BAHRAIN MUMS Bahrain
Mums Guide guid e 22nd edition
STAYCATION |
February / March 2021
OUTDOOR DINING | LOCAL APPS |
SPORT | RECIPES
We offer a child-centered, holistic approach to education
Since 1978, Nadeen School has been dedicated to providing a nurturing, safe, stimulating and encouraging environment in which children of all ages, nationalities, abilities and strengths can develop a lifelong love for exploration and learning. We have 50 nationalities in Primary School, Pre Nursery up to Year 6.
Tel: 17 728886 Email: info@nadeenschool.com www.nadeenschool.com Accredited member:
BAHRAIN MUMS GUIDE February/March 2021 Edition 22
DON’T
As we step into 2021, the start of a new year is often a time of reflection and new beginnings. Peek cautiously around the corner at whatever the new year has in store, be optimistic about 2021! We have see a surge in small businesses supporting each other, schools during amazing things to keep kids engaged and learning despite restrictions, and communities pulling together to help those in need. We have no idea what the year ahead will hold, but we know we are going to tackle it as best we can, together. In this edition, we will be featuring outdoor restaurants & food trucks, staycation ideas, tasty Italian recipes, and some great tips on nurturing those precious early friendships. As per every edition, we have included a new set informative articles from the experts regarding sport benefits, cervical cancer detection and prevention, and much more! Bahrain Mums Guide is a free magazine published three times a year and circulated to schools, play centres, kindergartens, nurseries, retail shops, and popular family locations in Bahrain. Our magazine is also available online at www.issuu.com/musinbahrain so be sure to share them with your friends in need!
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APRIL/MAY 2021 BOOKING DEADLINE Art deadline: April 1st Distributed directly to parenting hotspots across Bahrain
Mums in Bahrain would also like to thank our loving sponsor, Royal Bahrain Hospital for their continued support in sponsoring our MIB magazine.
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We would love to hear your thoughts about this edition! If you have any comments, suggestions, recommendations, recipes, and other ideas that you would like to share with us, please feel free to send them on our email at mib@mumsinbahrain.net.
All editorial and advertising in Mums in Bahrain publications are published in good faith based on material, verbal or written, provided by contributors and advertisers. No legal responsibility is taken for errors or omissions and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.
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Three-Storey Jungle Gym Imagination Playground Soft Play Moms & Tots Birthday Parties Tel: +973 17000037 Yellow Submarine Bahrain yellowsubmarinebh www.yellowsubmarinekids.com
Saar Mall, Avenue 13, Saar, Bahrain WWW.MUMSINBAHRAIN.NET
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2021
CONTENTS!
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21
28
A family staycation the whole family will enjoy.
benefits of cryotherapy?
based apps, marketplaces, and directories
LOOKING TO GET AWAY:
CRYOTHERAPY : What are the
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FROM THE EDITOR
5
WHAT’S ON: New exciting places and events
8
NEW BUSINESS: Exciting local start-up
10
AMERICAN SCHOOL OF BAHRAIN: A holistic American and international education
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SPORT FOR KIDS: Instilling a love for kids in sport
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EARLY LEARNING: The Reggio Emilia approach
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FOOD TIME: Outdoor dining
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CERVICAL CANCER: The importance of cervical cancer screening during pregnancy
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PARENT-CHILD PLAY: Connecting with your child through play
29
FAMILY CONNECTIONS: Connecting in the digital age
32
RECIPES
FIRST FRIENDSHIPS: Simple tips for nurturing your child’s first friendships
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TOP APPS: Must-have Bahrain
G ot a s t or y E m a il ou t o s h a re? m i b @ m u m r ed it or on s in b a h ra in .n et
Visit our website for more news - www.mumsinbahrain.net
FRIDAY LADIES BRUNCH @ CUT BY WOLFGANG PUCK Four Seasons Bahrain, Bahrain Bay Fridays 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM Delicious dishes crafted by the talented Wolfgang Puck team, unlimited beverages and your tribe catching up with all the news make for the best brunch ever. Join the brunch on the terrace or indoors overlooking the best views of our island and Bahrain Bay. BHD 34 – inclusive of food only, BHD 48 – extended beverage package. For more information, call 1711 5044
The not-for-profit farm has eight greenhouses and outdoor patches of mint, bok choy, spring onions, beets, celery, asparagus, pomegranate, cilantro, a variety of peppers and tomatoes, carrots, kale and cabbage. Come to the Al Jasra farm, pick your vegetables straight from the earth and weigh them with the help of their assistants.
AL-FADHEL MOSQUE Bahrain National Museum Free Entry In efforts to restore its symbolic value and historical aesthetic, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities worked on restoring the minaret of this historic mosque by reviving its original appearance and design. The architectural and scientific methods of the restoration processes are presented throughout this exhibition.
SHAPE TRADITIONAL POTTERY A’Ali Pottery, A’Ali Watch the masters at work and pick up some great souvenirs created using traditional techniques in the thriving pottery district. For more information, call 17641050 WWW.MUMSINBAHRAIN.NET
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2021
LOCAL NEWS
JASRA ORGANIC FARM
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MALKIA BEACH Al Malkiyah Recently renovated beach with a lot of playgrounds and walking area. Make the most of it while you can. Clean sand, sparkling sea and a lovely playgrounds.
ALMANAMA RIDING CENTRE Horse riding, especially Arabian horses, is one of the most important and famous activities in Bahrain and has value and legacy in the Kingdom. Horse & pony classes for kids and adults. Saturday morning from 9-12am pony camp for kids age 4 years plus. Now they are offering beach hacks for group or individuals (ma 4 per group). BD 10 per person. For more information and bookings contact 39000662 or visit their instagram page @alamanamariding
A Box of Goodness
Unregistered Charity founded on the principles of sharing our blessings with the less fortunate. Founded in 2016 in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The charity aims to enrich local communities, save the environment and reach out to the less fortunate through food drives and emergency relief efforts. For more information and visit their facebook or instagram page @aboxofgoodness
AL’ALI WINTER MARKET Al’Aali Mall
WHAT’S ON
Al’Aali Mall keeps the good times rolling! With excitement, they announced the extension of The Winter Market yet again! Stop by Al’Aali Mall from 6 pm onwards and say hello to all vendors and food trucks. For more information check their Instagram page @alaalimallbahrain
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LADIES MONDAY ESCAPE AT SOFITEL Sofitel Hotel, Zallaq
Owing to the enormous popularity, the ladies Monday escape has been extended! Continue enjoying free access to Sofitel Bahrain’s pristine, private beach on Mondays, including complimentary access for children under 12 years of age. Discover a world of tranquility with Sunset Yoga Meditation at The Beach and treat yourself with a glamorous makeover at our chic five-star beauty haven, @lesalonbh, with a splendorous 30% off on selected services, offering the perfect end to your beachside retreat. For bookings or more details, please call 1763 6391.
BEACH CULTU RE Bahrain Bay
Paddle boarding never been easier! Beach Culture are based at Bahrain Bay with parking right next to it. They provide services and products in the leisure coastal industry and natural (non-motorized) watersports. Their schools specialize in kite surfing, stand up paddling and yoga, with a plan in covering more areas of human-powered watersports in the future. 1 hour guided paddleboard tour is BD 9, and 2 hour guided paddleboard tour is BD 12. For more information and contact 33036362 or visit their Instagram page @beachculture
HOLA ESCOBAR! Escobar Restaurant, Adliya A new restaurant located in Block 338 - a Latin American Bar and Restaurant with modern and classic designs. The venue is reminiscent of its Latin American roots, while drinks and food menu draw stimulation from the diverse, robust and flavorful culture it is linked to. Offers: TACO TUESDAYS: Enjoy 1 drink and 3 tacos of your choice beef, chicken or fish for BD 4.9. MONDAY PITCHERS: Buy 1 get 1 free. HAPPY HOURS MENU: everyday 5pm-pm For more information and bookings whatsapp 38044950 or visit www.escobar.bh
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FEBRUARY / MARCH 2021
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NEW BUSINESS WANT TO SHARE YOUR BUSINESS STORY? EMAIL MIB@MUMSINBAHRAIN.NET
BOOKIT APP
AVAILABLE
FOR BUSINESS
A NEW MOBILE APP IN BAHRAIN:
SIMPLIFYING BEAUTY & FITNESS
BOOKIT WELLNESS APP
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ver walked into a salon recruit specialists and profesto find out that they are sionals that will serve you’re fully booked or better yet needs. your favorite stylist is busy for How it works? 1. Explore what the next 3 hours. Maybe you we have to offer -we offer a vaplanned ahead and decided to riety of services, either at home call and book your appointor at the business. 2. Choose ment but the receptionist your service - decide on the thought you were service that fits your talking about needs and head to “BOOKIT MAIN another stylist or checkout. 3 Sit back PRIORITY IS another time or and relax - leave the CUSTOMERS she wasn’t feeling rest to us and receive SATISFACTION it that day and you your confirmation felt tension instead AND WELL-BEING.” details. of a relaxing massage. For more information visit or call: Bookit ensures to deliver www.bookit.app quality services that fits your www.instagram.com/bookit.bh preference. Rest assure you’ll +97335499399 be in safe hands for we only
Bookit Biz is a venue management app for anyone with an appointment-based business. In a time where we can’t connect in-person, let your clients book and experience your services online. Bookit offers features that allow your clients to donate to you, the ability to offer your services in new ways and to continue getting paid. Provide your services at your client’s favorite locations: at homes at the office, or even at events. Set a travel fee and choose the areas you want to travel to. Grow your business with the freedom to work anywhere, and anytime.
• • • • •
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FEBRUARY / MARCH 2021
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A holistic American and international education:
American School of Bahrain
AMERICAN SCHOOL OF BAHRAIN
ASB opened in September 2020. The school is reflective of Esol Education’s deep expertise in international education, from designing optimal learning spaces and recruiting the best educators to building a robust international curriculum and ensuring a multitude of activities and opportunities to encourage students to be well rounded, thoughtful citizens.
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HOW IS ASB CONTRIBUTING TO
IS THERE ANYTHING THAT MAKES
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN?
YOUR SCHOOL SPECIAL?
The key to the economic and social success of any
The special thing about ASB is that we are not interested in ‘doing education’ the same way that it has been
country is ordinarily a quality education system and
done the past 50 years. We reinforce with our teach-
Bahrain is a country where education is encouraged
ing staff that we cannot teach the same way we were
and celebrated. Hence, we aim for the American
taught. Students today need a completely different
School of Bahrain to contribute to the Kingdom
skillset to enter university and eventually the world
for many years to come, by offering a challenging
of work, than students of the past. As a school we
American and international education that inspires
work hard at creating a culture of kindness, a sense of
students to pursue their passions, achieve their
belonging and an atmosphere where it is okay to take
goals and become responsible global citizens. Our
risks and fail in an attempt to improve everything
students will learn to challenge popular opinion,
we do. We also have a state-of-the-art campus and
stand up for what is right and do so respectfully and
utilize technology in our day-to-day education. In
with integrity. We want to serve the Kingdom by pro-
addition, even though we are an international school,
viding a world class KG to grade 12 school where our
we do provide a very comprehensive Arabic and Cul-
graduates will make Bahrain proud and give back to
tural program for all of our students including those
the community.
who learn Arabic as a second language. Furthermore,
we are an Esol Education school. We have the support of a purely educational foundation who has been operating schools for over 44 years. On top of that, our staff and teachers are all experienced internationally and have been doing this for many years. So, putting these factors all together, ASB is a very special school.
WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN TAKEAWAYS FROM THE PAST YEAR?
HOW IS THE RESPONSE FROM PARENTS
I believe the main takeaways from the past year are
IN BAHRAIN?
that we cannot take anything for granted and that we
We have had a terrific response the past two months
constantly need to reinvent ourselves as organiza-
for our 2021-22 admissions applications. We are ex-
tions. This past year has taught us how important
pecting our student numbers to double next year and
the people close to us are. We have all had a wakeup
this is a direct response to our inaugural four months
call that our world can change overnight and that we
with happy parents and students. We have many
need to remember how important our families and
families who have three or more children (five in one
close friends are for us to work through difficult times.
case) and the third child in a family receives a 10%
We are living through the worst pandemic the world
discount and the fourth child receives 15% discount.
has seen in our lifetime and this has forced everyone
Our admissions process is rolling throughout the year.
to rethink how we deliver our services and how we
Parents are welcome to visit our website and register
view each other and the world around us. This said,
for the upcoming year 2021-2022 on www.asb.bh. We
it has become very clear that teaching and learning
are also happy to receive any enquiry on info@asb.bh.
remotely can be done, however it cannot hold a candle to doing so in person.
ANY ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2020 THAT YOU WANT TO HIGHLIGHT? We are thrilled that we successfully opened our brandnew school right in the middle of a world pandemic. With careful preparation we have taken steps to ensure parents of our students are comfortable sending their children to school each and every day. We have 95% of our students in school Sunday to Thursday and we have never needed to have students attend in shifts and they don’t need to learn remotely. Our students are so happy to be at school with their friends and learning in person with their teachers in class and not on a device at home. We believe that our school is safe as we are taking all the required precautions and we have a very specious campus that makes it easy to spread the students and ourselves apart, maintaining proper social distancing..
LOOKING FORWARD, WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2021? To continue developing our ethos and atmosphere where students and staff love to come to school each and every day, where students feel they are part of something very special and that every adult in the building cares deeply for their learning, their well-being and their future. After that, everything else will fall into place. WWW.MUMSINBAHRAIN.NET
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2021
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INSTILLING A LOVE FOR
SPORTS IN KIDS
D
id you know that six out of ten Bahraini kids aren’t getting the recommended
amount of physical activity each day? At a time of critical development and growth, many children are learning that mobile devices are fun and physical activity is something that they only participate in when they have to. So, how do we turn that around and instill a love for fitness in them from an early age? At the core of a developing a lifelong love for anything, the activity has to be fun and something that they look forward to. (After all, when have you ever stuck at anything that you don’t enjoy?) A love for sports comes from having fun. This connection between sport and fun can start from a very early age, and is something that
RAISING GREEN BABIES
will positively influence kids’ choices for their whole lives. With this in mind, many activity places in Bahrain has built their whole program around ensuring kids are having fun while exercising and trying new things. Their unique approach to kids’ fitness has already led to hundreds of kids in Bahrain putting down their devices and finding a new love for being fit and active.
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Putting the fun hack in fitness This choice and flexibility takes away the pressure
Even if the going’s tough, work with your child to find something active that he or she likes.
of choosing a specialised sport early, so kids really can just go along and have fun. Once kids do discover that thing they love, they may start to stick with regular classes. But that’s because they’ve had the chance to try everything, so they truly know they are doing something they love. If at any point they fancy trying something new for a week or two, they can easily switch to something else! This flexibility is great for the kids, as it keeps the focus on having fun, getting involved, and being active.
Kids might also enjoy individual sports or other: • swimming • horseback riding • dance classes • inline skating
Still looking for a sport
• cycling
Some kids haven’t found the right sport. Maybe a
• golf
child who doesn’t have the hand-eye coordination for baseball has the drive and the build to be a swimmer, a runner, or a cyclist. The idea of an individual sport also can be more appealing to some kids who like to go it alone.
• skateboarding • tennis • gymnastics • martial arts • yoga and other fitness classes • running
What you can do: Be open to your child’s interests in other sports or activities. That can be tough if, for instance, you just loved basketball and wanted
Sport places in Bahrain
to continue the legacy. But by exploring other op-
Aces Taekwondo Academy, Amwaj Islands, 39658741
tions, you give your child a chance to get invested
Albanna Taekwondo Center, Juffair, 36668390
in something he or she truly enjoys.
Groovy Kids Yoga, Jasra, 36220949 Life Fit, Janabiya, 17692424
Fitness outside of team sports Even kids who once said they hated sports might learn to like team sports as their skills improve or they find the right sport or a league. But even if team sports never thrill your child, there’s plenty a kid can do to get the recommended 60 minutes or
Chaoss, Saar, 17592096 Sparta, Saar, 17605190 JC’s Tennis Academy, Riffa, 3978 5149 Fit Kids Bahrain, Janabiya, 34211550 Juventus Academy, Saar, 3713 0107 Winners Football Academy, Isa Town, 17442434
more of physical activity each day.
Tekkers Academy, Riffa &Saar, 37709010
Free play can be very important for kids who
Bahrain Karate Center, Saar, 38449994
don’t play a team sport. What’s free play? It’s the
Japan Karate Association, Budaiya, 38886930
activity kids get when they’re left to their own
Bahrain Rugby Football Club, Saar, 17695809
devices, like shooting hoops, riding bikes, playing
Ballare Studio, Saar, 1730 0021
whiffleball, playing tag, jumping rope, or dancing.
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S i m p l e t i p s f o r n u rt u r i n g yo u r
child’s first friendships W
hen does friendship begin to matter for tod-
NURTURE THEIR INTERESTS. As your child
dlers and preschoolers? Learn when and how
discovers their own interests, help them find other
little ones make friends and how you can support
children with similar likes. If they don’t have any
these budding relationships.
stand-out interests yet, encourage them to try new
Making friends is an essential part of growing up and
things.
also helps to develop the social and emotional skills
CHOOSE A KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM THAT ACTIVELY SUPPORTS SOCIAL GROWTH.
required for starting school. Friendships teach a child empathy and altruism, whilst also helping to develop
begin, so attending a Kindergarten that supports social
ture, friends are a vital support network in navigating
growth is vital. Programs such as the Active Early
the more challenging times.
Learning Curriculum can significantly help with this.
Good friendships can also have a positive influence on a child’s classroom learning. Children that don’t feel comfortable in their environment find it harder to CHILD’S FIRST FRIENDSHIPS
learn. Having strong relationships is an integral part of making children feel welcome. “We strongly believe in building powerful relationships that promote inspiration in early learning,” says Nepal. HELP YOUR CHILD TO DEVELOP POSITIVE SOCIAL SKILLS FROM AN EARLY AGE. Understanding the importance of sharing, listening to each other and taking someone else’s feelings into account are all important parts of positive social interaction. Guide your child to read social situations and interact positively.
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The Kindergarten room is where most first friendships
their own identity and self-esteem. And, as they ma-
ENCOURAGE FRIENDSHIPS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO YOUR CHILD. If there is a friendship that your child values, take time to nurture it — even if the kids are at different schools. Create time for them to see friends outside their school days. RESPECT YOUR CHILD’S PERSONALITY. Some children may have heaps of friends, others may only need one or two to feel content and may even feel overwhelmed by more. If your child is nurtured and happy, they will develop positive friendships in their own way.
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THE
REGGIO EMILIA APPROACH T
he Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood educa-
tion views young children as individuals who are curious about their world and have the powerful potential to learn from all that surrounds them. Educational, psychological, and sociological influences are important factors to consider in understanding children and working to stimulate learning in appropriate ways. Reggio teachers employ strategies such as exposing children to a wide variety of educational opportunities that encourage self-expression, communication, logical thinking, and problem-solving.
HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM PLAY-BASED LEARNING?
THE REGGIO EMILIA APPROACH
While play-based learning and emergent curriculum has its place,
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These methods are proven to
calm; the specialised environ-
create better developmental out-
ments speak for themselves!
comes for the children as we view
As the centres develops and
them as active participants in
the children’s interest in this
constructing their own knowledge.
space grows, it will become
HOW DOES ENVIRONMENT PLAY A PART?
somewhere that they can visit, build chubby houses, plant their own trees, ground themselves
Loris Malaguzzi, founder of
on natural grass and enjoy this
our approach extends beyond this.
The Reggio Emilia Approach,
extension to our already large,
The idea is to allow the children
believed that the ‘environment is
bespoke play spaces.
to direct their own play. Hhighly
the third teacher’. The environ-
The small group experience is
specialised teachers are careful
ment is considered integral in
essential in truly developing
observers, acknowledging and
our teaching process and has
the interests of the children.
valuing their play and ensuring
underpinned the development
Children can come and go
that their play has a purpose. In
and design of all early learning
from these spaces freely during
the Reggio Approach, your child’s
centres.
the day—fully supervised and
voice is highly valued when it
The moment you walk into the
scaffold by our early childhood
comes to their learning.
centres, you will feel a sense of
specialists—and immerse
themselves in what interests them and extends upon their passions. To ensure this emphasis on the environment continues into the outdoor spaces, we worked with leading playscape designer WEARTHY. Most of the centres have an outdoor playscape that features not only natural learning environments that are developmentally sophisticated, but environments that also promote sustainable concepts that foster a sense of self-worth, respect, resilience, gratitude for our environment, and a compassion for living beings. Carefully incorporated beneficial risky play areas— these spaces challenge the children with height, speed and other physical elements that extend on the children’s physicality.
HOW IS THE REGGIO EMILIA APPROACH USED IN THE CLASSROOM? The educators and teachers truly understand and embody child development, with a holistic and inclusive approach to documentation and curriculum. Reggio educators are with the children and there for the children; they’re in partnership with their learning. With each activity, together they explore the possibilities of ‘where can we take the learning from here?’ This collaborative approach extends to the relationships with families. The Reggio Approach sees the family, the teacher and the child all as integral parts in the child’s early learning journey. The teaches gets to know you and your family and become part of your ‘village’.
HOW DOES THAT FIT INTO DAY-TO-DAY CHILDCARE? By bringing this nurturing philosophy into a childcare environment, it means children get absolutely everything they need. As well as providing a quality learning journey each day, our centre is all inclusive, with all music, art, yoga and sports programs included as part of our day to-day care. Nutritious meals, nappies, hats and anything else families need throughout the day are provided too.
WHAT ARE THE LIFE-LONG BENEFITS OF STARTING A LEARNING JOURNEY WITH REGGIO EMILIA? Reggio inspiration ensures that the children are developing as independent beings; building confidence and becoming researchers in their own life-long journey.
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LOOKING
TO GET AWAY We bring you the best from our corner of Kingdom of Bahrain so you can ejnoy a family stayaction the whole family will enjoy.
Staycation is the perfect time to try something a little bit different, even if it is on your doorstep. Take the plunge and try stand-up paddle boading (www.scubadiving.com or www.beachculture.me), hire a boat ( www.bissmarine.com ), or try your hand at tennis or collecting the oysters. Here are some other ideas.
LOOKING TO GET AWAY
PEARL DIVING
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An exciting world-class adventure For more than 2000 years Bahrain’s pearls have been prized as some of the best natural pearls in the world! In the past pearl divers went out to sea for months. They were lowered on weighted ropes and remained
underwater for over a minute with nothing but a nose peg to control their breathing. Now, we offer you the opportunity to hunt for pearls right here in the amazing waters of the Gulf. Below are the steps: • Get a ticket online at www.scubalife.bh • Attend a briefing workshop • Departure with a licensed Dive company • Open your oysters on the boat and on the return trip • Collect up to 60 oysters • Have your pearls appraised for value and quality
T R Y A K A YA K YO U R Scuba Diving offers guided or self-guided kayaking adventures.
You can choose a half-day guide your suitable for all levels of fitness. More seasoned kayakers can opt for a self-guided three day experience, allowing you to take things at your own pace and choose where to camp. Half guided tours cost BD 15 for adults and BD 50 for children. Visit www.scubalife.bh or call 33640310 for more details.
GO HORSE RIDING If you have horse-mad children then you have to put this one on your to do list. Take in the stunning surrounds of Karbabad beach and Bahrain Fort! Whether you are taking up riding for the first time or wish
to ride and compete in show jumping, and dressage competitions thye have available ponies and horses that will suit your needs and ability. Riders range in age from 2 years through to 60+ so you are never too young or old to start. Rides price start from BD 10 for shared lesson, and BD15 for group lesson. Contact Al Manama Riding 39000662 or Palm Riding Centre 32261337
B O A R D S P O RT S Whether you want paddle boarding or wake boarding, you’ll pay about the same for each. For example paddle boarding with Beach Culture costs BD9 for 60 minutes. At Art Marine at the Ritz-Carlton Marina it’s BD15 for 15 minutes. Coral Bay charges BD20 for 30 minutes and BD35 for an hour if you already know what you’re doing with an extra BD10 for lessons which can be booked in packages. Apparently most people manage to get upright within the first hour, after that it’s simply a case of staying there.
P A I N T YO U R O W N C E R A M I C M A S T E R P I E C E A T A l Ja s r a Handicra fts Centre Al Jasra handicrafts center is considered one of the most important craft centers in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Located in Al Jasra village, surrounded by abundant greenery overlooking the water. For more than a quarter of a century, the center has been embracing Bahraini artisans specialized in
a number of areas of traditional crafts and industries. For more information check www.handicrafts.bh
DIVING The PADI scuba course is available at Al Bandar for BD120 and the open water course for BD200. Coral Bay, a PADI-sanctioned five-star gold facility, runs the open water course for BD270. They also offer kids’ courses and specialisations such as wreck diving and underwater photgraphy. Scubamaster offers PADI open water courses for BD195 and Dilmun Divers do the BSAC course, which is a different international qualification, from BD105 but you must become a member of the Dilmun Club to take part. All of them conduct dive trips out into the Gulf where you’re likely to spot an array of the region’s wildlife and various wrecks. Scubamaster (17292154), Dilmun Divers (38 881532).
JET SKIS Love ‘em or hate ‘em, there’s no getting away from the fact that jet skis are really, really popular here – you only have to look at Floating City in Amwaj, where every other property has one moored. Coral Bay charges BD20 for 30 minutes and BD35 per hour, the jet skis can take two people and the price stays the same. At the Marina Club the price is BD15 for 30 minutes and BD30 per hour.
BOAT TRIP HIRE From short trips out for a spot of dolphin watching to full days island hopping, swimming, picnicking, fishing or diving Al Bandar, Art Marine, Bahrain Yacht Club and Coral Bay also have a good range of boats for hire for parties from two people upwards. Bahrain Yacht Club (17700677). You can also take leisure trips from Al Dar, the island off the coast of Bahrain, which is reached by boat from Sitra Fisherman’s Port (17704600).
TRIP TO THE TREE OF LIFE The Tree of Life is a lone and spreading mesquite tree, famous not because it somehow survives in the barren desert (plenty of trees and thorn bushes do that) but because it has survived for so long. Follow signs to the tree along the Muaskar Hwy. It is just off the sealed road (take a right turn by Khuff Gas Well 371 and turn right again along the power lines). The Tree of Life is 40km from Manama and a 45-minute drive away. Note the wind-eroded forms in the escarpment near the site.
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20
What are the benefits of
cryotherapy? itting in a cold tank might seem an odd path to
people with severe high blood pressure, and people
health. But the trend, which goes by the name
with heart conditions should not try cryotherapy.
of cryotherapy, is becoming increasingly popular. People claim that extreme cold can improve mental and physical health and even prolong life. So what does the science say? WHAT IS CRYOTHERAPY?
Cryo comes from the Greek word cryo, and means cold. Cryotherapy refers to any form of medical treatment that relies on cold exposure. Whole Body Cryotherapy involves immersing the body in a cold chamber, which emits vapors at extremely low temperatures ranging from -110C to -160C HOW IT WORKS?
The most popular form of cryotherapy is usually done for an interval of 2 to 4 minutes. Some people undergo cryotherapy facials, which apply cold to the face only. Others use a cryotherapy wand to target specific areas, such as a painful joint. Most people use the term cryotherapy to refer to whole-body cryotherapy. Though unpleasant to begin with, cryotherapy tends to get better with each treat-
BENEFITS
Pain relief and muscle healing: Cryotherapy can help with muscle pain, as well as some joint and muscle disorders, such as arthritis. It may also promote faster healing of athletic injuries. Weight Loss: Cryotherapy alone will not cause weight loss, but it could support the process. In theory, being cold forces the body to work harder to stay warm. Some cryotherapy providers claim that a few minutes of cold can increase metabolism all day. Eventually, they claim, people no longer feel cold because their metabolism has adjusted and increased in response to the cold temperature. Reducing anxiety and depression: Research findings that cryotherapy may reduce inflammation suggest that it could treat mental health conditions linked to inflammation. Some preliminary research on cryotherapy and mental health also supports this claim.
ment, as the body adjusts to the low temperature. It is
WHERE IN BAHRAIN?
generally safe, but it is important to talk to a doctor
Cryo is available at The Ritz Carlton SPA. For more
before trying cryotherapy. Pregnant women, children,
information follow @Cryobahrain or call 6600 7777. WWW.MUMSINBAHRAIN.NET
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2021
CRYOTHERAPY
S
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Outdoor dining has been a Covid bright spot. Whether it’s an afternoon tea, a ladies night on a rooftop lounge or a brunch by the seaside, our selection of the island’s best restaurants and food trucks has it all. HAUS
L’ORTO
Globally inspired flavours, homegrown flair and a whole lot of sophistication, without all the ‘fuss’ - thats what Haus is all about. Haus takes you on a culinary journey, while giving you the feeling of being in the comfort of your own home. www.hausphilosophy.com 17663232
A story of return. Returning to Toscana. Returning to their roots. Rustic redefined Italian. Nourishing the human spirit, one table at a time. @lorto.bh 66733345
CLAY
The Orangery focuses on the traditional English tea room era, offering an a la carte menu with an influence of the Middle East. www.orangeryme.com 17369696
Clay brings you an exceptional culinary experience in the form of Nikkei, a Japanese-Peruvian cuisine. Fresh ingredients delivered via intricatetechniques and nuanced flavour. Food inspired by the elements. www.claybahrain.com 38900029
FOOD TIME!
MASSO
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Masso is a labor of love, where passion and creativity meet to produce the wonderful food that is the pivotal point of the Restaurant. Passion and attention are visible in the great collection of wines that is present in the Restaurant wine list, the largest in the Island. www.massorestaurant.com 17721061
THE ORANGERY
COCO’S Nestled in the picturesque Block 338 area, this restaurant serves unpretentious, value-for-money food in generous portions. Guests can enjoy a relaxed meal seated in the adjoining pebble-floored garden with umbrella canopies and greenery. Simple yet flavourful creations such as beef stroganoff, grilled chicken with gravy and mash, pasta and burgers are served in addition to a variety of soups and salads. @cocoscafebahrain 317716512
MYCAFE My Cafe Bahrain A boutique cafe restaurant in Block 338, Adliya, serving gourmet meals and beverages made using the finest ingredients. www.mycafebh.com 77344444
PRIMAVERA Bringing the tastes of Italy to Manama with a curated menu of familiar favorites and chef’s special creations. @primavera_trattoria_moderna 17586499
ATTIC Their menu takes inspiration from all corners of Greece & is designed for sharing. Their food brings together simple, fresh ingredients to create innovative, flavorsome dishes for all to enjoy. www.atticbahrain.com 17717780
FUSION BY TALA Fusion’s by Tala is just that, a synergy of Middle Eastern cuisine and fine dining, where local cooking techniques and ingredients meet at the horizon of a culinary renaissance. www.gulfhotelbahrain.com 1771 3000
Food Trucks Bahrain’s food trucks offer up every cuisine mash-up imaginable, and between the trucks’ websites and instagram, it’s easy to track down your favorites. A truck can be a little culinary surprise, but there’s also a thriving, family-friendly, deliciously casual scene. Tacos Comalito Near Aljazira, Juffair/ Timings: 6pm-10pm @comalito_bh StrEAT Al Aali Mall / Timings: 6pm-12am @streat.bh The Fruit Guys Estiqlal Avenue / Timings: 4:30pm -11:30pm @thefruitguysbh The Chemist Sanad & Busaiteen / Timings: 4:30pm -11:30pm @thechemistbh Madness Fries Zallaq / Timings: 5pm-11pm @madnessfries
ACQUA
Organika
Dreaming of the Mediterranean, that light feeling, the happy moments. Revive your smile at home in Adliya in a secret pop up, where the food will sate, the drinks will flow & the conversation will delight. @acquabymasso 17721061
Al Maqsha / Timings: 6pm-12am @organika.foodtruck
CANTINA KAHLO
Sliders
Discover an authentic Mexican restaurant with vibrant décor and exceptional cuisine inspired by traditional flavors. @cantinakahlo 17586401
ESCOBAR Inspired Latin fare, an unrivalled Pisco menu and an atmosphere that will make you say ‘gracias’. www.escobar.bh 17231231
Mexican Corn Al Saya, Busaiteen / Timings: 5pm-12am @mexican.corn
Janabiya & Zallaq & Amwaj & Tubli & Zayed Town / Timings: 4pm-12am @sliders_bah Block Seven Hamad Town / Timings: 7pm-12am @block_7_seven Plan B Seef / Timings: 6pm-12am @planbbh
WWW.MUMSINBAHRAIN.NET
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2021
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Pap smear test Routine Pap smear test during pregnancy can be done after 3 months of delivery
The importance of
CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING
during pregnancy
A repeat smear test after a previous abnormality can be done during pregnancy and the best time is between 3 and 6 months. THERE IS NO INCREASED RISK OF MISCARRIAGE IF THE SMEAR IS DONE DURING PREGNANCY.
By: Dr. Nailah Nisar (Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynecology / Head of Department)
A
Pap smear is a sample taken from the cervix (neck of the womb) with a brush. It is a
screening test that is available for the prevention and detection of Cervical Cancer. It is advisable to get the smears on regular intervals, so the changes in the skin of the cervix can be detected at a stage before they become cancerous. Women should begin cervical cancer screenings from the age of 25. Following the consultation with your OBGYN doctor and Pap smear, should your test result is abnormal, further investigations are required such as a colposcopy, which will give the doctor a detailed look at the cervix under the aid of
CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING
a microscope. The above information will help if you are: • Unsure whether you should have your smear or attend colposcopy while you are pregnant. • Have had an abnormal smear result and then discovered you are pregnant. • Have had treatment in the past for an abnormal smear, and are pregnant or are considering having a baby.
Cervical biopsy or treatment Biopsy or treatment is usually avoided during pregnancy as there is more risk of bleeding. >The majority of women who have had treatment to the cervix will have a successful pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby. >Vaginal scans may be recommended to measure the length of the cervix during pregnancy, particularly if more than one treatment or if a large area of cervix was removed.
Abnormal smear Sometimes women become pregnant between having their smear test and finding out the results. >If colposcopy has been recommended, it is important to attend as it will not harm the baby and can provide valuable and reassuring information.
Repeat colposcopy Often colposcopy can be postponed until after the baby is born. In some circumstances, it may be necessary as under: > If the first examination was very early during pregnancy, or if there is any change in your symptoms like bleeding after intercourse or offensive smelling discharge from vagina. >If colposcopy is done during pregnancy the follow-up appointment usually takes place about 3 months after delivery.
>If the cervix appears shortened on the scan, the option of taking oral or vaginal tablets / gel or suppositories or cervical stitch around the cervix to prevent it from opening early.
For more information, the Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department at Royal Bahrain Hospital is here for you! For appointments, call 17246800 or WhatsApp 32181810.
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WWW.MUMSINBAHRAIN.NET
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2021
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Connecting with Your child through play
A
s we all know, play is an integral part of child-
Children get a sense of brim-filling joy when they
hood. Play can positively benefit children’s
have their parent’s undivided attention, even in
cognitive development, social skills, gross skills, fine motor skill and much more. As parents, we want to support our children’s development as best we can. But sometimes it feels like we have to be aware of so much and conscious of optimising the time we have, that we may be forgetting the most important thing — FUN! What if we make that the marker of quality play? Belly laughs. You know the type - the side-splitting, ‘Mum/Dad must be a comedian’, tears rolling down their cheeks kind of belly laugh. There is such CONNECTING WITH YOUR CHILD
delight in those moments. As parents, we want to foster beautiful connections with our children and one positive way to do this is through play. Our role as parents in these moments is simply to be present. We want to be genuinely interested and invested in what our children love. Now, this is not always easy, especially when we are expected to engage in talking about Pokemon or Minecraft or, in my recent experience, retro Godzilla movies. But children can tell when we are not wholly invested.
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short bursts. KNOCK IT OUT YOU WILL NEED: Some recycled bottles, a tennis ball and stocking. Put the ball in the stocking and put it on your head. CHALLENGE: Knock over bottles placed on the floor WHO WINS? Whoever knocks over the most bottles in one minute DEFYING GRAVITY YOU WILL NEED: Balloons CHALLENGE: Bounce 2 or 3 balloons without them falling on the floor. Look at safe ways to sabotage the other player WHO WINS? Time it and see who can bounce balloons for the longest FLOUR SCISSORS PAPER ROCK YOU WILL NEED: A plate, flour CHALLENGE: Scissors, paper, rock - winner gets to gently push the other players face into flour WHO WINS? Well, this one will be obvious
Digital age & creating MEANINGFUL family connections
T
echnology provides us with an almost endless
thing on this channel that you can show me?” Cre-
array of family entertainment options. It is a big
ating conversation and meeting children where
part of the daily lives and, let’s be honest, it’s not go-
they are at can only promote connection.
ing anywhere! We know that technology can be both
So let’s build on this, what if we created content
incredibly beneficial and potentially harmful. Parents today are struggling with how to protect their children from the online environment and balance this with utilising digital technology cation, positive entertainment and the strengthening of social relationships. Whilst there seems to be a focus on the dangers of tech, what if we were to explore options where technology could
children can let their imaginations go wild (and you do not need to post any of this content online). It could be a nice little
Technology can be memento of your time spent together. scary but it can also Here are some ideas: be an amazing and fun • Why not record a dance or a short tool for families video skit? You can find scripts to help you online. to connect. • Interview your children like a news reporter or, even better, get them to interview you.
actually improve our family connections? When it comes to connecting with our children,
• Film a movie review.
technology is no different from any other interest they have. Do we know what they find so entertaining
Get into coding with your child - there are heaps
about that YouTuber, or that game they endlessly
of resources online (google “coding with your
play? It is important to remember that kids will pick
kids”).
up on whether you are generally interested or are
There is endless fun and potential to be had by
simply fishing for information, so make it about what
all and it is a great way to get siblings playing
is personal to them. Ask them something like “why
together again.
F A M I LY C O N N E C T I O N S
to enhance communication, for edu-
with our children? This is one area parents and
do you love watching this?” or “what is the funniest WWW.MUMSINBAHRAIN.NET
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2021
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CHECK THIS APPS We’ve compiled a collection of apps, marketplaces, and directories to help you find businesses to support, no matter what you’re shopping for.
FINE FOODS GOURMET Fine Foods Gourmet is a gastronomy haven. Discover an online trove of the world’s finest ingredients, delivered directly to your door. FFG knowledgeable team is dedicated to sourcing the most trusted supplies of sought after specialties such as caviar, cheeses, foie gras, meats, oils and vinegar.
HOMEX HomeX is an innovative, all-inone, on-demand marketplace mobile application that is designed to connect customers to vetted and highly qualified home maintenance & improvement professionals in Bahrain. Book with with just a few taps and Homex will identify three nearby service providers that confirm their availability and intent to undertake (or quote for) the job. @Homex Bahrain www.homexapp.com
@Fine Foods Gourmet www.finefoodsgourmet.com
A LA MODE A La Mode provides the latest fashionable, trendy, classic, luxury, sport, and casual collections from international brands. @A La Mode Online Shopping www.alamode.me
ElToOcNaHlO UmSoEb iPlReE aS Cp Hp sO O L
PET ARABIA Pet Arabia WLL was founded in 2009 to fill a huge gap in Bahrain’s market; Pet Arabia stocks over 10,000 products and all major brands of pet food and supplies for you to spoil your fur baby! They offer a unique subscription service called Mistery Box to ensure you never run out of pet food again They deliver everything straight to your door and offer free delivery on all orders. @Pet Arabia www.petarabia.com
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3KG FRESH MARKET3KG FRESH
AHLAN REWARDS Ahlan, meaning greetings & welcome in Arabic, is a unique loyalty program that appreciates and credits members when they dine-in or order online from their favourite restaurants. When you sign up as an Ahlan Member, you will be constantly rewarded for your continued loyalty with “cash back” Ahlan Credit in your app account, in addition to a variety of great offers by the featured restaurants.
3kg Fresh 3kg Fresh Market is a premium fruit and vegetables online retail application, specializing in supplying fresh and quality fruits and vegetables to the comfort of your doorstep. 3KG aim is to save people’s time while shopping for fruits and vegetables and finding the quality and freshness you deserve, in addition to saving you money by offering you retail shopping at wholesale prices. @3KG Fresh Market www.instagram.com/3kgapp
CALO MEAL PLANS Meal plans for busy people. Built with love by chefs, nutritionists. Analyze your nutritional needs through Calo’s app nutritionist algorithms. Choose from wide selection of delicious meals, and Calo will match them to the portions that suits you.
@Ahlan Rewards www.ahlanapp.com
BOOKIT WELLNESS APP Your appointments simplified. Simply place your booking on our app and we will send you an email confirmation and receipt. At any point and time you have decided that you can’t make it to your appointment simply open the app and reschedule your appointment. @Bookit - Wellness App www.bookit.app
@Calo Meal Plans www.calo.app
ATHATHI Shop for household items & hire ptofessionals to make home renovation easier. Connect with hundreds of home professionals ranging from Interior Designers, Architectures, and contractors to get the best home renovation consultation and execution. @Athathi www.athathi.co WWW.MUMSINBAHRAIN.NET
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2021
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TEACHING KIDS HOW TO SPOT
fake news
With the huge volume of information online it can be tricky to identify fake news. So, how do we equip our kids with the skills they need to be wise to misinformation? Do you know how to spot a fake news story from a genuine one online? It’s not something we needed to learn when were growing up. There was the nightly news on one of the four TV channels and maybe a newspaper on the kitchen bench. Information always came from trusted sources.
its original source. If it has been reposted, it doesn’t always mean its fake, but it s always worth identifying the original author.
Research the site
Today, anyone can publish something online and with
Google the site’s name and read other stories on the
that comes a deluge of misinformation, fake news and
site to see if they are from a reputable source. Have
biased reporting. Therefore, it is imperative that kids
they been accused of publishing fake news before?
of today learn how to analyse and question everything
Read the site’s About Us page and check out any other
they read online.
brands that are associated with it.
Here are some simple tricks to help them identify fact from fiction.
Check the URL
Look at the quality
seem to have a trustworthy name, double check the
Words in all capitals, spelling mistakes, clickbait headlines and unaccredited images, these are all signs that the story is fake. Also, look at who wrote it; a professional in their field is likely to be a more reliable source of information than a social media influenced
Check for strange URLs. Even for those sites that may ending. One of the chief tactics in phishing is to create a website that is almost indistinguishable from the real thing.
Check a reputable source
“Encourage children to be critical thinkers from the get-go”
site. News sources specifically aimed at children are
Check Connection security indicators
HOW TO SPOT FAKE NEWS
Cross reference the information with a reputable news a great resource. If a news story sounds untrue, check
At any rate, HTTP + TLS = HTTPS, which is a secure
it on Google to see if it is cropping up elsewhere, or
version of HTTP that prevents communication from
if someone has already commented elsewhere on its
being intercepted and read by anyone but you and the
lack of credibility.
website you are connected to. That’s a lot of informa-
Get to the bottom of the story
Just because something has been shared on social media numerous times doesn’t mean it’s true. If something looks suspect, track down the story to
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tion, but what you really need to know is this: HTTP = Bad HTTPS = Good Never trust an HTTP website with your personal information.
S T AY C A T I O N COVID-19 has squashed travel plans and large group gatherings, but it doesn’t mean you can’t mentally escape for some fun with your family. Consider one of these safe staycation alternatives for kids of all ages.
4.
RITZ CARLTON
Experience a luxurious stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain with an exclusive residents promotion available for the entire family. Relax by the infinity poolside or pamper yourself with a heavenly treatment at The Ritz-Carlton Spa while the children enjoy their own mini vacation at the Ritz Kids Club. Starting at BD 120 per night with daily breakfast at La Med. www.ritzcarlton.com
5. 1.
JUMEIRAH ROYAL SARAY
Create magical moments with your little ones at Jumeirah Royal Saray and embark on a thrilling adventure. Starting at BD 110 per night. www.jumeirah.com
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL
Create magical family memories with an island staycation that includes daily breakfast, exclusive dining discounts, access to our private beach, and more. Benefits of the offer are: daily breakfast for two adults, 15% off dining experiences, always included: access to private beach. www.fourseasons.com/bahrain/
2.
AL AREEN PALACE & SPA
Journey through an enchanting drive and rediscover the grandeur of our little paradise, nestled in a magical Arabian oasis.A spectacular weekend awaits you. Start your holiday with a fresh taste of orange, strawberry, melon or any other fruit from our rich fruit platter. Al Areen Palace and Spa by Accor is #allsafe certified. Starting at BD 70 per night.
6.
THE ART
Spend some quality time with the family, and visit The art in Amwaj and book suite staycation with in-room breakfast & dinner and a bottle of selected beverage. BD 100 on weekdays, BD 120 on weekends. www.theart.bh
@alareenpalaceand
GULF HOTEL
7. SOFITEL
Stay with Gulf Hotel from Wednesday through friday or friday through sunday and enjoy 15% off flexible rates plus the following benefits: Free upgrade to the next room category, early check-in, late check-out
Staycation package starting from BD 69 net, inclusive of luxury overnight stay and breakfast for two the following day. Opt in for this experience on weekends to elevate your experience further with electrifying live Cuban entertainment by Sweet Havana.
www.gulfhotelbahrain.com
www.sofitel.accor.com WWW.MUMSINBAHRAIN.NET
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2021
S TA Y C A T I O N
3.
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ITALIAN RECIPES We know you love pizza and pasta, but we have a few other ideas. We are sharing a bunch of favourite recipes to make your life easier and more inspiring! Enjoy la dolce vita from your own home with some of our favourite recipes, from homemade pasta and pizza to antipasti ideas.
POTATO GNOCCHI PASTA INGREDIENTS: • Potatoes 2 ¼ lbs (1 kg) • Flour 00 2 ¼ cups (300 g) • Eggs 1 - medium size • Fine salt to taste • Remilled durum wheat semolina to taste
surface with semolina. In the meantime, cover
METHOD:
the remaining dough with a cloth to prevent it
1. To prepare potato gnocchi, start by boiling
from drying out.
them: place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with plenty of cold water. 2. From the moment the water boils, cook 30-40 minutes, depending on their size; do the fork test and if the fork reaches the middle without any difficulty, then you can drain them. Peel them while they are still hot and immediately mash them on the flour spread on your work surface. 3. Then add a lightly beaten egg with a pinch of salt and knead everything with your hands
I TA L I A N R E C I P E S
until the dough is soft but firm. Remember that if they are handled too much, gnocchi will become hard during cooking, so limit the kneading to only the necessary. 4. Take a part of the dough and roll it out with your fingertips to obtain strands 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick ; to do so, occasionally flour the work
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5.
Then cut the strands into pieces and use light pressure with your thumb to drag the gnocchi over the gnocchi board to obtain their classic shape. If you don’t have a gnocchi board, you can use a fork and slide them over the fork tines; use semolina flour to prevent them from sticking.
6. As you prepare potato gnocchi, place them on a tray with a lightly floured cloth, well spaced from each other. If you intend to cook them, you can place them in boiling salted water; as soon as they float to the surface they are considered cooked, and then ready to be drained and seasoned.
PARMIGIANA EGGPLANT PARMESAN INGREDIENTS: • Black eggplants 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) • Tomato puree 6 cups (1.4 l) • Fior di latte cheese 1.1 lbs (500 g) • Parmigiano Reggiano DOP cheese 1 ⅓ cup (150 g) • Yellow onions 1 • Extra virgin olive oil to taste • Black pepper to taste • Basil - several leaves • Fine salt to taste • Peanut seed oil to taste - for frying the eggplant • Coarse salt 1 ¼ oz (35 g) - for purging the eggplant METHOD:
1. To prepare the eggplant parmigiana, start by
6. Heat plenty of vegetable oil and in the meantime rinse
washing and drying the eggplant. Then with a knife
the portion of eggplant that you are going to fry 10
remove the stem and slice the eggplant lengthwise
and dry it with oil blotting paper: always proceed a
with a vegetable slicer, or alternatively with a knife,
little at a time so they do not darken 11. Fry a few slices
to obtain slices about 1/8’ (4-5 mm) thick. 2. As you place the slices inside a colander, sprinkle
at a time 12 in boiling oil at 340° F (170° C). 7. After cooking 2-3 minutes, drain on absorbent paper;
them with a very small amount of coarse salt
do the same with all the others. At this point you should
between the layers, well distributed (you can also
have everything you need, so move on to putting it
use a little fine salt); continue this way until you
together. Cover the bottom of an 8 x 12” (20x30cm)
finish it all. On top of the eggplants, place a plate
baking dish with a little sauce, then make the first layer
with a weight on it to let the eggplants purge the
by arranging the eggplant slices horizontally.
excess water and slightly bitter taste, the enemy of fried food. Leave it like this for at least 1 hour. Remember to rinse the slices well under running water, one by one if necessary, to remove the salt and pat them dry before use. 3. In the meantime, slice and cut the fiordilatte cheese into strips. If you don’t have another colander, you can place them on a very clean cloth. 4. In the meantime, make the sauce. In a large
8. Grate some black pepper, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and pour some cubes of fiordilatte cheese, distributing them evenly. And finally pour on a little more sauce, just enough to color the inside. 9. Repeat the same procedure this time by arranging the eggplant slices on top; continue this way to make the layers by inverting the direction of the slices each time. Between layers, remember to press gently with the palms of your hands in
saucepan pour a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
order to compact them. On the last layer pour the
and add the chopped onion, stir often so as not to
remaining tomato puree the cubes of fiordilatte
burn it and let it brown for a couple of minutes.
and parmesan cheese.
5. Then add the tomato puree and a little water, the
10. Now it’s time to bake your eggplant parmigiana in
salt and let it simmer for 45 minutes. When finished
a hot oven at 400° F (200° C) for 40 minutes. Once
cooking do not forget to add the basil leaves by hand.
ready, let it cool a few minutes before serving. WWW.MUMSINBAHRAIN.NET
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2021
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RICOTTA CHEESE FRIED BALLS WITH SAUCE INGREDIENTS: • Ricotta cheese from sheep’s milk 1 ⅓ cup (350 g) • Homemade bread 1.3 cups (140 g) - crumbs • Pecorino cheese ¾ cup (60 g) - to be grated • Parmigiano Reggiano DOP cheese 3 tbsp (40 g) - to be grated • Eggs 2 - medium • Garlic 1 clove • Parsley 1 tbsp - to be minced • Fine salt to taste • Black pepper to taste • Tomato puree 4 ½ cups (750 g) • Garlic 1 clove • Basil to taste • Extra virgin olive oil to taste • Salt to taste • Black pepper to taste
METHOD:
1. Before you start preparing the fried ricotta cheese balls with sauce, drain the whey from
taking a portion of the dough, form meatballs
the sheep’s milk ricotta by placing it in a nar-
of about 1 3/4 tbsp (30 g) each.
row mesh strainer in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours, preferably overnight.
aside and proceed with the preparation of the sauce: brown the oil and a clove of garlic in a
of the bread, cut the soft part out and then
pan; once the garlic is golden, remove it from
finely chop it in the mixer. Meanwhile, take the
the heat.
strainer 3. Place the chopped crumbs in a large bowl with the sifted ricotta cheese, then add the crushed half clove of garlic and whole beaten eggs 4. Add the grated Parmesan and Pecorino cheese, I TA L I A N R E C I P E S
7. Continue until you have about 25 pieces. Set
2. Then proceed as follows: remove the crust
ricotta cheese and sieve it with a narrow mesh
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6. Put a little oil on the palms of your hands and,
parsley, salt and pepper to taste. 5. Then mix all the ingredients well with a fork. Mix well until soft but compact.
8. Add the tomato puree, a pinch of salt and basil leaves, then add pepper to taste. 9. Bring the sauce to a boil over a low heat, then add the ricotta meatballs you have prepared, distributing them evenly. Leave to cook for about 10 minutes on a low heat. Once the time has elapsed, turn off and serve the ricotta cheese balls with sauce while hot.
POTATO CROQUETTES INGREDIENTS: • Red potatoes 2 ¼ lbs (1 kg) • Egg yolks 2 tbsp (30 g) • Nutmeg to taste • Black pepper to taste • Fine salt to taste • Parmigiano Reggiano DOP cheese ¾ cup (100 g) - grated • Peanut seed oil to taste FOR THE BREADING: • Eggs 2 (130 g) • Breadcrumbs to taste
METHOD:
1. To prepare potato croquettes, wash the potatoes under running water to remove soil residue. 2. Place them unpeeled in a large saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil. 3. To cook them evenly, use similar sized potatoes as much as possible. It will take about 40
6. Once you’ve used up the mixture, proceed to
minutes if you boil them or about half that time
bread the croquettes: beat the two eggs in one
with a pressure cooker. Once ready, let them
bowl and place the breadcrumbs in another.
cool down slightly (just enough to be able to handle them) and peel them. 4. Pass them through a potato masher to obtain a puree while they are still hot.
7. Pass the croquettes first in the egg, then in the breadcrumbs. Place the croquettes on a tray covered with baking paper. 8. Once all the croquettes are
5. In a separate bowl, beat the yolks with pepper
finished, heat plenty of peanut
and salt then add them to the potato puree,
oil in a medium size pan until it
flavor with grated nutmeg, and season with
reaches 350°F (180-190°C)
grated cheese stir with a spoon to mix the ingredients to obtain a soft and dry mixture. Take about 1/4 cup of mixture and shape into a croquette, giving it a cylindrical shape, slightly pressing both ends. As you make the croquettes, place them on a tray covered with baking paper. This recipe will yield about 30 croquettes.
9. Dip 3-4 croquettes in the oil at a time so as not to lower the temperature of the oil too much. Cook them by turning them over with a skimmer until they are well browned on all sides. Drain them and put them on a plate lined with absorbent paper to drain excess oil. 10. Serve the potato croquettes while they’re still hot! WWW.MUMSINBAHRAIN.NET
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2021
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SPAGHETTI CACIO E PEPE INGREDIENTS: • Spaghetti 320 g • Black pepper to taste - corns • Pecorino romano cheese 200 g) • Fine salt to taste METHOD:
1. To prepare spaghetti cacio e pepe, first of all grate the Pecorino cheese. Continue boiling some water in a pan (use about half of what you usually use to cook pasta, so it will be richer in starch) and when it boils you can add salt to taste. Once salted, you can 8. Stir vigorously with a whisk and add more water
cook the spaghetti. 2. In the meantime, pour the whole peppercorns on a cutting board, then crush them with a meat pestle
cheese, keeping a little bit
scent of the pepper.
aside to garnish later. Add
stick pan, toast over low heat stirring with a wooden spoon, then add a couple of ladles of cooking water. The bubbles you see appearing are from the starch contained in the water. 4. Drain the spaghetti when it is very al dente (keeping the cooking water aside to use later) and pour the pasta directly into the pan with toasted pepper; it will continue cooking with the seasoning. 5. Stir the pasta continuously with the kitchen tongs to make it “breathe” and add a ladle of water or two if necessary, to continue cooking. Keep pouring a ladle of water only when needed (when you see that the pan is almost completely dry) and stir with kitchen tongs. I TA L I A N R E C I P E S
9. Then add the remaining half of the Pecorino
or a grinder. This will release more of the pungent
3. Pour half of the crushed pepper into a large non-
6. In the meantime, when the pasta is ready, prepare the Pecorino cream (don’t start this operation before because the cream would get too thick): pour about half of the grated Pecorino cheese into a bowl. 7. Add a ladle of cooking water to the grated Pecorino cheese.
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when needed.
a little more water if needed: at this stage you will have to carefully adjust the amount of Pecorino cheese to the water to obtain a cream of the right consistency and without lumps. 10. Finish cooking your pasta, adding a little more hot water if necessary; before adding the Pecorino cream, briefly stir the cream by placing the bowl over the steam of the pan with hot water, always stir with the whisk, so as to bring the cream back to a temperature similar to the one of your pasta if necessary. 11. Turn the heat off under the pan with spaghetti and pour in the Pecorino cream. While pouring the Pecorino cream onto your spaghetti, stir it continuously with the kitchen tongs, pour the Pecorino you kept aside in too, stir and sauté the pasta again. 12. Then transfer your spaghetti cacio e pepe to a plate and season with the remaining pepper, enjoy immediately in all its creaminess!
GENOVESE PESTO SAUCE INGREDIENTS: • Basil 1 oz (25 g) - leaves • Extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup (50 ml) • Parmigiano Reggiano DOP cheese 0.35 cup (35 g) • Pecorino cheese 2 tbsp (15 g) - to grate • Pine nuts 1 tbsp (8 g) • Garlic 1 clove
TOMATO BRUSCHETTA INGREDIENTS: • Homemade bread 8 slices
• Coarse salt 1 pinch
• Cluster tomatoes 1 lb (500 g) - ripe
METHOD:
• Oregano to taste
1. Start preparing the pesto by placing the peeled garlic
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste
in a mortar along with a few grains of coarse salt. 2. Start crushing the ingredients and, when the garlic
• Basil 8 leaves
• Fine salt to taste • Black pepper to taste
has been reduced to cream. Add the basil leaves together with a pinch of coarse salt, which will
METHOD:
serve to better crush the fibers and keep a nice
1. To prepare tomato bruschetta, first wash the
bright green color. 3. Crush the basil against the sides of the mortar by rotating the pestle from left to right and simulta-
tomatoes, divide them in half and then cut them into cubes. Pour the cut tomatoes into a bowl and add basil leaves, previously washed and dried.
neously rotate the mortar in the opposite direction.
2. Season with a pinch of oregano, salt, pepper and
Continue this way until a bright green liquid comes
oil Stir well and let the flavors blend for about 30
out of the basil leaves. At this point add the pine nuts
minutes. This step is optional, but we recom-
and resume crushing the ingredients to a cream.
mend it to enhance scents and flavors
4. Add the cheeses a little at a time, stirring continu-
3. Meanwhile, cut the bread into slices. After the
ously, to make the sauce even creamier, and finally
resting time, heat a grill and place the slices of
the extra virgin olive oil poured in a stream, as you
bread on it. Grill them on both sides until toasted.
keep stirring with the pestle. Mix the ingredients well until you get a homogeneous sauce. 5. Your authentic pesto is ready to be used@
4. Now top the bread slices with your tomato salad, drizzling a little more oil. Let rest for a couple of minutes, then serve your tomato bruschettas. WWW.MUMSINBAHRAIN.NET
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2021
37
ITALIAN DESSERTS Save yourself the long-haul flight and spend an afternoon indulging in these ultimate Italian desserts.
LEMON CAKE INGREDIENTS: • Corn starch (corn flour) 1 cup (120 g) • Flour 00 1 cup (120 g) • Butter 1 cup (250 g) - softened at room temperature • Sugar 1 ¼ cup (250 g) - Semolina • Eggs 4 - medium • Lemon juice ⅓ cup (75 g) • Powdered yeast for sweets 4 tsp (16 g)
consistency is obtained. 8. At this point you can add the whipped egg whites to the mixture previously set aside: start
METHOD:
the mixture, then add the
butter into cubes, then transfer it to a mixer with a beater; use the mixer and add half of the sugar a little at a time, until you get a smooth, frothy mixture. 2. Separate the egg whites from the yolks; while the mixer is running, add one yolk at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, waiting for it to be absorbed before adding the next.
adding 2 ladlefuls and stir vigorously to soften rest of the whipped egg whites and stir from bottom to top with a spatula to keep the air inside, and prevent it from coming apart. When all the ingredients are well blended, pour 9. the mixture into a cake tin with a diameter of 8-9 inches (22-24 cm), lined with baking paper, level
3. When the yolks are well blended, add the rind of the
the surface and bake in a static oven preheated
two grated lemons and mix again with the beater.
to 355° F (180°) for one hour; if the cake darkens
4. In a bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, and yeast, then add them to the mixture one spoonful at a time while the mixer is running. I TA L I A N D E S S E R T S
juice and continue whipping until a dense, frothy
• Lemon peel 2
1. To prepare the lemon cake, first cut the softened
5. When the dry ingredients are well mixed, turn off the mixer and transfer the mixture into a bowl. 6. Clean the mixer well, and use it again to whip the egg whites (alternatively, you can also use a bowl and perfectly clean electric whisk): pour the egg whites and start whisking.
38
7. Add the remaining sugar and drizzle the lemon
too much during baking, after about 40 minutes you can open the oven and cover with aluminum foil, then continue baking. When the cake is ready (always check with a 10. toothpick), take it out of the oven and let it cool in the baking tin, then transfer it to a serving plate and let it cool completely, then sprinkle with powdered sugar. Your lemon cake is ready to be enjoyed!
RICOTTA CHEESE TART INGREDIENTS: • Powdered sugar 1.1 cups (140 g) • Flour 00 3 cups (350 g) • Egg yolks 2 • Butter 1 cup (220 g) - cold from fridge • Lemon peel 1 FOR THE FILLING: • Ricotta cheese from cow’s milk 1.1 lbs (500 g) • Sugar 1 cup (175 g) • Egg yolks 2
6. Lastly, add the ricotta and blend until smooth; set aside.
• Dark chocolate chips ¼ cup (40 g)
7. Take the shortcrust dough and remove the wrap,
• Orange peel 1
beat it with a rolling pin to soften it a little bit,
• Cinnamon powder 1 pinch
then divide it into two parts, one double the size of the other, and start rolling the larger one between two sheets of baking
METHOD:
1. To prepare the Ricotta Cheese Crostata tart, start with the ricotta pie and leave it to drain in a strainer for a couple of hours depending on how rich it is in whey. 2. Then proceed with the shortcrust pastry: put the flour into a mixer together with the cold butter cut into small pieces and beat on low for a few moments.
paper. You will obtain a disc of about 1/16” (3-4 mm) 13 and place it in a 9” (23 cm) pie pan already buttered and floured. Use your fingers to arrange it so that the dough fits the baking pan. If it breaks in some places, don’t worry, just patch them with pieces of the dough. Level the edges on the top with the rolling pin and then pierce the bottom with a fork.
3. Pour the grainy mixture onto the worktop and add the powdered sugar. 4. In the middle make a crater with your hands and pour the egg yolks into it. 5. Grate the lemon peel and knead until obtaining a smooth and homogeneous dough which you can wrap and allow to rest in the refrigerator for at least half an hour. 6. Meanwhile, make the cream. In a mixer pour the egg yolks together with the sugar and grate the orange peel, then add the cinnamon powder.
9. In the middle pour the ricotta cream and carefully level it with a spatula. Then sprinkle the surface with chocolate chips and finally roll out the second layer of shortcrust pastry 20 to obtain a disc which you will put on top. Level the tart by rolling with the rolling pin so as to eliminate the excess shortbread and let the air escape. 10. To finish, pierce the surface with a knife blade, more useful than the fork in this case, and bake in a preheated oven, in static mode at 340° F (175° C) for 70 minutes: make sure to put the pan onto a drip pan and cook it on the lower rack. 11. Once baked, let it cool completely before enjoying it!
WWW.MUMSINBAHRAIN.NET
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2021
39
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