enanology: Al Khobar Corniche

Showing posts with label Al Khobar Corniche. Show all posts

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Starbucks Café ~ one fine night with friends.

Starbucks Coffee

AlKhobar Corniche,

AlKhobar, Saudi Arabia

Facade of Starbucks Cafe in Al Khobar Corniche.

Our get together is not complete if Starbucks is not in our itinerary as always. Every time that the four of us meet (Jay, Tope, Lloyd and myself) we make sure that at the end of ‘gala mode’ we pass-by in here to have a cup of frap usually. It is a norm because this is the only moment that we can have some time having some ‘senseless’ conversation, you know (ahahaha).

There is a drive thru just in case you wanted to have some 'coffee to go'.

Actually, we met a night before as we took our dinner at home, I may not be a chef but I am always proud of my cooking skills though (yabang!! ~ ahahaha!). As usual, Tope, Jay and Jeff arrived late (if i say late, around 12:30 midnight) and we took our dinner right away. We finished around 2:00am (yes dawn!) and they all left except Lloyd because it’s already late to go home to Dammam.

My compaignon as always, From left, Fluppy, Andrea, Sophie, Alliyah, Cedric, Brent and Teddy Liit.

The next day, Lloyd and I wake up late in the afternoon and watched two movies entitled ‘Bloodrayne’ and ‘In My Life’. I was all stress out watching ‘All My Life’ coz of the mother and son scene plus the gay relationship that exist between Luis and John Lloyd wherein I can relate myself. It was a feel-good-drama movie that makes you realize how short our life is and how lucky we are to have family and friends. Right after our movie marathon, we headed straight to Ramaniyah before going to Gazzaz where Jay is working.

Hmmmm... this is just a product of B & W that i am fond of doing (ahahaha!)

On our way to Gazzaz, we received an unexpected call around 9:00pm from Tope who supposed to have a store inventory in Claire’s, Rashid Mall. He informed us that he just arrived home because he left early from work. Usually, his inventory ends around 4:00am and we wonder what had happened. He said to wait for him in Kadiwa Supermarket which is just around 3 blocks away from Ramaniya.

Each mugs of freshly squeeze orange juice cost SR 8.00.

After few minutes of waiting, Tope arrived and we took our dinner right away at Fawas Broasted. We ordered 2 chicken chili and 3 mugs of freshly squeeze orange juice.

Chili Chicken cost SR 16.00 per serving.

The Chicken Chili is good I may say but it’s too dry. It’s like you’re eating a dehydrated chicken breast cut into cubes (hehehe!). In fairness, the chicken is well seasoned and the amount per serving is good enough for one person. Please don’t get confused with the ‘chili’ word because it is not that hot really because Tope advised the cook to put just fair enough to hit our tongue. Unfortunately, we were a bit full that night, thus Lloyd and I shared the same plate while Tope has his.

Waiting for our order to arrived.

After dinner, we left to Gazzaz right away and saw Jay assisting his customers. We asked him what do they have to offer and he said they have many discounted items (perfumes). As a result, we ended up ordering many products as ‘pasalubong’ for our families in the Philippines. Tope bought few pieces too while Lloyd decided to buy after he received his salary. Our main purpose supposed to be is to buy 3 pieces of neck tie and cuff-lings only for my suit but since they offered ‘sale’ products then we divert our plans (hehehe!).

List of coffee concoction of your choice, either hot or cold.

We asked Jay if he wanted to join us for a cup of coffee in Starbucks but they have plenty of customer that night and he expressed his excuse. We left the shop and headed to Khobar corniche just in front of the 24 hour supermarket of Tamimi. We do have heavy baggage with us going to the coffeeshop but that doesn’t stop us on our way in.

The friendly and accomodating man in the counter.

Starbucks Corniche is the closest we can get into once the four of us meet. There are so many coffeeshops around but it just so happen that Lloyd always murmur ‘Starbucks’ then Starbucks it is (ahahaha!). Well, I can’t blame Lloyd because the place is very cozy, customer friendly and the service is too fast that you just have to wait for a few minutes and your order is done.

Tope 'en-queue' for our order.

We arrived at the shop around 10:30pm and queued. There are few customers who waited in line and we did as well for around 5 minutes. The shop is an open, see through façade that everybody in the outside can see who is within. There are around 15 other tables outside if you prefer to stay outdoors in which you’re allowed to have a smoke. As usual, if you have a family along with you, there is a separate exclusive section at the back portion of the building.

Starbucks Cafe Interior.

The interior is immense, good enough for around 30 to 50 people, filled sitting capacity. There are so many coaches and sofa’s surrounding the area which is good for group chit chat. We transferred several times because coaches were already filled when we arrived and we waited for a few minutes to have an opportunity to get one.

Area exclusive for table napkins, straw, stir stick, brochures and sugar powder of your choice either brown or white. The aluminum hole in the center serves as the trash area.

The ambiance here is too relax which is too common to any Starbucks branches. The place is filled with beautiful paintings/abstracts that adds sophistication to the place. I am too shallow with regards to arts, seeing pictures or paintings which is pleasing to my eyes then it’s a beauty. Besides, beauty is how you perceive it, ayt? (ahahaha!).

Paintings like the one above can be seen everywhere.

Distinct ceiling feature.

There are so many attractive hanging lamps surrounding the interiors too and what I love the most is the interesting ceiling they have like an open exhaust outlet. They made the ‘ceiling’ like a warehouse with a touch of complexity.

Beautiful hanging lamp lined up just on the wall.

As usual, I brought my 6 kids with me, Sophie, Alliyah, Cedric, Brent, Andrea and Fluppy while Lloyd brought Teddy Liit with him. That is the norm as always, every time I left home, I always make sure that they go along with me.

Less napkins. More plants. More planet.

After few minutes of waiting, we place our orders, 1 Chocolate Chip Frappucino for me that cost around SR 15, Lloyd has his Mocha Frappucino that cost him around SR 17 and Tope ordered Mocha Chip Frappucino for SR 15. We ordered all in ‘Tall’ sizes as ‘Grande’ is too much for each one of us. Since Tope always has a discount, we only paid around SR 30+ I guess.

Assorted Coffee Beans for sale that cost SR 30 per pouch.

There are plenty of coffee mixes to choose from, it’s just that if I wanted to sleep right away, I avoid myself with high caffeine drinks like espresso. I always have a hard time getting sleep, thus I content myself with Chocolate Chip with small amount of coffee. I loved Double Macchiatto but again high caffeine content so I gave it a pass (sigh!).

You wanted something strong to drink? Then have an espresso!

Should you like to make your own coffee combination they do sell freshly roasted coffee beans. They have wide array of brands all around the world that cost SR 30 per pouch depending on the quality and where the coffee came from. I was searching for beans that came from the Philippines but wasn’t able to find any.

If you want to smoke then you can do it outside.

There are so many cakes and pastries to choose from too and I love Tiramisu, however we gave it a pass since we already took our dinner earlier.

Wide variety of sweets and cakes to choose from.

Should you like to buy some souvenir items then there are lots of mugs and jugs to indulged with. Prices that ranges from SR 25 to SR 50 depending on the size of the items. I love the mug with ‘Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’ logo, I was searching for specific place like ‘AlKhobar’ but they aren’t available.

Souvenir items just in case you want to have one at home. I will buy one for Lemwuel.

The services here is fast, they were too accommodating and friendly. I was searching for any Filipino working in but seems that most of them were locals. Since it’s already late, right after our drinks we headed our way home and separate our destination. We still have work tomorrow and getting late to the office is a BIG NO! NO! for me (ahahaha!). Lloyd took a cab to Dammam, while me and Tope separates near my apartment.

The three of us sans Jay.

It was one fine night filled with chit chat and laughter, unfortunately, Jay, Mark, Jeff and Balong were not around but soon hopefully we all be together.

That’s it for now guys, have a great day and night.

Have a great day/ night everyone.

Cheerrrrrrrrrrrriiosssssssssssssss

Enan signing off.

SMILE

:)

Friday, March 1, 2013

Al Khobar Corniche ~ at its best behind the desert

Khobar Corniche Boulevard,
Al Khobar 31952, Eastern Region
Saudi Arabia

This row of beautiful palm trees welcomes you with open hand when you visit the place.

I’ve been away from home for so long (darrrnnnnnn!!!!!!), half of my existence maybe (ahahaha!). I was born in the remote area in the Philippines and living independently abroad. I’ve been working my ass out since the day I stepped here in Saudi Arabia. For the information of everybody, this country is not just a mere sand and wide dessert, there are lots of beauty to it that everyone should consider. There is something unique to this country that others may not have. If you happen to ask other people what is the first thing that comes to mind if we will say “Saudi Arabia”, pretty sure mostly will have to say “oil, dessert, unforgivable weather” (ahahaha!)… Well, that is particularly true yet behind those “trademark” there are still lots of areas that you will enjoy as the government is trying to develop the tourism sector.

The grand and ornate Copper Chandri Restaurant. They offer Indian cuisine solely for families. No bachelors allowed.

This is my first ever feature that I was in doubt at first in writing as I don’t know where to start really (ahahaha!).. I was asking myself several times what story should I commence and I came up to an idea, why not try writing tourist spots within my reach, right? There are so many beautiful places in Saudi Arabia that is worth mentioning/sharing as per my own personal tang. I’ve been travelling abroad several times, and imparting whatever experiences “I had and will have to” is merely my own perspective. :)

This is what it looks like in the afternoon. What you see is just 1/8 of the total area of the waterfront park. it is really huge.

Since it’s my first official post (come on! ahahaha), I will begin what 'Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Sea Park' or locally known 'Khobar Corniche' can offer. Why Khobar corniche? As I’ve said earlier, closer to where I am currently, right? (ahahaha!). The Corniche is just 13 blocks away from my apartment, around 15 minutes 'on foot'. Prefer to have warm up exercise by walking than taking a cab or using my car. They usually called the taxi here “limousine”, it usually cost SR10.00 (around USD3.00 or P108.00) per trip within the vicinity of city center. Just in case you came outside of the metropolis, then try your expertise in haggling starting SR15.00 to SR25.00 depending on how far the place of course. If you want to bring your car, there is nothing to worry as everyone knows where the exact location is (map below). NO ENTRANCE FEE and parking slots which you can find almost everywhere is absolutely FREE!

The famous "Burj Al Mah" meaning "Water Tower". Hopefully, the restaurant at the top will open soon. :)

I visited late December of 2012 and early January of 2013 and the weather was way too favorable as it was winter season. Sunburn is the least of my worries as temperature reach as low as 10 degrees. Unfortunately, haven’t experienced snow in here yet except hail storm (lol!). Do you know that some part of Saudi Arabia is experiencing snow especially in the city of Baha and Tabouk which can be found in the boarder of Jordan and Iraq (news report below)? Hmmmmmm that is too far away from Khobar, thus, that is another story “if ever” I will visit that place (sponsor please ~ ahahaha!).

covered playhouse for kids.

The Park is approximately 3 kilometers in extent of well paved pedestrian area for cycling and walking tracks. If you are fond of jogging, walking, rollerblading, cycling, and skate boarding then this place is good for you. Rollerblading is my forte and this is awesome for me.. :) They even proffer an outside gym in both corners of the park for FREE, just bring your towel and water flask and there you go, sweat your body out (ahahaha!).

Don't be afraid if you are hungry, as restaurants can be seen everywhere. Ask yourself what type of cuisine you prefer and you can find it here. Expect fusion of menus worldwide with arabic touch.

Going there on week-end, personally is not advisable; however, if you wanted too, expect volume of family picnic goers. Week end in Saudi Arabia starts on Thursday and ends up Friday while other countries like the Philippines and the US have it on Saturday and Sunday.

Starbucks Cafe alongside with different restaurant that caters western cuisine such as Chili’s, Fridays, Tacos, and Pizza Hut.

Everything is just around the corner. Malls, hotels, apartments houses, 24 hours hypermarket, coffee shops that opens till 2:00 AM like Starbucks, Dr. Café, Krespy and Kreme, Segafredo and Mondo. Western food chain such as Chilis, Fridays, Pizza Hut, Uptown 966 (formerly Casper and Gambinnis), McDonalds, KFC, Tony Romans, Pizza Company, Applebees, Hardees, Burger King, Fushi, Baguet, Copper Chandri, Bona Banana and a lot more mushrooms the boulevard. [Whew, while elaborating those names, it gives me a realizations that I memorized the area (ahahaha!)]…. Whatever your stomach tells you too then you can find it here, from local dining to western fusion with Arabic touch. You can have your food inside the restaurant or better yet you can take it out and bring it to the picnic area to experience a bonding with nature. If you’re lucky you’ll be able to see pod of dolphins too.

When i left the park they started opening the fountain.

Personally, this is my favorite spot in Khobar. I usually jog here in the afternoon. The place is clean as the facility is well maintained. Elaborate gardens, numerous fountains, manmade lakes also adds beauty to the environs. If you have a family, it is a kid friendly too, as paved enclosed playground is located each corner of the park.

There are so many hotels in the vicinity. This 5 star hotel of Le Meridien is an example.

Wrapping it up, it’s nice place to hang out here for a change especially in this winter season. Instead of malling why not try going out and enjoy the rays of the sun, ha? However, when humidity strike during the summer month of March to October then beware as you will experience an average of staggering 40 deg temperature (am not joking!) it can cook an egg under the sun (ahahaha!).

Entrance to the Al Khobar Waterfront Park

By the way, "NO SWIMMING" sign is scattered all over the place as they advised that there are so many sharp corals in the shore line. However, if you really wanted to have a dive then go to Aziziya/Half Moon beach instead.