A to Za’atar video trailer.
So, I thought it might be fun to make a ‘hype’ video of sorts for my little blog. Let me know what you think! (Its permanent home will be on the ‘Work With Me’ tab.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYzZoFT7ZSo
Is Social by Heinz Beck worth the schlep? Mostly no.
The Dubai Restaurant Week 2016 is almost finished and we were able to enjoy 2 exceptional meals. Calling an audible on Wednesday night, I decided for a booking at Social by Heinz Beck on Thursday night. Traffic on the Palm is currently a terrific disaster, so we arrived nearly 45 minutes late for the booking (which they were kind enough to hold for us — we were not the only ones in the situation). I tried to reach the restaurant to advise them, but was not able to get through (also frustrating). Reservations? Made through the ReserveOut function (which was quite easy to use – there were two seatings for the restaurant week tasting meals, 7:30 and 9:30). Ambiance? Very posh. This is the Waldorf, after all. Unfortunately, from the start, I was a bit disappointed at our seating. While not everyone can have the best table, I strongly believe we…
Weekend Links.
A very busy second week of the year. I’m holding (mostly) to my resolutions. How about you? 8 U.S. Hotels With Mind-Blowing Room Service Menus (via AFAR) Dress Code for power lunching at the Four Seasons, New York how to dress for lunch (via NYT) National Geographic dares you to eat these! Your looks determine where you sit? I’d like to think we usually get a good table… (via CNT) There’s a Donut Festival in New York? Yes, one ticket please! The New York Times covers the Dubai brunch scene. (via FooDiva) I have a special fondness for fondue – can’t wait to check out the Melting Pot once we make the move to Dubai! We’re off to check out Barfly by Buddha Bar this weekend. What are you up to?
Weekend Links.
Phew – a busy week. We’ve seen my parents off (and they are safely back in the States) and made a quick move to a staycation in nearby Oman. Charming Portraits Created from Lush Botanicals and Fresh Food How Recipe Writing is Changing, and How It’s Influencing Our Cooking (via Cooks & Books) How Not to Get Lipstick on Your Wine Glass – easier than you think! (via FWx) A Michelin star ramen restaurant? Yes please (and another excuse to go back to Toyko)! (via CNT) 10 Most Instagrammed Restaurants in America (via FWx) My plans today involve spending time on the beach, reading and catching up on the past week… What are you up to? Lots of love from the beautiful Al Bustan, ~C
Weekend Links.
More to share. Say what? McDonald’s is getting Michelin chefs to sign off on burgers. I like Mackers on limited occasions (hangover breakfast, anyone?), but this is an interesting move. (via Mashable) The Most Overpriced Items on the Menu, According to Chefs (via Thrillist) Your favorite meals: Around the world in 18 dishes (via CNN) Tim Ho Wan, The World’s Cheapest Michelin Star Restaurant (via One Mile at a Time) Wish I liked mussels – this looks fun! Fantastic travel scarves (via Conde Nast Traveler). Last minute, but looking forward to it – Hubs and I decided to make a quick run to Oman. We’re staying here and I can’t wait! This is our last free weekend until Christmas, so we’re going to make it count by not doing much! Hubs is training for a bike race and I’ll be finalizing my parents visit to the Emirates (they arrive next Thursday…
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…
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…
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…