food issue The
plus
Business Sugar N Spice
Dining Special Feature Riyadh’s Top Chefs Riyadh’s Burger War Godiva Cheesecake
Issue 8 Oct 2013
DESTINATION RIYADH 1
FROM THE EDITOR EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief Enas Hashani
Editorial Manager Jou Pabalate
Senior Graphic Designer Halah Gandeel
Graphic Designers Dina Al Amoudi Mazin Al Maimani
Editors
Anousha Vakani Bassma Al Toaimi Rayan Khayat
Editors-at-Large Hana Jazzar
Editorial Associate Swalah Eshki
Fashion Editor Nour Kelani
Production
Mohammed Rashad KK
Photography
Mohammed Al Deghaishim
Contributing Writers Johara Al Mogbel Layla Reina Vidad Tejano Wided Khadraoui
RIYADH OFFICE
Mob: +966-556899914 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
JEDDAH OFFICE
Tel: +966-12-6060291 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
SALES & ADVERTISING
drsales@rummancompany.com Mob: +966-556899914 (9 a.m. - 10 p.m.)
GENERAL INQUIRIES
drinfo@rummancompany.com
DISTRIBUTION
drdistribution@rummancompany.com
VISIT US ONLINE
www.rummancompany.com
This is the Food Issue. Need we say more? The magazine you’re about to consume is filled with the most flavorful content that’s sure to tickle your taste buds. We take full responsibility for your gastronomic indulgence this October. First of all, Eid Mubarak from the Destination team and once again, our days will be filled with feasts and gatherings with our families. For those unfamiliar with what this celebration means, we’ve prepared an explanation for all the bleating and mooing you’re about to witness. Admittedly, each one of us at Destination may have gained a few pounds in the name of hearty research and for you our dear readers. From settling the long overdue Burger War in the city, to rubbing elbows with top chefs, to taking a fieldtrip to find the latest restaurants popping up, to giving you the ultimate guide to Kabsa, this issue covers it all. We’ve also put together a list of must visit shops to find specialty ingredients as well as recipes, “crazy but it works” healthy option articles that are bound to inspire you to put on an apron and fire up the oven. We love our local entrepreneurs and artists and we’re delighted to be featuring the likes of Sugar N’ Spice, who have sent flavorful waves throughout the city. There’s also a large serving of creativity being stirred in this issue, with articles on Nadine Kenso and the Arts and Skills Institute. Riyadh is meant to be savored and chewed with all the richness of its culture infused with a new perspective and willingness to appreciate the new flavors of life it’s starting to bring together. Our repertoire of relevant content is a mere reflection of what Riyadh truly is about and we do believe this is one great city worth living in! - Destination Riyadh Team Editor@rummancompany.com
*Destination Riyadh Magazine is a Rumman Company Publication. License No. 7862 - 8/8/1431
ADVISORY BOARD:
- Sahar Alhashani/Chair
- Abdullah Al Munif
- Atika Al Ghoson
PUBLISHER
Destination Magazine UK, Coventry, CV14DH N5719
Our picks for this
issue
Alexander McQueen, P. 34
2
DESTINATION RIYADH
Najdi Village, P. 54
Coconut Flour, P. 73
DESTINATION RIYADH 3
Featured Content
INDEX 6
Useful Information You Said It & City Facts
10
DR News
P. 20
Yotel Hotel in Saudi Arabia, Vogue Fashion Dubai Experience, Shahid.net Mobile App on Nokia
16
Settling In
The Bleating & Mooing - an Explanation
20
Business Sugar N’ Spice
24
Special Features Riyadh’s Top Chefs
28
Arts & Entertainment Arts & Skills Institute
48
P. 24
Dining Around Town Riyadh’s Burger War Riyadh’s Top 10 Eats with Kids Godiva Dream Cheesecake
64
Spirituality The Prophetic Diet
66
Travel Trends Celebrate This Eid: Travel the World
P. 14
70
Healthy Living Pick Up your Healthy Treats This or That
DIRECTORY P. 63 4
DESTINATION RIYADH
79 Arts & Entertainment 80 Fashion & Shopping 82 Restaurants 87 Travel 90 Health & Beauty 92 General
THIS or THAT Your Guide to Healthy Food Choices!
P. 72
P. 16
We proudly serve Pepsi products.
You Said It
@_M_ALKahtani I love DR a guide to Riyadh that is done so well u want to go out all the time. Highly recommended DR: thank you we appreciate it :) DR: At the [un]s talk @marwah_m is a brilliant Riyadhi artist bearing insightful stories and an imaginatively innovative talent to boot. @marwah_m Many Thanks for the support!! DR: We call this Burger Research!
Unstiched - lomarthobe exhibit at Naila Gallery. Thought-provoking pieces by contemporary saudi artists. Find the latest offers and news...
@MidnightFrenzy Many many MANY thanks to DR and @jou140 for organizing this really really well. DR: we are glad to hear that
HUH??!!
Barbershops in Saudi should be called salons rather than saloons. Hmm... Maybe definitions should be looked up!
facebook.com/DestinationRyd
Saloons? Really? @DestinationRyd
DestinationRyd
feedback@rummancompany.com 6
DESTINATION RIYADH
THOUGHTS TO Fresh Juices
DE PON
While we appreciate the wide variety of juices available at grocery stores, we know that despite what the labels say they are not completely healthy. We wish fresh juices were available just as easily as they aid digestion, boost the immune system and energize, while boxed juices are full of artificial flavors and preservatives. Many people have reported that their juices have grown mold or fermented! This is because even a tiny bit of air through a needle-sized hole in the box can ferment the (truckload of) sugar, turning the juice into a form of alcohol! Secondly, while many grocery
R
stores and restaurants do serve fresh and healthy juices, they still add in a lot of sugar. So if you’re looking for 100% fruit juice, you’ll have to request that they don’t add anything. The difference can be tasted right away! Visit local places such as 50 Fruits, Farghali, Ranosh, Mango World and Maui Wowi for on-the-spot-freshly squeezed juice! For maximum nutritional benefit, ask them to not strain your juice- that way you get all the vitamins and fibers from the pulp as well.
Thumbs Up to... Self Service Counters
We’ve all been there, standing at the grocery line with people whose shopping carts are filled to the brim while you have a yoghurt or milk carton in hand, waiting your turn. Danube recently rolled out the first ever self-service counters in Riyadh for customers. While people are still getting used to it, we look forward to the convenience this could provide for Riyadhis in a rush. This should also deter grocers who ignore “express counter rules” (10 items or less doesn’t mean 10 pieces of 10 different items). We’re hoping that this not-sonew trend catches on and is adopted by other hypermarkets.
Thumbs Down to...
Unmetered Taxis and Overcharging Drivers
Due to the lack of proper public transportation, it’s no wonder that city dwellers are overly dependent on taxis. A lot of drivers exploit this dilemma and employ tactics to make you pay more than you should. It’s important to practice caution and checking to make sure the meter is installed—you’re better off asking to use it than attempting to negotiate the fare. Should you hire a private service, make sure to ask for the price of the trip beforehand instead of upon reaching your destination. If anything, the municipality should consider forming a hotline to resolve complaints like these. unscrupulous service providers.
DESTINATION RIYADH 7
City
October Weather
&
Country Fact Sheet
Min Temperature: 21°C-70°F Max Temperature: 35°C-95°F Sunshine Hours: 10 Probability of Rain: 0% Humidity: 18%
Country:
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Capital: Riyadh
Head of State:
King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud Crown Prince: Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Population: 29،207،277 (72% Saudi, 27% foreign)
Population Growth:
1.75% (approx. 2% per year) (55% are under the age of 20)
Birth Rate: 28.29 births/1,000 population (2010 est.) Area: 2,149,640 sq. km Major Cities:
Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam.
Holy Cities:
Makkah, Madinah.
International Airports:
Riyadh: King Khaled Int’l Airport Jeddah: King Abdul Aziz Int’l. Airport (Airport Code: JED) Madinah: Prince Muhammad Bin Abdul Aziz Airport / Dammam: King Fahad Int’l Airport.
City: Riyadh Head of Region:
Prince Khaled bin Bandar
Location:
The center of the Arabian Peninsula on a large plateau Distance between Riyadh & Jeddah: 853 km Distance between Riyadh & Dammam: 386 km
Inhabited Area:
Major Arabic Newspapers:
Al-Watan, Al Hayat, Al-Iqtisadiya, AlMadinah. Okaz & Alsharq Al Awsat.
Riyadh Population: city in Saudi Arabia.
5.4 million. It is the largest
Major English Newspapers:
Official Language:
IMPORTANT DATES:
Eid Al-Adha (The Feast of Sacrifice):
Saudi Gazette, Arab News.
National Day: Sept 23, 2013 Ramadan (The Holy Month of Fasting): July 9 - August 7, 2013
Eid Al-Fitr (The Feast of Fast-Breaking): August 8, 2013 8
2,815 sq.km - Largest Urban Center in Riyadh Province.
DESTINATION RIYADH
Arabic. English is the second official language.
October 15, 2013
Calendar: The Hijri lunar calendar is the traditional measure of time and the Gregorian calendar is used as well in business (1434/2013).
TV: National TV: Saudi Channel 1/ Saudi
Channel 2 (English)/ Saudi Channel 3 (Sports)/ Al Ekhbariya News Satellite TV: Thousands of free channels from across the Middle East, Asia and Europe can be viewed using a satellite dish and receiver. Premium Satellite Providers: OSN (Orbit Showtime Network): Premium Arabic and Western Entertainment. www.osnetwork.com ART: Premium Arabic, Western, and Asian Entertainment www.artonline. tv
Business & Banking Hours: 8/9 a.m. - 4/5 p.m. Sun-Thu
Weekend: Friday - Saturday Shopping Hours:
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 5 p.m. - 10/11 p.m.
Currency:
Radio: Stations FM Channel MBC FM 102.0 Saudi Qur’an 100.0 UFM KSA 90.0 Star KSA 99.0 Radio Riyadh 97.7 Alif alif 94.0 Mix FM 98.0
Type Arabic pop Religious News Sports Pop Top 40 Varied program Arabic mix Western
Telephone, Mobile & Internet:
The main telephone service provider is STC – Saudi Telecom Company. The Main mobile service providers are STC, Mobily and Zain. They also offer mobile Internet solutions *STC: www.stc.com/ *Mobily: www.mobily.com *Zain: www.zain.com To block commercial SMSs for STC users: Call 800-2444455 toll-free (24 hr. service Sun-Thu) or e-mail: Ecare@stc.com.sa Internet Service Providers: *Orbit Satellite Internet: www.orbitsatnet.com *www.zajil.net, *awalnet.net.sa, * www.naseej.com, *www.shabakah.net.sa, * www.sol.net.sa, *cyberia.net.sa, *Nesma: www.nesma.net.sa
Transportation:
Air: Saudi Arabian Airlines - Nas Airlines Land: Bus: SAPTCO: National Bus Company offering transportation between most Saudi cities. Inside the city: Taxis and Chauffeur companies. Railroad: Only one passenger train service between Riyadh and Dammam.
Saudi Riyal (SR) - divided into 100 Halalas; Notes printed in 1 (one), 5 (five), 10 (ten), 50 (fifty), 100 (one hundred), 500 (five hundred) Riyal denominations. Currency Exchange Rates: 1.00 US Dollar (USD) = SR3.75 1.00 Euro (EUR) = SR4.85 1.00 British Pound (GBP) = SR6.01 1.00 Indian Rupee (INR) = SR0.067 1.00 Pakistan Rupee (PKR) = SR0.039 1.00 Phillippines Peso (PHP) = SR0.091
Electricity: 110V and 220V Country Code: +966 City Codes: Riyadh: 11 3 GMT+
Time Zone:
Jeddah and Makkah: 12 Dammam, Dahran, Alkhobar and Jubail: 13 Madinah and Yanbu: 14 Abha and Najran: 17
Emergencies : Information/ Maintenance: International Information.......905 Telephone Maintenance.........904 Telephone Directory.................905 Speaking Clock.........................1222 Mobily..........................................1100 STC...................................................902 Zain..................................................959
Ambulance...................................997 Electricity Emergency...............933 Fire Fighters..................................998 Natural Disasters.........................988 National Security........................989 Nijm “ Insurance Company for Car Accidents “......................920000560 Road Security..............................996 Traffic Accidents.........................993 Water Emergency......8004411110
DESTINATION RIYADH 9
Audi Unveils Sport
QUATTRO’S SUCCESSOR VOGUE
FASHION DUBAI EXPERIENCE
In celebration of the Audi Sport Quattro’s 30th birthday, Audi will present its legitimate successor at the 2013 IAA in Frankfurt am Main. The Audi Sport Quattro Concept continues the grand Quattro tradition, with a stunning coupe design and plug-in hybrid drive Dubai Mall’s Vogue with a system output of 700 hp. Fashion Dubai Experience, the largest of its kind global fashion event in Dubai will be held on October 10. It will showcase aesthetic design collections of eight upcoming designers, such as Razzan Alazzouni, highlighting their talent within the global fashion circuit.
Yotel Hotel in Saudi Arabia
Capitas Group International (CGI) announced the signing of an exclusive Joint Venture Agreement with IFA Hotel Investments (IFA HI), targeting the development of YOTEL branded hotels across the Kingdom.
Turkish Airlines’
FIRST HALF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS REPORTED
Compared to the same period of 2013, Turkish Airlines sales revenue increased by 22 percent reaching 4,6 billion USD. Compared to the first half of 2012, overall net operating profit improved 190 percent to 243 million USD, while net profit decreased by 30 percent to 67 million USD. 10 DESTINATION RIYADH
MBC TV Fans Enjoy
Shahid. net Mobile App on Nokia MBC viewers can now browse through their favorite TV programs and drama on the first Shahid.net smartphone app on all Nokia Lumia devices with Windows Phone 8. The app provides them with instant access to an unlimited number of episodes of their favorite TV shows.
GE and XD Electric Help Push Growth in the Power Sector
In accordance with their commitment to promote the socio-economic welfare of the Middle East and energy sector efficiencies, GE Capital and XD Electric Group have partnered up to combine GE’s grid automation capabilities with XD Electric’s comprehensive portfolio of primary high-voltage equipment.
The Ferrari 458 Speciale to Debut at Frankfurt
The 45 Speciale is Ferrari’s latest contribution to the world of technological innovation yielding powertrain, aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics. The Ferrari 458 Speciale is a brand new, uncompromising, streamlined sports car concept. The car will receive its debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show.
ONE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS: CHAPTER TWO
Following the successful launch of the bespoke collection of Ghost family cars inspired by ‘The Arabian Nights’ tales, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Middle East is launching chapter two of the handcrafted One Thousand and One Nights Ghost Collection.
KAEC WILL BE THE DISTRIBUTION HUB FOR KSA EXPANSION PLANS
King Abdullah Economic City and Toys R Us have signed a development lease contract for a 35,017 sqm plot in the Industrial Valley where Toys R Us will build a distribution center that will be the hub of its expansion plan in Saudi Arabia, ultimately creating job opportunities across the Kingdom. DESTINATION RIYADH 11
Events & Happenings
WHAT’S BEEN GOING ON... 1
2 1. CITYSCAPE RIYADH, DECEMBER 2013: Under the patronage of HRH Prince Khalid Bin Bandar Bin Abdulaziz, the next Riyadh Urban Development and Real Estate Investment Event, Cityscape Riyadh, will be held from December 10 – 12, 2013 at the Riyadh Exhibition Center. 2. DEUTSCHE BANK HOLDS AN EID PARTY FOR KIDS: As part of its commitment to CSR in KSA, Deutsche Bank organized an Eid Party for the kids of Bunyan Association on August 14. Bunyan association is a Saudi charity organization established in 2011, managed and run by Saudi women. The event titled “My Tent” was a great success and attended by more than 100 kids.
3
4
3. HP WORLD 2013 IN RIYADH: HP World 2013 took place September 15 – 16 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh, with the purpose of attracting key influencers and decision makers in the IT industry in the Kingdom. It was the largest HP event of its kind where partners and alliances shared their IT success stories and challenges. 4. MCLAREN P1 ARRIVES IN RIYADH FOR THE 1ST TIME: The limited edition McLaren P1 was first introduced to Riyadhis on September 18, 2013 through a public viewing event held at the McLaren Showroom. There are only 300 P1s manufactured in the market and 250 have already been sold. The P1 is considered to be the most aerodynamic supercar in the world.
RIYADH RIYADH 12 DESTINATION 12 DESTINATION
7
5
8 6
9 5. EXCLUSIVE TOUR OF RITZ CARLTON: The children were treated to a warm welcome by the hotel staff and taken on an exclusive tour of the hotel’s facilities. The Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh gave the young students insight into the different fields of hospitality and imparted expert advice on the various fields of employment. Afterwards, the children were then taken to Al Orjouan, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh’s all day dining restaurant. 6. TIMA FIRST FEMALE SPORTS WEAR LAUNCH: Fatima Batook, Fitness instructor launches the Tima Female Sports Wear Saturday September 7, 2013 at Maison Bo-M. Guests were able to listen to Fatima discuss her passion for healthy lifestyle through the morning as well as the afternoon sessions. 7. ZAATAR W ZEIT OPENS IN RIYADH: On September 19, 2013, Wraps Arabia, a leading food and beverage company, opened the first branch of Zaatar w Zeit in KSA. Within the next five years Wraps Arabia plans to open another 19 branches
in Riyadh alone. The urban Lebanese baked wrap concept is sure to be a success with residents and visitors of the capital. Located on Riyadh’s Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Street (Tahliyah), this branch is the largest in the Middle East. 8. LOMAR [UN]STITCHED OPENS ART EXHIBIT: Lomar [Un]stitched Art Exhibit opened September 10, 2013 at the Naila Art Gallery in Takhassussi Street. The exhibit showcases local contemporary Saudi artists using various art media through the Saudi-based art curator, Onqoud. The launch itself was highly anticipated and attended by both Riyadh A-listers and art enthusiasts. 9. MALAYSIAN FOOD FESTIVAL AT THE FOUR SEASONS: Four Seasons Riyadh flew in Adee Affende Bin Sudin from Four Seasons Resort Langkawi to head its Malaysian Festival for 2013 at the Elements Restaurant. The food affair kicked off with a special launch September 4, 2013 through a food tasting and introduction to the featured dishes prepared by Chef Adee. DESTINATION RIYADH 13
Mark Your
Calendar
New, Hot, and Happening Now
October 2013
Sunday
Monday
7
Tuesday
WORLD VEGETARIAN DAY
1
Health Facilities Infrastructure Deals with the advances in healthcare and the management of numerous issues related to the budget of health organizations in KSA. Date: Sep 29 – Oct 1 Location: Al Faisaliah Hotel Web: www.biztradeshows.com
8
FRUIT OF THE DAY ORANGE
FRUIT OF THE DAY APPLE
6
13 14
Sony Gamers Day Date: October 11 – 13 Location: Halls 1, 2, 3, 4 of Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center Web: sonygamersday. com / www.mecl.com.sa
Eid
Al Adha
Day of Arafat
20
Libra (till 22)
15
27 14 DESTINATION RIYADH
22
29
International Luxury Motor Show The annual luxury car show in KSA. Date: Oct 29 – 31 Web: www.excs.com Email: info@excs.com.sa
28
2
Saudi Customer Service Week Promoting the improvement of overall customer experience in KSA. Date: Sep 29 – Oct 2 Location: Radisson Blu Hotel Web: www.iqpc.com Email: enquiry@iqpc.com Celebrate with New Look Join New Look in their celebration for the launch of AW13. Date: Oct 2 Time: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Location: Naila Art Gallery, Bldg. 247,Takhasussi St. Email: nourhan@fifthring. com Mob: +971-504524652
Barney and Friends Concert” The show is in English, with Arabic translation from the host. Proceeds of the show will go to Saudi Cancer Support Association. Date: Oct 2 – 5 Tel: +966-11-4800837 Location: King Fahd Cultural Center
23
Scorbio on 23
FRUIT OF THE DAY PINEAPPLE
21
Wednesday
3rd Quality & Patient Safety Workshop Date: Oct 30 Location: Post Graduate Auditorium, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & RC Web: www.kfshrc.edu.sa Tel: +966-11-4647272 Ext. 31538
30
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Thursday
Friday
The Global Summit Series A world-renowned guest chef will host culinary events. Date: Sep 28 – Oct 3 Location: La Cucina Restaurant, Al Faisaliah Email: globe.summit@ rosewoodhotels.com Tel: +966-11-2732222
4
CSR Towards Youth Under the patronage of His Highness Prince Nawaf bin Faisal. Date: Oct 1 – 3 Location: Saudi Law Training Center Web: www.sitc.sa Email: info@sitc.sa Tel: +966-550092023
3
17
5
12
FRUIT OF THE DAY FRUIT SALAD
11 Turbo Machinery & Pumps Expo Date: October 17 – 18 Web: turbomiddleeast.net Email: info@arabianreach.com
18
United Nations Day
31
Saturday
24
25
Saudi Exhibition for Hunting and Equestrian Date: Oct 22 – 25 Location: Halls 1, 2 of Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center Web: sonygamersday.com / www.mecl.com.sa
19 Advanced Trauma Operative Management (ATOM) Course Date: Oct 26 Web: www.ngha.med.sa/ Email: atls@ngha.med.sa Tel: +966-11-8011111 ext. 48436
26
BOO!
HALLOWEEN
31
* DR magazine is not responsible for any event cancellation.
To Add your event here, Contact us at dr@rummancompany.com
DESTINATION RIYADH 15
Useful Information Settling In
THE BLEATING
& MOOING
AN EXPLANATION
Many newcomers are taken by surprise on the day of Eid when the sounds of animals echo on the streets that are splattered with the blood of cows, goats, sheep and even camels. From that perspective, the day of Eid is a vegetarian’s nightmare. After hearing the many unsettling stories of newcomers, Destination decided to clarify the misconceptions of Eid Al-Adha. You might even be comforted in knowing that residents who are born and raised in KSA are sometimes just as surprised.
First Things First
Muslims celebrate two Eids a year. The first is Eid Al-Fitr, which comes after the month of Ramadan and the second is Eid Al-Adha which is celebrated after the yearly pilgrimage to Makkah called Hajj.
16 DESTINATION RIYADH
When It Began
The Prophet Ibrahim was given the ultimate test: he was ordered by God to sacrifice his beloved son. His son, the Prophet Ismail, made his task easier by being patient and readily agreeing to his own death. However, at the last minute the angel of God stops Ibrahim, telling him that he had passed his test and rewarded him with a sheep to sacrifice instead and enjoy. So every year on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha, we commemorate his strength, loyalty and faith.
EID STORIES... Anousha Vakani: Only during Eid will you see farm animals roaming the streets so freely. A few years ago, the day before Eid, I was crossing the street as a dog came running towards me because a goat was chasing him. The dog and I collided, I fell down and broke a tooth and the dog came tumbling after. We all know what happened to that goat the next day. The animals that are sacrificed must be healthy and must meet certain age and quality standards. The sacrifice must be as swift and as painless as possible and one animal should be kept from witnessing the sacrifice of another as that puts them in a panic.
Hana Jazzar: Ask any family about Eid Al Adha and you'll surely find a few "horror" stories. This is how it went with me over 20 years ago. A few days before Eid, my cousins and I went over to my grandfather's house and found an exciting surprise; Grandpa had gotten us a "pet" goat, HORRAY! Little Lambi was treated like a king: groomed and petted, fed and showered. Fast forward to Eid morning, we go over to grandpa’s for a lavish Eid breakfast then off to the garden to play with Lambi but he was nowhere to be found. We thought he ran away. The week went on to more "Meat Feasts" with all the famous lamb dishes: moqalqal, mandi, mabshoor, etc. It was all about MEAT! It was only when the week ended that we were confronted with the horrific truth; we ate Lambi! Shocked and disgusted, we swore never to eat lamb again! As time passed, some of us got over it and went back to eating and enjoying meat. Others, not so fortunate, have been scarred for life and truly never ate lamb again. Once children get the gist of Eid Al-Adha, they actually enjoy it. The animals are brought to the house weeks before Eid, and the children feed and play with them, and are accepting of their fate as sacrificial meat.
DESTINATION RIYADH 17
Walaa Al-Attas: When my brother was six years old we got a sheep a couple of weeks before Eid Al Adha. At that time, he didn't understand the connection between Eid Al Adha and sheep, so he was thrilled about our new “pet.” He would pet it and play with it everyday. On the morning of Eid when the sheep was going to be sacrificed, he was very excited until he realized what was happening. Today my brother is 30 years old and up until a couple of years ago, he wouldn’t eat meat because of that incident! The meat is divided into three portions: one for the poor and hungry, one for relatives and neighbors and the last for oneself. An essential part of the sacrifice is to share and to distribute the meat ensuring that the less fortunate do not go hungry.
WHAT ARE YOUR UNFORGETTABLE EID STORIES?
HOW TO EAT WITH YOUR HANDS? 1. Firstly, just use your fingers and not your palm.
2. Shape the rice with sauce or stew into a semi-solid bite-size lump.
3. Scoop up the lump with the tips of your fingers.
4. Use your thumb to slide the food into your mouth.
5. Repeat ‘till satisfied! 18 DESTINATION RIYADH
DESTINATION RIYADH 19
Business
CATERING AT IT'S BEST WITH
SUGAR N’ SPICE It all began from the kitchen of Hanan AbuSulayman, a mother whose passion for good food has turned a home business into one of the most sought after catering services in Riyadh. Her daughter, May Al Wakeel, CEO of Sugar N’ Spice is continuing her mom’s entrepreneurial food odyssey and dishes out her family’s secret to achieving sweet success.
20 DESTINATION RIYADH
What is your favorite part about what you do? The greatest joy for me is being able to transform a dream into reality. No one does food presentation and themes like we do. We care about every detail.
Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration? We are passionate about food and achieving that “melt in your mouth” taste and it’s what got us started. The Sugar N’ Spice story began when Hanan AbuSulyaman’s passion for throwing the most talked about parties, and creating gourmet recipes became in demand among family and friends. In 2006, we started getting orders for the exquisite savories my mother had created for a friend’s party. By word of mouth, people got to know us and began wanting to have us serve up my mother’s dishes in their gatherings. Before we knew it, we’ve become the city’s first sought after catering service. Now that we’ve scaled our operations significantly, I manage the company. I am equally passionate about food but brought in my MBA to the table. How have you grown from a small homecatering business to becoming one of the top catering entrepreneurs in Riyadh?
In the end, a caterer is a jack-of-all-trades. Learning about each and every aspect of it, from food design, tailoring, flower arrangements to dealing with the business side of it, is a difficult but remarkable experience. What was the biggest hurdle you've encountered in growing your business? The biggest struggle I encountered was unfortunately the governmental issues such as getting issued visas, registering the company, and finding clear regulations about opening a new business. Women have only recently emerged in the business environment. Policies need to be set to involve females and facilitate the process of opening a new business. Do you think that a woman entrepreneur in the food industry has an edge? Women entrepreneurs have been booming in Saudi in the past year. We see it all over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; girls and women of all ages creating food blogs with recipes or inventing delicious dishes sold from their homes.
Sugar N’ Spice’s special attention to details and offering the finest selections of mouthwatering dishes made us a pioneer in the field. To transform a home business to a leading full service catering experience took hard work and took determination and persistence. I learned a lot by trial and error. There were not a lot of resources available for growing a business in Saudi, especially for women at that time. DESTINATION RIYADH 21
However, it is not enough to like food. To truly become successful, women should be involved in making their production streamlined, and their businesses professional. It takes a lot of hard work. The culinary business has become very competitive in the past few years. What do you think you offer clients that sets you aside from other caterers? Competition makes us thrive. Sugar N’ Spice always seeks to deliver the best to its clients. Making sure that each and every client is getting more than what they anticipated. Our motto is to deliver the best because we serve the best. You are well known for your themed menus and seasonal catering events. Tell us more about that. What would you say were the most memorable ones, or the ones you are most proud of?
C
We have a passion for being creative and having fun and enjoying our work.
M
Y
CM
The most memorable one was the first catering event we did. The event was a themed birthday that had to be prepared in three days. We worked day and night to have every single detail and food item to match the theme; it was a thrill to do such an event. The one I’m really proud of was a catering seated dinner for a wedding. The menu was put with great care to meet the customer’s high taste and desires. Tables were arranged with beautiful flowers and candlelights. It was a great accomplishment for our company and it was the first time we introduced table decorations as part of the whole catering experience we offer. Where do you see Sugar N' Spice going in five years? We see Sugar N’ Spice as becoming an international franchise, opening branches inside Saudi Arabia and the GCC countries. We are working very hard on making our business a very special one with a unique signature. 22 DESTINATION RIYADH
MY
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CMY
K
What do you think when you hear someone say: “I've never been in the catering industry but it looks like fun.” As I said working in the catering business is an exceptional and enjoyable experience. However it has its challenges as any other business; it can be very stressful at times especially if you are a perfectionist. What makes it rewarding is the look of satisfaction and happiness on a clients face, and that makes our day! Mob: +966-505402635 Facebook: Sugar-N-Spice Instagram: @sugarnspicecatering
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Special Features
24 DESTINATION RIYADH
Riyadh’s
TOP CHEFS When we’re having an exquisite meal at a restaurant, having a good time with our friends and families, it can be easy to forget that there is an architect working behind the scenes to concoct the perfect dish that we’re having. At home we thank our mothers or cooks, but at the restaurant the person behind the meal goes unnoticed. So let’s get to know the skillful and passionate hands who create some of the best you can find in Riyadh.
CHEF CHRISTOPHER STEPHENS The Ritz Carlton Riyadh When did you first know that you wanted to become a chef? When I was very young I always liked working with raw materials and making things. I think cooking is very similar to architecture in the sense that you take raw materials and create something magnificently memorable with them. Did you receive your culinary training in a school, or at work in a restaurant? I learned at a hotel in New Zealand and attended block courses at a Culinary School. What is your favorite dish, and can you please explain why? Slow roasted leg of lamb studded with fresh
thyme and garlic cloves seasoned with sea salt and served with gravy made in the pan, crushed new potatoes with soft goats cheese mixed in ,roast new Zealand parsnips, minted fresh green peas, braised cabbage with caraway and butter glazed fresh baby carrots - simple awesome natural flavors! What’s your approach on culinary art? Be honest and humble. Never accept average for yourself and be committed to become a life-long apprentice. What appears to be the favorite dish of your guests? Overall I have say our signature Sticky Date Pudding, imported Lamb racks and anything seafood throughout the outlets. What is your favorite cooking ingredient, and why? New seasons stone fruits- simply so flavorful and can be the base for so many kitchen adventures.
“Be honest and humble. Be committed to become a life-long apprentice.” - Chef Christopher
Can you share with us your favorite cookbook? Great Chefs of France by Quentin Crewe. Being a chef of your caliber is a very demanding responsibility; do you ever have time for a personal life? I love photography, horseback riding, and working out at the gym when time permits. Just out of curiosity, since you spend so much time in your kitchen, do you ever cook at home? I do cook basic comfort food and lots of Chinese at home when I am with my daughters. DESTINATION RIYADH 25
26 DESTINATION RIYADH
What can you say about the tastebuds of Riyadhis? Interesting indeed, very diverse. Riyadhis are well traveled and have great passion for food. I noticed that many love Italian, some French, many are very comfortable with Indian, Asian, Lebanese and Saudi cuisine.
CHEF AHMAD SLEIMAN Four Seasons Hotel When did you first know that you wanted to become a chef? Actually it started at a very young age. I have had lots of passion for cooking and always volunteered to help mom in the kitchen. Did you receive your culinary training in a school, or at work in a restaurant? I was working at a restaurant to support myself, paying my university tuition expenses while studying Industrial Engineering. I loved it, did hotel and motel management and went through the Four Seasons Chef Training Program. I participated and worked with top world celebrity chefs and graduates of the Culinary Institute of America in New York. What cuisine do you specialize in? International primarily. I have worked long years in several kitchens- French, Italian, Mediteranean, Californian, South Western, Cajun, Pacific and other world cuisines. What is your favorite dish, and can you please explain why? Frankly, I used to have favorite dish. Nowadays the mood decides what will be my favorite dish. Generally speaking I love Italian cuisine; a perfectly cooked risotto with wild mushroom and truffle essence is something I eat often.
What’s your approach on culinary art? Cooking is passion and art. I try to make it a focus utilizing the freshest ingredients from farms to the table. Fusion has been a wonderful direction in cooking where we bring the best out of every cuisine into a more superior one. Creativity and innovation are key in the development of this art. What appears to be the favorite dish of your guests? Our hotel guests are a diverse group of people who come from different nationalities and have different tastes, therefore we try to accommodate everyone by preparing their favorite dishes. Sushi, Indian along with Arab rice-based dishes such as whole ouzi, baby camel with baked hammour, mezza, and snacks are the hottest so far. What is your favorite cooking ingredient, and why? I love sumac and it is available all over the Middle East. Very distinctive with a tart flavor that matches quite well with lots of things such as fish, chicken, salad, raw onions or rice pilaf. Can you share with us your favorite cookbook? Several cookbooks but I do like Nobu: The Cookbook, Matsuhisa, also the Culinary Institute of America, The Professional Cookbook is a must have. Being a chef of your caliber is a very demanding responsibility; do you ever have time for a personal life? It is surely demanding responsibility, but work and life balance are crucial in maintaining a healthier and more creative work performance and happy family. DESTINATION RIYADH 27
Arts &
Entertainment
ARTS & SKILLS INSTITUTE Where Creative Passion is Stirred not Shaken Established in 2007 as the first institute for the study of Visual Arts and Fashion Design in Saudi Arabia, Arts and Skills Institute (ASI) is a vision for what the values contemporary society of Riyadh could espouse while being faithful to its home culture and traditions. Housed in what appears to be a plain industrial building is a sanctuary for the young creative women of Saudi Arabia. The moment I entered the all-female institute, the grey exterior was easily forgotten and I was welcomed with vibes of enthusiasm, vibrancy and creative passion. ASI offers two year diploma courses in Visual Arts and Fashion accredited by the General Organization of Technical Education and Vocational Training of Saudi Arabia and is partnered with Australianbased Box Hill Institute. A walk through their breathable halls, classrooms and work stations immediately gave me the impression that they had a very hands-on and mentor driven approach to the learning process. Over and above the great facilities and the impressive curriculum, what struck me most were the women behind ASI. I first sat down with Olga Kozlowska, Creative Director for their Fashion Design program and Rania Risk, Instructor Trainer for Visual Arts and was immediately taken in by their 28 DESTINATION RIYADH
commitment and sincerity. More so, when we began talking about their first batch of graduates, most of which are young Riyadhi talents, making waves in their respective fields as artists and designers. Their pride in the individual accomplishments was unmistakable and contagious. "The first thing we teach them when they start in their first year is to find themselves. We facilitate, we’re not here to say if their work is good or bad, we just challenge them to see what works and what doesn’t, we ask them,” says Ms. Olga. I sensed a Socratic influence in their method and perhaps it’s exactly what young artists in Riyadh need to a push in the right direction but not setting limits.
To my surprise, I was fortunate enough to be toured by Chairman and founder of ASI and L’Art Pur Gallery Foundation herself, Princess Adwa Bint Yazid Al Saud. A patron of the arts and one of the forerunners in fostering creative initiatives in the Kingdom, her subtle confidence and kind demeanor reflected the persona of what the institute stands for- modern thinking tempered with cultural grace and pride. While having our walkthrough, students and faculty alike would smile and approach her and her replies spoke volumes of how she is both a mentor and role model for them. The institute is well equipped, students gain access to aesthetic resources often hard to find in the city. Princess Adwa even mentioned that they arrange different courses and invite in globally renowned artists apart from sending their students to Paris
We’re not here to say if their work is good or bad, we just challenge them to see what works and what doesn’t, we ask them
Fashion Week in order to facilitate holistic learning. Indeed, you can find a lot of their alumni now being apprentices to the likes of Alexander McQueen, working in Harvey Nichols or designing for Hollywood A-listers (refer to the list of Saudi Fashion Designers from our September 2013 issue).
I’ve met a handful of talented graduates outside their institute. Fashion designers Mishael Al Rajhi, Nora Al Shaikh and most recently, visual artist Noorah Kareem; their thinking matched with engaging personalities enthralled me during our encounters. Upon leaving their alma mater, I realized that it has truly influenced and fostered them to be partially who they are today. Overall, my supposed to be “just” a research visit to ASI turned out to be something more. I left inspired and hopeful that Riyadh truly is on the verge of an artistic revolution. DESTINATION RIYADH 29
Arts &
Entertainment
NADINE KANSO,
‘Bil Arabi’ By Rayan Khayat
A Beirut-native living in Dubai, Nadine Kanso studied Communication Arts and Advertising Design at the Lebanese American University. Nadine nurtured her visual artistry and developed her lifestyle brand Nadine K, which features home accessories, apparel and art works. Her new jewelry line, ‘Bil Arabi,’ is considered a work of art and was displayed at Athr Art Gallery in Jeddah. We had a chance to meet Nadine and ask about her beautifully golden and calligraphic jewelry line.
30 DESTINATION RIYADH
JEWELRY DESIGN IS AN ART AND WHEN PEOPLE COME INTO THE GALLERY IT FEELS EVEN MORE INTERESTING AND THEY SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY.
What is the process of making these wonderful pieces? I design the collections and do the calligraphy myself, but when it comes to production I have a team at the workshop who actually do it for me. I give them the design and they apply it. The pieces we produce are hand-made which makes the brand more attractive to a lot of people. I have always said that I am not a jewelry designer. I studied Graphic Design and Communication Arts back in Beirut, which I guess was a good base to be a designer in general. I think if you like to design and you are inspired and creative you can use this tool to design many things. How do you see ‘Bil Arabi’ being worn? What is your line’s style sensibility? Bil Arabi has a strong identity. To start, it’s about the name I chose; it has a story and a passion for our culture and language. The Bil Arabi pieces of jewelry can be worn by any woman or man who has a certain pride in our identity and also a certain love for the beauty, shape and form of Arabic calligraphy. I have pieces that I wear through out the day all the way to the evening. These pieces are bold yet subtle.
What are some interesting facts about jewelry-making that you learned that aren’t well known? It is a learning process. I have been doing it for the past seven years and I’m still learning what can be achieved and produced and what cannot be. I have learned that all stones are delicate, including diamonds. Being shown in a gallery is a unique thing for a jeweler. What are the benefits (or drawbacks)? Being shown at an art gallery in my opinion is always a plus. At the end of the day, jewelry design is an art and when people come into the gallery it feels even more interesting and they see things differently. They appreciate the handwork and how the pieces were made, not only designed. What, in your opinion, are other good jewelry brands? I am a big fan of Cartier and Bulgari; they are amazing jewelry houses that have been here for ages and their designs are timeless. The evolution as well is absolutely brilliant. Email: Bilarabi.ae@bilarabi-ae Web: NadineKanso.com DESTINATION RIYADH 31
Fashion & Shopping
Fashion & Shopping
with NOUR
Nour Kelani
Nour Kelani; a fashion designer, stylist, traveller, wife and on top of all a mother. She’s a big believer that fashion is our daily dose of art. Loves animals and owns a pug named Tamis.
Fashion
News
Net-a-Porter launches its own social network via an IOS app THE NETBOOK is the new social shopping IOS app by everyones favorite shopping website NET-A-PORTER.COM. THE NETBOOK offers a unique shopping experience, connecting you with friends and giving you a sneak peek into what other stylish women around the world are loving, your own stylish profile, trending items and most importantly shopping for your favorite items. If you don’t have an invite code yet make sure you download the app and register (and place yourself on the waiting list).
Harper Beckham steals the show at New York fashion week! The cutest front-row in fashion history! The two-year-old was on the front row at her mom Victoria Beckham’s fashion show in New York, and she even managed to coach a smile out of Anna Wintour- she was asking Anna to clap!
What›s in
YOUR PURSE? Nawal Al Maimani
1
Nawal is a Saudi fashion designer, owner of her own abaya and kaftan label “Nawal.” One of the early ones to roll into the abaya fashion industry, this month let’s take a look at what’s in her Chanel boy!
8 7
8
5
4
3
2
6 9 10 11
32 DESTINATION RIYADH
12
1 Chanel large boy flap bag 2 Mona Abu Alfaraj rosary 3 Marks & Spencers gum 4 Lancôme Hypnose mascara 5 Bobbi Brown pink blossom lip gloss 6 Mac Studio Fix 7 Trish McEvoy no.9 blackberry vanilla perfume 8 Gina flat sandals 9 Pocket-sized tissues 10 Chanel wallet 11 Crème De La Mer moisturizing gel 12 iPhone
Short & Sweet
whats your favorite
Nadya Hassan, a 23 year old Emarati blogger (The Fierce Diaries) who loves to play dress up and share it with her readers. She started off blogging as a college project and thought why not make something out of it. Three years later here she is...
By Najwa Al Dadeer Image Consultant
Wear it with peplum for a tall look
Wear it with a sweater
Wear it with a long coat
Mismatch prints!
to ow H WEAR LONG SKIRTS
From left to right: Sweater by French Connection SR 450, Skirt by Emilio Pucci SR 9,760, Coat by Miu Miu SR 9,750, Skirt by Malene Birger Athenie SR 1,500, Sweater by Christopher Kane SR 16,200, Skirt by Miu Miu SR 8,900, Top by Mary Katrantzou SR 12,420, Skirt by H&M SR 150
Nadya Hassan
Color: At the moment, white Jewelry: Earrings Stone: Diamonds Print: Bold graphics Item of clothing: Dresses Bag: Chanel Boy bag Shoe Brand: Christian Louboutin Song: Applause by Lady Gaga Nail Polish: 40 Sepia 7e Art by YSL Dish: Penne pasta Movie: Van Helsing TV Show: Vampire Diaries Flower: Tulips Art Piece: Funny enough, I don’t have one! Artist: Michelangelo Singer: Justin Timberlake Actor/Actress: Shia LaBouf Style Icon: Miroslava Duma Designer: Don’t have one, changes every season. Workout: Running Favorite city: Paris
DESTINATION RIYADH 33
Chanel SR 180
Vintage Chanel SR 1,600
Alexander McQueen SR 9,350
Maison Rabih Kayrouz SR15,000
Me
Christian Louboutin SR 2,970
Alexis Bittar SR 1,350
34 DESTINATION RIYADH
Charlotte Olympia SR 2,500 Charlotte Olympia SR 4,800
Siriano
Dolce & Gabbana SR 40,200
floral theory
Ciate SR 55
Stella McCartney SR 4,500
Mulberry SR 8,630
good
Leather smells
Proenza Schoular SR 800
Givenchy SR 7,630
Celine SR 9,000
Oscar De La Renta SR 1,350 Zara SR 200
black is the new black
Tods SR 1,400
Giambattista Valli SR 4,800
Chanel SR 450
Burberry Prorsum SR 3,900
Burberry Prorsum SR 6,000 DESTINATION RIYADH 35
Fashion
Men
for
Tops under
SR
man |man| noun ( pl. men |men| ) 1 an adult human male. • a male member of a sports team: Johnson took the ball past three men and scored. • a husband, boyfriend, or lover: The two of them lived for a time as man and wife.
Bottoms under
100
200
Shoes under
SR
Accessories under
200
SR
H&M SR 199
River Island SR 200
H&M SR 149
H&M SR 59
River Island SR 75
Zara SR 139
Zara SR 199 Zara SR 199
Topman SR 70 Zara SR 129
Havaianas SR 140
New Look SR 60
River Island SR 199
River Island SR 200
H&M SR 49
Topman SR 150
River Island SR 150
Topman SR 95
River Island SR 199
New Look SR 60 36 DESTINATION RIYADH
SR
by Mazin Al-Maimani
Mazin Al-Maimani is our in-house Graphic Designer and a fashion enthusiast. Here are a few high-street pocket friendly fashion to help you stay on budget while looking über cool.
200
WIN WITH US !
THE BLUE ABAYA
ONLINE STORE
Destination Riyadh loves the idea of local bloggers expanding their horizon, so we were most pleased to hear that one of our dearest contributors and Riyadh’s go-to blog site, Blue Abaya, has opened up her very own online store!
Blue Abaya Photography is now offering souvenir and gift items ranging from art prints, stretched canvas, iPad covers, laptop and iPad skins, throw pillows and stationery cards that are truly Saudi-inspired. All of the art works are available as different sizes and we personally like the designs she’s made for gadgets- chic meets culture, as we here love to say.
The Store is hosted on Society6 and it's currently shipping worldwide. The delivery time is quite quick except for the throw pillows that may take some time because they’re all handmade; but it won’t take more than a few weeks to arrive at your doorstep. Just how much do we love Blue Abaya’s stuff? Enough to be giving away some of the items because we know you’ll love it too. The second Destination Riyadh-Blue Abaya Social Media Contest is running this month so don’t forget to check it out. For more details on how to join and win one of her exclusive products. Online Store: www.society6.com/Blueabaya Blog: www.blueabaya.com
Visit our respective Facebook pages: www.facebook.com/BlueAbayaBlog www.facebook.com/DestinationRyd
DESTINATION RIYADH 37
Fashion & Shopping
GADGETS
Self Stirring Mug
74 SR
If finding a clean teaspoon seems too tough a task, then you need the Self Stir Mug! These funky novelty cups have a self-stirring mechanism in the base which will whip your drink like a whirlwind at the push of a button. This quirky gift will make sure your drink is mixed with enough powder or granules into the drink. Available at souq.com
Gyro Bowl
25 SR
The Gyro Bowl is designed for ages two and above in a kidproof bowl that spins and spins, but stuff stays in. The open side will stay upwards regardless of how the bowl is moved. The inner bowl rotates 360 degrees, is virtually indestructible and comprised of BPA-free plastic. It has an included lid. Available at souq.com
Midnight SleepPhones 189 SR Your nights of insomnia could be at an end thanks to the SleepPhones! These incredible comfy headbands are actually the softest of headphones available and can help drown out unwanted noises with more pleasant and relaxing sounds of your choosing. You can easily connect it to your smartphone, laptop or any MP3 players. Available at dokkanafkar.com
38 DESTINATION RIYADH
Orange Peeler
15 SR
A no mess, no fuss way to strip your citrus fruits! Peel can go straight from orange to trash or compost. Juice stays in the fruit- not on hands, clothes, or kitchen. Removes fruit peels for a quick and easy nutritious breakfast or snack. This Orange Peeler would be a perfect gift for an orange lover. Available at souq.com
Time-M
59 SR
Add a dash of retro flair to your contemporary kitchen with this Russian doll kitchen timer from Fred & Friends. Give this charming nested matryoshka doll a twist and she’ll happily tell you when the babka is toasty hot and your tea is brewed to perfection. Go ahead and get her all wound up. Available at dokkanafkar.com
Smartphone Controlled CarBot
139 SR
The new era has finally arrived! Control the world? Well, maybe not yet - but control the bot with your phone! All you need is to install the application, charge the bot from your computer and use your phone as the remote control! Technology at its best! No batteries required. Available at dokkanafkar.com
DESTINATION RIYADH 39
Dining Around Town
GIFT GIVING GONE SWEET! By Reina Vidad Tejano
Have you been too swamped with work to have some quality time with friends and family? Do you need to visit someone you haven't seen in a long time? How do you plan to charm your way back into a special person's heart? Well, take a turn from the usual of buying them a box chocolates or a bouquet of flowers by checking out some sweeter ways of making it up to them.
CIELO'S SWEET TREATS Dubbed as “Riyadh’s Dessert Buffet Queen,” Cielo Algaeed of Cielo’s Sweet Treats has become a popular choice for home-baked sweets over the past year. She started out as an active vendor in ladies’ coffee mornings all over the city and has now ventured into offering personalized dessert buffets for children’s parties. Her coconut macaroons are my personal favorite but the cheesecake bites, cream puffs and cake pops are all bestsellers in their own right. Apart from her dainty treats, she also happens to be talented in creating customized fondant cakes. Note: Orders must be made three days in advance and they offer free delivery for a minimum purchase of 100 SR. Mob: +966-555491229 Email: cielo.p.algaeed@gmail.com Facebook: /CieloSweetTreats
40 DESTINATION RIYADH
ARABIAN LOAF BAKERY In the district of Umal Hammam sits a local bakery that has been a town favorite throughout the years. Apart from their freshly made bread, Arabian Loaf Bakery is also an offbeat choice for scoring some classic Arabic sweets. Choose from their trays of baklava, kunafa, Al Bulbul and honey fritters that will go perfect over tea and long conversations with friends and family. They also have confectionary items like cake and pastry. They’re quite old school so you won’t find much contact details online but if you drive along Umal Hammam Street, you won’t miss it right after the Mobarak Souk and the ATM for NCB.
MERRY MACARONS BY TANIA Rise in every special occasion and bring a box of chic macarons to the table. Merry Macarons by Tania is a home brand that originated in London and has since moved to Riyadh. Merry Macarons are entirely halal and Tania assures her customers that all the food colors used are natural and without any prohibited ingredients. She offers the classic flavors but is not one to miss out on creating something new and special like her flavors of coconut, green tea with honey buttercream, mint chocolate and pineapple macarons just to name a few. You may purchase these delicate macarons in pretty and personalized gift boxes to your liking and they will be delivered to you via courier to prevent any breakages. One dozen of the classic selection goes for 70 SR while the special selection is for 80 SR. Email: info.merrymacarons@gmail.com Web: www.merrymacarons.com Facebook: /merrymacaronsbytania
AL RIFAI NUTS Just when you think you can’t clamor for anything else beyond the chocolates, cookies and cupcakes, why don’t you go nuts? Like Al Rifai Nuts. This Lebanon-based brand is the mainstream choice for all the kinds of nuts you can imagine. They have a wide selection of nuts from almonds, cashews, pistachios, macadamias and are available in different flavors. If you’re thinking of getting a healthier option in terms of a mouthful of goodies, then nuts is the way to go. You can buy them by the pound and if you’re buying a whole lot of them, they can also wrap it in a special basket. ALL KINDS OF COOKIES Cookies are not dead! This is what home bakers Sarah and Amber are showing us with their distinctive twists on the classic cookie. Sure, cupcakes may have taken the limelight in the last few years but they are bringing cookies back in an unbelievably mind-blowing way. How? For starters, they have what they call a BROOKIE, which is half brownie, half chocolate chip cookie; the Chocolate Chip Cheesecake, which is half cookie and half cheesecake; and their bestseller so far is called the Nutella Cups, which are thickly baked cookies with a dollop of Nutella in the middle. Mind blown yet? I was in a state of awesome-shock when I first tried them and have not been able to fight the urge to unwrap one of their Brookies every time a delivery arrives. They also have regular and other special cookie variants like the Red Velvet, Carrot Cake, Lemon Burst and Peanut Butter. Mob: +966-505183722 Email: AllKindsofCookies@yahoo.com Facebook: /AllKindsofCookies DESTINATION RIYADH 41
Dining Around Town
The Riyadhi Connoisseur’s Choice By Reina Vidad Tejano
Certified foodies always like to take their experience to the next level and what better way to up the ante by trying out specially crafted ingredients for distinct dishes? Luckily in Riyadh, we’re not short of specialty shops that cater to varied gourmet selections and organic products. Here’s where you can find a great mix of ingredients that can transform your cooking (and eating) from the usual.
CAFÉ BATEEL
Not only does Bateel cater to an exquisite line of date products, but their branches also sell a number of fine, exported goods. You’ll find canned bottles of Date Mustard, Date Olive Tapenade, Date Orange Jam and even Date Dhibs, exclusively made for Bateel from France. They also have a selection of chutney from India with flavors like Sweet Lime, Mango Pickle and Bengal Spice. Their sleek bottles of Extra Virgin Olive Oils, Balsamic Vinegar and Fusilli Gigantis come from Umbria, Italy and they use these particular ingredients in their own menu in the café. Location: Tahlia St. Olaya Tel: +966-11-2936240 Web: www.bateel.com 42 DESTINATION RIYADH
DANUBE LE GOURMET
Recently opened at the entrance of the Danube’s grocery store in Panorama Mall, Le Gourmet is home to an extensive array of gluten-free pasta, French shortbreads and olive oils from Italy. Get lost in their aisles filled with popular gourmet products, like the Stonewall Kitchen from New York, USA and Chocolats, an international artisan chocolate brand. Less we forget, they’re also one of the few stores in the Kingdom with a good selection of truffles (one of which is priced at 300 SR for a matchbox size container). Another interesting and colorful item in their store is the Sirop by A’rom par SMA Diffusion, which is a syrup used in preparing muffins, cupcakes jams, cocktails and even caviar.
MARKS AND SPENCER FOOD HALL Originally popular in London, Marks and Spencer’s Food Hall has gotten an excellent reputation of offering fine wine and food products. Here in Riyadh though, we only get to enjoy a fraction of what they sell in the UK. Nevertheless, the Marks and Spencer Food Hall Riyadh showcases mostly those of the tea-time fanfare: biscuits, dark chocolates, chocolate mint truffles, tarts, cookies and digestives. They also have the cupboard basics of mustards, honey, chutney, sauces, chips as well as pasta that are particularly sourced from different parts of the world. If you’re lucky, you’d be able to purchase these items at a lower price during the sale season. Location: Riyadh Gallery, Panorama and Hayat Mall
TAMIMI MARKET / SAFEWAY
Healthy living is earning a steady trend and everyone who is looking into going organic shouldn’t miss out on Tamimi Market’s selection. In the produce aisle, they have tomatoes, cucumbers, chilis and herbs that are certified organic by the US Department of Agriculture and the BCS OKO Grantie – a regulatory board on organic production. In their “healthy aisle,” you can find several options for organic wheat, oats, pasta and rice from a French brand called Markal, which specializes in organic farming. Natural sweeteners like Agave Syrup and Rosemary Honey (which costs for a whopping 99.95 SR per 500g) can also be found there. Location: Dhabab Street Olaya, Sahara Mall and along King Fahad Road DESTINATION RIYADH 43
ORIGINAL KOREAN AND JAPANESE FOOD STUFF This store is your off the wall choice, known only to those who have really scoured the streets of Riyadh for a resource on Asian cooking. Well, we are now sharing this open secret. The Original Korean and Japanese Food Stuff features imported ingredients integral to anyone who’s looking into cooking Asian cuisine. It looks simple from the outside, but inside you will gawk at the amount of items that they have that can satisfy your Asian cravings. From buckwheat noodles to seaweed, wasabi to shiitake mushrooms, from eccentric flavored potato chips to even that little fake green grass we find in our plates of sashimi – they have it! Their frozen section houses the likes of 'Flying Fish Roe,' 'Kimchi,' 'Salted Shrimp' and tubs of 'Hot Pepper Paste' all made from Korea. They also have Asian sauces, readyto-cook dimsum and other Korean dishes. Expect that you won’t be able to understand the brand names by looking at them, but their store attendants are knowledgeable in all of the items they sell and are willing to answer all your questions. Location: Along Olaya Road Tel: +966-11-2932978 Mob: +966-505290596
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DESTINATION RIYADH 45
Dining Around Town
ROADMAP TO THE LATEST RESTAURANTS IN RIYADH
Wondering which new restaurant to try next? We know, it can get confusing and you don’t know where to start especially if there’s a new food joint opening every month. To help your gastronomic expedition, Destination Riyadh has put together a list of the latest food places we’ve come across!
GREEN – WHY GO RED – WHY STOP AND LISTEN FIRST TO THE FOODIE TRAFFIC.
RED LOBSTER Dammam Road Green: Seafood in the Desert, of course we’re curious! Fresh Lobsters and a franchise that’s been around for decades. You’ll enjoy cracking shells and sucking on crustaceans. Red: Some days you’re lucky and they have the fresh live lobsters, some days they have the lobsters but the other seafood items are not yet available or frozen. Give it more time and we see this place becoming a hit once they’ve ironed out the menu kinks.
JUST FALAFEL
SHAKEAWAY
King Abdulaziz Road
Sahara Mall
Green: It’s a hit in most parts of the middle-east and London and it landed in Riyadh last May. It’s healthy fastfood and if you love your falafel like we do, this is a perfect stop for a quick takeaway lunch.
Green: It’s the largest milkshake company in the world and who wouldn’t enjoy indulging in a sweet, creamy and brain-freeze inducing tumbler of joy? One of the most unique flavors we’ve encountered is the Millionaire’s Milkshake that comes with 23-carat gold flakes for 85 SR.
46 DESTINATION RIYADH
BBQ
BURGER BOX
Talatheen St. Green: If you’re craving for chicken, this is worth trying out. Their signature dish is the olive-oil fried chicken. Try the Jamaican and Paris chicken as well as the Shrimp Spoon Pizza (quite a witty dish). Red: For a signature dish, the fried chicken could be tastier. Some of the dishes are still being tweaked, thrice visited and we had a different level of seasoning experience for each one.
China Mall Green: Just read our Burger War article (page 48) and you’ll know why you must brave the exit five detours to try this out. Red: It had its soft opening last month (September) so we haven’t had the chance to check out the restaurant but if it’s anything like the burger we tasted, then we’re excited.
HERE’S SOME
MORE RESTAURANTS JOE’S CAFE
OPENING UP VERY SOON…
Panorama Mall Green: The dining counterpart of the high fashion brand Joseph, its concept is relatively new in the city. Try the Chicken Risotto and match with the sticky date pudding (people claimed it’s the best and we say, yes, it’s pretty good). Red: We’ve tried Joe’s on the second week since it opened, still needed to establish its identity at that time because the café aspect can be dismissed due to its “not yet” so special line of caffeine fix and desserts…Yes, even the sticky date pudding is good but we’re waiting to be wowed.
• Melting Pot, Tahliya
First fondue restaurant in Riyadh
• Piatto
Panorama Branch
• 1600
Relocating from Jeddah to Riyadh
• 19th Century Burger Tahliya
• Boardwalk Burgers Azizia Panda Takhassussi
an
I d I ’m ju a pi dg ck e b le ur ge rs !
Dining Around Town
BUR ISSU GER ES!
h trut s! the burger ut abo
Riyadh’s
Burger War By Johara Al Mogbel
Lately, Riyadh’s being taken over by a new food craze: Burgers. They’ve been cropping up with no signs of it stopping anytime soon. And in a city where the influx of restaurants is impressive to begin with, you know the situation is dire. We at Destination Riyadh decided to find out the best burger in the multitude, and in the spirit of giving, we braved the top twelve rated restaurants. Might as well waste those calories on something worth it, yes? We know. You’re welcome. Without further ado, here are the results! The Criteria: In the spirit of fairness, we only pitted classic (no frills, no add-on) burgers against each other.
JAN BURGER
Bun goodness: Quality of meat: Attractiveness: Overall: Value for money: No. Just no.
verdict:
15
SR
COMMENTS:
“X.”
“Messy, processed.”
If placed in a gourmet burger war like this, Jan falls short of expectations, its saving grace is the fact that it’s a fancy fast food joint hence, it’s still good if you need a quick fix.
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BURGER FUEL
Bun goodness: Quality of meat: Attractiveness: Overall: Value for money: If you like throwing your money out the window, sure.
verdict:
25
SR
COMMENTS: “Looks like a burger hunk”
“FRIED SAUSAGE BURGER.”
Most of us have tried the other items of Burger Fuel and would say they’re good. Unfortunately, the Fuel Basic we tasted doesn’t live up to the standards of its contemporary. Add-ons and their more refined burgers are a better pick.
FATBURGER
20
Bun goodness: Quality of meat: SR Attractiveness: Overall: Value for money: COMMENTS: It disqualified itself from this “MORE FAST category. This jury has spoken.
verdict:
FOOD THAN GOURMET”
“They have pickles”
When Fatburger opened in Riyadh a year ago, it was one of those places you’d have to wait for a good 45 minutes in order to get a table. Today, they’re popping up in the various food courts; we’d have to say that the “fastfood” approach is now reflected in the burger we tried.
GBK
GOURMET BURGER KITCHEN
Bun goodness: Quality of meat: Attractiveness: Overall: Value for money: We’re still on the fence.
verdict:
33
SR
COMMENTS: “tastes like...
“
“SMOKEY!” “looks like a supermodel”
It’s the first smokey, grill-tasting burger we had on the list and were quite pleased with it. GBK had a distinct taste and we loved it. We found it small for 33 riyals and the jury was divided on whether the look and flavor of it is enough to compensate.
DESTINATION RIYADH 49
FUDDRUCKERS
Bun goodness: Quality of meat: Attractiveness: SR Overall: Value for money: As the most expensive burger on the list, you should enjoy COMMENTS: the “unlimited cheese” and “MEDIUM RARE fresh salad bar. Otherwise, MEAT, I LIKE.” burger alone, we’d say they can do better.
44
verdict:
“FLUFFY”
“tasty”
It has had its success in winning over the Riyadhi’s craving for large servings. Our bite of Fuddruckers reminded us of all the things we’ve grown to love about it. The downside, the price that is inflated by the items that you’re required to buy with it.
THE SANDWICH COMPANY
Bun goodness: Quality of meat: Attractiveness: Overall: Value for money: It’s large and decent, and for 15 riyals isn’t bad at all.
verdict:
15
SR
COMMENTS:
“SMOKY! CHEESY! SPICY!”
“SMOKEY GOODNESS”
Though not its main item on the menu, it’s definitely a must-try. It’s simple, the meat is seasoned well and there’s enough spiciness in there that sets it apart from its contemporaries on the list.
ELEVATION BURGER
Bun goodness: Quality of meat: Attractiveness: Overall: Value for money: The tomato’s a little too thin for 38 riyals but then it’s shamelessly sloppy good comfort food.
verdict:
38
SR
COMMENTS: “SPECIAL SAUCE = FOOD COMA IV”
“NUTTY!”
It’s upscale guilty pleasure junk food and we mean that in a good way. This is comfort burger all the way and it’s supposed to be enjoyed in all its sloppiness. It can’t win prettiest burger and is small for its price but it can definitely give you a flavorful kick with its flavorful meat and secret sauce.
50 DESTINATION RIYADH
BURGERONOMY for ard EROUS w a EN G T ST OIN MO J
Bun goodness: Quality of meat: Attractiveness: Overall: Value for money: It’s a little small compared to the other same-priced burgers, but we highly appreciate the real cheese... Oh again, the BUN. love.
verdict:
15
SR
COMMENTS: “THE BUN IS THE STAR... BUTTERY, SOFT, MOIST, NOT LIKE ANY OTHER BUN ON THE LIST”.
There’s something in this burger we couldn’t put our hands on, a spice that gave a punch to our palette. Sandwich that with a bun like no other on the list and real cheese-- there’s no denying, it’s worth the trip to Exit 7.
BURGY
Bun goodness: Quality of meat: Attractiveness: Overall: Value for money: It’s large and decent, and for 15 riyals isn’t bad at all.
verdict:
15
SR
COMMENTS:
“SMOKEY, HAD PICKLES.”
Out of the entire list, this bags first place for that grill master taste. There’s a hickory kick to it that leaves you guessing if it was cooked using wood instead of regular charcoal.
JOHNNY ROCKETS
Bun goodness: Quality of meat: Attractiveness: Overall: Value for money: A bit high, but we can handle it.
verdict:
15
SR
COMMENTS:
“AN ALL AMERICAN BURGER AND WE CAN’T HELP BUT LOVE IT”
It maintains its rank as a mainstream favorite and although we tried hard not to think about it, we can’t help but want a milkshake while enjoying their Rocket single. The point is, their burger amidst of all the good things we’ve come to love about their restaurant, can stand alone. DESTINATION RIYADH 51
BURGER BOX or rd f a aw EST DR
B BUR ED S S E
GE
R!
Bun goodness: Quality of meat: Attractiveness: Overall: Value for money: We can’t judge yet, but over all it seems worth it.
verdict:
COMMENTS:
“PRETTIEST PACKAGING EVER”
A Darkhorse. The other burger joints should up their game. We were the first people to taste their burger in the whole of Riyadh and we were impressed. The painstaking attention to details is hard to ignore. The packaging, insulator wrapped at that was beautiful, the meat was flavorful, had a signature taste to it and the bun was unique, it can’t be described (we tried).
HAMBURGINI or rd f EST a aw TTI R!!! E PRURGE B
9
Bun goodness: Quality of meat: SR Attractiveness: Overall: yes only 9! Value for money: WINS HANDS DOWN. Nine COMMENTS: riyals for a fresh meat and iceberg hamburger? “soft. juicy. tasty!” Positive steal, Hamburgini. We feel bad for robbing you blind.
verdict:
“ME LIKEY!” “FRONT COVER MODEL”
The word out in Riyadh is that Hamburgini has a mob of about eighty people at a time waiting for their burger. After tasting what all the hoopla is about, we’ll be standing in queue for sure. It’s pretty, it has this authentic taste, the meat was so juicy, its price is unbelievable and all its toppings are fresh.
I *heart* burgers!
Do you think we missed a burger? Want to nominate your favorite? Let us know via Twitter: @destinationryd hashtag: #DRburgerwar The Jury: The Editorial Foodies, Ladies of Midnight Frenzy Podcast, a mother of three, a self-proclaimed Burger aficionado, a photographer, a food critic/blogger, a young chef and a Saudi bachelor. Want to hear the good, the bad and the ugly straight up? Listen to the Midnight Frenzy podcast coverage of the DR Burger War at: www. spreaker.com/show/the_midnight_frenzy_show
52 DESTINATION RIYADH
masters. They handle the hassle of grilling, fan the furious flames, bear the budding sweat and still manage to ‘serve with a smile’. It was or is, ol’ backyard goodness.
The BBQ Joint
“Let loose and indulge your inner carnivore!”
A secret treasure that is hard to discover, but impossible to forget, we came across these mouthwatering and flavorful barbecues and were immediately hooked! We’ve only just heard of the BBQ Joint through the foodie grape vines of Riyadh, until we got invited to a compound gathering. The juicy meat, the unpretentious grilling mavens, the aromatic smell of it all just sent our DR senses tingling and we just had to know who’s cooking. With a little digging, Destination Riyadh found out that the BBQ Joint is the brainchild of three entrepreneurial grill
Once the first bite of awsal or taouk was sampled, entertainment became a second priority, as we saw guests circulate dishes like vultures trying to get to the last morsels of food. The mixture of hearty, traditional BBQ blended with earthy spices and succulent flavor combinations left the room blissfully silent. We saw folks dipping (more like drowning) their Awsal inTBJ’s signature hummus and Greek-inspired yoghurt, being the curious bunch that we were, we did the same and it left us speechless (doesn’t happen very often in DR). It’s not simply the quality of the meat, the mouthwatering seasonings or the impeccable service that sets The Barbecue Joint apart from its peers (whom presently don’t exist) – it’s their ability to understand the needs of their customers without having to say a word. Another kicker for us is The Barbecue Joint’s staff—they were friendly, youthful and professional without being formal; they embody a fun-loving spirit that’s hard to find among caterers in Riyadh.
Mob: +966-507331177 Email: thebbqjoint@outlook.com
DESTINATION RIYADH 53
Dining Around Town
THE MANUAL GUIDE TO
KABSA in Riyadh
You’re not a true-blooded Man of Riyadh if you don’t love your rice and meat. I personally would drive to whichever exit if it means feasting on really delicious kabsa or bukhari dishes. In a way, you could say that a Kabsa house is a bachelor’s man cave and your husbands are bound to be hiding in one every once in a while. Below is our Najdi list of the best places to get your dose of a heavy and probably not the healthiest choice of meat in the city of Riyadh.
1. Najdi Village
Takhassussi and another one next to Prince Sultan University The moment you step in the rustic doors of this restaurant, you feel like you’re in a place that’s a hundred years old. It’s very traditional and authentic to the Saudi culture. You get to experience how the olden Najdi family presents their food; even ambience takes you back to literally a pre-urban Riyadh village setting. When we went there, (and we’re three Najdi grown men by the way), we felt like the food was something our mothers and grandmothers would have prepared for us. 54 DESTINATION RIYADH
It was original and sumptuous. Every time we went to Najdi village, we find the need to take pictures. We love the side dishes, jarish (vegetable porridge), gorsan (made from dry bread and vegetables, stewed in tomato sauce). From one food lover to another, you should really go there when you’re super hungry because you’ll get sad if you find yourself unable to finish and consume more. This is Saudi comfort food at its best. The downside: The food gets easily cold because of the outdoor setting and the airconditioning directly above you. Pricey but again, worth it.
2 2. Bayt Al Shawaya (Shawaya House) Masif
You will find the yummiest rice in the city from this place and it’s a favorite for any guy looking to spend a small amount for a good hearty meal. The best thing about Bayt Al Shawaya is that it’s clean, has delicious meat, chicken and beef but with its straightforward set up, you can roll up your thobe sleeves and just dig in. All you need for a full stomach in this place is 10 riyals, anything more and you’ll be eating like a king.
3. Romansiah
1
It’s always busy, always clean, the prices are average and as a bonus, they have one of the best delivery systems in the city. This restaurant you go to because you want to eat good food, it’s not because of the ambience because they don’t have one. The general rule in Romansiah is simple, you sit on the carpeted floor like any regular kabsa joint and eat more than you’re supposed to. The chicken maghbi paired with Bashaweer rice was good although we did receive it cold. The presentation was not special and nowadays, you may need to ask in order to get the free side dishes.
3
Overall, people keep on going back to it because they just do everything right when it comes to satisfying our tastebuds and getting us full. Worth mentioning too, they’re the only rice and meat restaurant that has an iPhone and android App for you to order. There’s no denying that that’s cool. DESTINATION RIYADH 55
4. Bab Al Yemen
This is as sophisticated as we could go for our lamb, chicken and beef. It’s very high end and expensive but we do think the style and the location is worth it. The concept is traditional food but in a five star setting (as far as a young average Saudi like me would see it), the menu is more expensive than the rest of the restaurants that serve the same food. If you ever go there, you must try the Maghbi (chicken or meat cooked flat with over the grill). The meat can only be described as perfect, tender, juicy and well seasoned. In terms of the grilled chicken, the spices are spot on. Everything they serve melts in your mouth and gets men like myself, excited at the mere thought of it. The portions are not as big as the common traditional rice dish places but it’s so good, you won’t mind. The way each meal is presented, toppings and all, adds to the appeal of Bab Al Yemen. Even the jirjir (rocket) salad looks delectable and not just your regular thrown in the bag kind. The only down side we’ve noticed is that the service was very slow and it was midday four o’clock so there wasn’t any crowd to explain the pace. The rice is cooked well but not tasty although some of us felt it was intentional to bring out the flavors of the meat better. You go here for a boys’ night out dining experience, it’s not just about the food.
4
Tahliya corner Takhassussi, before King Fahd Road.
5 56 DESTINATION RIYADH
5. Cabrito
When it all boils down to it, we love our meat simple, the less words we can use to describe something and just end up nostalgic at the thought of food, that’s when you know it’s really great. This is what cabrito does to my friends and I. While they have other items on their menu, there’s only one thing you should order: Lamb slowly cooked or rather roasted on top of a pit fire and matched with a special cabrito rice (spicy, tastes like homemade, brown rice). This is something you eat. Rest. Then eat again.
6
Special Features
TOP JOBS FOR FOODIES If you’re really serious about your love for food, then here are a few options to dive completely into a world of never-ending deliciousness!
1
NUTRITIONIST Nutritionists promote a healthy lifestyle; they advise people on how to eat healthy but delicious food. If that’s your thing, join a diet center or hospital, or work individually through your own little clinic or even a blog!
3
4
2
FOOD STYLIST A food stylist makes food beautiful and more presentable. They work with photographers and producers to “dress up” the food that is being readied for an advertisement.
RESTAURATEUR If you have an eye for business, a love for food but no culinary skills then setting up a restaurant may be your best option. Make your vision of the perfect restaurant a reality!
5 6
FOOD WRITER/BLOGGER/CRITIC The easiest way to communicate your affinity with food is to write.The options are endless – become a professional food critic, write restaurant reviews and recipes for magazines and newspapers or set up your own blog!
EDUCATOR If you have a combined love for food and teaching, why not educate people on the art of cooking? Many people set up cooking classes in their own homes for children and adults alike.
CHEF This is every foodie’s dream job: to be in charge of everything from the menu and ingredients to quality control. Most often chefs start with smaller kitchen jobs and work their way up to Executive Chef. All you need is persistence and determination
DESTINATION RIYADH 57
Dining Around Town
10
RIYADH’S TOP
eats with kids By Layla
COLDSTONE CREAMERY ICE CREAM BAR
Hayat Mall second floor
The way this place makes and serves ice cream is like watching a circus performance! They and you will enjoy watching scoops of ice cream literally flying in the air as the skilled waiters throw and show off their ice cream bar tending skills. Kids and adults will be gasping in awe! They have a vast selection of ice cream in all colors of the rainbow, which can be combined with new and exciting flavors like real chocolate chip cookie dough or brownies. Create your own ice cream from an endless selection of toppings. Also available are yummylicious ice cream cakes, ice cream cookies and cute ice cream cupcakes.
BUFFALO’S RESTAURANT
Tahlia Street
Great food and fun kids menu, especially awesome with kids for breakfast. Order a smiley face omelet or a huge portion of American pancakes. Large kids play area with plenty of activities.
MARTA’S CAKES BAKERY
Next to Pancake House and Salehia dates on King Fahad road
PIATTO-ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Exit 5 opposite Chinamart Make your own pizza, free Italian gelato Decorate your own cookies and cupcakes! Children will enjoy immensely the pleasure of from the bar with the kids meal, lots of high chairs and open seating area surrounding creating their own designs combining readya fountain. Children receive an activity kit made decorations, colorful frostings with which is also their menu to keep them busy cool icing bottles! Upstairs can be reserved before the food arrives. The kids meals are for private parties and they make amazingly always served before adults. Overall a very creative cake creations here. Marta’s Cakes family-friendly atmosphere and as a bonus offers different ready-made party packages, there’s a large play and game area upstairs which include activities such as cupcake or which will keep children busy for cookie decorating, bracelet making, balloons a long time! decorations and invitation cards.
58 DESTINATION RIYADH
FRIDAY BRUNCH AT FAISALIYAH
Faisaliyah tower
Brasserie restaurant in hotel Faisaliyah Fridays from 12-4pm. Most of the international five star hotel chains offer Friday Brunches but the best one to take your kids to is definitely hotel Faisaliyah! Kids have their own buffet, there’s a chocolate fountain, popcorn machine and their own cozy area with plenty of activities and a small library.
CHUCK E CHEESE
Olaya Street next to the Mamlaka Tower This place was made for children! Serves great pizzas and other small snacks, two floors full of fun and entertaining activities and games for kids of all ages. Chuck E. the mouse performs every night and they have a small gift shop. Option of hosting your own parties in a private room with Chuck E. the mouse.
MUNCH BAKERY
next to Sheraz restaurant on Abdullah ibn Sulaiman bin Hamdan road Possibly the best cupcakes in town, coming in all the flavors you could possibly imagine sold in a super cute shop with a small cupcake cafe. The bakery also sells lots of imported candies and sweets you won’t find elsewhere in Saudi-Arabia. Cake masterpieces are on display and the best place to order a professionally made party cake. Choose from hundreds of readymade themes and designs. Bring along your own laptop or iPad with the image you want in your cake or even a toy and they will transform it into an amazing cake!
MIRAGE CHINESE RESTAURANT
OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE
Localizer Mall second floor
Children’s menu, friendly and helpful staff. Every Friday Outback has kids activities such as face painting; balloons and a play area with consoles.
CAFÉ CERAMIQUE
Sahara Mall food court
Best of all of course the excitement of making your own ceramic art while eating out! Children and adults can choose to paint and decorate vases, figurines and other ceramic art. The creations can then be taken home. Café Ceramique also has the option to host private parties.
Takhassusi road. next to Euromarche
This place is the closest that Riyadh might come to an aquarium! Large fish tanks all over the restaurant will fascinate the kids and keep them busy. Dine in a private cubicle with its own fish tank! In the center of the restaurant there’s a pond where large colorful goldfish can be seen swimming. Above the pond there are bridges that lead to small ‘dining chalets’. DESTINATION RIYADH 59
Dining Around Town
THE
VILLA
RESTAURANT By Wided Khadraoui
It began with a longing and has now gotten to a point where jokes for a petition for a frequent diner cards are no longer humorous. Tom yum, a spicy clear soup typical in Thailand, isn’t a usual craving in blisteringly hot Riyadh- unless you’ve tasted the soup before. A need for a fix of the distinct hot and sour flavors hit one afternoon and a quick Google search procured The Villa, with reviews stating it as the only place for tom yum in Riyadh. ‘Only’ is never a good word to read in a write up. Singularity usually ensures that restaurants become complacent and stop trying. Despite initial reservations, we decided to take a chance on the tom yum at The Villa. We drove by it several times before realizing the non-descript heavily grated ‘grocery store’ was the restaurant itself. Upon entering the eatery, there is a 50 gallon fish tank housing a couple of weary goldfish who are constantly being tapped by the grubby hands of children who freely wander as their parents finish their meal. We decided to risk it despite first appearances, and sat down and tried the tom yum, which culminated into the present established love affair. I love Thai food with its array of flavors and colors and
60 DESTINATION RIYADH
combinations. The Villa delivers on all my culinary expectations in a refreshingly unpretentious fashion. It doesn’t attempt to be something that it isn’t. Plastic covers the various tables strewed throughout the crowded main family section, and the glass condiment caddies are unceremoniously shared between tables that demand the extra heat. Despite the shabby décor and lack of cloth napkins, the food is honestly admirable. Most recently, my party of three arrived for dinner on a Friday evening, managing to sneak in at around 7 pm to ensure we are able to order and receive our food before prayer. Outside excursions in Saudi Arabia seem to always rotate around evading cumbersome prayer stoppages, and our dinner at The Villa was no exception. I, notoriously, always order more than I can psychically eat, instead of just choosing one main; I end up with at least two. On our table for that evening we had a plethora of dishes, when I say plethora, you read ‘way too much food’.
We ordered grilled shrimp, larp, a whole duck slivered and served with Chinese kale, phanaeng (Thai curry), pad thai (flat rice noodles topped with chicken, bean sprouts, and bean curd in a Thai gravy sauce), crispy noodles, and of course an order of tom yum. The grilled shrimp is always a sure bet. The shrimp is accompanied with a sauce that features fish sauce, chilies, and vinegar and is a perfect match for the grilled shrimp. The phanaeng curry is always consistently creamy, allowing the coconut to meld all the layers of flavors together without being overwhelming. The larb with the toasted rice sprinkled on top of the beef tossed in lime, scallions, and cilantro is the authentic touch that is critical to making the dish. The Meegrohp Rard Nah Song Kroeng (Crispy Noodle dish) exemplifies Thai cuisine’s adherence to the cooking adage of texture being as important as flavor. The crispy noodles soak up the sauce while still retaining a bite. Although the noodles at our table did get a bit sodden, it was mostly because six other dishes and a conversation on the merits of a resort holiday distracted us from consuming the crispy noodles at their optimal textural range. The sautéed duck in a soybean sauce with the Chinese kale and peppers also stands out texturally, with the duck’s crispy skin nicely complementing the Thai gravy that it was topped with. Then there is the tom yum, consistently delicious with its fragrant lemongrass and fish sauce and still not a disappointment, all these meals later. With seven dishes on the table there was plenty of food to share with fellow diners, if you felt indulgent. I always want more of a helping of The Villa’s lime and chili sprinkled dishes, but that is because I am a glutton, for those of you who enjoy human-sized portions, The Villa’s dishes are excellent for sharing.
The Villa also features a couple of Chinese and Pinoy (Filipino) dishes, if you want to curtail various cravings all in one go. In a city such as Riyadh, where eating out is a city-wide past time, it’s disappointing to think that everyone flocks to high-priced, overrated restaurants as a go to place for Asian-fusion cuisine when The Villa offers a wider range of dishes at a much higher and more authentic standard. The restaurant has been around for more than a decade, and despite its hole-in-the-wall look, it has survived and garnered a following. Sometimes the charm of a place is beyond its seating arrangement and fancy tablecloths but whether or not they can simply deliver delicious food, and The Villa frankly delivers. The only thing I can complain about is that waiters will occasionally forget your CocaCola order, especially during prayer time, as they wait out the compulsory closure in the front room. Honestly though, forgetting to bring the order of Coke is not the worse thing, it simply means more caloric space for another helping of phanaeng curry and rice.
DESTINATION RIYADH 61
Dining Around Town
Triple Layer GODIVA Dream Cheesecake By Abeer El Sayed
So you want to make your friends a dessert they won’t forget? Maybe a cake they won’t believe is homemade? Then you should definitely try baking the triple layer Dream Cheesecake. This cake is time consuming, but once it’s done, you’ll know it’s worth it!
You’ll need.. 9” spring form pan 2 cups crushed chocolate 3/4 cup white sugar 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon butter, melted 16 ounces cream cheese, softened 3 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 ounces Dark Melting Chocolate (from Godiva) 1 1/3 cups sour cream 1/3 dark brown sugar, firmly packed 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1/4 finely chopped pecans 1/4 teaspoon almond extract 5 ounces cream cheese, softened 62 DESTINATION RIYADH
DIRECTIONS: 1- Preheat the oven to 325° F 2- For the bottom crust of the cake: Combine ¼ cup white sugar with the butter and crushed chocolates. Place them in the pan and press firmly on the bottom and the sides. 3- For the first layer: Mix eight ounces cream cheese and ¼ cup sugar with a mixer. In a separate bowl, beat one egg, ¼ teaspoon vanilla, melted dark chocolate and 1/3 cup of sour cream. Mix these two bowls together then spoon them over the crust in the pan.
4- For the second layer: Beat eight-ounce cream cheese, brown sugar and flour together until fluffy. In a separate bowl, mix one egg, ½ tablespoon vanilla and the pecans. Mix these two bowls together then spoon them over the previous layer in the pan. 5- For the final layer: Beat five ounces cream cheese with ¼ cup sugar. Add one egg to the mixture then beat again. Mix those with one-cup sour cream, ¼ teaspoon vanilla and the almond extract. 6- Place it in the oven for one hour then let it cool for another hour.
For the frosting: Combine six ounces of melted dark chocolates with butter until smooth. Then mix thoroughly with ¾ cup powdered sugar, two tablespoons water and a teaspoon vanilla extract. Leave it to cool then spread the warm chocolate over the cheesecake.
DESTINATION RIYADH 63
One Day
Detox Packages