Iftar Spots (By: Badria Nassir)

Ramadan Kareem, everyone! I hope you all have had a blessed month.  

Not only is Ramadan a holy month where forgiveness and blessings are in abundance, it’s also the month of giving. 

& Restaurants are doing well when it comes to giving us some pretty rad deals for iftar. 

We’re approaching the end of Ramadan now and I wanted to share a list of places you should check out if you’re thinking of going out for iftar with your friends or family. 

Papa John’s:

Papa John’s Iftar Meal (DubaiSavers.com Photo)

Unlimited pizza for AED 32. 
Enough said. 

Now I can vouch for that, the last time I went we had unlimited amount of pizza slices coming at us as well as drinks and appetisers. It was one of the greatest nights. 

Russo’s New York Pizzeria: 

Russo’s New York Pizzeria Iftar Deals (AlWahda-Mall.com Photo)

Dates, soup, salad, pizza, water or soft drink starting from AED 45. 

I am so going for that this week. Russo’s pizzas never disappoint so I cannot wait to break my fast with a lovely pie. 

Pizzaro:

For AED 50 you can get dates, soup of the day, penne arrabbiata or margharita pizza or mushroom risotto, dates ice cream, soft drinks or water. 

The restaurant also has a more expensive version (i.e. AED 89) which includes fancier items on the menu such as linguine frutti mare and salmon in crosta etc. 

I’m also planning on visiting Pizzaro before Ramadan ends just to take advantage of their delicious pizzas. 

Rosa Mexicano: Dubai Mall

Special menu iftar for AED 89. 

They weren’t very specific with their offerings but Rosa Mexicano cannot possibly fail at providing a lovely Mexican meal. 

Eggspectation: JBR

One starter, one main course and one dessert for AED 95. 

Considering how price-y the menu is at that restaurant, AED 95 for a full three-course meal sounds pretty darn good to me. 

Zahr El Leymoun: Souq Al Bahar

A range of cold mezzes, one hot mezze that can be chosen from the menu, three main dishes that change on a daily, a bunch of desserts, one cold drink and one hot drink as well as shisha all for AED 95.

My oh my, did I enjoy that iftar deal. I practically had to be carried out because of how stuffed I was. It is definitely worth it. 

I wasn’t the biggest fan of the three main dishes that they served on that day but by the time I finished the cold and hot mezzes, I didn’t even have space for a main dish. 

Shakespeare and Co: Souq Al Bahar and Emirates Hills 

A four course meal with dates and water for AED 99.

Shakespeare and Co Iftar Menu (www.shakespeare-and-co.com Photo)

I am so down.

Sugar Factory:

For AED 100, you get to break your fast with traditional dates, nuts and juice then you’re provided with the main course which includes a mixed grill, fatoush salad, hummus and freshly baked bread. Options such as fried macaroni and cheese as well as chips on fish are also available. Then to end the dinner on a sweet note, a butterscotch bread and butter pudding with vanilla ice cream. 

I don’t know about you but I’m kinda drooling at the moment. 

 

Yes, the iftar deals can be a little price-y but if you consider the amount of items you’re getting within the deals then it’s almost kinda worth the hole in your wallet.

Think of it as a “end Ramadan with a bang” kind of reason to splurge because I don’t know about you but I’m pretty tired of all the home-cooked traditional meals. 

Eid Mubarak in advance to you all! 

 

Sources Used: GulfNews.com, LovinDubai.com
Featured Image Credit: (TimeOutBahrain.com Photo)

 

Creative Writing Feature: My Future (By: Maha Jammoul)

My future is bright, peaceful and accomplished

It looks at the past without forgetting to focus on the present

My future is exciting, adventurous and furbished

It holds glorious harvests after all the growing it underwent

---

My future is wise, open and free

It has learned how to be unchained by anything or anyone

My future is brave, kind and full of glee

It knows how to be solely accountable when things come undone

---

My future is creative, intuitive and full of embrace

It wholeheartedly welcomes learning and growth every day

My future is compassionate, altruistic and full of grace

It respects, supports, and loves people come what may

---

My future is patient, passionate and witty

It feels deeply while staying composed in the face of adversity

More than anything, my future is me

It’s the collection of all I was, all I am, and all I will ever be

Side note: As this is my last post and contribution as the Editor-in-Chief of EYAS, I would like to thank all of my team members, readers, and supporters. This has been an interesting ride and I’m taking all of the precious lessons and memories with me on my way to the future that is awaiting! 

Featured Image Credit: (Konbini.com Photo)

Movie Review: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 (By: Talha Naeem)

There’s something about watching movies in IMAX. Maybe it’s the insanely immersive experience, or the thirty five minutes drive to the cinema, or maybe it is the company (it probably is the company, yes): regardless of what the factor is, if a movie is shot using IMAX cameras, please go and watch it in an IMAX cinema. Yes, it will be a little costlier than a standard ticket price but it is worth every single extra dirham.

Vol.2 of this Sci-Fi adventure flick was no different than its predecessor: in short, it was a blissful experience that guarantees to raise your mood. James Gunn gives it his all and is clearly a fan of  the work: his love for the script shows throughout the movie. The one thing that stands out in Vol.2 when compared to its predecessor is the concentration on character development. It heavily concentrates on building team dynamics and their relationships with each other: this enriches the movie’s universe. If you happen to miss out on some of the plot, you will very easily be distracted by the excellent humour (I have not laughed this much in a movie since The Nice Guys).

Star Lord (Pinimg.com Photo)

The plot is well written and because of the addition of character development, the stakes and our attachment to the characters during the action sequences increases. Speaking of action sequences, these are visually breathtaking – even more so in IMAX 3D – and the entire universe is colourful and beautiful to behold. Drax – played by Dave Bautista – is brutally honest and is by far the most hilarious character in the movie. Baby Groot – voiced by our very own Dominic Toretto aka Vin Diesel – is the most adorable animated character on screen.

Baby Groot (Srcdn.com Photo)

As the credits rolled on the screen and I looked on my right to check up on my favourite person with six eyes (thanks to her spectacles ft the 3D glasses), I realised that it was past 9PM and I just might have liked Vol.2 more than the first one. To sum up, it is an extremely enjoyable ride for everyone.

On a personal note,  this is my last movie review for Eyas’ WordPress page. Route and fleet palnning makes zero sense and idiopathic urticaria isn’t going away anytime soon: therefore, I have decided to quit the newsletter in order to focus on my studies and health. Thanks to my team and to you – readers – for sticking with me from the very beginning. Adios.

Talha Naeem
senior editor of Eyas

Featured Image Credit: (Srcdn.com Photo)

 

 

 

Game Review: Call of Duty: WWII (By: Lahiru Thilakarathne)

We finally have a new release of Call of Duty. This time, it wont be an addition to a series but an entirely new story that will bring back history to life. Activation in collaboration with Sledge hammer introduced Call of Duty World War 2.

COD’s latest instalment will take players to a variety of historical battle locations set across the second world war. The solo campaign will follow the US 1st Infantry Division as they fight their way across Europe during the height of the bloody conflict.

Call of Duty (Store.SteamPowered.com Photo)

You will primarily play as an inexperienced Private Daniel. Mission will span out from the D Bay Landings to the Battle of the budge. For the first time you will be put into the shoes of a woman fighter. The Single player will feature a lot of other characters to give you a in-depth and accurate info regarding the infamous historical events.

During the release, Activation made the following statement “Call of Duty: WWII tells the story of heroism on a global scale, through the unbreakable brotherhood of common men fighting to preserve freedom in a world on the brink of tyranny. Players enlist in a gritty, intense campaign through the harrowing battlegrounds of war, facing overwhelming odds and hostile terrain across Europe, in a gripping experience that honours the history of World War II,” Those words definitely impressed me and I definitely thought I had to quote it in my review so you guys will get a view on this amazing game.

Call of Duty (Store.SteamPowered.com Photo)

When it comes to multiplayer we know a little about it with more about it not coming out until until the E3 in June. But according to the released trailer, players will partake in brutal boots on the ground combat across some iconic World War 2 locales. One big new feature is Headquarters, an all new social tool allowing for creative modes of multiplayer interaction with your PS4, Xbox One and PC buddies.

Zombie mode? Activation didn’t mention anything about it yet, (It will surely not be left out) but with time to come we shall find out more.

Call of Duty (Store.SteamPowered.com Photo)

Call of Duty World War 2 will definitely be the game of the year. But its competitor Battlefield also has a release this year so we shall wait for this battle. Activation has already started its pre-order of COD WW2 starting at AED249 on steam with the game unlocking on November 3^rd. Finally Call of Duty has been my ultimate favourite (over battlefield as well) and I am definitely dying to get my hands on it.

Tank (Store.SteamPowered.com Photo)

Featured Image Credit: (Store.SteamPowered.com Photo)

Restaurant Review: Enab (By: Badria Nassir)

Enab is a Lebanese restaurant located in a slightly hidden spot in City Walk. We heard a lot of talk about how this restaurant is so amazing and how the Dubai branch is much better than the Beirut branch.

Once we got there, we noticed that the decoration was brilliant, it felt so homey and comfy; especially the seats we were given. Since we went for a birthday, we occupied a large table to seat 8 hungry people ready to order.

Enab Decoration (CityWalk.ae Photo)

My friend and I decided to order hummous from the cold mezze section, potato cubes from the hot mezza section and a 350g mixed grill for our main course.

The hummous and the potato cubes came first. The potato cubes did not taste at all like it should, it wasn’t spicy like it should be and it was lacking in lemon and salt. We were not at all impressed by that. As for the hummous, we were given the bowl but without any bread. We called the waiter and asked if the hummous came with bread to which he replied with a yes and went on to find some for us. He came back with a basket of bread so I tried to grab the basket but he wouldn’t let go then he asked us to take the bread from the basket because they’re not allowed to give it. We looked at each other then at him and asked him where he expected us to place the bread. A friend of ours gave us his extra plate and we had to pile a tower of bread; the guy did not even have any shame at how he handled everything.

The mixed grill was also quite disappointing; one kebab, five pieces of chicken cubes and five pieces of lamb cubes. I didn’t like the chicken at all, it was lacking in flavour which made it very difficult to eat. It was insanely ridiculous for AED 68. We were still hungry by the time we finished our meal. 

Mixed Grill (CookingWithRalph.com Photo)

The whole experience was a disappointment, the one in Lebanon must have been really bad for people to think this was better.

Plus the waiters were rude at times and were barely helpful. Reem Al Bawadi definitely trumps this restaurant. Hopefully with more months of experience here, the better they become. 

Featured Image Credit: (CityWalk.ae Photo)

Revolutionizing Your Ways: The Editor’s Message (By: Maha Jammoul)

As you may already know, our world is continuously changing and we, the humankind, are at the forefront of it all. Technology, science, and engineering, are among the important levers of change.

I’m not certain if you’re familiar with the industrial revolutions but you must know that we have already entered its 4^th stage or phase. The first industrial revolution was shaped by mechanization, the second by mass production, the third by computer and automation, and the fourth by cyber physical systems.

What does this imply? Industries will be more reliant on cyber physical systems to effectively and efficiently run business operations and activities. To ensure a working spot in this highly-innovative future, we must learn ‘how to learn’, adapt, and continuously develop our skills and competencies.

Relatively, we at EYAS, strive to continuously improve the quality of the contents we post for you.

Monday will see us reviewing Enab in our Restaurant Review of the Week.

(CityWalk.ae Photo)

We get to soar high on Tuesday as we present some interesting aviation-related facts in our Aviation Feature of the Week.

(IAS-EU.com Photo)

Call of Duty WWII will be reviewed on Wednesday in our Game Review of the Week.

(GamesGeek.com Photo)

Thursday is all about space action as we review Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in our Movie Review of the Week.

(HollywoodLife.com Photo)

Finally, Friday will see us getting all futuristic with our Creative Writing Feature of the Week. Tune in!

(Andrei Verner artwork via Behance.net)

Notwithstanding the above-mentioned, I wish you all a happy, productive, and revolutionary week ahead!

Kind regards,

Maha Jammoul

Editor-in-Chief

EYAS

Featured Image Credit: (Allswalls.com Photo)

Movie Review: The Truman Show (By: Talha Naeem)

I remember growing up being heavily addicted to watching TV shows, cartoons and movies. Fast forward 15 or so years, having watched almost every great movie, I am now sometimes referred to as “IMDB boy”. The reason I am telling you this is because I regret not having watched The Truman Show when I was younger: I did hear a lot about it but I just could not get my eyes off Castle, The Mentalist and Harry Potter! Please read on, regardless of whether you have watched the movie or not.

The Truman Show is an excellent thought provoking movie that is just 17 minutes shy of a runtime of 2 hours. It is a deep movie which was bound to become an art film. Jim Carrey did an extraordinary job playing the lead role of Truman Burbank and was criminally underrated by the Academys: he failed to score an Oscar nomination. The movie has a bunch of powerful scenes that truly makes the viewer think. An example of such a scene is when a lady rides on the footpath on a bike with a basket and a dog follows her: this reminded me of how repetitive life seems at times. The creator of Truman’s world was playing the role of God: making sure everyone and everything was in place and maintaining the illusion that his world is “perfect”.

(Bp.blogspot.com Photo)

This may come off as being brutally honest but our world does conform to the same pattern, it is just a matter of perception. The audience watching the Truman Show in the movie wanted to be entertained no matter what the cost to Truman: this hits home seeing as how we have this urge to keep up with celebrities and how this could potentially lead to the death of someone (such as Princess Diana).

(Bp.blogspot.com Photo)

If you have ever wondered about your existence or even wondered about whether everybody thinks the same shade of red when you say red, purchase the DVD and watch it as many times as you can. You will not regret it.

Featured Image Credit: (Pinimg.com Photo)

Tech Review: Nintendo Switch (By: Lahiru Thilakarathne)

Imagine a device that would allow you to play a game as a console mode and on your TV. Back in the 90s when I was a kid, this was only a dream. Welcome to the 21^st Century. The franchiser who designed the Game Boy we all used to love came up with the Nintendo Switch.

Gameboy Advance SP (Nintendo.com Photo)

If you buy a Nintendo Switch, you will get the main body of the console complete with two detachable controller sides, two straps that can be attached on the sides to make these an individual component, and most importantly a dock that allows you to plug the console into the television. If you think that’s a lot of accessories then you’re wrong, because this is not a device that contains a single gaming mode but three.

Nintendo Switch (PCMag.com Photo)

First up is the handheld mode. In this configuration you attach the configuration, you attach the two controller portions to the left and right edges of the screen and use it as a console much like your Nintendo DS. Along the top of the device you’ve got a slot for game cartridges, a headphone jack, a volume rocker and of course a power button

The bottom of the device is mainly for tabletop mode (more on that later) concealing a small microSD slot which provides the consoles expandable storage.

Zelda on Nintendo Switch (TechRadar.com Photo)

The detachable controllers will contain a similar design to the Nintendo Gameboy with its classic A, B, X and Y button, two shoulder buttons and of course a home button for reaching the consoles system menu. Across on the left controller it’s a very similar story. You’ve got a minus button that acts as the console’s ‘Select’ button, a share button for taking screenshot.

The second mode of gaming is the console mode. You simply place the main portion of the console in the dock, connect it to the TV, detach the controller and your free to go.

The final mode is the Table top which is my ultimate favorite. Simply detach the controllers from the screen and play. This is definitely the prefect mode for long journeys.

Nintendo Controllers (PcMag.com Photo)

When it comes to spec the Nintendo Switch hasn’t got the best but its 720p capacity touchscreen measures 6.2 inches. When docked to the TV it can give an output up to 1080p. the consoles also sends 5.1 surrounds but unfortunately its only stereo. So you’re left with two options Either to use its inbuilt speakers or wired headphones. The Switch has 32GB of internal storage with the capacity to expand to 2TB. ( Never seen a 2TB SD card though)

(Nintendo.com Photo)

With prices ranging from 1800AED in the UAE. Should you buy it? Definitely if you are a Zelda fan. But if your aren’t, this isn’t a device for you. If you’re a console gamer the screen will definitely feel small and the lack of games will definitely bother you. All I am doing is reviewing the product and I’m giving you my personal opinion so in the end its up to you to decide.

Sources Used: TechRadar.com

Featured Image Credit: (TrustedReview.com Photo)

 

Restaurant Review: Denny’s (By: Badria Nassir)

I was determined to go to Denny’s after my brother brought leftover club sandwich home from his experience there. There was something about the club sandwich that stood out from the rest and I just could not pinpoint what. 

After pestering my family to go for breakfast the following weekend, they finally agreed and Denny’s was where I found myself on a Friday morning. 

Looking at the menu, I was really tempted to try the different flavoured buttermilk pancakes that they had but I did not want to risk another regret (i.e. when I went to IHOP and ordered the cinnamon pancakes which ended up being purely sugar). To be on the safe side, I decided to order the Lumberjack Slam which included two plain buttermilk pancakes, a slice of grilled ham, two bacon strips, two sausage link, two eggs, hash browns and a slice of toast. Yes I had to be carried out of the diner after that breakfast. 

Lumberjack Slam (OshawaLittleTheatre.com Photo)

I also ordered a chocolate milkshake to go along with it.

Now that was a regret. It tasted more like milk than it did chocolate and I did not like it at all. 

Chocolate Shake (Pinterest.com Photo)

The breakfast, however, was large but highly satisfying. The hash browns were phenomenal and I absolutely loved how they didn’t make choose between the bacon or sausages, rather they gave them both to me.

By the time we left the diner, it was midday and I was really tempted to order from lunch menu from how appetising the dishes looked but I did not have any space in my stomach whatsoever.

I will definitely make another trip to Denny’s once all this assignments stress is over and have myself a huge lunch because I survived.  

Featured Image Credit: (Wikimedia.org Photo)

 

Applying Kaizen in our Lives: The Editor’s Message (By: Maha Jammoul)

For those of you who are not familiar with the term and concept of KAIZEN, it is a Japanese word for continuous improvement. While some of the business students have come across this term in their Global Logistics, Supply Chain Management, and Project Management modules, its real-life application might have not been pondered or considered yet.

Think about it, if we apply this principle or concept in our daily lives, there won’t be right or wrong – there will only be hits and misses. As the rate of misses increases, the rate of our experience correspondingly goes up, too. The better our experience, the wiser we become hence, the greater the chances we get to continuously improve our lives.

At EYAS, we aim to continuously improve and offer you the most inspiring and relatable content.

Monday will see us reviewing Denny’s in our Restaurant Review of the Week.

Denny’s Logo (Wikimedia.org Photo)

Tuesday will be featuring an interesting environmental fact that is Aviation-related.

Aviation and the Environment (NATS.aero Photo)

Wednesday will see us reviewing Nintendo Switch in our Tech Review of the Week.

Nintendo Switch (Nintendo.com Photo)

Thursday is all about comedy as we review The Truman Show in our Movie Review of the Week.

The Truman Show Poster (Pinterest.com Photo)

Lastly, Friday will see us talking about Destiny in our Creative Writing Feature of the Week.

Choosing your Destiny (HumanQuirks.com Photo)

Notwithstanding the above-mentioned, I wish you all a happy and satisfying week ahead!

Best regards,

Maha Jammoul

Editor-in-Chief

EYAS

Featured Image Credit: (WorldofDiets.com Photo)