FACT Bahrain October 2021 by Fact ME

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SUSHI AND SOARING VIEWS Experience a brand new Sushi Lounge in a transformed setting at re/ASIAN Cuisine. Relish in life’s simple pleasures, 50 ﬂoors up, whilst Wolfgang Puck’s culinary team takes traditional Asian cuisine to new levels of art and ingenuity.

Dine with us (+973) 1711 5046 | fourseasons.com/bahrain

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14 21 30 Vida Debut

Meals on Wheels

Island Rides

CONTENTS

56 76 96

Culinary Spotlight

FACT Dining Awards

Matter of Fact

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• THE EDITOR

Food Glorious Food

“

“To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.” – François de La Rochefoucauld

elcome to the October issue in which we are (almost) all about food! Our cover story takes a comprehensive look at the

FACT Magazine Bahrain Edition • OCTOBER 2021 VOLUME 15, ISSUE 01

DIRECTOR OMAR SHAHEEN PUBLISHER RAMI KHALIL (rami@fact-magazine.com) EDITOR LIZ O’REILLY (editorial@fact-magazine.com) DIGITAL EDITOR SARA WADDAH SALES MANAGER RACHEL NAFEH

island’s food truck scene from locations and legislation to innovation and inspiration. We even chatted to some

of the brave entrepreneurs who’ve taken the leap into this relatively new business niche and came up with some tips to set you on your way if you fancy joining them. Our dining section features five food reviews, yes five. That’s the maximum we allow ourselves to stop our bellies taking over the office! I have to say, I was

ART DIRECTOR SYED MUHAMMED RAIHAN GRAPHIC DESIGNER OMNIA ELAMIR PHOTOGRAPHY SACHAN CHANDRAN

very impressed with the ones I tried, though my pants were a little tight by the end of the month. We also launched this year’s Fact Dining Awards – you’ll find a full list of nominees

CONTRIBUTORS CECILIA LERMEN GARETH WOODS

from page 76 onwards. Make sure to cast your votes at fact-magazine.com/ fact-dining-awards-bahrain-2021/ the votes are already coming in and I can’t wait to see who the winners will be when they’re all counted. Elsewhere this month, I chatted to Karl Hamer, CEO of the uber-posh Adamas Motors, who was on a flying visit to the Kingdom for the launch of the brand’s new showroom alongside the regional debut of the rather gorgeous Lotus Emira, a head turner if ever there was one.

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We also caught up with Rabih Zein, the man at the helm of the newly rebranded Royal Saray Resort Managed by Accor, to find out his plans for the property. As always there’s our monthly roundup of news and reviews from the worlds

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of books, films and music as well as fashion and beauty products to keep you looking good as we head into the cooler months. Tuck into the issue, you’re sure to find something to whet your appetite.

Liz O’Reilly Editor editorial@fact-magazine.com

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All Rights Reserved. Opinion expressed within does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the information within this publication. However, FACT M.E. Bahrain cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions. FACT M.E. Bahrain Publishing W.L.L. Office 53, Building 872, Road 3618, Block 436, Seef. Ministry of Information. Subject Registration Number: CFB779

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• CONNECT

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Combining all three editions of FACT (Bahrain, Dubai, Abu Dhabi), our Instagram account is a onestop shop for details on giveaways, competitions, local events, must-know happenings, behind-thescenes photos, and more. So much more.

Local talent, arts, culture, fashion, dining, and all the coolest events in the country – it’s all here alongside tech updates, travel guides, motoring news, and more. Get your copy of FACT Bahrain in local supermarkets now!

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Keep up with all things Bahrain as the FACT team posts the latest competitions, happenings, and everything we’re getting up to in preparation for the monthly magazine – all for our readers, of course!

“

“Cooking is all about people. Food is maybe the only universal thing that really has the power to bring everyone together. No matter what culture, everywhere around the world, people eat together.” – Guy Fieri

ISSUU.COM FACT Bahrain 78,318 reads of the September issue If you need your FACT fix circa now, flick through our issues online on issuu.com for all the best features, interviews, profiles, and listings across food, art, culture, travel, technology, and more in Bahrain.

OUR FAVE FEATURE • Meals on Wheels P21 •

#FACTMAGAZINE #FACTMIDDLEEAST #FOODARTSCULTURETRAVEL #THEONLYWAYISFACT 6

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• FACT FINDS

CHUBBY CHAO TAKES CHARGE Recently launched and currently operating as a delivery-only restaurant, Chubby Chao is at present the island’s best kept secret, bringing the ultimate Chinese goodness straight to your door.

ltimately, enjoying good Chinese cuisine is all about getting creative with the world of different flavours – luckily enough, Chubby Chao has been able to bring together the fun side of the cuisine and incorporate it into a well-composed menu that is definitely addictive once consumed. Offering a variety of different Chinese delicacies and specialities, we were treated to our very first chopsticks delivery experience inside the FACT headquarters – and trust us when we say that each of us had a dish that romantically spoke to our soul (and stomach). Dipping our chopsticks into each and every dish that arrived, there were quite a few that stood out, and will definitely be getting added to our cart each time we’re craving some feelgood Chinese. Steamed and stuffed with marinated prawns and bamboo shoots, then wrapped in bright pink beetroot skin, the Prawn Har Gao was one of those pleasant surprises that you have no clue what to expect, but it will definitely have you coming back for more. Fresh out of the wok, both the hand-pulled noodles and rice dishes, graciously cooked with vegetables and then doused in soya sauce, were absolute stars! Even though you can never go 8

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wrong with these dishes, Chubby Chao definitely took them to the next level and showed us everything that could go RIGHT with them. MAGNIFICENT. One particular dish that made a seriously good impression merely from the scent of it – cooked with yellow bell peppers, peas, and a creamy peppery Mongolian sauce, the Mongolian Beef came not only in a satisfactory portion for one, but we were also (well, we tried) able to share it amongst the rest of us at the dining table. And each of us were able to enjoy thoroughly. An honorary mention has to be given to the traditional Cantonese-style roasted Peking duck, that was well packaged to be consumed in the comfort of wherever you desire. It was cooked the right way giving it that tender and moist feel, with the accompanying Momo pancakes made thin, fluffy yet perfect for the meal. Available for delivery through the website https://chubbychaobh. order-ag.com, make sure you check out their page on Instagram for a sneak peek of all the fun you’re missing. ✤

GO: VISIT @CHUBBYCHAOBH

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• LISTEN UP

RE/ASIAN RE-OPENS After many months without one of our favourite Asian eateries, the doors are, once again, open at celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck’s re/ASIAN Cuisine. Showing its awareness of the island’s ever-evolving dining scene, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay has reimagined the restaurant as part of a new 50th floor dining concept complete with Japanese-inspired Sushi Lounge. Fuelled by the unique creativity of Wolfgang Puck, re/ ASIAN Cuisine’s reputation has been built on its refreshingly modern take on traditional Asian dishes. Continuing this legacy, the new Sushi Lounge – flowing directly into re/’s original restaurant – offers a levelled-up Asian dining experience with views and vibes to match. Playing to a neutral palette of warm earthy tones, the setting reflects the minimalist Japanese aesthetic and allows the true stars to shine: the expert chefs behind the raw-edged wooden sushi counter creating vibrant boxpressed oshizushi sushi to order. Simple furniture and statement pieces translate the understated beauty of Japanese design while light airy interiors are punctuated by the dark sultry tones of Asian macassar ebony columns and walls clad in vertical Japanese-style oak timber slats. Comfy sofa seating, handcrafted cocktails and trendy beats complete the high-rise, high-energy appeal. “Our chefs are loving the opportunity to be a central part of re/ASIAN Cuisine’s new vision, showcasing their skills in person and contributing to the restaurant’s new buzz,” comments Brian Becher, Executive Chef of the hotel’s 10

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Wolfgang Puck outlets. “And in true Wolfgang Puck style, we’re taking the traditional wooden-moulded oshizushi to new levels of art and ingenuity.” The restaurant’s revamped menu promises a range of tantalising dishes for guests to experience including Sichuan spinach with sesame brittle and chili oil; and tare glazed eggplant salad with Japanese pickles and citrus vinaigrette. Other new taste sensations include the introduction of Los Angeles’ popular vegetable-based sushi, while returning guests will also be pleased to revisit some old favourites beyond the Sushi Lounge. Completing the experience, the pre- and post-dinner hotspot of the adjacent Blue Moon Lounge will be reopening on the same date. “Now more than ever, the focus is on relishing life’s pleasures,” comments Regional Vice President and General Manager Rami Sayess. “The revamped re/ASIAN Cuisine restaurant is a celebration of creativity and connectivity, two things we hold dear here at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. Just hearing the buzz of guests laughing and chatting with our chefs, savouring good food, and flowing between the three spaces – those are the things we’re really looking forward to.” ✤

GO: CALL 1711 5046 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.

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• LISTEN UP

ACTION FILLED OCTOBER Head to the shores of Zallaq for loads of fun-filled, family-friendly happenings this month. Known as a world-class luxurious establishment that is distinguished by its prestigious state-of-the-art facilities and award-winning restaurants, while also boasting the only Thalassa Sea & Spa in the Middle East, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa ensures you and your loved ones a unique experience full of fun-filled events that are hosted for your entertainment monthly. October is no exception as it is a truly special time at the resort. The month starts by offering educators an unforgettable weekend getaway with a dedicated Teachers Grand Friday Brunch promising 30% discount for all teachers. Expect a wide selection of gourmet delights and dance your socks off with the Latin band. Brunch is priced at BD36 net inclusive of selected beverages. The traditional Spanish Flamenco Festival runs from October 14 to 22. Put on your dancing shoes and head down to enjoy the amazing sea views at the iconic five-star bar and restaurant Tapas, where you’ll discover the newly crafted collection of gastronomical offerings and cocktails. Enjoy an unforgettable night, full of beautiful Flamenco melodies played live by the talented Latin band on the beautiful Tapas decks under the stars. Indulge in a leisurely afternoon’s downtime and savour handcrafted, traditional French pâtisserie from the vibrant Lobby Lounge. Or plan your Mondays ahead with a ‘Magnifique’ 40% off at Sofitel’s signature Thalassa experiences or 50% off food and beverages at Tapas for all ladies. 12

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Craving Sushi? Eat all you want while you take in the magnificent sea views with Sunset Sushi, hosted daily (except Mondays), from 4pm to 6pm, at Sofitel’s new Japanese outlet, Maison Sushi. The fresh and colourful gastronomy will surely satiate lovers or novices of sushi! Savour unlimited sashimi, maki, sushi and much more in an experience that will take you on a journey to the land of the Rising Sun for BD25 net. The excitement doesn’t end there as the spookiest night in the year is upon us and Sofitel Bahrain is ready for the hair-raising occasion. Join them on October 29 for the Halloween Evening Brunch as the moon shines its light on the shores of Zallaq. Expect a spine-chilling night full of excitement and bewitching entertainment for BD39 net per person, inclusive of selected beverages. Enjoy a special Halloween-themed buffet, full of mouthwatering dishes that are prepared by the talented culinary team, then cool yourself down with some refreshing beverages. The hotel has been officially certified as an #ALLsafe property, reassuring guests it has employed the highest cleanliness and safety standards.✤

GO: CALL 1763 6363 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.

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• LISTEN UP

VIDA COMES TO BAHRAIN Vida Hotels & Resorts is to launch its first hotel outside of UAE with a stunning, luxury beachfront property in Bahrain. Emaar Hospitality Group’s mid-market hospitality segment, Vida Hotels and Resorts, is set to launch in the Kingdom towards the end of the year with Vida Beach Resort Marassi Al Bahrain, which will be part of the Marassi Al Bahrain development. Located on the Marassi beach front, with direct access to the beach and the soon-to-open Marassi Galleria Shopping Mall, Vida Beach Resort Marassi Al Bahrain offers the perfect balance of tranquility and vitality at the upscale waterfront destination. Boasting 157 rooms and 141 serviced residences, the stylishly decorated property features some great dining concepts including Origins – a quirky easy-going restaurant where guests can work or spend their time relaxing. For al fresco lovers, there is a trendy sea-facing pool bar with a temperature-controlled rooftop infinity pool offering impeccable sea views. As the property is adjacent to the waterfront most rooms, as well as the gym and dining outlets, have a contemporary aesthetic appeal, that is sure to be loved by many. As with its sister properties, Vida Bahrain offers a sophisticated retreat for the modern-minded while celebrating the ethos of the brand – art, design, entrepreneurship, and fashion. The resort also houses a fully-fledged gym and a dedicated kids’ club. “We are delighted to bring Vida Marassi Al Bahrain to one 14

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of the most influential markets in both travel and business. The serene beach resort will soon be one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in Bahrain while serving as a testament to our warm hospitality,” said Mark Kirby, Head of Emaar Hospitality at Emaar Hospitality Group. The dreamy beach resort is a seamless mix of contemporary elegance and urban hospitality with an inspiring environment where guests can enjoy modern luxury and carefree stays. With a pristine beach, stateof-the-art rooms, fabulous crew members and a brand that is environmentally conscious, Vida Bahrain will be established as a unique lifestyle hub within the region and a place where creative minds connect and come alive – whilst keeping it refreshingly simple. The atmosphere is enthusiastic and light, leaving the guest to feel free in their choices. Home to those who appreciate fashion, art, design, and entrepreneurship, Vida is a place where art is a lifestyle and fashion is a belief. Refreshingly carefree, Vida keeps it simple. The Vida Beach Resort Marassi Al Bahrain is the sixth property under one of the most widely loved hospitality brands in UAE. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.VIDAHOTELS.COM FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

ART MEETS WORDS Artists and writers come together for another edition of Confluence at Harbour Gate. Bahrain Writers’ Circle (BWC) is once again presenting the unique exhibition Confluence – Where Words and Images Meet in collaboration with Harbour Gate. Confluence features 19 teams of writers and artists who have come together to create works of art either inspired by words or art that has inspired words. This year, the show’s patron is Mohamed Ali Shukri, the professional Bahraini life speaker and corporate culture expert and consultant. He is the first Arab to reach the World Championship of Public Speaking finals in 2006 in Washington D.C. and in August 2020 was recognised with the prestigious Accredited Speaker Award by Toastmasters International, making him the 88th person globally and the first in the Middle East to receive the award since its initiation in 1981. "Words and colours come from one place: the heart. They just appear together, playfully, in different spaces and styles: articulate art, singing canvas, dancing poetry, and colourful writing. I am pleased to be part of Confluence, where poets and artists portray a magnificent masterpiece, celebrating art in the heart of Bahrain," he says. As last year, the Confluence brochure will be available for download on the BWC’s website: www.bahrainwriterscircle.net where you can access more information about the participants. 16

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Saira Ranj, BWC Director says: “2021 sees the dawn of a whole new Confluence. The junction of two rivers creates a confluence and to host this exhibition yet again in Bahrain, a country between two seas, is no coincidence. Visual art powerfully interspersed with word art is what is showcased here, and it gives the onlooker a chance to really experience the perspectives of both. This time around, our members are collaborating with international artists across the globe – from the UAE to the USA. And it goes without saying, we are mighty thrilled to see how Bahrain and Harbour Gate in particular, our official venue since its inception, have consistently supported art and artists with such generosity.” The exhibition is located on the second floor at Harbour Gate within Bahrain Financial Harbour and runs from October 2 to 14. Entry to the exhibition is free and all COVID-19 precautionary measures are being implemented for the safety of visitors. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.BAHRAINWRITERSCIRCLE.NET FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

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• LISTEN UP

IT’S FESTIVAL SEASON Bahrain International Music Festival is back for its 30th edition with live performances across the island. Running until October 16, the festival is a joyful celebration attracting and blending international cultures from the Arab world and beyond, a musical rendezvous under Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities’ slogan for 2021, ‘Pearling Path’, reflecting the sustainability of the event and the unifying significance of culture and music as we are separated due to global circumstances beyond our control. Performances are taking place across Bahrain National Theatre, the Cultural Hall, Dar Al Muharraq, Dar Bin Harban and Dar Al Riffa. On October 3 and 4, embark on A Musical Journey from Mozart to Today by Pianist Maxime Zecchini at the Cultural Hall. In collaboration with the French Embassy, pianist Maxime Zecchini's concert offers a journey through different musical styles and eras. From the middle of the 18th century to the 2000s, listeners will be led to discover or rediscover some of the greatest musical masterpieces. Join this overlap of exquisite classical pieces and famous international tunes, as well as the fine works of many French musicians such as Claude Debussy, Michel Legrand or Charles Aznavour. Entry is free for ages eight and above, green shield vaccination proof required. In collaboration with the Omani Embassy, the Khawater by Hawas Trio from Oman will take to the stage at The Cultural Hall on October 5 and 6 to present a dazzling concert featuring eastern and international music and original compositions, 18

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as well as distinct Omani sounds. Entry as above. Take a taste of Spain on October 7 and 8 with the Laura de los Ángeles Piano Flamenco Show as the talented pianist, singer and flamenco composer performs an assortment of pieces dedicated to the beauty of the sea and those who dream of a better world. The venue is The Cultural Hall and entry as above. October 9 and 10 see A Tribute to the Late Salman Zaiman by the Bahrain Music Band. And on October 12 and 13 Jaywant Naidu Classical Folk Fusion takes to the stage in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bahrain and India. Putting local artists in the spotlight, the Dar Bin Harban Band will perform folkloric pieces at their eponymous hall in Muharraq on October 15. This band continues to be instrumental in reviving a myriad of local traditional arts, including Al-Ardhah, Al-La’abouni, Al-Khammari and AlFjiri. So, this is the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with traditional Bahraini sounds. The Qalali Folk Band will be performing on October 14 at Dar Al Muharraq and Dar Al Riffa Al Sagheera Band take to the stage on October 16 at Dar Al Riffa. ✤

GO: VISIT CULTURE.GOV.BH FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

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MEALS ON WHEELS

If you haven’t noticed the vast proliferation of food trucks popping up across the Kingdom in recent years, you’ve clearly not been paying attention. We’re here to remedy that with a food truck 101 featuring everything from the history of this phenomenon to current regulations to chats with operators and even how to start your own food truck business. fact magazine

• COVER STORY

History So, what is a food truck and where did they come from? Well, according to the New York Times Magazine, these mobile grub vendors can be traced back to one man in Rhode Island, USA. According to the magazine: “In 1872, a vendor named Walter Scott cut windows into a small, covered wagon and parked it in front of a local newspaper office in Providence, R.I. Sitting on a box inside, he sold sandwiches with pies and coffee to journalists and pressmen working late.” There are, of course, other claims to the origin but, as magazine people, we’re quite happy to believe that the whole idea started with old Walter serving hungry journos working to deadline. Since then, most of us will have come across the modern successors in the form of ice cream vans or burger and hotdog stands at sporting events. But these had nothing on the huge range of offerings available now. The real modern food truck trend came about in Los Angeles in 2008 with the launch of the Kogi BBQ Truck. The brainchild of Chef Roy Choi and entrepreneurs Mark Manguera and Caroline Shin. Unlike the greasy burger vans of the past, this was highquality, well-prepared food, at a reasonable price available in places where people wanted it to be. Of course, 2008 witnessed the global financial crash and the idea of launching a mobile food business, rather than a static restaurant, was attractive to investors. And without the overheads of rent and bills, the vendors were able to offer less expensive but really good and innovative food. A win-win situation.

Food Trucks in Bahrain For a while, it seemed the region had fallen a little bit behind the curve, surprisingly since the GCC’s food and beverage sector is known for knowledgeable investors and thirst for new concepts. But, by the early 2010s the truckers had arrived in the UAE and it didn’t take long for Bahrain to follow the trend. The first Bahrain Food Festival was held in 2015 featuring mobile catering from many of the big-name hotels and a smattering of food trucks. It was a huge success, which has become a muchanticipated annual event, and before long food trucks were popping up all over the island. We started to see them everywhere from Amwaj Islands and Al

Images BNA at the launch of the Food Trucks District

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THE LITTLE BLACK CARAVAN Basma Alkhayer gave us the low down on her food truck. “I founded the first one of its kind caravan that serves speciality coffee and plant-based food in Bahrain. The Little Black Caravan saw the light of day in 2017 when we realised the lack of good coffee in the kingdom. We simply wanted to serve the most delicious cup of coffee the area had to offer. We also wanted to share our passion for plant-based food. I turned vegetarian in 2009 but fully plant-based in 2017 when my son was diagnosed with a severe allergy to dairy and eggs and, from day one, I knew that I never wanted to compromise on taste or flavour; joy and excitement had to sit at the heart of every meal. So, I learnt to cook plant-based food and document what I was creating. I quickly found a deep passion for the incredibly positive impact that natural, plant-based food was having on my family’s health. After some persuasion we decided to share our own recipes to prove that plant-based food is delicious and not tasteless and boring, as most people think. We are not only a food truck, but we are a sustainable one as well. We aim for zero waste. This is why we encourage bringing your own cup, Tupperware and cutlery through giving a discount to those that do. We also use completely plant-based packaging. The caravan is just the start, and we aim, one day, to open up our own café in the kingdom.

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• COVER STORY Estiqlal Highway to Avenue 27 in Saar/Janabiya, where one or two quickly turned into upwards of 17! People became used to pulling over in their cars to grab their favourite snacks. But without regulation, unsurprisingly, this rapid proliferation started to cause problems both when the trucks were deployed in residential neighbourhoods and also when too many queueing customers became a traffic hazard! So, in 2017, the government took action to officially launch the island’s food truck sector specifying that the trucks should be Bahraini owned, registration with the Traffic Directorate was necessary and had to be approved by the Civil Defence Directorate and the location of the vehicles had to be agreed with local municipalities. Since then, the food trucks have continued to increase but there are fewer roadside truck stops with the vehicles being concentrated in designated spots such as the Food Truck District by the National Stadium which houses around 50 food trucks and attracted 160,000 visitors between its launch in October 2020 and February this year. A slew of further regulations was announced in February including that, if operating in residential areas, they can only open from 6am to midnight, must be at least 20m from residential properties, quieter generators must be used to avoid neighbour disturbance and chairs and tables for customer use must be removed when the truck is closed. Written landowner permission is also required, though those operating on private land may extend their hours with approval. All the legislation and control seem counterintuitive to the original ethos of the food truck – the wandering cook, popping up where the market presented itself, serving yummy snacks and then moving on. But the Bahrain model seems to be working and the government says the food trucks, particularly in their new, more organised iteration, are actually attracting more visitors and tourists. Another win-win.

Images BNA at the launch of the Food Trucks District

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What? When? Where? According to a report in the GDN, since 2017 the number of food trucks registered has grown by 186% to 401! So, from grabbing our attention at the roadsides, where have all they all gone. Well, of course, there’s the Food Truck District beside the National Stadium, which has around 50 trucks on site serving everything from shawarmas and burgers to desserts and coffee. And, despite efforts to relocate them last year, there are sill a significant number of operators on a side road next to Al Estiqlal Highway – a popular walking spot where the trucks have received a warm welcome. Way down at the south of the island, if you visit Durrat Al Bahrain, you will find a small troupe of ever-changing truckers catering to the area’s usually visiting population. Earlier this year the Mall of Dilmunia planned a food truck festival alongside its dancing fountains and it’s possible this will become an annual event, around March. Al Dana Mall also put on a Food Truck Festival in October last year. It was a great success and we’re waiting to see if it will return.

THE FORGE Ahmed Mahood, Co-founder of The Forge, told us: “The Forge's food truck concept was initially inspired by the mobile businesses that were done in the region, especially in the UAE. Being already active in the F&B (food and beverage) field, we had decided to adopt the food truck concept which resulted in a success that led us to expand into a branch where we are able to serve a bigger customer base. We believe that food trucks have been on the rise due to the opportunities they opened up for small entrepreneurs to showcase their products and brands in the market, in an efficient and practical way.

at WU Restaurant

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• COVER STORY And, of course, Bahrain Bay is home to the Bahrain International Food Festival which, these days, offers great opportunities for food truck operators. Several vendors have set up camp at the Calidus Centre in Riffa, among them The Forge, which was one of the first trucks on the island, parked for many years close to the Hamala Hills shopping complex. Yes, now you know where it’s gone. Not surprisingly with the thriving nightlife scene, there is also a significant gathering of trucks in Juffair, and, across the island, Busaiteen Beach is another a favourite spot. Avenue 27 in Janabiya remains popular. Though many of the trucks have moved to more suitable locations, the favourites such as Sliders, Mr Kunafa are still there. Food trucks seem to mostly open in the evenings when you’ll find them decked in party lights with seats outside and, often, music playing gently. But, if you want to spot them during the day, many also attend private events, such as the Wagalag doggie gatherings and you’ll find loads descending on Bahrain International Circuit for the Formula 1 and other big races.

How? You fancy starting your own food truck. But how do you go about it? Well, there’s plenty of legal advice out there on the paperwork

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and permissions you’ll need. So, we’re going to offer some tips on the fun side of things. ● Firstly, decide what sort of food you want to sell. Try to come up with something that’s not already flooding the market – do we really need more burgers? No, we truly don’t. But, if you opened a dosa truck…well The 7 Dosa at Ansar Gallery seems to be the only one around, so, you might well be onto something. ● It’s always a good idea to go with something that’s easy and quick to produce but don’t shy away from something complicated if it’s your passion and you think you can handle it. Try holding mass tasting sessions for friends to make sure you can get the volume right before you consider taking your idea to market. ● Take a good look at the financing. What’s it going to cost to set up and run? how much do you need to sell to break even or make a profit? How long can you afford to run without making a profit? ● Scout out locations. Are you looking for late-night business or earlier in the evening? Is the spot you’re looking at already popular with other truckers? If yes, speak to them and find out what the passing footfall is like. If you want to head to one of the many festivals, make sure you check registration

Cool it down at the Rocktoberfest. Revel in a selection of refreshment stations, A German Sausage party and a great selection of live music performed by the best local artists and DJ's.

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• COVER STORY requirements in good time. Check the competition, avoid being near another truck selling a similar menu. And, most importantly, is there availability at the space you’ve set your heart on? ● Come up with a name. It really needs to be something catchy so people will remember you. Get your social media campaign prepped and ready to launch. Instagram is where you’ll find most food trucks these days and, trust us, just posting pics of great food is not enough. You need to be really engaging with your audience. ● Speaking of engaging with your audience, you need a great truck. It needs to be eye-catching, memorable and immediately yours. Daubing Bill’s Burgers on the side of your old van simply will not do. Check out Instagram and other online sources for inspiration and have a clear idea in your head of what you want your truck to look like. Then, unless you’re a jack of all trades, find a designer and an artist who can bring your vision to life. ● Finally, get rolling, park up and get serving. And don’t forget to tell us where you are so we can come and try your wares.

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CALEXICO With a successful bar in Adliya, it’s easy to forget that Calexico’s concept started off from a food truck. We chatted to the guys there, who told us the story. “In the main restaurant’s case it was our owner's desire to introduce something similar to Calexico NYC after he met the Calexico Brothers on a visit to New York about eight years ago. Back then, the Mexican Street Food scene was almost non-existent in Bahrain and he was excited to introduce the local market to this style of casual food and dining. Luckily the guys from Calexico NYC were open to the idea of a partnership and Calexico Bahrain was born. The rest is history! “Our food trucks are a bit of an homage to the fact that Calexico NYC started off as a food truck venture before gaining lots of recognition and winning numerous awards, which led to them opening their first actual restaurant. Food trucks and Mexican street food go hand in hand, and it made sense to do something that recreated the original vibe and identity of Calexico NYC. The food trucks also allow us to be more mobile and have a presence in areas that we wouldn’t be able to cater to directly from our main site in Adliya. “We pride ourselves on making everything from scratch daily and we feel this really comes through in the overall taste and flavours of our food. We hope you guys agree. Calexico currently has trucks in Adliya, Janabiya, next to El Mercado Mall, and Zayed Town, behind the Zayed Town petrol station.

Indulge in the wide variety of Rajasthani food from our set menu prepared specially for you... Lunch: 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm | Dinner: 7:00 pm to 11:45 pm Tuesday Closed Book your table now, call +973 6631 6666 Jashanbahrain Building 65, Road 4003, Block 340, Juffair P.O. Box 13220 | Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain info@wyndhamgardenmanama.com wyndhamgardenmanama.com * Prices are inclusive of Service Charge, Government Levy & VAT.

Jashanbah

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• ISLAND RIDES

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ISLAND RIDES •

THE NEW

MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS

Mercedes-Benz continue their proud S-Class legacy with the latest generation model. fact magazine

• ISLAND RIDES

hy are Mercedes-Benz vehicles so popular? Critics and car enthusiasts from around the globe are constantly singing this prestigious brand’s praises and the consistent sales figures speak for themselves. Is it their high-quality construction, the fact that they are relentless innovators, their fantastic range of vehicles, their endless amounts of features and options, their safety record or their rich history? The truth is, it is all of the above and so much more. We at FACT have always been huge fans of the brand and this month, thanks to the friendly and professional team at Al-Haddad Motors, we were given the opportunity to experience the new MercedesBenz S-Class and, yet again, we were more than impressed. As soon as Mercedes-Benz’s new flagship vehicle came into view, we could see that the exterior design of the new S-Class is that of a classic sedan, one that boasts perfect proportions. At the front end, a bigger-than-ever, high-status radiator grille draws the eye, complemented by front headlights that house a unique LED signature. With a short overhang, long wheelbase and a balanced rear overhang, the new S-Class looks as powerful as it does graceful. With 20-inch AMG, multi-spoke alloy wheels and optional flush fitted doorhandles that pop out as you approach the car, the flanks are no less than stunning with a single crease running across the length of an otherwise smooth surface. The rear lights have intricate LED detailing with chrome accents, whilst real exhaust pipes are present in the dual exhaust setup. As we entered the vehicle we felt as if we were slipping into a firstclass lounge. Firstly, the soft seats are extremely comfortable, supportive and situated higher than we expected, giving us a commanding view of the roads. The cabin seats can be adjusted in a multitude of ways, all via sensitive capacitors on the door. With no less than 19 individual motors used to adjust your seat, no matter your size or shape, you are sure to have one comfy ride. Four of these motors are dedicated to providing a range of massages, accessible through the Comfort Menu on the infotainment system. These include massage options such as Hot Relaxing Back, Hot Relaxing Shoulders, Mobilising Massage, Activated Massage, Classic Massage and many more. The steering wheel is beautifully designed, feels great in hand and is full of capacitor buttons, allowing the driver to have complete control over the functions and systems of the vehicle without taking their hands off the wheel. In the rear, the almost hidden controls on the doors operate the side and rear windows. The seats are multi-adjustable and very comfortable with massage functionality and microfibre headrests. As in the front, ambient lighting features on the doors glow red or blue depending on whether you are turning the temperature up or down. An Android tablet fitted in the central console can be removed and used to surf the internet or watch movies. Built-in rear seat entertainment is present on both sides, as well as an optional fridge behind the centre consol. There are plenty of USB ports and cup holders throughout the car, as well as wireless charging options and even a set of wireless, noisecancelling headphones. Once out on the road, we got to play with the second generation 32

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MBUX learn-capable system. This system is more digital and intelligent than its predecessor, with brilliant displays on up to five large screens, in part with OLED technology. The 3D driver display allows for spatial view at the touch of a button for the very first time and a real three-dimensional effect is achieved without the need for 3D glasses. The head up display shows details such as current speed, the speed limit, road markings and more. It warns you when you are straying out of your lane and, when you select augmented reality, actual arrows appear on the road in front of you, directing you where to turn. We have never experienced technology like this in any car we have test driven before. Performance wise, our model S-Class boasts an S 500 4Matic petrol engine that produces 2,999cc with 320kW of power. It can surge from zero to 100km/h in just 4.9 seconds and has a regulated top speed of 250km/h. Its brilliant suspension system alone is enough to earn this car awards and combined with a fantastic braking system, responsive handling and technological assistance second to none, this is one classy and capable vehicle to drive. In truth an entire article could easily be written on each and every feature of this vehicle and you would still have to experience it for yourself to truly understand what this magical creation is capable of. ✤

ISLAND RIDES •

“

“As we entered the vehicle we felt as if we were slipping into a first-class lounge.”

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• ISLAND RIDES

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK A TEST DRIVE OF YOUR VERY OWN, PLEASE CALL AL-HADDAD MOTORS AT 1778 5454. 34

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ETHICAL LUXURY, PREMIUM PERFORMANCE

• VIEW FROM THE SHOWROOM

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Karl Hamer, CEO of Adamas Motors, which has just launched a new showroom serving three iconic motorcar brands, chatted to FACT about ethics, quality and selling a lifestyle.

VIEW FROM THE SHOWROOM •

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• VIEW FROM THE SHOWROOM

How did you become involved in the luxury motor sector? I came into this business at 18 in Worcestershire, UK, where I began working with Mercedes and Peugeot. In 2007, I came to the Middle East as sales director at Al Habtoor Motors, working with brands such as Bentley, McLaren, Mitsubishi and many others. Over time with them, they became my family. I became group managing director. Then, in February 2017, I gave them a year’s notice, I told them I was leaving to form my own company. I wanted a legacy for my family, I had learned that from the Arab world. I was the first expat to do so. We set up Adamas Consultants head office in Dubai and I had gone from having 1,800 employees and a billion-dollar turnover to nothing! In January 2018, we opened the first business with McLaren in Hong Kong, we have both a showroom and service centre there. It’s one of the most successful McLaren partnerships in the world… we sold 83 there in 2019! I was very proud. What we have, it’s our people that make the difference. You talk about luxury brands but it’s our people and our customer relationships, engagements and affinity partnerships. In August 2018, we opened the Lotus showroom on Shaikh Zayed Road in Dubai, then In April 2019, we launched the Lotus showroom on The Corniche in Abu Dhabi. And, of course, now we’re here in Bahrain. We opened the Aston Martin service centre in December 2020 and today we launched Lotus, with the first official appearance of the Emira. The actual Adamas Showroom will have its own official launch tomorrow. We currently represent Aston Martin, Lotus and Morgan in Bahrain and we’ll shortly be announcing a fourth marque in the luxury SUV segment. Elsewhere, we also have McLaren and we have signed with Pininfarina – but that’s a concept vehicle that doesn’t even exist yet! Our next venture will be Shanghai, which will deal solely with 38

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the Asia-Pacific region. What’s important for us is that we don’t sell cars – we sell a lifestyle. We aim to involve our customers. For example, the Dubai showroom has racing simulators, football tables and the clients come on a Saturday with their cars for organised events. At one point, in Hong Kong, we had 123 different McLarens driving in a parade. Can you imagine that? It was the largest parade ever and quite something to see! Our customers are our partners. Coming here to Bahrain is like moving into a new house or a new restaurant for a business. All the elements are there, it will just take a little time for them all to come together. The aim with this showroom is to be like a very high-end department store, where you can come to browse, have a coffee, talk cars, hear about what’s going on. How do you choose which brands you will represent? We try to have brands that don’t compete and always ones that have the same DNA and ethics that we have. As it happens, every brand we have is British, we didn’t plan it that way. I've built up many contacts during my years in the Middle East. When you know a lot of people and your reputation is decent, you can mostly pick who you work with. But, you have to choose wisely. Do you have a favourite and if yes, why? I once had a GP150 Lambretta scooter. Does that count? But no, seriously, I love them all. We’re investing a lot, a serious amount of money. With 30 McLarens in stock and Hong Kong tax at 134%, they’re extremely expensive in Hong Kong. In Bahrain George [Duncan, Bahrain Country Manager] has just sold Aston Martin Valkyries at almost BD1.4 million. We will be able to sell you a car from USD50,000 to USD3 million. So, yes, I love all my brands.

VIEW FROM THE SHOWROOM •

Why Bahrain for, perhaps, the largest collection of premium brands? I want to be the Harrods of cars, I want to be different, and we can do that in Bahrain because the Crown Prince has graced us with this building. We could build here the retail experience I wanted to build. In Hong Kong, we’re well known for the customers feeling that they own the business and we want to achieve that here. Bahrain customers are very discerning and a bit more conservative than other countries. So, it’s important that we have that relationship. This is the first showroom of its kind where we have so many vehicles and brands on display as well as the team in place to build that relationship. George is tasked with that. It’s not going to happen overnight but that’s our aim. Adamas has publicly said it wants to be the best company to work for and also to do business with. How do you plan to achieve this? We’re humble. We work very hard. We have virtually everybody that has been with us since day one. Everyone should be involved and valued – nobody can win a football game on their own, nobody can run a business on their own. It’s all about the people and I do actually care for every single one. Everybody has to have a place. Yes, we have to have processes and discipline and to know what we need to deliver. But I can’t do everything on my own, it’s impossible. I've learned the importance of valuing my people. For example, one of the tea boys is a graduate from Bangladesh and I’ve promoted him to team leader looking after our head office. He is the company! He’s there at 5am out washing down the block paving, getting the air-conditioning right for the customers – he runs it like it’s his own place and he’s not even supposed to start work until 8.30am!

I have not been in Hong Kong for almost two years, due to the pandemic lockdowns, but my people look at the business like it’s a family. Treating your team like family is the Arab way and I believe we have a lot to learn from this culture. In four years, we have created five showrooms, three service centres, with another one more coming in Abu Dhabi, and a head office. That’s all about teamwork and people. The people are what makes the business a success. And that is equally as important for the people you do business with. I’m very gratified to say that we have VIP guests flying in from all over the world to celebrate the opening with us, some who have not travelled at all during the pandemic. That our partners are willing to make that journey speaks a lot to the relationships we always aspire to in the way we work with people across the business. Money is not made because you want to make money. Money’s made because you have passion and drive and you’re honest and work hard every day, that’s what my grandfather taught me. Yes, we want to make a profit but we work ethically and honestly and work very hard. I work six or seven days a week, I love what I do. If I retire, I will die, I’m never going to retire. Please share a fact about yourself that other people might not know? I love the Middle East. If you get beyond the hotels and that kind of stuff, and live a decent honest life, we’re safe here, we’re looked after and it’s multicultured. I’ve learned to make friends with people that I would never otherwise have met. My nickname at at Al-Habtoor was the ‘White Arab’ because I worked like an Arab, not like an Englishman. I also have a great passion for and interest in music. I particularly enjoy Khaleeji music and can even dance Khaleeji! ✤

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• MOTORING NEWS

SHOWROOM FACELIFT REVEALED Euro Motors (EM), the official importer of BMW Group vehicles in Bahrain, has unveiled its completely refurbished and state-of-the-art BMW Premium Selection (BPS) showroom.

The advanced facility has been completely designed with the customer in mind and showcases the dealership’s extensive range of BPS vehicles. EM‘s thorough standardised checks ensure that every BPS vehicle is handed over in excellent condition. Using the latest technologies and professional expertise, BMW experts meticulously conduct a 360-degree inspection.

This comprises of an approved service and vehicle history check, as well as fully resolving any visual or technical flaws – from systems and components to the interior and exterior of the vehicle. A final inspection and document check is then performed, along with on-road testing. Euro Motors offers 12 months’ warranty with every BPS vehicle purchased and free maintenance for 5,000km or three months, whichever comes first. Clients can also enjoy BMW Premium Selection financing and trade-in offers, alongside complimentary roadside assistance. In line with Euro Motors’ ‘We Buy Your Car’ campaign, customers can sell their used BMW back to the dealership, without having to purchase a new one. They simply need to send pictures of the car and photo proof of the vehicle’s current mileage and they’ll receive a competitive price. The dealership is also offering trade-in support, ensuring buyers looking to drive home a new BMW can enjoy up to BD2,000 of savings. ✤ GO: CALL 7507 5017 OR EMAIL EUROMOTORS@ EUROMOTORS.COM.BH FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

CONQUERING LIFE IN STYLE The Infiniti QX60 has been reimagined from the ground up.

Based on feedback from previous QX60 owners, for the allnew version of Infiniti’s bestselling three-row SUV, engineers and designers focused on key areas to deliver a vehicle that empowers its driver in a range of real-world scenarios ranging from daily commutes to family duties with a greater sense of ease, serenity, and comfort. The Drive The model features an all-new nine-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and Shift by Wire selector as well as AllWheel Drive with direct coupling engagement for improved stability when tackling wet roads and slippery or sandy conditions. Enhanced ProPILOT Assist travels within single lanes with more natural steering and braking inputs for a smoother ride. And there’s a comprehensive suite of active safety features including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, High Beam Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Automatic Braking. 40

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What’s Inside? The interior experience delivers first-class accommodations in all three rows of seats with semi-aniline leather seats featuring quilted patterns on the first two rows. Additional options include zero-gravity seats in the front, climate-controlled seats, in-seat massagers, enhanced ventilation, 17-speaker Bose Performance Series audio, 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment and much more, including several family-friendly features. Total passenger room has increased by 215.2 litres over its predecessor for improved second- and third-row seating and the cargo capacity with the third row folded is increased to 1,178 litres. ✤ GO: CALL INFINITI BAHRAIN ON 1772 1773 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

culinary festival Where the world comes to your seat Don’t miss our award-winning culinary and theme brunch throughout the week and let our chefs offer you special delicacies in a lively atmosphere with delightful selection of drinks. Monday’s Seafood Night: priced at BHD 25 including soft drinks and water or BHD 30 including unlimited selected wine and beer. Flaming Thursdays: priced at BHD 34 net, inclusive of unlimited premium beverages. Award-wining Friday Brunch: priced at BHD 38 net person, including unlimited premium beverages. For reservations or more information, please call +973 17 4600 17 or e-mail hotel.bahrain.fb@movenpick.com

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movenpick.com/bahrain

• MOTORING NEWS

HIGH-PERFORMANCE LAUNCH The Lotus Emira made its Middle East debut at a VIP ceremony in Bahrain.

Lotus officially opened its new showroom in the Kingdom, under the umbrella of Adamas Motors, with the Emira sports car taking centre stage at the inauguration. The critically acclaimed two-seater, the last petrol-powered car from Lotus and the ‘best of breed’, made its Middle East debut at the event. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed by guest of honour H.E. Zayed bin Rashid Alzayani, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism.

Also attending the event were representatives from Lotus, including Dan Balmer, Regional Director, Asia Pacific and Middle East, and Geoff Dowding, Executive Director, Sales and Aftersales, who had flown in from the UK specially for the ceremony. Sheikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of Bahrain International Circuit, was also in attendance and was extremely complimentary having taken the chance to put an Emira through its paces on the race-track. The state-of-the-art showroom displays the Lotus identity in a new design language for Lotus retail environments worldwide that draws directly on the company’s design and engineering prowess. Sculptural and artistic in its execution, it captures the energy of the brand as it transforms from a UK sports car company to a genuine performance car player on the world stage. Bahrain was the car’s first public appearance outside the Goodwood, UK, and Pebble Beach, USA, motor shows. The Emira, which already has significant pre-orders, was on show here for four days before beginning a world tour. Customers who want to order a Lotus Emira V6 First Edition can spec their car using the configurator that’s now live at www.lotuscars.com. ✤ GO: CALL 33131327 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

ALL BLACK MG Motor has launched a special edition of the MG RX8 in the region. The Black Edition of the popular seven-seater SUV introduces a bolder, more assertive look to the range, with a raft of all-black interior and exterior style changes. The Black Edition model confidently displays a sleek, stylish black exterior look, supplemented by black side mirror covers, side mouldings, door handles and roof rails, and rounded off by the Black Edition badge and black chrome finish exhaust and bumper at the rear. Stunning midnight black 20-inch alloy wheels further elevate the limited edition RX8’s style. Naturally, the black theme extends to the cabin. The interior of the spacious seven-seater MG RX8 Black Edition is clad in high-quality, all-black leather. The highest trim (LUX) comes with ventilated seats to ensure passengers experience nothing but the best comfort. Tom Lee, Managing Director of MG Motor’s Middle East operations, commented: “The MG RX8 is a seven-seater flagship that continues to play a leading role as our customers’ favourite MG model since its introduction to the region. We continue to work very hard with our partners to deliver the best and most exceptional MG products our customers deserve, and that cater to their needs here in the region. We are confident that with an exclusive special edition 42

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from the MG RX8 – in an all-black trim with 13 unique upgrades – customers will experience individuality and exclusivity as well as uniqueness in this special edition.” ✤ GO: CALL 1770 3703 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• MOTORING NEWS

ELECTRIC POWER Welcome the most powerful Audi yet, the new, fully-electric Audi e-tron GT. The all-new Audi e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT are now available in the region. Primed for the road ahead, the electric Gran Turismos are the embodiment of Audi’s vision for the future of mobility. Progress, craftsmanship and a passion for high performance come together in the Audi e-tron GT quattro and its RS counterpart, with both models featuring exhilarating launch control, boosting the cars’ ability to deliver up to 530hp, on the e-tron GT quattro, and 646hp on the RS. In both models, the interior features an elegant instrument panel with driver orientation and ‘monoposto character’ taken straight out of the R8 supercar, giving the driver a feeling of open, yet controlled space within the cockpit. Drivers have a low seating position and wide centre console. The chassis includes features such as adaptive three-chamber air suspension and an electronic differential lock on the rear axle. Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light come as standard in the RS version while a number of options are available, including up to 21-inch wheels and all-wheel steering. The e-tron GT quattro has a range of up to 488km, while the RS e-tron GT’s range is up to 472km. The battery has a net capacity of 83.7 kWh. The e-tron GT needs just 22.5 minutes on a high-power

charging (HPC) column for a typical charge of five to 80%. This offers a 100 km range on a five-minute charge. ✤ GO: CALL 1745 9933 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

EASE WITH E-STORE Stellantis brands owners get full suite of e-services with new launch from MOPAR. MOPAR Middle East, the official parts, service and after-sales care provider for Stellantis brands Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram, has introduced an innovative e-store to serve the region. In addition to an e-store that offers genuine MOPAR parts and accessories, owners can also enjoy easy access to MOPAR’s insurance and Vehicle Protection (MVP) service. Additionally, they can make service appointment bookings, as well as being able to conduct VIN recall checks on their vehicle. MVP is the only service contract provider backed by Stellantis and honoured at all Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram dealerships worldwide, where vehicles are serviced by factory-trained technicians using certified Mopar parts, with the option of factorybacked MaxCare extended warranties of up to 10 years. If a vehicle has been subject to a VIN recall, MOPAR will repair the issue at no charge. The e-services offered by MOPAR are available on the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram dealership websites. ✤ GO: VISIT WWW.MIDEAST.MOPAR.COM FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. 44

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• PLUGGED IN

SUPERIOR DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY OPPO have set themselves apart from the competition with the new Reno6 Z 5G.

ith so many smartphones on the market, selecting a new device can be challenging and even a tad stressful. These mobile devices don’t come cheap, so making a well-informed choice is important to avoid any regrets later on. This month, FACT magazine got the opportunity to test the new OPPO Reno6 Z 5G, a device we feel is well-worth your consideration. OPPO have opted to keep the lightweight and thin structure that has worked so well for previous models. Both the Aurora and Steller Black versions incorporate the unique Reno Glow Design, ensuring the Reno6 Z 5G exudes a superior style that many other smartphone manufacturers will be eying jealously. Inspired by the northern lights, the phone’s back cover creates a subtle shimmering effect, adding to the class and elegance of these phones. What really makes the OPPO Reno6 Z 5G special and raises it above the competition is its camera setup. This device is basically a portable studio, offering a multitude of options to take photographs and videos to the next level. With a 64MP triple-camera setup and OPPO’s ultimate AI algorithm, we were able to capture stunning, crystal clear images and videos. In brief, it uses AI algorithms to pinpoint real light sources in the background and to create bokeh light spots at varying depths, thereby imitating professional cameras. It also uses natural beautification effects, removing skin imperfections on the face whilst preserving natural features. It can also match the skin tone of your face with your neck and brighten your eyes. With superior focus tracking, dual-view video and Flash Snapshot that enables the phone to instantly focus, you won’t find any dull or blurry pics in your gallery. Once you’ve captured the desired moments, you can apply some 46

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post-production magic through the AI Palette. This allows you to copy the style of an image you have found online with just one click. Deep learning algorithms are used to study the colour distribution of the target image style, which is then applied adaptively to the original image, whilst maintaining the quality and texture of the original image. Truly impressive stuff! The designers of the OPPO Reno6 Z 5G didn’t forget about the gamers out there. We found gaming on this device to be super smooth and without any lagging. The reason being, despite its size, this device is equipped with 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage as well as innovative RAM Expansion technology. Combine this with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 and an SGS Eye Care Display and you have one incredible gaming experience. All-in-all, the OPPO Reno6 Z 5G is a beautifully designed, technologically superior device that should be considered by anyone searching for a new smartphone. ✤ GO: VISIT WWW.OPPO.COM FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

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• PLUGGED IN

ACCESS ANYWHERE Never walk into a hot house again with the Haier ACs in 1.5 to 3 tons with Wi-Fi from Yusif bin Yusif Fakhro.

hese latest models allow you to save energy and boost your convenience factor with an AC that you can operate remotely from virtually anywhere. Using the units' Wi-Fi capability, you can access the Haier Home App which allows you to: ● Monitor status and turn unit on or off from anywhere ● Adjust temperature, mode, and fan speeds ● Set a weekly cooling schedule ● Get timely notifications related to normal user maintenance ● Pair with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for voice control specifications.

With voltage of AC220-240V, 50hz, and a six-star energy rating, combined with the ability to leave the units inactive, just turning them on a short time before you return home, you’ll be cutting your own costs while also doing your bit for the planet. And the new models from Haier carry a five-year warranty, reducing the need for unnecessary early replacement which can clog up landfills. ✤ GO: CALL 1740 8111 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

A FAMILY FRIEND Designed as an affordable, high quality and durable family companion, the HUAWEI MatePad T 10s is exactly that, a powerful and reliable tablet for all the family’s entertainment and educational needs.

he MatePad T 10s comes with a large FHD display that allows for immersive viewing. The large 80.6% screen-to-body ratio is ideal for watching films and, with a resolution of 1920x1200 and 70% NTSC colour gamut (typical value), the finer details will never be missed. Supported by the latest version of Huawei’s Android-based operating system EMUI 10.1, it’s a great way to access music and movies. With powerful dual loudspeakers and the HUAWEI Histen 6.1 surround-sound feature, Harman Kardon tuning and a long-lasting 5100mAh high-capacity battery, it’s a truly immersive audio-visual experience. The HUAWEI MatePad T 10s uses an in-built Low Blue Light eye protection feature. Built to be used on the go, a Micro SD slot allows external storage of up to 512GB. And, with a premium metal body and shock-resistant glass, this tablet can handle every kind of challenge that family life throws at it. Overall usability is further enhanced with the help of EMUI 10.1, which brings user-centric features like HUAWEI App Multiplier, which allows users to run two instances of the same app together. The family Kids’ Corner is an exciting new feature that turns your HUAWEI MatePad into a creative, educational and entertainment companion with four simple pre-installed features, the camera, 48

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voice recorder, multimedia player and painting tools. It issues six kinds of protective pop-up alerts to ensure children use it in the safest possible way, both in terms of their posture and eye health. Parents also have full control to give children access to other selected apps from the HUAWEI AppGallery or implement time limits and intervals on its use. ✤ GO: VISIT HTTPS://CONSUMER.HUAWEI.COM FOR FURTHER DETAILS

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• PLUGGED IN

APP-LICIOUS What’s on the smartphone agenda for October?

InShot For social media video editing, no fancy collages or slicing, InShot is a very handy app that lets you trim, speed up, or add music and filters. It’s pretty basic, but with that comes a user-friendly experience. Apart from that, for the perfect Insta square you can also add background and select the canvas according to your requirements. InShot also has some options for background scores that are both licensed and unlicensed. This means you can upload a video with a background score without any hesitation or fear of content getting blocked due to copyright infringements. This app has evolved over a period of time and now is mostly focussed for social media apps, mainly Instagram IGTV, reels and TikTok. It also makes it smooth and easy to import, trim and edit your clips together, then add filters, stickers, subtitles, captions and emojis. On top of all that, Apple users who usually struggle with importing music have the option to use iTunes and import music already downloaded. The app is free, but comes with ads, and your videos will be watermarked if using some features. However, both can be removed with a small monthly subscription.

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GPS Fields Area Measure If you’re looking for an accurate and convenient app to calculate distances, parameters and areas, then GPS Fields Area Measure is the one for you. It also marks necessary points on the map. The app features various marking modes, including high-speed marking of distance, terrain and smart marking with increased accuracy in the placement of points. It also gives you an option to save, edit, collect in groups, delete and exchange or assign names to the measured data. Pro tip: connect a GPS, which also improves the accuracy of the original information. GPS Fields Area Measure can be used for various sporting events or planning trips and also has variable interface and options for farmers, gardeners, construction companies and even pilots. With these options, agricultural, construction and other work on measurement and planning will not take as much time as if it was done manually. Convenient and innovative.

Get

1000

AVAILABLE ON

ADLIYA, JUFFAIR, PARK PLAZA, SANAD, ZALLAQ, HAMALA DURRAT AL BAHRAIN, BCC

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• 5 OVER 5

In Conversation with… Rabih Zein FACT caught up with Rabih Zein, General Manager of Royal Saray Resort Managed by Accor.

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5 OVER 5 •

What first attracted you to the hospitality industry and what do you most enjoy about it? I take delight in providing excellent service to my guests and ensuring their well-being. It's incredibly satisfying to see the results of your efforts in the satisfaction and smiles of your guests at check-out. Serving guests makes me feel like I'm caring for a butterfly, and it brings me tremendous joy to know that the luxurious experience we provide will be etched in their minds for a lifetime. Having started your career in Europe, what prompted you to make the move to the Middle East? Although I began my career in Europe, I am of Arabic descent, so it was lovely to return to my roots. We can all agree that Arabian hospitality is unlike any other and the standard is set quite high, making the experience more rewarding in the end. I also wanted my children to grow up in the Middle East and gain a better understanding of its culture. What changes do you have planned for the rebranding of Royal Saray to Accor standards? The change has already begun with the introduction of the Accor mindset and the implementation of brand standards know-how. I'll bring my 25 years of hospitality experience to concentrate on meeting the needs of the guests and the owner. Being a part of Accor, one of the world's leading hospitality companies, to make Royal Saray a leader in Bahrain hospitality,

we're taking a distinct approach. We are excited to bring in highly qualified professional team members from all around the world to enhance not just the property but also the guest experience. How long have you been in Bahrain, is this your first time in the Kingdom and why did you choose to come here? I only arrived a few weeks ago, although I used to travel to Bahrain on a regular basis for work. Bahrainis, I must say, have amazing friendliness in their blood; I was welcomed with open arms and Bahrain is a lovely island. I was blown away by the upgrades since my last visit in 2014, including the new airport, more flyovers, and fantastic infrastructure. With its rapid growth, Bahrain will undoubtedly become one of the leading countries and tourism destinations in the GCC/ Middle East, and I am excited to be a part of it. Is there something you can tell us about yourself that will give our readers an insight into the man aside from the GM? Personally, I am a tenacious and dedicated individual. I believe that if you enjoy what you do, you will always be successful. I consider my job to be a pleasure, which may seem strange, but I enjoy it. On a more personal note, my children grew up surrounded by hoteliers and my oldest son is currently pursuing a career as a hotelier. I've tried to involve my children as much as possible and they seem to appreciate this job to the utmost. ✤ fact magazine

FIREFIGHTER TO FOODIE Chef Hector Miguel Mendoza Becerra of Cantina Kahlo talks inspiration and a love of learning. 54

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VOICE FROM THE KITCHEN •

How did you first become involved in the culinary world? It was not the typical story of ‘I always knew I was going to be a chef’. At first, I wanted to be a firefighter because I knew my grades in school were not good enough to get me into medicine or architecture. My parents have always been supportive and they told me that they were going to pay for my education and after I finished, I could do whatever I want. It was perfect! I told myself, I would choose any school, give my parents the diploma, then I could enlist myself to be a firefighter as soon as possible. When it was time to decide which career I should follow, I remember thinking that I liked to cook at home and, for me, it was very easy. So, I went to the only culinary school in my town to check the programme and it didn’t seem complicated at all. The first year I still had in mind the firefighter job, but then I started to like the atmosphere in the kitchen. When I got my first chance to be ‘on stage’, that’s when everything changed! I was hooked by the lifestyle of the cooks, this feeling of being invulnerable because you’re working under pressure, while having a bunch of cuts and burns all over your arms. There was also camaraderie. So, here I am 12 years later, working at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain and enjoying my job as I did in those first years. From whom would you say you learnt the most along your journey? I’ve always considered Jorge Vallejo, from Quintonil (Mexico City), as my mentor. I got the chance to start at that restaurant when they were about to celebrate their first anniversary and left five years later when we were positioned as the 11th best restaurant in the world according to Pellegrino! Those were years of constant learning, trial and error, but I had a lot of freedom from his part. He gave me the chance to make mistakes and learn from them. I believe that your formative years as a cook are extremely important. He provided guidance on my professional life but also on my personal life. I had the chance to travel around the globe with him and cook in the kitchens of very important chefs. What do you like to do when you are not in the kitchen? I consider myself a very curious person and I like to learn new things all the time. Recently, I took a pottery lesson and I got hooked! I want to buy my own spinning wheel to start crafting my own vessels. A new discovery for me, maybe since the pandemic started, is podcasts. I find them extremely interesting, rich and full of information.

What is your signature dish? How was it developed and why do guests love it so much? More than a signature dish, I would encourage people to come and try our Mole; it changes constantly because on top of the 30+ ingredients that we put on it, we are also adding different types of fruit, seeds, nuts and spices depending on the day and also depending on the approach that we want to take. When Mexican people come and ask if we have mole, they ask us what kind of mole it is, we say ‘Cantina Kahlo style’ and it makes people wonder. We mix the best ingredients of some of the hundred moles that we have in Mexico and put them together here in Bahrain. Mole is very special for us here because it makes us feel at home, and it’s a celebratory dish, so we are just constantly trying to get people to try it and hope that they are going to enjoy it and love it as much as we Mexicans do.✤ fact magazine

MEET ME AT SUNDOWN Just as the sun sets every evening, FACT’s Sara Waddah found herself at another dining table, but this time right opposite her favourite sunset scene, orchestrated by the very special Sofitel Bahrain Thalassa Sea & Spa.

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CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

definitely love a good sunset, and Sofitel Bahrain has always been one of my favourite places to witness them from. Tucked away at the far end of the resort, this delightful picturesque waterfront venue is perfectly structured in a way that lets guests enjoy their evening from wherever they choose to sit. Tapas, this perfectly located spot, enjoys a beautiful vista of the water. And with it facing the west, we get a stunning view of the sun merging into the Arabian Gulf. What a magical experience to witness the setting of the sun in such a place. With the weather getting better, we already knew that we would opt to sit outside on the terrace and enjoy the breeze while watching day turn into night. With soft classic hits playing in the background, it’s really easy to just let go and live in the moment when you’re there. Ultimately preparing to go on a culinary journey, I allowed my mind to be at ease, my spirit was starting to relax, and my stomach was starting to rumble with hunger! Every time I return to Sofitel, the lovely staff welcome me and make me feel as though it's only been a single minute since they've seen me. With the kindness, friendliness and warmth I was receiving, I could tell that the team was as excited to show me the brand-new menu, as I was to try it. Getting us started with some expertly crafted artisanal beverages to warm us up into the evening, Chef Marco stopped by momentarily to tell us a little about the new additions to Tapas – combining some of the guests’ favourites, alongside several new traditional dishes, the emphasis is on making sure

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• CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

that visitors can enjoy top-notch gastronomic offerings with reasonable prices at this incredible venue. Starting us off with some cold tapas, an honorary mention must be given to the Ceviche De Corvina. Delightfully placed on bite-size pieces of avocado, and then flavoured with lemon juice and a special passion fruit coulis, the Sea Bass Ceviche felt nothing less than a bright, sunny day in the Mediterranean. With the freshness of the fish combined with the powerful flavour of the juices, each bite surprised me – it was definitely like nothing I’ve had before and so pretty. Turning my attention to the hot tapas on our dining table, I quickly focussed on the Croquetas De Pollo. Baked to utter perfection giving it a crispy exterior, and then stuffed with a gracious amount of chicken, accompanied by some romesco sauce, the croquettes were not only a delightful starter, but genuinely made me feel like I was back in Catalonia by the beach. Everything was going so perfectly that I had to remind myself I was actually only 20 minutes’ drive from my home! As the sun began to slowly disappear into the waters, Tapas was starting to get busy, seeing an influx of guests coming in for a wind-down session after toasting in the sun for the majority of the day. It was cute to be honest. At this point, I was already filled with the good vibes and tapas, but I was truly looking forward to diving into the seafood main course! As our server brought out a beautifully grilled octopus served on a bed of boiled potatoes, drizzled with olive oil and 58

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romesco sauce, I had to take a moment to just appreciate the preparation that went into the dish and how picturesque it looked - CLICKED FOR INSTAGRAM. Check! Reminiscent of the first time I experienced Pulpo Ala Gallega by the coast of Spain, this dish was tender, succulent, crispy on the outside with a slight flavour of smoked paprika that was able to bring it all together. The boiled potatoes also played a significant role in combining all the flavours and giving the octopus the perfect accompanying ingredient. Giving us a heads up that we still had one more special dish to go – the culinary team began to rave to me about their infamous Bao Buns, which I could see for myself were a crowd favourite! Delicious, warm, fluffy and stuffed with braised beef, the combination of the saltiness of the meat alongside the sweetness of the Ruby Slaw that was added in the mix made a perfect match for sure. Having saved a little space for their Royal Chocolate Cake, that was served with Caramel Sea Salt Sauce, you could tell that I was definitely satisfied by the massive grin that never left my face the entire night. Happy stomach, Happy spirit, Happy Sara! I can't wait to go back again. ✤

GO: CALL 1763 6363 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.

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INNOVATION ON THE MENU Liz O’Reilly discovers that Oishi, the latest new face at The Avenues – Bahrain, stands out for its fresh, light interiors and innovative menu.

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NEW IN TOWN •

ishi can be entered from the mall side, which seems quite unassuming, but when you walk through into the main dining area, the light provided by a wall of windows brings the simple, fresh décor into its own. Traditional Japanese costumes are hung as wall art, while an industrialstyle grid ceiling gives way to the actual ceiling which is painted white with a gorgeous gold mural of koi fish to tease the eye. Make sure you look up. The open kitchen is flanked by bonsai trees and gives a great view of the chefs going about their work and, it’s worth noting, Oishi also has a lovely outside terrace seating area overlooking the water, which will certainly prove popular as the weather cools. The first dish to arrive at our table was Maple Shrimp Salad – shrimp marinated with sweet chilly sauce, ketchup, garlic salt and pepper, and grilled. Shrimping season is here and it’s easy to tell as these were really fresh and solid with a great texture. The marinade, particularly the garlic salt, gave a great infusion of flavour and the accompanying mixed leaf salad was bursting with goodness. Next came Karaage Chicken, which proved to be a favourite on our table. Marinated chicken breast cubes served with Togarashi Kewpi mayo and garnished with sisho leaf, sea salt and lime. The tender white meat in a crunchy crumb was flavourful and perfectly off-set by the tangy mayo. It disappeared very quickly. Grilled Sweet Potatoes to follow were an absolute triumph. I spend a lot of time trying to convince myself to ditch my fact magazine

• NEW IN TOWN

beloved spuds (it’s the Irish in me) in favour of less calorie-laden sweet potatoes, but the sweetness has always deterred me. These, though, managed to convince me that I wasn’t missing out. They are steamed and then brushed with chilli lime butter and finished under the grill. Served with Sasa Noho leaf, they’re drizzled with homemade teriyaki sauce and garnished with sesame seeds and chives. Not just perfect but so good that I took a portion home for later. Crispy Hamachi with Fresh Truffle was next to the table. Seasoned crispy sushi rice cake topped with a mixture of Hamachi (Japanese amberjack or yellowtail fish) and homemade tartar sauce made with caviar, Hamachi, mayo, salt, pepper and onion, sprinkled with grated fresh truffle, chopped chives and served with truffle punzu. Now, truffle might not seem the most likely ingredient to find in a traditional Japanese restaurant but Oishi has already proved itself to be something different. This is fusion with a capital F and the chefs are constantly experimenting and adding to the classics to give diners an exciting culinary experience. The Maki Special Platter was another revelation. For a start I loved the names of these creations: Osaka, Flowing Lava and Yama Hills. And while each offered a different flavour combination, my absolute favourite was Flowing Lava – breaded shrimp, sushi rice and avocado in a white soy wrap drizzled with dynamite sauce and torched to give an almost caramelised top which was garnished with fried onion flakes. The different flavour combinations challenge the taste-buds and this really works. Dare I say it, these actually gave an almost comfort food-like feeling. Teriyakisoba Steak is a meal all by itself. Soba noodles, grilled beef steak, bean sprouts, spring onions, snow peas, bok choy, red onion, garlic paste and sliced red chilli tossed in teriyaki sauce, with tsuyo and curry oil for added flavour, and topped with coriander and mixed sesame seeds. The meat was pinkly perfect and richly flavoured and the profusion of vegetables infused in the noodles made for a satisfying and interesting taste experience. The last, and possibly most impressive, of the savoury dishes, the Short Rib Mushroom Rice is a show dish mixed at the table. Consisting of Hikari Japanese sticky rice, sauteed Eryngi and Shitake mushrooms, Yakiniku sauce, Yamasa soy sauce and chopped shiso leaves, the addition of Angus short ribs, slowcooked for 48 hours, elevates the dish to a new level. The flavour and texture of the meat – so soft that the chef could pull it apart with just a spoon – is something you don’t find very often and it’s a dish not to be missed. 62

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By this stage, I truly believed I couldn’t eat any more. But, then came the desserts… The Vanilla Mango Float consists of layers of light-as-air vanilla sponge with vanilla ice cream, Graham crackers and mango sauce topped with slices of fresh mango. This was so fresh and fluffy that I was amazed to discover the list of very rich ingredients, including whipped cream and condensed milk. Sinful but worth it. And last but certainly not least, the Chocolate Dome was seriously impressive. Moist chocolate cake in a chocolate dome that collapses as milk sauce with caramel and hazelnuts is poured over it. Served with amazing homemade vanilla ice cream with crispy chunks of burnt caramel it’s so, so good! You have to check it out for yourself. ✤

GO: CALL 1722 8062 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.

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AN AUTHENTIC TASTE OF TURKEY Liz O’Reilly checked out Gunaydin, the impressive new arrival on the Adliya dining scene.

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DINING DELIGHT •

dliya’s Block 338 has long been the island’s most famed dining area and, while other prime foodie spots are beginning to crop up around the Kingdom, Block 338 retains its crown with a slew of new fine-dining venues. One such newcomer is the Turkish restaurant Gunaydin which, since its recent launch, has quickly carved its own niche. So, anticipation was high in the office when we were invited to sample the menu. And that excitement was not misplaced. We were shown to the chic smoking area for dining, though there is a very large non-smoking area too, and I was immediately impressed with the décor. An antiqued glass mirrored wall, really funky spider lights, mid-century modern leather sofa seating areas with complementary deep teal upholstery on the velvet chairs. All came together to create a feeling of nostalgia mixed with elegance. A green and gold theme meets with industrial-style ceilings. The walls are deceptive – think the dress that divided the internet – to me, up close, they appear pale turquoise and gold but from a distance they reflect the green-painted surfaces and appear verdigris. The gold-tiled bar area is impressive with gold coloured hanging pendant lights and even the black and grey, heavy ceramic plates are made in Turkey. Virtually all the staff, from manager to chefs, are also Turkish, so, you know you’re in for a totally authentic dining experience. Gunaydin’s mezze menu is truly impressive. With numerous items, you’re sure to find something to please every palate. We were presented with a huge selection, including Atom, which is sun-dried spicy Turkish chilli with butter sauce on garlic and eggplant-infused strained yoghurt. This was an immediate hit with one of my colleagues. Initially cool and flavoursome leading into an intense chilli tang, it left a satisfying heat in the mouth. Vine leaves were stuffed with rice and seasoning but the addition of blackcurrants gave an interesting variation, something unexpected that you have to savour and, perhaps, inquire about if, like me, you really love to know what has piqued your taste buds. I particularly loved the Panço, fried potatoes with eggplant, yoghurt and garlic. Bathed in the creamy yoghurt, I had not expected this dish to be so impressive but the smoky flavour of the eggplant combined with a generous hit of garlic made this one of my favourites. Acili Ezmes is a spicy tomato dip with pepper and onions that just begged for the freshly baked Turkish bread that made a showstyle entrance as a whole, puffy, oven-expanded loaf, ready to be chopped up at our table. And a special mention must go to the Tulum cheese. A creamy, salty goat’s milk cheese that is ripened in a goatskin casing. It was a first for me and the melt-on-the-tongue texture coupled with the unique flavour made a huge and positive impression. Truly, we could have whiled away the afternoon feasting on the whole range of mezze. There were enough delicious eggplant and tomato combinations, not to mention an outstanding hummus, to keep us happy for several hours, along with that heavenly bread. But knowing there was much more to come. We decided to reign in our appetites and see what would arrive next. We were glad we did as we were soon facing a light, fluffy Kibbeh, fact magazine

• DINING DELIGHT

its centre perfectly infused with flavour and a dusting of green pistachio, as well as stuffed sundried eggplant and a selection of salads whose presentation was truly Insta perfect. The star presentation was the Gunaydin Beef Lokum fillet. Totally fat free, high-quality steak, grilled to absolute perfection. The flesh literally melted on the tongue with a slightly gamey aftertaste that left us wanting more. The Alinazik Kebab was a pleasant surprise. I’m not usually a fan of kebabs, finding them a bit greasy, but this was moist and juicy, rather than greasy, an indication of the quality of the ground lamb used. Served on eggplant liberally infused with yoghurt and garlic, it’s an interesting and immensely comforting mix of flavours with a great texture. And Abana Kebab is beautifully presented on a zig zaggedcarved pitta base. The meat is spicy prepared with special, traditional Turkish seasoning with roasted chillis (beware, these are hot!), onion salad and grilled tomatoes. Super tasty, I loved it along with the Patatas Tava, piping hot and crispy paprika fries. We brought our feast to a close with a selection of desserts of which the Cheese Kunafa was the outright winner. The warm cheese pulled away in perfect strings from the crunchy vermicelli which was doused liberally in sweet super syrup. It was accompanied by Turkish ice cream which, if you’ve never had it, is a must try. Not too sweet and devilishly creamy, it was a triumph.✤

GO: CALL 1700 0099 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION. 66

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FOOD FOR ALL Good food and breathtaking views are what team FACT experienced while tasting the new menu at Links at the Royal Golf Club. 68

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ON THE MENU •

reenery is not a common sight in Bahrain and, if you miss seeing beautiful green lawns while enjoying tasty food, this is the place to visit. The restaurant is light filled from large windows that offer an impressive and extensive view of the golf course. However, if you need an extra incentive to visit, they have a new menu with gluten-free and vegan options plus new mains and desserts. We were invited to try some of the new dishes, a perfect late lunch on a Thursday after a hectic workweek. The vegan and gluten-free options were added at the request of regular guests, making the vegan here pretty happy. Executive Chef Sudheesh assured us that the gluten-free menu is cooked at a different station, meaning it is safe for those suffering from gluten allergies. The first dish was from the vegan menu, the refreshing Raspberry, Kale and Quinoa Salad. Beyond the ingredients in its name, it also had cherry tomato, cucumber, avocado and fresh pomegranate with raspberry lemon dressing. Kale is a quite fibrous green leaf and, if not prepared right, an entire bowl can be a bit too much. But Chef Sudheesh and his team know exactly what they are doing; the kale was soft and deliciously flavoured. Still from the vegan menu, we had the Burrito Bowl, served with cauliflower rice, sweet potato bake, sauteed kale, fresh tomato salsa and refried beans. A de-constructed interpretation of this Mexican staple. A favourite bite from this dish had to be the beans, as an important protein for the vegans out there (we know our beans quite well), the texture and taste of this one was spot-on. However, the dish I, the vegan, will come back for is the Salt & fact magazine

• ON THE MENU

Pepper Tofu made with crispy tofu and seasonal vegetables served with garlic-fried brown rice and soy dip. Another key protein in a vegan diet, tofu (a soy-based white block), has no taste, and that's what makes it versatile as it absorbs any flavour you choose. In this case, Chinese-inspired accents darkened the triangular bites, while the chosen vegetables enhanced the dish for a well-balanced composition. My companion had a few bites from the vegan spread; however, she had to leave space for the exciting non-vegan dishes that were also arriving at our table. The Pan Seared Scallops is a new starter on the menu and is composed of seared scallops served with butternut squash puree, grilled asparagus with a beurre noir. The scallops, a seafood option that can easily become rubbery if not done correctly, were cooked to perfection, firm and juicy with a hint of sweetness. In its authentic German version, one of the new main dishes that she tasted was the crispy Schnitzel. It is served with caramelised onion and cheese spaetzle, small, seasoned dough pieces poached in boiling water and popular in southern Germany and Alsace, as well as steamed vegetables and creamy mushroom sauce. Continuing the culinary trip, the menu brings a new pasta, the Homemade Potato Gnocchi, pan-seared gnocchi, tossed in crispy bacon, cream and blue cheese sauce topped with rucola and parmesan. The little pockets of potato dough, with intense and memorable flavours, were one of the highlights of the menu. It was time to explore the brand-new gluten-free options. The Chicken & Cauliflower Rice is a lemon and garlic-infused chicken, exceedingly tender and with a satisfying smoky taste, served 70

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with cauliflower rice, baked sweet potato and mint yoghurt, a delectable match of ingredients for a successful and comforting food. The other dish served, the Grilled Sea Bass, is prepared with a lemon herb crust, roasted new potatoes, cherry tomato, and basil stew. It was delicious and beautifully presented in a tower of well-seasoned ingredients. As every perfect meal ends, we were presented with the desserts. Since there are, as yet, no vegan options here, my colleague was in charge of tasting the sweet new options. She tried the Crustless Lemon Meringue Mousse, a lemon flavoured white chocolate mousse served on vanilla crumble meringue, which was very light and brought a tangy and refreshing sensation to the palate. The Tiramisu was presented in a semi-circle chocolate case and filled with an infusion of coffee and mascarpone with a coffee macaroon decorating the plate that looked like a piece of art and tasted sensational. And, last but not least, her favourite, the Infinity Chocolate Cake, a rich and soft flourless chocolate cake served with raspberry coulis and fresh berries. She was sceptical about its texture, as it is a gluten-free pick, but after the first bite, it left her speechless for its softness and perfect rendezvous of chocolate and raspberry. A tip though, ask for it to be served with a sprig of mint, it perfectly complements the other flavours. We’ll be back for the rest of the menu.

GO: CALL 1775 0777 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.

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SIMPLICITY, VARIETY AND TASTE

Easy on the eyes and even easier on the appetite, Sara Waddah and her companions devoured a hearty Italian meal that had them smiling from cheek to cheek. 72

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FOODIE CORNER •

ucked away at the Wyndham Garden Manama, Trattoria easily comes to sight upon entering the hotel. Mounting a few steps this casual and comfortable space instantly felt welcoming as we went through the door. With plenty of sunlight coming through the stained-glass windows that surround the entire restaurant, Trattoria is decorated simply as an Italian-styled eatery – less formal than some but with lots of emphasis on customer satisfaction. With creative décor and small art pieces decking the red walls, chic Trattoria was definitely emitting vintage and rustic vibes. To be honest, when it comes to me being immensely satisfied with a meal, there are always several factors that come into play – the ambience, the friendliness of the hosts, the love and passion that has gone into preparing the dishes, as well as my afterglow. My happy Sara glow. We started with the Bruschettini Con Verdure – which definitely felt like the dynamic version of a bruschetta – this crispy baked goodness stuffed with cheese, tomatoes, olives, and served with balsamic reduction, literally tasted as good as it sounds. Paired with the Champignons Truffle mushroom soup, our anticipation for more of the dishes really started to kick in as we dipped breadsticks into the truffle-y delight. Trattoria, without a doubt, sent us on a journey to Italy. And it was only just getting started. As the gracious staff began placing dishes on our dining table (luckily, I had companions to devour this meal with), I began to feel infatuated with the aromas of the food. Not knowing which direction to go for, I allowed my heart to guide my fork, and was pleasantly surprised.

Cooked in beautiful tomato paste and cream, giving it a pink, rosy look, the Tortellini Mousse Di Polo felt somewhat like the type of hug that gives your entire body goosebumps. Stuffed generously with chicken, each bite complements the last – and that's how you end up eating everything at an Italian restaurant. Also grabbing my attention was the Costolette Di Agnello. Cooked in a simple yet authentic way, the lamb chops and side dishes were bursting with flavours, with the tender meat instantly melting in the mouth. Beautifully decorated with bright yellow sauce and graciously seasoned asparagus, a fascinating salmon steak with a lovely aroma joined our dinner table. With a refreshing and subtle taste, the fillet of fish felt as if it had been just freshly caught right out of the sea - flavoured lightly with just the right amount of seasoning. Dousing the steak and veggies with the sauce, what became apparent to me was honey-like saffron, this delightful addition

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• FOODIE CORNER was just perfect for this dish! Vibrant, different and definitely standing out amongst the other dishes. Who on earth goes to an Italian trattoria and doesn't try the pizzas!? Definitely wasn't going to be me. Serving an original authentic Margharita Pizza, and then allowing guests to add up to four different toppings, we decided to go for barbecue and more mozzarella... because you can never have too much cheese! Coming out toasty in all the right places, there was absolutely nothing that could go wrong in that moment with this wood-fireoven-baked pizza. I literally didn't even know if I'd ever be ready to leave all these slices of Italy behind! We ended our lovely journey in little Italy (just right in the streets of Juffair) with the sweet, fruity, crunchy feast that is Crostata Di Frutta Di Stagione Con Creme Alla Vaniglia! We even practised saying it in Italian while we laughed and enjoyed the euphoric feeling of that glow I was telling you about. Definitely worth a try, Trattoria is currently open every day (except Sundays) from 12pm to 3pm for a three-course set menu Business Lunch that is priced at BD6 per person. Opened later in the evening for dinner from 7pm to 11.30pm, they’re really making it easy to pop in at these points of the day for a heart-fulfilling, stomachsatisfying, soul-gratifying good Italian meal. Ciao Bella! ✤

GO: CALL 6631 6666 OR VISIT WYNDHAMGARDENMANAMA. COM FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION.

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THE 12TH EDITION OF THE POPULAR FACT DINING AWARDS IS FAST APPROACHING AND, UNLIKE LAST YEAR, WITH THE HOSPITALITY SCENE FINALLY RE-OPENING, WE ARE ON TRACK TO HONOUR THE CRÈME DE LA CRÈME OF THE ISLAND’S RESTAURANT SCENE. THE RESILIENCE OF THE FOOD SECTOR HAS ABSOLUTELY ASTOUNDED US OVER THE PAST MONTHS AND WE’RE DELIGHTED TO PAY TRIBUTE TO BOTH THE STALWART ISLAND FAVOURITES AS WELL AS THE NEW VENUES WHO’VE DEFIED THE CHALLENGING BUSINESS CLIMATE OF THE PANDEMIC AND DIPPED THEIR TOES IN THE WATERS TO BRING US AN EVER MORE FANTASTIC AND WELL-ROUNDED SELECTION OF EATERIES ACROSS THE KINGDOM. WE ALSO HAVE SEVERAL NEW CATEGORIES TO REFLECT THE VERY DIVERSITY OF THAT DINING SCENE.

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ARE YOU READY TO CAST YOUR VOTE?

HOW IT WORKS:

l FAVOURITE is decided through online public voting which was

l This year’s edition features several hundred nominees across

l In addition to the regional and cuisine-specific awards, we

launched in mid-September. Check QR code. almost 50 categories.

will also celebrate the overall BEST and overall FAVOURITE

l There are two winners in each category: BEST and FAVOURITE. l BEST is decided by an anonymous panel of judges made up of industry experts, reputed bloggers and the editorial team.

restaurants in Bahrain. l FACT Dining Awards is part of a wider initiative by FACT M.E. with annual ceremonies in Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE NOMINEES! VOTE SOON ON WWW.FACT-MAGAZINE.COM. fact magazine

• FACT DINING AWARDS

Casual Dining:

• Baker & Spice, Al Aali Shopping Complex • Bocca, Seef District • Celluloid, Amwaj Lagoon • Dome Café, Various Locations • Fatto, Seef District • MochaLoca Restaurant & Café - Tubli • Nomad Urban Eatery, Seef District • Oak, Riffa • The Florist's Daughter, Al Aali Shopping Complex • The Food Hall, The Avenues Bahrain • Twist, Various Locations • Via Brasil, Wyndham Garden Manama

Al Fresco Dining:

• Akaya, Adliya • Attic, Adliya • Fusions by Tala, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • La Plage, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain • Lanterns, Adliya • McGettigan's, Adliya • Meisei Rooftop, Adliya • Oliveto, Adliya • Tapas, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa • Thai Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain • Trader Vic's, Seef District

All-Day Dining:

• 25 N 50 Eatery, The Grove Hotel Bahrain • Al Bareh Restaurant, Jaw Resort & Spa • Al Waha, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • Atmosphere, Wyndham Grand Manama • Bay View, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay • Brasserie Royal, Royal Saray Resort Managed by Accor • Elara Café, Water Garden City • Flavours on 2, Downtown Rotana • Ginger, Majestic Arjaan by Rotana • La Mosaique, Crowne Plaza Bahrain • Le Chocolat, Various Locations • Olivos, The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa • Selections, InterContinental Regency Bahrain • Silk's, Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain • Swiss-Café Restaurant, SwissBelhotel Seef 78

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Family-Friendly:

• Al Abraaj, Various Locations • Ben’s Cookies, Saar • Dome Café, Various Locations • Fatto, Seef District • Florence & Dar Zowayed, Adliya • La Plage, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain • Lumee, Various Locations • Malgoom, Hala Plaza • Marash, Various Locations • Nino, Seef District • The Cheesecake Factory, The Avenues Bahrain • YaSalam, Various Locations

Family-Friendly Brunch: • Al Waha Friday Brunch, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • Atmosphere, Wyndham Grand Manama • Choices, The Art Hotel & Resort • Flavours on 2, Downtown Rotana • Friday Roast, Crowne Plaza Bahrain • Legendz, InterContinental Regency Bahrain

Friday Brunch:

• Cantina Kahlo, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain • Choices, The Art Hotel & Resort • CUT by Wolfgang Puck, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay • Fat Butcher's Fabulous Brunch, Crowne Plaza Bahrain • Flavours on 2, Downtown Rotana • Friday Brunch, Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain • The Grand Friday Brunch, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

Saturday Brunch:

• Cantina Kahlo, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain • Legendz Steakhouse, InterContinental Regency Bahrain • Masso Restaurant, Palace Boutique Hotel • McGettigan’s, Adliya • Oliveto, Adliya • Rosso, The Art Hotel & Resort

In-Mall:

• Café Lilou, Al Aali Mall • Cioccolatitaliani, City Centre Bahrain • Lumee, Various Locations • Nando’s, Various Locations • Paul, Various Locations • The Butcher Shop & Grill, City Centre Bahrain • The Cheesecake Factory, The Avenues Bahrain • The Food Hall, The Avenues Bahrain • Twist, Various Locations • Vapiano, City Centre Bahrain

International:

• Café Lilou, Various Locations • Camelot Restaurant & Lounge, Adliya • Celluloid, Amwaj Islands • Choices, The Art Hotel & Resort • Crossroads Bahrain, Marriott Executive Apartments, Juffair • Fusions by Tala, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • Haus Restaurant and Lounge, Adliya • Lemon Bahrain, Amwaj Islands • Links, Royal Golf Club • Mahonia, Adliya • My Café, Adliya • Nomad Urban Eatery, Seef District • Phoenix, Hidd • Plums, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain • Trader Vic's, Seef District

Newcomer - Casual Dining:

• 3al Tareeq, Seef District • Ali Pasha Café & Restaurant, Muharraq • Backyard Terrace, Crowne Plaza Bahrain • Bayt Fairouz, Saar • Black Angus Steakhouse, Seef District • Hala Lebnan, Reef Island • Howdy, Adliya • Itsumo Japanese Restaurant & Grill, Adliya

FACT DINING AWARDS •

• Oishi Japanese Fusion, The Avenues, Bahrain • Raihana Qalby, Hala Plaza • Retro Lounge, Juffair

• David's Stir Fry Crazy, Adliya • Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant, Various Locations • P.F. Chang's, City Centre Bahrain

Newcomer - Fine-Dining:

Indian – Casual Dining:

• Bo.Sabi, The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa • Gunaydin Restaurant, Adliya • Icon Lounge Bahrain, Adliya • L’Orto, Adliya • Maison Sushi, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa • Opa, Royal Saray Resort Managed by Accor

Themed Night:

• Crowne Plaza Bahrain, Manama • Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain • Nikmati Pop-Up, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain • The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • Wu, The Art Hotel & Resort • Wyndham Grand Manama, Seef District

Value for Money:

• Al Abraaj, Various Locations • Charcoal Grill, Manama • Coco's, Adliya • Emmawash, Various Locations • Foods at Home, Budaiya • Hash House, Adliya • Healthy Calorie, Various Locations • Take Away, Seef District • Zayt Zaytoon, Various Locations

Burger Joint:

• Blaze Burgers, Adliya • Bluefield Burger, Juffair • Crave, Seef District • Elevation Burger, Seef Mall • Five Guys, The Avenues Bahrain • Fuddruckers, Various Locations • Gold Label, Various Locations • Jack's, Various Locations • Shake Shack, Various Locations • Slider Station, Adliya • Sliders, Various Locations • The Fat Cow, Various Locations • The Grub Shack, Hamala

Chinese:

• Beijing Restaurant, Adliya • China Garden, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa

• Asha's, Various Locations • Copper Chimney Restaurant, Various Locations • Indian Delights, Salmaniya • Lanterns, Various Locations • Mewar, Galleria Mall • Mumbai Spices, Various Locations • The Urban Dhaba, Manama

Indian – Fine Dining:

• Bambu India Gate, Adliya • Jashan, Wyndham Garden Manama • Nirvana, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain • Rasoi by Vineet, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • Rivaaj, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

Iranian:

• Banu Restaurant, Hala Plaza • Foods At Home, Various Locations • Isfahani, Various Locations • Parsian Restaurant, Adliya • Shahnameh Restaurant, Al Budaiya • Takht Jamsheed, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • Tehran Grills, Daih

Italian – Casual Dining:

• Cico's, Adliya • Cucina Italiana, Juffair • Fatto, Seef District • Marzipan, Galleria Mall • Otto, Hamala Hills • Pastarito, City Centre Bahrain • Planet Star Hollywood, Adliya • Rosso, The Art Hotel & Resort • San Carlo Cicchetti, Al Aali Complex • Trattoria, Wyndham Garden Manama, Juffair • Vapiano, City Centre Bahrain

Italian – Fine Dining:

• Cafe Italia, Adliya • Fiamma, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa • Mondo, Taste of Italy, The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Residence & Spa • Oliveto, Adliya • Pasquale Italian Restaurant, Reef Island

• Primavera, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain • Roma, Um Al Hassam

Japanese:

• Aburi, Janabiya • Bushido, Seef District • Imari, The Domain Hotel & Spa • Kei, Golden Tulip Bahrain • Maki, Moda Mall • Meisei, Adliya • Mirai, Adliya • Sato, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa

Lebanese:

• Abd El Wahab, Moda Mall • Al Fayez, Reef Island • Café Blanc, Seef District • Enab, Adliya • Layali Fairouz, Adliya • Leila Min Lebnen, Seef District • Mandoleen Restaurant & Lounge, Adliya • Pashawat, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa • Phoenix, Hidd • Rayes Lebanese Restaurant, Coral Bay Resort • Samawar, Ramada by Wyndham Manama City Centre • Yasmine Lebanese Kitchen, Various Locations

Mediterranean:

• Attic, Adliya • Bifteki, Riffa • Brasserie Royale, Royal Saray Resort Managed by Accor • Fatto, Seef District • Florence & Dar Zowayed, Adliya • Indigo, The Merchant House • Marzipan, Galleria Mall • Masso, Palace Boutique Hotel • Mezza House, Atrium Mall • Salero, The Westin, City Centre Bahrain • Tapas, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa • Ya Hala, Ramada Hotel & Suites Amwaj Islands

Mexican:

• Calexico, Adliya • Cantina Kahlo, The Ritz-Carlton,Bahrain • Casa Mexicana, Adliya • Margarita Mexicana, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • Señor Paco's, Adliya fact magazine

• FACT DINING AWARDS

Southeast Asian:

• Bambudha, Juffair • David's Stir Fry Crazy, Adliya • Keizo, Al Areen Palace & Spa • Monsoon, Adliya • re/ASIAN Cuisin, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay • Thai Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain • WU Asian Restaurant & Lounge, The Art Hotel & Resort

Steakhouse:

Middle Eastern:

• Al Abraaj, Various Locations • Al Bareh Restaurant, Jaw Resort & Spa • Aziz 1988, Hala Plaza • Cafe Bazza, The Avenues • Emmawash, Various Locations • Florence & Dar Zowayed, Adliya • Furn Bistro & Bakery, The Westin Bahrain City Centre • Lumee, Various Locations • Marash, Muharraq • Mezza House, Atrium Mall • Naseef, Various Locations • The Food Hall, The Avenues, Bahrain

North American:

• Applebee’s, Seef District • Bennigan's, Al Safir Hotel • Big Texas Barbeque & Waffle House, Juffair • Buffalo Wings & Rings, Adliya • Fuddruckers, Various Locations • Ric's Kountry Kitchen, Juffair • T.G.I. Fridays, Juffair • Texas Roadhouse, The Avenues, Bahrain • Tony Roma's, Various Locations

Seafood:

• Fish Express, Palm Square • Fish Lounge, Various Locations • Le Domain, The Domain Hotel & Spa • Salya Seafood, Maqaba • Shrimp Pot, Amwaj • The Fish Market, Al Bander Hotel & Resort • The Flaming Salmon, District 1, Janabiya 80

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• CUT by Wolfgang Puck, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay • Fat Cow, Various Locations • Le Sauvage, The Domain Hotel & Spa • Legendz Steakhouse, InterContinental Regency Bahrain • Plums, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain • The Don Steak House, District 1 Janabiya • The Foundry, Adliya • The Meat Co., Adliya

Thai:

• Baan Saeng Thai, Manama • Banana Leaf, Manama • Khunnay Kanom Thai, Riffa • Pong’s, Hoora • Royal Thai, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • Samui Thai, Mercado Mall • Shada, Hala Plaza • Thai Lounge, Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain • Thailand Restaurant, Adliya

Turkish:

• Kosebasi, City Centre Bahrain • Lale Restaurant & Gourmet, Manama • Mado, Various Locations • Namli, Various Locations • Turkish Mashawi, Ramli Mall

Bar:

• Burlington Club, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain • Calexico, Adliya • CUT Bar & Lounge, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay • Hazel Rooftop Lounge, Adliya • Irish Village, Adliya • Trader Vic's, Seef District • Xenia Bar & Lounge, Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain

Beach Club:

• Al Hadiqa, Royal Saray Resort Managed by Accor • Beach Club, The Art Hotel & Resort • Beach Club, The Grove Resort Bahrain • La Plage Beach Club, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa • Pool & Beach Deck, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay • Royal Beach Club, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain • Reef Clubhouse, Reef Island • Solymar Beach, Amwaj Marina

Ladies Night:

• McGettigan's, Adliya • Meisei, Adliya • Salero, The Westin Bahrain City Centre • The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • Txoko, The Domain Hotel & Spa

Lounge:

• Alto, Downtown Rotana • Bushido, Seef District • Coda Jazz Lounge, Juffair • Elements Pool & Lounge, InterContinental Regency Bahrain • Havana Cigar, Royal Saray Resort Managed by Accor • Hazel Rooftop Lounge, Adliya • Mezzanine Lounge, The Westin City Centre Bahrain • Oliveto, Adliya • Thai Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain • Txoko, The Domain Hotel & Spa • Typhoon Lounge, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • Viola, Adliya

Pool Bar/Lounge:

• Al Hadiqa, Royal Saray Resort Managed by Accor • Elements Pool & Lounge, InterContinental Regency Bahrain • La Plage, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain • Nasmat Lounge, The Westin City Centre Bahrain • Sol Pool Bar & Lounge, The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa • Typhoon Bar, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa

FACT DINING AWARDS •

Pub:

• Fiddlers Green, The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa • Irish Village, Adliya • JJ's Irish Restaurant, Adliya • McGettigan's, Adliya • Sherlock Holmes, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • The Harvesters, Crowne Plaza Bahrain

Shisha Lounge:

• Al Bindaira Café, Seef District • Bushido, Seef District • Doors Café, Adliya • Kasbah, Seef District • La Plage, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain • Lemon Bahrain, Amwaj Islands • Marzipan, Galleria Mall • Mawasim Restaurant & Lounge, Galleria Mall • Mezza House, Saar • MochaLoca Restaurant & Café, Tubli • Narguile Lounge, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa • Nasmat Lounge, The Westin Bahrain City Centre • Phoenix, Hidd • Shisha Lounge, Reef Boutique Hotel • Veranda Café, Adliya

Sports Bar:

• Champs, The Juffair Grand Hotel • Grand Yard House, Diva Hotel • JJ’s Irish Restaurant, Adliya • McGettigan’s, Adliya • Player's Lounge, Wyndham Garden Manama • Red Lions, Ramee Grand Hotel • Repartee, Royal Golf Club • Sherlock Holmes, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • Wembley Lounge, Atiram Premier Hotel

Café:

• Angelina Paris, Various Locations • Arriba Cafe, Water Garden City • Café Chantilly, Saar • Café Lilou, Various Locations • Café Ségo, Manama • Chocolaterie, Reef Boutique Hotel • Elara Café, Water Garden City • Gallery Café, Adliya • Joe's Cafe, The Avenues Bahrain • Le Chocolat, Various Locations • Macaron Café, Atrium Mall

• Nomad Urban City Café, City Centre Bahrain • Reviive, Various Locations • Shakespeare and Co., Zallaq Springs • The Lobby Lounge, Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain

Coffeehouse:

• % Arabica, The Avenues Bahrain • 11:11 Make A Wish, Adliya • CAF, Seef District • Caribou Coffee, Various Locations • Coffee Republic, Various Locations • Coffee World, Reef Island • Columbus Café & Co, Various Locations • Costa Coffee, Various Locations • Dose, Various Locations • Esquires, Various Locations • Gloria Jean's Coffees, Various Locations • Grind, Saar • Starbucks, Various Locations • The Dot, Juffair

Patisserie:

• Bay View, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay • Café Chantilly, Saar • Café Délices, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • Cake Boutique, Seef District • Furn Bistro & Bakery, The Westin Bahrain City Centre • Haus Bakery, Adliya • Haute Cupcakes, Seef District • Lilou Artisan Patisserie, Various Locations • Macaron, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa • Macaron Café, Atrium Mall • Raw Candy, Seef District • The Ritz Gourmet Lounge, The RitzCarlton, Bahrain

Tea Room:

Fusion:

• Akaya, Adliya • Clay, Adliya • Fusions by Tala, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • Haus Restaurant & Lounge, Adliya • Maki, Moda Mall • Oishi, The Avenues Bahrain • Thai Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain

Green & Clean:

• Anais Vegan Café, Hala Plaza • Chef & The Whale, Budaiya • Healthy Calorie, Various Locations • Plant Café, Liwan Mall • Poke Café, Al Aali Mall • Raaw, Saar • Raw Candy, Seef District • Reviive, Various Locations • Roots Café, Hamala • Vedge, District 1, Janabiyah

Iftar & Ghabga:

• Furn Bistro, City Centre Bahrain • Keizo, Al Areen Palace & Spa • Mövenpick Bahrain • Salero, The Westin, City Centre Bahrain • The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel Residence & Spa • The Grove Resort Bahrain • Wyndham Garden Manama • Wyndham Grand Manama

Iftar Experiences:

• Crowne Plaza Bahrain • Downtown Rotana • Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay • Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention & Spa • InterContinental Regency Bahrain • The Art Hotel & Restort • Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa

• Bay View, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay • Furn Rotunda, The Westin Bahrain City Centre • Tea Club, Various Locations • Tea Garden, Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa • The Lobby Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain • The Orangery, Palace Boutique Hotel • The Palm Lounge, Palace Boutique Hotel • The Ritz Gourmet Lounge, The RitzCarlton, Bahrain fact magazine

• DINING DEALS

FLAVOURSOME FEASTS Get ready to take advantage of great dining offers across the island for October.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BAHRAIN BAY CUT By Wolfgang Puck The popular grape-themed dinner series returns to CUT by Wolfgang Puck. Enjoy a bespoke four-course menu with pairings curated by the talented specialist, Balu, who spent over 16 years studying and working in Michelin-starred restaurants across France and some of the most established Chateaux. The special dinner will happen on October 27 at 7pm and is priced at BD65 net inclusive of beverages. GO: Call 1711 5044 for reservations and more information.

GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN CONVENTION & SPA Margarita Mexicana The Mexican restaurant brings a Taco Monday on October 18. Allyou-can-eat tacos and margaritas priced at BD12 net per person. In addition, they also offer 50% discount on their selected special margarita menu throughout the day, T&C apply. From October 3 to 29, you can also treat yourself to a bit of southern Mexican cuisine with Chef Ruben’s ‘Sopes Menu’. GO: Call 1774 6462 or email fbm@gulfhotelbahrain.com for reservations and more information.

CROWNE PLAZA BAHRAIN

GULF HOTEL BAHRAIN CONVENTION & SPA

The Harvesters Pub & Terrace Get saucy with their Ribs and Wings promotion every Tuesday night. Revel in a mountain of St Louis spareribs and jumbo chicken wings served with your selection of hearty side dishes from 6pm to 12am. Priced at BD18 net. GO: Call 1753 1122 or 3992 0163 for reservations and more information.

Al Waha On Wednesday, enjoy the Butchers Night, for a selection of fine steaks and marinated kebabs cooked to your preference and complemented with various salads, hot appetisers and desserts, priced at BD15+++. On Thursdays, the seafood offering is back and waits for you at Al Waha. You will find a fresh selection of seafood to choose from and cooked live with a variety of sauces. Prices are BD23 net with soft beverages and BD29 net with free-flowing grape. Prestige Club members enjoy a 20% discount, kids below five eat for free, and six to 12 year olds get a 50% discount. GO: Call 1774 6425, 1774 6426 or email fb@gulfhotelbahrain. com for reservations and more information.

CROWNE PLAZA BAHRAIN The Backyard Rocktoberfest is a new event on The Backyard’s calendar with a selection of refreshments, German sausages and live music performed by a variety of bands and a DJ. Priced at BD25 net per person, it includes five beverages from the refreshment station and access to the sausage station. The event will happen on October 29, from 4pm to 9pm. GO: Call 1753 1122 or 3992 0163 for reservations and more information.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BAHRAIN BAY CUT By Wolfgang Puck and CUT Bar & Lounge Enjoy an array of delicious dishes crafted by the talented Wolfgang Puck team that are paired with refreshing beverages and the best tunes. On Fridays, you can enjoy the brunch with family and friends while enjoying Wolfgang’s favourite dishes prepared by Executive Chef Brian Becher and his team. The brunch happens from 12pm to 3.30pm at BD48 net, inclusive of beverages and BD34 net, exclusive of drinks. GO: Call 1711 5055 for reservations and more information.

fact magazine

• DINING DEALS

INTERCONTINENTAL REGENCY BAHRAIN Elements Pool & Lounge Enjoy a unique moment in a green oasis in the heart of Manama and delight in an assortment of light bites and a selection of beverages. Alternatively, relax by the pool while sipping on the signature cocktails and shisha. On Tuesdays, unwind at Elements cosy lounge and create your own combo of hops and bites. Priced at BD7 net, from 6pm to 10.30. GO: Call 1722 7777 for reservations and more information.

INTERCONTINENTAL REGENCY BAHRAIN Legendz Steakhouse The award-winning steakhouse offers premium cuts, grills and signature dishes cooked to perfection. On Sundays you can enjoy their NZ grass-fed Ribeye steak (280g) cooked to your liking and served with country-style grilled tomato and roasted garlic with your choice of sauce. From 6pm to 10.30pm, priced at BD9.9 net per person. GO: Call 1722 7777 for reservations and more information.

INTERCONTINENTAL REGENCY BAHRAIN Selections Restaurant At this eatery, you’ll find a wide range of European, Asian and Middle Eastern dishes. Whether you are a lifelong vegetarian or a Yorkshirepudding-till-I-die kind of person, Saturday Roast is a weekend happening, and they have a lot to offer in terms of trimmings, delicious food and gravy galore. Gather family and friends and join them for a leisurely Saturday Roast starting at BD16 net per person, from 12pm to 4pm. GO: Call 1722 7777 for reservations and more information.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL BAHRAIN Silk’s Restaurant Start your weekend clubbing with a quality night at Silk’s Flaming Thursday. Celebrate the end of the week and savour their salad bar, passing by their Mediterranean light starters section, and stop at the fresh shrimp station. Enjoy unlimited grapes and hops and a variety of enhanced drinks while listening to the resident DJ’s tunes. The night brunch starts at 7pm and is priced at BD34. GO: Call 1746 0017 or e-mail hotel.bahrain.fb@movenpick.com for reservations and more information.

MÖVENPICK HOTEL BAHRAIN Palms Terrace Enjoy a barbecue on the poolside terrace with flavoursome shisha and your meats grilled the way you like them and served at your table while watching live football matches on the large screen. The selection includes ﬁne Frankfurt sausages, Shish Tawouk, beef tenderloin and lamb chops, priced at BD12 net per person. Daily from 6pm to 11pm. GO: Call 1746 0017 or e-mail hotel.bahrain.fb@movenpick.com for reservations and more information.

ROYAL GOLF CLUB Links and Slice Terrace Enjoy an evening at the Golf Brunch, the Wee Monty, including nine holes on the par-three course with on-course food and drinks stations. Every Thursday from 5pm to 7.30pm and priced at BD18 per person. GO: Call 1775 0777 for reservations and more information.

ROYAL GOLF CLUB Links Every Wednesday from 12pm, dine in on the signature ‘Steak Stone’ and receive a 30% discount on your steak. GO: Call 1775 1262 for reservations and more information.

ROYAL GOLF CLUB Links Enjoy an à la carte brunch priced at BD30 inclusive of unlimited food and selected beverages with live entertainment. Every Friday from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. GO: Call 1775 1262 for reservations and more information.

SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA Saraya Restaurant Join the Bella Ciao brunch on October 15 with the passion of the Italian kitchen. Feast on your favourite pasta, pizza or risotto and feel the love for everything Italian while chanting ‘Bella Ciao’ at least half a dozen times. On October 22, the brunch celebrates Spanish cuisine with Sofitel’s Flamenco Spanish Brunch. Enjoy your food whilst jiving to flamenco music by their Latin band. Both brunches are hosted in elevated #ALLsafe settings and priced at BD36 net, including selected beverages from 12.30pm to 4pm. Kids below five eat for free, and six to 12 year olds get a 50% discount. GO: Call or WhatsApp 3888 5789 for reservations and more information. 84

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• DINING DEALS four that you can handcraft yourself, along with selected beverages to excite your senses. Every Tuesday from 6pm to 10pm and priced at BD22 per person, including one glass of special beverage. GO: Call 1758 6499 or email rc.bahrz.restaurant.reservations@ ritzcarlton.com for reservations or more information.

THE WESTIN CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN Furn Bistro Open for breakfast daily from 6.30am to 11am and extended until 11.30am during weekends. Breakfast costs BD7.5 net per person. A la carte lunch is available from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. A la carte dinner available from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. There’s also Pink bubbly afternoon tea from October 15 to 25 from 2.30pm to 5.30pm at BD15 per person for sweet and savoury treats and unlimited tea and coffee GO: Call 1717 1000 for reservations or more information.

THE WESTIN CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN SOFITEL BAHRAIN ZALLAQ THALASSA SEA & SPA Maison Sushi Restaurant Craving sushi? Eat all you want in the company of magnificent sea views with Sunset Sushi, hosted daily (except Mondays), from 4pm to 6pm, at Sofitel’s Japanese outlet. The fresh and colourful gastronomy will surely satiate lovers or novices of sushi! Savour unlimited sashimi, maki, sushi and much more, an experience that will take you on a journey to the land of the rising sun for BD25 net. GO: Call or WhatsApp 3888 5789 for reservations and more information.

Salero Bahrain’s newest Spanish restaurant celebrates Spanish National Day on October 12 with exciting prizes, activities and entertainment. GO: Follow @salerobahrain on Instagram to find out more.

WYNDHAM GARDEN MANAMA Trattoria Italian Restaurant A business lunch composed of an Italian three-course menu is offered every day, except Sundays, from 12pm to 3pm. Priced at BD6 net per person. GO: Call 6631 6666 or email info@wyndhamgardenmanama.com for reservations and more information.

THE ART HOTEL & RESORT

WYNDHAM GARDEN MANAMA

WU Restaurant & Lounge WU is launching its Queens Night on October 6; a ladies themed night featuring great tunes by DJ Elena and singer Tamar. Receive 50% off on selected drinks and indulge in delicious platters with a 25% discount. Every Wednesday from 7pm onwards. GO: Call 1600 0111 for reservations and more information.

Via Brasil Enjoy a succulent variety of rotisserie grilled meats including Picanha, Fraldinha, Tenderloin with Parmesan Crust, ribeye, striploin, garlic chicken wings, and lamb chops along with glazed pineapple, a gourmet salad bar and authentic Brazilian sides for an experience like nowhere else. The Unlimited Churrasco deal includes unlimited soft beverages priced at BD24 net per person or unlimited selected beverages at BD34 net per person. Open daily, except Mondays, from 6.30pm to 11.30pm. GO: Call 6631 6666 or email info@wyndhamgardenmanama.com for reservations and more information.

THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN Nirvana Immerse your senses at The Great Indian Thali where a culinary journey awaits with authentic Indian cuisine. The special menu is available on Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12pm to 3pm and 7pm to 11.30pm. Priced at BD18 per person with one beverage included. You can also opt for the Nirvana Express by Chef Mahipal Singh on the same days and timings. A four-course tasting menu inspired by the gastronomic wonders of the largest cities in North, South, West and East India. Priced at BD20 per person. GO: Call 1758 6499 or email rc.bahrz.restaurant.reservations@ ritzcarlton.com for reservations or more information.

THE RITZ-CARLTON, BAHRAIN Cantina Kahlo Gather with your friends for a taco fiesta at your favourite Mexican cantina. A selection of tacos includes four perfectly crafted ones and 86

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• ENTERTAINMENT

BIG SCREEN The Chair Need to Know:

The Chair is a comedy-drama that follows the life of JiYoon as she becomes the Chair of the English department at an important university. We follow her as she tries to navigate between difficult co-workers, reviving the English department and dealing with personal matters.

Creators: Amanda Peet, Annie Julia Wyman Cast: Sandra Oh, Jay Duplass, Holland Taylor, Nana Mensah, Bob Balaban

“

The show deals with issues such as institutional racism and sexism as well as cancel culture and how it affects people.

How to Become a Tyrant Need to Know:

Have you ever wondered how some of the world's worst tyrants came to power? In this six-episode documentary, you look at six different dictators and what they did right and wrong. And how you can learn from them to avoid becoming a tyrant yourself.

Narrator and Producer: Peter Dinklage

Why Is It Worth Watching?

The series begins with us being introduced to the first woman chair, Ji-Yoon (Sandra Oh) of the English department at Pembroke University. She is handed a crumbling department, which is outdated and seen as irrelevant to students due to the old-fashioned methods of the teachers. And as she tries to keep the department afloat, she must also deal with problematic co-workers such as Bill (Jay Duplass), who is struggling with the loss of his wife, and being a single mother to a troubled child. The show deals with issues such as institutional racism and sexism as well as cancel culture and how it affects people. It truly encapsulates how it feels to be a working mother trying to also build a career in such a tumultuous time, where you can lose your job over a joke. It's definitely worth your time, and it's a great show to binge over the weekend as it only has six episodes.

Why Is It Worth Watching?

In this documentary narrated by Peter Dinklage, we learn from the 'playbook' the ultimate guide to becoming a tyrant. In each episode, we follow one of the worst tyrants of the 20th century. We learn about their achievements, faults and the actions they took to be remembered as a tyrant. From Adolf Hitler in 1933 to Kim Il-sung in 1948, and many others. In this fascinating documentary, everything is analysed including the personality and mentality needed to be a dictator and the lengths one goes to stay in power, such as manipulating the truth, crushing your rivals and keeping control with violence and fear. We also get to hear from various historians and professors as they comment on the brutal actions taken by these insecure, selfcentered and power-hungry men in their attempts at conquest. The documentary also clarifies why the 20th century was one of the bloodiest in human history. This is an absolute must-watch, with excellent narration and interesting delivery. 88

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ENTERTAINMENT •

ON THE RECORD

FULLY BOOKED

LITERARY FICTION

Are You Enjoying? By Mira Sethi

ALTERNATIVE / INDIE Skin By Joy Crookes

This debut album is not due out until October 15 but several of the songs are already available online and, if they’re anything to go by, it will be a corker. Of the title track, Skin, Joy has said: “Out of all the songs I have ever written, I think Skin is the most important to me. It is simple musically and lyrically, the lyrics are literal and self-explanatory: 'The skin that you're given, was made to be lived in. You've got a life, you've got a life worth living'.” The song appears to be about calling someone back from suicide. Tragic, tearful but also hopeful, made all the more poignant by Joy’s soulful, bluesy voice and perfect delivery. If you listen to this on YouTube, make sure you read the comments, some of them are heartbreaking. Another standout is When You Were Mine. Absolutely awesome intro, horns and old 1950s/60s style tied together with a unique voice that sounds a bit like early Any Winehouse. This is a girly anthem that we promise will be a chart hit and a superb singalong. And we love that the Bangladeshi-Irish singer is still referencing her London roots with a nod to Brick Lane. She will also re-record 2017’s Power for addition to the album showcasing the development of her voice from then to now. If you can’t wait for the official release, we recommend a YouTube binge in preparation. We did and didn’t regret it.

ELECTRONIC / POP / DANCE Loving in Stereo By Jungle Having first heard Jungle, the British electronic duo of Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland, at a bar in Sri Lanka a few years ago, we’ve been waiting eagerly for new music from the pair and Loving In Stereo does not disappoint. Opening track Dry Your Tears introduces an almost cinematic theme with a short tuneful choral interlude. It makes a reappearance later on Keep Moving leading into a floor filler that put us in mind of the Scissor Sisters with some great falsetto disco that gets cutely trippy at the end. Lifting You and Bonnie Hill are two real feel-good tunes with great lyrics. One of the YouTube comments on the latter is that ‘this is a total eargasm’. We couldn’t agree more. In a departure from the poppy theme, Romeo Ft Bas is reggae sounding with a bit of rap – it’s a collab that really, really works. It keeps up the summertime sound and the smooth voice of Bas suits the Jungle style perfectly. Truth is unashamedly retro, think back to the early days of groups like the Thompson Twins and others who managed to include lots of voices. And No Rules, defies description. It’s electronic with a decidedly psychedelic feel. From disco to reggae via a touch of psychedelia, this album truly doesn’t have one duff track.

Mira Sethi's debut book Are you Enjoying? is a collection of short stories, a comprehensive critical reflection on South Asian society, set in the bustle of life in contemporary Pakistan. Her characters hop out from the pages – their voices, their opinions. Their world is an infusion of modernism reinforced by customs and traditions. There is a colourful cast of characters, including a naive actress who has a rude awakening when witnessing the sleazy world of showbiz and a news anchor grappling with the aftermath of his divorce and newfound obsession with his white, American neighbour. All in all, this book highlights aspects of Pakistani liberal culture that not many people are aware of.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY

The Face: Strangers On A Pier By Tash Aw

Tash Aw’s latest offering takes us on a journey of introspection into his own history, as he reflects on his heritage as an ethnic Chinese, a child of Malaysia, and a citizen of the world. His beautifully drafted personal essay Strangers on a Pier examines the rich diversity of a slice of contemporary Asia via his own family’s immigration and an educational experience. The essay also covers his relationship with his family. He does not argue against migration but rather explores the process and how he navigates through differences in culture and language. This is an intimate exploration as the writer muses on the lives of his ancestors and contemplates the trials and tribulations that have cropped up in his own experiences and the effects of the past on the current generation. fact magazine

CLASSICAL STYLE The latest collection from Italian designer Brunello Cucinelli harks back to the days of classical men’s attire but expressed with a modern twist. 90

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FASHION FOCUS •

his autumn winter 2021 offering develops the fruit of years of research into the creation of a simple and long-lasting style, capable of capturing emotion. A man’s wardrobe evolves with the taste of the season, striking the perfect balance between the inspirations that gave shape to today’s look and a creativity orientated towards timeless elegance. The study of the classics and of the elements that emerged above the trends has shed light on the fundamental values, qualities and harmonies that the modern eye has updated whilst keeping their spirit intact. The consistent and essential style, the soft silhouettes and the refined details make elegance a daily and dynamic occurrence. The collection also brings a focus on elegance focusing on the blend of formal attire and versatility that the suit conveys. Sartorial patterns and contemporary fits are reinterpreted in pure Brunello Cucinelli style. The suit embraces the concept of balance: it embodies a style that is poised between classic and modern, tends to tone down its formal attitude thanks to casual lines and gives character to looks, all whilst staying true to versatility. Elegance dresses up in patterns that explore the seasonal fabrics: from the iconic pinstriped motif that stands out on wool flannel, to the classic Prince of Wales design that is enriched with the slubbed appearance of linen; and from the exuberant flair of cotton corduroy to the streaked effect of flecked fabrics featuring a slightly degradé colour. ✤ fact magazine

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Skin Proud Sorbet Skin For those looking for an everyday moisturiser that delivers instant hydration without the heavy formula, Sorbet Skin is the answer. With an ultra lightweight, jelly texture, this sorbet-like gel delivers skin-loving goodness on a major scale. Free from oil, Sorbet Skin locks in the skin’s moisture for revitalised and healthy skin. The moisturiser is formulated with a powerful four part hyaluronic acid complex for results on every level, along with cooling rose flower water to renew and restore.

Lottie London Mega Brow Lottie London’s new Mega Brow is your go-to for achieving that perfectly sculpted full brow, in a flash. Shape and set brows with the non-drying, water activated wax to hold your brows in place all day to get that just-laminated look without the price tag (we won’t tell if you don’t). Choose between clear wax or a tinted version for a darker brow to add an extra dimension of enviable definition. Mega Brow comes with a cute and compact spoolie; so all you need to do is simply spray the wax with water or setting spray, coat your spoolie and smooth over brows for an instant ‘gram ready look.

L’ARTISAN PARFUMEUR Passage d’Enfer Soothing and meditative to its best, Passage d’Enfer pays homage to the Parisian location of L’Artisan Parfumeur’s office in the 1970s. It conjures up images of chilled cathedral walls and echoes of rituals and incantations. Translucent lily and white musk sweeten the balsamic smoke of incense. The name of the perfume may be dark, but the scent itself is tranquil and contemplative.

Amly Nocturnal Nectar Bio-Fermented Facial Essence The modern British skincare brand that elegantly unites the power of natural and organic ingredients unveils a facial essence — a lightweight liquid that preps the skin to absorb moisturisers and oils better. Supercharge your regime with the full-bodied properties of bio-fermented apple cider vinegar, brimming with amino acids and antioxidants that serve to hydrate, soften and nourish the skin. This concentrated formula is suitable for all skin types and helps dissolve dead skin cells, delay the appearance of wrinkles and stimulate circulation.

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FOR HIM •

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• MATTER OF FACT

What We’re (Still) Talking About Who’s Next?

Can You Believe It?

Fur Kindness Sake

Daniel Craig is about to end his run as the world’s best known and most loved civil servant, AKA 007 James Bond. The actor will make his last appearance in the iconic role in No Time To Die, which was due to have its worldwide premier as we went to press. Though some argue Bond’s bullish, chauvinistic ways are outdated, there’s no doubt the seemingly indestructible secret agent remains popular. The Guardian even reported that Kate Arthurs, the British Council’s former director of arts, cited Bond as being among the reasons the UK pipped France to the top of the Soft Power 30

A UK newspaper just reported that kids and parents are queueing for hours to see Santa Clause at a British garden centre. They’re worried that a lack of lorry drivers will scupper Christmas this year thanks to food and fuel shortages. Now, don’t get us started on Brexit. But, does anyone really think kids will associate a trip to see Father Christmas in September with the festive spirit? We’ve long been the kind of grinches who believe seasonal decorations should go up no more than a couple of weeks before the big day and come down shortly afterwards. This, supposedly, Christian festival has been taken over

We’ve always been big fans of Jennifer Lopez and have watched her romantic liaisons and adventures with an almost parental indulgence. We rejoiced with her characters in Maid In Manhattan and Monster-In-Law. We were congratulatory on the birth of her uber-cute twins and we simply couldn’t get enough of her astonishing agedefying physique and complexion. In short, added to her talents as singer, dancer and actress, she was, pretty much, everything we wanted to be. Her reunion with Ben Affleck seemed to be the icing on the cake. These two always seemed as if they should

Index in 2018! So, of course, now the game is afoot to guess who will take over. There are an awful lot of hats in the ring and Barbara Broccoli, who runs the franchise, has said two things for sure – it won’t be a woman and it won’t be announced any time soon. Just for a laugh, here’re our top three: Tom Hardy, Regé-Jean Page and Dev Patel. Tell us who you think should next get their hands on that famous Walther PPK.

by commercialism and that’s not any big surprise. But really, Santa visits in September. You must be ‘aving a laugh. And, while we’re on the subject, we saw a Facebook post the other day from a friend in America showing off their Halloween display. A whole month in advance! We must say it makes us glad to live in the Middle East where, though nonMuslim festivals are welcomed and celebrated, we’re not subjected to almost year-round nonsense of this sort!

be together. But then, disaster struck. As the pair paraded their love at The Met Gala, Ms. Lopez was pictured dragging a fur wrap behind her. We didn’t want to believe our eyes but a quick Google search revealed that, yes, J.Lo is a confirmed fan of the real thing, seemingly immune to the suffering caused on fur farms. Oh well, we won’t be watching or listening to her in future. Cancel culture anyone?

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ISLAND INSIDER

Emmanouil Kyriakidis Food and Beverage (F&B) Director at InterContinental Regency Bahrain

You are a well-known and certified executive chef. When and why did you move into the management side of F&B? First of all, there are no sides in F&B but scope of work with culinary and service under the umbrella of operations. Being an executive chef, you are in a management role that focuses more in the area of culinary and food perfection. As chefs, it is our regular path to grow and remain in culinary or to step out and take a wider role in orchestrating the full F&B operation. So, the choice was made as a natural development course and the InterContinental Regency Bahrain was the hotel that entrusted me this role. 98

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We understand you have written several cook books, please tell us a little about these. Will you be introducing new techniques and recipes at the InterCon? Let's put things in place, I contributed as a technical advisor in publishing several books. This was a long time ago in my country, Greece, that I was cooperating with a publishing company and I was in charge of verifying that the recipes worked. Very often you get recipes that don't work out. There are different recipes for someone who cooks at home as opposed to professionals. The skills and experience level add to the success of the recipe's execution. We have many plans lined up that are going to keep you coming back to

InterContinental Regency. Soon we are launching ‘Rigani’ an authentic Greek food concept with original Greek products and a homemade taste just the way grandma used to cook. And there is more to come that we will share soon. Do you cook when you are not working, or do you have other hobbies? Yes, I do cook at home for my family, for friends and, of course, for developing and experimenting. Once a chef always a chef. As for my hobbies, with a hotelier’s stressed life, I found my way to the drums! I also enjoy spending quality time with my family.

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