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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Home Bakery’ in Riyadh

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Updated 21 min 45 sec ago

Where We Are Going Today: ‘Home Bakery’ in Riyadh

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  • For a sweeter breakfast, the restaurant offers a variety of French toasts, but you can’t go wrong with the creme brulee French toast

Located on Anas bin Malik road in the north of Riyadh, Home Bakery is one of the city’s most beloved breakfast spots with a constant crowd bustling through the bakery.

What started as a popular home-style bakery in the UAE has expanded to Ƶ with 10 cafes open in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and most recently Riyadh.

Home Bakery offers an array of freshly baked goods, including breads, cookies, croissants, and cakes, and is also renowned for its breakfast selections.

We’ve visited this cafe multiple times and sampled various menu items. From desserts like the zaffron or pistachio cake to savory dishes such as eggs Benedict and avocado toast — we highly recommend trying it all.

For a sweeter breakfast, the restaurant offers a variety of French toasts, but you can’t go wrong with the creme brulee French toast. It might sound overly sweet, but it was well-balanced.

For drinks, we tried the Earl Grey tea, green tea, and a few of their coffee options, such as the cappuccino and latte. The coffee was quite standard, and other places in Riyadh offer stronger and more refined blends. We wouldn’t recommend the matcha, which came in a plastic cup that didn’t reflect the cafe’s aesthetic and tasted overwhelmingly of milk.

The tea service was exceptional. Instead of merely serving a mug of hot water and a tea bag like other restaurants, staff presented us with tea in a glass kettle, warmed over a candle, along with a tray of sweeteners. They also provided a tea timer, explaining that the steeping process takes five minutes for proper brewing.

Regarding the experience, the bakery is very elegant and offers a quiet atmosphere — perfect for work meetings, intimate family breakfasts, or simply enjoying a book over a cup of coffee.

In the winter, the restaurant expands to offer outdoor seating with a variety of sofas and chairs.

In Riyadh, one of the most common concerns is parking space, but the plaza offers free parking, underground parking, and valet service.

In terms of pricing, most items are standard; however, some customers might hesitate to pay SR30 ($8) for a single croissant or SR95 for a slice of tiramisu.

Aside from a few items, most prices are reasonable, ranging from SR10 for a cookie to SR78 for granola pancakes.


Festive season’s guide to dining in Ƶ

Festive season’s guide to dining in Ƶ
Updated 24 December 2024

Festive season’s guide to dining in Ƶ

Festive season’s guide to dining in Ƶ
  • Roasts, sweets and music on the menu for brunch, lunch and dinner in Riyadh, Jeddah and AlUla

DUBAI: Celebrate with friends and family this festive season as hotels and bakeries in Ƶ host special dining events and offerings on Christmas Day.

Riyadh’s Fairmont Ramla has four packages for its festive dinner, including the “Just the Roast” offering, which features a roast turkey with traditional stuffing for SR899 ($239).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Other turkey offerings with sides include the silver package with pomegranate or orange glaze for SR1,299; the gold package with the same glaze for SR1,499; and the diamond package for SR1,599.

Fairmont Hotel Riyadh has a festive brunch from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 365 Restaurant, offering a buffet complemented by live entertainment for SR320. The hotel is also offering a “Turkey to Go” takeaway package that serves six to eight for SR1,200 until Dec. 31.

Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh’s Obaya Lounge is offering a festive set menu on Christmas Day from 12 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. for SR380 per person.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Also, the hotel’s Cafe Boulud by Chef Daniel Boulud has a festive menu combining traditional French ingredients with a modern twist from 12:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Dec. 25 for SR600 per person.

Also in Riyadh, the Mandarin Oriental Al-Faisaliah is offering a festive lunch at La Brasserie from 12:30 p.m. to  4:30 p.m. on Dec. 25 for SR245 per person.

Over in AlUla and Sass — the desert outpost of the fine-dining celebrity hotspot from Monaco — launched a new menu on Dec. 24. Diners can also enjoy a festive-themed saxophone performance on Dec. 25 and 26.

To end things on a sweet note, Rosewood Jeddah’s Soleil Cafe is offering festive treats for the season, including assorted cookies, German stollen, a traditional yule log and a Raffaello ball.


Where We Are Going Today: OH Japanese Pancake

Where We Are Going Today: OH Japanese Pancake
Updated 21 December 2024

Where We Are Going Today: OH Japanese Pancake

Where We Are Going Today: OH Japanese Pancake
  • The pancakes are cooked right before your eyes, adding a sense of excitement and anticipation to the dining experience

OH offers a unique twist on traditional Japanese pancakes by incorporating macarons into their dishes, making it a standout spot for dessert lovers.

Located in the bustling Hittin district of Riyadh, this cake shop specializes in Japanese mini pancakes, which are both delicious and visually appealing.

At OH, you can indulge in two delightful flavors: matcha and chocolate. Each mini pancake is priced at SR18 ($4.80), which feels a bit steep for the size, but the quality justifies the expense.

The pancakes are soft yet have a satisfying crunch, creating a delightful texture that is hard to resist.

A highlight of the experience is the specialty matcha macaron, which is filled with a crispy chocolate filling that resembles a sponge cake.

While the flavors are enjoyable, the limited menu may leave some diners wanting more variety. During my visit, I found the service to be quick and friendly, enhancing the overall experience.

The preparation process is an intriguing spectacle. Watching the staff skillfully place the pancake batter into a wooden mold, stuff it with a macaron, and then add another pancake layer is a treat in itself.

The pancakes are cooked right before your eyes, adding a sense of excitement and anticipation to the dining experience.

Despite the shop occasionally being crowded, the staff remains attentive and welcoming. However, I do wonder how often I would return if the menu remains unchanged. While the food is good, a broader selection could elevate the experience.

OH is a charming destination for those looking to try something different. The combination of crunchy and soft textures, along with the unique concept, makes it worth a visit.

 


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Attache’ in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter

Where We Are Going Today: ‘Attache’ in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter
Updated 20 December 2024

Where We Are Going Today: ‘Attache’ in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter

Where We Are Going Today: ‘Attache’ in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter
  • A must-try for the main course is the Japanese A5 wagyu sirloin, cooked to perfection with your choice of sauce. It pairs well with their signature hand-cut fries or mashed potato

If you are looking for a spot that blends culinary excellence with live music and an exceptional atmosphere, then look no further than Attache.

Situated in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, the music venue and restaurant is a venture by MDLBeast, the music company, which turned an old equestrian club into a modern fine-dining experience.

The menu at Attache is diverse, featuring a fusion of Mediterranean, European, and Middle Eastern influences. This global approach to cuisine allows diners to explore a variety of flavors, from fresh seafood and grilled meats to inventive vegetarian dishes.

For starters, there is the Thai king prawn gyoza, pan fried with a coriander sauce, and the Swiss comte souffle. This is twice-baked with a comte cheese sauce topped with chives, which gives you satisfying flavors that are not too overwhelming.

For lighter options, opt for the Greek tuna ceviche with a soy marinade, served right at your table, or the English goat cheese salad, with refreshing apple crisp, pecans and rocket leaves, in a date-molasses vinaigrette.

A must-try for the main course is the Japanese A5 wagyu sirloin, cooked to perfection with your choice of sauce. It pairs well with their signature hand-cut fries or mashed potato.

For more complex flavors, the Moroccan lamb tagine is cooked with a Ras El-Hanout spice blend alongside smoked almonds, prunes, pomegranate, and orange-infused couscous.

Whether you are a vegetarian or not, the porcini and portobello mushroom pithivier is an excellent dish featuring a crispy puff pastry stuffed with porcini and spinach, served with a cream sauce.

For a perfect pairing of cocktails, we recommend the multinational, which harmoniously blends non-alcoholic tanqueray, pomegranate and passionfruit with the tartness of Japanese lime.

Also try the Attache royal for a sweet refreshing bubbly drink crafted with homemade non-alcoholic yuzu liqueur that has elderflower notes.

With the festive winter season, you will probably want to enjoy the weather with outdoor seating under the stars.

End the night with a sweet treat, whether it is the signature Saudi coffee tiramisu or a lighter Egyptian mango pavlova, while listening to trendy new mixes directly from their DJ.

 


Review: Jimam Spa in Riyadh

The spa provides an array of face and body treatments as well. (Supplied)
The spa provides an array of face and body treatments as well. (Supplied)
Updated 17 December 2024

Review: Jimam Spa in Riyadh

The spa provides an array of face and body treatments as well. (Supplied)
  • The spa offers hand and feet services, from soothing pedicures to invigorating manicures, ensuring every aspect of your body is pampered

Located in the Jareed Hotel in Riyadh, Jimam Spa offers a luxurious experience that is perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

The spa is designed as a tranquil sanctuary, blending modern aesthetics with traditional wellness practices, making it an ideal retreat for anyone looking to unwind.

Whether you want a rejuvenating facial or a detoxifying body wrap, the spa has something for everyone.

Jimam Spa features a variety of treatments tailored to individual needs, including an aromatherapy massage and deep tissue Swedish massage. These treatments may help relieve stress and ease muscle tension. Skilled therapists use high-quality oils and techniques for a soothing session.

The spa provides an array of face and body treatments as well. Each treatment is crafted to nourish the skin and improve its appearance, leaving guests feeling refreshed and revitalized.

For those seeking a more private experience, the spa offers exclusive packages. I had the pleasure of enjoying a private experience that included access to a hot tub. It was the perfect setting to relax while sipping their special tea. The massage that followed was incredibly soothing — a much-needed escape from the bustling life of Riyadh.

After the treatment, I was invited to a serene seating area where I enjoyed another calming cup of tea. This thoughtful touch made my experience truly exceptional.

The spa also offers hand and feet services, from soothing pedicures to invigorating manicures, ensuring every aspect of your body is pampered.

Jimam Spa, with its diverse offerings and award-winning service, stands out as a premier destination for wellness and rejuvenation. Whether you are a local or a visitor, a trip to this spa can be a transformative experience.

 


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Sign Burger’ – a homegrown eatery in Jeddah

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Updated 16 December 2024

Where We Are Going Today: ‘Sign Burger’ – a homegrown eatery in Jeddah

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  • The simplicity of the menu makes it easy for customers to order without overthinking, though it may leave adventurous eaters wanting more variety

Jeddah’s bustling restaurant scene features Sign Burger, a homegrown eatery that takes its branding to the next level.

Located in Al-Mohammadiyyah and Al-Bawadi, Sign Burger’s vivid decor makes an instant impression. Neon pink dominates the interior, giving the place an edgy, Instagram-worthy vibe.

The bright, cheerful setup, combined with its minimalist menu, has quickly turned it into a popular spot, with customers queuing for their fix of burgers and fries.

The menu is as straightforward as it gets, offering just three meal options: Sign beef, Sign chicken and Sign spicy chicken, all priced at a very pocket-friendly SR24 ($7).

Each meal includes a burger, fries served in a cute pink box, and a drink. Its gathering box, which offers four or six burgers for group dining, is a thoughtful option on the menu.

The simplicity of the menu makes it easy for customers to order without overthinking, though it may leave adventurous eaters wanting more variety.

Taste-wise, the burgers are satisfying, especially for the price. The beef patty is well-seasoned, smashed to perfection, and complemented by the signature Sign sauce, a tangy mix reminiscent of Thousand Island dressing.

The chicken burgers, especially the spicy crispy variety, pack a flavorful punch with just the right amount of heat. The soft brioche buns elevate the experience, striking a balance between lightness and structure.

One downside is the sheer popularity of the place, long lines and crowded spaces are almost guaranteed, whether you are dining in or using the drive-thru.

For some, the wait might detract from the experience.

From the neon-lit interiors to the vibrant pink drink cups, Sign Burger has nailed the aesthetics game, and affordability with its reasonably priced burgers.

For more information check @signsa on Instagram.