Where We Are Going Today: Maritime

Afshan Aziz

Located in the Jeddah Edition hotel at Kurnaysh road, Maritime delivers an unparalleled dining experience, blending French finesse with Asian culinary traditions.

The restaurant’s design features contemporary sophistication, with stylish tables and seating that enhance the overall aesthetic.

Guests are welcomed into a sleek, inviting space where an open-show kitchen serves as the focal point, allowing diners to witness the artistry behind each dish.

Maritime’s menu is a celebration of culinary creativity, showcasing an inspired fusion of flavors. Chef Cedric Vongerichten, celebrated by Zagat as one of the top 30 chefs under 30, has meticulously crafted the menu, skillfully blending locally sourced ingredients with global influences to create a distinctive selection of dishes that delight the palate.

The lunch menu offers an array of vibrant salads, comforting starters and hearty entrees, tailored for a midday feast. Highlights include the zesty avocado salad with quail eggs and peanut relish, the delicate salmon sashimi with turmeric dressing, and the savory mie goreng, a stir-fried noodle dish enriched with prawns and bean sprouts. For those seeking comforting bites, the corn fritters, paired with sambal oelek and kecap manis, deliver a satisfying mix of sweet and spicy flavors.

Dinner elevates the experience with an expanded and more refined menu, showcasing small plates and entrees. To begin your meal, the monkey bread is served warm and fresh, accompanied by salted butter — a comforting and flavorful start that sets the tone for the dining experience. The shrimp dumplings draped in velvety lemongrass beurre blanc and topped with caviar are a standout, alongside crispy baby squid paired with galangal emulsion.

Main courses offer an exquisite range, from the flavorful garlic crab rice, accented with tapioca crisps and fresh cilantro, to the juicy half chicken Lombok, served with smashed rosemary potatoes for a perfect balance of spice and comfort. The lamb shank, paired with crunchy okra and a deeply spiced gulai sauce, is another favorite that impresses with its tender texture and bold flavors.

Whether it is lunch or dinner, Maritime’s offerings cater to diverse tastes. While the lunch menu features lighter and quicker fare, the dinner menu adds a layer of indulgence, offering an expanded selection of thoughtfully crafted dishes.

Maritime’s desserts are as indulgent as the savory dishes. The pandan custard with passionfruit and the banana sundae featuring ube ice cream offer the perfect sweet conclusion to a meal.

Complementing the menu is a selection of temperance beverages and innovative drinks. Highlights include the vibrant Saffron Spritz, a blend of clementine, honey, ginger, and saffron, and the creamy yet refreshing Avocado Oasis, combining Lyre’s white cane, avocado, cucumber, chilli honey and black lava salt. The tangy Rujak Bounce delights with pineapple, tamarind, lime, gula jawa and tajin, while the elegant Amaretti Sour pairs Lyre’s amaretti with lime juice, cherry, and orange peel. For a classic touch, the Martini features Conviv bianco, Lyre’s dry London, mementi blue and olive brine, offering something for every palate.

For private gatherings, Maritime offers two elegant dining rooms, providing exclusivity and intimacy for special occasions.

Check @maritimejeddah for more information.
 

MAKKAH: A heritage hotel in Madinah located in the city’s historic Al-Mughaisilah neighborhood is attracting scores of people from around the world.

The Anarat Boutique is just a few kilometers away from the Prophet’s Mosque, blending the authenticity and charm of heritage and culture with the spirit of modernity to offer visitors a one-of-a-kind cultural and spiritual experience.

May Al-Musallam, the project’s founder who transformed the century-old house into the heritage hotel, said: “Anarat Boutique represents a unique model in showcasing the heritage identity of Saudi Arabia, especially amid the prevalence of modern glass-designed buildings. Instead of focusing on modern architectural features, the project highlights the beauty of heritage through furniture and intricate artistic details.”

She highlighted continuous efforts to promote the boutique concept and expand its visibility across the Kingdom, introducing visitors to the beauty of Saudi culture through heritage and historical buildings.

“The building was restored using basalt stone, the same material originally used in its construction, along with traditional materials from the past. Very subtle touches were added to preserve its authenticity. The design and restoration process was led by a specialized team from Tech Design in collaboration with consultants to ensure the highest standards of durability and safety,” she told Arab News.

“Although it was a bold and unique idea, its success was expected due to the strong belief in the concept and meticulous planning. With the support of the Madinah Municipality and collaboration with consultancy entities, the project was executed to meet the highest quality standards.”

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with visitors expressing admiration for the intricate heritage details and the unique lodging experience.

“Anarat Boutique has been opened to welcome guests from all over the world, offering exceptional services that include a personal concierge and a certified tour guide to introduce visitors to the key landmarks of Madinah,” Al-Musallam said.

To book a tour, visit the boutique’s Instagram account or connect through Airbnb.

Al-Musallam added: “The boutique has seen a significant influx of visitors seeking a distinct tourist experience. What sets Anarat Boutique apart is its authentic Madinah-style details, presented to guests in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

“Anarat Boutique is not just a tourist destination, but also a bridge connecting the past and present, offering a window into the authentic spirit of Saudi heritage in its most beautiful form.”

The project’s marketing manager, Ghina Al-Hakari, described the tour experience as “a journey through the rituals of the people of Madinah in the past, teaching visitors about the culture, traditions and customs of the place. The building and the surrounding areas are steeped in history, and we have provided a tour guide with each room to narrate the story of the past.”

She added: “This location is the first branch of Anarat in Madinah and represents the first of 13 planned regions, God willing. Each region will have its own unique details and character, making every experience distinct.

“This experience targets explorers and history enthusiasts, telling the story of the past. As we say in Anarat’s motto: ‘Live the history, live Anarat’.”

Al-Hakari added that many regions in Saudi Arabia are rich in heritage that must be highlighted.

“We provide a wide range of services in the neighborhood, including guided tours of the city and transportation to the Prophet’s Mosque. Through our partners, we also offer a variety of dishes.

“During Ramadan, God willing, the courtyard will transform into a vibrant hub of activities, making the area a remarkable experience for visitors.”

She added: “The heritage home experience is a unique journey through time, allowing visitors to live the rituals of the people of Madinah and explore the culture, customs and traditions of the place.

“This type of experience is distinguished by its historical immersion, as the buildings and surrounding areas are deeply rooted in history, giving visitors a chance to engage directly with the past.”