Y Magazine #560, March 7, 2019

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MAR 07 - 13 2019 / ISSUE 560 • WEEKLY

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IS MUSCAT’S CURRENT FOODIE SCENE DULLING OUR COLLECTIVE APPETITE? WITH FOOD AND BEVERAGE BOOMING AS ONE OF THE SULTANATE’S FASTEST-GROWING STARTUP SECTORS, WE’RE EXPLORING ITS CURRENT IDENTITY CRISIS. WHY ARE LOCAL RESTAURANTS FAILING AND TIRED TRENDS PREVAILING AMID AN OVERSATURATED MARKET THAT LEAVES US ASKING – WHERE’S THE INGENUITY?

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FASHION: OSCAR RED-CARPET GOLD

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FIRST DRIVE: THE STEADFAST 2019 HYUNDAI ACCENT

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EDITOR’S

NOTE

Welcome to Y Magazine – your top guide to the best of Oman every week.

IN THIS ISSUE…

T

uesdays are production crunch-time for us here at Team Y; and more often than not, the last thing on our minds when we’re burning the midnight oil to bring you the latest week’s issue is: ‘What’s for dinner?’ Instead, we often go back and forth on deciding where to nip out for grab-and-go-to nosh for our ‘deadline fuel’. And while eateries abound in the Sultanate’s foodie capital, not all offerings satisfy the market’s current appetite.

As Muscat foodies become ever-more discerning amid an abundance of offerings, standing out among a sea of startups is becoming an increasing challenge. Food forms the crux of Oman’s startup culture – and it’s further asserted by the fact that more locals are setting up shop in the capital than ever before. While a healthy dose of competition does no harm, the nation is now witnessing worrying prospects – an oversaturated market and lack of ingenuity.

In this week’s cover story, we take a look at where young entrepreneurs are going wrong and, more importantly, how it’s led to an identity crisis in Oman’s food and beverage industry – all in the pursuit of serving food to meet demand that was never there.

Also, in this issue, we take you under the big top as Cirque du Soleil’s production of ‘BAZZAR’ gets ready to bring its incredible performance to Muscat for the first time, at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre at the end of the month. Plus, don’t forget to have your little ones grab the Y Road Safety card in this week’s issue and take the pledge of a lifetime for a chance to win!

Until next week, happy reading!

Team Y EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi

PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi

ADMIN MANAGER Yousef al Harrassi

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan

REPORTER Hassan al Lawati ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst

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MANAGER – DIGITAL MEDIA SALES Umair Mehmood

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Y Magazine is published by SABCO Press, Publishing & Advertising LLC / Y is a SABCO Media product.

Acting General Manager Salim al Amri We’d love to hear your news and views. For editorial enquiries, please info@y-oman.com email Want to read Y on the go?

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Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman.

MAR 07 - 13 / ISSUE 560

03

contents MAR 07 - 13

Your Oman

This Week

08 Voice Of Oman

Sarah al Balushi 10 News

Oman Air celebrates

Ironman triathalon 12 News

Bikers arrested for

racing in Seeb

10 Cars and Adventures 32 Destination

Al Mandhariyya

14

Laugh it up India’s comedy sensation Kanan Gill is bringing his unique brand of stand-up to the OCEC this Thursday, March 7.

15

40 Fashion

Oscar gold

39

16 Fighting the food chain

Satisfying the appetites

of Muscat foodies is no

easy feat and more

often than not what

we’re seeing is a case of

déjà vu all over again

as more new restaurants

offering the same tired

trends continue to pop

up. We tuck in to find out

what’s causing this

identity crisis in the market.

22

15 Movies

As a galactic war

breaks out between

two alien races, it’s

up to one earthly

superheroine to

save Earth from

destruction 26

in the blockbuster

‘Captain Marvel’.

Health and Beauty

34 First Drive

Hyundai Accent 38 Y-Fi

What’s new in smartphones

2019

Features

42 Beauty

Spring’s best palettes

Under the big top We take you behind the scenes of Cirque de Soleil’s production of ‘BAZZAR’ with the show’s Creative Director as the acclaimed circus troupe gears up for its Muscat début.

Pledge of a lifetime Y’s annual Road Safety campaign kicks off in the lead-up to GCC Traffic Week – and we’re calling all children in Oman to grab their pledge card in this issue and take part!

Food and Drink 44 Yummy Oman

Juicing up 46 Taste Test

The Eggspress Café

40

44 NEXT ISSUE...

FEATURES / COFFEE WITH Y / NEWS / MOVIES / EVENTS / BEAUTY / DESTINATION / TRAVEL / FASHION / FIRST DRIVE

brity ch and the latest celeve got at w to ts tis ar e th we’ From ate hits of the week, gossip, to your ultim from the pulse of the music your superstar dose Radio Oman 100.9 FM world, with Virgin

Trouble in paradise?

It seems rapper Travis Scott was in hot water recently. Scott was accused on social media of being spotted with another woman who wasn’t his partner Kylie Jenner after cancelling a concert because he was “feeling under the weather”. After denying the rumours online, Travis deleted his Instagram. In the wake of the speculation, at his most recent concert at New York’s Madison Square Garden, Travis gave a shout-out to Kylie saying: “Love you wifey – remember to keep your family first”.

Honestly – when will the KardashianJenner dramas ever end?!

Shakira’s on the hook Back in December, Shakira was charged for failing to pay taxes between 2012 and 2014 while she was living in Spain – though she maintained an official residence in Panama. Now, she’s being investigated by the Spanish authorities for alleged tax evasion upwards of USD$16.4 million and has been called to testify in court mid-June. According to Shakira’s public relations firm, the singer-songwriter has settled all her debts with the authorities – but will still make the court appearance.

Copyright claim to fame?

Nicki Minaj’s 2018 track ‘Sorry’ with Nas proved to be controversial after singersongwriter Tracy Chapman sued the rapper back in October for copyright infringement. Chapman claimed Minaj’s track was sampled from her 1988 hit ‘Baby Can I Hold You’. Now, Nicki is firing back, denying this. She says that Chapman hadn’t registered her claim to 06

MAR 07 - 13 / ISSUE 560

copyright the song’s composition and is not the owner of the copyright, and is therefore not entitled to receive any damages. Shots fired!

Drake’s flying high Without a doubt, 2018 was a big year for rapper Drake as his fifth studio album ‘Scorpion’ broke many records. Now, the prolific hip-hop star has just been named the ‘World’s Best-Selling Artist of 2018’ by IFPI – the organisation that represents the music recording industry worldwide. This latest accolade makes him the only artist to ever hold the title more than once – the first being in 2016. Drake recently took home a Grammy for ‘Best Rap Song’ at the 2019 awards ceremony for his track ‘God’s Plan’.

Rami the next bond villain?

Rami Malek has just won an Oscar for his portrayal of legendary Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in the film ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. Now, he’s apparently in negotiations to play the next Bond villain opposite Daniel Craig in the spy franchise’s 25th instalment, tentatively titled ‘Shatterhand’.

We don’t know much about Rami’s character, other than he may be blind. Naomie Harris and Ralph Fiennes are also confirmed to star, with the film slated to hit theatres on April 8, 2020.

A Jo-Bros reunion

The Jonas Brothers are officially back together after splitting up in 2013. They dropped their new single ‘Sucker’ along with the music video the same day they announced they were reuniting. The video is a family affair, featuring all the women in their lives including Priyanka Chopra who just married Nick Jonas in December, and Sophie Turner who is engaged to Joe Jonas.

J Balvin’s new single full of heavy-hitters J Balvin has had the opportunity to work with many big names including Beyoncé, Liam Payne, and Cardi B. Now, he’s back with another collaboration – this time teaming up with Benny Blanco, Selena Gomez, and new Latin artist Tainy on ‘I Can’t Get Enough’. The Latin-trap song came about after he heard that Selena Gomez was looking to work on some new tracks. We can’t wait for this one to drop!

Bryce Vine returns with ‘La La Land’ Bryce Vine, who is best known for his single ‘Drew Barrymore’ is back with his next new release. ‘La La Land’ features rapper YG – a laid-back anthem about California. This is the second single Bryce has released off his much-anticipated album ‘Carnival’ which is slated for release later this year.

Be sure to keep it locked to Virgin Radio Oman 100.9 FM, and don’t miss your Tea Time with Maya Noise, daily on Chad in the Morning.

THE VOICE OF OMAN

SARAH NAJEEB AL BALUSHI, THE HEAD OF GOLDEN SPOON GROUP AND MUSCAT EATS IN OMAN, TALKS ABOUT THE PLIGHT FACING RESTAURANT OWNERS

correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: With more fast food eateries opening up in the capital, do you think entrepreneurs are doing enough to improvise on the existing food scene – or is the Muscat market going through an identity crisis? Tell us your thoughts.

KAMAL GANATRA

I

t has been nearly four years since the crash of the oil prices on the international market – and we’re only slowly recovering from it. As much as one can say that times are changing, it’s very evident that the market is still very much only mending itself.

The result of this is a reduced spending power among residents.

People just don’t have the same amount of money that they had, or even if they do, they hold onto it and prefer not to spend it.

There was a time when people would eat out for leisure but now they only do it if it is deemed necessary. On a scale, we have noticed that there has been a 30 to 40 per cent drop in the spending power of people and it has amounted to a drop of nearly 60 per cent in our revenues.

An easy example would be of a leading American chain offering its burgers for 300 baisas. It’s the last resort to get people back into dining out and spending.

Will a change happen? It’s a question we all ask ourselves. But, we all hope that it will come owing to the stabilising oil prices, which could result in a slight reduction in the cost of living.

But whether it returns to the same level as before remains to be seen.

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MAR 07 - 13 / ISSUE 560

Interestingly, while many of today’s fastest-growing smaller restaurant chains are also paying close attention to design and branding, their menus tend to be more limited. The fast food industry is volumedriven, so transaction speed is paramount. A more limited menu translates to lower overhead costs and fresher food because restaurants can keep fewer ingredients on hand. Product assembly is also easier and quality control is inherently better because there are fewer things that can go wrong. A simple menu can also reduce the amount of marketing and advertising a chain needs to do to in order to make customers aware of what they offer. There are several relatively small restaurant chains that are growing rapidly by keeping it simple, focusing on quality and building a strong brand through creative marketing.

MOHAMED ABDOULMAGUID

I think entrepreneurs are doing enough to improvise on the existing food scene. In recent years, the market has witnessed a slow development at a steady pace. Many international brands have begun to gradually trawl the Omani market, taking advantage of growth opportunities in the market in terms of increasing the number of young people looking to attend these places, as well as the breadth of middle-income families and the working woman sector; all of which reflect positively on the increased fast food chain sales.

The Omani market has advantages that attract

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international investors to the retail sector. In addition to the recent rise in the population, about one-third of the youth population is between the ages of 2039, the largest category that spends heavily on goods.

JASON FELIX NORONHA

It’s a great thing that new food outlets are coming up at a rapid pace. Unfortunately most of these newcomers have taken the slightly easier route and opted for the main street traffic instead of the highway. Burgers, fries and doughnuts are popping up before you can add two and two. Staying afloat in the food business requires continual innovation and reinventing techniques and skills. The product being offered needs to have a unique blend of taste and style, making you come back for more. There is a lot of scope and hope that entrepreneurs will go that extra mile by taking that extra risk and start serving things that make you go ‘Mmmmm’. We are just not there yet.

ABBAS ABS

No. Entrepreneurs are not doing enough, unfortunately, as the fast food endemic continues to rise. Despite the health impact and the obesity epidemic being well-known, it is shocking that the number of fast food takeaways is increasing. Our high streets are increasingly saturated with takeaways and food-on-the-go, causing an over-consumption of cheap, unhealthy food and drinks. Local authorities and the food and drink industry all have a role to play in creating an environment that encourages healthier options including tackling the number of takeaways and the quality of food they sell.

Dinner for two at Le Jardin restaurant

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In every business there will be successful and not- so-successful entrepreneurs. However, when it comes to food and drink outlets, there are plenty of great and notso-great options to choose from.

The less successful ones need to look at not only innovation, ambience and internal factors but also external factors. These can contribute significantly to a restaurant’s success and include aspects such as provision for parking, a good central location and providing green and other healthy reasons for customers to come and try their dishes, at regular and sustainable intervals.

DIVYA HARIDAS

In this modern world, a day without fast food is becoming impossible, especially among youngsters. Presently, by

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exploiting the trend of the new generation, business owners are catching hold of their tastes and preferences instead of giving prime importance to their health needs. Food eateries are in a competitive zone and as a result they use low quality products, chemicals and preservatives to improve taste and durability.

The fast food market is going through a crisis mainly because of a lack of customers, increasing building rents and the sheer choice that is now open to people.

In fact, budgeting is a great issue for a family, as they have more options in supermarkets, where they can get much healthier food varieties in greater quantities.

Eateries can respond to this crisis by providing food with higher quality, in more hygienic conditions and with more inventive offerings.

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New Debate: Car accident fatality rates owing to vehicle failures and fires are alarmingly high in Oman compared to its GCC neighbours, with a majority of them linked to injudiciously repaired used vehicles imported from outside markets. As more non-compliant vehicles hit the roads, we ask whether it’s important for the government to tighten import laws on cars?

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09

NEWS OMAN WELCOMES WORLD’S

BIGGEST MAN-MADE TILE

F

orget fitted carpets, forget laminate flooring. In the GCC, we like our tiled floors.

And the world’s biggest man-made tile has been unveiled in the Sultanate.

Measuring 1.6m x 3.2m, the largeformat tile comes in different finishes, including marble, granite, and wood from Danube Home, the UAE’s leading home interior company.

Its catalogue is designed at keeping to the

current minimalist design trend while showcasing an exceptional range of tiles, bathroom, and kitchen products.

TOP HOSPITAL WELCOMES

ESTEEMED DOCTOR

O

ne of India’s top surgeons is on secondment to one of Oman’s leading hospitals.

Dr. Ravi Gopal Varma is to be a visiting consultant at Aster Al Raffah Hospitals & Clinics Oman for patients in the Sultanate with neurological issues, on March 18-19.

He’s been working with Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, India for four years and is regarded as one of the country’s leading neurologists.

Seeniya Biju, the CEO of Aster Al Raffah Hospitals & Clinics Oman, said: “We are very happy to welcome Dr. Varma for consultation in Oman.

“His expertise in neurological disorder treatment, particularly in Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) therapy, has seen a high success rate among patients. With his association, we look forward to curing the numerous neurological diseases that are prevalent in Oman.”

OMAN AIR CELEBRATES

IRONMAN TRIATHLON

O

man Air celebrated the success of Ironman 70.3 Muscat, which was supported by both the airline and the Ministry of

Tourism.

The triathlon event, which took place last Friday, drew more than 1,000 entrants from 54 countries.

The winner was Antoine Mechin, of France, who completed the gruelling challenge in 3 hours 56 minutes and 55 seconds.

Paver Gorik, of Russia, was the runnerup, in a time of 4:14:59, while Swiss athlete Rafael Wyss was third, finishing in 4:16:52.

In the women’s category, Italy’s Michela Santini won in 4 hours, 28 minutes and 33 seconds. Six-time Ironman world champion Natascha Badmann, of Switzerland, came second with her time of 4:39:24 while Ginlia Bedorin, of Italy, finished third.

Abdulaziz al Raisi, CEO of Oman Air

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MAR 07 - 13 / ISSUE 560

said: “Oman Air was delighted to be involved in this event, which was a great success. I would like to offer my congratulations to all those who took part in this tough challenge.”

TEAM SPIRIT

GALLERY

EMPLOYEES OF SABCO MEDIA AND SABCO ART CELEBRATE ANOTHER YEAR OF SUCCESS DURING THE COMPANY’S ANNUAL GATHERING UNDER THE AUSPICES OF SAYYID KHALID AL BUSAIDI

MAR 07 - 13 / ISSUE 560

011

YOUR

OMAN

BIKERS ARRESTED FOR RACING IN SEEB

T

wo bikers have been arrested for racing on a road in Mawaleh in Seeb, Muscat Daily

reported.

An ROP official said: “The traffic patrolling team at the Al Khoudh Police Station seized two bikes and arrested the two who were riding them. One of them had no licence. They were racing on a road in Mawaleh.”

He added that motorcyclists – especially young riders, have been warned of the dangers of performing stunts in public areas.

The ROP has called on all citizens and residents to cooperate with police officers to help crack down on the practice.

SOHAR INTERNATIONAL IS SHIHAB’S NEW SPONSOR

S

ohar International has become the exclusive sponsor of Oman’s 15-year-old racing sensation, Shihab al Habsi, the Oman Observer reported.

The deal was announced at a special event at the Sheraton Oman Hotel last week and was attended by Sheikh Saad bin Mohammed al Saadi, Oman’s Minister of Sports Affairs.

Shihab’s racing program for 2019 was also revealed.

Mohammed Mahfoudh al Ardhi, chairman of Sohar International, said: “Shihab is an exceptional young Omani talent with a bright future ahead of him, and we are proud to support him in his journey to success and wish him all the best in raising the Sultanate’s flag high regionally and internationally.”

This year began well for Shihab as he clinched first place in the first round of the UAE F4 Championship at the Dubai Autodrome.

The win ensured his place in Oman motorsports history by becoming the first Omani to race and win in the UAE F4 Championship.

Shihab said: “I am extremely grateful for the support of Sohar International, which will enable me to focus on my goals. I look forward to representing Oman in international championships and I hope I can make the nation proud.”

NO CHANGE IN OMAN

WATER TARIFF, SAYS DIAM

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MAR 07 / ISSUE 560

T

here will be no change in the water tariff in the Sultanate, the Public Authority for Water (Diam) has confirmed.

Diam has issued a decision (No 2/2019 on February 12) where it lists all types of water tariffs in Oman.

An official at Diam said: “The new decision was issued to put all relevant information on water tariffs under one decision, and under the new identity of the authority.”

Earlier, the authority was known as the Public Authority for Electricity and Water (PAEW), but after the Royal Decree 40/2018, all powers and prerogatives allocated to PAEW associated with the electricity sector were transferred to the Ministry of Oil and Gas. There has been no change in the water tariff since 2016.

The current tariff for government, commercial and industrial consumption is 3.5bz per gallon. The tariff for citizens and residents is fixed at 2bz for consumption from 1-5,000 gallons and 2.5bz for consumption exceeding 5,000 gallons.

TOP OF THE CLASS

GALLERY

MUSCAT UNIVERSITY RECENTLY CELEBRATED ITS INAUGURAL GRADUATION WITH THE CLASS OF 2019 AT ITS BAUSHER CAMPUS

MAR 07 / ISSUE 560

013

Grand Millennium Muscat invites brunch enthusiasts to experience a new signature Friday brunch, where global delicacies are served in style.The Millennium Brunch offers diners a culinary trip across the globe, in which they can indulge without leaving Oman.

It’s an afternoon that combines live cooking stations, fun-filled activities and face-painting corners.The Millennium Brunch at Taybat restaurant is sure to please the pickiest of eaters, and is on every Friday at the Grand Millennium Muscat. The brunch runs from 1:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. and is priced at RO20 net per person (children 6-12 years receive a 50 per cent discount; children below 6 years dine for free). For more information or to reserve a table, please contact (+968) 2234-2222; or email fb.gmm@millenniumhotels.com.

M

A

R

ROSSINI’S MASTERPIECE

WEEK

MAR 07

One of India’s top names in stand-up comedy, Kanan Gill, is bringing his ‘Teetar’ world tour to Oman on Thursday, March 7 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. Gill began as a popular YouTuber known for his scathingly hilarious ‘Pretentious Movie Reviews’ series which takes a stab at Bollywood. From there he’s built a successful stand-up career, and this marks his first show in Oman. Tickets start from RO9 and the show starts at 8:30 p.m. For more information visit www.muscat.platinumlist.net.

MAR 08

THIS

LAUGH IT UP

T H E B E ST O F B R U N C H

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE

WHAT TO DO. WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.

C

H

The Royal Opera House Muscat presents ‘La Scala di Seta’ as an entertaining, educational project. Rossini’s 1812 farsa comica tells the tale of lovely Giulia who is secretly married to a friend of the man her guardian is determined she will marry.

Every night her husband visits Giulia on a ladder made of silk lowered from her window. Hilarious chaos ensues when the ladder is discovered. This sparkling production by Rossini Opera Festival is staged by the world-renowned director Damiano Michieletto. A stellar cast includes soprano Marina Monzó; tenor Pietro Adaini; and baritone Paolo Bordogna. Ivan Lopez Renoso conducts the Orchestra Sinfonica Gioachino Rossini. Curtain up, 7:30 p.m. Running time is 80 minutes.

For tickets and details, check the ROHM website or call (+968) 2440-3332.

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30%-70% OFF Handmade Rugs Computer Rugs Antique Persian Rugs Oriental Rugs

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MOVIES MOVIES FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TIMES, GO TO: City Cinema: citycinemaoman.net Al Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net VOX Cinemas: oman.voxcinemas.com Star Cinema: Tel +968 2479-1641

The Hole In the Ground Cast: Seana Kerslake, James Quinn Markey, Simone Kirkby

Greta

Look Away

Cast: Isabelle Huppert, Chloe Grace Moretz, Maika Monroe Frances McCullen (Moretz) is just a young woman trying to get on in life in New York.

On finding a handbag on a subway train seat, she thinks nothing of returning it to its owner Greta Hideg (Huppert).

When Greta, a retired piano teacher, invites her in for a coffee, Frances accepts.

A bond develops between Frances, who has just lost her mother, and the lonely widow.

Captain Marvel Cast: Brie Larson, Gemma Chan, Ben Mendelsohn

her life.

This is a creepy, well-acted gem of a horror movie with enough twists and turns to help you unwittingly dust off a large carton of toffee popcorn.

And it’s a welcome change to see an English-speaking movie set, filmed, and produced in Ireland.

But when she makes an alarming discovery, Frances senses that the eccentric Greta is not all she seems, and the friendship soon turns sour.

However, Greta isn’t one for just letting things go, and that’s when Frances finds her life in turmoil.

It’s a chilling thriller; and with Huppert – one of the world’s greatest actresses – playing a Liszt-loving psychopath, what’s not to like?

And the lesson is? NEVER touch anything on the subway!

When the Earth is caught up in a galactic war between two alien races, Carol Danvers (Larson) becomes the woman with the weight of the world on her shoulders.

Marvel Studios isn’t giving anything away on this; no review link was available, and all we get from the preview clip is a 10-second slot of the fighter pilot morphing into their first female superhero.

Apparently, Marvel is afraid of online trolls giving the film a bashing before it can make a big splash.

How ironic is that – a film about a superhero whose makers fear a few fatuous (and semiliterate) bloggers?

Mind you, there’s an upside.

Apparently, Jennifer Lawrence was also in the running to play the part. Mercifully, we have been spared that. A superhero has to be able to climb short flights of stairs without tripping up.

Cast: India Eisley, Jason Isaacs, Mira Sorvino

Sarah O’Neill (Kerslake) is intent on starting over, and moves to the country for a better life for her and her young son Chris (Markey).

When Chris runs off into the forest near their new home, he starts behaving rather oddly.

After a chance encounter with a disturbingly neurotic neighbour who claims Chris is not her son, Sarah wastes no time in taking him to a child psychologist.

But when Chris starts displaying acts of physical strength way beyond his years, Sarah is in a battle to save her son, and

!

Mirror, mirror on the wall – why am I not more interesting or well-liked?

Maria (Eisley) is a high-school student who’s constantly alone. She’s pretty and pleasant but just not popular with her peers.

By gazing in the mirror, she finds her evil twin, an alter ego who is altogether a more assertive version of the girl she’d like to be.

When she trades places with her reflection, everything will be all right again, or will it?

And is it really her reflection or simply a darker ‘other’ personality taking over?

Either way, the college pals who have been ribbing her had better watch out.

This is a girl with issues, and a few scores to settle.

It’s another horror chiller, but one with a reasonably original premise.

And Faustian-type pacts are never a good idea, as we all know.

N WI

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

‘Captain Marvel’ star Brie Larsen won an Oscar for her role in which 2016 film?

LAST WEEK’S WINNER Deborah D’Mello

WIN FREE MOVIE TICKETS! Read our movie section and answer the question to stand a chance to win two tickets to watch movies of your choice! Send your answers to info@y-oman. com, along with your contact information.

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Experience more VOX Cinemas magic! Discover

Now open near you at VOX Cinemas, Muscat Grand Mall Book your tickets at voxcinemas.com or the VOX app MAR 07 - 13 / ISSUE 560

015

OMAN HAS TOO MANY EATERIES, AND MANY OWNERS ARE FORCED TO SHUT UP SHOP AFTER A FEW MONTHS. AS THE PUBLIC COUNT THEIR PENNIES, TEAM Y INVESTIGATES WHY SOME ENTREPRENEURS THINK RUNNING A RESTAURANT IS A PIECE OF CAKE – AND SOON STRUGGLE TO EARN THEIR BREAD AND BUTTER

016

MAR 07 - 13 / ISSUE 560

L

ife revolves around food. In fact, food has long brought people of different cultures around the table.

But while the tummy may rule the mind, the core of our sustenance has turned into a moneyed affair – and a profitable one at that for entrepreneurs… or has it?

It’s a question we ask ourselves as we walk across the long stretch of restaurants in the Shatti corridor – some of which are brimming with customers while others continue to operate with little to no one.

It’s like a rally, as each restaurant opens its doors just as the clock strikes 5pm – the prime time as per the restaurateurs operating in the upscale Muscat locale.

Upping their games are impeccably-dressed waiters who have spent time decking out the insides of the eateries before the first customers start to flow in.

Everything has been set for business and the orders are ready to come in. There’s just one problem: there aren’t any customers.

As grim as that sounds, it’s a concern that worries restaurateurs; even longstanding ones such as Abdullah al Kharusi, who had to close his burger bar of six years following back-to-back years of cutting into losses, this January.

An idea that stemmed from his passion for American food, the 45-year-old Omani had to take out a loan for his business idea: The Burger Zone.

Stocked up with everything from delectable burgers – which had won high praise from local media houses – and Texas-style steaks, Abdullah’s startup (from 2012) was on top of its game for four years on the trot – raking in profits and eventually clearing his debts.

But, much like several other restaurants in the vicinity, his eatery lost its flair, and eventually, its customers. And following in the wake of other eateries in the milieu, he too had to pass on his keys to another young entrepreneur with another restaurant idea.

Speaking to Y about his restaurant’s failure, Abdullah says: “They say that success comes after people who persevere to succeed. But I don’t think that’s the case anymore.

“The market – which consists of the public and critics – takes you in and makes you a poster boy one day but spits you out the other. It’s a game that is ruled by these two entities.

“That’s what happened to me,” he exclaims dolefully before adding how he was one of the first Omanis to open an allAmerican eatery in the capital.

What went wrong in his business is a matter that the Master of Business Administration (MBA) holder from the University of San Francisco struggles to explain.

“Perhaps I’m too close to my failure to see why it happened,”

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017

he answers, in a bid to dodge our questions.

What he does reveal, however, is how his income dropped from RO800 per day in 2013 to RO200 in 2015, and finally RO80 in 2017, before shutting up shop.

But the figures are there to support the statement: there was a drop of 29.4 per cent in SMEs setting up in Oman.

Yet, as per the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), Muscat alone witnessed 10,049 SMEs being set up in 2017, from which an undisclosed number consisted of restaurants – at least, that’s what Jose Varkey, an economist with a top business college in Oman and a columnist with international media believes.

He says: “Oman’s statistics agencies won’t reveal much more than just the numbers of SMEs as it’s difficult to keep a tab on these new companies that keep popping up, but nearly 40 to 65 per cent of that is believed to be restaurants.

“And then there are the food trucks. It only takes some three weeks to set it up and you get one-year licences from the Muscat Municipality. So, that’s added to the Muscat foodie scene as well.

“The real question that now lies is why there is such a spurt of these businesses (both restaurants and food trucks), given a lack of demand; and more so, why they’re all coming up with the same ideas, which are: American cuisine (burgers, steaks, fries) and mishkaks.

“There’s really not much else.”

Jose then goes on to explain the basic working model of a restaurant, pointing out how it’s all interdependent on the demand and supply model but is also an extension of incorporating a bit more ingenuity into its working model and theme.

“When compared with other businesses in the region, a restaurant has a better scope for success,” he says.

“Food is a business that will never go out of demand – but it is capped by the number of people residing in a location.

“Let’s say that Oman’s population is a little over four million currently.

From that, nearly 1.7 million reside in the capital. And if you set aside the different sectors of population based on spending power, you’re left with only about 800,000 people who will spend on your business.

“And given that there are over 20,000 restaurants – and that’s a modest number – in the capital alone, you’re looking at one eatery for every 40 people. And that’s a saturated market.

“So, where is the scope for growth?” he asks. “After you’ve factored in loyal customers and restricted spenders, you’re left with less than 10 to 50 people per restaurant. Therefore, a lot of restaurants crash and fail just 018

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months after they open shop.”

But overcrowding and oversaturation are only two reasons why some businesses go to the wall after only months of opening.

In an interview with the manager (who preferred to remain anonymous) of one closed Indian restaurant in Muscat, we’re told that it’s not just these reasons but a general “ignorance of restaurateurs” that sets it up for failure.

He tells us: “People here – be they Omanis or expats – go with the instincts of their belly than actual research when it comes to setting up a restaurant.

“What they like to eat, they’ll add to the concept of the restaurant. But, passion only goes for a bit before reality kicks in. And the reality is that no matter how much you strive, you can only set yourself apart if you’re serving good food at nominal prices and with quality.

“In the case of our restaurant, we took off very fast and built a fan base of mixed cultures with our food. But our downfall was our prices – we were too expensive. And, the next challenge was the competition from another established Indian restaurant of 15-odd years that was placed right opposite to us that served food at low rates.

“Somehow, we encroached onto their territory, even if we didn’t want it to. I won’t lie: our staff even had lunches from the other restaurant because of the price factor.

“It all led to our failure in less than two years,” the Indian expat tells us before adding, “This move to Oman really killed my career. I used to work with a top hotelier in India before being snagged to come here – much like many other restaurant managers in the country.

“I left behind everything: my family, local experience, and everything I strove for, to come here. But in less than six months, the blame game started – the owner started threatening to fire us if we didn’t turn the business around.

“The visa and the NOC threats were among them, and they were constantly firing people. Eventually, it was just me, three waiters, and two chefs for an 80-person restaurant,” he laughs.

“The youth need to come up with newer and fresher ideas. If someone is opening a tea café in a prime location, don’t go and start another one right next to them in the hope that yours will work out too.

“Bring in ingenuity into the market. Don’t do what others are doing in your locality. That’s just setting yourself up for failure, and you use your best judgment to see whether what concept you’re coming up with will open a door for the people to try out something new and unique, and is not a tired idea.”

A stroll in the Ruwi area confirms his words, as a section of the high street offers nothing more than Asian restaurants, all serving the same dishes: north and south Indian dishes. We also caught them running at low capacity on a Friday evening – a peak day in an otherwise crowded area.

“Knowledge is power – it’s a fact,” says Adnan.

“And, in business, the more you know about your field, the better are your chances of success. For example, it’s not advisable for you to set up a software company without any knowledge on coding, and the same goes for the restaurant industry.

“Don’t start your business without knowledge about what you’re trying to sell. A lot of restaurants – and I don’t want to call out names – sell food that is subpar after a few months of bad income.

“So, they resort to reducing quality or stop paying their workers to keep the business running. How can you expect a chef or waiter who has not been paid to keep working,” he asks us.

“They are humans too and need to be paid. There’s a lot that must change in the mindset of the people with regards to setting up these businesses.

“Once you’ve set up your company, make an effort to be a part of it. Every so often, we find people who set up companies and then leave it in the hands of the workers. This means that these owners don’t know the problems that the workers are facing.

“That means there’s added pressure from the customers, you, and the general targets that you’ve set for these poor employees.

“This is wrong,” he asserts, saying that, “Employees need to be guided and will need your expertise to run the company. You cannot expect to invest in a company, provide jobs, and simply expect returns.”

Adnan is right about the targets; too, as the public have kept a tight rein on the purse strings ever since the oil crisis of 2015, the ripples of which are still being felt strongly throughout the market.

In a shocking report revealed by the International Monetary Fund, Oman’s per capita income i.e. the average income measures of the average income earned per person in a year, the figures stood at RO9,249 in 2015.

Moreover, according to the World Bank, the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) fell from US$81.08bn (RO31bn) in 2014 to US$72.67bn in

2017 – a mark of how the goods and services market fell in the country since the oil price crash.

Experts such as Jose, however, believe that this number has gone down significantly in 2017 but he refuses to acknowledge that the nation is undergoing a crisis and asserts that this is only a temporary setback.

“But yes,” Jose begins, as he goes on to say, “Omanis and expats definitely feel the crunch and would rather save their money than spend it shopping or in restaurants. That’s the market right now.

“People would hold onto their money for as long as they can to keep it for a rainy day. And it’s not just the food and beverage industry but also real estate that is seeing this crunch.

“Tough days call for tough measures,” he adds, before stating that the spending power in the nation has fallen by about 1.2 per cent, owing to this culture of saving.

To understand more about this spending culture, we quiz several passers-by in Jawaharat Shatti – a locale that boasts nearly 12 restaurants.

American expat Samantha Davis, a single-mother working with an interior design company, concurs with Jose. She tells us: “With salaries staying the same over the last five years and with rising inflation, people like us who have families to support have stopped spending as much.

“Moreover, the Omani restaurants charge taxes on top of it all. So, what starts as a humble meal of RO5 then jumps up to RO6 and RO7.

It’s alright for some of us who are used to spending as much for meals but for many others – especially those with four and five members – that’s a tall ask.”

A quick dig into her opinion shows that she makes a solid case. The inflation rate in Oman hovers between the 0.2 and 1.1 per cent mark, and is a contrast to markets such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia that have negative inflation (deflation) since the start of the year.

Couple that with the taxes, which includes service tax, municipality tax, and tax levy (on certain products); and the overall bill can jump up by 8 to 13 per cent depending on the restaurant.

As bleak as things may seem currently, the players in the restaurant industry are remaining optimistic.

As the head of the Seaside Café and a chain of other eateries based in Oman, Othman al Riyami says: “Things will catch up. There’s no other way but to believe that it will, and remain positive.

“Every day when we come and open our shop, we hope that customers flow in. Our current income has dropped from RO220 per day to about RO65 just from what we closed at last night (March 4, 2019).

“This means that I have no money to pay my staff. But, Insha’Allah, I will strive to make it work out even if it means operating at a loss for a year. I have that belief that things will turn around.

“I don’t know what else to say. It’s either a positive mindset or do the right thing as everyone says and close my cafés,” he laughs, but in a tone that changes ever so quickly.

“Whoever says entrepreneurship is blissful has a lot to learn.” ■

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019

LIFE THROUGH

A LENS

Capturing Oman’s natural beauty is the pride and passion of one self-taught photographer, as Swati Basu Das discovers, in this week’s Coffee With Y

O

man’s wondrous landscape throws up an array of abundant treasures for any talented lensman (or woman) to take advantage of.

The Sultanate’s sky can glint with all the tremulous tints of a rainbow’s colours while at night observers can gaze at a crystal-like constellation to tantalise any telescope.

It makes us all want to go and splash out on all the requisite photographic equipment.

But it’s the talent we need; not just the tools.

And one photographer who has it in spades is Qasim Al Farsi.

Since taking up the art 10 years ago, Qasim has built up a prestigious portfolio as well as a clutch of estimable awards and accolades.

These include the 25th Annual Photography Exhibition, Renaissance Day photography Competition Oman; Souq Okaz Photography Awards KSA; and the Hipa Instagram Photography Awards UAE. Modestly, he says the awards came as a surprise to him, as he simply set out to master the art of photography, with a preference for capturing landscapes.

“I have no travel plans for photography. I am on the move instantly,” he says.

“I venture out at dawn and sometimes even late at night to remote locales to acquire some

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winning shots.”

His preference for landscape photography stems simply from witnessing Oman’s scenic beauty.

He says: “Oman has some of the most amazing untouched beaches and high mountains reflecting lights of the sun through every nook and cranny. Capturing them all is bliss.

“My journey started with a love for adventure, travel and camping in different hidden locales of my country.

“I travelled to places that are spectacular and fell in love with them. I shared my travel stories but found that there was an intense demand from people to see what I had witnessed. And that awakened the desire in me to seize the moments of nature through the art of photography.”

And Oman sure looks good through his lens. His artistry captures the subtle nuances of colour of our land as well as its eclecticism.

His portrayal of the ocean waves positively radiates and reproduces every inch of their kinetic and shimmering wonder. The peaks of the Al Hajjar Mountains loom ever-more loftily when taken by him, as clouds shroud the stolid spreads of trees. The yellow terrains of the Empty Quarter sparkle into golden

hues of vastness. The green plains of Salalah seem even more verdant.

All of our country’s assets glimmer ever-more spectacularly after Qasim has pointed his camera at them.

Qasim is no camera snob, either. Although he uses the best in professional equipment, for him it’s all about the shot.

In fact, he used a mobile phone camera on one of his first ventures, to Barr al Hikman.

“I camped at Bar Al Hikman for three nights and realised the beaches were pristine and the ocean water had all shades of blue. The nights had zero light pollution and were perfect for astrophotography.”

His friends were knocked out by his efforts. Recounting the journey, he says: “Way back in 2000, I took pictures with my mobile and shared with my family and friends and they all appreciated my work and demanded to see more of Oman through my lens.”

Qasim’s love for nature and its intricacy takes him to the hidden places of the country, where very few have trodden, to date.

“Oman has a versatile topography. There is desert, oasis, wadis and much more to explore.

“Through my photography, I try to highlight these natural marvels and show the world Oman’s unspoiled beauty. My photography represents my country.

“Moreover, it is good to invite photographers and adventurers from

abroad to tour my homeland to know how beautiful it is.

“I conduct personalised photography tours for any photographer both from Oman and beyond. I even organise workshops on photography techniques, offering free classes to local college and school students who are interested in this field.”

And Qasim will go that extra mile, quite literally, if it means achieving the shot he wants.

On one occasion, he encountered a desert sandstorm when in the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali).

“The storm suddenly emerged and the visibility was fading and the wind was raging so much that couldn’t even open the car door.

“I chased the storm and managed to get incredible pictures of it. I was contented, that’s all I can say.”

Fortune favours the brave, as the saying goes but Qasim is keen to pass on some of the tricks of the trade.

His advice for budding photographers reflects his enthusiasm for his art. Driven by the passion of photography, his advice is to love the art and stay focused on the frame.

“I believe in learning each day. It is important to learn from mistakes.

I take advice even from my fans, friends and my students.

“A mobile phone can help you get a great picture depending on the frame you choose and the use of light. My initial photography stints were done by mobile.” ■

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021

UNDER THE

BIG TOP

As Cirque du Soleil prepares to make its debut in Oman with its production of ‘BAZZAR’, Team Y discovers some of the tricks that have turned it into one of the world’s biggest names in entertainment

B

ehind one show business giant is an inspirational story that is nothing short of remarkable.

Cirque du Soleil – the biggest theatrical production outfit in the world – has evolved from the talent and hard work of humble street performers in the hamlet of Baie-Saint-Paul in Quebec, Canada.

It’s a magnificent feat for an entertainment company that was founded in 1984, and started out in a small town with little more than 7,000 residents.

Whether you’re looking for gut-wrenching performances of risky showmanship or themed acts that display cultures from around the world, Cirque du Soleil has you covered.

And BAZZAR, its 43rd production – which is inspired by the ‘colourful and chaotic grand Indian bazaars’ – will be performed over the week of March 28 until April 6 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.

From start to finish, Susan Gaudreau – the writer and director of BAZZAR – takes us on a journey with the celebrated circus group as she gives us a peek into what makes BAZZAR one of the best live entertainment productions in the world.

Here’s an excerpt from our interview:

Q

Y: Can you tell us a little about the history of Cirque du Soleil – how things have progressed and the hard work that has been put in to turn a humble Canadian production company into an international one?

SG: Cirque du Soleil is nothing like you’ve ever seen before.

It started more than 30 years ago when 20 Canadian street performers got together to reinvent circus arts and create a new form of entertainment centred on human performance, without animals.

We offer a highly emotional and compelling form of entertainment.

Our shows take the traditional circus arts to a whole new level, mixing state-of-the-art costumes, captivating music and impressive staging, which gives a complete and impressive theatrical experience.

Today, we maintain that leadership by constantly being on the lookout for innovative technology and new types of performance and look for ways to integrate them in our shows. The secret is to never settle and rest on our laurels. We have one motto at Cirque: impossible is only a word.

A

Q A

Y: What are some of the key factors you consider when deciding upon a venue for your production?

SG: Cirque du Soleil creates different formats of shows to fit different types of markets. For Big Top (their large circus arena) and arenas touring shows, cities are determined by their population and the availability of a space well situated in terms of access and visibility. We also create resident shows that are presented in custombuilt theatres. These are in markets that offer a constant influx of tourists, like Las Vegas, or Hangzhou, which will host our first resident show in 022

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China.

BAZZAR is presented in a more flexible and nimble Big Top to respond to the logistical realities of the markets we are aiming to visit. For example, this Big Top requires a smaller site to set up, giving us access to areas where space is limited, such as Mykonos, as well as fewer touring trucks, making it easier to travel to markets where maybe infrastructure is less developed.

Q A

Y: Do you tailor your content for the local audience – will we get to see some Arabic touches for the BAZZAR in Oman?

SG: Cirque du Soleil creates shows that are universal. With our touring shows, our goal is to appeal to different audiences from different cultures and sustain the test of time without having to adapt the show to each market. Some of our shows tour the world for as long as 20 years!

That being said, we will sometimes agree to minimal adjustments to the script or costumes, for example, to align with cultural preferences and ensure the success of the show, as long as these changes don’t impact the essence of the show.

Q A

Y: As the Sultanate gears up to witness its first Cirque du Soleil production, what can we expect from the team – and how far along have the preparations come?

SG: One month prior the première, a cast and crew of 60 people will be travelling to Oman and working in Muscat to perform and present BAZZAR. We will also need to hire local staff to fill security, catering, wardrobe assistant, ushers and customer experience positions. The artists will start training and rehearse. All Cirque du Soleil

staff will work together to be ready to offer the audience an awe-inspiring experience!

Q A

Y: Can you reveal the roles of the key performers in the BAZZAR production?

SG: BAZZAR is a new show centered on Cirque du Soleil’s DNA that introduces the essence of what Cirque du Soleil is: stellar human and acrobatic performances, impressive scenography, remarkable aesthetics and live music which give a complete and impressive theatrical experience.

The show features an international cast of 30 performers and musicians supported by 16 members of the technical team. The cast of BAZZAR is showcasing a full range of different disciplines including ‘Mallakhamb’ for the first time.

Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR takes place in an eclectic lab of infinite creativity where a joyful troupe of acrobats, dancers and musicians craft an awe-inspiring spectacle. Led by their maestro, they band together to invent a whimsical one-of-a-kind universe. In a place where the unexpected is expected, the colourful group imagines, builds and invents vibrant scenes in an artistic and acrobatic game. ■ MAR 07 - 13 / ISSUE 560

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COMPETITION

Presented by

In Association With

e m i t e f i L A f O e g d Ple Children will write it and parents will sign it – let’s take the pledge together towards safer roads. In celebration of the upcoming GCC Traffic Week on March 10-17, Y calls out for families to join the ‘My Road Safety Pledge’ and stand a chance to win a top prize

R

oad safety awareness plays a significant role in shaping the attitudes and behaviour of children and young people – guaranteeing they become responsible drivers, passengers and pedestrians in the future.

With the highest number of deaths on the road in the GCC, figures for the Sultanate are staggering – with one death for every ten accidents, and 3,845 accidents occurring in 2017 alone, based on the latest available data. Of those incidents, 640 resulted in fatalities.

To teach children from a young age to be aware of traffic rules and regulations, Y

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Magazine is once again conducting the ‘My Road Safety Pledge’ competition in conjunction with the regional GCC Traffic Week.

To participate in the competition, children will write a ‘My Road Safety Pledge’ on behalf of their parents in a custom-made card which you’ll find here in this current issue of Y Magazine.

The ‘My Road Safety Pledge’ card has a space where children can pen the pledge on behalf of their parents.

The Road Safety Pledge has to be countersigned by their parents as the purpose is also to promote the message of road safety to parents through their children. The best three pledges

will win a cash reward.

Once the Road Safety Pledge is written on the supplied card, parents are requested to drop the card at designated drop-boxes coming soon across Muscat.

Participants can also look forward to an onground activation event on March 21 where children will colour the cards and take the Road Safety Pledge, with the winners being announced at a special upcoming ceremony where they’ll receive their prizes. More details will be coming soon – so be sure to pick up your latest copy of Y Magazine every week at select locations across Muscat! ■

7 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR CHILD SAFE ON THE ROAD Besides teaching children road safety rules, parents should also keep in mind the following tips to ensure that their little ones stay safe on the road: ① Buckle up and ensure that your child always wears the seat-belt or is secured in a car-seat. ② Use the child lock feature to prevent your kids from opening car doors by themselves. ③ Teach them about the rules practically – take them for walks and cycling and teach them how to do it correctly.check if they are breathing. ④ Show patience when driving and set an example for your kids by being calm and refraining from rushing out on to the road. ⑤ Be punctual and disciplined to avoid speeding and rash driving. ⑥ Don’t use mobile phones or other gadgets when driving.

Here’s why you’re always safe in a Honda with Honda Safety and Driver Assist Honda Sensing® Honda Sensing® helps provide greater awareness of driving conditions around the vehicle, providing warnings to the driver and, under certain conditions, aiding the driver in avoiding or mitigating the severity of a collision.

Honda Sensing® features include the following: ● Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) including Pedestrian Detection and Head-on Collision Warning ● Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) ● Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) ● Lane Departure Warning (LDW) – Integrated with RDM ● Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow (LSF) In Association With

LaneWatch™ As the driver indicates to change lanes, a clear image is displayed on the Display Audio screen of the passenger side lanes. This helps the driver to change lanes safely and shows the driver’s blind spot.

High Beam Support Using the monocular camera from the Honda Sensing, the system switches from high to low beam automatically when a white or red light source is detected ahead. This reduces driver fatigue and increases safety levels.

COMPETITION RULES:

● The competition is open to children ages 16 and under. ● Cards must be completed by children only and then signed by a parent or guardian. Entries will be disqualified if there is evidence of parental involvement. ● Entries received after the closing date of March 30 will not go forward to the judging stage. ● Children of employees of SABCO Media or associated companies are excluded from taking part. ● The editor’s decision is final. ● Winners will be notified by email or telephone.

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027

COMPETITION

d r o w e h t s ’ m Mu

Calling all children across Oman!

Show us just how much you love your Mummy this Mother’s Day and enter for a chance to crown her as ‘Oman’s Best Mum’, as we kick off our annual competition once again!

M

others are the lifeline of the family – there’s no denying that, and it is high time we give our mums the credit they deserve. That is why Y Magazine has teamed up with PUCK to show the mums of Oman just how much they’re loved by their children, in a special competition to coincide with Mother’s Day in the GCC, which is celebrated on March 21.

This is the fifth edition of the competition – and following trend, this year’s will

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Love you mum

even be bigger and better than ever!

In 2018, we saw our boxes inundated with hundreds of entries as children across the capital put their feelings down on paper, proving why, in their opinion, their Mum was the best in the world.

It’s not just the title of Oman’s Best Mum that’s on the line.

Thanks to PUCK, there will be several valuable prizes up for grabs for the top three entries. And, if this isn’t motivation enough to show your love, then we don’t know what is – just think of all the treats you could buy your Mum as a thank you for all that she does for you.

The first real human interaction a child has once they’re born is with their mother. It’s a bond that’s strong and beyond what words can convey. But, every now and then, we must try and express our love for our beloved mothers. And Team Y is thrilled to bring our loyal readers a competition that will do just that!

To enter, you’ll need to be age 16 or under. Just pick up a special card, which will be slotted into the March 14 issue of Y Magazine and fill it with a heartfelt message of love for your mum.

Remember, our judges will be selecting the winners based on content and creativity so don’t be afraid to get artistic Last year, we received poems, drawings, touching words and simple displays of gratitude, so getting creative is a must.

Look out for the A5 card in the March 14 issue of Y. Complete your entry and be as creative as you like with words and pictures – good luck and remember to say it with love!

AND FINALLY: ● The top three entries will also be framed and given back to the participants for them to present to their mothers as a keepsake. ● The competition closes on March 30 and our winners will be awarded their prizes with their mum at a special ceremony.

COMPETITION RULES: ● The competition is open to children aged 16 and under. ● Cards must be decorated and written by children only. Entries will be disqualified if there is evidence of parental involvement. ● Entries received after the closing date, March 30, will not go forward to the judging stage. ● Children of employees of SABCO Media or associated companies are excluded from taking part. ● The editor’s decision is final. ● Winners will be notified by email or telephone. ● Winners and their mums must be able to attend the prize ceremony in Muscat on a date to be confirmed.

MAR 07 - 13 / ISSUE 560

029

As the Oman World Festival of Folk Music gets ready to shine on-stage at the Royal Opera House Muscat on March 14-16, we bring you a sneak peek at the line-up and how this traditional art form is finding new significance among a young generation

W

e all have a song that reminds us of our childhood; one which evokes a sense of time, place and belonging. It may have been a ditty our grandmothers sang to us as we helped her roll dough in the kitchen; it might have been a chant we sang in the schoolyard or an anthem we heard in a national celebration. They’re the melodies that linger a lifetime – no Billboard chart flashes in the pan.

Given the ephemeral nature of music, what tends to stand the test of time are those compositions that somehow link us to a greater sense of our identity and define a generation. And folk music is an intrinsic part of the equation that forms the cultural identity of a people. Part of a rich form of cultural expression that can date back centuries, it’s an oral tradition that is, in its most essential form, the voice of a people.

In an effort to keep the cultural histories passed down through folk music alive, its exposure to new audiences who have new stories to tell is vital. It’s with this intent of cultural preservation and celebration in mind, that the Royal Opera House Muscat is launching the Oman World Festival of Folk Music, running from March 14-16.

Here, the Royal Opera House Muscat’s General Director, Mr. Umberto Fanni gives us an inside glimpse of the upcoming festival highlights.

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Y: The Oman World Festival of Folk Music is a first-of-its-kind for ROHM. Walk us through its creation from concept to reality. concept to reality.

UF: Over the past eight years the Royal Opera House Muscat has brought a diverse range of productions from all around the world spanning opera, musicals, symphonic concerts, ballet, dance groups, and popular singers and musicians.

While folk music from Oman and abroad won’t be new at the Royal Opera House Muscat, a festival dedicated to the celebration of diverse international folk music traditions, represents, as you rightly say, a first for ROHM. It will be an historic, landmark event.

All the programming of the Royal Opera House Muscat is derived from the vision of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said who established the Royal Opera House Muscat to contribute to world peace through the understanding and harmony that comes with cultural exchange.

The universal language of music has a powerful and lasting cross-cultural impact as it engenders genuine communication with inspiring results.

The Oman World Festival of Folk Music is already creating a lot of excitement as Omani folk musicians are busy rehearsing, while folk music artists from Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas prepare to come to Muscat.

ROHM patrons can anticipate an amazing and spectacular festival that will take them around the world in three days.

Y: Can you tell us what cultural performances audiences can look forward to?

UF: Furthering the Royal Opera House Muscat’s longstanding commitment to diversity, no less than nine international groups will present unique musical traditions from their various homelands. They are joined by three ensembles from Oman.

Audiences will experience a colourful programme featuring dramatic transitions from, for example, traditional tribal performances of New Zealand to folkloric song and dances from Senegal. In addition, outstanding artists in traditional costume from Serbia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Palestine, Georgia, Korea, and Mexico will transform the maidan at the Royal Opera House of Musical Arts with stunning dance sequences, unique forms of drama set to music, and captivating indigenous songs.

Y: Why is folk music an integral part of preserving the cultural traditions of a people?

UF: Traditional folk music, or anonymous music of common people that has been transmitted through countless generations, is a genre that reflects facets of the history and character of a given culture, which were valued enough to be memorialised in musical art.

Important events in the cycle of life, such as marriage and coming-of-age ceremonies were ritually celebrated with music. Drums announced wars while ballads romanced heroic acts and

victories in battle. Folk music also arose out of vital aspects of communal work, particularly the rhythms inherent in agriculture and the repetitive tasks associated with sea-faring and fishing.

In the increasingly transitory conditions of modern life, traditional folk music can bring the past alive in ways that touch the heart and register in consciousness, endowing both performers and listeners with a sense of identity, continuity and stability.

Y: How does folk music take on a role as a form of oral history – and are audiences today still listening to what it has to say?

UF: Until the modern era, the dominant form of transmission for folk music was oral. Folk music was a de facto form of oral history. Today’s mass audiences listen mainly to contemporary popular music, finding messages in it, whether explicitly as in rap music, or in terms of emotional communication, such as with the impact of pervasive songs about love and the vagaries of relationships.

There are audience segments for the countless different genres of music globally available today – from classic to pop, jazz, blues, rock, country, electronic, world music and many others.

Apart from people who are integrated in traditional societies, audiences for traditional folk music constitute a minor segment in the global market.

Modern adherents are probably not so much listening to what traditional folk music has to say that might be of current personal relevance, as

they are enjoying a journey into the past with its nostalgia and psychological comforts that may include pleasant associations with older generations and lingering ideals.

Y: Here in Oman especially, what is the significance of folk music within the cultural identity of Omanis?

UF: Oman is one of the few countries in today’s world that has taken successful measures to preserve its traditional heritage and culture as a living force within a modern civilisation. The central component of the Sultanate’s traditional cultural heritage is folk music.

As a bulwark in the preservation and continued development of Oman’s musical heritage, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said established the Oman Centre for Traditional Music in 1985.

The role of the centre is to collect, authenticate, and preserve Oman’s cultural traditions in order to reinforce the nation’s collective heritage.

Hundreds of audio and visual recordings were produced of flourishing traditional arts, along with the reconstruction of those that had been lost.

This music conservation project has a global scope as the centre worked in cooperation with UNESCO to produce recordings of traditional Omani music in different world languages.

The centre also collaborated with Omani radio and television media to broadcast programs designed to imbue Omanis with the richness of their heritage in music.

Y: How do you see folk music adapting for the modern age and where is its evolution headed next?

UF: In recent centuries, folk music has proven to be an incredibly fertile and generative resource in the evolution of modern music. In the United States of America, traditional folk music that came with European immigrants sparked the evolution of important new genres of music that became popular in America and spread worldwide, particularly country music, the blues, rock’ n roll, bluegrass and jazz.

In Europe and Russia, traditional folk music and dance inspired many famous composers to write beautiful pieces of music incorporating and adapting rhythms and compositional sequences from folk music. Among the wealth of famous works based on folk tunes are, for instance, Chopin’s fifty-nine mazurkas for solo piano.

With a worldwide decline of traditional cultures in the face of global forces of modernisation, the conditions that originally gave rise to folk music no longer hold in many parts of the world.

Consequently, cultures that have remained traditional tend to preserve rather than advance their repertoires of folk music. Oman is an exception, as His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said has taken care to develop as well as preserve traditional music with initiatives such as the creation of military bands and new orchestras for traditional Arab music. ■ MAR 07 - 13 / ISSUE 560

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CARS AND OUTDOORS ADVENTURES

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Destination

Al Mandhariyya SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI FINDS A HAMLET IN WHICH UNHURRIED TRADITIONS CONTINUE IN TIME-HONOURED FASHION, BUT WHERE THE ‘BEAUTIFUL GAME’ CONTINUES TO MAKE ITS PRESENCE FELT 032

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Gaming

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he road to Quriyat is a mine of treasure troves waiting to be traversed yet many remain unexplored. While most of these can be put down to the underlying touristy areas that take the limelight from everything else, it can also be pegged to a general lack of awareness on what exists hidden between the mountains.

We discover a turn-off point on the Al AmeratQuriyat road – one that leads us towards a remote village: Al Mandhariyya.

No bigger than a hamlet of 20 houses and what seems like home to even fewer families, we stumble upon what we can only describe as one of the quietest villages we’ve ever visited.

A stark contrast to what we normally witness in the capital, Al Mandhariyya showcases life in a city that eschews haste. Here, people move around at their own pace, and it’s an unhurried one at that.

Setting aside the obvious Omani hospitality and take on pace of life, the village seems to radiate a sense of maturity – one that most areas are slowly phasing out due to rapid development.

So, among the sights lie brown and ageing houses, dried up fields left untouched for what seems to have been decades, classic Japanese cars; and my favourite, a rusty goal post for kids to hone their football skills.

Glimpses of the latter evoke a lot of thoughts in me; primarily, of how that very goalpost must have served several generations of youth down the generations. In fact, one resident tells us that the time-worn structure is

more than three decades old.

Even as the age of the steel structure predominates, there’s a certain sense of uniqueness to the goalpost: everything around it – the field, the footpath, and even the lines drawn on the sand – seem to encompass it; almost like an afterthought to the structure… the goal.

And to think of how it would have caused hours of fun and frolic, upsets, and even fond memories for one generation after another brings a smile to my face as I walk away armed with photographs of it.

To say that a goalpost takes the cake in a picturesque location with green mountains is unfair, though. And setting my initial excitement aside, I head deeper into the heart of Al Mandhariyya.

A paradise in the Al Hajar mountains; it’s the green mountains that set this locale aside when compared to others from the vicinity. Perhaps it’s the fresh water that flows in from Wadi Siya that keeps the flora brimming – and there’s plenty to keep the average photographer interested. We also hear that it’s also cool enough in the summer for those looking to trek up the mountains – albeit, there are no caves or hides to explore once you’re up there.

And that’s the scope of Al Mandhariyya. Despite the hospitable nature of its residents and mountainous precincts waiting to be explored, there’s very little in line for those looking to spend some time camping with their families or friends.

But boy, what it offers adventurists is simply enchanting. If you go, make sure to head there with the right people and with the mindset to scale the terrain.

TRAVEL GUIDE

HOW TO GET THERE Stick to Route 17, which will lead you from Al Amerat to the beautiful city of Quriyat. Keep the Al Massara Hospital in sight and take the exit that leads you back towards Al Amerat. Exactly five kilometres into the journey, take the right that heads away from the highway and look out for the sign that reads ‘Al Mandhariyya’.

Coordinates:: 23°20’39.0”N; 58°33’21.2”E

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FIRST DRIVE

CARS ADVENTURES

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H Y U N DA I AC C E N T

Team Y tests a seasoned sedan that shows no sign of withering well into its third decade

hat does it take to break into an overcrowded market of sub-compact sedans? As it turns out, the answer is quite simple: a Hyundai badge and a price tag that undercuts pretty much every other competitor on the market.

As odd as that sounds, the Hyundai Accent fits the bill on both counts and in a segment in which the prices have shot up as much as, or even more than, that of a full-size sedan from just a few years ago.

So, it’s little wonder then that this new refresh for the Accent comes as a welcome addition.

Our tester, the mid-spec ‘GL’ variant, dons fresh attire complete with longer but sleeker headlamps, the signature Hexagonal grille with chrome inserts, and more aggressive angles on the bumper to keep the youth interested.

The side profile gains some appeal too; primarily, with smoother character lines that flow across the doors to provide the impression of a buffer stance.

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The dimensions do stay in line with the previous variant with only marginal differences to the wheelbase, width, and height.

A bulk of all the rework goes into the rear, which undeniably imitates designs from its larger sibling – the Elantra. The triple light effect adds charm while the busy-looking bumper rounds off the posterior.

Sitting in the lineup as an entry-level sedan, the Accent comes packing – at least in the ‘GL’ variant – only the essentials. The cabin design is functional, with hard but high-quality plastics covering much of the dashboard and broken efficiently by cloth inserts on the doors.

Even the seats are covered in soft cloth material, and the lumbar support and side bolstering are more aimed towards a comfy ride than for hard cornering. Aside from that, there are steering mounted controls for volume and switching tracks on the left and a blank switch on the right.

Despite its price, Hyundai also chucks in a small LED screen that shares audio controls, and time and date settings – but higher variants will receive Hyundai’s trademark touchscreen and a backup camera.

Basic features include a whopping six cup-holder, power windows, Bluetooth and CD/MP3 audio with four speakers, power steering, and four-wheeldisc brakes. On the safety front, you get stability control, ABS, and a host of airbags.

There’s a plethora of space up front and just about enough in the rear (33.5 inches) to keep three passengers happy. We were particularly impressed by the head room and the USB port that was on offer in the rear.

Boot space is pegged at 388 litres – which is at par

with most vehicles in this segment.

Powering the Accent is a tried and tested 1.6-litre in-line four-cylinder pot banger producing a respectable 123hp and 156Nms of torque. The powertrain is further completed by a six-speed torque converter that keeps the revs low for most parts to aid fuel economy but doesn’t hesitate to kick down a few gears and throw the engine into the 6,000rpm range when needed.

It’s a combo we liked – and even though the performance figures may be within the realms of the sub-compact sedan segment – we gave the car a thorough shakedown.

The car sits confident on the road at high speeds, with wind resistance throwing a fit only after 130kph owing to its

D e s t i n at i o n

P o s t c a r d s Fr o m

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Gaming

CARS

HYUNDAI ACCENT Specifications: • Engine: 1.6-litre in-line fourcylinder • Transmission: six-speed automatic • Power: 123hp • Torque: 156Nms • Top Speed: 190kph Front-wheel drive Multi-point fuel injection Keyless entry Four-speaker audio system 388l boot space Stability control 14-inch steel wheels Bluetooth and MP3 audio Auto-dimming mirror Parking sensors w/ camera Steering mounted controls Touchscreen infotainment system (optional) Interior air filtration

light weight. Even the steering is well-weighted and alive in corners, translating a fair bit back to the driver.

Front-wheel drive means that the Accent pulls efficiently off the line, though understeer does reveal itself when

you tend to become a bit adventurous. Mind you, it’s not uncontrollable – and there are enough electronic nannies to save you when things get out of hand.

Grip is adequate to instill confidence to the driver. It’s not a no-thrills affair if that’s what you had assumed.

Hyundai even offers a tiptronic mode to shift gears and kick down – and it’s

HYUNDAI’S ACCENT HAS BEEN AROUND IN THE MARKET FOR LONGER THAN TWO DECADES NOW – AND IT SHOWS MATURITY THAT TRANSLATES INTO A BRILLIANT PACKAGE FOR THE DISCERNING CUSTOMER surprisingly sprightly when you take control of them.

The quality of the ride is superb for a sedan riding on 14-inch steel wheels; perhaps it’s the high-profile tyre setup.

There’s very little noise rendered into the cabin from the wheels and sounddeadening materials hold up for as long as you’re within the speed limits on the roads.

Fuel economy is pegged at 15.6 litres/100km – which is phenomenal even by current-day standards, and you’ll really need to push the car beyond to the redline to stray beyond that mark.

The refreshed Hyundai Accent may come as a welcome addition to its own lineup but the India-built sedan not only uplifts the South-Korean carmaker’s profile but also gives the sub-compact sedan segment in the region a thorough revamp and opens up opportunities for those cross-shopping for a budget sedan.

Hyundai’s Accent has been around in the market for longer than two decades now – and it shows maturity that translates into a brilliant package for the discerning customer.

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CARS ADVENTURES

CROWN OF THE CAUCASUS

Georgia’s recent renaissance in tourism is bringing the world to its doorstep

1. Wallow in a mineral-rich soak at Tbilisi’s Sulphur Baths.

2. Take to the slopes at Gidauri for ski-ing or snowboarding.

3. Savour the flavours of Khinkali dumplings or Khachapuri (cheesy bread).

4. Meander your way through the Kakheti vineyards, learning about vines.

5. Stroll through the magnificent Bridge of Peace across the Kura River in Tbilisi.

Selected photography: Aftab Kola

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Swati Basu Das recommends

GEORGIA

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ith Georgia on my mind (no, not that one), I couldn’t help but recall the words of celebrity chef and travel writer Anthony Bourdain, who hailed Georgia for its excellent food and scenery, and said: “It’s a place you should absolutely visit, given a chance.”

In the fertile lap of the Caucasus, which lies between the Black and Caspian Seas, Georgia’s contribution to the region’s topography, culture and tradition is considerable. From vines of plump, black grapes to crops of zesty cucumbers; sparkling glacial waters, pulsating nightlife or bubbling sulphur baths; my travel mojo has just been treated to a major boost by Georgia.

Strategically located, at the junction of Europe and West Asia, Georgia won its independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991. Its history is linked to its people. The GEORG Georgians have been characterised down the ages through evolving civilisations, customs IA N C U IS IN E O and even dialects.

FFE A HEA R TY FAR RS UP Settled along the banks of the Kura River - Tbilisi - the country’s capital, is a E city that merges stolid tradition with an edginess, creativity and artistry fired by throwing aside the fetters of the old Soviet regime. Restaurants and cafes to suit every pocket proliferate, with many gems nestling along sparsely-paved alleyways. The city has undergone a cultural revolution; with quirky boutiques serving shoppers keen to cast off the bonds of spartan Communist-era living for all time. However, some of the venerable architecture is eye candy for history buffs and perfect for pointing your smartphone at, such as the Ottoman-era Opera House.

The country’s previously unheralded literary tradition can also be witnessed in the capital city’s Literature Museum by lounging in one of its voluminous leather chairs, tome in hand.

Believing that travellers are sent by God, Georgians are not shy to be hospitable. Every Georgian meal is an experience and may include countless toasts, even if the course simply consists of khinkali dumplings, or lamb doused in thyme-rich stew.

To travel to Georgia is to enjoy an odyssey through the ages. This country offers a fusion of past and present while embracing the dynamism of future progress.

My favourite place Gudauri is Georgia’s largest ski-resort and is a 120km journey from Tbilisi. It lies amid the picturesque slopes of the Lesser Caucasus range, at an altitude of 3300 metres. As you can imagine, the Georgian winter brings a heavy snowfall that turns it into a skier’s paradise. This place is where to be for heliskiing and para-gliding, and most outdoor activities depending on what time of year you come. A ski-lift ride or a quick jaunt in a cable car will reward you with a panoramic view of the Alpine ranges, not to mention the chance to gasp gallons of scintillating fresh air.

LD W A IT S IN O H IS T O R Y A U R I GUDA

Highlights Travelling northwest of Georgia along the borders of Russia will bring you to the quaint hamlet of Svaneti. The lansdscape surrounding this UNESCO World Heritage-listed centre is peppered with some pretty formidable-looking 12th-century stone watchtowers. These once repelled many an enemy invasion and are still standing, having withstood adversity for centuries. A 40-minute drive from Gudauri will bring you to the mesmerising mountain of Kazbegi. A cradle of 135 sq.km expanse of glaciers, hot springs and lakes, it is a perfect spot for mountaineers and trekkers. Legend has it that Titan Prometheus was chained to the icy slopes of Kazbegi for eternity. The Russia-Georgia-Friendship monument is a must for snap-happy visitors.

A visit to Georgia would be incomplete without tasting its aromatic honey. Fresh as the air around, this sweet golden melt comes in myriad flavours. From fresh alpine, spring meadow, lime, chestnut to linden; these exotic honey assortments are some of Georgia’s most valuable products.

Lowlights None.

Souvenirs Bring home sweet memories – Georgian honey, churchkhela (candle-shaped candy) or tklapi (a fruit porridge) and Zedazeni, a fizzy pear-flavoured soda. Enamel ornaments, traditional blue tablecloths and paintings are good to gift and own.

Getting there No direct flights operate currently to Tbilisi International Airport from Muscat. Passengers can avail FlyDubai, Air Arabia, or Qatar Airways to get there.

Where to stay Hotels can range from comfy, quaint Airbnb apartment or chalet offerings to modern, sleek options from some of the world’s best-known hotel chains. Some hotels have been converted from the old, monolithic Communist-era buildings but certainly offer an edge to your stay. Check out options online at Booking.com, Kayak, Expedia, Trivago and Hotels.com, and others.

THE RU GGE SVANE D BEAUTY OF TI UNES T CO SIT HE E

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THE TECH IN YOU

D e s t i n at i o n

Cars

Gaming

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GET SMART

The Y Geek Squad takes a look at the latest smartphone releases FOLD IT If there’s one thing that previously wasn’t in much demand but most certainly is now then it’s the Huawei Mate X – the brand’s first foldable phone. If you think that foldable phones are a thing of the past then think again as this has a foldable screen. It folds to give you a 6.6-inch screen, or when opened, an 8-inch one. Not much has been revealed about the device itself except that it has a high-capacity 4,500mAh battery that couples in with supercharging. It will set you back an eye-watering RO1,001 when released through all leading electronic stores.

LIFE’S GOOD

A TRUE CONTENDER Who says that all power-packed smartphones must cost a fortune? The Alcatel 1X sports a large 5.5-inch display and comes with 2gigs of RAM and 16gigs of on-board storage.

Dual-cameras – a 12MP primary and 2MP secondary one – will take care of shooting, while a 3,000mAh battery will keep the juice flowing for at least 10 to 12 hours. The juice is still expected to be taken care of by a MediaTek processor although not much has been revealed yet. You can buy it from LuLu Electronics for a very reasonable RO53.

Like a G6 but clearly a G8, LG’s latest smartphone – the G8 ThinQ – may seem to lack lustre when compared with other competitors from Asia. But that hasn’t stopped the brand from coming up with some rather cool tech under the hood. So, you’ll now get a time-of-flight 3D depth sensor on what they dub the ‘Z Camera’ for quick and safe facial recognition. There’s also an extra gimmick that recognises your hand’s vein pattern. It packs air motion gesture controls for launching apps and the like, and a stunning OLED screen tops it all off. Buy this from LuLu Electronics for RO308.

EXPLORING NEW GALAXIES

EDITOR’S PICK

IF THE IPHONE IS THE KING OF SMARTPHONES, THEN SAMSUNG WITH ITS GALAXY RANGE OF DEVICES IS ITS GODFATHER. RELEASED JUST LAST WEEK, THE GALAXY S10+, S10 AND S10E, TAKES SMARTPHONE DESIGN TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL. WITH SCREEN SIZES OF 6.4-, 6.1- AND 5.8-INCHES, RESPECTIVELY, AND REAL ESTATE THAT COVERS NEARLY 99 PER CENT OF THE PHONE, THE PHONE BRINGS A TOUCH OF CLASS TO THE TABLE. IT ACHIEVES THIS WITH THE HELP OF A HOLE-PUNCH DISPLAY THAT PLACES THE FRONT-FACING CAMERA (TWO IN THE CASE OF THE S10+) WITHIN THE SCREEN. ASIDE FROM THAT, THE S10 PLUS WILL PACK A WHOOPING THREE CAMERAS – A TELEPHOTO, WIDE-ANGLE, AND AN ULTRA-WIDE ONE – IN THE BACK AND ALL CAMERAS ACROSS THE RANGE WILL RECEIVE SAMSUNG’S LEGENDARY DUAL-APERTURE LENS. PERFORMANCE IS TAKEN CARE BY A SNAPDRAGON 855 PROCESSOR AND UP TO 16GB OF RAM. THERE’S ALSO AN ULTRASONIC IN-SCREEN FINGERPRINT READER, A WIRELESS CHARGER TO CHARGE OTHER DEVICES, AND AN EYE-POPPING 1.5TB OF STORAGE IN THE S10+. THE ONLY THING MORE OUTRAGEOUS THAN THE PHONE ITSELF IS ITS PRICE. THE DEVICES WILL COME IN AT RO385, RO346, AND RO302, CORRESPONDINGLY. GET IT FROM ALL LEADING ELECTRONIC STORES.

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Evolution of The Sims

The Y Geek Squad takes a look back at the character-driven classic that took a while to catch on

that his baby, The Sims, only entered the market a little after the start of the third millennium. But, what seemed to be a late entry also augured well for its success.

More powerful DOS and Microsoft PCs ill Wright was not in any meant it could produce higher frame great hurry to pitch his rates, better simulations of characters, idea of The Sims to Maxis and above all; the sandbox-style gaming in 1991. experience that was unrivalled at the time.

The mastermind behind the life The premise of the game is simple: you simulation video game had been create a character and nurse it through snubbed and critiqued heavily by the days as you would yourself. In true leading development house. fashion, you help it eat food, take showers, Yet, the game that is now one of the forge relationships, and even start a world’s best-selling titles not only went family (or families). on to save Maxis from bankruptcy but Its open-world freedom was limited also made Wright into a leading figure in at the time but the game still made use game development. of just enough customising options and But back then, the Sims was far from comical graphics to keep the average Joe the game that we know today. interested in the game even past the 100In fact, the basis of the game falls into hour mark. a concept Wright developed after he’d Also impressive was the language lost his home in the Oakland firestorm of system of the game –Simlish – that took 1991: the virtual doll-house. inspiration from Ukrainian, Navajo, It then took a ruthless and swift Romanian, Gaelic and even Tagalog. takeover by the Electronic Arts (EA) The game sold 6.3m copies worldwide to save Maxis, and it was only after and had seven expansion packs to help consequent pressure from the new alter the mood of the game. bosses that Sims was brought to life (no pun intended).

THE SIMS 2 The rest, as they say, is history. This (2004) week, we look at our favourite games Four years is from the lineup that helped define a rather quick generation of gamers. for a sequel but The Sims’ THE SIMS greatest ally (2000) has always Nine years been brisk of backdevelopment. and-forth During the for Will intervening years, Maxis had already Wright released eight different versions of Sims with Maxis (Vacation, Unleashed, Superstar, etc.), and EA including an online-only version of the meant same. But 2004 brought a host of great

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changes; namely, a 3D environment and seven stages to life: from infancy to old age, and subsequently, death.

EA released eight separate expansion packs for the game –and it keeps occupied players to date.

THE SIMS 3 (2009) The Sims 3 was everything the game shouldn’t have been – and it didn’t sit well with loyal fans.

Some speculate that it was due to Will’s lack of his usual sure touch to the game, owing to his work schedules devoted to a new project: Spore.

THE SIMS MOBILE (2018) The finesse of a great simulation game in the palm of your hand: the Sims Mobile was a dream come true for gamers. They could now play the game whenever and wherever they wanted.

The graphical interface, coupled with superior game interactions and controls, meant the game was an absolute treat to play. Further updates have fixed bugs and crashes but the experience is almost as polished as what we’ve had in PC for years. It’s another Will Wright splendour that was honoured with the title of ‘Outstanding Video Game’ in the US market.

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As celebs walked the red carpet at the 91st Academy Awards, those coveted golden statues weren’t the only accolades up for grabs! From the stylishly jaw-dropping to the ludicrously eye-rolling, Oscar fashion was out in full force. Here are our top contenders for best in show!

Lady Gaga

Photo credit: www.vogue.com

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k o o L e h T Get eet, igh str look h e h t et the nd to high-e lps you to g e h t he From tarratt S e le h As

Photo credit: www.vulture.com, Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Helen Mirren

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Proving she’s outstanding for any age, we bow down to Helen Mirren who outshone all the pretty-in-pink contenders at this year’s Oscars. We’ll view Dame Helen through rose-coloured glasses any day as she proves time and again that talent and grace will always trump age.Take a page out her style book with this fuchsia satin pleated skater skirt Miss Selfridge (RO19.8).

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Beauty

FASHION

A lot of critics pooh-poohed Gaga for keeping it a bit too demure at this year’s awards ceremony. Yeah, yeah – haters gonna hate and to them we say ‘Hush!’

We loved Gaga’s understated glamour – if you call sporting the biggest diamond in the world understated! The Tiffany Diamond was last worn by Audrey Hepburn in 1961 and is worth an estimated USD$30-$50 million (it must have had its own security detail)! And, in typical Gaga form, the rest of her ensemble was quintessential Audrey, in a midnight black ballgown complete with opera sleeves, from the atelier of Alexander MacQueen. Dare to be as suave as Mother Monster in this Iliane double-breasted checked blazer from Isabel Marant Étoile (RO190.4) with sky-high structured shoulders that are the epitome of form.

Cinch the look:

In a pair of blush tuxedo-stripe trousers (Zara, RO 15.9) and a pair of Tinebriviel crystal pendant earrings from Aldo Accessories (RO7.6).

Cinch the look:

With a pair of royal blue ankle-strap, block-heel sandals from Nine West (RO30.3) and a circular black croc ring bag from River Island (RO14.2) that add some edge to your silky flow.

Danai Gurira

Lucy Boynton

Photo credit: www.popsugar.com, Getty/Frazer Harrison

Cinch the look: By slipping

Cinch the look: With a

white-hot pair of sky-high Traelian cage stilettos from Aldo Shoes (RO42.2) and a few dustings of OPI’s Chrome Effects Opal Mirror Shine Powder in Mixed Metals (RO6.5) on your digits – because, when you’re wearing this much metallic you won’t need any accessories.

Photo credit: www.vulture.com, Steve Granitz/WireImage

There wasn’t a single fashion faux-pas among the ladies of ‘Black Panther’ but, if we had to choose our standout fave, actress Dinai Gurira is it. Sporting a crushed gold, strap-less floor-length gown from Brock Collection and a gorgeous set of cornrows, we’re collectively screaming ‘Wakanda Forever!’ over this timeless look. Don’t be afraid to add some heavy metal to your own wardrobe with a gold sequin baby-doll dress from Endless Rose (RO53.85).

into a pair of black velvet trousers (Boden, RO45.7) and a set of leopard-print mules (Chinese Laundry, RO30.7) that will have you walking on the wild side with ease.

Stepping out in a purple jewel tone crepe satin gown with black velvet detailing by Rodarte, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’s Lucy Boynton may have nearly stolen the spotlight from her Oscar-winning costar (and real-life beau!)

Rami Malek. With her porcelain complexion and skin-grazing bob, her vintage vibes and may-fair hippie aesthetic reminds us a little of mid-aughts Sienna Miller. Add a pop of purple to your look in a tie-neck blouse from Phase Eight (RO29.9) in a slinky violet hue.

Michelle Yeoh Cinch the look:

Photo credit: www.elle.com, Jeff Kravitz + Getty Images

Photo credit: ABC News

In a light-as-air, embroidered metallic mesh top with delicate detailing (Anna Sui, RO165.7), and a blue envelope clutch bag (River Island, RO9.1) that anchors the ensemble.

Another stunning example of ageless, timeless beauty, ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ actress Michelle Yeoh floated along the Oscars red carpet in an off-the-shoulder sequinned Elie Saab couture gown that was epic as she is. With its shimmering embellishments and chinoiserie detailing, we couldn’t take our eyes off its ethereal quality. Need inspiration for your next night out on the town? Slink about in a pair of shimmering silver trousers (Cynthia Rowley, RO151.8) and try to bat in the same league.

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give a unique ‘snatched’ look, with the right amount of glow for the cheeks. The highlighter is a brilliant, blinding gold shade and allows you to play with it in any way you want.

Tip: Try dipping your brush into the satin bronze and deep blush shades to give you a wellcontoured cheek-bone effect.

Buy it at RO22.5 from Beccacosmetics.com or Sephora.ae ● Hourglass Illume Sheer Color Trio

Hourglass has brought to the shelves a range of new products with fresh aesthetics that many love, including us. The slick, brown case with illuminating shades in the face palette has its fans drooling over it. You can achieve a glowy- yetnatural look with neutral bronzer on your cheeks and jawline and by adding the sheer blush to the apples of your cheeks. Bring the pop of glow with the highlighter shade to complete your look.

Buy at RO34 from www. hourglasscosmetics.com

Eyes:

● Kat Von D Lolita Eyeshadow Palette Filled with blush pinks and deep maroons, this Lolita palette can become any makeup lover’s best friend. Easy to wear for even a work day or for glamming it up at a cocktail party, this palette is something you need for summer.

Buy it for RO18 from Sephora.ae ● Caramel Mélange Eyeshadow Palette by ZOEVA

Christine Karan showcases some of the products heading for our handbags over the hot season

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or makeup lovers who have been enjoying all the cool tones and ice palettes suitable for winter, well, get ready for some summer tones of sun-kissed shades.

Here are some palettes that we think are an absolute must for looking like a summer goddess in 2019.

Face:

● BECCA x Khloé Kardashian & Malika Haqq Bronze, Blush & Glow Palette: Made with Love by Khloé Although this quad palette dropped back in 2018, it is still proving to be a best-seller and a favourite for many. The high pigmentations of the bronze shade and the mix of floral and gold blusher 042

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For those who prefer to rock dusty contoured eyes, then please grab the ZOEVA Caramel Melange eyeshadow palette. The ten-pan palette consists of brilliant shades of browns and shimmery champagne shades that are perfect for summer.

Buy it for RO13 from Sephora.ae.

Beauty

HEALTH

Fashion

Home

Family

THE NON-DAIRY

DILEMMA

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wanted to be Kate Moss; my Mum wanted to be Twiggy.

Now, my daughter thinks being thin is the only yardstick by which she should be judged.

So what is it with this perennial obsession with skinniness that scans generations?

Last time I looked, stars like Adele, Beyoncé, and Laverne Cox resembled ladies who lunch.

And even as a teenager, I realised I was never going to be less than a size 8 (or 4 in the US).

The trouble is, we’re now battling against a new enemy within: the non-dairy diet fads and ‘clean-eating’ options being championed online.

Health experts say that sites such as Instagram are pushing such unrealistic views of the ideal that girls and young women are at risk.

And Britain’s Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, whose family has struggled with osteoporosis, has recently warned that celebrity-led fad diets are a risk to young women’s bones.

Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, causing them to fracture or break more easily than usual.

The risk of suffering from the condition later in life can be minimised by eating plenty of calcium-rich foods, upping Vitamin D levels, and taking regular exercise.

But fad diets that make my daughter wince in horror at the prospect of having a scraping of butter on her breakfast toast are clearly not helping.

In a speech at the Royal Osteoporosis Society in London, the Duchess said: “It’s all this ridiculous dieting, cutting out dairy and all the things that are good for your bones.

“These girls see ‘skinny lizzies’ in a magazine and they all want to be thin. It’s about social media, too.

“Children don’t want to know that they will be old one day and that their bones are

Fad diets touted online, together with the ever-present emphasis on ‘thin’, are not doing our daughters any favours. Martina Mason hears warnings on the dangers of cutting out calcium, and searches for alternatives to milk and butter going to crumble.

“There’s got to be some cool way of getting the message across to children through social media without making it seem fuddy-duddy or old.”

The Royal Osteoporosis Society in the UK says 3.3 million people over the age of 50 have the disease, but that the number of sufferers under 40 has been increasing.

Each year, half of all women and one in five men will suffer a fracture because of bone health, according to the society.

Like any mother of a teenage daughter, it would be too easy for me to throw up my hands in despair, and give up while plastering a picture of Victoria Beckham or whomever on the dartboard in our den.

But I’m not going to do that. Instead, I’ve drawn up an action plan against the non-dairy dilettantes and ensure she doesn’t miss out on her daily nutritional needs.

Here’s what I’ll be offering up. Wish me luck!

Say it isn’t soya But it will be. Soya-based milk, cream, cheese, or yoghurt has been championed by vegetarians for years, and it can be sweetened or unsweetened, flavoured or plain. You can use it in soups and sauces, and it can be used as an alternative to cream (although you can’t whip it).

Find a fish alternative Canned fish (including edible bones) such as tuna, salmon, or herring can be used in an array of dishes and salads, and are also high in Omega-3s (good for cardiovascular health). Sell the benefits of the Scandinavian open sandwich when she fancies a snack. Those Swedish girls know a thing or two about being healthy – and attractive.

Yield to a tasty yoghurt We all know coconut milk has been used in curries for years, but it’s also become a treat for a sweet tooth when used in products like Co Yo’s chocolate coconut milk yoghurt.

Chocolate and non-dairy? How great is that!

It’s also free from gluten and lactose.

Spread it on thick Artificial spreads abound on the market but check the labels as some can contain whey. Most can be used for baking – but they’re not usually suitable for frying. Some actually taste quite pleasant and are good enough to try on a slice of wholemeal bread without slathering it with strawberry jam.

Editor’s note: This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the advice of a medical expert if you have any questions regarding a health issue.

(Sources: NHS UK, Royal Osteoporosis Society, BBC, Jo Lewin (nutritionist)) MAR 07 - 13 / ISSUE 560

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Trend

YUMMY

LIQUID GOLD

Running on empty?

Fuel up with these nutrient-packed power punches

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New Restaurant

Reviews

Juicing

Green Love protein and fibre from heaping handfuls of greens and flax-seeds.

From green smoothies to the ultimate berry blends, juicing can be a fast and convenient way to down your daily dose of five-to-ten a day.

Here we break down the facts vs. fads to bring you the lowdown on the trend that’s got us all a-stir!

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o, you’ve gone to the market with all best intentions and come home more than a few riyals lighter – and a few grocery bags full of fruit and veg heavier. This is the week, you’ve promised yourself, that you’ll be on your peak salad game. Where apple slices and celery sticks will be your power snack of choice, and spinach and fennel your protein-packed staples for easy-peasy week-night sides.

Then, as life would have it – often getting in the way of our bestlaid plans that is – most of your produce purchases end up wilting in the bottom-drawer crisper. Sound familiar? Then we don’t blame you if you find yourself asking ‘There’s got to be a better way!?’

Why not blitz and blend it? Hollywood fads and lifestyle trends aside, juicing is one way to make sure produce bought in bulk doesn’t end up in the compost, unused. It’s also another way to kick-start your day or boost your body’s energy throughout the day in addition to following a balanced diet. Remember, as part of a 2,000-calorie diet your daily intake should include a minimum of 2.5 cups of vegetables and two cups of fruit a day.

Before heading out grab the nearest Nutri-Bullet off the shelf, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Juicing ‘MythBusters’ Juicing is a ‘better’ way to get your nutrients than via whole foods –This is only partially true.

While juicing allows you to ingest minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals in greater concentration, you’re missing out on the benefits of fibre that can improve digestive and heart health which come from eating whole fruits/veg.

Natural sugar vs. added sugar –Juicing at home is just as likely to cause a spike in blood glucose as any store-bought alternatives – especially for people living with diabetes. This is because much greater quantities of fruit and veg are needed to produce just one glass of juice. And, yes, while the vitamins and minerals are also concentrated, so too are the calories and sugar content. Help reduce your intake by sticking to primarily vegetable-based blends at home.

Juicing helps you absorb nutrients more easily –There’s no evidence showing that juicing affects our body’s absorption rates. In fact, studies have shown that carotenoids, a nutrient found in carrots, mangoes, and papayas were absorbed equally as well from both juice and fresh fruit.

The bottled vs. fresh debate –Are store-bought, pasteurised varieties of juice just as nutritious as those freshly-squeezed? While pasteurising helps kill harmful bacteria, it can also play a part in reducing some of its nutrient content, along with an extended shelf life. However, certain store-bought juices such as orange juice, Concord grape juice, and cloudy apple juice still retain high-levels of anti-oxidants while tomato juice offers up even greater nutritional value after pasteurisation via elevated levels of the nutrient lycopene.

(Source: Adapted from www.foodnetwork.com and Dr. Kerri-Ann Jennings M.S., R.D.)

Ingredients: § 1 cup of mango § ¼ cup of parsley § 1 handful of kale or spinach § 1 Tbsp flax-seeds § 1 cup of water or coconut water § ½ apple

This garden-fresh cup of goodness gets a boost of added

Method: § Blend all ingredients and add more water or coconut water if too thick.

(Source: www.honestlyhealthyfood.com)

Berry Turmeric Smoothie § 2 cups baby spinach — about 2 large handfuls § 1/2 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt — or dairy-free yogurt of choice § 3 Tbsp old-fashioned rolled oats § 1 ½ cups frozen mixed berries — blend of blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries § ½ tsp ground turmeric § ¼ tsp ground ginger § 2-3 tsp honey — or swap agave or maple syrup to make vegan, plus additional to taste

This vitamin-rich, antiinflammatory smoothie is a cupful of sheer health – and tastes great too!

Ingredients: § 3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk — or milk of choice

Method: § Place the ingredients in a highpowered blender in the order listed: almond milk, spinach, yogurt, oats, berries, turmeric, ginger, and 2 tsp honey. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness as desired. If you don’t have a high-powered blender, blend the almond milk, spinach, and yogurt first, and then add the other ingredients. Enjoy immediately.

(Source: Adapted from www.wellplated.com)

Ginger-Beet Juice Packed with veggies and rounded off with a sweet tang of apple and citrus, this immunity boosting juice will help you stave off those spring sniffles!

Ingredients: § 1 medium orange, peeled and quartered § 3 kale leaves § 1 medium apple, cut into wedges § 1 medium carrot, peeled § 1 large beet, peeled and cut into wedges § One 2.5cm piece peeled fresh

ginger § Ice cubes (optional) Method: § Coarsely chop all ingredients.

First, place the soft and/or juice ingredients in the blender and process until liquefied. Then, add the remaining ingredients; blend until liquefied. Cut two 60cm-long pieces of cheesecloth.

Completely unfold each piece and then stack the pieces on top of each other. Fold the double stack in half so you have a 4-layer stack of cloth. Line a large bowl with the cheesecloth and pour the contents of the blender into the centre.

Gather the edges of the cloth together in one hand and use the other hand to twist and squeeze the bundle to extract all the juice from the pulp. Wear a pair of rubber gloves if you don’t want the juice to stain your hands..

(Source: www.eatingwell.com)

MAR 07 - 13 / ISSUE 560

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FOOD DRINK

Trend

N e w R e s t a u r a n t REVIEWS Info Box

THE EGGSPRESS CAFÉ

Ghubra, behind Aster Al Raffah Hospital Opening hours: 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., Sat-Wed 8:00 a.m. till midnight, Thurs 4:00 p.m. till midnight, Friday Contact: (+968) 7901-6745 Breakfast for three: RO11.6

ge

an id-R

M

THE EGGSPRESS CAFÉ

Verdict : 6/10 SERVICE 6/10 FOOD 7/10 AMBIENCE Egg-centric diner fare with a focus on breakfast comfort food at very reasonable prices Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals

TEAM Y GETS CRACKING AT A NEW EATERY IN GHUBRA THAT AIMS seems a bit lacklustre, however, and a distinctively odd pairing with an omelette. A side of hash TO BRING A VERSATILE BREAKFAST STAPLE OUT OF ITS SHELL

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t’s hard to mess up breakfast. The most important meal of the day is also one of the most pleasantly casual as we sip our morning cuppa solo, brushing the toast crumbs off our sleeves before heading out the door to work. On weekends, we linger over our plates, laughing with friends over a full-English fry-up. However we prefer to take it, without a doubt those who join us for a morning meal are our most treasured company – as we choose to start our day with them.

Breakfast is also one of the most versatile meals of the day – an all-round crowd-pleaser whether you’re a no-frills, milk-and-cereal type of foodie, an avocado toast millennial, or a breakfast-fordinner iconoclast. But if there’s one breakfast staple that defines the genre it’s the ever-sohumble egg. Poached, fried, scrambled or boiled, there’s not a form they don’t fit into, deliciously.

Given their versatility and diverse usage across myriad global breakfast cuisines, it is with hungry bellies and the sun rising in our bleary noncaffeinated eyes that we head to Ghubra’s newest foodie find – The Eggspress Café. At the risk of stating the obvious – their speciality is as their name suggests.

In fact, greeting us on the terrace of this small eatery is a larger-than-life carton of eggs installation bearing the brand’s moniker. Clever, if a little kitsch. On entering, we quickly realise it’s more of a diner. A small interior reveals three dine-in tables and a cafeteria-style open-kitchen

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setup with black, white and yellow décor that takes the egg theme, well, rather seriously.

As we’re seated our waitress brings us a vast menu to peruse – offering up a plethora of eggy options plus some all-round fare for those that find yolks yucky (it’s probably not the place for you if that’s you).

For us? We’re here, we’re hungry and we’re ready to order up a full dozen. We start with a rich-sounding Turkish breakfast staple, ‘Cilber’ – poached eggs on a bed of labneh (a soft Arabic cheese) with chilli garlic butter served with garlic bread. Talk about the ultimate comfort food – all three of us can’t get enough of this creamy, tangy dish. The aroma of the garlic blends nicely with the slightly curd-like flavour of the labneh while the runny yolks and spicy chilli oil add their own unique depths to the dish.

However, the garlic bread that’s mentioned on the menu is nowhere to be found. Instead, a dry basket of plain white toast is brought to the table.

When we ask our waitress for several portions of pitta or kubus instead to mop up the sauce, she seems a bit put-out that we’re requesting something other than what’s advertised. Well, fair enough, but we are not getting what’s advertised either.

Second to arrive is a hot skillet containing a fluffy-warm Chef ’s Omelette of the Day – a rich chicken, mushroom, and spinach creation (minus the chicken for our vegetarian companion). It’s an ideal combo of crispy edges, fluffy centre, and well-balanced spices. The side salad it comes with

browns however, would have gone down a treat.

We also share a portion of Eggspress Café’s signature Rajas Spicy Masala Fried Eggs off their Exotic Skillet’s menu. What arrives is, in fact, not in a skillet but rather on a plate, slipping and sliding closer to the edge with every movement. A spicy fry-up of green and red chillies, onions and tomatoes topped with two eggs, sunny-side-up; it’s the dish off their menu that has drawn us to the café in the first place.

It’s also an ‘egg-streme’ disappointment as the dish is so saturated with grease and oil that the eggs are practically swimming in it. It is also so over-the-top, five-alarm spicy that any delicate nuances and depth of flavour from the masala blend are completely overpowered. Ditto for the Eggs Benedict with spinach that follows, as the thick, gloopy Hollandaise makes the buns a soggy mess.

Breaking away from the egg overload we finish up with a portion of their Simply-A-Shrimpy Dynamite. A baffling name of a dish, it’s actually battered shrimp tossed in their dynamite sauce (a type of chilli-mayo). Drowning in red goop, the dish comes served in a cocktail glass atop a bed of wilted Romaine lettuce. After the second shrimp we bite into turns out to be half-raw we push it aside and call for the bill.

A strong start leads to a waffling finish at this eggy eatery that’s not all it’s cracked up to be. ■ Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com.