Those unfamiliar to Middle East Cuisine, will find it has much to offer.  Eaten in moderation, one will also find it quite healthy.  However, one must be careful, as when you sit down for a meal in a Middle Eastern restaurant, that you must pace yourself.  Meals are usually served in courses, with the “mezzas” being served first.  Mezzas are what one would consider the appetizers, however, so much is usually served that you think it is the main meal.  Middle Easterners believe in hosting a full table, as they believe that no one should leave the table the least bit hungry.  I learned the hard way, the first time I attended a “Middle East Feast”.  The waiters brought out so much, that I thought that it was the dinner.  I filled up on all the wonder “mezzas”, and I had absolutely no room for the main course.  This did not go over well with my Middle East hosts, who kept on insisting that I must eat.  By the time I finished, I was so uncomfortable, I could barely move

Some of the common “mezzas” served are hummos (a dip made from chickpeas, garlic, and sesame seed paste), babaganouj (similar to hummos except it is made with roasted eggplant instead of chickpeas), warak ineb (grapeleaves stuffed with rice and meat or with rice and vegetables), tabouleh (a very popular salad made from parsley, tomatoes, cracked wheat known as burghal, olive oil, and lemon), and fatoush (one of my favorites, is a salad with baked or fried pita bread as croutons and laced with Sumac, a spice that adds some tanginess to the olive oil and lemon dressing).  There is also menakeesh, also known as fatayer, (these are made from dough, and are topped with meat, cheese, or zaater, which is an oregano spice mixture.  Most look like a form of Middle East pizzas, however some are in the shape of triangles and are stuffed with such things as spinach.)  Most likely guests will also find some olives, and pickled vegetables such as turnips, cauliflower, and stuffed eggplant to munch on, just to name a few.
Common to the Lebanese “mezzas”, one will find Kibbeh.  Kibbeh is a mixture of minced beef or lamb and burghal.  The most common ways to serve Kibbeh is either as Kibbeh Balls that are stuffed with meat, nuts, and spices and then fried, or raw, known as “Kibbeh Nayeh”.  There are many more, based on the region, but these are some of the most popular.
Next, is the main course.  Common foods found during the main course are Beef and Lamb Kebabs, Shish Tawook (this is marinated chicken that is then grilled), and Kofta (minced beef or lamb with an array of spices).  If one is near the ocean, then usually Sammak (fish) and seafood is added to the menu.  In the Gulf Region, Hammour and shellfish are popular.  If alcohol is served, Arak is the most well-known.  Similar to the Greek Ozo, this clear licorice-tasting drink turns milky when water is added.  Those trying it for the first time must be forewarned, this drink is very potent!

Dinner usually ends with a large platter of fruit for the guests to enjoy, along with some Baklawa (a sweet dessert usually made from phyllo dough or shredded wheat, nuts, and covered in honey or attar (a sugary syrup).   Those who partake in a bit of the “Sheesha” (a water-pipe used to smoke flavoured tobacco) will usually indulge themselves at this time.  For those who do not smoke, the aroma of the “Sheesha” is quite pleasant, especially compared to that of cigars and cigarettes.

One is in for a real gastronomic treat dining Middle Eastern style, just remember everything in moderation.  With so much food to offer, you will definitely need to pace yourself, both with the food and the Arak.  (Otherwise, you will pay the price for your overindulgence.)

Another bit of advice, if you indulge a bit to much in the Arak, do make sure to take a cab.  In Dubai, although alcohol is served at many of the restaurants, there is a “Zero Tolerance” for Driving While Intoxicated.  One must remember this is an Islamic country, and the rules are much stricter here.  You do not want to find yourself in jail.  With this information, and the friendly tips to guide you through the meal, you are sure to enjoy the feast.  Bon Apetite!

It’s that time of year again!  Beginning on January 15, 2009, Dubai’s annual Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), known in Arabic as “Layali Dubai” will return to the city.  This month long event scheduled in the first quarter of the year, will go thru until February 15, 2009.  During this time, Shopaholics from around the world, will make their annual pilgrimage to the “City of Gold”, to take advantage of the deep discounts that merchants offer, in addition to the tax-free advantage Dubai offers its visitors.

The Dubai Shopping Festival started in 1996.  It was originally intended to revitalize the retail market of Dubai, but it has gained so much popularity, it is now a major tourist attraction for the Emirate, with daily fireworks, exhibitions, and events scheduled throughout the month .  During its origination, the concept of developing a global shopping village where nations from all over the world could come and share their culture and wares with others was established.  This concept became reality with the creation of the Global Village, located off Emirates Road in Dubailand.   In addition to the Global Village, over 2300 of Dubai’s retail outlets participate in the event, offering everything from gold, jewelry, clothes, electronics, cars, cosmetics, and hand-crafted items.  Also participating in the event are many of Dubai’s hotels, airlines, and tour companies, offering their own deals on airfares, tours, and accommodations while attending the event.  Emirates Airlines, who is a key sponsor of the event,
even offers an additional baggage allowance, to room for its patrons to transport their additional “goodies” back home.

Becoming a major tourist attraction, Dubai has enhanced the festival by the addition of other attractions, which include fireworks, light and laser shows, fashion shows, and concerts, including the Dubai International Jazz Festival which runs for 3 days during DSF.  Many Arabic entertainers, such as Nawal Zoghby, Najwa Karim, and Amr Diab, have performed at DSF in the past.

Another popular event during the festival is the daily raffle drawings.  Giveaways include such things as cars, 4×4s, gold, and money.  Guests can participate in the raffle by purchasing raffle tickets, or by shopping at participating merchants who will give away raffle tickets to those purchase a certain amount in goods or services.

Concerns have been sited about DSF 2009 due to the global economic crisis the world is facing, however, others see it as increased opportunity to get even better deals, and to avoid the massive crowds typically associated with the annual shopping event.  At present, it appears that Dubai intends on promoting this year’s festival as it has done in the past, and that will mean that the promotions and entertainment that is typically associated to the event will continue as usual.  In addition, there have been a few additions to the city of Dubai, which guests are sure to enjoy.  First, is the opening of the Atlantis, with its new family-oriented, water-themed Park, Aquaventure.  Also new to the scene this year, is the new Dubai Mall, touted as the largest shopping mall in the world.  This mall is sure to enhance the shopping experience of any pilgrim making their way to the Shopping Mecca of the World!

Anyone visiting Dubai that is looking for a unique shopping experience needs to visit the famous Karama District, located near Dubai Business and Commercial District of Bur Dubai.  Karama’s shops offer great deals on Pashmina Shawls, Tableclothes, and Pillow Coverings, and those that love to bargain this is the place, as you can really practice your skills with the merchants here.  But, it’s the shopping behind the closed doors that people really go to Karama for.  My friends and I recently took a shopping trip to Karama.  If I had not been already educated on how much of the business was performed here, I probably would have been quite nervous when a small Pakistani man approached us and asked if we were “interested in brand names”.  When we gave him a positive response, he told us to follow him, as he walked us several blocks, down some side streets.  Had I not been with several women (a large enough group, that I felt the safety in numbers), and had not been aware of the “business conducted behind closed doors”, I’m sure that I would have run the other way.  We finally arrived at what looked like an apartment building, where we got into an elevator and took a ride up several floors.  When we got off, he walked us down the hall to an apartment, where he made a special knock on the door.  A few seconds later, the door opened and our escort ushered us in.  Yes, it was an apartment, but it was stocked with designer label items from floor to ceiling in every room.  From designer handbags, wallets, and cellphone cases, to designer watches and designer sunglasses, they had it all!  All the top designer houses were represented, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Chloe, Prada, Versace, Christian Dior, Baby Phat, Juicy Couture, Rolex, Monte Blanc, and yes, even Hermes.  You would have thought you were in Couture Heaven!

As we went around asking “how much?” the typical response was “No worries ma’am, pick what you want, and I give you good deal.”  So, it is just best to pick out everything you are interested in, and put in a grouping, for them to price out.  Keeping in mind, the more you buy, the better your bargaining power.  As you begin to wrap up, allow yourself plenty of time for negotiating, at this is an art form, and the merchants are skilled craftsmen in this area.  If you are not one who is skilled at bargaining, it is best to make sure that you bring along a girlfriend or family member that is, even if it is old Aunt Martha that you can stand being in the room for more than 10 minutes with, as it will be worth the savings!  On average, you can expect to get about a 40 - 45% discount from their originally quoted price, but that does require time and some negotiation skills.

Once the deal is complete, your escort will usually provide you a card, so you can call the next time you’re in the area to do some shopping.  These escorts are obviously on commission, so they want you to continue to work with them.  I suggest you take the card, and if they have not offered, ask them for one.  It is helpful for 2 reasons: First, you don’t have to wait to be approached by someone, and go through the uncomfortable process of following a stranger to a strange place to view their merchandise.  This is especially helpful if you are not with a large enough group to feel safe.  Calling in advance, you can meet your escort, and have some level of comfort with who he is and where he is taking you.  Secondly, you might on occasion have purchased a flawed item.  The merchants are more than willing to exchange the defective item for you, but you have to know how to be able to reach them.   I have heard of a couple of incidents where this has happened, and the merchants were very cooperative in taking the defective purchases back and allowing the customer to exchange it for something else.  Just beware, as the return trip may cost you even more if you happen to see more things that catch your eye!

The Grand Opening Celebrations at Atlantis The Palm in Dubai, was one for the memory books.  At a cost of nearly $20 million, it is touted as the most expensive private party in history.  With over 2000 celebrities in attendance, its guest list included such names as:  Denzel Washington, Michael Jordan, Janet Jackson, Lindsay Lohan, Cherise Theron, and Quincy Jones.  The night’s entertainment was a cross-cultural event with the famous Lebanese Singer, Nawal Zoghby, opening the show, and at a cost of $4 million, Kylie Minogue was the Headline Performer.
Security for the event was quite intense.  Access to the Palm Jumeirah, where the Atlantis is located, was restricted.  Unless you are a resident of the Palm, or a guest of a resident (guests needed to arrive before 4:00 p.m. to gain entrance), you were not allowed access.  It was approximately 5:30 as we approached the entrance way into the Palm Jumeirah.  There were police barricades and security turning much of the long line of traffic away.  Without the proper resident access card, gaining entrance was futile.  We finally made our way past security and all the barricades to the villa, where we settled in to enjoy the evening’s festivities.   Located on Frond F, the beachfront property was the ideal spot, with an unobstructed view of the Atlantis before us.  We enjoyed an evening of barbequing and drinks, as the sun set and we watched the magnificent display of images reflected onto the façade of the hotel.   The most amazing was the 3D images of 2 Aladdin Lamps appearing.  These hologram images were so realistic, one would think that they were actually part of the Atlantis.  An amazing sight, but nothing compared to what was in store for us later in the evening.  As the evening progressed, we could hear the “La la la, la la la la la” of Kylie’s famous “Can’t Get You Out of My Head”.   At approximately 11:30 p.m., the children had long since fell asleep, security was making its beach rounds, and we asked when the fireworks were scheduled to begin.  We were told “Soon, very soon!”  (Dubai is notorious for not following a committed schedule.  When first announced, we were told that the firework display would be held sometime between 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m.)  Soon after midnight, we could tell that the fireworks would soon begin, so we awoke the children, to prepare them for the show, but nothing was to prepare us for the amazing display of pyrotechnics.  What we were expecting was a beautiful display of fireworks over the Atlantis, what we got was an interactive display, with us being right in the middle of the show.  Fireworks were going off up and down the Frond, and all around us.  It was truly an amazing sight!   As I watched in amazement, I realized that this was bigger than just the Atlantis, and must be going on throughout the whole Palm Jumeirah.  I thought “What a magnificent sight this must be from the air”.  The 20 -30 minutes of fireworks exploding all around us seemed to go on forever.  Jaw dropped, I was overwhelmed by the magnitude of the display.  Each time the fireworks would lessen, and I thought they were coming to an end, another series would start up with great intensity.  When the show finally came to a close, the deep silence and smoke filled sky that left one with the impression that they were standing in the middle of a battlefield in war-torn Bosnia.  All I could say was “WOW”!