French Chefs Explore Saudi Cuisine in AlUla, Jeddah

French chefs Pierre Sang Boyer and Cédric Grolet in traditional Saudi dress.
French chefs Pierre Sang Boyer and Cédric Grolet in traditional Saudi dress.
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French Chefs Explore Saudi Cuisine in AlUla, Jeddah

French chefs Pierre Sang Boyer and Cédric Grolet in traditional Saudi dress.
French chefs Pierre Sang Boyer and Cédric Grolet in traditional Saudi dress.

Two international, French chefs documented an exceptional trip exploring the Saudi cuisine in the cities of AlUla and Jeddah.

Their trip highlighted the richness of Saudi cuisine and the creative touches that can represent the Saudi culture worldwide, and lure those interested in exploring its diversity.

The documentary, "Flavors of Arabia", highlights the rich heritage and varied specialties of the Saudi cuisine, the social culture surrounding it, and the warm welcome and hospitality, as well as the connection between gastronomy and generosity, and local habits and traditions.

The documentary depicts a trip by two of the most influential, award-winning chefs in France, Pierre Sang Boyer and Cédric Grolet, who traveled to Saudi Arabia to indulge their passion for discovering the thousands of flavors of Saudi cuisine.

Their culinary journey took them to AlUla and Jeddah.

In Jeddah, they went on a fishing trip in the Red Sea, and visited the central fish market and historic Jeddah.

They then moved on to AlUla where they visited its historic landmarks and explored its special products, like dates and citrus fruits, and its different cooking styles.

They met Saudi chefs, who introduced them to local ingredients and cooking methods.

They ended the trip by preparing and serving various dishes inspired by both French and Saudi cuisines.



Strongest Winds in Over a Decade Could Increase Fire Risk to Southern California

FILE - Flags fly under heavy winds before sunset as a plume of smoke from the Franklin Fire rises over the ocean Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, in Malibu, Calif. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes,File)
FILE - Flags fly under heavy winds before sunset as a plume of smoke from the Franklin Fire rises over the ocean Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, in Malibu, Calif. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes,File)
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Strongest Winds in Over a Decade Could Increase Fire Risk to Southern California

FILE - Flags fly under heavy winds before sunset as a plume of smoke from the Franklin Fire rises over the ocean Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, in Malibu, Calif. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes,File)
FILE - Flags fly under heavy winds before sunset as a plume of smoke from the Franklin Fire rises over the ocean Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, in Malibu, Calif. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes,File)

The strongest winds in more than a decade could hit Southern California on Tuesday, potentially causing structural damage and bringing extreme fire risk to areas that haven't seen substantial rain in months.

Beginning Tuesday afternoon, the windstorm will affect Los Angeles and Ventura counties and peak in the early hours of Wednesday, when gusts could reach 80 mph (129 kph), the National Weather Service said Monday.

Isolated gusts could top 100 mph (160 kph) in mountains and foothills, The Associated Press reported.

The weather service warned of downed trees and knocked over big rigs, trailers, and motorhomes. Powerful offshore gusts will also bring dangerous conditions off the coasts of Orange County and LA, including Catalina Island, and potential delays and turbulence could arise at local airports.
Public safety power shutoffs are being considered for nearly 300,000 customers across the region, according to Southern California Edison’s website.

The upcoming winds will act as an “atmospheric blow-dryer” for vegetation, bringing a long period of fire risk that could extend into the more populated lower hills and valleys, according to Daniel Swain, a climate scientist with the University of California, Los Angeles and the National Center for Atmospheric Research.

“We really haven't seen a season as dry as this one follow a season as wet as the previous one,” Swain said during a Monday livestream. “All of that extra abundant growth of grass and vegetation followed immediately by a wind event of this magnitude while it's still so incredibly dry," elevates the risk.
Recent dry winds, including the notorious Santa Anas, have contributed to warmer-than-average temperatures in Southern California, where there’s been very little rain so far this season.
Southern California hasn’t seen more than 0.1 inches (0.25 centimeters) of rain since early May. Much of the region has fallen into moderate drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Meanwhile, up north, there have been multiple drenching storms.
Areas where gusts could create extreme fire conditions include the charred footprint of last month’s wind-driven Franklin Fire, which damaged or destroyed 48 structures, mostly homes, in and around Malibu.
The blaze was one of nearly 8,000 wildfires that added up to scorch more than 1,560 square miles (more than 4,040 square kilometers) in the Golden State last year.
The last wind event of this magnitude occurred in November 2011, according to the NWS, during which more than 400,000 customers throughout LA County lost power, the Los Angeles Times reported. At night, normally bustling streets were dim and left without traffic signals.
Planned power shutoffs for the public's safety, if deemed necessary, are projected to happen Tuesday and Wednesday, according to Southern California Edison.
“The grid is built to withstand strong winds,” said Jeff Monford, a spokesperson for the utility. “The issue here is the possibility of debris becoming airborne and hitting wires ... or a tree coming down.”