< Previous240 HarpersBazaarArabia.com March 2019 The ESCAPE CREDIT HERE A PPE T I S I N G A M M A N As the gateway to Jordan, the historic country’s capital is fi lled with cultural must-sees, but don’t overlook the cuisine, which lies at the cornerstone of this chic city. Start your journey at W Amman to fuel your adventure Synonymous with fashion, music and design, W hotels harness a city’s inherent cool and serve it up to guests in a hospitality package that’s guaranteed to boost your creative juices, which made the barely-a-year-old W Amman the perfect base for Bazaar’s March cover shoot. From the gleaming in-room offi ce stations to all the Mac chargers you could require (and a team of Whatever/Whenever concierge staff on hand to deal with all technical eventualities), the 240-room hotel is relaxing and energising, personal and professional. They even whipped up a batch of vegan packed lunches at 10 minutes’ notice. With the sleek Away Spa on hand to massage out long-haul fl ight tension, and a Fit gym to get you up and at it, the W Amman is a pocket of productivity. And, once the work day was over, the Bazaar team relaxed at Wet Desk, the expansive pool terrace with gorgeous vistas over the historic city. Housed in one of the few high-rises in Amman the views, as the city segues from day-to-night, are breathtaking. Marriott.com Louise Nichol’s offi ce for the day – the W Amman provided the perfect hot-desk location for our March cover shoot and the ideal starting point for a foodie adventure BA Z A A R O N LO CATION241 HarpersBazaarArabia.com March 2019 The ESCAPE Mesh at W Amman This high-energy all-day dining venue serves a buffet breakfast that will fuel you up for the day ahead, whether simply sightseeing or putting the ‘w’ into work. From date and banana porridge to local specialities such as mofarakah potato and kaaek we loved, the spread is a feast of Mediterranean delights. But it’s the staff who really set Mesh apart; you’ll fi nd yourself being served coffee exactly the way you like it alongside eggs cooked to perfection without even having to whisper for a waiter. They’re either telepathic or imbibing some form of memory-enhancing coffee. Either way, you’ll be so well looked after it might be challenging to leave. But with a working lunch and decadent dinner also on the menu, there’s no better place to whip out the laptop and bed down for a day of perfectly delicious productivity. Meshamman.com Enso at W Amman Come hungry to Enso, Amman’s hippest sushi-to-satay eatery. Taking its cue from Malaysian, Vietnamese, Indonesian cuisine and beyond, the vast menu is a feast of options. Don’t miss the glazed beef short rib or the miso black cod, although there are plenty of lighter options if you are feeling less indulgent. Throw caution to the wind when it comes to dessert however; the jasmine rice pudding and kaffi r lime cheesecake are heavenly. With its slick interior contrasting Asian minimalism with retro disco design pops, Enso is an eclectic experience that is both energising and entrancing. Sit back and let the chefs perform their magic. +962 6 510 8888 Hashem For a quick hit of street food, Hashem is cheap, cheery and presided over by pictures of the Royal Family. Let the waiter bring you a mix of local vegetarian specialities such as fuul (mashed fava bean), and what is widely agreed to be the best falafel in Jordan, accompanied by moreish sweet mint tea. After eating, wander through Amman’s characterful downtown streets. +962 6 463 6440 Habibah The original branch beside Al Bank Al Arabi has been serving kunafa, street-style, since 1951. The queues are epic, but so is the syrupy, salty sweetness when you get your hands on a paper plate of piping hot deliciousness (diet be damned). Habibahsweets.com Shams El Balad Housed in an enchanting old 1940s home in Jabal Amman, the fi rst of Amman’s original seven circles, Shams El Balad restaurant shares space with its sister lifestyle concept store and fl orist. Conceived by chef Qais Malhas, the menu is a celebration of traditional Jordanian cuisine; entirely vegetarian with plenty of vegan options, based on a wholly organic, farm-to-table philosophy. Bread is baked fresh each morning and seasonal ingredients are celebrated in dishes such as carrot and caper maftoul, beetroot falafel and caulifl ower fritter. From breakfast to dinner, Shams El Balad harnesses the soul of Jordan and serves it to you seasoned with love. +962 6 465 1150 WORDS: LOUISE NICHOL Bazaar rounds up the Jordan capital’s most energetic eateries WHAT T O E AT IN AM MAN The W Amman’s all-day dining restaurant Mesh is a hive of activity from breakfast to dinner Ignite your taste buds with a tasty selection of pan- Asian dishes at W Amman’s Enso A colourful red cabbage, fennel and orange salad at Shams El Balad Shams El Balad prides itself on serving up healthy, local vegetarian food Shams El Balad is one of Amman’s fi rst farm- to-table conceptsCREDIT HERE RO O M W I T H A V I E W Spring in London? There’s no better place to shop, sleep, eat and repeat... laves to the fashion capital, few things beat London in spring. The daffodils are out, the skies are blue, the air crisp – all setting a rather fabulous scene for a city break that seamlessly combines culture and shopping. For the culture vulture in you, the Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibition at the V&A promises to be enlightening, or try the debate- inducing Tracey Emin: A Fortnight of Tears exhibition at White Cube Bermondsey. For those taking advantage of the capital’s style credentials – Knightsbridge in spring beats the summer heat – then let the Corinthia Hotel London be your launchpad. Just steps from Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and The River Thames – with epic views to boot – the hotel is as central as you need, and as luxurious as you could want. While its Penthouse Suites are renowned for being the most jaw-dropping des-res in London, the newly-opened Garden and London Suites rival our affections. Inspired by a day in the capital, the London Suites pay homage to the art world too, with sculptures from the Cubism era, while the Garden Suites nod to the quintessential British garden, with botanical hues, views of the courtyard, and a true sense of tranquility. While some might say shopping is a workout in itself, if you’re keen to work off the calories from dinner at Kerridge’s Bar & Grill (the truffl ed baked egg with Charlotte potato and Ogleshield fondue is sublime), then you’re in good hands. Celebrity trainer David Higgins will put you through your paces with the hotel’s new Fitness & Wellness package, which includes a two-night stay for two in a London Suite, breakfast, a bespoke training session with David at BodySPace, and a 60-minute massage (Dhs27,388), leaving you free to indulge guilt-free once more. The Sunday Lunch at The Northall has become something of an insider city staple set to a backdrop of live jazz, whilst al fresco sundowners in The Garden Lounge will help summon that summertime vibe. For spring, summer or Eid al-Fitr, London is defi nitely calling. Book now and we’ll see you there. From Dhs5,412 a night; Corinthia.com S 242 HarpersBazaarArabia.com March 2019 The oh-so-zen spa lounge at ESPA Life Kerridge’s Bar & Grill Afternoon tea in the Crystal Moon Lounge Dive in at ESPA Life at Corinthia Hotel London Bringing the outdoors in courtesy of the new Garden Suite Sleek living in the eternally chic Hamilton PenthouseCREDIT HERE 243 HarpersBazaarArabia.com March 2019 The ESCAPE London at twilight as seen from the Royal Penthouse terrace A lyrical view from the Musicians Penthouse terrace The elegant exterior of Corinthia Hotel LondonTH E P R E M I E R E S H O W MAR C H 2 1 – 2 6 20 1 9 TH E P R E M I E R E S H O W WWW.BASELWORLD.COM R O X A N E O N . . . At six ty- som eth ing , Rox ane Zand, deputy chairman of the Midd le East at Soth eby ’s, im pa rts he r sag e life advi ce on everything from buying art to the art of etiq uet te 245 HarpersBazaarArabia.com March 2019 Your LIFE POR TRAIT : RICHARD HALL. PHOTOS: INST AGRAM.COM 1. @ArtTalksEgypt 2. @Mckduae 3. @FondationBeyeler 4. @CultureRow S O C I A L M E D I A At a recent party I attended I found everyone checking their social media instead of having conversations. We now know for a fact that too much social media is harmful. The most vulnerable group being children, it has prompted the UK government to plan crack downs on Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram on their harmful content after the suicide of 14-year-old Molly Russell. But what about the mainstream group of normal adults? Do we really need ‘big brother’ action? Is social media addictive? Instagram users have been tested for dopamine hits, and FOMO is regularly reported – how we hanker after the blue light in those bright pictures of perfect people on perfect holidays! I myself feel that not checking my IG feed is like being starved of news: where is everyone? What are they doing? It’s my Tamagochi: if I don’t nurture it, it will die on me. A new, as yet unnamed mental health virus has infected the digital generation. Reality stars milk it, the vulnerable are prey to it, and social media channels profi le the whole bunch to sell as information to advertisers. But we can’t live without it: our mantra has been to stay connected. It’s not all bad news though. Like TV in the BSM (before social media) decades, somewhere along the line common sense kicks in. I limit myself to 20 minutes rapid feed-check in the morning, and a quick look in the evening Uber ride home. I’ve found all kinds of useful information, unearthed old friends, followed museums and important art foundations like Foundation Beyeler, as well as accounts such as Lauren Prakke’s CultureRow, The Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development and Art Talks Egypt. Is my Instagram feed the equivalent of postcards from friends? Is it the new journalism? It may be all of those, but as long as we’re the boss of it and not it of us, then we’re in good shape. 1234246 HarpersBazaarArabia.com March 2019 Your LIFE 1 2 3 LENTIL & FETA BOWL Prep time: 10 minutes Serves: 2 30ml lemon juice 50ml extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp Dijon mustard A handful fi nger-torn basil ½ tsp salt 500g cooked lentils 1 small red onion, fi nely chopped 1 tomato, deseeded and diced 200g feta cheese Ground fresh black pepper Or chili fl akes to garnish 1In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, basil and salt. 2In another bowl mix the lentils, onion, and tomato. Add the dressing. 3Top with crumbled feta, and fi nish with black pepper or chilli. WHITE BEAN & TUNA BOWL Prep & cook time: 10 minutes Serves: 2 30ml balsamic vinegar 50ml extra virgin olive oil ½ tsp salt ½ tsp white pepper 2 spring onions, fi nely chopped 500g cooked white beans 200g solid white tuna from the can (sustainable) A handful of cut cherry tomatoes 1In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. 2In another bowl mix the white beans, tuna and tomatoes. Add the dressing and combine. 3Season one last time to taste and garnish with extra spring onions. CRUSHED CHICKPEA & SUMAC BOWL Prep & cook time: 10 minutes Serves: 2 60ml lemon juice 90ml extra virgin olive oil 1 small red onion, fi nely chopped 1 minced garlic clove (optional) 1 - 2 tsp sumac ½ tsp salt IN L OVE WI T H L E G U M E S A healthy dose of goodness, pulses are a perfect – and easy to cook – nutritious staple, says Dalia Dogmoch Soubra ½ tsp pepper 500g cooked chickpeas 2 handfuls of Mache leaves 30g crushed pistachios 1In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, onion, garlic, sumac, salt and pepper. 2In another bowl crush half the chickpeas, add the remaining whole chickpeas, and the Mache leaves. Combine with the dressing. 3Season to taste, sprinkle on more sumac and top with pistachios and a drizzle more olive oil. FOLLOW DALIA’S KITCHEN STORIES ON YOUTUBE, OR VISIT DALIASKITCHEN.COM MARCH HOTSPOTS For a relaxed rendezvous with friends, Cassette Bistro at The Courtyard in Al Quoz is my new spot for breakfast and coffee. Then, to work off my croissant calories, Physique57 is my latest workout challenge. It’s tough but good. Whilst the food is fab, it’s the beautiful gift shop at The Lighthouse in D3 that keeps me going back. Sorry credit card! AASIY A JAGADEESH. RAJESH RAGHA V . DALIA WEARS: DRESS, DHS1,845, SOLACE LONDON A T BOUTIQUE 1. WITH THANKS TO MAISON ASSOULINEMIKE MARSLAND/WIREIMAGE STA R G A Z I N G Bazaar hosts the inaugural Abu Dhabi Dream Ball in support of UNICEF, whilst cinematography is celebrated at the BAFTAs and maestros fuse at the Grammy Awards Words by LAURA PRIOR 247 HarpersBazaarArabia.com March 2019 Margot Robbie pauses in Chanel on the BAFTAs red carpet at the Royal Albert Hall248 HarpersBazaarArabia.com March 2019 The FLASH FABULOUS FÊTE Leading luxury department store Galeries Lafayette celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a picturesque Parisian-themed evening of VIP guests, a live graffi ti display and music. CEO Nicolas Houzé and Dubai general manager, Pascal Abchee hosted the stylish soiree. Christine Karam and Nadine Njeim in Mariane Bechara Dina Ghorayeb and Farah Abdallah Rana and Mohamed Mirza A spectaclar fl oral ceiling display enveloped guests Lea, Julia, and Manon Abchee Enjy Kiwan presents in L’atelier Du Luxe GOODIE BAGS Harper’s Bazaar Arabia hosted a personal shopping experience at Bloomingdale’s Dubai Mall to celebrate Amanda Navai’s iconic Rosemin bag and the launch of the Anoud Bag – the star style of S/S19. Lina Samman Romy Hourani Taskeen Valrani Hikmat Al Kaitoob Angela Cid Alanoud Badr, Bazaar’s Rosemin Madhavji, Amanda Navai and Layla Kardan The bold and the beautiful AJITH NARENDRA The FLASH SAMIR HUSSEIN. KAR W AI T ANG. NEIL MOCKFORD. DANIEL ZUCHNIK/GETTY . RODIN ECKENROTH/GETTY MINI TREND BONJOUR MONSIEUR Say ‘hello’ to masculine tailoring and oversized everything. BAFTA BASTION The 72nd British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), were hosted by British acting royalty, Joanna Lumley, at the Royal Albert Hall in London on 10th February. The event honoured the best national and foreign fi lms of 2018. 249 HarpersBazaarArabia.com March 2019 Margot Robbie in Chanel Cate Blanchett in Chistopher Kane Olivia Colman in Emilia Wickstead Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in Alexander McQueen Salma Hayek in Gucci AJ Odudu in Kolchagov Barba Claire Foy in Oscar de la Renta Viola Davis in Armani Bradley Cooper in Celine Rami Malek in Louis Vuitton Amy Adams in Prada Alice Chater in Couronne Paris Kim Jones in Y/Project Zeynab El-Helw in Max MaraNext >