Chopsticks in Sahara Centre, Sharjah

We love eating out and trying new delicacies from all over as long as our taste buds can take them. We found Chopsticks in Sahara Centre in Sharjah few months ago when it was newly opened in the new extension of the mall.

We were offered 25% off on our entire bill as their promotional offer that time so we decided to give it a try since we love Asian Fusion type of cuisine and they served mainly those kinds of meals.

What I like?
The serving is just right. We can order for 2 and actually can feed around 4 people.
The taste is right; cooked just the way I prefer. The vegetables were not soggy and over cooked and the viand were not overpowering with MSG or sodium.
The serving is perfect. We can actually feed 4 people with all our order.
The quiet ambiance.
I like the courteous and friendly staff.

What I don't like?
I think, if we weren't given an discount, I would find their meal price a bit expensive.

The ambiance:
Spacious with lots of red and black decors and motif.  It is a quiet place maybe because we went there around 4 p.m. so it was not crowded at all. Pipe-in music was not too loud and the lighting is ok.

The food selection we ordered:
For appetizer:
Shrimp Blast -

Main Course:
Chicken Fried Rice
Orange Crispy Chicken
Beef Broccoli

Drinks:
Water


The price:
I paid around AED 150++ for the whole entree. I was unable to save the receipt so I couldn't provide the exact amount but we were given 25% so it was a good deal for us.

The staff:
The staff are all friendly and accommodating. They served with a smile and were happy to provide our requests for extra water, tissue papers and condiments.

My recommendation:

I have to give this a rating of 4/5. You should check this restaurant out. They have a branch in Dubai Mall too.

*I was unable to take some photos to put in this review. I will update this when we dine in Chopsticks again.

Amsterdam’s Top 3 High-End Eateries

Photo credit: tanamatales.com but I added text

Amsterdam is one of the best places to take a weekend break, not only because of the liberal and relaxed nature of the Dutch people, but mainly due to the fact that there’s so much to see and do! From cafés and canals to amazing architecture and exciting culture, Amsterdam is a must-visit city this summer, and as the capital of Holland, it certainly lives up to its reputation.

Offering mesmerising beauty, world-renowned coffee shops, art galleries, live music, street acts, bicycles and so much more, there’s never been a better time to visit Amsterdam. One of the best things about the city is the amazing food, and there are vibrant and diverse restaurants, pubs and bars around every corner.

Considering the size of the city, Amsterdam packs one hell of a punch, and because it attracts millions of tourists, the food industry has to be on its best game all year round. Let’s take a look at some of the best high-end restaurants in Amsterdam.

1.     La Oliva

If you like wine, stunning décor, Basque-style tapas, and generally a great night, then La Oliva is the place for you. This fantastic restaurant can be found in Egelantiersstraat in the heart of the city, and with main meals costing around 20 euros, you certainly get a lot for your money here. One of this restaurant’s special dishes is something called pintxos, a selection of bread-based delights with various toppings and flavours.

If you’re looking for something a little more filling, then there is a full European menu on offer, including succulent steak, homemade chips, great pies and a variety of pasta dishes. Furthermore, the wine list is also extensive, meaning you can simply come to La Oliva for a quiet drink.

2.     Beddington’s

Named after the head chef and owner, British-born Jean Beddington, this restaurant is a joy to behold. After opening her first restaurant in 1983 in Amsterdam city centre, Jean used her worldly experience – including influences from her time in Japan, England and other parts of Europe – to create Beddington’s.

As one of the most creative and stylish digs in Amsterdam, this restaurant can be found hidden down a quiet side road, away from all the hustle and bustle of the tourist hubs of the city. If you’re looking for signature dishes to try out, then the sweet potato mash is the one for you – with the spuds freshly grown in Jean’s own private plot.

Due to its clientele, which are mostly business types, prices are a little steep, however well worth it. Overspending on your accommodation is also much wiser than overspending on your travel and you can effectively control your flight spend by using an online flight comparison website. Cheapflights is a good place to start.

3.     De Kas

De Kas – or ‘the greenhouse’ – is a local favourite in Amsterdam. Not only is the entire restaurant housed inside a specially made greenhouse, but the food is some of the best in the city. One of the best things about De Kas is where it gets its produce. The restaurant is actually split into two parts – one half for growing vegetables and fruit for sides and desert, and the other is where people are seated! If the food you order isn’t grown here, then it’s sourced from local farms with high quality cattle.

Breakfast at c.taste in Centro Yas Island Hotel in Abu Dhabi

We spent my husband's pre-birthday celebration in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi last 4-5 May. It was the right time to go there since my mom-in-law was still here at that time. We took advantage of the that weekend and drove to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

We stayed at Centro Yas Island Hotel which is a part of the Rotana chain of hotels. We took the continental buffet breakfast so we didn't have to worry about driving out of the island for a quick breakfast.

We paid 45 dhs. per head from the 60 dhs. We used our company's discount card in the hotel so had a good savings. The 45 dhs. was really worth it!

The breakfast buffet opened at 06:00 to 10:30 daily. We had a wide selection to choose from. There were cold cuts, fruits, cereals, yoghurts, coffee, hot chocolate, juices and the hot meals, danish pastries and other baked goods. You could also request for an omelette done according to your liking from the chef.

We were stuffed and the food was great! For the price we paid for, the meal was more than enough since it was a buffet and we could help ourselves with more servings.

If you are planning to visit Abu Dhabi, UAE and don't know where to stay, book yourself at Centro Yas Island and enjoy the great ambiance, food, affordable price and hospitality.

Colors Cafe in Deira City Centre

My daughter and I ate in this restaurant few years ago but I didn't know that they serve breakfast and lunch buffet. Last 27 April, a friend invited us over for a lunch buffet there. The price was amazingly affordable which was AED 33 each adult and kids pay AED 16. I did not ask the age limit for a kid to be considered a kid though so let's just assume it is below 12 years old.

The choices are international. The lunch buffet consisted of lentil soup with garlic bread and arabic bread, salad bar, fried rice, barbecue chicken, baked fish fillet with cream, vegetarian pasta, steamed vegetables, and the dessert which consisted of pineapple and watermelon cutlets, gelatin cake and chocolate fondue. The buffet served comes with choices of soda. Water is not free.

The food is okay. I liked the baked fish a lot! I find the vegetable spaghetti bland and the combination of the fruit choices and chocolate fondue is definitely a no-no! So, if you happen to have lunch buffet there, don't make a beeline in the dessert area unless they changed it.

The environment is family friendly and non-smoking. If you wish to smoke, you can sit outside and dine al fresco.  The interior is rather dark but it's okay because it's lively with lots of people passing by as it is located near the main entrance of the mall.

The staff are ultra friendly and very accommodating. I will definitely come back even if the dessert portion was a bust. I was satisfied!

Wok In At Movenpick Hotel

"Wok In At Movenpick Hotel, Deira www.riatravelbug-blogspot.com"

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We love dining out. It does not matter whether it is fine dining or not as long as it is tasty food and within our budget. We enjoy trying out new entrees and compare with other restaurants. So far, I gravitate mostly to Asian fusion kind of restaurants.

We went to Wok In at Movenpick Hotel, Deira last 11 January with the family for our 15th wedding anniversary celebration. The price was okay and we have a discount of 50% on the total bill if you are holding a particular card they have an agreement with. Next, the food serving is reasonable except for the rice which was really good for 3. The taste is excellent, not to spicy nor salty. I think it was just right for my taste. The ambiance was relaxing and soothing even if the color combination of black and red was used all over from tables to chairs to the walls to the drop lights. I think the lighting set the mood and complimented the color motif. Lastly, the service was superb. The staff were very courteous and served with a smile.

If I have to eat out again near Deira, I will certainly go back in Wok In.