FACT Qatar June 2021 by Fact ME

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18 32 42 Hot In Doha

McLaren Magic

Hotel Hot Spot

CONTENTS

46 50 74 Design Showcase

Voice From the Kitchen

Vacation Location

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• THE EDITOR

Bigger. Brighter. Better.

“

“The world always seems brighter when you've just made something that wasn't there before.” Neil Gaiman

hings are looking brighter. Considerably so. The summer is here in all its glory. While the temperature rises, which it most certainly will, it will also herald the onset of much better times. The skies are not just bluer, they are opening up to travel. As vaccinations are rolled out to increasing numbers in Qatar, June is the month to make the most of a liberating sensibility. Hospitality services are welcoming people back to enjoy hotels, restaurants, pools and resorts, comforted by the fact that patrons are protected and safe. We will of course all continue to show caution, but this caution is laced with loads of optimism; optimism about overcoming the pandemic, optimism about connecting with friends again, and optimism about an invigorated economy after some tough times. The biggest and brightest news this month is the FACT Dining Awards happening on June 15 and 16 at Park Hyatt Doha (subject to Government approval). I’m incredibly excited to be part of this prestigious ceremony. The red carpet event is being held over two days to accommodate smaller groups of attendees. Nominations were made under strict conditions and competition was tough across both categories, which included judging by the FACT panel as well as a public vote which garnered a huge online response. Thank you for your participation. This is our chance to celebrate the absolute cream of the crop among Qatar’s dining and hospitality industry and recognise the exceptionally hard work of dedicated professionals. What contributes to a sunnier disposition for this editor is also the chance to share some super summer ideas with you. We’ve named our cover story 'Things To Do in Doha When You're Hot' with a typically discerning approach to bringing as much coolness to you as we can. For those with creative chops and media savviness, we’ve got just the tech-tonic; TikTok video making tips to help you grab attention and produce more polished content. Paddle up this summer as we cover an outdoor adventure suggestion that’s as safe as it is exhilarating in our segment about kayaking among the seawater mangroves. Freeze! If you’re feeling in need of a refreshing perspective on contemporary sweet treats or you want just desserts for old-fashioned indulgence, then our 'Food Fight' editorial piece is right up your alley. We weigh up the credentials of light frozen yogurt against lavish ice cream, in what we’ve deemed the ‘ice-cold war’. There are plenty more articles to make sure this summer is cool. From the surreal architectural joys of Mondrian Hotel Doha, to a travel segment that takes you to incredible Italy and three of its most vibrant cities, visual splendour is very much on show in this edition.

FACT Magazine Qatar Edition • JUNE 2021 VOLUME 07, ISSUE 12 PUBLISHER RAMI KHALIL PUBLISHING DIRECTOR CHIRINE HALABI EDITORIAL DIRECTOR LIZ O’REILLY EDITOR LINDSEY STEENKAMP DIGITAL EDITOR SARA WADDAH ART DIRECTOR SYED MUHAMMED RAIHAN GRAPHIC DESIGNER OMNIA ELAMIR PHOTOGRAPHY SUDHI KOLLAROTH PEÑARANDA PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION AJIT KUMAR NEIL MAHMOOD EDITORIAL & SALES ENQUIRIES chirine@fact-magazine.com DISTRIBUTION DAR AL-SHARQ PRINTED BY AL ANAN PRINTING PRESS, OMAN CONTRIBUTORS GARETH WOODS EMILLE LOYOLA-ARTIGAS RAWAN KELLY WEHBE

There’s lots to choose from and little time to waste. Welcome to the sunshine.

Lindsey Steenkamp Editor qatareditor@fact-magazine.com

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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.

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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.

“

“When the weather is hot, keep a cool mind. When the weather is cold, keep a warm heart.” — Ajahn Brahm

FACT Qatar 63,213 reads of the May 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 • Things To Do in Doha When You’re Hot P18 •

#FACTMAGAZINE #FACTQATAR #FACTMIDDLEEAST #FOODARTSCULTURETRAVEL #THEONLYWAYISFACT 6

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WELCOME BACK TO MODERN JAPANESE AND DOHA’S MOST ENVIABLE SUMMER VIEWS. WELCOME BACK TO SORA. 3158 7944

AVAILABLE FOR LUNCH, BEVERAGES AND DINNER

SORADOHA fact magazine

S IKKAT WADI M SH EIR EB DOWN TOWN DOH A |

@PA R KHYAT T DOHA | T. + 974 4009 1234 | PA R KHYAT T DOHA .COM

• FACT FINDS

UNIQUE KITCHEN FINDS Showcasing original solutions for common kitchen problems; solved with a smile.

ife is too short for boring kitchen accessories. That is the founding principle behind Boutique Garnie, a Qatar-based online shop offering high-quality, decidedly cool kitchen accessories. From cooking and baking to dining and beverage making, the brand looks to bring some extra joy to the kitchen. Boutique Garnie is adding genuine spice to the shopping arena in Doha. All orders are done through their website (www.boutiquegarnie.com) and they provide free and fast shipping to Doha as well as to other selected destinations. Behind Boutique Garnie are the two kitchen kingpins Malu and James Marsault, a hotelier and a chef, with a passion for food and entertaining. The French start-up was founded by them during last year’s lockdown with the aim of bringing fun to the kitchens of Qatar residents. The brand wants to inspire customers by providing them with creative solutions for their daily lives and putting a smile on their faces at the same time. The name Boutique Garnie is inspired from ‘bouquet garni’, which 8

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is a bundle of aromatic herbs tied up together with string. The brand founders like to explore how things can be done differently and offer original solutions for common kitchen problems. Malu outlined the brand mantra to us saying: “We believe that the kitchen is the most special place in the house. There is a unique magnetism that makes the kitchen a place where people naturally gather not only to cook or eat, but also to just chill with family or friends. We want your kitchen to be a true reflection of you and add uniqueness to your space so you can make many more memorable moments.” Give Boutique Garnie the once-over and bring some joy to your space. ✤

GO: VISIT HELLO@BOUTIQUEGARNIE.COM AND FOLLOW THEM ON INSTAGRAM AND TIKTOK @BOUTIQUE.GARNIE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

NEW HEIGHTS OF GLOBAL LEADERSHIP Qatar Airways chief to chair oneworld alliance. This month highlights positive stories to start the summer, and here’s a big one. The aviation industry has been through challenging times recently, but as the industry starts to take off again, FACT is proud to report that the Governing Board of the oneworld global airline alliance has appointed Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, to serve as its Chairman. He will succeed current Chairman Alan Joyce, CEO of Qantas Group. While travellers return to the skies with Qatar Airways, they can take comfort knowing that not only are they are travelling with the ‘World’s Best Airline’ (2019 World Airline Awards) and the only airline in the world that has achieved four five-star Skytrax ratings – the prestigious 5-Star Airline Rating, 5-Star Airport Rating, 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating and 5-Star COVID-19 Airport Safety Rating ¬ but that our chief is leading the

the strength of the partnerships between member airlines.”

global aviation community in taking us through trying times and

The longest-serving CEO of a oneworld member airline,

to new heights in the immediate future.

as chairman, he will oversee the alliance’s governance and

On his appointment, Akbar Al Baker described the value of the

chair oneworld’s Governing Board meetings with the 14 other

oneworld alliance saying: “I am proud to lead an alliance that has

member airlines. ✤

set the benchmark for innovation, safety and customer service throughout the pandemic with many members, including Qatar Airways, taking the lead in trialling digital health passports. Qatar Airways has also enhanced bilateral relations with fellow

GO: VISIT WWW.QATARAIRWAYS.COM

oneworld members in the past 18 months, further demonstrating

FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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AN INTERCONTINENTAL SUMMER STAYCATION Experience a luxurious stay at the iconic InterContinental Doha featuring unforgettable dining experiences at award-winning restaurants, pampering spa treatments at the exclusive Spa InterContinental, and beachside bliss with crystal blue waters and pristine white sands. Check in to one of the well-appointed guest rooms for the perfect summer getaway. +974 4484 4034 icdoha@ihg.com doha.intercontinental.com Street 900, Bldg. No. 25, Zone 61, Al Dafna, West Bay, P.O. Box 6822 Doha, State of Qatar fact magazine

• LISTEN UP

DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY Calling all potential entrants for the Ro Plastic Prize 2021. Qatar Museums is backing the capacity for creative design minds to make a palpable difference to the world through key sponsorship of the RoGUILTLESSPLASTIC project. The words of H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani best describe the value of the competition and the sponsorship: “As museums are platforms for knowledge production and for inspiring individuals to find solutions to enhance the quality of their lives, it gives me great pleasure to announce Qatar Museums' commitment to combine design excellence with environmental stewardship and sustainability in sponsoring the 2021 Ro Plastic Prize.” The leading claim of the prize is, ‘save the waste, waste is value’ and this ethos is the foundation around which entrants must base their innovative idea submissions. Aimed at creatives from

is June 22, 2021. The finalists will be exhibited in conjunction

across the planet, there is no age limit and the competition is

with Milan Design Week, which will take place from

open to all who wish to try their hand at interpreting the theme

September 5 to 12, 2021. They will be displayed in the Hall of

of re-waste. Unlike previous editions, the materials for this

Waste, one of the exhibitions of RoGUILTLESSPLASTIC 2021,

year’s competition are not limited exclusively to plastic but can

located in the Cloisters of the Leonardo da Vinci Science and

pertain to anything recycled or recyclable. This year, the Ro

Technology Museum. ✤

Plastic Prize is comprised of three categories: Urban and Public Furniture Design, Responsible Innovation Projects, and Emotion on Communication. You can find out more about each category on the website.

GO: VISIT WWW.GUILTLESSPLASTIC.COM

The final date for the submission of projects for consideration

FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

THE CHART HITS THE FANS TSS launches the region’s first Arab / Khaleeji / Western music Top 50 The Social Studio, one of Qatar’s leading live event brands, has

the annual Doha Comedy Festival, they’ve been making expats

just launched the region’s first and only Arabic and Western

and locals laugh out loud for more than five years, hosting

integrated music chart. Called TSS Top 50, the chart is unique,

comedy superstar Trevor Noah here in 2018 and 2019.

curating music that is truly relevant to and reflective of a

TSS aims to evolve new perspectives for the nation.

localised audience.

They’ve helped grow the profile of Qatar as a cultural

The brand has created Qatar’s own barometer of the most

destination by creating safe environments for locals to

popular, chart-topping songs for the region and the planet.

enjoy progressive entertainment and introducing ground-

Every week on a Monday, TSS releases the Top 50 list that

breaking acts like Chainsmokers and Marshmello to Qatar

mixes the biggest and best Arab and Khaleeji hits for the past

through an understanding of cultural nuances and respect

week, together with the Western world’s chart-smashing songs

for social sensibilities.

from the previous seven days.

The Social Studio is constantly pursuing new ways to create and

Music fans can visit the website https://thesocialstudio.me/

curate cultural experiences in Qatar by developing innovative

tss-top-50/ or follow the chart on Instagram. By compiling this

concepts and event programming for major sporting and

completely unique amalgamation, TSS TOP 50 reflects what

cultural events. ✤

audiences are listening to right here, right now. The brand experience also includes Artist Spotlights, music and comedy news of the week, pop-quiz polls and unique compilation videos. The Social Studio is a cultural powerhouse based in Doha. The

GO: VISIT WWW.IHGPLC.COM HTTPS://THESOCIALSTUDIO.ME/

brand has brought large-scale events to Qatar since 2015. With

OR FOLLOW @SOCIALSTUDIO_ME ON INSTAGRAM.

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• LISTEN UP

ON THE BALL, ONLINE

eSports is bigger than you think. Way bigger. By 2022 the market will be worth USD2billion and the top eSports athletes will continue to compete before a huge global audience of supporters that grows daily. The biggest and very best news right now, right here, is that Team Qatar have qualified for the FIFA eNations Cup World Finals. Ahmed Al Meghessib and Jassim Al Eid, representing Qatar Football Association (QFA) eNational Team, qualified for the final of the Asian Cup and the World Championship Finals in Copenhagen after their victory over India in the eNations qualifiers. They will be heading to the Danish capital of Copenhagen in August this year where they will face off against 23 other teams from across the planet on the highest competitive platform there is. “We're very proud of Ahmed and Jassim's qualification to the FIFA eNations Cup World Finals. It's Qatar Football Associations' e-team’s first ever official participation where the two players managed to qualify to the finals. This makes us very proud and we look forward to seeing new players taking part in the future.”– Ali al Slat (Head Of Media, Qatar National Team). Led by team captain and Red Bull athlete Ahmad Al Meghessib playing alongside Jassim Eid, the Qatari National Team triumphed in a challenging but ultimately rewarding passage through the online qualifiers for the Middle East and Africa. It was a tough route to the final for our brilliant boys. Team Qatar defeated a number of major competitors in the qualifying rounds on their journey to the world’s biggest eSports stage. This included facing worthy opponents from neighbouring countries including the UAE, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The eSports scene is growing across the region, so competition victory against our neighbours is always hard fought. They also beat a skilled South African team to head to the next level. FACT took some time to chat to our eSports hot shots and asked these two successful athletes to give us some insights into their approach to training and competition, especially during the Holy Month of Ramadan, their winning team dynamics as well as their individual choices of playing platforms. FACT: As successful e-Sports athletes, how did the past month of Ramadan impact your training and your competitive game focus, while observing the fast? Jassim al Eid: It was a really nice experience actually. It wasn’t easy to play while fasting but somehow in a roundabout way, it helped me focus more. FIFA is a mental game, so it was really great to see Ahmad and I coping while fasting and still achieving great results. I’m really proud of it. Ahmad Al Meghessib: Performing at our best during the holy month of Ramadan wasn’t an easy task. During fasting, it’s difficult to develop and to advance the team further. However, as a team player, you always have to give of your time and continue to put in the effort to get the best results no matter what. 16

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Image credit: QFA – Qatar Football Association

We meet Qatar’s world championship-qualifying eSports stars.

LISTEN UP •

FACT: Despite you playing on different platforms what is your personal chemistry and teamwork ethos like? Jassim al Eid: It won’t be an issue hopefully. Ahmad and I are used to it and we are both very versatile when it comes to console gaming, so we have no issues and we will work as hard as we can, always. Ahmad Al Meghessib: Chemistry was established on the spot. I’ve known Jassim for a while now and he’s an excellent player. He has the ability and skill to reach excellent levels in the game. We both work together to improve the performance of the team game play and take it to the next level. I’m happy that I was able to play the role of the coach/mentor and give some of my experience to my teammate. Jassim al Eid gave us his personal insight on his specific skill set and his journey to the top FACT: Tell us why Xbox play is your preferred platform and how you became one of the top 200 players in the world on it? Jassim al Eid: Xbox became my preferred console on FIFA 18 because of a practical situation. The real reason was the

internet connection at the time. I had an old PS4 and the 5g connection wasn’t working on it, so I used the Xbox one and it worked way better. Since then, I’ve just loved it and never went back to PS4. I became one of the top players by playing each weekend, gaining lots of practical game-time experience and getting high scores in the weekend league. Ahmad Al Meghessib enlightened FACT on the format for the upcoming champs in Copenhagen. FACT: We understand that you prefer LAN events. As a top international Red Bull athlete why do you favour this type of event? Ahmad Al Meghessib: I’ve always performed well at LAN competitions. It’s therefore naturally always been my preferred choice. The format of the upcoming event is 2v2, which requires a high level of teamwork to achieve the best results. This is what both Jassim and I will work towards as we gear up for the world final in Denmark. It was gratifying to see how the duo is humble in victory yet confident in taking their next step up to the global arena. We wish you further success boys. ✤ fact magazine

THINGS TO DO IN DOHA WHEN YOU’RE HOT

Sensational ways to stay cool and be cool this summer. 18

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• COVER STORY

Up the Creek, With a Paddle

o a first timer, kayaking might sound complicated or intimidating. The idea of stabilising oneself on a relatively narrow piece of fibreglass and paddling into the sunset, or sunrise, could induce apprehension. The truth is that the sport, or in this case the recreational activity of kayaking, is really rather user-friendly and very safe. Flatwater kayaking, which is what we’re covering for this article, takes no more than some basic orientation, adjusting oneself to the core stability requirements (a fairly simple balancing act), and getting your arms moving in a consistent rhythmic arc. It’s an affordable and accessible activity that anyone with moderate fitness levels can experience, and, best of all, it takes you to a place without comparison in Qatar. With that in mind, it’s time to put aside any concerns and pick up your paddle as FACT takes you out of your home and onto the water. Talking about forests in Qatar seems like an anomaly. It’s not. Al Thakira Mangrove Forest is a wonderfully surprising and incongruous piece of nature found outside Doha. Due to the harsh environment in the region, there are a relatively low number of plants endemic here. Mangroves, however, are robust enough to handle the climate. Our local mangrove is the Avicennia Marina, a species that can endure the high level of salinity characteristic of the Arabian Gulf. Unusually large and visually arresting, these home-grown wonders can be found near the village of Al Thakira, a quaint flashback to simpler times, and just a short drive north of the industrial city of Al Khor. The village rests on the 20

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edge of an estuary and is home to the meanderingly evocative seawater mangrove swamps. It’s also one of the very best places to try kayaking in Qatar. Paddling your way through the forest flanked by verdant greenery and a wide variety of unique fauna, including seasonal flamingos and herons, is wonderfully relaxing and soul-soothing. To make the most of your entrée into mangrove kayaking it’s best to consider one of the official tour operators. There are several well-established providers who offer guided trips of the area. Tours come with a knowledgeable guide who leads the group on the expedition after basic orientation. A typical orientation session is a friendly and simple scenario where you are familiarised with water safety, basic paddling technique, how to maintain core stability, and the protocols for following your guide. All the equipment needed is provided by the tour company. The kayaks, not built for speed but for leisure paddling, are nice and stable on the calm flatwater of the estuary, making it as pleasurable an encounter as one could wish for. A kayaking experience takes you through fascinating mangrove terrain, unveiling vistas that are completely different from anywhere else in Qatar and providing a gentle but invigorating workout. It’s also a chance to get acquainted with the unique ecology of the area. There are a variety of start times available for what is typically a two-hour experience through the natural reserve. You could consider a sunrise start as nature awakes, or a night paddle, which is a hauntingly beautiful way to traverse these still waters. Some operators offer a post-kayak barbeque as a fitting conclusion to

COVER STORY •

a good evening’s effort with the paddle. The healthy exercise almost guarantees a great night’s sleep either way. During this summer of vaccinations and restrictions, the mangrove kayaking experience is a chance to participate in a safe and socially-distanced outdoor activity that gives one a real sense of achievement. Combine this with the serenity that comes from encountering nature on its own terms and the opportunity to explore a picturesque part of Qatar unlike any other, and you’re onto something special. Why not test the waters this season? Paddle Forrest, paddle. FACT Tips Before a kayaking excursion, FACT recommends gearing up with culturally appropriate sportswear, cap, sunglasses and sunscreen (for a daytime trip), bottled water, and a change of dry clothes.

GO: For more information and bookings here are some recommended tour operator links: https://bluepearlexperience.com/kayak/ or https://365adventures.me/mangrove-kayaking-al-thakira/

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• COVER STORY

Cool Tips to Making Clips

3, 2, 1 and action. If you think TikTok is flooded entirely with Generation Zs, then you’ve been hiding in a digital cave. With more that 200 million monthly users, entertaining videos emerge every day, blurring the line between young, old and everyone in-between. If you are an avid user and would like some more inspiration on how to create some smashing content to gain more followers or if you are, like most, merely dabbling on this stage, read on. Let’s start at the beginning. TikTok started its life as two different apps. Musical.ly, launched in Shanghai in 2014, and in 2016, Chinese tech giant ByteDance launched a similar application called Douyin. In the space of a year, it attracted 100 million users in China and Thailand. ByteDance decided it wanted to expand under a different brand name – TikTok. In 2018 it bought Musical.ly, folded it in, and launched TikTok. TikTok's massive success lies in its use of music and a compelling algorithm, which learns what content users like to see faster than many other apps. The app also hosts a huge database of songs, filters and movie clips to dance or lip-sync to. There are many creative options with which to make a smashing TikTok. The type of video content has evolved and changed a lot since its launch. TikTok has inspired some huge trends like Lil Nas X's Old Town Road and Curtis Roach's Bored in the House. Billie Eilish’s Time Warp video is the third most famous in the world currently. FACT has selected five different TikTok tips to inspire you and to boost your follower count. 22

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• COVER STORY Don’t recreate the wheel. Follow trending hashtags Get more views on your TikTok by making videos on trending topics. Search for trending hashtags and create a video on the same subject using those hashtags. Copying already popular trends leads to more views and likes on your page. Dialogue re-enactments If you like stepping up your act, lip-syncing videos can also be made for famous movie dialogues. Most often try a comedic take and enact the dialogue in a humorous way. These are also fun to do with partners or a group of friends. Voiceovers With a new voiceover feature that allows users take any video and add commentary to it, there are endless possibilities to experiment, tell stories or make funny commentaries. Song renditions In these videos people lip-sync to a song and re-enact the lyrics. Recreate a popular scene based on the original video. Giving it your own twist makes it even more fun and creative. Popular songs to re-enact are Peaches by Justin Bieber, Don’t Start Now by Dua Lipa and WAP by Cardi B. Dance like everyone is watching If you are a talented dancer, then these videos will be loads of fun and gain you many more followers. Showcase your dancing talent and consider inviting other people for group dance performances. Get inspired and create winning content while developing your own unique style. The options are endless and can actively take your TikTok to the next level.

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• COVER STORY

The (Ice) Cold War – ice cream versus frozen yogurt.

t’s hard to imagine anything better on a hot Doha summer’s day than relaxing and treating yourself to an irresistible ice cream. Unless of course it’s a fabulous frozen yogurt. This is our universal dilemma. What is the best option to provoke your palate, resist the calorie count, cool down your heated cravings and triumph over your taste buds this summer? Armed with our research and pulling rank wherever we saw clear cut differences, FACT has taken on the cold hard facts to evaluate which reigns supreme among these two superpowers of the dessert treat world in what we’re calling Food Fight: The (Ice) Cold War. If it’s a numbers game then 16.3 billion litres of ice cream produced worldwide each year speaks volumes. The total consumption of frozen yogurt globally is expected to reach 355 million litres by 2023. Quite a distance off the established ice cream benchmark. The ice cold war is also an aerial battle. There is a significantly higher percentage of air incorporated into ice cream than frozen yogurt which gives it a smoother, creamier texture than the less consistent frozen yogurt form. Ice cream wins the battle in the air with its dream-cloud like smoothness. The commitment issue is another key battleground. With ice cream you’ve got to make a call, even if it’s to mix two flavours, and then live with it, whereas with frozen yogurt you can engage 26

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• COVER STORY a neutral base and then add toppings as your mood takes you. Frozen yogurt gives you more scope and range. When weighing up your options over cold-treat supremacy, it’s important to consider a few elemental things. By law there must be at least 10-per-cent milk fat in ice cream. Cream is often added to achieve this. Frozen yogurt is made from cultured milk not cream, and there’s no minimum fat requirement for it. On the health front therefore, ice cream appears to take a beating due to the heavy cream component in its makeup. Fat-free variations do exist but, on the whole, ice cream is not holding the higher ground here unless it’s on higher calories. In opposition, frozen yogurt sounds healthier, but the process of freezing the yogurt eliminates the probiotic enzyme, meaning that your digestive tract doesn’t get the probiotic benefits regular yogurt delivers. The biggest nutritional face-off between frozen yogurt and ice cream is over this fat content. One cup of regular vanilla ice cream contains 275 calories, 15 grams of fat and nine grams of saturated fat. A single cup of standard vanilla flavoured frozen yogurt has 221 calories, six grams of fat and four grams of saturated fat. Of course there is the potential for toppings to enter the fray on the side of frozen yogurt. Add some exotic and indulgent ingredients like candy, chocolate and syrup to your base and you’ve increased your calorie count significantly and lost a lot of the healthy higher ground. As plain options go though, frozen yogurt wins this battle, marginally. The food fight between ice cream and frozen yogurt is a battle of eras and sentiments too. Old school versus new style. Ice cream is a nod to nostalgia; a harkening back to childhood, as well as a modern day delight. It’s also the de facto comfort food in good times and tough ones. Frozen yogurt is like a contemporary sibling with a slightly superior attitude, as if it knows best about treats. It might not be better, but it thinks it’s cooler. What it comes down to ultimately is your personal taste preference. You might side with the slightly bitter tart taste of frozen yogurt and its extensive topping potential versus the smooth and sultry seduction of indulgent ice cream. This summer the decision is in your hands.

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• COVER STORY

Throw Some Shade

ummer is the perfect time to take a peek at hot new sunglasses, so you’re ready to embrace those sun-soaked days with a super cool edge. Add mystery and wonder to any outfit by embracing the trend of larger-than-life fashion statement sunglasses. Beyond basic shades, consider a journey of 360-degree coolness. The season boasts on-point styles ranging from aviators and pilot sunglasses, to cat-eye shapes and ‘90s-inspired frames, and FACT is here to help you keep your eyes on the prize. From tranquil paddling on a serene flatwater to creating your own tech-based trend waves on TikTok, and from choosing the cream of the crop in ice-cold dessert treats to selecting the right option in outsized shades, this summer is about coolness in all its forms. It’s a state-of-mind, an attitude, an approach to the season that embraces the coolness, no matter the global situation or the local temperature reading. Like Jules says in Pulp Fiction “we’re gonna be cool.” And we are.

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• CITY RIDES

GETTING TO KNOW THE NEW MCLAREN GT

McLaren have graced the supercar segment with the arrival of the new GT 32

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CITY RIDES •

e at FACT magazine love trying something new, especially when that something new is the latest model McLaren GT. Provided to us for the day by the outstanding team at McLaren, this luxury vehicle now marks the high point of our test-driving vocation and has set the benchmark for all of our future motorcar experiences. The only problem we encountered with this vehicle was where to begin singing its praises. The moment we laid eyes on the McLaren GT, we knew we were in the presence of something extraordinary. This sleek and muscular vehicle’s MonoCell II-T carbon fibre structure complete with aluminium body panels, enables unequalled driving dynamics and performance. At 1,530kg, the GT is 130kg lighter than its closest competitor and is hundreds of kilograms lighter than many other cars in the segment. Aerodynamic efficiency is achieved through the long and elegant exterior lines that run the full length of the 4.7-metre exterior, with front and rear overhangs extending further than is traditional for McLaren. The width and posture of the vehicle are underlined at the front end by the signature ‘hammerhead line’ that flows horizontally across the nose, drawing the eye to the car’s shapely flanks where 20-inch alloy front wheels are paired with 21-inch wheels at the rear. At the backend, an integrated fixed wing, large diffuser and prominent exhaust tailpipes remove any doubt fact magazine

• CITY RIDES that this is indeed a Grand Tourer with supercar capabilities. Furthermore, with a 110mm underbody clearance, the GT is usable in all urban situations. Upon slipping inside the cabin, we were greeted by an exceptionally comfortable and deluxe environment complete with hidden-until-lit ambient lighting that creates a calming and inviting atmosphere. Innovative, refined and first-class materials have been used throughout the interior for high-performance driving; the seating position and forward visibility being of foremost importance. With every button and switch close at hand and conveniently placed, you will be able to concentrate on the road ahead instead of fumbling around searching for what you need. The masterful design of the GT has ensured that not only do all occupants have plenty of space, making sure long journeys are a joyful experience, but there is now more storage room than ever before. With a 420-litre luggage area below the tailgate and a further 150 litres of storage at the front, this new McLaren can accommodate up to 570 litres. This means that not only is this vehicle practical for everyday use but, for the first time, a supercar is able to comfortably transport a full golf bag in the trunk! The sophisticated yet user-friendly McLaren Infotainment System II is amongst the fastest-operating in any vehicle courtesy of a 10-core processor. It comes complete with a seven-inch, portrait format touchscreen with clear and crisp graphics inspired by the control system of luxury private jets. A 12.3-inch TFT screen is situated directly ahead of the driver and provides key vehicle information at a glance. This information is prioritised according to the driving mode selected, namely Comfort, Sport or Track. With a multitude of other functions and options, this infotainment system is amongst the very best we have ever had the privilege of operating. Finally, it was time to hit the roads and our excitement grew exponentially as we engaged the new 4.0-litre, twinturbocharged McLaren M840TE V8 engine. With a roar that would turn anyone’s head, we set off along the tarmac feeling like a million riyals. The seven-speed SSG transmission enables seamless acceleration and, along with the launch control feature of the new GT, enables this supercar to bullet from 0-100km/h in a ridiculous 3.2 seconds and from 0-200km/h in just 9.0 seconds. With a top speed of 325km/h this McLaren is amongst the very fastest vehicles you will find on the roads today. The combination of the suspension configuration, traction control, braking ability and overall handling, guarantees that the GT is a marvellous machine to drive and we always felt in complete control of the experience. In truth there are far too many fantastic features housed in the new McLaren GT to cover in this article and we can only encourage all those looking for a technologically superior, highperformance, beautifully designed and practical sports vehicle to contact McLaren Doha for more information. ✤

GO: EMAIL QATARSALES@MCLAREN.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. 34

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“

The moment we laid eyes on the McLaren GT, we knew we were in the presence of something extraordinary.”

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• PLUGGED IN

EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEEK We love the new fashion launch, the Huawei Band 6 that’s coming soon to Qatar.

njoy solid smartwatch-like features with the budget of a smart band and impressive extended battery life in the latest Huawei offering. The band comes with all-day SpO2 monitoring, a large full-view AMOLED display and two-week battery life in addition to a host of features that will make your life a whole lot easier. The HUAWEI Band 6 will be up for grabs on Huawei’s official website and across select retailers in Qatar. And, trust us, there’s lots to love about it. Here are four of our favourite things.

Sunrise and Forest Green. And, weighing just 18g, it’s comfortable for everyday wear.

Two week super-long battery life This fashion band is supported by and smart power-saving algorithms uninterrupted use. On top of this, the fast charging via a magnetic charger. sustain it for two days of typical use!

a high-efficiency chipset allowing up to 14 days HUAWEI Band 6 supports A five-minute charge can

Fitness trainer on your wrist Healthy lifestyle with accurate and continuous monitoring Huawei’s latest fashion band provides all-day monitoring of blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) an important indicator of a person's health levels. You can also keep track of your heart health with HUAWEI TruSeen 4.0 heart rate monitoring technology. HUAWEI TruSleep 2.0 technology helps in measuring sleep quality and providing real-time heart rate tracking, breathing during sleep and big data analytics. Lastly, you can also keep track of your relaxation data, thanks to the HUAWEI TruRelax technology that provides 24/7 pressure monitoring.

Fashionable design for every style The HUAWEI Band 6 comes with a large 1.47-inch AMOLED bezel-less full-view display with an increased screen-to-body ration of 42 per cent. The bezel-less display allows you to view more and ensure you do not miss any important content with intuitive smart controls. Moreover, Huawei’s fashion smart-band was not only designed for fitness gurus but for fashionistas alike; it comes in four stylish colours: Graphite Black, Sakura Pink, Amber 36

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To meet your fitness needs, the HUAWEI Band 6 comes with an expansive range of fitness features to kick-start a new active lifestyle. This fashion smart band supports automatic workout detection, in addition to 96 preinstalled workout modes. The band can individually log your running distance, time elapsed, speed, pace, track, calories burnt, stroke frequency, and swimming distances so you can view a detailed post-workout summary right on your wrist.

A smart companion The band is packed with smart and interesting features that make everyday life more convenient such as intelligent identification of unfamiliar numbers, incoming calls, message reminders, alarm setting and remote camera shutter that allows you to snap photos when you are not carrying your phone in addition to music playback control. ✤

GO: VISIT HTTPS://CONSUMER.HUAWEI.COM/QA FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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A CONTENT CREATOR’S DREAM Sennheiser re-invents the MKE 400 – a compact shotgun mic that delivers the professional features you demand from a camera microphone.

or vloggers, videographers and mobile journalists, storytelling is equal parts art and craft. Perhaps more than anything else, it is sound that makes a story come to life. Whether interviews, commentary or ambience, sound is the key to captivating and drawing in an audience. To provide creators with a tool to explore their sonic horizons, Sennheiser has launched the new MKE 400 – a highly directional compact shotgun microphone that brings compelling audio to DSLR/Ms and mobile devices alike.

A highly directional microphone to focus on your subject and eliminate background noise The MKE 400 achieves its directionality with an acoustic interference tube, providing a super-cardioid polar pattern that ensures pick-up from the direction in which the camera is facing while cancelling out distracting noise from the sides. The result: dialogue recordings with presence and clarity that will help bring your content to life.

Protection from wind and handling noise The MKE 400’s shock-mounted capsule minimises handling noise, while the cleverly designed microphone housing doubles as a standard windscreen. For outdoor use, a furry windshield is included. Simply place it over the integrated windscreen for maximum wind protection while recording. The microphone’s low-cut filter also does its part in removing problematic low frequencies like the hum from air-conditioning systems or the rumble from wind.

Flexible adaptation to any sound source In your creation process, you will come across loud and confident speakers – but you will also want to catch those softer voices. The three-step sensitivity switch adjusts the audio level to the mic input of the camera, helping you to address all the differences in dynamics that you encounter on a shoot.

Full control over the sound One of the most important things when recording audio is to check levels and monitor your sound. Therefore, the MKE 400 is not only fitted with a low-cut filter and threestep sensitivity switch to fine-tune your sound but also with a headphone monitoring output and integrated eightstep digital volume control, as not every camera has its own audio output. You can plug any headphone with a 3.5mm jack directly into the MKE 400 and conveniently check levels and audio performance while rolling.

Versatility Your video recording is most likely not confined to one device, and your microphone doesn’t have to be either. The MKE 400 includes 3.5mm TRS and TRRS locking cables to be used with DSLR/M cameras or mobile devices, ensuring that switching from one device to another is accomplished with ease. The mic’s coldshoe mount with ¼-20 thread allows for universal mounting atop of cameras, gimbals or even at the end of a boom pole. ✤ GO: VISIT HTTPS://EN-CN.SENNHEISER.COM/ FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

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APP-LICIOUS What’s on the smartphone agenda for June?

Wolfram

WaterBalance

We all know that Middle Eastern summers are blisteringly hot but, let’s face it, that doesn’t stop some hardy souls deciding to take the rays in pursuit of a tan. Then there’s all the watersports we so love. From boating to jet skis, paddle boards and everything in between, it all adds up to lots of hours in the sun. Sunburn is not just painful, it’s also horribly damaging to our skin. At best we end up looking unattractively leathery. At worst, skin cancers, such as the deadly melanoma, can raise their ugly heads as a result of overexposure. That’s where Wolfram comes in. It not only has a seriously cool name, that puts us in mind of a Nordic rock band, but it can also help to save you from sunburn. The Wolfram Sun Exposure Reference App calculates exactly how long you can be out without burning based on your complexion, location, time and the SPF you’re using. It also provides a UV forecast for wherever you are.

OK, we have a bit of a theme going on here. In the scorching heat it’s hard to drink enough water to stay hydrated. And, much as we wish it were otherwise, multiple coffees, cans of soda and anything else you usually kid yourself counts as hydration, is simply not good enough. For hydration in our summer temperatures, water is essential, and lots of it. Whether you drink it at room temperature or straight from the fridge with ice and a slice, a healthy daily intake of good old H2O is what we all need. If like us, however, you are prone to forgetting or just topping up your cup of Joe and ignoring your body’s dehydrated cravings, then perhaps you should try WaterBalance. With this app you can calculate how much water you need to drink and get gentle reminders. The only thing you have to do when the alarm goes off is chug!

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• 5 OVER 5

In Conversation with… Aurelio Giraudo FACT catches up with Aurelio Giraudo, Cluster General Manager at Banyan Tree Doha and La Cigale Hotel Managed by Accor.

Do you recall your first foray into the hospitality industry? I started working during my college days. Every evening I would go to our family restaurant and manage the operations. This is where I fell in love with the hospitality industry. My inspiration was seeing what my parents did. It created the passion in me that still inspires me to this day. My first ‘real’ job was with Princess Cruises, as part of their food and beverage operations. I then moved to London, joining the Savoy Hotel’s restaurant operations. I also worked in South Africa for the Wild Coast Sun Resort where I learned a lot in that amazing country. I moved to Doha two years back and I enjoy each and every day I spend in this beautiful city. Were there any mentors who influenced the way you work and think? And if so, can you share with us the value of their wisdom and how you apply it? I was lucky early in my career to find a mentor and role model in the Director of Food and Beverage at The Savoy London and my direct boss. It was the best learning experience of my life and the exposure and confidence I took from it helped me get where I am. He fostered in me core service culture and hospitality values. I always remember him saying ‘we are the supporting actors, while the guest is the lead’. He was a good salesman, anticipating guests’ preferences, for example proposing menus based on their nationalities. I’ve applied this business acumen throughout my career. I also look up to my current VP and CEO and learn a lot from them daily. 40

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5 OVER 5 •

Banyan Tree Doha is located in the iconic Msheireb Downtown Precinct. Can you tell us how the decision was made to bring your signature hotel there, and what the strategic benefits of this are for the hotel and its patrons? Our owners had a vision to invest in and build a unique project a one-stop destination comprised of a luxury hotel, lavish residences, fine-dining restaurants, a prestigious department store, cinemas and a theme park. Banyan Tree Doha Hotel & Residences has come a long way from project phase to fully functional hotel and residences. Our property is strategically located in the heart of Doha, close to Hamad International Airport and midway between two key routes into the city. We’re flanked by the Corniche and West Bay’s commercial towers, adjacent to Qatar’s seat of government and a leading tourist attraction in Souk Waqif. Our hotel is part of what will become a new social and civic hub. Under the current pandemic restrictions what innovations is La Cigale Hotel Doha employing to create exciting user experiences and boost occupation? A new business model evolved during this period and will continue post pandemic. We use social media to showcase the guest’s journey through lifestyle videos, before they arrive. La Cigale offers an extensive

selection of food as a buffet-in-a-box which guests can order directly or through one of our online portals. We’re focused on food delivery sales with listings on all major delivery apps. Through menu re-engineering, we’ve increased takeaway sales. We’re participating in Chefs of Qatar Virtual Food Festival organised by the Qatar National Tourism Council, with Talabat and Qatar Airways, for the local market. To drive hotel occupancies, we are running Staycation and Daycation packages and participating with Accor regional level campaigns to target the loyalty database and drive volume. Can you share with us some of your funniest moments in your career, perhaps with strange requests by guests, or unusual, memorable incidents? One particularly interesting incident was during my time at a hotel in Bali. I had a request from a lady who wanted to swim in our pool at night. We explained to her the policies and procedures, but she was adamant and went to the pool for a swim anyway. As the water had just received its nightly intake of chlorine her hair turned a violet colour. While it was a very funny sight, I took it seriously, chatted to her, and offered to pay her for hair treatment. We also made her room complimentary. She was surprised by the gesture and went on to become one of our most regular guests and a good friend of the hotel. ✤ fact magazine

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE Lindsey Steenkamp takes a journey into the architectural joys of Mondrian Doha. 42

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HOTEL HOTSPOT •

n our previous edition, I gave you a glimpse through the looking glass and into the surreal world of Mondrian Doha. That glimpse was just the beginning, a survey of the map to a wonderland of eccentricity and luxury. As Lewis Carroll expressed so eloquently in the novel Alice in Wonderland, “Curiouser and curiouser!” This month we slip down the rabbit hole and discover the architectural nuances and signature design approach to this unique hotel. Mondrian Doha doesn’t hold back on ambition. It’s vivid and confident. The building punctuates every step of the visitor journey with big, bold design headlines and quirky conceptual footnotes. From an architectural and design standpoint, it means business, in the big business of hotel show. Theatricality is part of its DNA. The fantasy and whimsy of the space is articulated to guests in every corner and across each visitor touchpoint, without ever comprising on its five-star opulence. "The whole hotel is a place of fantasy and surprise," is how renowned architect Marcel Wanders proudly describes his creation. He calls it "a space that is made for theatre." Externally the hotel stamps it’s authority at first sight. It’s an iconic 24-storey skyscraper. The excitement however is not generated from the scale or height of the tower, but from the unique detail and symbolism inherent in its design. Located in West Bay Lagoon right across from The Pearl, it is as visually unforgettable as it is unmissable backdropped against the Doha sky.

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• HOTEL HOTSPOT The porcelain ventilated façade, embracing the outside of the entire height of the tower, is comprised of 15,000sq/m of slabs wrapping around the building to form two huge falcon wings. The hotel founded its design ethos on Qatar’s national bird of prey as well as deliberately integrating other key elements of Arabic culture into its architectural language. The entrance is modelled to resemble the beak of the falcon while the podium is covered with a bird’s-nest-patterned texture consisting of white polished titanium slabs. It tells a detailed tale. By day, the exterior stands proud in the sun with its earth-toned cladding and lattice work contrasted against the crystal-blue glass veneers beneath. By night, it’s a breathtaking spectacle of shimmering porcelain and glass refracting light onto the surrounding lagoon waters and into the still city sky. Taking the step into the hotel is like that slip down the rabbit hole in Lewis Carroll’s fantastical adventure. The beginning of your fantasy starts in the lobby and atrium. The impressively expansive space is filled with giant white lamps, slightly surreal in their excessive scale and look, with smaller light features suspended to create the perfect illumination for first encounters. The pure white and black ornate floor creates a mesmerising effect with detailed floral patterns that have been crafted with a water jet cutting process to amplify the illusion of depth. A gigantic golden flower vase with a crystal chandelier stands guard as you enter the Mondrian Doha fantasy. Almost hypnotic in its scale, structure and deep black colour, a majestic spiral staircase rises four floors up from the atrium to a panoramic platform. The helical structure has a balustrade with an ornate cut-out pattern. Affectionately known as the ‘staircase to nowhere’, it might sound like something the Mad Hatter would reference with his absurd sense of irony in that it serves no practical purpose. In actuality, the beautiful spiral has become a signature feature of the hotel, and a sought-after photoopportunity element, more iconic than ironic. A stained-glass dome invites tinted swathes of sunlight to pour through. The spectacular fitting has a majestic and slightly ethereal quality to it, as it surveys all below. It covers a striking indoor swimming pool with a character all its own. Wanders’ vision for each space was for it to possess its own unique identity, with a story unfolding as guests travel from room to room. The magic journey down the literary rabbit hole continues past the lobby and atrium through the lounges and into an epic event venue. The elegant tearoom adjacent to the lobby features a dream-like white forest of giant illuminated trees, called ‘Trees Of Life’, while exotic chandeliers hang from the ceiling. A stylish shisha lounge is rendered almost entirely in clean black and white lines but, in a deliberately vivid and playful dichotomy, features hundreds of colourful glass lanterns suspended from the ceiling. "Normally you see these lights in shisha places, but we have so many it's crazy," says Wanders. In the multipurpose hall, a trilogy of colours adapts into intriguing atmospheres and tones. If the Queen of Hearts wanted a truly regal reception space, then she would have to secure the Mondrian Doha Ballroom; a 2,000sq/m ode to opulence with Arabic-patterned plush 44

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carpeting, an 18-metre high ceiling and the capacity to host up to 1,500 guests. The ballroom is completed by a 24-karat gold elevator. For bride and groom or VIP guests, the private elevator takes a direct route to the 600sq/m panoramic bridal suite. As amazing as this sounds, I have yet to take you into the more personal and intriguing spaces of Mondrian Doha. In next month’s edition we will complete our journey through the looking glass as I explore the elegant accommodation, dining delights and entertainment spaces of Mondrian Doha, including eight innovative bars and fine restaurants, featuring both regional and international cuisine, an indoor/outdoor rooftop pool bar and a world-class spa. It will get curiouser and curiouser. Follow me there. ✤

GO: CALL 4045 5555 FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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FACT explores the art of functional furniture.

DOWNTOWN THE NEW HOT SEAT OF DESIGN

DESIGN SHOWCASE •

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• DESIGN SHOWCASE

f you head down to Msheireb Downtown Doha today you’re in for a big surprise; the chance to explore an innovative gallery exhibit of exciting contemporary furniture that offers rare insights into the creators of the pieces and their conceptual thinking. ‘Design is Downtown’ is a unique exhibition developed and presented by Almana Maples in collaboration with Doha Design District. The gallery showcases contemporary and designforward furniture while also spotlighting the talented international designers and architects behind the exhibits. The first phase of this installation will continue over the next two months but the project plan includes the introduction of new pieces at regular intervals to expose fresh design to the public. Here at FACT we’re committed to bringing you the inside stories from the contemporary art and design world of Doha. With that in mind, we headed to Sikkat AlWadi Street in Msheireb Downtown Doha to experience the furniture pieces first-hand, and to get the lowdown on this downtown design sensation. Recognised as one of the significant emerging hubs for designers, Doha Design District is part of the larger Msheireb Downtown Doha, the world’s first sustainable downtown regeneration project. Sikkat AlWadi pedestrian walkway encapsulates the spirit and vibrancy of the district’s initiatives and its growing community of creatives. Approaching the exhibition we noticed activations such as an outdoor light installation by iGuzzini, in the form of illuminated projections, and Preciosa with Crystallation, an interactive installation inviting people to purchase and hang crystals. FACT then took the advice of the word on the street to head into an exploration of the interior exhibit space.

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As a highly respected and trusted furniture retailer in Qatar for more than 30 years, Almana Maples has collaborated with Doha Design District to bring this exhibit to life and to actively engage Doha’s public with innovative furniture and lifestyle creativity. Emad Shoubaki, General Manager of Almana Maples, has described the exhibition as: “A creative story that draws on and celebrates styles, functions and social interactions.” FACT met him for a guided tour of the gallery and to get his insights into some of the pieces as well as the Design is Downtown concept at large. During our visit our gracious host led us through the large space detailing the nature of the design approach to the pieces, highlighting his favourite individual items and articulating the ongoing value for both visitors and exhibitors. The gallery space with its light industrial look of exposed materials on walls and ceilings is the ideal environment to showcase hero exhibits. It’s here that rough concrete and red piping take backstage to vibrant pieces, each spotlighted individually against the deliberately subdued backdrop. We encountered a range of avante-garde furniture pieces produced by renowned designers such as Moroso, USM and Moooi. From a minimalistic egg-cup holder chair to a provocative concept piece in vibrant red, these exhibits are statement items. An integral part of our visitor experience was the connectivity to items and their backstories. Each piece of furniture has its own QR code, which you scan to access the details of the design and the designers. By activating the code, you connect with the creativity behind the concept which adds real depth to the experience. A portrait-style ‘Wall of Fame’ within the exhibition space also displays broad information on the designers. Our host explained the rationale behind the exhibit, which is

DESIGN SHOWCASE •

to inform and educate. He elaborated on how Modernism has significantly influenced the furniture industry over the past 100 years, referencing its shift to practicality of materials in design dictating the aesthetics of the pieces, instead of a decorative-first approach. Emad told us that designers and architects selected to exhibit in the gallery space have a proven reputation in fusing traditional manufacturing processes with technological advances to create pragmatic signature items. This much is evident when one spends time engaging with the pieces. Almana Maples, as one of the co-partners behind the exhibition, is committed to enhancing the educative experience for visitors as a conduit to building the creative community in Doha. It aligns perfectly with Doha Design District’s focus on making design accessible to the public and helping contextualise the reason behind trends. Doha Design District, an arts and creative hub in Qatar, is the brainchild of Shaikha Al Sulaiti and Naila Al Thani, both alumni of Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar. In future, the district will host workshops to help visitors understand the strategy behind luxury furniture brands including the manufacturing process, the quality of materials used and the price positioning for pieces. FACT aims to keep you updated on the happenings downtown. ✤

GO: FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT QATAR.VCU.EDU. fact magazine

A PERSONAL RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

FACT chats with Chef Jean-Pascal about his path to the top. 50

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VOICE FROM THE KITCHEN •

With nearly 20 years of industry expertise under his belt, Executive Chef for W Doha Hotel and Residences, Jean-Pascal Irissou, has acquired a deep knowledge of European, Asian, Latino, Arabic, and international cuisine and banqueting over his journey. Starting out as a commis de cuisine, progressing to chef de partie, chef de cuisine and ultimately becoming Executive Chef in five-star luxury hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants, he has built his career on anticipating customers’ gastronomic expectations and creating innovative menus with his teams that prioritise fresh seasonal produce and ingredients. Jean-Pascal invests his time in understanding the history of localised cuisine and undertakes a commitment to cooking these products with respect and simplicity. We met with Chef Jean-Pascal to get the sweet and lowdown on his recent move to W Doha, what inspired him to become a top chef, and some insights into his style and tastes.

Café, Wahm, and La Spiga by Paper Moon, ensuring we maintain our high standards for all the fabulous outside catering we pull off for high-profile events inside and outside the hotel.

What is your background in food and how did you become a chef? I was born and raised in France and had a desire to be a chef since I was five years old. My love and passion for cooking came from spending time in the kitchen with my grandmother. After completing my technical degree in hospitality and tourism in Toulouse, I started my culinary career working as commis chef at Les Pres d’Eugenie. This is where I discovered the art of French gastronomy under the guidance of three-Michelin-starred Chef Michel Guerard. In 2015, I emigrated to Dubai as Chef de Cuisine at the three-Michelin-starred Stay by Yannick Alleno at the Palm Jumeirah and had an enriching experience working with yet another three-Michelin-starred chef. I moved to Doha a couple of months back to join W Doha as Executive Chef. I oversee the kitchens of Spice Market, Market by Jean-Georges, COYA, W

from every experience and, most importantly, cook with passion.

What four ingredients are a necessity in your kitchen? Fleur de sel, olive oil, mustard and vinegar. Where does your inspiration for food come from? I am inspired by seasonal fresh products coming from both the land and sea. When I travel, I like to taste different cuisines, experience new tastes and discover ingredients that I wouldn’t be able to try anywhere else. I also enjoy going to local markets to discover a country’s authentic and traditional ingredients for inspiration. Do you have advice for young aspiring chefs in their careers? My advice for young chefs is to have fun, stay consistent, learn

What is your signature dish? Though W Doha is famous for its sushi, my signature dish is Soy Glazed Short Ribs from Spice Market. It’s marinated for 24 hours, cooked for five hours, and then served with celery purée and crunchy apple salad. Using this method, the texture becomes very soft, and smells like a splash of perfume with all the flavours from the marination. It’s a complete, unique, sweet and sour dish, with a combination of Asian cuisine and Western flavours. ✤

GO: CALL 4453 5135 OR WHATSAPP 7794 3975 FOR RESERVATIONS OR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

BIENVENIDOS A PERU Rawan Kelly Wehbe explores the delights of Peruvian cuisine at home.

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CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

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• CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

eruvian cuisine's history dates back to Inca and pre-Inca civilizations and is influenced by the arrival of Spanish conquers and many migrations mainly from China, Africa, Japan and Italy. With the largest number of dishes in the world, Lima is considered the culinary capital of the Americas and host of no less than a third of the top 15 best Latin American restaurants in the world. Located in the grounds of the InterContinental Doha, La Mar Doha by Gastón Acurio, Doha has built its bread and butter on a variation of authentic Peruvian food based on traditional recipes with a twist. The restaurant is currently closed due to the recent Covid-19 restrictions, but you can order La Mar’s best dishes for takeaway now. Erected proudly next to the Belgian Café, La Mar features elegant furniture, stylish décor and a spacious terrace for those who prefer to dine under the stars. Doha is a city with certainly no shortage of five-star restaurants, but La Mar must be among the best – its concept, food and service are unparalleled. Unfortunately, we did not get the chance to experience La Mar at its premises, but we got the best from the restaurant at home. On a culinary level, La Mar exceeds expectations. An appetiser like the Tequenos, a crispy spring roll with chicken rocoto (pepper) stuffing, and huancaina cheese sauce is an absolute delight that can please the orneriest of palates. Another marvellous starter is the Empanada de Lomo, a crispy fried dough, ground beef stuffing, rocoto cream, and chalaquita (salsa). This treacherously addictive pastry is sensational, and a 54

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perfect pairing to the Cebichero Maki, with deep-fried shrimp and avocado, catch of the day, cebichera (ceviche) sauce, chalaquita, and fried calamari. For the main course, we were treated to a fantastic anticuchera (spicy marinade) grilled chicken thigh, chimichurri potatoes, buttered corn, huancaina sauce and Choros A La Chalaca (steamed mussels). The perfect Anticucho de Pollo. We also had the pleasure of savouring the Chaufa Aeropuerto, succulent stir-fried rice, a mix of vegetables, deep-fried fish, shrimp omelette, ginger and sweet garlic sauce. The secret of this dish lies in the mix of so many fantastic elements combined on one plate. We also recommend trying the Causa Limena, King crab meat, avocado mousse, ikura (fish eggs), and huancaina sauce. The other main course we enjoyed, because of its tenderness and flavours, was the Pollo a la Brasa. This half-grilled chicken with fries, mixed salad, and Peruvian sauces is one dish not to be missed. The unofficial national dish of Peru would perhaps be ceviche, where bite-size pieces of raw fish are marinated in lime. The acidity of the citric juices cooks the fish, giving it a delicate flavour and slightly chewy texture. In our opinion, La Mar is the godfather of ceviche in Qatar, and we recommend that you add this gem to your order. To finish our meal, we opted for the classic Torta de Chocolate. This homemade Peruvian chocolate cake, 85-per-cent chocolate with Manjar Blanco (Dulce de Leche) nestled in the centre, is so fabulous that we could happily visit La Mar just to have a piece of this magnificent dessert. The verdict on La Mar? Peruvian cuisine brilliance at its best. Opening from May 28 following Phase 1 of the gradual lifting of restrictions by the government, whilst still offering takeaway and delivery through Talabat. ✤

GO: CALL 4484 4098 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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FOODIE CORNER •

DELIZIOSO! Classic Italian cuisine with an authentic and charismatic dolce vita flair; Scalini Doha lets you taste its diverse heritage from London and Italy to Qatar says Emille Loyola-Artigas.

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• FOODIE CORNER

talian cuisine certainly has its place. Everyone I know, family and friends with varying lifestyles and preferences, would definitely have a favourite red- or white-sauce dish. Almost every neighborhood seems to have at least one spot for a casual trattoria or a romantic evening with impeccable service, homemade pasta, or, what I truly fancy, a fusion of traditional and contemporary flavours that maintains its authenticity. Stepping through the doors of Scalini, I just know, I’ve got it. The Doha iteration of Scalini, London’s long-running and much sought-after celebrity favourite, is nestled in Al Gassar Resort at the St. Regis Doha. We were immediately drawn to the distinctive décor with calm, elegant and sophisticated details. We would normally choose the outdoor seating but, this time, the interiors and the ambiance lured us inside. The feel gave us the real essence of rustic Italy, perfect for an intimate family dinner. The extensive menu is a celebration of classic flavours with a modern twist – a true quintessential experience, from antipasti, caldi, zuppe, primi piatti, il pesce, la carne and contorni to the dolci that will have you salivating in anticipation. And the service is flawless, yet unobtrusive. We were served the Carpaccio di Manzo con Rucola e Parmigiano, a palatable serving of a very thin raw fillet of Wagyu beef with mustard dressing, parmesan cheese and rocket. The beef was thinly sliced yet not flaky and it melts

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FOODIE CORNER •

my taste buds dancing, while the Gamberoni Fra Diavola is a hefty serving of king prawns in a spicy garlic and butter sauce. Filetto di Manzo Arlecchino, the fillet of beef topped with green pepper sauce and cream sauce, is my favourite main dish. The beef is flawlessly cooked the way I have requested, crispy on the outside, exceptionally juicy and tender on the inside, with the creamy sauce that blended the flavours perfectly. The main courses were served with side dishes that’re well worth revealing. We chose the mashed potato, that was so tasty and creamy; the perfectly fried and flavoured zucchini; and, my favourite, Funghi di Stagione Trifolati, sauteed seasonal mushrooms, so flavourful that they could easily go with everything. We enjoyed the primavera, a classic mixture of herbs and tomatoes, which refreshingly cleans the palate. The tasty homemade focaccia bread and the savoury olives were also a significant part of the flavour symphony. For dolci, or dessert, the Tiramisu looked so irresistible, we had to have it. It didn’t fail and even exceeded our expectations. The rich yet light mascarpone barely sweetened was perfectly complemented by the bitter, coffee-soaked lady fingers. A dusting of a sweetened cocoa powder finished it off beautifully. With a focus on the finest quality and freshly sourced ingredients, the dishes are memorable, traditional and honest – down to earth, and without pretension. The rustic and contemporary interiors, the cosy ambiance and the faultless service all added to the experience. I have to admit, I had heard a lot about Scalini since it opened, and we had high expectations before we tried it. Now I know why it’s become so popular and will definitely go back. ✤ in your mouth, divinely complemented by the flavours of the parmesan and rocket. Avocado Scalini, featuring avocado, artichoke, spinach, tomato and mozzarella, was served shortly. This classic Italian dish, perfectly made, was easily our unanimous favourite. The avocado, perfectly ripe and rich in texture, was served with balsamic vinegar, and the playful mix of sweet and sour completed the taste. The Burrata con Datterini did not fall far behind as our next favourite, it’s a flavoursome serving of burrata from Puglia mixed with rocket, toasted focaccia bread, lending some crunchiness to the dish, cherry tomato and a rich velvety sauce that freshens the palate. Asparagi Contessa is served with fresh and sweet asparagus au gratin with flavourful hollandaise sauce. This medley is so heavenly, I could not get enough of it. Calamari Fritti, the classic fried calamari served with tartare sauce, was perfectly salted and fried lightly. It reminded me of an event I went to, when you saw it once on the table then it vanished! My son devoured it – from the first bite, he was not able to stop. The main course dishes showcased the very best that Italy has to offer, in a charismatic presentation with flavours that tease your senses. The Risotto ai Porcini e Taleggio is made with porcini mushrooms and taleggio cheese risotto that got

GO: CALL 4424 4850 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

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O T AL E T I S R E E D S E S I P T A A P ON A T U P

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DINING DELIGHT •

With a celebration in mind, Lindsey Steenkamp found that Pâte Sucrée rose to the occasion. fact magazine

• DINING DELIGHT

âte Sucrée is the name given to sweet, crumbly French pastry used to make classic French dessert tarts, often topped with a layer of pastry cream. It’s also the name of one of the finest sweet spots on the Doha map of dessert indulgences. Established in Qatar in 2017, Pâte Sucrée is a stylish patisserie offering a vast number of ways to indulge your sweet tooth. When I was planning a birthday celebration at my family home, Pâte Sucrée was on speed dial for a dessert choice. After selecting some absolutely delightful looking options from the online menu, the delivery arrived in good time on the day. Our intimate family birthday celebration was going mega-indulgent and I wasn’t complaining. Samer, our patisserie attaché, who delivered our order, immediately set the tone for the overall experience by preparing our servings in spectacular style. With his own theatre of decorative stands in tow, he fashioned a series of display elevations into a prominent cake installation with a striking selection of sumptuous delicacies. The attention to detail from Pâte Sucrée is meticulous, with the exquisitely fine touches making our intimate birthday occasion feel particularly grand and memorable. The desserts greeted me in a variety of different shapes, sizes and delectable aromas. Every girl likes to be put on a pedestal, especially on her birthday, but this birthday our sweet treats were given equally preferential treatment. Presented on a series of cake pedestals of varying elevations, our selections were as aesthetically attractive as they were pleasing to the palate. Who doesn’t like a priceless commodity on their dessert? My 62

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DINING DELIGHT •

family certainly was impressed as the gold standard for pastry delicacies got our immediate attention. Resting splendidly atop the highest pedestal on the left flank of the table were the vanilla flavoured pop cakes adorned with gold trimming. These visual masterpieces consisted of delicate lollipop-like cakes intricately woven with fine gold leaf flakes and were easy to savour with their convenient lollipop stems. The taste matched the gilded splendour of these pastry jewels. Their texture was soft and dough-like and melted in my mouth. On the second slightly lower pedestal, we encountered a tray of cutely crafted Danish flaky pastry pockets, each with a rich fruitfilled centre and a dollop of custard cream on top. Another pedestal was home to a pure and stylish Danish cheesecake. With a top tier of strawberries, this treat artfully combined tart flavour with a subtly sweet infusion. The simple yet scrumptious offering provided pretty irresistible fare. On the final and highly-elevated pedestal rested an array of vanilla cupcakes with strawberries on top. The sliced strawberries were delightfully fresh and sweet and, while the cream topping was a tad indulgent, the cake was absolutely delicious with its distinctive vanilla flavour. Last but not least among our bevvy of birthday treats was a delicious assortment of mini glasses made to hold a variety of single-serving delights. I absolutely loved the pistachio dessert option served in these delicate teacup-sized glasses and filled with what Sicilians proudly refer to as ‘green gold’, sublime pistachio nuts with added pistachio cream and a thin layer of sponge cake. Among the other favourites was the vanilla sponge with raspberry jam and fresh raspberries mini-treat and the decadently indulgent creamy chocolate mousse with hazelnut. Another single-server extravagance was the caramel mini-glass with chocolate sauce and pecan nut.

It turned out that our friendly and caring representative from Pâte Sucrée was the showroom manager. Samer really knows how to deliver a spectacular experience on behalf of his brand. Apparently it’s common practise for him to go to clients’ homes and prepare these wonderful installations for just such an occasion. This is indicative of Pâte Sucrée’s commitment not just to quality desserts, confectionary and cakes, but to exceptional experiences and superior customer service. The fabulous display of delights by Pâte Sucrée added a great sense of occasion to my birthday. It just goes to show that lockdown doesn’t mean no show. ✤

GO: CALL 5094 2281 FOR ORDERS, RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

• DINING DEALS

SAVOURING SUMMER Step into the best dining deals across Qatar this month. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DOHA Barefoot Thursday Your Thursday night destination for beachside barbecue is back on with Barefoot Thursday. Gather with family and friends at the outdoor barbecue feast, dip your feet in the sand and relax with a sip at the beach bar overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Priced at QR250 standard package and QR395 special beverage package. GO: Call 4494 8600 for reservations and more information.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DOHA Elements Summer BBQ Enjoy the new Saturday BBQ brunch featuring grilled bites and barbecue stations such as a mouth-watering Shaokao station featuring lamb, squid and Char Siu short ribs as well as table-side experiences and passaround food including sushi, dim sum and signature desserts to delight your taste buds. Priced at QR330 standard package and QR430 special beverage package. GO: Call 4494 8600 for reservations and more information.

DUSIT DOHA Benjarong Travel to Thailand from the comfort of your home. Benjarong brings you your favourite authentic Thai dishes. Available for takeaway and delivery directly or on Talabat. GO: Call 4004 4444 or WhatsApp at 3129 7415 for orders and more information.

DUSIT DOHA The House Intimate, elegant, mysterious. Head over to The House and experience the lavish interiors combined with delicious bites and bubbly drinks! Ladies' Kick-off Promotion of selected beverages for ladies at QR140 per person on Wednesdays from 6pm to 8pm. GO: Call 4004 4444 for reservations and more information.

HYATT REGENCY ORYX DOHA Al Nafourah Garden Happy Hour starts as early as 12pm and runs right through to 6pm from Sunday to Thursday. Enjoy the picturesque view at the outdoor dining venue with special rates on house pour beverages in addition to any mezzes and flat breads. There’s also a new signature blend à la carte menu of Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine, to be enjoyed in the comfort of your home. Order traditional mezze, such as hummus, Bizri, Baba Ganoush, Mechoui, and much more on Takeaway or via Talabat from 12pm to 10pm. GO: Call 4141 1234, WhatsApp 6608 5806 or visit hyattrestaurants.com for reservations and more information.

HYATT REGENCY ORYX DOHA FOUR SEASONS HOTEL DOHA Nobu Brunch The famous Nobu Doha is offering an elite brunch with a wide selection of Nobu’s speciality dishes. Every Friday from 1pm to 4pm. Regular brunch at QR345 and a Sparkling brunch at QR525. GO: Call 4494 8600 for reservations and more information. 64

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The Cellar Indulge in unlimited mussels for two hours for just QR99 per person every Tuesday at The Cellar. Complement your meal with a pint for QR40. GO: Call 4141 1234, WhatsApp 6608 5806 or visit hyattrestaurants.com for reservations and more information.

DINING DEALS •

HYATT REGENCY ORYX DOHA Choices Seafood Night is every Thursday night. Indulge in the bounty of the sea at the contemporary and energising Choices restaurant which showcases aesthetic decor and open kitchens. From lobster, prawns and shrimps to freshly shucked oysters, enjoy unlimited seafood for QR280 per person including soft beverages from 6.30pm to 10.30pm, add QR150 for the special beverage package. GO: Call 4141 1234, WhatsApp 6608 5806 or visit hyattrestaurants.com for reservations and more information.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Prime Meat me for Friday Brunch at Prime. Prime steakhouse is now offering an à la carte brunch menu, perfect for those who want a laid-back outing with their favourite dishes. Choose five exceptional dishes from a selection of appetisers, mains, and desserts and enjoy your meal with beverage offerings. Packages from QR245 for soft beverages and QR395 for special beverages on Fridays from 12pm to 4pm. Go: Call 4015 8888 or email icdohathecity.dining@ihg.com for reservations and more information.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY La Vista 55 A fusion of the vibrant atmosphere and intricate flavours of Latin America and Japan, La Vista 55 brings a lively ambiance and dynamic interiors to the 55th and 56th floor. Grab your friends and be at La Vista 55 Brews and Tacos night on Saturdays, from 7pm to 11pm. Get a bucket of five brews and three tacos for QR149. Go: Call 4015 8888 or email icdohathecity.dining@ihg.com for reservations and more information.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA THE CITY Al Jalsa Garden Lounge Breakfast in the garden while basking in the sun is definitely the right way to start your morning. Choose from Arabic, Healthy or Western options and enjoy a set menu of your breakfast favourites. Daily from 6.30am to 11.30am for QR99. À la carte options are also available. Go: Call 4015 8888 or email icdohathecity.dining@ihg.com for reservations and more information.

food specials cooked to perfection. Available Thursday to Saturday from 4pm to 7pm. GO: Call 4484 4919 or email fb.icdoha@ihg.com for reservations and more information.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Belgian Café Tuesday Mussel Madness. Belgian Café brings you a special one-for-one promotion on 1kg of mussels, paired with delicious crispy Belgian frites and a beverage for only QR295. Every Tuesday from 12.30pm to 12am. GO: Call 4484 4919 or email fb.icdoha@ihg.com for reservations and more information.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA Mykonos Mykonos, notably one of Doha’s best Mediterranean restaurants, offers authentic Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. The Greek chef sources only the best ingredients, which are complemented by a selection of Greek and Mediterranean grapes for the ultimate dining experience. Enjoy the Greek Business Lunch from Sunday to Wednesday from 12pm to 4pm. Seal that deal over a delicious two-course meal at QR89 or have three courses for QR99. GO: Call 4484 4919 or email fb.icdoha@ihg.com for reservations and more information.

JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA Shang-High in The Sky Get on the list and brunch your way through the unique Pan-Asian cuisine every Friday from 12pm to 3pm at Shanghai Club. Take in the scenery while savouring deliciousness, prepared by their renowned chefs. Soft beverages package at QR240 and enhanced beverage package at QR360. Go: Call or WhatsApp 5506 2798 for reservations and more information.

INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA La Mar Contemporary Peruvian cuisine, known for its rich flavours and diverse influences. Look forward to Chef Gastón’s authentic ceviches, fresh seafood, and charcoal-grilled meats paired with signature handcrafted drinks such as the classic Pisco Sour. This elegant beachfront setting offers stunning and panoramic views of the Doha skyline. Join for Sunset Hours and indulge in the specially crafted selection of signature mixed drinks and Peruvian street fact magazine

• DINING DEALS

JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA Let’s Fuego Take a food trip to Fuego and enjoy a pre-plated brunch experience in Latin America without leaving Doha. Make the most of your brunch experience every Friday and, exceptionally, Saturday from 12pm to 4pm. Soft beverages package at QR240 and enhanced beverage package at QR360. Go: Call or WhatsApp 5506 2798 for reservations and more information.

and more hearty surprises. Take a seat and enjoy the flavoursome Italian journey every Friday from 12pm to 11pm at QR99 per person. Go: Call or WhatsApp 6643 6890 for reservations and more information.

THE RITZ-CARLTON, DOHA

Aperitivo At the Pool Deck Get two selected drinks and an appetiser board with a range of cold meats, cheese and antipasti for QR100, daily at the Pool Deck. Go: Call 5506 2798 for reservations and more information.

B-lounge If you fancy a tasty brunch in an exceptional setting, experience Froze Brunch, a mix of Asian flavours served with selected beverages. Every Friday from 1pm to 4pm. Packages range from QR350 with soft beverages, QR495 for the enhanced beverage package and QR595 for the exclusive enhanced beverage package. Go: Call or WhatsApp 5080 4421 or email reservations@ bloungedoha.com for reservations and more information.

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA

THE DIPLOMATIC CLUB

The Big Apple Brunch at New York Steakhouse Whether you are a carnivore, a vegan or seafood fan, you’re sure to find something you love at The Big Apple Brunch. Wash your brunch down with a selection of speciality drinks, mocktails and more. Fridays from 12pm to 4pm for QR595, including selected beverages, and QR495 including soft beverages. Go: Call or WhatsApp 6643 6890 for reservations and more information.

Al Sayyad Being in the heart of West Bay, Al Sayyad boasts two distinct settings: a vibrant indoor area and beautiful al fresco dining by the beach. Al Sayyad offers award-winning seafood delicacies in a lively environment. Menu offerings at this signature restaurant depict phenomenal flavours of the Arab region paired with comfortable yet sophisticated dining. Go: Call or WhatsApp 4484 7420 or email f&b@dclub.com.qa for reservations and more information.

MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA

W DOHA

Giornata Italiana Di Vinerdi In the mood for Italian brunch? Cucina has got the perfect weekend treat for all the Italian food lovers in Doha with a new all-day, family-style brunch crafted by Chef Claudio Trovato and his brigade. The menu features Cucina’s signature pizzas, homemade pasta, focaccia, antipasti,

Spice Market Inside the Street Food Brunch is a world of indulgence that will elevate your Friday plans! A feast for both your eyes and palate, enjoy an Asian inspired brunch bursting with flavours by Chef Jean-Georges. Every Friday from 12pm to 4pm priced at QR350, including soft sips, and QR450, including speciality sips. Go: Call 4453 5135 or WhatsApp 7794 3975 for reservations and more information.

JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS CITY CENTER DOHA

W DOHA Market Brunch Unmistakably delicious! Contemporary European cuisine is taken to another level with this brunch at Market by JeanGeorges. Every Friday from 12pm to 4pm priced at QR350, including soft sips, and QR450, including speciality sips. Go: Call 4453 5135 or WhatsApp 7794 3975 for reservations and more information.

W DOHA Wahm Wahm is setting the stage for an extravagant poolside brunch dubbed Sunset Brunch, a spread with barbecue, fresh oysters and ceviche live stations. Every Friday from 4pm to 8pm. Priced at QR280, including soft sips, and QR360, including speciality sips. Go: Call 4453 5135 or WhatsApp 7794 3975 for reservations and more information. 66

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For the culture-savvy in Qatar

JUNE 2021 EDITION AVAILABLE NOW on issuu.com/factmagazine fact magazine

2021 – A.K.A. THE YEAR OF TAKEAWAYS, HOME DELIVERIES, AND CARHOP SERVICES – IS FORCING THE FACT TEAM TO REDEFINE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A NOMINEE AT OUR UPCOMING FACT DINING AWARDS. NOT ONLY WILL THIS EDITION CELEBRATE THE BEST IN THE CULINARY GAME, AS ALWAYS, BUT IT WILL ALSO HONOUR THE UNSUNG HEROES THAT KEPT US GOING THROUGH A CHALLENGING PERIOD. JOIN US BY CASTING YOUR VOTE IN OUR ONLINE POLL!

fact magazine

FACT DINING AWARDS •

HOW IT WORKS: l 36 categories with over 200 nominations. l Each category has two winners — a BEST and a FAVOURITE. l The BEST is decided by a panel of anonymous judges made up of industry experts, reputed bloggers, and the editorial team. l The FAVOURITE is decided through online public voting, which is open until June 10, 2021.

l A gala award ceremony is set to take place in June 2021 (tentative), in Doha, where we will announce the winners. l 74 awards will be given out on the night, chosen from hundreds of nominated venues, two of which will celebrate overall BEST and overall FAVOURITE. l FACT Dining Awards is part of a wider initiative by FACT M.E. with annual ceremonies across the region.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE NOMINEES! VOTE NOW ON WWW.FACTQATAR.COM (ALL INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON GOVERNMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS WITH RESPECT TO COVID19) fact magazine

• FACT DINING AWARDS

Breakfast

• Al Baraha — Al Najada Hotel by Tivoli • Choices — Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha • Deli Kitchen — Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha • Flat White Specialty Coffee — Various Locations • La Piazza — Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli • Le Colonial Breakfast Room — Alwadi Hotel Doha MGallery • Mezzo — AlRayyan Hotel Doha, Curio Collection by Hilton • Nassayem Qatar – The Diplomatic Club • Seasonal Tastes — The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa • The Kitchen — Hilton Doha The Pearl Hotel & Residences • Twisted Olive — Burj Doha Tower

Family Friendly Brunch

• Bazaar Brunch at Al Liwan — Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel • Chin Chin Brunch at Spice Market — W Doha Hotel & Residences • Classic Friday Brunch at Coral — InterContinental Doha • Family Fun Brunch at Lagoon — The Ritz-Carlton, Doha • Flat White Specialty Coffee — Various Locations • Friday Brunch at Le Cigalon – La Cigale Hotel Managed by Accor • Friday Brunch at Santa Monica Breakfast Club — Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas • Garden Brunch at La Veranda — Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel • Iris Brunch at Iris — Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel • Market Brunch at Market by Jean-Georges — W Doha Hotel & Residences

Friday Brunch

• Classic Friday Brunch at Coral — InterContinental Doha • CUT by Wolfgang Puck — Mondrian Doha • Dare To Brunch at STK Doha — The Ritz-Carlton, Doha • Flat White Specialty Coffee — Various Locations • Four Seasons Friday Brunch — Four 70

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Seasons Hotel Doha • Friday Brunch at Al Hubara — Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel • Friday Brunch at Hakkasan — The St. Regis Doha • Friday Brunch at Le Cigalon — La Cigale Hotel Managed by Accor • Friday Brunch at Toro Toro — Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha • Friday M|Brunch at O’Glacée Restaurant — Alwadi Hotel Doha MGallery • Grand Brunch at Vine — The St. Regis Doha • Sunset Brunch at Wahm — W Doha Hotel & Residences • The Big Apple Brunch at New York Steakhouse — Marriott Marquis City Center Doha

Saturday Brunch

• Chef's Garden — Education City • Gaucho Brunch at Hunters Room and Grill — The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa • Hudson Tavern Doha — Mondrian Doha • Peruvian Family Brunch at La Mar — InterContinental Doha • Quick Bites — Marriott Marquis City Center Doha • Royal Thai Brunch at Sabai Thai — The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa • Saturday Roast at STK Doha — The Ritz-Carlton, Doha • Sel & Miel’s Lazy Saturday — The Ritz-Carlton, Doha • Yum Cha at Deli Kitchen — Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha

Social Brunch

• Froze Brunch at B-Lounge — The Ritz-Carlton, Doha • Marsa Malaz Brunch at Sawa — Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha • Peruvian Family Brunch at La Mar — InterContinental Doha • Sabato Brunch at Papermoon — Jaidah Square • Seated Brunch at Trader Vic's — Hilton Doha • Social Brunch Dalchini — Centara West Bay Hotel & Residences Doha

• Sunset Brunch by Shanghai Club — JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha • The Bubbalicious Brunch — The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

All Day Dining

• Al Bahara — Al Najada Hotel by Tivoli • C.taste — Centro Capital Doha • Chef's Garden — Education City • Circle — Millennium Plaza Hotel • Coral — InterContinental Doha • Crossroads Kitchen — Marriott Marquis City Center Doha • Glass House — Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel • Le Cigalon — La Cigale Hotel Managed by Accor • Mezzo — AlRayyan Hotel Doha, Curio Collection by Hilton • Olive Oil — City Centre Rotana Doha • Sridan — JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha • The Lagoon — The Ritz-Carlton, Doha • The Village — Various Locations

Al Fresco Dining

• Al Borj — The Diplomatic Club • Al Mourjan — Corniche • Al Shurfa Arabic Lounge — Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli • Chef's Garden — Education City • CUT by Wolfgang Puck — Mondrian Doha • HORATII Tiramisu Lounge — Al Hazm & Hotel Park • Katara Marine Restaurant — Katara Cultural Village • La Mar — InterContinental Doha • La Veranda — Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel • Mykonos — InterContinental Doha • O’Glacée Restaurant — Alwadi Hotel Doha MGallery • Pool Grill — Four Seasons Hotel Doha • Q Lounge — Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara • Thalatheen — National Museum of Qatar • Walima Doha — Mondrian Doha

Casual Dining

• Baladna — Various Locations • Belgian Cafe — InterContinental Doha • Brewskis and Grub — Crowne Plaza Doha West Bay • Carluccio's — The Pearl-Qatar

FACT DINING AWARDS •

• Crossroads Kitchen — Marriott Marquis City Center Doha • Debs W Remman — Various Locations • Deli Kitchen — Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha • Flat White Specialty Coffee — Various Locations • La Casa Twenty Eight –Various Locations • Paloma — InterContinental Doha • The Gourmet District — The Pearl-Qatar • Vapiano — Various Locations

In-Mall

• Baladna — Various Locations • Debs W Remman — Various Locations • Jamie’s Italian — Doha Festival City • Mezzo — AlRayyan Hotel Doha, Curio Collection by Hilton • Molten Chocolate Café — Various Locations • Sazeli — Mall of Qatar • Sumo Sushi & Bento — Doha Festival City • Vapiano — The Gate Mall • Wagamama — Various Locations

Burger Joints

• Bondi Burgers — Centara West Bay Residences & Suites • Champions Bar — Marriott Marquis City Center Doha • Hudson Tavern Doha — Mondrian Doha • Hunters Room & Grill — The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa • Stock Burger Co. Doha — Holiday Inn Doha - the Business Park • Ted's American Diner — Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara

• Izu — Mandarin Oriental, Doha • Market By Jean-Georges — W Doha Hotel & Residences • Mykonos — InterContinental Doha

French

• Café Pouchkine — Katara Cultural Village • Fauchon — Various Locations • IDAM — Museum of Islamic Art • La durée - Various locations • Sel & Miel — The Ritz-Carlton, Doha • Yum Yum — K108 Hotel

Indian

• Bombay Balti — Radisson Blu Hotel Doha • Chingari — Radisson Blu Hotel Doha • Dalchini Restaurant & Bar — Centara West Bay Residences & Suites • IKSHA 360 — UDC Tower • Jamavar — Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel • Riyasat Doha — The St. Regis Doha • Royal Tandoor — Various Locations • Saffron Lounge — Katara Cultural Village • The Curry House — InterContinental Doha - the City

International

• Chi'Zen — Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha • Hakkasan Doha — The St. Regis Doha • Liang — Mandarin Oriental, Doha • P.F. Chang’s — Various Locations • Ruby Wu’s — Radisson Blu Hotel Doha

• Al Hubara — Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel • Boho Social — Katara Cultural Village • Caprice — Centara West Bay Residences & Suites • Coral — InterContinental Doha • Crossroads Kitchen — Marriott Marquis City Center Doha • Inginuity — Radisson Blu Hotel Doha • Reberu — Msheireb • Seasonal Tastes — The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa • Sridan — JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha • Teatro — City Centre Rotana Doha • The Lagoon — The Ritz-Carlton, Doha

European

Italian

Chinese

• Belgian Cafe — InterContinental Doha • Bentley’s Grill — Radisson Blu Hotel Doha • BiBo Dani Garcia — The St. Regis Doha • HELLAS — Katara Cultural Village • IrishHarp — Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel

• Cicchetti — Shoumoukh Towers • Cucina — Marriott Marquis City Center Doha • Dante Cucina Italiana — Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas • La Spiga By Paper Moon — W Doha Hotel & Residences

• La Veranda — Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel • Paper Moon — Jaidah Square • Primavera — Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel • Riva — Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara • Rocca — Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas • Scalini — Al Gassar Resort • The French Olive — The Pearl-Qatar • The Italian Job — Radisson Blu Hotel Doha • Trapani Restaurant — Msheireb • Veritas — Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Doha

Japanese

• Anime Café — Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar • B-Lounge — The Ritz-Carlton, Doha • Junko — Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar • Megu — Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar • Morimoto Doha — Mondrian Doha • Neo — Various Locations • Nobu — Four Seasons Hotel Doha • Nozomi – Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha • Sora — Park Hyatt Doha • Sushi On — Hilton Doha • Toshi — Millenium Plaza Doha

Latin American

• COYA Doha — W Doha Hotel & Residences • Fuego — JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha • La Bodega Negra — The St. Regis Doha • La Mar — InterContinental Doha • Maya — Kempinski Residences and Suites • Rodizio — Crowne Plaza Doha - the Business Park • The Cellar — Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha • Toro Toro — Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha • Viva Mexico — Qanat Quartier, The Pearl-Qatar

Lebanese

• Al Mourjan — Corniche • Al Nafourah Garden — Hyatt Regency Oryx Doha • Al Sultan Brahim — The St. Regis Doha • Antika — Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha fact magazine

• FACT DINING AWARDS

• Arguelina Lounge — Crowne Plaza Doha - the Business Park • Panache Restaurant — Wyndham Doha West Bay

Pan Asian

• Aziza — Marriott Marquis City Center Doha • Bayt El Talleh Restaurant — Katara Cultural Village • Burj Al-Hamam — Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar • Dar Al Karam — Al Hazm • Em Sherif — Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel • Layali — Various Locations • Villa Beirut Restaurant — InterContinental Doha

Mediterranean

• Argan Moroccan Cuisine — Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli • Bab Al Bahr — Hilton Doha • BiBo Dani Garcia — The St. Regis Doha • HELLAS — Katara Cultural Village • Izu — Mandarin Oriental, Doha • Levantine — Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas • Maysoun — Ain Khalid • Mykonos — InterContinental Doha • Sofra — Alwadi Hotel Doha MGallery • The Pearl Social Doha — Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha • Three Sixty — The Torch Doha • Wahaj Restaurant — Katara Cultural Village • Walima Doha — Mondrian Doha

Middle Eastern

• Al Bisana Restaurant — Katara Cultural Village • Al Liwan — Sharq Village & Spa, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel • Al Nahham — Banana Island Resort Doha By Anantara • Al Sufra — Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha 72

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• Novikov Doha — Katara Cultural Village • Shanghai Club — JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha • Soy by Sato — The Pearl-Qatar • Spice Market — W Doha Hotel & Residences • Teatro – City Centre Rotana Doha • The Rice and The Noodle — Souq Waqif • Trader Vic's — Hilton Doha

Qatari

• Gahwetna — Medina Centrale, The Pearl-Qatar • Jiwan — National Museum of Qatar • Nassayem Qatar — The Diplomatic Club • Opus — Park Hyatt Doha • Shay Al Shoomos — Souq Waqif

Thai

• Caprice — Centara West Bay Residences & Suites • Benjarong Doha — Dusit Doha • Busaba Bangkok Thai — Mirqab Mall • Isaan – Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas • Jasmine Thai Restaurant – Souq Waqif • Sabai Thai – The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa • Yugo — Gate Mall

Turkish

• Agora — Aspire Zone • Bosphorus Turkish Cuisine and Grill Room — Souq Waqif • Hasan Kolcuoglu Restaurant — Various Locations • Huqqa — The St Regis Doha • Karafirin — Doha Festival City • Kunefe House — Porto Arabia, The Pearl-Qatar • Sazeli — Various Locations • Sukar Pasha — Katara Cultural Village

South East Asian

• Elements Restaurant & Lounge – Four Seasons Hotel Doha • Ginger Club — The Pearl-Qatar • Ridge — Al Hazm

• Spice Market — W Doha Hotel & Residences • Yee Hwa — Al Nasr • Zengo — Kempinski Residences and Suites

Seafood

• Al Baraha — Al Najada Hotel by Tivoli • Al Nahham — Banana Island Resort Doha By Anantara • Al Sayyad — The Diplomatic Club • Al Sultan Brahim — The St. Regis Doha • Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. — Doha Festival City • L’wzaar Seafood Market — Katara Cultural Village • La Mar — InterContinental Doha • Lobster — Al Hazm • The Manhatten Fish Market — Various Locations

Steakhouse

• Astor Grill — The St. Regis Doha • Bentley’s Grill — Radisson Blu Hotel Doha • CUT by Wolfgang Puck — Mondrian Doha • Fuego — JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha • Hunters Room & Grill — The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa • New York Steakhouse — Marriott Marquis City Center Doha • Nusr-et Steakhouse — Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel • Prime Steakhouse — InterContinental Doha - the City • STK Doha — The Ritz-Carlton, Doha

Café

• AtTeatude — Alwadi Hotel Doha MGallery • Baraha Lounge — Mandarin Oriental, Doha • Café #999 — Fire Station Doha • Creme & Butter — Lusail • Desert Rose Cafe — National Museum of Qatar • EllaMia — Mondrian Doha • Flat White Specialty Coffee — Various Locations • Harvest — The Pearl-Qatar • La Patisserie — Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli • Luxe Lounge — The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa

FACT DINING AWARDS •

• Meesh Me-Time Café – Crowne Plaza Doha — the Business Park • Patio Café – Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel • Walter's — Lusail • West End Café and Patisserie — Marriott Marquis City Center Doha

• Mandarin Lounge — Mandarin Oriental, Doha • Seasons Tea Lounge — Four Seasons Hotel Doha • The Lounge — InterContinental Doha

Dessert Parlour

• Al Mourjan — Corniche • Al Shurfa Arabic Lounge — Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli • Aqua Lounge — Marriott Marquis City Center Doha • Infinity Rooftop Lounge — Alwadi Hotel Doha MGallery • La Mar — InterContinental Doha • Marsa Katara — Katara Cultural Village • Santa Monica Breakfast Club — Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas • Shanghai Club — JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha • The Pearl Social Doha — Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha • Walima — Mondrian Doha

• 974 Delights Qatar — Katara Cultural Village • Bella Ciao Café — The Pearl-Qatar • EllaMia — Mondrian Doha • Fauchon — Various Locations • Gelato — Mandarin Oriental, Doha • Godiva — Various Locations • Laderach — Various Locations • Life of Cacao — Various Locations • Molten Chocolate Café — Various Locations • MYLK: An Alternative Destination — The Gate Mall • W Cafe — W Doha Hotel & Residences • Walter's — Lusail • Pâte sucrée — Various Locations

Lounge

• Al Shurfa Arabic Lounge — Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels by Tivoli • Antika — Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha • Aqua Lounge — Marriott Marquis City Center Doha • B-Lounge — The Ritz-Carlton, Doha • Manko — InterContinental Doha • Mix Bar Lounge & Terrace — The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa • Seasons Tea Lounge — Four Seasons Hotel Doha • Sky View Lounge — La Cigale Hotel Managed by Accor • Smoke & Mirrors — Mondrian Doha • So Lounge Club Doha — Doha • The Rooftop — The St. Regis Doha • Wahm — W Doha Hotel & Residences

Tea Room

• Atrium Lounge — Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel • AtTEAtude Tea Lounge & Terrace — Alwadi Hotel Doha MGallery • Eau De Rose — Various Locations • Fauchon — Various Locations • La Parisienne Doha — InterContinental Doha - the City • Ladurée — Various Locations • Living Room — Park Hyatt Doha

Sundowners

Bar

• Belgian Cafe — InterContinental Doha • Brewskis and Grub — Crowne Plaza Doha West Bay • Champions Bar — Marriott Marquis City Center Doha • Infinity Rooftop Lounge — Alwadi Hotel Doha MGallery • La Vista 55 — InterContinental Doha - the City • Skybox61 — Kempinski Residences & Suites • The Den — JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha

Pub

• Belgian Cafe — InterContinental Doha • Brewskis and Grub — Crowne Plaza Doha West Bay • Champions Bar — Marriott Marquis City Center Doha • Hudson Tavern Doha — Mondrian Doha • Iris — Sharq Village & Spa, a RitzCarlton Hotel • IrishHarp — Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel • Mulberry Tavern — Hilton Doha The Pearl Hotel & Residences • Stock Burger Co. Doha — Holiday Inn Doha - the Business Park

Outdoor Bar

• Belgian Cafe — InterContinental Doha • Infinity Rooftop Lounge — Alwadi Hotel Doha MGallery • Iris — Sharq Village & Spa, a RitzCarlton Hotel • Mix Bar Lounge & Terrace — The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa • Monkey Tale — Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas • Mulberry Tavern — Hilton Doha The Pearl Hotel & Residences • Sky View Lounge — La Cigale Hotel Managed by Accor • Tahitian Village — Hilton Doha • The Secret Garden — Marsa Malaz Kempinski, The Pearl-Doha fact magazine

TRIPPING

ON ITALY Lindsey Steenkamp explores three memorable cities in one unforgettable country.

fact magazine

et me state from the outset that I love Italy. My musings for this article are thus pre-ordained in their bias. Forgive me then as a I recount five glorious days in Rome, a flirtation with Florence and a fleeting trip to Lake Como, without taking a critical eye, and for affording little time to each stop. This is simply a glimpse into a country as beautiful as it is old.

When in Rome The story starts where modern civilisation was born, in Rome. After taking a train from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport to the city centre, it’s a great relief to find that the apartment I’ve rented for a week is within brief walking distance of the terminal. Rome is a true blend of ancient and modern. My rental apartment has all the fittings of contemporary city life, but is set within old clay bricked walls with a bay window that overlooks one of the many cobbled streets in the heart of Rome. It is perfect.

When in Rome, there are several mandatory stops. Cited by all the travel brochures as must-sees, dutifully, I came, I saw, and I concurred. First on my list was the Vatican City Museum and The Sistine Chapel. With over 70,000 masterpieces of painting, sculpture and art collected over centuries, there’s a lot to take in at the museum. The Sistine Chapel, however, is my focus. Incredible interior walls are decorated with frescoes by Florentine Renaissance masters like Botticelli, but it’s the ceiling of the Sistine that I most want to see. Michelangelo’s masterpiece, created over four years and, I suspect, with back-painstaking patience, is beyond compare. Time in the chapel is limited and photographs of any kind are forbidden, but those images are etched in my mind forever. The Colosseum, the world’s largest amphitheatre, doesn’t bowl me over, even though I imagine Caesar applauding gladiators after grotesque battles between man and beast back in the days of the Circus Maximus. It is rather eerie to be connected with the fact magazine

• TRAVEL

fact magazine

TRAVEL •

brutality of ancient Rome in such a material way. Instead of throwing money into crypto, there’s always the Trevi Fountain. Clichéd as it might be, tossing a coin and making a wish feels really good. Of course, it’s best completed with a decadent and over-priced gelato ice cream, available from dozens of outlets within a tiny radius of the world’s most famous fountain. Rome with its madcap moped riders, fast-talking sidewalk vendors, endless souvenir shops, spectacular ancient ruins and irritable waiters serving irresistible pasta, is a like a live wire from my apartment’s exposed clay-brick wall, always ready to inject the day with a spark of wonder, while its connections remain inextricably linked to the past.

The Renaissance, Man Mark Twain once described Florence as a “city of dreams”. Thomas Harris in his novels frequently references Florence, as Hannibal Lecter cites the view of the Duomo from the Belvedere in The Silence of The Lambs as “being painted by memory”. Florence clearly inspires great writers and unforgettable literary characters to extoll its virtues. Perhaps it’s because the city was the birthplace of the Renaissance and still embodies the spirit of Italy’s past, seven hundred years later. It is physically beautiful but its greatest attraction is the sense of being in a time capsule, where ancient aesthetics function inside a vibrant hub of contemporary Italian hustle. You can buy a handbag from a Versace signature store or, if your pockets are more modest, negotiate a bargain at the Mercato Centrale and Mercato di San Lorenzo, two landmark outdoor markets. Either way you look cool. Florence is an ideal short-stop destination as its most iconic and historical components are concentrated into a small area. Taking a fast train from Rome at the crack of dawn is the answer if you want a quick but satisfying cultural fix. I arrive in Florence within the hour and start exploring Tuscany’s most celebrated city while the café owners are still putting out chairs, sweeping the pavements and preparing to host the daily influx of visitors with an equal dose of disdain and charm. It’s a good idea to grab some biscotti or an espresso while the streets are still empty. They won’t stay that way for long. The ‘Cradle of the Renaissance’ is home to some of the world’s most important museums and art galleries. It offers me evidence of our incredible capacity for artistic expression as well as arming me with eternal bragging rights having witnessed Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus first hand. Traversing the city on foot is the best way to fully ingest the local culture and history. I take a long walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo and stand above Florence, surveying the city in all its majesty. The panoramic viewpoint is far more than an Instagrammable moment, it’s a chance to reflect on the place that gave birth to a seismic cultural movement as well as some of the most influential artists and scientists ever known to man.

On the Waterfront Italy is all about living with style. Nowhere is this ethos more evident than at Lake Como, just north of Milan. Hemmed in by the snow-capped Alps and surrounded by postcard-perfect villas

nestling on the tranquil waters, you’re stepping into celebrity home territory here. Lake Como represents glamour, but very much in the Continental sense of the word, without much swagger or self-promotion. Subtle. Elegant. Unmistakable. I grab a train from Milan, Italy’s fashion capital, and head to Como to see what all the fuss is about. Boarding at Stazione Centrale, I alight at San Giovanni, Como's main station, 40 minutes later, after a scenic train trip. Como is an ancient town mixed with some modern urban sprawl. The old town, Centro Storico, is an active hub of cobbled lanes, congregational squares, small shops and pavement cafés where great coffee is the norm. It’s a real working town, not just a tourist trap, and I like it for that. Como is surrounded by green hills dotted with funiculars leading to incredible hillside homes. A short stroll leads to the waterfront where the town opens up to a villarimmed basin which is more the Lake Como of travel shows and glamorous movie scenes I had imagined. Here I find a network of ferries ready to take me upstream to explore the smaller villages and lakeside towns like the renowned beauty spot of Bellagio. I didn’t meet the Clooney’s on this trip, but it was a glimpse into how the other half lives. In fact, for at least a day or two, I felt as if I was the other half, and that can’t be all bad. To recommend a trip to Italy seems redundant. Of course you must see it. The country is a heady mix of typical tourist traps and awe-inspiring tradition, of undeniably fantastic food and very grumpy café proprietors. It’s everything you expect it to be and a whole lot more. ✤ fact magazine

• ARTS & CULTURE

MIXED MEDIA

METAMORPHOSIS It’s not the first time that FACT has sat down with artist Jacinthe Lamontagne-Lecomte, but, since the Qatar art world has dramatically slowed its pace recently, we felt it was high time to touch base with her again. Here she is in conversation with one of her biggest local fans, Lindsey Steenkamp.

fact magazine

ARTS & CULTURE •

rench artist Jacinthe Lamontagne-Lecomte creates her mythical art by combining her photography with mixed media, methodically transferred to carefully sized canvases. Etching the details and story of each piece together with patience, emotion and reflection, she expresses them through charcoal, ink, fabrics, paper and pigments. Jacinthe bonds with her subjects on a personal level, absorbing their essence and bringing them to life on the canvas, creating pieces so magnetic one gets lost in them. She features women from all over the world but is mostly drawn to graceful Asian faces. Depicting butterflies in many of her pieces, she explains that it is her way to represent grace and poise as butterflies symbolise liberty, change, and the lightness of Japanese women. I’m incredibly fortunate to be able to meet her in her personal space, where the creative magic happens. Her studio is calm and filled with worldwide art, with nature peeking in through the windows. It feels like I am in a cottage in the South of France and no longer in Qatar. I walk in and sprawled on her studio table is the beginning of a new piece. I respectfully let her introduce me to the work if she chooses. There is nothing more intrusive to an artist than receiving someone’s point of view before the work is complete. She says nothing and we go and sit in the lounge. If you are creative and have found it hard to formulate new ideas during COVID, you are not alone. It is a time of complete introspection. Jacinthe explains that she only started composing a new range recently, when restrictions started lifting. Like most artists, to be inspired, she needed movement, connection with

fact magazine

• ARTS & CULTURE the world and interaction with other artists to be inspired. Equally important to her, is a space to be alone without any outside influences once it was time to create. Unable to travel and find new inspiration, Jacinthe headed out and found Asian models right here in Qatar. With fewer of the stimuli to draw from that one gets when traveling - like smells, colours and sound - she has found that she has had to create stories around her faces using more imagination. Her work stands out amongst the global art collection displayed around her house. The figures in the paintings evoke varieties of existence in the world, society and social pressures. One piece from her latest series called Le Poids Des Traditions shows a woman with a boulder on her back filled with Korean text. Jacinthe explains: “Jihee Kim, told me the reasons why she left Korea. Strict traditions of good families, good wives. A route laid out in advance. Everything is very heavy, but that did not stop Jihee from leaving everything and following her true path, the one she chose.” She points to another piece for the new series called Nobody is Perfect. Ironically, there are five Japanese women posed in the most perfect manner with pristine skin and eloquent butterflies fluttering around them in the fabric of their clothes. “It was by finishing my transfer on canvas that I knew exactly the title that this work would bear,” she says. “Getting a photo printed on plain paper can be quite ‘challenging’ in Qatar. If the printer is new, the quality of the photocopy will be excellent. But this is rarely the

case. I preferred to let all these imperfections show to arrive at a rather spectacular end. Shoko, my Japanese muse, is once again featured. A new series on Japan? Continuity? It really is the inspiration of the moment.” Her unique style resonates with the Qatar expatriate community. Her range of work has literally evolved from cocoon stage to fullblown ‘butterfly’ since the first medium she touched as an artist in Qatar was clay. Back in those days when she moulded clay, her subjects were mainly African faces and bodies. It is hardly surprising that she translates her medium so closely to her experience of the subject’s energy. Jacinthe’s journey as an artist started when she moved to Qatar from Canada and decided to focus on being a mother. With extra time on her hands, she took up sailing, but eventually the creator voice inside her became louder and louder. Soon she discovered clay sculpture sessions at Souq Waqif. From there she started attending art classes at The Youth Art Centre and was mentored by the Iraqi artist Waleed Qaisi. Her unique style was born when she first wanted to share the photography she captured on her travels. She didn’t want to post them on social media, but rather to create art with them. Mixed media and the use of transfers finally birthed her vision and her unique creative style emerged. The first piece she created was sold immediately. The rest is history. I then ask her what is next, and she points to the table of art in the making that I passed by as I entered. She says: “That one is called Crowded.” I feel privileged to get a sneak peek into what is coming. It appears there is certainly much more in store for Qatar out of Jacinthe’s creative well of inspiration. ✤

GO: FOLLOW JACINTHE LAMONTAGNE-LECOMTE ON FACEBOOK AND LECOMTEJ62 ON INSTAGRAM OR VISIT WWW.JACINTHELAMONTAGNELECOMTE.COM 80

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• ENTERTAINMENT

BIG SCREEN The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard Need to Know:

The original bodyguard, Michael Bryce, is on enforced, weapons-free leave when Sonia Kincaid, the slightly bonkers wife of the original hitman, Darius Kincaid, reaches out to him for help. Chaos and humour ensue.

Director: Patrick Hughes Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Salma

“

"The world's most lethal odd couple are back on another lifethreatening mission.

Who Killed Sara? Season Two Need to Know:

The story follows Álex Guzmán, hellbent on finding out who killed his sister Sara after spending 18 years in prison for her murder, a crime he did not commit.

Director: David Ruiz, Bernardo de la Rosa Cast: Manolo Cardona, Ginés García Millán,

Carolina Miranda, Claudia Ramírez, Eugenio Siller, Alejandro Nones

Hayek, Antonio Banderas, Morgan Freeman

Why Is It Worth Watching?

With an all-star cast like this, it’s not hard to be excited about the release, finally, of the sequel to 2017's The Hitman's Bodyguard. And, with such a ridiculous title, it’s also no surprise that this is billed as a comedy drama. Four years after the events of the original film, bodyguard Michael Bryce (Reynolds) continues his uneasy friendship with assassin Darius Kincaid (Jackson) as they embark on a new adventure. The world's most lethal odd couple are back on another life-threatening mission. Still unlicensed and under scrutiny, Bryce is forced into action by Darius's even more volatile wife, the infamous international con artist Sonia Kincaid (Hayek). The trio get in over their heads in a global plot and soon find that they are all that stand between Europe and a vengeful and powerful madman, played convincingly by Antonio Banderas. Joining in the fun and deadly mayhem is Morgan Freeman, whose roll is still a mystery. Expect a bit of a romp and some scorching one-liners. And enjoy the guilty pleasure of Jackson, Banderas and Freeman sharing a big screen.

fact magazine

Why Is It Worth Watching?

If, like us, the finale of the first season left you more confused than at the beginning, you’ll be glad to hear that Season Two is out now. But, a word of warning, if you haven’t seen season one, it’s going to be very hard to catch up on a story in which you never quite know who to trust. Sara Guzmán died 18 years earlier in an apparent accident. However, police and courts judged it to be murder and her brother, Álex, took the fall for the notorious Lazcano family. Series one followed his hunt for the real killer, racing through more twists and turns than a Grand Prix circuit and exposing a litany of Lazcano crimes, from sex trafficking to murder with more than a touch of infidelity and more than a little madness thrown in. Alliances were built, tested and broken until, at the end, a whole new premise emerged apparently showing Sara to be anything but the innocent her brother had assumed. Series Two delves deeper into Sara’s troubled past and will, hopefully, answer all our questions.

ENTERTAINMENT •

ON THE RECORD

FULLY BOOKED

NON-FICTION

What Happened To You?

Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing By Bruce.D. Perry, Oprah Winfrey

INDIE/POP

ALTERNATIVE/INDIE

Chemtrails Over the Country Club By Lana Del Ray

Carnage By Nick Cave & Warren Ellis

PR savvy she may not be but one thing that’s indisputable is that Lana Del Ray is one of the finest songwriters of her generation, with a melodic and lyrical flair that invites emotional investment in her music, surpassing anything it reflects of her actual life. Chemtrails Over the Country Club is a quieter, starker album than her last release. Autobiographical by nature, the album is filled with beauty and insight, the culmination of experience, both good and bad, and the assurance that comes from it. Reminiscent in tone to Taylor Swift’s Folklore in its maturity and simplicity and produced in collaboration with Jack Antonoff, who had a hand in Swift’s album, the work is mature and firmhanded, constructed around patient piano cords and shimmering guitars. Del Rey invokes her heroes and favoured artists, like Tammy Wynette, in her own work while paying tribute to Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell and Stevie Nicks through the artistry of the album.

Fans of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, will be excited about the release of the album Carnage, uniting Cave with former Bad Seeds buddy Warren Ellis. At the same time it will provide much food for musing as they look for answers inside the album. This is not a Bad Seeds record but a collaboration between Cave and his on-stage right-hand man and songwriting partner of the ages. The two have made a career out of mesmerising audiences and Carnage is a step into fresh terrain. Without any stage performances to galvanise them over the past year, they’ve harnessed the panic of pandemic lockdown into a focused commentary on introspection amid uncertainty. Carnage is both compassionate and prodigious in its approach and ambition, certainly not flawless but sincere and soul-touching at times. From wheezing choruses by Ellis to grandiose choir accompaniments, it’s both a collective and reflective work, running the gamut of the sonic range.

Not so much a book as therapy sessions committed to page What Happened To You? is nonetheless an engagingly accessible dive into exploring the past experiences behind present tensions. Oprah Winfrey shares stories from her own past, recounting the vulnerability that comes from facing trauma and adversity in one’s formative youth. Through her series of personal conversations with renowned brain and trauma expert Dr. Bruce Perry, the book provides innovative insights and provokes a profound shift from asking “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” Well worth a read to shift perspective and build resilience in moving forward more healthily.

FICTION

Later

by Stephen King A new Stephen King novel is greeted with much anticipation. In this case Later is worth the wait. With readily acknowledged touches of the movie The Sixth Sense, Later is classic King, integrating a coming-of-age tale with the supernatural thriller and horror genres. Coming in as a short novel rather than a long short story, the plot introduces a young boy called Jamie Conklin who sees - yes you guessed it - dead people. While the terrain sounds familiar the first-person narrative is fresh. The characters are well drawn and the unsettling scenes well-paced. It’s a punchy, jump-scaring, page-turner and a touching tale of lost innocence. fact magazine

CLOTHING WITH CONSCIENCE Continuing its transition towards increasingly sustainable practices, Mango has extended its Committed collection to include a natural dyes range.

fact magazine

FASHION FOCUS •

aunched in early 2017, the Committed collection is part of the brand’s Take Action project, which aims to create a business model based on sustainability criteria and more environmentallyfriendly processes through a variety of initiatives. The high-quality garments are manufactured from eco-conscious fabrics such as organic and recycled cotton, recycled polyester and Tencel. The Mineral Dyes capsule debuts pieces that have been made using tints produced from organic pigments, that are extracted from a variety of natural sources – whose indigenous properties allow them to naturally dye fibres. Employing this ancient technique eliminates the risk of toxic chemicals present in other dyes that are known to be harmful to people’s health and the environment. And, with the scorching heat of a Middle Eastern summer well and truly upon us, natural fibres are just the thing for keeping cool on even the hottest days. While the effortless elegance of washed-out pastels and oh-so-pale earth tones makes relaxed and stylish dressing easier than ever. Inspired by Mediterranean aesthetics, this edit features oversized sweatshirts and smart overshirts, laidback hoodies and tees, complete with relaxed crops and vests. For a head-to-toe monochrome look, choose from an array of comfy separates in neutral tones. ✤

fact magazine

• FASHION FOCUS

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FASHION FOCUS •

SHOP THE STORY AT SHOP.MANGO.COM fact magazine

• FOR HER

Bio Oil

NEW &

Skincare (Natural) The original Bio-Oil Skincare Oil has been around for years and is a great favourite both among celebrities and us mere mortals for its repair and replenishing capabilities. For those looking for a natural alternative, Bio-Oil Skincare Oil (Natural) has the same efficacy as the original, the world’s leading scar and stretchmark product, but it is made entirely from natural ingredients. A potent all-natural formulation, it contains three base oils – soybean, sunflower and safflower – four specialist oils – jojoba, chia, pomegranate and Inca Inchi – two vitamin oils – wheatgerm and rosehip – and five plant extracts - chamomile, lavender, rosemary, calendula and patchouli.

Olew Haircare Range Calling all you curly girlies; we feel your pain as the humidity rises and your crowning glory becomes more like a crown of frizzy thorns. It’s a problem well known to Elinor Davies-Farn, founder of Welsh brand Olew. Fed up after years of straightening her own unruly curls or going for harmful relaxing treatments, she ditched the products and straighteners and went on an extensive research journey. After combining various oils and ingredients she came up with Olew – the Welsh word for oil – a small range of products guaranteed to make you fall back in love with your curls. The collection includes Olew Original - Frizz Tamer, Curl Refresher; Olew Curl Cream – Hufen Gwallt; Olew Clarifying Conditioner; and Olew Cleansing Shampoo. Get ‘em before the dreaded frizz gets you.

Gaia Naturelle Collagen Shot Premium European-based producers of liquid dietary supplements and natural skincare cosmetics, Gaia Naturelle, have launched their range of dietary supplements in the GCC with the health and beauty boosting signature product, Collagen Shot. Boasting a combination of ingredients including collagen, MSM (mineral), hyaluronic acid and vitamins C, E and B6, biotin and zinc, the water-based supplement is created using the latest technology and high-quality concentrated active ingredients. With ingredients including hydrolysed fish collagen, Collagen Shot can help boost immunity and improve overall health. With no GMO, gluten, dairy, soy or sugar, it is ideal for almost everyone and is ready to drink. So, if you’re experiencing aches and joint pains, this could be the one for you.

essence Hello, Good Stuff! Volume Mascara Say hello to awesome eyes with this deep black mascara that contains coconut oil and vegetable waxes to nourish and strengthen your pretty lashes. Flutter away with the fab volume it gives you. This product is also vegan and paraben- and alcohol-free as well as being made from 93-per-cent natural ingredients.

Neal’s Yard Sensitive Restore + Smooth Serum As this iconic brand with its apothecary approach to skincare celebrates its 40th year, look out for some interesting new launches. Why not try the latest, a pure, lightweight and oil-free soothing serum that quickly absorbs to hydrate and rebalance sensitive skin? With a restoring blend of sodium hyaluronate, helichrysum and sea water extracts, and hydrating hyaluronic acid and smoothing oat extract, the appearance of redness is reduced over time, and fine lines and wrinkles visibly plumped for a firmer, smoother complexion. Happy Birthday, Neal’s Yard. 88

fact magazine

FOR HIM •

NOW Scents, skincare, grooming musthaves – check.

Cowshed

Blue Lagoon Skincare

Relax Bath & Body Oil

Lava Scrub Mask

If, like us, you’ve spent the last year pretty much

A volcanic black face mask that gently exfoliates

being a hermit, the easing of restrictions may have

and renews skin. This energising facial evens

sent you off on a frenzy of eating out and late-

skin tone and texture as it promotes a smooth,

night parties. By now, your skin and your wallet

retexturised complexion. And, for added good

could probably do with a rest. So, give yourself a

measure, it’s vegan, cruelty-free, has no parabens,

well-deserved night in and take a long bath with

and is fragrance-free. Clear skin with a clear

this luxurious and relaxing lavender-based oil. We

conscience. Sounds good to us.

promise you’ll be glad you did.

Chanel Bleu de Chanel All-Over Spray and Shaving Kit Bleu De Chanel All-Over Spray offers a portable

Vatika

MANTL

alternative to traditional fragrance. Misted onto

Hair Sanitising Mist

Invisible Daily SPF 30

the body or clothing, this body spray reveals the

Speaking of restrictions and infections, did you

MANTL represents a range of skincare products for

ultra-fresh side of the Bleu De Chanel line. Shaving

know that hair has been identified as a Covid-19

the face and scalp that are inspired by bald folks,

is a daily routine for 70-per-cent of men, so Chanel

transmitter? Neutralise the risk with this first-of-its-

but work for everyone.

offers a grooming companion in the shape of this

kind product from Vatika. A fine, spray mist which

And this is one we’ve been waiting for. Too many

shaving set, comprising a shaving cream, brush, and

leaves no residue and is non-sticky and non-greasy,

follically challenged chaps forget to protect their

a travel pouch. The shaving cream transforms into

it uses potent essential oils that fight germs and

domes or are reluctant to sport the white streaks

a delicate foam on contact with damp skin. Its clear

give a long-lasting fragrance to keep hair protected

so often associated with traditional sun creams.

texture allows you to see exactly where your blade

and fresh between washes.

But now, the search for no-shine, no-streak sun

is placed, for a controlled line. The shaving brush

This groundbreaking product can be used multiple

protection is over! Fight harmful rays and hydrate

made with synthetic bristles ensures smooth and

times throughout the day, for those on the go who

your skin with this innovative, clear SPF moisturiser.

effortless application. And its practical magnetic

want to ensure they are protecting their hair as well

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with this dermatologist-tested formula. fact magazine

• MATTER OF FACT

What We’re (Still) Talking About Sing Along

Light Up the Sky

Dangerous Driving

Did you enjoy this year’s Eurovision? We must admit, we’re not avid fans. That’s because it seems to have become a bit of a juggernaut with smaller national competitions running weeks before to choose the entrants, not to mention two semi-finals, so you pretty much know what’s coming long before the big night. No doubt, it makes for good telly but half the excitement used to be seeing who would come up with what in the actual competition. By dint of its name Eurovision – spot the Euro in there – started off in 1956, originally conceived through a desire to unite European countries through cross-

We’re feeling a bit nostalgic this month and harking back to childhood days when a super-bright moon hit the sky ‘like a big piece of pie’ and was simply that – a really bright, beautiful moon. Of course, there were a few special periods like the Harvest Moon, but really what’s with all the new ones? Supermoon, Blood Moon, Super Blood Moon, apparently we’ve just missed the year’s first lunar eclipse which was due to take place on May 26 and was expected to be extra special featuring a Supermoon, a lunar eclipse and Red Blood Moon all in one go – or a Super Flower Blood Moon lunar eclipse,

Back in April, two people were killed when a driverless car crashed into a tree – reports say the ‘driver’, who was not one of the fatalities, was in the back seat at the time! He has been arrested (whether for sheer stupidity is not clear). And now federal safety regulators are looking at another crash in which a driverless electric vehicle struck an overturned truck on a highway. The driver of the automated vehicle was killed and another person, who was trying to help the truck driver out of his vehicle, was hit and seriously injured. It’s not yet clear whether the car was in autopilot when the accident happened.

border television broadcasts following World War II. That first iteration had just seven entries. This year’s contest had two semis and a final and 39 entries! Since when was Australia in Europe? And the list of countries that have not been able to join in is even more confusing. China was interested in participating but that got knocked on the head due to censorship. And even the then Soviet Union tried to get in on the act. If you ask us, and admittedly no-one did, it’s all got a bit out of hand.

depending on where you look! On second thoughts, you probably didn’t miss it because there’ll have been much excitement across news and social media in the run up. Apparently, the January full moon is a Wolf Moon – also known variously as the Snow Moon and the Hunger Moon. It seems there is some sort of special moon to look out for every month. Kinda takes away from the myth of the kindly man in the moon, which should, of course, be recognisably made of cheese.

It has been reported that Tesla is allowing a limited number of motorists to test its self-driving system, but experts say that, not surprisingly, America’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is under pressure to take action over the automated vehicles which have been involved in multiple crashes. Here’s a thought, rather than waiting for the NHTSA to act, how about not allowing idiots behind the wheel (or rather not) of these vehicles in the first place?

fact magazine