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Christmas Buffet at Movenpick Hotel JLT

Published by Abigail

It may seem surprising but Christmas is widely celebrated here in Dubai, almost all establishments are adorned with festive decorations and Santa Claus make several appearance across the city.

For many Filipinos this is also the time to reunite with relatives who they have not seen for a long time and a special day to remember the birth of Jesus Christ. As with any celebration expect a traditional feast that would require one to spend a few days of food prep and whole day in the kitchen. You can skip all and just enjoy the night away by spending Christmas eve or lunch at Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lake Towers.

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Our expat kids have been spending Christmas in Dubai for the past 6 years. My son can barely remember what Christmas is like back in the Philippines while LittleMiss only know of the celebrations we have here. They are not missing out on the Christmas festivities because all establishments here are adorned with lights and decorations. One Filipino activity we do yearly as a family is attending 'Simbang Gabi' which is a 9 days of going to church to attend mass to recall and celebrate the journey of Mary and Joseph up till the day Jesus was born. Simbang Gabi back in the home country is held at the crack of dawn but is held at night here in Dubai to accommodate schedule of those working. Many believe that if you complete 9 days of simbang gabi, whatever their heart desires will come true. ••• Are you celebrating Christmas away from home? What tradition/activity do you keep to stay connected to your roots? ••• •• • #christmasindubai #christmas #expatkids #kidbloggersofig #myDubai #uaemombloggers #dubaibloggers #expatfamily #mommyblogger #mkbkids #movenpickjlt

A post shared by Abigail (@cuddlesandcrumbs) on Dec 21, 2016 at 3:06am PST

A few weeks back we attended the hotels tree lighting ceremony, listened to Nord Anglia International School Primary Carolers’, a visit from Santa and enjoyed an early Christmas buffet.

Christmas Buffet is hosted at Movenpick JLT’s NOSH restaurant, they sure know how to satisfy someone’s appetite for good food.

Entering the restaurant you are greeted by a wide array of beautiful desserts that taste really good too. Let this be a warning to talk to your kids to have some proper food first before getting on the sweets.

Honestly, I just kept coming back to appetizers which had a really good salad and seafood choices. It was a seafood lovers haven. Also a lot of choices for your picky eaters with crunchy selection of fish fingers and some mains.

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER
AED 165 per person, buffet and soft beverages
AED 260 per person, buffet and unlimited house beverages

CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH
AED 199 per person, buffet and soft beverages
AED 299 per person, buffet and unlimited house beverages

Kids under 6 dine free. Kids from 6 to 12 get 50% discount.
For more information or to book, call +971 4 4380000

Check out all of Movenpick JLT festive offerings, here.

Disclaimer: We were invited for the Christmas buffet, but as always all opinions are my own.

Toys For Less in Dubai

Published by Abigail

A favorite moment of mine will always be watching my kids expression on Christmas day as they open beautifully wrapped boxes with their names on it. Christmas is just around the corner and our kids wish list is getting longer every day. Its time to think about things to buy and making sure you are staying on budget.

We recently discovered Toys For Less a sister company of Brands For Less which offers affordable branded toys and clothes for kids.

Available items

A wide range of toys for kids up till pre-teens is available. However, the toys you might see in the photos I posted might not be available when you visit. I advise that when you see something you think your kids or godchildren will like better grab hold of them because the staff won’t be able to guarantee if its still there on your next visit. For instance we were looking for Shopkins and Play-Doh toys on our first visit but when we went back the following week we found both.

Clothes for both boys and girls are also available. As with the toys selection, brands will also vary I once found a pretty Ralph Lauren dress sold for 89 AED which sadly was too small for LittleMiss.

If Kuya V didn’t live in his Crocs, I would have purchased a sneakers for him. LittleMiss bought a Havaianas priced at 34 AED. Available footwear range from slippers to glittery sandals, black school shoes, sneakers and baby shoes.

Cost of toys

The cheapest toy or item we bought cost 10 AED and the most expensive cost 99 AED which is the Play-Doh Cupcake set. Most of the toys at Toys For Less are sold almost half the price compared to the cost at big toy stores.

Location

They now have two stores in Dubai, we have only been to Al Barsha branch. I can’t find a map to Mirdiff branch, will update this post once we visit the place.

Al Barsha Store

Shop No: 3, Plot No: 373-117
Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha 1,
Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 3233423

Uptown Store

Shop No. R7A Uptown Mirdif
Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 2888945
E-mail: info@bflgroup.ae

Dubai Garden Glow: Fun Family Attraction

Published by Abigail

Dubai once again opened one of the worlds largest themed gardens, the Dubai Garden Glow, now on its second season. Located at Zabeel Park the garden offers two attractions for the whole family to enjoy – Dinosaur Park and Garden Glow.

Tickets cost 60 AED per person, guests under 3 years old can enjoy park for free. Price seem to be expensive but considering you get to see two attractions I do think its worth a visit. Access to park is via Gate 6 and 7 of Zabeel Park. I suggest you visit the park at 4pm to give you ample time to enjoy day light at the Dinosaur Park, have dinner then proceed to Glow Garden by sundown.

Dinosaur Park

The park features 100 life-sized dinosaurs and a few of them “interacts” with visitors by means of sounds and movements. All these things make it more realistic to a child (adult too), I imagined this would be quite scary for a toddler at night.

Dinosaur lovers will have fun walking through each period and reading all the information provided. I hope the management provide guests a book with activities like “dino hunt” to make the walk more interesting.

My eldest took his sweet time reading everything, a souvenir book will be a great addition to the tour too. LittleMiss on the other hand was happy posing for photos with a scared/surprised expression.

More activities can be done at the Dino Museum where one can take a look at dinosaur eggs and excavate bone, and Dino Zoo that features baby dinosaurs and a petting station where you can touch and see a dinosaur up close.

Watch the video below if you want to take a glimpse of what Dinosaur Park has to offer.

Garden Glow

We have been admiring the light installation of Dubai Garden Glow from a far and have been hesitant to visit because of some feedback that “place is boring” and “its not worth it”. This is the second season and the management certainly listened to last years feedback because the place is magical and amazing. As soon as you enter glow garden its like you are transported to a different place.

We love the Symphony of Lights which features a musical extravaganza by the Burj Khalifa, the tunnels where we felt like we were walking under a shower of colorful stars, Cinderella’s Carriage was a big hit too.

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You can take a rest at the stage area where you can watch live performance of dancers and acrobats. The photos and video we took does not give justice to that magical feeling you get when you visit the Glow Garden. Make sure you bring a good camera, lots of free space on your memory card and a battery pack, almost every corner are instagram worthy.

Food stalls can be found around the park selling drinks and snacks, the dome like building near the water area is the main restaurant. Riding the train that goes around the park is another option but this is an additional cost apart from the entrance. Toilets are well kept, a plus for any public area. Families with strollers need not worry as the whole park is pram friendly.

Dubai’s winter season is the best time to get outdoors and keep the kids busy, Dubai Garden Glow is definitely a fun family destination.

Let us know what you think of the park in the comments below.

Garlic and Herb Hassleback Potatoes from Spinneys

Published by Abigail

In the Philippines we celebrate Christmas season the longest, from September until January. Yes, by September Filipino families start decorating for the season, carols are played and countdown begins.

My first Christmas dinner for 2016 happened last November 21 with Spinneys Dubai. It definitely kicked off festivities on a high note, Chef Mark and his team prepared a delicious spread of minced pies, turkey, roasted beef ribeye paired with yummy sides of stuffing, hasselback potatoes, vegetables and all the trimmings you could possible think off.

mincemeat-rosemary-and-parmesan-palmiers

Photo Credit: Spinneys Dubai

We also got some tips and tricks on how to prepare a stress-free Christmas menu from Chef Mark Evans and lovely food presentation from Spinneys Food Magazine editors Amy and Emily.

I am all for a stress-free Christmas menu preparation this year, no more spending long hours in the kitchen because I’m ordering some food lovingly prepared by the experts. With just 16 days till Christmas day, Spinneys is giving us the option skip the panic of shopping for ingredients with a variety of delectable treats like a whole crown turkey with stuffing, Wagyu beef sirloin and more. We chose the beef ribeye to be the star of our dinner table. You can also order yours via this link.

I will be cooking hassleback potatoes which I think will be a perfect pair for the rib-eye, recipe below.

Garlic and Herb Hassleback Potatoes

Time: 1 hour 10 mins
Print

garlic-and-herb-hasselback-potatoes

Credits: Spinneys Dubai

Ingredients

• 5 tbsp olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 1 tbsp chopped rosemary

• 1 tbsp chopped thyme

• 1 tbsp chopped sage

• 12 SpinneysFood Potatoes for Baking and Mashing

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6. Combine the olive oil, garlic and herbs in a bowl. Season.

2. One at a time, place the potatoes in the well of a wooden spoon and make deep cuts 1-2mm apart along the width of the potatoes (the spoon will stop you from cutting all the way through).

3. Rub the potatoes with the garlic and herb oil and arrange cut-side up in a large roasting tray. Cook for 1 hour, until the skins are crisp and the centres tender

Spinneys customers can order their Christmas menu in store until December 15. Here’s to a fun and relaxed Christmas preparation for 2016!

For more information, please visit www.spinneys-dubai.com.

Fab Family Brunch at Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham JBR

Published by Abigail

I have always said that brunching is a big part of Dubai weekends, it is after all a time for families to gather and unwind with good food. I also make most of the two days off to enjoy a meal that I did not cook. We were recently invited to the re-launch of Fab Family Brunch at Hawthorn Suits by Wyndham located at Jumeirah Beach Residence.

Hawthorn Suits family brunch took place at the hotels Flavours Restaurant which has access to the hotel pool, kids play area and outdoor garden. The place has a cozy feel with all the natural light coming in and the easy access outdoor gives kids the option to sweat it off by running in the big lawn.

hawthorn-friday-brunch-international-salad-bar

hawthorn-friday-brunch-oriental-salad-bar

The brunch spread was presented so beautifully and although not as lavish compared to others, food options were enough to satisfy once cravings. I personally fell gastronomically in love with the salad spread. This is probably the only brunch where my plate was filled with more salad than meat.

They also offer a decent seafood bar with oysters, mussels, shrimps and crabs. All tasted so fresh that my son V satisfied himself with a good helping of shrimps.

If you are not satisfied with the food inside, step out and have either freshly grilled chicken, lamb and lobsters. We are big fans of any food that is grilled so we kept getting more meat outside. They also offer some mains like Tandoori Chicken but I unfortunately did not get to try as I was busy stuffing myself with salad and grilled meat.

Kids menu consisted of the usual chicken nuggets, fish fingers and fish fingers with some rainbow bread. I think though that they need to work on the kids menu and think more than the usual.

hawthorn-friday-brunch-dessert-petit-fours

Desserts offerings consisted of mousses, cakes, tarts and fresh fruits.

We recommend spending a relaxing brunch at Hawthorn Suites. It is great for families with children and not worry about them getting bored with a great play and outdoor area. Doesn’t cost much too and offers good food.

Flavours Restaurant hosts the Family Brunch at the Plaza Level of Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham JBR. Brunch costs 125 AED per person, includes soft beverages and select drinks. Children under 12 years get to eat for free. For reservations you can call +974 399 9979, or email dining@hsdubai.com. More information about the hotel available at http://www.hawthornsuitesdubai.com.

Disclaimer: We were invited for the Fab Family Brunch, but as always all opinions are my own.

LEGOLand Dubai: Our opening day experience

Published by Abigail

We were at the official opening day of LEGOLAND Dubai last October 31, 2016. The park is UAE’s first amusement place designed for families with children aged 2-12 years old.

Before we reached LEGOLAND Dubai we had a lovely long walk along RIVERLAND but sadly not all of the establishments are open yet.

First impression on ATTRACTIONS

The park features 6 themed land – Miniland, LEGO City, Adventure, Kingdoms, Imagination and Factory. One obviously have a lot of ground to cover and a day might not be enough to fully enjoy the whole park.

Miniland which is located at the center of the park and is sort of the gateway for the visitors to go through to visit other themed lands is beyond beautiful. It features mostly UAE’s landmarks like the buildings along Sheikh Zayed Road, Grand Mosque, Dubai Airport, Burj Khalifa with the fountain and my favorite Dubai Creek. The attention to detail is so impressive and they have added more by making some of features interactive. Go press a button and you will witness the Dubai Metro train speeding one stop to the other. We’ve been to the Kansas City LEGO Center and was amazed but this one just took our breath away. I can spend half my morning admiring every single building. The Miniland dome is fully air conditioned, spacious to maneuver a stroller and for the kids to run around, seats are available around the dome with small building stations situated next to it.

However at the opening several rides were still not available and then we have to face height restriction on some – minimum is 80cm We are definitely looking forward for the Submarine Adventure and Duplo Valley to welcome guests soon.

photo credit – LEGOLAND Dubai

My children are not so much into rides, if you have one like mine don’t fret because a lot of building stations that caters to every guests are available in all themed lands. Around the park expect to meet some LEGO characters, be in awe at LEGO figures and arcade games.

We highly recommend making time to watch the 4D LEGO Movie and Ninjago Puppet Show.

First impression on FOOD

I packed lots of water and snacks for us the day we visited but it was still not enough for my hungry bunch. Our bags were not checked for food or drinks during the event so I can’t guarantee if a guest is indeed allowed to bring one inside.

Knight’s Table – we chose to eat here because it was near the theatre where Ninjago Puppet show is played. The burger combo with drinks and fries cost 45 DHS while the kids combo meals cost 35 DHS each. We were not impressed with the food we ordered – thin burger patty and the chicken tenders were tough.

The Café – located at the front of the park and has access to Miniland offers quick snacks – a typical coffee shop. Kids had muffins and juice while Daddy C and I shared a coffee and sandwich. We were happy with what we ate and can say that it was yummy.

We can’t help but compare our dining experience at Disneyland which was really yummy and cute with all the character shaped food and packaging. Our family have not been to other LEGOLAND besides the center at Kansas City which did not have any restaurants inside.

I hope the management works on making everything LEGO themed, yes even the food.

Is it worth the visit?

YES. We definitely recommend checking it out with the whole family specially when all of the rides are open. If you are planning to visit the park more than two times then it would be economical to purchase an Annual Pass. Like any other amusement parks prepare to spend a lot for food, games and souvenirs from the LEGO store. Once the waterpark opens we are looking to visit both parks.

Watch the video below to see how much fun we had that day

Bento Lunch Box Menu November 6-10

Published by Abigail

I created a lunch box packing FB group, you can join via this link. The aim of #LetsMakeLunchFun community is to inspire and help families pack / prepare a healthier lunch.

Sunday – November 6: Leftover roast chicken and fried rice for today.

Monday – November 7: I was planning to pack spam musubi only to find out that I don’t have the main ingredient in my kitchen, so hotdog was use to fill rice wrap instead. Cut one musubi differently that was a perfect shape for eyes.

Tuesday – November 8: We have homemade chicken fingers for todays lunch. To make one at home just marinate chicken breast on a yoghurt mix with salt, pepper, garlic powder and five spice. Roll on breadcrumbs the next day and pan fry or bake.

Wednesday – November 9: Store bought butter croissant with ham and mixed berry smoothie.

Thursday – November 10: Both kids packed homemade chicken nuggets.

McDonald’s Open Kitchen Tour

Published by Abigail

Yesterday, McDonald’s opened its kitchen doors to us! We were given a special tour by Mr. Fayez Ismail, Operations Manager for McDonald’s UAE.

The Open Door Program is open to the public and aims to educate and assure customers that McDonald’s is committed to serve quality products, prepared in the highest standards of safety and cleanliness.

Children under 10 years old are not allowed inside the kitchen for safety purposes. My kids were only allowed inside because they we were invited as media guests. McDonald’s Bin Soughat Center branch was not busy during our visit. We were assisted by 3 staff during the tour to ensure that the kids are safe from any hot surface and sharp objects.

We stepped in the kitchen with hairnets and proceeded to hand washing area. Kids were taught to sing “happy birthday” twice (total of 20 seconds) while washing hands. Mr. Fayez then showed us staff corner, walk-in freezers and different cooking stations. Watch the video below to see what happened during our tour.

Kuya V listed some things he learned:

All McDonald’s employees working in the head office (yes, even the boss) are required to work at least 2 months in one of the McDonald’s restaurant. They all need to know how each meal is made and the whole process behind it.
Everyone working inside the restaurant needs to wash at least once every hour. Singing “happy birthday” twice while washing hands ensures that all germs are gone.
They have walk-in freezers to store meat, fruits and vegetables.
They make their own ice that is used in all drinks.
Burger patties are made from 100% pure beef meat, they only add salt and pepper when its done cooking on the grill.
Your meal is cooked only the moment you paid for it at the counter. They are doing this to maintain quality of food and ensure less food waste.
Blue gloves are used to handle uncooked food and white or clear gloves for cooked food.
They use different fryer for each food item. One for fries only, another for nuggets and another one for crunchy chicken patty. Each one use dedicated vegetable oil as well.
A special gadget is used to check if oil is still good to use.
They don’t throw away used oil. Used vegetable oil is collected and transported to a biorefinery located in the UAE which converts it to 100% biodiesel. All of McDonald’s UAE delivery trucks runs on biodiesel.

Visit McDonaldsArabia.com to book your kitchen tour.

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Latest Posts

Christmas Buffet at Movenpick Hotel JLT

Toys For Less in Dubai

Available items

Cost of toys

Location

Al Barsha Store

Uptown Store

Dubai Garden Glow: Fun Family Attraction

Dinosaur Park

Garden Glow

Garlic and Herb Hassleback Potatoes from Spinneys

Garlic and Herb Hassleback Potatoes

Fab Family Brunch at Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham JBR

LEGOLand Dubai: Our opening day experience

First impression on ATTRACTIONS

First impression on FOOD

Is it worth the visit?

Related reads about Dubai Parks and Resorts from our friends

Bento Lunch Box Menu November 6-10

McDonald’s Open Kitchen Tour