Bobby’s Rock ‘n Roll Bruch, House of Ho | Restaurant Review

Posted on October 18, 2014 by Matthew Radway

Soho’s House of Ho (try saying that after you’ve had a few of their cocktails) is a Vietnamese restaurant serving up an unlimited brunch every Sunday called Bobby’s Rock ‘n Roll Brunch. The words ‘unlimited’ and ‘brunch’ are favourites of mine so I went down to check it out.

The restaurant itself has a light and airy industrial feel with touches of Eastern charm. It blends modernity and traditionalism seamlessly and this approach is reflected in the menu.

We began our brunch with sweet and refreshing lychee cocktails and some unfortunately bland edamame. Until this point I genuinely didn’t think it was possible to get edamame wrong – it’s just beans.

Luckily, that was pretty much the only criticism I have of the entire experience. And when your main issue is bland edamame then you know you’re doing something right.

Duck Pho Cuon

As part of the ‘unlimited’ brunch you are allowed to choose from a selection of small plates to start with. The highlights of these were the duck pho cuon and the 7 spice marinated squid. The duck came in soft rolls with a coating of crispy onions which was a great texture combination and was served with a spicy sauce that added just the right amount of kick. There was also a mushroom version of this dish that was perfectly fine but a little underwhelming in comparison. Both my colleague and I agreed that the fried squid was the best that we had ever tasted; it was marinated in the perfect combination and amount of spices.

Other dishes worth trying include the chili glazed chicken wings which came in a smoky, spicy, sticky sauce (another one to try saying after a few drinks) and the chicken pomelo salad which was a light and refreshing dish that helped combat the sheer amount of meat and carbs in the others (that’s not a complaint – they are excellent food groups).

Apple-Smoked Pork Belly

For our main courses we had the apple-smoked pork belly and the ‘shakin’ beef. Wow. Just wow. The pork is cooked for 36 hours and you could cut through the fat on top of it like butter. I don’t even like pork and I enjoyed this dish immensely. The beef is cooked for 30 seconds at 400 degrees and was beautifully tender. I honestly can’t choose between the two dishes – if possible, try them both.

The meal ended with an expertly cooked crème brulee but by this point I think I was too stuffed to fully appreciate it. I was also very drunk. Because that’s the really good thing about this meal – the alcohol is unlimited too. We were knocking back Proseccos and cocktails like nobody’s business. If that doesn’t convince you that this brunch is excellent value then I don’t know what will.

So get yourself down to House of Ho this Sunday. It won’t kill your wallet but it will break your belt.

Bridport Story Slam III by Penny Deacon

Posted on October 17, 2014 by Penelope Deacon

Here’s the scene: an old pub/coffee house that winds backwards and upwards (beware the stairs!) with a wood burning stove and wooden floors and tables (presently pushed to the side) and rows of chairs with settles against the available wall space, all full of people laughing and talking until one of them walks up to the microphone squeezed into the front window and begins to read.

Judging a short story competition doesn’t take a fraction of the nerve it takes to stand up in front of an audience, many of whom know you, and read your story aloud – especially when three judges are sitting under your nose and making notes and trying to look inscrutable. I had the fun job, I decided, watching the tremor in more than one entrant’s hands.

When I was approached to help with the judging of the third Bridport Story Slam I had to ask, ‘What is a Story Slam?’. It’s an exercise in insanity where people agree to stand up and read our their work. Time allowed: five minutes only. After that, the alarm (kitchen timer in this case) goes off and you have to stop mid-sentence. Our entrants were extraordinarily well organised. To one or two murmurs of disappointment, (Shame!) no one was cut off, although one woman ended her story to the sound of the buzzer on the last word. Cue rueful laughter.

The range of stories was wide: comedy, anecdote, a sweet tale of an old lady at Christmas, a poignant glimpse into a childhood in care, an uproarious Irish childhood, local traditions brought to life, dread in the peaceful suburbs. I was glad there were three of us judging. Kate Kelly (http://scribblingseaserpent.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/bridport-story-slam-iii.html) and Laura James (http://www.lauraejames.co.uk/?p=2621) and I had much to discuss after we had listened to all 12 entrants.

Choosing the top three did, eventually, prove possible, although there was some lively discussion about the order. In the end we all agreed that Wendy Breckon’s funny and lively story, A French Tale, was our winner. This story of a girl (‘Seven, not quite eight’) in rural Ireland trying to find out what her Grandma’s French phrase (Voulez vous couchez avec moi?) meant was more than a comic tale of naïve misunderstanding. What made it a winner was the effortless evocation of place and character. The Grandfa, ‘skinning a rabbit for supper’, who came in ‘smelling of cow manure and wet grass’ and the Grandma who clearly had had a lively youth were evoked through the child’s innocent perception and Wendy showed us the relationships between all three characters without once having to tell us what was happening. The voice in this story was remarkable, and well-sustained. The performance of the author – because, in a Slam, the telling carries a lot of the weight of the tale – was outstanding.

Comedy tends to be squeezed out when ‘literature’ is being discussed. It was therefore a delight to be able to award second prize to Richard Green’s outrageous and uproarious story (Health and Safety, I Presume). His performance as the old-fashioned army ‘buffer’ who has murdered his wife and left her body with a tidy neighbour who promptly returned the corpse to its proper place (the killer’s wheelie bin, where else?). Was a tour de force. Somehow it was just so right to realise that we had Colonel Mustard (with the candlestick) telling us his side of the story. We asked ourselves, ‘Is he like that in real life?’ only to meet Richard later and realise how wrong we were.

Just squeezed into third place was Gill Smith’s Hide & Seek. This story had a deceptively ordinary suburban setting where ‘Bill was at the bridge club’ and the narrator watched the neighbour’s children play outside or run to the Wendy house. The use of pacing and foreshadowing, however, built the atmosphere of suspense until we knew something terrible was about to happen but didn’t know what. That the final revelation let us down a little, was what made this story slip into third place but the author is to be congratulated on her ability to create and sustain mounting tension.

It was a great evening and I felt privileged to have been invited to share in the judging.

I have to finish with thanks to Frances Colville who organised the event (she’s been asked to do another next spring, go to www.Dorsetwritersnetwork.co.uk in the new year for details), especially since she has generously donated all the profits from a really excellent evening to Words for the Wounded a charity which raises funds through writing to support wounded service personnel. Next year’s competitions open on November 11^th, so check out the website (www.wordsforthewounded.co.uk) for details.

Feathers 40th Birthday Bash

Posted on October 17, 2014 by Sarah Bacchus

We spent a wonderful night celebrating with a charming family and drank some seriously exceptional cocktails. We chatted away to all 3 generations about life, family, pets and the passion of the clothing industry. To say I was in my element would be an understatement.

Snapped with Lilly Pebbles

Robert from Feathers

The charming Richard from D.J. Limbrey Distilling Co

The event was supported by D1 London Gin with the distinctive blue skull artwork created by Jacky Tsai who you all will instantly recognise his designs when I say “Alexander McQween” He was the intern that created the highly sought after fashion accessory that to this day is still coveted.

He is a passionate artist that’s so humble you just gravitate to him. We talked about all his up and coming creations, what inspires him, design, life and his culture. But mostly our love of fabrics, pattern cutting and all the fashion geeky stuff that makes me giddy. I’m really looking forward to seeing his new collection soon and letting you all know more about him.

The reason we where there was to celebrate with Feathers for its 40th birthday. Feathers is a beautiful family run business that first opened it’s doors way back in 1969. The Burstein’s gave the original boutique labels like Biba, Ossie Clark and many more. Now the stunning well established shop has a huge following and an even bigger reputation.

2 Lovely ladies and our very own Catherine right there in the background. Almost a photobomb moment!!

DJ Georgia Lewis was in the house!

We made new friends!

We nibbled on the best canapés

Fabulous Stylists

Edward Aydin from Fashion Broadcasting Corporation Styleisfashion.com

Style and fashion is what I live, breath and sleep for. I’m the kind of girl that goes to bed at night dreaming about all aspects of style, from shooting beauty, helping clients feel and look good to searching for one off outfits I or they will love for years to come.

My idea of a perfect day is browsing in a calm little boutique that I know will always be able to help me find the perfect outfit for my client or myself! Being able to find stunning items that will work on photo shoots or just to browse amongst the delightful clothes and mentally style an outfit from top to bottom I’m my head.
Feathers ticks all the boxes for me and even you are not close to the Knightsbridge store they have an online boutique that’s amazingly user friendly. The company are constantly looking for new and exciting designers to add to the store and website. Keeping it up to date for each and every season. There is something for everyone and quality is guaranteed.

The lovely Alison from Felicities

The charismatic Dominic Limbrey & The oh so talented Jacky Tsai

3 Generations of the Feathers family all squished together! An amazing family and it was so wonderful to meet the Grandma that I adore now as much as my own.

We have decided to go back very soon and feature the store for an article. They where packed to the rafters last night and it was one of the best fashion gorges we have had in a very long time. We filled up on perfectly made cocktails featuring the totally mind blowing infused gin created by D.J. Limbrey and glorious style.

The shop is situated right next to Harrods so you can’t miss it. It’s well worth a visit and even if you can’t make a trip there you have to follow this wonderful families boutique on twitter! If you are near by then pop along, say hello and wander about this beautiful store. If you have ever heard of them then you will thank me so much for introducing it to you! Now get those heels on and hightail yourself off for a gastronomic fashion feast!

Now if you have spotted yourself and want a lovely little link to your website to Twitter page, please don’t hesitate in contacting me @SarahBacchus and l will give you a mention with links. Both myself and my photographer husband Ian Bacchus had a great evening and came home with so many cards we lost track!!

10 Tea Destinations You Should Visit Once In Your Life

Posted on October 16, 2014 by Frostie

Image credit: Turkish tea by Sztanco Demeter

It warms us up when we are cool and it will cool us if we are too heated. Tea is the second most consumed drink in the world after water and this is probably the reason why it has become a worldwide little treasure- From the time of the ancient Chinese Dynasty to our present, tea has taught us there is nothing better than its flavour when it comes to relaxing or catching up with friends and family. Welcome to the worldwide art of drinking tea!

Argentine: The land of mate

People say that in order to know beautiful Argentine, you need to try its meat and of course, its mate. Did you know there is an entire museum dedicated to mate? This herb is without any doubt the national drink in the country and it is said that the more you drink it, the strongest the after-taste. If you fancy some more information about this caffeine-rich infused drink, don´t hesitate to visit Museo del Mate (289, Lavalle, 1648 Tigre, Buenos Aires). Image credit: Mate by Marta López

Morocco: Experience the mint tea!

You can’t really say you know the mint tea flavour unless you have been to Morocco. Touareg tea, how Moroccon mint tea is named here, is the real heart of this culture and it is strongly linked to the act of hospitality. In this sense, tea is served to guesses three times-Of course the guess will always have to drink the glass!

China: The art of making tea

Image: All the tea in China by Adam Cohn via Flickr

China is the birthplace for tea; here people have been producing tea over the years, something they call “Chao dao”, which was also exported to Japan. This country is a perfect destination for tea lovers that will be able to visit the only National Tea Museum in the country (opened in 1991 and based in Hangzhou, Zhejiang), where you can find out more about the strong tea culture in this place.

India: The world of Chai

India consumes more tea than any other country in the world. Whoever visits this destination will find out that this drink is literally served on every corner, especially in crowded train stations where you will see people selling this drink from early hours in the morning until night. To find out more about the tea culture in the country, pop in at Kanan Devan Hills Tea Museum (Munnar, India).

Japan: The matcha ceremony

Image credit: Matcha tradition in Japan by Flickr

Tea is in this country a huge part of the food culture. Even though the diversity of teas here is endless, whenever someone mentions this drink is known it’s referred to green tea. The tea ceremony is called here matcha and is seen as a ritual that generations have been using for ages and which consists of serving green tea to a small group in one of those popular old teahouses.

New Zealand: The tea explosion

Like in America, people from New Zealand get interested in this drink because of its healthy reputation. According to historians, New Zealand imported considerable amounts of tea in the nineteenth-century, with the arrival of the British missionaries. A fun fact about the tea culture in this country is that its only commercial tea plantation is called Zealong, which launched its first list of products in 2009.

Russia: Drink tea as a guest

Russians drink tea at different times of the day. Originally introduced by the Mongolians, it has turned into an important part of the Russian culture and today we could say that there is no Russia without this drink. Follow the local style and try a cup of Zavarka, a very strong tea prepared in a separate pot that allows guests to have several tea rounds.

Britain: Enjoy an afternoon tea

Image credit: The Goring by Expedia

There is nothing more British than having a proper afternoon tea, which owes its origins to Anna, the 7^th Duchess of Bedford. Today this ritual attracts hundreds of travellers, especially in London, a city that hosts a wide chic selection of hotels and cafés offering this service. Top tip: Although most hotels in London offer the best afternoon tea in the country, as blogger Antonia Windsor details in this article on the Expedia blog, it’s important to remember that British people, especially Londoners, tend to save these posh sessions for a special occasion. If you ever visit the British capital and you fancy a real afternoon tea, book a table at Claridge´s Hotel (Brook St, Mayfair, London) Cost: £50.

Thailand: A popular tea around the world

Thai tea is one of the most popular teas in the world and it has been attracting consumers over the years across different continents. It is made from strongly-brewed red tea that usually contains anise, red and yellow food colouring and sometimes other spices too. Visit The Museum Coffee & Tea Corner (1, Damnernkasem Road, Hua Hin) and enjoy amazing garden views whilst enjoying classical music.

USA: The tea explosion

Tea is in the States one of the most popular non-alcoholic drinks in 2014. It doesn’t matter if you fancy green, red or even oolong tea, as they are all included in North American people’s healthy diet so you won’ t have issues when it comes to finding them on the menu. Top tip: Remember that American coffee is still preferred for the morning ritual!

Image credit: Starbucks tea by Vivian Farinazzo via Flickr

Author Bio

Marta López is a travel writer based in London. She loves travelling and discovering new cultures. When she isn’t writing on her laptop she can be found around the city looking for the latest tea shops.

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini in Heidi Klein

Posted on October 16, 2014 by Frostie

British artist Cheryl Fernandez-Versini (formerly Cheryl Cole) is wearing Heidi Klein in her new music video ‘I Don’t Care’. Looking effortlessly chic, Cheryl danced playfully on the Malaga beach in Spain for the video wearing the cornflower blue Saint Maxime bikini top under a baggy beige sweater. The Saint Maxime range comes in a variety of styles including the bandeau, halter and adjustable tops with a variety of bottoms to mix and match.

Available via www.heidiklein.com

Get Pixie’s Signature Sixties Style

Posted on October 16, 2014 by Frostie

Whilst the starlet may well be building up a new wardrobe of spandex and sparkles whilst appearing on Strictly Come Dancing, Pixie was back to her signature sixties look of sweet retro dresses and high-rise hairstyles when she surprised shoppers with an acoustic performance of her brand new single.

The singer stepped out in this season’s hottest sixties look whilst performing an acoustic version of her single ‘Break Up Song’ at Nectar’s Thanks A million event, wearing a bold patterned shift dress and sexy tousled sixties style hair.

Here’s how to get the look for less on the high street:

Whether it’s a bold pattern or a monochrome classic, the shift dress is a perfect way to channel the sixties look this autumn.

asos.com £38

missguided.co.uk £14.99

Pixies effortless sixties tousled tressers are easy to recreate at home, it’s all about volume! So try rubbing some backcomb dust into the roots of your hair for some seriously big hair that still has natural movement.

Boots.com £4.00

Nothing screams ‘sixities’ more than a classic cat eye flick. For a dramatic look try a gel eyeliner pen for long lasting flicks, or for a more modern twist like Pixie’s try blending soft Kohl for a smouldering style.

All from Boots.com

What do you think?

Top Picks From Dream Magazine | What To Read

Posted on October 15, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

I couldn’t be a writer if I wasn’t a reader. I am a complete magazine junkie. Online, print, iPad: it doesn’t matter. All that does matter is good content. But there are a million blogs, sites and magazines out there. It can be hard to find something good, to know what to read. My latest favourite is Dream Magazine. It ‘explores the stories of the people, places and races that bring life to Honda’s world-leading innovation and engineering’ so it has lots of great stuff on cars and transport, something that can be sorely lacking in general women’s magazines. We like cars and adventure too.

On my bucket list is an LA road trip so I loved this piece about the Gold Wing’s LA adventure. They also had another great piece on Los Angeles being the city of the car, which just fuels my obsession. They have this great picture of LA’s Petersen Automotive Museum.

I love reading about innovation so this piece was great. Their back catalogue is also full of awesome stuff and you can subscribe to Dream Magazine.

Separated into sections of Innovation, Adventure, Life, Adrenaline, Videos and Offers, it is hours of fun and interesting reading for anyone who loves life, traveling, cars, motorbikes and a sense of adventure. The only bad point is how envious I get of all of the amazing trips I see people going on. I just add them to my bucket list. Well, the ones I am brave enough for anyway. Mission extraordinary: motorcycling across Afghanistan sees former Royal Marine, Chris Short, talk to Dream about his epic motorcycle journey from Afghanistan to Goodwood. I would love to do this but I reckon I am too much of a wimp. Maybe one day….

Sponsored Post

Shaped in Mexico

Posted on October 15, 2014 by Sarah Bacchus

Shaped In Mexico was a Pop Up Art Show that ran for 5 days over last weekend in London and we are hoping they are going to be bringing it back on a regular basis as it was one of the best events we have attended. The talented and Award winning artists, designers and musicians that are either from Mexico or have been inspired by the country all created a plethora of tantalising, exquisite and delightful art. With the origins of Mexican life intertwined within every artistic piece. Fashion is deep rooted in my background being a Fashion design student and personal stylist its easy to see the influences that had filtered through.

Maria Vogel an amazing designer on Mexico’s fashion scene. Her work and amazing attention to detail has won her huge acclaim. Not only are her designs truly incredible but they are also exceptionally well cut. The choice of fabrics really depict the Mexican heritage and style women desire.

She has featured in ELLE MEXICO, VOGUE, GLAMOUR, HARPER’S BAZAAR, and NYLON, among others. She has also been part of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Mexico many times.

The artists themselves where all either from the stunning country or where inspired by its beauty.

The Pop Up display combined visual arts, music, design, stunning fashion and delicious liquor. Its aim was to bring to like the real Mexico! We think it was a tremendous hit all round.

Then it was time to eat, drink and sample the Mexican night life! A truly amazing evening and we really hope this becomes a regular thing. Even if its just a few times a year we will be putting this in the diary and attending each and every one of them as it was spectacular.

Nip over to the Shaped in Mexico website to see more and read all about the concept and the artists.

Follow them on Twitter @shapedinmexico

Frost Magazine

Books and Lifestyle

Bobby’s Rock ‘n Roll Bruch, House of Ho | Restaurant Review

Bridport Story Slam III by Penny Deacon

10 Tea Destinations You Should Visit Once In Your Life

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini in Heidi Klein

Get Pixie’s Signature Sixties Style

Top Picks From Dream Magazine | What To Read

Shaped in Mexico