Tag Archives: Review

Cha Cha Moon | Restaurant Review

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15-21 Ganton Street, W1F 9BN. Nearest tube: Oxford Circus.

Meals served 11.30am-11pm Mon-Thur; 11.30am-11.30pm Fri, Sat; noon-10.30pm Sun

Main courses £7-£8

Telephone: 020 7297 9800

On Thursday night we headed to Cha Cha Moon. A Chinese restaurant right in the heart of trendy Soho. The first thing that strikes me about Cha Cha Moon is the decor: it is incredibly stylish with an open kitchen and a bar at the back. The tables are long benches and there is also a good garden space. Of course the decor is not the main thing you want in a restaurant, that’s the food and the service. Both of which are first-class here. The atmosphere was buzzing and very much in keeping with the Soho surroundings.

I have to admit that I love chinese food. We started with the chicken dumplings and Cha cha mooli. The dumplings were excellent. They were crispy and tasted divine when dipped in the perfectly seasoned garlic chilli sauce. The Cha cha mooli was something I’d never had before, but it looked very interesting on the menu. It was Turnip cake, dried shrimp, Chinese chive, Chinese salami beansprout, spring onion, egg. It didn’t disappoint, everything somehow came together in a dish that was delightfully different.

We also had the Seafood ho fun which is Scallop, prawn, squid, red and green pepper, onion, black bean, ho fun. It tasted superb and the portion was very generous. Everything, particularly the seafood, was perfectly cooked. We also had Crispy duck lao mian: Crispy duck, cucumber, cū mian, we really enjoyed this classic chinese dish with the noodles Cha Cha Moon specialises in.

For dessert we had Banana and melon fritters. I had never had melon fritters before and they tasted just as good as the banana fritters. The fritters came in a deliciously warm sugary syrup. The cool vanilla cream on the side was the perfect contrast and when it was all combined with the crispy fritters it was a simply fantastic dessert.

Cha Cha Moon also does very good drinks. An expert cocktail maker is constantly at work behind the bar and there is a good selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. We had the Golden Sunrise (Peach, mango, mint, goji berry), Chan Chan Tei (Beetroot, spinach, pear, apple), Pina Colada (White rum, pineapple, coconut, cream) and Mango Juice.

I loved my Pina Colada. It was superbly made. The Chan Chan Tei was a great savoury drink and very healthy.

The service was excellent. The food came extremely quickly and everyone was very warm and friendly. Highly recommended.

FucoCai Review

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I don’t really believe in diet pills and have never taken any but I am a big fan of natural remedies. So when I got some FucoCai to review I put my skepticism aside and decided to give it a go.

New Zealand superfoods specialists, Lifestream, have launched FucoCai for weight management. Billed as a ‘new super supplement to help make achieving the perfect, bulge-free bikini body that little bit easier’.

Lifestream call FucoCai ‘a unique blend of two botanicals that are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants vital to help protect the body against free radical damage caused by modern living. Additionally, together with a healthy diet and lifestyle, Lifestream FucoCai can help to support weight management’

So I started taking them. After a week I notice a difference to my skin. Many people tell me I am ‘glowing’. The tone of my skin improves, I feel I have more energy and some scars seem less prominent. I exercise while taking the pills by doing the Tracey Anderson method, but only three times a week for an hour (you are supposed to so 2 hours 6 days a week).

I do notice a difference while taking the pills. In fact I lost eight pounds in total. Would I have lost this weight anyway? I actually don’t think so. I put weight on when I was doing a film and found the last stone quite difficult to get rid of. I am also an apple, which means when I put weight on it goes to my stomach, so that is where I could not get rid of the weight, and most of it was gone by the time the pills ran out. And the last was gone thanks to my Zaggora hotpants. So how do they work?

They are packed with the plant carotenoid Fucoxanthin and naturally rich in iodine, a nutrient thought to be effective in normalising thyroid function and energy-yielding metabolism*. Lifestream FucoCai has been specifically formulated to help users achieve a healthy weight, and contains:

Laminaria Japonica (kombu) – a seaweed native to Japan, Kombu contains the active mineral Fucoxanthin which studies suggest could help support weight management** boost the metabolism and may help to support balanced blood sugar levels. In water, kombu also forms a thick gel enabling it to function as a bulking agent to enhance bowel regularity

Acai berries – organically grown in Brazil, the super berry Acai boasts antioxidant capabilities greater than that of other berries such as cranberry, raspberry and blueberry. Naturally rich in flavonoids and polyphenols and bursting with vitamins and minerals, acai is particularly useful for those putting their bodies through the rigours of a new health and fitness regime.

Fucoxanthin is thought to be one of the most exciting natural compounds discovered to date in the fight against obesity. The carotenoid gained notoriety when a group of Japanese marine biologists discovered that it could help white fat cells mimic the thermogenic behaviour of brown fat cells, ultimately resulting in a safe increase in metabolic rate and fat burning in the use ***.

Since then, studies have identified Fucoxanthin as a critical adjunct in enabling a controlled diet and increased level of physical activity to produce meaningful fat loss, even in ageing humans who as a result of reduced metabolic rate can find weight management a challenge.

Formulated without artificial additives, preservatives, colours or flavours, Lifestream FucoCai is vegan, and free from gluten, dairy, yeast, nuts and other allergens.

Lifestream FucoCai is available from all good health food stores, and online at www.grumpygorilla.co.uk, and costs £24.75 (RRP) for 90 vegetarian capsules (one month’s supply). For further information, visit www.healthyfoodbrands.co.uk.

Prometheus | Film Review

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This film is clearly a prequel, although Ridley Scott at one point denied it. Long awaited and much discussed, when the trailer was released a while back the internet went mad. The film is visually stunning and has brilliant performances by Michael Fassbender and Noomi Rapace. Rapace plays a driven and intense scientist who’s longing for a child is used against her and twisted in a horrific way. Fassbender is an android made to look like a humanoid so he doesn’t scare the crew.

This film comes 33 years after the first Alien movie and has some elements of the previous movies; a crew on a ship called Prometheus with an android, a scene like the alien coming out of John Hurt but much more icky.

There has been some complaints that the film is slightly predictable, but what monster movie isn’t? It is a monster movie for god’s sake. Prometheus is beautifully made, well acted, thrilling and entertaining. Is also has excellent production design and incredible visual effects. It is an ambitious and impressive film. Definitely worth a watch.

Coriolanus DVD Review.

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Coriolanus DVD Review.

This blood splattered adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tale is very obviously Ralph Fiennes baby. It is his directorial debut. The film is star-packed and glorious. It is hard to think how someone could take this tale and tell it in a modern way until they do.

 

Fiennes plays Caius Martius Coriolanus, Rome’s most courageous general. His downfall comes after the people’s fury grows as he publicly expresses scorn for their suffering. The people of Rome are hungry and riots are widespread. War and Mayhem ensues.

 

Gerald Butler plays Tullus Aufidius, Coriolanus mortal enemy, who becomes his ally. This film is action-packed and is full of brilliant lines. Well obviously, Shakespeare did write it.

 

Coriolanus accurately describes itself as a ‘bloody, but timeless, tale of war and revenge’. It does not disappoint. Full marks for this film. It is a spectacular film which is cinema at its best.

 

Coriolanus Available from the 4th of June on DVD, Blu-ray and download.

St Ives Event at The Hospital Club

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Last week I went to two Handpicked Media events. This one and this equally amazing St Ives event at The Hospital Club.

St Ives Apricot scrub has always been my favourite facial scrub. It is a high-end scrub with a budget price. I have been buying it for years. I did get a goodie bag with the scrub inside and I am doing their 7 day challenge. My skin is already glowing.

PSYCHOLOGIES Beauty Director Emine Rushton gave an amazing beauty talk, apparently the Egyptians used to exfoliate with a pumice stone! Ouch. Oh, and they still use Cochineal (E120 on ingredients list) which is the ‘crushed carcasses of the female Dactylopius coccus, a cactus-feeding scale insect’. Nice.

There were Apricot based cocktails and I tried them all. Another blogger also won the cute edible tree below. Brilliant night.

The Avengers Assemble – Movie Review

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It’s become almost traditional, if not formulaic, to kick off each summer blockbuster season with a superhero movie.

Over the years we have seen Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and even the Hulk take centre stage in their own films, so on paper at least, the coming together of these iconic super hero superstars in Avengers Assemble sounds like every comic book fanboy’s wet dream.

But does more necessarily mean more? Or have Marvel – who admittedly have done a terrific job so far in bringing their comic book pages to life – bitten off more than they can chew?

Well in one word, the answer is no. Like the childhood Christmas present that gets played with lovingly to near destruction once your get your eager hands on it, to see Marvel’s movie at long last is incredible, but at the same time is both brilliant in its script and in its execution. As such, just like that Christmas present, it keeps on giving and in the process provides ample reasons for fans of the comic books and films to rejoice.

A film nearly seven years in the making, fans have slowly, patiently, seen the formation of this film through the little clips that occurred at the end of the credits of each previous movie.

First you had Iron Man (played by Robert Downey Jnr) being approached by Nick Fury (Samuel L Jackson), then the story of Captain America (Chris Evans) and how he ends up taken in by SHIELD. There’s even Thor’s film, (the main role played by Chris Hemsworth) which in many ways sets up the plot for this movie and even clever references made in the last Hulk film. Each provided subtle clues towards where the plot arcs were going to lead.

After such a wait, no way was Marvel and director Joss Whedon going to disappoint fans. A superb opening set-piece puts the storyline and reasons for these characters coming together firmly in place. ‘The Tesseract’ (last seen in Thor and Captain America) is a cube of immense power that both sides are trying to unlock. However, it has opened a door to another world, which Loki (played truly impressively by Tom Hiddleston) comes through with his original intention of ‘ruling us all’. But worse than that, he’s brought a whole bunch of bad boys with him. Who else are going to put a stop to his plan other than the Avengers?

Indeed, as each of these superheroes could take on enemies of immense power, it has to be a near-on war to cause them to come together and Mr Whedon has no intention of holding back his vision of what a superhero movie should consist of.

Thankfully, Marvel did not go about this movie without getting the right funding in place, so nothing is watered down and all of the super powers, transformations and adversaries (of which there are hundreds) are embellished with as much attention to detail as if they were in their own movie. The end result is pretty much what you would expect from the comic book on screen and it has to be said some scenes are jaw-dropping. Avengers will probably set the standard for future superhero movies to come.

None of the special effects would work in isolation unless there were proper characterisations. Joss Whedon and the screen writers should be applauded for continuing to build upon each individual’s complexities; Tony Stark is still as brash and arrogant as he has ever been, Captain America still has the heart of someone who would sacrifice himself for others, but just follows orders. Only Mark Ruffalo’s interpretation of the David Banner / Hulk is different to his predecessors in that he is more edgy and unpredictable. I do have to say I preferred Ed Norton’s version, however Ruffalo does an excellent job nonetheless. New characters that open up in this movie are Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) which are both portrayed as brooding counterparts which hopefully further movies might build upon.

3D or 2D?

Watching this film in 3D provides just an average experience, which is a shame as they could really have done more to open up the experience and give it that extra wow factor. As it is, besides a few set pieces, I found it made little difference. 3D is a medium I feel should be pushed more, especially when it can really create some stand out moments for the audience when utilised well.

My Verdict

A great kick start to the summer blockbuster season and a fantastic movie in its own right. Cant wait to see what next is in store. Oh yes, that will be Spider-Man less than 8 weeks away. Don’t you just love summer?

9/10

 

Sure Maximum Protection Event and Review

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On Tuesday I was invited to a Sure Maximum Protection Event at Vanilla. I was also given a sample of the deodorant to try out beforehand. When I arrived I was greeted by lots of lovely people and there were lots of themed cocktails (three flavours. I tried them all!), and games. I won the quotes game by pairing famous women to their quotes and won two tickets to LoveBox in June. Very excited to be seeing Lana Del Ray. It was a great night with brilliant company.

Back to the deodorant: it works. After I received it I went to the gym and my underarms stayed dry. I was very impressed. it really works. It smells great too. There are three super conditioning, maximum protection deodorants available in Confident, Sensitive and Clean Fresh Scent. They use a Trisolid formula which has three components:

* The maximum wetness protection ever from Sure
* Encapsulated odour-fighting technology, and
* Skin moisturising ingredients.

There was a scientist at the event who did a neat little trick, showing how the deodorant stops a glass of water which is covered in a cloth pouring any water out. Very cool.

Sure Maximum Protection is definitely my deodorant of choice now. RRP of £5.09 for 45ml.

 

 

All About the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK Facelift

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There is no longer any delineation between diverse kinds of bumpers with particular off-road and on-road packages. Below the recently designed headlamps, the entire models give LED driving lights at daytime in a chrome clasp as standard. The radiator grille with central star and two slats goes after the design idiom of all existing passenger automobile models. The slats are decorated silver, along with chrome inserts as an alternative. In addition part of the model facelift, the design makers have developed latest wheels in size 17-inch (43.2 cm), 19-inch (48.3 cm) and 20-inch (50.8 cm) that are accessible in a variety of paint finishes or by means of a high-sheen finish. An aerodynamically optimized 17-inch (43.2 cm) wheel is accessible probably with auto loan for the first time.

The GLK SUV received a total internal renovation: the dashboard for instance provides a broad trim in aluminum or alternatively in wood spans the whole width of the dashboard. The additional trim elements in silver shadow and new round vents also grasp the eye. A high-end color display is alternatively accessible for the appliance cluster. A new upholstery colors, three-spoke sports steering wheel, and indirect ambient lighting plus seat designs featuring LED fibre-optic technology that is obtainable on the GLK for the first time, additionally improve the feel-good environment inside the automobile.

The GLK provides wonderful driving dynamics, admirable driving security and excellent ride comfort. Besides the versions of rear-wheel drive, the 4MATIC models together with an everlasting all-wheel drive reveal an intrepid courage even in the most unfavorable situations both off-road and on-road. Similar to all-terrain and all SUV motor vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, the GLK is a pure-bred, without hesitation off-road operator. In the meantime, the forefather of all contemporary Mercedes-Benz SUVs that provided its name to the GLK is at this time in its model year of 33rd and is also experiencing a comprehensive facelift.

The external lends the GLK additional poise. The body unites classic elements of all geographic condition motor vehicles with the design saying of the existing Mercedes-Benz saloons. Expansive surfaces and the smooth-surfaced, stringent lines, volume-emphasizing rear and front regions synchronize with the trademark GLK body features that are characteristic of functional all geographic condition vehicles. These comprise slender roof pillars, a steep windscreen, short overhangs, the taut roof line and the upright front end. The design of the body is not a fashionable end in itself. Otherwise, it applies the benefits typical off all geographic condition motor vehicles to the compact SUV class. Proficient ATV-specific characteristics for example departure and approach angle and ground clearance allow off-road schemes at any time. The good all-round visibility and the carefully designed body together with the seat position augment appropriateness for everyday use and give for comfortable driving.

The headlamps symbolize an innovative version of the signature of the design of Mercedes lamp. On the fundamental model together with headlamps of reflection-type, a chrome torch characteristic spans the two reflectors. On models showing the ILS (Intelligent Light System), the headlamp includes a reflector, the torch and the projection unit with LED cables made from fiber-optic for the position light. Moreover, the turn signal indicators comprises individual LEDs are situated. The roof rails in an entirely new design are specifically striking in the side view.

Kathleen Hubert is a blogger who writes on a variety of different sites. Check out more of her work at autoloan.org.