Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Frost Gelato at The Avenues :O)

























Had the kiddlywinks with me yesterday and one of them was raving about the Frost gelatos. Couldn't even convince her to have the Cacoa chocolate fondue which is what I really wanted. Frost is located upstairs very close to Kidzania. Cool looking interior and some really fabulous gelato to choose from. We tasted most of them and they were all great. Tough choice but went with the blueberry, which was tooo fabulous. I am now smitten. My daughter had the Oreo which she really, really enjoyed. We will be back.
















Was lovely chatting with Haya and Haytham their passion for gelato, superb quality and great customer service is very, very welcome.







Review: Verandah Restaurant, Harvey Nichols at The Avenues :OI













Ate dinner here yesterday. Far from impressive. Interior is pretty cool feels a bit like you've been trapped in a fish's gills. 

2 orange juices, 1 watermelon juice and water KD 9.500
2 rocca salads - nothing special
1 scallop risotto - bland and boring
1 ribeye steak with fois gras - superb but didn't think the caramelised fig went well (it wasn't sweet enough)

Total KD 36

I found something hard and plasticy in the salad I told the waiter that it looked like a piece of polished finger nail. He called the French maitre d' who told me it was caramelised onion. I said it didn't taste like onion he said it must have got in there by mistake. No replacement offered, no deduction. Although he did offer to bring another piece of fois gras, I declined. 

Overall an expensive, unpleasant experience.. would not return.

4/10









Happy New Year All



Out with the old, in with the new..




Sunday, December 29, 2013

Q Cafe, Sharq




















Near to Beidoun and Saso restaurant. Tiny place but has outdoor seating. Nice vibe, interesting menu, fair prices. Part café, part gift shop. Cute items for sale - though the tiered cake plate I had my eye on was KD 36 after the 40% discount, ouch! The cakes on display weren't very tantalizing but we were having expresso and it needs cake. Tried the pumpkin cake from the menu and it was moist, flavourful and had a yummy butterscotch sauce on the side. Personally, I found the frosting on top was too sweet but that's just me easily rectified by ignoring it and I did enjoy the rest of it so no biggy. Expresso was good too.

Staff product/menu knowledge was limited but he was pleasant and quick. Would definitely go back and try the breakfast; Mexican rancheros sounded good which are baked eggs in crispy tortilla shells with cheese & peppers or for lunch; Porcini mushroom soup followed by char-grilled broccoli salad with roasted garlic, chilli flakes and almonds or the stuffed gnocchi with cheese and sundried tomatoes in a cream sauce. Ending with a guilt-free white tea.

Big bonus is they have delivery so I could enjoy it in my PJs :O)

Q Café is located opposite Dasman Complex next to Saso in Jaber Al Mubarak Street, Sharq. Tel. 22495067

Facebook Q cafe.restaurant
Instagram @qcafe_




7/10



Saturday, December 28, 2013

Spoiled Rotten at Christmas Lunch





Manage to get into her kitchen and steal
some of her culinary secrets 
  
Imported duck fat to make the most amazing
roasted taters ever


Villeroy & Boch Christmas ornaments

A few classy canapes before lunch.
Smoked salmon on blinis.
Bless her, she's highly allergic to seafood.




Yes, a fireplace.



The feast


www.trulyscrumptiouskuwait.com A shameless plug!



Utterly fabulous Christmas day lunch with wonderful friends. 
Even Fortnum & Mason crackers .....  Thank you my darling Debs xoxo




Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Merry Christmas! Peace, Joy and Goodwill to All


Life With Cacoa at Grand Avenues :O)














I must have passed this place a hundred times but had never been in, though I did notice it was always quite busy. On the day I did visit it was chosen by a Kuwaiti friend of mine, who knows her food, I joined them after they ordered as I wasn't really that hungry. Famous last words. They ordered salads and pasta (which they raved about) and I was lucky enough to get a little taster before the plates were taken away. Oh boy, it was excellent and I shall definitely return for the heavenly pasta. I'm afraid the dish titles elude me probably because the chocolate fondue arrived and had me mesmerized. The waiter and the manager were highly attentive without being irritating, had several suggestions which were appreciated (have the cookies with the fondue and don't order the white chocolate). The staff were well informed and very efficient. The expresso was one of the best I've had in Kuwait and I savoured it with a happy, chocolatey smile on my face. We were thanking the manager for his kind attention and commenting on how lovely the staff, food and ambiance is when he went off and brought back a complimentary slice of pistachio cake for us to try. Although the pistachio cake was a little too creamy for my liking. Will definitely go back soon and not just for the chance of free cake.


Update - 2nd visit 30/12/13 had an amazing ceasar salad and a delicious spaghetti bolognaise washed down with fresh apple and watermelon juice. Yum! 

9.5/10  - and that's only because there's usually a queue for a table.








Monday, December 23, 2013

Oh My Lord How Sweet! Babygirl Blushed...




















Yesterday, after visiting my mother-in-law, we popped into Yarmouk Co-op I needed a few bits and my 10 years old 'Claire's addict' got her weekly dose. Whilst she was in there, asking the sales assistant the price of every One Direction item they have, a Kuwaiti lady started chatting with her - just small talk - how cute she is and does she like One Direction. 

The lady was buying lots of things and allowed my precious to go ahead of her in the queue. I was at the cashier downstairs and phoning her to hurry along as we needed to go. 
We had the driver with us so we loaded our shopping into the car as quickly as possible trying not to cause too much inconvenience to the car behind. A boy came running over to us and handed me a One Direction purse, I thought perhaps my daughter had dropped it, I said thank you and passed it to her. He gave us a big smile and we got into the car and left.

As we drove off my daughter told me that the boy's mother must have bought the purse for her or got it free because the lady may have bought over KD 15 of merchandise. Either way it was a very sweet and thoughtful thing to do. I didn't get a chance to thank him or her properly for their kindness. 

When I mentioned to my daughter what a very nice thing to do and what a handsome (approximately 11 or 12 years old) boy he was......She started blushing! LOL

Kuwait is Again Government-less as Cabinet Ministers Resign



KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait — Kuwait's Cabinet resigned on Monday, the country's official news agency reported, ahead of a reshuffle and plans by some legislators to submit a number of ministers to parliamentary grilling.
The resignation by the Cabinet, which included seven members of the ruling al-Sabah family, underscores the ongoing tensions between government ministers and parliament members in the small Gulf Arab nation.
For decades, Kuwait has allowed the most politically vibrant culture in the Gulf. Opposition lawmakers have a powerful forum in parliament, often summoning officials to be questioned on policies. Kuwaiti ruler Sheikh Sabah al Ahmad al Sabah has dissolved parliament in the past, however, when friction with the government became too high.
Members of parliament were planning on Tuesday to make inquiry requests targeting the ministers of municipality, social affairs, and education as well as a no-confidence motion against the planning minister.
The Cabinet was only four months old and was formed after parliamentary elections in July. Those elections were called after a constitutional court threw out the results of a December 2012 poll.
The Cabinet submitted its resignation only hours after the country's highest court issued a ruling that said July parliamentary elections were legal. If it had ruled otherwise, the body could have been dissolved.
KUNA quoted parliament speaker Marzouk al-Ghanem as saying Monday he had received a letter that all 16 ministers submitted their resignations. The emir is expected to accept them.
A statement by risk consultancy Eurasia Group said relations between the government and parliament are unlikely to improve significantly and the complicated policymaking environment will persist, in part because the emir will likely reappoint many of the same Cabinet ministers.
"In response, parliamentary inquiries will persist as will the risk of new parliamentary elections next year," the group said in a statement.
                         

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Britain's Most Christmassy Pub



























Buried under a mountain of 57 brightly lit Christmas trees, 11,500 lights and 90 hanging flower baskets, in total costing over £30,000, the Churchill Arms pub in Kensington, London, is certainly hard to miss.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2526653/Is-Britains-Christmassy-pub-Churchill-Arms-West-London-probably-seen-space-stunning-light-display.html#ixzz2o8h5lI3r

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Literary Night Featuring Hala Abdulla @BaytLothan


Rijeemy Village and Shakshooka Today at 360 Mall

Rijeemy Health Village | A place that combines health, fitness and fun.From Wednesday to Saturday ( 360 MALL , parking rooftop - level 1). Join us in amazing activities & surprises .

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

#XmasJammies





Friends, you will be happy to hear you won't be receiving one of these from our family :OD



 

Singing in the Rain at 360 Mall

 Spectacular LIVE shows based on the Classic Movie Singing in the Rain, performed by Kuwaiti talents from LOYAC.

Main Atrium
7:00,8:00 and 9:00pm
December 18th,19th & 20th
 
 

Monday, December 16, 2013

Yummy Mince Pies, Stollen and Adorable Christmas Cupcakes from Truly Scrumptious Bakery



Delicious German stollen bread with marzipan KD 8

Christmas puddings, melting snowmen, chocolate & peppermint candy cane and 
Christmas trees selection of yummy cupcakes 12 for KD 12

24 cuter than cute Christmassy mini mince pies for KD 9

Please place your orders by calling/whatsapping/msging 99380307 we have a delivery service for a small fee or you can pick up your order from Bneid Al Gar for free.


No licking the screen please!

Merry Christmas :OD


Christmas and New Year at the Hilton


Sunday, December 15, 2013

Magical Panto Yet Again This Year..Aladdin

I Adore Panto...

A fabulous afternoon of slapstick, singing, dancing and shenanigans by the Aladdin cast on stage at The English School yesterday. Super fun for the whole family. Incredible acting and singing from local volunteers who give up their time to entertain us. I'm humbled by your awesomeness. Thank you all so much. 

If you didn't manage to get tickets for their sold out shows join their social media to be kept updated on upcoming events. www.stagedinkuwait.com
 

Fabulous pics by Dhari Al Fouzan more here [link]


 

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Zeri Crafts


Our doors will be open this Wednesday, December 11 and ThursdayDecember 12  from 10am to 6pm

Please feel free to drop by, browse our collection and warm yourselves up with a cup of tea. On display will also be lovely textile items by Blake James Designs.



Monday, December 9, 2013

ABCK Annual Christmas Party

Felix Baumgartner 'Fastest Man in History' in 360 Mall






















Felix Baumgartner who became the first human to break the sound barrier without vehicular power is coming to Kuwait next week. Among the activities he’ll be taking part in there will be a meet and greet with fans at 360 Mall. Here are the details:
Date: Wednesday, 11th December 2013
Time: 7:00PM
Location: 360 Mall

LWDLIK - With thanx to www.248am.com


The Kuwait Cat Club Presents The Most Prestigious CFA Cat Show in the Middle East

Friday, December 6, 2013

United Real Estate Company 40th Birthday Celebrations on Saturday at Marina Mall & Crescent

























 
From what I gather it's going to be a great day :OD

Starts 11AM-8PM

United Real Estate are the company that own Marina Mall, Crescent and Hotel (and quite a lot of other real estate in Kuwait and abroad). So should be quite a paaaaartaaaay!

Can tell you now that they'll be face painting, a caricaturist, clowns, balloon sculpting, Shakshooka farmers' market, mirror characters, a DJ, music, lighting, speed painting performance, laser performances and fireworks.

Woohoo!


  



  


 

The Poem That Inspired and Strengthened Nelson Mandela During His Long Years of Incarceration

"Invictus" is a short Victorian poem by the English poet William Ernest Henley (1849–1903).

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.



RIP Nelson Mandela

Invictus is also the title of a movie about Mandela. You will be in awe and you WILL cry.


Jazz Soul Gospel Singer Karen Edwards in Concert at Radisson Blu Hotel


 
Tickets can be purchased at the hotel.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Alnowair's Street Art Project at Marina Crescent

























Alnowair are super excited to invite you to check out their latest street art project near Starbucks and Pizza Express at Marina Crescent.
Feel free to take videos and pictures with it and tag photos @al_nowair. The most creative picture and video will be featured on Alnowair’s account! Better hurry though the installation is there for only 2 weeks!
 
 

Christmas at City Centre

 
 
......And adult Santa costumes ;O)
 
 
 
 

Five Arab Countries Top Most Corrupt Countries in the World


Five Arab countries are ranked among the top 10 most corrupt nations, according to Transparency International's newly released annual Corruption Perceptions Index, as instability in the region has profound effects on governance.
The list, published on Tuesday, ranks countries on an index score that relates to perceptions of the degree of corruption as seen by country analysts and business people, and ranges between zero, which is highly corrupt, and 100, which is very clean.
 Bottom 10 ranked nations
  1. Somalia (Score: 8)
  2. North Korea (Score: 8)
  3. Afghanistan (Score: 8)
  4. Sudan  (Score: 11)
  5. South Sudan (Score: 14)
  6. Libya (Score: 15)
  7. Iraq (Score: 16)
  8. Uzbekistan (Score: 17)
  9. Turkmenistan (Score: 17)
  10. Syria (Score: 17) 

Syria, Iraq, Libya, Somalia and Sudan all scored less than 20, as their governments deal with massive instability in the face of civil war and armed groups, or nations where the lead researcher of the study said the regime is not "functioning effectively".
"Corruption is very much linked to countries that fall apart, as you see in Libya, Syria, two of the countries that deteriorated the most," Finn Heinrich told AFP news agency. "These are not countries where the government is functioning effectively, and people have to take all means in order to get by, to get services, to get food, to survive."
But the problem is not just instability, but a lack of accountability, Emad Shahin, professor of political science at the American University in Cairo said.
"There is no transparency as reflected by laws that would allow for freedom of information and people's access to it, even in Arab countries that would be considered more advanced in terms of democratic transition," Shahin told Al Jazeera, adding that "despite any kind of superficial appearances, societies in these countries also suffer from a lack of participation at all levels, from local politics to holding the judiciary responsible for governmental oversight."
"While all these factors contribute to these results, corruption as an institution in and of itself cannot be ignored, as even those who address corruption cases are often manipulating them for political reasons, and not through a systematic will to uproot it," he said.
Other countries ranked in the bottom three include Afghanistan and Somalia, where NATO and US special forces have intervened for several years now.
Top 10 ranked nations
  1. Denmark (Score: 91)
  2. New Zealand (Score: 91)
  3. Finland (Score: 89)
  4. Sweden (Score: 89)
  5. Norway (Score: 86)
  6. Singapore (Score: 86)
  7. Switzerland (Score: 85)
  8. Netherlands (Score: 83)
  9. Australia (Score: 81)
  10. Canada (Score: 81)

Afghanistan, Heinrich said, is "a sobering story. We have not seen tangible improvements".
"The West has not only invested in security but also in trying to establish the rule of law. But there have been surveys in the last couple of years showing the share of people paying bribes is still one of the highest in the world."

Widespread worldwide corruption
Meanwhile, the top 10 ranked nations include the Scandinavian countries, Switzerland, Singapore, and British commonwealth nations Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
But Huguette Labelle, the Chair of Transparency International, said that while "the top performers clearly reveal how transparency supports accountability and can stop corruption, [they] face issues like state capture, campaign finance and the oversight of big public contracts," especially with regards to corporate involvement in economic and governmental affairs.
According to Transparency International's press release, "more than two-thirds of the 177 countries in the 2013 index score below 50", indicating that public institutions in particular require more openness and transparency in the decision-making.
However, while corruption in public sectors such as political parties, the police and justice systems remains a massive challenge, according to the watchdog, "efforts to respond to climate change, economic crisis and extreme poverty will face a massive roadblock," unless "international bodies like the G20 crack down on money laundering, make corporations more transparent and pursue the return of stolen assets."
668


Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Online Bookmart in Kuwait Just in Time for Christmas



 
 
 
 
LWDLIK - Big likey :OD Have ordered a book let's see how this goes..
 
Update: Book received within 24 hours, excellent customer service call prior to delivery = Happy customer :OD
 
 
 
 

 

Santa Bikers Out on the Roads Tonight in Kuwait

Love 'em..



 

Al Qout Farmers Market Back Again This Saturday




Qout Market aims to help local/regional farmers and artisans. The market is held on the first Saturday of every month from November to April in a popular urban location.

This Saturday it will be held on the roof of the parking structure of Arraya Center, Sharq. Close to Al Hamra Tower.

It is a place where produce from lo
cal farms, natural food products and crafts from local artisans are introduced to the local community.

The vendors range from organic products from Kuwaiti farms to organic food products from Kuwaiti initiatives to naturally made products.

Activities at the market will eventually include talks on healthy eating habits and presentations on cooking and growing your own organic food.

This initiative helps support local farms and food outlets and encourages people to eat local, seasonal fresh food.


 

Designer Sale at Hamra Tower


It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s… #GuessWhosLanding in Kuwait!

Follow on Facebook. Correct guesses get entered into a draw to win some really cool prizes.
 





KTAA Bazaar at Historic Beit Al Sadu