Fine Italian Dining at Da Pino

I have truly changed the way I look at hotel restaurants. They have changed my perception because so far, most of the restaurants inside the hotels I've eaten in have provided good food and great ambiance. I've tried Hotel Al Khozama's Garden Barbecue, Al Faisaliah's The Globe buffet, and Radisson Blu's Shogun. Now I return to Al Khozama to try their Italian restaurant, Da Pino.

Charming is the first word that came into my mind when I stepped in Da Pino Restaurant located at the Al Khozama Center. If you've been in this centre, the first thing you'll notice is it's empty, especially the ground floor. The only activity you'll hear is the ding of the elevator that takes you to the restaurants. Anyway, Da Pino is one of the best Italian restaurants in Riyadh. A claim to enjoy authentic regional Italian cuisine is at hand. Who am I to refuse? (Even though I have no idea what authentic Italian cuisine tastes like... I haven't been to Italy!)

See how small? You're halfway to the kitchen!

Da Pino is a small restaurant. It encourages intimate gatherings of family and friends. This is where you'll be tucked in your own little space and enjoy conversations in between bites of good food. The colors of the place remind me of an outdoor rural setting near a vineyard. The dim, yellowish lighting however didn't give me enough light to take good photos.

Ahhh the Italian colors with a dash of sunshiny yellow

As per almost all our Italian meals in Riyadh, dinner started with bread and butter. I love one of their breads that resembled our very own pan de sal. It's a bit salty and sweet and with the butter melting into its fold. What a nice opener.

An assortment of yummy breads

We also ordered the Calamari Fritti (SR 75), again, another dish so familiar to me that no peculiar execution to this dish can surprise me anymore. While the pieces of squid rings were lightly-seasoned and perfectly-fried, this contained no surprise. It's just delightfully satisfying. However, I think I wished for more of these.

There's something ordinary on this calamares.

I ordered the Lasagne Fatto in Casa (SR 75), a classic dish with spinach pasta sheets sandwiching meat and cheese in its layers. This pasta is highly-recommended and for good reason! I love how saucy and meaty it is. There's little embellishment when it comes to this dish. It's perfectly rich and creamy with the bolognaise sauce rounding all ingredients up nicely. 

Uhmn no, that's not a pizza.

Underneath is the gooey pasta! It's almost a sin to destroy the top cheesy crust.

The star of the night belongs to my friend's Cotoletta Milanese (SR 135), a dish of veal escalope accompanied by baked potato. The meat is so tender; it almost has the consistency of chicken! Granted that the thinning of the veal made it more tender and cooked with less moisture loss, it's still an incredible feat to have this juicy, flavorful dish that is absolutely lip-smacking! The sauce, while liberally poured, has a sublime yet luxe taste. I've told my friend I wanted to steal her dish because it was so good! 

Can you be mine?

Seriously, you're veal?! So tender like chicken!

The dishes are good for sharing. Except the veal escalope... keep that to yourself! Haha! Check out Da Pino's menu here. Their lunch and dinner are ala carte but they have a live pasta station where you can choose your own kind of freshly-made pasta and sauces from Tuesday to Thursday. 

Now, I'm truly a believer that hotel restaurants can be true to their word of high-quality food and top-notch service. They're still expensive but for quite good reasons. That's why, I'm suggesting you dine in these places on special occasions unless you want to dine here every day then I'm not stopping you also. Buon appetito! ~ Sundrenched

Da Pino Italian Restaurant

Al Khozama Center

Olaya Street, 

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

T: +966-11-273-2222

FB: https://www.facebook.com/hotelalkhozama

Twitter: @al_khozama

Ramadan Promos and Offerings 2014 (Restaurants)

So, we've done the hotels, now it's time to bring you the list of restaurants and their Iftar offerings. I thought we've done this last year and I've been looking for it in our archive. Turns out we only shared them in our Facebook page and didn't make this kind of list in our blog. So this is the first time. And you know how many restaurants are in Riyadh? A LOT. Gathering them up will take me the entire Ramadan. So here's an initial list of the restaurants that made a good effort in making their Ramadan menu known through their social media. 

Indeed a tender way to break fast.

Piatto Italian Restaurant offers a menu of delicious pastas, pizza, and meat dishes at a reduced price specially for Ramadan. You can start off with their creamy Warm Artichoke Spinach Dip and dig in their free fresh garden salad, soup of the day and rosemary garlic bread. Check out their Ramadan menu HERE. Piatto has branches in Exit 5 and in Panorama Mall.

W: www.piatto.com.sa

FB: https://www.facebook.com/PiattoKSA

T: +966-11-211-4678

TSC Signature's good food (photo from their FB page)

One of our faves, TSC Signature, has a set menu for their Ramadan Iftar. If you order any of their main dishes ranging from SR 65 (sandwich/burger), SR 75 (pizza/pasta) to SR 95 (for their yummy steak), you get a free soup, appetizers (includes sambusa and Italian and Arabic salads), homemade desserts, and a choice of beverage. Visit their menu HERE. TSC Signature is located just off Tahlia Street.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/pages/TSC-Signature/418601704939784?fref=nf 

T: +966-11-293-9693 

An array of starters from Trader Vic's buffet

Trader Vic’s in Panorama Mall is one of the restaurants that offering a buffet during Ramadan. Last year, we enjoyed their appetizers and main courses. This year, we haven’t tried it but you can beat us to it. SR 109 per person.

FB: www.facebook.com/tradervics.sa 

T: +966-11-281-4782 

Lusin, the first and only restaurant that serves Armenia cuisine in Riyadh is having a buffet for Ramadan. So if you’re trying to find something new to your palate, then get ready to fork over SR 225 per person in Centria Mall. 

W: www.lusinrestaurant.com 

T: 9200 02690 

BBQ Chicken delivers!

BBQ Chicken ushers out their cold buffet, soups and desserts at SR 55 per person and free for kids under the age of 6. Then you can choose your main meal from their a la carte menu. From SR 39 chicken dishes to SR 39 pastas, no item in their Ramadan menu is over SR 50! You can check out their menu HERE. BBQ is in Thalateen Street.

W: www.bbqchickenksa.com

T: +966-11-462-3343 

Best Ramadan deal ever! :P

You know where you’ll get the best Ramadan deal ever? At a furniture shop! Yes, IKEA is offering a Ramadan combo priced at SR 19. You read that right: SR 19! For that price, you’ll get a main meal, desert, salad, and soup! Your kids get an even sweeter deal because it’s only SR 9 for them. 

W: www.ikea.com.sa 

The steakhouses in the city are all ready for Iftar! Check out the following offerings from the authorities of grilled meats: 

What are you having?

Steak House will welcome you with an Iftar menu that’s almost fit for 2 people because just a trip to their soup and salad bar is enough to fill your hungry tummies! You get those for free if you order any of their special meals included in their Ramadan menu which you can check out HERE. Reserve as early as possible because branches to tend to get packed. Steak House is located in Exit 5 and in Thalateen Street.

FB: www.facebook.com/SteakHouseSA 

T: 800-249-2222 

Outback Steakhouse in Localizer Mall has an SR 67 Ramadan menu. Choose from their Alice Springs Chicken, Mahi Hearts of Gold, Grilled Chicken on the Barbie, and Prime Rib Pasta and you’ll get to enjoy their free selection of dates, Arabic coffee, sambousa, soup, and salad. With a dessert of vanilla ice cream to boot! 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/outbacksteakhouseksa 

T: +966-11-217-4633 

You'll already be full with Applebee's appetizers!

Applebee’s is offering two choices for your Iftar meal. A Set Menu where you can order one of their selected dishes and you’ll get a free drink, salad, soup, and dates. The other is their Unlimited Menu where you’ll get unlimited soups, salads, and appetizers when you order one of their pre-determined entrees. Unfortunately their menu is not available online so you have to visit to see it. Applebee's is in Tahlia Street

W: www.applebeesme.com

Try checking out food delivery sites hellofood.com, foodonclick.com and otlob.com too. Restaurants in their list are also offering Ramadan specials. Just make sure to chat with their representative online to make sure that your resto of choice is already open for delivery. Ramadan timings vary.

There are more iftar offers for sure but I can't research them all in one day, especially when some of them encourages you to go to their restos instead to find out what they're offering. I'll be updating this list as we encounter more offers and try some of them as the holy month of Ramadan unfolds in Riyadh. Check back this entry from time to time. Or follow us in our Facebook page. :) 

Ramadan Kareem! ~ Sundrenched

Ramadan Tents and Buffets 2014 (Hotels)

A lot of our readers are waiting for this list of tents and buffets in Riyadh now that Ramadan is here. There are a lot of options as you can see. It's up to you to choose! Again, we suggest you enjoy and cherish these special meals with your families and friends... the more the better!

Lavish Ramadan tent at the Ritz

The Ritz Carlton in Riyadh has two venues for their Ramadan offerings. One in the Al Orjouan Restaurant and another in their Ramadan Tent. Both are priced the same and serve international cuisine. 

Price: SR 325 per person 

Reservations: +966-11-802-8020 

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Riyadh/Default.htm 

Al Faisaliah Hotel's Grand Ballroom is open for after at SR 330 per person. The renowned Globe Restaurant with panoramic views of the city is open for suhoor at SR 330 per person also. Its sister Hotel Alkhozama is also offering after buffets in two of their restaurants: For Al Nakheel, it's SR 160 while in Garden Barbecue, it's SR 195 per person for after and SR 135 for suhoor. 

Reservations: +966-11-273-2000
You can get the Al Faisaliah deals at 50% by getting the vouchers in Groupin!

http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/al-faisaliah-hotel-riyadh 

http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/hotel-al-khozama-riyadh 

The grand Ramadan tent of Four Seasons 

Four Seasons Hotel in the Kingdom Centre offers an exquisite Ramadan tent at their Kingdom Ballroom. 

Price: SR 345 per person 

Reservations: +966-11-211-5544 

http://www.fourseasons.com/riyadh/ 

The appetizer table of Marriott's Mosaic Restaurant entices!

The Riyadh Marriott Hotel is welcoming you to their buffets both for after and suhoor. We like the Marriott's friendly managers and staff, and of course, their delicious food! 

Price: SR 235 for iftar | SR 145 for suhoor 

Reservations: +966-11-477-9300 

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ruhsa-riyadh-marriott-hotel/ 

Sheraton Riyadh Hotel and Towers is serving their rich buffet after at their pool garden. 

Price: SR 240 

Reservations: +966-11-454-3300 

http://www.sheratonriyadh.com/

Four Points by Sheraton Khaldia celebrates the holy month of Ramadan with special treats from their Al Nakheel Restaurant. 

Price: SR 155 for iftar | SR 110 for suhoor 

Reservations: +966-11-268-2222 

http://www.fourpointsriyadhkhaldia.com/ 

That chocolate fountain is a super sweet treat!

Meanwhile, the Intercontinental Hotel in Al Maather Street is inviting you to try their sumptuous after with mouthwatering cuisine. 

Price: SR 265 for after | SR 185 for suhoor 

Reservations: +966-11-465-5000 

http://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/riyadh/ruhha/hoteldetail 

The Hilton Garden Inn in Olaya is having a promo so bring your friends because if you go there with four of your companions (making you a group of 5) for iftar, you'll only pay for 4! 

Price: SR 135 for after | SR 95 for suhoor 

Get the voucher from Cobone and you'll only pay SR 99 per person. 

Reservations: +966-11-293-5533 

http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/ 

Deals on other hotels can also be found in Cobone. Try them out too! 

Now that is a dessert buffet!

Golden Tulip Hotel offers traditional and international food in their Andalusia Restaurant. Only SR 55 if you buy the voucher here: http://www.cobone.com/deals/riyadh-food-ramadan/goldintulipriyadh-19june-iftarbuffet/31659 Prebooking required so call in your reservations. 

Price: SR 55 via Cobone 

Reservations: 0548457215 

The modern vibe of Business Hotel

The Business Hotel, also in Olaya, boasts of an after and suhoor buffet created by Executive Michelin stars awarded Chef Charles Andreou. Try their cuisine by buying the voucher for their after tent here: http://www.cobone.com/deals/riyadh-food-ramadan/thebusinesshotel-23june-iftarorsahourbuffet/31918 

Price: SR 99 via Cobone 

Reservations: +966-217-3777 

www.tb-hotels.com 

Carawan Al Fahad Hotel serves a feast!

Carawan Al Fahad Hotel in Oruba has a wide variety of Arabic, International, and Oriental dishes in their buffet line-up. Their Cobone voucher is only SR 80 so get it here: http://www.cobone.com/deals/riyadh-food-ramadan/carawanallfahad-19june-RamadanIftarBuffet/31797 

Price: SR 80 via Cobone 

Reservations: +966-11-217-2345 

www.carawan-alfahad.com

So what's next? The restaurants' offers and promos, of course! Don't hold your breath; it's coming! :) ~ Sundrenched

For Your Eyes Only

With Ramadan here upon us, shopping becomes challenging. The malls are open during the day but some stores inside the malls are closed. We have to wait for 9:00PM, or the time after the isha prayer to do our shopping. At least during that time, we're sure that all the stores are open. No second guessing and no time is wasted. Of course, this little sacrifice on our part is nothing compared to the greater sacrifice behind the closing of the shops. Our Muslim brothers and sisters are fasting and sacrificing during this holy month of Ramadan.

What I don't get though is this new ruling to close the shops at 9:00PM before the end of this year. In the Philippines, malls and stores typically close around 9:00PM too but they don't close during prayer times. So how many hours are left for us to shop and do our errands? Don't even start talking about the 6:00AM opening of shops because who wakes up at around 5:00AM to go shopping at 6:00AM and be ready for work at 7:00AM during a week day?! Seriously, does that even makes sense? I laughed at this news and infographic from Arab News. I wonder where they got their positive feedback? All I hear and read are the opposite. Oh well... 

When physically going to the stores becomes challenging, online shopping enters and our problems seem to magically go away with a click of the "Buy" button. Retail therapy for The Pink Tarha ladies has been transferred online nowadays. And I've tried a few over the past few weeks. Try them too because their products are worth it and their ordering and shipping service are extra good!

Enhance Your Eyes With Candylens

I pretty much wear clear contact lenses these days. But once in a while, I want my eyes to pop and have that special effect brought about by the ever popular Circle Lens! If you're Asian, you've probably heard and seen circle contact lenses. They're the kind of lens that gives your eyes an effect that makes it look like a doll's pair of eyes. It makes your eyes bigger and sparkling and everyone who see you will definitely take a double look. 

There are no readily available circle lenses here in Riyadh. The choices for colored contact lenses are limited and expensive. Good thing, I chanced upon Candylens, an online shop that sells these circle lenses. Going through their catalog took me quite a while because I couldn't decide. 

Choose the right circle lens for you!

There are so many brands and kinds and effects to choose from! I tend to gravitate towards the lenses that will just slightly alter my eyes' appearance. Nothing drastic like these crazy Halloween lens! Finally, after three days of going back and forth in the website, I ended up getting the Hana SPC Barbie Circle Brown Lens and the G&G Diamond Black. I also gifted my friend the G&G Diamond Brown. Both my lenses are graded -2.00. All lens come with a free animal case (cute!!!).

My eye companions. With their cute companions. 

Shopping in Candylens is super easy and effortless. They offer popular brands like Geo Medical, EOS, and Dolly Wink. They also gathered the lenses in categories so it's easier to look for lenses that suits your needs. If you have prescription like me, they offer lenses from -1.00 up to -10.00! Each pair costs around $20-$33. Sometimes, they also go on sale. When shopping, just add the lenses to your cart and proceed to checkout. You can pay through your credit card or Paypal. Candylens offers shipping to Saudi Arabia at a very reasonable rate. Only $5.00 for Global Mail (15-20 days) and $23 for FedEx (estimate for one pair).

Natural with a hint of enchantment

When my orders arrived via FedEx (took them 3 days to deliver it), I tried my contact lenses immediately! Despite their dimensions being bigger, they're super comfy to wear. I also like that my choices enhanced my eyes instead of making them appear weird. My friend who wore her pair of circle lens almost every day received a lot of compliments. Truly, it's a worthy purchase! Candylens also sells eye care products, false eyelashes, BB creams, and eye makeup. I love the Rohto C3 Cube Cool Moist Charge Eye Drops. It keeps my eyes and lens from getting dry.

Candylens

W: www.candylens.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/candylens

E: admin@candylens.com

Tired Eyes Be Gone

Speaking of the eyes, do you have dark circles under them? Or maybe your eyes just feel tired and stressed all the time? Well, worry no more because a Hollywood secret just came out of the open! 

Eyes by ToGoSpa has been getting rave reviews online. These moisture-packed collagen gel pads provide instant cooling relief for eyes that suffer from dark circles, under-eye bags, fine lines, stress, and fatigue. Famous Hollywood celebrities have been using them; their praises for this instant wonder eye product are non-stop. We Riyadhizens can buy and try this eye pads too through Instagram shop, Cornelia KSA. 

Cornelia KSA at your service

Cornelia KSA is an online IG shop that sells beauty products like popular nail lacquer brands Essie and Ciate and bestselling blush brand Tarte. They sell mostly American makeup brands. They ship  anywhere to Saudi Arabia via FedEx for SR 35 only. 

One of their popular products is Eyes by ToGoSpa and I just have to try it! I got the Ice Water (Refreshing) variant and had it delivered via Fedex. Payment is via wire transfer. I had to get the package from their branch in Oruba. On to the product... Each pack of Ice Water Eyes includes three pairs of undereye patches. One use of one pair promises to soothe, moisturize, and de-puff tired eyes in just 15-20 minutes. 

Instant eye pick-upper

When I tried one, I didn't get to see and feel immediate results. And yup, there was no major changes but I felt that the delicate dermis below my eye improved its texture and appearance a bit. It also felt refreshed and hydrated. I would like to try the other Eyes variants next time. The coconut and green tea Eyes look interesting too.

Cornelia KSA

IG: http://instagram.com/cornelia_ksa

E: cornelia.ksa@gmail.com

So while the shops are closed during Ramadan, we still can shop... online and on Instagram! Don't let the situation limit you remember? Shop on, Riyadhizens! ~ Sundrenched

A Classic 50s Act at Bud's

Guess how many times have we written about restaurants that specialises in BURGERS in the blog? Nah, don't count (but it will help our stats if you go through our blog over and over, haha!) because I couldn't count either. There are just so many burger shops that I wonder why most people are fascinated with it. Why do they like burgers so much?!? Yes, burgers are quite handy, basically a complete meal, and affordable.. uhmn yeah what was the question again?! Haha. So okay, here we go with another burger restaurant. Again?! Sorry not sorry.

If you pass by Tahlia Street, our favorite Riyadh street at night (NOT!), you will notice the area where the lighthouse-looking building is (used to be Hediard), you'll see a gathering of new restaurants merging with the classics (like Buffalo's). That's called the Galaxy Center. And then you'll notice a shop called Classic Cars or something, that has to do with... old, expensive cars. No, I will not talk about that but it's just apt that it's situated a stone throw away from Bud's Road Classic Diner, one of the retro-ish burger places in Riyadh with half a car and motorcycles as decorations inside!

Bud's Road Classic Diner is a Saudi brand serving American fast food cuisine. It promises a cheerful ambiance that represents the happy 1950s. When you go inside Bud's you'll be reminded of the Frosty Palace in Grease or the Chok'lit Shoppe in Archie's Comics where the characters hang-out after school. A diner is an old-fashioned ice cream parlour slash soda fountain shop that capitalizes on nostalgia in the United States. Bringing it here in Riyadh however makes for a novel restaurant that brings the customers out of Riyadh for a bit. 

Hello to the 50s!

I love the stainless and leather seats, and the car that has a table and chair in between! Coolio! It would have been cooler if it's not in the men's section. The black and white checkered walls are adorned with vintage prints and road signs. The counters are shiny and the tables even have swivelling tiny doors! Awesome! I bet you're counting on a sing and dance number coming out but alas! None.

A nod to the good 'ol happy days of America

Can't use that car, er, table... it's in the men's section. Sigh.

I was honestly gawking at the massive motorcycles above me when I ordered. I mean if you didn't get curious at that retro gas station then you will tie up the theme when you encounter the motorcycle and and vintage car inside. I ordered one of their burgers with barbecue sauce (it has always been my default to anything sweet and savory) and a strawberry milkshake.

Pinks and motorcycles huh? Bring it on! 

Hat's off to the presentation of the burger. It was served on a canteen tray complete with French fries and coleslaw. Now I am not ignoring the burger but I have to tell you, those fries are great! My friend had to steal some from my tray because she ordered salmon! (Hello, who orders salmon at a burger joint?! Someone who wants to rebel against the student pack, that's who!) Anyway, the burger is meaty and juicy. It was not a WOW burger but its definitely good. 

Now this is making me miss my school days! Caf time!

No compromise on this tray! There are condiments though.

One more item that I truly enjoyed, making me wish I can lick off my fingers without losing my poise is the Bud's Wings! They're sweet and spicy and sprinkled with cheese. All my favourite flavours and things in one bucket! I'm salivating just by thinking and writing about them!

Ahhhh my precious!

Lickin', I mean... looking' good!

My friend wasn't awed by her salmon dish (again, her fault for ordering the non-burger dish in a burger restaurant) but she liked it. She had a lemon mint drink with it. The whole green and yellow food ensemble she had going on looked like she's a vegetarian on a burger diner! Crazy right?! Haha!

This dish is screaming healthy to me! Hello green and yellow!

Refreshing, zesty tonic

Anyway, the drink was refreshing and my milkshake was think and creamy and oh-so-sweet! It was sinful and good at the same time. Goodness, the huge motorcycles and leather seats might have brought out the rebel in me! Haha!

Sinfully delectable

So, if you're missing Archie comics and want to be transported to the 50s for an hour or so, visit Bud's Road Classic Diner! Yep, it's a classic! ~ Sundrenched

Bud's Road Classic Diner

Galaxy Center, Tahlia Street

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

T: +966-11-4611058

W: www.budsroad.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/BudsRoadDiner

Opening Hours: 12:30PM - 1:00AM

Top 5 Things to Remember During Ramadan in Riyadh

I've already been through 6 Ramadans in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia but for some reason, I always forget some things that are necessary during this month. As a non-Muslim, there are changes that do not become second nature to me during Ramadan. For example, I am still not aware of the operating hours of some business like the banks and the supermarkets. What time do they open again?!? Or do the restaurants close during the isha'a prayer or do they remain open once they open for iftar?! Yup, 6 years in the Kingdom and I can't still seem to remember. And I always grasp for the answers when Ramadan already starts. Typical. 

In order to remember all these things, I decided to write about them so come next Ramadan, I will not forget. Sheesh, I should've written this 5 Ramadans ago! Anyway, here are things you need to remember during Ramadan:

1. DO NOT EAT/DRINK/SMOKE IN PUBLIC.

Most expats in Saudi Arabia already know this. And in case you're new or you forgot... don't worry, every year, the newspapers remind you of it. Like this news article from Arab News that says Non-Muslims told not to eat in public during Ramadan. Yup, NEWS... is this something new? I nearly rolled my eyes and exclaimed, "I know that! Don't we know that?!?" There is a huge penalty if caught eating/drinking/smoking in public. You lose your job and get deported. Many expats, especially us non-Muslims respect the holy month of Ramadan and the sacrifices that our Muslim brothers and sisters do for this month. I honestly believe that if there will be someone caught doing this, it's only because they unconsciously forgot or are ignorant about the rule (probably because he/she is new) and not because they want to disrespect anyone. So deportation is a bit harsh for a punishment don't you think? Anyway, again DO NOT EAT, DRINK, AND SMOKE IN PUBLIC DURING RAMADAN. Also, don't play loud music.

2. WORKING HOURS ARE REDUCED.

In consideration to our Muslim brothers and sisters who are fasting, the working hours in both government and private companies and institutions are reduced, mostly by 2 hours. Some companies will start their working hours late or some might end theirs early. Some gives a general schedule that includes all employees but some companies and hospitals will opt that non-Muslims retain the normal working hours. So don't be surprised if the roads on your way to work on Ramadan mornings are empty and it's chaotic when you go home in the afternoon.

During regular days, you will not see King Fahd Road as empty and clean as this.

3. BUSINESS OPERATING HOURS ARE CHANGED.

"What time does (name of shop) open during Ramadan?" This is one of the most popular questions asked during Ramadan. Honestly, I just want to shrug all these questions off or answer 'I don't know!' Because like I said, I tend to forget what happened last Ramadan (except number 1, I don't forget that). Anyway, I also want to know. So I researched and came up with this list of popular stores/business centers and their operating hours.

Carrefour - 10:30AM to 2:00AM (they close during the prayer times)

Jarir Bookstore - Depends per store so the schedule is quite long to put in this entry. Check it HERE.

IKEA - Saturday to Thursday (12:30PM to 5:00PM and 9:00PM to 3:00AM) | Friday (9:00PM to 3:00AM

Malls - Some malls are open from 10:00AM to 5:00PM (closes during prayer times) but the brands/stores inside are not all open. So to be sure, just go around 9:00PM to 2:00AM.
Banks - Varies depending on banks. But most are open from 10:00AM to Asr prayer.
- Alrajhi Bank (10:00AM - 3:30PM)
- Saudi Hollandi Bank (10:00AM - 4:00PM)
- Banque Saudi Fransi (10:00AM - 4:00PM)
Enjaz - Saturday to Thursday (10:00AM - 4:00PM and 9:00PM to 12:00 midnight) | Friday (9:00PM to 12:00 midnight)

4. RESTAURANTS OPEN DURING THE MAGHREB PRAYER.

Most restaurants are closed during the day. The maghreb prayer signals the breaking of the fast during the Ramadan so instead of closing, the restaurants are opening at this time. Some restaurants are already open 30 minutes to 1 hour before the maghreb prayer to accommodate customers for iftar. Restaurants also closed during the isha prayer but most of them will let customers stay inside to eat. They open again after the isha and are open until midnight or the wee hours of the morning for suhoor.

5. TAKE NOTE OF TIMINGS and TERMINOLOGIES.
Here is the table of the prayer times in Riyadh during Ramadan.

Taken from Islamic Finder

I looked at Muslim Pro, the iphone app I used to check prayer times, for comparison and the only difference is around 1-2 minutes on some of the timings above. So who knows who's that accurate?!

I used Arabic terminologies in the entry and you're probably thinking 'wut?!' so here goes some terminologies that you'll mainly encounter during Ramadan.

Ramadan - The ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. For this year, it will run from June 29 to July 26.
Imzak - Start of the fasting time. It begins when the first light of dawn becomes visible.
Fajr - The dawn call to prayer; usually imzak begins a few minutes before the fajr.
Suhoor - The meal eaten before the start of fasting.
Iftar - Breaking of the fast immediately after sunset. It takes place at maghreb prayer as soon as the Adhan (call to prayer) is called.
Sawm - The Arabic word for fast.
Eid Al Fitr - A three-day celebration that marks the end of Ramadan and the starts of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This year, it will probably start on July 30, 2014.

So there you go. I hope that I cleared up some confusion whenever Ramadan comes around. To our Muslim brothers and sisters, we hope that Allah accept your sacrifices and good deeds. Ramadan Kareem! ~ Sundrenched

House Hunting in Riyadh: Things To Check Before Signing That Lease Contract

Okay, so we've been combing Riyadh for the rental home of our dreams and we think we found, The One. Okay, reality check. Probably not our dream home, but at least a comfortable place to live in here in Riyadh. But before we jumped in and signed the contract, we had to make sure that everything was going to be acceptable by turnover. After all who doesn't want to come home to a nice and cozy place, right? 

We've compiled a list of things you might want to consider when choosing your new home. Some of these may be self-explanatory but sometimes we get carried away by how the flat looks and we overlook the important things. Ready? Let's get crackin'!

Phone/Internet 

Hubby and I both depend on our computers for work. Suffice it to say that we cannot survive without internet access. Hubby had to make sure that our new flat could be fitted with an STC line and installed with an internet line or a fiber optic cable. In case, you know, we'll need 40mbps of internet at home. LOL.

Anyway, he called STC and they asked if the building already had an "STC Cabinet". Look for a metal STC sign around the building wall. If the building doesn't have an STC cabinet it will take longer for you to get a line. Ours took only 2 days to install because it was already STC-ready. Also if you plan to upgrade to a fiber optic line, check for the letters "FTTH" on the second row.

Water Pressure

The flat we found was nice to look at but when hubby came back to check, it turns out that the tap's water pressure was really low. So we asked to building owner to repair it first. Trickling water is a deal breaker if you live three floors up.

Cracks on the Wall or Ceiling Damages

When a building is new, sometimes it needs to "settle" first. This is very common for places that experience extreme temperatures as it causes the building materials to expand and contract before finally setting in. If it's just hair line cracks, that's normal and easy to repair. But if these are wide cracks that re-crack after repair, it may indicate structural issues with the building. You have to take note of these because you might be held responsible for damages when the time comes to move out.

Painting

Are you allowed to paint the wall? Do you really need to paint the wall? If you do, be prepared to work on it over the entire weekend. Do this at least a week before you move your things in as some paint smell can be really harsh. Talk to paint sellers to determine the right kind of paint for your needs and lifestyle. 

Air Conditioning

Some buildings are built with big rectangular holes ready for window type A/C installation. But some flats are built with split-type A/Cs in mind, in which case there are small built-in holes ready. Most of the time you won't have a choice in this matter and you won't be allowed to tear down the wall, so take note of this and weigh in your options. Split A/Cs are much more expensive than window-type A/Cs and hiring someone to install these units will set you back around 200-300 SAR/per A/C unit.

Kitchen

Is the flat outfitted with a built-in kitchen? That's great! If not, buying second hand kitchen cabinets at Haraj would cost around 1000 SAR plus installation charges. New kitchen cabinets costs around 1700 SAR - 3000 SAR including installation. The price depends on the kitchen measurements and you can customize the cabinets to suit your needs. You can also choose the colors of marble counter top and choose between an aluminum metal sink or a marble sink. You might also chance upon expats selling their kitchen cabinets but you'll have to find your own carpenter/plumber to install it. IKEA kitchens cabinets are beautiful but they also cost much more. But if you can splurge, why not. Hehehe. You can check out their website here: http://www.ikea.com/sa/en/

One of the dainty kitchens we found on our house hunting escapades

Tiled or Carpeted

Some units are fitted with beautiful tiles and this allows you to go carpet-free. Carpets on the other hand are good insulation and can maintain the room's temperature during Riyadh's harsh winter. Should you decide to install carpets it will set you back anywhere from 15 SAR to 100 SAR per square meter, depending on the quality. 

Electric and Water Bills

Check if the flat has its own electric and water meters. Some buildings do not have individual meters and you might end up splitting the electricity bill with 2 or more flats. Are you going to be comfortable with that? Different areas and buildings also charge differently. Don't forget to check if all the rooms have enough electric outlets.

Location

Is the neighborhood safe? Are there enough parking spaces? Is the building close to a bakala or grocer that sells drinking water and other stuff you might need? How close do you need to be to a Mosque?

The Contract

If you're ready to take the plunge, check the contract first before paying the Aqari Fee, as this fee is usually non-refundable and will cost around 500-1000 SAR. The contract will usually state who will be responsible for repairs so make sure that any problem/solution will be discussed before you sign the contract. Some building owners do not offer maintenance service and you'll have to shoulder the cost of repairs, so you have to make sure that everything is in tiptop shape prior to move in.

Tips 

It's much better if you look for a house with your spouse because you'll be able to decide right away whether a flat is acceptable or not. However, make sure that you are on the same page with what you expect to rent, your budget and what you can compromise. Also, if you really like a flat don't wait too long because it might not be available the next time you come back. Don't forget to bring water as you'll be in and out of your car a lot while you scout for flats.

While house hunting and choosing a flat can be tedious and time consuming, don't be deterred. Try to make it an enjoyable experience by brainstorming, daydreaming and planning with your spouse. Try to be creative together. If your wife's not in the Kingdom yet, take videos and photos of the flats you scout and show it to her online.  Keyword here is Together.

The trend of finding your home online is becoming more and more popular in Saudi. Websites like Lamudi and ERA are for those of us interested in renting or buying apartments, villas, lands, office space or even a piece of land. Results will show photos of the properties and other contact details of the seller. Oh and they have listings in both Arabic and English, so locals and expats can use them. It`s a good way to check your options before getting in the car and start running around from a place to another without having a clue about the property you're visiting.

Good Luck and Happy Hunting!

Sampaguita Pride