FACT Bahrain April 2015

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APRIL 2015 VOL 8. ISSUE 8 BD 1. SR10

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contents READY. STEADY. RACE!

12. FACT FINDS

16. F1 PARTIES

36. Meet Wolfgang Puck

40. Q&A SEAN PAUL

43. summer body

Photography fans, this one’s for you! We take a look at the new exhibition ‘Encounters’ and why it’s worth checking out.

Get ready for a jam-packed F1 weekend with a huge choice of activities and live events at BIC and all over Bahrain.

FACT sits down with the celebrity chef for an exclusive one-on-one chat at The Four Seasons Bahrain Bay.

We caught up with the danchall star ahead of his live performance at Klub 360 on Formula 1 weekend.

The ultimate A to Z guide to get your summer body the healthy way. There’s super foods, workouts and so much more.

57. ARTS: MALJA

65. F1 RACE PREVIEW

71. GLOBETROTTER

75. HOTEL SPOTLIGHT

81. TRIED & TESTED

FACT caught up with Conor Maguire from Spoon Design to learn more about the creative process behind Malja.

Our resident motoring man has his say ahead of the 2015 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, taking place at BIC.

Get your health and fitness boost from a vacay - we bring you the best wellness, weight loss and detox spots worldwide.

This month we take a trip to the stunning Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris to see what this elegant hotel has to offer guests.

FACT heads to Abu Dhabi for pure paradise. Find out where you should be spending your next weekend.

85. ISLAND RIDES

95. fashion focus

109. chef’s table

113. venue review

We take the all-new Audi S3 Quattro for a spin, to see what this new set of wheels can offer drivers.

Zara launches it Spring/ Summer collection with fabulous styles for both men and women. Check it out!

If you love Italian fare, then you’ll want to read what Chef Enrico and his team will plate up at La Pergola, The Gulf Hotel.

FACT heads to Cellar 59 at the ART Rotana Amwaj for a taste of the venue’s excellent food and drinks menu.

116. foodie corner

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We take a trip to the Links Friday Brunch at the Royal Golf Club to see what treats are waiting to be indulged.

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THE EDITOR FACT Magazine Bahrain Edition April 2015 Volume 8, Issue 8

Life in the Fast Lane “A racing car is an animal with a thousand adjustments.” - Mario Andretti

Chief Executive Officer Greg Hughes

o, for the past few weeks, I’ve been treating the office to the sounds of Dutty Rock, you know, getting everyone in the mood for what is undoubtedly the biggest annual event in the country – the 2015 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix! With a spectacular night race planned at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), you’ll see that the April issue of FACT has a huge F1 takeover – from the front cover, to the features, and even special F1-themed tattoos, we are your ultimate source for making the most of this year’s F1 weekend, from April 17 to 19, it’s going to be a BIG one!

Start the F1 journey from p16 onwards where you’ll find all the info you need. BIC has an amazing line-up of activities at the Formula 1 Village as well as renowned acts like Pitbull, The Vamps and Otto Knows, and world-class Arabic music stars, all taking to the stage for an amazing weekend of racing celebration.

We also have the lowdown on the hottest parties and live performances in town, set to bring Bahrain to life over three thrilling days! There’s the everpopular Fashion TV at Coral Bay, superstar DJ Bob Sinclar at Bushido, singing sensation Jay Sean at Ibrida, and the one and only dancehall hit-maker, Sean Paul, at Klub 360.

If you’re a car racing fan through and through, you’ll want to have a read of our resident motoring man’s F1 season preview on p65. This is where you’ll also find more info on the cool stick-on tattoos and how they can help you bag some awesome prizes during F1 weekend – follow both BIC (@bah_int_circuit) and FACT (@factmagazine) on Instagram to keep up with the latest.

When all the F1 fun is said and done, you’ll also find a fabulous A to Z guide to Get Your Summer Body on p43. This one’s for all of you who want to get in shape for the season ahead, the healthy way. One of my favourite journo moments – it’s easily in my top five – took place recently when FACT sat down for an exclusive one-on-one chat with celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck. Read all about his new restaurants at the Four Seasons Bahrain Bay and more culinary secrets on p36 – he was an absolute delight!

I’m off to annoy treat everyone to a little more from the self-proclaimed Mr. Worldwide a.k.a Pitbull (they love it really). Enjoy F1 weekend to the max, we’ll see you, slowly recovering from all the fun, in May…

Group Regional Editor Tony Sidgwick

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Shabana Adam Editor-in-Chief shabana@factlive.com 8

Director Omar Shaheen

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Editor-in-Chief Shabana Adam (shabana@factlive.com)

Editor Pallavi Ramesh (editorial@factlive.com) Creative Director Paula Leal Graphic Designer Jyoti Rawat Design & Photography Rashed Bin Daina Photographer Shobin Joseph Production & Distribution Neil Mahmood Ajit Kumar Regional Head of Sales Chelsea Copenhaver Account Managers Marina Smera Nicola Thirsk Contributors Christal Dennis Yvonne Cole Georgina Jennsen ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Tel: +973 3376 1140 E-mail: nicola@factlive.com PRINTED BY United Printing Press 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. Office 53, Building 872, Road 3618, Block 436, Seef. Ministry of Information.

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Your one-stop culture fix for life in Bahrain| First for local talent, arts, fashion, dining and all the coolest events in the city | We’ve got tech, travel, motoring and exclusive interviews with all the industry and celebrityworld movers and shakers too | Get your copy of FACT Bahrain in local supermarkets now! front.indd 1

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CHECK IT OUT

Fact Finds

An Exhibition of Encounters Discover more of Bahrain with FACT Finds. Every month we’ll bring you a new hotspot, our favourite happening, eatery, activity, or interesting find from around the country.

Imagine being in a room with 25 of the most exciting artists working in the Middle East today. Such is the experience offered

by Encounters, an exhibition by SyrianAmerican photographer Sueraya Shaheen, featuring a collection of documentary-style portraits of some of the leading lights of the region’s art world.

Running at La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, this beautiful solo exhibition celebrates Sueraya’s fascination with visual artists. After returning to the region in 2009, Sueraya travelled throughout the Middle East photographing and archiving the visionary talents shaping its cultural landscape, in their studios or spaces that inspire their work.

“You generally see art in white-walled galleries or catalogues and changing hands in the market place,’ Sueraya says. “But there are real people involved and I wanted to show art’s humanness by photographing artists in their own environments, which so often reflect who they are.”

The result is a collection of intimate portraits, which capture the essence of her subjects. The Lebanese painter Ayman Baalbaki, for example, internationally recognised for his depictions of Beirut’s 12

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war-ravaged urban landscape, has been photographed on the roof of his studio with the city spread out below him. In another image, Moroccan artist Hassan Hajaj stands in the doorway of his studio on a gritty London street, with Arabic Coca Cola crates visible through its windows, creating a tableau reminiscent of his famous portraits framed with Arabic logos for household brands. Then there’s the portrait of Palestinian artist Jeffar Khaldi, whose devilmay-care stance (feet up, refusing to look at the camera) hints at the fact that he’s one of the bad boys of the art scene. The exhibition’s name is thus truly apt since one comes away from it with a sense of having had a personal encounter with each of the artists featured.

Thanks to Sueraya’s sensitive compositions, combined with her spontaneous and candid approach, the images are works of art in themselves. Collectively, they offer a snapshot of the Middle East’s artistic landscape, which may prove even more valuable 10 years from now, when they will represent a type of time capsule of the region’s art scene.

GO: Encounters will run at La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art until June 30. Call 230 123 or email info@lafontaineartcentre.net for more information.

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Listen up

Al Aali Art Fest 2015

‘Discover’ offers 10 couples a chance to win the cash equivalent of two airline tickets to beautiful locations. The first stop is Thailand!

This fascinating country is where winners will get the opportunity to stroll through bustling streets one day and relax on a remote beach the next. To be eligible to win, Citi clients should use their Citi credit cards until April 30, for purchasing airline tickets, hotel reservations and spending in foreign currency whilst abroad. The more a Citi client spends the higher their chances of winning. Navneet Kampani, Country Business Manager at Citibank Bahrain said: “We are offering this exclusive opportunity to 10 lucky couples to reward our customers for using their Citi credit cards while planning their next trip.

Payments using Citi’s credit cards offer added value to our customers that include discounts on car rentals, access to airport lounges and complimentary travel insurance and more.”

‘Discover’ Citi’s Travel Series Travel enthusiasts take note, Citi Bahrain has launched an exciting and exclusive Travel Series “Discover” – a campaign through which Citi clients can win airline tickets and explore cities around the world.

GO: The 10 wining couples will be selected through a raffle draw and will be informed in May 2015 by an SMS from Citibank. They will receive a statement credit of BD450 on their Citi Card statement, which is the equivalent of two tickets to Bangkok. For more information on “Discover” please visit www.citi.com/bahrain 14

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Trailing the path to glory, Al Aali Art Fest is back for the fourth year, and the 2015 programme has a host of artistic talent to celebrate and offer visitors. Work by Bahraini artists will be on display under one roof for all to marvel.

The festival, which has also been the launch pad for several local artists, whose careers have received immense boost through participation, is poised once again to present the country’s talent over a four-day period from April 8 to 11 at the Al Aali Shopping Complex in Seef District. Once again, the festival is set to showcase exemplary work under various categories such as Fine Art, Music, Fashion Design, (Live) Calligraphy, Henna art, Photography, and more. The festival will also feature workshops conducted by several prominent artists who will share their skills and the techniques required to hone the talent of both art students and enthusiasts. Also, speedpainting artist, Vilas Nayak, will perform live and enthrall the audience with his mesmerising talent. The festival will also spearhead the Art for a Cause concept, where 20% of the proceeds from the sale of art on display will be used to support Dreams Society, which aims to fulfill the dreams of children who suffer from chronic illness or those who are terminally ill.

The festival aims to bring together members of the art community in Bahrain, showcasing talent of renowned as well as budding artists, and schools and universities.

GO: Call 1700 7270 or visit www.alaaliartfest. com for more details on participation and to explore a detailed list of activities.

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LISTEN UP

2015 FORMULA ONE GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX Get ready for another jam-packed F1 down at Bahrain International Circuit! There’s music, racing and loads of cool activities planned for Bahrain’s biggest annual event…

Weekend Entertainment FRIDAY CONCERT: Arabic Night For all the Arabic music fans out there – this is a night not to miss! There will be four of the region’s biggest names in music performing on the Friday night of the Grand Prix, including; legendary Kuwaiti singer Abdulla Rowaishid; ageless Lebanese songbird Najwa Karam; Iraqi singer-composer Waleed Alshami; and Lebanese superstar Amr Zain.

SATURDAY CONCERT: Pitbull The self-proclaimed Mr. Worldwide will be taking to the stage for what is set to be a thrilling performance! With worldwide hits like “Feel This Moment”, “Time of our Lives,” “Don’t Stop The Party,” “Back In Time,” “Give Me Everything,” and “Timber,” – Pitbull will be right here in Bahrain to thrill thousands of motor racing and music fans. The global sensation will be the headlining act, performing on the evening of April 18, at the Formula One Village. All those with tickets to the Grand Prix weekend will be able to gain access to the concert and enjoy Pitbull’s lively and generationtranscending music. Party-goers, this one’s for you!

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Formula One Village BANDAS ÀS RISCAS

Banda às Riscas, the legendary troupe of street performers from Portugal have made a name for themselves performing at huge festivals in Brazil, Portugal and as far as Switzerland. Join in the cheer as they entertain you with their repertoire of themed performances and circus acts inspired by the times we live in.

MATTACCHIONI VOLANTI

Mattacchioni Volanti has been a sensational success at festivals such as Mercantia, Ferrara, the Bascherdeis and all major street shows worldwide. Magically emerging from Aladdin’s lamp, Mattacchioni Volanti can draw a smile from anyone who encounters him with his gravity defying performance.

BE-DOM

BE-DOM is a group of young and energetic artistes from Portugal who convert jars, cans, bottles and drums into amazing musical instruments. Interacting with audiences in a musical extravaganza, their irresistible rhythm combines perfectly with comedy to put up an entertaining show for any audience.

CANDY FLOSS DANCER

A Candy Floss maker with Michael Jackson’s moonwalk skills is the specialty of this entertainer and he’s sure to have the kids dancing with joy. Adding to the uniqueness of his showmanship is his self-designed candyfloss machine that’s lit up and truly makes this a sight to behold.

SPARK!

Spark! is a show that combines highimpact drumming, dynamic choreography and beautiful lighting design whilst creating exciting interactions. Perfect for this year’s night race, these LED drummers will stand out in the crowd, lighting up the vending area with their highly entertaining carnival-themed show.

THE FREAKS

The Freaks are a young acrobatics team from Austria. With breathtaking gymnastics stunts and awe-inspiring acrobatics moves, they’ve fascinated audiences all over the world. In fact, in 2009 they even made it into the finals of Austria’s national television show ‘Austria’s Got Talent’.

Snow Village Experience For the first time ever, witness the beauty of snow in Bahrain. Prepare for snowball fights with the family, meet the penguins and much more. With larger than life décor and roaming entertainers, it’s going to be an experience to remember, both for the kids and the adults. Key attractions at the Snow Village include a synthetic ice rink, snow garden, cross country skiing area, climbing wall, and a tube and freestyle slide.

SNOW VILLAGE ICE SHOW

This spectacular Ice Show features a variety of dynamic ice-skating routines combined with glamour and fun. Come and join the Ice Queen and her friends - The ReindeerBrothers - as she takes on the mischievous Goblins to save the Snowman!

SNOW VILLAGE CHARACTERS

The Penguins, promise to steal the heart of anyone who watches their playful, comedic skits, kids and adults alike. Starring the infant phenomenon Baby Egbertah and Urving Mackerel Esquire the talkative Fish Supper.

These pint-sized pip-squeaks will be carried around by two inquisitive larger than life birds.

Their charming and playful personalities will, no doubt, have the kids giggling with joy.

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SNOW VILLAGE ACTIVITIES

Pop the Balloon Man is a multi-award winning magician and balloon artist from Scotland. He is now a veteran of the Bahrain Formula 1, having performed here for the last four years. Don’t be fooled – his work is just as incredible to adults as it is to children.

Rita Cherry has been a professional face painter for over 14 years and has global brands such as Audi, IKEA and Debenhams to count amongst her clients. She was the official face painter of the Bahrain Formula 1 last year. This year, we give your kids the chance to transform their face by the talented hands of this renowned artist.

Full Frame Events, one of the world’s premiere green screen experience companies has worked with all the biggest film companies and celebrities, so you can only imagine the show they have in store for you. This year, they will transport you into a variety of snow-themed fantasies, where their professional green screen photographers will offer you a studio quality green screen photo, instantly capturing a memorable moment during F1 weekend.

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LISTEN UP

Extreme

HIGH ROPES ADVENTURE COURSE

Those looking for a physical challenge will love this obstacle course in the sky. Attached to ropes, you will have to balance and work your way around the course, adding another thrilling adventure for fans to challenge themselves.

ZIP LINE

This adrenalin fuelled extreme activity is for those who dare to challenge their limits. The 150-metre Zip Line Extreme Activity is only at the 2015 Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix.

Don’t forget to bring your camera and boast to your friends that you can fly!

GORILLA CIRCUS

Gorilla Circus is an institution of Professional Flying Trapeze Artists from the UK.Their exhilarating acts will keep you on the edge of your seat! They also have the unique distinction of teaching kids as young as eight years and adult as old as 78! If you fancy your chances at trapeze, you should come have a look.

THE F1 GAME ZONE

The F1 Game Zone offers all true F1 fans the ultimate experience. This year, the Game Zone brings you perfect photo ops on a Podium and inside an F1 car, in addition to giving you the opportunity to experience driving an F1 car in a high fidelity motion simulator. Test your reactions on the Batak Pro, a simulator used by real F1 drivers and compete against your friends at the Pit Stop Challenge and Slot Car racing on a customised BIC track.

Race Fever Experience Race Fever in Bahrain – a festival of adrenaline-pumped action – before the 2015 Formula One Bahrain Gulf Air Grand Prix kicks off.

RED BULL X FIGHTER JAMS, April 2 and 3

Watch the biggest and most popular group of freestyle motocross riders take your breath away with gravity-defying tricks, thrilling flips and sheer daredevilry. The Red Bull X Fighter Jams will perform for the first time in Bahrain, over two nights in Amwaj Islands.

THE VAMPS, April 11

Catch the four-piece British pop sensation ‘The Vamps’ live for the first time in Bahrain, as they warm up motor racing fans in the Kingdom in the lead up week to the main event at BIC.

OTTO KNOWS, April 11

Straight from the nightclubs of Stockholm, watch Otto Jetman of ‘Otto Knows’ raise the temperature in Bahrain and move to the beats of his global hits at Race Fever festival.

GO: Tickets to the 2015 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix can be purchased at the BIC sales outlets in Bahrain City Centre and Seef Mall, online at bahraingp. com or by calling the BIC Hotline on 1745 0000.

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LISTEN UP

The F1 Party Weekend Keeping in line with Coral Bay’s legendary F1 parties, the venue is leaving no stones unturned and has planned an epic F1 after party weekend for all to enjoy!

Paul Van Dyke

Another year, another race and another exciting line-up of events – expect amazing parties at Coral Bay during the 2015 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. This year, Coral Bay has prepared the perfect combination of entertainment as Grand Prix week kicks off with the opening party on Thursday, April 16 with Shifting Gears (the electronic music experience) featuring Jade. Hailing from Beirut, Jade is one of the three founders of Riverside Studios. He quit his engineering job to focus on his band Blend, then got into DJ’ing, opened the legendary club / concert venue The Basement in Beirut. He composes music for advertising and runs the most successful weekly party in Beirut: C U NXT SAT. As a producer he is known for blending oriental with cutting edge electronic music.

Next up is the massive Fashion TV party - FTV Nuit Des Papillons on Friday, April 17 with superstar Dutch DJ Patrick Hagenaar. Fashion TV’s Nuit Des Papillons will feature gorgeous hostesses.

Described by leading dance blog ‘Dancing Astronaut’ as an artist with the talent and fibre to dominate the music industry, Patrick Hagenaar is one of the talented group of fast-rising DJ/producers hailing from Holland. Tickets BD20 at the door for Fashion TV Nuit Des Papillons.

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Sunday, April 19, Coral Bay is raising the bar and bringing the all-time favourite Trance DJ, musician and super producer, Paul Van Dyke to our shores! The Grammy‐nominated recording artist and global DJ has dominated the electronic music charts and DJ polls for more than 15 years. He has been ranked #1 twice in DJ Magazine’s Top 100 DJ poll, a feat few have achieved. Paul has performed before audiences of more than one million people, including shows at the Love Parade festival in Berlin and New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janiero. What other way to end a great week than partying the night away with a true music legend?

GO: This year, Coral Bay is the BIC’s official After Party venue, with special ticket packages available exclusively for F1 fans and ticket holders. Tickets BD20 at the door for Fashion TV Nuit Des Papillons. Tickets for the closing party featuring Paul Van Dyke are for BD30 at the door. Hugely discounted limited presale tickets for the Paul Van Dyke show can be purchased online at www.coral-bay.net. For tickets, call Coral Bay at 1731 2700.

Patrick hagenaar

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DJ B o b S i n c l a r o n t he d e c k s at B u s h id o

Jay Sean set to Perform Live at Ibrida

For one night only, globally-renowned DJ, Bob Sinclar, will be playing his deep and soulful beats at Bushido Restaurant & Lounge to close the big F1 weekend. Taking to the decks on Sunday April 19, DJ Bob Sinclar will thrill the crowd with his “Africanism movement” as well as vibrant reggae and dancehall tunes. In 2005, “Love Generation”, the first track from his “Western Dream” album was released by his production label Yellow. The single was a massive hit all over Europe, and Australia, and became notorious for having one of the longest ever standings in the German Top 10 chart. In 2006, “World Hold On” and “Rock this Party” were also released from the same album. Claiming the number 1 spot across the world. Bob Sinclar has also featured on countless compilations, and was played on radio stations in every country, on every continent. For his 2009 album, “Born in 69”, singles included collaborations with the likes of Axwell, Shaggy and The Sugarhill Gang. This was followed by his 2012 album “Disco Crash” which included collaborations with Sean Paul, Sophie Ellis-Baxter, Pitbull and Fatman Scoop. From the States to South America, Europe, Asia and Australia, the demand for Bob’s smooth disco-tinged French-house sets is unwavering. His flair for blending vocals, instrumentals and rhythms into one soaring, euphoric house set still rock clubs to their very foundation wherever he touches down. And now it’s Bahrain’s turn to party to his infectious sound!

If you were into this UK star’s chart-topping hits then you’ll remember the likes of Eyes On You, Stolen, Ride It, and Down featuring Lil Wayne, to name but a few of his biggest tracks. For one night only, Jay Sean will be taking to the stage, live at Ibrida in Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa, to kick-start Bahrain’s big weekend. This is going to be the venue’s celebration F1 party, and it’s safe to say that they’re going all-out! The British singer-songwriter and rapper debuted in the UK’s Asian Underground scene as a member of the Rishi Rich Project with Dance with You (we remember moving to this one!) which reached No. 12 in the UK Singles Chart in 2003. This led to him being signed to Virgin Records and having two UK top 10 hits as well as a critically-acclaimed debut album, Me Against Myself, which sold more than two million copies across Asia. Alongside the Rishi Rich Project, and as a solo artist, Jay Sean has been the king of successful reinvention. He is credited by many as pushing, what was then, just an “Asian underground” scene into the forefront of British musical culture, and pioneering Bhangra-R’n’B fusion in the mainstream charts. He’s got the voice, the catchy songs and the moves, so you won’t want to miss this one!

GO: Bob Sinclar will DJ at Bushido Restaurant & Lounge on Sunday April 19 from 9pm until late. Advance standard tickets are priced at BD35. Tickets sold after April 17 priced at BD50. Call 1758 3555 for VIP table reservations.

GO: Jay Sean will perform live at Ibrida’s F1 Party on April 16. Tickets are BD30 in advance and BD35 on the door. at BD50. Call 1711 1999 for more information.

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T he A s i a n C i r c u it F 1 Me nu Taking inspiration from the annual Formula One journey, Chef Karim Aghai and his team will be presenting a set menu like no other. Celebrating the various Asian tracks featured throughout the Grand Prix season, this special five-course menu will represent dishes from China, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and Bahrain. Representing Japan there will be a Trio of Sushi (strawberry avocado roll, mango sea bream, and tuna tartar); from Singapore enjoy the seafood spring roll and passion fruit sauce; Malaysia brings grilled sea bass filet with fried eggplant and spicy sambal sauce; China takes over with lychee sorbet, whilst Australia brings to the table teppanyaki wagyu beef sirloin in red vino reduction, served with baby vegetables. Saving the best until last, savour Bahrain’s offering – sticky date pudding with warm, nutty caramel sauce – yum! The menu is priced at BD32++ per person, and BD38++ with wine pairing.

GO: The Asian Circuit F1 Menu will be available at Bushido Restaurant & Lounge throughout Formula 1 week. Call 1758 3555 for reservations and more information.

Alosra’s New To-Go Range Alosra supermarket has just revamped its range of ready-made meals, with a new and fresh look.

The relaunch will offer a wider range of meals on the go, from wraps to sandwiches, pasta, biryani, fruits, salads and even mezze (how yummy does that sound?). Sara Babar, Alosra’s Food Specialist, says: “Having a busy schedule makes it hard to pack lunch from home sometimes. We’ve all been in that situation where we’re at work and hungry, but just don’t know what to get.

“Most of the time, we end up opting for that easy fast food option and feel bad for it. With the To-Go range, we really wanted to focus on providing customers with hearty, wholesome meals that they can grab on the go, eliminating the daily lunch dilemma,” she adds. These meals are freshly prepared for you on a daily basis, ensuring that you receive only the highest quality of nourishing food. So, the next time you want to grab a quick bite, visit Alosra and look for the To-Go branded chillers. Offering convenience, value for money and a variety of options to choose from, you won’t be disappointed!

GO: Shop the To-Go range at all Alosra Supermarkets.

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LISTEN UP

Urban Culture week B-Boy enthusiasts and those who love a good dance battle, get ready for the fourth annual Red Bull BC One! The premier one-on one B-Boy battle in the world promises this year to push participants to their limit, in a scene where the level and skills keep on growing.

Kicking off the cypher fever for the second year in a row is Bahrain Urban Culture Week. It will be held at Malja from April 23 to May 2, and promises to build on the success of the first edition, inspire the scene, and elevate participants’ creative drive, continuing to develop Urban Culture foundations. Professionals visiting the Island and locally based artists will conduct free workshops at Malja Bahrain in different fields revolving around the pillars of hip hop culture, including; rapping; DJ-ing; breaking; graffiti; and music production. This year’s line-up will be as exciting as the 2014 edition and include a three-day B-Boy Training Camp with guest B-Boy Frankie; basic and advanced music production; graffiti workshops and more.

Urban Culture Week will conclude on May 1 with the Red Bull BC One Bahrain Cypher. The top 16 local B-Boys will battle it out at Malja Bahrain in Amwaj at 8pm.

More details about the judges line-up can be found on www.redbull.com.

GO: Visit www.maljabahrain.com for the full schedule of Bahrain’s Urban Culture Weeks 2015 and information on how to register for workshops.

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HAPPENINGS

Getting Out & About

This Month in Bahrain

Say goodbye to boredom this month and mark your diaries with these all-important dates. We’ve put together a calendar packed with happenings just for you! This is what FACT recommends (and you can still find more throughout the rest of the mag!).

6 10 12 14 17

Monday

Friday

Sunday

Tuesday

Friday

Personal training at The Royal Golf Club

Joss Stone at Arad Fort for Spring of Culture

Beauty Unlimited at Gloss Salon & Spa, Marriott Executive Apts

DJ Nicola Fasano at Meisei Rooftop, Block 338, Adliya

Cavalli Club GP Prestige Party at Dragon Resort

Invest in a Royal Country Club personal training package during the month of April and a friend or loved one can train with you for free! Support and encourage each other to ensure that April is the month you get into great shape. Packages may be taken with any one of the Club’s three fitness experts – Lullu, Victor or Rose.

Grammy award-winner, Joss Stone’s powerful soulful voice pulls down the curtains for the 10th anniversary Spring of Culture celebration. Joss shot to fame in 2003 with a multi-platinum debut album entitled “The Soul Sessions.” Let her smooth and soulful sound serenade you for the evening.

Block your dates starting from April 17 to 21, as Gloss Salon & Spa will host four top beauty experts hailing from the UK. Hair colorist Hanna Goboardi, lash expert Claire Linette from Eyelash, make-up artist Suman Jalaf and hair stylist extraordinaire Ciler Peksah. Talal Marcos, celebrity makeup artist will conduct a 3-day makeup training session. Call 1782

Start making your plans for F1 weekend. At Meisei, Pitbull’s official DJ will entertain guests.

Nicola Fasano appears for one night on April 17, bringing his mixes from collaborations with Pitbull, Miami Rockets, Lumidee and many more from 9pm. Enjoy some foot-tapping music, and delicious food and drinks.

The Dragon Hotel & Resort in association with Eventions brings the signature Cavalli Club experience to Bahrain.

From the sophisticated atmosphere, incredible live performers and renowned resident DJs, to the expertly-mixed cocktail menu, this party has it all. Get down to this plush party today! Visit www.

Call 1775 0777 to sign up or for more information.

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Visit www.springofculture.org for more information.

6030 for more information.

Call 1700 7770 for bookings and more information.

eventionsbahrain.com for tickets and more information

Gastro Club Membership Only BD 60 per Year!

Become a Royal Golf Club Gastro Member today and enjoy access to exclusive Members only dining areas throughout the year as well as a range of dining vouchers, generous discounts every time you dine in our award-winning restaurants and many more benefits. All this for just BD 60 per year!

WWW.THEROYALGOLFCLUB.COM

For further information, please call +973 17 750777. oongolf.com

oongolf.com WWW.TROONGOLF.COM fact magazine

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HAPPENINGS

Getting Out & About

This Month in Bahrain

Say goodbye to boredom this month and mark your diaries with these all-important dates. We’ve put together a calendar packed with happenings just for you! This is what FACT recommends (and you can still find more throughout the rest of the mag!).

202325 27 30

Monday

Saturday

Monday

Thursday

Enticing New menu at Dining Delights at Le Meridien Bahrain City Centre Four Seasons Bahrain Bay

Vantage at Al Riwaq Art Space

Dine at Tony Roma’s

Foodie delights at Dome Cafe

Explore the mezze selection at Baharat to awaken your taste buds, continue with your choice of main course from the evocative a la Carte menu covering the many flavours of Middle East - from Morocco to Lebanon and Syria to Bahrain. Get ready for an enriching culinary experience at Baharat.

Vantage’ is an exhibition with a reflection of eight female artists’ perspectives on their connections with Islam. The work is exhibited through a range of styles and mediums, including video installation and photomontage. The program includes weekly talks with the artists about their artwork and personal experiences. This exhibition is

Tony Roma’s is a full service, casual dining family restaurant where you can find premier BBQ ribs and steaks.

Meat-lovers, if you haven’t had a meal at this place, head down there now!

Their Signature steaks are a delight, also the seafood, chicken and salad dishes are mouthwatering. The tasty desserts are a must.

Whether you’re having a meal with family, a quick bite with friends, or a quiet moment to yourself, you’ll find something to tempt you at Dome Cafe. The new menu has ‘Chicken Milanese’ and ‘Pan Seared Chicken in Mushroom Sauce’ - the only hard part will be choosing! Head to the Dome Cafe today to try these yummy dishes and more. Call 1781 0180

Call 1717 1441 for more information.

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Thursday

This palace-like hotel has some of the best restaurants, including the delights from Celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck.

With four restaurants and three lounges, you can select the cuisine that you love; International, Asian, Steakhouse or Mediterranean. The lounges are beautiful, and a drink with friends has to be on cards. Call 1771 5000

for more information.

ongoing until May 7.

Call 1787 0070 for more information.

for more information.

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REGIONAL HAPPENINGS

Di ary Dat es For those of you thinking of jetting off around the region this month, we’ve rounded up some of the best events for you to check out in our neighbouring nations…

Dubai

Qatar

Abu Dhabi

Where Dubai World Trade Centre When April 9 to 11

Where VCU Qatar When Runs until April 21

Where du Arena When April 25

Dubbed the Middle East’s biggest pop culture festival, MEFCC is going to be packed with stars during the mega 3-day event in Dubai. From celebrities to industry guests, international artists and cosplayers, there’s SO much fun to be had here! Guests include Karl Urban, William Shatner, Kelly Hu and other famous names who will be there to share their experiences and answer questions as well as meet and greet fans. Get your tickets booked now!

Doha’s art scene is stepping up this month with a fantastic exhibition at VCU Qatar. Held in association with the British Council, this exhibition is based on David Batchelor’s recent solo exhibition shown at Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh, and Spike Island, Bristol. If you’re taking the short flight over and happen to a great appreciator of art, then make sure this one’s on your list of places to visit.

The British singer brings his ‘Let Me Entertain You’ tour to Abu Dhabi’s du Arena. Treating his fans to all the classic favourites like Angels, Rock DJ, She’s The One, Millennium, and more huge international hits, Robbie will surely put on a memorable performance.

All tickets for the UAE performance can be bought online at tickets. robbiewilliams.com and Ticketmaster. ae. Tickets start from AED295 - get yours now!

Middle East Film & Comic Con

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David Batchelor: Flatlands Remix

Robbie Williams Live

At Café Amsterdam, we know that it is important to have a good, healthy lunch. Enjoy our new range of innovative main course salads, choose your favourites from our fresh salad buffet trolley or indulge in our ‘Formula 8’ lunch special, where you can pick your choice of three dishes for BD8, or two dishes for BD6. Healthy, flavourful and affordable, our new lunch menu will transform the rest of your day.

Opposite the Gulf Hotel, Adliya. Telephone: +973 1700 7404 fact magazine

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MEET

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Wolfgang Puck

Celebrity INTERVIEW

THE FACT TEAM SAT DOWN WITH CHEF WOLFGANG PUCK ON HIS VISIT TO BAHRAIN.

He has well and truly conquered the world of professional cooking and now he’s treating foodies with brand-new restaurants at the Four Seasons Bahrain Bay. FACT sits down for a one-on-one with the culinary master himself, Celebrity chef, Wolfgang Puck, to learn more about his restaurants, pick up some cooking tips, and find out exactly what it’s like to have prepared the Oscars menu for the past 21 years…

Describe each of your venues at Four Seasons Bahrain Bay? At Four Seasons we have two main concepts, one is called CUT – which is a modern American steakhouse, mainly serving meat from all over the world. We prepare a lot on the wood-fire grill, with side dishes. Below CUT we have a lounge, where you can come and hang out and have light appetisers like crab rolls, mini burgers, and salads. On the 50th floor with a spectacular view we have our Chinese-style restaurant ‘re Asian’. I love all sorts of Asian cuisines mainly because of the spices and to me it’s interesting. So this restaurant serves dumplings, steamed fish, meat, chicken, and more. It is really a modern Chinese restaurant with western-style service. We also have a lounge area that is more easygoing and is done up in a Moroccan style.

Tips for preparing the perfect steak…

Like every other dish, it really starts with the ingredients - it is really important to get the right cut. For me, before cooking the steak you have to let it sit outside and bring it to room temperature; you don’t want to put it onto the grill right out of the refrigerator. The meat should not be frozen,

it should be fresh and it has to be aged. For example, we age American beef for 35 days, sometimes 40 days.

I like to season it with a little sea salt, pepper and olive oil, and grill it. I love French Fries and Onion Rings with it. So, the main thing with the steak is, once you grill it the way you like it; I like it medium rare, you let it rest a little.

Don’t take it off the grill and cut it, leave it for 5 to 10 minutes, so that the juices don’t come out when you cut into it.

How would you define fine dining?

Fine dining is such a funny title, because fine dining is great quality like fine clothes, you don’t say fine clothes – you say chic clothes, or elegant clothes. Our restaurants are upscale dining as we use the best ingredients. I want people to have fun; I want them to have a good time. We play rock ‘n’ roll music! If you like good food, you need to have a good ambience. For me the only serious thing should be on the plate the rest should be fun!

What inspires you to keep cooking after so many years in the industry?

I love cooking, I just love the process of

cooking. I get inspired while I am working, doing things. To me I still love going to the fish market, like yesterday we went to the farm. I love the process of getting the best ingredients and cooking and enhancing them to create something special. Maybe if I had just one restaurant and did the same thing everyday, it might feel different, but I do a lot of things. Like recently we developed an oven where you can cook a 7kg turkey in 55 minutes!

You’ve been preparing the Oscars menu for the past 21 years – is there pressure when cooking for celebrities?

It is not a pressure cooking for celebrities, I know most of them and I know what they like to eat. Like Barbara Streisand; she saw me in the restaurant in LA and asked me “Wolfgang are you going to make the Chicken Pot Pie like last year” and I fact magazine

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Celebrity INTERVIEW

Rapid Fire 01. The one food or drink you couldn’t live without…

Coffee. if I don’t get coffee in the morning I wouldn’t do anything.

02. Your favourite holiday destination for good food...

Spain.

03. Your three favourite healthy ingredients…

Vegetables, Pasta, Fish.

04. Favourite cheap eat?

I do not like American fast food. If you go to Asia or Singapore, they have some great street food.

said, “for sure, I will make it.” At that point in time I had not even thought of preparing that dish, but everybody loves it! At the Oscars you will find so much; the seafood stations, sushi bar, all the best things. But somehow they love the homely Chicken Pot Pie. There are some Signature dishes we prepare every year; like the Chocolate Oscar with 24-carat gold, Smoked Salmon cut-out in the shape of the Oscar and now, I guess, the Chicken Pot Pie will be a signature too!

As a world-famous chef, what matters more – taste or presentation?

Say, when you look for a boyfriend the first thing you want is someone handsome, but if they have no heart, no brain, it gets boring. You might as well have somebody who is not as good looking but has a good heart, good sense of humour and is smart.

With food it is the same! It is amazing to have great looking food, but when you eat it, if it doesn’t taste as good as it looks then there’s no point. Of course, there are times when you get both together, but with some dishes it is not the same. If I had to choose it would be the taste.

What’s the greatest honour or compliment you’ve received as a chef?

My greatest compliment in a 38

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05. One drink that’s your kryptonite…

Cook’s Champagne.

06. Last movie you watched…

On the way here, it was Foxcatcher.

07. The most famous person you’ve cooked for…

The President and The Queen of England.

restaurant is when people finish dinner, and when they head out, they stop at the main desk and make their next reservation. That’s what makes me happy. We have created a regular clientele, and that’s important.

What’s your favourite sauce?

It depends on the steak you eat, with different parts of the meat, different sauces work. For example a fillet is very lean so you can have a richer sauce with it. If you have a New York steak or Rib eye, it’s rich by itself so you can have the béarnaise sauce. For Tenderloin I like pepper sauce it is perfect!

You’re a busy man – TV shows, book launches, restaurant openings – do you still enjoy the grind?

I love to be with and around people, in the kitchen, with the farmers growing vegetables, with the guys at the fish market.

I’d much rather go there, than a fancy mall and look at clothes. Food is my life.

08. Anyone you want to cook for?

The Pope.

@WolfgangBuzz

We were thrilled to see that Chef Wolfgang Puck posted a photo from our exclusive chat. #claimtofame

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CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

Get Busy With

Sean Paul He’s had the world under a dancehall spell for the past decade, and now, for the first time, he’s coming to Bahrain. That’s right, Sean Paul will take to the stage at Klub 360 during F1 weekend to have all the party-goers getting their dutty wine on! FACT caught up with the worldfamous artist to find out what fans can expect at the mid-April event…

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Hi Sean! It’s been 15 years since the release of your debut album Stage One – how has your style and approach to making music developed over the years?

I’ve always been mindful to stay true to my dancehall sound and continue to fly the flag as a reggae ambassador, so I don’t think my approach has changed that much, except now I collaborate with a lot of international artists and producers who bring their interpretations of dancehall to the mix.

What do you look for in an artist when it comes to collabs, and is there anyone that you really want to work with?

I’ve always wanted to work with Alicia Keys. Also, I love Ellie Goulding’s voice.

I’m open to working with a lot of different artistes. I just did a collabo with Farruko from Puerto Rico and J Balvin from Colombia and, of course, the massive ‘Bailando’ with Enrique Iglesias last year so I’m heavy into Latin collabs right now.

What are you most looking forward to about performing in Bahrain?

I love the Middle East - the reaction from my fans there is always hype and the food is always amazing! I’ve never been to Bahrain before so I’m looking forward to meeting them.

We can’t wait to see you on stage – can you give us a sneak peek into the performance?

I’ll be doing my usual high energy show filled with all my hits but I’d love to hear what the fans over there would want to hear so hit me up on my Instagram or Twitter at @duttypaul.

Your most memorable moment from your music career to date…

My most memorable moment in my music career to date has to be every day in the studio. Just joking! There are so many different ones. Being on my first stage show in Jamaica, doing my first song, working with big artists such as Beyoncé for the first time, so there’s too much to choose one. I’m just very thankful for this career and thanks to the fans for following me all these years.

Who are your musical heroes and why are these figures particularly inspiring?

One of them, and who I’ve always spoken about, is Bob Marley. I think that he is a prolific writer, a prolific musician in himself and his songs are lasting 40 years now in terms of being felt by generations down the road. He’s a very prolific person in that respect. His uncompromising, unwavering faith that he had is somebody with a real conviction in life and puts it into his music which helps to evolve the world. I really think that he is a great ambassador for his country, for the music and for his faith. Other influences, I like hip-hop a lot but I think that dancehall influences me a lot more. I would say big up to artists like Papa San, who had the

Guinness World Book Record at the time when I was growing up in about 1989 where he was the fastest rapper alive, in terms of having the most words in a song, ever. I really looked up to his style, even though he is a different kind of artist right now, I still think he’s a very potent artist even though he is a Christian rapper right now, so big up to him.

Any advice for upcoming musicians?

Before you try and make it in the world, try and make it on your block, make it in your city, make it in your country.

Make sure you stay true to who you are musically, surround yourself with good people and that music is a lot of work. It may look like a bed of roses but you have to be disciplined and you have to have a good work ethic. Don’t expect to make it overnight.

You have a huge international fan base, have you got a message for them?

Thank you for following me all these years – to my fan base – without the fans

I wouldn’t be here. Being that my career has spanned so long I have to give thanks to them and to God. What’s coming up for you in 2015?

I’ve been recording a lot in 2014, and I’ve quite a few songs coming out this year.

We’re presently shooting videos and there are some more productions being worked on too for later this year. I also have a lot of songs personally, as singles, to drop, so I’m also looking forward to doing that.

A lot of studio work and pin-pointing to break into new markets. Different songs will work in different genres and different markets!

Go: Sean Paul will perform at Klub 360 at Elite Crystal Hotel on April 17th during the 2015 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix weekend. Tickets are priced at BD50 for men and BD35 for women.

Call 3602 5360 for bookings and more information.

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SOCIETY

#ENMA #MALL #MOTHERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S #DAY #TEDDY #BEAR #PICNIC Enma Mall celebrated Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day with an action-packed teddy bear picnic! A morning full of activities were organised for families including a tea-party, face-painting, balloons, a cupcake decorating competition, a teddy bear treasure hunt and lots more!

Loads of prizes were given away and visitors were seen having a great time.

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From the world’s best super foods to gruelling and fun exercise workouts, here is the ultimate A to Z guide to achieving your summer body the healthy way – so let’s get fit, be happy and feel strong, just in time for the sun-filled days ahead...

Get Your Summer Body fact magazine

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summer body

B Biking

The weather is perfection and there are so many great routes for you to cycle through in Bahrain - the open roads near Bahrain Fort to start off with, or how about the laidâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;back Amwaj Islands?

For those looking to get to places on time via an alternative method of transportation, biking will is definitely a great all-over leg and glutes workout. Check out the sports and leisure stores in City Centre Bahrain.

A

Acai Berry

This dark-purple, fibre-packed berry has huge amounts of nutritional value including antioxidant and energyboosting properties, and it tastes absolutely delish in a healthy smoothie!

Add it to your yogurt, a glass of juice, your breakfast cereal, or better yet, swap out the candies for Acai as your daily snacking option. Oh, did we mention that Victoria Secret model Adriana Lima and fashion designer Victoria Beckham are both obsessed with Acai too!

C

Cardio

Your face is dripping. Your fight-or-flight response has kicked in. These are all the body benefits when you push hard and kick it up with cardio exercise in your daily routine.

Cardio boosts productivity, revs energy levels, works out your whole body and even has the power to improve your mental mojo and lower stress levels. Just 30-minutes a day can make a massive difference!

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D Detox

Looking to recharge and rejuvenate? Start by making small changes to your daily diet and mix things up with the addition of natural, organic products, or, simply, change out your daily cups of coffee for a detox juice. If you want to go all-out head over to Reborn Spa at the Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa for one of the relaxing Thai or Moroccan treatments, complemented by Elemis skincare.

summer body

Our new range is fresh, delicious, appetising, tempting and available - TO GO!

Insta

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EVA VAUGHAN PHOTOGRAPHY

summer body

E

ExercisE

Gluten-Free

Simples! Just 20 minutes of intense exercise a day can really start to make a difference in your body and mind! That can be anything from a quick run on the treadmill, taking the stairs up and down at the office and your apartment, or a jog around the block to kick-start your day. If getting outside isn’t your thing then try a fitness DVD or head online where Youtube has thousands of quick exercise videos to get you going, and it’s completely free, so no excuses now!

F

Flax Seeds

They’re super popular in this region, and for good reason.

Flax seeds have some seriously good health benefits. This little seed is a quality source of both important dietary staples; protein and fibre, which can be taken through supplement tablets, as well as in ground and oil form.

A regular dose of flax seeds can help to reduce the risk of such health issues like liver disease, depression, and high cholesterol to name but a few benefits.

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g

Gluten is the compound protein found in wheat, rye and barley that causes bread to rise. It’s also a staple of granola, some pastries and toast. Some people are severely allergic to gluten, and many others suffer from some level of gluten intolerance, which causes bloating and gut inflammation. If you want to eat clean and get healthy for summer, head over to Organics Foods & Cafe at Seef Mall for its excellent selection of gluten-free treats – we can guarantee that your tummy will thank you for it.

Hula Hooping

Hoop yourself to your body best in time for summer! Hula hooping is so much fun, and helps to burn mega calories as well as sculpting your body and blasting off belly fat!

The great thing about hula hooping is that you can do it alone to your favourite tunes or you can get together with friends for a workout with a difference that will certainly keep you on your toes.

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J

summer body

I

Juicing

It seems that nowadays just about everyone is jumping on the juice bandwagon; from Hollywood celebrities to the busy housewife next door, juicing, whether that’s for a diet cleanse, for an energy boost, or to adopt a healthier lifestyle, it seems that having a juicer at home is the new fitness accessory must.

There are plenty of great healthy juice recipes online, and one of our favourite local companies who deliver their juice products too as well as offering a juice-fast retreat, is Pankooshis (www.pankooshis.com).

K Kilos

It’s been dubbed ‘the hardest workout ever put on DVD’ and, trust us, we tried it for 20 minutes and can vouch for whoever said that! Insanity (www. beachbody.com) has become THE workout to get you beach body ready in 60 days. Forget regular high intensity training, because this workout programme turns old-school interval exercising on its head. If you’re serious about getting in shape for the summer and up for the challenge, we say, go for it!

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diana-buraka-fitness

Insanity Workout

Let’s be honest – the last few kilos are always the toughest to shift, and that’s where combat sports like boxing, and boot camp come in. Get down to CrossFit Seef and join in their extensive schedule of classes and popular sessions like WOD (workout of the day), which can be done as a lunchtime activity a few days a week! You’ll be put through your paces and helped to reach your weight goals.

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L

Nutribullet

Laser Tag

Ok, let’s get real. Laser Tag is fun, like huge amounts of fun. But it’s also a physically demanding activity, but because of all the fun you’ll be having, you won’t even feel like it’s a workout. This popular pastime is not only one of the best ways to spend time with family and friends, but it can be a totally different way of getting in some exercise while hanging with family and friends. Get your dose of fun at Startrooper Lasertag, The Lagoon, Amwaj Islands.

Don’t juice, don’t blend – only extract; that’s Nutribullet for you! A coveted machine making waves around the world for its healthy extracting technique. Prepare juices with fruits or vegetables, Nutribullet will give you a healthy, fibre-rich and nutritious juice. With easy steps to follow, this machine breaks down and crushes stem, seeds and skins of food, releasing the nutrients to make it a super food. No chunks, unbroken seeds or mess to clean up; this multi-tasking tool deserves a thumbs-up.

o

Q

Organic

Organic is trending, and a clear-cut healthy choice to make. Organic food has more of the antioxidant compounds linked to better health than regular food and contains higher levels of essential minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and iron - all major components in our daily diet. For a quick-pro-intro, head to your nearest Alosra Supermarket and say hello to the natural produce available - once you go organic, you won’t look back!

M P

Meditation

A healthy body always starts with a healthy mind, so exercising your soul and learning to destress is essential to getting ready for the summer days. Most spas and health centres in town offer meditation classes, but this is something that you can ‘DIY’ at home as well. Get yourself into a good routine of exercise-meditation-healthy eating, and you’re on your way to happy days this summer.

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Push-ups

It might not be your instant exercise of choice but the push-up is a complex compound move that works your chest, biceps and core – basically, if you’re serious about rockin’ that summer swimsuit then doing a good set of push-ups will help you get there. Push-ups come in lots of different variations and you can make use of other gym equipment, like a fitness weight ball, to help you get to grips with your preferred push-up workout.

Quinoa

Quinoa went through a time of food awakening (much like kale is right now) and is now one of the most popular super foods, loaded with protein, fibre and minerals. Quinoa is usually prepared as a salad, and boy has it become a popular menu item in the region! It’s light, delicious and comes with a wealth of health benefits. If you’re quinoasavvy, you will know that the nutty taste and delicate texture make it a perfect addition to your daily diet. One of the best Quinoa salads we’ve tried is at Cafe Lilou, Al Aali Complex.

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S

Squats

Looking for some serious results from your workout routine? Look no further than the 30-day squat challenge. Just add this exercise into your daily workout, increasing the number of squats you do by a little more everyday. There’s no equipment required, you can do squats in your pjs, whilst waiting for your coffee to brew in the kitchen, and even in your back garden! Doing squats might just be the smartest fitness move to make before summer arrives.

R

Running

Not only is running good for the lungs and heart but hitting the pavement releases those happy endorphins that will leave you on a high after a workout. Running is one of the top ways to burn off extra calories and the second most effective exercise in terms of calories burned per minute.

On that note we definitely recommend running to be added into your workout schedule.

U

Unwind

With the stress and grind that comes with living in a busy country and having an intense and hectic work schedule, it’s necessary to take your health seriously. Without doubt, exercise and healthy foods are the key, but along with that the body needs to destress and unwind. Take a trip to the spa or join a retreat programme for some rejuvenation and let loose. Your body needs some pampering too!

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T

Tai-chi

V

Vitamins

Feeling sluggish? You might be low on certain vitamins. But don’t fret, a quick boost is all you need to get your system revved up and going. Load up on vitamins with a delicious smoothie, salad, cereal, or even daily supplements. That’s the great thing about getting your needed vitamin dose – you can get it through food, drink, or in a bottle from local health stores.

Try some slow, soft and graceful moves with the martial art form of Tai-Chi. Learning to do Tai-chi correctly is the key, without which you wouldn’t experience the calmness and relaxation that it can provide. This exercise can prevent or ease many ills and could be the perfect activity to spice up your regular workout routine. Join Tai-Chi classes today for a healthy body, mind and soul.

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summer body

w Water

Whether you want shinier hair, glowing skin, or a healthier body; a drink of water, eight glasses a day, to be specific, is the world’s best and natural beauty elixir.

Make sure to be toting a bottle or two with you to get the daily recommended two litres. Hydrate the body with the right amount of H2O and reap the benefits in time for summer.

x

X-treme Sports

Take the Xtreme path for some life-changing experiences. Activities involving speed, height and a high level of physical exertion are the xtreme sports we’re talking about. These fun activities include Base Jumping, Skydiving, Canoeing, Climbing, Skiing, Kite Surfing and lots more. It’s all more than just the safe running and jogging; take a little risk and enjoy a sport that is fun and adventurous for your body your adrenalin side.

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y

Yogurt

Yogurt is a favourite among all ages, thanks to the tantalising flavours available in stores now. The calcium in yogurt signals the fat cells to pump out less cortisol, making it easier for you to drop pounds, while the amino acids help to burn fat; are you ready for flat abs? Pinkberry is a fun place to try out some healthy yogurts with your desired flavour and toppings.

Z

Zucchini

Zucchini is one of our favourite veggies and there’s plenty of it in this region. It’s extremely rich in vitamin, minerals and phytonutrients, making it a welcome addition to a calorie-controlled diet.

Zucchini is a type of summer squash, which has a slight sweet flavour to it and can be eaten raw or cooked. Cut zucchini into long, thin strips, and mix with lemon juice, olive oil and pepper for an easy-to-prepare but flavorful salad for a healthy food fix.

Also AvAilAble in ... bAhrAin & QAtAr

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A

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R

An Artistic Celebration ofRoll Arabic Culture Camera

NOVEMBER 2014. VOL 8 ISSUE 03 . BD 1 | SR10

SEPTEMBER 2014. VOL 4 ISSUE 5. QR10 | SR10

for Film Festival Fever

front.indd 1

Have a Haunted Halloween

8/31/14 11:13 AM

OctOber 2014. VOL 1 ISSUe 5. AeD 10 front_filmfestival.indd 1

9/29/14 4:25 PM

@FACTAbuDhabi | @FACTBahrain | @FACT_Qatar fact magazine fact magazine 55 .9

SOCIETY

#URBAN #NEST #EXHIBITION #AT #MALJA Malja â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Red Bull space - had its first short exhibition; Urban Nest, curated by Melchior De Tinguy. This exhibition brought forth the dynamic yet discreet urban art scene. This three weeks exhibition portrayed public their day to day lives through their environment.

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Malja Bahrain

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ARTS

For all you artistic individuals out there, Bahrain now has a dedicated space where you can express your inspirations. Malja opened its doors in Amwaj to offer up a space to learn, create, develop, perform, practice and share talents, by supporting and connecting all types of creative talents.

FACT caught up with Conor Maguire from Spoon dESIGN consultants; the Lead Interior and landscape architect for Malja to learn more about the creative design process behind this beautiful space.

Picture a space where talented people from various fields come together and jam. They share ideas and bring innovative thoughts to the forefront, and there are no boundaries to the level of creativity – just time, space, and resources to do more. This is Malja. It provides artists with the space and tools to unleash their creative side.

In conjunction with Red Bull Bahrain, Malja features an RBMA Quarter Tone Frequency Sound Space, a 28.5sqm area dedicated to general music usage, with a dedicated electronic music production facility. There’s also the Art Room which is a 33sqm space that can house special projects for creating art or accommodating dance groups.

The Gallery is an open 215sqm space with a stage that can host concerts for up to 250 people. Malja is, in short, a space that has been long overdue for Bahrain’s creative community; it allows 58

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individuals to take their passion to a whole new level.

Conor Maguire, originally from Ireland, is one of the people behind the design of Malja. He has been living in Bahrain for the past seven years, and has studied Art Directing and Design Architecture, which led to his exciting job in the architecture field.

We were curious to know how the project to design Malja came about.

He reveals: “We met the Red Bull team to discuss on this new project they had in mind; a concept they wanted to bring to life. The minute we heard it, we wanted to do it; it was more than a space, it was a community hub for artists.”

Both Spoon dESIGN and the Red Bull team worked closely on the name for this special space and soon went for Malja; meaning shelter. Once the name was sorted, it was time to begin the design journey. “Once our concept was in place, we went to the drawing board, zoning the creative areas throughout the building; the circulation, the movement and uses. We then worked closely with the musicians and artists to develop the spaces,” Conor explains.

The spaces developed were the Main entrance, the Gallery; which Conor describes as the heart of Malja, and the Studio Space where experimental sessions will transpire the soul of Malja.

The space was created with a lot of thoughtful elements. Conor tells us more about the materials used: “We used wood partitioning with double layered walls; Marine plywood was used as backing support for many holes, nails etc; these walls will last long.

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“ Onc e ou r c onc ep t was in p lac e, we went to the drawing board, z oning t he c reat iv e areas t hrou g hou t the bu ilding. . .”

01 Conor Maguire (SPOON Design).

02 Malja Exterior 03 Fishermen’s Port 04 Model structure of Malja 05 Tamir URS 06 Malja Bahrain Stage 07 Monstariam performs

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“The pal ett e refl e ct s p ro g res sive ar chi t e ct ur e ton e s; whit e , bl ack, gre ys . . .”

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We used a lot of hard robust materials, which can survive changes in future. We used concrete floors to create a neutral ambience and white paint; gallons of it!” he recalls.

When it came to colour, there was a long thought process involved. We saw that there was a major mix of tones and wanted to know the significance of these. “The palette reflects progressive architecture tones; white, black, greys, allowing the focus to be on the art pieces and the music events,” Conor says. “We worked closely with LumenArts in creating RGB colour change in particular areas, like the Sound Studio as this creates its own experimental atmosphere as the users see fit,” he adds.

Technicalities aside, we want to know how Conor felt about the finished space. He says: “It’s where all the hard work and late studio nights are summed up, YES!! It’s up, running and working.

The atmosphere is absorbing, it is where the users interact with the space, and the space interacts with the users.”

Finally Conor advises budding architects: “Fall in love with the process and the results will follow,” he says.

“There are no shortcuts in architecture so it really is a labour of love; you have to exercise a lot of patience and continue to get better at your craft and the rest will take care of itself.” Sound advice!

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01 Conor Maguire & Sara Valente (SPOON Design).

02 B-Boy Performance 03 Hasan Hujairi talk at RBMA 04 Noof AlRefaei 05 Sara Valente

#U-PLAY #Store #opening UPlay, the first official gaming and electronics trade-in store of the region launched their store at Seef Mall Muharraq. UPlay is a new brand concept for the region. fact magazine

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REVIEWS

Big Screen

Desert Dancer

What’s it about:

A drama based on the true story of a young aspiring dancer in present-day Iran, where dance is banned.

The man is Afshin Ghaffarian, who risks everything to start an underground dance company in his home country, a place where there’s a politically-volatile environment with morality police patrols observing to make sure that citizens abide by the nation’s laws.

Director: Richard Raymond Cast: Reece Ritchie, Freida Pinto, Tom Cullen.

Why it’s worth watching?

Desert Dancer became a much talked-about film after making appearances at film festivals in Cannes, Santa Barbara and Ischia, Italy. And still, critics remain divided on this biographical film. Some argue that it’s another Hollywood take on portraying Iran in an exclusively negative light, while others see it as the story of one man’s ambition and dream to dance, despite having to risk his life to achieve this. Like many true-story-inspired films, Desert Dancer will definitely divide theatre-goers into two camps – the first being those who will watch this film through a solely political lens, as it does bring to the forefront many of Iran’s complexities and clichés; and the second will be those who fall in love, and sympathise, with Afshin’s struggles to do what many consider a very normal and acceptable thing – dance. In this case, it’s difficult to decide where we stand without understanding both sides. The film has been criticised for frequently ignoring the realities of life in Iran, on the other hand, we all know that cinema always has to go overboard in order to be effective, throw in the hero’s struggle with a love story, and you’re left with a stirring plot. We’re going to leave this one up to you!

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Highlights “On the other hand, we all know that cinema always has to go overboard in order to be effective...”

Desert Dancer

“With Jason Statham onboard and a huge part of the film being shot right here in the GCC, in Abu Dhabi, we’re sure there’s going to be a whole lot of on-road thrills in this one.”

Furious 7 What’s it about: Back for round seven, the Fast & Furious crew face bad-man Deckard Shaw who’s out to seek revenge against Dominic Toretto and his family for the death of his brother, Ian Shaw, who was killed in Furious 6.

Furious 7

Win 2 Free Cinema Tickets Redeemable for any film at any Cineco cinema Answer the following question:

In which UAE city was a huge part of Furious 7 filmed?

Email answers to: editorial@factlive.com

Director: James Wan Cast: Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jason Statham, Tyrese, Paul Walker.

Why it’s worth watching?

All eyes are going to be on the Fast family, both on and off screen when Furious 7 hits cinemas in April. This is one franchise that has managed to establish a mega worldwide fan base who continue to turn out and support each installment of the films in their millions.

Of course, this is also an unusuall tight cast and crew as well, one that has gone through some major tough times after the passing of lead cast member Paul Walker. We’re at number seven now, and what we want to see is EPIC car action and some huge risks. With Jason Statham onboard and a huge part of the film being shot right here in the GCC, in Abu Dhabi, we’re sure there’s going to be a whole lot of on-road thrills in this one.

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SOCIETY

#LAUNCH #OF #MERCEDES #BENZ #2015 #CLA-CLASS Al Haddad Motors Mercedes-Benz launched the all-new CLA-Class, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most aerodynamic production car at the Al Haddad Motors showroom in Tubli. The event was attended by VIP guests, employees of the showroom and members of the media.

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F1

F1 AT BIC

Season PReview - 2014 All Over Again?

Mercedes look triumphant, Ferrari look grimly determined, McLaren look resigned, and Red Bull are throwing their toys out of the cotâ&#x20AC;Ś

COMPETITION! WIN WITH BIC AND FACT!

How cool are these F1themed tattoos? Make sure to apply yours during the F1 weekend - take a pic and instagram it using #bahraingp #FactF1Fun for your chance to WIN some exciting prizes! fact magazine

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BAHRAIN F1

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fter pre-season testing and the first race in Australia, initial signs all point to 2015 being largely dominated by the Silver Arrows once again. Mercedes were untouched in pre-season testing, and they were untouchable in the opening race in Melbourne.

Lewis Hamilton took the chequered flag and Nico Rosberg followed him across the line to complete the Mercedes one-two. Third place went to Sebastian Vettel, who crossed the line in his Ferrari a whopping 33 seconds after Rosberg.

The best Red Bull could do was a sixth place for Daniel Ricciardo, whilst McLaren had an awful weekend with Button coming last of the eleven cars that actually finished the race, with teammate Magnussen retiring before the start of the race along with Daniil Kvyat driving in Alonso’s place for Red Bull. Button was lapped twice by the two Mercedes.

So how have the teams reacted to the current outlook for the 2015 season.

Well, McLaren are surprisingly upbeat, adopting an “it can only get better” attitude, whilst Ferrari look seriously determined to eat away at that halfminute gap between them and Mercedes to capitalise on any mistakes made and win some races.

However, the biggest sulks so far have, surprisingly, come from Red Bull, with team boss Christian Horner saying Mercedes F1 need to be reigned in ‘for the good of the sport’, and actually threatening to take their toys and go home after this season if something isn’t done! This might seem childish and hypocritical seeing as they utterly dominated the sport for four years, and were the first to express outrage if anyone suggested the same for them.

However, other powerful figures in F1 are agreeing, including Bernie Ecclestone, who said that a two-horse race isn’t good for the sport, and that there are regulations that can be put into effect to deal with exactly this type of scenario.

These regulations were, in fact, applied to Red Bull during their glory years, such as the episode with the rear diffuser in 2012.

So, for 2015, we can expect the FIA to introduce some measure to try and even the field a little, but with such a

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BAHRAIN F1

strong advantage we don’t think this will affect Mercedes’ championship chances too much. Williams also look strong with their Mercedes engines, and we can certainly expect improvements from Ferrari and some good results from other Ferrari powered teams like Sauber.

The Renault engine seems to be a bit of a lame duck for Red Bull this year, and as for McLaren-Honda? Well, as they said, it can only get better….

2015 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at BIC So what can we expect from Bahrain’s race, now over a decade old (can you

believe it?), and only getting better with age? Once again, this year will be a night race, which everyone enjoyed immensely last year for three main reasons: One - the weather was cooler. Two more people could attend as the race was outside of working hours. And three - the BIC looked completely awesome lit up at night! Last year saw 85,000 people walk through the turnstiles over the course of the three days, and this year the BIC are looking to surpass those figures.

Part of their campaign has been a giveaway of the stunning Jaguar F-Type S Coupe, which is being raffled off to one lucky ticket holder on April 11th, so

make sure you get your ticket ASAP to be in with a chance of winning.

There has been an amazing line up of entertainment booked for this year’s F1 Weekend too, but you can read more about that on p34.

And finally, the usual much-loved support series will also be taking place over the weekend, with the F1 feeder series the GP2 staging round one of its 2015 series at the Bahrain GP, and the awesome Porsche GT3 Cup Challenger roaring into town as well for the final race of its 2014/2015 season.

All in all, it looks to be a fantastic weekend, so don’t miss out! fact magazine

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REVIEWS

on the record

Fully Booked

Non-Fiction

Angry Bitch! Who Are You? I Love You

By Lulu Brix Mahaini

HIP-HOP/RAP

The Album About Nothing

By Wale

There’s something intriguing about the elusive Wale; he sends out deep, philosophical tweets about life, always gives fans crazy amounts of creativity through his music, and his discography is filled with a mix of highs and lows. So, it’s fair to say that we’re excited, if not anxious, to hear his latest material on The Album About Nothing. With 2013’s number one The Gifted out of date and his more recent, fan-approved and critically-acclaimed, Festivius mixtape now partied out, the DC rapper returns to his long-time obsession with Seinfield, which he employed on two of his past (and very successful) mixtapes. This 14-track record is Wale’s fourth studio album and features the likes of Jeremih on The Body, Usher on The Matrimony, and appearances from J.Cole, SZA and Jerry Seinfeld himself.

He’s definitely one of the most interesting hip-hop stars of today, and Maybach Music Group is definitely letting Wale do what he does best, that is, produce music from his grassroots. Oh, and did we mention the cool album artwork by artist and designer Sue Tsai? Now let’s see if Wale can turn ‘Nothing’ into, well, a thing!

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ALTERNATIVE/ EMO-POP

Future Hearts

By All Time Low They started out as a high-school cover band off as a cover band and quickly morphed into a melodic emo-pop act that still remain poppunk’s biggest heroes. There’s something this foursome do which many in the music industry today don’t possess, that is, having a real knack for penning straight-up sing-along anthems.

This is what you’re going to get on Future Hearts. We’ve already heard Something’s Gotta Give, a track that starts off a little lighter than expected but kicks in to give those awesome energetic punk-pop sounds, and if the rest of the album follows suit then fans are in for a massive musical treat. This is All Time Low’s sixth studio album, and the band does not slip up a single time, something that will have been helped by the input of producer John Feldmann and exciting new collabos with Blink 182’s Mark Hoppus (on Tidal Wave) and Good Charlotte’s Joel Madden (on Bail Me Out). Hot off a hugely successful UK tour with You Me At Six, there’s never been so much anticipation for an All Time Low album as there is for Future Hearts.

Whatever they’re doing musically, they should continue, because it’s really working!

“This is All Time Low’s sixth studio album, and the band does not slip up a single time...”

When anger starts to take control over your life, helplessness creeps in. This book is all about self-development, with real-life examples that the author goes through to make peace with her feelings of rage and depression. The day she said ‘I do’ she was complimented by her husband on how happy she always is. When that happiness turned into anger, she felt like an Angry Bitch! Blaming others was her first call, but when she found herself unreasonably angry with her two innocent daughters, that’s when she realised, some inner work needs to be done. Read about the interactive tools she used to find her true self and turn into a wiser, happier, and back-in-control individual.

FICTION

Keeping Faith

By Jodi Picoult

Faith, a seven year old kid witnesses her parent’s marriage fall apart. With her mother, Mariah struggle with depression, Faith seeks solace in a new friend; imaginary or not is the question? Faith talks to her ‘Guard’ constantly and begins to recite passages from the Bible; a book she’s never read. Fearful for her daughter’s sanity, Mariah sends her to several psychiatrists. Yet when Faith develops stigmata and begins to perform miraculous healings, Mariah wonders if her daughter might indeed be seeing God. As word spreads, Mariah and Faith are caught in a media circus. The book is all about the motherdaughter duos journey from there on; interesting and intriguing! The mystery of the reality keeps you going, as a reader.

#NATIONAL #Breakfast #DAY #AT #McDonald’s twelve of McDonald’s restaurants in Bahrain gave away up to 1,000 free Egg McMuffins from 6am to 10am in celebration of national breakfast day.

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m c de ll live rrry.c om .b h m m c c de de ive ive y.c y.c om om .b .bh m c de l ive r y.c om .b h h fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#SEEF #MALL #MUHARRAQ #MEDIA #TOUR To commemorate the opening of Bahrainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first waterfront shopping destination, Seef Mall Muharraq management hosted a guided tour of the mall for members of the media. The waterfront shopping destination features a Geant hypermarket, 132 stores, a 14-theatre Cineplex, a food court, restaurants and Magic Island. Many of the malls outlets are now operational, with more still to open.

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On the Road to Health & Fitness One of the best ways to get on the fast track to a healthier you is by taking a trip to a wellness retreat and having professionals plan a personalised health programme just for you! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve picked six of the best spots where you can go for a fitness fix to get summer-readyâ&#x20AC;Ś

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Globetrotter

Serious Strength

Wildfitness, Kenya At Wildfitness it’s all about encouraging a lifestyle philosophy based on nature and evolution, to make real changes to your body, helping it become leaner and stronger for more vibrant and healthy living. Tucked away on the north coast of Kenya near Watamu, Wildfitness overlooks a gorgeous white-sand beach with amazing fitness schedules for guests.

After an initial assessment, you can take part in a personalised wellness programme that monitors your movements, patterns and running technique. Packed with workshops on everything from nutrition to flexibility, movement classes, adventure training, and everything in-between, this is one place to seriously kick-start your path to a healthier you. GO: Visit www. wildfitness.com or call +44 7415 884312 for more information.

Weight Loss

Kamalaya, Thailand Located on the stunning island of Koh Samui, this wellness sanctuary and holistic spa resort has all the right tools for those looking to shed kilos in a healthy way. Once used as a spiritual retreat for Buddhist monks, the island of Koh Sumai has been a place of quiet rejuvenation for centuries. This resort is surrounded by electric green 72

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forests, sacred caves, sandy beaches with palm trees, and clear blue water.

Kamalaya offers a selection of ‘Wellness Programmes’ that will have you feeling as good as new in no time. These include yoga, optimum fitness, detox, stress and burnout, fitness, weight control or a combination of all. A more personalised experience can be put together by the team of international pros for a programme that also includes holistic medicine, spa and healing therapies.

GO: Visit www.kamalaya.com or call +66 77 429 800 for more information.

Get Active

38 Degrees North, Ibiza For those looking to tone and shape up, Ibiza has more to offer than just nightlife.

Located on the east coast of the island in Aguas de Ibiza, 38 Degrees North boasts an enormous spa and three restaurants, as well as specially trained health and fitness to help you get fit, fast. This place is all about getting your fitness flying, coupled with nutritious food and cutting-edge slimming treatments and spa therapies.

Here you can build your ideal health programme and choose from four “fusion elements” (cardio, strength and sport, mind and body and renewal), as part of the Fusion Fitness holidays. There’s everything from a kick-boxing champion, to a chiropractor, and the best state-of-

GLOBETROTTER

the-art equipment to assist you along the way. GO: Visit www.thirtyeightdegreesnorth. com or call +44 7527 40789 for more information.

Detox and De-stress

The Farm at San Benito, Philippines If it’s a full body cleanse that you’re looking for, look no further than The Farm at San Benito. You’ll get hardcore overhaul here, which begins with indepth consultations with a medical professional and fitness trainer, who will help to tailor your stay to your own detox goals. You might be put on a specialised juice diet to eliminate toxins; you might even have colon hydrotherapy, followed by a relaxing body wrap and massage – it all depends on what you want to get out of the stay. As well as the healing sanctuary side, there are plenty of movement and fitness activities like a variety of dance and circuit training, nature walks and meditation too.

GO: Visit www.thefarmatsanbenito.com or call +632 884 8074 for more information.

this health retreat will take your breath away! Imagine scenic blue lakes, snowcapped mountains, and miles upon miles of greenery, it’ll be hard not to fall in love with this place. Set amongst a sub-alpine wonderland on South Island, New Zeland, Aro Hā is a transition space designed to encourage adventure, self-development, alternative health and fitness, and connectivity with nature.

Whether it’s sweat-inducing TRX classes, calming Vinyasa yoga sessions, or a hike through NZ’s rugged landscape, Aro Hā is Zen-inspired luxury that incorporates holistic and therapeutic practices too.

GO: Visit www.aro-ha.com or call +64 3 442 7011 for more information.

a luxurious and healthy break from reality. We’re talking hot springs, detox programmes and fabulous natural healing plans which include an endless choice of therapy sessions and activities like yoga, Pilates, Turkish bath, Ozone therapy, Shockwave Therapy, Mud Therapy, exercise programmes and lots more for those looking to rejuvenate.

The resort is staffed by medical professionals and trained experts, so you are in safe hands that will guide you to your health goals.

GO: Visit www.natur-med.com.tr or call +90 256 657 80 for more information.

Thermal Healing

Natur-Med Thermal Springs And Health Resort, Turkey Set along the Aegean coast, the NaturMed Thermal Springs and Health Resort is an exotic wonderland that offers guests

Connect With Nature

Aro Hā Wellness Retreat, New Zealand With the motto ‘adventures in wellbeing’ fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#FOUR #SEASONS #BAHRAIN #BAY #ribbon #cutting Under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Khalid Bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, The Four Season Hotel Bahrain Bay had their Ribbon Cutting Ceremony amongst distinguished guests and members of the media. An exclusive dinner was served at the Bahrain Bay Kitchen with a lavish buffet of International cuisine.

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Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris

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HOTEL SPOTLIGHT

There’s something charming about Parisian lifestyle; café culture, quaint streets, stunning galleries and museums, beautiful architecture and districts dedicated to art and design. THE Le Royal Monceau, Raffles PARIS reflectS all of this with true elegance and warm hospitality...

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he art of luxury is refined to a tee at Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris. Blending the romance of France’s capital with the legendary name and hospitality of Raffles, this hotel is everything that travellers to the city would want, and so much more. It’s chic, sophisticated and boasts a location in the heart of Paris that will get your traveller heart beating every time you step out the front door. Originally opened in 1928, Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris, remains one of the essential spots in which to experience the beauty, style and social buzz of this extraordinary city.

The hotel is aesthetically stunning, appealing to every visitor who wants a piece of classic European life with a touch of grandeur. It was recently refurbished by French designer Philippe 76

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Starck, and you’ll find his art deco-inspired creativity in the decadent, modern décor like exposed brickwork, lavish carpets and iron railings, as well as other plush furnishings. Team all of this with a fantastic location, impeccable facilities and service, its daring mix of art and architecture, culture and cuisine, and design and high drama, there’s no wonder why Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris continues to attract the la belle élite of today. We checked in on a beautiful spring day and were met with immaculate service and friendly staff who, as we learned throughout our stay, were willing to go above and beyond to make our time in Paris and at the hotel more than comfortable. For example, art enthusiasts will be thrilled to learn that the hotel has a dedicated art concierge – seriously, how awesome is that?

The Suite Life The iconic eras of the 1940s and 50s inspired all rooms and suites, designed by Starck. The luxurious chic décor is in tune with the Art Deco heritage of the building, but has a striking and inspiring individuality. The hotel has 11 different luxurious rooms and suites to choose from and a total of 149 quarters including three exquisite Presidential Suites. We’d highly recommend the Junior Suite; decked out with swish, duvetlike carpet, individual artworks, huge beds, a spacious living area, a mirror-lined bathroom with monsoon shower and a separate dressing room. The state-of-the-art equipment, including a television concealed behind a mirror, as well as the unique art pieces on the wall and spacious walk-in closet, fit seamlessly with the art deco.

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HOTEL SPOTLIGHT

We loved the Clarins amenities, the fact that you can get a Wii and Playstation upon request, and, wait for it, an acoustic guitar so you can express your creativity – amazing! This charming suite is great for couples or small families who want a little extra touch of class during their stay.

Dining Parisian-Style France is famed for its Michelin-star chefs and excellent cuisine, and this is no different at Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris. You have great options here that combine the best of the local culture and cuisine with dishes from around the world. Each has its own atmosphere and setting – something to suit every mood and palate.

Elegant La Cuisine, where breakfast is served, has an open kitchen with a contemporary French menu – try the pan- sautéed beef fillet from Normandy, and don’t forget to indulge in pastries from Pierre Hermé. At Il Carpaccio – a Michelin-star holder – things get deliciously gastro. This restaurant is dedicated to Italian fine-dining and boasts stunning Sicilian baroque decor in a conservatory overlooking the garden – perfect for a romantic dinner. Located at the heart of the hotel, Le Bar Long is a high, long, narrow and luminous bar, that welcomes guests all day long for cocktails and tapas, set in the style of an old-school Parisian salon. Then there’s the Terrace Garden, where al fresco dining is a delight. Of course, there’s 24-hour in-room dining too with an extensive choice and a special children’s menu too.

Relaxation Refined The hotel would be incomplete without a spa, and boy is this a great one. A temple of wellbeing and contemporary beauty, the spa at Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris, the first for My Blend

by Clarins, is a paradise of pure white; a 1,500 square meter space that includes a 23-metre infinity pool, the longest ever built in a luxury Paris hotel. The exclusive treatments, relaxation rooms including a hammam, laconium room and sauna, and dedicated fitness coaches, make this spa a temple to pure emotional luxury. The spa can be accessed directly from every floor, and like the rest of the hotel, this haven provides the art of relaxation and wellbeing with bucket-loads of professionalism and a lovely personal touch.

All About Location As much as we loved spending time in our suite, there was SO much around that is totally worth getting out of bed for! The hotel is located on 78

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the prestigious Avenue Hoche, within walking distance of the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysées and the beautiful Parc Monceau, ideal for guests to fully experience the rich and vibrant atmosphere of Paris. It’s 45 minutes from both airports, Roissy Charles de Gaulle and Orly; 30 minutes from Gare de Lyon; and a mere 20 minutes from Eurostar station – Gare du Nord.

We have to applaud the fantastic service, the attentive staff, the remarkable facilities and the perfect location; Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris is truly one of the finest luxury hotels in the world and a worthy addition to the Raffles lineage.

GO: Visit www.leroyalmonceau.com or call +33 1 4299 8800 for reservations and more information..

SOCIETY

#ECCO #STORE #REOPENING The Ecco store at the City Centre Bahrain re-opened, with a brand-new experience for customers. With the new collection displayed at the store, the Al Rashid Group team were present at the re-opening. A raffle draw took place, and three winners were given a voucher to purchase any one pair of shoe at the Ecco Store.

Department of Dentistry

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Royal Bahrain Hospital

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@RoyalBahrainHospital |www.royalbahrainhospital.com

SOCIETY

#ROSSO #OPENING #AT #ART #ROTANA #AMWAJ ART Rotana Amwaj marked the opening of the hotel’s latest outlet ‘Rosso’; a rustic Italian restaurant. The fun-filled occasion featured entertainment including live music, facepainting, surprise treats for the children and an array of culinary delights of authentic Italian cuisine. The event was attended by His Excellency Marco Esposto, Deputy Head of Mission, Italian Embassy in Bahrain, members of the media and the local community.

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A Majestic Getaway Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas

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TRIED & TESTED

Away from chaotic city life there’s a pristine beachfront location waiting for you in Abu Dhabi. WITH turquoise waters, a sandy beach, and stunning grounds, FACT stayed at the breathtaking Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, nestled on Saadiyat Island. Let us take you on our beautiful weekend escape…

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s we drove up to the hotel’s entrance, we were left speechless. This property is lavish. Like elegant palace lavish.

It’s mesmerising architecture and scenic setting unfolded in front of us as we got closer and we were in awe. After a smooth checkin process, the concierge walked us to our room, giving us a short overview of the hotel and its facilities. In fact, all the staff were impressively knowledgable and very friendly.

LAVISH LIVING The hotel houses a total of 306 luxurious rooms, suites and villas, which are very generously sized. We occupied the Park Twin Room that combines contemporary style with local cultural touches. At first you’ll feel like it’s a maze, with a hidden (and much welcomed) surprise behind every sliding door. Featuring a huge, furnished private balcony, where sipping your morning coffee is bliss, this room is a cosy choice with all

your required facilities. It has two twin beds, a sofa and dining space, a large desk, and modern amenities like a 42-inch LED TV, mp3 player docking station, Nespresso coffee maker (which is a massive win) and, of course, a well-stocked mini-bar. The bathroom is drop-dead gorgeous featuring an open-plan marble space including dual vanity sinks, walk-in rain shower and a deep soaking stand-alone Toto bathtub – lovely!

Add to this complimentary WIFI access in the room and around the hotel, and you’re in for a pretty perfect stay.

Fabulous FARE The dining options here are just as impressive as the location of the hotel. Serving an array of cuisines, the hotel offers elegant restaurants from all-day dining to an al-fresco beach house experience and even a superb steakhouse grill.

If you’re a meat-lover, check out The Park Bar & Grill for dinner – its menu is extensive, and food

TRIED & TESTED

time of year when the weather is just right, the water is warm and provides an absolute treat for swimmers, snorkelers, and those who want to take a dip. Advice: head to the beach just after breakfast so you can bag yourself a good spot – it’s a part of the Park Hyatt experience not to be missed at any cost.

PAMPER PERFECTION

is delicious beyond words. The Cafe is an am to pm restaurant that showcases international cuisines. There’s The Library, serving select tea and coffee specialties. Go for the restaurant with a divine view; The Beach House with its delicious Mediterranean dishes. An absolute must is the Park Brunch on Fridays. With mouthwatering variety, you’ll be in foodie heaven for a few hours. We loved the live-cooking stations! Let’s not forget breakfast. It’s spread across The Park and The Cafe, offering the finest breads, pancakes and omelettes, to name but a few of the many brekkie options – truly scrumptious.

A Fairytale Beach The dramatic panorama of the nine-kilometre beach and the beauty of the sand dunes felt like we were living a fairytale for the weekend. Yes, it’s the GCC, and yes, it’s a piece of paradise.

Available for guest use only, the beach is the most striking area of the hotel. Doted with comfy sun loungers and complimentary towels and water, you’ll easily fall in love with this place.

The crystal-clear water glides the shoreline as you have a quick nap or sunbathing session under a beautiful blue sky – cloud nine or what?

It doesn’t get more picturesque than this. At this

Atarmia Spa is an extraordinary destination within the hotel, offering state-of-the-art fitness, body and facial treatments. After a few hours spent exploring the city and chilling by the beach, a relaxing facial was just what we needed.

Oxygen Awakening is what we went for! Designed especially for frequent flyers (like us) and those exposed to environmental pollution, this facial decongests, oxygenates and re-energises for a healthy glow. To our pleasant surprise, the results of the facial lasted for days to come.

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas has it all, and from the moment you step in, you’ll be cared for with a personal touch and treated to a piece of paradise. Plan your getaway to this splendid resort, today!

GO: Call +971 2407 1234 or visit www.abudhabi.park. hyatt.com for bookings and more information fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#COLOURAMA #AT #BUSHIDO Bushido hosted the dazzling Colourama where DJ and producer JustKott who has performed across the globe, heated up the party with a Latino flavour. Performed with the likes of Ricky Martin, Los Del Rio and Bananarama, JustKott is currently resident DJ at Buddha Bar, Paris and is well known for creating the hottest atmosphere in town.

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The 2015 Audi S3 Quattro

CITY RIDES - S3

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ISLAND RIDES

The Audi S3 proves the old adage that sometimes good things really do come in small packages – luxury, power, performance, all in a compact sedan!

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It was sometime early last year ( June 2014, to be exact) that we drove the Audi A3 sedan, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Though front wheel drive, it was a nippy and agile car that was huge fun to drive.

However, upon returning to the showroom with the A3 and telling the Audi rep how much we enjoyed it, his words were simply, “Oh yeah? Just wait till the S3 gets here…”

And waited we have, for almost a year in fact, but the wait was certainly worth it. Last month we finally got our hands on the Audi S3 Quattro, a compact sports sedan that takes an excellent platform to whole new realms of awesome.

With Audi’s 2.0l turbocharged TFSI fourpot that puts out 296hp, it’s not as powerful as the similar engine in the A 45 AMG, which boasts 360hp, but here’s the rub: the A 45 AMG hits 100km/h in 4.6 seconds, whilst the S3 does it in just 4.9, but the S3 is several thousand dinars cheaper than the Mercedes. Are the extra three tenths of a

second worth that much?

When you climb into the S3 and take it for a spin, the difference won’t matter at all, because it is simply an absolute blast to drive, with a superb soundtrack thanks to the racy growl from the quad exhausts. It was a wet and windy day in Bahrain when we hit the streets, but it made practically no difference at all to the excellent Quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Power is nominally sent to the front wheels, but the rear wheels come in to play whenever required to reign in any understeer, and thanks to the Quattro system, excellent balance, squat stance and light weight the levels of grip and agility are huge.

Despite this, the ride quality never becomes jarring – Audi have managed that delicate combination of agility and ride comfort that so many compact sports cars fail to achieve.

We were throwing the little sedan around on the slick streets with a level of confidence that very few other cars could inspire, and

ISLAND RIDES

we were enjoying every last second of it. We honestly challenge anyone to take this car for a spin and not hand it back with a smile on your face.

The interior does plenty of justice to the rest of the car – leather sports seats, the excellent Audi infotainment system with retractable screen, Bang & Olufsen stereo system with superb audio quality, rear parking camera, and just a really premium, stylish and well-built feel to everything. The only drawback is a lack of legroom in the rear seats that would be a problem for tall people on long journeys. In that regard, trunk space is somewhat limited too, so big luggage for four people is out of the question.

But the S3 isn’t a grand tourer, it’s a city car. The compact size and reverse camera make it a breeze to park, and it slices through traffic like a hot knife through butter. The Audi S3 makes a mundane commute or trip to the shops enjoyable, and that is why it’s worth every penny! fact magazine

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Isuzu MU-X While on the surface this is simply a budget seven seater that’s largely similar to the well-known D-Max pickup, the Isuzu MU-X does throw up a few surprises…

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The MU-X is a big move for Isuzu, as it’s the first foray into the passenger SUV segments since the Isuzu Trooper was discontinued about a decade ago.

They’re perhaps best known for their commercial pickup truck, the D-Max, which is largely used in East Asian countries such as Thailand as passenger vehicles due to the tax breaks on commercial vehicles.

And Thailand is probably where Isuzu were aiming most with this car, as the pickup-to-SUV platform crossover has worked very well over there with cars such as the Toyota Fortuner. But this market also spills over into countries such as the Philippines and Australia, where rural roads are less than perfect and cheap off-roaders are extremely popular.

But how will it fare in the Middle East, where the SUV segments are extremely competitive and bigger and

bolder is better?

Well, its main hurdle is the fact that it’s a diesel, and very obviously so from the moment you switch on the engine – there’s simply no escaping the fact. And I don’t mean the model I drove, I mean full stop. The 2.5l turbo diesel is the only engine available in the MU-X, and this is something that the Gulf simply isn’t used to. Anywhere else in the world – Europe, Asia, Australia – this wouldn’t be a problem, as in those markets the many benefits of a diesel engine are well known. The excellent Land Rover Defender uses a similar engine.

So let’s run through those benefits.

Firstly, they’re famously reliable, which is why they’re used on most commercial vehicles in the world. Secondly, they’re highly economical. We put the MU-X through its paces for four days, and only used about half the tank. Thirdly, while diesel engines don’t have huge amounts

ISLAND RIDES

of horsepower, meaning that they’re not very fast, they do have huge amounts of torque, which means that they’re powerful. The MU-X won’t win any races, but when we took it off-road the torque pulled us through several sticky situations without fuss. It just kept on chugging! It has an adjustable transmission that can switch between 2WD, 4WD-high and 4WD-low, allowing for good versatility on varying road surfaces.

The next benefit of the MU-X was its size. It’s a large SUV, with three rows of seating and collapsible second and third row seats, allowing for huge amounts of storage space, and excellent practicality.

Inside, the interior does look like a budget SUV, but the features make up for the fact. For example, you get a multi-function display on the centre console, Bluetooth connectivity on the infotainment system, steering wheel

mounted controls, remote central locking and more.

The Isuzu MU-X doesn’t make any grand claims as to what it is. It’s a budget SUV, and proudly so. As long as you approach it with that idea in mind, you’ll be pleased with what you’ll find, which is a spacious, comfortable and practical seven-seater that’s incredibly inexpensive to run. These are the reasons for its considerable commercial success in East Asia and Australia. fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#PUNT #ROMA #MOTHER’S #DAY #CELEBRATION Punt Roma store at City Centre Bahrain had an exclusive Mother’s Day celebration.

Jennifer Perrin gave professional makeup tips to the guests, with some makeup sessions.

The massage station by Rimal Spa, Movenpick Hotel Bahrain was a therapeutic point for the moms. A raffle draw announced winners with amazing prizes from Movenpick and a grand prize from Punt Roma.

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ADVERTORIAL

VIVA Rewards Thousands of Customers to Mark 5-year Anniversary VIVA has expressed its gratitude by rewarding thousands of its loyal customers to mark its 5th anniversary milestone.…

Besides hosting a series of activities as part of the celebrations, VIVA also offered its customers 50% off at Bahrain Cinema Company (CineCo) tickets booked online, in addition to offering 1GB free data for both prepaid and postpaid customers.

Alongside these amazing offers, VIVA spread its anniversary celebrations by reaching out to customers through social media on its VIVA BH Instagram account by asking followers to identify and name previous VIVA advertisements. Another Instagram competition invited customers to post pictures that best represent the number five. The lucky winners were rewarded with Go Pro, Play Station, Samsung Galaxy S5 and iPhone 6.

VIVA’s retail shops were filled with a celebratory energy, and special gifts were given out to customers holding queue tickets numbers 5, 55, and 555 or calling the call centre. The lucky winners were given a BD20 voucher each.

The surprises extended as VIVA surprised McDonald’s drive-thru customers, where every 5th customer had their bills settled by VIVA on March 3.

“We were really happy to host all these activities for our customers and look forward to surprising and rewarding them even more in the future. Our ongoing success and achievements could not have been met if it wasn’t for our customers’ support and loyalty,” said Eng. Ulaiyan Al Wetaid.

GO: Follow VIVA on twitter: @VIVA_BH and visit www.viva.com.bh for more information. fact magazine

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PLUGGED-IN

App-licious Today’s tech-savvy generation of smartphones and tablets means the world is at your fingertips, literally! FACT has three great apps to download for your device, keeping you plugged-in to all the best techie help for every area of life...

Health & Fitness

Health & Fitness Nike + Running (iOS, Android)

My Net Diary Calorie Counter (iOS, Android)

Walking is the best and easiest exercise, and if you have an app that records the number of steps you have walked, voila, there’s no excuse to go on foot now! Pedometer calculates all the numbers, including the distance, speed and time. Push the start button and get marching with the smartphone in your hand. To get the correct number of burned calories enter your age, gender, and weight and step length for accurate results.

You can view a graph with all the information accessible at anytime.

Running is an exhaustive exercise, but the results are worth the effort. This app with its very obvious name tracks your runs; whether you’re a light jogger, a first time runner, a power walker or a sprinting veteran. On the trail, treadmill or streets, the MotionX feature combines your phone’s GPS and accelerometer for the most accurate tracking of your distance, pace and time. Get the measurement and motivation you need to run farther and faster. What are you waiting for, put on your running shoes and get set go!

If you need motivation to get fit and healthy - this is the app for it. Make some realistic weight goals and lose weight in a steady fashion. My Net Diary allows you to track your body facts and health observations that will direct you towards your weight goal by giving you personal diet tips based on your diary entries. The app also suggests you the type of exercise you can follow, recommends Daily Calorie Budget, based on target weight. These are just some of the features; download the app today and get going!

Pedometer (iOS, Android)

Health & Fitness

Download our app for FREE! Stay connected and get FACT magazine on your phone or tablet. Get the latest issue at your fingertips, and enter the world of FACT whenever and wherever you are!

Please note: the fact app is available for IPHONE, iPad and ANDROID. It will soon be available on other platforms too.

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Step 1 Download FACT to your device and flick through at leisure.

Step 2 Want to share what you like? Click on the scissors and zoom in.

Step 3 A number of social networks will drop down.

Choose one and hit post.

SOCIETY

#AWA #ART #EXHIBITION #AT #SWISS-BELHOTEL The AWA hosted a grand exhibit; The Visions Art Exhibition displaying fine art and photography at the Swiss-Belhotel. Participants from various backgrounds, residing in Bahrain portrayed their creations; therefore each piece of art was a reflection of their personal styles, subjects and approaches.

BLDG 275, Road 3606, Block 336 A dliya www.casame xicanabh.com Facebook: casame xicana-bahr ain Instagr am:casame xicanabh Phone: +973 17715521

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CORRECT USAGE OF THE LOGO The Tickets logo has been specially designed as a unit and must not be recreated. These correct variations of the logos HYL Z\WWSPLK ^P[O [OL VMÄJPHS IYHUK HY[^VYR *VUZPZ[LU[ application of the logos will reinforce Tickets as a brand.

TICKETS LOGO ON BLACK BACKGROUND

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TICKETS LOGO ON WHITE BACKGROUND

fact magazine TICKETS LOGO ON COLORED BACKGROUND

Placement on a horizontal format (logos section)

1 COLOR BLACK & WHITE TICKETS LOGO ON WHITE BACKGROUND

Z ARA F AS H I O N

Z ARA S P RI N G S U M M ER 2 0 1 5 As the Spring/Summer fashion season gets into full swing, the fashion scene is changing once more with new trends hitting the malls all the time. This month there was one collection that caught our attention - the SS15â&#x20AC;&#x2122; men and women styles from Spanish brand Zara. We love that Zara has incorporated a number of trends seen on the fashion week runways by famous designers and turned these into high street attire that all the stylish guys and girls out there can don on a daily basis. Check out the campaign shots and our product picks right here... fact magazine

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Fashion focus

Z ARA fo r h e r

ZARA’S NEW collection has landed - and the wait was worth it. WE ALL KNOW THAT FASHION HAS A TREND CYCLE AND IT SEEMS THAT ZARA HAS TAKEN EVERYTHING FROM THE SS15 RUNWAYS AND CREATED A LINE THAT WILL TRULY CATER TO EVERY WOMAN. Fast-fashion king, Spanish super brand Zara presents its SS15 season’s lookbook of women’s clothes. Zara has moved toward a more tailored, classically feminine aesthetic. Reflecting the SS15 catwalks, the pieces are striped and 70s-inspired with a big focus on flared denims, suede attire and footwear, and cute dresses decked out in lace and gingham prints. Summer shorts and structured tees are teamed with embroidered waistcoats and tasseled bucket bags, giving the collection an eclectic feel. Among the androgynous styles, there are statement vinyl skirts, midi heels and even the injection of animal print accessories. There’s pretty embellished dresses, sleeveless jackets, floral patterns and paisley brocade. The colour palette includes navy, black and neutral grounded shades. If that wasn’t enough, as well as every piece looking timelessly chic, the collection is totally affordable too!

Zara is one of the largest international fashion companies. It belongs to Inditex, one of the world’s largest distribution groups. For this world-famous fashion brand the customer is at the heart of its unique business model, which includes design, production, distribution and sales through an extensive retail network.

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Fashion focus

TAILORED LINES, OUTDOOR INSPIRATION, AND CASUAL YET STYLISH COMFORT is EVERYTHING THAT ZARA’S MEN’S FASHION OFFERING INCLUDES FOR THE SS15 SEASON.

Z ARA fo r H I M The fashion retail giant is leaving no style stone unturned when it comes to the Zara Man SS15 collection. Perfect for celebrating the region’s warm weather (and especially with the sandstorms and gusty winds that we’ve had) this collection is clean-cut and great for all the on-trend men out there. Recruiting the face and limbs of models Matthew Holt, Victor Nylander, and David Flinn, the campaign is shot somewhere serene and lakeside at dusk. Tailoring is updated with modern cuts that sit ultra slim – an excuse to update your tired blazer with a sharp new one or your everyday coat with a sleek jacket; while grey and taupe are the dominant suit colours, with jolts of bold shades like orange, thrown in the mix. Minimalism creeps over on knitwear too with subtle stripes offering a touch of aesthetic personality to sweaters. A navy Harrington jacket (think slim bomber) and seventies-look polos in mauve and tobacco hues round out offduty looks. For outerwear, Zara offers two main options: a trench in pop-orange or classic navy - both daring and super stylish choices.

Some of the key pieces from the collection include colourful trench coats, slim-fit blazers, and the Harrington jacket. fact magazine

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ELEGANT OVERSIZED COAT

RED ANORAK-STYLE JACKET

SLOGAN-EMBOSSED T-SHIRT

BLACK & WHITE CASUAL TEE

FLORAL-INSPIRED KNITWEAR

FAIRYTALE FLORAL SHIRT

70S INSPIRED BLOCK DRESS

GREEN TAILORED BLAZER

fo r h e r

CHECKED DENIM SHIRT

GEOMETRIC-STYLE T-SHIRT

GARDEN-FLORAL PRINT TOP

STRIPED EMBELLISHED TOP

Fashion Focus

Shop t h e b r a nd

Here is our wishlist from ZARA’S SPRING SUMMER 2015 collection. Shop the SEASON’S LOOKS AT YOUR NEAREST ZARA STORE.

fo r H i m

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STYLE

H&M Sunglasses

Bershka FLOWER-INSPIRED HAIR ACCESSORY miss selfridge GLAM DAY-TO-NIGHT PONCHO

Lipsy FLORAL SLEEVELESS TEE

Boho Chic THE FAMOUS FESTIVAL LOOK IS BACK, AND IT’S BOLDER AND BRIGHTER THAN EVER. We’re talking over-the-top prints, clashing colours and super-cool boho-inspired statement fashion. perfect for warm spring days, check out our favourite high street picks.

H&M TROPICAL PRINT KIMONO JACKET

BERSHKA BEADED STATEMENT BRACELET Desigual PSYCHEDELIC PRINT TROUSERS

NEW LOOK FUNKY FLORAL PLATFORMS

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H&M COACHELLA CASUAL BAG

BERSHKA bohemian-style earrings

MONSOON EMBELLISHED DAY SKIRT

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STYLE

RAY BAN SUNGLASSES

ASOS QUILTED-PRINT JERSEY ASOS BUCKET HAT

H&M RED T-SHIRT

Word Up

BERSHKA CASUAL T-SHIRT

ASOS BLACK & WHITE SHORTS

Nothing makes more of a statement than slogan-stamped attire. WITH SPRING IN FULL SWING AND SUMMER AROUND THE CORNER, THIS SS15 SEASON IS ALL ABOUT MAKING FASHION WAVES WITH WORDS. HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF our FAVOURITE HIGH STREET PICKS.

H&M CASUAL DAYTIME TEE TOPMAN CHILL-OUT SHORTS

NEXT AZTEC-STAMPED TRAINER

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NEW LOOK CASUAL BLUE SWEATER

MARKS & SPENCER POOLSIDE FLIP-FLOPS

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SAKS INTERVIEW

Handbag Heaven Known as the ‘Universe of Python’ this stylish and suave designer creates unique bags.

We are talking about none other than Amanda Navai; creator of bags that are more practical for use than anything else. FACT caught up with Amanda at Saks Fifth Avenue Bahrain, to learn more about her work…

As we walk into Saks Fifth Avenue Bahrain, we see the huge window ad at the entrance showcasing Amanda Navai’s latest collection; colourful bags, bright and beautiful. Amanda Navai has been in the Fashion Industry for a decade. She launched her brand in 2010, showcasing her bags in Bloomingdales and Saks Fifth Avenue Dubai: “The collection was sold out in less than a week,” Amanda recalls. With that the trademark reversible clutch was introduced.

“My first ever collection included a reversible handbag; there are two colours on this envelope style bag; black on one side and the flip side has various colours like fuschia, green, blue etc,” Amanda explains.

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“I take inspiration from bags made from the 30s to 60s, bringing out the bold colour in a classic bag. I like to make my bags very practical.”

designing a clutch, I will make sure an iPhone fits in it. The bag should look good and should be put in use as well,” she adds.

In 2012 Amanda launched a footwear line in Level Shoe District, Dubai. So, how did the idea for shoes come to mind?

“I kept getting leftovers after a bag was designed,” she says. “With a lot of python left, How to put it to use was the question. I started making summer sandals with it. The response was good, so I decided to launch my shoe collection.”

How does she add the trend factor: “I don’t think too much when I am planning my collections,” she reveals. “I just make sure for Spring/Summer I use bright colours and for Fall/Winter I use dark colours. To be honest people nowadays don’t care about the trends; like a black is worn all seasons.

Amanda is excited about the new bag she is working on. “Women love to carry a pair of flats and heels, so I am designing a handbag with a secret pocket where one can fit a pair of high heels,” Amanda says. A secret pocket for heels? Yes please!

Amanda’s Fall/Winter 2015 collection travels in time and at the heart of it there is always the strong-willed femme fatale with a vivid and adventurous personality as the inspiration. The collection starts in the 1920s and finishes in the 1960s; classic and timeless with a combination of simplicity and bold colours – we love it!

GO: Visit Saks Fifth Avenue Bahrain at City Centre Bahrain to check out and shop Amanda Navai’s handbag collection.

Beauty

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beauty

Checklist

Have you stocked up on the brand new products from the world of beauty?

FACT brings you a new list of beauty essentials every month. So ladies, what is on your checklist this month? Make sure to tick them all off…

Guerlain Abeille Royale Daily Repair Serum

Hot Nudes Eye Palette

Make Up For Ever STEP 1 Skin Equalizer range

This serum is a wonderful anti-ageing product.

The primary action of the Abeille Royale range has been to help repair micro-tears by boosting the key healing mechanisms to smooth, firm and offer the skin a lifting effect. This gelly like serum can be used morning and evening, on the entire face and neck. Dab some on daily to feel the freshness, fineness and hydration on your skin.

Housed in a sleek black compact with neon pink accents, this flirty palette features six totally wearable shades that flatter all skin tones.

Layered or worn alone, the shades in palette create a variety of luscious and pretty looks— from subtle and sultry to super smokey. So make sure to pick this one up to doll up for the next party.

This smoothing primer is a must-have for every woman who dreams of a natural makeup with a radiant look. It works wonders on the skin with large pores making it even with refined pores and reduced wrinkles and fine lines. It can be layered as much as you like to correct skin imperfections without flaking. Wow, now that’s a gift before Christmas for all you ladies!

Maybelline

Sephora

NARS

Baby Skin Pore Eraser

Cut here

Bobbi Brown

Maybelline New York has tapped right into what women want most; a baby soft complexion.

Apply the pore eraser on your face and see the difference; it fills in pores and disguises those skin imperfections without clogging. Pores, imperfections, lines and creases disappear in a flash! Voila, smooth, poreless skin that looks pure and fresh.

Triple Action Gentle Cleansing Gel

We tend to buy different products for the eyes, face and lips. But those days are over as Sephora comes up with the triple action cleansing gel which is a multi-purpose beauty product. This ultrarefreshing gel texture perfectly cleanses, gently removes make-up, hydrates and soothes the skin.

It’s clear that this micellar gel has got it all!

Pure Matte Lipstick

Pout all the way with luscious lips! NARS is out with some amazing colours and matte textured lipsticks in their new collection. The well-edited collection of shades is created by Francois Nars himself to bring out the best lip looks imaginable. This one is a sleek looking product, which makes you look uber-stylish.

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SOCIETY

#29TH #Inter-Gulf #Netball #Championship The 29th Inter-Gulf Netball Championship CEREMONY AND DINNER was held at ELITE SEEF RESIDENCE. The championship attracted over 250 of the best players from around the Gulf for two days of highly competitive play. Eighteen teams from Dubai, Al Ain, Saudi-Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Fujairah attended this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event along with six teams representing Bahrain.

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ADVERTORIAL

Summer with Lakeland

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfect bbq and picnic weather, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sure that many of you will be having cool garden parties too. From hamper boxes to fun games, Lakeland has everything you need for your next spring/summer shindig.

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Shop all the latest items from lakeland at city centre bahrain, located on the ground floor.

Call 1717 9810 for more information.

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SOCIETY

#DIANA #KING #LIVE #AT #IBRIDA Diana King, the world renowned Jamaican born and raised artist performed live at Ibrida. With a superb turnover this event was a success, with guests enjoying the evening with live music by Diana King. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a star, with a combination of unparalleled vocal power and passion, diverse style, edgy lyrics, exotic beauty, and a down to earth jeans and t-shirt charm and personality to spare.

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“I want to travel around the world, and at some point head a restaurant as the Executive Chef. And like most chefs dream, I also intend to open my own restaurant in the future; a beautiful restaurant in the midst of the beauty of an island.”- Chef Enrico Morselli

Italian Flavours at La Pergola Striving to keep the essence of traditional Italian fare alive, Chef Enrico Morselli is a young culinary whizz with a strong passion for cooking. FACT went to meet Chef Enrico at his new place of work, La Pergola at The Gulf Hotel, to learn more about his delicious cooking and his approach to Italian cuisine…

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CHEF’S TABLE

“I believe in keeping the traditions alive, so I cook food conventionally, the way I used to prepare it in my hometown of Sicily - it’s healthy and Mediterranean. For example, I don’t like to use too much cream in my cooking - that’s how I was taught.”

Chef Enrico Morselli

T

here was no looking back after that.

With a welcoming smile, Chef Enrico greeted us at The Gulf Hotel’s La Pergola restaurant, where he was ready to treat our tastebuds to authentic Italian cuisine “Sicily style” – as he liked to call it. All excited to experience this special gastronomic journey, we sat down for a chat to learn more about the 24-year-old’s knack for quality cooking.

Chef Enrico hails from the beautiful island of Sicily in Italy, where his journey with food began. “My entire family loves cooking, and obviously this bug caught on to me too,” he tells us. “So from the age of 14, I started working in a small restaurant during the weekends.”

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After a three-year stint in Abu Dhabi, Chef Enrico decided to move to Bahrain.

“Abu Dhabi was a big change for me; stepping out of my comfort zone,” he recalls. “I did not know how to speak English, so explaining things to my coworkers or even naming ingredients was a real task. I started to learn English slowly and now I manage well,” he says, modestly.

Now he’s taken up position at La Pergola and as Chef Enrico unravelled his culinary career to us, he also began preparing the dishes we were going to try during this chef ’s table. The tasting began with delicious antipasti dishes. La Burrata was up first; fresh Burrata cheese with rocket leaves, homemade semidried tomatoes and a basket of crispy parmesan to accompany. Being HUGE cheese-lovers, this dish spoke right to our foodies within and we savoured every mouthful, leaving the plate cleaned-out (it was going to be hard to beat dish numero uno). Up next was the traditional seafood stew with octopus, mussels, prawns, calamari, hammour and other sea favourites, all cooked with fresh tomatoes.

It was tangy, full of texture and packed with flavours that popped with every bite – a scrumptious dish that we’d highly recommend.

Commenting on his cooking style, Chef Enrico says: “I believe in keeping the traditions alive, so I cook food conventionally, the way I used to prepare it in my hometown of Sicily - it’s healthy and Mediterranean.

“For example, I don’t like to use too much cream in my cooking - that’s how I was taught,” he says. “I tend to only use

Menu La Burrata Cacciucco Classico Toscano Risotto Ai Funghi Porcini E Tartufo Nero Con Fonduta di Parmigiano Galletto Al Mattone Con Limone E Rosmarino Parfait Di Pistachio Panacotta with Raspberry Sauce

fresh tomatoes and sometimes red sauce.”

For mains, a risotto with porcini mushrooms, black truffle and cheesy parmesan fondue makes its way to our table. We can smell it before we see it, and it’s a pleasant aroma that entices us, completely. This dish was a beautiful combination of creamy and tantalising, and the risotto was cooked to perfection.

The second main was oven baked baby chicken marinated with lemon and rosemary, and served with grilled vegetables. Wow! A real homely, ItalianSunday dinner type of dish – this was great! The chicken was tender and the seasoning was outstanding with flavours of zesty lemon and herb-infused rosemary shine through in every spoonful.

Chef Enrico seems to have flavours and tastes down to a tee in his cooking.

“The essence of cooking is that while eating, the guest should taste all the main ingredients,” he says. “For example, when one eats fish, he should get all the flavours in the fish and the taste of the fish should be prominent. Too much sauce will pull down the taste of key ingredients in the dish,” he adds.

So how does it feel to be in Bahrain and working at the prestigious Gulf Hotel? “I have been here for the past two months and so far it has been a wonderful experience,” Chef Enrico says. “There are ten different outlets here, serving varied cuisines. There’s a lot to learn amongst experienced chefs from around the world.”

Dessert was just as impressive with panacotta and raspberry, and parfait di pistachio. Both were lush but we loved the latter for its blend of chocolate sauce and pistachio – yum! Chef Enrico will soon be launching a new menu at La Pergola, The Gulf Hotel. If any of this food is an indication of what’s to come, then let us say, this might soon become a hotspot for Italian fare in Bahrain.

GO: Visit La Pergola at The Gulf Hotel Bahrain.

Call 1771 3000 for reservations and more information.

CHEF’S TABLE

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Lounge Perfection at Cellar 59 •

Cellar 59 at ART Rotana Amwaj is like a breath of fresh air with a more laid-back, lounge-style atmosphere. This contemporary and stylish space offers a selection of vino, handcrafted cocktails and barrel-aged spirits. Pallavi Ramesh takes you on FACT’s experience at this brand-new venue…

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VENUE REVIEW

“Bahrain finally has a smooth, sophisticated and super suave lounge that brings with it great food and an exquisite choice of drinks, that can’t...”

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ocated in the trendy ART Rotana hotel, Amwaj Islands, Cellar 59 is just one of the fabulous outlets now open to the public. Modelled on the popular Cellar concept, this loungeinspired food and drinks venue has an impressive selection of grape drinks from around the world as well as a pub-grubnibbles-style menu. Cellar 59 specialises in an incredibly intriguing and enticing drinks menu with aged-spirits bringing something different to the glass on your table. The venue stores its spirits in barrels to achieve a more defined and, sometimes, smoky taste – trust me, it’s mind-blowing.

Cellar 59 is located on a mezzanine level representing a modern caves, with intimate 114 fact magazine

seating areas, and private rooms. The minute you step in, feel the vintage charm and rustic wooden atmosphere, which gives the spot a romantic feel. There are barrel supported long wooden tables, featuring wine glasses on display and a cigar cabinet; sophisticated and stylish. An elegant bar with high stools draws our attention. With quirky posters, this art-deco style bar makes its mark. The bottles stacked up neatly gives it the underground vibe creating

the mood for a fun evening. We had the opportunity to taste some rocking cocktails and mocktails, and scrumptious bites.

Overwhelmed by the food and drinks served to us, we will recommend you our favourites. Cellar 59 serves tapas style food, The Cellar Burger was a highlight; succulent and yummy. The seared octopus with garlic-herb potatoes is a must-try.

Cheese lovers have to order the baked Camembert - it’s divine.

VENUE REVIEW

“Cellar 59 serves tapas style food, The Cellar Burger was a highlight; succulent and yummy.

The seared octopus with garlic-herb potatoes is a must-try. Cheese lovers have to order the baked Camembert - it’s divine.”

Coming to the Cocktails, what a tough choice to select the best we tasted.

Handcrafted and designed by renowned mixologists, these cocktails are packed with depth and flavour. Eastern Empire was our favourite hands-down! The mixed liquor drink is shaken in a smoke-filled jar for a couple of minutes and then served in a glass. It has this smoky taste that lingers a

while after each sip – beautiful. The other drink that we loved was the Black Russian; a kahlua-based drink that will please any beverage connoisseur. Julep; a mint based drink is another one to try, and those who love a more fruity taste, Orange Whip should be your choice! Mocktail drinkers must try the Grapes and Passion Peach – a rich and tasty fruit flavour to tanatlise the taste buds.

Bahrain finally has a smooth, sophisticated and super suave lounge that brings with it great food and an exquisite choice of drinks, that can’t be found elsewhere on the island. What are you waiting for? Grab your nearest and dearest and head over to Cellar 59, today!

GO: Cellar 59 is located at the ART Rotana Amwaj and is open from 5pm to 2am. Call 1600 0111 for reservations and more information. fact magazine

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Foodie Corner

Links Friday Brunch at royal golf club The the drive down to this beautiful place is totally worth it for its superb Friday Brunch if you want a variety of tasty food, great views, and a lovely casual ambience. This is where you’ll find it all, and more...

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verlooking a sprawling Golf course and a pretty lake, Links Restaurant is an inviting venue for a relaxed brunch experience.

The vibrant atmosphere and live music add to the already innovative food stations and quality cuisine on offer. On top of this, the friendly staff are incredibly welcoming and attentive, allowing for us to give 10 out of 10 for service and hospitality – seriously, you’ve got to experience it for yourself!

We were greeted by Chef Paul and his team, and taken on a lovely little tour of the culinary adventure that is the Links Friday Brunch. There is SO much to choose from – sushi, salad, seafood, meat, chicken, bread station, delightful appetisers, a kids’ corner, a tempura table, a Mexican station, an impressive dessert section, and, something that we haven’t seen at any other Friday Brunch in Bahrain – a foie gras station.

This, is every foodies dream. Everything is presented impeccably, and, as the saying goes, “you eat with your eyes” – in that sense, Chef Paul and his team have nailed it.

Without wasting anytime, we grab our plates and begin this fare-filled, family-friendly brunch experience.

After ordering our mojitos and with plates in hand, we were determined not to leave any station unvisited!

Our Recommendations Though all the food was tasty and very well presented, there were those few dishes that had us singing about how good they were even days after the brunch. At the salad station you can easily fill up your plate with a mix of colourful veg – we especially loved the pumpkin, the beetroot, and the variety of fresh greens.

At the Sushi Station there was a

Foodie Corner

“Take it slow and really enjoy this splendid brunch, making sure that you save space for sweet treats. WE love the ‘make your own cupcake’ and speciaL... whole array of maki with salmon, avocado, vegetable, tuna, and more. But the absolute standout here is the crunchy deep-fried sushi – we went back for seconds!

The Foie Gras station has some melt in your mouth options; the Chicken Liver Pate is delicious. Right beside this is a mix of food cocktails; seafood, veggies, and meat – the Eggplant and Mozzarella mix was scrumptious.

If you love cheese then get ready for a feast. The cheese station is packed with delicious Parmesan, Gouda, and Cheddar and so much more – with crackers and condiments to accompany, this was one of our guilty pleasures at the brunch.

The Tempura Station has prawns, calamari and fish tempura, along with steamed dumplings; beef, chicken and seafood – we recommend you try one of each at least (the staff will happily prepare you a mixed plate).

The BBQ Station is a foodie paradise, we recommend you to try the different cuts of meet, especially the mouthwatering slowcooked beef with Yorkshire Pudding and potatoes. There’s also succulent Tandoori chicken and Beef Lasagna, amongst other

mains to keep your taste buds happy. The Mexican Station was a welcomed surprise as we’re big fajita fans. Here you can pick up enchiladas, tacos and, of course, sizzling fajitas - all were flavour-packed and went down a treat.

Take it slow and really enjoy this splendid brunch, making sure that you save space for sweet treats. We love the ‘make your own cupcake’ and special dessert station for kids; colourful delights await for sweet indulgence.

The Crepe Station and Milkshake

corner turned out to be our favourites – the Oreo milkshake was heaven in a glass!

One dish that made a big impact on us was the scrumptious Malva Pudding that pays homage to Chef Paul’s South African roots – it’s beautifully soft and spongy and is complemented well with caramel sauce. We craved for it, for days afterwards!

GO: The Links Friday Brunch at The Royal Golf Club with unlimited selected soft drinks is BD18 net and with unlimited selected beverages, BD27 net per person.

Call 1775 0777 for more information. fact magazine

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Bahrain Bites

Celebrate

150 years of Cocktails

•

Going on until May 15 (mark it on your calendar), the InterContinental Regency Bahrain has a fantastic offer coming your way. The hotel is celebrating 150 years since drinks mixology was created and the first cocktail recipes appeared in print.

Downtown and Elements Pool & Lounge celebrate this event by offering 50% off on any cocktail served at the bar from the specially crafted selection, while you dine at any of the restaurants. Offer is valid per person and for the first cocktail only. For the cocktail lovers, celebrating this day is a must.

GO: Call 1722 7777 for bookings and more information.

The ‘Formula 8’ lunch

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Café Amsterdam has launched a new ‘Formula 8’ lunch special. The appetiser options consists of red lentils and roast peppers soup, granola and fresh cheese or pappardelle with fresh tomato, basil and chili and lastly, beef carpaccio, parmesan shavings, capers, black olives and pesto dressing.

Mains include grilled fish of the day, served and Café Amsterdam’s classic homemade beef burger with hand cut fries and pickles.

Alternatively, you can indulge in the creamy pumpkin risotto, with green asparagus and fresh peas. Finally, satisfy your sweet tooth with dessert choices of fresh seasonal fruit salad, homemade lemon and cardamom sorbet, and dark chocolate ganache with fresh strawberries.

GO: Pick your choice of three dishes for BD8, or two for BD6. Call 1700 7404 for more information.

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Sip and Savour

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The Red Lions Sports Lounge is a space to unwind and recharge. With comfortable plush seating, an invigorating atmosphere and massive flat screens, guests can enjoy excellent drinks and savour the finest. Indulge in the Seafood Platter every Thursday with lobster tail, prawns, local fresh fish fillet, french fries, salad and ale at BD15++. Watch the live telecast of the gripping Formula One races with a bucket of ale and special discounts on champagne. Red Lions also offer Happy Hour from 4pm to 8pm with 50% discount on selected beverages. Splurge your evening away at the Red Lions!

GO: Call 1711 1999 for bookings and more information.

Bahrain Bites

Spanish

Thai Treats

More momo?

•

Starting from April 5 to 11, Trader Vic’s Bahrain will have a week-long celebration the Thai way. The Phuket Events Company will have their hypnotic performance of Traditional Thai Dance. Dancers will be performing three shows every evening on the Trader Vic’s lagoon stage, exclusively for guests dining on the outdoor restaurant terrace. Thai Dance, known as “Fawn Thai”, was originally an art performed for the royal courts of old Siam. There are five “Fawn Thai” styles: the Candle Dance, the Fingernail Dance, the Scarf Dance, the Butterfly Dance, and the Happy Dance. A selection of special Thai dishes will also be available in the form of a three course set menu, at BD14.5net.

GO: Call 1763 6363 or email H6722-mk@sofitel.com for bookings and more information.

GO: Call 1758 3555 for bookings and more information

If you are a momo fan and fancy some delicious ones, head to Soie at Sheraton Bahrain Hotel for their Momo Promotion. Veggies try the Choi’s Vegetable Dumpling that includes seasoned broccoli, carrot, pak choy, coriander, tofu, Chinese cabbage, celery wrapped in traditional flour dough and steamed accompanied with soya chilly dip at BD3.9++.

Seafood lovers splurge on the Mongolian Seafood Momo; includes minced seafood, spring onion, ginger, carrot, dill and sesame folded in flour paste and steamed at BD5.4++. Chicken lovers, select the Himalayan Chicken Momo which includes fine minced chicken, black fungus, spring onion, ginger, garlic multicolour bell pepper, coriander, sesame oil, in flour pocket and steamed BD3.9++. These are just a few, visit the Soie to try them!

Festival

Senors and senoritas! Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa brings a Spanish Gastronomic and Cultural festival from April 2 to 10 at the Tapas Restaurant. The festival will feature renowned Chef Jordi Gimeno flying from Barcelona to showcase the tapas and paella of his native Spain at Tapas restaurant that will ensure guests to experience the true Spanish cuisine. Flying in with them is the the Spanish International Group “Grupo Flamenco “Las Duquelas” who will entertain guests with songs and dance throughout the festival. The Spanish Festival dinner will take place on all the days from 8pm onwards.

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GO: Call 1753 3533 for more information.

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PEP TALK

Get Rid of Negative People

Get Ready, Summer is Coming!

Yvonne Cole, Personal Trainer, believes that when you eat clean, train hard and trust the process, your consistency and patience pays off…

Christal Dennis, Personal Performance Coach and Hypnotherapist, is dedicated to helping people overcome life’s hurdles and tapping into their deepest potential...

Creating that healthy lifestyle is hard and it can be made harder with negative people around you. Recently I asked one of my clients “So what are you up to this weekend”?

To which she replied “Nothing. I’ve lost all my confidence since I’ve gained the weight and people make fun of me when I say I’m trying to eat healthy now it’s just hard.”

The look on her face was one of true sadness, as you would think that your family and friends would be the ones who would have your back. So I say: “Cut these negative people out of your life.”

It’s hard to be successful in anything you choose in life and it’s just as hard to create a fit healthy body and lifestyle change that will last a lifetime, but this can be made twice as hard with negative people trying to drag you down. CUT THESE PEOPLE OUT. Surround yourself with positive people and be mindful that they are going in the same direction as

The temperature is slowly rising and very soon the longing for surf and sun is going to draw us to the beach. We’ll no longer have those winter baggy clothes to hide those lumps and bumps.

Needless to say we all like to be in shape when Bahrain summer weather hits us.

Now when you reach for the drawing board to decide on your plan of action to squeeze into those bikinis, there are a few things you need to consider. Getting into shape requires 80% good eating and 20% good exercise. There are quite a few diets and exercise routines to choose from and most of them work.

The only problem is that many of us find it hard to stick to the routines we choose. The reason for this is because getting into shape is more of a mindset than anything else. If you are finding it hard to eat only for nutrition to feed your body then you most probably can be sure

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you. If you put out positive energy you will attract positive people back. The next time you are around new people or people you already know take note of how you feel once you leave their company and see if you feel excited and energised or if you feel like all your energy has been drained from you. If you feel energised these are the people you need in your life.

GO: Email ymcfitness@gmail.com or call 3935 9105 for more information.

that you are eating for emotional reasons. Eating sugar and processed food very often serves as an addiction much like smoking or other vices.

All this may sound a bit scary but it is good news because you can do something about it.

It’s all about tuning in to your body and listening to what it has to say.

Find out what emotional needs wants to be met.

You can do this on your own or with the help of a therapist. Either way your body will thank you for working towards its good health. Get ready summer, here we come!

GO: For a personal consultation call 3669 6666.

society

On the path to summer in Bahrain If you’re wondering what the word on the street is, the country’s own Blonde in Bahrain, Georgina Jennsen, has her finger on the pulse. This month she’s discussing getting summer ready in bahrain…

Georgina Jennsen Georgina Jennsen is the blogger behind the popular lifestyle blog, Blonde in Bahrain.

Georgina loves all things beautiful and luxurious.

With summer peaking its hot head just around the proverbial corner, it’s almost time to shed a few layers and bare a little (or a lot) of flesh. Yikes!

Can’t we just keep winter for a little longer? It never seems to get any easier, despite the multitude of wellness websites, flourishing number of fitness centres, and inspirational Instagram images we subject ourselves to. Every. Single. Day. It’s not from lack of trying. I spent three months working out with a personal trainer, and had to quit after my blouses wouldn’t fit over my bulging biceps.

I then spent two months having my meals delivered, but cancelled after morphing into a calorie-conserving social recluse. But something is better than nothing, and I’m finding that walking my little dog Mai in this wonderful weather everyday brings me real joy.

Top this off with the best spray tan in town, a cool coverup to hide all the wobbly bits, and summer... here I come, ready or not!

#MOVENPICK #BAHRAIN #MUSSELS #MADNESS Chef Paul Vanlancker visited Movenpick Hotel Bahrain for the Mussel Madness promotion held from March 17 to 21. Guests enjoyed the DELICIOUS SOUP, MUSSELS AND SIDES!

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Vikas Attri

Chief Operating Officer, Al Rashid Group

What are your goals with ARG for the rest of 2015?

We have just opened 16 new stores this year, bringing our total up to 76 retail outlets across the island. My goal is to continue this aggressive profitable expansion of ARG this year by taking our stores to areas in Bahrain where we are ‘under-penetrated ‘. On another level, I am also seeking more diversity within our Management by hiring more Bahrainis and women in key leadership roles across the company.

Describe your ideal day off?

My ideal off-day involves me visiting our Stores and Malls. Of course 122 fact magazine

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spending time with family and close friends, also doing ‘nothing’ is also very relaxing. I love to run so on weekends, I run! It clears my head and come up with many solutions on issues which bother me through the week.

Recommend three foodie hotspots in Bahrain?

‘Monsoon’ in Adliya is my favorite restaurant in Bahrain, as it serves outstanding Thai food , which I love.

Primavera at the Ritz-Carlton comes next as they serve the most amazing pasta. For a quick (in & out) meal, I like Le Chocolat in Seef and Café Lilou in A’ali Mall.

What do you enjoy most about living in Bahrain?

Having lived in different parts of the world, Bahrain is a much more ‘relaxed’ country. One can do so much as distances are less and people have more time; there is no rush here. The People are also fantastic and the Bahraini families I know are so welcoming which I have not experienced anywhere else in the Middle East.

Short distances and reduced travel time allows you to spend more time with friends and family, and It also keeps you fresh and punctual when it comes to work as you spend less time commuting back and forth.

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real watches for real people

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