Aishelaqtta Blog Update

 

This is not good-bye but a see you later....due to a over busy schedule I have not been able to maintain the blog, and associated social media platforms.

I will be back to posting once things settle and there is more of a balance in my life.

For now enjoy what has been posted on this blog, and I hope it’s a useful resource to all those who stop over.

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Ceviche Master Class

 

Can I just say up front that this was simply divine!!

 

I had the pleasure of attending an afternoon Ceviche Master Class at the Grand Hyatt conducted by Chef Bruno Andres Santa Cruz. Initially I was hesitant, since I had only recently been introduced to ‘ceviche’ and had yet to develop a palate for this cuisine. Oh! What an introduction it was into a sensational culinary experience.

 

The group was introduced to 5 types of ceviche dishes, all cooked with the main ingredients that goes into creating the cuisine which are basically lime juice, coriander, ginger and garlic. We has a variation of lobster in coconut lime, octopus with black olives, mixed sea food with sweet potato, sea bass with tiger milk and yellow fin tuna with passion fruit. Each cooked using the lime juice and served with exclusive taste.

My actual favorite was the lobster medallions with coconut milk; it added a unique palate were initially you could savor the combination of chili, garlic, ginger and lime on the fresh lobster and then get struck by a gorgeous taste of coconut milk.

I think I could never replicate the tricks used by Chef Bruno in creating his dishes, but I have left with a biased impression that no ceviche would ever taste the same unless made by the Purvian way.

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Neymar Jr’s Five Tournament

  NEYMAR JR KICKS OFF GLOBAL SIGNATURE FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT THAT LANDS IN OMAN THIS WEEKEND

Neymar Jr is giving thousands of young football players the chance to step up their game by staging a unique knockout tournament. The striker is inviting players aged between 16 - 25 years old in more than 35 countries, across 6 continents, to team up for his five-a-side tournament, ‘Neymar Jr’s Five’.

Five local qualifiers will be held in Oman start this weekend and running throughout the month. The first qualifier will be held this Friday in Boshar and Saturday in Al Maabeila. In the coming weeks the qualifier will also visit Sohar, Sur and Salalah.

The qualifying process will start this weekend for the next month followed by a national champion advancing to the finals in July in Praia Grande, where Neymar Jr grew up, started his professional career and lately founded “Instituto Projeto Neymar Jr”.

The world final will be held in July at the Instituto Projeto Neymar Jr in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The institute’s aim is to offer extracurricular educational and sporting activities to the most socially disadvantaged children and families to promote social inclusion and encourage participation in the community.

Teams of 5 to 7 players can sign up now click here

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Peruvian Ceviche at Grand Hyatt Muscat

Do you have a thing for a popular dish; typically made from fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices, such as lemon or lime, and spiced with ají or chili peppers. I only recently aquired a taste for ceviche and wouldnt mind exporing it further specifically from a master chef!!!

"Latin American culinary craze ‘Peruvian Ceviche’ is set to make its way down to Grand Hyatt Muscat’s John Barry Bar from 11 to 19 February with exclusive sponsorship from Turkish Airlines.

This delicacy is known to have originated from Peru where chefs use only the freshest products and ingredients within the season available. The culinary experience will be hosted by Ceviche master chef Bruno Andres Santa Cruz who is originally Peruvian but currently working at Hyatt Regency Istanbul – The Ceviche’s on the menu at John Barry Bar will include seabass in tiger milk, yellow fin tuna with mango and tumbo, Octopus and black olives, scallops with pisco and pomegranate, shrimps with orange and avocado to name a few." Source

 

Another exiting activity offered by the Grand Hyatt is that guests will get the opportunity to meet and cook with Chef Bruno also get to learn the tricks of creating the perfect Ceviche which will be followed by dinner and cocktails. The Ceviche Master Class is planned to take place on Wednesday, 17 February starting at 14:30 at John Barry Bar.

For more information, please email muscat.dining@hyatt.com or visit ww.muscat.grand.hyatt.com.

 

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Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz Carlton Hotel

Accepting the Friday Brunch invite from the  Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz Carlton was not just a delight to attend but a pure delight at the thought, since I was going to share a childhood experience with my children that used to be made for me and my sibling by my parents on the odd occasion. It brought back a flood of memories of the charms of visiting the Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz Carlton which I wanted my children to enjoy and cherish a memory of their own.

“Escape to Al Bustan Palace and experience one of the most majestic luxury hotels in Oman, along with scenery unlike any other in the world.”

Words would fail me to describe the ambience as you walk into the hotel; the majestic dome lobby area is nothing short of exceptional with its massive high chandeliers, shining marble walls and the blend of Arab and art deco infused with an elegant quality.

We were received by helpful and friendly staff, and directed to the Beach Pavilion located at the far end of the infinity pool and facing white sandy beach. My children were immediately received by the helpful staff catering for kid’s entertainments; which included face painting, coloring, balloonist; play station and a gift goodie bag with an exclusive lunch buffet for kids. They were so content with the attention they received that I didn’t get to see them again till it was time to leave.

“Al Bustan Palace offers a dramatic Arabian escape on 200 acres of pristine, white-sand beach and lush green gardens”

 

 

The Beach Pavilion was decked out with an extensive list of the freshest seafood made and presented in every possible option, a choice of salads, selection of cheeses, outdoor grilling station, an array of deserts and special freshly made ice cream corner which was all topped off with a outside bar which catered for fresh mocktails, cocktails and coconut water!

As I mentioned the ambiance was spectacular with the weather being lightly breezy and music playing in the background. I have to confess that to truly enjoy this experience you need to have at least 3 hours at hand so as to eat at your leisure and relax enjoying the atmosphere around you. Our host actually said that we needed more since most guests enjoy hours at the Beach Pavilion then stroll for a swim in the infinity pool, and head back to enjoy the night set up by the beach.

 

 

To receive the hotel’s latest news and special offers by email, please sign up

For reservations call Phone: +968 24764000


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Ambassador Guest Chef

The second event in the unique initiative led by Grand Hyatt Muscat is set to feature the ambassador of Thailand at Marjan restaurant. You can read more about the first  Ambassador Chef event with Her Excellency Ambassador Greta C. Holtzon on Muscat Muttering.

This time the event will feature His Excellency Ambassador Pornchai Danvivathana presenting ‘Discover Thailand’ taking place on Tuesday, 1st December. ‘Discover Thailand’ will run for three days, from 1st to 3rd December and will also feature
renowned guest chef Supattra Boonsrang. ‘Discover Thailand’ will feature specialty Thai dishes served a la carte with Ambassador Pornchai heading the kitchen alongside chef Supattra on the opening night. His Excellency will demonstrate a signature Thai dish giving guests the opportunity to experience food prepared exclusively by him.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience authentic Thai cuisine throughout the festival.

For reservations, please call +968 2464 1234.  Bookings can be made by emailing
muscat.dining@hyatt.com.


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Opening of Bambini Squisiti

 

Children clothing has a new address in Oman

 

Attending this event and venture opening was a great pleasure to me in so many levels. Bambini Squisiti is a family run venture which features a little over 23 international brands and labels; all of which are located within the store in Panorama Mall.
 

 

Bambini Squesiti which translates to ‘children exclusive’ is a new fashion haven created by the Ayedeh family, developed by the four daughters and mother who came up with the concept one afternoon. After a lot of work the mid to high end clothing store opened its doors to the thriving Omani customer base. The ladies each contributed with their talents, experience and professional backgrounds in executing and making their ‘one afternoon’ come to reality.

 

You may wonder as to why they would choose to establish such a fashion focused clothing store in Oman. The answer is simple… they wanted to able to bring the local customers the latest international fashion tends to their door-step.
 

Thus a customer would be able to walk into the store and find brand names such as Young Versace, Yosi Samra, Nanan, Juicy Couture etc. to name a few.
 

 

It was a pleasure to attend such an event, and to witness the fruits of this family venture come to life. As the slogan for Bambini Squisiti says “Exquisite, Fashionable and Trendy” so give them a visit when you’re looking for that something special for your children, or for a exclusive gift item. You don’t need to make the trek all the way to Dubai anymore to find that ‘something more’ simply head over to Panorama Mall for a Bambini Squisiti experience.
 

Follow on Facebook and Instagram @Bambinisquisiti

Store Contact: 24582528

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Oman Cancer Walkathon 2015

Theme this year is "Don't wait till it's too late"

The Oman Cancer Association (OCA) Walkathon 2015 was held yesterday and most of the feedback was that it was a well organised successful event. Last year the number of visitors to the event was at around 6000 people, this year it is estimated at a higher number of around 8000+!!

 

 

PDO being one of the sponsors of the Oman Cancer Association Walkathon; also provides a CSR Program called "Baader" which allows to utilise PDO's employees pool of skill and capability at the country's disposal. I had the oppertunity to work first hand with my selected NGO and be a part of the 'bigger picture'.

 

T-shirts were sold to visitors during the event with food stalls, photo wall, music and raffle prizes to be won.

 

To see more pictures of the #OCAWalkathon and if you want to watch direct video feeds of the event then add Aishelaqtta on Snapchat: @dalzr

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Lethargic Ramadan Ramble

I have neglected this blog for some time and not by any intentional sense, since I look into it every now and again to see what’s going on in the blogsphere. I have been bogged down with and not in any specific order by Ramadan, work, commuting, meals, gathering, staying sane.

That’s why a part of me considering this as a time off from writing and staying updated. I even reduced the amount of events I needed to attend during the month, so as to just be able to….breath. Do you ever get that feeling? I also believe it’s due to the fact that we haven’t planned a summer break and I am facing the rest of the Eid holidays in Oman. If only I could escape!

Speaking of Eid holidays; there are strong speculations that Eid will fall on a Saturday and the expectation is that we would be given the whole week off due to it also considering with the National Day holiday.  I must say that this time I am counting down to the Eid break not only for the celebrations but just to be able to step back and relax.

I’ll keep you posted once the holidays are announced but till then why not go through the blog Archieve? You might find something worth spending a few minutes on, or a review of something or the other that you might want to consider.

Catch you later.

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Jashn- A celebration called India

 

You know when you go to a place and have a pre-conceived notion that the place could be the best thing you have ever been to or a complete fail. Well to be honest that was the way I felt heading to this restaurant with my in laws family. I felt a foreboding experience in my gut and literally held my breath till we arrived at Jashn, wanting to impress my family a night before Ramadan! (What was I thinking?)  

 

 
 

The place is a true gem.

I am honestly happy to report that as soon as the first accompanying amuse bouche of pani puri without the filled puri I felt that this place is a treasure trove of secrets waiting to be discovered. The little delicate incasing was filled with pickles and accompanying chutney that gave a delicious short and sweet blow to your taste buds and the right balance to your palate as to what’s coming next. I sighed with relief knowing that we were in good hands.

There was never a lack of admiration, appreciation and sheer exhilaration from my party. The endless dished that came out ranging from four cheese malai tikka, mutton seekh parcels, candied batata wada and the star of the night the innovatively created pani puri shots with its accompanying flavored filling ranging from tamarind, yogurt, watermelon, orange. All the while we kept being introduced to an array of drinks that didn’t stop short from being refreshing and completely exceptional.

 

There is no denying that my taste buds were having a party from all the amazing flavors in every dish, and I would defiantly visit again just to experience the exhilaration and the humbling service we received. I must say that from its actual location and modest décor the staffs at Jashn are exceptionally courteous. I would actually go again in a heartbeat and would not want to deviate from all the selections of food that was presented.

 

Can you say paratha? OMG!

We were offered an array of saucy dishes accompanied by different paratha…wait I will list them out. There was the mozzarella chicken tikka masala which was so divine and my brother in laws favorite. How can you go wrong with cheese? Then Paneer Lababdar cubes in aromatic, spicy gravy with sautéed onions. Nariyal ka Gosht a Punjabi dish of tender meat in a coconut sauce and finally Peeli Mirch ka Murgh, which is hot bell pepper chicken in a creamy sauce. I am getting hungry as I write this…maybe it wasn’t a good idea to start this review while fasting, but to recall all these dishes is simply a pleasure.

Desert was a different story in itself, with an array of trio hulwa, nutella shahi tukda and the gulab jamun carpaccio tart I don’t think I could do it justice. I will allow the pictures to do the talking, but I will mention the little surprise ending at the end of our meal, which would completely startles you just as the starter amuse bouche did. We were served complementary PAN cotton candy in a little arrangement that melts your heart and taste buds.

 

If anything Jashn knows how to deliver in every aspect. I loved that the place was a home grown concept, which set itself apart with modern twist to Indian food that can only be seen as innovative. As the Jashn’s website states; “Welcome to JASHN! Indulge in a magical celebration that is sure to please your palate and satisfy your senses!” and that’s the honest truth.

 

 

Where is this diamond in the rough? It’s actually located in Al Khuwair directly opposite (inside lane way no.4144) the Safeer International Hotel click here

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