Alkhobar chill: Gioelia Cremeria offers a taste of Italy on Saudi Arabia’s east coast

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Updated 01 October 2022
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Alkhobar chill: Gioelia Cremeria offers a taste of Italy on Saudi Arabia’s east coast

A cool new ice cream cafe and shop has opened on Alkhobar City Walk, offering visitors a true taste of Italy.

Owned and run by local man Bader Al-Hussaini and his family, Gioelia Cremeria Italiana is packed full of tasty delights — from thirst-quenching fruity gelato and chocolate cakes to cookies and cannoli.

Before opening the store in mid-September — the first outlet of the famous brand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East — Al-Hussaini and his father traveled to Italy to sample the products they would be selling.

On opening day the place was packed with happy customers young and old as they sampled the dozen or so treats on offer.

Al-Hussaini recommended we try the pistachio gelato, and it tasted like summer in a cup. The creamy texture of the ice cream combined with chips of pistachio was neither overwhelming nor too subtle. It also came with a thin wafer on the top to give it extra crunch.

As well as the desserts — available for eat-in or takeaway — the shop offers a wide range of hot and iced coffees, smoothies, frappes, and bottles of sparkling and still water from Italy.

Al-Hussaini said his personal favorite was the gelato, “because I really like it and we don’t have many gelato shops here in Alkhobar.”

He told Arab News that unlike most ice creams, gelato does not contain much water, “which makes it more creamy.”

Gioelia Cremeria Italiana is open from 4 p.m. to midnight.


Where We Are Going Today: Kaak Al-Farah

Updated 33 min 53 sec ago
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Where We Are Going Today: Kaak Al-Farah

Kaak Al-Farah — which translates as “the cookie of joy” — is an Instagram shop that offers kaak, a traditional date-filled treat enjoyed in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries.

A cherished part of celebrations such as Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha, weddings and baby showers, kaak are similar to maamoul cookies, which include semolina.

Kaak Al-Farah makes each cookie with care, using ornate molds to shape the date-stuffed dough. After baking, the cookies are packed in a beautiful reusable box.

Made from locally sourced ingredients, including wheat, dates and traditional Saudi flavors such as cardamom and cloves, each bite is a celebration of the region’s rich culinary heritage.

What makes Kaak Al-Farah stand out is not just the delightful taste of the cookies but also the thoughtful packaging which reflects the essence of Saudi culture.

The round box features designs redolent of the joyful spirit found in Saudi communities, including a cheerful ring of colorful flowers symbolizing happiness and beauty and a portrait of a lady representing peace and love. Added to each box is a personalized greeting card.

Kaak Al-Farah delivers to various cities throughout the Kingdom and can be found on delivery apps including The Chefz and Hayak.

For more information, visit their Instagram profile — @kaak.alfarah.


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Dave’s Hot Chicken’ in Riyadh

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Updated 30 April 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Dave’s Hot Chicken’ in Riyadh

  • The dishes come in six heat options, with the most intense level named the “reaper,” which is served with a waiver that must be signed before consumption

Dave’s Hot Chicken — a parking-lot food truck in East Hollywood before becoming internationally renowned — can be found in Riyadh on Tahliah Street.

They are famous for their iconic Nashville-style hot chicken, a sweet and spicy concoction of flavorful spices including cayenne pepper, paprika, salt and pepper.

The balance of sweet and spicy along with the irresistible crunch makes their chicken tenders one of the best in the city.

Each order is served with sliced bread, tangy pickles, and Dave’s special sauce.

The dishes come in six heat options, with the most intense level named the “reaper,” which is served with a waiver that must be signed before consumption.

The waiver reads: “I acknowledge that eating the reaper can cause me harm, including, but not limited to, bodily injury, property damage, emotional stress, and even death.”

For customers who prefer it, their chicken tenders are also available with no spice.

The menu has a selection of Nashville-inspired sides including fries, cheese fries, mac and cheese, and kale slaw.

The eatery is known for its attention to detail and is the ideal spot for those craving succulent fried chicken with a kick.

Their story began in 2017 with four friends — Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganeshyan, Tommy Rubenyan and Gary Rubenyan — who used $900 to create an Instagram page showcasing their offerings.

In 2021, Canadian rapper Drake, actor Samuel L. Jackson and Boston Red Sox chairman Tom Werner invested in the company to become major shareholders.

Dave’s Hot Chicken is now an international food chain with over 100 locations.

For updates and more information check @daveshotchickengcc.

 

 


CDC says it’s identified 1st documented cases of HIV transmitted through cosmetic needles

An Iraqi woman gets a lip injection at an aesthetic clinic in the northern city of Mosul. (AFP file photo)
Updated 30 April 2024
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CDC says it’s identified 1st documented cases of HIV transmitted through cosmetic needles

  • Many popular cosmetic treatments are delivered with needles, such as Botox to iron out wrinkles and fillers to plump lips

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.: Three women who were diagnosed with HIV after getting “vampire facial” procedures at an unlicensed New Mexico medical spa are believed to be the first documented cases of people contracting the virus through a cosmetic procedure using needles, federal health officials said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in its Morbidity and Mortality Report last week that an investigation into the clinic from 2018 through 2023 showed it apparently reused disposable equipment intended for one-time use.
Although HIV transmission from contaminated blood through unsterile injection is a well-known risk, the report said this is the first documentation of probable infections involving cosmetic services.

This electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Institutes of Health shows a human T cell, in blue, under attack by HIV, in yellow, the virus that causes AIDS. (AP)

Many popular cosmetic treatments are delivered with needles, such as Botox to iron out wrinkles and fillers to plump lips. A “vampire facial,” or platelet-rich plasma microneedling procedure, involves drawing a client’s own blood, separating its components, then using tiny needles to inject plasma into the face to rejuvenate the skin. Tattoos also require needles.
The New Mexico Department of Health began investigating the spa in the summer of 2018 after it was notified that a woman in her 40s had tested positive for HIV even though she had no known risk factors. The woman reported exposure to needles through the procedure at the clinic that spring.
The spa closed in fall 2018 after the investigation was launched, and its owner was prosecuted for practicing medicine without a license.
The report said the investigation showed how important it is to require infection control practices at businesses that offer cosmetic procedures involving needles.
It also noted that the investigation was slowed by poor record keeping and said businesses providing such services should keep better records in case clients need to be contacted later.

 


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Tikka Khan’ delicious grilled chicken in Jeddah

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Updated 28 April 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Tikka Khan’ delicious grilled chicken in Jeddah

  • This place specializes in Indian street food, with more than a nod to the classic dish from which it takes its name

As soon as you step inside Tikka Khan on Qassem Zeinah Street in Jeddah’s Rawdah district your senses will be treated to the unmistakable aroma of South Asian spices and grilled chicken.

This place specializes in Indian street food, with more than a nod to the classic dish from which it takes its name.

The marinated chicken, infused with a blend of yogurt, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, garlic and ginger, is grilled or roasted to perfection. Each bite bursts with rich aromatic flavors.

I tried two sandwiches — the tikka khan and the butter khan — and while both were delicious, the former was a clear winner.

The fresh naan bread loaded with succulent grilled chicken was simply delicious. It was also small enough that I was tempted to order a second.

The butter khan — unsurprisingly featuring butter chicken — is available in regular or spicy variations.

All of the wraps are made to order but the service is quick service so you will never have to wait long.

Besides wraps, Tikka Khan serves several other dishes, including tikka fries topped with grilled tandoori chicken and a tasty sauce, a tikka samosa stuffed with meat and served with chutney and tamarind sauce, and tandoori noodles with grilled chicken tikka, vegetables and a special sauce.

For more information, visit Tikka Khan on Instagram @tikkakhansa.

 


Where We Are Going Today: ‘TNDR’ fried chicken in Jeddah

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Updated 27 April 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘TNDR’ fried chicken in Jeddah

  • The menu at TNDR is simple, focusing on what they do best: tender chicken fingers served with a variety of sauces, sodas, coleslaw salad, and, of course, fries

TNDR, the latest addition to Jeddah’s fast-food scene, offers mouthwatering tender fried chicken. With two drive-through locations in Rawdah and Al-Hamadaniah, TNDR promises a quick and satisfying dining experience.

The menu at TNDR is simple, focusing on what they do best: tender chicken fingers served with a variety of sauces, sodas, coleslaw salad, and, of course, fries. What sets TNDR apart is using locally sourced ingredients to create flavorful sandwiches and wraps.

One standout item on the menu is the TNDR Wrap, featuring four pieces of perfectly fried chicken, warm tortilla wrap with gooey melted cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce and garlic sauce, and fries, available in both regular and spicy.
I opted for the spicy one, the chicken was indeed very tender and crunchy, the wrap size was fair for a dinner meal, whilst what made every bite count was the warm cheddar sauce.

The second main is the TNDR Combo, a sandwich that features tender fried chicken in a fluffy bun, complemented by creamy garlic sauce, fresh lettuce, rich cheddar cheese sauce, and fries.
The logo of the brand is funky and imitates a graphic of a cool chicken standing by the order window wearing shoes. This playful design sets the tone for the fun and inviting atmosphere at TNDR.

For more information and updates, be sure to check out @tndr.sa on Instagram.