Where We Are Going Today: Beit Ward

1 / 2
Photo/Supplied
Short Url
Updated 07 April 2025
Follow

Where We Are Going Today: Beit Ward

  • The food was outstanding (albeit with slightly smaller portion sizes), the atmosphere matched our expectations, and the service was commendable

If you’re on the lookout for clean and delectable Lebanese cuisine, Beit Ward is a must-try.

The restaurant’s branch in Jeddah boasts both indoor and outdoor seating, allowing patrons to enjoy their meals while soaking in picturesque views.   

We opted for a selection of dishes and to our delight, everything was ready within 20 minutes during my first visit. On other occasions, however, the wait time was rather long.

I highly recommend trying the mixed grill and tender lamb chops, as well as the selection of cold and hot mezze. The Beit Ward hummus, paired with fresh juice, is not to be missed.

To conclude the meal on a sweet note, we enjoyed a soothing cup of tea accompanied by the delicious San Sebastian cake and Gazel Al-Banat, or Arabic cotton candy.

The overall dining experience was worth returning for. The food was outstanding (albeit with slightly smaller portion sizes), the atmosphere matched our expectations, and the service was commendable.

I particularly appreciated the elegant food presentation and setup, which added to the overall ambience.

I also had the pleasure of dining during Eid breakfast, where the set menu featured nostalgic Hijazi dishes reminiscent of my grandmother’s cooking, making it a truly memorable occasion.

However, my experiences have not been without a few hiccups. During one visit, while the food was satisfactory, the lack of attentive service detracted from the enjoyment.   

Beit Ward has various branches around the Kingdom, including in Riyadh, Madinah, and Alkhobar, making it accessible for all those seeking an authentic Lebanese dining experience.

 


L’Oreal Mideast exec looks to help doctors build an online presence

Updated 20 May 2025
Follow

L’Oreal Mideast exec looks to help doctors build an online presence

DUBAI: L’Oreal’ Medfluencer Academy recently hosted more than 200 healthcare professionals at an event in Abu Dhabi designed to help doctors build and scale their online presence, with the General Manager of L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty Middle East telling Arab News the move was in line with the French company’s recognition of “the power of social media.”

“We recognize the power of social media, especially in the GCC region, where the young, highly connected population often turns to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat for skincare advice,” Sanaa Bougazzoul told Arab News, explaining that the decision to launch the Medfluencer Academy worldwide was due to the fact that “while these platforms offer access to a lot information, we see also misinformation that can be detrimental to skin health.”

Sanaa Bougazzoul. (Supplied)

Empowering medical professions to “become effective communicators on social media” is a key aim of the initiative, with May’s event in the UAE — the first Medfluencer Academy held in the region — hosting panels, workshops and breakout sessions by experts from Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and the VML agency.

“Our aim is to equip dermatologists with expertise to navigate the digital landscape confidently, creating engaging, science backed content that resonates with the consumers,” Bougazzoul explained.

She also noted that steps should be taken to ensure qualified medical experts on social media are labelled as such, by means of a tag or disclaimer.

“A verified tag for licensed medical professionals would be a positive step toward building trust and protecting users. It would help distinguish evidence-based advice from unqualified or misleading content.”

When it comes to her top three tips for medical professionals with a social media presence, Bougazzoul said: “Simplify, don’t dilute, be consistent and human and use each platform’s strengths.”

 


Where We Are Going Today: Jon & Vinny’s

Updated 18 May 2025
Follow

Where We Are Going Today: Jon & Vinny’s

A slice of Los Angeles flair has landed on Prince Sultan Street in Jeddah with the arrival of Jon & Vinny’s, a lively eatery drawing crowds with its take on Italian comfort food.

The restaurant, located in La Paz Plaza, has a warm, energetic ambiance with a setting that is modern yet relaxed, with high ceilings, wooden accents and a clean design palette dominated by shades of green.

The showcase of their pizza boxes and a few quirky touches like neon signs add character to the space.

Reservations are a must unless you are up for a long wait. Fortunately, they hand out coloring pencils and quirky food-themed sheets to help kill time, which is especially handy if you are dining with kids.

The menu is straightforward but thoughtfully curated, starting with breakfast staples like a standout grilled ciabatta salad and tender braised Tuscan kale.

Among the most talked-about dishes are the hand-tossed pizzas, with dough fermented for two days before hitting the oven.

The Bronx Bomber, topped with fennel sausage, onions, garlic and herbs, is rich and rustic, while the Rosy keeps it simple with tomato and olive oil, elevated by an optional layer of parmigiano reggiano.

Salads also hold their own on the menu, especially the caprese, featuring buffalo mozzarella and tomato vinegar, and the gem lettuce salad, dressed in a zesty Calabrian chili vinaigrette and finished with parmigiano reggiano as well as breadcrumbs.

Pasta is made fresh in-house and ranges from a bold rigatoni slow-cooked in beef bolognese to a creamy, spicy fusilli with basil.

Meat dishes like the garlic buffalo wings and chicken cutlet with lemon-dressed greens are decent, but they do not outshine the pastas or pizza.

Dessert is not to be skipped. The hazelnut cafe bombolone was light yet indulgent, and the lemon ricotta cookie added a nice finish to the meal.

In terms of cost, I expected it to be pricey, but it was fairly reasonable. A full meal for four, with dishes from each section, came to about SR300–350 ($80-93).

For more, check Instagram @jonandvinnys.ksa.


Where We Are Going Today: FreshHouse in Riyadh, for the health nuts who value flavor

Updated 18 May 2025
Follow

Where We Are Going Today: FreshHouse in Riyadh, for the health nuts who value flavor

FreshHouse in Riyadh has all kinds of different meal options and is a great choice for those health nuts who value flavor, substance and speed.

The eatery offers an extensive menu to meet your needs at pretty much any time of the day, including bowls, on-the-go meals, salads, sandwiches, oats, yogurts for some light breakfast options, and even desserts.

You will love their Mediterranean Chicken Bowl menu.

This is packed with kabsa rice, Persian-style chicken, mixed greens, dill pickles, tomatoes, roasted corn, and surprisingly, dates — topped with a tahini sumac and basic lemon dressing.

The blend of flavors in the Mediterranean Bowl works perfectly, offering a tangy yet slightly creamy balance that does not feel too heavy but will fill you up just fine. The chicken is nice and tender and comes in the perfect amount.

Another showstopper on the menu is FreshHouse’s Pesto Pasta Chicken Bowl.

This comes with pomegranate, ricotta cheese, mixed greens, sundried tomatoes, black olives, zaatar, pecan, and is topped with cilantro and basic lemon dressing. There is a fine balance of tangy, creamy and sweet.

The pasta is seasoned perfectly, and what is especially great is that it is neither too heavy nor too bland, unlike many available healthy options.

For a lighter, more refreshing selection, FreshHouse also sells cups of mango parfait, honey muesli oats, berries and yogurt granola, and more.

A pretty good option is their mango overnight oats which tastes really good. However, the oats could be a little less soft and the mango flavor even more prominent.

Their acai bowl is quite underwhelming. Nothing special and lacking flavor in the acai itself.

Try FreshHouse the next time you are looking for a quick protein fix or snack. Their build-your-own option is also handy if you are that kind of person.


 


Kokoro: authentic Japanese curry in the Saudi capital

Updated 15 May 2025
Follow

Kokoro: authentic Japanese curry in the Saudi capital

If you are looking for an authentic taste of Japanese curry in Riyadh, look no further than Kokoro.

Nestled in Al-Yasmeen district, this cozy restaurant has made its way from Alkhobar and quickly captured the hearts of curry enthusiasts.

On entering Kokoro, you are transported into a minimalist Japanese setting that feels like stepping into a traditional home. The ambiance is warm and inviting, enhanced by the friendly staff who make you feel at home.

Kokoro specializes in Japanese curry, offering a delightful departure from the more common Indian curry. The menu features a variety of options, including chicken, shrimp, and beef curry. You will love the Kokoro Special, designed for two at a reasonable price of SR51 (about $14).

The curry here is distinctively good, offering a distinctive flavor profile. The spice levels range from 0 to 5.

You might start with some appetizers. The gyoza dumplings are a standout. They are perfectly cooked and flavorful, while the sweet potatoes are decent but don’t quite impress. For the main course, you might indulge in the chicken Katsu curry, which is crispy and juicy, and never disappoints.

The service is impressively fast.

Kokoro can get quite busy, so downloading the Requeue app to manage your wait time is recommended. While the line can be long, the food is undoubtedly worth it. You also must try both the shrimp and chicken Katsu; each dish is flavorful and well-spiced.

The vibrant flavors and cozy atmosphere here make it a memorable dining experience. If you are in Riyadh and craving Japanese curry, Kokoro is a must-visit.


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Hokkaido’ Japanese restaurant in Jeddah

Updated 15 May 2025
Follow

Where We Are Going Today: ‘Hokkaido’ Japanese restaurant in Jeddah

Jeddah’s food scene continues to evolve, and Hokkaido on Rawdah street stands out as the city’s first all-you-can-eat Japanese restaurant.

Guests choose from three main dining experiences: a hot pot course, a barbecue course, or a mixed course that offers the best of both worlds.

Take your pick from an extensive menu featuring meats and seafood, including black angus beef, crab, squid, mussels, octopus, and a sashimi platter.

The barbecue experience is a standout. Grilling your own meats on a tabletop grill adds a fun, interactive element, and the freshness of the ingredients shines through.

The hot pot is just as customizable. Create your ideal flavor profile by choosing from four broth options, mixing and matching — sukiyaki, spicy, tomato, and miso.

The buffet includes a wide variety of options, including a spread of tempura, fried noodles, fried rice, assorted sushi, fresh fruit, desserts, and ice cream. You’ll also find a selection of noodle types like ramen, glass noodles, and udon.

While the food quality justifies it to some extent, the pricing leans toward the higher end, especially for larger groups.

If you’re visiting, I’d recommend opting for the barbecue option for more flavor control and a bit of table-side excitement.