09 Sep 2010
by Elainein Eat&Review, Expensive Eats, Married Life & Life Tags: Buffets, dubai eatouts, Iftar dinners
We haven’t tried Iftar dinners before, even after 2 summers here, we didn’t think it was a must until today.
Well, hub’s colleague suggested to meet up, enjoy a good chit-chat and to introduce Iftar buffets to their Danish workmate from HQ.
He decided Al Saffa restaurant at Metropolitan Hotel, along Shekih Zayed Road.
5 of us sat down, browsed the buffet counters… And hastily filled our plates.
There were about 8 trays of mains, one dessert + fruit station and one salad bar… Average varieties for what it’s worth (Dhs 95 per pax).
Most fantastic Iftar buffet deals at quality hotels costs at least Dhs120, so can’t really expect much from Al Saffa.
I was quite disappointed with their desserts, tasted bland and light.
Though i managed to try petite portions of every kind, the overall dining experience was just, vanilla.
By the looks of my servings (above), one can tell i am NOT an eat-all-you-can person!
Erm yes, i did try not eating the whole day before… It didn’t work.
AL SAFFA
Location: Metropolitan Hotel (beside Metroplex Cinema), Sheikh Zayed Road
08 Sep 2010
by Elainein Dubai Info, Emotions, Married Life & Life
The hubs will be collecting the keys to our new apartment today!
All the talk and plans about moving out is finally here to stay! No more INCOMPETENT real estate agents to deal with, no more cat-chase-mouse game with the bank OVER A CHEQUE BOOK!
And enough of running around house searching in this desert heat!
We are trying to move in as much boxes/ clothes this weekend, so to avoid wasting 20-25 mins of travelling time and monies (from one district to another).
Another 40% of packing left to do!
05 Sep 2010
by Elainein Dubai Info, Eat&Review, Married Life & Life Tags: dubai eatouts, Mexican food, Tex Mex restaurants
“Let’s have Mexican for dinner!”, says the husband.
So off we strolled towards a Tex Mex restaurant, On the Border! We were greeted with wide smiles, walked us to our table and hurried off to bring us the menu. I scanned the room and noticed it’s family friendly ambience, but not impressed with their dim and mellow interior.
Just 15 mins after our orders were taken, the waitress brought us a plate of dates (during Ramadan months only) and cups of soup each for starters. Minutes later, a basket of tortilla chips entertained our bellies while waiting for the mains. Both, were complimentary!
Although the mains took longer than expected, their ginormous portions made it worthwhile. It was large everything dining in here!
In total, we spent about Dhs 88 on ONE main course, ONE starter and ONE jug of fruity to share.
Not the best in town, but a quick Mexican bite during your shopping intervals would satisfy your tummy good!
ON THE BORDER
Location: Festival City Centre (beside Ikea)
03 Sep 2010
by Elainein Dubai Info, Married Life & Life Tags: Dubai properties, house hunting
house hunting, for the FINAL time!!
Well, we had minor issues with an agent in our existing district, therefore decided to go through professional registered agents all over again.
Anyways, we loved all 4 apartments (tall shiny skyscrapers), especially the one with the lake view looking out from the bedroom balcony (photo below).
But i pass it up because their layout wasn’t to my liking. Fickle me!
The other reason i opt to go far out (45 mins train ride) to a supposedly expensive upmarket residential district - nearer to hubs workplace – was their rental prices.
They were much more affordable then we had assumed!
After walking for 2 hours, we verbally (pending paperwork from Landlord) booked the 1-bedroom unit with 2 bathrooms and semi-furnished kitchen… Great price too!
Once settled, will surely post photos.
31 Aug 2010
by Elainein Christian Life, Dubai Info, Emotions, Married Life & Life
Okay, here’s the frustrating thing about rental laws in Dubai.
The must to have a current account in order to issue post dated cheques (3/4 times per year)!
If only landlords/ agents here accepts cash or money transfer – the time wasted to open a current account which takes two days- we would have moved into our new place anytime this week!
And IF the bank’s incompetent, our preferred place might end up taken … Eek!
Well… Am praying it’ll all work out fine!
29 Aug 2010
by Elainein Dubai Info, Eat&Review, Married Life & Life Tags: budget eats, dubai eatouts, Karama
Our dinner today was to try an Indian/ Pakistani eatery located beside the Karama Metro Station. Though tucked quietly on an old street, it is still visible from the main road.
An added info, Indian expats takes up most of Dubai’s population, and aside from Lebanese/Arabic, Indian cuisine is considered local food. So it’s no surprise to pass by authentic Indian restaurants in every street/ district.
We stepped into Dum Pukht, flipped their casual menu and ordered their Chicken Biryani and Handi (Mutton curry claypot).
Mmm, we love their mutton mini claypot (mild spicy)! Tender chunks covered in thick flavoured gravy was the best i had!
But, I was quite disappointed with their portions, though it did fill us up, their chicken pieces in their biryani were only bite-sized.
Including 2 soft drinks, our bill came to Dhs 52! Cheap.
So, if you happen to walk by Dum Pukht, give them a try.
DUM PUKHT
Location: Karama, Dubai (Beside Karama Metro Station)
28 Aug 2010
by Elainein Christian Life, Dubai Info, Family, Married Life & Life
We had a good weekend house hunting!
Managed to view 7 studio/ 1 bedroom apartments and decided that the final two were our favourites!
Apartment 1:
Large 1 bedroom space (Bedroom with attached bath, balcony, guest toilet, living room, enclosed laundry area, and fully equipped kitchen) is about 15k more.
Apartment 2:
Smaller studio space (Standard hotel room concept but has an open kitchen) at 45k per year.
Both units are unfurnished and has basic pool, gym, lounge facilities.
Now here’s our dilemma… We can afford both BUT we’re still weighing the pros and cons.
Is there a need for a larger space? How often do I cook? And blah…
An advice to those moving out in summer… ALWAYS carry bottled water (during non-fasting months) and apply sunscreen.
And because we didn’t do the above (silly us), we happily spent 3 -4 hours -per day- walking about (nearby) without the essentials! So obviously we red-faced lobsters came home all sweaty and dehydrated!
The joy of house hunting during summer eh…
Despite the heat… We thank God for this sweltry fruitful hunt, and hope to pen down our decision REAL soon!
27 Aug 2010
by Elainein Design, Dubai Info, Eat&Review, Married Life & Life Tags: budget eats, dubai eatouts, graphic design, Karama
Here’s a map of Karama, (i’ve sketched out using free Inkscape software), a detailed idea of my few foodie trips in this location.
Red dots = Upcoming eats
Green dots = Ate&Reviewed
Yellow dots= Might visit
All red dots should turn green in 2 weekends!
26 Aug 2010
by Elainein Dubai Info, Eat&Review, Married Life & Life Tags: budget eats, dubai eatouts, Karama
Happy Thursday people!
Yet another wants-time-to-go-by-quick day!
I’ve decided this weekend’s Eat&Review post will be about Indian cuisine.
My mini foodie exercise (this Aug/Sept) is to taste popular eateries within Karama town and base on my previous walkabouts, i aim to try 4 more restaurants before my upcoming expensive eatouts.
Burpy months ahead!
23 Aug 2010
by Elainein Christian Life, Dubai Info, Emotions, Married Life & Life Tags: Dubai properties, house hunting
Last month i wrote the likelihood to house hop soon?
Well… It’s happening as of Wednesday!
In the next 1.5 weeks we’ll be busy searching for a studio/ 1 bedroom apartment for rent with a budget of not more than 46k per/yr. Since it’ll be a temporary lease (1 year max), we’re not looking anything too expensive and fancy for both of us.
A good timing to move out really, as property prices have been dropping (10-30%) since 2009. And it might fall further due to ongoing numerous empty apartments/villas around.
Over here, rentals are usually paid in 2-4 cheques or 1 year in advance, depending on location and property itself.
Woopie! Am SO looking forward to a new place, IKEA shopping together and a kitchen of my own!
If it all goes well, we hope to move in before 15th Sept. Praying it’ll be a smooth hunt!
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