Happy Holidays Raffles Style

I do hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas time and was able to spend it with either their family or their ersatz family. This year I once again remained in Dubai and spent a wonderful evening of the 24th (which is when us Germanic Europeans celebrate Christmas) with my ersatz Dubai family. The ladies were resplendent and the gentlemen dashing in their attire. Our destination for the evening was the ever so magnificent Raffles Hotel Dubai.

from Raffles Dubai Facebook page

Raffles in general does not disappoint and this time they went all out with their fabulous Christmas Roast Dinner. The ballroom was transformed into a traditional Christmas Market with a each stand/area being a different buffet. There was a beautiful goose and suckling pig amongst the other carnivore delighting offerings. Fresh oysters were begging to be drizzled with lemon juice and the salad station helped to dissipate any sense of guilt from indulging at the other stations. Outside there was also a barbeque with various sausages and a station preparing foie gras atop a lightly toasted brioche with fig jam. Pure heaven. One cannot end such a meal with out some lovingly prepared desserts and cheeses. Along with the traditional Christmas favourites of Stollen and Pannatonne there were torts, Kaiserschmarm and other delightful desserts. For the children, those from 5 to 95, there was a life size gingerbread house with a gingerbread decorating station inside. Santa even came out for the children to see and he had a gaggle of little ones following him throughout the night.

What I found to be a nice touch from Raffles was the children's area which was separate from the ballroom. Here there were low tables were children could do activities on as well as a bouncing castle and of course Santa's elves were on hand to keep an eye on the littles. In addition there was also a small buffet serving child friendly options.

It was a wonderful evening to spend time with those dearest to me and to have some slices of home. The staff was wonderful and attentive, smiling throughout the night.

Please note that this not a sponsored post and it is solely my opinion. From the smiles on the other patrons faces and the giggles of the children I would say this is a widely held opinion.
 

Back to Jumeirah

Once again this weekend saw me down in Jumeirah. Down in Jumeirah 1 is the ever popular, and rightly so, The Lime Tree Café & Kitchen. The Lime Tree provides indoor and outdoor seating with a lovely laidback atmosphere. For those who have not been before be aware that you order and pay inside and the waiters will bring your food out to you. The menu is written up on a chalk board and the vitrine displays other delicious items. The Lime Tree is right beside the Spinneys in Jumeirah and has ample paid parking.

Courtyard of The Lime Tree

Muesli

Quiche

After our delicious breakfast my friend and I headed on a walk around Jumeirah 1. Close by was the Village Mall which contains the store, S*uce. What a beautiful location and store. When we got in we were greeted and told that there was a section with 50% off (we were also told that this sale will last until DSF). Which for S*uce is rather amazing. And the 50% off section did not disappoint. Amazing dresses, clothes, accessories  and even Cambridge Satchel Company bags were on sale. After snagging a lovely little Cambridge Satchel we headed out the door with an extra spring in our step.

those Satchels are on sale!

inside S*ce

inside S*uce

The next stop was at the Comptoir 102. Comptoir 102 mixes home décor and a café in one light and airy location. They also sell espadrilles and other sandals which may seem like a random addition but somehow works well into the concept. Being in Comptoir was like stepping into someone's home; each room had a different theme. If you are looking for some quirky home décor items drop in as they are also having a sale.   

As we continued our walk down Jumeirah Road we got side tracked by a red sign  declaring "vintage" atop a decidedly 60s style house. And in we went. I have heard that Dubai has a small vintage scene but never had I taken the time to research it. Bambah is well curated and the clothing quality is excellent though one does pay significantly more than in a vintage/thrift store in Europe or North America. If you are looking for something unique this is the place to visit. There was also a rack with items for sale at AED100. I asked how long it is valid and was told as long as supplies last.

there is a section for LBDs

quirky entry way

There you have it. Another walk, another shopping trip all with out having to enter the Dubai Mall and at the same time supporting small business and staying unique. This is one of the reasons that I so enjoy Jumeirah: it is unique.  

Jetting home?

Slowly Dubai is emptying itself of its expats. Many are going home for the holidays. And as home is often so far away check out this link from the Huffington Post on how to sleep in an airplane.

For those of you who are still having difficulties with packing wikihow has a simple and to the point packing guide. Personally I prefer to travel with carryon only. Then again I am childless and single so it is more than possible to travel in such a manner. Sometimes it just takes a list and knowing your itinerary to plan outfits in advance.

For those lucky expats staying in Dubai Time Out Dubai has a great site showing where you can get into the Christmas spirit.  Planning a Christmas dinner can be exhausting and executing it even more so. Why not settle down with friends and family at one of the many places in Dubai offering special brunches, luncheons and dinners. Gulf News and Time Out Dubai have put together a list of places to enjoy the holiday spirit without having to clean your own dishes.

Have yourselves a happy holiday season.

Dubai Christmas Festival

For many expats in Dubai Christmas is usually the time of year when the heart yearns for a crackling fire and snow flakes on the window sill. Due to the desert climate the fire can be found in the shisha pipe and the snow at Ski Dubai. Not the winter image some of us hold dearly to. If you are unable to go home this season why not check out the Dubai Christmas Festival.

An adult ticket (with advance purchase) is AED 50, whilst children 2-12 are (with advance purchase) AED 25, children under the age of 2 are free. There is also the Adult Gold Ticket (AED 85 with advance purchase) which includes fast track entry, 2 x mulled wine, mince pie, Santa hat and access to reserved garden seating area. I know which one I am taking; they had me at mulled wine.

Opening times: Thursday 5th December – 4pm – 10pm (Panto performance at 3pm)
Friday 6th December – 3pm – 10pm (Panto performance at 2pm)
Saturday 7th December – 3pm – 10pm (Panto performance at 2pm)

image from: cobone.com

Note: this is not a sponsored post, my little heart just yearns a bit for festive fun