With the slogan “We create delicious memories,” V Boutique artisan patisserie and boulangerie is an elegant space that bakes French-style goods in Alkhobar.
As the only branch in the Kingdom, it offers customers a chance to sample a taste of France with a twist.
With plenty of mini cakes and pastries at the ready, they are also known for a French and Arab fusion dessert, their creme brulee kunafa which goes for SR38 ($10).
It comes in a small ramekin for a solo delight or in a larger bowl, meant for sharing. Some might find it too sweet but it would be ideal to pair with unsweetened coffee or a shot of espresso.
You might try their cheddar croissant, which comes with flaky layers and a dollop of gooey melted cheddar on top, as well as a tiny bit of cheese in the middle.
The upstairs area is spacious but feels homey at the same time. Tables are spaced enough so you can have some privacy while feeling connected. The area is perfect for catching up on work on your device or for chatting with friends.
They serve made-to-order breakfasts between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. This menu consists of avocado toast (SR59).
It comes with a toasted sourdough slice slathered with avocado puree, a layer of labnah, some pesto sauce and scrambled eggs with a drizzle of pomegranate molasses. It is accompanied by a side of green salad.
The menu has plenty of egg dishes. Their stuffed croissants come with at least two kinds of egg options, their club sandwich contains an omelette slice, and their smoked turkey croque madame has eggs on top. They also do classic eggs and beetroot toast with eggs.
For those who want a sweeter start to the day, they can order the classic brioche French toast with slices of fresh strawberry and banana. It comes with three types of dipping sides: vanilla cream, honey and a homemade mixed berries jam.
They also have a choco-caramel French toast with Nutella and homemade caramel. And a roasted-granola bowl with Greek yogurt, homemade peanut butter, and fresh seasonal fruit. They also have grilled halloumi sandwich rolls and tuna rolls.
There are plenty of drink options in both hot and iced versions. They also have a catering menu for local gatherings.
The eatery is open between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. from Saturdays to Wednesdays, and closes at midnight on Thursdays and Fridays.
For a complete list of items visit them on Instagram @VBoutique.sa.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Crust Corner’ in Riyadh
Crust Corner’s herbed chicken bowl, which is served with fluffy white or brown rice, steamed broccoli and carrots, is a perfect light meal for those on the go
Updated 17 September 2024
Sulafa Alkhunaizi
Crust Corner is a hidden gem among Riyadh’s gastronomical experiences. From filling salads to nourishing juices, this local joint is worth a try.
Who said healthy food should be boring? Colorful salads are Crust Corner’s specialty while its star dish, Mexican chicken, has the perfect balance of savory flavors of chicken and the creamy chipotle dressing. The texture plays a big role, bringing out the creaminess of the avocado, the crunchy lettuce, and the toasted grilled corn.
The Greek salad is also bursting with authentic flavors. The cool salad is a mix of romaine lettuce, salty feta cheese, addictive cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and tangy kalamata olives. The dish is then topped off with baked za’atar pita and served with a lemony Greek dressing.
Crust Corner’s herbed chicken bowl, which is served with fluffy white or brown rice, steamed broccoli and carrots, is a perfect light meal for those on the go. The chicken is grilled with a mixture of herbs and spices.
To satisfy the sweet tooth, the acai bowl is a great alternative to ice cream. Acai, the purple berries of the South American palm tree, is offered in two different flavors: granola and peanut butter. Each dessert has a topping of fresh fruits such as strawberry, blueberry and banana.
Meals can be paired with one of the outlet’s cold pressed juices. The green detox is a refreshing mixture of kale, celery, rocca, cucumber, green apples, lemon and ginger.
For more details, check @crustcorner on Instagram.
Drug-resistant superbugs projected to kill 39 million by 2050
Superbugs — strains of bacteria or pathogens that have become resistant to antibiotics, making them much harder to treat — have been recognized as a rising threat to global health
Updated 17 September 2024
AFP
PARIS: Infections of drug-resistant superbugs are projected to kill nearly 40 million people over the next 25 years, a global analysis predicted on Monday, as the researchers called for action to avoid this grim scenario.
Superbugs — strains of bacteria or pathogens that have become resistant to antibiotics, making them much harder to treat — have been recognized as a rising threat to global health.
The analysis has been billed as the first research to track the global impact of superbugs over time, and estimate what could happen next.
More than a million people died from the superbugs — also called antimicrobial resistance (AMR) — a year across the world between 1990 and 2021, according to the study in The Lancet journal.
Deaths among children under five from superbugs actually fell by more than 50 percent over the last three decades, the study said, due to improving measures to prevent and control infections for infants.
However when children now catch superbugs, the infections are much harder to treat.
And deaths of over-70s have surged by more than 80 percent over the same period, as an aging population became more vulnerable to infection.
Deaths from infections of MRSA, a type of staph bacteria that has become resistant to many antibiotics, doubled to 130,000 in 2021 from three decades earlier, the study said.
The researchers used modelling to estimate that — based on current trends — the number of direct deaths from AMR would rise by 67 percent to reach nearly two million a year by 2050.
It will also play a role in a further 8.2 million annual deaths, a jump of nearly 75 percent, according to the modelling.
Under this scenario, AMR will have directly killed 39 million people over the next quarter century, and contributed to a total of 169 million deaths, it added.
But less dire scenarios are also possible.
If the world works to improve care for severe infections and access to antimicrobial drugs, it could save the lives of 92 million people by 2050, the modelling suggested.
“These findings highlight that AMR has been a significant global health threat for decades and that this threat is growing,” study co-author Mohsen Naghavi of the US-based Institute of Health Metrics said in a statement.
The researchers looked at 22 pathogens, 84 combinations of drugs and pathogens, and 11 infectious syndromes such as meningitis. The study involved data from 520 million individual records across 204 countries and territories.
It was released ahead of a high-level AMR meeting at the United Nations scheduled for September 26.
Antimicrobial resistance is a natural phenomenon, but the overuse and misuse of antibiotics in humans, animals and plants has made the problem worse.
Pricing is reasonable, especially considering the quality of the cakes
Updated 16 September 2024
Lama Alhamawi
Bundt Bakery has five locations in the Kingdom’s capital that offer customers a sweet escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
The texture and moistness of their bundt cakes are truly exceptional, making them the centerpiece of the menu. They come in a range of flavors, whether you prefer the simplicity of raspberry or are inclined to try something more adventurous like the sunshine lavender cake.
Alongside a diverse selection of cakes, including brownie cake and Saudi date cheesecake, the bakery also offers a variety of pastries and cookies that cater to different tastes.
Visitors can expect to smell the warm and sweet scent of freshly baked goods in every shop.
The ambiance of the bakery is cozy and inviting, though it may not stand out compared to other cafes in the city. While the surroundings are pleasant, a bit more decor could enhance the overall experience.
The staff is consistently friendly and helpful, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere during each visit.
The seating can be somewhat limited, depending on the location you visit in Riyadh. However, compared to other cafes, Bundt Bakery primarily serves as a pick-up spot rather than a place to linger. Expanding the seating options would encourage more patrons to enjoy their treats on-site.
Pricing is reasonable, especially considering the quality of the cakes. Whole bundt cakes range from SR99 ($26) to SR250, offering multiple size options for those looking to indulge.
For sharing, the madeleines are a must-try, available in boxes of two or 10, with flavors like orange poppy seed, coconut, date, and apple tart.
For special occasions, be mindful that the bakery charges an additional fee for personalized messages on cakes.
The drink menu includes iced Spanish lattes and hot chocolate. We sampled the iced passion fruit drink, which was refreshing but a touch too sweet for our taste.
Overall, Bundt Bakery is an ideal destination for cake lovers in Riyadh.
Recently, Bundt Bakery opened its fifth location in The Village, following successful establishments in Al-Nada, 60 Avenue, The Zone, and Roshn Front.
For updates and more information, check their Instagram @bundt.sa.
We take a look at Saudi cafes keeping it fresh with creative marketing campaigns
Updated 15 September 2024
Waad Hussain
RIYADH: In a market saturated with options, standing out is key, and some Saudi coffee shops have turned to quirky, attention-grabbing marketing strategies to attract customers.
From asking patrons to dance for their coffee to surprising communities with clever stunts, these marketing ideas are as creative as they are crazy. Here’s a look at some of the most intriguing promotions that have stirred up a buzz in the Kingdom.
Dance for your coffee
At Daily Cup, a Riyadh coffee spot known for its lively atmosphere, customers are not just greeted with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee but with an unusual challenge: dance for your coffee. The concept is simple yet effective. Anyone willing to bust a move in the front of store can earn themselves a free cup of coffee.
Namq launched a special promotion offering free coffee to anyone born in the 1990s. (Instagram/namq_cafe)
This lighthearted promotion quickly became a hit with younger customers, who relished the chance to show off their moves in exchange for a free drink.
“Honestly, it’s a lot of fun,” Deemah Mohammed, a local customer, told Arab News. “At first it was a bit embarrassing, but once you see others doing it, you realize it’s all about having a good time. Plus, who doesn’t love free coffee?”
When Nas in Dammam prepared to open a new branch in a quiet residential neighborhood, they decided to introduce themselves in an unexpected way. Residents found a polite note in their mailboxes that appeared to be from a new family moving into the area.
Half Million customers who bought a coffee could return later the same day with their invoice and receive a free refill. (Instagram/halfmillion_sa)
The message, written with warmth and sincerity, apologized for any noise or disruption caused by the “housewarming party” preparations and assured neighbors that they were doing their best to minimize any disturbance.
What made this marketing strategy even more effective was its effect on social media. A post featuring the message quickly went viral on X, gaining nearly 17,000 likes.
At first glance, the note seemed to be from a friendly new family. But as residents soon discovered, this was in fact a marketing tactic by Nas, cleverly designed to create a sense of community and goodwill before the coffee shop officially opened its doors.
Half Million customers who bought a coffee could return later the same day with their invoice and receive a free refill. (Instagram/halfmillion_sa)
This inventive approach not only generated buzz but also endeared Nas to the neighborhood, setting the stage for a welcome launch.
With this campaign, Nas demonstrated how a personal touch and a bit of creativity can go a long way in building customer loyalty, even before the first cup is served.
Free cuppa for ’90s kids
Namq, a modern coffee concept with a knack for connecting with the youth, launched a special promotion offering free coffee to anyone born in the 1990s. The targeted campaign sparked excitement, with millennials flocking to Namq outlets throughout the Kingdom for their free drink.
The promotion became a trending topic on social media, but it also left younger customers asking: “What about us?”
The wave of demand from Gen Z was so strong that another coffee shop in Riyadh, Bros, decided to follow suit with a similar offer, this time for customers born in the 2000s. The friendly competition between the two shops added a layer of excitement as coffee lovers compared which generation had the better deal.
Saadeddin, a well-known patisserie in the region, took an unconventional route with one of its promotions. Customers were asked to bring a lemon to the store in exchange for a free cake. While it may sound odd, the idea quickly caught on.
Half Million, another popular coffee chain in the Kingdom, introduced a clever promotion that encouraged repeat visits. Customers who bought a coffee could return later the same day with their invoice and receive a free refill. This strategy not only incentivized customers to come back, but also subtly boosted the shop’s sales and customer loyalty.
“It’s a smart way to keep customers engaged,” said customer Nada Al-Harbi, who frequents Half Million. “You’re more likely to return if you know you can get another cup for free. Plus, it gives you an excuse to take a break in the middle of a busy day.”
Drive-thru surprises
When Cosmo opened a new branch in Dammam, they decided to treat their customers with unexpected gifts when they ring up the bill at their drive-through. Anyone who drove by could receive a free gift. The promotion created a sense of excitement and anticipation, with customers eagerly queuing up to see what surprise awaited them.
“A clever and attractive marketing idea because it feels more like a social experiment than a marketing campaign. Cosmo is known for its reputation and products, but this wasn’t about the product itself, it was a new experience with items you didn’t even know about,” said Wedad Bugrarah, the lucky recipient of a large box of desserts.
Whether through humor, surprise, or a sense of community, these campaigns do more than simply promote a product — they create memorable experiences that keep customers coming back.
Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of humor — or a lemon — to leave a lasting impression.
Guests can enjoy the game while savoring expertly crafted drinks and appetizers, making it a truly enjoyable experience.
Updated 13 September 2024
Waad Hussain
Located in the eastern part of Riyadh, Views Lounge, originally from Slovakia, has quickly become renowned for its elegant and relaxing atmosphere.
During a recent visit, I sampled their signature margarita, which struck a perfect balance between salty and sweet. It was a refreshing take on a classic cocktail, showcasing the mixologists’ commitment to crafting uncommon beverages.
The experience was elevated by the lounge’s plush decor and soothing ambiance, making it a perfect spot for unwinding, albeit at a slightly higher price point.
The outdoor area, designed for sports enthusiasts, provides a serene backdrop for watching football games without the usual rowdiness found in typical sports bars.
Guests can enjoy the game while savoring expertly crafted drinks and appetizers, making it a truly enjoyable experience.
Service at Views Lounge is another standout feature. Staff members’ attentiveness adds to the overall experience, making guests feel valued and well cared for.
While the prices may be on the higher side, the quality of the offerings and the luxurious atmosphere make it a worthwhile indulgence for those looking to treat themselves.
For the latest updates, follow them on Instagram @views.lounge.
