Dollars and Dirhams- Eating Out on The Walk

We live on The Walk which is appr. 1.7 miles long. There a sooo many restaurants and cafes I couldn't begin to name them all. There are several chains- KFC, Subway, Chilis, Starbucks (3), Ruby Tuesday to name a few. We haven't eaten at the chains- not with so many other cool choices!The average cost for a meal can vary between $35- $65 AED = $9.52 - $17.69. The drink is usually around $9 AED = $2.45. The portions are very generous- we could split a meal if we could agree on what to order. I usually take half of my meal home and eat it for lunch the next day. Tipping is not expected but it is customary to leave 15-20%. The below pics were taken before the lunch crowd so the tables look pretty empty but it always picks up later. Dinner is especially busy. All the restaurants deliver to your door; you can even get groceries delivered! Hope ya'll find this interesting. Miss you and love you so very much! J&M

This is our parking space. It leads directly into the Starbucks outside sitting area. Because it is such a great location with access to The Walk we have had a major problem with people parking in it. We put up signs stating it is reserved but that didn't always work. Then we found a traffic cone to make it clear it is fricking reserved! Much better now.

This is a "you are here" directory of The Walk. It has 2 levels- ground and plaza. It is hard to see (double click for a better view) but there are many, many shops, etc.

Starbucks - ground level; 3 locations on The Walk

This is El Chico ground level just down from Starbucks. Very good mexican. We ate there last night and for two meals, 2 sodas and a guacamole dip appetizer the bill came to $ 130 AED= $35.39 plus $30 AED tip = $8.16. Not too bad and we have plenty for dinner tonight.

Italian and Chinese- two seperate restaurants that share the same seatting area and offer both menus. We had the chinese one night and it was great. Our bill that night was $150 AED = $40.83 (plus tip). Again- leftovers for lunch. This place has outdoor air conditioners- large fans with cool water resevoirs. It doesn't spray a mist-just cool air from the resevoir. It makes a big difference!

Haven't eaten here yet but the prices are about the same as the Italian/Chinese place.

Cone Street ice cream place. A small cup will cost about $9 AED = $2.45. Lots of different flavors and a welcome treat after strolling in the heat for awhile!

Upstairs to the plaza level- Bombay by the Beach Indian food. Haven't eaten here either but I checked out the menu and the the prices are still within the other ranges. Very cool seating and the view is overlooking the Gulf.

Figaros Pizza- open 24 hours. This is located right outside the front door to our building. You can eat there or they will make your pizza to go or you can take it unbaked and fix it up any way you want at home and bake it. Large pepperoni $46 AED = $12.52; lasagne $34 AED = $9.25; garden salad (lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber & olives) $14 AED = $3.81.

Subway- just around the corner from Figaros. 6" turkey breast, Subway Club and Roast Beef are each $15 AED =$4.08; to make any sandwich 12" ad $8 AED = $2.17.

Ruby Tuesday next to Subway. Prices about the same as the comparable restaurants.

There is a Virgin megastore across the way from Ruby Tuesdays. It doesn't open until 1pm so I couldn't go inside and check out CD costs. I'll get back to you on that.

Poster inside Virgin- Maroon 5 is playing in Dubai 21 April.