Of Food, Celebrations, and Festivals

Al Ghurair Rayhaan Rotana

Hello Spring! This is an overdue update of the blog. How's everyone?


I've been doing a lot of contemplating these past few days and I realized that even if my life is surrounded by all things digital, there is still a world out there that I need to explore. And that's what I've been doing lately: meeting a lot of people from different parts of the world (and I'm not making this as an excuse for not updating my online diary, not all).  Because lessons in life, I think, are learned from the outside world. Not in a room, or a chair, or a table, or in front of a screen. *wink*

So what's in my plate these days? People. Meet ups. And of course, food.

And one of the perks of living in Dubai is getting exposed to different culture, events and celebrations - one of which is the so-called Nowruz, the Persian New Year which basically falls on the first day of Spring. Expats, locals, and even tourists in Dubai celebrate this festivity and as an ex-travel agent, I know that these season falls under peak where most hotels get booked easily, ha!

I did celebrate the festivity with a few bloggers and a newly found friend, we got invited for a dinner at Shayan, a Persian Restaurant at Al Ghurair Rayhaan Rotana Hotel.

See what's in my plate even though you might have already seen it on my Instagram:





We were served a few starters like the traditional Persian bread and a platter of Iranian crudites with yoghurt and cucumber dip. I personally like the yoghurt dip, I'm starting to get used to Arabic food and I can say that everything is just sooooo made up of different flavours!


I had Reshteh Polo for main course. I somewhat don't understand the concept of mixing noodles and rice when both are carbohydrates but I think they do taste good (especially when you're in Dubai). Oh and the lamb my dear, so soft and tender!


And lastly, a deadly desert! Who would've thought a poached saffron pear would taste better with ice cream? If you think these are too sweet, yes they are indeed!


Noticed this pretty strange table at the door entrance as well which happens to be a Persian version of the Filipino's "Noche Buena", a tradition they kept for good luck through out the year.

And of course, feasts are better shared with awesome foodie bloggers (and Greg who made extra effort to be there despite his leg condition). Was able to meet Lady, Myla, Pam, and a few others who I already got acquainted from previous foodie events!







I'll say that was fun, until the next foodescapades!


xoxo,

JoyC




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