Magnum Restaurant and Bar Restaurant Review By Mary Cooper

Posted on November 23, 2015 by Frostie

One To Watch

Where better to relax after a days shopping or for a pre-theatre supper than the Magnum Restaurant and bar on Albany Street in Edinburgh,

After a hard day shopping, my daughter-in-law and I, left the buzz of Princes Street behind and headed for the calm of Albany Street. We could see the twinkling lights of the restaurant beckoning us as we hurried through the rain past the handsome Georgian buildings. We were welcomed into the warm atmosphere of the restaurant by David, the restaurant manager.

Divested of our coats, we were ushered to a table by the window and before we could say, ‘cosy as toast’ we were relaxing with a glass of deliciously Chardonnay.

The light, juicy scallops – which I chose after much deliberation; everything on the menu looked scrummy – were served with wild mushrooms and a puree of cauliflower and vanilla which was as light as air, and maple syrup which I adore. I followed this with hake, cooked to perfection with clams and little cubes of chorizo.

Jessica was in ecstasies over the seared breast of pigeon with roasted pumpkin, red onion and herb dressing followed by maple glazed pork, pumpkin purée, black pudding, crispy pancetta, saffron potatoes and broccoli.

The olive bread could have been fresher but it didn’t stop us using it to mop up the delicious sauces.

David left us to relax with the dessert menu and I eventually decided on warm pear and ginger crumble with ice-cream while Jessica chose dark chocolate and popcorn tart served with popcorn ice-cream which she complemented with a glass of Merlot.

Needless to say, we cleared our plates, leaving not even enough room for one of their delicious coffees.

The Magnum is well worth a visit; the wine was divine: oakey Chardonnay with buttery layers, and a Merlot with that rich, subtle aroma of burnt toffee which goes so well with dark chocolate.

Chef Dow’s dishes have just enough quirkiness to make you think about what you are eating without leaving you apprehensive about trying something new.

Although not yet one of the few super chefs in Scotland, he is certainly one to watch.

Opening hours

Mon – Sat: 12:00pm – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 10:00pm
Sun: 12:00pm – 3:00pm, 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Phone Number:

0131 557 4366

Website:

http://www.themagnumrestaurant.co.uk/

A Day in the Life – Martin Etheridge

Posted on November 23, 2015 by Margaret Graham

In September 1982, my life changed. I was in the Royal Artillery on a small arms exercise. The vehicle I was in veered off the road and went down a ravine. Five of my mates were killed outright and the driver broke his neck. I was 20 years six months at the time; the first I knew of my accident was when I came out of coma on my 21st birthday. A lot of my family had gathered at my bedside and that’s what brought me round. The guys in the beds round me had come back from the Falklands (but I didn’t even know it had all kicked off!)

The injuries I sustained have proved a major limitation to my mobility (I use crutches and a tricycle to get about) and to my speech; I make myself understood, but long conversations prove difficult, However, you can’t ignore me (I rather overdo the volume to compensate for a lack of clarity in my speech!) WHAT, YOU DIDN’T HEAR THAT?

Although verbal communication is a challenge, I have always had a bit of a talent with words – I used to act (with Graeae) and sing (before the accident). In recent years, I have got into writing and have recently completed my first novel, which has just been published.

The book features the tale of a street cleaner who overcomes adversity – drawing on some of my own experience, although his period of “rehab” was a lot shorter than mine. The book is aimed at young adults and upwards.

Although my mobility has been severely limited, I pride myself on my independence, and get out and about round my local community in Isleworth and Twickenham, as well as taking overseas holidays under my own steam. I don’t usually read my book when cycling, but nevertheless the local drivers steer well clear…:

I’m always working on my general fitness. It’s not like army training now, but I’m a regular at the local swimming pool (Pools on the Park in Richmond). The staff are always on hand to support me:

Although my first book is only just out, I’ve already written a sequel (“Malcolm’s Mediterranean Misadventure”) and hope to keep developing as a writer. I’m doing some local book signings to support the sales of my first book, even though writing with a pen is difficult for me and I often slip back into using the typewriter that my uncle gave me when I was recovering in hospital.

What a Load of Rubbish by Martin Etheridge (published by Clink Street Publishing 29th September 2015) is available to purchase from online retailers including Amazon.co.uk and to be ordered from all good bookstores.

Christmas Gift List For The Book Lover

Posted on November 23, 2015 by Frostie

Frost: That Was The Life That Was. The Authorised Biography by Neil Hegarty. The authorised biography which has been written with the help of the Frost family. A true insider look of the life of a man who was part of history. Riveting. Frost: That Was The Life That Was: The Authorised Biography is available here.

David Downton: Portraits of The World’s Most Stylish Women. A beautiful and stylish book. Featuring a host of gorgeous women from Cate Blanchette to Dita Von Teese. The portraits are as gorgeous as the women. David Downton: Portraits of the World’s Most Stylish Women is available here.

The Who. The Official History With Pete Townsend and Roger Daltrey. The official history of The Who with two of The Who. Excellent stuff. The Who: The Official History is available here.

Nora Roberts Shadow Spell. Book two of the cousins O’Dwyer trilogy. A great fiction novel for a loved one to get into on boxing day. Shadow Spell: 2 (The Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy) is available here.

Nick Middleton. An Atlas of Countries That Don’t Exist. A compendium of fifty unregonised and largely unnoticed states. This is a brilliant and well designed book. Perfect for the coffee table and as dinner party fodder. Genius idea. An Atlas of Countries That Don’t Exist: A compendium of fifty unrecognised and largely unnoticed states is available here.

Daniel James Cole and Nancy Deihl. The History of Modern Fashion. A gorgeous book for the fashionista in your life. In-depth and knowledgable without being boring. The History of Modern Fashion is available here.

Henry Carroll. Read This if You Want To Take Great Photographs of People. Essential and entertaining. Carroll really knows his stuff. Read This If You Want to Take Great Photographs of People is available here.

The Mindfulness Colouring Diary. An adult colouring book AND a diary. Keeping you calm and organised: brilliant. The Mindfulness Colouring Diary: An illustrated diary of anti-stress colouring is available here.

Jason Brooks. London Postcards.Contains 20 detachable postcards from the stunning work of Jason Brooks’ from his London sketchbook. London Postcards is available here.

Peter Duggan’s Artoons. Over one hundred funny cartoons on the world of art. As entertaining as it is original. This is a perfect present. Peter Duggan’s Artoons is available here.

Time To Talk Turkey – Get Ready for Thanksgiving

Posted on November 22, 2015 by Christian Gott

Thanksgiving, the traditional start of the American Holiday season, is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. The Thanksgiving Dinner meal is supposed to reflect one famously held in 1621, between the indigenous Wampanoag Indians and the Pilgrim Fathers who settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Roast turkey is usually the centre piece served with an abundance of sides, numerous stuffing’, buttery creamed potatoes with pan gravy, caramelised sweet potatoes, green bean casserole made with Campbell’s condensed mushroom soup, squashes, sweetcorn, cranberries and Autumn root vegetables all followed by slices of pumpkin and apple and pecan pies.

Most of these ingredients, native to the Americas, would have been new to the European settlers. The exception would be the Turkey which the Spaniards had brought back from Central America in the early seventeenth century. It was not until the late Victorian era that Turkey became the symbol of a traditional Christmas dinner, an alternative to the more common goose. So whether you are thinking of celebrating with our American cousins or you need a to roast the perfect Christmas dinner centrepiece here is my perfect Turkey recipe.

Roast Turkey with Bacon, Apricot and Cranberry Stuffing Serves 8

4-4.5 kg Gold standard Turkey

6 Rashers Smoked Streaky Bacon

150 gr Butter

3 medium Onions, peeled

2 large Carrots, peeled

1 large Lemon halved

A small bunch of Thyme

3 Large Pieces of Rosemary

2 Bay Leaves

Sea salt & freshly ground Black Pepper

For the Stuffing

400 gr Quality minced Pork

8 Rashers Smoked Streaky Bacon

1 large White Onion peeled and very finely diced

2 sticks Celery, washed and finely diced

2 large cloves of Garlic, peeled and crushed

100 gr dried Apricots

50 gr dried Cranberries

1 large free-range egg

2 teaspoons fresh Thyme leaves

1 large handful of fresh bread crumbs

Zest of 1 Lemon

1 good pinch Grated Nutmeg

Sea salt & freshly ground Black Pepper

Olive Oil for frying

For the Turkey Gravy

2 heaped tablespoons Plain Flour

1-litre quality Chicken Stock

A good Splash of Port

Sea Salt & freshly ground Black Pepper

For the Stuffing ( Can be made in Advance )

Heat a generous splash of olive oil large frying pan and cook the bacon strips until crisp. Remove and drain on kitchen paper and cut into thin slices when cool. Add the onion, garlic and celery and onion to the saucepan and sauté for about ten minutes until soft and golden brown. Take the pan off the heat, add the breadcrumbs and stir together, transfer to a large bowl and allow to thoroughly cool. When cool add the pork mince, thyme, fried fruits, lemon zest, nutmeg, egg and lots of salt and pepper, and mix everything together well.

For the Turkey

Take the turkey out of the fridge a couple of hours before roasting to get up to room temperature. When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 450 F / 230 C / Gas mark 8. Give your turkey a good wipe, inside and out, with kitchen paper, and season the cavity really well. Next place the turkey on a board, with the neck end towards you. Find the edge of the skin that’s covering the turkey’s breasts and carefully peel it back. Gently ease your fingers and then your hand under the skin, teasing it away from the meat. You should be able to pull all the skin away from the meat, keeping it attached at the sides. Carefully spoon your prepared stuffing between the skin and the breast, tucking the flap of skin underneath to stop anything seeping out. Weigh the stuffed turkey and calculate the cooking time allow twenty minutes per every five hundred grammes.

Place the lemon halves, one onion, half the thyme and one piece of rosemary inside the turkey cavity. Dab the butter all over the turkey, especially over the breasts, season generously and then cover with the streaky bacon. Place the turkey on a large roasting tray, and add the chopped carrots, onions, and remaining herbs, cover with tinfoil and place in the preheated oven. Cook for twenty minutes then turn the heat down to 350 F/ 180 C / Gas Mark 4 and roast for the allotted time, or until the juices run clear from the thigh when pierced with it a small, sharp knife. Remove the tinfoil for the last forty minutes to allow the turkey to brown. Carefully lift the turkey out of the tray and rest on a tray, somewhere warm, loosely covered in foil and a couple of folded tea towels, for about an hour.

For the Gravy

Very carefully skim the surface fat from the roasting tray and add port. Place on a medium heat and sift in the flour. Stir really well and slowly pour in the stock, when the gravy starts to thicken, reduce the heat and simmer for five minutes stirring regularly. Strain it into a pan ready to reheat. Carve your turkey at the table, serve with all the trimmings, the gravy and enjoy.

HKK – Duck and Champagne Saturday lunch

Posted on November 20, 2015 by Paloma Kubiak

It was our second visit to HKK and yet again, it exceeded all expectations.

The Hakkasan Group’s restaurant, which sits behind Liverpool Street station, showcased its new duck and Champagne Saturday lunch in an elegant manner.

From the warm greeting as we escaped the pouring rain, to the attentive, knowledgeable and friendly staff, each of the four courses seemed to surpass the previous dish in terms of taste and presentation.

The only constant throughout the meal was the crisp, dry, Louis Roederer Premier Champagne.

The blue crab salad starter oozed sophistication and it provided a mouthful of slightly salty flesh on a single salad leaf, perched on a crunchy wafer.

For duck lovers, HKK’s signature dish of cherry wood roasted Peking duck is a real treat.

As a whole duck was brought to our table, we watched as it was expertly sliced by the chef before being beautifully arranged on to the serving dish.

The auburn skin glistened in the intimately set lights of the restaurant and the first serving of duck was accompanied with steamed black truffle mantou and imperial caviar.

The skin was perfectly crisp and the meat tender and juicy. Now, I’m not a fan of skin or fat, of which duck is known for, but I savoured every mouthful. It had the right mix of earthy flavours and sweetness.

For the second serving, the duck was served with sesame pancakes, abalone supreme stock with egg fried rice – the typical Chinese dish but it had a real modern twist.

After enquiring about what we could expect of the abalone, our waitress informed us that the small sea slugs had been cooked in a special sauce for 72 hours.

It had a similar chewy texture to squid and it was a refreshing alternative flavour to the duck pancakes.

After a pause between courses, we were ready for the nashi pear and Champagne mousse with cotton candy.

It sat beautifully on a marble plate and the mousse was delicate, sweet with a surprise centre of finely chopped and even sweeter pears – a delicious end to an exquisite late lunch.

The Duck and Champagne lunch menu is available between 12noon and 4pm on Saturdays. See the HKK site for more information.

Turning First World Problems into Third World Solutions: new ethical clothing brand FWP launches

Posted on November 20, 2015 by Frostie

We love fashion and we love doing good so it goes without saying that Frost loves FWP Clothing. A genius ethical t-shirt brand that lets you look good and do good at the same time. Frost loves.FWP Clothing is a brand new ethically-minded t-shirt brand that helps to put the everyday into perspective with 10% of profits from each of their First World Problem t-shirt designs supporting a different Third World Need. First For Third.

Richard Reed, Co-founder of innocent drinks, said of FWP Clothing: “this is a quality idea”, and referring to the First World Problems the designs are based on, he said “I laughed out loud at the coffee and holiday ones”.

Left: Greg & Jimmy meeting Blake Mycoskie, founder at TOMS shoes at the launch of the TOMS store in Carnaby Street

Founders Greg and Jimmy, colleagues at innocent drinks, took inspiration from brands like TOMS shoes, and came up with the idea while at the office gym thinking about how we too often find ourselves complaining about menial things when there are real issues faced by many around the world. They then pitched for, and won, the £1000 innocent scholarship, voted by peers, to test the idea and have since launched the business with this funding.

The launch range comprises of four designs in Men’s and Women’s variants, with one example being: ‘Wifi’s down again’, which supports Telecoms Sans Frontieres (Communications without borders) whom help refugees and disaster victims reconnect with their families using satellite phones.

The full range can be purchased through fwpclothing.com, shipped Worldwide, and you can follow FWP Clothing on Instagram, facebook and twitter: @fwpclothing

Mortlach Whisky Sponsors Private Viewing Of The Cycle Revolution Exhibition At The Design Museum

Posted on November 19, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

Tuesday 17th November 2015 saw Mortlach whisky take pride of place at the private viewing of the Design Museum’s newest exhibition, CYCLE REVOLUTION, an exhibition which celebrates the diversity of contemporary cycling in Britain, from everyday commuting to Olympic level competition, and looks at where design and innovation may take the riders of the future.

The exhibition runs from 18th November 2015 through to 30th June 2016 at London’s world leading Design Museum, celebrating the diversity of contemporary cycling in Britain from every day commuting to Olympic level competition, looking at where design and innovation may take the riders of the future.

The exhibition looks at cycling subcultures through four ‘tribes’ –

the High Performers who reach Olympic speeds…

the Thrill Seekers who take on all terrains…

the Urban Riders who pedal our cities mile by mile…

and the Cargo Bikers who work on two wheels.

The private viewing event was attended by over 300 guests, who were invited to try a choice of two Mortlach Rare Old serves.

Mortlach, the luxury single malt Scotch whisky is notorious for its powerful, complex and unique flavours that have earned it the title of ‘The Beast of Dufftown’.

The private viewing was opened by Deyan Sudjic OBE – Director of The Design Museum

Frost Magazine correspondent Corinne Tuddenham-Trett with Georgina Bell and Sir Terence Conran

Mr and Mrs James Giles

The Design Museum’s passion for celebration innovative design concepts and individuals reflects Mortlach’s own design-focused approach and echoes the whisky’s history of innovation from its birth in the golden era of Victorian industrial engineering and design.

Guests enjoyed two Mortlach cocktails:

Acciona: Mortlach Rare Old, Lillet Blanc, Merlet Lune d’Apricot gomme, Regan’s orange bitters

Mortlach Rosemary and Honey Sour: Mortlach Rare Old, Manuka honey, fresh rosemary, lemon and barrel-aged bitters

Edward Taylor, Georgina Bell and William Butler-Adams OBE (CEO Brompton Bicycle)

Georgina Bell (Brand Ambassador for Mortlach Whisky), Andrew Ritchie MBE (Inventor of the Brompton folding bicycle) and Beatrix Ong MBE (Fashion Designer and Patron of the Design Museum)

About Mortlach Scotch Whisky…

This unique and astonishingly complicated distillation process, which commentators have attempted to explain as ‘2.81 distilled’, produces a whisky so flavoursome that whisky commentators have referred to it as the ‘Beast of Dufftown’ – a bold, rich and powerful spirit tamed for years in the finest oak casks.

Mortlach has been considered a secret weapon amongst whisky blenders, going into some of the world’s most treasured and beloved blended whiskies. With its thick, rich, robust character the whisky provides backbone, body and character in the blending world. It’s also highly prized by whisky lovers across the world – highly sought out but, in the past, hardly found. That was until in 2014 the distillery was given the limelight and recognition it not only deserves, but one that it truly has earned with the launch of 4 new luxury single malts.

www.mortlach.com

About the Cycle Revolution Exhibition…

The last decade has seen a revolution in cycling, on a scale not witnessed in the UK since the Second World War. Cycle Revolution celebrates the diversity of contemporary cycling in Britain from every day commuting to Olympic level competition. It brings together bicycles, clothing, accessories, equipment, film and photography to explain where cycling is now and where it might take us in the future. The exhibition looks at cycling subcultures through four ‘tribes’ – the High Performers who reach Olympic speeds, the Thrill Seekers who take on all terrains, the Urban Riders who pedal our cities mile by mile, and the Cargo Bikers who work on two wheels. British bespoke bicycle frame building is showcased in the exhibition in a recreation of a bicycle making workshop featuring artisans from across the UK. Cycle Revolution closes with a glimpse into the future of cycling – how it is changing the infrastructure of the city, and how architects, designers and urban planners are responding to the needs of twenty-first century cyclists?

Enjoy the ride! Don’t miss the specially-commissioned Ben Wilson bicycle sculpture in the museum’s Atrium, cycling films in the 1.5 Gallery and series of cycling related talks and events.

Continue the conversation on social media and feature on the exhibition’s Social Wall @designmuseum #CycleRevolution.

Highlights of the bikes on display include:

Sir Bradley Wiggins’s 2015 Hour Record bike and 2014 World Championship Time Trial bike
A number of Team Sky’s Pinarellos from the 2015 Tour de France, as well as kit and equipment from the team’s 2015 Tour de France win
Sir Chris Hoy’s Great Britain Cycling Team London 2012 Olympic Track bike
The Lotus Type 108 ridden by Chris Boardman at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games
Eddy Merckx’s 1972 Hour Record bike Francesco Moser’s 1984 Hour Record bike, loaned for the exhibition from the personal collection of Sir Bradley Wiggins
The earliest prototype Brompton in existence
A 1978 Breezer Series 1
A 1969 Raleigh Chopper
Bike builder’s workshop – showing the tools, materials and skills that combine to create a bespoke machine. Six independent British bike builders are profiled – Donhou Bicycles, Toad Custom Cycles, Hartley Cycles, Robin Mather Cycles, Mercian Cycles and Shand Cycles.
High profile cyclists including Lord Norman Foster and Sir Paul Smith discuss their passion for cycling and hopes for its future in the closing film.

Pre-book your ticket now (Members and children go free) – £13 Adult £9.75 Student £6.50 Children (6 to 15 years old inclusive)

For group bookings, contact +44 (0)20 7940 8783. Prices include optional donation. Tickets are subject to a £0.50 booking fee.

There are a small number of cycle racks outside and beside the museum, and limited space to park bicycles along the riverside railings.

The museum has a cloakroom with limited space for folding bikes, helmets and panniers. 1 ticket for 3 exhibitions.

Related events…

22 Nov 2015 11:00 Cycle Culture Tour Take a Cycle Culture tour with Artouride and discover some of the gems of London’s design-led cycling scene.

28 Nov 2015 14:00 Stories from the Saddle: Jon Day’s Cyclogeography. The Stories from the Saddle series invites cyclists of all stripes to the museum to share their story of life on two wheels. These monthly talks are part of the Cycle Revolution programme.

01 Dec 2015 19:00 Breaking the Cycle: A Slow Journalism Night The editors of slow journalism magazine Delayed Gratification host an evening which delves into some of the disruptive technologies and innovative designs that are challenging the status quo.

06 Dec 2015 13:00 – 16:00 Jingle (Bicycle) Bells. To coincide with the museum’s Cycle Revolution exhibition, everything you need for the festive season, on two wheels. Plus don’t miss Santa on a Bike and Christmas Carols.

10 Dec 2015 19:00 Home is Elsewhere: 50 years around the world by bike Long-distance cyclist and touring legend Heinz Stücke reflects on fifty years on the road to celebrate the launch of his book.

Images: Shane Finn (Visual Devotion) and supplied

corinne@frostmagazine.com

www.corinne-modelling.co.uk

@ladycdtt

Dashing Through The Snow by Debbie Macomber Reviewed: Tracy Baines

Posted on November 19, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Ashley Davidson is desperate to spend the holidays with her mother in Seattle. Dash Sutherland has an interview for the job of a lifetime in Seattle and must arrive by 23 December. Both frantic to book a last minute flight out of California, Ashley and Dash collide at the airport to learn that there are no flights and only one rental car available.

After a rocky start, the two reluctantly agree to drive to Washington tighter. But their journey isn’t without obstacles, and a misunderstanding with the law threatens to ruin their holiday plans altogether.

Settle down to be entertained and ride in the back seat of the car that Ashley and Dash are sharing. It moves at a swift pace and the dialogue is sparky. A light and frothy romance with a happy ending. If you’re looking for a little escapism you’ll find it here. Many of Debbie Macomber’s books are made into TV movies and as I was reading I could see it fitting very well into the 3.00pm slot on Channel 5.

To be published 19^th November 2015 by Arrow