Last Friday was the first time the Chinese fine dining resturant at the Pearl, Tse Yang, hosted a Friday brunch. Having lived in Doha for 6 years now, I generally run away when there is a brunch because of the infamous Doha Dozen or Doha stone. I've gathered more than my share of both; but it sounded unique enough that I was curious. Tse Yang has been brought to The Pearl-Qatar by Hospitality Development Company (HDC) and is famed worldwide for the elegance and sophistication of its authentic Chinese cuisine.

My husband and I attended what will likely fast become our favorite brunch and gorge alternative. Tse Yang has a family friendly feel with a room dedicated to children's activities so if you have little ones (like we do, toddler age) you can feel safe that they won't run through the halls as may be the case at hotel brunches. Face painting, stuffed animals, and other activities keep the young ones busy while you taste the finer points of the splendid buffet.

The Tse Yang story began in Paris, the culinary capital of the world, in 1980. Since then it has brought its unique blend of classic Chinese cuisine and contemporary dining to cities as far afield as Geneva, Munich, New York and now Doha. The name Tse Yang refers to part of Beijing’s famous Forbidden City and is designed to evoke the glamour of the Chinese emperors.

And there's nothing spared from the elegant menu on Friday: from crab legs to dumplings and the dim sum trolley that makes its rounds through the resturant, you can sip to your heart's content and feast at a pace only possible with the delights of the far East. Save room for dessert as the bite size treats are the perfect way to top off an indulgent afternoon.