American Bedu

Eating Out in Riyadh
Current mood: hungry
Category: Travel and Places

Riyadh actually has quite a few options for those who wish to go out and dine.  I thought I would share my views and thoughts about a recent dining/culinary experience at one of Riyadh’s finer restaurants, The Globe.The Globe is located in the Al-Fasiliyah building which houses not only commercial office spaces but one of Riyadh’s five-star hotels as well.  Al-Fasiliyah is a narrow pyramid shaped building culminating with a round globe at the top, hence the origin of its name, The Globe.First one will take a 25 second elevator ride to the 30th floor.  On exiting the 30th floor, one then transfers to a second elevator with all-glass windows and continue up for an addition 3-4 floors depending on venue (sight-seeing area, Globe restaurant or exclusive Cigar lounge).On entering the Globe, one cannot but notice that one is in a circular shaped room enclosed by floor to ceiling glass windows offering a spectacular view of metropolitan Riyadh. The Globe has a modernistic decor with sleek minimal designs so as not to detract from the view.  The lighting is also very subtle.  All tables are arranged to maximize the opportunity to gaze outside while dining.The chef is Austrian and the superb wait staff are predominantly Sri Lankan and Indian.  The cuisine is international with an emphasis on French style and preparations.   Each plate is presented as a work of art.The menu offers a variety of appetizers, soups, salads, main courses and desserts.  There is also a separate menu offering a wide selection of beverages to include “mocktails” and non-alcoholic wines imported from California vineyards.  One may choose from a set (fixed price) menu or order ala carte.The appetizers ranged from quail eggs, foie gras, baked crusted sea bass, scallops to vegetarian selections as well.  There were a wide range of soups and salads.  The main courses included a varied selection of seafood, poultry, steak, veal, duck and other dishes.  My selections for the evening were baked crusted sea bass as an appetizer followed by roasted duck.  The desserts offered were too sweet and rich for my liking and there was no hesitation when I asked if I could “create” my own dessert consisting of a small scooping of vanilla ice cream and a small scoop of their special rose flavored sorbet.Naturally hot towels, fine linen napkins, crystal wine goblets are provided to the diners.  Between courses one would be given a “chef’s appetizer” or small sample to try. After dessert, truffles and other assorted chocolates are served with tea and coffee.Make sure to allow plenty of time as diners are encouraged to make their dining experience a full evening.  We arrived at 8pm and did not depart until 11:30pm.The Globe is not a segregated environment and diners are seated openly.  Business and/or formal dress is appropriate.  Most women do retain their abayas but head covering is optional.  If a (western) woman is not wearing an abaya it is unlikely she would be challenged.Under the heading for what it is worth, I heartily endorse dining out at the Globe.  

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