FACT Bahrain February 2013

FASHION. ART. CULTURE. TECHNOLOGY FEBRUARY 2013 | VOL 6 | ISSUE 6 | BD1 | SR10

The Chuckle Club A great line up in February for this fantastic new comedy night!

A Month of Art artistic events...

Day Guide All the most romantic hotspots in Bahrain, as well as a guide to surviving the day of

Maserati GranTurismo Sport An Italian masterpiece!

THE SMART MONTHLY GUIDE TO LIFE IN BAHRAIN

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CONTENTS

NOTEWORTHY CULTURE 6.

6

The

All the most romantic places to be on Feb 14th!

9.

A guide to surviving Valentine’s Day if you’re single...

ART 20. A Month of Art A round up of all the artistic activity on the island in Feb.

24. Photography Competition FACT’s annual Photography Competition returns!

TECHNOLOGY 32. The Photo Lab Create your own photography workshop...

26. Maserati GranTurismo Ali Driver reviews the stunning new Italian coupe!

The Chuckle Club This fantastic new monthly comedy night returns for it’s third instalment this month, with a great line-up!

FASHION 24.

9 Life Easy

Look the part this Valentine’s Day...

An interesting business idea aimed at making your life easier... FACT talks to founder Abdulrahman.

26. Nada Alawi

11 Noteworthy News

FACT talks to the designer who’s combining art with fashion...

A round-up of some other great stuff going on this February!

FACT Magazine M.E.

Director

|

Bahrain Edition

|

FEBRUARY 2013

Photography Contributors George Mathew Rashed Bindaina

Rami Khalil Editor-in-Chief Deputy Editor Zara de Haldevang Fashion Writer Creative Director Paula Leal Designer Rashed Bindaina

Regional Head of Sales Laura Alvarez Sales Executive Pauline Marcombe

|

Volume 6, Issue 6

All Rights Reserved. Opinion expressed within does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher.

All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the information within this publication. However, FACT M.E. Bahrain cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions.

FACT M.E. Bahrain Publishing W.L.L. Ministry of Information

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

www.fact-magazine.com PRINTED BY Union Press

to log on to our new website, where you can get all the latest updates on Bahrain, the magazine and the team...

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My favourite story this issue THe ANTI-VALeNTINe’s FeATuRe

A month of romance… Or not?

Tony Sidgwick

tony@factlive.com

S

o here we go again, another Valentine’s Day approaches.

Does anyone else ever feel that the only reason it’s such a big deal is because there’s nothing else to talk about in February?

I’ve never been a big fan of Valentine’s Day, because I’ve never felt that these single, highly commercialised and overpriced day of the year. I don’t need Hallmark and restaurants telling me when to be romantic. I can be romantic anytime… Oi, stop laughing at the back!

However, I’m even less a fan of it when I’m single, as I am now, because now it feels like February 14th excludes me, and every other singleton in the world. So we say hell no! We’re taking it back in a big way, and reclaiming Valentine’s Day for the lonely souls.

See our Anti-Valentine’s Day feature on page 16 – it’s full of advice on how

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solo, from great movies to watch to a guide to throwing a great singles party.

I do, on the other hand, accept that many of you out there are happily married or coupled up, and we haven’t left you out either. We’ve also included a round up of all the Valentine’s Day happenings, as well as great ideas for couples’ activities on this day of mandatory romance.

Other news this month is that we launch our annual photography competition. We’ve had some amazing entries in the past, with prizes given out to the winners every year, and you can expect more of the same this time out more.

Aside from that, Ali Driver reviews a Maserati. I don’t need to elaborate, you just need to go and read his review.

Now THAT is romance…

Enjoy everyone!

News from the FACT Penthouse some changes to the magazine. We felt it was time to spruce things up a little.

Please send us your feedback (editor@ factlive.com)

of the stunning Maserati GranTurismo Sport - the poor chap fell quite in love with the car, and it was quite a struggle getting him to give it back! Once you understand why!

Whoops!

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Laughing into the night The monthly marathon of mirth

Taking place on February 13 to 14 is yet another installment of a thoroughly entertaining evening, ‘The Chuckle Club’. Featuring three international comedians, this night, if anything like last month’s, is

the Middle East to Boston. Having appeared on the infamous Michael BBC1, Keith has been a regular guest on Radio, both in Ireland and

claimed “Mary Bourke is a high Insomniac Club for BBCNI. With

list to talk about. Having already got racked up 2000 gigs under his performing belt, including the Glee Clubs, Comedy Stores, Highlights and Jongleurs, he as Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Later With Jools Holland and supported include Sean Lock, Rich Hall and Paddy McGuiness.

Said to be “an absolute joy to relaxed” by Jo Brand, he is no enough used to be a solicitor, has performed stand-up comedy all

female stand ups in the

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Australia. GQ said she is “one of the best female stand ups in

along in no time.

Last, but by no means least, on the line-up for this event is Mary Bourke. This lady of laughter has performed in France, the UK, Spain, Germany, Doha, Dubai,

usual comedienne clichés. She’s Doors open from 7.30pm and

Call

[ THIS MONTH ]

14

QuOTe OF THe MONTH

“This is certainly a great honour for me. I feel honoured and excited to be picked. This festival is a big deal!”

FeBRuARy

Day fashion update on page 54 to help you look your best for that hot date!

01 16

06

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LOVE IT !

THE SCOPE

Bahrain Book Wins Award

competition from around the world.

coffee tables of everyone in Bahrain.

However, you can see a copy of it at the

Housemaids Get a Day Off?

Labourers Killed Again

Go Bahrain! the third such incident in the outrageous statistic.

How many times will this be allowed to happen before something is done about it?

Landlords who own these

A region-wide proposal to

proposing that maids be allowed

for manslaughter when people die in their overcrowded and unsafe accommodation.

contracts with salaries paid directly into their accounts. time – maybe this will stop unscrupulous employers treating

HATE IT!

Hopeless Romantic or Downright Cynic?

I am going to start

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CAN’T BELIEVE IT

SO OBVIOUS!

documenting world heritage sites in the Arab world has won an award in Europe. Entitled World Heritage in Arab

Life Just Got a Little Easier!

Abdulrahman is a Bahraini entrepreneur with a Bachelor of Arts from Dublin, Ireland and an MBA from DePaul University in Chicago. When he returned to Bahrain, he spent some time watching everyone around him take part in the rat race, and before long he came up

Making life easier for people is a noble ambition!

making people’s lives easier, aptly named Life Easy.

He tells us more…

F: So, what is Life Easy?

A: Life Easy is an exciting initiative and concept focused on making people’s lives easier… everyone’s happy place!

We are a one-stop service centre for all matters related to your lifestyle and you call that can save you money, take care of your hassles, and offer reliable advice, so that you can go on living your life with a little bit more peace of mind. The idea is simple: You let us know what you’re looking for, and we’ll get it done. No more queuing, running around, driving in the sun and getting hustling, or stumbling at work.

F: Where did the idea come from?

A: Life Easy is an original Bahraini concept, and was born out of a necessity and a right people seemed to forget in our busy times: You deserve an easier life. Period. The whole idea of the company came from an ongoing experience I felt was commonly frustrating – dealing with life: life’s errands, its costs, its ups and downs, its overwhelming information, its challenge and noise, its negativity and randomness.

times. Life is becoming increasingly complicated, considerably so with Bahrain’s developments in the past 10 years. Economically speaking, saving money is now more crucial than ever.

Residents are already adjusting their purchasing habits and becoming smarter spenders. I’d like them to still be able to buy that new smart phone, a touch pad, and an LCD TV. We also noted a lack of to help expats and Bahrainis alike. An right people for the job, or explain how to be a smart spender, or even general information about where to go and what to do in Bahrain. You can just get in touch, and ask us anything!

F: Why is this essential in Bahrain?

A: I believe Life Easy is particularly relevant to Bahrain, and current

A: Generally speaking, Life Easy has four main areas to focus on: We offer a directory of low cost items/services We cover relocation, shipping, delivery, arrange for most errands, including paperwork clearance, household chores, you need, while saving more and getting it done faster.

In a period in our history where everything seems to be getting harder, it’s refreshing to see someone who has dedicated their times to making things easier instead. Abdulrahman, we commend you!

F: Can you give us a few examples of what you do?

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Discover Your Potential Deepak Chopra, the founder of the Chopra foundation and the co-founder and chairman of the Chopra Centre for Wellbeing in California, is best known for his penmanship of 64 books on mind/body health, spirituality and peace. Once praised by former US

Deepak will be at the Crowne Plaza on February 27 to give a talk

GO: Book by calling 3604 8699

Alternative Wonders All eyes are on Seef Mall Towards

We are sparta!

GO: Book by calling 1758 1111

Charity Dog Walk

GO: Take part by calling 1761 2576 FACT BAHRAIN FeBRuARy

GO: Register by phoning 1759 1231

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CULTURE.

The Royal Suite The Kempinski Grand and Ixir in Bahrain

DAY

A weekend of pure 5* VIP romance courtesy of the Kempinski

An elegant affair is on the cards at the Elite Seef Residence Enjoy your very

Bahrain.

Calling all lovers Yes lovers, February 14 is back.

BUSHIDO

For the ultimate setting, look no further than this Japanese delight set overlooking romantic waters and idyllic surroundings. Wine and dine your lucky lady or man with a three-course set menu for just BD34 (excluding certain beverages). Starter consists of a choice between a seafood selection or cheesy spring rolls, main course is named Fish O’Love while the meaty alternative is stewed baby quail. Pudding

being cooked before your eyes by one of the chefs. Looking for something slighty different? Why not try the separate cooking classes for men and women in Baharat? Taking place on February 2, you could learn how to prepare the ultimate four-course gourmet meal for the big day for only BD25! Trust us, your skills won’t go unnoticed.

Call 1717 1000

THE MOVENPICK

and strawberry coulis…oh la la!

Call 1758 3555

THE KEMPINSKI GRAND AND IXIR

Head here for secret soirée for two.

Treat yourselves to a four-course dinner in the Saveur with an impressive menu of dishes and even watch your dessert FACT BAHRAIN FeBRuARy

Looking to spread some love and laughter? Then The Flamingo Bar at the Movenpick is a place to book into this Valentine’s. The bar’s ‘night of love’ will be opened by the live European Band with a set of romantic numbers before Chef Alfred tantalises your taste buds with

comedian Mr. Ali Fingerz will keep you entertained with a small comedy show, and you can also win a number of prizes throughout the evening.

Call 1746 0000

THE SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA

this year when it comes to the annual day of love. For BD205 you can book your own private tent on the beach and enjoy dinner under the stars. In the package you get a set menu as well eight tents available, so make sure you book early to avoid any disappointment.

Bookings need to be made at least one week in advance so get on it!

Call 1763 6363

MAKE A WEEKEND OF IT SPLASHING THE CASH

FACTS

73% 110 Million roses

buffets in Bahrain

MANY YOU MAY READ THIS AND THINK HOLY-MOLY THAT IS A LOT

awaits diners at Saveur, in the Kempinski

ELITE SEEF RESIDENCE AND HOTEL

For a more relaxed February 14 then try this venue. Ideal if you are looking for some live music where you can dance the night away in each other’s arms, for BD25 you can enjoy a special set menu in il Giardino. From 8pm-12pm, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the evening with your other half.

ON THE MORNING OF FEBRUARY 14,

3%

Call 3602 0733

MUJU

In the Middle Ages

supper this year where for BD90 per couple you can both enjoy the impressive views over a glass or two…the meal includes unlimited beverages! Chef Fornelli will impress you with some delicious dishes where you can stare longingly into each other’s eyes. For an extra BD60 you could also stay in the hotel.

Call 1603 3800

The red rose was of Venus - the goddess of love

Call 1717 1000

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ANTI 1

The Anti Valentine’s Guide

DAY SAFETY IN NUMBERS

So, if you’re not going to enjoy a cosy, intimate and romantic dinner for two, why not go to the other extreme and enjoy a wild and crazy party for twenty!

Perhaps one of the most popular methods of dealing with Valentine’s Day as a singleton is the AntiValentine’s Party – a great way to meet people, have fun and take your mind off of all the loved-up people on dates around Bahrain.

Some ground rules: . Absolutely NO couples – this party is not for loved-up types! anything pink or red. . No ballads - only music encouraging hedonism and bad behaviour is allowed, including anything by LMFAO, ACDC or Steel Panther.

Anything by Barry White, Tom Jones

with lots of meat are ideal. . Most importantly – HAVE FUN! BUDDY UP

. Only the least romantic types of food may be served – copious amounts of pizza, buckets of chicken or a BBQ FACT BAHRAIN FeBRuARy

A problem shared is a problem halved, so buddying up with a best

way to stave off the loneliness and have a laugh.

The friend you buddy up with should also be single – you don’t want to end up having a drawn out conversation about how much they miss their other half while they’re away on a business

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3

4

trip or whatever. Good food, good conversation and a good laugh – that is probably more than most people will get on Valentine’s Day. At least, that’s what you’ll tell each other…

1.Ted could

4. Get together

quite possibly be

with your best

the best comedy

gal pal or guy

to watch

mate and chill

2. What better way

5. Party enmasse

to get away from it all than by

GO IT ALONE

Ok, so ALL your friends are loved up, and doing the romantic thing. This becomes more of an issue the older you get, as all your friends start pairing up and getting hitched.

Keep calm, there’s no need to panic.

It’s just another day. Only on THIS day, you’ve got carte blanche to eat as much junk food and watch as many inane comedies as you can. And noone’s going to blame you if you wash that all down with a few glasses of red either, especially as it’s Friday the day after and you can lie in.

a No Couples

heading off into the desert?

3. For something a

there are alternatives.

For example, a night of laughter is a great way to spend some quality time together and have good time as well.

In February, on the 13th and the 14th, the Chuckle Club is laying on some comedy for Bahrain’s residents – see

for singles to mingle and enjoy

bit different, but great fun, why not take your better half to the Chuckle Club?

will only ruin the night. . Get several movies – the general idea is to eat yourself into a stupor whilst being distracted by the on-screen funnies.

AN ALTERNATIVE FOR COUPLES

Top Tips: . Steer clear of rom-coms, they will NOT help. . Stock up on EVERYTHING – running out of ice-cream or beverages

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Maybe you aren’t single, but you and your partner aren’t the cheesy, soppy romantic types who want to spend all night gazing into each other’s eyes over a candlelit dinner. In which case,

ESCAPE IT COMPLETELY!

to the whole concept of Valentine’s Day than to completely cut yourself off from it all? If you’ve never been camping in the desert, it’s an experience everyone who lives in the Gulf should have at least once. And while you’re out there, you won’t balloons and loved-up couples that will be all over every populated area of Bahrain.

You can either rent a tent down in Sakhir, or take a tent of your own BBQ, lots of good food, and plenty

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ARTS. THIs MONTH yOu MusT...

A MONTH OF ART

READ

A SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR LIFE BeAR GRyLLs

An

WATCH

LISTEN

STAND UP GUYS

UNO

ACTION-COMeDy

GReeN DAy

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A MONTH OF ART Bahrain’s art scene is now at its peak, where hundreds of artists have showcased their work over the past 12 months. We take a look at the upcoming exhibitions and give you a round up of what is worth taking a look at this month

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THE 39TH ANNUAL ARTS EXHIBITION Where? Bahrain National Museum When? Now until February 16.

Under the patronage of HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the next event to take place at the National Museum is the Annual Fine Arts Exhibition. What now evolved into a popular yearly gathering of artists, from all over the country, all eager to show off their talents and work completed so far throughout their careers.

The exhibition, which started on January 26, showcases the works of 60 Bahraini artists, including

painters, sculptors, photographers and many more. The latest Fine Arts Exhibition falls in conjunction with Manama being chosen as the such an event will continue to push the local talents of the country into the forefront and will help integrate residents of the country to learn more about Bahrain’s culture and history.

The theatre will be open to the public from 8am to 8pm until February 16. Each of the artists’ contributions this year have been encouraged to be as spontaneous

as possible in order to persuade a wide-ranging and cultural debate to take place. A special jury has been assembled, chaired by renowned Bahraini artist Sheikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, with the support of Palestinian-born British artist and cultural development expert Dr Nazan Olcer and artist/heritage expert Dr Galina Andreeva.

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HUSSEIN MADI

RAFA NASIRI

Where? Albareh Art Gallery When? Now until February 15

Where? BFH Fine Art Gallery When? February 4 until 28

Born in Chebaa, Lebanon in 1938, Hussein Madi spent his time living between Rome and Beirut between 1973 and 1986, before eventually settling down in Beirut.

When resident in Lebanon, Hussein taught sculpting and engraving at the Institute of Fine Arts of the Lebanese University for four years as well as teaching at ALBA. With over 50 solo exhibitions in Lebanon and

The latest exhibition, called ‘Being In The Moment’, taking place at the Bahrain Financial Harbour Fine Art Gallery is Rafa Nasiri’s, an Iraqi artist with a world of talent. In collaboration with the Bahrain Cancer Society (BCS) and in support of World Cancer Day, Rafa’s exhibition is one of a series of events organized by the BCS over the coming month to increase cancer awareness among the citizens of Bahrain, while also raising funds to support cancer victims. Rafa is a renowned contemporary Iraqi painter known for his ‘cosmicapes’, where he merges abstract with Arabic calligraphy and other elements of his culture. Having studied painting in Iraq, the artist went on to study Graphic Art in China and Portugal. Between 1974 and 2001 he joined a number of professional graphic studios in Salzburg, London, Assela, Baghdad and Amman. He also taught painting, graphic art and design in Iraq, Jordan and Bahrain between 1964 and 2003.

The exhibition, under the patronage of H.E Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa al Khalifa, is set to open from 7pm on World Cancer Day (February 4) and is open to the public.

Hussein’s outstanding talents as a painter, sculptor, printmaker and a designer. His work has been shown at the Venice Biennial, the British Museum and Tokyo’s Ueno Museum.

Inspired by nature, while also experimenting with colour and form, this artist’s subjects include women, bulls, birds, trees and anything that contains a beginning and an end. The exhibition will showcase a collection of Hussein’s sculptures, collages as well as limited lithographs and prints and will also be in collaboration with Aida Cherfan Fine Art, Beirut.

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LULWAH AL HOMOUD Where? Al Riwaq Art Space When? Now until February 26

Saudi Arabian artist Lulwah Al Homoud’s exhibition is one to keep an eye out for. Entitled ‘Ontology’, the month long exhibition (which started at the end of last month) showcases Lulwah’s art consisting of deconstructing Aliah beautiful names into patterns similar to Islamic geometry by using mathematics.

The way in which Lulwah works is by understanding that all Arabic letters have proportions, which represent mathematical codes. These codes are used to break letters into simpler lines as building material for new geometrical designs.

Lulwah Al Homoud is from Riyadh, where she majored in complete a MA at Central St Martins College of Art and Design in London. Having had lessons in calligraphy from Rashid Butt, she was inspired by Ahmed Moustafa to learn more about the 10th century theoretical system of calligraphy. In 2006 she participated in a British Museum managed project to have Arab artists work in schools. After spending six weeks at a school in London exploring calligraphy and Arab design, she went on to participate and cocurate the 2008 ‘Edge of Arabia’ exhibition in the SOAS Brunei Gallery. Christie’s also chose her work in April 2009 for their Middle East auction in Dubai.

CUT & PASTE Where? Shaikh Ebrahim Center When? February 10 to 23

Taking place in the dedicated exhibition space of the Shaikh Ebrahim Center, the Bin Matar House in Muharraq this month is an exhibition named ‘Cut & Paste’. What originated as an improvisation and an ‘out of place and out of time composition’, the collection of artworks invites the viewer to take part in the world of art. The 11 artists involved have used a number of different mediums from photographs to found objects, charcoal and pencil to digital manipulation, to explore collage and montage techniques used by renowned artists through the centuries - the results of the exploration equate to their own interpretation of senses and feelings. The exhibition will present images of contemporary lifestyle through the prism of nostalgia to a forgotten culture. The viewer will be left to unfold the layers of originality, where words take new dimensions and memories will map new perspectives.

Led by prominent artist and photographer Camille Zakharia, the exhibition is curated by Melissa Enders-Bhatia, Head of Art and Exhibitions at the Center.

The participating artists include Anthony Saji, Asma Jassim Murad, Deborah Allen, Emily Greenwood Relf, Hala Yateem, Hana Hassan AlKhalifa, Marwa Rashid AlKhalifa, Muna Yateem, Stephanie Ravel, Sumaya Abdulghani and Tamara Al Pachachi.

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PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

This month heralds the return

RULES AND REGULATIONS 1.

HOW TO ENTER You may enter up to three images in the contest. Send an email to editor@factlive.com with a link to the images that you wish to enter, or attach the images to your email.

Please note that emails with attachments larger than 5MB will be rejected. You may send more than one email but not more than three.

2.

3.

4.

5.

THE EMAIL MUST INCLUDE 6.

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CHOICe TuNes When you look at long-lasting bands like Green Day, as with the Chili Peppers, No Doubt, and the like, it becomes apparent that it is their ability to both satisfy die-hard fans while still re-inventing their sound to keep their material fresh and non-repetitive, and uno is a prime example of that.

Whereas their breakout album, Dookie, maintained its punk style throughout, uno presents a much more varied offering, with a dance track with the ironic title of ‘kill the DJ’, and a grandiose ballad with Celtic

Dookie

PUNK ROCK

UNO

By GReeN DAy

THIs is the ninth studio album from Green Day (a band that has been going for a quarter of a century released this year that’s called, in its entirety, uno, Dos, and Tres.

elsewhere in the album, we have the raucous, in-your-face punk effrontery that we’ve come to expect from the trio, with ‘Troublemaker’ living up to its namesake in a no-holds-barred wave of crashing guitar riffs. Then there’s ‘Loss of Control’, once again hinting at the undertones of anger and violence that will be found in the lyrics. It’s a fantastic offering from a band that’s ever-evolving.

Brit Rock

Dance/House

Southern Rock

THE 2ND LAW

UNTIL NOW

LAST OF A

By Muse

By sWeDIsH HOuse MAFIA

By LyNyRD skyNyRD

established themselves a place in the upper stratosphere of British rock superstardom, not least because of the track from this album, ‘survival’, that Interestingly, this is the track that we liked least out of the whole album. It only gets better from there...

For example, ‘Madness’ is an outrageously sultry stomping ballad that would be equally at home in a stadium or a nightclub. ‘Isolated Incident’ is a beautiful track with a haunting piano melody over a relentless electro beat that’ll draw you in and spin you away. The whole album drips with songwriting talent from beginning to end, and is the work of a band who’s not afraid to experiment.

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IN what could be the last album from this DJ trio after they announced their breakup recently, all the signs point to the guys making every effort to make this a swansong album. It’s a relentless journey of ‘hands-in-the-air’ moments that can actually get a bit tiring at times.

We’re all for those song peaks, but there’s something to be said for the build-up too, but simply going from epic moment to epic moment detracts from the overall effect.

Having said that, this is an uplifting album, but it has its place, and that Look out for the remixes of Florence & the Machine and Coldplay, with ‘Raise your Head’ and ‘The Island’, respectively.

IT’s hard to quantify an album like this.

The best way, perhaps, is not to compare it to the band’s albums of the 70s, and instead simply look at it as a stand-alone offering paying tribute to that golden era of rock n roll.

True, the magic of tracks like ‘Freebird’ isn’t there, but that was the magic of not just a band, but an era, and couldn’t be recreated in this day and age.

However, the eponymous track ‘Last of a Dyin’ Breed’ is an excellent attempt raw, full of attitude, with excellent steel guitar riffs and a hard and fast beat epitomising that bygone era of rock n roll. ‘One Day at a Time’ is a slower offering, but with no less attitude.

A tribute, but a fantastic one nonetheless!

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ON sCReeN The threesome that is how old they looked on the playback.... whatever happened to movie photoshop?!

Stand Up Guys The (

WIN 2 FREE CINEMA TICKETS HOw MaNy GOdfaTHerS HaS al PacINO STarred IN?

FACT BAHRAIN FeBRuARy

Side Effects Contagion

A Girl With A Dragon Tattoo.

Magic

[ SYNOPSIS]

Bullet to the Head,

A Good Day To Die Hard Snitch

FACT BAHRAIN FeBRuARy

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CHOICe WORDs Non-Fiction

A SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR LIFE

By BeAR GRyLLs

read this on the loo than during a lifethreatening water crossing

Following on from his last success , Bear Grylls once again gives us the ultimate survival guide packed full of goodies all designed to teach us the valuable lessons he has picked up along the way. Having travelled the world with the sAs and alone, Bear shares with us the hard-earned lessons he has learnt from some of the harshest environments on earth.

Packed full of advice on how to keep going when all the odds are stacked against you, how to inspire a team to follow you through danger and what skills are essential to help you achieve your maximum potential, this book has it all, even if you have no desire to follow suit.

Like any survival guide, this book wouldn’t make the top 10 when deciding what to pack on your next adventure. you’re more likely to read this on the loo than during a lifethreatening water crossing. saying this, however, Bear has been through it all. Critics retain their qualms on the originality of his television programme, yet over the past few years, this explorer slash hard-ass is probably the man you would want to turn to if faced with a tricky situation. and so many stories leaving you aching for unachievable excitement, this is certainly a good read. the edge of our seats (like his show)!

Crime Fiction

Autobiography

Non-Fiction

THE UNCOMMON APPEAL OF CLOUDS

COMING TO MY SENSES

THE HONEST TRUTH ABOUT DISHONESTY

By ALyssA HARAD

By ALexANDeR MCCALL sMITH

IsABeL Dalhousie is a mother, wife, employer and editor. All too aware that humans should be responsible, she is faced with a new puzzle to solve. After an exquisite painting goes missing from the collection of Duncan Munrowe, a wealthy, old-fashioned philanthropist and fatherof-two, Isabel enters into negotiations yet with her sharp eye and philisophical mindset, Isabel is the perfect detective.

The ninth installment in the author’s series, this latest offering is somewhat of a improvement. Although the plot is slim and arguably forgettable, the action is cleverly interspersed with the protagonist’s musings on various subjects, often compellling the reader to reassess their own actions.

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By DAN ARIeLy

AGeD 36, earnest, bookish and terminally shopping averse, Alyssa Harad thinks she knows herself. One day, having stumbled on a perfume review blog, she is surprised at her seduction by such a girly extravagance which ultimately leads her to become obsessed with the seductive underworld of scent and the brilliantly quirky people she meets there.

DAN Ariely delves into the world of cheating, deception and willpower with this thorougly researched and insightful number. After years of exploring the essay mills which supply students with research papers, Ariely’s 12-page papers set out to ask why and when cheating occurs, whether it is useful and how it can

Once described as a ‘serious, Birkenstock-wearing feminist, Alyssa’s memoir is charming to say the least. As her passion grows, the transformation of the author silmultaneously blossoms, where her once cemented opinions change and she retains a new lease of life to reaqauint herself with her feminine side through perfume.

Dan is a professor of psychology and behavioural economics, so should really know what he’s talking about.

He masterfully intertwines a disarming personal touch into his writing, however, the bottom line is that the book is about the downside of cheating and lying. He believes most people mean to be honest yet his solutions are somewhat weak.

paradoxical nature of dishonesty.

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TECHNOLOGY.

PEOPLE OF

THE PHOTO LAB

ALI DRIVER

JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE We CAN HANDLe IT!

LAB TEST

AND ALSO...

We ReVIeW

MASERATI GRANTURISMO SPORT

IPHONE 5

HIGH sPeeD

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Photography 101 L

A

B

E

Q

U

I

P

M

E

N

Nikon D4 AVAILABLe: sALAM sTORes (PRICe: BD2599)

THE

Canon 9500 Mark II AVAILABLe:CANON (PRICe: 350BD)

34

FACT BAHRAIN FeBRuARy

T

iMac 27” AVAILABLe: VIRGIN MeGA sTORe (PRICe: 750BD)

SanDisk Extreme Pro 64GB AVAILABLe: sHARAF DG (PRICe: BD36)

Fomex HD 600 AVAILABLe: yAQuBy sTORe, seeF MALL (PRICe: 240BD)

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LAB TEST

NOKIA LUMIA 920

VERY IMPRESSED “Smooth, sleek and simple design with great viewing angles.”

PLEASED “This Fatboy charging pad is a really nice accessory for the Lumia - simply place the phone on it to charge!”

INDIFFERENT “App creators need to up their game to make sure this device is a success.”

AVAILABLe: VIVA BAHRAIN (WWW.VIVA.COM.BH)

SINCE MICROSOFT

PROS . Lightweight with a great design . Durable and reliable

CONS . Limited number 36

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LAB TEST

IPHONE 5 AVAILABLe: VIVA BAHRAIN (WWW.VIVA.COM.BH)

FEW PHONES

PROS . Lighter than before .

CONS . Issues with maps app accents

PLEASED “The screen is bigger, and yet the phone is lighter than the 4S, making it feel very manageable in your hand.”

INDIFFERENT “The maps app has faced some problems, but it seemed ok when we tried it.”

PLEASED “Siri worked very well at understanding commands, as long as the person talking had an English accent!”

FACT BAHRAIN FeBRuARy

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Broadcasting to the Nation Zara de Haldevang THOSE

A bold new idea, this website is introducing people to a side of Bahrain they never knew existed!

FACT BAHRAIN FeBRuARy

FACT BAHRAIN FeBRuARy

39

“The GranTurismo Sport is the epitome of Italian style,

A

brief but passionate romance took place last month. It lasted but a day, but will be remembered until the end Sport.

Look at it. Just look at it! Couldn’t you just stare at that metallic blue paintwork all day? We didn’t bank on having clouds overcasting the sky in Bahrain on the day of the photoshoot, but I have a sneaky 40

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suspicion that the Maserati conjured them up just to add a sense of drama to the occasion. Look at the way wheel arches and that long, swooping bonnet.

Admire the way that huge black grille gapes like the maw of an angry predator, though with the Maserati sign placed in the middle like a diamond on the beast’s black teeth.

This car is a work of art. It doesn’t

sit idle, so much as sit poised, ready to pounce on its unsuspecting prey.

Design updates include those newly accentuated air scoops on either side of the front grille, and there are now two twin exhausts at the rear, instead of two singles. Aside from that, and the amazing blue paintjob and the darkened alloys, the lines are pretty much the same, which is no bad thing, as the GranTurismo has always been a gorgeous car.

Now that you’ve seen the effect

Admire the way that huge black grille gapes like the maw of an angry predator

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the car had on me as soon as I laid eyes on it, imagine how I felt once awesome Maserati 4.7l V8. That racy growl is something that has GranTurismo back in 2008, and it has been gloriously enhanced with the new GranTurismo Sport thanks to the Sport mode.

Pressing this button elicits an instant change in the car, as if you’d just made it angry. It revs higher and the exhaust note changes. The suspension stiffens, and the car shudders underneath you as if to say, “Well? What are you waiting for? Floor it you fool!”

So, it’d be rude not to…

The sound that racy Italian V8 makes as you rocket through the gears is simply divine – it doesn’t rumble so much as howl, and then tapering off to a deep angry burble as you take your foot off the gas.

It’s all just so… theatrical!

With 460hp and 520Nm of torque, the GranTurismo sport is no slouch, going from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds, down from 5.2 on the regular GranTurismo. To drive, it’s fantastic – it manages to be both smooth and poised on the road, combining decent ride 42

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comfort with very little body roll on especially on poor roads, but that’s to be expected from a sports coupé like this. The steering is well weighted and very responsive, though it would from the road, though that’s just a very minor gripe. hugging, and also very comfortable, with a great driving position that’ll have you settling back into the car and simply enjoying the drive.

One of the main selling points of this GranTurismo, as with them all, is the back seat. Despite the fact that this is a gorgeous Italian sports coupé , you still have room

in the back for two adults, and this isn’t an exaggerated claim. I spent a while riding in the back, and while I wouldn’t want to be there for hours, I was perfectly comfortable for the forty minutes I spent back there.

This adds an element of practicality to it that sets it apart from other cars in its class, as it means that it works both as a city car and a grand tourer. You can drive you and your mates or the kids around town, but then, when you want to get away from it all, you can pack a couple of suitcases (albeit small ones) into it and head off for the weekend. And you’d do it just for an excuse to drive this car!

This is a car that will make you hate Bahrain for not having hundreds of miles of twisting mountain roads to navigate. This is a car that will make you seriously think about driving to Muscat for that holiday instead of flying, because you’ll enjoy the drive itself, and then you’ll have your Maserati with you in Muscat where there ARE thousands of miles of twisting mountain roads!

It’s every single thing that a grand touring car should be. It’s a masterpiece!

This is a car that will make you hate Bahrain for not having hundreds of miles of twisting mountain roads to navigate.

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“The new Altima 3.5l SL is a huge step up for an already very decent car…”

Our Mystery Motoring Expert,

N

issan is a car company that’s making big moves at the moment. They were always a titan of Japanese auto manufacturing, but with releases in recent years you can really see that they’re gunning for Toyota in a big way.

Aside from the Nissan Patrol, which seeks to best the Land Cruiser in almost every way, perhaps the best example of this was the Nissan 44

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Maxima – a thoroughly impressive car all round, it had the looks, the comfort and the power to be a big seller, and a big seller it has been.

And the success of the Maxima has you can really see where the design cues have come from, especially with the front lights and rear end. “Same DNA!” was the soundbite I got from a Nissan representative at the

Altima launch in Bahrain City Centre Mall back in November. It has a very similar roofline, but lacks the muscular haunches of the Maxima.

While it may not be as dominating or muscular looking as its big brother, there’s no denying that it’s still an attractive car. But, what’s it like to drive?

I should start by saying that the model we tested was the full-option

SL, with the 3.5l V6 and full leather interior. It also comes with a 2.5l engine which might not have made such an impression, but I have to say that the 3.5l SL really impressed me!

The Altima boasts the same meaty Nissan 3.5l V6 as the Maxima, but has been detuned to 270hp and 350Nm of torque, down from the Maxima’s 290hp and 354Nm of torque. However, I have to say that, probably due to the Altima being a smaller car, the engine feels a bit more lively than it does in the Maxima!

This car flies - the power delivery through the continuously variable transmission is smooth, rapid and constant all the way up to higher speeds, and the acceleration is truly impressive for a car in this segment.

A Premium Feel‌

Inside, the ride comfort is smooth comfortable and quiet. The full leather trim gives a really premium feel to the car, especially with the leather padded doors and dash.

One of the most impressive features was the stereo system, which boasted USB, MP3 and iPod connectivity, and put sound out through a premium Bose speaker system. Another nice touch is the paddle shift option when you put it in the sport drive shift mode.

It all combines to create a car that is punching far above its weight in the segment. Seriously, take one for a test drive, and I challenge you not to be impressed!

I predict that this model is going to be another very important one for Nissan.

1. He lives

3. He drives cars 4. He claims

2. He says his car

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FASHION.

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47

The way in which you choose to dress is a tangible representation of your feelings and of your expectations for the evening. Although most of the thought process is made subconsciously, it is helpful to keep some things in mind so as not to send the wrong signals to your date.

In this issue we’ve selected our ideal Valentines Day looks. Whether your plans involve dinner reservations, an intimate night in, a romantic surprise, or drinks with the girls – we’ve got you covered on the sartorial front. Follow our styling tips and consider that second date in the bag!

The princess dress of

Osman & DVF For a more unorthodox

This Valentines With its neutral colouring

Hues of pink

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“One is never over-dressed or underdressed with a Little Black Dress.”

A tunic in a deep jewel tone

The red lace dress

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A lot of the weight on Valentine’s Day falls on the man, which can be daunting as expectations are high. To help alleviate some of that pressure we’ve found a diverse selection of styles varying from dapper to weekend casual.

Phillip Lim

Lacoste

You had us at couture.

The Jimmy Choo man is debonair with

a contemporary aesthetic. From head to toe this look does nothing if not impress, making it ideal for a no-expense-spared evening of extravagance. If looking good is as important to you as the air you breathe then you must be a Jimmy Choo man!

Choosing the right tie

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This season Burberry

It hardly seems romantic

Burton is the ideal stop

A big story for Spring/Summer 2013

UNFUSSY STYLISH Simplicity can be the

Hey there sunshine!

ombre

Twin this stylish pair

COMFY CASUAL Diversify your off duty-wardrobe

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Merging of Art with Fashion Nada Alawi, a local GCC

Zara de Haldevang

W

hat started as a hobby has now developed into a profession for Nada Alawi. Having thrown herself into the business world, this designer’s love of fashion and art materialised into a career just in the past two years.

When asked about inspiration, she told us, “The artists themselves are my key inspiration, especially one named Abbas Al Mosawi. After becoming friends with Abbas and involving him within my outlet of painting and colouring, it really stimulated me to pursue my passion in creating things.”

So what is Annada? The brand, which started in 2011, creates silk scarves, each portraying different artworks from local and international artists. Nada told us “Annada is about individuality. It is about how people wear the scarves, how they enjoy what they are wearing and how they really make it their own.

“What makes these scarves different is that they are about the art and the artist. I think it is such a shame that there is often only one copy of each 52

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Take your senses on a journey through colour, beauty, strength, softness and luxury.

The scarves each have their own story, whether it is inspirational, romantic or the appreciation of women

the talent, so I thought it would be a great to merge talent with fashion.

The scarves each have their own story, whether it is inspirational, romantic or the appreciation of women.”

The new scarf designs do not follow the fashion seasons. However, every so often fresh instalments are added to the line for people to purchase. There are now a total of up to 30 designs for people to buy.

Nada added, “The main concept behind these creations to take your senses on a journey through colour, beauty, strength, softness and luxury.”

And what of the future? “The scarves are already on sale in several boutiques in the Gulf, including Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi and Dubai, as well as available to purchase online on the website (details below). Ideally I want more people to carry the brand, to sell the stories and to try the ultimate new journey.”

Look out for the ‘Love’ scarf – based on the quotation “My life doesn’t count until the minute I met you”, this multicoloured scarf could be a perfect gift this Valentines.

GO:

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.

Design Studio - Architects Creating beauty

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ARCHITECTS of their own success Although Design Studio - Architects

Zara de Haldevang

T

he founders of Design Studio - Architects are a perfect example of people worth knowing in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Friendly in nature and intelligent beyond their years, Ala Eddin Mansour and Manar Sirriyeh are a pair of talented architects who have both dedicated years of their lives to further their education and skills in “We both graduated with a BSc in Architectural Engineering from Yarmouk University in Jordan,” recalls Ala. “I went on to join one of led by the renowned architect Rasem Badran, where I built a distinguished 12 years of experience in architectural design and design management.

Manar established her career in Planning, Heritage and traditional site management through her work at the Ministry of Municipalities and Rural

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1

Having moved to Bahrain in October 1999 to look for new challenging careers and to help contribute to the Gulf construction boom, these two architects are now celebrating their 13th year in Bahrain, with plenty more ideas and projects up their sleeves.

Design Studio - Architects has been one of their major achievements since their arrival here. Ala explained the concept behind the company: “During our previous work in Bahrain, we

Ala Eddin Mansour Manar Sirriyeh

1. Pure form and

enhanced by the

2

elemtents of nature 2 + 3. The courtyard embraces the large open space.

managed to build up a selected client base who all share the same design notions as us. This really motivated us to establish our own studio in which knowledge, collaboration and inclusion will continuously partake in adding to and elevating the architectural content in the region. We want to leave a mark that infuses aesthetics and culture with timeless architecture.�

He says that the aim of the company is simple: “We want to host

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an assembly point where exceptional architects, engineers and clients alike can engage in exchanging their knowledge of design and construction, in order to bring about the most optimal balance of visual art and sound building solutions. We aim to offer whom, as a result of working with us, develop a broader understanding of architecture and can pass on their knowledge to their peers.”

PAST, CURRENT AND FUTURE PROJECTS The best way to describe Design Studio - Architects is a get-together of architectural talent. Architects and engineers, from any walk of life and a variety of style backgrounds, are welcomed on board to share their skills while also sharing their passion for high standards of practical and timeless design.

Currently involved with a few interesting projects that are still on the drawing board, the team has successfully completed commercial and residential developments. However, before the founding of their company, Ala spent a considerable amount of time contributing to Bahrain’s landmark projects, including the master planning of Amwaj Island, the design of Al Zamel Tower, the design of the Seef Mall extension, the master planning and design of The Royal University for Women, in addition to the design of some of Bahrain’s distinguished private residences.

Manar also played a major part in contributing to the renovation, conservation and rehabilitation of Bahrain’s heritage and traditional sites during her work as a renovation site architect and the Strategic Planning Advisor for the Ministry of Culture.

The world of architecture is constantly changing. Ala said, “Unfortunately, projects here have become more budget-driven and clients are more interested in imported design trends and styles rather than paying attention to the local culture and environment. We are all hoping the economic down-turn will have a positive impact on how projects are FACT BAHRAIN FeBRuARy

4

“We see each project as a new journey with unique requirements.

We enjoy what we do and get a huge sense of reward from it.”

conceived and implemented in a way where more attention will be given to sustainable designs.”

Regarding changes that need to be made in Bahrain, the architects went on to say that, “We believe in the urgent need for the local building codes and regulations to be drastically upgraded to correspond to the arising planning issues and to the requirements of sustainability and cultural identity.”

The fact remains that small steps need to be made before changes

5

6

7

will be seen. Once the cracks in the Bahrain can start re-developing its identity within the Middle East.

So what makes Design Studio Architects different? “We take a more intimate approach to client relationships by working on very few projects at a time, meaning the whole team can fully gauge a client’s needs and aspirations. We handle projects from concept to construct while also handling all the details in between.”

The company’s design approach truly

8

4. Designed to

and proportions

architecture. “We see each project as a new journey with unique requirements.

We enjoy what we do and get a sense of reward out of having clients who enjoy every step of the process with us as well. Our approach to client relationships guarantees that each persona, habits and needs, as well as

5, 7 + 8. The garden can be seen from every angle

the contemporary and the historical

GO: To contact Design studio - Architects, call 1782 0848.

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TIME VIeTNAMese AT THe WOk

THe CHeF’s TABLe WITH LOuIs VAN ReeNeN

We try out the tempting new menu We share a feast with

The underground house

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VENUE REVIEW

Wok

W

e were recently invited

Bahrain’s Asian restaurant, Wok, for the launch of a new menu.

We’ve sampled all of the other restaurants in the hotel, but we’d never visited Wok, so we jumped at the chance to experience this venue.

The new menu features Vietnamese cuisine much more heavily than before, which this particular writer is out what was in store.

We weren’t disappointed.

The restaurant itself is a lovely place to be, with a very nice outdoor seating area overlooking the pool for the pleasant months. The staff are friendly and attentive, and very knowledgeable about the menu.

To start with, we were treated to canapés, including fresh prawn spring 62

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rolls, duck salad, baked salmon, beef and chicken satays, and grilled hammour, all of which were delicious.

Following that, we tried the beef noodle soup with tofu and coriander from the live cooking station, which was a typical Asian broth-style soup that was light, but also very tasty.

For the main course, we sampled the fried beef with peppers and sauce, and the wok fried broccoli with crab meat sauce. All of them were delicious, but it was the fried beef which really stole the show, and we couldn’t help going back for seconds! Also highly recommended is the broccoli – you get whole fried pieces of broccoli with the crab meat sauce generously layered over it, and it’s very tasty!

However, there was another treat in store for us that evening. At the suggestion of a colleague, we inquired about the salt and pepper lobster dish they have. They graciously agreed to bring us one, and it was well worth the wait – it was absolutely fantastic, and we highly recommend it!

And for that all-important last course, there were some very traditional Vietnamese desserts on offer, including mixed fruit in coconut, and lotus seed and longan in light syrup. We’d never tried either, but both were very tasty, despite the worth a try. The experience as a whole was thoroughly enjoyable, and in our opinion there isn’t enough Vietnamese food on offer in Bahrain, so it’s nice to know there’s at least one more option now!

Tempting Tapas

Book: 1717 1000

A Belgian Feast

Book: 1746 0000

sumptuous sushi

Book: 1603 9800

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THE CHEFS TABLE

Seafood Platter with beetroot puree and wasabi mayonnaise. With a combination

Chef Louis van Reenen Having just

O

n a somewhat chilly day, the interior of Fusions restaurant is a world away from the rest of Bahrain. With unbeatable views of Juffair and Adliya, this venue is one to experience, purely for the sights themselves! On arrival, we meet Louis van Reenen, the latest culinary expert to set foot in Bahrain this year. With 64

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must-try for foodies at home.

Louis submerges the salmon in olive oil and cooks for six to eight minutes, before draining on a plate. Next he mixes lemon grass in coconut milk, brings it to boil and adds prawns until is mixed with sparkling water (this creates a light batter) and the lobster tail is cut into medallions, dusted in the minutes. The result is spectacular: the salmon is perfectly cooked, while the prawns retain that wonderful crunch in your mouth. As for the lobster, the light

over 15 years of experience and having cooked in Turkey, the UK, Ghana and South Africa (Durban being his hometown), Louis is no stranger to hard work both inside and outside the kitchen.

On the menu today are three dishes, all simple in preparation and delicious in taste. For starter we are treated to a

sampling the delights within.

The main course consists of a rack of lamb with fondant potato, ratatouille, spinach and cannelloni of the shank.

With so many different elements to this dish, many would think it is complex to make at home. Louis told us, “The key

THE CHEFS TABLE

Chef Louis is planning a refresh

This gorgeous piece of meat was the perfectly

menus, so look out for the changes

cooked rack of

soon!

lamb. Delicious!

sautéed spinach and a fondant potato, the dish is an abundance of spectacular

you wish you could have another serving. served on a warm strawberry tart.

Although made from cream and milk, this dish is very like the two that came before it: light yet packed full of

lamb, all I use is salt and pepper and the juices from the lamb itself…that’s it!”

After searing in a hot pan with a dash of olive oil, the lamb is roasted in the oven for 10-12 minutes before letting the juices stabilise for a short while.

As predicted, the lamb is perfectly cooked and almost dissolves in your mouth. The ratatouille offers a complementing addition to your fork, while the cannelloni is a different, yet successful approach to combining the

“The cuisine world is moving away from heavy food - it is all about honest food now – that’s the way we should be going forward.”

strawberries add a hint of sweetness.

The pannacotta, which has been made from cream, milk, vanilla pod and sugar, is sweet but cleverly balanced by its layers beneath.

After spending two hours with Chef Louis, it is safe to say that we are overwhelmed with what he has created during our visit. He told us “If I could choose my ideal type of food it would be Mediterranean. The cuisine world is moving away from heavy food - it is all about honest food now – that’s the way we should be going forward.”

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VENUE SPOTLIGHT

Magical Musicians

T Muju Jazz Brunch

Brunch Sunset Beats

Sushi Night

hink House, think Techno, think Disco. That’s the mixture you hear all night

weekend of Feb. Not only will there be three decent DJs taking the decks for a spin, it is also one of their birthday’s, so the place will be packed!

One of the special guests include Chitronix. A guy who hails from the south side of Chitown, Chicago, he was part of the scene that gave birth to House music back in the 80s. Drawing inspiration from family members such as Paul John, he’s a true ambassador of House music.

Pauly T, from South Africa, used to be the legendary resident DJ of Likwid and has been DJing around the island since. This will be his second appearance at art.haus.

Sami Dee, a guy who has dropped sets around the UK, Europe and beyond, has been a true and loyal House promoter for over twenty years. Talented and devoted, it is Sami’s birthday bash at Brazil this night as well so make sure you buy him a drink!

GO: To listen to some music clips, go to www. soundcloud.com/samidee

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DJ Pauly T doing his thing on the wheels of steel.

Sami Dee and Chitronix

VENUE SPOTLIGHT

The Restaurant...

ENJOY...

The Lounge...

Happy Hour All Night Long!

Live English Football Live English Football Happy Hour at the lounge is every day from 4pm -9pm

EVENTS FEBRUARY 1 - Alderon Live at Deja Vu FEBRUARY 21 - DNB Aftershock FEBRUARY 21 - Open Mic Comedy Night DJ Chitronix brings some real Chicago

The Resident DJ...

house with him from his hometown...

DJ Aaron Wolf FACT BAHRAIN FeBRuARy

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VENUE SPOTLIGHT

THE PITCH COMING UP...

For one night only, as part of their Middle East Tour, is a play called ‘The Pitch” by Shane Connaughton, organised by The Bahrain Irish Society. In partnership with the societies in other areas of the Middle East,

Free entrance and complimentary beverages for Ladies

Happy Hour on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (as well as ladies night), from 8pm to 11pm.

All regular house beverages for BD1.5.

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August of last year. Starring Shane Connaughton, Jack Moylett and Jane Herbert, the performance is directed

by Kerry Crabbe.

Acclaimed by audiences and critics alike, Michael Moffatt, from The Mail on Sunday, said “I can say without reservation that this is one of the most riveting performances I have seen on stage for years. Connaughton as Philly is just stunning”. John McKeown, from the Irish Independent, went on to say, “It’s a continuously captivating performance from Connaughton, his Philly a kind of unreal King Lear, a Lear crossed with a fool, his wiry fragility shot through with a shifty vulnerability”.

The evening will include a three-course buffet dinner, followed by the performance. Set in the amazing location that is La Fontaine, this will hopefully be the beginning of many productions that the society brings to the island. Doors open at 7.30pm and tickets are BD18 for members and BD20 for non-members.

GO: Reserve your tickets by emailing membership@bahrainirishsociety.com

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HEALTH & WeLLBeING

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Alternative Wonders Every human Zara de Haldevang

GO:

Maha D’Line is a name known in a number of continents. With a remarkable life story behind her, this lady has her heart set on spreading her research and her knowledge throughout the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Having been brought up in Scotland, instead she spent hours on end alone in the outdoors exploring the world of nature. Despite pressure from her father to follow suit and become a doctor, Maha travelled to the Philippines and met a healer. After two years of learning aromatherapy centre in Istanbul in 1990.

Luck was on Maha’s side after the launch of her Turkish centre. She said, a world of opportunities, where my

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requested to come and treat Princess Margaret in one of the palaces while she stayed in the country.”

For years, Maha spent her time educating her clients on the hundreds of different ways their bodies can be treated, without the use of commercialized products, rather the use of natural herbs and ingredients.

After returning to Bahrain in 2008, Maha has gone on to create an impressive establishment in the outskirts of Seef. Set in a quiet, tranquil villa is an aromatherapy haven designed to be the solution to all of your health problems.

The expert told us, “The concept of Maha D’Line is to preserve organic, natural beauty. Many people don’t realise that it takes just 20 seconds for our bloodstream to absorb whatever we put on our skin…and the majority of us are using the wrong products. What I do is

that I really look into your skin, see the problems and create a unique formula just for you. Skin talks to me!”

Maha also told us, “God gave me the greatest treasure on earth… my nose!

Most people really don’t know how to use it, but I have devoted my life learning how to use it to the best of my ability.” Maha D’Line is more than an created to teach and repair any one who walks through its doors.

HEALTH SPOTLIGHT

THe DeseRT Is My GyM

A health tip from...

Contact No:

Website:

Running through the sand is my treadmill. Lifting rocks is my ‘weights day’ and climbing trees is my core workout. It may not be conventional in our modern

Beat A Cold in 24 Hours The recent chilly weather has brought with it key to beating that cold in 24 hours!

7am – Hot Shower

8am – Have a big breakfast

9am – Wrap up warm

12pm – Walk somewhere

the process!

Bahrain is an awesome combination of biomes (gyms): desert pavement, desert, rocks, beaches and sea. This variety means we must be highly skilled and conditioned to adapt. There is no ‘switching off ’ in nature. Our mind is worked as well as our body. Being mindful develops a greater body awareness and strengthens our senses.

The new addition of public parks across Bahrain is a real opportunity for us to get outside and move.

The recent ‘Cross Island Run’ organized by the Craig Heslop, Bahrain Road Runners was a Founder & Coach fantastic experience to see the of Tribal Fitness real Bahrain. Running through the sand was tough for many as we were simply not

1pm – Pack some protein

recommend anyone to run or walk the race this year

3pm – Drink a hot brew

If you are interested in moving outside, I would suggest some of the following places mentioned below.

Children are often the best coaches to help guide you through these environments.

6pm – Eat a spicy meal

8pm – Soak in the bath

10pm – Go to bed!

and your best choice for savings, protection and health insurance.

I HOPE YOU TAKE THE TIME TO HAVE FUN OUTSIDE!

1

3

2

4

GO: For more information, or to get involved with Tribal Fitness, email craig@

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BEAUTY SPOTLIGHT CHRISTAL DENNIS Christal Dennis

Address: Contact No:

Mad about make-up and hair this season?

The solution is Joz Salon & Spa! Mastering

TAKE charge

The kind of person that is in charge of his or her life is someone that does not look to blame someone else for their bad situations. I know it can be tempting sometimes to blame others because at times it seems so obvious that the other person is in the wrong. However have you heard the saying that it takes two to tango? An abuser needs a victim. A bully will only bully someone who is weak and afraid.

You can assess what kind of person you are by the way you speak or think. Do you say to yourself, “Oh if only this person was different then I would be able to do this or that or I would feel much better”? This is an indication that you have a victim consciousness. You may be feeling that the world is doing things to you and that you have been dealt a bad hand.

You could ask yourself instead: “How could I change to improve this situation?” In this way you will be taking responsibility for your life. I am not saying that you should blame yourself and feel disappointed in yourself.

Guilt is not going to get you anywhere either. See this as a way to empower yourself. You can take a stand in your life. This will strengthen you more than you could imagine. It won’t always be easy because at times it will take courage.

Imagine that you are doing the tango in a certain way.

Only those people who do the tango the same way are going to ask you to dance. Now you want to attract different people and situations into your life. Decide to do the tango in a different way. Do the tango that kind and respectful people like to do. Change your dance and take charge!

GO: For a personal consultation call 3669 6666

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Happy Valentines

fresh and lovely Opening soon in Riffa Palms.

Follow us on Twitter @Alosra_Bahrain and Facebook Alosra Supermarket Saar 17 697558 Amwaj 16 033773 Durrat 77 770001 www.bmmigroup.com

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s.A.T’s? M.B.A’s?

Pah! In Bahrain, only one test score really matters

your Bahrain IQ! BAHRAIN IQ

month of luuuuurve!

Do you?

a.

This month, we have put together an Alternative Guide to Valentine’s’ Day. To you this means:

By now, the majority of you would have completely forgotten your New Year’s resolutions. Do you:

Absolutely nothing. No matter what other options there are to you, this day is cursed and celebrating it in any way will mean you end up alone for the rest of your life?

Remind yourself that you were healthy for six days and it’s really time you tried again?

a. a. b. b. b. c. c. c.

Break down and sob because you are still single and no one loves you… not even your ten cats…?

Buy a shop’s worth of

smother your other half with?

Ring up all your single friends, buy a ridiculously

Think, “Well I only live once, I might as well enjoy as much McDonalds as I can”?

so much that you all your pride disappears… forever!

Keep going on with your daily life – no one likes a Hallmark Day anyway!

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Beat yourself up and then throw away all your unhealthy food and drink and then try

Call as many restaurants as you can and make fake bookings so no one can enjoy February 14th this year?

days later after a rubbish day at work?

TRUE

ITALIAN EXPERIENCE

I TA L I A N R E S TAU R A N T

Juffair, Next to Bennigan’s

BUON APPETITO!

Treat your Sweetheart to an Unforgettable Italian Dinner on Valentine’s Day February 14, 2013 Enjoy a romantic dinner with your loved one with a 3 course-meal and a bottle of Italian wine for 2 for only BD 28 net per couple * For enquiries or reservation, please call us at

17 001 317 us on facebook

Don’t miss out .....

ITALIAN BRUNCH - Every Friday from 10 :30 am - 3pm

COOKING CLASS - 3rd Wednesday of every month

BD 8.00

Cold Cuts, Cheese and Desserts OR Hot section and salad (Includes welcome drink, selected juices and soft drinks)

Our very owned Chef Fortunato will share its secrets about cooking great Italian cuisine in a fun and entertaining atmosphere.

BD 12.5

Antipasti, Cold Cuts, Cheese, Desserts OR Hot section and Salad (Includes welcome drink, selected juices, soft drinks and house beverages)

Register for Cucina Italiana’s cookery class and be a certified Italian Chef

BD 16

Full Italian Brunch (Includes welcome drink, selected juices and soft drinks)

BD 25

Full Italian Brunch (Includes welcome drink, selected juices, soft drinks and house beverages)

net per person net per person net per person net per person

Cucina Italiana Bahrain

Timings: 4 - 5.30 pm BD 10 net includes – Appetizer, Main Course and Complimentary drink Register for a 12 month cooking class for only BD 100

CucinaBahrain

* Conditions apply

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Cucinaitaliana.com.bh