FACT Qatar December 2016 by Fact ME

DECEMBER 2016 VOL 3. ISSUE 7 QR10

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST

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Get your running shoes out and start your health plan for the upcoming Colour Run in Qatar. Register now...

Brunches, lunches, afternoon teas and everything festive happening in Doha this month. We’ve got you covered...

A prize every day for 25 days? Yes, please! That’s what we’re offering our readers this festive season! Good luck...

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Parties, gala dinners, and festive meals, NYE is set to be an exciting time in Doha. End 2016 with these happenings.

The Italian city of fashion and design is our globetrotter focus this month. These are the top things to do in Milan.

FACT meets world-famous restaurateur Richard Sandoval to talk about his Doha-based outlet Z Lounge by Zengo.

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FACT FINDS

NYE EVENTS

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festive fun

TRAVEL

xmas comps

FOOD Q&A

CHEF’S TABLE

foodie corner

CUCINA DE BADIR

Doha’s first raw bar has opened at The St. Regis Doha and we went to try the delicious food!

Sakura at the Radisson Blu Hotel Doha is one of Doha’s best Japanese venues. FACT visited to taste the magic!

FACT’s amateur chef head’s to Sabai Thai at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa to learn the art of Thai cooking!

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THE EDITOR

‘Tis the Season “For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice.” - T.S. Eliot

t’s December 2016 and all I keep asking myself is: how did this happen? Time is moving faster than I can ever remember. But, before you rush onto the next one, pause for a second and think about all the things you’ve been able to achieve and experience this year. If, like me, the year seems to be a blur, just scroll through the photo gallery on your phone (or instagram profile) and remind yourself of all the amazing memories you’ve made. At FACT, it’s been a rollercoaster; dining awards, local events, seasonal campaigns and now the festive period; we’ve seen and done it all! This month is, hands down, the most lively and special in Doha. We’ll be getting into the celebratory mood with many of you on Qatar National Day. With events and activities taking place all around the city, we’ve rounded up some of the best hospitality offerings starting p10 – maybe we’ll see you at a traditional Qatari brunch; or buying sweet treats decorated in the Qatari flag – whatever your plans for National Day, don’t miss the amazing annual fireworks! If you’ve been following FACT for the past few years, you’ll know that December not only means Christmas and New Year, it’s also the time when we bring back our holiday favourite for our readers; FACT’S FESTIVE GIVEAWAY! A prize every day until December 25? Yes, please! Turn to p40 and find out what you can WIN every day, and don’t forget to ‘Like’ us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FactQatar) and follow us on instagram (@factmagazine) to enter the daily competitions! It’s no secret that 2016 has been a difficult one. We lost some of the world’s biggest icons; Prince, David Bowie, Alan Rickman (Snape for life), Harper Lee and so many more great personalities, not to mention some of the world’s biggest and most shocking turn of events (*cough* brexit, *cough* US election). On the other hand, it’s also the year that gave us Insta-stories, Deadpool, a new Gaga album, the eerily-addictive Stranger Things and, of course, the Mannequin Challenge. Alas, there’s still some hope left! As always, family, food and travel were at the forefront of my 2016, and they’re all things that will continue into the next! Surely, the only way is up? Wishing you all a merry holiday season and a Happy New Year. ☺ Shabana Adam Editor-in-Chief shabana@fact-magazine.com 4

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FACT Magazine Qatar Edition December 2016 Volume 3, Issue 7

Chairman Khalifa Bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Chief Executive Officer Greg Hughes General Manager Hussein A. Zreik Editor-in-Chief Shabana Adam (shabana@fact-magazine.com) Creative Director Paula Leal Graphic Designers Jyoti Rawat Rashed Bin Daina Photography Abshar Parayakkal Kader Sudhi Kollaroth Faras Ghani Contributors Sofia Graniello Production & Distribution Ajit Kumar Neil Mahmood Sales Manager Badir Bechara Office Admin Maritess M. Agapito ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Email: badir@ohlala-magazine.com PRINTED BY United Printing Press

All Rights Reser ved. 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. Publishing cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions. FACT M.E. Bahrain Publishing W.L.L. Off ice 53, Building 872, Road 3618, Block 436, Seef.

FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS BEYOND EXPECTATION Allow yourself the luxury of an unforgettable Festive Season at The St. Regis Doha. The finest address in Qatar welcomes you and your loved ones to a celebration of festivity, brimming with lights, warmth and seasonal cheer. For reservations or enquiries please call +974.4446.0105 or email diningreservations@stregis.com

al gassar resort at west bay stregisdoha.com 974.4446.0000 stregisdoha.com/festive2016 fact magazine

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ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST DECEMBER 2016 VOL 3. ISSUE 7 QR10

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

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Mohammed Al-Binateej @ATEEKSTER Me: It’s weekend. I better go out. Have fun. Meet new people. Me to me: Why? Being alone with a good book is way better. #introvert

BBQ 101

TIPS, TRICKS & RECIPES TO GRILL LIKE A CHAMP

PERIODICAL REINCARNATION

THE ART OF COLOUR AND COLLAGE

A GRAIN OF SAND ON A MISSION TO SHARE THE MUSIC OF PEARL DIVERS

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58,461 reads of the November issue If you need your FACT fix pronto, flick through our monthly online edition on issuu.com for all the best features, including local culture, arts, fashion, food, motoring, tech, travel and entertainment, in Qatar.

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Festive Happenings p25

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CHECK IT OUT

Fact Finds

The Colour Run Qatar Qatar’s fun colour-filled run will take place in Januray 2017…

Get your favourite and most funky trainers out and start getting in that cardio – Qatar’s most anticipated marathon is back for another year! Following the overwhelming success of previous editions, thousands are once again expected to join in the fun when the latest edition of The Colour Run presented by Sahtak Awalan: Your Health First, comes to Qatar early next year. The Colour Run is once again supported by Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar (WCM-Q), whose health campaign, Sahtak Awalan: Your Health First, will present the event, as Colour Runners focus on leading a healthier, more active lifestyle. Brand new for 2017, the event dubbed the Happiest 5k On The Planet is bringing a tropical twist to enhance the 8

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experience participants already love. The new Tropicolour theme promises a lively island-style experience featuring an all-new Tropicolour Zone where Colour Runners will be bathed in a wondrous tropical array of colours as they pass through shades of palm trees. Celebrating in style at the finish festival with a Rainbow beach, an interactive island featuring music, dancing, entertainment, and, of course, massive Color Throws will await runners. With SO MUCH fun involved, running has never been so enjoyable than at The Colour Run! ✤ GO: The Colour Run will take place on January 28 at Qatar National Convention Centre. Visit www.thecolourrun.qa for more info.

THE SEASON OF JOY AT THE RADISSON BLU HOTEL, DOHA PALM GARDEN - FESTIVE TURKEY TO GO GO! 1st – 31st December 2016 Dine in the comfort of your own home this festive season

with our traditional roast turkeys-to-go accompanied with buttered carrots, buttered broccoli, roast potatoes, onion-sage-apricot stuffing, turkey gravy and cranberry sauce. Whole roasted turkey with trimmings QR680 Whole roasted turkey only QR600 (Sufficient for 7 to 8 persons)

KIDS CHRISTMAS PARTY Friday, 23rd December 2016

Join us for our kids Christmas party and let your little ones get excited for the big day. Special holiday music, a delicious mini buffet, cookie decorating and baking and a visit from the Man in Red. He’s got a gift for all the children! 5pm to 8 pm - QR70 per Child

BENTLEY’S GRILL - CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER

Indulge yourself as our talented Chefs serve a festive set menu combining our favourite classics with a modern twist at Doha’s finest grill room. QR 360 per person

FESTIVE SONGS ON CHRISTMAS EVE Saturday, 24th December 2016

Festive selection of both classical and modern songs, sung by our team. East Wing Lobby at 5:15pm and West Wing Lobby at 6:30pm

HYDE PARK COFFEE SHOP - CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH Sunday, 25th December 2016 Come together with all your loved ones to our special

sparkling festive Lunch. Tuck yourselves in to a Christmas feast whilst you keep an eye out for a visit from s special visitor! QR290 with beverages QR220 without beverages

HYDE PARK COFFEE SHOP - NEW YEAR’S BRUNCH FRIDAY, 6th January 2017 Come along to our New Year’s brunch with your family and friends as we celebrate the first brunch of 2017. Experience the most exquisite culinary options, delicious live cooking stations and an array of tempting desserts. From 12noon – 3:00pm. QR235 with beverages QR170 without beverages

FOR RESERVATIONS AND INQUIRIES +974 44281555

www.radissonblu.com/hotel-doha

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Radisson Blu Hotel Doha

@RadissonBluDoha

radissonbluhoteldoha

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5-Star Qatar National Day Festivities On December 18, Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha will host some awesome events and activities to celebrate the country’s most important annual holiday. WHAT: BRUNCH IN SAWA TIME: 12.30pm to 4pm PRICE: QR330 per person, including soft beverages; QR425 per person, including vino and bubblY. Marsa Malaz Kempinski celebrates Qatar National Day with a great selection of Qatari dishes being showcased at the renowned Sawa brunch buffet with cheerful activities for the younger guests including exciting camel rides along the private beach and henna painting for all ages. WHERE: AL SUFRA TIME: 12.30pm to 3.30pm AND 6.30pm to 12midnight PRICE: Prices à la carte The culinary team in Al Sufra has prepared a special menu of celebrated Qatari dishes on the occasion of Qatar National Day, alongside the rich Levantine recipes of the à la carte menu. WHERE: CAFÉ MURANO WHEN: December 15 to 19 TIME: 8am to 10pm PRICE: Prices à la carte The celebrated delicious cakes, cookies, macaroons and pastries of Café Murano wear the Qatari flag colours on the occasion of Qatar National Day. WHAT: CAKE CUTTING IN THE LOBBY WHEN: 12noon Go and join the celebration this National Day with a special cake cutting ceremony and many more fun activities, 10

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complimentary of Marsa Malaz Kempinski. Majority of the cake will be donated to a charitable organisation. WHERE: SPA BY CLARINS PRICE/TIME: QR850 | 90 minutes Revitalise your soul and get into the spirit of celebrating the patriot within you! Your energising experience will start with a herbal infused steam bath to open your senses. Enjoy a detox drink while your therapist performs a foot ritual for you. Allow yourself to be guided on a tour of rejuvenation with the application of the Relaxing Body Wrap. Immerse in a dreamland as your therapist melts away the tension with a soothing head massage followed by a deep tissue back therapy. WHAT: QATAR NATIONAL DAY STAYCATION Celebrate the weekend this National Day and enjoy up to 30% off from December 15 to 18 at Marsa Malaz Kempinski. There will be fun camel rides along the private beach, beautiful henna art and so much more on the special day. ✤ Call 4035 5555 for more info.

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Qatar National Day Celebrations December 18 is the big day when Qatar comes alive with tons of things to do for the whole family! Food and fun is covered by Doha’s hotels… WHERE: The St. Regis Doha Sarab Lounge will host a special National Day afternoon tea with cake cutting and Arabic coffee service. Prices are per consumption and the celebrations run from 9am to 9pm. Head to Vine for a truly memorable National Day meal. The Legendary buffet is served with local and international speciality dishes for QR150 per person. Also on from 9am to 9pm. Call 4446 0105 for more info. WHERE: Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel A special event will be held at the hotel to mark the joyous occasion, guests are invited to participate in the special activities which include the celebratory cake cutting ceremony of a custom designed cake inspired by Qatari tradition and heritage, and enjoy live traditional music by a Qatari band, henna adornment and the presence of a decorated hawk. Arabic coffee, dates and traditional Qatari desserts will be served in the lobby to all guests. A beautiful National Day Brunch will take place at Al Hubara where international and oriental dishes will be served up for family and friends to enjoy whilst spending quality time together. QR240 per person, from 12.30pm to 4pm. Go Italian for National Day Brunch at La Veranda which will include an Italian and Mediterranean buffet with delicious appetisers and a free flow of unique beverages. QR250 per person with soft drinks, from 12.30pm to 4pm. Enjoy the glistening sea and fantastic views of the National Day fireworks while indulging in delicious food at the Italian restaurant, La Veranda. QR330 per person including soft beverages; QR175 per child (aged six to 12; kids below six dine for free). From 7pm to 11pm. Take the celebrations outside with a BBQ at Pool Café. Discover a succulent selection of flame-grilled marinated meats and tasty side dishes at the pool terrace while enjoying the fireworks. QR250 per person including soft drinks, from 7pm to 11pm. Call 4446 0105 for more info. 12

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Dramatic architectures from table top to distant frontiers. A new culinary expression is on the horizon at Al Dana Restaurant, where market-fresh ingredients meet with gastro-art, inspired by the Ikarian diet. From reconstructed classics to imaginative deconstructions, every dish inspires a new point of view.

Seafood On Ice with Poached Omani Lobster, Tiger Prawns, King Crab and Fresh Oysters

COASTAL MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE BY AL DANA Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel Ras Bu Aboud Street, Doha, Qatar +974 4425 6666 dining.sharq@ritzcarlton.com ritzcarlton.com/sharqvillage

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WHERE: InterContinental Doha The City Enjoy a fantastic staycation at InterContinental Doha The City for Qatar National Day. Get 30% off the best available rate when you book your stay from December 16 to 18 and mark the special occasion in the heart of the city. Whilst you’re there, indulge in traditional Arabic sweets and coffee at the Lobby Lounge, available from 7am to midnight. Call 4015 8888 for more info. WHERE: InterContinental Doha When hunger strikes on December 18, head to the InterContinental Doha’s lobby where special cake and Arabic coffee is served. At Coral, a splendid Qatari traditional buffet is served for QR175, from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. This is where you can tuck into a traditional Qatari food corner and enjoy local delicacies. All Qataris nationals will receive 25% discount on food and beverage consumption on the day. Call 4484 4444 for more info. WHERE: Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas Commemorate the nation’s unification and independence on Qatar National Day. On this joyous celebratory day, Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas will serve traditional Qatari food in all outlets, à la carte-style, allowing guests to sample an array of delicious local dishes and favourites. All diners will benefit from a 20% discount on food and beverages in all restaurants. Call 4448 1234 for more info. WHERE: W Doha Hotel & Residences Buy one HydraFacial and get the Qatari Flag on your nails complimentary at Bliss Spa. HydraFacial: This Resurfacing procedure thoroughly cares for your skin, providing cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, and hydration all while Vortex-Fusing antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. The HydraFacial is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure that delivers instant results with no discomfort or downtime. The procedure is immediately effective. Call 4453 5000 for more info. WHERE: The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa Join in with The Westin’s first Qatar National Day celebrations and delight in a family retreat. Book your stay in the room of your choice and enjoy 50% off the room rate for your second room. Make the most of the Public holidays and head to Seasonal Tastes for a special Brunch with local dishes, live cooking stations and delights for all. QR199 per person with soft drinks; QR299 per person with selected grapes, grains and cocktails. Celebrate the Sweetness of Qatar in Luxe Lounge as you’re served delicious local desserts, Arabic Coffee and specially-designed cakes to celebrate! Sweet treats available from just QR25. Call 4492 1555 for more info. ✤ 14

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Tis the season to leave the details to us. Celebrate the festive season at Grand Hyatt Doha.

Santa’s Liquid Sleigh

Christmas eve Dinner

Christmas Day Brunch

24 DeCemBer

25 DeCemBer

Dunes

The Grill

New Year’s Night Brunch

Isaan’s Night market

31 DeCemBer

The Grill

Isaan

23 DeCemBer

Liquid New Year’s eve 31 DeCemBer

Dunes For reservations and bookings, please call 30293748 / 44481234. Hyatt. You’re More Than Welcome.

For more details about our festivities guide, please scan:

GRAND HYATT DOHA HOTEL & VILLAS West Bay Lagoon, P.O. Box 24010 Doha, State of Qatar, doha.grand.hyatt.com Facebook.com/GrandHyattDoha HYATT name, design and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. ©2016 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved. fact magazine

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The Winter Collection The St. Regis Doha is inviting both long-term guests and diners as well as new visitors to indulge in a collection of the finest experiences during this winter season for a chance to win the grandest of moments. Centred on the collection of a set of five cards by guests when either dining or engaging in an activity at The St. Regis Doha, the unique collectable cards will not only be a memorable keepsake for guests but are also a welcome opportunity to try the many experiences of the hotel. This campaign will continue until December 31, following this The St. Regis Doha will announce the winner of its grand prize in the first week of January 2017. The grand prize will be an all-inclusive two-night stay in The St. Regis Doha Presidential Suite, a 720sqm suite for the truly worldly travellers that delight in having expectations transcended. This two-storey suite, recently awarded Qatar’s Leading Hotel Suite at the World Travel Awards 2016 features two to three bedrooms and a private Majilis, along with the signature St. Regis Butler service and full access to the hotel’s recreational facilities. The Presidential Suite is poised to go beyond everyday excellence into another realm, as it merges unsurpassed opulence and 16

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luxury with those of the traditional Middle East. Along with a weekend stay at The St. Regis Doha’s Presidential Suite for two, the grand prize will also include a romantic dinner in a Private Cabana together, complete with a 90-minute spa treatment for two, while enjoying some of the most refined St. Regis traditions at the hotel. The campaign is underpinned by guests having to collect five unique cards across five different categories: the Gold collection, Navy collection, Red Collection, Green Collection and Purple Collection, by participating in at least one activity of each card. The Winter Collective, the first campaign of its kind to be launched by The St. Regis Doha, is a unique opportunity to reward both repeat customers and new ones that dine at a variety of outlets and also use its unsurpassed facilities and services. Upon paying the bill for any of the mentioned services across the different card categories, the Winter Collection card that corresponds to that respective service will be presented to the guest by the manager of the outlet. Good luck everyone! ✤ GO: Call 4446 0105 for reservations and more information.

COUNTDOWN TO A PROMISING NEW YEAR.

Welcome the New Year with a bang and celebrate in style here at Crowne Plaza Doha - The Business Park.

ARAMEDE Ring in the New Year with a buffet dinner featuring live cooking stations, succulent roast, salads and a luscious dessert station. 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM

LIQUIDITY RESTAURANT Visa to Ibiza: Winter Waves This is the coolest place to welcome the New Year! 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM

T. +974 4408 7788

MISTURADO LOUNGE This is the only place you want to be as we cheer for the coming of the New Year. Join us for the longest New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve party in town! 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM

RODIZIO Travel to the colourful streets of Rio and celebrate the end of the year with live samba music and the best of Brazilian cuisine. 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM

W. CROWNEPLAZA.COM fact magazine

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Festive French Flair Paul Bakery and Restaurant’s sensational selection of indulgent festive treats will have you doing the happy dance this holiday seasn. From regional French delicacies, to an extensive choice of the tastiest artisanal breads and canapés; from decadent festive yule logs and specialty cakes, to a whole-roasted traditional turkey, Paul has everything the discerning Francophile foodie could wish for this Chistmas. Dreamy desserts and traditional treats include a variety of seasonal Macarons; the Sapin de Noël en Sablés, which is constructed from buttery shortbread and topped with royal icing; and the Brioche Royaume - flavoured with orange blossom and decorated with candied fruit, a festive delicacy that originated from the South of France. Or why not opt for one of Paul’s worldfamous desserts, which puts a decadent modern twist on seasonal sweet treats. These include the Bûche Chalet, a cabin-shaped Gianduja chocolate mousse with praline; the La Mokatine, a coffee butter cream yule log with coffee sponge and croquant; and the dreamy Tout Chocolat’ yule log, created using chocolate sponge, chocolate butter 18

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cream and chocolate ganache. France’s love affair with bread is one of the pillars of the nation’s culinary heritage, and Paul prides itself on creating the most delicious loaves using traditional French methods. This festive season, a number of new specialties have been added to the menu including the delicious Pain Multi-Graines, an ideal accompaniment to cheese, and the Pain aux Noix which contains walnuts and works really well alongside main courses. Take the pressure out of entertaining this festive season with Paul’s catering selections, which include a wide variety of canapes and mini sandwiches that are ideal for fingerfood buffets. Or for those hosting a fullyfledged festive roast, why not get a little help and order a Paul Traditional Turkey complete with roasted chestnuts, sautéed vegetables and homemade gravy. To end your gourmet festive dinner, Paul’s chefs have created a wide selection of mouthwatering celebratory cakes; Paul’s indulgent selection includes L’Entremets de Noël, made of a light génoise sponge and white chocolate mousse, topped with raspberries and red fruit coulis, and the Gâteau Joyeux Noël!, a chocolate dessert decorated with shortbread fir trees, a strawberry Santa Clause and sticks of meringue – a surefire hit with kids and big kids alike! ✤ GO: Visit your nearest Paul Bakery & Restaurant to try the delicious festive treats. Go to www.paul-bakeries.com to find your nearest location.

The Taste of Istanbul

@sutisqa

Al Emadi Financial Square Al Montazah Signal, C-Ring Road

18 La Croisette - Porto Arabia The Pearl-Qatar

4037 5287

4441 3626

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Careem Launches “GO”

Rhapsodic Dreams Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas is hosting Rhapsodic Dreams by the internationally acclaimed artist Yiannis Stylianides, under the auspices of H.E. Mr. Yiorgos Lakkotrypis, the minister of Energy, Industry and Tourism of Cyprus. A painting created exclusively for the Doha exhibit made out of pure gold, is being unveiled for the first time in this exhibition. Born in Cyprus, Yiannis completed architectural studies in the United States and returned to his homeland to pursue his passion for creating art that expresses his feelings, thoughts and experiences. His parallel passion for sculpting and painting can be seen within the pieces chosen for Rhapsodic Dreams, which are being displayed for the first time in Doha. His fascinating exploration of new techniques and materials in his creative process cascades onto his canvases and is etched in his sculptures. One of his main goals is to create art using original methods and distinctive combinations of materials. This exhibit includes a series of paintings created using a process he developed and calls “constructive torching”, where he creates a composition of paints and then uses a blowtorch to apply the paint to wood, creating a three-dimensional quality that allows the painting to be seen from different angles. The Rhapsodic Dreams exhibition also includes a series of his signature sculpted wood panels depicting plan views of cities, as well as several other paintings on canvas using acrylic paints. For the sculptures on display in the exhibition, he explored the use of reclaimed wood, completely transforming it into beautiful works of art. This exciting exhibition was inaugurated last month and is open to the public until December 10 at The Corridor in Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas. ✤ GO: Visit www.doha.grand.hyatt.com for more information. 20

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Careem, one of the region’s leading app based car booking services, has expanded its services across Doha with the launch of “GO”. Careem’s most affordable option, the new service initially launched in KSA and Morocco before arriving in Qatar where GO prices start as low as QR10 per trip. GO makes use of smaller car models, such as the Honda City, Nissan Sunny and Kia Cerato, and offers users the choice to pay by either cash or card. Ibrahim Manna, GM, Careem Qatar, said: “We’re really excited to launch our most affordable car type in Qatar. Our aim is to make people’s lives simpler and offer greater mobility for residents across Doha. GO allows us to provide an option that is equally convenient and reliable as the Careem service familiar to users, yet more affordable. This is especially suited to short rides across town.” In Qatar, Careem has seen strong 30% month-on-month growth in the past year and has established itself as a leading transport service provider in Doha. Earlier this year, the homegrown startup signed an MOU with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) stating that the popular car-hailing app is allowed to facilitate transport services within Qatar by connecting Careem Captains to customers via the mobile app - making Careem the first car booking app licensed to operate within the State. ✤

BIGGEST CHOCOLATE HOUSE IN TOWN! Zest Chocolate CafĂŠ is delighting guests with awe-inspiring holiday festivities with the BIGGEST Chocolate House in town. Just imagine the delectably majestic, Chocolate House, lovingly built with hundreds of kilos of Chocolate and gallons of royal icing decorated by hundreds of candy! Throughout the holiday season, guests can also enjoy our winter goodies, kids activities make their own chocolate house and ginger bread boy/girl. From 15 December 2016 - 14 February 2017.

LIFE IS A JOURNEY. anantara.com BANANA ISLAND RESORT DOHA BY ANANTARA PO BOX: 23919 - DOHA, QATAR T +974 4040 5050 F +974 4040 5000 E fbreservations.adoh@anantara.com

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New Year’s Day Brunchin’ Let the 2017 resolutions begin with a foodie cure for the night before…

Where: The Square - InterContinental Doha The City What: New Year’s Day Late Brunch Time: 1pm to 4pm After celebrating New Year’s Eve, have a lie in then enjoy New Year’s Day at The Square with a late brunch! Let your taste buds travel the world with the International buffet menu as you sample classic favourites from all the live stations and food bars. Start the year right with a culinary journey! QR255 per person inclusive of soft beverages; QR355 per person inclusive of selected house beverages ; QR390 per person inclusive of premium beverages. Children aged six to 12-years-old get 50% off. Kids below six-years-old dine complimentary. Call 4015 8888 for more info. Where: Sawa – Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha What: New Year’s Day Brunch Time: 12.30pm to 4pm Indulge on the first day of 2017! Celebrate the first morning of the New Year with the most divine brunch in the city. Create an unforgettable memory for everyone with an impressive selection of culinary creations, ambient live entertainment and activities for the little ones. QR350 per person including soft beverages; QR450 per person, including vino, grain, cocktails and bubbly; QR150 per child (six to 12-years-old). Call 4035 5555 for more info. Where: Crossroads Kitchen – Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha What: New Year’s Brunch Time: 12.30pm to 3.30pm Celebrate 2017 resolutions over live music, and interactive international brunch buffet and activities to keep the kids entertained. From QR295. Call 4419 5000 for more info. Where: Hyde Park – Radisson Blu Hotel Doha What: New Year’s Brunch Time: January 6, 12noon to 3pm Go along to the New Year’s brunch with your family and friends and celebrate the first Friday brunch of 2017. Experience the most exquisite culinary options, delicious live cooking stations and an array of tempting desserts. QR170 without bubbly and QR235 inclusive of bubbly. Call 4428 1428 for more info. 22

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Where: Al Liwan – Sharq Village & Spa What: New Year’s Day Brunch Time: 12.30pm to 4pm 2017 brings joy commencing with a spectacular brunch where guests may feast into the finest recipes of international cuisine while enjoying a lively and festive ambience at Al Liwan Restaurant. QR325 excluding beverages; QR420 inclusive of house beverages; QR160 for children aged six to 12-years-old. Children aged five and below dine complimentary. Call 4425 6999 for more info. Where: Irish Harp – Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel What: New Year’s Fat Brunch Time: 5pm to 8.30pm More than the flavors at Irish Harp, it will be all smiles, greetings and goodwill that will be the main feature at this New Year’s Day Brunch. Savour the delights of the late fat brunch featuring a spread of delicacies from scrumptious burgers and short ribs to beef wellington and more! QR199 per person for food only; QR220 per person for food and two standard beverages; QR345 per person, including unlimited standard beverages. Call 4485 4444 for more info.

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We’ve G ot T hat Festive F eelin ’ December has come around for another dose of celebrations! From afternoon teas, brunches, lunches, dinners and so much more, this holiday season is going to be one of Doha’s most exciting.

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FESTIVE HAPPENINGS

FESTIVE Afternoon Tea Where: Marsa Malaz Kempinski What: Afternoon Tea With Santa Good For: Little ones and friends Santa returns to Doha and makes a stop at Marsa Malaz Kempinski; children can have their picture with Mr Claus, complimentary, whilst decorating gingerbread cookies with the help of skilled bakers in the special mini-corner. Parents can spoil themselves with the afternoon tea buffet at the comfortable festive setting of Venezia Ballroom. Runs from December 19 to 24, Monday to Saturday with the first seating at 1pm to 3pm and the second seating from 5pm to 7pm. QR190 per person, and QR95 per child aged six to 12-years-old. Complimentary access for children under 6-years-old. Call 4035 5555 for reservations and more information. Where: The St. Regis Doha What: Festive Afternoon Tea Good For: Grown-ups and corporate gatherings Festive Afternoon Tea at Vintage Bar not only includes delicious food treats but is also inclusive of a glass of mulled vino, perfect to get you into the winter spirit. An entertaining bartender will offer classpreparation of your chosen drink from the festive menu. Or you can go for the Blind Tasting, where guests are given the chance to try and guess at least three ingredients of the cocktail in order to get a 50% discount on the drink. Available throughout December except Thursdays and Fridays, from 6pm to 2am for QR250 per person (booking required). Blind Tasting can be added on for an additional QR50 per person, per cocktail. Call 4446 0000 for reservations and more information. 26

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FESTIVE HAPPENINGS

Where: The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa What: Festive Afternoon Tea Good For: Cosy retreat Head to The Westin Doha as they celebrate their first festive season ever with a quintessential time-honoured tradition of afternoon tea in Luxe Lounge. Tucked away on Salwa road, in the heart of Bin Mahmoud, you’ll find a cosy setting serving all your festive food favourites. If you’re not feeling very celebratory just yet the selection of freshly baked scones, seasonal sandwiches, and festive desserts all served with a fantastic choice of loose and herbal infusion teas will certainly get you in the mood. And if you’re there with the kids, don’t forget to look out for Santa… rumour has it that he’ll be hanging around at Doha’s Downtown Sanctuary relaxing before his busy schedule ahead! Served daily from December 1 to 31, 2pm to 5pm, priced at QR140 for two people to share. Call 4492 1555 for reservations and more information. Where: InterContinental Doha The City What: Festive Afternoon Tea Good For: Business and pleasure This afternoon tea option blends together all of the goodness from its usual set-up to provide a cool, festive twist. Forget the late business lunch and get into the holiday mood by opting for something different at the hotel’s Lobby Lounge. It’s casual enough for light conversation and classy enough to impress your colleagues, business partners and clients, whilst adding a touch of celebratory vibes to your meeting or office outing. Of course, all are welcome to enjoy this festive treat! Available from December 1 to January 7, from 3pm to 5pm for QR95 per stand of food. Call 4015 8888 for reservations and more information. Where: Sharq Village & Spa What: Teddy Bear Afternoon Tea Good For: The whole family Welcome the festive season with a joyful Teddy Bear Afternoon Tea for the entire family, where a sweet and tasty Christmas 28

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this is the perfect afternoon hideaway. Enjoy a joyful touch at the contemporary high tea of Gourmet House; a selection of elegant finger sandwiches, classic scones with cream and jam, along with traditional festive offerings, are all artfully presented on a three-tier stand. You can sit back, relax and sip on your choice of beverage whilst tackling each level of food just how you want to! Available from December 19, 12noon to 7pm. Priced at QR185 for two people, including tea or coffee. Call 4405 3325 for reservations and more information.

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Christm a s wav e s a mag ic wand ov e r this wo rld, and beho l d, ev e ry thin g is sof ter and more bea uti f ul.

treat buffet and a warm cup of cocoa will delight you. Traditional Christmas carols accompany Santa with the cheerful ambience at Al Jalsa Lounge. This is going to be one to remember for the kids and the parents! Served from December 20 to 24, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm. QR185 per person, and QR90 per child aged five to 12-years-old. Call 4425 6999 for reservations and more information. Where: Kempinski Residences & Suites What: Festive High Tea Good For: Ladies who lunch For anyone who finds themselves meeting up with friends for long, leisurely lunches,

Where: InterContinental Doha What: Christmas Afternoon Tea Good For: Daytime treat This exquisite afternoon tea is ideal for those who want a little bit of festive indulgence in the lead up to the big day! Sweet and savoury delights are offered with the option to add on your choice of non-alcoholic festive drinks. Served daily at the Tea Lounge from December 19 to 26, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm for QR95 per person (food only) and QR125 per person (including drinks). Call 800 4642 for reservations and more information. Where: THE RITZ-CARLTON, DOHA What: GINGERBREAD HOUSE MAKING CLASS Good For: ALTERNATIVE TO AFTERNOON TEA If afternoon tea isn’t your thing, this will definitely bring the right amount of fun! It’s a one-of-a-kind unforgettable festive experience that the whole family will talk about for years to come! Every parent-child team receives handmade gingerbread pieces to assemble and decorate together with the chefs. The Gingerbread house created by you and your child will be yours to keep, a perfect centerpiece for your home on this joyful occasion. The morning (10am) and afternoon (3pm) workshops are available on December 16, 23 and 24. QR 200 per house. Light refreshments will be served. Advance reservation is required. Call 4484 8000 for reservations and more information.

FESTIVE HAPPENINGS

Festive Fun for the Family Where: Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel What: Gingerbread House Factory at the Resort When: December 22 to 23, 3pm to 5pm Christmas is the perfect time to settle down to some good kids craft. The team at Sheraton will keep your kids busy and take away some of their excitement while they wait for Christmas Day to arrive. The master bakers will teach them the basics of crafting the best gingerbread houses and fro a cool QR150 per child, they can also tuck into yummy snacks and soft beverages too. Held in the Garden area – opposite the kid’s pool. Call 4484 4444 for reservations and more information.

Where: Marsa Malaz Kempinski What: K Festive Boutique When: December 19, 10am to 10pm Santa’s helpers are here to treat you with festive delicacies! Gingerbread houses and cookies, traditional stollen cakes, panettones, cinnamon stars and mince pies transform the Grand Lobby to a winter wonderland! Potter around with the little ones and take a bite of all the different food delights for an early taste of holiday season favourites. Call 4035 5555 for reservations and more information. Where: Kempinski Residences & Suites What: Gourmet Gingerbread House When: December 19, 7am to 10pm Gourmet House will also transform into a winter wonderland with cookies, gingerbread delicacies and stollen cakes spreading their aromas all around. The Chief Baker and his team will prepare a large gingerbread house in Gourmet House, converting the café into a playful Xmas heaven! Call 4405 3325 for reservations and more information. fact magazine

FESTIVE HAPPENINGS

Where: Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha What: Gingerbread Brick Decorating Workshops When: December 10 and 17, 4pm to 6pm Help the Santa Chefs build the life-size Gingerbread House at Quick Bites. This fun Gingerbread Brick decorating workshop will let you add a piece of the puzzle to the makeshift, delicious festive classic. QR95 inclusive of snacks and refreshments for kids aged five to 12-years-old. Call 4419 5000 for reservations and more information. Where: Kempinski Residences & Suites What: Festive Valrhona Hot Chocolate When: December 19, 7am to 10pm Treat your family and loved ones with this big festive hit. The comforting, homemade hot chocolate, made with delicious Valrhona chocolate pieces, is unmistakably the favourite beverage of the season! Pick up your cup of yummy choco goodness for QR35 or go for mulled non-alcoholic vino, also for QR35. Call 4405 3325 for reservations and more information. Where: The St. Regis Doha What: Children’s Festive Cooking Class When: December 10 and 17, 2pm to 5pm Chefs share some cooking lessons with the younger guests – the little ones will pick up invaluable kitchen skills whilst having pure fun! Parents can enjoy an adults tea party at Sarab Lounge while waiting for their kids. QR150 per child and QR250 for afternoon tea for two. Call 4446 0105 for reservations and more information.

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Where: Radisson Blu Hotel Doha What: Kids Christmas Party When: December 17, 5pm to 8pm Join in for the exciting and entertaining kids Christmas party and let your little ones get well into the mood for the big day. Special holiday music, a delicious mini buffet, cookie decorating and baking and a visit from the Man in Red, with a gift for all children, will be on the cards! Taking place at Venus & Earth Hall – East Wing, 1st floor. QR70 per Child. Call 4428 1428 for reservations and more information.

Where: Sharq Village & Spa What: Decorate Your Own Gingerbread House When: December 20 to 23, 10am to 12noon Executive Pastry Chef Saban Cavlak invites you to add magic to the festive season with Gingerbread House Making Classes, where the young and adults alike can enjoy a day of crafting original festive creations. Gather at Al Jalsa Lobby Lounge to get stuck in for QR220 per person inclusive of a coffee break. Call 4425 6999 for reservations and more information.

FESTIVE HAPPENINGS

Where: Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha Price: QR495 The popular turkey takeaway at Marriott Marquis is a holiday feast with all the trimmings! All you have to do is fill in the Turkey-to-go order form at Quick Bites and pick up your sumptuous turkey to complete your table this festive season! Available until December 26! Call 4419 5000 for orders and more information.

Turkey-to-go Where: Marsa Malaz Kempinski Price: QR995, serving up to six people The classic traditional turkey in a box is back for 2016 as the culinary team prepare a succulent traditional roast turkey with their signature onion and sage stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce, rosemary potatoes and honey-glazed root vegetables. Place your order 48 hours in advance of your desired pick-up time to avoid disappointment! Available from December 19 at K Festive Boutique. Call 4035 5011 for orders and more information. Where: Doha Marriott Hotel Price: QR980/7-8kg or QR640/4-5kg Throughout the month of December, the skilled chefs at Doha Marriott will be preparing turkeys roasted perfectly and served with all the trimmings to enjoy with your family for the perfect holiday celebration at home. Order a Turkey today and arrange for pick up until December 31st! Call 4429 8499 for orders and more information.

Where: Oryx Rotana Doha Price: QR690/6-7kg, QR800/8-9kg Celebrate and herald the festive season with a decadent Christmas turkey-to-go with a traditional roasted turkey and all the trimmings and sides that you can ask for! With options to serve up to 10 or 12 guests, this is a great option for a hassle-free holiday season. Available at Sky Lounge until December 31. Order 72 hours in advance!

Where: InterContinental Doha The City Price: A la carte prices applicable Celebrating the festive season at home but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the time to make a turkey for an entire group of friends? Let InterContinental Doha The City handle it with their Turkey Takeaway menu. Chefs will prepare a five star meal for you to take home to your friends and family, available until January 7 from 10am to 6pm at the Lobby Lounge. Call 4015 8888 for orders and more information.

Where: Radisson Blu Hotel Doha Price: QR680 for whole roasted turkey with trimmings, QR600 for the turkey only Dine in the comfort of your own home this festive season with a delicious traditional roast turkey accompanied with all the traditional trimmings. Classic recipes are offered to make your festive season a memorable one. Available until December 31 at Palm Garden. Call 4428 1555 for orders and more information.

Where: Kempinski Residences & Suites Price: QR995, serving up to six people. Enjoy a calm and hassle-free celebration at home! Order a ready-made, warm and mouthwatering roast turkey with the talented chef â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature stuffing and traditional condiments perfectly prepared by the culinary team of Kempinski. Place your order 48 hours in advance of your desired pick-up time to avoid disappointment! Available from December 19 at Gourmet House. Call 4405 3325 for orders and more information.

Where: Sharq Village & Spa Price: QR1000 per turkey, serves up to eight people Indulge in the Ritz-Carlton signature flavours at the comfort of your home with the Turkey to Go offer from Al Jalsa Lounge. Book your order 24 hours in advance, and delight your loved ones with your choice of Arabic or Western spiced Turkey available with all the accompaniments. Available from December 20 to 25. Call 4425 6999 for orders and more information. fact magazine

FESTIVE HAPPENINGS Where: Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel Price: QR600, serving six people Celebrate with family and friends, and enjoy a traditional turkey prepared by our talented chefs, leaving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy this festive season. The perfectly whole roasted turkey comes with all the trimmings: mixed sautéed vegetables, roasted potatoes, cranberry sauce, festive desserts and more! Available from December 15 to January 7 from 8am to midnight. Order 72 hours in advance. Call 4485 3000 for orders and more information. Where: The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa Price: From QR750 Bring Westin to your home this festive season and allow the team of Westin Chefs to prepare a festive feast ready for you to simply place on the table for all the family to indulge and enjoy. This the ultimate turkey takeaway with all the trimmings. Add extra QR150 to include a dessert. Recommended for six to eight people All orders require a 48 hour notice period for the chefs to prepare. Available from Hunters, December 20 to 25. Call 4492 1555 for orders and more information. Where: InterContinental Doha Price: On order The hotel’s famous Turkey-to-go offer with festive hampers and other specialities are available to take home at the gingerbread house and Tea Lounge in the lobby. Expect delicious food for the whole family! Call 800 4642 for orders and more information. Where: W Doha Hotel & Residences Price: QR790/7-8kg and QR30 per side dish Celebrate the festive season at home and order a succulent Turkey from W Café. Enjoy dishes such as black pepper and pomegranate molasses glazed turkey with velvety mashed potatoes and bacon. Side dishes include, vanilla scented sweet potato puree and marshmallow, roasted chestnuts and much more. Available until January 6, 2017. Preorder is required minimum 48 hours in advance. Call 4453 5385 for orders and more information.

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FESTIVE HAPPENINGS

‘Twas The Night Before Christmas… Where: Sawa - Marsa Malaz Kempinski Time: 7pm to 11pm Price: QR295 per person, beverages a la carte. QR150 per child aged six to 12-years old. Families and friends can get together and tuck into a luscious buffet with traditional Christmas offerings, inspired by the grand European heritage of Kempinski, alongside the sounds of a live band. This evening will make you and your loved ones feel jolly and warm, ready for the big day. Where: El Faro - Marsa Malaz Kempinski Time: 7pm to 11.30pm Price: QR325 per person, beverages a la carte. QR150 per child aged six to 12-years old. Feliz Navidad! Nochebuena and Navidad are Spanish words referring to the night of Christmas Eve. Celebrate Christmas in El Faro with the Nochebuena four-course set menu amazing live entertainment, with the classic à la carte menu also being available. Call 4035 5011 for reservations and more information. Where: Aroma – Kempinski Residences & Suites Time: 7.30pm to 12midnight Price: QR355 per person with soft drinks and juices. QR495 per person with bubbly, vino and grains. Enjoy a festive dinner in a stylish ambiance with a gourmet four-course dinner menu created by the talented chefs of Aroma. The live Christmas rhythms and the elegant festive decoration promise a remarkable merry experience for all. Call 4405 3325 for reservations and more information.

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The spirit of Christmas is the spirit of love and of generosity and of goodness. It illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world’s busy life and become more interested in people than in things.

Where: Market by Jean Georges – W Doha Hotel & Residences Time: 6pm to 11.30pm Price: QR295 per person on the set menu. A la carte available. Market by Jean-Georges invites you to celebrate Christmas with an exquisite four-course festive menu and entertainment by Doha Jazz.

Where: Spice Market – W Doha Hotel & Residences Time: 6pm to 11.30pm Price: QR295 per person on the set menu. A la carte available. Join in and celebrate together with a succulent South East Asian street food menu infused with traditional festive flavours at Spice Market and entertainment by Doha Jazz. Where: La Spiga by Paper Moon – W Doha Hotel & Residences Time: 6pm to 11.30pm Price: QR250 per person on the set menu. A la carte available. Celebrate Christmas at La Spiga and savour a flavour-filled, four-course set menu by Chef Diego De Rosa for La Vigilia Di Natale, and entertainment by Doha Jazz. Call 4453 5135 for reservations and more information. fact magazine

FESTIVE HAPPENINGS

Where: Gordon Ramsay The Mediterranean and Opal by Gordon Ramsay – The St. Regis Doha Time: 6pm to 11pm Price: QR295 per person with soft drinks. QR475 with premium beverages. Bring the festive spirit to your table at one of two sophisticated restaurants with both serving up a combination of the traditional and the classics for a memorable Christmas eve. Where: Vine – The St. Regis Doha Time: 6.30pm to 11pm Price: QR320 per person with soft drinks. QR420 with premium beverages. Savour delicacies from around the world while enjoying the night views of the Arabian Gulf from the relaxed terrace seating. This is one of the best al fresco Christmas Eve dinner experiences that you’ll get in Doha! Call 4446 0105 for reservations. Where: Al Hubara – Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel Time: 7pm to 12midnight Price: QR310 per person with soft drinks. QR410 with selected beverages. 50% off for kids under 12-years-old, six-year-olds and below dine for free. A luscious buffet with traditional Christmas offerings, inspired by far Eastern and Middle Eastern fare, awaits for all. Rejoice with the festive tunes as the live band makes you and your loved ones feel comfortable and at home this holiday season. Where: La Veranda – Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel Time: 7pm to 1am Price: QR240 per person with soft drinks. QR340 with selected beverages. 50% off for kids under 12-years-old, six-year-olds and below dine for free. Let Chef Alessandro entice you with his traditional Italian cooking skills in a glamorous festive buffet. Watch him and his team prepare some classic festive dishes. Christmas is all about sharing so bring along the whole family and loved 34

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ones and make this a night to remember. Enjoy complimentary Christmas crackers and sweet giveaways for all! Call 4485 3000 for reservations. Where: Coral – InterContinental Doha Time: 7pm to 11.30pm Price: QR325 per person with sparkling vino; QR160 for kids. An evening full of merriment will unfold at Coral with live enetertainment and international tunes as well as a Christmas choir, a visit from Santa and kids activities, all whilst a magnificent buffet dinner is open to be enjoyed. Where: Mykonos – InterContinental Doha Time: 7pm to 11.30pm Price: QR295 per person with one glass of Glühwein; QR145 for kids. A fabulous four-course set menu awaits to be indulged with all the family. There’s live entertainment from the Bouzouki band and Santa will be passing by with gifts for little ones alongside the talented Christmas choir Call 800 4642 for reservations. Where: The Square – InterContinental Doha The City Time: From 6pm to 11pm Price: QR255 per person with soft beverages; QR355 with selected house beverages; QR455 per person with premium beverages; kids aged six to 12-years-old get 50% off; under sixyear-olds dine for free. Gather your family and friends and head to The Square for a traditional Christmas Eve Dinner! Enjoy the lavish holiday buffet offering all-time traditional favourites such as roast beef, turkey with all the trimmings, and more festive favourites from around the world. There will also be a range of children’s activities to keep the little ones in the holiday spirit. Call 4015 8888 for reservations.

FESTIVE HAPPENINGS

Where: Al Liwan – Sharq Village & Spa Time: 6.30pm to 11pm Price: QR225 per person with a welcome juice. Children aged 12 and below dine for free. Enjoy a magical evening at Al Liwan Restaurant as you gather with friends and family in a superb buffet spread filled with joy, love and emotion. The festive celebration includes international specialties and the best of your seasonal favourites. Where: Parisa – Sharq Village & Spa Time: 6.30pm to 11pm Price: QR280 for the family-style set menu A charming and authentic Christmas dinner awaits for you and your loved ones at Parisa. Carefully conveying the warmth of the festivities, the Chef ’s set menu compliments the breathtaking views of Doha to ensure an unforgettable evening. Call 4425 6999 for reservations. Where: Choices – Oryx Rotana Doha Time: TBC Price: QR280 food only; QR370 with house beverages; QR425 with unlimited house beverages, spirits, digestives and apertifs. Experience an extravagant dinner buffet at this Christmas Eve extravaganza. Book your table at Choices and sit down to a luxurious spread of traditional Christmas dishes including turkey with different trimmings. The Christmas spirit is brought to life in the magical winter wonderland, with its festive decor, sparkling lights and beautifully decorated tables. Where: The Cellar – Oryx Rotana Doha Price: QR195 food only; QR295 with vinos, hops and sangria Join in the revelry at The Cellar this December and make this Christmas one to remember. Christmas is a great opportunity to gather friends, family and loved ones and be completely selfindulgent – and where better than at this

luxurious, stylish bar. Enjoy Christmas Eve with a mouthwatering dinner set menu, featuring some contemporary favourites with a Spanish twist. It’s the perfect seasonal meal to enjoy with your choice from the extensive list of vino and vintage bubbly. Call 4402 3333 for reservations. Where: Crossroads Kitchen Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha Time: 6pm to 11pm Price: QR265 per person Tuck into an extensive three-course buffet lay-out with seasonal offerings, live interactive cooking stations, and a roast of turkey carving station. Enjoy a selection of Christmas desserts to round off a fabulous evening. Call 4419 5000 for reservations. Where: Bentley’s Grill – Radisson Blu Hotel Doha Time: 6pm to 11pm Price: QR360 per person Indulge yourself in a host of delicious food as the talented Chefs serve a festive set menu combining favourite classics with a modern twist at one of Doha’s finest grill rooms. There’s also a festive songs performance at the hotel’s East Wing Lobby (5.15pm) and the West Wing Lobby (6.30pm). Call 4428 1555 for reservations. Where: The Grill – Grand Hyatt Doha & Villas Time: From 7pm Price: QR199 per person with soft drinks The Grill will host an exquisite Xmas eve dinner in a home-away-fromhome atmosphere. Enjoy a delectable, traditional four-course set menu including soft beverages, accompanied by live entertainment. Call 4448 1234 for reservations. fact magazine

FESTIVE HAPPENINGS

The Big Day! Where: Sawa - Marsa Malaz Kempinski Time: 12.30pm to 4pm Price: QR495 per person with soft beverages; QR595 per person with vino, grains, cocktails and bubbly; QR150 per child aged six to 12-years-old. A family celebration with Santa at the Sawa Christmas Day Brunch doesn’t get any better. Share merry times with loved ones and enjoy a traditional festive brunch buffet. Allow the Marsa Malaz Kempinski team to entertain the little ones with a bouncing castle, face painting and of course the surprise appearance of Santa. Where: El Faro - Marsa Malaz Kempinski Time: 7pm to 11.30pm Price: QR325 per person, beverages a la carte; QR150 per child aged six to 12-years-old. A contemporary Christmas celebration takes place for dinner at El Faro. Revel in true Spanish style and taste the Nochebuena four-course set menu accompanied by live entertainment from the band. The classic à la carte menu is also available. Where: Sawa - Marsa Malaz Kempinski Time: Orthodox Christmas, January 7, 2017, 12.30pm to 4pm Price: QR350 per person with soft beverages; QR450 per person with vino, grains, cocktails and bubbly. Celebrate this festive season with the only palatial brunch experience at The Pearl. Enjoy live cooking stations around the restaurant and the terraces showcasing signature delicacies from our award winning restaurants. A large selection of appetisers, main courses, grilled meat and seafood, oysters, sushi and more, paired with great beverages, outstanding live entertainment and authentic service. A mini-corner and bouncy castle is available for the little ones too. Call 4035 5011 for reservations and more information. 36

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Where: Al Jawhara Ballroom – InterContinental Doha The City Time: 12.30pm to 3.30pm Price: QR255 per person with soft drinks; QR355 per person with selected house beverages; QR455 per person with premium beverages. Kids aged six to 12-years-old get 50% off; under sixyear-olds dine for free. Head to the majestic Al Jawhara Ballroom for a grand Christmas Day feast. Enjoy a lavish festive offering with some of your traditional favourites such as roast beef, turkey with the trimmings, a decadent Christmas log, and a few more surprises also in store! There will be plenty

of activities to keep the little ones in the holiday spirit. Call 4015 8888 for reservations and more information. Where: Aroma - Kempinski Residences & Suites Time: 12.30pm to 4pm Price: QR330 per person with soft beverages; QR425 per person with vino, grains and bubbly. Dreaming of a family Christmas brunch? Celebrate at the cosy atmosphere of Aroma. The memorable moments for your family include a scrumptious brunch

FESTIVE HAPPENINGS

with the Brazilian flare on your plate along with live music, party packs and much more. This is an alternative to the usual buffet celebration and a great one if you want delicious meats and a lively atmosphere.

Christmas roasts, seasonal holiday desserts and festive drinks, the Doha Marriott is a great choice for your family Christmas brunch! Enjoy the Christmas choir and kids entertainment room featuring a bouncy castle, games and more. Taking place in the hotel’s Restaurant Gallery, expect a warm and welcoming festive atmosphere! Call 4429 8499 for reservations and more information.

buffet with a mini-corner for younger guests, an appearance from Santa and favourite Christmas carol singing. Continue the celebration at The Lounge, with a trendy live band. Call 4405 3325 for reservations and more information. Where: Restaurant Gallery - Doha Marriott Hotel Time: 12.30pm to 4pm Price: QR350 per person with soft beverages; QR450 per person with selected drinks and bubbly. Featuring a fine selection of traditional

Where: Coral – InterContinental Doha Time: 12.30pm to 4pm Price: QR420 per person with sparkling vino and festive beverages; QR210 per person child with tea, coffee and water. The Sparkling Christmas Brunch will not only include a huge selection of scrumptious festive food, there’s also live entertainment from Soul Shake Band playing international tunes, a Christmas Choir and Santa stops by with gifts for little ones – get ready for a good time! Call 800 4642 for reservations and more information. Where: Ipanema – Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha Time: 12.30pm to 3.30pm Price: QR325 per person Dressed in red, celebrate Christmas

Where: New York Steakhouse – Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha Time: 12noon to 3.30pm Price: QR295 per person Christmas doesn’t get classier than this! It’s a season of love, hope and togetherness and NY Steakhouse has al those things plus excellent food covered. Enjoy a delectable four-course Christmas Eve menu and make this festive season extra special with the NY Steakhouse Christmas special brunch buffet. Call 4419 5000 for reservations and more information. Where: Al Liwan – Sharq Village & Spa Time: 12.30pm to 4pm Price: QR325 per person with soft beverages; QR425 per person with house beverages. QR160 for children aged six to 12-years-old. Children aged five and below dine complimentary. Head over to the Royal Christmas Brunch with sparkle and joy as Al liwan brings you a decadent festive celebration. While adults are spoilt for choice with an indulgent spread of traditional Christmas favorites, children can have festive fun with Santa. Where: Al Dana – Sharq Village & Spa Time: 12.30pm to 4pm Price: QR395 per person with soft beverages; QR480 per person with house beverages. QR190 for children aged six to 12-years-old. Children aged five and below dine complimentary. Treat your loved ones to an indulgent Christmas brunch at Al Dana Restaurant featuring freshly caught seafood and Mediterranean signature dishes. The sumptuous buffet invites you to embrace the holiday cheer with a visit from Santa while savouring your favourite Arabian Gulf views. Call 4425 6999 for reservations and more information. fact magazine

Where: Choices – Oryx Rotana Doha Time: 12noon to 3.30pm Price: QR290 per person with soft drinks; QR390 per person with house beverages; QR475 with house beverages, spirits, digestives and apertifs. It’s a winter wonderland at Choices where you can relax and truly enter into the spirit of Christmas at the Xmas Day brunch. This laid back, family-friendly restaurant, which is transformed into a festive fairytale with sparkling lights and beautifully decorated tables, provides the ideal venue for a Christmas celebration. The brunch includes a sumptuous buffet, featuring traditional turkey with different trimmings, plus a full selection of themed food corners and live cooking stations. There will be plenty of seasonal cheer with music from the resident band, plus a visit from Santa who will hand out gifts to every child. If you’ve got little ones who really want to feel the festive spirit this place guarantees all the fun! 38

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Where: Choices – Oryx Rotana Doha Time: Orthodox Christmas, January 7, 2017, 12noon to 3.30pm Price: QR195 per person, food only You’re invited to spend remarkable moments with your family and friends during at Choices for an Orthodox Christmas Lunch celebration, where the restaurant offers a rich and delicious international lunch with a Christmas twist. Call 4402 3333 for reservations and more information. Where: Hyde Park – Radisson Blu Hotel Doha Time: 12noon to 3pm Price: QR220 per person with soft drinks; QR290 per person with bubbly. Come together with all your loved ones to this special sparkling festive Lunch. Tuck into a Christmas feast whilst you keep an eye out for a the special visitor in red.

Food will include all the holiday season classics plus delicious offerings to please every palate. Call 4428 1555 for reservations and more information. Where: Festive Grand Brunch – The St. Regis Doha Time: 12.30pm to 4pm Price: QR555 per person with soft beverages; QR655 per person with premium beverages. Christmas Day brunch doesn’t get grander that this! Celebrate your festive culinary journey in more than 2,500 square meters of lavish offerings prepared by leading Chefs from Astor Grill, Opal by Gordon Ramsay, Vine and many of the hotel’s other dining outlets. With its dedicated children’s corner and live music, The St. Regis Grand Brunch is the perfect place for a family Christmas brunch. Prior booking is required.

FESTIVE HAPPENINGS

It’s the perfect intimate ambience for Xmas dinner with the whole family. Call 4484 8000 for reservations and more information. Where: Al Hubara – Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel Time: 12.30pm to 4.30pm Price: QR315 per person with soft beverages; QR415 per person with selected beverages. 50% discount for children aged 12 and below. Children aged six and below dine for free. A merry jingle plays in every heart and a smile greets every soul on the most awaited day of the month. The relaxed yet pleasant setting of Al Hubara adds to the festive feel. Be spoilt with an array of international and seafood delights featuring seasonal favourites and yummy desserts. With live music entertainment.

Where: Astor Grill – The St. Regis Doha Time: 12noon to 4pm Price: QR295 per person with soft beverages; QR395 per person with premium beverages. If you want your Christmas to be more of an intimate, stylish affair then this is the place to be with the whole family. Astor Grill will serve up a traditional, sharingstyle, festive lunch, to be enjoyed right at the table. Prior booking is required. Call 4446 0105 for reservations and more information. Where: Seasonal Tastes – The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa Price: QR320 per person with soft beverages; QR395 per person with free flowing beverages. The famous Westin Bubbalicious brunch goes festive for a huge Christmas celebration. Think amazing food and a relaxed yet lively vibe, The Westin will

bring you the best in festive culinary classics alongside a variety of tastes for this special occasion. Call 4492 1733 for reservations and more information. Where: La MER BISTRO - THE TITZCARLTON, DOHA Time: STARTING AT 6.30PM Price: SPECIAL TRADITIONAL A LA CARTE DISHES (AVAILABLE DECEMBER 23 TO 25) La Mer Bistro is the quintessence of the traditional French Bistro: A comfortable, dynamic and casual yet elegant social place surrounded by the panoramic view of the Doha Skyline. A perfect venue to gather and dine where everything is set to try a large number of authentic French flavours at an affordable price. For Christmas Day, La Mer Bistro transforms into an authentic, homely festive haven with traditional menu items to tempt your taste buds on this merry ocassion.

Where: La Veranda – Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel Time: 12.30pm to 4.30pm Price: QR250 per person with soft beverages; QR350 per person with selected beverages. 50% discount for children aged 12 and below. Children aged six and below dine for free. Enjoy a perfect family celebration with picturesque views overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Choose from the buffet of Italian classics to favourite Mediterranean festive delights – there’s something for everyone to savour and make the most of the festivities. Call 4485 3000 for reservations and more information. Where: Market by Jean Georges – W Doha Hotel & Residences Time: 12noon to 4pm Price: QR350 per person with soft beverages; QR450 per person with selected beverages. Mingle to jingle! Market by JeanGeorges unveils an exquisite buffet this Christmas with all-time festive delights in a celebratory setting. Entertainment is provided by Doha Jazz. Call 4453 5135 for reservations and more information. ✤ fact magazine

FESTIVE GIVEAWAY

Fact’s Festive Giveaway We’ve teamed up with a bunch of our friends to offer you a really special treat! Until Christmas Day, we’ll be giving away a prize every day! All you have to do, from the 1st to the 25th is ‘like’ our Facebook page and share the competition posts; follow us on Twitter and instagram and give the participating brands a follow too. The more you share, the more chances you’ll have of winning. this one’s for all our awesome readers!

The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

InterContinental Doha The City

Dinner for two at Sabai Thai, including food and drinks. twitter: @WestinDoha

Friday Brunch for four at The Square, including food and soft drinks

Four Seasons Hotel Doha

twitter: @ICDohaTheCity

Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha Traditional Turkey in a Box, serving five to six people, worth QR995. twitter: @MarsaMalaz

Dinner for two at Elements Restaurant, including food and soft drinks. twitter: @FSDoha

06 Rimmel

InterContinental Doha

x1 Goodie Bag with Rimmel products including the new Scandaleyes Reloaded mascara for unstoppable volume, worth QR450. twitter: @rimmellondonuk

One Week Couple’s Access to Bay Club

09 Sharq Village & Spa Friday Brunch for two at Al Liwan Restaurant. twitter: @SharqVillageSpa

twitter: @InterConDoha

04 W Doha Hotel & Residences Brunch for two at Market by Jean Georges twitter: @wdoha

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07 Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha Brazilian Friday Brunch for two at Ipanema, including food and soft drinks. twitter: @MMarquisDoha

10 Doha Marriott Hotel Turkey to go (4-5kg), worth QR640. twitter: @DohaMarriott

FESTIVE GIVEAWAY

11 Four Seasons Hotel Doha Chef’s Special Dinner Set Menu for two at Il Teatro, including food and soft drinks.

16 InterContinental Doha Friday Brunch for six at Coral Restaurant. twitter: @InterConDoha

21 Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha A One-Night Stay for two including breakfast. twitter: @MMarquisDoha

twitter: @FSDoha

12 The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa One Signature 50-minute Heavenly Spa Massage. twitter: @WestinDoha

17 Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel Friday Brunch for two at La Veranda, including food and drinks.

22 The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa A One-Night Stay for two in a Deluxe Room, including breakfast. twitter: @WestinDoha

twitter: @Sheratondoha

13 Sally Hansen x1 Goodie Bag full of Sally Hansen products worth QR450 to get a perfect manicure at home. twitter: @SallyHansen

23 18 Doha Marriott Hotel

InterContinental Doha A Weekend Stay for two at the brand new luxurious InterContinental Doha Residences. twitter: @InterConDoha

Saturday Brunch for four at JW’s Steakhouse, worth QR1000 twitter: @DohaMarriott

14 Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha Your Palatial Start to 2017: One-night stay for two people in a Deluxe Room, including breakfast, festive amenities, New Year’s Day Brunch, and early and late checkout.

19 Carluccio’s A QR500 Dining Voucher for use at Carluccio’s twitter: @Carluccios

24 W Doha Hotel & Residences A Two-Night Weekend Stay for two in a Spectacular Room, including breakfast. twitter: @wdoha

twitter: @MarsaMalaz

15 L’Occitane x1 Goodie Bag worth AED400 from L’Occitane. twitter: @LOCCITANE

20 The St. Regis Doha Christmas Eve Brunch for two at Vine, including food and soft drinks. twitter: @StRegisDoha

25 Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas A Weekend Stay for two adults and two children in a Grand Suite twitter: @GrandHyattDoha

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SOCIETY

#Qata r #Museums #Opens #Chinese #Festival #at #MIA #Park

The highly anticipated Chinese Festival in Qatar was opened at the Museum of Islamic Art Park last month for four days of cultural fun. The festival celebrated the rich and varied culture of China in a weekend of exciting events for all the family to enjoy. Some of Zhejiang’s leading musicians and performers entertained crowds in a beautiful outdoor setting that included a Chinese market, Chinese teahouse, stage, photography exhibition space, food stalls and a children’s play area. This year’s festival is a key part of the Qatar China 2016 Year of Culture, presented by Qatar Museums. 42

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Doha is set to welcome another year with a huge host of parties, dinners, brunches and balls. Here are just some of the places you can be joining in the

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NYE HAPPENINGS

“ New Year’s Eve: Go hard or go home… Doha Marriott Hotel Out with the old, in with the new! Whether you chose the fun and excitement of the Restaurant Gallery or the refined ambiance of JW’s Steakhouse, bring in the New Year in style at the Doha Marriott. Featuring an extraordinary line-up of your favourite dishes and live cooking stations, party until the early hours and enjoy the moment that the clock strikes 12. Includes party favours and a midnight toast. QR399 with soft drinks and QR499 with bubbly, from 8pm to 2am. Call 4429 8499 for reservations and more information. 44

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Sharq Village & Spa Al Liwan: Count down to the New Year with an enchanting evening filled with golden festivities and a mesmerising buffet spread while enjoying the celebrative entertainment of Al Liwan Restaurant. QR375 with soft beverages; QR180 for children aged six to 12-yearsold. Children aged five and under dine for free. From 6.30pm to midnight. Al Dana: Welcome 2017 with a dash of Mediterranean flavours as you gaze the sparkling city lights of Doha Bay. Chef Evangelos Liakouris’ set menu sparkles your New Year’s Evening as you mingle with friends and family at the stylish ambiance of Al Dana Restaurant. Live entertainment is provided too. QR490 with a welcome drink, from 6.30pm to midnight. Parisa: Join Chef Moghadam Najari to welcome the New Year with a sprinkle of Iranian charm. An authentic Persian evening filled with live entertainment and a delightful family-style set menu awaits for you at Parisa Restaurant. QR375 with a traditional Persian welcome drink, from 6.30pm to midnight. Call 4425 6999 for reservations and more information.

Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us

W Doha Hotel & Residences Wahm: This New Year’s Eve lose your inhibitions before your resolutions kick in with Two Plug Two Play ready to shake up the crowd at Wahm! Enjoy a live show with excellent music courtesy of world-known artists. First up, DJ Paula Serra, famous for recently performing at Tomorrowland, the widely popular festival in Belgium and playing alongside the greatest icons of EDM such as David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Axwell & ingrosso and Steve Aoki after winning ‘Mazda drives: The Sound of Tomorrow’ Secondly, there’s Ramon Riera, the saxophonist is also a well known DJ, arranger and music producer and has performed in major concert halls and clubs across Europe .Having shared the stage with famous DJs such as Lara Taylor, Julio Cuba, Carlos Jean, Randy Garcia and more, he has also collaborated with Noteworthy labels including Deep Bass Records. Prices start for QR250 for ladies and QR450 for gents, from 7.30pm to 2am.

NYE HAPPENINGS

Great Room: Revisit the days of Studio 54 as NYE goes major throwback to the era that started it all. Revel in a setting beyond expectation and ‘resolve’ to groove non-stop. W Doha is flying the 12-piece band, all the way from USA – ‘I Love this band’ will throw you the bash of the year! Along with that, enjoy a four-course gala dinner and a glass of bubbly to ring in the New Year. If there was a reason for a disco ball, then this is it! QR995 per person including unlimited beverages, from 8pm onwards. Dress code is strictly disco glam. Crystal Lounge and Club: This New Years eve, get ready to experience the best of House and R&B under one roof in the same night! Dubbed as ‘Queen of Electro’ and one of the most prolific dance artists around, Luciana has toured the world and been the voice behind countless club anthems, with vocal features on EDM hits like as Tiesto’s ‘We Own The Night’ and The Cataracs ‘Big Dipper’ and has also collaborating on releases with EDM’s biggest names such as Hardwell. Mims, famous for “This is why I’m hot”, is all set to give guests in W Doha a taste of his creative flow. After performing all over the world, Mims continues a successful career in the rap industry which began at the age of 13, where

his mother bought him his first DJ set. QR150 for ladies (includes a drink); QR250 for gents (includes a drink), from 9pm onwards. Call 4453 5135 for reservations and more information. Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas The Grill: Grand Hyatt Doha’s special New Year’s Night Brunch will be available from 8pm for a cool QR499 including unlimited house vinos, brew and spirits. Bubbly will be served during countdown to midnight, and party tunes courtesy of the live band and DJ Maxi Cuenca from Barcelona will be played until the early hours. Isaan: Celebrate New Year’s Eve Thai style at a special night market event from 8pm at Isaan. Dive into a huge variety of Thai specialities, prepared to order at an array of colourful live cooking stations around the restaurant. Accompanied by unlimited soft beverages for QR299, or special beverages including bubbly at midnight for QR449. Dunes: The city’s most popular after brunch ramps up the volume and

entertainment levels for a very special Liquid New Year’s Eve. Kick out 2016 and see in 2017 in supreme liquid fashion, under Dunes’ twirling mirror balls, from 9pm owards, to the inimitable soundtrack of DJ Santiago Vittorelli together with upgraded disco lighting and live mixed visuals. Packages including entry start at QR299 for unlimited brew and house vino by the glass all night until 2am. Pay QR399 for unlimited house spirits all night or QR499 for premium spirits all night. In addition, everyone gets a glass of bubbly at midnight! Call 4448 1234 for reservations and more information. The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa Spend New Year’s Eve at Mix Bar Terrace and make the most of the night with the special group packages! Ticket price includes a lavish food buffet and bottomless beverages. Groups of 10 guests or more receive 10% o¬ff their bill as well as a complimentary bottle. Prices start from QR499 per person; QR799 at the door. Call 4492 1733 for reservations and more information.

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NYE HAPPENINGS

The St. Regis Doha Grand Evening Celebration: Celebrate your NYE at the finest address in town with the finest food and drinks selection. Join in a culinary journey to welcome the new year in more than 2,500 square meters of lavish offerings prepared by leading Chefs from Astor Grill, Opal by Gordon Ramsay, Vine and many more of the hotel’s dining outlets. QR555 with soft drinks; QR655 with premium beverages, from 8pm to 1am. Prior booking highly recommended. The Rooftop: Celebrate The Rooftop’s 3rd New Year with a super stylish set up and breathtaking ambiance which becomes the temple of Quality DJ Music in Doha. A canapé selection is served too. QR200 entrance fee for walkins, from 8pm to 2am. Prior booking recommended. The Club: Tuck into this excellent three-course couples set menu for two 46

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with a bottle of house vino (QR795); or go for the premium couples set menu which comes with a bottle of premium vino(QR945); and if you really want to go lavish, the bubbly couples menu includes a bottle of bubbles (QR1245). From 7pm to 2am, prior booking highly recommended. Call 4446 0105 for reservations and more information. Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel Latino Steakhouse: Balloons, party favours and your favourite Latin tunes are just the beginning of this unforgettable evening: Indulge yourself in an extensive buffet with unlimited meat cuts carefully crafted by Chef Luciano and complement the delicious food with a luscious cocktail. When it’s time to cheer in the New Year the first Margarita is on the house. QR270 per person including free flow mixers and sparkling vino. 50% discount for children

under 12-years-old and kids aged under six dine for free. From 7.30pm to 1am. Al Hubara: Celebrate and conclude this year on a jubilant note with an exciting evening of revelry. Be enthralled by the wide selection of gastronomic delights featuring Continental, Middle Eastern and other international favorites, whilst enjoying live entertainment. QR330 per person including free flow of nonalcoholic house beverages; QR430 per person including selected beverages; 50% discount for children under 12-years-old and kids aged under six dine for free. From 7.30pm to 1am. Irish Harp: Rock into the New Year! The live band will be rocking out with popular sounds from 8.30pm until the early morning hours! Bring along all your friends and celebrate an unforgettable evening. QR220 per person including two standard beverages. Call 4485 3000 for reservations and more information.

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NYE HAPPENINGS

Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha Glo Cocktail Bar: Come dressed in neon or white, because the crowd will be partying under the black light with the international resident DJ on the decks, glow sticks, UV Paint and much more. Free Entry before 9pm; QR50 entry fee after 9pm, doors open from 5pm. Champions Sports Bar: Grab your cigar and your Cuban wear and head on over to Champions for Cuban cuisine, Latin jazz, tropical drinks and more as you ring in 2017! Free entry, from 5pm onwards. New York Steakhouse: Ring in the New Year with your close friends and family at an intimate fine dining experience. Enjoy a tailor made fivecourse menu prepared by Chef David Dahlhaus amidst live entertainment. From QR495, from 6.30pm to 12.30pm. Call 4419 5000 for reservations and more information. InterContinental Doha The City The Square: Bring the whole gang to The Square on New Year’s Eve. Let your palate travel the world with an International buffet menu as you sample classic favourites from all the live stations and food bars. End the year with a bang for your taste buds! QR355 per person inclusive of soft beverages ; QR555 per person inclusive of selected house and premium beverages. Kids below six-years-old dine complimentary, kids aged six to 12-years-old get 50% off. Complimentary ticket to the Famous After Party At The Bridge with one welcome drink included! From 8pm to 11.30pm. Strata: End the year with a bang as you soak in the amazing views of the city at Strata! It doesn’t get better than this. Enjoy two welcome drinks while the chefs prepare a tasting menu for two of typical Isakaya dishes. Priced at QR250. Stick around for the awesome Sky High NYE party for QR100 per person, from 9pm to 2am. 48

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The Bridge: You won’t find another New Year’s Eve party like this! Held on the spectacular bridge, guests who dine at the restaurants on New Year’s Eve enjoy complimentary entrance to the Bash featuring a DJ and a dazzling balloon drop to ring in the New Year with a bang. Entrance tickets are QR150 per person inclusive of one beverage. 21+ years old only. ID required. Call 4015 8888 for reservations and more information. InterContinental Doha Lava: The Lava Royale New Year’s Eve Party will be adorned in special lights and cloth ceiling decoration with guest DJs spinning the tunes. Special table offerings with normal and premium spirits packages will be offered. QR150 for entrance including one drink, from 8pm to 11.30pm. QR200 for entrance only after 11.30pm. Door will be open between Lava and Paloma and the party will run until 2am. Paloma: Step into Studio 54 for a New Year’s old-school, funky concept and music. A four-course set menu including a festive margarita will be served from 7pm to 2am for QR450. Live entertainment from the resident band Soul Shake will keep you grooving. QR150 for entrance including one drink from 7pm to 11.30pm. QR200 for entrance after 11.30pm. Call 800 4642 for reservations and more information. Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha Sawa: Start the New Year in elegance! Welcome a joyful New Year by taking a festive culinary journey with family and friends at the extensive buffet of Sawa, surrounded by the glittering decorations and the live band entertainment. QR495 per person with soft drinks; QR595 per person with vino and bubbly; QR150 per child aged six to 12-years-old, from 7pm onwards.

“

Take a leap of faith and begin this wondrous new year by believing. Believe in yourself. And believe that there is a loving Source - a Sower of Dreams - just waiting to be asked to help you make your dreams come true.

NYE HAPPENINGS

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NYE HAPPENINGS

El Faro: Ring in 2017 in pure Spanish style. Begin the New Year with a trendy dining experience surrounded by close friends and family. Enjoy the authentic Spanish six-course set menu and the live band entertainment. QR425 per person with soft drinks; QR550 per person with vino and bubbly, from 7pm onwards. Call 4035 5555 for reservations and more information. Kempinski Residences & Suites The Lounge: Countdown party! Skip the crowds and step into a dazzling atmosphere in The Lounge and welcome 2017 in shimmering elegance. Countdown to the New Year like a celebrity and dance the night away with live entertainment and beats. QR120 per person for entrance; QR425 per person for entry plus bubbly, grains, vino and house beverages. From 8.30pm to 1.30am. Aroma: End 2016 in style with a perfectly executed culinary adventure in Aroma. Following your five-course food journey step into The Lounge and welcome in 2017 including a glass of bubbly for the countdown. QR355 per person with soft drinks and fresh juices; QR495 per person including bubbly, grains and vino as well as entrance to The Lounge and bubbly at the countdown. From 8pm to 11pm. Call 4405 3333 for reservations and more information. Radisson Blu Hotel Doha Bentley’s Grill: Celebrate the magical midnight hour of New Year’s Eve at Bentley’s Grill with a gastronomic evening made up of a delicious six-course gourmet menu. QR390, from 6pm. Qube: Get ready to party with DJ Melody from the UK. Don’t miss the Qube’s New Year bash guaranteed to make it a night you’ll never forget. Join 50

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in as the DJ spins all the best tunes on the decks into the early hours of 2017. Ladies - free entry until 10pm, after 10pm it’s QR50 (inclusive of one beverage); Gents QR130 (inclusive of one beverage); VIP QR160 (inclusive of one beverage). Over 21s only. Original Qatar Resident Permit or original passport required for entry. Call 4428 1428 for reservations and more information. Oryx Rotana Doha Jazz Club: Have an unforgettable New Year’s Eve at the Jazz Club and ring in the New Year in style at an exclusive dinner. This VIP experience includes a delectable three-course plated dinner, featuring some contemporary steak

favourites, served from a set menu for QR450 with a welcome drink. Countdown to 2017 in an intimate, stylish setting and shake the night away to live jazz performances. Entrance is QR250 with a welcome drink. Choices: Savour the last moments of the year and groove to the sounds of the resident DJ on the mezzanine with family and friends at Choices’ New Year’s Eve party. You can indulge in a sumptuous banquet, with a wide variety of dishes from the buffet, live cooking stations, sushi and salad bar, as well as a tempting variety of desserts. Tickets for the New Year’s Eve party cost QR425, food only; and QR525 including house beverages; children aged six to 12-yearsold pay QR215. Call 4402 3333 for reservations and more information. ✤

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SOCIETY

#Yiannis #Stylianidesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; #Rhapsodic #dreams #Exhibition #Opening

Rhapsodic Dreams, a brand new art exhibition by Yiannis Stylianides was opened at The Corridor in Grand Hyatt Doha. The exhibition by the internationally established architect and artist was hosted under the auspices of the honourable Minister of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism of Cyprus, Mr. Yiorgos Lakkotrypis. Arts fans enjoyed an evening that was also attended by the honourable ambassador of Cyprus in Qatar, Mr Charalambos Panayides. Rhapsodic Dreams is an exploration of new techniques and materials, on display until December 10. 52

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J a c i n t h e L a m o n ta g n e - L e c o m t e i s a f a m i l i a r n a m e o n t h e D o h a a r t S c i r c u i t. FACT c a u g h t u p w i t h t h e l a dy h e r s e l f t o ta l k a b o u t h e r b r a n d n e w s h o w c a s e o f w o r K WHICH WAS RECENT LY o n d i s p l ay at T h e B r i d g e , I n t e r C o n t i n e n ta l D o h a T h e C i t y â&#x20AC;¦

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LOCAL Arts

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local arts

“ M y s t y l e ? C a n w e s ay a m i x o f a l o t o f s t y l e ? I a m p r o f o u n dly i n s p i r e d b y t h e A s i a n c u lt u r e . C e r ta i n ly f o r t h e f i n e n e s s a n d t h e c o l o u r s .”

ell us more about the exhibition What Gandhi Says – what did visitors see? What Gandhi Says was about loving people like they are and accepting the difference. It’s an exhibition according to Gandhi’s maxim: I don’t see anything – See No Evil; I don’t hear anything – Hear No Evil; I don’t say a thing – Speak No Evil. What Gandhi Says was 13 canvases that took about a year of preparation. I wanted to do something different than Made In Asia, my permanent exhibition at Hwang restaurant in the Intercontinental Doha The City hotel. I wanted to find a way to introduce different faces than Asian faces by still doing photo-transfer, mixed media. It was like a challenge for me since my inspiration is almost all connected with Asia. In order to be able to do so, I had to photograph people I love, people who were able to express some feelings with their face. This time, and for the first time, this exhibition represents only people I know. And it isn’t easy to express on canvases, play with colours and collage when the face you have in front of you is someone you know, because you never know if that person will love the interpretation you will do of them. For the title, and since there were so many feelings around the expo, What Gandhi Says was just right for it! What are you hoping that visitors took away with them, in terms of perceptions and ideas, from this exhibition? The message I wanted to drive through this solo exhibition is: same, same no difference even if we are very different one from the other. In life, some are lucky and some aren’t. The balance isn’t level. But after all that, we are all human beings. We always criticise, we are never happy with what we have, what we are, what we’ve become... I don’t see anything; and people should see with their heart. Just because the person beside you is not exactly like you that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth it! I don’t hear anything; what about the distress of a homeless person in the street? Help the poor. I don’t say a thing; speak with your hart. Speak loud and believe in what you say. Don’t be afraid. What Gandhi Says was about the fundamental values that we forget sometimes. Describe your artistic style and tools and techniques for someone who is viewing your work for the first time... I always loved to go to exhibitions. I am very careful about details. Being very curios since day one, I was often questioning myself about how the artist was able to produce art with their tools. By visiting a lot of expos, and opening your eyes and your mind to new art, you grow, change your style, keep it the same but make it stronger, better, and much more in relation with who you are at that specific time of your life. Every artist needs to evolve and the same goes for their style. My style? Can we say a mix of a lot of style? I am profoundly inspired by the Asian culture. Is it because it’s rather new for me? Is it because it is so mysterious? fact magazine

LOCAL Arts

“ M y w o r k i s f i n i s h e d o n ly w h e n I can feel an emotion coming t h r o u g h t h e pa i n t i n g .”

Certainly for the fineness and the colours. Street Art for the surprise it gives while walking in a city and primitive art for the shape, the naïve style and the natural materials used to create it. And finally, modern art for the questioning it creates. Those past 13 years, I had the chance to travel a lot, taking tons of pictures. Photo transfer with mixed media became my medium as it lets me convey lots of emotions. It is like writing a poem. My work reflects the importance I attach to eyes. My images have a deliberate nostalgic dimension. The essence of being is captured by the lens. I then transcribe the emotion generated by these ephemeral encounters. My work reveals that part of myself. My images are always in black and white. I enlarge them in A1 or A0 and put a transfer solution on it. Face on the canvas and by using water, delicate strokes and a lot of patience, the paper of the picture is scrubbed off the canvas. And after begins the work of mixed media with oil, colours, charcoal, ink, cloth, pigments, paper... I shade, I enhance, and I give a texture. Any advice for young budding artists? Never give up. Stay open minded. Believe in what you do. Follow all the opportunities life is offering you. I draw really badly, I don’t like my oil or acrylic paintings and I can’t take the photographs myself since I’m not a photographer. But I wanted to share all these beautiful faces, these souls which I have crossed paths with. It’s when the two meet with other elements 56

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that things really come together. I found what gives me joy and happiness to do and show. Who or what inspires you to continue producing art? New pictures, new faces, new challenges, a new travel destination – all of these things! Yourinsideneedstostayasactiveasyouroutside. A future exhibition with another expat artist based in Doha has been a driving force too.

Her style is totally different. The preparation will be very important in order to exhibit pieces with homogeneity and not only showcase paintings on a wall. That pushes me to go further and continue producing art. I had a great response from visitors at the opening of What Gandhi Says and still have compliments for Made In Asia. As long as what I share is appreciated, there is no reason for me to stop. It is pushing me to continue and do better. ✤

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local arts

Cultures,

From Different Angles Q atar M u se u ms hosted C u lt u res, F rom D ifferent A ngles, a photography e x hibition showcasing the best wor k s from Q atari and C hinese photographers, on show in B u ilding 1 9 , Katara C u lt u ral Village , last month .

he exhibition was a unique visual interpretation of this year’s Qatar China 2016 Year of Culture, an initiative run under the patronage of H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, that seeks to promote cultural dialogue that builds bridges between the two nations. In collaboration with the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture and the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China, Cultures, From Different Angles presented the work of four Chinese and two Qatari photographers, who travelled to each other’s countries on a two-week expedition to understand and visually communicate a way of life different from their own. On an incredible journey of discovery, Qatari photographers Ahmed Al Khulaifi and Saeed Al Marri travelled from the vast grasslands of northern China to the Li River, one of the purest rivers in China famous for ‘cormorant fishing’, a tradition dating back 1300 years where fishermen use trained aquatic birds to fish in rivers. During their trip, they captured their experiences of Chinese culture and traditions through their own lenses, engaging in an inspiring exchange of artistic discovery. At the same time, Chinese photographers Bao Lixia, Huang Zuxiang, Liu Zhining and Xu Xinrong travelled across Qatar to experience Qatar’s vast desert landscapes, Doha’s vibrant cityscapes and architecture and Qatar’s deep traditions, customs and hospitality. The exhibition showcased the spectacular photography taken during their respective journeys. This is the third photography exhibition held in Qatar as part of the Years of Culture initiative. During the trips, photographers are encouraged to interact with the locals, learn from them and document their experiences via social media. Every year, Qatar Museums runs the ‘Years of Culture’ initiative, which is designed to explore and celebrate cultural similarities and differences and deepen understanding between nations and their people through mutual exchanges of arts, culture, heritage and sport. The programme creates lasting, collaborative relationships between nations, partners and sponsors. Previous Years of Culture have included Qatar Japan 2012, Qatar UK 2013, Qatar Brazil 2014 and Qatar Turkey 2015. Next year, Qatar Museums will celebrate the Qatar Germany 2017 Year of Culture. ✤ GO: Visit www.yearsofculture.qa for more information.

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local arts

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

This is the third photography exhibition held in Qatar as part of the Years of Culture initiative.

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REVIEWs

Big Screen Collateral Beauty What’s it about? A man who has lost all hope after losing his daughter retreats from life, questioning the universe by writing to Time, Love and Death. He receives some unexpected answers to help him work through all the heartbreak and bitterness. But is this really the cosmos reaching out to him, or is there something more logical at work here?

Director: David Frankel cast: Will Smith, Kate Winslet, Naomie Harris

Highlights “This film takes on an almost other-worldly narrative of directing your feelings and frustrations at the universe...”

Office Christmas Party What’s it about: Clay’s uptight CEO sister threatens to shut down his branch for underperforming, so he decides to throw an epic Christmas party in order to land a big client and save everyone’s jobs. It’s not long until the party gets out of control.

– Collateral Beauty

Why it’s worth watching? After all the US election drama and (disappointing) result, this is perhaps the uplifting boost we all need this holiday season. The seemingly fantastical drama Collateral Beauty will speak volumes to many viewers, and it’s all thanks to the magical writing and Will Smith pouring his heart and soul into the dramatic role of New York Ad Exec Howard Inlet. How would you face losing a child? Would all your success in life matter without them? This film takes on an almost other-worldly narrative of directing your feelings and frustrations at the universe – and so, Howard writes letters to Time ( Jacob Latimore), Death (Helen Mirren) and Love (Keira Knightley) as a therapeutic ruse until, one day, they start to show up. At the same time, his concerned friends are desperate to reconnect with him, so you’re constantly wondering which, if any, of Howard’s encounters are real. What you’re left with is an emotional holiday film that aims to decipher life’s constant interlocks and how even the deepest loss can reveal moments of meaning and beauty.

“Office Christmas Party is just that, but far from the mundane festive banter and best-behaviour around colleagues, this party is on a whole ‘nother level…” – Office Christmas Party

Director: Josh Gordon, Will Speck cast: Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, Olivia Munn, T.J. Miller Why it’s worth watching? You always need that ONE film at Christmas that just breaks all the rules of holiday season cinema; in 2016, this is it. Office Christmas Party is just that, but far from the mundane festive banter and bestbehaviour around colleagues, this party is on a whole ‘nother level – think full-on open bar, bob sledging down the stairs, swinging off Christmas lights, an ice slide, things being thrown out of the window and Christmas trees on fire – and that’s just the tame side. If you want to know what NOT to do at the office Christmas party (or maybe how to spice things up!) this film is your one-stop idea shop! Plus, Jennifer Aniston is pretty bad a** in it too!

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REVIEWs

on the record

Fully Booked

Parody/Spoof

Five Go Gluten Free By Bruno Vincent

R&B/Soul

Starboy

By The Weeknd

There’s hardly a day that goes by in the FACT office where someone doesn’t play his music, so we’re glad to see Abel Tesfaye a.k.a The Weeknd continue to grow and turn corners. From vocals to production, he can literally do no wrong. Though Starboy – both the hit track and what we’ve heard of the album – sound light years away from when he first hit the music scene with his House of Balloons mixtape, The Weeknd’s latest offering is a little bit older and less inflated but with the same simple yet clever lyricism and stunning vocals that give us chills every time. In the first single of the same name as the 18-track record, not only is Daft Punk’s immaculate piano-framed production mind-blowing, The Weeknd’s voice is as frenetic and contagious as the beat, and it’s getting fans completely lit from the first chord. It’s that creepily distinctive, vampiric falsetto that we want him to show off in Starboy. Let’s hope he continues to stay in his own unique musical realm instead of falling to the world of commercial R&B-pop.

Electronic/ Alt-Pop

I See You

Oh how we remember our love for Enid Blyton’s Famous Five. Cleverly, Bruno Vincent has taken The Famous Five and turned this into a series of Enid Blyton books for grown-ups. We’re talking parenting, strategy days and even a visit to Brexit island (how much lol is that?) – and this particular story sees George, Dick, Anne, Julian and Timmy confront a new challenge: is it possible to get a good gluten-free cream tea? It’s the perfect story for any partners or friends who are reluctantly spiralising courgettes for dinner and thinking of as many new eggplant dishes as they can on a daily basis.

By The xx

Another of our music loves, The xx haven’t released an album since Coexist in 2012, and even though we’ve been getting regular bursts of the trio through Jamie xx’s In Colour, an album from the trio together has been long overdue and, from what we gather, a real labour of love! It was recorded in London, Reykjavik, New York, Los Angeles and Marfa, Texas and, going off the spotify snippets as well as the first single On Hold, The xx has had a slight revamp of sound. On Hold, which samples Hall & Oates’ I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do) doesn’t have that peak shivering, signature xx arrangement. Instead, it steps away from the dark atmospherics and into a more casually upbeat aesthetic. This is definitely a more open and expansive approach, and though the single is pleasant enough, we just hope that The xx haven’t change what they are known for, too much. Hopefully, there are still a few beautifully haunting tracks on there to give us our muchanticipated The xx fix.

Crime/Mystery

The Chemist

By Stephanie Meyer The author who penned Twilight tries her hand (and imagination) at something new; The Chemist is the story of an ex-agent on the run from her former employers. She must take one more case to clear her name and save her life. An expert in her field, she was one of the darkest secrets of an agency so clandestine it doesn’t even have a name. And when they decided she was a liability, they came for her without warning. It is once again Meyer’s ability to create a world where the reader loses themselves in fiction that makes you really believe in this fierce and fascinating new heroine. Winner!

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Globetrotter

Travel Spotlight:

Milan

I taly’ s fa s h i on a nd desi g n c a pita l is pa ck e d with arc hit e ctur e t o admi re, food t o d e v ou r and st ree ts t o e x p lor e . After a r e c e nt v isit t o the chic cit y, w e r ound up some a b s olute musts when visitin g M i la n …

Quadrilatero d’Oro If you’re all about the shopping, this is the place to go. The area is made up of picturesque cobbled streets, lined with top designer boutiques like Chanel, Versace, Gucci, Fendi, Prada, Cartier and so many more luxury stores. The heart of the neighborhood lies in Via Monte Napoleone, where Italian culture is alive in terms of museums, cafes and historic palazzi can be found amongst the modernday swag of glossy brands. This is where to take a minute, stop, and people watch!

Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper Possibly one of the world’s most famous murals, The Last Supper is a joy to seek and adore. It’s hidden away on a wall of the refectory adjoining the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie. When you do find it, you’ll see a depiction of Christ and his disciples, one of the most iconic and dramatic moments events in history. You’ll have to book in advance to be astonished by its beauty, which you will get to marvel 62

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for an entire 15-minutes on a guided tour.

Cathedral in Duomo This 600-year-old Gothic cathedral is a great reflection of the city’s creative ambitions and extravagance. The pink Candoglia structure stands with a staggering 135 spires and 3400 statues, rising high like something from a fairytale. Large stained-glass windows adorn the inside – making it a worth while visit if you’re a fan of old-school architecture. Don’t forget your camera, this is one of the best spots to capture an instagram-worthy photo.

Castello Sforzesco Made up of 12 mini-museums and archives running all the way from Palaeolithic history through to 1950s

furniture, this place was home to the noble Visconti family from 1368, and restored to its original splendour by the equally aristocratic Sforzas in the 1450s. Coming to a spindly point above the façade is an early 20th-century recreation of a tower originally built by the 15th-century architect Antonio Averlino, dubbed Il Filarete. There’s a stunning courtyard, beautiful sculptures and the best of Renaissance style.

Teatro alla Scala A trip to Milan would be incomplete without an opera, ballet or theatre stop, and this is just the place to do it. Dedicated to one of the most exclusive temples of music and performing arts, Teatro alla Scala puts on some of the world’s best operas, ballets, concerts and cultural events. When rehearsals are not in session, you can get a glimpse of the gilt-encrusted interior, or

Globetrotter

you’d better stop straight away and join it. Why? Because this is the queu that leads to a small two-window, hole-in-the-wall that serves up Milan’s most favourite food – the legendary panzerotti - a fried pastry triangle stuffed with tomato and trickling mozzarella – it’s the stuff of dreams. It’s originally from Puglia but has become one of Milan’s most recognisable treats.

visit the museum next door for beautiful exhibitions.

Navigli Waterways A network of canals, partly designed by Leonardo da Vinci, once stretched right across Milan, now confined to two long waterways – the Naviglio Grande and the Naviglio Pavese – in the city’s south. If you fancy spending an hour cruising the canals, book yourself an organised tour that takes in the ancient washhouses of vicolo dei Lavandai and San Cristoforo, the Scodellino bridge and the old Darsena port. Hop off and visit the bohemian canals’ shores, lined with cool cafes and vintage shops. It’s a great way of taking in a less touristy part of the city, and doing it from the water shows Milan in a completely different light.

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti If you walk to the Dom and you see a long queue coming out of one of the side streets of Corso Vittorio Emanuele, then

Dinner on a tram

“Mil an, for m e, is a cit y of d i scovery. You can fi nd some amazing gard ens b e hind some great hous e s; I also love finding beau tifu l g alle ries and incr e dible shops, b ut you have to e x plore. A n d th e food is am azing.” - Fr ancisco Costa

There’s no doubt that you’ll see Milan’s original yellow and orange 1920s and 1950s trams driving around the city. The vehicles have varnished wooden seats and iconic fluted glass lampshades. To get a real taste of tram life, hop onboard the number one which will let you take in some of Milan’s most symbolic monuments. Alternatively, book an evening ride on ATMosfera which is basically a vintage tram serving up dinner with vino – how cool? ✤ GO: Fly direct from Doha to Milan with Qatar Airways. Visit www.qatarairways. com to book your flight today. fact magazine

HOTEL HOTSPOT

CuttingEdge Comforts ME Milan Il Duca When yo u trav el to a city lik e Milan, location is key when it comes to you r choice of hotel . The 5-star ME Mi la n Il D uca not only ticks that bo x , it also blends together the old and the new of I talian design, elegance and hospitality. FA C T visited for a long wee k end and this is what we fou nd …

he phrase “this place has real history” couldn’t be more fitting for the beautiful ME Milan Il Duca. The hotel is situated in the former building of Hotel Duca di Milan, which was redesigned and extended between 1988 and 1991 by the late, globally-renowned architect Aldo Rossi. The new facade unveiled a striking red brick and stone Lombard exterior, with four large Carrara marble columns and linear windows framing the entrance in a simple and cultured design. Today, the building stands as a masterpiece of modern Italian architecture. Location wise, ME Milan Il Duca is in the centre of Milan, in one of the largest Italian squares named Piazza della Repubblica, which was built in 1865 to house Milano’s central railway station. Just minutes from the fashion district and the new vibrant Porta Garibaldi area, which boasts the hottest nightclubs, innovative concept stores and design showrooms, ME Milan Il Duca is a sought-after spot for visitors. The hotel is also close to Porta Venezia, the oldest Milanese park dating back to 1780,

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HOTEL HOTSPOT

which is the location for the Natural History Museum and Planetarium. The main metro lines, tram lines, a railway station and the central line are all close by, so when you’ve had your share of walking, hopping on the public transport is as easy as can be! Upon arrival, it’s the real sense of local that we see in the building, the staff, their service and their welcome, which makes us feel comfortable and relaxed to begin our stay. Even the plant-lined archway at the entrance reminds us of an old-school Italian garden or courtyard. After a smooth check-in, it’s up to the Aura Room! Where to Rest ME Milan Il Duca has 132 rooms, including 34 suites, 32 of which are Chic suites, plus the Personality Suite, and Presidential Suite, which can be combined to form the Suite ME. We stayed in the gorgeous Aura Room. Located on the 1st to 9th floors, these rooms are super spacious with chic neutral décor and all the amenities you could ask for. The atmospheric lighting is something we got onboard with right away – who knew that strategically-placed lights could do such wonders for creating a laidback vibe in a hotel room – beautiful!

“When you get round to ticking Milan off your bucket list – make sure that this is the place you stay to do it!”

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HOTEL HOTSPOT

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HOTEL HOTSPOT

This room is decked out with all the latest tech-savvy elements as well as home comforts. There’s an IP interactive TV, Audica surround sound in the bedroom and bathroom, a media system with stereo and wireless for Bluetooth, free in-room music via the TV, controlled a/c and heating, luxury Apivita organic bathroom amenities, an oversized rainfall shower, extensive in room bar experience with a Nespresso machine as well as a pillow menu, laptop-sized safe, bath robes and slippers ad so much more. Let’s talk about the bed; you’ll be putting your head to rest on a deluxe feather bed and lush pillows adorned in superior quality Egyptian linen. It’s no wonder that we slept so well every night of the stay! The Aura Room is perfect for solo travellers, couples, small groups of friends and small families, and is suited to both business and leisure travellers.

smoked mirrors allow guests to look around them. With the main attraction being the USDA meat, that’s what we go for, cooked medium – it’s exquisite. Plus, the signature Parmesan Truffle Fries and Shrimp Rice Krispies are a great addition to the meal. Taste and presentation both score huge points and we polish off the food in no time! After a filling dinner, head to the popular Radio Rooftop Bar Milan, located on the 10th floor. This place offers up some truly spectacular panoramic views of the Milanese skyline, including the new towers in the Garibaldi area. Open daily from 12pm until late; the rooftop bar features international tapas and an extensive cocktail list. Guests can relax to lounge beats and deep-house music from top DJs. It’s the only rooftop bar, lounge and terrace in the Piazza della Repubblica area so make sure you pass by for a drink and a photo opp!

Where to Eat There’s no shortage of excellent food at ME Milan Il Duca. STK Milan – IL Duca is where we dined one evening. STK is a high-energy, vibe-driven restaurant where mingling and meeting new friends is all part of the social experience. Created by ICrave Studios of New York, STK skillfully combines two concepts into one: the modern steakhouse and an elegant lounge. Even before we’ve got to the menu, it’s the interiors of this restaurant that drive us wild! Think plaster horns, black curved platform seating and a palette of glossy black and cream. STK has a large bar surrounded by a raised dining area for more formal dinners. The theatrical lighting illuminates every table and the

There’s no denying that ME Milan Il Duca is a hotel with deep roots. And what we love is that it’s managed to keep lots of little traditional Italian touches whilst also moving with the times and offering guests the best of contemporary Italy too. The best feeling is knowning that all your belongings are safely kept in a stunning hotel where a comfortable bed awaits after a long day of taking in all that the city has to offer. When you get round to ticking Milan off your bucket list – make sure that this is the place you stay to do it! ✤

GO: Visit www.me-by-melia.com or call +39 800 788 333 for reservations and more information. fact magazine

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at Iconic Heights Ask anyone about Abu Dhabi’s most famous buildings and the Capital Gate will make the list; the Guinness World Records-certified structure inclines a record-breaking 18 degrees, a feat that has earned it the title of the Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi. What many people may not know is that the top floors of this magnificent building is home to the Hyatt Capital Gate hotel. FACT went to stay at the 5-star property and here’s why it’s the perfect place for a weekend getaway in the uae capital...

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WEEKEND SPOTLIGHT

hen you enter the Capital Gate building, it’s architecture, décor and all-round contemporary vibe will immediately have you at ease. The lobby café, Profiterole, located on the ground floor, is the epitome of comfort and sophistication with large plush chairs and sofas and a pastry counter showcasing some of the most delicious sweet and savoury treats. Much to our pleasant surprise, this is not where you actually check in to the Hyatt Capital Gate. For that, we’re personally escorted up to the 18th floor, stepping out into what is the hotel’s reception area, complete with another stylish lobby lounge. This is also where you’ll find the hotel’s signature restaurant, 18 Degrees (more about that later!). You’ll realise the magnitude of this modern edifice once you’re shown to a second set of lifts which lead to the spa and the 189 rooms and suites, occupying floors 19 to 33. After a smooth check-in, we whizz up to the 21st floor to the Capital Suite.

Suite Living Let’s just get straight to the point everything was bigger, brighter and SO much better than what we had expected. Past experiences have taught us that just because a building has broken world records and looks glam and glossy on the outside, it’s not always as impressive on the 70

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WEEKEND SPOTLIGHT

up some of the most breathtaking views of the city, and the sophisticated marble bathroom with a rain shower and a deepsoaking bathtub had us taking hundreds of pictures in the hopes to someday replicate the same set-up at home. An Illy espresso machine, MP3 docking station, state-ofthe-art stereo system and the comfiest robes we’ve ever slipped into, all added to the feeling of luxury in the sky. And though the suite had all the mod-cons you could wish for, there was a real sense of warm and welcoming hospitality; as a guest, we really appreciated the thoughtfulness behind every little design element and the service offered in this accommodation.

Sky-High Dining

inside. In the case of Hyatt Capital Gate we couldn’t have been more wrong. The Capital Suite elevated our every sense from the second we entered the room; your eyes will want to admire the farreaching views; your ears will appreciate the complete silence and serenity; the scent in the room will guide you straight to the beautiful bathroom with its high-end amenities and to-die-for bath tub; and all you’ll want to do is walk around touching and exploring all the cool functions in the room as well as opening every drawer to find an abundant of space and different features like a stationery box, shoe shine kit and so much more. Even your sense

of taste is covered with a huge fruit bowl (packed with everything from fresh grapes to bananas, apple and oranges) and the generous mini bar alongside the complimentary tea and coffee making facilities (we were thrilled to see Jing tea bags in the mix – only the best!). This suite is ALL about comfort; it’s sleek, modern and super spacious. You’ve got a separate bedroom, bathroom, living room and work area – it’s basically like being in your dream apartment with room service on call. The King Grand Bed (yes, that’s a thing) had us rolling on it from one side to the other, simply to make the most of how big it was! Floor-to-ceiling windows offered

If you’re familiar with food hotspots in Abu Dhabi, you might have heard the buzz around the Mediterranean restaurant 18 Degrees. Not only is the venue impressive – it’s a chic dining room inside featuring traditional and high bar tables and booth seating, while the outside terrace is one of the best in the city for incredible views to accompany your lunch, dinner or shisha experience. The menu at 18 Degrees is far from intimidating. In fact, there are plenty of simple fresh flavours inspired by the gastronomic heritage of Mediterranean coastal cuisine from Italy, France and Spain. Three show kitchens with interactive counters add to the theatrical “Mise en Scene” of the restaurant and we love the dinner experience which involves serving the food in a sharing style – it’s a great homage to the Mediterranean culture where good food brings people together. If you like your cold plates, the perfect thin slices of Beef Carpaccio will impress and if you want to start with a light and tasty salad, the creamy Burrata with tomato and basil is a great way to begin. From the hot plates, an absolute must is the Gambas al ajillo – prawns in garlic, chilli and parsley, alongside the Pan Fried Scallops and Beef Short Ribs. The Chocolate Fondant dessert had everyone licking their spoons, though we wish it had been presented straight onto the plate instead of being confined to a white, circular dish – we wanted to see all the gooey chocolate spilling out of the centre – because it sure tasted good! fact magazine

WEEKEND SPOTLIGHT

The atmosphere at 18 Degrees is a relaxed one and the service is on par with some of the best 5-star dining venues we’ve been too – something that we credit not just to the delicious food but also to the efficient and knowledgeable staff.

Serenity at Peak Rayana Spa is perched on the 19th floor overlooking the city with the hotel’s other wellness amenities which include a fitness centre, suspended outdoor pool and whirlpool all on the same floor. What we loved about the spa is that even though it’s located in this soaring, modern façade, it manages to implement and execute the sense of calm, relaxation and disconnect that you would want and expect from any good 5-star spa experience. We tried out the couple’s massage, a signature treatment that we’d highly recommend for busy-bodies. From the huge changing rooms to the big couple’s suite and the sprawling spa itself, our treatment is carried out with precision; it’s easy to sink into one of the comfy chairs in the relaxation lounge afterwards, where you’re served dried fruit, dates and your choice of hot tea. You’ll need a nap just to recover from all the pampering!

The Hyatt Capital Gate was a hotel experience full of surprises. Far from the rigid and cold hospitality that can often be found in skyscrapers, what we loved most here was the perfect balance of the modern with the homely. Not only does it boast the ideal location for anyone who is visiting on business (it’s adjoining Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and a 10-minute drive will get you to the twofour54 Abu Dhabi Media Zone), but Hyatt Capital Gate offers a world of leisure that any solo traveller, couple, and family, looking for a quick weekend escape, will seriously appreciate and love. Will we come back? Try and stop us. ✤ GO: Fly direct to Abu Dhabi with Qatar Airways (www.qatarairways.com). Call +971 02 596 1234 for reservations and more information.

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Wagamama Launches Kaizen Concept Wagamama Qatar launched Kaizen, a new concept and menu inspired by the Japanese word, which means “Good Change”, seen by the restaurant as a process of constant improvement. “Balance, harmony, openness and treating each other better” as they explain. At Wagamama, Kaizen means always trying to refine and improve what they do and after 18 months of researching, refining and training, the new Kaizen concept has launched in Qatar. This includes a new service style, an omakase section of dishes, a fresh new range of sides and even new uniforms and crockery. It’s the same Wagamama as ever, but better, because it’s got a pinch of Kaizen in it. The menu remains rich in its offerings of many Japaneseinspired dishes. A wide array of seafood and vegetarian friendly options are complemented by a tasty choice of ramen, including chicken, beef and duck, and classic Asian appetisers. ✤ GO: Visit www.wagamama.com.qa for more information.

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Born to Challenge

The Infiniti Q30 fact magazine

island RIDES

The muchanticipated allnew Infiniti Q30 was RECENTLY unveiled and being the motoring enthusiasts that we are, FACT took the hot-off-thebelt car for a ride. It’s safe to say, we were not disappointed!

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he Inf initi Q30 active compact is a new type of premium vehicle for a new type of consumer. Representing Infiniti’s first entry into the fast-growing premium compact segment, the Q30 will play an important role in continuing to drive the growth of the brand here in the region. Firstly, let’s talk about the way this car looks. The Q30 takes Infiniti’s signature design cues and evolves them into new dynamic shapes. Eye-catching design is one of the Q30’s cornerstones, including the expressive ‘Human-Eye’ headlights and double-arch grille with 3D mesh treatment up front, where the dramatic curves and turbulent lines flow up the bonnet, over the fenders and across the bodyline into the strong shoulder of the car. The signature swept C-pillar arcs at the rear, forward in a dynamic crescent shape that emphasises motion, even when stationary. The contrast of

the long, low-slung roofline, conjuring an image of a rakish shooting brake in silhouette, and elevated stance add to the visual impact. This also adds to a sleek look that gives the impression of the car being in motion even when standing still. The balance of sculptural shapes moving past one another creates a harmonious design that can be appreciated at a glance. How’s that for head-turning? And when we were done admiring the outside of the car, we got in the driver’s seat and took a moment to appreciate the interior of the Q30. Inside, the car is certainly striking. Even the entry-level Q30 GT features deep padded dash sections, contrast stitching, and gloss black accent trims. Then there’s the manual climate controls and the 7.0-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, cruise control with speed limiter, auto lights and wipers, and a Nappa leather wrapped steering wheel, which offers a good grip for drivers.

island RIDES

An important, differentiating characteristic of the Q30’s design is its combination of elevated stance with an overall height that is comparable with models in the traditional compact segment. The Q30’s height (1,495mm) allows for a higher hip point (531mm), which aids ingress and egress. The A-pillar design is intentionally slim, contributing to a more enhanced visibility for a confident driving experience. In other words, more front seat space and a raised driving position will make for the utmost comfort when you’re behind the wheel (we can vouch for that!). Under the bonnet of the Q30 range is a line-up of three engines: Q30 GT is powered by a 115kW/250 turbocharged 1.6 litre petrol four-cylinder, while Q30 Sport and Sport Premium offer a choice of either a 155kW/350Nm 2.0 litre turbo petrol, or 125kW/350Nm 2.2 litre turbo diesel. The Q30 Sport stands a little lower (1,475mm), accentuating the already distinctive, coupe-like silhouette, which is emphasised by a shallow side glass area, while also providing for agile ride and handling. Driving performance will also be differentiated, thanks to individual suspensions settings and distinctive ride and handling characteristics – offering premium compact buyers a choice that is specific to their personal needs and preferences. The Q30 Premium includes LED

front fog lamps, body-coloured and heated door mirrors, as well as chrome dual rectangular exhaust finishers. Its striking appearance is enhanced with 18-inch alloy wheels – you’ve got to see them to appreciate just how good they look! On the technology front, the Q30 delivers in spades as the best equipped with the highest level of assistive technology in the segment. This includes: Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection, Intelligent Parking Assist, Forward Collision Warning with Forward Emergency Braking and Blind Sport Warning. A first for Infiniti and this category, the Intelligent Parking Assist is designed to work in the three most common parking situations, tight parallel parking, 90-degree backingin and heading – in parking. Using 12 sensors in the front and rear, the system automatically steers the vehicle into place with the additional help or audio and visual warnings whilst the driver controls the brake and accelerator. Is the Inf initi Q30 good? Absolutely. In fact the Q30 might be one of the best and most appealing vehicles in the current Infiniti range. With bold styling, plenty of premium equipment, guaranteed reliability, and pricing that represents great value, the Q30 will definitely lift the Infiniti brand into the eye-line of buyers looking for something fresh to take on the roads. ✤ fact magazine

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Creative Content

Nikon D5600

f your hobby is photography or if your everyday involves capturing and creating artistic content, Nikon’s newest DXformat DSLRd5600 will transform they way you express through images via automatic smart device connectivity. With convenient connectivity features, this latest entry-level DX-format DSLR, is designed for sharing and storytelling. For those whose lives are spread all over their social media platforms, whether that be your morning coffee, an exquisite dinner, a pretty outfit or even a hotel view, the Nikon D5600 embodies the sentiment of sharing how you see the world W h e n it co m e s to p h otograp h y, t h e c h oic e of ca m e ra a n d with its new SnapBridge function, expanded ISO e q u ip m e n t is ab u n da n t, so w h at wi l l it tak e to m ak e t h e sensitivity, and in-camera Niko n D 5 6 0 0 sta n d o u t fro m t h e crowd ? FA C T fi n ds o u t … time-lapse movie function, all fitted into a compact and lightweight DSLR body with a vari-angle touch screen LCD monitor. It’ll fit nicely into a backpack and help you to live in the moment – from candid expressions or stunning horizons from your travels, gatherings and events – every image will be taken to reminisce, share and impress. The D5600 is equipped with a range of features that encourages users to capture and communicate their memories and favourite moments. Featuring a vari-angle LCD monitor that flips out and rotates, greater creative freedom in photography expressions is made possible. The touch screen operation that is a perennial favourite with the D5000series has been further enhanced with the addition of a crop function for use during playback zoom, and a frame advance bar that lets users scroll through images in playback mode easily. Time-lapse movie function from the more advanced Nikon D7200 has also been incorporated into this DSLR, providing users an opportunity to experiment and expand their visual narrative with beautiful time-lapse videos. In addition, a constant connection between the D5600 and a smart device is possible using the SnapBridge app and Bluetooth low energy (BLE) technology. Still images captured are automatically transferred to the paired smart device, and users can upload and share high quality images in a seamless, integrated process. SnapBridge also enables the image transfer to continue even after the camera has been turned off, and uploading of images to Nikon Image Space for storage and share. Doubling the convenience in a user’s photography experience is the camera’s built-in Wi-Fi for wireless video transfer and remote shooting, transforming the DSLR into an all-time companion for any occasion. It’ll ignite creativity with vivid colours and inspire you with every click, not to mention the flexibility and functionality of the device – you don’t have to be a pro to use the D5600, you just need to be passionate about getting every special moment on camera! ✤ GO: Visit www.nikon-mea.com for more information.

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PLUGGED-IN

App-licious L e t ’ s s e e w h at ’ s o n t h e sm a r tp h o n e a g e nd a f o r N o v e m b e r …

Signal

Where is Santa Lite

Never has a messaging app been so private. When you want to make sure that your chat stays completely confidential and secret – which app will let you do this? Get Signal – it’s an encrypted chat app used by politicians, businesspeople and whistleblowers worldwide – true say. Signal offers complete end-to-end encryption, meaning that even the company behind the app can’t see what you’re sending and receiving. It works with your existing contact book, so as long as both parties have Signal installed, you can chat away unnoticed, unmonitored and without big brother watching.

Find out where Santa is anywhere in the world and what he’s doing. It’s definitely one of the most efficient and accurate tracking Santa radars. A dynamic report of Santa’s current location and activity will be followed with every scan – cool, right? On top of that, it also finds out Santa’s estimated arrival time to your place, with a countdown timer. This app works brilliantly and we’d advise you to get it for your children, especially if they are non-believers but, also, it’s a great tool to teach them about the different world continents!

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SOCIETY

#Levi’s #Opens #First #Store #in #Qatar #at #Gulf #Mall

Levi’s brand has opened its first store in Qatar in Gulf Mall, in partnership with the Dubai-based retail conglomerate Apparel Group. The store has a natural look and feel that pays homage to the Levi’s brand’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship and heritage. A launch event was held, where Ms. Ilona Shtrom, Commercial Attaché, US Embassy to the State of Qatar inaugurated the store. Media guests, bloggers and shoppers got a glimpse of the latest collection and enjoyed a fun evening which was highlighted by an ardent live band along with a spread of sumptuous food and beverages. 80

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Massimo Dutti AW’16 Massimo Dutti’s new campaign is made once again by the great view of Mario Testino, who gave a marvellous interpretation of the brand AW16 collection, in this stunning shoot featuring the international top models Sean O’Pry, Julia Hafstrom, Ine Neefs and Steve Chevrin.

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fashion focus

FOR HER

This autumn the identity of the Massimo Dutti woman is more feminine and elegant than ever. As of the very beginning of the season, in which touches of colour from a subtle palette of pinks or fresh cornflower blue are still with us, we encounter garments with delicate shapes until we are immersed full on in the season, when the combination of classic pieces with basic sports garments come into play, along with a palette of autumn colours, in a variety of fabrics such as silk, leather and nylon. Classic, elegant and very feminine pieces are rounded off in cashmere and light-weight wools. Massimo Dutti also includes a slight preppy nod this season, inspired by the marvellous French style. Garments of impeccable quality, such as the essential camel coat or the iconic navy blue wool peacoat are must-haves. Tailored Corner renews classic tailoring and combines it with pieces made of high quality Italian fabric with other more casual work-wear pieces, such as waistcoats, pencil skirts, dresses or capes. Minimalist, clean-cut and refined lines that inspire comfortable garments are suffused in navy blues, greys and ecru palette.

FOR HIM

This season a certain eclectic style seems to arise, and this is because menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fashion is complemented with a wink and a nod to other creative universes such as that of sports, industrial design, music or even feminine fashion. This autumn we will find garments and accessories that adopt and adapt to all the fashion codes. This seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Massimo Dutti man is not a conventional man, he is in search for the counterpoint between professional and private life, intermixing the structure of the work days with moments of leisure, dressing in a more vanguard style. The palette of colours in blacks, greys, tobacco, navy blues and touches of white are the one that predominate this season. Autumn absolutely demands that nod to the preppy style, which in this case combines the most intense colours such as green and fuchsia with navy blue and light grey, including a range of oranges, earthy tones and royal blue mixed together with natural colours. Finally, jeans are taking over in all their cuts and textures, combined with leather jackets or printed shirts. GO: The Massimo Dutti AW16 collection is available in all Massimo Dutti stores across the GCC now. 82

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fashion focus

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fashion focus

Shop the brand Here is our wishlist from massimo dutti’s aw’16 collection for her

for him

“ Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes. After that, who cares? He’s a mile away and you’ve got his shoes.

This collection is AVAILABLE in the GCC AT ALL massimo dutti STORES, NOW.

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‫للخــياطة الرجالــية‬

‫كـالسيـك‬

Classic Man for Tailoring

Tel. 4421 9357

Mob. 3377 2735 P.O. Box: 7346 Doha - Qatar fact magazine

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STYLE

Metallic Muse Rock the metallic trend this season - every girl needs a show-stopping piece so don a shimmering dress for a special occasion - think sequins, metallic threads and sparkling textures for instant luxe. Keep it new season appropriate with decadent 1920s-esque embellished touches and add subtle shine to an outfit with tops, short skirts, glitter shoes, boots and accessories for a fast-track to a high shine ensemble.

01. Aldo 02. Debenhams 03. Dorothy Perkins 04. Dune 05. F&F 06. H&M 07. Miss Selfridge 08. New Look 09. Next 10. Parfois 11. River Island 12. Topshop 86

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STYLE

Back to Black Trends will come and go but black will always remain a classic and effortlessly chic colour. Keep it sleek with skinny jeans and roll neck combos when the temperature drops, and wrap up in a structured overcoat for a tailored take on daywear. Jumpers, tees and sophisticated blazers can all be pairs with trousers or grunge skinnies for a smart casual look. The humble black bomber jacket or hoodie will add a fresh twist to your winter attire.

01. Aldo 02. Debenhams 03. H&M 04. Mens at Dune 05. New Look 06. Next 07. Hush Puppies 08. Pull & Bear 09. River Island 10. Salsa 11. Marks & Spencer 12. Topman fact magazine

BEAUTY box

Nutcracker Sweet

MAC Cosmetics

Get into the festive mood with a bit of fun colour. MAC Cosmetics is bringing the holiday spirit straight to your makeup bag with an allNutcracker inspired collection. Enjoy the luscious pink lipsticks, golden eyeliners, and long-lasting eye shadows. This is just what you need for all the party invites coming your way! 88

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grooming box

Aesop P u rs u its of P assion •

esop’s Gift Kits for 2016-2017, collectively titled ‘Pursuits of Passion’, celebrate six naturalists long revered for their writing and illustrations. The common threads between them are passion, a touch of eccentricity, and the gift of valuable new knowledge. In complement to the rest of the Aesop range, these handsomely presented offerings make for ideal giving to free-spirited loved ones and colleagues throughout the festive season. Packaged in practical, reusable amenity cases, the kits are wrapped in sleeves featuring vibrant illustrations by Norwegian artist Bendik Kaltenborn. Among the series is a trio of nourishing Hair Care formulations, a sumptuous Hand and Body Care quartet, and a regimen from Aesop’s much-loved anti-oxidant Parsley Seed Skin Care range.

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BEAUTY checklist

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Survival Kit Holiday season is here – party with your makeup game on fleek and keep these beauty products at hand to look effortless at any time of the day.

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Rouge In the City Collection Bourjois Pop a daring colour on your lips with a velvetmatte finish and a longlasting effect. Red is the trend to follow this season, so you might want to invest in a couple of these tubes. The collection comes with different red hues to suit your skin colour. Go bold and adventurous! 90

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Sheer Eye Zone Corrector Shiseido Holiday season is all about clean makeup and looking sharp, so this product is on the money. With so many parties on the horizon, opt for a sheer makeup look. Forgo heavy foundation and if possible, conceal areas of need only. Take it from us; this concealer is the way to go for a girl on-the-go.

Liquid Assets Collection, Illuminating Liquid Highlighter Elizabeth Arden Illuminate like a goddess with this upbeat highlighter. Dab on the highest points of your cheeks, bridge of the nose and cupids bow. Blend away for a natural effect. Perfect for a day to night look to keep a healthy glow.

I love Juicy Couture, Perfume Juicy Couture A combination of lush fruits and fresh floral, the fragrance is an infusion of seductive amber and musk. With bold notes, the bottle screams modernity and a woman who is fearless at all costs. This is the scent of the season and we love it!

Scandaleyes Reloaded Mascara Rimmel Spider lashes are big this season, so the more the merrier. Apply up to two coats of mascara for a full-house look on your eyelids. Go big, or go home with this long-lasting black mascara – it’s the ideal buy to keep in your purse and take your eyes from alert to wow!

Magic Hour, Face Mask Starskin Give your skin a breath of fresh air with these purifying and cleansing sheet masks. Remove all toxins, let your pores breathe and renew, and enjoy rejuvenated skin with a glowy-complexion restored. Use twice a week, or when needed for better results.

grooming checklist

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Winter wonder Gents, it’s time to welcome stubble and let the beard grow out, but don’t forget to keep your skin, hair and scent game on point. Let us help you out with our top product picks...

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Davidoff Amber Blend Amber Blend is the third opus to continue the Davidoff Blend Collection, an exclusive line of eaux de parfum designed for true connoisseurs. Created by master perfumer Olivier Pescheux, Davidoff Amber Blend is an oriental spicy, masculine fragrance with a radiant allure for winter.

Beardbrand Spiced Citrus Beard Oil This product not only conditions the beard hairs, but also conditions the underlying skin, resulting in eliminating that itching skin. Jojoba oil, Grape seed oil, Castor oil, Vanilla essential oil and Grapefruit essential oil, all give it a nice spicy scent, with the benefit of transforming prickly beard hairs into a soft, healthy shine.

Molton Brown Black Peppercorn Body Wash Every man we know swears by this great grooming must-have; warm, aromatic and spicy, this now legendary product from Molton Brown is everything you want from a shower gel: it foams up a treat, doesn’t leave skin feeling dry and tight, and smells fantastic too.

Dermalogica Total Eye Care This SPF eye cream with skin-smoothing alpha-hydroxy acids retexturises to reduce the appearance of puffiness and fine lines. Optical light diffusers help diminish dark circles and a chemical-free sunscreen helps to shield against further damage. Plus, it’s got no artificial fragrances or colours – bonus.

Clinique Post Shave Soother It’s light, absorbs quickly, and contains skin-soothing sloe for that much-needed post-shave fix. The lotion instantly cools and calms any razor burns and redness after shaving. The lightweight lotion comforts the skin while encouraging the healing of minor cuts and nicks. Just what you need for those sleepy, winter days!

Billy Jealousy Assassin Intensive Face Moisturiser Formulated with the latest in at-home skincare technology to provide speedy and effective results, the paraben-free moisturiser is rich in antioxidants, proteins and vitamins that renew the skin’s cells and reduce wrinkles, making your face visibly younger, smoother and more radiant. fact magazine

festive gifts

ASPINAL BY LONDON

LAURA MERCIER

Ciate Dolls House Set Nail Kit

Ted Baker

CALVIN KLEIN

TOO FACED VIRGIN MEGASTORE

Festive Gifts For Her

Nine West MAKE UP FOR EVER

Apa Beauty

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festive gifts

EMPORIO ARMANI AT PARIS GALLERY

HACKETT

Festive Gifts For him

MENS AT DUNE

Beats Solo 2 Wireless Headphones

Ted Baker

VIRGIN MEGASTORE

Debenhams

CARTIER Les Heures Voyageuses MARKS & SPENCER

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HOME STYLE

Laura Ashley

Marks & Spencer

Debenhams

Festive! We don’t have to remind you that it’s the holiday season already – you’ll have seen the store displays and felt a merry spirit in the air! Bring this same joyful feeling into your home with our pick of the best buys for your festive fix…

dotcomgiftshop

Paperchase

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Marina Home

HOME STYLE

Lakeland DIY Christmas

One of the best things about this time of the year is sitting around the kitchen table with the entire family and tucking into festivethemed baked goods and other culinary creations. Lakeland has just the right tools to help outâ&#x20AC;Ś

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SOCIETY

#La #Mer #Bistro #Launch #at #The #Ritz #Carlton #Doha

Members of the media, VIP guests and clients attended the launch event of La Mer Bistro at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha. La Mer Bistro is a new culinary concept featuring French casual dining and signature drinks enjoyed within the comforts of a quintessential bistro with stunning views of the Doha skyline. Guests were seen casually mingling whilst indulging in the venueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautiful surroundings and excellent food and drink offerings.

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A Taste of Asia fact magazine

Global restaurateur and celebrity chef Richard Sandoval has become a worldwide culinary sensation. He brought his signature food flair to Doha when he opened Zengo and Z Lounge by Zengo, a sophisticated venue at Kempinski Residence & Suites. We caught up with the epicurean master to learn more about his cooking past and what guests can expect and enjoy at his restaurants…

Hi Richard! What’s your earliest memory of cooking and how did your interest in food get sparked? I was born and raised in Mexico City. Food was an integral part of my life growing up, I spent a lot of time at my grandmother’s house who put together an amazing feast for the whole family every Saturday and Sunday. I would always watch her cook when I was little and think about how much fun it would be. My father was a restaurateur and also entertained guests in our home regularly. Because of this, I was always exposed to new ingredients. As a young man I first pursued my passion for sport and became a professional tennis player, but later I re-evaluated my career. I thought hard about what I enjoyed besides tennis, and I kept going back to cooking. It was then that I decided to enroll in the Culinary Institute of America. After I graduated, I moved to Acapulco to work with my father at his restaurants. I was able to hone in on my cooking skills at his restaurants and also learn how to successfully operate them. Four years later, I returned to New York City to open my first restaurant. In 98

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exclusive interview

1997 I opened Maya, my flagship modern Mexican restaurant in New York. I now have over 40 concepts spanning Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, New York, Virginia and Washington, D.C., as well as in Dubai, Hong Kong, Mexico, Tokyo, Qatar and Serbia. Tell us a little about the concept at Zengo and what it offers the people of Doha? Zengo is a unique Pan-Asian culinary experience in the heart of Doha. Zengo, meaning ‘give and take’ in Japanese, introduces a myriad of styles and flavours inspired by my world travels. It is situated on the 61st floor of the Kempinski Residences & Suites in West Bay alongside the Z Loung, bringing a unique, cross-cultural culinary experience to Doha. Through the vibrant décor that fuses modern Asian and inventive design, people will come here and relax and taste a whole bunch of dishes – to really take a culinary tour through Asia and taste a lot of different things. Describe the menu items and what influences the dishes? I was greatly inspired by my world travels and the ancient spice routes from Asia to the Far East. Zengo’s menu offers a unique spin on authentic Pan-Asian cuisine. The menu ranges from sushi, sashimi and hand-crafted dim sum; to curry dishes, grilled entrees, and wok dishes. Hand-muddled mocktails, with a focus on Asian flavours, complement the diverse menu. What makes Zengo stand out from its competitors in Doha? I have travelled a lot throughout my professional and personal life and I have found Asian cuisine to be extremely vibrant and varied. The menu at Zengo brings a new flavour to Doha’s palate, and I am confident that Zengo will quickly establish itself as a chosen destination for those seeking a trendy atmosphere with the finest cuisine. Tell us what you think is key to the success of a dining venue? I believe it is all about maintaining consistency and quality of services provided. It starts with the hiring process of the staff – you have to hire the right people. Once you have the right profile, you have the passion, the heart, and then comes the training. Obviously you know you have recipes to teach them, but I like to teach them their palate because a recipe is a guideline, and the ingredients are not always the same. Your tomatoes today might be a little bit more sour, or your onions are not as sweet, so we try to teach them that everything needs to be tasted. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from your many years in the food sector? Education… continuous education. To me, knowledge is power. No matter what you do, no matter how old you are, or how many years of experience you have, you will always need knowledge, so education will always be important. Have you got any advice for budding restaurateurs and anyone looking to get into this industry? I think the most important thing is to go and experience the life of a restaurant which looking from the outside everyone thinks is a very glamorous profession but I think people don’t really see the backbone of the operation. The restaurant industry is probably one of the most complex and difficult industries in the world because what people don’t understand is that there are a lot of moving parts. When you open a restaurant you have to train the hostess, the bartenders, the runners, your busboys, your pastry chefs, your line cooks, and then they’ve got to be like a synchronised orchestra – so just the amount of moving parts and the things that you are working with is incredible. What’s happening is that TV has glamourised the industry so young kids are going into it with these misconceptions. I think they need to really understand and go work in a hotel or get a job as a dishwasher, whatever it is, to really understand the reality of it. ✤ GO: Visit Zengo and Z Lounge by Zengo at Kempinski Residences & Suites. Call 4405 3561 for reservations and more information. fact magazine

SOCIETY

#15th #Annual #IHG #Qatar #Mixed #Open

The 15th IHG Qatar Mixed Open, represented by InterContinental Doha, InterContinental Doha The City and Crowne Plaza Doha The Business Park, in association with Mitsubishi Motors was held in late October at Doha Golf Club. The tournament was officially launched at InterContinental Doha in the presence of VIPs, corporate executives, and media representatives. The tournament attracted a top class amateur field of 200 golfers from the Gulf region competing in a two-day golfing agenda including a complimentary practice round followed by one tournament round played in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Greensomesâ&#x20AC;? format. 100 fact magazine

The First to go Raw One of the biggest food trends to hit the gastronomy scene has made its way to Doha. Enter The Raw Bar at The St. Regis Doha â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a completely new and inventive collaboration by two culinary extraordinaires, Chef Elias Gemayel and Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay. FACT learns more... fact magazine

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CHEF’S TABLE

hen you think of raw food, what comes to mind? Hold that thought and, first, let us enlighten you. The St. Regis Doha has welcomed its newest food concept; Doha’s first raw bar. Only this time, it’s the joint venture between two pro-cooks. Lebanese Chef, Elias Gemayel, with over a decade of international culinary skills, is overseeing the food aspects of The Raw Bar by Gordon Ramsay as well as the world-famous chef ’s other two outlets; Opal and Gordon Ramsay Mediterranean. Chef Elias brings his creative flair and inventiveness to raw cuisine, turning the finest ingredients into plate-adorning masterpieces, with input from the Celebrity Chef, Gordon Ramsay himself. The venue, aptly named The Raw Bar was designed to complement the guest experience at both Opal and Gordon Ramsay Mediterranean, with a bigger culinary offer. Inside, it has modern yet classic design using black and white marble that will send you back to the most popular raw bars and seafood destinations around the world. Now, although raw cuisine may not be everyone’s cup of tea, we certainly aren’t ones to pass up on trying something new. In fact, if you’ve been as far as sashimi or other raw Japanese fare, then you’re going to feel right at home at The Raw Bar, if not, even more so as the menu items cleverly pair together beautiful delicious dining with thirstquenching mixology. How so? We hear you ask… Firstly, The Raw Bar boasts an authentic, sophisticated atmosphere with intimate, elegant seating with a casual vibe. Secondly, there’s a range of seven small food sections; Oysters, Caviar, Carpaccio, Sushi, Sashimi, Tartare, Ceviche, and Tataki to savour, and third, you get to delve into all of these foodie treats with the finest vino, bubbly and exclusive gastronomic signature cocktails including Mango and Jalapeno Mojito, Pisco Sour and Oyster Shots, to accompany. Our curiosity and anticipation was peaked after a little tour around the stylish venue and a look at the light menu. We say light because The Raw Bar isn’t a place that’s trying to overload you with a five-course meal, instead, it offers a refined and unique epicurean experience for food connoisseurs and anyone with a taste for something different and refreshing. 102 fact magazine

CHEF’S TABLE

First to the table was the super fresh and flavourful Prawns Ceviche. Not only is the presentation on point, the tangy hint in this dish made us question how something that was completely raw could taste this good. The Tuna Tataki and Homemade Cured Salmon Gravlaz Carpaccio followed suit with the tuna carrying a more tropical essence and the salmon having more of a bite to it with a herb-lemon punch. Just divine! The biggest standouts for us, however, were the exquisite Beef Tartare and the Crunchy Salmon Rolls. The first was seasoned to perfection with olives, capers and parsley in the mix, and the latter was some of the best sushi we’ve ever tasted – thanks to the lip-licking tempura and Japanese mayo. We couldn’t have asked for a better inauguration into raw cuisine. Though we didn’t try the Oysters and Caviar, we heard the stories from Chef Elias and know just what to recommend. Go for the Oyster Fine De Clair; these oysters are finished in knee-deep claire (rectangular salt ponds) for a minimum of one month, during which they fatten and take on a sweeter, fruitier flavour from the water and phytoplankton in the ponds. If you’re a newcomer to Oysters, this will be a good introduction. Something we keep hearing a lot about on the food circuit but hadn’t yet tried was the Caviar Beluga. We’re told that it’s the rarest and costliest caviar which comes from the beluga sturgeon fish that swim in the Caspian Sea. This is basically the gold of raw food. It’s also noted in the Guinness Book of World Records as the most expensive of all caviars and is supposed to have a rich, slightly sweet-tasting flavour. Paired all the above with the right drink and you have winning dishes and an exceptional meal. Tip: this place is perfect for a quick healthy lunch or a bit of food before your night out. With impressive signature dishes served through the week and a rare collection of spirits from around the world, The Raw Bar is definitely the best place in Doha to enjoy a distinctive culinary and mixology experience. ✤ GO: Visit The Raw Bar by Gordon Ramsay at The St. Regis Doha. Open from 12noon to 11pm on everyday except Friday when the opening time is from 6.30pm to 11pm. Call 4446 0105 or go online to www. rawbardoha.com for reservations and more information. fact magazine

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Food Goals at

Sakura

The FACT team took their food game up a notch this month and visited a true hidden gem in the city. Sakura at Radisson Blu Doha Hotel is one of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most understated teppanyaki and sushi bars to sample delicious Japanese cuisine. fact magazine

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CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

adisson Blu Doha Hotel is known for its great location, affordable promotions and exceptional venues, all perfect to unwind with family and friends at any given time. One of those places is Sakura Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar which has been creating a buzz in the city for quite some time now. Known for its array of sushi, tempura, Sakura rice and exquisite desserts, it comes as no surprise that this hidden undiscovered haven is a favoured hotspot for many locals and expats. With a cosy atmosphere and an alluring dark ambience, the venue screams intimacy for those who seek and prefer some privacy. There’s a sushi bar and an open kitchen for visitors to marvel whilst enjoying their meal – the in-house chefs are always happy to put on a show. And if that wasn’t cool enough, Sakura also offers private dining rooms for group occasions or special night’s out with loved ones. If you’re planning to visit this chilled-out venue, comfy, casual attire will be just fine, as this place is less about the glitz and glam and more about a true foodie experience. It all comes down to what Sakura offers and that is mouthwatering sushi. Don’t miss out on their Sakura 4/2, a combination of sushi, sashimi and maki. You’ll get four pieces of salmon, tuna and red snapper sashimi alongside Ebi (prawn), sake (salmon), Maguro (Tuna), Tako (octopus), and Tai (Cuttlefish) sushi, plus three pieces of special crispy maki and kani crunchy maki. This is the combo option for those who can’t make up their minds and want to try a little bit of the best of what Sakura has to offer. The food is fresh and we can taste the quality of the ingredients in every bite. Yum! The Volcano Maki is the next talking point at the table. It’s made up of breaded crabstick, Japanese mayonnaise and avocado filling with a crunchy outside. Served with a sweet and spicy sauce, this is the stuff of maki dreams! The Jo Special Maki, tempura crabstick with Philadelphia cheese filling wrapped with avocado is possibly the most deliciously simple mix of tasty flavours that we’ve ever tried. Hot dishes are also a must. The teppanyaki selection has us doing the happy dance; 106 fact magazine

“The Jo Special Maki, tempura crabstick with Philadelphia cheese filling wrapped with avocado is possibly the most deliciously simple mix of tasty flavours that we’ve ever tried.” Sakura knows how to nail a juicy beef tenderloin just as well as they make the king scallops, hammour fillet and chicken breast (yes, we tried each one!). Eat with seafood fried rice and you’ve got the star of the meal. Everything is prepared in a live cooking station setting, making the experience even more exciting. For smaller nibbles that will

CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

satisfy in a big way, opt for the Ebi tempura (battered fried prawns), the pan-fried gyoza (meat and vegetable filled dumplings), and the Hottate Furai (breaded scallops with volcano sauce). Each is an explosion of flavours and textures that will curb all those Japanese food cravings. Last, but by no means the least, treat yourself to the Banana Tempura dessert – packed with the sweet authentic taste of this popular after-meal treat. It sealed our dinner with a big tick. We’ll be coming back to this authentic restaurant very soon, not just for the excellent food but, also, the topnotch service and hospitality. ✤ GO: Call 4428 1555 for reservations and more information.

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Villaggio Mall Tel. 44959060 â&#x20AC;˘ Landmark Mall Tel. 44565340 â&#x20AC;˘ Hamad International Airport Tel. 44150442 virginmegastore.ae virginmena virginmena virginmegastoreme

The Art of

Sabai Thai Our resident amateur chef, Badir Bechara visited The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa to learn the art of Thai cuisine in the December edition of Cucina De Badirâ&#x20AC;Ś fact magazine

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Cucina de badir

he festivities are approaching and it’s a time when I love to try out my cooking skills at home. So, when I heard that this month’s Cucina De Badir was going to mean earning new tricks of Thai cuisine - I couldn’t have been happier. With a varied menu of delicious dishes, I was all geared up for what was going to be Thai cooking 101 at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa’s popular dining spot Sabai Thai. All about bringing culture and authentic ingredients to the plate, Thai food is some of the most flavourful grub that you’ll ever try. I met with the restaurant’s very own Sous Chef, Areewan Larpnikornkul for an insight into the restaurant and its menu. To my surprise, all the dishes we prepared were quick, easy and on the healthy side - bonus. We started off with a Tom Yam Goong, a beautifully-aromatic hot and spicy prawn soup. I started off by cutting some lemongrass and ginger into small pieces. I later put some water to boil and added these ingredients to it. Also, in goes sliced red pepper, mushrooms, and coriander. Mixing it all together, I added four big, juicy prawns and soon the soup is ready to be seasoned. For this, I add a spoonful of fish sauce and chilli paste, which helps with achieving the right colour without altering the taste – we didn’t want tangy, we wanted a slightly acidic flavour. For this, three pieces of lemon are generously squeezed into the mixture. Let the soup sit until the prawns are nicely cooked. Pour in a bowl and serve hot – this is the kind of dish that you need on a cold winter’s day or when you’re sick and need a quick fix. SO delicious! Up next, a dish so popular I couldn’t contain my excitement: Stir-fried Noodle Thai Style, also known as Pad Thai. To my pleasant surprise, it’s super easy to prepare. I heated vegetable oil on a frying pan and threw some tofu pieces on until they went firm. Later, I added dry shrimp, one spoon of purple onion, sweet radish, three fresh shrimps, and two eggs. I was told to mix it all until the shrimp had a gorgeous golden colour, then to immediately add the Pad Thai noodles and stir together 110 fact magazine

for a consistent mix. To give the dish that extra touch, I added around half a spoon of fish sauce and pad Thai sauce, a handful of beansprouts and Chinese chilli, and two spoons of peanut crumbs followed by a little lemon. After another thorough mix, it’s all ready to plate up and taste! It might just be the satisfaction of eating something that I prepared from scratch myself, but in all honesty, this could possibly be the best Pad Thai dish I’ve ever tasted in my entire life (no exaggeration). The flavours are popping, there are so many different textures from the noodles, the shrimps and

Cucina de badir

“ S a b a i T h a i is kn o wn f o r its aw e s o m e m o nt h ly dinin g p r o m o ti o ns a nd e x quisit e t r a diti o n a l T h a i m e nu . T h is is just a sm a l l g l imps e o f w h at y o u c a n b e indu l g in g in f o r dinn e r i f a nd w h e n y o u fa nc y REALLY g o o d Thai food.”

the crunchy veg – it’s an explosion of tastes in every bite! To end this Thai culinary journey, as you should, I sealed the deal with a very unusual dessert: Tub Tim Krob, also known as water chestnut dumpling. I added red colouring to a few different portions of water chestnut and let it all sit for around 20 minutes. Meanwhile, I heat (not boil) some coconut milk in which a spoon of salt is added. In a separate pan, I added some water and let it boil, later putting the water chestnut into it with a bit of tapioca starch, allowing all of the chestnuts to cover. Let all of this boil together for roughly 20 seconds and immediately move it all to a container with ice cold water. The dish is now ready to serve in a nice glass and, for the final touch, the coconut milk is added. Like I said, easier and healthier than expected. The dessert is unlike anything we’ve tried before; it’s more delicate than we imagined and even though you’re not working with a ton of flavours, the ingredients that are used really shine through. Sabai Thai is known for its awesome monthly dining promotions and exquisite traditional Thai menu. This is just a small glimpse of what you can be indulging in for dinner if and when you fancy REALLY good Thai food. As for me… hasta la próxima en La Cucina De Badir. ✤ GO: Visit Sabai Thai at The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa. Call 4492 1555 for reservations and more information. fact magazine

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doha bites

Noodling Night

Bistro Delights

Boxing Day Brunch

They’ve got oodles of noodles and dumplings for days at the all-new noodLING night in Asia Live at Doha Marriott Hotel. Indulge in an evening of all you can eat noodles and dumplings specially crafted by the Chinese Chef Xudong Zheng every Saturday! Enjoy unlimited dumplings and noodles for QR100 per person or add QR60 per person for an unlimited draft beverage package! Every Saturday from 6.30pm to 11.30pm.

La Mer Bistro at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha is the quintessence of the traditional French Bistro: a comfortable, dynamic and casual yet elegant social place surrounded by the panoramic view of the Doha Skyline. A perfect venue to gather and dine where everything is set to try a large number of authentic French flavours at an affordable price. Celebrate the weekend in true French Bistro style by indulging on authentic French aperitifs while nibbling sumptuous canapés at the Apertif a la Francaise offering. On Thursdays and Fridays, from 6pm to 8pm. Unlimited canapés for two hours and special prices on French aperitifs and selected drinks.

The feast after the day of feastin’ continues at Champions Sports Bar & Restaurant in Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha. Warm up for the EPL Boxing Day fixtures with unlimited house beverages, and a selection of all-you-caneat Champions’ favourites for a cheerfilled Boxing Day! The food, the drinks, the crowd, the entertainment and the all-round lively atmosphere makes this a great choice for December 26. QR225 per person, from 12noon to 3pm.

Call 4429 8499 for reservations and more information.

Call 4484 8000 for reservations and more information.

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Call 4419 5000 for reservations and more information.

Belgian Roast Brunch

YOUR ENTERTAINMENT REFERENCE

It’s the weekend and you want something with a culinary difference. Say no more! Every Friday and Saturday, enjoy a unique dining experience at Belgian Café, InterContinental Doha. Try the newest menu items at the Belgian Roast Weekend Brunch with succulent roasts to satisfy all the meat lovers, and enjoy the Happy Hour on draughts and house vino from 12.30pm to 6pm. Hops packages for QR135 with unlimited draught hops.

CMY

Call for 4484 4444 for reservations and more information.

@DOHA_NIGHTLIFE

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Jason Xuereb

Director of Food & Beverage at Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha

Doha Insider What makes Marsa Malaz Kempinski stand out from its competitors?

Your favourite local/ cultural hotspots in Doha and why…

We want to create an adventure for our diners, allowing their taste buds to travel through the culinary masterpieces our chefs have prepared. We’ve achieved this by the variety of outlets from all over the globe in one luxurious location and also by ensuring that our chefs originate from the regions with the flavours being understood from a young age. We understand that hospitality goes further than a scrumptious meal, thus making one of our main focuses a balance between friendly and anticipated service with a European flair for luxury.

Being in the Food & Beverage industry my entire life I enjoy finding hidden gems. Souq Waqif is certainly one of my favourites, where I can take my family for a relaxed and culturally rich evening, followed by a walk along the Corniche. So often in today’s world we get caught up in the ‘hustle and bustle’ that it’s soulfully rewarding to embrace your surroundings, like enjoying the ever-growing Doha skyline or to choose your own fresh produce at the Farmers Market now that the weather is cooling.

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What are some of your professional goals for 2017? By managing seven various restaurants with different cuisines my goals are somewhat specific for each outlet. Certainly for 2017 I would like to start elevating the status of both our Spanish and Levant cuisine restaurants, El Faro and Al Sufra respectively, to a level where they can be implemented into Kempinski properties around the world. Just in the short time they have been open they have developed a reputation for authentic and wholesome food and it would certainly be an achievement for both teams to be recognised in such a manner.

Celebrate in a Palatial atmosphere. Treat you and your loved ones with magical festive activities.

For festive reservations & more information: +974 4035 5011 | restaurants.marsamalaz@kempinski.com

kempinski.com/marsamalaz/festive

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Revel in a setting that defies expectation & resolve to groove on nonstop. Tear up the night & kick off the New Year with our celebrity 12 piece band from USA, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I Love This Bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Studio 54 Gala Celebration 995 QAR pp Cocktail reception & 4 course dinner Selected unlimited beverages included The Great Room 8 pm till late Dress code: Disco Elegant only Reservations Call 44535135 magazine 116 fact Whoteldoha.com/festive