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quality factor in most food and, when sourced locally, freshness takes on a cache of credibility. In addition, sourcing locally is appealing from an environmental standpoint. What affects the health of the planet seems to be much easier to understand and agree upon than what affects one’s own.

The ascendency of “fun dining” also extends to restaurant concepts.

Bistronomy, foodie lounges, atéliers, star establishment attest to this burgeoning accessible gastronomy scene, where good food can be enjoyed by more people, more often. Casual, fun dining, with a genuine focus on good and exciting food, has been successful. In this vein, among chain restaurants, T.G.I. Friday’s that opened in the latter half of 2011 has seen the most promising opening. It is an American restaurant chain focusing on casual dining and well known for its appearance, with red-striped canopies, brass railings, Tiffany lamps and frequent use of antiques as décor. Chili’s, the popular restaurant also opened a new outlet in Qurum City Centre and is further testament to Muscat burgeoning dining-out scene. Shang Thai known for its exceptionally fresh and flavourful dishes abound on a delightfully extensive menu as well as exotic flavours, friendly service and relaxing ambience recently opened another outlet at Almouj Marina at The Wave Muscat. Alternatively, the opening of the aforementioned tourism complexes has seen a rise in the number of restaurants and grills.

Travellers searching for the best in hotel accommodation need not look any further as Oman addresses everyone’s needs – and then some. Those looking for the high life but wanting to spend substantially less can find some great options in the ‘luxury for less’ options available throughout the Nation. But those who are looking for truly luxurious options can be extremely spoilt for choice. All in all, a truly remarkable year and given the developments in the pipeline 2012 holds even more promise.

DOSSIER GUIDE TO FOOD & HOTEL 2011-12 19