Wild at heart
TEN INCREDIBLE SPECIES YOU’LL ONLY FIND IN OMAN Oman World Cup Festival FRENCH FERVOR: 20 YEARS ON AND LES BLEUS ARE FIFA CHAMPIONS ONCE MORE
News: STRANDED TOURISTS ON JEBEL 10 SHAMS RESCUED BY ROP
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DESTINATION: Darsait TASTE TEST: Buffalo Wild Wings YOUR TOP GUIDE TO THE BEST OF OMAN, EVERY WEEK
JUL 19 - 25 2018 / ISSUE 528 • WEEKLY
WHERE DOES
OUR TRASH GO?
PLUS!
WITH WASTE LEVELS INCREASING AND DUMP-YARDS CLOSING DOWN, WHAT’S OMAN’S NEXT MOVE TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY?
HEALTH: COMBATING HYPERTENSION 01 NOVEMBER 24 / ISSUE 258
43
FIRST DRIVE: THE SLEEK MASERATI QUATTROPORTE
34
POSTCARD FROM NOVA SCOTIA
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VITAMIN
EDITOR’S
NOTE
Welcome to Y Magazine – your top guide to the best of Oman every week.
Get your vitamin D test done at Burjeel medical centre
GP consultation + Vitamin D test OMR 45
OMR 19
IN THIS ISSUE…
Y
ou’re probably reading this right now with a cup of tea or coffee in hand. And, if you’re like most work-a-day 9-to-5ers, it’s likely you’re sipping from a disposable cup. Once you’ve finished flipping through the pages of this week’s issue – what becomes of it then? Maybe you set it aside in a corner to collect dust. Perhaps you attempt to recycle it? Or maybe, like that disposable cup and the rest of the 1.2 kilos of solid waste produced daily per person in Oman, it ends up in the garbage? Take a moment to let that sink in… In this week’s special extended-length cover story, we’re asking the question: where does our trash go? The answers may surprise you. Let them also be a call to action towards sustainability in the Sultanate – and sustainability starts at home. Flip to Page 20 to learn about the strides Oman is taking towards a future where trash is transformed. In lighter news (unless, you’re a Croatia fan that is), Sunday, July 15 saw the Bleus hoist the FIFA World Cup trophy for France for the second time in 20 years. In a tournament full of surprises, upsets, and redemptions, 2018 has been one for the FIFA history books. Flip to Page 26 for our full recap analysis of the final match and a look back at the football highs and lows across a championship that was nothing less than unpredictable. Until next week, happy reading!
editor@y-oman.com
MOH NO -868/ 2018
EDITOR IN CHIEF Sayyida Iman bint Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi
burjeel medical centre po box 1465, azaiba north, sultanate of oman call: 22085252 e-mail: info@bmcoman.com www.bmcoman.com
MANAGING EDITOR Ashlee Starratt
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER/REPORTER Alvin Thomas PHOTOGRAPHER Shaquel al Balushi
SENIOR ONLINE EDITOR Nishad Padiyarath
DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Feroz Khan
ART DIRECTOR Matthew Herbst
MANAGER – DIGITAL MEDIA SALES Umair Mehmood
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Write to us at Y Magazine, SABCO Media, PO Box 3779, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman. JUL 19 - 25 / ISSUE 528
03
contents JULY 19 - 25
Your Oman 08 Voice Of Oman Shijas Abdul Latheef 10 News Oman Air suspends flights to Najaf, Iraq 12 News Stranded tourists rescued by ROP at Jebel Shams
2018
This Week 18 Salalah Tourism Festival Head to Dhofar’s top tourist destination as Khareef season revs into full swing
19
Cars and Adventures 34 First Drive 2018 Maserati Quattroporte 38 Y-Fi Cool meets convenient with these nifty gadgets
20
Health and Beauty 40 Fashion Experiment with colour blocking
Where does our trash go? Walking the fine line between growth and sustainability in Oman
24 Oman World Cup Festival It was France for the win in a history-making 2018 FIFA World Cup final
26 19 Movies Denzel Washington is back and gunning for vengeance in The Equalizer 2
10 32 Destination Darsait
Features
Top 10 animals you didn’t know you could find in Oman We guarantee it
26
Food and Drink 44
Yummy Oman: Middle East meets West It’s American flavours you’ll find at these five Omani- run eateries
46 Taste Test Buffalo Wild Wings
42 Beauty Glow with H20
38 40
44 NEXT ISSUE... FEATURES / COFFEE WITH Y / NEWS / MOVIES / EVENTS / BEAUTY / DESTINATION / TRAVEL / FASHION / FIRST DRIVE
w and the latest celebrity ne , ch at w to t ts tis ar From of the week, we’ve go ts hi e at tim ul ur yo ic to mus gossip, from the pulse of the your superstar dose Radio Oman 100.9 FM world with Virgin
Incredibles 2
Good things come to those who wait, and we’ve been waiting 14 years for an Incredibles sequel, which came out on June 15. It has already broken a few records just a month after its release, having made USD500 million dollars (RO192m) in the United States. This makes it the 9th highest-grossing movie of all time in the US and the most successful animated movie of all time in the US, beating Finding Dory. Globally, it has made USD856 million worldwide but we don’t know if it will beat the USD1.276 billion global gross of Frozen. Mac Miller Mac is back with a new album and some new music. Previously on Tea Time we gave you details on how Mac Miller and Ariana Grande had broken up after two years of dating because of their busy schedules. Earlier in May, shortly after the breakup, he dropped three singles, Small Worlds, Buttons, and Programs. Well, Mac Miller has also put out a sixminute song called Self Care and a video to go along with it in which he’s trapped inside a wooden box. Along with the single he also announced he has a new album coming out called Swimming. It’s out on August 3, and this follows his 2016 album The Divine Feminine. The album cover and track list for Swimming have also been revealed. Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin On Tea Time we spoke about how Hailey Baldwin and Justin Bieber had rekindled their relationship and were dating again. Over the past month they’ve been seen around a lot together. Well, they just got engaged! The two were vacationing in the Bahamas, and onlookers saw him pop the question. Apparently, he had been planning on asking her for some
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weeks now. We’ll set the scene for you: they were at a restaurant where everyone was dancing salsa and suddenly Jbiebs’ security told everyone to put their phones away because something special was about to happen. He got down on one knee and asked Hailey Baldwin the big question! People have been reacting left right and centre, from fans and haters of Ariana Grande to Justin’s parents and Hailey’s parents as well. The couple’s parents are over the moon as they took to Twitter and Instagram to congratulate them in now- deleted posts. However, many are critical about how speedily this has happened and say the quick pace resembles Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson’s surprise engagement. We love love! Cardi B and Offset Cardi B gave birth to her first child, Kulture Kiari Cephus on July 10! In October of last year, her nowhusband Offset of the group Migos, proposed to Cardi B during a show. Then in April she announced her pregnancy during her performance on Saturday Night Live. Well, in June it was revealed that Cardi B and Offset got secretly married in their bedroom in September 2017, and this shocked everyone! Cardi B has taken to social media recently to joke about her sleepless nights as a mother and to express how overjoyed she was with her new baby girl, OKURRR! Maroon 5 A new YouTube series executive produced by Adam Levine, the lead singer of Maroon 5, is coming out soon! It’s called Sugar and it’s inspired by Maroon 5’s video clip for their hit song of the same name where we can see the band surprising people at their weddings. It will debut on August 15 on YouTube Premium. The eight-episode series features a different artist each week, surprising fans who have given back to their community. Artists and celebrities like Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, Charlie Puth, Bad Bunny, A$AP Ferg and Snoop Dogg are taking part.
Alessia Cara: A Little More Just weeks after releasing her new single Growing Pains, Alessia Cara is back with another new song! The Grammywinning singer gave us A Little More last week in celebration of her 22nd birthday. Alessia says she recorded the song in her basement, and it’s definitely an acoustic treat. Childish Gambino: Feels like Summer Grammy awardwinning musician and actor Donald Glover (who performs under the name Childish Gambino) surprised us last week with two new singles for us to add to our summer playlist: Summertime Magic and Feels like Summer are expected on his forthcoming fourth studio album. The two tracks are smooth yet have a groovy feel that definitely elicit a bit of foot-tapping and head-bobbing. MØ and Diplo: Sun In Our Eyes They’ve given us catchy hits like Cold Water, Lean On and Get It Right, and now Diplo and MØ are back with another song together! Sun in Our Eyes marks their seventh collaboration, and will be on MØ’s forthcoming album Forever Neverland which comes out on October 19. It’s no surprise they keep working together, seeing as Diplo calls MØ his little sister and thinks she has one of the best voices ever! Be sure to keep it locked to Virgin Radio Oman 100.9 FM, and don’t miss your Tea Time with Maya Noise, daily on Chad in the Morning.
THE VOICE OF OMAN
SHIJAS ABDUL LATHEEF, AN ENVIRONMENTALIST AND FOUNDER OF FUTURE ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY & MANUFACTURING CO. LLC (FEMCO) – A COMPANY FOCUSING ON BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCTS, TALKS ABOUT THE DANGERS OF PLASTICS
correspondence DEBATE OF THE WEEK WE ASKED: Mental health is still a taboo subject in Oman, and one that often prevents those in need of treatment from seeking help. How can we address this issue and change a mindset of fear to one of openness, dialogue, and accessibility? NADEEM NOOR
I
n the grand scheme of things, human life has existed on Earth for about 200,000 years. But the environmental damage we’ve done has taken place in two centuries – and today, we’re reaping the sorrows of the consequences. Plastic, a man-made compound has only been around with us for about 100 years, and it has already become a menace to society. Don’t believe me? Just Google ‘Green Pacific garbage patch’ and prepare to be shocked. It’s an island that’s quite literally made up of plastics. It’s sad, really! Our issues with plastics may not be as great in Oman when compared with other countries. We even have companies that partake in recycling here, but these materials are only from the dedicated garbage bins placed in select areas in the country. That means a lot of plastics end up in landfills and dump sites. What’s more is that these plastics can leech into the soil and destroy organisms and contaminate underground water. It’s a topic we need to address quickly. Also, most bottles can leech chemicals into its contents on hot days. So, here in Oman we are at risk of drinking water contaminated with carcinogens. We need to address this. Let’s act responsibly as humans. Let’s take a stand against plastics, and begin using products that are not harmful to the environment or us humans. For that, we can begin slowly. Let’s start by taking jute or woven bags for shopping as opposed to taking plastic bags. Also, try dumping all plastic wastes in the dedicated dumps. This will make sorting much easier for companies, and these plastics can then be recycled.
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Mental illnesses, like depression, are silent killers. For many generations, people have decided not to focus on such important issues either by choosing not to address them or failing to understand them. I suffer from depression and am in a constant battle to keep myself sane. One out of every five teenagers suffers from a mental health issue. Depression makes people feel lonely, makes them want to hurt themselves or even consider suicide. People with depression are very hard to spot. They choose to hide it but if you look closely you will notice it. They need love and attention; they need someone who can guide and listen to them. The older generation dismisses the condition by calling sufferers lazy or over-dramatic. This is another reason why many kids suffer from mental illnesses. Due to bad family circumstances, a poor connection between parents and children can damage a young child who has no idea why their parents don’t treat them well. Oman definitely lacks that awareness about mental health. The first step is to get parents to be aware of how their children are feeling. If they have doubts that their kid is having mental health issues, they should sign them up with a psychiatrist. One of the leading causes of suicide is due to parents being harsh towards their own children. The second most important thing is to provide a qualified counsellor in every school. Even adults face similar issues and end up turning to drugs or alcohol to help numb the pain. This is a very serious issue and needs to be addressed
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as quickly as possible. The longer we let people be depressed, the closer they are to harming themselves or harming others.
MOHAN ANANDAN
It is indeed a matter of concern that mental illness is not yet fully considered on a par with other illnesses that need proper care and treatment. Rather than adhering to the cocoons of social stigma and taboos, families of the victims should come forward and seek proper medical treatment. There is nothing to be ashamed of and it is not something that has to be hidden either. Today, medical science can handle this illness and there is no reason why it should not be used in this case. Patients should not be treated differently; neither should they be isolated nor ridiculed. Authorities must start a hotline to offer support, solace and advice when it is required by the patient or his family members.
RONNEIL SALES VALIENTE
A person’s health is incomplete without mental health. Mental health is not limited to schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and multiple personality disorder but also depression, which is rampant nowadays. According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 450 million people worldwide have some form of mental illness. But when people disclose their illnesses, many people including members of their own family respond negatively, which makes speaking out and seeking support more difficult. Managing mental health problems in Oman can be difficult especially if the person’s support system is weak
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and he or she is facing stigma and a degree of discrimination. However, we can establish social and community awareness through mental health education and campaigns with the help of the Ministry of Health. This can be produced in all forms of media, such as television, radio, print and commercial ads; on social media, and with a 24-hour hotline. Dealing with your mental health should be a sign of strength not weakness. We should take care of mental health in the same way we take care of physical health.
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ZUWEINA AL SHARJI was spotted with her favourite Y Magazine at Ooredoo World Cup Festival at the OCEC
PRANAVESH.V
Recent statistics show that mental health continues to be misunderstood in Oman. This can be addressed by opening centres across Oman to provide sessions to address people’s concerns in a friendly manner and to try and provide solutions for the problems. If financial assistance is required it can be tied with a charity organisation to help them to overcome this problem.
JOEMAR GUNNACAO
One thing that prevents people from seeking help or treatment is a lack of understanding regarding mental health. This is a serious matter that needs to be addressed because a lot of factors nowadays affect our minds, actions and decisions in life. One important thing would be a community mental health awareness campaign that could set programmes that include social interaction, and support systems (mainly family).
New Debate: The generation gap is real. What trends or values do you see changing in Omani society today? Tell us your thoughts. Share your view with us and you could be in with a chance of winning dinner for two.
THROUGH YOUR EYES
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Y Magazine reader Allen Thomas captured this photo of a wadi in Salalah during the Khareef season, using his Nikon D5.
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PHOTO: Allen Thomas
JUL 19 - 25 / ISSUE 528
09
NEWS SALALAH SEES HUGE INCREASE
R
IN TOURISTS FOR KHAREEF
ecord numbers of tourists came to Salalah for this year’s Khareef season. According to a National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) poll, there was a 73.3 per cent increase in visitors this year compared to the same period last year. Since the season kicked off on June 21, around 125,193 people have visited the Dhofar region so far, compared to 72,237 people last year. Around 67.5 per cent were Omanis visiting the governorate while 9.6 per cent were Emiratis, 12.8 per cent were expatarties residing in Oman and foreign nationals and 10.1 per cent were people from other GCC countries.
OMANTEL, EQUINIX
TO OPEN DATA CENTRE
O
mantel and Equinix have joined forces to offer better interconnection services to customers in the Middle East. A network data centre will open in Barka as part of the joint venture. Both companies aim to set up a world-class, carrier-central hub in Oman in which carriers and content and cloud providers can find critical IT infrastructure. The new data centre will benefit from investments by Omantel in connectivity to multiple strategic subsea cable systems throughout the region and the world. Once complete, the data centre in Oman will be a part of Platform Equinix™ which
OMAN AIR SUSPENDS FLIGHT
OPERATIONS TO NAJAF
O
man Air has suspended flights to the Iraqi city of Najaf. In a statement, an airline spokesman said: “We have decided to suspend our flight operations due to the closure of Najaf airport. The operations will be suspended until further notice. Updates will be posted as soon as more information becomes available.”
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comprises 200 data centres globally and provides access to business ecosystems made up of more than 2,900 cloud providers, more than 1,700 network providers, and more than 800 content and digital media providers worldwide. Talal Al Mamari, CEO, Omantel said: “Today, data centre infrastructure sits at the heart of global ICT and enables all of us to enjoy the cloud-based apps and services we use every day. “Working on this project will allow both companies to bring together their strong assets and enable a new era of telecommunications both locally and globally. Such a partnership will further enhance Oman’s competitiveness in the global digital economy and trade.”
FORM AND LANDSCAPE
GALLERY
HUSSAIN AL LAWATI SHOWS US HIS EVERYDAY OMAN.
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STRANDED TOURISTS ON
JEBEL SHAMS RESCUED BY ROP
group of tourists who found themselves stranded while scaling Jebel Shams – the tallest peak in the Sultanate – have been rescued by the Royal Oman Police (ROP)In a statement, the ROP said: “Police and a team of paramedics from the Royal Oman Police hospital carried out a rescue operation to save a group of foreign tourists who had become stuck while climbing Jebel Shams in the wilayat of Al Hamra in the governorate of Al Dakhliyah. First aid was provided to those injured and five people were transferred to Nizwa Hospital.”
REGISTRATION EXTENDED FOR EGOVERNMENT AWARDS
RENAISSANCE DAY HOLIDAY ANNOUNCED IN THE SULTANATE
O
man government has announced that Monday, July 23rd, will be an official holiday owing to the nation’s Renaissance Day. According to a decision issued by H E Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal bin Saud al Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court and chairman of the Civil Service Council, the holiday has been declared for employees in ministries, public bodies and other units of the administrative apparatus of the State, as well as for private companies, enterprises and establishments. The Renaissance Day is marked on the 23rd of July every year on the occasion of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said’s ascension to the throne.
T
he Information Technology Authority (ITA) has extended the registration period for His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Award for Excellence in eGovernment to August 9. In a statement, the ITA said: “Some of the organisations have requested us to give them some more time to submit the required documents.” There are 10 categories for this year’s award. While two – Best Data Initiative and Best Government Application for Smart Devices are meant for government entities, a new category – Best Private Application – is included for the private sector. 012
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FACES OF MABELAH
GALLERY
WE CAPTURE A GLIMPSE OF LIFE THROUGH THE LENS AT ONE OF THE CITY’S MOST BUSTLING INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS.
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YOUR
WORLD CUP FEST
OMAN
THIRTY-TWO DAYS OF ACTION-PACKED FOOTBALL CAME TO AN END AS FRANCE TOOK HOME THE GLORY IN WHAT WAS UNDOUBTEDLY THE MOST UNPREDICTABLE TOURNAMENT IN WORLD CUP HISTORY.
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GALLERY
Selected photos: Hussain al Lawaty JUL 19 - 25 / ISSUE 528
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GALLERY
Photography by: Hussain Al Lawati
Location: Darsait
Style: Landscape
The vibrancy of its robin’s egg-blue varnish caught my eye while walking past this fleet of fishing boats. Set in stark contrast with its surroundings, it was a colourful reminder that in life we must always stand out. JUL 19 - 25 / ISSUE 528
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THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE
A two-week summer programme for students across the country is to be hosted by the Ministry of Education. The camp will be with the participation of 3,100 students who can also take part in various activities including sports, arts and cultural festivals organised by the Ministry.
YOGA FOR LIFE
SUMMER SCHOOL
JULY
22
The most important journey you can take is the journey from within. Raja Yoga meditation gives you a clear spiritual understanding of yourself, helps you re-discover and use the positive qualities already latent within you. You can register for a 60-minute evening session for five days starting from July 22. You can enrol for the session by calling +968 24782924.
JULY
19
SALALAH TOURISM FESTIVAL
THIS
WEEK J
U
WHAT TO DO. WHAT TO SEE. WHAT TO HEAR.
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An annual arts and culture event that draws tourists from across Oman and the GCC countries is upon us once more. One of the highlights is the annual Khareef season, which features traditional performances and stalls selling local handicrafts and all manner of culinary delights. The festival will include a range of religious, economic, cultural, social, sports, arts and recreational events. The Salalah Tourism Festival is on until August 25.
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JULY
19
MOVIES MOVIES FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TIMES, GO TO: City Cinema: citycinemaoman.net Al Bahja Cinema: albahjacinema.net VOX Cinemas: oman.voxcinemas.com Star Cinema: Tel +968 24791641
The Equalizer 2 Cast: Denzel Washington, Ashton Sanders, Pedro Pascal
A Prayer Before Dawn Cast: Joe Cole, Panya Yimmumphai, Vithaya Pansringarm Billy Moore (Cole) is a British boxer banged up in one of Thailand’s most notorious prisons. It’s a true story, and we join Billy on his roller-coaster journey from his violent, povertystricken upbringing in Liverpool to falling in with a bad crowd. In jail, he is once again thrown into a nefarious world of drugs and gang violence. When the screws (prison guards) let
Neerali Cast: Mohanlal, Nadiya Moidu, Suraaj Venjarammoodu
him do what he does best i.e. take part in a boxing contest, Moore realises this is his best chance to get out. In this action-packed film, Moore embarks on a relentless journey to win his freedom. Directed by Jean-Stephane Sauvaire, the film was shot in an actual Thai prison. Oman release: July 19
Sunny George (Mohanlal) is a man who should know better. He’s a married gemmologist who fancies himself as a bit of a ladies’ man. And even when his pregnant wife Mollykutty (Nadia Moidu) goes into labour, he’s still firting with every pretty woman around. To reach his wife on time before her delivery, he takes a lift from his company driver Veerapan (Suraj Venjaramoodu) in a mini truck. En route, Sunny wakes up bleeding as their vehicle hangs off a steep cliff in a deep forest. Now how did that happen? Directed by Ajoy Varma, this is basically a story of hope and survival, and Mohanlal really aces it in this. Oman release: July 19
Teen Titans Go! To the Movies Cast: Jimmy Kimmel, Nicholas Cage, Tara Strong
When Robert McCall (Washington) hears his old friend Susan has been murdered, he returns to his old ways and sets out on a mission to find and put the kibosh on her killers. It’s another reliable turn from Washington as all-conquering hero, and shows in spades that it’s not just Matt Damon that can do action and acting ability in the same breath. This sequel was helmed by Antoine Fuqua, who must be hoping it at least matches its predecessor’s US$100m-plus take at the US box office.
The public simply can’t get enough of their favourite superheroes’ exploits being transferred to the big screen. So now it’s the turn of the Teen Titans, who make the leap to the movies just like their DC Comics colleagues. It’s not just reality; it’s the plot of this, the latest big star-voiced animation outing. Here, Robin and the gang head for Tinsel Town to realise their dream only to find that yet another evil genius is bent on taking over the earth. Their big-screen plans will have to take a back seat while they work out how to best him. Directed by Peter Rida Michail and Aaron Horvarth.
Oman release: July 19
Oman release: July 26
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N WI
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION
Who plays the role of Robert McCall in The Equalizer 2? LAST WEEK’S WINNER Jinu John
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f o e t s a W e c
a p s
to the l a i c u r come c ecycle to e b s a h d how luctance to r s why good n a f o e is’ re mine spos n a i a x d e e m s ver w O a What ment. From Alvin Thom ortant than e , p n enviro al fly tipping h is more im is ri indust e to bad rubb c riddan
S
alim al Barwani believes he and his family are victims of ‘environmental racism’ – a term so new to those in Oman that it must be explained to be understood. His story goes like this: The view from Salim al Barwani’s house is one that beggars belief: his beautiful two-storey villa atop the Wadi al Khoud overlooks the vast expanse of greenery, which – in the winter months – gleams from sunlight reflected by the crystal-clear waters that flank the wadi. His house is an architectural marvel – crowning the mountain like a modern castle with a moat – like in a fairy tale. And as its architect and builder, the 40-year-old Omani is proud of his “creation”. But it doesn’t take much for Salim’s smile to fade and his nose to flinch. For the odour that engulfs the area is nothing short of nauseating. The smell wasn’t emanating from within the house but rather from the makeshift landfill that had been created by a bunch of workmen in the area. Apart from wasted wood and bricks, several construction workers have also dumped leftover foods and drinks cans there.
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Teenagers meeting in the evening tend to leave several bottles of liquor scattered across the area. Salim, clearly a level-headed businessman, tells Y: “Everyone has their own dreams. It’s in their blood to want and try to achieve what they desire. But there’ll always be something to spoil it all. “And in my case, it’s these people who are spoiling the scenery around me and causing air pollution. Right now, the scenes aren’t that bad. Try to come here on a weekend. That’s when you’ll have waste from processed meat and other leftovers dumped into this landfill. So why hasn’t he reported this to the appropriate authorities?
“I brought this up to the municipality early this year and they did come for a clean-up. I believe they slapped a fine on one contractor too but there are several others who are now joining in on the act. “If it gets too dirty around here then I’ll have to call the municipality truck again and get it cleared at my own expense,” an agitated Salim says. He has already shelled out RO30 for a truck to clear the trash before. This, to some extent, forms the basis of what some people call ‘environmental racism’. This is the act used to describe acts of environmental injustice within a racialised context. It can mean the dumping of waste near people of colour, or other races. But, the term takes a different turn in Oman. Here, it revolves around the polluters – who are almost always private bodies – taking to areas that are more sparsely populated. This can put the lives of those who live in these areas (such as Wadi al Khoud) at risk while also depriving them of their basic rights such as clean air and water. When we contacted the Muscat Municipality, one spokesperson agreed to speak to us on condition of anonymity. He said: “We get reports of people calling in to report instances of littering or illegally disposing of food and bio-hazard waste. “Strict actions are taken, and the fines can go up to RO1000 for repeat offenders. But there are so many situations that go unreported. Oman’s a big country – and that poses many challenges. “The municipality works hard to address the needs of the country and we’ve made sure that no one will feel that he or she is being attacked by smells coming from solid wastes. “You’ll see that most landfills across the country are situated far from residential homes.”
What’s the damage like? As the population of the country grows so does the waste output. That can become a challenge in a country with limited land availability, and cause an adverse impact on the environment and health of the residents. Moreover, the GCC produces roughly 650kg of municipal waste per person per year, which is almost six times that of India. The latest statistics revealed by The Oman Environmental Services Holding Company – be’ah – a firm that aims to manage waste in a sustainable manner that is socially acceptable, financially cost-effective and environmentally responsible; have revealed that the waste per capita per day in Oman stands at a staggering 1.2kg. This means every person in the country produces 1.2kg of solid waste every day. While these numbers are better than, say, our neighbours from the UAE, it must be noted that the Sultanate sees a 5.2 per cent annual increment in the population annually so the average is only going to increase over time. In retrospect, the UAE pumps out nearly 2.3kg of waste per head daily. The Sultanate produced two million tonnes of municipal solid waste last year – which is waste-generated from domestic activities such as households, restaurants and hotels and others similar in nature and composition, which when compared with the UAE’s 4.892mn tonnes is again, better. According to statistics revealed by EcoMena (a research website for environmental awareness in the Middle East), solid waste in Oman is characterised by very high percentage of recyclables, which includes items such as paper and cardboard (15 per cent), plastics (20.9 per cent), metals (1.8 per cent) and glass (4 per cent).
That said, the waste produced doesn’t quite end there. The waste generated by the healthcare sector stood at 4.5million tonnes while industrial waste was pegged at 1.5m tonnes. All this waste must, unquestionably, be dumped somewhere. So, where does the waste go? The answer to that question is harder than it seems. First and foremost, the final destination of solid waste depends on the location you dispose the trash in. For instance, if you were to throw a plastic chocolate wrapper in the trash in Azaiba, it would be taken to a transfer station in Baushar before finally being dumped for processing in the landfill station in Al Amerat. The process, however, is a bit more complicated than that, as is explained by Majeed*, a dump truck driver. He says: “It begins with you disposing of the plastic wrapper in the dedicated dumpster. This, along with other solid wastes is then collected by either the Municipality or be’ah dump trucks, and taken to a transfer station for sorting. “Transfer stations serve as staging areas where waste can be collected and accumulated before being collected by bigger trucks for transport to landfills. It also has facilities for waste segregation, sorting and temporary storage areas for green, white, bulky waste and other types of waste. “Finally, the waste is taken from the transfer station to the landfill. Think of this as the holy grail for all solid wastes in your locale.” The landfill is an engineered pit, in which layers of solid waste are placed, compacted and covered for final disposal. It’s designed to lessen environmental pollution and health risks. The bottom of
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the pit is lined with hard-packed clay soil or plastic to prevent chemicals and germs from contaminating groundwater and seepage of waste. The pit is also covered to prevent insects from breeding. These engineered landfills consist of a collection and treatment system, groundwater monitoring, and gas extraction equipment. Heading towards a sustainable future Our municipality source says: “As we’ve been made aware, the modernisation strategy of our waste management operations are taken care of by be’ah, and over the last year or so, they’ve been transferring the waste management operations to international operators. The move is reportedly a part of a waste management plan that aims to modernise and restructure the handling, treatment and disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW) and expand the country’s capacity for recycling and waste-based energy generation. As Y revealed in 2017, the handover process includes a move by be’ah to permanently close 317 dumpsites, which have been deemed “environmentally and hygienically unsuitable”. The dumpsites were then replaced by 10-11 engineered landfill sites and 18-25 transfer stations. According to Mohammed Sulaiman al Harthy, the executive vice-president for strategic development at Be’ah, “over 220 dumpsites have already been closed in the Sultanate, with the
remainder set for closure by early 2019”. Be’ah’s move of turning away from landfills is a rather strategic one. The company aims to divert as much as 60 per cent of waste away from landfills across the Sultanate. This waste will then be diverted away from landfills and converted into energy, biogas and other sustainable alternatives by 2022. As of today, however, 100 per cent of all waste resides in these landfills. Mr al Harthy has stressed how the Sultanate is pursuing a range of approaches to waste processing in the long run. “Studies are being carried out for a number of programmes, including waste-to-energy and biogas projects. “In terms of recycling, a two-bin recycling system will be implemented nationwide following the completion of the deployment of operations and the formal handover of MSW services from the public sector to Be’ah, which is expected to be completed in the next few years. “One of the success stories of the waste management policy
has been in the healthcare sector, which now processes approximately 100 per cent of healthcare waste at three facilities in Muscat, Dhofar and North Batinah,” he added. The impact of plastic in our environment In an interview with Y, Abdul Rahman al Busaidi, the Business Development Executive at Oman Environmental Services Holding Company be’ah, shed light on an important topic: the dangers of plastic to the environment. He says: “Currently, plastic waste makes 21 per cent of the total waste in Oman’s landfills, thereby making it the second most produced waste after organic waste (food). “Our Community Reach Department is working hard on raising awareness among the public to recycle and reduce their consumption of plastic.” To understand more about the topic, we ask Shijas Abdul
“The municipality works hard to address the needs of the country and we’ve made sure that no one will feel that he or she is being attacked by smells coming from solid wastes”
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to realise the recycling potential of its municipal waste stream”. The goals of be’ah in achieving a country with a 100 per cent waste recycling is underway but there are steps people can take from their own homes to help aid the transformation:
Latheef, an environmental activist who has become a businessman focused on reducing the nation’s dependence on plastics. “We cannot simply say ‘NO’ to plastics,” he says. “It’s going to be a step-by-step process. Everything from the buttons on your shirt to the panels inside your car is made up of plastic. “We’ll need to make the switch slowly. And in the meantime, we need to do everything we can to reduce the burden (wastage) caused by the plastics already. “One way we can do that is to recycle it. Unlike most stainless steel or glass bottles; plastic bottles and other containers – especially those made up of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) – cannot be recycled. These contain harmful carcinogenic chemicals that leech into the contents inside. “So, your best option would be to dispose of it carefully in dedicated trash cans. Most malls come with the facility to segregate the waste before dropping it inside. Shijas then reveals that there are companies in Oman that take care of plastic recycling. However, he believes that a lot of plastics still end up in dumpsites as they fail to get segregated at transfer stations completely. But all is not lost, says Shijas. “You and I can make a difference by simply making a switch from plastic bottles to stainless steel ones. It’s a one-time purchase, and you can easily reuse them as you please. Also, jute and fabric bags are also in, and making use of those reusable bags can reduce your dependence on plastic bags provided by several supermarkets in Oman.”
1. Conduct a quick poll to find out the items in your house that you can recycle. Plastic pet bottles and containers are a big yes, but take away bottle caps and throw them along with the trash since they are harder to recycle. 2. Dedicate space in your house for a recycle bin and make sure you drop items in it. 3. Crush plastic containers, bottles, and cardboard boxes to save space. The more space you save, the easier it is for others to drop in their recyclable items. 4. If you have items such as clothing that you do not use and can be recycled, you can give it a wash and donate it at a nearby collection point. Waste water recycling – sewage treatment While we’re slowly achieving the targets set by be’ah, Haya Water is undertaking several projects of wastewater recycling – or sewage treatment – in the country. As per the recently published papers, the masterplan for the same began in 2013. By the year 2026, Haya Water intends to maximise the consumption of treated water up to 67 per cent. In addition, it also aims to ensure that sufficient quantities of treated effluent meet the needs of the Muscat Municipality and other customers.
Recycling: a lost concept in Oman? As Shijas acknowledges, the Sultanate is moving quickly towards recycling and recommends the careful disposal of materials to reduce their impact on the environment. However, a report published by EcoMena on waste management suggests that Oman is “yet
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Effluent water is essentially wastewater that flows out of a treatment plant, sewer or industrial outfall. The water, after reaching the sewer, is directed towards the treatment plant, which will undertake a series of three treatments to rid the water off impurities and solids waste. After treatment, the water is sent to: 1) Golf Courses (such as The Wave, Muscat Hills, and PDO Gold), and Sport Stadiums for its landscaping needs. 2) Muscat Municipality for landscaping of green areas, parks, etc. 3) The Ministry of Transport and Communication for road Projects. 4) Commercial and Industrial units for its operational needs.
“You and I can make a difference by simply making a switch from plastic bottles to stainless steel ones. It’s a one-time purchase, and you can easily reuse them as you please”
What are the four Rs? ■ Reduce
Reduce consumption and the amount of waste generated. This includes buying and consuming less, and throwing away less.
■ Re-use
This is the simple act of using an item again and again in its original form. Reusing items eliminates the need to reprocess materials. People can repair, donate, or sell items to facilitate re-use.
■ Recover & recycle
Recycling is the process of converting waste products into new products to prevent energy usage and consumption of fresh raw materials. The idea behind recycling is to reduce energy usage, reduce volume of landfills, reduce air and water pollution, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve natural resources for future use.
■ Recover
This is the step taken to prepare and treat waste materials to generate energy; recovery is the process of taking useful discarded items for a specific next use. These discarded items are then processed to extract or recover materials and resources or convert them to energy in the form of useable heat, electricity or fuel.
“Our Community Reach Department is working hard on raising awareness among the public to recycle and reduce their consumption of plastic”
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Top three be’ah projects that aim to recover energy from wasted materials 1) Waste to Energy to Water Project The waste-to-energy-to-water plant in Oman is designed to treat around 2,200 tonnes per day of MSW from the Muscat and South Al Batinah catchment area, which otherwise will go into landfills and occupy the space. The plant will thermally treat the waste to generate steam that will turn a steam turbine to generate electricity. The generated electricity is used to run a desalination plant that will generate around 75 million cubic meters of potable waste per annum. The conventional fuel used for operating desalination plants in Oman is gas and production of water from thermal treatment of waste will help reduce Oman’s dependence on gas for water production.
2) Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) Project MBT is a residual waste treatment process that involves both mechanical and biological treatment with the aim of reducing the environmental impact of landfilling residual waste. It combines a sorting facility with a form of biological treatment such as composting or anaerobic digestion. It stabilises and separates waste which is not suited for recycling, extracts recyclable material and produces a Refuse Driven Fuel, which is used for industrial applications. 3) Biogas Project The Biogas Project aims to produce biogas (which comprises gases such as methane), a renewable energy source produced from raw materials such as agricultural waste, municipal waste, plant material, sewage, green waste or food waste. It is used as a fuel for any heating purpose, such as cooking. It can also be used in a gas engine to convert the energy in the gas into electricity and heat. *Source: be’ah
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PRESENTS
BIG NAMES SUCH AS GRIEZMANN, MBAPPE AND POGBA TOOK TO THE FIELD AS FAVOURITES IN THE FINAL AGAINST CROATIA. BUT IT WAS UNFANCIED UNDERDOGS CROATIA WHO STOLE OUR HEARTS DESPITE HANDING FRANCE THEIR SECOND WORLD CUP WIN. ALVIN THOMAS REPORTS
New era beckons as young stars shine Thirty-two days of intense excitement, 68 action-packed games, and several unexpected surprises later, we have a winner of the 2018 FIFA World Cup – and it’s not one that many would have put their money on at the start of the tournament. Sitting atop the tables from the start, the young French team that took home the trophy this week may not have rung many bells among sports critics or fans from around the globe. However, the multi-ethnic team led by Hugo Lloris, and managed by Didier Deschamps created history – and it did so within 90 minutes of play. The last three World Cups before this (2006, 2010, and 2014) had all run into extra time. Still, this is the second time the trophy is going to France, and the Frenchmen can now proudly don two stars on their jerseys. While the footballing world is honouring France, first-time finalists – and underdogs – Croatia can pat themselves on the back for their stellar performances throughout the championship. A total of six goals were scored in the final match, of which France netted four – arguably with a smidgen of luck... and the on-field referee.
Lucky break for France The teams couldn’t be split for the initial part of the first half… at least until France received a lucky break in the form of a free-kick arising from an error by the on-field referee. Action replays showed that French striker Antoine Griezmann
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pulled a “Neymar” when he took a dive in a desperate attempt to score a free-kick. The rest of the work was done by Croatian forward “Super Mario” – Mario Mandzukic. But then again, at the time of the cross, Paul Pogba was offside – and it wasn’t called. This didn’t go down well with fans, with several Croatian supporters at the Oman World Cup Festival in the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre booing the referee. Fahad al Tamimi, the sports editor of Koooora Wa Bas, Oman’s top sports magazine, said: “Give me some luck and I’ll throw down the seeds. That’s exactly what happened with the finals.” “There was no reason for the referee to give France that free-kick. It was very evident that Griezmann – out of pressure – took a dive.
He deserved a yellow card for that but instead, he was gifted with a goal.” Croatia managed to strike back with a belter of a kick by Ivan Perisic, who sent the ball hurling past Lloris and crashing into the right corner of the French nets. But luck would soon turn its tables on Croatia yet again. Come the 38th minute, France received another reprieve for their earlier mistake when the referee opted to make use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to adjudge Ivan Perisic as handling the ball. Farhad said: “The Argentinian referee will definitely be called out for the controversial judgement. It wasn’t the VAR that was faulty but rather the referee, as it was evident that Perisic wasn’t deliberately handling the ball. “In the second half, the two goals – by Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe – further settled the match. “By the 65th minute, the game was almost decided. So, there wasn’t much to make out of the Mario Mandzukic’s 69th minute lucky strike, when he foxed Lloris and sent it into the bottom corner of the French nets.”
A lasting impact on World Cup history
Croatia may have lost the World Cup but there’s one thing they did win: our hearts. Despite the inclusion of players like Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Ivan Perisic, Croatia came into the finals as the underdogs. Sulaiman al Kindi, a Croatian supporter at the Oman World Cup Festival, tells us: “It was a match between well-organised Croatians, and a young and ambitious French team. “The French did win but the Croatians taught us how important it is to play as a team. We saw many countries like Argentina, Portugal and even Brazil falter there. They lacked the team work that we saw in the finals – and that’s precisely why these two countries did well. “We don’t know how long we may have to wait until we can catch a World Cup such as this, wherein young teams will enter the final rounds, but I can tell you this: It will be etched as one of the most memorable ones ever played.”
Until next time
The Oman World Cup Festival was presented by Ooredoo, and was held at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC).
Top facts about the 2018 Russia FIFA World Cup finals 1) France became the first team to score four goals in a World Cup final since Brazil beat Italy 4-1 in 1970. 2) France lifted the trophy for the second time ever. Their first win was in 1998. 3) Croatia’s Mario Mandzukic is the only player who has scored an own goal in a World Cup final. 4) Croatia’s Mario Mandzukic became the second player in World Cup history to score both an own goal and a goal in the same match, after Ernie Brandts for Netherlands against Italy in 1978. 5) In the 65th minute of the match, Kylian Mbappe became the only teenager to score in the World Cup final after Pele in 1958.
Can the curse of the World Cup be lifted? After a World Cup triumph in 1998 on home soil, France came into the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan as favourites. However, after a 1-0 defeat to Senegal, and a draw and loss to Uruguay and Denmark, respectively, they ended their tour on an all-time low. But can France break the shackles and end the curse of the FIFA World Cup trophy? The answer to that we shall see in Qatar at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
AND THE WINNER IS... Carlton As ● You’ve just won a JBL GO Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker.
at heart
OMAN’S LANDSCAPE IS A HAVEN FOR SOME OF THE WORLD’S RAREST CREATURES, SAYS ALVIN THOMAS, AND THEY WON’T BE LEAVING ANYTIME SOON
A
WILD
sk a person why they love Oman and they’ll tell you about how charmingly mysterious yet striking the mountains are, how sociable the people in the cities are, and why living in any city in the Sultanate is far more satisfying than, say, living in a metropolitan area such as Dubai or Mumbai. It’s just a fact! What most people won’t tell you – most likely because they’re completely oblivious to it – is how exclusive the fauna in the region is. In short, Oman is home to several animals, birds, and insects that you just don’t get to see anywhere else in the world – or for that matter, anywhere in the Arabian Peninsula. As per recent findings, there are upwards of 500 species of birds, 64 types of reptiles, and also rich marine biodiversity. Here at Y – after much time researching in wadis, caves, beaches, and the mountains in Al Hajar – we narrow down 10 wildlife species that we can proudly call Oman’s own.
“Fahad” – Arabian Leopard
Not many people have been blessed with having witnessed an Arabian Leopard but those who have speak about the majestic animal in length. Sadly, only 200 of these animals now live in the mountains of Dhofar – and it has been listed as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List; meaning, it’s close to extinction.
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The Dhofar toad, or the Oman toad, is found in areas in subtropical or tropical dry shrublands such as the wadis in and around the Dhofar region. While it’s one of the only few species of toad in Oman, it can be quite hard to distinguish as it can have variable appearances; being greenish or brown, and either uniformly coloured or mottled and speckled with markings.
“Maha” – Arabian Oryx The Arabian Oryx isn’t exclusive to Oman but its natural habitat is known to be the plains of Muscat and Dhofar. It’s also the national animal of The Sultanate, UAE, Qatar, Jordan, and Bahrain. The once-endangered species is now returning in healthy numbers and is now considered to be one of the prized possessions of Arabia. You can see the oryx in all its glory at the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary in the Governorate of Al Wusta, which was once considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“Washak” – Caracal To put it plainly, this isn’t your average domestic cat. It can – and it will – attack you if you’re seen as a threat. The Caracal, or the Desert Lynx, is distinguished by its long black tufts on the back of its ears, and it is known to reside in areas with some cover. So, wadis with a bit of flora would be its preferred hunting grounds.
This species of parakeet is most found in Oman, rather than other GCC countries. The Roseringed Parakeet was introduced in Oman, and has been in the country ever since. The numbers are steadily growing too, and people are known to domesticate the bird. If taught at the right age, the bird can speak too. There’s a tree in Muttrah, nearby the Indian School al Jibroo, that has several parakeets (with numbers in the whereabouts of 100) living in it.
This ray-finned fish is found in the mountains of northern Oman. However, it can also be discovered in parts of the UAE. One species of the Oman Garra is known to be blind, and live in underground caves. The reason for its lack of sight and pigmentation is the absence of light.
Endemic to Oman, the Salalah Guitarfish is a species of rays in the Rhinobatidae family. Its natural habitat is the open seas, and is commonly found in the northern seas surrounding Oman. Sadly, it’s now a Near Threatened species in the IUCN Red List.
This newly-recognised species of gecko is commonly found in the deserts of Al Sharqiyah. It’s characterised morphologically by its small size, snout shape, webbing between fingers, short limbs, and scalation.
“Gazal” – Mountain Gazelle It’s highly unlikely that you would ever get to see a Mountain Gazelle. The species is currently endangered, and resides in the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary. It can be distinguished by its curled yet long horns, and pale complexion. Sadly, these animals also have a life span of just eight to 15 years.
Arabian Humpback Whale Humpback whales aren’t exclusive to the Sultanate but the Arabian Humpback Whale sure doesn’t seem like it wants to leave the waters of Oman. It can be found just off the coast of Dhofar, and is one of the non-migratory population of whales in the world. Because of that, it’s also Critically Endangered, and could soon be extinct. JUL 19 -25 / ISSUE 528
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A young boy casts his line, trying his luck for a bite on the shores of Darsait Beach. - P32
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DARSAIT SHAQUEL AL BALUSHI ENJOYS A WARM WALLOW OF NOSTALGIA IN A NEIGHBOURHOOD THAT REMINDS HIM OF HIS HOMELAND 032
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Gaming
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aving been all around Muscat over the past four years, there’s one place that occupies a special place in my heart... Darsait. There is nothing quite like this tiny yet vibrant city neighbourhood, which is often referred to as ‘mini India’. From the smell of fish curries that permeates the air to the shops that sell Indian items along with the bustling traffic in the lanes and bylanes, Darsait reminds me of the sights and sounds of India. With two good Indian schools that deliver education to hundreds of expatriate students, Darsait is a hub for Indians residing in Oman. And how many people know about Darsait beach? It was an emotional trip back to my past when I visited the beach last week. My friends and I used to go to Darsait beach every day. For us it was a daily routine as a catch-up with friends to play football or swimming on the beach made the day.
The beach may not have the aesthetic appeal of the sandy stretches at Shatti or Qurum but it is quite isolated and is extremely peaceful at night. Away from the busy life in Muscat, this is one place where you can relax and spend hours with your friends. Aside from that, there’s Al Noor Mosque with its beautiful gold and yellow dome. The Coffee Pot roundabout, famously called Baldiya Roundabout, is a muchloved local landmark. For lovers of Indian food, you will be struggling to decide where to go, from traditional Indian cuisine to abundant fast food cafes, Darsait has a dozen eateries. Warm days can be spent with families at the nearby park or one can also play football at the famous ‘yellow’ ground. The Muttrah Corniche is just seven minutes’ drive while the popular Riyam Park is also easily accessible. For both expat families and Omanis, Darsait is a must-visit destination.
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M A S E R AT I Q U AT T RO P O R T E
The original luxury sedan that says Italians do it better when it comes to style fused with performance. But does it live up to its reputation? Alvin Thomas finds out
he Maserati Quattroporte is undoubtedly a brilliant car, or rather that has been the case since 2003 when the vehicle debuted for its fifth generation. The reasons for its greatness, though, can be put down to two features: one, it’s made in Italy, which means it’s almost as fine as a hand-crafted Italian suit; and two, it’s as dramatic, lively and a wee bit shady as, say, some Italian politicians. And we’d take lively and shady over boring and dull any day? Were of all of that to be true, it must be pointed out that there’s one department wherein the Italians falter: modernising – or updating – their cars. Don’t get us wrong: the Quattroporte, despite its gargantuan exterior and its fairly up-to-date technology, is by no means a Tyrannosaurus Rex. But, the sedan is in its sixth generation now – and it hasn’t seen a significant update since its release in 2003… that is, until now. Not much has changed on the exterior of the car – and that’s alright because we’re still keen on
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its sharp character lines and petite body elements. The front end of the car even seems reminiscent of its 2016 variant, save for a few new additions, like a larger chrome-plated grille and a restyled front bumper with larger air intakes. The headlamps on the car are a bit sharper too; the designers may have just angled it a bit more to bring it into line with the edgy outline of the car. But it works: it’s still one of those cars we’d expect to see Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise pull up in to a redcarpet event. Apart from a few minor touches here and there, not much has changed. You still get the generic rear tail lamps, quad-tipped exhausts, and those neither thrills nor frills 19-inch (48cm) alloys. Of course, if you’re looking to up the ante, you can always tick a few options, write a few cheques worth tens of thousands of Riyals, and opt for the GTS variant, which comes with larger alloys, a meaner body kit, and a bonkers V8 motor churning out more than 550 horses. Our tester, however, was a Quattroporte S – which, on paper, sits as the entry-level variant to the lineup. But from where we were sitting, we couldn’t quite see why it would fit the bill as an ‘entry-level luxury sedan’. Soft leather and real wood flanks much of the interior, and a suede-like material makes up the headliner. If anything, it’s what I’d imagine a reception room in Buckingham Palace – where the Queen and her mates would sip tea, eat scones and talk about their pets – would look like. Technology-wise, it’s not too far either. Everything – starting from the Chrysler-sourced 8.4-inch (21cm) touchscreen, to the multi-information display screen that resides on the instrument cluster – is well laid
out and quite intuitive but lacks the lavishness of, say, the tech found in a Mercedes-Benz or BMW. Still, the touchscreen and the other buttons on the center console are light-years ahead of the complicated ones fitted to those of previous generations. You do get a plethora of buttons to meddle with, of which six are even placed behind the steering wheel! The seats inside are soft but bodyhugging. There’s
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MASERATI QUATTROPORTE Specifications: • Engine: 3.0-litre ‘twinturbocharged’ V6 • Transmission: Eight-speed “ZF” automatic • Power: 410hp • Torque: 550Nms Rear-wheel-drive Real wood trim Radar-guided cruise control 8.4-inch touchscreen Leather-wrapped steering wheel LED daytime running lights Sunroof 19-inch alloy wheels Sports-tuned adaptive suspension Selectable drive modes 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system Lane departure warning
PUSHING THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR – EVEN ON THE ‘S’ VARIANT – WILL SEND THE REAR WHEELS SPINNING, UPON WHICH TIME THE TRACTION CONTROL WILL DO ITS BEST TO GET THE SITUATION UNDER CONTROL also plenty of lumbar support and side bolstering for those times when you’re pushing the car to its limits – and trust us, in the Quattroporte, you’ll be doing that quite often. The reason to that is the astounding 3.0-litre “twinturbocharged” V6 motor nestling under the long bonnet. The resulting powertrain – which is completed by a
spirited eight-speed “ZF” gearbox – pumps out 410hp and 550Nms of torque. The engine is anything but understated but the way it gets things going is simply beyond belief. Sure, the GTS variant will run rings around its smaller sibling but there’s no way of faulting 550 torques that will spin the tyres from the get-go (at about 1,750rpm). And you’d better be awake when the torque and the power kick in as you’ll find yourself wrestling with the steering wheel and feathering the throttle to keep the vehicle pointed straight. The Quattroporte is the ultimate drivers’ car – and it means business. It’s hard to describe why but the easiest way to do so would be to simply push the engine start/ stop button and let the engine roar to life. Its exhaust is the closest thing you’ll find to a soulful string quartet – or maybe even singing angels – at this price point. A dash of the throttle in ‘Sport’ mode will open up valves in the exhausts and let a roar out that would put V8 soundtracks to shame. The progressive nature of the sound further accentuates the driving feel too. And yes, bystanders will be looking at you in awe! Fitted to the new Quattroporte is a new electronicassisted steering rack. It’s well-weighted and offers adequate feedback from the road but it can come across as a bit heavy while taking on city traffic. The accelerator, though tuned to suit multiple driving styles, is clever to read the conditions when required. If I were to point the finger at anything, it would have to be the brakes. They are strong – yes, but the ABS has a very short threshold, and that can hamper the experience during spirited driving. We suspect that the GTS variant with carbon-ceramic brakes would do much better.
Pushing the pedal to the floor – even on the ‘S’ variant – will send the rear wheels spinning, upon which time the traction control will do its best to get the situation under control. As is the case with most Maseratis, you can switch off all the electronic nannies and have a go but you’d best be prepared to control nearly two tonnes of steel and aluminium. Controlling drifts are as easy as counter-locking the steering, and the higher the speed, the easier it is to control. Where care must really be taken is when you’re making sharp turns in the city. We really can’t think of any plausible explanation that would sit well with the cops as to why your car is facing the opposite direction in a roundabout. In all, the Quattroporte is quite an impressive car to drive around in. Unlike your Mercedes-Benz S-Classes and BMW 7ers, the Maserati isn’t a car to be chauffeured around in: it’s a car for the kind of person who likes to take control of the wheel themselves. It truly lives up to its name of being a ‘race-bred luxury sedan’. If we were to put things into perspective, the Quattroporte is essentially the kid you made fun of in school – but turned out to be cool as time went by. And for that very reason, it’s the ace in our pack.
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CARS ADVENTURES MARITIME BEAUTY
Ashlee Starratt goes back to her roots to explore Canada’s most storied sea-bound coast.
1. Plug your ears against the black powder blast as the noon cannon is fired across Citadel Hill. 2. Slurp up a double-scoop of the iconic Cow’s Ice Cream and chase it up with a sugary-sweet beaver-tail. 3. Make the 14.6km hike up Cape Split for some of the most breath-taking views in the province. 4. Take a selfie with Theodore Tugboat on the Halifax waterfront. 5. Hunt for dinosaur fossils along the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Ashlee Starratt recommends
NOVA SCOTIA
“Well, the year was 1778 How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now! I was told, we’d cruise the seas for American gold We’d fire no guns, shed no tears But I’m a broken man on a Halifax pier The last of Barrett’s Privateers”
Well, the year isn’t 1778, and the pier has changed slightly - but the lyrics of Stan Roger’s iconic ode to Nova Scotia still ring true as I stand on the docks of downtown Halifax. Now its boardwalk is a touristic promenade, centuries away from the port city it once was - heaving with pirates, privateers and men of the Crown. But the clamorous history of its seafaring roots still lingers on the brine of its salt air. There’s something about Canada’s east coast that speaks to the adventurer in all of us - and it must be its maritime soul. Often overlooked by tourists making a beeline for the larger metropolises of central Canada such as Toronto or Montreal, a pitstop ‘down East’ is a saltwater tonic. Fly into Halifax Stanfield International Airport and it’s a 30-minute drive to downtown Halifax - crossing its version of the ‘Golden Gate Bridge’ along the way. Summer is the best time to visit the province, and the capital in particular comes to life. Enjoy the street-life from a sunny patio of one of the many harbour-front restaurants and watering holes along Argyle and Lower Water Streets. Take in the Halifax International Jazz Festival mid-July or hit up the downtown streets of the capital in early August and take in some unforgettable outdoor performances at the Halifax Busker Festival. Climb atop the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and step back in time to the days when Halifax was a British stronghold and walk in the footsteps of the garrisons that protected her borders. Wander across the citadel’s grassy ramparts, explore the depths of its moat, and pore through the relics of its officers’ barracks and quarters. Drive an hour outside the capital and along the rocky perimeter of Nova Scotia’s South Shore and you’ll reach the traditional fishing village of Peggy’s Cove. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its preserved way of life still beckons while its lighthouse standing sentinel on the rocks next to the surging sea remains one of the country’s oldest working lighthouses - and post offices. For a change of tack, head northwest about a 45-minute drive from Halifax and you’ll find yourself in the province’s agricultural heartland - the Annapolis Valley. Visitors in spring can take in the festivities of its annual Apple Blossom Festival or explore the rolling hills and lush vineyards of the many five-star local eateries in this foodie epicentre. No trip to Nova Scotia would be complete without a road-trip across the causeway and up to Cape Breton Island. A five-hour drive from Halifax; its Celtic splendour can’t be missed, with Cape Bretoners easily earning their reputation as some of the nicest folk in Canada. Visit Baddeck, the home of Alexander Graham Bell, or drive along the rolling cliffs of the Cape Breton Highlands along the world-famous Cabot Trail. Nova Scotia, Gaelic for ‘New Scotland’, is a picture-postcard come to life - and we don’t blame you for wanting to linger over its Celtic colours.
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My favourite place Luckett Vineyards in the province’s Gaspereau Valley offers up some of the most breathtaking views across the Minas Basin to Cape Split while serving up some of the best locally-sourced seasonal flavours of Nova Scotia for intrepid foodies. Highlights
Make like a pirate at the Tall Ships Regatta in July on the Halifax waterfront, explore the colonial fortress of George’s Island, whitewater-raft the highest tides in the world on the Bay of Fundy, celebrate the indigenous culture of the First Nations Mi’kmaq people at the Grand Pré Pow Wow.
Lowlights The weather can be hit-or-miss so try to avoid the rainier months of March and April. Travelling across the province is lengthy so expect long car rides if you’re planning to rent a vehicle. Most tourist destinations are a few hours’ journey from the capital of Halifax by car, with Cape Breton and Yarmouth upwards of five hours respectively. Souvenirs Nova Scotia-tartan scarves or prints, lobster chips, saltwater taffy, Nova Scotia pewter ornaments, hooked rugs from Chéticamp. Getting there While Oman Air doesn’t currently operate services to Canada, you can get there using Emirates or Qatar Airways. Alternatively, take an Etihad flight via Toronto or Montreal, with a connecting flight via Air Canada or WestJet to Halifax.
HISTOR IC DOW NTOWN LUNENB URG
Where to stay The Lord Nelson or Prince George Hotels in downtown Halifax, the Old Orchard Inn resort near
Wolfville in the Annapolis Valley, White Point Beach Resort at Hunt’s Point on the South Shore, and Celtic Lodge in the Cape Breton Highlands. JUL 19 - 25 / ISSUE 528
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-FI THE TECH IN YOU
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DEVICES WE DESIRE As technology evolves, so do our lifestyles. This week, we bring you some of the coolest gadgets that are oh-so hard to resist
SONY HEADPHONE If you think only Bose makes the best noisecancelling headphones then you’re mistaken. The Sony does too! The WH-1000XM2 has an excellent sound with effective noise cancelling that can stand up to the best of Bose’s. If you’re a frequent traveller then this is the best buy. Available on Amazon for RO115.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S9 PLUS LOWEPRO URBEX BACKPACK
EDITOR’S PICK
The perfect backpack is here! All of us need to carry something different to work or while travelling so why not the Lowepro Urbex Backpack? It fits everything you have. The bag features a compartment to keep your laptop or tablet; it has a removable Integrated Gear Box to store accessories, a bottle pocket, a smartphone pocket on the backpack strap and a top carry handle. The Lowepro Urbex BP 20L costs RO40.
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If you’re passionate about taking portrait photography then the Samsung S9 Plus is a great buy. It’s built with a 12-megapixel telephoto sensor that can take portrait photos by blurring the background so your subject stands out. With a bigger screen and larger battery, the Samsung S9 Plus costs RO312.
THINKPAD X1 CARBON
IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO BUY A LAPTOP THAT CATERS TO ALL YOUR NEEDS, THEN BUY THE LEGENDARY THINKPAD XI CARBON. WITH ITS STUNNING LOOK; THE ULTRALIGHT THINKPAD X1 CARBON CREATES AN ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE FOR THE USER. WITH 15 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE AND OPTIONAL MULTI-TOUCH SCREEN, THIS IS THE BEST LAPTOP YOU CAN FIND ON THE MARKET, FOR RO685.
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Top 5 smartphone games for an action-packed summer FORTNITE
Is Grand Theft Auto getting on your nerves? Maybe it’s time to try some great new games for your smartphone. Y’s Alvin Thomas chooses some for you AIR TYCOON ONLINE 2 Smartphone gaming has advanced over the years and has almost hit console levels – with most games now packing superior graphics and well-knit storylines. But is new always better? Possibly, but that’s not the case here. Fans of the Air Tycoon series will know that there are newer versions of the game. However, fascinatingly, Air Tycoon Online 2 (from 2014) stands out among all other flight simulation and aircraft management games currently out there. As a business magnate from the early 1960s, it’s your duty to form and operate your own airline, buy (real-life) airports and flights, manage routes, slots at airports, juggle marketing and salary expenses, and even decide the pitch between seats and the kind of food you’ll serve on your flights. The game should keep you occupied for hours straight, and above all, will have you vying with some of the world’s best for top spot. Platform: Android and iOS
FOOTBALL STRIKE
Fortnite first took over gamers over iOS, then Android, and finally, the whole world. While we’re not particularly fans of the game – owing to its strong language, glitch-ridden interface and, above all, its unintelligent and moronic victory moves that kids across the globe are now mimicking – the game does hold its own in the grand scheme of things. The game is phenomenally simple to play: all you need to do is eliminate the 100-odd other players in the game and be the last person standing. Throughout the game, you’ll be forced to scavenge for weapons, items, and other resources for sustenance. The Fortnite Battle Royale Experience is everything you’d expect from your console but with the portability of a smartphone. Platform: Android and iOS
PLAYERUNKOWN BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE PlayerUnkown Battlegrounds or simply PUBG (pronounced “pub gee”) imitates Fortnite to some degree. For starters, it comes with the same concept of being the last player standing among 100 other players in an ever-shrinking environment. Thankfully, there are no bizarre dance moves to celebrate your victory. PUBG’s graphical interface is a tad better than that of Fortnite, and the gameplay is more mature. What’s more, you can chat with in-game players and form squads to take down enemies. This is a must-have game if you’re looking to kill a few hours but bear in mind that once you’re in the game, you must commit to finishing it. Platform: Android and iOS
CSR RACING 2 CSR Racing 2 sits atop the pile as the epitome of car simulation games on a smartphone. We’re not oblivious to the fact that the game is time-consuming and If you’re looking for an all-thrills and no-frills experience of the frustrating to play FIFA 18 game, check out Football Strike – a title in which all you but when it all goes right, you’re in for a treat! The game allows need to do is shoot the ball into the net in penalty shootouts. you access to the best cars in the world for drag racing. Winning Unlike, say, FIFA 18 or PES 2018 where you must play, manage, races rewards you with in-game currency and other goodies, and organise matches and players, this game lets you upgrade which you can then use to upgrade your car or buy more exotic your in-game character as you go along, all while giving you cars. What’s better is that there’s now an Alternative Reality (AR) a chance to play and beat other players online. The graphics mode that allows you to see your car on places around you – like are top-class and the physics engine is intuitive enough to give your workplace desk, for instance. It’s a gimmick but one that’s good players an edge over newbies. definitely worth bragging about. Platform: Android and iOS
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HEALTH& BEAUTY
OPPOSITES ATTRACT
Colour blocking isn’t just taking two opposing hues that are dramatically different; there’s an art to it, designed to be both playful and modish while making an outfit look stylish and swank. To that end, Zara has come up with an amazing range of colour-blocked apparel. Add some of these to your wardrobe and you’ll walk out feeling good, and looking as smart as paint.
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The multi-direction stripes make this outfit a winner and a real feast for the eyes. The designer has blended the bright colours beautifully to bring out the boldness in you. Buy this outfit for only RO8.90.
Why should girls get all the fun? Zara has come up with colour blocked sweatshirts for men. This metal-zipped one is a must-have this season for the discerning man of leisure. Buy this one for RO12.90.
This sassy knitted skirt has been fused with a rare combination: the halffrilled skirt comes with a front slit! Add this sensational skirt to your wardrobe for RO25.900.
This extraordinary dress has been colour blocked by mustard yellow, indigo and maroon. The high-collar dress with long sleeves is a figure-hugging delight, and is priced at RO8.90.
This vibrant, versatile number comes in a whole range of clashing colours that just seem to coordinate. The full-sleeved, round-necked dress is priced just RO3.90, and will certainly make you stand out in a crowd.
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W
e all know water is good for us and that we should probably drink more of it. Why then, do we find it so hard to sip from what’s arguably the fountain of youth? Answers vary but the fact is, one in 10 of us fails to drink any glasses of water per day, according to a study by Dr Alyson Goodman, a medical epidemiologist for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States. Those of us who don’t drink any water (or very little) are getting it from other sources such as food and hot drinks but this may not be enough. “Many health risks decrease when you drink plain water,” says Dr Goodman. Which is why, she says, the results obtained by doing so can be “mindboggling”. The British singer Joan Armatrading drinks regular mugs of hot water because she says she doesn’t like tea or coffee. At 68, she looks 20 years younger and her voice sounds as good as ever. However, not all waters are created equal. Enhanced water, like alkaline water, provides the body with more health benefits than regular water. Just take a look at how it can help: ❶ It balances body fluids Your body is composed of about 60 per cent water and performs vital functions such as protecting your organs and tissues, regulating your body temperature and carrying nutrients and oxygen to your cells. Essentially, it keeps your body running like a well-oiled machine.
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❷ It keeps skin looking healthy Water moisturises your skin and functions as a protective barrier to prevent excess fluid-loss (think free anti-ageing cream). In addition, it can keep your skin fresh and smooth. ❸ It boosts the immune system Those who guzzle water are at a lower risk of getting sick. This crystal-clear concoction helps fight against flu, cancer and other ailments – especially if your water has mild alkaline properties. Including ionised water in your daily intake can give your immune system a boost through added antioxidants, improve aerobic capacity, enhance energy levels, and hydrate your body more fully. ❹ It can help control calories While drinking water may not be a weight-loss strategy per se, substituting high-calorie or sugar-filled drinks for water can help you fight the flab. Water fills you up and therefore acts as a natural appetite suppressant while raising your metabolism.
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BAD BLOOD
Hypertension can be a ticking time bomb waiting to take you out. Here, Y offers some tips on how to keep this health risk at bay
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Here are six easy ways to lower your blood pressure: 1) Shed some weight The most effective means of reducing hypertension is to lose weight. And it doesn’t matter how much you lose – even losing as much as two to 3kgs can make a difference. 2) Reduce salt in your diet Even a small reduction in the salt in your diet can improve your heart health and reduce blood pressure by about 5 to 6 mm Hg if you have high blood pressure. In general, limit salt to 2,300 milligrams (mg) a day or less. However, a lower salt intake — 1,500 mg a day or less — is ideal for most adults.
To reduce salt in your diet, consider these tips: ● Read food labels. If possible, choose low-sodium alternatives of the foods and beverages you normally buy. ● Eat fewer processed foods. Only a small amount of salt occurs naturally in foods. Most salt is added during processing. ● Don’t add salt to your meals. Just 1 level teaspoon of salt has 2,300 mg of salt. Use herbs or spices to add flavour to your food. ● Ease into it. If you don’t feel you can drastically reduce the salt in your diet suddenly, cut back gradually. Your palate will adjust over time. 3) Get moving It doesn’t take much exercise to make a difference to your health. Aim for half-an-hour at least five days a week. Even something as simple as walking or stretching can really help reduce your blood pressure. Be mindful of some of the exercises, though. Consult your doctor before heading to the gym and lifting weights, for example. 4) Relieve stress with daily meditation or deep breathing sessions Stress hormones constrict your blood vessels and can lead to temporary spikes in blood pressure. In addition, over time, stress can trigger unhealthy habits that put your cardiovascular health at risk. These might include overeating, poor sleep, and misusing drugs and alcohol. For all these reasons, reducing stress should be a priority if you’re looking to lower your blood pressure. 5) Stop smoking Smoking is capable of causing sudden spikes in blood pressure and heart rate, but it can also be detrimental to your blood vessels and narrow your arteries over time. 6) Cut back on caffeine The role caffeine plays in blood pressure is still open to debate. Caffeine can raise blood pressure up to 10 mm Hg in people who rarely consume it. However, people who drink coffee regularly may experience little or no effect to their blood pressure. JUL 19 - 25 / ISSUE 528
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Sources: Mayo Clinic, Harvard Health Publishing – Harvard Medical School
ypertension can strike anyone during their lifetime – and most people might simply gloss over the condition. But like any other health issue that requires attention, it can lead to a whole host of serious problems. For that reason, it’s time we started taking care of our health and worked to maintain a regular blood pressure. Also, as was recently revealed by the American Heart Association, the definition for high blood pressure was lowered to 130/80 from 140/90 millimetres of mercury (mm Hg), so more people now fall under the criteria for stage 1 hypertension than ever before. But to take control, we must understand what hypertension is. According to the Mayo Clinic in the United States, hypertension is when there is abnormally high blood pressure against one’s artery walls. In the long run, the force of the blood may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease. A spokesperson for the clinic says: “Blood pressure is determined both by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. “The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.” Unlike most conditions, though, hypertension can stay with you for years without any symptoms. Fortunately, it can be easily detected and you can work with your doctor to take steps to control it.
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MEAT THE ALL-STARS
These homegrown eateries with Omani roots are bringing the best of the West to a table near you.
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New Restaurant
Reviews
B & F Roadside Diner Location: Al Mouj
Middle East
MEETS WEST
Muscat does it best when it comes to giving the Middle East a taste of the West. Here, Ashlee Starratt picks her top five places to curb her carb rush quest and bid for a bumper burger
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hawarmas, mishkaks and mandis are all part of the Omani diet: locals will even proclaim the trifecta of dishes to be a staple diet in the Sultanate. When it comes to indulging in something greasy, though, no one does it better than the Americans – and the Omanis are well aware of that. Gourmet burger shacks are opening up in the capital and there are more joints in Muscat than in other cities around the globe. Has the burger fever caught on or is it just a phase? Be that as it may, the Omani folk at Y head out on a gastronomic adventure to seek and find the best burger – and other Western food – outlets in the capital. They can safely report: “Diving into a thick-patty, cheesy, and calorie-laden burger has never been easier than this.” Here are their top picks:
Slider Station Location: Shatt al Qurum, Near InterContinental Muscat
There’s nothing ‘roadside’ about the B & F Roadside Diner. The décor is inspired by the American countryside shacks of old but with taste. It can be a bit dim for some but there’s not much to complain about. There’s nothing better than digging into the very core of a delectable and meaty DDM burger, and munching on a portion of cheesecovered dynamite fries while enjoying the sea breeze graze your face ever so lightly.
London Fish & Chips Location: Panorama Mall, Azaiba Buried deep in the corner of the food court in the Panorama Mall, nothing about the London Fish & Chips outlet shouts out to those on the lookout for fast food. But, if you’re willing to surrender to the tang of freshlyfried, lemon-crusted batter on a soft, yet meaty slice of cod, you’re in for a treat. Even with a portion of tartar sauce, it’s healthier than, say, your average American “fatboy” burger but hey, the British do know a thing or two about serving up a great meal without smearing cheese all over it – and that’s what this outlet’s all about.
Broccoli Pizza & Pasta Location: Al Khoud, Seeb It doesn’t take much to grasp that Broccoli Pizza & Pasta was created by someone looking to fox their parents into thinking that they’ve just opened a healthy eatery. On paper, it is indeed a restaurant looking to serve up scrumptious meals with a dressing of broccoli but deep down you know you’re going to be indulging in a plate of cheesy penne pasta. That’s exactly what we did, and the penne with a healthy dose of cheese, pesto, and broccoli hit the spot after all the cheat meals we’d been having.
There are burger joints, and then there’s the Slider Station. It’s a holy grail for those seeking the best burgers in Oman. Nothing inside shouts vegetarian or mellow (although, we’re sure you can order some greens if you’re interested). The insides are about as decked out and busy as those highway burger shacks you catch in Hollywood movies. Even the rustic-looking menu card is straight out of the good ‘ol US. We began our feast with a plate of Dangerous and Machine Gun sliders – both of which we’re sure will tantalise everyone’s palate, before jumping into the Wild Wild West-looking Delta Force tapas. We’re not very lenient with the word ‘perfect’, but find us a dish better primed than the cheddar-heavy, maple sticky chicken, and West Coast sauce, and we’ll concede defeat. Otherwise, this is the personification of the word ‘perfect’.
Italiano Pizzeria & Pasta Location: Qurum When it comes to pastas, nobody does it better than the guys down at Italiano Pizzeria & Pasta. Smeared with a fresh dose of mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and garnished with pepper and other secret condiments; a piping hot plate of penne pasta can go a long way. It doesn’t matter that the eatery is dug deep in the heart of Qurum. When you know you’re in for a good treat, you’ll find your way. That’s exactly what we did last week. JUL 19 - 25 / ISSUE 528
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New Restaurant
Level 1, Muscat City Centre Mall Opening hours: 1 0am till 10pm, daily Contact: ( +968) 2428-4480 Dinner for three: RO17.33
BUFFALO WILD WINGS
Verdict : 6/10 SERVICE 5/10 FOOD 7/10 AMBIENCE Sports-themed restaurant specialising in wings and all manner of Tex-Mex-style pub fare. Y Magazine reviews anonymously and pays for its meals
WHETHER YOU LIKE ‘EM MILD OR WITH A KICK, THIS CATCH-ALL SPORTS HUB TICKS THE BOXES FOR VARIETY WHEN IT COMES TO THE ALMIGHTY WING – BUT DOES IT STACK UP ON SERVICE AND QUALITY? ASHLEE STARRATT TUCKS IN
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ull disclosure: I usually avoid mall restaurants like the plague; big box franchises that draw you in with their neon splendour and then spit you out with a case of salmonella. On those occasions when swayed, it’s got to be worth it. So, it was with high hopes that we headed into Buffalo Wild Wings at Seeb City Centre Mall on the eve of the World Cup final. A sports-themed restaurant, in a mall, on the conclusive cusp of one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Busy didn’t even begin to describe it. With most of the tables reserved for hungry viewing parties, we tucked into a corner spot at the back of the restaurant that afforded us a prime view across the airy, open-plan dining room. As expected in a sports-themed restaurant, large screens dominated the space with a gaming area at the back, a central ‘bar’ area, and an interior palette led with primary colours, offset by raw-wood tables and chairs. The menu at Buffalo Wild Wings is your standard sports-bar/pub fare, and with our bellies growling, we were pushovers for its glossy pictorial menu. We were hungry enough to share an order of their Carne Asada Fries which looked locked and loaded, piled high with cheesy, beefy goodness. What arrived at the table couldn’t have been more of a letdown – mostly naked fries sprinkled with a bit of chopped onion, tomato, and seasoning, sparse chunks of steak, and five lonely slices of jalapeno that gave more garnish than guts to the dish. The tendrils of ooey-gooey cheese, the hallmark of any good ‘loaded’ plate
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into two for both flavours – meaning fewer wings on the plate. Juicy and tender, the Honey BBQ on-the-bone ones went down a treat with just the right sauceto-wing ratio – enough to get your fingers sticky but keep your chin clean. The boneless varieties, however, seemed overcooked. Both were tough, THE BONELESS VARIETIES, HOWEVER, SEEMED OVERCOOKED. BOTH WERE TOUGH, and the electric orange hue of the Spicy Garlic AND THE ELECTRIC ORANGE HUE OF THE wings made us think they’d accidentally been SPICY GARLIC WINGS MADE US THINK swapped for a classic Buffalo version. The sauce THEY’D ACCIDENTALLY BEEN SWAPPED FOR was funky and sour-tasting. The Caribbean Jerk A CLASSIC BUFFALO VERSION portion was more flavoursome although equally tough to tear into – but at least it had a sweet sucker-punch of spice.
of fries, were nowhere to be found. Instead, the dish was inundated with a sour lemon cream – emphasis on the sour. Its saving graces were tender morsels of well-cooked steak, fries that held their own when it came to crispy quotient, and a side order of spicy ranch dipping sauce that was palatable. Hoping the starter was a one-off, we ordered a few flavours of wings off their extensive menu ranging in spice factor from mild to potent. You can opt for either on- or off-the-bone varieties and ours arrived at the table in short order. We honed-in on a Honey BBQ on-the-bone variety and boneless versions of their Spicy Garlic and Caribbean Jerk seasonings. It’s here when things started to go pear-shaped with the service – which had been prompt and attentive upon our arrival, but petered out the busier the restaurant became, and we were pretty much forgotten in our corner. In spite of our waitress reading our order back to us – one small order for each of the three wing varieties, when they arrived at the table we discovered that one small order of the boneless wings had been split
Saving room for afters we tried our best to order a sharing portion of their Dessert Nachos – cinnamon-sugar tortillas crowned with deepfried cheesecake bites, four scoops of ice cream, and a drizzle of chocolate-caramel sauce that was exactly as calorific as its sounds. We were informed by our waitress that the deep-fried cheesecake bites were out of stock but could be substituted with a fifth scoop of vanilla ice cream…for the same price. Not keen, we opted for a slab of their New York-style cheesecake to share, the arrival of which we waited 25 minutes for. Figuring they must have gone to Manhattan to slice it, we enquired about the delay to the manager who then, kindly, comped it from our bill. Would we go back to Buffalo Wild Wings? Probably during the next World Cup, yes. Do you have a favourite restaurant that you’d like to see reviewed? Let Y know at editor@y-oman.com
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