A Little More About A to Za’atar’s Travel Habits…
Found this on Conde Nast Traveler Well Traveled tag and wanted to borrow… I’ve previously completed a similar questionnaire, but this one seemed fun to share. MILES LOGGED in 2015: AUH-LAX, AUH-AMS, AMS-RKV, AUH-SEY, DXB-OTP. And at least one trip a month between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. So…whatever that adds up to. I always pack: A deck of cards. The same pack has been in my suitcase since the beginning of time. It rarely gets used, but I like that it’s in there. My favorite luggage is: My husband’s small 4 way roller. I love my bag (purchased at Macy’s in 2005 for $99), but it’s just a bit too big. I know I’ll have to retire it soon… My iPad is loaded with: Books. Novels for research, fun books to read, things I’ve started but never finished. On planes I’ll eat: Almost anything, but I really like the soup and bread that Etihad…
My A to Z of Travel.
I found this nice travel questionnaire on a blog I just discovered (who found it here: A new life wandering by Mani). Please feel free to share! It’s a nice way to share travel stories. So here’s my A to Z of travel: A) Age you went on your first international trip 19. United Kingdom. B) Best foreign beer you’ve had and where: Kriek. A Belgian beer I found while living in the United Arab Emirates. As I’m not much of a beer drinker, well, this is a tasty one! C) Cuisine (favorite): Asian. Specifically, sushi. D) Destinations–favorite, least favorite, and why? My favorite place is one I haven’t been to before! But if I must answer, I would say South Africa. I would use about any excuse to go back. My least favorite… Hmm, I haven’t had a ‘bad’ trip recently, but the chaos of India is probably something I’d would avoid in the future.…
Weekend Links.
Here you go: A little late getting to this article, but it’s still interesting: Meet The Hottest Restaurant of 2081 (via Eater) Another older article, but I must know: Why All of That Instagram Food Porn Is Shot From Above (via Munchies) Weird Food Pairings That Are Strangely Good (via Food52) Dine in the Middle of the Ocean at This Restaurant in Zanzibar (via Travel+Leisure) The Best Hotels in the World: Readers’ Choice Awards 2015 (via Conde Nast Traveler) Which one do you want to stay at? (And minor promotion for my novel, but maybe you want to read about a great fictional hotel?) Can’t wait to make these for my upcoming Thanksgiving party! This weekend has the potential to be as a fun or as chill as I want. Hubs and I are going to Oktoberfest tomorrow night at du Arena and I’ve been invited to brunch in Dubai at Q43 in the…
BOA Steakhouse: Must Do Brunch!
By now, I think you’ve probably realized I enjoy brunch in the United Arab Emirates. Honestly, when else can you find such a low key meal that offers something for everyone? Don’t want to drink, no worries! Want to eat buffet style? go for it. Want to go for broke and consume an entire bottle of champagne? Why not? Thus, when asked to join friends yesterday at BOA Steakhouse, Hubs and I who have been abusing our livers plenty decided, why the hell not? I’m so glad we did! Reservations? I didn’t make them and given the crowd, it seemed possible you could rock up without them, however, I think it’s good to call ahead. (Only wish they wouldn’t have seated us directly next to the toilets and I guess if requesting a table, be sure to be seated more ‘centrally’ in the restaurant). Ambiance? Well… It’s chic, but…
Weekend links.
This and that from around the ‘net: I stumbled on these Bespoke boxes and want to order either the Jet Set or Trimmed version for Hubs. Tablet’s Hotel Restaurant Guide. Next time I’m in Tokyo, I’d love to check out Everything at the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo. Taste awards: Michelin announces latest London and New York stars. (Via Wallpaper* magazine) SPG’s member favorites. I’ve visited a few of these, but only to dine. The World’s Top 20 Cities (from a guy who has visited every country in the world #bucketlist). Tres cute Jet Set from Travelsmith (not sure if it’s worth $20, but love the packaging!). What are you up to this weekend? We’re fortunate to have Thursday off of work in celebration of Hijri. To take advantage of the day off, we’re going to Dubai to see friends and look for a new place to live (is is February 2016…
Grillmarkaðurin: Meat, meat and more meat!
Given we were in Reykjavik for a week, Hubs and I treated ourselves to not one, but two nice meals (to be fair there are a number of other great restaurants we didn’t even get to). While both were wonderful and represented all that Iceland has to offer, if you were pushed for time (or money) I would still go for Dill – it feels more special. There is some je ne sais quo that the Grillmarkaðurin doesn’t seem to have. Reservations? Made online. Given the busy nature of the restaurant, I would say these are necessary. Ambiance? Chic viking hall. Is that a thing? The upstairs receives all the natural light (when available) and down a grand staircase is the remainder of the dining area. The tables are closer than I usually prefer – we were seated nearly on top of other diners, but the acoustics are enough that you are…
If You’re Ever in Athens, GA… Go to the Last Resort Grill.
Full disclosure, I have a lot of fond memories of this place. It is where Hubs was a bartender for a year or two and where we had our wedding reception many years ago (bonus – the owner let us ‘rent’ the property for nothing!). While there are any number of fantastic and original restaurants in the college town of Athens, GA the Last Resort Grill is one of my absolute favorites. Reservations? On the weekend (and even lunch) I would imagine they are necessary. It is one of the most popular restaurants in the city. There are always people waiting on a table. Ambiance? Eclectic Southern Art Loft meets former garage meets former bank. True story, the name ‘Last Resort’ comes from the time when the location used to be a bank, it was a person’s last resort for a loan on their way out of town. The unique layout…
Weekend Links.
I’ve been a long time fan of other’s weekend links (kind of a trend among many of the blogs I follow) and I’m optimistic I can start and keep up with a regular post for my account. And yes, I realize Thursday only signifies the weekend for a select part of the world, but it’s here and I’m very excited! Having fun exploring properties in Sri Lanka for Christmas. Dreaming of Cape Weligama and Aditya. Hope to book soon! Enter to win and come visit me? Just couldn’t pull the trigger on the BOGO Etihad sale… Did buy my tickets to the Taste of Abu Dhabi! Thought of an awesome idea for a blog name, Test Kitchen Ever. (Author’s note: Unfortunately, I do not cook). One of my favorite foodie pics of the week, taken by one of my favorite food blogs. And that’s all for now. Hope you have a…
Best Weekend in Abu Dhabi? Fairmont Bab al Bahr 36 Hour Weekend Package.
Having visited and taken advantage of this experience no less than 3 times, I can honestly say the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr’s 36 Hour Weekend Package is among the most relaxing ways to spend two days in the capital. We first went for this package back in 2010, when we were residents of Dubai, and have been back when living in Doha and with friends during our current stay in Abu Dhabi. With an all you can eat and drink brunch, early check in, a luxe room, breakfast, lunch and a late checkout – it’s a great value. There is enough time to go big at brunch and completely recover the next day. Finally, given the proximity to the Souq Qaryat Al Beri, if the weather isn’t too warm, you can walk over and have a look around (or another drink). Reservations? Made online (and not through a third party). Given the package, I…