The Dates Market in Medina

1400 Years Old Dates Market 

Most Dates are sold outside on the streets, others in air conditioned shops

Medina ( اَلْمَدِينَة اَلْمَنَوَّرَة‎, or Al-Madīnah al-Munawwarah) is a modern city in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia.  It is also known as The City of the Prophet", i.e., Muhammad. 

I visited Madina last month for a spiritual upliftment and to pray for the first time in the Prophet's mosque. What was remarkable about the city is the tranquility of its streets and its people. It was so peaceful - not just inside the mosque- but also in the shopping areas... You feel like everything is going smoothly.

Exciting thing too see in this city are the Palms farms all around and this explains the plenty of dates shops. Different kinds, different flavors and colors! It was like a "dates" heaven for those who love dates! This reminds me, who is excited for Mamoul this Eid?

Happy Eid Adha! :)

This type is Lagou Dates

And this one Kenta

Yokari : Affinity between Modern & Traditional Japanese Cuisine

Yokari...in Japanese means 'Affinity' .... this cultural affinity that brings together the historic Japan and modern Japan.. Perhaps that's why Yokari was named as such.
As it is clearly reflected in the meals served,  there is a lot of affinity in the type of cuisine offered.  You can taste the modern western flavors infused together with the Japanese traditional ones. Expect names of plates you have never heard of, but with some familiar ingredients like Mayonnaise, eggplant and tomate! Expect to be enthralled by an experience that will touch all your senses...because you really don't know what to expect.

Ebi Karaage  spicy dried fried shrimp!

The Sizzling Skillet Experience at AppleBee's

The best thing about cooking in home is hearing this sizzling sound of the ingredients getting infused together, under the heat of the fire... As if they are dancing in a rhythm so strong and fierce, yet so amusing and so folklorish.

When you are in a restaurant, you are are able to watch your food cooked "live" ..But can you really hear it? Hear this dance? Hear this sizzling effect?

Last week, I was in Apple bee's and they launched some exclusive and new menu items called : " The Sizzlers". All served on a 400C Creole-style skillet .
Good chance that I was able to try them before October . Luckily, the sizzling desserts are staying on the menu though!

Sizzling Steak

Sizzling Desserts (Video)

Vapiano : An Innovative Pasta & Pizza Concept from Germany in Riyadh

Chi va piano va sano e va lontano

“Chi va piano, va sano e va lontano” the Italian proverb which means “If you have an easy-going and relaxed approach to life, you’ll live more healthily and longer”.  

It is true for some point. If we approach the things we love like family, friends, and food, we will truly enjoy our lives happily, and this could make us survive a little bit longer than being sad or near things that makes us sad.

I learnt this proverb during my visit to Vapiono, Riyadh (KSA) this Thursday. And this is exactly the attitude that Vapiano wants to deliver to their Vapianistis (Guests &employees) during their dining in experience!

Live Pasta Making فابيانو 

The ambience & vibrant decor makes you feel like you are eating at home.

I always tell my readers that I don't like to judge a restaurant by one visit. And this was my third visit to Vapiano. My first try was in August 2012 and my next visit was May 2013. And this was the third time where I got to be invited to there.

The restaurant has greatly improved since the last time I was there. From management and staff dedication, to the quality of service and food.

The pasta display on the entrance, the big black wooden board, and the fresh pasta making & cooking stations is what got me attracted to Vapiano when I came to Riyadh city. You can rarely find this mood, ambience, , eating experience and high quality in one place!

It really defines the future of fresh, casual dining, as this European chain exhibits a vibrant atmosphere, innovative restaurant technology and delicious and affordable menu! And If I wanted to sum up my food experience at Vapiano in 3 words I’d say this “Interactive, Fresh,  & Simple ”.

( For a quick view of my whole experience, check out my slideshow)