Dare to be different
summer = indulgence fact magazine
May 2014. VOL 7 ISSUE 9 . BD 1 | SR10
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Un éclair de dessert Make up your own box with our new flavours
Lemon Yuzu • Coconut • Strawberry Pistachio Pecan Nut • Paris-Brest
Bahrain City Centre, Tel. 1 717 2321 - Seef Mall, Tel. 1 758 0073 fact magazine
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CONTENTS FACT Magazine Bahrain Edition May 2014 Volume 7, Issue 9
contents
Dare to be different
summer = indulgence MAY 2014. VOL 1 ISSUE 1 . AED 10
Director Omar Shaheen Chief Executive Officer Greg Hughes Editor Apple Sharma (apple@factlive.com) Group Motoring Editor Tony Sidgwick Editorial Assistant Pallavi Ramesh Creative Director Paula Leal Senior Graphic Designer Raquel Henriques Designer Rashed Bindaina Photographer Shobin Joseph Production & Distribution Manager Neil Mahmood Business Development Manager Selma Carolina Jemouai
10. Pink Martini
Pink Martini and Saori Yuki will be performing live at the Bahrain National Theatre.
24. Rachel Gadsden
FACT caught up with talented artist Rachel Gadsden who was in Bahrain to give workshops to disabled people.
27. Q&A: Ali Abayouglu
The Turkish sculptor’s exhibition opened at La Fontaine Centre for Contemporary Art. We sat down with him to find out more.
41. Porsche Macan
Our motoring editor went on a whilwind trip to the scenic Ras Al Khaimah to check out the performance of the car.
Sales Manager Mariam Sallam
50. Nokia XL
Nokia has gone all out with the launch of their new range of smartphones. We had an indepth look at the colouful Nokia XL .
53. Summer Indulgence
Spoil yourself this summer as it’s all about indulgence - from food, shopping to relaxation.
89. Venue Review
Upstairs Downstairs is one of the oldest standalone restaurants in Bharain. We went to check out the magic of this venue.
94. Chef ’s Table
We tasted some rustic Italian cuisine at InterContinental Regency Bahrain’s Medzo restaurant.
Contributors Shabana Adam Christal Dennis Craig Heslop ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Tel: +973 3457 1067 E-mail: mariam@factlive.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
www.fact-magazine.com
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facebook.com/gap
Musicians Smith Westerns and the Lived In Chambray Shirt.
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THE EDITOR
Summer Indulgence Oh summer, wonderful summer! With the sweltering heat also comes a new wave of excitement as everyone gears up for some fun in the sun. FACT brings you all that May has to offer…
T
“
oo much of a good thing can be
therapy?
Talking about indulgence, our motoring editor
wonderful!” (Mae West)
indulged in his own way (all you petrol heads will
ourselves against the heat, we are also extremely
headed to the scenic city of Ras Al Khaimah (UAE),
Summer is upon us and as we prepare to brave
thrilled that finally we can get our daily dose of vitamin D and top up that tan (goodbye wooly jumpers and hello sunscreen)!
Now, we all know that everyone wants to get
into tip-top shape for the summer, right? That means eating healthy, hitting the gym (even if that means
waking up at wee hours in the morning to exercise
before going to work), right? So, surely detoxing and dieting is on the cards, right?
Hmmm….although, this sounds just the perfect
way to start the summer (if we could actually stick to it), c’mon who are we kidding? We know that
realistically (which means a week tops), we’ll slip up (will power of a gnat).
So we had a wicked thought – why not just give
in to our guilty pleasures and live a little? Which is
what this issue is about - ‘Summer Indulgence’ (Pg 51). Think satisfaction, satiation and going over the top.
We bring you our best picks of sinful foods (that we
can’t resist tucking into on those eagerly awaited cheat days), from the best shawarmas to the best donuts on the island. But, indulgence doesn’t necessarily have
to do with only food. Why not indulge this summer
8.
by pampering yourself or by splurging in some retail
fact magazine
know exactly what we’re talking about), when he
for two amazing adrenalin filled experiences with the
Porsche Macan. Read the review to find out his expert opinion (Pg 39).
Of course, no summer is complete without a new
wardrobe. We give you the look for the season and what’s hot this summer (no pun intended).
The art and culture scene is thriving as ever
and we had the opportunity to catch up with two international artists who were here in Bahrain to showcase their work.
There’s also lots happening on the social scene
and we’ve rounded up all the events that’ll keep you entertained this entire month.
There’s plenty to do this May, but remember
whatever you do, have fun and celebrate the start of summer with superfluity. Happy Indulgence!
Apple Sharma Editor apple@factlive.com
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LISTEN UP
Pink Martini and Saori Yuki perform LIVE!
Pink Martini, renowned worldwide for its wide range of musical genres spanning classical, jazz and pop, the self-described ‘Little Orchestra’, has collaborated with artists around the world, including the Middle East. The acclaimed group will recapture the magic of their collaboration with the ‘Barbara Streisand of Japan’, Saori Yuki, one of Japan’s most iconic divas. In the remarkable album 1969, released in 2011, a spectacular cultural dialogue featured Yuki’s soaring vocals and Pink Martini’s stellar musicianship. Tickets will be sold in Virgin Megastore at the Bahrain City Centre. This spectacular event, an absolute treat for music lover, is one not to be missed.
GO: The event will be held on May 27 at the Bahrain National Theatre. Visit www.moc.gov.bh for more information.
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GO: The Gala Dinner takes place on May 15 from 8pm onwards and is priced at BD35 for entertainment, dinner and soft drinks and BD45 including vino pairing for each course. Call 17583555 for more information.
Anniversary Glamour at Bushido
Bushido Restaurant is celebrating their 5th Anniversary in glammed-up style, as they host a Gala Dinner with multi awardwinning musician and model, Clarita de Quiroz. This promises to be a sophisticated night out, with the dress code of Black Tie for men and Gown for women. The scrumptious menu items for the evening include Chicken Salad, Shrimp Roll And Chocolate Sesame Bar, to name but a few. Guests will be treated to a delicious three-course meal in the spectacular beauty of Bushido, to add to the glitz and glamour of the evening. Put your best threads on for a glam filled evening at Bushido.
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LISTEN UP
Cackle with Chuckle Club
Your monthly dose of laughter returns with Chuckle Club’s new set of standup comedians coming to entertain you. Australian Damian Clark kicked off his comedy career with winning the Perth Comedy Fringe Award in 2000. Damian’s rambunctious stand up can be seen in clubs and festivals all over the UK, Ireland, Europe and beyond. Jojo Sutherland is a charismatic entertainer and performs in major comedy clubs across the UK and Europe, where she is in as much demand for her compere abilities as she is for her comedy routine. Stand-up comedian Matt Forde hosts the critically acclaimed monthly live topical stand up show ‘Matt Forde’s Political Party’ at London’s St James Theatre. Gather up your mates and guffaw your way into the weekend. GO: May 14 at Capital Club, May 15 at British Club and May 16 at InterContinental Regency Bahrain. Doors open at 7:30 pm. Tickets are prices at BD15.
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Amwaj Marina Obstacles Challenge Second-hand Boat Show at Amwaj Marina
If you are looking for hot deals on second-hand boats, then this event will be right up your street. The first event of its kind on the island, the second-hand boat show brings buyers and sellers together in a professional and organised event, where everyone gets a good deal. The organisers will help people with valuing the boats and getting a good deal. They will also assist with assessing the condition of the boats. In addition to a range of jet skis, inflatables and other marine equipment, over 20 boats and 10 yachts will be displayed. There will be a small entry fee for visitors, but there will be food and a bar available at the event too. All you boating enthusiasts, head over for a chance to strike up a good deal! GO: The show is at Amwaj Marina from May 15 to 17 between 3pm and 8pm. Call 39912828 for more information.
The first ever obstacles outdoor event will take place on May 30 and part of the event proceeds will be donated to Bahrain Cancer Society and www.mowatens.com. The Amwaj Marina Obstacles Challenge is more than just a run; it’s an epic challenge that will push you to your limits. One of the challenges is to walk wild through a gruelling 4km, 12 obstacles course. This is a challenge to test yourself, help others along the course and have fun with your mates. The event is untimed so you will not receive a finish time, but you will receive a Certificate of Achievement on completing the course. Registration is limited to 200 participants, so register now at BD 15, which includes participation in the challenge, a t-shirt, light meal and a Certificate of Achievement. Kill two birds with one stone - get fit and donate towards a charitable cause. GO: This one-day event will take place on May 30 at 4:30pm. To register for the event, visit www.mowatens.com/amoc.php.
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LISTEN UP
Lazzy Lung Rock band Lazzy Lung were here last month for Museland Festival and we caught up with the band’s founder/lead guitarist/singer/ composer Allan Chaaraoui to talk about his experience in Bahrain. Q. How would you describe your style of music and what does your band Lazzy Lung stand for? A. We are a four-piece rock band with a mix of styles (Grunge/Punk/Alternative). Lazzy Lung was originally an instrumental project, with no lyrics and singing. There is somewhat of a double meaning behind our name – a bit like the phrase ‘Cat Got Your Tongue’. In this day and age we witness and experience things that drive us mad, but no matter how hard you try to speak out, your voice is never heard. We are the voice of the voiceless.
Q. How was your experience in Bahrain? A. There were mixed feelings, unfortunately. The Festival was awesome but our drummer missed his flight, so I was pretty stressed the whole time! Despite the few bumps on the road here and there, we left with huge smiles on our faces. Cheers to Fady Wassef and the Redbull team, Ali Al Sayeed and Khalil Rasool for making it what it was. Q. What do you think of the music scene in Bahrain? A. We were only in town for so long so we only heard and witnessed so much. It seems that Bahrain is thirsting for more indie shows and dipping into the wealth of regional acts rocking stages around the Middle East. Q. Do you have any future plans of coming back to the island? A. We can’t wait to come back (hopefully with the full band). It really depends on the island, I guess, and a little help from our fans.
DJs From Mars and Battle of the DJs at Ibrida If you’re into your DJs and music, then this will definitely pique your interest. Ibrida, located in Ramee Grand Hotel, will be hosting a range of exciting events this month. DJs from Mars, the Italian DJ and production team, will be arriving on the island to enthrall the crowd with their music. They are known for their mash-ups of popular songs turned into electro dance music. The music duo Aqualuce and Ventafunk are all set to make Bahrain tap their beat. This party begins at 9pm and will go on till 2am, with tickets priced at BD15 for gents and BD5 for ladies. The dress code for the event is smart casual. Another exciting event at Ibrida will see DJs vying for top place. The battle of the DJs starts on May 2 and continues on May 9, May 16 and May 23. The finale takes place on May 30. The entry is free and begins at 7pm. GO: DJs from Mars will be held on May 29 at Ibrida Club. Call 36695933 or 17111972 for more information.
Summer Opening Candee Beach Party at Coral Bay
Summer is back and so is the island’s very own beach party. Candee Beach opens the summer with international DJ Gareth Stirling of Club Space Sharm flying in to entertain revellers. Don your summer must-haves, and soak in some much needed sun to top up that tan. Make the most of the weather and head over to Coral Bay to enjoy Candee Beach’s sun and sand frolic.
GO: Doors open at 4pm and tickets are priced at BD10. Call 66337471 for more information. 14.
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CHECK IT OUT
Fact Finds Butter Café in Riffa Discover more of Bahrain with FACT Finds. Every month we’ll bring you our favourite eatery, activity or interesting find from around the island.
W
e all remember our university days; the best times were chilling with friends during breaks at a favourite haunt. So, when we heard about the brand new Butter Café that recently opened at the Royal University for Women in Riffa, we couldn’t resist but go and check it out for ourselves. Butter Café is far from a regular university canteen; it’s a cosy little café that essentially caters to the students, offering delicious fresh food and a place to relax and catch up with friends. A passionate young entrepreneur, Shaikha Al-Khalifa, started the café along with her partner Asma Al Yaquby. The café is designed to be comfortable, yet student friendly (plug sockets in the floor for laptops), so students feel at home (some students even stay up to eight hours at a time)! Butter Café offers everything from a traditional Bahraini breakfast as well as waffles and pancakes in the morning, to lunch and dinner. It boasts a great selection of pastas, pizzas, sandwiches, salads and daily specials - all cooked fresh everyday at the café. Some of the specialities include the Goats Cheese Salad (truly exceptional), Chicken Enchiladas (absolutely mouth watering), Sweet Potato 16.
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Crisps (healthy and delish), Carrot Cake (decadence on a plate) and S’mores Bar (drool-worthy), to name but a few. Shaikha hosts a book club at the café on the last Saturday of every month for friends and students. Butter Café also delivers in and around Riffa. Shaikha’s passion for cooking is evident in their motto – ‘You and I, we know the secret to life...It’s Butter!’ GO: The caféis open from 9am to 9pm. Call 17002700, Visit www.butterbh.com or follow FB/Twitter/ Instagram butter_bahrain for more information.
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SCOOP
Around the world ...Doing Bahrain Proud
Bringing you the latest news of fellow Bahrainis around the world... tell us your news, or share your finds with us on twitter @FACTbahrain!
London Bahrain-based Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) has won the 2014 International Safety Awards. This year there are newly instituted sector awards, for which 33 companies are shortlisted from the winning organisations, and GPIC is one of them. Lynda Armstrong OBE, Chair of Trustees and Alex Botha, Chief Executive of the British Safety Council, announced the winners of 12 sector awards at the International Safety Awards Gala Dinner, at the Grosvenor House in London. This year 521 organisations have won the esteemed International Safety Award.
NEW YORK A Bahraini delegation was sent to New York for the annual National Model United Nations Conference. The Bahrain University delegation was one among the 5,000 plus delegates from six continents who took part in the event from March 28 to April 6, where they pondered and debated global matters. The Bahraini delegation won two awards during the closing ceremony, which included the Best Delegation Award and the Best Outstanding Position Paper Award in the WHO section.
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KAZAKHSTAN
King Hamad made his first official visit to Kazakhstan along with 200 business representatives and officials, upon the invitation by the Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev. This three-day visit was deemed very productive as there were negotiations held in a narrow and lengthy setup. The discussions included issues related to political, cultural, economic, humanitarian and industrial cooperation.
Bahrain Buzz
Love it
F1 – a grand success
We were jumping for joy at the huge success and worldwide attention the 10th anniversary of Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix received last month. The extravagant night races proved to be a knockout and the offtrack activities and atmosphere were next to none. The celebratory mood was marked with palm trees and run-off areas wrapped in golden lights, finishing off with a spectacular firework display at the end of the race. With massive crowds from around the globe, this one was a sure shot success!
Hate It
Maid forced into prostitution Cruelty, slavery and dismay were what one 29-year-old Indonesian maid coped with, when she was deceived by her girl friend into being held captive and raped repeatedly. The victim worked at a residence in Hamad town, from where she escaped, to take up ‘a higher paid job’ as described by her friend. She was trapped in an apartment for 12 days and was forced to have sex with unknown people. We are appalled and hope justice prevails in this ongoing case.
Can’t Believe it Ban of mannequins
We were shocked to hear that there have been claims of provocative images displayed to exploit women. The Parliament has asked Bahrain’s five councils for feedback on whether to increase advertising censorships or ban mannequins in lingerie shops. Debating to ban mannequins, really? It remains to be seen…
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HAPPENINGS
Getting Out & About Say goodbye to boredom this month and mark your diaries with these allimportant 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!).
This Month in Bahrain 01. Thursday
DJ Richard Murray at Klub 360 Klub 360 in association with Tripod Entertainment presents House Music Legend DJ Richard Murray of housexy and ministry of sound fame. Get ready to experience a lovely ambiance with deep, soulful and vocal house music. Entry for women is free and men pay BD5. Call 33360300 for more information.
02. Friday
Boggie Nights at Diplomat Radisson Blu Enjoy a fabulous evening of 70’s music from the UK hit band, The Real Thing and boogie the night away! Supporting this fab band will be another live band and DJ. Brace yourself for an exciting Friday with crazy entertainment, food and drinks. Call 17531666 for more information.
03. Saturday
4X4 Experience at BIC Experience a unique motoring feel! Climb steep slopes, steer daring obstacles and conquer BIC’s world-renowned 5.3km offroad course, either as a passenger or driver of a Land Rover LR4 at BD12 per person. Visit www.bahraingp.com for more information. 20. fact magazine
04. Sunday
Kids’ Soccer Camp at Croquet Lawn, Ritz Carlton If your kids fall in the age group of 6 to 14 years, get them to the lawn every Sunday and Wednesday for a fun filled soccer afternoon. Not only do they learn how to play the sport, but also learn the right tricks to ace the game! The soccer camp is BD5 per sports club member and non-member kids and complimentary for hotel guests’ kids. Call 17589380 for more information.
05. Monday
Strawberry Sensations and Healthy Drinks at T-Spoon, Kempinski Stop by T-Spoon for a wide range of mouth-watering strawberry creations by Kempinski’s 5-star chefs. Try the Duet of Strawberry consisting of classic Strawberries Romanoff in a chocolate basket and homemade Strawberry Tart. Call 17171155 for more information.
06. Tuesday
Discounts at Links, Royal Golf Club Dine in on a main course between 7pm and 10pm at Links restaurant and receive a 40% discount on your beverage bill. Plan a family or friends outing where you can enjoy amazing food and drinks and experience a relaxed evening. Call 17751262 for more information.
07. Wednesday
Domainista! at Txoko, The Domain All you Fashionista, Socialista or Domainistas, it’s all about you every Wednesday. Bring four of your girlfriends and receive one bottle of bubbly, on the house, between 9pm and 11pm. To add to the fun, some lucky girls can win amazing gifts from Txoko. The resident DJ will be spinning the hottest hits all night long. Call 16000222 for more information.
08. Thursday
Chicken Promotion at An Nada Lounge, Sheraton For all you poultry lovers, the chicken menu at An Nada is a must try, which includes herbed crumbed Chicken Drumsticks, Mexican Chicken Tacos, Char-grilled Chicken, Smokey BBQ Buffalo Chicken Wings and Chicken Lollipops. Winner winner chicken dinner! Call 17533533 for more information.
09. Friday
Tiki Friday at Mai-Tai Lounge Gather your friends and delight in a barbecue party with a selection of flamegrilled food. Dance to the live lounge music of the DJ and unwind in the beautiful surroundings of Mai-Tai Lounge every Friday between midday and 3:30pm. Priced at BD14++ inclusive of food and soft drinks, and BD17++ inclusive of food and three special beverages. Call 17586555 for more information.
10. Saturday
Shaken & Stirred at Burlington, Ritz-Carlton Luxuriate in the sultry bar for pre-dinner or after dinner drinks with specially designed cocktails for the occasion. Unwind and experience a relaxed atmosphere with live Jazz piano and vocal accompaniment. Call 17586499 for more information.
11. Sunday
Special Needs Support Exhibition (SNSE) at Gulf Hotel Under the Patronage of HH Shaikh Khalid Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, the island is hosting the second SNSE with the AOM to support and enhance the lives of children with special needs. Visit www.snse-expo.com for more information.
12. Monday
Daily pass at the Royal Golf Club You don’t have to be a member to enjoy all the fantastic facilities of the Royal Country Club! Pay just BD10 per adult or BD5 per child for daily access and you can take a swim in the temperature controlled outdoor swimming pool. Relax and work on your tan in the gardens, have a work out in the gym and unwind afterwards in the sauna or steam room. Call the Club on 17750777 for more information.
13. Tuesday
Sheraton Social Hour at An Nada Lounge Walk in with your friends or colleagues and explore new vintages, or try an old favorite. Compare two 50ml quantities for BD2.5 net from 6pm to 7pm. Call 17533533 for more information.
14. Wednesday
27. Tuesday
BBQ Nights at Rialto, Ramee Grand The Wednesday BBQ night at Rialto offers exquisite food with live entertainment at BD15++, which includes the antipasti counter, open air BBQ fish and meat on the terrace and a mouth-watering dessert. This meal is inclusive of one beverage. Call 17111999 for more information.
22. Thursday
Salsa Lessons in Bizarre Lounge, Kempinski Learn Salsa, the iconic dance of Latin America at Bizarre Lounge. Put on your sunny attitude, a pair of dancing shoes, and learn the correct steps from the awesome Jaff who teaches you the right moves to swirl on the dance floor. Once you’ve mastered a few moves, dance the night away! Call 17171441 or visit restaurants.bahrain@kempinski.com for more information.
15. Thursday
Thursday Night Grills at Elite Resort & Spa Splurge on the Meat bazaar at Waikiki with marinades and toppings of your choice, cooked by the chefs at the seaside, with a large choice of sauces and pastas. Begin your weekend with this yummy buffet at BD12 net from 7:30pm onwards. Visit www.elitegroup4u.com for more information.
23. Friday
Trance Nation at Djà Vu Enjoy an evening of dance and music as resident DJ Black alongside guest DJ AJOC spins all spectrums of trance music. Also take advantage of the irresistible weekend offer, which includes free complimentary welcome drinks for all ladies and 20% discount on all drinks after midnight. Call 13694324 for reservations.
From Bureau to Bar at Kempinski Grand Hotel BCC After a busy day, it’s time to unwind! Head from the Bureau straight to the Bar at Mezzanine Lounge, featuring sleek individual technology ‘pods’ with televisions, built-in entertainment and Wi-Fi connections in a private environment or choose the chilled ambiance of Bizarre Lounge, with its cool interiors and relaxing lounge music. Sip on one of the signature beverages and enjoy another one with compliments. Call 17171441 for more information.
28. Wednesday
Cabin Crew nights at Imari, The Domain Present your Cabin Crew ID and receive 50% discount on beverages for you and four friends. Fly high with a drink in your hand and Sushi to snack on, whilst enjoying a beautiful sea view from the 35th floor. Call 16000333 for more information.
19. Monday
Dinner Offer at Figs & Olives, The Domain Avail the exciting dinner offer daily at Figs & Olives! Enjoy one complimentary main course when a main course of equal or greater value is purchased. Call 16000222 for more information.
20. Tuesday 16. Friday
Beyonce/Britney Cover Show at Buffalo Club Queen of RnB versus Princess of Pop perform for one hour each with four dancers to support the show. The show starts at 10pm, and entry is free up to 8pm. Show tickets for men is BD5 and free entry for ladies. Call 39688207 for tickets.
Wahine Tuesday at Mai Tai Lounge Ladies Night Promotion every Tuesday from 6pm to 10pm. Enjoy a relaxed evening catching up with your girlfriends in the beautiful ambiance of Mai-Tai’s lagoon pagoda. Ladies receive free entry, drinks and a selection of complimentary Trader Vic’s tid-bits. Call 17586555 for more information.
18. Sunday
Movie Nights at Ibrida, Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa Watch action packed movies on a giant screen every Sunday from 8pm to 2am at Ibrida. Sip your favourite beverage and munch popcorn for a relaxed and fun filled movie night! Call 17111999 for more information.
24. Saturday
Track Xperience at BIC Try out The Evolution X, Genesis 2.OT and Caterham, the most electrifying cars you would want to drive on the world-class circuit! BIC gives you this opportunity under the BIC Track Xperience. Don’t miss this thrilling opportunity! Visit www.bahraingp.com.bh for more information.
Ladies Night at An Nada Lounge All you beautiful ladies can enjoy three free drinks every Thursday and complimentary unlimited selected beverages every Monday at the warm and comfortable cocktail lounge at Sheraton from 8pm to 1am. Call 1753 3533 for more information.
30. Friday
17. Saturday
Bahraini Farmers Market Buy fresh local produce every Saturday till the end of the month from the Budaiya Garden. Fresh vegetables, food stalls and farm animals show, all under one roof! Step in early morning and get the garden-fresh experience at affordable prices. Visit Budaiya Garden between 8am and midday.
29. Thursday
25. Sunday
21. Wednesday
Women’s Expo 2014 at The Ritz Carlton Bahrain, Hotel & Spa This event will satisfy every need of a woman! It features everything from beauty, fashion & lifestyle, skin care & childcare, health and wellness, to the latest in home decor. There will be leads to discover your education prospects and career paths. This is an event that every woman should attend on the island. Visit www.womens-expo2014.com for more information.
Afterwork at Bushido Looking for an escape after a tedious day at work? Hit Bushido and enjoy their buy one, get one free drinks promotion on a selection of cocktails & mocktails. Relax with friends in the surrounding luxury of Bushido’s Lounge. Call 17531666 for more information.
26. Monday
Business Lunch at Prego, Royal Golf Club Create unrivalled memories with your business colleagues and friends at the new Prego business lunch. Enjoy any pasta, risotto or a 9-inch pizza with a soft drink and tea or coffee for just BD5 net. Relish this lovely lunch from 11:30am to 3pm. Call 17751263 for reservations.
Kingdom Shopping Festival at Marina Corniche Shop till you drop at the shopping festival organised by Star Events. Shop and take part in Raffle draws to win exciting prizes. Call 17713716 for more information.
31. Saturday
1001 Nights Souq at Al Areen Palace & Spa Enjoy a beautiful outdoor market that combines the oriental pleasures and sensations of the souqs of Istanbul and Cairo, with concepts from the famous street markets of Europe. This one is a must-go. The market is totally themed and authentic in its design, with all stall holders dressed in period costume, adding a ‘Disneyland’ like experience. Visit www.1001nightssouq.com for more information.
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MASH UP
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND MAYBE YOU’LL BE HERE NEXT MONTH! @FACTbahrain
3,310 @FACTBahrain
@Fact
@Ratalal
Never be afraid to spend a little extra on 2 things... a bed and shoes. If you’re not in one, you’re in the other.
@Esagashi Just looking at that sundae gave me diabetes.
Akhtar Ali Alzadjali
The sara
Munya Sabkar
@Hairballx
@YoItsMemeJay
No, I don’t want to import my friends, Twitter. Can you export them?
When people who don’t even know The Scorpions pretend like they do. #BahrainisBeLike #F1
Fact
Here are the tweets that caught our attention this month. Follow us on twitter and check back next issue to see if your tweet made the page!
@m1zan1n
That moment when you are strangling with your pants and a msg gets sent to someone you don’t want to talk to.
Jules
Bilal
@BilalMohdR And why in the world am I still awake watching bird documentaries and sharing my life stories with you guy’s?
Where’s Rashed? He’s hidden somewhere in the issue, exclusively on the FACT App!
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ZMirza
@Z_Mirza One time this guy blocked a two way road because he parked on the road & went to the atm-how do you even have money with that brain #bahrain
Bushra
@Arshub_J Why does lemonflavored tea always taste like pesticide?
WIN Find FACT’s dapper designer chilling somewhere in our online issue for a chance to win a dinner for two at Maki Restaurant worth BD50. The rules have changed and you can only find Rashed now on FACT’s online app (turn to pg47 for more information). Email editorial@factlive.com with the page number you think he’s on! Good Luck!
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ART
THE ARTISTIC STORYTELLER British artist Rachel Gadsden unfolds a visual semantic upon the canvas, expressing her thoughts and personal experiences that form the human condition. Along with prestigious art commissions, Rachel works across mainstream and disability sectors. FACT’s Pallavi Ramesh chats with this multi-talented artist to find out more about her art techniques and everyday motivation.
r
achel is a vibrant and ener ge t i c a r ti s t,
living in the moment, who creates incredible work of art following the Expressionistic Method. She leads a range of domestic and international participative programmes too. Rachel was a trained theatre artiste before she went on to do her masters in Fine Art, and till date she utilises the acquired theatrical skills in her career as a visual artist. With endless health issues (she has inherited a severe form of asthma and was diagnosed with an eye disease, retinoschisis, six years ago), Rachel has come to be a survivor, which motivates her even more. “I learnt at a very young
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age that I would die because of my poor lung condition,” she explains. “ W ith that sort of struggle to survive, subconsciously it became a very important part of my life. It gives me sheer joy that I am still breathing.” Though she has a visual impairment, her health problems do not define Rachel’s everyday work and passion for art. If anything, they encourage her to power on. She has been a part of high profile commissions and describes this work as more of a research based project. “...creates incredible work of art following the Expressionistic Method.”
“I tend to not stand in my studio and create paintings; my work’s all about people,” she says. She talks to people, identifies the communities she is engaging with and the sagas she has to express, without which she cannot create her art pieces. A new phase of Rachel’s life started with her first big commission that grabbed media attention. “Being selected to be the first contemporary artistin-residence at Hampton Court Palace turned my career from being just a professional artist to an artist with a profile,” says Rachel. “Then came along the 18 month residency for Parliamentary Outreach and then I received two of the big Olympic commissions, which went on for two years.” The end goal of each commission was to create around 50 to 80 paintings for an exhibition. Rachel has also been associated with Art Abled, a project run by British Council in Bahrain, with workshops for people with disabilities and teaches them a way to communicate using art. This year, three Middle-Eastern artists with different disabilities were a part
“I was commissioned to create an artwork in memory of London actor, Terence Soall. The significant part came along when the patron asked if I would put some of the deceased actor’s ashes in the painting. I agreed and embedded some of the actual ashes in the painting.” of an art residency programme in which Rachel was involved. She hopes to empower people with disabilities and create more opportunities for them to lead a fulfilling life. We wish her all the best with her future endeavours, and it’s clear that nothing will stand in her way when it comes to helping people with art!
GO: Rachel is geared up for a busy 2014 with exhibitions and workshops lined up in Bahrain, Qatar and Liverpool. Visit www. rachelgadsden.com for more information on her upcoming projects. fact magazine .25
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Ali Abayoglu Interview
The talented Turkish sculptor Ali Abayoglu was in Bahrain last month to open his exhibition Entropy of Fusion at La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art. FACT’s Apple Sharma sat down with the artist for a chat to find out more about him and his passion for sculptures.
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W
hat got you interested in sculptures? “I come from a family that is full of artists in different areas of arts. Realising that I have the ability of thinking in three dimensions and solving details easily, I decided to study sculpture.” What is your style of sculpting and what inspires you? “There are so many inputs in our lives today therefore it is not easy to talk about a certain style as we did before. Maybe a 100 years later people will find a name to define this multi-style. What inspires me is the earth life itself. I mean, there are skyscrapers around made out of steel and glass, but they are not environmental friendly. I am using the same material and reproducing nature. What materials and techniques do you use? “I am using materials that can be recycled like metal and glass, and I am using heat to shape them.”
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“I am using materials that can be recycled like metal and glass, and I am using heat to shape them.” How did you get interested in fusion technique? “Right before the turn of the century, I survived a terrible car accident that left me with numerous broken bones. My doctors were able to reduce my entropy and help me return to my old self through their extreme efforts. After a series of surgeries, I was thankfully fine, but my car was completely totalled. During the recovery period, I developed an intense interest in learning and understanding skeletal structure and other aspects of human anatomy. The traces of my experiences can be seen through my artwork, which are mainly composed of car parts collected from junkyards.”
Could you tell us how Entropy Of Fusion came about? “Instead of fairy tales, my father used to tell us stories of where, by whom and how glass was first made. Those stories have stayed with me, influencing my decision to pursue graduate studies in glass arts after having completed a fine arts degree in sculpture. First, I enriched my metal skeleton artworks by adding fused glass pieces on them. Afterwards, I started fusing glass together with industrial waste to create separate artworks. Deep down, almost subconsciously, I feel like reducing the entropy of the universe by combining junk yard material with fusion techniques; just as my doctors did years ago when they brought my pieces together and reduced my entropy.” Could you explain the fusion technique and your illumination works? “Fusion technique is shaping glass by
Culture
heating it between 780C and 820C. Actually I’m not especially creating my pieces as illumination elements, but since they are glass they can be used as illuminators as well.” Do you prefer working with glass or metal? “I prefer working with both of them. I like to enrich my pieces by combining them.” What is your favourite sculpture? “Nature is the best sculptor, so the best sculpture is what comes out of it.” What have you taken from your experience in Bahrain that you will incorporate in your future artwork? “Bahrain has a very different geography. I am sure it will have an impression on my future artwork.” If you were not a sculptor what would you be? “I would be an astronaut.”
GO: Entropy of Fusion will run at La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art until 30th September. Call 17230123 for more information. fact magazine .29
ON THE RADAR
Home & Away Get that bucket list out, because FACT is bringing you our monthly pick of the top travel destinations that you need to visit! Culture vultures, adventure-seekers and sun worshippers this is for you… and for those staying in the city, we have an event hot pick to keep you busy too!
Long Haul Venice, Italy
The city that’s built on water is a place of complete beauty and seduction. The narrow entwining streets, well-preserved palaces and churches, and beautiful squares and bridges, make walking through Venice simply captivating. Enjoy a gondola ride, gaze in awe at the amazing and unspoiled artworks by famous Renaissance artists, and take in the laid-back and charismatic nature of this historical and cultural gem. Despite attracting millions of tourists each year, Venice is a majestic city that continues to thrive. A day spent enjoying the city’s vibrant café scene and marvelling at the breath-taking sights of St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and Rialto Bridge, is a definite must. Whether it’s a romantic break you’re after or a culture fix - Venice has much to please all travellers.
Flight Time: 9 Hours 15 Minutes | 1 Stop: Turkish Airlines Via Istanbul
MEDIUM HAUL Male, Maldives
Pleasant and pleasingly quirky, Male is a tiny island, densely crowded with motorbikes, alcohol-free bars and restaurants, an array of shops and lively markets, and some of the most pristine beaches in the world. This is where you can get a real feel for the Maldives and meet Maldivians on an equal footing, whilst living it up in a luxury resort or playing it cool at a local guesthouse. You’ll be surrounded by beautiful turquoise water, white-sand beaches, and an amazing underwater world, ideal for snorkelling, diving, spotting magnificent marine life such as Manta rays, turtles, and baby sharks, as well as exploring huge coral walls, caves and lagoons.
Flight Time: 6 Hours 35 Minutes | 1 Stop: Qatar Airways Via Doha
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Regional Muscat, Oman
Oman is the closest to a paradise setting in the region; its coastline is some of the cleanest, prettiest and private, especially if you’re staying at one of the country’s stunning resorts. The beaches beckon you to spend days basking in the sun, surfing the seas and enjoying life along the shore, where weekend picnics and barbeques are a must. Check out Seifa beach - the breathtaking drive through the mountains to get there is almost as good as the pristine beach itself. And let’s not forget the scenic mountains and lush greenery in the south at Salalah during the Kharif – this is a break for those looking to relax away from everyday life.
Flight Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes | Direct: Gulf Air and Oman Air
Local Women’s Expo 2014 The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa. May 20 - May 22 Bahrain will be host to one of the biggest shows for women, Women’s Expo 2014. A one-of-a-kind event and aimed at women of all ages, it will feature everything related to women - from fashion and lifestyle, beauty and skincare to health and wellness, childcare, home decor and more. The event also aims to help women discover their future career and education plans. Additionally, Women’s Expo 2014 will also provide a platform for women entrepreneurs to pave a way into commercial ventures through banking services, insurance plans and investment opportunities. This event is a must for all you ladies out there.
Long Haul Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Undoubtedly one of Vietnam’s most fascinating cities, Ho Chi Minh is brimming with cultural sites, bargain shopping and really good food! Seeped in rich history and still untouched by commercial tourism, this is where you venture for an authentic travel experience. Whizz by city life on a vespa, wander the bustling streets in the early a.m. and see first-hand the freshfood culture, haggle in District 1’s Ben Thanh Market, and watch the sunset and city lights down by the River Saigon. Some must-visit places include the War Remnants Museum, the Gothic-style Central Post Office and the Neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral.
Flight Time: 9 Hours 55 Minutes | 1 Stop: Etihad Airways Via Abu Dhabi
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REVIEWS
On the Record POP/ROCK
Sheezus
By Lily Allen
Though it was described as ‘docile pop rubbish’ by a music fan on twitter, Sheezus (yes, it’s a playful nod to Kanye West’s 2013 album ‘Yeezus’) is a 14-track CD packed full of the British songstress’ cheeky attitude and outspoken tone. The first single off the album, Hard Out Here, went platinum in Australia and has already racked up 23 million views on YouTube. If anything, Lily Allen has succeeded in being creative and outrageous with her music videos for the singles off Sheezus! Another chart topper, we think.
ALTERNATIVE ROCK
Ghost Stories By Coldplay
It’s not rocket science that Coldplay have managed to do this rock star business in their sleep; incredible piano lines, airpunching performances, and everything from splash paints, neon lights, pre-song pilates and confetti cannons on stage. So, we’re expecting nothing but more of the great emotionally engaging sound that has carried the British band to the top of their game. Their comeback single Magic has a devastatingly simple hook with its message of tortured love; Ink carries a glancing guitar rhythm; while True Love is anchored to a heartbreak beat. The standout for us is O (Fly On), a piano ballad that is energetic but vulnerable – we can only imagine that on stage it will be as epic as when the band perform Paradise! Their sixth studio LP will surely please existing fans and, from the sounds of it, gain some new ones too.
ALTERNATIVE/ROCK
Turn Blue
By The Black Keys
After making fans wait nearly three years for new material, the Midwest duo is back with their 11-track eighth studio album. Debut single Fever, with its psychedelic stomp and irresistible melody sets us up for what will, undoubtedly, be another strong record. Listen out for the simple keyboard melody on In Our Prime, and the soft, acid country excursion of Bullet In The Brain, alongside the serious bass-line in 10-Lovers. It’s safe to say that after such a lengthy wait, fans will love it!
Fully Booked THRILLER/CRIME
The Bat: A Harry Hole Thriller By JO NESBO
The much awaited first Harry Hole series of books by Jo Nesbo is finally here! The Bat tells the tale of Inspector Harry Hole of the Oslo Crime Squad who is dispatched to Sydney to observe a mysterious murder case of a 23-yearold Norwegian girl, a minor celebrity back home. Harry is allowed to offer assistance, but has strict orders to stay out of trouble. Harry finds out that there are a string of unsolved murders and disappearances. As Harry hunts for the serial killer, the plot thickens, as the slayer only wants to talk to Harry! Is he the next victim? Some people might find this first book a slight disappointment as compared to the others in the series, but it finally gives an insight into the inspector’s past.
In Association with Virgin Megastore
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CONTEMPORARY FICTION
Americanah
By CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE
Another powerful novel comes from the award-winning author of Half of a Yellow Sun. It follows the love story of a Nigerian girl, Ifemelu, who has just moved to America for a university education and for Obinze, the man she loves and hopes to join her soon. The young Nigerian couple face difficult choices and challenges, with Ifemelu facing racism, defeats and triumphs and Obinze not being let in to America post 9/11. Americanah is a handsomely told story of love and expectation set in today’s globalised world, and will keep you gripped!
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Big Screen
Maleficent
Director: Robert Stromberg Cast: Angelina Jolie, Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning What’s it about: This dark fantasy film follows Disney’s villainous character Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) who turns from a gorgeous, purehearted young lady to a stonehearted and fierce protector of the forest kingdom. When an invading army threatens the harmony of the land she grew up in, she faces a cruel betrayal, and driven by revenge, Maleficent places an irrevocable curse on the king’s newborn infant, Aurora. As the child grows, Maleficent realises that Aurora may hold the key to peace in the land, and her actions that follow will change both worlds forever. Why it’s worth watching? Didn’t you wonder why Sleeping Beauty was cursed? There was always a feeling of something missing in the classic Disney story. Well, not anymore. This film depicts the untold tale of the villain from Sleeping Beauty; revealing the events that hardened Maleficent and drove her to curse baby Aurora. You’ll get a direct insight into Maleficent’s character, brilliantly portrayed by Angelina Jolie. The actress has been away from the silver screen for a while due to her personal health, and boy are we excited to see her step back into acting in such an interesting and intriguing role. Of course, there are changes to the origins of the story (based on Charles Perrault’s 17th Century French fairytale); maybe the world’s most sought-after actress didn’t want to portray an out-and-out villain - there is a shadow of tantalising moral ambivalence here, where it’s almost hard to figure out if Maleficent is meant to be good or evil. This may just be Disney’s way of dealing with a complex storyline in what would have been labelled a children’s film. Nevertheless, there’s plenty of great acting from new faces, and enough cliffhangers to get your money’s worth.
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The Amazing Spider-man 2
Director: Mark Webb Cast: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx What’s it about: Sequel to the 2012 blockbuster, this one continues with the adventures of Peter Parker as he comes to realise that the mysterious company Oscorp, sends up a slew of all of his supervillain enemies against him, posing new dangerous threats to his life. In Amazing Spider-Man 2, new villains and super-charged menaces will rise, like Electro and The Rhino, running loose on the streets of New York. Aside from being another visual spectacle with the webbed-superhero swinging from one skyscraper to another, the movie lacks mystery and direction. Though The Amazing Spider-Man 4 is set for release in 2018, we’re thinking that screenplay will be a far stretch and it might just be time to throw in the towel on this burgeoning franchise soon.
Neighbors Win 2 Free Cinema Tickets Redeemable for any film at any Cineco cinema Answer the following question:
Which fairytale story is Maleficent based on? E-mail answers to: editorial@factlive.com
Director: Nicholas Stoller Cast: Zac Efron, Rose Byrne, Dave Franco, Seth Rogen What’s it about: Brace yourselves for a laughter riot with neighbours at loggerheads. A sweet couple, Kelly and Mac, move into a quiet neighbourhood with their newborn kid. The quiet atmosphere takes a U-turn when frat brothers move into the house next door. The family’s feud with the frat neighbours gets hilariously dangerous as time passes. It’s a fun-filled comedy in which Seth Rogen outshines Zac Efron, hands down!
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The 2014 Nissan Patrol
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Nissan’s new behemoth has had a few changes over the previous model, although these are largely cosmetic. It’s still the expansive, luxurious and highly capable off-roader that’s bringing the fight to the Land Cruiser!
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We love the new Nissan Patrol.
We loved it when we first reviewed the latest generation back in 2012, and we still love it now that it has been re-launched for 2014. Changes for the latest model include a revised front end with a re-designed grille, new options in terms of alloy wheels and interior and exterior colours, and the third-generation 360-degree camera, among others. The first impression that the Patrol gives you is of its size. The Nissan Armada is supposed to be the biggest vehicle in the range, but we can tell you, when the two are parked next to each other on the showroom floor there’s really not much in it! Inside, that impression of space continues, with surfaces so vast you feel like you’re really reaching to touch all the controls. This might appeal to those with a love of the grandiose, but not to others who like cosiness, and having everything close to hand. The huge size might also intimidate unconfident drivers, especially
in complicated manoeuvres such as parking in tight spots. The good news in that regard is that the all-round parking cameras are extremely useful, and automatically flash on to the 8-inch touchscreen when the parking sensors detect objects nearby. This is also useful for off-roading, when you’re trying to avoid those tyre-shredding rocks in tricky spots, or that particularly steep approach angle, which the parking sensors will also pick up for you. Inside, the luxury abounds. Plush leather seats (standard with the SE model we reviewed) that resemble living room furniture more than car seats ensure sublime comfort on and off the road. And despite its size, off the road is where the Patrol really comes into its own. With four surface settings, three 4WD settings and differential lock, as well as Hill Descent Control, the Patrol is ready to handle pretty much anything. The excellent all-wheel-drive system
ISLAND RIDES
“Plush leather seats ensure sublime comfort on and off the road.�
The first impression that the Patrol gives you is of its vast size.
makes climbing steep gravelly inclines look easy, and the meaty 5.6l V8, which puts out 317hp and 527Nm, will pull the Patrol through soft sand with little fuss. This was a particular focus for Nissan, for whom the GCC market is one of the biggest. The top-spec LE model comes with an uprated version of the same engine, putting out 400hp and a whopping 560Nm of torque, as well as hydraulic body motion control, which makes for a smoother and more comfortable ride both on and off the road. The new Patrol has the Land Cruiser nervously looking over its shoulder, and for good reason. It has already broken its own sales records across the board, and has the Cruiser firmly in its sights. We wait with baited breath to see how Toyota responds!
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Uniting women across the region
2/26/14 10:21 AM
The all-New Porsche Macan
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Porsche have gone to great lengths to present the Macan as ‘a grown up 911’ rather than a ‘baby Cayenne’. So, how successful have they been in the delivery? FACT heads off to scenic Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE to find out… From the outside, there’s no mistaking where the Macan gets its DNA from, however Porsche try to present it. From a distance, many would mistake it for the Cayenne, and even up close they’re very similar. While the Macan is visibly smaller when the two are parked next to each other, the main tell is the one-piece ‘clam shell’ bonnet the Macan features. Interestingly, this is the biggest single piece of aluminium ever used in a car’s bodywork, according to Porsche. The interior of the Macan is superb. Comfortable and cosy, it almost feels tailor made to the driver, with a figure-hugging sports seat holding you in place for fast cornering, and controls that are all literally 42. fact magazine
at your fingertips. It features the same large, raised centre console as the Cayenne and Panamera that makes you feel like you’re sitting in the cockpit of a jet, with all the Sport, Sport Plus and suspension settings conveniently featured. The Macan is currently being offered in just two specifications, the Macan S, with a 340hp 3.0l V6 biturbo engine, and the Macan Turbo, with a 400hp 3.6l V6 biturbo. Both feature a permanent all-wheel-drive system, and Porsche’s superb and lightning-quick PDK double-clutch transmission comes standard on all models, which is something the Cayenne has never featured thus far. To demonstrate the Macan’s abilities,
ISLAND RIDES
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ISLAND RIDES
Porsche flew us out to the stunning Fairmont Ras Al Khaimah for two separate experiences. The first was a purpose built off-road course, including soft sand, axle-benders and steep inclines. The off-road setting raises the Macan by a considerable 40mm, giving it decent ground clearance and approach and departure angles. The upshot of this is that, despite its diminutive size, the Macan can handle any low-to-medium difficulty off-road terrain with ease, but on the more rugged stuff you risk costly damage to your lovely Porsche bodywork and underside. The second experience was a breathtaking drive up the road to Jebel Jais, the UAE’s tallest mountain, which in our humble opinion pips Jebel Hafeet as the best driving road in the Gulf, and one of the best in the world. Why haven’t you heard of this road, you ask? Because it’s not actually finished – construction hasn’t reached the summit yet, so the road’s not officially open, but trust us, it’ll be famous soon enough! The Macan S and Turbo boast almost identical driving characteristics, especially with the Sports Chrono package as featured on the demo models we reviewed, though obviously the Turbo has noticeably more ‘oomph’ on acceleration. As with any Porsche, the Cayenne and Panamera included, a fanatical level of attention has been given to the driving experience of the Macan, and it shows. Whilst the Cayenne demonstrated almost supernatural levels of handling and performance for an SUV (the key words being ‘for an SUV’), the Macan demonstrates 44. fact magazine
comparable handling and performance to the Panamera and even the 911, thanks to the Porsche Active Suspension Management and Torque Vectoring. We know this is a bold statement, but in our opinion, the Macan is, without a doubt, the sportiest premium compact SUV in the world, by a long shot. Nothing else – not the BMW X3, not the Audi Q3, nor the Mercedes GLK – even comes close. A large reason for this is that, whereas its premium German rivals are something of a compromise (i.e. less costly versions of their larger brethren), Porsche have not compromised with the Macan at all. It’s not a cheaper version of the Cayenne, simply a smaller, sportier version.
“...despite its diminutive size, the Macan can handle any low-to-medium difficulty off-road terrain with ease...”
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MOTORING NEWS
News Round up The ‘Stang Turns 50! One of the world’s most iconic cars, the legendary Ford Mustang, celebrates half a century of production this year. To mark the occasion, events were staged with dealerships and owners clubs around the world. In the Gulf, the biggest celebrations for Ford Middle East were held in Dubai. Over 300 owners and enthusiasts gathered to show their love for the ‘Stang in an impressive parade led by the famous Dubai Police Ford Mustang Roush patrol car. The parade was also attended by enthusiasts and owners from across the region who came from as far as Saudi Arabia and as near as Oman to mark the milestone. The parade ended with a festival that included displays of hundreds of Mustangs ranging from classics to customised, and various activities including competitions for Best Customised and Best Restored Mustangs.
KIA Launches Upgraded Showroom AA Bin Hindi, the exclusive distributor of Kia models in Bahrain, recently launched their new-and-improved Kia showroom, bringing the facility inline with the Kia corporation’s international modern standards of design and customer service. The renovated showroom in Khamis was inaugurated by Ahmed Bin Hindi, A. A. Bin Hindi Group Vice Chairman & CEO, and Alex Chung, President, Kia Motors MENA.
Speaking at the event, Ahmed Bin Hindi said, “The renovation of this Kia showroom here is a significant step forward to better cater to our valued customers. This is a fulfilment of our corporate philosophy of ‘customer satisfaction first’. It is the guiding philosophy that continues to motivate and urge us to even greater standards of service.” To see the new showroom for yourself, visit them in Khamis, or call 17408800.
BMW 7 Series and 6 Series Gran Coupe Success Story
Toyota Launches Fantastic Summer Service Deals Ebrahim K. Kanoo, the sole distributor of Toyota and Lexus in Bahrain, has launched its exclusive summer campaign entitled “Beat the Summer Heat”, where customers can avail exceptional offers to protect their vehicles from the scorching summer heat. Customers will receive a FREE inspection using the latest diagnostic tools, including a free A/C inspection and system cleaning. They can also benefit from free A/C gas and engine coolant top-up, a 15% discount on A/C parts and labour charges, and 25% discount on Llumar services and Michelin tyres. The offer is valid until 31st May 2014 on all Toyota and Lexus models at Toyota Service Centres in Tubli, Arad and Manama. To make an appointment, call 17787888 (Tubli), 17677222 (Arad), and 17256677 (Manama).
Both the 7 Series and the 6 Series Gran Coupe have demonstrated impressive sales performances already this year, with the good news set to continue throughout the rest of 2014. Going from strength to strength, both models accounted for a combined growth of 36.5% for the first quarter of 2014 compared to the same period last year. “These are two models that continue to perform exceptionally well in their respective segments, thanks to the BMW 7 Series offering the ultra-luxurious executive feel, and the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé offering premium motoring with a sporting character,” says Paul Yates, General Manager of Euro Motors.
Audi A3 Named World Car of the Year
At a press conference hosted by the New York International Auto Show and Bridgestone Corporation, the Audi A3 was declared the 2014 World Car of the Year. Audi is no stranger to the World Car Awards program, having previously collected the inaugural 2005 World Car of the Year title, three World Performance Car titles in 2010, 2008 and 2007, and two World Car Design of the Year titles in 2008 and 2007. The Audi A3 was chosen from an initial entry list of 24 vehicles from all over the world, then a short list of 12, then three finalists - the BMW 4 Series, the Mazda 3 and the Audi A3. Vehicles are selected and voted on by an international jury panel comprised of 69 top-level automotive journalists from 22 countries around the world.
MOTORING
Rock-Hard Ricciardo!
We were lucky enough to grab a quick chat with Red Bull’s new young hot shot Daniel Ricciardo (pronounced ‘ri-kardo’) ahead of last month’s Bahrain F1 Grand Prix, where he beat team-mate Vettel to take an impressive fourth place, after starting in 13th on the grid due to a 10-position penalty…
How are you getting used to all the new media attention? “It’s been a lot easier since Australia, Australia was pretty hectic, there was a lot going on there, but I think you’ve just got to try and go with it, don’t overthink it and try not to burn yourself out with it!” How does it feel to be sitting in the former seat of one of Australia’s most famous racing drivers? “I think it’s really cool. It was obviously a seat that I wanted, and I’d followed Mark from even before Formula One, so it’s quite a privilege to take that seat and now the plan is to run with it and keep it up at the front.”
There are other factors in racing, unfortunately not everything is always in the driver’s control. ”
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You’ve risen up through the ranks with Red Bull, so it seemed inevitable that you’d take your place here? “It’s definitely the biggest reward possible with their programme, although World Champion would be nice too! I was 18 when I started in the Red Bull young driver’s programme, in the Formula Renault 2-litre, so yeah that’s their philosophy, to bring us up. Sebastian was obviously the first guy to go from the start to the end, and I’m the second, and it’s obviously the biggest opportunity of my career, and nice to have done it with Red Bull.”
You’ve had a promising start to season, but been let down by unfortunate incidents, which must be kind of frustrating? “Yeah, in the first couple of races the end result has been frustrating, not getting rewarded for having a good weekend, but at the same time I’m not frustrated with my performance, which is a good thing. There are other factors in racing, unfortunately not everything is always in the driver’s control. I’m sure it’ll turn around and I’ll get the points back somehow.” Despite a very tough time in testing, it seems that Red Bull have overcome their reliability and pace problems to have a competitive car once again. It must be quite a relief? “It’s been a big surprise for us, but a good surprise. A month ago, when we were here for testing, it wasn’t looking bright at all, we weren’t expecting to get close to the podium in the first few races. But we’ve done that, so we’ve got a lot of excitement about how the rest of the season’s going to go.” And finally, Ford or Holden? “Holden!”
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 your life...
EDUCATION Udemy (Android, iOS)
Udemy is a platform that offers thousands of courses in a variety of subjects, with simple and intuitive methods of learning. Using this app you can browse, purchase and view content in a variety of courses that range from learning a second language to software development, cooking to graphic design, and pretty much everything in-between. If you are keen to learn with just a click of the button and virtual methods, this is just the app for you!
HEALTH AND FITNESS Johnson & Johnson 7 Minute (Android, iOS)
Make every minute count! Johnson & Johnson fitness professionals highlight the benefits of seven minute workout. Exercises in the app are deliberated to build both aerobic and muscular fitness and can be performed anywhere with few minutes to spare. The app contains body resistance exercises, a dozen different workouts with different variations. All you need is a chair, a wall, and your own body weight. Stay in shape in no time!
PHOTOGRAPHY PicsArt (Android, iOS)
PicsArt is one of the fastest growing photoediting apps with incredible amount of features to edit and add effects to your images. You can add filters, magic modes, burst modes, time laps and effects, while capturing a photograph. The app provides tons of trendy effects, masks, corrections and colour adjustments to create a ‘picture perfect’ image. Create your drawings with virtual pencils or add shapes and colours from the drawing menu. It’s a whole new world of editing!
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Nokia XL: bOLD, Bright and beautiful
Nokia has gone and done it again. The phone company has recently launched a range of affordable smartphones into the ‘X’ family tree. We take a look at the colourful Nokia XL model to see if this new device can hold its own in the fast-growing and competitive mobile market… Introduction Nokia is undoubtedly one of the forefathers of the modern phone industry, renowned for the sturdy build quality of its devices, yet it seems that the Finnish firm wasn’t quite prepared when the colossal wave of smartphones hit the market and demand for such devices surged to an all-time high. Thankfully, Nokia has married with Microsoft and the Windows Phone to launch not one, but three Android devices into the ‘X’ family, and the Nokia XL is the daddy of them all. Design & Display Consistently recognised for its handset quality and design, the Nokia XL follows suit with a fresh, tilebased user interface inspired by the Lumia family. You might, however, expect a phone of phablet proportions (especially when it’s called the XL), but even though this is the largest version of the Nokia X line, it sports a 5-inch display – reasonable by today’s standards – measuring slightly wider than its family members, the Nokia X and X+. It’s almost comfortable to operate in
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plugged-in
Price: BD60 Availability: All major electronic stores.
one hand, though you may have to stretch to punch certain controls. If aesthetics is less your concern, and image is what you’re after then the cool kids need to look no further. The XL comes in a range of colours including orange, cyan, yellow, green, black, and white. The phone benefits from a soft-touch coating giving it a smooth grip, with defined square corners and sides characterising the device’s blocky shape. Weighing in at 190g the phone is solid to hand and feels heavy, but Nokia has done a great job of keeping the buttons rising high above the surface phone. Features & Performance All the X family devices come with Fastlane, a screen which lets you switch between your favourite apps more efficiently. It’s easier to access curated, quality-tested apps from the Nokia Store, more than a dozen third-party app stores and by side loading. All devices are also pre-loaded with a variety of third-party apps and games. The XL specifically boasts a 2MP front-facing camera – ideal for Skype video calls – and a 5MP rear-facing, autofocus camera with flash. The entire Nokia X family is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon dual core processor and supports Dual SIM, letting people switch SIM cards to get better tariffs. Although you may not get much juice out of the 1GHz, the low-powered XL might not be as resourcehungry. The RAM size is 768MB, but it also has 4GB internal storage which can be boosted by a microSD card if need be. The 2,000mAh battery promises up to 13 hours of talk time over 3G, pretty impressive, we think!
All the X family devices come with Fastlane, a screen which lets you switch between your favourite apps more efficiently.
Value for Money All of the X family devices are priced to capture the fast-growing affordable smartphone market. With an array of more than a few decent specs – a large-capacity battery, nice camera, and sophisticated Android platform – the Nokia XL may just be the new flagship smartphone for the company. fact magazine
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summer /ˈsʌmə/
Noun The warmest season of the year, in the northern hemisphere from June to August and in the southern hemisphere from December to February (more like May to September in this part of the world).
“This plant flowers in late summer”
indulgence /Inˈdʌldʒ(ə)ns/ Noun The action or fact of indulging. “Indulgence in self-pity” Synonyms: satisfaction, satisfying, gratification, gratifying, fulfilment, fulfilling, satiation, appeasement, assuagement, quenching, slaking; accommodation. “He squandered his money on the indulgence of all his desires”
Now that we’ve explained to you what these two words mean, go all out and indulge this summer! fact magazine .53
Summer indulgence
Brunch Indulgence
La Med, RitzCarlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa Bushido
When: Every Friday between midday to 3:30pm. Japanese cuisine lovers are in for a treat at Bushido. Experience authentic Japanese food with live cooking stations, a specialty of the restaurant. Spend a glorious Friday with deliciously cooked fresh food and the opportunity to join in the fun with live-cooking activities. While you swing to the live music, your kids can keep themselves busy too with children’s activities in the beautiful and unique surroundings of Bushido restaurant. Enjoy this delightful brunch at BD24.5++ inclusive of beverages. Call: 17583555 or email reservations@bushido.com.bh
When: Every Friday from 12:30pm to 4pm. Submerge in a relaxing weekend brunch at La Med, with an appetising buffet of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern specialties. Gaze at the live cooking stations as they prepare some lip-smacking delights like pasta, sushi, seafood and barbecue. Treat your sweet tooth with a wide medley of cakes, assorted pralines, truffles, baklava, a waffle and pancake station, as well as a chocolate fountain. This brunch is a perfect culinary pleasure for the grown-ups and the little ones alike at BD29++. The brunch includes unlimited bubbly, house beverages and soft drinks, at half price for children aged four to 12. Call: 17586499 for reservations.
The Domain
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When: Every Friday from midday to 4pm. Head for a sophisticated afternoon with The Domain’s ‘Grown Up’ brunch, where you can enjoy great conversation with friends and family and listen to soft music. Discover your inner foodie and enjoy a scrumptious brunch with a wide selection of food and beverages. Treat your senses to southern French cuisines with Provençal herbs, olive oil, market vegetables, seafood and vino. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the island from the 34th floor of the hotel where it’s all about excellence and fine dining. Relish this three-course meal at Le Sauvage and Le Domain [34] at BD 19++. Call: 16000222 for reservations.
Baharat, Kempinski Ixir Hotel Bahrain City Centre When: Every Friday throughout May from 12:30pm to 4pm. Treat yourself to an exquisite Arabic Brunch at Baharat and spend some quality time with your loved ones. All the dishes are made using the finest, freshest ingredients, with many of the vegetables sourced locally from the hotels partner farm in Karranah. New resident duo Ralitsa entertain you to make your Friday an unforgettable one. Take advantage of the special pool offer for brunchers, and relax by the outdoor infinity pool. Your children enjoy a dedicated kids’ buffet, a colourful play area with activities, a bouncy castle and friendly mascots to keep them entertained all afternoon. This delightful brunch is available at BD 19++ inclusive of water and selected soft drinks, and BD 28++ inclusive of selected beverages. Call: 17171000 or email restaurants.bahrain@kempinski.com for more information.
Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa
Lemon Tree, Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa When: Every Friday from midday to 4pm. Experience mouth-watering delicacies especially prepared for the Friday Brunch at Lemon Tree. Indulge yourself and your loved ones in a wide variety of cuisines of international tastes with palate-pleasing flavours and textures drawn from the very best of Mediterranean, Indian, Arabic and Asian cuisines. Relish these rich delicacies from live cooking stations. The spectacular live entertainment will have you mesmerised. Adorn yourself with intricate henna, while kids can enjoy face painting and clown balloon modeling. This food fiesta is BD15++ for adults and BD7++ for kids. It also allows you to be a part of the after-brunch party at Ibrida Club. Call: 17111999 for reservations.
When: Arabic Brunch at Saraya Restaurant from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. A unique and exclusive Arabic Brunch concept created by Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa is an absolute treat for your taste buds. The exquisite Arabian Cuisine is created by a team of dedicated Arabic chefs, and covers Arabian specialties including both breakfast and lunch dishes. Experience a true brunch, with live music and entertainment and the soft trickle of water with seating around the fountain in Saraya Restaurant. The hotels Arabic Brunch is offered in addition to their highly popular and successful Friday Brunch, which is spread across three restaurants. Prices are set to BD18 net inclusive of soft beverages or BD22 net inclusive of selected house beverages. Call: 17636363 for more information.
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savoury indulgence
IHOP
The famous American breakfast outlet IHOP (International House of Pancakes) has finally opened its doors in Bahrain. Serving every imaginable breakfast item from Pancakes and Waffles to Crêpes and Omelettes, you’ll want to have breakfast day or night. Their crepes are made from scratch, and are light and delicate, rolled with either savoury or sweet ingredients, which are fresh and bursting with flavours. Pick the ingredient of your choice and create your very own crêpe. They also serve lunch and dinner, but who wants anything else when you can have breakfast all day long? GO: Visit IHOP at Bahrain City Centre.
Savoury Indulgence Crêpes
New York Coffee
Serving some of the staples of breakfast including Waffles and Pancakes, New York Coffee also serves some of the best crêpes. It offers a wide variety of sweet and savoury crêpes including the Vegetarian Crêpe (tomatoes, cheese and mushroom), Sunrise Crêpe (egg and cheese), all time great Chicken and Cheese and the Traditional Crêpe (smoke turkey and cheese). The ingredients used are nothing than the best. New York Coffee also serves some of the best smoothies and frappes. So, head down to your nearest branch to get your daily breakfast fix. GO: Visit www.nycoffee.com for more information.
Crêpe CafÉ
There is nothing more tempting than a delicious fluffy crêpe to indulge in a guilty pleasure. Crêpe Café specialises in various types of crêpes, whether you’re craving sweet or savoury. Their signature crêpe batter recipe is light and tasty and their savoury crêpes are extremely popular. It’s cooked first, then topped with vegetables and proteins, and heated through to let the aroma sink into the crêpe. All the crêpes are cooked on a hotplate, so no butter or oil is used, making it a healthy treat. These are so delicious, you can’t stop at one. GO: Visit Seef Mall or call 17582669 for more information. fact magazine .57
Savoury Indulgence
Fat Burger When you think of big juicy burgers, there’s only one place that comes to mind – Fat Burger. The burgers are not frozen patties, but made of fresh lean beef. They will even cook it to order, just the way you want it. The onion rings are made from real onions and the fries are cooked in 100 per cent cholesterol free oil. The burgers come in five sizes – S, M, L, XXL and XXXL, to suit every appetite. They also serve a variety of sides along with drinks and shakes. If you want a proper, succulent burger, the Fat Burger is the way to go. GO: Visit www.fatburger.com for more information.
Burgers Burger Lounge
If you want to eat burgers in style, then Burger Lounge, located at The Lagoon in Amwaj, is the place to visit. Not only do they serve some amazing mouthwatering burgers, but they also serve some very inspiring salads. There are over a dozen types of burgers to choose from, and some delicious appetisers, side dishes, desserts and refreshing drinks too. Only top quality certified Angus beef is used in all their burgers, and if you don’t fancy a full burger, you can always go for the mini ones. What more could you ask for? GO: Call 77055772 or 39158592 or visit www.burgerlounge.co for more information.
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Elevation Burger If the idea of healthy burgers seems too far-fetched for you, then you haven’t eaten at Elevation Burger in Seef Mall. They offer the most delicious burgers and yet keep the guilt out of eating them. All the burgers are organic grass fed beef burgers. Good ingredients are of great importance at Elevation Burger. Even their fresh cut fries are healthy as they are made from real potatoes and cooked in 100 per cent olive oil. They also serve hand-scooped shakes and fresh baked cookies. There’s no better way to eat than something that’s good for you and for the environment. GO: Visit Seef Mall, www. elevationburger.com or call 17587828 for more information.
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magazine magazine 68.60.fact fact FACT SEPTEMBER 96
Savoury Indulgence
'Tatoes New York Fries
We don’t know anyone who can resist fries (or chips as they should be called). New York Fries are the real deal. They aren’t just mashed up reconstituted French fries, but proper chips made of real fresh cut potatoes. Their Classic Fries are hand cut potato chips with skin on, cooked in trans free nonhydrogenated sunflower oil. There are various delicious toppings to choose from including Butter Chicken, Imli (tamarind sauce), Chili Beef or Chicken, Nacho and Sweet and Sour. They also serve high quality chicken and beef hotdogs with complimentary toppings. Wash these down with refreshing drinks and fresh juices. You’ll never look at chips the same way again! GO: Visit Bahrain City Centre Mall to taste some of the best chips on the island.
Spud
Did you know that potatoes are 70 to 80 per cent water? You won’t feel so guilty tucking into a spud now. If you’re a fan of a proper English Jacket Potato, then head down to Spud. Their spuds are perfectly baked, with crunchy skin and fluffy inside. You can make your own spud by choosing your favourite fillings including Cheese, Tuna, Veggie, Smoke Beef, Chicken Mushroom or Chicken Fajita. Spud potatoes are low in sodium and virtually fat free, high in fibre, which is doubled when eaten with their crispy skin. Spud makes for a perfect melt-in-your-mouth meal that you can’t get enough of. GO: Visit Seef Mall or call 17695522 for delivery.
Potatorific
For a unique and genuine jacket potato experience, look no further than Potatorific. The potatorific team has painstakingly put together a fantastic menu for all you potatolovers out there. Their jacket potatoes are a world apart as they use only the very best ingredients, bringing you a premium quality product. Try out the JP Oriental Prawn, JP Mexican Madness, Fresh Vegetable Toppings and Salads for a delicious and hearty meal. Their best selling dishes include Petit Potato, Jacket Potato Chicirfic and Gardena Salad, amongst others. There is madness in every bite and you won’t be disappointed as these potatoes are every bit terrific! GO: Visit Potatorific in Jerdab or call 17000172 for more information.
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Savoury Indulgence
Shawarmas Londoner
Renowned for their doner kebabs in the UK, ‘Londoner’ has now come to Bahrain serving up doners London style. It offers everything from doners and burgers, to wraps, salads and milkshakes, but their doners are worth queuing for. Finger-licking good, the lamb, chicken and mixed doners are made from the best ingredients from around the world, served in stuffed pita bread with salad and sauce of your choice. Try their new Doner Crêpe (Viva La Doner) or get spoilt for choice with burgers, including a Weight Watchers burger and The Big Ben. Special sauces like the burger sauce and their famous bondi sauce are paired perfectly with doners and burgers to bring out the flavours. It’s not your bog standard shawarma, it’s bigger and it’s wicked! GO: Visit Londoner in Tubli or log on to www.londoner-bh.com for more information.
Shawarma Xpress
Shawarma Alley
We couldn’t do a roundup of shawarmas and not mention Shawarma Alley, the heart and soul of Adliya. Serving some of the best shawarmas on the island, there are over a dozen shawarma stalls on this street. Try the special shawarma malgoum, which comes fully loaded with salad, sauce, cheese and fries (yes, you heard right), wrapped in Indian chapatti bread. They also serve some very interesting juices, much like their names (Sexy Special, anyone?). The best part is, it’s cheap and cheerful and you could have a full meal for just a couple of dinars. It’s the best quick stop shop for a delicious shawarma on the go! GO: Visit Osama bin Zaid Avenue, in Adliya to get a taste of some of the best shawarmas on the island. 62. fact magazine
If there is one place that offers you shawarmas with an international appeal, it’s Shawarma Xpress. The food concept is based on the traditional shawarmas, beef or chicken, but wrapped in various types of fresh breads. Try their wide range of products and sauces that will have you salivating for more. The sauces cater to every taste, from the traditional Tahine and Toumia to Mexican, Italian and Chili, to Dynamite for the more daring. You can order three sizes of shawarma with a choice of 10 main sauces. Shawarma Xpress is constantly adding new products to their already wide range of shawarmas, so keep up before you get lost in this medley of shawarma heaven. GO: Visit www.shawarmaxpress.com for more information on all their outlets.
coming may 2014...
A new quarterly publication from Nans Group, the company that brings you a portfolio of leading magazines from across the GCC. fact magazine .63
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SWEET Indulgence
Sweet indulgence Frozen yogurts
Purple Swirl
Pinkberry
For all you yogurt lovers out there, this is one indulgence you wouldn’t want to miss! Pinkberry’s delicious frozen yogurts are just the thing to keep you cool this summer. You can take your pick of the various flavours and top it up with premium toppings and fresh, hand-cut fruits. With fresh, high quality ingredients, the menu includes Original, Pomegranate, Passion Fruit and Coconut frozen yogurts. Pinkberry’s signature flavour, with creative, premium dry and liquid toppings is an added bonus. They also serve Fresh Fruit Parfait in addition to their Original and Green Tea smoothies. Yum is the word that comes to mind! GO: Visit Seef Mall or call 17581111 for more information.
Another new place to satisfy your yogurt cravings is Purple Swirl. It offers unlimited flavours and topping combinations, so swirl as much yogurt as you want as their price is based on weight. They have options of six flavours and seasonal specials to tickle your taste buds with healthy and yummy frozen yogurts. Purple Swirl also serves healthy sandwiches, hot and cold beverages to slake your thirst. So, go on and swirl in the cool sensation of this healthy treat. GO: Visit Purple Swirl in Al Aali Mall or go to www.purpleswirlcafe.com for more information.
TCBY
TCBY stands by its name for The Country’s Best Yogurt as they serve the best frozen yogurts when it comes to value, worth and tang. They assure you of healthy yogurts filled with fruits, calcium and vitamin based ingredients. The secret recipe for the ultimate yogurt experience is the smooth and creamy quality, which is handcrafted fresh, daily and customised by combining a variety of delicious mixins on a frozen granite stone. This is true deliciousness in a cup. GO: Visit the TCBY Bahrain Facebook page for more information. fact magazine .65
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SWEET Indulgence
Ice creams Le Chocolat
The legendary Le Chocolat is renowned on the island for a great indoor and outdoor dining experience, an amazing atmosphere and more so desserts and ice creams. With a large serving even for a single scoop, it is definitely worth every penny. They have a fantastic variety of flavors to offer, from mint to strawberry to chocolate, you name it and they have it. The mango flavour is legendary and if you haven’t tasted it yet, you don’t know what you’re missing. The creaminess of the ice cream makes it all the more delicious and irresistible. You won’t stop relishing it till the very last bite. GO: Call 17111144 for more information.
Cold Stone Creamery
Stickhouse
Forget the usual cup and cone ice creams and go old school with the Popsicle. Stickhouse is bringing the traditional ice cream on sticks back. The dessert products line offers consumers original gelato desserts, snacks and cakes with good, natural and healthy ingredients. The coolest part of these sticks are (no pun intended) that they are affordable and 100% natural with no preservatives. There are various options to choose from including fruit sorbets, gelato and desserts. Relive your childhood days with these splendidly colourful treats on a stick. GO: Visit Stickhouse in Seef Mall and Bahrain City Centre Mall. Call 17582263 for more information.
Now here’s an ice cream experience with a difference. A really fun concept, the ice cream is smashed on frozen granite stones and served with your choice of toppings. The Chocolate Devotion (chocolate ice cream, chocolate sprinkles, brownies and chocolate sauce) is an all-time desired one for the chocolate lovers. Sounds divine, doesn’t it? If you’re not too keen on chocolate, try the cheesecake fantasy instead! The servings are pretty massive, so a small or medium is sufficient for a single person. Mix and match the flavours and toppings to create a scrumptious Cold Stone delight! GO: Call 17179267 for more information.
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The Tea Room
This quaint little tearoom located at the back of a boutique shop, Trousseau, in Al Aali Mall, serves some of the most decadent desserts. The Tea Room serves everything from delicious cakes and biscuits to tarts to go with a nice hot cuppa. The Red Velvet Cake with the special icing is to die for. The scones with pistachios served with real British clotted cream and rose jam perfectly blends Arabic and English tastes together. Of course, servings of the various types of delicious teas rounds up the whole experience pretty nicely. GO: Visit www.trousseauco.com or call 17541041 for more information.
Haute Cupcakes
With the latest craze of cupcakes on the island, Haute Cupcakes has an enticing display of cupcakes and other delicious treats that will surely have you salivating even before you’ve tasted them. Renowned for their cupcakes, the eatery has 19 different flavours of cupcakes (drool worthy), five different types of macaroons, five types of cookies, three varieties of madeleines as well as praline pops, just to get you started. If that doesn’t impress you, the shop also has a cupcake belt. Their red velvet is definitely worth a try. If this isn’t enough, the outlet also has a Retail Shop that sells all sorts of Sugar Factory franchised products (the only ones in Bahrain) like sweets, pick and mix and various other accessories including T-shirts, mugs, bags, caps and other paraphernalia. It truly feels like being a child in a sweet shop! GO: Visit Haute Cupcakes at Seef and Bahrain City Centre or call 17582246 for more information.
Clever Cupcakes
Aptly named, Clever Cupcakes is the way to go when it comes to devouring decadent cupcakes like Red Velvet, Ferrero Rocher or even the Diet Cupcake for the calorie conscious! Clever Cupcakes offers some lip-smacking unique flavours, you would love to indulge in. The founders try to serve the best gourmet cupcakes with new flavours, tastes and varieties. They have a long list of items available, including special offers, custom cupcakes and cake options. You can’t help but buy the cute mini cupcakes by the dozen. These soft and freshly baked cupcakes are bound to give your sweet tooth a sugary-ride! GO: Visit www.clevercups.com or call 17300700 for more information. 68. fact magazine
CAKES & CUPCAKES
sweet indulgence
Donuts Planet Donut & Bakery
A world full of donuts is every sweet-lovers dream come true. With a wide choice of donut offerings like the Coffee Donut, Glazed Donut, Chocolate Donut, to name but a few, Planet Donut serves some of the best donuts on the island. Fresh ingredients and high quality ensure the taste and quality of the breads. They strictly stay away from artificial preservatives, which give the breads the freshest smell and taste. Planet Donut also has trans-fat free bread lines, a healthy option for donut lovers. Beam up to Planet Donut to satisfy all your sweet-tooth cravings. GO: Located in Zinj, Sitra and Hamad Town. Visit www.planetdonut.me for more information or call 17735917.
Hol-n-One
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme is a multi-national donut brand that offers its customers the finest and vast assortment of their favourite desserts. The delicious signature Original Glazed donut simply makes your mouth water! Enjoy the sweet fragrance, shining glaze and the deliriously moist texture from the very first bite. To fully relish these sensations, you have to try out a Krispy Kreme doughnut for yourself. GO: Visit any Krispy Kreme store near you or call 17827087 for more information.
Surely, you’ve seen the vans of this famous brand outside most malls! Indulge yourself in some awesome and affordable donuts. Keeping it simple yet delicious, this brand is a household name on the island. They offer plain, sugary, chocolate and stuffed donuts, and are comparatively cheaper than the other donut outlets. The best part is that the mobile vans are located at busy spots and easily accessible. You can’t top a hol-none at teatime! GO: Look out for the Hol-n-One mobile vans spread across the island.
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sherbet indulgence
Millions of Milkshakes
Who doesn’t love a good milkshake, especially when there are millions to choose from? It might be a slight exaggeration, but Millions of Milkshakes does actually have a huge varity of shakes to choose from. Some out-of-the-box options like the Oreolicious, Hollywood Shake and Princess Shake have become quite popular on the island. Along with shakes, they also offer some appetising smoothies and health drinks. The Liquid Greens, which is a combo of cucumber, celery, green apple, parsley and spinach, is a must try! Enjoy the glitz and glamour with a milkshake - it was inaugurated and endorsed by Kim Kardashian, after all! GO: Visit www.millionsofmilkshakes.com for more information or visit the Riffa branch.
Sherbet Indulgence MilkShakes & Juices
ShakeAway
You can’t help but shake it up at ShakeAway, known to be the world’s largest milkshake bar company. With the perfect ambience, this place offers some tempting flavours, with over 180 different ingredients and millions of combinations. You can try a new flavour every time you visit. Other than milkshakes, ShakeAway vends smoothies, healthy shakes, hot shakes and hot drinks. They also serve dairy and nut free choices for those with special dietary needs. Every combination uses only the best ingredients and a secret ShakeAway twist to make them out of this world! GO: Visit the Adliya store or visit www.shakeaway.com for more information.
Mesh Mesh Juice
Although tucked away in the bustle of Exhibition Avenue, this juice bar is quite prominent and serves the yummiest juices on the island. The must try juices here are the mango with pieces and the Mesh Mesh special. Great selections, available in various sizes, and at affordable prices are the highlights of this juice corner. With people all set to welcome the summers, juices are without a doubt one of the best choices to beat the heat! GO: Visit Exhibition Avenue to check it out for yourself. fact magazine
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It’s a great day for Ice Cream
Bahrain City Centre, Level 2, Tel no. 17179267 72.
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summer splurge
Coconut, Brown Sugar and Vanilla Scrub Good For: Moisturising
Subtly fragrant and slightly miraculous, this is a basic, simple sugar scrub that can be whipped together in minutes.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup coconut oil 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Splurges
Scrubs
The best of the sunny days are slowly approaching, making now the perfect time to step up your health and beauty regime and prep your skin for a sun-kissed glow. FACT has put together some great DIY body scrubs to get you started…
Mix together all ingredients in a bowl. Dampen skin in the shower, rub scrub all over in firm, circular motions, and then rinse clean.
Sea Salt Scrub
Good For: Detoxifying
For tired or gaunt-looking skin this scrub works like magic.
Ingredients:
1 cup course seal salt 1/2 cup baby oil (if you don’t have baby oil, you can use vegetable oil)
Directions:
Combine all ingredients into a bowl and stir. Cover the bowl and let it sit for 24 hours. Stir the mixture. Apply to body and massage into skin for a few minutes then rinse.
Mediterranean Olive Oil Scrub
Good For: Dewy-glow
With no need to moisturise afterwards, this scrub is great for a natural glow and supplely soft, healthy-looking skin.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup of sea salt 1/2 cup of brown sugar (like muscovado or demerara) 1/4 cup of olive oil A couple of drops of orange essential oil
Directions:
Blend all the ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Gently rub the mixture over damp skin in the shower and rinse thoroughly.
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summer splurge
Shopping spree
unwind at de ssange
Maison Du maillot
Take a leisure day out to pamper yourself with a lovely spa treatment at the finest spa and salon on the island. Dessange offers the latest services and products including hair styling, beauty, exercise, nutrition and spa rituals. Relax and wind down by indulging yourself with some of their luxurious treatments. Style your hair, get a facial or hit the lively health club for a work out. Dessange also features a tranquil spa where you can forget the worries of the world and zone out into oblivion. After a long week at work nothing sounds more divine than this retreat at Dessange Salon & Spa. GO: Call 17713999 to book your pamper treatment!
zara home
zara home
Marc Jacobs Aeropostale
Tod’s Tod’s Bath & Body Works
zara home
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Lancaster
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GAP GAP’s spring campaign ‘LivedIn’ brings an authentic and relaxed collection to life. This campaign is a celebration of genuine attitudes featuring a cast of emerging artists. This essence, captured in the Spring Collection, presents a young and modern take on classic, casual styles.
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HER
GAP’s Spring 2014 collection for women exudes a sense of confidence and comfort, expressed in clothes that make you feel your true self and that you can live in day in and day out. The collection displays a relaxed style in the form of a new washed down colour palette and comfy fabrics that look and make you feel like you’ve owned these clothes forever. GAP’s spring collection emphasises on confident individuality that flows in the design of the clothes giving the collection that Lived-In look. Broken-In Straight and Boyfriend Roll Up Short Bottom, combined with Sunwashed Fleece and Washed Boyfriend Shirt are some of the standout styles in the women’s collection.
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HIM
GAP’s Spring 2014 collection for men celebrates individuality at its best. The collection displays an easy style with comfort at its forefront. And there is nothing more comfortable than the relaxed feel of a worn in denim with a washed out cotton tee. The collection is all about the good old-fashioned American optimism blended in with a casual style. For spring GAP has opted for iconic items like khakis, denims and t-shirts with a strong focus on colour shades and fabric to bring out the Lived-In style. The men’s collection highlights the ever-popular Lived-In Khaki and Lived-In Cargo Short, paired with the Lived-In Shirt, available in both solids and patterns.
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One of the trendiest brands on the market, New Look’s Spring/Summer 2014 will have you spoilt for choice. for a classic style or a casual look, this collection is definitely a head-turner!
NEW LOOK
COLLECTION FOCUS
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Skater is the new trend for New Look’s Spring/Summer 2014 men’s collection. Matching bold prints are big this season. Highlighted with tropical and bold floral patterns along with prominent leather lining gives an urban edge. The bomber jacket stands out in the collection and bright tropical backpacks add a touch of colour and wow factor to the entire range. The Tailoring collection focuses on the cut and fit of the classic suit. Match different coloured tweed or cotton suits with printed tropical shirts to set yourself apart from the usual trend. Steer away from the classic look, and pair shorts and blazers in pastel colours, along with desert boots. New Look’s newest brand, Tokyo Laundry, has relaxed basics for an effortlessly casual style. The collection has a Hawaiian feel, with tropical shirts, shorts and graphic printed t-shirts.
New Look’s Spring/Summer Collection for women is vast and has everything from dreamy floral styles and bold graphic prints to printed backpacks and ethnic-looking accessories. Tomorrow’s Yesterday: Monochrome is the key to this line, with polka dots, gingham and stripes. Contrast delicate lace trimmed blouses with distressed mom cut jeans with chunky buckle belts. California Dreaming: Boho-chic is
the way to go with this collection. Defined by ethnic and tribal influences, richly coloured patchwork, bright paisleys, elephant motif prints and neo-vintage florals all come together effortlessly. Think silky loose tees, matched with beaded jackets or harem trousers with crop tops. Seattle Grunge: Urban grit with resort glamour is what this collection is all about. Mix and match mottle-wash jeans with tropical floral prints for a surf-inspired look. Neon Bloom: A new take on femininity sees this collection combine delicate fabrics with sugary shades. Midlength skirts with intricate lace give a clean modern look a fresh feel.
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style
AÉROPOSTALE
teen spirit to south beach
Shirt Dress
BD15.4 Stay cool and comfortable in this summery shirt dress.
Scarf
BD9.2 Glam up your outfit with this printed scarf.
Geo Print wristlet
jeans
BD7.2 Have all your essentials handy with this cute wristlet.
BD17 Strut your stuff in these stylish skinny printed jeans.
Jacket
BD30.7 Look super chic on those breezy evenings with this classic leather jacket.
Top
BD9.7 Get ready for the summer in this airy pastel blue top.
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AÉROPOSTALE
miami heat to palm beach hoodie
BD23 Go for a laid-back style with this striped hoodie.
T-shirt
Bd8.2 Pair this printed tee with shorts for a perfect summer look.
Jeans
BD17 These worn out jeans are perfect for an everyday look.
Aquatic Style shorts
BD17 Remain cool and nautical with these colourful shorts.
Flip Flops
BD12.3 Head down to the beach in these super comfy flip flops.
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Upstairs Downstairs
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One of the oldest standalone restaurants on the island, the legendary Upstairs Downstairs is an institution on its own. With it being revamped only last year and with General Manager George Cherian working his wonder; FACT went to check out the secret of its ever-growing popularity and success.
U
pstairs Downstairs (popularly known as Up n Down), located ideally in the heart of Adliya, has been a favourite haunt of many and a place to socialise with your family and friends. All you old timers will remember Upstairs Downstairs as being warm and cosy with dark hues and the signature piano. The venue still maintains the old charm, except that the moment you step in, you are welcomed into a more modern and brighter interior that gives the place a clean, fresh look. Moving away from the main restaurant, the side stairs take you up to the Zebra Lounge, which is tastefully designed and is perfect for intimate gatherings or special occasions, and holds up to 80 guests. Upstairs Downstairs’ charismatic General Manager George Cherian sat down with us to talk us through the changes he is planning to implement with a new food and drinks menu. We also tasted some of the delicious food, and can’t rave enough about its signature dishes like the Hammour Pate and Chicken Machboos (these will definitely be staying on the menu). “We are bringing a lot of new vintages, of which at least 60 per cent will be new to Bahrain, including Argentinean, Chilean, Spanish and French,” says George. “It will be an exciting beverage list - a bigger range and selection, with choices of reasonably priced and high end vintages. Many new cocktails will also be added to the list. “The food menu will be changing too. 90. fact magazine
We will keep the popular dishes, but more exciting new ones will replace some of the other dishes. It will have more of a Mediterranean influence and quite a few interesting vegetarian dishes will also be introduced.” The venue has always been home to topnotch entertainment, which is constantly evolving. There are plans to bring in some tribute acts as well as original musicians and acts from abroad. George being an avid supporter of local musicians, every Friday
night the entertainment is provided by a local salsa band called Le Cubana, led by a Cuban female singer. “We are planning on doing a lot more theme nights geared towards food and vino, like introducing a Steak Night and a Malaysian Night,” adds George. Brunch is served every Friday from midday to 3pm. Unlike other places, brunch is a four course set menu - plated food brought to you (great you don’t have to get up), including soup, starter, main course
VENUE REVIEW
Call 17713093 or email upsdowns@batelco.com.bh for reservation and more information.
(a traditional roast is always one of the options) and dessert, with tea and coffee, as well as house vino, bubbly, spirits and cocktails. Priced at only BD15++, it can’t get better than this. The venue is also open for weddings and corporate events. With so much to offer (not forgetting the exceptional service with a smile), no wonder the magic of Upstairs Downstairs carries on and everyone is head over heels in love with this place!
“The food menu will be changing too. We will keep the popular dishes, but more exciting new ones will replace some of the other dishes. It will have more of a Mediterranean influence and quite a few interesting vegetarian dishes will also be introduced.”
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BAHRAIN BITES
La Mer at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa has renewed itself, and now provides a fine dining meal of exquisite seafood cuisine. The lunchtime offering includes a selection of fresh fish of your choice or go with the expert guidance of one of La Mer’s Chefs. You can also opt for the a la carte menu featuring creations such as Sole fillet meuniere style, papullote of sea bream fillet and vegetables julienne. The new menu also offers a series of salads such as the White Asparagus Spears and Alaskan King Crab salad
Dinner with Friends at the Domain
GO: La Mer’s lunch seafood offering starts at 12:30pm from Thursday to Saturday. Call 1763 6363 for more information.
Fun Character Breakfast at Al Areen Palace & Spa
Seafood French Week at Market Lunch at Trader Vics Sofitel
Looking to escape to the land of L’Amour? After the success of ‘Voyage to the British Isles’, Trader Vic’s is getting ready to continue their voyage and send guests a postcard from Paris. For an entire week, Trader Vic’s will be presenting a selection of marvelous French dishes (Ohlala!). The wide variety of dishes includes Duck Liver Terrine, Salmon Tartar, Beef Fillet, Profiteroles and Crepe Suzette. Expect some wonderful live French entertainment, every evening, and plenty of Eiffel Towers to enjoy the view from.
Enjoy a wonderful get together with your entire group of friends for a soiree of fine dining at Le Sauvage and Le Domain [34]. This brand new concept of ‘Dinner with Friends’ is all about sharing food with your friends. It involves a family styled menu, appetisers to share, soup in a touring, mains on a platter and GO: French Week starts from May 4 to May 10. the chef ’s favorite desserts and Call 17586 555 or email reservations@tradervics. unlimited, selected beverages for com.bh for more information. three hours. Bond over dinner with great food, good banter and loads of laughter! GO: Dinner with Friends is available on Sunday, Tuesday and Saturday at BD27++. Call 1600 0222 for more information.
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Have a complete family experience and chat away over breakfast to a refreshing array of weekend breakfast choices at Rimal Restaurant at Al Areen Palace & Spa. Enjoy a la carte menu or a hearty breakfast buffet, with an assortment of hot and cold items, seasonal fruits and freshly baked pastries. There’s a special Kids’ Corner, which includes made to order omelette stations, waffles shaped into special characters, and more. There’s entertainment galore for kids as they meet life sized mascots. This is the perfect breakfast for energising your morning. GO: Breakfast starts from 8:30am to 11:30am at BD12++ for adults, 50% off for kids seven years and below. Call 17845000 for more information.
Sushi lovers are in for a treat at the Thai Lounge with a special offer on sushi platters. The salver includes Miso Soup, Edamame and a Sushi Platter with a wide selection of dishes, which are divided into sets, so pick the one that serves you more of your faves. The dishes served are Nilgiri, Maki, Te-Maki, Sashimi, Salmon, Crispy Hammour and Sweet Potato Handrolls. The offer is inclusive of unlimited beverages until 11pm with house drinks and Kirin draught served.
Rock Lobster Promotion at Sheraton
GO: Enjoy Sushi Nights every Wednesday from 6pm to 11pm at BD17 net. Call 17586499 for more information.
Sushi Nights at Ritz-Carlton Friday Family Fiesta at Elite Resort & Spa Friday is all about a day well spent with family, and Elite Resort & Spa offers you just the family time you need! Have fun with your kids and splurge on brunch with an exquisite Arabic buffet. Start with a broad selection of mezzes, move on to live grills, traditional main courses, and delectable desserts. Get traditional henna designs, enjoy live music and more. Relax and unwind with a dessert to complete your meal. Go: Aqua Family tickets are priced at BD12 for adults and half price for kids under the age of 11. Visit www.elitegroup4u.com for more information.
Trilogy of Enchiladas at Kempinski Soie Chinese Restaurant is offering its guests an assortment of lobsters to choose from. The menu includes Beijing Lobster (BD15++), Spicy Szechwan Lobster (BD15.5++0, Stirfried Lobster (BD15.5++) and Cantonese Style Grilled Rock Lobster (BD18.5++). The beautiful ambience makes it a completely worthwhile experience.
For all those who love the feisty food of Central America, enjoy a month of Enchiladas at Kempinski’s sophisticated Mezzanine Lounge! Expose your taste buds to a bold explosion of your favourite Mexican flavours, prepared with a twist by Kempinski’s five-star chefs. Savour a selection of three delicious enchiladas including crispy chicken strips with capsicum, sour cream and cheddar cheese; prawns with coriander, chilly and cheddar cheese; and mushroom and sweet corn with avocado, cheddar cheese and sour cream.
GO: Rock Lobster Promotion is on from Sunday to Friday between 7pm to 11:30pm. Visit www.soiebahrain.com for more information.
GO: Available throughout the month of May from 11am to 1am. Call 17171144 or email restaurants.bahrain@kempinski.com for more information.
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Chef Andrea Chiaradia The InterContinental Regency Bahrain’s Italian restaurant, Medzo, is home to one of the finest Italian cuisines on the island. Joining the team is a young new Italian chef, Andrea Chiaradia. FACT sat down with Chef Andrea to taste and talk about his rustic Italian fayre. Italian Chef Andrea Chiaradia left Venice at the age of 18, to pursue a chef ’s career outside of Italy. His culinary journey has taken him from Abu Dhabi to New York, a short time in Dubai and has eventually brought him to Bahrain. His speciality lies in what is also his favourite food – pasta and pizza (we were sold right then). “My dishes have to be very Italian,” says Chef Andrea. “My speciality is the Mediterranean taste with a lot of fresh produce, like basil and spices, but used in the right way.” With this in mind, we were more than ready to start our tasting. We began with Verdure Pastellate (deep fried vegetables), which is apparently quite common in Italy “I love eating pastas and pizzas and hence it’s my speciality.”
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CHEF’S TABLE GO: Call 17227777 ext. 3067 for reservations and more information.
as finger food and served before guests sit down for dinner. This was accompanied by homegrown Tomato Salad (heirloom tomatoes, goat’s cheese and onions). The sweetness of the tomatoes and the saltiness of the goat’s cheese blended perfectly and what can only be described as freshness on a plate. Next, we were treated to Soft Polenta with Wild Mushrooms (polenta with Shitake, Portobello and Champignon mushroom and gorgonzola cheese). This was definitely a firm favourite with us! “This is a dish that is typical from my area in Italy,” adds Chef Andrea. These burst of flavours were then followed by a very interesting dish - Pappardelle with Porcini and Chicken Confit (pappardelle pasta, chicken confit and porcini mushrooms). “The confit was cooked in oil for 14 hours, so the meat falls off the bones very easily and becomes very tender, juicy and tasty,” explains Chef Andrea. Last, but not the least, was the one dish that had us drooling with delight - Pizza Bufalina (tomato sauce, fresh cherry tomatoes, basil and fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese). We just couldn’t get enough of this pizza (it must’ve been the melt-in-your-mouth cheese that did it for us)! “Most of our ingredients are imported from Italy, like flour for the pizza, tomato sauce, especially the mozzarella and even
“This pizza is my favourite as it’s very fresh, with cherry tomatoes and also represents the colours of my flag.”
the dry pasta. The fruit and vegetables are sourced locally and I make fresh pasta everyday here in the restaurant. The fish is mostly European and some local,” says Chef Andrea. Talking about the local taste, he says that he tries to encourage his customers to try something different (like pasta al dente) rather than the bog standard (pasta alfredo) Italian dishes. The restaurant opens daily for lunch from 12:30pm to 3:30pm and for dinner from 7pm to 11pm, except for Saturdays. Chef Andrea is in the process of planning an entire new menu for Medzo to bring the true rustic taste of Italy to Bahrain. If this young Italian chef ’s passion for food is anything to go by, wait till you taste his food!
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Are You Getting Enough? Fitness guru Craig Heslop, Founder & Coach of Tribal Fitness, believes that a more back-to-basics and natural approach to living is the key to a healthy lifestyle…
A recent University College of London study has discovered that eating seven or more portions of fruit and vegetables every day will reduce your risk of dying by 42%. One Doctor even made the ground breaking discovery that the more fruit and vegetables you eat, the less likely you are to die at any age. It took seven years and 65,000 people to conclude this? All this fruit has lead me to ponder a few things. Will these recent findings change government legislation such as the USDA MyPlate? Will they replace refined foods extra helpings of vegetables? Will people actually change their long-term habits as a result of this study? This study creates more 96. fact magazine
mystery in my mind than it provides answers. Has the last decade of ‘5-a-day’ been rubbish? If we were to use life expectancy as a measure of health, let’s look to the oldest people living on the planet. These people are isolated to a few pockets within Sardinia, a Greek Island, Japan, California and Costa Rica. These places, known as ‘Blue Zones’, have nine components in common. One of which is a heavy plant diet. It appears the UCL research could be on to something here. I wonder whether these people have ever counted their portions of fruit and vegetables every day? The Seventh Day Adventists in Loma Linda, California, have a life expectancy of over a decade longer than their fellow Americans. They have isolated themselves from the norms of conventional American society. We live in a world where sugar is heavily pushed in all supermarkets. This means we are constantly being tempted away from nutritiously rich foods such as plants. There are really only three options if you want to live longer. Number one is to join the Seventh Day Adventists. Number two means moving to Costa Rica. Three would mean you do all your shopping at a vegetable and fruit market and limit your supermarket trips. GO: For more information, email craig@tribalfitness.com, or call 39473710.
PEP TALK
A Salute to Friendship Christal Dennis
is a Personal Performance Coach and Hypnotherapist with a Masters in Psychology, Leadership Development and Coaching. She is dedicated to helping people overcome life’s hurdles and tapping into their deepest potential...
What are friends to you? To me friends are a treasure trove of love, support and companionship. I’m not just talking about people who you tend to socialise with once in a while. I’m talking about people with whom one can connect and who understand you and who you are. They know you and all your quirks and love and accept you anyway. Not that there is anything wrong with socialising, of course.
How did the close friends of today become that way? You were acquaintances to begin with. Some of us are lucky enough to have an extended family that just happened to be good friends too. Well let me tell you, you are blessed indeed. Many of us on the other hand are not that fortunate. It’s quite a common occurrence being an expat in Bahrain. So how do you know whether you have a good friend? For me a good friend is someone who you always feel comfortable with. You don’t feel judged even in your darkest hour. Instead of judgment you get love, support and acceptance. Being the friend you would like to have always helps too. It does take time to cultivate a good friendship. Years of sharing fun times and precious moments makes it all worthwhile. When you are old and you know that there is someone special that you have loved and valued as much as they have you. A salute to friendship, one of our God-given gifts worth treasuring! GO: For a personal consultation call 36696666.
Beauty Spotlight
Toni &Guy
Changing your hair colour based on the seasons can make you look trendier and fashion forward. Additionally, your hair looks more vibrant and healthy. The team at Toni & Guy determine the styling trends of the season. Ice-white blonde was big in spring. Give those platinum locks some movement for a softer finish. It is perfect look for fun in the sun! Feel free to show some roots, if you will. However, there is a fine line between looking unkempt and being fashion forward. Dark and Marilyn blondes can play with the wet look and opt for gel products to create a slick, retro style. Honey-streaked locks are perfect year round as sunny days call for rich caramel tones. If you’ve been catching up on blogs and runways, you’ll have spotted the strawberry blonde – an evergreen summer look. Living on the cusp of blonde and brunette is perfect for sunny days as the light bounces different shades. Going auburn isn’t a bad idea either. Adding them to the ends of brunette tresses is ideal this season. Burnt orange isn’t just for autumn. The ombre trend still lingers; subtle dip-dyes are amazing! If you’re aiming for the darker side of the brunette world, go for copper chestnut highlights. Super-dark raven is perfect for the slicked-back style, especially when you’re at pool parties. No matter what colour you’re rocking, it’s all about styling this summer. Get tips from the experts at Toni & Guy in Seef Mall. Call 17001700 for more information.
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Cristalyn Pastrana Marketing and Communications Manager for Sheraton Bahrain Hotel. She has been living in Bahrain for five years.
island insider Tell us three things you enjoy the most about living in bahrain I always enjoy the fact that Bahrain is a small country and everyone knows everyone. Having said that, there are a lot of places to go in this small island, you just really need to discover and get acquainted with local friends to know those hidden restaurants and 98. fact magazine
places. Bahrain has the best airport; it is the most hassle free airport I have ever used and the employees are just so accommodating especially if you are travelling with kids.
What are your favourite dining hotspots in Bahrain? Al Abraaj is my family’s favorite restaurant if we are going out.
What are the three things that you can’t live without on a daily basis? My husband and my kid are on the top of the list, of course. My morning coffee starts my day and my iPhone makes life easy to communicate and get connected with people - for personal and business purposes.
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For the first time in Bahrain from Batelco Stay active with the all new Samsung Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Gear Fit, the latest and most advanced technology from Batelco. For more information and to subscibe, visit your nearest Batelco shop today. Postpaid Plans
Monthly rental
Free minutes (Batelco to Batelco*)
Free minutes (Batelco to others)
Data usage (8GB)
Speed
Super smart 30
BD30
Unlimited
120 min
Unlimited*
4G
Contract duration 12/18 months
*Terms and Conditions apply - Advance payment may be required
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batelco.com