FACT Bahrain November 2018

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CON TE NT S

12 25 35 LISTEN UP

FALL FOODS

FACT DINING AWARDS

52 65 87 STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT

ISLAND RIDES

FASHION FOCUS

101 105 109 CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

VENUE REVIEW

FOODIE CORNER

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• THE EDITOR

Seasons Change

“

I eat cake because it's somebody's birthday somewhere."

I

n a very unexpected fashion, Bahrain welcomed the first of its winter rains and storms last month and we were just as excited to see the temperature drop as all of you! This time of year holds so much fun with cosy evenings in, intimate gatherings and casual catch-ups with loved ones. And what is the glue that holds all of these together? Good food! As many parts of the world step into Autumn and ingredients hit their peak, many restaurants and supermarkets in Bahrain will also celebrate with more Fall-friendly produce. To see what you should be eating this season, turn to p25 for our Falling For Good Food round up of all the best bits to stock up on for winter warmers - whether it be at home or when you're eating out.

Of course, November sees the 9th annual FACT Dining Awards Bahrain 2018 take place at the iconic Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa. We've been blown away by the response to online voting and can't thank our readers enough for participating! Need a recap of the nominees? Head straight to p35 for a little reminder of who is up for an award. Don't forget, you can still have your say and make your vote count by going online: w w w.fact-magazine.com and selecting your favourites. All the winners will be revealed in our next issue, and for a sneak peek of the event, keep an eye on our instagram!

We’re going full-on wanderlust mode this month, with a true winter sun staycation at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay (p52). On our regional radar, we visit the ever-popular Cove Rotana Resort, Ras Al Khaimah (p56); a 5-star property that feels like the most serene escape in the UAE. Fashion, beauty, tech, dining and tons of cool local happenings also make up a huge part of the November issue, so check out wardrobe inspo, gadget musthaves and the best places for date night, Thanksgiving or a cultural fix.

HOW IS IT OFFICIALLY THE FESTIVE SEASON SOON? (caps lock indicates panic and disbelief). Like every year, my winter playlist is sounding like a karaoke dream (not everyone in the FACT office approves) and I intend to belt out every word until December gets here...☺

Shabana Adam Editor-in-Chief shabana@fact-magazine.com Insta: @shabs_a 4

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FACT Magazine Bahrain Edition • NOVEMBER 2018 VOLUME 12, ISSUE 03

DIRECTOR OMAR SHAHEEN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GREG HUGHES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SHABANA ADAM (shabana@fact-magazine.com) ASSISTANT EDITOR AANCHAL DUGGAL SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS SYED MUHAMMED RAIHAN JYOTI RAWAT PHOTOGRAPHY SHOBIN JOSEPH CONTRIBUTORS GEORGINA JENNSEN HELEN HOUGHTON JAYNE GREEN YVONNE COLE REGIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR RAMI KHALIL PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION AJIT KUMAR NEIL MAHMOOD ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Tel: +973 3632 0131 E-mail: rami@nansgroup.com PRINTED BY DAR AKHBAR AL KHALEEJ

All Rights Reserved. Opinion expressed within does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the information within this publication.

However, FACT M.E. Bahrain cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions. FACT M.E. Bahrain Publishing W.L.L. Office 53, Building 872, Road 3618, Block 436, Seef. Ministry of Information. Subject Registration Number: CFB779

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• CONNECT

INSTAGRAM

TWITTER

@factmagazine

@FACTMagazineME

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Combining all four editions of FACT in Bahrain and the region, keep up with us on instagram for the best behind-the-scenes photos from food shoots, local events and all things awesome in the Gulf, plus loads more from the FACT team.

Your one-stop culture fix for life in Bahrain | First for local talent, arts, fashion, dining and all the coolest events | We’ve got tech, travel, motoring and exclusive interviews with all the industry and celebrity-world movers and shakers too | Get your copy of FACT Bahrain in local supermarkets now!

FACEBOOK FACT Bahrain 15,134 likes Keep up with all things Bahrain as the FACT team posts the latest competitions, happenings and everything we’re getting up to for the monthly magazine, all for our readers!

“

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone."

ISSUU.COM FACT Bahrain 65,311 reads of the October issue If you need your FACT fix pronto, flick through our monthly online edition on issuu. com for all the best features, including local culture, arts, fashion, food, motoring, tech, travel and more, in Bahrain.

OUR FAVE FEATURE • FALL FOODS P25 •

#FACTMAGAZINE #FACTMIDDLEEAST #FOODARTSCULTURETRAVEL #THEONLYWAYISFACT 6

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What moves you m ves us

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• CHECK IT OUT

FACT FINDS

Breakfast, Fatto Style!

BREAKFAST LOVERS ARE IN FOR A REAL TREAT AS FATTO RESTAURANT IN SEEF L AUNCHES ITS WEEKEND MORNING PICK-ME-UP DELIGHTS.

GET READY FOR FRESH, delicious, and finger-licking flavours every weekend as Fatto brings new creations to the culinary scene on the island. A satisfying menu designed with precision to meet the high expectations of a demanding audience.

Between the sophistication of croissants and the simplicity of flat bread, eggs earn a whole new level of appreciation. We can still taste the egg shakshuka flat bread from last week with its amazing smoky tomato sauce, silky eggs, and creamy cheese. Discover Eggs Benedict all over again with a touch of spiciness that charms your taste buds. Scrambled eggs on toast could not be more velvety and earthy when matched with fresh sautéed mushrooms. And the egg calzone is the definition of comfort food.

Sweet tooth buddies will be in awe of the abundant and amazing choices from straightforward pancakes to magical 8

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nutella stuffed French toast with Ice cream, a sprinkle of hazelnut, caramel sauce, and raspberry coulis… OH MY PALATE! A selection of fresh juices and healthy mixes takes us by surprise. Never thought we’d enjoy drinking beetroot this much – but we did. And, of course, the coffee is served as its best.

Fact says: do not think twice, go next weekend and judge for yourself; Fatto serves Bahrain's best new breakfast, hands down! ✤

GO: VISIT FATTO IN SEEF. CALL 6677 8822 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

LEGENDARY DINING AN AWARD-WINNING STEAKHOUSE, where you can find your passion for prime cuts, fine grapes and the art of cooking. Friendly and professional service complements the stylish, contemporary setting. It’s one of the best venues in Manama family gatherings or romantic evening with your loved ones. Indulge in an impressive array of premium cuts, grills and signature dishes cooked to perfection. Open hours: Sunday to Wednesday, 7pm to 11pm and Thursday to Friday, 6pm to 11pm.

LEGENDARY RIBS Take it slow this Monday with our slow cooked BBQ ribs, glazed with our famous BBQ sauce for only BD7++. Pairs well with a glass of cold beer or your choice of a classic red wine, available upon your order. Every Monday during opening hours.

STEAK & WINE, COUPLES RETREAT Enjoy a bottle of house vino on the hotel, when purchasing two steaks from the a la carte menu. Thursday and Friday, during opening hours. ✤

GO: CALL 1720 8308 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

SHOWING SUPPORT INTERCONTINENTAL REGENCY BAHRAIN is one of the leading 5 star hotels in the Kingdom of Bahrain contributed in many activates during the Breast cancer awareness month with many activities. The hotel collaborated with Bahrain Cancer Society in order to help raising funds for breast cancer research and awareness. The collaboration included displaying several of Think Pink products including t-shirts, hats, pens and accessories to be sold at the hotel, as a fund raising activity for the cancer society.

The funds collected is given to the Bahrain Cancer Society supporting their research and awareness plans.

In conjunction with IHG social and community service activities, InterContinental Regency contributed in the ‘‘WALK-A-THON’’ event which took place on Friday 19th of October. An invitation was sent to all hotel staff to be participated in the event in order to encourage them to support the Breast Cancer awareness month. ✤ 10

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LE MERIDIEN CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway, Al Seef District, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain T +973 1717 1000 lemeridienbahraincitycentre.com

LE MERIDIEN CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway, Al Seef District, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain T +973 1717 1000 lemeridienbahraincitycentre.com

THANKSGIVING DINNER This Thanksgiving, come and discover the innovative flavours and creative presentations at Baharat. A scrumptious Turkey feast and carefully curated dishes will be served from 7:00pm to 11:00pm on Thursday, 22nd November 2018.

BHD 24 net inclusive of water and soft beverages BHD 29 net inclusive of free flow of selected beverages For more information or to make a reservation, please call +973 1717 1441

26° 14' N 50° 33' E DESTINATION UNLOCKED

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• LISTEN UP

THANKSGIVING FEASTS Just some of the best places to consider for your Thanksgiving celebrations…

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BAHRAIN BAY Thanksgiving by Azure Pool & Lounge Get in the festive mood with the traditional American Thanksgiving experience, given aWolfgang Puck twist. Enjoy the celebrity Chef’s take on this hallmark of Americana, prepared live at the stunning Azure Pool area. All the favourites are featured along with exciting seasonal treats, from mouthwatering deep-fried turkey with cranberryapple compote, to brioche stuffing, and Kabocha pumpkin pie. BD39++ for unlimited food and beverages, served on November 22 from 6pm to 12midnight.

GO: Call 1711 5044 for reservations and more information.

has turned its Friday Brunch into an authentic Thanksgiving feast. Guests are invited to enjoy an exciting atmosphere with live band and entertainment on November 23 from 12.30 pm to 5pm. The Thanksgiving Brunch buffet features a great variety of festive dishes as well as international cuisine and live cooking stations, priced at BD36 net, including unlimited selected beverages. Or you can just gather your friends and family on November 22 to enjoy the finest meat and cocktails at Thursday Night out from 7pm to 11pm, priced at BD32 net including unlimited premium beverages.

GO: Call 1746 0017 for reservations and more information.

ART ROTANA AMWAJ ISLANDS LE MERIDIEN BAHRAIN CITY CENTRE Thanksgiving Dinner This Thanksgiving come on over to break bread with your family or enjoy an intimate dinner for two at Baharat restaurant.

A scrumptious Turkey feast served in a luxurious ambience will make it a memorable evening for all. Buffet is priced at BD24 net including soft drinks and water, BD29 net including selected free flow beverages. From 6.30pm to 11pm.

GO: Call 1717 1000 for reservations and more information.

MOVENPICK HOTEL BAHRAIN Thanksgiving at Al Murjan Ballroom For those craving a festive buffet, Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain 12

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Thanksgiving Brunch at Choices Restaurant & Terrace Celebrate Thanksgiving in style with ART Rotana’s Friday Brunch, featuring an extravagant banquet of Thanksgiving specials, along with a vast array of superb live cooking stations fit for the occasion. Enjoy the unlimited premium vino and drinks while the exceptional jazz band plays their best tunes.

The little ones will have the time of their lives with amusing planned activities. Enjoy the bright and open atmosphere and marvel at the beautiful sea views from your table. Priced at BD25 net with soft drinks and juices, and BD36 net with house beverages. BD12.5 net for kids aged six to 12 and kids aged below six dine for free. November 23 from 12.30pm to 4pm. ✤ GO: Call 1600 0111 for reservations and more information.

RING THE FESTIVE BELLS AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN

For reservations, please call (973) 1758 6499.

Celebrate the year's most jolly season with a variety of fun and exciting events for the whole family including the most-awaited tree lighting ceremony, Grand Christmas Brunch and Broadway-themed New Year's Eve Celebration.

Bldg 112, King Mohammed VI Ave, Block 428, Al Seef District, Manama, Bahrain 973 1758 0000

© 2018 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

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• LISTEN UP

MUSICAL RECOGNITION You might recognise him from one of the many shows he’s put on at local restaurants, hotels, cafés and events as part of the iconic local band Likwid or going in solo, either way, the one and only Ahmed AlQasim has gained the right kind of attention from music fans and appreciators alike. It’s no surprise then that the Bahraini music maestro was awarded the 2nd annual Emerging Music Artist Award by BNP Paribas Head of MEA, Jacques Michel, on the side lines of the Bahrain Jazz Festival last month.

The bass guitarist and soulful singer was presented with a cash grant of a whopping BD5,000 to put towards the development of his career in music. Having played bass guitar for nearly two decades, Ahmed has wowed crowds in Bahrain with his popular jazz show; AQ’S jazz experience and also playing in Bahrain’s most famous band, Likwid. He is one of the few full-time musicians in the country who has played gigs at Bahrain Jazz Fest, Cairo Jazz Festival, Spring of Culture Bahrain and many sold out concerts in the Arab world.

BNP Paribas supports jazz music globally, especially through the BNP Foundation in Paris, and this particular award is meant to recognise and support local talent in their quest to progress in their musical career. Congrats Ahmed! ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ LIKWIDBANDBAHRAIN FOR MORE INFORMATION.

CULINARY EXCLUSIVES The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa will play host to not one but three world-famous celebrity chefs this month, and we couldn’t be more excited. From November 4 to 9, Michelin Star Chef Giancarlo Perbellini will be visiting the hotel’s Italian outlet, La Pergola By Perbellini to share his innovation and traditional choice of dishes. From November 20 to 24, the award-winning Fusions restaurant, boasting unrivalled views over the hotel’s tropical gardens and Manama skyline., will welcome Michelin Star Chef and TV personality Wout Bru! Go and experience Bru’s innovative, modern and imaginative cuisine for yourself.

And last, but by no means the least, from November 27 to December 1, the master of modern Indian cooking, Chef Vineet Bhatia, returns to his restaurant in Bahrain. Sharpen your culinary skills as Chef Vineet hosts his Master Cooking Class and enjoy a memorable opportunity by sharing the lunch table with him. ✤

GO: CALL 1771 3000 FOR RESERVATIONS OR MORE INFORMATION. 14

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• LISTEN UP

SPA SENSATION Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa shelters an eden-esque getaway with the only Thalassa Sea & Spa in the entire Middle East, covering 2,000 square meters of the stunning resort.

THE REJUVENATING SPA IS the first and only relaxation haven to offer Thalassotherapy, a treatment that uses salt water to further detoxify your body with its healthy benefits. Designed to ensure privacy and tranquility it almost feels as an escape from reality while allowing your body and mind to connect in perfect harmony.

The complex is separated into 14 different rooms, six of which are used for dry treatments such as massages where eight rooms are used for the Thalassotherapy and other water dependent treatments. Each room is infused with an aroma that further highlights the natural element of blending seawater hydrotherapy, massages, and wellness programs. In addition, it boasts a cutting edge seawater hydrotherapy pool, a freshwater pool, saunas, steam rooms, hairdresser for men and beauty salon for women, as well as a recreation and yoga studio.

With a permanent focus on purity, the sea-water used in the Thalassa Sea & Spa is sourced from the deep waters of the open sea, filtered, and then heated to 33°C. This promotes the relaxation of muscles, stimulates the blood-flow, and helps the absorption of active ingredients. This method of deriving seawater to create an idyllic feeling has made Thalassa Sea & Spa the forerunner of Thalassotherapy in France, and now in the Middle East at Sofitel Bahrain.

Pamper yourself this November at Thalassa Sea and Spa and welcome the new season with the special Thalassa Autumn Escape Package. Relax and enjoy the healthy benefits of Seawater Hydromassage Bath as you revive your body. Next let go of all 16

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the stress and indulge in a unique rejuvenation experience with the Marine Body Wrap treatment for 30 minutes. Finally, take your skin on a journey of renewal and detoxification with a cleansing Express Facial Treatment as you complete your unforgettable wellness break. The incredible 90 minute package is priced at a cool BD50, where you’ll enjoy: Seawater Hydromassage Bath | 30 minutes, Marine Body Wrap | 30 minutes, and Express Facial Treatment | 30 minutes. Discover the paradise of Thalassa and indulge in the health benefits obtained from the seawater treatments in the most serene and idyllic of places. ✤

GO: CALL 1763 6391 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

CULTURAL CALENDAR Once again, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities has a number of great happenings for you to check out this month…

The Stamp Seal: Hallmark of Dilmun and its Hidden Art Date: Ongoing - September 20 Time: 8am - 8pm Venue: Bahrain National Museum Genre: Exhibition Seals were a main administrative tool used to regulate trade and organise society. Hardly bigger than few centimetres, they were used on official documents; tags attached to goods and on buildings gates to certify authenticity and ownership. In addition to their main administrative function, the seals might have had some metaphysical connotations. With a shape and iconography unusual to the Near East, the Dilmun seals illustrate more than any other category of artefacts, the most original material representation of the Dilmun culture and its only surviving art. The display illustrates an exceptional selection of seals spanning the 3rd and 2nd millennia BCE and examines the use, techniques, diversity and splendour of the Dilmun seals.

Dreams of a Traveler – A Tale from Muharraq Date: November 28, 2018 Time: 8pm Venue: Bahrain National Theatre Genre: Musical Performance Minimum Age: 8 Years A specially commissioned project more than a year in the making to mark the closing ceremony of Muharraq – Capital 18

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of Islamic Culture 2018, A Tale from Muharraq is a musical that presents the unique heritage and culture of Bahrain as seen through the prism of award- winning international innovators.

Artistic Director Jose Antonio Ruiz, Choreographer Patrick de Bana, and composer Jose Nieto join forces to tell the story of the protagonist Aziz’s journey as he searches for himself.

He falls into a dreamlike state where the ultimate goal of his existence is revealed, as represented by the Tree of Life, an icon of knowledge past and the connection with the infinite.

Five P.M. at Bab In the heart of Bab Al-Bahrain, specifically right at its front door in the market area, a weekly activity takes place every Thursday at 5pm. Open to the public; all are invited to participate and enjoy the festive atmosphere. November 8: Food at Bab invites the audience to get a taste of various cuisines, accompanied by a live band. November 15: The Little Guide workshop will allow children to learn about the most significant archaeological sites of Bahrain. November 22: Art Students from the University of Bahrain will participate in a cultural activity where they will handsketch live to the public. November 29: A Musical Evening: Qalali Band celebrates with a traditional musical evening, bringing us back to the popular music genre of “Fjiri”. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.CULTURE.GOV.BH FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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ANNUAL POPPY BALL The Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF) will hold its annual charitable Poppy Ball at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa on November 9.

FIRMLY ESTABLISHED AS ONE of the high points on Bahrain’s yearly social calendar, the Poppy Ball is held in cooperation with the British Business Association (BBA) from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. As previously, one of the main attractions at the Poppy Ball is the attendance of the Chelsea Pensioners as VIP Guests of Honour.

This year, the BBBF will host three Chelsea pensioners: John Griffiths (Late SGT) 73 years, Peter Henry (Late WO1) 71 years; and Hugh Craig (Late WO1) 68 years. During their stay, the pensioners will attend many functions, including school visits, British Embassy functions and visits to local places of interest.

The highlights of their visit will be laying a wreath at the Memorial Service to mark Remembrance Day and attending the Poppy Ball.

The Poppy Ball will begin at 7pm with a welcome reception and a buffet dinner, followed by music with DJ Alfie from 9.3 pm to dance the night away. Dress code is evening or cocktail dresses for ladies and dinner suits with black ties or national dress for gents.

The Chelsea Pensioners’ visits to Bahrain have become a yearly tradition. BBBF’s Chairman, Khalid Al Zayani OBE, stated that this is made possible with the generosity of local companies. “The Pensioners greatly enjoy visiting Bahrain and always remark on the warm-hearted welcome they receive. I would like to thank this year’s main sponsors British Airways, Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover, Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa and Gulf Brands International.”

The Poppy Ball is organised in support of the Chelsea Pensioners Appeal and The Children and Mothers Welfare Society Bahrain. The society has been a leader in voluntary work in the Kingdom of Bahrain since 1953; and it has played a central role in the empowerment and uplifting of women and children in the Kingdom. ✤ 20

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GO: CALL 1781 3488 TO RESERVE A TABLE AND FOR MORE INFORMATION.

END OF SUMMER

BD 149++ INCLUSIONS : Stay for a night in One Bedroom Private Pool Villa Breakfast Lunch or Dinner BD 20 Spa Voucher 2 tickets to LPOD Waterpark

Valid only for every Saturday-Wednesday

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• SOCIETY

#BAHRAIN #JAZZ #FESTIVAL #2018 22

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SOCIETY •

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• SOCIETY

#GRAND #OPENING #OF #THE #TERRACE #JUMEIRAH #ROYAL #SARAY #BAHRAIN 24

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#CHOCOLATE #ON #THE #SALTY #SIDE #AT #MÖVENPICK #HOTEL #BAHRAIN

NEW SEASON NEW EATS •

FALLING FOR GOOD FOOD

We’ve already had a storm and the rains, which only means one thing – the cooler weather is well and truly on its way! One of the best things about this time of year is all the ingredients in season that make for delicious comfort food; FACT’s Aanchal Duggal finds all the best autumnal dishes to try in Bahrain… fact magazine

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• FALL FOODS

SWEET POTATO As yummy as it is nutritious, sweet potato should be at the very top of your fall food list. An excellent source of vitamin A, fibre, iron and calcium, the low-calorie, naturally sweet vegetable can be used in your favourite recipes, as sides or even in salads. Turn it into a healthy, crispy snack as sweet potato chips, add them to your regular sandwich or wrap, dig into a hearty sweet potato casserole or start your day off right with scrumptious sweet potato pancakes!

Dish: Sweet Potato Fries Where to try it: Lumee Saar Kitchen

CAULIFLOWER Packed with an impressive array of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, the humble cauliflower is a super food in its own right. Extremely versatile and yummy, this autumnal veggie can be eaten raw or cooked and is the perfect substitute for mashed potatoes. Turn it into a delicious pizza crust, dig into flavourful cauliflower fried rice, devour beautifully seasoned roasted cauliflower steaks or enjoy it in a nutritious salad. Experiment with purple varieties for some added fun!

Dish: Malaysian Cauliflower and Pumpkin Curry Where to try it: Baker & Spice

BEETROOT One of the most antioxidant rich vegetables on our plate, beets are the perfect food to keep you healthy and energised this fall.

A powerful illness fighter, the colourful ingredient is an amazing source of fibre, folate, potassium and boron. Packed with a ton of flavour, these nutrition powerhouses can be a lot of fun to play around with in the kitchen. From luscious beet brownies and crispy oven-baked chips to raspberry-beet smoothie and vibrant beet salads, the options are endless!

Dish: Quinoa Falafel Salad with Beetroot Hummus Where to try it: Nomad Urban Eatery

SPINACH Tantalise your taste buds while you keep topped up on your leafy greens! Taste spinach at its very best in Fall; filled with iron, fibre and nitrates, this extremely nutritious vegetable does wonders for your skin, hair and bone health. Exceedingly beneficial for your heart and controlling blood sugar levels, it can be enjoyed cooked or served raw. Whip up a delicious seafood spinach stew; get your fast food fix with a spicy chickpea and spinach burger or toss it into a fresh and flavourful spinach and golden beet salad, and those looking for a moreish fix, spinach and paneer curry or spinach ravioli will do the trick.

Dish: Paneer Saagwala Where to try it: Lanterns Restaurant, Adliya 26

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LET BRAZIL COME TO YOU Take a journey through our festive fare with live music & city skyline views from our roof top restaurant Opens from 7:00 pm to 2:00 am Book your table now, call +973 6631 6666

Via Brasil Bahrain Building 65, Road 4003, Block 340, Juffair P.O. Box 13220 | Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain info@wyndhamgardenmanama.com wyndhamgardenmanama.com

viabrasilbah

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• FALL FOODS

DATES You have no excuse to not get your fill of the decadently tasty date. If you’re anything like us, you just can’t get enough of the decadently sweet date. Apart from being oh-so-delicious, the hearty fruit is rich in various nutrients, fibre as well as antioxidants and have amazing benefits for the brain and heart. An essential in Middle Eastern cuisine, dates are extremely versatile and can be enjoyed solo or in a dish. Make your own trail mix by mixing dates with your favourite nuts, toss it into a healthy salad or treat yourself to some indulgent banana and date muffins.

Dish: Date Cake with Toffee Sauce Where to try it: Saffron by Jena

PUMPKIN A fall favourite, you just can’t get into the spirit of the season without a little bit of pumpkin in your life! Filled with vitamins and minerals that will help you thrive throughout fall and winter; it can be used in a variety of sweet and savoury dishes. With incredible health benefits packed into every scrumptious bite, there’s so much to pumpkin than just lattes. Add roasted pumpkin cubes to your favourite salad, bake delectable pumpkin muffins or warm up with a comforting pumpkin soup.

Dish: Pumpkin Soup Where to try it: My Café

SALMON Heart-healthy and a treat for your taste buds, salmon is at its peak flavour during the autumnal season. One of the best sources of omega-3’s, vitamins A and D, it helps improve immunity and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. Super easy to cook with, the “king of fish” can be enjoyed in an array of inventive ways. Tuck into yummy salmon glazed with soy sauce and brown sugar, grill it with fresh peaches or pair it with mouthwatering zesty rice, and how about some salmon teriyaki – so many ways to enjoy it.

Dish: Grilled Atlantic Salmon Steak Label Rouge Where to try it: La Med, The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain

BROCCOLI Weather you love it or hate it, the highly nutritious broccoli is a fall staple you should definitely get behind. An all-star food, the mighty broccoli is low in calories, rich in essential vitamins and minerals as well as a good source of folic acid. Add more greens into your diet with yummy garlicky roasted broccoli, a light and easy broccoli salad, broccoli rice bowls, clean green soup or just munch on some raw broccoli for a healthy snack!

Dish: Broccoli Shawarma Where to try it: Plant Café 28

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• FALL FOODS

LETTUCE As the weather gets colder, head over to your local farmer’s market and stock up on some lettuce for some incredible health benefits and yummy culinary creations! The leafiest and greenest of all leafy greens, lettuce is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and other nutrients like vitamins A and K and potassium. Enjoy it in Romaine, Iceberg or chopped in a good old salad, layer into spring rolls and wraps or warm yourself up with a healthy and flavourful lettuce soup.

Dish: Lettuce Wraps Where to try it: Hash House, Adliya

CINNAMON Aromatic and full of flavour, cinnamon adds a touch of deliciousness to your food while also promoting positive health.

Known to naturally lower blood sugar levels, cinnamon has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. With so many amazing health benefits, there is no reason why you shouldn’t indulge in some cinnamony delights this season. Add a little cinnamon to your morning coffee or oatmeal for an instant energy boost; or add a dash of this warm spice to pancakes or toast.

Dish: Cinnamon French Toast Where to try it: Furn Bistro & Bakery, The Westin Bahrain City Centre

LEEEK Super nutritious and flavourful, leeks provide various health benefits while seasoning your food at the same time! Offering a unique combination of flavonoids and sulfur-containing nutrients, they help improve eye health, keep skin clear, prevent cataracts as well as support cardiovascular health. Toss some into your salad to add another tasty dimension, add it to soups and stews or spruce things up and add it to some creamy risotto.

Dish: Yakitori (Chicken thigh and Leeks with Teriyaki sauce) Where to try it: Bushido, Seef

APPLES Perfect for snacking, baking and keeping you healthy,crisp, juicy apples are the perfect fall flavour! From giving you whiter, healthier teeth and reducing cholesterol to decreasing your risk of diabetes and controlling your weight, this nutritious super food does wonders for your health and also tastes incredible.

Bake this health-boosting ingredient into a maple walnut and saffron apple pie, relish a butternut squash and apple soup or snack on some easy and delicious caramelised apple chips.

Dish: Apple and Endive Salad Where to try it: CUT by Wolfgang Puck, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay 30

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WINTER PROMO OTION

BD16 net FULL DAY

(Two coffee breaks and one buffet luncheon)

BD13 net HALF DAY

Book state of the art meeting room for 25 pax and receive: • Waived meeting room rental fee charges • Complimentary meeting package for 2 delegates • Complimentary Luxury Room with breakfast

(One coffee break and one buffet luncheon)

For reservations and more information, please contact: +973 63 63 63 41 | h6722-sl4@sofitel.com Terms and Conditions: • • • •

Above rates are inclusive of 10% service charge plus 10% government levy Above rates are subject to availability at the time of booking Not applicable during public holidays or black-out dates Offer valid until 30th December 2018

SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA 105 ZALLAQ HIGHWAY, BUILDING 2015, BLOCK 1055, ZALLAQ AREA, P.O. BOX 5554 MANAMA, KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN TEL. +973 17 63 63 63 - FAX. +973 17 63 63 64 EMAIL: H6722@SOFITEL.COM - WEBSITE: WWW.SOFITEL.COM/6722

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@sofitelbahrain

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• FALL FOODS

CARROT Dip it in hummus or top your salad with it for a healthy snack, carrots are another one of our favourite fall snacks. Crunchy, tasty and highly nutritious, carrots contain vitamin A, antioxidants and other nutrients that can help reduce the risks of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Combine shredded carrots with lowfat shredded cheese and enjoy a delectable carrot casserole, blend some carrots, yogurt and pineapple into a yummy power smoothie or add them to some fried rice for an easy dinner!

Dish: Gajar Ka Halwa Where to try it: Rivaaj, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

POMEGRANATE Super delicious and addictive pomegranate makes for an amazing feel-good snack as well as the perfect addition to your favourite salad. Packed with anti-aging and antioxidant properties, pomegranates are beneficial Alzheimer’s disease prevention, help with digestion and are also very heart-healthy. Add pomegranate seeds to some vanilla yogurt for some extra flavour, sip into refreshing pomegranate juice, use the juice as a marinade for shrimp and chicken or sprinkle some seeds on any dessert!

Drink: Melon-Pomegranate Mist Where to try it: Nu Asia, Seef

MUSHROOM Be it white, cremini, shiitake or Portobello, mushrooms make for the perfect comfort food during this season. Packed with nutritional value, mushrooms are high in antioxidants, selenium, and vitamin D and low in fat and calories. Freshen up your meals by adding some mushrooms to your everyday meals like lasagna or soup, swap meat for Portobello mushrooms in your favourite sandwich or munch on some delicious mushroom chips dipped in warm pesto sauce!

Dish: Funghi Risotto Where to try it: Melenzane, The Avenues - Bahrain ✤

ORANGE Brighten up your culinary palate with some citrusy goodness!

Juicy and packed with vitamin C, autumn is the best time to enjoy this citrus favourite. It helps maintain a healthy immune system, prevents skin damage, keeps blood pressure under check, lowers cholesterol and controls your blood sugar levels.

Start your day off right by adding some oranges to your morning oatmeal and enjoy some refreshing and energising orange lemonade or just infuse it into plain water for extra flavour.

Dish: Orange Polenta Cake Where to try it: Crowne Plaza Bahrain 32

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• SOCIETY

#ACCOR #HOTELS #LUXE #SHOWCASE #AT #SOFITAL #BAHRAIN 34

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#A #CULINARY #TRIP #TO #MEXICO #AT #CANTINA #KAHLO #THE #RITZCARLTON #BAHRAIN

NOMINEES REVEALED! VOTING IS NOW OPEN FOR THE 9TH ANNUAL FACT DINING AWARDS BAHRAIN 2018. HAS YOUR FAVOURITE BEEN NOMINATED?

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• FACT DINING AWARDS

MIDDLE EASTERN

• SAFFRON BY JENA, Muharraq • DAR ZOWAYED, ADLIYA • SAFFRON, Al Areen Palace & Spa • MARASH, Muharraq • FURN BISTRO & BAKERY, The Westin Bahrain City Centre • LUMEE SAAR KITCHEN, Saar • AL ABRAAJ, Various Locations

LEBANESE

INTERNATIONAL

• BAHARAT, Le Meridien Bahrain City Centre • TRADER VIC’S, Seef • LINKS, Royal Golf Club • NOMAD URBAN EATERY, Seef • MY CAFÉ, Adliya • SILK’S, Movenpick Hotel Bahrain • CHOICES, ART Rotana Amwaj Islands • CAMELOT RESTAURANT & LOUNGE, Adliya • MAHONIA, Adliya • CELLULOID, Amwaj Islands

ITALIAN – FINE DINING

• PRIMAVERA, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain • LA PERGOLA BY PERBELLINI, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • FIAMMA, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa • OLIVETO, Adliya • MEDZO, InterContinental Regency Bahrain • VENTO, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay • CAFE ITALIA, Adliya . • MASSO, The Palace Boutique Hotel

ITALIAN – CASUAL DINING

• ROSSO, ART Rotana Amwaj Islands • OTTO, Hamala Hills • FATTO, Seef • CUCINA ITALIANA, Juffair • CICO'S, Adliya • SAN CARLO CICCHETTI, Al Aali Complex • MARZIPAN, Galleria Mall 36

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• TRATTORIA, Wyndham Garden Manama • MAWASIM, Gallaria Mall

MEDITERRANEAN

• LA VINOTECA BARCELONA, Adliya • TORINO RESTAURANT & LOUNGE, Adliya • FLORENCE, Adliya • MASSO, Palace Boutique Hotel • CACAO LOUNGE & RESTAURANT, Riffa • YA HALA, Ramada Hotel & Suites Amwaj Islands • LA MED The Ritz Carlton, Bahrain • MAWASIM, Gallaria Mall

• PASHAWAT, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa • ZAHLE, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • ABD EL WAHAB, Moda Mall • RAYES, Coral Bay • REEM AL BAWADI, Ramada Manama City Centre • ZAYT ZAYTOON, Various Locations • CAFÉ BLANC, Seef • WAFI GOURMET, City Centre Bahrain • AREESH, Amwaj Islands

IRANIAN

• TAKHT JAMSHEED, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • ISFAHANI, Various Locations • GOLESTAN, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel • PERSIAN GARDEN RESTAURANT, Al Aali Mall • TEHRAN GRILLS, Daih

SEAFOOD

• LA MER, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa • SAMAK, Coral Bay • REEF FISH MARKET, Reef Island • LA PERLE FISHMARKET, Novotel Al Dana Resort • THE FISH MARKET, Al Bander Hotel & Resort • WAVES, Crowne Plaza Bahrain • LE DOMAIN, The Domain Hotel & Spa

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•

Enjoy the Mediterranean fusion at our new indoor & outdoor lounge Weekdays: 5:00 pm – 2:00 am Weekends: 12:00 noon – 2:00 am

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THE BEST INDIAN DINING EXPERIENCE WITH LIVE MUSIC Savour the authentic taste of Indian cuisine with a wide variety of traditional Indian recipes Lunch: 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm Dinner: 7:00 pm to 11:45 pm

+973 6631 6666 | Juffair Jashanbahrain

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• FACT DINING AWARDS

TURKISH

INDIAN - FINE DINING

• KOSEBASI, City Centre Bahrain • NAMLI, Seef • MADO, Seef • TURKISH MASHAWI, Ramli Mall • BOLULU HASAN USTA BAHRAIN, Manama • GUZEL TURKISH RESTAURANT, Manama

• NIRVANA, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain • SPICES, Crowne Plaza Bahrain • RASOI BY VINEET, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • IT’S MIRCHI, Ramee International Hotel • RIVAAJ, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa • JASHAN, Wyndham Garden Manama

CHINESE

• CHINA GARDEN, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • P.F. CHANG’S, City Centre Bahrain • DAVID’S STIR FRY CRAZY, Adliya • SOIE, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel • HONG KONG, Um Al Hassam • BEIJING RESTAURANT, Adliya • WOK STATION, Various location

SOUTH EAST ASIAN

• RE ASIAN CUISINE BY WOLFGANG PUCK, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay • TEATRO, Downtown Rotana • WU ASIAN RESTAURANT & LOUNGE, Art Rotana Amwaj • MONSOON, Adliya • WOK STATION, Various Locations • KEIZO, Al Areen Palace & Spa • ROYAL THAI, Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa

JAPANESE

• MEISEI, Adliya • BUSHIDO RESTAURANT & LOUNGE, Seef • MAKI, Moda Mall

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INDIAN – CASUAL DINING

• SATO, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • IMARI, The Domain Hotel & Spa • SUMO SUSHI & BENTO, Various Locations • RUKA, Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa • MIRAI, Adliya • ORA RESTAURANT, Hotel Diva

• MEWAR, Galleria Mall • LANTERNSs, Various Locations • COPPER CHIMNEY RESTAURANT, Seef • AKBAR, Ramada Palace Hotel • ASHA’S, Various Locations • NATTINPURAM, Ramee Baisan Hotel • SWAGAT, Manama Souq

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• FACT DINING AWARDS

BURGER JOINT

• CRAVE, Seef • THE GRUB SHACK, Hamala • SLIDER STATION, Adliya • MOOYAH, Riffa • SHAKE SHACK, Various Locations • THE BLOCK, Seef • BLUEFIELD BURGER, Juffair • FIVE GUYS, The Avenues Bahrain • FIRE FLY BURGER, Hala Plaza

IN-MALL NORTH AMERICAN

• BENNIGAN’S, Al Safir Hotel • CHILI’S, Various Locations • TONY ROMA’S, Various Locations • RIC’S KOUNTRY KITCHEN, Juffair • IHOP, City Centre Bahrain • T.G.I. FRIDAYS, Manama • TEXAS ROADHOUSE, The Avenues Bahrain

LATIN AMERICAN

• BRASA DE BRAZIL, Juffair • VIA BRASIL, Wyndham Garden Manama • BRAZIL RODIZIO GRILL & LOUNGE, Adliya • BIG TEXAS BBQ AND WAFFLE HOUSE, Juffair • BONGOS SUBS & SPUDS, Segaya

MEXICAN

• MARGARITA MEXICANA, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • SENOR PACO’S, Adliya • CASA MEXICANA, Adliya • CANTINA KAHLO, The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain • CALEXICO, Adliya • EL GRINGO, Hamala

STEAKHOUSE

• CUT BY WOLFGANG PUCK, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay • FLAMES STEAK & SEAFOOD, ART Rotana Amwaj Islands • LEGENDZ STEAKHOUSE, InterContinental Regency Bahrain • PLUMS, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain • LE SAUVAGE, The Domain Hotel & Spa • THE MEAT CO., Adliya • THE FOUNDRY, Adliya 40

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• BUTCHER SHOP & GRILL, City Centre Bahrain • DEAN & DELUCA, The Avenues Bahrain • VAPIANO, City Centre Bahrain • PAUL RESTAURANT & BAKERY, Seef Mall

• WAGAMAMA, City Centre Bahrain • LUMEE SAAR KITCHEN, Saar Mall • THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY, The Avenues Bahrain • M BY MIRAI, Al Aali Shopping Complex

FAMILY-FRIENDLY

• LUMEE, Various Locations • DOME CAFÉ, Various Locations • MARASH, Various Locations • NINO, Seef • CHEZ SUSHI, Saar • AL ABRAAJ, Various Locations • YA SALAM, Various Locations • THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY, The Avenues Bahrain • FLORENCE, Adliya • M BY MIRAI, Al Aali Shopping Complex

CASUAL DINING

• NU ASIA, Seef • LE PAIN QUOTIDIEN, The Avenues Bahrain • THE BLOCK, Seef • BAKER & SPICE, Al Aali Shopping Complex • NOMAD URBAN EATERY, Seef • THE FLORIST’S DAUGHTER, Al Aali Shopping Complex

Galleria Mall - Zinj Tel: +973 17 333 505 Mob: +973 36 020 700

thebreadstorybahrain 41 www. th e-br eadsto rfacty.magazine com

• FACT DINING AWARDS

CENTRE • ELITE CRYSTAL HOTEL • WYNDHAM GRAND MANAMA • SHERATON BAHRAIN HOTEL

• FATTO, Seef • PASSION RESTAURANT & LOUNGE, Adliya • 55 Old Street, Adliya • M by Mirai, Seef

LOUNGE

ALL-DAY DINING

• FLAVOURS ON 2, Downtown Rotana • AL SAFIR RESTAURANT, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel • SILK’S, Movenpick Hotel Bahrain • THE EATERY, The Grove Hotel Bahrain • LE CHOCOLAT, Various Locations • SWISS CAFE, Swiss-Belhotel Seef • ATMOSPHERE, Wyndham Grand Manama • THE PALM LOUNGE, Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain • AL WAHA, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • CAFÉ MOSAIC, Wyndham Garden Manama

AL FRESCO DINING

• MEISEI ROOFTOP, Adliya • THAI LOUNGE, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain • CALEXICO, Adliya • TRADER VIC’S, Seef • TAPAS, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa • VENTO POOLSIDE, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay • LANTERNS, Adliya • LA PLAGE, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain • YA HALA, Ramada Hotel & Suites Amwaj Islands • TERRASSE@28, Wyndham Garden Manama • TYPHOON, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • LA VINOTECA BARCELONA, Adliya

VALUE-FOR-MONEY • COCO’S, Adliya • HASH HOUSE, Adliya • AL ABRAAJ, Various Locations • EMMAWASH, Budaiya • SAFFRON BY JENA, Muharraq • FOODS AT HOME, Budaiya • TAKE AWAY, Seef • CHARCOAL GRILL, Manama • DAR ZOWAYED, Adliya

BUSINESS LUNCH

• GOLESTAN, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel 42

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• NIRVANA, The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain • WAVES, Crowne Plaza Bahrain • FLAVOURS ON 2, Downtown Rotana • CUT BY WOLFGANG PUCK, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay • BUSHIDO RESTAURANT & LOUNGE, Seef • MEDZO, InterContinental Regency Bahrain • BAHARAT, Le Meridien Bahrain City Centre • EAST MEETS WEST BUSINESS LUNCH, Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain • RASOI BY VINEET, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa

THEMED NIGHTS • THE GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN CONVENTION & SPA • ELITE SEEF RESIDENCE • CROWNE PLAZA BAHRAIN • LE MERIDIEN BAHRAIN CITY

• BLUE MOON LOUNGE, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay • ELEMENTS POOL & LOUNGE, InterContinental Regency Bahrain • TXOKO, The Domain Hotel & Spa • HAZEL ROOFTOP LOUNGE, Adliya • ALTO LOUNGE, Downtown Rotana • BIZARRE LOUNGE, Le Meridien Bahrain City Centre • CODA JAZZ LOUNGE, Juffair • THE PALM LOUNGE, Juemirah Royal Sarai Bahrain • OAK LOUNGE, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa

ROOFTOP LOUNGE

• MEISEI, Adliya • LNT GASTROPUB, Adliya • THE FOUNDRY, Adliya • ALTO LOUNGE, Downtown Rotana • HAZEL ROOFTOP LOUNGE, Adliya • IRIS, Adliya • WYNDHAM GARDEN MANAMA, Juffair

BAR

• BOUDOIR, The Westin Bahrain City Centre • DOWNTOWN, InterContinental Regency Bahrain • CUT BAR & LOUNGE, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay • CELLAR 59 BAR, Lounge, Tapas, ART Rotana Amwaj Islands • TRADER VIC’S, Seef

DESTINATION: EVERY WEDNESDAY 8PM TILL 1AM Ladies, your London cocktails are on us! +973 3351 4455

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• FACT DINING AWARDS

• MACARON, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa • JENA BAKERY, Muharraq • FIGS & OLIVES, The Domain Hotel & Spa • FURN BAKERY, The Westin Bahrain City Centre • THE RITZ GOURMET LOUNGE, The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain • MADELEINE BAKERY, Adliya • LILOU ARTISAN PATISSERIE, Various Locations

• CALEXICO, Adliya • CIGAR LOUNGE, Gallery 21 • BURLINGTON CLUB, The RitzCarlton, Bahrain • MIRAI, Adliya • OAK LOUNGE, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa

PUB

• FIDDLERS GREEN, The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa • HARVESTERS, Crowne Plaza Bahrain • JJ’S IRISH RESTAURANT, Adliya • RED LIONS, Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa • SHERLOCK HOLMES, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • PLAYERS LOUNGE, Wyndham Garden Manama • CLUB 360, Juffair

SHISHA LOUNGE

• AROMA CAFÉ, Seef • SIP & DIP, Elite Seef Residence • AL BINDAIRA CAFÉ, Seef • VERANDA CAFÉ, Adliya • AMMAR TIMES CAFÉ, Adliya • KASBAH RESTAURANT & LOUNGE, Seef • MAWASIM RESTAURANT & LOUNGE, Galleria Mall • MARZIPAN, Galleria Mall • AL HADIQA POOL AND BEACH, Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain

CAFÉ

• LE CHOCOLAT, Various Locations • CAFÉ LILOU, Various Locations • FAUCHON PARIS, Moda Mall • ANGELINA PARIS, Adliya • GALLERY CAFÉ, Adliya

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COFFEEHOUSE

TEA ROOM

• BAY VIEW LOUNGE, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay • THE LOBBY LOUNGE, The RitzCarlton, Bahrain • TEA GARDEN, Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa • THE TEA ROOM, Trousseau • ESPRESSAMENTE ILLY CAFÉ, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel • FURN ROTUNDA, The Westin Bahrain City Centre • THE ORANGERY, The Palace Boutique Hotel

PATISSERIE

• CAKE BOUTIQUE, Seef • DELICE, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain • HAUTE CUPCAKES, Seef • PATISSERIE ART, ART Rotana Amwaj Island

• COFFEE REPUBLIC, Various Locations • COSTA COFFEE, Various Locations • STARBUCKS, Various Locations • ESQUIRES, Various Locations • GLORIA JEAN’S COFFEE, Various Locations • CARIBOU COFFEE, Various Locations • COLUMBUS CAFÉ & CO, Various Locations • % ARABICA, The Avenues Bahrain • DOSE, Zallaq • 55 OLD STREET, Adliya • MAMA ISTANBUL CAFE, Dragon City Mall

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• FACT DINING AWARDS

LADIES NIGHT

• MEISEI, Adliya • CELLAR 59, ART Rotana Amwaj Islands • AN NADA LOUNGE, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel • WAHINE TUESDAY, Trader Vics’s • MEZZANINE LOUNGE, The Westin Bahrain City Centre • TXOKO LOUNGE, The Domain Hotel & Spa • BLUE MOON LOUNGE, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay • CODA JAZZ LOUNGE, Juffair • The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • 55 OLD STREET, Adliya

FRIDAY BRUNCH

• THE GRAND FRIDAY BRUNCH, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa • BAHRAIN BAY KITCHEN, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay • BAHRAIN’S SWEETEST BRUNCH, Baharat, Le Meridien Bahrain City Centre • LE DOMAIN [34] & LE SAUVAGE, The Domain Hotel & Spa • FRIDAY JAZZ BRUNCH, Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain • LAMED, The Ritz Carlton • CUT LADIES FRIDAY BRUNCH, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay 46

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FAMILY-FRIENDLY BRUNCH

• GULF GRAND BRUNCH, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • FLAVOURS ON 2, Downtown Rotana • ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS FRIDAY BRUNCH, Crowne Plaza Bahrain • CHOICES, ART Rotana Amwaj Islands • CONSTRUCTION BRUNCH, Movenpick Hotel Bahrain • FAMILY BRUNCH, AT ATMOSPHERE Wyndham Garden Manama • CAFÉ MOSAIC, Wyndham Garden Manama

SATURDAY BRUNCH

• RE/ASIAN CUISINE BY WOLFGANG PUCK, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay • ANGHAAM BRUNCH AT TAPAS, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa • ROSSO, ART Rotana Amwaj Islands • CANTINA KAHLO, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain • AL WALEEMA, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa

INDEPENDENT WEEKEND BRUNCH

• BUSHIDO RESTAURANT & LOUNGE, Seef • VINOTECA BARCELONA, Adliya

• SATURDAY & SUNDAY ROAST, Lanterns Restaurant • RIC'S KOUNTRY KITCHEN, Juffair • BBQ SATURDAYS AT AL HADIQA POOL AND BEACH, Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain

RAMADAN TENT EXPERIENCE

• LAYALI AL ZALLAQ TENT, Sofitel

FACT DINING AWARDS •

• MARZIPAN, Galleria Mall • BEBABEL, The Avenues Bahrain • MEWAR, The Galleria • VIA BRASIL, Wyndham Garden Manama • PLAY RESTAURANT & LOUNGE, Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain • KATSUYA BY STARCK, The Avenues Bahrain • HAZEL ROOFTOP LOUNGE, Adliya • TEXAS ROADHOUSE, The Avenues Bahrain • 400 GRADI, The Avenues Bahrain • YA HALA, Ramada Hotel & Suites Amwaj Islands • JACK’S BAHRAIN, Riffa • DAR ZOWAYED, Adliya

Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa • FOUR SEASONS RAMADAN TENT, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay • MASAYA PAVILION, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain • KHAIMAT AL KHALEEJ, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • NOOR TENT, Elite Resort & Spa • QASR AL SULTAN TENT, Al Areen Palace & Spa

RAMADAN IFTAR EXPERIENCE

• CHOICES RESTAURANT & TERRACE, ART Rotana Amwaj Islands • AL MAHA TENT, Downtown Rotana • LA MOSAIQUE, Crowne Plaza Bahrain • AWALI BALLROOM, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel • SELECTIONS, InterContinental Regency Bahrain • FURN BISTRO & BAKERY, The Westin Bahrain City Centre • AL MURJAN BALLROOM, Movenpick Hotel Bahrain • THE PALM LOUNGE, Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain • KHAIMAT AL KHALEEJ, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa. • BAHRAIN BALLROOM, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay

NEWCOMER

• RIVAAJ, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa • SAN CARLO CICCHETTI, Al Aali Complex fact magazine

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• ENTERTAINMENT

BIG SCREEN Can You Ever Forgive Me? WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

After decades of making a living by profiling the likes of Katherine Hepburn, Tallulah Bankhead, Estee Lauder and journalist Dorothy Kilgallen, celebrity biographer Lee Israel is unable to get published as she has fallen out of step with current times. Turning her art of writing into forgery, Israel and her friend Jack take up deception in order to pay the bills.

DIRECTOR: Marielle Heller CAST: Melissa McCarthy, Richard E. Grant

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

A raw and gritty insight into friendship, loneliness and creative insecurity, Can You Ever Forgive Me? tells a story that the audience has never seen before. Based on Lee Israel’s memoir of the same name, Marielle Heller’s latest offering is a period piece, crime drama and comedy, all wrapped up in one. Featuring Melissa McCarthy’s most convincing role yet, the film turns Israel’s mean and dark character into a surprisingly sympathetic figure. After losing her job, celebrity biographer Lee Israel adapts her writing skills into creating fake letters from famous people and selling them for hundreds of dollars. Teamed up with her close friend, Jack Hock, Israel keeps her lucrative new career going until the Feds catch up with them both. Apart from the gripping plot, McCarthy’s versatile performance totally reels you in. Coming from a place of love and understanding, the biopic stands out from the rest with its unique and delicate approach.

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Highlights

A Star Is Born WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

“

A raw and gritty insight into friendship, loneliness and creative insecurity, Can You Ever Forgive Me? tells a story that the audience has never seen before.

Struggling artist Ally has just about given up on her dream to make it big as a singer when she is discovered by musician Jackson Maine. As they fall in love and Ally’s career takes off, the couple fights for their relationship while Jackson struggles with his inner demons.

– Can You Ever Forgive Me DIRECTOR: Bradley Cooper CAST: Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

Backed with Lady Gaga’s exquisite vocals along with Bradley Cooper’s stunning performance, the actor’s directorial debut has us totally star stuck! The third American remake of the original 1937 film, the new reincarnation of the timeless tale is the most realistic take yet. Jackson Maine, a hard-drinking musician, discovers and falls in love with a young singer. After performing at several concerts with him, they begin to form a relationship and fuelling each other’s dreams. With Lady Gaga’s moving performance at the heart of the film; it really touches a chord by painting a vivid portrait of life seen from the other side of the stage of the unforgiving music business.

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• ENTERTAINMENT

FULLY BOOKED

ON THE RECORD

NON-FICTION

What If This Were Enough?

By Heather Havrilesky

ALT-ROCK/PUNK

VI

By You Me At Six

From pop-infused summertime drive songs to funky anthems, You Me At Six continue their music evolution with VI. Fusing electronic influences into their classic rock sound, the Surrey five-piece are experimenting with uncharted musical territory in their latest offering. Featuring throbbing baselines and roaring guitars, Fast Forward is likely to excite longtime fans. Showcasing Josh Franceschi’s stunning vocals, the catchy rock track gives the album an exhilarating start. The song will prepare you for the bangers to follow!

Switching moods and sounds throughout the album, the band successfully reinvents their sound while recreating the magic that made everyone fall in love with them in the first place. One of their best songs in years, 3AM is much lighter and less aggressive while still featuring some rock elements. A drastic change for the band, the track lets the band move forward with a new sound that is much more slick and styled. A thrilling departure from their last album, VI merges genres effortlessly while also keeping their original rock band roots intact. Featuring both dark and light elements, VI manages to constantly keep us on our toes.

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DANCE/POP

Phoenix

By Rita Ora After over six years since the release of her first and only studio album, Rita Ora is finally blessing us with a brand new record! While the singer has remained a fixture in pop music, a fully fledged album was long overdue. Gearing up to reintroduce herself, Ora’s long-awaited sophomore album is a true labour of love. Packed with raw, unapologetic emotions, Phoenix sees the singer at her most vulnerable. Embracing modern, electro-infused pop, Let You Love Me talks about insecurities in the beginning of a new relationship.

Featuring her dreamy vocals layered over a laidback futuristic beat, the song has all the trappings of an end of summer smash! A rollercoaster of emotions, the album takes fans on an epic musical journey. Anywhere, featuring strong vocals and a gripping beat is an instant bop. From its stunning guitar-led verses to the modern beat drop in the chorus, the track is definitely one of our favourites on the album. Exploring a lot of emotions and new sounds, this album is everything that we have been waiting for.

Chronicling our expectations from modern life and all of its sweet imperfections, What If This Were Enough? will make you view life in a whole new light. Using her witty and often provocative style, Havrilesky urges readers to look for the miraculous in the mundane.

From our misunderstandings of love and success to the allure of materialism, she deconstructs some of the most misleading social messages we are exposed to today.

Impassioned and inspiring!

FICTION

Hearts Unbroken

By Cynthia Leitich Smith Soon after dumping her first real boyfriend for disrespecting Native people, Louise Wolfe finds herself with a major story to cover for her high school newspaper. The school’s musical director is staging an inclusive version of The Wizard of Oz and many people in their small, white, middle class town aren’t happy about it. As tensions mount and long-held prejudices are laid bare, Lou learns how race will always be an important part of her life. A realistic and necessary reflection.

New Menu

Better cravings tastier savings 17224417 / 17666517 Lanternslounge LanternsBahrain

Next to Al-Najma Club, Juffair

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URBAN DAYCAY FACT’S J AYNE G R EEN HE A D S TO T HE E XCLU S I V E I S L A N D R E S O R T T H AT I S T H E B R E AT H TA KI N G FOUR SE ASONS H OTEL BA H RA I N BAY TO IN D U LG E I N T H E U LT I M AT E ‘CO S M O P O LI TA N OA S I S’ A N D S I N K HE R TO E S I N TO T HE IR A S TO U N DI N G WH I T E S H O R E S.

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STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT •

F

our Seasons is without a doubt a favourite of many, and it’s easy to see why. Just fifteen minutes from our airport and situated in the heart of Manama - with its recently opened blonde beach and peppermint-hued sea showcasing the impressive Arabian Gulf skyline, this privately owned beachfront resort welcomes anyone seeking a celestial get away.

The designer of Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay is the same designer as Burj Khalifa in Dubai - Skidmore, Owings and Merrill so there is no wonder why the awe inspiring detailing forces you to admire such grandeur from the moment that you drop your car off at valet. The interior design of the suites and rooms mirrors the surrounding environment with a soft palette of beige, green and gold that mimics the colours of the greenery on the island. Whilst the stunning outdoor swimming pool area and secluded beach set within the 500,000 square metres of reclaimed land means never having to scrabble for a sun lounger or sumptuous cabana.

Designed in intricate detail, The Spa at Four Seasons Bahrain Bay is the second largest in Four Seasons’ portfolio. Encompassing four interconnected buildings woven together with pathways and gardens featuring modernities that meld clean, contemporary design with local tradition and materials. The stylish spa is filled with light and surrounded by exotic gardens, trees and pools. I was guided by experienced therapists through the beautifully designed hydrotherapy circuit at The Spa; an aromatic steam room, a chic salt inhalation room, invigorating jacuzzi with water jets and cool mist room, not to mention their vast indoor pool. All of which allows for maximum benefits prior to your treatment therefore we would highly recommend that you arrive early.

Such an eponymous brand certainly know a thing or two about wellbeing: focusing their treatments on the holistic and spiritual, as well as the physical. Their aptly named ‘Pearl’ treatment rooms provide a polite nod to the heritage of Bahrain where pearling trails were formed in abundance.

My therapist, began with a soothing foot cleanse and massage, explaining that my Energising Massage would include hot stones with a little bit of stretching. My shoulders were extremely knotted prior to this treatment and I’m glad for my therapists rhythmic hands to provide the ultimate deep tissue technique. Prior to treatment I was offered a selection of oils to choose from, I chose the ylangylang and grapefruit infused argan oil due to its mood-enhancing and restorative properties. After I lay face down for the body massage, my therapist started kneading the coconut-sized knots in my neck and shoulders into submission using said pure, fragrant oil. This aromas began to calm my mental state and I allowed myself to ‘shut-off’ for fact magazine

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STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT •

MESMERISING AZURE BLUE SEAS AND PRISTINE WHITE SANDS AWAITED ME CURVING ALONG THE PRIVATE ISLAND’S SUN-DRENCHED SOUTHERN SHORE, THE HOTEL’S 160-METRE EXPANSE OF WHITE SAND OFFERS A FULL SPECTRUM OF WORLD-CLASS AMENITIES AND SEASIDE ACTIVITIES, MAKING IT THE PERFECT SUMMER RETREAT FOR ALL THE FAMILY.”

once… It certainly did the trick! Emerging from the treatment in a state of serene somnambulism, I could do nothing but retire gracefully to one of their post-treatment relaxing areas for ginger tea and dates.

Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay’s seven restaurants offer an opportunity to scoff your way round the world without leaving the resort, however, I decided on their authentic mediterranean restaurant ‘Vento’ which is ideally situated near the outdoor pool area. Vento channels a sophisticated beach club vibe to showcase Italian cuisine amidst other evocative dishes. By day, with its rope infused decor and its tropical setting is a laid-back beachside restaurant serving fresh seafood and cuts of meat. By night, soft lighting illuminates decoratively carved, intimate seating areas swathed in mountains of soft cushions. After a gastronomic feast of SAUTEED JUMBO PRAWNS and DOUBLE CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKE there was only one thing for it - a lounging session at The Beach! Mesmerising azure blue seas and pristine white sands awaited me curving along the private island’s sundrenched southern shore, the Hotel’s 160-metre expanse of white sand offers a full spectrum of world-class amenities and seaside activities, making it the perfect summer retreat for all the family. I admonish you to indulge yourself with a THAI COCONUT FRUIT SALAD whilst you sunbathe, expertly crafted by Executive Chef Hyung Gyu Kim it innocently showcases itself as the ultimate refreshment - perfectly instagrammable and deliciously quench-thirsting. Just like Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay where you will drink in every moment. ✤

Thursday Sushi Night by the Beach A perfect conclusion to guests’ Saturday. When the Friday Brunch at Bahrain Bay Kitchen draws to an end the late afternoon sun softens the Beach Deck and another experience is born the next day.

Guests can select Japanese sashimi, nigiri and maki rolls, all beautifully arranged to tempt and delight.

As the sun sets the resident music sommelier DJ EVO plays favoured tracks to instil a cool beachside vibe.

When? Every Thursday Time? From 6pm to 10.30 pm Price? BD20++* (includes water and welcome glass of matured grape or hops).

GO: CALL 17115000 OR VISIT WWW.FOURSEASONS. COM/BAHRAIN FOR RESERVATIONS AND MOR EINFORMATION. FOLLOW @FSBAHRAIN ON INSTAGRAM FOR ALL THE LATEST.

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HIDDEN COVE WHEN WE COME ACROSS RESORTS IN THE REGION THAT MAKE US FEEL LIKE WE’RE RELAXING ON FARAWAY SHORES, IT’S USUALLY A SECRET WE LIKE TO KEEP TO OURSELVES. HOWEVER, FACT’S LATEST STAYCATION ESCAPE WAS SO BREATHTAKING THAT IT WOULD BE A CRIME NOT TO SHARE. WELCOME TO THE COVE ROTANA RESORT, RAS AL KHAIMAH…

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HOTEL HOTSPOT •

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s the very first Rotana property to have opened in Ras Al Khaimah, The Cove Rotana Resort sure has set the standards sky high. The sprawling hospitality favourite has become a sanctuary for many in the Gulf and beyond who want a clean escape from the weekly nine-to-five grind, and a holiday of charm and culture for international and regional visitors. It’s no surprise as to why the stunning resort has gained so much popularity, and so quickly, you only have to step inside the relaxed yet elegant hotel reception area to have your first impressions and expectations exceeded.

Hugging the idyllic water inlet on the Ras Al Khaimah beachfront, overlooking the glittering Arabian Gulf and boasting 600 metres of pristine beach, it’s sometimes hard to remind yourself that you are in fact still in the UAE, where hot and humid reigns supreme – but the excitement of cool weather means more time for splendid staycations.

A very friendly front desk member of staff – dressed in immaculate, traditional local attire, greets us. It’s so great to see and be welcomed by a local. This adds a sense of genuine allure and uniqueness that many hotels in the UAE lack – the presence of someone warm, efficient and, most importantly, local, to meet guests at check in. We instantly love the charisma of this resort!

LAGOON LUXURY

A total of 204 cosy rooms, designed with a distinctive Nubian touch, and 78 comfortable villas are serenely dotted around the resort. Whether you want to be in the hills or the lagoon, there’s plenty of accommodation choice to please every member of the family. Our large twin room is part of a duplex, three-bedroom villa located in the lagoon. You know what this means, right?

Wonderful views, of course. Our ginormous balcony-cum-terrace has ample space from which to lounge and sip your morning cup of tea or coffee, whilst admiring the beach scenes (and you can pretty much get a good idea of how full or empty the beach is from here, in case you’re planning to hit the loungers for a tanning sesh).

The room has everything you could dream of; intricate arch details with simple, earthy décor and some of the comfiest beds, ever. Most of all, there’s a fact magazine

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great amount of space with the bed area being separated via some steps from the living room; good for those who may have a little bit of work to catch up on but don’t want to do it whilst in bed, or for those who want to lounge in front of the TV. To top that off, the bathroom is one of the nicest we’ve had in a resort. It’s big enough to twirl in with a large shower and vanity area, plus all your lush amenities – perfect.

We loved that there was already an iron and ironing board in the room and that we didn’t have to call housekeeping to get this, like in many other hotels. It’s the simple things in life! Cleanliness, comfort and convenience is at the forefront here and we indulged in our room, to the max.

FOODIE FIX

Considering that you’re surrounded by sea and desert, the food options at The Cove Rotana Resort are rather impressive. For breakfast, at Cinnamon All-Day Dining, you’ll find everything from an egg station to a crepe counter, pastry haven, big fry up style food such as sausages, hash browns, beans (all that good stuff) as well as cereals, yogurts, cold cuts, cheese, fruit and more. Coffee, tea and juices flow nicely, and the views from the outdoor terrace are a gorgeous way to start your morning.

Throughout the day and evening, you have the choice of three beach and pool bars as well as the lobby lounge to snack, nibble, feast – however hungry or laid back you feel.

What’s a staycation without a lovely dinner? Treat yourself to mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine at Basilico Mediterranean Restaurant, a casual fine dining venue with a variety of traditional choices blending Mediterranean cuisine with an Italian emphasis. Complete with arched brown brick ceilings that create a spacious atmosphere and complemented with warm wood furniture, Basilico also has an open kitchen with live cooking station which is sure to impress. Be amazed by the breath-taking view overlooking the Arabian Gulf and leisurely enjoy the best that life has to offer “La Dolce Vita.”

Some of the must-have dishes include the creamy burrata, the tempting arancini, the juicy messy prawns and the tenderloin steak with sautéed spinach. If you have room for dessert (and you should definitely try and keep some) the tiramisu is a classic winner and so is the selection of ice creams.

When it comes to food, you’re covered!

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HOTEL HOTSPOT •

ALL FOR FUN

For those of you who want a good balance of fitness and relaxation, The Cove Rotana Resort has it all. The state-of-the-art facilities at Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club kept us pumped for a good couple of hours, making sure that we hit our steps and exercise goals for the day. There are a variety of fitness classes alongside cardiovascular and weight training too which can be followed by some well-needed chillout time in the jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, or even one of the seven massage rooms. Catering to both the younger guests and custodians, when you’re not lounging on the beach, let the little ones enjoy Flipper's Kids' Club, the family Sunset Pool, or the fun kids pool. For any couples or groups of friends, you’ve got the Sandal Beach Club and a dedicated infinity pool for adults only (16+). Furthermore, adrenalin junkies can have their share of fun with plenty of cool water sports and offsite activities such as desert and fishing trips – take your pick!

There are few places in the Northern Emirates that can transport you from the high-rise city life to the tranquil lair of rest and recreation; but The Cove Rotana Resort succeeds in doing just that. Staycations have never been SO good! ✤

GO: VISIT THE COVE ROTANA RESORT IN RAS AL KHAIMAH. CALL (0)7 206 6000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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HOSPITALITY FOCUS •

HOSPITALITY MAESTRO FACT CAUGHT UP WITH THE RAMY HAMDOUN, THE DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING AT RAMADA MANAMA CITY CENTRE TO TALK ABOUT THE HOTEL INDUSTRY, TOOLS FOR SUCCESS.

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• HOSPITALITY FOCUS Congratulations on the recent Best of Ramada Award. Tell us some of the things that make Ramada Manama City Centre stand out from its competitors in Bahrain?

Thank you so much, we operate in an extremely competitive market. Listening to what guests want and providing those features is a great way to set our hotel apart from the competition and also by the way we treat our guests, satisfying them with excellent service.

Can you tell us more about your approach to the role of Sales and Marketing in an award-winning hotel?

It's a lot of pressure, because what you plan today, you'll have to show return investment tomorrow. We can only reach success by following a sales and marketing plan designed to attract our customers and identify what makes us different from the competition.

Tell us three qualities that are needed to carry out your role successfully?

1. Prioritising and making sure you know where the focus needs to be.

2. Know your exact cost and then re-direct the strategy to get more of the most profitable business.

3. Team work is the number one sales tool.

How do you plan to grow and sustain the success of Ramada Manama City Centre over the next year?

Business is about people and without hiring and investing in the right people the business will never grow. Creative business

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HOSPITALITY FOCUS •

strategies that can put us ahead of the competition and of course customer satisfaction is the key element.

Share with us a little bit about your hospitality background - what keeps you excited and motivated about working in the hotel industry?

I started my career with Marriott as bellboy, joined IHG as a sales manager and I have been appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing for Ramada Manama City Centre in mid 2016, bringing my sales and revenue background.

The most exciting and motivating thing about my work is that it’s very dynamic and challenging.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your career?

Keep learning and never deny your knowledge from anyone who is willing to learn.

Good service is one of the core elements to running a hotel; in what ways does Ramada Manama City Centre anticipate and satisfy guest requirements?

In Ramada Manama City Centre, we are taking care of each guest individually. Treat people like they want to be treated, whether it is the guests, and also importantly, the staff. We always strive to tailor each experience to the individual guest’s needs.

What are some of your future predictions for the hospitality industry in Bahrain…

I believe that Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority strategies are very successful to boost the tourism sector’s contribution to the national economy. We can witness the growth year on year. I believe that Bahrain will be able to attract more markets like India and Russia and also host a bigger number of events and exhibitions.

What is your style of working – are you more reliant on traditional methods or do you like to see what’s in trend and adopt new tools for sales and marketing?

It’s definitely a must to always look for the new trends and tools to help us to acquire new clients, for example the artificial intelligence is the future for business growth and adopting to a digital transformation strategy is important to survive in the near future.

Share with us some of your professional goals that you would like to achieve with Ramada Manama City Centre…

To meet and exceed property revenue goals through organised sales and marketing strategies. ✤

GO: CALL RAMADA MANAMA CITY CENTRE ON 1710 4000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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#BMW #M #EXPERIENCE #2018 #AT #BAHRAIN #INTERNATIONAL #CIRCUIT

ISLAND RIDES •

THE ALL-NEW JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA JEEP UPHOLDS ITS PROUD TRADITION OF QUALITY SUV CONSTRUCTION.

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roducing quality off-road vehicles since the early 1940’s there are few motor companies who can boast a prouder history of SUV construction. Since Jeep originally developed their vehicles for off-road use, it would be hard to find a more robust and multi-functional SUV on the market. Behbehani Brothers recently received the allnew Jeep Wrangler Sahara to add to their already impressive fleet of vehicle offerings, and we at fact were lucky enough to be one of the first to try out this beautiful new machine.

Although the Wrangler was immediately recognisable due to the iconic shape of its body, it was also clear that the sculptural design aesthetic has been improved upon. The bold and rugged design has a wide stance and lowered beltline with larger windows for better outward visibility. The windshield has been tilted to an optimal degree to improve aerodynamics and features a new four bolt design that allows it to be effortlessly folded down. The legendary seven-slot grille has been upgraded to a more modern look, whilst the new lightweight aluminium doors are high-strength and can be easily removed for that open car feel. This new model also features body-coloured sports bars with integrated handles that are welded to the body of the vehicle. 18” aluminium wheels come as standard on the Sahara that finish off the vehicle’s impressive exterior with a further touch of class.

This Wrangler’s new interior combines style, versatility and functionality that any SUV owner would be proud of. The cabin boasts high-quality materials and finishes, with soft-touch surfaces and accent stitching. The leather upholstered seats offer adjustable bolster and lumbar support; whilst the driver and front passenger door panels feature lengthened arm rests for additional comfort. The instrument cluster houses a 7” fullcolour LED information display with over 100 configuration options. We found the integrated buttons on the steering wheel that control audio, voice and speed functions to be a very useful.

The centre console holds a 7” touchscreen that gives one access to the fourth-generation UnconnectTM system that greatly enhances the user interface and system performance. Other features include climate control, media connectivity ports, USB ports and 12-volt accessory outlets throughout the vehicle.

It has to be said that the new Sahara has a very impressive interior indeed.

The real excitement began however when we started this beast up and shifted our focus to performance. The Sahara comes complete with a 3.6 litre Pentastar V6 Engine that delivers 285 hp at 6400 rpm and 347 Nm of torque at 4100 rpm. Believe us when we tell you that you can feel the power of this Jeep surge through your body when you put your foot down on the accelerator. Even when venturing off-road, the brute strength of this SUV was plainly obvious as we tore up tarmac, gravel and sand alike. It has been specially engineered to provide a broad torque band with a focus on low-end torque to deliver extreme off-road performance. The new eight-speed automatic transmission enables the vehicle to optimise engine output whilst off-road, and to offer smoothly efficient power delivery at highway speeds. The new automatic gearbox is yet another 66

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feature that delivers great off-road proficiency.

It is always great to own a vehicle like the Sahara with its high-performance capabilities, however, what is even more important are the safety features. This Wrangler model has an array of advanced safety systems including Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection, ParkSense rear park assist, ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines, electronic stability control with Electronic Roll Mitigation and four standard airbags. There is no doubt that Jeep has designed the Sahara with you and your passengers’ safety in mind.

We truly enjoyed the all-new Jeep Wrangler Sahara experience.

With far too many great features to include in this article, we believe the only way for you to truly gauge the extraordinarily stylish interior and exterior as well as performance capabilities of this vehicle, is to book your own test drive with Behbehani Brothers and experience the excitement for yourself. ✤

ISLAND RIDES •

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THIS WRANGLER’S NEW INTERIOR COMBINES STYLE, VERSATILITY AND FUNCTIONALITY THAT ANY SUV OWNER WOULD BE PROUD OF.”

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PORSCHE’S NEW ATHLETES

Porsche has added two extra sporty models to its Panamera range. With a powerful performance from the four-litre V8 biturbo engine (338 kW/460 hp), extra dy- namic chassis systems including three-chamber air suspension, and their own unique design elements and equipment, the Panamera GTS and Panamera GTS Sport Tur- ismo harness a one-of-a-kind performance package. For example, the Sport Design package with black exterior elements and large Alcantara surfaces in the interior is included as standard. What’s more, Porsche has expanded its portfolio of comfort and assistance systems to include a head-up display with various configuration options for the entire Panamera range.

At the heart of both of the new Panamera GTS models is a fourlitre V8 engine with 338 kW (460 hp) of output and maximum torque of 620 Nm, cultivating an emotional sound and driving experience when combined with the standard sports exhaust sys- tem. The biturbo engine, which features a gasoline particulate filter, outperforms its predecessor by 15 kW (20 hp) and 100 Nm, accelerating the Panamera GTS and Panamera GTS Sport Turismo from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds as it works in con- junction with the standard Sport Chrono package. The two models achieve a top speed of 292 and 289 km/h respectively. There are no interruptions in tractive force as power is transmitted to the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive system by the eight-speed PDK dual clutch gearbox. Designed to reflect the sporting prowess of the Panamera GTS models, the chassis systems are impressively dynamic. The adaptive air suspension with three-chamber technology is fitted as standard, which results in flexible control and optimum spring rate spread. The sports chassis in the two GTS models has been lowered by 10 milli- metres, while the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) function 70

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has been adapted for an even sportier calibration. The result?

Outstanding lateral dynamics. Large brakes (390 millimetres in diameter at the front, 365 millimetres at the rear) de- liver outstanding deceleration.

The GTS models offer all the same innovations as the secondgeneration Panamera range. These include the digital Porsche Advanced Cockpit, assist systems such as Porsche InnoDrive including adaptive cruise control, and optional rear-axle steering. The GTS also features one highlight that is new to the entire Panamera range – the head-up display. The display can be configured by the driver and projects all relevant information directly into their direct line of sight in full colour.

The new Panamera GTS is also available as a Sports Turismo.

With a large boot lid, low loading sill, in- creased luggage compartment volume and 4+1 seating configuration, the new GTS variant based on the 2017 model meets the highest of standards for everyday driving, while also delivering outstanding performance. ✤ WWW.PORSCHE.COM/MIDDLE-EAST/_BAHRAIN_/

MOTORING NEWS •

MASERATI CRUISING

The shot fired from the cannon in the fortress looking over the Grand Harbour in Malta announced the start of the 39th Rolex Middle Sea Race. The starting line was crossed by 131 teams, instead of the 149 entrants in the historical Maltese regatta, which celebrates this year its 50th anniversary since the first edition in 1968.

On a cloudy grey morning, with a wind of 15 knots from North-East and rough sea, the first category to start was the multihulls one (MOCRA). Among them, other than Maserati Multi 70, there’s the English MOD 70 PowerPlay, skippered

by Ned Collier Wakefield, which crossed first the start line, closely followed by the Italian trimaran.

Outside the Harbour, Maserati Multi 70, with full mainsail and solent, overtook PowerPlay and is now sailing in first place at 15 knots. In third and fourth position are the catamarans Allegra and R-SIX. Aboard Maserati Multi 70, with skipper Giovanni Soldini, there are 7 professional sailors: Italians Vittorio Bissaro (tactician), Guido Broggi (mainsail trimmer), Nico Malingri and Matteo Soldini (both grinder and trimmer); Spanish Carlo Hernandez Robayna (trimmer) and Oliver Herrera Perez (bowman) and French François Robert (pitman).

A few minutes before the start, Giovanni Soldini, said: “We should be able to find nice wind until we reach Sicily, that will then decrease and get unstable, making the passage of Reggio Calabria and Stromboli more complicated. The boat, is

in complete foiling configuration, its ready, the crew is in good shape and we will do our best as usual!”

The Maltese regatta’s 606 miles route is sailed anti-clockwise around Sicily, passing North of Stromboli, West of Favignana and Pantelleria and South of Lampedusa, before heading back to the finish line in Valletta. ✤ fact magazine

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MG GS 2019 MG Motor, exclusively distributed in Bahrain by Zayani Motors, has announced the arrival of the New MG GS 2019 in the Middle East. While the previous generation MG GS was the first SUV to be launched by the Britishborn car brand onto the global market, the new, improved model now takes a major step forward with its refreshed and practical interior, high levels of equipment and dynamic design.

The New MG GS is available across the region in two trim levels: 2.0T COM and 2.0T LUX AWD. With prices starting from just USD 17,200, depending on market, MG’s SUV offers fun family versatility in a highly affordable package.

The changes are immediately visible from the outside, with the New GS showing off a sportier, yet more aggressive look from the front. The newly designed bumper helps to improve aerodynamics and is nicely complemented by a larger grille and redesigned air intake.

The enhancements continue on the inside thanks to the noticeably higher quality finish, with many hard corners and plastic having been replaced.

More than 80 percent of the surfaces are now covered in soft-touch material, an impressive 30 percent more than in the first-generation model. Making it as quiet as it is comfortable, MG has worked hard to reduce cabin noise.

The central console has been completely revamped to offer a more premium finish and greater functionality. It integrates new 360-degree air conditioning vents, while a revised compressor contributes to both enhance the system’s operation and reduce noise. New, sportier seats contribute to the heightened levels of comfort and style within the cabin.

The New MG GS, in keeping with the brand’s reputation for delivering excellent value for money, is exceptionally well-equipped. Standard features

on both models include electric folding mirrors, an electrically-operated sunroof, keyless entry, cruise control, a push-start button, auto-hold function, hill-descent control, reversing sensors and a parking camera. The infotainment system also supports Apple CarPlay.

Equipped with a 2.0T powerful engine, mated to a smoother 6-speed automatic gearbox with paddleshift gearchange, the New MG GS delivers maximum power of 221hp and maximum torque of 350Nm. It is available with either 2-Wheel Drive or a new AllWheel Drive, with the latter ensuring a smoother ride by adjusting the torque distribution faster than the previous model. Thanks to an overall improvement in the rigidity of the suspension set-up, the stability of the new model has been improved and cabin noise significantly reduced. ✤ WWW.ZMOTORS.COM/MG.HTML

FIRST MOTORS 2019 SUVS First Motors, the exclusive distributor of Hyundai vehicles in Bahrain, has launched its diverse array of 2019 SUVs, the impressive and elaborate Santa Fe, dynamic Tucson and the drive-ergonomic Creta with the unveiling of its new model, the Hyundai Kona.

These SUVs vehicles was launched during a memorable evening held First Motors showroom in Ma’ameer, offering guests a closer look at the outstanding features and elements of the new cars.

Hyundai’s mid-size SUV, Santa Fe, alongside the expressive and powerful all-new Kona, and the dynamic new Tucson as well as the sub-compact SUV Creta, all had their time to shine.

First Motors surprised the guests by introducing the 2019 new Elantra which has a completely new look from the front and the back showcasing a more futuristic and premium design. the 2019 Hyundai Elantra gets 4-cylinder engine, a 2.0-litre.

Standard features include 15-inch steel wheels with hubcaps, four-wheel-disc brakes, cloth upholstery, power steering, electric mirrors, keyless entry, power windows, CD/MP3 stereo with AUX/USB input and manual a/c.

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Mr. Nawaf Khalid Alzayani, the Managing Director of First Motors, said: “On behalf of First Motors, I am delighted to present to you a wonderful collection of Hyundai cars, the latest models of SUVs. The Hyundai brand is based on the unique design of dynamic, practical, attractive designs, outstanding performance and enhanced safety and security features, making it a world leader in automotive brands.” ✤

MOTORING NEWS •

ALL NEW INFINITI QX50 Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons (YKA), the official and sole distributor of INFINITI vehicles in Bahrain has launched the all-new 2019 Infiniti QX50. The much-anticipated vehicle further advances Infiniti’s market-leading presence in the mid-size premium SUV segment.

The all new QX50 has been created to fully meet the needs of today’s premium car buyers and to deliver on their desire to own the latest masterpiece of technology. The QX50 introduces what is possibly the most innovative internal combustion engine on the market at this time. Considered by many industry observers the holy grail of internal combustion engines, the company’s engineers succeeded in bringing a world’s first to the market for Infiniti: variable compression technology. The VC-Turbo engine delivers the strong and convincing performance of a V6 and the fuel economy of a 4-cylinder engine – transforming on demand and based on the input of the drivers. Instantly adapting to their needs, the VC-Turbo lets them harness the exhilarating performance of 268 hp and 380 nm at 4,400 rpm of torque.

The QX50 appeals to buyers who require the unique combination of interior space, power, efficiency, hand-crafted quality and modern design, along with effortless on-road performance. ✤

MCLAREN’S CIRCUIT SUCCESS A new Track Pack specification for the McLaren 720S is now available, taking the British supercar to the next level for owners who want to exploit its formidable dynamic abilities on a circuit. With the wide breadth of 720S capability extended even further, the McLaren 720S Track Pack establishes a new pinnacle of track focus within McLaren’s core Super Series lineup. The introduction follows the availability of a Track Pack for McLaren’s Sports Series, which one in ten 570S buyers specify.

The introduction of the Track Pack for 720S comes as McLaren’s new 720S GT3 race car moves into the next stage of its development programme. Further rigorous testing has been taking place throughout Europe, including earlier this week at the Brno circuit in the Czech Republic where the two cars came together to share track time. To date, the McLaren Automotive Customer Racing division has tested extensively at six European circuits, with ten different drivers experiencing the car. The majority of track mileage has been covered by McLaren Automotive Factory Drivers, but the programme has also seen a number of Amateur racers providing further important feedback during the development process. A combination of multiple rig tests and track time has allowed completion of engine performance evaluation for the GT3 car. ✤ fact magazine

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CALL A CAREEM!

As far as ride-hailing services go, Careem has grown to become one of the most reliable and professional transport options for many in the region and beyond. FACT caught up with Khaled Nuseibeh, General Manager of Careem GCC to learn more about the company’s popularity and success...

What makes Careem different?

Careem was launched in 2012 with the simple mission of improving and simplifying people's lives.We are from the region and for the region and today operate in over 100 cities and 14 countries from Morocco in the West, through MENA (including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the wider GCC and Levant) to Pakistan in the East. As well as improving mobility for millions of people, we have also created over 975,000 income earning opportunities for people across our region and anticipate signing up our one millionth Captain in the next few months. Job creation was always one of the important things for us and we had set a target of creation one million jobs before the end of 2018 - we’re well on course to do that.

Careem has been in Bahrain since 2014. In that time, what have been the biggest lessons you have learned about this particular market?

We have learned that the Bahrain market is very promising and we see that there are many opportunities to provide reliable, safe mobility solutions to customers. We have seen a lot of growth in the last 12 months as customers start adopting ridehailing services, and we believe that this is just the beginning of our journey and a lot more services and car types can be offered in Bahrain, which can impact the lives of our customers in a very positive way.

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How does the Bahrain market most differ from other markets you operate in?

Every market is unique and we adapt our service to best serve customers in that place. In Bahrain, for example, we see a need for customers to travel back and forth to Saudi Arabia.

How do Careem’s services and prices compare with those of your competition?

We are priced very competitively in order to ensure that we are able to cater for all the segments in the market. Mobility for all is one of our aims and we want to ensure that customers see value in the service we’re offering and remain accessible to as many people as possible.

How do you expect future technology to change your current business model?

We are, at heart, a technology company and ride hailing is just one way in which we are using our platform. The app contains some cutting-edge technology - including advanced artificialintelligence - and is continually updated, so we are continually at the forefront of app-based technology and any new ways that it can help us simplify and improve lives.

What advice would you give to anyone on how to get the very best value as a Careem customer?

The more you use the Careem app the better it gets! The artificial intelligence keeps learning and the service keeps

on improving – if you use the Careem service for six months then after that the A.I. will be much better for you because it has collected so much data, and based on that data it keeps learning how to provide you with a better service. It learns where you like to go, where you don’t go and start reflecting your preferences in the user experience - the Careem A.I. is raising the stakes. Also, get in touch. We listen closely to feedback and that’s invaluable as it allows us to improve. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.CAREEM.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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• PLUGGED IN

ZOOM INTO ZOEMINI! Unleash your creativity and make endless memories with the new Canon Zoemini, a lightweight, pocket size and portable photo printer, made for all your insta shots!

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he Canon Zoemini lets you enjoy personalised photos wherever the moment takes you. Featuring ZINK (zero ink) technology, the photo printer is the perfect accessory for anyone who enjoys printing and sharing special moments with friends and family.

Inspiring imagination and visual storytelling, the Canon Zoemini brings back the nostalgic joy of physically printed images.

Fitting comfortably in the palm of your hand, it lets you print out personalised 2x3 inch (5x7.6cm) photos, straight from a mobile phone, tablet or social media apps. Taking convenience to the maximum, the Canon Zoemini connects seamlessly to the Canon Mini Print app (ios and Android) via Bluetooth for instant printing of photos and social media snaps in a matter of seconds.

In addition to Instagram and Facebook, the Canon Mini Print app also lets you connect with Google Photos and Dropbox, so that you can print out pictures while out and about. How handy is that?

With the festive season just around the corner, the Canon Zoemini’s peel-and-stick photo feature is all you need to make your holidays a whole lot more fun. Spruce up everyday items such as laptops, mobile covers, bags, mirrors, bedroom wallsthe options are endless! The Canon Print app also features a tiling function that enables the creation of larger posters or images 76

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made up of four or nine prints, as well as over ten unique collage templates that prints a 2x3 inch photo. From retro selfies to animal filters, the printer gives you the ability to customise and instantly print out your treasured moments.

But what makes this accessory truly special is its innovative ZINK technology. Running on zero ink, the portable printer is powered by a rechargeable battery and comes with a starter pack of 10 x Canon ZINK photo paper, with additional paper available for purchase in packs of 20 or 50. Apart from giving us some amazing features, the compact and sleek device also comes in a choice of three enticing and distinctive colours- Rose Gold/White, White/ Silver and Black/Slate Grey.

If you’re someone who loves instant camera photos but don’t want to carry around a bulky camera, the Canon Zoemini should be right up your alley. From a rechargeable battery and tearproof pictures to being extremely portable, this is definitely one of the best photo printers out in the market right now. We won’t stop playing with it anytime soon! ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.CANON-ME.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• PLUGGED IN

APP-LICIOUS LET’S SEE WHAT’S ON THE SMARTPHONE AGENDA FOR NOVEMBER…

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Tasty

Foxit Mobile PDF

Turn your smartphone into a handy digital cookbook with Buzzfeed’s Tasty app! The app lets you choose from a number of short, simple and delicious recipes with accompanying videos providing fun visual how-tos. The search tool lets you discover recipes that are just right for a certain ingredient, cuisine or social occasion from a library of over 3000 delicacies. Use the filters to narrow down your search to vegan, gluten-free as well as other specialised recipes. Cooking has never been easier!

Read documents on the go with Foxit Mobile PDF! An amazing choice for a PDF reader app, it handles normal and password protected PDFs with support for document and user bookmarks. The annotation options let you highlight, underline or strike through text, while you can also add sticky notes or even draw freehand on the document. Its variety of navigation, annotation and cloud storage functions make it the perfect tool for some effortless reading.

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#INFINITI #QX50 #LAUNCH #AT #THE #INFINITI #SHOWROOM 80

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GOLDEN GATESPOTLIGHT •

GOLDEN GATE R EADY TO TAKE O N T HE T IT L E O F T HE TA L L E S T R E S I DE N T I A L TOWE R S I N B A H R A I N, G O LDE N G AT E IS A JOINT VEN T U R E B E T WE E N A J M E R A M AY FA I R A N D KO O H E J I G O LD E N G AT E – T H R E E O F T H E MOST AMBITI O U S, IN N OVAT I VE A N D F O R WA R D-T H I N KI N G CO M PA N I E S. FAC T C AU G H T U P WI T H THE MEN AT THE TO P WHO A R E M A KIN G T H I S S P EC TAC U L A R P R OJ EC T P O S S I B LE. M E E T M R N AYA N S HA H, IS HAQ A L KO O H E J I A N D M A N OJ A J M E R A.

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What is the meaning behind the name “Golden Gate”?

MA: The name Golden Gate came about based on the mutual appreciation and admiration for the iconic landmark that is the Golden Gate Bridge, based in San Francisco, California. It is truly an iconic architectural landmark renowned worldwide. When we began this joint venture, we formed a bridge between Ajmera Mayfair and Kooheji Golden Gate, blending our ideas, cultures and innovative plans to create such a grand and ambitious residential development, which is evident and found throughout the entire property. Our aim is to also be able to create a bridge between residences in Bahrain Bay to the countless amenities Bahrain has to offer.

What makes Golden Gate unique to other real estate developments in Bahrain?

NS: Golden Gate will revolutionise the meaning of real estate and luxury living. It will be the tallest residential towers in Bahrain with746 apartments across both towers. The attention to detail on every aspect of the property makes it visually unique as well as what it offers to its residents. The design and architecture of the property draws inspiration from the cultures of both Bahrain and India, creating our own modernistic interpretation of traditional architecture, which is evident in the way we crowned the towers with a curved sail shape that represents the thousands of years of seafaring trade in Bahrain and the exterior façade with the impression of precious jewels shining. Each section of the development has been designed to reflect and represent the cultures, emphasising the history of trade and relations between our two nations.

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GOLDEN GATE SPOTLIGHT •

Our location in the centre of Bahrain Bay will make us one of the most desirable properties to live in. Bahrain Bay offers its residence a remarkable waterfront view and landscape that is unrivaled by other developments in Bahrain. By being in the centre of it all, Golden Gate will be in close proximity to easily accessible facilities for our residents to enjoy as well as transport links being a short distance away, drawing in foreign investments from a number of potential buyers coming from all parts of the region.

Golden Gate offers a wide range of amenities and services that distinguishes itself from others. Our concierge service is there, attending to your every need. Our gyms and spas are equivalent to five-star hotels, while our home theatre gives our tenants the opportunity to enjoy a cinematic experience in their own home.

Golden Gate will be more than just a home; we hope to create a community and experience unlike any found in the country.

Ajmera Mayfair is a very highly regarded company, who are deemed experts in their respective fields and communities. With a century of experience between the two companies, they have created homes and developments in a number of cities across India, delivering a total of 40 million square feet of commercial and residential spaces, with more projects underway. After meeting with both Mr. Ajmera and Mr. Shah and learning about their wide range of skills in construction and development as well as providing quality services on time truly impressed me. Their ambitious nature and innovation resonated with and encouraged me to work with them. What further incited my interest in Ajmera Mayfair is our shared ethos and philosophy in our honesty, transparency and respect in our dealings and relationship with our investors. It is at the utmost importance to honor our promises to our investors and provide them with an exceptional, one of a kind property.

Why work with Ajmera Mayfair?

IK: To be able to lay down the foundation of a monumental development such as Golden Gate, one would need the right partner to turn it into reality. Ajmera Mayfair possessed the legacy, mutual aspiration, shared experience and diverse skill set that laid conviction to the promise of their capabilities to be the right companions on this journey we have undertaken to revolutionized modern day real estate regionally and internationally.

How would you say is this venture in line with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Vision 2030?

IK: Bahrain’s economy is one that is quickly growing and evolving. We are hoping to be able to shift away from our reliance and dependency on oil, and more towards becoming an economy with diversified interests. The kingdom’s national economic vision for 2030 is one we aim to bring in foreign investment, trade and business opportunities with our new venture, Golden Gate. fact magazine

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Collaborating with our Indian partners Ajmera Mayfair, alone brings in foreign investment that can boost our tourism industry, attracting a number of possible investors and tourists who would want to visit Bahrain and experience our humble, yet luxurious hospitality. Our strategic location in being in the centre of Manama, in Bahrain Bay, is also another factor contributing to the boost in tourism, being close to transport and travel links such as the Saudi Causeway and Bahrain International Airport, propelling the nation into the international stage. This venture further transforms the economy in Bahrain, creating an appealing and attractive environment for local and international investments and projects, diversifying it further.

Why choose Bahrain as your destination to launch this venture?

NS: Whilst searching for our next project, the Gulf region was our primary focus to where we hoped to invest and begin to develop our next project in. When I spotted the model of Bahrain Bay, I was intrigued about the location and simultaneously impressed with the number of internationally renowned companies that have already established and settled there. Fascinated by the whole area, I immediately secured and purchased the land, right in the centre of Bahrain Bay and where Golden Gate will be built on.

What has encouraged us further to come to Bahrain, is that the country retains a friendly and supportive business environment that allowed us to confidently make that decision to come here. Bahrain has also been recognised as one of the best destinations for expats to settle and work, surpassing their neighboring countries in the Gulf and the world. This was a significant and valuable factor to be kept in mind, as we do hope to broaden our scope of hopeful tenants and potential investors. Bahrain’s business friendly environment and cultural diversity was prominent in our dealings whilst developing this project, assuring us that it was the right decision to come to Bahrain.

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What is the future of real estate in Bahrain in your opinion?

MA: The future of real estate is creating a place that encompasses innovation, accessibility and practicality. With Golden Gate, we are able to provide all of the above. Our innovativeness and ambition has led us to create the tallest residential towers in Bahrain. It has allowed us to uniquely think about what has already been done, and disrupt it with our facilities, services and design for Golden Gate.

One example would be designing and assembling floor to ceiling windows, with specially designed glazed windows, protecting the homes from the strong Arabian sun.

We managed to accommodate the property with the environment without hindering the elegance of the interior and façade exterior of the towers. The accessibility of our location, being in the heart of Manama and Bahrain Bay, makes it practical and easy for our residents to access what Bahrain has to offer, leading to Golden Gate to be one of the most desirable properties in the area attracting tourists and investors from across the Arabian Peninsula and beyond.

What is the next step for Golden Gate?

IK: We are pleased to say that construction has already begun in building Golden Gate. The foundation has been laid on the land at Bahrain Bay and is gradually coming together as planned, and we are thrilled to see our ideas and developments slowly coming to life.

As of now, we are in the process of planning an exciting launch event introducing our project to the public on November 10, 2018.

The historic launch of the Golden Gate project will feature the largest hologram in the world, providing buyers with a 3D virtual reality experience. This record-breaking event will revolutionize off-plan buying, where buyers will experience their homes unlike anything every done or seen before. ✤

The BBBF Poppy Ball in conjunction with the bba

Join us with VIP Guests of Honour ‘The Chelsea Pensioners’ In support of The Chelsea Pensioners Appeal Mother and Child Welfare Society – Bahrain

FRIDAY 9th of November from 7pm diplomat radisson blu hotel & Spa Tickets: BD35 members and non-members DRESS code: formal Tickets can be purchased from the following outlets by cash or cheque, payable to Bahrain British Business Forum: British Club Reception – 1772-8245 Bahrain Rugby Football Club Reception – 1769-5809 Dilmun Club – 1769-0926 For more details or to reserve a table contact the BBBF Office Email bbbfevents@ batelco.com.bh or telephone 1781-3488

Win two British Airways Premium Class return tickets to London

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#SWAROVSKI #BOUTIQUE #OFFICIAL #OPENING #AT #THE #AVENUES #BAHRAIN

FASHION FOCUS •

MOVIN’ ON UP:

MANGO AW’18 An ensemble campaign featuring Adrien Brody, Amber Valletta, Carolyn Murphy and Adwoa Aboah, together with the Sorrenti family and friends of the brand. Mango’s new Autumn/Winter 2018 campaign reflects the personal view of photographer, Mario Sorrenti, who captures intimate moments of the day-to-day lives of protagonists.

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Mario Sorrenti’s project for the brand expresses a fraternal message, focusing on the personal ties and close relationships that Sorrenti has with a diverse group of people and with Mango, creating one big family.

The children of Mario Sorrenti, his sister Vanina, his daughter and her husband feature in the campaign. Adrien Brody, ambassador of the men’s line, appears in the campaign alongside his dog, animals being his greatest passion. The activist and model Adwoa Aboah, together with her sister, Kesewa and her cousin, Aleqya also symbolise this family message.

What may be the Mango campaign with the largest number of protagonists also features another two internationally famous models and close friends, Amber Valletta and Carolyn Murphy. Skate legend Steve Olson and his son Alex, the artist Langley Fox and the famous stylist, Zoe Bedeaux and Helena Tejedor, also join a cast which embodies diversity as a reflection of the society we live in.

The legendary brand, Primal Scream provide the soundtrack to the campaign video with the song, Movin’ On Up. The new Autumn Winter ’18 collection represents a clear shift in garment design: an evolution towards a contemporary aesthetic, defined by high quality fabrics and a clear commitment to timeless garments free of conventionalisms. The offering also includes 70’s inspired animal print influences, with centre stage being given to an eclectic range of colours and volumes that are prevalent across the styling, especially in chunky-knot garments, long-sleeved and round-neck pieces. Similarly, denim has evolved towards a more refined look with details on the stitching of each piece.

Also, 70’s reminiscences influence the men’s collection offering, especially in the ochre hued colour palette in suits and outerwear.

Corduroy becomes a key fabrication, as does leather in double-faced jackets and coats for elegant, casual looks. Chunky-knit garments with uniform details such as flecks, braid reliefs or diamond motifs add layers of texture to a colour palette dominated by grey, stone and brown hues. Accessories stand out with wool ties, scarves and knitwear pieces with paisley prints rich in detail. ✤ 88

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FASHION FOCUS •

GO: VISIT WWW.MANGO.COM FOR MORE INFO. fact magazine

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SHOP THE BRAND HERE’S OUR WISHLIST FROM MANGO’S A/W 2018 COLLECTION FOR HER

FOR HIM

THIS COLLECTION IS AVAILABLE IN MANGO STORES ACROSS THE GULF. 90

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• BEAUTY BOX

Beauty Checklist MORE TOP PICKS FROM OUR BEAUTY GURU FOR WHAT YOU NEED TO USE THIS MONTH!

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Mont Blanc LADY EMBLEM ELIXIR EDP Welcome the warmer weather with a floral fragrance born out of the essence of rose. Lady Emblem Elixir EDP exudes sophistication and femininity.

The top notes are a shining blend of mesmerising sake notes, sparkling pink pepper and juicy pink grapefruit. While the heart of jasmine notes and precious fresh petal Rose Essential make for a dazzling signature.

Benefit Cosmetics BROW CONTOUR PRO

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Do your brows like a pro! The multi-tasking brow pencil features a lighter brow shade, deeper brow shade, edge definer and arch highlighter to create clean, shaped brows with depth and dimension. The blendable and 24hour waterproof formula is available in 5 shades for a wide range of hair colours and skin tones.

Biore BAKING SODA SCRUB

An easy-to-use, powderto-foam formula, this is definitely our favourite cleanser at the moment! The concentrated powder scrub gently cleanses pores 2.5x better versus a basic cleanser, while exfoliating without over scrubbing. It leaves your skin feeling smoother and softer with visibly tighter pores after just one use!

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Sephora SUPERMASK- THE MUD MASK Take your skincare routine to the next level! Enriched with mineral clay, the two-part sheet mask works to mattify, balance and remineralise the skin. Inspired by Korean beauty secrets, the mud formula gets to work in 15 minutes absorbing sebum and working wonders on your skin, while creating a clearer and perfectly matte-looking complexion.

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Smashbox Cosmetics COVER SHOT EYE PALETTES

Unleash your creativity with endless looks! The pigment-packed, curated shadow palettes let you create bold and intense looks with no-fuss neutrals, powdery pastels and major metals. The silky, one-swipe formula delivers intense pigment payoff, superior blendability and a mix of creamy textures and ultra-fierce finishes.

Becca ULTIMATE COVERAGE FOUNDATION

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Get instantly flawless skin with Becca’s Ultimate Coverage Foundation! A fullcoverage, water-resistant foundation with 24-hour wear, it effortlessly covers imperfections, redness, hyperpigmentation and uneven texture.

Enriched with intense pigments and water to achieve weightless coverage, the full-coverage formula gives you a natural finish that lasts all day. Great for all skin tones and types!

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• GROOMING BOX

Grooming Box GENTS, THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO GET YOUR HANDS ON TO UP THE REGIME!

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Aesop

Oil Free Facial Hydrating Serum

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Keep your skin healthy and hydrated! Enriched with soothing aloe vera combined with balancing Ylang, it delivers effective hydration without clogging pores. Ideal for daily use, the nourishing formula is readily absorbed and leaves your skin feeling smooth, soft and shine-free. Perfect for combination, oily or sensitive skin!

Rituals BLEU BYZANTIN

An aquatic fragrance that echoes the drifting aromas of the bustling harbour life in ancient Byzantium, Rituals’ newest scent will have you feeling fresh all day long! East meets West when cool mint water is layered with fresh notes of blue juniper berries and the freshness of pine wood. While the essential oil from the berries produces a rich aroma with a subtle fruity balsamic backnote.

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Lancer Skincare CAVIAR LIME ACID PEEL

Give your skin some much-needed TLC. Dr. Lancer’s most powerful solution for dull, stressed skin, this advanced peel is formulated with 10% Glycolic Acid and Caviar Lime. Enriched with brightening Phytic Acid, pineapple and papaya fruit as well as stabilized retinol, it removes surface cells to improve the look of pores and skin tone.

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Malin+Goetz MOISTURIZING SHAMPOO

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With the winter season upon us, breathe new life into dry and damaged hair! Formulated with a unique combination of amino acid-based cleansers, panthenol and natural plant extracts, the rich and creamy shampoo deeply cleanses and weightlessly hydrates. The subtle neroli and basil scent is a definite plus!

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Body Boom TOBACCO AND COOL APPLE SCRUB Scrub dry and dull skin away.

Created from the finest coffee and a unique selection of natural ingredients including Argan, Macadamia and Almond oils, it helps moisturise and smooth your complexion. The brown sugar and Himalayan salt exfoliate and cleanse your skin, while Vitamin E slows downs the aging process.

Redken 3-IN-1 SHAMPOO, CONDITIONER AND BODY WASH

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Cut down your time in the shower with this product! Formulated with malt to strengthen and nourish hair, it cleanses and conditions hair and washes body for freshness from head to toe. The only product you need in the shower, it provides hydration, softens skin and acts as a convenient all-in-one product that is great for the gym or travel!

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#RE-OPENING #OF #STATE #OF #THE #ART #GULF #CONVENTION #CENTRE #AT #THE #GULF HOTEL #BAHRAIN fact magazine

INTERIOR TRENDS •

READING SANCTUARY: NAMSHI HOME Cosy up this season as Namshi introduces a collection of unique books and home essentials that are sure to transform your space into a warm and inviting sanctuary. Create your own escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some much needed quiet time – curl up with an interesting book in the comfort of your home and truly unwind this fall.

Enhance your space with fluffy cushions, plush bed linen, elegant reading lamps, fragrant candles and a selection of super cute mugs for that perfect cuppa for a soothing and relaxing atmosphere.

GO: VISIT WWW.NAMSHI.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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#HIGH #TEA #EVENT #FOR #BREAST #CANCER #AWARENESS #AT #AL #AREEN #PALACE #& #SPA

HOME STYLE •

WEDGWOOD: THE VIBRANCE COLLECTION Iconic English lifestyle brand, Wedgwood unveils Vibrance, a tableware and gift collection featuring designs directly inspired by the Wedgwood archive. Skillfully engaging a riot of colour with stylised florals and elegant gold, the collection represents the perfect fusion of style and functional design for the contemporary, bold consumer. Vibrance pays tribute to past, present and future expression through colourful tableware and beautiful, one-of-a-kind functional giftware. The collection’s aesthetic mixes floral design elements re-drawn and updated from Wedgwood’s impressive 250-year archive with modern, functional shapes to create timeless pieces for the contemporary home.

GO: VISIT WWW.WEDGWOOD.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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#LE #MERIDIEN #BAHRAIN #CITY #CENTRE #AU #SOLEIL #LAUNCH

CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

CONTEMPORARY ARTISTRY

From fine dining to some exceptional weekend fun, Meisei has always been our go-to for delicious food in a vibrant setting. Showcasing a profound appreciation of culinary invention, the restaurant offers a plethora of flavours through unparalleled interpretations of modern Japanese fusion food. FACT’s Aanchal Duggal gets her foodie fix… fact magazine

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B

ased on the philosophy of Wabisabi, an Asian aesthetic centered on the appreciation and acceptance of transience, Meisei invites their guests to indulge in an ever-evolving menu.

With a new restructured menu that focuses more on frequent dining, the restaurant aims to introduce their diners to a number of exciting casual eats. We knew we had to go check it out!

After being welcomed by their super friendly and ever-attentive staff, we sat down for our culinary expedition for the day. Our first dish of Crispy Duck Salad is a treat for all salad lovers. A delectable medley of Sakura mix truffle oil, roasted fig and shallots vinaigrette, black Hawaiian salt, yuzu grape seed oil, pine nuts and dry berries - have you ever heard (or tasted) such an amalgamation of flavours?

It's a vibrant mix of lovely Fall ingredients and we love it more with every bite. The duck is crispy and done just right! An instant hit with everyone at the table.

Offering a number of new combinations and tastes, Meisei’s selection of culinary offerings goes above and beyond to excite your palate. Our next dish of Free Range Chicken Mint Miso Yuzu and Korean Chilli Yuzu Tikka Skewers with creamy Yuzu dipping sauce is the perfect interpretation of Meisei’s extensive contemporary fusion. A spin on the classic chicken tikka, the chicken is melt-in-your-mouth tender and is oozing incredible flavour, while the rich and creamy sauce truly bringing the dish together. We highly recommend the Korean Chilli Yuzu Tikka - the flavour is unlike anything we have ever had before!

Taking casual dining to a whole new level, our next dish of Spicy Seafood Jukame Pizza is love at first bite. Medley of seafood, sautéed vegetables, spicy gochugado sauce and sesame croissant crust, the dish had us going back for seconds. While the seafood and spicy gochugado sauce took our taste buds for a ride, the light yet amazingly tasty sesame croissant crust was definitely the star of the plate!

One of our absolute, all-time favourites, the Bao buns at Meisei are something you just have to try for yourself. Quite possibly one of the best things you’ll ever taste, the Bao buns come in an array of mouthwatering varieties. Pecking Duck Bao, marinated duck, shoestring spring onions, pickled cucumbers and pickled onions, the buns are fluffy and soft, while the duck is succulent and perfectly seasoned. For veggie lovers, the Veg Bao should be right up your foodie alley. Filled with crispy seasoned potatoes, creamy yuzu and shoshito pepper, we will definitely be coming back JUST for this!

After a fulfilling sesh of indulgent eating, it was finally time for dessert. Goat Cheesecake, featuring goat cream cheese and a buttery crumble, the dish is

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rich and creamy while still being distinctively light on your palate - all your cheesecake dreams come true! Another one of our favourites, Red Velvet Cake with cream cheese frosting and white chocolate flakes is heaven on a plate. The cake is decadently luscious, with the creamy white chocolate flakes complimenting it beautifully. Worth every calorie!

Offering guests a truly multi-sensorial experience, Meisei’s delectable blend of cultures, amazing hospitality and breathtaking ambience make it a go-to for every foodie in Bahrain. Redefining casual dining, the restaurant’s new and improved menu has us extremely excited. Drooling yet? We don’t blame you! ✤

GO: CALL 1700 7770 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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VENUE REVIEW •

MEDITERRANEAN MAGIC

It’s been some time since we actually stopped in our tracks and looked around with absolute wonderment and delight as we entered a restaurant, but this was exactly the effect that Florence - La Maison Méditerranéenne had upon us. Designed to mimic a Mediterranean country house with terracotta render and brilliant white shutters, Florence is beautiful in the truest sense of the word. fact magazine

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he philosophy behind the menu at Florence and the venue itself is based around the ancient Greek Agora or meeting place where families, friends, and merchants would gather. This idea of a place to mix, mingle and meet within the heart of Adliya is the driving force behind Florence.

Although the mouth-watering menu should not be neglected, it seems fitting to set the scene and explain why the ambient features within the restaurant alone are worth visiting.

The internal dining areas will fool your brain into thinking that you are in a rural French village in a chic bistro along the Azur coastline. The whitepainted wooden furniture, the vivid floral wallpaper used to accentuate the bar area and the vintage pieces of décor such as old suitcases crafted into shelving give a French bistro chic feeling. You should spend some time on the Terrace or in the Florence Garden enjoying the al fresco dining opportunity. The terrace overlooks the main street complete with wrought iron furniture and railings.

The Florence Garden designed around a calming tranquil stone fountain boasts climbing shrubs and greenery, olive trees and expansive parasols offering shade during the day.

In the evening subdued lighting and woven fairy lights create the hue of dusk in the Mediterranean.

Filigree bird cages and pin striped canopies also add an element of authenticity which tantalises the senses as you begin to eat. The food draws inspiration from Italy, France, Lebanon and Bahrain amongst others. It would be wrong to suggest that this was fusion food, too simplistic a description - but rather that it simply draws the best of each regional style and combines them to offer a stunning range of dishes. The perfect location for two of the mocktails which exemplify Florence. The Colors of Florence and the Passionfruit Mojito were both as vibrant as the shades of the Mediterranean at sunset and were brimming with fruit juices and Fresh fruit.

The Pasta Brie with decadent, unctuous balls of brie served on top of spinach pasta garnished with edible Viola flowers almost looked too good to eat.

A cube of Gorgeous Eggplant was another choice.

Layers of eggplant and tomato with a fragrant spiced tahini yoghurt blended the construction of a traditional lasagne with the flavours of the Middle East. For those of you wishing to convert a friend or loved one into eating salads, look no further than the Black Lemon Steak Salad. Strips of Tenderloin with Arugula and roasted nuts bound together in a chilli oregano vinaigrette – it’s incredibly delicious.

Traditional Italian fare such as Osso Buco, veal shank served with Saffron Risotto sits side by side 106 fact magazine

with Arabian staples such as Dajaj Warak Enab. Grilled Chicken with vine leaves, pomegranate and pine nuts seated on a bed of creamed potatoes. Decadent and delightful. Not really wanting this gastronomic experience to end we eagerly ordered dessert in order to prolong our visit. The Florence French Toast infused with cardamom and saffron and served with softened vanilla ice cream was balanced and fragrant. A truly magnifique finale.

Escapism amidst surroundings which are both extravagant and modest,

VENUE REVIEW •

beautiful and rustic is what you will experience as you visit Florence. Authentic flavours from the best of the Med’ and the Middle East with attentive service allowing every manner of clientele to mix, mingle and meet. Agora in Adliya. ✤

GO: FOLLOW @FLORENCEBAHRAIN ON INSTAGRAM OR CALL 1733 6373 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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#OKTOBERFEST #AT #THE #GULF #HOTEL #BAHRAIN #CONVENTION #& #SPA 108 fact magazine

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FOODIE CORNER •

NEW SEASON, NEW THEME

Infinite Sushi night – every Tuesday

Excellence sprouts in every colour possible at Teatro in the beautiful Downtown Rotana, where high quality food never disappoints. FACT's Layal Al Mahmoud discovers...

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he culinary team at Teatro, Downtown Rotana has a secret pocket full of magic tricks. Never short on innovative ideas, the Infinite Pizza promotion is a crowd pleaser.

The décor at Teatro is elegant and graceful. A roomy open space is creatively partitioned into four different zones. First stands the bar, closer to which live entertainment is always a pleasure. The lounge comes next with a relaxing set up, while the dining area occupies the two other zones with lots of comfy seating options.

A floor-to-ceiling glass vino closet makes a creative divider between the lounge and the first dining area. Tables for four are set to the right, with a view on the lively streets of the busy city. To the left, a big high table with bar style stools and a view of the open kitchen – the stage where all the deliciousness is being created. Another vino closet separates us from the second dining area where the restaurant’s territory ends with a mirror wall glamorously decorated with silver chains and small red lamps – simply endearing.

The overall atmosphere is mesmerising and romantic, the olive green that dominates the appliances spreads a peaceful vibe, and the dreamy music sets the mood for a great night out.

Moving on to the most important aspect of any restaurant; food!

Teatro offers guests all kinds of treats in an expansive a la carte menu, rich with an array of popular worldwide cuisines from Indian to South Asian and Japanese, which will be available 110 fact magazine

Roasted Duck

to diners in addition to the promotion if they wish to seek to discover other dishes.

Three large square pizzas will bring an extravaganza of ingredients and colours to your table! Each presents four different tasty flavours from grilled classical vegetables and pepperoni to juicy minced beef and spicy tandoori chicken to adventurous salmon with caramelised onions and chocolaty nutella with berries.

And full or not, Teatro’s signature sweet plate is always a must.

Fresh fruits, chocolate bites, crème brulée, and coconut ice

FOODIE CORNER •

The Big Show – Teatro’s favourite dessert platter

cream making sure that every palate in the house leaves satisfied. The best of all is the perfect fried Banana rolls with dolce de leche sauce, what a treat!

Asian cuisine meets Italian passion at Teatro and you do not want to miss it! ✤

GO: CALL 1311 9999 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

Infinite Pizza night – every Wednesday

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AWARD WINNING WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY

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khalifashaheen

www.khalifashaheen.com

+973 17 593993

PEP TALK •

Zero Bulk!

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

The other day one of my female clients asked if we could put the weight she was doing goblet squats with down as she didn’t want to get big and bulky. I gave a little smile and she gave me a look that said, “why is that funny”?

I then went on to explain that the amount of weight she is lifting will NEVER get her big and bulky as that is something you have to train specifically for and that it’s not our aim. I then went on to explain that lifting weights is a woman’s best friend when it comes to weight loss and reshaping your body. When it comes to looking bulky most women just don't possess the testosterone necessary to gain that physique and those that do are most likely taking something to give them a helping hand.

There are many benefits to lifting weights such as improving your bone density which unfortunately women lose as they age. It adds lean muscle, so you can stay the same weight on the scales but be physically smaller, tight and toned. It also increases your metabolism, so you can eat more (good) food. You will also be stronger inside and out and by this, I mean you will be physically stronger but also feel so much more confident within yourself.

Once that weights session is over your body will be burning fat for the rest of the day.

So, keep lifting ladies! ✤

GO: Email ymcfitness@gmail.com or call 3466 0453 for more information.

Autumn Life Georgina Jennsen is the lady behind the popular lifestyle blog, blonde in bahrain. a social media influencer who loves all things luxurious.

Don’t you just adore autumn? It always comes as such sweet relief after the long summer months, with days finally mild enough to make the most of, and evenings...well they’re simply amazing. Fall is also the best season for eating, food seems to taste, and even smell so much better.

Take BBQs for example. That gorgeous aroma of grilltime wafting around the neighborhood just can’t be beat, especially when it’s coming from OUR Weber. It’s also one of the few times in our house when hubby morphs into head chef. And being married to an Aussie (that’d me), he knows the heat is on for him to perform. Needless to say, the burgers he serves up are truly burgerlious.

Fall is also the perfect time to indulge in some of the heartier dishes, like comfortingly creamy soups and stews thick enough to stand a spoon in. One of my favourites is the French 70’s classic - coq au vin - a rich casserole consisting of beautifully braised chicken, mushrooms, pearl onions and vino.

We’re also rather partial to Catalan fish stew in our house.

This delicious dish combines tomato, butter beans and garlic with a delicate white fish such as cod (bacalao in Catalan).

Swap this out for the lovely local fish hammour, for a truly hearty fall feast. Happy fall! Xx ✤

GO: Keep up with Georgina at www.blondeinbahrain.com and on instagram @blondeinbahrain. fact magazine

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ISLAND INSIDER

Jeremy Canivet Director of Sales & Marketing, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain

Tell us three things you're most looking forward to in your new role?

I look forward to working with the tourism board to support their ongoing efforts in developing Bahrain as a tourist destination.

In addition, the upcoming festive season and all of the great activities we are planning to unveil, promises fun for kids and adults alike. Soon we are also launching The Pearl I our new boat, The Pearl One, which will be available for our guests to explore the beautiful islands and go on pearl diving excursions.

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What makes The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain stand out from its competitors?

What differentiates us from our competitors is our Ladies and Gentlemen. The team at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain are true hospitality professionals regardless of their role within the hotel. Every member of the team truly cares about our guests, and it shows from the positive feedback that we receive. The customer comes first is something we enliven every day and at the same time, we ensure that we

take care of our people as well.

Share with us some of your future goals with the hotel over the next year?

My goal is to build on the great foundation that the team here has created over the years and keep the hotel as the number one luxury address on the island. We also are exploring new markets such as Russia... as a unique tourist destination that perfectly blends modern development with rich culture and heritage.

MODA MALL - CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN

#wearsEA Follow @emporioarmani

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