FACT Qatar November 2016

NOVEMBER 2016 VOL 3. ISSUE 6 QR10

BBQ 101

TIPS, TRICKS & RECIPES TO GRILL LIKE A CHAMP

PERIODICAL REINCARNATION

THE ART OF COLOUR AND COLLAGE

A GRAIN OF SAND

ON A MISSION TO SHARE THE MUSIC OF PEARL DIVERS fact magazine

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Contents FACt FInDs

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A GRAIn oF sAnD

29

37

Doha’s best Illusion waits to be discovered!

A story of heritage and music from the Gulf.

everything you need to know for the perfect bbq.

41

53

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BBQ ReCIPes

ARts InteRVIeW

24 HoURs In PRAGUe

Doha’s top chefs share some of their best recipes.

Get ready for a Periodical Reincarntion in Bahrain.

We visit the magical Czech city to see what’s on offer!

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BBQ 101

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109

FAsHIon FoCUs

CULInARY sPotLIGHt

FooDIe CoRneR

the tommyXGigi Capsule Collection is here...

sharq Village & spa’s revamped venues & menu!

Antica Pesa’s dining deals that you need to try.

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THE EDITOR

Colour Vision

“The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless.”

- Jean-Jacques Rousseau

N

ovember is always a bit of a crazy month in the Gulf.

There are concerts and music festivals, racing events, arts fairs and lots and lots of invitations to weekend barbeques. This is the month that winter weather officially kicks in and when you start to feel the buzz (and stress) of the festive season. But, you won’t hear any complaints from me. This is my absolute favourite time of the year in Doha; going out for long walks, sitting on a restaurant’s terrace for dinner, and dusting off the boots to up your wardrobe game - how can you not love the cool season?

With your garden gathering in mind, we’ve got an awesome guide to throwing the best barbeque (bbq - however you prefer to write it - the same grilling rules apply!). Turn to p37 for BBQ 101, followed

by Doha’s top chefs sharing their best BBQ Recipes for everyone to try out at home (p41). There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be having a steak off with friends this season!

One of the standout features, for me, this month is Periodical Reincarnation. I caught up with Bahrain-based artist Andrea Ignacio (who also takes the well-deserved cover story spot) to talk all about her unusual and pleasantly obscure artwork. Read all about her magazine-inspired pieces on p53.

We also bring you an interesting heritage story after meeting musician and filmmaker Jason Carter who has been working to bring the enigmatic tales of pearl diving past to a modern day audience.

Find out how and why he’s helping to highlight the forgotten songs from the music of the Gulf ’s pearl divers in A Grain of Sand (p29).

Travel, fashion and dining also have something great to offer you this month. Check out our magical trip to the Czech Republic with 24 Hours in Prague (p68), the nautical Tommy X Gigi Capsule Collection (p87), and the wonders of Ikarian cuisine at Sharq Village & Spa (p101).

Whatever you do, make sure it’s not all just binge-watching Netflix and getting Talabat orders in - get out there and enjoy the breeze before it’s gone in a hot flash!☺ Shabana Adam Editor-in-Chief shabana@fact-magazine.com 6

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FACT Magazine Qatar Edition November 2016 Volume 3, Issue 6

Chairman Khalifa Bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Chief Executive Officer Greg Hughes General Manager Hussein A. Zreik Editor-in-Chief Shabana Adam (shabana@fact-magazine.com) Creative Director Paula Leal Graphic Designers Jyoti Rawat Rashed Bin Daina Photography Abshar Kader Contributors Gareth Woods Sofia Graniello Production & Distribution Ajit Kumar Neil Mahmood Sales Manager Badir Bechara Office Admin Maritess M. Agapito ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Email: badir@ohlala-magazine.com PRINTED BY United Printing Press

All Rights Reser ved. 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. Publishing cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions. FACT M.E. Bahrain Publishing W.L.L. Off ice 53, Building 872, Road 3618, Block 436, Seef.

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SOCIAL MEDIA

twitter

instagram @factmagazine

FACT Qatar

3,309 followers

@FACT_Qatar

Combining all three editions of FACt in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Qatar, keep up with us on instagram for the best behind-the-scenes photos from food shoots, local events and all things awesome in the GCC, plus loads more from the FACt team.

NOVEMBER 2016 VOL 3. ISSUE 6 QR10

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

BBQ 101

TIPS, TRICKS & RECIPES TO GRILL LIKE A CHAMP

PERIODICAL REINCARNATION

THE ART OF COLOUR AND COLLAGE

A GRAIN OF SAND

ON A MISSION TO SHARE THE MUSIC OF PEARL DIVERS

facebook

tweets

FACT Qatar Ascia AKF @ASCIA_AKF Dying of thirst but refused to pay 500 fils for water at a coffee shop because principles.

Salman Qureshi @SALMANZQ Either I will find a way, or I will make one - Philip Sidney. I bet he uses the hard shoulder on the #Dubai #AbuDhabi highway. #comedy

12,000 likes Keep up with all things Qatar as the FACt team posts the latest competitions, happenings and everything we’re getting up to for the monthly magazine. send us a message – we love to hear from our readers!

our Fave Feature OCTOBER 2016 VOL 3. ISSUE 5 QR10

OhmyTash @OHMYTASHA Today I saw an article that mentioned the city “Bahrain, Saudi Arabia.” #Bahrain, don’t worry, size isn’t everything!

Imran Al Aradi @IMRAN_AL_ARADI We all have that one friend who makes a post on social media then send it out as a broadcast on WhatsApp. Muneera Khalifa @MUNEERAKHALIFA Major announcement to all my friends, mention #PokemonGo to me--- and our friendship is over.

Do yourself a favor and read a book instead.

AL FRESCO 101 YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO OUTDOOR DINING, POOL DAYS & THINGS TO DO FOR FREE IN DOHA!

issuu.com FACT Qatar

51,942 reads of the Octoberr 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 entertainment, in Qatar.

Follow us on twitter and maybe you’ll be here next month! @FACT_Qatar 8

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Periodical Reincarnation p53

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CHECK IT OUT

FACt FInDs

the Best Kind of Illusion BRInGInG toGetHeR BReAtHtAKInG enteRtAInment, FooD, DRInKs AnD LeIsURe, IllusIon At MARsA MAlAz KeMPInsKI, The PeARl-QATAR, Is one stUnnInG VenUe tHAt oFFeRs tHRee UnIQUe eXPeRIenCes – 1933 At tHe GRAnD HALL, tHe DIsCReet PRIvATe lounge AnD LUsH The seCReT gARden At tHe teRRACe WItH sWeePInG VIeWs oF tHe PeARL.

Can you say woah? If you haven’t been to Illusion yet, you need to stop what you’re doing, pick up that phone and make the call to reserve a table. This spectacular supper club experience combines a fantasy restaurant and food that will tease your senses, coupled with an energetic music line-up and spellbinding performances. Illusion is a modern mix of old world and new, from the rich furnishings to the captivating sounds and irresistible plates, the venue invites guests to be inspired and be part of this captivating world.

Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, head to 1933 in The Grand Hall at Illusion, which embraces everything that’s hot, from couture mixology, to trendsetting plates and outrageous beats. True to the world of Illusion, the dining was conceived to inspire your senses and take your breath away, each and every time. Here, a three-course meal can be enjoyed between 8pm and 10pm for only QR193.30 per person.

Also on Wednesdays at Illusion, you can embrace the Latino culture at Doha’s ultimate venue with Dinner & Show at 1933. Making for a sensational night of signature tastes and live shows, complete with dessert devour, there’s plenty of glamour to go round. This more reserved affair is the perfect mid-week pick me up, with the experiential shows beginning from 9pm and continuing on ‘til late.

Enjoy delicious food where every ingredient and dish has a purpose, as guests come to taste a fusion of the unexpected as well as encounter upscale visual masterpieces.

The Secret Garden is poised to be the most beautiful garden party of the season, this awe-inspiring rooftop spread across one large terrace, is the perfect start to the weekend with casual, fresh, delicious fusion cuisine and chilled sounds. The Secret Garden experience features a mix of some of the world’s greatest sharing plates from a variety of different cuisines – Asian, Spanish, American and French, and promises to curb your hunger. With eclectic music and delicious delights, The Secret Garden is the ultimate place to relax and unwind as you watch the sun go down and the stars come alive under the Doha skies. Daily from 4pm to 2am with Sunset Sessions between 4pm and 9pm. ✤ GO: Call 4035 5757 or 5070 0362 for reservations and more information.

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Dramatic architectures from table top to distant frontiers.

A new culinary expression is on the horizon at Al Dana Restaurant, where market-fresh ingredients meet with gastro-art, inspired by the Ikarian diet.

From reconstructed classics to imaginative deconstructions, every dish inspires a new point of view.

Seafood On Ice with Poached Omani Lobster, Tiger Prawns, King Crab and Fresh Oysters

COASTAL MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE BY AL DANA Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel Ras Bu Aboud Street, Doha, Qatar +974 4425 6666 dining.sharq@ritzcarlton.com ritzcarlton.com/sharqvillage

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LISTEN UP

turkey traditions ALL THE BEST PLACES TO SPEND THE FAMILY HOLIDAY OF THANKSGIVING IN DOHA.

What: TURKET TO GO Where: THE ST. REGIS DOHA When: NOVEMBER 24 The St. Regis Doha is offering a fabulous Turkey-to-go menu for families to enjoy this Thanksgiving. For a cool QR990 you can get yourself a full-on meal with the roast, stuffing and sides to fee from eight to 10 people. Your dinner will include a roasted whole turkey with celery onion stuffing, roasted potato, sweet potato mash, honey glazed carro, roasted parsnip, broccolis almond cream, turkey jus, cranberries jus, and pumpkin pie. Just how yummy does that sound? Take the stress out of Thanksgiving and let The St. Regis Doha make it an enjoyable one!

Call 4446 0000 for reservations and more info.

What: THANKSGIVING WEEK AT HUNTERS Where: THE WESTIN DOHA HOTEL & SPA When: NOVEMBER 24 TO DECEMBER 1 Guest chef, Matilda Robinson, from The St. Regis Washington, DC, will be in Doha to delight guests with an authentic Thanksgiving menu. Since 1993, Chef Matilda has assisted in leading the culinary team at the St. Regis Washington, DC as the Chef Garde Manger. During her tenure Chef Matilda has enjoyed providing many world leaders with indelible culinary experiences and it’ll be Chef Matilda’s first time to The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa where she’ll prepare for you a traditional allAmerican Thanksgiving Feast at Hunters!

QR220 per person, food only.

Call 4492 1555 for reservations and more info.

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What: THANKSGIVING DINNER Where: INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY When: NOVEMBER 24, 6PM TO 11PM Join in a cosmopolitan Thanksgiving Dinner at The Square with your family and friends! Indulge in the Thanksgiving carving station with traditional Turkey and all the trimmings, perfect to celebrate the season. End your evening on a sweet note with a huge selection of desserts, including pumpkin pie! QR255 – inclusive of soft beverages; QR355 – inclusive of selected house beverages; and QR390 – inclusive of premium house beverages.

Call 4015 8888 for reservations and more info.

What: THANKSGIVING DINNER Where: FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DOHA When: NOVEMBER 24, 6.30PM TO 10.30PM Celebrate the season of Thanksgiving at Il Teatro where a delicious Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet will be hosted. Savour your evening with the traditional roast turkey, stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, and gravy and pumpkin pies together with your

nearest and dearest. QR285 per person inclusive of non-alcoholic beverages.

Offers on vino available at special prices.

Call 4494 8600 for reservations and more info.

What: THANKSGIVING DINNER Where: ORYX ROTANA DOHA When: NOVEMBER 24 Turn your Thanksgiving feast into a meal that’s both traditional and tasty! Dine out at Choices and celebrate the holiday with a seafood themed buffet. Enjoy a seasonal spread of fresh seafood, made to order hot dishes, salads and pasta, as well as succulent selections from the carving stations with all the trimmings. And for those with a sweet tooth, there are some mouthwatering desserts to finish.

Thanksgiving dinner buffet is QR280 per person, food only; QR360 including unlimited selected house beverages or try the premium package for QR390 including unlimited sparkling vino, house spirits, selected digestives and aperitifs.

Children aged 6 to 11 pay QR150. ✤ Call 4402 3333 for reservations and more info.

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LISTEN UP

the entertainer 2017 Offers Exceptional Value The Entertainer, the region’s leading Buy One Get One Free incentives brand, has launched Entertainer Qatar 2017, which customers can now purchase for a cool QR250, 15 per cent off the regular cost. On top of this great price, your purchase will unlock all of 2016’s offers so you can start saving right away. This fantastic deal is available directly from the website (www.theentertainerme.com) or through the Entertainer App, for a limited time only.

With over 1,400 Buy One Get One Free offers for restaurants, cafés, attractions, leisure activities, spas, fitness, retail, services and more, the Entertainer delivers over QR587,000 in savings for customers in Qatar. Top merchants include Papa John’s, Biella, Outback Steakhouse, Nando’s, Butcher Shop & Grill, Burj al Hamam, VLCC Wellness, Trader Vic’s, Doha Golf Club, Tim Hortons and many more awesome places.

In 2016, Entertainer members in Qatar will have used over 350,000 digital offers, saving an average of QR5,152 per user! In addition to all the offers in the book, the digital product includes access to even more premium offers added each month, such as brunches, buffets, spa treatments and more. New venues are added on the App throughout the year, giving customers the opportunity to save even more. Last month, the Entertainer App introduced Smiles, a virtual currency system which allows members to earn and spend rewards throughout the year. Rewards include offer top-ups, for when you’ve used all three at your favourite spots, extra Pings and many more fab deals.

With the purchase of all 2017 digital products, Entertainer members will enjoy exclusive access to Hotels Worldwide, which includes Buy One Night, Get One Free offers at over 500 hotels across the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Choose from hotels, resorts, hotel apartments, bed and breakfasts and lodges in over 30 popular destinations including Dubai, Oman, Jordan, Thailand, Malaysia, Bali and others.

Donna Benton, Founder and Chairman of the Entertainer, said: “Our 2017 products deliver incredible value at the most extensive range of outlets available, giving our customers the opportunity to save money, go out more and spend quality time with friends and loved ones.

“The newest update to our world-class App offers more benefits and value than ever before, so there is truly no better time to be an Entertainer member.” With that, we have to agree! ✤ GO: Visit www.theentertainerme.com for more information.

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"Now open in the highest spot in Doha"

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LISTEN UP

music at the st. Regis: La noche de Doha The St. Regis Doha has launched its eagerly awaited live Cuban music showcase with La Noche de Doha at Oyster Bay. As The St. Regis Doha continues to diversify Doha’s music scene by offering highquality music, lively performances and delicious food from all four corners of the globe, La Noche de Doha is the latest in its offering. The Cuban band has mastered crowd favourite songs and will cater to a multitude of diverse music genres spanning across Rhumba, AfroCuban jazz, Salsa, Soukous and Spanish fusion genres.

Music lovers and guests will be able to enjoy a truly unique and unforgettable music experience with La Noche de Doha every Wednesday to Saturday, from sunset until late, featuring a new Cuban band playing energetic Latino rhythms, while savouring Caribbean inspired snacks and hand-crafted beverages.

The Cuban band currently comprises of world-class musicians including vocalists Gerardo Contino and Jenny Sotolongo, keyboard player Axel Tosca, bassist Israel Cedano, who will be joined by Yusnier Bustamante on the Congo drums.

Featuring a combination of lounge music, a beach side bar, authentic Cuban treats and refreshing drinks by the pool, La Noche de Doha is the place to be during the week as the sun goes down, the weather cools and the temperature at Oyster Bay rises.

Mr. Tareq Derbas, Area General Manager of Lebanon, Syria, Pakistan, Iran and Iraq for Starwood Hotels & Resorts 16

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Gerardo Contino

Judi Jackson

Tasha Denae

Middle East, and General Manager of The St. Regis Doha, said: “We are immensely proud of the fantastic talent that we have performing at La Noche de Doha, coupled with signature Cuban food and a relaxing atmosphere at Oyster Bay. The St. Regis Doha prides itself on always being at the forefront of fresh and exciting new concepts which includes world class musicians, live performances and stand out food and service, and we are confident that we have achieved this yet again with La Noche de Doha.”

Meanwhile, every Tuesday evening the band will perform live from 9pm until midnight at The Club, during ladies night and at Oyster Bay, The St. Regis’ private beach, every Wednesday evening from 8pm until midnight, every Thursday and Friday from 9.30pm until 1.15am, and every Saturday from 8pm until 1.15am.

See you all there! ✤ GO: Call 4446 0000 for reservations and more information.

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LISTEN UP

CioccolatItaliani Delights

Chocolate fans, listen up! The Ali Bin Ali Group has paved the way for world-renowned chocolate store, CioccolatItaliani, which is now open in Qatar. The grand launch of CioccolatItaliani took place last month at Qatar’s popular Lagoona Mall.

The opening of its store in Qatar is an exciting prospect for chocolate lovers in the country.

The CioccolatItaliani store at Lagoona Mall carries plush, elegant decor and modern elegantly furnished interiors. Fans of the brand readily agree that CioccolatItaliani is a true Italian story of flavourful chocolate, set in the best Italian traditions. It is widely known that CioccolatItaliani’s chocolates and desserts use the finest quality cocoa in the world. Fino de Aroma, a key ingredient in all CioccolatItaliani preparations is a rare combination of cocoa made by crossing the Criollo and Trinitario varieties and represents only eight per cent of the world’s cocoa.

Mr. Philippe Tardieu, General Manager of the Hospitality Division, ABA Group, said: “The Ali Bin Ali Group is proud to 18

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be the partner of this great brand in Qatar.

The opening of this store confirms our commitment to bring the world’s best flavours to Qatar.

“Our CioccolatItaliani store is a new and revolutionary concept that combines taste, authenticity, tradition and innovation.

CioccolatItaliani is not just a chocolate and dessert store; it is a brand and a statement of intent that revolutionises the world of chocolate,” he added.

The CioccolatItaliani restaurant in Qatar has a variety of indulgent options and menu offerings that range from chocolate creations like Cappuccino con fuso to unique gelato and desserts like the Happiness bowl as well as the signature dishes like the Thousand leaves, Torta nocciolata and Beef tagliata.

There’s no such thing as too much chocolate so welcome to Doha CioccolatItaliani! ✤ GO: Visit CioccolatItaliani on the first floor at Lagoona Mall. Call 4477 4222 for more information.

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LISTEN UP

the Best of Belgian Cuisine W Doha Hotel & Residences will host the second edition of the Belgian Culinary Days at Market by Jean Georges from November 17 to 26. Bringing the best of Belgian cuisine to your table will be guest celebrity Chef, Frank Fol, best known as The Vegetable Chef, who will be teaming up with the exemplary W Doha brigade to ensure this installment of foodie goodness becomes another successful celebration of culinary exchange featuring the vibrant culture of Belgium.

Chef Frank Fol is a real cabbage patch 20

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kid. Over the course of time, his curiosity on vegetables and making them the hero ingredients in creating delicious and healthy masterpieces became his life’s work and an advocacy that led him to introducing www.weresmartworld.com, an online portal that aims to educate and empower its followers to “Think fruit” and “Think vegetables”. It offers recipes, blogs, activities, and resources that encourage people to take advantage of the bounties of nature and embrace healthy eating habits.

For the first time ever, Chef Fol will be sharing his mastery of the Belgian cuisine and fervent love for vegetables with his guests in Doha at this event organised in partnership with the Embassy of Belgium, Flanders Investment and Trade, and the Belgian Business Club Qatar.

H.E. Christophe Payot, Ambassador of Belgium to Qatar, said: “We are so honoured to have Chef Frank Fol join us this year and we are confident that his work will best represent our cultural heritage and genuine love for food.

“We invite everyone to take part in this feast at the W Doha, our host who has supported us in putting this together since our first edition last year.”

Some of the sumptuous Belgian treats to look forward to from the set menu and buffet are the Belgian f ish soup with celery, chervil, potato and mussels; Red Cabbage ‘Belgian Way’ with veal filet, Belgian endives, bitter chocolate, and spiced sweet crumble; and Chicken stew with tarragon, mushrooms, young onions, tomatoes with sashed potatoes and white beans. And of course, there is no resisting the overflowing selection of Belgian waffles, Belgian cheese, charcuterie, and the all-time favourite Belgian chocolates. ✤ GO: This special menu will be available from November 17 to 26 from 6pm to 11.30pm in Market by Jean Georges, W Doha Hotel & Residences. Priced at QR250. A Belgian Brunch will also be on offer on November 18 and 25 from 12pm to 4pm for QR295 with soft drinks, and QR410 with selected specialty drinks. Call 4453 5135 for reservations and more information.

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LISTEN UP

entertainment Galore!

Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl – Doha now has exciting and world-renowned international entertainment for guests to revel in during their dining experience in three of hotel’s outlets. Not only will you be blown away by the culinary adventure, but the apt atmosphere will match the exclusive and quality of the cuisine and your surroundings.

Al Sufra introduces Jennifer Grout, an Arabs Got Talent phenomena. Born in America, Jennifer fell in love with classical Arabic music at the age of 23 when she discovered a music clip on YouTube. She instantly purchased a one-way ticket to Morocco to pursue her new thirst for Arabic music, where she was able to express her passion for song and the culture with ease.

El Faro welcomes new entertainment to the floor with the passionate performance of their flamenco dancer and guitarist.

Falling in love with their talents from a young age, Laura Rodriguez and Joti de Jerez liven the setting as they whisk diners away with each note and tap. In addition to the new entertainment, El Faro will host an authentic Friday Spanish Brunch and you can now sit on the terrace too!

Sawa adds to their popular Signature Friday Brunch with the talented vocals of Jessica Gibson. Coming from a musical background, Jessica learned to play the guitar at the age of 12. From here, her love for music only grew, with her talent taking her around the globe on both land and sea with her latest destination being Sawa’s Signature Friday Brunch.

If it’s more than just good food you want, Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha has you covered! ✤ GO: Call 4025 5011 for reservations and more information.

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Landmark Mall 4411 0928

The Mall 4467 7732

The Pearl-Qatar 4421 0025

City Center Mall 4493 3838

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LISTEN UP

ellen’s Design Challenge on beIn HGTV is bringing its furniture design competition series, Ellen’s Design Challenge, to Qatar and wider MENA audiences this November when it launches on beIN. Hosted by US TV star Ellen DeGeneres, the show will put six furniture designers to the test to compete in various challenges designing and building amazing furniture in just 24 hours.

With a workshop, a lead carpenter, and all the tools they’ll need, audiences will watch as contestants are challenged to sketch, design and build extraordinary furniture in each episode - how cool is that?

Ellen, who also executive produces the 24

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series, will be joined each week by a panel of expert judges to eliminate the contestants one by one until one designer is left standing to win the coveted title and cash prize.

Ellen said: “I realised when I had my name on the show that I could change the rules, plus, I love furniture and I love television, so to put furniture on television is a win-win.

“I’m so excited about this show because I love finding really special pieces of furniture. I’m most excited about seeing the furniture and then stealing it for my home.”

HGTV, which will be aired exclusively on beIN, is ranked amongst the top seven cable

networks in the U.S. and has been the top network for upscale women for ten years running.

The home and lifestyle channel will show the latest in design trends, and share expert home improvement advice to inspire viewers to undertake their own stunning transformations.

Get ready guys, this might just be your new TV addiction – move over Kardashians, Ellen’s in town! ✤ GO: Ellen’s Design Challenge Season 1 will premiere in the region on Saturday, November 5 at 8.45pm KSA Time.

#WHAT #GHANDI #SAYS #EXHIBITION #LAUNCH #AT #THE #BRIDGE

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What Ghandi Says, a brand new exhibition by Jacinthe Lamontagne-Lecomte, was opened at The Bridge, InterContinental Doha The City. Jacinthe’s work is inspired by Ghandi’s maxim of - I don’t see anything/See no evil - I don’t hear anything/Hear no evil I don’t say a thing/Speak no evil. The pieces on display are unusual and thought-provoking and we love Jacinthe’s artistic style! fact magazine

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HAPPENINGS

Getting Out & About THIS MONTH IN QATAR

Say goodbye to boredom this month and mark your diaries with these all-important dates. We’ve put together a calendar packed with happenings just for you! This is what FACT recommends (there’s more throughout the mag too!)

02 07 10 12 15

WEDNESDAY

MONDAY

THURSDAY

SATURDAY

TUESDAY

Start your month by treating yourself to a 15% discount at the legendary Al Sultan Brahim every Tuesday and Wednesday.

This is an exceptional Lebanese Restaurant complete with an extensive menu and friendly setting. Open from 12pm to 4pm and 6.30pm to 11.30pm.

Heavenly Spa is offering either a head massage, a back, neck and shoulder massage or a nail polish change, for 25 minutes. Access to the Hotel Pools, Wet Spa and Westin Workout is also included from just QR200 per person.

Every Sunday to Wednesday from 5pm.

What happens when you fuse house, dance hall, reggaeton, dub, hip-hop and electro music? Moombathon of course! Join in with the festivities every Thursday night from 9pm to 2am.

Entrance is QR75 with one beverage. Free before 12am for ladies. Mixed groups and couples only.

Especially for the ladies out there. Indulge in the Kempinski breakfast buffet at the beautiful Aroma. Luxury dining is what awaits you for only QR75 per lady!

Available every day of the week, from 6.30am until 11am. For mums who breakfast - this sounds yummy!

Let Al Liwan’s master Turkish chefs spoil you. Enjoy a traditional range of Turkish bread, beef doner, roll boreks, hungar begendi and much more. Available on Tuesdays from 6.30pm to 11pm.

QR300 with house beverages, QR205 for food only.

SPECIAL TREAT at Al Sultan Brahim The St. Regis Doha

Call 4446 0105 for more info.

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TWILIGHT NIGHTS at Heavenly Spa Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

Call 4492 1555 for more info.

A FUSION OF SOUNDS at Strata, Intercontinental Doha The City

Call 4015 8888 for more info.

LADIES BREAKFAST at Aroma, Kempinski Residence and Suites

Call 4405 3325 for more info.

TURKISH DELIGHT at Al Liwan Restaurant Sharq Village & Spa

Call 4477 4094 for more info.

HAPPENINGS

2023 26 2830 SUNDAY

WEDNESDAY

SATURDAY

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

Burn up to 740 calories in a class using moves from Karate, Taekwondo, Boxing, Muay Thai, Capoeira and Kung Fu. From 7pm to 7.45pm on Sundays, 5pm to 5.45pm on Wednesdays and 6pm to 6.45pm on Saturdays.

Members QR35 / Nonmembers QR60.

Every Wednesday, another installment of the classic James Bond series is played on the restaurant’s comfy terrace. Enjoy both the best of Italian cuisine and English special intelligence at this highly-regarded venue.

Dress code is smart casual for the evening.

The Marsa Malaz Kempinski has partnered with MYA in order to create a platform of support for young performers pursuing their musical dreams. Enjoy the majestic setting of the Grand Lobby whilst listening to the beautiful notes played by the young artists. 4.30pm until 6pm.

The Jazz Club welcomes yet another fresh South African music offering with U-Turn.

Showcasing their original sound, a mix of jazz, soul and funk, they can be heard every night of the week excluding Saturdays.

Performance starts at 9pm. Jazz fans, be there!

A new concept for happy hour, taking inspiration from signature cocktails with four elements - fire, air, earth and water.

Enjoy great value tapas and tasty beverage mixes.

Sunday to Thursday from 4pm to 7pm, Wednesdays is Ladies Nights and Saturdays from 4pm for all.

BODY COMBAT at The Fitness Studio Intercontinental Doha

Call 800 4642 for more info.

007 MOVIE NIGHT at Paper Moon Doha Jaidah Square

Call 4016 6000 for more info.

MOVING YOUNG ARTISTS (MYA) at Grand Lobby Marsa Malaz Kempinski

Call 4035 5011 for more info.

U-TURN BAND at Jazz Club Oryx Rotana Doha

Call 4402 3333 for more info.

FOUR FROM 4 at Elements Four Seasons Hotel Doha

Call 4494 8600 for more info. fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#UNVEILING # OF #CORAL #ALL-DAY #DINING #AT #I NTERCONTINENTAL #D OHA

Members of the media, VIPS guests and food enthusiasts all gathered at the new-look Coral All-Day Dining restaurant, InterContinental Doha to celebrate the venue’s revamped look and exciting foodie offerings. Guests were seen indulging in the delicious food and drinks and admiring the fresh new surroundings of the popular restaurant.

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A G rA i n of SA nd LIFE IN THE GULF WAS ONCE DOMINATED BY THE JEWELS OF THE SEA, BUT WHAT MANY PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW IS THAT ALONGSIDE THE WEALTH FROM PEARL DIVING THERE WAS ALSO GREAT HARDSHIP, AND ONE OF THE MAIN THINGS TO GET PEOPLE THROUGH THE DAYS AT SEA WAS MUSIC. NOW, BAHRAIN-BASED BRITISH GUITARIST, JASON CARTER, IS ON A MISSION TO TELL THE STORY OF THESE UNKNOWN VOICES IN A DOCUMENTARY AND MULTI-MEDIA CONCERT. FACT’S SHABANA ADAM LEARNS MORE…

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CULTURE

D

id you know that pearl divers of the Gulf had a song for everything? The women and children of men, who went out to sea, also had their own songs about the pursuit. In fact, music played a pivotal role in the lives of the pearl divers of the Arabian Gulf. But, it’s something that is rarely, or never, mentioned in conversation about the pearl diving industry. One man has set out to change that.

Meet British guitarist and filmmaker Jason Carter, who moved to neighbouring Bahrain two months ago and is currently working on a couple of projects to showcase the forgotten voices of the pearl diving era.

“Everyone knows that pearl diving existed but less is known about the music and that fascinates me,” Jason tells us.

“The women had songs, the men had songs, and the children had songs too.

All were sang as the pearl divers were preparing the boats, set to leave and go out to sea for up to 12 weeks at a time.

If you talk to some old Gulf Arabs, they will often recall as children, standing on the beaches and watching the pearl divers go out to sea and still being able to hear the songs,” he says.

It’s a magical notion that even the toughest labour of that time was so

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“

highly influenced by such a simple and grounding thing as music. “The role of music in this situation is multi-faceted,” Jason says. “It kept them going. It was powerful; it gave them freedom and it kept the morale high – especially singing, it’s very personal.”

Songs of longing, hope and survival were part of the divers’ every day life at sea.

“On the whole it was something to get them through the time at sea, but, also, the songs had beat,” Jason explains. “For example, when they were rowing they had songs that were very rhythmic; the captain would be calling and singing out to motivate them, and they would repeat the words as they rowed.

ALL WERE SANG AS THE PEARL DIVERS WERE PREPARING THE BOATS, SET TO LEAVE AND GO OUT TO SEA FOR UP TO 12 WEEKS AT A TIME. IF YOU TALK TO SOME OLD GULF ARABS, THEY WILL OFTEN RECALL AS CHILDREN, STANDING ON THE BEACHES AND WATCHING THE PEARL DIVERS GO OUT TO SEA AND STILL BEING ABLE TO HEAR THE SONGS.”

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CULTURE

“There were songs for pulling the ropes, pulling the divers, there were comical songs, very melancholic songs, and even songs for when nothing was going on,” he adds.

Jason’s very first experience of this music was actually in Bahrain, back in 2000, when he was invited by the British Council to perform with local pearl divers. “Those concerts in 2000 and 2001 changed my whole perspective of what music can be, because I was interacting with a group of old men from a totally different culture, and they were so generous and excited, and wanted to share their stories and heritage with me,” he recalls.

After the concert, the Minister of Culture approached Jason and told him “you have no idea what happened tonight,” to which he responded, “what do you mean?” One look around and Jason immediately realised that this performance had brought together Bahraini men who wouldn’t usually mix, but because of music, and specifically pearl diving music, they had come

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together for an evening to reminisce the memories of a deeply-ingrained past.

“That really changed my perception and something clicked in my brain,” Jason says. “And from that moment it’s sent me off on a more conscious voyage around the world in regards to the importance of music as a platform for intercultural dialogue.”

All of Jason’s connections with the Gulf and love for music led him to pursue A Grain of Sand. It was originally set to be a documentary-style film about the last remaining pearl divers in the UAE and Jason travelled the breadth of the Emirates to find pearl divers willing to share their story.

It was mainly in Ras Al Khaimah where people opened up and Jason was able to gather some truly deep and moving footage. The project has now been turned into a full-fledged multimedia concert that Jason is hoping to present in a onehour show of original interviews, old photos, videos and original music with loops and samples - dedicated to the music of the UAE’s pearl divers.

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CULTURE

“What we found in the UAE was a story of real hardship, in that the Emirates was the poorest country in the Gulf at one time,” Jason shares. “In all honesty a lot of pearl divers were slaves from Africa or India and it was a tough life and a tough industry. It was quite common that people would die at sea and when the boats came into the harbour, if there was a black flag flying it meant they had lost somebody,” he continues. “The UAE story is important and I will tell that story through mixed media.”

For the film, the focus is now Bahrain and Jason admits that it’s a lot easier to find the magic that he had originally set out to capture, as Bahraini pearl divers are a lot more open about the activity.

“I’ve never had a creative project that I let go of, especially when I know it’s a good idea,” he says.

Jason’s commitment to intertwining the past with the present through A Grain of Sand (did you know that a pearl begins its life as a grain of sand?) and now the upcoming film in Bahrain, are both a massive celebration of the Gulf region’s cultural identity, something we hope will always stay strong and true to its roots. ✤ GO: Visit www.grainofsand.tv and www.jasoncarter.net for more information.

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“

I T W A S Q U I T E C O M M O N T H AT P E O P L E W O U L D D I E AT S E A A N D W H E N T H E B O AT S C A M E I N T O T H E HARBOUR, IF THERE WAS A BLACK F L A G F LY I N G I T M E A N T T H E Y H A D L O S T S O M E B O D Y.”

CULTURE

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SOCIETY

#ALI #BIN #ALI #GROUP #OPENS #FIRST #EVER #CIO CCOLATITALIANI #STORE

The Ali Bin Ali Group has paved the way for the world-renowned chocolate store Cioccolatitaliani to open in Qatar. The grand opening of Cioccolatitaliani took place last month at Qatar’s popular Lagoona Mall. Gracing the grand opening were the Italian Ambassador to Qatar, His Excellency Guido De Sanctis, Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President of the Ali bin Ali Group, Mr. Nabeel Ali Bin Ali, top senior management officials of the Ali Bin Ali Group and VIP invitees who joined in the festivities at the opening 36

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THE GRILL

GAMES

BBQ 101 Check out our top tips and tricks for keeping your BBQ gatherings on point. Impress your family and friends and be the BBQ master of the grill by cooking like a champ!

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BBQ 101

U

se QUality ingredients: Nobody’s saying that you shouldn’t get your meat from a local supermarket, but no amount of marinade will magically turn cheap produce into a culinary delight. To avoid any disappointment, choose good quality meat from naturally raised animals and don’t just limit your choices to bangers and burgers; there’s nothing better than splashing out to indulge the ultimate meat cravings with a big slice of dry-aged beef rump and watching it sizzle away on the grill. Seafood is also a big winner!

Marinate yoUr Meat: Probably the most important rule for bbq meat and chicken, using the right marinade is a must. It’s even better (and tastier) if you leave your soon-to-be lunch or dinner steaks, sausages, burgers, ribs and other meat to marinate for a few hours or possibly overnight to ensure that your food is going to be packed with flavours.

This will complement the smoke from the BBQ and you can even make extra marinade to brush the meat every 10 minutes or so whilst it’s on the grill.

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Choose the right CharCoal: Be sure to use good quality lumpwood charcoal as the charcoal you choose can dramatically affect the way the food tastes. The burning qualities of lump charcoal are fantastic in that they don’t need synthetic firelighters to get going, and are ready to use quicker than the standard briquettes.

The burn journey from coppicing leaves a little of the wood character intact which gives your grilled meats a fantastic subtle smokey/wood flavour. Another good tip here is to add wood chips with your charcoal; apple wood or cherry can add a sweetness to the majority of meats.

Simply soak the wood chips in water and add them to the BBQ once it’s lit.

Beginners, get a Meat therMoMeter: It could make the difference between an ok steak and an excellent steak – a meat thermometer is a great tool. Always insert the thermometer into the centre of the thickest part of the meat, not touching any fat, bone, or the grill. Also keep in mind that the meat’s internal temperature will continue to rise after it’s taken off the grill, so you may

want to pull the meat off when it’s about 10 degrees below the target temperature. let the Meat rest: Be sure to rest your meat after cooking by covering it in tin foil or moving it to the cold part of the grill, leaving for the same amount of time as it has spent on the grill. When meat cooks, the moisture on the outside evaporates, and the heat forces the meat’s remaining juices to the centre. Allowing the meat to rest before serving will help to redistribute the juices throughout the cut, resulting in moisture-packed, tender and tasty meat.

Bring yoUr side-dish gaMe: Though meat is principally the biggest element of a bbq, don’t sidestep the side dishes as they can make a significant difference to even good tasting meat. Use the opportunity to take advantage of seasonal fruits and vegetables teamed with a welldressed salad, a variety of dips and maybe some bread too.

Get ready for the best bbq of your life! ✤

BBQ 101

Be Patient and attentive: Impatience can be a cook’s worst enemy – don’t worry about guests, they will better appreciate quality, well-cooked food even if it takes a little longer to get ready. Being patient and attentive whilst cooking on a BBQ will work wonders for your meat, make sure that you wait for the flames to die down, the coals should be a settled light grey which creates very even and hot heat. Trim back excess fat from the edges of cuts such as lamb chops.

When the fat reaches a certain temperature it’ll render down and drip onto the hot coals, causing flare-ups which can potentially spoil the meat. Remember to control the heat from your BBQ, the best way to do this is by piling the coals to one side; creating an extremely hot area and an area with no direct heat.

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BBQ

BoSS RECIPES TO TRY

WITH SO MANY OF YOU TAKING TO THE GRILL FOR THE SEASON AHEAD, WE GOT SOME OF THE BEST CHEFS IN TOWN TO SHARE THEIR DELICIOUS RECIPES FOR YOU! HAPPY EATING…

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BBQ RECIPES

RADISSON BLU HOTEL DOHA Jurgen Lepping, Executive Chef

spicy BBQ Kofta shish Kebab with stir Fried vegetable noodles For the Kofta

t (SJMM PWFS DIBSDPBM GPS minutes and flip. t (SJMM BOPUIFS NJOVUFT

stir Fried vegetables INGREDIENTS

Sliced White Bread (no crust) - Four Ground Lamb - 900g Red Onion, grated - ½ Garlic Cloves, finely chopped - Four Eggs - Two Ground Cumin - 1tbsp Turkish Red Pepper - 1tbsp Ground Sumac - 1tbsp Paprika Powder - 1tbsp Flat Parsley, finely chopped - Ÿ cup Salt and Black Pepper - To taste

Packet Dried Egg Noodles - 375g Shitake Mushroom - Three Red Pepper - ½ Yellow Pepper - ½ Courgette - ½ Carrot - One Mangetout (snow peas) - 12 Baby Sweet Corn - Four Spring Onion - One Garlic Cloves - Two Fresh Ginger - Four cm piece Vegetable Oil - 3tbsps Light Soya Sauce - 4tbsps Chopped Fresh Coriander to garnish.

METHOD

METHOD

t 4PBL FJHIU TLFXFST JG VTJOH wood, for 20 minutes. t 4PBL CSFBE JO DPME XBUFS UIFO squeeze out the excess water. t "EE SFNBJOJOH JOHSFEJFOUT BOE mix. t 3FGSJHFSBUF GPS NJOVUFT t %JWJEF NFBU JOUP FJHIU QPSUJPOT and form into an oval shape. t 4LFXFS UIF QBUUJFT

t )FBU B QBO PG XBUFS VOUJM CPJMJOH Add the three portions of noodles and cook for about four minutes, or according to packet instructions. t -PPTFO UIF OPPEMFT XJUI B GPSL while they cook to stop them from sticking together. Drain and refresh in a bowl of iced water, then drain again. t 1SFQBSF BMM UIF WFHFUBCMFT 4MJDF UIF shiitake mushrooms and the red and

INGREDIENTS

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“A recipe has no soul. You as the cook must bring soul to the recipe.� yellow peppers into thin strips. t $VU UIF DPVSHFUUF BOE UIF DBSSPU JOUP batons. Cut the mangetout and the baby sweet corn into thin strips. t 4MJDF UIF TQSJOH POJPO EJBHPOBMMZ t 'JOFMZ DIPQ UIF HBSMJD 1FFM BOE finely chop the ginger. t )FBU B XPL VOUJM BMNPTU TNPLJOH Add two tablespoons of the oil and the drained noodles and stir-fry for a few minutes. Allow the noodles to brown slightly (this will create a smoky flavour). When browned, remove the noodles from the wok and set aside.

t 4UJS GSZ UIF QSFQBSFE WFHFUBCMFT JO the wok. Add the mushrooms first, followed by the peppers, carrots and baby sweet corn. Stir well and keep the vegetables moving. Add the courgettes and the mangetout and continue stirring. t 0ODF BMM PG UIF WFHFUBCMFT BSF cooked, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Return the noodles to the wok and stir-fry for a minute. t "EE UIF TQSJOH POJPOT HBSMJD BOE ginger and fry for another minute. t "EE UIF TPZ TBVDF UP UIF XPL BOE stir until well combined. t 4QSJOLMF UIF DIPQQFE DPSJBOEFS over the noodles and serve immediately.

GO: Visit www.radissonblu.com for more information.

BBQ RECIPES

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTRE DOHA Stephen Wright, Executive Chef

METHOD t $PNCJOF BMM JOHSFEJFOUT JO B CPXM mix thoroughly and re-season to taste.

“A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety.�

BBQ Butterfly Cord Fed Chicken sauce Bois Boudran For the Chicken INGREDIENTS Large Corn Fed Chicken - One Garlice Cloves - Two Honey - 3tbsps Kejap Manis - 4tbsps Corn Oil - 4tbsps Salt - To taste

METHOD t 4QMJU DIJDLFO JO IBMG UP CVUUFSnZ t 4FBTPO XJUI TBMU BOE NJY SFNBJO-

t 8IFO UIF DIJDLFO JT DPPLFE chop the whole chicken in portion size pieces, four or eight, and cover each piece with Sauce Bois Boudran to rest. t 4FSWF BOE FOKPZ Side note: This Sauce is also fabulous for all white meats such as chicken and veal as well as salmon.

GO: Visit www. marriottmarquisdohadining.com for more information.

ing marinades together to marinate chicken for at least one hour. t ##2 UIF XIPMF CVUUFSnZ DIJDLFO on the grill (Weber BBQ is ideal for whole or large meat / poultry cooking) until cooked.

sauce Bois Boudran Vinegar (good quality such as apple cider vinegar) - 50ml Olive Oil - 200ml Dijon Mustard - 1tbsp Worcestershire Sauce - 1tbsp Tobasco - 5 – 10 drops Ketchup - 250ml Banana Shallots finely diced and blanched in boiling water - Three Chives Finely Sliced - ½ Bunch Parsley Chopped - ½ Bunch Tarragon Chopped - ½ Bunch fact magazine

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BBQ RECIPES

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Emmanuel Pauliat, Executive Chef at Prime Restaurant

grilled Beef Rib eye at 65ยฐC

herb oil for the steak INGREDIENTS Olive Oil - 500ml Clarified Butter - 350ml Thyme - 100g Rosemary - 50g Parsley - 50g Bay Leaf - 5g Pepper Corn - 10g Garlic - 60g METHOD t -BZ UIF IFSCT PVU UP ESZ t 1MBDF UIF PMJWF PJM BOE DMBSJmFE butter in the pan. t "EE DSVTIFE HBSMJD DMPWFT BOE pepper corn to the pan. t "EE UIF CBZ MFBG BOE ESZ IFSCT UP the pan. t *OGVTF UIF IFSCT BU ยก$ GPS TJY hours t 4USBJO UIF IFSCT BOE CSJOH UIF IFBU to below 4c and store in the fridge.

โ When a manโ s stomach is full it makes no difference whether he is rich or poor.โ UPHFUIFS BOE CSJOH UP IFBU BU ยก$ for 12 hours. t 0ODF UIF HBSMJD JT TPGU CSJOH UIF UFNQFSBUVSF CFMPX ยก$ BOE TUPSF JO the fridge. t 8BSN JU VQ CFGPSF TFSWJOH

Beetroot Cream

Confit Garlic

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

Beetroot - 100g Cooking Cream - 30ml Salt - To taste Pepper Corn - To taste

Garlic Clove - 100g Olive Oil - 250ml Thyme - 20g Rosemary - 20g Bay Leaf - 5g Pepper Corn - 10g METHOD t $PNCJOF BMM UIF JOHSFEJFOUT 44

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mix it with the beetroot puree topped with seasoning.

For the steak

METHOD t #PJM UIF CFFUSPPU JO TFBTPOFE water until it becomes soft. t #MFOE UIF CFFUSPPU BOE QBTT through a chinois until puree. t 3FEVDF UIF DPPLJOH DSFBN BOE

t 1SFIFBU B HSJMM UP IJHI IFBU t 1MBDF SJC FZF TUFBL PO B MBSHF QMBUter and season with herb oil, (maldon salt, mix pepper) and rub on all sides. t 5SBOTGFS TFBTPOFE TUFBLT UP UIF hot grill.

t $PPL GPS GPVS UP TJY NJOVUFT PO each side for a medium-rare finish, or longer if desired. t 3FNPWF TUFBLT BOE MFU SFTU GPS three to four minutes before serving alongside the confit garlic and beetroot cream.

GO: Visit https://www.ihg.com/ intercontinental/hotels/ for more information.

BBQ RECIPES

SHERATON GRAND DOHA RESORT & CONVENTION HOTEL Lucian Carobini, Chef De Cuisine at Latino Steakhouse

Cowboy steak with Chimichurri sauce and latino guacamole

For the Chimichurri INGREDIENTS

For the steak

Sunflower Oil - ½ cup Garlic Cloves, finely chopped - Four Parsley, finely chopped - ½ cup Coarse Salt - 2tbsps Red Pepper - 1tbsp Black Pepper - 1tsp

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

Argentinian Cowboy Steak - 500g Sea Salt - 5g Ground Pepper - 3g Olive Oil - 5ml Rosemary - 3g Thyme - 3g

t .JY UIF HBSMJD QBSTMFZ DPBSTF salt, red pepper and black pepper in a glass jar – if you plan to use it all and don’t want to store excess, add a splash of boiling water, otherwise skip this step. t "EE UIF PJM BOE TUJS XFMM o MFU JU stand a while to lock in flavours.

METHOD t "GUFS MJHIUJOH UIF mSF PG UIF HSJMM MFU it warm up well. t $PBU UIF DPXCPZ TUFBL PO CPUI sides with sea salt and ground pepper and marinate with olive oil, thyme and rosemary. t 0ODF UIF HSJMM JT IPU QVU UIF cowboy steak on the grill and cook for 10 minutes on each side.

For the latino guacamole INGREDIENTS Ripe Avocados - Four or Five Medium Onion - One Medium Tomato - One Medium Chilli - One

“Part of the secret of a success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside.

Juice of Limes - Two Ginger, Fresh Coriander and Sea Salt - To taste METHOD t $VU UIF BWPDBEPT JO IBMG BOE remove the seeds. t 6TF B TQPPO UP FYUSBDU UIF QVMQ of the avocado. t 1MBDF UIF QVMQ JO B MBSHF CPXM add lime juice and crush a puree.

You can leave small piece to give a consistency. t "EE DIPQQFE POJPOT DIJMMJFT PS peppers chopped, crushed ginger, chopped cilantro, tomatoes (if using) and salt to taste. Mix well and serve with tortilla chips.

GO: Visit www.sheratongranddoha.com for more information. fact magazine

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BBQ RECIPES

GRAND HYATT DOHA HOTEL & VILLAS Martin Kretzschmar, Chef De Cuisine at The Grill

BBQ short Ribs For the Kofta INGREDIENTS Sliced White Bread (no crust) - Four Ground Lamb - 900g Red Onion, grated - ½ Garlic Cloves, finely chopped - Four Eggs - Two Ground Cumin - 1tbsp Turkish Red Pepper - 1tbsp Ground Sumac - 1tbsp Paprika Powder - 1tbsp Flat Parsley, finely chopped - Ÿ cup Salt and Black Pepper - To taste

“Eating is so intimate. it’s very sensual.

When you invite someone to sit at your table and you want to cook for them, you’re inviting a person into your life.�

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METHOD t 4PBL FJHIU TLFXFST JG VTJOH XPPE for 20 minutes. t 4PBL CSFBE JO DPME XBUFS UIFO squeeze out the excess water. t "EE SFNBJOJOH JOHSFEJFOUT BOE NJY t 3FGSJHFSBUF GPS NJOVUFT t %JWJEF NFBU JOUP FJHIU QPSUJPOT BOE form into an oval shape. t 4LFXFS UIF QBUUJFT t (SJMM PWFS DIBSDPBM GPS NJOVUFT and flip. t (SJMM BOPUIFS NJOVUFT

stir Fried vegetables INGREDIENTS Packet Dried Egg Noodles - 375g Shitake Mushroom - Three Red Pepper - ½ Yellow Pepper - ½ Courgette - ½ Carrot - One Mangetout (snow peas) - 12 Baby Sweet Corn - Four Spring Onion - One Garlic Cloves - Two Fresh Ginger - Four cm piece Vegetable Oil - 3tbsps Light Soya Sauce - 4tbsps Chopped Fresh Coriander to garnish.

METHOD t )FBU B QBO PG XBUFS VOUJM CPJMJOH Add the three portions of noodles and cook for about four minutes, or according to packet instructions. t -PPTFO UIF OPPEMFT XJUI B GPSL while they cook to stop them from sticking together. Drain and refresh in a bowl of iced water, then drain again. t 1SFQBSF BMM UIF WFHFUBCMFT 4MJDF UIF shiitake mushrooms and the red and yellow peppers into thin strips. t $VU UIF DPVSHFUUF BOE UIF DBSSPU JOUP batons. Cut the mangetout and the baby sweet corn into thin strips. t 4MJDF UIF TQSJOH POJPO EJBHPOBMMZ t 'JOFMZ DIPQ UIF HBSMJD 1FFM BOE finely chop the ginger. t )FBU B XPL VOUJM BMNPTU TNPLJOH Add two tablespoons of the oil and the drained noodles and stir-fry for a few minutes. Allow the noodles to brown slightly (this will create a smoky

flavour). When browned, remove the noodles from the wok and set aside. t 4UJS GSZ UIF QSFQBSFE WFHFUBCMFT JO the wok. Add the mushrooms first, followed by the peppers, carrots and baby sweet corn. Stir well and keep the vegetables moving. Add the courgettes and the mangetout and continue stirring. t 0ODF BMM PG UIF WFHFUBCMFT BSF cooked, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Return the noodles to the wok and stir-fry for a minute. t "EE UIF TQSJOH POJPOT HBSMJD BOE ginger and fry for another minute. t "EE UIF TPZ TBVDF UP UIF XPL BOE stir until well combined. t 4QSJOLMF UIF DIPQQFE DPSJBOEFS over the noodles and serve immediately.

GO: Visit www.radissonblu.com for more information.

BBQ RECIPES

CITY CENTRE ROTANA DOHA Chef Simon Gerges, Specialty Restaurant Chef at Misk Lebanese Restaurant

Kafta Bl Batanjan Lamb and beef Kofta mixed with grilled eggplant, served with vegetables, roasted potatoes, Moutabel, chilli sauce and Armenian salad.

INGREDIENTS Beef top side mince - 150g Lamb loin mince - 150g White onion chopped - 40g Parsley chopped - 15g Eggplant - 80g Garlic - 8g Salt and Black pepper - Grounded for taste Baby eggplant - 20g Potato diced - 60g Green pepper - ½ piece Tomato - ½ piece Moutabel - 60g Chilli sauce - 40g Armenian salad - 60g

METHOD t (SJMM UIF FHHQMBOU XFMM BOE IBMG JU UP remove the excess water, place into a strainer overnight. t .JY UPHFUIFS UIF CFFG BOE NJODFE lamb, add chopped onions, parsley, and garlic. Season all over with a little salt and pepper. t 1MBDF UIF ,PGUB NFBU QSFQBSBUJPO on the kebab skewer and let rest for 30 minutes inside the fridge. t (SJMM UIF ,PGUB TLFXFST PO B medium heat charcoal grill for 10/15 minutes and make sure it has a nice brown colour on all sides. t 'PS UIF HBSOJTI HSJMM UIF WFHFUBbles previously seasoned with a pinch of olive oil and salt. Fry the potato cubes and toss them with

“Most of us have fond memories of food from our childhood... food has a way of transporting us back to the past.� some Arabic spices. t 'PS QMBUJOH QMBDF UIF TLFXFST JO the centre of your plate, place close to them the vegetables and in a small place by the side, serve the two accompaniments, Moutabel and Chilli sauce, and top the Kofta skewer with the Armenian salad.

GO: Visit www.rotanatimes.com/ citycentrerotanadoha for more information. fact magazine

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BBQ RECIPES

THE ST. REGIS DOHA Jean-Luc Morcellet, Executive Chef

BBQ short Ribs (The Club) For the Ribs

Sauce, Bbq Hunts - 500g Pickle, Cucumber - 200g Honey - 350g Veg Fresh, Radish Red - 150g Veg Fresh, Cress Mix - 100gm Veg Fresh, Carrots - 1kg Veg Fresh, Leek - 500g

INGREDIENTS: METHOD: Beef, Angus Short Rib USDA Frozen - 3kg Veg Fresh, Potato Local - 1kg Salt, Table Nezo - 50g Veg Fresh, Onion Red Peeled Sanitised Hksn - 1kg Spices, Pepper Whole Black - 20g Olive Oil - 100ml Veg Fresh, Thyme - 100g Butter, Unsalted E&V - 500gm Stock, Chicken Powder - 0.5kg Veg Fresh, Garlic Peeled - 100g Paste, Tomato Paste - 300g Kilo Veg Fresh, Celery Stick - 1kg Milk, Long Life - 1L Fruit Frsh, Pineapple Fresh - 1kg Veg Frsh, Ginger Fresh Whole Bulbs - 200g Sauce Demi Glace Knorr - 100g Sauce, Tomato Ketchup - 1kg

t 4FBTPO UIF TIPSU SJCT XJUI TBMU BOE pepper. Sear it on a hot grill until golden brown colour and put on to roasting tray. t $PMPVS BMM UIF NJSFQPJY BOE QVU everything to short ribs container. t $PWFS DPNQMFUFMZ XJUI DIJDLFO stock and aluminum foil it. t #SBJTF JU JO B ÂĄ$ QSF IFBUFE oven for three and half hour hours.

BBQ sauce t 'JOF EJDF UIF HJOHFS HBSMJD onion and pineapple. SautĂŠ all the vegetables and add tomato ketchup and honey. t 4FBTPO XJUI TBMU BOE QFQQFS t $PPL UIF TBVDF PO MPX IFBU VOUJM

“So long as you have food in your mouth, you have solved all questions for the time being.�

you get the right consistency of BBQ sauce t 8IFO UIF TIPSU SJCT BSF DPPLFE and ready, strain all the jus from it and mix with BBQ sauce and reduce by half.

Mashed potato t $VU QPUBUP JOUP FWFO TJ[FT BOE CPJM until it’s cooked nicely. t 4USBJO BMM UIF MJRVJE BOE NBTI JU t .JY XJUI DSFBN CVUUFS TBMU BOE pepper.

Pickle t .BLF UIF QJDLMJOH MJRVJE CZ BEEJOH vinegar, sugar, and salt. t .JY XJUI HIFSLJOT TIBMMPU BOE SBEish, and leave it overnight in the chiller.

GO: Visit www.stregisdoha.com for more information.

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BBQ RECIPES

DOHA MARRIOTT HOTEL Juan Carlos, Sous Chef for Specialty Tex-Mex restaurant Salsa

Mexi Burger INGREDIENTS: Burger Bun Angus Beef Patty - 230g Red Onion - 25g Romaine Lettuce - 20g Cheddar Cheese - 15g Mozzarella - 15g Beef Bacon - Two slices Jalapeno - One Garlic Mayonnaise - 1tbsp Eggs - One Tomato - One Avocado - One Bell Pepper - One Potatoes - One large

For the Burger METHOD: t 3PBTU UIF CFMM QFQQFST BOE TBVUĂ? the onions, set aside. t 4MJDF UIF UPNBUPFT KBMBQFOPT and avocado, set aside. t 0WFS HSJMM UIF TMJDFT PG CFFG bacon for 15 minutes and set aside. t 4FBS UIF #FFG QBUUZ BOE GJOJTI JO the oven.

“food, in the end, in our own tradition, is something holy. it’s not about nutrients and calories. it’s about sharing. it’s about honesty.�

For the Patatas Bravas: METHOD: t 4MJDF UIF QPUBUP JOUP TJY XFEHFT and season with fajita, cajun, paprika, chilli flakes and oil. Roast for 30 minutes. t %FFQ GSZ UIF QPUBUPFT GPS UXP minutes before serving to maintain the crunchiness.

FINAL PLATING: t 4MJDF UIF CVSHFS CVO BOE QMBDF on the grill for a minute. Spread the garlic mayonnaise on both sides. t -BZFS UIF SPNBJOF MFUUVDF UPNBUP slice, beef patty, red onion, bell peppers, beef bacon, mozzarella and cheddar cheese, avocado and fried egg.

GO: The Mexi Burger will be available during View-B-Q, an allyou-can-eat BBQ plus one drink, every Wednesday and Sunday for QR66 at Salsa restaurant. Visit www.dohmarriott.com for more information. fact magazine

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BBQ RECIPES

THE WESTIN DOHA HOTEL & SPA Bradley Mathias, Restaurant Chef at Hunters Grill

Biltong Rubbed Tenderloin with Confit Potato, Baby Asparagus and Minted Tomato Compote

dry Marinade for Meat INGREDIENTS: Coriander Seeds - 50g Cumin Seeds - 25g Black Pepper Corn - 50g Fresh Thyme - 30g Lemon Zest - 1tbsp Malden Sea Salt - To taste METHOD: t 5PBTU DPSJBOEFS TFFET DVNJO seeds and peppercorns together until light in colour. t $SVTI SPVHIMZ BOE NJY XJUI thyme and lemon zest. t 3VC NFBU BOE SFTU GPS minutes. t 4FBTPO XJUI TBMU BOE DPPL UP your desired preference.

Minted Tomato Compote Cocktail Tomatoes - 60g Fresh Mint, chopped - 10g Caster Sugar - 20g METHOD: t 4BVUFF DPDLUBJM UPNBUPFT BEE sugar and allow to caramelise. t "EE NJOU MFBWFT BOE TJNNFS GPS three minutes. t 4FSWF XJUI ZPVS UFOEFSMPJO BOE indulge.

GO: Visit www.westindoha.com for more information.

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2016 GCC

F D PHOTOGRAPHER SUPPORTED BY

2 nd GCC Food Photography Awards 26th November 2016 6pm, At Malja Bahrain RSVP : photoaward@gmail.com Log on to

www.photoawardme.com and learn all about it.

photoaward_me

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AN EVENT BY

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SOCIETY

#H ELLO #YELLOW #PARTY #AT #ILLUSION #MARSA #M ALAZ #KEMPINSKI

The #HelloYellow party at Illusion, Marsa Malaz Kempinski, was a thrilling night for guests who enjoyed spectacular entertainment. Professional dancers swirled around the place, adding cheer and joy to the atmosphere along with the brightly coloured lights and decorations. Of course, dancers and staff were all dressed in the party’s theme colour, yellow, in celebration of the new Red Bull yellow edition launching in Doha.

Then came the most exciting and intense moment of the night: the can reveal as a large yellow Red Bull can dropped from the ceiling. DJ Sophie Francis, lit up the entire place with big tunes all night long.

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PEriodicAl rEincArnAtion AndReA IgnACIo’s ARtWoRK HAs A BIG InFLUenCe FRom mAGAzInes AnD tHe IDeA oF PeRsonAL eVoLUtIon. InteResteD AnD IntRIGUeD to LeARn moRe, FACT’s shABAnA AdAM CAUGHt UP WItH tHe BAHRAIn-BAseD ARtIst to FInD oUt WHAt sPARKs HeR CReAtIVItY AnD ARtIstIC stYLe.

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ARTS INTERVIEW

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As mUCH As I WAnt PeoPLe to LIKe WHAt I’Ve CReAteD, AnD It WoULD Be A BonUs IF tHe PIeCes seLL, I’LL ADmIt tHAt I CReAte tHIs WoRK entIReLY FoR mYseLF – BeCAUse I FInD It BeAUtIFUL, BeCAUse It GIVes me A sense oF PRIDe, AnD BeCAUse It’s entIReLY AUtonomoUs AnD UnHAmPeReD BY oUtsIDe InFLUenCe oR oBLIGAtIon. As LonG As tHAt RemAIns tRUe, I HoPe to KeeP mAKInG ARt.

W

hen we found out that Bahrain’s newest arts exhibition is somewhat inspired by the life of a magazine, we just had to meet the lady behind the striking work. Andrea Ignacio is just like you and me; when she’s finished reading and holding onto a copy of a magazine for so long, she’s overcome with a little guilt every time she has to throw one away. That’s all of us, right? This is what led to Andrea’s current exhibition, Periodical Reincarnation, on display at InTouch Gallery in Bahrain.

“The idea of Periodical Reincarnation, literally reflected in the title, stems from the odd sense of guilt I feel every time I throw away a magazine,” Andrea says. “It seems like their value, and the lifetime of the images within, is so short lived and I wanted to find a way to give longer life to what I loved most in magazines rather than simply moving on to the next one,” she continues. “I’m also constantly in the process of personal evolution, as many people are, so the title reflects where I am now too.”

Visitors will be met initially, from a distance, by abstract swathes of colours.

Up close they’ll find a tsunami of individual images culled from dozens of magazines, including a jello hand grenade, an antique electric chair, dozens of animals and hundreds of patterns.

“My hope is that there is at least one piece for every viewer that brings up a feeling, memory or emotion, without them necessarily being able to say why,” Andrea explains.

Surprisingly, Andrea has never strived to be an artist. Instead, she loves looking at, learning about and collecting art. She believes that everybody learns things differently, and that the arts is a fundamental part of rounding out how we teach and how we learn.

“I had just accepted decades ago that I wasn’t actively artistic and that my talents were more cerebral or written, than visual,” she tells us. “This entire thing is as surprising to me as can be. That said, I believe the arts in general are as fundamental to wellbeing as science and math are judged to be, in fact, more so.

“Languages and math are easier if you have studied music. Choir and playing an instrument, something I did throughout childhood, and other performing arts teach discipline, cooperation and confidence,” she adds. “Art inspires expression, consciously and unconsciously, when we’re simply letting it come out, and being able to have that outlet is healthier for our wellbeing than simply pouring over reading, writing, andarithmetic textbooks and rigidly being required to memorise facts.”

Andrea’s work, particularly in this exhibition, is definitely not your typical piece of art. Far from a beautiful canvas painting, this exhibition takes on a rather edgy and unusual use of materials to achieve an interesting finish that will intrigue viewers to think, feel and react. fact magazine

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ARTS INTERVIEW

“The work is mostly monochromatic, single-medium collage,” Andrea says. “I use only canvas, decoupage/collage glue and images from magazines. I come from a very artistic and creative family and my mother taught art before she was married, but out of six kids I’ve always been the one who cannot draw, didn’t create anything as a child and does not have any artistic practice,” she admits.

“I’ve always had the imagination, but only in recent years have I started experimenting with manifesting my own ideas. Doing decoupage is something I learned about from my late sister and a few years ago I made jewellery boxes, frames and other small items as gifts. Collage is just an extension of this,” Andrea says.

Andrea’s artistic style is one that is hugely inspired by colours, with her original intention for Periodical Reincarnation to simply showcase a gorgeous flow of light to dark, and patterns. But the pieces turned into something entirely different after they were assembled. She also limits herself intentionally and doesn’t customcut or manipulate any of the pieces unless absolutely necessary. “I want the art to become what it is supposed to be, rather than trying to make the images conform to my ideas,” she explains. “The only exception is The Green Man, where each image I used was cut in half.”

As a bit of an underdog artist turned firsttime exhibitor, Andrea’s advise for other budding creatives is, simply, “just start”.

She says: “Sit down, grab the macaroni or water paint or clay and start playing around with what you see in your head. Most of the obstacle to creating is that first step and once that is over the possibilities grow drastically,” Andrea adds. “There’s no need to spend a lot of money, take a class, or even be perfect. All you need to do is start creating, and your path will reveal itself.”

We can definitely get onboard the freespirited, spontaneous art train; you should get a ticket too and find your way to new, imaginative places! ✤ GO: Curated by Stafford & Sharabi Art Consultants, Periodical Reincarnation is on display at InTouch Gallery, InTouch Integrated Chiropractic Spine Centre, Bahrain, until the end of December.

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“

PRImARILY I FInD It VeRY sootHInG, ALmost meDItAtIVe AnD It mAKes me FeeL A KInD oF PRIDe AnD FULFILLment I HAVen’t eXPeRIenCeD In DeCADes.

‫للخــياطة الرجالــية‬

‫كـالسيـك‬

Classic Man for Tailoring

Tel. 4421 9357

Mob. 3377 2735 P.O. Box: 7346 Doha - Qatar fact magazine

ohlala arabia.indd 1

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10/22/15 2:30 PM

SOCIETY

#QATAR #CANCER #SOCIETY #& #SHERATON #GRAND #DOHA’S #LET #US #JOIN #HANDS #EVENT

Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel joined forces with Qatar Cancer Society for the ‘Let Us Join Hands’ children’s event organised to empower children in the community who are fighting cancer and to raise their spirits. The special event took place at the Al Rayyan Conference Hall in Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, where both the children and their families were welcomed to enjoy a variety of fun-filled games and activities. The kids clapped, danced and sang along to the live musical entertainment and spent quality time with their loved ones.

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MArc Quinn At AniMA TWO MONUMENTAL SCULPTURES BY MARC QUINN WILL BE PRESENTED IN DOHA THIS MONTH; FROZEN WAVE AND THE ORIGIN OF THE WORLD WILL TAKE PRIME POSITION OUTDOORS, ONE IN FRONT OF THE MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART AND THE OTHER AT ANIMA GALLERY ALONGSIDE HIS FIRST SOLO EXHIBITION IN THE REGION.

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LOCAL ARTS

t

he Frozen Wave sculptures are minimal arcs in stainless steel, including one measuring 7.5 metres long.

The works primal, gestural shapes originate from shells eroded by the endless action of the waves.

Before they disappear and become sand, all conch shells end up in a similar form – an arch that looks like a wave, suggesting a self-portrait by nature. With The Origin of the World (Cassis Madagascariensis) Indian Ocean, 310’, Marc Quinn presents a realistic shell cast in bronze, three metres high. The title of the work refers to the emblematic painting by Gustave Courbet 1 L’Origine du Monde, 1866.

ABouT The ARTIsT Marc Quinn was born in London in 1964 and graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in History and History of Art. He is one of the leading artists of his generation, with his sculptures, paintings and drawings exploring the relationship between art and science, the human body and the perception of beauty, among other things. Other key subjects include cycles of growth and evolution through topical issues such as genetics and the

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manipulation of DNA, as well as issues of life and death and identity. Quinn’s work uses a broad range of materials, both traditional and untraditional.

The materiality of the object, in both its elemental composition and surface appearance, is at the heart of Quinn’s work.

He came to prominence in 1991 with his sculpture Self (1991), a cast of the artist’s head made from ten pints of his own frozen blood. Other critically acclaimed works include Garden (2000), a full botanical garden frozen and displayed in Fondazione Prada, Milan; DNA Portrait of Sir John Sulston (2001), a genomic portrait of the genetic scientist Sir John Sulston, and Evolution(2005), ten sculptures depicting human embryos throughout the stages of its development. Major public installations include 1+1=3 (2002), a 20-metre artificial rainbow created for the Liverpool Biennale; Planet (2008), a monumental rendition of the artist’s son as a baby, permanently installed at The Gardens by The Bay Singapore; All of Nature Flows Through Us (2011), a ten-metre bronze iris installed at Kistefos-Museet Norway; and Alison Lapper Pregnant (2005), exhibited on the fourth plinth of London’s Trafalgar Square and later reinvented as a colossal inflatable sculpture, Breath (2012), for the 2012 Paralympics opening ceremony.

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LOCAL ARTS

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Quinn has received international recognition for a series of sculptures of the model Kate Moss in a variety of yogic poses, including Siren (2008) - a solid gold sculpture of the model, displayed at The British Museum, London. Quinn is also well known for his hyperrealist oil paintings of flowers and photorealist paintings of irises, created using an airbrush. ✤ GO: Marc Quinn at Anima will open on November 13 at Anima Gallery, Porto Arabia, The Pearl Qatar. Visit www. animagl.com for more information.

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01 Orchid Sculpture 02 Beginning Of The Space-Time Continuum 03 The Origin Of The World (Cassis Madagascariensis) Atlantic Ocean, 310 04 Frozen Wave (The Conservation Of Ultra Gravity)

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05 Frozen Wave (The Conservation Of Mass) 06 Stealth Desire (Etymology) 07 Under The Volcano. Barren Island 08 Landslide In The South Tyrol 09 Labyrinth Sculpture (Lelio Pittoni)

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10 We Share Our Chemistry With The Stars (Aj 200 Se) 11 We Share Our Chemistry With The Stars (Iris So 200L) 12 We Share Our Chemistry With The Stars (Km 200R)

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REVIEWS

Big Screen Arrival What’s it about: When large alien vessels arrive on Earth, a US military Colonel (Forest Whitaker) calls on a world renowned linguist (Amy Adams) and a brilliant mathematician (Jeremy Renner). They’re tasked with forming communications with the species and understanding their intentions before the world erupts into chaos.

DIRECTOR: Denis Villeneuve CAST: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg

Highlights “A powerful and seasoned cast come together to tell the story of mankind’s first global and undeniable contact with an alien species.”

Lion What’s it about: In this Australian-American drama, a five-year-old Indian boy gets on the wrong train and is taken thousands of miles away from his country, home and family. Fast-forward 25 years later and he is still struggling with the memories of his past and begins to search for his origins through the use of Google Earth.

– Arrival

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING? Mankind has always wondered if it’s alone in the cosmos.

Director Denis Villeneuve delivers a thought-provoking and creative movie which addresses this very possibility.

It goes one step further in exploring what the result of such contact could mean for us as a race. In the end, will we prove to be a far worse enemy to ourselves than any other potential threat? A powerful and seasoned cast come together to tell the story of mankind’s first global and undeniable contact with an alien species. The visual effects are impressive and the acting performances, especially from Adams, are enjoyable. You’re left not only excited by the sheer scale of the story, but also moved by the plight of one person attempting to overcome her fears, to do what she must, to rescue humankind from destruction. Critics are generally praising the film and it’s already begun to receive awards and nominations on the film festival circuit. Another sci-fi must-see!

“As the story progresses, it’s plain to see how hugely Brierley’s experience as well as his loss have affected him...”

– Lion

DIRECTOR: Garth Davis CAST: Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara, David Wenham WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING? Oscar winner Nicole Kidman heads a talented cast in the delivering of this biopic, based on Saroo Brierley’s (Dev Patel) memoir A Long Way Home.

Patel offers a touching performance filled with torment and determination.

Kidman skillfully plays the part of his adopted mother, who suffers along with her son on his quest. As the story progresses, it’s plain to see how hugely Brierley’s experience as well as his loss have affected him and just how desperate he becomes to find not only his mother and brother, but himself.

Don’t forget your tissues for this one!

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REVIEWS

on the record

Fully Booked

AUTOBIOGRAPHY/JOURNAL

The Shepherd’s Life

By James Rebanks

INDIE/ROCK

Walls

by Kings of Leon

Fans of the rock ‘n roll super group Kings of Leon have had to wait three years for the release of their 7th studio album. The Grammy award-winning rockers’ Walls (We Are Like Love Songs) has failed to impress critics in the manner that previous albums have; the band’s march towards total commercialism is all but complete.

However, they haven’t been able to create a powerful album filled with amazing songs such as we saw in their 2008 offering, Only by the Night. Although their two following albums did not live up to previous highs, they still had more to offer than Walls. Very few of the ten tracks are chart toppers or even set to become driving anthems as time goes by. A high bar has been set by the Kings for themselves and their masses of fans expect great things from them. In our opinion, this album has not been able to deliver what everyone knows they are capable of. Perhaps their break with their long-time producer is partially to blame.

ELECTRO-POP/ DANCE

Author James Rebanks gives an observant and detailed account of his years as a sheep farmer in the north-eastern fells of the Lake District, England. His diary offers a clear insight into what it’s like to care for these animals from birth until death and the journey in between. He manages to draw insightful comparisons between these experiences and what we as people have to deal with in everyday life. His wit and imagination along with his wellgrounded assertion of value add layers to this original work. An intimate look into a life lived in a truly magical place.

Joanne

by Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga is set to release her 5th studio album after two years of patient waiting from her fans. Named after her father’s late sister, Joanne is set to please all the Little Monsters, with yet more interesting collaborations with famous artists and soul-baring lyrics from the world famous singer.

Gaga described Joanne as “an Italian American girl, a city girl, venturing out into new territory.” She goes on to reveal that there will be a total of 11 songs on the main album and 14 songs on the deluxe edition. So far, only three of the included tracks have been premiered to the delight of fans present in Nashville.

The album is set for full release on October 21st and we can’t wait to see the bizarre antics she is so famous for, captured in her upcoming music videos.

SUSPENSE/THRILLER

The Last Mile

By David Baldacci

The extraordinary detective with a photographic memory, Amos Decker, is back. In his latest role as a newly hired FBI special task force member, he investigates a 20-year-old case with striking similarities to his own past. With only hours left before convicted murderer Melvin Mars’ execution, someone has come forward to admit to his crimes, leading to a reprieve for the convict.

When one of Decker’s team members goes missing, it is clear that something bigger and far more ominous is afoot.

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GLOBETROTTER

24 prague

Hours in

A medieval metropolis, the streets of Prague are not only filled with the most hauntingly beautiful Gothic architecture, but with arts, romance and heart-beating music. With every step, every building, and every small cobble stone, you’ll walk through its history, emptying your mind to take in all its beauty. Shabana Adam did just that and found some of the best things to do in the fairytale Czech capital if you’re visiting for a few days.

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GLOBETROTTER

7:30 AM Enjoy a delightfully diverse breakfast at CottoCrudo in the Four Seasons Hotel. Get a seat by the window with views of Prague Castle over the River Vltava. Make sure you try the soft-as-cotton Czech donuts stuffed with either jam or chocolate, before setting off to explore the city.

moment to take in the sights and sounds of local culture. You can pick up everything from Bohemian crystal to homemade memorabilia along the charming walkway. Legend has it that touching the statue of St. John of Nepomuk, a Czech martyr, is supposed to bring good luck and ensure your return to Prague.

9.00 AM

2:00 PM

Hop on the 22 tram just around the corner from the Four Seasons Hotel, heading towards Prague Castle.

5JQ HFU PGG BU UIF TFDPOE TUPQ KralovskĂ˝ - across the road is a small gate, through which you can enter the beautiful gardens surrounding Prague Castle. This entrance is a lot less busier than the main gate and also warrants a lovely stroll through UIF QBSL XJUI BNQMF QIPUP PQQT

Burn off the fuel and stop for a traditional lunch at StaromestskĂĄ restaurace, famous for its classic, home-style Czech cuisine with excellent options for meat eaters and vegetarians alike. Located just off Old Town Square (where stopping by the beautiful astronomical clock, on the hour, is a must), this place is pretty easy to find and offers a good taste of local fare at a decent price.

11:00 AM

3:30 PM

After exploring the many places within Prague Castle, including the stunning, Romanesque St. George’s Basilica and the famous Golden Lane, an ancient street of 11 historic houses now selling one-of-a-kind keepsakes, head down the hill via the cobbled steps at the exit and be sure to take a picture of the breathtaking terracotta SPPGUPQT BOE DJUZ WJFXT PO UIF XBZ

A five-minute walk down from Old Town Square, you’ll find Wenceslas Square market - a long row of sideto-side and back-to-back stalls selling Czech trinkets, vintage gifts, local chocolate and little knick knacks. This place is considerably cheaper than the shops in Old Town, so wait to do your present-picking from here.

12:00 PM Stop for a local treat of Rotatoes (an ultimate frisbee-style stack of potates) or Trdelník (a sweet pastry of rolled dough wrapped around a stick, then grilled and topped with sugar and walnut mix). Eat while you casually walk towards Lesser Town, a beautiful Baroque quarter clustered around the foot of the castle. Here, you’ll find great deals on jewellery made from the famous Czech (BSOFU 1BZ DBTI BOE BWPJE UIF UBY

1:00 PM From Lesser Town, start making your way across the famous stone-Gothic Charles Bridge towards Old Town.

Bustling with Czech artists, musicians, and souvenir vendors, stop for a

5.00 PM If you want shopping, the Palladium mall is the best place in Prague to find all the top high-street brands.

A walk towards Nåmestí Republiky will get you there. On the way, stop by some of the city’s most beautiful buildings like Nårodní Muzeum and the Municipal House, a civic building that houses Smetana Hall, a celebrated concert venue.

8:00 PM End the day with a front row seat at the Neo-Renaissance Rudolfinum and watch the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra put on an impressive classical concert. The programme is made up of the best - Mozart, Vivaldi, Bach and more - making for the perfect, magical finish to your day. ✤ fact magazine

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GLOBETROTTER

Getting Around On Foot All you need is a city map, with some basic Czech phrases, and a sense of adventure, to get exploring on foot.

Public Transport Prague has one of the most efficient and inexpensive metro and tram systems in the world. Tickets can be bought for anything from 30-minute to 3-day use.

Money Euros are widely accepted. It’s best to exchange your money into local currency in Prague as most places take 0% commission.

How to get there?

Fly with British Airways via London Heathrow. Go to www.britishairways.com to book your flight today.

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HOTEL HOTSPOT

a sense oF loCal:

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL PRAGUE I T’ S T R U E T H AT E VE RY FO U R S EA SON S H OTEL G OES OU T OF ITS WAY TO C A P T U R E T H E B E ST O F I T S L O C AT I ON ; TH E M AJ ESTIC FOUR SE ASON S H OTEL P R A G U E I S N O E X C E P T I O N T O T HAT RU LE. FR OM TH E BUILD IN G ITSELF TO TH E R OO M T YP E S, T H E D E C O R , T H E B R A N D N EW SPA A N D EV EN TH E STAFF, Y OUR C ZE C H EX P E R I E N C E D O E SN’ T G ET M ORE A UTH EN TIC TH AN TH IS.

W

hen you’re going to a place like Prague, where modern-day scenery with skyscrapers and glass buildings are a rare sight, you’re in for a refreshing break from the giltzy towers of the Gulf. the Czech capital is an incredible mix of eras, all of which have been well-preserved through its colourful, cobbled streets and buildings. one place that is a fine example of this is the Four seasons hotel Prague. the 5-star property blends four architectural styles with three historic structures and a newer main building made with a delicatelyhued ochre sandstone from a Czech quarry 70

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and pale plaster facades with dark roofing. This contemporary building stylishly complements the neo-Renaissance, neo-Classical, and Baroque parts of the hotel. And so, the Four seasons hotel Prague stands as a beautifullyunified building, respecting the unique allure of each represented style.

When you first arrive at the hotel, you’ll understand just why its location is a perfect one. You’re on the banks of the River vltava with stunning views of Prague Castle and all the best parts of the city, like Charles Bridge, old Town square and the charming lesser Town just minutes away.

At check-in we’re greeted with warm smiles

and helpful staff who will, literally, want to open every door for you, take the burden of carrying even light luggage and ensure that your every step and second within the hotel is a comfortable one. In what turned out to be a first in hotel experiences for us, it’s like every single person from the doorman to the bellboy, the concierge, the restaurant waiters, housekeeping, spa therapists and other members of staff we met, were all on the same page; happy, inviting, attentive and incredibly knowledgeable on all things Prague and Four seasons. Also, this amazing hospitality was something we continuously saw and heard other guests praising, so service gets a huge tick!

HOTEL HOTSPOT

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HOTEL HOTSPOT

A RENAISSANCE REVELATION The 157 rooms and suites at this luxury hotel each offer an excellent amount of space, thanks to the unique layouts of the four buildings.

We were to call the huge Renaissance Room home for a few days, and there was nothing but excitement upon entering. Firstly, this accommodation is the hotel’s largest guest room, being beaten only by the sprawling suites.

You can tell that the room has been newly refurbished, however, what we loved about it was the fact that it still managed to reflect the architectural style of the Renaissance Building.

High ceilings, tall, grand windows overlooking either the monastery of the Knights of the Cross or the historic city centre streets, and traditional touches like Czech-style panelling, hand-painted stencilling and a bohemian crystal chandelier, were all elements that kept us in good spirits every time we came back to the hotel after a day out discovering the city. space is not the only thing that this room has.

Luxury Asprey amenities are abundant in the large marble bathroom with a lovely, deep bath tub, spacious shower, excellent make-up mirror (ladies, you’ll be impressed), whilst the room has a refrigerated private bar, all your usual hot and cold refreshments and minibar goodies, a plasma screen with a good channel selection, and a fabulous seating and working area. oh, and let’s talk about the bed - the down duvet and pillows were simply heaven to slip into after a day of walking - we slept like babies! We’d highly recommend this room for couples, friends and small families who want a taste of the traditional mixed with modern comforts.

FOR THE LOVE OF FOOD there’s an overwhelming amount of Italian restaurants in Prague. Why? Well, we soon learn that it’s simply because the Czech people just happen to love Italian food. At the Four seasons hotel Prague, it’s CottoCrudo, a modern Italian restaurant, bar and lounge that flies the 5-star food flag. This is also the restaurant where you’re served breakfast. now, let us reveal something. We’re not always ones to wake up for breakfast when travelling - sometimes you just want a lie-in, right? But, here, we were so in awe of the food and service at breakfast that we made it down every morning. Firstly, breakfast is served until 11am from a lavish buffet of local and continental favourites alongside a delicious a la carte menu. try the mind-blowing Belgian waffles or the mouthwatering egg white frittata.

In the evening, CottoCrudo is just as casually sophisticated. the menu is made up of Italian and mediterranean dishes including fresh seafood, homemade pasta, choice meat cuts and artisan products from the Piedmont and tuscany regions of Italy.

Let’s dive into some of our favourites; the creamy Burrata was a big win at the table as was the creative and tasty red prawns with cabbage salad, parmesan cheese and hazelnut. the absolute standout was the Saffron risotto with roasted seabass, buffalo mozzarella and green pea purée - packed with flavours, textures and colour, this dish really took our breath away. For dessert, test (and treat) your taste buds with the chilled strawberry and rhubarb soup with sorrel ice cream and chocolate ganache - it’s just as good as it sounds!

We have to give a huge mention to all the staff at CottoCrudo, who served us with the utmost professionalism, patience and the biggest smiles.

A special shout-out goes to martin who really went that extra mile every time; for sharing his insider Prague stories and always being so friendly and observant to all our food requests and social conversations. He made the start to our day much more positive and inspired!

SPA CULTURE REFINED Ava spa had just opened a little before our trip to Prague and we were intrigued to experience the spa culture that the Czech are so famous for. Based on water and mineral rich products, exclusive facial and body treatments with moor muds are enhanced with a state-of-the-art traditional Czech-inspired thermal baths menu.

We tried the 50-minute la Boheme Massage, a relaxing head-to-toe treatment inspired by the Czech national tree. sylva the therapist tells us that the treatment uses detoxifying and regenerating linden blossom oil as part of a soft massage, decreasing cold symptoms and encouraging healthy sleep. It was, honestly, one of the best massages we’ve had. Unlike your standard aromatherapy massage, sylva really listened to our areas of concern and worked out all the troublesome kinks to leave us feeling completely invigorated. the vitality pool with a wide variety of massage jets provided the ultimate hydrotherapy in a relaxing Central european spa ambience. ✤ GO: CALL +420 221 427 000 OR VISIT WWW. FOURSEASONS.COM/PRAGUE FOR RESERVATIONS, OFFERS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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#TANAGRA #A #SUBLIME #MORNING #MO OD

VIP guests, esteemed bloggers and members of the media were invited to a special and very exclusive morning at Tanagra, Villagio Mall. Held in the VIP section of the boutique, Etiquette Specialist Balsam Al Khalil greeted guests for an inspirational event. Guests were introduced to the latest in contemporary dining and gifts while enjoying delectable sips, sweets and special offers.

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Contemporary Luxury: soutHern sun abu dHabi the southern sun Abu dhabi has it all; location, modern comforts, Arabesque flair and seriously good food. FACT took a staycation trip to the stylish hotel in the hopes of finding a real hospitality haven. Here’s the verdict‌

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hen you think 4-star in the GCC, the standards and expectations can be a world of difference from one property to another. In general, the benchmark for 4 and 5-star hotels is a pretty high one in a city like Abu Dhabi. Here, things are mostly prim and proper and very rarely disappointing.

So, with our hospitality radar on go, we checked into the trendy Southern Sun Abu Dhabi (part of the South African Tsogo Sun hotel chain). Located in the Tourist Club Area, we’d never have expected the hotel to be so bright and inviting on the inside. The lobby area is adorned in chic, homely décor; there are sinking sofas and chairs, cool lighting fixtures and very sleek, almost-geometriccum-floral design on the walls and high ceilings. All of this teamed with lots of natural light give it warmth – this is so much more than just your average tower block lobby - we’re impressed. Side note: the lobby lounge, Filaments, is a sophisticated space that serves up some of the yummiest macaroons, so make sure you stop by for a sweet treat and beverage at some point during your stay!

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WEEKEND SPOTLIGHT

delUXe deFinition

Major Food Points

The hotel accommodation comprises of 353 luxurious en-suite rooms and suites over 27 floors. These include Deluxe and Executive Rooms, OneBedroom Suites and three very spacious Presidential Suites.

We walked into a large Deluxe Room to be met with contemporary interiors that saw a perfect marriage of Middle Eastern touches with modern-day needs. Neutral tones and dark wood and leather really add to the generous size and help to create a comfortable vibe.

A host of in-room amenities are offered, from free WiFi access, tea and coffee making facilities, electronic safe, a wellstocked mini bar, lovely bathroom amenities and an excellent desk area to separate your sleep area from your work area so if, like us, you just have to catch up on emails and little work, the Deluxe Room will provide a good balance of work and relaxation.

For us, however, it was the huge, comfortable beds and the sunken bath tub that meant we had a truly relaxing break. When we returned from a good workout at the gym, the sense of wellbeing was enhanced after a long soak in the tub. The wi-fi was fast, the housekeeping was flawless and the inroom dining options were super tasty. In all honesty, you’ll find it difficult to leave the hotel (and even your room) much, because every want or need is catered to.

If there’s one thing that the Southern Sun Abu Dhabi does well, it’s food. Six restaurants and bars offer guests a massivelydiverse range of cuisines, settings and gathering opportunities. A sweet snack and pastries with freshly-brewed beverages can be enjoyed at Filaments, whilst Balcon Lounge & Terrace is the ideal choice for casual al fresco dining (t surrounds a crystal clear pool), with a menu packed with flavourful shisha, light bites, mezzes and refreshments. There’s also Hytes Bar, on the 27th floor, which provides magical expansive Abu Dhabi city views below. A variety of snacks and appetisers are available under an open sky and it’s become quite the social hangout for meeting up with friends.

Blu Sky Lounge & Grill is the hotel’s newest addition to its foodie portfolio. The venue is designed to give you the best sporting experience possible. From state-of-the-art sound systems and HD viewing screens to a fresh new line-up of international and local dishes and a range of premium beverages, Blu Sky is the ultimate choice for any sports fans out there.

The Foundry restaurant continues to be one of the best steakhouses in town. Here, breakfast is one of the tastiest in the city, as is the dinner menu with everything from a butter trolley to a choose your knife experience when you’re dining there. Needless to say, it’s a must-try.

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I N A L L H O N E S T Y, YOU’LL FIND IT D I F F I C U LT T O L E A V E T H E H OT E L ( A N D E V E N YO U R ROOM) MUCH, BECAUSE EVERY WANT OR NEED IS C AT E R E D T O.

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for after trying the popular Sushi Night at Kahraman. The master sushi chefs will expertly prepare a range of amazing maki rolls, sushi-inspired salads, sashimi, tartare and more for you to try from a buffet. Our favourite was a deliciouslyspiced tuna tartare - we even went back for thirds just before moving onto the delectable desserts!

During this visit, however, it was the Arabic restaurant, Kahraman, that really stole the show. Diners can expect the finest Middle Eastern favourites with a contemporary twist, including a range of tasty breads and grills, exquisite salads and decadent desserts. In the midst of it all, you’ll find a sushi counter offering some of the most fresh and delicious sushi and sashimi in Abu Dhabi. This is one thing we can definitely vouch 78

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The Southern Sun Abu Dhabi has a fitness centre and swimming pool on the 27th floor - expect some seriously awesome city views during your work out.

A mention must be given to the excellent and welcoming staff who provided fast, efficient service throughout the stay.

In our opinion, the facilities, mod-cons, high-quality accommodation and food, and overall hospitality that is provided at this 4-star deluxe hotel, easily rivals and, in some cases, excels that of many 5-stars in the region. Don’t believe us?

Book a stay now and experience it for yourself. ✤ GO: QATAR AIRWAYS OPERATES DAILY DIRECT FLIGHTS TO ABU DHABI. VISIT WWW. QATARAIRWAYS.COM FOR DEALS AND BOOKINGS. CALL (0)2 818 4888 OR VISIT WWW.TSOGOSUN.COM/SOUTHERN-SUN-ABUDHABI FOR RESERVATIONS, OFFERS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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SOCIETY

#PINK #W EDNESDAY #AT #STRATA #I NTERCONTINENTAL #D OHA #THE #CITY

This weekly night has become the talk of the town and continues to draw in the party crowd every week! Pink Wednesday at Strata is a stylish affair that sees the hottest tracks being spinned for all the party-lovers out in Doha, looking for a fun time with friends! The music is good, the atmosphere is great, and everyone is there to dance and have a good night – what more could you ask for?

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THE 2017

NISSAN ALTIMA,

A NEW AGE IN INNOVATION.

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issan is a well-established brand who, after all these years, are still not short on new ideas and continue to improve on their already substantial offerings.

THE ALL-NEW NISSAN ALTIMA HAS HAD NEW LIFE BREATHED INTO THE SERIES AS THE MID-SIZE SEDAN ADOPTS NISSAN’S LATEST DESIGN LANGUAGE.

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In August, Almoayyed & Sons, who are the sole dealers for Nissan in the Kingdom, held a stylish event to launch the new 2017 Nissan Altima, at the Nissan showroom in Arad. Mona Almoayyed, Managing Director, Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons, and Mohammed Almoayyed, Director, Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons, were the senior management members to attend, along with invited media. Needless to say, neither the event nor the revealed motor vehicle failed to impress.

The Altima has been upgraded to say the least. It comes complete with a fresh new look that includes the “Energetic Flow” exterior styling theme and “Gliding Wing” interior layout. Other impressive elements include “Class Leading Fuel Economy” as well as “Improved Driving Dynamics and Safety Technology.”

So let us chat more about the changes adopted by the Altima. To start off, a dramatic transformation to the front end, which is the focal point of the entire vehicle. The design was created with energetic flow in mind incorporating a redesigned V-Motion grille and boomerang shaped headlights, similar to its close relative, the Maxima. This has created a more emotive and striking façade than its predecessor with a wide, deeply sculpted lower bumper, integrated fog lights and prominent chrome-trimmed grille. The reshaped headlights feature LED Daytime Running Lights that sweep into the wide raised hood, creating the perfect harmony between form and function.

So the front is great! What about the back? The appearance of the rear of the car is equally expressive.

Taking design cues from the front, the rear incorporates a new sculpted bumper with a dark lower accent, a new trunk lid, and lower, wider boomerang-shaped combination lights. This has helped create a car that has sleek lines and a silhouette that’s rejuvenated.

Let’s hear from the Marketing Manager again.

“Another valued added design feature is the standard Zero Gravity front seats which have been reshaped to increase comfort levels. This has been incorporated thanks to customer feedback, and clearly shows Nissan’s commitment to taking on-board customer sentiment and creating a driving environment that’s chock full of new technologies and upscale materials.”

So we’ve investigated the shape, what about the substance behind it? The X-Tronic D-Step CVT equipped in the new Nissan Altima is among the quietest in its segment and is the best in class with

ISLAND RIDES

standard fuel economy of 13.2 KM/L. Technology has been amped up as well. The Altima comes equipped with First in Class Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), the Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Forward Emergency Braking (FEB), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). The new steering has also been reshaped and tuned to provide real time road input and precision.

Impressive!

Anything else to mention? Well, the interiors are refined and follows the new “Gliding Wing“ design language. Central to the new look is the revised C-stack with available 5.0-inch and 7.0-inch displays for Navigation with Mobile Apps. All finished with the Acoustic windshield that provides a new level of cabin isolation and quietness. The Nissan Altima 2017 is offered in five grade levels including 2.5 S, SV, SL and 3.5 SV and SL grades.

A pretty impressive car to say the least. ✤ GO: Visit www.nissanqatar.com for more details or to arrange a test drive. fact magazine

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eAsY LIstenInG: PXc 550 WIReLess HeADPHones FA C T G o t I t s H A n D s on tHe neW PXC 550 WIReLess HeADPHones AnD so We PUt oUR FAV o U R I t e m U s I C on PL AY to test tHem oUt!

WHAT IS IT? Firstly, the PXC 550’s are not just run of the mill headphones. They have been created and developed by none other than Sennheiser, trendsetters and frontrunners in the field for over 70 years. The full, deep, clear sound that’s produced is of such high quality, you may be able to make out sounds on your favourite record that you’ve never noticed before.

HOW DOES IT WORK? The PXC 550 possess the fantastic capability of being able to fully shut out any noise around you. This is due to the amazing Sennheiser’s Noisegard feature. The process is pretty easy to understand. It creates hybrid adaptive noise cancelling within your immediate environment.

The noisier the environment, the stronger it cancels. This creates a personal sound space 84

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for listeners, allowing them to be transported to a world of music without any rude interruptions form their surroundings. The earcups house touch sensitive trackpads that give the user complete control. Volume levels to track selection, all can be easily selected with just one swipe of the finger.

freedom of movement. It boasts some of the greatest and best-sounding solutions in hightech transmission, great for easy connection with your respective mobile device. There’s, however, a cable which can be used if desired.

WHY YOU SHOULD GET IT? It is extremely light and portable. It certainly does not feel as if you are carrying any weight on your head. Its design is based on in-depth research including the measurement of hundreds of ears to ensure maximum comfortability. It boasts a 30-hour battery life, which is great for those long plane rides or road trips. It has a fold-flat collapsible frame allowing for it to be folded away into its compact travel case. Perhaps the CFTU GFBUVSF PG BMM o JU JT XJSFMFTT 5IJT BMMPXT GPS

THE VERDICT To us, using the PXC 550 wireless headphone set was a real treat. For anyone who enjoys listening to music, the PXC 550 can take your pleasure to the next level. The crispness of the sound and the simply beautiful design of the oh-so-comfy headset is a pleasure to use.

After returning the headset and going back to listening to music on our regular headphones, we realised that we had officially been spoilt for a short time! ✤

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APP-lICI ous L E T ’ S S E E W H AT ’ S O N T H E S M A R T P H O N E AGENDA FOR NOVEMBER…

ePICuRIous

BonjouRnAl

Are you a budding chef or just someone who’s trying to learn their way around the kitchen? We at FACT consider ourselves to be quite the foodies and this little gem of an app gives us so much life! To start off, 30,000 recipes from popular chefs and cookbooks as well as over 100,000 recipes submitted by users. This nest-generation kitchen companion is easy to search and to modify which allows you to avoid certain ingredients such as nuts or meat, if you want to! Other features include interactive shopping lists, step-by-step stove-side instructions and save and share favourites. Articles on shopping, food, entertaining, health, and more, are added daily, keeping the content fresh. A free user-friendly app, packed with useful info and tips. We highly recommended it. Bon appetite!

About to embark on an amazing adventure or holiday?

Bonjournal works as a mini travel journal that allows you to write notes and diary entries. From there, pictures can be added to illustrate your experiences. Once you’ve organised your pictures and entries, they can easily be converted to PDFs. You can also simply share them via email or social media. The interface is very clean and the entering of information is an easy process. Entries can be created at any time and simply added once you have Wi-Fi access. The only drawback, in our opinion, is the fact that only three pictures can be added per entry.

Multiple entries is the answer. All in all, this useful little app is not only user friendly and fun to use, it is also free.

Bon voyage!

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#RIVOLI #G ROUP #& #CALVIN #KLEIN #WATCHES #CELEBRATE #LAUNCH

Rivoli Group and Calvin Klein Watches + Jewelry celebrated the brand’s latest watch lines in Qatar. Shot in New York City by American photographer Cass Bird, the vibrant campaign revolves around the concept of “Life in the now” and highlights the immediacy of time and the richness of relationships. The concepts of modernity, purity and neo-minimalism reign supreme amongst the 2016 Calvin Klein Watches + Jewelry offerings, setting a progressive return to natural and basic shapes and reflecting the brand’s most intrinsic values.

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TOMMY X GIGI TOMMY HILFIGER UNVEILED ITS AUTUMN ‘16 TOMMYXGIGI COLLABORATIVE COLLECTION, CO-DESIGNED BY TOMMY HILFIGER AND SUPERMODEL GIGI HADID. fact magazine

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FASHION FOCUS

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he capsule features women’s sportswear, footwear and accessories, which includes watches, sunglasses and The Girl fragrance. The designs celebrate Gigi Hadid’s unique take on modern style, fused with Tommy Hilfiger’s signature classic American cool heritage.

Seafaring staples are reimagined with clean cuts and fresh embellishments, from buttons and chevrons to naval badges, embroideries and sailor stripes. Sporty-chic silhouettes are further modernised with feminine chiffons, cosy cable-knits and sleek leathers. The look is effortless, youthful and cool – it’s the model’s new take on nautical with a playful, romantic edge.

The TommyXGigi collection’s global premiere on the runway took place at New York Fashion Week. Tommy Hilfiger hosted its first ever consumer-facing fashion show, #TommyNow, which was open to the public and livestreamed on tommy.com. This innovative approach reflects the fashion brand’s wider commitment to the democratisation of fashion, with designs available to purchase the moment they hit the runway.

Tommy Hilfiger announced Gigi Hadid as its global brand ambassador in December 2015, reflecting its commitment to the expansion of its women’s business worldwide.

The strategy communicates a fresh vision for Tommy Hilfiger womenswear, reinforcing the brand’s credentials as an accessible designer brand that offers stylish classics with a playful fashion edge. ✤ GO: The TommyXGigiCollection is able to view and purchase at www.tommy.com and Tommy Hilfiger stores.

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SHOP THE BRAND HERE’S OUR WISHLIST FROM TOMMY X GIGI’S CAPSULE COLLECTION ALL FoR HeR

THIS COLLECTION IS AVAILABLE AT TOMMY HILFIGER STORES IN THE GCC.

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STYLE

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URBAN UTILITY LADIES ARE MARCHING INTO THE NEW SEASON WITH HARDWEARING PRECISION; UTILITY ELEMENTS ARE MAKING A SARTORIAL SALUTE ON THE STREETS FOR THE SEASON AHEAD. TO NAIL THE TREND, GO FOR MILITARY-STYLE KHAKI PIECES, EXPERIMENT WITH RIBBED, SATEEN AND QUILTED TEXTURES AS WELL AS HIGH NECKS AND CHOKER DETAILS TO FEMINISE THE LOOK.

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01. Call it Spring 02. Debenhams 03. New Look 04. Dune 05. H&M 06. M&Co 07. Marks & Spencer 08. Matalan 09. New Look 10. Next 11. River Island 12. Topshop

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THIS IS MODERN SUITING 2.0 FOR ALL YOU FASHION-SAVVY MEN OUT THERE. WHEN IT COMES TO THE CLASSIC SUIT, ITS MULTIPLE COMPONENTS MAKE IT IDEAL TO MAKE WHOLE NEW OUTFITS FOR ENDLESS STYLING OPTIONS. SWAP OUT SMART SHOES FOR TRAINERS, PAIR HIGH ROLL NECKS WITH CRISP SHIRTS AND REPLACE WAISTCOATS WITH HOODIES FOR A REBELLIOUS EDGE.

01. Aldo 02. F&F 03. Debenhams 04. Marks & Spencer 05. M&CO 06. Call it Spring 07. New Look 08. Topman 09. Next 10. Mens at Dune 11. Topman 12. New Look

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BEAUTY BOX

TARTE AmAzonIAn CL AY FoUnDAtIon

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12-hour full coverage foundation is now on GCC soil. The ultimate foundation for a long-lasting finish while protecting your skin with an SPF15 classification – this is a game-changer. Whether you’re an oily, dry or combination skin type, the Amazonian clay will address your complexions and concerns leaving you with a satin finish. This revolutionary product, also, reduces the appearance of pores and minimises discoloration. Furthermore, it nourishes and balances your skin for a better complexion, plus, it’s waterproof and PJM GSFF XJUI B MJHIUXFJHIU GFFM o CPOVT 94

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GROOMING BOX

BOTTEGA VEN ETA E S S E N C E A R O M AT I Q U E B AT H & BODY COLLECTION t Bottega Veneta’s Essence Aromatique line evokes luxurious yet everyday moments of relaxation, cool and calm. Imbued with the freshness and casual elegance of the men’s (and women’s) Essence Aromatique fragrances, the new Bath and Body Collection extends the sensory experience of Bottega Veneta’s interpretations of a classic cologne. The elements of the new Bath and Body Collection include body scrubs, hand & body washes, hand & body lotions and perfumed soaps, infused with the scents of the Essence Aromatique fragrances.

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BEAUTY CH ECKLIST Beauty products that got our pulses racing; FACT brings you our lowdown of what to buy for the ultimate autumn beauty box.

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JOLI ROUGE IN SPICY CINNAMON Clarins Get luminous lips with Clarins’ latest addition, Joli Rouge. A moisturising and long-wearing lipstick providing 6-hour moisture and no-smudge wear. A treat for the lips, it perfectly glides on for a smooth and rich colour in one coat. For the season ahead, go for autumnal berries, plums and daring reds.

DIVINE HARMONY SERUM L’Occitane With each pump of the dispenser, the earth and TFB DPMMJEF UIF NJDSP drops burst delicately, without leaving the slightest trace; this lightweight serum contains powerful active ingredients. As the fingertips trace the contours of the face, the skin regains its youthful plumpness, smoothness and definition.

BROW QUICKIE Too Faced In seconds plump and groom your brows for a super natural look. Plus, its brush-on, fiber-gel technology mimics real hair to shape your brow with just one sweep. It’s buildable formula also helps to fill-in those missing gaps while adhering to the skin making your brows full, thick and natural.

AIR BRUSH SOFT GLOW DUO Marc Jacobs Beauty This weightless blush has come to revolutionise your makeup bag. With a natural luminous finish that lasts up to 24 hours, this nearly undetectable-to-the-touch products, melds naturally with the skin. The colourful collection comes in five different shades - our favourite is Lines & Last Night (pictured).

ALL FIRED UP NailsInc Nailing it in the nails department, a new gel effect line is firing up. The brand has added this powerful ingredient to four of their Gel Effect range to help protect the nails against toxins and pollutants in the environment. From deep reds to plums and golds, all colours contain an outstanding and long-last shine that you’ll love.

CPOP FACE PALETTE BeccaXJaclyn Hill This YouTube sensation’s partnership with Becca has produced a mindblowing product that is now up for grabs at Sephora. Featuring glowing illuminators that will enhance your features and make those cheeks pop, Becca knows how to deliver with beauty that transcends.

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GROOMING CHECKLIST

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Grooming products that are going to help you step up that daily regime. Here are just some of our favourites out there for autumn.

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L’UOMO Gianfranco Ferre Perfumer Nicholas Beaulieu created an unusual blend of vibrant, peppery head notes (bergamot, ginger, cardamom, and black pepper) and light green heart notes (violet, artemisia, green apple and sage). The refined accord of different accents makes this Eau de Toilette iconic BOE VOGPSHFUUBCMF B OFX classic in men’s perfume.

PURSUITS OF PASSION Aesop These Aesop’s Gift Kits celebrate six naturalists long revered for their writing and illustrations.

Among the series is a trio of nourishing Hair Care formulations, a sumptuous Hand and Body Care quartet, and a regimen from Aesop’s much-loved anti-oxidant Parsley Seed Skin Care range.

AMOUAGE Bracken Man Unveiling an aromatic freshness, the fragrance begins with vibrant top notes of Lavandin, Nutmeg, and Clove. With a spectrum of light caressing the woods, both Lemon and Bergamot open this fragrance by blanketing a sensation of brightness over wet earth. This scent evokes a subtle and enigmatic masculinity.

CEDRAT HAND CREAM L’Occitane This hand cream helps to nourish the skin and protect against daily wear and tear.

Ideal for dry hands as well as for sweaty hands, it sinks in rapidly without leaving an oily residue. The formula is enriched with shea butter, is rich in vitamins and an organic Corsican cedrat extract with energising properties.

ANTI-IRRITATION SHAVING GEL Nuxe Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin, this product is a must-have in your grooming box for the cooler days ahead. A thick and creamy gel shaving foam with Sandalwood extract for an easy, accurate and irritation-free shave, Nuxe’s genius formula also contains a masculine, woody and spicy fragrance.

B FOR MEN MATTE SEPARATION WORKABLE WAX Tigi A pliable wax with matte definition giving good hold, style and natural finish. A blend of polymers provide separation and humidity resistance. No boy-band hair here - just decent hold and invisible finish for guys who don’t want to look like they’re trying too hard. fact magazine

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COLOURFUL COLLECTIONS AT IKEA This season, the home sees a range of textiles with strong colours and bold patterns ranging from rugs to metre fabrics – here are just some of our favourites at IKEA…

RAVNSÖ Rug Striped in some warm autumn colours, RAVNSÖ rug breathes of traditional Scandinavian style and came about after designer Synnöve Mork visited a Swedish museum. Handwoven in wool, the rug is made in the IKEA initiative of handwoven rugs in India. The rug has the same pattern on both sides, so you can turn it over and it will withstand more wear and last even longer.

HALVED Rug Striped in twelve different colours, HALVED rug creates a colourful statement in connection to a sofa or dining table. With so many delightful tones, it’s bound to coor- dinate with the rest of the home interior.

The wool rug is handwoven in an IKEA initiative of organised weaving centres in India with good working conditions and fair wages. The result is a unique rug that not only looks good, but a rug to feel good about too.

ROSENRIPS Quilt Cover Not only does ROSENRIPS quilt cover look beautiful with its traditional Swedish pattern, there’s some real history to it too. The designer Eva Lundgren created the 98

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quilt cover with inspiration from a regional museum that houses a perma- nent collection of textiles dating all the way back to the 1600s from Sweden’s southernmost region. Back then women started at a young age to make pieces for their dowry that would become part of their new home once they were married. These traditional wool embroideries sparked the designer to create ROSENRIPS quilt cover.

DAGGSKÅL, DVÄRGBJÖRK, NATTGLIM, ORANGELILJA & PIPDÅN Metre Fabrics This month sees the launch of five new metre fabrics that can be used to personalise and add some punch to the home. Many of the patterns have been created with inspiration from food, for example ORANGELILJA metre fabric features bright pieces of oranges, while PIPDÅN metre fabric shows kitchen utensils and food in an eclectic monochrome mix.

The metre fabrics can be used in many different ways, maybe as a long tablecloth, curtains, cushion covers, napkins or even clothes they’re just a great chance to get DSFBUJWF ✤

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#OKTOBE RFEST #AT #INTERCONTINENTAL #D OHA

Guests gathered at the famous Oktoberfest celebrations in InterContinental Doha for an authentic Bavarian experience. The Voigas Band kept revellers entertained with their original festive music, playing traditional alpine folk music followed by different acts and funny games which involved the audience. Visitors dressed up and indulged in the scrumptious traditional German buffet and Munich’s famous ales.

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The Wonders of IkarIan CuIsIne With its unique front-row seat to paradise on one of doha’s most stunning natural beaches, al dana restaurant and C-Lounge at sharq Village & spa offers residents and international diners one of the healthiest world cuisines - the Ikarian diet. faCT explores this culinary feat‌

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ntroduced by Chef de Cuisine Evangelos Liakouris, since taking the helm of the Mediterranean casual brasserie earlier this year, Blue Zone Ikarian cuisine is renowned as the best-kept secret to longevity, and is fundamental to Chef Evangelos’ creative renditions that focus on the use of market-fresh ingredients as well as fresh fish and seafood.

Signature dishes are served in a sharing concept at Al Dana Restaurant, and these include the contemporary Greek Salad, Sea Bass Ceviche, Greek Shrimps Saganaki, Grilled Dover Sole and Evangelos Deconstructed Black Forest. With a distinctive fish market within the restaurant, guests can explore and handpick from a selection of fresh fish, seafood and a colourful variety of vegetables to custom-make their own dishes or create new recipes with Chef Evengelos and his culinary team.

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“EVERY DAY, WE FOCUS ON A HEALTHY IKARIAN DIET IN ORDER TO CREATE THE ULTIMATE TASTE THAT IS PERFECTLY COOKED WITH FRESH INGREDIENTS USING THE BEST OF MEDITERRANEAN FLAVOURS WITH AN INNOVATIVE PRESENTATION.” philosophy which recognises the value of eating well and the potential of certain foods for good health. “Every day, we focus on a healthy Ikarian diet in order to create the ultimate taste that is perfectly cooked with fresh ingredients using the best of Mediterranean flavours with an innovative presentation,” he adds.

To complete the refreshed experience, Al Dana Restaurant and C-Lounge has recently unveiled a modern identity through a newly designed brand logo that incorporates creative blue wave elements combined with a focal image of the Pearl, signifying Dana, which means pearl in Arabic. ✤

- al dana restaUrant / Al Dana offers a front-row seat to paradise on one of Doha’s most stunning natural beaches. Dining in the 118-seat restaurant offers guests a relaxing beachside enclave in a breathtaking Qatari-inspired setting. Other distinctive features include a show kitchen and seafood counter, where food connoisseurs can follow the preparation of their meal, and the Chef’s Table for a customised experience together with the Chef.

- C-loUnge By al dana / Guests will enjoy Al Dana’s vibrant outdoor hot spot extension, C-Lounge that offers a relaxed atmosphere to stargaze and start the evening.

C-Lounge features signature drinks, creative cocktails and vino, as well as Chef Liakouris’ special Mediterranean bites and shisha with a variety of flavours enjoyed with vibrant music and stunning views of the Doha bay.

- al dana garden / Adjacent to the restaurant, Al Dana Garden sets a new standard in the events realm, the perfect venue for hosting celebrations, family days, a magical wedding or inspiring corporate events.

The 3,500 square meter outdoor space can accommodate up to 2,500 guests for a stand-up cocktail reception or 2,000 guests for a seated function. The outdoor venue can also be transformed into a lavish indoor setting complete with a stage and banquet tables. ✤ GO: Al Dana restaurant is open for dinner from 6.30pm to 11pm, daily except Sundays.

C-Lounge is open from 4pm to 11pm, daily except Sundays. Call 4425 6666 for reservations and more information.

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SOCIETY

#FILIPINO #FO OD #FIESTA #AT #HWANG #RESTAURANT

Members of the media joined VIP guests for an evening packed with colour, character and flavour to celebrate the exotic tastes from the Philippines - a diverse archipelago in Southeast Asia. The event, which took place at Hwang, InterContinental Doha The City was attended by top dignitaries, who enjoyed a traditional performance alongside mouthwatering dishes prepared by expert chefs.

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thE EArlY SuPPEr Avant-garde dining meets British dinner time at Gordon Ramsay Mediterranean, the elegant restaurant located at The St. Regis Doha. FACT went to get a sneak peek of what’s available on the brand new Ealr y Supper Menu for the ultimate evening gathering.

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ON THE MENU

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here’s a brand new food concept in town, and it takes inspiration from the British tradition of supper. Often used to refer to a more light and informal evening meal, when in comes to supper there’s one thing that can really make or break it – the quality of the food. More often than not, your day can end on an enjoyable note if you leave it up to the pros to prep your food. One such place that’s offering to do this, and do it fabulously may we add, is Gordon Ramsay Mediterranean at The St. Regis Doha.

Pioneered by the world-famous Chef Gordon Ramsay, innovative dining involves creating an environment and menu which offer a total theatre of the senses. On a regular day, you can enjoy a modern ambience in the cosy yet classic space inspired by an English manor house and surrounded by a winter landscape.

Gordon Ramsay Mediterranean is the destination for lovers of exceptionally fine cuisine in the Qatari capital.

Designed by Chef Elias Gemayel and his team, the ever-changing menu combines seasonal ingredients and flavours to form creative, exciting dishes that are light, modern, fresh and packed full of flavour. Begin an evening with friends or colleagues with a smooth drink and light authentic canapés before sitting down to a menu of juicy bruschetta, homemade pasta and Dolci of the day. Gordon Ramsay Mediterranean is ideal for the modern day connoisseur and fans of inspired, traditional fare.

And this is the exact approach that has been applied to The Early Supper menu – fresh, flavourful, homely and delicious cuisine.

The Early Supper menu offers guests the chance to experience all the flavours from Gordon Ramsay Mediterranean at a great value of just QR195 per person, including one glass of house vino or a mocktail.

The idea is that guests will have a full experience starting with the canapes which change daily, moving on to the fresh bread (for Italians the bread as well as the vino is a mandatory item on the dinner table and the venue takes a lot of pride on the bread served).

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The main focus of the restaurant is on the quality of the ingredients, some of them such as the olive oil and the balsamic vinegar are special imports and only available at Gordon Ramsay Mediterranean.

Again it’s the quality of the raw material used to prepare the freshest dishes that had us in awe at this tasting.

You’ll start with a tasty, crunchy Mix Green Leaves salad with perfectly-cooked asparagus and a delicious balsamic dressing.

We’re also served a mouthwatering ceviche with a surprise pure avocado bottom. The ceviche has been cured with lemon so it tastes all kinds of fresh with a zingy kick – we love it!

For mains the Homemade Alla Arrabiata pasta arrives to the table and we’re told that the pasta served at the restaurant is

ON THE MENU prepared daily, right before service so that guests can feel just how fresh the product is. All we have to say is, forget al dente, this pasta dish will blow you away! This pasta also has one of the best side dishes we’ve ever tasted; Saffron-Fried Courgettes aka deep fried zuchini. But this is far from your regular oil-drenched fried zucchini there’s an amazing crunch to it and teamed with the pasta – you’ll be in food heaven.

The dessert spoke to us like no other dessert has done before; Fruits Minestrone, made up of spiced marinated seasonal fruits, white chocolate and gold leaves. Now, THIS is what we’re talking about; this is the best of Gordon Ramsay Mediterranean and a true testament to the creativity of the cuisine at this restaurant. The dessert was wild and wonderful!

During his last visit to Doha Chef Gordon Ramsay entered the restaurant and said to all of the staff: “Wow, I just love this dining room, I wish I could have my dinner here every day, it is so classy and at the same time comfortable and cosy, very welcoming.”

He summed it up in one sentence! For everyone who wants to try fine cuisine made with the most fresh and special ingredients, all for a very good value, check out The Early Supper menu at Gordon Ramsay Mediterranean and revel in quality food in a truly memorable setting. ✤ GO: Visit Gordon Ramsay Mediterranean at The St. Regis Doha. The Early Supper menu is available from 6pm to 7.30pm with a 3-course set menu and a glass of house vino or mocktail for QR195 per person. Call 4446 0105 for reservations and more information.

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SOCIETY

#HEDKANDI #AT #STRATA #INTERCONTINENTAL #D OHA #THE #CITY

Partygoers in Doha were taken on an extra special ride when Strata Lounge hosted a night of pure revelry with their now-famous HedKandi nights.

Every last Friday of the month, Strata brings the international clubbing brand HedKandi, along with its famous djs and live acts to all the music lovers in Doha. The fun-loving crowd was there for a good time and guests were seen enjoying themselves to the max! Since its inception, 16 years ago, HedKandi has developed from hosting boutique parties into a globally recognised lifestyle brand.

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itAliAn food GoAlS THIS MONTH WE HIGHLIGHT ALL THE BEST DINING DEALS TO ENJOY AT THE LUXURIOUS ANTICA PESA RESTAURANT. IF YOU LOVE ITALIAN FOOD THEN GET READY FOR A CULINARY AFFAIR LIKE NO OTHER… fact magazine

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FOODIE CORNER

BRUNCH ALL’ITALIANA Tuck into signature Roman recipes at the classic Brunch all`italiana. With Live cooking stations and a buffet that will give you all the happy feels, and a reduced a la carte menu too, the choices are wide and varied! QR265, drinks not included.

QR340, including vino, soft drinks and water. Every Friday from 12noon onwards.

BUSINESS LUNCH Indulge in a 3-course menu for QR99, drink not included. Add a glass of vino for QR35 and enjoy from Sunday to Thursday, 12:30pm to 4.30pm.

CHEF`S MENU Enjoy more with a special Chef`s Menu!

Antica Pesa is pleased to offer you the 4-course Chef`s Menu for a cool QR295, included one bottle of vino for every two people. Try everything from fried seafood to pizza margherita, spicy baby chicken, salmon with apricots, and a tiramisu collection – how can you say no t that?!

Available everyday for dinner.

HAPPY HOUR @ ANTICA PESA LOUNGE Enjoy your favorite cocktails for QR35 and Italian appetisers starting from QR30, in the Lounge Bar. Served from Saturday to Wednesday 4pm to 10.30pm.

THURSDAYS FULL EXPERIENCE Listen to the laid back tunes performed live by a jazz music duo as you bask in the 110 fact magazine

evening vibes of #Laterrazza by Antica Pesa. This event features a DJ set, special happy hour prices on an exclusive drinks list, Italian appetisers and food starting at QR30. All to be enjoyed from 6pm onwards.

TUESDAYS PIZZA & BEER NIGHT @ ANTICA PESA LOUNGE If you love going toppings crazy, this is the place to do it. A delicious variety of pizza awaits for even the most discerning palate. Bite on a free flow of pizza and peroni for a special price (tbc).

FOODIE CORNER

FRIDAYS RED PASSION NIGHT Antica Pesa Lounge turns red with Campari every Friday from sunset until late into the night! The Red Passion Fridays will feature a live DJ set with DJ Vinyl Vandals Production, custom cocktails by Campari, and a special price of QR70 for two drinks and one yummy appetiser.

Dress Code: Show your passion with anything red! Wear a touch of red to this event and share your photo on Instagram with the hashtag #AnticaPesaDoha to receive a special drink surprise from the bartenders. ✤ GO: Visit Antica Pesa at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha. Call 4035 5300 for reservations and more information.

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DOHA BITES

A DoHA DoUBLe WHAmmY

A sUPeRHeRo PICnIC

tHAnKsGIVInG tURKeY In A BoX

the doha Marriott hotel is bringing its food game! Introducing the brand new noodling night at Asia live, with all you can eat noodles and dumplings. Crafted

by Chinese Chef Xudong zeng, these tasty treats are available every saturday night from 6.30pm to 11.30pm. only QR100 per person or add QR60 on top for the unlimited beverage package. Prefer a great steak? steak happy hour is making a comeback at jW’s steakhouse.

Enjoy 20% off all steaks from 6.30pm to 8pm every day!

take a picnic brunch, throw in your favourite superhero characters, a sprightly atmosphere, live stations, innovative food presentation and a variety of kids’ activities such as face painting and a bouncy castle. What you now have is the new Ritz-Carlton doha superhero Picnic! Visit the lagoon Restaurant and garden, from 12.30pm to 4pm every last Friday of the month.

QR349 per adult with selected house beverages, QR249 per adult with soft beverages and QR99 per child aged five to 12-years-old.

enjoy a calm and scrumptious celebration at home! order a crispy, mouthwatering roast turkey with signature stuffing, vegetables, potatoes and sauce, perfectly prepared by the culinary team of Marsa Malaz Kempinski. Place your order 48 hours in advance of your desired pickup time. the turkey box includes a 5-6kg slow-roasted turkey, onion and sage stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, rosemary potatoes and honey-glazed root vegetables. QR995 serving 5-6 people.

Call 4429 8499 for reservations and more information.

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Call 4484 8512 for reservations and more information.

Call 4035 5555 for reservations and more information.

QUestIons & CAnVAses

YOUR ENTERTAINMENT REFERENCE

the Radisson Blu hotel doha is finishing the month with a bang! on november 28, bring your general knowledge along with your team of six or less people to battle it out over five pub quiz rounds at shehrazad. Doors open at 6pm, quiz starts at 8pm. entrance is free. on november 29, create a masterpiece whilst indulging in divine tapas at Picasso’s.

Tapas and Paint night starts at 7pm and is QR225 per person, inclusive of food and selected beverages.

Call 4428 1555 for reservations and more information.

@DOHA_NIGHTLIFE

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Thomas Fehlbier

General Manager, Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara

Doha Insider WHAT KEEPS YOU EXCITED ABOUT WORKING AT THE BANANA ISLAND RESORT DOHA?

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL HOTSPOTS IN DOHA AND WHY?

I am excited to be part of an award-winning team that aim, every day, to create new Wow factors and indigenous experiences for our guests. We are not just a Resort but a Destination Island on its own with endless attractions, awarded for two consecutive years as the World’s Best Spa on a Private Island. We are optimistic to achieve our financial targets for the year and expect a double-digit growth in all areas, despite the fact that the traveller demand in Doha has dropped significantly year after year.

I am always inspired when walking through the tiny and narrow walkways in Souq Waqif – I enjoy the local heritage feel. The Museum of Islamic Art and other museums are my favourite during the summer months when it’s hot outside and the museums are quiet and peaceful. But the most favourable spot in Doha would be on Banana Island’s white beach during the evening hours – it’s total silence and so far away from the buzzing city – this is the perfect place to enjoy the sparkling skies over the Island.

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SHARE WITH US SOME OF YOUR GOALS FOR THE REST OF 2016...

We have seen, so far, a very successful year and we are confident to meet our targets by year end with a close to 20 per cent increase compared to last year. Our Wellness Centre is fully operational now with Weight Management, Detox and Skin treatment menus and the very popular Dr Fish treatments that we imported from Thailand.

We are also overlooking the rebranding of the Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels where we took over the full management responsibilities recently, along with preparations for at least two more hotels to open under leadership in the first half of 2017.

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