KALAYAAN PHILLIPINES FOOD FESTIVAL AT LULU HYPERMARKET

A 10 day KALAYAAN Food Festival, organized by Lulu Hypermarket at Al Rai and Qurain outlets, commenced on Wednesday June 8 with an inaugural function graced by The Ambassador of Phillipines to Kuwait, H.E. Shulan O. Primavera. The inaugural function showcased the ethnic dances of Phillipines that highlighted the colourful culture and tradition of Phillipines.  The festival is on until Saturday June 18.  The  festival offers customers, consumer products, food products, groceries, fresh and frozen food and freshly prepared traditional cuisines from Phillipines. Another highlight is bananas and pineapple as well.

Though this is a belated post on the topic, you can still  visit the ongoing festival at Lulu Hypermarket at Al Rai or Al Qurain to experience and enjoy the Kalayaan Phillipines Food Festival.

READY TO PREPARE AND READY TO EAT SALADS AT LULU HYPERMARKET

When I was at Lulu Hypermarket Qurain, I noticed they have a quite an assortment of salads you can choose from their various salad sections.

Ready to prepare salads:

There is a variety of cut, ready to prepare salads from different brands, as you can see from the pictures below, that are imported from abroad, which contain, assorted cut vegetables as well as green leafy vegetables. These ready to prepare salads make life simple and easy. Just cut open the cover, wash the vegetables and add your low calorie dressing and provide your family a healthy, delicious and nutritious salad. You could even microwave or steam some of these vegetables.

Ready to eat salads:

They have freshly prepared 'ready to eat' delicious fruits salads in a separate section with assortment of cut fruits packed in plates and trays. They also have a variety of 'ready to eat' delicious arabic, oriental and continental vegetable salads with or without meat, cheese and chicken.

When you visit Lulu, Qurain or Lulu at Al Rai, you can ask the staff about where these are placed.

'Ready to Prepare' salads at Lulu Hypermarket, Qurain

'Ready to Eat assorted cut fruits' in plates and trays and variety of 'Ready to eat vegetable salads'

SALADS AND THEIR BENEFITS

One the simplest and healthiest food we can have is salad. If you have them everyday, or as frequently as possible, you are bound to experience the ‘change’ or ‘difference’ in the way you feel… you begin to feel lighter, you will have increased energy levels and become more alert. Salads provide numerous benefits that can nurture every cell and organ in your body. They are so easy to make. To get the best out of salads, make sure not to add high calorie dressing or too much of salt. Add fat free dressing or reduced fat dressing.

Health benefits of salad (containing assorted vegetables and/ or fruits)

* Provides your body with lot of fiber which in turn lowers cholestrol and prevents constipation

* When you have salads prior to your meals, it will make you feel fuller and you tend to eat less of other food, which aids in weight loss.

* Fibre in the food will act as an appetite suppressant and keep you full for a long time, supressing hunger, a great help and relief to those trying to lose weight.

* Green vegetables provide high levels of antioxidants which reduce our chances of getting many illnesses.

*  When we add olive oil or nuts to our salads, it provides us the good fat our bodies require.

* Fruits, Vegetable and Green salads are potent with loads of vitamins and minerals

* On regular consumption of salads, the texture of your skin would improve, giving you a glow.

* Adding mushrooms, beans, peas, string beans, bell peppers, tomatoes, carrots, apples, oranges, peaches, plums, pears, apricot, prunes, strawberries, nuts, raisins, nuts and low fat yoghurt to your salad, are especially good for your health.

* If you are not too fond of vegetables, you can add boiled or grilled chicken, fish or shrimps or boiled egg to your salad, to avail of your protein intake and make it a wholesome meal.

BREAD ART

It's amazing how artists can use bread as a medium of art, be it an artistic arrangement or baked or carved sculpture using bread!.





CHICAGO MAN FINDS $ 17000 IN CASH ON SIDEWALK !

Robert Adams, a Chicago-area man stood at a Chase Bank ATM in Rolling Meadows, looked down and discovered on the sidewalk near Reflejos newspaper box, a clear plastic bag with Chase written on it, containing receipts, checks and $17,021 in cash - mostly $20 and $100 bills bound by a rubber band."I see this plastic bag. It's clear plastic and it's half full of money," Adams said. "I figure this is a joke. This has to be a setup. People are going to look at me and start laughing."

Adams said he never had the urge to keep any of the money. "It's not my money. I shouldn't take it. I don't care if you put another zero on there, I wasn't raised to take money that isn't mine," said Adams, a 54-year-old single man who lives in Arlington Heights and credits his deceased parents for teaching him right from wrong. "If I saw you drop it, I'd say, `Excuse me, sir. I think you dropped something."

Adams then called police, turned the money over to them, who along with Chase bank officials later determined the money was meant for an ATM in Midlothian and had been under the care of Loomis, an armored truck company.
Visit source for complete story:

www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chibrknews-man-finds-17000and-turns-it-in-20110609,0,6950954.story

*What would you do if you found a bag of money with lot of cash?
A.  Keep it?
B.  Contact rightful authorities and hand over the money
C.  Leave the premises where the money is lying without touching it
D.  Take some money, leave the rest behind
E.  You don't really know.

HUMOUR

KIM KARDASHIAN NAMED ENTERPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AT GLAMOUR WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

GLAMOUR magazine celebrated some of the most talented and brilliant women in the world at its Women of the Year awards. It was all about glamour and reality TV star and glam girl Kim Kardashian stole the show at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards held at London's Berkley Square Gardens on June 7. Dressed in a figure-hugging black corset gown by Dolce & Gabbana, and wearing a pair of super long Lorraine Schwartz earrings, Kim took home the award for Entrepreneur of the Year. The awards were hosted by actor James Corden. The awards were sponsored by Pandora Jewelry. Victoria Beckham was awarded Accessory Designer of the Year.

GLAMOUR WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS, FULL LIST OF WINNERS:

Presenter of the Year - Davina McCall

Designer of the Year - Sarah Burton

Filmmaker of the Year - Jane Goldman

Theatre Actress of the Year - Naomie Harris

TV Personality of the Year - Dannii Minogue

Pandora Breakthrough of the Year - Ellie Goulding

Writer of the Year - Dawn French

Sportswoman of the Year - Jessica Ennis

Band of the Year - The Saturdays

Accessory Designer of the Year - Victoria Beckham

Radio Personality of the Year - Fearne Cotton

TV Actress of the Year - Lenora Crichlow

Comedy Actress of the Year - Miranda Hart

Entrepreneur of the Year - Kim Kardashian

UK Solo Artist of the Year - Adele Adkins

Film Actress of the Year - Gemma Arterton

Woman of Tomorrow - Jessie J

Editor's Special Award - Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Man of the Year - Garrett Hedlund

Outstanding Contribution - Stevie Nicks

THE LITTLE THINGS

Do you wait for big things to happen or a big occasion like birthday, wedding or anniversary, a promotion, or a huge accomplishment to celebrate? Don't deny yourself the beauty and happiness of appreciating each day we are gifted with. Don't take anything for granted. Life is never perfect and there would be ups and downs. When big things happen ..that would be wonderful..but in the meantime, don't forget to celebrate and enjoy the little things -  the little joys and achievements in your daily life! 

BRITAIN'S QUEEN ELIZABETH'S HUSBAND PRINCE PHILLIP TURNS 90 TODAY!

Britain's Prince Phillip turns 90 today

A beautiful old picture of Prince Phillip with Queen Elizabeth

Britain's Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth, has turned 90 on Friday June 10th.

Prince Phillip will be spending the day performing official duties in his role as Queen Elizabeth's husband, said a Reuters report. "It's a normal working day for him. There's no celebration as such," his spokeswoman said. However, he will hold a reception to mark the anniversary of a charity for the deaf and in the evening he will chair a conference for senior British military figures followed by a dinner, sources said. The only formal event to mark his birthday will take place on Sunday with a special service at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, west of London. The event will be attended by most of the royal family.

Born on June 10, 1921 on the Greek island of Corfu, Philippos Schleswig-Holstein Soenderburg-Glucksburg was the fifth child and only son of Prince Andrew of Greece.  He joined Britain's Royal Naval College in 1939 and it was there that he first met a 13-year-old Princess Elizabeth, who was visiting with her parents. On November 20, 1947 they were married at Westminster Abbey in a spectacular ceremony attended by statesmen and royalty from around the world.

Source : http://itn.co.uk/home/20737/Prince+Philip+turns+90

PERFUME SALE

There is an ongoing sale on PERFUMES at BEIDOUN for upto 50%. The sale is on until June 30.

Beidoun outlets:
Dana Center (Ground Floor), Salem Mubarak Street, Salmiah: 25739452
Plaza, Hawalli : 22659080
Kuwait Magic Mall, Abu Halifa : 23723931

RARE BLUE LOBSTER CAUGHT IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND CANADA

Rare Blue Lobster

Blair Doucette's brother Derrill Doucette holding the rare blue lobster caught by Blair

Fisherman, Blair Doucette caught a rare blue lobsteroff the coast of Prince Edward Island, Canada. Of his incredibly rare blue lobster catch, Doucette said, "I've been fishing for 35 years, and this is the first one I've ever seen. It was something to see." It certainly was (only one in two million are that color), and now the entire world gets to experience the exciting rarity. The lobster, named Fluffy, will soon go live the Rustico Harbour Fishing Museum. There Fluffy will no doubt delight visitors who travel from far and wide to see the results of what is a rare genetic mutation.

Only one in four million lobsters is blue, a genetic mutation in coloring that makes for an interesting-looking creature. However, an interesting fact is lobster's blood has a bluish tint due to the presence of copper in their blood, very much like how iron in our blood causes our blood to be red. But ofcourse this has nothing to do with the shell of the rare blue lobster being blue.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2011/06/02/pei-blue-lobster-584.html

WOMEN'S LUCK WITH FENG SHUI

Feng Shui is an ancient art and science developed a long time ago in China. Feng Shui revolves around balancing the energies of any given space to assure the health and good fortune for people inhabiting it. I was watching this T.V. show, where a Feng Shui Consultant was giving some tips for Women to increase their luck and fortune at work and home. Though I do not collect Feng Shui items and place them in various locations, I thought of sharing what I watched. 

The Feng Shui Consultant said, a lot of lady clients approach her seeking solutions to problems. The women would tell her how their  feelings, ideas, views or suggestions are not given due consideration at home or work, or they have problems with their spouses, disharmony at home or they don't get the due recognition at work...so on. The Consultant said, in Feng Shui, the direction for Women is South-west area of the house. Toilet located in south west area of the house or apartment, isn't good for the lady of the house. To balance the negative energy due to that, or even if your toilet is not in the south west, she suggested that one could still attract luck, good fortune, harmony, better relations with everyone at home and work by placing two tall terracotta pots (clay) about 2.5 to 3 feet high, either identical or non-identical in height, (one slightly smaller than the other) in the south west region of your living room or bedroom. Fill both the pots halfway with sand or stones (representing earth). Place a bowl on top of one of the pots with six crystal balls. Affix a light above the pots to give a glow in the evenings. This should bring a positive change and moreover would enhance or add to the home's existing decor she said.

Hmmm, I shall leave it to you to decide. 

CIRCUMSTANCES

“People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can't find them, make them." -George Bernard Shaw

ENJOY BREAKFAST AT CARLUCCIO'S - TWO FOR ONE PROMOTION

Good news! Carluccio's at Avenues Mall, is having a great Breakfast Promotion. Enjoy 'Two for One' (two persons can enjoy breakfast for the price of one), when you order from Carluccio's Breakfast Menu. Breakfast being the important meal of the day, you can get to have a healthy, sumptuous breakfast from a wide range of choices that includes some delicious new additions as well. Breakfast at Carluccio's is an experience you will certainly enjoy. Breakfast is served daily from 9am to 12 noon and this offer is valid until 30th June. Be sure to avail of it!

Please print the flyer beneath and take it with you to redeem of the offer. Should you require further clarification or information, do contact Carluccio's at the following details:

Carluccio's, Avenues Mall, Level 1, Phase 1 : Tel - 22597310

Mr. Sumesh Kunjiraman: Phone - 60906372

Breakfast timing: 9am to 12 noon, served Daily

Valid until : 30 June 2011 

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY CARS EXHIBITION

To mark World Environment Day, the Historical, Vintage and Classic Cars Museum is set to hold an exhibition of "Environmentally Friendly Cars" at its premises in Shuwaikh between June 12 and July 14, with various models of eco-friendly vehicles to be displayed. The museum is holding the exhibition in cooperation with the Renewable Energy Development Organization (REDO), which follows the International Convention of the United Nations.

Speaking at a press conference held at the museum yesterday to announce the upcoming event, curator Ahmad Al-Enezi explained, the "Environmentally Friendly Cars Exhibition’ is the first of its kind in the Arab world, and will raise the name of Kuwait high internationally,” adding, “These cars aren’t available in Kuwait, but they are used in many countries, and we hope that visitors will enjoy seeing them during the exhibition".

*This is must visit exhibition as such an event could raise public interest and awareness towards the  benefits of Eco friendly vehicles that  can contribute immensely towards a pollution free atmosphere in the future.

Venue: Historical Vintage and Classic Cars Museum

Location: Shuweikh, Near City Centre

Date : Sunday June 12 to Tuesday June 13

Timing : 9am to 12noon, 5pm to 8pm

Phone: 24847143, 24819186 (Ext. 102 or 116)

Via http://www.grapevinekuwait.com/

AN EXTRATERRESTRIAL LOOKING VEGETABLE

Romanesco Broccoli

Romanesco broccoli  is not considered as a  natural vegetable. Looks like an alien vegetable planted on earth by aliens from outer space! When we look around us, nature is so amazing with all its splendour and beauty. Investigation by botanists has traced Romanesco's origins back to selective breeding by 15th Century Italian farmers. The vegetable's striking shape is evidence of the incredible amount of variation that genetically bred vegetables can produce within a single species. Although it's called broccoli, it's really more of a cauliflower. Originating in the Tuscany region Romanesco, like any cauliflower, is made of of tightly packed florets attached to clusters of sturdy stems.

It supposedly has a unique taste. When raw, the florets taste like cauliflower,  with a subtle hint of broccoli flavour. When cooked (boiled, roasted or steamed ), it gives out a sweet nutty flavour. Apparently, Romanesco offers you a powerhouse of health benefits:

* Improves vision

* Fights viral infections and guards against free radicals

* Boosts the body's immune system by battling colds and flu, promoting healthier lungs

* Improves blood cell, bone strength and overall brain health. 

* Reduces depression

* Aids in eliminating constipation,

* Lowers bad cholesterol

* Regulates blood sugar and maintain a healthy blood pressure

Goodness!  that's quite a lot of health benefits for an alien looking vegetable. If you observe the picture carefully,  don't you find the beautiful geometrically  designed appearance on Romanesco, an amazing art of nature? Do we have Romanesco in Kuwait? Haven't seen one in any of the supermarkets yet....or have I missed seeing this somewhere? Will check and update on this if I come to know.

Update - 11June 2011
Guess what....this  wonderful vegetable, loaded with goodness is available in Lulu Hypermarket (Qurain and Al Rai). It's imported from Holland.  When you visit Lulu next time, get this vegetable and make yourself something nice...preferably a salad or soup. I should do that soon myself! Don't overcook it while steaming or boiling, as the taste would take a different turn. 

TOTEM

I saw this interesting looking Totem at ACE Hardware. When I touched it, I didn't expect it to light up. LOL. You can see the blue light emerging from the eyes and mouth.

HILLARY CLINTON COMIC BOOK RELEASED



Comic book 'Political Power: Hillary Clinton'



"Political Power: Hillary Clinton",  comic book by Bluewater, featuring a cover from noted DC Comics artist Joe Phillips, written by Jerome Maida, and drawn by Daniel Fitz, retails in U.S. for $3.99. It will be available through several online venues such as Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. I don’t know when it will be available in Kuwait.

Hillary Clinton's life has had a major impact on politics over the last 20 years. The comic book will focus on the events that led to her being picked for the post of Secretary of State in the Obama Administration. The 32-page comic book, "Political Power: Hillary Clinton" will explore her positive contribution to Barack Obama's ascension and her attempt to secure the nomination to the bitter end. She was the first female presidential nominee in U.S. history. "I am writing Hillary Clinton from a perceptive of someone who did not admire her at first and throughout the process of research has come to admire and be utterly fascinated by what is a tale that most have not reported on," says "Clinton" writer Jerome Maida. "We delve into how her decision not to run in 2004 helped make Barack Obama a star, how she took him under her wing and how their battle was more personal than many realize--and how close she came to saying no to the position of Secretary of State and what changed her mind. It's a fascinating story."

Sounds like a must read comic book.

ZAFRAN OPENS IN KUWAIT

My husband and I attended the launch of ZAFRAN, a beautiful Indian Restaurant, beside Centrepoint in Salmiah on Tuesday 7th June. It was a nice event attended by lot of special guests and invitees. Zafran is a part of Foodmark,  a division of Landmark Hospitality and Leisure services Ltd, the hospitality arm of the Landmark Group. The menu at Zafran is inspired and planned by  Indian-born British celebrity chef Atul Kochhar, the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star. Mr. Kochhar and General Manager of Foodmark, Mr. Naveed Dowlat Shahi and special guest, Indian Bollywood celebrity and cine star, stunning Sophie Chowdury gave speeches. Sophie sang a  hindi song in her absolutely tantalizing voice. There were DJ's playing Indian and western music. 

What's striking about Zafran when you enter the restaurant, is it's  exclusive decor and ambiance. Zafran serves Indian contemporary cuisine with a twist, using international ingredients, the right amount of spices and food cooked to perfection, which is sure to take you on a gastronomic journey of mysterious, aromatic and exotic flavours that will leave you wanting to return to try out different aspects of their wide range of Menus to choose from. The wonderful cuisine will be prepared by Chef Mohit Dhingra and supporting staff.

My husband I met Mr. Vinoth Kumar, Restaurant Manager and he  is extremely helpful and and would guide you what to chose from their wide range of menu, as per your preference. He explained to me how the restaurant is divided into three areas and you could chose an area to suit your needs, for example, when you enter Zafran, they have the :

*  Main Restaurant to the right side, where lunch and dinner is served , and  you can choose from their  Food Menu which is A la carte. As a part of the Main Restaurant, they have semi-private family cabins that includes two 6 seater cabins, four 8 seater cabins and one 10 seater cabin.

*  Lounge Area, to the left, where you can have light food like appertizers and snacks, juices and beverages from the Lounge Menu.

*  Sheesha Lounge in the outer area where you can chose from the Lounge Menu and sheesha.

If you chose to dine at the Main Restaurant area, you can get to see how the live Tandoori grilled food is prepared right in front of your eyes, quite a visual feat! Their tandoori dishes or grilled food are terriffic. They have traditional Indian dishes prepared quite unlike in any other Indian restaurant. During our dining experience at Zafran, what I totally appreciated and enjoyed was the fact that, the food wasn't heavy or rich , nor oily, and spices used were to perfection giving a wonderful flavour and aroma to every dish. Zafran will certainly give you an enriching experience, it's a wonderful place to celebrate, unwind, or just plain get together with your friends or family and a great time. Zafran opens to the public from Thursday 9th June onwards, which is today!

Operations Manager Mr. Khallid Khader and Restaurant Manager Mr. Vinoth Kumar took a lot of care and effort to make the Launch a very successful and enjoyable experience for the guests.

Location : 1st floor, Centrepoint, Salem Al Mubarak Street, Salmiah

Entrance : Ground Floor (beside Centrepoint entrance)

Zafran Restaurant timings: 11am to 12 midnight, daily

Contact : Vinoth Kumar, Restaurant Manager

Tel : 25750647

Mobile: 99915406

Here are some pictures from the Zafran Launch party on Tuesday June 7th.





Michelin starred chef Atul Kochhar and General Manager of Foodmark, Naveed Dowlat Shahi

Indian celebrity cine-star Sophie Chowdhury 2nd right

The Lounge Area



Restaurant area



Tandoor





Semi private cabins on the left

Appetizers

Grilled - Tandoori kebab, brocolli, shrimp, chicken