Search: “ace”

After having lunch at Quiznos yesterday in Baitak Tower I found this cool place called The Nut Tree. Unlike regular nut shops in Kuwait The Nut Tree had flavored nuts like glazed, honey dipped and more. They even had some dipped in chocolate, I ended up getting dried banana dipped in chocolate and also hazelnut dipped in chocolate. Both were REALLY good. When I got back home I googled them and it turned out they’re a small British chain, you can check their website [Here]

I am lazy, super lazy and there is no way I am going to drive all the way to a gym and work out there for an hour or two when I could be home watching my favorite shows on television. Thats why I decided the only way I would consider working out is if I brought the gym to me.

I went to every place in Kuwait which I knew of that sold home gyms and here is what I found:

Go Sport
They have a handful of treadmills, found a very decent Pro-Form treadmill for KD215. They also carried Weider and Vectra brands of multi-gyms. They only had two small Weider’s gyms with the exact same features, one for KD74 and the other for KD115. What I was interested in was the Vectra gym. Vectra make some of the best home gyms in the world but they are expensive. The Vectra gym they had on display costs KD1,300. Overall I thought their prices were pretty decent specially considering the fact that they’re located in the Avenues.

Sears
Loads of treadmills (Pro-Form and other brands). They had a good selection of multi-gyms (mostly Weider brand) but all of them except for one worked using resistance instead of weights. The only one that worked with weights was the Nordictrack 360. It looked cool but after watching the demonstration video I realized it was just too complicated to work. I also felt their prices were pretty expensive.

Ace Hardware
Not much selection there. I think they had only two treadmills which were over priced and they had like three multi-gyms made by an unknown Chinese brand and the prices were also expensive.

Nasser Sports
I heard they had a building next to their Avenues branch that was dedicated to home gyms so I was expecting to find the holy grail… I didn’t. They had a bunch of treadmills, nothing that stuck out and they had a few multi-gyms of some unknown cheap brand. I didn’t find anything interesting.

Sports Corner
They’re located in the old Salmiya where Boushahri used to be. I found the best collection of Treadmills there, they carry around three different brands but in the end I went with a Reebok Series 3 treadmill. They had a 20% discount promo going on but I was able to haggle and get a 25% discount which brought the price down to KD285. They only had one multi-gym which was of some unknown brand, looked pretty flimsy and was already sold out.

Sportsman
They have two branches, one next to the old Video Club in Salmiya opposite Zahra Complex while the other is across the street in the building where Hald Rock Cafe used to be next to NBK. They had maybe three treadmills and I found them all too expensive. No multi-gym.

Wataniya Mall
I found two stores in this small mall which is also located in Salmiya but opposite NBK and Eureka. If you go down to the basement there is a store on right corner and one on the left. The one on the right caters mostly to gyms and not homes. The cheapest multi-gym they had was for like 4000KD or something. They also are the dealers for Everlast and CCM brands. The store on the left side had maybe two treadmills, one multi gym and a few other items. They carry the Carl Lewis brand you need to definitely haggle with them. The same Carl Lewis boxing bag available at Go Sport for KD90 they were selling for KD150. I managed to bring them down to KD100 and probably could have brought them down to KD90 to match Go Sport. Same with the home gym, they had it for KD150 and I brought them down to KD100. I was actually going to get it until I spotted the gym I really wanted at Sultan Center.

Sultan Center
I first went to the Sultan Center in Al-Rai and really didn’t find anything there. I don’t remember seeing a treadmill and they had one multi-gym that was in terrible condition from the brand Body Sculpt or something. Then by chance I was at the Souk Sharq branch when I spotted the Weider 4870 (pictured at the top of this post). It was pretty full featured and I right away knew this was the gym I wanted. I asked a salesman there how much the price was and he told me 300KD which is less than I had expected. A couple of days later I went back to buy the gym and I noticed they had a price tag of 230KD stuck on the gym which was even better! I quickly purchased it and they are now actually installing it for me while I am writing this post.

So, in case anyone is looking for a multi-gym my recommendation is to hit Go Sport unless you want the gym I got which is only available at Sultan Center. For treadmills I think the Reebok’s were really good value for money and they’re available at Sports Corner who had a very nice collection and their prices are negotiable. The Pro-Form treadmill at Go Sport for KD215 is also a really good value.

I’ve always wanted an Apple TV but I couldn’t find a use for it. I had XBMC (xbox media center) running on my old Xbox and it was doing more than fine. I’ve already posted before on how XBMC is the best media center software in the market and Apple TV really stood no chance to compete… until now. Ten days ago a hack was released that would allow the installation of XBMC on the Apple TV. It’s a very simple process, you just install the hack onto a usb memory stick, plug the stick behind the Apple TV and just reboot. It then takes around 30 seconds to install XBMC and thats it.

What are the advantages of XBMC on Apple TV over XBMC on the original Xbox?
1) Apple TV is quieter since it doesn’t contain a loud fan like on the Xbox
2) Connects via HDMI or Component cable while XBMC is only component
3) Can play 720P movies while XBMC can’t
4) The interface is snappier since Apple TV is a faster machine
5) It looks better and takes up much less space
6) Integrates with iTunes on my main server

I am so satisfied with Apple TV now that I’ve already unplugged my old Xbox and placed it in storage. If you don’t have an Apple TV Amazon sells them for KD60. Here is the [Link]

If you’re interested in setting up XBMC on Apple TV here is the guide I used. [Link]

In case you didn’t know already, XBMC is a media center software that will allow you to stream practically any movie format from your main server. Also as a side note, the right arrow key on my MacBook just stopped working awhile ago, I think its a sign I need to get the new MacBook.

Update: If you want to try out XBMC its also available for Windows, Mac’s and Linux. [Download]

Note: XBMC does NOT run on the Xbox 360, it only runs on the original Xbox.

If you’re following the US presidential race you will appreciate this. [Link]

Wok Master is a tiny Chinese take away and delivery place I found out about just 3 days back. I got an email from the owner of the place last week asking me to try it but I didn’t think it would interesting so I ignored him (yes I know, its not nice). The owner emailed me again and I replied the second time asking if the place had dine in. He replied saying no it didn’t so I replied apologizing telling him the only food I ordered delivery was either Papa Johns or Hardees. So the owner gave up and passed me the home delivery phone number and address in case I ever got interested. Thats when he grabbed my attention. Wok Master turned out to be just two streets away from where I live which made things interesting so I decided to give the place a shot.

Yesterday night I passed by and ordered sweet & sour chicken and plain fried rice. The place was easy to find and it looked very clean but I really wasn’t expecting much from the food. When I got home and opened the package I was caught by surprise. The sweet & sour chicken looked amazing. The sauce was a nice red color and looked pretty thick which is exactly how I like it. I quickly mixed my chicken with the rice and dug in and it was actually really good. I was so impressed I passed by and picked up dinner again tonight. This time I had the Manchurian chicken and plain fried rice while Nat decided to try their shrimp noodles. Well it looks like I am probably going to pass by again for dinner tomorrow evening and try something else since everything I’ve had so far I’ve liked.

I didn’t have any major issues with the place. Their menu is pretty ugly and has over a hundred dishes listed (where is Gordon Ramsey to see this). The packaging was ok, the rice and noodles came in those typical Chinese food packaging while the chicken plates came in the less impressive aluminum foil dishes. One thing i noticed tonight is that they charged me 950fils for the rice although in the menu it says it should be 750. Which brings me to their prices. They’re pretty decent, the sweet & sour chicken and the Manchurian chicken each cost KD1.950 while the shrimp noodles costs KD1.750. Overall I really like the place and I love how out of no where its suddenly became one of my favorite Chinese places in Kuwait. And its right next door! For the final score they’re going to get a 4 out of 5 from me.

To order from Wok Master call them on 5750081
They’re located right behind Kuwaitana restaurant on Baghdad street which is nearly right in front of La Baguette .

The coordinator of SPIN’s new global correspondence program emailed me the following:

SPIN magazine, USA’s leading music magazine is looking for fresh, new faces to write about Kuwait’s local music scene. If you or anyone you know would want to write about the music you enjoy, get paid for it, and gain some exposure in the US, please let me know. Feel free to ask me any questions and forward this to anyone who might be interested!

If you’re interested please send me a photo of yourself, a short bio (a couple paragraphs including age and how long you’ve lived in the area) and a little about your area’s music scene as soon as possible.

If you’re interested send an email to [email protected]

I passed by Napket tonight at the Avenues for dinner although I was hesitant at first. Over the weekend when I found the place open and I tried to take a picture of the place from the outside the manager of Napket wouldn’t let me which pissed me off and then I read a lot of negative stuff about their service on the Kuwait & Food Facebook group so that also put me off. But I decided to put that all aside and try the place myself.

The place looks really great, probably one of my favorite restaurant interiors in Kuwait and they definitely have my favorite outdoor terrace. I started checking their sandwiches, Nataly their salad when we were approached by a waiter who asked us what we wanted to have. I decided to go with The NY Thing which was kinda like a club sandwich while Nataly decided to go with this wrap I forgot what it was called but it had shrimps and watercress. We then went and sat down outside near their small fountain which overlooks the big Avenues one.

The food arrived shortly there after and they came on really cool wooden plank like plates. Both the sandwiches were great and I would definitely have them again. Their bread I am guessing is baked in house and was probably the highlight of the sandwiches. I really couldn’t find anything negative except probably for the price. Its not cheap. Two sandwiches and a coke cost KD8.200 which is more expensive than a proper 3 course meal at my favorite Chinese restaurant Ceasars. Still, I would definitely go back.

Pictures above are of Napket Kuwait and was provided by them.

I passed by Avenues for lunch and couldn’t find signs of any kind of fight that took place. What I did find was the location of the upcoming Dean & Deluca store. Its right in front of Häagen-Dazs. Interesting fact, did you know that Häagen-Dazs is actually an American brand? It’s not Scandinavian, its simply two made-up words that was meant to look Scandinavian to the American eyes. Here is more info on the Häagen-Dazs name. [Link]

I called up Sushi KW around 1PM and placed my order to be delivered at 4:30. I ordered the Spicy Shrimp, Snow, TamTam, Mix Maki, Salmon Sushi and Crab Sushi.

My order arrived on time which was cool since I was starving. The packaging was decent and came with soy sauce, a spicy mayo dip, ginger and chopsticks. I quickly chowed my way through everything but when I was done I wasn’t impressed. From the bunch I ordered I think Snow was the worst while everything else tasted just average. The price is cheap, the whole thing cost me only KD11.250 but I would rather pay a bit more and get something from Wasabi instead.

Just an update to my problem with Pirelli. I passed by the main Pirelli branch in Al-Rai today near Ace Hardware. It was my first time there and the main branch is wayyyy nicer than the Canada Dry street one. I chatted with the manager for a bit and he explained to me how they train their employees really well and how customer satisfaction is very important to them. He apologized for the mess up and told me they would replace all four tires with P Zero Run-Flats which are the original tires I had asked for. He was a really friendly guy and the next time I need anything from Pirelli I would definitely go back to this branch and not the Canada Dry one. Glad this got solved quickly.

I finally got my Wrangler aligned today. I was having trouble finding a place that would actually do it since every place I went to forwarded me to another place because of my mud type tires. Today I finally found a place that was willing to do the aligning for me, they were located right at the beginning of Canada Dry street and are called Auto1. They had the Hunter alignment machine which I heard was the best brand and the guy there didn’t have a problem with my tires neither did he bring it up as a problem. The whole process took around 2 hours because they were having problems getting the rear aligned and at one point there were actually 4 guys working on the Jeep. Really great service and the whole thing, front and rear alignment plus steering wheel adjustment cost me only KD25. For regular cars they charge KD15. If you have a lift kit and large tires this is the place to go.

Its been a while since I had a major complaint about anything but my latest incident with the Pirelli dealer in Kuwait is just unbelievable. Its probably the worst experience I have ever had with any dealership in Kuwait.

Two month ago Nataly got a flat tire with the Z4 on her way to work. Since the car doesn’t come with a spare tire I had to leave work and meet up with her on the side of the road and then call a tow truck to take the car to Shuwaikh. I spend a lot of time traveling on work related trips and this incident made me realize its better if I fit the car with run-flat tires so that just in case she does get a flat she could at least drive back home instead of having to pull over in the middle of no where and try to find help.

So I get into the tow truck and instruct the driver to take me to Canada Dry street. We park outside the Pirelli dealer there and go inside and meet a salesman called Usman Ali who gave me the prices of their run-flat tires. I then walk across to the other side of the street and get the prices of the Michellin run-flats. Since Pirelli was having an offer their prices turned out to be much cheaper and I decided to fit run-flats from them. They had two tire threads to choose from and I chose the more expensive sportier ones, the P-Zero’s. After fitting the tires and before I left the place I asked the salesman how fast I could drive when I get a flat, he replies telling me the max speed is 80km/h. That was two months ago.

A few days ago after leaving her gym Nat falls into a deep pothole and gets a flat. She calls me up and I tell she can continue to drive home but she shouldn’t exceed the speed 80km/h.

Today I took my Wrangler and headed out to Canada Dry to buy a new tire for her car. I went to the Pirelli dealer and I gave them my tire size and model and the guy tells me those aren’t run-flats. I am like what do you mean? He was like just wait a few moments until the salesman comes back. When the salesman came back I recognized him as the guy who sold me my tires. So I tell him I need a tire for my car and I give him the size and he tells me they have them in stock. I was like yeah but the other guy said they are not run-flats. The salesman (Usman Ali) tells me they have the same power as run-flats. I was like that doesn’t make any sense you think I am an idiot?? I came in 2 months ago asking for run flats and you sold me 4 tires and I paid over KD400 for them and today I find out you lied to me and sold me regular tires not run-flats. He asks me why I waited 2 months to come in and complain and not 2 or 3 days after I had installed them. I was like are you serious?? What you wanted me to drive to Michellin after installing my tires and have them double check to make sure you installed run-flats for me??? My wife had a flat tire 2 days ago and thats how I found out you lied to me.

After around 20 minutes of the guy trying to convince me that I hadn’t asked for run-flats and he hadn’t told me they were run-flats I realized nothing was going to come out of this and I left. Now I am home trying to figure out what to do about this. I feel cheated! This isn’t a small lie. I told Nat she could drive her car with the flat at a speed of 80km/h which is dangerous with regular flat tires. Not only did the guy put Nat at risk but you could also damage the car and rims driving that fast with a flat. The only thing I can think of doing now is sending out emails to Pirelli and hoping someone in management will try and solve this problem for me. Will post an update once something happens.

Update: Just got a call from the Pirelli manager, I will be passing by them tomorrow to solve the problem.

Update2: Problem solved! [Link]

Aramex just delivered my D90 camera. I ordered it once it got released late last month as a replacement for my Nikon D70 which had started showing its age. I originally purchased the D70 for my Miskan project back in November 2004 to replace my aging Sony F717. I still love my D70 and it still performs really great but its developed a problem that’s common to the D70’s where it has trouble reading the memory card. Although I hate zoom lenses I ordered the D90 with the kit lens. Since I will be trying to shoot short movies I figured a zoom lens would definitely come in handy. I still have my eyes on the Nikon 20mm f2.8 lens and the Nikon 85mm 1.8f lens. Maybe for Christmas…

Note: The Nikon D90 w/ kit lens is available on Amazon for KD350 [Link]

It seems there are rumors that Hashi is going to be closing down soon. I’ve only been there a few times and although the place isn’t my favorite sushi place I do like the interior a lot and their food is actually good. I would hate to see the place get shutdown and replaced by another Chili’s or something. As a sign of support to Hashi some people have started a Facebook group called Keep Hashi Alive. Here is the link in case you also want to join the group. [Facebook Group]

A friend of mine called me up yesterday, he purchased Salmon eggs from Sultan Center and while eating them he noticed they tasted strange. He took a look at the expiry date and it turned out the eggs had expired over a month ago on August 18th! Sultan Center is the only supermarket I shop at so its really frustrating that something like this keeps happening over and over. From now on I am literally going to be checking the expiry date on every product I purchase.

My friend has now started a Facebook group so people can voice their concerns on this issue and he is also planning on releasing it in the papers this week specially after the fact that when he went to Sultan to complain they took the matter very lightly and told him to come back next week. Hopefully by shinning the spotlight on this issue Sultan Center will be forced to take action in stopping this from happening again. [Facebook Group]