Russell and I went out to dinner for his 60th birthday to celebrate in style. We arrived at a very early 8.30pm at the Hilton Hotel Jeddah. This is a 7 star hotel, of which there is only a few 7 star hotels in the world.
As we arrived at the Hilton Hotel, there was a bridal black stretch limo parked near the entrance. It had mauve and white ribbons and bows draped beautifully around it. We got out of our taxi and walked to the left of the Hilton Hotel entrance, along the path, towards a building next door to the hotel, where there is another hotel called the Qasr Al Sharq with two restaurants, a Lebanese and Italian.
As we stepped inside the foyer we saw a lovely feature waterfall. We walked around to the centre marble staircase which was magnificent with its red carpet, real gold railing. Money was no obstacle when all this was built.
Right there in the middle was a sparkling beautiful 3 story high, crystal and gold chandelier. I have never seen any thing like it. So spectacular!!! As we came down the stair case after OOOOING and AARRRING we were greeted and asked which restaurant we would like to go to. We chose the Italian Aromi Restaurant. We were escorted to the restaurant, there was not a customer to be seen it was completely empty. We were it!
I said to the waiter that it was my husbands 60th birthday and that we were celebrating in style. Right from the start the waiters tended to us like we were royalty. We were offered a sparkling drink to try as it was a sample from Italy. Don’t know what it was but it was delightful. We ordered our entrée, and main meal. As we were talking the waiter came out with some flowers and said we would like you to have these because it is your birthday. They were lovely pink orchids. Then a little while longer they came out with an appetiser. The waiter said it is on the house. We were delighted. I did say to them we are very early but we did want to get here before the crowds come. I asked what time people usually come he said 11 - 11.30. I thought OOPs we are a little early. However they made us feel very comfortable and said it is better because you have all our attention.
For the meal this is what we had.
Entrée -Tian
Main - Me Chili Sea Bass Russ - Beef & Prawns
Dessert - Chocolate Souffle
When dessert came they had put a sparkler and 2 lighted candles on Russell’s plate. All the waiters gathered around and sang happy birthday to him. It was very nice of them to do that.
The food was divine with wonderful textures, flavours and colours, the presentation was excellent. The soufflé chocolate oozed out like lava from a volcano. Pretty specky. We thoroughly enjoyed it. At the end Russ had a Latte and I had camomile tea with honey and chocolates. The service was superb.
Russell asked for the bill. The waiter then said that the drinks and the tea and coffee was on the house as well. So that was a lovely surprise.
As we were leaving the Chef Domenico was near the entrance door, so we were able to have a chat with him and the waiters. A very pleasant evening indeed. Thanks to all the staff and Domenico the Chef for making us feel so special.
Jeddah Saudi Arabia
may I know how much was the bill—- just planning a surprise anniversary dinner thier.
I think it was about 300sr. Not cheap but a great experience.
Thanks for your comments.
Thanks for your lovely comments, glad you like my blog.
This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!
Thank you for reading and sharing. This week is a busy one so I will be blogging about different events I am attending.
thank you soooo much for visiting us here in AROMI hope to see you again & cant wait to make you another surprize for your next visit…in behalf of AROMI team,we are thank you & hoping for your next visit…..
Thanks for your comment. We will be back. I have put a review on trip advisor. Your food, service and staff are excellent!
We really are spoilt with all your lovely stories - makes one tardy in reply and responses from this part of the world !
Congratulations Russell - and what a splendid place to enjoy your special day opps night opps or is it early evening for those in your neck of the woods !! A palace no less !
Goodonya Lynnie your blog is a marvelous way to get a taste of your lives way over there and help to make you feel close
Thank you Ali, lovely to hear from you. We are having a great time here.
Happy birthday Russell! A celebration to remember. Very cool.
What a beautiful place to celebrate such a special occasion. The Qasr Al Sharq lobby is amazing. The story behind that building is that a prince was building it as a residence for his family. By the time the building was completed, his family had grown so much (by adding wives and children) that he needed a bigger space! So it was originally built as a palace. The very top floor houses a beautiful women’s only spa that you should check out sometime. I wrote about the spa a while back.
Thanks for the information Susie. Its great to learn about the history. I will have to give it a try sometime.
Hey Lynny! Love reading your blogs. Xx
Hi Margaret, great to hear from you. xx