Where We Are Going Today: ‘Kholasa’ coffee in AlUla
The cafe offers coffee envelopes to make your coffee at home and a to-go box that holds up to seven cups — an ideal option for the workplace or a picnic in the desert
Updated 10 December 2023
Rahaf Jambi
Nothing compares to enjoying a cup of coffee at Kholasa against a dramatic mountain backdrop in AlUla’s UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra.
After opening in Riyadh, Saudi brand Kholasa has expanded to AlUla. Both outlets are known for their hibiscus iced tea, cold brew, and coffee of the day. The specialized coffee shop is also a favorite for its pastries and bakery.
The traditional Saudi pattern known as “sadu” is the inspiration for the cafe design, which combines a simple, modern style with historical and traditional elements in the furnishings and interiors.
AlUla has one of the largest concentrations of carved inscriptions and rock art in the Middle East, and Kholasa is adorned with illustrations showing a wide range of examples.
The cafe also offers coffee envelopes to make your coffee at home and a to-go box that holds up to seven cups — an ideal option for the workplace or a picnic in the desert.
Branches are open from 6 a.m. to midnight from Saturday to Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to midnight on Friday.
For updates and more information check their Instagram @kholasacoffee.
Scott’s at VIA Riyadh offers a sophisticated dining experience for fans of sushi and seafood.
The live sushi station showcases creativity and quality with dishes like the Hokkaido scallop with truffle maki roll, paired with jalapeno dressing for a touch of heat, and the seared wagyu with caviar, enriched with mushroom teriyaki, providing a savory and rich flavor profile.
For a tropical twist, try the tempura lobster tartlet topped with pineapple and papaya salsa. The inventive dish combines the sweetness of tropical fruits with the richness of lobster, offering a balanced and refreshing bite.
For dessert, the macha choux with whipped strawberry ganache and the salted caramel chocolate fondant offer a satisfying mix of textures and flavors, perfect for rounding off a seafood-centric meal.
Scott’s club mocktail, a blend of raspberry, lychee, sage and yuzu, pairs beautifully with the seafood offerings, providing a refreshing complement to the dishes.
The ambiance is elevated by a four-piece live band, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere ideal for a night out in Riyadh.
A drawback is that parking at VIA Riyadh is not free, which could be seen as a minor inconvenience. Nonetheless, Scott’s commitment to quality ingredients and elegant presentations makes it a top choice for those seeking fresh, refined flavors in a lively setting.
For more information, check the restaurant’s Instagram page @scotts.saudi.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Chi Spacca’ at VIA Riyadh
The drinks menu offers refreshing choices like the cicci — a blend of fresh berries, passion fruit, apple juice and lemon — and the sakura, which combines rose cordial, lemon juice and soda for a light, floral finish
Updated 12 November 2024
Waad Hussain
Chi Spacca at VIA Riyadh is a haven for grill lovers, celebrating bold flavors and the art of grilling. The restaurant brings a taste of Italy’s rustic side with dishes that are hearty and satisfying.
The beef sliders are a standout, featuring cheddar, spicy mayo and pickles. The veal meatball spiedini, seasoned generously and served with garlic bread, highlights Italian flavors that deliver a rich, comforting taste.
For those who enjoy a bit of spice, the harissa-marinated chicken is a must-try. The dish bursts with flavor thanks to the aromatic green harissa seasoning.
Chi Spacca’s dessert offerings also impress, with options like lemon tartlets topped with fresh berries and mini apple tarts drizzled in caramel, providing a balance of tangy and sweet flavors.
The drinks menu offers refreshing choices like the cicci — a blend of fresh berries, passion fruit, apple juice and lemon — and the sakura, which combines rose cordial, lemon juice and soda for a light, floral finish.
The atmosphere at Chi Spacca is warm and energetic, enhanced by live music from a four-piece band, making it an ideal spot for a lively evening out.
However, parking at VIA Riyadh is not free, which may be a minor inconvenience for some guests. Still, Chi Spacca’s robust flavors and the vibrant ambiance make it worth the visit, especially for those who appreciate expertly grilled dishes.
The spot is a perfect choice for an indulgent night of good food and entertainment.
For more information, check Instagram @chispacca.sa.
DUBAI: The Michelin Guide will make its debut in Qatar next month, with a launch ceremony scheduled for Dec. 12 at Katara Hall, Raffles Doha.
It will mark the first time restaurants in the Qatari capita have been recognized by the prestigious culinary guide.
International director Gwendal Poullennec said: “The Michelin Guide, renowned for its meticulous and independent reviews of dining establishments, has been exploring Doha’s vibrant culinary scene.
“Our famously anonymous inspectors have thoroughly reviewed the city’s top eateries, from the bustling Corniche to the luxurious hotels and diverse restaurants representing cuisines from around the world. We are delighted to finally announce the Michelin Guide’s arrival in Doha.”
To mark the event, an exclusive cocktail reception will feature guest chefs presenting signature dishes and demonstrating their expertise. These will include representatives of Alleno Paris, awarded three stars in the 2024 Michelin Guide France; Jordnaer, which holds three stars in this year’s Nordics guide; and BO Innovation, which is recognized with two stars in the 2024 Hong Kong guide.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Spago’ by Austrian Chef Wolfgang Puck in VIA Riyadh
The BBQ pizza, topped with smoked beef, caramelized onions, and olive oil, has a smoky, savory flavor balanced by a touch of sweetness
Updated 11 November 2024
Waad Hussain
Spago at VIA Riyadh offers a dining experience curated by Austrian Chef Wolfgang Puck. Known for his inventive approach, Puck presents dishes that are as visually appealing as they are flavorful.
We recommend starting with the spicy yellowfin tuna tartare, served in sesame-miso cones and topped with tobiko caviar. This dish combines creamy and spicy notes with a crisp texture, setting the stage for the meal.
The charcoal-grilled spicy camel kebabs are another highlight. Tender and flavorful, these kebabs come with lemon yogurt, sumac, and pistachio, offering a Middle Eastern twist that’s refreshing and bold.
The BBQ pizza, topped with smoked beef, caramelized onions, and olive oil, has a smoky, savory flavor balanced by a touch of sweetness.
For dessert, Spago’s gourmet ice cream cart offers an array of flavors, from passion fruit and hazelnut to refreshing mango.
Drinks such as the bellino, made with white peach and moscato grape juice, and the zalloti fizz, a mix of zalloti cordial and soda, provide a refreshing accompaniment to the rich flavors.
The ambiance at Spago is lively, featuring a DJ and soulful saxophonist who elevate the dining experience, making it feel like a special occasion.
The restaurant’s design blends elegance with a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for a memorable evening.
One downside is that parking at VIA Riyadh is not complimentary, which may inconvenience some guests.
Despite this, Spago’s creative menu and dedication to quality make it a top destination for those looking to indulge in a unique dining experience.
Each dish is crafted to excite the palate and satisfy both culinary curiosity and refined taste.
For more information, check their Instagram @spago.sa.
A silent culinary symphony: Saudi Arabia’s first deaf-run restaurant opens in Qatif
Arina Pizzeria blends Italian flavors with proud representation for deaf community
Updated 11 November 2024
Hind AlKhunaizi
RIYADH: In bustling Qatif, where the vibrant flavors of Italy meet the rich culture of Saudi Arabia, a memorable dining experience awaits that challenges perceptions and redefines communication.
Imagine a place where the rhythm does not come from music but from the graceful motions of hands and the expressive faces of its staff.
Arina Pizzeria, entirely staffed and operated by deaf individuals, offers not only exceptional food but also a powerful narrative of resilience and community.
Husband-and-wife duo Hussain Alshbrka and Arina Gabulyan opened Arina Pizzeria in September, marking a milestone as the first restaurant in Saudi Arabia to be fully staffed and operated by deaf individuals. (AN photos/Instagram/arinapizza.sa)
Husband-and-wife duo Hussain Alshbrka and Arina Gabulyan earned their master’s degrees in business management in the US and returned to their hometown of Qatif to pursue their passions for culinary arts and inclusivity.
In September this year they proudly opened Arina Pizzeria, marking a groundbreaking milestone as the first restaurant in Saudi Arabia to be fully staffed and operated by deaf individuals.
“I was inspired by the idea of creating a place where the deaf community, especially those who came to Qatif for work, could meet,” Alshbrka told Arab News.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Arina Pizzeria, entirely staffed and operated by deaf individuals, offers not only exceptional food but also a powerful narrative of resilience and community.
• By raising awareness about sign language, Arina encourages connection and interaction across all parts of society.
This vision emerged from his previous role as the general manager of Three Dimension Trading Est., where he regularly interacted with deaf individuals.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the name, Alshbrka said: “I wanted to honor my beautiful wife, so I named the restaurant Arina.”
Hussain Alshbrka, Arina Pizzeria co-founder
This personal touch is complemented by a creative design ethos, he explained: “I wanted the restaurant to be a creative blend of architecture and art. I wanted it to be an attractive gathering place that satisfies the eye and is unique in appearance, with a modern and elegant architectural style.”
Upon entering, guests are greeted by the restaurant’s motto: “A slice of silence, a world of flavor.”
At Arina, effective communication between employees and customers is crucial. “We use multiple communication methods. Technology provides an excellent and effective tool for translating speech into written words,” Alshbrka said.
This restaurant proves that the deaf are an integral part of society. It helps to integrate the deaf hand in hand with hearing individuals and strengthens their bond.
Hussain Alshbrka, Arina Pizzeria co-founder
“We also use easily accessible QR code technology on tables for customers to scan with their mobile phones, producing a visual representation that is a preferred method of communication for our deaf employees.”
The restaurant is breaking barriers in the community. “Many customers want to learn sign language as a way to communicate with us directly, which is always welcomed and appreciated,” he added.
The staff undergo rigorous training. “If they do not already possess these skills, it is easy to learn a new language when it is used regularly, especially in a work environment with somewhat predictable responses.”
Upon entering, guests are thoughtfully presented with a card showcasing the alphabet in sign language. (AN photo)
Alshbrka’s belief in equality is reflected in Arina’s commitment to hiring deaf individuals: “I am convinced that a deaf person is capable of doing anything a hearing person can do when given the opportunity and training.”
By employing deaf individuals, Arina demonstrates that abilities transcend barriers and that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to thrive.
Customer interactions at Arina have led to memorable moments, highlighting the restaurant’s unique approach. He recalled: “One of my most unique and unforgettable experiences was when one of our customers expressed gratitude to our staff in Bulgarian. This again demonstrated that language should not be a barrier between people.”
The response from the local community has been overwhelmingly positive. Alshbrka emphasized: “The language barrier between our hearing customers and deaf employees has eroded, and we have begun to see the fruits of our labor.”
This collective effort has created a harmonious environment where everyone can come together.
Despite the challenges faced during the launch, Alshbrka said the support from across the Kingdom has been a testament to the community’s embrace of Arina.
The restaurant plays a vital role in promoting a broader understanding of deaf culture. “This restaurant proves that the deaf are an integral part of society,” its founder said. “It helps to integrate the deaf hand in hand with hearing individuals and strengthens their bond.”
By raising awareness about sign language, Arina encourages connection and interaction across all parts of society.
Arina goes beyond simply serving food, it serves as a beacon of empowerment, proving that with passion and partnership, barriers can be broken, allowing diverse voices to harmonize beautifully.
