go past. The restaurant is located in the Yacht Club above the famous Boardwalk; it is a beautiful restaurant with great views both inside and out. My children were impressed with the fish within the aquarium as they came in all shapes, sizes and magnificent colours.
 
We had opted to go for Friday brunch and were really pleased to see it was a set meal rather than buffet, who wants to be traipsing up and down on your one day off?! There are two options one with half a bottle of wine at AED 250 or AED 175 without wine.
 
If your children are not up to the full six courses they can choice from the A La Carte menu which is extensive. Olivia and Max chose sushi followed by stir fried noodles both of which were great.
 
Brunch consisted of six courses and each of these came with several choices. The food was served family style i.e. it came to the table on platters which you share, a great idea as it allows you to sample much more than you would by choosing just one option.
 
Lunch started with a light beef consommé with tomato which even my children enjoyed, this was poured at the table and accompanied by a great selection of breads and dips.
 
As a non meat eater I sat out this course in anticipation of the next offering which was a selection of Smoked Salmon, Oysters on Ice, Shrimps, Sushi, Chicken and Salad. From there we moved on to foie gras, the most delicious vegetable stacks of mushroom, aubergine, tomato and courgette, mushroom risotto and succulent chicken tempura (my fathers favourite). I was already feeling full….
 
So, was quite relieved when the next course was a sorbet which gave us time to rest our tummies ready for the next course. The sorbet was a tomato and red pepper something that I enjoyed but left others at the table a little bemused.
 
Coming up next was the main course of Red Mullet, Crayfish with lemon butter and rack of lamb, these were served with fried rice, potato wedges and roasted vegetables. All were beautifully cooked and flavoursome, the lamb in particular was judged very tender.
 
I was beginning to fear for my waist band but, then dessert arrived and I soon got over feeling full and started again with gusto! Dessert was fabulous, small raspberry macaroons, chocolate mousse, cheesecakes, profiteroles, fruit salad and ice cream, what a selection. Needless to say by now the children had returned to the table from their fish watching and were jostling for their share. We all had a favourite dessert but for me the raspberry macaroon was an out and out winner.
 
Coffee was excellent, it came with a great cream on it and was piping hot. The sign of a good Barista or possibly machine!
 
Brunch is a fabulous deal but I would recommend you spend several hours enjoying the experience. We rushed ours as we had to run off to yet another activity which was a shame as we probably didn’t do the Chef justice. The journey time across from Al Barsha was twenty minutes and if you are going please also allow time for a wander around the Marina, the boats are magnificent and it is nice to see another part of Dubai.