HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

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So for the past month my blog has been pretty empty but rest assured there has been a good cause – Christmas!

I’ve been to Christmas markets, Christmas meals and Christmas concerts galore.

Here are just a few of my stand out preparations for the big day.

I started the season off at the end of November in the midst of Birmingham’s Christmas market. It stretched throughout the centre of Birmingham and adopted a cosy German theme.

There was German Brätwurst (German hotdogs), mulled wine, chocolatiers, toy shops, gift stalls, and Christmas decorations all hosted in beautiful log cabins and covered in twinkling fairy lights. We wandered round all afternoon but would have needed another day to really appreciate the scale of it all. I bought a lovely Christmas decoration (below) and some deliciously crumbly fudge.

 

We finished the visit in a restaurant called the Piano & Pitcher. I chose a delicious mix of chicken, wholegrain mustard, bacon, tomatoes, and olives on a bed of leaves – it was lovely, simple and a perfect end to the festive visit. 

 

 

 On a smaller scale, I also went to St. Albans’ Christmas market (a small town just outside of London). Despite the smaller scale of the stalls, there was still plenty of choice with original British beers, farm cheeses, scarf stalls, wooden carvings (including cute ducks on ice skates), floral scented Turkish delight (which tasted like a bath soap!), an Italian deli, freshly caught fish, homemade decorations and table cloths as well as a whole range of dog leads, coats, wellies and walking boots. I was absolutely spoilt for choice but ended up selecting a lovely silver bracelet and some scented candles – spiced with cinnamon and Christmas tree pine.

 

Just before the day itself I had the absolute delight of going to see a show at London’s Royal Albert Hall hosted by BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing stars, Anton du Beke and Erin Boag (“Anton & Erin’s Christmas Cracker”). The concert incorporated a brilliant display of classical ballroom routines from foxtrots to the jive, the waltz to the charleston. All were accompanied by beloved Christmas carols including Silent Night, Santa Clause is Coming to Town and White Christmas as well as a whole sing along to the 12 Days of Christmas with Erin and Anton conducting us with our own dance moves for each section. It was an absolute joy and truly embellished the Christmas spirit.

To finish this wonderful evening, we went to “Brown’s” in Covent Garden – a large sophisticated brasserie that sublimely mixes classy and classic with cosy and comfy.

I started with “Crab & avocado stack English mustard & crème fraîche dressing and a chilli, coriander & cucumber salsa” (£8.00)*. This was a wonderfully light starter. The crab was tender and rich, perfectly balanced with the fresh cucumber, chilli and melt-in-the-mouth avocado salsa.

I then had “Roast rolled rib eye of National Park lamb and grilled cutlet Samphire, chestnut mushrooms, fondant potato, red wine sauce” (£17. 25)*. The rolled lamb was exquisite – very tender and really packed in the rich, powerful flavour of the lamb. The cutlet was a great addition to the dish and, combined with the buttery fondant potato, rich sauce and samphire, the dish was rich, delicious and perfectly balanced.

Overall, it was a lovely end to the day and I'd thoroughly recommend it to anyone.

That’s it from me for now. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and I wish you a very happy 2015!

*Ref: http://www.browns-restaurants.co.uk/media/ugc/menus/2014/10/22/Browns_DN_main_menu_M.pdf

The Imitation Game

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Film Review of 'The Imitation Game'

SPOILER ALERT!

This fantastic film follows the story of Alan Turing, the man who broke the enigma code that the Germans used in WW2 to communicate.

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Can you imagine the most heart-wrenching, mind-blowing, tear-jerking, eye-popping, head-shatteringly explosive film? If you can, forget it. Nothing will compare to “The Imitation Game”.

Wow. Just wow.

I went to see “The Imitation Game” last night starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Kiera Knightly and Mark Strong and was blown away by this ingeniously crafted example of excellent storytelling, directing and acting. This brilliant film sheds a glorious spot light on one of the most under-celebrated heroes of British history – Alan Turing (that bloke who broke the enigma code for those of you who have sadly never heard of him).

The enigma code was the code the Germans used in WW2 to encrypt messages to one another. The British could intercept the codes but not understand them, even when hiring the country’s top linguists, mathematicians and problem solvers. To solve enigma, you needed a person but, as the film reminds us that “Sometimes it’s the people no one expects anything from who do the things no one expects” - Turing was someone that no one could have seen coming.

This already timeless classic will stand testament to the struggle of the war and the battle of intelligence that helped to win it. Cumberbatch delivers an Oscar-worthy performance as he plays the socially inept but brilliant minded Turing. He performs with such clipped clarity and literal bluntness that it’s hard to even remember what the ‘normal’ Cumberbatch even sounds like. Even his mouth positioning, walk and hand movements are jilted and jarred. Yet somehow, he still provides us with a relatable, humorous and brave hero that we can all root for, love and commemorate proudly.

The film also displays other superb acting talents – Kiera Knightly creates a heart wrenching Joan Clark as she overcomes her female stereotypes and becomes one of the most important women in history. Mark Strong plays Stewart Menzies, a stealthy, strict MI6 agent whose undertone throughout the film relays the sacrifices each character must take in this ‘game’ of life and death in calculating how to win the war. The whole plot is entwined with twists and secrets that keep you on your toes to the point where you begin to doubt yourself if they’ll ever crack the impossible code (despite knowing the truth ourselves already).
 

One such secret is Turing’s death and personal background which the film delicately sheds light onto. He killed himself after taking government prescribed chemical castration drugs after being convicted of homosexuality. He died aged just 41 for a crime that he couldn’t help and drove him to his suicide despite (according to historians) saving over 14 million lives by helping to stop the war 2 years earlier than what it would have done without his invention of Christopher – the lifesaving, enigma-cracking machine.

However, I must conclude on the fact that this, heart stopping true story, directed by Morten Tyldum drives home a single idea – that these nightmarish acts really did happened. Mixing scenes from Bletchley with front line shots, eerie submarine fighters and blitz bomb raids, Tyldum thrusts the brutality and loss of the war into our faces whilst maintaining Turing’s powerful story. At a time when we are commemorating 100 years since the first world war, thoughts of the fighting are already at the for-front of our minds but watching this film has truly enlightened me of the hardship, pain, sacrifice and intelligence that went into winning this inhumane part of history.

Overall: 5 Stars.

 

This is without a doubt the best film of the year. I’m waiting to hear of its countless Oscars that it’s bound to win. It is a MUST SEE! The acting is incomparable and the story is an impossible true miracle.

R.I.P. Alan Turing – one of Britain’s finest heroes.

Picture: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2084970/ + Own editing on Paint

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Incredible Kylie

Review of Kylie Minogue's "Kiss Me Once" Tour at the O2

2 weeks ago, I had the absolute pleasure of seeing Kylie Minogue perform live at the O2 Arena.

After the release of her new album, “Kiss Me Once”, I knew this tour was going to be stunning. The pop sensation didn’t disappoint – she started the show by emerging in true sensational style by lying on a giant pair of bright red luscious lips. Belting out her sensational hits from “In My Arms”, “Les Sex” to “Wow”, she dominated the stage in her red-clad splendour.

We then moved ‘back in time’ to a more ‘retro’ era as her dancers were decked in geometric onesies and outrageous head gear. She lit up the arena with “Spinning Around”, “On A Night Like This” and a very sexy version of “Slow”. Massive screens showed a psychedelic display of background effects to embellish the era including extracts from her original videos.

We were then transported to a shocking pink cartoon world. The whole stage looked like it’d been designed by Barbie, including massive plastic wigs, party frocks and pink bath tubs. Culminating with a bubbly, playful pink Kylie singing “I Should Be So Lucky” whilst in the tub.

 

She then got down back to sexy town with “Need You Tonight”, “Sexercise” and “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head”.

 

She truly embellished her party-girl vibe using fountains of lasers and canons of glittering confetti, not to mention her infectious choreography.

To finish this insanely beautiful, feel-good show, she sung her hit “Into The Blue” in a delightful sparkling gown with the whole audience crying for more.

Overall, the show was spectacular! Sexy, fun and a joy to watch!

 

Pictures: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kylie-Minogue-Universe/199010183462956?sk=photos_stream&tab=photos_stream

Superb Shakespeare

Review of 'Shakespeare in Love'

 

SPOILER ALERT! 

From the screenplay by Marc Newman and Tom Stoppard, Lee Hall has adapted "Shakespeare in Love" for the stage. The play follows the story of young William Shakespeare as he suffers with writers block whilst in the process of writing ‘Romeo and Juliet’ (or ‘Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter’ as he first deems his well known love story). Upon casting the role of Romeo, Will's path crosses with the beautiful Viola De Lesseps which infuses him with the passion to write his intoxicating masterpiece. Trials and tribulations strike the young couple from law braking antics to heroic scenes of love to culminate into one of the most beautiful twists on classic theatre we've seen to date.

It played in the intimate Noël Coward Theatre, set in Shakespeare’s' Elizabethan era. The staging itself was very clever yet also simplistic. Two balconies created a sense of his globe theatre as well as bed chambers, grimy taverns and a long voyage ship! The costumes, on the contrary, were luxuriously made: Queen Elizabeth’s gown had plush white peacock feathers on the back of her intricate period dress, complete with golden ruff and farthingale (the large hooped skirt underneath). Viola’s dresses too had beautiful encrusted jewels with elegant, flamboyant designs. Of course Tom Bateman's costume (Shakespeare) was cliché-ishly simplistic but then anything different would have been a disappointment.

Lucy Briggs-Owen who played Viola De Lesseps portrayed a gloriously passionate character. The perfect balance of tomboy and elegant Lady, more so than even Gwyneth Paltrow who played the young heroine in the previous film. She would often make us laugh out loud with her giggles and outraged glances as circumstances trapped her in the most compromising situations. Yet she would equally break our hearts with her inconsolable desperation and battles for her soul-mate. I particularly felt enthralled by her passionate declarations of love for not only young Will's work but also for himself.

Of course Tom Bateman (Shakespeare) was just as excellent (if not more so) and the chemistry between him and Briggs-Owen was faultless. He played the role with accurate precision and mastery of the role. In some stages hopeless, then hopeful, then consumed and intoxicated with love to being equally heartbroken. He fought with passion and bravery in some scenes and even ended up becoming a fool to lighten the tension (particularly when he disguises himself as Viola's chamber maid). A true lead for this challenging and demanding role that most definitely exceeded my expectations as he dominated the whole show.

Overall: 4.5 Stars.

Of course, I’m a huge fan of Shakespeare's work so I felt this helped with some of the 'in' jokes, however I'd thoroughly recommend to anyone who loves good theatre. It has laughs, cries, passion, drama, a good solid yet clever plot and above all a glorious cast.

Day 14 – Goodbye South Africa

Unfortunately, today was our last day. We had a small wander round the area near our hotel and walked along the waterfront.

I felt totally exhausted from all the experiences, sights, sounds, tastes and adventures we’d been on. I can full-heartedly recommend all of South Africa to anyone. It has something for all and is one of the most beautiful and inspiring places I’ve ever had the pleasure to visit.

Day 13 – Shopping in Cape Town

Today we had the pleasure of indulging ourselves in a shopping spree – Cape Town style. I won’t bore you with all my purchasing details but let’s just say the trip was a roaring success! We stopped for a leisurely lunch in the sun at a quirky little café-bakery in the heart of the harbour so that we could truly soak up Cape Town’s vibrant, energising atmosphere.

 

As I munched on my rustic salad of marinated chicken, avocado, roasted mushrooms, feta, pumpkin seeds and tomatoes finished with a chunk of warm homemade ciabatta, I felt truly content in the vivacious atmosphere – fully enjoying the local music acts too!

 

 

 

Day 12 – Treks around Cape Town & Boulders Beach

Today we travelled along the Atlantic Seaboard to the Cape of Good Hope.

 

Along the way we really experienced Cape Town’s dramatic scenic beauty as well as its notoriously changeable weather. 

 

For example, one moment we were in scorching sunlight and the next in a dense cloud of fog – the transition so abrupt you could physically see the difference:

The freezing mist unfortunately followed us to Cape Point so despite hiking up the small 300m climb, we were greeted by no spectacular view but just more fog and the now eerie looking lighthouse. 

 

On the way to these iconic landmarks, we encountered some rare wildlife:

Some eland (despite their size are very difficult to spot and this was apparently a rare sighting according to locals):

Cape fur seals:

Two ostriches which felt peculiar to see them so close to the sea:

 

We also spotted some lamas and a few cheeky baboons with some carrying babies on their backs.

These are animals that are not so rare in the area and have become somewhat more like pests than marvels of nature as they have now learned to open fridge and car doors, even windows in order to get at resident’s food.

Our rarest animal that we spied was the red hartebeest which we saw fighting! (It's so called because – although it was hard to make out – their antlers grow in the shape of a heart):

And on the way to Boulders Beach, we even spied a small pod of whales:

 

The penguins themselves were adorably cute and just hilarious to watch. Some were preening each other:

 

Snuggling up in their little nests:

Sorting twigs out for their beds:

Splashing in the water:

 

And others were either cooling off in the shade or sunbathing on the beach:

We went back out to the V&A Waterfront area that evening and stumbled upon a sophisticated sushi and extended cuisine restaurant that was sublime. I had crayfish to start – a wonderful tian with a tomato and caviar salsa – it was absolutely scrumptious! The crayfish melted in the mouth and the sweet/acidic flavour of the tomato complimented it beautifully. I’d never had caviar before but it was actually rather tasty yet I still can’t see what all the fuss is about.

 

I then had Kingklip as my main. This proved to be a popular dish in Cape Town’s cuisine and was seen as the best fish that the city has to offer. It delivered a good flaky yet almost meaty texture, a clean white taste and a subtle sophistication sautéed in the creamy white wine sauce finished with tomatoes, spring onion, creamy mash and crispy onion wires, it was fantastic!