The Cove Rotana: Delightful Dishes at Cinnamon

An awesome getaway would never be complete without delicious food! For our romantic rendezvous at The Cove Rotana in Ras Al Khaimah, Ed and I indulged in healthy and freshly prepared meals. We were on a half-board weekend escape package that included an exquisite dinner buffet on our first day and a classic breakfast buffet the morning after at Cinnamon.

Cinnamon is an all-day-dining restaurant situated at the heart of The Cove; a few steps away from the resort's lobby and the hotel rooms. The restaurant's location is quite far from the villas by the lagoon; around 15-minute walk or 5-minute buggy ride from our One-bedroom Villa, but I love it that way! The distance makes our accommodation more private; tuck away from the busy area of the resort.   

The Lavish Dinner Buffet

Ed and I were fetched by a golf cart and arrived at the restaurant at half past eight in the evening. Cinnamon restaurant is a beautiful whitewashed structure with huge Arabian windows. It has an outdoor terrace for al fresco dining under the palm trees and the starry night sky. It would be very romantic to dine under the stars, but since it was a warm summer night, Ed and I went inside and were immediately assisted by a wait staff to a table for two.  

Cinnamon's indoor dining area is equally beautiful to its radiant facade. The shade of coral pink on its walls, traditional decors and brick-dome ceiling create a charming ambiance with a blend of elegance and exuberance!  

Since it was during Ramadan Season, Cinnamon offered an impeccable Iftar dinner. The selection was vast and of different varieties, but the highlights of every section were delicious Arabic dishes. What I really love about Cinnamon is the live-cooking station for grilled items and Oriental noodles. I'm always fascinated with dishes that were prepared before my very eyes; it doubles my appetite!    

I am petite, yet with a stomach that can handle an 8-course meal! With Cinnamon's delectable dishes, I was bound to break my personal record of eights plates. Then, on my third trip to the buffet, my husband reminded me of self-discipline and  self-control. So, I only had five full plates of healthy options and everything that looked too pretty to eat! ;) 

Plate #1: mushroom and vegetable salad, gourmet appetizers, pate on toast, bruschetta, slices of chicken breast

Plate #2: quail tikka, roasted potato with herbs, beef kebab

Plate #3: Oriental noodles with vegetables from the Noodle Bar and grilled steak 

Plate #4: sumptuous seafood (oysters, prawns, crab)

Plate #5: Arabic sweets with  chocolate and blueberry mousse cups

Dinner was superb! Everything on the wide-spread buffet were visually appealing and everything on my plate were extremely satisfying. It's hard to pick favorites, but if i must, it's the gourmet appetizer with small cubes of mango topped with shrimp for starters, the oriental noodles from the live-cooking station for the main course and the Arabic dessert cheese kunafa! 

The Hearty Breakfast

On our second day at The Cove Rotana, we excitedly went back to Cinnamon for breakfast. Since my favorite main course was freshly prepared before me the other night, I was delighted to see more live-cooking stations for my morning meal! There were two stations for egg dishes, and one for crepes and waffles! Yay, crepes!!!  Other breakfast staples were already prepared at the buffet sections.

I started my 4-course breakfast with cold cuts and Caesar salad. As soon as I finished my greens, I immediately went to a live-cooking station and asked for a cheesy ham and mushroom omelet. I also got a piece of french toast, sausage and turkey bacon on the side. Then, I paired my second cup of coffee with crepe filled with banana, chocolate, pistachio and walnuts! I was contemplating whether to have another serving of crepe or not, then I heard my husband said "FRUITS!" in a serious tone. Okay!! So, off I went for my favorite melons; watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew. :)

  

Breakfast Plate #1: cold cuts and salad

Breakfast Plate #2: omelet, french toast, turkey bacon, sausage 

Breakfast Plate #3: crepes filled with chocolate, banana and nuts

Breakfast Plate #4: watermelon, cantaloupe, honey dew

Breakfast at Cinnamon was just as fabulous as our dinner! If the pampering session at Bodylines Spa gave our romantic getaway a great start, the hearty morning meal at Cinnamon gave us a happy ending!

Location:

Cinnamon

The Cove Rotana

Ras Al Khaimah

Read the rest of The Cove Rotana series here:
Bodylines Spa
Romantic Weekend Escape - Day 1
Romantic Weekend Escape - Day 2