THE NEW BR 05 SKELETON GOLDEN

Watchmaker Bell & Ross has become the specialist in aeronauticalinspired watches. However, some of its timepieces take off to other exciting worlds. In 2019, the brand launched the BR 05, a new contemporary family that is evolving while maintaining the House’s DNA. This watch is for urban adventurers.

The Skeleton collection, part of this family, has been a huge success since its introduction. With the open dial revealing its fascinating watch mechanism and details. 2019 marked the launch of the first all-steel Skeleton, which was followed by different variations: the Skeleton Blue in 2020, the NightLum in 2021 and the Skeleton Green in 2022.

The Bell & Ross BR 05 Skeleton once again updates its look with the golden hue of the dial. This new Golden version is both urban and chic. The 40 mm diameter steel case features the iconic ‘round within the square’ design. The flat sapphire crystal with antireflective treatment is held by the satin-brushed steel bezel, which is fixed by four polished steel slotted screws. This ensures water resistance up to 100 metres. The caseback is fitted with an anti-reflective sapphire crystal allowing the rear of the movement to be seen, with a particular emphasis on the 360° oscillating weight. This is a fine example of craftsmanship and design, since the whole timepiece does not exceed 5.45 mm in thickness.

The BR 05 Skeleton Golden can be presented either with a steel bracelet fitted with a folding clasp, or with a rubber strap. This new timepiece is available in a limited edition of 500 pieces.

Grand Opening of Kula

KULA (meaning ‘eat’ in Swahili) is a new celebration of cuisine, located at RUW Corner in Riffa, close to the popular Oak Restaurant. It has been beautifully designed, with a stunning, hand-crafted interior and has officially opened. From South African “vetkoek” and mince to Nigeria’s famous Jollof to Mozambique’s famous peri-peri Chicken enjoy an array of Africa’s finest favourites. A grand opening was held bringing guests the delectable flavours of African cuisine.

Since joining the publication, I have waxed lyrical to colleagues and clients about South African cuisine and Africa as a continent. You can imagine my excitement and delight at the chance to review Kula!

With beating drums and welcoming staff, Kula showcases African tradition in going the extra mile. The elegantly decorated interior features rich furnishings, beautiful drapery and chic, vibrant decorations, sourced from Ghana and other parts of the continent. Totally Instagram-worthy!

The staff were warm, friendly and welcoming, taking extra care to carefully explain the drinks and food menu to my colleague Shilu who had never tried African food before. Not only was Kula’s reputation on the line, but so was mine. As she was appropriately named, Patience explained to Shilu about Kula’s African Volcando: Sprite with elderflower and rose with a surprising twist of popping candy - an absolute delight. I opted for the Rock shandy with a perfect balance of citrus.

The chefs take pride in using only the freshest ingredients to prepare all their signature dishes with delicious herbs and spices. The menu boasts an array of traditional and contemporary specialities, showcasing some of the continent’s favourite dishes. These included South African Pap (a maize dish) & Biltong Bites, Kenyan Kuku Paka - a dish eaten on festive occasions, and Nigerian Jollof - a rice dish flavoured with tomatoes and peppers.

We were treated to an assortment of dishes to tickle our tastebuds. We were treated to an Ethiopian Azifa Lentil Salad- a tangy salad of mixed lentils, cucumber and tomato with sweet peppers and baby spinach leaves, served with a citrus and herb dressing. The salad was creamy and crunchy, offering an array of textures and subtle spices.

Moroccan Dip Platter followed this- a traditional trio of dips including Zaalouk grilled eggplant and spiced tomato dip, creamy labneh topped