A to Za’atar’s (completely subjective) Top Beach Resorts List.
Top Beach Resorts Four Seasons Desroches Shangri La Boracay Four Seasons Seychelles St Regis Maldives Soneva Fushi Villa Markisa Hilton Northolme Hilton Labriz W Muscat Ritz Carlton RAK Al Bustan Palace Galle Fortress Oberoi Al Zorah Pennisula Boutique Hotel Port Douglas Six Senses Zighy Bay Movenpick Dead Sea Sir Bani Yas Island Anantara Waldorf Astoria RAK One & Only Royal Mirage Fairmont Fujairah Intercontinental Furjairah Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri Reethi Beach *Villa Turquoise and Eden Island receive honorable mentions* As we get back into traveling, I thought I would put together a completely subjective list of my favorite beach and city hotels and resorts. My rankings are derived from a number of qualities, including price, room, service, ambiance, and amenities. I will update the list periodically, and thus far my only requirement is that I’ve stayed at least one night at the property. If you have an opinion about the…
Your Kitchen is Incomplete Without Sizzle Platters
Today we welcome a collaborative post from a talented contributor. Enjoy, C. Cooking and serving meals in stunning appliances is the joy of both amateur and professional kitchens. Presentation on a sizzling plate makes food more appealing and appetizing. Dishes are more interesting when they arrive steaming hot and full of delicious aromas. Home chefs can also take the sizzling plate straight from the cooker and serve it directly to the table. This small cast-iron or aluminum dish is incredibly useful and durable and versatile in the kitchen. Does Your Sizzle Plate Need a Sheesham Wooden Base? The Sheesham base is not a necessity but plays a crucial role, as the base enables the sizzle plate to settle straight on the table. This type of wood base will not split or crack when under extreme heat. The base is incredibly durable and can last for many years. The non-porous nature…
Five 2021 Trends Food Bloggers and Restaurants Need To Know.
Today we welcome a collaborative post from a talented contributor. Enjoy, C. 2020 was most definitely a year to remember, although perhaps not always for the best reasons. However, the facts of the matter remain, the pandemic has impacted the way most people consume food. Indeed, there have been several changes in how we access food from restaurants and the additional time we have in our own homes, which has had a significant effect. Luckily, bloggers, restaurateurs, and anyone else passionate about food can read about what to expect from food trends in 2021 below. Plant-Based Foods You have probably got the message already, thanks to Veganuary, but the food industry is most definitely embracing the trend for plant-based foods. Indeed, supermarkets and restaurants alike are set to up their plant-based food game in 2021, with some notable mentions including smoked sausages made from pea protein and burgers made from…
On the topic of cheese.
Specifically, Parmiagganio Reggiano. So, where do we get started? While you might be familiar with the name (and taste), I don’t think I knew that Parmigiano-Reggiano is produced exclusively in the provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna to the left of the Reno river, and Mantua to the right of the Po river. And why is this important? Basically, these areas host the farms where the cattle are fed on locally grown forage, compliant with norms of a strict specification that bans the use of silage, fermented feeds, and animal flour. So, what about the process to make Parmiagganio Reggiano? The milk from the morning and the previous evening is poured into the traditional upturned bell-shaped copper vats. It takes about 550 liters of milk to produce each wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano. The milk slowly and naturally coagulates with the addition of rennet and a whey starter, rich in…
Weekend links.
Starting with the Lotsa Lazy Cake from Cloud Restaurants on Sunday afternoon, it was an excellent week for home deliveries. Sometimes you just need a little treat, and these cakes deliver a lot of taste in a small package. My favorite part? The crunchy biscuit bits. I also got to test out Food Nation Go, which offers surprisingly affordable and delicious deliveries. As all dishes are under AED30 and easy to freeze, I’m thinking this would be a good option for a busy week. New Zealand Naturally sent me a batch of their produce and food, which is available at Spinneys. Casinetto sent me the ingredients for squid pasta, which I will do my best to recreate this weekend. And yes, you can still use my affiliate link, or ATOZ to save 10%. Finally, I was sent a new product from local baker Varak, who has (smartly) created a tasting platter of some of their best cakes. Why…
Gaia Dubai, a guest review from @teenfoodcritic
Fellow Foodies, I’m back with another guest review for A to Za’atar (@teenfoodcritic)! This time around, I’m reviewing Gaia, an established Dubai fine-dining favorite, right in the heart of its Financial Centre, DIFC. The story began exactly 2 years ago – but, is it a guilty-pleasure romantic comedy with a happy ending, or does it end with a tragic twist of fate, just like its namesake? Keep reading to find out more. Gaia was created by Chef Izu Ani, an integral and well-known part of the Dubai restaurant scene, with the support of the Bulldozer Group. On the off chance you’re unfamiliar with his work, the only thing you need to be aware of is his unmatched creativity in the kitchen. While many of the ingredient combinations may seem unusual, they all work in perfect harmony – whether that be a Watermelon and Feta Salad, or a Chocolate Soufflé with…
Weekend links.
A super-sized version this week. With a few cancellations this week (always a win in my book), I only ended up going to High Joint for their second anniversary and BOCA for a preview of the Discover Galicia menu (and their sixth anniversary, congratulations, guys!), which will be available next week. Casinetto sent me a package of nibbles that I’ll be enjoying this weekend, and I’m always happy to receive new Italian products (use my code ATOZ to save 10% or click here for my affiliate link). Driscolls Middle East also sent me a delicious packet of fruit, and they are having a giveaway next week, so it might be worth following their account (#collab). And finally, Home Bakery decided to surprise me with some of their delicious new ice cream flavors (Iced Espresso is a fave). I stopped by the TODA (Theater of Digital Art) which is now running an installation of Impressionists at the Madinat Jumeirah (and only complained a little that it…
Weekend links.
Week of progress, my favorite kind, incidentally. The week started off on a very high note, with deliveries of Curious Elephant (their chili oil is a must, and we’ve already gone through half a jar in less than a week) and Blossom Honey (excellent if you’re looking for products without preservatives). I also received a box to cook Italian style couscous from Casinetto (if you’re ordering, use ATOZ to save 10% on your order). By choice, I didn’t go out that much, but my visit to KoKo Bay was definitely worth the trip. Other than a bit of a strange parking situation, it’s a great spot, AND it’s dog friendly. Here are the genetically modified foods you probably eat. Heated All the points to Ireland. Twitter Camping for the lazy in the UAE (you have my attention). WhatsOn What do you do when no ones watching? (I definitely do not…
Weekend links.
A busier week than expected, with some exciting things coming soon that I can’t wait to share with you. On Sunday, it seems the faucets were open and PR invites started pouring out. One of the results of the past few months (for me, at least), has been to really consider why and where I’m going out more than ever before, so I’m not in the same rush I was in earlier in 2020. My book club (a favorite reason to go out) met up at Bombay Borough in DIFC for an excellent evening out – great service, and a range of delicious dishes. I also met a friend for breakfast at the always reliable Tom and Serg, and really enjoyed my Halloumi Bowl (and am now sad that I am not in their delivery zone). I stepped over to the Springs Souq to Prime Gourmet to pick up some of the Silver Fern Farms product line…