abela August 2011 delicatesse - Souq Planet new Smart Shopper Card packs continue to fly off the...
Transcript of abela August 2011 delicatesse - Souq Planet new Smart Shopper Card packs continue to fly off the...
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
delicatessef i n e f o o d , t r a v e l a n d l i v i n g
abela
delicatessef i n e f o o d , t r a v e l a n d l i v i n g
abela
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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
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August 2011 n Issue 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
S U P E R M A R K E T SABELA
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August 2011 n Issue 5
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
August 2011 n Issue 5
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
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August 2011 n Issue 5
abu dhabifilm festival
Oct
ober
13-
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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
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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.
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August 2011 n Issue 5
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?
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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!
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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.
August 2011 n Issue 5 August 2011 n Issue 5
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
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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.
August 2011 n Issue 5 August 2011 n Issue 5
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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.
August 2011 n Issue 5
oxo good gripstools you hold on to - available in Abela
August 2011 n Issue 5
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!
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August 2011 n Issue 5
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.
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August 2011 n Issue 5
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August 2011 n Issue 5
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.
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August 2011 n Issue 5
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
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August 2011 n Issue 5
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
August 2011 n Issue 5
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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.
August 2011 n Issue 5
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
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August 2011 n Issue 5
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.
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August 2011 n Issue 5
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
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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Member of NCC group
1 4 36
4 2 6 73 5 4
7 39 1 66 7 5 8
91 9 7
46
August 2011 n Issue 5
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
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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
August 2011 n Issue 5
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
S U P E R M A R K E T SABELA
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
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