YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE
BD 2.000 (SR 20)
June 2012 ~ Vol. 16 ~ Issue 6 www.bahrainthismonth.com
An Eventful Summer
Festival of Dreams
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Featured This Month:
Juffair Beckons | Shopping Malls | Oil Industry at 80
HAPPENINGS ~ DINING ~ ARTS SCENE ~ CLUBS & SPORTS ~ KIDS’ EVENTS ~ AFTER DARK ~ SAT TV
James Bond materials Š Danjaq and United Artists. 007 and James Bond Trademarks, TM Danjaq
Limited Edition www.omegawatches.com
now available with VIVA
The simply stunning Samsung Galaxy SIII is available with VIVA. Get yours with VIVA Smart Plans that offer the best value on Bahrain’s fastest network. Device features: • S Beam - Share large files quickly and easily • Best Shot - Pick your best shot every time • Pop-up Play - Multitask with picture within picture • 4.8”, HD Super AMOLED screen - Enjoy superb contrast Available on Postpaid contracts. • The device is offered for free with the Platinum 50 plan • The device is offered with the Smart Plans starting from BD 29 For more information visit viva.com.bh, call 124 or visit any VIVA store.
Tel. 17.564444 - Fax. 17.564466 email: phodecor@batelco.com.bh Seef district, facing Ritz Carlton Entrance - Palace Palms Bldg.
Issue 178
Contents June 2012 Cover Story:
15 An Eventful Summer Internationally-acclaimed acts will be heading to the Kingdom this month with a range of magnificent
15
performances; the Bahrain Summer Festival returns.
Happenings: Bahrain This Month reviews events happening around town during the month of June 2012:
18
50
15 Summer Festival: Clowns, flamenco dancers and music 18 New Adventures: Wash away the summer heat at LPOD! 21 Shopping Malls: Some retail therapy is in order 30 The Beauty of Verse: Poetry steals the show this month 34 Spreading the Word: The Philippines means business 36 Hakuna Matata!: The king of beasts turns up on stage 38 One Determined Goal: Expat footie league gets serious 21-38 Calendar: Events during June
Spotlight:
40 Science is Fun!
40
The Bahrain Science Centre offers a platform to discuss,
53
engage in and advance the field of science, with plenty of entertainment thrown in for the kids.
Business:
49 A Cultural Development Bahrain is set to be transported to the Far East with a largescale and Chinese-themed retail destination, which is
87
120 Bystander At BTM we celebrated the Queen Elizabeth’s birthday, American independence and said farewell to the Chinese ambassador. The Indians enthralled us with a night of theatre, went all orange with the Dutch and took in the American Women’s Association Spring Ball. In between, we also had a night out at the Gulf Hotel.
planned to take shape on Diyar Al Muharraq.
50 For the Love of Cars Keeping your prized ‘motor’ in tip-top condition is the name of the game for Mohammed Al Yaqoob and his team at Autospa Bahrain.
53 Securing the Future Energy minister Dr Abdul Hussain Ali Mirza sets out what is required to keep the Kingdom suitably stocked with energy supplies as a notable anniversary is celebrated.
BTM June 2012 5
E N U J 14 2 201
Y L U J - 15
H OT L I N E : 8 0 0 0 8 0 8 9
Follow us on Twitter @BahrainSummer12 and Facebook.com/BahrainSummer.
Issue 178
Contents June 2012 Destination Report:
63 Juffair Beckons
63
As this burgeoning part of Manama continues to expand, we take a look at the retail outlets and other services available within its boundaries.
Downtime: 75 A House Afire?: How not to end a well-loved series! 76 Gadgets: Minimalist home appliances 78 Music: Lovesick and happy; an oxymoron? 80 Computer Games: Of ghosts and dragons 81 Websites: Comical recycling 82 Apps: Crisp and clear 83 Movies: Engaging the shadows
85
80
Motoring: 85 Fastest Ferrari: The F12berlinetta arrives 86 Wheels: Dodge Charger 87 Spotlight: Hans Jurgen Luy 88 Showcase: Fiat 500
Dining: 101 Nuasia: Celebrating being four 102 Happenings: Where to dine this month 107 Showcase: Seafood delights @ Trader Vic’s 108 Restaurant Listing: Find your ideal venue
101
125
After Dark: 111 Rocky’s Cafe: Ten years young 112 Happenings: Where to be seen this month 117 Venue Listing: The ‘in’ places to be
Showcase: 119 What’s New: A faithful ticker 120 Marketplace: Latest products and services 30
36
34
133 134 135 136
38
WIN WIN Tarotscope AD Index Last word BTM June 2012 7
The team
Bahrain This Month June 2012
Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton Email: george@bahrainthismonth.com Publishing Director David M. Robertson Editorial queries: editor@redhousemarketing.com Editorial Consultant Dr. Paul Balles Assistant Editors Alison Coldridge Elma Bartholomew
Dear Readers,
Staff Writer Maryam Toorani Contributors James Claire (dining) Bystander Editor Anil Ravi Shankar Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Layout and Graphics Dalal Al-Sabbagh, Romeo San Miguel, Rodolfo A. Reyes Jr. Staff Photographers Shankar Kunhambu, Subeesh Kumar N S Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa Personnel Manager Bassem A. Al Khabbaz Sales Manager Mayukh Majumdar Media Sales Marise Prata Dos Santos, Shani Davel Circulation Manager Fawaz Al Balooshi Distribution Team CM Abdul Rahman, Rafeeq Mohammed, Gopal Arul Kumar, Epegenio Tempra Jr. Distributor Al Hilal Corporation Photography Picture Arabia: andrew@picturearabia.com Printing Press Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej W.L.L., Bahrain Published monthly by
Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. P.O. Box 641, No. 1 Seaton Place St., Helier Jersey JE48JJ, Channel Islands, U.K.
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 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
Cover
Cover Picture: Slava’s Snowshow, a fusion of traditional and contemporary theatrical clown acts, kicks off the Summer Festival. YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE
BD 2.000 (SR 20)
June 2012 ~ Vol. 16 ~ Issue 6
Any anniversary is always worth celebrating; an 80th is something special. This month the oil industry in the Kingdom becomes an octogenarian following the discovery of oil, not just in Bahrain but in the Arabian peninsula, on June 1, 1932. Two of our staff members at Red House Marketing have cause this year to also celebrate an 80th anniversary, of a father and a grandfather. Despite the years, this is an anniversary that remains very much tangible; we probably all know someone who lived in Bahrain, and still does, when the shouts of success could be heard as the first oil gushed out of the desert floor. While it might soothe the soul to dwell on our past, both as a country and individually, I’m also reminded of a few words from a famous Walt Disney quote — keep moving forward. The full version reads: “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious, and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” That’s certainly the case at the National Oil and Gas Authority whose chairman, Dr Abdul Hussain Ali Mirza, is also heads up the energy ministry. In our interview, the minister explains how the energy sector plans to keep the Kingdom moving forward. With summer now truly upon us, our attention turns to how we will keep ourselves occupied and out of the oppressive heat. An entertaining clown act, Slava’s Snowshow, points the way when it opens the month-long Summer Festival programme on June 14. We can also expect plenty of action at night as many of us will be glued to our TV screens to take in the latest edition of the Euro football championship. Our entertainment venues have a range of special activities and promotions to ensure a great night out. In our shopping mall feature, we preview what’s in store should we feel inclined to indulge in a little retail therapy to take our mind off the rising temperatures, and humidity, outside. Another intriguing option aims to take a bite out of leisure time; the Bahrain Science Centre is slated to open its doors in the middle of the month. So, however you choose to keep yourself occupied this summer, here’s to continuing to enjoy the great way of life the Kingdom has to offer for all of its residents.
George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman
www.bahrainthismonth.com
An Eventful Summer
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Festival of Dreams
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Bahrain This Month is a member of BPA Worldwide
www.bahrainthismonth.com
Featured This Month:
Juffair Beckons | Shopping Malls | Oil Industry at 80
HAPPENINGS ~ DINING ~ ARTS SCENE ~ CLUBS & SPORTS ~ KIDS’ EVENTS ~ AFTER DARK ~ SAT TV
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BTM June 2012 9
bystanderthismonth
GulfBID 2012 Opening His Royal Highness the Prime Minister, Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa opened the 6th gulfBID 2012 exhibition last month. Ministers, diplomats, representatives of show organisers Hilal Conferences & Exhibitions (HCE) and business leaders attended the opening that was held at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre Anwar Abdul Rahman, HRH the Prime Minister, Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa & Jubran Abdul Rahman
Konstantinos Pallikaropoulas & Hassan
Jameel & Mohammed
HE Dr Hassan Fakhro, Commerce & Industry Minister
Miqdad, Shabbir, HE Abdul Nabi Al Sho'ala, Ali & Abbas
David
Salman, Fareed, Hamid, Shireen, Shahrazad, Fareeda & Amir
Geoff
Ian & Ronnie
David
Julie & Cherry
Joju, Harish, Emad Almoayyed, Dev, Abdul Salam & Vinod
Feras, Alpay & Omer
10 June 2012 BTM
Asrar & Hadi
Hisham Al Sho'ala & HE Mohammed Al Mutawa, Minister of State for Follow-up Affairs
Rabia & Kate
Khalid & Hassan
Johnson, Winston, Palani & Sathir
Mohammed & Ahmed
Ghuloom & Fareed
bystanderthismonth
American Independence Day Celebrations HE Thomas Krajeski, US Ambassador & Bonnie Krajeski hosted a reception to celebrate the 236th Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America. His Royal Highness the Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa delegated Minister of State for Follow-up Affairs HE Mohammed Al Mutawa to attend the event. The event was also attended by HE Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Deputy Premier, members of the diplomatic corps & VIP guests
Bridgette, Debbie, Vicki & Marsha
Stephanie Williams & Bonnie Krajeski
Carianne, Khalifa Rumaihi & Kari
Shay & Donovan
Nabeel
Abdul Hameed Kooheji, Abdulrahman Morshed & Sadiq Dawani
Francis, Carmen, Vanessa & David
12 June 2012 BTM
HE Mohammed Al Mutawa, HE Thomas Krajeski & HE Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa with diplomats at the cake cutting
HE Thomas Krajeski & HE Shaikh Hisham
Charmain & Michael
Joyce, Grace, Dessi, Maria, Daniela & Fabio
Mohammed & Reem
Major Sims, SMSGT Ford, Lt. Col Donovan, Major Joys & LTC Sullivan
Juliana & Olivier
Jason & Jen
Mazin, Hassan & Rula
Rossana & Larry
Waleed Sharif & Dr Dhafer Al Umran
Traci & Billy
Ala'a & Hassan
bystanderthismonth
British Embassy Celebrates HM The Queen’s Birthday HE Iain Lindsay, British Ambassador & Bridget Lindsay hosted a garden reception to mark the birthday of HM Queen Elizabeth II. The event held at the British Embassy gardens, was attended by Prince Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council of Youth and Sports and Chairman of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC), members of the diplomatic corps, members of the British community and VIP guests
HE Iain Lindsay & Prince Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa
HE Iain Lindsay & Prince Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa cut the celebratory cake watched by members of the diplomatic community
Steve, Demrs, Kim & Owen
Mike, Ilker & Gaye
Milena, Karan, Mala & Bridget
Laura, Jenny & Patricia
14 June 2012 BTM
Bridget Lindsay & Prince Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa
Vince Bell, HE Shaikh Nawaf Al Khalifa & Julith Bell
George, Arthur & Sadiq
Debbie, Nancy & Jackie
Peter, Ava & Dana
Nabeel Ajoor & Lisa
Emma & Gary
Mehdy & Vicky
Jill, Jonathan & Fiona
Marietta & Beverley
Barbara
John & Jennifer
Commodore Ancona
Rodney & Gordon
happeningsthismonth When? June 14-July 15 | Event? Bahrain Summer Festival 2012 | Venue? BIECC
The Sound of Music
An Eventful Summer Internationally-acclaimed acts will be heading to the Kingdom this month with a range of magnificent performances; the Bahrain Summer Festival returns. No one can dispute the fact that the Kingdom is accelerating its position in the cultural field this year with a non-stop string of events; courtesy of Manama’s selection as the Capital of Arab Culture. The Kingdom is adding to its thriving cultural programme this month, with the return of the popular Bahrain Summer Festival. The 2012 edition bears the headline ‘Manama Capital of Joy’ and, as suggested, aims to bring a selection of joyous ways to spend your days and evenings this summer. This year’s entertainment will be held at Nakhool City, named after the festival’s mascot who symbolises Bahrain’s tradition, culture and Dilmun history. The specially-erected ‘city’ will hold activities every day of the event, including enjoyable and educational activities for children. Lego computer and art workshops, a puppet and photo camp, a dance and music programme and much more will be available to partake in every day of the month-long schedule. A wide variety of events are featured, each with the distinctive flavour of different countries and traditions. Aiming to cater to both international and local families, the festival’s programme will appeal to all ages and interest groups. Expect to see performances including song, dance, theatre and music, each entirely different from the last. The monthAlso this month
long excitement begins with Slava’s Snowshow; a theatrical production created and staged by Slava Polunin with arrangements from Slava and Gwenaël Allan. The production is a fusion of traditional and contemporary theatrical clowning arts combined with a beautifully crafted visual spectacle. The stunning finale will see a single snowflake transform into a snowstorm, which will leave you awestruck and ankle deep in snow! Having played to over three million people in more than 30 countries, the show has garnered worldwide acclaim and is tipped as an event not to be missed. The festival’s other top headliner is the hit Broadway show, The Sound of Music. As one of the best-loved musicals in history, everyone is familiar with the effervescent Von Trapp family and their timeless songs including ‘Edelweiss’, ‘My Favourite Things’ and ‘Climb Every Mountain’. The five-time Oscar-winning musical is relived by producers John Payton and Lucy Magee for Popular Productions LTD as they combine lavish costumes, a sumptuous set and a cast of the very best from London’s West End. Also included in the calendar is a extravaganza from flamenco dance group ‘Los Vivancos’, musical acts from Turkish flute player Omar Faruk and young talented Bahraini singer Hala Alturk; a hip hop show from Qusai ‘Don Legend the Kamelion’ in collaboration with Bahraini talents Flipperachi and DJ Outlaw, and a show titled ‘Wooden Circus’ from puppeteer Karromoto. E Call 80 008-089, visit www.bahrainsummer.bh. or facebook.com/BahrainSummer.
30 x Arts & Culture - 34 x Clubs & Societies - 36 x Teens & Kids - 38 x Sports & Recreation
Bahrain Summer Festival Events When? June 14-July 15 Event? Bahrain Summer Festival 2012 When? June 14-19 Event? Slava’s Snowshow When? June 15-July15 Event? Ben Nichols dance and music programme When? June 15-July15 Event? Puppet camp When? June 15-July15 Event? Lego computer workshops When? June 15-July15 Event? Story-based workshops and performances When? June 15-July15 Event? Arts and crafts activities When? June 21-22 Event? ‘Los Vivancos’ flamenco show When? June 26-29 Event? Karromoto puppet show When? June 30 Event? Omar Faruk flute performance When? July 3 Event? Hip Hop evening When? July 6 Event? Hala Alturk singing performance When? July 10-15 Event? The Sound of Music When? July 10-15 Event? Educational children’s workshops and activities
BTM June 2012 15
happeningsthismonth When? June onwards Event? Various Venue? Lost Paradise of Dilmun Get to the Kingdom’s biggest water park for new adventures this summer. E Visit www.lpodwaterpark.com.
When? June 16 | Event? Designer sale | Venue? Dilmun Club
Educate Yourself
When? June 2 Event? Charity walkathon Venue? Bahrain City Centre Sign up to do a little gentle exercise, whilst raising money for charity. E Call 39 132-102.
When? June 12 Event? Workshop Venue? Crowne Plaza Hotel Get success tips and pointers from human relations expert Allan Pease. E Call 36 048-699 or 39 986-580. When? June 14-July 14 Event? Summer activities Venue? Al A’ali Shopping Complex This mall will be bursting with activities, games, workshops and events this summer. E Call 17 581-000 or visit www. alaalicomplex.com.
When? June 14-July 15 Event? Bahrain Summer Festival 2012 Venue? Nakhool Centre, BIECC Catch exciting and unique performances, featuring song, dance, theatre and much more. E Visit www.bahrainsummer.bh. When? June 16 Event? Designer sale Venue? Dilmun Club Shop for fashion and home bargains at the BSPCA’s biannual sale. E Visit www.bspca.org. When? June 18-19 Event? Education exhibition Venue? BIECC If you are considering further education after high school, don’t miss this event. E Email edutex.bahrain@gmail.com. When? June 22 Event? Manama Singers concert Venue? Golden Tulip Hotel Sit back, relax and listen to some popular summer classics. E Visit www.manamasingers.com.
16 June 2012 BTM
Bargain Buys Get your elbows at the ready for the BSPCA’s designer day sale this month. The biannual extravaganza is guaranteed to be bursting with avid bargain hunters, so be sure to arrive early and get in the queue! Hundreds of donated items will be on sale at a fraction of their retail price, offering plenty of bargains and cheap buys. Shop for designer fashion goods including clothes for men, women and children, plus rummage through tables of handbags and shoes; there will also be household items available, all varieties of books, music and DVDs, and an area selling just jewellery. Everything will be sold at very affordable prices.
The sale lasts just two hours from 2pm-4pm; however, historically most items vanish before the first hour is up! Remember you can always donate more than the marked items priced, as all the money raised goes towards the shelter’s commendable efforts in helping animals in the Kingdom. Before the sale, feel free to donate any almost-new or good quality items that you have no need for — one man’s junk is another man’s treasure! Plus you can donate pet food into the drop-off point at Alosra supermarket. E Visit www.bspca.org.
When? June 8 | Event? Manama Singers concert | Venue? Golden Tulip Hotel
Sound of Music If you are a fan of singing, then the announcement of this event will be music to your ears! Bahrain’s most reputable singing group is holding its summer concert this month, which aims to be a summertime popular music experience. The event, which will start at 7.30pm in the Golden Tulip Hotel, will be titled ‘Happy Together’ and will feature a collection of summer favourites. You are guaranteed to be humming along to renditions of classics from Journey, Michael Jackson and Simon & Garfunkel, to name a few. This concert will boast over 50 singers to create the choir, as well as an orchestra. Michael Natzke will direct the performance, following the success of his last show held in March. E Visit www.manamasingers.com.
When? June 18-19 | Event? Education exhibition | Venue? BIECC
When? June 3-July 15 Event? Summer campaign Venue? Bahrain City Centre Get down to Bahrain’s biggest mall to enjoy offers and raffles. E Call 17 177-771.
The Bahrain Education and Training International Exhibition is back this month. Whether you are an exhibitor or a student, it’s an ideal chance for you to network and to see what options are available. The top educational colleges, universities and institutions from around the world will be gathered under one roof, to provide students with the education support needed. Exhibitors will be aiming to follow up with students on enquiries made in the March edition of the event. E Email edutex.bahrain@ gmail.com.
happeningsthismonth When? June onwards | Event? Various | Venue? Lost Paradise of Dilmun LOST PARADISE OF DILMUN
New Attractions, New Adventures Whilst anyone is welcome to visit Friday-Wednesday, ladies can exclusively enjoy themselves every Thursday evening as the park shuts its doors to men. Now in its fifth season, the weekly female-only evening is always a great success and even the staff will only be female. However, you can bring children under the age of 10 to join you. Ladies can also get fit at LPOD by partaking in the new Zumba nights. There are also Night Bazaars lined up, competitions to enter and you can get a quick and simple pedicure from the newly installed Fish Spa. Simply sit back, relax and let the Doctor fish do all the work as they nibble away at your feet to remove any dead skin. More new attractions include the Kiddie Karts, Zipline and the Inflatable Icebergs situated in the wave pool. A collection of fresh DJs are another new addition; an array of local ladies will be spinning the decks and will play a mixture of genres for all to enjoy. As some of the most budding local talents, they know how to make good music and keep the atmosphere vibrant. Other activities this June include the return of the Water Volleyball Tournament, which kicks off on June 9. This annual event sees companies from across the Kingdom battle it out in the water. A fun day out for staff members! If this sounds of interest then take note of a second waterbased sporting competition; the first Water Basketball Tournament will be launched this month and is set to make waves among the youth of Bahrain. June will end on an extreme high at LPOD, as it announces the start of the park’s largest event. The Summer Festival, dubbed by the team as “Your Amazing Summer Escapade 2012”, will continue for three weeks. Expect to see some incredible shows and performances, from both local and international artists. It’s an event not to be missed! E Visit www.lpodwaterpark.com.
The Kingdom’s largest water park is set to tempt you to visit more than once this year, as it unveils plenty of new rides and activities that you will definitely want to try out.
18 June BTM
Undoubtedly the best way to cool off in the summer heat is by launching yourself into the water at the Lost Paradise of Dilmun (LPOD). Bursting with dozens of rides, sandy beaches and plenty of dining options, it is easy to while away the hours with the whole family and friends. This month it seems there is no better time to visit, as the park welcomes a variety of new attractions and activities to entice you in with all of the enjoyment on offer.
fun
n o i h s a f
l a v i carn
Spend BD 50 to win Al Aali Gift vouchers and enjoy shopping while your kids indulge in exciting activities! This Summer, shop at any of our outlets to Instantly win Al Aali Gift Vouchers that you can redeem at any of our designer stores*. Also lined up is a host of fun activities, workshops, games and entertainment for your kids, making your summer shopping, one of a kind! Shop from June 14 – July 14, 2012 and enjoy the exciting rewards. *Terms & Conditions apply. Win your vouchers between Thursday to Saturday, from June 14 – July 14, 2012.
FUN FA SHION CARNIVAL
Tel.: 17 581000 www.alaalicomplex.com
happeningsthismonth
Shopping Fever All avid shoppers know the best time for bargain hunting is during the summer, when the stores are ripe with offers and promotions in all shapes and sizes.
If Bahrain is well-equipped with one thing, it must be shopping malls. In a country this hot the malls provide a refreshing escape and an opportunity to take in the many international and local styles, trends and products. Typically during the summer months our malls offer a range of inducements to find our way to their venues, whether it is promotions entertainment or activities for the kids.
BTM June 2012 21
happeningsthismonth
Bahrain City Centre
Al A’ali Shopping Complex Al A’ali remains is the place to go for affordable luxury; with the recent opening of new restaurants and retail outlets, you will be spoiled for choice. The complex features a host of renowned international, regional and local brands that offer high quality fashion and products. Don’t miss the special ‘Shop and Win’ promotion where shoppers can spend BD50 and win vouchers worth US$20,000. Among the soon to be opened outlets will be a high fashion Turkish brand, Ipekyol, and a unique make-up concept called Lash Bar. The mall will also see the expansion of the Pairs unit which boasts high-end designer shoes. E Call 17 581-000. Bahrain City Centre With more than 350 stores covering everything from food, fashion, games to appliances, this is Bahrain’s largest shopping centre. This summer, the mall will be hosting a special preview of the season’s top fashion trends and will also give shoppers a chance to win more than BD27,000 in water sports equipment. Don’t forget to visit the newly-opened Lipsy to get the perfect ‘London look’ and treat yourself to some delicious Italian cuisine at Vapiano. E Call 17 177-771. Moda Mall If you love designer labels, head down to Moda Mall for the latest designer styles and fashions. Located at the Bahrain World Trade Centre, the mall is also a great place for fine dining; dig into Italian at Bice, Japanese dishes at Maki or stop off at Abdulwahab for some Lebanese. For diamonds, jewellery, and all things that shine, De Beers, Christophi Jewellery, Chopard and the recently opened Tiffany & Co. are the stores to visit. Leading fashion boutiques include Valentino, Lanvin, Gucci and Dolce and Gabbana. E Call 17 535-140. Seef Mall Known for its family fun summer activities, this year there is a surprise lined up for everyone. The mall has been a long time favourite among shoppers and dinners especially with the exciting offers and promotions in store.
22 June 2012 BTM
Among the line-up of jewellery and accessories outlets are Damas, Devji Jewellery, Swarovski and Guess accessories. For fashion, you can rely on Mango, Zara, Forever21 and so much more. Ladies can also hit the salon after a long day of retail therapy at the recently opened Toni&Guy. E Call 17 582-888. The Bahrain Mall The Bahrain Mall has always pulled out all the stops when it comes to festive seasons. This Ramadan the mall is bringing amazing international acts to keep the kids entertained along with fun-filled indoor activities. Shopaholics can rest assured that the mall is bringing in the best bargains and sales on the latest summer trends. On offer is a range of fashion products including accessories, footwear, sports goods, fragrances, homeware, furnishings and electronics. Wind down after a days worth of shopping with the multinational dining options. E Call 17 558-100. The Jawad Dome/The Centre For exciting summer promotions don’t miss the Jawad Dome and The Centre’s summer bonanza. Get ready to stock up on your favourite fashion, footwear and furniture brands that are offering great summer sales. Grab a cup of coffee from Costa while you finish your shopping, get a quick bite to eat from Burger King or Papa John’s. For a family dining experience you can hit up the Great Kabab Factory at the Jawad Dome or Chili’s at The Centre. E Call 17 691-010 (The Dome) or 17 700-123 (The Centre). Yateem Centre Bahrain’s oldest mall keeps making us come back for more. You may not recognise the interior due to all of the renovations, but the comfortable, friendly feel is still there. Bursting with new outlets, shoppers can find a host of apparel brands, sportswear, dining and a number of stores for the kids. Yateem has also recently been a venue for innovation with their campaign to help young entrepreneurs set up shop. E Call 17 251-615.
happeningsthismonth When? June 3–July 15 | Event? Summer campaign | Venue? Bahrain City Centre
BAHRAIN CITY CENTRE
Summer Splash School is out and the summer holidays are here; head down to your favourite mall to beat the summer heat and enjoy a special summer campaign.
It’s all fun and games until the heat gets to you; to make your summer holidays all the more fun, Bahrain City Centre has launched a campaign that will make the humidity fly by. So, if you are looking for ways to cool off during the summer months then the Kingdom’s biggest shopping mall will surely give you a whirlwind adventure. The mall is hosting a six-week programme filled with family-friendly activities and a chance to win more than BD27,000 in water sports equipment. Ready, set, shop! There is nothing like spending the lazy summer days shopping away. Take advantage of the great summer sales throughout the mall and also get a chance to win some incredible prizes. Shoppers who spend BD25 at any store in the mall have the opportunity to win one of seven exciting water sports machines. The prize list includes one of four kids sea scooters, one jet ski, one limited edition jet ski and one grand prize of a fabulous 15 foot jet boat. So get shopping if you want to be a proud new owner of a summer-ready water sports machine. Keeping safety first, all the prizes will include life jackets for the lucky winners. Six weeks of fun Don’t want your children to be glued to the television this summer? Why not head to the Kingdom’s biggest indoor water park. While you are there, the Central Galleria will be hosting a special water-themed, interactive photo booth. You can print out your memories; invite your friends and family to get
24 June 2012 BTM
their photo taken with a fun summer theme. Every Sunday to Wednesday, the first 50 customers who have their photo taken will be given tickets to Wahooo! Waterpark – offering 1250 shoppers the ultimate water adventure in a temperature controlled climate. Also, keep your eyes open for the Wahooo! mascot ‘Squirtle’ who will make appearances to interact with children. Summer Camp Kids can also join in on a unique summer camp experience from July 1-12. Exciting activities will include a visit to Wahooo! Waterpark, cookie decorating and baking lessons along with trips to the malls indoor venues. Registration forms are available at the customer service desk; each camp will run for five days a week from 10:30am to 1:30pm. E Call 17 177-771.
bystanderthismonth
Indian Ambassador Dinner Reception HE Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador & Mala Kumar hosted a dinner reception for a number of friends at the Ambassador's residence in Saar
Padmanabham, Shailaja, Mala & HE Mohan Kumar
Dr Ravi Pillai & HE Mohan Kumar
Johanne & Andi
Mala, Irwin & Renuka
Mitesh, Ashalatha, Shantharam, Liz & HE Mohan Kumar
Shubha & Raj
Ron
Mala, Younis & Ingrid
Kiran & Mala
Rashmi
Dr Mansoor, Effat, Mala, HE Mohan Kumar, Rohit, Anita, Maria & Juzer
Ajay
BTM June 2012 25
AL A’ALI SHOPPING COMPLEX
More Reason to Shop Only one shopping centre incorporates art and design, music, children’s activities, games and, naturally shopping, into one summer bonanza. Al A’ali Shopping Complex kicks off its summer campaign this month, with a host of activities and promotions designed to make your shopping experience more enjoyable. Fashionistas finally have an excuse to get some serious shopping done as retailers offer deals on designer wear that you have only dreamt about. Spend BD50 this summer and you can win a gift voucher that can be used at any number of stores. And while you are shopping, the little ones can stay entertained with fun activities and games for all age groups. There’ll be various arts and crafts workshops, taught by professional artists who will share interesting tips and ideas to help kids create their own little masterpieces. Topics include decorative arts and crafts, calligraphy, music, cultural arts, food decoration, ceramic painting and a lot more. Naqsh Gallery presents a variety of events for all ages. Live demonstrations will develop artistic skills and a collection of musical performances should not be missed. Special weekend events are planned to for children; magic and puppet shows, as well as games featuring the Smurfs, Angry Birds, Sponge Bob, Barney and many more loved characters, will ensure the younger ones are kept entertained. All activities will run between 11am and 7pm from Saturday to Thursday and from 3pm to 8pm on Fridays. E Call 17 581-000 or visit www.alaalicomplex.com. THE BAHRAIN MALL
The Family Mall
Since its conception eleven years ago, The Bahrain Mall has grown to be a favoured shopping destination; look out for a special campaign this summer!
The Bahrain Mall is preparing a huge extravaganza for Ramadan next month, with a whole host of celebrations to get you in the festive mood. The mall is pulling out all the stops with a special ‘Summer Surprises’ campaign, involving activities and promotions for the whole family to enjoy. With more outlets slated to participate in this year’s celebrations than previous ones, shoppers can look forward to double the excitement. This new edition of the historically wellestablished campaign will run concurrently with the festive month of fasting so a special treat is lined up.
When? Ramadan | Event? Summer Surprises campaign | Venue? The Bahrain Mall
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When? June 14-July 14 | Event? Summer activities | Venue? Al A’ali Shopping Complex
happeningsthismonth
Already known as a venue popular with kids this will be even more obvious during Ramadan. Over the years the mall has been noted for hosting exciting performers from all over the world and this year is no different. A brand new line-up of artists eager to dazzle both kids and grown-ups has been arranged, with unique and never-before-seen performances. As always, children will also enjoy free treats of cotton candy and ice lollies during the Ramadan nights. If that isn’t enough reason to make you visit The Bahrain Mall you may be swayed by the promise of bargain shopping. On offer is a range of trendy fashion products including accessories, footwear, sports goods, fragrances, homeware, furnishings and electronics. And if all the late night shopping works up an appetite, visitors will also find a satisfying choice of multinational cuisine and great offers at the mall’s sprawling food court. E Call 17 558-100.
happeningsthismonth YATEEM CENTRE
Launching Ventures
Bahrain’s most long-standing shopping mall is determined to assist young entrepreneurs; providing decreased rent prices to establish a business with. Many don’t know that F W Woolworth started off with simply an idea that grew his business from a street handcart to one of the largest department stores in the world. For most of us, a business venture is only a grand dream. We may get the brightest of ideas, but the thought of the cost of implementing them is so daunting that we back away, put off by the risk of ongoing costs if things should go wrong. If you fall into this category, it may be worth your while talking to the Yateem Centre. Bahrain’s first shopping complex encourages young Bahrainis to launch their new ideas and concepts — by literally helping you ‘set up shop’. Yateem offers entrepreneurs who want to try out a novel scheme a year’s rent at half price. To top it off; there’s also an option to back out of the lease at any time, with just one month’s notice. “The Yateem Centre is Bahrain’s original air-conditioned commercial complex. As such, we have seen many companies grow with us and develop into leading lights within Bahrain,” says centre manager Andrew Petty. “We are keen to continue with this trend and help the next generation to develop their ideas and turn their dreams into mature businesses. It also helps the Yateem Centre by further developing the range of shops that you won’t find anywhere else in Bahrain.” E Call 17 215-615.
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Dutch National Day The Dutch Community in Bahrain and the Eastern Province held a reception to celebrate the Dutch National Day. The event was attended by Jaap W. Vaandrager, Netherlands' Honorary Consul, His wife Wendy Vaandrager, members of the Dutch community and invited guests. The reception was held at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa's poolside
Niels, Emilie, Jo & Severino
William, Mark, Herman & Jordi
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Jaap & Wendy Vaandrager (c) with members of the Dutch community
Carrie, Dan, Galiena, Jakob, Fiza & Tim
Tosin, Adriona, Francesco, Dwayne & Jillian
Hilda
Ann & Robert
Ina & Gerard
happeningsartsculture When? June 21 | Event? Poetry festival | Venue? Bahrain Fort
When? June 1-8 Event? Photography exhibition Venue? La Maison Jamsheer French photographer Arnaud Humbert will treat viewers to his take on the Arab world. E Call 17 683-295. When? June 1-16 Event? Shoe exhibition Venue? Moda Mall Unique and vintage footwear donated by famous faces will be showcased. E Call 17 533-532.
The Beauty of Verse Open yourself up to something new this month as a literary art form is showcased; a one-off poetry festival will see poets from around the region recite their works under the stars. If you know Keats from Wordsworth and Plath from Poe then this month’s largest literacy event is ideal for you. As the Manama Capital of Arab Culture 2012 brings poetry under the spotlight this month, one society celebrates with an evening of verse. The Second Circle poetry group, a sister group of the Bahrain Writers’ Circle, will organise the event with a large proportion of the 44 members getting involved. The event will showcase both local and international presentations on everything that is poetry. Expected to be one of the most important poetry events held this year, the ‘Colours of Life’ evening hopes to engage anyone who appreciates the art, and even those who don’t! So far, the large-scale event has got on board 15 poets from ten countries and the number of prepared poems has reached an astonishing 60. While this may seem an overload of poetry for one night, the presentations will be contained within a twoand-a-half-hour programme divided into two parts. “What we found most significant is the fact that every poem has been written by the person who will be saying it. And that is an applaudable achievement because the standards of writing is superb considering that many of those on stage had
30 June 2012 BTM
never previously considered themselves as poets,” says the event director, David Hollywood, a renowned poet. He has made it evident that it is not the poets who are important, but rather the audience who need to be entertained. “A lot of contrasts will be seen between style and method with an approximate 30 per cent of the poems being in Arabic while the rest will be in English,” he explains. As a resident poet for a number of publications, David himself has recently been appointed poetry editor for a new international online magazine called ‘The Word.’ He also contributed three pieces to the recently-published book, My Beautiful Bahrain. “The event’s location was chosen because of the fort’s significance as a reflection of the Kingdom’s deeply felt heritage and history. With the backdrop of the fort being lit up against the night sky and Manama silhouetted in the other direction, will surely make for a poetic scene. The only other influence that is hoped for is that the tide may be in, and then we may have the benefit of a slightly lapping sound in the background,” says David. Given that it will be held during a warm summer night, the organisers have arranged to have air coolers positioned all along the front of the fort where audiences and participants are located. The event is free and all our welcome to immerse themselves in each poet’s words — who knows, you may find you leave with a new hobby! E Call 39 207-624.
When? June 2-July 2 Event? Exhibition Venue? Al Riwaq Art Space Perryhan El-Ashmawi explores the effects of companionship in our lives. E Call 17 717-441. When? June 9-28 Event? Print exhibition Venue? World Beat Café Frances Stafford explores perceptions of reality in her mixed media exhibition. E Call 17 612-576. When? June 12-18 Event? Art exhibition Venue? Arts Centre Indulge in art from different backgrounds and medium. E Call 36 069-978. When? June 21-22 Event? Festival Venue? Bushido/Alliance Française Bahrain joins the rest of the world in celebrating music with a host of concerts. E Call 17 683-295. When? June 21 Event? Poetry event Venue? Bahrain Fort Enjoy an evening of literary readings from Bahrain’s finest poets. E Call 39 207-624.
The perfect venue for stretching your imagination & creativity with hands on exhibits and workshops that engage whole families together. Opening June 2012
S T U D I O S
happeningsartsculture When? June 2-July 2 | Event? Painting exhibition | Venue? Al Riwaq Art Space
When? June 9-28 | Event? Print exhibition | Venue? World Beat Café
‘Have you. Need you’ is a new exhibition reflecting Perryhan El-Ashmawi’s work. The young artist focuses her painted pieces around the themes of companionship, friendship, love and admiration. Each highlights an essential, and divine, feature of human life. The artist believes that blood-related or not, closeness developed with a certain person helps us grow, influencing every aspect of our personality. Perryhan was born in Bahrain in 1988 to Egyptian parents. She grew up with a strong desire to pursue art and, in 2009, attained a bachelor of arts in fine art from Concordia University in Montreal, majoring in painting and drawing. This exhibition is part of an annual programme in which young local artists in the early stages of their careers are encouraged to exhibit their works. This is closely related to Al Riwaq Art Space’s mission to support and nurture the local and regional art scene. E Call 17 717-441.
Conceptual Realisation Canadian artist Fran Stafford will be displaying her latest works under the title ‘M-Theory’. A selection of ink drawings, mixed media and video installation will be showcased. The artist reflects on her interest in perceptions and cognitions and the permuted construction of reality. Fran moved to Bahrain in 2010 and now works as an exhibition specialist with the Ministry of Culture. E Call 17 612-576.
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When? June 12-18 | Event? Art exhibition | Venue? Arts Centre
In the Name of Love
Embracing Diversity The American Women’s Association is hosting its fourth annual art exhibition featuring artists from all over the globe. The participating artists and photographers come from wildly differing backgrounds, with their cultural differences reflected in the displayed artworks. A wide variety of styles, subjects, and approaches, from realism to pure abstraction, are presented and all of the pieces will be on sale to raise funds in support of a local charity. E Call 36 069-978.
When? June 21-22 | Event? Music festival | Venue? Bushido Restaurant and Alliance Francaise
Music Day Fête de la Musique (Music Day) is a music festival held all over the world and the Kingdom will be hosting a number of special events to celebrate this. Renowned French sensation Eric Seva will be holding a concert on June 21 followed the next day by an exploration of music from all over the globe. E Call 17 683-295.
happeningsclubssocieties When? June 1 Event? Diamond Jubilee party Venue? The British Club Rejoice in the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s coronation. E Call 17 728-245.
When? June 12 | Event? Philippine National Day | Venue? Philippine Embassy
When? June 1 Event? Dinner party Venue? Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Join the Conservatives Abroad Bahrain at cocktail dinner party. E Call 39 470-274. When? June 1 Event? Theatre production Venue? Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam The drama ‘Tippuvinte Archa’ is sure to enthrall the audience. E Call 36 421-369. When? June 2 Event? Diamond Jubilee street party Venue? Dilmun Club Celebrate the Queen’s long reign with day of fun by the pool. E Call 17 690-926. When? June 5, 12, 19 and 26 Event? Various Venue? Bahrain Garden Club Learn how to process dates, make jam and arrange fruit. E Call 17 727-625. When? June 7 Event? Live band performance Venue? Dilmun Club Enjoy the rockin’ sounds of Hard Candy, live in Candles. E Call 17 690-926. When? June 10 Event? Football tournament final Venue? Indian Club Catch the final match of this fivea-side competition. E Call 36 702-992 or 39 644-351. When? June 11 Event? Awards ceremony Venue? Royal Golf Club Awards will be given to distinguishable members of the American Women’s Association. E Visit www.awabahrain.org. When? June 12-15 Event? ‘See How They Run’ production Venue? The British Club Bahrain’s resident acting circle is back with a classic comedy. E Email manamatheatreclub@ gmail.com. When? June 15 Event? Diamond Jubilee quiz Venue? Rugby Club Get together with friends to win this Queen-themed quiz! E Call 17 695-809. When? June 29 Event? Diamond Jubilee street party Venue? Rugby Club Enjoy a traditionally British street party with family entertainment. E Call 17 695-809.
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The Bahrain Philippine Business Council
Spreading the Word Alison Coldridge Filipinos will be out in force this month to celebrate their national day; they also have their very own business council, as well, to promote trade and investment. This month features one of the most significant dates in the Philippines’ history, as the country celebrates its independence from the Spanish rule on June 12, 1898. Filipinos worldwide pay homage to this occasion, and this is no different in Bahrain. The Bahrain Philippine Business Council has now been in action for five years, with Nestor S Ballano as the president for four of these years. The council has, naturally, made plans for this important date. “We will be commemorating the day with a sign of how strong our community is here in Bahrain,” says Nestor. “There will be a gathering at the Embassy where all are welcome to attend and join in the jubilations. Also during the month there will be a presentation showcasing projects from a Philippine developer for those who wish to invest in the real estate business,” he continues. The council was established to embody Filipino ideals and aspirations. “We wanted to create the atmosphere of unity, cooperation, brotherhood, especially in entrepreneurial pursuits among members,” he says. “The objective has always been to strengthen trade and commerce between both countries and to
strengthen the economic, civil and social welfare of its duly registered members.” By facilitating and organising meetings between business executives and officials, a platform is created to encourage the free exchanges of ideas between both the Kingdom and the Philippines. Currently, the council has 18 founding members and two advisers, but any individual directly or indirectly engaged or interested in trade, commerce, or the economic and social welfare of the council can become involved. On a monthly basis you will find members involved in trade fairs and exhibitions, and conferences, workshops and seminars — all to benefit the members of the organisation and its clients. Some of the services that Nestor and his colleagues provide include providing marketing consultancy to its members, offering legal services and to encourage Filipinos to invest both in Bahrain and in their home country. “We are also focused on encouraging our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and members to attend and participate in our awareness drive on entrepreneurship and financial literacy,’ divulges Nestor. “We will be holding seminars, workshops and conferences on how to benefit from investment schemes and to ultimately improve every Filipino individual here in Bahrain and in the Philippines.” E Call 36 191-221 or 17 545-550.
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Enjoy your summer with our new attractions & activities, as LPOD brings the slides, the waves & the splash for that summer season to remember!
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happeningskidsteens When? June 27-30 | Event? Theatre production | Venue? British School of Bahrain
The Circle of Life cast rehearsal
Hakuna Matata! One of Disney’s most-loved stories roars into action this month; expect an evening of laughter, adventure and heartfelt life lessons as young actors perform the classic tale. After producing sell-out shows of Oliver, Wizard of Oz, Bugsy Malone and Annie, the creative group Music and Stage for Kids company (MASK) are now taking on the world’s most famous lion. The theatrical company is performing The Lion King this month, through a mix of music, acting, video, dance and song. “We wanted to do a musical that wasn’t your average school production and something that both the audience and the kids involved would enjoy. I think for young people it is important to have a show that isn’t just funny but has a great story and exciting action, to accompany the amazing music,” says the show director, Rory Adamson. Titled The Circle of Life, the production will follow the life of Simba, a lion cub and heir to the throne of the Pridelands. Simba’s journey is unravelled after his father’s death and his uncle’s betrayal. For those of us who considered the cub as their favourite Disney character, this show will be a jog down memory lane but with exciting twists and turns. The actors and actresses bring the turbulence to life as the death of Mufasa is followed by the exile of Simba and his fight back into his kingdom to defeat his uncle Scar. Along the way, as we all know, Simba falls for his childhood friend Nala.
36 June 2012 BTM
Mangy hyenas, noble lionesses and the fan favourite and magical tribeswoman Rafiki also play pivotal roles. “The Circle of Life is a story about life, growing up and facing your responsibilities. The story, while comic, has some very serious drama between the different characters and ultimately isn’t a tame show about animals. The audience will experience large-scale movement and drama within the music and will hopefully go away each with their own version of the story’s meaning to them,” explains Rory. Of course, bringing such a great production to life is not an easy feat. Having started work for the production in March, the directing team auditioned over 100 children, which proved to be a challenge. “Managing such a large cast presented to be difficult. We are building from scratch a performance venue and re-imagining many aspects of the production,” says the director. Similar to all of MASK’s previous productions, special attention has been given to the staging and costumes. In fact, the entire wardrobe is individually tailored to each performer. Rory and the cast were particularly excited about the staging — details of which they plan to keep under wraps — and promise that it will be unlike anything seen before both in scale and audience experience. “As a director the whole experience is shaped by the stage and in The Circle of Life’s staging is a very exciting part of this performance,” he concludes. E Call 39 55-973.
When? June 3 Event? Art exhibition Venue? British School campus Student’s work will be on display at the school’s annual exhibition. E Call 39 656-856. When? June 4-6 and June 8-9 Event? Football try-outs Venue? Bahrain Football Association AuditionS for VIVA Manchester United Soccer Schools. E Visit www.bahrainfootball.org. When? July 5 Event? School’s out disco Venue? Dilmun Club School has finished for the year, meaning it’s time to party! E Call 17 690-726. When? June 9 Event? Reading event Venue? Seef Mall Encourage your kids to learn English in a fun atmosphere. E Call 17 266-169. When? June 16 Event? Family fun day Venue? Dilmun Club Take the kids along to enjoy a magic show, face painting and much more. E Call 17 690-926. When? June 27-30 Event? Theatre production Venue? British School of Bahrain Sing along to a production of the classic musical The Lion King. E Call 39 955-973.
happeningssportsrecreation When? June 6 | Event? Expat football league final | Venue? British School of Bahrain
When? June 1 Event? Hockey tournament Venue? St Christopher’s School Cheer on local hockey teams as they compete in the first game of the season. E Visit www.facebook.com/ bahrainhockeyassociation. When? June 6 Event? Expat football league final Venue? British School of Bahrain If you are a football fan, don’t miss the tensest match of the season. E Call 17 728-245 or 36 632-138. When? June 6 Event? Squash tournament final Venue? The Ritz-Carlton Hotel The Bahrain Open Squash Tournament 2012 faces its final matches. E Call 17 589-380.
British Club 1664
One Determined Goal Alison Coldridge This month sees the completion of a well-known football league as the top teams of the season battle it out on the pitch to win the ultimate prize — the tournaments cup. As one of the world’s most popular sports, it’s no surprise that football is a favourite for many budding athletes here in the Kingdom. This month sees the final of one such competition — the adrenaline-fuelled expat league, which boasts a trio of competitions. “Each team has the chance of winning up to three of the separate competitions that make up the tournament. In the league each team plays each other and the one with the most points is declared the champion,” explains one of the competing teams’ captains, Dave Good. “The bottom teams qualify for the plate and the top four teams do battle for the cup. Now in its fourth year, the 2011/12 league involves 11 teams, including my own team, the British Club 1664. We have 15 superb players signed on the books, all which have had the chance to play in the eight-a-side league.” The British Club 1664 is proud of its high success rate and has hopes to win this year’s final. “We have done ourselves proud as a founder member of the league and have already enjoyed a winning season. Previously
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we have won the plate twice, been runners up in the cup final last year and runners-up in the league this year — hopefully we can boast a cup final win on June 6!” Dave says. “Following the final matches, all participants are invited to attend the end of season ceremony, normally held at the Dilmun Club. The trophies for league, plate and cup winners will be presented at this occasion and there are additional trophies given to the best player on each team, the best player throughout the season and the top goal scorer,” says Dave. Following the end of the league, the teams will be rewarded with a much-needed rest over the summer months. “Pre-season training will begin in early September in preparation for the new season. The British Club 1664 welcomes new members each season; if you are looking for a fun and competitive way to stay fit and agile then come along for try-outs,” entices Dave. Any expat over the age of 25 is welcome to join, however spaces are limited as the team can only accept 16 players at one time. Currently, the team does not compete regionally but there are hopes to change this. “While we only play in Bahrain at this moment in time, we are looking at friendly matches further afield in the near future,” he says. “We are a highly competitive team and take both our training and matches seriously to acquire goals!” E Call 17 728-245 or 36 632-138.
When? June 12 Event? Friendship tennis game Venue? Bahrain Tennis Club E Call 17 729-561. When? June 15-17 Event? Arab Volleyball Association vote Venue? Gulf Hotel Three days of meetings will see who will be elevated to president of the club. E Visit www.volleyb.tripod.com. When? June 21-28 Event? Charity tournament Venue? The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Employees will take to the cricket pitch to raise money for charitable causes. E Call 17 586-411 or 17 586-903.
When? June 22 Event? Golf competition Venue? Royal Golf Club All can take part to be named winner of the TaylorMade Summer Open. E Call 17 750-777.
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Bahrain Science Centre
Science is Fun! A new destination for family entertainment and childhood learning has recently opened in the Kingdom, providing a platform to discuss, engage in and advance the field of science.
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The Kingdom has added a new educational facility to the map with the opening of the Bahrain Science Centre (BSC) — the brightly coloured building in Isa Town that will definitely have caught your eye. The centre aims to engage young minds in the world of science and encourage them to search, unearth and discover through interactive displays, games and exhibitions. Spread over three floors, 50 different interactive concepts are presented. Visitors can experience educational play in the six galleries; ‘Keeping Kids Healthy’, ‘Test Your Skills’, ‘Our Dynamic Earth’, ‘Biodiversity’, ‘Travelling Exhibition Hall’ and the ‘Discovery Room’. Each gallery is filled with activities and sub-categories stemming from the room’s title. The Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development has appointed MTE Studios to run the BSC, as the company has extensive expertise in science centre and museum operations and management. A recently completed project has been the development of the Museum of Science and Technology in Islam, at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia. The company has been assigned to operate the facility for 2012 and 2013; “We are delighted to be awarded this contract as we believe that a science centre will contribute strongly to the Ministry’s social development programmes,” says the CEO of MTE Studios, Ludo Verheyen. Although Bahrain’s first venue of this type, science centres are not new to the region and similar facilities can be found in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Sharjah and Yemen.
“It has been shown worldwide that this is one of the most effective ways to bring science and technology into the mainstream of society and to subsequently strengthen a country’s science culture,” adds Ludo. BSC will target school groups in the mornings during school terms, and families in the afternoons, on weekends and during school holidays. Children from as young as three are expected to benefit from the facility and up to 80 visitors can attend at any one time. “The centre isn’t just about science, though. It is about fun, innovation, discoveries, inventions, crafts, developing your talents and life skills, starting new hobbies and becoming a smart citizen,” Ludo explains. Plans for the foreseeable future include science shows, talks, debates, demonstrations, dissections, workshops and stargazing. A further aim is to offer interschool competitions, excursions to places of scientific interest and camping trips. E Visit www.social.gov.bh.
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bystanderthismonth
Chinese Ambassador Farwell Party HE Yang Weiguo, Chinese Ambassador & Wang Yanfen hosted a farewell party prior to their departure from Bahrain. The event was attended by HE Samira Rajab, Minister of State for Information Affairs, HE Abdulla Abdullatif, Foreign Ministry Under-Secretary, government officials, diplomats & VIPs. The farewell was held at the Al Dana Hall, Gulf Convention Centre, Gulf Hotel
Wang Yanfen, HE Samira Rajab & HE Yang Weiguo
Wang Yanfen, HE Yang Weiguo, Wilson & Tina
Sukma & Agus Salim, Charge d'Affaires, Indonesian Embassy
Chen, Yang & Liu
HE Taha, Mohammed Abdul Qadir, Palestinian Ambassador & HE Yang Weiguo
Michel, Wang Yanfen & HE Yang Weiguo
HE Nejib Senoussi, Algerian Ambassador, Fayzeh & Nejib
HE Mohammed Siraj, Jordanian Ambassador
HE Jauhar Saleem, Pakistani Ambassador
Ada, Guo, HE Yang Weiguo, Manuela, Fares, Manni, Wang Yanfen & Chen
Wang Yanfen, Mala Kumar, HE Yang Weiguo & HE Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador
Lee, Jean, Wang, HE Yang Weiguo, Huang & Helen
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HE Abdulla Abdullatif
Chen & Zheng
Wong
Enjoy watching the games Euro 2012 Soccer Madness from June 8 to July 1, 2012. Watch LIVE games at The Exchange Restaurant & Pub • Enjoy National dishes from your favorite Euro teams • WIN exciting prizes!
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AWA Spring Ball The American Women’s Association (AWA) hosted it's first Spring Ball at the Al Noor Ballroom, Ritz Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa last month. The event was attended by HE Thomas Krajeski, US Ambassador, AWA members and guests Margaret, Tosin & Liz
Joe & Jeanice
Corinne, Bonnie, HE Thomas Krajeski & Yves
Mark & Kaoru
Doris & Panos
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Bonnie & HE Thomas Krajeski
William & Hilde
Yanni, Lisa, Alan, Beverley, Chris, Jarna & Valerie
Julia, Ashraf, Irina & Fadi
Jacob & Jaclynn
Greg, Robyn, David, Rosa, Kelly & Matthew
Bjarne, Armi & David
Eleonora, Mandi, Corry, Maya & Steve
Reinhold, Ilona, Klaus & Karin
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Rugby Club End of Season Gala Ball Bahrain Rugby Football Club (RFC) in Saar held its annual End of Season Gala Ball at the Bahrain Conference Centre, Crowne Plaza Bahrain. The ball was part of the activities lined up by the club which was celebrating its 40th Anniversary last month
Yvonne & Katy
Bazz, Moya, Eibhlin & Jonty
Jane & Graham
Colin, Bob, Kathy & Wendy
Alex & Helen
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Clive & Donna
Monica & Rob
Nick, Alan & James
Bryon & Floss
Liz & Brian
Angela, Kay & Audrey
Rod, Nikki, Louise & Andy
Docherty & Nicky
Ashley & Claire
Sorrell
Paul & Ruth
Elaine & Jo
Jo & Paul
Erkan & Tugce
bystanderthismonth
Rotary Club Of Manama Six-A-Side Charity Football The Rotary Club of Manama held its annual six-a-side charity football competition last month at the Bahrain Rugby Club. The event was aimed to raise funds to support Bahraini children with diabetes
Robert & Raj
Abdulla & Robert
The organising committee
Khalid, Mohammed, Hamad, Khalid & Mohammed
Salman, Hassan, Mohammed, Michael & Faisal
Kishore, Sandra, Poonam & Bob
Dana & Hadeel
Yasmin, Clare, Kaye & Mandy
Samantha, Louisa & Matthias
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Othman
The Kick-off Academy team
Joy, Dr Hala, Maven & Bonevie
Adam, Seb & Brad
Ruqia
businessthismonth
Dragon City signing ceremony between Diyar Al Muharraq and various Chinese delegates
A Cultural Development Bahrain is set to transport shoppers and businessmen to the Far East with a large-scale and thematic retail destination, planned to be created in the next few years. A new retail and commercial complex is to be built in Diyar Al Muharraq, adding to the development of both Bahrain’s economical and cultural sectors. Named ‘Dragon City’, the venture is envisaged as a Chinese themed retail shopping destination. The announcement was made last month by Diyar Al Muharraq, following an agreement signed with the China Middle East Investment and Trade Promotion Centre (Chinamex). Construction is planned to begin in September 2014 and will cover a property of 102,000 square metres. The area will be beautifully landscaped with ample greenery and water features and will include amenities such as car parks and other services providing a holistic experience for visitors. The Chinese theme will feature prominently, with coffee shops, restaurants and retail and commercial enterprises all featuring cultural architecture and aspects. Dragon City expands bilateral cooperation between Bahrain and China, with a significant push towards increasing economic and cultural exchanges in the future expected. Dragon City hopes to entice Chinese enterprises and businessmen who seek to sell their products and services in Bahrain, as well as attracting both local residents and international visitors. Also this month
50 x Entrepreneur - 53 x Energy
“This agreement is the crowning moment that has followed discussions and detailed exchange of views and ideas between our company and the senior delegation of Chinese investors led by Hao Feng, chairman of Chinamex,” says Abdul Hakim Al Khayyat, chairman of Diyar Al Muharraq. “In view of this remarkable achievement, we can now look forward to reaping the fruits of the seeds that we have sowed. Our relations with our Chinese colleagues will bring forth many rich and productive benefits,” he added. The chairman believes the project’s benefits to the national economy to be manifold, as the site is expected to attract more than half a million visitors a year. The property development sector should be greatly encouraged as a result of this venture; but the most significant contribution is the creation of many new jobs both during the construction period and once the ‘city’ is operational. And this isn’t all Diyar Al Muharraq has planned. “This is just one of the numerous investment projects that we will sign in the future, and we are confident that investors and the nation will be pleased to see what is in store,” says Aaref Hejres, CEO of Diyar Al Muharraq. “Bahrain has enjoyed a reputation as a trading and financial hub for the region for centuries, and we are pleased that this initiative with this respected partner will further enrich our business-friendly and multicultural society.” E Visit www.diyar.bh.
Cash Convenience
Tala Island ATM
Tala Island now boasts Citibank’s second ATM machine in Amwaj Islands, providing a conveniet access point for residents of the area to withdraw money. With this new installation, Citibank now has 20 ATM interspersed across Bahrain. In addition, the bank also has three branches in operation that provide direct services to citizens and residents six days a week; one of the branches is located at The Lagoon Park on Amwaj Islands as well. The bank also recently launched its Citi Mobile service, offering customers a simple and secure way to view their account information, transfer funds, pay bills and view foreign exchange rates.
BTM June 2012 49
businessentrepreneur
xxxxx A five year-old car looks different in Bahrain than it does in other parts of the world. Even the black paint acquires a different tint here “Everything we use comes from nature; there’s no artificial dyes or chemicals that might harm the upholstery,” he says. Their crystal peeling treatment is akin to a facial massage with chocolate, where the car is fully covered in chocolate concentrate, which is then followed by waxing and polishing. The polish applied on upholstery is made from banana concentrate, while the shampoo used to clean dashboards contains coconut extracts. Such is the emphasis on quality ingredients that the polish used in the Vintage Package is rich in carnauba wax sourced from Brazilian rainforests, a can of which costs over BD10,000! While luxury car treatments under the Vintage Package may hover around BD250 a month, the basic cleaning packages starts at BD40 monthly. Besides tapping into their respective social circles, the team has leveraged social media, with viral marketing campaigns on Facebook and Twitter to popularise the concept in Bahrain.
Buoyant on growth
Mohammed Al Yaqoob
For the Love of Cars With his newly minted AutoSpa concept, Mohammed Al Yaqoob hopes to change the way we care for our cars in Bahrain.
50 June 2012 BTM
Bahrain may be home to countless car aficionados, but the weather here is anything but kind to our prized automobiles. The harsh weather conditions, involving dust, heat and humidity, coupled with the saline water, take their toll on the finish of every car. “A five year-old car looks different in Bahrain than it does in other parts of the world. Even the black paint acquires a tint here. Given these conditions, washing with traditional soaps and cleaning solutions may be very harsh and abrasive,” says Mohammed Al Yaqoob, co-founder, Autospa Bahrain. The 23 year-old business management graduate ventured into the car care segment, along with partners Abdulla-Al Hamer, Yousif Juma and Salman Fakhro, after realising that the Northern Governorate had no such facility to service expatriates living in Saar and Budaiya areas. AutoSpa was launched in July 2010. More than cleaning, the emphasis is on car detailing, using niche products that are wholly natural.
The unrest and subsequent slump last summer was severe enough to drive the team out of business, had it not been for AutoSpa Direct, their mobile service, which helped them stay afloat. In recent months, however, Mohammed has seen the tide turning. “People have now decided that they want to go out, no matter what. We’ve seen business picking up in recent months,” he says. AutoSpa recently won a award for being one of the top performing start-up businesses in the region. Going forward, Mohammed would like to expand AutoSpa Direct as a selfsustaining division. He’s also aiming to open another shop in Bahrain, this time targeting top-notch car dealerships in the Kingdom. Furthermore, the group is looking to expand in the GCC over the next two to five years, with interest received from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. “We have friends and contacts all over the GCC; they will provide the support to kick-start the business, just as they did in Bahrain,” he hopes. Over the coming months, AutoSpa is readying to launch some new services such as customised car wrapping, paintless dent removal and headlamp restoration to correct yellowing and blurry headlights. “Our success, despite the economic climate, so far proves that there’s a demand in the car care segment and we intend to expand and capitalise on that,” he believes.
energyfeature
Securing the Future It’s been seven years since Bahrain restructured the management of its entire oil, gas, refining and petrochemicals industries. Since then, efforts to revive the Awali oilfield have been spearheaded by Tatweer Petroleum, Nogaholding's (the investment arm of the National Oil and Gas Authority) joint venture with Occidental Petroleum of the US and UAE’s Mubadala Development Company in 2009. Dr Mirza hopes this initiative will triple the crude production to 100,000 barrels of oil per day and double the domestic gas production to 2.7 billion cubic feet per day by 2024. As part of its mandate to secure these energy requirements, the Kingdom’s oil and gas sector is bustling with ambitious undertakings that will see investments of over US$24 billion over the next 24 years. Of this, US$15 billion will be invested by foreign companies in the development of Bahrain’s onshore fields alone, while the rest will be spent on offshore exploration and expansion of downstream units as new infrastructure to shore up crude and gas supply. Dr Mirza is optimistic that this investment will reignite growth in the Bahrain economy. “With rapid strides in technology, while the immediate employment opportunities may not be so vast, it will definitely have a significant impact on the economy. Contractors will have around 3,000 to 4,000 employees working for them on the field; GPIC alone will have to hire between 1,000 to 2,000 people when it commences the expansion of the new plant,” he believes.
Dr Abdul Hussain Ali Mirza
On the 80th anniversary of its first oil discovery, Bahrain is investing heavily in developing facilities even as it breathes new life into its ageing oilfields.
Oil was discovered at the Bahrain Awali fields exactly 80 years ago, on June 1, 1932, the strike coming at the very first drilling attempt. The first shipment carrying crude oil sailed from Bahrain’s shores bound for Japan in 1934. In many ways, this ‘jubilee year’ marks a landmark for the Kingdom’s oil and gas sector. For instance, Tatweer Petroleum has extracted two new grades of crude from the Awali oilfield for which, commercial production will commence in the near future. “It’s remarkable, given that in the past an oilfield was not considered to last beyond 50 to 70 years. With the enhanced oil recovery, the Kingdom’s output is now 45,000 barrels per day, an increase of almost 50 per cent over the pre-Tatweer period,” says Minister of Energy Dr Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza. This 15,000 barrels per day (BPD) increase over the previous production of level of 30,000 BPD is quite significant, he believes, and can even be equated with a new oil discovery, considering that new oil discoveries usually yield somewhere between 2,000 to 5000 barrels per day.
Offshore initiatives In a significant move that generated much excitement in 2008, Bahrain allotted four offshore blocks covering nearly 8,000 square kilometres to international exploration players, three to Occidental Petroleum (OXY) of the US and one to PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP) of Thailand. To complement its earlier offshore initiatives, the government signed up OXY last year for deep gas exploration and production activities drilling to a depth of 15,000-20,000 feet. The company is now conducting geological studies to finalise the deep drilling locations and will drill the first well by mid2013. The first exploratory phase will be completed by 2015. Dr Mirza is optimistic that partnering with technologically advanced and experienced players will augment the likelihood of a successful find and believes it’s a “win-win formula” for Bahrain. Downstream expansion A bulk of opportunities in the oil and gas industry lie in the expansion of petrochemical facilities into the profitable downstream business, believes Dr Mirza. Bahrain is considering various initiatives in this direction and will explore their economic viability through feasibility studies.
BTM June 2012 53
businessenergyfeature Bahrain is in the final stages of replacing the ageing pipeline carrying crude from Saudi Arabia and has established a route as it awaits approvals. This is part of its vision to create a refinery that is a world leader and extremely competitive. Bapco’s ambitious master-plan for modernisation of its refinery and increasing capacity from the existing 260 barrels per calendar day (bpcd) to 450 bpcd envisages an investment of between US$8 to US$ 10 billion. Dr Mirza hopes the refinery expansion can be completed by 2019 and that the new grades of crude from Awali fields can be processed at this facility. “With its enhanced capabilities, the refinery master-plan will open new opportunities for the addition of downstream value creation through the addition of petrochemical plants. We’re evaluating this at the moment with assistance from a consultancy firm and the results look promising,” he says. On the petrochemicals front, GPIC has completed a feasibility study for a mega Ammonia-Urea plant as part of its 2020 strategic expansion plan at a cost of around $1.5 billion. Work on the new plant is expected to take off soon. NOGA has entered into a joint venture with Norwegian IM Skaugen to form a petrochemical shipping company Skaugen Gulf specialising in olefin, gas and LPG marine transportation to serve the GCC petrochemical industry. Another joint initiative of NOGA along with Bapco and Finnish operator Nestle Oil has resulted in the birth of Bahrain Lube Base Oil Company, which will produce up to 400,000 metric tonnes per year (mtpy) of high quality lubricating base oils. While there are many projects in the pipeline in the downstream sector, the main constraint lies in the availability of land. “We’re ready to move to the downstream projects, but we need more land for all our plans. That has become a major concern,” says the minister. Human capital Besides investing in development of energy resources, Bahrain will have to address the requirement of a skilled workforce if it is to emerge as the regional hub for oil and gas. Dr Mirza is well aware of the problem. “At NOGA, we’re vigorously pursuing the 2030 vision and our companies spend upwards of BD10 million annually on training staff to attain the skills necessary to run the Bahrain economy of tomorrow,” he says. To further develop co-operation between industry and academics as well as leverage on research and technology, NOGA signed up with Arabian Gulf University last month. “In addition to applying research in new biotechnologies into refining, we hope the university will provide the environment for the development of a new generation of Bahraini technologists and researchers,” he says. Meeting gas needs Alongside the expansion of its economy, the Kingdom’s demand for gas has risen consistently by 3.5 per cent annually over the past decade. On an average, Bahrain consumes around 1.45 billion standard cubic feet (bscf) of gas daily, but during the peak demand periods, this figure soars about 35 per cent higher, primarily to fulfil requirements such as power generation.
54 June 2012 BTM
xxxxx It’s remarkable, given that in the past an oilfield was not considered to last beyond 50 to 70 years. With the enhanced oil recovery, the Kingdom’s output is now 45,000 barrels per day, an increase of almost 50 per cent over the recent past production levels
Renewable energy With energy conservation ranking high on NOGA’s strategic plans, there’s a compelling need to explore cleaner energy resources. In its quest for alternative energy, Bahrain has been pursuing both solar and wind power initiatives. Talks for solar power are at a more advanced stage and NOGA, along with Bapco will shortly sign up with American firm Petrasolar to develop a 5 MW pilot plant at the Awali township and possibly at the University of Bahrain campus at Sakhir. If the project is successful, solar power generation will be expanded to other locations in the Kingdom. A study by Japanese consultants has confirmed that wind velocity at the Bapco refinery is sufficient to generate power. NOGA has now commissioned a German firm to identify the locations where pilot projects for wind power can be set up. In addition to this, Bahrain will shortly commission a centre for renewable energy and energy conservation, says Dr Mirza. It will be manned by experts from Bahrain and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). While the concept of renewable energy is gaining momentum worldwide, the minister estimates that for Bahrain, it will account for only about 10 percent of the Kingdom’s total energy resources. “The cost factor to renewable energy is quite significant. When compared with gas, generation cost per unit from solar power is much higher,” he observes. NOGA, however, remains committed to the environment having spent around US$1 billion over the past decade towards the development of unleaded gasoline and ultra low sulphur diesel as well as reduction of environmental emissions.
Dr Mirza estimates that gas demand will continue to rise over 3 per cent annually over the next ten years as industrial users such as Alba, Bapco and GPIC ramp up their operations. Besides its agreement with Russia’s Gazprom for supply of natural gas, the Kingdom is exploring other sources of supply. One of these involves building an LNG terminal to receive imported gas and a pipeline network to supply end users, an arrangement the Kingdom is very keen on. “Nine bids were received for the LNG terminal and are being evaluated at the moment. We expect that the contract for building the terminal and associated infrastructure will be awarded during this jubilee year,” says Dr Mirza.
Concern for conservation Also holding charge of water and electricity within his energy portfolio, Dr Mirza feels the Kingdom has benefited since plugging into the GCC shared electricity network. “We’ve managed to reduce power outages significantly. With the GCC grid, we have access to five of the six national power networks in event of any shortage. In case of emergency, we can draw up to 600 MW from the shared grid,” he observes. On the power generation front, there is no cause for worry as the Kingdom now has a surplus since the commissioning of US$2.1 billion Al Dur private power plant. The plant has capacity to generate up to 4,000 MW, exceeding the Kingdom’s present consumption of 3,000 MW. However, significant bottlenecks exist on the transmission front, in the form of unauthorised loads, rampant digging by realtors damaging cables along with an ageing distribution network that lead to losses. The government is spending around US$27 million to strengthen distribution stations, while the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) has commissioned eight substations to strengthen its distribution network across the island. A bigger cause for concern is Bahrain’s enormous appetite for water, consuming 151 million gallons per day. “Our water consumption is one the highest in the world and a significant amount of this is wasted. This has substantial impact on our resources as well as on the environment. Going forward, we have to disseminate many more messages on energy and water conservation,” he says.
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Get in touch with us P.O.Box 1197, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: 17 50 60 00, Fax: 17 50 02 02 Email: info@invita.com.bh Website: www.invita.com.bh
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BTM June 2012 55
businessenergyfeature
BAPCO
Dominant Player The name ‘Bapco’ is a familiar one: the oil and gas company was the first to discover oil in the Arabian Peninsula in 1932, and started exporting in 1934 and refining in 1936.
56 June 2012 BTM
Bapco, which is wholly owned by the Kingdom, has helped shape the modern Bahrain, not simply through the generation of wealth, but through the development of Bahrain’s manpower. Many of these highly skilled and sought-after elite now occupy senior positions in government and industry. Dealing in refining, distribution of petroleum products and natural gas, sales and exports of crude oil and refined products, the company is undoubtedly a large-scale operation. It owns 260,000 barrel-a-day refinery, storage facilities for more than 14 million barrels, a marketing terminal, and a marine terminal for its petroleum products. 95 per cent of refined products are exports. A range of products are manufactured, including liquefied petroleum gas, naphtha, gasoline, kerosene, aviation turbine fuel, ultra low sulphur diesel, heavy lube distillate, fuel oil and asphalt. Bapco operates the Bahrain Refinery, one of the most important in the Middle East and the oldest in the GCC. Over 260,000 barrels of crude oil are refined every day. About onesixth of this crude originates from Bahrain Field, the remainder is pumped from Saudi Arabia in pipelines extending 54 km reaching the north-west coastline of Bahrain. The crude oil is sold to world markets and petroleum products are distributed both locally and internationally. Aviation fuel is also supplied to and sold at the Bahrain International Airport, through an affiliate — The Bahrain Aviation Fueling Company, in which Bapco is a 60 per cent shareholder. The company also provides the full requirements of natural gas to the power generating plants and other industries in the country.
Green considerations Protection of the environment continues to be a major focus of Bapco’s policy. In line with best practice, an EHS policy has been created that integrates the functions of occupational health, industrial safety and environment. A founder member of the Regional Clean Sea Organisation, the company remains at the forefront of technical expertise in oil spill response. A clearly set out policy, a range of protective clothing and equipment, full training and strict monitoring form Bapco’s ongoing commitment to the prevention and control of accidents and emergencies. Going forward Bapco is pressing ahead with its ambitious human resource management programme to ensure that the skills of its workforce match the technological and business demands of this era. In addition, its scholarship and sponsorship schemes support more than 300 students in higher education both here in Bahrain, and abroad. E Call 17 704-040.
bystanderthismonth
James' 5th Birthday Party James celebrated his 5th birthday with parents Bless & David, brother Henry and a number of his friends at Magic Planet, Bahrain City Centre last month
Fong
David, James, Henry & Bless
Alfie
Juano
Bless, Jane & Jenny
Renzo
James gets ready to cut his cake
Ibrahim, James, Jennifer, Henry, Lily, Felipe & Bless Jennifer
Ibrahim, Dylan, James & Tom
58 June 2012 BTM
Cai, Mai & Rania
Ryan & Ian Jr.
Lorenzo
Lilian
Cathal
Debbie & Jacob Kristiansen Farewell Party A farewell party was held in honour of Debbie and Jacob Kristiansen who left Bahrain for Germany last month. The party was held at the Vintage Wine Bar, Gulf Hotel
Jacob, Jemma, Debbie & Louise
Maria, Debbie & Imbi
Debbie & Al Saeedi
Debbie, Narjis & Daniel
Ron, Jules, Steve & Debbie
Claude, Jacob & Winfred
Wendy & Debbie
Debbie, Georgia, Jacob & Georgina
Mohammed, Debbie & Debbie
Ramadan at The Diplomat
Bill, Val & Ludwig
Jacob & Chris
Radisson Blu
Book your company or family event and call for more information or join us daily for a delicious and traditional Iftar Buffet in a very special atmosphere
M: +973 39945208 F: +973 17 531633 sales.diplomat@radissonblu.com radissonblu.com/diplomathotel-bahrain
HOTEL THAT LOVE TO SAY YES!
BTM June 2012 59
bystanderthismonth
Manfred Erber Birthday Party Manfred Erber hosted a party for a number of friends to celebrate his birthday. The party was held at Manfred's residence in Saar Yousif, Reza & Manfred
Dr Iris & Manfred
Panos, Alexandra & Christophe
60 June 2012 BTM
Mandeleine & Josefine
Micheline, Marion & Shandra
Christian & Ada
Jochim & Marco
Eva & Laura
Dina & Hugh
Loutfi & Joelle
Laurent & Augusta
Britta & Boris
Dr Amy & Michael
Johanna & Rebka Wedding Reception Johanna & Rebka celebrated their wedding reception with family and a number of their friends at the Phonecia Tower Hotel last month
Rebka & Johanna
Elizabeth & Pili
Lily, Kidu, Abi & Tig
Alem, Misrak & Abei
Seble, Genet, Pastor Tesfa, Rahwa & Freto
Meser, Zahabe, Mesi & Emmie
Beatrice & John
Melaku, Mekde & Nehmi
Zablon, Linus & Justice
Okezi, Asim, Paul, Simon & Bijoy
Eyasu
Thin is in.
The new ultra stylish Ultra Slim Frame Series LED TVs from TCL.
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The Creative Life
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BTM June 2012 61
destinationjuffair
Santa Fe fajitas
CHILI’S
Dive into Good Food Say hello to loaded fajitas. This is what they mean when they say, ‘the more; the merrier’. Be prepared for tastes that are way over the top.
66 June 2012 BTM
Once you sit down to a heaping platter of Chili’s all new loaded fajitas, you cannot settle for anything less. They have really piled on the toppings and, with it, the flavour to a whole new level. Saddle up onto the tender cowboy steak fajitas. This features tender, grilled peppercorn steak drizzled with ancho-ranch dressing and topped with crispy jalapeños and onion strings. At BD5.900, this is served with a side of barbeque sauce. If the Wild West is your forte, you can also choose to head south-west with the Santa Fe fajitas at the same price. In this meal, you will dig a fork into peppercorn-seasoned chicken or beef with roasted cherry tomatoes, smoked corn salsa and fresh avocado. Offering an interesting twist is the tomato-basil vinaigrette that comes on the side. Joining the fiesta is the steakhouse BLT fajita. These have their share of peppercorn steak and roasted cherry tomatoes as well. What adds to the fun is the inclusion of baby arugula and chopped bacon which sets your palate on a rollercoaster ride. Served with grilled onions and bell peppers, this dish that is drizzled with ancho-chipotle sauce comes with a side of dijon aioli. No food festival is complete without its dose of seafood. Try out the south-west shrimp dip which looks as appetising as it
South-west shrimp dip
sounds. Expect a creamy spinach dip with artichokes and southwest seasoned shrimp served with seasoned pita wedges in this order. If you have the stomach for some more of these exquisite fajitas, try out the original recipes of classic or mushroom jack before you leave the venue. Wait till you taste what Chili’s has cooked up for you this month. They promise to win all those who are fans of the popular grilled dish. Those who are new to the amazing world of fajitas ought to choose this American diner to find out what the fuss is all about. These aren’t the only new items on the menu. Wind up your lavish meal with their superb chocolate chip paradise pie. This chewy bar of chocolate chips, walnuts and coconut is topped with vanilla ice-cream, hot fudge and caramel. Lose yourself in one bite of whatever this all-time favourite restaurant has to offer. E Call 17 581-221.
destinationjuffair MEGAMART
The summer marks the time of year when children are off school and the whole family packs up to enjoy a holiday elsewhere.
Holiday Essentials
Before going on holiday, it is crucial to stock up on travel essentials and anything else you may need. Megamart presents a one-stop solution, housing clothing, cosmetics, high tech electronics and even toys; all under one roof. The departmental store keeps up-to-date with the best cosmetic products on the market which include a wide variety of make-up and perfumes. As for the clothing ranges, you can choose from the latest fashion trends with collections suitable for the entire family. If you’re planning on going somewhere close by and want to share some delicious treats with those you are visiting, why not purchase some of Megamart’s delicious baked goods, whipped up daily by the in-house pastry chef. Grab hold of all of the toiletries you need for your holiday; there is a huge range of hygiene maintenance products from different brands, plus the different sizes you need to fit into your travel kit. Of course, the most important item for your trip is your suitcase. The range of suitcases cater to all your needs; from heavy-duty trolley cases to lightweight and easy-to-carry shoulder bags. A special collection is also available for kids. “Megamart offers competitive prices. We take great pride in bringing only the best products of supreme value to our customers,” explains R V Waghnani, Megamart’s general manager. E Call 17 341-070, 17 250-334 or 17 343-266.
bystanderthismonth
Bahrain Family Business Association Seminar Bahrain Family Business Association organised a seminar for its members last month at the K Hotel, Juffair. Prince Heinrich Liechtenstein was the chief guest and keynote speaker at the event, who spoke on “Families and their Family Governance – Leadership, Legacy and Values”
Prince Heinrich
David Gibson-Moore & Fawaz Ahmed Sulaiman
Hadi Al Alawi, Waleed Kanoo, Majeed Al Alawi, Prince Heinrich, Khalid Kanoo, Jawad Habib & Hussain Al Alawi
Hameed Al Majid, Faisal Abdul Latif, Jawad Habib & Mr Shawki
68 June 2012 BTM
Jawad Habib, Khalid Kanoo & Dr Mustafa Al Sayed
Abdulrahman Bucheeri, Hassan Ameen Jarrer & Waleed Kanoo
Ahmed Yaqoob & Khalid Abdulla
Mazin Al Umran
Abdulla Nass
Mona Almoayyed
Lulu Centre Tel : 17 250 334 ♦ Juffair : 17 826 884 ♦ Muharraq : 17 343 266 ♦ Hamad Town : 17 412 563 ♦ Salmaniya Tel : 17 252 624
bystanderthismonth
British School Spring Festival The British School of Bahrain in Hamala held its Spring Festival and Market Place event at the school last month. The theme of the event was entrepreneurship and was organised by the Friends of the British School, a group of volunteering parents
Roshan & Shanthini
Maha & Mudi
Ursala, Helen & Carole
Poppy, Amina & Sanovia
Kamran, Neha, Megan, Sean, Piyumi, Samer & Dinesh
Abby, Aimee & Deema
Chef Raffy, Farooq, Eman & Ismail
Hanan
Zain & Janellea
Layal
Liesel
Loay
Dina
WELCOME TO
THE HOME OF MOTORSPORT IN THE MIDDLE EAST Drive with us to experience the high-speed action at the Bahrain International Circuit.
“Across the Middle East and Around the Globe”
70 June 2012 BTM
Call: +973 1723 1156, Airport Branch: +973 1732 1306 E-mail: info@national-bahrain.com; www.national-bahrain.com
destinationjuffair NANDO’S
Go Up in Flames The makers of the best flame-grilled peri-peri chicken in the world probably don’t need an introduction; so doesn’t their ever-popular Cataplana. Nando’s has satisfied Bahrain’s penchant for juicy and delicious grilled chicken for five years now through its busy outlet in Juffair. Offering the distinctive Afro-Portuguese cuisine, the restaurant’s secret lies in their unique butterfly-cut chicken, marinated for 24 hours, flame-grilled to perfection and basted in your choice of lemon and herb, mild or, for those who dare, hot or even extra hot peri-peri sauce. Story time Centuries ago, Portuguese forefathers set sail for the East, in search of adventure and the legendary spice route. After months on the high seas, the winds of Africa called them ashore and it was there, under the warm sun, in the rich soil that they were introduced to peri-peri. This was a spice like no other — it lit fire in their bellies and ignited their souls. They added to it a handful of herbs, a drizzle of fresh lemon and a sprinkling of garlic to create the first great taste of the sauce we can’t now live without. The trail has blazed its way across the seas since 1991; Nando’s is the first and only South-African restaurant line to go international. They’ve got one word for you — Cataplana. Imagine succulent chicken thighs basted in periperi with grilled vegetables and ripe tomatoes on a bed of rice, all trapped in a traditional Portuguese copper dish. The Espetada is another favourite featuring tender marinated chicken and capsicum, flame-grilled and served on a skewer. E Call 17 825-339.
BTM June 2012 71
bystanderthismonth
Winfred Peppinck Book Launch Bahrain-based Australian author Winfred Peppinck launched his third novel What The Eye Cannot See. The book signing and launch event was held at Words Bookstorecafe on Budaiya Highway
Winfred Peppinck
Mumthaz & Mathew
Winfred & Wendy
72 June 2012 BTM
Jacob & Mohammed
Elena, Winfred & Rana
Winfred & George
Andi & Johanne
Wendy, Angie & Debbie
Heather & Wendy
Winfred & Danny
Rana & Jan
Colonel Rodney Taylor Leaving Reception Colonel Rodney Taylor, Defence Attache of the United States of America held a reception to welcome Colonel John West. The reception was held the Army Attache residence in Jasra
HE Thomas Krajeski, US Ambassador & Col Taylor
Col Taylor & Karen
Stephanie Williams, Col West & Waleed Sharif
Bill, LTC Sullivan, Nabeel, Abdulla & Major John
Col Rodney Taylor & Col John West
Dorado & Carrie
Janet & Nadeem
Dorado & Belknap
Eleanor, Lisa & Bateman
Nevil & McKaughan
BTM June 2012 73
bystanderthismonth
iMachines Store Launch Under the patronage of HE Dr Hassan Fakhro, Industry & Commerce Minister a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to mark the opening of the new iMachines Apple Premium Reseller Showroom at Level 2, Bahrain City Centre last month
HE Dr Hassan Fakhro & Stephanie Willians opens the store
Balqees & Khalid Almoayed
Nahid, Muneera & Alia
Alia Almoayed, Suhail Al Gosaibi, HE Dr Hassan Fakhro, Hassan Kamal, Khalid Almoayed, Abdulrahman Almoayed, Stephanie Williams & Sofyan Almoayed
Yogesh
Abdulwahab Al Hawaj, Sami Jalal & Mohammed bin Hindi
Rodolphe, Abdulla Juma & Robert
Amal Almoayyed & Muneera
Hassan & Khalid
Fuad Kanoo
Duaij Al Rumaihi
Vapiano Restaurant Opening Under the patronage of HE Dr Hassan Fakhro, Industry and Commerce Minister, SunCity Ventures held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the launch of Vapiano Restaurant at the Bahrain City Centre. Vapiano is a fast casual restaurant chain offering Italian food and has over 100 restaurants around the world
Adel Fakhro, Sharifa Juma, Mona Almoayyed & Abdulla Juma
HE Dr Hassan Fakhro cuts the ribbon watched by Ebrahim Zainal, Mohammed Fakhro, officials & staff
Mohammed Fakhro & HE Enrico Padula, Italian Ambassador
Souheil Badro, Abdul Hussain Dawani, Alex, Mohammed Salahuddin & Emad Almoayyed
74 June 2012 BTM
Jawad Y. Al Hawaj, Adel Fakhro & Dr Essam Fakhro
Zeenat, Henny & Liliane
Ebrahim Zainal with Jaleel Al Ansari
Noor & Mishal
downtimethismonth
A House Afire Elma Bartholomew
Any fan of the antisocial maverick doctor will stand by me as I rant away about the despicable concluding episode of the drama, House MD. Let’s cut to the chase. How does a nearly crippled man, popping more pills than a child on a sugar high who just found bubble wrap, fall through a whole floor, inhale smoke from the burning warehouse full of toxic fumes for who knows how long, wind up alive. Do not forget, he does this simply by walking out the back door just in time to escape, not just the blaze, but the whole building collapsing around him. I’m beginning to wonder if the writing crew of I Shouldn’t Be Alive pitched in for the season finale. There is no other explanation for the behaviour of Dr Gregory House. As a TV addict, I’ve had my share of disappointing season finales. Somehow, this one made me mad. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that I was (cannot emphasise that enough) in love with this show; I wouldn’t miss a second of it. That was a long time ago, before Dr House, who was adored for his eccentricity, changed to Dr Fight All Evil, Dr I’m Dying and then Dr I’m Crazy. Considering all those changes, it just occurred to me that maybe his transformation into Superman in the finale is quite befitting. I didn’t stop watching him perform miracle after miracle because it was getting repetitive. I could tolerate that. Who Also this month
was House if he couldn’t fix a problem? When writers experiment with such a strong much-loved character, all consistently for the worse, it is time to swap the channel. For a lapsed fan who couldn’t stand to see the downfall of the arrogant yet witty specialist, it took a lot of nerve to catch the last 45 minutes of the famed TV series. While it might not be my worst decision in life, it does rank among the top 10. I haven’t been more grateful to see Fox turn the key on a profitable, long-running show like I am for this one. Wait, I take that back. I did the Irish kick (or at least tried to), when I heard that Desperate Housewives is finally done with. I’ve prayed for this day when they first began airing. So, yes that was a happy day. Although let down by how a wonderful series like House MD has come to an end, it will always remain one of my favourite shows. It’s not often that intellectual humour is thrown at an audience. The level of honesty that was continually portrayed was impressive until the last second. In this drama, it was all right for patients to die. Human frailties were bared with no excuse to any character. Above all, I enjoyed watching a show where all medical staff didn’t come with a halo. Producers Hugh Laurie, David Shore and Katie Jacobs added, “If the show lives on somewhere, with somebody, as a fond memory, then that is a precious feat, of which we will always be proud.”
76 Gadgets x 78 Music x 80 Computer games x 81 Websites x 82 Apps x 83 Movies
Anger management
Finally, you have a way to channel all that negative energy towards your superior without harming a soul. Download the app Whack Your Boss for unlimited fun.
Music takes control
For those of you who always knew there was a composer in you, but couldn’t play an instrument to save your life, Incredibox.fr is the website for you.
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downtimegadgets
Minimalist Home Appliances It’s summer and time for a makeover. What better way to add some pizzazz to your lifestyle than with an array of new gizmos. See what we have in store for you!
Can’t see straight
The 5-megapixel HD twist webcam from Hercules can be reshaped to fit on any laptop or monitor. Its 4-inch silicone arm bends to clamp onto even the smallest bezels, while its rubberised texture prevents slippage. Helping you ‘keep it cool’ are the funky colours and its modernist design.
Few steps behind
Carry an officially licensed Volkswagen Van record player in your pocket. The Soundwagon has a player needle that is powered by a 9-volt battery. Just place your little VW on top of any 33 1/3 rpm vinyl record and let her go for a spin.
Editor's pick! Knock some skin
I doubt fanny packs have ever been cool, even in the ‘80s. If you’d rather do without their kooky aesthetic but cannot do without their usability, the Skinth Storage pouches should provide a more discreet alternative. They’re designed for either slipping into your pocket or clipping onto your belt loop.
Shut it
A door wedge always comes in handy. The Ila Wedge doubles up as an alarm. It isn’t so heavy, in case you want to carry it in your luggage. There is also no fear of accidentally triggering the device courtesy of an on/off switch.
Drown in fun
You wouldn’t want all that pool party madness to be a long-lost memory. Keep those splashes and laughter close, without the fear of your camera konking out at the first sight of water. Sony has launched their first waterproof handycam with a 20.4 megapixel resolution.
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A long shot
A compact shooter designed for filmmaking, the Blackmagic Cinema Camera is supposed to make an ideal rig for independent film, television commercials and episodic television production; that and all the professional-looking YouTube videos starring your cats, of course.
Sleep tight
Regular sleeping bags are built for lying flat on a floor, not swinging on a hanging sack. The Hammock-Compatible Sleeping Bag allows you to both stay warm and lie down at the most comfortable position you can find. Made by Grand Trunk, this is made to wrap around the entire hammock.
Hang on
You’ve already changed up your home gym workouts in a big way; but you’re bored again. How about throwing in a little rock climbing to the mix? Don’t turn your living room walls into a climbing course. Just install this Blank Slate climbing training board designed to mount on door-frames.
The first sip
For the perfect cuppa, rely on the vacuum brewing principle of the Vacuum Brewer that has been proven to be exceptionally effective at extracting all the flavour from the coffee grounds, all the while removing the more chewy texture of the French press method.
Camp out
There’s no shortage of portable cooking equipment for whipping up hot meals when you’re out in the wild. When it comes to simplicity and affordability though, the Stove in a Can will give any of those other contraptions a run for their money. The name says it all.
Turn on the heat
When folded, the Fold Flat Grill from Hammacher Schlemmer actually looks like an old-school steel folding chair. There’s no shortage of portable grills in the market. This one, though, looks sized for a real group meal. The folding part is the real talent here. All gadgets are available online.
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Lovesick and Happy When we were just about ready to bury the notion of lyrics, a few artists proved their skills in songwriting, bringing back the good old days of sensible music.
Norah Jones
Little Broken Hearts
OF A TH LB E U M M ON TH
RATING:
WHAT’S THE STORY? Little Broken Hearts is the fascinating next step in the artistic evolution of one of the music world’s most consistently intriguing singer-songwriters. Jones first emerged on the world stage 10 years ago with the February 2002 release of Come Away with Me, her selfdescribed moody little record. This introduced a singular new voice and grew into a global phenomenon, sweeping the 2003 Grammy Awards and signalling a paradigm shift away from the prevailing synthetic pop music of the time. Her stunning new album, produced by
WORTH A LISTEN?
The woozy vocals are predictable with any Norah Jones track; while she takes a stylistic turn, this album doesn’t run short of it. She continues to croon about heartbreak in what is a laid-back affair much like her past works. The line between fresh and boring is quite fine which makes her compilation a hit or miss. The sunny spots amidst the oriental melody and quirky nuances act as the lifeline for Little Broken Hearts. Subtlety has always been her expertise; she uses it to deliver the ache of betrayal, shame and revenge. Her impressive talents do not sink in her exploration of a new sound.
VERDICT: Anything that doesn’t scream is good, especially in this era where noise overrules music. TOP TRACKS: Good Morning, She’s 22 and Miriam. John Mayer
Born and Raised
The raspy pre-surgery vocals of the singer sound much better than one might expect. Mayer has opted for more natural lyrics and chords, aiming to bring out an artful simplicity through his music. He takes his listeners on an emotionally intricate journey, not very far from where he has taken them before in his previous works. The faint transformation is going to thrill fans worldwide and bring in a new collective of music lovers; he has his way of appealing to our heart.
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Carrie Underwood
Blown Away The country-pop star’s new album is marked by an edgy aesthetic. For someone who has established a good girl image with a rogue streak, [ITALS] Blown Away portrays her passage through the darker side that is refreshing.
B.o.B
Strange Clouds Like most artists nowadays, B.o.B doesn’t present anything more than a few tracks that will make it to the radio and rarely to an iPod. With hook work from stars like Taylor Swift, this one is going to be a fleeting fancy.
downtimecomputergames
Shoot ‘em Up TH GA E M M E ON TH
You couldn’t distract a hardcore gamer even with a fire alarm this month. They can’t be blamed, now that Max Payne 3 is finally on the stands.
Ghost Recon Future Soldier (Xbox 360, PC)
OF
The atypical approach to the thirdperson shooter gives it an edge over other ‘me-too’ games. You need to be efficient and fast as this game keeps it real. You need to earn each of your kills. It isn’t going to be an easy run; that’s for sure.
Diablo 3 (PC)
Max Payne 3 (Xbox 360, PS3, PC) RATING:
WHAT IS IT?
In the third instalment of the Rockstar Games series, Max, no longer a cop, is close to washed-up, drunk and addicted to painkillers. Without a job on the force, he has left the greater New York area and finds himself in Sao Paulo, Brazil, working as private security. The story of his descent from a vengeful, leather-jacket wearing detective roaming the alleys of New York to the broken, shaven-headed man out for justice on unfamiliar streets far from home is at the centre of this game.
The highlight of Diablo 3 is the dramatic alteration that the skill system has undergone. You can now modify your active skills entirely. Expect mini-games to pop up at random intervals in your gameplay. Not everything has changed. Although the layout may differ, you will stumble upon similar dungeons.
GRAPHICS:
When I gain a pound, I can feel it in the gasps and pants after I climb a short flight of stairs. A big lad like Max with a paunch that is hard to miss suffers no such debilitating effects. In fact, his movements are the same if not more fluid than they were in 2001. Bullets slam into enemies with palpable force. In addition to the impressive dives and dodges, there is now a combination of Natural Motion’s euphoria character behaviour system to enhance his moves.
GAMEPLAY:
Max Payne 3 is the first entry in the series to introduce a thorough multiplayer experience. In a unique twist, it delivers an experience that dynamically alters maps and mode progression for all players in a match. Partners and sidekicks will play a large role in this game to help Max in his quest for vengeance. The game now includes a deep reward and levelling system apart from persistent clans and multiple strategic load-out options.
VERDICT: This instalment is just as ‘noir’ as the first two legs of the game.
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Dragon’s Dogma (Xbox 360) It’s hard to believe this came out of Japan. Breaking stereotypes, Dragon’s Dogma has found a way to cater to gamers worldwide by fusing design ideals of the East and the West. It’s a fascinating action game that will soon find an extensive following.
websites
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OF
Phdcomics.com RATING:
WHAT IS IT?
Piled Higher and Deeper reflects the ongoing chronicle of grad school life, or the lack thereof. The comic strips here either take you back to those miserable days or make you realise you aren’t alone. In both cases, they do it with a healthy dose of good humour. If you have a project due within the day, be warned that this website can be quite addictive.
THE GOOD: They’ve got the most adorable characters; you can’t help but fall in love with them. They’ve captured the true essence of any classroom with people you can actually relate to. Cecilia is the geek. Mike has been in grad school longer than anyone can remember. Tajel, the only humanities student of the bunch, is constantly finding causes to rally protests. And then there is the nameless hero of the strip who you end up sympathising with.
THE BAD:
For the most part of it, you will find the layout quite pleasant and clutter-free. Each tab and button sticks to the theme with a touch of wit. Unfortunately, we came across a few scroll errors which are clearly just careless mistakes. Then again, it might be a way to keep things authentic.
VERDICT: If you are as serious as they are about procrastination, then this is the perfect time-killer.
Epicurious.com Some people eat to live; others live to eat. Epicurious is one of the most trusted and authoritative awardwinning digital voice in food that caters to the second kind. Their ubiquitous, ground-breaking apps empower food lovers everywhere.
Recyclebank.com Recyclebank works towards a world without waste by rewarding people for practising green actions on a daily basis. It’s free to join. It’s also pretty simple. Earn points for each environment-friendly deed and redeem them for great rewards.
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Crisp and Clear It doesn’t matter what smartphone you have; it’s what is in it that makes it unique. We’ve found a few cool and helpful apps that should make it to yours.
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Rope’n’Fly 3 (iOS)
StillShot (iOS)
The idea behind this free game is simple. Use your ropes to swing a destructible rag doll from one skyscraper to the other in a single touch. Before you know it, you are flying through the sky. Perform various kinds of jumps to get achievements, attach to flying planes or balloons and try to beat your friends or all other players by competing with them for the best score. The fast-paced gameplay and the amazing graphics don’t help erase the eventual phase of boredom. The choice of playing in different times of the day, from dusk to dawn, adds an interesting touch.
RATING:
WHAT IS IT?
A premier real time visual effects and image processing apps company, Macadamia Apps, has released a new intuitive iPhone app that enables people to capture a moment of movement from a video and create a high quality photo — introducing StillShot. It allows users to create a full resolution photo from video files. To do so, firstly, you will need to load the video and analyse the frames one by one; this lets the user choose the best frame.
THE GOOD: The firm answers a real need with its new app. StillShot can be found
useful when objects are on the move and it is hard to catch the moment or when a video was already taken instead of a still photo. The app can extract frames from any video, with no special requirements; an added benefit is that it holds the original resolution of the video. So, on the iPhone 4S, the resolution is 1080p. The prospects are endless.
THE BAD: Like most iOS apps, it’s not expensive, but it isn’t free either. The file size
might be a little bigger than you’d like it to be, especially for an app that simply freezes a frame. Speaking of which, the image size as well could backfire in terms of storage space. It would be interesting if this app could edit videos as well. Keep in mind; these are all minor issues that can be easily ignored.
VERDICT: This is perfect for those who thought a certain shot in a video would make the perfect picture.
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Clear (iOS) Quit muddling your brain with umpteen to-do lists. Life is messy as it is. Simplify it with Clear. Realmac Software has come up with a super-slick to-do list hub that uses stylised colour coding and a neat swipe-and-tap interface to create a minimalist organisational tool. You now have no excuse not to get your life in order, other than the price perhaps. At US$2.99, this is the future of organising your day. The interaction might be amusing, but you have to wonder if you need to shell out three dollars to keep track of your chores.
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movies
The Avengers RATING: DIRECTED BY: Joss Whedon STARRING: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans
THE PLOT:
When an unexpected enemy emerges threatening global safety, Nick Fury, director of the international peacekeeping company known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins resulting in the Marvel superhero line-up of a lifetime — Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow.
WORTH WATCHING? You’ve got to be a pessimist of
unimaginable heights to dislike this sci-fi comic book adaptation that serves the perfect dosage of action, adventure, suspense and comedy. The truth is, there is hardly anything to hate in a Marvel project. It’s safe to say that The Avengers will get you booking back-to-back shows. The smartest move by the writers is the equal importance they gave to each character, which is no easy task.
VERDICT: Simply put, The Avengers is 143 minutes of pure faultless entertainment.
Dark Shadows You can’t go wrong with a movie starring the best of the whimsical kind — Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. Or maybe you can. They do occasionally fish out culture-clash humour. On a whole, it alternates between lazy storytelling and Tim Burton’s narcissism. When that lasts for two whole hours, disappointment can turn into annoyance.
The Five-Year Engagement Trying to crack open a rom-com is a futile affair. You can’t be watching it for any reason more than a few good laughs; this flick does just that. What they did right in the first half is easily forgotten owing to the disastrous second half, which they could have simply done without. Forced humour is the worst kind.
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bystanderthismonth
Honda CR-V Launch National Motor Company, sole distributors for Honda vehicles in Bahrain held a ceremony to mark the launch of the all-new Honda CR-V 2012 model. The launch was held at the National Motor Company's Honda showroom in Sitra last month
Ghassan, Abdulla, Simon & Jamil pose with the all-new Honda CR-V
Rashid, Sara, Aysha & Mohammed
Mahesh, Biju & Gladys
Ali, Abdulla, Hussain & Simon
Zahra
Mohammed & Abdul Nabi
Hussain, Layla, Maher & Sami
Radia, Abrar & Mehdi
Ghuloom & Hashim
Amal
UCB Graphic Design Exhibition The University College of Bahrain (UCB) held its annual Graphics Design Exhibition at their campus in Saar last month. The event was attended and patronised by UCB President Shaikh Dr Khalid bin Mohammed Al Khalifa. The exhibition featured several stalls where students showed off their work
Lilian, Sarah, Haifa, HE Sabine Taufmann,German Ambassador & Shaikh Dr Khalid
Issam, Dr Munib, Shaikh Ali & Sameer
Haifa & Hana
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Mohammed & Sara
Fatima, Sakina & Hana
Rawan & Hind
Sarah & Manisha
Kaltham & Mariam
Shaikha, Alaa & Noor
Sara Sami
Leena
Alaa & Lathifa
motoringthismonth
Fastest Ferrari – Ever The F12berlinetta ushers in a new generation of Ferrari 12-cylinders, with a car that delivers unprecedented performance from an exceptional new engine. The recently launched Ferrari F12berlinetta combines innovative design, which redefines classic themes, alongside extreme aerodynamics. Finished in an attractive new Rosso Berlinetta three-layer colour, the car represents the very cutting-edge of midfront-engined sports cars. This is, in fact, the most powerful and high-performance Ferrari road car ever launched thanks to the incredibly efficient engine which, together with advanced vehicle architecture, aerodynamics, components and electronic controls, guarantee unsurpassed driving involvement whatever the road or track. Ferrari’s traditional transaxle layout has been revolutionised to match the more extreme performance of the car. The wheelbase has been shortened and the engine, dashboard and seats have been lowered in the chassis, while the new layout of the rear suspension and gearbox enabled Ferrari’s engineers to make the rear volume of the car smaller. The overall result is a very compact car with a lower centre of gravity that is further back in the chassis, and a level of aerodynamic efficiency that sets new standards. The F12berlinetta’s 6,262cc V12 engine delivers unprecedented performance and revs for a naturally-aspirated 12-cylinder, with a peak torque of 690 Nm. The engine is mated to the F1 dual-clutch transmission, which has closer gear ratios developed specifically for this car’s performance. The improved aerodynamics comes courtesy of two new solutions. The first of these is the aero bridge, which uses the Also this month
86 x Wheels - 87 x Showcase
bonnet to generate downforce by channelling air away from the upper part of the car to its flanks. The active brake cooling system opens guide vanes to the brake cooling ducts only at high operating temperatures, again reducing drag. The F12berlinetta’s impressive technical specifications are completed by Ferrari’s latest generation carbon-ceramic brakes and the evolution of the magnetorheological suspension control system. As is now traditional with all Ferraris, its control systems are all fully integrated. The result is that the new Prancing Horse accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.1 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in 8.5 seconds. Stopping distances have also been drastically reduced. A coupé with sleek, aggressive lines, with compact exterior dimensions, conceal exceptional in-car space and comfort. The allnew Frau leather interior highlights the balance of advanced technology and sophisticated, handcrafted detailing. In the middle of the light and lean dashboard, there are new carbon fibre and aluminium air vents clearly inspired by the aeronautic field. The cabin has been optimised to ensure maximum usability of the interior space with additional luggage capacity behind the seats, which can also be easily reached thanks to the large aperture offered by the tailgate. With the cockpit designed around the driver, typical of all Ferraris, the Human Machine Interface approach is emphasised, grouping all the major commands within immediate reach to guarantee maximum ergonomics for the most involving driving experience. Ferrari is distributed in the Kingdom by Euro Motors. E Call 17 750-750.
Porsche 918 Spyder
Porsche 918 Spyder
Sophisticated Drive Porsche has advanced the development of its 918 Spyder by taking to the road with the latest prototype of the sports car. The 918 Spyder is expected to commence production at the end of September 2013 as planned, with the first customers receiving their vehicles before the end of the year. This new Porsche aims to redefine driving fun, efficiency and performance, with the prototype’s camouflage harking back to historical Porsche 917 racing cars. The super sports car is designed as a plug-in hybrid vehicle combining a high-performance combustion engine with cutting edge electric motors for extraordinary performance.
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Adrenaline Driver DAVID M. ROBERTSON The Dodge Charger is the sort of car that makes a statement without the need for words; the exterior, like a good picture, paints its own story.
Model Dodge Charger Model year 2012 Engine type 3.6-litre V6 VVT engine Displacement 3,604 cc Horsepower 292 hp @ 6,350 rpm Torque 353 Nm @ 4,800 rpm Transmission 8-speed automatic gearbox Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h: 7.0 seconds Top speed 260 km/h
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Behind its fierce and muscular appearance resides an athletic vehicle that handles with consummate ease; the softness of the Dodge Charger’s driver interface is perfectly juxtaposed with its power and performance. Sitting in the cockpit, the steering wheel firmly grasped, exudes an aurora of expectation. The imposing exterior, though, quickly gives way to a sense of control; this is a vehicle that you can drive aggressively, as it is designed, with absolute confidence. The option that I test drove, with a 3.6-litre V6 engine, could hardly be described as an entry-level vehicle; it has, patently, more power than your average saloon. Stepping on the gas pedal dispenses any illusion that this Charger is anything other than a high performance car. Dodge offers a range of Charger models that include the 5.7litre RT and the 6.4 SRT, both with V8 HEMI engines, which deliver 370 hp and 470 hp respectively. The 3.6-litre model churns out a very respectable 292 hp that charges from 0 to 100 km/h in seven seconds and comes with a top speed of 253 km/h. Naturally one would not attempt to approach such speeds on a normal road, but I have it on good authority that breaching the 200 km/h mark is a breeze for this muscle car. This accrues, in part, to the 2012 Dodge Charger being the first American car to come with an eight-speed automatic transmission system, delivering power seamlessly as and when you need it. The Charger, though, is not all about power; ensuring you remained connected, comfortable and secure is equally important, and emphasised. The use of premium materials
throughout the interior highlights the craftsmanship that has gone into the design, which delivers soft touches and convenience for both the driver and passengers. Uconnect Touch, the Charger’s integrated infotainment technology, allows you to access ‘home’ comforts at the touch of a button. Whether it is fine-tuning the dual climate control system or navigating your way around your iPod, it’s all easily accomplished with minimal effort. Your security is enhanced with a series of new features that have found their way into the latest Chargers. These include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning systems, as well a rear cross path detection and a camera to aid reverse parking. Moreover, from a distance up to 100 metres, the multifunction key fob starts your Charger, while the keyless Enter N’ Go technology gets you in and moving fast. Door and window controls, engine immobiliser, and panic alert all come as standard, and all are accessible at the touch of a finger. The Dodge Charger is available from Ahmed Zayani & Sons showroom on Sh. Salman Highway in Zinj. E Call 17 238-822.
spotlight
Hans Jurgen Luy
EURO MOTORS
Lifestyle Statement DAVID M. ROBERTSON Synonymous for driving pleasure and performance, you would not expect anything less from BMW’s range of two-wheel vehicles — its Motorrad motorbikes.
If the old adage of about your ability to sell a product being a function of your empathy for it, then the assistant general manager at Euro Motors, Hans Jurgen Luy, is the perfect ambassador for BMW Motorrad brand. His love affair with this two-wheel transporter began back in Germany during his formative years, acquiring his first motorbike at the age of 16. While most of us might still be fast asleep and lying in bed contemplating our impending fitness routine, Hans thinks nothing of stirring at 5am to take his bike for a cruise around the Kingdom. “Back in Germany, winter is not a pleasant experience for riding a motor bike,” he reminisces. “Bahrain, though, is a good environment for this activity given its clement all-year round weather.” Hans, it appears, is not alone in his appreciation for the ubiquitous motorbike. Euro Motors have recently opened a dedicated space within its showroom to display a range of BMW Motorrad bikes in response to customer demand. “This new facility reflects the increasing popularity of this BMW brand; it’s also allowed us to double sales since the dedicated showroom was opened,” he advises. When asked what drives the thinking behind the typical BMW Motorrad customer for a bike, Hans highlights three factors — speed, technology and safety. “The Motorrad brand is all about speed and the technology
that delivers excellent handling. The R 1200 GS, for example, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds. Moreover, as you pick up speed, the bike starts to lose weight,” Hans says. This is achieved in a secure environment with safety systems such as ASC and ABS, which instantly pick up any slippage off the driving line and immediately reduce the level of torque available. The result, as Hans puts it, is a machine that “handles like butter.” Euro Motors’ latest additions to the BMW Motorrad range include the eagerly-awaited K 1300 R, K 1600 GTL, S 1000 R and the Maxi scooter. Sense of belonging Owning a motor bike, though, is not just about a means of transport; it’s also a lifestyle statement. Riding in a big group delivers both a sense of engagement and fun that is a unique experience. Euro Motors participated in the recent Bikers Week and now plans to launch an exclusive BMW Motorrad Owners Club in the near future. “We have a growing community of BMW Motorrad lovers in the Kingdom,” says Hans. “As the sole importer for the brand, we hope that this club will bring bike enthusiasts together to celebrate their love for this form of driving pleasure.” E Call 17 750-750.
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BEHBEHANI BROTHERS
Driven by Ingenuity Combining the best of Italian design and technology, Fiat’s newest models present a modern take on timeless elegance.
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If variety truly is the spice of life, then the Fiat 500 series has you covered in all the ways that count. Incorporating state-ofthe-art engine technology, embodied by the revolutionary TwinAir engine, attention to detail and other innovations, this award-winning model is an example of Italian creativity. While maintaining the authenticity of the brand, Fiat’s new 500 America and 500 Colour Therapy cars take it to a whole new level. American inspiration and iconography are found in the interiors of the 500 America, which boasts red and ivory seats and a contrasting white dashboard. The white three-layer paint, stars and stripes mirror covers and patriotic graphics take centre stage in both the convertible and saloon version. The 500 also boasts a badge on the pillar with a serial number making this ultra-exclusive limited edition even more unique. Revisiting and celebrating a few of the pastel colour combinations that made it famous in Italy and around the world, Fiat has come up with the pop-inspired 500 Colour Therapy model. A sky blue body with white rims is enhanced by details such as colours on the mirrors and a new short-fin antenna, giving this option a modern and romantic twist.
The idea of combining white and pastels continues on the inside as well, seen in the original design of the pool-ball gear level knob. It will be available with manual climate control and pollen filter as standard on both saloon and convertible versions. Gucci collaboration Celebrate Italian style by driving off in the convertible 500 by Gucci. Customised by Gucci creative director Frida Giannini, in collaboration with the Centro Stile Fiat, this model has been sold in more than 40 countries. The exclusive lux black glitter finish combined with elegant shiny chrome-plated accents and a black soft top with the Gucci web pattern printed lengthwise is the epitome of designer luxury. Attention to detail is again at work as the 16-inch alloy wheels, characterised by the unmistakeably retro design of the spokes, is in perfect harmony with the car’s exterior colours. Proudly showcasing the Gucci signature on the tailgate and door pillar, this 500 is brimming with style. E Call 17 459-950.
ALMOAYYED MOTORS
In for an Adventure When it comes to big wheels, American car manufacturer Ford always means business. Bahrain This Month takes a look at the all-new 2012 Ford Expedition.
The Expedition is Ford’s largest full-size SUV, standing out from its competitors due to its combination of smooth ride, quiet interior, comfort and a full-size truck-hauling ability. Expedition still remains the do-it-all full-size SUV — tough, functional and refined, as well as clever control technologies to help customers tow confidently in just about any condition, on- or off-road. “The 2012 Ford Expedition combines capability with comfort and technology for customers who need what only a full-size SUV can deliver,” said Christy Loiselle, Expedition marketing manager. With a 5.4-litre V8 engine, the car is flex-fuel capable — meaning the engine can run on gasoline, ethanol alcohol or a mixture of both. The standard six-speed automatic transmission allows for smaller steps between gears than a typical fourspeed automatic. This gives customers improved shift quality, faster acceleration and improved fuel economy. Expedition features an independent multi-link rear suspension, which allows each rear wheel to react independently to road impacts to provide a smooth, controlled ride. The SUV also offers a power liftgate, where a push of the key fob button conveniently opens or closes the liftgate, allowing easy loading and unloading. Ford has gone all out in the safety department providing families with all the security that is expected from an SUV. Trailer Sway Control is standard on every Expedition and works in conjunction with other features to expand Expedition’s dynamic stability control capabilities.
This adds an additional layer of confidence and control while towing a trailer, while the class-exclusive AdvanceTrac control module incorporates additional software to monitor the vehicle’s performance while towing. The Expeditions interior volume is nothing less than impressive. With the new model, the cargo stowage options have been further enhanced by clever solutions. The split bench second row seats, with a CenterSlide feature, allows the centre section to be moved forward almost 11 inches for easier access of cargo from the front-row seats. Third row seats have an available PowerFold split bench by which one or both seatbacks can be lowered flat to the floor with the touch of a button. For the techno savvy, the class-exclusive SYNC feature provides hands-free access with simple voice commands. The feature includes hands-free calling via paired and connected Bluetooth-enabled phone, hands-free music via USB-connected digital media player. E Call 17 737-373.
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motoringshowcase
Nawaf Bin Hindi, after-sales director and Thomas John, general manager, after-sales division.
KIA MOTORS
A Family Affair Loyal Kia Motors customers in the Kingdom are used to quality care and service; this summer they will be in for an unexpected surprise.
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Kia Motors offers customers a special treat this summer with the launch of the innovative ‘Kia Advocate Programme’. The after-sales programme gives two lucky Kia customers a chance to win an exciting trip to Korea by simply following instructions under the ‘contact us’ button below the aftersales tab at the Kia Motors website. Moreover, the ‘Family like Care’ service aims to further strengthen the relationship between the company and its customers. Through this initiative, Kia plans to establish an even better understanding of its customers’ needs to help in providing service in the most efficient manner. “Our core objective is not to put few cars on the road, but to own up to responsibility and ensure our loyal customers are happy and satisfied in every aspect; be it quality service, low maintenance costs, affordable genuine parts but also to treat them equally as a new car buyer,” says Thomas John, general manager of Kia Motors after-sales division. “Our approach towards our customers is based on Kia’s service spirit, the
‘Family Like Care’ campaign expands on family values, and we give a true meaning for every word and it shows.” The company has seen a great response from the public as recent statistics indicate. Winning several awards for almost all of its vehicle models, Kia has posted a 6.9 per cent global sales growth in April 2012. Cumulatively, since January 2012, global sales have increased by 11 per cent. High level of sales and after-sales standards and quality customer service has encouraged the modern car buyer to opt for Kia vehicles; the brand’s Bahrain branch alone has posted a 50 per cent increase in sales for the year 2011. E Call 17 408-000 or visit www.kiamotors.com/contactus.aspx
bystanderthismonth
German Ambassador's Reception HE Sabine Taufmann, German Ambassador & Gernot Taufmann hosted a musical soiree followed by dinner to celebrate 40 years of Bilateral Bahraini-German Diplomatic Relations. HE Samira Rajab, Minister of State for Information Affairs attended the event along with a number of officials and guests. The event was held at the ambassador's residence in Saar
Olga
Rashida & Hussain
HE Samira Rajab & HE Sabine Taufmann
HE Karim Al Shakar & Mubarak
Michel & Ulrike
Gernot & HE Sabine Taufmann with Abdul Hamid
Yves & Corinne
Ahmed, Nancy & Yousif
Isa
Matthias, Abdulla & Amir
Alex, Wiebe, Tareq & Nathalia
Indian Ambassador's Dinner HE Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador hosted a dinner for members of the media at the Al Fanar Hall 2, The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa. The dinner was attended by HE Samira Rajab, Minister of State for Information Affairs, and members of the media
Arrackal, Habib & David
Rajeev, Sumesh & Shibu
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HE Samira Rajab & HE Mohan Kumar
Ajay Kumar, Mansoor Al Jamri & HE Mohan Kumar
Anusuya, Gopal & Shirin
Panos & Francesco
Ajay, N.K. Choudhary & P.K. Sharma
Hemang, Soman & Kashish
Unnikrishnan
Ronnie Middleton
Ashok
Mr & Mrs Jaleel Al Ansari Dinner Party Mr & Mrs Jaleel Al Ansari hosted a dinner party for a number of dignitaries and VIPs at their residence in Mahooz
Omar, Aysha, Jaleel, Ebtisam & Sara Al Ansari
Khalid Almoayed & HE Nabeel Al Hamer
Omar, HE Christian Testot, French Ambassador, Jaleel & Sara
Jaleel, Qays Zu'bi, Karina Zu'bi & Aysha
Sara, HE Yang Weiguo, Chinese Ambassador & Omar
Hassan, Wang Yanfen, HE Yang Weiguo, HE Karim Al Shakar, Jaleel Al Ansari, HE Ali Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council & Khalid Kanoo
HE Shigeki Sumi, Japanese Ambassador, Tomoko Sumi, Aysha & Omar
Milena & HE Enrico Padula, Italian Ambassador
Aysha, Afaf, Salwa & Fatima
HE Sabine Taufmann, German Ambassador & HE Karim Al Shakar
Hu, Sun & Zhong
Abdulla Juma & Mohammed Salahuddin
Ebtisam, Sara & Ilaria
Seham & Mohammed Salahuddin
Lena
Meejikim
Guo, Dr Cheriyan & Hamad
Erika & Winfried
Joonha Yu
Liu & Yang
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bystanderthismonth
America Week Launch HE Thomas Krajeski & HE Dr Hassan Fakhro, Industry and Commerce Minister, opened of America Week Bahrain at the Seef Mall. The week long program, honours the longstanding friendship between Bahrain and the US. The week featured a variety of events, activities and promotions for the whole family to enjoy
HE Dr Hassan Fakhro & HE Thomas Krajeski open America Week
Hamid Al Zayani, HE Thomas Krajeski & HE Dr Hassan Fakhro
Angela Fakhro, Bonnie Krajeski, Ahmed Jawahery, Nasser Alarayedh, Dr Dhafer Al Umran & Khalid Al Zayani
Seana, Andrea, Maria, Irina, Jarna & Carrie
Rafiyah, Khalid & Nadera
Cesar, Jennifer & Vienne
Ali & Yousif
NYIT Film Screening Twenty-Two Bahrain students screened the premiere of their latest science fiction film about a planet in danger of being ruled by tyrants. The production, Silveraven, was shot in Bahrain and was part of a course project for the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) computer graphics students. Silveravan shown at the Seef Megaplex, was directed by Bahrainis Samar Karkar and Basma Al Mudaifa, who also wrote the storyline, and was supervised by Professor Zeeshan Jawad Shah
Maoon, Frances & Ahmed
Noor, Ameera, Faiza & Wejdan
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Aaron, Dr Deena, Prof Zeeshan, Samar, Hala & Lubna
Samar, Basma & Aaron
Abdulla & Zubari
Zeehan, Buidrees & Nujood
Daniel, George, Ryan, Andrew & Suzan
Lujin
Layal & Yousaf
Ahmed & Karam
The Bhatia Mitra Mandal Annual Day The Bhatia Mitra Mandal (BMM) hosted its annual day last month at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa. The event featured a buffet, traditional dance, a short play performed by children and a raffle draw
Poonam Kewalram, Mala Kumar, HE Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador & Kishore Kewalram, President, BMM
Usha & Meena
Vishal & Anu
Kanchan, Mrinal, Depali & Komal
Mr & Mrs Vasdev Khiara & family
Kunal, Chethan & Karan
Babu, Rathi, Krishna, Poonam, Anoop & Veena
Aarthi & Bhagwan
Sneha & Manoj
Jasmine, Mamta, Bina & Punit
Poonam & Vijay
Hishang & Neha
Manoj & Bina
Nisha, Dhruvi & Yogesh
Amit Karani, Chetan Bhatia, Bharat Bhatia & Nilesh Bhatia act out a play
Mukesh & Nevin
Indu & Vineet
Tanishka, Diva, Urvi & Ayushi perform a dance number
Bhavika, Kanishka & Sachi
Jaya
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bystanderthismonth
AUB Alumni Gala Dinner The Alumni Association of the American University of Beirut (AUB) held a gala dinner for it's alumni and guests at the Bahrain Bayan School last month. Dr Peter Dorman, AUB President, also attended the event
Dr Peter Dorman
Shaikha Hind
Shaikha Marwa & HE Shaikh Salman
Shaikha May, Huda, Dr Jihan, Mona, Fatima & Shaikha Wissal
Nada, Kimberly & Edward
Diane & Nataly
Dr Jihan & Dr Dhafer Al Umran
Eleanora & Wayne
Laila & Hassana
Ashraf
Mohammed & Deena
Italian Bahraini Friendship Association Dinner The Italian Bahraini Friendship Association (IBFA) hosted a dinner reception for members and guests at the Mondo Restaurant, The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa. HE Enrico Padula, Italian Ambassador attended the event held last month
Paola, Ari, Rosario & Diana
Alex, Yahya, Marjan & Khalid
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Giovanni, Filippo, Milena Padula, HE Enrico Padula, Homa Jawahery, Ahmed Jawahery, Andrea & Alberto
Marco & Ilaria
Christine, Wajeeb, Fransesco & Felipe
Jane & Paola
Alberto & Andrea
Pauline
Bijan
Francesco & Pierluigi
Hyundai Test Drive First Motors Bahrain & Hyundai Motor Corporation held a unique Hyundai Premium Assurance test-drive event for the Hyundai Centennial & Hyundai Genesis. The event began with a breakfast at Paul's in Bahrain City Centre, afterwhich the invited guests got a chance to test-drive the vehicles The Hyundai Centennial
Caillion, Azmeena & Safiya
The Hyundai Genesis
Abdul Rahim & Elie Sarkis
Mohammed & Mohammed
Saba & William
Khalid
Ronita & Yusra
Sayeed & Ebrahim
Umer
Ali
Shadi
F1 Happenings At Elite Hospitality Group During Bahrains most happening weekend, Elite Hospitality as a group hosted various events in its properties. These events were combined starting from the hottest Puerto Rican DJ - Tamara Sky to the splashing Rehab Pool parties DJ Tamara Sky at KLUB 360 at the Elite Crystal
A dinner held at the Elite Resort & Spa for F1 Marussia team
Elite Crystal launched its weekly pool parties called Rehab at the Bora Bora poolside lounge
Guests at the DJ Tamara Sky event
DJ Cheetos & Prasanna at Elite Seef Residence & Hotel
DJ Naji at the Elite Grande
Guests at the DJ Cheetos event
Bobby's Birthday Party Bobby & Purnima hosted a party for a number of their friends to celebrate Bobby's birthday. The party was held at the Juffair Grand Hotel's poolside last month
Purnima & Bobby
Blessy, Purnima & Sophia
Dilip & Freddy
Earl & Dano
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bystanderthismonth
Al Arabia Frozen Foods Launch Babsons S.P.C. Bahrain held a launch for Al Arabia Frozen Foods, a premium quality product from Qatar. The launch was held at the Awali Ballroom, Sheraton Hotel last month Jay, Satheesh & Ahmed
Pradeep & Thakur
Mohammed & Amal
Victor & Raj
Waterman & Ahmed
Fariya & Afsana
Sureah, Vinod, Roopesh & Thakur
Soloman & Cherian
Manish & Sunil
Khushi
S.R. Mishra
My Beautiful Bahrain Book Launch The book, My Beautiful Bahrain, featuring 50 stories by 40 Bahrain-based writers from 15 different countries, was launched last month at the Jashanmal Book Shop in Seef Mall The book showcases Bahrain, and shows that for many people the island is still a vibrant, interesting and unique place to live and work in
Noors, Nawf & Banan
Eva, Catherine, Sue, Maeve & Salma
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Julie, Robin Barrett & Shauna
Winfred Peppinck & Wendy
Hussain, Jay, Bernard, Lourdes & Kuldeep
Kathleen & Victoria
Marion & Claudia
Robin & Barbara
Ebtisam & Shamma
David
Launch of Haraka by Muna Yateem Muna Yateem launched her first collection, Haraka, which includes watches, T-shirts, hats and handbags at The park @ alwan 338 last month
Muna Yateem
Mr Yateem & Abdulla Juma
Omemma, Shirley Yateem & Sara
Hala, Fawaz & Zayed
Majid Al Zayani, Hassan, Yasmeen & Mariam
Sahar, Sharifa & Abdulla Juma
Aysha, Sarah, Sara & Reem
Dagmar & Samia
Perry & Hessa
Rasha, Muna, Areej, Azza & Yara
AJM Kooheji Annual Day AJM Kooheji Group BSC (C) held its Annual Day function last month. The event attended by AJM Kooheji senior management and over 600 employees was held at the Diplomat Radisson Hotel Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa
Senior management with directors
Long service award presented to Shatha Mahdi for completing 5 years of service within the organisation by Rohit Raina & Abdul Hamid Kooheji, chairman
Rohit Raina, Group CEO
Long service award presented to Bashir Ahmed for completing 25 years of service within the organisation by Rohit Raina & Abdul Hamid Kooheji, chairman
A section of the staff who attended the event
Abdulla Kooheji, vice chairman
Abdul Hamid Kooheji
BTM June 2012 99
bystanderthismonth
Gulf Night Out The Gulf Hotel’s Tuesday night pool party, the ever popular Gulf Night Out was as usual busy with guests enjoying live cooking from five of the hotel’s international restaurants, entertainment, poolside games and lots of prizes
Bing & Abdullah
Maggie & Cormac
Dimi & Somi
Safa, Fatima & Sumaya
Abdul Karim Bucheery & Shaikh Rashid Al Khalifa
Sumaya, Jawahar & Ameena
Mahmood & Reyadh
Yaqoob & Mohammed
Aysha, Fatima & Aliya
Amit & A.Rahman
Imran
Irene & Adil
Spices Bollywood Brunch Spices Indian Restaurant, at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain, launched their Bollywood Brunch last month. The event was attended by HE Mohan Kumar, Indian Ambassador, Mala Kumar, senior management from the hotel and a number of invited guests. The brunch will be held on the last Friday of every month
HE Mohan Kumar & Pascal Eggerstedt
Neena, Unni, Latha & Anuradha
Tina, Franklin & Theresa
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Mala Kumar & Viera
Marwa & Marivic
Ashwini & Rakesh
Liam & Karina
Julia & John
Ebrahim Al Kooheji
Chef Mohammed Arif
Aditi & Ayushi
Tharanee
Subash
Roberto
diningthismonth
Nu Asia
The Fantastic Four ELMA BARTHOLOMEW
It’s a big year for a fabulous restaurant that celebrates its fourth anniversary this month. Find out what’s in it for you. With four great Asian cuisines and four restaurants across Bahrain, this month marks NU Asia’s fourth anniversary since it first opened its flagship restaurant in 2008 at Al A’ali restaurant strip in Seef. The Asian eatery claims to be the first to introduce the Pan-asian concept to Bahrain’s dining scene. Four years on, the venue that offers Indian, Chinese, Thai and Japanese fare in a modern, casual dining setting is now closer to wherever you live in the Kingdom with three other outlets in the Palm Square along the Budaiya Highway, in the American Avenue in Juffair, and next to the Ministry of Labour in Isa Town. Special treats In celebration of this milestone, NU Asia has launched a number of promotions. An entirely new menu is out, complete with fantastic new dishes like the flavour-packed Chinese sticky wings, the ‘off-the-bone’ tender teriyaki beef ribs and the aromatic Thai prawn golden curry to name a few. These are apart from their usual delicacies like the juicy tandoori kababs, vibrant stir-fried dishes, exotic curries and fresh sushi. A new lunch quick-service menu has been launched at the Juffair and Seef outlets. The set menu consists of a starter, Also this month
main dish and a choice of beverages all for BD4.500. It doesn’t end there. They guarantee your meal will be on your table in no less than 15 minutes, perfect for a quick and satisfying business lunch. As if all that is not enough, they have introduced a new product at all its locations. ‘Chai’ gives you the opportunity to sip on luxurious loose leaf teas from around the world including black, green, white, Oolong, herbal, rooibos and even flowering tea. With so many kinds on offer, they attempt to keep every palate content. Whether it’s during or after your meal, these leaves will surely soothe your senses. Flavours of the East NU Asia promises to be an unparalleled casual dining destination with incredible Asian food favourites, easily reachable locations and an unbeatable value dining experience. In an attempt to infuse the bright colours and intricate patterns of Asia in a single venue, this restaurant has come up with a contemporary setting that is both intriguing and impressive. An added bonus is their banqueting service bringing amazing food to your private event. If you’d rather dine in the comfort of your home, their takeaway and delivery services should delight you. E Call 17 587-171 (Seef), 17 691-919 (Budaiya), 17 826-999 (Juffair) and 17 870-222 (Isa Town).
102 x F&B Happenings - 107 x Theme nights - 108 x Restaurant Listings
When? June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Event? Cooking class Venue? Sheraton Hotel Chef Cheng shares his techniques from 10am-12pm at a registration fee of BD8++. E Call 39 026-011. When? June 1-30 Event? Food promotion Venue? Spices Indian Restaurant, Crowne Plaza Explore the true essence of Hyderabad all month long. Beware of spicy dishes. E Call 17 531-122. When? June 1-30 Event? Food promotion Venue? China Garden, Gulf Hotel There’s duck; there’s wine. What more do you need this summer? E Call 17 713-000. When? June 27 Event? Cigar night Venue? Camelot It’s not only about wine and cheese at this French cuisine outlet. It’s also about cigars. E Call 39 977-540.
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diningf&bhappenings
Try Something New There are so many times we’ve gone to a restaurant and hoped they’d have a little something new. It’s finally happening — new menus, everywhere.
To begin this month of dining adventure, we suggest you check out the spanking new Italian restaurant at Bahrain City Centre, Vapiano. Defining the future of fresh casual, this is an innovative European concept serving made-to-order hand tossed pizzas, fresh, house-made pasta and hand tossed gourmet salads. Vapiano puts a new spin on the dining experience with its urban upscale Italian décor and its modern customer service. The twist is that customers use a chip card to personally order their food or drinks from the bar or from the individual fresh pizza, pasta or salad stations. Where to eat The season of renovations is upon us. Ahead of the game is Al Wasmeyyah at The Golden Tulip, which has undergone a massive facelift recently. However, this isn’t all we’ve been charged up about for the month of June. It looks like every venue we’ve visited lately has been popping up revised menus which we simply can’t get enough of. Following popular demand, Cucina Italiana has expanded their breakfast menu for those who opt for a healthy meal in the morning. Don’t worry if you can’t visit them at those hours of the day as they have finally launched their delivery services as well. Just when we thought that was amazing news, Fuddruckers came up with a spanking new menu adding dishes that are more than welcoming. We have to admit, it’s about time the venue saw something new. A pleasant surprise was the renewed menu at Sumo Sushi and Bento in Juffair’s restaurant strip. We think it’s quite thoughtful that they have now started offering their renowned Sumo sashimi salad in half portions as well. Other add-ons to the menu are quote tempting, too.
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What to try Now that you know what to expect at Nuasia as they celebrate their fourth anniversary, here’s what’s also happening around town. The Crowne Plaza continues to go all out this month with special promotions at all of its dining venues. Take a culinary journey through Hyderabad all month long at Spices Indian Restaurant with prices starting from BD3.950++. The Bollywood brunch here has received great responses; it isn’t too late to check it out at BD12.950++. Cappuccino Café, on the other hand, is trying to keep it cool with the perfect summer fruit — mangoes. The delicacies are endless all through June. As regular promotions continue at full throttle at Gulf Hotel, one food festival caught our eye this month. Chef Wang welcomes Peking duck lovers to enjoy the authentic flavours of aromatised duck with hoisin sauce, scallions and homemade Chinese pancakes. These are paired with Gayda wine, a beverage with a bit of forest fruits and spices, that best matches the roasted Beijing duck. Half a portion comes at BD18++, while a whole duck is charged at BD29++.
diningf&bhappenings TRADER VIC’S
Seafood Delights True to its heritage, and to that of the Polynesian islands, this summer features the freshest catches from the local Gulf coastal waters. Summer; its heat and our desert location make us contemplate an escape from the blistering swelter of the outdoors. Thankfully, we have our own Polynesian island oasis at our doorstep to make summer more bearable. Trader Vic’s restaurant and bar, at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel & Spa, situated on the beachfront, with lapping tidal pools, lagoon, sandy beaches and palm trees has an incredible ability to remove you from this heated island landscape instantly. Renowned as a place to ‘be seen’, Trader Vic’s is as famous for its interior décor as it is the refreshing summer thirst quenchers, lively Cuban band, invigorating yet relaxing atmosphere and, of course, for its magnificent world class cuisine. The resident chefs, past and present, have turned this restaurant into a gourmand’s haven for amazing gastronomy. Helming the kitchen during this summer is executive sous chef Augustine Gomes, who has created a list of spectacular summer seafood specialties to ensure you keep coming back for more. Trader Vic’s philosophy has always been to keep a light touch with the understanding to enhance but never disguise, nor overpower the original taste of the main ingredients, and a dedication to using only the finest ingredients from around the world. Enjoy such internationally acclaimed favourites as ceviche, fresh seafood cooked in the citric acids of lemon and lime, or savour anchor tidbits, a platter of cold delicacies, tataki and gazpacho to name but a few of chef’s island summer culinary treats. There’s also the daily catch of baby hammour and a daily bounty fresh from the local waters during the summer seafood extravaganza. For almost 80 years the Trader Vic’s name has been synonymous with this luxurious high-ceilinged restaurant of Polynesian décor serving the finest dishes, suitable for business or pleasure. For more intimate dining or business meetings there is a private tasting room or one can enjoy a quiet drink on the outdoors open deck closer to the ocean air, dine in the fine dining room or dance the night away with the trademark Cuban band. Refreshing summer fruity mocktails, famed libations from around the world and delightful dishes prepared from the freshest daily catch will whet your appetite during the hottest days of summer as we countdown to Ramadan. Trader Vic’s the perfect blend of tropical islands, Polynesia and escapism, adorned with the amazing cuisine, the most refreshing beverages and topped off with courteous and warm service by a team of hospitality professionals, who want nothing more than for us all to enjoy the perfect summer. E Call 17 586-555.
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THE DIPLOMAT RADISSON BLU HOTEL, RESIDENCE & SPA
A Spiritual Experience It’s never too early to prepare for the Holy Month. Here’s a heads up on what you can expect from a leading hotelier this Ramadan.
Every city has its own stories; every landscape its own distinct scents, colours and contours; and every region, its own folklore and specialties. The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa invites you to experience the true spirit of Ramadan with the best of everything that Bahrain has to offer. In its attempt to bring back the essence of tradition into a contemporary setting, the hotel presents an interesting twist to the conventional style of presentation of authentic Bahraini dishes. Apart from the spirit of giving, the month is known for the time-honoured recipes that make it back to Bahraini kitchens. Dishing out these scrumptious preparations in his unique style is the award-winning chef Younis Ramadan. With a name like that, it’d be a shame if he hadn’t specialised in Arabic cuisine. Luckily for us, this local culinary expert has been cooking up marvels in the kitchens of some of the biggest names in the hotel industry for nearly 15 years. Six of those have been spent satisfying food lovers who frequently find their way to The Diplomat Radisson Blu. On the plate Offering an amazing view of Bahrain’s magical skyline is their rooftop ballroom, Al Fanar. Situated on the 14th floor and boasting natural daylight, this one-of-a-kind location is a great venue for hosting boardroom-style events. However, during Ramadan, it takes on a whole new look. With the charm of the city lights below, it’s hard not to be in awe. Add remarkable food, great service and admirable decorations, and you have yourself a Ramadan to look forward to. After all, who can beat the idea of breaking your fast with a view of the moon? With bamboo-focused décor and soft lighting, Kontiki
restaurant’s ambience invites patrons to relax and enjoy a unique dining experience. This makes it the perfect choice for a ghabga evening, especially with its air-conditioned terrace that overlooks the pool and garden. Be prepared to be pampered with several flavours of shisha, a choice of board games and live oud music. This hotel is known for its love for food; sticking with that passion, they have arranged a choice of set, à la carte, Asian and Italian menus, ranging between BD11.500++ and BD18++, for those who do not wish to dive into their lavish buffet spread. The Iftar is priced at BD11.500++ per person. Kids under six years can dine for free, while those up to the age of 12 get a 50 per cent discount. They’ll even have raffles all through Ramadan. What’s not to like about that? For those looking for private or corporate reservations, it would be wise to book right away to avoid disappointment. Football fans In June, however, they are all charged up with the Euro 2012 and will host ‘Fans On’ sponsored by African and Eastern. Fiddlers Green Irish Pub transforms into a ‘fans zone’ creating the ideal environment to watch all the matches. Take advantage of their special drinks promotion whenever tension rises. E Call 17 531-666.
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diningf&bhappenings ROMA RESTAURANT
A Taste of Italy
Hidden in Umm al Hassam is a treasure of an eatery that you mustn’t miss during your time in Bahrain.
106 June 2012 BTM
Our nation has a never-ending penchant for Italian cuisine. It is for the same reason that very few restaurants can meet the high expectations that Bahrain’s gourmands possess. However, one venue has kept food lovers in the Kingdom quite happy for over two decades. Established on July 9 of 1990, Roma Restaurant has been under the watchful eyes of William D’Costa for around eight years. With 25 years of experience in the hotel industry, he does not limit himself to simply managing the venue. His dedication to this restaurant is evident in the extended lounge area that came about not so long ago. The 60-seat area, with an extensive bar counter and large windows, is what he likes to call, his ‘baby’. Adding a personal touch to his work isn’t uncommon for the man who has spent years with the some of the biggest hoteliers in Bahrain and overseas. “We take pride in working with Roma Restaurant. It’s part of the country’s history so to speak,” William says. “Our loyal customers love coming back frequently not only because of our friendly and interactive staff. We offer a very cosy and intimate ambiance that suits every occasion.” He reveals that Roma Restaurant is most popular for its date caramel tart. According to him, there’s nothing like it anywhere else. Whether you’re here for a quick business lunch, which is quite impressive we might add, or for a romantic meal with your partner or even for a casual get-together with friends and family, this modernist Italian trattoria has more to it than meets the eye. E Call 17 125-885.
themenights Theme? Couples Night Venue? Sizzler’s Restaurant A romantic night out? Your meal includes a bottle of wine. E Call 17 716-999.
Theme? Tex-mex Night Venue? La Cascada, Elite Crystal Hotel Add spice to your weekend with Texas BBQ and Latino flavours. E Call 17 531-122.
Theme? Dinner Buffet Venue? It’s Mirchi, Ramee International Try the Mirchi platter with the most succulent kababs. E Call 38 381-615.
Theme? Couples night Venue? Brenigan’s Restaurant Tucked within Budaiya, this venue is bound to impress. E Call 17 593-593.
Theme? Smokes and Grills Venue? La Brasserie Restaurant, Elite Resort and Spa Dining by the pool sounds good, doesn’t it? Load up on barbecues. E Call 17 313-326.
Theme? Lunch Buffet Venue? Fareast Seafood Market, Ramee International There isn’t better news for a true gourmand than a lobster promotion. E Call 36 359-548.
wednesday sunday Theme? Indian Night Venue? Skyw@lk Café, Marriott Apartments Spice up your taste buds with their mouth watering Indian buffet. E Call 17 363-999. Theme? BBQ Night Venue? Mövenpick Indulge in a wide selection of fine meats including the churrasco. E Call 17 460-000. Theme? Sizzling Sirloin Venue? Sizzler’s Restaurant It’s time you found out why their steaks are so popular. E Call 17 716-999. Theme? Italian Night Venue? Brenigan’s Restaurant It’s everyone’s favourite cuisine. It’ll soon be your favourite venue. E Call 17 593-593. Theme? Sunday Roasts Venue? Sherlock Holmes, Gulf Hotel Who knew they were open for lunch? We’re enthused! E Call 17 713-000. Theme? Wine Fest Venue? Block 338 Pay BD9++ and get swigging from 7-11pm. E Call 17 710-338.
monday Theme? Curry Club Venue? Sherlock Holmes, Gulf Hotel Every week they cook up a curry from different parts of the world. E Call 17 713-000.
Theme? Seafood Night Venue? Silk’s Restaurant, Mövenpick Sushi, prawns, lobster, oysters — seafood buffet at its best. E Call 17 460-000.
Theme? Steak Night Venue? La Mosaique Restaurant, Crowne Plaza Choose any cut you like and have it cooked to perfection. E Call 17 531-122.
Theme? Moules et frites Night Venue? Camelot You know their wines are great; now try their mussels and fries. E Call 17 717-745.
Theme? Sushi Night Venue? La Cascada, Elite Crystal Restaurant Pick up those chopsticks; dig into the chef's specials. E Call 17 360-360.
Theme? Family Day Venue? Sizzler’s Restaurant Searching for a place to dine out with the kids? Look no further. E Call 17 716-999.
Theme? Italian Night Venue? Medzo, InterContinental Regency Delight your palate with their unlimited antipasti buffet. E Call 17 227-777.
Theme? Seafood Night Venue? Brenigan’s Restaurant It might be far from the city; but it’s well worth the visit. E Call 17 593-593.
Theme? Italian Night Venue? Silk’s Restaurant, Mövenpick Eat as much as you like of any kind of fresh pasta and pizza. E Call 17 460-000.
Theme? Sushi Night Venue? Cocoon Lounge Sample one of eight fresh, sumptuous platters of sushi. E Call 17 827-600.
Theme? Seafood Night Venue? Al Wasmeyyah Restaurant, Golden Tulip Are you in love with seafood? So are they and they’ve got it all. E Call 17 535-000.
tuesday Theme? Italian Night Venue? Skyw@lk Café, Marriott Executive Enjoy their “La Famosa Notte Italiana” with delicious food. E Call 17 363-999 Theme? Suds USA Creole Venue? Al Wasmeyyah Restaurant, Golden Tulip Check out how the Louisiana cuisine is a blend of influences. E Call 17 535-000. Theme? Legendary Degustation Venue? Legendz, InterContinental Regency Using the finest ingredients, they offer a lavish five-course menu. E Call 17 227-777. Theme? The Grape Escape Venue? Camelot Wine tasting has never been more entertaining than it is here. E Call 17 717-745. Theme? Jumbo Skewers Venue? Klouds, The K Hotel Get jumbo-sized skewers, a side dish and fresh salad at BD12++. E Call 17 360-000.
Theme? Italian Night Venue? Sizzler’s Restaurant A true foodie can’t have enough pasta; especially from here. E Call 17 716-999. Theme? Barbeque Night Venue? Casa Bar, Mercure Grand A live BBQ counter boasts meat and seafood done to perfection. E Call 17 584-400. Theme? Butcher night Venue? Al Waha, Gulf Hotel If you just can't have enough meat, join them for dinner. E Call 17 713-000.
Theme? Seafood Night Venue? La Mosaique Restaurant, Crowne Plaza Eat the freshest catch cooked any way you like. E Call 17 531-122. Theme? Seafood Night Venue? Klouds, The K Hotel Fill up on your favourites from the sea at BD12++. E Call 17 360-000. Theme? The Game Is On Venue? Legendz, InterContinental Regency Try out game dishes from around the world at BD28++. E Call 17 227-777. Theme? Seafood Night Venue? Rimal, Al Areen Palace and Spa Experience a unique culinary excursion across the seven seas. E Call 17 845-000. Theme? Great American BBQ Venue? Al Wasmeyyah Restaurant, Golden Tulip Whether you like it medium or rare, it will be there! E Call 17 535-000. Theme? Seafood Night Venue? Sizzler’s Restaurant We love their grilled hammour. The mixed platter is a must-have. E Call 17 716-999. Theme? Seafood Night Venue? Al Waha, Gulf Hotel You can’t have enough fish in a day — nor crabs or clams. E Call 17 713-000.
friday Theme? Fish on a Friday Venue? Sherlock Holmes, Gulf Hotel They’re going back to the British tradition with interesting menus. E Call 17 713-000.
Theme? Sizzling Night Venue? Al Waha, Gulf Hotel If it sizzles, it is definitely delicious. Eat till your belly bursts. E Call 17 713-000. Theme? Carvery Feast Venue? Links, Royal Golf Club Enjoy a classic roast carvery buffet with all the trimmings. E Call 17 750-777. Theme? All Day Breakfast Venue? Camelot Eggs made the way you love them; home-made waffles and more. E Call 17 717-745.
saturday Theme? Sushi Fest Venue? Mo Kan Restaurant, The K Hotel Pamper your palate and taste a great selection of sushi at half price. E Call 17 360-000 or 39 162-139. Theme? Fish Market Venue? La Mer, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq What's your catch of the day? Have it prepared your way. E Call 17 636-363. Theme? Special Breakfast Venue? Rayes, Coral Bay They offer a unique spread with sweets and oven-fresh specialties. E Call 39 777-701. Theme? Saturday Brunch Venue? Sizzler’s Restaurant Overslept on Friday? Worry not. Try the brunch here. E Call 17 716-999.
Theme? Flavours of the Orient Venue? MoKan, The K Hotel Get a cup of sake, miso soup and seafood tempura at BD16++. E Call 17 360-000.
thursday Theme? Steak Night Venue? Silk’s Restaurant, Mövenpick Stick a fork in juicy Angus steaks and scrumptious salads. E Call 17 460-000.
BTM June 2012 107
restaurantlisting American Bennigan’s Burger Lounge Burger Wisconsin Chili House Chili’s Franks a Lot Fuddruckers Hard Rock Café Johnny Rockets Ric’s Kountry Kitchen Ponderosa Steak Escape T.G.I.Friday’s Tony Luke’s Tony Roma's
17 813-750 77 055-772 17 594-458 17 580-045 17 581-221 17 811-970 17 742-266 17 291-569 17 566-565 17 725-550 17 580-552 17 178-464 17 179-041 17 494-940 17 870-070
Asian Chin Li Chop-Chop Tea House Curry Country Hot Wok House Boat Kontiki Memories Mo Kan Monsoon Nu Asia Panasia Papaya Peppers Rice Bowl Thai Chi
17 717-717 17 178-701 17 537-555 17 178-083 16 010-321 17 525-455 17 178-646 17 360-000 17 749-222 17 587-171 17 721-600 17 697-105 17 717-808 17 179-600 17 179-747
European Block 338 Camelot Coco’s Cyprus Taverna Déjà Vu L’Avenue Mezzaluna Paul Café Sizzlers Zytoun
17 710-338 17 717-745 17 716-512 17 716-316 13 657-770 17 567-222 17 742-999 17 172-321 17 716-999 17 298-471
Filipino Bahay Kubo Borakay Chuckay Fast Food Flamingo Kowloon Lutong Pinoy Quick Stomach Swan Lake Tops
17 231-996 17 514-400 17 532-250 17 231-106 17 224-357 17 295-540 17 232-382 17 291-655 17 237-768 17 277-665
Fusion Fusions L’Ile
17 746-427 17 845-000
Indian Aachi’s Chettinad Kitchen 17 233-110 Akbar 17 296-660 Asha’s 17 179-751
Rendezvous Salad Boutique The Crepe Café Upstairs Downstairs Zoe
17 178-712 36 664-427 17 820-722 17 713-093 17 176-400
International (5 Star Hotel) Al Safir Al Waha Al Wasmeyyah La Med La Mosaique Olivo’s Brasserie Rimal Saraya Saveur Selections Silk’s
17 524-538 17 746-425 17 535-000 17 580-000 17 531-122 17 525-214 17 845-000 17 636-410 17 171-000 17 227-777 17 460-055
International (4 Star Hotel) Café California Café Marisol Café Sayah Chaq’s Grill Fusion Café Grand Café Il Giardino Klouds La Brasserie La Café Le Cascada Le Jardin Neyran Palm Parsia Ramee Bistro Ramee Café Red Café Savoy Café Temptations (EGH) Temptations (ESH) Tiffany’s
17 826-001 17 701-201 17 224-000 17 290-555 17 811-688 17 727-230 17 583-388 17 360-000 17 313-333 17 810-555 17 360-360 17 742-000 17 584-400 17 296-699 17 814-777 17 290-600 17 297-000 17 296-660 17 827-999 17 565-888 17 558-888 17 716-999
Iranian
Tian Wok Yum Chow!
17 717-080 17 636-415 17 744-900
Brazilian Brasa de Brasil Brazil Rodizio Grill
17 582-225 17 826-686
Chinese Beijing Chinese China Express China Garden Ching Foli Hong Kong Magic Wok Shanghai Hut Soie Spice Nice
17 717-969 17 717-439 17 746-423 17 564-424 17 722-199 17 728-700 17 506-070 17 292-988 17 533-533 17 713-603
Café Restaurants Café T Camille’s Sidewalk Café Delifrance Esquires Le Bateau Le Chocolat Lina’s Café Rosa Verge Skyw@lk Café World Beat Café
17 750-777 17 339-508 17 696-031 77 177-660 17 369-165 17 582-259 17 532-538 13 667-777 17 363-999 17 612-576
Clay Oven Copper Chimney Curry Tree Hyderabad House It’s Mirchi Lanterns Moti Mahal Mumbai Spices Nattinpuram Nirvana Papadom Spices The Great Kabab Factory The Yellow Chilli
17 717-008 17 728-699 16 030-662 17 720-031 17 727-230 17 590-591 17 825-333 17 382-255 17 290-600 17 589-318 17 564-434 17 531-122 17 690-629 17 580-480
Indian/Pakistani B-B-Q Delights Chutney’s
17 564-282 17 591-259
International East West Cuisine Flair Healthy Calorie Jim’s Restaurant La Fontaine Links Little Chef/Wholesale Mei n Yu Muju Nando’s
17 210-012 17 212-900 17 369-399 17 710-654 17 230-123 17 751-262 17 595-950 16 010-160 16 039-800 17 825-339
Golestan Isfahani Parsian Persian Garden Takht Jamsheed Tehran Grill
Arirang Da Rae Jung
17 290-945 17 002-490
Lebanese Abd El Wahab Al Areesha Al Arz Al Hamra Palace Beyroute Café Blanc Carla’s Lebanese Bistro Leila L’Sultan Mashawi Lebanese Grill Qasr Al Sultan Grill Rayés Saj Express Shoo Fee Ma Fee Yamin Jana Zahle Zayt Zaytoon
17 311-111 17 725-414 17 296-660 17 224-000 17 280-111 17 100-069 17 697-687 17 711-772 17 567-222 17 506-070 17 179-500 17 312-700 17 365-055 17 311-280 16 033-800 17 746-417 17 312-222
Mexican Casa Mexicana Margarita Mexicana Senor Paco’s
17 715-521 17 746-462 17 725-873
Totally Fish Waves
17 179-757 17 531-122
Shawarma Shawarma Express Zahlawiya
17 729-922 17 710-051
Steak Houses Klouds Le Relais De Venise Legendz Plums The Butcher Shop & Grill The Meat Co
17 360-000 17 567-222 17 227-777 17 580-000 17 172-323 17 742-080
Thai Baan Saeng Thai Banana Leaf Hash House Lanna Thai Muay Thai Orchid Thai Royal Thai Shada Thai Express Thailand Wang Thai
17 715-775 17 744-171 17 715-094 17 593-940 77 040-454 17 312-006 17 746-421 17 721-155 17 506-070 17 717-040 17 710-771
17 524-579 17 369-269 17 811-511 17 580-600 17 746-431 17 555-989
Italian Bice Ristorante Café Italia Caffe Spasso Carino’s Italian Grill Castello Cico’s Ciro’s Pomodoro Cucina Italiana Fiamma Gusto Italiano Justapasta La Pergola La Taverna Medzo Mia Mia Mino’s Pizzeria Mondo Nino Oliveto Pastarito Ristoranti Prego Primavera Roma Romano’s Macaroni Grill Veneto
17 533-666 17 744-774 17 822-274 17 587-878 17 697-552 17 713-710 17 534-567 17 001-317 17 636-363 17 695-556 17 581-919 17 506-070 17 746-419 17 229-979 17 227-777 17 564-414 17 744-777 17 525-484 17 566-555 17 716-747 17 179-300 17 751-263 17 580-000 17 725-885 17 723-818 17 680-967
Japanese Bushido Edo Frangipani Fuji Sushi Bar Hakisushi I Love Sushi Kei Maki Mirai Sato Sugoi Sumo Sushi & Bento Sushi 101 Yo! Sushi
108 June 2012 BTM
Korean
17 583-555 17 290-945 17 582-422 17 533-336 17 725-638 17 300-610 17 533-450 17 522-733 17 713-113 17 746-429 17 178-084 17 718-090 17 822-274 17 583-373
Turkish
Middle Eastern Al Abraaj Al-Bokhari Leewan Al Khor Melh Alzad Taza
17 178-090 17 311-186 16 010-666 17 311-170 17 784-997
Moroccan Momo Le Marrakech
17 180-659 17 003-273
Pizza Domino's Little Caesars Margherita Pizza and Pasta Metro Pizza Papa John’s Pick a Pizza Pizza Express Pizza Hut Pizza Inn Pizzabella The Pizza Company
17 826-222 17 179-400 17 723-133 17 794-000 17 581-516 17 720-929 17 742-299 17 711-113 17 811-666 17 827-133 17 811-830
Polynesian Trader Vic’s
17 586-555
Seafood Afandi Far East Seafood Market Fish Market La Marine La Mer La Perle Seafood Market
17 849-111 17 727-230 17 701-201 17 595-775 17 636-411 17 298-008 17 533-336
Anatolia Iskenderun Grill Kosebasi
17 690-601 17 292-950 17 172-322
Quick Service Restaurants Burger King Burgerland Chickey’s DQ Grill & Chill Elevation Burger EZ Take out Burger Fatburger Hardee’s Herfy Jasmi’s Kentucky Fried Chicken Kudu New York Fries McDonald’s Pollo Campero Tasty Bite
17 506-070 17 713-778 17 257-778 17 506-070 17 587-828 17 241-111 17 131-414 17 178-084 17 243-115 17 727-887 17 711-111 17 717-542 17 178-436 17 811-812 17 161-716 17 714-9720
Eating Out listings
Note: Whilst every effort is made to cover all leading restaurant outlets in Bahrain, the details listed are based upon replies to our survey. BTM cannot accept any responsibility or liability for inaccurate information: we recommend you check with the restaurant to reconfirm their listing.
bystanderthismonth
B-Boy Dance Competition Batelco supported the national B-Boy competition Red Bull BC One Bahrain Cypher, which took place at Batelco’s Staff Centre in Hamala last month. The Batelco Staff Centre was transformed into an international Break Dancing arena for the Red Bull BC One Bahrain Cypher. With three top international judges and a packed house, the top 16 B-Boys in Bahrain battled it out to be selected as the National Champion, winning a spot to represent Bahrain at the regional qualifier to be held in September, in Egypt
The international line up of judges
Ahmed, Ali & Hamad
Shoaib & Monthar
One of the competitors in action
Hollie, Maya & Vicky
MP3
Participants and organisers at the B-Boy event held at Batelco Staff Centre In observance of the National Autism Month, The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Waterpark (LPOD)launched a special campaign dubbed as “Fun is for Everyone!” The campaign’s aim is to promote awareness and reach out to children who have this special condition. The project will begin with an awareness campaign utilizing social media tools, LPOD staff will also visit a special institute that caters to the education of children with such conditions, all this through fun activities and special gifts including free tickets to LPOD A team of runners from the Bahrain Road Runners participated in the Prague Half Marathon and waved the Bahraini flag proudly. Seen here are, (front) Hussain Al Wadi, Hanah Karanja & Emad Almoayyed. (Back) Shaikh Ebrahim Al-Khalifa, Abdul Rauf Al Sadah, Saleh Radhi, Tawfeeq Ghuloom, Ali Zainal, Mohsin Alsharif, Yousif Al Thawadi, Hamad Al Hadi, Ghanim Al Zallaqi & Khalifa Najm
“A Family Like Care” Initiative by KIA Motors Bahrain will give customers a chance to fly free to Korea. KIA Motors Service Centre in Bahrain launched a new after-sales program whereby existing KIA customers stand to win a free trip to Korea just by logging onto http:www.kiamotors. com/contactus.aspx and clicking on the 'contact us' button below the after-sales tab and follow the simple instructions. Seen here are, Nawaf Bin Hindi, director, after-sales & Thomas John, general manager, after-sales
Hamad & Nadeen
Citibank N.A. announced the installation of the first ATM machine at Tala Island, one of the residential projects on the man-made Amwaj Islands. Seen here are, Nikki Woolley, general manager, Tala Island, Hussain Al-Baluchi, branch banking & wealth management head, & Amit Kansal, Amwaj branch manager Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa in its first year of operation, has won two prestigious awards - Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2012 - Best Business Resort in Bahrain & World Travel Awards Middle East 2012 – Bahrain’s Leading Spa Resort. Seen here, Bert Plas General Manager of Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa receives the award from Graham Cooke, president and founder, World Travel Awards
Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain has revealed the winners of its first Friday brunch promotion with Oman Air. The promotion was started in April, wherein each guest was entitled to fill in a questionnaire with the right answers about Oman Air, during every Friday brunch at the hotel. Seen here, Amy Laurance, who was declared the winner of the round trip ticket to Milan, Italy, 3rd from right; Mövenpick Hotel’s communications and brand manager Sumaya Dashti, 2nd from left; Oman Air country manager Sabreen Sabry, 3rd from left & Oman Air staff
BTM June 2012 109
bystanderthismonth
Rocky's Cafe 10th Anniversary Rocky's Cafe at the Ramee International Juffair celebrated its tenth anniversary last month
Jayanth, Sujith, Naveen Narayanan, Shantharam Shetty, Chef Wilfred & Edward
Matthias, Rainer & Felix
Corey & Gerald
Pearl, Mel, Rania, Lena, Deena, Talona & Kelly
Trent, John, Elle, Daggy, Caleb & Peter
DJ Jeyrock
YaYa & Ross
Milan, Sara, Mona & Irin
Bill, Lisa, Terry & Quincy
Ashley, Jess & Dave
Par's International Latin Night The Latin Quarter at Par's International Hotel in Juffair held an exciting Latin Night Ricardo, Uday & Sandra
Jackson, Sandra, Jeaneth, Alejandra & Alex
Jackson, Alejandra, Darray, Jeaneth & Alex
Uday with staff members
Stephanie & Aleris
Veronica & Yessenia
Brooke & Victor
PJ & Maddie
110 June 2012 BTM
Alejandra, DJ Arvin & Jeaneth
Ricardo & Sandra
Eddie & Angel
Nancy & Jazmin
afterdarkthismonth
Rocky’s Turns Ten! Elma Bartholomew Ten years after its opening, we find out the secret behind the success of Ramee International’s most popular nightclub. The famed American ‘dine and dance’ venue, Rocky’s Café, recently celebrated its tenth anniversary with great pomp and show. We took this opportunity to speak with Ramee International’s newly instated general manager, Naveen Narayanan about the nightclub. “From the very first day our doors opened in May 2002, when it was called Rock Bottom Café, to this day, our team have gone out of their way to make sure our guests are given top priority and that they leave with a smile,” he says. Regarding this to be their secret to success, Naveen clarifies that the customers’ satisfaction is the most important aspect in the hotel industry. He should know, considering he has worked with some of the biggest names for the past 16 years in and outside Bahrain. Thought to be one of the most thrilling entertainment venues in the Kingdom, Rocky’s Café is almost always jam-packed, particularly during the recent American Week celebration. A highlight of this nightlife haunt is certainly its unique décor that is more than inviting. Located in Juffair, quite close to the US Naval Base, it sports everything a true American can be proud of from the red, blue Also this month
and white stripes knitting their way throughout the interiors. Taking you back in time, they showcase Harley-Davidson motorcycles from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Vintage Chevrolet fans have reason to be excited as well. Any patron of the venue will know better than to leave without having a go at their food. Their dedicated dining section offers authentic fare and the Angus beef steak is highly recommended. Other favourites are the fajitas, buffalo wings and the sizzlers. For those who aren’t in the mood for food and would rather chill by the bar counter, ask for their signature flaming tower and be prepared to be amazed. Find out what makes their bullfrog one of the best in the country; the daring can go ahead and try out their renowned Lamborghini. Livening up the evening is the Canadian septet, Cinderella Rockafella who put forth power-packed sets all through the night. Keeping you busy dancing is DJ Jeyrock who spins the best of R&B, hip hop and electro house tracks till their doors shut. Ladies get unlimited free selected beverages every Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Make the most of their beer promotion on Sunday at just BD2 per bottle. Mondays are for shooters, again at BD2. They also have a steak and sizzler promotion daily with a complimentary glass of beverage. We’re thrilled about the Salsa Crazy Night on June 14. Get unlimited selected beverages at BD20. At BD10, you get a starter and a beverage. Men can get in at BD5, while ladies walk in for free. Don’t forget to put your dancing shoes on. E Call 17 727-230.
Rocky’s Café
When? June 1 Event? Beach party Venue? Amwaj Marina Two words — Candee Beach. Get grooving to the beats of DJ Exotic Eve. E Call 37 779-936. When? June 1 Event? Beach party Venue? Al Dar Islands The second leg of My Secret Sanctuary gives you the perfect island getaway at prices from BD40. E Visit www.mysecretbahrain.com. When? June 1, 6, 8, 22, 29 Event? DJ nights Venue? Cocoon, The Juffair Grand Hotel How can you say no to Inaki Santos and Greg Stainer? Don’t miss out, party people. E Call 17 827-600. When? June 7 Event? Anniversary party Venue? Bushido DJ Ravin and DJ Carlos Campos return to mix with DJ Dara Singh. E Call 17 583-555. When? June 7 Event? Theme night Venue? Dublin, Ramee Palace Sarongs, sandals; bikinis and beach shorts; it’s summertime at this Irish pub as well. E Call 39 736-547.
112 x Happenings - 116 x Theme nights - 117 x Venue listing
BTM June 2012 111
afterdarkhappenings
Kick it Off!
When? June 8 Event? DJ Night Venue? The Diplomat Radisson Blu Experience the latest dance mixes from DJ Sam. Kashmira Shah is said to join you on the dance floor at this 'desi' pool party. E Call 36 776-566. When? June 14 Event? Theme night Venue? Rocky’s Café, Ramee Int’l Hotel Get your hips shaking and groove to the rhythms of salsa all night; drink up at BD20. E Call 39 516-882. When? June 15, 26 Event? Theme nights Venue? Bedrock, Ramee California A black and white party with a DJ mash-up might sound tempting; but so does the Ibiza night. Don't forget to don your beachwear. E Call 39 516-882. When? June 15 Event? Theme night Venue? Club Buffalo, Ramee California Drink and spend like a sailor all through summer as it is all about beach parties here. E Call 17 826-001.
Greg Stainer
If it isn’t a beach party, it’s got to be a chilled out evening with the mates over a game of football. June is a laid back month all the way. Starting the month with a bang is Cocoon Lounge with Damian D’Costa and Sami Dee at the decks showing the people a good time all night. Known for their penchant for underground tracks, they give you a night to watch out for. On June 6, the same place turns to Greg Stainer’s paradise. You can never be prepared for what he’s got to offer. June 8 sees Ricardo of local fame mixing popular tracks, while June 22 is D’Costa’s night to prove his skills at tech-house. There isn’t a
month at Cocoon without an Ibiza night; take up the challenge of a real party with Inaki Santos on June 29. Meanwhile, Desibel has once again geared up to host a massive Asian party with DJ Lil ‘B from Mumbai at the Grand Safir Hotel in Juffair on June 1. DJ Ibbi warms up the crowd before she shows the party-goers of Bahrain what a real ‘desi’ party looks like. We’ve given you a heads up about the third anniversary party at Bushido in our previous issue. We hope you’ve booked your tickets for DJ Ravin and Carlos Campos. Save the date — June 7. It’s that time to leave your home in beachwear as the Candee Beach anniversary brings DJ Exotic Eve and Huss and Gazi at Amwaj Marina on June 1.
bystanderthismonth
Hed Kandi At Coral Bay The most glamorous clubbing brand in the world Hed Kandi returned to Bahrain during the F1 weekend at the Coral Bay, in association with Likwid Productions, to host the grand prix after race party. This year's event featured superstar DJ John Jones plus the gorgeous Kandi Girls
Anglica, Sam & Kadija
DJ John Jones
Corinne & Adel
112 June 2012 BTM
Abdul & Natalie
Ashley & Pippa
Ziana, Ciaran & Miled
Kuntal & Aamir
Jude, Leni, Danny, Rowena & Armie
Lars, Le Jane & Cindy
Ketan & Laura
Jason & Yana
Waleed & Olya
DJ Lil 'B
Sami Dee
Euro Cup 2012 JJ’s Irish Restaurant and Pub ask you to not miss a single match during this season of exceptional football with special food and beverage promotions. Book your tables before someone else beats you to it. Joining the football frenzy is Mercure Grand Hotel with a 20 per cent discount on all beverages during the matches. Kempinski Ixir Hotel kicks off the Euro Cup with the live streaming from 6pm-midnight at Bizarre with beverages from around the world and a menu of delectable appetisers and snacks. Fiddler’s Green, at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Spa and Residence, takes it up a notch by introducing the ‘fans on event’. Enter the zone, as they’d like to say, and make the most of their drinks promotions. An unexpected host is L’Bar at L’Hotel in Seef. The venue also has a new DJ, Erik, who performs every Wednesday and Thursday. Karma Lounge at Coral Bay invites you to catch the suspense-filled game by the sea where you can beat the heat with innovative drinks at unbeatable prices. Theme nights Ladies, click those heels until the doors shut at Rocky’s Café as they host Salsa Night on June 14. Get unlimited selected drinks at a package of BD20; a drink and a starter are given to those who pay BD10 at the entrance instead of the usual BD5 for entry. Bushido patrons ought to be glad to know that they have come up with ‘Geisha Fever’. Their version of a ladies’ night, this entitles the women guests to a 50 per cent discount on selected food items. They offer delectable cocktails from 10pm-1am every Thursday and Friday to the ladies, who are also entitled to a free table booking before 6pm. June signals festival time in Spain, with celebrations including summer solstice bonfires and fireworks. Get into the spirit with Latina Night at Tapas Bar in Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa every Friday from 7-11pm at BD11++ per person inclusive of a selected beverage. Read on to see what’s up at Ramee Palace and Ramee California this month.
DJ Ravin
Carlos Campos
BTM June 2012 113
afterdarkhappenings RAMEE CALIFORNIA HOTEL
Head for the Sea
Located close to each other, two nightclubs in the Kingdom have hopped onto the party wagon giving you much to be excited about this June. Club Buffalo
Club Buffalo
RAMEE PALACE HOTEL
It’s Sizzling Hot! The temperatures are rising across the island; and in one happening Juffair venue, it’s going to get pretty hot in the kitchen too. Club Buffalo bar lounge
‘You’re never sure what it is about the Wild West-themed parlour that makes you want to come back here night after night. You could be here for their energetic resident band Cache Superstar that have won a few hearts too many over the months or for the inventive in-house DJ Johnny Bailo who keeps the dance floor packed. Whatever it may be, Club Buffalo at Ramee California in Juffair is definitely playing its cards right which is evident in the footfall they receive. A particularly jam-packed day of the week here is Friday owing to their popular after-brunch party which begins at 4pm and runs through the night. One such Friday of complete fun that you mustn’t miss is June 15 when the range riders take up a different persona. Come join the sailors at Club Buffalo’s yacht party. The theme is simple to stick by. Think summer; think seas. Think beaches; think boats. Drink until you drop at BD15; indulge in a three-course dinner at BD8 inclusive of a complimentary beverage. Right next door is a Pinoy discotheque that sports a pre-historic theme. Characteristics of the Stone Age end with the décor, though. Designed for the youth of the Kingdom, it takes two resident DJs to keep up with the pace of this wild crowd. On June 14, they join hands behind the deck to present the biggest DJ mash-up of the month. Remember to wear blacks, whites or both. Say bye-bye to colours tonight. Bedrock takes on an Ibiza makeover on June 28. Beachwear only, they say. E Call 17 826-001.
Club Buffalo dining
114 June 2012 BTM
From June 1-10, the chefs at Dublin are putting on a special Sizzler Fest menu. Some of the delectable delights on offer include the balsamic grilled foie gras, herbed beef sausage fritters, lamb chilli con carne, stuffed pimentos, and the piece de resistance, melting chocolate cake. Enjoy a complimentary pint of draught beverage with any main course, or tantalise your taste buds and be sure to pay a visit before the sizzlers stop sizzling. Party time On June 7, to match the soaring heat outdoors, Dublin transforms into a tropical paradise. It’s time to get into your beachwear for their annual beach party. Resident Canadian sensations, Hot Beats and DJ Conny will be playing all your favourite summertime tunes, past and present. Board shorts and bikinis, sarongs and sandals; it’s all a la mode for the Boracay Beach Bash. A three-course sizzling menu and a smooth beverage will be available at BD8. Following one of the most exciting football seasons in recent history, Euro 2012 promises to be the icing on the cake. Some of the eye-catching first round matches are Spain vs Italy, Netherlands vs Germany and France vs England. The Anglo-Irish pub gives you the chance to win prizes by correctly predicting the outcome of each match. Full commentary is available for all the matches in Stop Shot Corner, the bar’s sports annex. Catch every nail-biting moment live and large on the big screen right up to the finals on July 1. E Call 39 736-547 or visit www.facebook.com/Dublin Club Bahrain.
PARS INTERNATIONAL HOTEL
Don’t Stop the Music What is a nightclub without music? Playing the cards right with two DJs and a new resident band is a favourite haunt for party-goers in Juffair.
Z-Club is no new name in the nightlife scene in Bahrain. Located on the first floor of Pars International in the heart of Juffair, this hangout has played host for some of the biggest DJ nights that the nation has seen. Through the years, the club has undergone quite a few advancements including a major renovation in 2011 that got people pouring in night after night. Recently, they have altered the face of this venue to give it a more lounge-like vibe. As you walk in, you are wrapped with a new kind of energy. Perfect for after-work drinks, the nightclub boasts an elaborate bar that houses an extensive array of all your favourite beverages. They’ve got the popular draughts and kegs for the chugging kind. For those who know their drinks, the expert bartenders will not disappoint, especially with their signature cocktails that undergo a ‘juggle and balance’ routine before it comes to you. The entertainment only begins here, though. Movers and shakers The real show lies closer to their lavish dance floor where they have seen more than just a few good routines. Reeling in the crowd with their energetic sets is the Oriental band, The Blur, which picks up the scene by a notch, Saturday to Tuesday, from 9pm and performs until the doors shut at 2pm. This octet does not stop at the Top 40; instead, they bring you a variety of numbers from all kinds of genres. The highlight of this in-house band is their expertise with the instruments. You have two artists at the guitar giving out a
power-packed show apart from the lively performance by lead guitarist and band leader, Nick. They are backed up by Yut at the drums. Three vocalists throw their voices in equal force making for a truly dynamic act. What makes them stand out from the rest is the use of the khene, a traditional mouth organ used in north-eastern Thailand. On a lucky night, you might be able to catch some Thai folk as well. Also entertaining the crowd between each set is in-house DJ Arvin and DJ Guy. Theme nights Ladies drink for free till the clock strikes 12 midnight on Wednesday and Friday. Chill out on Saturdays as all standard beverages come at BD1.500 all night long. Complimentary martinis make their way to the ladies’ tables on Sundays because on this night, they are keeping it retro. Mondays aren’t called ‘peppermint nights’ for nothing; ladies, clink your mojitos till midnight as they keep filling them up for free. There’s no better day for a girls’ night out than Tuesdays as the bar gives away free shakers and shooters. All airline crew are welcome on Wednesdays with free entrance and 50 per cent off all beverages till their doors shut. Bring on the weekend with a buzz from all the drinks you can have at half the price. E Call 17 814-777.
The Blur
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afterdarkthemenights
sunday Theme? Spanish Tapas Night Venue? Tapas Bar, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Drink up a Spanish beverage served with a selection of tapas. E Call 17 636-363. Theme? FBI Night Venue? Harvesters Pub, Crowne Plaza It’s half the price for all in the food and beverage industry. E Call 17 531-122. Theme? The Generation Game Venue? Kicks, Hotel Diva Spin the wheel; hear tracks from the decade it lands on. E Call 17 810-555.
Theme? Bubblicious Venue? Klub 360, Elite Crystal Hotel Win complimentary champagne with every premium bottle. E Call 33 360-300.
Theme? Double-up Tuesdays Venue? JJ’s Irish Make your drink, spirit or mixer, a double for only BD1 extra. E Call 17 717-370.
Theme? Mussels and Fries Venue? Tapas Bar, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq If you love seafood, you know you just can;t have enough mussels. E Call 17 636-363.
Theme? Cocktail Night Venue? C Club Sports Bar, Golden Tulip Fall in love with the innovative concoctions here. Buy one; get another free. E Call 17 535-000.
Theme? The K-Factor Venue? Kicks, Hotel Diva Join them for Karaoke night; ladies get free drinks. E Call 17 810-555.
Theme? Wine tasting Venue? Vintage Wine Bar, Gulf Hotel Introducing table-side wine tastings accompanied by canapés. E Call 17 746-461.
Theme? Mis-Sense Venue? Davy Crockett’s, Hotel Diva A twist to karaoke, jam live on stage with the band. E Call 17 810-555.
Theme? Paella Party Venue? Tapas Bar, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Take a trip to Spain with one bite of the authentic Valencian dish. E Call 17 636-363.
Theme? Shooters Night Venue? Rocky's Café, Ramee Int'l Hotel Keep the jagermeisters and sambucas coming at BD2. E Call 39 413-677. Theme? Microphone Madness Venue? JJ’s Irish Get in the spotlight and relish in your four minutes of fame. E Call 17 717-370.
Theme? Guitar Hero Venue? Davy Crockett’s, Hotel Diva Your chance to be a rock star; get on stage, prove yourself E Call 17 810-555.
Theme? Shooters and Shots Venue? Club Buffalo, Ramee California Down jagerbombs and Sambucas at BD2 all night long. E Call 17 826-001.
Theme? Lucky Night Venue? Casa Bar, Mercure Grand Choose a colour; win free drinks all night. E Call 17 584-400.
Theme? Monday Martinis Venue? Shift 7, Elite Resort & Spa Load up on the martinis at just BD2 each. E Call 17 313-333.
Theme? Beer Night Venue? Rocky's Café, Ramee International Hotel Get any draft of international beer at just BD2. E Call 39 413-677. Theme? Fizzy Sunday Venue? Club Buffalo, Ramee California Get international beer for just BD2 from 9pm until midnight. E Call 17 826-001. Theme? Quiz Night Venue? JJ's Irish Win great prizes for each round. Are you smarter than a DJ? E Call 17 717-370.
monday Theme? Snapshot Night Venue? Dublin, Ramee Palace Get selected shots and shooters at half price all night. E Call 39 736-547.
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wednesday Theme? Oysters and Chablis Night Venue? Tapas Bar, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Wash down all those exotic flavours with some dry white wine. E Call 17 636-363. Theme? Pitcher Night Venue? Harvesters Pub, Crowne Plaza At their price, there’s no stopping at one pitcher tonight. E Call 17 531-122. Theme? Quiz Night Venue? Kicks, Hotel Diva Ladies receive five Kicks pounds at the door to redeem five drinks. E Call 17 810-555.
tuesday
Theme? Cocktail Night Venue? Zodiac Lounge, Elite Grand "Another round here" is all you can hear tonight. E Call 17 565-888.
Theme? Karaoke Night Venue? Harvesters Pub, Crowne Plaza It’s all about music and cocktails; buy one, get one free. E Call 17 531-122.
Theme? Dollar Giveaway Venue? Davy Crockett’s, Hotel Diva Present five DC dollars to get five selected drinks from 8pm-1am. E Call 17 810-555.
Theme? Tijuana Tuesday Venue? Dublin, Ramee Palace Get selected tequila at half the price all night long. E Call 39 736-547.
Theme? FBI Wednesday Venue? Club Buffalo, Ramee California Hit their Facebook page for details on this new theme night. E Call 17 826-001.
Theme? Mad Wall Street Night Venue? Downtown, InterContinental Regency Unbelievable prices for drinks during the band’s intermissions. E Call 17 227-777.
thursday Theme? Latino Night Venue? Block 338 Latin Soul performs from 9pm2am with a touch of the Arabian. E Call 17 710-338. Theme? R&B Night Venue? Cocoon Lounge Ladies raise your glasses for free bubbly all night long. E Call 17 827-600.
Theme? Fabulous Fridays Venue? Davy Crockett’s, Hotel Diva Wait for the sound of the klaxon when prices dive to just BD1. E Call 17 810-555. Theme? Mexican Night Venue? Latin Quarter, Pars International Get tequilas and margaritas at low prices. You’ll be asking for more. E Call 17 814-777.
Theme? Latino Night Venue? Tapas Bar, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq At BD15++, you'll find all things hispanic here from 7-11pm. E Call 17 636-363.
Theme? Karaoke night Venue? Champs, Best Western Sure it’s a sports bars; but singing isn’t an evil. Or is it? E Call 17 827-600.
Theme? Double Trouble Venue? Kicks, Hotel Diva Enjoy doubles for the price of singles. E Call 17 810-555.
Theme? Beer fest Venue? Karma lounge, Coral Bay Poolside parties don’t get better than with DJ Miled. E Call 39 777-701.
Theme? Cocktail night Venue? Davy Crockett’s, Hotel Diva Begin the weekend with freshly made cocktails from 5pm-10pm. E Call 17 810-555. Theme? Hawaiian Night Venue? Boomers, Pars International Dance to the live performance by Simple Notes. E Call 17 814-777. Theme? Cuban Night Venue? Latin Quarter, Pars International Ladies get unlimited mojitos on the house till midnight. E Call 17 814-777. Theme? Art.Haus Venue? JJ’s Music Hall It's always been about music at this venue. Find out why. E Call 17 717-370. Theme? Temptations Night Venue? Déjà Vu Lounge Listen to the best of R&B and hip-hop tonight. E Call 13 657-770.
friday
Theme? The Friday Affair Venue? Club Buffalo, Ramee California DJ Johnny and resident band Deluxe keep you dancing all night. E Call 17 826-001. Theme? Crazy Crew Night Venue? Downtown, InterContinental Regency Flash your crew ID; get 50 per cent off your drinks from 9pm. E Call 17 227-777. Theme? Rehab Venue? Bora Bora, Elite Crystal Hotel Step into a lush oasis for the most lavish pool party in town. E Call 36 147-779.
saturday Theme? Latin Night Venue? Muju, Dragon Hotel & Resort They combine a one-hour dance class with a spicy fiesta. E Call 16 031-111. Theme? Karaoke Night Venue? Harvesters Pub, Crowne Plaza Buy one cocktail of your choice; get a second absolutely free. E Call 17 531-122.
Theme? Shooters Night Venue? Casa Bar, Mercure Grand Get free shots for every alcoholic beverage you buy. E Call 17 584-400.
Theme? Karaoke Night Venue? Kicks, Hotel Diva We hear they’re serving a brunch to die for. The singing begins at 5pm. E Call 17 810-555.
Theme? Drink All You Can Venue? Zodiac Lounge, Elite Grand It's unlimited selected beverages tonight at BD10. E Call 17 565-888.
Theme? Couples’ Night Venue? Latin Quarter, Pars International The lady is welcomed with a drink. Buy two, get one free. E Call 17 814-777.
Theme? Jammers Night Venue? Harvesters Pub, Crowne Plaza Guests get the chance to jam with the live band. E Call 17 531-122.
Theme? Salsa Night Venue? Casa Bar, Mercure Grand Put your dancing shoes on for their Latino dance classes. E Call 17 584-400.
venuelisting Bar Boomers Champs Diggers Enigma Fiddlers Green Maguire’s Moodz Club
17 814-777 17 827-600 17 224-000 17 297-000 17 525-263 17 716-999 17 849-111
Disco Bedrock Club Euphoria Tabasco Charlie’s Twister
17 826-001 17 727-230 17 224-242 17 296-660
bystanderthismonth
Fashion TV After Race F1 Party At Bushido Bushido Lounge in the Seef District played host to the incredible Fashion TV After Race Party. The event featured international DJs, vocalists, models, musicians and dancers. The event organised in collaboration with Fashion TV was held on the night of race day of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix
Gadis, Yarti, Susan, Saed, Yenny, Buboli & Sonya
Lounge Bar Amber Bar An Nada Barcode Boudoir Lounge Brazil Lounge Burlington Club Bushido Casa Bar Champions Lounge Cocoon Lounge Déjà Vu Downtown Flamingo Bar It’s Trendy L’Bar Latin Quarter Le Bellevue Muju Shift7 Tapas Bar The Boatyard Bar Trader Vic’s Typhoon Vintage Wine Bar Zodiac Lounge
17 636-419 17 533-533 17 229-179 17 171-222 36 161-650 17 580-000 17 583-555 17 584-400 17 360-000 17 827-600 13 657-770 17 227-777 17 460-056 17 727-230 17 567-222 17 814-777 17 298-008 16 039-800 17 313-333 17 636-363 17 701-201 17 586-555 17 746-395 17 746-461 17 565-888
Anna, Pablo & Indira
Saritha & Naveen
She DJ & Aboud
Binoy, Ian, Shiva, Rajeev & Basil
Claudia
David, Jenny, Mohammed, Elena & Leon
Night Club Glamour Lounge Klub 360 Tempo VIP Club Wrangler Z Club
17 827-999 33 360-300 17 296-699 17 365-999 17 827-600 17 814-777
Pub Restaurant Club Buffalo Club F1 Davy Crockett’s Dublin Harvesters Henry’s Café JJ’s Irish Kicks Rocky's Café Sherlock Holmes The Exchange The K Lounge The Warbler
17 826-001 17 296-464 17 810-555 17 811-688 17 531-122 17 716-999 17 742-323 17 810-555 17 727-230 17 712-450 17 742-000 17 360-000 17 290-600
Sahar, Sanjana & Demet
Martina, Karim, Ali & Vero
Paula, Crystal, Saed & Sheren
Edward & Farah
Nastya & Lena
Aina & Adel
Sports Bar Chillers C. Club Corners Cosmo Lounge Legends Olympic Sports Bar Polo Lounge Tracks Sports Bar
17 296-660 17 535-000 16 031-113 17 727-230 17 826-001 17 290-600 17 725-000 17 531-122 Olga, Karina & Nata
Vanda, Lenka & Klaudia
Burak & Gizem
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Bollywood Diamonds Event Mala Kumar, wife of HE the Indian Ambassador held an exclusive Bollywood Diamonds Event that showcased some exquisite diamond jewellery from the world over. At the event, The AJM Kooheji Group also had a large exhibit of jewellery and watches. The event was held at the Ambassador's residence in Saar in support of the Children & Mothers Welfare Society Shaikha Hind & Mala Kumar
Bridget, Mala, Milena & Bonnie
Laila, Mala & Salwa
Shaikha Fajer, Mala Kumar & Amal Al Dosari
Josh, Pratibha, Mala, Sara, Colin & Kaizad
Mrs Testot & Mala
Angela Fakhro & Mala
Rashida
Shirley
Tomoko
African Society Football Tournament The African Society in Bahrain held a footabll tournament last month, with the final game played at the Al Najma Club in Juffair. The event was also attended by HE Abdulla Ahmed Osman, Sudanese Ambassador
HE Abdulla Ahmed Osman greets a player
Iftikar, Errol, Gabrael, Abdurahman, Carlos & Demmelash
Dani, Esky & Genet
Ismael, HE Abdulla Ahmed Osman & Errol
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The Ethiopian community football team
Abeer
Eileen
Softly scented In store now at L’Occitane is the perfect summer scent; the limited edition Pivoine Délicate Eau de Toilette is light and infused with floral top notes. A great product to keep in your handbag to keep you refreshed. Available at L’Occitane.
Top ticker
What’s New Edited by Alison Coldridge
Faithful companion
Often women’s watches can be too big, bulky and masculine. The ultimate ladies’ watch from Avalieri is delicately designed with a pearl face framed by crystal studs. Available in silver or gold, it won’t weigh down your wrist and will complement any outfit. Available at A La Mode.
It’s wedding, festival and holiday season all at the same time, which can only mean one thing [DASH] do you have a fullystocked wardrobe?! Update it with this cream and classic handbag that will suit any occasion and fit all your daytime necessities in it. Available at Mango
Drink up! Breathe easy This state-of-the-art air purifier will ensure the air you breathe is clean and healthy. It catches potentially harmful airborne pollutants and eliminates over 99 per cent of viruses that cause bacteria; a great way to lessen asthma and common summer allergy attacks! Available at Samsung outlets.
As it’s beach season it’s time to get the body in tip-top shape. Get down to the gym or enroll in some exercise classes, but don’t forget to stay hydrated! This refillable Reebok water bottle has an easy grip design, which you can keep in your hand while working out. Available at leading outlets.
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CORAL BAY
Experience Arabian Delights Located on the calm shores of the Arabian Gulf is an adventure just waiting for you to find. From short rides to day trips, they have the boat and voyage to suit your needs.
The waters have never looked more welcoming. With the temperature soaring over 40 degrees celsius everyday now, all you want to do is dive in and relax. If going under water isn’t your cup of tea, staying above it looks quite tempting as people splash around in their jet skis. Offering the most professional and safe service in Bahrain in an ideal location for water sports enthusiast, whether you are a novice or a professional, Coral Diving and Water Sports Centre along the Al Fateh Highway will thrill you. Here, you also have the chance to get fully absorbed in the Kingdom’s scuba diving scene. Water, water everywhere Whatever level of diver you are, from a fresh-faced novice right through to a seasoned pro, the friendly Padi five-star resort, and holder of the Green Star Award for conservation, will certainly give you all the opportunities you need to enjoy your
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scuba diving experience to the maximum. There really is a lot on offer, from local dive sites and day trips, to new sites, mind-blowing weekend breaks and fantastic dive holidays to new destinations. Of course, you can’t forget the exciting social gatherings held here. All these give you the best opportunity to get involved, meet new people, develop your skills, gain experience and above all, have lots of fun. If you’re new to diving, don’t panic. Their fully qualified Padi instructors and dive crew are always on hand to give you plenty of advice, guidance and spare weights if need be. The team completes your first few ‘non-training’ dives with you to help you find your sea legs. Once you’re comfortable in the water, there is a multitude of exciting Padi continuing education and speciality courses to participate in. Who knows? One day you might be teaching guests.
Lay back and relax
Karma Lounge is a chilled out spot by the beach where you can enjoy drinks with friends while listening to the hottest beats mixed by live local and international DJs. Sit back and gaze up at the stars or cool off inside Karma’s stylish interior space, all with captivating views of the Arabian Sea shimmering under the moonlight. This venue is renowned for its fresh fruit cocktails and light beachside fare of salads, sandwiches and seafood, as well as its extensive barbeque menu. Dine alfresco under the stars or under the sun on the Karma terrace, located poolside just metres from the beach. Alternatively, you can sit inside and enjoy the cool ambience and soothing sea views from inside Karma lounge. No matter where you choose to relax, you’ll be able to enjoy the incredible music in a relaxing beachy atmosphere. The food section here is really one to boast about. It doesn’t matter what kind of event you are looking to celebrate — a cocktail night, a kid’s birthday party, a business lunch or a wedding reception. Karma Lounge also offers a canapé and dessert menu apart from corporate catering service. Open daily from 9am-6pm on weekdays and from 9am until midnight on weekends, this lounge is home to ‘Mingle’ every Saturday from 2pm with DJ Miled. Enjoy great music with a great deal on food and beverage with their special barbecue lunch at BD5. Get a 30 per cent discount on your drinks during their happy hours that extend from 5-7pm daily. To celebrate the Euro 2012 season from June 8-July 1, Karma Lounge boasts large screens to enhance the thrill.
Jump right in Perhaps the best thing about Coral Bay is that they’ve got something for everyone. For those who don’t want to be at sea all day, they offer short trips at BD5 per person. Half-day trips start at BD175 while you can spend the whole day on a boat for BD325. Prices are generally inclusive of the beverages and captain fees. You are spoilt for choice here as you can hire a boat, a jet ski, a wakeboard, a water ski, a kneeboard or drag toys at BD20 for a half hour or BD30 for a whole hour. At BD25, you can try out their banana boat which can accommodate up to eight persons. Amazingly, these can be hired at a discounted rate of BD120 for five hours; BD250 for 10 hours. While a single kayak comes at BD5 for 30 minutes and BD10 for an hour, the double kayaks and pedaloes come at BD7.5 and BD15. Make it a point to book in advance to avoid disappointment. E Call 17 312-700 or 39 777-701.
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Urban Essentials
ROCHE BOBOIS
Home Comforts
Feria dining table
Your living space doesn’t need to be overtly eccentric to look stylish. Instead, why not go back to the basics and opt for muted pieces that provide both comfort and class. A bed, dining table and a spacious seating unit are arguably the three furnishing must-haves in any home. So, don’t settle for mediocre styles and instead choose designs that will enhance your rooms in more ways than one. Roche Bobois has a range of options that exude vintage charm and simple elegance. Deck out your living room with the Ylang sofa, a modular L-shaped piece that comfortably seats at least four adults. The seats are fully sprung and the slipcovers are completely removable, lessening spillage worries. A collection of floral and striped patchwork cushions accompany the sofa, giving a very chic, vintage French vibe. The Rive Droite bed is ideal for those who like a deep sleep. The contemporary style is very clean-cut and is upholstered in full grain leather cowhide with a satin finish. A heightened headrest means you can sit up comfortably and relax; the bed is also low for easy access. For the dining room, Roche Bobois suggests the Feria dining table. This solid oak piece is extremely versatile and suits almost any décor and ambience, be it classic or contemporary. There’s the option of a sandblasted top, in plain oak or with an oak veneer, and additional dimensions are available to suit your space. E Call 17 582-901 or visit www.roche-bobois.com.
Ylang sofa
Two design houses have combined forces to create a vibrant and utilitarian collection that everyone will desire; without a doubt it’s a match made in homefurnishing heaven. BoConcept has collaborated with Karim Rashid to create unique designs to add to this season’s collection. The designer is renowned by the quirky twist he puts on basic furnishing essentials, to create a fun, contemporary and refreshing living space. From cups, rugs and lamps to tables, chairs and sideboards, the Ottawa dining collection contains everything you need for entertaining in style. This amount of variety is unusual for Karim, as he tends to design just one piece for companies. “BoConcept does the entire living environment, it was nice to sketch, draw and think about the entire space [DASH] from the micro to the macro. We go from a cup to the table, to the carpet, and start to build the whole room,” he says. “This new Ottawa collection uses decoration for character as well for function and reflects urban, contemporary living.” It has always been Karim’s aim to collaborate with BoConcept. “I have been following the brand since their first store opened in Paris in 1993. BoConcept makes really qualitative, progressive design and most importantly, they make it accessible through their global presence and price level. So more people can live with contemporary style,” he explains. E Call 17 564-319.
Rive Droite bed
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PHOENICIA DÉCOR
Building Your Home
Every interior should be different; a testament to your personality and style. Keep it clutter-free and contemporary so you have room to breathe, relax and recuperate.
If you want to create a house that oozes contemporary style, then Phoenicia Décor is the luxury home furnishing stop-off for you. The showroom, located in Seef, presents design inspiration for every room of the house. Starting in the living area, you can clear away all clutter and keep your space looking pristine with a large television unit. Sleek and modern, this piece has plenty of storage for all of your books, DVDs and anything else you have lying around and offers a stylised place to house your television and speaker system. Your bedroom should be fashioned into a place of rest and relaxation, where you are guaranteed a good night’s sleep! A large double bed, complete with a leather headboard will
ensure you are comfortable and have plenty of space. You can complement this style with light wood night stands and a large rug, to add to the cosy ambience. The kid’s room should always be a bit more fun; why not save on space and opt for a study bunk bed. Secure metal side bars and a safe ladder rung will ensure no one gets hurt and the little ones are guaranteed to sleep well. A desk slots in beside the lower bed, providing a space for homework and school books to be stashed. E Call 17 564-444. Now in store is Phoenicia Décor’s new collection, offering plenty of choice and diversity for you to furnish your home in a contemporary and stylised manner.
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BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL
A Helping Hand Technology and medicine are a perfect match; Bahrain This Month breaks down how hospitals today incorporate a helping hand from an unusual source — robots.
Dr Ravinder Khurdi
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The actual history of robotics can be traced back to ancient Greece, but it has only been within the last 50 years that machines have been made to mimic human actions in order to perform labour, rather than to entertain and amuse. The boom in technology over the past few decades is now revolutionising the medical field with the creation of robotic devices and complex imaging to make procedures less invasive. Dr Ravinder Khurdi, general and laparoscopic surgeon at Bahrain Specialist Hospital (BSH) explains that it has been only within the last 20 years that robotic technology has been applied to the practice of surgery. With the initiation of laparoscopic techniques in general surgery, the medical field has seen a significant expansion of minimally invasive techniques in the last 16 years. More recently, robotic-assisted laparoscopy has moved into the general surgeon’s armamentarium to address some of the shortcomings of this type of surgery. First was the introduction of the ZEUS robotic surgical system, where the ability to remotely operate laparoscopic instruments became a reality. “In July 2000, the da Vinci Robotic system was approved, further defining the ability of a robotic-assist device to address
limitations in laparoscopy,” explains Dr Ravinder. The breakthrough in surgical technology brought about a new category of minimally invasive surgery which has proven to be one of the most effective surgical treatment options available today. Through the use of the da Vinci Surgical System, surgeons are able to offer a minimally invasive option for complex surgical procedures. This robot-assisted system brought about a significant improvement in instrument dexterity, dampening of natural hand tremors, threedimensional visualisation, ergonomics and camera stability. “The applications of robotics to advanced laparoscopic procedures have become more understood and so more procedures are being performed with their assistance,” he says. The doctor explaines that the prime goal of this technology has not been to replace the surgeon, but rather to enhance his or her performance with highly advanced tools. Numerous studies have shown equivalent or improved patient outcomes when robotic assist devices are used. Some studies even show that patients who have undergone robotic-assisted procedures have benefited from faster recovery, less risk of infection and less scarring. E Call 17 812-000.
VAN CLEEF AND ARPELS
Balletic Inspiration One of the world’s most luxurious jewellery houses has released a stunning collection of clips, influenced by the most beautiful form of dance; ballet.
The stylised beauty of classical ballet and jewellery combine again within Van Cleef & Arpels’ exquisite new collection this year. To celebrate the opening of its new Stoleshnikov boutique, in Moscow, the luxury jewellery brand has created two ‘High Jewellery’ clips, inspired by Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, Swan Lake. The two clips, the ‘Ballerine Odette’ and the ‘Ballerine Odile’, represent the female lead in her dual persona; as the innocent white swan and the wicked black swan. All the excellence of the Maison’s savoir-faire is expressed in these two exceptional and unique pieces, representing through gold and precious stones the magic of the Russian ballet masterpiece. Both clips are delicately crafted in white gold, with a diamond headdress and additional gemstones including onyx and black spinels. The jeweller’s influence on ballet has been obvious for many
years, since choreographer George Balanchine admitted his love for the brand, and how it inspired the creation of his ballet, Jewels. “The idea for a new ballet using jewelled costumes came about some years ago when my friend Nathan Milstein introduced me to Claude Arpels, the jeweller’, writes George Balanchine in the book 101 Stories of the Great Ballets. “I saw later the splendid stones in his collection in New York. Of course I have always liked jewels; after all, I am an Oriental, from Georgia in the Caucasus. I like the color of gems, the beauty of stones.” The link is again established this year as a collaboration between Van Cleef & Arpels and the famous Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, as the venue performs Jewels. E Call 17 131-122.
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BOVET
An Artistic Movement A new collection of watches proves that taking designs from successful vintage styles can create a beautifully crafted modern line.
Luxury watchmaker Bovet has unveiled a series of timepieces with cases engraved with the “Fleurisanne” motif. The decorative pattern is featured most often on the brand’s timepieces of the 19th century and today it remains the most sought-after by collectors, whether for decorating a dial, a case or the bridges of a movement. Pascal Raffy has resurrected this style, which accords beautifully with the architecture of contemporary movements, but has chosen to extend its coverage to the entire case. The result is an original design requiring around 100 hours of work for engraving of the case alone. One hundred and ninety years after its foundation Bovet underlines its supremacy in the decorative arts with the creation of new timepieces, successfully innovating in perfect harmony with its tradition. A history filled with detail At the dawn of the 19th century, when Edouard Bovet manufactured his first timepieces, he took great pains over their decoration. Cases and movements were adorned with gems, pearls, miniature paintings in Grand Feu enamel and engravings.
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He took the watchmaking to the pinnacle of refinement. In addition to precious stone setting and enamel work, engraving is omnipresent throughout Bovet’s history and every single technique is mastered and employed. This heritage and the exceptional expertise built up over two centuries of activity are illustrated in the contemporary designs of the House of Bovet. Hand engravings are, therefore, present on all movements created by the brand. The artisans employed today by Bovet are able to decorate every part of a timepiece where such work is technically possible, regardless of the chosen motif and engraving technique. Dials, flanges, case-bands, bezels and bows are therefore frequently decorated. Every collector is given the chance to personalise their timepiece with a specific decoration. In terms of engraving, the possibilities of individualising a timepiece are virtually endless: simple text (name, initials or date), decorative motifs or figurative engravings are just some of the choices and themes available. E Call 17 534-444.
FRASER SUITES BAHRAIN
Top of the Class
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Bahrain, why not opt for the award-winning option located in close proximity to all shops, entertainment and amenities, in the heart of Seef.
Boasting 90 deluxe studio rooms, both one- and two-bedroom suites and three stunning penthouse apartments, Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain guarantees you a luxurious stay in its fully serviced accommodation. Setting new standards in style, each apartment boasts elegant interior design and plush fixtures and fittings. Each floor accommodates just eight suites ensuring both privacy and relaxation. In addition, there is a 24-hours reception, concierge, security and daily housekeeping to make your stay memorable and comfortable. Designed to satisfy the needs of discerning business traveler, leisure guests or families, Fraser Suites also provides many recreational facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi, children’s wading pool and state-of-the-art gymnasium with panoramic views, fitted with cardiovascular and resistance machines. There is additionally a spa area with pools, sauna and steam rooms. You can enjoy a hearty breakfast in the ‘Gallery’, or pop in the direct lift down to Seef Mall, where copious dining options are available.
Prestigious award If you need proof of its high level of comfort, Fraser Hospitality Group recently won a prestigious award during the Arabian Travel Market at the Business Traveller Middle East awards ceremony. Fraser Hospitality picked up the ‘Best Serviced Apartment Company in the Middle East’ award for business travellers. This recognised the excellent facilities for discerning business travellers at the Fraser hotels in Bahrain, Doha and Dubai. “Fraser Suites hotels offer the very best accommodation to executive travellers right across the region. Executives within and to the Middle East expect and deserve the very best welcome and service, and for us to win this award shows that we are providing well for the needs of our discerning guests,” commented the Fraser Suites Bahrain general manager Olivier Briand.
Exclusive promotion In celebration of its recent success, Fraser Suites is holding a great promotion this month to allow guests to stay for three nights and pay for just two. In addition, there will be many other offers taking place in association with Seef Mall, such as shopping vouchers and cinema tickets. E Call 17 569-333.
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marketplace
ELITE SEEF RESIDENCE AND HOTEL
Summertime Extravaganza With the UEFA Champions League over with a bang, it’s time for football fans to shift their focus to Euro 2012. A venue in Seef just can’t wait for the kick off.
The month of June brings good news from Elite Seef Residence and Hotel. A popular spot among all sports enthusiasts, this cosy venue is the place to enjoy a chat and live matches over a chilled beverage and barbecue delights. So, what can you expect throughout such an exciting event which has finally approached after four long years? To begin with, the hotel has arranged for one of the largest outdoor screens in Bahrain to broadcast all the live matches and other sports programmes. The indoor sports bar will also screen the same games live. While you scream and cheer, you can take advantage of their special promotions on refreshments. They even give you the chance to win prizes all month long. The hotel is known for its casual and welcoming atmosphere; couple that with the opportunity to catch the match while cooling down in the chilled pool and you’ve just sorted out your plan for every weekend ahead. For the privileged On July 1, the hotel will launch a new membership scheme for customers, The Oasis Club. A year’s membership comes at BD150, which entitles you to cash vouchers of the same value which you could use at all their outlets. You could even use them to pay for your personal training sessions at Kinetix, the state-of-the-art health club. Members will have access to the whole pool and garden
128 June 2012 BTM
leisure area, which houses a safe and fun-filled kids’ club that is managed by professional caretakers. You also receive a 15 per cent discount on their food and beverage orders. Moreover, one friend can join you without any additional fee, and expect a complimentary cake on your birthday and a night’s complimentary stay. This exclusive club also gives you the privilege of special rates each time you book rooms or host any private events. Summer escapes Come and escape with the luxurious packages tailored at any Elite Hospitality Group venue, all ideally located in Seef, Muharraq and Juffair. Guests will be automatically entered into their weekly and monthly draw with a chance to win dinner for two and an iPad. For those who seek good times, Elite Seef Residence and Hotel has a range of options in the open air by the poolside. Jive to the beats of the much-anticipated Ibiza event on June 15 from 3pm onwards, or indulge in the mouth-watering grills every Friday from 1pm omwards. The hotel also offers unbelievable rates for rooms. You can now book a single suite at BD49 and a two-bedroom suite at BD85. Perhaps your vacation needn’t be outside of Bahrain this summer. E Call 17 583-388 (ext 1050) or 36 020-733 or visit www. facebook.com/Elite Seef Residence and Hotel.
YUSIF BIN YUSIF FAKHRO
Kitchen Improvements Pair one of the best freezers in the market with a top-of-the-line refrigerator to give yourself an ideal kitchen solution.
Frigidaire is a global leader for both household and professional use appliances, selling all kinds of products to customers in more than 150 countries. The company focuses on innovations that are thoughtfully designed and based on extensive consumer insight to meet the real needs of consumers and professionals. Frigidaire specialises in offering high quality, energy efficient kitchen, laundry and air conditioning appliances. With a reputation for innovation, style and value that is hard to beat, Frigidaire’s sought-after appliances offer the most advanced frost-free and energy efficient systems available in the world today. From fridge freezers to bottle coolers, the range of exquisite, high performance designs offer something for everyone. Yusif Bin Yusif Fakhro brings consumers the best of Frigidaire products that could turn your kitchen into the most pleasurable room in your house. Keep cool Whatever your lifestyle demands are, you’ll find that Frigidaire’s upright single door freezer offers innovative features to suit your needs. Providing luxurious storage capacities, this freezer is ideal for all your chilled and frozen food storage requirements. The sleek and modern design not only looks good, but also gives you all the capacity and features you crave. The freezer boasts four shelves and five door racks while the sliding storage basket allows for even more space. The adjustable temperature control helps you regulate the temperature of your freezer whether fully or minimally stocked. Organisation is key in any kitchen; the wire shelves that come with dividers help you keep your food in check. Storage solutions You can never have enough space to stock up your food. If you have always wished for more room in your refrigerator, then Frigidaire’s All Refrigerator is the answer to your dilemma; it offers a huge volume of 473 litres. For those who need both refrigerator and freezer space, try pairing the All Refrigerator with the Upright Freezer of the same size for a combined capacity of 946 litres. E Call 17 408-150.
BTM June 2012 129
marketplace MOHAMMED FAKHROO & BROS.
The Cinematic Experience
There is a new electronics powerhouse in town and they are introducing revolutionary changes to the TV industry. You can now transform a regular room into an in-house cinema by purchasing just one item – a 110 inch flat screen TV from China. Popular Chinese electronics brand TCL has recently broken barriers and put an end to the Korean and Japanese domination of this market space. At 110 inches, the all-new 4K2K is the world’s largest TV screen; a touch wider than the 108-inch Panasonic models. TCL has largely grown and now share upto 5.6 per cent and it is now ranked as the number five brand globally in panel sales workdwide. Using a new technology that utilises the most advanced specifications in China, including active 3D and multi-touch technology, it delivers a high definition resolution of 4,096 x 2,160 pixels. The creators achieve this using an intelligent and dynamic LED backlight technology with ultra-high brightness. The revolutionary system used has allowed the Chinese TV makers to gain a foot hold in the industry. For the tech-savvy, TCL’s major breakthrough technology, known as China Star, has set new standards in the electronic display industry. With the 3D screen compatibility, viewers can enjoy realistic life-size images and an experience that is totally unique from traditional TV displays. One thing is for sure; it will give provide you with hours of entertainment to escape the endless summer heat! E Call 17 253-529.
If you love to immerse yourself in a world of action, special effects and happy endings, then watch the latest blockbusters on the world’s biggest screen.
bystanderthismonth
SKAL Club Dinner The SKAL Club hosted a dinner reception to celebrate SKAL Day at the Coral Bay last month
Jassim, Foud, Mohammed, Jano & Hisham
Khalil & Sadiq
Aziz & Jano
Tamer & Daniel
130 June 2012 BTM
Mohammed & Khamis
Mohammed & Jano
Mohammed & Mirza
Mr & Mrs Halwachi
Daniel & Julie
Jassim & Imbi
INTERCOL
Kitchen Assistance Get the help you need in the kitchen with the correct food processing equipment. They will grind, chop, juice and blend your ingredients in no time at, all saving you time and effort!
Moulinex’s reputation as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of quality kitchen appliances is known not only because of its innovative approach to its products, but also because of the scope and versatility of the kitchen solutions. The Red Ruby collection is the ultimate line of Moulinex appliances, which are distinguished by modern technology, highest functionality and red stainless steel casing. The line is considered to be a complete solution to any food processing need, be it in a traditional home kitchen or in the busy environment of a five-star hotel. Inclusive of four high-functioning processing appliances, this collection will ease your cooking woes and assist you in preparing meals for the family. The Kitchen Machine is the ultimate all-in-one product. It juices, blends, grinds, slices, minces, shreds — it’s a powerful processor. With a list of metal pastry tools included, 900 watts of power, a 1.5-litre capacity for blending and a four-litre capacity for mixing and meat mincing, this is a true ‘must’ for every kitchen and certainly for avid chefs!
The Fresh Express is ideal for chopping up ingredients with ease. Whether you want to grind fresh parmesan or nuts or cut up vegetables, you can with this machine. Five cones are included, each colour-coded and specifically designed to use for various kitchen needs. The 1,000-watt Masterchef is another all-rounder. With its inbuilt powerful motor, it is a compact processor suitable for a wide variety of applications. Whether creating salad, juice, dessert cream, cake or bread dough, this utensil makes preparation easy and effortless. The range also includes a top-performance juicer, perfect if you like to blend your fruits and have them on-the-go. Simply place in any fruits and vegetables that you would like juiced and you will have your drink in a matter of moments. With 1,000 watts of power, an extra-large feeding tube and built-in polished, stainless steel quality you are sure to be reaping the benefits of a healthier lifestyle in no time at all. E Call 17 291-537, 17 727-600 or email had.fmcg@intercol.com.
BTM June 2012 131
listingsthismonth Social Clubs
Arts Culture Art Galleries Al Riwaq Art Gallery Albareh Art Gallery Arabesque Art Gallery Art Lounge Ella Art Gallery
17 717-441 17 717-707 17 722-916 17 580-522 17 292-815
Art Galleries & Framing
Bahrain Art Framing Centre 17 717165 Lamarkiz Framing & Gallery 17 596-284
Arts & Cultural Groups
Alliance Française 17 683-295 Bahrain Arts Society 17 590-562 Contemporary Art Society 3 9224-002 Historical & Archaeological Society 17 727-895 La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art 17 230-123
Crafts
Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre Crafts Centre Gallery Celebrations L’Atelier Art Lounge Things-To-Do
17 611-900 17 254-688 17 595-791 17 599-030 17 590-409
Ballet Centre Ballare School Futureshape Studio Salsa Bahrain Sampaguita Club Victoria Dance Centre
17 693-232 17 300-021 17 590-088 3 9676-349 3 9106-589 3 987-6215
Dance
Drama, Film and Theatre
Bahrain Cinema Club 17 725-959 Dilmun Amateur Dramatics 17 690-926 Folk Poetry Society 17 761-000
Indian arts & culture
Institute for Performing Arts 17 231-717 Kalabhavan Bahrain Institute 17 717-271 Konkan Singers Club 17 243-511
Islamic Culture
Bapco Club Dilmun Club Filipino Club Marina Club Pakistan Club The British Club The Country Club The Indian Club The Sri Lanka Club The Young Goans Club
17 753-666 17 690-926 17 262-143 17 291-527 17 258-520 17 278-245 17 593-593 17 253-157 17 231-354 3 9455-207
Bhatia Mitra Mandal Kannada Sangha Karnataka Social Club Keraleeya Samajam Shree Nayrana Cultural Shri Gujarati Samaj Tamil Social Association
3 9601-789 17 271-257 17 254-257 17 251-878 17 255-517 3 9019-462 3 9603-564
Awali Caledonian Society Bahrain Irish Society Bahrain Welsh Society Royal Society of St. George
3 6366-458 3 9800-511 3 9467-310 3 9726-329
Other Indian clubs
Other Societies
Business Associations
Folk Poetry Society Pakistan Urdu Literary
17 761-000 17 776-629
Al Hayat Museum Al Oraifi Museum Currency Museum National Museum Oil Museum
17 290-101 17 535-112 17 547-700 17 298-777 17 753-475
Hash House Harriers Bahrain Road Runners
17 862-620 3 6992-288
Bahrain Music Institute Classic Institute of Music Manama Singers Sar Music Centre
17 721-999 17 728-791 17 642-119 17 794-898
British Club Netball Dilmun Netball Club Filipino Club Basketball Netball Club
Bowling
3 8357-181 3 9911-848 17 262-143 3 9911-848
Awali Bowling Centre
17 753-666
Awali Cricket Club
17 756-959
Awali Riding Club Riding School Shakhoora Riding Centre The Country Club
17 756-525 17 690-448 17 591-103 17 593-593
Ez-Fit SportPlex Rugby Football
17 692-378 17 695-809
Awali Golf Club Royal Golf Club
17 756-770 17 750-777
Gulf Speed 1 Kart Zone Silver Go Kart
3 9444-885 17 450-000 17 780-011
Sailing Club Yacht Club
17 836-078 17 700-667
Music
Photography
Awali Photo Society 17 764-468 Bahrain Photography Club 17 590-551
Pottery
Bahrain Pottery Society Studio Ceramics
Public Speaking
17 786-969 17 599-026
Manama Toastmasters Club 3 9451-182
Clubs Societies Ladies Clubs American Women’s Assoc. 17 685-882 Australasian Women (AWG) 3 8395-803 Awali Ladies Association 17 678-947 Business Women’s Society 17 721-188 Discover Islam Ladies 17 531-400 Hamad Town Women’s Association 17 422-005 Indian Ladies Association 17 531-468 International Ladies Group 17 729-128 Pakistani Women’s Assoc. 17 710-944 Young Ladies Society 17 262-237 Young Ladies Toastmasters 17 626-237 Women’s Society 17 826-777
132 June 2012 BTM
Bridge Club Bahrain Scrabble League
17 713-080 17 242-641
Dessange Health Club La Fontaine
17 713-999 17 230-123
Filipino Club Tennis Group Table Tennis Club Tennis Club The Country Club
3 9527-587 17 729-756 17 729-561 17 593-593
Pilates
Racket games
Snooker
Jimmy’s Snooker/Billiards 17 71 6-147
National Associations
Amateur Athletic Association 17 684-905 Badminton & Squash Fed. 17 292-662 Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation 17 836-199 Basketball Association 17 741-010 Bowling Association 17 822-077 17 252-133 Chess Federation Cycling Association 17 650-079 Language Courses Disabled Sports Federation 17 789-191 Alliance Française 17 683-295 Endurance Federation 17 836-199 Berlitz 17 827-847 Football Association 17 729-563 The British Council 17 261-555 17 720-321 Handball Association Other Associations Hockey Association 17 253-209 Baloch Club 17 292-231 Maritime Sports Association 17 836-078 Garden Club 17 727-625 Martial Arts Association 17 650-676 Pakistan Association 3 9415-200 Mind Sports Association 17 340-016 Skal International Bahrain 17 22-4050 Shooting & Fencing Assoc. 17 750-006 Snooker Association 17 825-301 Sports Recreation Swimming Association 17 680-867 Aerobics Table Tennis Association 17 729-393 Coral Beach Club 17 312-777 Volleyball Association 17 271-139 Curves Fitness Clinic for Women 17 691-496 Teens Kids Ez Fit SportPlex 17 692-378 Athletics World Beat Fitness Centre 17 612-576 Road Runners 3 6992-288
17 645-156 17 261-555 17 531-400
Museums
Mind Games
American Chamber Comm. 17 580-516 Australian Association 3 9206-432 Bar Society 17 725-665 Bankers’ Society of Bahrain 17 728-003 British Business Forum 3 9651-755 Businessmen’s Association 17 229-009 French Business Club 17 748-999
Al Bayan Society Beit Al Quran Discover Islam
Literature
Ghassan’s Style Kickboxing 3 9458-293 Karate Centre 3 9247-769 17 813-856 Taichi & Wushu Center Japan Karate Association 17 591-237 Marina Club 3 9690-008 Reza Martial Arts Centre 17 694-646 Shotokan Karate 3 9626-211 World Beat Fitness Center 17 612-576 3 9667-624 Yong Quan Tha Chi Zen-Do Bahrain 17 611-909
Athletics/Running Ball Games
Cricket
Equestrian
Football & Rugby Golf
Karting
Marine Sports Martial Arts
Aces Taekwondo Academy 3 9658-741 Al Ahli Karate School 3 9659-510 Bahrain Karate Center 17 612-576 Bin Jamal Taekwondo Center 3 6222-892 Delmon Taekwondo School 3 9689-659 Futureshape Studio 17 592-019
Dance
Ballet Centre 3 9676-349 Victoria Dance Centre 3 9876-215 World Beat Fitness Centre 17 612-576
Cricket
Ez-Fit SportPlex SLC grounds, Riffa
17 692-378 17 276-134
Ez-Fit SportPlex Rugby Football The Country Club
17 692-378 17 695-809 17 593-593
Football & Rugby Horse Riding
Fitness Plus Physique Fitness Centre World Beat Fitness Centre 24-hour Fitness
17 593-593 17 694-646 17 612-576 17 716-999
Bodyline Spa Coral Beach Club La Fontaine Spa Massage Centre
17 793-932 17 312-777 17 230-123 17 264-064
Ann Beauty Center and Spa Bellacura Beauty Lounge Dessange Spa Futoon Beauty & Fitness Pineapple Spa Profile Fitness Centre Wellness Resort Zoya Beauty Centre
17 623-704 17 364-955 17 713-999 17 777-994 17 712-000 17 727-766 17 795-961 17 740-800
Art of Living Foundation
39 653-007
Fitness Gyms
Health Spas (Women only)
Meditation Centres
Bahrain Wellness Centre Bayoga Centre Meditation Centre Physiotherapy Centre World Beat Fitness Centre
17 795-961 39 460-996 17 712-545 17 722-012 17 612-576
Health Clubs (Hotels)
Banyan Tree Resort & Spa 17 845-000 Crowne Plaza Health Club 17 531-122 17 535-000 Golden Tulip Health Club 17 713-000 Gulf Hotel Health Club Le Mirage, Diplomat Hotel 17 531-666 17 227-777 Regency Fitness Centre 36 270-302 RJ’s, Ramee Int'l Hotel 17 524-570 Sheraton Fitness Sporting Club, Ritz-Carlton 17 580-000 The Gym, Mövenpick Hotel 17 460-000
Kids Fitness Centres
Children’s Health Academy of Specialised Sports (CHAOSS) 17 592-096 17 566-566 My Gym Bahrain
QR Codes: On-The-Go Reading You can now read Bahrain This Month while you are out and about, from the comfort of your own phone — just simply download a free app which allows you direct access to the online magazine. Both iPhone, iPad2 and BlackBerry users can enjoy this simple convenience by following these simple steps;
iPhone/iPad2 users Step 1: Search for i-nigma on the Apple app store Step 2: Download i-nigma on your iPhone or Pad, free of charge Step 3: After downloading is complete, click on the i-nigma icon Step 4: Finally, simply scan the QR code to be directed to a page on the designated page on the web
Awali Riding Club 17 756-525 Dilmun Club 17 692-986 Riding School 17 690-448 Shakhoora Riding School 17 591-103 The Country Club 17 593-593
Marine & Sailing Sailing Club Yacht Club
Martial Arts
17 700-677 17 700-677
Aces Taekwondo Academy 3 9658-741 Al Ahli Karate School 3 9659-510 Al Hala Sports Club 3 9966-139 Balouch Club 17 292-231 British Club 17 728-245 Delmon Tae Kwon Do School 3 9689-659 Taichi & Wushu Centre 3 6437-931
Health Fitness Fitness Gyms
Al Gosaibi Gym Coral Beach Club Dessange Health Club Ez-Fit Sportsplex Ghassans Gym
17 293-221 17 312-777 17 713-999 17 692-379 17 695-911
BlackBerry users Step 1: Search for ‘QR Code Scanner Pro’ in the Blackberry app world, either online or directly from your phone Step 2: Download the app, free of charge Step 3: Click on the application and scan the code Step 4: On scanning, you will be directed to site referenced in the QR code There are two QR codes used this issue; on the front cover, on First Word (page 11).
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Bahrain This Month gives readers an exclusive chance to win watches from Sharif Group.
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Hint: You can find the answers in this issue of BAHRAIN THIS MONTH.
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This is a fun game for all readers. Each of these pictures is taken from advertisements in this issue of BAHRAIN THIS MONTH. All you have to do is identify the ad and mark your answer below each ad clipping. So test your observation skills, and you may be a winner!
Bahrain This Month received 58 entries last month, 49 of which answered all the questions correctly. Congratulations to everyone, particularly our three winners: Winner : Joyce Fernandes Second Place : Riza Remoroza Third Place : Halim Samsul Hogue
Last month’s solutions
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1. May 18 2. See How They Run
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Who is a fitness addict? ___________________________
3. Bahrain Rugby Club 4. Thomas C. Krajeski 5. Edward Chaaya 6. Landrover LR4 7. Latin Quarter
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8. Idris Mohamed 9. Train’s new album 10. The Kempinski’s pastry chef
Ad Seek
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This Summer, shop at any of our outlets to Instantly win Al Aali Gift Vouchers that you can redeem at any of our designer store
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How Also old is Nuasia? lined up is a host of fun activities,Name: workshops, games and entertainment for your kids, making your summer shopping, o ___________________________ of a kind! Shop from June 14 – July 14,Address: 2012 and enjoy the exciting rewards.
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___________________________ What’s our app of the month? ___________________________ Who loves motorbikes? ___________________________
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BTM June 2012 133 Tel.: 17 581000 www.alaalicomplex.com
tarotscopethismonth
Gemini
May 21 – June 20 June sees you finally acting rather than threatening to act as you set the wheels of change into motion where a dream or idea is concerned. Your sign is often in two minds when it comes to most things; you cannot help it, it’s just your nature. But as the first half of the year closes, reflection finally acts as the catalyst to inspire action. Get that planned or long talked about project off the drawing board and give it some legs!! Feed the thought and you will be far from disappointed. On a more sober note, a sick relative could lead you to question your own efforts within the family and you might feel you should be making a bigger contribution. Card of the Month — The Moon For a detailed, personalised Tarotscope reading, contact Raphael by email: raphael@tarotscope.org.uk
Cancer June 21 – July 20 By the end of June you will find yourself at an emotional peak in a relationship as you witness past hardships or troubles with a partner finally come to an end for good. The first steps down this road of ‘romantic promise’ might not be as easy as you would like; you will both have to deal with some particularly painful admissions. Still, you should accept the truth for it will lead you beyond your current crop of difficulties into a period of serenity and satisfaction. On a different note, good news concerning a relative reaches your ears on the 13th, so don’t forget to congratulate the person concerned because they will appreciate your support. Card of the Month —The Four of Swords
leo July 23 — August 22 You have really been made to suffer romantically over the last few months although it seemed recently that perhaps things were improving as the year headed towards its halfway point. However, your return to some semblance of normality has hit a stumbling block and you could start thinking that your relationship is right back where it was when all the problems first began. Not that things need to be this bad; far from it since the roots of this romance have a firm base, you just both need convincing that this is really the case. On the financial front, a planned property sale finally goes through after a lengthy delay. Card of the Month —Temperance
134 June 2012 BTM
Virgo August 21 – September 22 June will prove to be a very good month for many of you and there is every indication that a trip overseas will leave you with some memorable moments to ponder over. You could find yourself encountering romance in a very unlikely setting and some highly charged emotions might be set free in what promises to be a most enlightening period of your year. Work will also feature strongly towards the end of the month, with a task you thought successfully completed returning to haunt you in the form of a loose end you overlooked. The blame may not be entirely yours but unless something exists in writing you should prepare to take the flack. Card of the Month —The Star Libra September 21 – October 21 Just when you thought many of the complexities and disagreements in your life had passed you by, so a new problem rears its ugly head and challenges all your preconceptions. It seems that a partner has not been entirely honest with you when it comes to his or her interest in another person and you could be in for quite a shock when you realise what is happening right under your nose. Whatever you do, don’t let indecision get in the way. Once you are aware of all the facts then focus on what to do next rather than simply leave it to fate. Card of the Month — The Two of Swords
Scorpio October 22 – November 21 June sees you breaking out of your self-imposed shell and taking a new grip on your life. If you’ve been feeling down or depressed, it all stops now! Life will become more of an enjoyable challenge and you will relish the chance to involve yourself in it. Work will bring about positive change and a new arena from which you will learn a great deal. You may also employ the more ruthless side of your character and finally detach yourself from anyone you feel might be holding you back. Blue will bring you good fortune and the number 5 may make your pockets swell! So what is the inspiration behind this change of luck? Someone has entered your life in a completely unexpected manner and has completely turned your outlook around. Card of the Month — The Six of Wands
Sagittarius November 22 – December 21 Love is well and truly in the air as a recent unpleasant reunion led you to meet with someone who has literally fallen into your heart like a hammer from the sky. Suddenly there seems to be no mountain too high for you to climb and you will be unrecognisable to your family and friends. However, one element of caution should be employed concerning a past ex who could be watching developments from the wings and may be about to cast a spanner in the works, especially if there is a child involved. It’s difficult to see the outcome to your situation but it would not be wise to allow matters to drift. Card of the Month — The Six of Cups
Capricorn December 22 — January 18 A relationship that looked a dead certainty to go the course could hit a snag this month as you discover that a partner has not been as honest with you as you might have wished. It could all get rather heated and perhaps end in tears so be careful what you say or do. Can you go forward or is this the sign that finally ends it all? Difficult times ahead and equally difficult decisions; be wise or be prepared for turmoil. On the health front, do not ignore that nagging pain in your heel. It’s going to get worse unless you get treatment and, believe it or not, the ultimate problem could turn out to be somewhere in the back. Card of the Month — The Two of Pentacles
advertisersindex aquarius January 20 – February 18 There is every indication that any work to be done in the home should only be attempted by people you know you can trust; so the warning is to watch who you hire! A young child with a long-term illness could cause you a measure of concern and a trip to the doctors may be necessary due to a worsening condition. A lady in black will cause you embarrassment at a party on the 18th while a fortuitous phone call on the 30th could line your pockets handsomely. Good news from overseas as a visit from relatives you thought had been cancelled is now on again and you are set for plenty of trips down memory lane over the next few weeks. Card of the Month — The Ace of Wands
pisces February 21 – March 20 Something weighs rather heavy on your mind this month and you might find yourself feeling slightly shackled or restricted by certain people close to you. As it is, June does not look like arriving in the best fashion, with the early part of the month seeing you involved in a rather serious disagreement with a partner. Things will improve around the 17th but only if you allow the firmer side of your character to the fore. Also, finances could become a little tight so if you do receive an offer for work or change of position, try not to be too choosy; there will be plenty of time for you to move up the employment ladder later — just get a foot in first! Card of the Month — The Ace of Swords
Aries March 21 – April 20 June comes filled with the promise of creative development as you decide to re-immerse yourself in a project that you have neglected for some time. Suddenly you will start to feel your imagination fire and a new energy sparks the potential you know has always existed within you. Take heart, since it could mean the start of great things — especially in the workplace — where a significant but personally beneficial change is strongly indicated. A planned holiday may take a surprise turn for the better when an unexpected discovery leads to a little more extra money in your pocket than you might have imagined. Card of the Month — The Magician
TAURUS April 21 – May 20 Nothing in life is more potent than true love; nothing more special than the feeling it inspires within us. And so the pain of separation from those we love most of all can be quite possibly the most difficult thing to endure. However, the wheel of time is turning in your favour and the future is going to be a positive one romantically so long as you are sure commitment is what you want. The Ace of Cups represents the start of a lifechanging event, but also life-affirming, and this love has the legs to carry you through anything. If this is what you want Taurus, you are set to be a very happy bull indeed. Let your heart run away with itself! Card of the Month —The Ace of Cups
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Helena Bonham Carter
FAMOUS Gemini's THIS MONTH
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Al A’ali Shopping Complex . . . . . . . . . . . 20
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Bahrain City Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Roche Bobois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Bahrain Science Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Bapco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Hotels & Luxury Apartments Elite Grande Hotel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Elite Seef Residence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Fraser Suites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Gajria Electronics (Olympus) . . . . . . . . . . 60 Health Watchers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Intercol (Moulinex) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Invita . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Lost Paradise of Dilmun . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Pars International Hotel . . . . . . . . . . .81,83
Megamart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Ramada Hotel Bahrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Mohd Fakhro & Bros (TCL) . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Ramee Intl’l Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
National Photo Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Ramee Palace Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Picture Arabia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel. . . . . . 59
Jewellery & Watches
Summer Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 The Bahrain Mall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Yateem Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . .42,44,46,48
Asia Jewellers (Cartier) . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC
Yusif bin Yusif Fakhro (Frigidaire) . . . . . IBC
Omega . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IFC
Yusif bin Yusif Fakhro (Severin) . . . . . . . 41
Sharif Group (Festina) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Restaurants and Cafés
Medical & Dental Services
Aroma Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Bahrain Specialist Hospital . . . . . . . . . . 39
Block 338 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Chili’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Motoring
McDonalds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Almoayyed Motors (Ford) . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Nuasia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Behbehani Motors (Fiat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Roma Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
E. K. Kanoo (Toyota) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Trader Vic’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Euro Motors (BMW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Vapiano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
National Car Rental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Nando’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Sixt Rent A Car . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Telecommunications
Zayani Motors (Peugeot). . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
VIVA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
BTM retail sales outlets BAHRAIN THIS MONTH, your guide to a great way of life, is available at the following selected outlets:
● 24 Hours Market, all outlets ● Al Hilal Bookshops, all outlets ● Al Jazeera Supermarket, all outlets ● Alosra Supermarket, Saar ● Bab al Bahrain Souvenir Shop ● BooksPlus, all outlets ● Burhama Cold Store ● Classic Shop, Bab Al Bahrain ● Elite Supermarket, Hoora ● Supermarket, Awali ● Jawad Supermarket, all outlets ● Jim’s Restaurant ● Mega Mart, all outlets
● Miami Cold Store, Adliya ● Midway Supermarket, all outlets ● Park Supermarket, Mahooz ● Waitrose Supermarket, Amwai ● Other leading Cold Stores and
News Stands 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 National Photo Services, Gudaibiya 17 742-955.
BTM June 2012 135
lastword It’s raining again!
Precipitation Blues JAMES CLAIRE Back in the 70s we vacationed in the same place, same time, year after year. We lived in southern cold; holidayed in northern heat.
136 June 2012 BTM
Part of the beauty growing up in a cold climate, where rain was close to freezing and frequently prompted outbursts of, “Rain, rain, go away, come back another day”, was the tropical resort where we went on holidays. It was always warm and fun to be in. If it rained on vacation we did not complain, we ran to the streets and kicked puddles; we even ran to the pool to swim. It was already wet, so why not? As children we considered no further implications than fun. Who knew about lightning back then, anyway! Now, years later and living in the Middle East, I love to walk in the rain. You never realise how much you miss it until you just don’t see it for a two-year stretch. I recently went on holiday, yet again in a tropical paradise. Every afternoon, like clockwork, it rained. I love the tropics for that! Yet one thing surprised me. Everyday as the rain began, swimmers stopped swimming and surfers stopped surfing; even snorkellers stopped and headed back to land to hide from the wet. Now I know I’m old and sometimes stupid, but weren’t they already wet?
Many of the larger people I saw walking the streets most days were already wet from sweating in the sultry heat; rain should have been a welcome relief, yet they hid under canopies to avoid getting wet from the sky. We all shower; isn’t that a controlled form of rainfall? Don’t we all love snow, the frozen variety of rain. Why is it we fear an opening of the skies? Light drizzle, heavy downpour, scant precipitation, tropical storm, it has spurred multi billion dollar industries — from umbrellas, raincoats and ponchos to caps. Is this all that God intended of rain? Business! There’s just so many upsides to rain — watering the garden, filling pools, dams and water tanks, washing the car, cleaning the pets, cooling the air, window cleaning and puddles for kids to play in. By the early ‘80s we actually did fear rain for a while. The media of the day scared us with reports of acid rain. It would bleach us all; for a while in my teens though it did keep me out of the rain. Global warming had not gone mass-market yet. But then, you see people like Gene Kelly running around with colourful umbrella’s singing so happily, “Just singing in the rain, what a glorious feeling, I’m happy again.” Or perhaps it was that childhood music box singing, “Raindrops keep falling on my head,” that makes me love the same feeling. For me it’s a freedom, a washing away of the old and a new day starting. My moods even change after a rainstorm. It’s purity; nature at her best; you don’t hear much about the goodness of nature anymore. On the same vacation this year, as our speedboat sped between luxurious idyllic islands, some in our party stood at the rear enjoying the spray of the sea as we smacked into waves. They screamed at the fun they were having getting wet from the ocean. In the afternoon on our return home, it rained. And same group hid under the canopy of the yacht fearing to get wet. Is it not the same water? The same mentality was exhibited by my parents years before. During the day we could run with water pistols shooting each other wet to the skin, and fill our afternoons jumping garden sprinklers; yet the minute it rained we were told to get inside or we would ‘get wet’. Weren’t we already? Many people talk about the beauty of nature, the decline of civilisation with global warming and the effects we have had on the planet. My advice; get outside and enjoy what we have instead of sitting around the computer discussing what we might lose. Mankind’s biggest problem is that we have lost the fun of our childhoods’ it’s already spread to the current generation who are already spending too much time indoors. Teach children the true beauty of nature before trying to tell them to avoid it for sycophantic reasons. Many people say I’m immature and need to grow up. But honestly, if it makes me run from the rain, I don’t want to! I may not be getting any younger, but my mind is as fresh as my youth once was. As Roger Miller once stated, “Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet.” I’m off to do some walking and hopefully find some puddles to play in.
destinationjuffair Restaurants and coffee shops Dining options in Juffair are generally situated in one of two locations; the infamous ‘strip’ or within hotels. There are a few exceptions, such as the southern American family joint Ric’s Kountry Kitchen or The Dome, a café-cum-restaurant that sells nourishing food. The ‘strip’ can’t be missed due to the amount of dining outlets covering every inch of the road. Here you can opt for fast food of every variety with brands including Burger King, Dairy Queen, McDonald’s and Subway. You can stop off for a quick coffee at Costa Coffee, grab something cold from TCBY, Baskin Robbins or Fresh Berry, or sit down for a meal at Fuddruckers, Nando’s and NuAsia. The hotels are full of all manner of cuisines. For Asian fusion, The K Hotel offers Mo Kan, an opulent dining experience with a menu bursting with flavour. Cucina Italiana, at Al Safir Hotel, serves up modern Italian meals in a casual setting, or, for a flavour of South America, head to Latin Quarter in Pars International Hotel.
Cucina Italiana
64 June 2012 BTM
Latin Quarter, Pars
Ric's Kountry Kitchen
Be prepared every day to serve a special meal to all of your guests.
The superior capacity Frigidaire upright freezer and all-refrigerator can easily store 946 liters of your favorite fresh and frozen foods.
www.yyfakhro.com
www.trinity.cartier.com
Trinity. All about you forever
Cartier Boutique in BAHRAIN: Moda Mall, Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC) - 17533 333 / 17530 555