As the cooler weather embraces Dubai, outdoors dining springs into action!

And nobody does it better than Le Meridien Village, in Gharoud, a few steps from Dubai International Airport (DXB) – hosted in the gardens of Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Center.

Their gardens are so ample, that you will find numerous restaurants at your service – and The Terrace takes centerstage, with impeccable service and stellar food options.

Indeed, while at some upscale hotel buffets the mantra seems to be “help yourself” and your table is abandoned to the breeze, at Le Meridien Village Terrace one of the most impressive features was the actual table service!

Yes, it was a buffet set-up – and a magnificent one at that – but the attention at the table was truly the crown jewel of the evening.

The kind of top quality staff where you think “Oh, I should ask for…” but before you articulate your need, the attendant has read your mind and already is taking action!

Similar attention to detail came with the live band on stage – the volume was curated perfectly, so that conversation was still natural, yet the musical tunes encouraged happy foot-tapping.

And the food was simply amazing!

All you could imagine and wish for, really.

Yet again it struck me that the clever realization of this massively complex evening brunch, at such prestigious quality, was the combined result of a purposeful and astute HR strategy – in other words, the caliber of the Le Meridien people.

For instance, Mr Elvis from the table service: a veteran of the hospitality industry. That is why it seems he can read the minds of his dignified guests: a lifetime of professional experience.

Or Chef Turki, whose passion for his fish shwarma was evident from the joy he felt in serving his creation – wait, fish shwarma??

Yes!

Now, in my 25 years in the UAE I must admit to being a shwarma enthusiast – in fact, the old joke goes that I eat so many shwarmas, that when I sit on the loo, I slowly start spinning around…

But succulent fish is not really what you expect to see on the vertical skewer!

Chef Turki slices the marinated and crispy fish with loving care, then adds a seafood kibbeh, a delicate pass of tahina, and a dollop of an exotic harissa sauce… yes, a five-star shwarma!

One for the history books at Le Meridien Village Terrace in Dubai – a must try.

But all the buffet sections were exceptional.

With the dessert section not disappointing!

Overall, for a fantastic Saturday evening buffet in Dubai, do not miss the Terrace outdoors dining experience at Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre – aka Le Meridien Village. You will find exceptional silver service and superlative food options, presented within a spectacular open-air garden setting along with live entertainment.