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

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

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

Scented Senses of Verger De France

Did you know that women have a keener sense of smell than men? It’s a scientific fact. Interestingly enough though, the founders of cosmetics and perfume company, Zohoor Al Reef were actually, two brothers! How fascinating. :) Now a household name all over Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, Zohoor Al Reef recently launched a new line of body care and fragrances called Vergers de France (translates to “Orchards of France”). We were fortunate enough to be one of the invited guests for the exclusive launching event of Vergers de France at the Four Seasons Hotel, which excited everyone with an “augmented reality” presentation. I was surely intrigued as to what this was so off we went. 

Upon entering the hall, we were greeted by its hosts, Ms. Soumaya, Ms. Sabina and Ms. May Kanounji who were very cordial and hospitable throughout the entire event. Their newest products were displayed in the foyer, in true French fashion with the pastel colors of lavender, peach and pink.  Sundrenched and I ushered towards the fragrances to whiff at which ones we’d like best. 

The line, “Vergers de France” is aimed to entice the sweet, passionate and romantic woman in you, inspired the many streets of Paris (according to Ms. May). I found most of the scents delicate and fruity and figured that these kinds of scents (even the packaging) are probably targeted for young ladies. You can choose amongst the seven fragrances, namely: Strawberry & Rose, Cotton Powder, Secret Garden, Verbena & Lemon, Grapefruit & Peach, Oriental Twist and Berries & Cream (at 89SR each for Eau de Parfum). 

I particularly liked the Verbena & Lemon scent, thinking that it was a good after-beach scent. I'm buying the whole bodycare line of this one for sure! ;) 

Sundrenched liked the Grapefruit & Peach because it was light and refreshing, like a breezy day.

I tested the other fragrances and found the Cotton Powder smelled like something I would want to hug (if that makes sense, haha!) while the Secret Garden scent had a vanilla base, if I’m not mistaken. 

Strawberry & Rose were a bit on the sweet, indulgent side while the Oriental Twist was the ‘deepest’ of all the scents I’ve smelled. 

I wasn’t able to test the Berries & Cream but I’m hoping it makes me smell like cheesecake. (I’m kidding!)

After having gone through all the scents (they are also available as body butter, body splash, shower creams, hand lotions, talcum powders etc), we finally went inside the function hall for the presentations. We were seated at a beautifully arranged table, adorned with the theme colors of the night. Ms. May Kanounji,  the Marketing Director for Zohoor Al Reef, read the description of the Vergers de France line both in Arabic and English. Then she, along with Ms. Sabina, proceeded to present the two interesting merchandising methods that Zohoor Al Reef will especially be using for the Vergers de France line. It was truly a surprise for our senses! 

The first was the “Whispering Window” – a technology that is apparently being implemented nowadays in several retail shops worldwide. There were a lot of technical terms thrown into the mix as they were explaining it but it was basically a way of attracting consumers as they pass by your store window. The proximity of a potential customer to the window triggers a sound through the glass, which acts as a speaker. In this case, the sound is the usual streets of Paris along with a cycled whisper of  the words “Vergers de France” from time to time. So if you were walking in the mall and passed by a Zohoor Al Reef window display, you are most likely going to hear the surroundings of Paris all of a sudden.

Finally, it was time to unveil what they have hyped regarding the “augmented reality” experience. As it turns out, one of the printouts that were distributed in our tables had more purpose than being a mere promotional material. We had to download an app called “Junaio” and once it was open, we had to point our device’s camera to the picture on the paper (a Parisian scenery) and instantly discover a short 3D experience showcasing the Vergers de France fragrances. It was nice, but I suppose I felt a little shorthanded because I was expecting more of like holograms or something…oh well, I might have to wait another 10 years for holographic marketing strategies to take place. Anyway, it was indeed something ‘different’ and will surely make me remember Vergers de France even more.

You'd have to experience it yourself! :)

Overall, it was one sweet event, especially for the ladies who were able to take home goodie bags with sample items of the Vergers de France line. :) 

You can find the Vergers de France collection in all of Zohoor Al Reef’s branches and even order them online if you wish. 

Stay scented! 

xoxo,

E.

Zohoor Al Reef has a total of 42 branches all over Riyadh alone. Check out their listing and contact info HERE.

Website: http://zohooralreef.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ZohoorAlreefStores

Twitter: @ZARStores

Instagram: @zarstores

Hail To The Shogun

A year ago, I wasn't a fan of hotel restaurants. I would have snubbed the snobbish menu that contains what I believe are overpriced bland food. My mind had changed over the past few months because one of my friends was insisting we try hotel restaurants whenever we go out. We're not rich; we just meet each other once in a blue moon that we consider those rare times worth celebrating up a notch. Remember Garden Barbecue? Yup, she was with me during that enjoyable time. We tried avoiding steaks this time around so being Japanese food lovers that we are, we zeroed in on Shogun Restaurant in Radisson Blu.

The Sushi Bar

Radisson Blu's Shogun Restaurant has been receiving raves from upscale foodies. I mean if it were for me, I would have gone to my go-to, tried and tested Japanese restaurants that are nearer my place but the good reviews made this restaurant worth checking out. Hotels can intimidate people; it makes us think that they're so classy and elegant only those who can afford a three-day stay can set foot on it but it's not always the case. We're all allowed to go inside a hotel for the sole purpose of dining in their restaurants. That's perfectly okay.

The teppanyaki tables

Warm miso soup for the hungry soul

Radisson Blu is one the hotels lining up the King Abdulaziz Road. It has four dining places: Shogun, Olivio's (an Italian resto), Brasserie on Four (serves international cuisine that we featured here) and their coffee shop, Cafe Vienna. Shogun is the most popular of all, with its airy yet classic Japanese ambiance. It is known for its fresh sushi and sashimi. We had another popular dish in mind: shabu-shabu, which we saw on the menu for SR 250 a pop. It's good for sharing!

Ready for some action!

Now we're dipping!

Shabu-shabu is a well-known Japanese dish that involves dipping thinly-sliced beef and vegetables into boiling water. Yes, it involves cooking so for those who can't wait, settle for the sushis instead. A pot of dashi (broth) on top of a stove came to our table. The well-marbled meat, glass noodles, and vegetables came on separate platters. We put them into the broth and stirred a few times. The ingredients are very delicate so you should know when to get them based on how you preferred your veggies and meat cooked. I like my meat cooked through and through and the veggies still crisp. 

Yeah, take your time. We can wait! :P

At first, we found the broth really mild, almost with no taste. So we asked for a spicier version. Again, the flavour didn't pack a punch to us so we figured maybe our tastebuds weren't cut out for this thing but the chef came by to our table and explained that we need to dip the meat and veggies to the sesame seed sauce it came with. He also took the pot and did his magic and suddenly, the soup was packed with flavor when it came back from the kitchen! 

Our bubbling mini cauldron, haha!

Since we considered the shabu-shabu our soup, we still ordered main courses. Excuse our hunger. It's not every day we get to dine in a hotel restaurant. Haha! We had their chicken and seafood teppanyaki. These dishes can be cooked in their teppanyaki tables but since we were only two and we needed the space of an ordinary table for our shabu-shabu set, we had our hot viands cooked in their kitchen. They came out piping and full of bite. 

Seafood teppanyaki with vegetables

Savory viands perfect with rice

We also ordered rolls, of course. We chose the classic California maki. These are more expensive than the ones you'll have in stand-alone restos but for some reason, we can't get enough of these rolls! They caressed all the right aspects of a good sushi and we were left wondering what made them so different when they all look the same! Must be the quality of ingredients and preparation. 

What makes you so good?

Simple presentation, clean consistency

Now, that was a full table for two! No wonder the waiters offered us a whole pot of tea afterwards! Haha! Their tea went well with our dessert: ice cream with bits of melon. Sweet and tart at the same time! It created a wonderful sensation in our taste buds! Overall, it was a pleasant hotel restaurant experience. It actually sealed the deal for me to try other hotel restaurants in the city. 

Have you tried Shogun? What are your favourite dishes there? Domo arigato for reading! ~ Sundrenched

Shogun Restaurant

Radisson Blu Hotel

Al Mubarakiah Plaza,

King Abdulaziz Street

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

T: + 966-11-4791234 (call for reservation)

Opening hours:

Lunch: Noon-3:00PM

Dinner: 7:00PM-11:00PM

Dining With The Stars(' Paraphernalia) at Planet Hollywood

When we moved into our new neighborhood, one of the first things we did was scour for nearby establishments and restaurants. The North Ring Area (Exits 5-8) is slowly developing into a busy hub of restaurants similar to Thalia. We found a lot of familiar names like Johnny Rockets, Chuck E. Cheese’s, Piatto, Steak House, Forchetta, Bread Talk and even more are restaurants popping up. 

We decided to have dinner at Planet Hollywood – minus the casinos and live music. Hehehe. It has the same décor: glass-encased Hollywood movie costumes and “walk of fame”. It also boasts of a cozy terrace dining area for those who want to chill out. 

Terraced Restaurant

Movie souvenirs adorn the walls

Retrace the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Mel Gibson's Police Car in Lethal Weapon

They even have a souvenir shop!

We wanted to sit at the terrace area but it was already full, but that's okay since their indoor dining area was cozy enough. We ordered the PH Combo platter to tryout their appetizers. This platter is a combination of fried shrimp, calamari, chicken fingers and nachos. Personally, I loved their guacamole dip with their nacho chips.

Our appetizer, yum!

We didn't have to wait too long and we were served our main dish. Hubby ordered a New York Steak with Mushroom Sauce while I ordered the Fillet of Atlantic Salmon. At first I thought the Salmon felt a little bland but when I added a bit of lemon, it was transformed into a tangy dish! The mashed potatoes were also good. 

Fillet of Atlantic Salmon

New York Steak with Mushroom Sauce

Overall a good experience! The waiters were very attentive and responsive. We were too full to order desserts but we're definitely coming back to try their other menus. Plus they already have their Ramadan promotion up: 79 SAR for appetizers, pasta and dessert so we might try that for Iftar next month.

Cheers!
Sampaguita Pride

Planet Hollywood
Northern Ring Road Branch,
At Taawun, Riyadh 12477
Coordinates: 24.777903, 46.689062
Opens 12:30 pm to 2:00 am.

PS. Their seafood soup is also worth mentioning. It's all I ever eat as a starter in the place. ;) ~ EIC