FACT Bahrain January 2015

reading inspirational quotes all day, won't make this the year of your life

January 2015 VOL 8. ISSuE 5 BD 1. Sr10

#GetWasta

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Listen_Up

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New_Year

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Venue_Review

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THE EDITOR

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” Oprah Winfrey

W

here are all the instagrammers at? If you’re constantly scrolling through your insta feed and liking those philosophical life

quotes, stop what you’re doing and listen up. Though memes are fun, we have something that is guaranteed to make your

2015 SO much better… it goes by the name of Wasta; a brand new app designed to give users secret deals at venues across Bahrain and beyond. It’s the absolute

must-have money-saver for the year with tons of great benefits (p18). If there’s one thing you need to do this Jan, it’s to #GetWasta now!

I hope you’ve all had a fabulous festive season and that your pockets and

waistlines weren’t hit too hard! We’re sure making (and some of us already

front.indd 1

12/31/14 2:09 PM

Director Omar Shaheen Chief Executive Officer Greg Hughes Editor-in-Chief Shabana Adam (shabana@factlive.com) Group Regional Editor Tony Sidgwick Editor Pallavi Ramesh (editorial@factlive.com) Creative Director Paula Leal Senior Graphic Designer Raquel Henriques Design & Photography Rashed Bin Daina

fantastic 12 months, so we thought it only right to share with you some of the

Photographer Shobin Joseph

want to try new experiences, as well as wanting to make some lifestyle changes,

Production & Distribution Manager Neil Mahmood

great places that you can dine and get pampered this year. For those of you who we’re here to give you a little push with our New Year, New You advice, tips, and recommendations starting on p23.

So, what’s happening in Bahrain this month? Loads of cool stuff, that’s

what. The shopping scene is a buzz with so many fabulous festivals and markets to check out; there’s The Autumn Fair, The Garden Bazaar, Al Basta Market and

lots more. Read all about what you can get up to on p10, and for a whole host of happenings check out our event picks on p16.

One of the best things about Bahrain is the amount of undiscovered talent

on our shores. This month, we chat to the country’s very own doodle dude, Jessie Tejada, to learn more about his attention-grabbing art. His work is intricate and impressive, and you can learn more about his artistic journey on p41. As always, FACT has your fashion, food, travel, tech, motoring and entertainment needs covered, down to a tee, so sit back with a cuppa and flick through at ease.

Now, let’s make 2015 one to remember for all the right reasons. For

me, that means starting with a cup of green tea and making a weekly workout

calendar (I can do this… and so can you!). Until the month of love and pancakes, Happy New Year and keep on keeping on with those resolutions.

Shabana Adam Editor-in-Chief shabana@factlive.com fact magazine

#GetWasta

breaking) resolutions, but that’s what I love about the New Year - new goals, a

fresh start and renewed motivation. For Bahrain, 2015 is looking to be another

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reading inspirational quotes all day, won't make this the year of your life

January 2015 VOL 8. ISSuE 5 BD 1. Sr10

Good Cheer & Happy New Year!

FACT Magazine Bahrain Edition January 2015 Volume 8, Issue 5

Regional Head of Sales Chelsea Copenhaver Account Managers Marina Smera Nicola Thirsk Contributors Christal Dennis Yvonne Cole Georgina Jennsen Ali Fareed ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Tel: +973 3376 1140 E-mail: chelsea@nansgroup.com PRINTED BY Awal Press, Bahrain.

All Rights Reserved. Opinion expressed within does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the information within this publication. However, FACT M.E. Bahrain cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions. FACT M.E. Bahrain Publishing W.L.L. Office 53, Building 872, Road 3618, Block 436, Seef. Ministry of Information.

Subject Registration Number: CFB779

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SOCIAL MEDIA

mash up

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND MAYBE YOU’LL BE HERE NEXT MONTH! @FACTbahrain

Tweets

Eman Sultan @Emanlatte My goal for this weekend is to watch as much documentaries as I can #livingthehipsterlife

BAHRAIN’S BEST & FAVOURITES REVEALED

Vinita Iyer @iyervinita Thank you @FACTbahrain for such ash amazing night. We were the last ones to leave :) I think. #citifactawards #fun #nighttoremember

DECEMBER 2014. VOL 8 ISSUE 4 . BD 1 | SR10

FACT Bahrain @FACTBahrain

Your one-stop culture fix for life in Bahrain | First for local talent, arts, fashion, dining & the coolest events in the city | Instagram: @factmagazine

ISSUU.COM

18,486

reads of our December issue’s online edition!

FACEBOOK

6,190

likes from dedicated FACT readers!

APP

2,996

downloads of our interactive app!

Jason Caston @jasoncaston Trying to watch #BigHero6 with my kids but they just want to narrate the movie!! Arrrgghh Reem Al Aseeri @Reem_ALAseeri Hi @KimKardshian, your game has been giving me free K stars every 5 minutes. It went from 9 to 77 in a couple of hours. Make it stop.

Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi @HolidayInnAUH Thank you @FACTAbuDhabi for featuring us in this month’s issue. Chef Carl thinks he looks rather handsome in the issue! #AbuDhabi #dining Ann Benjamin @ABenjaminAuthor Making lunch for work tomorrow! Adult achievement unlocked. #LikeABoss That Cardiff Girl @thatcardiffgirl Remember, remember the 5th of November. To always define your eyebrows and never trust a man with a Velcro wallet.

Find Rashed?

He’s hidden somewhere in this issue, also available to download.

Find FACT’s dapper designer chilling somewhere in this issue and you could WIN A Dinner For Two at Me & You Restaurant.

Look close and hard because Rashed will be perched on one of the editorial pages! Email editorial@factlive.com with the page number you think he’s on, your name and contact details! Good Luck!

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WIN

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CHECK IT OUT

Fact Finds

Little Majlis Shop Discover more of Bahrain with FACT Finds. Every month we’ll bring you a new hotspot, our favourite happening, eatery, activity or interesting find from around the city.

At the FACT office, all us girls (and some of the guys too!) who love to shop, are constantly on the prowl for quirky and quaint jewellery, one-of-a-kind t-shirts, cool bags, and all sorts of unique goodies.

So, imagine our excitement when we came across Little Majlis – a specialist online shop selling handmade and artisan products, marketed by Gulf-based artists, designers, cooks and crafters – we were thrilled, to say the least!

Founded in 2012 by two ladies living in Dubai – Anna Bolton-Riley and Annabelle Fitzsimmons – this shoppers haven encourages GCC residents to buy handmade goods, which in turn supports local talent, helps to grow the regional arts scene, and allows small businesses to prosper through whatever small promotion gained from consumer buys.

You can browse by product category, including Accessories, Bags and Purses, Clothing, Edibles, Furniture, Pets, Toys and many more, or you can have a peek through the boutiques one by one. The products on sale are all from independent and individually run shops, and are generally not commercially produced.

Some of our favourites that we’ve 8

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found on Little Majlis so far include ‘the rustic bead’ selling beautiful, contemporary interior accessories; then there’s ‘Kuki’ with its luxury cards, keepsakes and cute hanging signs; we also love ‘B&D Art’ who make catchy and colourful wall art for adults and children.

These are just three of the hundreds that sell on Little Majlis.

On the website there is a section for sellers, a blog, regular gift guides, and a forum where the Little Majlis community keep in touch. This is an idea and a platform that gives the local creative community to find a niche, start and grow their small business, promote their work and connect with buyers.

Thanks to Anna and Annabelle, the brains and beauty behind Little Majlis, consumers, not only in the GCC, but the world, can buy beautiful and exclusive products knowing that their purchase has been created or will help promote homegrown talent.

GO: Visit www.littlemajlis.com to shop, or for more information.

Where the spirit of Bahrain comes alive!

Amazing prizes every week!

Spend BD 10 at any participating mall, outlet or restaurant to enter into Bahrain Noor El Ain’s weekly draws and grand draw to win spectacular prizes like cars, air tickets, iPhones, iPads, GoPros, F1 tickets, TVs, a Jet Ski and much, much more! Look forward to 2 months of winning!

Shopping Festival Terms & Conditions apply.

Bazaars

Entertainment

Dining

Cultural & ArtfactEvents magazine 9

Licensed by Ministry of Industry & Commerce.

15 Dec - 16 Feb

Listen UP

T he Garde n B a z aar

Did you save up all the holiday cash to spend on goodies in the New Year?

What about those of you who just can’t get enough of buying some treats? Look no further than the incredible 9-day shopping fiesta – the Autumn Fair – an absolute haven for bargain hunters and shoppers who want to find something special. The shopping extravaganza is now in its 26th edition, establishing itself as the country’s largest consumer products show housing everything from specialty foods, textiles, furnishings, fashion and beauty, and electrical goods too. The annual expo will see Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre turn into a labyrinth of 700 stalls from 20 countries where visitors can pick up desirable décor, trendy trinkets, sweet scents, home furnishings, fashion, beauty and jewellery items, electrical products, glassware and brassware, toys, games and gizmos, as well as savouring fabulous food too. Go on; see what little treasures you can find!

If you’re a regular visitor to the famous Bahraini Farmers’ Market then this is going to be an exciting treat. Ready to please every foodie’s palate, the ‘Farm to Plate’ concept will take place on January 17 where ‘The Kitchen’ will play host to some of Bahrain’s, and the region’s, hottest chefs in the food business. Culinary events like special cooking classes, sampling platters, cook-offs and competitions will add to the gastronomic delight, which will be set outdoors in the beautiful botanical gardens of Bahrain, where the Farmers Market also takes place. The location is ideal for for family and friends to picnic on the grass and taste the delectable treats on offer after shopping through the idyllic gardens for fresh produce. There will be artists, handicrafts, agriculture and local goods stalls whilst activities including painting will be available for kids. Folk entertainment coupled with art and food will make for a perfect family day out. Turn up early for a traditional Arabic breakfast and to reserve your spot on the grass!

GO: The Autumn Fair takes place from January 21 to 29 at Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre. Visit www.theautumnfair.com for more information.

GO: The Garden Bazaar takes place on Januray 17 from 4pm to 10pm at the Bahraini Farmers’ Market in Budaiya.

B a g a B ar g ai n

A l B asta M arket

Taking shopping to a whole new and exciting level is the third annual edition of Al Basta Market! Opened amid great crowds and eager shoppers, the market is one of the biggest yearly shopping festivals in Bahrain, held at the BIC every weekend from 2pm to 9pm until late March. One of the aims of the market is to empower Bahraini youths and support owners of small and medium-sized businesses through helping them to market their products. There will be everything from an aquarium, a children’s corner, a green industrial oasis and the addition of handicrafts too. Sounds like a fun family day out to us so, get planning!

GO: Al Basta 3 Market takes place at Bahrain International Circuit every Friday and Saturday, 2pm to 9pm until March 28.

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Pass by and try the best brick oven pizza on the island Supremo Restaurant is a small Italian joint located in Riffa. Not your average Italian restaurant as all our dishes from pastas to pizzas to paninis are cooked in our brick oven. There are many beneficial aspects to food made in the brick oven which cannot be done in a normal oven.

At such a high temperature in a brick chamber crisps the pizza very quickly. It also provides a rich smoke like taste that cannot be done with a normal oven. Basically with its high heat, the results are faster cooking with unique taste. We have over 15 choices of true Neapolitan pizzas. We also have chefs specials like our famous ‘Calzone’ which is a baked turnover of pizza dough stuffed with a variety of fillings. And if that’s not enough for lovers of the Italian cuisine, we cook every kind of pasta. From hand-made spinach tortellini’s to our famous penne rose. And for our healthy customers we have gluten free pizzas and whole grain brown pasta. We use nothing but the best products in order to serve nothing but fresh Italian food.

We deliver to many places close to riffa including Riffa Views, Awali, and Aali. We also cater to all sorts of events.

instagram:@supremobh tell: 1710 0140

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Listen UP

Q & A : ub 4 0 ’ s micke y v irtue One of the highlights of the popular Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, taking place in Doha, is the entertainment. This year, reggae band UB40 is jetsetting over to our dusty peninsula from the UK to entertain the crowds. FACT caught up with Mickey Virtue, one of the original members of UB40 to talk music.

Even for those who aren’t a fan of the gentleman’s sport, the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters each year is the highlight on Doha’s calendar. For one night and one night only, international bands are lured to Doha so we can shake our stuff to their jingle jangle music. Since UB40 began in Birmingham in the late 70s, the British reggae band has sold over 70 million records.

Known for their iconic singles, like Can’t Help Falling In Love, the band is one of the most famous and enduring in the world.

Were you a musical child?

I grew up in the 60s when the Beatles ruled the world, and the possibility of becoming a famous musician was suddenly up there with being a train driver or a doctor; the more oldfashioned career choices.

It didn’t all come together for me until I met the rest of the band. Most bands begin with someone who writes the music and lyrics, and then puts together a band. We weren’t like that. None of us could play an instrument, so we had to learn.

Whoever picked up a guitar would try that out, and if you bought a drum set, that was yours to play. We knuckled down and learned how to play. We all loved reggae music and we all wanted to play it.

How did you get into reggae music?

My dad is from Jamaica, so I was always exposed to Caribbean

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music. I think everyone who hears reggae loves it; they just need the chance to hear it! It’s universally loved, but you don’t hear it on the radio as most radio stations are commercially run and only play the Top 40. That’s why we do what we do. We want to put it out there.

UB40 was started in 1978 and you’ve all had such a successful career. Do you have any ambitions left to achieve?

It would be nice to play every country in the world – we must have done about a 100 so far! For me, the big question always was, “Would we ever play in South Africa?” and we did and it was amazing! From the very first hit we had, it was a shock and surprise. Ever since then, we have tried to improve our sound, but we know it could all be over the next day so try to enjoy it.

World domination has gone out of the window.

What kind of music do you like to listen to?

For me there is only good music and bad music. When I was a kid, my dad loved country and western music from America and I hated it. But now, I love it too and can really appreciate it, especially the influence that it has had on reggae. I think that everyone is capable of music, just as everyone has a book inside them. It’s down to how much you want to do it.

GO: Commercial Bank Qatar Masters is on from the January 21 to 24 at Doha Golf Course. Visit www.qatar-masters.com for more information.

Twitter: @sheratonbahrain Facebook: Sheraton Bahrain Hotel Instagram: SheratonBahrain

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REGIONAL HAPPENINGS

Di ary Dat es For those of you thinking of jetting off around the region this month, we’ve rounded up some of the best events for you to check out in our neighbouring nations…

QATAR

ABU DHABI

OMAN

Where Qatar National Convention Centre, Doha When January 15 to 18

Where Abu Dhabi Golf Club When January 15 to 18

Where Oman International Exhibition Centre When Runs every weekend until December 13

Qatar Wedding Fair 2015 is an exceptional annual event which initiates pure luxury combining together the most exclusive designers in fashion, the most prominent hair and makeup artists and all the glitz and glamour of local and international jewellers, giving couples a captivating wedding of their dreams. For those who are planning to wed, there’s everything from food, theme, and location advice available from industry experts, to create your memorable day.

This leading European Tour event will see the world’s top players vie for the iconic Falcon Trophy and a cut of the $2.7million prize purse. The Championship has tailored packages for all types of players and itineraries. These include five nights accommodation in one of Abu Dhabi’s leading hotels, two rounds of golf on Abu Dhabi’s Championship courses; season passes to the Championship as well as an array of stunning tourism attractions.

Travellers and tourists the world-over will come to Oman for the much-anticipated annual horse, camel and heritage expo.

This event has become one of the most sought after gatherings in the region, bringing together horse and camel enthusiasts and featuring the cultural heritage of the region. There will be a number of fantastic activities, such as the exhibition’s pavilion; the camel shows, the painting competition and lots more!

Qatar Wedding Fair 2015

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2015 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship

International Horse, Camel and Heritage Exhibition

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Getting Out & About •

This Month in Bahrain 16

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HAPPENINGS

Say goodbye to boredom this month and mark your diaries with these all-important dates. We’ve put together a calendar packed with happenings just for you!

This is what FACT recommends (and you can still find more throughout the rest of the mag!).

3 8 10 14 saturday

thursday

saturday

wednesday

Doll up at Beauty Spot Salon & Spa

Bahrain International Modern House 2015 at Bahrain Exhibition Centre

‘Picture a Story’ Art Exhibition at Words Bookstore café

High Tea at Cafe Amsterdam

Head down to a salon and spa for a makeover session or just for a relaxing day. Beauty Salon & Spa situated on the Hamala strip caters to a wide choice of treatments.

The stylists and beauty experts here have loads of experience and will assure you look and feel your best before leaving! Call 1761

If you’re in the market for re-decorating the house, check this exhibition out. It provides all the requirements for a modern house with economical and convenient ways, displaying the latest interior and exterior design, decorations and furnishing. Ongoing until January 12. Visit www.ftbh.net

Head to Words Bookstore café to witness an exhibition that features a group of over 10 artists and illustrators, as they visually describe a piece of literature that inspired them. This exhibition allows artists to create their visual interpretation of this form of art. Definitely worth a visit! This exhibition is

Taste high tea with a large selection of cakes, sandwiches and treats to pair with a cup of fresh coffee, or one of the premium jing teas.

Experience the classy affair, perfectly held in the light bright open conservatory of the cafe from 5pm to 8pm daily.

1888 for more information.

for more information.

ongoing until January 17.

Call 1700 7404 for more information.

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saturday

monday

wednesday

monday

thursday

The Garden Bazaar at Farmers Market, North Governorate

Bliss at Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain

Autumn Fair 2015 at Bahrain Exhibition Centre

Mediterranean Market at La Vinoteca Barcelona

The Old Town Bazaar at Arad Fort Corniche

The ultimate foodie fantasy, where some of Bahrain’s and the region’s hottest chefs play host. Set outdoors in the beautiful botanical gardens of Bahrain; the Farmers Market, look forward to a day of fun and activities. A variety of culinary events will take place for all.

Enjoy the Monday Seafood night at Rimal Restaurant and head to Rimal Spa to get pampered with a 30-minute Back Massage, 30-minute Red Carpet Facial and 30-minutes in the Steam room for BD64++ per person or BD68++ for the buffet with beverages. Call 1746

Fun for all the family, this annual consumer fair features thousands of products from around the world. From household items to mouth-watering food stalls, popular fashion and children’s toys, the Autumn Fair has something for everyone!

Happy shopping!

The Mediterranean Market Stall takes place every Monday, where the restaurant offers guests a large selection of speciallyimported products. Head down to La Vinoteca Barcelona to stock up on Bomba rice, tasty paella, or dried red peppers to make your own Nyoras paste at home! Call 1700 7808 for

Arad Fort Corniche in Muharraq hosts an Old Town market experience.

Retailers and Souq traders, both from the high street to the home-grown will display their products for sale. The market also includes traditional handicrafts, textiles and live cooking stalls.

Visit www.bahrainnoorelain.com for more information.

0017 for more information.

Visit www.theautumnfair.com for more information.

more information.

Visit www.bahrainnoorelain.com for more information. fact magazine

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WASTA

New Year.

Secret Deals.

Get Wasta!

Bahrain-based App, Wasta, gives users secret deals at venues across the country and beyond. It’s officially available for download from the App Store and Google Play…

A new state-of-the-art Bahrainbased smartphone App, called Wasta, has been launched in the Kingdom. The App gives users secret deals at a variety of restaurants, cafes, spas, salons, clubs and more across Bahrain and beyond. The app is free for all Bahrain residents to download now and you can get it on your phone straight off the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

The Wasta app is the first of its kind to be conceived and developed completely in Bahrain, with the founders being Bahrain-based entrepreneurs, and the technical developers being local IT development and consultancy firm Kooheji Systems.

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The App has already signed up several major launch partners, as co-founder Arran Dall confirms: “We have a strong list of unique deals from global chains like Costa Coffee, 5-star hotels such as The Domain Hotel and Ramee Grand, and leading restaurants like Bushido and Café Italia, with more being added every week,” he says. “It’s a win-win situation for Bahrain because users will be getting deals they’ve never had before, and venues will be getting more customers at a time when competition has never been more fierce.”

As well as the ability to earn more Wasta, the App includes a series of other innovative features such as Map View to show which deals are

closest to users, and Filters to find particular deals quickly and easily.

More deals and venues will be rolled out in time, including a variety of categories such as Nightlife, Leisure, Sport and Fitness, and more.

Why get Wasta?

A unique feature of the App is that users earn more Wasta each time they redeem a deal, and as users progress through higher and higher Wasta levels, the deals they can access become more valuable.

The App is free for all users, and available to download now from Apple App Store for iPhone and Google Play for Android-based smartphones.

W A S T A WASTA

How to to to How How accept a a a accept accept Wasta deal Wasta deal Wasta deal WASTA

WASTA

WASTA

1. 1. 1. 2. 2. 2. 3. 3.

Customer EnterEnter yourEnter Customer your your Customer NoteNote the No th will show will show venue’s venue’s will show venue’s you the you the unique unique you the uniqueCode’ Code’ Co Approval Approval codecodecode if required: Approval if requir if r screen: screen: and press and press screen: and press ‘Approve’: ‘Approve’: ‘Approve’:

how it works

1.

Scroll through the venues and select one

2.

Check the details of the venue and as you ask for the bill, pick the deal and show your server

3.

A screen will appear asking for venue approval, hand it to your server

4.

Staying at the table with you, your server will punch in the venue’s secret code

5.

Voila! The deal is done and your bill will be ammended accordingly fact magazine

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LISTEN UP

Q & A : M artin K aym e r

Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship will celebrate its 10year anniversary event later this month. FACT caught up with the world-famous golfer Martin Kaymer ahead of the January 2015 championship‌ Hi Martin! Having achieved so much in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and other tournaments, tell us what keeps you motivated and excited about playing golf ?

There is still so much in the world of golf that I am yet to achieve, and the day that I wake up on the morning of a tournament with no motivation or excitement to play will likely be the day that I stop. I know I have won three times in Abu Dhabi, but the thought of winning for a 4th or 5th time is extremely motivating in itself.

My past success in Abu Dhabi is a great source of excitement for me, I love playing here and that gives me a huge amount of confidence going into the week.

What are some of your cherished memories from the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship tournaments that you’ve played in?

Having won the tournament three times I have some amazing memories of this tournament, and each win has been special in its own unique way. My first win 20

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here in 2008 was my first ever win on the European Tour and is obviously a memory that I cherish as it gave me a lot of confidence, knowing I could compete with some of the best players in Europe. It really helped my career kick on from that moment. My second win here, in 2010, taught me a lot about myself and the importance of sticking to my naturally aggressive style of play and my final and most recent win came in 2011 and I remember it just as fondly as my first. It was, and probably remains, the best four days of golf I have ever played, I only made one bogey during the week and felt as if nothing could go wrong.

How much have you grown as a golf player from 2009 till date?

In 2009 I was only 24 so the biggest change to my game since then has come about as a result of my experiences.

Since 2009 I have been lucky enough to be a part of three European Ryder Cup teams, won two majors, the 2010 PGA Championship and the 2014 US Open and

“Personally, I think that the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship is truly one of the best tournaments on the European Tour calendar.”

become World Number One. All these experiences have taught me important lessons about myself and my game, such as when to be aggressive, to stick to my natural game, and to approach any shot with absolute conviction.

The fact that I went through a bit of a dip in form and managed to come back from it in 2014, was also very pleasing for me and shows how I have grown both on and off the course.

What is the secret behind your successful career as a golfer?

There are so many factors behind building a successful career in golf and sometimes these are out of your hands but one of the obvious keys to success is to work hard and enjoy the game.

What makes Abu Dhabi and this particular tournament special?

It is always great to win and I have some very special memories from playing here over the past few years of my career. The event is always well run and year-

on-year has a world class field which helps to make the tournament so competitive. Personally, I think that the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship is truly one of the best tournaments on the European Tour calendar and I am proud that I have been able to lift the Falcon trophy on three occasions. HSBC are a great supporter of European Tour golf and really help to improve the event every year so I hope I can put in a good performance in 2015 for the 10th anniversary to thank them for their support!

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I wouldn’t like to set specific targets. I know I can still improve and I will work hard so that I do. If you were to really press me for specific targets, I would like to win more majors, play in more Ryder Cups and climb up to the top of the rankings again, but those are targets, not expectations.

GO: The 2015 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship takes place at Abu Dhabi Golf Club from January 15 to 18. Visit www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com for more information. fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#Sparkling #Fizz #Fare #Brunch Baharat at Le Meridien Bahrain City Centre launched the Sparking Fizz Fare Brunch, an innovative International buffet with live cooking stations. Serving tantalising options of classics and modern fusions, the brunch is a new must-try in the island. Guests were entertained with the soothing sounds of Bahraini jazz duet, Two Blue.

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NEW YEAR NEW YOU Who partied hard over the festive season and New Year’s Eve? Well, that was then, and this is 2015! A new year means new beginnings and it’s never too late to kick-start those resolutions. This year, FACT is helping you to step up your fitness, wellness and overall health game with fun tips and makeover ideas for a more rejuvenated lifestyle. On top of this, we’re recommending Bahrain’s new dining hotspots, and pamper picks to get the New Year off to a rockin’ start...

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new brunches

1. Sparkling Fizz Fare Brunch, Le Meridien Bahrain City Centre Let the sparkle of fizz fare fuel your Fridays and propel your weekends to another level! Gather your nearest and dearest for an exciting international sparkling brunch experience. The Sparkling Fizz Fare brunch is here to awaken your Fridays and take you an unforgettable culinary journey. Devour the succulent seafood, sizzling grills, freshly made pasta, tandoori dishes and much more; from the world food stands. Connect with the chefs at the live cooking stations whilst you watch your dishes transform from the freshest ingredients into an extraordinary epicurean experience. Be tempted by the sinfully desirable desserts and patisserie that even the strong willed will find difficult to resist. We’ve been, and it sure won’t be long until we return for another fabulous Friday Brunch experience!

01. bAHARAT, LE MERIDIEN bAHRAIN CITY CENTRE

Sparkling Fizz Fare Brunch is priced at BD30 net and Soft Brunch at BD20 net. Call 1717 1441 for more information.

2. Jazz Brunch on the Roof, Meisei Restaurant A concept that is extremely different than the usual brunches! The Jazz Brunch at Meisei offers its guests a Brunch menu, including appetisers, main course and desserts. They select the dish they would love to have and it’s prepared by the chef on the spot; fresh and piping hot! What better way to enjoy the beautiful weather? Some of the must-try dishes are; Crispy Salmon Dim Sum, Shrimp Popcorn (irresistible), Shiro Miso, Spicy Salmon, Grilled Hammour, Lotus Chicken, Crispy Aromatic Duck and Volcano to name a few delights. The desserts are out of the world; dont miss the cherry Bomb, it is one dessert you’ll ask for more and more. The Jazz Brunch at Meisei is perfect, considering the weather and of course the extravagant menu options for the brunch.

Jazz Brunch is priced at BD18++, including selected non-alcoholic beverages and BD25++, including selected alcoholic beverages. Call 1700 7770 for more information.

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02. mEISEI rESTAURANT

New restaurants

1. Bayti Contemporary

3. Rasoi By Vineet

Bayti offers its guests a fresh selection of modern Middle-Eastern dishes, focusing on fresh ingredients, local produce and contemporary presentation.

Opened recently, this restaurant has become a hot favourite among the islanders, as the food is lip-smacking and affordable. Located near the Kids Kingdom, Bayti attracts families looking for a relaxing evening and inviting atmosphere. Bayti offers a wide range of hot and cold mezzes, bread and dips, gourmet shawarmas, healthy salads and soups, and kebabs and grills; all made to suit the middle-eastern cuisine lover. A sumptuous lunch buffet is available daily at a great price of BD5.5. The restaurant wows in terms of food, decor and service, all done to a high standard at a casual venue.

Indian Cuisine lovers are in for a big treat, as the world-renowned restaurant – Rasoi By Vineet, has opened up at The Gulf Hotel Bahrain. Michelin Starred Chef Vineet Bhatia, has been personally involved in setting up the restaurant, which offers Signature Indian dishes in true Vineet Bhatia style. Try the mushroom naan, the tawa chicken with beetroot, the tandoori spice smoked salmon, or the ginger and chilly lobster dusted with cocoa (yes, you heard, cocoa!). We’d also recommend the chutney chicken tikka and the chandni broccoli as absolute must-trys off Vineet’s incredibly innovative menu.

In the dessert section, the blueberry and black cardamom kulfi is simply to-diefor! There is the special Rasoi Lunch Thali in vegetarian and non vegetarian, with delectable dishes on offer.

01. bayti contemporary

02. nicole’s restaurant

Bayti Contemporary is located near Kids Kingdom, Manama.

Call 1722 9788 for more information.

Rasoi By Vineet at Gulf Hotel Bahrain, call 1771 3000 for more information.

2. Nicole’s Nicole’s Mediterranean Restaurant and Lounge is an authentic Mediterranean restaurant located at the hub Block 338.

Under one roof you can enjoy Italian, French, Greek, Lebanese and Spanish cuisine, with an original twist by the venue’s Cordon Bleu Chef. The menu has been crafted to satisfy the most demanding palettes, as the restaurant seeks to provide a superb, quality dining experience teamed with a charming atmosphere and attentive staff. You can choose to dine on the Italian coast, the French Riviera, the Lebanese mountains or soak up the sun in the Santorini-style terrace. With the lovely weather by your side, why not grab a drink at Nicole’s and chill on the terrace? The venue’s Friday Brunch offers some yummy delights, including Beef Carpacio, Grilled Salmon, and Roasted Danish Veal; all with a twist, as well as lots more tantalising options.

Nicole’s Restaurant is located in Adliya. Call 1728 0700 for more information and reservations.

4. Cafe Amsterdam

03. rasoi by vineet, the gulf hotel

04. cafe amsterdam

It’s already become a favourite amongst islanders over the past few months, and if the stunning sticky toffee pudding is anything to go by, then the only way is up for BMMI’s new restaurant. The venue is beautiful and creative and has everything a diner would want. With Dutch inspired cuisine, Cafe Amsterdam caters to guests who come in for just a drink or a coffee, or those who want to grab a light lunch or hearty dinner. Some of the must-try dishes here include the gouda cheese fondue, the signature salmon burger, the special french fries, and of course the fish and chips (it’s out of this world food!). As mentioned earlier, a trip to Cafe Amsterdam isn’t complete unless you try the dessert, namely the sticky toffee pudding, which is by far the best we’ve tasted in Bahrain to date!

Cafe Amsterdam is located in Adliya, call 3200 0177 for more information. fact magazine

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CHEF’s TIPS

Healthy Diet Tips Chef Stefano Tansini, Executive Sous Chef Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

A Healthier You • When making dietary changes, ‘Start small’, says Chef Stefano; Set a few realistic goals, in the long run, you will have better self-esteem and more selfconfidence because you will actually stick with them.

• Don’t skip breakfast! Skipping breakfast gives you the munchies later on and slows your metabolism down. Chef Stefano advices starting the day with yogurt and fruit of whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk.

• Don’t skip any meals or snacks, Try not to let more than five hours go by without eating. Waiting too long can zap energy, and can lead to overeating later. Eat a healthy snack between lunch and dinner, maybe right before leaving work, so you will be less likely to grab snack foods once you get home.

• Keep frozen veggies in the fridge.

They are easy, quick and rich in nutrients. Take them to work for a quick lunch and heat it in the microwave. Season with black pepper, herbs and lemon juice.

• Bring healthy snacks to work, such as pretzels, fruit and yogurt. So you won’t find yourself at the vending machine every afternoon.

• When fixing a salad, sprinkle rolled oats or crunchy whole-grain cereal for added fibre, to 26

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help keep you full for longer.

• Fix pasta dishes with veggies and lean protein (like tiny shrimp, tuna canned in water, pre-cooked chicken breast, or soy crumbles).

• Adding protein and veggies to pasta allows you to cut back the amount of pasta (which is high in carbohydrates) while still keeping you full.

• hand-select a variety of fruits instead of buying one large bag of the same fruit. Mixing up a few different types of apples, one pear, and one banana will keep you from getting bored.

Fit For Life

dancers have! Thalassa Sea & Spa provides a wonderful opportunity for students wishing to explore the world of dance, in a fun, energetic and creative environment.

• Buy pre-cut fruits and vegetables, so you can grab them when you are hungry.

Clean Eating For The Body • Drink fewer sodas and other sweetened drinks, like iced tea. A big bottle of a juice-based drink can contain 300 calories, and those calories add up. Drink water instead, or mix juice and water, so you are not drinking something so heavily loaded with sugar.

• Aim to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables every day.

•daily 30 minutes of activity! It doesn’t have to be all at once. If it takes 10 minutes to walk from your work, get off at the next furthest stop so you get a few more minutes walking. And walk it briskly - you can lose some weight, improve your cardiovascular system and sleep better.

• Detoxifying wrap; the treatment will help your body and mind process and eliminate some of the harmful toxins you collect due to a demanding lifestyle. Application of a consisting of focus algae and essential oils, especially designed for an immediate sauna effect.

• Dancing can be a great form of exercise, depending on what type of dancing you are doing and for how long. It burns calories and can strengthen muscles and increase flexibility. Just look at the great bodies most

• Thalassa Sea & Spa Breaks! Spa Breaks include free access to the wellness area, Indoor Seawater and infinity heated pools, steam room and sauna during the half/ full day of treatments.

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NEW YOU

Pure Yoga Yoga buffs, you have something new and awesome to try out! A fresh yoga concept has introduced itself to fitness peeps. Pure Yoga is a contemporary studio that separates the core teachings of yoga from the cultural practices that have historically surrounded it. Pure Yoga is the premiere hot yoga experience, associated with the style devised by renowned Indian Yogi Master Bikram Choudhury. The practice of Hot Yoga includes a sequence of 26 postures, performed in a heated room. Performing the postures in a heated room encourages flexibility, promotes detoxification and helps to prevent injury. A minimum of 292 systems within the body are worked during a Hot Yoga class, while toxins and impurities that can contribute to pain and illness are perspired out of the body in a healthy way. If you’re excited about stepping up your wellness routine this year, Pure Yoga is definitely the right place to do this.

GO: Pure Yoga is located in Al Hamalah. Call 1700 7111 for more information on classes.

Fitness First If your New Year’s resolution is to stay fit, then ‘Join a Gym’ should be right on top in your todo list. If you’re wondering which gym to join, let us suggest you one – Fitness First! It’s one of the leading gyms on the island with state-of– the-art equipments and facilities, along with personal training services. Services include Cardio, Freestyle, Group Exercises, Gym floor classes, Weight lifting and swimming to name but a few. There are qualified trainers to assist and guide you, making it enjoyable to discover the new you! You can also avail membership packages ranging from three to 18 months, offering advantages and discounts on Fitness First classes and products. Members also have a special ‘Members Lounge’ where they can chill before or after working out; it’s the perfect place to unwind, grab a drink and relax with friends after a gruelling workout session.

GO: Visit www.fitnessfirstme/bahrain for more information on the gym and its facilities. Fitness First is at Bahrain Trade Centre and Oasis Centre, Riffa.

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NEW YOU

Dessange

Gloss Salon & Spa

With New Year comes the feeling of bringing in a stylish change and maybe a more pampered or well-looked after you! How about popping into an all-inone space that provides you the latest services and products in hair styling, beauty, exercise, nutrition and spa rituals.

Dessange is a one-stop destination where you will begin to relax, unwind and leave your troubles behind, the minute you enter! Offering first-class treatments and services in a luxurious setting, Dessange features a tranquil spa, a prestigious hair and beauty salon, an energetic health club and a highly efficient laser section.

Dominated by the principles of hygiene and cleanliness, Dessange in Bahrain is a place where women can be made beautiful from head to toe at a single venue!

Luxurious and exquisitely furnished in a plush location at The Marriott Executive apartments, Gloss Salon & Spa features a highly coveted hair and beauty salon as well as a tranquil and relaxing spa. The Gloss experience promises exclusive, fivestar treatment that is uncompromising, and unlike any other in Bahrain, with a relaxing environment where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the city to unwind. This quirky salon offers chic haircuts, highlights, facials, makeup and lots more, with friendly and experienced staff who will assist you from the minute you step in, ‘till the second you leave, the salon. You’re guaranteed a relaxing experience and rejuvenated feeling after your visit to Gloss!

GO: Dessange is located in Adliya, call 1771 3999 for more information.

Joz Salon & Spa

GO: Visit Gloss Salon & Spa at Juffair, Marriot Executive Apartments. Call 1782 6030 for more information.

The Mobile Spa

How about a funky haircut or hair colour, for the new you? Joz Salon & Spa has an efficient team of trained staff who cater to each customer with utmost care, ensuring that every guest has an experience unlike any other. Whether a haircut or a massage, or any beauty or facial treatment, this place has it all; affordable prices and utmost customer satisfaction. The salon team includes the best-trained stylists, designers and colourists. The spa team includes highly specialised technicians, aestheticians and massage therapists who understand the relationship between physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. What are you waiting for? Head to Joz Salon & Spa today for an amazing makeover. Don’t forget to take an appointment for your beauty or hair treatment.

Picking up the phone, and making an appointment for experts to come home and doll you up, how does THAT sound?

We think it’s fab and none other than The Mobile Spa is what we are talking about.

It’s the first of its kind - a spa that delivers treatments to clients in the comfort of their home, and can even be booked for a private party or corporate functions.

A variety of services are offered ranging from massages, body scrubs, manicures, pedicures and so much more. The spa also offers services to groups in the form of Spa parties, referred to as ‘Sparties’. The Mobile Spa is available at any location, with equipments set up in moments, bringing the ultimate spa experience. The Mobile Spa offers the best in hygiene standards and uses disposable supplements and an autoclave to sterilise all equipment.

GO: Joz Salon & Spa is located in Juffair, Awali and Amwaj. Visit their facebook and twitter pages for more information on any of their outlets.

GO: To book The Mobile Spa for your next party or any function, call 1777 7444 or visit www.themobilespaonline.com. fact magazine

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FITNESS TIPS

New Year. Keep Fit. Expert Tips.

Elvis Martin Kibe, Gym Instructor at SPA, InterContinental Regency Bahrain, shares his top tips to keep healthy and in shape for 2015…

number one

number sIX

number TEN

It’s best to prepare for your upcoming day, by preparing all your food in advance. This will ensure you don’t eat food that are bad for you or skip meals.

The elements of health-fitness include cardio respiratory capacity, muscle strength and endurance, flexibility and balance, and weight management. A regular exercise programme that incorporates all these elements is important for a healthy level of conditioning.

A workout buddy is hugely helpful for keeping motivated, but it’s important to find someone who will inspire you, not discourage you.

Prepare ahead

number two Eat more

Eat five times a day, about every three hours to stimulate your metabolism, including two mini meals between three basic meals.

number THREE Reduce rest time

You should stick with rest times of 30-40 seconds between sets, because this will help you to increase your overall endurance.

number FOUR Fight fatigue

Drink beet juice because it can actually increase stamina up to 16% and it helps your muscles produce more energy, more efficiently, making exercise less exhausting.

number FIVE Hydration

Consume vitamins, fiber, minerals and water.

Drink ice cold water first thing in the morning. It will naturally boost your metabolism by up to 24% for 90mins. Drink at least 2 litres of water per day.

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Physical activity

number SEVEN Be patient

Remember that even if you follow all those tips, there will be ups and downs, set backs and victories. Just be patient and don’t give up, hang in there and you will see results.

number EIGHT Prevent injuries

Investing in a personal fitness trainer is well worth the cost. Your trainer can help limit the amount of injuries you experience and help you get most out of your time at the gym or other exercise venue.

number NINE

Reduce health risk A diet that contains large amounts of saturated fat from foods like French fries, burgers and pizza can increase your risk of heart disease, high cholesterol and diabetes.

Too much sodium contributes to an increased risk of kidney disease and high blood pressure.

Find a fitness friend

number ELEVEN

Select perfect music Running or working out with music is a great way to get into the groove, or you need to choose music that will uplift you.

number tWELVE Cut out sweets

If fattening desserts are part of your daily food intake, cutting them out can save you as much as 500 calories per day. Swapping dessert for fresh fruit trims about 400 calories.

number THIRTEEN

Cut down alcohol consumption Alcohol is empty calories. It doesn’t have any nutrients, but does have a caloric value of seven calories per gram. For those of you trying to lose fat, forget it if you are drinking.

number fourteen Sleep well

Getting enough sleep is key to scoring a healthy body and mind. Sleep gives you energy to exercise and exercise helps you sleep sounder. Get at least 7-8 hours sleep every night to avoid health issues.

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NEW YOU

Do you regularly bring your work home with you? Are you falling behind on everyday household chores? Feel like your to-do list is constantly growing?

We know just what you need… meet Mr. Easy! Your very own personal assistant who can help you with a huge range of services that are convenient to your day-to-day life. It’s 2015, and it’s time to make Life Easy…

Make 2015 a life easy one...

Why use Life Easy?

What is Life Easy?

Life Easy is an exceptional idea brought to life through a business that offers personal assistance services to make your everyday tasks easy and complete. The company is an absolute unique concept and franchising initiative developed entirely in Bahrain, and what it offers is huge benefits for busy bodies and expats at home and at work, who need help with everything from paperwork clearance to relocation, business set up to marketing necessities, personal shipping and everything in between! The team at Life Easy will carry out those tasks that keep clogging up your to-do list time and again, so you can continue focusing on your professional life.

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Whether you’re an entrepreneur, doctor, lawyer, student, parent or a working professional who just doesn’t have enough hours in the day to get everything done, Life Easy can act as an incredibly useful and beneficial tool. Let’s face it, everyone needs help sometimes, and what Life Easy aims to do is, simply, make your life a little easier by tackling any hassles and managing your requirements that meet the needs of its services.

What does Life Easy offer?

You’ll be surprised as to how much the Life Easy team can do! They are, quite literally, your personal assistant, whether it’s a home or work service your require, there will be someone at hand to take care of your headaches, so that you can focus on what matters most. Here’s a quick run down of what Life Easy can do for you…

Connect to Life Easy www.facebook.com/iwanteasy @LifeEasyCS Life_Easy www.iwanteasy.com

GO: Visit Life Easy Commercial Services at Murjan Mall ( Jazira Supermarket), open Saturdays to Thursdays from 9am to 7pm. Call 1772 3123 for more information. fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#Christmas #Tree #Lighting Various hotels across BAHRAIN, hosted guests FOR a spectacular Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony AHEAD OF THE FESTIVE SEASON. A CHEERFUL atmosphere was created with decorations, gingerbread houses, quick bites, Christmas choirS and, of course, VISITS FROM Santa ClaUS.

InterContinental Regency Bahrain

Sheraton Hotel Bahrain 34

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SOCIETY

Movenpick Hotel Bahrain

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa fact magazine

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SOCIETY

Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa

The Gulf Hotel 36

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SOCIETY

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa

Upstairs Downstairs fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#CHRISTMAS #BRUNCH #ELITE #RESORT&SPA THE FESTIVE CHEER WAS IN FULL SWING AT ELITE RESORT & SPA AS FAMILIES CELEBRATED ON CHRISTMAS DAY. THERE WAS AN EXTENSIVE AND DELICIOUS BUFFET AS WELL AS A LIVELY CHOIR, AND FUN FESTIVETHEMED GAMES AND ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN. SANTA CLAUS, HIS ELVES AND A SUPERHERO MADE AN APPEARANCE, ABSAILING DOWN THE SIDE OF THE HOTEL BUILDING. 38

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SOCIETY

#Movember #At #Saks #FIFTH #AVENUE Saks Fifth Avenue at City Centre Bahrain hosted a special event to support the moustache season dedicated to raisING awareness of men’s health issues. THE EVENT TOOK PLACE at the men’s department of the store, Decorated with moustacheS AND PROPS. THERE WAS A photo booth with fun props AND DJ Janis entertained the customer with some funky music.

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The Sketchy Tale Of D ood l e s

Doodles are an artistic expression of boundless imagination, where creativity has LIMITLESS freedom. fact magazine

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ARTS

strong passion? “I don’t Being the architect mix my artsy stuff during of his own imagination, my working hours,” Jessie Jessie has created an says. “I doodle after work arsenal of wonderful Pallavi Ramesh chats with artist Jessie Tejada and untangles the and make it a point to characters, thoughts, dreams, artistic beauty of doodling, as he shares his journey of creating create three doodles a landscapes, experiences hundreds of colourful and whimsical artworks. An arts teacher by month. Inspiration and and imaginary variations, loads of determination all expressed through his profession and a doodler in his spare time, Jessie opens up about helps me balance it all,” gift of art. Describing his his life-long passion… he tells us. pieces as his visual diary, Jessie’s love for Jessie tends to sketch random doodling, intrigued me thoughts from his daily life. to find out where it all “My doodles represent my started from? “I had a group of artist friends, whenever I emotions and feelings; rage, grief or happiness, I draw it,” saw them draw and look at their final pieces, I was in awe he says. “Depending on my mood, I choose my medium and of the randomness and vivid stories the doodles expressed,” colours,” shares Jessie. He uses broken crayons, abandoned Jessie explains. “I decided to do it myself; picked a ball pen coloured pencils, old oil pastel or wet paint and colours that represent his emotion, and mixing of colours is what he loves. and created a random image which expressed happiness; happiness of finding something new,” he recalls. It started Every artist draws inspiration from somewhere or something and so does Jessie, “People, their personalities, and that day and has excelled since, as ball pens were replaced with water and poster colours. “Doodling or drawing random stories, inspire me,” Jessie says. “Sometimes lyrics of a song things is my personal and visual way to express my feelings” or certain images I see on the roads clicks a ting in my head, Jessie reveals. which urges me to draw that very moment,” he reveals. Jessie When I asked him about his creative process, he had doodles in his leisure time; while sipping his evening coffee a very simple answer: “I grab a brush, mount my paper up or chatting with a friend. He makes it a point not to mix his the wall and start drawing using the mixed colours lying passion and his livelihood as an arts teacher. on my palette, and in the course, I change my medium to Jessie works as an arts teacher in a private school. He marker pens or oil pastels.” And how does the process end? loves to teach young children and share his knowledge of art, “I am unstoppable at times, I don’t stop until I am done, and in the hope of inspiring children to pursue arts. But the real sometimes larger paintings take up to a month,” Jessie says. question is, how does he balance a teaching job with such a 42

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ARTS

“ I l o v e t h e c u lt u r e , people, life and the ethnicity of India, and s k e t c h i n g i t a l l o n pa p e r would be like a dream c o m e t r u e .”

Exploring ‘People’ and sketching them on paper is what Jessie loves, I quizzed him about his dream project and his reply was ‘India.’ He explains: “I love the culture, people, life and the ethnicity of India, and sketching it all on paper would be like a dream come true.” Jessie intends to travel to India when he gets the opportunity, and paint his dream.

With artistic talent of such tremendous power, I asked Jessie where he sees himself in the next five years and what his future plans are. He replies: “I have two dreams; opening an art school for young talented artists and underprivileged children, and organising an art exhibition which involves doodlers from around the world, showcasing their artworks.”

Jessie’s art has actually been showcased around the world! “My design was exhibited in Montreal, Canada for an International Medical conference,” he says. “Also, my winning artwork from Corbie France was used as a design for a postcard to be circulated all around the world in celebration of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development” he adds, proudly.

Like every artist, Jessie has his idols and follows famed artists. “Most of my inspirations are artists, and designers who are lowbrow artists and pop surrealists,” he says. “I love the works of Dex Fernandez, Lynard Paras and Anjo Bolarda from the Philippines. Then there’s Yoko D Holbachie from Japan, and Mohammad Al Mahdi, Leon, and Ahmed Anan from Bahrain, and many more,” Jessie shares.

Jessie’s advice to the youth and aspiring artists is simple: “Have the love, compassion, time, determination and enthusiasm for art,” he says. “Don’t have the competitor streak; draw and paint because you want to and not to compete. And lastly, share your talent and learn from experts, this will make you a successful and grounded artist,” he advises. Some sound advice for budding artists!

Contact Jessie on facebook or check out his art pieces on his Behance account. Jessie does live painting for charity and corporate events, so contact him for any of these on 3622 8455 or drop him an email on artteacher_ jes@yahoo.com.

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Also AvAilAble in ...

Abu DhAbi & QAtAr

Q

A

T

A

R

Have a Haunted Halloween

Roll Camera for Film Festival Fever

An Artistic Celebration of Arabic Culture

OctOber 2014. VOL 1 ISSUe 5. AeD 10 front_filmfestival.indd 1

9/29/14 4:25 PM

SEPTEMBER 2014. VOL 4 ISSUE 5. QR10 | SR10 front.indd 1

8/31/14 11:13 AM

NOVEMBER 2014. VOL 8 ISSUE 03 . BD 1 | SR10

@FACTAbuDhabi | @FACTBahrain | @FACT_Qatar 48

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#ArtOfC #At #City #Centre #Bahrain With the theme, ‘A tribute to the Kingdom’, Art of C CELEBRATED BAHRAIN’s rich culture and heritage, uniting some of THE most renowned artists with emerging talent from the community in the form of a mentored workshop. H.E Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al-Khalifa, Acting AssistantUndersecretary for Tourism, inaugurated the exhibit at City Centre Bahrain. fact magazine

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A rt of c

C R E AT I V I T Y AT I T S B E S T A fter a si x - day w orkshop that u n ited the creati v it y of the K i n g dom ’ s fi n est artists a n d a n i n spiri n g g roup of local tale n ts, M ajid A l F uttaim a n d C it y C e n tre B ahrai n ’ s ‘A rt of C ’ commu n it y arts i n itiati v e co n cluded w ith the u n v eili n g of u n ique w orks of art. FA C T bri n g s y ou some of the B E A U T I F U L W O R K S C R E AT E D B Y T H E TA L E N T E D I N D I V I D U A L S W H O T O O K PA R T. . .

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ARTS

Fine art

Land of Immortality

Scent of the sea Artist Hussain Milad

Artists Mohammed Bahrain and Ameena Al-Abbassi

AlBareh Gallery – led by Artist Mehdi Albanay, with a contribution from Artist Jihan

Fine Art is a mix of many arts and skills. It conveys the artist’s authentic experience and the artistic nature that Bahrain possesses. Extracted from the artist’s surroundings and reshaped in a modern manner, the elements featured in this piece of art appear to us as they are seen through his eyes – immortal, colourful creations.

Bahrain has been known as the home of a million palm trees, where the palm is as immortal as life and the bearer of dates.In this piece of art, the artist lets the palm tree speak on behalf of beauty. His work contradicts the silence of palm trees, for the tree – with its dates and leaves - is telling a colourful story.

Pottery is one of Bahrain’s oldest professions and a craft that has provided the people of Bahrain with many of the necessary tools for their daily lives. This piece of art tells the story of Delmon culture, its people and their relation with the land. The artist has combined the beauty of pottery together with the arts of shaping and sculpturing.

This piece of art depicts an infinite passion for the ocean.It’s a reflection of the sea and oceaninspired scenery; put together by inspiring artists.This piece features some of the most favoured oceanic elements, and is complemented with old-style colour effects to embody an accurate depiction of terms extracted from the old Arabic marine dictionary.

Weaving

Photography photography club and bahrain fine art society - led by Shafeeq Al Sharqi, Artist and Photographer

The Art of Architecture

Calligraphy

Al Riwaq Gallery, led by Artist Ipek Altay and ARTIST Sayed Hassan Alsari

honorary artist Abbas Al-Mousawi

Weaving is one of Bahrain’s oldest folklores, where textile decorations and embroidery styles reflect the civilisation and traditions of its people. Since its inception, textile has gone hand in hand with art, with beautifully woven colourful threads that create inspirational pieces of art – a beauty that the artist conveys seamlessly in this piece.

The Palm - As immortal as life

Mehdi Al Jalawi, Architect

Architecture introduces us to the cultural progress that old Photography is a creative form of civilisations have achieved. It takes us on a tour through the visual art. Light photography is an hobby and a creative practice. archaeology that cultures have With the belief that it’s not only left behind. This piece embodies the camera but the photographer the beauty of building, and is that makes the image, this piece inspired by Bahraini architectural depicts an artistic beauty created elements. It is a reflection of the soul of Architecture as well as the by both the camera and the progress of the nation. photographer’s eye.

Al Warraqoon, Calligraphy by Haidar Al Shibani and Art by Mohsin Ghareeb

Calligraphy is a form of visual art that depicts symbols in an expressive manner., Arabic writing falls under this type of art. Arabic handwriting as an art is based on certain rules that stem from the synchronisation of lines, dots and curves. It applies the same elements as other fine arts, as shown in this piece of art that highlights the artistic side of Calligraphy. fact magazine

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REVIEWS

Big Screen

Leviathan

What’s it about:

A bleak drama where people in a remote Russian town are trapped by situations beyond their control.

Drunkard Kolia lives in Barents with his soft-spoken wife Lilya and son Roma. When the towns corrupt mayor, Vadim, declares to demolish their house to make way for new developments, Kolia enlists the help of his old pal Dmitri, a slick lawyer from the city. But, the man’s arrival brings further misfortune.

Director: Andrey Zvyagintsev Cast: Elena Lyadova, Vladimir Vdovichenkov, Roman Madyanov, Aleksey Serebryakov Why it’s worth watching?

It premiered at Cannes Film Festival where critics fell for the gripping villain; not any specific individuals, but rather the cold processes that empower them. Russian director Andrey Zvyagintsev once again shows his fondness for, bringing to the screen, characters trapped in worlds that are so far from their control. In Leviathan he does this on biblical proportions. Here, fear and cynicism are more central to the plot, in which only the heartless people in power can find pleasure. Amidst all that is depressing, Zvyagintsev makes sure that while several of the main characters in this sprawling ensemble piece face the prospects of their lives falling apart around them, they’re never too far away from another shot of vodka and ramblings about their circumstances. It’s this rather surprising tonal shift and the fact that the filmmakers, and actors, assail Russian society from the inside out, that we absolutely adore about this film. A definite must-see!

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Highlights

Taken 3

“ In Leviathan he does this on biblical proportions. Here, fear and cynicism are more central to the plot, in which only the heartless people in power can find pleasure. ”

What’s it about: Back for round three, Bryan Mills, an ex-government operative is accused of a ruthless murder he never committed or witnessed. He’s out to find the truth and those responsible for why he is being tracked and pursued. For this, a special set of skills are required to find the true killer and clear his name.

Leviathan

“ Liam Neeson is amazing. Fact. That voice is compelling.

Fact. Seeing him pull off slick action scenes is captivating.

Fact (sort of). ” Taken 3

Win 2 Free Cinema Tickets Redeemable for any film at any Cineco cinema Answer the following question:

Liam Neeson did the voiceover for the lion in the Narnia films. What is the name of the lion’s character?

Email answers to: editorial@factlive.com

Director: Olivier Megaton Cast: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen, Forest Whitaker Why it’s worth watching?

Taken 3? When did this happen? And are we excited or are we cringing at the thought of seeing Liam Neeson take down the bad guys with all the might of law enforcement out to get him? Well, truthfully, we don’t quite know. Liam Neeson is amazing. Fact. That voice is compelling. Fact. Seeing him pull off slick action scenes is captivating. Fact (sort of ).

But, are we impressed with the story? It’s somewhat predictable, following on from its predecessors. So, if you want surprising action then this will probably disappoint.

If you want to see Liam Neeson be the perfect human being that he is, and escape from reality for a couple hours, go and get your tickets now.

BLDG 275, Road 3606, Block 336 A dliya www.casame xicanabh.com Facebook: casame xicana-bahr ain Instagr am:casame xicanabh Phone: +973 17715521

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REVIEWS

on the record

Fully Booked

CONTEMPORARY FICTION

The Queen of the Tearling

By Erika Johansen

POP/ROCK/PUNK

R’N’B/HIP-HOP

The Pinkprint

By Nicki Minaj

Miss Minaj is back with a rap vengeance,

and you know what? It’s as fierce and amazing as her attention-grabbing music videos. Admit it, when Nicki’s good, she’s very, very good, and we’ve heard plenty of new material from her upcoming third studio album, The Pinkprint: there’s the big-booty anthem Anaconda; the captivating ballad Pills N Potions; the Soulja Boy featuring Yasss Bish!; as well as the catchy Chi-Raq. And, thanks to an accidental track-list leak from Amazon France, we now know that the 16-song record will feature the likes of Ariana Grande and Beyonce (fitting as Nicki recently revealed in an MTV interview that this album’s title is a nod to Jay-Z’s famous ’01 LP, The Blueprint). We can tell you what we DON’T want from The Pinkprint - no cartoonish wigs and silly costumes and definitely no guest spots from underwhelming rappers (*ahem Lil Wayne).

What we do want is a back to basics Nicki Minaj with her unmistakeable cut-throat lyrics, aggressive delivery, and priceless zingers, just like her early days!

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American Beauty/ American Psycho

By Fall Out Boy When Fall Out Boy made their longawaited comeback in 2013 with the chart-topping album Save Rock and Roll, fans, and needless to say, music-lovers everywhere, were quick to voice how impressive the record was (we still sing along to My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up) at the top of our voice!). So, when the four-piece announced, on the famous Zane Lowe radio show, that the band’s sixth album will be released in Jan 2015, it’s no wonder we felt a mix of anxiety and excitement all at once. The title track, American Beauty/American Psycho, is a wild song. In all honesty, it didn’t grab us like the previous album’s hits, but we’re secretly hoping it’ll grow on us. On a more positive note, other previews off the album, including Centuries, and Immortals (on the Big Hero 6 soundtrack), were more like the pop-punk stalwarts sound that loyal fans will appreciate.

“In all honesty, it didn’t grab us like the previous album’s hits, but we’re secretly hoping it’ll grow on us.”

It’s Kelsey Glynn’s 19th birthday and she is being escorted, by soldiers, back to her place of birth, to take possession of what’s rightfully hers - the throne to her kingdom.

Kelsea’s character is truly, rebellious, and, like many teens, she has high principles and believes she knows better than her elders.

Kelsea will either become the most fearsome ruler the kingdom has ever known . . . or be dead within the week. If you’ve just read something so epic as Game of Thrones, or something as gripping as the world of The Hunger Games, then don’t expect to be thrilled with this read. BUT, if you’re looking for light fantasy with a butt-kicking heroine then this is the book for you.

BIOGRAPHY/NON-FICTION

City of Lies

By Ramita Navai Interestingly written and brimming with insights; City of Lies consists of eight intimate written portraits of eight Tehranian souls. Navai reveals their lives, their times, and (more often than not) their crimes, at least in the eyes of Iranian authorities, in a city where people are seemingly living one life publicly and another privately. Navai writes that it’s a place where “truth has become a secret,” in a book that provides a rich, absorbing and exotic insider’s glimpse into the local personalities, the unremarkable busy bodies and hysterical intrigues buzzing about the city.

Dinner for Two @ BD 30++

Every Sunday and Tuesday enjoy a 3 course meal for 2 people at only BD 30++ per pair with a complimentary bottle of house grape.

Happy Hours

Every day from 4pm to 7pm get 20% off on all beverages.

Quiz night

Every Monday night at 19:30 join the fun and win win win… BD 1 entrance fee per person.

Amwaj Island’s True Local

Breakfast

Breakfast – Every Friday from 10am and Saturday from 11am.

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KARAOKE IDOL

SINGING TO VICTORY Karaoke Idol has turned into a hugely fun and popular annual competition held at JJ’s Irish Restaurant. Amateur singers and budding stars take to the stage to belt out the best notes that their vocal chords will allow! One such lady is Miraya Varma, the winner of Karaoke Idol 2013. FACT caught up with Miraya to learn more about her experience…

Hi Miraya! Tell us a little bit about your Karaoke Idol experience in 2013…

The experience was wonderful! It was fun, it was exciting, and it was quite nerve-wrecking at the same time, with the competition being so tough. Everyone who took part was incredibly unique in their own way and this was the second time for me. I had taken part in the competition the year before and got to the finals, coming in at fourth place, but I wasn’t ready to give up. So, the next year [2013] I went on it to win, and the experience of winning that competition to this date gives me goosebumps every time I think about it. The judges were amazing, the crowd was amazing and It was one of the best nights of my life - the feeling was just magical.

Do you remember which songs you sang throughout the competition and do any of them have any special significance to you?

I do. Could never forget that day I sang “Hallelujah” by Alexandra Burke and got through and sang “If I were a boy”

by Beyonce at another stage. I chose those songs because I could relate to them in so many ways and I think every girl could. These songs have a beautiful meaning and I always sing songs that I can relate to, and feel, because that’s what music is to me. It brings out my true emotions and that is the only time when I feel like I can express myself and really just be myself, through singing.

Describe the atmosphere during the Karaoke Idol competition…

The feeling was incredible! I remember singing “Hallelujah” and the entire crowd was up with me in front of the stage

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while I sang, singing and humming along the way and I was so moved by it. Moving such a large audience, as the judges said, was hard, and I can’t ever forget the feeling.

Was Karaoke Idol something you did spontaneously or have you always had an interest in music and singing?

I have been singing and dancing since I was a toddler. I sang before I could talk and danced before I could walk. I had been performing and taking part in school gigs and other events since I was three years old and it has always been a passion for me. Wherever there’s a mic, I just grab the opportunity and not let the mic go.

How has winning Karaoke Idol changed your everyday life?

It definitely has boosted my confidence more. I’m currently working on an international music video and signed in with one of the best record labels in England, and I currently have over 35 million views on a song I collaborated on with two other artists, for a bollywood movie called Happy New Year. The song is titled ‘lovely’ and is composed by Dr Zeus.

Winning Karaoke Idol definitely has changed a lot for me and was a big part in making me get up there and be more confident about getting my dreams going.

Why do you think competitions like Karaoke Idol are good for Bahrain?

Bahrain is small but the amount of talent for such a small country is just incredible. I think it’s amazing that competitions like this exist and let people get out there to explore their opportunities. So, big thumbs up to JJ’s for hosting such a beautiful event and I hope that there are more competitions and more opportunities for the beautiful people from Bahrain to get out there and show their talent.

What is your advise for other Karaoke Idol hopefuls?

Be confident on what you can sing. Never pick a song that’s too hard for your vocals. Pick a song that you can relate to, and one that brings out your true emotions and feelings. Do the best you can - it doesn’t have to be a hard song, even if it isn’t and you sing it right, you’re good to go!

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SOCIETY

#Bahrain #Noor #El #Ain #Inaugral #Lunch Adliya, the iconic restaurant hub of Bahrain, was buzzing as the Bahrain Noor El Ain Festival launched with an inaugural lunch. A beautifully decorated long table was placed on the lane outside Al Riwaq Gallery. Top VIP guests and press members were invited to enjoy a lively atmosphere and experience first-hand what the event involves.

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2015 Toyota Yaris Hatch

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ISLAND RIDES

The new 2015 Yaris is a car full of surprises, as we found out during our four-day test drive…

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F

or the 2015 model year, the Yaris has undergone some cosmetic changes, both inside and out, as well as adding some interesting new features that have really elevated the little compact hatchback in its class.

Our first surprise came with the exterior. As we were delivered the car, we instantly liked the eye-catching metallic orange colour and new exterior styling. A standard Yaris will never be a hot hatch – you’d have to look to the TRD Yaris for that – but this new model gets close enough that you don’t feel like you’re compromising in buying one. It’s modern, sporty and bold, and outdoes the majority of economy hatches out there in terms of style.

The next surprises came when we climbed into the car, simply from

the features that came with it, albeit in the top-of-the-range SE+ that we reviewed. These included remote keyless entry and push-button start, multi-info display with Bluetooth and Mp3 connectivity, auto electric windows and more.

The interior matches the exterior for style, with a nice two-tone colour scheme to the seat fabrics and a stylish instrument cluster and centre console.

It’s also extremely spacious, with added practicality from the folding rear seats, which result in a good deal of cargo space. So far, so very good!

Our final surprise came with the driving experience. As we said, the Yaris isn’t a hot hatch, but nevertheless boasts impressively good pull from the 1.5l four-cylinder engine, and nimble handling thanks to its wide stance

ISLAND RIDES

and short overhangs. Ride quality is extremely good, and it’s got enough grunt to slip into those small gaps in traffic when you’re nipping across town in a hurry.

It’s a great city car, but even highway cruising is comfortable, although you do begin to feel a distinct lack of pull at higher speeds, as you’d expect with a small engine. The plus side is that it barely touches the fuel. In the four days we had it, we only had to fill up the tank once, despite putting in around 400km worth of driving! And filling it didn’t cost much at all.

What the Yaris does, and does very well, is provide an affordable option that punches well above its weight and gives great bang for your buck, which means that, despite being an economy car, you can still feel good about driving it.

We get to drive all sorts of luxury models and super cars in this line of work, so when we drive the economy options, we have to be sure to consider the car for what it is, and make a judgement based on its merits.

With the Yaris, this wasn’t hard at all, because we genuinely liked it! This makes it a winner in our eyes.

The interior matches the exterior for style, with a nice two-tone colour scheme to the seat fabrics and a stylish instrument cluster and centre console.

It’s also extremely spacious, with added practicality from the folding rear seats...

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MOTORING NEWS

T o y o ta C o r o l l a Crowned a t M ECOT Y Awards The 2014 Toyota Corolla, which is the 11th generation of the model, was officially crowned as the Middle East Car of the Year in the midsize category. A Jury panel comprising of 14 impartial motoring journalists from around the region selected the Corolla as the overwhelming choice for this prestigious accolade to enhance Corolla’s reputation for being a true icon in the automotive industry.

The Middle East Car of the Year (MECOTY) is one of the most coveted awards of the regional automotive industry. It integrates a complex yet transparent nomination and scoring methodology that is developed, tested and implemented by reputed experts from the industry. The section criteria for the award included 10 aspects that were used to grade the cars. These included design & quality (Exterior & Interior), handling and drivability, safety & durability, performance & capability, technological innovation, emotional appeal & driver satisfaction, value for money (new purchase & resale), environmental friendly, regional appeal, comfort & practicality.

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B IC L a u n c h e s E a r ly B i r d F 1 O f f e r The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) announced last month that tickets to the 2015 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix are now available for purchase, and they can be bought with up to 20% off under BIC’s Early Bird Discount.

However, if you want to get yours you’d better hurry, as the offer is only being run until January 14th, 2015!

The Bahrain GP is scheduled to take place between April 17 and 19 next year. It will be the fourth round of the 2015 FIA Formula One World Championship.

The 20% Early Bird discount is valid only on BIC’s Main Grandstand and Turn One Grandstand.

Main Grandstand tickets therefore cost just BD120 instead of BD150, while a Turn One Grandstand ticket would cost just BD80 instead of BD100.

A 10% discount is available on the Batelco Grandstand, University Grandstands and Victory Grandstands. The tickets to the Batelco Grandstand therefore cost BD108, while tickets to the University Grandstands and Victory Grandstands are just BD54 each.

For more information, visit bahraingp.com or call the BIC Hotline on 1745 0000.

MOTORING NEWS

2015 Infiniti QX80 Hits the Gulf

Infiniti has launched the latest enhanced version of their flagship full size SUV, the new 2015 QX80 across the Gulf. The new QX80 boasts a fresh new exterior design, a more crafted interior, additional standard features and technology and will come in two Grade levels – QX80 Excellence Grade and

E.K. Kanoo Safety Awareness C a m pa i g n

QX80 Luxury Grade, both with the option of seven or eight seats. The extensive exterior design refinements focus on the QX80’s frontend appearance, with new upper grille shape and added lower grille. The revised front fascia also features new LED high/low beam headlights, LED turn signals, LED fog lights and a new bumper with flush-mounted sonar sensors.

An extensive suite of advance safety systems is standard with the QX80 Luxury Grade including Front Emergency Braking and Front Collision Warning System, Blind Spot Warning, Blind Spot Intervention, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention. The proven 5.6-liter V8 engine combines Infiniti’s VVEL technology with the efficiency of Direct Injection Gasoline to produce 400 horsepower and 560Nm of torque through the standard 7-speed automatic transmission.

Toyota and Lexus dealership E.K. Kanoo hosted five schools at the Toyota Plaza service centre in Tubli as part of a safety awareness campaign initiated in collaboration with the General Directorate of Traffic and the Ministry of Education. More schools were due to visit throughout December. The campaign aims to educate the students, who wish to apply for a driver’s license, about proper car care, the basic safety systems available in the car and the importance of periodic maintenance to ensure driver and passengers safety at all times. The students

were introduced to the basics of oil and filter change, maintaining the brakes and changing the tyres, and received a thorough demonstration about the airbags and the importance of using a seat belt whilst driving.

An official at the Ebrahim K. Kanoo emphasized on the importance of collaborating with the General Directorate of Traffic and the Ministry of Education to raise the safety awareness among the young generation.

For more information, call Ebrahim K. Kanoo on 1726 2262. fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#Shamal #Book #Launch The next chapter in the Shamal comic book Saga - The Feuding Shamal. War is Peace! - was officially launched IN Muharraq AT Maison Jamsheer. Anna Thackray, the creator of the wonderful comic book was seen welcoming and chatting with guests. She briefed the ATTENDEES about the new book and guests were seen taking pictures and having fun.

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PLUGGED-IN

your music. make it vibrant.

bose soundlink colour bluetooth speaker Listen to your music loud and clear, with the new Bose Bluetooth speaker; as it plays your favourite tunes anywhere, anytime. When it’s Bose, you can be rest assured that the best is in your hand. FACT brings you all the incredible features of this colourful portable device…

Size and Style

It’s small, durable and easy to use! The speakers come in a spectrum of colours to match almost any personal style; the compact shape fits easily into your bag or backpack.

The speaker has a range of about 30 feet, which can be paired to your smartphone, tablet or any other Bluetooth devices. Voice prompts talk you through Bluetooth pairing, making it simple. And the speaker remembers the eight most recent devices you’ve used, so reconnecting is even easier.

Sound Quality

Don’t let the small size fool you. It may be compact, but it delivers a satisfying listening experience. Proprietary technologies and a unique design produce clear, well-balanced, full-range sound.

Battery Life

Battery performance varies depending on the content and the volume at which it’s played. In typical usage, a fully charged battery lasts up to eight hours. The light is green for a full charge and amber for medium charge and red when battery life gets low. On a wall charger, the rechargeable lithium-ion battery gets full in three hours.

Simple to use

This device is extremely easy to handle and use, with minimal controls. It features power, volume and source buttons. You control other functions from your Bluetooth device. Simply designed for ease of use!

GO: Available to buy from all major electronic stores.

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SOCIETY

#BFLC #20TH #Anniversary Bahrain Family Leisure Company (BFLC) celebrated their 20th Anniversary at Bayti; one of the company’s newly-opened middle-eastern restaurants. A cake cutting ceremony was held in the presence of BFLC staff, partners and invited guests. a complimentary sample menu with the restaurant’s signature dishes were served, followed by a lavish buffet.

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PLUGGED-IN

App-licious Today’s tech-savvy generation of smartphones and tablets means the world is at your fingertips, literally! FACT has three great apps to download for your device, keeping you plugged-in to all the best techie help for every area of life...

PRODUCTIVITY Evernote (Android & iOS)

For writers, students, and people who rely heavily on notes in their work or daily lives, Evernote is a powerful productivity tool with intelligent features.

It’s like a digital notebook that stores photos, web pages, notes, PDF files, audio clips, and to-do lists. What’s great about Evernote is its indexing feature. Once you add things to your notebook they’re completely searchable and can be accessed on your desktop, the web, or your mobile device.

NEWS/ENTERTAINMENT Ask Me Anything (Android & iOS) If your aim for 2015 is to be a little more clued up on the world’s top personalities, that includes everyone from film stars, to astronauts, artists and global leaders, then download this app now. You can even ask a question, directly to the big names, when they’re marked as active! Everyone from Woody Harrelson, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and President Obama have participated in Reddit’s popular AMA interviews.

HEALTH/FITNESS Runkeeper (Android & iOS)

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to step up your fitness game then RunKeeper is the app you need. It acts like your own personal trainer, and it’s especially great for runners and power walkers. The app tracks your running pace, the route you take, measures workout distance, elevation, and calories burned. It also tracks walks, bike rides, work outs and all other fitness activities. RunKeeper is perfect for improving your everyday fitness regime.

Download our app for FREE!

Stay connected and get FACT magazine on your phone or tablet. Get the latest issue at your fingertips, and enter the world of FACT whenever and wherever you are!

Step 1 Download FACT to your device and flick through at leisure.

Step 2 Want to share what you like? Click the scissors in the top right corner.

Step 3 A number of social networks will drop down. Choose yours and hit post!

Please note: the fact app is available for IPHONE, iPad and ANDROID. It will soon be available on other platforms too.

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SOCIETY

#Pull&Bear #Cocktail #EVENT The well-known fashion brand Pull & Bear hosted a press day – ‘Pull & Bear Cocktail’ event. members of the media and bloggers attended the event, Guests were seen checking out the Autumn-Winter collection, which included trendy coats, warm sweatshirts, TRENDY boots and lots more, for BOTH men and women.

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: ass l C & Comfort Massimo Dutti

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fashion focus

hers

Discover the enchanting comfort line of Massimo Dutti’s women’s collection 2014 which offers effortless elegance, perfectly polished tailoring and an impeccable taste of style to keep you in vogue and cosy throughout the cold season.

Satisfy your sophisticated style cravings this season with urban and ultra-feminine garms

by Massimo Dutti. Make way for a collection that is the dream of every city dweller; practical, elegant and contemporary; who believes in her style and knows what she wants. The collection comprises of different fabrics, but also accessories and fragrances. Talking about style, the collection mainly focuses on tailored outerwear, chunky knits and fall accessories including scarves and gloves.

There is a masculine touch to the outfits, which can be seen in the over-sized coats and jacket suits.

A visible contribution from fur, wool, leather and cashmere fabrics in this collection, is an appealing touch. Look out for stylish checked suit, chunky XL and ankle boots, and an insane selection of winter colours to choose from which include, beige, taupe grey, indigo, camouflage and a visible appearance of Botanato print.

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FASHION FOCUS

his

‘Dress to kill’ is the apt way to summarise the brand’s men’s collection. This season brings with it the purest essence of Massimo Dutti, and winter wraps it in garments that are hard to forget.

Consolidating the metropolitan man, this collection radiates a unique personality with a fusion of tailor-made and casual which can be seen in the balanced blend of suits with ankle boots, cashmere sweaters or waistcoats.

Enhance your personal style with the brands fresh tailoring concept, offering suits, jackets and shorts with established patterns, colours and fabrics. Select your favourite winter fabric from the commonly used wool to stylish cotton options which can be paired with a leather jacket and double buckle boots.

Create your fashion trend with established patterns that can never go wrong! The brand’s tailoring service offers cuts to best enhance a personal style and the individual personalisation of buttons, linings and lapels are also a part of the personal tailoring service giving the garment an exclusive Massimo Dutti touch. fact magazine

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Fashion Focus

Shop the brand Here is our wishlist from Massimo Dutti’s Fall-Winter 2014 collection. Shop the BRAND IN BAHRAIN CITY CENTRE OR SEEF MALL.

for her

for him

02

01

01

03

04

03

05

06

06

01. SEASONAL LOOK FOR HER 02. Umbrella – Black and Military shade 03. Bucket Bag with zip 04. Black Leather shoes 05. Medium size Carrier Bag 06. Messenger Handbag

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01. SEASONAL LOOK FOR HIM 02. Double Buckle Boots 03. Leather watch with Military strap 04. Leather travel bag 05. Leather Sling bag and Wallet 06. Double-colour ankle boots

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SOCIETY

#The #Gulf #Hotel #45th #Anniversary The Gulf Hotel Bahrain celebrated their 45th Anniversary with a big bash hosting VIP Guests, partners, clients, members of media and other important personnel’s. The Gulf Hotel Bahrain was established as the first five-star hotel in Bahrain, to become an iconic hotel with rooms, executive apartments, restaurants and the biggest convention centre in Bahrain.

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STYLE

Women’s Accessories The arrival of autumn means only one thing; a whole new wardrobe filled with the latest trends. This season, accessories are taking a step forward and here’s what you ladies should have on your wishlist for the next round of shopping...

Wallis Parfois

River Island

Pull & bear

New look

H&M

Call it spring

Bershka

Longchamp

Aldo

Dorothy perkins

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SOCIETY

#twofour54 #Tamkeen #Graphic #Design #Programme The FACT and Ohlala Magazine’s design team was invited to give a presentation to the second batch of students on a specialised training programme in graphic design. Bahraini students are trained by twofour54 tadreeb, as part of the programme, which is in partnership with Tamkeen.

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STYLE

men’s Accessories A new season brings with it new styles to try and men’s accessories are at the fashion forefront this autumn with so much to choose from. Here’s what all you guys out there should pick up on your seasonal shopping spree...

Call it spring

Debenhams Aldo

TOpman

The body shop

Mens at dune French Connection

Bershka

New look

River Island fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#BEHIND #THE #BRUSH #AT #SALAD #BOUTIQUE Salad Boutique, located in the heart of Adilya’s block 338, played host to a fabulous make-up extravaganza event featuring A dynamic panel discussion with three of Bahrain’s top Beauty entrepreneurs. Salad Boutique’s vision behind hosting this event is to provide support to the Bahraini entrepreneurial community, highlight their experiences and their success.

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beauty

Touch of beauty For all you beauty queens out there…

FACT has your makeup needs covered this season from top to toe.

Radiant Solution

Beauty Essential Sephora introduces ‘Beauty Toys’ which includes an array of unique, funky and cool products to choose from, perfect as a gift for a friend or a treat for yourself. This ultra chic ‘Brushes to go’ set of four mini brushes can be removed easily to create beautiful party looks, when applying makeup on the eyes or cheeks. A special mention has to be given to the mirror that’s included for touch-ups to ensure that every look stays flawless.

Sephora Beauty Toys – Brushes to go by Sephora

Estée Lauder introduces Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Makeup SPF 25, offering the next generation in age-defying skin-perfection. This foundation is infused with Estée Lauder’s youth-enhancing Perfectionist Serum technology to deliver real skincare benefits and to transform the look and feel of skin. This superperforming silky makeup glides on seamlessly leaving complexions looking luminously radiant and glowing.

Perfectionist Youth-Infusing Makeup by Estée Lauder

Blazing Boost

New Year, New You!

Arabian Touch

Elemental Herbology’s revitalising Fire Zest Body Massage oil is a fresh and stimulating body oil and an ultimate cure for jet lag and chronic fatigue from the holiday season. It’s a brilliant revitalising agent for lethargic, worn-out bodies!

Packed with basil, rosemary and sweet orange, this fiery energiser is guaranteed to fuel the body and mind into action.

Discover a way to enhance your beauty with Neu Cosmetics, offering products containing nutrient rich formulas that fortify eyelashes, eyebrows and hair. The neuBROW serum improves the weak appearance of brows caused by aging and everyday beauty routines.

It restores the appearance of youthful brows, promoting strength, suppleness and shine.

Gueralin introduces its new addition - Santa Royal; the aura evoked by this fragrance is devoted to sandalwood. Santa Royal is a fragrance with oriental, woody and spicy notes; Neroli and cinnamon are warm and vibrant and appear at the top, accompanied by an essence of roses and a subtle fruity accord.

Other amber, leather and oud accords highlight and accentuate the essence’s elegant sensations.

Fire Zest Body Massage Oil by Elemental Herbology

neuBrow by Neu Cosmetics

‘Santa Royal’ by Gueralin

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“Food wise, we are a bit more contemporary. Like the strawberry and avocado dish is unique to Bushido, and we believe we are a notch higher when it comes to creativity.” – Chef Karim Aghai.

A Japanese Feast at Bushido For those who love Japanese cuisine; Bushido has become one of the island’s biggest foodie hotspots, serving gastronomic sophistication on a plate. FACT meets the restaurant’s Executive Chef, Karim Aghai, for an innovative dining experience done the traditional Japanese way….

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CHEF’S TABLE

“The grandeur of Bushido battles with your senses – a visual feast for your soul. This, however, is no competition to the cuisine. In fact, the food and ambience fit like a glove. The word ‘delicious’ does no justice to the chefs’ crafts in Bushido’s kitchens.The venue offers Japanese fare in every concept – sashimi, sushi, robata, a la carte – done to perfection. The robata grill teases the skewered meat with open flames from Japanese charcoal making it rich in flavour and delicate on the tongue.”

S

pread across a beautiful landscaped area in Seef, Bushido caters to guests looking for a variety of dining experiences. Whether it’s a fusion-filled business lunch, a Japanese evening dinner, or the perfect Friday Brunch, this is one venue where everything from the philosophy, to the décor, music, food, drinks and even the staff, is carefully formed to create a memorable time.

Part of the Buddha Bar network, but infused with high levels of class, Bushido follows the very Japanese Samurai code of conduct in everything it does. The extravagant menu, the large dining tables and comfy oversized chairs, as well as the Samurai statues, the staff ’s uniform and even the cutlery and wall hangings, all help to transport guests to the mysticism of Japan. It seriously does feel like you’ve stepped into a different world, once you enter through the monumental doorway.

We were, of course, here to try the food prepared by Chef Karim Aghai and his team. Every time we’ve dined at Bushido in the past, it has always exceeded our expectation, so we were hoping for a return performance. Chef Karim Aghai is preparing a mouthwatering taster menu especially for us. We entered the kitchen area and he welcomed us to his paradise.

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asked him about his cooking style. “My background is classic French fine-dining cuisine,” he says. “I started my learning at a Michelin Star restaurant, back in Germany.

“From that point on, I started travelling to many places which allowed for innovations and different styles to add onto my experience,” he adds.

Chef Karim finished his schooling in Germany, and when time came to select his career path, he wanted to become a Graphic Designer. But things changed when he got a job in one of the restaurant. “Like the trend in Germany, I started as a bartender, then a waiter and kept moving up the ladder, and my love for the industry only grew,” Chef Karim tells us. He then went on to join a hotelier school, followed by culinary school, after which he landed a job at a 5-star restaurant. “The, there was no looking back after that,” he smiles.

We’re about ready to tuck in – the food looks SO incredible. First up is a Trio of new style Sashimi which includes hamachi, sea bream, sea bass, spicy ponzu sauce, truffle oil, and salmon roe; Strawberry Avocado Roll, which is made up of crisp fried panko prawn, avocado, cucumber, and cream cheese; and a Mixed Sashimi plate of tuna, salmon, yellow tail, and sea bream. The Strawberry and Avocado Rolls were an absolute revelation!

Make sure to put the entire piece in your mouth to taste the combined flavours of all the ingredients, yum! The sashimi dishes are light and fresh, and we especially love the addition of pink pepper and truffle oil.

Chef Karim has travelled to over 26 countries, living and working in six. “I have been with Bushido for four months, but with the owning company for almost 11 years,” he tells us. Chef Karim previously worked at Trader Vic’s Bahrain form 2003 to 2011, after which he moved to Qatar to open Trader Vic’s there, then returned to Bahrain.

When quizzed about what sets Bushido apart from other venues, Chef Karim feels it’s the ambience and innovation in style.

“The layout, location, landscaping, and decor in my opinion sets us apart,” he says. “And food wise, we are a bit more contemporary.

Like the strawberry and avocado dish is unique to Bushido, and we believe we are a notch higher when it comes to creativity.”

We move onto two irresistibly presented mains – Braised Teriyaki Duck Roast, which is braised breast and leg, teriyaki glazed, with apple red cabbage; and Miso Black Cod, a black cod filet, miso marinated with assorted vegetables. Presentation is on point! The duck is tender and the teriyaki sauce gives it a wonderful sweet/savoury flavour, eaten with the red cabbage, the texture and taste of this dish is a beautiful blend of flavours.

We loved the yellow bean paste as well as the mushrooms, both of which complemented the cod dish very well.

Though Chef Karim doesn’t have any favourite ingredients, what he does like doing is creating an explosion of flavour for diners to enjoy. And being married to an Asian woman has really helped him to familiarise with Far-Eastern cuisine. “I like to try, and fusion is what I love,” he says.

“I like to implement Asian flavours into European dishes or vice versa.” From what we tried, we’ll say one thing to Chef Karim and his team – keep fusing those flavours and dishes because what’s coming out of the Bushido kitchen is truly leaving a lasting impression on Bahrain’s foodie community.

“Like the trend in Germany, I started as a bartender, then a waiter and kept moving up the ladder, and my love for the industry only grew.”

GO: Visit www.bushido.com.bh or call 1758 3555 for reservations and more information.

Menu Trio of new style Sashimi Strawberry Avocado Roll Mixed Sashimi plate Braised Teriyaki Duck Roast Miso Black Cod

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Dining The Soie Way •

Embodying a flair for food that’s visible the minute you enter, Soie at Sheraton Hotel Bahrain has an enticing ambience which draws you in straight from the entrance. Pallavi Ramesh went to find out exactly what makes this cosy and romantic fine-dining restaurant special when it comes to top-notch Chinese fare...

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VENUE REVIEW

“If we had to define the experience at Soie in one sentence, it would be; an appetising and authentic meal, filled to the brim in delicious flavour, served at a fantastic venue in the heart of Manama.”

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armly greeted by the staff at Soie, we were escorted to our table, which was neatly set for a scrumptious dinner.

The aroma in the restaurant had our bellies rumbling with excitement!

We love the impressive style of service; with waiters serving the dishes on golden trolleys. The colour palette and the materials used for the decor are elegant and subtle, making the atmosphere inviting. Deep browns, warm maroons

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and understated golds make up the furnishings at Soie, giving the restaurant a sophisticated look. There’s a cabana-style set up at the centre of the room, bringing out a contemporary yet authentic feel, with Asian-infused umbrella vases displayed.

The relaxing mood was further set with the gorgeously-set tables, each dotted with a burning candle and a rose perched beside it. The tall vino-influenced glasses and flat glass plates enhanced the setting. The glass plate concept is unique, as it provides the base for your actual dinner plate and

cutlery. The dimly-lit lights gave the venue a peaceful and intimate feel.

Our starters arrived and the aroma was enticing! First up was the Butterfly Prawns – super fresh and crispy - a defo must-try; the sweet chilli sauce gave the dish a tasty zing. Next up was Chicken Sio Mai; traditional dumplings (and an all-time fave), steamed to perfection and filled with yummy shredded chicken. A dip in the soy sauce and yum!

As we savoured our starters, the maincourse was brought in; piping hot as we could see the smoke and delicious smell rise from the stir-fry! We stare out the plate of Stir Fried Chicken with Red Cashew and Fried Noodles with veggies, and, of course, white rice, eager to tuck in. The stir-fry was a perfect ten; filled with authentic Chinese flavours and tender pieces of chicken.

We revelled in the veggies; carrots, cauliflower, mushrooms, baby corn, and onions, all cooked well and bringing different textures to the dish. This was

VENUE REVIEW

stir-fry at its best; well-cooked, packed with flavour, and a perfect combo of ingredients - we highly recommend it. The noodles were slim and smokey, with a slight crispiness, which set off our tastebuds nicely! The sweet and sour chicken was a simple, flavourful and respectfully traditional dish that we would say is the right choice for diners who want something commonly Chinese, and a dish that is oozing with great flavours.

Menu • Chicken Sio Mai • Butterfly Prawns with Sweet Chili Sauce • Stir Fried Prawns with Red Chili and Cashew nuts • Fried Noodles with Vegetables • Deep Fried Ice Cream • Toffee Bananas

To end this delightful meal, the restaurant manager personally served us the desserts, calling it a ‘sweet indulgence with signature desserts,’ and though we are full to the max, as soon as the fried ice cream subject came up, we were eyes wide open and bellies at the ready. Out came two desserts; deep-fried ice cream, which was a crispy dough decorated with almond flakes that opened up to vanilla ice-cream and toffee banana; a scrumptious choice with a crispy layer leading you to the juicy flavoured fruit. Two words - dessert heaven!

If we had to define the experience at Soie in one sentence, it would be; an appetising and authentic meal, filled to the brim in delicious flavour, served at a fantastic venue in the heart of Manama. A big shout-out to all the couples who are looking for a romantic dinner with your better-half, book your table at Soie now, with the trusted knowledge that your dining experience here will be an intimate escape to China, making for a memorable visit.

GO: Visit Soie at Sheraton Bahrain Hotel from 7pm to 11pm. Call 1753 3533 for reservations. fact magazine

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Foodie corner

A Tantalising Affair Cafe Italia Is one place where you can treat your tastebuds to some of the most delicious Italian fare in Bahrain…

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he friendly staff is but one of the many positives why Cafe Italia made our foodie corner this month. We love the spacious venue with a bar area on one side and casual dining on the other, you can also enjoy the weather with beautiful outdoor seating. The Restaurant Manager, Waseem, took us to the kitchen to meet the team behind the scenes, all set to prepare some finger-licking dishes for us. Cafe Italia is a modern Italian restaurant, with a huge variety on the menu. It’s indeed one of the largest menus we’ve seen in an Italian restaurant so we’re going to recommend you a full-course meal - no visit here is complete unless you try something for every course.

OUR RECOMMENDATIONS For starters, Caprasse is what you need to order. It’s Buffalo Mozzarella and preserved tomatoes layered up and dressed with minced olives and cherry tomatoes. The secret here is the extra virgin oil that adds a mouthwatering flavour to the dish. For mains, we tried the Branzino; sea bass with 25-year-old balsamic vinegar and roasted veggies. The fish is crisp on the outside and tender inside, with a lovely tangy kick from the balsamic vinegar - simply delicious.

For dessert it has to be the yummy Warm Molten Chocolate served with vanilla ice cream and berries. Oh Em Gee! It’s like a chocolate volcano with choco sauce pouring out and every mouthful sinfully tasty. A dining experience at Cafe Italia is like no other - readers, this is where you’ll find truly mind-blowing Italian fare.

GO: Call 1774 4774 for reservations and more information. fact magazine

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Bahrain Bites

Japanese Treat

Dining at

at Sheraton

The Domain

Revel in a tantalising Maki Promotion at An Nada Lounge and Soie Restaurant throughout January. Try the California Maki, including Maki of kani stick, avocado, cucumber, mayonnaise sushi norikiku rice and red tobiko at BD3.2++.

The Ebi Maki is a delightful one, with Maki of shrimps, avocado, cucumber, mayonnaise, sushi norikiku rice and sesame seeds at BD3.9++. Philadelphia Maki, is for Salmon lovers, with Maki of salmon, Philadelphia cheese, avocado, cucumber, sushi nori, kiku rice and green tobiko at BD4.5++. Sounds yum!

Get away from your desk and have lunch at Figs & Olives, the casual ItaloLebanese eatery. Enjoy a two-course daily special made with fresh ingredients at BD9++. For dinner, order one main course and get the second one complimentary.

Step into the Living Room on Level 16 for High tea. Savour a mix of local and international favourites, like homemade scones with raspberry jam, and clotted cream with a f ine selection of Jing Teas and Nespresso Coffee. Classic High Tea at BD 8.5++, Deluxe High Tea at BD 15++ from 3pm to 6pm.

GO: Enjoy the Maki Promotion from January 1 to 31.

Call 1753 5353 for more information.

GO: Call 1600 0000 for more information.

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Group Menu at Bushido

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With New Year comes in some lip-smacking offers at Bushido. Organising a party get-together and looking for an exclusive menu selection? For 2015, Bushido is introducing a brand new selection of set menus to cater all your group needs. Whether you are looking for some light canapés, or a private lunch or dinner, your party can enjoy dining in the luxury of Bushido’s glass-floored Tenshu room, aptly named after the most def ining feature of a Japanese castle. Plan your next party at Bushido with your friends, family GO: Call 1758 3555 or email reservations@bushido.com.bh for bookings and more information.

Bahrain Bites

Lunch Indulgence at the Ritz-

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How about a Thali Business Lunch Box with colleagues for lunch? This Thali at Nirvana offers you to dine like a Maharajah, where a world of sensory delights and authentic Indian cuisine will transport your palate to new heavens at BD9++ per person. If you fancy an International lunch buffet head to La Med for a wide selection of salads, cold seafood, main courses, fresh fruits, cheese and pastries for BD12.5++ from Saturday to Thursday. Or the three-course menu offers you salad or soup from the buffet, one main course from the grill station as well as dessert buffet at BD9.5++.

GO: Call 1758 6499 for more information.

Westin Wellness

Offers Galore

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Golf Club

at Saveur

Eat your way to Westin wellness at Saveur, The Westin Bahrain City Centre!

Delight in the good-for-you buffet lunch with your choice of soup and salad from the gourmet salad gallery; or soup and main course; either, for BD10 net. Third option is the full lunch buffet for BD16 net where you can select from the main course buffet, make your own salad and satisfy your sweet tooth from the dessert buffet, including soft drink. Indulge in Eat Well delights everyday from 12.30pm to 4pm, except Fridays.

GO: Call 1717 0000 for more information.

at The Royal

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With many people tightening their purse strings this month after the expensive festive season, why not take advantage of the fantastic dining offers available at the Royal Golf Club. Dine at Links with specials, including a Curry Night every Tuesday priced at BD10 net, and an allyou-can-eat Tiger Prawn Extravaganza every Thursday at BD13 net. Prego offers 40% off every second main course or pizza ordered on a Sunday evening. Repartee Lounge gives unlimited grape beverages by the glass on Friday evenings.

GO: Call 1775 0777 for more information.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Exotic Escape at Rimal Spa Tucked away inside the beautiful Movenpick Hotel Bahrain, Rimal Spa is an ultra-luxury spa destination that offers guests a fully immersive and unforgettable experience. Rimal Spa offers a fusion of modern treatments, holistic therapies and a traditional Turkish Hammam experience. FACT’s Pallavi Ramesh went along to try out this blissful spa…

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ooking forward to a refreshing afternoon getaway, I walked into this beautifully-designed spa and was warmly greeted by the Spa Manager, Danielle.

She took me on a quick tour, where I was shown the male, female and couple therapy rooms all designed with stunning modern decor and housing the latest equipment.

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Keeping in mind the comfort and luxury that many guests desire, each room has a lavish treatment bed with en-suite bathroom, which includes a steam room too. This - treatment area + steam room - is Rimal Spa’s USP (a unique concept that I loved). A plush lounge in the ladies section caught my eye; practically designed with comfy sofas.

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anielle took me through the treatment she had selected for me; the Voya Ocean Essence Body Wrap. This treatment includes the use of organic creams and scrubs, with powerful seaweeds and a herbal mix. My therapist Janchai arrived and guided me to my therapy room. I was all set to relax and experience a sense of well-being, where the treatments are not only marvellous, but memorable. his treatment is particularly great for body slimming and a minimum of six sessions is a must for visible results. The therapy starts with exfoliating, a woosh with a body brush from neck to toe, to open up the pores. This is followed by a herbal scrub, which removes all the dirt on your skin making it silky soft. A special body mousse is

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applied after which I was wrapped in plastic for some moments for a complete detox experience. Lastly comes the moisturising to bring back the suppleness of the skin and leave it bouncy and glowing. f I had to describe my experience in one word it would be; HEAVENLY. A pressure-packed massage targeted all the right areas leaving me feeling rejuvenated afterwards (and relaxed to the point where I really wanted to take a nap!).

I would highly recommend this specific treatment for both those of you who need a pamper and relaxation session, and for those who want a body boost too. Rimal Spa is, for sure, a great escape from the city bustle to help eliminate tired muscles and relax you right to the core.

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GO: Visit Rimal Spa at Movenpick Hotel Bahrain.

Call 1746 0000 to book an appointment or for more information regarding the treatment menu.

FACT’s Treatment Recommendations Voya Ocean Essence Body Wrap Firming and Slimming (75 minutes) Hydrating and detoxifying slimming wrap that stimulates the blood and lymph flow, combating cellulite and muscle fatigue. The two powerful seaweeds are an excellent skin rejuvenator to smooth and improved skin tone. This includes a body exfoliation, using groundnut wall shells and a relaxing scalp massage.

Voya Ocean Fresh Facial (60 minutes) A refreshing organic facial that includes an exfoliation, leaving the skin radiant, a signature massage using Voya face serum containing a blend of organic oils and anti-oxidant seaweed, followed by a gel mask to deeply hydrate and detoxify.

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SOCIETY

#White #Club #Party #Ritz-Carlton The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa invited its sports club members and the communities of Bahrain to put on their white attire and dance to the beats of DJ Ramos, for a chilled evening by the beach. The Overlook terrace complemented the night with a lavish selection of buffets and live cooking stations for the enjoyment of all guests.

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Blog Spot

New Year in Bahrain

Ali Fareed Ali Fareed is a blogger with a passion for food, movies and local happenings around Bahrain (Ask Ali Fareed).

If you’re wondering what’s the word on the street in Bahrain, TWO of our favourite bloggers haVE their fingers on the pulse. This month THEY’RE discussing the new year…

It will also be a year of having enough time to try some of the newer fitness places around town.”

Winter has finally hit and settled down on the island andcamping season is in full fledge. There’s so much going on that it’s going to be hard to keep up.

2015 is sure off to a great start! Last month Bahrain kicked off its biggest festival yet, Bahrain Noor El Ain. Be sure to check out their Jan activities, namely being the outdoor markets. Throughout the month you’ll get to choose from, Al Basta Market at the BIC with its traditional flavour, Bahrain Noor El Ain Carnival that’ll take place at Riyadat Mall on weekends, and for the last weekend in Jan get a taste of history at the Old Town Bazaar in Arad Fort Corniche. The latest addition in Bahrain’s 5-star hospitality, Art Rotana has launched in beautiful Amwaj Islands. It has a lot to offer with over seven restaurants, lounges & bars combined to choose from! Turkish café & restaurants chain Mado will open

Georgina Jennsen Georgina Jennsen is the blogger behind the popular lifestyle blog, Blonde in Bahrain. Georgina loves all things beautiful and luxurious.

There are far better things ahead than what we leave behind. And starting a new year is surely THE best time to believe that these words are true. According to a friend who’s ‘into’ numbers, 2015 is going to be an amazing year. Give me a double high five! For me, that will mean a year of fitting into my skinny jeans sans the dreaded muffin top, and of having hair that always looks sleek and full. (Shallow, aren’t I?) It will also be a year of having enough time to try some of the newer fitness places around town. Like the hot yoga classes that recently started in Hamala, or a few sweat sessions at the very urban-looking REPS Fitness Studio in Juffair that all the cool kids are raving about. I also wish 2015 to be a year full of heath, wealth, and happiness. Not only for me, but for you as well. Happy New Year!

It’s been a bustling year with more highs than lows, and I’m glad to report that I’ve managed to tick-off a good portion of my resolutions.”

their first Bahrain outlet in Enma Mall. If that’s not enough, Seef Mall 3 in Muharraq will finally open its doors to public with a 14-screen cinema complex

by UAE-based Grand Cinemas, fingers crossed for Bahrain’s first IMAX theatre! It’s been a bustling year with more highs than lows, and I’m glad to report that I’ve managed to tick-off a good portion of my resolutions. I hope everyone has enjoyed their fair share of the festivities and is now on track to make their resolutions happen! For me, I’m keeping it simple with “new adventures and experiences”. Happy New Year! fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#K-Hotel #Cocktail #Party Corporate clients, partners and other important guests were invited to the K Hotel Corporate Cocktail Reception, welcomed by the hotels General Manager, Volker Mandlowsky. The event was held at Kenza restaurant. Guests were seen having a good time interacting and networking among each other, with Light refreshments and cocktails.

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PEP TALK

2015: What Are Your Resolutions?

Yvonne Cole, Personal Trainer, believes that when you eat clean, train hard and trust the process, your consistency and patience pays off…

For the first three months of the New Year, gyms are full of people whose resolutions are to make this the year the year they’re going to get in shape and lose weight.

Then, very quickly, that feeling fades and the old habits come straight back.

So, before you run out of the house to the nearest gym, stop and think about what you really want.

Losing weight and getting in shape are good things but more importantly it’s all about lifestyle change as without a lifestyle change

everything else will be hard to come by. So, if you really what to see that change you must be prepared to come out of your comfort zone and take the steps to make it happen.

Schedule your workouts and stick to them. Sit down every week and plan your meals for the whole week then go out and buy the food - if you have the good stuff in your house you will eat it - and this will take out the guesswork of what to eat and the temptation to order a takeout.

Getting from A to B won’t happen overnight but with everything you do in life the beginning is always the hardest, but by keeping at it you will be one step closer to your goal.

You will have hurdles along the way but overcoming these will only make you a better and stronger person.

Wishing you good health for 2015!

GO: Email ymcfitness@gmail.com or call 3935 9105 for more information.

New Improved Relationships for 2015 Christal Dennis is a Personal Performance Coach and Hypnotherapist. She is dedicated to helping people overcome life’s hurdles and tapping into their deepest potential...

When the new year comes around, very often, the things we would like to change are related to ourselves only, like lose some weight or quit smoking.

Relationships with our family, spouses and children may not necessarily seem like something that can be changed because, of course, improving a relationship is about more than just one person. What if we can improve our relationships just by making some personal changes? I believe we can. When we want relationships to improve it’s very easy to think that its others who need to change.

Unfortunately with this

kind of thinking, things are bound to stay the same. When we start with ourselves however we have the power to make valuable changes. Most of us appreciate being understood and accepted for who we really are. We want our kids to listen to us or our spouses to be a certain way. So we are constantly trying to change who they are. Instead we can start to really listen to them. Next time your children start speaking to you, choose to focus on what they are saying and ask questions about the topic. You could be pleasantly surprised by the new understanding you have of them. This will help you deepen your appreciation of them and they could feel like someone is finally seeing them as they are. Just this one aspect can bring new magic to any relationship.

Happy relating for 2015!

GO: For a personal consultation call 3669 6666.

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Faezeh Faiz Fakhroo Communications Director at Maison du Maillot

Tell us your three favourite foodie hotspots to try in Bahrain for 2015, and why?

There are some new places on the island that I want to try in 2015 including Mama Istanbul in Awmaj and two new Mexican eateries in Juffair called Sombrero Taco Shop and Burrito Loco. On the other end of the scale, I am looking forward to trying the food outlets in the newly opened Amwaj Rotana and the Four Seasons Bahrain Bay when it opens in the Spring.

Describe your ideal day off in Bahrain...

My ideal day off would start with a 98

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island insider

Bahraini breakfast either at Hajji in the souk or Saffron in Muharraq. Then depending on the weather I would head to Adliya to wander around and have lunch at Al Riwaq, or go and try my luck at pearl diving! Dinner would be with friends and we would either bbq or try one of the many new restaurants that keep opening up on the island.

What are you most looking forward to in Bahrain this year?

As far as food openings I look forward to supporting and enjoying the rise of homegrown concepts. We just had

Wingman open up in Juffair at the end of 2014 and this month the healthy urban eatery, Bossy Kitchen opens up its doors. After starting off in 2012 at Block 338’s market it has developed from a home business into a bricks and mortar restaurant. I always look forward to the Formula 1 and this year it will be a night race for the second year! On a personal note, I am really looking forward to celebrating the 1 year anniversary of Maison du Maillot, the online beachwear boutique my sister and I launched in 2014.

Follow me on @hungry_fifi (twitter/ instagram) and visit our online boutique at www.maisonmaillot.com.

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