Valentines Day

Valentines day is coming, and I've summarised some of the events that are being put-on around town this year:

Left Bank:

The Left Bank bar is having a RO 15 per person special, 2 course meal and a complimentary glass of "bubbly".


Park Inn:

The Park Inn's RBG is having an RO 35 per couple special, it is a 4-course dinner.


The Hyatt:

The Hyatt's four outlets have different Valentines Day packages:

Tuscany - RO 37 per person
Mokha - RO 29 per person
Marjan - RO 23 per person
Safari Rooftop - RO 35 per person

The Chedi:

The Chedi are not doing any Valentines Day packages this year as they are already extraordinarily busy! (Must be nice!) However, they do have a fabulous Spa and there are lots of options for couples who fancy a little bit of pampering. Below is their two page Spa menu.



The InterCon:

The InterCon's got a few events on as well:

Trader Vics: RO 32 per person (5 course meal)
Senior Pico: RO 60 per couple (5 course meal)
Tomato: RO 60 per couple (5 course meal)
Mussandam Cafe: RO 50 per couple (Buffet)



Al Bustan Palace:

The people from the Al Bustan have been in touch and these are their offerings:

The Shangri-la:

The Shang are also running a few themed events.....

Sultanah       *35++
Shahrazad   *33++
Capri Court  *33++
Bait Al Bahr  *33++

Al Tanoor  20++
Samba      20++

*Set menu includes a glass of Champagne and coffee or tea.

All prices are subject to 9% government tax and 8% service charge. 

I'll update this as I get more information.

le fin.

Rugby Legends Dinner - 16th February

On February 16th (A Wednesday) there is the second annual Rugby Legends dinner that will be held at the Grand Hyatt hotel.

For RO 35.000 you get:

A 4 course meal
Complimentary drinks at the table and welcome drinks upon arrival
Speeches from two Rugby Legends: Fergus Slattery and John Bentley.

10 seats to a table, don't delay, tickets are very limited!

le fin.

Charity gig at the Royal Flight: Thursday 20th Jan

Awesome local band 123 Orion are back again with another charity fund raiser at the Royal Flight social club.

Tickets are RO 7 and you get 1 raffle ticket, 4 drinks (alcoholic or not), soup and snacks. That's pretty good, and you're giving to charity to boot!

If you have never been to the Royal Flight social club, its worth a look in, and now's a great time to do so!

le fin.

Girls night out!

The people at Zouk have again come up with something fun for the next few Mondays.

Ripped from their Facebook page:

Launching the “Zouk Girls Night Out” with Fashion evenings where we would like to request all interested ladies to come dressed in their best and walk the ramp.

A prominent jury will be selecting the five best ladies every Monday and then these ladies will go to the semi-finals and final event on February 14th - Valentines Day. The Short-listed ladies can win the title of Ms. Zouk 2011 and also would be part of the Zouk Calendar to be launched in February. Plus there are some really exciting grand prizes to be won!

Not enough???? How about complimentary beverages every Monday at Zouk? Yes all the ladies get complimentary beverages from Zouk every Monday evening. You can see some celebrity bartenders every Monday and different themes promoting the local talent.

So all the interested ladies who would like to walk on the ramp please send us your interest at aabhatia@gmail.com or message us here on Facebook. And if you've got the talent we've got the platform for you....inviting all the talents like musicians, bands, performing artist, singers, painters, fashion designers etc to write to us.

Don’t forget the first round and launch is on this coming Monday 10th January 2011 at 8pm.

Please note:
Guys are allowed too but only if accompanied with a lady
Cover Charge for guys is RO 10/- and as always is redeemable against their bill.
Single girls’ entry free
Free Welcome drinks for Girls
Entry to the event and Zouk is strictly for 21 years and above.
--------

le fin.

Two more options for NYE....

The people at the Left Bank got back to me with this information (they're closing their doors at 11pm):



And the Blue Marlin at the Marina are also having a NYE bash, a price of RO 15 per person or RO 25 per couple for food and 2 drinks, then a cash bar....


The Chedi have been in touch and are also offering two events for the high-end market:

The evening will commence with a champagne reception for all guests at 7:45 PM,a saxophone player will be entertaining as of 7:30 pm.

A dance band will take over the entertainment as of 8:30 to 11:30 pm, followed by a DJ who will spin his tunes till 02:45 pm. New Year’s Eve Gala dinner will be served from 08:30 pm onwards, at 95++ OMR for adults at The Restaurant.

Guests also have the option of ordering from a set menu on New Year’s Eve at 125++ OMR, served at the tranquil Beach Restaurant.

What are you doing for NYE?! I haven't decided yet!

le fin.

Holiday parties round up

Hello everyone!

Seasons greetings / Merry Christmas to everyone. I've been watching the news on Western Europe's battle with the weather there at the moment... hopefully no more delays or cancellations!

This will be my 4th Christmas in Oman. Why go anywhere when this place is perfect at this time of year?!

There are a lot of parties going on between now and NYE, and here's a summary of what is going on... if you would like me to add your party to the list then please just send me an email! Click on the pictures for bigger versions of them to read information contained on them.

The Rugby Club

The rugby club are putting on both Christmas Eve and New Years Eve parties.

Christmas Eve, get a complimentary mulled wine upon entry, and NYE is RO 35 for unlimited beverages and finger foods while they last. Of note is the excellent outdoor space at the back of the club, something unique to the Rugby Club, and in this winter weather, very enjoyable!

Zouk

The Zouk crowd have planned a plethora of events over the holiday period, starting on the 22nd and culminating with an excellent looking Masquerade New Year Bash for RO 40 with unlimited selected drinks. It all kicks off tomorrow night with Dub Bass

Zouk is such a pretty club I had to share another picture :)


Al Bustan Palace

The Al Bustan Palace has a ton of things going on between now and the new year, click on the pictures for complete information. In summary though (all prices are subject to 17% tax):

Beach Pavilion on 24th & 25th have a 5 course dinner for RO 39 with a complimentary glass of bubbles. NYE is RO 59 with a 6 course menu and a glass of bubbly.

China Mood - 24th is a 5 course meal for RO 39, 25th is dim sum brunch for RO 22. 31st is 5 course dinner for RO 39 (free glass of bubbles). 1st Jan is the dim sum brunch again.

Al Khiran Terrace - 24th & 25th buffet for RO 29, 31st is buffet for RO 39.

VUE - 24th - 5 course dinner for RO 59 (buy your drinks) 31st is a 6 course dinner for RO 70 (buy your drinks)

Catch carol singers on the 24th and 25th in the Atrium Lounge....



InterCon

The 24th has the Musandam buffet for RO 21 for adults and RO 10 for kids with some live entertainment. Senior Pico is a 5 course dinner for RO 21. Traders is 5 course for RO 30 and Tomato is 5 courses for RO 21.

25th, Musandam Christmas Day Brunch buffet RO 24/12 (kids)

NYE - Musandam is RO 31 (RO 16 for kids), Senior Pico - 5 courses RO 31, Traders is a 5 course dinner and "open regular beverages" - RO 75

Al Ghazal Pub is RO 25 for unlimited selected beverages all night

The NYE Gala dinner buffet is RO 65 for adults and RO 22 for kids (includes drinks)

For those looking for some hangover grease, from noon till 4pm on the 1st, the New Years Day brunch is on for RO 18 adults and RO 9 for kids.




Barr Al Jissah

BAJ have 6 venues... so there's a lot going on here too!

24th
Samba - Buffet for RO 18.5
Bait al Bahr - 5 course dinner for RO 28
Al Tanoor - Buffet for RO 18.5 with live music
Capri Court - 5 course dinner for RO 28
Sultanah - 5 course dinner for RO 60
Sharazad - 5 course dinner for RO 35

25th
Samba - Buffet for RO 15.5 12-3pm
Bait al Bahr - 5 course dinner for RO 28
Al Tanoor - Buffet for RO 15.5 12-3pm
Capri Court - 5 course dinner for RO 28
Sultanah - 6 course dinner for RO 60

NYE
Al Waha & Al Bandar - RO 98 including drinks
Al Husn - Sultanah & Shahrazad - RO 120 including selected drinks


Park Inn

The Park Inn have a traditional turkey dinner on the 24th and 25th at the RBG Grill for RO 25 (starting at noon and includes access to the roof top pool). For dinner there is a 4 course dinner for RO 18.

For NYE, the Sama Terrazza is RO 50 with unlimited selected drinks. The entertainment is special... DJ Ilgin from Turkey. For those of you that like house music, she has a record deal with Pacha.

The Chedi

The Chedi have a few Christmas events lined up - A Bubbly brunch on Christmas Eve for RO 45 or 60 (depending on which type of Moet et Chandon you want to drink). Dinner at the Chedi's The Restaurant or The Serai Cabana is 4 courses and RO 40. And there is a Christmas buffet for RO 38 at The Restaurant.



Hyatt

I emailed the people at Hyatt but apparently they were too cool to get back to me. I understand that they have the following for NYE (special thanks to DITD for getting the info):

Safari Rooftop Grill house - 50 RO for the normal meal options & unlimited selected beverages from 7.30pm-1am
Mokkha Cafe - 60+ RO for a gala dinner (buffet) and drinks
Tuscany - 70+ RO for a black-tie gala dinner and drinks
UPDATE: Hyatt people got in touch, and shared the following information:

24th
Dinner at Mokha Cafe - RO 30 (RO 15 for kids)
Dinner at Tuscany - RO 40 (RO 20 for kids)

25th
Brunch buffet at Mokha Cafe - RO 32 (RO 16 for kids)
Lunch at Tuscany - RO 40 (RO 20 for kids)

NYE
Gala dinner in the hotel gardens - RO 75 (RO 35 for kids) including unlimited selected drinks
Tuscany - 6 course dinner with bubbly at midnight - RO 60
Afrah Ballroom - Kids party place with snacks, games and entertainment RO 15 (this is the only thing like this I've seen)
Safari Rooftop - RO 50 (kids RO 25) unlimited selected drinks - upgrade for access to the pub for an additional RO 15
Safari Pub - RO 35 with unlimited selected drinks
Copacabana - RO 25 per couple or RO 30 per single person for entry only, drinks are extra

Additionally, you can order your Christmas Lunch to take away (each serves 8-10 people):

Honey Glazed Ham - RO 160 (I think I might actually get this!)
Roast Mulwarra Prime Rib Eye - RO 150
Roast Butterball Turkey - RO 115


Left Bank

The Left Bank are throwing a NYE party with 2 different set menus - one being RO 30 the other RO 40. A free glass of bubbles at midnight but that is it.

Raddisson Blu

Also, too busy to get back to me with a summary of their events, but I understand that the NYE gig is at the Lazy Lizard and is RO 49 with unlimited bubbles or RO 59 with unlimited drinks.

And that is all..... Hope this helps!

le fin.

Weekend activities.

What a busy week it's been, catching up after the Eid al Adha holidays. Many thought we would be granted more day's off, but lets face it - it was nice to get even 1 day off in this amazing weather.

Tomorrow evening see's the arrival of the Queen Elizabeth here in Oman - for a 4 day (3 night) state visit to the Sultanate after a 2 day (1 night) state visit to the UAE. There are rumours floating around town that last weekend Prince William visited HM Qaboos in a private meeting - it's just a rumour though, nothing solid on that! You can see more on the planned itinerary on the official website of The British Monarchy here.

So, on with the blog. Here's a selection of things going on this weekend that you might be interested in:
1/ Harry Potter. Another instalment of this money printing press franchise has been released this week. It's on at the Shatti cinema at least 3 times a day - not sure if they are doing the 3D screening though. Please comment if you know if they are or not.... :)

2/ The Commitments. Irish Soul band... sort of - entertaining both musically and comedically - tickets are still available - RO 15 - doors open at 8pm tonight at the Copacabana in the Hyatt.
3/ The Muscat boy's are playing the Royal Navy's HMS Cumberland at the Muscat Rugby ground on Thursday at 6:30pm. It'll be a fun game and as usual there will be a bbq afterwards.
4/ On Friday, between 4-8pm there is the second chill-out session at the rugby club. Pay 10 rials, get 10 drinks (bottled beers or glasses of wine). There's a bbq on offer as well. It'll be a nice warm-up for the next item...

5/ Bollywood Friday's at Zouk. Starting this Friday at 8pm, a bit of fun - Bollywood nights at Zouk. I have high expectations of a group dancing around the club in synchronized perfection. Perhaps I've been watching too much Glee again.

Now don't forget to enter for the free tickets give-away to Bryan Adams next month - I'll randomly pick a name out of a hat on Friday afternoon, and depending on how my Friday goes, I'll either announce the winner on Friday evening or Saturday morning! Please remember to leave a way for me to contact you if you choose to leave a comment.
And lastly, a very warm welcome to the blogosphere to a new blogger: Ms Adventures of the hilarious new "local" blog - Misadventures in HR (not to be confused with "hoomin resource"). She's one seriously funny writer, who lives in "Sand Land" but I'm going to say she lives with us here in Oman, and if she doesn't, I will still say she does! Go and read her stuff. It had me in tears!

Enjoy another fantastic Omani winter weekend. Next week, something about buses. Stay tuned.

le fin.

The Commitments...

Now some of you might remember the surprise hit movie The Commitments from 1991. If you like musicals you'll probably like this movie, especially if you're Irish or like Soul music. 19 years on and the band is still playing it's soul music. And rather handily, they are playing at the Copacabana this Wednesday, doors opening at 8pm. I wonder if the Copacabana was chosen due to it's retro 90's interior decor? ;)

Don't forget - you can still enter the free prize draw for a pair of tickets to the Bryan Adam's concert here on the 18th December.

le fin.

Friday fun

Those of you that enjoyed the British Corner at the Intercon over the summer will be pleased to hear that it's back!

Back by popular demand this Friday's brunch at the Intercontinental
Muscat will be focusing on a British corner with all the usual healthy
delights.

Also look out for the new executive Sous chef Neil Wilkinson and taste
his traditional slow roasted rib of beef with Yorkshire puddings.
Please book in advance if you're coming as its going to be busy.

It starts at 12:30 and costs RO 14.500 ++.

Also, there is a new night club in the Al Falaj hotel (where the fabulous Tokyo Taro is) that has opened recently called Nuts and Bolts. From what I understand, it's themed similarly to Jack Rabbit Slim's from the hit movie Pulp Fiction. They open at 8pm tonight, worth a look in.


Enjoy the weekend!

le fin.

Something fun for the weekend.

Tonight, as you will know from my previous blog, is the rugby team's fund raiser event: Comedy night. It costs RO 10, you get a complimentary drink, and it will help support local comedians and local rugby player (also arguably comedians). The last time this was done, it was a great night. You can buy tickets on the door, and call 9577 4018 for more info.

I was having lunch in a local restaurant in Al Khuwair recently, and snapped this amusing picture:
Points if you can tell me which restaurant the picture was taken in!

Now, long time Omani blog followers may remember Other Oman, and her post about Ken Block. Well, Ken's made another video. Man that guy can drive, he might even survive here on the mean streets of Muscat (assuming he can master the 1 wheel at a time over speed bumps thing).



le fin.

Rugby Team Fundraiser: Comedy Night

Those of you that remember the last comedy night held at the Rugby Club will remember how much fun it was. They're doing it again, this time to raise funds for away trips. And this time, for your RO 10, you also get a free complimentary drink!

The bar's prices are significantly cheaper than the prices found at the Craic Attack events, and they support home-grown local Omani talent (as well as a few imported residents). Call 9577 4018 for more information and to buy tickets, it will be a fun night, and you'll help support two local groups with your patronage.

Also, there will be a raffle with more prizes to be won, including dinner for two at the Raddisson, Oman Mobile internet dongles and many more things - tickets for the raffle are RO 1 each!

le fin.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween everyone! I don't know if there will be kids anywhere trick or treating, but if they are I imagine they'll be somewhere around MQ or The Wave.

If you fancy a bit of mid-week partying, Zouk are throwing a Halloween party tonight. If you go dressed up in costume, there is no entry charge (just pay for food and drinks as you want them at the bar) and there will be prizes for the best-dressed Halloween costumes. I'm told that there will be special cocktails and shots just for tonight, and that the bar has been decorated to suit the occasion. I wonder how many ghost's in white sheets will attend?!

:)

le fin.