Where We Are Going Today: ‘Grill It’ - a fast-food chain in Saudi Arabia

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Updated 03 November 2023
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Grill It’ - a fast-food chain in Saudi Arabia

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  • The hummus costs SR18 and comes with a piece of freshly baked bread — it doesn’t feel like it is from a fast-food chain. We devoured every last bit

Grill It welcomes customers with a neon-light greeting — “Free Smells.” And, indeed, the smell of grilled meat and fried food is in the air even before you open the door.

With several branches in Riyadh and, so far, one in Alkhobar, Grill It is a fast-food chain that offers quality options such as fresh salads and can serve up a semi-fancy meal without breaking the bank.

Famous for its chicken shawarma, gourmet burgers and signature appetizers, the menu has enough variety to keep you trying new meals each time. There is also the usual favorites for repeat orders.

The classic fries come in a plastic cup, and the last fry is just as crispy and enjoyable as the first. At SR12 ($3), they are a delicious treat.

The hummus costs SR18 and comes with a piece of freshly baked bread — it doesn’t feel like it is from a fast-food chain. We devoured every last bit.

Visitors might also try the chicken shawarma, which is of a good size. There is a variety of options for shawarmas, and burgers as well. There are a few catering items available — great for your next office meeting or family gathering, but most sandwiches come solo. Fries and drinks need to be ordered separately.

Delivery is available via the usual apps.

For operating hours and specials, visit @Grill_it_ksa on Instagram.

 

 


Where We Are Going Today: Lof Bakery in Alkhobar

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Updated 01 December 2023
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Where We Are Going Today: Lof Bakery in Alkhobar

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  • The bakery offers low-carb options and sandwiches, including a halloumi pesto and a mushroom melt

If you are looking to buy a loaf of freshly-baked, good quality sourdough bread in Alkhobar, head on over to Lof, a brunch spot situated in the middle of the City Walk.

It is believed that the ancient Egyptians were the first to create sourdough bread and in recent years it has become a staple in many households across the Kingdom for its health benefits. The sourdough loaf at Lof is made in-house by a master baker and perfectly sliced so it is ready to eat. While the SR35 ($9) price tag is a bit steep in comparison to loafs of bread at the local supermarket, it is certainly worth the dough.

It is ideal to use as a base for mashed avocados, to spread cheese on or any other topping of choice.

Lof also has an extensive menu that consists of a variety of quiches which go for SR25 each, and egg-lovers will be delighted to know that they will expertly prepare your eggs whichever way you prefer for around SR50. Add-ons are available and the staff are knowledgeable and helpful.

They also have decent coffees and pastries in the display case so you could either indulge at the cafe or take some goodies home to snack on later.

The bakery offers low-carb options and sandwiches, including a halloumi pesto and a mushroom melt.

Lof opens daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Sunday to Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to midnight from Thursday to Saturday, and from noon until midnight on Fridays.

They also deliver via Jahez or The Chefz apps.

To check out their latest offering, visit them on instagram @Lof.ksa.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Vapiano Italian restaurant in Jeddah

Where We Are Going Today: Vapiano Italian restaurant in Jeddah
Updated 30 November 2023
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Where We Are Going Today: Vapiano Italian restaurant in Jeddah

Where We Are Going Today: Vapiano Italian restaurant in Jeddah

Chefs at the Vapiano Italian restaurant in Jeddah want their culinary creations to be a feast for customers’ eyes.

So much so, that the eatery’s open kitchen concept allows diners to watch them prepare meals.

And as part of the service, restaurant chefs will customize dishes to suit clients’ food preferences.

Located in the city’s Red Sea Mall, guests are given a chip card on arrival that enables them to place orders directly with the chefs.

A choice of salads includes the ceci e melograno featuring roasted sweet potato, roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, kale, baby spinach, pomegranate seeds, and pumpkin. Another option is pumpkin or tomato soup.

Starters include grilled lemon chicken skewers served with rocket and a garlic and herb dip, and creamy burrata cheese accompanied by artichoke pesto, marinated tomatoes, and basil pesto.

For pasta lovers the menu offers classic dishes such as pomodoro — spaghetti coated in a homemade tomato sauce of sun-ripened tomatoes and aromatic basil. The ratatouille combines penne pasta and fresh Mediterranean vegetables tossed in tomato sauce, and pizzas range from BBQ chicken to pepperoni.

Tiramisu, or mascarpone cream and strawberries, make up some of the desserts.

Go on Instagram at @vapianoksa for more details.


Where We Are Going Today: ‘MiSora’ - Japanese fusion food in Jeddah

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Updated 29 November 2023
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘MiSora’ - Japanese fusion food in Jeddah

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  • Abrahams told Arab News: “From the kitchen to the table, from the preparation to the presentation, our dishes will exude the traditions of Japan and I am confident that the locals will notice”

Following its recent grand opening, MiSora has become the latest addition to a growing list of restaurants in Jeddah offering Japanese fusion food.

Located on Prince Sultan Road in the city’s Al-Rawdah district, the fine-dining eatery has placed its focus on serving authentic Japanese cuisine.

Dishes include traditional sashimi and specialty rolls prepared with a regional approach, fresh ingredients, and eye-catching presentations.

Head chef Rafiq Abrahams has worked under the wings of top Middle East chefs such as Shane Macneill and Colin Clague.

Abrahams told Arab News: “From the kitchen to the table, from the preparation to the presentation, our dishes will exude the traditions of Japan and I am confident that the locals will notice.”

The restaurant’s interior creates a relaxing ambiance enhanced by attentive staff, while its menu contains seafood options including prawn tempura, duck and king crab salads, and sashimi salmon.

As well as lamb cuttles, there is a range of desserts such as banoffee, and five types of petit fours, and diners can sample drinks such as a Pink Lady and You’re So Beautiful, or speciality coffees.

For updates and more information, go to Instagram at @misora_sa.

 

 


Where We Are Going Today: Raoul’s Restaurant at VIA Riyadh

The Steak au Poivre is one of their top dishes and a staple in French cuisine, served with pommes frites. (Raoul's Instagram)
The Steak au Poivre is one of their top dishes and a staple in French cuisine, served with pommes frites. (Raoul's Instagram)
Updated 24 November 2023
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Where We Are Going Today: Raoul’s Restaurant at VIA Riyadh

The Steak au Poivre is one of their top dishes and a staple in French cuisine, served with pommes frites. (Raoul's Instagram)
  • The artichoke vinaigrette with Raoul’s dressing is a classic, and the decadent seared foie gras is also worth trying

Raoul’s is an internationally-acclaimed restaurant that serves quintessentially French food. It is perhaps most famous for its New York outlet’s limited-edition burger au poivre, which the late, well-respected food writer Josh Ozersky once proclaimed “the best burger in America.” Raoul’s timeless bistro menu has now made it one of VIA Riyadh’s gems.

The restaurant is the perfect spot for special occasions with its lovely outdoor dining area, sophisticated ambience and VIA Riyadh’s colorful floral projections. Indoors, the décor is classic French-style bistro (although the prices are significantly higher than that image implies).

To kick off the meal, the ruby beetroot salad with sheep-milk feta, cucumber, and vinaigrette is a lovely way to tempt your taste buds, incorporating both sweet and savory flavors.

The artichoke vinaigrette with Raoul’s dressing is a classic, and the decadent seared foie gras is also worth trying. The latter is paired with a surette à la pomme that offsets its inherent slightly bitter edge and topped with pickled red onions that add a layer of complexity.

For seafood lovers, the shrimp remoulade with wild arugula and horseradish is filled with tangy flavor, and — for mains — we would recommend the roasted sea bass, served with artichoke confit and saffron beurre blanc sauce, adding new flavors to the delicious fresh bass, which is seared to give it a crisp exterior.

Of course, if you are visiting Raoul’s, then it’s worth sampling that famous burger au poivre. It’s perfectly juicy, well-seasoned, topped with Saint-André cheese, and lives up to its unofficial title, elevating a fast-food classic.

Another of the restaurant’s top dishes is the steak au poivre — a staple of French cuisine. The steak is marinated and cooked to perfection, justifying its high price. It pairs surprisingly well with the tang of Kir Raoul’s — a sparkling non-alcoholic wine with homemade cherry essence.

When it comes to beverages, the Pink Promise is a great choice for a unique flavorful drink. It is made with hibiscus brewed tea, soursop juice, rose, cardamom, and fresh lime.

The staff are extremely hospitable, welcoming, and happy to discuss menu items or substitutions. Raoul’s is open daily from 1pm to 12:30 p.m. and from 2pm to 12:30 p.m. on Fridays, serving luxurious brunches — including French- and Arabic-inspired dishes such as shakshouka, lamb merguez socca crepes, and souffle pancakes — as well as lunches.

Raoul’s is yet another of VIA Riyadh’s new luxury dining experiences that is absolutely worth trying.

 

 


Where We Are Going Today: Orbe doughnut shop in Jeddah

Where We Are Going Today: Orbe doughnut shop in Jeddah
Updated 23 November 2023
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Where We Are Going Today: Orbe doughnut shop in Jeddah

Where We Are Going Today: Orbe doughnut shop in Jeddah
  • Doughnut lovers can order from six to 48 pieces from a menu that ranges from classics to adventurous options

JEDDAH: If you have a soft spot for doughnuts, look no further than Orbe. 

This outlet in the heart of Jeddah offers light, fresh, and delectable mini-doughnuts. Simply order and then savor the moment, with each item made on the spot and served piping hot.

Doughnut lovers can order from six to 48 pieces from a menu that ranges from classics such as Nutella and lotus to adventurous pistachio and fruity options.

We opted for the 12-piece box featuring three flavors — confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon sugar, and crunchy choco. The tiny bites took me back to my childhood, a reminder of the homemade doughnuts my mother would lovingly prepare.

Orbe’s doughnuts have a delightful fried flavor, a refreshing departure from the “cakey” offerings found in commercial establishments.

To complement the sweetness, I paired my doughnut feast with a hot chocolate.

Orbe’s customers can also watch their doughnuts being prepared through a glass window — a welcome touch that engages them in the cooking process.

The outlet’s boxes are visually appealing, with vibrant colors and featuring Orbe, the cartoon astronaut.

As well as mini-doughnuts, Orbe offers a choice of ice cream flavors, mojitos, milkshakes, and hot and iced coffee. For more information visit Orbe’s Instagram account @orbe_sa