Bahrain This Month - February 2020

TECHNOLOGY - ENTERTAINMENT - TRAVEL

Since 1997

February 2020 | Vol. 24 | Issue 2 | BD2 / SR20 YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE

SPRING OF CULTURE

HAPPENINGS

Starring MS LAURYN HILL

COMEDY NIGHT BEACH FESTIVAL SPARTAN RUN

VALENTINES

Dining Dates Great Gifts

PEOPLE

Essa Alhayee of The Legendz ULTIMATE CRUISER Nick Wilkinson ON THE SCENT OF SUCCESS Shoaib Malique

WTM

Safa Shamsan writes romance Valentine’s looks Live & Taste

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Arts

Culture

Clubs

Sports

Interviews

Lifestyle

Dining

Nightlife

Digital Edition

lady freelancer collection

L A D Y

F R E E L A N C E R

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4th

THE TEAM Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton

Bahrain This Month February 2020

Editorial Director Liz O’Reilly Contributors Behnaz Sanjana, Dick Potter, Pria Masson Tanwar, Ouiam Charkani El Hassani, Kristian Harrison, Live and Taste.

Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Layout and Graphics Hatem Monem, Romeo San Miguel Photography Editor Muna Yousef Staff Photographers Subeesh Kumar N S, Ranjith Mohan Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa Corporate Affairs Director Bassem A. Al Khabbaz Distribution Team CM Abdul Rahman, Gopal Arul Kumar Distributor Al Hilal Group (Hilal Direct Services) Media Sales ANURADHA MANHAS anuradha@redhousemarketing.com SARAH AMIN sara.amin@redhousemarketing.com TATUM TURNER tatum@redhousemarketing.com

The only Lifestyle Magazine distributed with the GDN

DIGITAL & CONTENT MARKETING TEAM Digital Strategy Director Lini Reghunath Content Editor Liz O’Reilly Digital Marketing & Social Media Executive Farah Baig Art & Animation Director Hatem Monem Videography Danny Sokov Printing Press Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej W.L.L., Bahrain Published monthly by

RED HOUSE MARKETING P.O. Box 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: (+973) 17 813-777, Fax: (+973) 17 813-700 Email: info@redhousemarketing.com www.bahrainthismonth.com © Copyright Reserved 2005-2020 The concept, content, style and design of this publication remain the exclusive property of Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. and must not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without prior written permission. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, Red House Marketing cannot accept legal responsibility for any error or omission.

• Views expressed in this magazine by journalists and writers are not necessarily those of the publishers of Bahrain This Month.

Licensed by the Ministry of Information Publication Code: TA001 ISBN 1 899 348 09 3

1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Bahrain: BD24

Welcome to the February issue which is so full of content we could hardly fit it all in. You’ll have seen on the cover that we have a bona fide super star heading to the island this month, in the shape of Ms Lauryn Hill. She’s here as part of Spring of Culture (SoC) and we couldn’t be more excited. As we went to press, the full SoC lineup was still to be announced, but you’ll see from our extensive Happenings section that we’ve managed to get a sneak peek at the calendar which, of course, we’re sharing with you. And, as more info becomes available, we’ll be uploading it straight away at www.bahrainthismonth.com so keep an eye on our events pages for all the latest updates.

And it’s not just Spring of Culture, there are loads of other great events coming to the island during February too. From the annual Bob Marley birthday tribute at Coral Bay to the Spartan Race and Sofitel Bahrain’s much-anticipated Beach Festival, you’ll find something for every taste and budget in our Happenings pages.

February is also, of course, the month when thoughts turn to love with Valentine’s Day in our sights on the 14th. If you’re planning a night out with your loved one, you’ll find five pages of Valentine’s dining options to help you pick the spot. We’ve also lined up some great gift ideas; pressies anyone would be happy to receive.

Interviews this month include Essa Alhayee, front man of The Legendz, who will be headlining the aforementioned Bob Marley tribute. We also caught up with Shoaib Malique, the self-made fragrance tycoon; Ved Parkash, the man at the head of the island’s newest hotel; and Nick Wilkinson who talked all things cruising.

As always, we have roundups of the latest news from the worlds of business and motoring and our regular lifestyle pages where you’ll find the latest music, film and TV picks as well as tech recommendations.

In the Woman This Month section, the Valentine’s theme continues with date-night looks and food for lovers as well as tips for a healthy heart. The fashion and beauty pages include trends for the new season and there’s news from around the industry.

Whatever you’re doing in February, make sure to keep your copy handy as your guide to a great way of life.

COVER Cover Picture:

Ms Lauryn Hill - Spring of Culture George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman

Scan this QR Code to subscribe to the digital edition of the magazine.

Gulf and international subscriptions available on request.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

February 2020 5

From SEIKO WATCH CORPORATION alba-watches.com

CONTENTS ISSUE 270

FEBRUARY

16

32

30

BYSTANDER

39

26

Happenings

15 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32

Manama Marketplace A lively ‘Saturday Market’ in Manama Souq.

Kitchen Stars Season 6 of Italian Master Chef at Cucina Italiana.

Eyes Down McGettigans hosts

bingo loco with its trademark madness.

Enter the Dragons

Try dragon boating at Bahrain Bay.

A Little Love A couple’s mosaic session at The Art House.

Live Rap Super Sako plays at Park Regis Lotus Hotel.

Street Theatre Watch The Flying Dutchmen around town.

Culture in the Spotlight

The 15th Spring of Culture Festival.

Live in Concert An evening with Grammy Award-winner, Lauryn Hill.

The Green Scene Bahrain

International Garden Show is back.

Visit bahrainthismonth.com for a comprehensive list of events.

Interviews

44 www.bahrainthismonth.com

There have been lots of events for our snappers to cover this month - starting with several New Year parties.

They also turned out for the celebration of the 43rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Bahrain, a farewell to Indian Ambassador, HE Alok Kumar Sinha, charity happenings, exhibition openings and more.

Did you see them on their travels?

39 40

Sounds of Jamaica

42

Wearing A Multi-Faceted Fragrance Perfumer Shoaib

44

Ship Ahoy

The Legendz front man, Essa Alhayee, on his love for reggae.

New Kid on the Block

Group GM, Ved Parkash, tells about the brand-new Jewel Hotel.

Malique tells his story.

Nick Wilkinson of Norwegian Cruise Lines on floating resorts, future plans and major investment.

February 2020 7

THE MERCHANTS OF BOLLYWOOD MS LAURYN HILL

BAHRAIN BAY 28 FEBRUARY 8:30 PM Celebrating the extended 20th anniversary of her hit album The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill, including hit singles 'Doo Wop (That Thing)', 'Ex-Factor' and 'Everything Is Everything'. A super, electrifying evening at Bahrain Bay Open Air Theater.!

BAHRAIN BAY 26 & 27 MARCH 7:30 PM

The Merchants of Bollywood charts the history of the world’s largest and most prolific film industry paying tribute to a dynasty of Indian film stars. The glamour and glitter of Bollywood electrifies Bahrain Bay!

FULL CALENDAR OF EVENTS AND TICKET SALES THROUGH WWW.SPRINGOFCULTURE.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL +973 39900630

SILVER SPONSORS

SUPPORTED BY

93

95

101

ISSUE 270

86

CONTENTS

FEBRUARY

50

Feature

50

VALENTINE’S DAY

Impress the significant other on the day of love.

Motoring

59 60

My Life In Cars

Dick Potter shares his passion for motors.

Motoring Bites

BTM brings you the latest news from the motoring world.

Commerce

62 64 65

Business Bites Opinion: Pria Mason

Talwar BTM NEW SERVICES

Dining

WOMAN THIS MONTH CONTENTS

Fashion

90 92 93 94

Trends:

Suited and Booted

Styling:

Valentine’s Day Looks

10 To Try News:

Goss from around the industry

Interview

95

A Labour of Love

The first ever Bahraini English romance novelist, Safa Shamsan, on her first book.

Beauty

96 97 98

Tips: Don’t Just Brush It Off Styling: Tresses Trend Alert

Lifetyle

99

Lovers’ Treats

Valentine’s-worthy recipes from Laetitia and Theresa of Live and Taste.

100

Well-being: For The Sweet

101

Well-being News:

102

Home:True Blue

104

Opinion: Ouiam

105

In Her Shoes:

106

Heart

Information on the latest developments.

Charkani El Hassani

Meriem Moulouade AD Index and QR Codes

Essentials: new products

www.bahrainthismonth.com bahrainthismonth www.bahrainthismonth.com

bhthismonth

69 70

SoHo Swagger

Black Tap served Behnaz Sanjana the unexpected.

Table Hopping

Technology

76 78 79 80

Gadgets:

The newest gizmos in town

Computer Games:

The hottest games of the month

Websites:

The coolest sites on the web

Apps:

Essential apps to try

Entertainment

82 83 84

Hollywood faves: Latest film releases

New on TV:

Shows to download

Music:

Top new tunes

Lifestyle

85 86 88

What’s Green:

Eco-friendly products

Travel:

North Macedonia

Out and About:

Valentine’s Day on a Budget February 2020 9

bystander

Ambassador, HE Padam Sundas, and his wife Amrita, held a reception on the occasion of the 43rd Anniversary of the Visit Nepal 2020 Nepali establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Bahrain and the inaugural ceremony of Visit Nepal Year 2020

10 February 2020

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

bystander

Farewell Dinner

Mr and Mrs Mohammed Dadabhai hosted a dinner to bid farewell to Indian Ambassador, HE Alok Kumar Sinha, and his wife Mamta

exhibition titled ‘The Place I Call Home’ Art Exhibition An was held at the Art Centre

THE COOKIE SHAKE

EXCLUSIVE FOR BAHRAIN THIS MONTH READERS

March

Other T&Cʼs apply.

For more information call

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

February 2020 11

bystander

Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa held a Galette des Rois Galette des Rois Sofitel event showcasing Bahrain’s largest Galette; six-plus metres

Wedding Fair 2020 was held at Al Nakheel Sofitel Wedding Fair 2020 Sofitel Ballroom, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

12 February 2020

To view more images, scan the QR code

To view more images, scan the QR code

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

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happenings

FEBRUARY HAPPENINGS 2020

ART IN FOCUS UNTIL FEBRUARY 15

46TH BAHRAIN ANNUAL FINE ARTS EXHIBITION

BAHRAIN NATIONAL THEATRE & BAHRAIN NATIONAL MUSEUM

HISTORY IN MIND UNTIL FEBRUARY 29

EXHIBITION MILTON LIPP – EARLY YEARS OF BAPCO

BAHRAIN NATIONAL MUSEUM

The Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO), since its inception in 1929, has been at the cornerstone of shaping the economy and society of Bahrain. The contribution of BAPCO exceeds that of the oil industry, and it has enabled the country to capitalise on its fossil fuel wealth, and placed Bahrain strategically on the global energy market. Behind this company were men and women who The 46th Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition is the first, biggest and longesthave dedicated their experience and running platform for Bahraini artists to showcase and exhibit their work. commitment in progressing the credibility Every year, the expo, held under the patronage of HRH the Prime Minister, Prince and development of BAPCO. Milton H Lipp Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, acts as an innovative forum for debate in which the (1895-1970) was one of many men who different artistic monologues have an exclusive opportunity to communicate, had an impact on BAPCO during its early converse and compete. From abstract to surrealism, from modernist years, serving as its GM from 1939representations to more traditional cultural expressions, this exhibition 1942, then from 1957-1960 as Resident represents an opportunity to highlight different schools of thought, artists’ Vice President. perceptions and ideological backgrounds.

This exhibition is dedicated to the life and The exhibition is free to enter and is open daily 8am-8pm, closed Tuesday. achievements of Milton Lipp during his Call 17 298-777. time in Bahrain. His years spent in BAPCO were instrumental in developing the company’s profile, and the relationships he established PAMPER PACKAGES with the rulers and people of Bahrain are a testament to the strong relations between Americans and the Bahrainis.

UNTIL VALENTINE’S HEAVENLY SPA Call 17 298-777.

FEBRUARY 29 SPECIALS

BY WESTIN Couples can grab great Valentine’s packages at The Westin. Option one is a 120-minute couples’ treatment which includes 30-minutes couples’ Rose Body Polish Scrub followed by 60-minute couples’ Aspire Massage and 30 minutes in the private Jacuzzi, priced at BD120. Option two is a 90-minute couples’ treatment, including a 30-minute Rose Body Polish Scrub followed by 60-minute couples‘ massage and 30 minutes in the private Jacuzzi, plus haircut and shave for the men and manicure and blow dry for ladies, all priced at BD155.

Call 17 171-122.

FEEL GOOD TREATMENT

UNTIL FEBRUARY 29

VALENTINE’S SPA PACKAGE

MOVENPICK HOTEL BAHRAIN

Chill in the name of love with a therapeutic full-body massage to energise or relax, meant to improve circulation, soothing the body – all in minimum time. Be treated to a gentle skin polish to reveal a naturally radiant complexion and to complete the evening, a complimentary glass of sparkling will be served.

The package comprises a 60-minute aromatherapy massage and a 30-minute express facial, priced at BD100 per couple.

Call 17 460-051.

MANAMA MARKETPLACE SATURDAYS UNTIL MARCH 22

SATURDAY MARKET

BAB AL BAHRAIN

Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) is set to host the second edition of its ‘Saturday Market’, which will be held every Saturday from 9am-12.30pm and from 2pm-7pm at the heart of the Manama Souq. During the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix 2020, the market will be open for four consecutive days.

This year, the event, which focusses on promoting traditional, local producers, will feature 40 craftsmen and women specialised in 25 crafts including basket weaving, traditional chest making, wood works, pottery, hand embroidery, henna design, dolls, carpets, cage-making and crochet among others. In addition, the event will feature live traditional music and art performances, Bahraini food vendors and activities and play areas for children.

In addition to showcasing the work of local craftspeople, the Saturday Market aims to encourage Bahraini youth to engage in craft projects to preserve the local handicrafts which are unique to Bahrain. www.btea.bh . www.bahrainthismonth.com/events

February 2020 15

happenings

TROT ON FEBRUARY 1

FIND A FRIEND

BAHRAIN CHERRY INTERNATIONAL TREE TROT CIRCUIT

FEBRUARY 1

DOG ADOPTION PARTY

SAAR KENNELS

When? February 1 Event? Amwaj Marina Market Venue? Amwaj Marina

Join in for wholesome family fun.

https://www.facebook.com/ events/776390616208781/

When? February 6 Event? DJ Meduza Live Venue? Warbler, Baisan Int’l Hotel One of the best female DJs in the world comes to Bahrain. Ladies get free drinks, while gents get a welcome beverage. The buffet will be free for all.

Call 38 330-633.

When? February 7 Event? Gopi Sundar Live Venue? Asian School, Tubli

Gopi Sundar, the talented Mollywood music director, singer and song writer of the Indian film industry, performs with popular playback singers like Haricharan, Sithara, Jyotsna, Najim Arshad, Niranj Suresh, Abhaya Hiranmayi, Maqbool Mansoor, Christa Kala, Kavya Ajith, Ralfin Stephen & Band from the Mollywood film industry.

Call 33 307-369 / 33 418-411

When? February 7 Event? WU’s Terrace Party Venue: WU, ART Rotana Amwaj Islands

From 4pm-midnight, pamper yourself with a spectacular sundown view and sensational live DJ music. Relish delicious Asian dishes, speciality drinks and shisha flavours. Complimentary access for ladies with one free cocktail and BD10 for gents with two selected beverages.

Call 16 000-111.

When? February 7 Event? Fiesta Latina Venue? Cellar 59 - ART Rotana, Amwaj Islands

From 9pm-2am, spice up your weekend with a hot Latin party and witness an authentic performance by resident Latin band Soneando, along with some modern Latin tunes by DJ Boudi. Free Entrance for all guests.

Call 16 000-111.

16 February 2020

The American Women’s Association’s (AWA) big fun fundraiser is back. The Cherry Tree Trot (CTT) is a community race held every two years at the Bahrain International Circuit. It’s one of the oldest and largest charity fundraising events in the Kingdom and raises money for more than 30 local charities.

There are 2km, 3km, 5km and 8km races for able-bodied participants as well as a 3km Walkathon, open to all ages, for those who like to take things a little easier and those in wheelchairs.

A 2km invitational race is held for mentally and physically challenged children and adults who will be aided by students from the leading private schools and adult volunteers.

It’s a fun day out for the whole family with the 8km race, for those aged 15 and over, kicking off at 9am. Entry is BD7 for ages 17 and above, BD5 for 13-17s and the Walkathon is BD2 with under-fives going free. awabahrain.org.

If you’re looking for a new four-legged friend, head down to this event at which the BSPCA will be showcasing some of its long-term residents who are hoping to find their forever homes. Entry is BD5, which will go directly to the BSPCA, and visitors will have the chance to meet and greet the hopeful canines and their carers and volunteer friends. The event runs from 3pm-5pm.

Call 17 792-064 or 17 790-017.

KITCHEN STARS FEBRUARY 2, 4, 9

SEASON 6 ITALIAN MASTER CHEF

CUCINA ITALIANA

BAG A BARGAIN FEBRUARY 1

BARC CAR BOOT SALE

BAHRAIN RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB

Head down to the Saar venue to take advantage of the great weather with some outdoor time and grab a bargain while you’re at it. The event is raising funds for Bahrain Animal Rescue Centre (formerly the Dogfather’s place) and entry will be charged at 500 fils per person. Sellers pay BD10 per spot and must provide their own tables. It’s advisable to book your place in advance. Set up starts at 9am and gates open for bargain hunters from 10am-2pm.

Call 39 801-393.

There is culinary mayhem taking place in Juffair as the winning contestants from the January heats go head-to-head in the kitchen for the two semis and the grand final of this much-loved annual event. Talented cooks from across the island have battled it out from 36 original contestants down to the final 12, who will take to the stove on February 2 and 4 to decide the final four competitors for the February 9 final. Head down to Cucina Italiana to cheer on your favourite and perhaps pick up a kitchen tip or two.

Call 17 001-317. www.bahrainthismonth.com/events

happenings When? February 7 Event? Wyre in Bahrain Venue: Ramee Rose, Juffair

Dance to music by Wyre The Love Child alongside DJ Miles at the African Club Lounge on the seventh floor of the venue. Ladies pay BD3, gents BD5.

Call 17 453-369.

When? February 7-8 Event? Bahrain Pop-Up Market Venue: The Courtyard, Seef

Join in from 5pm-11 pm to discover a wide range of local talent, from fashion to home accessories, food, drinks and much more.

Call 37 119-590.

When? February 8 Event? The Showcase vol. 4 Venue: LNT Gastropub, Adliya

Show off your sound and originality! If you’ve got new material, a new routine, a song you’re working on, this is the platform for you to play it, experiment with it, and test it in front of a live audience. Musicians, spoken word artists and stand-up comedians welcome from 3pm-8pm.

ALL THINGS STRANGE AND PURE FEBRUARY 6

PUNKROCKDISCO FT DAR DISKU

SOCIAL MONKEY, ARCH HOTEL

After a brief hiatus the madness of Punkrockdisco roars back with a new venue hosting the dance-zoo!

Special headline act, Bahrain-bred, London-based, Dar Disku, will be bringing their blend of sounds from the Middle East and beyond. The DJ duo have spent the last few years discovering incredible sub-genres such as Dabke, Rai, ArabiDisco, Habibi House, Afrodisco, Sawt and Khaliji and, within 12 months, the pair have shared the stage with artists such as Habibi Funk, Nabihah Iqbal and Awesome Tapes From Africa and have played iconic venues and festivals across the world from Lisbon, Dublin and Mumbai to Istanbul, Paris, Lovebox Festival, Le Mellotron and more.

Dar Disku have also been featured on Nabihah Iqbal’s BBC Radio residency, for which they curated a guest mix inspired by nighttime drives in Bahrain and have recently been named as residents on the iconic Worldwide FM. Now they’re back for a one-off gig through Museland, and who knows what to expect?! The organisers promise crazy music, retro video games, inflatable animals and ‘all things strange and pure’. Entry is free.

Call 33 432-598.

EYES DOWN FEBRUARY 6

BINGO LOCO

MCGETTIGANS

Email info@museland.me

Bahrain, are you ready? Bingo loco is coming for you in February, all the way from Ireland, with its trademark madness! Gear up for an When? February 10 insane night of bingo, lip-sync battles, silly dance-offs, crazy props, Event? Bahrain Writers’ Circle confetti cannons and bad decisions. Shenanigans are mandatory!

Monthly Meeting Venue: ERA Tower (opposite Elite If you’re wondering ‘what is Bingo Loco’? the organisers describe it thus: “We are the runaway child of traditional bingo complete with Grande Hotel) The Bahrain Writers’ Circle will hold rave rounds, lip-sync battles and dance-offs. The conventional bingo its monthly meeting at 7.30pm. cartel don’t like what we do. We don’t care. We are bringing bingo Call 39 574-795. kicking and screaming into a full-on party rave!” It sounds like great fun and tickets are likely to sell out fast.

When? February 12 To get a taste of what’s in store, check this out: https://facebook.com/ Event? Love Your Pets BSPCA Quiz bingolocoie/videos/361011684388707/ Venue? Dilmun Club email hello@bingo-loco.com.

Gather your friends, family and colleagues to join in the fun and show a bit of love for our furry friends from 7pm-11pm. Members enter free, reciprocal members pay BD1, non-members and guests pay BD2. Proceeds go to the BSPCA.

Call 66 608-901

When? February 12 Event? The Second Circle Poetry Meeting Venue: Mannai Sea Plaza, Juffair The Second Circle Poetry Meeting will be held at 7.30pm.

Call 39 574-795.

When? February 14 Event? Callalily Band Live Venue? Delmon International Hotel

A Valentine’s Day concert along with special local bands Passion Crew and Band Rock United

Call 33 640-336, 38 995-814.

18 February 2020

FUN FOR ALL FEBRUARY 6 AND 7

BAHRAIN FOR ALL FESTIVAL

BAHRAIN BAY

Bahrain Bay will be the new venue for the annual Bahrain For All festival, which will bring together more than 50,000 people from over 40 local and expatriate communities to showcase their respective cultures. Held under the theme Leaving Nobody Behind, this year’s event will house more than 250 market stalls and a 128sq/m stage that will feature performances by the Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Filipino, Jordanian, Thai, Bangladeshi and Egyptian communities, among others.

The event, now in its ninth year, gives Bahrain’s communities the opportunity to learn about each other’s customs and traditions, sample each other’s cuisines, and watch performances highlighting what makes each of them unique. It also supports local entrepreneurs, with market stalls dedicated to Bahraini businesses and productive families. The event lineup also features performances by

several local DJs and MCs, with a line up to be announced soon. Children with special needs, women’s groups, and senior citizens’ societies are invited every year to promote the festival’s message of inclusion for all. The Ministry of Interior, this year celebrating 100 years of Bahrain Police, has offered its popular Police Band, as well as a horse parade.

Call 36 335-000. www.bahrainthismonth.com/events

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happenings When? February 15 Event? Urban City Hunt Venue? Unisono Tower, Manama

A fun-filled, nerve wracking, crazy adventurous race in which participants complete a task / challenge sheet that holds clues to various locations. Finish the set of tasks and complete the race in record time at the end zone to win a prize.

CARIBBEAN VIBES FEBRUARY 7

REGGAE BEACH FESTIVAL

ENTER THE DRAGONS CORAL BAY

FEBRUARY 7

DRAGON BOAT TRIAL

BAHRAIN BAY

Follow @urbancityhunt2020 on Instagram

When? February 17 Event? Bahrain Creative Writers’ Workshop Venue: Cafe Chantilly, Saar The Bahrain Creative Writers’ Workshop will be held at 7.30pm.

The Legendz and Likwid will be on stage in a birthday tribute to reggae legend, Bob Marley. Miami Events Call 39 574-795. together with Stadium Rockerz bring you the party of the year, the island’s finest birthday tribute to the legendary When? February 18 Event? The Annual Celebration of Bob Marley. The music starts at 6pm and the bands are supported by an exclusive lineup of international DJs the Opening of the Qal’at Al promising an evening of spectacular entertainment.

Bahrain Site Museum Tickets include unlimited selected beverages from Venue: Qal’at Al Bahrain 9pm-1am and are priced BD20 for men and BD10 for A celebration of the 12th anniversary of the opening with women, presale, and BD25 and BD15 on the door. musical artist Faisal Al Kooheji Tickets available through: at 7pm. https://www.bahrainthismonth.com/events/party/ Call 17 567-171. bahrain-reggae-beach-festival-2020 Call 17 312-700 or 38 810-055.

When? February 19 Event? Special Ladies night or scan here Venue: WU Terrace - ART Rotana, Amwaj Islands AGELESS FUN Calling all the fabulous ladies from 7pm to midnight to enjoy three complimentary drinks while in-house DJ Elena and DJ Boudi do a sensational birthday set. There will be a special giveaway for all the ladies.

AGE DOESN’T FEBRUARY 7, MATTER TALENT 14, 21, 28 COMPETITION

KENZA LOUNGE

Unleash your inner dragon at the Black Dragons dragon boat team’s open day. Try your hand at dragon boating, meet some cool people and learn to paddle. It’s a great fun way to get fit, particularly if you enjoy being on the water. If you like it, you can become a member! The free event gets underway at 10am at Bahrain Rowing Club at the North Wharf (next to Four Seasons), Bahrain Bay. RSVP via DM on Instagram @black.dragons.bh

FUNK AND FOOD FEBRUARY 14

MOTOWN AND SOUL TRIBUTE BRUNCH

DILMUN CLUB

If you like your brunch accompanied by a touch of sweet soul music, then this Call 16 000-111. is the one for you. UK-based Big Mama Funk, AKA Pritee, When? February 21 appeared on Britain’s Got Event? FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Talent in 2011 and has been Qualifiers wowing audiences for 15 Venue? Khalifa Sports City Arena years with her spot-on Watch the teams of Bahrain and interpretations of some of India go head to head in this game the biggest soul stars around of basketball at 7pm. https://www.facebook.com/ from Donna Summer’s Bad events/khalifa-sports-city-arena/ Girls to Aretha Franklin’s bahrain-vsNatural Woman via Stevie india/1606268602847286/ Wonder and, of course, her showpiece – James Brown’s I When? February 22 This one’s definitely not for the youngsters, in fact it’s over Feel Good. She’s also adept Event? Hazawi Telling 35s only!

Head down to the K Hotel on Fridays throughout at the jazzy sounds of tunes such as Summertime and Dream a Venue: Dar Al Muharraq February to strut your stuff, whether it be singing, dancing, Little Dream. Her major appearance at the Dilly will be for one of Children from six-12 years will have the opportunity to learn of the comedy or pretty much anything else you can think of. You the regular tribute brunches, which are open to non-members, events and tales that took place in can be solo, a duo or a group, just be ready to entertain. So, on February 14. But, if you can’t make that and know a kind the neighborhoods of Muharraq step up to the mic and join in the show for a chance to win chum to sign you in, she’s also playing at the poolside on the through this storytelling event at USD1,000 at the grand final on February 28. The contest evening of February 13 and doing Valentine’s jazz/swing on the 10.30am. Registration is required. starts at 11.30pm. evening of the 14th. www.culture.gov.bh Call 17 360-000.

Call 17 690-926.

20 February 2020

www.bahrainthismonth.com/events

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happenings When? February 22 Event? Family Fun Day Venue? The Budaiya Pre School Saar

Free entry to the venue for childfriendly games and prizes, pony rides, bouncy castle, henna and face painting, entertainment, arts and crafts, a cafe and much more.

Funds raised go towards special school projects and SNEHA Bahrain.

www.facebook.com/ thebudaiyapreschool/

When? February 25 Event? Voice of Bennigans Venue: Bennigan’s Amwaj Register for Season 2 of this singing competition before February 20.

A TASTE OF SOUTH AFRICA

FEBRUARY 14

POTJIE COMPETITION

A day to celebrate all things South African from food and drink to music and culture. Potjie is small-pot outdoor cooking and, if previous years are anything to go by, foodies will love this one as it’s a real treat for the taste buds.

Anyone is welcome to enter the competition – cook up your best Potjie, decorate your stall and win one of the special prizes. Register to compete at the club’s reception by February 7.

And, even if you don’t fancy cooking, there’s plenty of entertainment for the whole family, including kids’ jumping castle zone, face painting, DJ, live music from Paul Adams, South African products and biltong for sale and a barbecue from Mano’s.

This event is open to non-members to attend, entry fee BD2. Cooking begins at noon and judging is at 5pm with tasting for all thereafter.

Call 17 695-809.

A LITTLE LOVE

Call 16 030-104 / 05

FEBRUARY 14

When? February 27 Event? Film Screening: The Time That Remains (2009) Venue: Pearling Path Visitors Centre

The Palestinian film, directed by Elia Suleiman, is an intimate semibiographical portrait of Palestinians living as minorities in their own homeland between 1948 and the present day.

Call 17 298-777.

When? February 27 Event? The Past Masters Venue? The Dilmun Club

The Past-Masters are back with a bang with some of the coolest classic rock and rock ‘n’ roll covers from 8.30pm-10.30pm.

Call 66 608-901

When? February 27 Event? Winter Jacket Party Venue? Liv Club Lounge

From 9pm-2am, wear your winter jacket and get a massive cocktail free at the bar. The best costumes get a bottle of grape. Music by DJs Neil, Majestic and Peekaboo.

Call 33 681-999.

When? February 28 Event? Arabian Night Venue: Cellar 59 - ART Rotana, Amwaj Islands

Grab your dancing shoes and join DJ Boudi while he spins the night away with an amazing mix of Arabic and English House music.

There will be performances by the talented belly dancer and a renowned singer. Timings are from 9pm-2am.

Call 16 000-111.

22 February 2020

BAHRAIN RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB

VALENTINE’S ART SESSION

MOSAIC HOUSE

Who needs fancy dinners or expensive gifts when the Art House is offering the chance for couples to get together and create their own beautiful moments in mosaic. Sessions start at BD6 and space is limited, so get in touch to reserve your spot.

Call 39 253-943.

NOT SO LOVEY DOVEY FEBRUARY 14

ANTI-VALENTINE HEARTBEAT

TAPAS BAR & RESTAURANT, SOFITEL ZALLAQ

The perfect Anti-Valentine’s Day antidote awaits all the single ladies and gents at this stylish bar and restaurant. Forget the St Valentine’s hype and lose yourself in the rhythm of the greatest hits, played by the mystery guest DJ. Let the drinks flow throughout the night as you explore the special set of Valentine’s cocktails that will keep the good times rolling until midnight.

Call 38 885-789.

THE FOOD OF LOVE FEBRUARY 14

LOVE EDITION BRUNCH

SINGLES MINGLE CORAL BAY

Head to Black Angus at Coral Bay for a day full of love and affection this Valentine’s Day! You’ll find a delicious buffet with exciting steakhouse specials at the Love Edition Brunch which will be accompanied by performances from a group of high-energy DJs – Epic, Essie and Slydz. Brunch runs from noon-4pm and the first 50 ladies through the door will receive a rose. Tickets are BD20 presale and military and BD25 on the door, including unlimited house beverages. And you can keep the good vibes going with the fab after party, which runs from 4pm-6pm.

Call 66 757-225, 17 312-700 or 38 810-055.

FEBRUARY 14

ANTIVALENTINE’S CELEBRATION

CASA LOUNGE, MERCURE GRAND

Single and ready to mingle? Casa Lounge has the perfect solution; party like there’s no tomorrow and go loco with the venue’s AntiValentine’s evening, from 7pm-11pm, where all single guests get two free drinks. Get tuned in for a very different kind of St Valentine’s revelry where you get to embrace and rejoice in the joys of singledom.

Call 17 584-400.

www.bahrainthismonth.com/events

www.bsh.com.bh

happenings When? Alternate Wednesdays from February 5 Event? Quiz Night / Trivia Night Venue? Bulls Head Bar, Dilmun Club Bahrain

Tease your brain and win prizes.

Event starts from 8pm-10pm.

Members enter free, reciprocal members pay BD1, non-members and guests pay BD2. Teams of up to six persons.

LIVE RAP

THE ONE, SAKO PARK FEBRUARY 14 SUPER REGIS LIVE LOTUS HOTEL

US-based Armenian rapper, DJ and record producer, Super Sako, AKA Sarkis Balasanyan, will be on the mic to mark Valentine’s Day at The One. His 2016 single Call 1 7690-926.

Mi Gna taken from his When? Up to February 8 album Love Crimes, and Event? One Week Pass featuring Rabiz singer Venue? Equilibrium Spitakci Hayko, became a Clients can buy the One Week Pass costing BD20, up to February hit in Armenia, across the Armenian diaspora, Turkey 8 and participate in unlimited Pilates group reformer and group and across the Arab world. mat classes.

Artists who have covered the song include French rapper Follow @equilibrium_pilates_ Maître Gims. If you’re a fan of rap, this promises to be bh on Instagram something different and entertaining for Valentine’s evening.

Call 33 366-659 or 33 191-111.

When? Until February 10 Event? Lützner Street 7, Venue? Albareh Art Gallery A solo exhibition of the latest works of Lebanese artist Mazen Khaddaj depicting his interpretation of various physical and emotional bonds between individuals, meant to be a tribute to his home and all the beautiful people found in it.

FEBRUARY 16-28

Call 17 531-122 /39 920-163.

When? Every Monday Event? Martini Monday Venue? Players’ Lounge, Wyndham Garden Manama

For BD4, guests get a selection of the best Martinis prepared by the bar chefs. Have it shaken or stirred, and choose from frozen, fresh fruit or Dirty!

Call 66 316-666.

24 February 2020

ART CENTRE

Abdulrahim Sharif presents his latest artworks in a solo exhibition, re-examining the relationship between subject and painting, focusing on the synchronisation between the text, or title, and images. Abdulrahim Sharif, whose talents blossomed at an early age, studied Fine Arts at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris and Parsons School of Art and Design. As one of the pioneering professional Bahraini artists, Abdulrahim Sharif is considered an art giant, his work attracting a large following and demand from private collectors and owners across the Middle East. Abdulrahim Sharif is one of the founders of the Bahrain Arts Society, is a lecturer in Fine Arts at the University of Bahrain and plays a pivotal role in the Bahraini art scene.

The exhibition is open daily from 8am-8pm..

Call 17 298-777.

Employees of hotels, retail establishments and airline crew enjoy a 50-per-cent discount on any malt or spirits from noon to midnight.

Ladies can indulge in an irresistible cocktail selection, grape, spirits or draughts while enjoying the live band with a tad of karaoke for BD5 for five drinks from 5pm– 10pm.

Full festival line-up on www.ta2alshabab.bh

EXHIBITION WHAT NIGHT DOES

When? Every Sunday Event? Hoteliers, Retail staff and Crew night Venue? Players’ Lounge, Wyndham Garden Manama

When? Every Monday Event? Ladies’ Night Venue? The Harvesters Pub & Terrace, Crowne Plaza Bahrain

Ta’a Al Shabab is an annual cultural festival, first held in 2009, that organises a wide range of activities, from cinema and art workshops to music and craft events, encouraging the youth of Bahrain interested in culture to participate, as well as enriching the Bahraini cultural scene as a whole, under the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities’ scope of work.

STUDY IN SYNCHRONICITY

Call 17 717-707.

Call 66 316-666.

YOUTH AND CULTURE

FEBRUARY TA’A AL SHABAB VARIOUS 14-29 FESTIVAL LOCATIONS

SP OF CURING L ALBAREH SNEAK PTURE EEK ART GALLERY

AN ARTISTIC TRIBUTE FEBRUARY 18 - MARCH 20

GREETINGS TO FERNANDO BOTERO AN EXHIBITION BY MOHAMMED AL MAHDI

Albareh Art Gallery is participating in the Spring of Culture 2020 with Greetings to Fernando Botero, a solo exhibition of the works of Bahraini artist, Mohammed Al Mahdi. The show opens with a reception at the gallery at 7pm on February 18.

The artist explains: “My last tenure as a life-drawing artist was in 2000. After which, I began the search for my identity through painting. I researched a lot of experiences and artistic trends. In 2005 I arrived at a crossroads between the influence of artist Fernando Botero and that of childhood-like art. I chose to focus on the latter which I pursued.

“In this exhibition I try to go back in time to the teacher who appeared late. To Botero who found beauty in full bodies and the one who invaded the world with his huge sculptures. He showed me how to be an artist that stays true to his environment and to reflect his surrounding reality. I don’t mind leaving the familiar or norm for a period of time just to satisfy his insistent desire. In one instant I mimic Botero’s style on my topics and in another I use his style of painting and subjects completely. Through this exhibition, I bid a tribute of respect and appreciation for this artist’s great stature.”

Call 17 717-707 or email art@albareh.com / events@albareh.com. www.bahrainthismonth.com/events

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happenings When? Every Tuesday Event? Tapas & Mexican Tuesdays Venue? The Harvesters Pub & Terrace, Crowne Plaza Bahrain Enjoy three different Mexican drinks paired with three different tapas menu items for BD8 at any time of the day.

DISCO FEVER

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FEBRUARY 20-22

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SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ

Call 17 531-122 / 39 920-163.

When? Every Tuesday – Thursday – Friday Event? Sound & Light Show Venue? Bahrain Fort (Qal’at Al Bahrain) An interactive and moving audio visual experience which takes the audience through a guided journey from the present into the past, and back.

Call 17 567-171.

When? Every Wednesday Event? Ladies’ Night Venue: Players’ Lounge, Wyndham Garden Manama

From 7pm-midnight, ladies pay BD5, inclusive of three drinks and one appetiser.

Dig out your 90s’ gear for a themed party night from the Tiger Roar Collective, an event celebrating creativity and art with DJs Cosmicat (special guest and one of Saudi Arabia’s most well-known female spinners), Mysterioo Arif, Ahmed Zainal and Andy Van Dee. There’ll also be a featured art show by Mary Lou, Arnaud Rothfuss and Hasan Ahmed as well as live visual shows, installation artists and more.

Call/WhatsApp 37 777-845.

Call 66 316-666

When? Every Wednesday Event? Grape Wednesday Venue: Players’ Lounge, Wyndham Garden Manama

Get a bottle of Daisy Darling from South Africa at BD22, with any one paired dish.

Call 66 316-666

When? Every Saturday Event? Sayonara Saturday Venue: Players’ Lounge, Wyndham Garden Manama

STREET THEATRE FEBRUARY 20-22

THE FLYING DUTCHMEN

The crowd favourite event is back once again! Join in with your family and prepare for an eventful day out, full of surprises and fun activities that includes free pool and beach access for everyone, complimentary beach massages, live cooking stations, magic shows and plenty of top-of-the-line live entertainment acts for all. Extend the excitement through the year by taking advantage of exclusive 30 per cent off couples’ and families’ La Plage membership packages, available exclusively at this grand festival.

Call 17 636-363.

BE A BEAST

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

AREEN LOST PARADISE OF FEBRUARY AL TRIFECTA DILMUN (AND 21-22 WEEKEND SURROUNDS)

NG SPRILTURE U OF CAK PEAK E SN

Say good bye to the weekend and order for any food from the extensive menu with a minimum spend of BD10 and get a food voucher free.

Call 66 316-666

When? Every Thursday Event? Five P.M. at Bab Venue: Bab Al Bahrain – Front Outdoor Space (Market Area)

A weekly activity offering visitors in the area diverse cultural activities that represent the dynamics of the venue and its historical value.

As part of Spring of Culture there will be a range of street theatre pop-ups happening around the island. The first is The Flying Dutchmen, which features Amsterdam’s juggler Michiel Visit www.culture.gov.bh Hesseling…“A Mozart in his profession” and Canada’s fearless, When? Every Thursday crazy French-Canadian unicyclist, Jean-Michel Paré, who Event? Boys’ Night Out combined their multiple talent and became The Flying Venue? The Harvesters Pub & Dutchmen to provide a show with explosive energy and lots Terrace, Crowne Plaza Bahrain of laughs. Every performance is an adventure!

End the week in the company of friends where you and the boys get Catch them at: to enjoy a complimentary selected Saar Mall, February 20 at 6pm beverage for every drink The Avenues – Bahrain, February 21 at 4pm and 7.30pm purchased, from 5pm-10pm. Price Nakheel Centre, February 22 at 4.30pm varies as per your chosen beverage.

Amwaj Lagoon, February 22 at 7.30pm.

Call 17 531-122 /39 920-163.

26 February 2020

If you’re looking to unleash your inner beast and go to places you never imagined, the Spartan Beast is perfect for you. With a half marathon and 30 obstacles between you and the finish line, the Spartan Beast will test everything you’re made of: your strength, your endurance, your resolve.

The unpredictable terrain and Spartan Obstacles are masterfully designed to push you deep into your discomfort zone, and well past those self-imposed obstacles you once considered your limits. Beast mode: ON. OK, this does sound a bit bonkers but it’s a Bahrain debut under the patronage of the His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Foundation and, whether you want to race or just watch, it also sounds like quite a spectacle. https://www.spartanarabia.com/en/race/ detail/6563/overview www.bahrainthismonth.com/events

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happenings When? Every Thursday Event? Mixology Hour Venue: Blue Moon Lounge, Four seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay

Taste test three of mixologist Emmanuel’s tantalising cocktails or mocktails. Pick your favourite and learn the tricks of the trade in a fully interactive session, from 6pm-7pm, priced at BD12, including three samples of mocktails or cocktails, your choice of a regular-sized mocktail or cocktail and a bite.

Call 17 115-000.

When? Every Thursday Event? Club Elements Venue: Elements Pool and Lounge, InterContinental Regency Bahrain

Here’s a one night stand ‘pop-up club’ from 9pm-1am as you enjoy an evening with a London clubbing vibe with DJ Jackson. Ladies will receive three complementary house drinks.

CULTURE IN THE SPOTLIGHT For the 15th consecutive year, the Spring of Culture Festival returns in a new cultural season full of activities that cater to various tastes, interests and age groups and underscore the Kingdom’s position as a leading regional and global cultural hub.

This latest season of the festival comes as part of (Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquity) BACA’s year-long celebrations under the slogan “Dilmun, Land of Density” – which celebrates the incredible density of the Kingdom’s historical and culture assets. As is the case

ALL ABOUT CONNECTIONS FEBRUARY 26 -APRIL 26

EXHIBITION – RECONNECT

Between 8am to 12.30pm, the market will have around 15 vendors selling fresh vegetables, fruits, and local spices. A freshly-made Bahraini breakfast is also available.

17 564-005.

Call 17 115-000.

When? Every day Event? Happy Hours Venue: Players’ Lounge, Wyndham Garden Manama

From noon to 8pm, take advantage of 20-per-cent discount. From Sunday to Thursday, 6pm-8pm, buy one and get one free on draught ales and spirits.

Call 66 316-666.

When? Every day Event? The Blue Hour Venue: Blue Moon Lounge, Four seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Enjoy signature cocktails and bites at BD4 while taking in the best view from the 50th floor on weekdays between 6pm-8pm, and Friday and Saturday between 4.30pm-8pm

Call 17 115-000.

28 February 2020

every year, the festival is set to kick off on February 25 in conjunction with Arab Tourism Day, an occasion which was adopted when Manama was the Capital of Arab Tourism in 2013, to mark the birthday of the great Arab traveller Ibn Battuta.

The full lineup is due to be released soon and will be available at www.bahrainthismonth.com but you will spot some very interesting sneak peeks throughout this month’s Happenings section.

Full festival line-up on www.springofculture.org

LA FONTAINE CENTRE OF CONTEMPORARY ART

Working with the theme, they chose from reconnecting with Mother Nature – to show how we can engage in different practices which help us connect with this grounding force and come in closer contact with it.

Reconnecting with World Heritage sites and drawing attention to the fragilities of some of these sites. There are numerous risks and dangers threatening cultural heritage, such as war and politics, ethnic and religious conflict, looting, theft, illegal export and import, illicit trafficking of cultural property, deterioration, neglect, destruction of or alteration to heritage, pollution and disappearance. And reconnecting with the soul – re-establishing a bond of communication or emotion. becoming a compassionate witness to yourself.

An opening dinner will be hosted on February 26 and the free-entrance exhibition is open to the public from February 27, Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-6.30pm.

Call 17 230-123.

When? Every Thursday & Friday Event? Farmers Market Venue? Oasis Mall Muharraq

Two free drinks for all ladies from 6pm-midnight.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

SP OF CURING SNEA LTURE Reconnect is an exhibition uniting a group of established K PEA K artists who used the old doors of La Fontaine as their medium.

Call 17 227-777.

When? Every Saturday Event? Ladies’ Night Venue: Blue Moon Lounge, Four seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay

SPRING OF CULTURE FESTIVAL

FEBRUARY 25 -MARCH 27

SOUNDS OF JAMAICA FEBRUARY 27

REGGAE NIGHT

THE EXCHANGE – AN ENGLISH PUB

Soundtrack Trio will be rocking out with their tribute to some of the greats of the reggae music scene past and present from 9pm onwards. There’s also a great offer of dinner buffet with unlimited selected beverages at just BD15 per person.

Call 17 742-000 or 34 650-623.

FRANTIC ANTICS FEBRUARY 27-29

FRANTIC

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

The second of this month’s pop-up street theatre happenings is described as: “Love, freedom, blood, sweat and rainstorms: Frantic is an acrobatic exploration of our relentless devotion to busyness, the reality of a running mind and one man’s thirst for escape.

Frantic features spectacular acrobatics and dance-theatre, choreographed around a wheel, with a hidden water system for a joyous finale danced in pouring rain.” Catch it at: Nakheel Centre, February 27 at 4pm Adliya Block 338 - Osama Bin Zayed Avenue, February 27 at 9pm The Avenues-Bahrain, February 28 at 4pm and 6pm Amwaj Lagoon, February 29 at 4pm and 6pm.

SP OF CURING SNEA LTURE K PEA K

www.bahrainthismonth.com/events

happenings

LIVE IN CONCERT FEBRUARY 28

LAURYN HILL LIVE

SP OF CURING SNEA LTURE K PEA K

BAHRAIN BAY

A true renaissance person, Grammy Award-winner Ms Lauryn Hill took the world by storm with The Fugees in the nineties, with hit tracks Killing Me Softly and Ready or Not. She followed this with the 10 times Grammy-nominated album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill that powerfully transformed how the world envisioned the possibilities of hip-hop and genre, as well as the contributions of women in the form and contemporary music, period.

After a break from music that included motherhood, Lauryn Hill is back on the scene in full force celebrating the extended 20th anniversary of that phenomenal hit album, the seminal work which included hit singles Doo Wop (That Thing), Ex-Factor and Everything Is Everything.

Her free-form and eclectic sound blends elements of classic soul and rock with modern day hip-hop in the box-breaking and restrictive rule-defying tradition of jazz.

This promises to be a super, electrifying evening at Bahrain Bay Open Air Theatre which is open to those aged eight years and above.

Visit www.springofculture.org for ticket sales.

LAUGH ALONG FEBRUARY 28

COMEDY CLUB WITH MICK FERRY

THE DILMUN CLUB

Mick Ferry is renowned as a fine purveyor of lugubrious surrealism and has quickly established himself as one of the most sought-after comics on the British and International comedy circuit. One of the finest comperes around, Mick Ferry performs regularly at The Comedy Store in London and Manchester as well as headlining at comedy venues nationwide.

He is also a regular member of the prestigious topical Cutting Edge Team at the Comedy Store.

On our TV screens, Mick has recently starred in BBC One`s Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow as well as Comedy Blue and The Comedy Store for Comedy Central. He made his big screen debut in 2009 in Ken Loach’s Looking For Eric – a hit feature film at the Cannes Film Festival where it was nominated for the prestigious Palm D’Or. A prolific scribe, Mick was a writer on John Bishop’s Britain for BBC One and has also previously written for BBC3’s Smalltime.

Head down to the Dilly to catch him in Bahrain for one night only.

Call 17 690-926.

TO THE FINISH LINE FEBRUARY 28

BIN FAQEEH BOOST RUN

BAHRAIN BAY

Take on Bin Faqeeh’s latest challenge with runs of 5km and 10km as well as a physically challenged race and a kids’ event featuring run, obstacles and cycling. You don’t have to be uber fit to take part, just be ready to do your best in the gorgeous surroundings of Bahrain Bay. However, for serious competitors there are several cash prizes to be won.

Runners need to register online at http:// Boostbahrain.com/ Not feeling up to the run? Go along to spectate, support and join in the race-side fun.

Call 77 144-144.

30 February 2020

www.bahrainthismonth.com/events

bystander

Charity Bazaar

Aisha Yateem Family Counselling Centre held a Breakfast Morning Coffee & Charity Bazaar at Oliveto Restaurant, Adliya

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

February 2020 31

happenings

A JAZZY AFFAIR FEBRUARY 28

LIVE JAZZ NIGHT

DESTINATION HISTORY WU, ART ROTANA

FEBRUARY 29

ARCHAEOLOGY WALKATHON

All aboard for a night of live jazz. This unconventional evening of stunning music takes place onboard one of Bahrain’s hidden gems, WU Terrace at ART Rotana from 6pm to midnight. The Refiners Trio and resident DJ Elena will provide the perfect musical accompaniment to your evening. It’s an unapologetically enjoyable event with the best sea view. Ladies get in free and get one complimentary drink. Gents pay BD10, including two selected beverages.

Call 16 000-111.

QAL’AT AL BAHRAIN SITE MUSEUM

SP OF CURING SNEA LTURE K PEA K

An 8km walkathon through various archaeological sites north of Bahrain, starting from Qal’at Al Bahrain Site, the trail will pass through surrounding farms, Hilla Islamic Site, Al Hajar Burial Mounds, Al Shakhoura Burial Mounds, finally ending at Barbar Temples Site. This event is held with the support of Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC). Starts 8am.

Registration is required on www.culture.gov.bh

KIDS’ FAVOURITES MARCH 3-7

MR MEN AND LITTLE MISSES LIVE

CULTURAL HALL

Join your favourite Mr Men and Little Miss characters as they leap off the page and onto the stage in this beautifully crafted and hilarious live stage show! For almost 50 years, Mr Men and Little Misses have brought joy to millions of children all over the world through self-expression, colour, simplicity and humour. Featuring Mr Bump, Little Miss Splendid, Mr Tickle, Little Miss Inventor and many more, Happyland bursts to life in a series of colourful and timeless stories told through puppetry and music. Performances are at 9am and 10.45am on March 3 and 4; 10.30am and 6.30pm on March 5; and 11am and 4.30pm on March 7.

Tickets available through: https://www.bahrainthismonth.com/entmt

THE GREEN SCENE MARCH 4-7

BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL GARDEN SHOW

The National Initiative for Agricultural Development has announced the dates of the next edition of Bahrain International Garden Show (BIGS), held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, supported by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, Wife of the King. BIGS will open with a glittering VIP ceremony on March 3, and will open for the public for four days from March 4.

This year’s show will focus on the theme “Water: Regenerating Life”. A number of topics will be highlighted including: water management; water in relation to the environment, food and energy; water and climate change, water quality and wastewater; and water sustainability.

Water use has been increasing worldwide by about one per cent each year since the 1980s, driven by a combination of population growth, socioeconomic development and changing consumption patterns. Global water demand is expected to continue increasing at a similar rate until 2050.

Bahrain ranks in the top 10 countries with the highest population density worldwide and it is therefore crucial to develop strong water management policies and sustainable management practices, since water is one of the cornerstones of the agricultural process.

The exhibition is also a unique platform for agribusinesses to expand and form new partnerships in the region. It attracts more than 48,000 visitors every year, including VIPs, architects, consultants, developers and other industry professionals, as well as hobbyists and retail consumers. Last year 32 February 2020

BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION AND CONVENTION CENTRE

180 exhibitors occupied a total exhibiting area of 7,000sq/m.

BIGS has grown over the past years attracting more and more exhibitors and visitors and has successfully raised awareness about gardening and protection of the environment. All of this would not have been possible had it not been for the kind support of many private sector companies. bigs.com.bh

www.bahrainthismonth.com/events

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bystander

January Meeting Rotary Club of Manama held a meeting with the theme ‘Educating for the Future’

46th Fine Arts Exhibition

The 46th Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition was launched at Bahrain National Theatre

34 February 2020

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

bystander

and Joyce held a get-together for friends and family at Christmas Party Ram their residence, to celebrate the festive season

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February 2020 35

bystander

Architectural Walk

An Architectural Walk around Muharraq was held at the Pearling Pathway Visitor & Experience Centre

Pongal Festival Bharathi Association held a Pongal Festival, Tamil Harvest Festival

36 February 2020

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bystander

JJ’s NYE Celebration JJ’s Irish Restaurant held a New Year’s Eve Celebration

To view more images, scan the QR code

InterContinental’s NYE Party InterContinental Regency Bahrain held a Golden 20s New Year’s Eve Party

38 February 2020

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interview So, who are the Legendz?

We have seven members: Essa Alhayee – main vocals and band leader; Abdulla Adnan – on drums; Fahad Sayar – playing keyboards; Mohamed Rashid and Isa Alqatan – on guitars; Yusuf Alzayani – percussionist; and Bassem Abdulkarem – on bass guitar.

How long have you been playing together and how was the band formed?

We’ve been together since 2007, but we have had many changes and replacement members over the years until we reached where we are now. The idea of a reggae band came from Abdulla Adnan. At the beginning we were friends and would meet and play many types of music genres, then Abdulla and I decided to form a band specialising only in reggae.

How has the band developed over the years – has it always been all about reggae?

Indeed it was always reggae music, roots and modern. Each band member has his own years of experience in his instrument and this is reflected in the group when we play together; it’s a very tight sound, especially as we practise a lot and listen to many international reggae bands. We are constantly trying to reach ever better levels in our music.

What is it about reggae that is so special to you?

This kind of music has always been like the heartbeat of the people, singing about everything in life whether good or bad. I don’t love reggae music, I RESPECT it. Reggae has always been part of me and of my personality, it can be sung for and enjoyed by all ages because it’s both simple and powerful at the same time.

Do you play any other types of music?

No, I’m a reggae man to the bone. I respect all types of music but I do what I see myself in. I have my vision and ambition and also very deep inspiration.

Do you perform all covers or do you play your own music too?

We have played many covers for live performances. We also have some original songs which we’ve recorded in the studio and played at our live shows. They can be found on my Youtube channel @ essa reggae.

Who are your musical heroes?

Damian Marley, king of reggae Bob Marley, Midnite and Alborosie.

What’s your favourite song to perform? And to listen to?

Bob Marley – Forever Loving Jah and Ambush

in the Night.

Where will people have seen you perform before?

Basically all over Bahrain, such as Bahrain International Circuit, Coral Bay, various clubs and much more. We also performed in Kuwait for the P2BK festival 2014 (Proud to be Kuwaiti) and there have been a few single performances. I was so proud to be a part of a Bob Marley tribute in 2014 in Florida, US, singing one of his best songs Get Up Stand Up. On the recording and covers side, I made a cover of Damian Marley’s There for You acoustic version in 2015 and an original track called Man With A Dream in 2019, featuring a Jamaican artist, Mr Tomlin Natural Mystic, both were recorded in bahrain and filmed in London and Birmingham, UK.

What can we expect from you at the Marley tribute concert?

Actually we have done a couple of great live shows at Coral Bay for Bob Marley tributes and this year we are so excited to be the main band representing Bahrain’s unique reggae musicians at this concert. We’ll do both covers and original songs; our sound will be more powerful with real reggae music vibes.

f o s d n u o S a c i a Jam

s to stage it prepares e y a a g B g l re ra o As C tribute to y a d h th g ir ly cau t annual b Liz O’Reil y, e rl a M t man of ob legend, B Essa Alhayee, fron the h bringing up wit ho will be ge. w , ta z s d n n o e g fe The Le sic to li u m ’s n a m

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February 2020 39

interview

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

Group GM, Ved Parkash, tells Liz O’Reilly about the brand-new Jewel Hotel, which has opened its doors in Adliya.

T

hough bustling with bars and restaurants, one thing Adliya’s short on is good hotels – until now. The Atiram Jewel Hotel soft launched at the beginning of the year and will be fully operational over the coming weeks.

Ved Parkash, who looks after the Premier hotels in the Kingdom, explained the choice of location. “It’s a very happening place and, for us, being the only hotel, other than one which has its own long-standing clientele and demographic, made sense for us. Being an all-suite property, we’re aiming to attract the Saudi family market and, of course, corporates.

From the local side, we will be aiming to bring people into our outlets, especially Amber, which is a unique concept. We also want to appeal to people who are already visiting the area – they will come for a look because it’s new, they will come back because of our great offerings.”

Nestled in the heart of Block 336 – far enough away from the nightlife craziness for a peaceful stay, but close enough to the action of Block 338 – The Jewel is a four-star property offering a total of 90 single, double and triple apartments, each complete with its own sitting room and kitchenette. Ved adds: “In an area that can be quite congested, a major bonus is that the hotel has its own extensive parking both on the property plus we have taken two neighbouring lots as well.”

As a new build, The Jewel is very contemporary with light, modern, welcoming interiors including a wide-open lobby area with 40 February 2020

a café area which is to have outdoor terrace seating. The rooftop is eight floors up, making it the highest point in the locale and offering a panoramic view from the pool area. Amber, the hotel’s all-day-dining facility is also on the rooftop and is encased in glass, giving the feeling of being open to the sky but without the searing heat of the Bahrain summer.

Ved is particularly proud of the property’s multiple outlets. “We really do have something for everyone,” he says. “Amber is a great space which offers international cuisine as well as Arabic-style kebabs and daily breakfast.

There are also live cooking stations and, in the evening, it serves an à la carte menu.

“Joe Bananas, which should be open by the end of the month, will be an international lounge with a British touch offering traditional food such as fish and chips and bacon butties as well as grills and curries. There’ll be a European or possibly Canadian band to bring the place to life.

“Cash is a name that has long been famous

around the area and we will be introducing this concept to the venue. It will be an Arabic club lounge with Arabic food and a DJ. We’ll be bringing in a big artist for the official grand opening.

“And Luxor is an Arabic speciality restaurant offering dishes from across the region and the wider Arab world.

“You can tell from the food and entertainment that we are putting emphasis on our Arabic and family clientele as we very much see them as our target market.”

Within the hotel, several international languages are spoken by staff who are undergoing intensive training and Ved concludes: “They are experienced and professionally qualified, so I am confident we can offer a great guest experience.

“I and the team aim to ensure that every visitor leaves the hotel happy – one happy guest brings 10 more people.” And with 30 years in the hospitality industry under his belt, Ved Parkash certainly knows what he’s talking about.

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interview

G N I R A WE ULTIA M ETED FAC RANCE FRAG

Shoaib Malique tells Behnaz Sanjana his story of going from a young intern at a perfumery to presenting bespoke perfumes from his very own brand to royalty and famous personalities.

T

he scents of oud, amber, musk, rose, vetiver and the like, which are intrinsic to Middle Eastern heritage, have been familiar to Shoaib’s keen olfactory senses since a young age. Amongst the well-known perfumers of Bahrain, his Dar Al Teeb – House of Fragrance – is one of the top contenders.

“I started the company from scratch in 1999, when I had nothing,” he says. “I am a selfmade man.”

Shoaib remembers working at Ashraf’s in the souq of old Manama, first in his summer holidays and then alongside his studies, eventually falling in love with the idea of perfumes. He went on to work with a well-known perfumery, where he rose to the designation of general manager. But that wasn’t enough for the ambitious young man, who knew he had the acumen and instinct to make his own name in the business. “More than achieving a goal, it was passion for perfume that led me to it,” he says.

Shoaib jokes that his keen sense of smell is a boon and a bane. “I’ve got a very sharp nose and can tell what ‘s cooking in the kitchen when I enter the house. I can also smell people; I’m like a German Shepherd.”

He is involved in Dar Al Teeb’s every exotic scent, from conception to packaging. He 42 February 2020

says: “To be successful, you have to be an innovator, not an imitator. A fragrance is very personal. It speaks about your character, your personality. It should make heads turn, become your identity, evoke memories.”

The beginning of 40 years as a perfumer were difficult. “In this business, it’s the survival of the fittest. Taking a slice of the market share was a tough game, especially for none other than football legends Pelé and when you don’t have any financial backing.

Maradona. “At an airport lounge, I managed to But I believed in myself, being a kamikaze request Pelé to allow me to gift him a one-ofguy, diving head on into a do-or-die situation,” a-kind piece. Two days later, I presented it to says the man who studied in Arabic school him in Bahrain. Getting and polished his English appreciation and a language skills reading grateful hug from him was When not in his lab, mixing the newspaper. unforgettable.” exotic oils and essences, the With the challenges He attributes his self-confessed shopaholic came huge milestones to honest sings at his studio, and has accomplishments, work, passion, guts, and also dabbled in photography, like his signature line, creativity. “I have always for which he has won awards, Wahaj, which, after gone against the tide.

20 years is still sought including at the United Nations. When I set up my first shop after “by royal families, in Gufool, I was laughed ministers, and even at, for wanting to compete 16-year-olds,” he says. “But the biggest of my with the big names. But for over a decade, we big achievements was to be commissioned to have been among the top brands in Bahrain. I make the bespoke fragrance for the top royal have made my mark, by the grace of God and my wedding in Bahrain.” parents’ blessings. One day, Dar Al Teeb will be a charitable entity, giving back to the community.”

Shoaib has also created a designer scent www.bahrainthismonth.com

We Lunching!

Indulge in a variety of international delights from an extensive array of dishes.

BD. 5 net only Ů?Ů‹

12:30 PM until 03:30 PM Everyday except Fridays *Terms & Conditions Apply

interview

s usines NCL), B P V l ( egiona ruise Lines ting R , n o ilkins t floa gian C Nick Wnt of Norwe dleton abou estment. pme or inv e Mid Develo ks to Georg ns and maj spea , future pla s resort

p i h S y! o h A

NCL’s ships have been visiting the Kingdom for several years and, since 2007, the cruise business throughout the region has grown exponentially. Nick says the cruise line’s popularity is down to its unique approach. He explains: “Our competition is not the other cruise lines. It is land-based holidays. The reason we say this is because our style of cruising is very different to anybody else in the marketplace. Our objective is to recreate the facilities of a land-based resort by replicating them on this floating resort.

Kinky Boots, for instance, or even Jersey Boys. A number of the ships even boast a

“So, we’ve done away with the formalities that conventional cruises often have, including set dining hours and having only one major show. Instead we have 17 floating resorts.

We’ve just launched the latest one, Norwegian Encore, and the best way I can describe this ship is that she has over 28 different dining options. This gives our guests the opportunity to choose the type of dining that suits them best.”

Beginning operations in 1965 and started as a privately-owned Norwegian family business, NCL is now a publically quoted company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The brand has always been an innovator in the marketplace; the first to own private islands in the Bahamas as well as off the coast of Belize.

The USP (unique selling point) is ‘freestyle cruising’ with each of Norwegian’s ships designed and built from scratch in order to accommodate the unique facilities on board.

Dining options vary from an international variety including Italian, teppanyaki and seafood. Up to 50 per cent of the restaurants are included in the fare and the others have a supplement or à la carte.

He continues: “There are up to 20 different entertainment options on board our liners.

Passengers can see a Broadway show, like 44 February 2020

replica of the Cavern Club, under licence from the original in Liverpool, together with a Beatles tribute band. There’re bars, cocktail lounges and even a two-storey go-cart track operating with electric go-carts.”

NCL’s 17 ships cover the world with unique floating resort facilities from Asia to Alaska, the Caribbean and, more recently, the company is repositioning cruises in the Arabian Gulf.

And the one thing customers talk most about is the quality of food. This is borne out by the fact that the highest number of pictures posted to Instagram and Snapchat feature food.

NCL has two different types of vessels. The Jewel-Class ships carry 2,300 guests and are very much destination-oriented. They have 12

Newest ship - Norwegian Encore to 15 different dining and entertainment options on board. Then there are the Breakaway PlusClass ships, which can accommodate 4,500 guests offering 28 different dining options and 20-plus entertainment options. They are resorts in their own right with their itineraries being simply a bonus for most guests.

A hospitality veteran, Nick has been in the cruise business now for more than 25 years and, as with many in the industry, came from a hotel background. He has worked with three cruise lines during his career and has been with Norwegian for 18 years. During this time, he has seen the industry mature dramatically and considers it an extremely exciting business to be involved in.

Quizzed on perceived challenges facing the www.bahrainthismonth.com

interview industry, he is quick to point out that the general public seems to be largely unaware of what exactly is included in the price of a cruise. NCL is regarded as a four-star-plus product offering and Nick believes the biggest change is the way the cruise industry has evolved into being more of a resort business giving the customer more choice, more freedom and more flexibility.

“It’s all to do with your personal cruise experience,” he says. “You decide on everything from the entertainment you want to take part in to the dining options you wish to choose from. You have so much flexibility on all aspects of your holiday cruise with more and more choice facilities being offered to a much larger catchment of customers.”

He continues: “As far as the next big thing in the cruise industry is concerned, we are going to be introducing a new class of ship in 2022 which is the Leonardo class. It’ll be halfway between the Jewel Class and the Breakaway Plus with 3,300 guests. It opens up destinations around the world and gives us more opportunity, more destinations or indicated itineraries. Destination is still the biggest driver in cruise holiday bookings.”

well as March and April 2020, NCL plans to carry out more road shows and community events throughout the region in order to spread the awareness. According to Nick, the most popular itinerary booked from Bahrain is the Norwegian Epic leaving from Barcelona for a seven-night Mediterranean Cruise or the Baltic Copenhagen, nine nights around the Central and Eastern Mediterranean. Asia is also beginning to gain popularity, although it’s a growable product.

Nick says the size of the ships is important in allowing the huge range of choices available to passengers. He says: “Children can be seen helping themselves to their heart’s desire while adults can walk the promenade or read a book in one of the ship’s quiet areas. Once you

sample the delights of a cruise experience, it will likely become addictive.”

He says NCL plans to continuously invest in the fleet; upgrading facilities for the benefit of present and future customers. In fact, Norwegian Spirit, the oldest of the company’s fleet, went into dry dock in Italy in January to be completely stripped back to metal and rebuilt to the tune of over USD100 million. “We consistently invest in refurbishment to make sure that you feel like you’re stepping onto a brand-new ship,” says Nick. “The double-digit growth seen by the company in recent years is testament to NCL’s increasing popularity at the forefront of a burgeoning industry increasingly focused on the region for its future growth.”

Kinky Boots

For the future, the biggest challenge is going to be designing itineraries to ensure the best possible customer experience. The Middle East market is regarded as being vitally important for potential growth and, with the addition of another six ships to Norwegian’s fleet over the next five years, that will see a large capacity increase.

by Corgi5623 Wikipedia

With the ships visiting here in November as

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Norwegian Gem - Jewel Class

February 2020 45

bystander

Mövenpick’s New Year Party

Mövenpick hosted a ‘Casino Royale’ gala dinner party on New Year’s Eve

To view more images, scan the QR code

Costa Coffee Opening Zayani Foods opened its first Costa Coffee store at City Centre Bahrain, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by VIP guests

46 February 2020

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From our hearts to yours Valentine's day dinner

When it’s all about fine food, great atmospheres and service, here’s an exclusive dining experience for the most perfect Valentine’s Day dinner! Enjoy irresistible four-course set menu, paired with special chosen wine, in an intimate atmosphere, with comfortable, cozy surroundings and views of the city lights and enhanced with tunes preformed by our live band.

Each lady will be presented a red rose – an eternal symbol of love.

At the newly re-launched Silk‘s Restaurant On Friday, 14th February, 2020 From 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm For BHD 65.00 Net Per Couple, Includes Unlimited Paired Wine For booking, contact +973 17460017 hotel.bahrain.fb@movenpick.com

movenpick.com

bystander

Ritz’s NYE Party The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain hosted New Year’s Eve in style with a ‘Back to the 80s’ evening

Sofitel’s NYE Party

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa held a New Year’s Eve fireworks and Oriental live show at Al Nakheel Ballroom and Beach

48 February 2020

To view more images, scan the QR code

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bystander

Paint Launch

The launch of Royale Smart Clean Paint by Asian Paints Berger Bahrain was held at InterContinental Regency Bahrain

Royal Beach Club Reopening An event was held for the re-opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain’s newly renovated Royal Beach Club and to introduce its new juice bar, La Vie

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

February 2020 49

valentine’s dining

THE WAY TO THE HEART

I

t is said there is no greater love than the love of food.

To find out for yourself, whisk away your special someone to a romantic meal befitting Valentine’s Day. To make this February 14 a memorable one, browse the plethora of options below; you’ll be spoilt for choice.

LOVE BY THE OCEAN

La Mer Restaurant at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa invites you to a seaside candle-lit dinner from 7pm-11pm. Escape into a world of romance and refined luxury as you fall in love all over again by the majestic Arabian Gulf, while indulging in a set menu for BD60 per couple, including a complimentary bottle of red or white grape.

Call 38 885-789.

SMOOTH AS SILK

Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain offers you an exclusive dining experience at Silk’s restaurant with an irresistible four-course set menu paired with specially chosen grape. Seasonal ingredients come together in an exquisite presentation of delicious dishes from land and sea, rounded off with a stunning chocolateinspired dessert menu. The intimate atmosphere, with cosy surroundings and views of the city lights will be enhanced with tunes from a live violinist and each of the ladies will 50 February 2020

receive a red rose. The dinner is priced at BD65 per couple, including unlimited paired grape.

5.30pm until midnight. For BD9.900 per person, couples can share a candle-light set menu paired with a glass of house grape.

A ROYAL ROMANCE

A WALK IN THE SKY

Call 17 460-017.

Indulge in a dreamy candle light dinner at Brasserie Royale, located at Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain. Treat your loved one to a sixcourse dining experience where delicious food and picturesque views, under the glistening chandeliers, will leave you more than satisfied.

The evening will run from 7pm-11pm, and is priced at BD70 per couple, inclusive of soft beverages, or BD80 per couple, inclusive of a glass of bubbly and selected beverages.

Call 77 707-070.

HIGH UP THERE

Call 13 600-111.

Marriott Executive Apartments in Juffair offers a pleasant set menu to mark the day of love at Skyw@lk Restaurant. Start with roasted red pepper soup and Sultan Salad, and for main course move on to Chicken Mexican – a delicious combination of chicken breast, Mexican sauce, and Mozzarella cheese.

Savour Strawberry cheesecake for dessert.

The meal is priced at BD6.500+++ per person, inclusive of soft drinks, water, tea / coffee and roses for the ladies.

Call 17 363-999.

Create unforgettable memories this Valentine’s Day with a special three-course dinner at Ya Hala Roof-top Lounge at Ramada Hotel & Suites Amwaj Islands by Wyndham, from www.bahrainthismonth.com

valentine’s dining BEACHSIDE AMOUR

Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay offers a special private beachside dining experience from 7pm onwards, with a romantic four-course dinner for two curated by expert chefs, while the resident band serenades you into the night.

Take away fresh roses and a complimentary box of house-made chocolates.

Couples get a complimentary day pass to the private beach and spa facilities on the same day and a 20-per-cent discount voucher for any spa treatment. The deal is priced at BD194 per couple, inclusive of alcoholic beverages (welcome sparkling wine drink and one bottle of grape handpicked by the sommelier), or BD145, inclusive of non-alcoholic beverages (welcome mocktail drink and sparkling juice).

Call 17 115-500.

FALL IN LOVE AGAIN

Plan an escape to The Merchant House, Bahrain’s only five-star boutique hotel, where a special Valentine’s Day set menu, priced at BD69 for two guests, awaits you and your loved one. Enjoy a quite dinner at the rooftop restaurant, Indigo, with a delicious selection of dishes, including special preparations with

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steak, salmon and seabass with creamy oyster and saffron cappuccino. For desserts, the chef will be preparing Mini Flower Blossom Domes.

Call 16 671-000.

IN CELEBRATION OF YOU

Jashan, the fine dining Indian restaurant at Wyndham Garden Manama offers an unlimited buffet and live entertainment from 7pm-11.45pm on the day of love, costing BD12 per person, including soft beverages, or BD18, along with selected beverages.

Call 66 316-666.

DINE IN STYLE

Enjoy a fabulous St Valentine’s gourmet fivecourse dinner, from 7pm-11.30pm at the Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa’s uber-stylish venue, Ruka.

There’s always a lively yet private atmosphere in this modern and chic venue, making it the ideal spot to celebrate with your special one.

The set menu costs BD49 per couple, and includes a bottle of grape.

EXPERIENCE CULINARY LUXURY

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain brings those smitten in love romantic dining experiences to share and indulge in at its various five-star outlets on Valentine’s Day. Cantina Kahlo offers a fourcourse set menu for BD28 per couple, from 6pm onwards. Primavera will stage a fivecourse set meal for BD36 per couple, while Nirvana’s four-course meal is BD25 per person.

The four-course set menu at Plums costs BD36 per person. The Lobby Lounge and Gourmet Lounge will host a Valentine’s-themed Afternoon Tea both for BD27 per set, from 3pm-7pm.

Call 17 580-000.

Call 17 111-999.

February 2020 51

valentine’s dining SEND A SIGNAL

Crowne Plaza Bahrain will host the Traffic Light Brunch for friends, colleagues and couples — a day-long celebration of love and life with great food and ample free-flow beverages and live entertainment with new and old-school classics. Wear a colour that represents your status — red if you are taken (stop), yellow if you are not sure (caution!), and green if you are single (go). The brunch costs BD33, with beverages, at The Harvesters Pub & Terrace, and BD31, with unlimited selected beverages, at La Mosaique Restaurant (non-smoking area).

Call 17 531-122.

MATCHING DUOS

Love is in the air at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa’s Grand Friday Valentine’s Brunch, on from 12.30pm-4pm.

Savour a heart-melting lineup of alluring treats as you dance to the rhythm of the greatest love anthems, courtesy of a talented Cuban band, all for BD40, inclusive of selected beverages, or BD35, inclusive of soft drinks. Twosomes wearing matching outfits pay a special brunch price of BD70 per couple! Little ones will be treated to an unforgettable, fun day at the special kids’ corner.

private pool cabanas at the Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain, complete with your own personal butler service. The intimate evening is priced at BD200 per couple, inclusive of selected beverages, from 7pm-11pm.

Call 77 707-070.

TEATIME LOVE

Romance is in the air at Bay View Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. Treat your loved one to a Rosé Sparkling Juice Afternoon Tea at the exquisite venue. Choose from a variety of 18 loose-leaf teas and indulge in a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and a mouth-watering range of pastries from February 13-15, from noon-9pm.

There is also a yummy box of home-made chocolates to take home. The afternoon tea

costs BD17 per person, or BD31.500 per couple.

Call 17 115-5000.

AN INDIAN AFFAIR

Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa will stage a romantic, intimate evening for guests and their special ones this Valentine’s Day at Indian finedining restaurant, Tanatan. Couples can enjoy a five-course menu with live Ghazals sung in the background for BD16 per couple, including a soft beverage, or BD24, including a bottle of bubbly. This unique evening will run from 7pm-11.30pm.

Call 17 111-999.

Call 38 885-789.

GET COSY IN A CABANA

Treat your other half to an exclusive six-course dining experience in Al Hadiqa’s luxurious

52 February 2020

www.bahrainthismonth.com

valentine’s dining

CULINARY CRAVING The Westin and Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain have a fun Valentine’s Day set menu to woo your special someone with. The fourcourse dinner includes dishes like Somewhere Over the Rainbow, First Sight, Falling in Love, Dream a Little Dream of Me and, for dessert, Chocolate Melt and Flower Die ‘Eclosion’.

Couple prices for the menu are BD50 at Furn Bistro, and BD60 in a private pod at Mezzanine Lounge or in a poolside cabana. It includes selected beverages, and soft beverages are also available.

Call 17 171-441.

SERENADE AND REJOICE Rekindle your romance by celebrating your bond with a special Valentine’s-themed Al-Sofra Friday Brunch from 12.30pm-4pm at Mercure Grand Seef’s Neyran Restaurant. The meal is priced at BD12++, including soft beverages, or BD14++, including selected beverages, along with live entertainment in a romantic setting. Take advantage of the generous Buy 1 + 1 Free offer and dive into delicious dishes and live cooking stations as www.bahrainthismonth.com

you satiate your appetite with a selection of international fare imbued with local flavours.

Call 17 584-400.

ENCHANTING BRUNCH Valentine’s Day Friday Brunch is on at the RitzCarlton, Bahrain from 12.30pm-3.30 pm. Indulge in a sumptuous Valentine-themed buffet of international specialities, along with live cooking stations and a delectable dessert buffet, priced at BD30 per person, with soft beverages, or BD38 per person, with select beverages.

Call 17 586-499.

LET LOVE BLOSSOM At WU, located at ART Rotana, Amwaj Islands, hang your romantic wishes under the cherry blossom tree of love, enjoy a Valentine’s fourcourse set menu specially designed for the occasion along with a festive Sushi ART setup ,while DJ Elena and violinist Yeminlyn take your night to another level with their amazing collaboration. The evening lasts from 7pm-midnight, and is priced at BD45 per couple, inclusive of soft drinks, and BD50 per

couple, inclusive of selected beverages.

Call 16 000-111.

THEATRICS OF LOVE On Valentine’s Day, celebrate love and make it the ultimate experience at Teatro, at Downtown Rotana. From 6pm-10pm, the mood will be set with a romantic, candlelight Valentine’s dinner that is thoughtfully planned to bring out the excitement in couples on this special occasion while the saxophonist mesmerises guests with her live performance.

Call 13 119-999.

A GASTRONOMIC CARNIVAL Wyndham Garden Manama’s Brazillian dining outlet, Via Brasil, offers a lip-smacking Valentine’s evening priced at BD24, with unlimited buffet and soft beverages, or BD34, along with selected beverages. There will also be live entertainment and a surprise gift for ladies.

Call 66 316-666.

February 2020 53

valentine’s dining FOR YOUR FLAME

Flames restaurant at ART Rotana, Amwaj Islands, will host a Valentine’s celebration from 7pm-11.30pm to ignite love’s sparkle. Enjoy an exquisite four-course set menu that is served to impress, paired with a bottle of your choice of red or white grape, while the saxophonist performs Valentine’s specials to get you in the mood. The evening costs BD60 per couple, inclusive of a bottle of grape, or BD50 per couple, with soft beverages.

Call 16 000-111.

WHISPER SWEET NOTHINGS

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in the warm, traditionally rustic environs of Neyran Restaurant at Mercure Grand Seef with a romantic Candle-lit affair and a special set menu for two, priced at BD25 per couple, inclusive of selected beverages, from 7pm-11pm. Immerse yourself in a night infused with delectable gastronomy and local flavours as well as plenty of surprises to ease the mood and add a romantic zest to your date night.

Call 17 584-400.

SAY IT WITH DINNER

Spices Indian Restaurant at Crowne Plaza Bahrain invites you for an evening of love and celebration with a romantic candle-light dinner, a rose for the lady, hot chocolate lava cakes to share and a finger bowl with rose petals for a memorable Valentine’s Day experience this year. The meal costs BD24 per couple, and is available from 7pm-11pm.

Call 17 531-122 / 38 987-167.

WITH A VIEW FOR TWO

Celebrate with your loved one while enjoying some of the most romantic views Bahrain has to offer, at the Capital Club Bahrain. From noon3pm, relish a three-course lunch, for BD25 for members, and BD30 for non-members. Dinner delights from 7pm-11pm, with a four-course

54 February 2020

menu priced at BD35 for members, and BD40 for non-members. All rates are per person, include a glass of sparkling, and are subject to five-per-cent VAT.

Call 17 100-100.

MAKE MEMORIES

Celebrate your bond with a pre-set dinner at Le Sauvage, at The Domain Hotel and Spa on February 14 and 15, from 7pm onwards. It will be a night of gastronomic passion as you share a delicious set meal overlooking Manama’s skyline. The three-course menu is priced at BD69 per couple (subject to 10-per-cent service charge, five-per-cent government levy, and five-per-cent VAT), and includes a bottle of rosé sparkling and a Polaroid picture of the couple to remember the evening by.

Call 36 557-992.

MOOD MUSIC

Samawar Restaurant at Ramada by Wyndham Manama City Centre will arrange for a lovely set menu over dinner in its cosy environs on Valentine’s Day, for BD20 per person, including shisha. Four talented singers will provide live entertainment for guests, from 9pm onwards..

Call 32 231-464 / 66 710-903 / 39 921-779

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander

Rateender’s Birthday Party A birthday party was held for Ranteender

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

February 2020 55

valentine's gifting

T

hey say money can’t buy you love but, at this time of year, a great gift goes a long way. That doesn’t necessarily mean splashing the cash (though, of course, that’s nice), it could take the form of a homemade card or present or something small and really thoughtful, that you know the object of your affections will absolutely love. Stuck for ideas?

No problem, we’ve got plenty.

The Gift Of

L ForVE Him

THE GIFT OF TIME Seiko Presage watch Ambassador Stores

SAY HOW YOU FEEL Fun slogan mug Gift Republic at @namshi.com

POSH BY GOSH Caviar bar set Buccellati at Asia Jewellers

TOUCH OF CLASS Plaited charm bracelet Chopard at Bahrain Jewellery Centre

MONKEY BUSINESS Deco figurine Kare @ID Design

PICTURE THIS

FANCY FEET

Polaroid OneStep 2 Instant Camera Everything Kit Summer Blue Virgin Megastore

Puma Rs-X X Rubiks @namshi.com

ON THE MOVE Funky designer cabin case @rimowa.com

SHORT AND SWEET Patterned swim shorts Vilebrequin Cruise 2020

RETURN OF THE PACK Belt bag, or should that be fanny pack?

Coach @coach.com

NO FAKE NEWS Trump Valentine’s card @etsy.com

NAUGHTY BUT NICE TWO FOR ONE Couples’ massage (the gift you get to share) Available at The Westin, Movenpick and various other spas 56 February 2020

SAVE YOUR PENNIES A homemade card says it all Instructions @nobiggie.net

Sexy coupon promise book (you could also make this yourself) @etsy.com

CHEERS

Personalised bottle opener @notonthehighstreet.com www.bahrainthismonth.com

valentine's gifting

For Her THE CLASSICS Red undies Marks & Spencer

SELF CARE Rose Quartz Bath and Body Crystoil @llio.love

A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND Chopard Happy Diamonds Necklace Bahrain Jewellery Centre

SOMETHING SPARKLY Ruby and diamond ring Fabergé at Asia Jewellers

WEAR YOUR HEART ON YOUR… Rockn Love handbag charm @moynat.com

FRESH AND FUN Moschino crossbody bag @namshi.com

TIME ON HER HANDS Seiko Ladies' Presage watch Ambassador Stores

K POP K beauty Moisturizing Jelly Tint – So Vivid @misshame.com

TRUE STORY Coffee iPhone case @amazon.cm

DUVET DAY Binge watching beauty kit (and hand over the remote!) @ulta.com

HIGH-TECH HAIRDO Supersonic hairdryer @dyson.com

HEALTHY OPTION Kombucha brewing kit @uncommongoods.com

MAKE AN EFFORT Fill-in book @amazon.com www.bahrainthismonth.com

WRITTEN IN THE STARS Personalised map of the stars on the night you met @etsy.com

PICTURE PERFECT Personalised couple or family portrait from a photograph @etsy.com February 2020 57

bystander

JJ’s Karaoke Night JJ’s Irish Restaurant held a Karaoke Night

To view more images, scan the QR code

Coral Bay’s NYE Party

Miami events, along with Stadium Rockerz, presented the massive outdoor dance gathering New Year’s Neon Glow at Coral Bay Bahrain

To view more images, scan the QR code

58 February 2020

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

MOTORING THIS MONTH

MY LIFE IN CARS

Mercedes-Benz Offers, p60

Dick Potter says hydrogen power is the path of the future.

T

he electric car is here. There is no doubt about that. Teslas have been around for the last 10 years and, in the last two years, almost every major car manufacturer has dished up a version of the electric car – Porsche included. Given it’s the missus’ favourite, I must include that, apparently, it’s been recently recognised as “The Best Electric Car in the World”. I hasten to add that accolade has allegedly been bestowed by the British media outlet, The Sun. Swiftly scribbling onwards…

Now, all good and well with the electric car, but it’s not without its criticisms which you are undoubtedly aware of – not least the production of electricity in carbon-fuel-based power stations. When it comes to why people don’t buy battery-electric vehicles, there are a few obvious reasons. They cost more than your comparable petrol-powered car. Then there’s the small matter of charging the thing. And, it’s claimed they take way too long to recharge. Whilst Tesla claims it will run for 200 miles, it has actually been worked out on track that it would run out after just 55 miles. Hmmmnnn.

Now, for many of us on this lovely island, 55 miles might take a bit to clock up, unless you do the daily school run from Durratt to Amwaj and back, that is.

And, if it does run out, it’s not quick to recharge is it?

To fill the tank on a normal car just takes a couple of minutes – unless its pay day at the end of the month here – at the petrol station. To fully recharge the batteries with an electric car, from a normal 13-amp socket, it takes around 16 hours. Want to try explaining to the head teacher that’s why the kids haven’t been to school yet this week?!

But what if there’s another option, just as good as, or even better than, battery-electric vehicles? Could we possibly power cars with the most copious resource in the universe as the only byproduct? That would be water, you’ve already guessed my clued-up fans!

Hydrogen fuelled cars – you read it here first – are more likely to interest the auto industry than batterypowered vehicles, such as Teslas. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Hydrogen fuel cells have been a technology of great promise as well as great cynicism. My good friend, Elon Musk – if you must be picky, we haven’t actually met per se – has been somewhat derogatory of hydrogen fuel cell technology. Rather less diplomatic than myself, Elon has amusingly referred to them as “fool cells” and “mind-bogglingly stupid”. I reiterate, Elon’s words (allegedly) not mine.

Right, let’s start by differing between the terms here.

Battery electric vehicles, or BEVs, are the electric vehicles that most of us are familiar with today, like Teslas. They use a battery to store electricity and power the electric motor. A hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle or FCEV, on the other hand, combines hydrogen with oxygen to produce electricity, which then powers the electric motor that drives the car. Got it?

Fuel-cell vehicles don’t require charging at all. The hydrogen tank is refilled at a hydrogen station in less than five minutes, much like your typical petrol station.

That’s because FCEVs don’t store electricity like a battery; they create it on demand to power the motor.

When it comes to range, hydrogen-powered cars seem to outrun the battery-electric jobs also. They boast of a range of up to 380 miles, compared to the 200 miles Tesla promises.

Whatever choice you choose my faithful followers, change is a coming. For FCEVs to become the

Nissan Ariya Concept, p61

View more info online

breakthrough that car executives believe in, a vast network for hydrogen stations is vital. Car manufacturers are slowly working to make it happen – well, they are in LA anyway. Bahrain, are you on the road to change?!

February 2020 59

motoring news

D

rive away in the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 450 with unprecedented savings exclusively from Al Haddad Motors.

The flagship model has been comprehensively modernised and is confirming its role as a technological trailblazer with new engines and enhanced driving assistance systems.

The undisputed leader in the premium segment, with regard to comfort and wellness, sets new standards in the interior which is defined by high-quality materials and characterised by the two high-resolution displays, each with a screen diagonal of 12.3 inches. The S-Class also has touch-sensitive controls in the steering wheel.

The vehicle features a long wheel base in which the front passenger

seat can be electrically moved further forward by up to 77mm enabling the passenger seated behind it to enjoy the journey even more.

The exterior of the S-Class impresses with a powerful front end and characteristic rear end, including integrated tailpipe trim elements as standard for all models. Individual sporty highlights are provided by the AMG Line. The AMG body styling comprises discreetly powerful front and rear aprons, as well as side sill panels, that make the vehicle appear to sit lower on the road.

Enjoy savings of up to BD6,000 on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 450.

Call 17 785-454 or visit the website on www.bahrain.mercedesbenzme.com.

RS E F F O E V I S U EXCL

BEST EVER DEALS

E

uro Motors Jaguar Land Rover recently introduced an exciting new campaign for Jaguar’s popular SUVs, the F-PACE and E-PACE. When purchasing these models during the campaign, customers receive: • Complimentary five-year warranty and service package including brake pads and brake disks • Free insurance • Free registration • Free window tinting The E-PACE is Jaguar’s award-winning compact SUV that packs the design and performance of a Jaguar sports car into a spacious, practical and connected all-wheel-drive vehicle. Trademark Jaguar driving dynamics and design put the brand’s sports car DNA in a practical design filled with advanced technologies to keep you connected. The exterior design is inspired by the Jaguar F-TYPE and characterised by the distinctive Jaguar grille, muscular proportion and short overhangs that give the E-PACE a bold and purposeful stance, instantly communicating dynamic agility.

The SUV also provides the driver with state-of-the-art technology, such as optional Head-up Display and Activity Key, as well as advanced driving aids to make every journey easier and more relaxed. These include an advanced InControl multimedia system, which keeps one entertained and ensures connection to the outside world.

60 February 2020

N O C I N A F O HRAIN RETURN URNS TO BA

TIN RET ASTON MAR

A

ston Martin has made its much-anticipated return to Bahrain with new partner Adamas Bahrain Motors. The partnership will see the unveiling of an impressive new showroom in MODA Mall later in the year, showcasing the marque’s full range of award-winning Second Century models for the first time – led, of course, by the highly anticipated new SUV, Aston Martin DBX. “2020 is set to be a very exciting year for Aston Martin and we are delighted to start with the announcement of the partnership with Adamas Bahrain Motors. The team has built a strong reputation for customer loyalty in some of the most competitive markets in the world and, coupled with their significant investment in a stunning new showroom, give us confidence that Bahrain will become one of our statement locations globally,” said Dan Balmer, President, Aston Martin Lagonda Middle East, North Africa & Turkey.

Alongside the Bahrain showroom and a dedicated service centre opening, 2020 will see Aston Martin active at the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix with partners Aston Martin Redbull Racing, a true highlight of the sporting and social calendar. No Time to Die, the new James Bond film will premiere, featuring no less than four Aston Martins and deliveries of DBX, Vantage Roadster and the phenomenal Valkyrie Hypercar will start.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

motoring news

P

UT B E D S G IN L IB S SPORTY

orsche is adding two distinctively sporty and highspecification models to its mid-engine sports car range: the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0. The new two-seaters are powered by the same four-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine that is used in the 718 Spyder and the 718 Cayman GT4. When combined with the manual six-speed transmission and sports exhaust system, the latest additions to Porsche’s GTS line-up produce 400hp (294kW), resulting in an exhilarating driving experience.

The models complete a sprint to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds and have a top speed of 293km/h. Thanks to the standard Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) sports suspension, as well as a 20mm lower ride height and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical limited slip rear differential, this new generation of GTS models achieves a remarkable balancing act between dynamic handling and everyday comfort. Alongside the standard Sport Chrono package, which emphasises the athletic nature of the new mid-engine models, black contrasting design elements and a dark Alcantara interior showcase typical features of GTS sports cars.

Both models are available to order now with the first units arriving from May 2020 onwards.

CONCEPT AT CES A

mong many smart innovations, the Nissan Ariya Concept made its debut at CES Las Vegas. Bringing together advanced technologies on an allnew EV platform, the zero-emission crossover embodies Nissan Intelligent Mobility, an expansive lineup of vehicle technologies and services that deliver an innovative, future-thinking driving and ownership experience.

“The Ariya Concept highlights Nissan’s promise of an entirely new driving experience that’s just on the horizon,” said Takao Asami, Senior Vice President for research and advanced engineering at Nissan. “This zeroemission crossover isn’t a concept car based on far-off ideas; it’s a showcase of technologies available in the very near term.”

To show they’re real, Nissan has also taken these technologies out of the car and developed new, creative uses for them such as a zero emissions ice cream van, which was also on show, and technology experts gave demonstrations of Ariya Concept features such as the ProPILOT 2.0 advanced driver assistance system, twin-motor all-wheel-control system, acoustic meta-material and Smart Route Planner.

TECH TRAINING

www.bahrainthismonth.com

I

n a bid to help the development of Bahraini youth encouraging them in academic and internship opportunities, Ebrahim K. Kanoo has signed an MoU with NIIT (National Institute for Industrial Training).

The new agreement outlines the company’s assurance to train Bahraini job seekers in a three-month technical programme for auto detailers, accredited by the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI). Upon successful completion, the candidates will be offered permanent positions within the company’s aftersales department.

Company CEO, Mike Brightmore, said: “Our partnership with NIIT is a longstanding one and we are always happy to expand the areas of co-operation by sharing knowledge and industry best practice. This latest programme is also supported by Tamkeen and the Ministry of Labour.

“Our ultimate aim is to enhance the Bahraini workforce by way of tangible programmes to benefit all automotive players in the market. We will continue to invest in Bahrainis from the grassroots level and sincerely appreciate the support of the government and all academic institutions in Bahrain.”

February 2020 61

business bites STRATEGIC ACQUISITION NBB announced the results of its offer to acquire up to 100-per-cent of the paid-up ordinary shares of Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB).

Acceptances were received in respect of 529,424,282 ordinary shares of BisB which, on completion of settlement, will result in NBB owning a controlling stake of 78.8 per cent of BisB, up from its 29.06-per-cent pre-transaction stake. 93.55 per cent of the acceptances were from institutional shareholders of BisB and the remaininder came from individual shareholders.

94.95-per-cent of all acceptances opted for the cash offer of BD0.117 per BisB share, while the remaining 5.05 per cent opted to swap their BisB shares with newly issued shares of NBB at a share exchange ratio of 0.167 NBB shares per BisB share.

Farouk Almoayyed NBB Chairman

FLYING HIGH Gulf Air marks its 70th anniversary in the Kingdom with a pop-up museum, open to the public for a limited period at City Centre Bahrain, showcasing the airline’s rich history since its take-off in 1950.

It features exclusive and rare photographs and memorabilia from different decades of the airline’s journey. Moreover, various aircraft models and Gulf Air’s uniforms from different eras highlight the evolution of the brand over the years. Other than celebrating history, the museum will also display the latest Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner Falcon Gold seat to highlight the future of Gulf Air. The airline will continue its fleet modernisation programme in 2020 and will receive the final three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners of a 10-aircraft order and will take deliveries of the brand new Airbus 321neo aircraft which will be dominantly deployed on the long-haul European routes.

The transaction is expected to strengthen both the NBB and BisB brands, which will continue to operate as two independent banks, in the local and regional markets. It is also expected to result in asset, revenue, cost, operational and other synergies that are expected to enhance returns.

YOUR FITNESS TECHNO-PARTNER Huawei’s ecosystem of products will help you stick to your fitness resolutions this year. The Huawei P30 Pro smartphone is full of amazing features, available in striking new colours. Besides four camera lenses, it boasts the Huawei SuperSpectrum Sensor and SuperZoom Lens, and is splash-, water-, and dust-resistant.

The Huawei Watch GT 2 is a personal trainer, fashion statement, and everyday life assistant in one. Maximise your workouts and meet your goals with a wide range of health tracking features such as Bluetooth calling and music playback, not to mention a battery having as much stamina as you. Pair it with the Huawei Health App to keep a detailed record of information about your sleep habits, weight history, daily burned calories and heart rate, with personalised solutions for each.

The sleek and minimalistic Huawei Watch GT 2 42mm is the line’s latest smart wearable.

The new Huawei FreeBuds 3 are the perfect solution to sound on the go.

Comfortable, ergonomic and cranking out crystal-clear sound no matter the setting, the Huawei FreeBuds 3 can eliminate background noise during calls and enhance your voice simultaneously, thanks to the A1 intelligent chipset.

62 February 2020

FOR YOUR WELLNESS The Ritz-Carlton has revealed the revamped Royal Beach Club, where guests can fully immerse themselves in a total ‘Wellness 360’ experience. In addition to the enhancements at the mixed gym and fitness studio, the venue features a modern design, sleek wooden interiors, and a new indoor heated pool for year-round splashing about. The club’s changing rooms offer key-pad locker facilities, shower areas, private changing rooms, towel-service and Asprey bath products. Guests and members can enjoy a new juice bar, La Vie. The new on-the-go healthy dining concept reveals a modern menu of detox and energy smoothies, juices, coconut water, Nai teas and more. Retreat packages start at BD180++ per night with a minimum two-night stay, and offer luxury airport transportation, Club Room or villa accommodations, a personalised fitness and training itinerary, nutrition consultation, two La Vie juice bar vouchers daily, spa and hydrotherapy treatments, a Dream Well amenity kit and USD100 dining credit. www.bahrainthismonth.com

business bites BUILDING A SUPER SOUQ Diyar Al Muharraq, one of the largest integrated cities and real estate developers in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has announced the laying of the foundation for the Souq Al Baraha project, located in the heart of the city, amongst residential communities. All the necessary groundwork to begin work on the souq has been completed and Almoayyed Contracting Group has been appointed to complete the entire project, which is meant to officially launch to the public by the end of the first quarter of 2021.

Souq Al Baraha will have over 470 retail stores, including markets for fish, fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry, general household goods, as well as tailors, gold and jewellery shops and traditional Bahraini products ranging from food to handcrafts. There will also be restaurants, cafes, a family recreational centre, public facilities, a fuel station, a mosque and a supermarket.

A STAMP OF PRIDE A new initiative, ‘Made in Bahrain’ aimed at promoting local products in the regional and international markets has been launched by Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister, HE Zayed Alzayani. The ‘Made in Bahrain’ logo features the national flag and can be used on commercial registrations (CRs) or to label Bahraini products. The move looks at developing domestic exports and ensuring that Bahraini products and services are promoted and recognised in international markets. The minister said: “This will upgrade the quality of Bahraini exports and position us as a global industrial player, with the manufacturing sector currently representing about 14.5 per cent of the gross domestic product.” He added that the project will also increase dependency on local industries and help achieve self-sufficiency and food security. The mark will be granted to local factories licensed by the ministry which manufacture products containing 35-per-cent or more of domestic content.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

FOR THE GREATER GOOD A memorandum of understanding was signed last month between INJAZ Bahrain and the BMMI Group, resulting in the company supporting 20 INJAZ Bahrain students with full scholarships each year. Since its inception, INJAZ Bahrain has spared no effort in launching and fostering initiatives that would enable students to learn new skills, acquire knowledge about the market and prepare for a successful future. With the support of its partners, staff and volunteers, INJAZ Bahrain has been able to reach more than 220,000 students over the past 15 years. BMMI believes that investing in people and local communities is of utmost importance. The group is an active and involved partner, with a CSR strategy that supports various programmes that lead to meaningful contribution, development and advancement of the local community.

February 2020 63

commerce

COUPLES, MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS Financial expert Pria Masson Tanwar talks coupling of a different kind.

Every economic system goes through several phases. One where a market is created, where infrastructure is established and demand is assessed.

This usually gives way to a phase where more players enter the market.

Eventually, this means that there are more suppliers than is suitable for the demand and infrastructure created. Then comes the phase of consolidation. The GCC economy is finally in a phase where some sort of consolidation activity is emerging across sectors.

Consolidation takes the positive form of either mergers or acquisitions or the negative form of businesses shutting down. It’s a sign of a healthy business eco-system, when the core sectors such as banking, logistics, energy, healthcare or education etc, undergo consolidation activity towards a more robust system.

Within the GCC, the past few years have seen several mergers and acquisitions. One of the largest was within the critical marine logistics space wherein DP World acquired Topaz Energy and Marine in a deal worth USD1.08 billion. Within banking, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Union National Bank merged to 64 February 2020

acquire Al Hilal Bank; Kuwait Finance House and Ahli United Bank Merged and NBB has announced the acquisition of Bahrain Islamic Bank. Within education, GEMS Education KSA and Hassana have completed the acquisition of Ma’arif Education and Training Company – Saudi Arabia’s largest operator of private schools.

These deals are all matters of public news. There will have been a lot more such consolidation activity among smaller, less newsworthy players.

But why is this so significant? Because consolidation means a few critical things. First, it means that while someone has not done as well as expected, there are other players that see potential in that business and believe things can change. So, the company or business is not bad, it just needs a different partner or alliance.

Second, it means a lot of money (liquidity) is unlocked. Companies almost always have value hidden in assets. While, consolidation is to unlock hidden potential, whatever value is paid, the potential is a very real and tangible realisation of that value. And this liquidity, then flows into the economic system in some form.

Third, it means there are a lot of human resources freed up for reallocation – this is not good news at the outset. However, often, severance packages are lucrative enough to

create start-ups, to have previous employees exiting to their home countries and to effectively have a reduction in disguised unemployment in the region. In the long run, these are essential components of sustainable growth.

Finally, consolidation almost always means progress and development for the longer term. Any firm that is consolidating will review strategies, assess goals, optimise resources and define a clear way forward. Usually, client engagement, products offered and quality of services will improve – as will technology used. These processes provide work for a host of other service providers. It’s like a butterfly effect that can take over.

What is it that makes a consolidation a reality? It is like what makes relationships exist and work – a need for a partner, common goals, a benefit (in this case a tangible benefit) and a belief that the way forward together is brighter than it is separately. Mergers and acquisitions are marriages within the business world, and it seems like it’s wedding season in the region.

Pria is an Advisor with JEO Management Consultants (http://www.jeomanagement. com). You can follow Pria at her Instagram handle money_cues or know more about her professional experience at http://www.i2dconsulting.com www.bahrainthismonth.com

commerce

WE DO

DIGITAL

Want to get your business and events in the public eye?

Read on to discover how BTM can help With more than 20 years of experience in content creation, Bahrain This Month is a prime choice for extensive marketing services in the Kingdom.

Professionals from industries including dining, entertainment, retail, health services, motoring and more can now tap into the range of options for marketing their products and services on our website and official social media platforms (Instagram and Facebook) which have a combined following of over 270,000 individuals.

Aside from our renowned traditional media solutions, our qualified digital marketing team is

adept at fine-tuning online campaigns to ensure relevant content reaches a demographic which is not only receptive, but responsive to online content. Through our Instagram account alone, our content is viewed over 80,000 times per week by more than 42,000 people (as seen in our ‘Insights’). You can reach out to us to broadcast your information on a platform the public trusts.

You can also take advantage of our digital presence for free by loading your information directly onto www.bahrainthismonth.com

Digital Marketing Services Include:

• A digital audit of the current digital

assets of your company which identifies the gaps for rectification.

• Optimising your website and social media profiles.

• Preparing a digital strategy, inclusive of all the digital channels.

• Engaging and interactive content

creation – be it blogs, articles, website content to short-form and long-form videos.

• Paid digital campaign set up,

performance management and analytics for social and Google Ads.

• Interpretation of Google Analytics and social media insights to optimise your digital strategy.

• Customised workshops and training to

enhance the skills of your employees in digital marketing.

FAQs How do I get my content, events, pictures etc. onto Bahrain This Month’s website?

It’s really simple, just visit: www.bahrainthismonth.com and click the sign-up tab in the top righthand corner. From there you’ll be able to create an account and start loading your venue information, forthcoming events, and images into our most-visited section, the gallery pages.

Are there any add-on features available when I register an event?

Yes, for our clients, we can enable ticket sales through our website and extensive digital marketing packages.

What additional benefits does a client get when they use the ticketing option?

Exposure on our popular social media platforms and in our print magazines – as long as we are informed of the event prior to publication.

Is there anywhere else I can share my information to increase my exposure?

Yes. There is a similar set-up on our Bahrain Hotel & Restaurant Guide page at: www.thebhrg.com where hospitality, food and www.bahrainthismonth.com

beverage and entertainment venues can load their own information such as special offers, meal deals and theme nights. We cross-share information over the two sites. We will be relaunching the websites for our other popular guides in the coming months and these will benefit from a similar arrangement.

Can I share content from my own website to yours?

Even better than that, once signed-up, clients can benefit from the creation of their own microsite within www.bahrainthismonth.com or www.thebhrg.com where visitors can find all the latest information about the venue, news and offers as well as their own gallery pages featuring pictures from their events – both those we have covered and self-loaded images too.

Who can I talk to for more info? contact@redhousemarketing.com or call +973 39 677-851.

February 2020 65

bystander

Crowne Plaza’s Ball Crowne Plaza Bahrain held a Rio Carnival New Year’s Eve Ball

Diplomat’s NYE Party

The Diplomat Radisson Blu held its New Year’s Eve celebration at its Grand Ballroom, with four world-class tribute artists – Queen, Coldplay, Prince and James Brown, and international DJs

66 February 2020

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

bystander

Networking Dinner

Bahrain India Society held a Networking Dinner

BTM JULY 19 - brunch vertical.pdf 15/12/2019 19:40:32

Creations of BDK Parfums

Al Hawaj Seef Mall held an event to showcase creations of BDK Parfums in the presence of David Benedek, founder of the brand

FRIDAY PARTY BRUNCH C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

WITH PARTY DJ & LIVE MUSIC

DJ TIN

TIN

LARGE INTERNATIONAL BUFFET & SELECTED BEVERAGES - 12.30PM TILL 4.00PM -

4TH FLOOR, PREMIER HOTEL, JUFFAIR wembley@atirampremierhotel.com (+973) 33640009

February 2020 67

bystander

SKAL Christmas Dinner SKAL International 370 held its annual Christmas dinner at Legendz Steakhouse, InterContinental Regency Hotel

Rotary Club of Manama Regular Meeting

Rotary Club of Manama held its regular meeting during which a Vocational Award was presented to Dr Fadi Altawash, followed by a lecture by Dr Eman Fareed.

68 February 2020

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

G N I DIN onth this m

SOHO SWAGGER

ONE FOR THE PIZZA PEOPLE, p70

Black Tap served Behnaz Sanjana the unexpected and she came away pleasantly surprised (with resolutions for 2020 still in place).

New York’s raw, artsy back-alley vibe gives you a nod as soon as you step into the interiors of Black Tap at the Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain. The feel of the outlet is far removed from the all-white ambience of its host hotel with dark, graffiti-splattered walls and picture frames naming the works of hip-hop artists that play on a loop.

I had been toying with the idea of going vegetarian on most weekdays, but there we were, the better half and I, standing in the midst of one of North America’s most famous burger joints on a Wednesday night.

FRESH FROM THE WATERS, p73

I had resigned myself to the fate of sinking my teeth into some of the juicy meat the establishment is much renowned for until outlet manager, the affable Bernard, suggested we give the meatless options a try. Well, why not, I thought. It would mean putting not only our resolutions to the test (ahem, its only February), but also Black Tap through its paces. As if to say: we already know you do a mean craft burger loaded with melt-in-your-mouth prime beef, and the taste of your chicken wings squawks all the way to Timbuktu, but how about you grab our attention with your vegetarian options. C’mon, show us what you got! And show us they did!

burgers, plates were exchanged to share in the incredible flavours. The mister’s Falafel Burger had a crunchyoutside-moist-inside patty topped with feta cheese, pickled onion and parsley. A smooth humus was slathered on to the soft, yellow-hued potato bun, and tahini sauce waited patiently beside.

Bernard suggested the Teriyaki Brocolli and the Brussels sprouts to start with. The unassuming names belie a flavour-packed punch. Each floret of the panfried broccoli sprinkled with sesame and scallion greens was a shining example of ‘al denté’ done right. Although the sauce kept a low profile in the presentation of the dish, its robust Asian flavours were not so unobtrusive on the tongue.

My Vegan Burger was a delicious black bean patty encased in Rudy’s bun, which is vegan, layered with vegan mayonnaise (extra points for me!). The bun was soft and pleasing in texture, no fibre-filled frump here. And oh, the salsa verde it came with was the magic that pulled together and heightened all the flavours on the platter. All in all, the dish was so appealing, it didn’t feel like a compromise on the meat at all.

The Brussels retained their characteristic aftertaste, but each morsel was a treat to eat, dipped into the tahini sauce on the side. Equally enjoyable was the Black Tap Salad – fresh veggies topped with a cut-up prime beef burger and dollops of special sauce. So, we had our veggies and ate our meat too.

We wrapped up the meal with the acknowledgement that vegetarian flavours can be incredibly satisfying.

That’s not to say we won’t return for meatier options; like the famous Atomic Shrimp and the Truffle Burger. And the Fried Mozz and trademark crazy shakes, especially after a night on the town on weekends, when the outlet is open till 5am. You should too.

Seconds after we bit into our respective meatless www.bahrainthismonth.com

STEAMBOATS WEDNESDAY, p74

HIGH TEA TUESDAY, p75

View more info online

February 2020 69

tablehopping

G N I P P O H E G L B N I A N T I D FEB AL FRESCO ENCHANTMENT Every Thursday, from 7pm-11pm, experience a unique al fresco dining experience, Seafood Under the Stars, on Saraya’s beautiful terrace under starry skies at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa. Select the best of the day’s catch and let the culinary team cook it fresh for you, to enjoy in the lush, emerald green gardens with your loved ones.

Call 38 885-789.

GRILLED GOODIES

ONE FOR THE PIZZA PEOPLE

Thursday nights are for relaxing with family and friends while enjoying a delicious barbecue feast at Ya Hala Roof Top Lounge, at the Ramada Hotel & Suites Amwaj Islands

by Wyndham. Enjoy lip-smacking grills from 7.30-midnight, for BD9.900, including soft drinks, or BD14.900, with selected beverages.

Call 13 600-111.

LET’S LUNCH

70 February 2020

Le Jardin at Ramada by Wyndham in Adliya presents Pizza Delights this February. Guests can order a variety of authentic pizzas from the à la carte menu at the restaurant. Prices are reasonable, starting at just BD4.200 for the Margarita pizza. Other options include Riviera (seafood), pepperoni, Bolognese, Diavola, and Quattro Formaggi – all fresh from the oven. All prices are inclusive of service charge, government levy and VAT. Call 17 742-000.

Lunch during the working week shouldn’t mean a boring sandwich on your desk or a plain salad out of a plastic box. Instead, grab a quick business lunch along with your colleagues at the appealing international buffet at Lemon Tree restaurant at Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa, from 12.30pm-3.30pm, every day except Friday. The buffet costs BD5, and group discounts are offered.

Call 17 111-999

Enjoy a barbecue on the poolside terrace at Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain. As you take in the refreshing outdoors, enjoy flavoursome sheesha and taste your favourite bites while watching live football matches on the large screen. For BD12, have your meats grilled the way you like them, served at your table. The selection includes fine Frankfurt sausages, Shish Tawouk, beef tenderloin and lamb chops, every night from 6pm-11pm. Listen to the Latin beats of the resident band every Wednesday, performing outdoor from 8pm onwards.

Call 17 460-017.

BARBEQUE EVENINGS

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tablehopping

AWARD-WINING FRIDAY BRUNCH Savour and relish an extensive range of plated specialties cooked to perfection by expert chefs, at the newly renovated Silk’s restaurant and Gallery Lobby and Lounge at Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain.

Feast on an exquisite selection of dishes on the international buffet and live cooking station whilst enjoying the best music performances by the resident band and DJ, for BD38 per person, inclusive of unlimited premium beverages.

On February 21, there will be a colourful Brazilian carnivalthemed Friday brunch and a Formula 1-themed brunch on March 20.

Call 17 460-017.

BE THE JUDGE

It’s Chef vs Chef at Waves Seafood Restaurant at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain, where four senior chefs have each created a seafood dish that has inspired them throughout their career.

Join in any day during the month of February, from noon-11pm, to sample the dishes that they will be serving you; the judges. At the end of the month, scores will be tallied and the winner’s dish will make it onto the outlet’s final à la carte menu.

Call 17 531-122 / 38 411-272.

WAFFLE

EXTRAVAGANZA

THE SICILIAN WAY Authentic Italian Restaurant, Fiamma, at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa presents the Macelleria Sicilian Butcher Shop, every Thursday from 4pm-8pm. Guests can unleash their inner carnivore and relish a selection of succulent steaks. Prepare to be mesmerised as the veteran chefs prepare these juicy pieces of meat the Sicilian way for you to enjoy indoor or al fresco on the splendid terrace under the stars.

Call 38 885-789.

GOOD TIMES

In celebration of waffles, Executive Pastry Chef Imad Boukli, at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, rounds up his favourite collection of waffles, in every possible incarnation from February 1-15. From the doughy to the crispy golden – he’s got every waffle lover covered, for BD9, including one soft beverage. The offer runs from noon to 9pm.

Call 17 115-500.

Primavera, at the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain, presents the Rustico Family Lunch every Saturday, from noon-3pm. This quintessentially Italian meal is best enjoyed with family or a group of friends. Dishes include the signature Antipasti Board, Braised Beef with Polenta, traditional pasta, grandma’s Tiramisu and more. The price is BD25, including the beverage package. Children aged four to 12 years pay BD10.

Call 17 586-499.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

When? February 19 Event? Special Ladies’ Night Venue? WU Terrace - ART Rotana, Amwaj Islands Ladies enjoy three complimentary drinks and a special giveaway while the in-house DJ Elena and DJ Boudi play a sensational birthday set.

Call 16 000-111.

When? February 24 Event? Sushi Cooking Class Venue? Teatro, Downtown Rotana Learn the intricate secrets to perfect the skill of rolling your own sushi rolls from 11am-1pm for BD15 per person, including lunch and two glasses of grape or malt.

Call 13 119-999.

When? Sunday-Thursday Event? Power Lunch Venue? Primavera, Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain From noon-3pm, enjoy a twocourse business set lunch for BD12 per person.

Call 17 586-499.

When? Every Monday Event? Steak Affair Venue? Ruka, Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa Relish unlimited steak bites served along with your choice of sauces and accompanied by a glass of grape or hops for BD12.

Call 17 111-999.

When? Every Tuesday Event? Tuesday Sushi Social Venue? Waves Seafood Restaurant, Crowne Plaza Bahrain Treat yourself to an unrivalled allyou-can-eat sushi experience for BD10, inclusive of a glass of house grape or a fresh juice.

Call 17 531-122.

When? Every Tuesday Event? Taco Tuesdays Venue? Cantina Kahlo, Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Gather with your friends from 6pm-10pm for a taco fiesta and choose from 10 varieties of tacos for BD22 per person; includes a special beverage.

Call 17 586-499.

February 2020 71

tablehopping When? Every Wednesday Event? Izakaya Wednesday Venue? Elements Pool & Lounge, Intercontinental Regency Bahrain Unlimited sushi on your table from the special sushi selection for BD9.900 from 7pm-11pm.

Call 1 7227-777.

When? Every Thursday Event? Flaming Thursdays Venue? Silks’ restaurant, Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain Enjoy a great range of grills, flame-grilled meats and sizzling skillets all in one place, for .

BD34, inclusive of unlimited premium beverages.

Call 17 460-017.

When? Every Saturday Event? Saturday Lunch Buffet Venue? Furn Bistro, The Westin City Centre Bahrain Indulge in an international buffet spread for only BD8, from 12.30pm-4pm.

Call 17 171-441.

When? Every Day Event? A Taste of Season Venue? Brasserie Royale, Jumeirah Royal Saray Bahrain Savour prawn delicacies like crispy coconut prawns, handmade pasta and biryani from an à la carte menu for BD22 per person.

Call 77 707-070.

When? Daily except Sunday Event? Cut The Lounge To The Chase Venue? CUT, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Enjoy Wolfgang Puck’s signature bites and drinks with chic music at BD4, from 5pm-7pm between Monday – Thursday, and 4pm-5pm on weekends.

Call 17 115-000.

When? Sunday-Thursday Event? Business Lunch Venue? Silks’ restaurant, Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain.

Join in from12.30pm-3.30pm for a wide selection of international buffet and live cooking station, priced at BD15.

Call 17 460-017.

FOR A LAID BACK TIME

FINE DINING AT ITS BEST Sample a Degustation Dinner at Plums, at the RitzCarlton, Bahrain, daily, from 7pm–11.30pm, with a fivecourse tasting menu. This exciting dining experience costs BD45 per person, or BD65 per person, along with the blind beverage pairing.

Call 17 586-499.

CHEESESTEAK COOKOFF! On the evening of February 23, guest chef Ari Miller, from Philadelphia, joins chef Brian Becher at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay for a cheesesteak cook-off.

One of Ari’s signature dishes is the Titular Frizwit, otherwise known as his cheesesteak. He was awarded Philadelphia’s Best Cheesesteak in the past by multiple magazines and food critics.

Call 17 115-000.

Wyndham Garden Manama’s Café Mosaic offers a Friday à La Carte Brunch and live entertainment from 12.30pm-3pm, for BD12, with soft beverages, or BD18, with selected beverages. Children from six to 11 years pay BD6.

Call 66 316-666.

SEAFOOD SOIREE Step into Poseidon’s Kingdom at Olivos, at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa every Monday, from 6pm-10pm, to enjoy delicious gems of the sea. Begin with assorted hot and cold appetisers and soup. Select from traditionally-favoured seafood dishes as well as vegetable, rice and potatoes on the buffet and at the live cooking station and end with tempting desserts. The spread is priced at BD15 per person, including mineral water.

Call 17 531-666.

A DELICIOUS OPPORTUNITY The Uttarakhand Food Festival at Jashan, Wyndham Garden Manama’s Indian restaurant, offers authentic Garhwali khana representing the taste of culinary staples of Uttarakhand. The set menu is available from February 20-28, from noon-3pm, and again from 7pm-11.45pm, for BD8 per person.

Call 66 316-666.

72 February 2020

www.bahrainthismonth.com

tablehopping

FRESH FROM THE WATERS Thursday Seafood Night at Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain offers a wide selection of fresh oysters, prawns, Lobster Thermidor, Sushi, clams, fresh filleted fish, and mussels cooked to your liking from 7pm–11pm. The buffet costs BD28, including soft drinks and water, or BD36, including selected free-flow beverages.

Call 17 171-441.

PARTY HARD

On February 7, from 4pm-midnight, pamper your senses and soul at WU’s Terrace party at ART Rotana with a spectacular sundown view and sensational music from the DJ. Give your taste buds a treat with some delicious Asian dishes and speciality drinks. A variety of Shisha flavours is available. Ladies get complimentary access and one free cocktail, while gents pay BD10 with two selected beverages.

Call 16 000-111.

EMBRACING SUSTAINABILITY Al Abraaj Restaurant Group has launched Eighty Thirty, a sustainable restaurant with a fast-casual menu catering to vegetarian and vegan dietary preferences. The name brings about awareness to the fact that the planet is home to forests that account for 80 per cent of terrestrial organisms, and they cover 30 per cent of the earth’s landmass. Eighty Thirty is led by a skilled all-female team.

Call 17 404-777.

ARE YOU UP TO IT? Spices Indian Restaurant Crowne Plaza Bahrain invites you to Mukabala Mondays, where you can challenge yourself to an unlimited Indian feast of vegetarian and non-vegetarian kebabs, curries and accompaniments for BD8 for a platter for two, or BD15, for a platter for four guests, from 7pm-11pm.

Call 17 531-122 / 38 987-167

OMG - I CAN'T BELIEVE IT.

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YES, IT'S REALLY PLANT BASED. CRISPY OLIVA GUNKAN (VG) KUWAIT - MANAMA - DOHA

www.olivermaki.com

www.bahrainthismonth.com

@makirest

@makirestaurant

February 2020 73

tablehopping

STREET FOOD BRUNCH

Bahrain Bay Kitchen at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay lets your palate hit the streets from South East Asia to Europe with the Street Food Brunch, every Friday throughout February from 1pm-4pm.

Epicurean delights are presented with live cooking stations and signature sips that are accompanied by the melodic sounds of the resident band El Zephyr, taking you away with their live jazz tunes and acoustic sessions. The spread is priced at BD30, inclusive of soft drinks, or BD43, inclusive of selected beverages.

Call 17 115-500.

SO SUSHI The ‘all you can eat’ unlimited Sushi and Maki rolls await you at Ruka, located at the Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa every Wednesday, for BD11. Begin with a bowl of miso soup and edamame while the chef works on your choice of sushi, from 5pm-11.30pm.

Call 17 111-999.

74 February 2020

STEAMBOATS WEDNESDAY Head to Teatro at the Downtown Rotana with family and friends to enjoy an exciting Asian tradition of ‘Steamboats’, where you can cook your favourite meat by soaking it in a delicious, fragrant broth prepared by the culinary team. Join in from 6pm-11pm on Wednesdays and experience a fascinating dining option with a live performance from the resident saxophonist.

Price is BD11, with soft drinks, or BD23, with selected drinks.

Call 13 119-999.

A FAMILY AFFAIR Spend a relaxing Saturday with your family before the week begins, at Saturday Family Luncheons, at the Downtown Rotana’s Flavours on 2, from 12.30pm- 3.30pm. Relish the enriched international buffet with exceptional live cooking stations and a superior seafood bar, all while the kids enjoy their time with special kids’ activities. All guests get a complimentary pool pass.

The afternoon is priced at BD11, with soft drinks, or BD22, for the selected beverages package.

Call 13 119-999.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

tablehopping

BAKED DELIGHTS Furn Bakery at The Westin City Centre Bahrain offers a selection of delicious cakes crafted by skilled culinary hands all day. Enjoy the unique ambience of the Rotunda and specials like the Furn Bakery Bread Promotion, where customers get 50-per-cent discount during happy hours, 6pm onwards, on the entire bread display.

Call 17 171-441.

HIGH TEA TUESDAY It’s teatime Tuesday at the InterContinental Regency Bahrain’s Noor Lounge, where guests can savour a traditional English afternoon tea with friends in the heart of Manama. Pamper yourself with a threetiered stand of finger sandwiches, petite treats and a pot of tea of your choice, for just BD4 per person, from noon-6pm every Tuesday.

Call 17 227-777.

WEEKEND FEELS

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Legendz, the award winning steakhouse at InterContinental Regency Bahrain, shares it passion for prime meat cuts, fine grapes and the art of cooking. Join in for the cosy Lazy Legendary Lunch every Saturday, from noon-4pm. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon with your family with an unlimited à la carte menu from the chef’s selection at your table as you listen to the soothing melodies of the resident pianist, Anastasiia. The afternoon is priced at BD19, with soft beverages, or BD29, with selected beverages.

Call 17 227-777.

February 2020 75

gadgets

GADGETS

BTM brings you the latest gadgets to push your technological buttons.

CHALKBOARD GLOBE ARCADE PORTABLE GAMER

With classic games such as Golden Axe and Sonic Triple Trouble this device takes you on a trip down memory lane with 30 pre-loaded SEGA classics on its bright LCD display. You can also plug the gamer straight into your television for maximum nostalgia.

Available at: www.thegadgetflow.com

SKYDRIVE

A paper plane with an electric motor. The special paper is already lined so you know where to fold, making sure you will always get the most aerodynamic design. Attach the motor assembly to the centre, charge it up for 20 seconds and you are ready to watch your creation fly rather than drop at your feet.

Available at: www.amazon.co.uk 76 February 2020

A printed globe that lets you add your own details onto the map. You can doodle landmarks, tick the places you’ve been, circle where you want to go and draw a cross against the places you want to avoid.

The 20cm-diameter globe is set on a sturdy metal base and spins on its axis like any regular globe.

Available at: www.red5.co.uk

FLIP10 RECHARGER

This ultra-compact and portable charger packs in 2600 mAh with 1A output. It can be charged in and out by using the USB flip tip and the included micro USB charging cable. Taking just 2.5 hours to become fully charged, the Flip 10 Recharger can also connect to a compatible Goal Zero solar panel to top up even when you’re not near a power source.

Available at: www.amazon.co.uk www.bahrainthismonth.com

gadgets

BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS

This ingenious spoon allows you to get your much needed morning work out without causing a disturbance to your schedule. Thanks to the weighted barbell at the handle end of the spoon, every time you slurp up your breakfast, you get the benefits of a bicep curl too!

Available at: www. gadgetflow.com

FITBIT ALTA HR

If you don’t have a fitness tracker, the Fitbit Alta HR is a great place to start. Unlike a smartwatch, the battery lasts a whole week and the slim and discreet band houses plenty of tech. It tracks steps, calories burned, sleep and heart rate, includes extras like hourly mini goals and comes in six colours with accessory bands sold separately. The only downside is it’s not waterproof.

Available at: www.amazon.co.uk

INMACUS 18MM HD LENS KIT

Wide lens angles designed to attain additional wide high-clarity images and video. The optical design provides 50 per cent more detail than a typical iPhone picture. Multi-coating on all the optical elements further ensures maximum light transmission with lowest level of light reflection and flare to produce bright, high-clarity still pictures and videotaping.

Available at: thegadgetflow.com

RC TARANTULA

If you enjoy pranking your friends, or you just love spiders, then this is the perfect gadget for you. Use the remote to scurry round the house and terrorise as you go. It can also be put into auto mode to scamper round of its own accord.

Available at: www.thinkgeek.com

LIGHT GROOVES

These are funky charge and sync cables that indicate your phone’s power without you even having to look at the screen. As soon as you plug the cables into a power source, you will see electroluminescent green or blue lights flying through the cable. Fast flying lights mean you are around half way charged, slow moving lights are for over 65 per cent and once the charging is complete, the lights will disappear.

Available at: www.amazon.co.uk www.bahrainthismonth.com

February 2020 77

games

GAMES

WHAT IS IT?

UNTITLED GOOSE GAME

Untitled Goose Game is a slapstick-stealth-sandbox, where you are a goose let loose on an unsuspecting village. Make your way around town, from people’s back gardens to the high street shops to the village green, setting up pranks, stealing hats, honking a lot and generally ruining everyone’s day.

GAMEPLAY

There’s a lot of stealth elements and the chances of success are greatly increased the more forward planning you do. From hiding in hedgerows to patiently watching the movement patterns of foolish humans, there are some very solid gameplay mechanics at the heart of the game. Not only that but the way you solve the various problems is impressively open-ended, helped by a relatively realistic physics engine that is reliable enough that you can set up some quite complex actions.

GRAPHICS

The game is very crisp, colourful and has a definite stylish look to it.

The world is painted in blocks of colour, while shading and textures are near non-existent. It’s a different art style and one that suits the adventure perfectly, complementing both the game and the music.

VERDICT: A quirky and frankly bizarre experience.

RATING:

ANCESTORS: THE HUMANKIND ODYSSEY

Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey is a third-person open world survival game from independent studio Panache Digital Games and published by Private Division. Experience the beauty and danger of Africa 10 million years ago as your hominid clan must ‘Explore, Expand, and Evolve’ to survive over the course of eight million years. Write your own unique story of human evolution and see if you can survive like our ancestors before us.

DEAD END JOB AVICII INVECTOR

Soar through vocal melodies, sweep each fade and attack every beat in 25 of AVICII’s biggest hits, in this enthralling futuristic rhythm-action. Fly solo or bring the pulsepounding frenetic energy of an AVICII concert to your living room with your friends in competitive gameplay that serves as a long-lasting testament to the deceased star.

78 February 2020

Dead End Job sends you into a madcap, wacky world to bust up ghosts. It’s a procedurally generated, couch co-op, twin-stick shooter that straps a vacuum pack to your back and puts a plasma blaster in your hand.

For you, it’s just another day in the office. www.bahrainthismonth.com

websites

Jumeirah’s NYE Gala Jumeirah Royal Saray held a New Year’s Eve gala dinner at the Al Sarra Ballroom

websites

To view more images, scan the QR code

SITE: www.brainpickings.org RATING: VERDICT: A thought-provoking and insightful blog.

WHAT IS IT?

Boredom doesn’t mean you should distract yourself with the simplest and most mind-numbing content out there on the web. Try expanding your knowledge by diving deep into the incredibly useful and thought-provoking blog posts on Brain Pickings, which is a popular blog run by MIT fellow, Maria Popova. She’s the one who does all the research and writing for each post.

THE GOOD

You can probably expect to find a few good books to add to your reading list just by subscribing to this blog. Furthermore, there is a plethora of content from topics such as art, literature and science curated from multiple sources.

THE BAD

The site could be presented in a better way. It has a somewhat cluttered appearance and there are huge blocks of text separated by very few pictures so it isn’t the easiest to digest, especially in small chunks.

www.ted.com

TED has become a powerful organisation in spreading ideas and knowledge. The non-profit movement hosts conferences around the world where people from all walks of life share their amazing ideas and experiences through short speaking gigs. You can find video talks on practically any subject you’re interested in.

www.vsauce.com

Vsauce is an incredibly popular and successful YouTube channel (with several spinoff channels) that has attracted over 13 million subscribers. Videos focus on interesting educational content where channel creator, Michael Stevens, teaches viewers about all sorts of interesting topics.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Karaoke Night A karaoke night was held at Camelot Restaurant

To view more images, scan the QR code

February 2020 79

apps

APPS REVIEW

BTM BRINGS YOU THE LOW-DOWN ON THE LATEST AND GREATEST APPS ON THE MARKET.

APP: DREAMLAB RATING: VERDICT: A fantastic app for a good cause..

WHAT IS IT?

DreamLab helps further a cause that’s incredibly important: the search for a cure for cancer. The app supports cancer research by allowing your phone to help conduct the research itself. By harnessing your phone’s processing power to process calculations for a cancer research project, the research is sped up, inching the world closer to a cure and better cancer treatments; and it’s all done while your phone’s charging.

THE GOOD

Though the app uses your data to complete its tasks, you can control the amount of data DreamLab uses per month by setting a limit in the app’s settings. You can also use the app in your sleep rather than have it running when you need your phone in the day.

THE BAD

It has been reported by some users that prolonged use of the app has resulted in their mobile devices overheating a bit and it will inevitably drain the battery fairly quickly if your phone isn’t plugged in.

APP: REVERB LP

APP: TUNITY TUNITY allows you to hear any live muted TV. You simply scan the TV with the camera in the app, and let Tunity do its magic, identify the channel and the exact timing of what you’re watching, and streams the synchronised audio to your headphones or Bluetooth speaker.

With the new Quick Tune feature, channels you (or anyone else in that venue) listened to are automatically saved in Quick Tune, so you can listen to it simply by choosing the channel from the Quick Tune list, without the need to rescan.

80 February 2020

Reverb LP is a marketplace and discovery platform built around vintage physical music media, specifically vinyl. You can browse, buy and sell thousands of new, used and vintage records, cassettes and CDs right on your phone from the comfort of your desk or couch.

You’re probably not going to find one of the 10 most valuable vinyl records of all time in the app without a pretty hefty price tag, but you can use it to help flesh out your essential vinyl collection or sell records of your own.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

bystander OTHER EVENTS

The American University of Bahrain held its first open house on its state-of-the-art campus in Riffa, since opening in September 2019.

The event, in partnership with Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, was under the theme ‘Skills That Employers Look for Today’

A press conference for the 2020 Dakar Rally Race winning Team Bahrain X-Raid was held at City Centre Bahrain

Premier Q Sports & Recreation and The Economic Development Board held a press conference for the opening of Waha Splashclub at Lagoon Park, Amwaj Island

The launch of the tickets for the third stage production, ZILL-E-TABAHI, was held at the Elite Grande Hotel

The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain officially unveiled its largest venue ‘The Arena’

The K Hotel celebrated New Year’s Eve at the K Lounge

ESSEC Business School and the Arabian Gulf University awarded certificates to the 23 graduates of the sixth batch of the French Arabian Business School MBA during a ceremony organised at the French Embassy

The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and Bahrain Petroleum Company, in collaboration with the US Embassy, held the opening of the Milton Lipp- Early years of Bapco Exhibition at the Bahrain National Museum

Under the patronage of HE Shaikh Khaled bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities held a ceremony to celebrate the Revitalisation of Muharraq project, winner of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2019, at the Pearling Path Visitors Centre – Muharraq

www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery

February 2020 81

film releases

S E I V MO Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller Release Date: February 7 When her fiancé has to leave during a family vacation, a soon-tobe stepmum is snowed in with his two kids during a blizzard in an isolated holiday lodge. Up to this point, the trio definitely have not gelled and just as relations begin to thaw a series of strange and frightening events takes place featuring spectres dredged up from the woman’s past.

Fantasy Island

Genre: Supernatural, Horror Release Date: February 14 A horror adaptation of the popular ‘70s TV show, the enigmatic Mr Roarke makes the secret dreams of his lucky guests come true at a luxurious but remote tropical resort.

When the fantasies turn into nightmares, the guests have to solve the island’s mystery in order to escape with their lives. Comedic moments are promised but, overall, this looks pretty scary..

The King’s Man Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy Release Date: February 14 A comedy-spy film loosely based on the comic book series Kingsman, the film has the classic plot which sees a villainous crew of history’s worst tyrants and criminal masterminds coming together to instigate a war that will wipe out millions. One man must race against time to stop them and his antics produce a rare tale of daring mixed with just the right quota of daft.

The Invisible Man

Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)

Downhill

Genre: Action, Adventure, Animation, Sci-Fi Release Date: February 14 This one is much anticipated, particularly among fans of the much loved ‘90s video game character – Sonic, the bright blue hedgehog. The evil Dr Robotnik (Jim Carrey) is set on capturing Sonic to put his immense powers to work for world domination. Along with his newfound human friend, Tom (James Marsden), Sonic must defeat the villain while coping with the complexities of life on earth.

Genre: Comedy, Drama Release Date: February 14 Starring Will Ferrell and Julia Louise-Dreyfus, this is a remake of the Swedish film Force Majeur which turns the spotlight on the real lives of a seemingly perfect family. Having barely escaped an avalanche during a family ski trip in the Alps, a married couple are left scarred and their lives are thrown into disarray as they attempt to reevaluate their relationship and way of life.

82 February 2020

Genre: Horror, Sci-fi, Thriller Release Date: February 28 A dark psychological thriller features Cecilia (Elizabeth Moss), who escapes an abusive and controlling relationship with a brilliant scientist only to be left his fortune when he takes his own life. However, she suspects his death was a hoax and, as a series of lethal coincidences unfolds, she must fight to prove she is being stalked by someone no-one else can see.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

tv releases

FANCY SOME CHILL-TIME AT HOME? Check out the latest TV series to hit your screens.

Troop Zero

A group of elementary-school misfits led by spunky outcast Christmas Flint (Mckenna Grace) join forces to infiltrate the high-andmighty Birdie Scouts youth group in order to win a talent show.

James May: Our Man in Japan James May embarks on a remarkable journey across Japan, from its icy north to its balmy south. He’ll see the sights, meet the locals and eat the noodles in a bid to truly understand the Land of the Rising Sun.

Jayde Adams: Serious Black Jumper

Proud Bristolian and multi-award-winning comedian, Jayde Adams, brings her latest stand-up show to the screen. If you want to be a ‘successful independent woman person’ you better have something to say and you better be wearing the feminist wardrobe staple – the Serious Black Jumper.

Don’t **** With Cats:

Hunting an Internet Killer

This documentary chronicles the story of Luke Magnotta, an infamous Canadian murderer who sought online infamy by posting videos of himself killing kittens prior to the murder of Chinese student Lin Jun in 2012. As Magnotta courted internet fame, a group of amateur sleuths set out to track him down. The limited series chronicles their manhunt and the role they played in bringing him to justice. www.bahrainthismonth.com

Locke & Key

Locke & Key revolves around three siblings who, after the gruesome murder of their father, move to their ancestral home in Massachusetts only to find the house has magical keys that give them a vast array of powers and abilities. Little do they know, a devious demon also wants the keys, and will stop at nothing to attain them.

Dracula

Jonathan Harker travels to Transylvania to meet a new client and finalise the sale of a stately house in London, but finds himself trapped in a terrifying maze-like castle of undead brides with a vampire Count whose ambition is to conquer the world.

February 2020 83

music

ARIANA GRANDE– K Bye for Now (SWT Live) Verdict:

An encapsulation of the world’s biggest pop star.

What’s the story?

K Bye for Now (SWT Live) is the first live album by American

singer Ariana Grande. The album features Grande’s set from her nine-month, 102-date Sweetener World Tour in 2019 and features guest appearances from Nicki Minaj, Big Sean and Childish Gambino.

Worth a listen?

While the album may not have much new information, it builds on our understanding of Grande as an artist. We know she has a dazzling voice, but we get to hear it swoop and pierce while the audience shrieks around her. We know she’s lurched and leaned into hip-hop aesthetics; on the live album, we hear her chirp into raps over recorded features from Nicki Minaj and Big Sean. We also see different shades of some tracks. Sighs and coos trickle into spaces where production was left sparse.

However, like any live album, K Bye for Now strains to transmit the feeling of an actual concert and banter about costumes and dancers is a clumsy reminder.

Philippe Jaroussky Passion

Passion is a greatest-hits album by

countertenor Philippe Jaroussky, with all the selections, if the publicity is to be believed, chosen by the singer himself from performances over the last 20 years. His genius resides largely in how many different things he can do well. He’s hard to beat in muscular castrato arias from Handel like Furibondo spira il vento, from Partenope, HWV 27. Jaroussky is a charismatic and emotionally committed interpreter of 17th century opera, and, as if to say that he really can do anything, he includes here selections from his performances of Romantic music, some of them hitherto unreleased, and none of them remotely close to typical countertenor repertoire.

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Karin Hellqvist

Flock Swedish violinist Karin Hellqvist is secure in her art, and doesn’t need an audience to be constantly thinking about her virtuosity. On Flock, her first album-length recording as a solo artist, Hellqvist takes her time before showing off her chops.

But when the fast, arpeggiated patterns of composer Henrik Strindberg’s Femte strängen (‘The Fifth String’) finally appear, as the third track on this daring, engaging record, they merely confirm a fact that close listeners will have already identified – namely, that Hellqvist is a player of substantial gifts.

Bring Me The Horizon

Music To Listen To… There’s not a single track here that you’d expect to hear blasting from the main stage of the festivals that BMTH have become accustomed to headlining, while any notion that the band was making music to appease other people is well and truly thrown out the window. Opening track Steal Something spends nine minutes swaggering with steady beats and the occasional blast of trumpets, before the closing 60-seconds ushers in distorted vocal samples discussing dreams. It doesn’t get any more predictable from here on in. www.bahrainthismonth.com

WHAT’S

green FOR SNACKS TO GO

Art of Lunch Designer Lunch Baggies are made from cotton lined with foodsafe polyester that's been tested lead-, BPA-, PVC- and phthalate-free. What makes them engaging is the designs: kitties, squid, turtles and mermaid scales make it fun to go eco-friendly.

They come with the added convenience of being able to toss them into the dishwasher, and are quick-drying, grease-proof and moisture-proof. The reusable snack bags are made with embroidered gripper tabs for ease of opening and have an airtight seal. www.amazon.com

what's green

BTM takes a look at the latest easy-touse, planet-friendly products.

WASTE-FREE BAKING Replace reams of parchment paper with the reusable Silpat silicone baking mat. It's made from a fibreglass mesh with a nonstick silicone surface, making it a handy eco-friendly kitchen product. It can be used in the oven over and over again, and will also save you the additional step of having to grease your baking sheets. This non-stick baking mat has stood the test of time with use by the most demanding chefs in the world. www.amazon.com

SOLAR-POWERED DECOR SOLUTION

IN THE RECYCLE CYCLE Have you thought of how the ubiquitous aluminium foil is made? Traditional foil manufacturing is a power-intensive process, but If You Care Aluminum Foil uses 95 per cent less energy in its creation. It is made with 100-per-cent recycled aluminum. Because there is no need to mine the metal, the production of this eco-friendly foil creates less waste, while reusing a precious resource. If You Care Aluminum Foil protects food against light, oxygen, humidity and bacteria. There is also a heavy-duty version available, which is thicker, stronger and wider than the regular foil. It is perfect for barbecue, grill and oven use.

And, If You Care Aluminum Foil can be recycled again after use. www.ifyoucare.com

www.bahrainthismonth.com

Show off an antique-looking home décor piece with a difference. The Mova Globe sports a classic, vintage-inspired world map with a warm palette of yellow hues, showing countries in different colours and borders. The globe utilises solar cell technology to rotate silently on its own with any ambient indoor light or indirect sunlight, with no batteries or wires required. Non-toxic fluids rest between the inner and outer acrylic shells for a low-friction environment. The sphere comes with an easy-to-assemble, three-pronged acrylic stand and user manual. www.movaglobes.com

ONE WITH NATURE The No Bounds Bluetooth speaker, from The House of Marley, is a portable and highly durable outdoor speaker, crafted with sustainable Marley REWIND fabric, REGRIND cork and silicone, and recyclable aluminum, aiming to be as natural as its intended environment. The four-colour speaker series is designed for outdoor use with rugged, waterproof and dust-proof materials, and is also buoyant. Each No Bounds boasts a 10-hour battery life with wireless dual-speaker pairing capability, and speakerphone functionality. It can be quick charged with the provided cable between uses. www.thehouseofmarley.com February 2020 85

travel

NORTH MACEDONIA

A MIX OF OLD AND NEW

Make sure to see Ohrid, a gorgeous and historic city which sits on the banks of the magnificent Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s deepest and oldest lakes, with a unique aquatic ecosystem of worldwide importance. The lake itself is a great venue for water sports and events and the city, noted for its picturesque old quarter and numerous ancient churches, hosts a popular annual folk, music and dance festival in July.

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Ranked among Lonely Planet’s top 10 places to visit for 2020, North Macedonia is an ancient country with a new name – which was formally adopted in February 2019 – and its capital, Skopje, is said to be more than seven thousand years old.

Though the country is home to around 340 caves, the most well-known is Cave Vrelo, found in the Matka Canyon near Skopje. Situated on the banks of the Treska River, it is said to be the world’s deepest underwater cave – though it’s actually a two-parter both above and below the water level. There are various claims as to its actual depth but Italian cave diver, Luigi Casati, has measured it at around 280 metres, so far, and specialists say it may be as deep at 330 metres. Looks like there is a new tranche of tourism here, just waiting to open up.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

travel

While in Skopje, pay a visit to the sixth century fortress, Kale, which sits atop the highest point of the city and has sweeping views over the River Vardar and beyond.

You’ll see a lot of this building; it feature’s on the city’s coat of arms and flag.

North Macedonia is truly a high country with around 80 per cent of the land made up of hills and mountains, with lots of high lakes too. As such, it’s a great option for a hiking vacation or even just a day trip. Needless to say, there are many guided trips and, aside from walking, the rugged terrain is ideal for mountain biking as well as skiing in winter.

The Galichnik Wedding Festival, held in the village of Galinik near Debar, is quite a spectacle.

Couples apply from all over the country and each year a selected duo gets married in the traditional “Galichka” style wedding. Traditionally the celebrations went on for five days but it is now a two-day event. During the wedding, men dance the Teškoto, symbolising the suffering of the Macedonian people through the centuries. There is much pageantry and great costumes and it’s definitely worth seeing.

www.bahrainthismonth.com

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out & about

e c n a m Ro

POCKETFRIENDLY

Behnaz Sanjana

If you’ve already burnt a large hole in your wallet for festive shenanigans, fret not, for Bahrain has a host of options to consider when it comes to making the significant other feel loved up on a shoestring budget come Valentine’s Day. As V-Day falls over the weekend, you have more freedom to get creative with your special date night.

A Tent for Two

Desert Camping is a thrifty way to spend a quiet evening under the winter sky, with a bonfire going for additional warmth. Most camping facilities at Sakhir come with the comfort of carpeted tents, lighting and porta-toilets. All you need to bring along is some finger food (or grill some on the fire) and warm blankets, and raise a toast to love – just you and the object of your affections waiting for the sun to rise from the serene desert horizon.

Breaking the Ice

Funland, located along the Marina Corniche on Al Fatih Highway, gives you just under two hours of giggling and guffawing with your partner as you both attempt to balance yourselves on the ice rink. With coaching available for newbies, it gives you an activity to participate in together. If you’re both pros on the ice, then the evening will be a unique one, skating in tandem with upbeat music and neon lights making it a fun way to celebrate your companionship. There’s also a spot of bowling to try your hand at later.

Picnic In the Park

Pack that basket and choose a pretty park to spend the evening at. The island has quite a few options to choose from, all with ease of access and parking facilities, as well as clean, grassy areas on which to spread out your 88 February 2020

picnic. The Al Ghous Corniche houses a familyfriendly open space that overlooks Bahrain’s stunning skyline. Look over the railing and you might be able to catch the sight of fish bobbing along the shore. Dohat Arad Park offers a lengthy stroll through appealing sights and scenes, and the Budaiya Botanical Gardens are another great option to lay your mat under a tree at twilight.

Bahrain for pristine sands and crystal-clear waters. It has watersports facilities as well as several contemporary food outlets. Not too far away is Solymar, the newest private beach experience on the island.

Boating Around the Bay

Sometimes, a simple (and affordable) activity makes an evening unique, even if it is just dinner that you have scope for. Maybe next year you could flash the cash and charter a yacht for two, but this year, fall back on the short but sweet boat rides that start at the Avenues Mall and take you around to see the glitzy lights of Bahrain Bay. Follow up with a cosy seaside dinner and earn brownie points even before dessert is served! If the budget permits, Ventus Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay offers a private on-board dinner.

Sand and Surf

If you are a couple who love the sea, what better way to mark the special day than with the wind in your hair and sand between your toes? Beach options in Bahrain are becoming less limited. For something more exclusive than a public beach, but less cost-heavy than a private seaside strip, head to Marassi Al www.bahrainthismonth.com

Bahrain Edition

February 2020 | Issue 203

BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | LOCAL ISSUES

FASHION

Suited and Booted Valentine’s Looks

FOOD LIVE AND TASTE RETURN

BEAUTY BRUSHES 101 SPRING HAIR TRENDS

WELL-BEING Love Your Heart

PEOPLE

Safa Shamsan writing words of romance

www.womanthismonth.com

FASHION | trend

SUITED AND BOOTED

One of the most prevalent trends on the runways for the coming season was suits. From quirky workwear to slouchy daywear, designers across the board were taking their cues from this traditionally masculine look – and how fab were some of these styles?

Berluti went for an elegant twist with a sleeveless coat in a zingy mustard yellow-green, one of the colours of the season. If you’re feeling brave, you could adapt this look for our climate by wearing the coat by itself. Chloe gave the classic shorts suit a twist with contrasting turn-ups and a slouchy fit – add stand-out accessories to complete this look. Gucci went for retro looks and cuts with oversized jackets, reminiscent of the ‘80s, and an almost safari suit, mightily elevated by its polka dot fabric. Either of these looks would work equally well with plain pants too. Ingie went for fullon leather while Philipp Plein is on a shout out for double denim.

Kristina Fidelskeya

Berluti Boss

Temperley London

Ingie Chloe

Philipp Plein

Lanvin

Gucci

How ever you choose to wear it, there’s no doubt that the suit is one of the most versatile wardrobe items you can own – pick something striking and make sure you love it ‘cos you’re going to be wearing it a lot in the coming months.

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www.womanthismonth.com

3 COMPLIMENTARY COCKTAILS

ًِ

&

20% OFF FOOD BILL 05:00 PM UNTIL 1:45 AM EVERY TUESDAY *TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY

Stella McCartnery @theoutnet

Coach

Love

Mango

Trust us, this is not a sad option. If you’ve decided to give Valentine’s a miss this year, look out for some super snugglies to make the most of the cooler weather and cuddle up with your canine or feline companion. Still want to get in the spirit? Go with hearts on your pants from M&S and this cute Alberta Ferretti sweater to keep toasty. We’ll see you on the sofa, we’ll even bring our own mug!

Dawgs vegan boots

Netflix With the Dog

M&S

FASHION | styling

Girls’ Night

THE LOOK OF

Love Moschino @namshi

Alberta Ferretti @theoutnet

Mug @amazon

It may be a case of all the single ladies, but that doesn’t mean you can’t channel some classic Valentine’s red.

Pair this Mango biker jacket with an uber-feminine frock and comfy boots for dancing. Add fun accessories and chunky jewels – real or fake – and you’ve got yourself an eye-catching look, if, indeed, catching someone’s eye is your goal.

Monki

The most romantic night of the year is on the horizon, at least for some. Whether you’re planning a hot date, a night out with the girls or an evening tucked up in front of the telly with the dog (who will, of course, always love you), we’ve got your outfit inspiration covered.

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Rubeus Milano

Bruna @byfar Alexandra Vauthi @tutuskurniati.com

Moynat

Kenneth Jay Lane @theoutnet

This classically simple style from Alexandra Vauthi shows just enough flesh to set pulses racing without being OTT sexy. If you’re not confident with such a low-cut front, pair it with a pretty lacy cami – we’ve gone for a black body but you could also try cream.

Assuming that your date will be a mostly seated affair, add a pair of conversation-starter heels and some statement jewellery for a look that screams romance.

Happy Hearts Chopard

Alexandra Vauthie @tutuskurniati.com

Kiki de Montparnasse @theoutnet

Posh Date Night

www.womanthismonth.com

FASHION |essentials

10 Things to Try This Month

3

Diamonds Always a girl’s best friend but even more so around Valentine’s Day.

Go romantic at the salon!

2

1 4

6

Belt Up.

7

Winter Warmers Furry (fake of course), fuzzy or wild and woolly, right now we don’t care as long as it’s warm and stylish – though, if you want this particular Giambattista Valli x H&M number, there may be some online bidding involved.

5

Nice Knits A woolly dress is perfect for the office over the chillier months.

Get Creative Customise an old denim jacket for a new look – or take the easy option and buy one!

10

Animal Print One trend that never really goes away, wear with attitude.

8

9

Chunky Desert Boots Steal Karlie’s Louis Vuitton style.

Tassel Tales Bags, boots or skirts, we love a bit of tasseling. www.womanthismonth.com

Keep your hands in your pockets.

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news

Sustainability to the Fore

New Face and New Logo

Kenzo has written a new chapter in its history with the arrival of Felipe Oliveira Baptista as creative director. The brand’s spirit remains enthusiastic, nomadic and open to the world, honouring the universe of its founder Kenzo Takada.

Breathing fresh energy into its legacy, the brand has also revealed a new logo which features a fresh graphic, contributing to the very signature of each collection. Designed as a construction game, it will become a crucial part of the brand’s visual identity, as its ability to be transformed leaves room for creative expression.

Weddings Exclusive

Matchesfashion has launched The Wedding Edit, a dedicated collection of modern wedding and event dressing pieces. The dedicated curation includes modern bridal and event dressing looks across ready-to-wear, accessories, footwear, bags and jewellery. More than 30 bespoke collections and 250 unique pieces were created by designers especially for the launch and there is an additional collection of pieces from over 65 established and emerging designers.

Natalie Kingham, Fashion Buying Director, said: “We’ve noticed an increase in sales across our eveningwear and modern tailoring categories, particularly in monochrome tones. We wanted to create a dedicated area where our clients can find unique pieces for their wedding and special events that can be worn again for many years to come. We are thrilled to partner with some of our favourite designers on special collections for the launch, from Christopher Kane, Erdem and Giles to Stephen Jones and Molly Goddard.”

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Fashion retailer Splash, reinforced the need for sustainability and preservation of the planet with the unveiling of its awardwinning 2020 calendar.

Shot creatively through the lens of photographer Dragomir Spassov and styled by Adriana Gerassimova, the calendar aims to educate and raise awareness about the accelerating rate of extinction of millions of species, the causes and devastating ecological consequences.

Each month features a striking photograph highlighting the key causes for the destruction of the ecosystem and the positive actions Splash has taken to reduce its environmental impact and preserve the planet for generations to come.

Raza Beig, Director - Landmark Group and CEO of Splash, said: “Sustainability is significant for fashion, because the textiles and fashion industry is among the leading industries that affect the environment negatively. Our new 2020 Splash calendar underlines our commitment to promoting animal welfare and environmentally sustainable practices in the fashion and retail industry.”

Naomi Watanabe Goes Global

Kate Spade New York has tapped Japanese comedian, actress and fashion designer Naomi Watanabe as its global ambassador for 2020, continuing the brand’s celebration of diverse women living authentically stylish lives. As the embodiment of confidence, joy and originality, Naomi’s passion for life is inclusive – she encourages women to express their individuality every day.

The partnership will kick off for Spring 2020 with a digital campaign highlighting new styles in the brand’s popular Margaux handbag group.

“At Kate Spade New York, 2020 is about celebrating how women express their own spirit and personal style through our brand,” said Nicola Glass, Creative Director. “To us, Naomi represents all women. Her humour and love of life perfectly align with our brand values, and she makes our product shine.” www.womanthismonth.com

l o v of e r u o b a l A

PEOPLE | interview

A teen-aged Safa would often find her nose buried in the classics – the works of Jane Austen, Charlotte Brontë and the likes. “Basically, books written by strong women writers,” the writer, now a mum of two, reflects. “And I’ve always loved reading romance.”

The self-confessed bookworm claims to have “mountains of books”. She says: “They are everywhere. On the shelves, in boxes, under the bed, next to it, in my car and even at my mother’s home. I do read on Kindle, but I love the feel of a book in my hand and the smell of ink on the paper.”

Assistant marketing manager at a renowned financial institution by day, Safa moonlighted as an author to give the world Ruined, her first public work. The idea to write a book sparked from something, well, romantic itself. “I used to write short stories and love letters to my husband while he was working abroad. He was the one to suggest it, telling me I had the flair for detail and emotion. And with this, started my journey of writing Ruined.”

Tragedy inspired the idea for the book’s main plot. “I started writing the novel from the middle of the story actually, seeing a fatal accident on the road. It got me thinking of how the incident had affected people around the victim, and how their lives had changed due to somebody’s actions.”

Safa Shamsan, the first ever Bahraini English romance novelist, chats with Behnaz Sanjana about embarking on the journey of pouring her emotions and experiences into words addressing love, loss and the dynamics of human relationships.

The fictional narrative is set in Townsend, Massachusetts, in the US, and revolves around the lives of four brothers, the protagonists being Emma and Cole. Safa’s own experiences have contributed to her writing. The story is shaped by her own emotions while her husband was away from her, her bond with her sisters and best friends, and her real-life observations of the forming and falling-out of relationships.

The take-away from the book is that in relationships, communication is everything. Safa explains: “Sometimes in our interactions, subliminal messages are lost and we forget that there are different perspectives to every situation. With good communication and understanding the other person’s view, a lot of issues can be solved and a lot of ill feeling can be avoided.

Especially in our age of digital communication!”

Ruined, launching this month, is dedicated to her family, especially her mother. “It deals with the loss of loved ones and rising above the loss,” she says.

As with every scribe worth their salt, Safa dealt with self-doubt.

“I have loved every minute of writing this book, and would be typing away long into the night after the kids went to bed. I sometimes wondered whether the plot would be well-received or if my work was any good at all. But I continued on my path. Besides my husband’s encouragement, working with my PR agency, The Four Of Us, has helped immensely. They have lived and breathed the book with me; I cannot thank them enough. They have pushed me to do things that I wouldn’t normally do, I’m glad for their support and for enjoying this ride with me. The path of self-publishing has been full of learning and excitement.”

www.womanthismonth.com

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BEAUTY | tips

DON’T JUST BRUSH IT OFF

Behnaz Sanjana

So, you splurged at the beauty store, and now you’re eyeing your loot, wondering how you must use it to Insta-perfect effect. The answer lies in a small, but worthy, battery of brushes. Here’s the lowdown on the absolutely essential brushes and sponges you need to get the most out of your beauty products.

Foundation

It’s true that some of the best makeup artists use the warmth of their fingers to apply high-end foundations on celebrity faces. But depending on your skill and the consistency and coverage of your foundation, a brush might be imperative to eliminate patchy streaks for a flawless finish. A good foundation brush has densely packed bristles, that are either flat or rounded.

Smart Girl Hack: Go over applied foundation in circular motions with a rounded brush for an airbrushed result, not forgetting the neck.

Eyeshadow Shader and Crease

The multipurpose shader is a small, flat brush to pack colour on evenly over the entire lid and also to blend colours at the outer corners. The Crease brush is small and pointed at the tip, to apply and blend out colour in the crease.

A Kabuki Brush is named after Japanese theatre, originally used by actors to cake the face with white rice powder. The large, dense brush head is ideal for buffing out foundation, layering on powder and dusting on bronzer, blush or body shimmer.

Beauty Sponge

It’s not just used to apply product. Bouncing a damp beauty blender after covering and concealing gives heavy foundation a more sheer look or use to remove excess powder after setting your makeup.

Concealer

A smaller version of the foundation brush, it zeroes in on spots, blemishes and the delicate undereye area. Not directly using the little sponge attached to the concealer bottle is more hygienic and allows you to control the amount of product used.

Small bristles enable you to pat the product over zits and dark circles, blending out to the surrounding area to avoid a dotty, splotchy result.

Highlighter

We’ll be honest, do you need a fan brush to bring out the high planes of your face? No. Does it look super cool in your vanity kit? Yes! These delicate creations swing between being called super functional and pointlessly frivolous; so just follow your inner diva heart here.

Brow Brush

A brush with a spoolie at one end and flat, synthetic fibres at the other is useful for filling, defining and styling brows in a jiffy. Tapered bristles give the brush a precision edge, making it easier to create hair-like strokes.

Setting Powder

You don’t want harsh bristles to undo all the work you put into giving yourself great coverage. A powder brush has fluffy, domeshaped bristles, for a feather-light touch on the skin. Lightly ‘dust’ on the powder, as opposed to making heavy strokes.

Lazy Girl Hack: Double it up as a blush or bronzer brush, making sure to clean between uses.

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February 2020

Contouring

Looking vavavoom starts with making a duck face. Contouring may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but a slanted brush head does the trick.

The blunt bristles arranged to make a tapering edge make it easier to attain the chiseled look. www.womanthismonth.com

BEAUTY | styling

S E S TRES

T R E L A D N TRE

n turn ghts ofte nt u o h t , r yea y le of a new k shows certainl e and g n i n w a l d at a With the ks and the catw s – both up-to-d vourites. n o fa to new lo t hair inspiratio ed a few of our a k e c i . r some g retro. We’ve p ould try them h y decidedl w and why you s Perfect Pixie o Here’s h If you really want to go for something new to bring in the new

decade, the pixie cut, which never really went away, is making a comeback. Short and sassy, it can be ultra-feminine at the same time as being perfect for the gym or a brisk, chilly walk on the beach – no blinding flyaways to worry about. Use serum to style it sleek and straight or mousse to go for a tousled look. Or pander to your inner rebel and just wash and go, now there’s a thought.

Crystal Tips

Feathered Fringe

If you don’t fancy a full-on bright hair make over, take a leaf out of Dries Van Noten’s book and opt for a brightly feathered fringe (or bangs to our American cousins). This look is super-easy to achieve with the use of a clip-in hairpiece. It looks best if you already have a fringe to blend the piece with but can also work with longer hair with a low side parting.

This is one of our favourite new looks of the season. Send us a pic on Instagram if you decide to give it a try @womanthismonth

Bright and Breezy

Soft pinks and purples and even Unicorn Hair have been a thing for quite some time, so it feels as if we’re ready for something new.

Stand by for much brighter shades as 2020 gets underway with blues, greens and all manner of other stand-out hues. We reckon this trend is likely to be led by your favourite influencers, rather than celebs. So, look out for rainbow heads across the web, and be prepared to follow. Not sure about the bleaching involved at the hairdresser’s? Try it at home with a wash-in colour. www.womanthismonth.com

No, we don’t mean she of the unfeasibly large hair from the ‘70s cartoon (showing the age a bit there), but rather the gorgeous sprinklings of bright crystals adorning the locks of models on the Bibhu Mohapatra runway. This look works well with loose waves or sleek hair and there are a few ways to achieve it. If you’ve got thick locks, go for a selection of small crystal hair slides, you can make your own design, and finish with a light styling spray. Otherwise, pick a crystal hairpiece. They’re widely available online but steer clear of the more OTT ones, unless, of course, you are a bride!

Back to the ‘80s

Hands up if you remember these. We love hair combs for their ability to tame a head full of tatty locks into a sleek, retro do in minutes. And, if you think the look’s a bit old fashioned, just check out Tory Burch’s spring-summer 20 show. This works best with a side parting but can also look great as a pretty decoration in curly hair, either with or without a part. For a sleek look, use a fine brush to coat the hair with serum before inserting the comb and finish with a light spritz of styling spray.

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BEAUTY | news products

Spring Garden 2020 Collection

Givenchy unveils limited edition products that are inspired by the magic of spring – a season of rebirth, light and life. The brand’s popular Le Rouge collection of stunning lip colours are encased in sheaths decorated with floral paintings. The stick of these new lipsticks projects a metallic shine and is available in three springtime colours: Sparkling Peony No.

Urban Decay All Nighter Face Primer Longwear Foundation Grip

The latest addition to the All Nighter family, this primer goes on sheer and lightweight, making it easy to wear alone or under foundation. It’s a long-wear complexion primer that boosts your foundation’s staying power so it looks fresh for up to eight hours. It preps skin, giving it a lifted feel and a hit of hydration. The product goes on sheer, silky-soft to the touch and actually leaves skin feeling hydrated upon application.

By helping to reduce fine lines and erasing the appearance of pores, All Nighter is a nobrainer step in your skin prep routine.

1, Sparkling Poppy No. 2 and Sparkling Lily No. 3.

Le Prisme Blush No. 3 Spice is reinvented with four prisms, two colours. The orangey shade is paired with an iridescent pink highlighter. The comfortable, creamy Khôl Couture Waterproof is available in three limited edition shades: Peony No. 11, Iris No. 12, and Poppy No. 13.

From primer to mascara and glitter that stays put, it's all about the ideas we've been pining for

L’Oreal Paris Brilliant Eyes

This high-impact, high-shimmer liquid eye shadow coats your eyelids in brilliant shimmer, staying true all day long. It is transfer-proof, which means no fall-out, so you can wear shimmer eye shadow on your eyelids and not your cheeks! The luminous pearl pigments are lightweight and non-greasy for comfortable wear. In just one stroke, the soft doe-foot applicator deposits just the right amount of product onto your eyelids for high shimmer payoff and blendable application. Available in 12 shades, makeup mavens can customise their eyeshadow game by pairing shades, building intensity or just wearing their favourite shades alone to achieve a daytime or night-time look.

Makeup By Mario X Sephora

Full Frontal Mascara

Fans of Fenty Beauty are busy batting their eyelashes, with the launch of the beauty line’s first mascara. Superstar Rihanna’s cult makeup brand has announced the launch of this new product which promises “eye-opening, full-on, fanned-out lashes”. The mascara, that hit the shelves in the mid of last month, features a flat-to-fat brush that the brand claims will instantly volumise, lift, lengthen and curl lashes.

Wearers can use the fat side of the brush to lift the lashes, and the flat side to curl and define them. It boasts a waterresistant, sweat-resistant and smudge-resistant formula, and comes presented in chic black and pink packaging.

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This is a limited-edition six-piece complexion brush set created in collaboration with master makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic. It will help recreate the signature looks of one of the most renowned and influential celebrity makeup artists in the world, with an emphasis on blending, sculpting and highlighting. The collection has been expertly designed with unwavering quality, performance,and artistry. Each brush shape, fibre and overall aesthetic has been hand selected as a go-to to recreate Mario’s signature looks. All brushes feature vegan, synthetic fibres and a unique handle and ferrule design. The set contains brushes for powder, foundation, contour, blush, highlighter and concealer, as well as a brush pouch. www.womanthismonth.com

s t a e r T ’ s r Love

Love is in the air and the ladies of Live and Taste, Laetitia and Theresa, food bloggers and authors of liveandtaste.com, have come up with some delicious recipes for lovers: bread for a Valentine’s Day brekkie and raw chocolate bark for that special someone in your life (or for yourself).

As always, the duo are keen to share a way

LIFESTYLE | food

of energy-boosting eating and cooking with mainly plant-based recipes, whole and unprocessed food, raw food, superfoods, refined-sugar-free, gluten-free (as far as possible) and a limited amount of dairy.

In the latest of their series, Laetitia and Theresa share two recipes created exclusively for Woman This Month.

EASY HOMEMADE BREAD ROLLS

Low in gluten - butter-free - sugar-free - delicious!

MAKES 6 ROLLS Ingredients Bread rolls 1 cup soy, goat or coconut yoghurt 1 cup sparkling water 1/4 cup tahini 1 cup rye flour 2 1/2 cups spelt flour 2 tsp baking powder (aluminium free) 1 1/2 tsp Himalayan salt Topping 1 tbsp black sesame seeds 1 tbsp white sesame seeds Recipe 1. Preheat oven to 220°C. 2. Combine the yoghurt, sparkling water and tahini in a mixing bowl and stir well until smooth.

3. Add the sifted rye and spelt flour, the baking powder and salt to the bowl.

Mix it altogether with a large wooden

oon tablesp tbsp = easpoon tsp = t

spoon until well combined.

4. Line your oven rack with parchment paper. Set aside.

5. Moisten your hands with water, as the dough is a little bit sticky, take some dough and form one roll at a time with a smooth top.

6. Place the roll on the baking tray and repeat with the remaining dough to form five more rolls. If needed, moisten your hands again during the making.

7. Top the six bread rolls with the sesame seeds.

8. Place the baking tray into the oven.

Reduce the oven to 200°C and bake for 12-15 minutes (depending on the size of the rolls and your oven).

9. Take them out when they are getting slightly brown and let them cool down for 15 minutes before eating. You can keep them for one or two days.

Raw cacao chocolate bark (with benefits) Dairy free - Vegan - Gluten free -Insanely good !

MAKES 1 cake tin

Ingredients Chocolate bark ½ cup raw cacao powder ½ cup coconut oil ¼ cup brown rice syrup or maple syrup Topping ½ cup nuts (macadamia, hazelnuts, roasted almond slices, roasted pine nuts) Pinch of fresh black pepper, cayenne pepper and Himalayan salt Recipe 1. Start to melt your coconut oil (if it is hard) in a pan over low heat for a minute or so. When it starts to melt, remove from heat. Mix well the coconut oil to have a smooth texture

and whisk in the raw cacao powder and brown rice syrup. Whisk until the three ingredients are well combined.

2. Pour the mixture into a lined cake mould with parchment paper (rectangle, medium size) until it is about ½ cm maximum (we like it thin).

3. Sprinkle the nuts and top it with fresh ground black pepper, cayenne pepper and a bit of Himalayan salt.

4. Place into freezer until frozen solid (around 15 minutes).

5. Once frozen, break apart into pieces.

Store in the freezer as it melts fast.

Enjoy!

More healthy recipes on www.liveandtaste.com Instagram-Facebook : live.and.taste

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LIFESTYLE | well-being

FOR THE SWEET HEART

Our hearts may be aflutter in February, but let’s make sure it’s due to nothing other than the trappings of ardour and affection, writes Behnaz Sanjana.

A

lthough the real deal beating incessantly in your chest doesn’t look half as pretty as the one on your Valentine’s Day card (my auricles and ventricles pump only for you, said no Romeo ever), it deserves attention all year round.

Dr Abdul Azeez Asad Mohammed, MD, DNB – Cardiology; a Specialist Cardiologist at BSH Apollo Heart Centre, Bahrain, simplifies how three common factors can leave you ‘heartbroken’.

CHOLESTEROL This fat-like substance in the blood is essential for health, but in excess, spells grave danger.

Low density lipoprotein (LDL, aka ‘bad cholesterol’) is the main cause of blockage and hardening of the arteries. High density lipoprotein (HDL, or ‘good cholesterol’) prevents this build-up.

When it Goes Rogue Excess LDL leads to plaque accumulation on the walls of the blood-supplying arteries, causing their hardening and narrowing, resulting in blockages.

When the built-up plaque ruptures, it attracts special blood cells called platelets which form an obstructive clot, eventually leading to a heart attack or, in the brain, a stroke.

BLOOD PRESSURE Blood pressure is read as two numbers. The first (systolic) represents the pressure in blood vessels when the heart contracts. The second (diastolic) represents the pressure when the heart rests between beats.

As per the American Heart Association (AHA), normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Hypertension, or unhealthy blood pressure levels, can cause: Coronary artery disease – damaged arteries Enlarged left heart – as the ticker works harder against the raised blood pressure Heart failure – constant strain of high blood pressure weakens the heart Irregular heart beat – worsens heart failure or causes sudden death.

Hypertension can also affect the arteries that supply blood to the brain, causing stroke or dementia.

BLOOD SUGAR

A large body of evidence reveals that twothirds of diabetics die from some form of heart disease or stroke. High blood sugar causes damage to the blood vessels and in general, the risk of heart disease or stroke is more than twice as high in people with diabetes.

But I’m in shape …

A major study has shown that a sugarladen diet also affects the heart of a person within the normal weight range.

In this 15-year study on added sugar and heart disease, adults who had 25-per-cent or more of their daily calories as sugar were more than twice as likely to die from heart disease compared to those whose diets had less than 10-per-cent added sugar. In general, the odds of death from heart disease increased with the actual percentage of sugar in the diet, regardless of age, gender, physical activity level and body-mass index.

Increased sugar intake leads to higher blood pressure, inflammation, weight gain, diabetes and fatty liver disease – all risks for heart disease.

GIFT YOURSELF A HEALTHY HEART Diet – A balanced one with more fresh

produce than red meat and saturated fats.

Limit salt intake to less than six grams a day. Healthy women should consume less than 100 calories of added sugar per day (six teaspoons), and men less than 150 per day (nine teaspoons).

Exercise – Get physical. We mean 3045 minutes of regular exercise - walking, running, swimming or your favourite sport.

Smoking – Stop it. Do your heart a favour and get help from a professional to quit.

Stress – Keep it at bay with yoga and meditation techniques.

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LIFESTYLE | well-being

WELL-BEING

DID YOU KNOW?

THE REASON YOU GREY

Scientists at Harvard University have found evidence to support long-standing anecdotes that stress causes greying of hair. Researchers found that in mice, the type of nerve involved in the fight-or-flight response causes permanent damage to the pigment-regenerating stem cells in the hair follicle. The study advances scientists' knowledge of how stress can impact the body.

After systematically eliminating different possibilities, researchers honed in on the sympathetic nerve system, which is responsible for the body's fight-or-flight response. They found that the norepinephrine from sympathetic nerves causes the stem cells to activate excessively. The stem cells all convert into pigment-producing cells, prematurely depleting the reservoir. www.sciencedaily.com

GERMS CAN HELP

A new study published in the journal Nature Reviews Cancer suggests that germ-free childhoods followed by infections later in life can trigger the onset of childhood leukemia. The paper finds that acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, the most common type of childhood cancer, is caused by a two-step process. The first step is a genetic mutation before birth that predisposes a child to the risk of developing this form of leukaemia. The second step is exposure to certain infections later in childhood, after clean early childhoods that limited exposure to infections.

More specifically, children who grew up in cleaner households during their first year and interacted less with other children are more likely to develop acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, the paper says.

The author, Institute of Cancer Research Professor Mel Greaves, suggests the cancer could be preventable. www.cnn.com

HOPE AT HAND

Drugmakers are hustling to make a vaccine to counter the rapidly-spreading respiratory virus that has affected thousands of people in China and is spreading across the globe. The National Institute of Health has partnered with a Boston-area company, Moderna, on a vaccine targeting the novel coronavirus. A Pennsylvania biotechnology company, Inovio, also secured a USD9 million grant from Norwaybased Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations to develop a vaccine. The company is already developing a vaccine for Middle East respiratory syndrome, or MERS, another type of coronavirus. Officials with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases say they can quickly develop a vaccine because Chinese scientists rapidly sequenced the virus’s genome. www.usatoday.com

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Since they were first approved for human use in 1987, statins, a class of drugs that lower fat levels in the blood, have been used to treat and prevent heart issues.

But findings suggest that statins don’t seem to do all that much for about half the patients who take them—at least for heart disease and cholesterol, their stated purpose. For others, statins appear to have triggered significant personality changes, transforming otherwise placid individuals into uncontrollable balls of rage, wrecking marriages and turning others to suicide. And though statins appear to be particularly troublesome, there appears to be little interest or motivation within the medical community to identify drugs as the trigger of these significant mood and behavioural swings. www.observer.com

EXCITING NEWS

A newly-discovered part of our immune system could be harnessed to treat all cancers, say scientists. A Cardiff University team discovered a method of killing prostate, breast, lung and other cancers in lab tests. The findings have not been tested in patients, but the researchers say they have "enormous potential". The scientists were looking for unconventional and previously undiscovered ways the immune system naturally attacks tumours. What they found was a T-cell inside people's blood, an immune cell that can scan the body to assess whether there is a threat that needs to be eliminated. The T-cell and its receptor could find and kill a wide range of cancerous cells in the lab including lung, skin, blood, colon, breast, bone, prostate, ovarian, kidney and cervical cancer cells.

Crucially, it left normal tissues untouched. www.bbc.com February 2020

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LIFESTYLE | home

True Blue Upcycle treasured pieces like this chest of drawers with Vintro Luxury Paint in Cobalt, available in Bahrain at The Noohs.

Although it’s the start of a brand-new decade, give your home the familiar feel of comfort with Pantone’s Colour of the Year – Classic Blue. This tried and tested hue denotes the constant and the classic; just the grounding you might require to unwind, relax and be yourself in.

If you’re ready to make a serious commitment to this loyal pigment, create a blue accent wall, and furnish with pieces of the immediate colour family. To make smaller investments, punctuate white, ivory or khaki interiors with statement blue accessories and enliven your spaces with the boundless calm of the sea and the skies.

Sink Into the Blue Armchair Smania

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Kaleidoscopic Hues Tableware Details Bahrain

Old World Art Deco

LIFESTYLE | home

A View from Space?

Rug Illulian

Jars THE One

Cosmic Light

Candle namshi.com

Float Away

Candleholder Set Home Box

A Pretty Pair Pillows namshi.com

Contemporary Flair Chair Home Box

Blue Bauble Decoration THE One

THE One

Seated in Sapphire Stools

Comfy Couch

Sofa Opera Contemporary www.womanthismonth.com

Home Centre

February 2020

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LIFESTYLE | opinion

O

ne of the best ways to document each and every season in your family’s life is by taking beautiful candid pictures, to savour and cherish these sweet memories.

While daily pictures are beautiful enough, family photo shoots are always a winner!

However, with younger or multiple kids, the task can be way harder than you imagine.

To make life simpler for you and your family follow these tips to achieve the best session you could hope for!

Plan the whole family’s outfits about a week in advance There is nothing worse than reaching the night before photos and suddenly realising you don’t have everyone’s outfits together.

The key is, GET ORGANISED. Have everyone try on everything. See what works and what doesn’t, and go from there.

Keep it short Thirty minutes is all you need. If you’re not getting good shots in 30 minutes, you’re certainly not getting good ones in an hour.

Short and sweet is best.

Let kids be kids Your job is to smile and (pretend to) enjoy the moment, not be glancing down at the kids, saying “Stop it now and smile, if you want ice cream later” out of the side of your mouth. This will ruin any cool candid pictures your photographer may be trying to grab! Let them get the kids’ attention, and you worry about smiling and doing your thing. It will almost always come together. Keep your cool if no one is cooperating. Take a snack break, don’t freak out and try again in a moment. The worst thing to do is get angry

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! e l i m S Hassan rkani El a h C m ing the Ouia s on gett ot. ip t n e v e oto sho offers s amily ph perfect f

really important. I bet they’re willing to come around when it’s framed like that.

and yell at your child – you want everyone to try their best to remain happy and calm.

Bring treats

Treats work – bribe those kids! But really, little surprises are awesome. A couple of things to keep in mind though – nothing that will stain and nothing they will be chomping on as you’re trying to take pictures.

Get your partner on board

I know it can be hard to convince your partner to get on board. What I would suggest is to tell them this is a gift for you. It’s hard to get Mum in the photos all the time. In fact, mums are probably the ones taking most of the pictures! Tell your partner this is a GIFT for you and it’s

Don’t expect perfection

All these photos are a moment in time, capturing a season of your life. The candid ones are almost always the favourites.

Remember, this photo session is what it is, and it will absolutely not go as planned or produce the 50 perfect images you have been dreaming of! But, if you’re lucky, you’ll get a few good gems…and really, that’s all you need.

Finally, tell your photographer what you are hoping for

Emphasise your preferences, your favourite poses and your requests. Maybe you would like to have a kids photo, a Mum and kids photo and a Dad and kids photo. Be direct with your photographer and let them know if you have something in mind. If you don’t tell them, they won’t know!

And relax, smile, and enjoy your photo-shoot!

Chanelmama

www.womanthismonth.com

last word

In Her Shoes

We go behind the scenes with Meriem Moulouade, PR and Marketing Manager at Ramada by Wyndham Manama City Centre.

Chocolate or chips?

Chocolate.

What’s your proudest achievement?

Team leader at the Association of Young Moroccan Leaders.

Heels or flats?

Comfortable shoes.

What’s your favourite season?

Summer.

What was the first book you ever read?

The Piece of String by Guy de Maupassant.

What would be your ideal holiday destination?

Somewhere I haven’t been to before.

Which song is guaranteed to make you dance?

Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) by Beyoncé.

If you were animal, what would you be?

Bald Eagle. It is a very independent animal with significance to its name and meaning. www.womanthismonth.com

In a film of your life, who would play you?

Sandra Bullock.

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BTM retail sales outlets BAHRAIN THIS MONTH, your guide to a great way of life, is available at the following selected outlets:

Four Season Hotel Bahrain Bay

Fraser-SuitesDiplomatic

Ramada by Wyndham Bahrain

● 24-Seven Minimart, all outlets

● Muntaza Supermarket, all outlets

● 24 Hours Market, all outlets

● Other leading Cold Stores and

● Al Hilal Bookshops, all outlets

News Stands

● Al Jazira Supermarket, all outlets ● Alosra Supermarket, all outlets ● Amwaj Islands Market, Amwaj ● Aseel Supermarket, all outlets ● Babasons Market, all outlets ● Lulu Hypermarket, all outlets ● Mega Mart, all outlets ● Metro Markets, all outlets ● Midway Supermarket, all outlets

Maki

Marriott Executive

All Gulf Daily News home subscribers receive a complimentary copy of BTM. You can also subscribe directly by visiting www.bahrainthismonth.com For subscription enquiries and back issues of BTM, call 17 813-777.

Photos Copies of most pictures depicted in this publication (and some which aren’t) are available from Red House Marketing, 17 813-777 or email: bystander@redhousemarketing.com.

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