Danderma's Blog, page 74

Sneak Preview: The Gathering Bistro

We were invited the other day to a preview tasting of the newest eatry in K-Town, The Gathering Bistro. Located in Salhiya area right opposite Salhiya mall.

The location of the gathering is very hip and happening with new resturants opening there recently. I love the design of the place, all industrial and graffiti yet warm and inviting.

There are two seating areas inside, one to the right with white tables and plenty of quirky decor on the adjacent wall.

 I love the hanging lights.

How cute is this little old phone? I took 20 pictures of it alone!

The other seating area is located on the left just by the windows/doors where we sat with more modern tables and a view of the kitchen.

 

We started the tasting session with our drinks, mine was diet coke with ice & lemon.

Then the first appetizer came out, the Moroccan Cigars.

The Moroccan Cigars are rolled and fried pastry filled with minced meat with a green dip.

The Second Appetizer was the Potato Bombs: fried mashed potato balls mashed stuffed with cheese and topped with melted cheese. This I loved.

 

Very good and you can see why I liked it.

Next came the skeweres of grilled shrimp with a side of green sauce.

And the cheese fondue drizzled with honey! So lovely with a side of toasted bread. If you are not a honey fan -like me- you can ask for it to be removed.

Next it was time for the main dishes. There were the Steak Sandwiches.

The Lasagna which was attacked and looked like this between my fellow table diners.

A very good mushroom rissotto that I enjoyed.

And a fusili pasta with pesto, tomato, and cheese that is baked in foil paper in the over and is opened at the table and mixed before you dig in.

Next, the desserts. A very fine Creme Brulee that I almost polished off on my own.

A pot of baked cookie pie that was delicious. So delicious I forgot to take a picture before it was attacked :p

A caramel cheesecake that was really good. I loved the green plate as well.

A pot of chocolaty thingy that I forgot its name. Chocolate Hazard or Chocolate Mania it was?

They also have a selection of cakes and cookies that can be taken away for office workers in the Salhiya Area.

All in all it was a very good experience. Thanks to the Gathering Bistro for extending the invitation for the tasting, we wish you all the best. For more information about The Gathering Bistro you can call them on 22449091, like their facebook page (link), follow them on Twitter (@GatheringKW) , or on instagram (@GatheringKW).

Ayar Perfumes Eid Gift Tray

A few days before Eid Al-Adha I came home to find a heavy cream and gold bag waiting for me from Ayar Perfume containing their new perfumes collection.

If you follow me on my blog and instagram you’d remember that I’ve fallen in love with Ayar Perfumes ever since I received a gift box from them in Ramadan (post) and that by Eid Al-Fiter I’ve polished off the entire box and ordered refills. Judging by the size of their huge Adha Eid gift, it would take me a while until my next refill!

 What’s inside? Well, an acrylic tray lined with dried flower with three big boxes of mamool -incense- and 9 boxes of different Arabian perfumes.

The three Mamool boxes are also in acrylic and lined with wood pieces. There are three kids: Dana, Sadan, and Malaki. The one I’ve tried before and loved is the Malaki, smells so so good.

As for the perfumes, well, there are nine of them each placed in its own box which looks like a little drawer. Very nice indeed.

I haven’t tried everything yet but some of them are really good especially if coupled with the incense. Good job Ayar!

Thank you Ayar Perfumes for the Eid gift. Its too much really but I loved it and I highly recommend it. To order from Ayar Perfumes or for more information you can contact Ayar by calling  55501991 or contacting them by following them on their twitter account (@AyarPerfumes) or Instagram (@AyarPerfumes).

A Sneak Preview of the Opening-Soon Sections in the Avenues Mall

We were invited by the Avenues to a sneak preview of the soon to be opened new sections of the Avenues: The Prestige Section, The Old Souk Section, and The Soku District section. So on Friday afternoon we were all gathered up in the Grand Avenue and at 12:30 our entourage was walking behind the Avenues sign towards The Prestigie section.

The Prestige enterance is still sealed off to the public by this wooden door divider thing.

And the first thing that catches your eyes is the big purple lovely glowing dome. Also, on the right its going to be the Dior boutique and on the Left its going to be the LV boutique.

The dome! Gorgeous dome!

Beneath the dome and to the left and right are going to be a selection of upscale designer label stores.

Next, we went to visit the Soku district, a hip and happening place where its all about creative stores and youthful interests. Its enterance resides in the alley between Starbucks Grand Avenue and Sprinkles Cupcakes.

The first thing you see on your left is the soon to be opened Million of Milkshakes store.

On the right there is a little cosey secluded courtyard that’s amazing! Feels like just you are in Europe and there will be an IHOP there! A favorite spot of mine already.

Next we move to the old souk district where it felt like we are in the old traditional Mubarakiya souk.

Cafe Bazza!

This place reminds me of Al-Gharabally Street.

The next and last area to be explored was the Mall area.

This is going to be Kidzania and its opening is to be in March 2013.

 

The newest enterance to the Avenues with a beautiful balcony like thing that’s to be illuminated by coloruful LED screens.

By the time we finished the tour it was almost 2 PM we knew that the Backstage group and the KTV band would be performing to celebrate the opening of the new Avenues section so we grabbed a table at Napket and had lunch while we waited for the festitivites to start.

Here is KTV Band gathering around and people taking their pictures.

Then The Backstage Group performed. Here is a video of them performing taken by Pink Girl.

Next KTV band continued the celebration.

By the time we finished we were exhausted so we went for Starbucks Grand Avenue and there was the beloved Toffee Nut Latte making an appearance again

And we didn’t leave empty handed. The Avenues gave us a canvas bag filled with goodies and a big map to the entire Avenues mall. Nice!

It was one memorable day at the Avenues! Thank you Abdullah Al-Baddah and Mabanee for your kind invitation and for the amazing tour. The new mall section is opening today, Monday. For more information and to be updated on the Avenue’s openings and latest news you can check the Avenues website (link), like them on facebook (link), follow them on Twitter (@The_Avenues) or on instagram (@The_Avenues).

Things 2 Do in London: Monmouth Coffee

 

Some might argue that Monmouth Coffee sells the best coffee in London but I believe that’s hard to establish given that people’s tastes differ all the time. What I’m sure of is that you cannot walk through the Seven Dials area of Covent Garden without being drawn to the aroma of heavenly brewed coffee on Monmouth street. I’ve yet to resist the urge to go inside when I smell it, its just sensational.

 Perfect for a coffee break or to buy freshly ground coffee to satisfy the coffee-holic in you, Monmouth is the place to be. Crowded with a line sneaking out the narrow doorway waiting to be served.

I never had the chance to sit inside. The seating area is small and crowded but a very cosey place to have a coffee break at from walking around in the cold London weather. Warm, all wood, modern touches here and there, and a warm spectacular cup of fresh coffee between your palms. What more can you ask for?

Not only do they have coffee, they only provide delicious desserts to munch on. Sadly my pictures do not truly portray how chunky and moist the brownies were.

However, I always get myself some freshly ground coffee. They have a great selection and they give you advice on which one to purchase according to your taste and how you brew it.

 I use the French Press Coffee Cafetiere to brew my coffee from ground beans usually for my morning cup of coffee and that’s exactly what I got. They weighed the beans, brewed it, and bagged me some very delicious ground coffee that’s I’m using every morning for breakfast and sadly about to run out of.

Even their packaging is beautiful! Simple, modern, clear, and colorful!

And of course I got myself some espresso to drink as I waited for my coffee or else I’d gone crazy.

Monmouth Coffee is located in Monmouth Street in Covent Garden. For more information, other locations, and maps you can check their website www.monmouthcoffee.co.uk

Crumbs Twilight Breaking Dawn Movie Night Competition

Once again Crumbs bakery celebrates the release of an epic saga movie with a VIP movie night competition.

As Crumbs have done with previous “sagas” such as Twilight (post), Harry Potter (post), and the Hunger Games, the upcoming release of the much anticipated Twilight’s Breaking Dawn Part II in Kuwait means a new Movie Night Competition!

To enter the chance to win 3 VIP tickets to see Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part II with Crumbs on Thursday, November 15th 2012, all you need to do is answer some Breaking Dawn trivia by clicking this link (link). When all the questions are answered correctly, your name will enter the draw once. Winners will be announced on Monday 12th of November 2012 therefore you have until Sunday 11th of March at midnight to submit your answers.

Of course there will also be Crumbs treats for all winners at the cinema. And from my previous nights at Crumbs movie nights I have to tell you that it is NOT a night to be missed so head over to their competition page ASAP and submit your answers! I wish you all good luck and Crumbs? Keep up the good work

For more information about Crumbs bakery or the competition you can call them on 22636614, visit their website (link), like them on facebook (link), follow them on Twitter (@ilovecrumbs) or instagram (@ilovecrumbs).

Things 2 Do in London: Scribller Cards & More

I’ve always had a thing for greeting cards and stationary stores. One of my sheer joys when going abroad is spending an hour or so in stationary stores, looking at different quirky greeting cards and gift wrapping supplies. I always stock up when I’m abroad and this time I’m posting about Scribller.

Its a very fun place to be with plenty of quirky things to get for yourself, for the office, or to give to friends.

 My favorite part of the store is the retro coasters display. So funny!

It took me forever but I’ve finally chosen these two coasters for my office!

You can also personalise your own greeting cards online on Scribbler’s website and have the cards delivered anywhere even to Kuwait. Meanwhile I left with a few cards and my coasters to bring back home and use whenever an occasion rises

For more information about Scribbler you can check their online website (link), like their facebook page (link), or follow them on Twitter (@ScribblerCards).

Starbucks Clover Coffee Machine is now in Kuwait!

 

Good morning! Did you drink your cup o coffee yet? Crazy about coffee? Then I have some excellent news for you. If you’ve been a fan of my blog from the begining you might remember that in 2009 I wrote a postabout an expensive $11,000 coffee machine that produced the most amazing cup of coffee and that it was only available in a few select Starbucks branches in the USA. Here is the (post).

I wanted very much to try that cup of coffee from that expensive machine. I wrote that post on 3 November 2009. On 5 November 2012, three years and 2 days later, I stopped by the new branch of Starbucks in the Grand Avenue on its opening day for a little break, when I met the clover machine!

I was sitting inside, exhausted with my shopping bags on my side when I noticed the sleek machine sitting across a left side counter on its on with. I squinted, my mind trying to process if there is a chance that this could be the machine I wanted to try three years ago.

Then I got up, approached what is called the “Starbucks Reserve” coffee counter, and asked the barista if this machine was indeed the machine. ’Yes’ he said, and I almost squaled in delight.

I explained to the barista that I’ve been waiting to try this machine and he stated that its the first machine to make it to the middle east! I asked him to show me how it made coffee and we started by my paying for my ordered cup of black coffee which cost KD 1.500.

Next I chose the coffee bean two brew. I had two choices, the  ”Jamaica Blue Mountain” or the ”Oahu”, both of which are from Starbucks Reserve rang of rare and exquisite coffee beans. I wen with the Oahu bean.

The amount of beans to be used for my coffee was measured then on the scales.

Then the coffee beans were ground infront of me. .

The freshly ground rare Oahu coffee beans were then placed in a cylinder like breweing chamber in the middle of the Clover machine. Water was poured in as well as the baristagently whisked the coffee beans with the water and let it brew for a while.

A few clicks of the machine buttons later and the brewing chamber began to brew my coffee while the residual coffee grind is pushed upwards before the barista’s eyes.

Then my perfect coffee was poured inside my cup, and I could smell it and couldn’t wait to try it

And there, on the Grand Avenues’ opening day, I tried my first cup of Starbucks coffee brewed by the Clover machine.

Intrigued? You should be! I’ve finally tried a cup of coffee that I’ve been dreaming of since 2009 and it was good! The next time you are in the Grand Avenue which could probably be today and you want a good cup of coffee you should stop by Starbucks right opposite Harvey Nichols and try it. Its from the Starbucks Reserve counter. You will love it I’m sure!

Jo Malone is now open in the Grand Avenue

At last and after a long wait, the luxurious Jo Malone store was opened yesterday at the Grand Avenue. If, like me, you have a mild addiction for sensational fragrances and scented candles, then you will understand how happy I am.

 

I made sure to pass by Jo Malone after I was almost done shopping in the Grand Avenue so I could take my time shopping there. The store is wide and designed in classy creme and black tones of course.

Everywhere you look there is something for you to sniff and try: fragrances, candles, room sprays, creams, etc.

I got myself the Blackberry & Bay fragrance and the Rose candle. I couldn’t leave empty handed. My purchases were put in Jo Malone’s signature boxes.

Before I left I was handed a card with a complimentary hand treatment at the Grand Avenue store. I left Jo Malone happy with my nose buzzing with gorgeous scents.

Jo Malone is located in the Grand Avenue at the left side of the walkway a few stores after Starbucks.

Garrett’s Popcorn Now Open in the Grand Avenue

Dear fellow Kuwaitis, there is no need to lug tins of Garrett’s Popcorn on the plane home from Dubai for their first branch in Kuwait is now open in The Grand Avenues! I tried to take enough pictures but many people were milling around so this is what I could get. If you are a fan, you know were to go, its smack at the right side of the right entrance to the Grand Avenue coming from the Avenues Phase II. Enjoy

Lunch at the Cheesecake Factory

Of course we had to try The Cheesecake Factory yesterday! After all its located right at the entrance of the Grand Avenue and its huge and very popular.

So yesterday after we took the Grand Avenues Tour we waited in the queue for The Cheesecake Factory’s public opening at about 11:30 AM and we got ourselves an excellent table on the side overlooking the entrance of the Grand Avenue where we could see all the action.

We soon got our menu and started flipping through it. We were starving after the tour and the shopping so we decided to have lunch first and then a slice of cheesecake for dessert.

Soon after we placed our order we got a bread basket with butter. The bread warm, soft, and delicious.

Next came our drinks: mine was a Mojito.

Excellent Mojito.

 Our dishes didn’t take long to arrive despite the restaurant being very busy and the long queue almost reaching The Gaucho Grill.

Mine of course was the Spaghetti which I loved. It was a tad on the salty side though but nothing too bad. Next time I’ll ask them to use less salt.

Next, came the dessert. We had a hard time choosing one cheesecake given the vast amount of options available.

The Red Velvet Cheesecake was a very strong contender but in the end we opted to go for one of the basics without too many frills: The Strawberry Cheesecake!

Needless to say we devoured it!

The only thing I didn’t like about The Cheesecake Factory is that they had set the best seats in the restaurants as a smoking section which is another baffling thing given that the Avenues is supposed to be a smoke free zone. In any case, The Cheesecake Factory is located at the Grand Avenue section of the Avenues mall. If you are a fan you will already be queuing there and if you’ve never tried it before, well, leave room for dessert!