FACT Bahrain March 2017 by Fact ME

MARCH 2016 VOL 10. ISSUE 7 BD1

THANK YOU FOLKLORE, CraIG LEGEND, MYTH.

THE GULFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STRORIES RETOLD

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- Contents 12

MOTHERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DAY GIFT GUIDE

SPRING OF CULTURE

FOODIE CALLING

ISLAND RIDES

FASHION FOCUS

CHRONICLES OF SHAMAL

HOSPITALITY Q&A

NEW IN TOWN

CASUAL DINING fact magazine

THE EDITOR

#FoodBae Forever “Ways to my heart: Buy me food. Make me food. Be food.” - Everyone

on’t you just feel like, all of a sudden, wherever you turn in Bahrain, there’s a new restaurant or café, juice bar, or breakfast spot, waiting for you to walk through its doors and order the best meal you’ve ever had? We’ve been having too many of those moments lately. Hey, there are no complaints here; in fact, it’s very satisfying to find that the concepts and quality of food on offer here, easily rivals anywhere else is the Gulf - probably far exceeds some places too. In my case, everytime I go onto the explore page of instagram, there are 10 new places to follow and put on the eating out list. So, this month we decided to share a few of our insta finds for your food envy pleasure. Turn to p35 and check out Foodie Calling - get ready to double tap and heart away - there’s everything from mind-blowing burgers, uber trendy venues and some of the best healthy food you’ll find on the island. When our bellies are full, we’re on the look out for the next best event, and March is packed with SO many. The annual Spring of Culture festival returns with a massive line-up of music, dance and showstopping performances (p23). If you’re a UK Mother’s Day celebrator, we’ve got a whole host of plans and gifts for you to choose from and spoil mum (p10-p12). We’re also excited about the turn of the season - spring couldn’t come faster! If, like some of us at FACT, you need a wardrobe overhaul, speed your way to p71 and check out our first SS’17 Fashion Focus followed by the style pages for even more inspo! If you picked up the magazine because of the crazy-cool cover this month (I know, we can’t believe the talent either!), read all about the lady who’s breaking barriers in the comic book world. We sat down for a chat with Anna Thackray on p51. As much as February brought with it amazing food, here’s to staying in and cooking at home for March... who am I kidding? #FoodBae Forever - try and stop me!☺

Shabana Adam Editor-in-Chief shabana@fact-magazine.com 4

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FACT Magazine Bahrain Edition March 2017 Volume 10, Issue 7 Director Omar Shaheen Chief Executive Officer Greg Hughes Editor-in-Chief Shabana Adam (shabana@fact-magazine.com) Creative Director Paula Leal Graphic Designers Jyoti Rawat Rashed Bin Daina Photography Shobin Joseph Production & Distribution Ajit Kumar Neil Mahmood Country Director Kirsty Edwards-Harris Regional Business Development Director Rami Khalil Sales Director Mayukh Majumdar Cover Image Anna Thackray Contributors Aanchal Duggal Ally Mac Georgie Bradely Georgina Jennsen Imogen Sheridan Layal Al Mahmoud Yvonne Cole ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Tel: +973 3632 0826 E-mail: kirsty@ohlala-magazine.com PRINTED BY Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej

All Rights Reserved. Opinion expressed within does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the information within this publication. However, FACT M.E. Bahrain cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions. FACT M.E. Bahrain Publishing W.L.L. Office 53, Building 872, Road 3618, Block 436, Seef. Ministry of Information. Subject Registration Number: CFB779

Get your chill on Join us on the beach on 28th April 2017 for the official CafĂŠ Del Mar world tour, featuring DJs and live performers straight from the iconic Ibiza bar. Entrance starting from BD20 per person, book online via Virgin Megastores from early March. For ticket sales and more information, email fb.art@rotana.com or call +973 16000111 Extension 3112

P. O. Box 50949, Amwaj Islands, Bahrain, T: +973 16000111, art.hotel@rotana.com fact magazine

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MARCH 2016 VOL 10. ISSUE 7 BD1

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THANK YOU FOLKLORE, CraIG LEGEND, MYTH.

THE GULF’S STRORIES RETOLD

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tweets Fahad Albutairi @Fahad Seems like every social media app is turning into Snapchat. So many “stories,” so little to tell.

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Ascia AKF @Ascia_AKF If my kids need a lawyer in the future, I’m hiring on eof their grandmothers. Those two ladies can justify ANY of their grandkids behavior. Akhtar Alzadjali @m1zan1n Just beat my brothers team by 9 goals to 4. Banter privileges for a week.

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sha·mal noun: shamal; plural noun: shamals a hot, dry northwesterly wind blowing across the Persian Gulf in summer, typically causing sandstorms.

Folklore Fix p51

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BAHRAIN From the Arabic term al-bahrayn, meaning “two seas.”

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Bushido and Fashion TV Join Forces Fashion TV, the popular broadcasting network, has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Bushido, announcing exciting future plans.

Paris-based Fashion TV (FTV) International, the leading fashion and lifestyle television network in the world, has signed its first contract with the glamorous Bushido Restaurant and Lounge to host exclusive events at the venue. FTV announced a grand comeback to the Middle East by establishing a regional hub for their dealings in the Middle East, right here in Bahrain. Regarded as the epitome of fashion news and events worldwide, FTV has chosen to partner, exclusively, with Bushido to host its signature parties after a successful venture in the past. The licensing agreement was signed by FTV Vice President Romain Groselle Saint Gilles and General Manager of Bushido Restaurant, Daniel Edwiges in a glittering press conference and reception held in the midst of media members and invited guests. Mr. Edwiges, said: “We are very happy and honoured to have a reputed brand such as FTV reestablish their events in Bushido. We are sure that we will be work in a symbiotic manner to create memorable events in Bahrain.” After the huge success of FTV parties in 2011, the year-long joint endeavor will feature several events that promise to breathe sophistication back into the country’s nightlife scene. Mr. Edwiges, said: “We are very happy and honoured to have a 8

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reputed brand such as FTV reestablish their events in Bushido. We are sure that we will be work in a symbiotic manner to create memorable events in Bahrain.” “After the success of our parties in 2011, we are all set to bring high-end events back to Bahrain, bigger and better than before,” Mr. Saint Gilles said. “Every event will be aired on the worldwide TV network, which will showcase Bushido as epicenter of Bahrain’s trendsetting parties.” The debut event will witness the White Party-Edition II on March 30, featuring top models and entertainers from the crème de la crème of the fashion scene in Europe. A trendy set-up, great tunes and more will make the event go beyond anything the brand has done in the past. The lineup for the debut party includes the Secret Garden Show girls, Twins Project DJs from Russia, FTV Ambassador Marina Perdenenko, and an incredible saxophonist. The party will be aired on FTV channels all over the world. Celebrities, models, fashion industry leaders and top performers are the usual faces that are spotted at FTV events, so we can’t wait to see what this amazing partnership has in store for Bahrain’s party crowd! ✤ GO: Visit www.bushido.com.bh or call 1758 3555 for more infprmation.

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Treats for Mum

March brings with it Mother’s Day and Bahrain is celebrating in style…

Mother’s Day Brunch, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Not only will families get to feast on all the scrumptious offerings that take centre stage at the Bahrain Bay Kitchen brunch every week, mums will also received a personalised giveaway to mark this special occasion. If mum’s a fan of food and luxury surroundings – this place will impress. BD27++ with soft beverages and BD37++ with premium beverages. Taking place on March 17 from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Call 1711 5500 for more info. Mother’s Day Spa Package, ART Rotana, Amwaj Islands The perfect pamper gift awaits all the mums out there! The tropical spa packages will help mamas to relax to the fullest with exotic body wraps, massages and facial treatments all with discounted rates for this precious celebration. Opt for the Heavenly Touch treatment which 10

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includes an Exotic Frangipani Body Nourishing Wrap, and an Aromatherapy and Express Facial – 140 minutes for BD81. Or go for the Unforgettable Hug which is made up of an Exotic Coconut Rub and Milk Ritual Wrap, Balinese Massage and Skin Specific Facial Therapy – 170 minutes for BD90. Available the entire week of Mother’s Day. Call 1600 0111 for more info. Mother’s Day Celebration, Al Areen Palace & Spa Enjoy special mother and daughter time together with spa treatments and healthy food to end your relaxing day. For BD130 net, get 150 minutes worth of treatments including a 30-minute Body Scrub or Mini Facial, 60-minute Body Massage and 60-minute Foot and Hand Care along with a complimentary BD20 Healthy Food Voucher. Sounds like the perfect day out! Call 1784 5031 for more info.

Mother’s Day Dining, Crowne Plaza Bahrain At Waves Seafood Restaurant and Spices Indian Restaurant, mums will get a 20% discount on their meal, available from March 15 to 21, 12noon to 11pm. At Cappuccino Café, there’s a 20% discount on all Mother’s Day cakes from March 15 to 21 – order early to avoid disappointment. Call 1753 1122 for more info. Mother’s Day Intimate Afternoon Tea, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Make every mama feel special with incredible treats especially created for the most important woman in many lives. Celebrate motherhood and maternal bonds with a selection of delectable sweet and savoury treats at the Lobby Lounge, perfect for showing your gratitude and appreciation. Available March 26 from 3pm to 7pm for BD20++ per person. ✤ Call 1758 6499 for more info.

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TFK

Mother’s Day Gifts FACT has your present for mum right here…

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M&Co

Ted Baker

Monsoon

MOLTON BROWN

Weill

Wallis

HOME CENTRE

LIPSTICK QUEEN

Laura Ashley

House of Fraser

Debenhams

Cities Boutique

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March Dining: ART Rotana WHAT: Wine & Dine WHERE: Flames WHEN: March 8, 7pm to 11.30pm PRICE: BD30++ per person Delight in a tasty journey through the French Bardinet vines while obtaining the insights of an expert sommelier. Indulge in a luscious four-course set menu paired with a special tailored wine list to provide the perfect evening. All while you enjoy the fabulous melodies of the in-house band performing live and overlooking the marina area from Flames Terrace. WHAT: New Orleans Night WHERE: Flames WHEN: March 24, 7pm to 11.30pm PRICE: BD32++ per person with premium beverages Experience a true sense of New Orleans culinary pleasures in the heart of ART Rotana with chilled vibes from a live Jazz performance. A lavish spread of New Orleans south east port indigenous and significant ingredients prepared in a scrumptious buffet and superb live stations, along with a tailored beverage menu filled with brews, malts, grapes and bourbons from the USA, will delights your palate.

WHAT: St. Patrick’s Day Special Party WHERE: Cellar 59 WHEN: March 17, 9.30pm to 2am PRICE: Free Entry for everyone & one welcome drink for ladies Celebrate St Patrick’s Day by dancing to DJ Katrine and DJ Boudi’s signature beats and astounding Irish mix. Cellar 59 is being transformed into a full Irish bar with green decoration and hanging shamrocks, green complimentary drinks and a photo booth for all the night’s revelries to be captured. WHAT: Desi Dish Night WHERE: Choices Restaurant WHEN: Every Monday from 7pm to 10.30pm PRICE: BD15 net with soft drinks / BD25 net with selected house beverages Celebrate the diversity of Desi food at Choices Restaurant every Monday. Travel through southern Asia with a huge selection of curries, grills and traditional beverages showcasing the very best of cuisines from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and more exotic culinary destinations. Sounds like a real feast of flavours!

WHAT: Friday Brunch WHERE: Choices Terrace WHEN: Every Monday from 12.30pm to 4pm PRICE: BD34 net Start your weekend with Bahrain’s freshest brunch. Featuring a vast array of superb live cooking stations, the oneof-a-kind winery section where you can sample premium vino, plus drinks stands and music entertainment. here’s even a kids club to keep the little ones entertained! Enjoy the bright and open atmosphere and marvel at the beautiful sea views from your table. ✤ GO: Call 1600 0111 for reservations and more information.

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Stay, Dine and Relax for BD1! The beautiful Downtown Rotana hotel celebrates its one-year anniversary this month and wants to share the happy feels with exciting offers… Stay An exclusively crafted room package; book a minimum of two nights and get the third night for only BD 1*. Pick the breakfast package to enjoy it for an additional BD 1* only on the third day – how awesome is that? Dine Celebrate this special month with the hotel and tempt your senses during the Friday Brunch at Flavours on 2 or Sushi and Sax Night at Teatro Downtown. Dine during one promo and the second one will be for only BD 1*. Guests from two to four people will receive one BD1* offer and guests from five to 10 people will receive two BD 1* offers – there’s never been a better reason for a group gathering! Celebrate For all guests born in the month of March, you can enjoy a special deal on Teatro’s food and soft beverages a la carte menu where you’ll pay BD 1* only for an order worth BD25*. The guests of the birthday celebrator, who are not born in March, will only pay a discounted rate where the total amount of the bill will be divided by the number of guests per visit. It’s a fun, pocket-friendly deal all-around! Relax Rejuvenate with one of the spa treatments at Bodylines Fitness and Wellness Club to celebrate this special month. With every 60-minute spa treatment, enjoy another 30 minutes for only BD 1*. Win “Subscribe and Win” is the online competition that will run during the month of March on rotanatimes.com/ downtownrotana. The winner will enjoy a two-night stay for two people in one of the amazing Classic Rooms inclusive of breakfast at the all-day dining restaurant, Flavours on 2 with a 30-minute spa treatment at Bodylines Fitness and Wellness Club for two people. All this for BD1 net only. It’s crazy good, right? ✤ GO: Prices are subject to 10% service charge and 10% government levy. Terms and conditions apply. Call 1311 9999 or email downtown.hotel@rotana.com for more information. 16

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Mama’s New Menu

The Jazzy Brunch The Royal Golf Club announced the return of its delightful jazzy a la carte brunch which is back due to popular demand. Diners can once again enjoy a fabulous array of tasty dishes delivered freshly-cooked to their table while enjoying spectacular golf course views and a live performance of contemporary jazz and blues from Ahmed Al Qasim. The jazzy a la carte brunch is available in the awardwinning Links restaurant every Friday from noon to 4pm, priced at BD30 net per person inclusive of unlimited selected beverages. Count us in! ✤ GO: Call 1775 1262 for more information.

Fresh off the Grill

Villa Mamas has introduced a brand new weekly-changing Tasting Menu for diners who want to keep their food visits exciting. You can sample a full range of Villa Mamas’ cuisine, with nine sample-sized dishes from the a la carte menu and some created especially for the tasting menu. Everything from Kofta Mash, Eggplant Explosion, Baby Hammour, Chicken Machboos, Muhalabia, and even green tea is what you can experience as part of the Tasting Menu, for a cool BD50 for two people. The mobile ‘Mama is in the Neighbourhood’ bus, the ‘VM1856’ is now well and truly on the road! Look out for it across the country and enjoy the distinctive taste and flavours of Villa Mamas street food. VM1856 is also available for exclusive hire. ✤ GO: Call 1730 5031 for more information.

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Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain launched its newest theme night - Kababna – at Silks Restaurant, last month. The latest addition to its culinary offerings takes place every Tuesday from 7pm onwards. The Middle Eastern buffet showcases different types of Kebab marination that are perfectly grilled in the show kitchen. A fresh twist on well-known and much-loved mezze and traditional salads is served alongside live grilling, both in its original form and with the chef ’s special touch, adding to the generous offer. This flavoursome night is priced at BD18 net for the open buffet with freshly prepared juices and Arabian tea. ✤ GO: Call 1746 0000 for more information.

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NEW SPRING-SUMMER

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For the Love of Tuscany

The ancient flavours of the Etruscan people, enrooted in Tuscan cuisine will be showcased in a 10-day food festival at Fiamma Restaurant, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa. From the gastronomically-passionate hands of Chef Manuelo Pintore, a Tuscan by origin and at heart, straight onto your plate, diners can indulge in real Tuscan fare, daily from March 8 to 18, 7pm to 10.30pm. Tuscany, is located in the central, western part of the country and like all Italian cuisine, the most fresh and simple ingredients of the season are used to present authentic dishes, rich in flavour, very hearty and quite filling. Not to forget that they are served with the known unsalted regional bread used to soak up the leftover delicious juices on the plate. This old tradition of unsalted bread has carried on and now marks Tuscan bread’s popularity worldwide. The 10-day festival welcomes Italian cuisine enthusiasts to enjoy the essence of Tuscany right here in Bahrain. There will be an intimate dinner setting featuring a variety of traditional and authentic signature dishes by Chef Manuelo, served a la carte. ✤ GO: Call 1763 6363 for reservations and more information.

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Spring Shopping at Moda Mall

It’s spring in full bloom at Bahrain’s luxury shopping destination, Moda Mall, blossoming with beautiful floral embellishments and a themed-garden to welcome visitors for a seasonal shopping experience. The mall, adorned with touches of spring, features a garden that’s brimming with flowers in the Fashion Court, a floral swing and a fountain for you to capture memorable moments. It will also host live musical performances every weekend. While you’re rejuvenated with the latest fashion trends and styles from high-end brands and floral settings, you also have an opportunity to earn a raffle ticket for every BD20 or more spent and win a luxury experience to the French Riviera. The seven-day trip includes business class flights and five-star accommodation for two to Cannes and a one-day trip to Grasse - Perfume Capital of the World. Moreover, you also get weekly opportunities to win spa and wellness packages or dining vouchers at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. There’s never been a better reason to shop ‘til you drop! ✤ GO: Campaign runs until March 21. Follow @MODA_Mall on Instagram for all the latest information.

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SOCIETY

#GALLERY #21 # GRAND #OPENING #BLO CK #338 #ADLIYA

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Spring of Culture 2017 Now in its 12th year, the Spring of Culture Festival is part of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities’ year-long celebration of the archaeological heritage of the Kingdom of Bahrain held under the slogan Our Year of Archaeology in 2017. The festival’s kick-off date coincided with Arab Tourism Day, which was adopted when Manama was the Capital of Arab Tourism in 2013 and commemorates the anniversary of the birth of the famous Arab traveller Ibn Battuta. FACT highlights some of the events to mark in your calendar for March…

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spring of culture

EVENT: Dar Al Muharraq WHERE: Building 1068, Road 1617, Block 216, Muharraq WHEN: Every Saturday until April 29, 8pm TYPE: Song/Fjiri COUNTRY: Bahrain

EVENT: Twelfth Night WHERE: Cultural Hall WHEN: March 9, 6.30pm TYPE: Children Theatre evening, COUNTRY: UK

Every Saturday Dar Al-Muharraq, located near Dar Jinaa, will host live Fjiri music. Fans of Bahraini music will be treated to the different variations of this traditional art such as Bahri, Hadadi, and Makhloufi. The event series supports Dar AlMuharraq’s mission to enrich the non-material heritage of Muharraq, especially as it lies on the Pearling Path, an open three kilometre-long museum due for completion in 2018 when the city will be that year’s Capital of Islamic Culture.

One of Shakespeare’s bestloved comedies of love and confusion, Twelfth Night tells a twisted tale of mistaken identity, transformation and deception. With a man playing a girl disguised as a boy, illusion and reality are almost indistinguishable on this island of Illyria. Dark and delightful, the play asks “What happens when you fall in love with the wrong person?” and the answer is both beautiful and bittersweet.

EVENT: Japan Film Festival WHERE: Bahrain National Museum WHEN: Every Sunday & Wednesday - 1, 5, 8, 12 and 15 March TYPE: Film COUNTRY: Japan In collaboration with the Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation, the Bahrain National Museum hosts a Japan Film Festival. The films have been selected from a wide range of different genres including historical, drama, comedy, and Science fiction, with English subtitles. 1 March: The Floating Castle, 5 March: ST “The Red and White Investigation File”, 8 March: The Round Table, 12 March: Time Scoop Hunter, 15 March: Neko Samurai “Samurai Cat”.

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EVENT: Mohammed Bin Faris WHERE: Mohammed Bin Faris Music Hall WHEN: March 9, 8pm TYPE: Song COUNTRY: Bahrain Set sail with the musical sounds of Mohammed bin Faris Band in a lyrical voyage which regales audiences with tales of a pealing diver’s life from festive melodies to working songs and farewell ballads. In the 13 years that have passed since its establishment, the band has travelled the world to introduce Bahrain’s soulful musical identity through the traditional arts. As part of its participation in this year’s Spring of Culture, the band will hold a number of concerts, transporting audiences to a time of tradition.

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spring of culture

EVENT: Nocturne for Pit Orchestra WHERE: Bahrain national Quarry, next to the Tree of Life WHEN: March 9, 8pm TYPE: Music COUNTRY: Italy/Lebanon

EVENT: Movie Night, The Pearl Diver WHERE: Al-Ghouse House, Muharraq WHEN: March 10 & April 7, 7pm TYPE: Movie COUNTRY: Bahrain

The Bahrain National Quarry is opened to the public for the very first time on the occasion of ‘Nocturne for Pit Orchestra’, a collaboration between The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and Red Bull Music Academy, Nass The Group, Nass Corporation and Al Riwaq Art Space. A performance involving the site’s laborers, presented in the very space of the Quarry, will include a polyphonic orchestra, where vocals and processed sounds navigate between dissonance and harmony.

An outdoor screening of a one hour movie that recites the story of natural pearl divers in the GCC and the Kingdom of Bahrain. The film narrates oral history from local divers and merchants alongside the many myths of the sea such as that of Gilgamesh. The movie will be followed by a Q&A session based on the events of the film, and there will be some prizes. Suitable for 18 years and above.

EVENT: Majid Al Muhandis & Waleed Al Shami WHERE: Bahrain Bay WHEN: March 10, 8.30pm TYPE: Song COUNTRY: Bahrain The famed singers Majid Al Muhandis and composer Waleed Al Shami ignite Bahrain Bay with a repertoire from their past and latest albums.

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EVENT: Pole Mallakhamb WHERE: 5pm at Nakheel Centre and 7.30pm at Amwaj Lagoon WHEN: March 11 TYPE: Street Theatre COUNTRY: India This energetic performance showcases India’s finest and oldest martial arts techniques. Join this exciting acrobatic show suitable for all family members.

EVENT: The Gingerbread Man WHERE: Al-Ghouse House, Muharraq WHEN: March 16 and 17, 4.30pm TYPE: Street Theatre COUNTRY: Bahrain The brave and bold Gingerbread Man escapes the clutches of greedy bakers and runs away in search of a place that’s safe and warm - a place that he can call home. From Southern racehorses to Jazzy cats, his adventures are full of strange encounters and obstacles... Will the small Gingerbread Man manage to overcome these? And will he ever find a place to call home? This exciting and interactive retelling of the popular traditional tale ‘The Gingerbread Man’ is fast paced and promises continuous action, physical theatre, movement, choreography, dance and song! The show is aimed at children ages 3-10 years old but promises lots of enjoyment for adults who are young at heart too! Full of twists, turns and surprises, the show promises a fun and thought- provoking experience for families.

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spring of culture

EVENT: Omar Kamal WHERE: Bahrain Bay WHEN: March 17, 8.30pm TYPE: Song COUNTRY: Palestine Multi lingual singer and composer Omar Kamal’s rich taste in music makes him one of the most authentic artists to emerge from the region in years. Omar sings a variety of genres including songs for Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson to Arabic greats such as Mohammed Abdel Wahab, Fairouz and even modern trendsetters.

EVENT: Chelsey Green & The Green Project Ensemble WHERE: Cultural Hall WHEN: March 17, 8pm TYPE: Music COUNTRY: USA Formed in October 2009, the ensemble has performed across the USA and the world, bringing joy and entertainment with its music from various genres-including Jazz, R&B, Pop, Soul, Funk, Alternative, Hip-Hop and more which fuse traditional classical technique with popular songs and enticing original piece.

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EVENT: Mo Zowayed & Majaz WHERE: Bahrain Bay WHEN: March 17, 8.30pm TYPE: Music COUNTRY: Bahrain Folk singer and songwriter Mo Zowayed sets the pace for an exciting evening with his unique sound blends of American bluegrass elements with upbeat harmonica and acoustic guitar-driven melodies. “Majaz” take the night to the ultimate level with their progressive fusion folk music composed and played by the Bahraini band members. Bahrain Bay is proud to host its nations entrepreneurs of the music industry.

EVENT: Bachar Zarkan – The Hope of Al-Hallaj WHERE: Shaikh Ebrahim Bin Mohammed Centre for Culture and Research WHEN: March 20, 8pm TYPE: Song COUNTRY: Syria

EVENT: Honey, I Shrunk The Kids WHERE: Qal’at Al Bahrain Site Museum WHEN: March 23, 7pm TYPE: Movie COUNTRY: USA

Have you ever heard of a child who grows in size as soon as Bachar Razkan presents an he is exposed to light or any evening of songs inspired by electrical source? No, you say? the Sufi heritage, most notably Well then, how about you live the legacy of Al-Hallaj. His the experience through the style combines both poetry and classic movie Honey, I Shrunk music that has elements of both the Kids in the outdoor area of Eastern and Western traditions. the Bahrain Fort Site Museum.

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spring of culture

EVENT: Our Past Matters Pop-Up Exhibitions WHERE: Bahrain National Museum WHEN: March 22, 8am to 8pm TYPE: Arts Exhibition COUNTRY: Bahrain A number of small pop up displays will be regularly featured in the foyer of the Bahrain National Museum all year long, presenting the latest archaeological excavation results and findings and highlighting the significance of Bahrain’s archaeological heritage.

EVENT: Traces WHERE: Bahrain Bay WHEN: March 23 to 25, 7.30pm TYPE: Circus Theatre COUNTRY: Canada Fresh, high circus show

urban and seriously energy, contemporary trailblazers, the hit Traces is more than

just a display of acrobatic brilliance through film clips and narration. Set to a fantastic soundtrack ranging from Rock ‘n’ Roll to Blues to Hip Hop, this thrill-aminute show is presented by the internationally acclaimed circus phenomenon “The 7 Fingers”. The charismatic artists’ lives are revealed as we, the audience, are gradually drawn into their story. By the final, dramatic climax of the show, we are on the edge of our seats, willing them to pull off the seemingly impossible!

EVENT: Pearling Path Walkathon WHERE: Muharraq Al Hala Club WHEN: March 25, 8.30am TYPE: Family/Heritage COUNTRY: Bahrain In cooperation with the Bahrain Road Runners (BRR), the Pearling Path Walkathon, will gather around 30

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300 participants who will walk the Path back and forth starting from Al-Ghous house in the South, to the Seyadi house in the North, with a total distance of 6,5 km. Along the walk, information on each property of the Pearling Path will be available highlighting the history and story of the building and its relation to the Pearling narrative.

EVENT: UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue WHERE: Bahrain Bay WHEN: March 31, 8.30pm TYPE: Song COUNTRY: UK The famed UB40 Reggae and Pop band, featuring Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue, the founding members, make their premier debut in the Kingdom. Proving they are still a worldwide tour de force, Britain’s biggest Reggae band will be satisfying your

demands as they perform classic hits and latest gems.

EVENT: Jazz & Blue – Dana Gillespie WHERE: La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art WHEN: March 31, 9pm TYPE: Song COUNTRY: UK Enjoy an intimate evening with multi-award-winning Blues diva Dana Gillespie, accompanied by the renowned Austrian pianist Joachim Palden, under the stars at La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art. The combination of Dana’s heartpounding and soulful Jazz renditions with Joachim’s explosive accompaniment and anecdotal stories from the charismatic singer’s glittering career – including accounts of meeting Dylan and Princess Margaret – make this an evening not-to-be missed.

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spring of culture

Exhibition 101

EVENT: Explorations, Encounters and Remembered Stories WHERE: Bahrain National Museum WHEN: Until April 30, 8am to 8pm TYPE: Arts Exhibition COUNTRY: Bahrain Over the past 200 years, the nature of the Bahraini-British relationship has evolved and the ties between the two nations were strengthened. This relationship was shaped by varied explorations, encounters and personal stories. This exhibition draws on the first explorations of the Kingdom of Bahrain and its archaeological landscape. The exhibition is organized in collaboration with the British Council in Bahrain.

EVENT: The Selfless Holy Ground WHERE: Art Centre WHEN: March 19 to April 13, 8am to 8pm TYPE: Arts Exhibition COUNTRY: Bahrain The exhibition features interactive installations by artist Othman Khunji created 32

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through the use and application of cutting-edge technology, including Arduino sensors/ actuators, 3D printing, laser cutting, and water jet engraving. The collection explains and portrays the contrast between the traditional self-sacrificing, selfless, altruistic symbol that Mecca has always represented for Muslims, and the contemporary self-centered, selfish, egocentric aura that has become synonymous with one’s journey to our holiest of places.

EVENT: “Drone Hits The Great Zuggurat of Ur”, Hanaa Malallah WHERE: Al Riwaq Art Space WHEN: Until March 23, 10am to 10pm TYPE: Arts Exhibition COUNTRY: Iraq/UK Al Riwaq Art Space is proud to present the collaborative multimedia project “Drone hits the Great Ziggurat of Ur” consisting of four parts of interrelated artworks. Created by London based artist Hanaa Malallah and executed in collaboration with Iraq based artist Raya Abed Redah and

her team (photographer Asad Nyazi and filmmaker Methaq Naim), and the architect Hisham Al Azzawi the project explores the ancient Mesopotamian Ziggurat, its historical context, religious and existential dimensions and the Drone as signifier of the present digital age and its multi-tasking technical devises.

EVENT: Out of Time WHERE: Albareh Art Gallery WHEN: Until March 30, 10am to 2pm & 4pm to 8pm TYPE: Arts Exhibition COUNTRY: International Artists Jehan Saleh and Abdellah Ahaddaf, collaborate

in an exhibition presenting the works of twenty artists from across Europe and the Middle East. This highly-personal exhibition reflects on the idea of stepping outside of the constraints of time as an eternal phenomenon. Such an act aims to allow disengagement from worldly obligations in an effort to return to the roots of one’s own art practice. For this exhibition Artist and Curator Jehan Saleh and Co-Curator Artist Abdellah Ahaddaf Invite 20 artists to momentarily disengage from their worldly obligations to re-explore their own artistic practice. ✤ GO: Visit www.springofculture. org for tickets and more

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SOCIETY

#for #the #love #of #tuscany #media #dinner #at #fiamma #sofitel #bahrain

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Foodie Calling Over the past few months, Bahr ain has been hit with a SURGE of new CULINARY wonders – from homemade goodies to innovative concepts – we can’t get enough of all the awesome choices out there. Here, FACT rounds up some of the best new places to start following on instagr am...

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#FOODBAE

Burger Game Strong @theblock_bh Location: Seef Must Try: Bo Kasha Slider and Volcano Fries

This place really needs no introduction; its colourful burgers have made a mark with Bahrain’s foodie crowd. Creativity is key here as the menu is prepared with originality and quality ingredients. The cheese-adorned volcano fries sit on pretty much every table, whilst the rainbowinfused Bo Kasha and its fellow sliders are mouthwatering magic. Try the cola braised beef too and get ready for total taste meltdown!

@goldlabelburgers Location: Saar and Riffa Must Try: Truffle Shuffle Burger

Think HUGE burgers with toppings oozing out the sides and you’ve got yourself the ultimate bun plus meat heaven. This place has become incredibly popular for its dedication to classic, wholesome ingredients but with a modernday spin. Take the truffle shuffle which is every meat-lovers’ dream and the chicken fried chicken with its perfect crunch; ingredients are free range and hormone free – making that indulgent burger all the more worthy of eating!

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@southside.bh Location: Hamala Hills Must Try: Hotzi Burger

@twistbahrain Location: Seef Mall Must Try: Twist Special Burger and Tokyo Salad

If you’re all about that Texas ranger-cum-ranch life, Southside is nailing the cowboy-inspired décor and crazy-good grub with its innovative burgers. Fillings and unusual ingredients like bacon jam and creamy mac n cheeze are just two of the delicious toppings! The fiery hotzi with sweet potato fries in the mix will blow you away, whilst literally anything with the mac n cheeze is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser.

This in-mall eatery has been making real movements on the culinary scene with its fresh and vibrant food. The burgers are packed with scrummy ingredients like shrimp, wagyu beef and onion string. Try the other menu items including “Twist” drinks, salad stacks, pasta and pizza concoctions and the most “mmmh” inducing mozzarella sticks! Definitely more than just a pit-stop food joint in a mall.

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#FOODBAE

The Cool Factor @nomadeatery Location: The Courtyard, Seef Must Try: Poke Salad and Grilled T-Bone Steak

From simple, clean salads to hearty steak and burgers, and homely beetroot chicken risotto, steamed hammour and the more recent additions of the Peruvian-inspired bao, not only has Nomad become the talk of the town for its amazing food but, also, for its stunning venue. Indoors you’ll find an urban space with stylish décor and outside you’ll find The Garden, a fairytale setting that is sure to be a popular al fresco hangout. @thecacaolounge.bh Location: RUW Square, Riffa Must Try: Chilean Sea Bass

The interiors at this restaurant had (and still has) us in awe; with an exquisite single light-lined chandelier, intricate carved ceiling and elegant portraits decorating the walls, you’ll completely forget that you’re dining in the Gulf. The Frenchinspired restaurant represents the best of classic Mediterranean fare with a contemporary twist seen in dishes like the crispy panko jumbo prawns with squid ink aioli and a gorgeous lamb shoulder dish – there’s absolutely something for everyone. @hopscotch.bh Location: Saar, Budaiya Must Try: Brisket Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This garden-to-plate neighborhood cafe has been feeding diners the best of homely meals with hearty rustic eats. The décor is reminiscent of a cool canal front café in Amsterdam with minimalist décor that is accentuated with a real bicycle hung on the wall, random plant pots dotted on the walls and bench-style seating. Not only can you down the freshest drinks, you’ll munch on healthy salads and mains too. The sticky toffee pudding is our absolute fave! 38

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@wokstationme Location: Galleria Mall, Zinj Must Try: Kai Chai Dumplings A homegrown Asian restaurant that teams together a trendy and casual ambience with a menu that’s simply to-die-for! High quality, healthy and farm-fresh ingredients are used to create incredible dishes inspired by cuisines from China, Japan, Korea, Burma and Thailand. The interiors are super cool and will transport you straight to the marketplace of any South East Asian neighbourhood where street-style meets modern dining. Another sure winner that is set to do big things for Bahrain’s food scene.

AWARD WINNING WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY

khalifashaheen

www.khalifashaheen.com

+973 17 593993

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#FOODBAE

The Meal Plan @veganmeals_bh

If you’ve gone vegan (or plan to), these amazing meals can help to get you started! Healthy gluten-free food is prepared and delivered straight to your door in the hope of aiding your vegan lifestyle or to meet any special dietary requirements and even to help with weight loss. From delicious vegetable curry to lentils and kale stew, pumpkin cakes, cauliflower bake and so much more. Meals are served with side salads and are perfect for busy-bodies who need to get their eating habits in check.

@dietmealz

Even though it’s far from being the new kid on the block, Diet Mealz still remains one of the most reliable and effective services in Bahrain. The great thing is the flexibility to choose your meal plan – there’s the regular menu, plant based menu, and the gluten free menu. On top of that, you can choose your duration and voila! Food is kept exciting and yummy with meals including spaghetti and meatballs, grilled fish with salsa, meat lasagne, blueberry cheesecake and more. Results is what you’ll get with Diet Mealz!

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@perfectlypressedbh

@eatandglow.bh

Those of you who love a good detox or anyone who wants to give juicing a try, Perfectly Pressed is the best place to start. Bursting with your daily replenishment of vitamins and all the goodness to cleanse your system, these healthy drinks are packed with honest and quality ingredients, prepared in the most nourishing and delicious way. Why juice? It keeps your digestion game on point, contributes to muscle and bone strength and healing, and gives a natural complexion boost.

It’s fast-become the hottest place in town for scrumptious healthy food, full of all the nutrients you need! A homegrown concept, Mama Eat & Glow plates up sugar-free, gluten-free, flavourpacked food for those who want variety and taste minus all the things that aren’t good for your body. The café also designs and offers up healthy lunch plans which you can take up on a weekly or monthly basis. For its sincere approach to clean eating, the only way is up for Mama Eat & Glow.

CMY

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#FOODBAE

STILL SO GOOD @heveacafe Location: Al Aali Shopping Complex Must Try: Signature Red and Green Hummous and Warm Goat Cheese Salad

This place just keeps on surprising us! We’ve been regular visitors to Hevea Café since it opened and everything from the breakfast items to the scrummy scones, fresh salads and mighty sandwiches are huge palate pleasers. It’s the décor and ambience plus great service and the fact that every dish has a unique exotic spin that keeps the loyal customers coming back for more.

@cavallicaffebh Location: Al Aali Shopping Complex Must Try: Truffolosa Pizza and Salmon Tartare

One of the very few places in town where you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a fairytale. Cavalli Caffé has kept diners excited about the prospect of eating excellent food in a lavish setting but without the designer price tags. The interior is signature Cavalli with exotic animalprint-style, and the food – prepared fresh and fabulous – is just as exquisite. This place is fab for ladies who lunch, casual meetings and catch ups with your friends.

@torino.bh Location: Block 338, Adliya Must Try: Torino Signature Sausage and Goat Cheese Salad

Torino picked up the award for Favourite Steakhouse in Bahrain 2016, as voted for by the public and you only have to take one look at their instagram feed to see why! Serving up the most magnificent premium prime grade meats as well as the freshest salads, inventive seafood dishes (the octopus is to-die-for) and thirstquenching drinks, Torino continues to draw a loyal crowd alongside diners looking for that something extra for lunch or dinner.

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@thefoundrybh Location: Block 338, Adliya Must Try: Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwich and Shepherd’s Pie

When The Foundry opened its doors, there was a massive buzz in the foodie community. How did a place that could easily stand in New York’s Meat Packing District find its way to Bahrain? The answer is the passionate and dedicated owners and kitchen team. Not only is it interior heaven, the food is just as appealing. Whether you’re into meat, seafood, delicacies like foie gras or healthy salads, The Foundry has your taste buds covered.

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#FOODBAE

Guilty Pleasures @foodsathome Location: Budaiya Highway Must Try: Jojo Kababa and Kask E Badenjan Foods at Home has become one of our ultimate local cuisine fixes over the past few months. A beautiful villa converted into a cosy restaurant with weaved baskets and old pictures on the wall and tables made from antique doors, not only is it a cute place, the food is outstanding. The Bahraini cuisine sends your jaw-dropping ready to take a large bite of succulent grills, fresh salads, yummy biryani and the tastiest starters – all served sharing-style. Each dish is filled with colour and you can even order out.

@chocolatebarbh Location: The courtyard, Seef Must Try: Eggs Benedict and Italian Rissoto It’s official, we are massive chocoholics! Just one look at the Chocolate Bar’s fabulous menu and you’ll be hypnotized under the same chocolate spell. Not only does the Chocolate Bar offer a wide range of delicious chocolate concoctions like fondue, molten cakes, muffins, hot and cold beverages and so much more, it also has an extensive savoury menu with sandwiches, salads and more for a complete dining experience.

@crave_bh Location: East Riffa Must Try: Mac & Cheese Burger and Caramel Cinnamon Molten

It’s all in the name and Crave is exactly that – comfort food that everyone craves for! With one look at these juicy burgers you wont be able to resist. From its unusual and creative burger selection – all of which are oozing with melted cheese and the tastiest sauces to its insane desserts like the chocolate stuffed French toast, it’s no wonder that Crave has become the talk of the town amongst those who need their foodie cravings satisfied with excellent dishes. We just can’t enough of that Mac & Cheese!

@breakfastclub Location: Block 338, Adliya Must Try: Eggs Benedict and Italian Rissoto If only we could have this food for breakfast everyday – one can wish! It’s a good thing that The Breakfast Club Bahrain is open from 6am until midnight – so no matter what time those cravings kick in, this place has your taste buds covered. The food just calls out to you and with one look at the colourful and generous meals here, there’s no turning back. The food ranges from amazing salads tolip-licking sliders, sandwiches, the best-looking desserts we’ve seen and, of course, unbelievable breaky options.

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Home-grown Talent @barsandjars_bh - Handcrafted Sweet Treats Bars and Jars is filled with excitement and vibrant colours! The yummy delights never fail to fulfill your sweet tooth. Cookies, cakes, donuts, mini cupcakes, salted caramel - you name it and Bars and Jars makes it. Not only do these desserts look like art but they taste heavenly. You can get in touch with Anood Redha on whatsapp or email to place your order 48 hours in advance.

@littlewhitekettle - Homemade Herbal and Floral Teas Ok, any tea lover who’s reading this needs to pay attention, pronto! These teas will blow you away; think delicate and mouthwatering blends like Peach and Vanilla, Lemongrass and Ginger, Jasmine and Rose, and so many more lovely flavours. Having trained at a London Tea Academy, the lady behind these flavourful and neatly-packaged teas brings her knowledge of fragrance and taste to make sure your tea time is a memorable one. Orders by phone or email.

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@barechocolates - Organic Fairtrade Chocolate

@raw.candy - Plant Based, Raw & Healthy

You might have seen these colourfully-packaged bars in your local coldstore – well, here’s a word of advice, PICK ONE UP! These organic bars are just exquisite. Just because there’s a fair trade and ethically-produced label on them, doesn’t mean that there’s any compromise in taste. In fact, the flavours are even more tantalising with options like Dark Chocolate with Orange, Dark Chocolate with Lemon, Ginger and Pepper, plus milk and white chocolate options too. Get started on your Bare Chocolates journey, today.

Who said that you can’t eat more of what you like and still stay on the healthy side of the food spectrum? Raw Candy, a real homegrown story of sisters putting their food knowledge and skills together, has grown to become one of Bahrain’s best order-ins for delectable raw chocolate treats, desserts, cold pressed juices and tiny bites to keep your sweet cravings at bay. The products make for great gifts too - who doesn’t want chocolate for their birthday? The items can be ordered via their online shop or email. ✤

Society

#VALENTINEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S #DAY #PARTY #AT #ART #ROTA NA #AMWAJ

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REVIEWs

Big Screen Beauty and the Beast What’s it about? Belle, a beautiful and independent small-town girl is taken prisoner by a beast in exchange for her father’s freedom. While captive, she befriends the beast’s enchanted staff and dares to look beyond his forbidding exterior. She soon realises that behind his monstrous appearance is a kind and generous soul.

Director: Bill Condon cast: Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans Why it’s worth watching? Disney nuts unite for a favourite classic in live action form. Beauty and the Beast starring Emma Watson as Belle and Dan Stevens as the beast, is a mystical retelling of a tale as old as time. We all know how it goes; the beautiful Belle is taken prisoner by a Prince who has been cursed to look like a beast and the sole way to break the curse is through the love of a maiden. Belle is able to give him the love he has been waiting for, hence turning the beast back into a handsome prince. You may have heard the story time and again, but you’re not ready for what you’re about to witness! The film’s stunning and other-worldly cinematic fare will have you entranced. Akin to the original story, the film is set in the south of France with lots of influences from other film musicals, including the Sound of Music. Emma Watson is mesmerising as Belle (no shocker there!) and fits into the role flawlessly. The film features its original iconic music along with new sounds too. This is Beauty and the Beast like never before!

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Highlights “The film’s stunning and other-worldly cinematic fare will have you entranced. Akin to the original story, the film is set in the south of France with lots of influences from other film musicals...”

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword What’s it about: Unaware of his royal lineage, Arthur’s life was as normal as it gets until he gets his hands on the sword Excalibur. Instantly confronted by the sword’s influence, he learns to master the sword to hunt down the tyrant who murdered his parents and stole his crown.

– Beauty and the Beast

“The film’s impressive visuals and adrenalinepacked performances make it worth a watch.” – King Arthur: Legend of the Sword

Director: Guy Ritchie cast: Charlie Hunnam, Jude Law, Eric Bana, Astrid Berges-Frisbey Why it’s worth watching? You know it’s going to be good when you see Charlie Hunnam looking all kinds of fine in a testosterone-fuelled, rule-breaking take on the story of the legendary King Arthur. This film tells the story of the legendary monarch through the lens of the dynamic Guy Ritchie. Young Arthur spends his days running the back alleys of Londinium with his crew. He soon learns of his royal ancestry after pulling the sword Excalibur from stone. The story follows his journey from the neighbourhood to the throne. Unlike other retellings of the legend, this version covers more of Arthur’s life on the streets. Ritchie uses his signature visuals to breathe new life into the age old legend. The film’s impressive visuals and adrenaline-packed performances make it worth a watch.

REVIEWs

on the record

Fully Booked

Non-Fiction

The Metabolism Plan By Lyn-Genet Recitas

Alt/Rock Hip-Hop/Rap

Human

By Rag’n’Bone Man

After years of dabbling in the UK hip-hop scene, Rag’n’Bone Man AKA Rory Graham is finally getting the attention he deserves, thanks to his massive hit Human. The track is a blend of classic blues and dynamic soul that displays his stunning vocal ability in all its glory. The honest lyrics and gritty sound make an instant impact. Graham’s blues-soaked voice is fresh and pleasantly gravel at the same time. The album offers a super eclectic selection of songs. People expecting to see an extension of the title track in the album are in for a surprise as every track has a unique and distinct sound. While the sultry beats of Love You Any Less are beautifully soothing, As You Are is a poignant gospel, reminding you of the power of the love. Gospel backing choirs and Graham’s heartfelt falsetto are a fixture all throughout the album. His work is an amalgamation of old and new genres; urban rhythms of hip-hop and RnB meshed with soulful blues lend Graham his signature sound. Rag’n’Bone Man is just getting started and we can’t wait to see him grow!

DROGAS Light

Have you been eating healthier than ever and are still not able to shed those extra pounds? Lyn-Genet Recitas shares her new and advanced 30-day programme that will help you create a customised diet and exercise plan to boost your metabolism and help burn fat. Recitas explains how as little as twelve minutes of exercising can make a huge difference. While foods like oatmeal and salmon may look healthy, they might actually be the reason you’re not seeing any progress! With all new recipes and exercises, losing weight is now easier than ever!

By Lupe Fiasco

If you thought you had seen the last of Lupe Fiasco, we have some news for you! Despite the news of his retirement doing the rounds, the Chicago rapper is back with his sixth studio album, DROGAS Light. The album is the first part of the trilogy that Lupe plans on releasing this year. This is his first album since bidding goodbye to Atlanta Records and it has us fans expecting a much more liberated sound. The album opens with Dopamine Lit, a bass heavy track that gives you a taste of what is to come. While NGL featuring Ty Dolla Sign is a clear standout, Made in the USA and Jump can be considered the weaker ones on the set. The first half of the album features trap beats and repetitive choruses, the second half shifts from genre to genre. The new Atlanta sound influence is pretty evident on some tracks oN the album. While DROGAS Light may not be the best Lupe has had to offer, it is just enough to remind us all why he’s a force to be reckoned with.

Fiction

A Separation

By Katie Kitamura Following the breakdown of their marriage, a young woman and her husband decide to go their separate ways, but fate has other plans. Christopher goes missing in a remote Greek region and his estranged wife reluctantly agrees to go looking for him, keeping the split to herself. In her search, she realises that she never truly understood her relationship or the man she loved. Kitamura lays bare the anxieties of separation through the inner musings of the narrator. This beautifully written psychological thriller is thought provoking and will have you on the edge of your seat!

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SOCIETY

#BMW #5 #SERIES #LAUNCH #AT #THE #EURO #MOTORS #SHOWRO OM #SITRA

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THANK YOU CraIG

Folklore Fix

The Chronicles of Shamal Forget Marvel and DC, the GCC has its very own powerful comic book inspired by old superstitions from the region. Shabana Adam meets Bahrain-based artist Anna Thackray, the creative mind behind the gripping story The Chronicles of Shamal. Here, she talks supernatural inspirations and how her work is pioneering a new era for illustrators and comic fansâ&#x20AC;Ś

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Arts interview

“

I always wanted to be a novelist, but words don’t come easy to me,” Anna explains. “And images do.” What started off as scribbles on the side of a Bahrain guidebook that she worked on, has now turned into a fully-fledged story with the most stunning visuals. In fact, we’re meeting Anna at her home studio and we can’t take our eyes off her vibrant drawings that have been blown up and framed on the walls. In case you haven’t come across it, The Chronicles of Shamal is a comic book that tells the story of a man from a different era. Awoken from a deep hibernation he finds himself in a present day metropolis. Puzzled and half delirious, not recounting who or what he was. His only driving factor is a ravenous need to protect others in peril as punishment for being evil in his previous life. He has the power to communicate telepathically with his two loyal followers Asfar (an Arabian stallion) and Shaheen (his falcon), and is able to change the structure of elements causing them to melt. This is the story of legends; one that is deep-rooted in Bahraini culture and is especially significant to the tales surrounding the famous Tree of Life. With 52

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“What’s uncanny is that every one of the superstitions boils down to teaching kids to come inside before dark! It’s really an interesting part of the culture...” a strong supernatural element and knowing that superstitions aren’t really common conversation topics in the Gulf, we’re curious to find out if Anna has faced any challenges in her research and sharing these myths through such fantastical storytelling. She tells us: “I lived in Africa and in Europe, but it’s in Bahrain that I’ve met the most superstitious people ever. They love it! Once they open up to you, they start telling you all these incredible stories, and I even get people emailing me ‘this is another story – have you heard of it?’ – and I love that. “I’ll listen and read as much as I can,

and what I like the most is coming across characters,” Anna says. “Like the mother donkey tale – what an excellent villain. I can pin point where people are from in the GCC because they call her different things, but the stories in essence are very similar to one another. “So, it’s been quite the opposite where the information has been streaming in,” she smiles. “What’s uncanny is that every one of the superstitions boils down to teaching kids to come inside before dark! It’s really an interesting part of the culture and I love receiving these messages,” she adds. Spoiler alert – if you haven’t read the first chapter, you might want to skip this paragraph! Anna has just released the second part of The Chronicles of Shamal, which sees the protagonist arrive in Dubai in pursuit of The Donkey Lady; she has cast a spell over Asfar and Shaheen, forcing them to board a UAE-bound dhow and Shamal is on a new quest to save his friends. We’ll stop there so you can read the rest for yourself ! Even though these characters and stories are interpretations of Anna’s own imagination, being respectful of their cultural background is at the forefront of her work. “I will never present these stories as too scary or too off track,” she says.

Arts interview

fact magazine

Arts interview ...THE OLD WOMAN’S WARM FACE AND SONG INVITED THE ANIMALS TO HER.

SHE SEEMED NORMAL IF ONLY IT WASN’T FOR THE PAIR OF DONKEY LEGS PROTRUDING FROM UNDER HER LONG BLACK DRESS.

SOMEWHERE IN THE CITY...

GIVE ME YOUR MONEY! YALLAH! HURRY!

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“I like to listen and learn about them, but the stories are from my expat mind, so it’s my fiction.” Regardless of having historical fables to work with, it must require an incredible amount of creativity and fantasy to produce work that is stimulating both visually and as a narrative – how does she do it? “You know how writers have plots?,” Anna asks us. “A little bit like so, I start off with an image and create a story around that. Honestly speaking, it’s slightly obsessive – if I don’t control myself, I’ll just keep going and going,” she admits. So, how long does it take to complete these mind-blowing illustrations? “I try to do one page every week,” Anna says. “The Chronicles of Shamal actually took three years to complete. The first 24 pages I did on paper and it took around a year, and then I switched to computer software because it’s just more productive – there are so many tools and colours, and if you make a mistake, you can go back.” Interestingly, Anna has received warm and intriguing feedback from readers in the Gulf. I’ve been to many, many Comic Cons in the region and usually I’m the only expat showcasing their work, and there are a huge number of local visitors who approach me,” Anna shares. “Firstyly, they’re shocked. They always say ‘how do you know that?’ But, I always think ‘how do people not know all of that?!’ – this is part of the culture that you should hold dear.” On the contrary, Anna loves it when young Bahraini or Emirati children approach her and talk about the comic book. “Young kids will come up to me and they’ll say ‘oohh mother donkey, we know about her’ and I’ll ask them what they thought of the story,” she says. “Usually, I’ll get a response like ‘I read it and I was a bit scared but not too much and I liked the pictures’ – which is just amazing to hear!”

Arts interview

fact magazine

Arts interview

“So, the excitement actually comes from the end result – I have to get the story out of my head...” What keeps Anna excited about The Chronicles of Shamal? Just like us, you’ll be stunned to learn that, even after producing some of the most intricate and detailed illustrations that we’ve ever seen, Anna thinks: “I’m not good at drawing. I’m really bad at drawing – but the more I do it, the better I get. So, it’s lots of practice but I wish I could draw faster because it’s like you know the ending of the story but you can’t get there in time,” she explains. “So, the excitement actually comes from the end result – I have to get the story out of my head, it’s a cathartic experience.” Anna’s reason for telling the forgotten superstitions of the Gulf comes from not only a need to provide escapism for readers, but also because she wants to ignite that spark in her audience, the one that will encourage them to do more reading on the topic – or any interest for that matter. “I also want to influence the young generation to keep drawing, because at some point, we just stop drawing, but it’s so useful in many fields,” Anna says. “Also, the main character of Shamal, he’s supposed be bad but then he’s good and I want to show that chance for change and hope.” Anna has discovered that many hidden talents in Bahrain and the Gulf have come to light following the release of her comic book. “A lot of the time I get the feeling that it just takes one person, and in this case, a female expat, to push people into their creativity and not being so shy to share it,” she smiles. “Since I started, there has been an increase in the field and I’m looking into collaborating with a Bahraini comic book artist where they could carry on the legacy of superstition storytelling or maybe we can do a comic with lots of different stories.” Much like The Chronicles of Shamal, the future possibilities and potential for Anna, are endless. ✤ GO: Visit www.desert-comic.com for more information. 56

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SHOCKED, LORNA REGAINS MOST OF HER SENSES AND SOME OF HER MEMORIES TOO.

I CAN REMEMBER THERE WAS A MAN...

sha·mal noun: shamal; plural noun: shamals a hot, dry northwesterly wind blowing across the Persian Gulf in summer, typically causing sandstorms.

...HE WHISPERED A POEM OR A PHRASE OVER AND OVER IN MY EAR.

source: google

AND THEN...

BAHRAIN From the Arabic term al-bahrayn, meaning “two seas.”

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GET RED

KATY PERRY

EXCLUSIVE

GLORIA ESTEFAN

CARPET READY

A SOIRÉE WITH THE STARS

SETS THE STANDARDS

Haute Couture

DECEMBER 2013 OHLALA!

JANUARY 2014 | ISSUE 110

DINE IN

STYLE

AT BAHRAIN’S BEST

A TALE OF EXTREMES

Basking in Royal Allure WWW.OHLALA-MAGAZINE.COM

MODERNITY

BAHRAIN BD2 | KSA SR20

OHLALA! DECEMBER 2013

www.ohlala-magazine.com

WWW.OHLALA-MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2015 | ISSUE 124 BAHRAIN BD2. KSA SR20

SOCIETY

#PORSCHE #PANAMERA #LAUNCH #AT #FOUR #SEASONS #HOTEL #BAHRAIN #BAY

fact magazine

The 2016 Dodge Charger is both a Beauty and a Beast

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island RIDES

Not always considered a practical road vehicle, the engineers at Dodge HAVE changed the game with the 2016 Dodge Charger. FACT TOOK THE CAR OUT FOR A SPIN...

When it comes to muscle cars, Dodge is in a league of its own. This is not surprising when you consider they’ve been assembling quality automobiles for over a century. And though Dodge has alwway been the favourite with motor heads to want speed, performance and that ferocious roar of the engine, the 2016 Dodge Charger is doing something a little different. Here, you’ve got a Dodge with all the usual features that drivers know and love, with the added benefit of being practical enough for the purpose of a family car - cool, right? At first glance, this four-door sedan strikes a muscular Coke-bottle profile, gently reminding us of its relation to the iconic Dodge Viper. This is enhanced by the streamlined side scallops. A distinct C-pillar adds a pronounced fastback appearance, whilst headlamps and tail lamps wrapped at the corners, provide a tailored look. Charger’s signature “racetrack” LED tail lamp features the famous, continuous glowing ribbon, which can be recognised from quite a distance away on the road. For added detail, elongated DRLs and a full-width grille enhance the width of the car, while Dodge logos are etched in the corner of each headlamp. A fascia-mounted dual 60

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ISLAND RIDES

“You get the raw excitement and power synonymous with the Dodge label, whilst feeling in complete control, comfortable in the knowledge that this is a safe car to transport loved ones in any conditions.” exhaust and an available three-piece low profile spoiler, finish off the vehicle with a flourish. She certainly is a beauty, and her appeal continues on the inside. An internal inspection of the vehicle led to more impressive aspects being revealed. It’s surprisingly spacious in both the front and rear of the vehicle and comfortably seats five adults. With loads of leg room and supportive sport seats, you’ll feel at home as soon as the door is closed. The seats have multiple adjustment settings including one for lumbar support, great for those long hours stuck in traffic. On some models, the seats, both front and back, are heated with individual operating functions. The available adjustable pedal system is designed to allow a greater range of driver comfort for steering wheel tilt and seat position. It allows you to adjust the brake and accelerator pedals toward or away from the driver to provide improved position with the steering wheel. We appreciate that the buttons to control driver, vehicle and phone information functions being large and illuminated, which make them easy to operate. The Charger’s cockpit comes complete with an 8.4-inch colour Driver Information Display (DID) gauge cluster and all systems work really well in

terms of functionality and reliability. But how does this beast handle on the roads? The Dodge Charger R/T is equipped with the legendary 5.7 litre HEMI V8 engine that delivers 370 hp and 596 nm of torque. This is combined with four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology and a standard TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. This is complete with electronic shifter, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and a performance-tuned suspension with larger disc brakes. Able to go from 0 – 100kph in the high five second range, you’re instantly reminded of being in a Dodge muscle car when your foot touches the accelerator and let us tell you, it feels and sounds great! The safety features of this car more than match the raw power. It boasts a driver confidence package which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring. The Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system provides the driver with audible and visual warnings within DID, to warn the driver when it detects a potential frontal collision. The warnings are intended to provide the driver with enough time to react, avoid or mitigate the potential collision. fact magazine

island RIDES

Another great feature is the enhanced accident response system which, in the event of an impact, provides such automatic actions as cutting off fuel to the engine, flashing the hazards, turning on the interior lights and unlocking the doors. All of this plus an advanced airbag system show that the driver and passengers’ well-being have been a huge consideration by Dodge. Through the 2016 Dodge Charger R/T and other Charger models, the muscle car experience has been overhauled. Now, you get the raw excitement and power synonymous with the Dodge label, whist feeling in complete control, comfortable in the knowledge it is a safe car to transport loved ones in any conditions. It’ll be very interesting to see where these masterminds of automobile design take the brand next. ✤

GO: Visit www.ahmedzayani.com/dodge/ or call 1723 8822 for more information on all Dodge models. 62

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motoring news news MOTORING

Porsche Expands the Platinum Edition Range

Lexus GS F Offer

The Platinum Edition range has grown, with the addition of the Cayenne S model which features more high-quality equipment. Now available as standard are 21-inch Sport Edition wheels in Platinum with a satin finish, eight-way leather sports seats with Alcantara centre from the Cayenne GTS and a variety of comfort features. The high quality appeal of the latest Platinum Edition model is demonstrated by its refined yet understated appearance. In addition to the standard exterior colours of black and white, four optional metallic paint finishes are also available: Jet Black, Mahogany, Carrara White and Rhodium Silver. The exterior package includes elegant and sporty touches in high-gloss 64

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black, and wheel arch extensions in the vehicle colour. Platinum Edition models offer sporty functionality in the form of Bi-Xenon main headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), Power Steering Plus and front and rear Park-Assist, as well as automatically dimming interior and exterior mirrors to prevent glare from the traffic behind. All features make driving effortless, whether travelling on longdistance journeys or cruising around the country.

Ebrahim K. Kanoo, sole distributor of Lexus vehicles in the Kingdom of Bahrain, is offering customers a limited time chance to purchase the powerful Lexus GS F at only BD27,999. Ayman Shehadeh, Ebrahim K. Kanoo Senior Manager of Lexus Marketing, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a limited time offer to give car lovers an opportunity to enjoy the exhilarating experience of owning the most powerful Lexus sedan. The Lexus brand has a special kind of appeal to performanceoriented car enthusiasts in Bahrain and this model embodies that spirit in both its drive and design. Anyone who is interested can contact us to book a test drive to learn first-hand what the GS F has to offer.â&#x20AC;? The Lexus GS F 4-door sedan forges new grounds for Lexus performance, with unprecedented levels of exhilaration and striking sophistication throughout. The naturally aspirated 471HP 5.0-litre V8 engine with 8-Speed SPDS transmission delivers invigorating power and excellent response with added control using high performance Brembo brakes, Lexus Torque Vectoring Differential (TVD), and a race-ready cockpit.

GO: The new Cayenne S Platinum Edition is now available for order in Bahrain, with a basic retail price of BD34,200.

GO: Call 1773 7773 or go to www.lexus. com.bh to take advantage of this limitedtime offer.

Motoring news motoring

ZAYANI MOTORS LAUNCHES NEW FUSO TRUCKS Zayani Motors held an event to launch the new 2017 Fuso trucks at its showroom in Sitra. Zayani Motors invited its customers to the launching ceremony to display and demonstrate the capabilities of the new model range of FUSO trucks. Also in attendance was Mr. Henry Sebastian, General Manager of FUSO Daimler Commercial Vehicles, MENA region. Fuso is one of the brands of Daimler Trucks, powered by Mercedes-Benz technology. It has been in the market for more than 80 years, present in nearly all regions around the world. It supplies light-duty to heavy-duty trucks, vans, industrial engines and buses to more than 160 markets, including the prominent high growth markets in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. Mr Majid K. Al Zayani, said: “The new line of FUSO trucks is yet another milestone in our promise of providing you, our clients, with the GO: Call 1770 3703 or go to www.zmotors.com best in technology and innovation that the for more information. truck industry has to offer.”

2017 FORMULA 1 GULF AIR BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX Taking place from April 14 to 16 in Sakhir, the Bahrain Grand Prix will mark the third of 20 rounds on the 2017 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. It will be the first night race of the season, and the fourth year in a row that the world’s fastest single-seaters will be shining in the Sakhir desert under BIC’s brilliant floodlighting system. As part of the lead-up to the three-day spectacle, BIC announced exciting details on the race weekend in a press conference last month. BIC Commercial Director Sherif Al Mahdy, said: “We have had an excellent response to our Early Bird discount and tickets continue to sell fast. We therefore encourage race fans to act quickly, in order to secure their spot at Bahrain’s biggest weekend of the year.” He also revealed that the slogan for this year’s race is “See it! Feel it! Live it!”, and BIC released the official song of this year’s Bahrain Grand Prix “3eshha Weyana” a first for the race. fact magazine

SOCIETY

#2nd #anniversary #celebrations #of #the #Land #Rover #Experience

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PLUGGED-IN

360 Smart Bed

going to let you choose your favourite reading position. The bed also acts as an alarm as the SleepIQ technology can tell when you would like to wake up and sounds off the alarm when you’re in the lightest stage of sleep. Who knew a bed could do all that and more? Sleep Number will release the 360 beds in stages all throughout the year with a variety of mattress options. One thing’s for sure, with the 360 Smart Bed in our lives, leaving our comfy beds in the morning just going to get harder! ✤

leep Number brings to you the 360 Smart Bed that is going to revolutionise the way you sleep. The 360 has built-in tech that warms the foot of your bed as you’re falling asleep - no more cold sheet feet! If you think that’s amazing, the 360 bed can also help reduce snoring through its snore-detect technology. Technology never ceases to amaze us. Thought you had The 360 bed reads biometric cues seen it all? What if we told you that there’s a Smart Bed to find out if someone’s snoring. If out there that will not only keep your feet toasty but it’s able to detect snoring, the dualwill also ensure optimum shut-eye time? Keep reading… sided adjustable bed is designed to raise the sleeper’s head and help reduce the sound. Your tossing and turning does not go unnoticed by the 360 Smart Bed, its self-adjusting mattress corrects based on your sleeping position. So, if you switch from your back to your side, SleepIQ software will deflate the mattress slightly for your ideal sleeping position. The bed comes with the SleepIQ app, compatible with both Android and iPhone. The app enables you to change the settings of the mattress yourself while also letting you know how well you slept the night before or how well you have been sleeping for the past week or month. Through the SleepIQ software, you can also integrate the 360 Smart Bed with products from Nest, Fitbit and other manufacturers. That’s not all! The Smart Bed can detect if you’re asleep or not while you’re on the bed and then adjust accordingly. If you’re someone who likes to read in bed, the bed is

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PLUGGED-IN

App-licious L e t ’ s s e e w h at ’ s o n th e s m a r t p h o n e a g e n d a f o r m a r ch …

Viator

Trip.com

Vacationing just got easier and a lot more fun thanks to Viator, the pioneer of online excursion booking. It lets you choose from more than 1,300 food and drink itineraries around the world. Whether you’re travelling locally or are on an international adventure, Viator offers exclusive deals at the lowest prices. It uses your location to locate the best options that are closest to your hotel with low-price guarantees. The app also lets you create a customised experience if it doesn’t have what you’re looking for. More reasons to take some time off!

Rekindle your imagination with HaikuJam, a social writing app that lets people write stories and poetry together. You can write and create within a circle of friends or with strangers from around the world. It is a great way to inspire and get inspired. Everything from poetry, haiku poems to short stories are welcome and your work can also get selected for the ‘Featured’ feed. You can also participate in a number of writing competitions and win prizes! If you need to pass time, find a new addiction or stimulating hobby, this app will get those creative juices flowing!

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Also AvAilAble in ... Abu DhAbi & QAtAr

Have a Haunted Halloween

Roll Camera for Film Festival Fever

An Artistic Celebration of Arabic Culture

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

9/29/14 4:25 PM

SEPTEMBER 2014. VOL 4 ISSUE 5. QR10 | SR10 front.indd 1

8/31/14 11:13 AM

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

@FACTAbuDhabi | @FACTBahrain | @FACT_Qatar 2.

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SOCIETY

#SAKS #FIFTH #AVENUE #SPRING #SUMMER #2017 #FASHION #SHOW

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Massimo Dutti SSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;17 Inspiring new collections for men and women with designs embodying the essence of Massimo Dutti and its panoramic vision of the upcoming season are perfect for every style-savvy wardrobe! fact magazine

fashion focus

he new season brings us new versions of full suits, blazers, jackets, shirts and an endless range of musthave items that can be matched with opposing styles. Functional, modern looks that bring together innovation and timeless luxury plus accessories that are also set for spring, step up to transform both the feminine and masculine look, turning daily wear into something extraordinarily comfortable. The Massimo Dutti Women’s line of clothing for the SS’17 season focuses on a chic and urban women, defined by eclectic seventies outfits, which are now invading women’s wardrobes. The option for a more modern and feminine style is, without hesitation, with pieces of clothing which represent a perfect balance between classic and modern. On the other side, Massimo Dutti’s Men’s line for SS’17 blurs the line between a smart and casual style. A suit combined with sneakers is a must. The brand offers timeless, versatile, modern and cool proposals to dress men during spring-summer. The collection was previewed at the inauguration event of Massimo Dutti’s new flagship store in Barcelona. The store was dressed up to host this event which is considered an architectural masterpiece of immeasurable historical value. Innovative architecture and decorative elements live together with original features, recuperated and restored to create a unique atmosphere which leads to an unforgettable experience for special guests and shoppers. ✤ GO: Shop Massimo Dutti in Qatar at Villaggio Mall and Landmark Mall.

fact magazine

fashion focus

fact magazine

fashion focus

Shop the brand Here’s our wishlist from MASSIMO DUTTI’S SS’17 collection for him

for her

This collection is AVAILABLE IN MASSIMO DUTTI STORES IN THE GCC.

fact magazine

JOSHUA SANDERS

GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI

BALENCIAGA

STEP INTO

N21

SPRING VALENTINO MEN'S

BALENCIAGA

SAINT LAURENT PARIS TODâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

Saks Fifth Avenue, +973 17172000, City Centre Bahrain

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o W rk u a e

r ea

Nouv

STYLE

Ladies, this is the season to up your work fashion game! Refreshing silhouettes are elevated with structured stripes and embroidered patterns. You can put in a parallel-lined shirt reminiscent of Breton styles to keep your look sleek with statement bell sleeves, or a sharp miliatray skirt and A-line blazer with shoulder cuts and hoodie layering is a stylish number. Put a twist on tradition with feminine, floral detail and make mules your go-to shoe!

01. Bershka 02. Dorothy Perkins 03. Dune 04. H&M 05. Marks and Spencer 06. Matalan 07. Miss Selfridge 08. New Look 09. River Island 10. Splash 76

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STYLE

ET Lif E R

Urban sportswear is a key trend for the SS17 season with the humble hoodie making a casual statement. Play with layers and textures through a jersey and suede combo, or go grunge with a biker jacket pairing. Don your hoodie with your favourite trousers or pair of skinny jeans â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the styling options are super versatile. Give a nostalgic nod to the 90s and team your hoodie with distressed denim for an on-trend look.

01. Aldo 02. Bershka 03. Debenhams 04. H&M 05. Marks and Spencer 06. Mens at Dune 07. Next 08. Salsa 09. Superdry 10. Zara Men fact magazine

BEAUTY checklist

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2 3

get ready to glow From prepping your skin for the perfect makeup look to dabbing the best blushes and eyeshadows on, and even going gold with your scent, here’s your March beauty fix...

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Shiseido 7 Lights Powder Illuminator If you aren’t glowing for the Gods, what is even the point of makeup? This product compliments every skin tone with the power of “seven colours”. It shows off your skin tone while also keeping it fresh and hydrated. Use it as a highlighter, contour powder, blush or even as an eyeshadow. 78

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Konjac French Pink Clay Heart Sponge Scrub away all the dirt and impurities with Konjac’s all natural French Pink Clay Heart Sponge! Ideal for daily exfoliation, the sponge is made up of 100% natural vegetable fibre. Infused with pink clay, the scrub helps soothe dry and irritated skin without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

Laura Mercier Editorial Eye Palette Intense Clays Studio-inspired, high performance Brushed Metal & Matte Textured Clays give you intense colour in a whole new graphic way. Soft, flexible, clay-like hybrid textures go on beautifully with a unique ‘wet-feel’ that melts onto the skin. This might just become your newest eye obsession.

Ciate London Precious Metal Eyeshadow in Washington Make your eyes pop with Ciate London’s Precious Metal Eyeshadow in Washington! The long wearing loose pigment eyeshadow comes with a high performance primer embedded in the lid for the perfect application. You’ll get a metal-finish to achieve the ultimate bronzed goddess look.

Nip+Fab Skincare Boosting Shots Take your skincare regime up a notch with Nip+Fab. Packed with nutrients and antioxidants, the shots aim to protect and nourish your skin by catering to your specific skincare needs. From radiance and repairing to blurring, moisturising and protecting, there’s a shot for every need. Go and try it, your skin will thank you!

Calvin Klein Pure Gold Euphoria for Women We all deserve a little luxury in our lives! With its sensual and addictive scent, this is luxury in a bottle. With top notes of Moroccan date, golden solar accord and neroli, the fragrance captures a sense of luminescent luxury and olfactive sophistication. Aah, sweet and refreshing!

grooming checklist

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keep it fresh Nothing beats the perfect products to ease irritation and keep your skin, hair and even your scent as fresh as the spring breeze. Here are just some of the best items to get you started...

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Jo Malone Lime, Basil and Mandarin Cologne The fresh and tangy scent of Jo Malone’s Lime, Basil and Mandarin Cologne will get you all prepped up for the upcoming warmer months! The scent perks you up without being too overwhelming and can be worn alone or layered with other scents. It’s long lasting and perfect for daywear - bonus!

Jack Black Jack Black Hair Gel Unlike other pomades and mousses that can leave hair dry and brittle, the Jack Black Hair Gel is lightweight with conditioning properties. Enriched with basil lead, organic kelp and ginger root, it dries instantly and will keep your hair in place without looking too severe. Its organic ingredients provide the best results!

Paul Mitchell Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Shampoo For a frizz-free mane, try Paul Mitchell’s Awapuhi Shampoo that works to naturally moisturise your hair. Awapuhi, is a natural moisturiser from the ancient Hawaiian ginger plant that helps tame frizz and flyaways. The gentle formula can be used as a daily shampoo without drying out your hair.

Origins Blemish Treatment Gel Origins’ Blemish Treatment Gel is naturally-formulated and works well on all skin types. The gel formula contains the effective combination of Salicylic acid and Red Algae that helps accelerate the breakdown of blemishes and provides relief from redness and irritation. It’s a must-have for acneprone skin.

Oribe Signature Conditioner Your hair requires a little extra TLC during the winter months. If the cold and dry weather has made your locks lackluster, give the Signature Conditioner by Oribe a try! Packed with a unique blend of watermelon, lychee and edelweiss flower extracts, hair is nourished while maintaining its natural keratin balance.

Clarins Smooth Shave Foaming Gel Smooth Shave Foaming Gel is the perfect shaving gel for sensitive skin! Enriched with aloe vera, galangal and wintergreen, Clarins’ Foaming Gel moisturises and purifies skin and helps soothe aggravation. Ideal for sensitive and acne prone skin, it is gentle on the skin and helps reduce redness and inflamation. fact magazine

HOME STYLE

Let’s Get Floral As spring approaches, décor gets a breezy spin with one of the season’s most-loved trends: floral. From cushions to cutlery, vases and wall art, adding a little bit of colour and garden-inspired pattern to your interiors will brighten up any home!

Cath Kidston

H&M

fact magazine

Debenhams

dotcomgiftshop

Laura Ashley

Marks and Spencer

Laura Ashley

HOME STYLE

Lak eland Lékué M icr o wav e R ange B

C E

A & B: STREAM CASES

D: OMELETTE MAKER

Ideal for rice, pasta, stews, soups, meat, fish and vegetables, they’re so easy to use. Cook an entire chicken in the deep one, or like our buyer Veronica who swears by her go-to recipe for good food fast, use the shallow one to whip up delicious salmon with veggie noodles in minutes.

It takes just 2 or 3 minutes to make a yummy filled omelette in this silicone wonder. You can cook fillings in it first, and then add your eggs – no need to flip as the double-sided design ensures both sides are cooked.

E: RICE COOKER C: SPANISH OMELETTE MAKER In just 12 minutes you can be tucking into a delectable Spanish omelette or frittata thanks to this double-sided microwave marvel. Use it to cook your fillings first before adding your eggs to finish off with no tricky flipping required, and the hinged silicone mould will turn out a perfectly round finished result.

Here’s a fun silicone mould that lets you make hard-boiled eggs, soft-boiled eggs, poached eggs, even delicious filled omelettes in seconds. It’s quick and convenient and the finished item looks great on the plate too. GO: Shop the Lékué Microwave Range at your nearest Lakeland store. fact magazine

SOCIETY

#CUCINA #ITALIANA #MAST ER #CHEF #GRAND #FINAL #2017

fact magazine

LEADER OF LUXURY: MEET RICHARD RAAB The 5-star Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay has welcomed a new General Manager to lead the luxury property in business and leisure hospitality. With 18 years under his belt, FACT meets Richard Raab, a Four Seasons veteran who hopeS to bring fresh ideas and new excitement to the mesmerising hotel.

fact magazine

HOSPITALITY

Welcome to Bahrain! What have been your first impressions and what prompted you to make the move from Dubai to here?

We arrived in the first week of January, I’m here with my wife and two young daughters and my predecessor Greg told me ‘you will fall in love from day one’ and I think that’s what happened. I think the only thing that surprised us and took us off guard was the rain – we didn’t expect that. But, rain means good luck in this part of the world [he smiles] so, hopefully that’s a good thing. I think the hotel itself is so iconic – it’s absolutely second to none and I’m extremely proud to be in charge of it. Then it’s the Bahraini people to be honest; I’ve met a lot of people from Bahrain, a lot of people who have lived and worked in Bahrain, and they all talk very positively about it. It’s very welcoming and very friendly and from day one since we’ve been here, we’ve felt the very same thing. So, we’re very happy about the move. I’ve gone out and explored a little bit. I love the Farmer’s Market and will surely return there; it has a great atmosphere and on top of that, you’ll come home with some of the freshest vegetables you can get!

The Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay has now been open for two years and is doing really well. What’s your vision for the hotel during your management?

I really want to continue building on the success of the hotel that is already there. The hotel has already won several awards and we need to continue that. In this business, you can never sit back and relax; the customer comes in every single day with extremely high expectations, particularly with the name Four Seasons above the door, and you need to earn that reputation and brand image every single day. You can never take a day off; you have to be spot on all the time, in and out. Then as we do in any hotel around the world, no matter how old it is; we always look for improvements. It’s an absolutely stunning property and we want to look for new ways to improve on that, always. 84

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You’ve been with the Four Seasons now for 18 years. What has kept you so loyal and dedicated to the brand?

I started out very young. I left home as a young man who wanted to travel the world and Four Seasons made that possible. Through hard work, they give you the ball and then it’s up to you to dribble with it. The Four Seasons has a company culture, something called The Golden Rule and it’s very simple – treat others the way you like to be treated, and I believed in that even before I joined the company. It’s something that my grandparents and my mother would say and talk about when I was growing up, and it just stuck with me. I believe in that message very firmly and see myself being a part of the brand for many more years to come.

The responsibilities of General Manager could get overwhelming at times. How do you manage your time, expectations and the need for attention to detail?

A big part of it comes down to experience; to be able to decide where and when you should be and getting to the right spot at the right time. A lot of communication, ensuring that you’re surrounding yourself with the best team in the world, and there’s no doubt in Bahrain that we have got one of the best teams in the world. And also intuition, to keep your finger on the pulse and have a sense of what’s going on so you can follow that information and take the necessary action.

In a hotel of this high calibre where not much really needs changing, how do you keep yourself challenged and continuously ahead in the hospitality game? First, when I did my research on the property and everything about it, I was extremely humbled, no doubt, yet very excited as well. This is a hotel that you could lift up and put it on Park Lane in London or Fifth Avenue in New York, on the Champs-Élysée in Paris, and it would really stand out. Not only here, it would standout anywhere in the world. The strive for perfection is something that we aim for anywhere in the world

and as I said before, it doesn’t matter even if you work at the Four Seasons George V in Paris, or Four Seasons New York, and in our case Bahrain, you still need to improve because the competition will always come to visit and walk around and will want to see what we’re doing, and, of course, we do that with them as well, it’s how business works. It’s that constant look for improvement and even the guests change – the luxury traveller 20 years ago is different from the luxury traveller now, especially with technology, so you must always keep on top of changes and move with the times.

Tell us some your goals with the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay – things you want to make a mark with over the next year…

There’s a few; the one thing that we’re launching very soon is our new approach to CUT Bar and Lounge. We’re creating a new concept there, where it’s a dining destination on its own and not just a bar that you got to if you’re having dinner at CUT. We want it to be a place that people will come to just for CUT Bar and Lounge and enjoy it. We’re spicing up the entertainment a little bit and we’ve got a new menu coming out – it’s called American Classics. We’ve done some tastings already and the Reuben Sandwich is absolutely phenomenal – like what you would get in New York. The Fillet Cheese Steak Sandwich is another fantastic one – so we’re very excited about the upcoming months and what’s to come there.

When it comes to quieter days in Bahrain when occupancy is low and not many visitors are coming into the country – how do you cope with that and still keep the hotel relevant?

Wherever you are in the world, you have to adapt your schedule to the business rhythm of the location you’re in. So, in Bahrain, on days that we are maybe a little bit slower, we would plan and try to anticipate when they are, and we’d have staff training or extra days off if we need to. We would utilise the time then to work on promotions and new ideas, new menu

items, new developments and overall new improvements in the hotel. And then the days we know are going to be busy, we make sure that our office work is done so we can be out on the floor, engaging with our guests as they come in.

What’s your approach to everyday motivation for your staff – how do you make sure that everyone’s on the same page, everyday?

I think that’s something that needs to continue all the time in the hotel and it flows down from the top and all the way through the managers and to the staff. We have a meeting every day with all the managers to make sure what’s going on, and making sure everything is ok. It’s also management by walking around and interacting with as many people as possible. We have a solid programme of human resources with different staff events throughout the year, we have employee engagement surveys where we ask our staff what their opinions are and then also the training. If the staff feel like they’re learning and growing and working towards a purpose that they can achieve, then they normally will be very engaged and motivated to do well.

Are you the type of GM who does things from his office, or is your working style more interactive where you walk around the hotel often?

I like to go to reception first thing in the morning, to see how the night was and then I usually go to the food and beverage, the room service and the breakfast restaurant, just to make sure that they’re up and running. I couldn’t just go and sit down in my office not knowing that breakfast is running well, it just wouldn’t feel right. That’s with everything; maybe there’s a big event that day, so I would want to go by the ballroom, for example, just to make sure that ‘ok, everything’s fine, there’s no fire to be put out!’ and then I’ll check my emails.

Who would you say is the 2017 clientele of Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay – describe the person who walks in through the hotel doors…

They’re so varied. I couldn’t say that it’s a specific age group or a specific nationality because they come from all over the world. They know the Four Seasons brand, they know what we can deliver anywhere

in the world, and they’re attracted to that. It’s almost a part of a lifestyle and the Four Seasons offers them a chance to experience that lifestyle.

Sell the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay in one sentence… Come, and we’ll wow the socks off you! ✤

GO: Visit www.fourseasons.com/bahrain or call 1711 5000 for reservations and more information. fact magazine

SOCIETY

#ITALIAN #NIGHT #DINNER #AT #RAMADA #AMWAJ #HOTEL

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#THE #ART #OF #COOKING #CLASS #AT #GULF #HOTEL #BAHRAIN

Sushi & Sax Sushi competition is absolutely endless in Bahrain, and we can only assume that restaurants really need to keep on their toes if they want to stay ahead in the game. FACTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ally Mac went to check out the popular Sushi & Sax night at Teatro Downtown, an elegant venue in Manamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Downtown Rotana hotel to find out why sushi fans will love this casual themed night. fact magazine

CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

eatro Downtown is the award-winning signature restaurant of Downtown Rotana hotel, offering an innovative concept of East-meets-West cuisine, with an exquisite array of authentic dishes inspired by five of the most well-known and popular cuisines – Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Italian and South East Asian. On Tuesday evenings, the venue goes full-on Japanese with an incredibly colourful variety of sushi, complemented by the sounds of a talented saxophonist. Upon entering Teatro, we were led to a table by the super-friendly team and took this time to have a little look around the venue – it’s stunning. The design concept incorporates a palette of deep hues; blue, purple, red and grey, which, surprisingly create a warm feeling. The décor is offset by eye-catching art work and distinctive fixtures where lights are dimmed. The soothing live sax in the background tops off the ambience to a T. So, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty, the food! Tonight, Teatro’s gourmet experience was all about sushi. Our intro to the evening was, honestly, the BEST mocktail we’ve ever had in Bahrain. Where do we begin to describe it? It had two of our favourite ingredients; ginger and lemongrass. This was pure, awe-inspiring fizzy freshness. That. Is. All!

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culinary spotlight Our starter was a trio of ocean delights; a perfect mouthful of octopus and seaweed, crab shavings and tuna tataki, all full of flavour and excellent palate cleansers for the main attraction. Out came platter number one, which was beautifully presented in a large circular wooden basket-cum-tray filled with crushed ice and rows of vibrant sushi rolls. Here’s what sat atop: vegetarian maki (mango and avocado), salmon and avocado roll, crabstick and avocado roll, a tuna and salmon mix, and super fresh nigiri. If you love your sushi and raw eating in general, this platter will 100 per cent satisfy your taste buds. The second platter which is the Best Seller platter (again, with impressive presentation) brought to the table a great mix of rolls. There was salmon and crab, fried maki with prawn and avocado (our absolute favourite), rainbow roll with tuna, salmon and avocado (definitely a close second), crabstick and avocado, and salmon and crabstick. What made these platters special is the consistency of how good each sushi roll tasted; all the fish, seafood

and other ingredients were pristine. Light, fresh, tastefully creative and utterly perfect. All the while, we chatted away with the blissful sounds of the saxophonist playing everything from Marvin Gaye to Bill Withers and other soulful tunes. The service we encountered was attentive yet unobtrusive and, of course, the mouthwatering sushi delights kept us going. The ambience was super inviting and we lingered longer than the 6pm to 10pm promotion hours of the Sushi and Sax night - you will too! We’ve already told countless friends about our experience and how awesome of a deal you get; free flow of sushi and sweet sounds of the sax for BD15++ - H.E.L.L.O! Round up your besties and head over to Teatro Downtown – go on an empty stomach because this will be one of the best sushi shows that you’ll ever encounter. ✤ GO: Visit Teatro Downtown for Sushi & Sax night every Tuesday. Call 1311 9999 for reservations and more information.

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SOCIETY

#CORPORATE #PARTY #AT #CROWNE #PLAZA #BAHRAIN

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#LIVE #SAXOPHONE #NIGHT #AT #HEVEA #CAFE #SEEF

Setting a Precedent One of the most anticipated debuts to grace our island shores, the high-calibre complex, Gallery 21, is nestled in the heart of the bustling Adliya district, which is renowned for its abundance of F&B offerings and dubbed as a hotspot in Bahrain. FACT dines at Asia De Cuba for a mind-blowing Latin American feastâ&#x20AC;Ś

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new in town

ith a certain Je ne sais quoi that wouldn’t go amiss on The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, Gallery 21 houses the chic and glamorous Asia De Cuba as well as sophisticated home-grown concepts by prestigious private investors: Gallery Café, Art Gallery, the Genwa Lounge for shisha lovers, Cigar Lounge and Firma for flowers and chocolates. Our NGP team had the pleasure of attending the high-society VIP opening – an immersive fusion of high-class creativity, lux comfort and fun vibes – along with an exclusive invitation to dine in Asia De Cuba – yes, we were the first. With plush white interiors punctuated by flora and fauna, the courtyard venue is exceptionally impressive. A particular standout is the sliding roof, which can be opened up to let in the natural desert sunlight or star-lit sky, during the popular al fresco dining seasons. Choose to be seated in the main floor dining area, intimate booth tables, on the cosy couches, or perhaps the swanky private dining terrace; Asia De Cuba’s pièce de résistance for romantic occasions. The menu is an imaginative contemporary interpretation of Asian influenced Cuban food, which – the brand highlights – first sprung up in the streets of Havana, then of Miami and New York. Decadent portions enables plates to be shared tapas-style, so that you get the opportunity to sample a variety of mouthwatering cuisine, at least that would be our personal recommendation. Select from tasty small plates, salads, woks, sides, mains and signature dishes with an emphasis on seafood and meat. Examples of “must-tries” are the Tunapica Tartare crispy wontons, Ginger and Papaya Marinated Palomilla, Rocoto Glazed Black Cod with orange mojo, avocado poplano puree and miso, and the Crispy Calamari salad with a unique pairing of bananas, chayote, cashews, and hearts of palms dressed in an orange-sesame vinaigrette. Ceviche, a popular coastal Latin American recipe originating from raw fish and citrus, is the highlight. With a wide selection of seafood basked in a diverse array of flavours, choose your favourites from Hammour,

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Scallop, Red Snapper, Salmon, Shrimp and Squid. For those that find pleasure in a spicy kick, the Red Snapper Ceviche is marinated in Thai red chili, red onion and cilantro, served with crispy plantains for an interesting fusion of textures. Dessert lovers will enjoy the sweet sensations of the Guava Cheescake Napoleon, Mexican Doughnuts or the delightful Tres Leches de Chocolate served with Szechuan peppercorn ice-cream - it’s simply divine. The Original Crafted and Classic Heritage cocktails are a talking point as well as cleansers and specialties for hop and grape connoisseurs, there’s refreshments to suit all tastes. A trendy new kid on the block, Gallery 21 is setting the bar high for entertainment venues in Bahrain, and will likely instill in the surrounding neighbours, a feeling of wanting to keep up with the Joneses… ✤ GO: Visit Asia De Cuba at Gallery 21 in Block 338, Adliya. Call 1711 1600 for reservations and more information.

new in town

“ O u r NGP t e a m h a d th e p l e a s u r e o f a tt e n d i n g th e h i g h - s o c i e ty V IP opening – an immersive fusion of h i g h - c l a ss c r e a t i v i ty, l u x c o m f o r t and fun vibes...”

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SOCIETY

#kababna #theme #night #launch #at #movenpick #bahrain

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#10TH #ANNUAL #JAWAD #MINI #MARATHON #2017

Home Comforts at Saffron by Jena When you think of good Bahraini-inspired food, served in a cosy setting and packed with distinctive flavours – where would you find it? FACT’s Aanchal Duggal rediscovers a local favourite that has revamped its venue but still serves the delicious dishes that diners know and love. Enter Saffron by Jena at Bab Al Bahrain… fact magazine

ON THE MENU

affron by Jena, a chic yet comforting and homely restaurant is the product of an immense love and passion for all things family, food and heritage. The beautifully-decorated boutique restaurant is located in the bustling Bab Al Bahrain Mall and its quirky and cosy interiors had us feeling relaxed and excited to eat from the moment we sunk into one of the cosy chairs. Narise Kamber, the brains behind Saffron by Jena informs us that her grandmother’s living room is the inspiration behind the snug and inviting atmosphere of the newlook venue.There are old-school wooden and antique-style cabinets housing keepsakes and memorabilia from a time gone by – just as Narise recalls her grandmother having at home. Gorgeous flower arrangements and quirky, versatile seating options give the place a tranquil vibe, something which is enhanced by the natural light that shines through the windows. You’ll definitely be tempted to take the perfect shot for your instagram! A true labour of time, creativity and love, the restaurant is famous for being the go-to place if you’re looking to dine like the locals do and savour everything from traditional Bahraini breakfast to hearty biryanis and yummy desserts at their finest. Spoiler alert: EVERY dish is as good as the last. The restaurant offers a unique blend of Bahraini cuisine with a modern twist. We started off with the Saffron Breakfast, a flavourful assortment of Balateet, Egg Tomato, Foul, Luba Zinjibari, Kabab Roll and Miawa. The Balateet, sweet, saffron infused vermicelli topped with an omelette is a unique combination of flavours and one of the best versions of this popular breaky dish that we’ve ever tried. The creamy Egg Tomato has a melt in your mouth texture with a refreshingly tangy aftertaste. This was devoured in minutes and made the top of the delicious list! But, on this morning, it was the Luba Zinjibari that caught the attention of our taste buds – fried sandwiches stuffed with a special jam, cheese and onions – you’ve got to try it to believe how good it is! If you’re someone who thinks avocado toast is a gift from the Gods, you’re going to love the Egg Avocado Tartine. This scrumptious open-faced sandwich combines the fresh,

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ON THE MENU

buttery taste of the avocado with the warmth of the eggs to utter perfection. The pomegranate on top adds a fresh explosion of flavour; and excellent choice if you want a combination of hearty and healthy. Now, drop everything and listen up because you do not want to miss this. For the uninitiated, French Toast is perfect as it is, but Saffron made it SO MUCH better. Insanely fluffy in the centre yet super crunchy on the outside, this dish is the food of the heavens. Michelin Star who? Give us a plate of this amazing French toast everyday and we’ll eat happy! You can’t dine the Middle Eastern way without some falafel, right? We decided to get our Falafel baked (a request you can make when ordering). A crispy outer shell with a soft and lightly-spiced filling graced our palates with every bite. Hammour Tahini, a Middle East favourite, also made an appearance at our table. The tender fish covered in a creamy sauce was tangy and delightfully light. Next, it was time for an all time classic, biryani. The rice had a distinct zesty flavour while the chicken was succulent, fall-off-the-bone soft – total finger-licking food! Delectable dishes aside, the restaurant also has a great assortment of drinks and desserts. Their Karak Chai was strong and aromatic, and the Banana Loaf is a treat. Saffron by Jena may be famous for its breakfast, but we can firmly attest that there’s plenty more on the menu that’s just as appetising. A dining experience here is going to be worth every single dinar – that, we can guarantee! ✤ GO: Visit Saffron by Jena at The Mall, Bab Al Bahrain. Follow @saffronbyjena on instagram for all the latest information. fact magazine

SENSATIONAL SALADS wITH THE COLD SWEEP ON ITS WAY OUT, THE HEAT WAVE IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER. iN PREPARATION FOR THE WARMER MONTHS, Hévéa Café INVITED THE FACT TEAM TO TRY SOME OF THEIR FRESH AND FLAVOUR-PACKED SALADS, READY TO REFRESH YOU THIS SPRING/SUMMER SEASON!

évéa Café’s Indochinese cuisine is the epitome of tasteful cooking where the marriage of French and South East Asian cultures is truly a match made in heaven. We were lucky enough to get an invite for a special tasting of the new spring/summer seasonal salads in preparation for the upcoming heat wave. Hévéa Café has a luxurious and relaxed atmosphere. It’s decadent by design with stunning custom-made chandeliers, big cosy chairs and plenty of natural light coming in through the windows. The place is immaculately furnished and decorated with chic floral and patterned touches. In all, an absolute treat for a laid back breakfast, lunch, brunch or dinner. We were welcomed by the warm smiles and greetings of the friendly and attentive staff, followed by the main man in the kitchen, Chef Guy, who introduced us to the delicious and healthy plates of greens and more with an exotic twist. First was the mouthwatering raw fusion of green papaya, green beans, coconut shavings and baby tomato all mixed with garlic, fish sauce and a little sugar. NEVER, have we tasted anything so tantalisingly fresh. On top of this, the entire thing is served in an open coconut shell – how innovative? You can either order the salad on its own with either shrimp or beef, or you can have it on the 98

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CASUAL DINING

GO: Visit Hévéa Café Al Aali Shopping Complex. Call 1700 4588 for reservations and more information. Follow @heveacafe on instagram for all the latest from the venue.

side with Hévéa Café’s now-famous Club Saigon sandwich. We decided to go for the latter and there were no regrets. You can tell that everything is made with LOVE here. We couldn’t wait to dig in! The creamy salmon and mayo filling was the perfect dish to pair with this gorgeous, crisp and light salad. All the flavours are punchy and liplicking, but most of all, every ingredient complements the other, beautifully, both visually as the most glorious celebration of colour on a plate, and in taste too. The second plate out was the green house salad, made up mainly of arugula and baby spinach leaves with crispy bread on the side. The dish was light, crunchy and covered in a super tasty dressing. We appreciated its sincere simplicity and its generous portion size which is excellent for sharing alongside your main dish. The aim is to keep things light yet satisfying, packed with quality ingredients but not too heavy – the kind of things that you want to eat in the heat! If you’re thinking about your summer body, these salads should be right up your street. And, because we’re obsessed with them, we just had to order a helping of the Shrimp Rolls. They’re like little packages of healthy goodness with crunchy vegetables and fresh shrimp all tucked neatly together and rolled in rice paper divine. This dish will surely continue to be a favourite in the summer months. Hévéa Café is one of those places where you simply know what you’re going to get, every single time. Consistency is key here, next to its casual setting and great service – what more could you ask for? ✤

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Breakfast of Champions You better not be the types who skip breakfast – because we definitely don’t, even if we go into brunch hours. We tucked into a mega breakfast at Cavalli Caffé where we fuelled up on a sweet and savoury mix of essentials to kick-start the day…

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LUXURY DINING

ating breakfast out, whether it’s the full works (eggs, beef bacon, hash browns and a juicy pool of beans) or a modest portion of granola and yoghurt, is considered an occasion. We’re not sure why that is – maybe because we (well some of us at least!) have to make the concerted effort to get out from under the covers at an hour we’re still snoozing at – or because it’s the most important meal of the day, therefore we gear up our head, heart and stomach for it. Cavalli Caffé delivers you a super-packed breakfast menu that could give a breakfastonly restaurant a run for its money. We started off with an ambitious Black Truffle Scrambled Eggs: a smooth and creamy spread of eggs atop Fatayer-style bread with truffle shavings, cheddar, parmesan and mozzarella alongside fried leak and fresh spinach. Sounds like a mouthful, right? Well, it absolutely was. There was a substantial amount of cheesiness but an overriding flavour of rich truffle – now that’s a luxurious way to start the day! It’s quite hard to make a basket of croissants look genuinely interesting and original. But Cavalli Caffé’s croissants come in mini form with three accompaniments including: custard, a hazelnut spread and apricot preserves. The croissants were utterly butterly (we’re looking at you, Brits!) toasty warm and flaky. Normally apricots put people off but, in fact, this was the best dip by far and the custard was very thick too.

We then turned to the boss of pancakes, The Cavalli Ricotta Pancake. We chose this purely for the cheese factor as we’d never considered ricotta of all the cheeses there are, to sit nicely within a bath of syrupy pancakes – how we were pleasantly surprised! The perfectly stacked, fluffy pancakes had oozing layers of ricotta with generous drizzles of classic maple syrup and each mouthful was painfully delicious than the next. The portion isn’t American influenced but it didn’t feel like it, as we were stuffed to the brim after this one. Our final dish was a fruity and hearty Rainbow Chia which was as happy and as colourful as it sounds. The vanilla chia pudding topped with homemade granola and layered with mango, blueberry, strawberry and avocado compote was chicly presented in a jar pot on a wooden board with sprinkles of fruit pieces and granola. If you order this we recommend you take your spoon and scoop up as many layers of the compote, it’s a riot of fun and taste. And with that, our mega breakfast was complete – granted we had more sweet than savoury but you won’t be able to blame us when you try those pancakes – look out for the French toast, too. Cavalli Caffé is definitely one of the funkiest and finest places to start your day that we’d highly recommend to give you a much-needed morning boost. ✤ GO: Visit Cavalli Caffé at Al Aali Shopping Complex. Call 7778 8877 for reservations and more information. Follow @cavallicaffebh on instagram for all the latest from the venue. fact magazine

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FOODIE CORNER

Layali Al sham: An Arabic Feast The Intercontinental Regency Hotel in the heart of Manama, invites you to Selections restaurant to enjoy the brand new layali al sham theme night for a food spread like no other. fact’s layal al mahmoud checks it out...

t’s getting more challenging by the day to choose a nice spot for your Thursday night outing; not because there aren’t enough good places around the island, but because there are TOO many great ones! But, InterContinental Regency Hotel has a proposal... Let the enchantment of the past with eternal melodies, entrance you. With no words spoken, entertainment comes from skilled and experienced fingers of the amazing Zither player. And with Arabic music goes Middle Eastern cuisine! A corner for a variety of bread including the traditional Egyptian and Saj bread, a delicious collection of cold mezze and appetisers, salads and mouthwatering tabbouleh all the way from Lebanon. There’s even a yummy soup of the day. For the main course, not less than six different dishes are ready to excite your palate. From meat to chicken, roasts, stews and vegan choices like the famous Koushari from the land of the pyramids – you’re spoilt for choice. Drinks were thoughtfully chosen to complement the traditional atmosphere, with laban, vimto, and jallab. But of course, you can always order what suits your appetite from an extended drinks menu. The barbecue live station takes prime spot in the beautiful outdoors, on 102 fact magazine

FOODIE CORNER

the terrace and overlooking the pool area. With spring nearing, you can soon enjoy these fine gastronomic creations with the fantastic weather to accompany. A generous bouquet of Arabic, readymade sweets is presented for dessert, with a collection of fruits both cut or whole, and of course the traditional Um Ali, in addition to the delicate Kunafa made fresh and warm to give you the perfect bite of sweetness after a rich, authentic Arabic meal. The service is undoubtedly five star, executed by well-trained, kindspirited individuals, and as much as the atmosphere by the terrace is inviting and celebratory – it’s quite intimate and cosy inside too. Evening lighting, romantic candles, and the warm dark brown wood that extends from the tables and chairs to the decorative partitions, artistically creates two separate areas offering a different feel to the same elegant venue.It’s Thursday, it’s the end of a long week and you’ve been working hard; so why not treat yourself ? Solo, with your life companion, or with a large group of friends, this great Arabic buffet within the eclectic atmosphere of Selections, is a relaxing start to the weekend. Let InterContinental Regency Hotel spoil you for the evening! ✤

GO: Visit Selections at InterContinental Regency Hotel Bahrain. Call 1722 7777 for reservations and more information.

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PEP TALK

Avoid Energy Vampires

Bahrain’s Food Evolution

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

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

A negative mind will never give you a positive life. Energy Vampires - these are people that drain all the confidence, motivation and good energy from you. Negativity is like a poison and unfortunately there are too many people around ready to poison your dreams. If these people have nothing to contribute to you achieving your health and fitness goals then just let them go. You will find that negative people always know what path you should be taking and what you need to do to get there but when you look at these people’s lives they have done nothing themselves. Remember you don’t have to justify your happiness, your dreams or your confidence to anyone. Unfortunately a few of my clients had people like this in their lives and it’s hard to watch them struggle with such negativity but thankfully part of my job is to uplift and motivate them and show them what they can do and who they can be. Never lose sight of why you are doing this; this isn’t about anybody else, this is all about you and you have to do this for yourself. Energy Vampires are deep down very sad, emotionally immature and unhappy people and there is nothing you can do for them so cutting them out of your life completely is necessary for you - you shouldn’t feel any guilt. Just focus on your goals and the positive people around you as there’s only four months until summer arrives and the bikini/ trunks come out! ✤

I’ve lived most of my adult life in beautiful Bahrain and boy oh boy hasn’t it changed over the years. This is especially true in terms of the range of restaurants now dotted around the island, with many more on the way. There is, nowadays, truly something for everyone. One of the grandest new restaurants would have to be Gallery 21 in Adliya. Asia De Cuba is clearly the jewel in the complex’s crown - large, lavish and truly luxurious. If you’re planning on popping by, be sure to dress to impress and book at least a week ahead. Then there’s the super-stylish new M by Mirai across town at A’ali Mall. This three-storey eatery offers diners a deliciously modern Japanese menu and features a rather fabulous teppanyaki grill. Head away from Manama and into Hamala Hills and you’ll find Plant Cafe, with cuisine created by celebrity vegan chef Matthew Kenney. Plant Cafe focuses on health and wellness, and creating a community of compassion through food. And there are even more eateries to come in the next few months. Block 338 will soon boast its very own Greek restaurant, Attic. With its modern take on Mediterranean, combined with sweeping rooftop vistas, Attic is sure to become yet another amazing place to see and be seen. Bon appetit Bahrain! xx ✤

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

GO: Keep up with Georgina at www.blondeinbahrain.com and on instagram @blondeinbahrain.

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Society

Creativity Unleashed

#dhl #40th #anniversary #celebrations

Aanchal Duggal, is an avid bibliophile and fashion enthusiast trying to make a living out of doing what she loves.

Whether you’ve just moved to Bahrain or have lived here all your life, I think we can all agree that there is never a dull moment on the island. Bahrain is home to a host of different cultures and nationalities that have birthed a unique and distinctive social milieu. This exotic blend of cultures, languages and tastes is what makes Bahrain so colourful and interesting. From experiencing Bahrain’s rich heritage to partying the night away, the island has something for everyone! If it’s the outdoors you prefer, go pearl diving or camping in the desert, or just enjoy the peaceful sunset over Bahrain Fort. The Kingdom has no dearth of creativity with its numerous art galleries and the National Museum to explore. Perhaps it is the beauty and allure of Bahrain that inspires its inhabitants to be so creative. I feel it is imperative for everyone to channel their energies into something creative. As for me, inspiration is everywhere, the people around me, nature, reading, all fuel my imagination. I find inspiration in the everyday. The ability to bring experiences and emotions to life encourages me to delve deeper into the literary world. Some people might argue that it’s not in them to be creative, but they’re just being unfair to themselves. Art lies within all of us! Your energies need an outlet, find something you’re passionate about and chase after it. You’ll be surprised at what you might create! ✤ GO: Email aanchalduggal1@gmail.com for more information.

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Huda Mirza

Director of Talent & Culture, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

Island Insider Give us a snapshot of your career; what led you to this position at Sofitel Bahrain? Despite holding a medical degree, I was always attracted to human resources as this connects me to people. Therefore, I obtained a Masters in human resources (CIPD 7) while I began my career in this field. I must say that it was totally my own passion which brought me into this field where I can fulfill my career goals as well as serve the organisation with suitable people management skills. To me, human resources is the backbone to any organisation and I’m glad that my destiny brought me to such a well-known brand like Sofitel, which falls under Accorhotels; the largest hotel operator in Europe. The recent addition of Fairmont, Raffles and 106 fact magazine

Swissotel makes Accorhotels a stronger company in the luxury segment.

Share with us some of your professional goals for 2017…

In this fast changing environment, our company’s growth chart is raising higher every day. Recent transformation of Human Resources to Talent & Culture at Accorhotels has taken us to a new horizon of selecting and supporting the talented employees. With having more than 32 nationalities on board, we have created a multicultural environment with no gender discrimination. Accorhotels with its sturdy six values provide immense support to the core areas of human resources. Beside achieving the yearly targets related to human resources, my goal is to increase

our involvement in local communities by actively implementing our sustainable development programme; Planet 21 and continue exploring and developing the right talent for the company.

What are your three favourite cultural hotspots in Bahrain and why? Bahraini cafés, Haji Ana and Saffron in Bab al Bahrain don’t just have the typically traditional Bahraini food but the overall atmosphere compliments the place. Also, Bahrain Cultural Hall is definitely a place which is a great example of keeping Bahrain’s heritage alive in this new and modern world. That’s how our new generation is able to travel the past and experience the roots of our culture.

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MM6 MAISON MARGIELA Saks Fifth Avenue CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN +973 17172000

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