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…
Not for me: Kantjil & de Tijger, Amsterdam.
For another one of our dinners in Amsterdam this summer, I took the advice of a fellow food blogger and searched for one of the Indonesian restaurants in the city. Kantjil & de Tijger came up in a search (and was well reviewed). And as it was close to where we were staying, it seemed like the right option. While I have previously enjoyed other regional (Thai and Indian both feature in my weekly eating) cuisines, I had not specifically eaten Indonesian. After this meal, I’m not sure I would again. For what we paid and what we got, I felt like there was a big disconnect (or maybe I’m still missing something). Reservations? Made online and necessary – the place was absolutely packed while we were there. Ambiance? Bar type atmosphere with tables packed together. It’s loud and popular. For the cuisine, it makes sense, but I prefer a…
Where should you go? Comparing Seychelles, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Boracay.
Have we established I’m a fortunate person? Because I am. I’ve been able to visit each of these places in the past four years. While these locations might seem a great distance for many, they are also all obvious considerations for honeymoons, destination weddings, and vacations (especially given their distance from the GCC, where I’ve called home since 2007). While Hubs and I were recently traveling, I began to compare where we stayed, what made it work and why I would go back. I’m nothing if not scientific, and thus have tried to break down my results in a more quantitative way. How far (roughly from DXB, AUH, or DOH)? Maldives – 4 hours on direct flight, 30-45 minutes on small prop plane, 15-20 minutes on boat to actual resort (may vary based on property, but this is the general idea) Sri Lanka – 4.5 hours on direct flight, 2-3…
Decent lunch spot: Bluespoon (Andaz Amsterdam).
In the summer of 2014, I was still getting my foodie feet underneath me. Much like Vinkeles, our visit to the Bluespoon was inspired forced by my interest in the hotel first (to Vinkeles The Dylan, Bluespoon is located in the Andaz Amsterdam). Reflecting over a year later, I’m not sure I would go back (unless we secured a seat at the Chef’s Table). Sure, the property is cool, but I’m also dying to dine at The Conservatorium Hotel… Furthermore, in comparing this lunch to the lunch we had at Nevel, I would definitely return to Nevel. Reservations? Made online, but not necessary for lunch. We were one of three tables seated. Ambiance? Tres chic. The whole of the Andaz (like the brand at large) is a lesson in unique and memorable interior design. The restaurant is immediately off of the lobby and is close to a nice garden (plenty…
Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove, Seychelles: Brilliant views and barely 4 star.
Living in the Middle East, I’m exposed to essentially the best hotels and service in the world. Indeed, I could tell you a handful of nice properties I visited while residing in the States. Eight years into life in Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, I regularly (once a week) go to five-star resorts. This is not bragging, this is just a fact of life. Thus, I have fairly high standards when it comes hotels. I don’t think this is me being picky or high maintenance, it is just that I know where the standards fall. Enter, Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove. While I had my heart set on either the Four Seasons or Constance Ephelia, in the end, with as much as we were going to spend, I wanted to earn some points. While I thought Hubs and I would be out most of the day (we’re doing our Open Water PADI…
Beautiful night at Bridges.*
During our 2014 trip to Amsterdam, Hubs and I decided to break away from our beloved bitterballen and test out one of the fine dining options in the city. If I’m remembering correctly, this meal was very close to our 11th wedding anniversary. I can’t recall the exact search that led me to Bridges, complete with its own Michelin star, but I’m glad we ended up there. Reservations? Made online. A credit card was needed to hold the reservation. Ambiance? Absolutely wow factor. Located in the Grand Sofitel, this is one of those very special restaurants. Hubs and I were seated at one of the tables close to a window, near the canal and street where we could see the world walk by. As my proclivity to be absolutely on time was en force, we were (of course) the first people to be seated. (I’ll again attest that when traveling to Europe…
Vinkeles, a well earned Michelin star.*
To end our recent time in Amsterdam on a high note, I debated a few restaurants (including a return trip to Bridges, which I’ll cover in a later post), but ultimately decided on Vinkeles (and yes, I’m also dying to stay at the hotel it is connected to, The Dylan). For the only time in the trip I was able to wear heels (damn them taking up valuable space in my luggage and silly me for thinking I would get more use out of them!), I (gratefully) tottered just around the corner from our AirBnb. Reservations? Made online with no problems. Note that I did have to put a credit card forward to hold and confirm the booking. Ambiance? The restaurant is located after walking through the lobby, through another restaurant (?), and down some stairs. While I love how almost everything in Amsterdam is historic (and therefore charming), I’m…