Jumeirah Rotana Hotel

"Omp-pa-pah"... German goodness!

by JessH about HOFBRAUHAUS Bavarian Restaurant

(Licensed - serves alcoholic beverages)

There are 3 German restaurants in Dubai, all adhering to the full cliche of Lederhosen, huge beers, rich food, cheesy decor and overpowering "omp-pa-pah" music.
Any German tourist would cringe, turn on his heels & run to save his sanity & dignity, but for expatriates like me originally from "good old Deutschland" - homesickness is our excuse for loving this Bavarian Hofbrauhaus.

Located inside the town square level of the JW Marriott Hotel the facade looks typically German, with the Bavarian blue&white-chequered curtains and wooden shutters.
There aren't many vegetarian options on the buffet but that's typical for German food. The Sauerkraut was excellent: not too sour, not too sweet. Elsewhere in the calorie-heavy selection John & our friends thoroughly enjoyed the various types of sausages (including Weisswurst!) & other beef & pork dishes. I was content with the complimentary buttery & chewy Brezeln, as well as "Rollmops" (pickled herring) from the salad buffet, creamy mashed potatoes, salads with gherkins and grilled leeks in cream sauce with big beans. I loved the particularly scrumptious Weissbier (30 Dhs for 1/2 litre) but they also have Lager (55 Dhs for 1 litre) that is indeed air-freighted from Germany - made by the original Hofbrauhaus brewery in Munich, which dates back to 1589.
(October 2010 Prices) Regular buffet costs Dhs 180. Buffet including unlimited wines and HB Beer is Dhs 365.- per person.

I rate this as the best German eatery in the city.
Despite the odd bland dish the food is excellent & plentyful, prepared by German chefs & is especially scrumptious during special buffet promotions.

I've visited many times before: call them to see on what nights you'll be treated to (or punished with) live music. After all, it's not always loud here! But during Oktoberfest, if you want to have a nice conversation, go somewhere else or don't complain - this is what Oktoberfest is like: loud, proud & silly!
After dinner, most patrons start singing traditional drinking & folk songs together with the big-bosomed Dirndl-duo, and dancing along is always encouraged. Don't take yourself too seriously and come to the Hofbrauhaus!

Opening Hours: Daily from 06:00pm-02:00am.

Other German restaurants:
> BRAUHAUS at Jumeirah Rotana Hotel (small, overpriced, mostly bad food).
> DER KELLER at Jumeirah Beach Hotel (expensive and yet not authentic)

The United Arab Emirates

by KHAMAJ

"Dubai"

Dubai is a beautiful city. It is truly an oasis in the Desert!
Archaeological Sites:
You can visit the excavation sites at Al Ghusais, Al Sufooh and Jumeirah where you will find arte facts from the seventh to 15th centuries.

Bait Al Wakeel:
A museum devoted to Dubai's fishing and maritime traditions.

Bastakiya:
The old Bastakiya district with its narrow lanes and tall wind-towers gives a tantalizing glimpse of old Dubai.
Bedouin Village:
Some local tour operators offer the opportunity to visit Bedouin village outside Dubai. Those who want a desert safari experience with a difference may choose to stay at Al Maha, a unique luxury resort set in 3,300 acres of dunes off the highway between blankets, rugs, beads and a variety of other rural wares spread on the ground.
Burj Nahar:
One of three watchtowers guarding the old city, the restored Burj Nahar in its picturesque gardens in Deira is popular with photographers.

Deira Covered Souk (District)
Naif Road, Dubai
The main market in Dubai; well worth a wander and a barter.

Dubai Creek:
Lined by dhows, the Creek offers a picturesque glimpse of Dubai's trading heritage. It can crossed by 'abra' (water taxi) and tour operators offer day or night cruises.

Dubai Museum:
One of the most spectacular exhibits portrays the underwater world of pearl-diving, and is accompanied by sets of pearl merchants' weights, scales and sieves.

Dubai World Trade Centre:
Over the past two decades, the DWTC has become a symbol of economic growth and prosperity in the Middle East.
Gold Souk:
Dubai boasts one of the largest retail gold markets in the world, selling everything from ingots to intricately worked jewellery at bargain prices.
Grand Mosque:
Situated on the Bur Dubai side of the Creek near the Ruler's Court, Grand Mosque was re-built in 1998 and now has, at 70 meters, the city's tallest minaret. It has 45 small domes in addition to nine large ones boasting stained glass panels, making it a distinguished landmark and important place of worship.

"Places to visit"

Hatta:

In the foothills of the majestic Hajjar mountains, Hatta is a comfortable resort, ideal for a weekend getaway.
Hatta Mountains:
From Jurassic Park to Hatta in one swoop. Larger than life: The 30 metre long Dinosaur dwarfed by the Hatta Mountains. Stairs under its tail will lead to a room built in its stomach where replics of the stone Age will be kept.

Heritage and Diving Village:
A traditional heritage village, located in the Shindagah area has been created where potters and weavers display their crafts. Located near the mouth of the creek, this area is also popular in the evenings as a venue for its open-air cafeterias and live entertainment. Several shops also sell handicrafts.
Jumeira Mosque:
Located on Al Jumeira Road this mosque, one of the most beautiful of all, and a fine example of modern Islamic architecture. The beauty of the mosque, the city's largest, is seen at its very best particularly when floodlit after sundown, when the subtle lighting throws its artistry into relief.
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House (Museum):
Port Rashid, Dubai
With its windtowers and layers of rooms built around a central courtyard, it is a fine example of regional architecture.
Shindagha:
At the mouth of the Creek, Shindagha is the original site from which Dubai grew. Sheikh Saeed's house, the former home of the ruling Maktoum family, has been carefully restored here. Open daily from 8:30am - 8:30pm, except Fridays: 3pm - 8:30pm.

Spice Souk
The narrow lanes of the spice souk are redolent with cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, incense, dried fruit and nuts. Imported from all over the Middle East, they are sold straight out of open sacks that surround the shop keepers.

"Eatin out !!"

Dubai "Eat out"
Al Dawaar Deira
Location: Hyatt Regency Dubai
Al Murjan Jumeirah/Umm Suqueim
Location: Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort
Antique Bazaar Deira
Location: Four Points Sheraton
Aquarium Restaurant Airport/Al-Garhoud
Location: Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
Asha?s Bur Dubai
Axis Jumeirah/Umm Suqueim
Location: Hilton Dubai Jumeirah
Barasti Jumeirah/Umm Suqueim
Location: Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
Benihana
Location: Al Bustan Rotana Hotel
Cuisine: Japanese
Blue Elephant
Location: Al Bustan Rotana Hotel
Cuisine: Thai
Bostan Bar Satwa
Location: Jumeirah Rotana Hotel
Cuisine: Friday Brunches
Bridges Sheikh Zayed Road
Location: The Fairmont Dubai
Cuisine: Coffee shops/ bistros
Cascades Sheikh Zayed Road
Location: The Fairmont Dubai
Cuisine: European
and many many more............the list simply goes on and on!!!