Where.ge #25 Fabruary-March Issue 2020 by Georgia Today Group

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#25 February-March 2020 Publisher: George Sharashidze Editor in Chief: Katie Ruth Davies Executive Editor: Maka Bibilashvili Contributors: Katie Ruth Davies Maka Bibilashvili Sofia Bochoidze Ana Dumbadze Mariam Merabishvili Beka Aleksishvili Nini Dakhundaridze Tony Hanmer Elene Dzebisashvili Photographers: Aleksei Serov Designer: Ani Loladze Logo & Design Concept: Kevin Loftus Sales: Sofia Bochoidze Maia Tsereteli Sesili Tikaradze Natalia Chikvaidze Anano Topuridze Tamuna Karkashadze

Although the winter is almost over, Georgia’s fast-growing ski resorts are still in demand among tourists and locals, and will be until mid-April. Unique skiing is not the only reason Svaneti is considered one of Georgia’s best travel destinations: for anyone interested in culture, history, lasting traditions and customs, watchtowers, beautiful views, and discovering the characteristics of Georgia, Svaneti is a must. Explore Svaneti with us in our Where to Go section and get ready for an unforgettable experience. George Sharashidze In that same section, our Svaneti-based Publisher, WHERE.ge correspondent Tony Hanmer decided to take you not on his customary tour of the region, but on a fascinating journey back to 19th century Tbilisi, both in images and words. In our Where to Stay section, our editor-in-chief Katie Davies offers a useful winter hotel guide for those who don’t ski but still fancy a winter getaway. Another guide prepared by Katie is perfect for those on the hunt for fancy wine bars and for those who want to know more about fine dining experiences on offer in Tbilisi. Check out Tbilisi’s simple, affordable and own-style bars with her, where you’ll be good for both beers and cocktails in the Where to Drink section, and for a selection of the best Georgian cuisine on the pages of Where to Eat. This issue of WHERE.ge, as per tradition, hosts famous Georgians and expats, giving them the opportunity to share their best recommendations in each of the WHERE.ge sections - Go, Stay, Eat, Drink and Buy. Here, you can also find my personal choice for each:

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6 Nana Janashia Executive Director CENN

54 Thomas Kimmeswenger Executive Director German Business Association DWV

84 Antoine Bardon President Chamber of Commerce and Industry France-Georgia

108 Salome Pirveli Development Manager William Grant & Sons in Georgia

120

George Zhorzholiani Marketing Director INN GROUP Hotels

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Where to Go for Spring Fun in Georgia . . . e c i o h C

Nana Janashia Executive Director of CENN

Exploring thE mountainous ajara rEgion Keda is a mountainous municipality in Ajara Region notable for its vibrant cultural and natural resources. While visiting Keda you can explore its many historical heritage sites such as cultural monuments, watchtowers, arched stone bridges, as well as taste the unique cuisine and wine from local cellars. Visitors to the gorges of Ajaristskali and the other mountainous rivers flowing into the territory of Keda Municipality will see a striking diversity of blooming flora and fauna, combined with many waterfalls, unfolding before them.

thE multicultural tsalka Tsalka is a multiethnic, multicultural region in the southern part of Kvemo Kartli, known for its incredible nature. Tsalka boasts a stunning variety of cultural heritage, archaeological, and natural monument sites. The ruins of fortresses, caves, prehistoric rock carvings, stone pillars, oil presses, old settlements, ancient burial structures, and an area known as the “cyclopean habitations”- all of these wonders are scattered across its territory. A must-see while exploring Tsalka is the Dashbashi Canyon, where many strong streams flow downward, creating a mesmerizing complex of small waterfalls.

Diving into thE clouDs of BEshumi Beshumi is a mountainous area in Khulo, Ajara. It’s the perfect spot for those who enjoy hiking, horse riding, and adventure tours. In Beshumi you will be surrounded by great natural beauty; a combination of alpine and coniferous plants around the resort helps to create an attractive environment that is perfectly suited for relaxation. While visiting Beshumi, be sure to explore the Green Lake and Khikhani Castle.

shuruBumu cavE The Shurubumu Cave is a four-story horizontal cave located in western Georgia. On its first floor you will find a mystical siphon lake, with a section that extends over 300 meters, enriched by droplets of water from the cave’s walls. The overall experience allows visitors to experience a space trapped in time, a stunning tribute to the wonders of nature. Part of the Shurubumu Cave also connects to the vertical Khaverdovana cave, through which the Ankara River flows for a distance of 7 km - this is only one connections in what may be a whole underground constellation - many parts of Shurubumu have yet to be discovered, as the cave has never been fully explored.

Photo: Roman Tolordava

krtsanisi forEst park Visit the Krtsanisi Forest Park, a nature oasis located just between the urban centers of Tbilisi and Rustavi. The park is extremely rich in biodiversity; visitors have the chance to observe more than a hundred species of birds. The park also offers a unique opportunity to enjoy nature, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, and its hectic urban environments. The park’s flat terrain and beautiful alleys make it a perfect spot for bike riding. Krtsanisi forest park is also an ideal location for specialized tours, whether they be educational, nature excursions, or an afternoon of bird watching. Photo: Levan Kobalia

Vashlovani National Park

A scenic view - an unusual Georgian landscape where semi-desert and forest coexist in harmony. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking forward to creating unforgettable memories, Vashlovani National Park is a perfect destination for your next trip. This marvelous place is ready to welcome you any season of the year, where you will be able to admire natural monuments, view spectacular sights, and most

importantly discover unique flora and fauna. While hiking on six marked trails, you will come across the wonder of nature: mud volcanos, and also you may even catch a glimpse of Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Goitered Gazelles which were reintroduced to Vashlovani fauna over the past years. If you love nature, you can enjoy bird

watching and sport fishing in the park. After a long, pleasant and adventurous journey, you can then stay the night in the cozy bungalows and enjoy the clear, starry night sky. If you happen to be near Tbilisi, do not hesitate to grab a backpack and visit the unforgettable Vashlovani National Park, just a two-hour drive from the capital of Georgia.

We Create Memories

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News tBilisi’s frEEDom squarE in fast anD furious 9 trailEr The 15-second trailer for the ninth episode of Fast and Furious has been released. In the 11th second we can spot one of the most familiar locations in Tbilisi- Freedom (Liberty) Square, with its statue of St. George and the Dragon. The film, directed by Justin Lin and starring Vin Diesel and Michelle Rodriguez, was partially filmed in Georgia in August 2019. The film was shot within the framework of the State program ‘Film in Georgia’ and the shooting was supported by the production company ‘Enkeny Films’. Filming took place over five weeks, from August 18 to September 22, in various corners of the capital, including on Rustaveli Avenue, Freedom Square, Vazha Pshavela Avenue, Besarion Jghenti Street, Avto Varazi Street and University Street. The decision to select Georgia as one of the shooting locations was made during the visit of renowned Hollywood filmmakers to Tbilisi last spring.

94% incrEasE in visitors to mountanous aDjara By nini Dakhundaridze The number of tourists visiting the routes of mountainous Adjara has increased by 94%. Over the last year, the number of visitors who checked into hostels, house-hotels, touristic and dining locations there was 238,665, 94% more than in 2018. The greatest number of travellers was to be found in tourist hot-spot Kobuleti, 137% more than in 2018. Another leader when it came to visitor numbers is the Keda Municipality with a 57% increase. Then came Khelvachauri (up 94%), Khulo (up 61%), and Shuakhevi, which saw a year-on-year increase of 30%. Tinatin Zoidze, Head of the Department of the Tourism and Resorts in Adjara, commented on the rocketing number of tourists in the region, highlighting the importance of the increase and the effect it is likely to have on the overall picture of Georgian tourism, and consequently, the economy. She also revealed what the department’s focus will be in future so as to make the increased number of visitors coming to the region an ever-growing tradition. “It’s certainly good news that the number of tourists in Mountainous Adjara has grown. This can be seen not only in the data of touristic routes, hostels and hotels, but also that of museums, wine cellars, and touristic attractions. This gives an additional incentive to those in the agricultural and touristic businesses to develop their services and the general touristic infrastructure. At the moment, we have 15 touristic routes marked down in the municipalities of Adjara and we vow to work actively to further develop these places, and offer new tourist products to visitors. It is by developing the tourist spots in the mountainous region of Adjara that we will achieve our overall goal to make the region attractive to tourists year-round,” Zoidze said.

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The statistics of travellers coming to the region was prepared following a study of the hostels, hotels, tourist hot-spots, and attractions by the tourist information centers of the Adjara Tourism Department. Additionally, this year, the Adjara Tourism Department plans to popularize the region’s touristic attractions at 28 international tourism fairs. At 11 of these fairs, Adjara will have its own stand where visitors will get a chance to grab the latest promotional materials about the region, while also being able to taste Georgian sweets and wine.

tBilisi Wins ryanair’s onlinE voting as thE BEst nEW DEstination By ana Dumbadze “We just crowned Tbilisi as Ryanair’s 2020 destination face-off winner in our Stories,” the Irish budget airline Ryanair announced on its Instagram page. Georgia was named winner of the recent online voting on Ryanair’s Instagram story. The company’s Instagram poll was run over several days in order to select the best destination for 2020. Barcelona rivalled the Georgian capital in the finals, and before the final vote, Tbilisi also defeated cities like Rome, Paris, Mallorca, and Santorini. Ryanair recently devoted an article to Georgia’s tourism potential on its official webpage, saying that with its delicious cuisine, fascinating history and an abundance of unmissable sites, this country is “one of Europe’s fastest-growing tourist destinations.”

cnn on gEorgia’s DrEamiEst locations By nini Dakhundaridze “Georgia may be small in size, but it still packs an astounding geographical punch,” reads the very first sentence of the CNN article titled ’10 of the dreamiest places in Georgia,’ published on January 31. The CNN story, written by Benjamin Kemper, highlights the must-visit locations throughout Georgia, from the west to the east. The ten locations described by the author are Mutso, Ushguli, Vardzia, Gelati Monastery, Gergeti Trinity Church, Ananuri, Gomismta, Sighnaghi, Dartlo, and David Gareja, all culturally and historically significant locations.

kutaisi airport ranks sEconD in EuropE By passEngEr traffic groWth By ana Dumbadze Kutaisi David Agmashenebeli International Airport is the second in Europe by passenger traffic growth, the United Airports of Georgia reports. According to the International Airports Council of Europe (ACI Europe), in 2019, Kutaisi International Airport served 41.6% more passengers compared to the previous year. The matter concerns those airports which have less than five million passengers. During the full year of 2019, airports welcoming more than 25 million passengers per year (Group 1), airports welcoming between 10 and 25 million passengers (Group 2), airports welcoming between 5 and 10 million passengers (Group 3) and airports welcoming less than 5 million passengers per year (Group 4) reported an average adjustment of +3.0%, +4.8%, +3.0% and +1.6%. The airports which reported the highest increases in passenger traffic during 2019 (compared with 2018) are as follows: GROUP 1: Vienna (+17.1%), Antalya (+12.8%), Moscow SVO (+8.9%), Lisbon (+7.4%) and Madrid (+6.6%) GROUP 2: Kyiv KBP (+21.1%), Milan MXP (+16.6%), Moscow VKO (+11.7%), Berlin TXL (+10.1%) and Porto (+9.8%) GROUP 3: Krakow (+24.2%), Sevilla (+18.3%), Nantes (+16.7%), Bordeaux (+13.3%) and Bologna (+10.6%) GROUP 4: Ohrid (+72.1%), Kutaisi (+41.6%), Kharkiv (+38.4%), Zadar (+32.5%) and Bucharest (+25.8%) Kutaisi International Airport, also known as David the Builder Kutaisi International Airport, is an airport located 14 km west of Kutaisi, the third largest city in Georgia and the capital of the western region of Imereti. It is one of three international airports currently in operation in Georgia, along with Tbilisi International Airport serving the Georgian capital and Batumi International Airport near the Adjara Black Sea resort. The airport is operated by United Airports of Georgia, a state-owned company.

voguE WritEs aBout ‘anD thEn WE DancED’ By nini Dakhundaridze On February 11, Vogue published a story about And Then We Danced, a GeorgianSwedish film by Levan Akin, a Swedish-born Georgian director. The movie follows Merab (Levan Gelbakhiani), a traditional Georgian dancer in the National Georgian Ensemble, as he is swept off his feet when a new dancer joins his troupe, named Irakli (Bachi Valishvili). The American lifestyle and fashion magazine writes that “in And Then We Danced, Georgian traditions and forbidden love intertwine.” The Vogue story about the coming-of-age film features interview bites from the director and main actor. Akin revealed when he set his heart on making this movie: “[At a Pride parade in 2013 in Tbilisi] Fifty people in Tbilisi tried to hold a Pride parade, which would have been Georgia’s first, and they were attacked by thousands of people in a counter-demonstration that was organized by the Orthodox Church and some far-right groups,” Akin tells Vogue. “It struck a chord.”

Gelbakhiani, who plays Merab, stated that though he was worried about people’s reactions, he saw a chance to make a change. “In the beginning, I was a little hesitant because of the topic, and because of the fear from [our] society,” Gelbakhiani told Vogue. “Then I realized, sometimes you don’t have any tools to fight, and you don’t have any tools to change political issues, but I did: I had the chance to say something and to change something.”

antiquE glazED pottEry DiscovErED unDEr guDiashvili squarE Age-old specimens of glazed green pottery have been found under Gudiashvili Square in Tbilisi, fully preserved. Gudiashvili Square is currently undergoing rehabilitation works that launched in March 2018. Representing one of Tbilisi’s iconic historical sites, the square was given its current name in 1988, named after the cherished 20th Century Georgian painter Lado Gudiashvili. “Diverse archaeological material was found during the current rehabilitation works of the buildings adjacent to Gudiashvili Square, in an historic part of Tbilisi. All archeological artifacts will be carefully conserved and housed in a museum on Gudiashvili Square,” said Mayor Kakha Kaladze. Tiflis Hamkari (the Union of Tbilisi Caretakers) was founded in March 2005 by Alexander and Tsira Elisashvili. The union aims to preserve the authentic appearance of the historic and cultural parts of Tbilisi. They say the newly discovered glazed pottery is astonishingly well-preserved. One specimen was found in the coal layer, dating from the time of Aga Mohammad Khan, while a ceramic bowl found there dates back to the 11th-12th centuries, though the crusty layer in which it was preserved is related to the Krtsanisi events of 1795.

prEsEntation of a Book on gEorgia’s cultural hEritagE in strasBourg By Elene Dzebisashvili A book covering Georgia’s cultural heritage, titled Georgia: History, Culture, Ethnography was presented in Strasbourg by the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia, Mikhail Ckhenkeli. “We held a very important event at the Council of Europe, where we presented a fundamental three-volume book on Georgian culture and heritage. The English-language work created by Anzor Erkomaishvili will soon be released in Georgian. The richly illustrated trilogy was published with the support of Bidzina Ivanishvili, the Cartu Foundation and the American publishing company NOVA SCIENCE. As a result, we have a truly unique book that demonstrates that Georgia is not merely part of Europe, but also a great contributor to European culture and values. We plan to donate this book to leading libraries and archives. People will get a chance to rediscover Georgia as a country with mesmerizing culture,” Chkhenkeli said.

The Georgian delegation is currently on a working visit to Strasbourg, under the leadership of President Salome Zurabishvili, within the framework of Georgia’s chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. The presentation of the book was accompanied by Georgian folk and polyphonic songs. The idea behind the book’s creation belongs to Frank Columbus, President of the American publishing house NOVA SCIENCE, and his wife, Nadia Gotsiridze-Columbus. The book is a unique English-language publication that is edited by musicologist Anzor Erkomaishvili, primarily known for his founding and leadership of the ‘Rustavi’ State Academic Ensemble of Georgian Folk Song and Dance. The book is the latest in a myriad of works produced by Erkomaishvili, who created the ‘Martve’ ensemble of folk singing in 1978 and was credited with “saving” the then-neglected heritage of Georgian national singing. The book includes historical material on subjects ranging from the gorgeous piercing tones of Georgian polyphonic singing to the art of traditional stone masonry. A multimedia appendix comes with audio recordings of folk songs and church hymns, and recordings of folk dances- some of them dating back to 1901.

ryanair: gEorgia - not your typical tourist DEstination Ireland’s low-cost airline Ryanair, which launched regular flights to Georgia in November, has devoted an article to the country’s tourism potential on its official webpage, saying that with its delicious cuisine, fascinating history and an abundance of unmissable sites, Georgia is “one of Europe’s fastest-growing tourist destinations.” First, the author of the article recalls their personal experience of traveling to the country and compliments Georgian hospitality and the warm, friendly attitude to foreign visitors. As the author notes, this warm greeting “sets the tone for an intriguing weekend filled with delicious local cuisine, interesting sightseeing, hours of exploration and plenty of wine. An enigma located on the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia is not your typical tourist destination. It mixes tradition and modernity in a fascinating way which you can’t help but fall in love with. Best of all, though, is its affordability for such an exotic location on the edge of the continent. With cheap food, plenty of public transport and reasonably priced drinks, a trip here is not going to break the bank,” reads the article. Stressing the fact that a record number of tourists (8.7 million) visited the country in 2019, the story also promotes nightlife in the capital. “With a thriving nightlife, stunning views throughout the Old Town, tons of ancient historical sites and an array of skiing resorts located just a few hours away, Tbilisi is becoming one of the fastest-growing, hippest capitals in Europe. ‘Berlin out. Tbilisi in,’ is the catchphrase used by locals,” the author notes. The article describes Georgia’s difficult past and the challenges the country had to face for years: “Georgia has endured a difficult past after suffering through civil war and ongoing tensions with Russia.” However, it is also highlighted that despite these difficulties, the country emerged to become a thriving tourist hotspot. “The country’s transformation has been staggering. Georgia welcomed less than 100,000 tourists at the end of the 1990s. They expect over 9 million in 2020,” the author concludes.

Explore Svaneti By nini Dakhundaridze

Photos: Maka Bibilashvili

Interesting all year round, Svaneti in winter is ideal for ski-enthusiasts and in summer for hikers. However, skiing and hiking is not all Svaneti has to offer: for anyone interested in culture, history, lasting traditions and customs, watchtowers, and beautiful views, and (re)discovering the characteristics of Georgia, Svaneti is a must.

What to Do Svaneti is one of Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most beautiful regions, so one of the things to do there is to take walks and enjoy the nature and clean air. Svaneti also offers some exceptional ski areas: Hatsvali and Tetnuldi

hatsvali The first Svanetian resort, Hatsvali was opened in 2011. It is 8 km from Mestia and since 2017, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been reachable by cable car from the outskirts of Mestia. Hatsvali ski resort is for beginners and intermediates. The lower lift station is located at an altitude of 1865 meters; with equipment rental nearby. The Leitner ski lift

will take you up to Mount Zuruldi (2347 meters above sea level) in a matter of 10 minutes. The two smaller ski lifts there are 600 and 800 meters long. tEtnulDi The second Svanetian resort, Tetnuldi, has been open for ski-lovers since December 2015. Located 15 km from Mestia,

Tetnuldi is almost as big as Gudauri. There are three new POMA lifts, which bring guests up to an altitude of 1600 - 3165 meters. If you’re more of a free rider, Tetnuldi would probably be a better option for you.

comfortable option in winter is to go by minibus. By minibus Minibuses from Kutaisi to Mestia leave at 10 AM every morning, tickets for which

cost 25 GEL. If you miss the 10 AM minibus (marshutka), you’ll have to take the one going to Zugdidi and change to the more regular Mestia-bound bus/ minibus there. If you’re traveling from Tbilisi, the minibuses depart daily from 6

One disadvantage is that après-ski activities and accommodation are located in Mestia, so you would need to drive up to the resort. Hiking and horse riding are also popular activities in Svaneti when it’s warm. Whatever season you choose to visit the region in, don’t miss out on the museums and towers! For an even more unique experience, take a trip to Ushguli, the highest settlement in Europe and a 3-hour breath-taking drive from Mestia on half-paved road.

travEling to svanEti By car You can travel to Svaneti by car. From Tbilisi you can reach the destination in about 8 hours, depending which town you want to reach, making a stop at Kutaisi first, then Zugdidi, and then you’ll enter the Svaneti region. If you’re going to Mestia, the distance is roughly 480 km of mostly winding road. Kutaisi is closer to the region, so heading up to the Georgian mountains of Svaneti from there will take you less time, about three hours, and four to five if you’re going to Mestia (the distance is 220 km). If you’re looking to rent a car, the prices range from $30 – 40 per day, and can go as high as $150 if you choose a jeep. With the present prices on fuel (on average 2.5 GEL liter), traveling to Svaneti by a car can get expensive. The more economic and sometimes even more

am to 8 am from the square in front of the railway station. Tickets cost 40-50 GEL per person, depending on the season. You can go to Kutaisi first and then change minibuses in Kutaisi or Zugdidi. Another option would be to take a night train to Zugdidi and switch to a Mestia-bound minibus there. fly to mestia For several years, it has been possible to fly to Mestia. Tiny aircraft operate from Tbilisi (four times a week – 90 GEL) and Kutaisi (twice a week – 50 GEL) airports, getting to Mestia a lot quicker than by land. The journey is beautiful but flights do get cancelled quite frequently due to bad weather.

WhErE to stay hotel tetnuldi

9 Margiani Str., Mestia (+995) 599 73 25 25 hotel Banguriani

This smoking-free hotel offers a restaurant, two bars/lounges, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free continental breakfast is provided, as well as free Wi-Fi in public areas, free self parking, and a reception. Other amenities include conference space, dry cleaning, and laundry facilities. All 36 soundproofed rooms feature free Wi-Fi, room service and flat-screen TVs. It’s one of the most popular picks in Mestia, with guests reviewing the hotel nicely for the facilities and view.

Nino Ratiani’s Guesthouse is located in Mestia, 25 km from El’brus. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant, and free Wi-Fi is offered throughout the property. There is a free shuttle service and a gift shop, while free private parking is also available on site. Guests can enjoy various activities in the surroundings, including skiing and cycling. The guesthouse also offers bike hire. The place is clean, the staff is helpful and because of its location – being close to a hiking site, it’s rather easy to meet new people. 1 J. Khaptani Str., Mestia Email: ninoratiani@gmail.com irma, Beso & aleko khergianis guesthouse

10 R. Margiani Str., Mestia (+995) 596 00 00 19

This rather popular choice of stay in Svaneti promises comfort and convenience, offering a family-friendly setting with an array of amenities designed for travelers like you. Guest rooms offer a desk, and guests can go online with free internet access. Hotel Tetnuldi features a 24/7 front desk, a concierge, and express check-in and check-out, making your stay as luxurous as it gets in Svaneti. The property also boasts a lounge. Free parking is available for drivers. St. Nicholas Church is nearby, a popular attraction that is within walking distance of the hotel.

Though a cheaper choice, visitors of Svaneti love staying at its hostels as much as they love spending nights at the hotels (or maybe more so). nino ratiani’s guesthouse

This guesthouse in particular is a popular pick. Tourists love the place and the hosts really give a nice, warm Georgian welcome. Featuring a garden, BBQ facilities and views of garden, it is 1.1 km from the Museum of History and Ethnography. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24/7 front desk and luggage storage space, along with free Wi-Fi. Every room has a patio offering a great view of the mountains. All rooms have a shared bathroom, equipped with a bathtub. This guesthouse is also budgetfriendly. Pets are allowed without any extra fee! 27 B. Kakhiani Str., Mestia

WhErE to Eat Most of the places to stay listed here (and many of those in Svaneti) offer breakfast and dinner. Staying in your hotel/ hostel/guesthouse is usually a good choice, since the food will likely be homemade. If you fancy going out to eat, though, there’s a nice café called Laila in Mestia. Check out their kubdari and lobiani! rea Dessert offers some of the best breakfasts in the area. With music in the background and free Wi-Fi, you’ll be able to set the mood for your day, or wrap it up nicely. The menu is a combination of international food and Svan/Georgian specialties, with friendly staff to serve. 32 Queen Tamar Str., Mestia (+995) 593 99 17 61 If you’re looking for the perfect cup of coffee to start your day with, then Erti kava coffee Room is the place for you. It serves high-quality Europeanstyle hot beverages, while food, including vegan options, is also available. Staff are warm, welcoming and provide a consistently high-level of service that you can see in their smiles. With a calm, simple and cozy interior, this café is great for freelancers, business people and meetings with friends. 25 Seti Square, Mestia (+995) 599 13 40 11

Inside Abkhazia: A Bridge to the Past By Elene Dzebisashvili

A subtropical, citrus-scented paradise with snow-capped peaks, picturesque canyons and warm sea that can compete with the French Riviera, the de-facto nation of Abkhazia is still considered by most UN member states to be a part of Georgia. The region was devastated by civil war during the collapse of the Soviet Union, and then, after a war of secession with Georgia between 1992-93, Abkhazia formally declared independence in 1999. As controversial as it is beautiful, the region of Abkhazia sits in the nexus of the Georgia-Russia conflict; its independence not recognized by anyone except Russia and a handful of other nations. After the Russian-Georgian war of 2008, Russia was quick to recognize Abkhazia as a sovereign state and gave it military protection from Georgia. The Russian military presence there is highly visible and ever-increasing. Movement across the line of separation has become considerably more constrained. Walk to the beach and you see Russian naval ships. All international connections are only through Russia.

sukhumi Lying on the site of the ancient Greek colony of Dioscurias on the Black Sea coast is Abkhaziaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charming capital, Sukhumi. It is true that during its Soviet heyday, apartments in Sukhumi cost more than in

Moscow. The capital once was a sub-tropical playground for the elite of the Tsarist and Soviet empires, embodying the solemn grandeur of Soviet-era architecture. Abkhazia’s capital has an unmistakable charm – one can wander past grand seaside hotels along Sukhumi’s winding roads enjoying the refreshing ocean breeze; or see the Botanical garden created in 1840, featuring more than 4,500 species of plants and tropical flora. Dive into history by visiting Sukhumi’s Roman walls, ancient bridges and breathtaking castles. Sukhumi’s mesmerizing nature is the real measure of time passing. Here, summer villas fade in the sunshine. But all this beauty stands in contrast with the bombed-out apartment blocks and vacant buildings still standing as remnants of war and devastation.

gali

abandoned and now almost derelict; the town’s unique Soviet architecture is gradually disintegrating. Similar contrast to the eerie, near-magical beauty of nature beset by the remnants brought about by years of devastation is visible in all of Abkhazia’s other towns and districts, including Gagra, once known as the “Russian Riviera.”

ritsa lakE To feel the unmistakable charm of Abkhazia’s scenery, one needs only to visit Lake Ritsa, in the north-western part of Georgia, encircled by picturesque mountain forests and sapphire waters. The road to the Ritsa, one of the deepest lakes in the Caucasus, is as beautiful as the lake itself. It branches off from the

Primorskoye Highway near Pitsunda and then zigzags 40 kilometers along the canyon of the river Bzyb. On the way, one can delight oneself with the beauty of the waterfalls, mountains, and rivers; see the Blue Lake, the waterfalls Male Tears and Maiden Tears, as well as the impressive Yupsharsky canyon with rocks overhanging the road. Joseph Stalin fell in love with Ritsa so much that he had a summer house built on the banks, which still stands today. After nearly two decades of searching mostly in vain for international acceptance, Abkhazia, a tiny region in the former Soviet republic of Georgia, embodies a paradox: the picturesque territory’s anomalous sovereign status is both nowhere and everywhere, invisible and manifestly obvious in equal measure.

Gali, the regional center of Abkhazia’s south, is home for a majority of ethnic Georgians. After the August 2008 Russo-Georgian war, Moscow established a military base in Gali; Russian border guards continue to fully control the line between Georgia and Abkhazia, along the Enguri River. For the residents of the Gali district, going to school, getting to a hospital, or collecting a pension payment has long been burdensome, as it involves crossing the Russia-imposed boundary that separates Abkhazia from the rest of Georgia. Gali is a town replete with the crumbling buildings ravished by both war and the passage of time. Ongoing problems include a devastated criminal justice system, discrimination against ethnic Georgians, and a lack of economic opportunities. Industry there was long-ago

A clinic you can trust

hair transplantation field not only in Georgia, but also in the Transcaucasus, and he is an expert in the field under the auspices of the Ministry of IDPs, Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia. Hairline International is first and foremost a hair restoration medicine-scientific center, where hair loss is diagnosed, treated, and where hair loss prevention measures are developed. Hairline was founded in 2005 by Professor Tamaz Tamazashvili and the current director of the clinik Irakli Bebiashvili. Mr. Tamazashvili is the founder of the

Since its inception, Hairline has been providing its services on the basis of evidence-based medicine using the latest technology and equipment. They have also created a number of machines and useful models in hair

transplant surgery that havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lost their practical value even today - some have patents. Hair transplantation, as well as organ and tissue transplantation - requires the cooperation and harmony of professionals. The success of Hairlineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s professionals, apart from their qualifications, is due to their 16 years of experience working together and their continued drive to innovate approbation-introduction.

According to its results, Hairline International is one of the best hair transplant clinics in the world. They can transplant up to 5000- 6000 grafts (12000-15000 hair follicles) in one step and insert 64 grafts per square centimeter. Hairline International offers the most progressive methods of hair transplant:

We got our Hair transplanted in Hairline

1. Hair transplantation by FUSS (Stitched Strip) method 2. Hair transplantation by FUE method 3. Hair transplantation by combined (FUSS + FUE) method. 4. Strip Method 5. Long hair transplantation by FUE unstitched method 6. Hair transplant from the body (BHT) 7. Hair Transplant with Implants (DHI) 8. Hair transplantation in scars

“It is an acknowledgment of the merit of Successful Healing International’s work that our clinic represents a university clinic with a long-term qualification program - theoretical and practical curative hair restoration in medicine. Our trained physicians work successfully in many countries around the world. And what we are most proud of is that we have developed a strategy inspired by Corpo- rate Social Responsibility, and we are constantly striving to engage in various social problems. Under

this auspice, we are implementing various joint projects - slowly becoming corporate citizens.”

9. Eyebrow, mustache and beard transplant 10. Hair transplant through Intelligent method with 100% result (HST) PRP Procedures in Hair Transplantation “Our clinic uses all the methods of local anesthesia needed for hair transplantation that are focused on patient comfort: applied, infiltrative, and conductive (regional). Hairline is distinguished from other clinics first of all by the quality of service, second of all by the patient-centered service, and by assuming that our future is the success of our patients.

Hairline international a leader in Hair transplantation

Innova Invitro

The Place Where Parenting Dreams Come True

Infertility was always a very serious problem for society, both as a medical and as a social-demographic issue. In an era of late parenting, combined with career growth goals which weakened the institution of family, the hazardous effects of toxic influences of ecology and environmental factors saw infertility becoming not just a personal tragedy but a global problem.

Innova Invitro, established and guided by Dr. Ketevan Osidze who is well-known for as being a doctor with excellent results, is fully dedicated to meeting patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expectations. The clinic has been operating since 2016 and is recognized worldwide as having international standards and high pregnancy rates.

WE ALL KNOW THAT TO BE A LEADING CLINIC IN TBILISI REQUIRES HARD WORK. PLEASE TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT INNOVA INVITRO. I am really happy to have such an amazing team. I have 16 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; working experience in the field of IVF but my goal was to start with the best possible embryology lab. I chose one of the leaders in the field of IVI, the Valencia Institute of

Infertility, as a provider of accreditation and runner of our embryology service. Our Embryology Lab Director Jordan Garcia Ortega is a well-known professional worldwide with amazing experience. I think having such an influential person here had an overall impact on the service and quality in this region. We are proud that several Georgians have been trained by him. We continue to employee embryologists from IVI as the number of patients is growing constantly. WHAT IS MAIN ACTIVITY OF YOUR CLINIC? We offer services of any difficulty as we are fully equipped and have the know-how. To performing IVF and ICSI – intracytoplasmic sperm injection, we can add genetic tests of embryos PGT-A, PGD, and NIPD tests for pregnancies. Our main activity includes ambulatory treatment and diagnostics of infertility. The clinic has all the necessary means to treat women and men: an external control hormonal lab, referral department of laparoscopy, endocrinology and andrology services, and outstanding specialists with up to date ultrasound and XR machines. We think that only proper diagnosis can ensure a successful medical intervention. Our multidiscipline team of gynaecologists, obstetricians, endocrinologists, therapeutics, and anaesthesiologists care about the well-being and satisfaction of patients and their babies. We feel special responsibility providing donation and surrogacy services, as it is not only medical intervention. We care very much about the transparency and safety of the process for all parties – couples, egg or sperm donors and surrogate mothers. This is an absolutely legal process which is well controlled by the government.

WE KNOW THAT YOU HAVE VERY POSITIVE FEEDBACK FROM PATIENTS. WHAT MAKES YOUR CLINIC DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS? Our priority is high standards of medical service, and an individualized and timely approach to any case with properly planned interventions. We have a special department for international patients to make it easy for them to plan and prepare for surrogacy and donation services. They arrive only at the final stages for the procedure and have to spend only several days in Tbilisi. I have to mention that they usually want to stay longer just as tourists and usually come back for several weeks with friends after the babies are born. I can say that medical tourism is contributing a lot to the rise of tourism activity overall. Timely and planned visits and long-distance services are very important to local customers as well, as a lack of time is a reality for many. WHAT IS MAIN DIAGNOSIS OF YOUR PATIENTS? It is most commonly infertility due to tubal patency problems post-inflammation or post-surgery. Everyone is concerned about the very fast decline in sperm parameters and subfertility and infertility. Along with genetic errors in the Y chromosome, this situation is connected with ecology, air pollution, chemicals in food, steroid abuse and heavy metals in building materials, possible the harm of Wi-Fi and other urban factors, including stress. We are really glad to see men overcoming the stigma of coming for a check-up and visiting earlier, sometimes even before marriage. Infertility is problem of a couple not of a single individual, so faster diagnosis gives faster results.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS? We follow all the advances in reproductive medicine field. We would like to share our experience and expertise with professional society by participating in international research and training programs. As part of social responsibility, we will continue to make efforts to make society more informed and educated about infertility treatment and prevention. WHAT DOES PARTNERING WITH IVI MEAN FOR YOUR CLINIC AND WHAT IS THE PRIORITY AREA OF ACTIVITY FOR INOVA INVITRO? The priority area for Inova Invitro is the comprehensive diagnosis and management of all pathologies of infertility, all the while adhering to international standards pertaining to the treatment procedures. The main focus is on vitro fertilization and donation-surrogacy programs. We are home to personnel of the highest calibre with 15 years’ working experience in the realm of in vitro fertilization. The collaboration with IVI gives our specialists the opportunity to, along with providing the best standards of treatment, develop an integrated approach that incorporates complex diagnostics and consultation. WHAT MAKES PATIENTS TURN TO DONATION OR SURROGACY? WHAT DO THESE TWO PROCEDURES ENTAIL? Premature ovarian syndrome, genetic abnormalities, poor quality eggs or embryos are among the conditions that urge us to recommend egg donation. Egg fertilization is carried out in the embryological laboratory by the recipient’s partner or donor sperm, then transplanted into the uterine cavity of a “potential mother” under ultrasonography. About 12 days after embryo transfer, a pregnancy test or

MEDICINE? The field is developing rapidly; new methods are emerging, such as the so-called “gene modification” or embryonic genetic evaluation. All new discoveries are accessible at our clinic and we apply them strictly in accordance with healthcare licensing. The field of reproductive medicine is undergoing some outstanding developments in Georgia, as the country’s healthcare system actively supports it. Under our state-controlled regulations, the patient receives a safe and comprehensive service within a high quality program. The rights of patients, donors and surrogates (with whom the clinic works in close cooperation) are maximally protected. blood test is performed to determine pregnancy. In case of infertility, when referring to the surrogacy program, stimulation is provided for the biological mother or the donor, and the fertilized egg is transferred to the surrogate mother’s womb. Surrogate mothers have no genetic relationship with the embryos. WHAT ARE THE ROOT CAUSES OF INFERTILITY? Infertility is a sensitive global issue. The causes may range from stress, late marriage, ecology, or the deterioration of male spermogram, among others. Quite often, a delayed visit to a doctor becomes one of the major obstacles. WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE MAJOR PRIORITY OF INOVA INVITRO? Our collaboration with Spain, an indisputable leader in the field, and working in accordance with the standards that they set, has been Invitro’s major asset.

Partnering with IVI is a major advantage in terms of research, results and technical support. Inova Invitro is a clinic that never fails to adhere to the best of European standards, which is also stressed by its maintenance of an embryological laboratory, headed by Jordan Garcia Ortega, a leading specialist at IVI. HOW DOES YOUR TEAM WORK TOWARDS THE CLINIC’S COMMON GOAL? The success of Inova Invitro almost entirely lies in our team’s passion and effort to deliver the latest in state-of-the-art expertise and innovation. IVI specialists are valuable members of our team. Our clinic is home for specialists from all the adjacent fields to fertilization, which is another remarkable asset. One can benefit from all the services he/she needs in the comfort of a single space. WHAT IS THE PACE OF DEVELOPMENT FOR THE FIELD OF REPRODUCTIVE

TELL US ABOUT THE IMPROVING TRENDS OF LATE. The newly emerging trend is that an ever-increasing number of men address our clinic. Even before marriage, the couples conduct research and check on their health. Egg and embryo freezing methods are also becoming popular- all these are vital turning points! WHAT ARE YOUR LAST THOUGHTS OR ADVICE FOR PATIENTS? This century has brought to light that the ecological situation and a stressful backdrop work against us. Even with Wi-Fi, the spermogram concentration is weakened and the indicators are corrupted. Consequently, there are many things to consider in terms of pregnancy. Timely referral to a doctor will prevent many problems.

Where.ge/Ajara Coming Soon!

Marshall Development’s Big Project in Gudauri, the Grandstand of the Company’s Activities By mariam merabishvili

Construction-development company ‘Marshall Development’ has been operating on the market since 2018 and is currently implementing one of its largest projects in the form of ‘Marshall Gudauri’. Nutsa Khidirbegishvili, Head of Sales at Marshall Development, cites the company’s current challenge as positioning Marshall Gudauri as one of the best hotel-type residential complexes of all Georgia’s ski resorts. She says the project, an apart-hotel-style residential complex in downtown Gudauri, will contribute to the development of the resort, and tourism in general. We asked her to tell us more. Why was gudauri selected as the location of marshall Development’s

first project? What made the resort an exciting starting point for the company? Gudauri is one of the leading and most investment-friendly resorts in Georgia, distinguished by an abundance of tourists and transit movement throughout the year.

also one of the top priorities for mountain lovers.

It is located just 100 km from the capital and from Tbilisi airport, which is also a very favorable factor for both tourists and residents of Tbilisi. The resort has great potential to grow and gain a reputation among the global ski resorts. Heliskiing is allowed there and is very popular among paragliding enthusiasts. Taking into account all the advantages, the company considered investing a high budget in Gudauri as a justified decision.

how affordable are the terms of purchase? The project is supported by TBC Bank and this factor helps our potential clientele to enjoy special conditions in the bank if they take out a mortgage there. There are also other, quite flexible and comfortable, payment terms.

tell us about the ‘marshall gudauri’ complex. What will make it stand out? Due to its location, construction-technical specifications, modern design and quality, the building is a premium class residence, allowing its residents to enjoy maximum comfort without leaving their homes. The project will include facilities such as a restaurant, market, pharmacy, swimming pool, sauna, gym and more.The project has a Ski In and Ski Out concept, which is

Construction of the first block will be completed in May 2020 and the apartments will be delivered to the owners with full renovation.

We are cooperating with the company “Wehost”, which if anyone wishes, will take on the rental service to assist the apartment owners.The commission is only 15%, which is very interesting for our potential clients. how does the company address the challenges in the construction industry? With the development of the construction sector in the country, demand for quality, service and safety has increased. Marshall Development, in keeping with all of the above criteria, creates a premium class product that is fully in line with today’s

rhythm of life and meets all the requirements of the modern world. tell us about the marshall Development team. Due to Marshall Developmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s policy, much attention is paid to team selection and collaboration. Through our team of professionals, the company is building a high quality residential complex that guarantees credibility and customer loyalty.

What are your future plans for Marshall Development? The company has big plans. We are going to carry out other special projects as well. Construction of one of them will start in

Gudauri again in spring 2020. The aim of the company is to be able to present the real potential of Gudauri nationwide, to show how interesting it is to invest here.

What is the most interesting challenge for you, being a member of the marshall Development team? I have been fully involved in every step taken by Marshall Development since the project was born. I love this job very much and, like all our employees, I work hard for our overall success. What is your working day like? The working day is quite busy and full of challenges.The greater the responsibility and the stress caused by it, the more interesting the job proves to be.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/MarshallDevelopment/ Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/marshalldev Web: www.marshalldev.ge Contact: +995 599 40 00 40 Address: 6 Zviad Gmasakhurdia Named Embankment.

Discovering Georgia, 19th Century: Images By tony hanmer

Dmitri Yermakov

Georgia has had long contact with outsiders who entered and began getting to know it, both those hostile and seeking to conquer it and those who were conquered by its beauty and numerous charms. The 19th century really saw the numbers of such visitors increase and, as this century had also seen the birth and

popularization of photography in its 3rd decade, many of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first photographs were taken by foreign visitors as well as by Georgians themselves. Typically, the equipment used was large, unwieldy, slow, tripod-mounted, manually focused and using only natural light.

Before the convenience of film, a single large glass plate was coated with light-sensitive photographic emulsion in as near total darkness as possible, dried, then stored and transported in the same darkness. It would then be inserted into the back of the camera box, adjustments of focus and aperture made, and the image

Vittorio Sella

recorded, possibly lasting some seconds but up to a few minutes if indoors and using window light. Subjects had to remain as still as possible during the process so as to avoid being blurred during the exposure; with varying degrees of success. That gave you ONE image; repeat as many times as necessary for more. None of this point and click! The resulting negative, for some decades only in black and white, could then be chemically fixed on the glass, and light passed through it onto photographic paper in a darkroom to make a positive, or print.

Vittorio Sella

If one takes into account the levels of comfort on roads and rural areas in the 19th century, transporting oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entire body of equipment intact around a country must not have been cheap or easy. The carriages and horses or donkeys needed, plus perhaps drivers and porters, all added to the expense and slowness of pace. Many village roads would have been far rougher, and more subject to the vagaries of weather muddying or freezing them up, than today, when they can nonetheless be a challenge. It is perhaps a wonder that photographs were taken at all; but as someone himself obsessed with the art and craft, this writer can attest that

one does what one can to record the moment, in any situation. Some of Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s early photographers were Russians, and the country itself already absorbed into the Russian Empire, so whether they were foreigners or not is an open question. Others were definitely from beyond the pale, further away. One of the most famous of the former is Dmitri Yermakov (1846-1916); of the latter, Vittorio Sella (1859-1943). However, one must also include many others, and many Georgians too, especially such as Aleksandre Roinashvili (1846-98), rightly considered the father of Georgian

Vittorio Sella

photography, for a complete study of the periodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s noted regional artists in the medium, active anywhere from Tbilisi itself to as far away from it as they could reach.

centuries to come. He amassed 119 albums, nearly 26,000 photos, over 15,000 negatives and almost 28,000 stereoscopic images.

Yermakov was important as both a photographer of Georgia and elsewhere, and as one who collected and thus successfully preserved the images of many Georgian photographers of his day. In this way, he reached far beyond his own body of work, multiplied what he could do alone many times over, and widened the photographic record of his times into many genres and styles, lovingly gathered and assured an audience for decades and

Vittorio Sella, hailing from the town of Biella in northern Italy, was both a mountaineer and a photographer, visiting the high places of Racha and Svaneti three times. He scaled 30 peaks in the general Caucasus, too. Svaneti was his main focus, and here his name is revered amongst much of the population, his works on display everywhere. The main road through the Svaneti he knew was nothing more than a horse track, Ushguli waiting

until 1929 or so to see its first automobilenavigable road. Challenging conditions for the box-camera photographer indeed. Sella was also active in other mountainous regions of the world, including the mighty Himalayas and Alaska. His work includes not only magnificent landscapes and multi-plate panoramas but also wonderful outdoor portraits of both famous and unknown people in their village and home settings. And he named his daughter Tinatin in honor of the country where much of his best photography was done. This writer had the honor of visiting Sellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home town and residence in the early 2000s, meeting his elderly grandson who

Alexander Roinashvili

managed his extensive, fragile archive of glass negatives. Finally, we turn to Roinashvili, born in mountainous Dusheti and educated in the Khlamov studio of what was then called Tiflis. He began his own independent photographic career and studio there in 1865, and even set up a traveling museum of photography which moved around Georgia and elsewhere in Russia proper, showing many people such images for their first time ever. His work concentrated on both landscapes and images of famous intellectuals of his day. He is regarded as the premier pioneer of

the art among his people. Photographs helped introduce many thousands of people to a land of which they had perhaps never even heard, in all its exotic nature. No doubt many of them were also spurred to visit Georgia for themselves. Writers had done a similar job for some centuries already, and continue to do so to this day (as do photographers and more recently filmmakers, the latter beginning in the early 20th century). Now, when images, sound, video and words recorded a second ago can reach practically anywhere on the planet, Georgia is being rediscovered all over

again. Rightfully so, the attention much deserved, the visitors usually richly rewarded for their efforts.

Tony Hanmer has lived in Georgia since 1999, in Svaneti since 2007, and been a weekly writer and photographer for Georgia Today since early 2011. He runs the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Svaneti Renaissanceâ&#x20AC;? Facebook group, now with nearly 2000 members, at www.facebook.com/groups/SvanetiRenaissance/ He and his wife also run their own guest house in Etseri: www.facebook.com/hanmer.house.svaneti

Champion Dishes at Khashi house Khashi (boiled offal) is a popular dish throughout the Caucasus. People eat it not only when hungover, but for healing purposes. It is good for colds, viral and infectious diseases, including mumps and scarlet fever, wound healing and strengthening bones. Lovers of good Khashi and tasty Georgian dishes are already familiar with the restaurant chain “Khashi House”, which was founded in Tbilisi in 2016 and opened its fourth branch this year. We spoke with Rezo Papukashvili, founder and CEO of Restaurant Network, about the activities and priorities of Khashi House.

When was the first Khashi House opened and how did you expand the network? We opened the first Khashi House in Isani, at 130 Monk Gabriel Salos Street, in Isani. In 2017, according to customer demand, we opened a second branch in Saburtalo, at 30a Kazbegi Ave (Kalistrate Kutateladze 1). We were ready for a third branch in 2018 and opened it in Gldani, at 90b Sheshelidze Street. We already had three branches in the city, and wanted to build another Khashi House out of town, in Natakhtari. The fourth Khashi House was opened in 2019. In Natakhtari, our guests can eat while listening to the third generation of “Qsovrelebi”, the

band “Little Qsovrelebi”, led by Giorgi Shoshitashvili every evening at 7PM. What is on the Khashi House menu? Khashi is our brand dish, but we have a whole menu of Georgian cuisine, including the best khinkali, kebab and barbecue. I would especially distinguish the red chopped tomato marinade, which is our trade-mark and is highly appreciated by our customers. In August 2016, Tianeti hosted a festival called Tianetoba, where the best chefs of Georgian dishes were nominated. We were invited to the jury. The best Khinkali nomination was won by “Pshavi Champion”. I offered the chefs of Pshavi Champion and their team to come to Tbilisi and start cooperation with Khashi House. The chefs would be provided accommodations and high payment. After that, four women came from Pshavi and our menu welcomed the Khinkali of Pshavi Champion. Neither of us could compromise brand names, and so we use both. All of our branches are now represented by these two names. What is the Khashi House priority?

Rezo Papukashvili, founder and CEO of Restaurant Network

Our priority is a healthy and quality product and to offer all our guests comfort. Eka Jilavdard, Manager of Hygiene, Food Safety and Quality at our branches, adheres to sanitary and hygiene standards. We strictly control food quality and use. We have a close relationship with the Food

Safety Service, receiving tips and recommendations that we adhere. We heard Khashi House is a sponsor of Georgian wrestling. Yes, we actively support the National Wrestling Federation of Georgia, for which I thank its President, Gela Beruashvili, who allowed us to award Onise Bughadze from Sachkhere, Georgia’s 2019 Georgian sportsmen at wrestling, with the Durmishkhan Priashvili Prize (he was a former wrestler of ours). Bughadze was awarded a one-year GEL 500 scholarship. We will try to make this prize a tradition. Do you have a delivery service? Yes, we work with Glovo. You can also taste our dishes using the Glovo app. Are you planning to expand? Of course, we are thinking about expansion and this is also reflected in our future plans. We have added a new branch every year since 2016, and 2020 will be no exception in this case. There are suggestions, though at this point I will refrain from talking about where the fifth branch will be opened. It is possible that the name of “Khashi House” and “Pshavi Champion” will appear in one of the resorts of Georgia. In order to do this, it is necessary to have the right staff, selected and trained in parallel. When we are sure that they are up to our standards, then we will think about opening a new branch. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my partners and our customers, in particular, each of my employees, for their dedication. Without them, nothing would be as it is.

596 39 39 39 xahissaxli

Mtskheta, Natakhtari Village, Tbilisi: 90b T. Sheshelidze Str., 30a Al. Kazbegi Ave., 130 Monk Gabriel Salosi Str.

Discovering Georgia, 19th Century: Words By tony hanmer

“A mountain Prince once offered me a lease of all the minerals, and the exclusive right of keeping hotels, in his territory, on certain conditions. A company promoter might find an opening even in Suanetia; but I should be sorry to promise his shareholders that they will make their fortunes.” (Douglas Freshfield) “There is no greater insult to an Ossete than to tell him that ‘his dead are hungry’!” (Douglas Freshfield) “The maize was ripe in the fields, and the bears on the neighboring hills were only to be restrained from their favorite food by the whole force of the male population.” (Douglas Freshfield, on Svaneti) “Farther to the right stand two great rock-towers, linked, like those of a Gothic cathedral, by a lofty screen. These are Ushba, the Storm-peak, the tutelary mountain of Suanetia.” (Douglas Freshfield) “The fathers of these men had nearly murdered us twenty years before: with my present companions I had nothing but pleasant dealings, and it was with regret we saw their bright faces and dark turbans disappear for the last time as they rode off home.” (Douglas Freshfield, on Svaneti) “All day long, Vassili kept croaking about the weather. A snake, he said, had bitten the moon last night, which accounted for its having turned blood red before it set, and presaged bad weather to come.” (Clive Phillipps-Wolley)

Although photography only really had its start in the first decades of the 19th century, and soon after that reached Georgia, writing about this country of course began much earlier. What actual photographic images could not in those earlier centuries convey was either vividly described, or shown through printed versions of paintings in mono or color or in line-based engravings. The photographs came later, but the words did their job to portray Georgia as interestingly as was necessary to capture the imaginations of people seeking new lands to discover without or before going there themselves. (Often, it must be noted, the writers moved around a Caucasus which had rather different borders from those it has today, with parts of it in Russia proper, others in the Ottoman or Persian Empires. But the communities they wrote about mostly retain the same names, and we know where they were. And they traveled widely, nearly matching their visual counterparts for range and altitude. We cannot only note those which stayed in Georgia: which Georgia, that of the 19th century borders, themselves changing, or within the borders we know today? In any case, a complete 19th century Caucasus bibliography in English, even excluding translations from other languages, is far beyond the scope of this article, which can only whet the reader’s appetite and encourage a search for more if desired.) The most famous chiefly 19th century writer whose works include the Caucasus and Georgia was also one of the most famous of his time in general: alexandre Dumas (1802-70), French, also suffixed père as he was the father of a namesake writer suffixed fils. Best known for novels The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo, he also wrote considerable nonfiction and travel accounts, including the one which we note here, Voyage to the Caucasus (1858-9). Unfortunately, less than half of this book is available yet in English, as Adventures in the Caucasus; so we must wait and hope. arnold zisserman’s Twenty-Five Years in the Caucasus, 1842-1867, is available from Narikala Press, Tbilisi, in two volumes, illustrated. This English translation has undergone much necessary editing and improvement from the original Russian, and the work covers much history of a time when the region was experiencing much change, as wars and political movements swept across it. Zisserman was only 17 when he arrived, and he saw and experienced a great deal here.

The Exploration of the Caucasus (1896 & after), by the Royal Geographic Society’s Douglas Freshfield, had the benefit of handsome photographic illustrations by none other than Vittorio Sella, so, a most soughtafter pairing in the original two volumes, which are quite expensive to obtain. Much high-mountain ground was covered and described in English for the first time. Savage Svanetia (1883, 2 vols. and 1-vol. version) by clive phillippsWolley (1853-1918) concentrates on Svaneti, of course. He was a British-born Canadian traveler, writer and enthusiastic hunter of considerable popularity at his height, enjoying comparisons to Kipling for the energy, freshness and vigor of his writing. Herein, he refers to Svaneti that it had “always been spoke of to me as a hungry land inhabited by an angry people.” How much of that is true today? One thing becomes clear as you delve into writings about the Caucasus from eras past is that you must learn to read between the lines, and to deal with the thoughts and prejudices of the authors and their times. There is still much of value to be found in these and so many other books of local interest, while many other such books still await translation and printing, for which the main issue is of course funding of a risky venture which will hopefully repay the outlay and then some. From originals in Russian, German, French, Turkish, Persian, Arabic and other languages, we too wait to see what has been expressed in millions of words over many centuries. Add local languages, Georgian, Armenian, Azeri and nearly 50 smaller ones, and the treasure trove becomes almost too large to imagine, let alone try to take in and learn from. The Caucasus is too rich a location to sum up simply, especially with the sheer amount of change it has seen across millennia. Peoples, archeology, cultures, cuisines, histories, languages, customs, events, wars, religions, mythologies, even just alphabets (the Abkhaz language has seen about 7 of these attempted for it over 3 centuries)… whatever your interest, the Caucasus version has had details written describing it to reward your search and perusal. If building even an electronic library of the whole thing in any one major language is too much, at least one can make a start, make discoveries and find answers to the questions of what, when, and simply why or how. Living or just visiting here, we owe it to ourselves to try to learn and come away richer, to try to understand. The words others have left behind will help us achieve this, making sense of such a fascinating region.

“A young Svtin begins life early, and has to make himself of use almost as soon as he can talk.” (Clive Phillipps-Wolley) “Now, as I looked from the balcony across the patches where the uncut crops still stood, the snow fell thick and fast; and though it was only the 18th of September, all the country was already white with the first fall of winter.” (Clive Phillipps-Wolley, in Ushguli) “If ever I travel through Svanetia again, I am resolved that though a horse may carry my packs, no legs but my own shall be trusted to carry my person.” (Clive Phillipps-Wolley) “The Khevsurs consider every European to be a healer, and sugar to be the best cure for all diseases.” (Arnold Zisserman) “Mestia alone has seventy to eighty towers 40 to 80 feet high, Ushkul about fifty, and two castles besides.” (Douglas Freshfield)

I also refer the literary explorer to the blog Georgia Through Foreign Eyes, http://foreigners-georgia.blogspot.com/ which begins in antiquity and goes through the 20th century. Much useful material here!

Evidence of Italy in Georgia By Beka alexishvili

The famous Italian explorer Marco Polo details the gruesome and enchanting life of 13th Century Georgia. Marco Polo wrote about Georgia while he was searching for the Silk Road routes. Europe has been introduced to Georgia at various times over the centuries. In 1626, Italian missionaries of the Theatine Order, with specific directives from the Pope, traveled to Georgia. Their writings and scripts, which detail Georgian political and social life of the time, are still kept safe in the Vatican Archives. Marco Polo

‘Georgian-Italian Dictionary’

Georgia’s location at the eastern edge of the Roman Empire, and between the continents of Europe and Asia, on the historical trading crossroads, has meant that Italian merchants and missionaries have been frequent visitors.

Christopher Castelli

tine mosaic is the oldest Georgian scripture found so far, dated to 430 AD.

The first Georgian printed book was the collaborative work of Georgian Nikipore Irbach and Italian Stephano Paolini’s, where they created the ‘Georgian-Italian Dictionary’ in 1629, which was printed in Rome. In 1643, one of the Theatine missionaries, Francesco Maria Majo, issued a book named ‘Grammatic of the Georgian Language.’ Christopher Castelli, a missionary raised in the Italian city of Palermo, was also a huge contributor to detailing the Georgian life of the 17th century. His maps, letters and paintings, which feature aspects of contemporary Georgian lifestyle, are priceless first-hand historical annals for the country. In the 1950s, near the city of Bethlehem, thanks to archeological excavations headed by Virggio Corbo, a Georgian scripture was unearthed on the walls of the Monastery of Bir-el-Qutt. The old Georgian-Byzan-

Vitorio Sella

of thousands of photos from the era and represents a lengthy analysis of his journeys, which leaves us unequaled documentary materials from the time.

Tbilisi Opera and Ballet State Theater

Georgia’s natural beauty and traditions from high in the Caucasus can be perceptibly seen in Vitorio Sella’s photographs and diaries. The Italian alpinist and photographer made three expeditions to Georgia, and his pictures from 1889 to 1896 give us a glimpse into the past, of how people lived

Italian architects have been present in Georgia since the 19th century. One of these architects is Giovanni Scudieri, who passed away in Tbilisi in 1851. He famously built the Opera building on Rustaveli, the City’s Municipal building and the old ‘Karvasla’. The capital’s modern urbanization approach sadly resulted in most of his work being destroyed. Eduardo Andreoletti is another Italian architect who participated in the construct-

The City’s Municipal building

in the higher reaches of the notorious mountain range. He specifically shot photos in Svaneti and Racha regions, which are valuable resources describing the province’s history. Another Italian photographer worth mentioning is Vittorio Ronchetti, who made five expeditions from 1907 to 1913 in the central Caucasus. His archive is comprised

Tabukashvili, a renowned Georgian director, writer and social figure. It is because of this man that archives from the Vatican about Georgia and the Caucasus were sent back to Tbilisi. Another venture Tabukashvili undertook was to gather documentary material on the Georgians, aiding Italians in their fight against Fascism. In the 1940s, Georgian warriors fought side-by-side with Italian guerilla soldiers to topple Mussolini. Tabukashvili made films paying homage to Georgian-Italian relations. One of these films, named ‘Vittorio’s Sella,’ is about the aforementioned Italian alpinist and photographer journeying through Georgia. Another feature is named ‘Alpine Star’, which grants tribute to the Georgian militia fighting fascism in Italy.

The TBC Bank headquarters

ing of Tbilisi. He most famously helped Georgian builders in erecting the Kashueti Cathedral. Angello Andreoletti, another Italian architect, built the ‘Military and Economic Association Building of the Caucasus’ in 1910, which currently houses the TBC Bank headquarters. It is impossible to talk about Georgian-Italian relations and not mention Rezo

Rezo Tabukashvili and Medea Japaridze

Buildings with Legends By katie ruth Davies

Tbilisi has many old and unique buildings to catch your eye and inspire with their hidden stories and legends. From the “Devil’s House” on Ingorokva Street to Tchaikovsky’s holiday getaway, Georgia’s capital has plenty to explore. Take a walk with us…

Back to reality- the “Devil” you see above the entrance to the rear courtyard is in fact Pan, God of the Wild and Shepherds, from Greek mythology. It was built in the 19th century by famous Tbilisi-based Polish architect Aleksander Szymkiewicz, who is also the author of a number of other unique buildings in the city, among them the Supreme Court of Georgia, the Conservatoire, the Caucasian Silk Station, Andreoletti’s house, Rustaveli Theater and the original Funicular building. The house belonged to a wealthy man who had his own tennis court in the internal yard.

thE “DEvil’s housE” One story says it was built by an Armenian merchant who practiced Satanism and mysticism inside the walls. Some say there is a secret underground tunnel accessed through a chimney. And it has ghosts- or at least one: that of an Armenian woman who hung herself in the garden, believed to be either the wife or daughter of the merchant. People who have been inside claim they hear strange noises and see objects floating in the air, though there’s no evidence to prove these as more than rumors.

thE mantashEv lEgacy

Persian word which means “a line of stalls and workshops arranged in one row”. It was named after Tbilisi-born Alexander Mantashev (1842 - 1911), an oil magnate, industrialist, financier and philanthropist (more about him in the next issue of Where.ge!) The trading row is headed by two modern-style houses: the first bordering the Museum of the History of Tbilisi, and the second one dividing the area into Chardin Street and Bambis Rigi (Cotton Row). The pedestrianized Bambis Rigi is today one of the most popular streets in Old Tbilisi. Chardin Street is very narrow and short, named after French explorer Jan Chardin, who visited Tbilisi in 1863. In his days, the street was called “Dark Row”, because it was so crowded with shops and workshops. And you can still see the Mantashev buildings today, as well as his family coat of arms and family home at Mantashev House at 8 Kikoze Street.

puBlic school 43 (thE formEr mantashEv traDing school) At the beginning of the 20th century, a trading row (a Rastabazar) was built on Sioni and Erekle streets, known as the Mantashev Rows. “Rastabazar” is a

At 50 Asatiani Street in Sololaki is the famous Public School 43, the former Mantashev Trading School. It was built in 1910-1911 (architect Gazaros Sarkisian),

Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky, who visited him there each year between 1886 and 1890. Anatoly was a prosecutor of the District Court and then Vice-Governor. Pyotr recalled with great enthusiasm these periods of his life in his letters and diaries.

caucasian housE and was sponsored by the abovementioned businessman Alexander Mantashev. On its original copper plate were the words: “This trading school was opened on the 1st of July in 1911 by Tiflis Merchants’ Partnership during the ruling of his Majesty Duke Vorontsov-Dashkov and with the money of the honored guardian of the school - Mantashev”. The school was well equipped for studies, with workshops and a sports hall. In 1913, Nicholas II of Russia visited the school. Pupils of the school counted astrophysicist Victor Ambartsumian, great American film-producer Rouben Mamoulian, famed tennis-player Alexander Metreveli, and composer Michael Tariverdiev. His first recognized composition was his hymn to the school, which is still remembered and sung by its pupils today.

tchaikovsky’s housE

12 Chaikovsky Street belonged to Anatoly Tchaikovsky, younger brother of great

At 20 Galaktion Tabidze Street is “Caucasian House” or, as some call it, “The Pushkin Memorial of the Smirnovs’ House”. It was built in 1860 by order of the head of the Tamamshev family (a rich Armenian merchant) and according to the design of Swedish architect Otto Simenson, in a traditional European style with colored wooden balconies. Elizaveta, Tamamshev’s daughter, married Michael Smirnov and received this house as her dowry. Michael brought furniture from his mother’s Petersburg saloon into this house and it quickly became one of the centers of cultural communication, seeing remarkable Georgian and Russian writers, scientists, actors, and musicians meeting there to converse. In this way, many unique exhibits appeared in Tbilisi: decorative tables made by Peter the Great, Pushkin’s ‘Gentleman of the Monarch’ hat, a tobacco case which once belonged to Katherine II, and many other things. Ilia Chavchavadze, Niko Nikoladze, P. Melikishvili, A. Rubinstein and P. Tchaikovsky spent a lot of evenings in this house. The family collection of the Smirnovs was gifted to Georgia in 1985.

thE housE of ana maDatova Almost hidden at the top of a locked tunnel leading up from Chonkadze Street, this house definitely teases the imagination. According to legend, it belonged to V. Madatov, who had a beautiful daughter, Ana, who died of tuberculosis at an early age. To watch over his daughter’s grave, it is said her father hired an Italian architect to build the wooden tower you can just about spot from the street below. But in reality Ana, who was the daughter of Vasil Ksani Eristavi, was actually Madatov’s wife. The architect of the house is Michael Ohanjanov, who built it in a romantic, modern style, with a beautiful wooden tower. The house is hard to see from the street, hidden behind

Prominent Figures in Georgia: The Siemens Brothers By ana Dumbadze

In 1848, Mikhail Vorontsov leased all oil fields in Georgia. In the 1860s, among the owners of these fields were the Siemens brothers, who produced 173 thousand buckets of oil from the Kakheti oil fields in 1875 alone. After a number of successfully accomplished projects, the Siemens established their mission in Tiflis (Tbilisi). They also used Poti, and, from 1878 on, Batumi, as port cities to export their products to Europe.

Siemens Family

Few people know that the legendary Siemens brothers worked and lived in Georgia. Moreover, they were involved in many industrial processes throughout the country, including oil production, which contributed to its economic development and technical progress. Telegraph lines, oil pipes, asphalting of Tbilisi streets and sidewalks – the Siemens aided significant industrial growth in Georgia.

Siemens was established in 1847 by Werner von Siemens and his friend Johann Georg Halske. Eventually, Werner’s entire family would play a role in the business, especially his seven brothers (Hans, Ferdinand, William, Friedrich, Carl, Walter and Otto). Together, they invented the inert regulator for the steam engine, which enabled engineers to check the pressure level in pipelines, as well as the first “electric railway,” also known as a tramway, and the first elevator.

The Siemens brothers were also involved in the oil industry by drilling the Tsiteltskaro and Mirzaani oilfields in Kakheti. Kedabeki, a small town near Kakheti, in the Tiflis province (now Azerbaijan) became the industrial center of their activities, while Tiflis served as the administrative center where their office was located. In 1860, there was a need in Georgia for a Tbilisi-Poti telegraph line. The work was carried out by the Company Siemens & Galske. Walter Siemens, who arrived in Tbilisi on November 2, 1860, was in charge of the task. He also worked in the mining industry in the field of oil production in Georgia. At the same time, he was appointed Consul of the North German Union in Tbilisi. In 1867, Siemens brought its branches in Berlin, London, and St. Petersburg together to work on the longest telegraph line in the world, a network that would stretch from London to Calcutta.

accident occurred on June 8, 1868 – he fell off a horse and was fatally injured.

Work on the company’s oil and ore holdings stopped in 1917, when the Russian Revolution began.

Walter had earned respect through his public and private charities. After his death, his work was resumed by his brother Otto Siemens, who also took on the duties of German Consul in Tiflis. Otto Siemens introduced a new oil drilling method instead of thepre-existing routine when digging wells for oil. He, for the first time in the Caucasus, began paving the capital’s streets and sidewalks with asphalt, using oil waste.

Werner von Siemens

Otto Siemens failed to realize all his plans. On September 23, 1871, after a short illness, he died, apparently from cholera, which was then raging in Tbilisi. Both brothers, Walter and Otto, were buried in Tbilisi, reportedly near the cemetery in the Vera District; however, the exact location is unknown.

Carl von Siemens

By 1869, Carl Siemens had brought that line to Georgia, to be installed under the Black Sea, connecting the two sides of the worldwide network, as well as the underground line for the Tiflis-Moscow line. The latter project was finished in 1880-81, while the 11,000-kilometer “Indian telegraph” was completed in 1870. Thanks to the Siemens Brothers’ work, it became possible to send telegrams to 34 countries around the world through Tbilisi. It seemed that Walter Siemens intended to stay in the Caucasus; however, a tragic

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New to See & Do By katie ruth Davies

Done all the regular sights and fancy something fun? Want to wake up your brain and open your eyes to new sensations? Check out these spacy, science-y and entertaining afternoons out in the capital.

sphEro

You have to see it to believe it! The dome museum/planetarium is the only 360-degree museum in Georgia and offers a 40-minute immersive experience for all ages, allowing you to discover the origins and secrets of the world we live in- from stars to gravity. Head up to the roof terrace of City Mall in Saburtalo and step into the 12-foot diameter dome screen, whose projection system, dynamic ambient sound and immersive imagery will leave you wowed. And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not all about space as, aside from the daily full-dome shows, special lectures, live music events, artistic performances, experimental art, and more are organized there. The Terrace, City Mall 1 Kavtaradze Str., Saburtalo, Tbilisi (+995) 551 55 39 13

musEum of illusions Hidden in the cute mountain-side backstreets of Old Tbilisi is a museum of fun and magic, built within a wooden-balconied 19th century house wrapped around a traditional courtyard. Boasting everything from mirrors that twist you or make

you half-disappear, to the dizzying Vortex, holograms, and the chance for you to defy gravity and size, the Museum of Illusions promises a long afternoon of discovery and giggles. The reception also houses a gift shop of brain-teasing toys and puzzles to take home with you. 10 Betlemi Str., Tbilisi

EscapE room tBilisi

Though not the only escape room the city offers, it is one of our favorites- offering Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean and, soon, Dracula! Staff are fun, multi-lingual and happy to personalize your experience by groupsize/age. Solve the puzzles and find hidden objects to move from one room to another and out within 60 minutes. Music and lighting effects bring each experience to life, and the controller is always watching should you need a hint or helping hand. 1 Vazha-Pshavela Dead End Tbilisi (+995) 551 11 55 66 Escape room experience: 25 GEL per person. Boardgames room hire: 35 GEL/hr

tBilisi Digital spacE

TICKETS: 5 – 20 GEL, discounts for families. Youth and senior citizens. See their website for details. The first Digital Art Museum in Georgia is located in Tbilisi Mall and covers 500 square meters. This is a place where visual effects and digital and virtual installations create an unexpected and paradoxical world, giving you a chance to escape from reality and experience the world with no limits.

THE GEORGIAN ROOM

From FEB 6 2020 at TBILISI DIGITAL SPACE:

DIGITAL EXHIBITION OF GUSTAV KLIMT

Discover the work of Vazha Pshavela’s titled ‘Withered Beech,’ with the music and graphics created specifically for this show. The digital font was taken from the great writer’s original manuscript. Georgia’s beloved actor Murman Jinoria reads the text to make you a part of the story.

FOREST OF LIGHTS Enter a boundless world of light and beauty. Open 11 AM – 9 PM. Tbilisi Mall 3rd floor https://digitalmuseum.ge

Eliminates the boundary between Man and Nature. Flowers, butterflies, waterfalls, birds, oceans and beautiful jellyfish will take you into the virtual world of nature. Museum spaces, artifacts, cultural treasures, and rooms designed for children will captivate the viewer and reward them with an unforgettable experience.

MAIN HALL WITH VIDEO PROJECTIONS AND MIRRORS

The work of art nouveau painter Gustav Klimt is brought to life by digital technology in Tbilisi in an immersive exhibition that marks the painter’s 120th anniversary. See his works brought to life with sounds and music, and colors exploding throughout Digital Space’s immense projection surface for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Events Calendar thEatEr tBilisi opEra anD BallEt thEatEr 25 Rustaveli Ave. February 14, 15, 16 THE SLEEPING BEAUTY

Conductor: Levan Jagaev Stage Director: Pablo Maritano Scenographer: Serena Rocco Costume Designer: Lorena Marin Lighting Designer: Virginio Levrio Tbilisi Opera and Ballet State Theatre Chorus and Orchestra. Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 10-200 GEL March 6 ABESALOM AND ETERI

Pyotr Tchaikovsky Ballet in three acts Choreography by Marius Petipa Staging by Nina Ananiashvili and Alexey Fadeechev Staging Conductor: Alevtina Ioffe Scenography and costumes by Anatoly Nezhny Tbilisi Opera and Ballet State Theatre Orchestra Conductor: Papuna Ghvaberidze Start time: February 14, 15-19:00, February 16-14:00 Ticket: 20-70 GEL February 26, 27, 29, March 1 GAETANO DONIZETTI’S OPERA L’ELISIR D’AMORE Two-act ballet A co-production of the Auditorio de Tenerife, Tbilisi Opera and Ballet State Theatre and Teatro Comunale di Bologna and.

Zakaria Paliashvili’s opera Starring: Tbilisi State Opera Theater Soloists, Chorus, Orchestra, Ballet, Georgian National Ballet “Sukhishvili” Music Director of the Production Zaza Azmaiparashvili, Director Gizo Jordania, Set, Costume and Lighting Designer George Alexi-Meskhishvili, Choreographer Iliko Sukhishvili, Video Projection David Matchavariani Start time: 19:00 Ticket: 15-200 GEL March 14, 15 Premiere MEDEA One-act ballet

Choreography by Yuri Possokhov Music: Maurice Ravel Pavane pour une infant défunte and Piano Concerto for the Left Hand Staging Conductor: Papuna Ghvaberidze Staging Designer: Tatiana Vyushinskaya Lighting Designer: Ivan Vinogradov Tbilisi Z. Paliashvili Opera and Ballet State Theater Orchestra Conductor: Papuna Ghvaberidze Start time: March 14- 19:00, March 15- 14:00 Ticket: 15-200 GEL

gaBriaDzE thEatEr 14 Shavteli Str. February 14, 15, 23 STALINGARD Revaz Gabriadze Directed by Revaz Gabriadze English Subtitles Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 20, 30 GEL February 16, 21, 22 RAMONA Revaz Gabriadze Directed by Revaz Gabriadze English Subtitles Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 20, 30 GEL

telling a story about Georgia and its people by combining song, dance, culture, traditions, history, national costumes and local cuisine. Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 50-80 GEL

February 28, March 28 PARADISO Directed by Irakli Khoshtaria Author: Ketevan Chachanidze Choreographer: Lasha Robakidze

movEmEnt thEatEr 182 Agmashenebli Ave.

shalikashvili thEatEr 37 Rustaveli Ave. February 21, 22 LIKE THIS Comedy genre novels based on Georgian national motives. Language: Non-verbal Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 15 GEL

music & Drama statE thEatEr 182 Ahmashenebeli Ave.

February 16, 23, March 5 MAGICAL NIGHTS Directed by Ioseb Bakuradze Composer: Sandro Nikoladze, Davit Kakulia Choreographer: Lasha Robakidze Starring: Jonathan Rousselle, Ekaterine Gabashvili, Niniko Avaliani, Viqtoria Kosova, Tazo Kikalishvili Start time: 13:00 Price: 10 GEL February 23 DIVINE COMEDY

March 17, 24, 31 WELCOME TO GEORGIA

The Musical A musical, theatrical play and romantic comedy

Based on the work of Dante Alighieri Directed by Ioseb Bakuradze Composer/arrange: Sandro Nikoladze Choreographer: Lasha Robakidze Start time: 20:00 Price: 20 GEL

Start time: 20:00 Price: 10 GEL February 28 THE TEMPEST After William Shakespeare Directed by Ioseb Bakuradze Composer: Sandro Nikoladze Choreographer: Lasha Robakidze Scenography: Kakha Bakuradze Start time: 20:00 Price: 10, 15 GEL February 27 FAUST After Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Director, Designer: Kakha Bakuradze Composer: Sandro Nikoladze, Davit Kakulia

Start time: 20:00 Price: 10, 15 GEL

musEum of illusions

Every Wednesday A LO CUBANO NIGHTS Cuban dancers masterclass Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 10 GEL

10 Betlemi Str.

musEums gEorgian national musEum simon janashia musEum 3 Shota. Rustaveli Ave. Exhibitions: GEORGIAN COSTUME AND WEAPONRY OF THE 18TH-20TH CENTURIES NUMISMATIC TREASURY EXHIBITION STONE AGE GEORGIA

ARCHEOLOGICAL TREASURE NEW LIFE TO THE ORIENTAL COLLECTIONS

musEum of soviEt occupation Exhibition RED TERROR AND GEORGIAN ARTISTS The exhibition showcases artworks by Dimitri Shevardnadze, Petre Otskheli, Henryk Hryniewski, Richard Sommer, Kiril Zdanevich, Vasily Shukhaev, Elene

Akhvlediani, Lado Gudiashvili, David Kakabadze, Ucha Japharidze, Aleksandre Bajbeuk-Melikov, Korneli Sanadze and more.

Discover the Museum of Illusions Be brave enough to jump into an illusion created by the Vortex, deform the image of yourself in a Mirror Room, be free in the Infinity room, resist the laws of gravity and size ratio, and take selfies in every possible pose. Enjoy the collection of holograms, and discover numerous baffling optical illusions.

thE Book musEum 5 Gudiashvili Str., National Parlamentary Library The Book Museum holds a unique collection of items, including private libraries of Ilia Chavchavadze, Dimitri Bakradze, Giorgi Chubinashvili, the recently recovered book collections of Grand Duke Michael Nikolaevich Romanov and Brothers Zubalashvili, as well as books with signatures of Ilia Chavchavadze, Ivane Machabeli, Victor Hugo, Dmitri Mendeleev and AntoineAugustin Renouard etc.

gallEry thE national gallEry 11 Shota Rustaveli Ave. Until February 26 THE EXHIBITION “MASTERS OF GEORGIAN ART”

holosEum 10 Betlemi Str. (+995) 596 04 74 74 Ticket: 19.50 GEL, children: 12.5 GEL, students: 14.5 GEL

SPHERE A domed cognitive-entertainment space where you can become part of an impressive 360-degree panorama image. For all ages.

tBilisi Digital spacE 1Tbilisi Mall

At the new Museum of Holograms, called Holoseum, in Tbilisi, 120 projectors splash art onto the walls, the characters turning, twisting and moving as visitors watch, bringing art to life. The museum has opened with an exhibition of NIKO PIROSMANI’S ART.

sphEro City Mall Saburtalo, Veranda, II Floor

The first museum of digital art in Tbilisi, where you will meet three different spaces: Vazha-Pshavela’s “Dried beech”, the world of torches, and a digital space decorated with various graphic and visuals effects. In the main hall decorated with video projections and mirrors you will discover that there is no boundary between Man and nature. Ticket: 10-30 GEL

Giorgi Gigashvili (piano) and Erekle Deisadze includes Sergei Prokofiev, Arvo Part, Dmitri Shostakovich, Ioseb Bardanashvili, Giya Kancheli and Nikoloz Rachveli masterpieces and William Shakespeare, Paul Celan and Erekle Deisadze texts. Start time: 20:00 Ticket: 15-35 GEL

monohall 2 D. Bakradze Str. March 27 MOVEMENT: R.O X KONOBA Start time: 22:00 Ticket: 20 GEL

music tBilisi concErt hall 1 Melikishvili Ave. March 3 HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAIA– RESTART Start time: 19:30 Ticket: 10-50 GEL

movEmEnt thEatEr 182 Agmashenebeli Ave. Every Tuesday JAM SESSION

tBilisi statE consErvatoirE 8 Griboedovi Str. February 29 SCARLET ANGELS Artists Union Concept Art presents a project created by the synthesis of music and speech. Collaboration of renowned artistsGiorgi Zagareli (viola),

Impro music Musical director- Sandro Nikoladze Start time: 21:00 Price: 10 GEL

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EuropE-BEt 12 Melikishvili Ave. TEL (+995) 32 247 14 71

amBassaDori 17 Shavteli Str., 0105, Tbilisi, Georgia TEL (+995) 32 211 21 21 info@ambasadori.casino

Princess Casino Batumi is the ideal place for quality recreation and hospitality in a luxurious and cosmopolitan environment of an International Princess Casino Chain working in the best traditions of the European gaming business which include a high level of service. The casino is located in one of the biggest modern and most touristic cities in Georgia, taking up part of the first floor of Wyndham Batumi Hotel in the heart of the city: when the lights of downtown switch on, the spirit of entertainment comes alive… Enjoy world-popular gambling games such as American Roulette, Blackjack and Poker as well as high technology slot machines. Princess Casino offers an innovative program for slot machine players, ‘Players Club,’ giving you the chance to earn points towards gifts and unique benefits. Princess Casino regularly offers an entertainment program, shows and an open buffet for players. With a dedicated team of PR and entertainment professionals, the Princess Casino Batumi offers a variety of draws

granD 48 Vaja-Pshavela Ave. TEL (+995) 32 239 96 52 Casino Ambassador is an elite gambling club based on the idea of a premium-class casino. It includes a unique approach to each customer and high-class service. The refined design, comfortable environment and perfect service that will be found in the Ambassador is a continuation of the hotel “Ambassador Tbilisi” concept. The Casino offers guests an unlimited amount of entertainment and relaxation 24/7 for both men and women. When high bets are drawn, when the concentration is at its peak; when comfort means more than just luxury, club “Ambassador” will open its VIP-apartments for youthree apartments of different color, exclusive furniture, relaxation zones, bathrooms and, of course, a professional table. Prize money for weekly chess tournament is 64,000 GEL Prize money for the weekly Saturday raffle is 120,000 GEL

aDjaraBEt Old Tbilisi, Merab Kostava, near subway «Technical University» TEL (+995) 32 271 10 10, (+995) 32 236 43 60

shangri la casino tBilisi River Mtkvari Right Embankment, Near the Bridge of Peace TEL (+995) 32 220 07 01

casino ivEria

1 Ninoshvili Str., Batumi TEL (+995) 4222 25 362, (+995) 4222 25 363

Republic (Rose Revolution) Sq. TEL (+995) 32 240 22 45

casino jEWEl 29 Shota Rustaveli Ave. TEL (+995) 32 260 00 00

gaming industry in Georgia. Offering 35 gaming tables, including all the traditional and modern casino games, it also boasts 295 slot machines and 80 electronic Roulette stations. With an average crowd of around 2,000 guests a night, many coming from the surrounding states, the Casino Adjara gambling halls create a unique gaming atmosphere that cannot be felt in many other Casinos in Europe.

WElmonD casino 2/4 Shavsheti Str., Batumi TEL (+995) 422 242 020

casino intErnational 40 Rustaveli Str., Batumi TEL (+995) 422 23 00 23

casino EuropEBEt 5 Chavchavadze St., Batumi (+995) 32 219 40 00

casino Batumi golDEn palacE To grasp the full feel and essence of Casino Jewel, you will be greeted by its dedicated hostesses, who will show you around and get you into the vibe of the place. First and foremost, Casino Jewel prides itself on personalized service, which means giving personal attention to everyone who enters to explore the Casino.

casino aDjara 26 May Sq. TEL (+995) 32 233 55 19 Casino Adjara opened its doors in 1998 and became an immediate hit in the

8/10 K. Gamsakhurdia St., Batumi (+995) 568 00 44 44

EclipsE casino 1 Lech and Maria Kaczynski Str., Batumi TEL (+995) 557 11 00 00

pEacE casino 2/21 Vazha Pshavela/Ninoshvili Str., Hotel Sheraton, Batumi TEL (+995) 557 77 00 00

casino ajaraBEt 7a Akhmeteli St., 10 Agmashenebeli St., Batumi (+995) 32 271 10 10

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Tips for Your Hotel Search in Georgia . . . e c i o h C y M

Thomas Kimmeswenger Executive Director of German Business Association DWV

thE BiltmorE One way to get the right impression of Tbilisi is to start your day with a nice coffee at Xeme Restaurant on the 31st floor of the Biltmore Hotel. It not only offers a great view of most of the Tbilisi, but also lets you imagine all the possibilities this great city has- you can really feel the vibes of Tbilisi just waking up.

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raDisson tsinanDali EstatE The Radisson Tsinandali Estate, very well placed in the famous garden of Prince Chavachavadze, is definitely one of the most romantic places in Georgia. History is present in each and every step you take. Enjoy the terrace on the top floor with an amazing view of the Caucasus Mountains.

shEraton granD mEtEchi palacE Newly renovated and with lots of space for any kind of event, the Sheraton Grand is one of the most popular venues in the city. Stylish rooms, a great spa, several opportunities to wine and dine and not to forget “free parking”. You simply must go for the Steak Tenderloin and enjoy the marvelous view of Tbilisi from Ati Restaurant.

croWnE plaza Borjomi is a very interesting place. You can find so many different forms of architecture and contrast; the area around the Crowne Plaza can easily be taken for a place in Switzerland. The hotel offers some very good services to relax and leave city life behind.

hilton Batumi Since I’ve been in Georgia, the changes in Batumi are astonishing. There are plenty of new hotels and buildings to keep all the tourists happy and satisfied, but the Hilton Batumi is the place to be, with its great rooms with perfect views over the sea or mountains. Be careful not to spend the whole stay on the balcony and miss out on the fabulous Batumi night life.

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Radisson Blu Iveria – The Feel of a Resort in the City Center Found in the heart of Georgia’s capital city, Tbilisi, this hotel is nestled between the beautiful Mtkvari River and nearby mountain ranges. Step outside to find dining, shopping and nightlife on Rustaveli Avenue. You can visit nearby attractions like the Old Town and Narikala Fortress. Their 249 rooms and suites provide free high-speed, wireless internet and scenic views of Mtatsminda, the city’s historic hill, or of the river landscape.

umami You are invited to experience exquisite dining in tranquility and elegance at their Asian restaurant Umami. Pair Umami’s signature sushi with a glass of wine as you take in the views from floor-to-ceiling windows and expect no less than premium treatment from the wonderful service team. Be a part of this Asian fusion restaurant that features an open kitchen, allowing guests to watch the chef at his craft. Try fresh sushi or something sizzling from the menu showcasing anything from tepanyaki to teriyaki. Umami offers a range of authentic dishes from Asia as well as some newer signature dishes created by the Radisson Blu Iveria’s Asian chefs.

filini Blissful flavors and the colors of Italy come together in the heart of Tbilisi. At Filini, they understand that the concept

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of a great restaurant is not exclusively about delicious food, it also involves dining in an attractive and soulful setting complete with a welcoming and competent service team. The Filini menu offers a wide selection of traditional and signature dishes, creatively cooked up for an unforgettable culinary experience. We love our organic selection of perfectly grilled steaks and locally foraged natural cheeses & jams. For a touch of local taste, a glass of Georgian Qvevri wine paired with homemade pasta is second to none.

annE sEmonin spa Traversing Radisson Blu Iveria Hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top two floors, the Anne Semonin Spa overlooks Tbilisi in its sun-drenched brilliance. With its massive floor-to-ceiling windows, light pastel tones and aerial views, this 1,600-square-meter spa offers nourishment for all your senses. Equipped with an infinity lounge pool, relaxation area, thermal suites, fitness center and an outdoor pool, the Anne Semonin Spa offers everything and more. Its deluxe treatment collection presents an ingenious blend of aromatic essential oils, trace elements and marine ingredients with the classic French touch and a holistic approach to treating the individual needs of your body and skin. The Anne Semonin Spa offers special discounts for couples and ladies in February and March.

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Radisson Collection Hotel, Tsinandali Estate

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Radisson Collection Hotel, Tsinandali Estate is set in the heart of the country’s most popular wine region, Kakheti, and offers a truly unique and Georgian experience for guests. The property features an on-site vineyard and its own historical winery, whilst additional features include a spa on the top floor, an outside heated swimming pool with amazing view of the Caucasus Mountains, and exciting venues for meetings and events that total over 2350 square meters. Radisson Collection, Hotel Tsinandali Estate Georgia offers thematic weekends dedicated to Fashion, Modern Art, Love, Music, Culture, Culinary, Retreat, and Family Getaway. Fashion month held in February is planned in collaboration with More is Love. Art Weekend with Window Project

29 February -18:00 Exhibition by ,,Window Project“ / meeting with artists and gallerists - 22:00 Party with Babi Kirkitadze and the Live Band at the Library Bar 1 March 11.00-12.00 Pilates Classes with professional trainers Sofia Meladze and Nino Gatserelia at the Ballroom Wellness Weekend for ladies

7 March -09.00-11.00 Yoga and meditation with Salome Khelashvili at “Tsinandali” Ballroom - 18:00 – 20:00 Yoga and meditation with Salome Khelashvili at “Tsinandali” Ballroom - 22:00 Party with Live Band at Library Bar 8 March -09:00 – 11:00 Yoga and meditation with Salome Khelashvili at “Tsinandali” Meeting Room -15:00 Talk with Salome about Healthy life style at “Tsinandali” Meeting Room -18:00 – 20:00 Yoga and meditation with Salome Khelashvili at “Tsinandali” Meeting Room

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German Hotels in Old Tbilisi By mariam merabishvili

Georgia has always been part of Europe, seen not least in the history of its capital, Tbilisi. We’ll focus here on the tourism sphere: in particular, hotels. At the turn of 19th-20th century, Georgian businessmen and representatives of different ethnic groups became ever more involved in the hotel businesses, but the first hotels were opened by Europeans living in Tbilisi, particularly by German colonists. Old Tbilisi stands out for this. Let’s take a look at some of the best known German-created hotels.

saltzman hotEl According to Dato Khoshtaria’s book, located in Rike, the Saltzman hotel was one of the first hotels in Tbilisi. Built by Theodor (Friedrich) Salzman, a businessman who had come to Georgia from Württemberg in 1819, the hotel was arranged in his own home.

guests, with blue walls. Theodor Saltzman himself also lived there, with his wife and six children. The guest rooms were on the second floor.

hotEl WEtzEl

Initially, Saltzman focused on beer production in Tbilisi, before opening a hotel in 1830. This second project was short-lived. In 1833, Salzmann reopened the hotel and this time his venture was much more successful, soon becoming known as the best hotel in the city. Most Europeans who came to Tbilisi stayed here, including Frederick Dubois de Monperre, Carl Koch, Baron August von Haxtausen, and Ida Pfeiffer. It was particularly popular from 1834-1845, after which European travelers looked elsewhere for their Tbilisi accommodation. The Saltzman Hotel ran until the 1860s, and its building, according to travelers a tiny house with an asymmetrical roof and a low front door, was long ago demolished. On one side of the ground floor was a billiards room, on the other - a specially designed living-room for German

buildings built in Tbilisi at the order of the veterans’ family. In 1897-1900, Friedrich Wetzel had a hotel on the corner of Mikhailov Avenue and Ksenia Street. The project was commissioned by Leopold Bilfield, an Austrian architect working in Tbilisi. Wetzel quickly became the best hotel on the left bank of the river, the three-floor building being richly decorated with elements of Baroque architecture. By plan, it was shaped like a letter U. The main section faced the street, the right wing faced Ksenia Street, and the left, the depths of the quarter. The hotel had an elevator, billiards room and two restaurants decorated in the German style. The restaurant was called ‘German’. The main thing that distinguished Wetzel from other hotels in Tbilisi was the theater on its left flank, where local troupes often performed.

Another successful German-made edifice was Hotel Wetzel, the owners of which were descendants of the German colonist Caspar Wetzel, Friedrich and Johann, who lived in Georgia. There are still some

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The hotel also had a beautiful garden where concerts were given by the Opera House Orchestra during the summer. In 1911, the hotel was sold to entrepreneur Noe Sikharulidze and then thoroughly remodeled and expanded. In

103 Agmashenebeli Ave.

1928, it was renamed ‘Europe’ and then ‘Rustavi’ after World War II. The building stopped functioning as a hotel in the 1970s and since has housed various state structures. It is now deserted and desolate.

hotEl maDEr The Mader Hotel owners were among the oldest and most successful German representatives in Tbilisi. From 1850 to

Tbilisi. They also started a brewery, producing beer that was successfully sold throughout the Caucasus. The owner of the factory was Louisa Mader. She opened the Mader Hotel in 1890 on Michael Prospect (today’s New Agmashenebeni Avenue #114), a two-story building with metal balconies on the main facade and a high attic. In the 1890s, it was completely rebuilt and

standing deep in the yard Both the beer factory and hotel buildings still exist today. In 1910, the Hotel Maderi was moved to Przibil’s house at Kirkhe Street #20 (now Marjanishvili street).

114a Agmashenebeli Ave.

1860, Friedrich, Johann, and Fritz Mader were the main suppliers of carriages to

became a three-story building, which was later reduced to a two-story building

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Wyndham Grand Tbilisi • Check-out: 12:00 PM • Express Check – in/out • Free local and airport shuttle • Free Wi-Fi • Free parking zone

Wyndham Grand Tbilisi is located in the heart of Tbilisi, a 2-minute walk from Freedom (Liberty) Square. Its ideal location provides easy access to the 4th century Narkala Fortress, to the magnificent gold artifacts at the Georgian National Museum, top-notch shopping, nightlife and dining. From our doors, you can walk the capital’s cobblestone charming 19th century Old Town’s streets, visit inviting cafés, or admire the art in one of the many local museums and galleries on the same street. Throughout your stay, you’ll love our luxurious amenities. You’ll enjoy beautiful city views from 158 rooms with seven different room categories, including two presidential suites. Enjoy a refreshing drink and indulgent dining in the Lobby Lounge with it’s cozy terrace, relax in the heated

indoor pool and sauna, or let your cares melt away with a spa treatment. Within our modern hotel, we have a premium fitness center and business center to help you stay productive. We also offer room service 24/7 for your convenience. With five Meeting & Conference spaces, an Executive Lounge on the 6th floor, and the Sky Lounge and Ballroom on the 9th floor with unforgettable panoramic city views, totaling over 906 square meters, we are the perfect venue for hosting flawless events of up to 250 people. Property Details • 9 floors, 158 rooms, 7 categories, 2 presidential suites • 4 meeting rooms, Ballroom, 906 square meters total • Check-in: 03:00 PM

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Restaurants & Lounges You don’t have to go far for a delicious meal in the Georgian capital. We offer two contemporary on-site restaurants, featuring gourmet menus and impressive city views, to keep you satiated throughout your stay. The Lobby Lounge serves up European favorites around-the-clock, including a free breakfast for hotel guests, while Sky Lounge pleases palates with a mix of Georgian and European specialties. You can also pop into either spot for light bites and your beverage of choice. If you need some downtime in the comfort of your accommodation, or have a craving for a midnight snack, our 24/7 room service is always an option. Accommodation Overview • Benefit from 24-hour room service and a refrigerator in your hotel room • Book one of our hotel’s luxurious suites for extra space and a host of boutique perks • Enjoy a relaxed stay in the spacious, quiet rooms at our hotel in the heart of Tbilisi, Georgia • Our accommodation features thoughtful amenities, including soundproof windows and pillow top bedding. • Sophisticated marble bathrooms showcase a bathtub with spray jets and a lighted makeup mirror • Stay connected during your Tbilisi visit,

thanks to high-speed internet access in your hotel room Conference Facilities • Our hotel provides a contemporary setting for business meetings and corpo-

rate events in Tbilisi • With over 900 square meters of event space, we can accommodate meetings of up to 400 seated guests • Make use of high-speed internet access and modern audiovisual facilities in all of

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our meeting rooms • Accentuate your meeting with customized catering, provided by the hotel’s talented culinary team • Additional hotel amenities include an on-site business center and complimentary on-site parking.

Brand Wine

The Brand Wine Georgia is certainly a must-visit destination for the true wine enthusiasts, which will blaze a path for them in the world of the genuine Georgian drink. Brand Wine is distinguished with the multiplicity of wines, as well as other alcoholic drinks, including chacha and sparkling wine, mesmerizing customers of all tastes. With the stunning interior, authentic Georgian dĂŠcor and wine-related ornaments, Brand Wine creates a small world of wine and offers a fascinating experience to the customers. The founders of the shop had the details very much in mind while launching the shop. Thus, they have used traditional Georgian vessels and casks as the main decoration. Brand Wine also holds various wine-tastings, where the guests of Georgia, as well as locals, have an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the each type of drink, and find out which of them is more suitable for the Georgian holidays and the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gastronomy.

Address: Vake, 48/50 Mtskheta Str. Tbilisi Tel.: +995 577 75 55 55 www.brandwine.ge

WINE PALACE HOTEL THE HERO OF GEORGIAN HOSPITALITY

Address: 31, B. Kvernadze Str. Tbilisi TEL: +995 322 33 88 08, +995 555 35 55 55, +995 577 75 55 55 www.winepalace.ge Email: info@winepalace.ge Facebook: #HotelWinePalace

Top 5 Winter Hotels By katie ruth Davies

While some people are already eagerly awaiting spring, when the sun begins to warm and the trees to bud, others are hitting the slopes every weekend to escape the stress and noise of the- dry and decidedly un-snowy -city. If you’re among the latter, or you don’t ski but fancy a winter getaway anyway, have a look at our top 5 winter hotels below.

Bakuriani inn The hotel is already renowned for its delicious and diverse meals that are popular not only with the hotel guests but also with visitors. Bakuriani Inn features two restaurants, one wine bar, one whiskey bar, a winter garden, conference hall, and game room with wide range of games- from professional billiards to X-box. The hotel spa center is a popular area for both relaxation and fun. It features one pool, two Jacuzzis, small pool for children, a gym, Beauty Salon, Finnish sauna, steam room and massage rooms. Our spa professionals take great pride in their Bakuriani Inn, a 5-star luxury hotel in Bakuriani, is the latest and a major addition to the Georgian chain of hotels – the Inn Group. The hotel has its own 25,000m2 yard with hundreds of century-old pine trees, 600-meter walking and cycling track, private parking and a children’s playground. Bakuriani Inn offers 154 fully equipped rooms with its own balconies overlooking beautiful mountains. The hotel is adapted for people with disabilities.

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work. All procedures are done with the professional skin care line of Germaine de Cappuccini. Ski rental is available at the property, which also offers guests free shuttle to all ski lifts in the town.

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sapphirE hotEl & spa Bakuriani Sapphire Hotel & Spa Bakuriani is a boutique style hotel with 27 Deluxe and Luxe type rooms. The hotel is equipped with all the facilities that guest needs for a comfortable stay, among them Turkish and Finnish saunas, a kids’ room, ski room, conference room and cinema hall. A three-meals-aday buffet is offered to guests every day. The hotel also has an isolated yard and well-furnished terraces. In particular, its kids’ room and protected yard will be an additional comfort for families coming to Bakuriani with children. All the rooms are equipped with the following: Modern furniture, Free Wi-Fi, Mini bar, Heating, Digital Locker, Flat-screen TV, Telephone, Coffee Machine, Wardrobe, Hair dryer, En-suite bathroom, Towels, Bathrobe and slippers, a Hygiene set. On the first floor is the Sapphire Lounge, which offers guests delicious dishes, pleasant music and a variety of drinks. Guests can enjoy the elegant interior of the lounge, karaoke, a variety of cocktails and DJ service. Sapphire Lounge is the best place to plan and organize corporate parties, birthdays and other events. The conference hall is equipped with all the necessary conferencing facilities and high-speed internet access, and is ideal for business meetings, conferences, training, seminars, presentations and other events. The service includes organizing coffee and lunch breaks. Sapphire Hotel & Spa Bakuriani is ideal for couples, families and friends. Guests’ best memories are created here.

Sapphire Hotel & Spa Bakuriani 2 Borjomi Str., Bakuriani www.sapphire.ge reception@sapphire.ge (+995) 596 77 00 11 Cooperation: sales@sapphire.ge (+995) 591 54 93 30

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guDauri inn Gudauri Inn is a 4-Star hotel located in Gudauri, the most popular ski resort in the Caucasus. Gudauri Inn has been one of the most popular hotels in the regions since its opening in 2017. Hotel offers 92 stylish rooms with balconies and magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. Located at the edge of the gorge, Gudauri Inn is a popular place for photo shootings and weddings.

Besides the high quality service and hospitable staff, Gudauri Inn offers additional services, such as ski rentals and free shuttle to cable cars and back to the hotel. The hotel also features a restaurant with Georgian and European dishes, game zone with slot machines, Finnish sauna, conference room and a massage room.

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rooms kazBEgi Located in northern Georgia, across the valley from the iconic 5,047m Kazbegi Mountain in Stepantsminda, the original Rooms Hotel was opened in 2012 in a former Soviet center for regional tourism packages and expeditions. Today, the hotel, together with its restaurant and bar, make up the epicenter for the region’s tourism, offering modern and stylish accommodation and a distinctive design concept that embraces the historic legacy of the building and destination’s past.

hotEl-rEstaurant DEutschE muhlEr, Bolnisi Follow in the footsteps of the first German settlers who came to Georgia nearly 200

years ago to develop the agricultural sector.

Bolnisi still has traces of this important aspect of Georgia’s history and this hotel is just one place where you can appreciate it. Its restaurant serves delicious Georgian (and some German) dishes and you can sit on the terrace enjoying the view while you eat or snuggle up to the big fireplace in their stylish banquet hall. The hotel offers seven beautifully designed rooms: • 4 double rooms • 1 large double room / Junior Suite • 2 triple bed room / Senior Suite. All rooms have shower / WC, flat screen TV with satellite channels, telephone, internet access, Wi-Fi, a mini bar and a safe. The hotel offers day trips to the surrounding sites and will do everything to make you feel welcome at thie “refuge of german hospitality for visitors from around the world.”

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Listing: 4 & 5 Star Hotels in Georgia The Tbilisi hotel market reflects the city’s image as the corporate briefcase of the region and it comes well equipped with five-star offerings, as well as with a new breed of lower priced options for travelers on a budget. Offering 24-hour service and modern standards, the best hotels are most commonly located in the heart of the city. Hotels list their prices in Euros, Dollars or Lari, though in most cases your bill will be calculated in the local currency using the current exchange rate and payment is possible by credit card (VISA or MasterCard). The majority of Tbilisi hotels can arrange transportation services to and from the airport for their clients on the basis of prior agreement. There are several world brands operating in Georgia including Marriott, Sheraton, Radisson Blu and Holiday Inn which play host to thousands of guests throughout the year. All are distinguished by their remarkable architecture and interiors. A variety of exhibitions, conferences and official events are often held in the hotels and, over the next four years, six more global brands are expected to enter the Georgian market. High-end hotels usually host guests participating in the cultural, business and political life of the country. Tbilisi is a business city and occupancy rates reflect that. The average price for a night in such a hotel costs around $120-250.

thE BiltmorE hotEl tBilisi 29 Rustaveli Ave., Tbilisi (+995) 32 272 72 72

The Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi is ideally situated within the historic and cultural district of the Georgia’s capital city. Close to the east bank of the Mtkvari River, this hotel is suitable for both business and leisure travellers. The immaculately restored grand lobby echoes the nostalgia of a bygone era, resonating the glamor and prestige of the social elite.

courtyarD tBilisi 4 Liberty (Freedom) Sq., Tbilisi (+995) 32 277 91 00 Perfectly located in Freedom Square in the heart of the city center, this hotel is within walking distance of the Georgian National Museum, Rustaveli Theater, and the State Opera House - not to mention a host of galleries, gardens, and other attractions. Modern and comfortable hotel rooms feature plush bedding, high-speed Internet access, climate control, and other amenities; many offer views of Tbilisi city center. Additional hotel perks include a fitness center and Jacuzzi, and a heated indoor pool. You can visit the hotel restaurant, Brasserie Freedom, for all-day dining. and Freedom Square views.

tBilisi marriott hotEl 13 Rustaveli Ave., Tbilisi (+995) 32 277 92 00 www.marriott.com Once you enter its grand atrium-style lobby adorned with crystal chandeliers,

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you’re greeted with renowned Georgian hospitality. Overlooking the Main Avenue or patio, the 127 luxury hotel rooms and suites feature a safe, mini-bar, individual climate control and broadband internet. Whether your trip entails business or leisure, enjoy galleries and theaters all within walking distance of the hotel. Marriott Hotel in Tbilisi is well-known as a spacious event venue. Offering first-class catering, there are 6 meeting rooms and a ballroom able to accommodate 200 guests. Dine in Parnas Restaurant for an elegant meal or have a light snack at Parnas Café & Lounge. Visit the Fitness Gym for a workout or relax in the sauna.

raDisson Blu ivEria hotEl 1 Rose Revolution Sq., Tbilisi (+995) 32 240 22 00

Fostress, Metekhi Church, Sioni Temple and many others. There are also many cafes, bars, restaurants and other places of recreation and entertainment nearby.

This magnificent 21-storey glass building used to be the symbol of the city during the Soviet era. Following its transformation, Holiday Inn Tbilisi can accommodate guests in 270 Standard, Business and Executive guest rooms. Inside every guest room, elegant interiors detailed with many original features offer comfortable living. The spacious feel is enhanced by high ceilings and tall windows, in keeping with the original architecture of the former Adjara hotel. The outstanding living and dining area, with elegant designer wallpaper and rich African wood flooring, provide a sanctuary in which to relax and entertain.

hotEls & prEfErEncE hualing tBilisi Whether you’ve come for business or pleasure, you’ll leave with a sense of the beauty that surrounds the city’s central hotel, Radisson Blu Iveria, Tbilisi. The hotel offers a variety of dining options, an open terrace and outdoor pool, a topfloor bar and pool and a Spa. Travel anywhere you want to go in Tbilisi from the metro station which is just 300 meters from the hotel. Metro station - 300 m.; Tbilisi Railway Station - 5 km.; Tbilisi International Airport - 19 km

hotEl sharDEn villa

Tbilisi Sea District, Tbilisi (+995) 32 250 50 25

holiDay inn 26 May Sq., Tbilisi (+995) 32 230 00 99 www.hi-tbilisi.com

The hotel is only a five-minute drive from the East Point Shopping Mall while Tbilisi Saint Trinity Cathedral (Sameba) is a 15-minute drive from the hotel.

42 K. Abkhazi Str., (Former Leselidze) (+995) 32 275 30 00, 598 71 68 77 Web: book-shardenvilla.otelms.com Facebook: Hotel Sharden Villa

All rooms are air-conditioned and come with a 48-inch flat-screen TV with international channels. The private bathrooms include free toiletries, slippers, bathrobes and a hairdryer, a bath tub and separate shower cabin.

Hotel Sharden Villa is a modern boutique hotel, located in the historical center of Tbilisi. It is surrounded by the best sights of Old Tbilisi, among them the Narikala

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thE tErracE BoutiquE hotEl

to the old one. Then we decided to expand again and a high class hotel was built with the projects of Italian architects and designers, next to the old “Ambassadori.”

7 P. Kakabadze Str., Tbilisi (+995) 32 299 90 01

4-minute walk from Europe Square and Metekhi St. Virgin Church.

The exquisite design and timeless elegance of The Terrace boutique hotel can be found in the heart of Tbilisi’s historical center. Providing a unique blend of personalized attention and essential elements for an unforgettable city break, the Terrace Hotel’s team is committed to providing an exceptional experience to each and every guest. The spacious feel is enhanced by high ceilings and tall windows with original architecture overlooking one of the best views in the city for an authentic local experience.

King Gorgasali offers elegantly decorated rooms with memorable views and modern decor. The property also boasts a Georgian restaurant, Sormoni, a wine spot with sommelier service, khinkhali show room and a terrace with an amazing view. Enjoy the cozy lobby bar and memorable historical exterior to make your stay extra special.

Brim tBilisi 12/14 M. Abdushelishvili Str. (+995 32 212 00 12

amBassaDori hotEl 17 Shavteli Str., Tbilisi (+995) 243 94 94

There are 26 rooms, a meeting room and rooftop restaurant with 360 degree views of Tbilisi. The restaurant offers Georgian & European cuisine.

hotEl king gorgasali 3 V. Gorgasali Str., Tbilisi (+995) 32 222 50 80 Stay in the Heart of Tbilisi City. Ideally located in Old Tbilisi, King Gorgasali is few steps from Shardeni Street, where you will find the top cafes, bars and restaurants. You’ll be just a

The new five star Ambassadori hotel, with 121 rooms, beautiful terraces, magnificent views, comfortable rooms and service with high standards creates an unforgettable experience for guests and the bars and restaurants of the hotel have been made as prominent as the first restaurant was back in the day.

The story of the first ever Georgian hotel brand Ambassadori Tbilisi began in 2004 with the construction of a 7-room hotel. Demand for more rooms increased by the day. In 2013 a new building was added

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Brim Tbilisi breaths new energy and echoes the artistic and collaborative spirit once alive in Avlabari. The property exterior is art, merging urban style with classical design inspired by fairy tales. Brim Tbilisi is the first complex in the city to use a solar panel as its main source of energy, further striving to implement an eco-friendly environment. It features 52 rooms, a café, a rooftop terrace restaurant and a conference space- both with spectacular panorama views of Tbilisi. Guestrooms are comfortable and spacious. Service is always personal: with us you will experience delicious memories of Georgian cuisine.

RELI LAKE R E S O R T

kvarEli lakE rEsort 52 Chavchavadze Str., Kvareli (+995 32) 2 30 50 90 reception@kvarelilake.ge www.kvarelilakeresort.ge

KVARELI LAKE R E S O R T

In the heart of Kakheti, one of the most beautiful regions of Georgia and to the east of the small town of Kvareli, beneath the southern slope of Great Caucasus mountains, the unique Kvareli Lake Resort spreads over 300 hectares of beautiful natural landscape. The virgin forest surrounding the resort; the lake before it; the vast Alazani Valley in the backyard and large hotel rooms, each equipped with a small terrace and beautiful panoramic views, make Kvareli Lake Resort a unique place to stay. Featuring modern yet minimalist lines, a light, contemporary design and neutral tones, the 61-room property opens guests up to the wonders of the spectacular lake below. From the inviting spa and the infinity pool with its cozy bar, to the restaurant with its wide terrace opening up the marvelous view of the Alazani Valley, this is a superbly crafted getaway. Originally, the resort featured a small but very impressive hotel with panoramic views of the lake and the vast Alazani Valley. Today, there are 20 rooms in the original hotel (Building A), including 17 standard and 3 semi-suite rooms.

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In September 2019, construction of the new building block (Building B) was completed. The new hotel building has 41 rooms, including one standard room for persons with limited capabilities. All hotel rooms are modern and comfortably furnished with king-size/twin beds. Each room features a small terrace with a view of either the lake or valley. Flat-screen TV, mini-bar, Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service are standard amenities. The lobby of Building B was designed by famous Georgian designer Nino Chubinishvili, adding to just how exceptional and unique this hotel is..

hotEl WinE palacE 31 B. Kvernadze Str., Tbilisi (+995) 32 233 88 08, (+995) 555 35 55 55 www.winepalace.ge Email: info@winepalace.ge Facebook: #HotelWinePalace

vinotEl 4 E. Akhvlediani Ascent, Tbilisi (+995) 32 255 58 88 www.vinotel.ge

Where.ge is glad to introduce very special hotel in its Stay section this issue. Vinotel is a boutique hotel located in the old town, on the left embankment of Mtkvari River, 10 minutes from freedom square, near Sameba cathedral and the Presidential residence. World Luxury Awards recently awarded the hotel in two categories: ‘The Best Small Hotel in Eastern Europe’ and ‘The Best Boutique Hotel in Georgia’. It offers small quantity of rooms, including luxury suites featuring a hamam and fireplace, unique superior rooms, stylish semi-mansard rooms and a cozy top-view room. The location is superb for travelers interested in local food, city walks and old-town exploring.

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Hotel “Wine Palace” is located in the center of Tbilisi, behind the Sports Palace, only 2.3 km from Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater. The nearest metro station is just a 3-minute walk. The hotel fully meets the highest European standards. 33 comfortable rooms- standard and deluxe – come decorated in the highest artistic style (hand-painted walls, a delightful combination of classic and romantic styles) and are equipped with Free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, an international phone and safes. “Wine Palace” provides guests with breakfast served in a nice dining room, while delicious Georgian and European dishes can be ordered for dinner. The hotel also offers a fully equipped conference room for 70 people. Hotel “Wine Palace” has a unique wine cellar which stores about 100 brands of Georgian wine, as well as home-made wine. For hotel guests, wine tastings and national dishes are arranged. Guests can also book a tour to the regions through the hotel.

Black tomato tBilisi 3/6 G. Lortkipanidze Str., Tbilisi, Georgia (+995) 568 77 72 59 Email: tbilisi@blacktomato.ge

The hostel is surrounded by socalled Italian yards, modern and vintage bars and cafes.

Black tomato kutaisi 17 M. Kostava Str., Kutaisi, Georgia (+995) 568 77 73 21 Email: hello@blacktomato.ge

A vintage hostel contains three private unsuited rooms and a dormitory room located in a historical building in Old Tbilisi. A mix of wooden handmade and renovated old furniture along with super-friendly service creates a unique hip atmosphere.

Black Tomato Kutaisi unites a Hostel and a Wine Bar in western Georgia. A typical Imerelian house has been transformed into a hip hostel with vintage soul. The Hostel is located in Old Kutaisi where the neighborhood comprises of interesting old houses and of course cafes and restaurants that demonstrate the rich food culture of Imereti. The hostel offers dorm rooms, as well as private double rooms and common areas, all of them decorated with old items and

hotEl zEmEli 15 M. Kostava Str. (+995) 322 30 03 05

In the heart of Tbilisi, at 15 Merab Kostava Street, near the renowned “Zemeli Pharmacy” of old Tbilisi, hotel Zemeli has opened its doors for guests. Hotel Zemeli is a boutique-type hotel with 23 uniquely decorated modern, and comfortable rooms. The hotel takes pride in its diverse and healthy cuisine, which is offered to guests in the lounge on the first floor of the building. The hotel stands out for its central location near sights, theaters, museums and shops; its carefully and tastefully chosen design and décor; its diverse and tasty cuisine, and its high-quality service. Hotel Zemeli answers well to the standards of the global market and is ready to welcome guests from every part of the world. It’s also important to note that the hotel is affordable, functioning in the mid-priced segment which is a highly in demanded but in low supply in Georgia. Hotel Zemeli is expected to become an integral part of Tbilisi city life, a place for both professional and private meets. Modernly designed Zemeli, a boutique hotel of 23 rooms and a café/lounge, offers a pleasant environment for all guests.

furniture that ultimately create a stunning fusion interior. Situated in the yard of the hostel, Black Tomato Wine Bar serves traditional Georgian wines as well as sparkling wine and wine cocktails. A super-friendly and chilled environment fosters the atmosphere for travelers to make new friends, as good background music and a glass of wonderful Georgian wine is the best idea after a long adventurous day to share experiences with each other. The wine bar not only serves Hostel guests, but is also open to any other visitors.

Borjomi likani hotEl 16 Meskheti Str., Borjomi (+995) 32 229 22 92 Website: www.borjomilikani.com E: info@borjomilikani.com

Luxury 5 star Hotel Borjomi Likani is located 177 km away from Tbilisi (the capital of Georgia) in the middle of the coniferous park in Borjomi city, famous of its naturally carbonated mineral water from springs in the Borjomi Gorge of central Georgia. Hotel Borjomi Likani is located on the former territory of once popular Sanatorium of 4th deparment in Likani. Guests from all over the USSR used to gather here to spend time with family and friends and receive the benefits of the Health procedures offered, due to the curative effect of the Borjomi water. The famous Summer Palace of Russian royal Romanovs’ Family resided on the territory of the hotel is another reason for the guests to visit Borjomi Likani complex. The palace is under renovation today and soon will open its doors to all the guests. The Borjomi Likani Hotel features 151 comfortable rooms with stupendous view to the surroundings and modern amenities. Additional services: Spa & health Center, bars and restaurants, conference hall, kids club, weddings and entertainments.

golDEn tulip Borjomi hotEl 48, 9 April Str. Borjomi (+995) 32 288 02 02, (+995) 591 02 80 82 E-mail: info@goldentulipborjomipalace.com www.goldentulipborjomipalace.com

Golden Tulip Borjomi Hotel is managed by French International hotel chain “Golden Tulip,” which belongs to “Louvre Hotels Group”. Golden Tulip Borjomi is one of the most attractive historical buildings in Borjomi, located just steps away from the popular Borjomi Mineral Waters Park. It was built in 1892 by the Consular of Iran in Russia, Mirza-Reza Khan, as a house with Spa Treatment and is nowadays considered a Unique Cultural Monument of the 19th Century. Golden Tulip Borjomi Hotel features 17 comfortable guest rooms including 2 Suites, 2 Classic singles and 13 Deluxe Double Rooms. Hotel services include Restaurant “Arfaye”, the Garden Café, Lobby Bar, brand new Fitness Room, Spa: Steam, Sauna, Jacuzzi, Bucket Shower and 1 exclusive treatment room.

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musEum hotEl 8/10 Vakhtang Orbeliani Str., Tbilisi (+995) 32 224 49 99

Museum Hotel Orbeliani is an appealing name, suggesting the hotel’s history as it is located in a historical residence of an old noble family Orbeliani, well known in high society of old Georgia. The architecture and interior design of the boutique hotel are unique, as is its service. The hotel is distinguished for its intimate atmosphere and idiosyncratic style; always upscale and combining historic 19th century details with chic elegance. Museum Hotel Orbeliani is located in the heart of Tbilisi, just 100m from the Dry Bridge Flea Market and within a walking distance of Rustaveli Avenue, Narikala Fortress and the ancient sulphur baths. Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater is 600 m and Freedom Square is 700 m away. Tbilisi International Airport is only 18 km from the hotel. The Hotel offers car hire and provides transfer services. Enjoy on-site gourmet Georgian-Persian restaurant ‘’Sirajkhana,’, a roof top lounge bar Mixology 810 with an incredible city view and café ‘’Museum’’ with a beautiful, cozy terrace on the ground floor.

faBrika 8 Ninoshvili Str., Tbilisi (+995) 32 202 03 99

and Bagrati monasteries are reachable by car in 15-20 minutes. The other attractions of Imereti region are within a 1 or 2-hour drive. A classic design, international level of comfort and Georgian level of sincere hospitality are the main reason to choose Best Western Kutaisi as a place to stay. We also recommend tasting Imeretian cuisine in the on-site restaurant!

rooms hotEls tBilisi The big cultural success since 2016, Fabrika is a perfect example of gentrification on the left bank of Mtkvari River. Hostel and suites, co-working space, shops and ateliers, food joints and bars are united in a conceptual space that used to be a sewing factory in the Soviet period. Every night, even on Mondays, the inner yard is full of people hanging out, drinking beer or wine, and chatting into the small hours. On the weekends, there are usually concerts or DJ sets of local musicians in one of the resident bars or even in the yard. Such events usually bring together crowds of hundreds from all over.

BEst WEstErn kutaisi 11 Grishashvili Str., Kutaisi (+995) 32 219 71 00 www.bwkutaisi.com Until 2016, Kutaisi couldn’t boast any well-known names in its list of hotels. But quite recently one of the oldest cities in Georgia, an important transport hub and home of UNESCO Heritage Site, got its first brand hotel: a Best Western. Overlooking the white waters of Rioni River and the locally famous White Bridge, the hotel is located very centrally. Old Town, with its choice of traditional restaurants, can be reached on foot, and the famous Gelati

14 M. Kostava Str., Tbilisi (+995) 32 202 00 99 www.roomshotels.com

breathed new life into the bohemian neighborhood of Vera, attracting creatives and artists with its unique brand of design-led hospitality. The aesthetics are chic and comfortable, defined by rich tones, natural materials, and plush textures. The Bar Room and the Kitchen restaurant draw in guests and visitors for handcrafted cocktails and modern casual dining with contemporary dishes, creating a social meeting space that defies the standard hotel definition. Elegant and inviting, the eight categories of guest rooms are spread over five floors, fully booked during significant city events, including the Tbilisi and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Weeks. Located on the fifth floor, the Terrace Queen and Terrace King rooms stream in all the sunlight through their floor-to-ceiling windows. You’ll be fascinated by their cozy private terraces overlooking the hotel’s courtyard garden.

hilton garDEn inn Rooms Hotels is a young and independent lifestyle hotel brand based in Georgia that has quickly emerged as the premier leader of distinctive hospitality experiences in the region. The first Rooms Hotel opened its doors in summer 2012, in Georgia’s remote region, Kazbegi. This was followed by the Rooms Hotel Tbilisi in autumn 2014. Located in Vera, a charming and historic quarter of the capital which has long been associated with artists and intellectuals. The former publishing house has been refurbished into a modern innovative design hotel infusing the old cultural and visual heritage of its environs. It’s now a hotspot for local and international creatives in search of inspiration. The hotel proudly lives up to all earned appraisals. Rooms Hotel Tbilisi has

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64a I Chavchavadze Ave (+995) 32 225 20 20

Hilton Garden Inn is new hotel in a prestigious area of Tbilisi, on Chavchavadze Avenue which will open in March 2020 . The Hotel will offer 170 guest rooms, 8 meeting rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, 24/7 shop and a gym. Hilton Garden Inn Tbilisi’s website is already live and bookings are open.

WynDham granD tBilisi

Comprising 100 guestrooms, each offering stunning vistas of the lesser Caucasus range, Rooms Hotel Kokhta is a strikingly contemporary ski-in ski-out resort in winter and a gateway to Alpine experiences year-round. Here, a sleek structure set in the heart of mountain greenery showcases the design mastery of Rooms Hotels contributors Adjara Arch Group, as well as the young Tbilisi-based duo Nata Janberidze and Keti Toloraia, who represent a new generation of young Georgian designers.

3 L. Gudiashvili Str. (+995) 32 243 90 00

Discover old-world charm from the comfort and elegance of Wyndham Grand Tbilisi hotel. Situated near Tbilisi’s bustling Rustaveli Avenue, it provides easy access to top-notch shopping, nightlife, and dining. Throughout your stay, you’ll love our luxurious amenities. Enjoy a refreshing drink and indulge in fine dining at Sky Lounge or Lobby Lounge, relax in the heated indoor pool and sauna, or let your cares melt away with a spa treatment. Within their modern hotel, they have a premium fitness center and business center to help you stay productive. It also offers room service 24/7. With seven event rooms totaling over 906 square meters, this makes the perfect venue for hosting flawless events of up to 400 people.

holiDay inn tElavi

and business visitors. The hotel offers a modern restaurant on the top floor with breath-taking views of the Alazani valley. The innovative Iberico Bar & Restaurant serve a wide selection of tapas: specialties which combine international and Georgian flavors paired with famous Georgian wines as well as cocktails. The bar and terrace are the perfect place to relax while having a drink and tasting traditional Georgian snacks. The hotel has a flexible and well-equipped conference room for up to 50 delegates and also offer complimentary Wi-Fi which helps guests stay connected.

rooms kazBEgi

rooms hotEl kokhta

Located in northern Georgia, across the valley from the iconic 5,047m Kazbegi Mountain in Stepantsminda, the original Rooms Hotel was opened in 2012 in a former Soviet center for regional tourism packages and expeditions. Today, the hotel, together with its restaurant and bar, make up the epicenter for the region’s tourism, offering modern and stylish accommodation and a distinctive design concept that embraces the historic legacy of the building and destination’s past.

Bakuriani (+995) 32 202 00 20

2 Rustaveli Ave., Telavi, Kakheti (+995) 32 261 11 11 Holiday Inn Telavi is a modern and stylish hotel in the Georgia’s leading wine region, just a 1.3-hour drive from Tbilisi. With 85 elegantly styled guest rooms, the hotel makes a great base to explore the region for both leisure

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Stepantsminda, Kazbegi (+995) 32 240 00 99/71 00 99

hotEl porta caucasia kazBEgi 2 Tergdaleulebi Str., Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), Georgia (+995) 32 225 77 70 Mail: info@portacaucasia.com FB: @PortaCaucasiaKazbegi Feel at home in Caucasus

are wine tours inside the hotel on the ground floor. The hotel has Georgian and European cuisine represented in two restaurants within the hotal, featuring delicious dishes, made using locally produced products. The wine is something particularly worth mentioning, as Khareba Winery presents varieties of wine in both restaurants. There is also a terrace and lounge on the top floor. Porta Caucasia is ideal for couples, families, leisure holidays, business trips. Kazbegi is close to Gudauri resort and the hotel offers affordable transfer services.

Porta Caucasia, meaning ‘Gate to the Caucasus’ is a freshly launched four-star hotel located in the heart of Kazbegi. Porta Caucasia is the perfect place to stay if you’re interested in visiting this region. It is unusual to find such comfort and support high in mountains, but you will be amazed to discover the high-quality service this hotel provides. The hotel stands out for numerous reasons. Paying attention to detail, the interior is manufactured by Villeroy & Boch, as is the furniture, which is wooden and ecofriendly. Luxury and taste merge to create a great sense of ambiance. Each room is well equipped, offering all the important facilities. Private bathrooms come with top-of-the-range toiletries. Porta Caucasia has pioneered the creation of a private online platform for bookings and reservations, allowing ease of contact with hotel staff. World-famous Georgian Winery Khareba is the founder of Porta Caucasia and there

Rooms 28 Standard (14 front & rear view) 2 Deluxe (1 front & 1 rear view) 1 Standard Triple (corner view) 2 Junior Suites (front/corner view) Connecting Rooms (for families) Meeting room Room with Disabled Access • Spa & Beauty Salon • Sauna • Wine Shop by Khareba Winery • Terrace & Lounge • 24/7 Transfer service • Alpinism Tours • Cultural Tours

mErcurE tBilisi olD toWn 9 Gorgasali Str., Tbilisi (+995) 32 200 60 60 The 4-star Hotel Mercure Tbilisi Old Town is managed by Accor Hotels Group, the world’s leading hotel operator and market leader in Europe. The hotel features conference room, gym & spa, The Old

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Town Restaurant & Garden and Sky7 Terrace & Lounge Bar which offer a perfect combination of international and Georgian cuisine. Hotel is located in the very heart of the

iBis stylEs tBilisi cEntEr 4 G. Tabidze Str., Tbilisi (+995) 32 200 24 24

ibis styles Tbilisi center is the second hotel in Tbilisi managed by Accor Hotels Group. Hotel has 119 rooms in total, lobby business corner and The City Roof Bar on the fifth floor which offers variety of Asian and Georgian dishes. ibis styles located in the city center is a non-standardized economy and design brand aimed at all those who are looking for “the best of the best”.

Bricks Hotel A Brand New Hotel in the Heart of Tbilisi ‘Guests are sent by God’ - this Georgian expression reflects well the culture and attitude of the Georgian hosts towards their guests. Georgian hospitality has long gone beyond the family environment and is developing at a rapid pace. That, and Tbilisi has become the coolest city.

Restaurant, which serves both local and European cuisine, and well-appointed rooms, equipped with all the amenities today’s travelers have come to expect.

The historic part of the city, Old Tbilisi, is especially attractive to tourists, as it reflects the rich history and culture of Georgia. There, you can walk through the narrow streets, see the architecture of historical houses and enjoy amazing Georgian food and wine.

Bricks Hotel is surrounded by historical architectural buildings, churches, and sights, among them the Metekhi Church, the Bridge of Peace, the Narikala Fortress, the Sameba Cathedral, the Armenian Church, and the Sioni Cathedral. The hotel is also conveniently located just 100 meters from Avlabari Metro Station, which helps tourists discover both the old and new parts of the city within minutes.

If you find location and great views important to you while traveling, and you like the mix of old and modern, then we have news for you - the newest, 4-star hotel in the historical center of Tbilisi is now accepting reservations!

If you are fond of antiquities, then you will find something interesting in the Bricks hotel, in front of which are the ruins of the Avlabari Wall built in the 18th century. The remnants of these historic walls give the hotel a unique look.

Bricks Hotel is a 36-room hotel housed within a four-storey building in the very heart of Tbilisi, at 17 Wine Ascent Street. The hotel features a rooftop terrace, which offers a luxurious 360° panorama view across the old city, as well as Bricks

Bricks Hotel offers city tours, an airport shuttle, buffet breakfast, and free wireless internet - providing guests with the superior comfort and value they want out of their stay.

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“Bricks Hotel offers high quality, affordable prices and the best customer service that we believe will make our guests’ stay unforgettable,” said Irakli Motsonelidze, Operations Manager of Bricks Hotels. Bricks Hotel offers various category rooms, including Standard Double Rooms, Triple Rooms and Deluxe Rooms with terraces. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a private bathroom, a work desk, a flat-screen TV, safe, telephone, and minibar. For meetings and conferences, the hotel offers a refined and flexible meeting space which is ideal for workshops, training, and presentations, promising clients an environment that encourages the process of creative thought. At this pet-friendly hotel, guests will appreciate the warm hospitality and exceptional value. So, if you are planning to visit Tbilisi, Bricks Hotel awaits!

In the very heart of the city

Address: 17 Wine Ascent Tbilisi, Georgia Tel: (+995) 322 22 11 16 www.facebook.com/BricksTbilisi/

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Exclusive Restaurant Guide . . . e ic o h C y M

Antoine Bardon President of Chamber of Commerce and Industry France-Georgia

littEra When I decide to go for dinner, I always take the weather into consideration. If it’s warm enough, my first choice is Littera restaurant belonging to Chef Tekuna. It’s a place for real new cuisine, a perfect cambala and a carpaccio of peach and tomato served as dessert. The location is also worth exploring, as the restaurant is set in the rear garden of the 19th century Writer’s House which has an interesting history as well as spectacular architecture (check out the wooden dining room and the tiled courtyard if you get the chance.

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chvEni My second choice is Chveni, where you get to try clever new (and beautifully presented!) Georgian cuisine in a cozy, quirky atmosphere. After dinner, grab a drink and take a cigar out onto the terrace and enjoy the city view.

rEpuBlic rEstaurant My third place is Republic Restaurant for its wonderful views, very professional service and French decor. The seafood is spectacular, flown in live to guarantee freshness. My favorite is mussels from the Black Sea.

BarBarEstan When the weather is cooler, I like to head to the cozy Barbarestan, offering excellent service and age-old recipes with a twist. Ask to hear the story of how the restaurant was founded fro a 19th century Georgian feminist’s cookbook- they’ll even bring it out to show you how the magic began! My favorite dish there is grilled pork!

Ban thai For a big Asian menu, I always head to Ban Thai. They offer good home-quality dishes and good service. There’s also a good ratio between quality and price. The only negative is there are barely any desserts, though it’s highly likely you won’t have space for the anyway! unfortunately almost no dessert.

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News ny timEs on gEorgian rEstaurant chama mama in chElsEa By Elene Dzebisashvili The NY Times has once again highlighted Georgian cuisine, this time the focus being on Chama Mama, which opened in March 2019 in a lofty space in Chelsea, New York City. Chama Mama is said to bring humble Georgian culinary magic to America, with a focus on all things organic. Tamara Chubinidze, who runs Chama Mama, feels proud to bring Georgian cuisine and with it, a dose of Georgian culture, to Chelsea. Adhering to the view that the best of pleasures in life are the simplest, Chama Mama’s chef, Nino Chiokadze, prepares Georgia’s favorite feel-good food with rustic simplicity. Here is what Emon Hassan, writing for The New York Times, has to say about his experience of authentic Georgian dishes at Chama Mama: “Ekala is a prickly climber akin to North American greenbrier, often dismissed as a troublemaking weed. At Chama Mama, ekala appears without fanfare. It simply takes its rightful place at the table, roughly chopped with a paste of walnuts and garlic: earthy and delicate.” The author goes on to praise the walnut-paste-stuffed vegetables and lamb stew called Chakapuli, a “favorite dish of Stalin.” The “Salt-cured Jonjoli (bladdernut flowers),” he says “has an interesting bitterish, yet paradoxically delicate taste”. Talking about Georgian creamy chicken-dish Shkmeruli, the author compliments the chef’s artistry: “For shkmeruli, a Cornish game hen is fried until the skin crisps, then traditionally submerged in milk heavy with garlic. Because American milk has less body, Ms. Chiokadze uses cream to give the dish the necessary lushness.” No lesson in the complex art of Georgian cuisine is complete without Adjaruli Khachapuri, a molten cheese bread described in the article as Georgia’s “most brazenly rich offering”. Georgians consider that ‘every guest is God-sent’ (Georgian proverb). Love and respect for guests are passed from one generation to another. Chama Mama invites its guests to the table in an effort to spread the charm of Georgian cuisine.

cnn rEcommEnDs gEorgian fooD By nini Dakhundaridze “The greatest gastronomic secret has been let out of the bag,” writes CNN as the media company goes in detail to praise Georgian cuisine that is finally getting the acknowledgment it deserves. “Georgian food and wine, long revered for its individuality, exoticness, and delectability, is now finding its rightful place on tables around the world,” reads the article. The CNN food report describes six Georgian must-taste dishes: Khinkali, Khachapuri, Mtsvadi, Shkmeruli, Kharcho with Ghomi, and Chakapuli. While the article gives the background information on the food and Georgian traditions of cooking them, it also suggests the readers the best places in Tbilisi to eat the masterpieces of Georgian cuisine. .

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Make Yourself Something Georgian & Sweet By katie ruth Davies

GET STUCK IN Whisk the flour, cornmeal, salt and grape juice in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Bring to the boil, stirring; cook for 1 minute, then reduce the heat; cook for about 20 minutes, stirring, until the mixture has reduced by about one-third and you can no longer taste the flour. Divide the mixture among individual bowls. Place them in the refrigerator to chill and set for several hours or overnight. Preheat a toaster oven or oven to 300 degrees. Line a small baking pan with parchment paper.

Georgians are big on natural tasting dishes, using their home-grown fruit, nuts and honey to create small and well-loved wonders of simple and nutritious sweetness. We’re going to focus on that sweetness here, and teach you how to make Georgian Sweet Grape Puddings (Pelamushi). “They can be made with purple or white grape juice, but Concord juice gives the puddings a nice, rich color. Georgian families often grow their own grapes and crush them during rtveli, the autumn grape harvest, to make wine. They might save some juice to make another popular dessert, churchkhela, too- strings of nuts dipped in flour-thickened grape juice and dried in the sun.” - washingtonpost.com

Note: These puddings need several hours to set in the refrigerator. They can be made and refrigerated up to two days in advance. INGREDIENTS For 6-8 servings, you’ll need: • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour • 1/4 cup extra-fine or finely ground cornmeal (harina de maiz) • Small pinch fine sea salt, plus more for garnish • 32 ounces pure Concord grape juice • 1/4 cup honey, for garnish • 1/2 cup skinned, chopped hazelnuts (may substitute another tree nut), for garnish

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Bring the honey to the boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the nuts until evenly coated; remove from the heat after 30 seconds. Spread the nuts in the baking pan and sprinkle lightly with salt; bake for 10 minutes, then transfer the nuts to a wooden cutting board to cool, turning them over after 2 or 3 minutes and breaking apart any large chunks. Serve the chilled puddings in their bowls, or turn them out onto individual plates. Garnish with the honeyed nuts and a sprinkling of salt. Source: WASHINGTONPOST.COM

Fondue Pizza Inspired by Georgian Dish Khachapuri parmesan, as well as The Cheese Bar’s Cornish Gouda and Kingham, a hard cheese from the Cotswolds. The gooey mix is then melted in the oven with garlic and a splash of white wine, before being topped with prosciutto, cornichons, and balsamic pickled onion. A raised crust is designed for ripping and dipping into the oozing center. The Adjaruli Khachapuri, which was the inspiration for creating the Fondue Pizza, is another version of Georgian cheese bread. The dish originated in the seaside region of Georgia, Adjara.

Secret London magazine has written about the creation of a fondue pizza, dripping with five-types of cheese. It is notewothy that the shape and filling of the new kind of pizza are very similar to well-known Georgian dish Adjaruli Khachapuri - boatshaped bread stuffed with melting cheese, eggs and butter. “Infamous Neapolitan pizzeria group Pizza Pilgrims has teamed up with The Cheese Bar, London-based champions of British cheese, to create the ultimate ripping and dipping foodie delight. Melting together sweet, nutty Cornish

gouda with notoriously earthy Cotswold hard cheese, they have managed to create fondue so delicious you’ll be quite tempted to drink it. With a deep umami flavor and unrivaled silky texture, it’s truly indulgent. But how can you take something that indulgent to the next level? Well, inspired by the Georgian dish Khachapuri, the answer was simple: pour it on a pizza, obviously,” reads the article. Melding the creaters’ respective loves for Italian and British cheese, the pizza is topped with a melted mix of familiar favorites like mozzarella, ricotta, and

Since Adjara is a seaside part of the country, the inspiration for the dish came from the sea and fishermen. The shape of the pie resembles a boat while the egg yolk symbolizes the sun setting in the sea. The extremely delicious dish is served with an undercooked egg in the middle of cheese along with a generous chunk of butter on top. Adjaruli is often referred to as Georgian pizza. It is highly appreciated and loved among foreign tourists visiting Georgia. So, which one is better, Fondue Pizza or Adjaruli Khachapuri? Taste both and decide yourself! Source: secretldn.com

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makE your oWn! Inspired to create your own Adjaruli Khachapuri? Check out this recipe from curiouscuisiniere.com. WHAT YOU’LL NEED FOR THE DOUGH • ¾ c water, warmed to 80-90F • ¾ c milk, warmed to 80-90F • 1 tsp sugar • 1 tsp active dry yeast • 1 Tbsp olive oil • 4 - 4 ½ c unbleached all-purpose flour • 1 ½ tsp salt FOR THE TOPPING • 5 eggs, room temperature, divided • 2 oz (1/2 c) feta cheese, crumbled • 2 c shredded mozzarella cheese • 1 Tbsp unsalted butter GET STARTED 1. Mix the water and milk in a large bowl. Add the sugar and mix until dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the liquid and let it stand for 5-7 minutes, until the yeast becomes foamy. Mix the yeast into the liquid. Add the oil and mix well.

bowl in a warm, draft-free place to rise for 1 – 1 ½ hours, until bubbly and doubled in bulk. FOR THE TOPPING 1. While the dough is rising, make your filling. In a small bowl, mix the shredded mozzarella and feta cheese with one egg. Set aside. PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER 1. For best results, move your oven rack to roughly 6 inches from the top heating unit. Preheat your oven to 475F. 2. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into 4, roughly even, pieces. 3. Shape each piece into an oval, roughly 11 x 6”. Place the dough ovals onto greased baking sheets, leaving an inch between each bread. 4. On the baking sheet, fold ¾ of an inch

of dough inwards to create a thicker border, a crust that will keep the melted cheese and egg inside. Pinch the two small ends into points to create a boatshape. 5. Spoon ¼ of the filling into the center of each “boat”. Smooth the filing with a spoon. 6. Place the khachapuri into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until lightly golden. 7. Remove the khachapuri from the oven and crack one egg into the center of the bubbling cheese in each boat. Return the khachapuri to the oven and bake for an additional 3-4 minutes, just until the egg has set. Serve the khachapuri warm, with a small pat of butter on top, or brush the crust with a little melted butter before serving. It is traditional to mix the egg and melted cheese with a fork and dip torn off pieces of the crust into the cheesy, eggy goodness in the middle.

2. Mix 2 cups of flour into the yeast mixture. Mix in the salt. Add the remaining flour, a little at a time, mixing after each addition, until the dough starts to come together. 3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 5-7 minutes, adding flour as necessary to keep it from sticking to your hands or the counter, until a soft (but not sticky) dough forms. 4. Place the dough into a greased bowl. Cover it with a damp tea towel. Place the

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Ambiente 2020: HoReCa Trends and Inspirations By sopho Bochoidze

The worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest consumer goods trade fair took place from 7 to 11 February 2020 in Frankfurt. Ambiente, organized by Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, a place where the future becomes the present, with a focus on international business and trends, this year covered 310,240 sq.m. and grew to 4,635 exhibitors from 93 countries. Buyers from approximately 160 countries, in total 108,000 visitors, most of who came from countries outside Germany, had plenty to see, people to meet and inspiration to get.

The exceptionally ordered environment conditioned mutually beneficial deals. Ambiente traditionally covers three areas: Dining, Living and Giving. From this year onwards, the dining area has been expanded to include a HoReCa hall, adding a separate platform for the hotel, restaurant and catering industry. The 2020 HoReCa hall 6.0 was a unique place for national and international decision-makers in the hospitality industry. Exhibitors presented their latest collections and

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innovative services. Also, top international speakers delivered speeches and shared their experience in the industry at the HoReCa Academy, where attendees had the opportunity to listen to product presentations, interact, and learn more about the future opportunities and trends in the hospitality segment. The top speakers at the HoReCa Academy included a mix of celebrities, from hospitality designers to chefs and restaurateurs, among whom Jozef Youssefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s masterclass about multisensory gastronomy was one of

the most impressive and informative. Youssef is a top chef and TED Talks speaker, who founded “Kitchen Theory” in 2010, a design studio and multi-awardwinning “Chef’s Table” in London. He uses his findings, about how people’s five senses change their feedback on dishes, how their senses detect light, color, scents and a wide variety of consistencies, for his scientific research. More than 400 companies presented their products and services in Horeca Hall and each of them said how the fair had exceeded their expectations. They were all happy with the quality of visitors and a large number of relevant customers from around the globe. “Measuring the success of this trade fair, we can clearly give it 10 out of 10,” said Mayda Pérez, Executive Vice President of ‘Front of the House’. “We’re a new exhibitor, a US company founded in 2002 with a clear focus on HoReCa channels of distribution, and we produce and design all our products ourselves. Ambiente’s clear focus on front-of-house business has greatly helped us to have a successful trade fair, so that we can grow both smartly and sustainably. Our expectations of the new HoReCa hall were more than exceeded. It really was a magnificent show for us”. Ambiente invites journalists and bloggers from around the world annually. Where. ge had the privilege to attend the show and to share some of the highlights with its readers, especially from the HoReCa industry. Check out our top picks from the HoReCa Academy presentations: 1handplate – this clever plate frees up one hand to allow for easier, more engaged

socialising at receptions and other gatherings. The shape of the plate allows you to “insert” the glass in the plate and hold everything in one hand. The company focuses on creating a social experience where people are brought together – not held back – by their dinner plate.

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Be Home is a home and lifestyle brand exclusively available to professionals (hotels, restaurants, concept stores). They have a vast collection of more than 500 products that are all handmade, and the different materials used (mango wood, etc.) are sustainable and natural, ensuring each product is unique and exclusive.

Kahla Prozellan – Among a number of products, Kahla produces smart, digital porcelain cups. Clever NFC transponders are connected to the porcelain with a dishwasher-safe seal. Individual branding or decor design covers the digital chip. The invisible transponder can be read by a smartphone. Surprise your customers, partners and employees with games, coupons, recipes, product information, explainer videos, commercials, personal messages, jokes, inspirational texts and playful training modules.

Katza Group presented their catering aprons that connect the world. Among many other benefits, these aprons offer wearer comfort – the crossed suspenders divide the weight across the shoulders and relieve the neck area. Pavellini developed three unique aprons in collaboration with top chefs. Koru Kids supports hotels to become family friendly with their unique toddler and junior booster. Seats fix on any chair very easily, are colorful, easy to clean and safety tested.

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Piffany Copenhagen offers a beautiful range of flameless candles to suit any area or occasion. The beauty of Uyuni candles is that they can be turned on and off by remote control. The real wax surface adds to the candlelight ambience, but without any of the harmful chemicals. Uyuni candles have provided hoteliers and restaurateurs with substantial cost savings compared to using traditional candles. Robert Welch – the comfort and feel of cutlery is a major part of any dining experience. At Robert Welch Designs,

they have been considering the diner for over 60 years, perfecting that first point of contact between the diner and their dish. Their products are solid and have unique and classy designs that let customers focus on what matters most – enjoying the best culinary experience at the restaurant. “New hospitality projects succeed when they focus on addressing precisely defined target groups, e.g. resort projects with minimum environmental impact, tailored to local requirements, or lifestyle-oriented concept restaurants in which everything

is aligned – from the menu to the interior and front-of-house furnishings. The spectrum is expanding and at the same time becoming more individual. And, as an important global meeting place for the hotel, restaurant and catering sectors, Ambiente is responding to this. We are particularly pleased to be able to offer an impressive program with exceptional insights from high-calibre experts at the HoReCa Academy,” says Nicolette Naumann, Vice President of Ambiente.

The next Ambiente will take place from 19 to 23 February 2021. For further information, please contact: Zaira Soloeva, Senior Project Manager, Official Representative of Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH in Georgia and Armenia, Deutsche Wirtschaftsvereinigung (DWV). zaira.soloeva@dwv.ge Or visit the following website: www.georgien.ahk.de Photo Source: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH / Pietro Sutera, Jean-Luc Valentin, Marc Jacquemin

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We’re Loving the Fusion! By nini Dakhundaridze

Georgian traditional cuisine is now known worldwide. Georgia-themed restaurants can be found in various places in the world and gastronomy is one of the main reasons why tourists come to the Pearl of the Caucasus. To suggest a more colorful culinary experience, chefs have experimented a little with traditional Georgian cuisine, creating new recipes that quickly grab the public tastebuds. Some of these new experiments seem odd and a few people in Georgian society even find it a little bit offensive. Like the chocolate khinkali created by Italian chef Enzo Neri, making the famed dumplings into a dessert. Adjarian lobiani may seem like another unlikely variation of a traditional Georgian dish, being the same as Adjaruli Khachapuri but with beans. It doesn’t seem so unlikely when you take a trip to Batumi, though, as you’ll find Adjaruli Lobiani in every other restaurant. Let’s get to the places where you can enjoy this fusion of Georgian culinary masterpieces for yourself.

BarBarEstan

One of the places to taste the new life of Georgian cuisine is Barbarestan. Restaurant ‘Barbarestan’ represents a fine result of a new understanding of a 19th century cookbook, ‘Complete Cooking,’ published in 1914 by Barbare EristaviJorjadze. Her recipes have been revived and given new life here by professional and talented chefs. The fine dining experience as offered by Barbarestan opens doors to new tastes of the beloved

Georgian cuisine. They have pumpkin croquettes, quince soup, cakes with grape syrup… You should try their rabbit wrapped in ham, pumpkin patties and cherry soup with mint, all made from local ingredients. Barbarestan also offers a delicious vegetarian-friendly menu. If you’re looking for a more thoughtful and sustainable version of your food, try their vegetarian Eggplant Satsivi, with fresh pomegranates and greens.

shavi lomi

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Shavi Lomi is another one of Georgian restaurants that you should check out if you’re looking for new flavors or ‘old but gold’ Georgian cuisine. It is a mouthwatering place that upon its opening in 2011 started serving never-before-seen dishes like green grits (ghomi, a western Georgia staple, which is usually white); khachapuritos - chicken or beef quesadillas with thin Armenian lavash substituting for tortillas; and Ghobi, an enormous wooden bowl packed with appetizers – jonjoli, a cheese assortment, phkali (beet, walnut and spinach paste), pickles, beans, cornbread and other delights – that everyone dips into communally. And be sure to try their extraordinary Xveula while you’re there – traditionally made in Racha with sugar and flour but Shavi Lomi’s version comes with cheese, mushrooms and/or spinach.

mEama

Much like Barbarestan, Restaurant Meama is inspired by 19th century Georgia, where much of the culinary traditions were founded. The dishes are prepared according to recipes that are over 200-year-old and then are modernized with techniques and unusual, even courageous, flavors. Try their salmon with berries to get a taste of how the ancestors of Georgians prepared fish in the Tbilisian way. Take a bite of their Doshorva (a traditional Adjarian recipe made with lots of love and surprise in Meama) and wash it down with their delicious wine. Have you ever had Isrimi sauce? If you are in search of a unique taste, the restaurant suggests you try a very aromatic and pleasant flavor, which is suitable for many dishes and made from soft fruit. Isrimi sauce usually comes with meat, but if you’re looking for a vegetarian dish, try their pkhali. What’s so special about their pkhali, you ask? It’s made from pumpkin, we answer, and it’s so delicious you might never want to go back to your ordinary choice of pkhali again.

of an old wine factory, Veriko offers a wide choice of meals, from appetizers to desserts. What gives additional advantage to the place is the fact that Veriko offers vegan and vegetarian options of Georgia’s most famous, ‘meaty’ dishes, so anyone can find a meal that suits their needs. For example, you can enjoy there a delicious bowl of vegetarian kharcho (made with mushrooms). While their traditional khachapuri tastes incredible, they offer another type of it, too called Pkhlovani - a type of Khachapuri with beetroot leaves and cheese filling. Veriko’s large selection of high-quality wine adds to the delight of the gastronomic experience that they offer. The perfect symbiosis of Georgian and European contemporary cuisine won’t take too many Laris out of your pocket. Every one you spend there will be worth the delicious food, the pleasant atmosphere, and friendly service.

chvEni Chveni is another option if you’re looking for a place that offers Georgian taste with an original twist. Opened just a year ago, Chveni already takes an important place

among the best Georgian restaurants in the country. Headed by the amazing Chef Guram Baghdoshvili, the restaurant opens new doors of fusion to Georgian cuisine. Have you ever had eggplant chips for an appetizer? You can at Chveni. Georgian traditional cuisine takes an interesting turn in the kitchen of this restaurant, but the menu also contains Asian dishes; some clients of Chveni actually claim that it has the best sushi they have ever had, and the multifunctional open spaces are a nod to the Japanese style. Their interior is as exceptional as their menu – it’s as artsy as it is fancy, creating a lovely and comfortable atmosphere for the guests. Try their honey cake to get a taste of heaven, or their pumpkin balls in cheese sauce. Actually, try their everything, as no dish made at Chveni will disappoint.

vEriko Best for breakfast and brunch, Veriko is another restaurant in Tbilisi to try the modern take of Georgian traditional cuisine. Located within the premises

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Fine Dining in Tbilisi By katie ruth Davies

There’s nothing better than a great view, gentle music and a melt-in-the-mouth selection of the best Georgian cuisine has to offer. If you’ve got change to spare and are not on a budget, then these restaurants will be right up your street.

to the best and sometimes little-known wines to accompany particular dishes. And you’ll savor it all in a comfortable and sophisticated environment, equipped with leather armchairs and comfortable tables. Here you’ll find something totally unique: a historic fresco entitled “Longing for Pirosmani”, created by Koka Ignatov in the 1960s. That’s not everything Funicular Complex offers. Besides, on the third floor, you will find the ultimate venue for a conference, wedding reception or party, with the facilities and service to match.

rEpuBlic rEstaurant funicular High above Tbilisi, you’ll find the city’s most stylish center for fine food and drink – the Funicular Complex. Located in a much loved and carefully restored historic city landmark, the Complex enjoys stunning views of the city. Equally dazzling is the range of four separate wining and dining options on offer. Located on the first floor, Georgian restaurant “Chela” specializes in the highest quality meat dishes, including such specialties as khinkali in a modern ambiance, featuring cutting-edge design.

Next, to “Chela” you will find the bakery “Puri Guliani” which is a dream come true for lovers pastries and breads, including every kind of Khachapuri. On the second floor of the Complex, you will find the treasure of the building – the restaurant “Funicular” offering the classic Georgian dishes with a twist: carefully chosen modern ingredients complement the traditional ones. The Spanish Josper grill and oven will ensure you enjoy each dish at its optimum taste and texture. While the wine gallery and experienced sommelier will introduce you

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Head up in the lift of the glass-enveloped Republic building to discover an incredible fine-dining experience in the sky overlooking the capital city. The

menu of the Republic Restaurant is truly special, with an extravagant choice of fresh fish ranging from luxe king crabs, fresh oysters, lobster, red prawns and the finest aged prime beef for the biggest beef connoisseurs. Created by Gilles& Boissier, a French Interior Design Company, the restaurant’s design is a mix of cosmopolitan flair and local elements. In high summer the terrace plays host to a spectacular buzz. The bar, with its panoramic views over the city, serves the best classic cocktails and comprehensive collection of Tsinandali Estate wine. 6 Republic Sq. (+995) 591 08 71 72

qalaqi rEstaurant This is a very new Georgian-European restaurant that opened in a purposebuilt elegant three-storey building on Kostava, near Vera Park.

The chef, David Tavernier, is French and is very good at what he does. All his dishes are extremely delicious. In his words: “First, we serve traditional Georgian food prepared by my chefs. Some dishes I don’t touch at all because they are really good, and some I put a little twist on in texture or taste, or in the design and plating, for example. Second, we have European, which I’m in charge of. These two occupy the first two floors in a high-quality brasserie format. Then, there’s the fine dining. The third floor is a one Michelin star standard fine dining French restaurant, “Bronze by Nicolas Isnard”, all dishes signed off by him with 35 seats maximum. It is completely different from anything else in Georgia; the way of service, the style of cooking: everything is revolutionary; a Michelin star quality ‘top of the top’ establishment. We have two formulas: a menu with five starters, six main courses (three fish, three meat), four desserts. Out of this,

guests can choose four or six courses. The former comes with one starter, two mains (one fish, one meat) and one dessert; the latter with two starters, two mains (one fish, one meat) and two desserts.” Overwhelming? Well, Where.ge can at least recommend their Caesar salad, totally different to what you might expect and guaranteed to take your tastebuds to a new level of culinary awareness! 45b Kostava Str., Tbilisi (+995) 322 55 10 30

chEf’s BrothErs

Chef’s Brothers is the flagship restaurant of Chef Konstantin Tedeluri, who has recently risen to popular renown as a judge on the new TV show Master Chef. The restaurant, located near Vake Park, is tastefully and stylishly decorated with brick, iron, and velvet, giving it an upscale but comfortable, modest vibe. Most visitors won’t even notice the decor, however, once they taste the food. The menu is a nimble blend of traditional Georgian and European dishes. Tedeluri cleverly plays with ingredients, techniques, presentation, and flavors to create exciting new dishes that are definitely worth a visit. 24 Mosashvili St., Tbilisi (+995) 322 90 37 75

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mozaiko loungE tErracE Hidden at the top of the Ambassadori hotel is a unique restaurant with Old Tbilisi views. It’s unusual decor comes with sophisticated service and an eclectic mix of global cuisine- try Japanese, Arabic, European and Middle-Oriental dishes, or just head there for the cocktails and fun! The sushi is particularly popular.

owner’s name. Back in 1847, noble lady Barbare Jorjadze, a truly progressive mind of the XIX century, speaker for women’s rights and dedicated housekeeper, published a book of recipes and practical household tips. Mid-2010s, one of the copies was discovered at the Tbilisi flea market by one of the restaurant’s founders. The founders are, by the way, the parents of 11 children, and the elder

Best enjoyed with friends, you can book open and closed VIP rooms, or drink and chat the night away on the 4th floor terrace of the Ambassadori hotel. 17 I. Shavteli Str., Ambassadori Tbilisi Hotel, Tbilisi (+995) 599 44 32 86

BarBarEstan The story behind this cozy restaurant sounds incredible. “Barbarestan” means “At Barbare’s” in Georgian, but it’s not the

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children are also involved in family business. While working on the restaurant concept, they decided to make Barbare’s book the base of the whole menu. The interior design also remembers XIX century Georgia, when nobles gathered for beautiful dinners: brick walls, traditional tablecloths, wooden furniture, wonderfully painted plates… The staff is extremely attentive and polite, and if you happen to meet one of founders, a member of that big Qurasbediani family, you will be enchanted by the manner in which they will treat you. The food is prepared according to old Georgian recipes, so some names and ingredients might surprise you. The waiters can advise you well, plus they are trained to pair wines with dishes, too. Quince soup, cucumber and nadughi salad, assortments of dips, a glass of Qvevri wine and a piece of pelamushi cake are a great option for a light dinner. Hot tea with a variety of homemade jams (white cherry, fig, walnut, feijoa and even aubergine!) is also a great option for a cool autumn evening with family or friends. 132 Aghmashenebeli Ave., Tbilisi (+995) 0322 94 37 79

Listing: Georgian & Mixed Cuisine in Tbilisi g.vino 6 Erekle II (+995) 32 293 21 21

Art House Tbilisi has a special, cosy atmosphere, with a harmonic music, interesting art interior and friendly staff. Beautiful terrace, where you can enjoy an amazing panoramic views of Tbilisi is perfect for a romantic date or even for a family happy hours.

kEto & kotE D. Toradzis Str. (+995) 555 53 01 26

ciskari Kus Tba (+995) 32 243 77 00 @ciskarikustba info@ciskari.ge Inspired by wine and tapas bars in Europe with their casual setup, delicious local food, diverse local natural wine offer and happy staff, g.Vino aims to support small local wine producers and help them save some rare Georgian grapes. All our staff are new to the industry. Take the example of our cooking team, with a lady who used to prepare amazing food only for her family Check out how home-made food really tastes.

art housE tBilisi Rike Park (+995) 557 51 50 52

OPEN 3 PM - 2 AM

Keto & Kote is one of the most charming restaurants in Tbilisi, named after a famous 20th century Georgian movie. Ask for a table on the terrace or in the garden under the grapevines and enjoy a view of Tbilisi at night and tasty Georgian cuisine.

tiflis vEranDa Ciskari is a newly opened green space located in Kus Tba - an authentic Tbilisi recreational spot. The Ciskari Kitchen concept is inspired by Tbilisi, with Chef Tamta Kikaleishvili saying she is inspired by the energy of the city, and tries to recreate that vibe in her everyday work. Ciskari establishes its name as a Social Club, a place fluid enough to host people from every age, social and cultural background. Ciskari hosts free-to-join clubs, discussions about mental health and occasional yoga pop-ins.

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3 Gorgasali Str. (+995) 32 200 02 45 www.tiflispalace.ge Email: tiflisveranda@tiflispalace.ge

Restaurant Tiflis Veranda is a combination of classic restaurant and lounge style summer terraces.

It offers exquisite dishes of local and international cuisine, exclusive deserts and brand cocktails, and high-quality service against a background of great music. Only here, surrounded by breathtaking views of the city’s most important historical and cultural monuments, can one feel the real spirit of Tbilisi. Tiflis Veranda is ready to serve its guests daily from 11AM to 2AM.

cafÉ lEila 18 Shavteli Str. (+995) 555 94 94 20

PUBLICA is the latest hip place in Tbilisi for delicious New American food, great cocktails and a convivial New York Americana atmosphere. Breaking with convention, the restaurant was designed to be lively, inclusive and approachable. Publica is the ideal spot for any occasion. Art House OPEN 12 pm – 2 am

BrassEriE BuvEttE 18 L. Gudiashvili Str. (+995) 544 44 45 44

appetizers and Kharcho dishes and traditional desserts. Restaurant Kharcho gives a nod to the old Georgian traditional recipes while giving them a modern twist. The cuisine there expresses the purity, freshness and simplicity associated with the regions of Georgia. Art House OPEN 12 pm – 12 am

vinotEl 4 E. Akhvlediani Ascent (+995) 32 255 58 88 www.vinotel.ge Cafe Leila is a pescetarian (some fish options available on the menu) and a healthy dining experience in Tbilisi that serves only village-grown, non-GMO and seasonal products.

puBlica 18 L. Gudiashvili Str. (+995) 544 44 45 44

Brasserie Buvette is a contemporary French restaurant, known for its chic Brasserie cuisine. The menu features updated Brasserie classics with a market-driven modern twist, the dishes showcasing Georgia’s finest produce. Art House 12pm - 12 am

kharcho 18 L. Gudiashvili Str. (+995) 544 44 45 44 Restaurant Kharcho is the first restaurant of its kind in Georgia with a small menu mainly focused on simple Georgian

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Vinotel Restaurant is one of the most popular eateries in the city. The place is exceptional for its great menu with Georgian raw material prepared in a European style. Whether you’re into fine dining or want a romantic date, this is the place for you.

Every evening the classical Fazioli piano and a professional Georgian live trio entertain our guests in the restaurant. There is a space for 40 inside and 30 on the spacious terrace, with heating and cooling systems, a 20-seat historic hall, Georgian wine cellar, with a professional tasting table for 20 guests hosted by Vinotel’s wine expert. A classic business hall is available for meetings and business lunches for 20 people, equipped with all modern technologies. The restaurant features several chambers each with a different style where you can sample exceptional wines with Georgian cuisine.

her cooks offer their own regional favorite dishes and invent completely new recipes.

taBla saloon 33 Chavchavadze Ave. (+995) 595 85 88 46

EthnographEr 105 A. Beliashvili Str. (+995) 32 202 20 50

Ethnographer is an exotic, ethnographic restaurant in Tbilisi with delicious Georgian dishes and wine.

Thanks to its special interior and the novel Georgian menu, Tabla Saloon has already become the best place for family reunions and business meetings. A wine expert will help guests to choose the most appropriate wines. Restoration of the lost traditions of the Georgian feast is the principal idea of Tabla’s new concept.

shavi lomi

BarBarEstan

28 Z. Kvlividze Str. (+995) 32 296 09 56

132 Agmashenebeli Ave. (+995) 32 294 37 79

The restaurant is the brainchild of local chef Meriko Gubeladze, who opened Shavi Lomi in May 2011. The chef and

Restaurant “Barbarestan” represents a fine results of newly understanding a book “Complete Cooking” published

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in 1914 by 19th century writer Barbare Eristavi-Jorjadze. The most important person of her epoch, the writer, feminist and poet hosts you in 21st century Tbilisi with excellent cooking, combining European and Asian tastes and colors, as Tbilisi does itself. Guests will be met by a comfortable environment, Georgian tunes and dishes made of natural products. Enjoy hints of the 19th century- black and white photos, vintage furniture, a beautiful interior, and other carefully planned details that take you on a gastronomic journey through time.

purpur guDiashvili garDEn 1 A. Tbileli Str. (+995) 32 247 77 76

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Bia

tsiskvili

gaBriaDzE cafE

14 Machabeli Str. (+995) 32 299 79 77

99 Beliashvili Str. (+995) 32 200 55 55

13 Shavteli Str. (+995) 577 43 43 87

Salobie translates as “bean house.” Bia also is the name of a Georgian village and also the word for ‘quince’ in western Georgia. Salobie Bia offers traditional Georgian dishes. The interior of the small restaurant is full of artworks of contemporary Georgian painters.

The restaurant Tsiskvili was opened in 2002 and is an iconic Georgian restaurant. The unique authentic design is surrounded by a natural waterfall, water mill and many ancient antiquities.

Gabriadze Cafe offers a rich menu of selected dishes that combine authentic traditional recipes and contemporary methods. The cafe uses the freshest top quality ingredients that are bought daily from the local market and carefully

luca polarE

34 K. Apkhazi str. (Old Tbilisi) 12 R. Eristavi str. (Round garden) 125 D. Aghmashenebeli avenue 7a Pekini ave. 2 A.Tvaltchrelidze str. (East Point) 7 Sandro Euli str. 2 Dzemebi Kakabadzeebi str. 2/4 Rustaveli ave. (Galleria Tbilisi) 11 I. Mosashvili str. 9 Al. Kazbegi Ave. 70- Vazha-Pshavela Ave. (City Mall) Facebook: LucaPolareOriginal

102 Instagram: Lucapolare Web: Lucapolare.com

(+995) 0322 38 08 02 8 am - 1 am Luca Polare is one of the top destinations for Tbilisi residents. Lucas the polar bear’s cafes throughout the city invite you to enjoy the most flavorful ice cream and coffee. With more than 60 types of ice cream, Luca`s production is based on Italian recipes, using 100% natural products, fresh milk and fresh fruit and containing no artificial additives for color or taste.

eat and Luca also offers gluten-free,todiabetic vegan options.

Depending on the season, you can find rare types of ice cream, from mint, mulberry, or buckthorn, to feijoa and even the most palatable sour blackcurrant ice creams. Luca Polare also serves exclusive coffee. This coffee travels an interesting route to reach Lucas shops. The highest quality Arabica beans are picked in South America, sent to a German family with a long history of coffee making. These experts roast our coffee beans based on traditional methods and send it on to Georgia only for Luca Polare. You can also enjoy tea, hot chocolate, blended drinks, frappés, cakes, salads and sandwiches.

prepared by its chefs. Choose from an appetizing selection of freshly handmade baked goods, assorted succulent meats from the wood-burning grill, and a nourishing variety of hearty soups and healthy salads, including options for both vegetarians and vegans.

rEstaurant funicular Mtatsminda Plateau (+995) 32 298 00 00 Skola Coffee & Wine Bar is a space for city conversations with specialty coffee; a cafe where food and wine complement each other and make the whole experience one of a kind.

sakhli 11 11 Galaktion Tabidze Str. (+995) 599 20 52 11 Perched high on Mtatsminda, the views over the lights of Tbilisi unrival as a backdrop to the perfect dining experience. As you step off the train that steeply ascends the mountain, take a moment to take in the iconic architecture of the Funicular Complex building which was designed by Georgian architects in 1938. The Funicular Restaurant is one of four dining facilities within the complex, and provides you with a vintage finedining atmosphere, with dishes based around those on the original menu of 1938 and classical Georgian offerings, each with a little twist of modernity.

skola 17 Rustaveli Ave., 80 Paliashvili Str. (+995) 551 53 33 35

kfc 1 Kavtaradze Ave., City Mall, 26 Chavchavadze Ave., 8a Navtlugi Str., Isani Mall, 1 Khizabavra Str., Gldani Mall, 2/4 Rustaveli Ave., Gallery Tbilisi, (+995) 577 04 37 10 KFC Corporation, based in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the few brands in America that can boast a rich, decades-long history of success and innovation. It has 5 branches in Tbilisi.

pastorali 6 Erekle II Str. (+995) 592 31 19 19 Pastorali Restaurant in Old Tbilisi, boast a traditional menu and is a favorite for many tourists.

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Puri Guliani – this is what our ancestors called pastries that they earnestly created all over Georgia with variety of fillings. These pastries were later shared with important and beloved people, marking the significance of the dishes. That’s why we call our Sakhabazo (bakery) and kitchen Puri Guliani. Here we bring history to life and contribute to the everlasting tradition of Georgian baking. Every day our team creates new variations of traditional dishes, Guliani breads, pastries and mouthwatering desserts by using only Georgian wheat and regional products.

Saarbrucken Square, Tbilisi Call: 577 00 00 83 9:00AM - 11:00PM

mEtEkhi’s uBani 29a Queen Ketevan Ave. (+995 32) 2 30 30 30 metekhisubani@mgroup.ge www.mgroup.ge

Tbilisi has always been a city of warm relations and friendship, with narrow streets, close-knit neighborhoods, noisy and fun neighbors, multicultural elements, heart-warming greetings and a pleasant

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mood that will never let you feel alone or left out. Metekhi’s Ubani, another restaurant by m|group, emerged from this true, friendly relationship and spirit-fueled origins, where every dish and its aroma, as well as minor details will bring you back to your beloved and warm environment and will make you feel the spirit of your Tbilisian neighborhood. The old Tbilisian ambience of the restaurant Metekhi’s Ubani is themed by the unity of urban Georgian songs, which are performed daily by the vocal ensemble “Megobrebi”, with guitar and piano accompaniment. The restaurant is ready to serve its guests 24/7.

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BrEaD housE 7 Gorgasali Str. (+995 32) 2 30 30 30 breadhouse@mgroup.ge www.mgroup.ge

Restaurant Bread House is characterized by a distinctive and interesting interior that makes up three halls (“Satone”, “Salonuri” & “Satavado”). This is a traditional Georgian restaurant with delightful national cuisine, where you can taste

unique Georgian dishes and delicious bread bakes. You will enter Bread House via the “Satone”, where long Kakhetian Shoti and round thin Madauri are baked before your eyes in “Tone” (traditional deep clay oven). And if you fancy giving bread-making a go yourself, you’l be welcomed into the bakery. Live Georgian music is heard in the halls every evening and in summer you can chill outside on the terrace, sip Georgian wine and enjoy views of a beautiful part of Old Tbilisi.

expeditions, up to 150 rules of preparation of traditional Georgian dishes, the recipes of which were preserved among the elders of the regions, were restored, while guests can taste up to 30 of those dishes only in this particular chain of restaurants.

Restaurant guests have the opportunity to taste treasures of the Georgian feast. “Treasures of the Georgian Feast” is m|group’s project launched in 2010, which involved searching for indigenous Georgian dishes, recipes and rules of preparation, in order to save them from oblivion and to preserve these traditions for future generations. As a result of

m|catEring

Furthermore, the restaurant offers an additional menu – “For Gourmets”, which is made with special ingredients for food lovers.

(+995 32) 2 30 30 30 info@mgroup.ge www.mgroup.ge

catering

m|catering is one of the core services that m|group provides, while 10 years of operation counts over 1,000 events and projects held during the period.

In 2017, the m|catering menu and assortment was completely renewed with sophisticated flavors and improved visual features. Moreover, the company produced a special line for children – which is created with healthy, fresh and kids’ favorite products. No event is too small or too large for m|catering – we will be delighted to make your event deliciously special!

Located in one of the oldest and most picturesque districts of Tbilisi, Mtatsminda and distinguished for its magnificent architecture, restaurant Funicular opened its doors to guests for the first time eight decades ago in 1938 and since then has hosted several honorable guests, from Margaret Thatcher to Indira Gandhi and Fidel Castro. Therefore if you are looking for authentic experience of Tbilisi, served with mouthwatering gourmet food and a memorable evening in an atmosphere that lets you travel back in time and experience best of what the city could offer, then Restaurant Funicular is a definite must-visit place during your visit to Georgia.

Mtatsimda plateau, 0114 Tbilisi +995 577 74 44 00

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Exclusive Drinks Guide . . . e ic o h C y M

Salome Pirveli Development Manager for William Grant & Sons in Georgia

stamBa loBBy Bar If you want to spend the evening at a venue full of impulses, where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll meet people of all interests and opinions, then definitely visit the Stamba Lobby Bar. Upon entering, you will see an original American-style interior and get the feeling that Tbilisi is truly a part of Europe. Then a team of distinguished mixologists will magic-up an exclusive original cocktail for you, tailored to the Georgian taste.

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lagazza WinE Bar In Georgia, wine export has been growing with geometric progression in recent years. At the same time,the culture of its consumption has also been improved. Given this, the concept of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wine Barsâ&#x20AC;? has become quite trendy. The ideal place to see it is at the Lagazza Wine Bar, where guests will find a European atmosphere and a mix of Georgian traditions. At Lagazza Wine Bar, it is possible to taste different types of cheese and sausage boards with a wide assortment of wine and Georgian chacha.

cocktail factory This bar located at the Wine Factory was an innovator in the field of cocktail mixology. Their different inventory and service approach leaves each guest with a sense of exclusivity. If you want to spend time in a quiet atmosphere or relax after a tiring workday, then it is highly recommended to visit Cocktail Factory.

shushaBanDi There are three different concepts united in this restaurant; however, the original visual of the interior of the bar impresses you before all. Professional bartenders from different countries will do their best to make you feel comfortable.

Drama Bar If you want to discover real Tbilisi nightlife, then you should definitely visit the Drama Bar. This cozy club arranged in a home atmosphere is a great place to spend time with friends.

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Georgia-Made Beer, Then & Now By ana Dumbadze

The history of European beer production in Georgia dates back to the 1850s, introduced by German colonists who lived in Tiflis in the 19th century who started brewing beer in factories here; however, despite the high productivity, the beer they made did not go beyond the province’s borders. Georgia has been rediscovering the delights of beer since the collapse of the Soviet Union, and in the last decade alone, production and variety has been on the rise. Read on to find out more. BEER THEN In 1850, German Louisa Mader founded a company that boiled black, relatively poor quality beer. Later, in 1865, German Friedrich Wetzel began brewing higher quality Bavarian beer. Wetzel is best known for building the first-class Wetzel Hotel on Mikhail Prospect (today’s 103

David Agmashenebeli Avenue) in 1897-1900. The Wetzel beer factory was located on present-day Uznadze Street. In the following decades, as modern technologies for brewing were widely adopted in Georgia, beer production also developed. Wetzel opened an even larger factory in 1868, which employed 16 workers. The Wetzel factory was distinguished for its brewing both Bavarian and Black beer. In fact, the Wetzel plant was so successful at increasing its annual production that it was eventually able to export. The year of its opening, the Wetzel factory produced 65,000 barrels of beer worth 84,000 Russian Rubles. The price of a single barrel varied from 1.3 to 2 Rubles. In the 1880s, Louisa Mader built a new

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factory which also employed 16 people. The quantity of beer produced was not small for the scale of Tbilisi, and in the decade 1886-1896, the Mader factory produced 48,000-52,000 barrels of beer, which amounted to a profit of 62,40067,000 Russian Rubles. Trader Nikoloz Lortkipanidze was among the first Georgian beer producers. He had a small business near Didube Street (now D. Kipiani Street) near the German beer companies mentioned above, annually producing about 12,500 barrels of beer worth about 21,000 Rubles. The low productivity came from the lack of technology used in manufacturing. But by 1886, production had significantly increased, and Lortkipanidze’s company was producing 40,000 barrels of beer a year, worth 56,000 Rubles.

Also present in Tbilisi in the late 19th century were the Gutbrod and Detrich breweries. The beer produced in Georgia was mostly intended for local consumers and only a small portion of the produced beer was exported outside the territory. Internally, beer production never replaced the centuries old love of wine, nor did that the wine dull the more modern love for beer. And in parallel with European beer production in Tbilisi, the production of artificial mineral waters and lemonade also developed. BEER TODAY Today, real German beer enthusiasts can enjoy it in several locations in Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi. German beer house ‘Munich’, craft beer ‘9 Mta’ and Beer Factory ‘Chemo Kargo’ are highly recommended among them. ‘Munich,’ the biggest German beer house in Georgia, is located on the right bank of Mtkvari, at 40 A. Bakradze Street (the area near the Digomi Bridge) in Tbilisi. It offers 12 types of top quality beer and

delicious dishes from German, European, Eastern European, and Georgian cuisine. ‘Munich’ is the perfect place to feel the German spirit in Georgia. It allows visitors to keep on top of the biggest sporting events of the month, and many head there to relax with friends, watch their favorite games and enjoy real German beer and popular German dishes like Schnitzel. As for the desserts, ‘Munich’ offers amazingly delicious apple strudel and other tasty sweets. Good food, a great selection of craft beers and good service await guests, with prices ranging between GEL 10 - 40. 9 Mta (Nine Mountains) offers unique craft beer that is the result of “crossing the 9 mountains and 9 seas for true beer lovers in their journey for freedom and discovery!” You can taste this extremely delicious beer at the restaurant located at 10 Tabidze Street, where you will also find 24 types of craft beer from all over the world, exciting events, great music and all the comfort beer lovers demand.

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You can also buy 9 Mta at restaurant Rooms, Zala, Tabla, Otium, Tone, Keti’s Bistro, Amodi, Art Café Home, Antishpoti, 11 Katkha, Coffee lab, Linville, Burger Bar, and G-vino. Hotels ‘Rooms Kazbegi’, Stamba, Iota, and Hualing, and supermarkets ‘Goodwill’, AgroHub, Spar, Smugglers, Eel, and Mercato also sell 9 Mta. Beer Factory - Chemo Kargo is located in the Digomi district of Tbilisi, at 25 Akaki Beliashvili Street. It offers premium quality beers for those looking for something new to discover. In addition to a cozy atmosphere, delicious hot and cold dishes, nice music and a team of professionals, it offers a wide variety of amazing craft beers, including: Kargo – a lager; APA - American beer with a pleasant flavor; Pilsner traditional Czech style beer, with a characteristic pleasant sourness; Stout Irish black beer with a pleasant taste and creamy foam; and Wit – Belgian white beer.

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Perfect Places to Have a Drink with Friends By katie ruth Davies

Here on holiday or just fancy heading out for a social drink or two? We’ve got you covered with these simple, affordable and own-style bars, where you’ll be good for both beers and cocktails. Enjoy!

DivE Bar

As the name suggests, the floors in this bar are not made of jade marble, nor are the

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staff graduates of the Jeeves school of service. They are, however, friendly to all and sundry, and serve import beers at staggeringly cheap prices; the price making ‘staggering’ the operative word. Particularly popular with Tbilisi’s expatriate community, patrons come from all walks of life; one can find oneself conversing with a journalist, a diplomat, a mercenary, a Bohemian, or a man who claims he works in Hollywood because he once served a cup of coffee to Bruce Willis on a movie set. The bar is also visited by young Georgians looking to escape khinkali, supras and the toasts of the tamada.

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12 Revaz Laghidze Str. (+995) 597067473

valiko’s Valiko’s, set in one of Old Tbilisi’s best old buildings, is a hidden gem of the bar scene of the city. The carefully curated interior answers to the emerging underground scene, combining the old, classic, and decorative style of the building with paintings and sculptures. Every night, you will encounter interesting and welcoming people who are looking to make new friends; some are fellow travelers, some

Wine Not? is a cool new wine bar in central Tbilisi. They describe themselves as a “free and interesting space for wine lovers.”

21 L. Asatiani Str. (+995) 591 22 25 52

Black Dog Bar

The bar offers an extensive selection of wines from across Georgia, and helpful, knowledgeable staff to assist customers navigating the variety. It’s a great spot for wine lovers, and the cool design gives it a modern, chic vibe 6 V. Petriashvili Str. (+995) 598 39 41 08

21 Drunk strEEt Stuffed with loyal customers almost every evening, this little cozy bar is perhaps the liveliest bar in the historical Sololaki area. It’s is frequented by both locals and expats, and on Friday and Saturday nights you will barely find a place to sit, but the chances of finding new friends are higher than ever.

are locals. Enjoy the chill out zone downstairs, or stay close to the bar with balconies against the background of the 19th century original owner’s film playing on silent and adding something unique to the atmosphere.

The menu features a variety of craft beer and homemade wine, chacha, delicious burgers and burritos (some of them truly “Georgian style”, with some ingredients you will find only here), and such exotic inventions as elarji fingers and stuffed hot peppers.

24 G. Tabidze Str. (+995) 593 96 14 54

WINE NOT?

A great place for after-work drinks or to kick off your evening on the town, 21 Drunk Street is a cellar-bar fit for a small crowd. White walls and light furniture keep the space fresh, and friendly staff and board games make it fun and welcoming.

The design is super unpretentious – Black Dog Bar doesn’t want to seem fancy; it is simply that neighborhood pub perfect to pop into after work to have a pint of pale ale and chat with the bartender. 33 Lado Asatiani Str. (+995) 599 03 62 51

Best for great beer and wine, they also offer a variety of spirits.

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Listing: Wine Bars WinE Bar ‘invino’ 10 Shalva Gambashidze Str. (+995) 599 925000 www.facebook.com/Invino.Tbilisi/

Schuchmann Wine Bar & Restaurant is all about presenting high standard real Georgian wine and a true gastronomic experience.

Wine Bar ‘Invino’ is a small, cozy wine bar with delicious nosh boards in the city center. Here you can taste up to 500 varieties of wine from small Georgian wine cellars. Periodically themed wine tastings are held at the bar, allowing guests to guess the wines with a unique nature through blind tasting, or to distinguish the features of wines from the same vine species fermented using different methods. The evenings are organized with the support of the Wine Club and are led by professional winemakers and wine experts.

Fantastic wines from their château, a handmade pure Georgian interior design, open kitchen, Georgian Fusion, non-smoking environment, Georgian ethno-jazz, high quality service and well trained and professional staff are happy to welcome guests!

8 Sioni Str. (+995) 322 05 08 07, 555 44 09 01 www.schuchmann-wines.com

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8000 vintagEs 26 S. Tsintsadze Str., 60 Abashidze Str. (+995) 322 88 00 11

g.vino 6 Erekle II Str. (+995) 598 93 21 21, 322 93 21 21

The bar is also popularizing Georgian cheese produced using European technology.

schuchmann WinE Bar

service. The fantastic atmosphere in the heart of Old Tbilisi brings positivity which stays with you right to the very end of your travels through Georgia, and beyond. All wines offered in the bar are the best, each carefully chosen to satisfy the taste of any wine lover. Our favorites are amber-color wines and it is hard to say which is the most outstanding as all of them are interesting in their own way. Some are experimental, made without Chacha (residue) and some are traditional and left to ferment in Chacha longer. It all depends on your mood.

g.Vino brought wine bars in Tbilisi to a whole new level. Here, you’ll be offered wines that meet your exact demands. The best Tbilisi has to offer, g.Vino has top wines, delicious food and wonderful

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Wine-lovers should head for 8000 Vintages, a young wine store and degustation locale which serves everything from amber and orange wine to delicious Georgian whites. The name symbolizes the 8000-year history of winemaking in Georgia, the country which may have been home to the first humans to conquer the grape, giving rise to the thousands of reds and whites we enjoy today.

A distinguishing part about 8000 Vintages is that it organizes blind tastings for a panel of winemakers, wine connoisseurs, and sommeliers. Giving equal opportunity to all kinds of winemakers, small as well as large producers, the experts only keep wines with a soulful character. Visit this wine shop in age-old Tbilisi to taste and experience Georgian viniculture first-hand!

vino unDErgrounD 5 Galaktioni Str. (+995) 322 30 96 10

Vino Underground probably had the biggest impact on the promotion of Georgian, traditional and, most importantly, natural winemaking in our country. Wine lovers can taste the best natural wines from all regions of Georgia, some incredibly rare and produced in only 100 bottles. The bar regularly organizes pleasant evening events where guests can meet winemakers. Apart from unique wines and family-made dishes, your evening will be set in a very warm and friendly environment, accompanied by tasteful music presented live by the winemaker himself with his friends.

châtEau mukhrani WinE stuDio 6 Samghebro Str., Meidan Square (+995) 322 14 91 51

Pino Grigio. A few months ago, Azarpesha introduced cocktails made from natural ingredients, a delightful novelty. Of course the menu, which offers original and seasonal dishes, deserves a special mention- more than able satisfy the demands of any gourmet.

WinE gallEry Château Mukhrani invites you to discover the finest wines of Georgia in its high class wine studio in Tbilisi, on Meidan Square. Ideally situated in the heart of Old Tbilisi District, the Château Mukhrani Wine Studio is the gate for sightseeing this historical place and getting to know more about the finest Georgian wines with the advice of professional wine tasters. Wine Studio offers you the chance to taste and buy from an exclusive selection of Château Mukhrani Wines at special prices, and to learn more about the oldest wine-making traditions.

azarpEsha 2 Ingorokva Str. (+995) 579 07 13 13

39 Tsinamdzgvrishvili Str. (+995) 322 94 19 42

Wine Gallery at 39 Tsinamdzgvrishvili Street, is a must-visit place for every wine lover, offering a selection of almost all kinds of Georgian wine. Wine Gallery also operates its own wine-cellar where you can taste wine carefully chosen by sommeliers. The Wine Gallery’s unique design delights wine lovers with an exotic and exquisite atmosphere.

sulico WinE Bar 27 M. Zandukeli Str. (+995) 577 51 00 44

Azarpesha – the perfect place to taste interesting and distrinctive natural wines, almost certainly offering you the widest range of natural European wines. My personal favorites are Dario Prinçic 2009 Pinot Grigio and Friuli- guaranteed to completely transform your attitude towards

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The Georgian Wine Route Drive out into the regions and you’ll be sure to see the brown road signs marking the way to the nearest Wine Route features- from small family holdings to large chateaux; don’t miss out on your chance to delve deeper into Georgia’s 8,000 year tradition of winemaking.

schuchmann WinEs gEorgia Kisiskhevi village, Telavi (+995) 593 48 73 74

Schuchmann Wines Georgia is located in the village of Kisiskhevi, on a hill 1.5 km from the main road. The company owns a hotel and a wine cellar built to resemble a medieval castle and featuring a large veranda and tasting and conference rooms. A traditional wine cellar, equipped with Qvevri, stands next to a modern wine factory. This company is one of the country’s most experienced and successful in terms of wine tourism. It was founded by a German wine enthusiast infatuated with Georgia, Mr. Schuchmann, who brought together one convenient infrastructure: the wine cellar, restaurant and hotel. Schuchmann Wines produces high-class white and red wines according to Kathetian and European methods.

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châtEau mukhrani vinotEl Mukhrani village, Mtskheta (+995) 595 99 13 14/16

4 E. Akhvlediani Ascent, Tbilisi (+995) 32 255 58 88 www.vinotel.ge

Château Mukhrani is located 25 minutes’ drive from Tbilisi and occupies the estate of Prince Mukhran-Batoni’s Palace. Basic sightseeing of the palace and its cellars, with a main tunnel connecting the palace to the winery. The cellars of Mukhrani Palace have been completely renovated. The Tourism Department of Château Mukhrani offers diverse wine tours to guests – from walking in the vineyards to visiting the historical palace of MukhranBatoni and modern winery. Château Mukhrani produces classic white, rosé, red and fortified wines as well as Chacha from following varieties: Goruli Mtsvane, Chinuri, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Rkatsiteli, Muscat, Tavkveri, Shavkapito, Saperavi and Cabernet.

Wine-curious visitors can order a special wine tasting from Vinotel’s wine expert, who will give you a tour of their in-house redbrick wine cellar and a solid introduction to the Georgian wine culture.

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The historical arched, brick wine cellar offers an exceptional selection of the best Georgian wines, including natural wines from small exclusive artisan wineries and industry leaders. Wines are kept at optimum conditions thanks to the natural properties of the cellar, combined with the recently added cutting-edge German technology. “Dear Beno, on behalf of the group of Masters of Wine who visited Georgia, and for myself, I’d like to extend my deepest gratitude for the kindness…” Lisa Granik, Master of Wine

phEasant’s tEars WinEry 18 Baratashvili Str., Sighnaghi (+995) 32 223 15 56 www.pheasantstears.com

Khvanchkara Winery was built in 1927 in the Rachan village of Khvanchkara on the place of the Cellar of Prince Kipiani. Winemakers who have been working in the winery for decades pass on the Kipiani method of Khvanchkara winemaking to the new generation so as to continue this fine wine making tradition.

chElti 62/18 Vaja Pshavela Ave., Shilda, Kvareli (+995) 593 88 83 88

All of the wines at Pheasant’s Tears are fermented and aged in Qvevri, a unique Georgian vessel used to ferment and store wine. They built their cellar in the vineyard itself to minimize the damage to the grapes in transportation, allowing them to harvest and press before the hot hours of the sun. It is usually a question of hours before the harvested grapes are already pressed and in the cool Qvevri. Let Pheasant’s Tears introduce you to ancient varietals made in the vibrant Georgian tradition.

khvanchkara WinEry 55 K. Apkhazi Str. (+995) 558 25 05 25

wine which encouraged the company founders to expand their family winery and to bring winemaking tradition to a new level, passing this living heritage from generation to generation.

gWs WinEry Telavi, Kakhaeti (+995) 577 22 20 57

The Wine Company “Chelti” was founded in 2001 and is located in Kakheti region, in the village of Shilda, Kvareli district. From the very beginning, the company’s goal was to produce only premium quality products and so it planted its own vineyards which would have given the possibility to control the quality of grapes. In 2005, the foundation was laid for the construction of winery which was completed in 2006.

shilDa 106 T. Tabidze Str., Shilda Kakheti (+995) 322 971 716 Shilda Winery was founded in 2015, but the story began yet many years ago from a great love and respect for

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GWS is one of the most famous wineries in Georgia, founded in 1993 in Telavi on the base of the famous winery Telavi 2, created in 1976. From 1999-2016, the company undertook to dramatically increase the level of quality of its wines and was awarded about 160 prizes in national and international competitions: 4 double gold, 73 Gold, 46 Silver and 26 bronze medals. GWS brands are increasingly popular in local and international markets (Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Ukraine, Baltics, China, Japan).

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Exclusive Tips for Shopping Lovers

. . . e c i o h C y M

George Zhorzholiani Marketing Director at INN GROUP Hotels

8000 vintagEs A place for foreign tourists and locals alike, those who are interested in travel and the history of wine. Discover products saturated in tradition that will appeal to any visitor, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be sure to experience numerous emotions in every glass you try.

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avtanDil This is the homeland of Avtandil. Tasteful, sophisticated clothing designed by a famous Georgian designer, made in Georgia, awaits you. Be differentWear Georgian.

company “chirchkhEla” This café-shop offers Georgian natural produce- fruit, veg, dried fruit, churchkhela and other Georgian treats and local production created by friendly entrepreneurs working together, to bring you “the abundance of Georgia in one space”. Tourists head here to meet in a comfortable, cozy family environment.

fashion housE “marigolD” The first association, of course, is connected with happiness and beauty, and company Marigold will not disappoint. This is a Georgian brand that manufactures custom, handmade wedding dresses and festive clothing. Marigold’s handwriting is wonderfully unique. Stylish garments, decorated with accessories, and lightweight fabrics for stylish silhouettes. The company supports the “Wear Georgian” campaign, within which Marigold has a modernized traditional Georgian clothing line.

khEkutkhEDi Khekutkhedi is a creative workshop founded by artists, where the synthesis of materials such as wood and clay results in handmade items of applied design with artistic value. High quality materials are carefully selected for each work; colors and shapes are chosen with style and elegance. In Khekutkhedi, you will definitely find something you like.

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Entrepreneurial News by Entrepreneur Georgia BasED in kakhEti Based in Kakheti, Mariam Gorashvili produces three types of wine from Rkatsiteli, Saperavi (medium sweet), and Saperavi (dry) grapes grown in the village of Velistsikhe. “Each product is ecologically clean. Our Rkatsiteli vineyard is around 40 years old, and has never had poisonous pesticides sprayed on it, only Kakhetian traditional alum and lime. What makes it stand out is the specific processes of its cultivation and processing into wine,” she says.

ringo Ringo is a Tbilisi-born American Cocker Spaniel who can consider himself lucky that Nestan chose him out of the five puppies to take home and travel the world with. When they came back to Tbilisi three years ago, Ringo decided to make the Georgian capital a little cleaner and Nestan helped him, creating the ‘Ringo’ brand: leather and vegan bags, each with 20 biodegradable dog bags inside to help dog owners clean up after their pets. Ringo is Georgian, determined to protect the environment and makes people’s lives easier – this was enough to turn a social project into a profitable business.

tEnE Ginventor’s ‘Tene’ is the first Georgia-made USB cable. The prototype is ready, and will soon be the first green USB cable in the world made from recycled material. Income from initial Tene sales will be used to rid nature of polyethylene bags. Founder Sandro Liluashvili went to China with his team to explore USB production, and decided to use Georgian, recycled material to make their own version. The length of the USB 3.2 GEN Tene is 1.2 meters and it transfers up to 10 Gigabits/second. Ginventor aims to re-invest the income from Tene back to its production while also helping to reach environmental, sustainable goals.

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BuBusi Mari Bregadze, 24, suffered from insomnia for a long time and, not totally satisfied with any of the sleep masks she tried, she decided to create her own. Bubusi produces comfortable sleep eye masks that are as cute as the name. Bubusi also has bags, bracelets and pillows with thematic quotes; from infant-sized sleep eye masks to ones better suited for the elderly, Bubusi is made for every taste and size. In the near future, Bubusi promises to launch women’s pajamas, nighties and robes.

pavonE Founded by Mariam Markarovi, Georgian brand Pavone produces exclusive handmade glass jewelry and interior accessories. It is known for its colorful selection of intricately made and unique technology glassware. Mariam plans to open a Pavone studio-salon which will host masterclasses

maDE in gEorgia Despite the ever-changing tendencies, leather and accessories made from it are always in style. Georgian brand bestMark has been responding to the international trends for years, creating handmade chic accessories from natural leather. “Made in Georgia, and always will be” is the phrase that presents the major principle of the brand.

WEly On the market for over a year, Wely is a high-technology innovative company that creates systems to support business operations. The team’s mission is to enhance business building and homes with modern digital capabilities via smart equipment, sensors, etc. Wely can access the operating system from anywhere in the world, check the current status, optimize costs and more. Co-founder Aleksandre Kviciani says that the company aims big: their plans include joining foreign markets.

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Get Shopping, Get Outlet! By mariam merabishvili

Clothes of any brand can be bought in outlet stores, making a great option for those who don’t want to spend lots of money on clothing or accessories, but still want to dress to impress. Tbilisi has a variety of choices in this regard, stores where people of all tastes are sure to find what they’re looking for.

atEliEr outlEt

stock outlEts

mals

Tbilisi’s two Atelier Outlet stores are among the largest in the capital, offering products of medium and high quality brands for women, men and children. Explore their range of clothes, shoes, accessories and perfumes, up to 250 brands, including Roberto Cavalli, Hugo Boss, Massimo Dutti, COS, ZARA, Stradivarius, Adidas and Nike.

Stock Outlets a famous shoe store where you can buy original models imported from Germany. It offers customers shoes alongside limited edition German-made men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and accessories. If you’re looking for low-priced European products of high quality, this is the place!

Multi-brand chain Mals, located at 5 Pekini Street and 106 Agmashenebeli Ave., is one of the most popular among the outlets. It is another inexpensive and time-tested chain of low-end stores where low-cost clothes and relatively expensive brands are presented. OPEN 10 AM – 8 PM.

The store offers customers an affordable collection that is refreshed every Saturday. You can visit their stores at 124 Sheshelidze Street, Gldani district (metro Akhmeteli Theater), and in Saburtalo on May 26 Square 1. OPEN daily from 10 AM – 10 PM.

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You can follow their collections on Facebook and to buy head to 65a Vazha-Pshavela Ave. Size and quantity can be limited, so snap it up while you can! OPEN 12 PM – 9 PM.

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containEr

laBaDa

outlEt mix

The newly-opened Container is one of the largest outlet stores in Georgia. Located at 36 Marshal Gelovani Ave., it is an outlet hypermarket that combines American and European brands in one space. Customers of any taste are guaranteed to find something that catches their eye from among the 10,000 different household items, furniture, toys, accessories, sports equipment, decorations and more on display here. Think high quality and reasonable prices. OPEN 10 AM – 10 PM.

Located in Digomi, at 4 Peter Iberi Street, Labada offers a wide selection of brands and products, and often updated collections. The store has regular discounts for customers, so be sure to follow their Facebook page, where you’ll find a lot of interesting information. OPEN 11 AM – 9 PM.

Outlet Mix is a chain offering women’s and men’s premium and famous line brands at affordable prices: HUGO BOSS, ARMANI, Calvin Klein, H&M, C O S, Desigual, Lee, Wrangler, YamamaY, Tom Tailor, S.Oliver, Bershka, StreetOne, and more. Follow their Facebook page, where you will find precise and relevant information. Outlet mix is located at 3 Merab Mamardashvili Street. The store opens at 11 AM.

Did you know? Outlets first appeared in the United States in the 1930s. Factory stores started to offer damaged or excess goods to employees at a low price. After some time, the audience expanded to include non-employees. In 1936, Anderson-Little (a men’s clothing brand) opened an outlet store independent of its existing factories. Until the 1970s, the primary purpose of outlet stores was to dispose of excess or damaged goods. In 1974, Vanity Fair opened up the first multi-store outlet center in Reading, Pennsylvania. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, outlet malls grew rapidly in the United States. In 2003, outlet malls in the US generated $15 billion in revenue from 260 stores. The number of US malls increased from 113 in 1988 to 325 in 1997 and 472 in 2013.

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Made in Georgia janEliDzE Bags FB: Janelidze.handbags Instagram: janelidzebags (+995) 571 51 51 56

to merge leather of different textures and colors, and wood, which is a natural material. The color palette hints to nature itself,” says the founder and designer of the brand, Natalia Janelidze.

suBEla FB: SubelaHandmade (+995) 598 50 97 05

“Each bag is sewn by hand and in a single copy. We repeat the model only to order. And whether you already have a Janelidze bag or are going to purchase one, you can be sure that you will never meet your girlfriend at a party holding the same bag as you.”

mavali FB: Mavali.ge (+995) 571 19 05 02

A wallet crafted for a husband became an inspiration for creating this handmade items brand. “Subela” offers natural leather accessories and stone jewelry. The colorfulness of details and pure synthesis of elements gives its products an individual and outstanding nature.

Janelidze is a handbag manufacturing brand launched in 2017. “It was not by chance that my choice fell on creating bags. After all, when it comes to creating a personal style, a bag becomes a vital element of the wardrobe. A bag is an accessory that can elegantly accentuate both one’s mood and individuality. I wanted to create bags that would attract the eyes of others, thereby complimenting its owner. In my work, I decided

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colliEr FB: collierss

One day, when the creator of ‘Mavali’ found it difficult to buy a gift for a friend who loves sport and travelling, she decided to make something herself that would be useful for travelling and would make him happy. So she started to create travel accessories such as travel neck pillows, bags, backpacks suitable for flights (20/30/40) with popular embroidery, phrases and images. You can order and buy such accessories at Facebook page ‘მავალი.Mavali’.

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Liza Eliava and Salome Dumbadze founded Collier a year ago. They offer scarfs with prints of Georgian painters, seasonal hats, rings, bracelets, and different accessories. Having successfully and actively collaborated with various Georgian artists, Collier already has up to 20 different contemporary art compositions on their silk scarfs. Their scarfs were successfully presented in Prague in the frames of ‘An Evening of Georgian Culture’ exhibition.

Very special and refined handnade jewelery.

A colorful and conceptual Georgian clothing brand for youth & kids.

linE hanDmaDE

BaBalE’s socks

FB: LINEhandmadeLINE (+995) 574 17 17 55 Handmade silver jewelry.

FB: Babalesocks 21 A. Diuma Str. (+995) 555 10 54 05

vitsro FB: vitsro.ge (+995) 598 33 82 02 @vitsro.ge T-shirts, pins, pillows and other accessories.

Why not gallEry Handmade accessories, alphabet pins, pillows, T-shirts.

FB: thewhynotgallery (+995) 557 47 25 00

komBinizona FB: kombinizona.ge (+995) +995 322 22 79 49, (+995) 577 48 28 88

sachukari FB: Sachukari-საჩუქარი (+995) 599 50 99 50

The Why Not Gallery was founded by two friends, artist Gvantsa Jishkariani and curator Ellen Kapanadze with an intention to focus on young artists and create a platform for them. The Why Not Gallery collaborates with Georgian contemporary artists and produces limited edition gifts inspired by their art.

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Georgian Authors in English The spotlight on Georgia is growing by the year, not least thanks to the authors below, whose works have been translated into English, bringing Georgia out into the world, and giving the curious world something new to explore!

a man Was going DoWn thE roaD author: otar chiladze Set in Vani, the semi-legendary capital of Colchis (as western Georgia was called in antiquity), Otar Chiladze’s first novel of 1972 explores the Georgian ramifications of the myth of Jason, the Golden Fleece and Medea, weaving his own inventions with Greek myth and history (Daedalus and Icarus, as well as King Minos play a part in the story, too.) At the same time, the novel explores the very modern predicaments of an idealist who unwittingly destroys his family. The mythical Greek intervention in Colchis is subtly told by Chiladze as an allegory of Russia and the Soviet Union’s subversion and conquest of Georgia.

avElum (a survEy of thE currEnt prEss anD a fEW lovE affairs) author: otar chiladze Translator: Donald Rayfield

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This, Otar Chiladze’s fifth novel, is the second to be translated into English. The story of a Georgian writer whose private ‘empire of love’ collapses with the ‘empire of evil’, it was published in 1995, and is the first work in which Chiladze was free of Soviet censorship, living in an independent, albeit chaotic, strife-torn Georgia. He no longer clothes in myth his portrayal of the predicament of a Georgian and an intellectual under alien tyranny, but vents his indignation at the fate of Georgia in a novel which stretches over 33 years, the life of Christ, between the Tbilisi massacres by Soviet special forces of March 1956 and April 1989. This is a deeply personal work (but we must not identify the hero Avelum with his creator, even though Avelum is a novelist whose themes of the Minotaur and Icarus resemble Chiladze’s own). Its plot centers on a love affair between a western girl and a Soviet writer, and on the tragedy of an idealist who damages irreparably every woman he cares for, and, in the end, himself. (The Russian translation of Avelum was refused by every publisher in Moscow, even though Chiladze’s other novels were bestsellers there).

to buy

antonio anD DaviD author: jemal karchkhadze This novel is set in medieval Georgia, and the narrator is an Italian traveler who visits the country together with a group of European missionaries. Antonio and David is a tense drama in which the struggle to save Man’s soul plays out against a strife-ridden background of historical realities and religious discourse. This emotionally charged novel is written with faultless skill and in a strikingly refined language.

journEy to karaBakh author: aka morchiladze translator: Elizabeth heighway Aka Morchiladze, born in 1966 in Tbilisi, is one of the most respected writers in Georgia. He studied and later taught Georgian history at Tbilisi State University, worked as a sports journalist, and hosted

a television show on contemporary literature. He is the author of 20 novels and three books of short stories, from which numerous plays and films have been adapted. He currently lives and works in London. Journey to Karabakh is a bestseller in Georgia and the basis of two feature films. A book about a drug-purchase gone wrong, and about feeling free within the depths of confinement.

aDiBas author: zaza Burchuladze translator: guram sanikidze War is raging in Georgia, Russian fighter planes are thundering overhead, and yet, for some, the falling bombs cause no more impact than the slight ripple moving through the purified water of their swimming pools, or the rattling of a spoon in their cappuccino cups. Filtered through the bleary and cynical mind of Shako- a journalist famed for his appearance in Georgian Pepsi ads-”Adibas” is a tragic satire describing the progressive falsification of his life,

invaded by consumer goods, consumer sex, consumer carnage: Adibas is a “war novel” without a single battle scene. Zaza Burchuladze’s English-language debut anatomizes the Western world’s ongoing “feast at the time of plague.”

flight from thE ussr author: Dato turashvili Flight from the USSR, the first novel from one of Georgia’s most famous authors, Dato Turashvili, was originally published in Georgia in 1988. Since then, it has been adapted as a stage play entitled “Jeans Generation” and translated into German, Dutch, Italian, Greek and Croatian; receiving brilliant reviews everywhere. The novel is based upon an electrifying and tragic event in 1983. Gega Kobakhidze, a young actor, and seven friends hijack an airplane heading from Tbilisi to Leningrad. They desperately want to flee from the USSR and go to Turkey. They fail, are imprisoned and a number are killed. All of Georgia and the world were caught up in these events. Turashvili is a master of drama, with a precise and compelling sense of dialogue; his characterizations are complex but powerful, his story-line is totally engrossing, and we do not want to believe the inevitable and disastrous

to buy

conclusion. He weaves a gripping literary work between historical fact and fiction, leaving the reader transfixed.

Dagny, or a lovE fEast author: zurab karumidze Dagny, or a Love Feast is a novel written in English by the Georgian author Zurab Karumidze. It was first published in Tbilisi in 2011 and was longlisted for the International Dublin Literary Award in 2013. It was published again in 2014 in the United States. The novel revolves around the real life story of Dagny Juel, a Norwegian writer best known for her romantic liaisons with a number of artistic figures of fin-de-siècle Europe, such as Edvard Munch. Murdered during a journey to Tbilisi in 1901, Juel’s tragically short bohemian life is magnified by Karumidze’s narrative explorations of fin-de-siècle mysticism and eroticism through such figures as Gurdjieff.

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Listing: Where to Buy Wine BranD WinE 48/50 Mtskheta Str. (+995) 577 75 55 55

while launching the shop, and used traditional Georgian vessels and casks as the main decoration.

WinE Bar o’Dila Upper Omalo, Tusheti (+995) 557 00 59 00

Brand Wine also hosts various wine-tastings, where guests as well as locals have an opportunity to familiarize themselves with each type of drink and find out which is more suitable for each Georgian holidays and various dishes of the country’s delicious cuisine.

Wine is one of the biggest parts of Georgian culture. Well aware of this fact, Georgian businessmen and entrepreneurs operating in the country’s tourism industry, have been using the concept of wine to launch various wine shops, wine bars, and wine hotels. The rivalry is incredibly high in this respect and it may be difficult to choose the right place in which to start your wine journey. The Brand Wine shop should certainly be top of your list: a must-visit destination for true wine enthusiasts, opening up a path forward in the world of the genuine Georgian beverage. Brand Wine is distinguished for its multiplicity of wines, as well as other alcoholic drinks, including chacha and sparkling wine, mesmerizing customers of all tastes. With a stunning interior, authentic Georgian décor and wine-related ornaments, Brand Wine creates a small world of wine and offers a fascinating experience to customers. The founders of the shop had details very much in mind

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vinotEl 4 E. Akhvlediani Ascent, Tbilisi (+995) 32 255 58 88 www.vinotel.ge

Wine bar O’dila Tusheti offers guests various Georgian wines, among them Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane, Saperavi and Kindzmarauli. The traditional technology of making wine is the essence and the zest of it. The Summer Library adds a certain coziness and feeling of calm to the place.

DaDi WinE Bar 4 Sh. Dadiani Str. (+995) 555 51 79 03 Vinotel wine cellar shop is definitely worth a visit. You’ll find the widest selection of varietals from different regions. They carefully select only the best of the artisan and mainstream wines from around Georgia. The Cellar is oriented on natural family professional winemakers. It also offers its own wine production from vineyards at affordable prices, other professional small wine and cellar products, and exclusive offerings with tax free service. All the wine is kept at 13-15 degrees

to buy

Dadi wine bar and shop, in the historic center of Tbilisi (Sololaki) near Liberty (Freedom) Square, was created by a couple from Moscow – Sasha Novikov and Dina Ramazanova. It’s a place to drink, eat, meet, enjoy and take home a bottle afterwards. Dadi has a wine collection that mostly celebrates artisan winemakers, those whose aim is to produce great wines of individual character and whose focus is solely on quality over quantity; Georgian wines made with minimal intervention and maximum love.

chElti WinEry 62/18 Vazha Pshavela Str. Wine plant ‘Chelti’: Shilda, Kakheti region (+995) 577 44 44 55 Wine Company Chelti was founded in 2001. Located in the Kakheti region, in Shilda village near Kvareli, the winery offers a 7m-deep wine cellar with a temperature that does not exceed 12-16 degrees throughout the year- ideal for wine storage. Chelti wine is produced from grapes harvested from sandy-gravel soil, and Gunashauri grapes grown in clay-loam soil. The wine company also produces Dry White Wine, Saperavi Rose and Kindzmarauli Red Semi Sweet made from the Rkatsiteli variety. The company Chelti also produces premium quality Qvevri Wine. Wine is produced according to classical and traditional methods as well as with advanced technologies which make it possible to control the wine quality at any stage of its making.

mEnaBDE WinEry Shemokmedi, Ozurgeti, Guria (+995) 593 33 23 17 The cellar is located on 2.5 hectares of land, where you’ll also find a Gurian house “Oda” (traditional house in Guria), cellar “Nalia” (traditional building for corn harvesting), Gurian barn, verandas, special places for rest (cabana, bonfire, playing places for children), fruit and nut orchards, and high and low hanging grape vines.

The hotel offers five rooms to guests, while the new wine cellar provides tours in Gomi Mountain and to the coast, on request. The sea shore is approximately 30 minutes away and Gomi Mountain is about a 60-minute drive.

chatEau aznauri Near Eniseli village and Gremi, Kakheti (+995) 598 11 12 88

alavErDi monastEry Village Alaverdi, Akhmeta (+995) 596 10 04 34 The wine cellar of Alaverdi Monastery is one of Kakheti’s most distinctive cellars. Located within the monastery territory, on the site of the historical wine cellar (8th-10th centuries), it was recently rebuilt. The cellar includes a classical wine hall, a large 6th century Qvevri warehouse, an ethnographic corner, a tasting room, and a souvenir shop. Traditional white and red Qvevri wines produced in the Alaverdi Monastery wine cellar include Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane Kakhuri, Kisi, Khikhvi, Saperavi and Chacha.

Chateau Aznauri is a first-class complex located in the vineyards of Kakheti. It manufactures wines using the traditional Kakhetian method, in clay amphora (Qvevri) buried deep in the earth, where the wine ferments over several months at soil temperature. Chateau Aznauri boasts 14 Qvevri of a total 25 tons.

javakhishvili cEllar Akhalsopeli, Kvareli, Kakheti (+995) 577 06 89 40

WinE cEllar kakhuri 1 Tbilisi Highway, Telavi (+995) 599 10 70 35 Kakhuri is located on the main road of Telavi on a territory housing a demonstration vineyard, a wine-tasting room and an ethnographic corner. Visitors can participate in the grape harvest, bake bread, and make wine and churchkhela. The company produces several varieties of PDO and table wines: Tsinandali, Mukuzani, Kindzmarauli, Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, Mtsvane Kakhetian, etc., as well as Chacha.

to buy

The Javakhishvili wine cellar is the best place for family wine degustation and to get a taste of traditional Georgian dishes. Here, you can enjoy a large wine cellar, two gazebos and a large wine shop. The cellar is big enough to host events.

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SERVICE HALL 9 APRIL PARK

RIKE

Tbilisi Map. Designed at the request of the Georgian National Tourism Administration for non-commercial purposes.

9 MARCH PARK

DEDAENA PARK

PUBLIC SERVICE HALL 9 APRIL PARK

RIKE

BOTANIC GARDEN

Dubai

IPS 2020 furthers Dubai’s position as leading destination for real estate investment

Dubai, uaE, 19 february 2020: The 16th edition of the Dubai International Property Show (IPS 2020), the Middle East’s biggest property sales platform for local and international real estate markets, organised by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) at the World Trade Centre, 24 – 26 March, will strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading destination for real estate investment. Despite global economic fluctuations, Dubai has been able to weather these volatilities and maintain its economic strength and resilience. The Emirate

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registered a growth in various sectors, mainly real estate, thanks to several key factors, including the utilisation of technology and digital shifts, to enhance transparency in real estate-related transactions. The growth can also be attributed to a host of flexible legislation and laws the Emirate has penned to protect investors, in addition the adoption of innovative, proactive measures to forecast trends and challenges in global real estate markets. The organising of IPS 2020 comes in line

dubai

with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to assess the current state of the real estate sector in Dubai and develop a comprehensive and integrated plan to study the market’s needs as well as reconsider real estate projects. IPS 2020 is yet another step to support and promote all events and initiatives that highlight the attractiveness of the realty sector in the Emirate. Mr. Walid Farghal, Director General of

the International Property Show and Deputy Chairman of Dubai Property Festival said, “IPS 2020 will highlight investment opportunities in the UAE and will further give a boost to the country’s real estate market. Also, the pro-investment initiatives launched by the government that provide a comprehensive plan to support the real estate sector magnify its appeal to property developers and stakeholders. Aside from that, the country’s enduring reputation as an ideal investment destination makes the UAE a perfect place to promote the best investment deals to global investors.” Through its stand at the three-day mega property event, DLD will highlight a variety of initiatives supporting the objectives of the High Committee for Real Estate, which was launched in September 2019. DLD will also give a detailed presentation outlining legislation and laws that have been launched over the past years. DLD successfully succeeded in reflecting the positive image of Dubai’s economic position on the global investment map, due to its legislative transparency, and prioritising investment security concepts, which helped attract more foreign direct investment to the sector. Among these is the full-foreign ownership of projects and companies, the 10-year residency visa for investors, cancellation of fees for many government services, making real estate registration mandatory with DLD, and preventing real estate developers from collecting service charges on behalf of property owners. According to the latest figures by the Dubai Statistics Centre, Dubai’s real estate sector grew by 2.1 per cent in the first half

of 2019, compared to the same period in 2018, and contributed 7.4 per cent to the Emirate’s total GDP of AED 208.2 billion in the same period. The recently issued law on the joint ownership of real estate in Dubai is one of the important laws that would contribute to enhancing the transparency of Dubai’s real estate sector and reinforcing its global stature. The law also aims at boosting competitiveness and enhancing investment in the real estate sector, while ensuring the rights of all parties are protected. Among other facilities is Mollak, an innovative online system that allows co-owners of properties to pay service charges directly into the service accounts of seven approved banks. Property owners have the right to know how much they have spent on their building, and the system covers all common areas, property management companies, and developers. Decree No.7, which grants non-UAE nationals the right to own freehold properties and lands in Dubai, has strengthened Dubai’s position as an attractive destination for living and owning homes. This move also contributed to entrenching trust of investors and property owners as well as reinforcing the realty sector’s vitality and stability. Due to its world-class facilities and premium services, Dubai is now on par with the status enjoyed by cities like New York and London, in terms of the quality of real estate facilities and the bulk of transactions concluded in the Emirate. In 2019, Dubai set a new 12-month record for the volume of real estate transactions, registering real estate transactions worth AED 228 billion.

dubai

Dubai has been able to achieve a paradigm shift in the realty sector and has strengthened its competitiveness, thanks to the tremendous efforts made by the Dubai Government through DLD, whose mandate is to ensure Dubai’s global status as an ideal destination for real estate investment. According to estimates, Dubai is set to welcome 20 million visitors by 2020, as Expo 2020 Dubai is to be held on 20 October. Rental and hotel rates are expected to hike, so it is a perfect opportunity to buy property now, even as a second home or investment property, to generate profits. About IPS: The International Property Show (IPS) is the Middle East’s Biggest Property Sales Platform for local and international real estate markets. It is the best place to meet and conduct business with top-tier investors and property professionals from across the globe. The show is the only event of its kind that allows retail sale and purchases for both local and international properties. IPS is a Mega Property Sales Platform where exclusive deals to end-users / investors will be offered during the 3-day event. It will enable developers to sell their project offerings onsite at much more attractive price to property seekers looking to explore from a wide range of realty options.

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AIM 2020 to highlight need for innovative strategies to address global economic challenges UAE’s successful model of attractive environment for FDI under spotlight at AIM 2020 UAE, Dubai, 12 February 2020 The 10th edition of the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM 2020), the world’s leading investment platform, will highlight the changing global investment landscape and the need to develop work mechanisms and innovative investment strategies that help facilitate FDI flows into global economies, to promote sustainable economic growth, particularly in light of the global FDI decline under the growing global economic risks, rising protectionist trends and trade tensions. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, AIM 2020, the world’s leading investment platform, will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre from 24 to 26 March. The three-day event, themed ‘Investing for the Future: Shaping the Global Investment Strategies’, aims to chart a roadmap towards a more flexible and advanced global economy, by linking FDI opportunities to emerging economies, to ensure sustainable economic growth and further achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). H.E Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy for Foreign Trade

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dubai

and Industry, said: “AIM 2020 aims to offer an ideal platform that brings together top government officials, business leaders, investment experts and policymakers, to share knowledge and expertise, keep abreast of the latest trends and best practices in investment and explore new avenues of investment to help address the decline in global FDI flows.” Al Saleh noted that a stellar galaxy of top industry speakers and business experts will engage in panel discussions, networking events and B2B meetings to address global challenges facing securing viable investment and explore new innovative methods that help generate new sources of investment and channel more capital and investment into the global economy. Commenting on the global FDI landscape, Al Saleh said: “With a three-year decline in global FDI flows, it is imperative for the international business community and policymakers to act now, not tomorrow, to develop innovative strategies that help pump more FDI flows into global economies. This is an issue of high importance, particularly in light of the FDI decline according to the UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2019, which shows that global FDI flows slipped by 13 per cent in 2018 to $103 trillion from $105 trillion in 2017, for the third consecutive annual decline.” He added: “Nevertheless, the weak underlying FDI trend indicates that a rise in

FDI may be relatively modest and may be further reined in by other factors, such as geopolitical risk, escalating trade tensions and a global shift towards more protectionist policies.” According to the UNCTAD report, FDI flows to developing countries remained stable, rising by 2 per cent. Because of the increase and the anomalous fall in FDI in developed countries, the share of developing countries in global FDI increased to 54 per cent, a record growth. The increase was supported by continued resource-seeking inflows and diversified investments, while flows to developing Asia, the largest recipient region, were up 4 per cent. “Thanks to our wise leadership’s forwardlooking strategies and cutting-edge investment policies, flows to the UAE increased to $10.4 billion in 2018, and is ranked first in the Arab world, and 27th globally in attracting FDI flows. The sectors of trade, real estate, finance and insurance, manufacture and construction- are the top recipients of FDI flows to the UAE,” Al Saleh noted. He referred to new rules and legislation implemented recently by the UAE to increase investment from overseas and diversify national economy, most notably the 100 per cent foreign ownership for122 economic activities across 13 sectors including renewable energy, space, agriculture, manufacturing, transport, healthcare, logistics, hospitality,

dubai

food services, ITC, art, education and entertainment, among others. “Relaxing foreign ownership rules is a further measure to liberalise and strengthen the investment environment and will be a critical step in the development of new sectors and industries,” Al Saleh emphasised. “The key goal of our new policies is to open and expand economic sectors, attract new investors and cement the global competitiveness of our national economy. Thanks to our wise leadership and cutting-edge policies, the UAE is ranked 16th out of 190 countries in the 2020 Doing Business report published by the World Bank,” Al Saleh added. The AIM 2020 will feature panel discussions, networking events, investment pitch competitions, B2B meetings and workshops involving business leaders, decision makers, academia and investment experts from around the globe to address challenges and explore new investment opportunities that contribute to sustainable economic growth on the global stage. The 2020 AIM edition has expanded its agenda to include six Pillars – Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Startups, Future Cities, Small & Medium Enterprises, Foreign Portfolio Investment – and One Belt, One Road event; and two communitybased activities to support Least Developed Countries.

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Business Listing BANKS pasha Bank

opened its doors to smaller enterprises as well and now it provides corporate and investment banking services to legal entities with annual turnover exceeding

BasisBank 1 K. Tsamebuli Ave. (+995) 322 92 29 22

one million GEL.

www.basisbank.ge

(+995) 32 226 50 00

As of December 2018, the Bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total

www.pashabank.ge

assets exceeded GEL 327 million.

vtB Bank gEorgia

Saarbrucken Square, Tbilisi

14 G. Tchanturia St.

procrEDit Bank 21 Al. Kazbegi Ave.

(+995) 322 50 55 05 www.vtb.com.ge

(+995) 32 220 22 22 www.procreditbank.ge

tBc Bank 7 Marjanishvili St. (+995) 32 227 27 27

halyk Bank

www.tbcbank.com.ge

40 Shartava St. (+995) 322 24 07 07 www.hbg.ge

finca Bank gEorgia

PASHA Bank is a Baku-based financial institution operating in Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, providing corporate

Bank of gEorgia

and investment banking services to large,

29a Gagarin St.

medium and small enterprises.

(+995) 322 44 44 44

71 Vazha-Pshavela Ave. (+995) 322 24 49 49 www. nca.ge

www.bankofgeorgia.ge PASHA Bank is a part of PASHA Holding - a diversified investment group with interests in banking, insurance, property development, construction, tourism and other sectors. The Bank has been operating in Georgia since 2013. Through these years PASHA Bank has been serving large and mediumsized enterprises. In 2019 the Bank

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liBErty Bank

tEraBank

74 Chavchavadze Ave.

3 K. Tsamebuli Ave.

(+995) 322 55 55 00

(+995) 32 255 00 00

www.libertybank.ge

www.terabank.ge

rEBanki 10 T. Abuladze I Close

socar gEorgia pEtrolium

(+995) 322 22 25 25

24 300 Aragveli St.

www.rebank.ge

*0001 www.sgp.ge

COMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES magticom 7 A. Politkova St. (+995) 32 217 00 00

FUEL COMPANIES

www.magticom.ge/

gulf 34 Chavchavadze Ave. (+995) 32 249 64 4 4 www.gulf.ge

PHARMACIES psp

BEElinE

148a D. Agmashenebeli Ave.

39 Gorgasali St.

TEL (+995) 32 240 20 20

(+995) 32 220 06 06, 11 01 01

www.psp.ge

www.beeline.ge

Wissol Opposite side of 71 K. Tsamebuli Ave., 74b Chavchavadze Ave.,

avErsi

9 D. Agmashenebeli Ave.

148 Agmashenebeli Ave.

(+995) 32 291 53 15

(+995) 32 298 78 60

www.wissol.ge

www.aversi.ge

CHAMBERS IN TBILISI amErican chamBEr of commErcE in gEorgia

gpc rompEtrol gEorgia

142 Beliashvili St. (+995) 32 294 07 40

36a L. Asatiani St. (+995) 32 222 69 07 www.amcham.ge

www.gpc.ge

12 M. Aleksidze St. (+995) 32 291 07 27 www.rompetrol.ge

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(+995) 32 220 57 67

thE British gEorgian chamBEr of commErcE

www.dwv.ge

1 Tabidze 1 Building,

gErman BusinEss association (DWv) 24 Rustaveli Ave.

alDagi 10 B. Kvernadze St. (+995) 244 49 99 www.aldagi.ge

2 Leonidze St., Regus office (+995) 599 46 53 64 contact@bgcc.org.uk www.bgcc.org.uk

arDi

icc

3 Vazha-Pshavela Ave.

3/29 P. Kakabadze St.

(+995) 32 210 10 10

(+995) 32 298 81 76

www.ardi.ge

www.icc.ge

israEl-gEorgia chamBEr of BusinEss

INSURANCE COMPANIES ic group

4 Liberty Sq.

24 I. Mosashvili St.

(+995) 32 299 70 35/36

(+995) 32 220 33 33

gpi holDing

www.icgroup.ge

67 Kostava St.

thE chamBEr of commErcE anD inDustry francE-gEorgia

(+995) 32 250 51 11 www.gpih.ge

61 Agmashenebli Ave. (+995) 32 222 69 40 www.ccifg.ge

gloBal BEnEfit gEorgia gEorgian chamBEr of commErcE anD inDustry 29 N. Shataidze St. (+995) 32 269 47 47 www.gcci.ge

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5 Chanturia St. (+995) 32 250 00 01

imEDi l 9 A. Politkovskaia St. (+995) 32 292 22 22 www.imedil.ge

aEstEtic cornEr Medical center 5 I.Nikoladze Str. (+995) 32 2295661, 593319634

giDmEDi plus 3 Larsi St. (+995) 32 220 25 15

nEW hospitals 12 Krtsanisi St. (+995) 32 219 01 90

toDua clinic 13 T. Mgvdeli St. (+995) 32 234 81 19, 234 28 30

+995 32 250 00 20 | tbilisi@amcenters.com | www.amcenters.com | 11 Dimitri Arakishvili Street | Tbilisi, Georgia, 0179

CLINICS IN TBILISI

DaviD tatishvili mEDical cEntEr

EvEx mEDical corporation

7 Abuladze St.,

142 A. Beliashvili St. (+995) 32 255 05 05 www.evex.ge

mEDinvEst 44/5 Paliashvili St. (+995) 32 225 19 60

2b Marijani St. (+995) 32 291 31 19

gEosWiss mEDical cEntEr 5 Pekini St. (+995) 32 236 33 64, 225 08 38, 225 18 90

caraps mEDlinE 48 Ljubljana St. (+995) 32 251 60 60

mEDihElp 39 Chavchavadze Ave. (+995) 32 243 43 10, 596 11 43 43

chachava clinic 38 Kostava St. (+995) 32 295 33 11, 298 73 39

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TOURISM INFORMATION CENTERS tBilisi tourism information cEntEr

gori tourism information cEntEr

tElavi tourism information cEntEr

Pushkin Sq.

23a Kutaisi Str.

9 Erekle II Str.

(+995) 595 215 86 97

(+995) 370 270776

(+995) 350 275317

Daily 9 am - 9 pm

Daily 10 am - 6 pm (winter),

Daily, 9 am - 6 pm

tBilisi tourism information cEntEr (tBilisi intErnational airport)

9 am - 6 pm (summer)

mtskhEta tourism information cEntEr

Borjomi tourism information cEntEr

3 Arsukidze Str.

Rustaveli Str.

Tbilisi International Airport

(+995) 32 2512128

(+995) 367 221397

(+995) 32 231 00 07

Daily 10 am - 6 pm (winter),

24/7

10 am - 6 pm (summer)

9 am - 6 pm (summer)

mEstia tourism information cEntEr

kvarEli tourism information cEntEr

7 Seti Sq.

8 Rustaveli Str.

akhaltsikhE tourism information cEntEr

(+995) 551 08 08 94

(+995) 352 221340

1 Kharischirashvili Str.

Daily 10 am - 6 pm (winter),

(+995) 365 22 50 28

9 am - 6 pm (summer)

10 am - 6 pm (summer)

Daily, 9 am - 6 pm

kutaisi tourism information cEntEr 8a Rustaveli Str.

sighnaghi tourism information cEntEr

amBrolauri tourism information cEntrE

(+995) 431 241103

10 Kostava Str.

17 Vazha-Pshavela Str.

Working days: Every day

(+995) 355 232414

(+995) 439 22 16 18

Working hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (winter),

Daily 10 am - 6 pm (winter),

Daily, 10 am - 6 pm

9:00 – 18:00 (summer)

9 am - 6 pm (summer)

144

Bolnisi tourism information cEntEr

Batumi tourism information cEntEr

115 Sulkhan-Saba Str.

Ski-lift surrounding area

(+995) 358 22 23 19

(+995) 422 29 44 10,

Daily 10 am - 6 pm (winter),

577 90 90 93

9 am - 6 pm (summer)

24/7

ESSENTIALS

TIME ZONE gmt + 4 currEncy Georgian Lari (GEL). One Lari is divided

kutaisi tourism information cEntEr (kutaisi airport)

sarpi tourism information cEntEr

Kopitnari settlement

(+995) 577 90 90 93

(+995) 595 08 82 19 Working days: Schedule determined by flights

Sarpi Custom House

koBulEti tourism information cEntEr

into 100 Tetris.

EmErgEncy - 112 112 can be dialed free of charge from most mobile telephones and landline telephones in order to reach emergency services (ambulance, re and rescue, police).

(+995) 422 29 44 13

tBilisi intErnational airport

24/7

(+995) 231 03 41

(+995) 422 29 44 14

khulo tourism information cEntEr

kutaisi intErnational airport

Working days: Schedule determined

29 M. Abashidze Str.

by flights

(+995) 577 90 90 15

Batumi tourism information cEntEr (Batumi intErnational airport) Batumi International Airport

Batumi tourism information cEntEr

1 Agmashenebeli Str.

24/7

(+995) 0431 23 70 00

gEorgian railWay (+995) 1331, 219 90 10

2 Ninoshvili Str., Batumi,

gEorgian national tourism aDministration

(Central entrance of Boulevard)

4 SANAPIRO STR.

(+995) 422 29 44 12,

(+995) 243 69 99

577 90 90 91 24/7

Dialing coDE: +995 32

145

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MAJESTIQUE GIFT STORE The ancient country of Georgia, over the past years, has been establishing itself as one of the top destinations for travel. Indeed, it is a country with an abundance of attractions: history, culture, architecture, polyphony, wine production and cuisine. MAJESTIQUE is an attempt, by Georgian art historians, to promote Georgian national theme. For that, the group used the concept of a gift store, which helps to reach out across international borders. MAJESTIQUE offers a variety of artworks by Georgian artists, as well as handmade jewelry, ceramic decorative items, handmade textiles, along with books, wine and gift packages made up with Georgian gastronomic goods. The store is located in Tbilisi Marriott Hotel, 13 Rustaveli Avenue. Doors are open every day from 10 to 7 pm. Email: Majestique.giftstore@gmail.com (+995) 599 55 92 20

*Majestique* Group wishes you a pleasant stay in our country!

17 Ioane Shavteli Str., Tbilisi +995 32 211 21 21 , info@ambassadori.casino www.ambassadori.casino