Junsui: Pure Asian Restaurant in Burj Al Arab

"If I were to dine at Burj Al Arab, I'd dine in Junsui." That's the thought I've been keeping to myself for several years just in case the husband would ask me out on a date to the 7-star hotel. :) 

Although the Afternoon Tea at the Skyview Bar is well-recommended and Al Mahara is the most popular for date nights, I'd still go with the Far-East Asian buffet that Junsui caters. With the staggering prices, I honestly think buffet-dining offers the best value for money!

So, when Jumeirah Restaurant Week 2015 came, my husband and I agreed to book a weekend dinner in Junsui; an Asian restaurant studded with thousands of Swarovski crystals at the Ground Mezzanine level of the world's most luxurious hotel!  

Date Night at Junsui in Burj Al Arab

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Burj Al Arab: The World's Most Luxurious Hotel Inside and Out

2008, I came to Dubai with three things in mind: to work, to grow and to see Burj Al Arab.

According to my guide book, Burj Al Arab is only for the rich and famous. Hence, my only intention was to gaze at the sail-shaped hotel from the shore, on the same angle that I have seen in magazines, in a Filipino film and in refrigerator doors. But a few months after my arrival, a friend excitedly called to tell me she has special passes to Burj Al Arab and I can tag along for free! Of course, I did. I wouldn't miss it for the world! 

Burj Al Arab is exclusive for the hotel guests; people who can spend thousands of dirhams for a hotel stay or a lavish meal. It would be so unreasonable for Ed and I to spend our hard-earned money for a single night, so it was clear to me that it was my first and last opportunity. Unless, a kind soul would offer us special permits again.

And then, Jumeirah Restaurant Week was launched. It is an annual 10-day culinary event in restaurants of Jumeirah Group, restaurants in Burj Al Arab included. Ultimate dining experiences are offered at almost 40% lesser than regular! Still expensive, yet already reasonable! JRW started on 2012, but it was only this year that I felt I rightfully deserve the special treat! :)                 

the world-famous Burj Al Arab

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My Five Favorite Water Parks in the UAE

Summer, the scorching hot season, is in full swing! So, how do you cool off? In the desert, this season can be so notorious that you might want to lock yourself in the room, turn the AC in full blast and lounge in the sofa with a scoop of ice cream. No sweat but poooff... there goes all your summer weekends to waste!  

In the UAE, summer means surprises (sale in shopping malls) and splashes (fun in water parks). And I'd choose the latter at any given day. As they say, collect moments not things! :) This country has the finest water parks. In fact, two of which are among the world's top 10 according to TripAdvisor!

Here are my five favorite water parks in this sunny side of the globe:

ultimate summer destinations in the UAE

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I Found SALT: The Food Truck at Kite Beach

Finally, I found SALT!

Well, I actually found it four months ago during my parents' holiday in Dubai. As we were constantly out and about, I never had the time to share that I finally found the much talked about food truck. I was introduced to SALT on Instagram by a blogger friend; Kenneth Surat - the awesome guy behind Surat Journals and The Traveling Journal Project. Since then, I wondered what's behind all the hype. I was smitten by the food truck concept and the location by the beach is definitely an add-on. 

So, one winter evening, my family went to Kite Beach with a mission. And that is... to #findSALT!  

SALT food truck at Kite Beach

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Chez Sushi: Fresh and Funky Japanese Dishes and Custom Built Rolls

Ed and I jive along in so many things, but when it comes to Japanese food, we're worlds apart! He'd go for ramen or teriyaki as I unleash the maki monster in me. Whenever I tell him that we're going to a sushi restaurant, he would always ask if there are offerings other than sushi. He wouldn't be happy if there's none, yet he'd eat whatever I eat anyway. No choice! Haha! I'd feel a little guilty though; hence, I was really hoping I could find a good sushi place where I could meet him halfway.  

And we discovered Chez Sushi! 

Chez Sushi is the casual counterpart of Sho Cho - a renowned fine-dining Japanese restaurant and lounge in Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa. Both created by the same people, Chez Sushi offers excellent Japanese food that mirrors Sho Cho's finest cuisines, but in a more laid-back atmosphere.     

Chez Sushi in Dubai Marina

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