Spice Market at the W Hotel Restaurant Review.

Spice Market is located in the fashionable and trendy W Hotel. One of the places to be seen in London. This is not the only Spice Market, there are now 4 of them located everywhere from Dubai to New York.

photo (72)

The food is South East Asian and is very good. They have a menu with variety which left me needing quite a while to choose what I wanted. It all looked so good and had some great twists. Eventually we ordered and our starters came with poppadums and chutney. Here is what we had.

Crab Dumblings

Sugar Snap Peas, Aromatic Spices

This starter was tasty. Great dumplings with a choice of three great sauces to dip into.

 

 

Crunchy Squid Saladphoto (73) Ginger, Papaya and Cashew.

I loved this starter. It was a very generous portion and all of the flavors worked well together. The squid was fried and the combination of the ginger and papaya went brilliantly with the crunchiness of the cashew nuts. A delicious starter that is just a bit different. Was spicy but not too much. This was also the only time I have had rocket on a plate and it has added to the dish rather than just being a plate filler. Was well marinated.

Red Curried Duck
Pineapple Sambal

This curried duck was amazing, The best dish of the evening. It was served in a beautiful pot. The sauce was creamy and tasty the duck was well cooked and the little cubes of pineapple burst in your mouth giving you a delightful shot of sweetness. Both our mains came with little bowls of perfectly cooked rice.

photo (74)Tempura Salt and Pepper Soft Shell Crab.
Thai Basil and Lime Sauce.

I liked this main but it was a bit similar to my starter and I would have liked some variety. This was completely my fault of course. The crab was well cooked and the sauce was tasty.

Ovaltine Kulfi

Caramelised banana, Spiced Mike Chocolate Sauce

This was like a deconstructed Banoffee pie. The waiter said it was rich and it was. It was very heavy. It tasted amazing though. If you love rich chocolate or banoffee pie. The caramlised bananas were perfect and the chocolate tasted amazing.

Thai Jewelsphoto (71)

Fruits with Crushed Coconut Ice.

This is Spice Market’s specialty. It is a wonderfully refreshing dessert. Exotic fruit on top of crushed coconut ice. Heavenly. A delicious and visually spectactular dessert.

Cocktails

We went through quite a lot of their cocktails just because they are so well made. They all have a twist on a classic, or are just purely original.

Ginger Margarita
Sauza ‘Hornitos’ Reposado Tequila, Ginger, Lime, Ginger Salt

This take on a Margarita is yummy. Will leave you wanting more.photo (70)

Passion Whiskey Sour
Bulleit Bourbon, Passion Fruit, Ginger Ale

This is strong but amazing.

Thai Smash
Belvedere Vodka, Grapefruit, Thai Basil

Refreshing and different. Tasted great.

Lychee Raspberry Bellini
Bristol ‘Jeio’ Prosecco, Lychee, Raspberry

Sweet and delicious.

Kumquat Mojito
Bacardi Light Rum, Kumquat, Mint photo (69)

Exotic and wonderful.

The Spice Market is a good place to eat in London. Our waiter was amazing (they all were) giving us recommendations on food and telling us about the dish, the decor is trendy and fresh and our banquet seats were super comfortable. The manager was also very helpful answering my questions.

I give the Spice Market full marks on food, style and service. Oh, and their cocktails which are to die for.

Should You Get Married In Your Twenties?

20130614-131710.jpg

In the past few decades relationships have changed. While my parents generation tended to get married young and have kids. These days people are told to focus on their career and live their life first. My mother was married with three kids by the time she was twenty-three. I was acutely aware of this from the moment I got past twenty-three. Not because I thought I should be in the same situation, just because finding The One and possibly having children with them is a big part of life. In the 1980s women got married at twenty-six. Now the average is thirty-three.

I was twenty when I first moved to London. I knew no one, had no job to go to, no place to live and no family anywhere near the city. It was a brave move that has paid off. But the entire time there was something missing: someone to share my life with. I had a series of first dates with unsuitable men, and the occasional second. I managed to fit in one unsuitable non-serious boyfriend before meeting my fiancé. Fiancé? Yes, you read that right. I am getting married in my twenties. My fiancé is also in his twenties and it was our third anniversary when he whisked me off to Paris and proposed. When we get married next year we will both be in our late twenties.

Too much too soon? No, I don’t think so. Who knows when you should get married. I am sure there will be people who say I am missing out on things but I don’t agree. Let’s run though them.

Sex: erm, I can do that with my fiancée. Sex with random men has never interested me.
Career: No one is more supportive of my career than my fiancée. He drives me and supports me. My career is better with him in my life, not worse.
Putting myself first: It is overrated. The day you realise the importance of putting other people first your life improves considerably. That being said; we don’t hold each other back. If you love each other you will always make it work. I am doing some travel writing next week, going to France on my own to write a piece on Toulouse.
Finding Myself: Already done. I know who I am and what I want. I am completely secure in myself
Social life: I still go out both with and without my fiancée. We have a great social life.
We both still have good friends outside of our relationship that we see as regularly as we can.

What else is there? To be honest I cannot think of anything bad about getting married in my twenties. The fact that I have found the love of my life also means I can tick off a major life event. I am secure, I am happy and I am in love. What could be better than that?

What do you think? When do you think is the right time to get married?

Errol Douglas MBE Launches Own Electrical Hair Tool Range

erroldouglas Legendary hairstylist partners with Corioliss on the first built in Keratin capsule system on high street. Not content with just giving you an exclusive interview with Errol Douglas, we also have the latest news about his new electrical hair tool range.

Errol Douglas MBE, one of the most influential hairdressers in the world, is to launch his own range of electrical styling tools in partnership with professionals’ choice Corioliss, including the first Keratin capsule system built into a hair styler available on the high street. Douglas, recently appointed President of The Fellowship For British Hairdressing with 30 years in the industry, has developed the tools with a focus on the maintenance of overall hair condition and achieving a luxury finish at home in between salon visits. These revolutionary styling tools are suitable to use with all hair types from fine European hair right through to Afro hair. Douglas led the design team that created the look of the tools, determined to create a feel that appealed to both men and women,given the increasing trend of men using styling tools at home. Of the designprocess, Douglas said: “I’m delighted with the look of the products. As with all good designs, the basis is simplicity and the matt black finish makes the products look slick and stylish, but also means they will last and lookgood over time. My clients want products to look beautiful but not at the expense of value and quality”

The revolutionary Errol Douglas INFRARED DRYER combines the benefits of infrared light, anti static and Ionic technology to deliver speed, shine and a frizz-free finish. Infrared light is known to penetrate the hair for more accelerated drying, aid blood circulation and reduce hair loss, whilst Ionic technology allows moisture to penetrate and rehydrate the hair. The anti-static technology finishes the combination by delivering a frizz-free finish on super smooth hair. “We’re all short on time, but it’s important that this doesn’t make the hair condition vulnerable to harsh drying processes in the daily race to get out the door. I wanted a dryer that combined that reduction in drying time with a unique combination of protective technology for a healthy, sleek finish”

The Errol Douglas TREAT & STYLE hair styler features the first ever Keratin capsule system built into the actual iron to become available on the high street. It gives mega-shine with a steam infused treatment that moisturizes and protects hair simultaneously. The vapour infused treatment capsules penetrate deep into the cuticle aided by an integrated temperaturecontrol mechanism, leaving the hair shiner and healthier. “What I love is the look and feel of the hair after using Treat & Style; that luxuryfinish without compromising on the overall condition” said Douglas. It’s really simple to use, making sleek gorgeous hair in between salon visits a reality”
erroldouglashairtools

The Errol Douglas INFRARED DRYER and TREAT & STYLE and will be available in Boots Stores nationwide from July 29th 2013, priced at £59.99RRP and £109.00RRP (includes12 Keratin capsules) respectively. Additional TREAT& STYLE keratin capsules are priced at £19.99 for 12.

Errol Douglas first stepped into a salon aged 11, and is one of a few hairdressers to enjoy a global following and reputation from his flagship salon in London’s Belgravia. Open since 1998, the salon has an established flow of high profile clients and has proven to be a hot bed for new talent. Errol was voted “Hair Hero 2013” by Hair Magazine and is the current President of the British Fellowship for Hairdressing.

Cara Delevingne Gets On Stage With Rita Ora at The Belvedere Vodka DKNY Art Works Party

Last night saw celebs turn out for the Belvedere Vodka DKNY Art Works party hosted by Cara Delevingne and saw performances by Rita Ora, Iggy Azalea and a surprise appearance by Wretch 32. 
 
Cara Delevingne joined Rita Ora on stage during her performance and showed off some dance moves as well as her rapping skills as she rapped along to Notorious BIG’s ‘Juicy’.
The party was sponsored by Belvedere Vodka and held at the Old Firestation on Lambeth High Street.
Club DKNY In Celebration of #DKNYARTWORKS Club DKNY In Celebration of #DKNYARTWORKS Club DKNY In Celebration of #DKNYARTWORKS Club DKNY In Celebration of #DKNYARTWORKS Club DKNY In Celebration of #DKNYARTWORKS

The Long Riders Blu-Ray Review

The Long Riders is a classic western from Walter Hill. It is now making it’s Blu-Ray debut thanks to Second Sight Films.

thelongridersThe Long Riders is a good film. It has good performances from actors that are now super famous, but were then young actors trying to make a mark. Their raw talent is there and fascinating to watch. These include real life movie siblings Dennis and Randy Quaid, Christopher and Nicholas Guest, and three Carradine’s; David, Keith and Robert. So it is very much a family affair.

The casting of real-life brothers in the film adds to the tale of the infamous Jesse James/Cole Younger gang. We may all know the story of Jessie James and Robert Ford but knowing the ending doesn’t stop you enjoying this film. The shoot outs are filled with excitement and the consequences come fast and hard. It is hard hitting and in it’s day it must have been violent and shocking as it still has power today.

This is an old movie and for those who like old movies it is certainly enjoyable. Although I think people who do not usually watch old movies will like it too. A well paced film with a cracking script and lots of action. It has beautiful cinematography and is a visual feast. I really loved the look of the movie. All the way down to the melancholic ending which comes after a brilliant shoot out scene and includes the infamous Northfield, Minnesota bank raid.  It is one of those great old westerns that they don’t make anymore.

The Long Riders is out now on Blu-Ray.

Chasing Ice Review: One of The Most Important Documentary’s of Our Time?

chasingiceClimate Change seems like an endless debate. With evidence coming from both sides of the divide. It is not hard to get confused and just want some straight facts. I have read James Delingpole’s Watermelons book which had some good, hard facts in it, helped massively by the scandal involving scientists and their hacked emails. Climategate certainly did global warming no favours.

But now climate change has a new big hitter on its side: National Geographic photographer James Balog. After all, seeing is believing and James Balog’s photography of melting icebergs cannot be dismissed. In fact, after telling a friend about the documentary he told me of a friend who had trained for two years to go to the North Pole and then could not because the ice had all melted and it was not possible to get there on foot. Worrying stuff.

Now to the documentary. First thing is first: wow. The documentary is beautiful. Balog’s photography is just striking and perfect. His photography ends up on the front cover of the National Geographic. It is fair to say that he might be the best nature photographer working today. However, this is not the only point of Chasing Ice. The point of Chasing Ice is the melting icebergs. Despite knee operations and health problems Balog kept returning to the Arctic and launched the EIS: Extreme Ice Survey. In the eight years since he started the project- in 2005- the icebergs had severely melted, if not disappeared altogether.

Chasing Ice was shortlisted for an Oscar and grossed over $75,000 at the box office in the UK alone. This is all with good reason, Chasing Ice is a brilliant documentary. A must see for everyone and possibly the most important documentary of out time.

Chasing Ice is out now . Join the EIS: Extreme Ice Survey if you would like to help.

 

 

Father’s Day Gift Guide

Father’s day is on the 16th of June and it is fast approaching. For those – like me- who have not bought anything yet I have put together a gift guide. It is a range of fun and different things for the most important man in your life. Feel free to add your own ideas in the comments below.

image002

At Frost we reviewed Grant’s Family Reserve. Here is what we thought:

This whiskey smells great, full bodied. My first thought on trying this whiskey is oak. I then read up on it to find out it is matured in oak caskets. It is also malty, clean and complex. I can taste cinnamon stick, cloves, and nutmeg. We initially tried it without water and you really get the full flavours. With water it is just as enjoyable, and personally I found it more so because you could take it all in more without getting really drunk! This whiskey is a great blend. I really enjoyed it. It is sweet and fruity so it is right up my street.

Whether your dad is a discerning whisky lover or someone who enjoys the occasional dram, the Grant’s Family Reserve gift pack is the ideal way to say thank you and to help make this Father’s Day extra special.

Feeling inspired? Why not try something different this Father’s Day with one of Grant’s signature cocktails, the Grant’s highball.

 

Cocktail – Grant’s Highball

Made with the world’s favourite family owned whisky, the Grant’s Highball is an ideal aperitif or accompaniment to a meal and ideal for sharing with your dad.

Ingredients:

· 50ml Grant’s Family Reserve

· Ginger ale

· Dash of Angostura bitters

· Garnish with an Orange wedge

 

Fill a glass with ice cubes and add the Grant’s Family Reserve. Top up with ginger ale and add a few drops of Angostura bitters. Garnish with an orange wedge.

The Grant’s Family Reserve £16.49*, Grant’s Sherry Cask (MRSP £17.99*) and Grant’s Ale Cask (MRSP £17.99*) are available at Tesco, other leading supermarkets and off licences.

Visit www.grantswhisky.co.uk for the latest serve ideas

image020

This Leather Men’s Wallet is from QVC. £20.16

Item no.759923

 

image021

Emu Mens Romeo Sheepskin Slipper, £69.00, QVC.

Item no.153851

 

image024

Skagen Gents Midnight Blue Dial Titanium Mesh Strap Watch, QVC, £102.00

Item no.674551

 

 

 

FREE ARCHERY LESSON FOR DADS AND FAMILY SWORD SCHOOL

 

This Father’s Day, Sunday 16 June, at Warwick Castle, kids can send their dads back to school – Knight School – for free ‘have a go’ archery and training in swordsmanship from the Warwick Warriors, in addition to enjoying mediaeval weaponry displays and the firing of the Mighty Trebuchet. From 10am until 5pm, all dads qualify for an archery trial with an expert archer at Britain’s Ultimate Castle.

 

Kids and their dads can immerse themselves in over one thousand years of stories and legends about knights, battles and sieges, and experience firsthand how it feels to handle ancient weaponry. There’s plenty for mums to enjoy, too, including:

 

  • Raising the Portcullis
  • Flight of the Eagles Show, twice daily
  • The Sword and the Stone
  • Firing the Trebuchet, twice daily
  • Warwick Warriors live combat
  • Actor-led Tours of State Rooms and Great Hall
  • Towers & Ramparts
  • Riverside setting and Rose Garden
  • Warwick Castle Unlocked – four new rooms opened in February 2013

 

Book online in advance for the best value entrance fees: adults from £17.10 and children from £11.70: check www.warwick-castle.com for prices and latest attraction schedule.

Maybe all your dad wants is a phone call.

Lonely Dads Hoping for a Phonecall from their Children this Father’s Day

Panasonic survey finds over half of British dads long for more contact with their grown-up children

  • A third of fathers see their offspring once a month or less
  • Over half of dads would like to hear from children more often

 

Reports of middle-aged parents suffering Crowded Nest Syndrome due to the return of Generation Boomerang may be premature, according to a new study published ahead of Father’s Day. A survey of UK dads carried out by Panasonic reveals that 83 percent admit they miss having regular contact with grown-up sons and daughters who have left the family home.

 

A third of UK fathers see their adult offspring once a month or less, with five percent only seeing their children once a year at most. It seems dads can’t get enough family time, with 52 percent saying they would still like to hear from their kids more often.

 

Empty Nest Syndrome has historically been more commonly associated with mothers, but fathers who participated in the survey were keen to overturn the gender stereotype. Forty-six percent believe they miss their kids at least as much, if not more, than their mother does, and only one in three believes their mother misses them more than they do.

 

When it comes to keeping in touch, the home phone still reigns supreme; 68 percent of dads mainly use their landline to talk to their son or daughter. Of the many ways to stay in touch now available, dads agreed on which would appreciate receiving a new home phone as a gift. 42 percent rated the trusty home phone the best of the bunch, with 24 percent giving mobile phones their vote and Skype video calling trailing in third place with 10 percent.

 

The study shows that children are still turning to dad for advice, with petitions for help featuring in eight in ten of phone conversations. An enterprising 30 percent of children have taken the opportunity to ask for a loan during a catch-up, 33 percent have sought DIY guidance and 17 percent have asked for career advice. Oddly enough, they aren’t so forthcoming when it comes to their love lives, with just one in ten dads ever having been consulted by their children on affairs of the heart.

 

 

Free Massage for Dads at K West Hotel & Spa

 

Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, spa days away. With all these treats for the ladies, Dads might be feeling a little neglected.

 

This Father’s Day on 16 June 2013, K West Hotel & Spa will be giving Dads the treatment they deserve with a free back and shoulder massage.

 

To claim this fantastic treat, family members need to book a two course dinner at the stylish Kanteen restaurant (priced at just £16 per adult and £8 per child) and lucky Dads will receive a complimentary massage voucher.

 

Get your Dad a copy of the Breaking Bad Boxset from Amazon UK. He will be eternally grateful.

SBRP2080UV_BreakingBadS5_UK_BD_STD2_ST_2D

Check out these great gift ideas from buyagift.com

Double Supercar Driving Blast: £59

2BA4B4AE-EBDD-49C8-A2DC-AE63947665A0

Choose from nine of the world’s most renowned and respected supercars and enjoy the high-octane adrenaline thrill of your life with this amazing driving blast! Your adrenaline levels will soar as you take control of two incredible driving machines for 3 miles each, with options including the Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Aston Martin and Audi R8 – each effortlessly combining style, speed and unbelievable power! With six locations across the UK to choose from, this is your chance to discover the true power of the world’s most impressive beasts!

Helicopter Ride Over London for Two: £225

helicopter ride over London

Treat yourselves to a unique tour of London with this helicopter tour over the capital’s rooftops. London is full of famous landmarks and attractions, from Canary Wharf to the Houses of Parliament, and this unforgettable experience will give you a totally new perspective of one of the world’s greatest cities. Sit back during your flight and appreciate all the grandeur of London as you take in stunning aerial views of a city steeped in history and culture. Just remember to bring your camera!

 

Helicopter Pilot Experience Day: £139

4B1CB835-779B-423E-9C41-BFD3B5B19EC7

This amazing experience is your chance to discover if you’ve got what it takes to fly a helicopter and be a commercial helicopter pilot. Arrive at the airfield for 9am, where you will be greeted with refreshments by your hosts for the day. An introduction and safety briefing will be given by a CAA Licensed Helicopter Instructor, followed by a talk on being a commercial pilot, and a presentation on helicopter pilot career options. Next comes the highlight of the day – a hands-on, one-to-one helicopter flying lesson and hover challenge! You’ll take the controls as your instructor gives you helpful tuition. During the experience you will receive a buffet-style lunch, as well as a guided tour of the hangars and a discussion about various helicopter types.

If you have a dapper dad you can always buy him some clothes.

Father’s Day is coming up and High and Mighty is here to help with its one stop shop for all things Dad-related. Designers such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Lacoste have an array of presents and everything from fashion and fragrances, to electricals and DVD’s are all under one roof at www.highandmighty.co.uk. Perfect for the Dapper Dad.

father's day present

Crowdsourcing For Dummies

crowdsourcingfordummiesIf you are a relatively social and have a social media account, or even an email address you will probably know what crowdsourcing is. Not only has it now become popular, but it also has helped business and films. No longer are people with a great idea a slave to a bank or a PR company. What better way to find out how to improve your business than from people who want you to succeed, an audience and customer base who are already built in? What is not to like? Well, there are negatives I am sure but let’s find out more about Crowdsourcing For Dummies. Could this book help?

Crowdsourcing For Dummies by David Alan Grier has a wealth of information. Did you know that Netflix uses crowdsourcing to improve its ability to predict customers movie ratings and L’Oreal used it to create a television advert for a fraction of the usual cost? It really is all about the crowd now. You can use them to build your brand up, marketing, solving problems and to boost your profits.

One of my favourite things about this book is that is goes through all of the different variations of crowdsourcing, including crowdcontests, crowdfunding (very popular), macrotasking, microtasking and self organised crowds. The opportunities out there are vast with the right knowledge.

From the basics to joining the crowdforce and raising money with crowdfunding; I can’t think of anything that is not covered in this well researched book. Part 3 is all about building your skills and I really like the chapter on crowdsourcing with social media. At the very end is the part of tens, and I really liked the Ten Success Stories and  Crowdsourcing blunders to avoid.

This is a very good book. I would definitely buy it if you are even slightly interested in crowdsourcing.