FACT Qatar February 2019 by Fact ME

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C ONTE NT S

FACT FINDS

VALENTINEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DAY

ARTS INTERVIEW

STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT

HOSPITALITY Q&A

2019 NOMINEES

FASHION FOCUS

CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

HEALTH & FITNESS

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• THE EDITOR

New Beginnings

“

The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney

t has been 4.5 years since I took over at the helm of FACT Qatar magazine and it’s been an interesting ride to say the least - forever keeping me on my toes! Qatar has become one of my favourite places in the region for its quality of hotels, its innovative dining and its wealth of things to see and do. Every issue has been as exciting as the last one to put together, and seeing the country develop to where it is today has been an absolute honour. Though I’ll be sticking around to send funny memes on our office chat group and step in to help in any way that’s needed, I’m ready to pass the baton onto a newer, fresher (and probably less tired) face, who will proceed to take on the task of bringing you the best in local food, arts, culture and travel - great interviews, events and happenings to mark on your calendar and so much more quality editorial to make life in Doha the best it can be. World, meet our new local Editor, the lovely Anushay Taimur Khan, take it away A...

Shabana Adam Editor-in-Chief shabana@fact-magazine.com Insta: @shabs_a

ello, world! I’m ecstatic to join the Fact Qatar family and be your host for the upcoming editorials. Most of you have already seen me getting all sorts of information ready via Instagram and attending many social events so this is just a welcome shout-out for everyone. My first edition is a bit of everything, just like the unpredictable Doha weather! I met the incredible Sabrina Puppin and came face-to-face with her mesmerising work and I’m ready to tell you all about it on p40. We’re also taking you to Al Aziziyah Boutique hotel this month as we experience a very Victorian family picnic brunch (p85) and then we’re off to a staycation at the towering Shangri-La Doha for a relaxing weekend (p48). If you think that sounds like a month’s worth of exploring, just wait for it. We tried out Café Paradis De Lord just to give you our honest (and yummiest) opinion on p89 and hand pick some favourites from the menu. Unless you’ve been totally awol from reality, you’ll see that we’re all about the colour red this month. It is the celebrated month of love so; we’ve picked our favourite spots you can book yourself for a romantic evening, starting p19. As I sit here with a t-shirt and the heater on in the room, I hope the winter stays just a bit longer. The chilly winds can be deathly but I am never going to complain. Stay tuned to our social media platforms and website for the best updates and finds from all over town. Much love!☺

Anushay Taimur Khan Editor anushay@fact-magazine.com Insta: @anushaytkhan 4

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FACT Magazine Qatar Edition • FEBRUARY 2019 VOLUME 05, ISSUE 09

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) EDITOR ANUSHAY TAIMUR KHAN ASSISTANT EDITOR AANCHAL DUGGAL SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS SYED MUHAMMED RAIHAN JYOTI RAWAT PHOTOGRAPHY SUDHI KOLLAROTH CONTRIBUTORS CRAIG FERRIMAN PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION AJIT KUMAR NEIL MAHMOOD SALES DIRECTOR MARISELA PAESANO (marisela@fact-magazine.com) OFFICE ADMIN PRADEEP KUMAR ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES marisela@fact-magazine.com PRINTED BY AL ANAN PRINTING PRESS , OMAN

All Rights Reserved. Opinion expressed within does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the information within this publication. However, FACT M.E. Publishing cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions.

Kick start your weekend with an authentic Lebanese breakfast at Al Sultan Brahim Restaurant. The newly launched menu oďŹ&#x20AC;ers exquisite Lebanese delicacies such as Balila, Fatteh, Manakish and a lot more. Guests can also dine al fresco ssle at the outdoor terrace overlooking the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pool.

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A newly-launched dedicated instagram page for FACT Qatar magazine, keep up with our posts and stories for the best behind-the-scenes photos from food shoots, local events and all things awesome in the Doha and beyond, plus insights from the FACT team.

FACEBOOK FACT Qatar 20,845 likes Keep up with all things Qatar as the FACT team posts the latest competitions, happenings and everything we’re getting up to for the monthly magazine, all for our readers!

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

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All you need is love but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” - Charles M Schulz

ISSUU.COM FACT Qatar 71,426 reads of the January 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 more in Qatar and beyond.

OUR FAVE FEATURE • LOVE YOU A LATTE P31 •

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• CHECK IT OUT

FACT FINDS

Asian Delights MILLENNIUM PLAZA DOHA HAS OPENED ITS SIGNATURE RESTAURANT, TOSHI, FOR DOHA’S DINERS TO INDULGE IN MORE GOOD FOOD. LOCATED IN THE BUSY BUSINESS DISTRICT OF AL SADD AND BOASTING NEARBY TOURISM HOTSPOTS, THE HOTEL’S 5-STAR OFFERING IS SET TO APPEAL TO LOCALS, BUSINESS AND LEISURE TRAVELLERS ALIKE.

EXCITE YOUR TASTE BUDS at the Asian inspired Toshi restaurant with its vibrant flavours, inventive dishes and immaculate service. Toshi is located at the Lobby level of Millennium Plaza Doha, with panoramic windows overlooking Suhaim Bin Hamad Street. The Heart-warming and welcoming restaurant serves Pan Asian cuisine and is an exotic experience of the best in Asian hospitality. The mouth-watering menu takes inspiration from the finest flavours Asia has to offer with specialities from Thailand, China, and Japan. Seafood connoisseurs are in for a real treat with the signature dish, Japanese Sushi. Using only the finest ingredients, Toshi will keep you hungry for more. The elegant fine dining restaurant, helmed by the highly experienced Asian Chefs, is set to become a favourite among the residents of Doha. “Without a doubt, we are very excited and proud to launch Toshi restaurant, first of its kind, and well ahead of similar operations in Qatar.” said Ehab Barghouth 8

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General Manager of Millennium Plaza Doha. “Instead of visiting Asia to have a food journey we brought Asia to you. For us Toshi is not just a restaurant it’s a passion for Asian food.” The stylish Asian interiors use an updated colour palette inspired by earthy tones, subtly highlighted with bronze and gold. Set against an open kitchen, guests are able to witness first-hand as culinary master pieces are expertly created on the Teppanyaki grill. Those after a little more privacy for important business meetings or special occasions, a private dining room that seats 10 people is available. No matter what the occasion is, Toshi will deliver an unforgettable dining experience. Toshi is open 6pm t 11.30pm every day. ✤

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

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• LISTEN UP

ENTERTAINMENT FIX Just some of the best happenings to check out at the Radisson Blu Hotel Doha for February… David Bowie Tribute Show Put on your red shoes and dance the blues. The greatest David Bowie tribute in the UK and beyond is now in Doha! Hear the timeless music and incarnations of the legend, experience the theatrics and moves recreated live on stage through the persona of Paul Henderson. Featuring a string of hit singles from the golden years of David Bowie including Space Oddity, Changes, Ziggy Stardust, Fame, Rebel Rebel, Starman, Heroes, Life On Mars, Jean Genie, Let’s Dance, China Girl, Ashes To Ashes, Fashion, Drive In Saturday, Diamond Dogs and many more including classic album tracks. Taking place on February 28. Priced at QR490 per person with an international gourmet buffet and selected beverages included. Special room packages are available.

alone. Come prepared, Quiz starts at 8pm. Three will be gifted with prices either QR1000, QR500 or QR250 meal vouchers that can be used in any restaurant. Takes place on February 25. Chinese New Year at Ruby Wu’s Two special set menus will be offered in celebration of the Chinese New Year. Join in and find out your fortune with a delicious meal! Set Menu Prices: QR258 per person; QR288 per person (the rates are per person however two people must dine together). Served from 6pm to 11pm, February 4 to 19.

Friday Barbeque Night at Shehrazad Fine weather with a sizzling BBQ every Friday at the Shehrazad outdoor terrace – yes please! All You Can Eat barbeque inclusive of one regular beverage. Priced at QR99 per person, from 6pm to 10.30pm.

Friday Carvery Brunch with Live Entertainment Book your brunch and experience an exceptional combination of traditional carvery, pies, fresh salads, international delights and an array of tempting desserts at Hyde Park Coffee Shop. Get FREE swimming pool access from 7am to 3pm and 15% beverage discount voucher at Inginuity to be availed until 7pm. QR190 includes soft beverages; QR345 includes special beverages; 50% discount for kids aged six to 12; and free for kids aged below six years old. ✤

Pub Quiz at Shehrazad Are you IN or OUT? If you’ve got what it takes to win an intellectual battle, form your team (maximum of six people) or compete

GO: CALL 4428 1555 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

A SOCIETY MADE FOR YOU! Enter a world of nightlife like no other, a Society made by you for you. Located at the Hilton Hotel Doha, the open space is designed to capture all the elements needed to create an exciting nightlife experience. SINCE IT OPENED ITS doors in 2015, Society Lounge has undergone several uplifts in terms of layout, experience and technology to lead the Doha Nightlife scene and cater to residents’ needs and preferences. The start of 2019 marks the fourth season of Society Lounge which brings to Doha a world class nightlife experience, with four main entertainment concepts that offer residents a variety of themed music nights to choose from. Society lounge promises a lot of surprises, providing unique experiences and by booking internationally acclaimed artists and DJs throughout the years, such as AKON, Shaggy, Nelly, Tinie Tempah, Redfoo, Andrew Rayel, Sean Kingston and many more. RNB Chic Tuesdays; All About Her A night dedicated for her, accompanied by old school RnB and Hip-hop, with special beverage offers for ladies looking for a midweek wind down. Exit Thursdays; Your Way Out Step into a journey out of this world, one filled with a spectacle 12

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of colors, shows and entertainment. EXIT is a night where the atmosphere is fun, and the music selection is something for everyone. URBN Friday; The Ultimate Hip-Hop Experience. Hip-Hip and RnB fans have a home on Friday in Society Lounge. The latest favorite tunes are played by the talented resident DJs, as well as international artist performances, to bring the Hip-hop and RnB lovers a quality nightlife experience. Antika Night: Everyone’s favorite Arabic night Every last Thursday of the month, Arabic music lovers have a date with the famous themed night coming from the heart of Beirut. Antika Night is never the same, as every month handpicked artists are flown in from Lebanon to bring Doha an eclectic Arabic music experience and an oriental vibe. ✤

GO: CALL 5539 0937 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Westin Winter Lodge

Discover Qatarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first and only Winter Lodge experience. Explore natural wood beams, private Igloos, heartwarming food and memorable drinks which will transport you to your favorite European mountain resorts and occasional markets. This season, immerse yourself into the Winter mood in a chic yet cozy ambiance! The Westin Winter lodge is the place to eat, drink and unwind with your friends. Book one of the exclusive Igloos and be part of the ultimate snug Winter experience. Open from 5PM - 2AM

First Floor - Mix Bar, Lounge & Terrace For information 3359 8514 or email dining.doha@westin.com

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• LISTEN UP

MEAT LOVERS, REJOICE! Torino Steakhouse has officially opened its doors for Doha’s diners who want quality indulgence... Torino, home of the hand-trimmed premium beef, has opened its doors for meat lovers in Qatar. Torino Steakhouse comes to you with hand-butchered steaks perfected to your preference. With prime beef sourced from the country’s top meat manufacturers, the restaurant is located on the second floor of Tawar mall. Torino aims to be the place for meat lovers, labelling their steaks as ‘The Best Steaks on Earth’. Promising a vintage Steakhouse dining experience, Torino brings the highest prime grade meat from around the world to the Qatar market. “We always believed that Torino would be a great hit in the Qatari market,” says Operations Director, Wissam Chouman. The restaurant was founded in 2017 by a group of Qatari businessmen and is set in a very rustic, modern ambience, to give a wholesome experience. The meat is brought straight from the USA and is halal for the Qatari market. From the traditional steakhouse cut meat to their Tomahawak, Tenderloin, and T-Bone, the aim of the restaurant is to take you back to a mid-century dining style. ✤ 14

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GO: TORINO STEAKHOUSE IS LOCATED IN TAWAR MALL. CALL 4461 5583 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

POOL & BEACH ACCESS

QR250 Urban Brunch

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• LISTEN UP

FACT QATAR GOES DIGITAL When the whole world is running on the digital clock, how could we not be a part of it too? We are very proud to announce that www.factqatar.com is officially live! We’re bringing you the latest news, the hot list of the season and so much more. Our aim is to keep you in the loop with the best of Doha and we’re certainly on our toes with that. We have news from all over Qatar divided into six sections for you: Arts & Culture, Things to do, food, travel, nightlife, and Family & Community. We’re not leaving anything this time around, and we’re making sure you’re the first one to know about it. Whether it’s a party on the block or a family brunch you are looking for; we have the news ready for you As you all know, the prestigious Fact Dining Awards are also around the corner so, just for that purpose, we have a micro-website ready. You can find that linked with our main site and can vote for your favourite restaurant! The competition is fierce this time around and you all need to get in on the voting to crown your favourite restaurant That’s not all! Stay connected with us on our Instagram page as we take you all over Doha and give you a sneak peak of all the upcoming events and even the upcoming content for our magazine. ✤ 16

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YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO: LOG ON TO WWW.FACTQATAR. COM FOR YOUR FACT FIX!INFORMATION.

Newly Opened At Millennium Plaza

Ground Floor Suheim Bin Hamad Street ( C-Ring)

For Reservation Please call +974 40416999 or email us on info.mdhq@millennium hotels.com

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Luxury and comfort in one place Careem MAX, now in Qatar

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LOVE YOU A LATTE February is celebrated all over the world as the month of love and it’s no different here in Doha! We’ve got your Valentine’s Day plans and presents sorted with dinner dates, spa escapes, and so much more to spoil your special someone…

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• VALENTINE’S

DATE NIGHT DINNERS Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel Romantic Dinner at La Veranda A breathtaking view, some soft music and your sweetheart to enjoy this night; La Veranda is offering a four-course dinner this Valentine’s Day at QR265 (including soft beverages) available from 7pm to 11.30pm. A seaside setting, delicious food and great company – what more could you ask for? GO: CALL 4485 4444 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

Marriott Marquis City Centre Hotel Doha

The St. Regis Doha

Sharq Village & Spa

Passion at Opal by Gordon Ramsay Celebrate this special day with an exquisite four-course set menu at Opal by Gordon Ramsay. Treat your better half to an unforgettable night and enjoy a romantic dinner at the Finest Address in Doha. The price is QR280 per person with soft beverages and QR350 with enhanced beverages. You can book a table any time between 6pm to 11pm. GO: CALL 4446 0105 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

Dine Under The Stars at Gazebo Satiate your appetite for unique experiences, when you ‘Dine under the Stars’ at Sharq Village & Spa. Tender grills, cooked to perfection, paired with delectable salads and desserts will be best enjoyed under a canopy of stars and intimate conversation, creating memories to be treasured forever. The mood will be set with rose petals, framing the table, and the warm glow from candles giving off a beautiful effervescence. You can book the Gazebo for QR3000 from 3pm to 11pm. GO: CALL 4425 6666 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

The Ritz-Carlton Doha Paradise in Al Liwan Get ready for a special little treat this Valentine’s as you pick favourites from blush-colored decadent dishes that are carefully created by the chef with an extra doze of love. In addition, a mouth-watering dessert bar is set up along with many more indulgences. The price is set at QR310 and you can visit any time from 6.30pm to 11pm. GO: CALL 4484 8000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 20

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Perfect Match at New York Steakhouse Love is to be celebrated at New York Steakhouse. Your most romantic date night is set with a made-to order menu curated by our experienced chefs to match with a special bottle. For QR695, you can enjoy this dinner at any time between 6.30pm to 11.30pm. GO: CALL 4419 5000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

Shangri-La Hotel, Doha Valentine’s Day at Shanghai Club Treat your loved one to a night to remember at Shanghai Club. With a special set menu for two complemented with a glass of special refreshments per person. GO: CALL 4429 5000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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• VALENTINE’S

DATE NIGHT DINNERS InterContinental Doha The City Seafood Delight at The Square An evening filled with a delicious array of fresh seafood and the company of that special someone in your life. Does it get any better than that? Enjoy the seafood night buffet starting from QR255 and priced up to QR325 – depending on the drinks’ package. From 6pm to 11pm. GO: CALL 4015 8888 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas

Doha Marriott Hotel Love at First Bite at JW’s Steakhouse For the occasion of Valentine’s Day, the Executive Chef has created a delightful set menu including favourite cuts with a surprise sweet ending. You can dine here for QR399 per couple and QR499 per couple including two bubbly beverages. GO: CALL 4429 8218 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

From Isaan, With Love Celebrate your love on February 14 at one of the city’s best Thai restaurants. In the cosy setting of Isaan, transport yourself to a romantic Thai getaway and enjoy a carefully-designed set menu for just QR199 per person. GO: CALL 4448 1250 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

W Doha Hotel & Residences Ti Amo Dinner at La Spiga by Paper Moon A special night for a special someone, the live pianist will set the mood just right for this three-course set menu designed exclusively for this loving date. Priced at QR520 per couple. GO: CALL 4453 5135 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

Mondrian Doha Valentine’s Day at CUT By Wolfgang Puck Enjoy a special four-course set menu with live entertainment at the award-winning CUT as the ladies attending tonight get showered with roses. The price is set at QR375 and you can visit any time from 22

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7pm to 12am. GO: CALL 4045 5999 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

Arumaila Boutique Hotel, Souq Waqif Sweet Moments at Al Matbakh Treat your sweetheart to an unforgettable romantic dinner with views of Doha’s incredible skyline. The romantic package is available starting from QR199 for a set menu for two inclusive of sparkling juice. GO: CALL 4433 6666 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl Doha With Love, Toro Toro Bringing in recipes from Brazil to Peru in a vibrant atmosphere, giving to its eclectic and selected guests a full Latin experience, Toro Toro provides you the best from the minutely prepared small dishes to share to the acclaimed “Rodizio Experience” – if you want a more fiery yet sophisticated Valentine’s experience – booking a table for two here should do the trick. GO: CALL 4035 5101 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

SURF Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; TURF QR 220 every Thursday 7:00pm to 10:30pm

Wide selection of fresh seafood and meats for grilling & frying, sushi & tempura, salads & soup, desserts & homemade pastries with live cooking stations Join us for an extravagant feast! Call +974 4446 5600 or email restaurant.reservations@thetorchdoha.com THE TORCH DOHA Aspire Zone Al Waab Street P.O Box 23833 Tel +974 4446 5600 Fax 4446 5700 Reservation@thetorchdoha.com www.thetorchdoha.com.qa

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• VALENTINE’S

GO THE EXTRA MILE… Four Seasons Hotel Doha The famous Nobu Doha is putting together an extravagant Omakase experience for you and that special someone this Valentine’s Day. On February 14, expect to pull out all the stops and impress your loved one with food that will not only feed their bellies but will steal their heart. QR500 per person for a six-course set menu and QR600 per person for the menu paired with a glass of sparkling beverage. Served from 6.30pm to 11.30pm. GO: CALL 4494 8600 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara

Radisson Blu Hotel Doha Whisk your true love away for a very special staycation. You’ll get accommodation for two adults in a standard room, complimentary roses and chocolates for the ladies, a set menu dinner for two adults in Ruby Wu’s (choice of Set Menu 1 or 2) on the day of check in, buffet breakfast for two adults at Hyde Park Coffee Shop on the day of check out, as well as complimentary late check out until 3pm – so there’s nor rush to end the romantic escape. QR880 per room, per night. GO: CALL 4428 1500 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 24

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Love, Dine, Design - celebrate romance with a bespoke culinary event crafted to your desires. Choose from an array of atmospheric venues – a candlelit cabana on the shores or an indoor set up by the pool. Customise your own menu and enjoy the dedicated services of a private butler. Make this month unforgettable with every detail tailored to your requests, from the taste to the décor and even the floral bouquets. Q Lounge Indoor Private Dining Area – QR1,200 per couple, and Cabana on the shores – starting from QR2,400 per couple. GO: CALL 4040 5050 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

The St. Regis Doha Want to get in the good books of your loved one until the next Valentine’s Day? How about the Romantic Night in The Presidential Suite offer? On this very special day, treat your other half to the most exquisite time in The Presidential Suite at this 5-star location. Stay is inclusive of luxury breakfast with enhanced beverage in the room and romantic dinner for two, and a farewell with Rolls Royce drive. QR30,000 – exquisite stay at The Presidential Suite with a five-course dinner menu for two inclusive of enhanced beverages and more. GO: CALL 4446 0105 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

AL MIRQAB BOUTIQUE HOTEL Souq Waqif, Doha, Qatar

4433 6666 New Menu

120

SET MENU

DAILY FROM 06PM TO MIDNIGHT

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• VALENTINE’S

FOR THE LOVE OF PAMPERING… Share the Love at Saray Spa Marriot Marquis City Centre Doha Hotel Treat yourself with the one you love to a 90-minute strawberry body exfoliating experience combined with a therapeutic massage. You can book yourself a treatment any time between 10am and 10pm – pick a time and get ready for complete relaxation! GO: CALL 4419 5000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

Couples Serenity at Jaula Spa Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas Soothe dry winter skin and revive some romance with Jaula Spa’s Rose Sea Salt Scrub followed by a 60-minute massage in one of the VIP rooms equipped with a private Jacuzzi. This is the most peaceful Valentine’s escape, for just QR930 per person. GO: CALL 4448 1064 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

Blissful Treat for Two

A Lady like Afternoon at Heavenly Spa The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa Heavenly Spa promises you an afternoon well-spent! Why don’t you give yourself a break with your bff, relax your body and mind with a soothing Heavenly Signature Massage followed by a tasty Afternoon Tea at Luxe Lounge – all of this for a cool QR500. Sign us up! GO: CALL 4492 1682 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 26

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Al Jasra Boutique Hotel, Souq Waqif Indulge and refresh with your beloved one at The Spa. Relax and calm your spirit with hydrating coconut oil containing rich nutrients to nourish your skin. Unwind together with a 30-minute Jacuzzi, body scrub, massage and a complimentary dinner for two especially created for the month of love. Priced at QR689 per couple. GO: CALL 4433 6878 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

One Day in Paradise Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara Celebrate togetherness this month with a blissful day of couples’ pampering. Treat

each other to a luxurious day at the resort, relaxing on golden sands or lazing by the waterfront lagoon pool. Unwind with a 60-minute massage and enjoy access to the wet facilities, with a Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and ice fountain. Opt for a romantic dining experience and enjoy QR200 credit in any one of the restaurants. This delightful day package includes luxury boat transfers to and from the resort. QR750 per person. GO: CALL 4040 5050 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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• VALENTINE’S

TOP 3: CHEAP DATES Showing how much your Valentine means to you needn’t break the bank. Here are three things to impress your other half and your wallet… Picnic in the Park: Sometimes, the sweetest gestures are the simplest and most thoughtful. A fool proof plan to impress without causing any distress to yourself and your wallet is to get a quick homemade hamper of food goodies together and head out to one of Doha’s many beautiful green parks; lay down a blanket under the late afternoon sun and have a romantic picnic at sunset. Head to MIA Park for a beautiful spot where you can stroll, participate in activities or just gaze at the Doha skyline from one of the best vantage points in the city. Who needs fancy cutlery when you can eat with your hands and lay on the cool grass?

Katara Cultural Village: There’s absolutely no doubt that this is one of the first few places that you’ll have visited in Qatar – and rightly so. Katara is not only a lively hub for meeting up with friends, it’s a fantastic location to walk and people watch as well as visit many free cultural activities like art exhibitions and festivals. Stop by the Roman amphitheatre with your Valentine and test the amplifying acoustics by standing in the middle of the stage and speaking in a normal voice – what better opportunity to say I love you? A hot cup of karak or a stop for dessert is the perfect way to round off your evening and won’t set your wallet back too much either!

Cycle at Aspire Zone: Get your partner and hire a couple of bikes to cycle around the awesome Aspire Zone track. Part of its commitment to encourage active lifestyles in the community, Aspire Zone has a circuit which can be used by those who have their own cycles or people can hire a cycle from Aspire Zone. Take it slow and ride side by side whilst enjoying some quality me-time and great conversation or have some competitive fun and race each other en-route. Whatever your cycling style, it’s a great way to get away from the bustle and your gadgets to work up a sweat and keep fit with your special someone. 28

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ENJOY A WORLD OF PRIVILEGES WITH AL MASSA MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMME Unlock lavish rewards with our new Al Massa Card. Starting from QAR 2,500. Purchase an Al Massa Card and benefit from amazing savings on your island getaways, room upgrades and unique local experiences at Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara. Save on gastronomic adventures and treat your taste buds with International flavours and Middle Eastern delights. Enjoy a relaxing spa treatment or learn how to ride the waves at our surf pool. Discover an array of rewards and complimentary vouchers for beach access and dining journeys — all at an exclusive price for Al Massa Card holders. Bring friends along to savour culinary magic and coastal views. Indulge in special benefits and access privileges all year around. The Al Massa Card includes a one-year membership, as well as a booklet of complimentary vouchers for a night-stay, fine dining, spa and fun activities.

LIFE IS A JOURNEY. anantara.com

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• VALENTINE’S

FACT’S FAVOURITES Showing how much your Valentine means to you needn’t break the bank. Here are three things to impress your other half and your wallet… From Here to Eternity with Remède Spa

Dinner at Heights, Three Sixty The Torch Doha Celebrate the most romantic night of the year at the most unique restaurant in town. Experience extraordinary dining with a special set menu for QR290 per person, including romantic table arrangements and the entire city at your feet. GO: CALL 4446 5600 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

Love High Tea City Centre Rotana Celebrate romance this February 14 at Caramel Lobby Lounge with a delicious high tea. Enjoy a range of romantic treats for a lovely price of QR139 per person. GO: CALL 4445 8888 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

Mykonos - A Greek Valentine InterContinental Doha Bring your loved one to celebrate this special occasion with a Greek set menu starting with sharing mezze followed by the main course for two and complemented with sharing dessert. QR590 per couple 30

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including a glass of Kir Royale and live entertainment by their famous Bouzouki players. GO: CALL 4484 4919 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

The St. Regis Doha This February, unwind and treat your loved one to a relaxing spa experience at the luxurious Remède Spa. The Romantic Spa package includes two Aroma Massages (60 mins) and two Blush Pink Scrub (30 mins). This package also includes two beach and pool day pass and an exquisite spa lunch for you and your loved one to enjoy in between the services for QR1,800 GO: CALL 4446 0300 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

St. Valentine’s Afternoon Tea Four Seasons Hotel Doha This year you can celebrate the best afternoon tea delights in town at Season Tea Lounge. An irresistible selection of finger sandwiches, pastries and scones with twist from the heart. Available on February 14, from 3pm to 6.30pm. QR215 with one hot or cold beverage. GO: CALL 4494 8600 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

Arabian Oud Renewal Therapy Four Seasons Hotel Doha This deluxe treatment works on both face and body to provide a complete headto-toe experience. A back massage with precious Oud oil to relax tight muscles is combine with a facial using Rose Quartz crystals. This treatment delivers incredible results to detoxifying the body and boost skin radiance for QR995. ✤ GO: CALL 4494 8700 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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• VALENTINE’S

THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS Flower meanings and symbolisation were a key element to flower choice many years ago. The flower type and colour all represent different feelings dating back to old-school traditions, so if you’re planning on buying a loved- one a beautiful bunch of flowers this V-Day, take a look at which stem will help you convey the right message...

ORCHID

The orchid is a mature flower and like its elegant appearance, the flower signifies exotic beauty, refinement and glorious femininity. This doesn’t mean that only older couples buy orchids, for the flower can be used to greet a beautiful lady, to show love, thoughtfulness, and if you’re using it in Chinese terms, it stands for ‘many children.’

HYACINTH

A flower made of tiny flowers, just as a hyacinth is an intriguing and pleasant flower, its meanings are also quite enjoyable. This flower symbolises playfulness, haste and downright attitude. The blue hyacinth shows loyalty; the purple is for sorrow, red or pink for play, white for loveliness and yellow for jealousy.

ROSE

Definitely the most popular choice of flower to buy on valentine’s Day, the Rose comes in a variety of colours, each representing different meanings. The red rose conveys romantic love as the colour red is associated with stimulating brain wave activity, increasing heart rate, respirations and blood pressure – this is basically for the flower to say ‘I love you!’ purple roses signify that the giver has fallen in love with the recipient at first sight. Coral and orange roses signal desire. Yellow roses stand for joy and friendship, whereas Pink roses express appreciation and a White rose is a sign of humility. 32

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CHRYSANTHEMUM

IRIS

Not only is it the emblem of France, but the Iris embodies eloquence. The purple Iris is symbolic of wisdom and compliments; the blue one stands for faith and hope, while the yellow means passion and the white iris is for purity. This is the flower you gift to show wisdom, valour and compliments.

It’s a mouthful to say, but Chrysanthemum is a pretty flower, that usually takes a back seat to the Carnation. This flower often stands for joy, optimism and perfection. You would give the Chrysanthemum to show loyalty, happiness and to wish long life. A red chrysanthemum conveys love; a white chrysanthemum symbolises truth and faithful love, while a yellow chrysanthemum depicts slighted love (let’s hope you don’t have to give any of those).

VALENTINE’S •

TULIP

This is not only the flower emblem of Holland, but the Tulip carries much significance. In general, tulips stand for fame and a perfect love. If you get a bunch of red tulips this valentine’s Day then be pleasantly surprised, because this flower is a declaration of love, straight up. If your bouquet is multicoloured tulips, then the sender is complementing your beautiful eyes, whereas yellow tulips say you have a sunshine in your smile, or that you are the object of a hopeless love.

GERBERA

Just one gerbera in a bouquet of flowers can make someone smile, that’s right, this flower very specifically conveys cheerfulness. It belongs to the daisy family, so also shares meanings of innocence, purity, love and loyalty.

PEONY

Let’s get the bad out of the way – a peony has been long-known to symbolise shame, HOWEvER, this flower also doubles as positive meanings too. The peony represents compassion, happy life, happy marriage, good health and prosperity. We’re sure that adding a few pretty pink ones won’t mess up the bouquet.

LILY

CARNATION

Like the Rose, the Carnation flower comes in a number of colours and definitely covers many emotions and feelings. generally, Carnations were given as a sign of fascination, pride and beauty. give a pink Carnation and you’re telling the receiver that you’ll never forget them; a red one and you’ll be showing your admiration for someone; a white Carnation has a number of meanings attached to it including, sweet and lovely, innocence, pure love, and good luck. On the opposite end is the yellow Carnation which, traditionally, signifies rejection or disappointment (you don’t want to be receiving a bunch of those!).

Have you noticed that a big bunch of flowers always needs a lily or two to make it complete? Well, this beautiful flower can bring a number of meanings to your floral message. It generally applauds purity and refined beauty. The white lily shows modesty, the orange lily stands for passion, while Lily of the valley symbolises sweetness and purity of heart. This one’s great for both lovers and friends.

PANSY

Typically a garden flower, the Pansy is a small and pretty choice that signifies loving thoughts. A modest flower, it’s often called ‘viola’ or ‘violet’ and portrays your faithfulness to the recipient.

SUNFLOWER

Big and beautiful, the sunflower and its bright yellow petals can liven up any floral gift. It represents pure thoughts, adoration and dedication to love - a great choice for a close friend or loved one. ✤

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• VALENTINE’S

SCOPE

NOPE?

How many of you believe in horoscopes? At FACT we’re a divided bunch. As it’s the month of love, we thought it would be fun to bring you a relationship outlook from both sides - the believers and the sceptics – find out what your zodiac sign has planned for 2019 (according to our office experts)...

Aries ♥ LOVESCOPE

Taurus ♥ LOVESCOPE

Gemini ♥ LOVESCOPE

Get set for a year of serious passion potential, Aries! 2019 provides a once-in-twelve-years opportunity to meet and fall in love with someone who melts your heart. Singles, this is your year to find love, we can bet our morning coffee on it.

Get ready to unlock your heart and experience a fairytale kind of love - like the movies. If you’re partnered up, your relationship lessons will focus more on creating a solid financial future with your love.

Those already in love, you’re going to be tested on your commitment and ability to define boundaries. You like to keep it light! Singles, if you haven’t already found the one, your dream partner is going to sweep you off your feet.

J HORROR-SCOPE Romance is in the air this year, just over Southern Italy. If you don’t happen to be there, like, all the time, then chances are that you won’t be meeting anyone special in 2019. Singletons, forget love, it just isn’t for you!

J HORROR-SCOPE We see the colour orange in your stars, now whether that’s marmalade, beans (yes, it could be beans), or a fluffy toy, remember, your love life will never be a dreamy story. Oh, couples, you’ll be broke this year.

J HORROR-SCOPE There’s no problem when it comes to getting your own way with love, sometimes you have to be a bit evil. You’re a natural at that. You’ll commit only if it involves diamonds. Lower your expectations, or you’ll be lucky to get even a plastic spoon.

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

♥ LOVESCOPE

Your love life continues to be crazy passionate and transformational, but thankfully this year some of the darker drama should be lighting up. Mixed love fortunes means you can be picky.

2019 will be a delightful year with plenty of romance! Leos in committed relationships will spend quality time with their soul mates. Don’t be surprised if old flames return for a reworking.

The first half of the year promises secretive yet incredibly glamorous opportunities for love. Most notably, September and October prove to be extremely busy in the love department.

J HORROR-SCOPE Heaven (or hell) knows what kinds of things are going to happen in your love life this year. It’s hectic and you’ll waste so much time on dating apps, only to be left disappointed time and again. It’s all god, at least there’s Netflix.

J HORROR-SCOPE There’s a light. It’s coming closer. Soon, you will see exactly what love holds for you. The light is blinding, so you might want to turn and run, because it’s bringing drama from your past. We think it’s a light, anyway.

J HORROR-SCOPE From Jan to June, you’ll continue daydreaming about the perfect love whilst inputting spreadsheet data at work. Look, if you want a cheater then get in a relationship, otherwise, expect zero love life action in 2019.

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VALENTINE’S •

Libra ♥ LOVESCOPE

Scorpio Sagittarius ♥ LOVESCOPE

Look for reliable mates who are sincere in love partnerships. Remember to build on your relationships with extra care, trust and romance. If you’re single, there is a strong likelihood of you meeting an old school friend.

In 2019, you will become more romantic, and filled with compassion towards your beloved. You will probably begin to make more sacrifices for the person you love, but the problem is that you will offer up too much for little in return.

J HORROR-SCOPE Love is a wonderful thing that can truly change your life for the better. However, the chances of this happening to you anytime before 2020 are so remote that you might as well quit looking, go home and eat ice cream until you get brain freeze.

J HORROR-SCOPE When you think it’s true love it’ll turn right round to break your heart. You’ll be spending time drowning your sorrows by eating all your favourite foods. Remember, only love can break your heart... but trans-fatty acids will also have a damn good try.

Capricorn Aquarius ♥ LOVESCOPE

This will be the year you finally have committed relationships with people you trust. The months of April and May are suitable for chasing and making new romantic alliances. Singles, it’s a good time to settle down for life. J HORROR-SCOPE Your commitment phobia gets stronger this year. You’ll find yourself pining for romance, but in the end there’s only one love to satisfy your cravings – your love of food. Don’t get married; spending an entire lifetime with the same person is, actually, very basic.

♥ LOVESCOPE

Patience and tolerance is the key word for you to achieve success in relationships this year. Do spend ample time with your partner even if your spirit is weighed down heavily. A lot of socialising will help single Sags bag a potential partner. J HORROR-SCOPE Love sucks. Admit it. All that waiting, the getting to know each other, the sharing – so boring. It’s 2019, if you want to be a free spirit then spread your wings and say bye-bye-bye to the person holding you down. Singles, stay single.

Pisces ♥ LOVESCOPE

Get your romance on before June because Saturn will steal your time away and push back into hard-hitting career mode until September. There is no lack of opportunities for passion, the only question is, are you ready to let go of your fierce independence?

2019 is auspicious in matters of love and romance. After August, planets favour formation of relationships without much effort. Those in a confused situation will finally make the right decision in love. Singles, get out there and mingle.

J HORROR-SCOPE Love comes in all shapes and sizes. By the time you come to yours, all the good shapes and sizes will have gone. You may find love in unexpected places; however, it is equally likely that you’ll find love on ebay, for sale, at very low prices.

J HORROR-SCOPE This is probably, actually, definitely, going to be your unluckiest year of love, ever. Alienate yourself from everyone. Singletons, it looks like another year of buying yourself birthday gifts and parties for one. ✤ fact magazine

• GIFT GUIDE

G I FT G UI DE: H ER Just a few special pieces to gift your lovely lady…

Ted Baker

Rituals

Balenciaga

Moda Operandi

Swarovski

Chanel Givenchy

RIXO

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Salvatore Ferragamo

Sephora

RIMOWA

The Rug Company

From Isaan, with love Celebrate 14 February at the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite award winning Thai restaurant. In the cozy setting of Isaan, let Chef Somporn Sintawee transport you on a romantic Thai getaway and enjoy a carefully designed set menu for just QAR 199* per person. *Food only Date: February 14 2019 For bookings and enquiries, please call 4448 1250 or 7021 8097

GRAND HYATT DOHA HOTEL & VILLAS West Bay Lagoon, P.O. Box 24010, Doha, State of Qatar Tel: 4448 1250 | Facebook: IsaanDoha | Instagram: isaandoha

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• GIFT GUIDE

G I FT G UI DE: H I M The most sought-after pressies to spoil your man…

Aesop

Assouline

Tom Ford

Calvin Klein Euphoria

Devialet

Phillip Plen

Tod’s

Berluti

Bally

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Daniel Wellington Oxford

Billionnaire

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DISTORTED REALITY:

SABRINA PUPPIN’S VISION An art educator, art historian, and an artist herself, Sabrina Puppin lured us in with her concept of distorted reality and FACT’s Anushay Taimur Khan just couldn’t help but want to learn some more about this creative vision…

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ARTS INTERVIEW â&#x20AC;˘

Hi Sabrina! Can you explain the concept behind your recent work? I was a realistic painter till almost 10 years ago until I shifted to abstract art. Ever since my concept has remained the same. When I moved to New York, I started to investigate with reality. I used to walk around and instead of seeing a carpet, I saw an abstract image. I was curious to know if everybody had the same image in their mind or was it something different. So, from that thinking, I developed these abstract pieces and what I discovered is that each media I used created a particular effect. So, every time someone saw my work, they saw something else, they created their own reality. When did the idea of distorted reality merge into your work? I have been looking at my perception, the perception of the viewer and questioning what reality actually is. Is it what I see,

what you see or what others see? Or do we have our own reality? I found out that people are also looking for the same answers. It is all about distorted reality. There is an American dream, which is also my dream, where everything is shiny and golden. I always questioned if that is reality or the distortion of it. That is the entire concept for me. What inspires you? My visions are open-eyed dreams, which is actually just my mind that is continuously exposed and thinking in terms of painting. I am really intrigued by the concept of distorted reality. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a formula, I never stick to one thing if I am successful at it. I just simply paint all the time and I need something different to keep growing. Experimentation is part of being an artist and I do work with other mediums but, the concept is always the same; it is all about distorted reality. fact magazine

• ARTS INTERVIEW The art and culture scene is now developing in Qatar, and people are more aware now especially with exhibits like the fire station. What do you think about this development? When I came here, there was hardly anything for art. Slowly, with Sheikha Al-Mayassa’s vision, everything developed a lot. Now, there are so many options here like the fire station. And, it is not just about museums, they have opened up their universities for this sector as well. VCU was only for design a while back and now, they have opened a painting section. As educators, they have created an environment where the younger generation can learn more. With the way things are going now, they are collaborating with different centers, and they are sending artists all over the world. It’s a skill that Qatar has now and they are giving their students the exposure that is required. What do you think was the turning point for you in your career? New York was a learning experience for me. If you make it in New York, you make it everywhere. The competition is huge there but, you perceive it as a collaboration. You are exposed to artists of all ages and you learn from them. We put together our work and display in other cities as well. The romantic idea of being an artist in a studio and painting is thrown out of the window in that city. You are more experimental and are keen on sending social messages. You just have to circulate around the art world there and it is not easy but, for me, the work of other artists is an eye-opener. Just a walk down the street is incredibly energetic and I have not experienced it anywhere. If you take a break for a day you feel like you are cut out and you feel like you missed out. So, the pressure is there but I really enjoy it. Is Doha ready for your art? Yes, definitely. I don’t give titles to my paintings and I keep it very vague. It is always about a series of painting and never about a single one because I believe if I give a title to it, I am automatically tuning you to see it in that light. My work is purely abstraction and isn’t controversial at all so it is not political in any way. Therefore, Doha is definitely ready for it! Is there anything you would change in your art from 10 years ago? My work grows with me, it is who I am in the moment. What I did 10 years ago was a reflection of who I was back then and right now is a reflection of the journey and experiences I have built over the year and I am really happy with the way things have turned out to be. What do you want our readers to know about you? I want them to look at my art, enjoy my paintings and express their ideas. As a person, I am more private and want to be seen as a reflection of my art. Previously, I was very secretive about my art and now, I am out in the open and I want it to only be about my work. Any advice for young aspiring artists? You have to love what you are doing. Love the creation moment, and if you are doing it to just be an artist, there is no point in doing this. I have the urgency to create and, even during the darkest moments when I gave up, I just wanted to create. You need to experiment and do not be defeated. Not everyone likes your life, not everyone is here to love what you love. Don’t look for recognition, if you do it for your love for art, it will always be worth it. ✤ 42

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ARTS INTERVIEW â&#x20AC;¢

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

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• ENTERTAINMENT

BIG SCREEN The Rhythm Section

Highlights

WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

After losing her entire family in a plane crash, Stephanie Patrick decides to uncover the truth behind the tragic accident that changed her life. When she discovers the crash was not accidental, she makes it her mission to track down those responsible by assuming the identity of an assassin.

DIRECTOR: Reed Morano CAST: Blake Lively, Jude Law

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

An exhilarating thriller starring Blake Lively and Jude Law, The Rhythm Section explores the idiosyncrasies of life, love, family and identity. A story about justice and rediscovery, the film offers an addictive storyline as well as plenty of action and twists along the way to keep you hooked. After losing her entire family in a plane crash, Stephanie Patrick’s world is completely destroyed. Falling into a downward spiral of prostitution, drugs and drink, she discovers that it was a bomb that caused the crash. After being trained by the intelligence agency that recruits her, Stephanie adopts the identity of an assassin to get to the bottom of her family’s death. As she plays a number of different roles, she begins to fall in love for the first time with Frank White and is submerged in a catastrophic crisis of identity. Based on Mark Burnell’s novel of the same name, the grimly realistic and raw storyline will take you on a deep exploration of emotions.

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Isn’t It Romantic

“

Natalie, an Australian architect living in New York City has also believed that what she had seen in rom-coms is all fantasy. An accident leads her to wake up in a “PG-13 Universe” and she must escape every cliché to finally achieve her happily ever after and come back to reality.

Based on Mark Burnell’s novel of the same name, the grimly realistic and raw storyline will take you on a deep exploration of emotions. –The Rhythm Section DIRECTOR: Todd Strauss-Schulson CAST: Rebel Wilson, Liam Hemsworth, Priyanka Chopra

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

A rom-com with a twist, Isn’t It Romantic gives the age-old concept of “happily ever after” an edgy makeover. Featuring a number of extravagant moments, an intriguing plot as well as an incredible star cast, the movie is a breath of fresh air when it comes to your usual romantic comedies. After being raised to believe that she’ll never have a romantic comedy experience, a near-tragic experience changes Natalie’s perspective and transports her to an alternate, romcom-esque reality. It’s now up to her to finally achieve her happily ever after and then make her way back to reality. What gives the film its cinematic edge is Natalie’s (Rebel Wilson) foul-mouthed character and her new PG-13 existence. The perfect V-Day flick!

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• ENTERTAINMENT

FULLY BOOKED

ON THE RECORD

FICTION

Lost Children Archive By Valeria Luiselli

SOUL/R&B

Village

By Jacob Banks A musical narrative featuring daring fusions and intoxicating vocals, Jacob Banks’ first album is here and we couldn’t be more excited! Packed with stories from all the experiences Banks had growing up, the album pays homage to all the things that make him the musician that he is. A stunning blend of his love for soul, gospel and jazz, Village features influences from his African side to British youth culture. Pushing his stunning vocals to impassioned new heights, Banks’ gritty new track Chainsmoking talks about an irresistible love that is detrimental but addicting. A soothing mixture of old and new vibes, the mesmerising song is all about the sacrifices we make in love. Enriching the R&B, soul and hip-hop landscape, the album sees Banks venturing out of his comfort zone and showcasing his talent in ways he never has before. Kumbaya, the album’s first duet, borrows vocals from GermanAmerican singer Bibi Bourelly. Opening with a repetitive acoustic guitar, the song presents a rapturous harmonisation by the two singers. Halfway between a love ballad and campfire song, it delivers a message of love and unity. Showcasing a transformative vibe throughout the album, Jacob Banks is definitely showing a musical side we have never witnessed before. 46

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POP

Treat Myself

By Meghan Trainor

Exuding positivity and the importance of self-love, Meghan Trainor’s Treat Myself sets out to empower fans with its messages. Bringing her daring personality into the entire new soundtrack, Trainor sticks to her female empowerment ideals in her music. The title track, Treat Myself, inspires her listeners to give themselves a round of applause. Incorporating piano, bass and rhythm guitar, the track is definitely one of the bests on the album. Featuring one upbeat happy anthem after another, the album is definitely her best work yet. Featuring a groovy beat that drives the whole song, Let You Be Right carries a serious yet vibrant vibe. Its disco-inspired beats will have you wanting to throw on some roller skates and hit up a skate rink! The All About That Bass singer has surely grown since her debut and has injected a more mature sound to her delivery. With the release of her newest soundtrack, Meghan Trainor is ready to prove herself as a real pop contender.

A fiercely imaginative novel about a subject that rings so true today, Lost Children Archive talks about a family’s summer road trip across America. A mother and father set out with their kids from New York to Arizona on a journey that turns out to be so much more than just a road trip. Told through the voices of the mother and her son, as well as a number of collected texts and images, the novel sheds light on the nature of justice and equality in America today.

NON-FICTION

Hollywood’s Eve: Eve Babitz and the Secret History of L.A. By Lili Anolik Giving you all the glitz, glam and drama, this book brings to the fore the life of Eve Babitz as well as the sprawling yet melancholic world of L.A. The perfect It girl and a proficient writer, Eve Babitz became the talk of the town since her photo shoot with Marcel Duchamp in 1963. Equal parts biography and detective story, Anolik gets raw and vulnerable about the life of Eve Babitz.

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• STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT

THE HEART OF

HOSPITALITY IN A TRUE ASIAN GRACE MEETS ARABIAN HOSPITALITY FASHION, SHANGRI-LA HOTEL DOHA HAS REALLY SURPASSED MANY EXPECTATIONS WHEN IT COMES TO BEING A DESTINATION HOTEL FOR BUSINESS AND LEISURE TRAVELLERS ALIKE. FACT’S CRAIG FERRIMAN JOINED IN THE CITY CENTRE FUN WITH A WEEKEND JAUNT AT THIS STUNNING 5-STAR PROPERTY.

ew hotels carry the same cachet and brand quality as the Shangri-La Hotel Doha, located in City Centre. Now three years old, the hotel is fully in its stride and I spent a couple of nights there recently to find out just how. The warmest of welcomes greeted my arrival with bell boys and lobby staff attentive and alert. My friendly receptionist reminded me I was in a five-star hotel and I swiftly proceeded to my Premier King corner room with a priceless view of the surrounding neighbourhood. From the freshly scented smells that radiate the air of the corridors to the spacious bathrooms, luxury fittings and supremely comfortable bed, this is both a business hotel as well that caters to the staycation-er wanting some five-star sparkle for a weekend less ordinary. My first evening took me to the heights of the Shanghai Club on the 43rd floor. One side of the floor is a bar offering the most refreshing thirst quencher and was a perfect meeting point to start an evening. We progressed through to the main restaurant which felt very Chinese

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STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT â&#x20AC;¢

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â&#x20AC;¢ STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT

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STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT •

by virtue of the décor; especially the dragons on the walls and the art work of a by-gone era too. The views of a bustling West Bay below are stunning especially from our table by the window. Food is exceptional here and rightly worthy of the 2018 FACT Dining Award that it collected. Be it the duck handbags, kung-pao chicken, the Peking duck and pancakes that were wheeled over on the trolley or the fortune chicken cooked for hours and hours, there isn’t a dish that fails to hit the mark. It’s true that it’s a colossal tower with seemingly no outdoor space but appearances can be deceptive. The seventh floor exits out onto a vast garden area with the largest outdoor pool space in the city centre. Foliage and grass beneath your feet is quite a contrast from the fast moving traffic and frenetic activity only a few feet away and a few feet below on the mean streets of the city. The pool is large and meanders around a corner guaranteeing there is always an area for shade and an area for exposure to the sun. I was also excited to see just how enormous the Jacuzzi seemed to be! Refreshments and a finger food menu of burgers, wraps and salads are available for a bar that you can even saddle up to from the pool and sit up on a stool to in the water to place your order! The area around the pool now cleverly doubles up in the evening as a serene, pretty and peaceful shisha spot. Fairy lights and the bright lights from surrounding skyscrapers offer a contrasting oasis to reflect and relax in the evening. Its prime real estate location has adjoining access via a side entrance on the second floor to the City Centre Mall which is ideal for using its shops to purchase essential items. When the sun started to fall, the tanning was over and it was time to head in. Hidden in a corner of the seventh floor just as I walked in from the pool is the Chi, The Spa. It’s an absolutely gorgeous space; cool, calming and discrete with superb staff. I opted for the Aroma fact magazine

• STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT

Vitality Massage. It’s a 60-minute treatment that combines light-to-medium pressure using Swedish massage techniques to reduce tension, sooth sore muscles and increase circulation. The facilities are brand new and thoroughly luxurious. Each treatment room has its own en-suite changing room and its own en-suite steam room. This is not something that I have seen before in Doha. A detailed and thorough consultation was offered commencing with a foot rub and then a very professional massage. My breakfast and lunch was catered for in Sridan which is the hotel’s international all-day dining facility. Breakfast had everything you could want with live stations to cook eggs to your liking. Lunch has food from the all corners of the globe so there should be something for all tastes. For dinner on my last night, I visited the Argentinian restaurant, Fuego. It’s a superb steakhouse but it is also so much more. Chef Mariano is an energetic and creative personality who has done great things with their menu. Aside from the expansive a-la-carte menu, there is a chef’s menu of the day plus a chef’s sharing menu ideal for dates this Valentine’s Day. My stay at the Shangri-La Hotel, Doha revealed a deeply professional hotel with superb staff, elegant and modern facilities and a calming contrast to spend precious time away from the chaos of the city, while being right in the centre of it. ✤

GO: CALL 4429 5000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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SOCIAL SIT DOWN FACT’S ANUSHAY TAIMUR KHAN HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SIT DOWN AND TALK TO MICHELIN STAR CHEF, JASON ATHERTON, AT HIS NEWLY LAUNCHED RESTAURANT IN THE STUNNING MARSA MALAZ KEMPINSKI HOTEL, APTLY NAMED PEARL SOCIAL… 54

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HOSPITALITY Q&A •

Hi Jason! You describe your food as one step in 21st century and one in tradition. How true does that statement hold to the Pearl Social? Our food is always built on traditional values and cooking methods. At the same time, we respect evolution and the face that the world moves at such a fast pace and we need to keep up with that because food becomes outdated really quickly. You can make bistro modern by putting in time effort, development and research. That’s what we do and it’s pretty straight forward. We work hard in making sure whatever we make is current but, at the same time, it’s also delicious and people feel like they had an experience. Since you are famous for bringing in culture to your menu, how do you plan on introducing it here, in Doha? We are very fortunate that we have a lot of Qataris come to our restaurant, especially during the summers. So, we get to know their eating habits and we respect that, and trust the kind of food we deliver. Since its mostly summers here, we want to make sure that the cuisine is quite light. The idea is to have a restaurant that is universal for the Qatari market Are you going to be bringing your signature dishes here or will you be introducing new concepts? It is the first time we are bringing back trolley service and have salads served at the table side, which is quite a bit of theatre. In addition to that, it’s the first time we have done a lot of stuff like steak tableside, we’re using techniques from the south of France just for our local Qatari market here. We believe in innovating and couldn’t consider a better market to try new things. Was it always your plan to expand and build this empire? I decided to go alone because I was 39, and I felt like I needed to do it soon so, I simply went for it. I borrowed a lot of money and used my savings, mortgaged my house and opened the first restaurant, the City Social. Even for that, I spent 9 months refurbishing it, opened the doors and got our Michelin star within 4-5 months. We never dreamt of expansion and just wanted that restaurant to be a success. And it was very busy since the first day. When something is successful it attracts other people and we started getting hotels and people for collaborations. I didn’t go for it right away but when my business partner, Mavis Oei pushed me to open the second restaurant, it just happened to be in Singapore. And that was it. I feel like the fact that it was not planned is the best possible way the expansion could happen. It is so nice to let something grow something organically. Because this way, there are places that we have no interest in and we can openly say no to it. It’s a personal choice, not a business one. Similarly, I like Qatar therefore, I was interested in opening a restaurant here. You were part of the Gordon Ramsay group and your peers were always praising you. You feel like you got the right pressure and training to take the next step? One thing that I am thankful for is that my success came late

in life, and I never planned it to happen that way. Because with success comes responsibility and when you’ve got a company that is responsible for 2000 employees, you have to have the right image, behave yourself, and conduct everything in a professional way. Sometimes, if success comes at an early age, it is difficult to stay focused. I was already a father; a family man and my business came later. I felt like I could control the success because I have seen so much failure before. For me, it was easier to hold on to the success because failure is a big fear of mine and it drives me on day to day basis. You have been a part of various TV shows and even some cookbooks so, we wanted to know if we should expect any new shows in the near future I don’t do a lot of series because I don’t want to be famous. I am very happy with people not knowing who I am. What I do want to be is famous for being a good chef and restaurateur so people come to me because they love my food. Fame, otherwise, is not for me. I recently did a new series for BBC 2 because the concept attracted me a lot. It is a show on young, thriving chefs, and I get to train them and give back to the industry. If I get a chance to do something like that, I am always good. Also, it reaches out to the people who are in the demographics for our restaurant and that is important for me. So, it is a win-win for everybody. BBC got the right chef and I get to market my skills. How is the work and personal life balance for you since? People like to keep family and work separate but I like it as a whole. For me, family is really important. The thing with restaurants is that it is so time consuming. I The thing with restaurants is that open for lunch and for dinner which makes fact magazine

• HOSPITALITY Q&A

it very time consuming. t’s not like you have a set time and wrap up at 5pm and head home. We are constantly dealing with issues, problems and tackling them on the go. We use all our time to utilize and come up with new ideas, marketing techniques, new menus for the hotels. The more I can keep my family involved the more they understand what it takes to make it work. It’s a family business then! What keeps you motivated and inspired? The legacy! Last year we got the offer to sell the company and we said no. It took a lot to take that decision because we never set this company to make money, we set it up to run amazing restaurants. We felt like if we are owned by a big corporation, the heart will be ripped out of the company. And then we will become nothing than more than a machine. So, we set up a legacy project which means all the senior people in the group who helped build the empire will eventually have more shares and they will become owners of the business. For me, it is about opening more inspiring restaurants, continue to travel, and inspire the next generation. And that’s always the number one goal. What would you say to someone who aspires to be like you and is just starting in on the culinary journey? Number one, this is above everything, I have been cooking for 32 years, and till this day, I am obsessed and in love with food the same way as I was when I picked up my first knife at 16. If you are not obsessed by food and want to be a chef 56

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then you’ll never make it. You have to be so invested in this and you got to want to learn more. And the more success you have, the more difficult it becomes to stay that way but, you have to fight that and continue to work for your food to be better. The minute you fall out of love with food, your guest will feel it. I get excited working with my chefs on new ideas, creating new dishes and seeing them come to live and then see the guests eat them. Forget about the money and profit, the love for cooking should always come first. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.PEARLSOCIALDOHA.COM FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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In April 2019, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be hosting the 5th annual Fact Dining Awards Doha. This is your chance to vote for your favourite venues by logging onto www.factqatar.com. This is our shortlist of nominees who have impressed the anonymous panel of reviewers to make the final cut! Browse through the list to see if your favourites are on there and get voting today. Keep an eye on our social media accounts for cool ways to win prizes in the lead up to the ceremony.

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• FACT DINING AWARDS

• Arguelina Lounge – Crowne Plaza Doha, The Business Park • Majlis – Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas • Takht-e-Jamshid – Al Hazm Mall

Lebanese

International • Jarnen- Souq Al Wakra Hotel • Blue – Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel • Teatro - City Centre Rotana Doha • Belgravia – Al Hazm Mall • Inginuity - Radisson Blu Hotel Doha • Sridan – Shangri-La Hotel, Doha

Italian • La Veranda – Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel • Rocca – Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas • The Italian Job – Radisson Blu Hotel Doha • La Spiga By Paper Moon – W Doha Hotel & Residences • Riva – Banana Island Resort by Anantara • Di Capri – La Cigale Hotel • Lo Spagetto – Al Nasr • Cucina – Marriott Marquis City Center Doha • Cicchetti – Shoumoukh Towers • L’incontro Dei Sapori – Salwa Road

Mediterranean • Mykonos – InterContinental Doha Hotel & Residences • Three Sixty – The Torch Doha • Amwage – Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl Doha • Santorini – Shangri-La Hotel Doha • Café DeLord Restaurant – Ghanem 60

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Business Centre • Casa Twenty Eight - The Pearl Qatar

European • Market By Jean-Georges – W Doha Hotel & Residences • Opal By Gordon Ramsay – The St. Regis Doha • The Cellar – Oryx Rotana Doha • El Faro – Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha • Qavanna – The Gate Mall • The Melting Pot – Shoumokh Towers

French • IDAM – Museum of Islamic Art • Le train Bleu – Al Hazm Mall • Fauchon – Various Locations • Fromage – Tawar Mall • The French Olive – Various Locations • Paul - Various Locations

Middle Eastern • Al Sufra – Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha • Parisa – Souq Waqif • Al Nahham - Banana Island Resort Doha By Anantara • Damasca One – Souq Waqif • Ard Canaan – Katara Village • Al Jalsa Garden Lounge – InterContinental Doha The City

• Al Mourjan – Corniche • Em Sherif – Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel • Burj Al Hamam – The Pearl Qatar • Debs W Remman – Medina Centrale, The Pearl Qatar • Layali – Various Locations • Gemmayze – InterContinental Doha • Al Terrace – Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels • Mamig – Katara Cultural Village • Zeituna – City Centre Rotana Doha

Moroccan • Argan – Al Jasra Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli • Marrakech – Lagoona Mall • Tajine – Souq Waqif • Mssamen & Atai – Qanat Quartier

Qatari • Nassayem – Diplomatic Club • Walima – Mondrian Doha • Al Fai – Mushereib Museum • Al Manchab – Al Hazm Mall • Shay Al Shoomos – Souq Waqif • SMAT - Al Salata

Seafood • L’Wzaar – Katara Cultural Village • Lobster – Al Hazm Mall • Al Sayyad – Diplomatic Club • Al Sultan Brahim – The St. Regis Doha • Ocean Basket – Mall of Qatar

Chinese • Hakkasan – The St. Regis Doha • Chi’Zen – Oryx Rotana Doha • Ruby Wu’s – Radisson Blu Hotel Doha • Shanghai Club – Shangri-La Hotel Doha • D’Chosptik – Holiday Villa Hotel • P.F. Chang’s - Various Locations

FACT DINING AWARDS •

South East Asian • Spice Market – W Doha Hotel & Residences • Zengo – Kempinski Residences & Suites • Ridge – Al Hazm Mall • Asia Live! – Doha Marriott Hotel • Elements Restaurant & Lounge – Four Seasons Hotel Doha • Yee Hwa – Al Nasr

Thai

• Isaan – Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas • Sabai Thai – The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa • Red Orchid – Ezdan Palace Hotel • White Oryx – The Pearl • Sawasdee – Salwa Road

Japanese • Katsuya by Starck - Villagio Mall • Nobu – Four Seasons Hotel Doha • Megu – The Pearl-Qatar • Nozomi – Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl Doha • Morimoto Doha – Mondrian Doha • Sumo Sushi & Bento - Various Locations

Indian • Saffron Lounge – Katara Cultural Village • Chingari – Radisson Blu Hotel Doha • Royal Tandoor – Souq Waqif • Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor – The Crowne Plaza Doha West Bay • Asha’s – Various Locations • Al Matbakh – Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli • Zaffran Dining Experience – Al Emadi Financial Square

• Taj Rajoi – Doha Marriott Hotel • Bombay Balti – Radisson Blu Hotel Doha • Jwala - The Pearl Qatar

North American & Caribbean • Santa Monica Breakfast Club – Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas • The Cheesecake Factory – Various Locations • Ted’s – Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara • Texas Roadhouse – Various Locations • UNO Chicago Grill – Mall of Qatar • 41 Degrees WS Grill – Shoumoukh Towers, C Ring Road • Diner Station - The Pearl Qatar

Latin American • Ipanema – Marriott Marquis City Center Doha • Paloma – InterContinental Doha • Salsa – Doha Marriott Hotel • Toro Toro – Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl Doha • Rodizio – Crowne Plaza Doha, The Business Park • Fuego – Shangri-La Hotel Doha • Viva Mexico – Qanat Quartier

Steakhouse • JW’s Steakhouse – Doha Marriott Hotel • Prime – InterContinental Doha The City • New York Steakhouse – Marriott Marquis City Center Doha • Astor Grill – The St. Regis Doha • Bentley’s Grill – Radisson Blu Hotel Doha • Fuego – Shangri-La Hotel, Doha • Hunters Room & Grill - The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa • Nusr-et Steakhouse – Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel • CUT – Mondrian Doha

All-Day Dining • Coral – InterContinental Doha Hotel & Residences • Olive Oil – City Centre Rotana Doha

• Circle – Millenium Plaza Hotel • Aramede – Crowne Plaza Doha, The Business Park • C. Taste – Centro Capital Doha • Sirocco – Holiday Inn Doha, The Business Park • Crossroads Kitchen – Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha • The Square – InterContinental Doha The City • Flying Carpet – The Torch Doha • Vine – The St. Regis Doha • Al Baraha - Al Najada Hotel • Al Liwan – Sharq Village & Spa

Al Fresco Dining • Jarnen- Souq Al Wakra Hotel • Q-Lounge - Banana Island Resort Doha By Anantara • Al Terrace - Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli • La Veranda – Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel • Walima Terrace – Mondrian Doha • Al Mourjan – Corniche • Al Shurfa – Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels • Blue – Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel

Pub • Belgian Café – InterContinental Doha • Boston’s – City Centre Rotana Doha • Champions Sports Bar – Marriott Marquis City Center Doha • Stock Burger Co. Doha – Holiday Inn Doha, The Business Park • La Liga Lounge – Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel • Hudson Tavern – Mondrian Doha • Irish Harp – Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel • Claw BBQ Crabshack & Grill DoubleTree by Hilton Doha

Bar • The Den - Shangri-La Hotel Doha • Pure – DoubleTree by Hilton Doha • La Vista 55 – InterContinental Doha The City • Dunes – Grand Hyatt Doha • Manko – InterContinental Doha • Rise – Mondrian Doha • Tahitian Village – Hilton Doha fact magazine

• FACT DINING AWARDS

Lounge • Z Lounge – Kempinski Residences & Suites • Wahm – W Doha Hotel & Residences • Sky View Lounge – La Cigale Hotel • Mix Bar Lounge & Terrace – The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa • Secret Garden – Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha • The Rooftop – The St. Regis Doha • Iris – Sharq Village & Spa

Club • Society Lounge – Hilton Doha • Illusion – Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl • Oxygen Club – La Cigale Hotel, Doha • Black Orchid – Mondrian Doha • The Pearl Lounge – Doha Marriott Hotel • O’hara – W Doha Hotel & Residences • The Club – The St. Regis Doha

Shisha Terrace • Al Jalsa Shisha Garden Lounge – InterContinental Doha The City • Shisha Terrace – Four Seasons Hotel Doha • Al Nafourah Garden – Oryx Rotana Doha • Majlis – Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas • Aqua Lounge – Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha • Arguelina Lounge – Crowne Plaza Doha, The Business Park • Al Shurfa Arabic Lounge – Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli • Walima Terrace – Mondrian Doha • The Pier - Four Seasons Hotel Doha

Café • Caramel – City Centre Rotana Doha • Café Murano – Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl Doha • Evergreen Organics – The Pearl Qatar • W Café – W Doha Hotel & Residences • Meesh – Crowne Plaza Doha, The Business Park • Canela – Al Najada Hotel • Life With Cacao – Various Locations 62

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• Café Coco – Doha Festival City • Quickbites – Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha • MIA Cafe - Museum of Islamic Art

Tea Room • Tea Lounge – InterContinental Doha • Lobby Lounge – The Ritz-Carlton Doha • Sarab Lounge – The St. Regis Doha • TWG Tea – Mall of Qatar • Tea Garden – The Torch Doha • Seasons Tea Lounge – Four Seasons Hotel Doha • Atrium Lounge – Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel • Victoria Lounge – Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel • Magnolia – Mondrian Doha

In-Mall • Vapiano – The Gate Mall • Katsuya by Starck – Villagio Mall • BeBabel – Mall of Qatar • Cheesecake Factory – Various Locations • P.F. Chang’s – Various Locations • Ocean Basket – Mall of Qatar • Sumo Sushi & Bento – Doha Festival City • Jamie’s Italian – Doha Festival City • Sazeli - Mall of Qatar

Family-Friendly Restaurant • Carluccio’s – Various Locations • Santa Monica Breakfast Club – Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas • Orient Pearl – Corniche • Ted’s, Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara • The Italian Job, Radisson Blu Hotel Doha • Chef’s Garden – Education City • La Veranda – Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel

Casual Dining • Lo Spaghetto Doha – Al Saad • Sumo Sushi & Bento – Doha Festival City • Ocean Basket – Mall of Qatar

FACT DINING AWARDS •

• Asha’s – Various Locations • Eataly – Various Locations • Nando’s - Various Locations • Vapiano - The Gate Mall • Carluccio’s - Various Locations • Balanda - Various Locations

Breakfast • Santa Monica Breakfast Club – Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas • Jones The Grocer – The Gate Mall • Meesh Café – Crowne Plaza Doha, The Business Park • La Piazza – Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli • W Cafe – W Doha Hotel & Residences • Shakespeare & Co – Various Locations • Eggspectation – The Pearl-Qatar • The French Olive – Various locations

Friday Brunch • Chatuchak Weekend Market Brunch at Issan – Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas • The St. Regis Grand Brunch – The St. Regis Doha • Street Market Brunch at Spice Market – W Doha Hotel & Residences • Bubbalicious Brunch – The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa • Friday Brunch – Four Seasons Hotel Doha • Friday Brunch at Toro Toro – Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl Doha • Friday Brunch at Zengo – Kempinski Residences & Suites • Big Apple Brunch at New York Steakhouse - Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha • Friday Brunch at Sridan – Shangri-La Hotel, Doha • Friday Carvery Brunch – Radisson Blu Hotel Doha • Friday Brunch at Tahitian Village Hilton Doha • Friday Brunch at CUT – Mondrian Doha

Family-Friendly Brunch • Friday Brunch at Lagoon – The Ritz-Carlton Doha

• Friday Brunch at Coral – InterContinental Doha • Themed Friday Brunch at Flying Carpet – The Torch Doha • Garden Brunch at La Varanda – Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel • Friday Brunch at Santa Monica Breakfast Club – Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas • Friday Brunch at Al Baraha - Al Najada Hotel • Friday Brunch at Azraq – Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara • Picnic Brunch – Al Aziziya Boutique Hotel • Friday Brunch at Argan – Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels • Pool & Brunch - Doha Marriott Hotel

Saturday Brunch • Royal Thai Brunch at Sabai Thai – The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa • Saturday Brunch A La Espanola at El Faro – Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl Doha Dim Sum • Al Hubara Brunch - Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel • Lazy Saturday Brunch at Opal – The St. Regis Doha • Saturday Brunch at Coral – Intercontinental Doha • Noodles & Ribs at Elements – Four Seasons Hotel Doha • Picnic Brunch – Doha Golf Club

Newcomer - Fine Dining • STK – The Ritz-Carlton, Doha • Pearl Social – Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl Doha • La Mar – InterContinental Doha • Indego – The Pearl Qatar • Palermo – Ezdan Palace Hotel

Newcomer – Casual Dining

• Maya – Kemspinki Residences & Suites • Toshi – Millennium Plaza Doha • Torino Steakhouse – • Le Paradis DeLord – Mall of Qatar • Emshoot – Souq Al Wakra Hotel fact magazine

• PLUGGED IN

APP-LICIOUS LET’S SEE WHAT’S ON THE SMARTPHONE AGENDA FOR FEBRUARY…

Asana Rebel

TheScore

Keep the New Year, New Me grind going with the Asana Rebel! A Yoga app with health, fitness and weight loss in mind, it offers up a mix of more than 100 different workout routines and matching video tutorials. Designed by Yoga and fitness experts, it creates personalised lists to match your fitness goals as well as curated collections. Users can filter workouts by their training goals, duration, intensity, collection or preview workouts to find the one just right for them.

Stay on top of the latest sports news with theScore! The app delivers up to the minute game updates and statistics as well as breaking sports news. The event calendar lets you easily look up upcoming games, statistics for past matches, along with latest scores and most important plays. The app also allows users to follow teams and individuals players, giving you notifications of related news or big plays. Social features make it easy to share with your friends!

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• PLUGGED IN

AUDIO REVIVAL Your summer barbeques and pool parties are about to get a whole lot louder with Bang & Olufsen’s coolest new addition – meet the Beosound Edge…

he most insane sound quality and an amazing minimalist design in a conveniently compact speaker – this is what Bang & Olufsen is bringing to the table. The tech giant presented a new powerful wireless speaker that completely reimagines how we live with and experience sound. Created in collaboration with globally acclaimed designer Michael Anastassiades, Beosound Edge is yet another thoughtful design from the Danish luxury audio brand. Transforming everyday mundane to musical mastery, the Beosound Edge is surprisingly powerful despite its compact footprint. To deliver a commanding sound experience at high volume, Beosound Edge debuts a ground-breaking acoustical technology named the Active Bass Port. The Active Bass Port unites two classical concepts of loudspeaker design, the so-called “closed-box” design and the “ported design”. Apart from an incredible sensory experience, the Beosound Edge brings forward a timeless design masterpiece that has never been seen before in home audio. Adding an element of magic, Bang & Olufsen has built the physical touch interface into the aluminium frame by lasering microscopic holes invisible to the eye, just allowing light to shine through. To contrast the polished aluminium body, Beosound Edge comes with a matte black fabric cover, easily exchangeable, as Bang

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& Olufsen will introduce new on-trend fabric colours over time. The Beosound Edge also comes with 360-degree room filling sound from both sides of the speaker, and the new Directional Sound Control allows the user to define the direction that the sound radiates creating two acoustic fronts. This ensures that a room can be divided into an active listening area and a more passive listening area. Controlling the directional sound is made easy through the Bang & Olufsen app. Allowing you freedom of connectivity, Beosound Edge comes with the major industry standard technologies to provide the best streaming experience. Enjoy the streaming service of your choice including AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Bluetooth. Ushering in a new generation of audio, clarity, precision and design, the Beosound Edge is a total game changer. Letting you skip, start and stop tracks with a simple tap on the touch sensitive aluminium surface, the speaker makes listening to music so much easier and gratifying. In the words of talent show judges everywhere: “It’s a yes from us!” ✤

GO: BEOSOUND EDGE IS AVAILABLE ON WWW.BANGOLUFSEN.COM/EDGE AND IN BANG & OLUFSEN STORES AT A RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICE OF $3,500.

A NEW ESCAPE FROM THE CITY

t i vo l i h o t e l s .c o m P.O. Box 81038, Al Wakra, Qatar T: +974 4428 7888 | souqalwakra@tivolihotels.com

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‫للخــياطة الرجالــية‬

‫كـالسيـك‬

Classic Man for Tailoring

Tel. 4421 9357 68

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ohlala arabia.indd 1

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

10/22/15 2:30 PM

FASHION FOCUS •

KENZO SS’19

Kindness, balance, unity, harmony – it’s always been Kenzo’s prerogative to bring together the varying tribes and subcultures of every day – and the brand’s new Spring/ Summer 2019 collection is no exception…

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â&#x20AC;˘ FASHION FOCUS

For the Spring/Summer 2019 collections for men and women, Kenzo invites you to celebrate summer ceremonies, gatherings of all sorts and the jubilation of rituals. Occasions where new-romantic hedonists meet British wedding goers and all the in-betweens.

WOMEN For women, Kenzo goes high summer with aplomb. They adore effortless deconstruction and the delicately disordered. They match classic fine fabrics such as a flocked twill with georgette or create an effort in contrasts by matching saturated colours of acid yellow, cobalt or fuchsia with vivid prints of roses or checks. The archive dot prints on layered twill offers extra scope to a traditional summer dress. Coats are embossed with python prints or in pink vinyl. Cocoon bombers play against strict tailored jackets. Voluminous technical nylon dresses with covered buttons in lilac or orange offer ample opportunity for fluid movement. Guipure embroideries appear in Victorian tops or overlaid dresses. For womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accessories, Kenzo introduces two new styles: the dot and the goody, infused in both the bags and footwear of rubberised chunky platforms and contrast kitten heels. Geometric earrings compliment the more ornate embroidered jewellery.

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FASHION FOCUS •

MEN The men’s collection focuses on the blending of tailoring with sportswear and the admiring of proportions. Collarless doublebreasted jackets with exaggerated reveres come in cotton/linen with a light resin finish or in a rubberised cotton jacquard. Coats are lightweight with deconstructed and soft shoulders or kimono inspired in a slub cotton or in the nylon medallion print. Pants and shorts are generous and bright or straight and chopped. Rose prints take on acid checks and vivid blues take on neutral beige. For men’s footwear, rubber jelly sandals walk alongside suede slipper moccasins and the revisited Kenzo sonic sneaker. GO: SHOP KENZO’S SS’19 COLLECTION IN STORES AND ONLINE NOW.

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• FASHION FOCUS

SHOP THE BRAND HERE’S OUR WISHLIST FROM THE KENZO SS’19 COLLECTION FOR HER

FOR HIM

THIS COLLECTION IS AVAILABLE IN KENZO STORES ACROSS THE GULF. 72

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SHOPAND Years ï¿½ DRIVE

Of Family

Get a raffle coupon on every purchase worth QR.40 to WIN A GMC SIERRA

Importing the best produce in Qatar from over 35 countries since 1978 fact magazine

• STYLE

The Future’s Bright Spring 2019 sure does have a bright future ahead as wardrobe’s turn to the theory of colour. Ready to brighten up your everyday attire with pops of wild, wonderful as well as mild and muted tones – from pastels to neons – take your pick.

01. Accessorize 02. Debenhams 03. Dorothy Perkins 04. Dune 05. H&M 06. Lipsy 07. Marks and Spencer 08. Matalan 09. Miss Selfridge 10. New Look 11. River Island 12. Topshop

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STYLE •

It’s All Grey-vy! Sure, new-season neutrals aren’t exactly ground-breaking for spring, but we’re not talking your usual nudes and beige fodder. While we may have been championing all white steez for a while, come spring 2019, full-tonal looks in grey hues are set to be big news paired with white, cream and stone tones mixed for best results.

01. Burton 02. Debenhams 03. H&M 04. MANGO 05. Marks & Spencer 06. Matalan 07. MCM 08. Mens at Dune 09. Next 10. River Island 11. River Island 12. Zara

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• BEAUTY BOX

Beauty Checklist LADIES, GET YOUR SKINCARE, MAKEUP AND FRAGRANCE FIX RIGHT HERE…

Tarte Cosmetics

TARTELETTE TEASE CLAY PALETTE

Look and feel flawless on the go! Enhance your shadow wardrobe with this pocketperfect version of the bestselling tartelette palette. Take your look from day to night with four everyday matte shadows paired with two captivating lusters so you can refresh, define and define your smoldering stare.

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Fenty Beauty

PRO FILT’R INSTANT RETOUCH CONCEALER

A concealer that blends like a dream and comes in 50 different shades- yes, please! Say goodbye to dark circles, bags, hangovers and bad decisions with this ultimate concealer. It comes in a unique creamy, longwear, creaseproof liquid formula with a soft matte finish. Each concealer is made to complement its corresponding Pro Filt’r Foundation number!

Sukin HYDRATING ELIXIR Get skin that glows from within! Enriched with Crambe Oil, Vitamins A and E as well as Paracress Extract, the natural elixir will reduce the early signs of ageing, improve natural elasticity of skin and deliver immediate hydration to tired skin. Other key ingredients including Jojoba Oil and Sweet Almond Oil help lock away and replenish moisture.

Becca VOLCANO GODDESS EYE SHADOW PALETTE Create an endless range of smoldering eye looks! The limited-edition eyeshadow palette features 12 creamy eyeshadows in 3 different finishes- ultra-matte, shimmer and molten metallic. The high-impact formula delivers intense payoff thanks to richly pigmented shades with superior layering power and blendability.

Rituals

THE RITUAL OF HOLI FLOWER SHOWER FOAM Give a whole new meaning to your shower ritual with the newest, most colourful Flower Shower Foam. Inspired by the ancient Indian tradition that celebrates the onset of a vibrant new season, the Flower Shower Foam spritzes out in a gorgeous formation of a flower. The soothing fragrance of white Lilly and peach flower come together to create a candy-like fragrance!

DCL Skincare MULTI ACTION PENTA PEEL Get smooth, flawless looking skin today. An innovative multipurpose peel developed with a blend of five acids that gently renews even the most sensitive of skinsfive ways in just five minutes! Mandelic acid refines texture, as lactic acid smoothes rough spots and wrinkles. While phytic acid brightens, as salicylic acid unclogs pores and hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates.

GROOMING BOX •

Grooming Checklist GENTS, GET READY TO STEP UP YOUR GAME THIS SEASON…

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AMERICAN CREW BOOST POWDER Give your hair lasting volume! The weightless powder adds grit for dramatic, gravity-defying texture, while giving hair lift, thickness and a matte finish. The volumising formula retains natural moisture and softens hair, provides flexible hold as well as thickens, revitalises and restores hair. What’s more? It can be layered with virtually any other American Crew styling product!

TRUEFITT & HILL 1805 SHAVE CREAM

Get the closest shave ever! From its alluring scent to its sleek shaving bowl packaging- it is a total must-have. Enriched with glycerin and coconut acid, it brings comfort to your shaving experience while nourishing your face at the same time. The glycerin-based formula ensures that you achieve an incredibly close yet comfortable shave every time.

JACK BLACK EPIC MOISTURE MP10 NOURISHING OIL

This is the multitasking product you need in your life right now. A sheer, multitasking oil, it provides immediate benefits to skin and hair. The lightweight, quick-penetrating blend of 10 natural oils infuses skin and hair with intensive moisture plus potent antioxidants and essential nutrients for a healthy, improved appearance.

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â&#x20AC;¢ HOME STYLE

H&M HOME: NEUTRAL RULES

NOTHING COMPARES TO THE BLANK SLATE OF A NEW YEAR AND H&M KICKS OFF 2019 FOCUSING ON LIGHT. WARM NEUTRALS, CHUBBY SHAPES AND TURQUOISE ALONG WITH GRAPHIC STRIPES MARK A NEW START FOR THE HOME AS WE START LONGING FOR SPRING. GLASS OBJECTS AND MIRROR SURFACES ALONG WITH SHINY MATERIALS SUCH AS CHROME AND AIRY SPACES MAKE THE MOST OF THE SPARSE WINTER LIGHT. ABSTRACT TEXTS FEEL NEW AND ADD AN ARTY TOUCH WHILE MINIMALIST INFLUENCES MAKE CONTRASTS IMPORTANT AND CALL FOR THE OCCASIONAL DASH OF BLACK. RATTAN AND A RANGE OF BEIGES TOGETHER WITH PLUSH TEXTURES SUCH AS VELVET ADD WARMTH.

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CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

IT’S TORO TIME! Having started to grow weary of brunches, FACT sent Craig Ferriman to a 5-star Friday experience that was set to truly impress and restore his faith in good brunch concepts again. Enter Toro Toro Doha…

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• CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

oo much eating to excess from a grand buffet that’s often lukewarm and all the walking around on a treasure hunt to find what there actually is to eat – brunches are no longer a novelty for me. Conversations broken up by others who need to stack their plate sky high with more things they aren’t sure they want. So, imagine my relief (and excitement) when I sat down at Toro Toro’s Latin Friday Brunch. It’s quite different to those stereotypes conjured up. It’s sophisticated, classy, elegant and most of all, hugely enjoyable. There is indoor and outdoor seating for your choosing. Welcome beverages are made and served before you on a trolley the moment that you are seated – the perfect refreshment as you contemplate the afternoon ahead. Sitting inside with the giant windows pressed right up against the water made me feel like I was on a ship with nothing but sunshine and sea outside. Almost all food and beverages are brought to the table by waiter service. An extraordinary in-house guacamole is served up in little bowls on a trolley with a generous helping of the freshest tortillas. I can categorically say I have never tasted fresher, tangier or a more delicious mix in all my days. It was guactastic! There is one self-service buffet in the middle of the restaurant and it’s the only requirement you’ll have to take a wander. Worth it though. A bar of cold bites is neatly decorated with

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things like tuna tartar rolls, sushi, salads and a refreshing ceviche. All of this went down a treat. Hot appetisers were delivered to the table a little later. They included a little basket with a pair of chicken empanadas in it. Spicy calamari was in another bowl that had a real kick to it. A Peruvian style steamed fish fillet lay in a leaf basket and last but not least, there were two delicately delicious beef tacos that melted in the mouth. Unbelievably special. The real fun gets going when the rodizio comes out. Waiters wielding large skewers of various cuts of meat come to the table to slice off tender cuts of beef, chicken and even a fried pineapple that compliments some of the cuts excellently. A two-sided coaster was our calling card. Green side up told the staff – come on gimme some more! Red side up said – my belly needs a break. The striploin was probably my favourite but the chicken was very spicy and truly delicious too. I had to keep getting more shavings of rib-eye as well – a meat-eater’s heaven. The dessert was the priceless finish. It was both a highly sociable dish but also a work of art! What looked like a chocolate pot was brought to our table and they dropped it like it was too hot to handle. I momentarily thought, “oh no, our dessert is ruined,” only to realise that this was all part of the act. The table ended up resembling a psychedelic fantasy and everyone was able to take the spoon and get stuck into it. Essentially, it was a crumble cased in chocolate with little blackberries and raspberries but justice is only

CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

done when you see it and eat it. You could be forgiven for thinking it was a nonstop food party and we walked out feeling stuffed. The absolute opposite was the case. The brunch was superbly curated and the dishes carefully calibrated to deliver delicate flavours that delighted but didn’t defeat us. Highly, highly recommended. ✤

GO: TORO TORO FRIDAY BRUNCH IS PRICED AT QR350 INCLUDING LIVE ENTERTAINMENT BY A LATIN BAND. FROM 12.30PM TO 4PM. CALL 4035 5101 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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FOODIE CORNER •

NOSTALGIC DINING

In the search of the ideal family brunch? Look no further! FACT ’s Anushay Taimur Khan had her childhood dream granted when she spent the afternoon discovering every nook and cranny of the indulgent Picnic Brunch at Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel …

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• FOODIE CORNER

eing a 90’s baby, the checkered picnic sheet will always be iconic for me. Whether it was Small Wonder’s family or Uncle Jesse and the Tanner’s, getting ready with their football in the park, the checkered sheet was always there to support their picnic baskets. So, when I got invited to the lovely Picnic Brunch you bet your sandwich making skills that I wanted the ideal, picturesque checkered experience. Set inside a Victorian-style hotel, the interior of Al Aziziyah was already winning a place in my heart as it reminded me of a hotel back in Italy. The seating arrangement for the brunch is divided into two sections: the very comfortable air-conditioned room inside and the actual picnic setup with benches and hammocks outdoors. I was so excited to see their entire theme right in place. Naturally, I opted to sit outside on the benches, as I got ready for my Full House experience. The entire menu selection is also carefully aligned with the theme. There are five live stations at the brunch: Asian, Italian, Arabic, BBQ and Chef’s Special. Each hosted its respected cuisines with the option to select your meat and then hand it over to the chef to work his magic. In addition, there was an entire delectable seafood selection boasting salmon, calamari, prawns, oysters, mussels, lobster and six different types of sushi. One thing’s for sure – you’re not going hungry at this picnic. I tried each station and honestly, the Italian food won my palate over. It is not easy to have a taste that is unique since there is no shortage of fierce competition in town now. However, I would like to add that whilst choosing your meat, the chef must be informed about your preference for the way it should be cooked – rare, medium, well done – you name it and it’ll be done!

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The picnic brunch’s main purpose is to attract families and so a kid’s area is arranged where you can find a small bouncy castle and various other activities to keep toddlers busy. If you’re a parent, you know what a blessing in disguise that is! You can enjoy a meal while the kids have a mini party of their own, which obviously means a relaxing environment that grown-ups really deserve (all in favour, say aye!) An entire table of scrumptious little beauties that I call dessert called to my sweet tooth. The station had a variety of options to appease a true foodie with popcorn, a chocolate fondue, donuts and cupcakes that were displayed. I found my own piece of heaven at that dessert table. My personal favourites were the blueberry cupcakes that had the right amount of blueberry flavour packed neatly together, as did the pocket-sized red velvet pastries. The desserts didn’t overwhelm me with carbs and I’m thankful for that. A cup of tea paired with these bites in

FOODIE CORNER •

the bearable Doha sun is all you need for a divine tea-time experience. As we say goodbye to the final sweet winds of winter, I believe the Picnic brunch is the perfect way to celebrate this season. A very family-oriented concept which will keep the mamas easy, the pops chilled out and the kids in fun mode – this brunch is definitely one of my new Friday favourites. ✤

GO: PICNIC BRUNCH IS AVAILABLE FROM 12.30PM TO 4PM. PRICED AT QR185 PER PERSON (QR70 FOR KIDS AGED SIX TO 12). CALL 4445 5555 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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NEW IN TOWN •

FOOD FOR THE SOUL

Yesterday’s traditions meet today’s trends at Le Paradis DeLord where the meeting of exotic coastal cuisines fuses everything you love about the food of the east and the west. FACT’s Anushay Taimur Khan sits down for a palate awakening as every dish to grace the table leaves her taste buds impressed. fact magazine

• NEW IN TOWN

ituated on the first floor of Luxury Court of Mall of Qatar, Le Paradis DeLord was a pleasant surprise for me. When I was invited for lunch, I didn’t do any research and just wanted to enjoy the food as it came. In a perfect, dimly lit room, I was very impressed to see the eye-catching décor of the restaurant. An instagrammer’s paradise, their mini pink cherry blossom trees give a Spring-ish vibe as the welcoming staff finds the ideal table for you. I was first introduced to the starters, which basically set the tone for the entire menu for me. Well, readers, I was not disappointed in the slightest. I tried three different appetisers which were Salmon Bruschetta, DeLord Salad and Le Paradise Cocktail. If I had to pick one for you, I’d go for the third which was a juicy combo of butter fried shrimps topped with lush dressing. One of my most favourite elements about the cocktail was the fusion of different flavours. Believe it or not, I found the very famous Indian snack ‘sev’ in there too, which was the winner for me. I especially loved the role of pomegranate in the items I was served, which included my drink, the Sailor’s Navy - a quick refresher in this unpredictable Doha weather – I honestly didn’t know I needed to cool down ‘till I took some gusto sips of this delicious brew of fruits. As I munched on the home-made bread and butter, I was served my main course and absolutely loved the variety of meat I was presented. I was especially pleased that all the dishes had their own tastes and twists. The creamy chicken, well-cooked beef steak and the delicious saffron and cheese lobster; I was in a very meaty heaven – with zero complaints! However, the Lamb Shank is the reason I will be going back to the café. The meat was fall-offthe-fork tender and instantly melting in my mouth with every bite. Now for the big show: the dessert. One thing you should know about me is that desserts and I have a very

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special relationship. Neither one can live without the other and therefore, I am most critical about them. Since I like my cheesecakes on the slightly sweeter side, I was very happy with the custard-like density and flavour of the one served up here. Where it may not appeal to many, my sweet tooth was jumping with joy! A single serving at Le Paradis DeLord is good enough to fill up the bellies of two hungry patrons, but I would recommend a careful selection of the menu. It has a lot of options that can make you want to order with your eyes, alas, patience is key! The chef’s speciality is to bring a bit of everything to the table and I can vouch that you will not be disappointed.

Just have your food warm off the stove and you’ll be thanking us! The restaurant is generally a relaxed and welcoming experience. If you’re looking for a spot to enjoy your meal, either with family, or even a business meeting, this is an ideal choice. Impressive, neat and packed with variety, Le Paradis DeLord is sure to become the kind of food hotspot that diners will return to time and again. ✤

GO: VISIT LE PARADIS DELORD AT MALL OF QATAR. CALL 4468 9342 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

NEW IN TOWN â&#x20AC;¢

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For the culture-savvy in Qatar

FEBRUARY 2019 EDITION AVAILABLE NOW on issuu.com/factmagazine 92

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VENUE REVIEW •

CALLING LEBANON... As we swoon over and head into the last half of Doha’s cooler climes, FACT’s Anushay Taimur Khan headed to Al Mirqab Boutique Hotel in Souq Waqif to try their Lebanese restaurant, Al Terrace – only to find the most delightful spread. fact magazine

â&#x20AC;˘ VENUE REVIEW

n a surprisingly windy evening, I headed to Souq Waqif to give Al Terrace a try again. A previous winner at the FACT Dining Awards, I was curious to see what more they could bring to the table this time around. As the meek winds of Doha announced the arrival of a welcomed winter, I was very pleased to have an outdoor table available. Live music played right in front of me, completely setting the mood for my date night! As I found a cosy spot next to the heater, I was served with my starters almost immediately. I had left the menu selection to the restaurant and wanted to see what the chef could add to my already quaint appetite for Lebanese cuisine. For starters, I was served with hummus, salad, and fettet hummus. For someone who has recently developed a taste for Arabic food, I am very particular about my selection of delicacies. I found the hummus very creamy, complimenting the warm, freshly made bread, and I was completely swooning. A shocker for me was the salad, as it has always been my least favourite item on the menu. I always prefer my salad with

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VENUE REVIEW •

meat to add some texture, but this particular one had a special pomegranate sauce which was giving it such a unique flavour that I had to go for a second helping. The fettet hummus had just the right amount of minced lamb and spicy yogurt in it to give it that extra zip – SO good. As the night got colder and my love for winters in Doha was trumped by my shivering hands not allowing me to eat anything, we moved the party indoors. A very simple set up, the indoor dining was arranged within a few minutes and my little Lebanese food jouney resumed. The second I bit into the kebabs from the mixed platter, I knew exactly why this restaurant is award wining. Succulent, juicy and simply exquisite. The marination, the welldone beef kofta, the heavenly shish taouk, and the piquant vegetables that were served with the meat; this restaurant and I were a match made in the food heaven. The light music from outside accompanied by the fine refreshments was the ideal way to start the weekend. For me, no meal is complete without dessert. And even when I say, “I’m full”, it always means “where’s my dessert?”. I was served the Kunafa and frankly,

I did not really have high expectations for it as I do have a few personal favourites for this particular dessert around town. Well, move over Kunafa candidates, there’s a new bad boy in town. I feel like no one has praised their Kunafa enough to be on the top of every list. The sweet sauce drenched the Kunafa just the right amount and I couldn’t help myself – scooping up every last bit until my plate was clean. It was light, the amount of vermicelli on it was perfect, and I was simply feeling blessed to have found this treat in the first place. My overall experience at Al Terrace was absolutely amazing. Their service is good, the team is welcoming and attentive and I could see that everyone around me was also on the same level of laid-back and enjoyment. Combined with the live entertainment and excellent food, I was in a rush to get back. In fact, I already booked there for a family dinner before leaving! ✤

GO: CALL AL TERRACE ON 4433 6402 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

• HEALTH & FITNESS

LET’S GET PHYSICAL F45 has reinvented your fitness game and FACT’s Marisela Paesano tells us why this should be your 2019 resolution.

illennials are ditching big-box gyms and signing up for smaller boutique fitness classes that promise a toned body and a fun experience. In an effort to learn more about this growing trend, I decided to try F45 Training. F45 Training combines elements of HighIntensity Interval Training (HIIT), Circuit Training, and Functional Training. The fusion of these three training concepts has led to the development of over 30 different 45-minute workout experiences. Every day they’ve got a different class on, rotating between cardio and strength and conditioning. No two workouts are ever the same, ensuring variety to keep members motivated and coming back for more. No room for boredom at F45’s premises. F45 focuses on functional movement patterns, which are incorporated with HIIT. This means that you’re doing intense bursts of functional movement to ensure the most effective workout possible. The training emphasis is on time rather than repetitions, workouts vary between 20-60 seconds on and 10-20 seconds off where members work out in groups on circuits which change daily. Aside from the benefits of HIIT training (increases in aerobic capacity/general fitness/muscle tone and mass/general cardiac health etc), often the benefits of functional training produce profound changes in a person’s posture, as well as their day-to-day capabilities, and also injury/pain prevention. 96

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HEALTH & FITNESS •

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE The F45 Doha crew is super cool. Everyone high fives each other and there is a welcoming, supportive vibe in the studio. The instructors provide a live demo at each station live before class so that there are no vacant expressions. There are a few helpful screens around the studio so if you have a mental block due to exhaustion and you can’t even remember your own name you always have a backup. We did a quick warm-up, then raced around 20 different stations, some stations were really challenging but it truly was an amazing workout! I’m not going to lie – I have a long way to go before I’m strong enough to REALLY get the full benefit of this workout – but I’m super pumped for challenging myself in 2019. The studio runs a number of classes throughout the day, but, each class draws in big crowds, so, if you like a more intimate, hands-on approach or have any injuries that require extra attention, ask ahead for quieter class times. The lively energetic atmosphere in these group classes also proves itself to be a great motivator and makes me want to keep coming back — something many of us have struggled with at traditional gyms.

Top 3 Tips Be Social - The social element of group fitness is so important, and you will most likely make friends with your fellow members. AT F45 there is a strong community element which means users are more likely to work to their maximum. Stick at it – Aim to train three-to-five times per week and you’ll soon see results within four-to-eight weeks. Eat well – As with any weight loss programme, it is essential to follow a balanced, healthy diet alongside exercise. F45 offers a tailored nutrition programme as part of its 8-week challenge, to ensure individuals achieve their health objectives, whether they are looking to reduce body fat, get leaner or feel better about themselves. ✤ @f45_training_thepearl

F45 8 WEEK CHALLENGE A new revolutionary way to lose weight is here and it is 100% free. Sign up for the next F45 8 week challenge starting on 4th February 2019 and gain access to a plethora of help and advice to support you on your new journey. Track your progress, access nutritional meal plans and recipes amidst their 45 point plan support programme to guarantee results. Immerse yourself in F45’s supportive materials, including an array of video blogs from leading experts in the industry. Sign up today at f45challenge.com

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• CITY INSIDER

Taieb TJ Joulak

General Manager, Shangri-La Hotel, Doha

hangri-La, Doha has appointed Taieb TJ Joulak as General Manager. A seasoned hotelier with over two decades of work experience in hospitality, Mr Joulak brings international experience, in addition to a wealth of knowledge and expertise, to his new role. Most recently, while working as a general manager in India, he received the highest prestigious award for a hotelier – “General Manager of the Year 2018 for all Luxury Hotels in India”. Mr Joulak began his journey with Starwood in 2002 after opening the Iberostar in Hammamet, Tunisia. Since then, he has worked at some well-renowned Starwood hotels. He was responsible for opening five hotels over the past 15 years, including Sheraton Tunis Hotel and Towers, W Doha in Qatar, W Istanbul in Turkey and W Bali in Indonesia. He also ran the W Taipei and was general manager of W Goa. He has worked with the world-famous Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Athens, Greece. As the General Manager of Shangri-La Doha, Mr Joulak will 98

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be responsible for financial performance, colleague and guest engagement, community relationships, partnerships and talent development. With a proven record of accomplishments and a passionate attitude that makes guests feel right at home, his focus will be to leverage the prestigious reputation of Shangri-La Hotel, Doha as a vibrant luxurious hotel in the heart of the city. “I’m delighted to be back in Doha,” said Mr JoulaK. “I have great memories and it always feels like home. I’m very excited to be part of the Shangri-La family and to take up the challenging new role. It will be an exciting journey for me to lead the fantastic team towards achieving our goals to continue to offer our guests true Asian hospitality.” ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.SHANGRI-LA.COM/DOHA FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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NEW YEAR, NEW MENU AT CUT DOHA! Visit us and wow your taste buds with our new menu at CUT By Wolfgang Puck. Featuring large format roasts, caviar, homemade pastas and much more!

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@cutdoha | mondriandoha.com

FACT Qatar February 2019

Articles inside

The Language of Flowers

Gift Guide: Her