YOUR GUIDE TO A GREAT WAY OF LIFE Arts Culture Clubs Sports Interviews Lifestyle Dining Nightlife TECHNOLOGY - ENTERTAINMENT - DINING www.bahrainthismonth.com Digital Edition Since 1997 MOTORING DINING WTM WOMEN IN BAHRAIN SPECIAL Insightful chats with Ahlam Janahi, Suzy Kanoo, Khadija Mercer, Mojda Banahi and Eman Deabil Beauty Essentials Pretty Powerful Fashion Where to grab a Bahraini Breakfast Outdoor dining We Dine at Cantina Kahlo PEOPLE Majaz and their Melodious Melodies A Saving grace for Migrant Workers - OneHeartBahrain Dick Potter on the motoring industry going electric! Motoring News to get you up to speed March 2021 | Vol. 25 | Issue 3 | BD2 / SR20
March 2021 3 www.bahrainthismonth.com/gallery bystander Official Opening of Juffair Square Leading property management and hospitality company in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Royal Ambassador, recently held a media tour and official opening for its latest property, Juffair Square. During the event, guests were given a tour of the property which includes cafes, restaurants, a salon, optician and more. 1724 6800 1724 6888 3218 1810 Royal Bahrain Hospital Dr. Nailah Nisar Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology Dr. Natasa Nikolic Specialist Obstetrics & Gynecology Dr. Amaal Kareem Specialist Obstetrics & Gynecology Dr. Siti Saleha Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology Dr. Bhanu Handa Specialist Obstetrics & Gynecology Dr. Dalya Al Hamdan Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology Dr. Murat Koc Consultant - Gynecology & Gynecological Oncology (Part Time: Tue 12 noon - 8PM) At the Forefront of Women’s Health
www.bahrainthismonth.com 4 March 2021 8 15 12 10 22 The best spots to get an authentic Bahraini breakfast We feast on authentic Mexican food at Cantina Kahlo! The best of dining options this month Business Bites To Own or to Rent Business Expert, Pria Masson Tanwar, explores franchises and brands, and what it means for your business My Life in Cars Dick Potter tells us about the motoring industry’s shift to electric vehicles Motoring Bites In This Together We speak to the humanitarian behind the charitable group OneHeartBahrain, Birthe van der Heijden. Moving Melodies Renowned Bahraini fusion band, Majaz, brings us up to speed on their new music and more. MARCH 15 16 12 24 26 21 22 10 8 DINING INTERVIEWS COMMERCE MOTORING ISSUE 283 CONTENTS www.bahrainthismonth.com bahrainthismonth bhthismonth 24
www.bahrainthismonth.com March 2021 5 MARCH ISSUE 215 CONTENTS We explore some pretty powerful fashion inspo Jewellery that’s sure to make it onto your wishlist. Ouiam El Hassani tells us how to keep date nights alive (despite COVID-19). Accredited Chartered Manager (CMI), EmanDeabil, gives us valuable insights into how to get to the boardroom. The latest Skincare and Makeup products Why overlook your kitchen when decorating your home? We have some inspiration for you. We speak to President of the Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society, Ahlam Janahi, about the society’s contributions to female entrepreneurs in the Kingdom. Intuitive businesswoman and humanitarian at heart, Suzy Kanoo, talks about her soon-to-be-launched book centred around the inspiring stories of Arab women. CSR and Marketing Manager, Khadija Mercer tells us about the need for market adaptability and her plans for the future. Animal rescuer and PR Manager of Bahrain Rescues, Mojda Banahi, tells us about the way forward for animal welfare in Bahrain. 36 48 54 50 46 52 40 42 43 44 Fashion Interview Opinion Beauty Lifestyle www.womanthismonth.com womanthismonth rhmbahrain 44 42 48 52 36 50 54
Digital Edition Read Woman This Month in any format convenient to you • Print • Online • Digital • Social media to keep you abreast of everything that’s happening in and about town. WOMAN THIS MONTH GOES MULTI-PLATFORM womanthismonth Go Published monthly by: Red House Marketing P. O. Box: 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain telephone: (17) 813-777 fax: (17) 813-700 email: [email protected] You can now read Woman This Month from its Instagram account. Click on the bio-link and it takes you to a curated page where you can tap the images and read the articles. Simple, convenient and easy!!
March 2021 7 March 2021 Bahrain This Month George F. Middleton Publisher and Chairman COVER Cover Picture: outdoor dining in bahrain www.bahrainthismonth.com Scan this QR Code to subscribe to the digital edition of the magazine. Printing Press Union Press, Bahrain Published monthly by RED HOUSE MARKETING P.O. Box 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: (+973) 17 813-777, Fax: (+973) 17 813-700 Email: [email protected] www.bahrainthismonth.com © Copyright Reserved 2005-2020 The concept, content, style and design of this publication remain the exclusive property of Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. and must not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without prior written permission. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. However, Red House Marketing cannot accept legal responsibility for any error or omission. • Views expressed in this magazine by journalists and writers are not necessarily those of the publishers of Bahrain This Month. Licensed by the Ministry of Information Publication Code: TA001 ISBN 1 899 348 09 3 1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION Bahrain: BD24 Gulf and international subscriptions available on request. THE TEAM Publisher and Chairman George F. Middleton Editor Farah Baig Contributors Behnaz Sanjana, Kristian Harrison, Dick Potter, Pria Masson Tanwar, Ouiam Charkani El Hassani, Bill Grieve Editorial Consultant Ahdeya Ahmed Print Production Manager Sabu Sebastian Art Director Hatem Monem Webmaster Nishad Eapen CRM & Database Coordinator Muna Yousef Staff Photographer Subeesh Kumar N S Administration and Finance Samson Vaz, Marlyn Ragasa Corporate Affairs Director Bassem A. Al Khabbaz Distribution Team CM Abdul Rahman, Gopal Arul Kumar Distributor Al Hilal Group (Hilal Direct Services) Media Sales Anuradha Manhas [email protected] DIGITAL & CONTENT MARKETING TEAM Digital Strategy Director Lini Reghunath Digital Marketing & Social Media Executive Farah Baig Welcome to the March issue of Bahrain This Month! While the Kingdom continues to power through the challenges presented by the pandemic, we have held on to our sheer optimism given that the number of vaccinated people in the Kingdom continues to grow. Perhaps we are destined to experience some level of normality in the months to come? That being said, we could all use some good entertainment, food and company to keep our spirits up. So in true Bahrain This Month style, we put together a fabulous listing of dining spots that you can enjoy a meal in this month. For added benefit, we’ve put together a list of restaurants that serve delectable Bahraini breakfasts because; who doesn’t love tucking into some Balaleet? There’s no dearth of talented individuals on the island, so we quite enjoyed our conversation with the Bahraini band, Majaz, who shared some insight into how the pandemic has affected them while revealing that fans can soon enjoy some new music from them. We also had the opportunity to speak to the benevolent woman behind OneHeartBahrain, Birthe van der Heijden, who has proved to be a saving grace for several migrant workers in the Kingdom. In our Motoring section, Dick Potter reflects on the motoring industry’s shift towards electric vehicles and what this means for classic car drivers. If you plan on staying at home for the most part, you’ll enjoy our Downtime pages which provide you with a wide range of movies, games and music that you can enjoy while in the safety of your own home. March is largely a month dedicated to women, given that International Women’s Day falls on March 8. With this in mind we sought out some of the Kingdom’s most prolific women. You’ll enjoy our interview with the President and Founder of Bahrain Businesswomen’s Society, Ahlam Janahi, who talks about how female-owned businesses have contributed to the growth of Bahrain’s economy and the society’s many achievements over the last decade. We also had an insightful chat with intuitive businesswoman and humanitarian at heart, Suzy Kanoo, who will soon be launching her book - Hear Us Speak: Letters from Arab Women. We also speak to a young Bahraini woman, Khadija Mercer, the director of CSR and Marketing at a business consultancy, a university student and future entrepreneur who, despite being only 19-years-old, has plenty of interesting views on the role of women in Bahrain. In addition, we had an insightful chat with Bahrain Rescues’ Mojda Banahi about animal welfare and the way forward. In an interesting opinion piece, Eman Deabil shares her thoughts on how women can lead the way and make it to the boardroom following her in-depth study. As always, in this month’s issue, you’ll get a first-hand look at some of the best fashion trends, accessories and beauty essentials too! We’re sure you’ll enjoy this issue and, if you want more of the same, don’t forget to subscribe and follow us on our official social media channels while doing so! Until next month, remember: you can always count on ‘Your Guide to a Great Way of Life’.
8 March 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com MOVING MELODIES MAJAZ BRINGS BAHRAIN THIS MONTH’S FARAH BAIG UP TO SPEED ON THEIR NEW MUSIC AND MORE. The world has gone through several unforeseeable changes in the last year. With the onslaught of the pandemic, we’ve watched as life around us has changed beyond recognition, but one change that music lovers have surely felt is the lack of vibrant live music events. While the pandemic might have brought these events to a screeching halt, musicians around the world have proved that even a pandemic is incapable of dampening their spirit, affecting their drive to create or snubbing out their undying inspiration. We were thrilled to have a conversation with one such band in Bahrain, Majaz, which has taken crowds of spectators through a myriad of emotions with their enthralling music. The band has soldiered on and gave us some insight into their latest developments including a fresh new recording space and new music for listeners to look forward to! interview
March 2021 9 www.bahrainthismonth.com Listeners across Bahrain and beyond have been inspired by your music. Tell our readers a little bit about yourself and what makes Majaz unique! We brought the concept of Majaz to life in 2013 and have actively released music and performed shows in the Kingdom and abroad ever since. Most recently, we performed in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, which was an overwhelming experience! We’ve also performed at festivals and events in North Africa, South Asia and other countries in the GCC. The band consists of Jehad Al Hallal (Cello), Hameed Al Saeed (Guitar), Salah Alawi (Bass) and Abdulla Faisal (Drums & Percussion). I guess what makes our sound pop - besides our unconventional blend of instruments - is the fact that we all come from musical backgrounds that are so far away from each other. Each one of us always brings something new and exciting to the table! As for our music; we always like to take our listeners on a progressive intertwining journey through different cultures, times, places and most importantly, different moods and emotions! How would you describe your music? What do you draw inspiration from? Throughout the years we found it best not to try and describe the music that we make, as that sort of puts it in a box. But rather we allow any and all possibilities of exploring new grounds and musical directions to be open and limitless! Some of our music will make you emotional and nostalgic, some of it will make you laugh, some of it will make you cry, and some of it will make you dance! As for what inspires us; we’ve always been fascinated by the unique and interesting music and sounds of the many different cultures of the world; be it our own or the polar opposite of it. We draw our inspiration from its people and their ways of life: the places, nature, landscapes, languages, and everything in between! Tell us a little bit about the albums you’ve released so far. So far we have released an EP, and a couple of singles. We are currently working on a full-length LP but are going to release some singles too before we release the full album. Majaz recently announced the completion of RIHLA Studio. Could you tell us more about this space? A few years ago, we decided to build our own rehearsal space/studio where we could hold practice sessions and record our music - something that a lot of bands in Bahrain face because of the limited and usually costly rehearsal spaces available in the country. We recently had the opportunity to expand and renovate the space that we had and turn it into a proper, fully equipped studio which will be the new home of Majaz! RIHLA studio has always been the space where we rehearsed, composed, arranged, produced and recorded our music! How has The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC) been helpful in the completion of this project? One of the ways The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture extends their support to regional artists is by offering grants and programs that span through all mediums of art and that are open to all artists from the Arab region. We had applied to a grant called the ‘Artist Support Grant’ in early July of last year and were extremely happy to be one of the grantees. We sincerely cannot thank AFAC enough for their valuable support and dedication towards the well-being of all artists in the Arab region! How has the outbreak of COVID-19 impacted Majaz since you previously played live shows? The pandemic has clearly affected all musicians around the world, but definitely some more than others. For us, we’re all full time musicians, so basically our main source of income stopped, but the good side of it is that we focused more on recording and other things bands need to do other than just playing shows. Individually, some of us started doing studio session gigs online. There is always a way to create music - in any situation and time. Has the pandemic had any effect on the creation of new music? What other challenges has it presented? While the absence of concerts, festivals and other music events certainly allowed us to shift more of our time and effort towards songwriting and composition, COVID-19 restrictions definitely posed some obstacles that slowed our roll, especially recently. For instance, Abdulla, our percussionist, has not been able to return to the country due to restrictions for almost three months now, which really affected our composition process. But we still find new ways to adapt to these changes every day, whether it’s through communicating more effectively or working on our compositions remotely via video calls! What’s next for Majaz? Any new music in the pipeline, given your fresh new recording space? Definitely! We are currently in the process of composing and recording new material that we can’t wait to share with all of you! Our new studio space is certainly giving us that extra kick we need. Anything else you would like to add? When things slowly start coming back, we wish that the venues in Bahrain who used to book local bands every weekend, also book local bands who do original music and not just cover music, it’s healthier for the Bahraini music scene. interview
10 March 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com interview The Kingdom of Bahrain, along with other countries in the region, have developed consistently over the years. There’s no denying that Bahrain has gone from strength to strength with plenty of notable achievements, despite the challenges that this past year might have thrown our way. That being said, it’s easy for the community to overlook a very crucial part of our society, which has played a significant role in these developments – migrant workers. This segment of society is often overlooked and faces several hardships, sometimes involving access to basic necessities. Charity groups like OneHeartBahrain – founded by Birthe van der Heijden – are often a saving grace for these workers. Here’s what Birthe had to say when we had a chat this month. Bahrain This Month’s Farah Baig gets an insight into the work of the charitable group OneHeartBahrain IN THIS TOGETHER
March 2021 11 www.bahrainthismonth.com interview Could you tell our readers a little bit about yourself? I am originally from The Netherlands and spent half my life in UK aside from a couple of years in Italy. I consider myself to be from nowhere, but my home is Bahrain after living here for almost seven years now. I wish for my life to be about others and not about me. With a background in marketing communications, business management, strategy and development, I am now focused on using these abilities towards creating a more united world. When did you start OneHeartBahrain? What are its key initiatives? I started OneHeartBahrain two years ago just as a personal endeavour to shine a light on the plight of migrant workers in the Kingdom. I just wished for them to be seen and accepted as equal members of society doing a very noble job, often in harsh conditions, in supporting the economic growth of this country. Then, over time, others joined the efforts and it became a goodwill community initiative towards unity. We are currently going through a stage of development as we are preparing to incorporate as an NGO. There will be three main strands of activity to support socioeconomic well-being of this beautiful nation: food, jobs and second-hand goods. What are your on-going initiatives? Our current initiatives are centered around food and goods distribution, and we also offer goodwill meditation. We are in the process of creating a platform for the exchange of goods to support redistribution of wealth within this country. We will soon share our new Instagram page for OneHeartBahrain Loved Goods. Around 30% or more – depending on available donations - of goods will be distributed for free directly to those in need through our volunteers, especially items for immediate survival such as clothing and beds. This is the start of a secondhand goods market which encourages people to either fully donate, or part-sell/part-donate goods with 50% profits going towards donations of food, which the OneHeartBahrain volunteer force will then distribute to those in need. In other words, financial proceeds from the Loved Goods exchange process will support the food charity aspect. Which groups of people do you usually help? We wish to help everyone. We are about unity - One Humanity - there is no difference for us between nations, races, cultures and beliefs. How has COVID-19 impacted the target groups that you usually help out? What can the public do to help? COVID-19 has increased the hunger situation in this country. Many have been left jobless and without money. And on a wider societal scale there is less disposable income which is why secondhand goods and redistribution of goods to those left destitute is now more in demand. Do you have any stats on how many individuals you might have helped to date? Our intention is to help those that reach out to us in whatever capacity we are able to. We have supported thousands of people but we don’t keep score. It is important that we focus on quality and not on quantity, and that we teach people about coming together in unity by doing good and being there for one another. This is what is important. We don’t want to show off and stay focused on being humble and selfless instead. Could you tell us a bit about your volunteers? How many people work collectively to keep your initiative going? We have volunteers from all corners of the globe including many from South Asian country. Even those that are struggling themselves are still there to serve others. We often join forces with Bangladesh Society of Bahrain. Our workforce across the different activities is pushing towards one hundred people. Together with Bangladesh Society we have a massive workforce that we can put to great work for a better future of this wonderful nation. What has been your most fulfilling experience yet? No one particular experience, but what has been most humbling is the never-ending supply of goodwill from residents within this country in support of our charitable causes. We are so grateful. If you’d like to reach out to OneHeartBahrain, follow @oneheartbahrain on Instagram or Facebook and drop them a message. Alternatively, you can WhatsApp 33872346 or email [email protected].
12 March 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com feature FREEJ BIN RASHDAN The bright seating and décor of this much-loved venue are rivalled only by the colourful coolers available here (think tall glasses of rose and saffron elixirs to cool you down after a stroll or run around the park). Sink your teeth into authentic Bahraini fare served on traditionally woven circular mats and keep a look out for whimsical accessories dotting the place, including the lamps that hang from the wooded ceiling. Bestsellers include the Mahyawa and Cheese Tanoor Bread and Balaleet. @freej_bin_rashdan Behnaz Sanjana hunts down the 10 Best Bahraini Breakfast Spots in the Kingdom! Breakfast like a king, they say. Well, the island has no dearth of breakfast spots, and certainly not of those that serve an authentic Bahraini breakie. Trust rich Arabic flavours to jolt you out of a lazy stupor and fuel you up for a busy weekday or a chilled-out weekend. So, Shakshuka, Nakhi, Aloo Chab or Nashif; it’ll be hard to pick a favourite that’ll really have you ‘rise and shine’. Don’t forget to wash all this down with a cheery cup of Chai Haleeb or Qahwa. Here are our top spots for an authentic Bahraini breakfast, along with their Instagram accounts so you don’t have to dig too much! NASEEF They refer to this joint when they say ‘old is gold’. Its doors opened a century ago, when Naseef quickly gained popularity for its unique Iraqi ice cream. Besides an eclectic selection of dishes, the Bahraini breakfast platters are hot favourites for the uninitiated as well as those who crave familiar, comforting goodness. @naseefrestaurant LUMEE STREET CAFE For a more upmarket breakfast experience that offers a perfectly balanced fusion between traditional flavours with a stylish, contemporary twist, Lumee it is. Lumee is slang for lemon in Arabic, and at this chic eatery the ambiance and flavours reflect that – young, hip and tangy. The menu is bursting with Middle Eastern staples that are interjected with a fresh but harmonious variation. Medjool Date Pancakes, or Arabic Coffee Affogato, anyone? @lumeestreet DARSEEN CAFÉ This elegant café-restaurant is steeped in history; literally. You’ll find it inside the statuesque Bahrain National Museum. Ponder upon Bahrain’s varied and rich heritage with an Egg and Cheese Falazi roll, or let it soak into the senses with a hearty breakfast thali comprising the works – keema, spicy potatoes, Bahraini Kebabs, eggs and foul medames. All this with a rejuvenating seaside view to boot. @darseencafebh RAAZJI The menu at Raazji underpins the palpable culture and erudite ethos of the Sheikh Ebrahim center in Muharraq, within which it nestles. The façade sports tradition, while the interiors are more modern, claiming to bring ‘the taste of Bahrain in every bite’. What guests have appreciated is the Raazji Special Breakfast; a full-fledged local breakfast platter replete with all the mouth-watering fare that Bahrain has to offer. @raazjii VILLA MAMAS This eatery that started out as an extension of its founder, Chef Roaya Saleh’s home, catapulted her into the culinary spotlight for dishes that are a paean to fresh, locally-sourced seasonal ingredients. If you are looking to start the day with food that is a contemporary nod to the island’s quintessential ingredients and flavour combinations, this is your go-to, because mama knows best! @villamamas HAJI’S CAFE Colloquially called Haji Gahwa, here is a favourite of the prince and the pauper. Set in an unassuming little alleyway of Manama, where guests can soak in old-world charm – sepia-splotched pictures of Bahrain by-gone share wall space with air-conditioning ducts and retro wall fans. Furrowed brows and hardy hands constantly work the glowing furn that churns out pillowy bread to wipe clean any remnants of a hearty breakfast from unassuming melamine plates. Michelin-starred chefs haven’t missed a visit to Haji’s while in Bahrain; why should you? @hajiscafe STARTING THE DAY
March 2021 13 www.bahrainthismonth.com EMMAWASH No frills; full fun – that’s Emmawash for you. Here is where you can leave your mark – literally – on the walls of the restaurant while you sip on mint tea and wait for your order to be brought out. This restaurant does justice to true-blue carnivores – the taste of the chicken liver, kheema, nashif, lentil curry and freshly baked bread will stay with you long after breakfast hours. @emmawash_bh HERITAGE VILLAGE RESTAURANT CAFÉ This venue hidden inside Manama Souq has the feels of an informal meal at a Bahraini friend’s ancestral home. The place is full of kitsch and quirky paraphernalia, but the breakfast is the real deal - simple and satiating, including staple crowd pleasers. There’s also a little corner where you can snap up selfies in traditional attire for, you know, the sake of the ‘gram. @alqarya_bh DANET ALTAWAWISH When you come upon a clearing of sorts in the otherwise narrow-laned Manama Souq, you’ll find Danet Altawawish. Not too well-known among the hoi polloi, it’s a place for tasty, traditional Bahraini fare. The venue is reminiscent of a vintage photo gallery and service of the morning meal starts as early as 5am, coming in piping hot to stir the soul and senses. @altawawish feature
14 March 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com WWW.OLIVERMAKI.COM @makirest @makirestaurant call for more info +973 17522733 OUTDOOR DINING AVAILABLE! LET US CROWD SOURCE YOUR EVENT www.bahrainthismonth.com your guide to a great way of life Subscribe your mail to receive your monthly digital edition! www.bahrainthismonth.com/addme [email protected] bahrainthismonth Tel.: 17 813 777 Ext. 239 Scan here to upload your event and get listed!
March 2021 15 www.bahrainthismonth.com A FIESTA OF FLAVOURS! Farah Baig gets a feel for Mexico’s street food at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain’s Cantina Kahlo. It’s quite easy to sink into a bit of a lull these days with the virus changing life as we know it. That being said, being in a pandemic-induced stupor is hardly appealing to me; so, I decided to dine at a venue that would reignite my passion for life - the exuberant Mexican restaurant, Cantina Kahlo, located at The Ritz Carlton, Bahrain. I made my way there on a cool Monday evening, ready for a meal as vibrant as the restaurant’s artsy interiors. Seated at a cosy table on the patio, we took in our beautiful surroundings and basked in the upbeat Mexican music as we were introduced to Cantino Kahlo’s team – led by the wonderful Chef Hector Miguel Mendoza Becerra who was ready to serve up a Mexican feast. To start, we were served a big bowl of Guacamole with a side of Tortilla chips. The Guacamole had the perfect balance of avocado, tomatoes, coriander, Serrano chili and sea salt which gave it the right profile of freshness balanced with a pleasant tanginess. This was followed by two fresh ceviches: Hamachi and Pulpo. The Hamachi ceviche gives you all the flavours you expect from a good ceviche; it’s citrusy and tangy while bringing you that pleasant flavour of the coriander. The Aguachile De Pulpo ceviche combined slices of cooked octopus, cucumber slivers and cooling avocado in a spicy sauce made with burned jalapeño chili and garlic oil which was divinely spicy. Next, we were served Sopes Con Carne which consists of absolutely juicy Wagyu short ribs, masa and black beans layered onto a delicious crunchy corn base that is made in house. This is finished with a dollop of delicious sour cream – a cooling addition. To follow the Sopes, we helped ourselves to a warm skillet of Queso – a cheese lover’s dream. Sliced mushrooms cooked with morita chili are blanketed in a thick layer of melted cheese that can be spread on warm flat bread which is made in-house. With world-class ingredients and culinary prowess, Chef Miguel expertly prepared a trio of tacos: Barbacoa, Pescado Estilo Baja and Alambre – each staying true to their Mexican heritage. The Barbacoa is loaded with shredded lamb topped with a flavourful morita chili sauce that has a slight sweetness to it. The Alambre has a generous serving of peppery diced flank stank, bell peppers, grated cheese and more. While we thoroughly devoured every last taco, we’d be lying if we didn’t admit that our favourite was the Pescado Estilo Baja. These delicious fish tacos are loaded with batter-fried seas bass, coriander mayo, cabbage and arbol chilli; so, they’re perfectly light with fresh flavours. You’ll just have to taste them yourself! Needless to say, Cantina Kahlo’s ambience, food and delightful team are as colourful and fresh as Frida Kahlo herself, and is sure to leave you feeling gastronomically rejuvenated. To top off the Mexican medley of flavours, we were served two desserts: Pastel De Tres Leches and Churros. The Churros have just the right crunch and are generously coated in cinnamon sugar. We quite enjoyed dipping them into the rich chocolate, caramel and guava sauce for that added oomph. Ending with a whole lot of comfort, we savoured the moist Tres Leches cake topped with delectable meringue and a scoop of mango icecream. review
16 March 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com tablehopping Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa will be staging the Grand Friday St Patrick’s Brunch on March 19, from 12.30pm – 3.30pm. Enjoy delicious dishes, with lots of green and plenty of lucky clovers to garnish decadent treats. Let your senses be mesmerised during this hearty celebration with live entertainment and plenty of gastronomic surprises that will satisfy all your cravings in Sofitel Bahrain’s well-protected ALL SAFE setup. Dress in your favorite green attire to avail an exclusive 25 per cent discount on your brunch package. The afternoon is priced at BD36 per person, inclusive of selected beverages. Call or WhatsApp 38 885-789. Chef Wolfgang Puck returns to Bahrain for F1, this time paying an ode to Ma Maison, West Hollywood’s legendary restaurant in the 1970’s where Puck’s career as a chef skyrocketed. Ma Maison rebelled against fine dining establishments of the time, ushering in a new era of food culture – ‘California nouvelle’. Wolfgang Puck invites you to dine al fresco at BD69 per person, as he presents a five-course menu featuring dishes that were made famous at Ma Maison. Take a step back in time to Los Angeles’ 1970’s at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay’s CUT by Wolfgang Puck, on Friday, March 26, from 7pm – 11pm. Call 17 115-000. AN ODE TO THE ORIGINAL BARBEQUE IN A BOX The Westin City Centre Bahrain’s award-winning Baharat Barbeque Night can now be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home, with a Barbeque Night box available for BD48, good for four persons. Every order comes with Furn Bistro’s signature short ribs, mushroom sauce, natural gravy, Bé arnaise sauce and Pommery mustard, and charcoal to grill. Guests get a choice of three kinds of salad, hot starter, dessert, and five kinds of barbeque items, as well as a 20 per cent discount voucher that can be used on your repeat order. Orders need to be placed 24 hours in advance. Call 17 171-000. THE LUCK OF THE IRISH A BIG FAT MEAL Enjoy top-quality meats at Fat Butcher Fabulous Fridays hosted at The Backyard and Harvesters, Crowne Plaza Bahrain. This is a three-course feast consisting of their popular Fat Butcher’s big meat platter prepared with premium cuts of meat cooked to perfection and complemented by a wide starter and dessert selection served on platters to your table. Guests can choose from beef, chicken, seafood, vegetarian, or St Louis platters; each including five selected beverages per meal, priced at BD20, or BD25, from noon to midnight. Call 17 531-122 / 39 920-163 DINING THIS MARCH Good food is certainly not a scarcity on the island. Here are some places you can grab a great meal this Women’s Day, Mother’s Day, over the weekend or otherwise too!
March 2021 17 www.bahrainthismonth.com tablehopping Join in for the perfect outdoor poolside venue to enjoy the cool breeze, magical sunsets and majestic views from the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. Indulge in the newly introduced Japanese menu featuring sashimi, nigiri and maki rolls by the sushi chef along with refreshing drinks and DJ tunes at the The Pool Deck, from 6pm – 11pm, Thursday – Saturday throughout March. Call 17 115-000. SUSHI BY THE POOL Experience a unique medley of super succulent seafood delights every Monday on Seafood Night at the poolside outdoor terrace at the Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain. Explore a vast range of aquatic delicacies from sushi, sashimi, seafood dim sum, tempura, oysters, slipper lobster and tiger prawns, to other popular dishes prepared to your liking and served to your table, from 7pm – 11pm, priced at BD25, including unlimited soft drinks and water, or BD30, including unlimited selected grape, ales and soft drinks. Ladies receive 20 per cent discount on March 8, in celebration of International Women’s Day. Call 17 460-017. CATCH OF THE DAY ONE FOR THE LADIES To celebrate all the amazing ladies on International Women›s Day, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa will be treating all women with a whopping 50 per cent discount on the day pass and in all of its outlets on March 8. Spoil yourself at any one of Sofitel Bahrain’s award-winning restaurants and enjoy a sumptuous meal or treat yourself to an unforgettable day at the beach as you unlock the true meaning of living the French way at this lavish five-star resort. Call or WhatsApp 38 885-789. In keeping with its commitment to sustainable development and consumers› growing demand for healthier options, The Merchant House Hotel now offers a new vegan menu. The repertoire of wholesome, plant-based options includes Tagliatelle Napolitana and Wild Mushrooms Risotto as main course and Asparagus and Cucumber Roll, Aubergine Ssamjang, Tomato Ceviche, Wafu Salad, and Portobello Mushroom for starters. The menu also includes various side dishes such as Hand-Cut Potato, Half Avocado, Salt-sautéed Asparagus, and the dessert selections include Sorbet and Fresh Fruit. Guests can truly experience quality, variety, and health benefits when dining at The Merchant House. Call 16 671-000. VEGAN WONDERS
18 March 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com tablehopping The Meridione Italian Food Festival at Sofitel Bahrain’s award-winning restaurant, Fiamma, will take you on a special culinary trip to southern Italy with Chef Marco Terranova. Unlock the unique flavours from this beautiful region as you enjoy a specially prepared Italian feast in a beautifully lit outdoors terrace with live entertainment to add that extra flair to your weekends. Indulge in this Italian escape safely from March 18 – 26, from 7pm – 10.30 pm, with Sofitel’s enhanced ALL SAFE protocols, following all Ministry of Health’s safety guidelines. Call or WhatsApp 38 885-789. SEAFOOD AT YOUR DOOR The Westin City Centre Bahrain will bring its award -winning Seafood Night at your doorstep for BD56. Each order is good for four persons, and includes the signature Seafood Spanish Paella, Lemon butter sauce, Curry and coconut sauce and charcoal to grill. Guests can pick three preferred salads, sides and desserts, and five seafood items, which will be marinated and ready to grill. Place your order 24 hours in advance. (Items may change depending on availability at the time of order.) Call 17 171-000. The thrilling action of F1 is taking the month by storm, and racing afficionados can watch the show on giant screens at Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain’s poolside terrace on March 25 and 26. Savour the excitement of watching the live event while enjoying your favorite dish or drink at the hotel’s F1 themed Flaming Thursday and Friday Brunch. The meal on Thursday is priced at BD34, while the F1 themed Friday Brunch is priced at BD38, both inclusive of unlimited premium beverages. Call 17 460-017. F1 FEVER DIVE IN Take a journey of flavours to exotic and far-away destinations every Thursday as Chef Magesh and his team prepare a delectable five-course seafood menu emphasising the unique taste and cooking styles of various continents. This seafood journey is priced at BD18, at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain’s La Mosaique Restaurant Terrace, from 7pm – 11pm. Call 17 531-122 / 39 242-391 AN ITALIAN SOJOURN
March 2021 19 www.bahrainthismonth.com tablehopping Make Mother’s Day on March 21 a special day to spend at Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain’s outdoor poolside terrace, where you can spoil your mum with a special Mother’s Day afternoon high tea. Enjoy the lovely weather with some fine pastries and delicious dessert, including unlimited sparkling rosé for BD18 for mom and daughter. Call 17 460-017. QUALITY TIME Celebrate your mother at Bay View’s Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea at the Four Season’s Hotel Bahrain Bay on March 21 and 22, from noon to 9pm. Executive pastry chef Imad Boukli has created an exquisite floral inspired afternoon tea to behold, complete with delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones, signature mocktails, a choice of 18 loose-leaf teas and a flower bouquet to take home. Treat mum to this decadent experience priced at BD48 for two persons. Call 17 115-000. Mother’s Day is a perfect time to reward your beloved mom for her love and care. Express your appreciation with a special delivery box of a tasty Arabic set dinner menu for four persons, from The InterContinental Regency Bahrain. The set menu box will be available on March 21, and costs BD65, including cold and hot mezzeh, main course and sweets with a special beverage, flower bouquet and sparkling grape juice. We can ensure Mom will be delighted. Call 17 227-777. DELIVERY WITH LOVE Cherish this significant day with Mom’s Sushi Brunch at The InterContinental Regency Bahrain. Indulge the most important lady in your life with delicious Asian cuisine. Elements Lounge will be your right choice with a generous 50 per cent discount for this sumptuous Asian brunch every Saturday through March, from 12.30pm – 4pm. Call 17 227-777. SHOW HER YOU CARE A LAVISH TEATIME WITH MUM
20 March 2021 travel AJANTA AND ELLORA CAVES Aurangabad, Maharashtra The unique rock cutting technique seen at the site of these ancient marvels still baffles experts. The Ellora caves exhibit Hindu, Buddhist and Jain sculptures dating between the sixth and 11th century AD. The highlight here is the Kailasha Temple, which is touted to be the single largest rock-cut monolith in the world. The temple-complex boasts exquisite stone chiseling. The Ajanta caves comprise 30 rock-cut cave monuments that showcase Buddhist monasteries, sculptures and murals dating even before Ellora. They are deemed to be some of the finest examples of ancient Indian art. RANI KI VAV Patan, Gujarat This UNESCO World Heritage Site was literally unearthed from under silt by archaeologists. It was commissioned to be built by Queen Udayamati to commemorate her husband, and took 20 years to build. The main theme of the stepwell is Dashavatar, or the 10 incarnations of the Hindu deity, Vishnu. The 64m long well is 27m deep, and comprises seven levels of stairs with frescoes adorned with 500 principal, and over a thousand minor, beautiful sculptures depicting religious, mythological and secular imagery. THE MYSORE PALACE Mysore, Karnataka One of the most famous tourist attractions in India after the Taj Mahal, this treasure trove of historical artefacts exudes splendour and grandeur with its imposing expanse. Tourists particularly flock to see the Durbar Hall that makes a lasting imprint on the mind with its ornate ceiling, moulded pillars, beautiful paintings and enchanting stained-glass windows. Hang around till dusk for a spectacular sound and light show, and on Sundays, national holidays and during Dussehra, you can witness the palace lit up with around 97,000 lights. CITY PALACE Jaipur, Rajasthan In spite of being beautiful, the façade of this palace belies the magic that lies within its many courtyards, landscaped gardens and marble-floored rooms. Prepare to be stunned by interiors that ooze artistic opulence with their amalgamation of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Wander the royal labyrinths leading you to colourful rooms that are guaranteed to take your breath away. Cerulean blue, fuchsia pink, lime green or earthy rust – their intricate lattice work, ornamented walls and floral inlay work will stop you in your tracks at the very first look. MYSTERY AND ALLURE 4 marvellous Indian monuments you must visit! When it comes to India, you may have been there, done that. However, the country, rich and diverse in its culture and heritage, has no dearth of monumental gems to witness and experience in this lifetime. Here are four such tourist spots, as recommended by Behnaz Sanjana, that may not make it to the top of the average tourist’s must-see list, but won’t fail to leave you spell bound. www.bahrainthismonth.com
www.bahrainthismonth.com March 2021 21 motoring GOING ELECTRIC! Watching Sky News the other day brought home the stark reminder that by the beginning of 2030 the UK government will not allow the further sale of any new combustion-driven cars. Ten percent of new cars sold in 2020 were electric or hybrid cars and the International Energy Agency projects that the current five million electric cars will increase to 140 million by 2030. The US car manufacturing giant, Ford, for example, plan for 100% of their cars sold in Europe to be electric by 2030 and Ford intends to splurge a whopping $1bn converting their plant in Cologne to become their first exclusive electric vehicle facility in Europe. Undoubtedly, other car manufacturing companies will quickly scramble to follow suit. It was interesting to see in the paper here recently the launch of the McLaren Artura which is an EV hybrid. As McLaren is part owned by Mumtalakat, that’s a good sign for Bahrain’s further progression and commitment to going green also. Now that’s all well and good. Think of the environmental benefits that will ensue from the cessation of combustion engines’ emissions? So why do I find these reports somewhat perturbing? Well, for starters, we might expect it may deter many car buyers from buying a new car any time before 2030. Understandably, one might ask, why buy a car that you possibly wouldn’t be able to sell in a few years’ time? That may result in many lesser environmentally friendly vehicles remaining on the roads for longer than usual. Furthermore, this might result in many manufacturers’ profit-or lack thereof- disaster due to this downturn in demand as drivers hold onto their cars to the bitter end. Classic car drivers shouldn’t feel too guilty about continuing to drive their flash set of wheels, though, as the carbon footprint of continuing to drive those cars is better than the carbon footprint which ensues in making a car. However, owners of such cars should bear in mind that governments, especially in the UK, plan to eventually remove all fossil fuel mobile dinosaurs from the road. There may come a time when the only way we might see these beautiful creations-Ferraris, Porsches, and so forth- will be on display in a museum or in a private collector’s exhibition. What a sad demise it will be to a wonderful chapter in the rich histories of these lovely creations. At the moment, petrol filling stations hugely outweigh electric charging stations but this obviously has to change to the point where it may be difficult to fill up your tank as the balance changes. Who knows, maybe you might be able to order your delivery of leadfree on Amazon before long?! Here in Bahrain, I’m not even aware of any public charging stations on the island. With that in mind, I’m sure we’ll still be able to fill up our trusty, rusty motors with Mumtaz or Jayyid here for quite some time to come. Happy motoring all! Would you like to share your opinion on this piece? You can reach out on [email protected]. Dick Potter reflects on the motoring industry’s shift towards electric vehicles
22 March 2021 www.bahrainthismonth.com motoring news BESPOKE INTERIORS Bentley Mulliner - Bentley’s bespoke commissioning division - is offering an elegant and sophisticated door trim option in tweed for the Flying Spur, Continental GT and Bentayga, providing customers with even greater choice when specifying their new vehicle. For admirers of authentic British heritage and those passionate about the use of sustainable materials, the four contemporary tweed patterns add a new, high quality texture to the near-limitless range of customisation options showcased in the Mulliner Personal Commissioning Guide. The introduction of tweed as an option for the complete product range gives customers the opportunity to specify an even more unique finish for their vehicle’s interior. The introduction of tweed to the list of personalisation options continues Bentley’s progress towards the greater use of sustainable materials in the production of its luxury vehicles. This is in line with the recently announced Beyond100 strategy, which outlined plans for the company to become a global leader in sustainable luxury mobility. THE ULTIMATE HIGH-PERFORMANCE HYBRID SUPERCAR McLaren Automotive, the British creator of luxury, high-performance supercars, has revealed the long-anticipated McLaren Artura. The Artura combines the McLaren philosophy of super-lightweight engineering with faster throttle response, lower emissions and ability to run in pure EV mode, thanks to its ground-breaking electrified powertrain. The McLaren Artura is the first model built on the new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA), which sets new standards for advanced and flexible chassis design and has been optimised for hybrid applications. The Artura is designed with full Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) capability and can be charged to an 80% level in just 2.5 hours. At the heart of the Artura’s all-new powertrain is a lightweight 2,993cc twinturbocharged V6 petrol engine, paired to a bespoke eight-speed transmission and a compact e-motor. The package generates a combined power output of 680PS (671 bhp) and 720S Nm of torque, which translates to a class-leading powerto-weight ratio of 488PS per tonne*, as well as truly breath-taking performance figures. The Artura’s top speed is electronically limited to 330km/h with 0-100km/h reached in just 3.0 seconds* and 0-200 km/h in 8.3 seconds*. A FIRST FOR THE REGION Genesis Middle East & Africa HQs has announced the opening of the region’s first dedicated Genesis showroom, in Manama, Bahrain. The first-of-its-kind showroom will display the entire Genesis range, offering customers an even more personalised and first-hand experience. Closely following the design of the Genesis Gangnam showroom in South Korea, the new facility is designed to provide a complete experience in all facets of the brand and product. All Genesis products including the flagship G90, G70 and recently launched all-new G80 and GV80 will be on display, along with all available exterior colours, wood and interior leather material for visualisation and comparison. The 900m² venue will host an unparalleled collection of Genesis models which will be able to showcase up to six cars. This is in addition to a test drive area and configuration space whereby customers can sample interior materials including colours, fabrics and leathers as well as exterior finishes. The opening of the showroom is part of Genesis’ expansion plans in the region, with a further five standalone showrooms scheduled to open by the end of 2021.
March 2021 23 www.bahrainthismonth.com motoring news PREMIUM SUSTAINABILITY The all-electric Lotus Evija hypercar has received an award for the ‘Product Design of the Year’ at the prestigious International Design Awards (IDA). The award was presented to Lotus after being selected by a panel jury representing each of the five diverse IDA disciplines – Architecture, Fashion, Interior, Product and Graphic Design, with entries from over 80 countries. The Evija was honoured for its breathtaking ability to stretch boundaries of automotive design. IDA jury members commented that the Lotus Evija “paves a way towards a more sustainable future whilst embodying an exceptional aerodynamic aesthetic”, and that “its style elevates the Evija to be the world’s most premium sustainable car”. The Lotus Evija was built with a simple goal – to be the absolute pinnacle of world-class engineering and most powerful performance car ‘For The Drivers’. CELEBRATING EXPEDITION LEGACY Land Rover Classic is continuing the formidable expedition legacy of the original Defender with a limited production run of adventure-ready Defender Works V8 Trophy vehicles for an exclusive competition at Eastnor Castle in 2021. Based on the re-engineered 2012-2016 Defender Works V8 specification developed by Land Rover Classic, including 405PS / 515Nm 5.0-litre V8 petrol powertrain, eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and comprehensive uprated suspension, steering and braking packages, the Trophy vehicles feature a wide range of additional upgrades specifically tailored for off-road use. Twenty-five examples of the Defender Works V8 Trophy will be created and designed to tackle the most demanding endurance challenges. Additional all-terrain kit includes a front winch, multi-point expedition cage, roof rack, underbody protection, A-bar, raised air intake, LED spotlights and mud-terrain tyres. The purpose-built vehicles also receive LED headlamps, a Heritage front grille, unique Land Rover Trophy badging and personalised event-participation graphics. UNLEASHING THE HELLCAT Global automaker, Stellantis, has announced the start of production for the new 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat at its three million-squarefoot Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, USA. The Durango SRT Hellcat is a powerful SUV, delivering 710 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque from the proven supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI® Hellcat V-8 engine paired with the quick-shifting TorqueFlite 8HP95 eight-speed automatic transmission. The Durango SRT Hellcat has a 0-60 mile-per-hour (mph) time of 3.5 seconds, a quarter-mile elapsed time of 11.5 seconds as certified by the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and a top speed of 180 mph. The Durango has best-in-class towing capacity across its lineup. The supercharged 6.2-litre HEMI Hellcat V-8, legendary 392-cubic-inch HEMI V-8 and classic 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 with the Tow N Go Package outhaul every full-size, three-row SUV on the road, with a towing capability of 8,700 lbs. The award-winning 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 engine has a towing capability of 6,200 lbs.
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