ABODE
team
On the cover: Nadine Fayad; Photography by Mikhail Quijano; Apparel courtesy of Marc Jacobs at Villaggio Mall; Hair and Makeup by Qatar International Beauty Academy Tajmeel; Styling by Sydnee Bryant Location: Sheikh Jassim Villa
Chairman Editor-in-Chief Managing Partner Executive Director Managing Editor Associate Editor Senior Art Director Art Director Graphic Designer Advertising Manager Distribution Contributors Photographer Owner & Licensee Printers
Ahmed Hassan Bilal Nasser Ahmed Hassan Bilal Kataryna Dmoch Moona Masri-Whitice Aparajita Mukherjee Nitya Shukla “Boby� Ildiko Francia Srimani Welagedara Jeffrey Navarro Deliah Furcoi Lanie Fillo-Pana Mohammed Jiffry Sydnee Bryant Jorge Granda Moona Masri-Whitice Nathalie Patrizio May-Britt Searty Megan Bret Deliah Furcoi Tina Zuccarini (Marriot Doha) Mikhail Quijano Print Communications An Associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group of Companies. Gulf Publishing & Printing Co.
ENQUIRIES ON THE ABOVE SECTIONS PLEASE CONTACT: TEL: +974 4443 2224 FAX: +974 4443 2225 ADVERTISING INFORMATION Qatar: +974 44432224
ABODE regrets having misidentified three products in our April 2011 issue feature Single Setting. Please contact Home Centre for the Peron chair (grey with patterns) and THE One for Bahamas chair (purple) and the Peacock Lounge chair (white).
4 ABODE MAY 2011
LEGAL NOTICE ABODE is owned and published monthly by Print Communications, P.O. Box 7848, Doha, Qatar. An Associate of Ahmed Hassan Bilal Group of Companies. No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied without the written permission of the publisher under the copyright laws of the State of Qatar. All rights reserved. No responsibility taken for unintentional errors or unsolicited material. Use of trademark is strictly prohibited.
ABODE
HOME INDOOR
18
A Design Intervention
22
Eye of The Tiger
may
17 PEOPLE 12 Curious Kenjiro 16
Show Me The ‘Funny’
INTERIOR SPEAK
24 A Paradise In Pink 30 Mirror Mirror On the Wall
82
OUTDOOR
32
24
A Labour of Love
COLOUR SCOPE
24
48
A Paradise in Pink
56
LIFESTYLE 66 Refrigerator Shake Down
FOOD&
ENTERTAINMENT 40 42
In His Genes Chef Recommends: Buttered Fish Hammour Fillet
FASHION 52 58
Sizzling Summer Sensations
70
Super Foods That Heal
72
Save Your Skin
74
Relaxation Thai Syle
78
Sensational Sights in Singapore
87
Reader’s Corner
The Ultimate Equestrian Accessory
60
The Mantra of Renzo Rosso
Power With Majesty
Roberto Cavalli
94
Auto News
96
Tech Support
44
Recipe Cards
64
47
Entertaining Diva
Stronger Than Ever
90 GMC Terrain
MAY 2011 ABODE 5
EDITOR’S
letter
IN THIS ISSUE.. The May issue of ABODE magazine is full of amazing decorating ideas on how to redecorate and paint your apartment or villa with a little help from some experts: the interior designer team from Forum Design. They redesigned a pre-furnished apartment to give you the inspiration to get started on your own dream home. In our fashion section, we have added alluring summer outfit ideas to help you look fabulous while enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Plus, take a look at what equestrian haute couture looks like when we share the saddle of every rider’s dreams with you. We also give you a peek at the best travel accessories for that trip you’ve been planning all year. If you still need a little inspiration for your summer vacation, check out our picks of top travel destinations. In an effort to be healthier, we had a natural health practitioner come in to evaluate and make over our office fridge. Learn from our mistakes and find out how you can eat healthier at work. We also give you tips and tricks on how to save your skin from the sun and sand this summer. We chatted with the Japanese ambassador to Qatar over tea to find out how the recent tragedy in Japan has affected his homeland. He also filled us in on what it’s like to be an ambassador, his love of pop culture and his secret musical talent. Technology is often the best and worst part of our days – if our computers keep working and our phones keep ringing, we’re happy. But when technology fails us, we are at a total loss! This month, we explore options for some of the best technology out there, from digital cameras to Smart TVs. We’re also excited about current events in Doha, including the recent partnerships between Spain and Qatar and the news that the Qatar-Bahrain causeway will finally be completed in 2015. Business is booming in Qatar, so it is only fitting that ABODE continues to boom too, with exciting new sections, a whole new look and a lively vibe that will inspire you throughout the month. Thanks for reading. We hope you enjoy this issue. With Highest Regards
NASSER AHMED HASSAN BILAL Editor In Chief
6 ABODE MAY 2011
DOHA
360O
360
Doha at a glance
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The people and places that make Qatar buzz
LS: KEEP MOVING PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST
1
st
Prize
Shaival Dalal: “Construction Workers”
Sheikha Mayassa Addresses Youth at ROTA’s Empower 2011 H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, Chairperson of ROTA addressed 300 participants at the ROTA 3rd EMPOWER Youth Conference. “The 2030 vision is not only a target for our nation to reach, but it is a target for the youth – to meet. “None of the pillars are achievable without the involvement of Qatar’s youth right now. We have to prepare ourselves today for tomorrow’s challenge.” Over the course of three days, ROTA Youth Planning Committee and ROTA Youth Advisory Board had planned an activity-packed program of community project visits, an interactive reflection session and a closing ceremony celebration for the 300 student delegates.
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Simon Casson appointed Regional Vice President at Four Seasons Four Seasons announced that their general manager Simon Casson has been appointed regional vice president. Casson will continue as general manager of Four Seasons Doha and will be based at the property, in addition to overseeing Four Seasons Hotels in Amman, Jordan, Damascus, Syria, Beirut, Lebanon and Cairo at the First Residence, Egypt as well as the new Four Seasons Hotel Doha at the Pearl, due to open its door in 2014. Simon is a 22-year veteran of Four Seasons, with a career that has seen him spend time in North America, Europe and the past seven years in Doha, Qatar, where he has established the hotel as a strong market leader and the benchmark for intuitive, personalized service and luxury in the city.
DOHA
360O
LS Organises Photography Contest The LS: Keep Moving Photography contest concluded on March 31, 2011 with the top five winners honoured at an exclusive ceremony in the company’s new state-ofthe-art headquarters in Tornado Tower. Shaival Dalal’s “Construction Workers” was choosen as the best entry by a highly qualified jury panel (seen below) comprising of Mr Maher Attar, Director of the Photo Library of HH Sheikh Mozah; Mr Hussain Al Jaber, Qatar Photography Society expert and Mrs Isabel Fischer, a well-known artist along with Arron Browne LS: managing director. The winning photograph “Construction Workers” is pictured on the ABODE’s cover. Winner Shaival Dalal received an iPad and all expense paid trip to UAE to attend the PhotoWorld 2011 Exhibition in Dubai. Runners up included Alexander Wood, Retheesh Gopi, Jimmy Angeles and Sorin Furcoi.
Runner Up Alexander Wood “Echo”
The popular photo contest was part of the LS: CSR (corporate social responsibility) program aiming to engage the local community with a number of interesting initiatives. The theme of the competition was “Keep Moving,” which is also the slogan of the agency. The contest was open to anyone with a flair for photography and had a huge turnout.
HSE Award Ceremony Held The Health and Safety Engineering Award ceremony was organized recently. Seen here at the ceremony (from left) host John Kennedy Kennedy,, General Manager, Gulf Contracting Co WLL; Sanjay Khosla, General Manager, AHB Trading & Contracting Co WLL; Ahmed Hassan Bilal, Chairman, AHB Group of Companies; Anup Kothari, Senior Project Manager, Gulf Contracting Co; Andrew Snelling, Contracts Manager, Gulf Contracting Co WLL and John Mathews, Resident Safety Manager, GCC.
MAY 2011 ABODE 9
ABODE
society
Lancel Arrives in Qatar French luxury leather-goods brand Lancel celebrated an intimate official launch at The Pearl-Qatar recently. Arriving guests were greeted by a magnificent Premier Flirt handbag that was displayed at the entrance of the Lancel store. Guests were also able to explore an exhibition of vintage bags from the 1900, 20s and 40s to understand the journey of the handbag in its modern avatar.
A ‘Sweet’ Prada for Mother’s Day DFI Screens Short Films At Gulf Film Festival Five short films produced by the Education Department of the Doha Film Institute (DFI) were selected for screening at the 4th Edition of the Gulf Film Festival (GFF). The films were nominated for prizes in the official Student Short Film Competition, which acknowledges works made or produced by students during the course of academic study, or as part of a project.
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Is your mom a Prada Fan? Or does she prefer Chanel or Louis Vuitton bags? La Cigale’s creative pastry chefs have created an array of a unique bag cakes as a special treat to honour the most special person this May on Mother’s Day, customized according to your preference and taste from La Cigale Traiteur – La Cigale Hotel.
ABODE
society
Silica Japan Incorporation Presents Silica White Admixture Silica Japan Incorporation organized a presentation on Silica White Admixture. Seen here in the picture Ahmed Hassan Bilal, Chairman, AHB Group of Companies (centre); Khalid Ahmed Hassan Bilal, Director Public Relations of AHB Group of Companies; His Excellency Kenjiro Moniji, Ambassador of Japan; Yashitaka Yamaguchi, President, Silica Japan Incorporation; Shiego Sato, Business Consultant of Silica Japan; Masahiro Sasaki, Managing Director; Pritina Shrestha and Ashok Shrestha, Partner of Mr Ahmed Hassan Bilal for So Asia along with dignitaries.
Music Festival Rocks Doha
MEGU Opens its Doors in Style MEGU, the New York-based modern Japanese restaurant chain, celebrated its grand opening at The Pearl-Qatar with a special Taiko (Japanese drum) performance. The Hospitality Development Company welcomed the Japanese lifestyle brand to its portfolio of exciting dining venues. MEGU’s extensive menu features signature dishes like the MEGU original Crispy Asparagus, Yellowtail Carpaccio, Chili ‘Kanzuri’ sauce and Salmon Caviar.
Thanks to Vodafone’s The Big Day Out, Qatar had a chance to sample the music talents of top global bands like Hoobastank, Toploader, Akcent, Aswad and Mashrou3 Leila at the beach of the InterContinental Doha. At the press conference, the participating bands expressed their delight and appreciation to be a part of an inaugural venture. Over the two-day extravaganza, the headlining bands performed some of their best songs supported by local bands from Qatar. The Big Day Out had something for every family member. From tiny tots who loved playing at the bouncy castles, to eating their hearts out at the snack corner, the bands had the crowd rocking and rolling.
MAY 2011 ABODE 11
ABODE
people
Curious Kenjiro BY SYDNEE BRYANT PHOTOGRAPHY MIKHAIL QUIJANO
Kenjiro Monji is an intriguing man. His Excellency loves pop culture, has a huge manga collection and studied the art of whistling under a world champion. But the very things that make him unique are also the very qualities that make him so well suited for his role as Japanese ambassador to Qatar.
T
o be a diplomat, one must be curious. His Excellency Kenjiro Monji bursts with curiosity. Many people think that knowing a lot of languages is the main requirement for being an ambassador, but he believes curiosity is the far more important quality to have. “I have to be curious and interested in everything. Wherever you go, whatever you see and whoever you meet – I have to be curious. I would like to know more,” Monji said, while sipping green tea in the Japanese embassy’s residence. “As long as you would like to know more about other countries you can be a good diplomat. At the same time, I have to make Japan known to other countries, so I have to publicize my country.” Originally from Fukuoka, Japan, he moved to Tokyo to attend the University of Tokyo. From an early age, he wanted to be either a diplomat or an architect. An exchange trip to the U.S. for one year in high school tipped the scales in favour of diplomacy. “I thought it [would be] wonderful to be a diplomat, to deal with many people in the world,” Monji said. “It’s wonderful to know many other countries and many other people. Travelling is one way [to do this] but to live there is different.” Monji entered into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1975. He trained in France and has worked in several interesting locations, including Australia, Belgium, the U.K., Iraq and Japan. He arrived in Qatar in October 2010 with his wife., Etsuko Monji “Qatar is a very interesting country, one of the most brilliant, shining countries in the world at this moment,” Monji said. Before he came to Qatar, he knew of the country only for their energy reserves and Al Jazeera. What surprised him most when he moved to Qatar is the country’s strong, active diplomatic relations with other countries. 2012 marks the fortieth anniversary of Japan-Qatar relations. Monji hopes to celebrate by holding a Japanese culture week in Qatar; there will also likely be a Qatari cultural week in Japan at the same time.
His Excellency Kenjiro Monji and his wife Etsuko Monji
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For the past forty years, Japan and Qatar have enjoyed “extremely good relations,” Monji said. Japan is the number-one trading partner with Qatar. Qatar is a major supplier of oil and natural gas to Japan. In the late 1990s, 100 per cent of the pure energy produced in Qatar was
ABODE
exported to Japan, said Monji. Qatar now exports about 10 per cent of their pure energy to Japan. After the natural disasters in Japan in March 2011, Qatar offered to provide pure energy to Japan, said Monji. At the moment, Japan-Qatar relations are centered on economics, particularly energy. Monji believes in the future, the countries will diversify their relations beyond energy. Japan’s private sector would like to play a role in building some of the infrastructure needed in Qatar for the World Cup in 2022. By adding more sectors, such as education, to their diplomatic relations, Qatar and Japan’s relationship could become more balanced and diversified, said Monji.
Monji hopes to bring a lot of Japanese art and culture to Qatar, especially in 2012, for the anniversary of Japan-Qatar diplomatic relations. He would also like to bring some Japanese cultural events to Katara Cultural Village. Monji hopes to bring a sports team to Japan to promote Japanese athletics in Qatar. He would also like to bring over the kimono, a popular Japanese style of clothing. The main characteristic of Japanese culture is diversity and Monji likes to promote every aspect of his country’s culture. “I have to make Japan known; I have to promote Japan. Also, I need to strengthen Japan-Qatar relations.
people
At the same time, I deal with a lot of other countries, while here in Doha,” Monji said. He is also responsible for conducting many events and cultural activities, such as concerts and exhibitions. Before coming here, he was in charge of all cultural, education and sport exchanges for the foreign ministry. Monji previously appointed three young women in Japan as “cute ambassadors” for the country. “They are extremely popular,” Monji said. These women are into fashion, music and pop culture and promote it throughout Japan. Pop culture, such as anime and manga, are a good gateway to Japanese popular culture.
The two nations also enjoy a friendly rivalry when it comes to sporting events. Japan recently lost their bid to host the World Cup 2022 to Qatar. Monji, the man behind Japan’s bid, was disappointed at Japan’s loss but he was also excited that Qatar won, recognizing the significance of the win for the country. While Qatar is quite a change from his last post, in Japan, Monji is enjoying learning more about the country. He is interested in arts and culture and tries to visit the museums in Qatar whenever his busy schedule permits. In his home, the Japan embassy’s residence, Monji’s two favourite cultures collide as his Japanese chef in residence prepares him fresh sashimi with locally caught fish such as hammour. Monji often buys fish fresh off a boat at the Corniche and has also visited the fish market in Doha. Monji has two grown children - a daughter in London and a son in Tokyo. Monji beams with pride when he speaks about his children and their accomplishments. He lights up when he talks about his son, who is in charge of publishing the bestselling weekly boy’s manga magazine in the world. Manga, comics of Japanese origin, are an important part of Japan’s culture. Monji has a huge collection of manga, brought over from Japan. “Manga is now an established, formal expression of art,” Monji said. “Here, I hope to promote Japanese pop culture too, with special consideration to Islam.” The ambassador often organizes events or gives lectures in Qatar promoting Japanese culture.
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people
Many young people learn Japanese because of anime and manga, said Monji. “The number of [people learning] Japanese increased from 3 million to 3.7 million in just three years, as of 2009,” said Monji. Monji’s job isn’t all about cute ambassadors and comic books. He was recently put into the international spotlight when Al Jazeera interviewed him about the earthquake and resulting tsunami in Japan in March 2011. Monji’s son and brother both live in Japan; they are both currently fine. But the natural disaster and ensuing damage has affected the entire country. “This earthquake was so big that now everyone in Japan is now sharing the burden,” Monji said. For example, electricity is short in many parts of the country so people all over Japan are trying to conserve energy in order to help out those low on power. In the months since the disaster, the people of Japan have remained resilient while avoiding total chaos. Often when natural disasters of this magnitude hit a country, it results in looting and widespread chaos but that would be unthinkable in Japan, said Monji. “One of the Japanese traditional values is spirit of harmony. The harmony in society is very important,” Monji explained. “Besides, we have experienced earthquakes and tsunamis so many times in history that we are, in a way, accustomed and prepared. Of course, this time the magnitude was much larger but we are the best-prepared people [for natural disasters].” Qatar’s relationship with Japan has only been strengthened by the natural disasters in Japan, with Qatar raising money for disaster relief and providing assistance in any way possible. Monji is grateful for the efforts of countries around the world to help his homeland. “I’d like to thank and express my gratitude, on behalf of the people and government of Japan, that people all over the world, including Qatar, are supporting us, providing assistance and help to Japan. We are very grateful,” Monji said. The people of Japan’s strong character will help them get through this difficult time, said Monji. “We have overcome many difficulties so far. I believe that with the resilience and determination of the
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Japanese people, plus support from the international community, we’ll be able to overcome this unprecedented national crisis. This is the biggest national crisis [for Japan] since World War II,” Monji said. Japan’s first steps towards recovery are containing the nuclear station accident, said Monji. After that, reconstruction will
start. “That will be an enormous job that will take a long time,” Monji said. “But we have to put all of our energy into that,” Monji said. “We are damaged, destroyed by nature but we always start off again. We know that it could happen again, but we restart.”•
“We have experienced earthquakes and tsunamis so many times in history that we are, in a way, accustomed and prepared.”
PEOPLE
I Love What I Do! ed
Ahmed Ahm
Show Me The
‘Funny’ BY NITYA SHUKLA
Ahmed Ahmed, the Egyptian American comic legend and Qatari comedian Mohammad Fahad Kamal are in the same boat when it comes to their profession – a high dose of passion. ABODE finds out what makes them tick.
“C
omedy, rather laughter, has become the language of the world. As everybody enjoys food or music, comedy falls into a category of things that people like universally,” enthused Mr. Funny, Ahmed Ahmed, a few minutes before he went onstage and lifted the audience to a happy high. The event was The League of Extraordinary Comedians, which was brought to Qatar by Golden Relations in partnership with Qtel’s Virgin Mobile Service. “I’ve been doing comedy for sixteen years now and I still don’t think I have reached the pinnacle of funny,” Ahmed said. “It’s a work in progress and there’s no finish line with comedy.” What makes it more appealing to Ahmed is that he gets to befriend the world, one country at a time. “I am adventurous, I like to go out and see the world and what better way to do than to do it while you are getting paid! It’s better than spending money and taking a vacation.... Instead people invite you to work for half an hour and then you see the country!” Ahmed said. “I have friends and contacts in twenty different countries and it’s continuing to grow!”
ARABIC HUMOUR The core of Ahmed’s content is dispelling the myth that Arabs don’t have a sense of humour. Instead of tip toeing with caution
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around cultural pre-conceived notions that often accompany stereotypes, Ahmed dives in headfirst, poking fun at the issues while maintaining a serious undertone so that the subject does not lose its significance. For example, instead of worrying about censorship authorities Ahmed manages to keep the content squeaky clean, yet hilariously funny.
Mohamm
ad Fahad
Kamal
TAKING STRESS AWAY
Qatari comedian Mohammed Fahad Kamal is barely 21 years old, a student at Carnegie Mellon University, and already knows why he loves comedy. “People need to laugh once in a while. I enjoy According to Ahmed, if you do comedy bringing a smile to people’s faces, I enjoy correctly and apply aspects of business being that person who can take your to it, you can make a decent living out of stress away, and take the comedy. “You can stress out of their lives,” make a living out of “Laugh it up! Science Kamal said. “A good laugh this doing what you says a hearty laugh is absolutely healthy every love!” Ahmed said. once in a while!” relieves physical In the last year, tension and stress, “To Mohammad’s credit he Ahmed has become leaving your muscles has captured the spirit of an almost permanent relaxed for up to 45 comedy in Qatar,” Ahmed fixture in laying said. “I think he’ll be at the minutes after.” the foundation of forefront as a leader in this Qatar’s stand up region.” Much of Kamal’s comedy scene. comic content stems He participated in last year’s Doha from his observations about the Qatari Tribeca Film Festival by showcasing his and expat lifestyles. But being a young documentary, Just Like Us, and has also comedian does have its tricky moments. combed through Qatar to find local talent “A lot of them just come up to you and like Mohammad Fahad Kamal. say ‘Tell me a joke’ and I just want to say “Qatar is so innocent and brand new ‘Come on, I’m off-duty right now!’” he says in terms of humour that you can’t push in mock exasperation. Five minutes in people into it, you have to ease people their company and I was already giggling into it like you would get into a hot bath!” uncontrollably. Ahmed Ahmed and Ahmed said. “In comedy, you can’t come Mohammad Fahad Kamal are hilarious across as too harsh in the beginning.” and know how to deliver their passion. •
ABODEhome
18
24
Design Intervention Featuring Forum Design
Amazing Interiors A Paradise In Pink
30
28
32
36
Home Decor
Mirror Mirror On The Wall
Gardening A Labour Of Love
Colourscope All About Pink
Expert Speak
Featuring Thomas Pheasant
HOME
design
Before Forum Design’s Interior Designer consults Sydnee regarding her lifestyle and preferred colour scheme
After
A
s executive editor of QH magazine, Sydnee Bryant knew she needed a design intervention to make over her disorganized, barely decorated apartment. Her busy lifestyle did not allow her the time to re-decorate her apartment in Bilal Tower when she moved in a few months ago. Apart from a few cushions, a shoe rack and other essentials, she really did not have time to shop for all the items needed to make her new place feel like a home.
A colour scheme was decided on: - purple walls - silver accents for curtains and pillows
The apartment had a great potential: - basic beige furniture - white walls
“We are more than happy to meet with clients on an individual basis and advise them how we can turn their living spaces into retreats.” Megan Bret stated, “ Our specialty is personalizing a space based on our clients needs.”
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With papers, books, magazines and a laptop scattered everywhere, organizational and space issues were on her list of priorities to make her living space more enjoyable and less cluttered. When ABODE approached her with the idea of an apartment makeover, she jumped at the opportunity and let us into her one-bedroom apartment to stage the transformation. Forum Design interior designer Suhad Sabah and Sydnee sat down to for the initial one-hour free consultation to discuss and assess her lifestyle and favourite colour schemes. Sydnee advised Suhad that the root of the problem was that she had no time for shopping and was clueless about what to buy, as this was her first time living on her own. After planning the elements needed to address her decorating dilemmas, the designer advised Sydnee “to relax and leave the shopping and decorating to us.” Suhad advised that Forum Design specializes in turn key projects and would take care of everything. “I will do all the shopping and schedule painting and when the job is finished you can then decide what accessories to keep from all the items I purchase,” Suhad assured Sydnee. Suhad added a touch of sophistication to Sydnee’s apartment by changing the curtains, adding silver accents, beautiful cushions from the THE One, re-positioning the furniture, properly hanging new artwork, and painting her bedroom and living room with complementary shades of purple with Jotun paint.
EXTENDED WORKTOP
A decorative table functions as a place for a laptop, books, keys
HOME
design
CURTAIN DRAMA
Forum Design Creations - specially made for the apartment, add a touch of sophistication
MOOD EFFECT
Beautifully styled candleholders create a glamorous effect
Design BY MOONA MASRI-WHITICE PHOTOGRAPHY MIKHAIL QUIJANO
A makeover magician helps QH executive editor Sydnee Bryant create a stylish retreat. MAY 2011 ABODE 19
HOME
design
Pretty snazzy details To fill the empty dining room, Forum Design added plants and hung beautiful artwork. The table was set to discourage Sydnee from pilling it high with stacks of paper. Elegant touches were added throughout the area. For added appeal, purple flowers with long stems were wrapped around her curtains in lieu of fabric curtain ties.
The dining table was placed diagonally at an angle to allow better traffic flow
Dining Area
Before
Bedroom
Before
“Since dining rooms are really meant to be special occasion spaces, we moved Sydnee’s laptop and paraphernalia from the dining room table to a impromptu desk behind the sofa and all her work-related items were moved to a stylish cupboard placed in the middle of the dining room and living room areas, to separate the areas, as well as to add interest,” advised Megan Brett, Forum Designs’ creative director. Forum Design created a work space for Sydnee by placing a sofa table behind the couch where she could easily pay bills and write articles. Its placement by the sofa was essential, as it’s close to the internet router, as well as the entry hall console that serves a dual purpose in organizing her work materials. •
Small Changes,
Big Difference Dilemmas • No space for working except dining room table • Bedroom was cluttered and felt cramped
Solutio olutions :S • Re-position furniture to create space • Add more storage-friendly pieces
20 ABODE MAY 2011
HOME
design
Changing the artwork frames is a quick way to give a room a makeover. Darker frames look best with the dark wood furniture
A colorful palette of soft pastels provides a restful and relaxing bedroom environment. The light and cheerful textures give the illusion of a bigger space
Too find out more about Forum Design T please contact Megan and Suhad at their office 974-4456-8716. The company is located on Muntaza Street, Al Hilal Area. Forum Design P. O. Box 7848, Doha, Qatar Email: megan.bret@ahbqatar.com Website: www.ahbqatar.com
Paint colour:
JOTUN Purple
Living room: NCS 1010R60B Bedroom: NCS 2010R50B
MAY 2011 ABODE 21
HOME
interiors
Eye Of The Tiger BY NITYA SHUKLA PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKHAIL QUIJANO
Whether he is designing the Bel Air Chair or the iconic Constellation Mirror, Thomas Pheasant never loses sight of his goal to create furniture and interiors that are modern interpretations of the classical style.
Abode chatted with the designer during his recent trip to Qatar to find out his thoughts on design, furniture and creativity. ABODE: Having designed the iconic Constellation mirror, how do you feel now when it is copied?
TP: That piece was done as an introduction in my first collection (2002). I did it as a decorative piece and it’s become one of the most popular pieces of the collection. Honestly, I find it rather flattering and I’m glad people like something enough that they want to copy it.
ABODE: What’s your signature style? TP: My signature style is a not physical impression; I’d say the emotion that you would feel in one of my spaces is ‘serene.’ It is an emotional response to an interior and that is my signature. I find it interesting to see how people from different backgrounds relate to my interiors because they describe it as a ‘serene, calm feeling’ that they want to achieve in their interiors. Whether they like colours, neutral they always come back to me with the same response.
ABODE: What inspires your creativity? TP: Travel inspires me the most. I was
Thomas Pheasant presents his design, the Bel Air Chair
O
ver the last 30 years, Thomas Pheasant has become an internationally recognized figure, having designed interiors, furniture collections and showpieces that are rooted in the modern interpretations of the classical style. As a native Washingtonian, he was influenced by the classical museums and monuments which spilled into the Thomas Pheasant Collection that is currently displayed at the newly launched store Living In at The Pearl-Qatar. One of the pieces being
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showcased is the Constellation Mirror that he designed in 2002 as a decorative piece, which is composed of hundreds of individual mirrored discs assembled on bronze rods. According to Pheasant, a great decoration is not necessarily a great design. Rather, the first step to building beautiful interiors is to define the architectural vocabulary of a space first. In 1997, he was awarded the Andrew Martin International Designer of the Year, and Architectural Digest acknowledged him in their Deans of American Design.
in Bali and the place I stayed in was surrounded by beautiful rice fields. So I know it’s going to come up somewhere, as it’s something I can’t get out of my mind. I’m successful today but the more I travel, the more I see the possibilities that are there as a designer.
ABODE: What’s your favourite piece in your collection? TP: One of my favourite pieces is the Bel Air Chair. It’s a piece that encapsulates everything I enjoy about furniture. It’s like creating a sculpture that is comfortable and saliable. Also, it is one few things that works with most body types, whether it’s a tall or short person. It’s complicated in structure but it has a very simple look to it. Here the classicism, simple in form with detail, helps them a piece of work to rise above common and comfortable. •
“COMING HOME”
H a N dw O v E N Out dO O r f ur N I t u rE CrEat Ed w ItH w Eat H Er-rEsI s taN t d EdO N fIbEr www.dedon.de Jaidah Furniture Souq Najd · Salwa Road · Doha - Qatar Tel. +974 44311843 · Mob. +974 77716238 info.dedon@jaidah.com.qa
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feature
BY APARAJITA MUKHERJEE AND MOONA MASRI-WHITICE
Two sisters turn an abandoned property into the beach house of their dreams
B
rooklyn Beach House, threebedroom, one-and a halfbathroom, single family home, is located near the famous surf cult shores of Rockaway Beach in Brooklyn, New York. The house was a U.S. Marshalseized property that was sold in an auction by the state police. Two sisters, Debra and Katherine Chen, purchased it sight unseen. After the purchase, the sisters started to think about the design and got a chance to
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work with Robert and Cortney Novogratz. They were fans of The Novogratz, and loved their eclectic, bohemian, contemporary and clean designs. The Chens gave them complete control. Their own style influence was Betsey Johnson; they also expressed their love for the colour pink and, of course, surfing! The house was in bad shape, falling apart and with no stairs to the second floor. Bob and Cortney did a mix of contemporary and
vintage, used really cool surfing art by Tony Caramanico, Matt Siren’s Ghost Girl series, a pink stove, graphics up the stairs, and Flavorpaper wall paper to create a fresh, yet contemporary, look. “When Bob and Cortney handed us back the keys to the house, they gave us a new lifestyle and a gorgeous beach house,” they said. Here’s a look at the details that make this beach house so cool. •
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Debra and Katherine Chen, love Betsey Johnson. She is their style inspiration and Betsey loves pink. Pink (in different shades) is used all over the house. It gives the place a very feminine feel, which is what Debra and Katherine wanted!
MAY 2011 ABODE 25
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26 ABODE MAY 2011
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ith bright, e, painted w It The staircas focal point. urs, is a fun, st re poppy colo te in f ro le new laye adds a who nnects the co it d . An to the house well. two floors as
MAY 2011 ABODE 27
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decor
All About
BY MOONA MASRI-WHITICE, MBA DEWEY COLOUR INSTRUCTOR AND CONSULTANT
Pinks are not just for girls anymore. Give your room a fresh coat for a soft pink glow with JOTUN paints.
Cotton Candy #2453 – Large Strokes Use it where comfort is key.
French Poodle # 4390 - Small Strokes Bathroom Magic
Angel Dust Chiffon Drapes # 3182 - Small Strokes Refresh home office or bedroom
#3178 – Large Strokes Great for dens and family room
Dolly # 3184 – Small Strokes Define a hallway or highlight a nook.
Add other touches with Harmonious Colours: Violet, Teal - Blue, Gray Contrasting Colours: Green, Black or Brown 28 ABODE MAY 2011
MAY 2011 ABODE 29
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decor
rating d deco style e t ia c e pr Life , City der-ap E O ne a nd un H l, T fu e e t th , us irrors a legant r. most e e fabulous m o your deco e h t ly t s p t e c im th ual ef fe found s a re s Mirror BO D E add vis A o t . d u n o y ou inspire tool ar icles to t r A d an
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30 ABODE MAY 2011
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garden
A Labour of Love ! BY APARAJITA MUKHERJEE PHOTOGRAPHY MIKHAIL QUIJANO
T
he date: April 5. The venue: Mustafawi Organic Vegetables (MOV). The time: 7:00 a.m. The climate: pleasantly sunny but not too hot. Can you picture the setting of this slice of heaven in Qatar, outside of Doha, situated off of Shamal Road? The healthy green of MOV pushes me into a moment of amnesia and I forget that I am in a country that experiences extreme heat for close to six months a year. The MOV is backed by the Mustafawi Group and is under the guidance of Anderson Marcelo Apolinareo. Apolinareo, who hails from Brazil, is a full-time physiotherapist for Al Ahli Sports Club. But he has a passion for natural methods of farming and relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions. “I came to Doha 12 years back and missed the smell of fresh vegetables and fruits. I felt I could be of use to the
32 ABODE MAY 2011
Mustafawi group in my spare time and thus got involved to organize their farm,” Apolinareo. “I yearned to bite a lettuce off the field and be able to eat it, as I did back home in our farm. Thus began my journey with the MOV.”
THE FARM As one enters the MOV, on the right is a cattle shed. The goats and cows greet our entry to the sprawling farm and as we settle into cozy cup of steaming tea, the noise of chirping birds keeps us company,
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Apolinareo tells us about the farming method. “The method we follow here is entirely organic. There is no form of chemical use whatsoever. The animal dung and urine are used as fertilizer. Leaves and plants that die or dry out are ingredients for the compost that goes as manure for the plants and trees here,” Apolinareo explained. Cow urine is high in urea and is the first choice for natural manure. The farm grows tomatoes (cherry and normal), cucumbers, lady’s finger plants, eggplant, corn, cabbage, cauliflower, beet root, carrot, onions. Some crops that can grow all year round are corn, beet root and eggplant, said Apolinareo. One look at the green spread is enough to tell us that the farm is indeed very well organized and well looked after. “The neat rows of cabbage plants, some covered, are the young ones. They have been covered to protect them from the weather, birds and insects. We take off the cover as soon as the plants are grown enough to take care of themselves,” Apolinareo said.
MAY 2011 ABODE 33
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garden
THE TOUR Apolinareo’s passion for farming is apparent - it unveils itself as he takes us along the farm. Like a proud parent, he introduces me to the lemon tree, which is eight years old and has borne fruit, the fig tree that is fresh and is showing signs of blooming and the pomegranate tree that has flowers. “I have learnt the art of dealing with frustration working here at the farm,” Apolinareo said. “Sometimes, all the effort of my team does not show in the plants… they die. Some other time, little effort gets us fabulous results. Farming, like life, is a matter of chance and one gets a firsthand exposure when one does it oneself.” The greenhouses are meant to protect tender plants. “We keep them at the greenhouse to protect them from the harshness of the weather. Once the plants are ready to stand on their own, we move them out from here and make room for new plants,” Apolinareo explained. Managing soil quality is a major challenge in organic farming and with a climate that
34 ABODE MAY 2011
is not so friendly, it becomes all the more difficult. “We tend to manage this by using every bit of what we grow which means that nothing that is grown in the farm here is wasted. Every plant that has died is dried and used for composting along with the animal dung.” As we left the farm, Apolinareo’s team, in return for agreeing to pose for us, gave away fresh cabbages, tomatoes, beet root, lettuce and onions – their labour of love indeed! •
grand splash Indulge in sea, sand and sun at one of the best beaches in Doha throughout summer 2011! Bring your family and friends to Grand Hyatt Doha and enjoy our swimming pools and beautiful 400 metre private beach, while on weekends a mouthwatering BBQ awaits you. Entrance to our beach and pool facilities is QAR 150 per person*; children under 18 enjoy free admission For more information, please call +974 4448 1060.
+974 4448 1234 doha.grand.hyatt.com HYATT name, design and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. Š2010 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved. * excluding BBQ
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Dazzling
Contemporary Kitchens BY NITYA SHUKLA
Knowing that the kitchen is the most important room in the house, prepare to fall in love with the contemporary kitchens from AHB properties. These properties feature stylish worktops, modernized cooking stations and the latest appliances‌ just a few reasons why you should move in! CONCEPT:
1
The Show Kitchen
As the name suggests, this high-end contemporary kitchen becomes the focal point of the apartment befitting a chef who likes to cook for an audience. The glossy silver apartment unit has been designed with solid light oak cabinetry that maximizes the light in the kitchen. The countertops are made of Meganite, which is lighter than granite, does not break easily and can withstand high temperatures. The multi-tasking counter top functions as a work space and a serving table. The kitchen shelves have a spring action that makes them self-closing and are fitted with (ARNO) brand chrome glazed finish handles.
2 Bilal Studios
Bilal Executive Suites
CONCEPT: C
The Compact Kitchen
T Though compact, this kitchen has a big impact with its functionality, easy access an informal eating area. Well-lit with an open plan, the kitchen design is reminiscent of modern style apartments in European cities where space is limited. The countertop functions as a work top, a dining area (with added bar stools). The double sink can be covered and used as a surface to dry the dishes on. The appliances fitted include cooking hobs, a microwave, oven and a washing machine. Bright lights add warmth of the cozy intimate area.
36 ABODE MAY 2011
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CONCEPT:
interior
4
The Breakfast Nook
The main element in this kitchen is the centrally-placed breakfast nook that can be used as a worktop for cutting vegetables and preparing salads. The worktop is made of Rose Belta granite. To enhance the warm look of the interiors walnut colours wood has been use for the cabinetry. The kitchen features appliances from Siemens and the Gala. The oven placement allows the cook to easily monitor the progress of their dish and not stoop down to take out heavy dishes.
Bilal Complex
Bilal Pearl Villas
CONCEPT:
3
The Cooking Island
The ‘Cooking Island’ in this villa was designed for a chef who likes to keep an eye on several things simultaneously. Multitasking mothers will love this one as not only can they cook, but also supervise children, chat with their friends and watch their favourite television show all at the same time. The ample space allows the chef enough storage to feed an army. The black granite adds drama to the overall neutral finish. The spacious kitchen has plenty of room to host a small party! To find out more about AHB properties, please contact AHB Trading & Contracting Sales and Marketing Departmen. Location: 10th Floor, Bilal Tower, Al Areeq Street, Al Asmakh Area, Doha, Qatar. Tel: 4442-8877/4441-1881 | Fax: 4441-9002 | email: info@ahbqatar.com | www.ahbqatar.com
MAY 2011 ABODE 37
ABODEfood&entertainment
40 42 43 47
In His Genes
Featuring Chef Ng Albany F rom D’Chopstix
Chef Recommends
Buttered Fish Hammour Fillet
Recipe Cards
Featuring signature recipes from Qatar’s best hotels
Entertaining Diva
The How T To’s of Setting the Perfect Dinner T Table
FOOD
feature
40 ABODE MAY 2011
FOOD
feature
In His
Genes BY NITYA SHUKLA PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKHAIL QUIJANO
Cooking is in his DNA, says Chef Ng Albany, the Chinese head chef of D’Chopstix, when quizzed about his love for food
A
s Chef Ng Albany placed his signature Buttered Fish Hammour Fillet on the table to be photographed, a collective silence greeted the audience. For one, the hammour looked so lively that we were almost sure it would jump off of the plate and start swimming for the ocean. Such a dramatic presentation from an otherwise reticent chef had us floored with his paradoxes. But once he reached his workstation he transformed into a fiery Chinese dragon - cutting, chopping and cranking out delicious treats within seconds. His induction into the art of cooking began early. His family owns and operates a well-known Chinese restaurant in Malaysia, so he grew up learning the basics. “As a child I was always fascinated seeing the way my father worked and cooked with the flames and from there my interests grew,” he said. He began cooking at sixteen. His first dish was Cantonese noodles, not nearly as glamorous as his current creations. So why did he decide to be a chef like the rest of his family? “I just love sharing my passion for cooking. Seeing the joy in people’s face when they taste my food brings me a lot of satisfaction,” he said. Chef Ng’s stint at D’Chopstix has been filled with interesting challenges. For one, the Malay cuisine is influenced by Chinese, Japanese and Indian elements. For expats well versed with the Malaysian cuisine, it’s a great diversity of choice but the local palate may present an obstacle. “We do have a surprisingly good numbers of locals coming who are well-versed with the Malaysian-Chinese cooking styles or have been to Malaysia on vacations,” Albany said. For first-timers, he recommends they enjoy the BBQ, sizzlers and deep fried dishes, Dim Sum Platter of fried and steamed Dim Sums and the Double Boil Soup (a nutritious soup). “With the right blend of spices, our cuisine is appealing to the local palate,” Albany said. Speaking about his favourite spice, he said that he loves to work with dried chilli which he used in his cooking. What’s his secret to a great recipe? “Passion and fresh organic ingredients!” he exclaimed. Another thing he intends to do to keep his audience interested is introduce changes in the menu at regular intervals. For the oncoming summer months he plans light, breezy food like steamed, mixed salad with stir fried minced meat or lettuce wrapped with minced chicken and crunchy diced vegetables. If this sounds enticing, it’s time you too should check out D’Chopstix! •
MAY 2011 ABODE 41
FOOD
recipe
BUTTERED FISH
HAMMOUR FILLET Lively and enticing, this creation features three special spices from the kitchens of Malay, Chinese and Indian cooking and represents the Malaysian melting pot HOTEL: HOLIDAY VILLA, D’CHOPSTIX CHEF: CHEF NG ALBANY
PREPARATION
INGREDIENTS 1 kg 300 g 30 g
Hammour Fish Unsalted Butter Bird Eye Chili
100 g
Nestle Condensed Milk
60 ml
Vinegar
5
Eggs
300 g
Flour
2g 300 g 2 stalks
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Salt Cooking oil Curry Leaves
• Heat cooking oil over the wok. • Coat fish with flour and deep-fry fish until golden brown and drain. • Heat butter and stir in beaten egg mixture slowly with a hand, whisk and keep stirring until they are separated into tiny roes and turned golden brown. • Add in curry leaves, bird eye chilli, vinegar and evaporated milk and stir fry until fragrant. Removed and drain. • Pour the fish and egg mixture back into the wok. Add salt and sugar, stir fry until they are well mixed and serve immediately.
FOOD
recipe
FOOD
recipe
PALOMA “SURF AND TURF” ESPETADAS Hotel Chef
: Intercontinental Doha : Chef Salvador Franco
MAPLE SYRUP BIFE DE CHORIZO STEAK, WITH ROSEMARY POTATOES AND ARGENTINEAN CHIMICHURRI Hotel : Sheraton Doha Resort And Convention Hotel Chef : Chef Fernando Nicolas Coppola
FOOD
recipe
NAGE OF SOLE AND SEA FOOD, SAFFRON JUICE SPICY Hotel : Le Cigale Hotel Chef : Chef Aurelien
FOOD
THREE FLAVOURS OF STRAWBERRY: CARPACCIO, JELLY, SORBET Hotel : Four Seasons Hotels And Resorts Chef : Chef Loic Carbonnet
recipe
ABODE
recipe
recipe
ABODE
MAPLE SYRUP BIFE DE CHORIZO STEAK, WITH ROSEMARY POTATOES AND ARGENTINEAN CHIMICHURRI INGREDIENTS: 2 units 250 grs striploin steaks 50 cm3 maple syrup Extra virgin olive oil Sea salt Roasted and crushed black pepper 2 cloves of garlic 300 grs of new potatoes or baby potatoes, cleaned, skin on Fresh rosemary Smoked paprika
PALOMA “SURF AND TURF” ESPETADAS
PREPARATION:
INGREDIENTS:
First of all, put the steaks in a container with the maple syrup, the pepper, the garlic and the salt and let it marinate for about 2 hours. Cut the potatoes in two pieces and boil it until it’s done. Let it cool down and add the smoked paprika, the fresh rosemary and some olive oil. Cook in 220 degrees oven until its golden (around 25 minutes).
100 gr Black Angus Beef 100gr lobster meat, 2 king scallops Bell peppers colours 1 each Onion, dry redchili, dill, lemon, corn oil, mint, Cajun condiments salt and pepper. Cajun Potato wedges Mix leaves
Remove the steak from the marination, and cook in a wooden fire grill from both sides until the desire temperature (about 10 minutes for medium).
recipe
INGREDIENTS: Strawberry Jelly: 500 gr fresh strawberries 75 gr sugar 12 gr gelatine Heat all the ingredients together and let set in container or mould for at least 6-8 hour; Cut at desired size-shape, when set and from the fridge.
PREPARATION: Strawberry Carpaccio: Cut thinly some strawberries and place them on a plate, as square or round. Sprinkle them with icing sugar, cling film the plate and leave over night with an other plate on top of it. The strawberry will be pressed and should give away a bit a of their juice.
Sorbet: 500 gr strawberries 200 gr water 150 gr sugar 25 gr inverted sugar Make syrup with the water, sugar, and inverted sugar; Blend in the fresh strawberries and leave to maturate over night. Churn in an ice cream machine and keep in freezer
Churn the strawberry sorbet few hours before to allow it to set. Remove the cling film from the Carpaccio plate; place the strawberry jelly on top of the Carpaccio, and then do a quenelle or ice cream ball of strawberry sorbet to put in the middle of the plate. Decorate with baby basil leaves as it goes well with strawberries!
Prepare Cajun-pepper, salt marination for beef and keep it for five minutes too. Cut the bell peppers in cubes as well onion and other vegetables that you wish. Use a stainless skewer to assemble the surf and turf after marinated ready to grill it.
Grill the skewers till tender the beef and lobster turns opaque.
recipe
NAGE OF SOLE AND SEA FOOD, SAFFRON JUICE SPICY
INGREDIENTS: Sole filet
650 gr
Shrimps
200 gr
Mussel Scallops Fresh coriander Black olive Sundried tomato Anchovies Leek
Plating up:
Prepare lime-dill marination for the lobster and keep it for five minutes.
Arrange the salad leaves as per the picture.
ABODE
THREE FLAVOURS OF STRAWBERRY: CARPACCIO, JELLY, SORBET
Preheat the oven to medium high temperature 150-170 celsius.
Fry the potato.
Serve on a plate the potatoes and put on top the steak. Decorate with fresh rosemary and some drops of maple syrup and olive oil. Serve with chimichurri sauce for a great meal!
ABODE
PREPARATION:
Fish stock Baby carrot Zucchini Potato
8 pc 120 gr 1 bunch 110 gr 25 gr 20 gr 90 gr Half cup 4 pc 80 gr 110 gr
Olive oil
5 cl
Star anis
3 pc
Cinnamon Saffron
10 gr 1 gr
PREPARATION: Mix black olives, sundried tomatoes, and anchovies, olive oil has a tapenade consistency. Using a small spatula spread the tapenade over the fillets then rolls and bites with small stick of cinnamon. Shell the shrimps. Pare scallops, clean the mussels under cold water. Peel the baby carrot, potatoes, zucchinis, and give them a nice oval shape with the help of a knife. Cut into small cube leeks, and boil seven minutes in the fish stock and we add fresh coriander, star anis, and saffron. Only at the end of cooking juice and saffron, add salt and pepper, cook all the vegetables in the juice for five minutes. Cook has steam and add salt and pepper the fillets, shrimps, mussels, and scallops for five six minutes. Once everything is cooked, put a little juice saffron in the bottom of the dish, add the vegetable and fish and a beautiful branch of coriander. Serve very hot.
ENTERTAINMENT
feature
Entertaining
Diva BY NATHALIE PATRIZIO AND MOONA MASRI-WHITICE PHOTOGRAPHY MIKHAIL QUIJANO AND JEFFERY NAVARRO
A perfect table setting is one of the many factors that will ensure the success of your next formal dinner. Here are some tips on how to set a formal table, including china, glassware and silverware placement.
MAY 2011 ABODE 47
INTERIORS
feature
M
ost people enjoy entertaining their guests at home, buffet style, without the formal reserve of a sit-down meal where everything is plated and then removed. However, it’s always good idea to have an understanding of the basics behind a formal table setting, as well as the formal progression of the meal. Once you know the essential rules you will feel more confident and comfortable to host or attend any soiree. ABODE interviewed Four Seasons Doha banquet manager Souheil Kebdani and found out how he sets a perfect table.
Formal Table Setting
THE FOOD AND THE ORDER OF THINGS Today the quantity of food served and the number of meal courses required for formal dining have diminished. However, the order of progression remains roughly the same: soup, salad, entree and dessert (the more courses, the daintier the portions, is always a good rule to follow). Kebdani stated that three courses might be simpler at home, leaving out the soup.
order the food is served and removed. It also means that you must have adequate seating for everyone. Kebdani explained there are two ways to lay out a table. A classic style employs a more traditional approach. However, if you have a beautiful table that you don’t want to hide, simply use placemats instead of the linen. Both table settings include the following items within the guest’s dining area.
THE BASICS OF A FORMAL SETTING
Four Seasons Doha tip:
Spotless and impeccable silverware: the china and glassware must be polished prior to the set up and handled with a napkin or gloves.
A formal sit-down dinner involves a set of rules that apply to the flatware (utensils), stemware (glasses), china (dishes) and the
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A classic style table. All table settings pictured laid out by Four Seasons Hotel, Doha.
From the left: 1. Bread and butter plate 2. Butter knife 3. Starter fork 4. Main course fork From the right: 5. Starter knife
48 ABODE MAY 2011
6. Main course knife In the Middle: 7. Charger (a large decorative plate) At the top: 8. Dessert spoon 9. Dessert fork Glasses:
7 10. Water goblet 11. White wine glass 12. Red wine glass Additional: 13. Salt and pepper shaker 14. Butter 15. Bread.
6
INTERIORS
feature
THE BASICS OF TABLE ART It always a good idea to keep your china selection simple, so that you have flexibility in choosing varied linens, flower arrangements and additional serving pieces. The table should have an elegant centrepiece. However, it’s important to ensure that each guest can see each other across the table. Here are the steps for laying out a great table setting: 1. Start with your finest crisp, clean and ironed linen table cloth and napkins. 2. Place the charger first, then the dinner plate. Position the charger plate and utensils exactly one inch from the table’s edge. Each complete setting should be an exact distance all the way around the table with enough room for each guest to eat comfortably. Kebdani advises that at home you should lay out the charger set with the napkin and the name card and then have each course served and cleared. 3. Place forks to the left and in the order of the courses, but never more than three across. The salad fork will be placed either immediately to the left of the entrée fork or to the right and next to the plate, depending on when the salad is served. On the right side of the charger, place the knives with toothed edges facing inward. Outside this grouping, place the soup or fruit spoon and then the oyster fork. If serving an appetizer at the table, that utensil is placed to the far outside, but no more than three knives should be present at any one time.
A classic style table setting
Four Seasons Doha tips: • It is recommended to serve a lemon sorbet to refresh the palate. • Make it easy on yourself. Your guests won’t enjoy themselves if you’re miserable. Have a few extra hands to help in the kitchen and dining area to keep the meal moving. And it’s fine to serve dessert and coffee together these days.
4. Place the butter plate at the tip of the fork closest to the charger plate. Lay the bread knife on the top rim with the sharper side facing the plate’s centre. The handle should be closest to the service plate. The dessert spoon and dessert fork are placed immediately above the plate next to the butter plate. 5. Glassware is placed according to size and is lined up beginning at the tip of the inside knife. Place each taller glass diagonally and at the tips of the knives designated for the course that fits the wine selection. You may have the water glass closest to the plate, then the red wine glass tucked in between the white wine or champagne goblet. Kebdani confidently suggests that it is important to ensure that your guests are enjoying the food and the ambience; being available and attentive to your guest’s needs is a vital step to the success of your dinner. •
The modern style of setting the table with placemats if you don’t want to hide a beautiful table.
MAY 2011 ABODE 49
You enjoy style. You enjoy shopping. You are Centrepoint.
From the latest fashions at great value to the perfect pair for your feet. From great ideas for little ones to glamour for your home. And a whole lot more for everyone. Centrepoint, it's your kind of place.
4 GREAT BRANDS, 1 DESTINATION
Barwa Plaza, Barwa Village, Wakra Road Tel: 4415-1080, Centrepoint, Al Asmakh Mall Tel: 4428-9141 UAE • Saudi Arabia • Kuwait • Oman • Qatar • Bahrain • Jordan • Egypt • Lebanon www.centrepointstores.com
52 54
ABODEfashion Summer Fashion
Featuring Mango
Travel Accessories
Featuring Paula Ke, Lacoste Kurt Geiger, Dumond and Tumi
56
Best Finds
Beauty Products
58 60 62
Equestrian Style
Featuring Carolina Herrera
The MANual
Featuring Renzo Rosso
Men’s Accessories
Featuring Atlas Textile and Tailoring, Roberto Cavalli, Alexander McQueen and Emporio Armani
FASHION
accessories
Sizzling Summer
Sensations
BY NITYA SHUKLA AND SYDNEE BRYANT
Whether you’re relaxing by the pool or enjoying a cold drink on a patio, these hot summer styles will get you through the hot, hot heat in style.
52 ABODE MAY 2011
FASHION
accessories
All items are available at Mango
MAY 2011 ABODE 53
FASHION
travel accessories
Lacoste
Lacoste
n o B age
Paula Ke
y o V
Lacoste
Lacoste
Lacoste
Lacoste
Lacoste
nd
mo
du
iger
e Kurt G
dumond
La
er
eig
co
ste
54 ABODE MAY 2011
rt G Ku
FASHION
travel accessories
paula ke
Step out in style on your next getaway. ABODE picks out stylish colourful accessories from the collections available at TUMI, Paula Ke, Kurt Geiger, Dumond and Lacoste.
Tumi
MAY 2011 ABODE 55
beauty
ure: sformable text LIP STAIN original tran M an A s E s. R ur ha C ho ge E r H ra fo WITH T great cove lip colour GET LIPPY d lipstick with iding flawless -lasting liqui light veil prov ng a lo to ry in s ve ge is Th it chan application, creamy upon ndmark La , io gg lla Vi Available at QR 69
VIOLE T DRAM A Shine w ith this vivid vio pigment let purp from MA le C.
FASHION
FRAGRANCE FROM MARC JACOBS The Daisy eau So Fresh is a bright, floral, fruity fragrance. It radiates with a sunny and sparkling energy. Available at Faces, Sephora, Alshaya and Paris Gallery QR 340
G IN SH LI , s er m PO at sfor hat ’s L ne GE th w an m t i tr a es ita cc ER ct w gel fo iat ond l d O L’ OW nta er me fo lm x a w o e k, SH n c sho erfu nd fine ar p a s O e m t th to a ses to i les. and l, in ean ks rtic t L al a M a cl n a e p th ll abl laza all e sh vail l P M A ya gio Ro lag l Vi 89 R Q
56 ABODE MAY 2011
FASHION
beauty
W GET THE GLO at illuminates urishing oil th no l na io at A sens . your tan glow and intensifies The Mall ch showroom, er M at e bl Availa a nd Hyatt Plaz Paris Gallery a QR 165
ESTÉE LAUDER INTRODUCES SPRING STYLE The Wild Violet Spring 2011 collection will be available for a limited time at Estée Lauder counters starting in May 2011. Available at any Estee Lauder Counter in Debenhams, Paris Gallery
COMPACT SHINE ON IRIDESCENT COMPACT POWDER The powder, which creates a natural looking and delicate satin-like iridescence on all skin types. It is made up of fine light-reflecting mother-of-pearl particles to bring shimmers to the complexion. QR 143
U E BR FAC 0 6 QR 1
SH 5
5N
‘BORN W ILD’ WIT H ED HARD Y! A bright, m outhwateri ng opening of dewberry and cassis bud s blend wit h the power of m agnolia an d peach blo ssoms to cr eate a whirlwind of intoxica ting aromas. Available at Villaggio , Landmark QR 220 (5 0ml) QR 295 (1 00ml)
GLAMOUR DUST! Too Faced presents an outrageous new generation of glittery eye shadows to suit any occasion. QR 98
MAY 2011 ABODE 57
FASHION
accessories
The Ultimate
Equestrian
Accessory BY SYDNEE BRYANT PHOTOGRAPHY MIKHAIL QUIJANO
Why should ladies have all the lovely outfits? Now horses can enjoy some designer duds with this custom-made saddle from CH by Carolina Herrera.
H
orse trainer and riding instructor Nariman Al Mohannadi found herself making a rather large investment in her horses’ happiness and style this month. The equestrian expert found a must-have item waiting for her near the entrance of the CH by Carolina Herrera store at Villaggio Mall - a beautiful brown saddle featuring the designer’s ubiquitous label. When she saw the saddle, she knew she had to have it. She ordered a custom-made Carolina Herrera saddle from the store, so that it would fit precisely. The rich brown leather saddle is the epitome of luxury, style and class. But its beautiful design doesn’t stop it from being completely functional, appealing to both fashion and equestrian devotees. With this fusing of practicality and high-
58 ABODE MAY 2011
class design, CH by Carolina Herrera has created the ultimate accessory for those who think of their horses as more than just pets. Al Mohannadi is thrilled to share her love of the designer with her horses, whom she thinks of as her children. The Qatari equestrian enthusiast has always been a huge fan of Carolina Herrera, especially their bags. She shopped there often during her time in London, which is also when she discovered the equestrian world. “Carolina Herrera has very nice bags, very good quality,” Al Mohannadi said. Before she discovered this unique saddle in CH by Carolina Herrera, she never knew she could treat her horses, her best friends, to something from the store too. Her lucky horses Baid Baid, Maak Maak and Naam Naam will now be riding in style with this luxurious saddle. •
FASHION
men
The Mantra of BY JORGE GRANDA
you can see he is built to last - half man, half monument. When you get closer to him you can sense the powerful vibe and strong presence that surrounds him. It then becomes obvious that the man in front of you is special and timeless. The Italian manufacturer is the founder and CEO of Diesel clothing company. His collections are irreverent and classy, yet modern and trendy, just like his personality. His mantra ensures what a good lifestyle is all about and you can tell with every word he pronounces and in every gesture he makes that Rosso doesn’t expect anything less from life than having a good time in very chic, comfortable and stylish clothes. While in town, Rosse promoted the MotoGp Commercialbank Grand Prix of Qatar as one of the event’s main sponsors. ABODE: What is the meaning of fashion for Renzo Rosso? RR: To be cool and feel good. ABODE: What is your take on fashion in the Middle East? RR: I see that people in the Middle East are following the global fashion trends. Maybe due to religion and costumes, women are not dressing the way many women in Europe or America do, but still you can tell they have a refined sense of fashion. ABODE: What do you think men should wear in Qatar when going out clubbing?
Renzo Rosso
W
hen I met the 54-year-old designer, he was sporting super-skinny jeans and a ski mask with the ease of a motorcyclist in his 20s. His presence as a seasoned, stylish man touched me immediately. Meet Renzo Rosso, the millionaire business entrepreneur who is one of the most influential designers of the century. His genuine smile, soft tone of voice and casual style is not what you expect from an individual who can
claim Rihanna, Juliette Lewis, Sienna Miller, Bono, Madonna and Italian singer Giovanotti as part of his very exclusive circle of friends. Rosso is warm and humble; there is not a trace of arrogance that can be detected in the way he handles himself and treats all the people around him. He is not the typical pretentious celebrity or fashion mogul. Although, once you shake his hand and take a better look at his persona,
RR: Men are wearing exactly what they should wear, taking into consideration the weather; I’ve noticed men here look good when they go out. I would like to see women wearing different kinds of outfits, something more daring. ABODE: Which designers do you admire? RR: Martin Margiela is a great designer. A lot of other great designers in the business take inspiration out of his creations.
FASHION
men
Renzo Rosso (right)
ABODE: On days when you aren’t wearing DIESEL, which designer do you wear? RR: Martin Margiela. ABODE: How would you describe your current collection? RR: I can describe my collection as spring/summer, rock and roll; it’s like a journey back to the 60s. It reflects a very easy and relaxed lifestyle, a world where movies and bikes are all that matters. ABODE: What do you think is the biggest mistake men can make when dressing for a night out on the town? RR: I think the biggest mistake anybody can make when dressing in general is to wear clothes that are not appropriate for the occasion or your body shape. For example, you can’t wear a tux to go to the beach, or shorts for a wedding.
One should know what fits you and select the right clothes for the right place. ABODE: Which piece of clothing is indispensable in a man’s wardrobe? RR: Very simple: jeans. There is no such a thing as having too many pairs of jeans. That is the most comfortable, easy-towear and sexy piece of clothing for men. ABODE: Your clothes are very trendy, but also mature. What type of man do you have in mind when you design? RR: I have in mind an ageless man, a man that is willing to wear anything. My clothes are about life and each individual can adapt it according to his personality and what he wants to express in a certain moment of his life. I make clothes for men with an open mind. I design clothes for a man who wants to feel comfortable in his own skin.
ABODE: When it comes to fashion what do you think is the difference between men in the Middle East and men in Europe? RR: I think mentally there is not much difference, especially among young men. I think young men all over the world want to dress good and feel good, regardless of their nationality, culture or religion. European men dress crazier than Arabs though. ABODE: Which famous personalities have you dressed that you were absolutely satisfied with the final result? RR: I have dressed many celebrities, but when I dress a friend I feel particularly satisfied. That was the case with Rihanna, Juliette Lewis, Bono, Sienna Miller and Madonna, to name a few. •
MAY 2011 ABODE 61
FASHION
men
Tailor-Made Style BY JORGE GRANDA PHOTOGRAPHY MIKHAIL QUIJANO
In this climate, the spring/summer wardrobe is not the easiest or trendiest thing to get right. Most people just want to throw on a t-shirt and a pair of old shorts. But if you have a special occasion that requires dressing up, then visit Atlas Textile and Tailoring Atlas Textile And Tailoring
T
here is an extensive amount of shops in Qatar and they seem to grow by the day. Still, sometimes it is very difficult to find the right type of clothes, especially during the summer, when a specific occasion requires dressing smart and trendy. Even if you find it, you probably have to still amend something or the fabric makes you hot and sweaty. Going to a tailor is one of the best solutions to avoid the hassle of doing alterations yourself. It also allows you to select the right fabric and look that will make you feel comfortable in the hot weather. Atlas Textile is located at City Center Mall on the second floor. It is a little bit hard to find, but now with the new hotel that is connected to the second floor of the mall, it will be easier for clients to locate. The shop is just steps away from the entrance that connects Renaissance Doha City Centre Hotel to the mall. The shop has been open since 2007 and produces high-quality clothes, with impeccable finishing, at a very affordable price.
62 ABODE MAY 2011
Everything from old cashmere to Egyptian cotton from Italy is available at Atlas Textile and Tailoring. The superb costumer service is also a plus. Every client is treated individually. Each piece of clothing is 100 per cent custom fit in every detail. Some tailors work from existing patterns that represent common body types. But at Atlas Textile the situation is totally different. The tailor works according to each individual’s
body-type, style and personal detailing preferences. The goal is to achieve a fit that will leave each customer satisfied with the design of any garment. Anwar Hossain, general manager of Atlas Textile, has been in the business for decades. He has the training and right eye for body proportions. He takes the entire range of measurements including width of thighs, wrist size, lengths, height, weight, stance, shoulder shape and arm curvature. Everything that is unique about your body is noted by Hossain; therefore he gathers all the elements needed to fashion an individual pattern for your custom-made clothes. Hossain’s tailoring skills can make men look taller and thinner. Narrow shoulders can be made to look broader. Short legs can appear longer. At Atlas Textile, it is all about enhancing your best features. •
Available at the shop Suit: QR 1700 to 2770 (pants and jackets) Tuxedos: QR 1500 to 2500 Trousers: QR 292 to 380 Vest: QR 350 Shirts (Chinese Collar, Split Collar, Regular And Arrow): QR 180 to 220 Shorts: QR 220 to 300 Party Suits: QR 1900 Tips When Going To The Tailor Ask them to show you some of the pieces they have made. The style, fit and finishing has to give you confidence in the finished product. If the tailor proposes material and style, make sure it meets your necessities and that it will be appropriate to wear for the occasion you have in mind.
FASHION
men
Wear It
WITH STYLE Atlas Textile and Tailoring, Roberto Cavalli, Alexander McQueen and Emporio Armani have many accessories for you to choose from to complement your perfect outfit - after what you have decided what to wear.
Leather Bracelet Emporio Armani QR 1390
Cufflinks Emporio Armani QR 390
Silver Bracelet Emporio Armani QR 1140
Leather Wallet Emporio Armani QR 900
Skeleton cufflinks Alexander McQueen QR 950
Wallet Chain Alexander McQueen QR 990
Watch Emporio Armani QR 3580
Cummerbunds Atlas Textile and Tailoring QR 120
MAY 2011 ABODE 63
FASHION
review
Roberto Cavalli BY JORGE GRANDA PHOTOGRAPHY MIKHAIL QUIJANO
Stronger Than Ever
Roberto Cavalli is considered a god in the fashion industry. His heavenly collections are always beautifully designed and can easily be worn by men of all ages. His 2011 spring collection is brilliant and showcases an excessive but tasteful use of colour.
I Shirt QR 3610
Belt QR 1950
Jeans QR 2300
Shoes QR 3570
The combination of the silk shirt, comfortable pants and casual sophisticated shoes make this outfit the perfect look for any occasion where style is required. 64 ABODE MAY 2011
f you have the right budget, then check out the new Roberto Cavalli collection at his shop at The PearlQatar. After 40 years in the fashion industry, you would think that the Italian designer would be ready to tone it down a notch and create more mature clothes. But the irreverent Cavalli is not ready to do that just yet. His spring collection is everything you can and want to expect from the master of fashion. The collection is very artisanal and the animal prints that have always been his successful trademark have been replaced with a plethora of crazy patterns that he picked up on a trip to Indonesia.
Look stylish and feel good for a night out on the town.
Jacket QR 8280
Scarf QR 2040
“After 40 years in the fashion industry, you would think that the Italian designer would be ready to tone it down a notch and create more mature clothes.” The clothing pieces offered at his shop in The Pearl-Qatar are not as extravagant and controversial as the ones you can find in any of his other shops in Europe. Still, the line available in Qatar has his signature all over. As always, jeans are an essential part, while his shirts are still fitted to the body, created from silk and cotton. He moderated the designs of the belts, making them more glamorous and smaller. Shoes are still what Cavalli does best. The designs are the same; they are just much more sophisticated, but absolutely unique and timeless. Overall, the Roberto Cavalli line at The Pearl-Qatar is simply exceptional, powerful and trendy. Wearing his clothes is a sign of total success and reflects the lifestyle we all want to live. •
Shirt QR 1400
Jeans QR 1980
Shoes 2840
66
ABODElifestyle
Health
74 78
Refrigerator Shake Down Super Foods that Heal Save Your Skin The Joy of Movement
84
Art & Culture
Vibrancy At Its Best Arab Identity Explored Reader’s Corner
Featuring Essence Spa
Travel
88
Spa Review
Sensational Sights in Singapore Your Holiday Short & Sweet
Automotive
BMW X5 GMC Terrain
96
Tech Support
The Latest Gadgets
LIFESTYLE
health
shake down
BY MAY-BRITT SEARTY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKHAIL QUIJANO
A natural health practitioner takes a sneak peak into our break room fridge to analyze the contents and fine tune our eating habits. Learn from our mistakes.
A
As a natural health consultant, it was with great excitement that I accepted a request to visit the break room of Printcomqatar and The Art of Business. My mission was to scour their fridge, follow their eating habits and give them sound advice on how to maintain a fridge full of healthy goodies. WHAT I FOUND SURPRISED ME The first thing that caught my eye was a plateful of doughnuts ready to be eaten as stress busters during editorial melt downs. The team knows these things are not good, so it was not even worth a comment. DRINKS I was initially happy to see that the team had lots of drinks in their fridge to keep them hydrated. Upon closer examination, except for the two bottles of water, the remaining seven bottles included juices, soft drinks and a case of diet energy drinks. The executive director, Moona Masri-Whitice, advised proudly, “We drink diet pop and diet energy drinks, not regular soda,” unaware that they contained aspartame, an ingredient which is an artificial sweetener, known to be linked to a number of symptoms like cancer, epileptic seizures, tinnitus and headaches, together with over 80 other symptoms. It is an absolute no-no for those who want to be or remain healthy. Lanie, the office administrator, was happy to show me the Teisseire Citrus drink, which said no sugar but aspartame was once again an ingredient. The apple juice label read 35 per cent sugar and the orange juice contained 12 per cent sugar, plus an
66 ABODE MAY 2011
added sweetener. The remaining sodas had 45 per cent sugar. Let’s not even mention six cans of energy drinks. No wonder the team is so energetic. I wondered how would they make it to the end of the day? LUNCH ITEMS May Britt reading labels I found three small plastic containers full of green beans, salad and plain chicken breasts. These passed my approval, as they were homemade. There were also two packages of takeaway Chinese noodles with chicken. This is not the worst choice for an on-the-go meal but I am unsure of the quality of the ingredients, sugar and sodium level. When I expressed that the fridge was not enough to feed the whole team, I was advised that most of them walked to the nearby gas station for sandwiches and chips. SNACKS I found a very creative choice of snack items. There were several types of chocolate but none them had any nutritional information so I could not check the fat content. Chocolate is not bad as long as it has at least 80 per cent dark cocoa (milk chocolate is full of fat). Other snack items included energy bars – 38 per cent sugar, which is not ideal for afternoons and rice crackers with yogurt glaze. Now rice crackers
HEALTH TIP If the team chooses to combine the gluten-free crackers with the peanut butter or goat cheese – that could make a good afternoon snack.
LIFESTYLE
health
In the pantry
Energy drinks
Cheese spread and energy bars
Sodas and high sugar juices
are normally a good snack, but with the sugar glaze, the sugar content rose above 33 per cent. I gave the team points for the glutenfree crackers (no preservatives or sugars) and a good quality goat cheese. But the orange marmalade threw me.
white bread, full of empty calories. I also found peanut butter, one of the better ones with 95 per cent peanuts and only three grams of sugar.
The first item on its ingredient’s list was sugar, the highest I had seen so far with more 48 per cent, and four E number E440 (pectin – a thickening agent), E300 (ascorbic acid a synthetically created vitamin C), E330 (citric acid, which has been linked to stomach problems and skin rashes) and E102 (tratrazine a yellow colouring linked with ADHD). The rest of the items ended with acid. All in all, not a very health marmalade!
I was nearly paralyzed by the look of the things they kept in the pantry. Beyond the usual mix of black tea, coffee and creamer, the rest was only sugar items. I found three boxes of cubed sugar in different flavours, candy, diet iced tea mix (containing aspartame) a berryessence drink full of sugar, and to top the list, they actually had aspartame tablets as well. It was amusing to find a bottle of insoluble fibre amongst the foods and drinks. This might be the only way to get fiber into their diets. Of all the items found in the pantry, this product was maybe the most beneficial of all.
On a good note, in the vegetable box I found two apples and three tiny carrot bags. In the other fruit box, I found two large bags of potato chips, well hidden. As a dip for those, they had a jar of salsa dip. This could get them some brownie points, since it contained no additives or sugar. Lastly, I saw a bag of
THE PANTRY
After making a list of items I felt I should buy, I went shopping.
MAY 2011 ABODE 67
LIFESTYLE
health
Fresh fruits
After a two-hour shopping trip, I managed to buy healthy items that will enhance the team’s health and still give them the much-needed energy boost to fight afternoon doldrums. It was not difficult to find suitable, healthy, organic and sugar-free items. The team was shocked to find out how many ways sugar is described in the ingredient list on a food item - glucose, dextrin, dextrose, fructose, honey, lactose, maltose, Mineral water molasses, sucrose, syrup, treacle or xyclose.
HEALTH TIP If you like juices, you can invest in a juicer and make your own fresh juice. This way you know what it contains. Furthermore, always have enough water with you at work and in the car. For an on-the-go snack, keep a container in your bag full of nuts, raisins or cucumber or carrot sticks. These snacks are easy to eat and will make you feel good.
68 ABODE MAY 2011
HOW TO FIGHT THE AFTERNOON DOLDRUMS? The key to eat smaller portions and more often. Instead of three full meals a day, six to seven hours apart, it is better to eat five to six smaller portions throughout day to maintain a better sugar balance. Instead of snacking on unhealthy sweets, always carry nuts, dried fruits, rice crackers or a few pieces of dark chocolate. If you should fail to resist your cravings for sweets, don’t give up on your new healthy eating habits.
LIFESTYLE
health
Wholesome snacks
Fresh fruits and salad
Hummus
WHEN OUT SHOPPING, FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE RULES Brown fibre bread
• Check the labels: The more ingredients listed in a particular item, the less likely the item is worth eating. • Diet items contain aspartame, something you must avoid. • Never buy anything that lists E 440, E 300, E 330 or E 102 as an ingredient. If you don’t know what it means, then don’t buy it.
Whole meal crackers and nuts
• Stay away from any product that with sugar content exceeding 15 per cent sugar. It just makes you want more of the same.
WHAT WE GOT • Freshly squeezed orange juice and apple juice • Two salads, carrots, cucumbers • Freshly made hummus and Baba Ghanoush as dips • Whole meal crackers with lots of fibre and rice crackers • Dark chocolate with 85 per cent cocoa • Corn Flakes for a snack (2.5 grams of sugar per 100 grams) • Brown fibre bread • Stevia (a natural sweetener) for tea • Nuts, raisins, dried fruits • Under ordinary circumstances, I would have bought some more fruits and vegetables, but the team was a bit hesitant about wasting it
May-Britt Searty is a natural health practitioner, consultant and the wife of Andreas Sealty, general manager, Hilton. She can be reached at maybrittsearty@yahoo.com All items found at Mega Mart or Marks & Spencer
MAY 2011 ABODE 69
LIFESTYLE
health
Super Foods
That Heal BY MOONA MASRI-WHITICE
According to MSNBC, we should favour nine immunity-boosting foods to supercharge our body’s resistance to the flu virus and the common cold. Also high on their advice list was drinking plenty of water and eating a varied diet. According to award-winning nutritionist Gloria Duran-Ronderos these are the best foods to include to boost your immune system within a varied diet and why: Yogurt. Plain low fat skim milk yogurt contains active cultures, or probiotics that aid the digestive system in fighting off disease. Specifically recommended is the probiotic called Lactobacillus reuteri, which “appears to stimulate white blood cells.” Not many yogurts have this so make sure you read the label. Stoney Fields USA is one brand that does, if you can get your hands on it. Foods rich in beta-carotene. These are all the orange vegetables and fruits: sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, pumpkin and cantaloupe. Beta-carotene supplies your body with vitamin A, which is essential for the formation of healthy skin. Your skin acts as a physical barrier against viruses and germs. Black or green tea. Studies show that drinking five cups of tea daily transforms T cells into “Hulk cells” that produce 10 times more cold and flu virus-fighting proteins. Chicken soup. Tried-and-true, chicken soup is a remedy that is not only delicious but is also really good for you. Apparently, it thins mucus and keeps inflammatory white cells from moving to the bronchial tubes, which stops cold symptoms.
70 ABODE MAY 2011
Beef. Meat and other Zinc-rich foods, such as oysters, fortified cereals, poultry, yogurt or milk. ZINC is essential for germ-fighting white blood cells; even a slight Zinc deficiency puts you at greater risk for infection. Mushrooms. These fungi boost white cell production and make them act more aggressively against infection. Fish and shellfish. The selenium found in fish and shellfish increase production of cytokines- proteins which help clear out flu viruses. Garlic. This spice contains allicin, which fights infection. Studies also suggest that garlic lovers are less likely to develop some cancers. Ronderos admits to frequently adding chopped garlic to her meals, as well as eating two raw cloves daily. Oats and barley. These grains reportedly help to increase immunity, heal wounds more quickly and boost the efficacy of antibiotics. •
LIFESTYLE
skin care
Save Your
Skin
BY SYDNEE BRYANT
Moisturize: The key to healthy, young-looking skin is moisture. Moisture helps skin keep its elasticity, making it more resilient to everyday wear and tear. Dry skin often looks sallow and uneven, especially in winter when skin tends to be at its driest. In the desert, a basic moisturizer sometimes isn’t enough to keep skin soft and supple. Often, a barrage of lotions and potions are needed to infuse skin with moisture.
Try: Clinique Dramatically Different
Your skin is a true reflection of how well you take care of yourself. Sun damage, pollution, naughty habits and a lack of a skincare regime will all show up on your face sooner rather than later, and will age you dramatically. While you can’t prevent aging, you can ward off damage with a proper skin care routine.
F
or healthy, radiant skin, develop a solid skin care regime and stick to it. The easiest way to follow your beauty routine is to keep it simple. Keeping skin clean, moisturized and protected is a good way to start. If your skin is already showing signs of damage, such as brown spots, wrinkles and fine lines, you can help reverse some of the damage with repair serums.
Cleanse: Always wash your face at night. Be sure to remove your makeup before you go to sleep, without exception. If your skin is not overly dry, cleanse in the morning too, to get off any grime you may have missed the night before. A gentle foaming cleanser will work well on most skin types and won’t dry out skin.
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After washing your face, swipe a small amount of clarifying lotion across your skin to optimize cell turn over. Clarifying lotion helps makes your pores look smaller and allows moisture to penetrate skin more easily.
Try: Clinique’s 3-Step Skin Care System. Gently cleanse skin day and night with Clinique’s facial soap, then tone your skin with Clinique’s Clarifying Lotion, available in four different strengths to suit your skin’s needs. Clinique’s new, improved clarifying lotions can be matched perfectly to your skin type, including mild, very dry to dry, dry combination, combination oily and oily skin formulas. Follow up with Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion (see next step).
Moisturizing Lotion. This legendary yellow lotion absorbs into skin quickly, leaving skin fresh, not greasy. It can be used both day and night, but does not contain sunscreen, so must be used in conjunction with either sunscreen or other skin product that contains SPF (more on that later). A great moisturizing cream that contains sunscreen is Estee Lauder’s New DayWear Advanced Multi-Protection AntiOxidant Moisturizer SPF 15. This creamy green formula, an updated version of the brand’s famous DayWear moisturizer, contains an advanced broad-spectrum sunscreen, anti-oxidants, and lipids to protect skin against dehydration. Once a week, apply a moisturizing mask at night to further increase the moisture levels in your skin. Try L’Occitane En Provence Shea Cotton Ultra Comforting Mask, which absorbs into skin quickly and doesn’t leave greasy stains on your pillowcase.
LIFESTYLE
skin care
Protect: Always wear sunscreen. This is not an option. If you want to keep skin looking young and avoid brown spots and wrinkles, slather yourself in sunscreen every day (even cloudy days). At the very least, protect your face from the sun. The easiest way to do this without looking greasy is to use a face primer with a built in SPF of at least 25.
Try: Clinique Super City Block Oil Free Daily Face Protector SPF 40 protects against sun and pollutants, in addition to creating a smooth base for makeup. If you like to limit the amount of lotions and potions you use every day, use a foundation or tinted moisturizer that already contains SPF, such as Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 or Estee Lauder Resilience Lift Extreme Radiant Lifting Makeup SPF 15. Repair: Your skin gets damaged from a variety of factors, including pollution, the sun and environmental toxins, such as smoke. Scientists at Estee Lauder have determined that the five main sources of free radicals that attack skin continuously are UV exposure, pollution, smoke, irritation and metabolism. All of these factors can accelerate premature aging, making you look haggard before your time. You can’t turn back time but you can help make up for all of those days you spent lying out in the sun baking your skin as a teenager by using a serum with antioxidants to repair some of the damage done to your skin.
Try: Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Serum. This lightweight repair serum should be applied before moisturizer for maximum effect. The milky formula contains wheat, bran and olive extract to help your skin hold moisture in, while the clary sage extract helps make your complexion glow. The peptides in the serum work to repair previous damage done to skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles; the vitamin C provides a dose of anti-aging power. Another alternative is La Mer The Radiant
Serum, a strong skin serum that causes skin to actually reflect light. Another good find is L’Occitane En Provence Immortelle Very Precious Regenerating Concentrate, a serum specifically designed for nighttime use. The regenerating concentrate stimulates collagen production and protects against free radical damage, causing skin to appear younger. To fight previous sins while smoothing skin, smooth a few drops of Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle and UV Damage Corrector into skin twice a day after washing your face. •
Products to Try •
Clinique’s Clarifying Lotion
•
L’Occitane En Provence Shea Cotton Ultra Comforting Mask
•
Estee Lauder New Daywear Advanced Multi-protection AntiOxidant Moisturizer SPF 15
•
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
•
Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Serum
•
Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle & UV Damage Corrector
•
La Mer The Radiant Serum
•
L’Occitane En Provence Immortelle Very Precious Regenerating Concentrate
•
Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
•
Estee Lauder Resilience Lift Extreme Radiant Lifting Makeup SPF 15
MAY 2011 ABODE 73
LIFESTYLE
spa
If you’re a fan of Thai massages then treating yourself to the Thai Herbal Massage at the Essence Spa is a must.
Tranquil massa ge
O
ne of the newest entrants in the spa market in Doha is the Essence Spa, located within a short distance of the Hyatt Plaza. It’s a location with an enormous advantage, as I found out on the day I visited this serene spa, late as usual by half hour for my afternoon appointment. The morning had been rushed due to multiple team meetings and, thanks to Doha’s rising dust storm, I was also having a severe allergic reaction. I rushed in, coughing and sneezing, apologizing profusely and was calmed down immediately with a delightful organic concoction called hibiscus tea. The spa manager said that it would help calm the hyper energy that I had come in with. My therapist/masseur for the day was Annie,
74 ABODE MAY 2011
room
who explained to me that Essence Spa had chosen the Thai Herbal Massage for me to review. And so wasting no time, I followed Annie to the designated spa room for the treatment.
THAI MAGIC The Thai Herbal Massage is a 60-minute routine that incorporates the traditional Thai massage with the use of a heated compress containing a collection of medicinal aromatic herbs. Beginning first with a traditional-style massage, Annie used her strong hands and elbows to stretch, knead and massage my body like dough. Her style of attacking and massaging my feet and soles was priceless. Annie’s petite size
LIFESTYLE
was a deceptive because the strength with which she massaged my body seemed to come from nowhere. This helped me to breathe deeper, relax and lessen the allergic reaction that I had been having. I noticed myself starting to breathe deeper and lose the tension that had had my shoulders frozen for weeks now. The next step was to gently massage the body with lemongrass based oil which with her quick hands, she ensured that they permeated deeply into the muscle. With its light scent, the oil induced my running mind to slow down and relax.
usually unbleached cotton or muslin. Since it was being used in conjunction with the Thai Massage, the effect was double. The heated ball allowed the muscles and the joints of greater movement and flexibility. The relaxing aroma and direct application of herbal compresses eliminated the sore and over worked muscle pain that had been troubling me for a while now. I took this time to enjoy a short nap. Rested, relaxed and all cozy, my day at the Essence Spa concluded with a double treat - a manicure and pedicure.
THAI COMPRESS
PAIN BEGONE!
Once the oil had permeated the skin, using two heated compresses, Annie began to massage deeply, applying the compresses at specific points all over the body in precise steps. The effect was immediate. The compress is simply a pouch filled with ground Thai herbs wrapped tightly in a natural porous cloth,
In less than an hour at the Essence Spa, I transformed from a whiny, exhausted person into a super woman. I felt much more energetic afterward, since the compress had done much to release the energy blockages and improve my energy imbalance. Thank you Essence Spa for this wonderful transformation! •
Hibiscu
s tea to
relax
spa
THE BENEFITS OF THE THAI TRADITIONAL MASSAGE •
Improves muscle injuries, imbalances and pain
•
Improves blood and lymph circulation
•
Improves physical and mental energy by releasing energy blockages
•
Improves joint flexibility and range of motion
•
Reduces acute and chronic inflammation
•
Improves appetite and digestive processes and dysfunctions
•
Encourages relaxation and prevents and alleviates stress and anxiety
•
Calms the mind, improves concentration and positive thinking
•
Speeds healing
Spa essentials: ted towels esses and scen Heated compr
Spa treatments an
d oils used for bo
th healing and rel
axation
MAY 2011 ABODE 75
LIFESTYLE
focus
The Joy of Movement By Tina Zuccarini
Stop Exercising. Start moving! Follow the pleasure principle. If it feels good, do it. If it doesn’t, stop.
F
itness must address the human being, not just the body. Exercise divorced from emotions and human spirit isn’t satisfying, isn’t fun and eventually fails. To feel good and last a lifetime, an exercise regimen must satisfy the heart and soul. Nia addresses the body, mind, emotions and spirit i.e. whole being integration. This begins with heightened awareness of both mind and body. Routine kills consciousness and dilutes the experience of life. Nia encourages one to focus on physical sensations and to move with purpose.
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Because Nia is a non-impact program it can be done without the protective padding of shoes. By moving with bare feet, the seven thousand nerve endings in each foot are stimulated. Consequently, the physical and psychological feeling of being grounded is intensified. Every muscle in the body has memory receptors that store physical components of emotional traumas. In Nia we use the body to heal the mind and spirit by joining muscular movement with introspection, intention, visualization, imagery and expressiveness. Contrary to conventional fitness, the easy
LIFESTYLE
focus
way is the natural way. The militaristic, punishing element often found in traditional fitness is not effective. Psychologically it creates resistance and insecurity, rather than enthusiasm and self respect. Physically it creates too much strain to be worth the gain. To achieve lasting body-mind-spirit fitness on this path of least resistance, you must move in accord with what we call The Body’s Way: the structural design of the body that dictates its proper use. Even more precisely, you must move in accord with your own body’s way because no two bodies are exactly alike. Mobility and Stability The Body’s Way reminds us that healthy joints require toned surrounding muscles. Good muscle tone keeps your joints and bones aligned and your muscles responsive to the demands for mobility and stability. Body Awareness Do you, like so many people, essentially sleepwalk through the physical aspects of your life, unaware of your movements from moment to moment? If so, you should try to become more aware of your physical actions, since awareness – based on sensation – is the first step towards improvement. The Body Awareness Checklist will help you monitor your awareness. If you answer ‘never’ to any of these statements, work on increasing your attention to these physical acts. Wake up! Get into your body! Become aware!
Sensory IQ
Your Pleasure Journal
Just as your brain has a cognitive IQ, your body has a Sensory IQ, which is a measure of how adroit you are at noticing physical sensation. Whereas body awareness is related to knowing and understanding how your body is moving in space, Sensory IQ relates to understanding and recognizing physical sensations, such as pleasure and pain. It should be easy for people to be aware of the physical sensations of pleasure and pain but many people are not. People often become divorced from their own bodies. They repress pleasure and ignore pain, often under the misguided assumption that they’re being strong. Alienation from your own body is not a sign of strength. It’s a weakness.
The power of journaling is that you become a conscious observer of your own experience. This helps you to explore and reflect on your mind-body- emotion connection and therefore gain new insights and understanding.
Body Awareness Checklist Always 1
I am aware of the exact direction my feet point when I walk.
2
I am aware of the sway of my pelvis when I walk.
3
I am aware of my spine moving when I walk.
4
I am aware of where I look with my eyes when I walk.
5
I am aware of the vibration in my chest when I talk.
6
I am aware of my tone of voice.
7
I am aware of my facial expressions.
8
I am aware of my hands when I hold a fork, knife or spoon.
9
I am aware of the texture of the food I eat.
Sometimes
Never
Pleasure is a gift of the body. Although fun is most often associated with an activity, pleasure is associated with the body. To know physical pleasure is to know your body, yourself and the world around you. Choosing pleasure cultivates personal awareness, creativity and the willingness to let go and the freedom to become whole. In Nia, pleasure is a sensation you seek in order to become spontaneous, self-heal, get fit, stay healthy, be expressive and find meaning. Pleasure keeps you choosing what is right for yourself and for your body in each moment. Learning what gives you pleasure can be your guide on the journey from the world of pain to the world of joy. As you continue to practice Nia, you will probably find that you will be able to add more and more to your Pleasure Journal. Tina Zuccarini offers NIA classes and courses at The Doha Marriott Hotel. For further information please contact : The Doha Marriott Spa: +974 44298520 Sourced from Debbie and Carlos Rosas (founders of NIA)
10 I am aware of the physical feeling of being full. 11
I am aware of the water touching my body when I shower.
12 I am aware of the warmth my body radiates.
Doha Marriott Hotel | Ras Abu Aboud Street | PO Box 1911 | Doha | Qatar | Tel: +974 4429 8520 | mail: tina.zuccarini @marriotthotels.com | Web: dohamarriott.com
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travel
Sensational Sights in
Singapore BY SYDNEE BRYANT IMAGES COURTESY OF THE SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD
Singapore is a city full of fun adventures, magical sights and world-class accommodations. ABODE travelled to the Southeast Asian city to find the best of what this tropical paradise has to offer.
W
hen we decided to take a four-day jaunt to Singapore, we knew we didn’t want to waste a single second of it. We planned our itinerary in advance by using www.yoursingapore.com, a website that highlights attractions and venues in the city and allows you to personalize your trip with its handy trip planner. What we discovered is that while it is certainly possible to see the best of Singapore USS Shrek at Universal studio during a short vacation, it will mean a lot of
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long days and careful planning to squeeze everything in. Those looking for a relaxing vacation should plan to stay at least a week so they can enjoy Singapore’s sights at a slower pace. Singapore is the ideal travel spot for both families and singles of all ages because of its diverse range of attractions; families can easily spend their whole trip at Sentosa, while other travellers can venture out into the city and enjoy the shopping, food and nightlife Singapore is famous for.
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WHERE TO STAY While Singapore’s downtown is home to a number of beautiful hotels, a nice alternative is to get out of the city without ever being too far away from the action. Resorts World Sentosa This casino resort has a variety of hotels, restaurants and spas. The island is located 20 minutes from Singapore Changi International Airport and only 10 minutes from the city’s downtown business district. Check into Hotel Michael, a vibrant hotel that is for those who don’t mind a busy setting or are travelling with children. For those who would like to enjoy a more luxurious setting, Capella Singapore offers a lush, private sanctuary with the South China Sea in the backyard. Other accommodations on Sentosa include the fast-paced Hard Rock Hotel Singapore and the tranquil Sentosa Resort and Spa, a sanctuary with 27 acres of tropical greenery. There are plenty of benefits to staying on Sentosa, including access to a casino, theme park and a variety of restaurants ranging from world-class fare to local cuisine.
WHERE TO RELAX It’s hard not to feel more peaceful when surrounded by Singapore’s lush tropical greenery. But for an especially tranquil time, make time to chill out at one of the city’s luxurious spas. Spa Botanica This lovely oasis boasts both indoor and outdoor spa facilities, a rare treat in the spa world. The garden area includes a float pool, swimming pool, labyrinth and a peaceful lounging area to read or nap in. Nearby, a giant vat of mud from New Zealand awaits those brave enough to slather themselves with it before stepping into the mud pool. The outdoor spa treatment rooms are nestled into little areas with hanging flowers and greenery everywhere. An outdoor tea bar is available to any spa guests wishing to enjoy a post-treatment beverage outside. Inside the spa there are several cozy rooms for treatments ranging from massages to body scrubs. Anyone stressed out from a long flight and
travel
heavy baggage must try the 90-minutes massage. The spa therapist will work out every kink in your weary arms and shoulders by using personalized aromatic massage oils and a gentle but firm touch. Spa guests are welcome to use the pool and other facilities for the day. You can also pay to relax in the outdoor pool area for the day without having a spa treatment first.
WHERE TO EAT Singapore is known for its diverse cuisine. The city offers food ranging from Chinese and Indian to Indonesian and Peranakan. The Garden at the Sentosa Resort and Spa After a Zen experience at Spa Botanica, enjoy a healthy but delicious meal at this restaurant, located next to Spa Botanica. This dining spot focuses on fresh, healthy dining and uses organic ingredients whenever possible. The chefs whip up delightful dishes in the show kitchen right in front of you, while peacocks put on a show for you on the outside patio. The restaurant’s signature chicken and rice dish is a Singaporean staple and shouldn’t be missed. My Humble House This upscale Chinese restaurant offers delicious food in an elegant and beautiful setting that is welcoming, not stuffy or uptight. The outrageous furniture alone makes it worth the visit. Enjoy some of the best hospitality in Singapore as you dine on delectable pan-seared Bai Lin mushrooms, double-boiled ginseng in Sakura chicken consommé and shredded vegetables in black bean sauce and homemade noodles. Villa Halia Located within the Singapore Botanical Gardens, this quiet, cozy restaurant offers top-notch cuisine in a beautiful setting. Work up an appetite with a romantic stroll through the gardens, then feast upon tender wagyu beef, baked potatoes with truffle butter and lavender crème brulee. This is a world-class meal that you will remember long after you leave the lush paradise that is the Singapore Botanical Gardens.
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travel WHERE TO PLAY There are plenty of fun attractions for adults and kids of all ages in Singapore.
Jumbo Located alongside the Singapore River, Jumbo has a great patio and plenty of indoor seating. Ideal for people watching, Jumbo offers the freshest seafood in Singapore. This casual dining establishment is a part of East Coast Park’s legendary seafood centre. While their red meat is to die for, they are most famous for their chilli crab. St. James Power Station This hip area hosts a variety of street food vendors, a patio area for eating and drinking and a stage for live bands to rock out while you enjoy your street meat. Open until the wee hours, this is your best shot at some late night grub that is not only incredibly satisfying but is also super cheap and quick. Their deep fried ribs are absolutely outstanding and there are plenty of refreshing beverages on tap. This happening hotspot is in a prime spot, located right by both Singapore’s most popular local nightspots and the Sentosa Gateway.
WHERE TO LEARN Singapore is home to a number of lively museums and galleries including the Singapore Art Museum and the National Museum of Singapore. Both venues offer audio tours for the exhibitions, ensuring that you will come away with lots of new knowledge and insight into the works of art displayed. The National Museum of Singapore is the nation’s oldest museum, dating back all the way to 1887.
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Marina Bay Sands Another great place to check out some fascinating cultural displays is the Art Science Museum at Marina Bay Sands, which has 21 gallery spaces equalling 50,000 square feet. Fascinating displays include Shipwrecked, Tang Treasures and Monsoon Winds, which is being showcased from now until July 31, 2011. The exhibit explores the maritime silk route, with ancient artefacts showing the story of a historic trade route that stretched from West Asia past Singapore and on to China. Marina Bay Sands also offers a Skypark, which allows you to catch a glimpse of Singapore’s stunning landscape. Marina Bay Sands, one of the most recent additions to the city, also includes a modern theatre where theatrical productions such as The Lion King take place every evening.
Universal Studios Singapore Located in Resorts World Sentosa, this is one of only four Universal Studios theme parks in the world. This fun theme park is great for both adults and kids of all ages, with plenty of rides and entertainment from popular movies such Shrek and Madagascar. The park is divided into seven areas: The Lost World, Far Far Away, Madagascar, Ancient Egypt, SciFi City, New York and Hollywood. Top attractions include the Revenge of the Mummy, Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure, Battlestar Galacticia and Water World.
LIFESTYLE
travel
Singapore Zoo Start your day with the Jungle Breakfast at this award-winning zoo. While you enjoy the breakfast buffet, you’ll be treated to an up-close encounter with some of the zoo’s most adorable creatures, the orangutans. Take a tram ride through this open-concept zoo, located in a tropical rainforest, to see zebras, lions, monkeys, flamingos and more! This is a great activity that both kids and adults will enjoy without breaking the bank.
WHERE TO SHOP Singapore offers a variety of shopping, from busy malls filled with a wide selection of stores, to adorable boutiques hidden away in the city’s streets. The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands This resort is home to luxury brands such as Gucci, Dior and Van Cleef and Arpels, not to mention Royce, purveyor of Singapore’s finest chocolates. Orchard Road This lively street is home to plenty of malls and fabulous stores, including TANGS, ION Orchard, Paragon, Mandarin Gallery and 313@somerset. •
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travel
Your Holiday Short & Sweet BY CIGDEM ILTAN AND SYDNEE BRYANT
Amman and Jordan are great destinations within a short distance to help you relax and rejuvinate away from your busy life in Qatar
Amman, Jordan
AMMAN, JORDAN Amman is much more than a seasonal refuge for Gulf residents from scorching summer temperatures. Most travellers just use the Jordanian capital as a base camp for travel to better-known tourist destinations in the country such as Petra, Aqaba, the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum. But Amman’s top-quality restaurants, emerging arts and nightlife scene and fascinating mixture of old and new offer a traveller plenty to fill a weekend itinerary. Climb out of your bed at the brand-new, ultra-modern Kempinski Hotel and get an early start to your Friday morning at the open-air Abdali market, where designer handbags, dresses and scarves can be found. Next take a taxi to cobblestone-paved Rainbow Street, where locally produced handicrafts can be purchased at the Jordan River Foundation’s
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Ruins of Petra, Jordan
LIFESTYLE
Corniche at Beirut
travel
headquarters, and a variety of cafes, restaurants and sweet shops can satiate any shopper’s culinary desires. Tired? Rest your feet on the tranquil terrace at the Wild Jordan Cafe and take in one of the best views in Amman while sampling fresh organic food and smoothies.
BEIRUT, LEBANON
Mohammad Al Amin M osque
Beirut has always been known as the party capital of the Middle East. But it is also a city rich in culture, heritage and adventure. Ideal for adventurous travellers, Beirut offers a plethora of nightclubs, pubs, shopping and dining. Start your day with coffee and shopping in downtown Beirut. Check out the American University of Beirut (AUB), one of the prettiest university campuses in existence. Stroll along the Corniche at sunset and watch the fisherman reel in the last of the day’s catch. At night, head to Gemmayze, a street teeming with fun pubs and dining establishments. Hot spots include Treesome, Dice and Hanks. Accommodations in Beirut range from high-end, such as the Movenpick Hotel and Resort Beirut, located directly beside the Mediterranean Sea, to economy, such as Saifi Urban Gardens, a hostel located in Gemmayze. As a bonus, Beirut is ideally located for day trips to other parts of the country, such as Byblos, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Byblos offers a quaint souq, historic sites and some of the tastiest fish restaurants ever. •
SNEAK PEAK Watch this space next month to discover a glamorous Hollywood star-style destination a short flight from Qatar in the Sultanate’s capital of Muscat. Nestled alongside the sparkling of bay of Al Jissah, the Shangri-la Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa is a dream destination for those who prefer privacy and unparalled service.
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art
Vibrancy At Its Best BY APARAJITA MUKHERJEE
L
eila Salem Arabi is a painter and, like all painters, she has a significant chunk of herself in the realm of the mind. Her work is rich, lively and vibrant; the colours earthy.
In a tete-a-tete with ABODE, she reveals her inspiration. “Picasso is a complete artist; he is more than a school. You learn from his every painting something new,” Arabi said. “He did the classical figurative painting, the neoclassicism, then moved between the abstraction, deformation and anatomical dissection, then would return to the classic again.”
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Arabi’s paintings depict human form, in a recurrent fashion. “When it comes to human form, the canvas tells a story and becomes alive as it starts to unfold spontaneously,” Arabi explained. IBQ recently sponsored Leila and several other artists with an exhibition.
art
LA: I was told by a friend (referring to my last collection) that my paintings are heart warming and can easily enter the heart. I like to think that they have this soothing quality or mood. ABODE: Do landscapes have any place in your paintings?
LA: Mostly they are the background to many of my paintings. I like to think about it like the setting in a play. ABODE: Can you elaborate a little on the IBQ association?
LA: Sponsoring a group of artist was a great initiative that showed creativity and leadership. Artists are no doubt encouraged to see the interest that was so evident. Also it is a fantastic way to educate and enrich the young generation. A great opportunity to look, appreciate and enjoy many talents that are found in our community.
ABODE: Do you paint to sell or do you paint for yourself? LA: Both. It starts personal; I usually start working on the piece as if its mine, but once it starts taking shape and I become satisfied with it, and it becomes the first thing I see in the morning and the last before I go to bed. When I have nothing more to give it, I realize it’s time to let go. ABODE: What does painting give you?
LA: Peace and satisfaction, especially when I am happy with the outcome. You also gain a friendship that can last a life time. ABODE: What moved you to painting?
ABODE: On a day you’ve not
LA: I found that colour and painting has an ability to express ones reaction and feeling towards any situation.
LA: Like I mentioned earlier, I do get mental blocks. I used to get restless and would frantically search for a subject. With time I began to understand that this mental block is actually healthy and is an important process for the art to gain maturity. •
painted, how does it feel?
ABODE: What subjects do you prefer the most?
LA: As you can tell, human form is my impulsive choice. ABODE: Why does the human form recur in your paintings?
LA: I love to paint flowers and still life, but when it comes to human form the canvas tells a story and becomes alive as it starts to unfold spontaneously.
ABODE: Many painters depict a mood in their paintings. What is yours?
ABODE: The colours in your paintings have a stor y to tell. What do you have to say on your choice of colours?
LA: I am an earthy person and earth colors and tones, mainly faded shades are the ones i automatically tend to choose, but gradually, i have no control on the choice. As the painting progresses, the colour palette starts having a life of its own. Leila Salem Arabi
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community
Nadine Kanso
Arab Identity Explored BY APARAJITA MUKHERJEE
B
eirut-born and Dubai-dwelling, Nadine Kanso represents the bi-coastal reality of many Arabs today – a reality that forms her work as both a photographer and jewellery designer. Having spent her entire childhood in Beirut, Kenso later gained two degrees from the Lebanese American University in Communication Arts and Advertising Design. Nadine then worked in various designrelated fields, along with several stints in journalism, before she began dedicating all her time to photography and jewelery design. With a clear passion for Arab culture and, in particular, expressing it through a contemporary visual framework, Nadine’s work underwent a directional change after she was invited to exhibit at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London as part of a group exhibition entitled Arabize Me in 2006.
ABODE caught up with Kenso to understand how she effortlessly crosses boundaries between anything artsy.
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ABODE: What drove you to the twin professional choices that you made – photography and jewelr y design?
NK: Actually my Bil Arabi jewelery line was an extension to my photography. I felt that the subject of Arab identity needed to be more defused, so my next step was to create something that everyone can relate to and wear so it shows more!
ABODE: As a photographer, what are your subjects of interest?
NK : I work a lot on identity and socio-political subjects. I like portraits; I think that the eyes express and tell so many stories.
ABODE: What impact did the exhibition, Arabize Me, have on your professional career?
NK: Arabize Me was the start of a great journey for me; it pushed me to express myself in a medium that was always part of my life…it was a stepping stone…
ABODE: What is your take on the impact of digitalization on the trade of photography?
NK : No matter how advanced things are if you wish to buy a piece of art you will buy it! You can’t just hang your computer on your wall, unless you it as an installation. ABODE: What is Bil Arabi’s fashion statement?
NK : Bil Arabi is a brand that has a statement; it has a flair that will be fashionable forever if I may say. So it is irrelevant to associate with a trend or fashion that is just for now. ABODE: What is your opinion on the regional fashion scene, in cities such as Dubai or Beirut?
NK: People are very aware of their looks and what they wear in both cities but most of them wear pure looks from magazines and catwalks. I would like to see more of personal style and touch, it makes things more interesting. •
Check Nadine out on www.nadinekanso.com
LIFESTYLE
book review
It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be by Paul Arden Although much of the advice in It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be comes from the advertising realm, it’s relevant to any one who is designing or running a business (design droplets advice: Each time you see the word advertising in the book, substitute it for design). This is a book that you will read and re-read again and again. Definitely add it to your collection when the opportunity arises.
Jamie’s 30 Minute Meal by Jamie Oliver If you love food and have hungry mouths to feed when you get home after a long day, then allow Jamie to introduce you to a revolutionary way of cooking. In 30 Minute Meals he’ll show you how to make a complete meal in the time you’d normally spend on one dish. What you’ll be able to achieve in 30 minutes will absolutely blow your mind! This is not about compromising on quality. It’s about being organized, working fast and using shortcuts and clever tricks to put insanely delicious plates of food on the table in no time.
Meeting Point by Lucy Caldwell M Lucy Caldwell’s second novel begins in rural Ireland with Euan and Ruth Armstrong setting off with their young daughter to do missionary work in Bahrain. For Ruth, it is a calling from God to do His work in a new world, her “weightless aspiration billowing like silk in the air.” However, on the first night, Euan confesses the real reason he has come to Bahrain: an illegal operation to smuggle Bibles into Saudi Arabia. Shocked to realize that her husband is willing to risk his life and sacrifice the safety of family, something inside Ruth cracks. The dialogue of this award-winning playwright crackles with dramatic energy. Repressed desire and resentment bubble beneath the surface, threatening to wreak havoc. The Meeting Point is a skilful piece of craftsmanship with an emotional charge that is both cathartic and moving. It will stay with you.
NWU Qatar Organises Lecture With Critically Acclaimed Author Leila Aboulela Northwestern University in Qatar hosted a reading and lecture with Critically acclaimed Sudanese author and Doha resident Leila Aboulela who read from her new novel, Lyrics Alley. The reading was held in honour of World Book Day 2011 and co-sponsored by Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing (BQFP). Aboulela’s work has been praised by The New York Times, Saudi Gazette, San Francisco Chronicle, and The Telegraph. Her most recent novel, Lyrics Alley, is set in 1950s Sudan and is inspired by the life of her uncle the poet Hassan Awad Aboulela who wrote the lyrics for many popular Sudanese songs. It has been long-listed for the 2011 Orange Prize and was named a “Book to Watch” by O Magazine. She is also the author of two other novels: The Translator, one of The New York Times 100 Notable Books of the Year, and Minaret.
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automotive
BMW
Unbridled Driving Pleasure BY DELIAH AMIRA FURCOI
T
he BMW X5 is a true example of German excellence in every bit of its being. Like its predecessor, it has surprises built in. Little did I know what was to be discovered on a lazy Saturday morning! It’s controlled and firm road handling made it a pleasant surprise that the X5 was actually a cheetah in disguise, leaping forward with unbridled driving pleasure. Deep within the core of the X5 is where the 2011 BMW X5 was most transformed. With a push of the ‘start’ button I was zooming off.
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Racing ahead the X5 is pumped with 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, this turbo charged 32 valve 8 cylinder twin turbo with valvertronic 4400cc has no easy match. Responsive acceleration to the driver’s demands encapsulated, in its robust shell. The X5 had come out to play leaving just dust in its path today. With ease, the X5 can achieve top speed of 240 km/h in just 5.5 seconds. I was desperate to verify this fact and just could not find a road long enough to take on the challenge. The only chance I did get was short lived as I hit 160,
LIFESTYLE
when a cop took notice shaking his head with a grin whilst on a stretch of road to Umm Said. I was so relieved that I was not stopped but was aching for more.
ON BOARD EASE Astonished by its performance the onboard functions were easy to navigate with the iDrive electronic interface coupled with a widescreen LCD. An easy to use interface guides you through the onboard entertainment system fully equipped with a six CD changer built in the glove compartment. For added
automotive
measure, there is one more exterior CD outlet in the face of the central dash board. Lavish soft leather wraps, interiors boasting perfection, chrome touches on its trim give you that sporty edge. My particular favourite would have to have been the moon roof taking over the expanse of the ceiling. Perfect for plane watching or, just like today, the perfect sky complimented a perfect vehicle. If you like fine dining and possibly classical music, this vehicle has your name all over it. Thank you Alfardan Automobiles for this fantastic opportunity! •
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automotive
GMC Terrain Power With Majesty BY DELIAH AMIRA FURCOI
GMC has done it yet again and has Doha’s choosiest of drivers spoilt for choice. The introduction of the all-new 2011 GMC Terrain is a true understanding of modern day lifestyle demands for the most discerning utility vehicle enthusiasts. Meeting oversized expectations, incorporated into a smaller SUV shell proving that all good things do come in small packages. With its large mouthed grille and squared off lights the Terrain was most recognizable from afar one cloudy, spotty morning. It stands upright at 168 cm in height, excluding the roof rack cross rail and sits quite majestically on its 18s. With a high roofline, bold wheel well flares and a curved slope on the taillight was clearly evident of the GMC badge engineering DNA traits.
EASE OF NAVIGATION Although pumped with steroids on the outside, the interiors reveal a softer side to the Terrain. With carefully designed accents, one has to appreciate the thought process lovingly dedicated to make the Terrain so unique. The dual tone of the upholstery with the red stitching demands a standing ovation, a perfect combo to compliment a stylish yet sporty car-like feel. As a standard the Terrain hosts SATNAV and rear view camera to navigate those tight dimly lit basement parking
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automotive
adventures. A new addition to the interior feature that I had enjoyed was the MultiFlex rear seat slides to create 101.3 cm of legroom. The seat can move 20.32 cm forward or backward and recline in five to ten degrees. So comfort isn’t only for the driver but its passengers too. Super organized, the Terrain has space for everything including your laptop and a book if you wish, embedded in the central armrest. Two tier storage in the doors and not to mention the supersized glove box, closed storage in the instrumental panel too. To keep the kiddies busy and hopefully under control the rear seat comes fully equipped with an Entertainment System. The Terrain features twin seatback-mounted flip-up LCD DVD video screens that can pivot 205 degrees to achieve personalised viewing and gaming comfort. Mated with six speed automatic transmission under the hood, the Terrain is hard at work powered by a 3.0L V6 engine offering 264 horsepower and 222 lb-ft of torque. Racing at 7.3 seconds from 0 – 100km/h, the Terrain is not to be taken with lightly. It’s incredibly responsive and packs a punch; take her only if you want her to really strut her stuff. Once again Mannai Automotive division, you never cease to surprise us with your line ups. The 2011 GMC Terrain was a pleasure to drive and definitely made its place in view of the year ahead. The Terrain is a vehicle that matches with everything in my wardrobe! •
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auto roundup
Auto roundup The new-generation C-Class from Mercedes Benz The new C-Class to be launched in Spring 2011 is a comprehensive modernization. The front and rear sections of this bestselling model have a more striking design. Together with the optional, high-resolution colour display in the instrument cluster, the new dashboard with its elegant, grained surface and prominent decorative trim emphasises the premium character of the interior. Fuel consumption has been lowered by up to 31 per cent. Efficiency-enhancing measures include new engines, the improved 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission and the ECO start/stop function, which will available on selected engines in the Middle East later in the year. Ten new driving assistance systems ranging from ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection to DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control are now available for this model series. The new-generation telematics include internet access and a 3D navigation display with plastic city views.
Nissan Middle East Releases the 2012 Model Year VVIP Nissan GT-R Nissan GT-R VVIP in the Middle East market is the first and only Nissan GT-R in the world exclusively created by Takumi, or “master with greatest skills.” Each customer can choose a combination of interior colors among 12 choices. In addition, the Bose® sound system is exclusively tuned according to the driving position of each driver to meet every customer‘s needs. This is the ultimate expression of the Nissan GT-R. Customers can choose a combination of interior colours among 12 choices, four upper area interior colours and seven lower area interior colors. Interior parts are sent to Seton Company, Inc. Muelheim an der Ruhr in Germany and leather master craftsmen sew and stick carefully selected leather by hand. Seats are an exclusive quilted design with single and double stitching combined in a reticular pattern. Enhanced body grip performance (suitable for racing circuit driving), smoothness and fit are all provided.
Hybrid Sports Car Of the Season: the Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid Recently, Porsche AG, Stuttgart, put on sale the 918 Spyder super sports car with its innovative plug-in hybrid drive. Production development is proceeding apace in the wake of the outstanding customer response to the concept car unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show 2010. Thanks to its unique hybrid technology, the 918 Spyder is estimated to consume a mere three litres of fuel per 100 kilometres based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). Its V8 engine delivers more than 500 hp, assisted by two electric motors with a total of at least 160 kW (218 hp). The 918 Spyder is available for immediate order with a price tag of USD 897,550 in the GCC markets.
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Keep Moving.
technology
LIFESTYLE
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technology
TECH SUPPORT Get it Right with Samsung Notebook When selecting a notebook, Samsung experts pinpoint four key factors: Power to perform; capacity for space; quality to enjoy and design for portability. The Samsung’s RF series notebooks has the best-in-class Intel® Core™ i5 Processor 460M (2.66 GHz, 3 MB) so you will never have to worry about your notebook PC slowing down. The RF series notebook is equipped with the latest nVIDIA GeForce GT330M graphics processor, which will makes 3D game or HD video experience shine. Another great addition is that the RF notebook has a vibrant high-resolution screen and 16:9 LED backlit display that delivers sharp images and exceptional colour clarity. With several connectivity options to share or stream Blu-ray videos, music and files through HDMI or All Share, the RF series’ the exterior is protected by a Samsung durable case that can survive any bump while flaunting a unique aluminium look with a scratch resistant surface.
Samsung’s Smart TV What makes Samsung’s Smart TV line unique to all the other televisions out there is the silver screen experience that this range offers. Samsung’s Smart Televisions all offer the total 3D movie experience. The Smart TV line offers consumers the unique feature of being able to switch between 2D and 3D and the added aspect of converting your favourite 2D movie to 3D. Features such as the Clear Image Panel and Mega Dynamic Contrast ratio on Samsung TVs, bring a true cinematic clarity to plasmas, using a film filter instead of conventional glass to eliminate layered images and produce ones that are ultra-clear and blur-free. SMART is the future of TV; with extraordinary designs and imaging technology as well as connectivity and energy saving features, the Samsung Smart TVs are set to offer an unprecedented, high-definition home entertainment experience to consumers across the Middle East.
Xperia debuts in Middle East Sony Ericsson today announced the Middle East launch of the new Xperia arc, the first of a new generation of Android 2.3 smartphones that incorporates cutting-edge Sony technology and offers an exceptional multimedia experience. Launched internationally earlier this year, the super light Xperia arc is 8.7mm at its thinnest part and weighs 117 grams. Sporting a 1 GHz Qualcomm CPU and a 4.2-inch multi-touch screen (Reality Display), the sleek smartphone is ergonomically designed. Crafted with a type of mineral glass that is used for making watch crystals, the smartphone is scratch and shatterresistant. Furthermore, Sony’s award-winning Exmor R for mobile sensor with the f/2.4 lens enables the capture of high-quality, bright pictures and HD videos even in low light. Going beyond the scope of a mobile phone camera, the Xperia arc camera offers a series of capabilities that include auto focus, face detection, LED flash, image stabilizer, geo tagging, and noise suppression.
96 ABODE MAY 2011
LIFESTYLE
technology
Get Connected with HITACHI GST New Family of USB 3.0 Hitachi Touro™ Pro Desktop and Mobile Drives Provide Local Backup and Online Cloud Storage for access to content from anywhere. The Touro Pro line is an all-in-one solution to help protect, transport and store your digital data for easy access from anywhere.
Solutions olutions from Nokia E 6 and X7 Targeted at business people and entertainment enthusiasts, Targeted Nokia’s new smartphones the Nokia okia E6 and the Nokia X7 are the latest must have’s in the market. Business folks will like Nokia E6 which has the Microsoft messaging experience, including access to Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft Communicator Mobile and Microsoft SharePoint and a full QWERTY keypad. The Nokia X7 is an entertainment-focused focused smartphone with a large 4” display ideal for gaming, and an 8 Megapixel camera for capturing pictures and HD-quality video and preloaded with the popular Galaxy on Fire HD and Asphalt 5 HD games.
Get Set...Canon Canon Middle East recently launched the IXUS 220 HS, an elegant compact digital camera that blends classic IXUS design with stunning performance. Sleek, slim and undeniably stylish, the new model the latest in a line of premium, ultra-slim IXUS models, and
balances greater style with more advanced specification than ever before. The Canon’s HS System provides consistently high image quality in all conditions, while the inclusion of a 12.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor provides high-speed shooting functionality. The IXUS 220 HS also packs a 24mm ultra-wide angle 5x optical zoom lens into a sleek, stainless steel body just 19.5mm thin, making it the slimmest camera of its kind. The ability to shoot full HD (1080p) videos with stereo sound also allows users to capture moving images in stunning quality.
Vertu debuts first smartphone Vertu recently unveiled its first smartphone, Constellation Quest. Combing luxury and business, the phone boasts a multi-band GSM, 3G and HSPA coverage; hi-speed WLAN; user memory is 40 GB; high resolution and high contrast VGA screen; video output jack; Bluetooth®; free global maps and navigation with assisted GPS; high quality acoustics and optimised speaker; up and downlink noise reduction and FM radio.
MAY 2011 ABODE 97
ADOBE
resource
YOUR LIFE YOUR STYLE
directory
Beauty Faces
Villaggio Mall Land Mark Malll
44507189 44879519
Inglot
Hyatt Plaza
44165130
L’Occitane
Land Mark Mall Villaggio Mall
44865149 44507585
Cars / Motoring Infinity
Salwa Showroom
44283333
Mercedes Benz
Salwa Road
44624444
Nissan
Salwa Showroom Al Sadd Yarmouk
44283333 44441334 44888618
Renault
Salwa Showroom
44283333
Clubs / Leisure
Ermenegildo Zegna
Villaggio Mall, VIP Section
44134765
Events
Royal Plaza, 1st floor
44131155
Garage
City Centre
44839324
Geox
Villaggio Mall Land Mark Mall
44507194 44887531
Lacoste
Land Mark Mall Villaggio Mall
44887604 44507191
Naturalizer
Hyatt Plaza
44165132
Ninewest
City Centre Hyatt Plaza Land Mark Mall
44682919 44839543 44864038
Ralph Lauren
Villaggio Mall, VIP Section
44135655
Sketchers
City Centre
44839476
Spring
Villaggio Mall
44604963
Mourjan Marinas IGY
Lusail Marina
55756389
Swarovski
Land Mark Mall
44838158
Pearl Lounge Club
Doha Marriott Hotel, Ras Abu Aboud Street
44298444
Tanagra
Villaggio Mall, VIP Section
44134780
The Athlete’s Foot
Villaggio Mall Hyatt Plaza
44507477 44165133
The Deal
Al Sadd, Main Road
44424043
Tod’s
Villaggio Mall, VIP Section
44134937
tt Education Virginia Commonwealth University Qatar
Education City
44020555
Entertainment
Furniture / Interior Design
Ray’s Reef
Royal Plaza, 2nd floor
44131122
Articles
Royal Plaza, 2nd Floor
44131188
The Cinema Palace
Royal Plaza, 2nd floor
44320938
Forum Design
Al Hilal
44568716
Ligne Roset/ DEDON
Souq Najed, Salwa Road
44311843
Al Bustan
Museum Park St.
44352227
Al Seef
Al Aaliya Street
44332222
Fashion / Retail Aida
Royal Plaza, 2nd Floor
44131188
Aldo
Hyatt Plaza The Mall Villaggio Mall
44682920 44678896 44507391
Aldo Accessories
City Centre
44115289
Doha Marriott Hotel
Ras Abu Aboud St.
44298888
Bench
Hyatt Plaza
44690476
Four Seasons
Corniche Road
44948888
Berluti
Villaggio Mall, VIP Section
44161860
Grand Hyatt
West Bay Lagoon
44481234
Grand Regency
Al Sadd
44343333
Change
Royal Plaza, 1st floor
44131177
InterContinental
44844444
Titto Bluni
Royal Plaza, 1st floor
44131144
Al Istiqlal RD, West Bay Lagoon
Celine
Villaggio Mall, VIP section
44134763 44134767
Kempinski Residences & Suites
West Bay Doha
44053333
CH By Carolina Herrera
Villaggio Mall, VIP Section
44134748
La Cigale Hotel
60 Suhaim Bin Hamad St.
44288888
Charles & Keith
City Centre Hyatt Plaza
44934437 44690413
Mercure Grand
Musherib Street
44462222
Merweb Central Doha
Ras Abu Abboud St.
44094444
Land Mark Mal
44878158
Milennium Hotel
Jawaan Street, Al Sadd
44247777
Dune
Hotels
ABODE ADOBE
Moevenpick Hotel
Corniche Road
33291111
Moevenpick Tower & Suites
Corniche Road
44966600
Oryx Rotana
Al Nahda School St., Airport Road
44023333
Ramada Encore
Ahmed Bin Moh’d St.
44443444
Spa and Wellbeing
Ramada Plaza
C Ring Rd.
44281555
Ritz-Carlton
West Bay Lagoon
44848000
Sealine Beach Resort
Mesaieed Umm Said
44765299
Sharq Village & Spa
Ras Abu Abboud St.
44256666
Sheraton Doha
Corniche Road
44854444
W Doha
West Bay Lagoon
44535353
Medical Doha Dental
Bilal Complex, Al Saad 44317766
Real Estate Ahmed Hassan Bilal Trading & Construction Co.
Ahmed Bin Moh’d, Bin Thani St.
44428877
LS: Keep Moving
Tornado Tower, Ground Floor
44913222
Restaurant Chowking
Salwa Road Al Sadd
44371212 44314411
Nando’s
resource
Salwa Rd, Al Sadd Hyatt Plaza City Centre Mall
44442345
The Spa
Doha Marriott Hotel, Ras Abu Aboud Street
44298520
Plastic Surgicentre
149 Najma St., Al Hilal
44662260
Hospitals / Emergency Police & Fire Department
999
Doha Clinic Hospital
44384333
Hotline
44355999
Al Ahli Hospital
44988888
Doha Dental
44317766
Hamad General Hospital
44392222
Rumailah Hospital
44392948
Pediatric Emergency Centre
44392948
Qatar Foundation for Child & Protection Hotline
44666671 to 73
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Aries
the force literally lights up cities. This month, planetary energies have the locks on the dam wide open. Do not hesitate to pursue your desires.
There may need to be adjustments and changes made in a love or marital relationship at this time. You may have to modify or alter some of your needs and your behaviour to allow more individual and external independence in the relationship. It may be a struggle to make everything fair and equal in terms of sharing, companionship needs, and intimacy.
Sagittarius The two universal powers of projection and magnetism are quintessentially masculine and feminine. Both are imminently available. The choice is always which one to use. The suggestion for Sagittarius this month is decidedly feminine. There is nothing more magnetic in the universe than the feminine allure. Civilizations have been developed and annihilated by this desire.
Taurus Inspiration, eccentricity, and imagination are the key issues for this time period. You are likely to feel the urge to do something completely out of character now. Let yourself be a little “crazy;” this is a good time to break out of your accustomed ways of acting and be more humorous or eccentric. The child in you is strong now, and this is the time to allow your childlike sense of awe.
Gemini There is plenty of activity for each Twin this month. Energetically, the planets are all over the spectrum, from wonderfully intoxicating to just plain toxic. The bottom line is to just stay positive and hold love in the forefront of everything you do. Be persistent (Saturn), optimistic (Jupiter) and kind (Venus). These three planetary forces will present themselves to help you deter the advances of strife (Mars) this month.
Cancer Road blocks might seek to deter you, but don’t let them. The normal characteristic of the Crab is to angle sideways to its goal or destination of choice. This month, it’s
100 ABODE MAY 2011
Your May Stars... Who among us is not interested in knowing what this month beholds in our lives? What will it be like at work? How will my health be? How careful should I be with my money? These answers and much more for YOU. advisable to take a lesson from the Aries Ram and head straight for what you desire. Kick the door down. Ram the dam.
your reaction to what’s going on around you. Virgo enjoys being of service and this period will provide plenty of possibilities.
Leo
Libra
So here’s the deal. With the Sun (power), Mercury (brains), Jupiter (good fortune) and Uranus (brilliance) all forming a huge beneficial alignment with Leo, there is nothing capable of stopping you this month. This covers every area and issue of your life. The only thing you must do (are you ready for this?) … is show up.
Libra is the sign of balance and harmony. This month, Jupiter, the planet of expansion, begins a year-long stay in the complimentary opposite sign of Aries. Saturn, the planet of discipline, remains in Libra. These planetary positions offer Libra a rare opportunity to align their “need to please” with the necessity of honouring their own needs.
Virgo Learn a lesson from Libra this month and practice balance and harmony. You will not be the instigator of situations, but the key for you will reside in
Scorpio The intense emotional power of Scorpio is analogous to the hydraulic power of a large dam. When the locks are opened,
Capricorn Direction, action, discipline, persistence and change are all in the mix this month for Capricorn. That’s one heavy offering. But it’s not anything that Capricorn can’t handle. The Goat is energized by the possible achievement of great success.
Aquarius This month the sky is the limit. Planetary energies beckon you to act accordingly. Like Chuck Yeager, the test pilot who broke the sound barrier, dream and act bigger than ever before. Let your imagination soar in the limitless sky of your desires. Nothing is out of reach.
Pisces Begin the month with the highest of hopes. To think otherwise would be counter-productive to planetary energies. The new moon on the 4th, with both the Sun and the Moon in Pisces, is a sure indicator that you can have it your way. So, what is your way? The good news is that your way is any way you can imagine it. Imagine yourself as a salmon that decides to swim downstream.
When it comes to 4x4 luxury, there are few that compare to the new Nissan Patrol. Command attention on any road with its supreme performance from an unmatched 400hp engine. Savor every mile of effortless acceleration while the thoughtfully crafted interior wraps itself around you. Step inside and witness the decadent result of perfected history.
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