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

Road Trippin' it to Fujairah

Once again the weekend is fast coming up. Now that temperatures across the UAE are becoming more comfortable it is time to make a road trip and hit the beach. Fujairah can easily be a day trip or a weekender.

My preferred Fujairah trip encompasses most of the Emirate of Fujairah not just the city of Fujairah. Usually we head out in the wee hours of the morning and drive towards Dibba/Al Aqah, which is well known for its snorkeling and diving around both Snoopy Island and Dibba Rock.



The above map may or may not show (I err on the side of may not) my usual "trip to Fujairah" driving pattern. Basically we take the E88 towards Fujairah and once in Masafi take the E89 to Dibba which then magically turns into the E99, towards Al Aqah.

Before you reach Masafi you will find yourself driving past the Friday Market (there will be signs announcing it and it is open everyday, so don't let the name mislead you). Here you can pick up anything from fresh fruits, to plants, pots and carpets. Definitely take a stop here, pick up coconut juice and interact with the sellers.

If you want to dive/snorkel by Dibba Rock there are dive centres at both the Radisson Blu and the Holiday Beach Motel. I learned to dive with Blue Planet Diving (at the Holiday Beach Motel) and thoroughly enjoyed my experience. To people who have not dived before it is like being in a National Geographic documentary.

Further down the road in Al Aqah there is a wider variety of hotels like the Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa Al Aqah Beach, Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort. For a lower priced hotel (and also directly across from Snoopy Island) is the Sandy Beach Hotel. There is also a open beach (without facilities) beside the Sandy Beach Hotel where people come on the weekend and set up small camps. The beaches here are sandy and the water is amazingly clear. There is a petrol station with convenience store just before the Rotana so remember to have plenty of liquids with you and snacks.

Looking towards Snoopy Island from the open beach

Once your beach day is done and you want to grab some lunch or and early dinner make your way to Fujairah along the E99, if you feel the need to stretch your legs or grab something to drink Khor Fakkan is a great place to stop as it is very green and has a lovely corniche.

My favourite place to eat in Fujairah is at the Hadramut Mandi Restaurant. Though it is not much to look at from the outside the food is excellent and inexpensive (a chicken mandi cost AED19, a bottle of water AED1 ... mind blown!). There are 2 private rooms and an area of the main seating section can also be curtained off. There is also the possibilities to sit at tables but if you are going to eat Mandi sit on the floor and enjoy a more authentic experience. The Hadramut Mandi Restaurant is located just before the fish market in Fujairah (at the Hilton keep going straight through the round about, do not turn left to follow the E99). Below are some pictures to show you where.



Façade of the restaurant



To the right is the Al Madina Supermarket


Lamb and chicken mandi, ask for one rice

Should you have space for dessert try the Kunafa, it is amazing. My friend and I shared one after our lunch/dinner and promised to come back after a walk for round two.

 

After such a meal it is nice to get out and enjoy a digesting walk. You can keep your car parked and less than 100 meters away is the vegetable and fish market. The fish market sells everything from shrimps to baby sharks, with a lot of flies buzzing around. Located past the fish market you will happen upon the vegetable market which sells various fresh produce in nice displays. There is also a meat market and some shops selling clothing items. In the evening it is rather quiet, if you want the hustle and bustle of market life check it out on Friday mornings.

 

For the way back to Dubai drive towards the vegetable market and head right at the round about onto the E89. If you want some shisha and sweets (or another meal, I won't judge) before you head back to Dubai check out the Al Meshwar Restaurant. It is a Lebanese restaurant that has both indoor and outdoor seating and an extensive shisha collection, grill and desserts. From the outside it looks like ruins (take the exit from E89 that is by the KFC).

 

If you just want to head home follow the E89 until it becomes E84 (direction Dubai). The E84 will eventually become the E102 which you can follow to the E611 (the old Dubai Bypass Road).

A little bit of "The Dubai Fountain" love

The Dubai Fountain is a stunning piece of art. When it is not playing it is an unassuming calm pond. When it plays, it plays. A trip to Dubai is not complete without seeing this stunning work of choreography. Like most popular tourist attractions in Dubai it can become incredibly crowded and finding a good viewing spot becomes an uncomfortable experience. Below are some places, mostly restaurants, were you can enjoy dinner or drinks and have an unobstructed view of The Dubai Fountain. There is also a walkway which goes around the area where the fountains are located. Along this walkway, especially near the mall entrance/Souk Al Bahar area it can become quite busy. Best to go more in the direction of Burj Khalifa where there are generally less people.

The following pictures were taken from Joe's Café in The Dubai Mall.

1. Joe's Café: Joe's Café is located on the second level of Fashion Avenue of the Dubai Mall across from Mulberry. We ended up here as the outside terrace of Madeleine was full. A café latte/cappuccino will cost you AED29 each. A more contemporary feel than Madeleine or Ladurée it still has a cozy, classy vibe to it.

2. Madeleine: is located on the first level of  Fashion Avenue. Wonderful Pariesien style restaurant which serves excellent food and has, like Joe's, amazing and unobstructed views of the fountains, Burj Khalifa and The Address Downtown Dubai. A café latte/cappuccino will cost you AED18 each. I have eaten dinner here a couple times and each time walked away happy and satiated.

3. PAUL Bakery & Restaurant: also located in the Dubai Mall (first level) and a very popular institution in Dubai also offers outside seating with views of the fountains. The view may not be as direct as Joe's and Madeleine but it is still a good option. PAUL is a French style restaurant with wonderful desserts and a very rich hot chocolate. The hot chocolate is definitely a more budget friendly version to what is served at Ladurée.

4. Neos: Neos is the skybar located in The Address Downtown Dubai. From the 63rd floor you have a birds eye view of the fountains as well as a view across downtown Dubai and to the Burj Khalifa. Going there before 21h00 will usually guarantee you the best seating. Neos is more chic and upscale than the previous mentioned locations so take care to follow a smart casual dress code as a minimum. They will turn you away if you are dressed in sneakers. In The Address Downtown Dubai also has Calabar which is a Latin inspired lounge bar which offers various styles of indoor and outdoor seating and is also worth checking out if you prefer a chic night out.

5. Armani Hotel Dubai: one cannot talk about chic and skip past the Armani Hotel Dubai. The design aesthetic of Giorgio Armani is ever present in this name sake hotel. The Armani/Lounge, looking out to The Dubai Fountain, ideal for a light meal and opportunity to experience the vision of Giorgio Armani.

6. At.mosphere: quite possible the crème de la crème of "overlooking the fountains" dining is At.mosphere. Located on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa it takes high tea to new heights (that pun was necessary). The high tea was an experience like no other and truly an indulgence. Whether you go for high tea or evening drinks before dinner take care to dress to impress and bring a camera with full battery.

So there you have it: a small list of different places to view the fountains from. There are so many more restaurants and cafes on the ground floor of The Dubai Mall to view the fountains from but often your view will be obstructed by others who are trying to view the fountains. Souk Al Bahar also as a wide variety of dining options to choose from.

Mamma Italia and exploring Jumeirah Road

A little bit of Italy in Dubai. How many other people out there feel that there is quite the parallel between Italians and Arabs? Down on Jumeirah Road, which is fast becoming my favourite part of town, is the Mamma Italia restaurant.

My friend and I happened upon it while on a stroll along Jumeirah Road. It is located just after the Al Hilal Bank on Jumeirah Road (near to the Burj al Arab). And it has outside seating! Our super friendly waitress explained the restaurant to us as we were still deciding where we want to eat. We walked a bit further but then decided to go back. We made the right decision.

The menu offers a typical assortment of classic Italian fare from Bruschetta and Panini to various pizza (in an actual pizza oven and the chef can swirl that dough like nobody's business, mind blowing).

Adorable detail on the menu



Hamour dish (cannot remember the name)





Roasted chicken panini

It was so nice to sit outside, in the shade of course. The roasted chicken, complimented by the lightly sweet taste of the tomato salsa, was wonderful and my friend also enjoyed her hamour. At the end our plates were clean. We were also asked if we would like a dessert but after the delicious lunch we needed for a small walk to digest. We promised to come back for gelato, though.

Jumeirah Road has a slower pace of life to it. Perfect if you need to get away from the usual rat race present in the malls. Plus it is rather quirky to come across a Milka Cow at Al Bashaer Grocery. Jumeirah Road is ideal for walking as it has many little shops along it and the walking path is separate from the road. There is not much shade so take care to bring along water. There are water stations dispersed along the road that can also be used.

As it was getting hot, and because it is rude to break a promise, we made our way back to Mamma Italia for gelato.

So many flavours to choose from! We each had about 5 flavours that we tried. Really though, how can you say no when someone recommends you to try, try, try! We even tried Smurf ice cream. Does that make us cannibals?

I went for the Stracciatella in a waffle cone mainly because it seemed lighter than the Nutella one. But who am I kidding, lighter is the wrong word. We are talking about ice cream here. It was more refreshing than the Nutella. Have you ever had the dark chocolate ice cream from Cold Stone? That is what I would call a "heavy" ice cream. These gelatos did seem lighter than the typical Cold Stone fare and when you are looking for something indulgent and refreshing: light is right.

Take the time to explore your city. I know that I am thoroughly enjoying this aspect to living in a new place.

As usual: I was not compensated for this post so it is entirely my own rambling opinion.