Emilia is our youngest friend I guess but definitely the most funny one! We all love her to bits and I just had to organize something special for her second pregnancy. Since we planned to visit Orangery in Adliya for quiet some time but always something stood on our way I decided this is a perfect occasion to dine there.

Our new Al Raya Mall in Juffair is getting bigger and better every week. I was waiting for grand opening for about 2 years and now can't imagine how could I live without it. It was much awaited by all the Juffair residents and I think that we are all super happy about having it within reach and walking distance.

First it was pretty much only Al Osra option (wohooo) but now all the restaurants are opening up giving us a chance for a quick lunch without trip to Seef area. We've tried already burger place and now it was time for Italian! Pomodorini it is!

First thing that strikes you when you walk in is how narrow the place it. They have just a few tables downstairs and a cash counter. There is also first floor where you can get by climbing pretty dangerous twisted stairs. It is pretty difficult to manage two kids up those steps but we did it somehow. It is way more spacious with comfy booths and good light.

Staff is very friendly and accommodating. There is always a manager or supervisor on duty and he is actively involved with customers. They even tried playing with my kids and I must admit they were pretty gentle and not creepy if you know what I mean! Once they saw my kids not really enjoying small talk with them they back out gracefully. My kids by no means were rude - we just went there straight after school and they were exhausted, sleepy and very, very hungry.

We looked at the menu and set on mozzarella pizza, mushroom pizza and chicken sandwich. Pizza's are all in one size (like the one on the picture) and they are enough for my kids to share. Margarita pizza was a bit too greasy for my liking but daughter loved it. Mushrooms on the other one were fresh and smelled wonderful straight from the over and pizza crust is rather thin.
The interesting thing was my sandwich as it was made out of pizza dough. Delicious slices of juicy chicken, tomato, lettuce, mayo and avocado all together with French fries were really yummy and wouldn't hesitate to re-order:)

It was all very fresh and tasty served quickly and with a smile. On top of that it will not break your bank as pizza cost 2BD and 2.5BD and a chicken sandwich was 3.5BD. The only negative side of the restaurant is definitely lack of bathroom/toilet to refresh or wash your hands before meal (bathrooms are available in the mall but its rather far to walk with two kids) and the stairs leading you up to the first floor. I have also left a comment with a management that it would be great to have small colouring pages and crayons to keep kids occupied while waiting and maybe box juices instead of freshly squeezed one which were very sour. But it was just a comment as overall we liked our experience in Pomodorini very much and will definitely become regular customers!

It is important to mention that they also deliver free of charge however I didn't check in which areas of Bahrain as I am sure they have some restrictions. You can order online through Talabat.com which is super convenient.

If you wish to share your opinion or add something up please comment below. Make sure to let us know about other dishes from the menu and we would love to hear all your experiences.

Bon apetit!

Best friends + pumpkin ravioli + mojito = Best Night Out!

There was no way to download all those pics onto FB so I decided to throw them all in here! That way we are going to be famous and I know some of us are secretly dreaming about it!:)

Our Sticky Fingers season 2013/2014 is officially closed and we will re-open on September. It was an amazing year and it is very special for a few reasons. First is that we managed to form an unbelievable group of mothers and kids this year. We are stronger than ever, supportive and simply we became best friends even apart from play dates. Secondly we run the highest number of events this year celebrating almost all the major holidays with parties, games, food and balloons. We had so many kids Bday parties I can't even start listing all! Third reason is pretty personal as it is the last year when my own kids attend Sticky Fingers:( Maja is already in school for 2 years and now also Maks will be joining full time Nursery from September. It is an end of an era for me....I started this playgroup to help them to adapt in school, make friends, learn English, become involved in activities and learn the routine. I must say we succeeded - they are both excellent in school and into their own schedules and occasionally joining SF when there is a school break makes Maja super happy! But this is all behind me - it will be just me in September with you and all your kids!:)

We had to have a girls night out to celebrate all those reasons and so many more. Many of us will not return to Sticky Fingers in September for various reasons - kids joining pre-schools or expats moving out of the island. This is unfortunately the most painful part of running a playgroup - to see all those brilliant kids learning their "first steps" literally or socially and then loosing them to school or another country...And the mums - all of you who gave me so much support this year, fun and laughter and you all left a mark in my heart. For this I am grateful to have FB, Instagram, Twitter, Whatsapp or whatever it is that helps us all to keep in touch!

So here it is - Masso Restaurant in Bahrain named the best Italian place on the island. It was truly elegant and fancy evening with the most gorgeous ladies! Hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did! Wishing you all the best and most adventurous summer and looking forward to see many of you back in September! xxx

Now look at those pics and laugh!!!! We've created some fabulous memories!