Take It From Paul

LAST MONTH, WE gave you a sneak peek at Paul's which is easily becoming the latest hotspot for fine diners alike. This French boulangerie does not only boast of their baked goods, but they also have an extensive restaurant menu fit for any foodie of Riyadh.

In our latest visit to Paul's, we were now able to dine in and discover what they serve. 

Upon entering the Family Section, it immediately feels like a huge dining hall of a chateau, complete with large vintage baking posters and paintings adorning the walls. In rows were separated tables, instead of a long one (as it would in a chateau). The dining area is divided into three: one that directly meets you as you enter, another that can be secluded and an al fresco section can also be considered (with a garden aptly landscaped and dim lighting to boot). 

Maison de Quality means "House of Quality"

We were seated immediately and as we began reading our menu, we did run into some trouble in pronouncing the names of the dish. I did take some basic French in high school but that could only take me as far as prepositions and not pronouncing the last letters -- but luckily, an English explanation of the contents of the dish follows the often-tongue-twister-like names that you'd read off the list. ;) 

Everything prominently French was on the menu, like the traditional onion soup, gratins and quiches. But they also offer the staple items such as salads, steak, seafood, pizzas, pastas and sandwiches -- but all done to meet a French restaurant's standards - which most people (French people) consider superior than most. With that being said, expect that the price of their items meets that level just as much. After all, they wouldn't call it "House of Quality since 1889" for nothing. 

In true Filipino form though, we ordered more than we should have. A table for three looked liked six people were dining there (Well, how else can we best tell you what's good if we don't try to order as much as we can? Hihi) Here's what we had:

Complimentary bread

A summery fruit shake

Our waiter brought us our bread first which we paired with Paul's own packed olive and butter spreads. It met our expectations, which were only for it to be freshly baked (they are a bakery after all). Some of our choice of drinks were not available that night so I ended up with this summery fruit shake that I forgot the name of (sorry for that). The drink was just okay. It got me thinking though, if only wine were allowed to be served in the Kingdom, then a little bit of that would have been great to accompany our starters (especially the cheese platter):

Cheese Platter, 55SR

Who is a cheese person? I am! I honestly have dreams of attending cheese and wine tasting events in the next decade of my life and this just happens to be the beginning of it. Their cheese platter is composed of blue cheese (top), goat milk cheese (middle) and cheddar (or Dubliner, not quite sure) cheese. Again, I am not a cheese expert just yet, but what I do know is that the blue cheese is best paired with grapes, while the goat milk cheese goes well with the walnuts (and choco chips) and the cheddar/dubliner cheese goes with a slice of apple. As for the tomatoes, I know they're supposed to be great with mozarella but there weren't any on the platter so I am not the best person to tell you why they are included there. :P But I'll ask on my next visit.

Soupe a l'oignon tradionelle 29SR {Traditional French Onion Soup}

And the difficult name reading begins...LOL. Well, here we have the traditional french onion soup. Very well done (Campbell soup cans, eat your heart out!). This is one fine and fresh onion soup. Very rich and tasty and can easily fill you up if you're not careful. I wasn't able to finish my order not because it wasn't good, but I was just worried that if I did, I wouldn't get to enjoy the rest of our orders. By the way, french onion soup is naturally a tad bit sour, so if you've never tasted one before, just expect that along the way. 

Crabe et Saumon Salade, 49SR

This big plate of crab sticks, fresh rocket leaves, avocado, smoked salmon, mixed green, fresh tomatoes and lemon dressing is a hands-down winner for us! If only we had the eating habits of the West, then this salad alone would suffice to be considered as the lone item for dinner. Almost everything were made from fresh ingredients, the crab sticks were pristine, the smoked salmon just gave flavor to the entire plate and the soft rumble of textures between the avocados, mixed greens and that crunchy slice of baguette on top made every bite and chew a delight. This salad is highly recommended. :)

 While that salad had us all praises, of course, we didn't stop there. There're more:

Creme Pasta with Shrimp

We weren't able to jot down the real name of this pasta dish because it wasn't included in the main menu itself (it was just displayed on the tables as an additional order) but we found this creme pasta very tasty especially since it had a hint of wasabi as an aftertaste. With its hefty serving, one order of this would be good for three people already. 

Crepe au Saumon 49SR

This was our favorite since we were all salmon fanatics. This dish is made of two savory crepes of smoked salmon, cream cheese, light fresh cream topped with grated mozarella cheese. Served hot and delicious! Expect stringy strands of mozarella after every scoop. :)

Poulet Grille 79SR

Corn-fed chicken grilled to perfection with asparagus wrapped in beef bacon on the side. This main course is not much to rave about except if you are shooting for a safe choice. The mushroom sauce that accompanies it would be something to amp it up and the bacon (who doesn't like bacon!?) but other than that, I can't say much.

Filet de Boeuf Grille 119Sr

And the last of our main course choices was the steak, done medium well. Given that they offer the tenderloin part, the meat was moist and juicy enough but we believe that we've tasted better steak in another French restaurant so we can't exactly be all praises for this particular one. At least if ever you are at Paul's and find yourself craving for steak, they have one readily available.

--

By now, we were on French food overload (obviously). So we decided to dive into the chit chat for a while and even possibly, change tables (as if the change of scenery would override the fact that we've eaten aplenty!).

For dessert time, we asked if there was an available table at the outdoor section and luckily there was. We ordered coffee and a pot of tea and to accompany our conversations.

Chocolate Eclair

Almond Cake

Pot of Tea (Paul's Selection)

We stayed for another half hour out in their al fresco section until our drinks were done and there was nothing left to talk about. Overall, we liked our stay at Paul's -- some items really stood out like the Crabe au Saumon Salade and the Saumon Crepe - upon return, I would order those two from their menu, and then kalas! Certainly not going to overload next time. ;)

The ambience was snug and it looked like couples in tables for two were enjoying their own conversations. The place easily filled up after the last prayer so if you plan on going there around that time, make sure to phone in a reservation. The waiters were fast and efficient and they really knew the menu (even the difficult pronunciations). Plus, I have to say their take out arrangement was very organized -- I just had to say that because other restaurants don't really care anymore if you're taking home the rest of your order and just throw everything in in one styro box. But with Paul's, it was cleanly done with each dish in separate containers, even the sauces and that impressed me. Though I did wish they had a paper bag to put it in and take it home with, instead of that big plastic bag that felt a little bit un-French for me.

Anyway, if you're looking for something new, fine and French to dine in, why don't you try Paul's and have an elegant time!

xoxo,
Eyecandy



PAUL
Aknaz Center - Al Tahliah St. 

For reservations:
T: 966-1-416 9125

Visit their website at:
www.paul-bakeries.com

Like them on Facebook:
http://facebook.com/PAUL1889.arabia

Sneak Peek at Paul's

There's a new bakery in town. And it's classy.

"Paul" is a famous and long-loved French boulangerie (French term for "bakery") founded since 1889 and has been going global since the 90s. Finally, we don't have to travel far and wide to get a taste of that authentic, elegant French taste. 

If you must know, the French take pride in their bread-making skills and consider themselves as the authority when it comes to baking (among other things). This is just a preview of the newly opened "Paul" over at Thalia St. (right across the Centria Building). And while we have not tasted the food there yet, the place looks inviting and we're excited to try their menu out soon! 

I just happen to accompany a friend of mine who was getting takeout at the place when I decided to snap some photos away to share the news. :)

Here's a sneak peek at Paul's, which opened just last month. 

The entrance. 

Spare me a piece of bread! 

A big welcome!

The chocolate moelleux is the one at the back. 

I wonder if that means 140SR per slice (?)

It looks like Apple Pie.

Looks yummy!

It's beating out "Valentine's Day" to me. 

Apart from the bread and pies and tarts that I saw, I also saw waiter heading in and out of the kitchen with sandwiches and burgers. And when I checked online, indeed, it is part of their menu. They also feature a see-through kitchen where you can see everything that's going on as they bake their bread and prepare your food using top-of-the-line baking ovens.

Have a look-see.

It's for everyone. Singles and Families.

A view of the Family Section.

I did hear that they're packed during morning and lunch time, so best to call in for a reservation. 

Details are on their card below:

You can 'Like' them on Facebook too!

As for me, I headed out with a little taste test of their Brioche. I'm no French food expert, but I really liked its taste and how seemingly intricate the texture was. :) Must be perfect for breakfast.

Well, there you go. Stay tuned as we wait up for salary day and treat ourselves to this new French delight in Riyadh. Unless you go there before we do! ;) 

xoxo,

Eyecandy

Laduree Love

I FIRST GOT a taste of Laduree macarons when Shoegarfreeruby's dad came back from a business trip in France and brought her a number of these French delights. They were delicate and divine! Back then, I thought it would the first and last time that I would ever have the chance to have those delicious confectionaries in the orifices of my mouth. But I guess there's a reason why they say, 'Never say never!'

Before I go any further, don't mistake these macarons that I am talking about with the same "macaroons" that we have in the Philippines (i.e, the ones from Goldilocks). No, these French creations are made of meringue and almond paste in several different flavors. The macaroons that probably most of us are familiar with is the one made with coconut. The French altered the spelling intentionally to differentiate the two apart.

Laduree is known worldwide as the best macaron shop there is, and the moment I first saw that "Openning Soon" sign of Laduree near my favorite restaurant, The Noodle House, I was sure that there was going to be madness brewing among all the Laduree fans in Riyadh, Saudis and expats alike.

This sign took my breath away.

Soon enough this October, Sundrenched and I, along with our friends A and J, found the pristine doors of Laduree open -- the scent of freshly made macarons calling out to us and leading our feet to enter Paris' premiere tea salon and macaron shop, without having to fly off to France.

The macarons are calling.

The mainstay flavors of their macarons are Chocolate, Vanilla, Coffee, Rose, Pistachio, Raspberry, Blackcurrant violet, Caramel with salted butter, Red fruits, Orange Blossom, Liquorice and Lemon. S helped herself to a 9-pc. box with one of each flavor, while I eyed on 2 of each of the coffee, rose, pistachio, caramel and orange blossom flavors.

My 10.10.10 splurge.

As delightful as they are, they are very expensive. Believe me, when S and I were queuing to the cashier, we couldn't help but notice that all the ladies around us were donning Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Prada bags while we were in our humble pairs of New Yorker doctor bags. Nine pieces of macarons sell for 97 riyals, while should you choose to have them in a special kind of box (and my, are those boxes purrrteey), that will cost you no less than 150SR. Good thing it was a day after salary day when we visited, otherwise, it would be so hard to let go of almost a hundred riyals just for 'em Laduree macarons!

S is hooked on the Caramel Fleur de Sel.

Here I am making love to my personal favorite, the Pistachio flavored macaron.

I paired my macaron moment in the office with a cup of tea with milk and my oh my, it was supreme goodness! You can also enjoy this supreme goodness in the confines of Laduree's tea salon itself but reservation is a must and should be done ahead of time. The people are flocking in and it's shaping up to be THE place to be. Since our first visit, S and I have had Laduree Love Round 2, but this time, I could only afford one piece of Pistachio macaron. S on the other hand...well, let's just say (again) that she's hooked on those Caramel fleur de sels.

Cheers!

-ec-

Laduree-Riyadh can be found at the 2nd Flr. of Centria Mall,

Cor. of Olaya and Tahlia St., Riyadh

For reservations, contact T: 01-288-5075/F: 01-288-5074

Dining DUO Style

The Pink Tarha Team have had their enormous share of steaks, sushi, and shawarmas (that's American, Japanese and Middle-Eastern food). It's time for some European flair, must I say? Enter...


Located on the outskirts of Riyadh's city center, the extra drive to Exit 5 may well be worth your time. DUO serves a combination of fine French-Italian cuisine, aimed to awaken our senses to an authentic French and Italian experience. To begin with, the open dining area is the closest you can get to an al fresco feel with it's high, glass ceiling allowing natural light into the room. The yellow-painted walls are adorned with window panes carrying green fauna and the cobblestone-like floors and indoor light lamps are reminiscent of the streets of Italy. The ambiance is a fresh retreat from the overcrowded restaurants of the metro. It must be those high ceilings that make all the difference.

The entire restaurant is extremely spacious, also allotting seating area for those who would prefer closed dining. There is a second level, where the "Playstation" for children is located along with a couple of banquet halls that are available for corporate events or personal parties.

We arrived at DUO at around 6pm, and it wasn't a busy time just yet. As we sat on the wood-crafted, outdoorsy furniture browsing through the menu, we were served with complimentary fresh bread with mustard and olive spread.

For starters, we ordered DUO's delectable fruit drinks, concocted right off from their open bar. (No, unfortunately, there is no red or white wine with cheese to boot). They had an open salad bar though, which shows off their garden-fresh vegetable selection and several other healthy options.

DUO's Fruit Cocktails: Ciao (orange, banana and strawberry syrup), Monot (orange, pineapple and grapefruit) and Duo (orange, pineapple, apple, lemon and grenadine) at 18 SR each.

The salad bar was well-maintained and boasted of only the finely prepped vegetables. Fill up your plate for 25SR. Well worth the freshness!

From S, some crab meat, boiled egg, sweet corn, cheese and lettuce (there's some macaroni salad underneath too).

For J, some cherry tomatoes, fresh pineapples, lettuce and boiled egg. Looks delish, eh?

For me, French onion soup served in a round french bread with melted cheese for 15SR.

We had a good chit-chat as we waited for our food to arrive. The open dining area is open for smokers so if you are a "sunog-baga", feel free to puff a ciggie away just like the French do. Ahh, now for the main course:

A duo-style pizza. As the manager explained to us, DUO translates to "two" or a combination of two things. In their restaurant, it is the fusion of French and Italian food. In this pizza's case, it's the coming together of an Al Salmone pizza with a classic Pepperoni pizza. Al Salmone is made up of smoked salmon slices lying on a bed of tomato and cream sauce, mozarella cheese and rocket leaves. That bit was a hot item for us, as the tender salmon went well with the textured and mildly-spicy rocket leaves. I can't remember how much it was for a half-of-each pizza, but the price range of their pizzas go from 32SR to 48SR for 8 slices.

Chicken breast with 3 pepper sauce (42SR). Personally, we didn't think highly of this dish. It is after all...chicken. But what made this intricately different from your regular grilled chicken breast is the sauce and the spices used. According to the manager, the sauce was the most difficult one to prepare in the chicken section. The vegetables were scrumptious and sweet.

Spinach ravioli (42SR). Behold one of the definite highlights of our dinner: stuffed pasta with spinach in tomato and cream sauce. It was a very light and tasty dish. I wanted the cream sauce to linger on my mouth a bit longer...very delicious and I would highly recommend this dish to any vegetarian out there. :D Yum-OH!

Escalope Cordon Bleu (66SR). Here we have, pan fried breaded beef escalope stuffed with turkey ham and Gruyere cheese (a kind of Swiss/French cheese), served with mashed potatoes. Once we got over the slightly pungent scent, we thoroughly enjoyed the savory thinned meat. A bite size of this went well with the creamy mashed potatoes.

The girls and I shared the main courses and didn't fill ourselves up too much (hindi pa ba?!) because upon a friend's claim that their desserts are equally fulfilling, we decided to leave some space for the real goodies to come rolling in...Their dessert menu was composed of mostly French desserts, here is what we had:

I ordered this homemade strawberry cheesecake (25SR) and it really came off as light and fresh. The cream is fine and the strawberries were ripe and huge! This kind of cheesecake has a stark difference from the commercially-made cheesecakes we usually feast on at the mall. Apparently, french-style cheesecake are really light.

Creme Brulee (25SR). Creme Brulee is actually french for "burnt cream" and its preparation does require a bit of burning, so to speak, by caramelizing the sugar on top by using a small, kitchen butane torch. Now you've probably tasted leche flan before right? This is pretty much its posh, elegant, rich sister. It is essentially made of custard, only in this case, only the finer and fresher ingredients are used. I would imagine this better with some fruits to go with it. But on its own, I would say that there is nothing too special about its recipe.

Profiteroles with chocolate sauce (18SR). This towering piece of desert love is made up of cream puff pastry (aka "Profiteroles") in between generous scoops of vanilla ice cream. It was too picture perfect that we almost didn't want to dive our spoons into it. But we can't help it, this dessert is too much of a temptation to be left alone melting in its glory. It's not too sweet but it's quite addicting.

Now we originally didn't order this next desert, but when Chef Faisal, whom we were fortunate enough to meet, insisted that we try this, we just couldn't say no. He even said that he will prepare it himself! Chef Faisal is the Head Chef of the restaurant and also stars on his own cooking show on the Saudi cable network. Fancy huh?

Meet the Chocolate Fondant (25SR)

[Enter halo and cherubims singing]

Without a shadow of a doubt, this chocolate fondant is the Piece de Resistance of DUO's dessert list. Think Lava Cake, only a thousand times better! The cake is cooked to perfection and the chocolate that pours out of it is simply smooth and rich. It may appear to be one of those things that can give you instant diabetes, but I swear to you, it is not too sweet as it looks. We learned that all the chocolates used in their restaurant are made from Swiss chocolates that they purchase in block-form. For any order they prepare, they create it from scratch from these imported blocks of chocolate. One of us described this as, "Simply DIVINE! " while I commented that, "I would LOVE to eat this off someone". Yum. Yum. Yum. After tasting this chocolate fondant, we guarantee that we will never EVER taste chocolate and chocolate cake the same way again.

And you thought dessert would mark the end of our dining? Oh not just yet. :P What Italian experience would be complete without a sip of coffee? Or better known as their "espresso". This also gave us some more time to talk and let all the spirit of good food and good company take over us that evening. Isn't that how the Italians do it?

Mocha Viennois (12SR). S enjoyed this coffee made of cafe mocha and cream very much. She wished she had more space in her stomach to drink this down to the last drop.

Cafe Caracas (12 SR). Another tall order of coffee, vanilla ice cream and cream for our friend, J. It is pretty much like dessert part II really. But the coffee somehow jolted us a bit from our pending lethargy from all the food that we've consumed.

Cappuccino (8SR). This cup of capp is for me. One of the little things I love about any java cup is the little details, such as the foam and that sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Ahh, this was the perfect way to end such a lovely dining experience.

DUO is definitely not your ordinary restaurant. But don't let the extravagant interiors and fine dishes intimidate you. They surely have something for everyone: kids, couples, friends/co-workers, even large family gatherings. As me and the girls say, "Try something new everyday"...and look where it took us! A little indulgence once in a while wouldn't hurt. (especially when it comes to great food!) Rest assured, everything that we had at DUO was fresh and intricately prepared. The service was attentive and respectful, the space was unique and serene, and the food...well, you read our post and saw the pictures! What else can we say?

Spend your next special occasion at a place that makes everything special: DUO.


Salute!

-ec-

DUO
North Ring Road, Exit 5 (near Le Mall)
Tel: 01-200-6868
Fax: 01-456-0583

Soon to open in Jeddah!