OMAN’S LARGEST CIRCULATED WEEKLY — 46,760 COPIES
VOL 10 ISSUE 36 / SEPTEMBER 8, 2016
muscat street style pg 22
THIS WEEK IN OMAN
GET CRAFTY Using only A4 paper and a knife, Delnaz Deolaliwala creates miniature masterpieces as a form of personal expression, and in hopes of inspiring other women to get creative. PAGE 12
RETREAT FROM THE WORLD
TAKE A CULINARY JOURNEY
The Al Nadha Resort in Barka offers a peaceful, healthy escape from the stress of city life, yet is only an hour from town. PAGE 8
The new tasting menu at the Grand Hormuz carries diners through the flavours of Kolkata and Lucknow, Lahore, and Kabul. PAGE 20
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Give us a shout with questions, comments, compliments, complaints, or just to say “Hi” Founder Essa bin Mohamed Al Zedjali Chairman Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali CEO Ahmed Essa Al Zedjali scottarmstrong@timesofoman.com Chief Executive Editor Scott Armstrong felicia@timesofoman.com
Executive Features Editor Felicia Campbell Features Production Editor Swati Dasgupta swati@timesofoman.com Research/Copy Editor Ashish Dubash
ashishdubash@timesofoman.com
salim@timesofoman.com Associate Editors Salim Hamood Al Afifi Shruthi Nair Associate Features Production Editor Mobin Mathew Blesson
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mobinmathew@timesofoman.com Chief Creative Officer Adonis Durado Associate Art Director Waleed Rabin Graphic Editor Antonio Farach Design Editor Sahir K.M. Lead Designer Ali Jani Designers Antonio Ismael Sandiego Geri Batara Sonny Gregory Fernandez Director of Digital Television Joe Morrison Photography MMG Photographers richard@timesofoman.com Chief Sales Officer Richard Pakenham
aziz@timesofoman.com
Head Of Advertising & Marketing Aziz K. Baker Production Manager Shafi Shaik On The Cover Design by Waleed Rabin Photograph by Salim Al Afifi For general inquiries or comments: HiWeekend@timesofoman.com
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THE WEEKEND LINEUP
Tell us what you’re doing this weekend: Tweet us @HiWeekly_Oman; tag us in your weekend instagram photos @hiweekly_oman; or share with us on FB/hiweekly
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THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
7:30pm Arabian Dinner and a Show
10am Shop and Snack
Book an Eid Staycation
Enjoy shopping, good food, music, and fun activities like a singing competition for kids at this monthly festival.
The new Coral Muscat is a hidden gem tucked behind the SABCO centre. The designer rooms, rooftop pool and lounge, and fantastic location near the shopping, cafes, corniche, and natural park, make it the perfect place to unwind over the holiday. The resident Eid special includes breakfast, lunch or dinner, and accommodations for two starting at OMR82.
Go to the Sharazad Restaurant at Shangri-La and enjoy delicious Omani, Moroccan, and Lebanese dishes while being dazzled by a live Moroccan musical duo and belly dance shows. Sharazad Restaurant Al Husn Hotel Shangri-La Barr Al Jiss Jissah Resort and Spa S +968 2477 65 6565
Al Bahja Hall The Jungle,Qurum +968 9317 8436
See a Classic (again)
Originally written in 1880, made into silent ďŹ lms in 1907 and 1925, and then as one of the most expensive, and most award-winning productions of the mid-century in 1959, the classic tale of honour, betrayal, love, and vengeance in Jerusalem during the Roman Empire, has been re-made once again. Go see the latest, action-packed Ben Hur adaptation, which premieres this weekend.
Coral Muscat Hotel +968 2465 2888 hmhhotelgroup.com/coral
Coral Muscat Hotel
City Cinema citycinemaoman.net Vox Cinemas oman.voxcinemas.com
PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED
Your calendar of the hottest events happening in Muscat this weekend
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Have you tried any of these five? What do you think of them? Did we miss any of your favourites? Tag us on Instagram @hiweekly_oman and tell us about it on facebook.com/hiweekly
FIVE TO TRY ICONIC FILMS FROM THE 90’S
HI SOCIAL INSTAGRAM TO FOLLOW FOR
BODEGA CATS There might be a ton of Instagram accounts about cats; however, this account sets itself apart in its dedication to all the cats that can be found in or around urban grocery stores. Instagram: @bodegacatsofinstagram
CHILL WILDLIFE Chill Wildlife offers hilarious photos and videos of animals chilling-out in everything from zen to totally awkward positions. Instagram: @chillwildlife
BABY ANIMALS Follow Baby Animals on Instagram for photos of puppies, kittens, and other baby animals that can make almost anyone smile, even on the worst days. Instagram: @thebabyanimals
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JURASSIC PARK Everyone remembers this smash hit from the 90’s. Forget about the latest sequel and re-watch this dinosaur-full movie this weekend. Its fantastic storyline and marvellous visuals (at least for the time), coupled with good old nostalgia, make this a classic worth re-visiting. Year: 1993
SCHINDLER’S LIST This seven-time Oscar winning film tells the story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved thousands of Jewish lives during WWII. This pure cinematic masterpiece, directed by the one and only Steven Spielberg, is both pulse-pounding and heart wrenching. A film well-worth seeing more than once. Year: 1993
TOY STORY Watching Buzz Lightyear and Woody’s humorous adventures never gets old. And no matter your age, this iconic animated film is sure to make you laugh, and maybe even cry as a childhood favourite that explores ageless and timeless themes of love, friendship, abandonment, and adventure. Year: 1995
THE SIXTH SENSE “I see dead people” is a phrase that will be forever memed, but the actual film it originated in is super creepy and psychologically disturbing, making it one of the best horror films ever made. Year: 1999
PULP FICTION Quentin Tarantino is one of the most distinctive filmmakers and writers in Hollywood, with a long list of raw, gritty, notoriously violent films. Pulp Fiction is a cult classic in a way none of his other films are, perhaps because of it’s macabre combination of mystery, violence, humour, and great acting from some of the biggest stars in the biz. Year: 1994 PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED
ANIMAL LOVERS
NAT GEO WILD Nat Geo Wild offers photos and videos of animals many of us have never seen or even heard of before along with interesting facts about them. Instagram: @natgeowild
THE DOGIST Looking for a photo series dedicated to “man’s best friend”? Follow The Dogist for an ongoing photo documentary of dog portraits. Instagram: @thedogist
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THE WEEKEND ESCAPE
A TOTAL RETREAT STORY SWATI DASGUPTA
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pas are a dime-a-dozen here in Muscat, but I wasn't looking for just any spa. I needed more than a facial or a massage, I was after a wellness retreat where I could just forget work stress and other errands and instead focus on my personal wellness. I wanted all this while at the same time blending my ‘me time’ and my ‘family time’. I began to search for options, researching and brainstorming all the possibilities. "Al Nahda again?" one of my colleagues exclaimed, as I shared with her my weekend plans. It was going to be my fifth visit to the place in just few years and she could not fathom what made me go there with a new eagerness each time. Her reaction didn’t come as a surprise, but at the end of all my searching, this old favourite was the one place I knew would give me exactly the kind of escape I needed. Weekends are a time to hit the reset button and a visit to Al Nahda always gives me the opportunity to establish that much soughtafter mind-body connection. So that weekend, on a bright, sunny Friday morning, I packed the family in the car, and happily headed off towards the eco-conscious resort nestled in a corner of Barka, knowing that once I arrived a mere hour from home, I would be a million miles away from the pressures of my everyday life. —swati@timesofoman.com
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Friday Mid-Morning An hour drive from central Muscat, try to reach the resort at around 12.45pm, a little before the check in time. We opted to stay in one of the premium suites but there are several other options, from executive rooms and villas to the royal suites. Located on the ground level amidst the mangroves, the premium suites are separate and spacious bungalows with king size beds, sitting areas, a small pantry and tea and coffee making facilities, and private terraces, built in small clusters inside the sprawling compound. Early Afternoon Activities • Walk: A walk inside the resort is quite an attraction. The serene lush greenery beckons and the cool mango trees make it a treasure trove for nature lovers. Wrapped in the cool embrace of the greenery, stroll along the pathways that lead to the individual villas or the executive rooms. • Bike: Or just watch the groups of boisterous children riding the cycles. These bicycles are an attraction for all, as you see even adults cycling all across the resort. • Lunch and a Dip: After a quick a la carte lunch at Khalab Restaurant, the all-day-dining restaurant, and a leisurely walk amidst the greenery, head towards the pool for a refreshing dip. • Meditate or Sweat-it-out: For those who do not like to swim, head off to the meditation hall and soak up the peace and tranquillity of the place. Fitness freaks can get in a workout at the modern gym. Friday Evening • Have a Rest: After dinner, watch the resort lights spring to life as the sun sets. Enjoy the cool evening breeze as you walk through the quiet resort on your way back to your room for an evening curled up with a novel and a cup of coffee.
Saturday Before You Go • Take a Sunrise Stroll and Breakfast: Get up before the sunrise, go for an early morning walk and meet and greet the joggers and cyclists enroute. Then enjoy the sumptuous international breakfast inside the sprawling Al Khalab Restaurant, where the floor to ceiling glass is mesmerising. • Hit the Spa: If you visit Al Nahda and yet do not visit the spa, then you are missing something. When it comes to spa menus there are plenty to choose from, all aiming to create balance between mind, body, and spirit. Go for Al Nahda Signature Massage, which includes the 45 minute body masks and wraps to detoxify the skin, or an Ayurvedic therapy. Equally good and rejuvenating is the Thai Massage.
Pictures Supplied
• Say Goodbye: Head home, totally rejuvenated.
BOOK YOUR ESCAPE Al Nahda Resort and Spa +968 2688 3710, +968 9458 2970 alnahdaresort.com stay@alnahdaresort.com
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Omani Oman Om a i Ph an P Philatelic hiliat a ellicc A Association s oc ss o ia i ti tion on on omani_philatelic@outlook.com o man a i_ _ph philiatel attel e ic i @o @ouuttlo ookk.com om m
TO DO LIST
STAMP COLLECTING IN OMAN
RARE FINDS STORY HANEEN AL LAWATI
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etters, messages, and scrolls have long been sent across long distances, but it wasn’t until 1840 that the postage stamp, a proof of pre-payment for the service of carrying this message, was introduced (prior to this, it was the recipient who had to bear the cost). With the introduction of the postage system, a new hobby was also born: Philatelics, also known as stamp collecting. Some attribute the birth of this pastime to an Irish stamp dues collector named John Bourke, but no matter who started the trend, by the 1860s there were thousands of collectors all over Europe. The hobby involves learning about the stamps and their history, seeking out rare or unusual stamps to add to the collection, and examining the stamps collected in an album using a magnifying glass so as to be able to see and fully appreciate the tiny works of art. So what makes a stamp rare? Stamps with errors, like the famous upside-down stunt plane in the USA; collectible stamps that commemorate events or influential people; Chinese stamps, thanks to the fact that the hobby was banned in Maoist China, only resurging in the 1980s; Indian Colonial stamps, as the colonial era stamps from the subcontinent have
START YOUR COLLECTION Resources for Collectors stamps.org learnaboutstamps.org
great historic value. The search for particular stamps naturally lead collectors to fascinating histories and lores from around the globe, making it a mind and world-expanding activity. Postal services here in Oman were introduced to Oman by the Indian government in 1856 when they opened the first post office in Muscat. The earliest recorded postmarked stamps, emblazoned with a date and “Muscat”, have been found from 1867. The Omani Philatelic Association was created on 21st of May, 2014, with the aim of documenting the history of postage stamps in Oman and to represent Oman in international exhibitions and help to spread their love of the hobby in Oman. Since then, around 37 people joined the association, one of which was Hatim Al Attar. Hatim began collecting stamps while he was in school and joined the association at the beginning of 2015. For three years, Hatim worked to collect and document data in order to release his book about the history of the country’s postal services which is called “Sultanate of Oman Postal System 1966-2016”. He is now the association’s coordinator for both national and international exhibitions. The group’s first ever exhibition was a celebration
Join the Club Omani Philatelic Association omani_philatelic@outlook.com | hatimomani@hotmail.com Instagram: omani_philatelic | Facebook: Omani Philatelic Hatim (Association Coordinator): +968 9944 4545
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of the association’s one year anniversary at which they launched their official logo. According to Hatim, the association makes sure to participate in most of the exhibitions that they’re invited to. The annual Gulf Philatelic exhibitions and the Regional exhibitions are two of the many exhibitions they have attended so far. The most recent was the 32nd Asian Exhibition, which was held in Thailand where the OPA took home four different medals for the Sultanate. Next, the Omani Philatelic Association is set to participate in the International Stamp Exhibition, which will be held in China this October. Stamp collecting in Oman offers the opportunity to start regionally targeted collections. Try for a GCC collection, or a stamp from a particular year from every country in the Middle East. And the Omani Philatelic Association offers its members the chance to participate in exhibitions and continuing education on the importance of stamp collecting. Though stamp collecting is a naturally solitary activity, philatelic associations, like this one, are great way to make it a more social hobby, and exhibitions are a great excuse to travel the world. —hiweekend@timesofoman.com
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Pass the
unch STORY ASHISH DUBASH | PHOTOGRAPHY JUN ESTRADA Delnaz Deolaliwala works her fingers around fine strips of paper, rolling and folding to create complex designs through a technique known as ‘punch craft’.
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Everything I have been able to accomplish, from being a mom to being a successful artist, is a result of the influence and life lessons I have learnt from my mom,” Delnaz said. “My mother has been the biggest inspiration in my life.” After Delnaz’s father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, her mother stepped up as the central support of the family, yet found a way to care for herself at the same time. “Art became a part of my mom’s life and a means to escape from the worldly sadness. She found
herself through art by disconnecting from the world and connecting with her inner self. That day I knew that’s what I want to do and that’s who I aspire to be,” Delnaz said. Self-taught in the art of punch craft, Delnaz expanded her techniques through online video tutorials. “It is a cutter in which the outline of a flower, leaf or any design is created. Then the same will be embossed and curved into various shapes which gives a 3D effect,” Delnaz explained, when
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EVERY ARTIST AND CRAFTSMAN HAS A UNIQUE STYLE OF TRANSFORMING THEIR CREATIVE IDEAS ON A SURFACE USING TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES; ALL MY CREATIONS ARE STIRRED BY NATURE AND THE EARTHLY COLOUR PALETTE THAT WE SEE AROUND US.
asked about the curious name of this art form. It seems to essentially be like a hole-punch in various shapes, which are then embellished through more sophisticated detailing techniques. For her works, Delnaz primarily uses the quilling and flowers techniques. “I like to blend the two techniques as they both complement each other in their own beautiful way and add life to the art piece,” she said. The time she invests to complete a work depends on the size of the project, differing from design to design. Delnaz starts with ordinary coloured A4 size paper for the punch craft work and for quilling, she has A4 sheets cut into various size strips from 2mm to 10mm in width. She adds different materials, like pearls and stones to her finished works, which include lamp shades, decorative egg shells, frames, candle stands, vases, envelopes, and designs on wooden gift boxes, among other things. “Every artist and craftsman has a unique style of transforming their creative ideas on a surface using traditional techniques,”she said. “All my creations are stirred by nature and the earthly colour palette that we see around us.” Delnaz has made her art her business over the years, selling bespoke items, participating in trade fairs, and offering demonstrations at the Indian Social Club. But she sees this creative endeavour as more than a business, and even more than a way of expressing her own creativity. Delnaz wants to help inspire stay home moms who have given up their ambitions in life. She hopes that her works can convey the message that it’s never too late to do what you love. —ashishdubash@timesofoman.com
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MAKE YOUR OWN PUNCH CRAFT AND QUILLED CANDLE STAND Materials required • Scrapbook paper for flowers • 1 big size punch • Embossing pad along with the embossing pen • Tweezer • Quilling strips 3mm of 2 different green colours • 3mm one colour strip for the circles • 5mm quilling strips, 1 colour required for the flower • Glass holder and 1 candle • Cardboard cut into one big circle and one small circle • Quilling needle Method •Cut two pieces of cardboard and cover it with a thick scrapbook paper. •Then make circles with 3mm size of colour strip of 21cm and make approx 70 pieces. •Then paste those circles on the edges of the cardboard to give a fine effect. •To make the flower punch take 6 pieces of the flower with the scrapbook paper. •Emboss one flower on each petal and turn it and circle in the middle. Second flower piece will also go the same way like embossing on each petal and glue it on the first embossed piece. •Then the third piece will have a slit and then emboss each petal the same way and join it by glueing. •Place it on the two which are glued. Then for the fourth one cut one petal and emboss the petals the same way and join it and then glue it. •For the fifth one cut 2 petals and emboss the same way and glue it all together. This will give like a formation of a rose. Approximately 20 pieces would be required. •Take 5mm quilling strip of 14 cmwhich have to be fringed till the end and then roll it on the quilling needle, glue it, and then open it up. Approximately 8 pieceswould be required. •Take 2 shades of green, 7 strips in total. Put 3 strips of light green in the middle and 2 strips of dark green both the sides. Glue them on the tip and roll it on the tweezer and cut it and glue it, this will be formed like a curl. Makes approximately 20 pieces. •Once these materials are ready you can start pasting them depending on the way you want to design it.
CONTACT DELNAZ +968 9210 3439 delnazm@yahoo.com
All the equipment needed for punch craft is available at Stationary Hut, Asallah Towers, Ghubra (+968 9772 0000)
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STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY SALIM AL AFIFI
WHAT TO ORDER Caramel Cheesecake: OMR2.1 Brownie Cheesecake: OMR2.2 Carrot Cheesecake: OMR1.9 Date Cake: OMR1.9 Cold Cappuccino: OMR1.8 Gourmet Burger: OMR3.4 Location: Panorama Mall Call: +968 2459 1942 Click: instagram.com/cannellacafe
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ast weekend I came across a fancy-looking bistro-café, intriguingly named “Cannella Cheesecake Café”. Who doesn’t love the rich, creamy indulgence of a slice of cheesecake? I resisted the urge and drove on by. Later that week, as I parked in front of Somerset Hotel at Panorama Mall, I spotted the beautifully scrawled gold lettering shimmering across the shiny glass of the café. Just the site of the curvaceous word Cannella, which means cinnamon in Italian, made my mouth water and my curiosity too much to resist. I walked into the modern shop and went straight to the display counter. There I agonised over the variety on offer — cakes in funky flavours like date and carrot, fresh breads, Danish treats, coffees, teas, a selection of savoury bites, and their namesake cheesecakes in plain, fruit-topped, whipped, and baked varieties. I stood, paralyzed by indecision. Finally, I accepted that I couldn’t just try just one piece, I had to go all the way here. I ordered caramel cheesecake; brownie cheesecake; and a date cake, along with a cold cappuccino to round things out. Not wanting my professional research to appear gluttonous, I took my test subjects to go. By the time I reached home, the plastic cup that had held my cappuccino was empty (blame the heat), so I made myself a nice homemade cardamom
Omani kahwa before turning my attention to the cakes. Though I’m not a big fan of brownies, the brownie-topped cheesecake was heavenly, the subtly sweet cheesecake peppered with brownies that weren’t too dense, which had been cut into miniature pieces. I’d recommend pairing this heavy, decadent sweet with dark, bitter coffee. The date cake, it was a soft spongy cake, super moist thanks to the carrots, and naturally sweetened by the dates. It was utterly delicious, and as you might imagine, I highly recommend it paired with delicate Omani kahwa. I’m a hardcore caramel lover, so saving the best for last, I dove into the final slice, which was dripping in caramel. At one bite, I regretted not ordering more. The meltingly soft baked cheesecake, served on a sugar cookie base, was draped in luscious caramel, which perfectly played against the palate of the creamy, simple cake. This is a cake I’d have all day, everyday. At Cannella they also serve savoury dishes such as gourmet burgers, shuwas, and pastas with an Omani twist, which I’ll surely go back to try (first on my list is their shuwa risotto). And I’ll definitely add the attractive little cafe to my rotation of meeting places for both professional and personal chats in their quiet, chic ambiance. Sure, I’ll come for the atmosphere, I’ll come for lunch, but really, I’ll be there for the dessert. –salim@timesofoman.com
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OMANI SLANG KITCHEN TOOLS Interspersed with the Arabic conversations overheard throughout the capital city, even native Arabic speakers might be surprised to hear some unfamiliar words. Though Arabic is the official language in the Sultanate, there are all kinds of words and phrases that are purely local. Here’s your monthly primer from Hi’s Omani team members, Salim Al Afifi and Asmaa Al Balushi. STORY SALIM AL AFIFI & ASMAA AL BALUSHI ILLUSTRATION ISIDORE VIC CARLOMAN
El Mila
Bowl
Minqaash
Fork
Meghraf
Big Spoon
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Sa'ямБya Al Mooqa'a
Cooking Pot Hand Spice Grinder
E'dis
Huge Bowl
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A SOULFUL
One of South Asia’s oldest and longest roads, The Grand Trunk Road for centuries has not only linked the eastern and western regions of the Indian subcontinent, running from Bengal, across north India, into Peshawar in Pakistan up to Afghanistan, but has also linked the cuisine of each place, making a drive along this byway a unique culinary journey.
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few years back a dear friend who knew of my insatiable interest in the cuisines of the world, gifted me a cookbook, The Food of the Grand Trunk Road. Written by Anirudh Arora and Hardeep Singh Kohli, the book contained a collection of the finest recipes that had sprung up along this route, which winds through the subcontinent and into Central Asia. Being one of South Asia’s oldest and longest roads, The Grand Trunk Road for centuries has not only linked the eastern and western regions of the Indian subcontinent, running from Bengal, across north India, into Peshawar in Pakistan up to Afghanistan, but has also linked the cuisine of each place, making a drive along this by way of a unique culinary journey. I had long forgotten about the book until the other day I received an invite from
the Hormuz Grand to attend a special dining event called, 'Kabul to Kolkata, and Kolkata to Kabul: A soulful journey on the old Grand Trunk Road.' The invitation conjured up memories, not only of the book, but of distinctive spices, cuisines, and flavours. I arrived at Qureshi Bab Al Hind restaurant in the Hormuz Grand, ready to give in to this unique concept of food journey, and to let the chef take me away with the vibrancy, diversity, tradition, and nostalgia of regional cooking. I took a sip of the thirst quenching watermelon juice, and the journey began. The lentil dip with bread was three different lentils and it was accompanied by papad and three different pickles. One was outstanding, and upon enquiry, it turned out to be green papaya ka muramba. The Kabul to Kolkata menu begins with
three starters. The Kabul speciality, Chapli Kebab, pounded lamb with fresh herbs and pepper that's shallow fried, was very soft and had a wonderful, distinct taste. From Punjab, Amritsari Macchi, hammour fillets flavoured with caraway seeds were batter fried, with perfectly crisp exteriors and tender interiors. The Benarasi Aloo Chaat, very famous in Varanasi, was quite tangy and the chilly roasted baby potatoes were some of the most flavourful I've tried anywhere. For those who opt for the Kolkata to Kabul menu, starters include Bihari Kebab, a speciality of Patna, which is utterly todie-for. Chunks of meat are marinated in Peshawari spices and dum grilled before being pureed and pan-seared to melt-inthe-mouth perfection. The Tangri Kebab, well known in Lahore, Pakistan, consisted of chicken drumsticks marinated with potli spices and chargrilled in a tandoor.
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CULINARY JOURNEY
STORY ASHISH DUBASH PHOTOGRAPHY DAWOOD AL ADHOUBI
The Lawrence Road de Machchi Tikke, from Amritsar, featured boneless chunks of fish marinated in tandoori spices and chargrilled. A hint of mustard oil added spunk to the tikke. The vegetarian menu features some star starters as well, with marvellous Dahi ki Gujiya from Delhi, a dish of lentil dumpings soaked in yoghurt and flavoured with various chutneys. The vegetable chop from Kolkata and Aloo Anardana Chaat from Allahabad were also lovely. The main courses were up next on our route. For the Kabul to Kolkata menu, we enjoyed Delhi speciality, Masaledar Bataer, a tandoori marinated quail that is chargrilled and served with a rich gravy. Haleem aur Ulte Tawe ke Paranthe from Lucknow and Macher Jhole from Kolkata, hammour cooked in mustard and spices in Bengali style, rounded out the mains. For the Kolkata to Kabul menu, we
DINE THE GRAND TRUNK ROAD UNTIL SEPTEMBER 17
Qureshi Bab Al Hind Hormuz Grand, Seeb Dinner: 7-11pm, Daily Lunch: 12-3pm, Friday-Saturday Reservations:+968 2435 0500 Price: OMR16/ OMR 19 with select beverages
enjoyed Gobhi ke Paranthe, stuffed cauliflower paranthe, from Haryana along with Googni with Luchi, dried white peas in very gentle spices from West Bengal, and Namak Mandi ki Kadhai a Peshawari dish from Pakistan for which chicken is slow-cooked in a spicy gravy. The vegans also have a lot to choose from, with Chhole Bature, Makke di Roti aur Sarson da Saag, and Sabziyon ki Taharee on the vegetarian menu. All the menu "journeys" finish the same way, with Gajar Halwa, Phirni, and Zarda. A perfect ending for a meal fit for a king. More than a meal, this feast was a spectacular trip through time and space, with the flavours of the different cuisines of India transporting me through the kitchens, spice markets, and byways forever committed to my memory and to my palate. –ashishdubash@timesofoman.com
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STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY SALIM AL AFIFI STYLING SALMAN KHALIFA MODELS SULTAN AL MUGHAIRI AND ADEEL ISRAR SHEIKH
'Street fashion' is a unique form of personal expression seen all over the world, with young men and women mixing and mashing numerous styles for distinctive, eye-catching looks. In Oman, urban street style has taken the style scene by storm, with the kicks, clothes, and gear now in perpetual demand.
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In the wide world of fashion, there exist countless styles and substyles, but the art of creating garments can be broken down to haute couture, which consists of one-of-a-kind, hand-made concept pieces that emerge from designer studios, typically for runway shows, and occasionally for the celebrity client. In general, these garments are art pieces, meant to inspire and, as part of a larger collection, evoke a particular feel. Based on these artful concepts, ready-to-wear garments are made to be sold in boutiques and shops to the general public. From the racks of ready-to-wear fashion, stylists and fashionistas build their wardrobes and their personal style. Street fashion is a combination and deconstruction of these two categories, in which creative youth cultures around the world, usually in urban settings, pair unique garments in unusual ways to create a style far different than what might have originally been imagined by the designer, for edgy, artful, highly-styled, couture-esque ensembles that are singular and eye-catching. More than mere clothes, these outfits make statements. Street fashion is a social phenomenon that can be traced to a number of subcultures over the years, from flared trousers of the hippies, to long draped jackets of the teddy boys, to ripped clothes and provocative tee slogans of the punks, to the big shades and floral prints of the feminine set, to skinny jeans and oversized jumpers of the modern urban male – Muscat’s favourite style. Each street style has its own distinctive characteristics, creating some sort of a standard or culture, but the natural progression of street fashion in the new globally connected world is that these styles have evolved into more mix-and-match looks, which offer youth more creative liberty with their styling.
GET THE LOOK For those looking to re-create their look, the first thing you have to think about is what sort of style works for you. Are you into smart looks? There’s nothing wrong with suit and tie, just add a little sparkle by wearing a textured statement tie, replace your standard dress shoes with sneakers, and add tiny accessories like an unusual lapel pin or draped scarf for some added interest. If you’re a fan of punk and enjoy classic looks, then try pairing some ripped black skinnies and combat boots with a plain tank top, brown belt, and pitch-black shades, modernising the look with a bold, primary colour statement jacket. You could even add a magnetic lip or ear piercing to amp up the old school punk rock style. The key to street style is all in the details. So, start with an outfit you already love, and find one new element to add or swap that could take your look to another level. Foundational elements of urban fashion can be found at stores like H&M and Zara, but to find super unique pieces, hit up menswear boutique, Lalen. LALEN SOUQ BIN RASHID SOUTH AL MABELAH, SEEB +969 2446 4701 INSTAGRAM: @LALEN.STYLE *Pictured ensembles can be found at Lalen.
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 36 SEPTEMBER 8, 2016
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Not dressy, but far more styled than typical casual wear. The fashion scene in Muscat has become vibrant over the last few years, especially for men, for whom style options used to be so limited one might consider them non-existent. Fashion-forward Omanis now sport an urban street style defined by statement jackets, longer-than-usual tees, skinny jeans, and piercings. The essential piece of this style is denim, which is paired with a mix of contemporary garments accented with pieces from other categories. For example, one could borrow beanies and suspenders from the hipster style, pair it with an oversized t-shirt, swap a plain white t for a shirt with some floral prints, borrowed from the feminine style, and slip on a pair of killer sneakers courtesy of the hip hop scene, all worn over a pair of skinny denim jeans. I met Khalifah Lalen, the founder of Lalen boutiques, shops that specialises in imported, trendy urban wear from Turkey and various countries. I fell in love with his men’s boutique in Al Mabelah, which offers collections that are colourful, edgy, sporty, and smart, from holographic and colour-splashed sneakers, to ripped jeans, glittery boots, mesh tees, biker jackets, and fun patternon-pattern matching outfits (yes, it's a thing now). He also sells causal blazers, long and oversized tees, and globally inspired statement pieces. Lalen had always been a lover of fashion, so opening a boutique of his own was a dream come true. He opened his first men’s boutique, which offered typical menswear, in 2007 with huge success. As he began to see how important distinctive fashion was becoming for young Omani men, he decided to start importing trendier, edgier pieces, unlike anything else available in Oman. His instincts were spot-on, and his boutique is now busier than ever. “Men in town dress fashionably nowadays,” said Lalen. “I believe social media plays a major part in making that happen.” For now, urban street style is dominating the men’s fashion culture in Muscat, but as fashion is an ever-changing art form, no doubt new street styles will soon emerge. Street fashion, to me, is the kind of fashion that captures the essence of who you are, displaying your personality at a glance. This kind of bold expression takes confidence and a certain amount of swagger to wear, which is exactly what makes these looks, from simple, chic urban streetwear to outright controversial, so appealing. —salim@timesofoman.com
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VOLUME 10 ISSUE 36 SEPTEMBER 8, 2016
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India’s 70th Independence Day was celebrated at Indian School Muscat, where students of all the Indian schools in Oman donned patriotic colours and performed in the presence of Indian Ambassador, Indramani Pandey.
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 36 SEPTEMBER 8, 2016
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Indian School Maabela organised a two-day cultural festival for students to showcase their skills and talent.
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The Rajasthan community in Oman welcomed Haji Dawood Khan Qureshi, a successful businessman from Oman, with a felicitation ceremony.
VOLUME 10 ISSUE 36 SEPTEMBER 8, 2016
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30th August Victory Day reception was held at the residence of the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey, Uğur Doğan.
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SUDOKU HOW TO PLAY Fill empty cells with the numbers 1 to 9, so that each number appears once in each row, column, and area.
Level | Very Easy
Level | Easy
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7 4
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Level | Difficult
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Level | Moderate
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