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The real history of St. Valentine’s Day + where to dine and play in Bahrain

China Garden at the Gulf Hotel

Authentically Chinese

Entertainer founder Donna Benton

Let’s get entertaining!

Photographer Mishal Yousif

Fairytale-likecreativity

Ferrari California T

Prancing pragmatic

Fashion, lifestyle and beyond Issue 79 - FEBRUARY 2015

The smiTTen ediTionThe smiTTen ediTion

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FEBRUARY 2015

CONTENTS10 CELEBRITY TIDBITSAll the latest gossip straight from Hollywood.

16 A CLASS APARTEntertainer founder Donna Benton

18 ART-SPECTCreative photographer Mishal Yousif

20 SUCCESS STORYEntertainer Ali ‘Fingerz’ Esbai

22 GLITZ AND GLAMStar Factor: ASK breaks down who wears what,

fashion police style

28 FASHION STATEMENTLacoste, Celine, and more.

42 THE SMITTEN FEATUREThe origin of the celebration, special dine-out

feature

52 CHEF SPECIAL Subir Chowdhury, Rasoi’s Chef D’Cusine

54 OUT AND ABOUTCheck out all the events which took place last

month

70 IN THE DARKCheck out all the events which took place last

month

74 PRESS RELEASESPress releases from around the region.

80 LAST NOTEHairstyles for Spring/Summer 2015

22

18

34

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REVIEWS

34 GLOBE-TROTTERTerrific Tokyo

38 TECHNO REVIEWTechno Logic – Latest gadgets and what you will

love about them

40 AUTO REVIEWFerrari California T

46 HOTEL REVIEWRitz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel and Spa

50 RESTAURANT REVIEWChina Garden, Gulf Hotel.

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16 20

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alentine’s Day is such a beautiful festivity, as it is the celebration of love. However, love is something that should be celebrated on a daily

basis, not just on occasion.In this issue, we have a smitten feature of love, focusing on the best places to eat

out and telling you a little about the history of Valentine’s. We have chef Subir, from Rasoi at the Ramee Grand Hotel and Spa, as he gives us a great recipe to try at home.

Want a quick holiday? Why not go to the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel and Spa for a quick ‘staycation’ if travelling overseas is not a viable option? We give you insider details for the same.

Do get in touch with us on our social media pages to drop in any comments or suggestions.

Cheers!

Warmest regards,Mamdouh ShehataCEO - Sabaya Magazinemamdouh.shehata@sabayamag.com

Spreadthe love!

CEO Letter

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It’s that time of the year where we can all think in terms of hearts, chocolates and flowers. It brings a warm glow to the hearts of women and sends a cold shiver up the spine of men.

However, there are plenty of men who think Valentine’s Day is a great chance to romance the women in their lives and plenty of women who wish it would be wiped off the calendar, much like myself because romance is not contrived, and definitely does not come with a ‘’sell by’’ date. Nonetheless, I cannot deny that it is an endearing holiday. Hence we’ve compiled a short and sweet V-day feature about the best promotions on island to take your lover to.

In this issue, we have funny man Ali ‘Fingerz’ Esbai narrating his endeavours in Bahrain’s entertainment industry. Creative photographer Mishal Yousif talks about his fairytale-like picturescapes and the Entertainer’s Founder Donna Benton explains her multi-million dollar venture.

As usual, we bring you the best of reviews, fashion and celebrity news. Get in touch if you have any suggestions. Spread the love!

Puja TiwariEditorpuja@sabayamag.com

CEOMamdouh Shehata

Deputy CEOSamia Al Mahmood

PR & Editorial ManagerOmaima Ebrahim

EditorPuja Tiwari

Business Development DirectorRami Khalil

Art DirectorSyed Muhammed Raihan

PhotographerSanthosh

Proof ReaderFayez Abubacker

Legal ConsultantYounis Zakaria Younis

Printed byArabian Press

DistributionAl Ayam

Published bySabaya Company

for printing & PublishingISSN 1985 – 8353

ChairmanAbdul Samad Al Nashaba

Sabaya is a monthly publication

Tel: +973 77100022 Fax: +973 77100021www.sabayamag.com

Email: info@sabayamag.comFacebook: SabayaMagazine

Twitter: SabayaMag

From The Editor’s Desk

Ready To be smiTTen?

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CELEBRITYTIDBITS

Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Martin faked breakup?Actress Jennifer Lawrence and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin are said to have been faking their breakup.

“The Hunger Games” actress and the crooner, who were recently spotted having a dinner date in Studio City here, allegedly never parted ways in the first place. Lawrence never broke up with Martin. A source reveals to the site that the couple, who reportedly ended their relationship back in October, has been “together this whole time.”

The source adds to US Weekly: “Chris spends the night at her house when he›s in Los Angeles and they have a system for him to come and go without anyone knowing.” “Neither of them wanted to be a public couple so quickly. So they told people they were broken up while they continued to build a relationship,” claims another source close to the actress.

Celebrity TIDBITS

Nikki Reed, Ian Somerhalder want kids already?

Crawford wants daughters to be ‘healthy’

“Twilight” star Nikki Reed and actor Ian Somerhalder are reportedly planning to have “multiple babies” this year.

The couple, who has been dating for six months, is reportedly ready to take a new step in their relationship, reports hollywoodlife.com. “They are in love beyond belief and babies are in the mix, multiple babies and they want to start this year,”said a source. The news comes just a day after a source said that the two have got engaged.

Reality TV star Cindy Crawford is dedicated to teaching her two children about having a fit and healthy frame.

The 48-year-old, who has daughters Kaia, 13, and Presley, 15, with her husband Rande Gerber, makes a “conscious” effort to teach the youngsters about having a healthy body, over a stick thin figure. “If my daughter sees me accepting my body the way it is and not denigrating myself because I’m not stick thin, or only eating lettuce with no dressing. If she sees I enjoy food, but I also exercise,” femalefirst.co.uk quoted Crawford as saying.

“I mean, I don’t sit around with a pint of ice cream watching TV, but at the same time if we all go out for ice cream as a family, I’ll order some. A kiddie-size one, but that›s the way you do it. I›m very conscious that I want (Kaia) to get the right message because what you see in the magazines and on the runways, it is a very thin image,” she added.

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Celebrity TIDBITS

Jennifer Aniston believes ‘icy vibes’ with Jolie slowly

coming to endJennifer Aniston, who is not in talking terms with Angelina Jolie due to Brad Pitt, was spotted at a same event with the actress for the first time in more than five years.

The ‘Friends’ star said at the premier of her movie ‘Cake’ that according to her not talking to Jolie is slowly coming to an end, E! Online reported. The 45-year-old actress also mentioned about Jolie’s ‘Unbroken’, saying that the movie is so beautiful and wonderful and Jolie did such a gorgeous job. Aniston added that it is time people stop with that petty B.S. and start celebrating great work and stop with the petty kind of silliness.

Eddie Redmayne makes first call to wife after

Oscar nodGolden Globe-winner Eddie Redmayne›s first phone call post his Oscar nomination for ‘The Theory of Everything’ was to his new bride and both kept screaming out of joy during the conversation.

Redmayne, 33, has been nominated in the best actor category, his first nod at Oscars for his portrayal of scientist Stephen Hawking. Redmayne and wife Hannah Bagshawe were not together when the Oscar nominations were announced on Thursday. He was in an LA hotel room while Bagshawe was back home in London at work. “It was sort of a screaming tennis match, as it were. I don’t think there were any words until she was like, ‘I have to go do my accounts. But I’m too excited to work’,” he said.

Nick Cannon has reportedly filed for divorce from estranged wife Mariah Carey, more than six months after they confirmed their marriage is over. The 34-year-old artist filed divorce papers on December 12, one week after they thrashed out an adequate settlement, TMZ.com reported.

The date was relevant because on December 2 and the separation was contentious, as Carey was reportedly three-hours late for a December taping of a Rockefeller Center Christmas tree special because she was engaged in a five-hour call with attorneys over not only property but the couple’s children. The couple surprised fans with a secret wedding in the Bahamas in 2008, after a six-week courtship.

Nick Cannon officially files for divorce from estranged

wife Mariah Carey

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Celebrity TIDBITS

Moore’s daughter gives her fashion tips

Anna Kendrick on manicure: It’s like torture

Actress Julianne Moore says her 12-year-old daughter Liv always gives opinion related to her clothes.

The 54-year-old says she and husband Bart Freundlich’s daughter always likes to take a look at her outfits before letting her leave the house, reports femalefirst.co.uk. Speaking at the screening of her new film “Still Alice”, where she walked the red carpet in an ivory Alexander McQueen jumpsuit, Moore shared: “She (my daughter) always has an opinion. She liked this. She saw me before I left. She’s like, ‘I like that mama, yeah!”

Actress Anna Kendrick has compared getting a manicure to being tortured.The ‘Into The Woods’ star says she can’t bear the beauty treatment as she

gets bored quickly, reports femalefirst.co.uk.“I find getting my nails done the most tedious thing. I›m such a fidgety

person; it›s like torture,” she said. The 29-year-old also finds massages uncomfortable.

“Everybody loves massages; I don’t know what my problem is. I feel like I have to talk to the masseuses. Pretty soon, I’m asking for their grandma’s recipe for apple pie and pretending like I’m interested. Why? Besides, I’d rather do this face to face when their hands aren’t all over my naked body,” she said.

Summer wedding for Emma Stone, Andrew Garfield?Actors Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield are reportedly planning to exchange wedding vows in Rome this summer.

The couple, who started dating in 2011 and sparked rumours over thier engagement May 2014, and are now said to be secretly scouting for a romantic venue, reports femalefirst.co.uk. “Andrew would be happy with a city hall ceremony. But Emma wants something a little more dramatic and memorable,” a source told OK! Magazine.

The insider has also claimed that Stone already has a dress in mind for the nuptials and is eager to exchange vows in front of a select audience of just 25 friends and family members. Late 2013 saw the pair first start talking about getting married. At that time, one of their friends had said: “They want to marry and have a family. They›re discussing it. They›re madly in love.”

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Jamie Dornan, ‘Fifty Shades’ star is a serial

women tier!‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ actor Jamie Dornan has said that he has tied up women a lot.

The 32-year-old actor, who will be seen portraying Christian Grey in the upcoming adaptation of ‘Fifty Shades’, told Elle Magazine that it was like seven months straight of tying up women as he has been doing this for ‘The Fall’ series, E! Online reported.

Dornan continued that he maybe had a week off between wrapping ‘Fifty Shades’ and starting the second season of ‘The Fall’ and that’s why he got lot of experience in tying up women. The Irish actor also joked that he would like to do a comedy next.

Star Wars creator George Lucas says there’s always

controversy with the OscarsMovie maker George Lucas has slammed Oscars, saying the awards are one big political campaign which does not recognise real artistic talent.

Lucas, 70, was responding to ‘CBS This Morning’ host Gayle King’s question about whether he saw the all-white categories as a snub of eligible black actors, like Selma’s David Oyelowo.

Academy officials were heavily criticised for the lack of diversity in their top picks for the acting awards, but ‘Star Wars’ creator insists the snub came as no surprise to him.

“There’s always controversy. That’s why I’m not a member.Everybody has their personal opinions about what they think (the nominations)

should be. I think David, who was in (Lucas› 2012 film) Red Tails, is truly one of the great actors of all time.

Cara Delevingne to make music debut

Model Cara Delevingne has moved to her base to Hollywood, and is set to make her music debut by the end of 2015. According to her friends, the 21-year-old beauty is secretly working in a studio with little-known musicians in an attempt “to make really cool music,” the Mirror reported.

Delevingne, who›s also filming for ‘Suicide Squad’ with A-listers Will Smith, Jared Leto and Tom Hardy, has been thinking about this for a while and knew she had to move out to Los Angeles to do that, added a close source. She loves it and has no plans to return to England, added the insider.

Celebrity TIDBITS

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A Class Apart

business debonnaiRe

Donna Benton, CEO & Founder of the EntertainerFebrUArY 201516

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Founder and CEO of the hugely successful Dubai-based Entertainer booklet, Donna Benton, is a business prodigy who built a multi-million dollar

empire from scratch.Hailing from Melbourne, Australia,

Donna materialised the idea back in 2001, after analysing the need for incentives to encourage people to try out different restaurants and activities, thus increasing footfall to merchant partners and offering better value to customers.

Back in 2001, she was a one-woman-show and inaugurated the first issue with 97 vendors, while being faced with scepticism about the offers.

“People thought it was too good to be true, and believed there was a catch to it. It took some time to overcome this barrier,” she said.

Now, 14 fruitful years later, the Entertainer employs more than 150 people and operates in 16 countries across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe, with buy one get one free offers from 10,000 merchant partners in the dining, leisure, beauty, health and hotel industries, driving US$ 1.3 Billion dollars into the global economy.

Donna recalls that Bahrain was the first GCC state the Entertainer expanded its horizons to back in 2008.

“The Entertainer has always had a great response from customers and merchants in Bahrain, it picked up fantastically.’

The current Entertainer 2015 book for Bahrain brings as much value as BHD 22,000 Bahraini, and comes paired with Entertainer Travel, offering over 250 buy one get one travel offers across the world.

Despite her busy schedule, Donna still manages to devote time to being a mother to her two young children, aged one and four.

“I get an early start to me day, drop my kids off to school and then have meetings throughout the day. Over the years I’ve learnt to balance family and work more efficiently.”

In 2014, the Entertainer launched brand new products in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Johannesburg and London as well as a free smartphone App, which allows consumers to redeem their buy one, get one free offers directly from their phones.

For the future, Donna plans on expanding the book in more countries across the world.

A Class Apart

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Art-Spect

Creative photographer Mishal Yousif

sTunningly cReaTive design

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Photographer and design student Mishal Yousif Abdulaziz entwines the elements of photography and design, often playfully, to

create whimsical, fantastical photoscapes. The result is akin to a scene straight out of a fairytale, emanating a surreal feel. The talented 21-year-old has also worked with the General Organisation for Youth and Sports (GOYS)

Having been interested in the creative side of things since an early age, Mishal’s work is constantly evolving, and he is currently studying interior design. Having worked as a photographer for four years, he began working with GOYS on a voluntary basis.

With some encouragement from his friends and with the aid of social media, he began treading the path of portrait photography. Using Instagram as a platform to showcase his ingenuity, Mishal’s unique work soon gained him a large following.

“As soon as I noticed I had an audience I thought I might as well start my show. So I continued posting more of my work hoping to be noticed until I was hired by some institutions to do work for them,” he said.

His portfolio is already full of vibrant, magical and creative images and renowned photographer Ali Alriffai is a constant source of inspiration for Mishal.

“Every piece of my work is inspired by a true event or aims to deliver a message,” he explained.

When asked about his future plans,

Art-Spect

Mishal said he plans to setting up his own marketing and design start-up in future, focusing on creative, out-of the-box concepts. He conducts workshops in Bahrain and the GCC for the same. View more of his work on his Instagram account: @mish3alyousif

Mishal incorporating himself into his creative work

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Success Story

ali ‘FingeRz’ esbaia man oF many TalenTs

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Success Story

Entertainer Ali Esbai, who goes by the stage name of Ali ‘Fingerz’ is the personification of Bahrain’s entertainment scene.

Multi-talented, he is a stand-up comedian, writer, producer, voice artist, actor and martial artist. He played the lead role in Arabic short film ‘A Heated Interview,’ written and directed by Omani national Muneer Al Busaidi, which received rave reviews all over the region.

Ali tells us his experience while working on the film, his future aspirations of uniting creatives in Bahrain and fun facts about himself in a candid chat with Sabaya Magazine.How did you venture into performing arts? And tell us about your experience with ‘A Heated Interview.’I’ve been doing standup since 2006, and it opened many doors for me, in terms of advancing my performing arts career, especially writing and acting. When Mr Busaidi wrote the script for the film, he wrote it with me in mind. Having worked with me before, he was familiar with my performance and character.

He also called comedian Khalid Khalifa and Pakistani comic Rahman Akhtar, both based in Saudi. They also got Tariq Sharif from Bahrain, who co-wrote the script of the movie. The production team was hired by Mr. Busaidi and the film was initiated

something to learn. What I learnt from my dad is how to bring it out physically.What are your hobbies?I love reading and practice martial arts and raise Rotweillers.What do you think of the creative scene in Bahrain?There is an abundance of untapped talent here, but due to lack of guidance, they are all up against each other in petty terms of ‘me vs. you’ and not ‘you and me.’

Competition breeds excellence, but after a certain point, it becomes more destructive than constructive because your eyes are just on your competition. We should all get together and form a network to facilitate success. Collaboration is key. We should be exposed as a network of like-minded individuals, working as a team.What advice do you have for aspiring entertainers?Just because you don’t know how to do something, doesn’t mean you can’t. Explore and experiment, don’t let anyone else make you believe that you cannot achieve something.Follow Ali on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook on his account: @alifingerz

by Imagenation in collaboration with Arab Film Studios to help aspiring film makers. What was next for this film?The film was then submitted to various film festivals after that. Our film did not win any awards at these festivals but it entertained the audiences and made them laugh. This serves our purpose, as we aim to entertain, not just win awards.

We finally got the permission to upload the movie online and the response was great from around the region. What are you currently working on?I aim to get as much exposure for it as possible, and I am also currently working on creating comedy sketches for social media platforms. We’re still mulling over the name for the show.

The show will focus on 15-second comedy sketches for Instagram and Facebook, and later on I’ll put them together for YouTube. It will focus on day-to-day situations with a sprinkle of humour and spice.

It is a vision and I’m sharing ownership with the entire crew, because I firmly believe that success comes from a network, not from individualism.

I was inspired by Kuwaiti YouTube stars ‘Sheno Ya3ni,’ who create funny sketches. They’re breaking all the rules in terms of the do’s and don’ts.

I always believed I could produce but because I hail from a standup comedy background, it’s always been a one-man-show. I received valuable advice from Ahmed Al Shemari, who insisted that I put together a group of people from around here that understand me and always keep it as close to local reality as possible.

The sketches will be in Arabic and English, subtitled so that everyone can understand and relate to them.Who are your major influences?International influences George Carlin, Richard Pryor, Billy Connolly, and creative entrepreneurs.

Besides that, my mother is my main idol. She is a philosophy and psychology major, in contrast to my dad, who was a banker. She would give more value to thought. I leant from her that I need to question everything; there is always

Still shots from ‘A Heated Interview’

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Star Factor

Diane KrugerThe actress stunned in a

Naeem Khan Pre-Fall 2015 blue and white floral-print

silk gazar strapless gown with a Watteau back.

I love the dramatic nature of the china-blue print

plus the effortless styling featuring a white Amanda

Wakeley ‘The Beatty’ clutch and rose-gold jewels. Elegance personified.

Our celeb fashion police, Ashwathy Shyam Kumar is a true blue fashionista. Multi talented, she is a fashion designer, buyer for a leading apparel brand in the

Kingdom, stylist and diva. her fashion blog, www.thestylecounciltaash.blogspot.com is becoming one of the most popular fashion blogs in the region. ASK picks the best and

the worst of what our fashion celebs have been wearing.

Glitz & Glam

Photo credits: Waleed Alshayji and Mohammed HejresLocation: Galleria Sophia

angelina JolieLike Jennifer Aniston, Angelina didn’t go for tried and trusted black, instead working a silver metallic-silk gown with a plunging neckline and draped sleeves from Atelier Versace. While there is a sense of familiarity about this look, the Atelier Versace–Angeline Jolie partnership is very much back on track after a few lulls at the end of last year.For the first time in a long time I feel a softness from Angelina. This comes from the understated hue and fluid shape, all the while still maintaining a hint of seduction.

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Glitz & Glam

genesis roDriguez

The ‘Big Hero 6′ actress glided down the red carpet

wearing a Reem Acra Spring 2015 pastel blue

strapless gown featuring slit and various cut-out

details at the bodice.It’s a bold and sexy choice,

which some might deem as a little risqué, but I

think she looks gorgeous from head to toe. Yes the

sex appeal is apparent, but doesn’t feel like it’s

smacking you in the face à la Jennifer Lopez.

On a red carpet full of heavy hitters one most do

something to stand out and didn’t she just do that with

plenty of grace.

amy aDamsThe face of Max Mara wore a custom piece from the Italian brand, donning a semi-matte ivory silk duchesse bustier dress, which she styled with sparkling Kurt Geiger London ‘Beverly’ sandals.When it comes to awards season you can always rely on Amy, but unfortunately this look falls flat – way too flat. For a custom piece the fit is surprisingly off and the black panel feels like a last ditch attempt to try to make this piece interesting – it failed. The styling is bringing me out in hives and the hair feels juvenile.We all have our off days, but it’s painful when it happens to one of the best.

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reese WitherspoonThe actress wore a custom Lanvin strapless gown featuring a black silk crepe skirt and fuchsia bustier that cascades down the back.I love the party-at-the-back train, which gives this look a real talking point. Pretty as it is, this gown would’ve been quite formulaic without that dramatic detail.Working a teased bouffant, she rounded out this gorgeous look with Harry Winston jewels.

sienna miller The actress heightened my style crush wearing a Altuzarra Spring 2015

bodysuit and blanket wrap skirt, which gives timeless

stripes a revolutionary update. Styled with Sonia

Rykiel strappy black sandals, her usual neutral

makeup was amped up with a dark rouge lip

colour.

Glitz & Glam

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Beauty

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They can even achieve any smoky look with MAKE UP FOR EVER’s complete range of well-defined, smoky, intense black mascaras.

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This all new clump-free mascara comes in deep black colour perfect for everyone to master the intensity and

get noticed in style. Its molded conical brush applies the perfect amount of mascara to achieve

Smoky Stretch is the new workout adopted by backstage proswaterproof holding power guarantees beautiful lashes that last and last... even in the most extreme conditions.

Smoky Lash is an ultra-pigmented volumizing mascara. It gives volume to the lashes with infinite lengthening and immediate curling. Its formula, paired with its tough dense brush, completely coats and separates the lashes from the roots to the tips for extreme volume and emphasized eyes.

Aqua Smoky Lash is a waterproof mascara that provides volume, length and instant curl to the lashes.

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Fashion

Spring 2015 InspirationMICHAEL KORS

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Fashion

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Fashion

Spring/Summer ‘15 Women’s LookbookLACOSTE

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Fashion

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Fashion

Spring/Summer ‘15 LookbookLACOSTE

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Fashion

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Travel

TERRIFIC TOKYO

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Travel

Tokyo is a marvelous mix of modern living and old-fashioned manners, slick high-tech gadgets and cutesy cartoon mascots. With more

than 12.5 million residents to entertain, Tokyo has a lot going on. It’s terribly crowded, yet can be strangely quiet. It is home to the understated, and the wacky, and you often find them right next to each other on the sidewalk. There are shrines and stone lanterns and other traces of old Japan scattered among the skyscrapers, swanky shopping malls and hole-in-the-wall noodle shops. The trick is to sample it all, to visit the serene garden and the massive office tower with a sky deck. Here’s how to see the loveliest — and liveliest — sides of Tokyo while visiting.

1. Tsukiji Fish MarketThe world’s largest, busiest fish market has long been a favorite destination for jet-lagged tourists with predawn hours to fill. But the main reason for going at 5 a.m. is to catch the live tuna auctions. Before you go, however, be sure to check this website

to see if public access is permitted that day. If so, it will be on a first-come, first-serve basis, and limited to 120 people, admitted in two shifts of 60. You can register starting at 4:30 a.m. at the fish information center inside the Kachidoki Gate off Harumi Street. If you prefer to do your exploring at a more reasonable hour, keep in mind that by 9 a.m., business will have already started to wind down. You’ll still see fishmongers filleting the day’s catch, but you won’t have to dodge so many trucks and trolleys. It’s been said that no visit to Tsukiji is complete without a sushi breakfast.

If the wholesale market smells too fishy for you, a less pungent alternative is Tsukiji’s outer market, a warren of narrow streets packed with stalls selling fresh seafood and other specialty items, such as real wasabi.

2. SumoForget kabuki; sumo is better theater. If you happen to be in Tokyo during one of the three grand tournaments — 15-day events in January, May and September — you can catch some of the action at Ryogoku

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parks are the places for club meetings and practice sessions and even play rehearsals, and Yoyogi draws all sorts of talent, from horn players to hip-hop dancers to rockabilly gangs, complete with poodle skirts and Elvis-inspired pompadours, who usually gather by the park’s east side entrance on Sundays to jam to American pop music from the ‘50s. Somehow this scene is more satisfying than the Gothic Lolitas and Cosplay kids, costumed fans of Japanese manga and anime characters hanging out on the Harajuku Bridge.

6. Shinjuku Gyoen National GardenIf Yoyogi Park is the most entertaining green space in Tokyo, the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is the most beautiful. Ask for a map in English as you walk in so you can be sure to hit all the major gardens: English Landscape, French Formal, Japanese Traditional (with teahouse) and

Kokugikan, Tokyo’s National Sumo Hall. Bouts, scheduled throughout the day, usually last for just a few intense seconds (bodies lock, twist, ripple, drop) with a lot of posturing (stretching, stomping, salt-tossing) in between.

3. Cherry Blossom FestivalsCherry blossom is a symbol of Japan. The blooming trees mark the end of the winter and welcome spring, which is being celebrated all around the country. In Tokyo alone there is a number of parks, where the blossoming trees attract locals and guests to admire the incredible trees. You can witness the spectacular festival at Ueno Onshi Park, Asukayama Park, the Meguro River, Chidorigafuchi, Sumida River bank, between March 20 to April 8.

4. Meiji ShrineDedicated to the late 19th-century emperor who opened Japan to the West, Tokyo’s

Travel

most famous Shinto shrine is wonderfully serene and austere, not colourful or flashy like other Asian places of worship, and is less of a tourist trap than Senso-ji, the big Buddhist temple across town in Asakusa. The 40-foot-high (12-meter) torii gate at the entrance to the 200-acre park is made of 1,500-year-old cypress, and there’s a second one like it closer to the shrine itself. Stop at the cleansing station where you can dip into a communal water tank and purify your hands and mouth before offering up a prayer. You can write wishes on little pieces of paper and tie them onto the prayer wall, or do as the locals do — toss some yen into the offering box (it’s near the enormous taiko drum), bow your head twice, clap twice, and bow once more.

5. Yoyogi Park Yoyogi Park in Shibuya-ku is the perfect comic relief after a low-key shrine stop. With living space so tight in this city,

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Travel

the curiously named Mother and Child Forest (Haha to Ko no Mori). There’s also a lovely Taiwan Pavilion; go inside and look out the second-story windows. In late March and early April, cherry blossom season, the central lawn areas are particularly stunning. Consider bringing a picnic lunch.

7. City ViewsThere’s a lot going on at and around the popular Roppongi Hills complex — a garden, a cinema, loads of shops, cafés and restaurants — but if you stay focused, you can be in and out in an hour and hit all the highlights. Start at Louise Bourgeois›s giant spider sculpture, Maman, then move on to the Mori Tower for the 52nd-floor observation deck called Tokyo City View. The ticket includes admission to the Mori Art Museum, where exhibits range from the intriguingly modern to the truly bizarre. You can also go up to the 54th floor Sky Deck, which runs the perimeter of the rooftop heliport.

8. Shibuya CrossingIt would be a shame to come to Tokyo and not take a walk across the famous intersection outside Shibuya Station. On sunny afternoons or clear evenings, the surrounding area is packed with shoppers, students, young couples and commuters. When the lights turn red at this busy junction, they all turn red at the same time in every direction. Traffic stops completely

and pedestrians surge into the intersection from all sides, like marbles spilling out of a box. You can observe this moment of organized chaos from the second-story window of the Starbucks in the Tsutaya building on the crossing›s north side.

After experiencing the “scramble,” follow the trendy teens into Shibuya 109, a big shiny mall with more than 100 boutiques, for a look at the latest in disposable fashion. Or duck back into Shibuya Station and down to the bustling Tokyu Food Show for an elegant array of gourmet eats and an education in local tastes: grilled eel, fried pork, tiny fish salad, octopus on a stick, seafood-and-rice seaweed wraps and much more.

9. KaraokeIn Japan, karaoke usually happens in a private room with your friends or colleagues, with a waiter delivering drinks. But at Smash Hits, located at the west end of the Hiroo shotengai (neighbourhood shopping street), you perform on stage before a random, rowdy audience. There’s a thick catalog of English songs to choose from, and emcee Saito-san is known to shuffle the order in favour of newcomers, so you won’t have to wait long to make your evening debut. Cheer the salarymen taking turns at the mic — many are practiced regulars who favour Billy Joel, Guns ‘N Roses and Queen — and they’ll show you love in return. Inside these cozy basement quarters is stadium-style seating and endearingly grubby décor.

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The latest from Misfit is undoubtedly its trendiest fitness tracker yet. Misfit has always strived for fashion, similar to the approach Withings has taken with its Activité and Activité Pop, but with the new Swarovski partnership, Misfit has taken it one step further.

By combining the Shine with nine different accessories, the fitness tracker is now even more of a discreet part of your day to day wardrobe. The different jewelry-esque pieces are a bit pricier than the Misfit Flash or original Misfit Shine though you get a diverse assortment to choose from.

Then there›s a solar powered jewel that is perhaps the most interesting part of the Shine collection - and it›s not even up for pre-ordering yet.

The violet Swarovski Shine uses a patented “energy crystal” technology to allow for efficient solar charging on a small surface to power itself. The way the crystal is cut also supposedly allows the jewel to harness light better.

Misfit is claiming that the purple hued crystal is the “the world’s first wireless activity and sleep tracker that utilizes an energy

Techno Talk

Techno Logiclatest gadgets and what you will love about them!

Shine bright like a solar powered Swarovski ... ShineSwarovski Shine

Most of the specification is familiar, but at last we have a Nikon SLR with a touchscreen

harvesting technology.” The Shine simply needs to be exposed to light the retain a charge and doesn’t require a cord or batteries.Early VerdictI can see these Swarovski creations making great gifts for the moms, aunts and female friends who are looking to get into fitness. Heck, I can even see it as a fitness incentive; they›re already wearing a fitness device, why not download the app and actually use it?

I’m also hoping the defective crystal faces are merely a show floor snafu considering all you have to do is press the face on the Flash and Shine to see the LEDs. Seeing the lights is also another point to consider in depth later on since it was hard to make out anything through the crystals. I also didn’t get to try out the actual tracking functions in depth though they’re supposed to work in the same manner as the previous Misfit iterations.

The solar powered Misfit Shine is also a reasonable step for fitness tracking wearables. Charging all my smartwatches and fitness trackers has always been a huge hassle - especially with proprietary cords and cradles.

Most of the specification is familiar, but at last we have a Nikon SLR with a touchscreen Nikon used CES 2015

in Las Vegas to launch its new advanced beginners D-SLR. It takes a fairly careful look at the specification list of the D5500 to

find the differences between the D5500 and its predecessor, the Nikon D5300. Both cameras, for instance, have an APS-C or DX format sensor with 24.2 million effective pixels, an Expeed 4 processing engine, a 3.2-inch 1,037,000-dot LCD screen on a vari-angle bracket and Wi-Fi connectivity built-in.

In fact the D5500 has the same sensor as the D5300. This has no optical low pass filter, which means that it can resolve a bit more sharp detail than a regular 24Mp sensor with a filter, but it may be more prone to suffering from more interference when shooting some very fine repeating patterns – although this hasn›t been a major issue for the D5300.

The most significant difference between the two cameras is that the screen on the D5500 is touch-sensitive; enabling a range of adjustments, including AF point selection, to be made with a touch of the screen. As the screen is a vari-angle unit, that encourages shooting from a range of angles, which may make pressing the shutter release tricky, so it›s especially helpful that the shutter can be tripped via the screen.

Although the D5500 uses the same EN-EL14a battery as the D5300, Nikon claims the battery life has been increased from 600 shots to 820.Early verdictThere may be some who are disappointed that the D5500 doesn’t make any huge leaps in pixel count, but 24 million pixels is more than enough for most uses. The files (usually) have plenty of detail, noise can be controlled well and the memory card or computer hard drive isn’t filled up too quickly.

Digital SLR development seems to have plateaued and most of the advances we are seeing are in the compact system camera arena where the battle is to get AF performance up to (or beyond) that of SLRs’ and create electronic viewfinders that can match and beat optical finders. There may be a few who lament the loss of GPS technology, but I suspect that there will be more potential users who are pleased by the addition of touch-sensitivity for the screen.

Nikon D5500

Misfit has already been fantastic for its four and six month long battery lives with the original Shine and Flash, respectively. Now with the promise of a lifetime battery thanks to solar energy, it seems like the company will forge a new path for wearables. The Misfit Swarovski Shine collection will be available for pre-order in the US exclusively on misfit.com, and will be for sale this spring in Swarovski retail locations in the US, Hong Kong and China and on Swarovski.com. The solar powered Shine will be on sale in June.

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Techno Talk

Samsung Omni Directional Experience speakers

Samsung has long focused on design. So it doesn’t surprise to see Samsung launch a series of stylish speakers with a look, and a technology, heretofore unseen. Called the Samsung Omni Directional Experience, there are three versions currently planned, including the WAM7500, also called the “Solo,” a tabletop speaker that comes with a stand, and the WAM6500, a portable model with a six-hour battery.

Another slightly larger so-called “Stand-type” model was shown at CES 2015 as well. No model number was announced in Samsung’s materials, but a representative at the demo area called this larger one the Duet because it will be sold with a subwoofer.

This model will come with a three-legged chrome stand, with a cable management conduits to allow the power cable to flow gracefully down the leg of the stand. All models work with Samsung’s multi-room wireless audio platform, introduced last year as Shape.

The speakers are scheduled to come out in

LG 77EG9900 4K Flexible OLED TV

Ludicrous but lusciousWhen LG hinted that it was going to go big on OLED in 2015 it certainly wasn’t lying: with its 2015 line-up threatening to finally make OLED a thing we can all look forward to getting to know.

The Korean giant has worked assiduously to make itself market leader with a technology that seems to have existed forever without ever dipping its colorful toe into the mainstream mass market, and it could just finally be bearing fruit.

Last year’s OLED line-up was limited enough to keep the cynics smirking, but LG’s announcement that it will be producing OLED TVs across a broad range is manna from heaven for those who have been advocating the brighter, more vivid and previously ludicrously more expensive organic tech.

Sitting at the top of the range is the 77-inch LG 4K OLED EG9900 which comes with a very particular gimmick of its own. With a wave of the remote you can take this beautifully designed television and make it bend or flatten depending on your need.

It’s brilliantly ridiculous, the kind of television that will attract equal amounts of drooling desire and the perfectly reasonable question of ‘why?’

In reality, this is not likely to be the television that defines LG’s OLED 2015 plans - it’s going to be a pricey number with all of that technology inside, and the real headline act is at the lower

end, where curved, 4K and OLED televisions will finally be at a price point that will be somewhere between aspirational and attainable.

Early verdictThat dose of realism does not in any way undermine the crazy gorgeousness of the EG9900. As you would expect from OLED at this resolution, the screen is droolworthy - colours bright and vibrant, the blacks absolutely perfect.

That’s down to the technology, where OLED allows for pixels to be, effectively, turned off. That black isn’t an interpretation of black, it’s the absence of any emitted light.

Why have one sweet spot when you can have 360 degrees of them?

the second quarter of 2015, but Samsung had neither pricing nor specifics on availability to share.Ring effectThe speakers are the first designs to come out of Samsung’s new audio lab in Valencia, California. The secret sauce here is the inclusion of Samsung’s proprietary Ring Radiator technology. The technology adds a ring to the speaker’s design, for omni-directional sound across both horizontal and vertical axis.

The result: Audio that sounds the same no matter where you stand in a room, or the speaker’s sphere of influence. The concept of a “sweet spot” for the speakers was replaced by the idea of 360-degrees of sweet spot.Early verdictThe sound I heard was promising, and made me intrigued to hear more. It also makes me hope that after teasing CES attendees with the speakers’ sound, Samsung prices them so they›re affordable and not in the stratosphere.

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By Fayez Abubacker

Auto Review

INTRODUCTIONThe California might just be the firm’s most radical model designed for daily ease and use. It’s the first Ferrari road car to have a front-mounted V8 engine, the first to have a dual-clutch gearbox and, although not the first to have a removable hard-top, is the first to follow the current trend of retractable metal roof. However, there is a fear that the California may be a little too soft, with not enough focus; a Ferrari that cannot perform as a sports car. So is the fear justified? Or is the California every inch worthy of the badges that adorn its flanks with an aural emotion ?

PRANCING PRAGMATICFERRARI CALIFORNIA T

OUR 6 POINT REVIEW

1. EXTERIORThe T has panache, from the throwback grille—three horizontal bars that gleam in the sunlight in front of a black maw—to the aerodynamic air vents flowing from behind the front wheels. To flatten the car’s tall and ungainly rear end, Ferraris’ clever detailing pushed the taillights outboard, trimmed the trailing edge of the decklid sharply terminating in a crisp lip, and reorganized the exhaust pipes from oddly stacked pairs to more-conventional horizontal duals. The visual trickery works from the outside, making the rear seem lower and wider. The folding hardtop disappears under the rear deck in 14 seconds but feels much more lesser.

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2. INTERIOREvery square inch is covered with stitched, high-grade leather. It’s well crafted, and it feels like wealth. Techinically this is a 2+2 seater but the rear seats can strictly fit a child seat/luggage only. These seats are lighter and more comfortable and have integrated fixed headrests. There are ergonomic improvements including longer shift paddles. They’re closer to the steering wheel spokes and stay better under fingertip when the wheel goes well off-center. Boot volume drops from 340 litres to a still useful 240 litres with the roof down. The cabin manages to juggle comfort, sportiness and elegance without dropping the balls

3. PERFORMANCEPowered by a 552 hp, 3.9 liter V-8; No one is likely to question the performance credentials of a car that will hit 60mph in 3.8sec. The reason the California manages such impressive numbers, despite its power-to-weight ratio, is in part a ferrari’s successful first application of a dual-clutch gearbox equipped with relatively short ratios. In automatic, the shifts are well timed. There’s plenty of control in manual mode, too. Ferrari’s variable boost system makes the engine’s powerband feel like that of a naturally aspirated car. Rather than feeling as though the engine has turbo lag, Ferrari has tuned it so that the boost comes on progressively, allowing the engine’s power to build linearly as revs rise rather than coming on all at once.

4. RIDE & HANDLINGI twist the red key and thumb the red ignition button on the steering wheel to

start the engine. With the top down and glorious sunshine pouring in; the mirrors and seats are adjusted and the journey begins with the V8 engine roaring into one of the best sounds we’ve ever heard from a turbo. The most obvious notes are the lower center of gravity, quicker and lighter steering rack, stiffer springs, smarter and faster dampers all of which tightly control body movements. The dual-clutch transmission is fantastico, going quick or going easy.

Boot the California T to full boost and it sounds fabulous, like the aggressive mechanical orchestra of a screaming Ferrari V8. There’s no letup before it hits the redline and shifts; The higher the gear, the stronger the pull. This turbo engine just keeps accelerating toward the horizon. Quick dabs of the brakes, dropping a gear or two, diving into the corners, back on the throttle — nothing unsettled it.

Pulling to a stop a few hours into my drive, I push the wheel-mounted lever into ESC Off and click into first gear after pressing the button for Launch Control. Left foot firmly on the brakes, I mash the accelerator, wait for the slight calm before the accelerative storm as the engine revs to its desired spot midway up the tachometer, then I jump off the brakes, holding on for dear life with both hands on the wheel. The way it launches itself out of corners comes down to electronic upgrades that allow for the integration of new systems, notably the adaptive F1-Trac traction control, which more efficiently manages the greater torque delivered by the turbocharged V8.

5. SAFETYCarbon-ceramic brakes from Brembo with new control software for the ABS perform

just as well as expected, with a firm pedal feel and instantaneously powerful force on the standard 19inch wheels from Pirelli. Ferrari says; owners who don’t regularly visit the track, an unlikely place to find a California anyway, will never need to replace any braking components.

6. EQUIPMENTSI spent a little time with the California T’s new Turbo Performance Engineer gauge. The outer ring of the gauge, which sits between two circular air vents, is touch sensitive, and drivers can switch between five different readouts covering anything you’d like to know about the turbo’s operation. Infotainment tech is a high-res, 6.5-inch screen atop the center stack that offers both touchscreen and button control for the audio, navigation and climate control. Also updated is Ferrari’s so-called Human-Machine Interface, which means there are no stalks on the column – all necessary functions can be found on the steering wheel.

VERDICTCapable of rewarding those who crave speed yet completely at home in city traffic, the California T might be the entry point to the Ferrari brand, but it’s probably the most traditional, the most comfortable and the most day-to-day user-friendly model in the company’s formidable lineup. And with that Prancing Horse badge on the grille, this sunshine supercar has the stuff that dreams are made of. The good news on the servicing front is the introduction of the Ferrari Genuine Maintenance package – essentially free servicing for the first seven years that’s included in the California’s list price. It covers all standard maintenance items outlined in the car’s service schedule, while there’s no mileage restriction.

Auto Review

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The TruTh behind The celebraTion of ST. ValenTine’S day

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Special feature

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Every February 14, across the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine.

But who is this mysterious saint, and where did these traditions come from?

What is Valentine’s Day about?The real history of Valentine›s Day is not comprised of roses, chocolates and pretty cards. Instead, crime, imprisonment and execution are at the genesis of our modern day love fest, dating back to the man whose martyrdom may have inspired the holiday. There were reportedly three early Christian saints named Valentine, but the one the holiday likely comes from was a Roman priest during the 3rd century A.D. under Emperor Claudius II.

The Roman Empire was experiencing massive turmoil at the time.

Claudius made the unpopular decision to ban marriage among young people, believing that unmarried soldiers fought better than married soldiers.

This is where Valentine comes in; the priest who believed marriage to be a God-given sacrament. Valentine began officiating marriages in secret but was eventually found out and imprisoned.

On February 14, Valentine was beheaded, not only because he was a Christian, but also because he had performed a miracle. He supposedly cured the jailer’s daughter of her blindness. The night before he was executed, he wrote the jailer’s daughter a farewell letter, signing it “From Your Valentine.”

While Valentine’s Day is a good time to put a spark back into your relationship, the only way to fan the flame of a good relationship is for every day to be a Hallmark moment.

Special feature

Here’s what you can do to show your love, not just on Valentine’s Day.

Here are some ways to bring more love into your marriage:● Schedule priority time together. Pull

out your calendars and set a date night every week or two—just to spend time together and talk. (Note: movies don’t count.)

● Laugh together. When was the last time you shared a funny story and chuckled with each other? Loosen up and laugh freely. Live lightheartedly!

● Play together. Find a hobby or activity you both enjoy—fishing, bowling, tennis, hiking, or biking.

● Be romantic together. Send your spouse a note of encouragement in the mail every once in a while just to say “I love you.” Spend one or two weekends away each year, just with your significant other. (No buddies allowed.)

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Special feature

Special dine-ouT ValenTine’S day feaTureDance & Dine on Valentine’s at the Elite Seef Residence & Hotel

Looking for an exceptional love-filled night this Valentine? Spend your romantic night at our lovely Oasis at The Elite Seef Residence & Hotel to

Celebrate Valentine’s Dinner with some extra romance.

Bring your special someone and enjoy an intimate candlelit dinner and the stunning view of the oasis garden. A fascinating open area with a gentle breeze by the pool offering a sweetheart of a deal including a scrumptious barbeque buffet that will set pulses racing. Lovebirds will also indulge in a truly memorable dining experience on the melodies of the live entertainment, performing the most romantic Jazz hits also a host of golden

oldies and popular tunes, just perfect for a romantic night of dining and dancing. A red rose will be gifted to each couple making it the perfect dinner on a romantic night out! For more information and reservations, call 36020733.

Valentine’s Day at the Gulf hotel, Bahrain

The Gulf Hotel Bahrain is tailoring some exclusive concepts to guarantee you a year full of love.

Pick the best that suits your heart’s desires from proposed 15 unique options in the award winning restaurants with an overnight distinctive stay.

Live romantic entertainment, a ‘secret’ valuable gift, lots of red roses and heart

shaped cakes sum up to pinnacle a dreamy night

And that’s not it, caught in a bad romance? Going to be alone this year? Can’t hurry love?

Well join the singles in our singles party at Sherlock Holmes.This year the hotel is offering their love and affection by giving customers 15 unique options to suit your heart’s desires in their award-winning restaurants.

Apart from the deserving rose for the ladies and live entertainment, a ‘secret’ parting gift will make this year’s Valentines a true romance.

And that’s not it, caught in a bad romance? Going to be alone this year? Can’t hurry love?

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Valintines Dine Out.pdf 1 2/1/15 1:18 PM

Special feature

Well, join the singles party at Sherlock Holmes!

La Pergola Restaurant SET MENU BD 28++ five course menu inclusive of one glass of bubbly with live entertainment (Guitarist)

Zahle Restaurant SET MENU BD25 ++ four course menu inclusive of one glass of sparkling bubbly or Arak & rose with miniature perfume with live entertainment (Lebanese Band) China Garden SET MENU BD 26 ++ four course menu inclusive of one glass of sparkling bubbly

Margarita Mexicana SET MENU BD 25 ++ four course menu inclusive of one glass of sparkling bubbly or margarita with live entertainment (Cris & Toni Duo)

Rasoi by Vineet SET MENU BD 30 ++ seven course menu inclusive of one glass of rose bubbly.

Al Waha Restaurant Special Buffet BD 22 ++ buffet inclusive of one glass of sparkling bubbly Special Buffet 16 ++ buffet inclusive of soft drink for guests

Sherlock Holmes Anti-Valentine›s PartySpecial promotion – Double your single shots.End your dream with exclusive room package BD 75++ with:

Special Valentine’s decoration and amenities, in-room breakfast, access to health club, in-room heart shaped cake, free wi-fi.

For more information about different packages and offers, cal: 17713000

saVour the season of loVe at ramee GranD

hotel anD spa, seef

IbridaCatch superstar artist Jeremih live in Ibrida on the 12th of February! Pre-sale tickets are being sold at BD 20. BD 25 atvthe door.Ramee Grand’s very own club, Ibrida is the heart of Bahrain’s nightlife entertainment and has steadily become the perfect venue for the perfect night getaway to unwind.

Valentine’s Party on February 12, 2015, Thursday – Special live performance

RasoiSavour a contemporary Fine Dining experience of the traditional flavours of Indian cuisine at Rasoi. Valentine’s dinner for 2 – Thursday, February 12, 2015RialtoIndulge with our extraordinary restaurant, Rialto with a complete Italian identity which joins the north and the south of Italy together.

Valentine’s dinner for 2 – Thursday, February 12, 2015

RukaGuests can also enjoy its dining throughout the day whilst overlooking with breathtaking views of Bahrain from the 24th floor, the vast azure Arabic Gulf and the infinite skyline at Ruka.

Valentine’s dinner for 2 – Thursday, February 12, 2015

For more information, call 17711999.

enjoy a scrumptious Valentine’s Day at sheraton Bahrain

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Al Safir Restaurant and Soie Restaurant. A special set menu will be offered at Soie while a sumptuous buffet will be offered at Al Safir Restaurant. Ladies will get a red rose and dinner includes selected beverages. Stay tuned for more details on Sheraton’s Facebook page or visit www.sheratonbahrain.com. For reservations, call 17533533.

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Hotel Review

Aerial view of the outdoor oasis

delighT your SenSeS Stay at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain this Valentine’s Day

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Hotel Review

Sumptuous culinary offerings at La Med

Rising in the epicenter of the chic Seef District, the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa makes for the ultimate Valentine’s Day getaway.

Want to escape for a quick holiday with your sweetheart but short on time? Head to this lavish hotel for an idyllic ‘staycation.’

The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel and Spa outshines all in terms of accommodation, ambience and facilities. The hotel, which stretches across 20 acres, offers a health club, Royal Sporting Club, an assortment of F&B outlets, a spa facility, banquet halls, poolside, a private island and a massive shore of white, sandy beach.

The lobby is reminiscent of an imperial era with majestic marbled arches, touches of gold and regal piano tunes coursing through the air. The hotel is also the businessman’s favourite, catering quintessentially to all needs. After a quick check in, I was led to my accommodation, a deluxe room overlooking the lush green lawns of the hotel. The interiors are classic, with patterned carpets and curtains,

wooden furnishing and globular lamps.The hotel has 245 rooms and suites, and

a cluster of private villas. Each villa has 3 bedrooms, a well-equipped work station, private infinity pool, 24-hour butler service, outdoor massage patio, and beach access. The living room is big enough to host grand soirees and a porch overlooks the beach and azure sea side.

The outdoor oasis consists a poolside, beach, private island haven, the Overlook café and the Thai Lounge. Unwind as you bask in the warm sunshine while gazing at the azure, turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea.

The hotel also has various multi-cuisine restaurants, offering culinary delights to satisfy all palates.

As the hotel has just announced its new Trattoria Moderna menu created by Michelin Starred Chef Oliver Glowig, I headed for lunch at Primavera, perhaps the finest Italian restaurant on the island! At Primavera, I was greeted by the lovely Beatrice, who made a few recommendations to help me pick out the

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Hotel Review

One of the many guest rooms

The beach and private island

most sumptuous Italian meal, consisting of Ravioli pasta, risotto and of course, dessert. Primavera is a must-try for anyone who appreciates a great dining experience. Moreover, Primavera is offering a special four course set menu including a complimentary toast for two on the 14th of February. Romantic à la carte dinners are offered in different restaurants of the hotel.

Located on the 6th and 7th floor of the hotel is the Club Level, a private haven for the discerning guest, with indulgently large suite rooms. It is perfect for those who want a more private stay as it has its own library and lounge with light meals throughout the day.

Dinner was served at La Med, the all-day diner, which offers an a al carte selection. I opted for lamb chops and penne pasta with vegetables, ending it with a splendid helping of lemon cheesecake.

The next morning, breakfast was served at La Med, which offers an endless array of all the victuals one could possibly imagine, from waffles to zaatar bread!

It is worth mentioning that the Ritz Carlton is always abuzz with activity, providing guests with a kaleidoscope of different activities throughout the year.

Crowning the line-up of activities is the Bahrain Food Festival on Friday February 27, set-up at Overlook and on the Croquet Lawn. Starting from 8am to 12 noon with

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Hotel Review

One of the Trattoria Moderna dishes

Exterior view of the hotel

the traditional Farmers’ Market, guests will be amazed when they browse the fresh local produce from the many traditional stools, or simply by savoring a traditional Bahraini breakfast and Saffron juice. In the afternoon, the Festival will open and give a chance to experience a slice of what Bahrain culinary art has to offer, including fresh seafood, barbecue tikka, Arabic coffee and halwa sweets.

For more information and reservations, call 17580000.

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China Garden stands as a testament to Chinese fine dining in Bahrain, outshining all in terms of food and

ambiance.The oriental décor is reminiscent of

China in every aspect, from wooden paneling to large light lanterns, paired with soothing Chinese melodies spells for

the perfect dining experience.Chef Wang, who heads the kitchen,

was kind enough to explain the various courses and give us his recommendations on what to order. The menu has something to cater to every palate, from dim sum bites to stir fried meat, and everything in between.

A large dish of golden fried prawns

cooked to perfection, crispy seafood and vegetable spring rolls comprised the appetizers. The attendant also brought a myriad of sauces, which is an essential complementary component in Chinese cuisine. Sauces are paired with meat, poultry, seafood and vegetarian dishes to further add to the flavour. These appetizers would also be a part

Restaurant Review

gulf hoTel, bahrainchineSe culinary Temple china garden

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of the special Chinese New Year menu this month, which starts from February 10 onwards for 12 days. It will feature traditional Chinese dishes whipped by the creative culinary team headed by Chef Wang.

The ceiling is done in a way that insinuates the blue sky, giving the place a more open-air feel.

Our feast truly began when the main course arrived on the table. A rotating glass turntable in the centre of the table makes for easier serving.

Although not a fan of duck, having heard rave reviews of the Peking Duck, I decided to order it, which was perhaps the best decision of the day.

Restaurant Review

Banana Toffee with ice cream

Sizzling Seafood Platter

Fried Tofu with Spicy Salt

Peking Duck

CondimentsChicken in Hot Garlic Sauce

Dim sumSizzling Beef

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Chinese pancakes and a side of cucumber and spring onions accompany the duck. The idea is to spread sauce along with the duck and veggies onto the pancakes and eat it like a roll...like a Chinese Shawarma.

The reason I don’t fancy eating duck is because when it is cooked, the texture of the meat tends to be coarse and dry. However, the Peking Duck was cooked exceptionally well, seasoned, tender and moist to the palate.

Sizzling Mixed Seafood Platter comprised of prawns, squid and hammour tossed in a savoury sauce, is a surefire winner with seafood lovers.

Chicken in Hot Garlic Sauce, Sizzling Beef in Black Pepper Sauce, Seasonal Vegetables in Oyster Sauce, and Fried Tofu with Spicy Salt left us totally spoilt. My favourite among the lot was the sizzling beef.

No one rejects desert after a hearty meal, so we settled for Toffee Banana with Vanilla ice cream, which was delicious.

China Garden is the perfect blend between good service, delectable food and good décor.

The result— beautifully presented, lip-smacking goodness with a little magic and a hint of drama— is just enough to tempt your senses.

To avail of the Chinese New Year promotions, call 17713000.

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Chef Interview

food

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Chef Subir Chowdhury is man definitely one to watch out for. Head chef of Rasoi, at the Ramee Grand Hotel and Spa, he has his sights set on making the restaurant the best

Indian eatery in town. Culminating an experience that span over nine years in India, Europe and Bahrain, Chef Subir tells us about his journey in

the industry and shares a delicious recipe with our readers.

Tell me how you got into the culinary industry?I graduated from IHM, Guwahati, and then joined the Food and Beverage Production department. Progressing from there, I joined as a Hotel Operation Trainee at Taj Group of Hotels in Goa,

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Chef Interview

India, and got promoted as Commis Chef. I joined Radisson Group of Hotels in 2007 as Demi Chef De Partie and then ventured overseas to Geneva in 2009, with Mandarin Group of Hotels as a Junior Sous Chef.

…And how did you end up at the Ramee Grand Hotel and Spa in Bahrain?I applied for the job as I found it intriguing and the Group General Manager of Ramee Group, Mr Shantaram Shetty, explained the concept of Rasoi and asked me to join as head chef, to which I obliged.

What message can you give aspiring chefs?Always learn the basics of any cuisine first, because that leads to a strong foundation. Strive for perfection and be dedicated to your profession. Perseverance will beget you success.

What has been your proudest achievement with Rasoi?After coming to Bahrain, I got the title of Head Chef, so that was a great career milestone. Moreover, Rasoi won the award for the best recommended Indian restaurant in Bahrain.

What are your future plans?In the upcoming years, I hope Rasoi can reach the standard as the best Indian restaurant in Bahrain and we’re trying to implement creative and innovative dishes.

What sets Rasoi apart from the other Indian eateries in Bahrain?We serve Indian favourites with a twist, combining food from different regions of India in one plate. We don’t focus only bringing you dishes from just one province in India, we create a fusion and pay emphasis on pairing different flavours in harmony.

What is the first thing you look for when you go out to a restaurant?Being a chef, I immediately scan their menu and then the ambiance. Then, of course, the service, presentation of the food and lastly, the way the food tastes.

Sea bass fish Marination: serves 4ingredients:Fresh framed sea bass- 4 fillet (120 gm each), Lemon juice- 1 tsp, Salt- ½ tsp, Chili powder- ½ tsp, Turmeric powder- ½ tsp, Cumin powder- ½ tspMethod:Put all the spices in a mixing bowl. Marinate the fresh sea bass with the mixed spice and keep it for 15- 20 Minute. Drain the excess water. Heat a shallow frying pan with little oil and place all the fish one by one skin side down. When it gets crisp, turn the other side. Cook until fish is completely done.

Mustard SauceIngredients:Mustard oil - 25 ml, Mustard seeds- ½ tsp, Chopped onion-50 gm, Chopped green chili - ½ tsp, Ginger garlic paste- 10 gm, Turmeric powder- ½ tsp, Mustard paste- 50 gmMethod:Heat up mustard oil in pan, when it is hot enough, add mustard seeds into it. Let it crackle, add onion & green chili. Cook till golden brown, now add ginger garlic paste and turmeric powder. Cook until the raw smell of ginger garlic paste has neutralized. Add mustard paste in to it and cook thoroughly. Add enough water and let it cook for 10-15 minute. Check the seasoning and strain it to get a smooth sauce.

Bhekti Macher

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Out & About

Gulf Hotel Hosts 45th Anniversary Celebrations at a grand event hosted at its premises

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Out & About

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Out & About

Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Partners With Michelin Star Chef Oliver Glowig

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Local media was invited to Primavera restaurant for the announcement of the partnership between Michelin Star Chef Oliver Glowig and Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa. Primavera and Chef Glowig will provide Bahrain with a genuine, authentic, Italian dining experience, which we describe as Trattoria Moderna.”

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Sabaya feb 2015.pdf 1 1/22/2015 5:04:18 PM

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Out & About

ART Rotana Amwaj Islands Hosts Media Dinner

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ART Rotana Amwaj Islands, the newly-opened luxury hotel located in the heart of Amwaj, recently welcomed the media to its stunning ocean-view property. Media representatives were taken on a tour of the premises and treated to a variety of culinary delights at one of the hotel’s signature dining venues - ‘Choices’. With its mesmerizing architecture and creative approach to the art of luxury living, ART Rotana Hotel recently opened its doors in the heart of Amwaj Islands.

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Out & About

Bahrain International Modern House 2015 exhibition

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Out & About

Seven Friday Pop-up café at the 10th annual Gulfrun, Bahrain International Circuit

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CAKESPROFITEROLESINDIVIDUAL SLICES

ECLA

IRS

CUPCAKES

BISCUITSCAKE POPS

MARSHMALLOWS

MERINGUES

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TS CHEESECAKESCOOKIES

+973 1755 2253 cakeboutiquebh www.cakeboutiquebh.com

Bahrain

Elite Grande Hotel

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CAKESPROFITEROLESINDIVIDUAL SLICES

ECLA

IRS

CUPCAKES

BISCUITSCAKE POPS

MARSHMALLOWS

MERINGUES

TAR

TS CHEESECAKESCOOKIES

+973 1755 2253 cakeboutiquebh www.cakeboutiquebh.com

Bahrain

Elite Grande Hotel

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Out & About

Manama Toastmasters installation ceremony

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An installation ceremony was held for the incoming executive committee members of the Manama Toastmasters, held at the Crowne Plaza, Bahrain

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Out & About

Mercure Grand Hotel Seef hosts the Turkish Week

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Mercure Grand Hotel Seef kicked off with the grand opening the hugely popular third edition of the Turkish Festival - authentic cuisine and folk show 2015.

Mr. Jasim Al Zayani, Mr. Mohammed Al Zayani along with Mr. Yasser Bahaa the General Manager at Mercure Grand Seef hotel, welcomed the festival’s distinguished guests: H.E. Mrs. Hatun Demirer - the Turkish ambassador, and many senior figures and high level dignitaries along with various members of the local press.

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Out & About

Grand reception hosted to welcome Jan Ifcic, new area general manager of IHG Bahrain.

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InterContinental Regency Bahrain announces that Jan Ifcic has been named the InterContinental Regency Bahrain announces that Jan Ifcic has been named the General Manager and the Area General Manager InterContinental Hotels Group Bahrain. Michael Koth, the outgoing Regional General Manager, made the announcement during a grand reception. To celebrate the arrival of Mr Ifcic, InterContinental Regency Bahrain invited members of the media, guests of the hotel and VIPs to the Al Rifaa Ballroom in the hotel.

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Out & About

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Out & About

Entertainer Bahrain 2015 launch at Soie, Sheraton Bahrain

The Entertainer booklet’s Bahrain edition was launched at an event hosted at Soie, Sheraton Bahrain, which was graced by the presence of members of the media, invited guests and the founder of the concept, Donna Benton.

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Out & About

Khaleeji Commercial Bank picks winners of the mega raffle draw at City Centre

Bahrain

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Out & About

Barrel And Drum Announces Official Launch Barrel and Drum announced the launch of their inaugural collection of wooden sunglasses, at a launch party that took place at Ezmeel in Riyadat Mall, Aali. Founded by a group of young and passionate design professionals, Barrel and Drum is the brainchild of a desire to bring a fresh, contemporary and environmentally friendly eyewear alternative to the GCC.

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Diplomat Radisson Blu New Year’s Eve celebrations

In The Dark

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Gulf Hotel New Year’s Eve party

In The Dark

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In The Dark

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New Year’s Eve celebration at Mercure Grand, Seef

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New Year’s Eve celebrations at Ramee Grand Hotel and Spa, Seef

In The Dark

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In The Press

Mercure Grand Hotel Seef hosts the Turkish authentic cuisine and folk show festival 2015

RUKA Celebrating 1 year of superior Japanese cuisine

Following to its yearly grand success, Mercure Grand Hotel Seef kicked off with the grand opening the hugely popular third edition of the Turkish Festival - authentic cuisine and folk show 2015.

Mr. Jasim Al Zayani, Mr. Mohammed Al Zayani along with Mr. Yasser Bahaa the General Manager at Mercure Grand Seef hotel, welcomed the festival’s distinguished guests: H.E. Mrs. Hatun Demirer - the Turkish ambassador, and many senior figures and high level dignitaries along with various members of the local press.

The Festival took place at the hotel’s signature restaurant ‘Neyran,’ which ran from the 15th until the 21st of January 2015.

It was a special invitation to discover the charm of Turkey, its culture, great history, heritage and hospitality. The festival featured various entertainment live shows, art and music performed by Turkish artists; delicious dishes with a fusion between central Asian, Caucasian, Middle Eastern, and Balkan cuisines, prepared and

catered by distinctive chefs hailing directly from Istanbul. Mercure Grand Hotel Seef witnessed a huge turnout and success

throughout the last three years. The festival continues to grow every year and has become a local as well as regional attraction.

A chic Japanese restaurant and lounge in the heart of Seef offering a sophisticated dining experience

The restaurant is one of the region’s most luxurious venues offering fusion Japanese delicacies prepared with the highest quality of ingredients.

Finding the right balance between traditional cuisine and contemporary offerings is a delicate process but this restaurant aims to bring you the best of both worlds.

Located within Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa, Ruka brings you the best of Japanese gastronomy and contemporary innovation. Here’s a dining experience, inspired by the land of samurai and sushi, served in chic environment that appeals to the urban diner.

Ruka’s decor is fresh and tasteful. The interiors of the restaurant, which is located on the 24th floor, are complemented by the breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf and Manama skyline. Ruka’s connotation to its name certainly holds true to its very core.

The menu, which is essentially Japanese, also has influences from other cuisines, catering to a global and well-travelled clientele.

The restaurant recently won the Favourite Japanese Restaurant award and received the ‘Highly Commended Best Japanese

Restaurant’ and ‘Highly Commended Business Lunch’ awards, hosted by a popular regional lifestyle magazine.

From Sunday to Thursday, enjoy a special lunch priced at BD12 or take the express option for BD8. Relax in the lounge during the ‘Sunset Session’ from 4pm to 7pm where you can order a tempura dish and enjoy selected beverages.

Ruka has a lot going for it – great service, fabulous food, innovative beverages, a beautiful setting and that unique factor that all look for when dining out.

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In The Press

I n t e r C o n t i n e n t a l Regency Bahrain announces that Jan Ifcic has been named the Area General Manager, effective of 18th of January 2015. Michael Koth, the outgoing Regional General Manager, made the announcement during a grand reception on Thursday, the 15th of January 2015.

To celebrate the arrival of the new Area General Manager, Jan Ifcic, and the accomplishments of Michael Koth, InterContinental Regency Bahrain invited members of the media, guests of the hotel and VIPs to the Al Rifaa Ballroom in the hotel.

With 22 years of experience, Jan Ifcic brings to InterContinental Regency Bahrain a wealth of industry knowledge in the luxury hotel segment. His most recent position was General Manager at InterContinental Jordan, where under his leadership the hotel was recognized as one of the top performers of InterContinental Hotels Group AMEA 2014, adding to another accomplishment of a successful multi-million-renovation program completion.

Jan Ifcic, Area General Manager, InterContinental Regency Bahrain said: “I am delighted and honored to be appointed as Area General Manager of InterContinental Regency Bahrain. The InterContinental brand is trusted around the world for its superior, understated service and the quiet luxury its guests have come to know and appreciate. It is my pleasure to continue that fine tradition in the Kingdom of Bahrain.”

The Fiamma Resturant at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa will be having a unique Italian cultural and gastrononic festival from the 18th till 28th February 2015.

Experience a week long intriguing journey to Italy with authentic Venetian dishes complemented by Italy’s renowned entertainers. A special a la carte menu and beverages from different Italian regions will be served every evening of the festival from 7pm and 11pm. The unique dining experience will be complemented by Italian Soprano and Tenor singers, Vincenzo Sanso and Carla Mazzarella who flew in from Italy espeacially for this festival. They will be enteraining the guests every evening during the festival.

A special Italian themed Friday Brunch will be held on the 20th

and 27th of February 12.30pm till 4pm. To add to the festival’s offerings, Fiamma’s new Italian Chef,

Andrea Barome, will launch the new menu of Fiamma. Couple Cooking Class with Chef Andera:Enjoy a romantic culinary lesson and taste at the end the perfect

romantic meal with your special one. An Italian cooking class on Saturday the 7th of February from 10.00 till 12pm. Have some fun in the kitchen with your partner learning some signature italian dishes that will last you a life time. The classes will cost BD 30 per couple.

For reservations and more details contact the hotel at 1763 6363 or email H6722@sofitel.com

ART Rotana Amwaj Islands, the newly-opened luxury hotel located in the heart of Amwaj, recently welcomed the media to its stunning ocean-view property. Media representatives were taken on a tour of the premises and treated to a variety of culinary delights at one of the hotel’s signature dining venues - ‘Choices’.

‘Choices’ – the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant - is one of the most intriguingly-designed spaces featuring wooden-curved interiors, arched ceilings, panoramic windows that draw in plenty of natural light and a large outdoor seating area perfect for family Friday brunch.

Joe Batshoun, General Manager of ART Rotana Amwaj Islands, stated, «we have no doubt that ART Rotana will transform Bahrain’s hotel industry and become a hotspot for both the locals and thousands of tourists that flood this country every year. We are very excited to introduce a new concept to the country’s bustling hospitality scene; ART Rotana is ideally placed in one of the most popular, trendy water-front locations on the island and has a unique offering that sets it apart from its existing counterparts. Our emphasis is on creative living and this is reflected across our premises, facilities and services; from the building’s stunning architectural design and embracing interiors right down to the warm and friendly service that greets our guests.”

Jan Ifcic is appointed the new Area General Manager of InterContinental

Regency Bahrain

Italian Gastronomic and Cultural Festival at Sofitel Bahrain

ART Rotana Amwaj Islands Hosts Media Dinner

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In The Press

Omar Farid has been appointed as new Director of Sales of Sheraton Bahrain Hotel. Farid is an Egyptian national who holds a BA in Hospitality Management. He started his hospitality career in 1996 by joining Sheraton EL Gezirah as GSA trainee followed by Sheraton Cairo Hotel Towers & Casino back in 2001 as Sales Executive. With his positive attitude and multi-lingual skill, he was promoted within the same property as Sales manager and Deputy Director of Sales. Due to his remarkable leadership quality, Farid was promoted to Director of Sales at Le Meridien Jeddah in 2011, hence he has accomplished a remarkable performance.

In his new role, Farid will be responsible for leading and improving all aspects of the hotel’s sales efforts.

City Centre Bahrain, Majid Al Futtaim’s leading lifestyle destination in the Kingdom of Bahrain wrapped up its one month, immersive Winter Tales campaign by announcing the Grand Prize winner of a BD 20,000 mega shopping spree. Khalid Ali, a Bahraini, emerged the fortunate winner of City Centre Bahrain’s holiday campaign, where the enchanting world of The Nutcracker was re-created in an interactive and life-sized display. With a prize amount worth BD 20,000 in Gift Cards can make wishes come true for the New Year with the freedom to spend it anywhere in City Centre Bahrain or any of Majid Al Futtaim’s City Centre malls across the region.

Euro Motors announced an extraordinary showing by exceeding their sales figures of the year 2013 for both Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles in 2014.

The Sales Department of Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover raised their own standards by selling an impressive 405 units of Land Rover vehicles in 2014 as compared to 334 in 2013 and had an amazing 41% increase in the sales of their Jaguar cars as well.

Speaking about the milestone, Mr. Kamran Shaukat, Jaguar Land Rover Brand Manager, said: “We at Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover, are immensely proud of this great achievement as this marks a significant moment for both the Jaguar and Land Rover brands. We have the hard work and diligent efforts exerted by both our accomplished Sales and After Sales Teams to thank, for the amazing numbers that we recorded last year as they have repeatedly stepped up their services to help us get to this point.

More than 250 employees and guests attended the event which featured motivational speeches from the Management team, raffle draws, gift-giving to loyal employees who have been with the company from five to thirty years, and distribution of New Year perfume gift sets to all its employees.

Chairman and Managing Director Mr. Jawad Al Hawaj was the first to address the crowd with an inspirational message followed by Prof. Dr. Abdulla Al Hawaj (Director), Mr. Abdul Wahab Al Hawaj (General Manager), Mr. Shyam Narayanan (Operations Manager), Ms. Dorothy Pilayre (HR Officer), and Mr. Hazem Elrazek (Retail Manager).

Special prizes for the raffle draw included home appliances and electronic items from Samsung, TCL, Hitachi, and Fagor, such as, LED TVs, washing machine, refrigerator, home theater, digital cameras, microwave ovens, blenders, and many more.

Sheraton Bahrain Hotel appointed new Director of Sales

City Centre Bahrain grants a winter wish

Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover Achieves New Milestone With Extraordinary Sales Figures

Al Hawaj Holds Ahlan 2015 New Year Staff Party

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In The Press

Barrel and Drum proudly announced the launch of their inaugural collection of wooden sunglasses, after an exciting launch party that took place on the 28th of January at Ezmeel in Riyadat Mall, Aali.

Founded by a group of young and passionate design professionals, Barrel and Drum is the brainchild of a desire to bring a fresh, contemporary and environmentally friendly eyewear alternative to the GCC.

This debut collection, dubbed “The Classic Collection” consists of tried and tested styles, repurposed with their signature wooden frames. Each piece highlights the beauty of natural wood, in the form of iconic styles that can suit any gender. The collection includes timeless styles such as the Black Sandal Wayfarer, Bamboo Wayfarer, Zebra Wood, Ebony Wood Metal Rimless and Ebony Wood Rims, all brought together in a perfect fusion of form meets function.

Barrel & Drum’s glasses are constructed meticulously out of high quality eco friendly materials like bamboo and natural wood.

Al Rashid Group opened 10 new stores in the latest shopping destination of Bahrain – Seef Mall, Muharraq.

The new mall will host 10 of Al Rashid Group’s fashion and accessories brands: Max, Splash, Steve Madden, Sarah, New Look, Yours London, Nose, Carpisa, Bossini and Shoexpress will all be part of this new exciting venture. Stores opened to the public on January 31st at 5pm.

To celebrate the launch of this new shopping destination in the Kingdom, Al Rashid Group is offering its clients 20% discount in all of its new stores located in Seef Mall, Muharraq till February 7th.

MODA Mall, the shopping and dining experience for every occasion, located on the ground floor of the Kingdom’s iconic Bahrain World Trade Center, kicked-off the New Year with an exciting ‘Shop and Win’ promotion this week. The winner of the promotion will walk away with the latest sporty 2015 Maserati Ghibli as the Grand Prize. The promotion will run till 28th February 2015.

During the promotion, for every purchase of BD 50 from any of MODA Mall’s boutiques, restaurants and cafes, shoppers will receive one raffle ticket to enter the Grand Draw. The winning ticket will be drawn under the supervision of the representative from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Tamkeen and Family Bank signed an agreement to add BD2 million to the microfinance support scheme, bringing the programme’s total portfolio value to BD 5 Million. The programme is part of the Enterprise Finance Programme that Tamkeen offers in collaboration with several partner banks in Bahrain to provide low-cost financing solutions to private sector enterprises.

To date, more than 1,538 enterprises benefited from the microfinance programme. The total value of the Enterprise Finance Programme, which the microfinance programme is a part of, now stands at BD368.5million. More than 7,000 enterprises benefited from the overall programme.

Techno Blue Trading Company SPC (a group concern of Al Hawaj) and authorized distributor for Samsung home appliances and electronic products in Bahrain, hosted its annual Staff Party at the Crowne Plaza Hotel to welcome the new year with a celebration of the Company›s achievements in the past year, and in appreciation for the staff.

Around 150 employees and guests attended this significant occasion; with the presence of Techno Blue›s Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. Jawad Al Hawaj, Director Prof. Dr. Abdulla Al Hawaj, Director Col. Abdul Majeed Al Hawaj, General Manager Mr. Abdul Wahab Al Hawaj, Techno Blue›s Deputy Managing Director Mr. Mohammed Jawad Al Hawaj, and Director Mr. Ahmed Al Hawaj. Special gifts were given to the staff from the Management. Major prizes for the raffle draw were given away such as 40» LED TV, washing machine, refrigerator, air ticket for trip for two to Dubai, and many more.

Barrel And Drum Announces Official Launch

Al Rashid Group opens 10 new shops in Seef Mall, Muharraq

Moda Mall Kicks Off 2015 with Exciting ‘Shop And Win’ Promotion

Tamkeen and Family Bank Increase Microfinance

Programme Portfolio to BD 5 Million

Techno Blue Trading Hosts Annual Staff Party

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In The Press

Following relocation to a stunning 500 square meter showroom in Amwaj Islands, Lightex Bahrain has cemented its status as one of Bahrain’s premier lighting and furniture showrooms. Housing over 12 luxury brands including Flos, Molteni, Dada, Vistosi, We-ef and Lutron, the space boasts a wide variety of high-end furniture, kitchen systems and lighting fixtures. Lightex is dedicated to offering the best interior furnishings, home design resources and smart home solutions.

Lightex is located at Meritas House opposite to Choueifat School in Amwaj Islands and is open from 9AM to 7PM, Sunday through Thursday.

Call +973 16014455 today to schedule a tour of the facilities or for more information.

Nested under the trees at the entrance of Amwaj Islands, Malja, Bahrain’s first open creative space is set to opened its doors on January 30th with its first show Double tap and live graffiti performances.

After taking over Al Osra’s old supermarket, creative hands and minds have been working for the past three months to transform this hidden place into a communal location to create, promote and support Artsin Bahrain and the Middle East: Spoon Consultants are leading the design of the 350 sqm multi-functional project space featuring their unique façade installation. The indoor and outdoor space is brought to light by LumenArts Lighting Consultants who are responsible for all the illumination.

Jody Peck [Artist] and Noof Al Refaei [Sikkeh Gallery] contributed with some of the interior featured furniture, while Sara Valente [spoon] and ReineLahoud took lead on the Landscape side.

On the curators’ front, Tarik Omar and Hasan Hujairi are consulting on the sound room equipment and developing workshop ideas related to music and studio production. Meanwhile, Frances Stafford and Yasmin Sharabi art consultants, will manage the annual gallery which will be held in Malja’s main hall.

Behind the camera, JEO’s Productions team of producers and cameramen are capturing every moment from the construction to the people involved.

In photos and writing, Noor Noorudin, Quentin de Pimodan, Melchior de Tinguy and Ali Haji are telling the story of Malja, on the blog www.maljabahrain.com designed by Maroon Frog.

Bahrain-based Bank Alkhair, an Islamic wholesale bank, has today announced the appointment of Mr. Ayman Sejiny as Group Chief Executive Officer. He will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Bank and for developing and executing the Group’s strategy. Bank Al Khair includes a number of subsidiaries namely Alkhair Capital Saudi Arabia, Alkhair Capital Dubai Limited, Alkhair Capital Turkey, and Alkhair International Islamic Bank, Malaysia. His appointment has been approved by the Central Bank of Bahrain. Prior to his appointment as CEO of Bank Alkhair, Mr. Sejiny was the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Barclays Saudi Arabia.

As its environmental footprint gets ever lighter, Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain pulled its weight instead at The International Hotel Awards 2014, where it has won the five-star award as ‘Best Sustainable Hotel’ in two categories – for both Bahrain and the Arabia region.

The International Hotel Awards committee and judging panel, chaired by Sir David Michels, describes the winners of these awards as those who have proven they are the best nationally or internationally amongst their peers.

Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain is the first Green Globe certified five-star hotel in Bahrain, which helped in paving the path to winning these awards. The hotel follows pre-established core criteria and guidelines for sustainability that have been adapted regionally.

MALJA - A RED BULL SPACE

Bank Alkhair Appoints New Chief Executive Officer

Renewed energy for Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain as it wins ‘Best Sustainable Hotel in

Arabia’ award

Shining Bright – Lightex Bahrain - Innovative Lighting and Furniture from a Design

Perspective.

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In The Press

The Bin Hindi Informatics Brand New showroom was inaugurated by HE Joonha Yu, Korean Ambassador to The Kingdom of Bahrain in the presence of Mr. Ismail Yoon, President of Samsung Gulf Electronic, Mr. Ahmed Bin Hindi, A.A Bin Hindi Group Vice-Chairman& CEO, Samsung Gulf Electronics officials, members of the press and Bin Hindi management team

Bin Hind Informatics W.L.L. the authorized distributor for Samsung Mobiles, Laptops, Printers, Copiers and Enterprise Business Group Partner covering Audio Video, Home Appliances Large Format Displays (LFD), Central AC, LED Lights, Access Control, CCTV and Digital Imaging systems in Bahrain.

“We are pleased to have such an impressive showroom at Sultan Mall complex that is considered the Mobile &IT products marketplace in Bahrain, for our customers to experience our latest technologies,” said Mr. Ahmed Bin Hindi.

Bahrain is gearing up to host the 4th GCC Financial Forum on 24 and 25 February 2015 at the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa. The forum will provide a platform to debate and discuss the global economic outlook, its recovery and its effects on regional financial markets. Organised by Euromoney Conferences, the forum will be co-hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB). This year’s forum will include a range of topics, including; Regional finance in the global market place; the role of private capital in public projects; Bahrain’s real economy; the growth of local companies and the pipeline of hydrocarbon projects. More than 400 leading international and regional financial experts from finance, investment, government, and regulatory organisations and businesses from 18 countries are expected to attend the event. Dr. Jarmo Kotilaine, Chief Economist of the EDB, will moderate sessions alongside the editorial team from Euromoney Conferences and Petroleum Economist.

Bin Hindi Informatics inaugurates New Samsung Experience Shop at Sultan Mall Complex

Bahrain To Host 4Th Euromoney GCC Financial Forum 2015

Visa, one of the most recognised companies in the world, has officially signed on as partner to the Bahrain Noor Al Ain Festival in its inaugural year and will be participating by providing amazing Visa gift cards prizes for the Festival’s ongoing competitions and activities.

Visa’s Marketing Director for Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman Tariq Joudeh joined Bahrain Noor El Ain Festival organisers at the popular Shopping Festival’s first mega raffle draw held at Al Basta Market at the Bahrain International Circuit. The Shop and Win raffle draw was hosted by the popular Kuwaiti social media personality @TheVeeViews and local favourite comedian and radio host Imran Al Aradi and attended by Al Basta Market’s hundreds of attendees.

Visa Provides Prizes For Bahrain Noor El Ain Festival

As Partner

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THE VERY BEST OF SPRING/SUMMER COUTURE

Last Note

Fashion Week is the perfect time to let loose and experiment with your hairstyle; be creative and find a new look this Spring. With

effortless bounce and plenty of texture there are countless looks you can re-create. From slick looks for the office to tousled plaits for your down time we’ve compiled the best styles for every occasion so you’ll be feeling like you’re walking the catwalk every time.

Asgar Saboo, celebrity hairstylist and Style Director at the Daniel Galvin Salon in Mayfair shares with us his favourite Couture hairstyles to get the sleekest runway look this season. According to the hair guru, the on-trend hairstyle is the up-do.

Sleek Ponytail: For Asgar, days spent in the office are only an excuse for a slick

and sophisticated look, (see Giorgio Armani Prive show for inspiration). Use serum to slick the hair to the face and tie in a neat ponytail at the nape of the neck. This creates a dramatic look that accentuates the cheek bones, contrast with pastel coloured eyeliner, to make the eyes pop for a more feminine look.

Low Ponytails: Low ponytails are the ultimate go-to for a fresh, feminine look this Spring. Use only your hands and loosely pull back the hair away from the face and tie above the nape of the neck, creating a soft look perfect for lazy days or creating a more casual look for an occasion. Team with minimal makeup for a fresh, Spring finish. See Giambattista Valli couture Paris show for inspiration.

Twisted Halo-Braid: Start with freshly blow dried hair to get rid of the frizz, then starting from the left side of the head,

loosely French plait the hair working clockwise across your head, finishing at the nape of the neck to complete the halo. This look works for any occasion and is the perfect complement to a floral Spring dress; add a sprinkling of flowers as seen at Valentino to epitomise the fresh, feminine look.

Tousled Midi-Bob: This season’s cut to have is the midi-bob. Channel your inner Sienna Miller and go for the tousled look. Start by applying texturising spray to give your hair that little bit of volume to complete this look. Using a small round brush, blow dry sections of the hair, rolling away from your face, complete the process with a curling iron, curling an inch from the root, leaving the root straight. Finally run your fingers through the hair to break up the curls. This look is perfect for every occasion.

Hair By Celebrity Hairstylist Asgar

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Oris Artix ComplicationAutomatic mechanical movementMulti-piece caseMoonphase, day and month displayPointer dateWater resistant to 10 bar/100 m

www.oris.ch

real watches real peoplefor

Oris Watches Options.indd 6 2/3/15 11:55 AM

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