abela August 2011 delicatesse - Souq Planet new Smart Shopper Card packs continue to fly off the shelf so we are encouraged to witness the scheme’s great success. We hope you are

Ramadan Revealed

Get away to Sri Lanka

Take refuge at The Cove

delicatessef i n e f o o d , t r a v e l a n d l i v i n g

abelaAugust 2011 n Issue 5

S U P E R M A R K E T SABELA

SuperfruitS Just what are they and

how do they work?

Fresh, crunchy and delicious

... it’s the season for Apples


abela


abela

3

August 2011 n Issue 5

in this [hot] issue ...

Designed and produced for Abela Supermarkets by phishface publishing Ltd. www.phishface.com - for ad enquiries please call: +971 2 666 8643Written material and imagery contained in this magazine are copyrighted and the sole property of Abela Supermarkets, phishface publishing Ltd. or

©pHiSHfOtOZ and may not be reproduced as a whole or in part without express written permission from the publisher. ©Abela Supermarkets LLC 2011

... a quick word 5a message from Abela

ramadan explained 6all you need to know about the Holy Month

Abu Dhabi film festival 9the scoop on celebrities attending the festival

World Humanitarian Day 13thinking about others in need

A fruitful summer 15go mad for superfruits apples and pomegranates

New this month 20check out the new line-up of products

Baklava 30home made sweet treats for Ramadan

escape to the Cove 32a Ras Al Khaimah hideaway

Our people 32a day with our retail operations manager

72 hours in Sri Lanka 36whistle-stop highlights on a tropical island

puzzle it out 46with a game of sudoku and some brain teasers

indoor herb garden 48grow your own fresh herbs - indoors!

NEWMENUNOW AT

KHALIDIYASOON INKHALIFA

WELCOMESback theAED 25lunch buffet

served daily between 11 am & 2:30 pm

5


... a quick word

Dear readers,

Welcome to our fifth issue of ‘delicatesse’, Abela’s free in-store magazine to

complement your lifestyle.

This issue we will extend coverage from August to October and include even

more super hot new products, facts and features from Abela.

There’s still plenty to do over Ramadan and to escape the heat of the summer

months as we take you to explore The Cove in Ras Al Khaimah, for a short

break in Sri Lanka, and explain all there is to know about the Holy Month.

The new Smart Shopper Card packs continue to fly off the shelf so we are

encouraged to witness the scheme’s great success. We hope you are taking

advantage of collecting points to redeem shopping vouchers to spend in-

store. The programme is very simple: shop, earn points, redeem shopping

rewards! Pick up your instant application pack or ask one of our staff for more

information.

We would like to hear what you think of delicatesse magazine, so please drop

an email to [email protected] and let us know.

We wish you all Ramadan Kareem for 2011.

Sincerely yours

David Derrick

Retail General ManagerAbela Supermarkets


6 7


back to basics

Iftar Treats

Ramadan is described as, ‘that in which the Qu’ran was revealed as a guidance for

people’. The ayah goes on to explain who should fast, and who is allowed to not

fast. “Allah desires ease for you and he does not desire hardship for you, and (He

desires) that you complete the prescribed period (of the Fast) and magnify Allah for

His Guidance to you; that you may be grateful.” (Quran 2:185)

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar when all Muslims should fast

during daylight hours - the first day being the sighting of the new moon.

Once Ramadan has begun, Muslim families rise in the early morning to eat a meal

(suhour), after which they then resolve on their intention to fast that month ‘for

the sake of Allah’, followed by Fajr prayers.

Throughout the day worshippers must refrain from eating, drinking or smoking.

Even more important - those fasting must try not to get angry or think bad

thoughts, because this would also cancel out any good intention made by fasting.

Many people find that hunger allows for quick tempers, so one of the first things

to learn is self-control and patience.

The moment to break the fast arrives as soon as the sun sets (iftar). The traditional

way of breaking the fast is with a date and a glass of water where one realises

the value of food and drink which far exceeds the cost paid for it. After Maghreb

prayers worshippers then sit to eat a proper meal. The ritual of breaking the fast

with dates is said to go back to the time when Prophet ‘Isa was a baby. On the

journey to flee Egypt, the first food that they were able to find was dates and

then later, the Prophet Muhammad also broke his fast with dates and has since

become the custom.

When fasting it is very important to eat healthy food so that you will have strength

to fast the next day. Sometimes people cook enormous meals and this can

mean throwing food away if it is not all eaten. Food should never be wasted -

especially during Ramadan. It is also advised that it is better never to eat too

much. {According to a hadith, a third of your stomach is for food, a third for

liquid, and a third so you can breathe easily.}

Children under the age of puberty are excused from fasting as are women who

have just given birth, are pregnant or breast-feeding for the sake of the baby’s

health. The sick, the old and the traveller, are also excused from fasting. In all

cases when people are not able to fast, they have to fast the number of days they

have missed, at some other time. If they are not able to do this because of bad

health, for instance and if finances allow, it is encouraged to feed a poor person

for the same number of days.

Most in the UAE will have experienced at least one Holy Month of

Ramadan, and this year is made particularly difficult by falling over

the hot days of August, with the longest fasting day for 26 years being

14hrs and 50 minutes.

ramadanexplained


Muslim or not, you must try to experience Iftar

at least once whilst in the Emirates - tasting

dishes that are not regularly on menus at other

times of the year. Here are some examples:

Pre-Dawn Dishes (Suhour)Rice Pudding With Dates, Syrian Bread, Ekmek, Algerian Bouzgene, Noni Afghani, Fava Bean Breakfast Spread, Black Glutinous Rice Porridge, Fereni Starch Pudding, Turkish Style Eggs, Egyptian Feta Cheese Omelette Roll

Post-Sunset Dishes (Iftar)Moroccan Ksra, Harira, Pomegranate Stew with Chicken (Khoresh Fesenjan), Mawmenye (Lentils and Beef Stew), Eggplant and Lamb Stew, Moroccan Lentil Salad, Smoky Eggplant and Yoghurt Salad, Bissara, Kuwaiti Traditional Tea, Basboosa, Kanafa

9


abu dhabifilm festival

Oct

ober

13-

22 2

011

185X120_magazine .indd 1 7/12/11 12:42 PM

Established in 2007, the Abu Dhabi Film Festival

operates with the aim of helping to create a vibrant

film culture throughout the region. Presented

each October the event is committed to curating

exceptional programs to engage and educate the

local community, inspire filmmakers and nurture the

growth of the regional film industry.

10 11

With its commitment to presenting works by Arab filmmakers in competition alongside those

by major talents of world cinema, the festival offers Abu Dhabi’s diverse and enthusiastic

audiences a means of engaging with their own and others’ cultures through the art of cinema.

At the same time, a strong focus on the bold new voices of Arab cinema connects with Abu

Dhabi’s role as a burgeoning cultural capital in the region and marks the festival as a place for

the world to discover and gauge the pulse of recent Arab filmmaking.

CELEbRATinG And HonoURinG CULTURE And HERiTAGE

The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) is the institution in charge of conserving and

promoting the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi. Established in October 2005 as an authority of the

Government of Abu Dhabi, it is administered by a board of directors chaired by H.E. Sheikh Sultan bin

Tahnoun Al Nahyan.

The creation of ADACH was a direct result of the implementation of the Abu Dhabi Cultural Heritage

Management Strategy, a 5-year strategy prepared by a UNESCO-led team working closely with local

experts. The Strategy identified the principal issues affecting the development of Abu Dhabi’s culture and

heritage and laid down goals for its activities.

ADACH is an organisation with far-sighted aspirations – to harness the pride of the people of the UAE

through the development of its cultural heritage, and to be the leading cultural development organisation in

the region. Internationally it is contributing to the strengthening of intercultural dialogue and the appreciation

of different cultures by developing projects that encourage the sharing of cultural traditions and experience.

The Festival’s 2010 program included a wide range of films from the Middle East and all over the world:

features and shorts, fanciful and down-to-earth, hard-hitting and hilarious. The 2011 event is set to be just

a star-studded and dazzling.

SpECiAL EvEnTS

An Encounter with ClIvE OwEn

60 minutes/Suitable for All Ages at Abu Dhabi Theatre 15th Oct at 2pm

An intimate conversation with star actor Clive Owen.

An Encounter with JulIAnnE MOOrE

An intimate conversation with star Julianne Moore.

90 minutes/Suitable for All Ages - Tent 18th Oct at 2.30pm

An Encounter with uMA ThurMAn

90 minutes/Suitable for All Ages at Abu Dhabi Theatre 22nd Oct at 2pm

Encounters are FREE to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tickets for Encounters at the Abu Dhabi Theatre can be picked up at any festival box office in advance.

FEEL THE FESTivAL vibE!

Attending a film festival is an interactive experience. Get your program, do your research, select your films

and “festival”! Many screenings have filmmakers in attendance - share your thoughts and excitement with

them during question-and-answer sessions after screenings.

And you are the jury ... Don’t forget to vote for the Audience Choice Award. A US$30,000 prize is up for

grabs for the audience favourite from among this year’s feature-length films.

Enjoy your Festival!

ww

w.a

bud

hab

ifilm

fest

ival

.ae

August 2011 n Issue 5 August 2011 n Issue 5

selling the celluloid

dream in abu dhabi

“There are no heroes but in celluloid” (Charles Langbridge Morgan).

celluloid = a colourless flammable material made from nitrocellulose and camphor and used to make

photographic film.

humantouch

the primary objective of

humanitarian aid is to save lives,

alleviate suffering, and maintain

human dignity.

world humanitarian day on 19th August 2011

Natural disasters, conflicts and other emergencies threaten the

lives and health of millions of people every year. In the middle of

such crises, thousands of dedicated humanitarian workers strive to

care for those who have been affected and support local authorities

to deliver assistance. On World Humanitarian Day, WHO and

other international bodies are highlighting the roles performed by

humanitarian workers, and remembering aid workers who have

been killed or injured while performing their vital roles.

WoRLd HUMAniTARiAn dAy oFFERS THE CHAnCE:

- for the public to learn more about the humanitarian community,

what aid workers do and the challenges they face;

- for nongovernmental and international bodies and UN agencies,

to demonstrate their humanitarian activities;

- to pay respect to those who have died or been injured in the

course of their humanitarian work.

Humanitarian Principles represent the foundation of humanitarian

action. Key humanitarian principles include:

HUMAniTy: Human suffering must be addressed wherever it is

found. The purpose of humanitarian action is to protect life and

health and ensure respect for human beings.

nEUTRALiTy: Humanitarian actors must not take sides in

hostilities or engage in controversies of a political, racial, religious

or ideological nature.

iMpARTiALiTy: Humanitarian action must be carried out on the

basis of need alone, giving priority to the most urgent cases of

distress and making no distinctions on the basis of nationality, race,

gender, religious belief, class or political opinion.

opERATionAL indEpEndEnCE: Humanitarian action must

be autonomous from the political, economic, military or other

objectives that any actor may hold with regard to areas where

humanitarian action is being implemented”.

Think about anything you can do, not just on World Humanitarian

Day, but from this day forward, to help those less fortunate than

yourself. Sometimes even very small things can mean so much.

the


13

PSTRS Ad 225x270 v2.indd 1 08/12/2010 15:47

15


14

a fruitfulsummer

from the humble apple to the

more exotic pomegranate

these seasonal fruits are

perfect for summery punches,

desserts or just to enjoy on

their own. Health benefits

abound, these fruits add

savoury or sweet panache

to a variety of dishes.

16


from the Garden of Eden to William Tell there is no fruit as swathed in romanticism and folklore as the apple, and where would science be without the falling fruit that led Isaac Newton to form his theory of gravity?

17

redgreen gold+August 2011 n Issue 5

A member of the rose family, we all know that apples are a crisp,

white-fleshed fruit with a red, yellow or green skin. Its relation to

roses might seem strange until we remember that roses make

rose hips, which are fruits similar to the apple.

Apples have a moderately sweet, refreshing flavour and a

tartness that is present to greater or lesser degree depending

on the variety. For example, Golden and Red Delicious varieties

are mild and sweet, while Pippins and Granny Smiths are notably

brisk and tart. Tart apples, which best retain their texture during

cooking, are often preferred for cooked desserts like apple pie,

while Delicious apples and other sweeter varieties like Braeburn

and Fuji apples are usually eaten raw.

Whole apples are a much better nutritional choice than apple

juice (unless you are juicing the whole apple yourself as opposed

to a manufactured juice). Not only are whole apples richer in

dietary fibre, but the current processes of juicing seem to

drastically reduce the polyphenolic phytonutrient concentrations

originally found in the whole fruit.

HiSToRy

The apple tree, (originally from Eastern Europe and southwestern

Asia), has spread to most temperate regions of the world

and over the centuries, many hybrids and cultivars have been

developed, giving us over 7,000 varieties today.

Apples have long been associated with the biblical story of Adam

and Eve, although there is actually no mention that, in fact, the

fruit in question was actually an apple. In Norse mythology,

apples were given a more positive persona: a magic apple was

said to keep people young forever.

AnTioxidAnT bEnEFiTS

Since most of the polyphenols in apples function as antioxidants,

it’s not surprising to see so many health benefit studies focusing

on the antioxidant benefits from apple. Particularly strong is the

ability of apples to decrease oxidation of cell membrane fats.

This benefit is especially important in our cardiovascular system

since oxidation of fat (called lipid peroxidation) in the membranes

of cells that line our blood vessels is a primary risk factor for

clogging of the arteries and other cardiovascular problems.

Apples’ strong antioxidant benefits are also related to their ability

to lower risk of asthma in numerous studies, and their ability to

lower risk of lung cancer. In addition to their unusual polyphenol

composition, apples also provides us with about 8 milligrams

of vitamin C. While that amount is not a lot, it’s still important,

especially since the recycling of vitamin C in our body depends

on the presence of flavonoids and apples do an amazing job of

providing us with those flavonoids.

The skin of the apple is unusually rich in nutrients, and even

if a recipe you’ve chosen requires peeled apples, consider

leaving it on to receive the unique benefits found in the skins.

Ideally, of course, choose organic apples to avoid problems

related to pesticide residues and other contaminants. If these

are unavailable, and you are willing to accept some level of risk

related to consumption of residues on the apple skins, it can still

be a good trade-off between nutrients and contaminants if you

leave the skin of the apple intact and eat the apple unpeeled.

Just be sure to thoroughly rinse the entire apple under a stream

of pure water while gently scrubbing the skin with a natural bristle

brush for 10-15 seconds.

HoW To SELECT And SToRE

Look for firm fruits with rich colouring. Yellow and green apples

with a slight blush are best, though your preference for a sweeter

or more tart fruit and whether you plan to enjoy your apples raw

or cooked will guide your choice of variety.

Apples can be stored for relatively long (3-4 months) periods of

time. Cold storage at low refrigerator temperatures (35-40F/2-4C)

is able to help minimize loss of nutrients. It’s helpful to maintain

some moisture in the cold storage area, for example, by inclusion

of damp cheesecloth in the crisper bin of a refrigerator. Over a

period of time involving

months, there is loss

of total polyphenols

from apples, including

both flavonoid and non-

flavonoid polyphenols.

However, the valuable amounts of polyphenols (and all other

nutrients) remain. In some food traditions, cold storage of

apples over the winter months is still counted on as a key part

of dietary nourishment from fruits.

You’ve no doubt heard the saying, “one bad apple can spoil the

whole bunch.” Well, research studies agree. An apple that has

been bruised from being dropped (or that has been damaged in

some other way) will start to release unusual amounts of ethylene

gas. This ethylene gas can pose a risk to other apples that have

not been damaged and greatly decrease their shelf life. For this

reason, it’s important to handle apples with tender loving care,

and also to remove any damaged apples from groups of apples

stored in bulk.

A FEW qUiCK SERvinG idEAS

• Add diced apples to fruit or green salads.

• braise a chopped apple with red cabbage.

• Looking for an alternative to sweet desserts? Sliced apples

(either alone or with other fruits) and cheese are a European

favourite.

Look for the Barakat brand in Abela for quality fruit and vegetables you can trust!

18 19

August 2011 n Issue 5August 2011 n Issue 5

The pomegranate is one of the oldest fruits known to man.

The fruit was grown in Ancient Egypt and Rome, and even

has a place in Greek mythology. The pomegranate has deep

roots in both biblical and Judaic history, In fact, many scholars

debate whether the apple in the Garden of Eden was in fact a

pomegranate!

A ripe, ready-to-eat pomegranate is a luscious jewel of a

fruit, capable of transforming any meal into an extraordinary

experience. And although this delicious fruit may seem exotic,

it’s wonderfully easy to enjoy.

Packed inside the rather ugly looking skin are hundreds of ruby-

red arils – sweet, tart, gem-like juice sacs, bursting with pure

flavour. Enjoy these little beauties as is, toss them into savoury

or sweet dishes, or use them as a brightly coloured garnish.

Pomegranates are not only delicious and beautiful, they’re also

one of the most nutritious fruits you can eat.

High in anti-oxidants, vitamin C and potassium, they are a good

source of fibre and low in calories.

Pomegranate juice is high in three different types of polyphenols,

a potent form of antioxidants. The three types - tannins,

anthocyanins, and ellagic acid - are present in many fruits,

but pomegranate juice contains particularly high amounts of

all three. As antioxidants, they are credited with helping in the

prevention of cancer and heart disease.

no MESS dESEEdinG

By far the easiest method to take out the seeds (as opposed to

the laborious method when as children we were given a pin, a

half fruit and about an hour to pick one by one each little seed)

Simply: Cut the pomegranate in half across the crown not down

it. Take a bowl and a flat spatula or heavy cook’s spoon. Hold

the pomegranate open side down in your open hand and tap

the skin firmly to dislodge the seeds.

vARiATionS

Pomegranates are picked and shipped

ripe, so they are ready to eat at the time

of purchase. Each pomegranate yields

3/4 cup seeds and 1/2 cup of juice.

When shopping for pomegranates, look

for these characteristics:

• thin,yettoughskin

• unbrokenskin

• a deep red colour

• heavyforitssize

• crownthatisfreeofmold

Pomegranates stay fresh for about two

weeks when stored in a cool, dry place

that is out of direct sunlight. In the

refrigerator, they can be safely stored

for up to two months. While it is not

recommended to freeze the whole fruit,

the seeds can be frozen for up to a year.

poMEGRAnATE in THE MiddLE EAST

Grenadine syrup and pomegranate fruit

features prominently in Middle Eastern

cooking and is particularly popular

during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

For a refreshing drink packed with

nutrients: Pour three tablespoons of

grenadine syrup in a 12 ounces glass (or freshly squeezed

pomegranate juice); add water and a teaspoon of rose water.

Stir. Add some pine nuts (previously soaked in water for one

hour or longer). Serve. Delicious.

Punica granatum

pomegranate an ancient fruit

these little jewels of juice are packed full of flavour and rich in vitamin c,

potassium and high in antioxidants.

The pomegranate is a very ancient fruit and before

tomatoes (a new-world fruit) arrived in the Middle East,

grenadine was widely used in many Iranian foods, and

is still found in traditional recipes such as fesenjän, a

thick sauce made from pomegranate juice and ground

walnuts, usually spooned over duck or other poultry

and rice, and in ash-e anar (pomegranate soup).

DidyouknowthatSpanish

Padresarecreditedwithtaking

pomegranatestoCalifornia?

Theyweregrownatmissions

some200yearsagoand

todaytheSanJoaquinValley

istheonlyconcentration

ofcommerciallygrown

pomegranatesintheUSA.


EpiCURE CELERy HEARTS

Fresh and ready to serve - celery hearts can

be added to virtually any dish to enhance its

flavour.

MUG SHoTS - SnACK in A CUp

A variety of dried pasta, noodles and cous

cous in a range of delicious savoury sauces.

Perfect for that hunger pang at any time of the

day. Mug shot is the ‘Snack you make in a Mug’!

Available in: Noodle varieties: Chow Mein Flavour, Spicy Sweet ‘n’ Sour

Flavour (V), Thai Style (V), and Chicken Flavour.

Pasta varieties are: Chicken ‘n’ Mushroom Flavour, Roast Chicken Flavour,

Tomato ‘n’ Herb (V) and Creamy Cheese (V).

Cous Cous varieties are: Chicken and Mushroom Flavour and Tomato & Herb.

(Perfectforanelevensessnack!)

bionA pASTA

Spelt is one of the

oldest cultivated grains

(an ancient cousin of

wheat). It is high in fibre,

has a higher content of

protein and vitamins

than regular wheat and although not gluten free,

Spelt can be tolerated by some people with

wheat allergies.

Praised in the 12th century by St. Hildegarde

von Bingen as “the best of grains”. Whole

Grain Goodness!

Available in: Organic Spelt Pasta Wholegrain - Penne,

Fusilli and spaghetti, and white artisan farfalle

(WhatmoretosaybutMmmMmmmMMm)

divELLA pASTA

Working for four generations the

Divella name is known for quality and

tasty products. Try the Fantasie ghiotte

range and add a touch of colour to

your recipe with - a pasta shapes

rich in dehydrated vegetables like

spinach and tomato. Ready in just 10

minutes for a healthy

and nutritious meal for

the whole family.Available in: Fusilli and Farfalle -

Spinach and Tomato flavour.

(Great to build up energy

forthegym)

FRESH GoURMET CRoUTonS

These Premium Croutons bring the aromatic flavour of

the garden to your salads and side dishes. Seasoned

with a savoury blend of herbs and spices, they also make

a fantastic stuffing. Healthy eating is a snap with Fresh

Gourmet Premium Croutons!

Available in: Cheese & Garlic, Country Ranch, Classic Caesar, Deli-Style

Parmesan Caesar, Italian Seasoned, Garden Herb, Fat Free Garlic Caesar,

Fat Free Parmesan Ranch, Organic Seasoned, Organic Caesar, Sweet Butter

Cornbread, Tiny Bites Cheesy, Foccacia Roasted Garlic, Ciabatta Butter &

Sea Salt.

FRESH GoURMET CRUnCHy ToppinGS

Part of a great dining out experience includes freshly ground

pepper sprinkled on your salad just before the meal. Now

you can get that restaurant experience in your own home!

Fresh Gourmet Garlic Pepper Crispy Onions transform your

salads and vegetable dishes into extraordinary presentations

and mouth-watering sensations!

Available in: Garlic Pepper Crispy Onions, Lightly Salted Crispy Onions,

Lightly Salted Crispy Jalapeños, Lightly Salted Crispy Red Peppers, Lightly

Salted Tortilla Strips, Santa Fe Style Tortilla Strips, Tri-Color Tortilla Strips,

Authentic Wonton Strips, Wasabi Ranch Wonton Strips,

Garlic Ginger Wonton Strips

(Crispy,crunchyandfullofflavour)

iMAGinE SoUpS

Discover the rich, naturally

delicious flavour of

Imagine Organic Creamy

Broccoli Soup. Enjoy

its smooth texture

and perfect balance

of fresh herbs and

delicate seasonings.

One spoonful tells you that this soup is

made from the finest organic vegetables,

harvested at the peak of ripeness. Feed

your imagination with the best that

nature has to offer. Certified Organic by

Quality Assurance International (QAI).

(Quick,tastyandfullofgoodness)

Available in: Organic Broccoli, Natural Creamy Portobello

Mushroom

GALE’S LEMon CURd

Rich and smooth in texture, with the citrus

zest of whole lemons, Gale’s Lemon Curd is

perfect for lemon tarts, the sticky tangy layer

in a Victoria sponge or perfect in a lemon

drizzle cake. (Yum!)

LoREnz

nUTS

Using only

the best raw

materials from top

growing areas around the world,

Lorenz deliver a range of fresh

snacks and nuts for you to enjoy.

(Gonuts forsomenaturalhealthy

snacks!)

Available in: Macadamia and pistachio

LoREnz CHipS

Country Chips – the crunchy

spicy snack made of whole

grain. No artificial flavours, no

... in stores now!find all these and more ... new products at Abela

2120

flavour enhancers

and no preservatives.

Try the Peperoni - the hottest of all

Country Chips spices! You can’t find words to

describe, so try them! Or go for the mild Classic flavour

- Golden brown, carefully baked and only lightly spiced up

with the right amount of salt for the pure and natural taste

experience! (Snacksthatmightjustblowyourheadoff!)

Available in: Classic and Peperoni

MASAFi GoURMET CHipS

For Masafi’s Gourmet Potato Chips, raw potatoes are

sourced from - Lady Rosetta, Hermes, Lady Claire and

Saturna potatoes. Once peeled, they are thick-cut and

brined. Brining makes the chips retain that home-made feel

and are much more crisp. Only High Oleic oil is used in the

process - the lowest ever level of Saturate Fat among all

oils and the highest amount of Mono-Saturates Fat (“good

or healthy” fats). The fried chips are then defatted, literally

vacuuming approximately 15 to 20% of oil hence the chip is

dry, less oily and has a healthy looking feel to it. (Chipshave

neverbeensohealthy!)

Available in: Salt & Vinegar, Sweet Chilli and Sea Salt

Fox’S JAM n’ CREAM

It’s the combination of real raspberry jam and

vanilla cream,

sandwiched between flaky round shells

that make Jam Rings truly irresistible.

(Jammy, creamy and delicious with your

morningcuppa!)

Fox’S MELTS

Luxuriously buttery biscuits that melt in

your mouth. These delicately crafted

biscuits will ease away the day’s troubles.

Try Viennese in gorgeous Double

Chocolate flavour too. (One just won’t

beenough!)

pAMELA’S oRGAniC SpiCy

GinGER CooKiES

Pamela’s is testament to the fact that

wheat-free, gluten-free foods can taste

great and that everyone should have food

delicious enough to celebrate. Pamela’s

Products, continues to lead the industry with

award winning decadent and delicious gluten-

free foods. Try these all-natural organic ginger

cookie with a bite! Wheat-free, Gluten-free and

dairy-free. (So delicious you won’t believe

they’rehealthy!)

June 2011 n Issue 4 August 2011 n Issue 5

22 23

KELLoGG’S SpECiAL

FRUiT & yoGURT

For 120 calories per

serving, you can have the

tastes of delicious fruit

and yogurt in this cereal that’s filled with rice and whole

grain wheat flakes and yogurt-covered fruit and oat clusters.

Add Special K® Fruit & Yogurt Cereal to your routine ... your

morning will thank you.

KELLoGG’S biT-SizE FRoSTEd

Mini WHEATS

Mini by name, but definitely not mini

by nature. Stay full with an excellent

source of fibre from 100% whole

grain. One bowl of cereal gives

you about 20% of your daily fibre

to keep you full, enabling you to

stay focused on the day ahead.

KELLoGG’S pop TARTS

Strawberry Sensation: These babies are frosted and sprinkled,

and have plenty of strawberry-flavoured goodness, so each

bit is loaded with all the tasty bells and whistles.

Choctastic: The clue is in the name ... chocolate pastry, with

chocolate filling and chocolate

frosting! That’s a LOT of

chocolate! Pop them in the

toaster and have a great

breakfast treat and give in to those sweet cravings!

bASSETT’S MURRAy MinTS

These are the sweets that we all remember from our

childhood, when they were passed around in small paper

bags. Their iconic designs have barely altered since they

were first created. Murray Mints is

still a firm favourite and here’s a bag

big enough to share with the whole

family. (WatchoutDaddoesn’tsteal

themall)

pAndA dUELLo

New Panda Duello chocolate covered

liquorice - a great combination of

Panda’s revolver shape liquorice

pieces covered in delicious

chocolate. It has fantastic taste and

adds another dimension for liquorice

lovers! (Astrange,yettastycombination!)

MEnToS 3d GUM

Have you tried Mentos 3D? Three

layers, three flavours. It’s triple layered

sugar free gum … in strawberry/apple

/raspberry, watermelon/pineapple/

melon and fresh mint with green tea

extract flavours.

CHoCodATES

Dates in chocolate filled with an

almond. The concept of this delicacy

was developed by Mr. Fawaz Masri at the end of the last

century. His dream was to offer a

unique Arabian product to the world.

This natural fruit is nutritious and

healthy, rich in fibre and minerals

and provides immediate energy

... and of course a little chocolate

buzz! (Aseriouslyhealthyburstofatreat)

EviAn FACiAL SpRAy - nATURAL SKinCARE

Evian facial spray is one of the most cosmopolitan

brands in the world today. Created in 1962, the

trade name was registered in France and around

the world: the Evian® BRUMISATEUR®, it is also

part of the daily routine of the most talented

Hollywood stars. The secret of Evian facial spray

is the unique purity and balanced mineral

composition of

Evian. By spraying

millions of tiny micro

droplets, the Evian

facial spray helps

the penetration

of Evian natural

spring water into the upper layers

of the epidermis.

Evian facial spray increases the

upper layers of the epidermis

moisture by up to 16% (Proven

by 3 clinical studies, test was

conducted under simulated winter

conditions).

GLAdE SHAKE n’ vAC

This product has been around

for years - and is proof that it has

endured the coming and going of

below par imitations. The theory is

simple ... shake it onto your carpet

or rug, vacuum ... sniff. A lovely

lingering scent of Lily of the Valley or

Magnolia & Vanilla.

EASy - inSpiRATionS

A new range of gel air freshener in a variety of luscious

aromas. Simply place in a room in your home and peel back

the cover to release the calming, welcoming scent of rare

orchid or any

other aroma of

the Inspirations

range. It works

continuously to

leave your home

smelling fresh

and inviting.


24 25

26 27

February 2011 n Issue 2

EASy FAbRiC FRESHEnER

Eliminates odours on most

fabrics, leaving it with a clean

fresh lavender smell. And with

this pack, get 50% extra, free!

EASy STAin REMovER

Remove a whole range of

stains with this quick and easy

spray - safe on coloured and

sensitive fabrics. And with this

pack, get 50% extra, free!

bLoo ToiLET bLoCKS

Bloo’s easy-to-load cage allows

you to refill without having to

touch the cage! Simply leave

the cage on the rim and drop

in a refill, leaving you to enjoy

a fresh, fruity fragrance and

foamy cleaning in every flush.

Bloo’s unique formula prevents

limescale build-up and leaves your bathroom fresh and

inviting. Available in: Zingy Lime or Tangerine Twist.

FAiRy ALL in onE diSHWASHER

TAbLETS

Fairy for Dishwashers helps prevent grease

and orange colour from food ending up

on your plastics. So if you wash your

plastics at the same time as a bowl with

left over baked beans or spag bol, Fairy

for Dishwashers can prevent them from

turning a dull orange colour.

In fact, with such tough cleaning and

degreasing power, Fairy for Dishwashers

will help keep your plastics looking as

good as new.

That’s why Fairy is the brand you

can trust to take good care of your

Tupperware.

MiLTon STERiLiSinG FLUid

Allows you to sterilise in just 15 minutes,

killing bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores (tough

dormant bacteria). It has been used in hospitals for

many years as a simple and very reliable method.

Can be used to sterilise breast feeding equipment

and all babies feeding utensils, including bottles,

soothers, teething rings, small plastic toys and

weaning items. And we’ve used it to clean out

those sports bottles and camelbaks too!

1001 no vAC

A revolutionary new carpet and rug freshener that

safely eliminates all types of everyday hidden

odours without the need to vacuum. There is

also a pet version with a fresh Honeysuckle

fragrance – designed to tackle everyday

trapped pet odours within your carpet and

upholstery

Available in: Summer Flower, Gentle Breeze and Spring Rain.

biG d CAR FRESHEnER

A very convenient smelly gel in a cup that fits in to your

vehicle’s cup holder. Neutralizes odours and leaves your car

smelling fresh and clean.

Available in: Ocean Spray, Menthol and Red Berries.


oxo good gripstools you hold on to - available in Abela


OXO began with a few simple questions - Why do ordinary kitchen tools hurt your hands? Why can’t there be wonderfully comfortable tools that are easy to use?

The man who asked these questions was Sam Farber, an

entrepreneur in the housewares industry. Noticing that his

wife was having difficulty gripping ordinary kitchen tools due

to a slight case of arthritis in her hands, he saw an opportunity

to create more comfortable cooking tools that would benefit

all users. Sam came out of retirement and approached the

design firm Smart Design with that challenge. As part of the

initial research that included talking with consumers, chefs

and retailers, Patricia Moore, a noted gerontologist, was

brought on board to help understand the needs of users with

special needs.

Today, OXO offers over 850 products covering many areas

of the home. Each was developed based on the concept

of Universal Design (also known as Inclusive Design), a

philosophy of making products that are usable by as many

people as possible. It means designing products for young

and old, male and female, left- and right-handed and many

with special needs. OXO products have won numerous

design awards and are included in the permanent collections

of many museums worldwide.

Today, OXO continues to be dedicated to providing innovative

solutions that ease everyday tasks.

29

1. Salad spinner - Simply press the soft, non-slip knob to start the basket spinning. Easy, one-handed operation, built-in brake stops the spinner so you can unload it. A non-slip ring keeps the bowl steady on the countertop.

2. Food Storage - Airtight, stackable and space-efficient keep your dry foods fresh and your kitchen organised. A push-button mechanism that creates an airtight seal with just one touch. All POP Containers are BPA-free.

3. Self-Pulling Corkscrew - Push the flexible tabs inward to activate the internal foil cutter and rotate the bottle to remove foil. Twist to lift the cork out of the bottle. Simplicity itself.

4. Citrus Peeler - A pointed tip that scores the peel into sections and a flat edge that gets under the peel, pulls it off of the fruit with ease. The flat edge can also be used to remove the bitter pith.

5. Bread Knife - A perfect balance of professional-quality cutting and soft, comfortable grips. Sharp, stainless steel blades are hardened for strength, and the blades are full-tang for durability and proper balance, providing a safe, secure grip.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

You may have seen this sweet in a number of pastry shops

around the UAE and especially during Ramadan. Kataifi (in

Greek: pronounced kah-tah-EE-fee) is actually threaded filo

sheets with nuts and syrup and it’s very, very sweet, crunchy

and delicious. So a little can go a long way unless you have

an incredibly sweet tooth.

Before using the Kataifi, let it thaw at room temperature for

at least 2hrs in its sealed packaging so that it won’t lose its

moisture. Don’t try to unfold Kataifi that is not completely

defrosted because it might tear apart. After opening the

packaging, keep it covered with a slightly damp towel during

the preparation of your recipe so that it will remain moist.

prep Time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: 50 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1 pound of kataifi dough, defrosted per package instructions1/2 pound of butter, melted

FOR THE FILLING

1 cup of walnuts, coarsely chopped

1 cup of almonds, coarsely ground1/2 cup of fine granulated sugar

1 tsp of ground cinnamon1/2 tsp of ground cloves

1 egg white, lightly beaten

1 tbsp of water

FOR THE SYRUP

2 cups of sugar

11/4 cups of water1/2 tsp of lemon juice

thin strips of lemon zest

3 whole cloves

1 tbsp of runny honey

PREPARATION:

Prepare the syrup: Heat the water in a saucepan over low

heat. Add the sugar and stir to dissolve. Add the lemon

juice, zest, and cloves, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and

simmer for 10 mins. Stir in the honey. Remove from the heat,

strain, and set aside to cool.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine all

the ingredients for the filling and blend well with a wooden

spoon.

Brush a strip of Kataifi with melted butter. Place a tablespoon

of the filling at one end of the strip and roll up into a cylinder,

tucking in any stray pieces of dough. Take care to roll the

pastry tightly so that the filling is securely enclosed. Place the

rolls seam side down in a lightly buttered baking dish, close

together but not squashed, and brush well with remaining

butter. Bake for 45-60 mins, until golden brown and crispy.

Remove from the oven, pour cool syrup over the pastry and

cover with a clean towel. Allow to cool for 3-4hrs so that it

can absorb the syrup.

Most people consider Baklava as a purely Greek dessert, however,

Kataifi is originally from the Middle east. it’s tasty, sweet and will leave

you asking for more. Make some at home - it’s easier than you think!

30


31


sweet

treatskataïfi: traditionally sweet

in the holy month

Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry featured in many

cuisines of the Middle East and it is a pastry

made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped

nuts, usually walnuts or pistachios, sweetened

with honey syrup. Baklava is a popular dessert

throughout Europe and the Middle East.

32


3333


As the name suggests, The Cove is a hidden gem and lies

behind a small rise but gives nothing away until you pass

through the vaulted red brick tunnel of the entrance. You are

then transported to something reminiscent of a Mediterranean

courtyard opening up to an elevated view of the Gulf below.

The resort sprawls over the entire hillside (giant sand dune?)

and as your chauffeured golf buggy delivers you to your

room or villa you’re left wondering if it will come back for

you to explore the gigantic hotel property below. They will,

of course, and just for the small effort of a call to Reception

to request one. Most rooms enjoy a spectacular view of

the beach and pools below, and strangely, the red brick

continues as a theme throughout the accommodation with

vaulted ceilings above the beds.

The resort might seem gigantic and hilly at first, (yes there

are hills to negotiate if you choose the walking option over

the wheeled one) but its initially overwhelming size soon

shrinks down to doable once you have explored the winding

roads and facilities.

In summer you will want to take advantage of one of two

chilled infiniti pools or a cabana on the shore next to the

protected bay, but in winter you should really pack some

it is a long drive from the capital, and as you pass through Dubai, Sharjah, the northern

emirates of Ajman and um Al Quwain, finally setting eyes on dusty carpet shops and grimy

car repair shops, you’d be forgiven for wondering where on earth this little piece of heaven

was hiding.

a hidden little gem in the heart of ras al khaimah

escape to

rotanathe cove

walking boots and take a drive to the mountains just a short

distance away. Some well established routes will be rewarded

with spectacular vistas of the surrounding Hajar mountain

range, and when you return to The Cove, reward yourself

again with a spa treatment from a menu of invigorating

treatments on the beach or in the tranquil treatment rooms.

If you can’t stay still, try one of the most well-equipped hotel

gyms I’ve come across, with the pool of sufficient length to get

some quality laps in should you be of the hard core ‘cannot-

start-relaxation-until-work-out-is-complete’ persuasion.

Rotana for me has always excelled in the food and beverage

department and Ras Al Khaimah is no less impressive

considering its out of the way location. Basilico, the resort’s

signature restaurant delivers a surprisingly high standard

of varied Mediterranean fare that would not be out of place

in any metropolitan city (or the Med for that matter). The

menu delivers a huge range of dishes from the entire region

and promises authenticity that doesn’t disappoint. Be a bit

adventurous - there are some surprising little finds among

the standard favourites.

Summer here can still be enjoyed with plenty to keep you busy,

eating and drinking and relaxing at the pool and spa. And it’s

busy too, with the many overseas guests taking advantage of

the summer rates and great deals on offer. Winter though I

imagine would be a fantastic escape to explore perhaps some

parts of the UAE you have never seen - all with a relaxing end

to the day at the hideaway called The Cove Rotana.

For more information: www.rotana.com2-bed villas from AED 1750++ Rooms from AED 450++

(Rates correct at time of going to press)

STRIVING FOR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

I’ve been in the industry for 17 years now and there

are recurring requirements that go a long way towards

ensuring the best shopping experience for the customer:

•Excellent customer service.

•Regular staff training.

•No Queues

•Great availability at all times of the day, especially special

offer lines.

•Listen to them by inviting feedback and responding to

customer letters and suggestions.

•A rewarding loyalty programme i.e. Smart Shopper.

DEDICATED TO DELIVERING QUALITY

I spend most of my time visiting stores where I make a

point of speaking to the management and staff about our

customers and address any service issues. I always read

all the Customer Comment Forms that have recently been

submitted and I try to spend as little time in the office as

possible, (a maximum of 2 days per week) as I believe

that visiting stores and having hands on input benefits the

customers most.

A MULTICULTURAL CHALLENGE

We have a robust system within the stores which allows us

to communicate effectively to all staff and customers. I will

also use my time in stores to communicate any relevant

messages personally to staff and the management teams.

As we are a multi-cultural employer, there are always key

staff available that can help to translate to other staff and

customers when necessary, ensuring that any issues are

dealt with effectively and in a timely manner.

As for customers, I expect the management in each store

to speak to and deal with any issues that customers may

have, and of course I will get involved and speak to any

customers directly when appropriate.

As I am relatively new to the UAE, I am reliant on the

wealth of experience I have around me. We have a very

diverse cultural mix within our management team so I

would like to think that we always have someone that can

help us plan for any upcoming festivals or religious dates

etc. It really is all about the planning and coordination, and

this Ramadan and Eid will be no different.

CUSTOMER-CENTRIC

We are not alone in wanting to support local schemes

and initiatives and our customers do voice their wishes

for us to be actively involved in things they feel passionate

about. For example, we are currently supporting the Abu

Dhabi Environment Agency with its drive to reduce carrier

bag usage.

We also support the Local Fish Sustainability Programme

in our Etihad store for over-fished species by providing

alternative “green choices” and educating customers of

their options.

I am always open to suggestions and as a business we

are keen to get involved in projects that are important to

ourselves and our customers.

My role is to plan and drive the retail operations so as to ensure maximum sales, maximum profitability,

optimum stocking, increase customer satisfaction and ensure continued business growth. It is my objective to

maintain effective visual merchandising, smooth retail operations and deliver unparalleled customer service. I

am also committed to coaching the team and striving for continuous improvements in the workplace.

a typical day with David James Foley

We have a robust system within the stores which allows us to communicate effectively to all staff and customers.

our

Abela’s retail Operations Manager

ret

ail O

pera

tions

Man

ager

peopleFood retail is such a fast paced and demanding industry, where every customer

has their own shopping habits as well as likes and dislikes. Customers expect

excellent service every time from their food retailer. our job is to deliver this

service every time to ensure they don’t go shopping elsewhere.

34


35


36


37


sri lankaThe natural beauty of Sri Lanka has led to it being titled ‘The

Pearl of the Indian Ocean’. Officially, The Democratic Socialist

Republic of Sri Lanka, you can fly UAE to the capital, Colombo

in just under 4hrs. Relatively small (a mere 432km long by

224km wide), the island lies in the Indian Ocean, to the

southwest of the Bay of Bengal, just off the southern coast of

the Indian subcontinent. Known as Ceylon until 1972, Ceilão

was the name given to Sri Lanka by the Portuguese when they

arrived in 1505, which was subsequently transliterated into

English as Ceylon. The island is surrounded by the beautiful

clear waters of the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the

Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the Maldives,

so you can just imagine the palm-fringed beaches and tropical

jungle that await - and such a short hop from the UAE it is a

crime if you haven’t taken the time to go yet.

As a result of its geographic location Sri Lanka is at the epicentre

of the Buddhist religion and culture from ancient times, and is

one of the few remaining abodes of Buddhism in South Asia

along with Ladakh, Bhutan and the Chittagong hill tracts. The

Sinhalese community forms the majority of the population, with

Tamils forming the largest ethnic minority concentrated in the

north and east of the island. Other communities include Moors,

Burghers, Kaffirs, Malays and the aboriginal Vedda people.

Arriving from India in the 3rd century BCE, Bhikkhu Mahinda,

believed to have been the son of Mauryan Emperor Ashoka,

introduced Sri Lanka to Buddhism. Mahinda’s mission won

over the Sinhalese monarch at the time, who embraced the

faith and propagated it throughout the Sinhalese population.

The Buddhist kingdoms of Sri Lanka would maintain a large

number of Buddhist schools and monasteries, and support the

propagation of Buddhism into Southeast Asia from that time

onwards.

The island is laden with lush tropical forests, white beaches

and diverse landscapes with rich biodiversity and lays claim to

a long and colourful history of over 3000 years. This diversity

of altitudes and terrain lend themselves to many lucrative crops

such as tea, coffee, coconut, rubber and cinnamon, the last of

which being native to the country.

CoLoniAL SRi LAnKA

The country had always been an important port and trading

post in the ancient world, and was increasingly frequented by

merchant ships from the Middle East, Persia, Burma, Thailand,

Malaysia, Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia. The

islands were known to the first European explorers of South

Asia and settled by many groups of Arab and Malay merchants.

A Portuguese colonial mission arrived on the island in 1505 when

it consisted of three kingdoms, namely Kandy in the central

hills, Kotte at the Western coast, and Yarlpanam (Anglicised

Jaffna) in the north. The Dutch arrived in the 17th century and

although much of the coastal regions of the island came under

the domain of European powers, the interior, hilly region of the

island remained independent, with its capital in Kandy.

The British East India Company took over the coastal regions

the perfect eid getaway

72 hours inKnown as Ceylon until 1972 the island of Sri Lanka is laden with lush tropical forests,

white beaches and diverse landscapes with rich biodiversity, and lays claim to a long,

colourful history of over 3000 years. We spend a very brief 72 hours exploring some

highlights of ‘the pearl of the indian Ocean’.

words and pictures Louise Adamson

38


39

Multi-coloured, ramshackle buses populate the roads

of the island controlled by the Dutch in 1796, and in 1802 these

provinces were declared a crown colony under direct rule of the

British government, therefore the island was not part of the British

Raj. The annexation of the Kingdom of Kandy in 1815 by the

Kandyan convention, unified the island under British rule.

European colonists established a series of cinnamon, sugar, coffee

and indigo cultivation followed by tea and rubber plantations and

also graphite mining. The British also brought a large number of

indentured workers from Tamil Nadu to work in the plantation

economy. The city of Colombo was developed as the administrative

centre and commercial heart with its harbour, and the British

established modern schools, colleges, roads and churches that

brought Western-style education and culture to the native people.

A WHiSTLE-STop WEEKEnd

It’s quite possible to enjoy some of the highlights of Sri Lanka over

a long weekend, but destinations that don’t seem too far away

become epic journeys due to the poor state of the roads, so a

longer visit is advised if you prefer a more relaxed break.

Buses and hired car with driver are plentiful on arrival at the airport,

but be sure to agree a price before you embark on your journey, not

forgetting to ask if the turning on of the air conditioning is included

in the price!

We took a car and driver straight up to Kandy in central Sri Lanka,

figuring that we would get the interior travel out of the way first,

whizzing back down to the coast for a bit of R&R before returning

to the UAE. It soon became apparent that this was a grave mistake

when we found ourselves still meandering at a snail’s pace down

the bumpy road 3.5hours later with only 100km of the journey

completed - it was going to be a long day!

Kandy is a grotty, busy town redeemed only by its serenely green

and lush surrounding countryside so it is worth finding a homestay

off the beaten track where you will be guests of a local host,

able to give advice on what to see and do and introduce you to

some home-cooked Sri Lankan food. Taking a short walk from

your homestay you will probably find that life is hidden between

the dense forests and between cultivated crops where the odd

cow and farmer visible only by stopping to take it all in. Narrow

and well-worn mud pathways lead to ‘corner-shops’ selling warm

bottles of pop and strips of unrecognizable sweets from behind the

square-grilled mesh window to kids for a few coins and neighbours

passing the time of day. Life is laid back here. But hard work.

Chores to keep things clean, cook and earn a living are an endless

daily monotony. There’s little wonder its people look to the UAE

for a better prospect in life. Yet I can’t help but envy the peace

and quiet. The absence of gigantic billboards selling me the latest


40


41

The poor and needy sit in wait for any

passing samaritan

Familiar mini bananas sit displayed in the morning sun. Locals go about their daily shopping in the colourful market lanes. Dried fish dangle ready for adding flavour to a Sri Lankan dish. A busy weekend morning in Kandy.


42

April 2011 n Issue 3

Top: the local ‘corner shop’Below: The lush vegetation of the tea plantations

you cannot help but envy the

peace and quiet

43


Colourful saffron robes use the train

tracks as a main thoroughfare.

smarterphone or designer watch is refreshing and temporarily

appealing.

But that’s the countryside, back to reality and Kandy - a generic

third-world evolving city where train tracks wind lazily through the

middle of town with orange-robed monks following them under the

shade of their umbrellas. People, noise and cars everywhere, the

odd elephant causing a fleeting traffic jam in the high street.

The town lake draws weekenders out to enjoy street food and a

pedalo ride but the market for me is where things really come to life

in any town. You can explore the lanes of unusual and exotic fruits

and vegetables, goat limbs and dried fish, and the locals just going

about their daily shopping. Breathing in some delicious and some

nose-curling aromas, but that’s all part of the experience. You can

buy anything here and as long as you have an adventurous streak,

you might just discover the new and exciting tastes and textures of

produce you’ve never seen before.

HiGH on A HiLL

Leaving Kandy we travelled a little further north to higher altitude

and the Hunas tea estate. Another long, winding, bumpy drive but

a rewarding one when we eventually reached our destination. Set

atop a hill our hotel had an amazing view of the spectacular tea

plantations and lush vegetation below.

The area is a mass of tropical flowers, waterfalls, butterflies, birds,

ferrets, squirrels, monkeys, falcons, the list goes on and a good

long hike around the tea plantation grounds will be rewarded with

all this and more. Such as daily village life and plantation workers

curious to see who could be so interested in their poor and

simple abode. They really have nothing. Washing strewn to dry on

corrugated tin roofs of ramshackle houses, basic sanitation, water

pumped by hand into metal bowls in order to brew something as

simple as a cup of tea. Quite ironic really.

Sri Lanka boasts a variety of wonderful Ayurvedic treatments and

it was not to be an experience missed at our particular hotel. The

masseur was, let’s say, not shy. A vigorous head massage in a

barber’s chair whilst chanting in a hypnotic trance was first on the

agenda followed by an express rub-down with rough hands on

a creaky old wooden table. The whole experience reminiscent of

being towel-dried by your dad at the beach when you were five.

44


Enclosed in a very hot herbal steam ‘coffin’ laying on a wooden

grid of herbs and spices was the next delight made even more

interesting with a frequent squeezing of my shoulder like an

aromatic-oil-basted turkey to see if I was done.

“Just five more minutes ma’am” he would confidently say. Five

agonising minutes that almost had me catapulting myself out

of there as the sweat drips and herby bundles brushing and

tickling my skin made it impossible not to imagine a host of

creepy crawlies in there with me.

I’m still not sure to this day whether he was actually the

masseur or hotel odd-job man caught unawares and happy to

multi-task. Either way, it was not an experience to be missed.

pinnAWELA ELEpHAnTS

The ride back to Colombo was punctuated by a brief visit

to an Pinnawela elephant orphanage. Started in 1975 by the

Department of Wildlife on a 25 acre coconut property on the

Maha Oya river at Rambukkana the orphanage was primarily

designed to afford care and protection to the many baby

elephants found in the jungle without their mothers. In most of

these cases the mother had either died or been killed. In 1978

the orphanage was taken over by the National Zoological

Gardens and a captive breeding program introduced in 1982.

At Pinnawela an attempt has been made to simulate, albeit

in a limited way, the conditions of the wild with animals

encouraged to roam freely during the day allowing a herd

structure to develop.

A particular favourite for visitors is the baby feeding session

when infants are hand bottle-fed milk, and of course the ever-

popular daily bathing ritual. At 10am and 2pm every day the

animals are walked from their enclosures across the main road

and 400m down to the river Maha Oya for a two-hour splash

about in the water.

We were lucky enough to catch this incredible sight - around

twenty of them standing in the shallows waiting to be splashed

with water by their keepers. Young ones staying close to their

elders, dominant ones showing their strength with a display

of aggression and trunk blowing, all enjoying their outing

with a blatant ignorance of all about them. Herded out of the

river for their short journey back, they pass so close we can

almost reach out and touch their craggy backsides. They

seemed to know the routine well, a familiar amble up between

the giftshops, hostels and cafés, their massive backsides

brushing the dangling souvenirs and elephant mementos,

leaving a cloud of dust and the trinkets swaying gently in the

herd’s wake. Little ones and big ones, blind ones with no ears

or a foot missing from a triggered landmine. It is very sad to

see the war wounds, but hopeful to know that some are taken

in and cared for despite the commercial venture.

Back to Colombo it was back to checking through the guarded

police posts and military check points, now a part of everyday

life in Sri Lanka due to the ongoing unrest. Though never once

did I get the feeling of there being a threat to our safety.

Perhaps next time I can make a plan to take in some of the

idyllic white sand beaches I’ve heard so much about. Here’s

to another 72 hours, or more, on the lovely island of Sri Lanka.

FlytoSriLankawith:AirArabiafromAED1335

EtihadfromAED1525

For guidance only

Abu Dhabi Location

KhalidiyaPearl Plaza Tower, 1st floor

Al Ain Location

Abela Supermarket, facing Tawam

Hospital

Opening Hours

Saturday - Wednesday

9:00 a.m -1:00 p.m.

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Contacts

Abu Dhabi

Telephone: 02-2222677

Fax: 02-2222688

Al AinTel/Fax: 03-7676852

Web

[email protected]

www.slimandlite.com

SLIM’N LITEHealth & Diet Food Center

S T E P U P T O A H E A L T H I E R L I F E

D e l i v e r e d t o y o u r d o o r s t e p

Take control of your health & your life with a

scrumptious variety of food and a diet plan

delivered straight to your doorstep!

YOUR DIET PLAN

lim’n lite has a team of highly qualified professionals that can

help you shed the extra weight & change your lifestyle for good.

When you first arrive at our office, you will be guided to a dietitian who will perform a thorough nutritional

assessment & body fat analysis for you. Based on the results, you will be assigned a program that suits your tastes & helps you achieve your nutritional goals. Our dietitians will follow up on

your progress every two weeks and make any required changes in your diet.

Our program targets those who want to lose weight, maintain their weight &

simply eat healthy food & even those who wish to gain weight. For those of you suffering from diabetes, high lipid

profiles, high blood pressure & other health conditions; the Slim’n Lite

program can help you control these medical conditions. Did you know that losing just 10% of your body weight will show substantial improvement in your blood profile results?

Our diet is a “Balanced Diet” which allows you to eat all varieties of food to

ensure that you get all the nutrients that your body needs. Yet it focuses on portion &

calorie control to achieve the expected results.

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1 4 36

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46


SudokuSmart Shopper

Brain TeasersTry these MENSA brain teasers to keep that grey matter in tip top shape!

1. Which number is the odd one out?

72 36 93

18 54

2. Jean lives in Edinburgh and her birthday is on 14th November, Mildred

lives in Inverness and her birthday is on 4th December and Geoff lives in

Elgin and his birthday is on 6th February. Does Theo live in Helensburgh

or Airdrie and what is the date of his birthday?

3. It started its journey with eight gallons of fuel but its tank has been

leaking throughout the journey and is now dry. The car completes 30

miles per gallon. How many gallons of fuel does it leak per hour?

win Smart Shopper Points to spend in any Abela store by answering the following three easy questions!

1st Prize 30,000 points2nd Prize 20,000 points3rd Prize 10,000 points

Q1. In which 3 convenient locations will you find Abela Superstores?

Q2. what is the name of Abela’s unique shopper reward programme?

Q3. how many points do you earn per AED1 spent in Abela?

Simply email your name, contact number along with your answers to:[email protected]

COMPETITIOn

1. 93. In all the other numbers the two digits total nine.

2. He lives in Helensburgh and his birthday is on 15th October.

The second letter of the person’s name gives the initial of their home town

and the last letter of their name gives the initial of the month. The alphabetical

position of the last letter of their name gives the number of the month.

3. One and two thirds or 1.6666.

SOLUTIONS

For A Bloo Kind of Freshness

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... come home to hygiene

... be inspired!

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please send your inquiries to: [email protected]

Cleans & Protects

Terms & Conditions: Collect your free gift from customer service. Offer valid while stocks last

796158423

231674598

548293167

362781954

857946312

914532876

673415289

425869731

189327645

AS SmartShopper

Identity Options 3

*shopper

9 771473 968012

This card is not a c

redit card, debit ca

rd or any card asso

ciated with banking

transactions. It ma

y be

used only in Abela

Supermarkets and

is subject to cancel

lation by Abela Ma

nagement.

If found, please ret

urn this card to Ab

ela Supermarkets P

O Box 143, Abu Dh

abi, UAE

smart*shopper

The proposed strategies, material, information and ideas herewith are confidential, and are submitted by Phishface for consideration in

the strictest confidence, and on the express understanding that the contents shall not be communicated to any third party. Ownership

of this material and its content remain vested at all times in the agency. No part of this presentation may be reproduced, copied, or

used without payment and express permission from Phishface. All designs remain intellectual property of Phishface Publishing LLC.

2.

REVERSE

If you enjoy cooking there is simply no greater pleasure than

going out to the garden and snipping a few fresh herbs to add

flavour and depth to your dishes. Gardening in the UAE can be

challenging at the best of times, that’s if you are lucky enough to

have a garden. Summer brings its own difficulties so we suggest

you try bringing your herb garden indoors by planting a windowsill

garden. Many herb plants grow quite easily in containers and

require only minimal care. You’ll be snipping fresh herbs in your

kitchen throughout the winter and summer.

Choose a sunny windowsill - a south or southeast window would

be perfect if it gets at least 5 hours of sun per day and is away

from drafts. Purchase some of your favourite small herb plants

or seeds from your local nursery - or pick up some potted herbs

from Abela and look after them in just the same way. (Look for

strong, young and vibrant plants).

Get a container that is at least 6-12 inches deep. You can plant

multiple herbs in a wide or long container or use at least a 6” pot

for individual plants.

Use a soilless potting mix to avoid soil born diseases if you can

find it. Be sure the mix is light well-draining.

Put a 2-3 inch layer of potting mix into the bottom of your container

and repot your herb plants in the desired arrangement.

Finish filling in with the potting mix, firming gently around the plants.

Leave about an inch at the top of the container for watering.

But water sparingly - herbs don’t like to sit in wet soil.

Feed once a month with a fertilizer labelled for use on edibles.

Allow the plants some time to acclimatise. Once you see new

growth, you can start snipping your herbs.

TipS:

Choose herbs that don’t grow too wide or tall. Chives, basil,

lavender, parsley, mint and thyme are all good choices.

Fluorescent lights can be used if you don’t have a sunny window.

They will need to be placed close to the plants (18”) and kept on

for about 10 hours/day.

• Snip and use your plants often to encourage them to grow

full and bushy.

• never trim more than 1/3 of the plants foliage

• What you need

• Herb plants or seeds

• pots or containers

• Soilless potting Mix

• Fertilizer

48


herbdon’t let the summer stop you

enjoying fresh herbs ...

grown right on your windowsillindoor

garden

December 2010 n Issue 1

Pick up your instant application to start earning points!It’s the smarter way to shop and save.

SMART SHOPPER CARD MEMBERSH I P

ADDED-VALUE shopping with theSmart Shopper Card


AS SmartShopper

Identity Options 3

*shopper

9 771473 968012

This card is not a c

redit card, debit ca

rd or any card asso

ciated with banking

transactions. It ma

y be

used only in Abela

Supermarkets and

is subject to cancel

lation by Abela Ma

nagement.

If found, please ret

urn this card to Ab

ela Supermarkets P

O Box 143, Abu Dh

abi, UAE

smart*shopper

The proposed strategies, material, information and ideas herewith are confidential, and are submitted by Phishface for consideration in

the strictest confidence, and on the express understanding that the contents shall not be communicated to any third party. Ownership

of this material and its content remain vested at all times in the agency. No part of this presentation may be reproduced, copied, or

used without payment and express permission from Phishface. All designs remain intellectual property of Phishface Publishing LLC.

2.

REVERSE

Apply today and start earning points!

December 2010 n Issue 1

ABU DHABIAbela Superstore Al Khalidiya +971 2 6674675

Abela Superstore, Etihad Plaza, Khalifa City A +971 2 5563142

The Deli, Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Between Two Bridges +971 2 5581468

AL AINAbela Superstore Al Ain (Near Tawam Hospital +971 3 7676040

ABE LA SUPERMARKETS

GREAT LOCATIONS for convenient shopping


Our Locations

Documents

abela August 2011 delicatesse - Souq Planet new Smart Shopper Card packs continue to fly off the shelf so we are encouraged to witness the scheme’s great success. We hope you are