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Hi gang! Well, a lot of things have happened this week. It has been interesting, exciting and exhausting all at once.
Early in the week I received an invitation from Rafat Kazi (the public relations manager at the Sheraton Hotel) to be a guest at their famous fabulous 'Chef's Table' for lunch on Monday.
"What a treat!" I thought, and naturally replied in the positive.
We guests assembled at 12.30 and were introduced to each other. The ladies were stylish and beautifully groomed, and the other men were resplendent in their suits.
And then, there was me; looking distinctly casual in my short sleeve shirt (sans tie) and long shorts!
I felt just a little awkward, but well, that's just me isn't it?
Anyway, when we were given our aprons the other male guests 'lost' their jackets and I didn't look quite so conspicuous.
As I breathed in the delightful aromas that gently wafted towards us I felt so privileged to be included in this gathering of Bahrain's 'movers and shakers'.
Occasions like this remind me how lucky I am to be 'Krazy Kevin', and to enjoy a bit of local fame. It does open up doors sometimes; which in this case was the door to a very large kitchen. Yippee!
The big boss was there; a jovial, larger than life character by name of Karl Heinze Rumann. Also attending were the African and Eastern duo; General Manager Peter O'Brien (a Manchester United fan but otherwise quite likable) and the lovely Welsh beauty Shelly Griffith who is Beverage Manager.
What's so different about the 'Chef's Table' lunch is that everyone eats their meal at a large table in the kitchen where the food is actually being prepared.
It's such a fabulous concept! You smell the flavours of the ingredients as they cook. Your taste buds go mad and you can practically taste the dishes before they arrive steaming hot in front of you. Watching and listening to the kitchen antics is good fun entertainment too.
We were introduced to Executive Chef Kamal Verma (who has just arrived in Bahrain after spending years in Australia).
So, as the menu was inspired by the Aussies I looked round for a barbecue but couldn't find one. Peter thought that he was on the 'barbie' though, what with his back right beside the cookers and all.
To say that the food was fantastic would be an understatement. And not only was it incredible, when you add great company, lively chat and an extensive selection of beverages ... Well it just doesn't get any better.
As the meal progressed, and as my tummy got fuller and fuller, I thought about what else I had on that day and remembered that I had to be in a recording studio at 4pm to have an international telephone interview with 'Speech' the lead singer from the band 'Arrested Development'.
So I regretfully said a big goodbye to everyone, picked up a tray of chocolates, and hot footed it over to the 'Film Factory' to do the interview.
I met up with the amazing sound engineer Majid and we telephoned the band in Atlanta, Georgia. But we were answered by a recorded message saying the "office does not open until 9am". Sigh! I had been given the wrong time to ring. So I consoled myself with a few dozen chocolates until I eventually spoke to 'Speech' (two hours later).
He sounded like a great guy and I look forward to meeting him and the band when they arrive in Bahrain for a music concert later this month.
When I finally got home I showed my (Aussie) wife Wendy a copy of the menu from lunch. When she saw that there were Morton Bay Bugs on the menu her jaw dropped to the floor, and then she nearly 'floored' me for not bringing her home some.
I had to explain that even I did not have the bottle to ask for a 'doggy bag' and anyway, it wasn't like there were any leftovers. It's Wendy's birthday and our anniversary soon so I guess I know where I'd better take her for a night out.
Then on Saturday, I went to the Bahrain Rugby Club to be 'Master of Ceremonies' and 'Disc Jockey' at 'The Ashes' / 'Guy Fawkes' night; which is when local cricketers form cricket teams from England and Australia to compete during the day, and in the night a huge bonfire is lit.
I met with three great guys from the UK; the 'Chelsea Pensioners', who gave out prizes to the two teams and also judged the 'best' Guy Fawkes and the winning cricket team was Australia. At which point I knew it was going to be an interesting night.
While at the Rugby Club I also filmed my Bahrain TV music video show 'Music Mania'. This week I co-hosted it with a young lady called Sasha Hull who did very well.
Thanks to the Lost Paradise of Dilmun for giving me a 100 tickets to giveaway. I got all the kids doing musical bumps and dancing around so they really 'earned' those tickets.
When it was dark an enormous bonfire was lit and a firework display was put up (on a large video screen). There was popcorn, candy floss, and lots of fun. Everything went well and in the midst of it all I was not forgotten ... a big 'thank you' to Phillipa Armstrong for making me a ginger cake that was truly scrumptious!
I ate the cake on Sunday morning during the Radio Bahrain Breakfast show and reflected on the previous night. It was manic, but somehow we got through it. Sasha and her mum Oonagh were stars. I don't know what I would have done without them.
Then I got to thinking about the upcoming Marathon supporting 'Think Pink' in aid of breast cancer. I'm running the last leg and am looking for sponsors and, perhaps, a medical team to carry me away afterwards. It's a really good cause that affects most of us in some way or at some time, so let's all dig deep and give it our support.
All my love
Krazy Kevin
