FACT Bahrain August 2023

This is fun! Who’s ‘in’?

Growing up in Bahrain as a single child with working parents, I learned the importance of hobbies early in life. When most of my cousins in India would run off to play outdoors, I’d spend hours at home, pretending to be a news presenter, reading or listening to music.

Indoor activities are often underrated. So, we, at FACT , took it upon ourselves to prove that you can have a good time even if you’re not the outdoorsy type. And anyway, it’s too hot to go out! Read our cover story for a specially curated list of interesting things you can enjoy at home and in other enclosed spaces on the island.

Bahrain slows down at this time of the year, which is a great opportunity to focus on yourself. Mental health and overall well-being is a burning topic these days. Our second feature showcases popular wellness trends and practices in the Kingdom. Our motorheads spent the day in the iconic 2023 Grand Wagoneer, a premium SUV. The foodies in the house explored a range of cuisines from Iranian to Japanese – oh! Bahrain’s such a melting pot of cultures, make sure you read our thoughts. While you’re at it, do check out the most interesting promotions happening at various hotels.

A few lucky ones hopped to Dubai and in our travel section this month, they share their experience staying at the exquisite Al Bandar Rotana hotel. And yes, the tech, fashion and entertainment pages are teaming with updates that you must not miss. Okay then. Au revoir!

Melissa Nazareth Editor editor@fact-magazine.com

PUBLISHER RAMI KHALIL (rami@fact-magazine.com)

GROUP EDITORIAL DIRECTOR LIZ O’REILLY (editorial@fact-magazine.com)

EDITOR

MELISSA NAZARETH (editor@fact-magazine.com)

DIGITAL TEAM

SARA WADDAH

TANUSHREE MATHUR

SALES TEAM

SARA CHAKIB

ART DIRECTOR SYED MUHAMMED RAIHAN

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

ALAA MARHOON

PHOTOGRAPHY

SHAREEF PANHATT MAGIL KUNCHIPARAMBATH

CONTRIBUTORS

GARETH WOODS LAWSON MISQUITTA

PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION

AJIT KUMAR NEIL MAHMOOD

ENQUIRIES

Tel: +973 3632 0131 E-mail: rami@fact-magazine.com

PRINTED BY UNION PRESS

“A hobby a day keeps the doldrums away." – Phyllis McGinley

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Keep up with all things Bahrain as the FACT team posts the latest competitions, happenings, and everything we’re getting up to in preparation for the monthly magazine – all for our readers, of course!

92,548 reads of the July-2023 issue

Combining all three editions of FACT (Bahrain, Dubai, Abu Dhabi), our Instagram account is a onestop shop for details on giveaways, competitions, local events, must-know happenings, behind-thescenes photos, and more. So much more. OUR

If you need your FACT fix circa now, flick through our issues online on issuu.com for all the best features, interviews, profiles, and listings across food, art, culture, travel, technology, and more in Bahrain.

FAVE FEATURE

“Do anything, but let it produce joy.” — Walt Whitman

HELLO, BAHRAIN!

Those flying via the Kingdom with a layover ranging from a minimum of five hours to a maximum of 24 hours can experience the country’s vibrant culture and rich history. Hello Bahrain – Free City Tour offers an exciting detour from the airport, while you’re waiting for your connecting flight. Discover a wide range of offerings, including entertainment options, heritage sites and major tourist attractions. A reliable and secure tourist transportation service will also be provided during these tours. The initiative is jointly organised by Gulf Air Group, Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) and Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), with transportation provided by Kanoo Travel. Gulf Air Group Holding Chief Executive Officer, Jeffrey Goh said: “The Kingdom of Bahrain is not only an increasingly attractive destination for business and leisure travellers, but also a strategic gateway between East and West. Scores of visitors transit through BIA [Bahrain International Airport] daily, with many not getting a chance to see the country beyond the confines of the airport. We hope the introduction of this new service will enhance

the passenger experience, giving visitors a better understanding of all the remarkable attractions Bahrain has to offer.”

The tour lasts for three hours and is offered twice daily from 9am to 12pm and 7pm to 10pm. Passengers are required to book in advance.

BAC is the operator and managing body of Bahrain International Airport. Since assuming the responsibility of managing and operating it in 2010, BAC has cemented BIA’s reputation as an attractive hub for airlines and passengers.

Despite the dip during the pandemic, tourism in Bahrain has been rising steadily. According to the Bahrain Economic Development Board’s annual report (www.bahrainedb.com), the Kingdom welcomed three million tourists in the third quarter of 2022 alone. The BTEA was established in 2015. ✤

Travellers making a pitstop in Bahrain can now enjoy a free tour of the island.

A GIG FOR GIGGLES

Emmy-nominated Indian comedian Vir Das will perform in the Kingdom on September 30.

Popular Indian comedian and actor, Vir Das is set to tickle ribs at The Quarry Bahrain, at Al Dana Amphitheatre. The show is part of his hugely anticipated world tour – Mind Fool. India’s second-best selling live act in 2022, Vir will entertain, dipping into his unique style of comedy.

In 2021, the standup artist was nominated for the Emmy Awards, for Vir Das: For India, which is available on Netflix; he has other shows on the same platform, all of which have catapulted him to international stardom. Vir is known for his incredibly funny takes on cancel culture, a trend where individuals or institutions who have said or done things that are considered unacceptable by the masses, online or offline, are boycotted.

An alumnus of Harvard University’s joint programme with Moscow Arts Theatre, Vir began his career with a gig in India’s capital, New Delhi. He has hosted and made appearances in many television shows – mostly comedy – and earlier this year, featured on the Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend podcast. Vir’s international performances include the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2011 and 2022. He also performed a monologue titled Two India’s at the Kennedy Center in Washington. In it, he offered a thought-

provoking perspective, through a comical lens, about important political, social and cultural aspects of the subcontinent; rich vs. poor, safety of women and Bollywood among others. While it sparked quite the controversy, it also made Vir a favourite especially among the younger masses.

Vir has appeared in many Bollywood movies such as Delhi Belly and Badmash Company , where he played substantial roles. Additionally, he has also composed songs, which are available on Apple Music and Spotify. Watch him live at The Quarry Bahrain. Offering international fusion cuisine with a twist, it’s a stunning location, with sculpted rock features. They host a range of high-end events, and international DJs and performers, all creating an exclusive, immersive experience for guests.

Tickets to the show cost BD25 per head. ✤

AN ARTY SUMMER

Al Riwaq Art Space is hosting a range of interesting workshops and events this month.

Get in touch with your creative side this summer. Bahrain’s beloved art hub, located in Gufool, is organising artistic activities for you to explore. Photographer Hesham Al-Ammal is showcasing his first solo exhibition – Hardboiled Wonderland: In Search of Lost Memory – throughout August. In it, the Muharraqborn shutterbug interprets the trade off between embracing modernity and preserving cultural identity and the environment through 38 images. The exhibition runs daily from 9am to 8pm. Hesham will also moderate a panel discussion on the challenges, opportunities and ethical considerations surrounding archiving practices, which will take place on August 5 from 10am to 12pm. The event is focused on archiving Bahrain’s photographic heritage, and is part of the Expanded Media Club meet-up, an open-format, casual community group dedicated to topics such as photography, videography, filmmaking and mediarelated subjects.

Hesham will facilitate a silver gelatin printing workshop for photography-enthusiasts of all skill levels. The two-day course will take place on August 7 and 8 from 6pm to 9pm on each day, and is priced at BD25. The silver gelatin printing process creates black-and-white photos with deep blacks, an organic texture and a timeless look.

Register for the three-day portfolio development workshop, which runs on August 2 from 5pm to 9pm, August 8 from 6pm to 8pm (online) and August 9 from 5pm to 9pm, and

is priced at BD35. Participants will receive feedback and guidance on improving their existing portfolio or creating a new one, and gain a deeper understanding of their strengths, among other things.

A kids’ summer club will also be organised on Saturdays. The two-day Fiber Fun workshop will take place on August 5 and 12 and will explore material, colour and texture to create tapestries. Participants are encouraged to collaborate, share ideas and make joint pieces. The two-day Planet Loving: Art and Storytelling workshop will run on August 19 and 26, where children will develop an appreciation for the environment around them and learn about the importance of conservation in a fun way. You pay BD35 for both workshops or BD20 per workshop.

Explore the enchanting world of collage art with the Puzzle Pieces of Creativity: Unveiling Collage's Magic workshop. An interactive session led by experienced artists, it provides a comprehensive understanding of collage techniques and the power of storytelling through mixed media. The two-day workshop runs on August 19 and 26, from 10am to 1pm on each day and is priced at BD25.✤

FINE ARABIAN HOSPITALITY

Get a taste of top-notch luxury paired with impeccable service and exquisite amenities at the Address Beach Resort Bahrain.

Nestled in the heart of Marassi Al Bahrain, an urban oasis, is an exclusive hotel and resort that offers a tranquil haven for discerning guests. The picturesque beach resort is home to a one-kilometre-long beach, where you can experience tropical, serene summers right here in the Kingdom. And the neverending sea views are a testament to Bahrain’s strategic location between two seas – Bahar Ain.

Guests will enjoy access to the upcoming Marassi Galleria Shopping Mall during their stay in one of the 117 rooms and suites overlooking the breathtaking Arabian Gulf coast. Unforgettable dining experiences await at The Restaurant, The Lounge and The Garden.

Address Beach Resort Bahrain has a high-tech gym, two outdoor swimming pools, one of which is temperature-controlled, and the other, a children’s splash pad with a fully immersive QIX Club, ensuring comfortable, luxurious stays.

The Spa at Address offers rejuvenating, mindful experiences, with extensive therapeutic offerings. There are six treatment rooms including specially curated couples' experiences, herbal

steam rooms, experience showers and an ice fountain. The 50-minute Intensive Purifying Facial, the top treatment choice of the month, will leave your skin feeling fresh and purified from the active ingredients, followed by a unique peel for glow and hydration all day long.

Customise your treatment and skin routine after consulting with experts on The Spa team for a more personal relaxing experience. End your evening in the comfort of the relaxation room, sipping your favourite artisanal flowering tea.

Indulge in a delicious afternoon tea experience at The Lounge, with an enticing three-tiered selection of your favourite bites including classic scones, fresh sandwiches and decadent French pastries, for BD14 net served with Jing flowering tea or coffee, from 3pm to 5pm. ✤

A CHANGE OF SCENE

Drive down to Vida Beach Resort Marassi Al Bahrain, in Diyar Al Muharraq, where you can enjoy exciting offers.

Vida Bahrain is kickstarting the month with the Indian Independence Day Dinner Buffet on August 15, where all Indian citizens can enjoy 25% off. Embark on a culinary journey at Origins Restaurant and experience India’s diverse and aromatic cuisine. While you’re at it, enjoy entertainment along with mesmerising sea views and great vibes.

The Bistro by Origins invites you to enjoy Ladies’ Night. Let your hair down every Thursday, with unlimited selected beverages and delicious chef-picked bar bites to complement your sips, from 7pm until 9pm. There will be live entertainment too. Experience Vida Bahrain’s all-new Afternoon Tea at Stage2. Savour delicious sandwiches, freshly baked scones and mouthwatering pastries accompanied by a selection of fine English teas as you catch up with friends in a scenic atmosphere.

The fun continues at Origins Restaurant with the popular Friday Brunch, offering an extravagant international spread. From fresh seafood to sizzling meats and other delicious stations, as well as signature drinks, from 1pm to 4pm. There will be live

entertainment as well.

Bottomless Mussels Night is back every Thursday and Vida Bahrain has topped it with 25% off on selected Belgian hops to complement your Moules et Frites (mussels and fries), featuring your favourite signature sauces. Relish unlimited mussels with your gang, starting 7pm onwards at The Bistro by Origins.

The latest beachy addition, Float Beach Lounge welcomes all the ladies for a fancy beach day out every Wednesday. Get your tan on with free beach access throughout the day and a complimentary sunbed and towel.

Planning a staycation? Enjoy 25% off on the best available rates with the Bahrain Resident offer. Or get 40% off including free breakfast with the Suite Summer offer! ✤

CELEBRATING CULINARY EXCELLENCE

Gyuto mark one year of offering diners an exquisite experience at their outlet in Al Liwan.

Nestled in Hamala, Gyuto is a premier contemporary Japanese restaurant that has captivated the hearts and palates of Bahrain's discerning diners since its inauguration in July last year. As part of their first anniversary celebrations, they are offering a special sevencourse Omakase menu (a meal consisting of dishes selected by the chef), featuring wontons, Chilean seabass and more. The offer is applicable on dine-in and home delivery and runs until August 16. Prepare to embark on an extraordinary gastronomic experience where the art of tradition seamlessly merges with innovative culinary techniques. Tantalise your taste buds with an exquisite selection of authentic Japanese flavours and meticulously crafted dishes, with impeccable service.

Building on the success of its sister restaurant, Wakame, at Downtown, Dubai, Gyuto offers a fresh and innovative approach to classic Japanese cuisine. Located in the vibrant surroundings of Al Liwan, it consistently welcomes over 450 local and international customers each week, totalling more than 20,000 visits since its inception.

Alawi Albreiki, Co-founder, said: “Inspired by the overwhelming response, we are excitedly planning our expansion into other GCC countries. We are not only celebrating the first-year anniversary of our business, but the fact that we have been given this fantastic opportunity to bring contemporary Japanese to Al Liwan.

“We take enormous pride in having created an environment where our customers choose to dine with us for the landmark events in their lives, that was always our aim and it feels great to be able to offer citizens, residents and tourists, unique Asian hospitality.”

Gyuto's menu boasts an enticing selection of novel dishes; indulge in the exquisite flavours of Black Cod & Prawn Dim Sum, delicately infused with lemongrass, sesame oil and ponzu garlic, or savour the delightful Crispy Lobster Bao. Discover the enticing Japanese Yellowtail Sashimi, accompanied by a zesty jalapeño salsa, citrus soy and orange jelly, or relish in the fiery and unforgettable Firecracker Roses Maki, featuring succulent salmon roses, chopped spicy salmon and a crispy tempura crumb. The vegetarian menu offers delectable options, from Truffle Miso Mushroom to five speciality maki dishes, among others. Exquisite desserts such as the Miso Caramel Cheesecake and Chocolate Matcha Fondant are also served.

Gyuto is open from 12am to 12pm, seven days a week. ✤

Sun Ki�ed SUMMER OFFE R

Terms and conditions apply. Offer cannot be combined with any other discount. Prior reservation is required by calling +973 1717 1122 or WhatsApp +973 3888 5915

BEAT THE HEAT

With temperatures breaking records, we can all agree that it’s hot, hot, hot outside. Check out these indoor activities that promise to keep the fun going without having to endure Bahrain’s scorching summers. From adventure sports and unique fitness routines to off-beat crafts and nature-inspired pastimes, there’s so much you can do.

BRING YOUR PLAYGROUND INDOORS

Lightning Fitness, a unique fitness studio in Riffa, creates a playground-like set up indoors. Explore a fun, interactive style –PRAMA – of working out with high-speed games and challenges that will get your heart racing. PRAMA is a unique circuit training programme controlled by software that combines music, videos, mood lighting, interactive software and high-intensity group training. Mixed sessions for kids and parents, and kids only are available, making this an activity for the whole family.

GO: Visit www.lightningfitnessbh.com for more information and membership.

IN-MALL MARATHON

Too hot to walk outside? Head to the mall – Bahrain has many! In fact, in 2015, the Ministry of Health in Bahrain launched the Healthy Mall programme, which aimed to create a healthy environment inside malls. City Centre Bahrain, which also introduced the City Walkers programme, Mall of Dilmunia and Oasis Mall were among those that met the criteria set for the programme.

GO: Visit citycentrebahrain.com, mallofdilmunia.com and landmarkgroup.com (Oasis Mall) for more information.

ONLINE ZUMBA CLASSES

Zumba has taken over the fitness industry with its unique blend of cardio and various dance forms from salsa to Bollywood. Not in the mood to drive to class, just live stream a session at home. Choose from a range of timings, durations and trainers. The fee for each session varies and payment is online. Not a fan of Zumba? Netflix offers generic workout videos that you can try at home.

GO: Visit www.zumba.dance to book your session.

MASTER THE MARTIAL ARTS

Explore the unique Afro-Brazilian martial art of capoeira, which combines the elements of dance, acrobatics, music and spirituality. Conducted at Fitness 365 studio at The Park Janabiya, the kids’ classes run on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4pm to 5pm for four- to seven-year-olds and from 5pm to 6pm for eight- to 12-year-olds, both priced at BD 45 per child per month – siblings get a discount. Adult classes run on Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays from 7pm to 8.30pm and are priced at BD50 per adult per month. Prices include one free class. The Fighter Taekwondo Center on Budaiya Highway offers classes for adults on Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 7pm to 8pm, priced at BD30 per month.

GO: Call 3330 6805 (capoeira) and follow @f_tkd (taekwondo) on Instagram for more information and bookings.

Free breakfast

Superior room starting from BHD 65 net Additional 20% discount for Bahraini CPR holders

*Per room per night (single or double)

*20% discount for restaurant and Spa treatments

*Valid untill 13th of September 2023

*Subject to availability and not valid during major City events

INDOOR PLAY AREAS

The island is home to many family entertainment centres, featuring a wide range of fun, from ball pits to trampoline-like structures, as well as coin-operated and other games. Yabeela at Al Liwan features wall climbing, amusement rides and arcade games among other interesting things. Matrix Bahrain in Juffair Mall offers roller disco, bowling, VR and other thrills. Lazertron in Saar has a unique, retro vibe with neon lights, arcade games and 80s'-inspired merchandise.

GO: Visit @yabeela.bh, @matrix.bh and @lazertron.bh on Instagram for more information.

JOIN AN ONLINE CLUB

The pandemic opened our eyes to a whole new way of operating – virtually! Many social clubs continue to meet in this way as it offers the benefits of networking from the comfort of your home. One such club is the Bahrain Writers’ Circle (BWC). More than a decade old, it’s arguably the only one of its kind in the region. They host monthly meetings online. Learn how to write prose and poetry, and e-meet guest speakers from all over the world – accomplished authors, poets and individuals associated with the business of writing. Whether you’re planning to write a book or simply want to start journalling, this group is your platform!

GO: Visit www.bwcbh.com for more information and membership.

MAKE BOOKS YOUR BEST FRIEND

Reading is a great entertainment option while also offering a mental workout; it’s said to improve concentration and sleep, and reduce stress. Jarir Bookstore and Virgin Megastore in Seef, and Jashanmal outlets across the island offer a variety of reading material. You could also browse the bookshelves at the thrift shops run by the animal shelters in Saar.

GO: Follow @dogfathersecondhandshop and @bspcathrifshop on Instagram.

GET CRAFTY!

Located off Budaiya Highway, Bahrain Mosaic House offers mosaic kits suitable for both adults and children. Get creative at the studio or take your kit home; if you’re a newbie, we recommend the former as the team at the Mosaic House will guide you. Make something unique for yourself or as a gift for a loved one. The regular kits cost BD8.8 and take about two hours to complete while the large ones vary depending on the size. It’s best to book in advance especially if you’re going as a group. Bahrain Mosaic House is open daily from 10am to 6pm on weekdays and 10am to 7pm on the weekends.

GO: Follow @mosaichousebarhain on Instagram or WhatsApp 3962 2468 for more information and bookings.

TOY KNITTING CLASSES

Knitting is no longer just for the elderly. Many youngsters are turning to it as a hobby or therapeutic activity. Further, knitting is not just to make sweaters and socks. Bahrain-based Zizi makes crochet plush toys, from octopuses and Homer Simpsons to bunnies and all sorts of cuddly ‘friends’ that you can purchase from her Instagram page. Try your hand at this craft for BD10 an hour. Usually, about three to four hours would suffice to learn and make one toy. Be ready for homework too!

GO: DM Zizi @handmade_toys_bh on Instagram for class location details and more information.

SIGN-UP FOR A COOKING CLASS

Cooking is a survival skill. This summer, register with Kitchen United Cooking Class and learn from qualified chefs. The classes – group and private – are hosted at their well-equipped kitchen in East Riffa. Make a variety of dishes from pasta and sushi to mochi and macarons. Days, timings and fees vary depending on the class. If you have a sweet tooth, sign-up with The Cake Holics and learn everything about baking and decorating. Their classes are conducted in New Hidd; the organisers will share the exact location once you register. Only women and kids from seven to 14 years can register. Each session is an hour-and-ahalf long. Bookings take place a month in advance; last day to book for September is August 24 and classes are scheduled on September 8, 15, 22 and 29. There are two slots: 10.30am to 12pm and 4.30pm to 6pm. The original price is BD85 but you can enjoy 25% off. Price includes four workshops per month, ingredients and a certificate of completion. You can even take your creations home for your family or friends to taste!

GO: Follow @kucookingclass and @bakingclassesbahraincakeholics on Instagram for more information and bookings.

LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE

Remember the scene from Eat Pray Love where Julia Roberts learns Italian with the handsome Luca Spaghetti. Have your own Eat Pray Love moment right here in Bahrain. Hablo offers paid online classes, as well as free-of-cost, in-person meet-ups every Saturday where you can practice with natives; there’s a club for German and another one for Spanish and Arabic. The physical session lasts up to an hour and is typically hosted at a coffee shop or restaurant. Hablo also invites participants on cultural trips to historical locations in and outside Bahrain; the language exchange students travel to Spain or those in Spain and other GCC countries come to the Kingdom. Yusuf, co-developer of the language exchange programme, says that the main idea is to connect with people all over the world.

GO: Visit hablohoy.com for more information or look up @habloglobal on Instagram.

ENJOY AN AFTERNOON TEA EXPERIENCE

Summers summon a certain sense of ease and slow-paced rituals such as afternoon teas. Make a reservation for a relaxed time with friends. Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay’s afternoon tea is wellknown as is the longtime popular one hosted at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain. You could even enjoy an authentic Japanese tea experience at Chawan tea house. They have exciting events planned for later this year, including a Japanese food festival so, stay tuned!

GO: Call 1711 5500 (Four Seasons Bahrain) and 1758 6499 (The Ritz-Carlton), and visit chawanbh.com for more information.

FRIDAY BRUNCH

RELAX AT AN AESTHETIC CAFÉ

Bahrain spoils you for choice when it comes to Instagrammable cafés. The newly opened EL&N London at The AvenuesBahrain offers great vibes with its marine-inspired décor – jellyfish-like lights and shell-like seating. Café Rumi at Al Liwan has a life-size mural of a Sufi dancer, and VIII Cafe at District 1, Janabiya serves gram-worthy 3D coffee, both offer a lovely atmosphere – a change of scene from the four walls of your home. Crust & Crema’s Galleria Mall branch and Higher Grounds Cafe in Tubli offer a selection of books. And Fuddruckers’ outlets in Amwaj, Hamala, Sanad and Adliya have dedicated game zones if you prefer Esports.

GO: Follow @elan_cafe, @caferumibh, @viiicafe, @crustandcrema, @highergrounds.bh and @fuddruckersbahrain on Instagram for more information.

GET GREEN FINGERS

Gardening isn’t an indoor activity but if it’s your own garden, you could always slip indoors to cool off. Jenan Abdulla is offering a summer course where you can learn everything about gardening in the comfort of your own space – the class will be customised to the conditions in your garden. Arabic- and English-language classes are available and priced at BD45 for two hours. Days and times are flexible and can be mutually arranged. Jenan also offers to accompany you to buy materials for an extra fee and offers extra classes if you need them. Don’t have a garden? Get creative on your rooftop or balcony!

GO: Contact Jenan @letitbee.bh on Instagram for more information.

INDOOR FARMERS’ MARKETS

The farmers’ market at Hoorat A’ali is an indoor, air-conditioned space. It runs from Monday to Saturday, from 8am to 3pm and is a fun activity for the whole family. A great opportunity for your children to learn about local varieties of fruit and veg; Bahraini corchorus – a medicinal leaf – bright yellow local figs, a variety of peppers and chillis and more. Kids can even try their hand at pottery on the weekends. There’s a food court to refuel too.

GO: Follow @farmersmarketbh on Instagram for more information.

REKINDLE AN OLD HOBBY

Remember the days when hobbies were included on your resume? These days, we only speak of passions, side hustles and other such. There’s pressure to be exceptionally good at anything you do or worse, monetise it. Whatever happened to being average, or even terrible at something but doing it anyway, just because! The easiest way to rekindle a hobby is to revisit your childhood. What did you spend hours doing? It could have been conventional things such as painting or working on a jigsaw puzzle, or something out of the ordinary such as dismantling toy cars and rebuilding them. Remember, you can never be too old to become a child again!

WIN AT WELLNESS

With well-being, both mental and physical, very much in the forefront of the news these days, we’ve put together some of the most popular current wellness trends and practices. We spoke to local experts about their offerings, as well as people living on the island who have made a lifestyle change and greatly benefited from it. Take notes, these self-care ideas could transform your health and well-being.

SOUND OF MUSIC

There’s evidence to suggest that music has been a part of human history since the Palaeolithic age; early man is said to have banged rocks together to create music. Even flutes made from bones have been unearthed. Since olden times, the healing powers of music have been harnessed by many cultures; in the 13th century, the Arab world is said to have had music rooms in hospitals. Today, more and more people are becoming aware of this unique wellness modality. According to the British Academy of Sound Therapy, 89% of people believe music is essential for health and well-being. Whether you’re dealing with a serious issue or simply want to enhance your lifestyle, Bahrain is home to interesting music-related initiatives.

Florencia Grasselli, a Neurologic Music Therapist living on the island, says: “People encountering developmental challenges, anxiety, everyday stress and life-threatening or painful conditions, and anyone else open to self-discovery can benefit [from music therapy].

“Music is processed in all areas of the brain and has the ability to reach and stimulate sections that may not be accessible through other modalities. Music therapy requires you to be present in the moment and also creates positive emotional states.”

While this is a vast field and there are many kinds of music therapy sessions, Florencia shares an example with a focus on the wellness of an individual having difficulty expressing emotions verbally, causing stress and anxiety. Working through therapeutic songwriting can help reflect on the past, present or future, tap into the unconscious, and project feelings into music. Projecting one's thoughts in songs is a safe way to voice out uncomfortable feelings.

Florencia goes on to share some success stories: a child with speech delay saying the first ‘mama’ after working with a mama song tailor-made for him; a woman with childhood trauma voicing out her feelings through songwriting; a man with broca aphasia learning to speak through singing, since our brains are wired differently for speaking and singing; a child with a rare genetic disorder interacting through music after being isolated for a long time; a woman with Alzheimer’s connecting with her daughter through her favourite song from her teenage years – individuals with dementia can recall most of their musical memories from seven to 15 years, until the end of their lives.

GO: Visit musictheraphybahrain.com or follow @musictherapy_bahrain on Instagram for more information.

CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN

Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway, Al Seef District, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain

T +973 1717 1000

lemeridiencitycentrebahrain.com

SURF & TURF NIGHT

Every Thursday from 7:00PM to 11:00PM

Your choice of a selection of prime beef cuts and fresh seafood flame-grilled to order.

BHD 28 net inclusive of soft beverages

BHD 38 net inclusive of selected beverages

For more information or to make a reservation, please WhatsApp +973 3888 5841

A SOCIAL ANIMAL

The pandemic taught us the importance of community connection. The need to socialise in person and online is one of the trends that has emerged worldwide this year. Héctor García and Francesc Miralles, authors of the popular book Ikigai discovered that most residents of Japan’s Okinawa island lived to be 100 years old. One of the secrets behind it, they noted in their book, is that these people have an active social life.

Sergio Halabi, Co-Founder of The Raven’s Nest café in Jannusan, started a men-only club. A safe space for men of different ages to gather and chat about topics they wouldn't normally discuss with their friends or family members. He says: “It mainly revolves around their mental health, how to take good care of themselves and other issues they could be facing. Most of the time, it's about sharing different experiences, suggesting books to read or just openly talking about pressing matters.

“Sadly, in our culture, men are told not to discuss their emotions, to cast them aside silently and push forward, which can be harmful. We are here to break that stigma and to allow men to share without feeling judged or told to be quiet.”

So far, there have been at least three gatherings, one every two months. Men can also join a WhatsApp group to stay up to date about the dates and topics of upcoming sessions. Sergio confirms that the response has been extremely supportive, highlighting that there is a thirst for something like this on the island. He also notes that those who joined the first time ended up coming back, as they felt supported and safe.

GO: Follow @theravensnest.bh on Instagram for updates on the next session and more information.

SUPPORT GROUPS

An extension of community connection, support groups are a great platform where people facing similar issues can meet, discuss and learn from each other. People are becoming increasingly aware of this resource, which is a step in the right direction. Knowing there’s someone in the same boat as you brings hope.

Razan Shaheen, Psychologist at Insights Therapy Center & Collective, says: “Our support groups are led by our qualified therapists and bring together people experiencing a similar issue with a goal of overcoming or coping with the issue.”

Founded by Eman Nooruddin and Munira Al Shaikh, Insights Therapy Center & Collective is the first of its kind psychotherapy practice in Bahrain. Their support groups entail sharing stories and encouragement, exercises to help with coping or understanding the experience, and a space for others to offer what has been helpful to them. There are support groups exclusively for men and women and a grief support group among others.

Razan shares one of their many success stories: a client who came with an intense fear of flying. This person went from sleepless nights prior to the flight and extreme anxiety on the flight, even with medication, to flying for fun and actually enjoying the experience.

The centre also offers other community-based activities such as games, Zumba, meditation and more, all providing a safe space for people to bond with themselves and each other. They also work with corporates seeking to boost employee productivity.

GO: Follow @insightstherapybh on Instagram for more information on upcoming sessions.

BODY, MIND, SOUL

Abeer Parkar, an English instructor, freelance writer and homemaker living on the island, takes comfort in spirituality as part of her wellness journey. She says: “Being spiritually active helps me function better. I read the Quran almost every morning and pray five times daily.” Abeer combines this with other wellness habits including working out three to five days a week and avoiding excessive consumption of oily foods, caffeine and sugar. Abeer was diagnosed with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), an extreme form of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), which was affecting her mental health and daily routine. Prior to making lifestyle changes, she would experience panic attacks and emotional outbursts, clouded-thinking, low energy and downward spirals every month. Her quality of life improved significantly when she began focusing on her physical and mental health. She’s now a calmer and more stable individual. You can follow her journey @a.p._writer on Instagram. Over the decades, the term spirituality has evolved, from meaning religion or religious practices to something more holistic. As we know it today, it also includes aspects such as your life’s purpose, your sense of morality, your values, your connection with nature and your environment and so much more.

Spiritual wellness practices such as yoga and meditation gained massive popularity in the 1970s, a trend that has gained further momentum in recent times. Many augmented versions of these modalities have surfaced in the last decade or so, such as aerial or anti-gravity yoga, using bungee-like silk contraptions,

and goat yoga in the presence of cute goats who are sure to help you overcome any stress you might be facing. Meditation has also expanded as a concept, from the traditional practice of focussing on your breath to therapeutic activities that build concentration such as colouring intricate patterns or something as simple as household chores.

Ehsan Asghar, Yoga Instructor and Founder of PROP Yoga & Therapy Centre, was suffering from cervical and lower backpain, which led to depression and hallucinations. That’s when he walked onto the path of yoga in 2005, under the supervision of his guru, Shri Bandi Ramulu. Yoga helped him overcome his condition.

When his master left the island, Ehsan decided to continue the 37-year legacy and founded his centre in 2016. He teaches Iyengar yoga using props such as yoga belts, blocks and ladders. There have been numerous success stories in Bahrain, as well as in India where he serves in villages and tribes. Ehsan notes: “I have helped patients having spine ailments such as scoliosis and alignment problems, as well as paralysed and wheelchair-bound individuals, through this modality. Additionally, I facilitate holistic health and wellness as a life coach and motivational speaker.”

This year, Ehsan and his community of yoga practitioners organised the first ever Manthan, The Yoga Conclave 2023, a joint initiative with Bahrain India Cultural & Arts Services, under the patronage of the Embassy of India where they presented a demo, showcasing yoga as a sport in Bahrain for the first time. GO: Visit @propytc on Instagram for more information.

DIPPING INTO NATURE’S BASKET

Lately, ashwagandha has gained popularity with health and wellness enthusiasts. Commonly known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry, it’s a popular ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine, known to reduce stress and anxiety and improve mental wellness. The root of this shrub, which smells like a horse –hence, ashwa meaning horse and gandha meaning scent – is used in supplements, gummies, coffee and more.

Ayurveda offers several medicines in the form of decoctions, tablets and powders to cure lifestyle disorders without any side effects. Dr. Majeeda Anzary, Ayurvedic Specialist at the Indian Ayurvedic Medical Centre, shares a success story: “A 38-year-old lady came to our clinic due to some digestive disease. She had tried many medicines in vain. We found from her history that her lifestyle, food habits and everything was improper. She was suffering from anxiety, which was affecting her digestion and leading to constipation, bloating, etc. We suggested some herbal medicines along with a diet plan for proper sleep and to reduce anxiety. She also took Shirodhara treatment in which herbal oil is poured on the forehead in a certain way. Gradually, she got relief from her symptoms.” She goes on to list some other disorders

treated at the centre such as musculo skeletal, neurological, respiratory, dermatological and more.

Mushroom supplements are also widely popular. A big trend this year is ‘mushroom stacking’. Whateveryourdose.com explains that mushroom stacking means combining medicinal mushrooms with other adaptogens and antioxidants, such as niacin and the functional mushroom Lion’s Mane. There is evidence to show that, when done properly, the practice can manage stress and anxiety, immunity, gut health, energy levels, sporting performance, focus, skin health, sleep and more. iherb.com offers a wide range of supplements including gummies and mushroom coffee blends.

GO: Call the Indian Ayurvedic Medical Centre on 1772 2060 for more information.

Pursuing health and wellness isn’t a goal but a journey in itself. In order to achieve long-lasting results, one must make incremental lifestyle changes. Self-care is often misconstrued as a once-in-a-while treat or indulgence; it must be a habit or routine activity like eating, sleeping or bathing. It’s also important to have a holistic approach to well-being – as they say, a healthy body is a healthy mind!

AN ICON REIMAGINED

FACT spent the day in the 2023 Grand Wagoneer, a premium, large SUV poised to take its market segment by storm.

Producing quality off-road commercial vehicles since the late 1940s, Jeep has become an iconic brand, one that is enjoyed by millions of drivers all over the world. This month, FACT was invited by Behbehani Brothers to test drive the new 2023 Grand Wagoneer, a vehicle that has begun to carve out a legacy of its own.

Exterior

As the full-sized premium SUV came into view, we instantly recognised the new Grand Wagoneer as a modern interpretation of an American-made icon. The exceptional craftsmanship applied to the exterior design of this striking model is obvious from first glance, and we knew it would take a considerable amount of time to fully appreciate all that has gone into the creation of this imposing vehicle.

The Wagoneer’s bold new exterior design has been crafted with a wide stance and features a classic yet refined silhouette. At the front end of the SUV sits a distinctive hood and prominent front grille combination, the latter featuring knurled finishes on the rings. Complementing these grand features is the unique LED lighting, including premium LED headlamps and foglamps. Shifting to the flanks, we noticed that, like the windscreen, large architecturally drawn windows are incorporated into the design, greatly enhancing outward visibility. Paying homage to the original Grand Wagoneer are the clean roofline and A-line that run around

the vehicle in its entirety. The inclusion of a panoramic tri-pane sunroof allows an abundance of natural light inside and offers greenhouse-like views. Chunky, 22-inch aluminium wheels add to the SUV’s rugged appearance and hint at its off-road capabilities. At the rear, we appreciated how the LED taillamps complete the full suite of exterior LED lights, stretching from the rear quarter panels to the hands-free power liftgate.

Interior

On entering the vehicle, we were immediately taken by the abundance of space on offer. In fact, the 2023 Grand Wagoner boasts the best-in-class overall passenger volume, amongst many other bragging rights.

The fully digital cockpit is jampacked with cutting-edge tech, is immaculately laid out and features ultra comfortable captain’s chairs.

The second-row seating also offers captain’s chairs, access to which is made simple by the power release Tip ‘n Slide function that creates more space for passengers to get to their seats. The third row can recline and fold flat, making it easy to configure for either passengers or luggage.

This convenient internal set-up, coupled with the four-zone HVAC system, ensured we were completely relaxed, cool and comfortable as we set off on our day of driving around the island.

Infotainment & Technology

As we effortlessly cruised along the freeways and inner-city streets, we had time to take in the seemingly endless, cuttingedge tech, housed in the interior of this remarkable SUV.

The 2023 Grand Wagoneer is equipped with next-generation innovations including the new advanced Uconnect 5 system. Other notable features include a frameless digital cluster, a rearseat monitoring camera and a premium McIntosh audio system. Additionally, we were told this new model is available with up to 75 inches of total digital display screen area, including nearly 45 inches of total screens along the front dashboard.

We found the 12-inch reconfigurable touchscreen display featuring split-screen capabilities to be most impressive. This user-friendly set-up features the before mentioned, all-new Uconnect 5 system, and includes wi-fi capability, full smartphone connectivity, Alexa, access to hundreds of thousands of apps, TV shows and movies, amongst many other desirable features. In addition, 11 USB ports and multiple passenger screens are located in both the front and the rear of the vehicle.

Safety

The artisans responsible for the Grand Wagoneer’s design have included an extensive range of leading-edge safety technologies and driver assistance systems.

These include a head-up display (HUD), Hands Free Active Driving Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Intersection Collision Assist, Drowsy Driver Detection, along with turn-by-turn navigation and so much more. The fully digital rear-view mirror provides an unobstructed view of the road behind and can revert to a traditional reflective mirror by toggling the switch underneath.

Performance

The 2023 model is powered by a new 3.0-litre Hurricane twin-turbo, inline, six-cylinder engine, combined with a TorqueFlite eightspeed automatic transmission. We discovered the abundance of power and acceleration on offer to be easily accessible, allowing the SUV to effortlessly devour any road we put before it. Although we couldn’t fully test the vehicle’s 4x4 capabilities on this excursion, we were informed that this model has three

available 4x4 systems, along with an optional Quadra-Lift air suspension and a Selec-Terrain traction management system. This means there is almost no off-road terrain this premium SUV cannot conquer, and any other SUV in this segment would have a tough time keeping up with it in the rough. ✤

The Wagoneer’s bold new exterior design has been crafted with a wide stance and features a classic yet refined silhouette.”

A NEW CHAPTER

Aston Martin has signed a crucial deal accelerating its ambition to develop the world’s most thrilling and highly desirable electric performance cars.

Aston Martin has formed a landmark new supply agreement with US-based Lucid Group, a world-leading electric vehicle technologies company.

Access to Lucid’s current and future powertrain and battery technology will be at the centre of Aston Martin’s all-new inhouse Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) platform.

Aston Martin’s electrification programme forms a pillar of their wider Racing Green sustainability strategy, and will see an investment of almost BD977 million in advanced technologies over the next five years, phasing from internal combustion engine (ICE) to battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology.

Lawrence Stroll, Executive Chairman, said: “The supply agreement with Lucid is a game changer for the future EV-led growth of Aston Martin. Based on our strategy and requirements, we selected Lucid, gaining access to the industry’s highest performance and most innovative technologies for our future BEV products.

“We will not only leverage the significant investments Lucid has made to develop its world-class technologies but will also further enhance and differentiate the drive experience through the work Roberto Fedeli [Chief Technology Officer] and his teams are already developing, aligned with our ultra-luxury, highperformance strategy.”

Aston Martin boasts an exceptional track record when it comes to

creating intelligent and adaptable vehicle platforms This bespoke BEV platform will form the basis of the company’s entire future electrified model range; from hypercars to sports cars, GTs and SUVs, the first of which is targeted for launch in 2025.

Before then, Aston Martin will deliver their first plug-in hybrid – the mid-engined supercar, Valhalla – in 2024 and, by 2026, all new model lines will feature an electrified powertrain option, with the long-term objective for their core range to be fully electrified by 2030.

Mercedes-Benz AG will continue to provide Aston Martin access to a range of world-class technologies, including powertrain and electric/electronic architectures for current and future generation vehicles, including internal combustion engine, hybrid and electric vehicles.

Roberto Fedeli, said: “The proposed agreement with Lucid forms a significant pillar of our electrification strategy, providing Aston Martin with access to the industry’s leading powertrain and battery systems technology.

“Combined with our internal development, this will allow us to create a single bespoke BEV platform suitable for all future Aston Martin products.” ✤

GO:

TRIPLE TREAT

This year, MG Motor returned to one of the world’s top motoring events, the Goodwood Festival of Speed, with a high voltage display of electric-powered performance. The British-born brand revealed not one but three global debuts, including the highly-anticipated first running of the Cyberster roadster, the striking EX4 concept car and the brand new MG4 EV XPOWER.

The two-seater Cyberster and MG4 EV XPOWER – both offering impressive acceleration – were two of the star attractions on the Goodwood Hill. Drawing inspiration from the company’s heritage, Cyberster’s bold styling combines contemporary design with distinctive touches that call on MG’s rich history as a renowned manufacturer of exciting, engaging convertible sports cars. The dramatic, two-seater EV convertible’s performance credentials were on display throughout the festival. The MG4 XPOWER, capable of delivering 429hp and up to 600Nm of torque, used its innovative dual motor configuration which delivers power to all four wheels to launch off the start line.

MG also revealed a third high performance car, the EX4 concept car, boldly reimagining the Metro 6R4 rally legend of the 1980s, but moving with the times, this concept is now underpinned by the MG4 XPower’s extremely powerful electric drivetrain. Developed especially for the festival by MG’s design team in London to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the legendary Metro 6R4, the EX4 features a distinctive look.

MG Motor is a British-born automotive brand established in 1924, known for its historic models, awards and achievements throughout the past 99 years. Founded by William Morris and Cecil Kimbers, it has one of the oldest car clubs in the automotive industry. Best known for its two-seat open sports cars, MG Motor also produced saloons and coupes. Since its acquisition of MG, SAIC MOTOR, as a Global Top 500 company, has opened a new chapter for this British icon. MG Motor is at the forefront of the introduction of innovative technologies and new energy vehicles for car buyers. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.MG-BAHRAIN.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

MG Motor debuted three all-electric, high-performance models at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

DESIGNED FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Hyundai’s all-new Santa Fe is a midsize SUV that highlights a signature nature-meets-city appeal while implementing major updates shaped by big data around the latest outdoor lifestyle trends.

As part of the improvements the rear cargo capacity has been maximised to better accommodate outdoor and urban activities. As a result, the powerful new model boasts a robust yet delicately detailed exterior design and immensely spacious interior. The vehicle’s boxy shape and distinctive silhouette are derived from its long wheelbase and wide tailgate area while the front creates a sense of grandeur with its high hood, H-shaped headlamps and bold, sharp fenders.

The new Santa Fe’s interior offers generous living space for an effortless outdoor lifestyle and the fully foldable second- and third-row seats provide class-leading interior space. The refined interior design emphasises horizontal and vertical lines, with an H-motif design applied to the dashboard and air vents to enhance the sense of openness. The brightly coloured

seats and headliner along with the soft-touch wood-patterned garnish and Nappa leather seats add sophisticated style. It boasts a variety of high-tech features, including a Panoramic Curved Display and dual wireless charging. The curved display connects the 12.3-inch digital cluster and infotainment system. The new SUV also incorporates a number of sustainable materials. The suede headliner, car mats and second- and thirdrow seatbacks are made from recycled plastic, while the crash pad and door trim covers are made from eco-friendly leatherette. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.HYUNDAI.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

EXCITING OFFERS, GREAT SERVICE

Zayani Leasing has announced new and exclusive deals in cooperation with Bahrain’s top dealerships.

The exclusive partner of Euro Motors, First Motors and Zayani Motors, Zayani Leasing is offering exciting deals on premium brands to its individual and corporate customers. This includes luxury brands such as Maserati, Land Rover, BMW, MINI, Genesis and HONGQI at competitive rates, coupled with exclusive service features and coverage. Enjoy an unparalleled set of privileges such as genuine parts, a 24-hour emergency helpline, accident and insurance management, replacement vehicles during service or repair, and more.

Located in Nuwaidrat beside King Hamad Highway, Zayani Leasing has emerged as one of the top leasing companies in the Kingdom since its establishment in 1999, as a subsidiary of Alzayani Investments. The company boasts matchless competitive rates, attractive packages and an extensive portfolio of satisfied clients that includes individuals, corporates, government bodies and other private institutions.

Zayani Leasing stands for variety, value and safety. Whatever the requirement may be, either a single vehicle, fleet or specialised vehicle solution, they provide a tailored offering. Further, all the vehicles are insured and dealer maintained. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.ZAYANILEASING.COM OR CALL 1770 2333 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Hyundai's new fifth-generation Santa Fe has been optimised for effortless outdoor lifestyles.

PORTABLE JOY

Audio-Technica has announced that the limitededition fan-favourite Sound Burger portable turntable has now joined its regular line-up.

Originally released 40 years ago, the Sound Burger has been a cult classic thanks to its stylish design and unique listening experience. Commemorating Audio-Technica’s 60th anniversary in 2022, a limited-edition Sound Burger (AT-SB2022) was released and sold out worldwide in just a few days.

In response to the overwhelming demand, the model has now been added to the company’s regular catalogue.

The new AT-SB727 retro turntable features modern upgrades such as Bluetooth connectivity. Users can wirelessly listen to their favourite vinyl records all day thanks to the 12-hour battery life, and recharge with the up-to-date USB-C charging cable. Listeners can also enjoy a nostalgic, wired listening experience with the included audio cable.

Ideal for parties, picnics and small living spaces, the lightweight device is designed for both portability and stability, with a tonearm that employs a dynamic balance system in which stylus pressure is applied via a spring.

Additionally, a high-precision DC (direct current) motor ensures a stable rotation is maintained when used.

Equipped with a belt drive system that plays both 33-1/3 and

45RPM records, this unique turntable offers high-quality sound reproduction.

The Sound Burger also features a die-cast aluminium alloy platter with damping design and a replaceable ATN3600L stylus. The AT-SB727 is an entry-level turntable that gives users a nostalgic experience and is also a doorway to the wonders of analogue music. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.AUDIO-TECHNICA.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

POWERED PERFORMANCE

The new Google Pixel Tablet comes built with the latest Android features and Google Tensor G2 chip, and is packaged in the iconic Pixel design.

Google’s first tablet in many years, the new premium device boasts a brilliant 11-inch LCD display with a resolution of 2,560 by 1,600 pixels and a 60Hz refresh rate. It includes four built-in speakers for crisp audio, making it an ideal entertainment companion. The tablet’s fast performance and notable battery life are powered by the Tensor G2 chip that is also used in the latest Google Pixel phones and is very capable of handling multiple apps and gaming demands.

The tablet can be paired with the Charging Speaker Dock to make it a helpful part of users’ homes. The dock keeps it charged and has speakers with four times the bass of the tablet alone for roomfilling sound.

Moreover, when the docked tablet is in Hub Mode, it can be used hands-free as a smart home controller, music and entertainment player, voice-activated helper or digital photo frame.

The Pixel Tablet has been worked on and developed closely with the Android team to optimise numerous necessary and favourite apps for seamless larger screen use. Its form has been designed using an aluminium shell that's been covered in a nano-ceramic coating, making it easy to grip. It comes in Porcelain, Hazel and Rose finishes, with a matching dock. ✤

GO: VISIT HTTP://STORE.GOOGLE.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

ELITE PROFICIENCY

Apple has unveiled the new 15-inch MacBook Air with an enhanced, top-of-the-line display and the powerful M2 silicon chip.

The company introduced the 15-inch MacBook Air that comes with an expansive 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display with IPS technology; 2880x1864 native resolution at 224 pixels per inch. With up to 500 nits of brightness and support for 1 billion colours, content looks notably rich and vibrant, and the text razor sharp. The device is only 11.5mm thick and is the world’s thinnest 15inch laptop. Moreover, it weighs just 1.49kg making it incredibly portable.

The laptop features MagSafe charging, two Thunderbolt ports for connecting accessories and up to a 6K external display, along with a 3.5mm headphone jack for versatile connectivity.

With the M2 chip, the MacBook Air has incredible performance and is up to twice as fast compared to previous models. It also delivers extraordinary battery life of up to 18 hours. It includes a powerful eight-core CPU with four performance cores and four efficiency cores, a 10-core GPU for blazing-fast graphics and a 16core Neural Engine.

The MacBook features a 1080p HD camera for FaceTime calls and video conferencing. While a three-mic array captures clean audio using advanced beamforming algorithms.

The new Air also includes a six-speaker sound system with two tweeters and two sets of force-cancelling woofers. It’s available in four fantastic finishes — Midnight, Starlight, Space Gray and Silver. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.APPLE.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

AURAL ENHANCEMENTS

Sennheiser has created a sensational new class of over-the-counter hearing aids.

The All-Day Clear and All-Day Clear Slim hearing aids are powered by Sonova technology, a leading hearing care company, and deliver clear, vibrant sound with intelligent scene detection that monitors the person’s environment for seamless optimisation of dialogue.

With user-friendly self-fitting features, top-notch acoustics and speech enhancement capabilities, the All-Day Clear series provides a smooth and straightforward experience.

Users can expect up to 16 hours of class-leading hearing performance and lightweight comfort from the compact rechargeable devices. Each type comes with a set of hearing devices, a charging case and accessory kit, while the slim wear style also includes an equally compact carrying case.

The devices are compatible with both Android and Apple mobile and can be easily set up and customised in less than five minutes, guided by the intuitive All-Day Clear app.

Each device is packed with additional capabilities such as Bluetooth music and podcast streaming from users’ mobiles, a personalised sound profile, wind noise management and much more.

The over-the-counter gadgets allow Sennheiser to utilise their extensive acoustics and speech enhancement expertise to bridge

a sizeable gap in the hearing devices market by providing this ready-to-wear solution. The All-Day Clear and All-Day Clear Slim are two uniquely sleek designs with matching benefits that put the wearer’s needs first. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.SENNHEISER.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

ONCE YOU GET A TASTE FOR IT YOU’LL NEVER WANT TO STOP

APP-LICIOUS

What’s on the smartphone agenda for August?

smallTalk: Languages for Baby Artifact

Artifact is a news application launched by Instagram’s co-founders, Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger. It’s an AI-driven news feed that puts users in control. Users can select their preferred categories while setting up the app and Artifact will search for the most informative free stories from the best publishers, weed out clickbait and use AI to concisely summarise articles to help save time.

Artifact includes features such as Reader Mode that lets users become immersed in a clutterfree and elegant reading experience. Combat clickbait by marking specific articles as clickbait and help other users steer clear of misleading content. Leave comments on a story in the app and view comments made by others. Artifact sends timely push notifications that keep users ahead of the curve about stories shaping the world.

Moreover, the app has a growing community that has built a respectful place for subscribers to talk and debate.

smallTalk is a wonderfully presented language-learning app, that’s aimed at mothers and their babies or toddlers as a guided way to bond and develop the child’s brainpower for language in their early formative years.

The application boasts seven different languages – English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin and Spanish. The app highlights the many neurological benefits associated with early foreign language exposure, and hence, it has developed a science-based, proven language learning system that is easy for parents to implement and babies to enjoy.

The products are designed to elicit an action from the baby to trigger learning (scientists refer to it as a contingent process).

The made-for-baby content has been developed by using actual recordings of mothers singing and reading to their babies in their native languages.

Authentic Persian Cuisine

In Conversation with… Benoit-Joseph Metanomski

The newly-appointed General Manager of Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain shares his first-time experience of the island, how he is settling into his new role and his love for travel.

It’s been only a couple of weeks since you started your new role in Bahrain. How has your experience on the island been so far?

My time in Bahrain has been incredibly positive. The hospitality and warmth of the Bahraini people have made a deep impression on me. Their kindness and assistance have been crucial in making my transition into my new role smooth. The energy and liveliness of Bahrain, particularly the stunning city lights at night, are truly remarkable. The city's contemporary design and architecture are a marvel to witness. In addition, the food scene is a joy for the taste buds. From high-end dining to local food joints, the abundance of flavours and variety genuinely echo the rich culture of Bahrain. I can't wait to further discover the island.

Please share some major highlights of your plans for Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain in the next year.

Enhancing guest experiences is at the core of my focus. I am committed to providing outstanding, personalised service along with diverse, high-quality culinary offerings. I'm also dedicated to enhancing our wellness facilities, providing rejuvenating treatments and organising unique events to create a vibrant atmosphere. This includes diverse lifestyle activities, a refreshing pool area and engaging sports. A comfortable stay for guests is a priority, and I aim for well-appointed rooms equipped with modern technology and amenities. I am also passionate about implementing sustainability initiatives, supporting local projects and cultivating an environment that encourages growth, skill development and empowerment. Our exceptional team and I are dedicated to bringing our 2024 vision to life, with teamwork being at the heart of our operations.

What steps have you taken to ensure a smooth transition into your new role?

I have prioritised open communication and relationship-building with the existing team. I have held regular team meetings to foster collaboration and gain insights from their expertise. I have also made it a point to personally visit and observe various departments, allowing me to gain a deeper understanding

of the hotel's operations and identify areas for improvement. Additionally, I have established a structured workday schedule that allows me to effectively prioritise tasks and ensure a seamless transition. These steps have allowed me to build strong connections with the team and get acquainted with the unique culture and values of Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain.

You’ve worked in many countries, starting in France and then, Vietnam, Australia, Cambodia, Thailand, and now, Bahrain. How has this equipped you to navigate diverse cultural set-ups and deliver exceptional guest experiences. Working in diverse countries has been enriching. It has allowed me to develop a deep understanding and appreciation for different cultures, customs and preferences. This has shaped my leadership style to be adaptable and inclusive, with a focus on creating experiences that cater to the unique needs and preferences of our international guests. Whether it's incorporating global flavours into our F&B (food and beverage) offerings or implementing personalised services tailored to specific cultural preferences, my work has enabled me to create truly memorable and culturally diverse guest experiences. It has made me adaptable, open minded and respectful of all cultures

We know that you love travelling. What is your dream destination and why?

Travelling is more than just a passion for me, it's a yearning, a calling from within. I've always felt this magnetic pull towards the unseen, the unexplored and, intriguingly, the place that calls me the most is the land I call home – France. I'm a Parisian, born and bred, and have tasted the thrill of skiing and the rustic charm of East Normandy. But France has so much more to offer. My heart aches to discover every nook and cranny of my beautiful country, to touch the soul of every city, every town, every hidden village. My dream is to set off on a soul-stirring road trip, one that would take me beyond the familiar. I believe that our roots have endless stories to tell, and I, for one, am ready to listen. ✤

ISLAND INSIDER

Yazan Al Hayek

Complex Director of Sales & Distribution, The Westin & Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain

It’s been only a couple of months since you stepped into your new role. How’s it going so far?

So far it is going great. The first few months, I have spent my time learning as much as possible and getting to know the team I will be working with.

I have been working on cultivating positive relationships with my team.

I see this opportunity as a way to contribute to an exciting and fastmoving company. Major highlights have been accomplishing a good relationship

with my team, getting to meet different key clients we work with and attending many different events in Bahrain.

What do you most admire about the Marriott International brand?

When you work with Marriott, you know you have the world’s leading travel company behind you. A company like Marriott takes care of the wellbeing of their employees therefore we feel good about ourselves, which inspires us to serve people in the best

way we can. The inclusion and diversity at Marriott is something I admire along with their great, caring leadership.

Being in the hospitality business, weekends are often busier than weekdays. How do you like to spend your day off?

I like spending my days off with my family and especially with my daughter. I also like to take this time off and relax, workout, spend some time on the beach and just wind down to recharge for an exciting new work week with Marriott.

SPREADING THEIR WINGS

After more than a decade of dynamic operations, Foodvest Holding are continuing to win hearts across the diverse Middle-Eastern market.

Popular with diners in the region and known for their diverse fun-dining concepts, Foodvest Holding have renovated their Shabab Avenue outlet in Juffair. Offering a triple treat, the space features Caribou Coffee, Fuddruckers and Francesco’s Pizza, which is a cloud kitchen. The refurbished venue spans two stories and showcases an attractive, sleek and modern aesthetic that is both stylish and inviting.

On the occasion of the Juffair outlet reopening, Mateo Ramos, Group CEO, said: “Opening 12 outlets in just six months is a major accomplishment for us. Foodvest Holding is a company that is constantly innovating and evolving, and we are committed to providing our customers with the finest dining experience possible.”

New Openings

Foodvest Holding started their journey in 2009. Since then, they've built a closely-knit family of loyal guests and today, they're one of the largest franchise operators in the region. Their

portfolio features well-known brands such as Fuddruckers, Caribou Coffee and, most recently, Francesco’s Pizza and Marble Slab Creamery & Great American Cookies.

The last six months alone have witnessed 12 outlets coming online — some newly opened, others relocated within their existing premises and others renovated. They are: the new Caribou Coffee at Moda Mall (relocated within the mall); the new Marble Slab Creamery at Moda Mall (relocated within the mall); the new Caribou Coffee at The Village in Al Dair, Muharraq; the new Caribou Coffee at Amwaj; the new Fuddruckers at Amwaj; the new Caribou Coffee at City Centre Bahrain (relocated within the mall); the renovated Caribou Coffee at Reem Centre; the new Caribou Coffee at GB Corp; the new Caribou Coffee at Pink Padel Court in Riffa; the renovated Fuddruckers in Juffair; the renovated Caribou Coffee in Juffair and the renovated Francesco’s Pizza in Juffair.

The Caribou Coffee and Fuddruckers restaurants developed this year will showcase the brands’ transformations. Guests can experience enhanced designs created in collaboration with Evoke

Fuddruckers' Juffair branch after being rennovated

Interiors and innovation platforms. These include game zones in Fuddruckers’ Adliya, Amwaj, Hamala and Sanad branches. And all offer a warm, timeless and approachable setting that complements each specific restaurant and its local community.

Brigade of Brands

Fuddruckers Bahrain was first established in 1995, in Sanad. A family-friendly, casual dining space, they have been grilling the ‘World’s Greatest Hamburgers’ for more than 27 years. Today, there are a total of nine branches across the Kingdom – Sanad, Park Plaza in Diplomatic Area, Zallaq, Al Liwan in Hamala, Adliya, American Alley in Juffair, Durrat Al Bahrain, City Centre Bahrain and Amwaj Drive – in addition to a pop-up set-up at Bilaj Al Jazayer beach.

In September last year, the Sanad branch underwent a complete renovation, with modern interiors and elements such as neon signs and metallic accents. Featuring a wall display of the names of all outlets and black and white photos, this Fuddruckers is a beautiful testament to the restaurant’s history. Guests can now enjoy large-screen TVs airing sports matches, a game zone and Fuddruckers’ iconic topping bar.

Caribou Coffee Bahrain began its operations in 2007, in Seef Mall. As of today, there are a total of 35 branches across the island with three more underway at Salmaniya Square, Hidd and Wadi Square in Riffa. By the end of 2023, customers can expect about 40 branches, with more 24-hour dine-in and drive-through services across the Kingdom. Known among fans and customers as BOU (as in CariBOU), the coffeehouse creates handcrafted blends using 100% Arabica beans, 100% premium real chocolate and fresh milk, along with a variety of sugar-free syrups. Caribou Coffee is also known for its pastries, freshly baked daily at the BOU Bakery – they don’t outsource at all.

Marble Slab Creamery & Great American Cookies’ first branch in the country opened in March 2007 at City Centre Bahrain. Currently, they have four branches at strategic locations: City Centre Bahrain, Moda Mall, Enma Mall and Bilaj Al Jazayer beach. Francesco’s Pizza was first established in the Kingdom in 2016 and currently operates as a cloud kitchen concept in Juffair.

Raring To Grow

Expanding its portfolio, Foodvest Holding acquired Marble Slab Creamery & Great American Cookies and Francesco’s Pizza in March this year. They plan to open three Caribou Coffee branches in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia in 2023, followed by 10 more by the end of 2024. Additionally, they intend to add more international F&B (food and beverage) brands to their existing list of offerings – watch this space for more information. In Bahrain, the coming months will see the opening of Caribou Coffee outlets at Salmaniya Square, in the food court extension at Seef Mall - Manama, at Wadi Square in Riffa and at Hidd Petrol Station. They will also open a Marble Slab Creamery outlet at Seef Mall - Manama. ✤

Caribou Coffee at The Village

The game zone at Fuddruckers' Sanad branch

Fuddruckers' Sanad branch after being rennovated

Marble Slab Creamery & Great American Cookies at Moda Mall

EXCITING TIMES AHEAD

An assurance of big future developments, his favourite things about the island and property, and a fresh and flavourful signature dish are some of the things Picco Alapatt, Executive Chef at The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa talks about.

You joined The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa at the beginning of this year. Please tell us about any new dining concepts you may have introduced and other major developments.

The Gulf Hotel Bahrain, as you are aware, is home to 17 restaurants, bars and lounges. Being here for just five months hasn’t given me enough time yet to bring in new concepts and change stuff around. However, there are a lot of changes, novel approaches and creative thought processes that are being worked on currently in terms of the menu offerings and food promotions at most outlets. For all loyal diners at the property, these will be a surprise treat that they will be able to experience in due course. Regarding major developments, I can confirm that there are multiple new exciting projects being planned at the property and I don’t want to spill the beans until it’s official. However, I guarantee that these announcements will really make the dining scene at Gulf Hotel, Bahrain extra special.

You have diverse experience with a range of hospitality brands in the region and the world. What in your opinion makes The Gulf Hotel Bahrain stand out?

The culture of having food as the most important aspect, in its most genuine and authentic way in every guest experience at Gulf hotel Bahrain makes the property stand out among many other properties and brands. The Gulf Hotel has 10 award-winning restaurants, with varied cuisines handled by native and speciality chefs, which makes it very special. and it’s probably the only hotel in the region with senior outlet chefs from 14 nationalities to ensure utmost justice and authenticity to all the food offerings at the property.

This is your third stint in the Kingdom. Tell us about the things that you missed most while you were away?

The genuine approach to food, simplicity of the palate, warmth of the culture and passionate approach to local cuisine. I have felt that missing with diners for many years. However, I found a similar profile during my tenure in the Caribbean where simple, fresh, good food was welcomed with open arms. I came back and saw that Bahrain still believes in a simple, clean yet creative approach to food with the same warmth and passion that the Kingdom offered when I was here before.

What is your signature dish and what do you think makes it a hit with diners?

It would be unfair as the Executive Chef of the biggest F&B-offering (food and beverage) hotel, that I point just one dish as my signature, as there are a few based on different cuisines that will come onto the menus of The Gulf Hotel soon. However, since the situation demands it, I would probably highlight a simple, light yet beautiful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Sundried tomato-crusted baby hammour served with celeriac puree and brunoise [a cutting technique] summer veggies (zucchini, carrots, tomatoes, peppers), dressed with a saffron lemon emulsion and flavoured oil, accompanied by purple potato chips and caper berries. It’s absolutely fresh and feels very light. It’s the combination of freshness and flavour that would entice any diner. Its presentation is clean and elegant and it has various elements to provide an experience to the palate. ✤

THE TASTE OF INNOVATION

Located at Bahrain World Trade Center is Maki, a contemporary Japanese restaurant, where Melissa Nazareth savoured delightful creations.

Maki holds a special place in my heart because that’s where I first tried sushi and I was thrilled to visit the newly renovated restaurant with my colleagues. The interior exhibited a Japanese minimalist aesthetic; muted shades including creams and whites interspaced with bright green indoor foliage, thread-ball hanging lights and light brown wood elements. Even the seating, which amply spread across two floors, was simple but visually appealing. Our generous hosts led us to our table and we decided to check out the menu, which has an entire section of new dishes. We also spotted a sizeable vegan section.

We were there at the peak of afternoon and so, relieved to see a trio of refreshments approaching our table. I had the passion fruit mojito – you can never go wrong with a mojito! My colleagues had the Rose Electric Bubble, a pretty pink concoction with a lingering rose aftertaste, and the Electric Lemonade, which looked like a chemistry lab experiment but in a fun, good way. Our lunch began with the Chaine Forest Haze Salad, a contrast of textures with red quinoa offering a bite against creamy avocado cubes, spongy mushrooms and a variety of veggies, all tossed in the most luscious extra virgin olive oil and an addictive, citrusy green Ooba – a type of leaf – dressing, which had us going in for seconds. Smoke was trapped inside the salad bowl – hence, ‘Haze’ – which was covered with a smaller bowl, carrying the dressing. The smoky flavour added a certain je ne sais quoi. My favourite was the Crispy Rice Noodle Salad, a new item on the menu. It had a delightful crunch from the peanut crumble and rice noodles and a surprise element – vegetable spring roll bites. The ingredients included a selection of veggies and leaves, coated with a special nutty, sweet and tangy sesame goma dressing. Ribs Crocante came with crunchy mini rice discs, topped with the most tender meat ever. A caveat: you can’t eat just one! The meat was moist, imbued with a sweetish, smoky sauce and the ratio of topping to base was spot on.

We had worked up a good appetite by then and were ready for our next dish. Oliver Maki, the creation of Co-owner, Oliver Zeitoun. The menu has a VIP Maki section, featuring dishes created by select guests. We enjoyed this assortment of seafood maki rolls – salmon, tuna and white fish – garnished with a bunch of secret sauces and toppings that complemented the fish well. In all my years of eating maki rolls in Bahrain, I’ve never seen an ume-wrapped version. The Sandi Ume Maki came with a sweet and sour ume or plum wrap, topped with the freshest salmon and spring onions. I thought this was innovative, which is characteristic of this restaurant.

Elegantly presented in a slender stem glass, the Fusion Temaki, a sesame-studded, delicately flavoured soy paper wrap, encased a gastronomic explosion of ingredients and flavours. The prawn tempura provided an earth-shattering crunch, which was balanced by bouncy, juicy crab sticks. The veggies added a bite and freshness that cut against the deepfried tempura and other crispy bits.

We wanted to try one of the meat dishes and were recommended the Wagyu steak. Our friendly server cooked the thinly-sliced beef on a hot stone at our table, with a musical

hissing that indicated the perfect sear. If you prefer cooking it yourself, you can. When I say this cut was of the finest quality, please take it at face value. As soon as we took a bite, the meat melted in our mouths like butter on a hot skillet. Flavoured with a gentle yet persistent truffle mustard and herby rosemary, the meaty juices flooded our mouths.

We left enough room for dessert, which matched the creativity of the other dishes. Some may ask, what’s special about the Pistachio Mochi Ice Cream, another new addition to the menu. Mochi, after all, is a popular Japanese dessert. Well, this was a Japanese-Mediterranean fusion where pistachio ice cream was wrapped in a perfectly thin mochi or rice covering and sat on a kunafa-style filo nest. When our host described it as mochi with kunafa, I must admit, I didn’t think the two would go together. But they do – Maki is truly innovative!

Our second dessert literally looked like a plant in a greenhouse pod. I don’t mean to pile on, but my colleague almost mistook it for table décor. The Terrarium Matcha Tiramisu was a fun Asian spin on the Italian classic and, while purists would argue otherwise, I thought it was delightful. Oh! That silken cream layered with green tea-infused ladyfinger biscuits – the perfect ending to our meal.

Though I’ve dined at Maki just a handful of times, as it is an exclusive restaurant and I’d rather reserve it for special occasions, I’ve returned satiated and happy every single time. Offering innovative, beautifully presented dishes in a new setting, while retaining its familiar vibe, I can hear Maki beckon and I shall return very soon. ✤

It’s seldom I walk into a restaurant and immediately want to know the story behind it. But that’s what happens on my first visit to Banu. This authentic Persian eatery, in Hala Plaza, has some of the most amazing décor I’ve come across in quite some time.

Poured concrete floors bear discreet, decorative brass inlays, seating is plush velvet in gentle blues and golds, the walls boast jewel tones of teal and regal maroon while deep red, crystaladorned glass chandeliers gleam above. But it is the artwork that really catches the attention.

Since a refurbishment in October, the walls are adorned with giant paintings and smaller pictures, all brought from Iran, which tell the story of a woman or women going from being covered to the last picture where the subject is lavishly dressed, open faced, her hands bejewelled and, above her head, the royal crown that has, perhaps, subdued her, falling away.

It’s no surprise that the restaurant’s name, Banu, means grand lady or princess in Persian and, one of the driving forces behind the business is Hanieh Mirbaha, both co-owner and Head Chef, who founded the restaurant alongside her husband Ebrahim Ali. Ebrahim, our welcoming host, proudly tells us that all the recipes are from his wife’s home kitchen – traditional dishes passed down through generations of her Persian family’s womenfolk. And he’s quick to point out: “We are authentically Persian, we don’t add in Bahraini or Gulf dishes, if you do that, I don’t think you can really call yourself Persian. For example, if we sold hummus, it would sell out, but it’s not Persian, so we don’t sell it.”

Our dishes start to arrive, crowding the long, heavy wood table, alongside tall glasses of glowing golden Tokhm e Sharbati – a refreshing drink containing sweetened basil seeds, rose water and saffron – and an impressive glass flagon, reminiscent of the 1001 Nights, containing dogh, a salty, cold laban drink, which was a big hit with my dining companion.

Ash Reshteh is truly comfort food, a thick soup packed with vegetables, aromatic herbs, reshteh (Persian noodles) and beans, garnished with crispy fried onions. It’s easy to tell that this pot has long simmered to achieve the perfect fusion of flavours and, though this dish would be better suited to a cooler winter day, it is certainly a tasty spoonful.

Mirza Ghasemi is up next and proves to be my absolute favourite dish of the day. It’s a simple and quintessentially Persian concoction of crushed, smoked eggplant with garlic and a tiny fried egg on top. For someone who loves eggplant as much as I do, it is a triumph. Superbly tasty and creamy and perfect for mopping up with hot, soft, fresh bread.

Shirazi Special salad is Chef Hanieh’s own creation consisting of the regular Shirazi salad of finely chopped cucumber, tomato and onion with lemon and olive oil dressing and, in this case, topped with Zeytoon Parvardeh, a mix of olives, walnuts and pomegranate crushed together alongside juicy chunks of feta cheese. The combination makes for a satisfying sweet and sour mix.

Kashk Ebademjan is one of Banu’s best sellers, and with good reason. Sautéed mashed eggplant is coupled with walnut and fried onions and topped with kashk – the punchier cousin of yoghurt. The mix of textures with the crunch from the walnuts elevates this simple dish and the sweetness of the onions is the

perfect foil to the sourness of the kashk.

The showstopper is the Banu Tray – a truly impressive and beautifully presented abundance of food intended for sharing by six to eight people. Ebrahim urges us to start with the kebabs, asserting that if these are good, then the rest will be too. We dig into delicately seasoned slices of lamb fillet and chunks of koftastyle meat, rich with beautifully blended herbs and juicy without being in the least greasy. There are also tender pieces of chicken marinated in the much-loved Iranian spice saffron, which imparts an earthy, sweet taste – another of my favourites. Baghali Polo Ba Mahicheh is a whole, slow-cooked lamb shank, the meat darkly pink and so tender that it literally falls off the bone, a faint hint of cinnamon adding a light sweetness. Firm white fish fillets are perfectly fried, a light coating of turmeric and garlic imparting a delicious outer crunch. And plump half chicken portions are smothered in a rich tomato and saffron coating.

Seasoned onion, pickled red cabbage and grilled tomatoes fill the centre of the tray and each of the meats comes with its own specific rice accompaniment and small jugs of sauce. I am particularly impressed by the green rice – pilaf with fresh dill –and a chunky, savoury gravy that pairs perfectly with the fish. Every item on this amazing tray is prepared to perfection and I feel slightly guilty that we cannot do it justice – we are, after all, only two, not six, and we need a little space to try the typically Persian stews Khoresh E Ghormeh Sabzi and Khoresh E Gheimeh, each offering rich flavourful gravies that perfectly display the depth of talent in the kitchen.

Just as we are about to pop, Ebrahim notices that we have not tried Banu’s famous Tahchin, a divine dish that looks like a cake but contains either lamb shank meat or chicken and eggplant layered with saffron rice and bound together by seasoned yogurt and egg served with Zereshk (Persian barberries) and fried onion. I’m glad I make space for a spoonful as the combination of flavours coupled with the texture, which is indeed almost that of a sponge cake, are both intriguing and intimately satisfying. Finally, we finish with hot tea in traditional small glasses from a prettily patterned teapot, accompanied by traditional sticky sweets. A repast, indeed, fit for a princess! ✤

SENSATIONALLY DELICIOUS

Lawson Misquitta found good food and exciting flavours at Medzo Italian restaurant.

Located bang in the centre of Manama, overlooking the busy highway and the Bahrain Financial Harbour is the InterContinental Regency Bahrain, a well-known spot in the Kingdom that’s proven time and again to be a serene respite amidst all the noise.

One blistering summer afternoon, my dining partner and I arrived at the hotel for lunch. As we made our way to the mezzanine floor, we soon came to our destined stop – Medzo Italian restaurant. The restaurant was warmly lit with elegant, modern design choices that highlighted its understated, stylish furnishings. The tables were well-spaced and offered an intimacy that would be perfect for a romantic first date or a special anniversary meal. It also appeared as an ideal spot for hosting business lunches. A strategically placed statement piece, a classic red Vespa, brought an exciting jolt of colour and a not-so-subtle nod to the motherland of the cuisine we were soon to savour. We were swiftly seated and then placed our initial order. The restaurant boasts a fantastic open kitchen set-up where we saw Executive Sous Chef Rajesh Kumar and his amazing team busy working their magic.

First to arrive at our table was a basket of fresh focaccia bread that had been lightly sprinkled with olive oil and garlic, and toasted to perfection. There’s something special about well-made bread that makes it immensely enjoyable and hard to put down, this was one of those.

Then came our appetisers, the first being a gorgeous plate of Caprese Salad, thickly sliced ripe, juicy tomatoes and sprigs of fresh basil adorned a dollop of deliciously creamy mozzarella that was topped with intensely flavoured pesto sauce. Personally, I found this dish a simple but truly magical combination of flavours, textures and freshness.

That was soon followed by another classic preparation – the Margherita pizza, which to me is a good litmus test of the legitimacy of any quality Italian spot, and Medzo didn’t disappoint here! The base was impeccably thin, light and was crowned with the perfect measure of tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil that made it irresistible.

We were then served a plate of Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta that came with a deep, velvety sundried tomato cream sauce which divinely complemented the flavours of the stuffing, an absolutely satisfying treat. Next up was the intriguing Squid Ink Spaghetti. An interesting facet of the dish – squid ink is a popular ingredient often used in Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine. Its savoury properties come from its high content of glutamate, which is an amino acid that's also an umami compound. With its distinct blue-black colour, it’s guaranteed to fascinate you visually but as a whole the preparation had a rich, briny flavour with a faint hint of sea saltiness, which made it absolutely perfect for pairing with seafood – in this case an ample serving of poached lobster. It was also accompanied with a tasty tomato fondue sauce that elevated each enticing bite. The main courses continued with a plate of Risotto Ai Gamberi, a traditional Italian risotto that’s prepared with shrimp as the key ingredient. It showed off an admirable balance of rich but complex flavour profiles and was easily our unanimous favourite. Finally, we were served the Salmon Fillet Al Barolo. The salmon was cooked flawlessly, while the other ingredients such as the baked potato, pickled fennel and fine lettuce combined exquisitely with the citrusy lemon dressing and the fine Barolo grape sauce. We thoroughly enjoyed this one as each bite was a heavenly medley of flavours!

As we nearly wrapped up our meal, we ran into an acquaintance at the restaurant who had dropped in for lunch. We gladly invited him to join us at our table as we three got around to catching up. Since the two of us had mostly finished our meal, he opted for the Medzo Business Lunch. As I curiously checked out the special menu, I was amazed at the ample variety of options that were available as part of the deal. It wasn’t long before his food arrived, and I found myself pleasantly surprised at the terrific meal he had just been served. It comprised a hand-tossed pesto bread, an assorted platter of cold cuts with a variety of cheeses and seasonal berries as the antipasti, and Beef Tagliata Alla Toscana as the main course. Much like us, he was very satisfied and full of compliments as he enjoyed his lunch, which he informed us was priced at BD4.9 net – very reasonable.

Before we made our departure, we indulged in some of the desserts. We ordered the tiramisu which was a divine amalgamation of delicate flavours from the layers of mascarpone and ladyfinger biscuits, with the darkly robust presence of espresso and amaretto. Alongside that, we also tried the Basil and Thyme Panna Cotta which had a silky, creamy texture and a unique taste.

Overall, Medzo impressed us thoroughly all the way from the ambience, to the absolutely amazing waitstaff and the undeniably delectable food. I see myself making a return trip soon, maybe a bit sooner than expected as I look forward to checking out the business lunch for myself. ✤

FIESTA OF FLAVOURS

These fun, scrumptious dining offers at restaurants and hotels in Bahrain are not to be missed.

ADDRESS BEACH RESORT BAHRAIN

The Lounge

Indulge in a sumptuous Afternoon Tea experience and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication, as you enjoy classic scones, scrumptious sandwiches and decadent French pastries. The offer runs daily from 3pm to 5pm and is priced at BD14 net including Jing flowering tea or coffee. GO: Call 7799 8888 for more information or to make a reservation.

CROWNE PLAZA BAHRAIN

Cappuccino Café

Treat yourself to a heavenly slice of cake perfectly paired with a steaming hot beverage. Delight your taste buds with each rich, decadent bite while sipping on your favourite drink. The Cake Treat offer runs daily from 7am to 10pm and is priced at BD4. GO: Call 1753 1122 or 3722 3366 for more information or to make a reservation.

DOWNTOWN ROTANA

Teatro Downtown

Kick-start your weekend as you savour a succulent steak and enjoy live entertainment with friends and family. The offer runs every Thursday from 5pm to 12am and is priced at BD22 including unlimited soft beverages and BD29 including a bottle of grape. GO: Call 3360 5070 for more information or to make a reservation.

ELITE RESORT & SPA

La Brasserie

Indulge in a mouth-watering experience at the Grill Nights along with exciting live entertainment. The offer runs every Thursday and Friday from 7pm to 11pm and is priced at BD12 per adult and BD6 per child.

GO: Call 1731 3333 for more information or to make a reservation.

ELITE SEEF RESIDENCE & HOTEL

Julio’s Specialty Restaurant

Enjoy the Business Lunch Buffet daily. The offer is priced at BD5++ including one bottled water, canned juice or soft beverage. GO: Call 1758 338 for more information or to make a reservation.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BAHRAIN BAY

CUT by Wolfgang Puck

Brunch with family and friends while enjoying Chef Wolfgang Puck’s favourite dishes prepared by Executive Chef Brian Becher. The Friday brunch at CUT runs from 12pm to 3.30pm and is priced at BD36 including limited beverages and BD50 including an extended beverage package.

GO: Call 1711 5044 for more information or to make a reservation.

GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN CONVENTION & SPA

Gulf Convention Centre

Are you ready for Oktoberfest 2023? Head to the Gulf Hotel Bahrain on September 28 and enjoy an evening of food, music and hops. The Lasterbacher Musikanten band will be visiting all the way from Germany to entertain. The offer is priced at BD33 net and BD28 net for Prestige Club members. An early bird price

of BD27 net is available until August 31.

GO: Call 1771 3000 for more information or to make a reservation.

HILTON BAHRAIN

Origin Kitchen and Culture

Gather your friends and family for the fantastic Las Vegasthemed brunch. The exciting extravaganza will include mouthwatering food and dazzling entertainment. There will also be exciting games with prizes to be won. The buffet runs every Friday from 12.30pm to 4pm and is priced at BD28 net with soft beverages and BD39 net with unlimited selected beverages.

GO: Call 7701 0100 for more information or to make a reservation.

HILTON GARDEN INN BAHRAIN BAY

Together & Co. Restaurant

Bring your family and friends and experience a wonderful Italian buffet as you enjoy exciting live music with a mix of Italian and international songs. The offer runs every Thursday from 7pm to 10pm and is priced at BD15 net including soft drinks and BD27 net including selected house beverages.

GO: Call 7790 1111 for more information or to make a reservation.

INTERCONTINENTAL REGENCY BAHRAIN

Legendz SteakHouse

Experience the Surf and Turf culinary delights and enjoy a seven-course degustation dinner with special grape pairings. The event will be held on August 30 from 6.30pm to 10pm and is priced at BD37 with selected house grape pairings.

GO: Call 1722 7777 for more information or to make a reservation.

LE MÉRIDIEN CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN

Baharat

Enjoy the Turkish Night buffet every Friday from 7pm to 11pm. The offer is priced at BD19 net per person with soft beverages and BD29 net per person with selected beverages. GO: Call 1717 1441 or WhatsApp 3888 5841 for more information or to make a reservation.

MAJESTIC ARJAAN BY ROTANA

Ginger Restaurant & Café

Enjoy a delicious lunch buffet with your family and friends as you savour delectable Arabic and international cuisines. The offer runs every Friday from 12.30pm to 4pm and is priced at BD9. GO: Call 1737 0000 for more information or to make a reservation.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL BAHRAIN

Silk’s Restaurant

Dive into an ocean of flavours and indulge in a seafood feast with the freshest catch of the day, all while enjoying DJ entertainment! From sushi and sashimi to seafood dumplings, tempura, oysters, slipper lobster and tiger prawns. The offer runs every Monday from 7pm to 10pm and is priced at BD22+++ per person including unlimited soft drinks and water and BD26+++ per person including unlimited selected grape, hops and soft drinks. Prices include one platter of oysters.

RAMADA HOTEL & SUITES BY WYNDHAM

AMWAJ ISLANDS

Ya Hala Rooftop Lounge

Savour a delicious meal that includes the Ya Hala Jumbo Steak with two sides and two glasses of house grape. The offer runs

daily from 5pm to 12am and is priced at BD10.

GO: Call 6639 0498 or email fnb@ramada-manama-amwaj. com for more information or to make a reservation.

SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA

Rivaaj Restaurant

Enjoy a culinary journey that showcases the rich flavours and traditions of Indian cuisines. Whether you are craving traditional curries, aromatic biryanis, or flavourful tandoori delights, the menu offers something for every palate. The event takes place on August 15 from 5pm to 11pm and guests can enjoy an exceptional discount of 76% on the bill for the à la carte menu. Advance reservation is required.

GO: Call or WhatsApp 3888 5789 for more information or to make a reservation.

THE ART HOTEL & RESORT

Rosso

Indulge in a delicious Italian Brunch every Saturday from 12.30pm to 4pm, priced at BD20 per person and BD26 per person inclusive of selected beverages.

GO: Call 1600 0111 for more information or to make a reservation.

THE DIPLOMAT RADISSON BLU HOTEL, RESIDENCE & SPA

Mondo, Taste of Italy

Indulge in Pasta Night every Wednesday from 5pm to 10.30pm as you order two pastas and get a complimentary appetiser of the day.

GO: Call 1753 1666 for more information or to make a reservation.

THE DOMAIN HOTEL & SPA

Le Sauvage, Level 34

Embark on a gastronomic journey with the exquisite Limited Edition - Chapter 1 Menu. Guests can savour tantalising and delectable dishes. The promotion runs daily except Monday from 6.30pm to 12am and is priced à la carte.

GO: Call 1600 0000 or WhatsApp 6639 5608 for more information or to make a reservation.

THE K HOTEL

The K Tracks Lounge

Bring your family and friends and experience the unforgettable Fiesta Brunch which includes a variety of live cooking stations with endless food and beverage options. Guests can enjoy live entertainment by singer Sophie and also karaoke. The offer runs every Friday from 12pm to 4pm and is priced at BD16+++ per person with unlimited soft beverages and BD23+++ per person with unlimited house beverages.

GO: Call or WhatsApp 3660 0433 for more information or to make a reservation.

THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN

La Med

Enjoy a Brunch-licious experience like no other with your family and friends. A delicious spread of international specialities awaits along with fun activities for kids and adults. The brunch features a sumptuous carving station, delectable desserts and an array of selected items from the hotel's award-winning speciality restaurants. The offer runs every Friday from 12.30pm to 4pm and is priced at BD35 per person including soft beverages, BD45 per person including selected beverages and BD17.5 per child including soft beverages.

GO: Call 1758 6499 or email rc.bahrz.restaurant.reservations@ ritzcarlton.com for more information or to make a reservation.

THE WESTIN CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN Salero

Experience the exciting Spanish fiesta mood at Salero’s Vermut a Tu Salud (Saturday Brunch). Enjoy a delicious selection of cold and hot tapas, paella of the day cooked to order and a dessert buffet. The brunch runs from 1pm to 5pm and is priced at BD22

net including soft beverages and BD29.5 for the selected beverage package. The brunch menu changes from time to time, please check Salero’s Instagram page for the week’s menu. GO: Call 1717 1300 or WhatsApp 3350 2110 for more information or to make a reservation.

VIDA BEACH RESORT MARASSI AL BAHRAIN

Origins Restaurant

Celebrate India's 76th year of Independence, with a specially curated buffet adorned with hues of saffron, white and green – a culinary journey through India’s diverse and flavourful cuisines. Indulge in traditional biryanis, kebabs and curries, as well as the dessert section with sweet treats such as rasmalai, gulab jamun and other favourites. The buffet takes place on August 15 from 7pm to 11pm and is priced at BD22 net per person including soft beverages. 25% off for all Indian nationals.

GO: Call 7748 8100 or email reservations.vimbh@vidahotels. com for more information or to make a reservation.

WYNDHAM GARDEN MANAMA

Jashan Restaurant

Bring you family and friends and experience an exciting brunch serving delicious dishes from different regional cuisines across India. Guests can enjoy many flavours – a selection of starters and chaat stations, tasty kebabs and an authentic Indian dessert station. The restaurant’s resident band will keep guests entertained with popular and traditional hits. The offer runs every Friday from 12.30pm to 3.30pm and is priced at BD12 net with soft beverages.

GO: Call 6639 0928 or email jashan wyndhamgardenmanama.com for more information or to make a reservation.

A PARADISE AMONGST THE PALMS

Breathtaking views, five-star service, luxury amenities, fine-dining, first-class massage treatments and easy access to the vibrant city of Dubai is all on offer at the Al Bandar Rotana hotel.

FACT was invited by the prestigious Al Bandar Rotana hotel in Dubai to spend three nights at their exceptional venue, an invitation that not only gifted us with a great opportunity to fully appreciate the pristine accommodation, but to further experience the wonders of this flourishing emirate.

First Impressions

Welcomed by friendly and attentive staff members with sincere smiles, we were well looked after from the moment we arrived. Before entering the lobby area, we took a moment to absorb the modern and architecturally striking hotel, perfectly positioned on the north shore of Dubai Creek, the mere sight of which promises a firstclass experience.

Rooms & Suites

Our hassle-free yet informative check in lasted all of five minutes and we soon found ourselves en route to our rooms.

The Al Bandar Rotana is a five-star hotel featuring 190 uniquely designed rooms and suites, all of which exude a luxurious feel. We were fortunate enough to be given a quick tour of the various options, which revealed their spacious nature and large range of modern amenities. The hotel kindly housed me in a Creek View One Bedroom Suite that not only included a signature Rotana kingsize bed, a 49-inch flat-screen TV, high-speed internet, a coffee machine and many other comforts, but also offered unrivalled views of both the city and Dubai Creek.

Fine Dining

Amongst the extensive amenities located within the hotel’s walls, are no less than five high-end culinary venues. Over the course of our stay, we were privileged to experience four of these restaurants, all of which proved to be exceptional.

Salt & Pepper

Our first culinary experience was to be at Salt & Pepper, an all-day dining venue serving international cuisine from all over the globe.

Lucky enough to partake in two dining experiences during our four days’ stay, we were truly satisfied by both our continental breakfast, and open buffet lunch. Watching the chefs prepare dishes at live cooking stations added to the fresh feel of the feasts on offer.

Gusto Italian Restaurant

What struck us first about our visit to Gusto was the genuine Italian-style hospitality we received and the laidback atmosphere. Located on the 18th floor of the hotel, this impressive dining destination – with its al fresco terrace – boasts one of the most spectacular views of the city’s skyline, along with the waterway. During our dinner, we sampled several of Gusto’s

signature dishes including Spaghetti all’astice datterino, a delicious pasta dish comprising pan-seared lobster, lobster bisque, cherry tomato, basil and a liquor flambé that really excited the taste buds. The antipasti Burrata e tartufo is another must-mention dish as is the Risotto di mare, a seafood risotto with a healthy kick of garlic, which had our mouths watering at the delicious aroma before it even reached the table, and the Tartufo e burrata, truffle pizza, featuring an unusual topping of pumpkin puree alongside the wonderfully fresh burrata and black truffle. Truly delicious!

Morgan's

Morgan’s Gastropub – the only one of its kind in the Dubai Creek area – provides guests with a unique menu of shared plates, premium beverages and signature mixed drinks, all served up in a hip, warehouse-style venue which we were told is ‘the place to be seen’ – it was certainly buzzing when we visited.

Opting for a simple yet succulent choice, we went for the House Signature Cut beef rib-eye complete with herbroasted potatoes and black pepper sauce, complemented by a side order of halloumi fries. Delightful hardly begins to describe the experience, and we thoroughly enjoyed the company of not only the attentive staff, but many of the other patrons as well.

It's worth noting that Morgan’s has offers running throughout the week, such as Sausage by the Meter with house hops, which was very tempting.

Vanilla Lobby Lounge

During our stay, we were presented with several opportunities to visit the Vanilla Lobby Lounge, a relaxed, comfortable and serene venue, perfect for a quiet moment or to catch up on emails.

Offering a full Starbucks menu, along with a range of house dishes, we took full advantage of the highly-trained resident barista's skill set to try some of the finest coffees we have ever experienced.

Five-Star Amenities

Although we didn’t have time to enjoy all the first-class amenities on offer at the hotel, we were afforded the opportunity to tour many of them.

Event & Meeting Rooms

The Al Bandar Rotana hotel houses six fully equipped event and meeting rooms that not only offer a flexible set-up, but an abundance of space and natural light. These venues cater to a wide range of occasions including conferences, workshops, seminars and board meetings.

Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club

Another highly impressive feature of the property is the Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club.

This high-end venue, complete with a beautiful view of Dubai Creek, features a fully equipped gymnasium, an outdoor swimming pool, a sauna, a steam room and three massage rooms.

The Magic of Dubai

By the time our experience drew to an end, we had made sure to explore the vibrant city of Dubai, taking in the spectacular architecture, bustling souqs, massive malls and high-end restaurants. Despite several previous visits, we felt this had been our first opportunity to really appreciate so much of what the city has to offer thanks to the excellent central location of Al Bandar Rotana hotel.

Despite several previous visits to the city, we felt this had been our first opportunity to really appreciate so much of what Dubai has to offer.”

Special Thanks

We’d like to sincerely thank the amazing staff at the Al Bandar Rotana hotel, Dubai. You ensured that our time in the city was truly memorable.✤

GO: CALL (0)4 704 2222 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A BOOKING.

A CELEBRATION OF SUMMER

Retail favourite COS announced their latest collaboration with Manchester-based, multidisciplinary artist Stephen Doherty to create a selection of limited-edition pieces, adorned with exclusive floral artwork crafted using Doherty's unique ink and water technique, which evoke the epitome of summer dressing. Focusing on the flower in bloom, the collaboration celebrates the beauty of nature in its most exquisite form.

Embracing the synergy between art and fashion, the 17-piece collection embodies effortless elegance, with Doherty's florals reimagined on canvases of silk and linen, transforming classic COS silhouettes. Set dressing is embraced throughout the capsule, with each garment designed to be interchanged and styled in endless ways, dressed up or down to suit the mood or occasion.

Exploring craftsmanship, delicately beaded embroidery embellishes bandeau tops, while unique waistband finishes provide versatile styling and a functional element. The floral print is also embraced on accessories, reworked onto a leather mule and silk scarves.

Inspired by contemporary culture, COS is a London-based fashion brand known for iconic wardrobe pieces, elevated essentials and innovative designs that are made to last. Dedicated to quality and sustainability, COS takes a bespoke approach to design, creating unique collections that combine function with timeless style. Experimental design details and material innovation are frequently revisited to include the latest

sartorial advances and ensure the considered use of fibres whether they be recycled, renewed or sustainably sourced. Stephen Doherty’s Gratitude Blooms series began in 2018 while he was artist in residence at Aamir Art House in Porvorim, Goa. Centring around the use of flowers in ritual celebration and performative acts of gratitude, it features paintings of decaying devotional flowers, petals and studies of the human figure in nature. Other common themes in his work are community, connectedness and joy.

He studied at Central Saint Martins and is an alumnus of the Sarabande Foundation; Established by Lee McQueen. In 2019, Stephen was awarded NEW WAVE: Creative by the British Fashion Council.✤

GO: VISIT COS.COM FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

BIG SCREEN

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

Need to Know:

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is a 2023 American spy action thriller film that sees agent Ethan Hunt and his team embark on their most dangerous mission yet against a mysterious, all-powerful enemy that could take control of the future and completely change the fate of the world as we know it.

Director: Christopher McQuarrie

Cast : Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Rebecca Ferguson, Hayley Atwell, Vanessa Kirby, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, Henry Czerny

Why Is It Worth Watching?

Dead Reckoning is the sequel to Mission: Impossible –Fallout (2018) and the seventh instalment in the Mission: Impossible film series. Through the previous movies, Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team (a hush-hush American spy agency) have successfully saved the world numerous times against the most formidable of adversaries, but this time around they find themselves against the most sinister one yet – a powerful rogue artificial intelligence (AI) called the Entity. The plot tackles a well-known and real fear in which cutting-edge technology brings into existence an AI that’s capable of immeasurable good, but instead is used as a terrifying new weapon that could threaten all of humanity if in the wrong hands, or even worse, if it takes on a mind of its own and progresses out of our control. While the dangerous AI runs amok, a specific key that’s split into two halves can be used to manipulate it. One of those halves is about to be sold on the black market, and Hunt and his team have to intercept the key as well as figure out where the second half is and get to it before any of the buyers with nefarious intentions secure them first. The movie is an exciting blockbuster and boasts some of the franchise’s most memorable action sequences.

Oppenheimer

Need to Know:

Oppenheimer is a biographical thriller drama based on the 2005 biography, American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin. The movie chronicles the life of the theoretical physicist who was pivotal in developing the first nuclear weapons as part of the US’ Manhattan Project, thereby ushering in the Atomic Age.

Director: Christopher Nolan

Cast : Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, Josh Hartnett, Rami Malek, Kenneth Branagh

Why Is It Worth Watching?

Written and directed by Christopher Nolan – known for crafting mind-bending films such as The Prestige, Inception and Interstellar – this latest offering follows the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy), the director of the Los Alamos Laboratory during the Manhattan Project, from a curious young man questioning the physical nature of stars and other celestial bodies and the laws and theories of physics to the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the nuclear fallout post that event. The movie has been specially filmed in a combination of IMAX 65mm and 65mm large-format film—including, for the first time, sections in IMAX black-and-white analogue photography. As with his previous works, Nolan has intentionally utilised extensive practical effects and minimal computer-generated imagery (CGI) to create this cinematic masterpiece. The movie, although 180 minutes long, is lean, relentless and doesn’t waste a single scene. The amazing cast of some of the best actors currently working, have put in top notch performances complementing the movie’s cinematography, outstanding score and razor-sharp editing. Not only is Oppenheimer one of Nolan’s best works to date but is also an exceptional demonstration of film-making at its finest.

The movie, although 180 minutes long, is lean, relentless and doesn’t waste a single scene.”

ON THE RECORD

COUNTRY

Drink The River

By Gabe Lee

A fresh, perceptive take on country music best describes this nine-track album, Gabe Lee’s fourth studio creation released via Torrez Music. While it has all the trappings of the heart-warming genre such as raspy vocals in a Southern accent and the freestyle strumming of the banjo, it also offers a modern take on this style, with instruments such as the violin and cello.

All I Can Do Is Write About It features the steel-cold tunes of the harmonica, offering a unique blues touch. On Merigold , undulating, stringsy notes lend the track a native American-type vibe; the sound rings deep, sending you into a trance-like state.

Lidocaine steers away from the usually peppy country style; the result – a soothing ointment for the troubled heart. On this song, Gabe takes a walk down memory lane, making amends with his loved ones.

The Wild is a number for the road, the lyrics showcasing the thoughts of someone who is on his way home, dreaming of what he expects to see. The music, easygoing although with impatient beats, complements the words.

A thought-provoking monologue, the title track features Gabe thinking aloud. Childhood memories and more are interwoven with banjo tunes. A unique sound that also offers the comfort of familiarity, Drink The River is a musical wonder to behold.

ALTERNATIVE/INDIE

Eye On The Bat

By Palehound

The American band’s fourth album, released via Polyvinyl Records, is in keeping with their characteristic ‘journal rock’ style – like writing a diary but musically. The album is said to be informed by the stress and tension of the time when the pandemic hit in early 2020. However, one can expect more than just angsty rock.

Right About You is a slow-paced, pensive song with soft acoustics and toneddown drum beats to match the mood.

On the title track, lead member, vocalist and guitarist Ellen Kempner, spins the well-known phrase: “all tell you to keep watching for the ball/ But we know better than that/ Keep your eye on the bat”.

The Clutch is a rock anthem with punchy electronic guitar sets and ballistic cymbals. They complement the theme – heart-break, a recurring inspiration throughout.

Independence Day is a track in the same vein, dealing with breakups. Music-wise too it showcases rock elements.

On Route 22, Zoë Brecher counts the band in with three clicks of the drum sticks and what ensues is a teenage love song; there’s playfulness, highlighted by the shakers and tambourine, a bit of insecurity and more.

All in all, Eye On The Bat offers Palehound’s signature blend of raw emotion and great music, while keeping things diverse, which makes it a fun musical offering.

THRILLER/MYSTERY

Good Bad Girl

By Alice Feeney

We like the tagline on this “Sometimes bad things happen to good people, so good people have to do bad things.”

In a novel from Alice Feeney, we’d expect nothing less than a page-turner full of twists and turns as we try to unravel the 20-year-old case of a stolen baby which is somehow linked to the modern-day murder of a care home resident.

Fellow oldie and reluctant care home resident Edith, her estranged daughter, Clio, and dishonest but lovable carer Patience, must work together to solve the mystery.

ROMANCE/FICTION

The Blonde Identity

By Ally Carter

This has beach read written all over it and we’ll be taking it on our hollybobs. A road trip rom-com starring the titular blonde who wakes up in Paris with a splitting headache and no memory. She soon discovers she’s the identical twin of a rogue spy, which, of course, leads to all manner of trouble with a criminal gang trying to kill her and the world’s intelligence agencies trying to catch her.

Her only option to save her skin and, hopefully, clear her sister’s name is to team up with a grumpy but gorgeous very secret agent.

NEW &

ARMANI BEAUTY

Luminous Silk Glow Blush

The latest edition to the Luminous Silk range, the glow blush delivers the perfect dose of radiant colour to the cheeks, combined with the line’s characteristic natural glow. The blush is formulated with a unique silk-filler technology that creates an ultra-soft, silky texture when applied to the skin. The spherical light-reflecting pigments allow light to evenly bounce off the face, offering a diffused, soft-focus effect. Mica 2.0 technology creates a natural and transparent, satin-like radiance. A range of seven flattering shades from pinks to corals and reds to beige and plum are available.

FABLE & MANE

MahaMane Smooth & Shine Hair Oil

An Ayurvedic leave-in oil, it deeply moisturises strands and reduces frizz, giving hair instant shine. Clinically proven, this unique antioxidant-rich oil reduces the appearance of frizz from the first use and boosts damaged hair; the result is a stronger, healthier mane. The main ingredients include shikakai and ashwagandha – Ayurvedic herbs – as well as six nourishing fruit oils such as babassu, buriti, acai, passion fruit, pataw and castor. MahaMane even protects hair from heat as high as 230 degrees Celsius .

LANCÔME

Rénergie H.P.N. 300-Peptide Cream

This innovation concentrates potent ingredients – previously considered unimaginable to combine – into a highly sensorial formula to reach a new level of efficacy. The innovative formula packs a new concentration of hyaluronic acid that smooths and plumps, niacinamide that combats dark spots and, for the first time at Lancôme, over 300 types of peptides in a new rechargeable format that restructures the skin to target firmness, elasticity and wrinkles.

H&M BEAUTY

OHH!

Targeted at Gen Z, OHH! (Oh Hey Hero), is a collection of vegan everyday essentials. H&M has introduced this ‘league of beauty superheroes’ that includes the Little Champ Functional Moisturizing Stick, Get Into The Smooth Body Scrub and The Caretaker Razor and Skin Saver Sidekick Shaving Gel. The products have been launched in more than 2,000 stores and online, exclusively in the Middle East. The packaging is bright and colourful, matching the summer vibe, and the formulae luscious and nourishing with shea butter, plant oils and more.

SIELLA BEAUTY

The Brow Boss Pencil

Siella Beauty introduces its first brow product in a fabulous collection of six eyebrow pencils. The Brow Boss Pencil capsule lives up to its name – Boss – giving you the power to express yourself in your own unique way. Its soft formula glides on easily, allowing you to create the most beautiful, long-lasting and waterproof strokes. The micro tip facilitates precision so you can outline your brows or lightly fill and define for a natural look. The product is available in six shades: Blonde, Auburn, Neutral Brown, Rich Brown, Warm Brown and Deep Brown.

NOW

Scents, skincare, grooming musthaves – check.

AVEDA

Aveda Men Pure-Formance Shave Cream

Suitable for all skin types, this highperformance product preps your skin for a close, comfortable shave. It provides a smooth glide, protecting from irritation and razor burns and is formulated with Aveda’s exclusive phyto-active blend – plant extract nutrients – specifically created for men’s skin. The moisturising formula keeps skin hydrated and supple. Apply a small amount evenly to damp face and neck, then shave and rinse with warm water.

DR. BRANDT

Microdermabrasion Body Polishing Exfoliator

A light-weight, peppermint-scented cream, Dr. BRANDT’s Mircodermabrasion Exfoliator is suited for use from the neck down. Aluminum oxide crystals polish and remove dead skin cells while aloe butter leaves skin moisturised. A blend of botanicals hydrates, soothes, calms and nourishes irritated skin, improving overall appearance. It also protects from free radicals, generated by the body in response to external factors such as pollution and UV rays.

GUERLAIN

Rouge Privé and Platine Privé

Guerlain has released two new men’s fragrances, reinterpreting their iconic Habit Rouge and L’Homme Idéal lines. Thanks to Rouge Privé, Habit Rouge’s contrast-filled olfactory adventure now takes a more distinguished and exclusive turn; fresh ginger elevates the fragrance’s iconic bergamot; orange blossom combines with iris and warm vanilla mingles with tanned leather notes. With Platine Privé, Guerlain’s perfumers have reinterpreted L’Homme Idéal’s irresistible almond accord. Grapefruit, pink berry, bergamot and tonka bean also feature.

HAWKINS & BRIMBLE

Beard Oil

This nourishing beard oil by Hawkins & Brimble has been carefully crafted with 98% naturally-derived ingredients such as argan and olive oil. It penetrates the hair and repairs damaged follicles without being greasy, leaving your beard healthy and growing. Shea butter and vitamin E offer ample conditioning and cleansing properties, leaving you feeling great and smelling divine; the fragrance opens with a gentle blend of rose and coffee, wrapped delicately around lavender, geranium and patchouli, all resting on a bed of musk and amber sweetened with vanilla.

ALDER NEW YORK

4X Lip Balm Set

This set of four nourishing lip balms is formulated with cocoa butter, candelilla wax and vitamin E to provide longlasting hydration and protection from the elements. Made with vegan ingredients, the scent is achieved with natural essential oils. The pack features Vanilla Kush, Eucalyptus Mint, Citron and Unscented Lip Balm. Each has a silky, melt-into-your-lips texture that absorbs quickly and offers a matte finish.

SCENT OF A MAN

You can now enjoy a wider range of men’s skincare, grooming products and fragrances. The 3-in-1 Hair, Face & Body Wash, made with shea butter, aloe vera and vitamin E hydrates from head to toe.

Ultimate Hydration Body Cream or Body Lotion, made with vitamin E, aloe, shea and cocoa butter, leave you feeling moisturised. Body Spray or Cologne offer a powerful, long-lasting fragrance experience.

Discover your signature scent with the new Gingham Legend, limited-edition Ultimate fragrances and other iconic scents such as Ocean, Teakwood and Bourbon.

Daily Face Wash with Aloe refreshes skin and leaves it feeling restored while maintaining your natural moisture barrier. Exfoliating Face Wash with Aloe & Vitamin E cleanses and exfoliates. Daily Face Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid hydrates in a lightweight, non-greasy formula. Hydrating Face Cream with Hyaluronic Acid instantly moisturises, leaving skin soft and healthy-looking.

Beard & Face Wash with Aloe & Vitamin B5 washes away dirt, leaving the beard and skin feeling fresh, clean and nourished. Beard Oil with Coconut Oil & Vitamin E conditions and Beard

Grooming Galore

Looking for a gift for your brother, husband, father, friend or office buddy? Head to Bath & Body Works. Their men’s body care line is available at over 200 locations across the Middle East. Boost his shower routine with the 2-in-1 Hair & Body Wash. This blend has moisturising vitamin E, soothing aloe vera and fluffy shea butter to keep him feeling soft, looking good and smelling amazing. The matching body spray and body cream are also available. And you can’t go wrong with a cologne in which you can choose from sleek, clean scents to musky, woody ones. Never underestimate a scented candle as a gift. Pick up a candle holder while you’re at it. Still not sure? Get a gift card! It’s the best way to guarantee he’ll pick something he loves. ✤

& Scruff Cream with Shea Butter nourishes facial hair and soothes the skin.

Bath & Body Works have introduced their new and expanded grooming line, The Men’s Shop.

#Romeo’sCaféOpening #CityCentre

What We’re (Still) Talking About

Painting Perspectives Stand up for your right! Microscopic Madness

French artist, Saype (Say Peace) has wowed the world with his latest creation on the Swiss mountain slopes. The self-taught artist used chalk and charcoal to paint two giant frescos of children doodling. While both the kids have the same view so to speak, they see different things – one draws the moon and stars and the other, trees and mountains. It shows the importance

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) have been on strike for more than a week. Their demands include a revised residual payment system to match the profits that giant studios such as Netflix and Disney make. While the strike poses a risk in terms of losses and livelihoods, it's a step that had to be taken.

Ask any woman! A bag that fits everything, from the housekeys to last night’s leftover salsa and guac from the Mexican eatery, is a dream! Ironically, MSCHF, an American art collective based in Brooklyn, has fashioned a microscopic handbag that’s, in their words, ‘smaller than a grain of salt’. The neon green creation was created using 3D printing

of diverse perspectives, an important lesson especially in today's world where differences are seen as a threat. Saype launched the Beyond Walls project in 2019, where he spray painted two giant hands clasping, on the ground in various cities. The idea behind his grass paintings is to draw attention and make an impact without leaving a trace in nature – new grass keeps growing. An artist who backs sustainability – we're in love!

Perhaps this will put the fight for their rights on the fast track. Like in India, where singers have been fighting for their right to royalties for decades. In April this year, a (historic) agreement was signed between the India Music Industry and the Indian Singers Rights Association, which states that 25% of the royalties collected will be shared with the singers! Looks like Bob Marley was onto something when he said: "Get up, stand up/ Stand up for your right".

technology and modelled after luxury style brand Louis Vuitton’s (LV) famed OnTheGo tote bag. While we love miniature art, we were shocked to find out that it was auctioned for a whopping USD60,000 plus dollars! Now, spending big money on a real LV, we can understand – it’s functional. But what could you possibly fit into a microscopic bag that’s less than 0.03 inches? Perhaps, a big ego!

Exclusive Monthly Membership to Access Beach, 5 Pools, Techno-Gym, Customized Fitness Classes, Football, Volleyball, Squash, and Tennis Courts.

Single : BD 80/Month

Couple : BD 150/Month

Family : BD 200/Month