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The link ain't working

Yike!!! The page just opened and I  noticed it says "2012"

Fidgety Soul wrote:

Yike!!! The page just opened and I  noticed it says "2012"

Let's hope the food isn't left over from 2012

Fidgety Soul wrote:

Yike!!! The page just opened and I  noticed it says "2012"

Upper left graphic says 2013, but, yes, the text does say "2012."  Not a very good website--surprise, surprise.

Anyway, I attended the opening ceremony at the Riyadh Golf Course (not Dirab, to the south;  this one is north of the city) on Thursday, January 17th.

The kick-off venue took up the entirety of the course's driving range.  Huge and grassy!  Outdoors and cold-ish, but with scores of outdoor heaters strategically placed throughout the meadow of cuisine.

They had a stage, and played ethnic music and did traditional dances:  Saudi;  Spanish;  Indian;  et al.  The passel of little Indian children impressed me most with their song and dance performance!

There were a dozen (very) large outdoor kitchens set up with large dining areas in front of each hotel sponsor, including ethnic décor, tables, chairs, linens, glassware, and silverware.  The seafood, Italian, and French areas saw a lot of action.  Saudi, Chinese, Malaysian, and Moroccan were a close second. The wine substitute served by the French venue was quite nice, and by no means an ersatz offering.  The Italian mushroom risotto was ethereal, and the French beef cutlets were the tenderest I've ever ingested--mastication was nearly unnecessary, and primarily done out of habit or for show.  Finally, steamed/smoked jumbo oysters on the half-shell, and a range of desserts that might kill a hyperglycemic just by looking at them.

It was like a big culture bomb.  Many people wore their traditional native attire.  Very few faces were covered among the fairer gender.  Everyone was happy--if a bit chilly--and the food was absolutely delicious!

I'm glad I attended.  It was fun, different, and reminded me there's a world outside these borders.

The event kicked off series of ethnic dining events at the same hotels who hosted & sponsored this debut event, along with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities.  It was a noble and successful effort;  they should be proud.

Cheers, and bon appétit!

Be sure to attend the Janadriyah festival.  Everybody is covered but people are singing and dancing and making music and clapping.  I enjoyed so much just watching the people enjoy.

Alliecat wrote:

Janadriyah festival.

Thanks, AC.  I will.  When/where is it?

GreatLaker wrote:

Alliecat wrote:

Janadriyah festival.

Thanks, AC.  I will.  When/where is it?

It's a permanent fairground, out almost directly across from Salwa.  I believe it's in March this year but keep your eyes open for the date.

Marriott Food Festival.

"These pretzels are making me thirsty!"

(And Mabella26's picture is making me hungry.)

how was the festival ? i was also there

Thanks GreatLaker,

For such a detailed review, if get a chance will make a visit over the weekend...