Chor Bizarre Celebrates Indian Cinema With Launch of The Basement

Posted on October 21, 2013 by Frostie

Chor Bizarre is a favourite restaurant of ours here at Frost. In fact it was one of the first restaurants we ever reviewed.

Inspired by the thieves market in India, Chor Bizarre, one of London’s iconic fine-dining restaurants serving authentic Indian cuisine is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a new Head Chef and a new menu. The restaurant has been refurbished and has now launched its new private dining area, the Bollywood Basement. To toast the centenary of the Indian Film Industry, Chor Bizarre has created this specially-designed decadent entertainment space. The room can accommodate up to 30 guests and can be booked for private parties and day-long conferences.

The Bollywood Basement is a ‘Bollywood-themed Party Room’ which oozes glamour in its Indian-cinema inspired decor. With jewel-like chandeliers and gold walls with opulent gilded frames and etched mirrors, this is the perfect Party Room to compliment Chor Bizarre’s eclectic menu. The Bollywood Basement is a passage into the world of Bollywood with walls dedicated to the greatest film icons. The much-loved faces of Hindi film heroes and heroines, villains, vamps and legendary romantic couples surround you. Along with the owner’s personal collection – most of the photographs of Indian Cinema icons are by legendary lensman, the late Gautam Rajadhyaksha.

The restaurant presents itself as an ideal location for fine-dining corporate events, full-day conferences, birthdays and other gatherings that require an extra glam quotient in a ‘Bollywood-bling’ surrounding. In addition to the Bollywood Basement, other spaces within Chor Bizarre can also be hired for exclusive and bespoke private dining, luncheon meetings, dinner parties and weekend events.

The iconic restaurant has teamed up with the award-winning Rhubarb Food Design to bring the very best cuisine, service and style to any special occasion. Chor Bizarre has partnered with Rhubarb for caterings at the V&A, Old Billingsgate and over 60 of Rhubarb’s other venues. The Chor Bizarre menu offers the entire pantheon of Indian cuisine, from Kashmir to Kerala. The restaurant can cater from small sit-down dinners to serving gourmet cuisine at large-events of up to 2000 guests. Chor Bizarre’s previous roll call of honour includes catering at the Cannes International Film Festival, The Ritz Paris and at the Conservative Friends event for UK Prime Minister David Cameron, amongst innumerable other events.

Located on Albemarle Street Mayfair, Chor Bizarre offers a distinctive ambience with imaginative flair. Inspired by the ‘Thieves Market’, a market unique to most ancient Indian cities, the whole restaurant is infused with distinctive and eye-catching décor. The gorgeous furnishings are a collector’s delight, sourced from the various bazaars of India and tastefully arranged to please the eye. Vintage furniture, antiques, innovative touches such as a canopied old-world four poster bed for seating, combined with old-world memorabilia and heritage fabrics, create an arresting landscape for an unforgettable meal.

It’s not surprising that Chor Bizarre, the London brand of New Delhi’s eternal favourite, has been adjudged ‘One of the 50 most romantic places in the world’ and included amongst ‘The Top 10 Restaurants in London for Fun and Atmosphere’ by The Independent, as well as ‘The Best North Indian Restaurant in the UK’ by The Cobra Good Curry Guide.

Ólöf Arnalds – New Single ‘Call It What You Want’ & London Show Announcement.

Posted on October 14, 2013 by Frostie

Released earlier this year, Sudden Elevation, Ólöf Arnald’s acclaimed third full album – her first sung entirely in English – captures a rare and idiosyncratic songwriting talent in full bloom. Ólöf releases a new single from the album, Call It What You Want on 25^th November to coincide with international shows including a UK date at the The Lexington (19^th November) and Iceland Airwaves (1^st November).

The full dates are as follows:

Oct 13 Le Poisson Rouge New York USA

Oct 18 Fitzgerald Theater St Paul, Minneapolis USA

Oct 24 De Centrale Gent Belgium

Oct 25 Cultuurcentrum Hasselt Belgium

Oct 27 Arkaoda Istanbul Turkey

Nov 01 Iceland Airwaves Reykjavik Iceland

Nov 02 Around Iceland Reykjavik Iceland

Nov 13 The Slaughtered Lamb London UK

Ólöf also makes available a free download, The Matador EP comprising 4 Icelandic songs originally included as a cover-mount with Spanish art magazine Matador last year. Three songs (Lát vaxa, Blóm, and Hlið) were composed by Skúli Sverrisson with lyrics by Ólöf, while Af stað was written for Bjork’s Náttúra concert in Reykjavík in June 2008. The lyric of the latter song is based on an old Icelandic nationalist poem. “I twisted all the words around” explains Ólöf, “Making fun of the over-romanticised pride of our country and put the emphasis on how much nature gives us as people; the rest, the piece of mind, the inspiration, the big picture… I sung about how the Icelandic nation was literally getting drunk from individual gain and self-importance. Three months later the country´s economy collapsed…”

Produced again by long-time collaborator, Skúli, Sudden Elevation was largely recorded in a late autumn 2011 stint in a seaside cabin in Hvalfjörður (literally ‘Whale-fjord’), in the west of Iceland.

Office To Party in 5 Minutes | Beauty

Posted on October 14, 2013 by Frostie

From Office to Party in 5 minutes; Amanda Elias of Bravura London shares her DO’s and DON’Ts for an effortless transition from Day to Night this party season.

DO use a toner if you don’t have time to remove your make-up. Spritz over the face and blot away or gently wipe over with a cotton pad, this will remove any excess oil and the bulk of your make-up. Then apply your foundation and powder.
DO exfoliate your skin in the morning or use a product containing AHA; this will remove the dead skin instantly leaving your skin looking fresher and your make-up will go on smoother and last longer.
DON’T worry about having to tie back hair for work. Invisibobbles are plastic rings which allow you to tie your hair back without leaving kinks.
DON’T apply heavy makeup first thing. Keep your makeup light in the morning, that way it will be easier to touch up in the evening. Use tinted moisturiser or a BB cream and keep the eyes light or neutral.
DO apply a good primer in the morning as this will help your foundation last longer.
DON’T be afraid of hairpieces, for a quick and elegant updo they can really transform your look in minutes- just be sure to match your hair colour as closely as possible. If you’re not a fan of faking it, a bun ring can create an elegant look with minimal effort.
DON’T have time to fix your eyeshadow? Keep it neutral and apply a bold lip colour. If you have dramatic, bold eyes, keep your lips neutral.
DO give yourself a basic manicure the night before; polished and evenly shaped nails can really complete a look without much effort.
DO get those false lashes out, they don’t have to be overly long or dramatic. Popping on a pair of lashes can instantly transform your tired eyes to look brighter and sexier. If you’ve never applied lashes then practise, practise, practise- 5 minutes before you’re due to leave is not the time to try false eyelashes for the first time.
DO drink plenty of water thought the day and cut back on the caffeine, hydrated skin looks more youthful.
DON’T suffer in silence. If you’re nervous about how to apply make-up properly or fancy a new look, Youtube will become your new best friend! Pixiwoo gives the most amazing, easy to follow make-up tutorials.

Esteemed within the skincare industry, Mum-of-three Amanda is an expert when it comes to all things parenting, skincare and beauty

Restaurant News: VIVO – An All Day Italian Dining Experience in Islington

Posted on October 10, 2013 by Frostie

If you are anything like us you love Italian food and are always looking for somewhere new to go. So we are pretty excited that a new Italian bakery, Vivo, is open on Upper Street in Islington.

Vivo, a vibrant Italian bakery, is now open in the heart of bustling Upper Street in Islington, North London. Inspired by the traditional gastronomia and pasticceria of Italy, Vivo is an all day casual dining affair serving authentic and regional cuisine. The neighbourhood restaurant is an informal venue for both locals and visitors to the area. Vivo is the first venture from brothers Will and Ben Thompson who have drawn upon their travel experiences and passion for Italian food and culture for this exciting project.

The focal point of Vivo is a striking, 14 metre granite counter with a separate drinks bar, from which orders are taken and the food and drink served. Dishes include freshly baked ciabattas and focaccias; torte rustica (Italian savoury pies), authentic Roman pizza ‘al taglio’ (rectangular slices); speciality cheese and meat boards. Guests looking for heartier dishes can opt for hot signature favourites such as beef or vegetarian lasagne and pork cannelloni. A selection of Italian desserts, pastries and sweets are also available such as Gianduja, hazelnut and raspberry tart and Strawberries and prosecco tiramisu. The varied menu makes Vivo the perfect destination for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

In keeping with continental cafe culture, coffee supplied by renowned Neapolitan roaster Kimbo is a key staple at Vivo. Guests can also choose from a selection of wines from various Italian regions as well as Prosecco on tap and a range of Italian beers, spirits and cocktails. Customers visiting during the early evening can enjoy aperitivo hour: complimentary snacks served to accompany drinks.

Vivo’s interiors balance modern, monolithic features with rustic earthy tones. Design features include the use of split face timber panels, dark granite surfaces, Portland stone walls and a combination of oak and York stone flooring. The ground floor caters for up to 50 covers with a mix of communal and individual tables whilst the open air roof terrace (seating 35) offers the perfect setting for al fresco dining in the warmer months.

Co-owner Will Thompson says, “The Vivo concept has developed from a love and study of Italian cuisine. We have travelled extensively throughout Italy, discovering unique regional dishes served in traditional ‘gastronomia’, high-end bakeries and Pasticcerie in the cosmopolitan, style conscious cities of Milan, Turin and Rome”.

Offering a delicious slice of Italy in the heart of North London, local restaurant Vivo is a colourful addition to the London foodie map, now open on Upper Street, Islington.

www.vivotaste.com

Wildlife Sculptures bring London to Life

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Frostie

From 7th October there is a treat for lovers of art and animals in London, Britain’s foremost wildlife sculptor Hamish Mackie will stage a major solo exhibition at The Cork Street Gallery in Mayfair. He makes the most beautiful wildlife sculptures.

Mackie has previously completed bespoke commissions for organisations including Barclays Private Bank and Merrill Lynch as well as individuals such as Dame Vivien Duffield and Charles Saatchi. Art historian and critic Edward Lucie-Smith has praised Mackie as “master of a virtuoso technique, in a technical tradition that dates back to Rodin. What Rodin did with the human body, Mackie applies to animal forms.” The lifelike quality he captures in his sculptures is attained through careful observation, often involving the artist working from life.

His work has taken him to a variety of destinations to see animals in their natural habitats, including stalking deer in the Highlands, tracking cheetahs in Namibia and watching penguins in Antarctica. Whilst there he creates studies or even originals in clay or wax, having to work with deft and spontaneous gestures in sometimes inhospitable conditions. This impressionistic quality is translated into the finished bronze works, in which the motions of his hands and even fingerprints are still visible, lending the works vitality and dynamism.

This October, a selection of almost fifty new works by the artist will be the subject of a major solo exhibition. Through the show, Mackie will help to raise funds and awareness for charities including The Tusk Trust and The Countryside Alliance.

Ben Goldacre joins the line-up for the ‘School Dinners’

Posted on October 8, 2013 by Frostie

SCHOOL DINNERS

Saturday 26th October 2013
Central Foundation Boys’ School, Cowper Street, London EC2A 4SH
6:30pm-10:30pm
Tickets: £60 + bf per head
www.schooldinners.info

The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education – Albert Einstein

SCHOOL DINNERS is a groundbreaking fine dining experience, introducing provocative cultural engagement in a distinctly ‘old school’ environment.

Today we can reveal that best-selling author, broadcaster, campaigner, medical doctor and academic Ben Goldacre has joined the impressive selection of guests speakers. Ben specialises in unpicking the misuse of science and statistics by journalists, politicians, quacks, drug companies, and more. His first book ‘Bad Science’ sold over 500,000 copies and reached #1 in the UK non-fiction charts.

The first event will also feature teacher turned performance poet Mark Grist, DJ, teacher, wordsmith and leader of London’s Run Dem Crew, Charlie Dark, and exquisite visionary vocalist ESKA. The full line-up, featuring other incredible teachers, speakers and raconteurs will be announced in the coming weeks.

Brought to you by cutting edge promoters Jack Arts (Red Bull Music Academy, Book Slam) and maestros of the pop-up menu, Cult Events (Pisco Fuego, The Candlestick Maker), SCHOOL DINNERS takes our students back to school for a slap up meal that nods playfully to those unlamented lunches of childhood, before an hour’s wit and wisdom from some of the nation’s finest and funniest minds.

Fuelled by our belief (sadly from personal experience) that education can be wasted on the young, SCHOOL DINNERS will be a unique night of gastronomy and enlightenment, while also providing much-needed funds for the Central Foundation Boys’ School.

Tickets are onsale now priced £60 + bf per person, which includes a four course meal and canapés. To buy tickets and for more info on School Dinners visit www.schooldinners.info

London’s First Beer Trolley Has Arrived At Honky Tonk

Posted on October 7, 2013 by Frostie

London’s first beer trolley has arrived! Diners at both Honky Tonk Chelsea and their brand new venture Honky Tonk Clapham, will be able to try and taste the most delicious and refreshing beers on the market, all from the comfort of their seats. The trolley will be wheeled around the restaurant by a specially trained beer sommelier allowing you to pick your beer of choice. There will be a large selection of everything from the extra malty to the light and fruity, so that all needs are catered for. So whether you’re a regular beer drinker or more used to ordering fruity cocktails there will be something for everyone.

Honky Tonk is the brainchild of Mark Cutler, one of the founders of Notting Hill institution, supperclub London and looks set to become West London’s destination diner of choice. supperclub London is well loved for its innovative performances and creativity and Mark has developed this in Honky Tonk too. There will be regular live music and entertainment, with a particular emphasis on a variation of the blues, jazz and rockabilly played over a hundred years ago when the first honky tonks sprung up in the Southern and Southwestern United States.

This autumn a little slice of the big apple has also arrived in Clapham in the form of a second Honky Tonk. Following on from the success of Honky Tonk Chelsea, the venue offers an American-inspired restaurant, late night bar and live performances.

Honky Tonk Chelsea
6 Hollywood Road,
London
SW10 9HY
Tel: 0207 351 1588
W: www.honkytonklondon.com/

Opening Times: Tues- Sat, 6pm-12.30am

Honky Tonk Clapham
16A Clapham South Side
London
SW4 7AB
Tel: 020 7627 6257

Opening Times: Monday-Wednesday 5 pm to 12 pm, Thurs 5pm -1am,
Friday 5pm-1.30 am, Sat 12pm- 2am, Sunday12pm-11.30pm

AudaCity of Fashion launches coffee mornings offering free crowd funding advice

Posted on October 7, 2013 by Frostie

Need money for your fashion business?

Then you need to book in to “AudaCity Coffee Mornings” for a one-to-one free consultation to discuss how crowdfunding could be the solution to your funding issues

AudaCity of Fashion offers a revolutionary approach to the support of fashion creativity in London. As a reward based crowdfunding platform dedicated to fashion, AudaCity of Fashion allows designers to pre-sell their products and undertake market research. It fosters an early collaboration with the audience, who pledge and receive rewards in return of their contributions.

As this is a new concept to most young fashion brands, AudaCity of Fashion has launched a weekly coffee morning when fashion creative can pop in for a free one-to-one consultation to discuss how crowd funding could help their business. The sessions are available every Tuesday morning starting on October 1^st from 10am – 1pm at Felicities Showroom, Shoreditch. To book an appointment call Josie on 0207 377 6030.

AudaCity of Fashion opens the door to creative funding. It allows fashion ideas, which do not fit the criteria required byconventional financiers to break through, get access to the market, and gain financial support from truly interested early supporters.

Open to everyone connected within the fashion industry including designers, photographers, illustrators, magazines, and bloggers, AudaCity of Fashion will engage with people to bring the energy, enthusiasm and resources to accomplish a positive change and build sustainable brands for the future.

AudaCity of Fashion which launched in July has already had two successful projects and has garnered support from key industry figures who will act as curators, catalysts and experts and be the visionary individuals willing to support the growth of inspirational fashion businesses. Gemma Ebelis, Head of PR, British Fashion Council commented: “This exciting opportunity will enable designers to engage directly with their customers; a welcomed development in terms of communicating key messaging surrounding events or bespoke product.This successful technology is a move away from traditional funding models and has been instrumental in raising money within other industries. This September, we look forward to incorporating it into the UK’s fashion arena with activity planned for London Fashion Week”.

www.audacityoffashion.com

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