May 18, 2012

tracking down Pollyanna Woodward

Pollyanna Woodward is a vivacious, confident TV presenter.  Admired by many for her ambition and drive, she is pretty much always on the go. Currently filming her fourth series for the hugely successful Gadget Show: World Tour on Mondays 8pm on Channel 5, I managed to track down the techy queen:

What drives you? 
Happiness and positivity…….I have to love what I do and who I have in my life.

Socialize in the local pub or social media?
Social media

Gadget or book?
Gadget…I can read books on a gadget

Extreme challenge or relaxing massage?
Extreme challenge……life is for living.

Best techy bit of kit ever invented?
The MP3 player.

The Voice or Britain’s Got Talent?
The Voice

What do you Wannabe?
A Happy Bunny!!

How would you describe yourself in three words?
Positive, vivacious, fun

Ideal TV dinner?
Chilli con carne and rice

Dinner guest?
My Boyfriend

Tell us a secret…..
I write a journal

What is currently on your Culture Compass?
The Pyramids in Egypt

This interview appears on Culture Compass.

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May 16, 2012

spicy (and not dull) cocktails

Raspberry and Mango Margarita

Yesterday was just a dull Tuesday.  Dull weather.  Dull food in the fridge.  Dull errands such as buying more printer paper.   That is, until the kids were tucked up in bed.  Accompanied by always-ready-for-a-night-out Neighbour, we scooted off to meet our friend, the ex-TV girl at the least dull cocktail bar EVER.  And now nothing is dull.  I am ever-so in love with Zenna Bar, the genius cocktail hideout opened by (and located under) the infamous Indian restaurant, The Red Fort on Dean St, Soho.

Our barman, Matty, saw us coming; overzealous mums looking for a good time.  He greeted us with a House Nectar (the secret house cocktail), a Garden Martini (Bombay Sapphire, fresh mint, lime juice and you know the rest) and a Raspberry and Mango Margarita (all £8).  Nibbling on some utterly delicious bar snacks from the kitchen upstairs (our favourite was the Mustard Coated Broccoli Tandori £7), we had no idea what Matty was cooking up for us over at the bar.

And that was when we met Illiana, The Golden Dragon (£15). Rum, spiced rum, Santan’s blood, some more rum, lime and orange juice, all flamed with Wray and Nephew rum.  Apparently, this is the world’s spiciest cocktail and I’m not about to disagree.  I managed two sips, followed by gallons of Gin Fiz (served in a fire extinguisher which I thought was pretty much red rag to a bull).

recently opened Cinnamon Soho

With a lack of decorum, we tottered over to Kingly Street to check out Cinnamon Soho, the new little sister restaurant of The Cinnamon Club over in Westminster.  Of course, it was going to hard to live up to Matty and all that Zenna had to offer but Leonardo, the  Brazilian main man, and the team at Cinnamon Soho, continued to ply us with Burning With Passion (£8), Lotus Blossom (£8) and other delicious concoctions.  Unanimously, we voted their Burnt chilli Indo-Chinese chicken (starter – £4.80) and their pistachio ice cream to be “worth crossing town for”.

And then somehow we got home.  That bit might have been dull.  I simply can’t remember.

 

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May 16, 2012

dangerous vitamin D deficiency

We don’t need to be BBC weatherman, Michael Fish to know that there has been a lack of sunshine this Spring.  But this hasn’t just meant a rise in umbrella sales, something more serious is going down.  So, I grabbed my brolly yesterday and ran off to meet the nutrition guru, Dr Marilyn Glenville, to understand just how a vitamin D deficiency can affect us all.

Most vitamin D is synthesized by the absorption of sunlight through the skin.  So without our hot burning friend in the sky, our bone health and immune system are at risk.  Dr Glenville also clarified that vitamin D can play a major role in helping with conditions such as heart disease, allergies, depression and, most interestingly, autism too.

As I listened and questioned, I became curious.  Keen to know whether I was one of the 50% of the UK currently deficient, Dr Glenville sent me away with a home prick test.  My test results will tell me exactly which supplement or dose I should take.  You can buy a test here or call 0845 880 0915 for some advice.

Meanwhile, the sun came out this morning.

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May 15, 2012

Fairuz fits a tight brief

The brief was a tight one.  I had to find somewhere perfect for four of us to dine.  He and I were to meet sister-in-law’s new beau for the first time.  Not too noisy, but noisy enough.  Not extortionate but enough of a treat.  In town but not in the City.  And, I wondered, was there any subject we shouldn’t mention or clothes we shouldn’t wear?

In times of need, Lebanese favourite, Fairuz, always fits the bill.  Located just off Marylebone High Street, it’s low key enough to attract the Marylebone foodies and, with its casual neighbourly feel, allows all casual conversation to flow freely.  The small venue, with whitewashed walls and closely packed tables has always been a regular favourite of ours.

Munching on the welcome bowl of raw vegetables (big thumbs up from me), we ordered a selection of Fairuz’s fail proof mezze (favourites: tabbouleh, hummous, grilled halloumi and a pomegranate salad).

It turns out new beau is a lot of fun and actually I find it refreshing dining with a newish couple, rather than yet another smug married.   Conversation flowed as fast as the dishes kept coming and, between mouthfuls, we exchanged thoughts on social media, technology and public speaking.

The big brother in Him was as satisfied with his shish kebab as he was with his sister’s main attraction.  The charming Lebanese owner, true to hospitable form, presented us with a platter of fruit as well as an assortment of bite-sized baklava to end our delicious feast.  The meal and rendez-vous had been an all round success.

Fairuz, 3 Blandford Street W1   020 7486 8108 

 


 

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May 13, 2012

ivy league

They say you can’t choose your family.  But you can choose to party with your family on your 40th birthday and He did.  Last night, four siblings with partners, parents, in laws and a greatly-admired grandmother all ate in the private dining room at The Ivy Club and, with only a few drop outs, most danced through til the early hours at Annabel’s.

chicken and mushroom pie

 

Although the Club at the Ivy is relatively new (opened in Sept 08), the Ivy itself is a great London institution.  First opening its doors in 1917, many a celebrity has fallen in and out of its doors since.   Culinary highlights of our evening included a mixed beet goats cheese salad for starter and the chicken and mushroom pie for main.

Annabel's

 

Cross generational dancing reminds me of family weddings.  Annabel’s remains the only place you can still shuffle with the oldies while admiring a silver fox with a glamorous 23 year old blonde on his arm.  The private members’ restaurant and nightclub on Berkeley Square was founded in 1963 by the late Mark Birley  but is now owned by the Mayfair empire that is Richard Caring.  Eclectic, exclusive and opulent, the fabulous and foreign dance and party here til dawn.

 

 

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May 12, 2012

my hood

I have lived in three different homes over the last 15 years and each time I have moved no more than a street away from the last.  Here are some of my favourite haunts:

Hampstead Theatre 

This is a theatre with a difference.  Specialising in commissioning and producing new writing as well as supporting and developing the work of new writers, Hampstead theatre has been an inspiring local cultural attraction since it first opened 53 years ago.

EtonAvenue  NW3 3EU
020 7722 9301

Lanka

The newcomer to the ‘hood is the Japanese bakery and café, Lanka.  Its sister café in Primrose Hill has been a firm favourite of mine since it opened a couple of years ago.  Lanka Swiss Cottage only opened a month ago but already the smell of freshly baked green tea madeleines is wafting down the street.  Specialising in French-style patisserie and cakes but with a Japanese infusion, the café also offers a small daily menu of savoury dishes and good strong Monmouth bean coffees.  Perfect for a late breakfast or early lunch.

9 Goldhurst Terrace
Mon-Sat 10:30-18:30
Sun 11:00-17:00

Merito Coffee Stall

Time Out was not wrong when it voted Merito’s coffee the ‘Best inNorth London’. But Jason does so much more than just man the stall.  Coffee guru and high-powered intellect, he makes the most exquisite Cappuccinos, flat whites, filtered and espresso coffees, sources his coffee (ethically of course) from around the world whilst suffering no fouls in his queue.  I hear coffee aficionados travel far for the treat, his tasty homemade baking and take the opportunity of purchasing his coffee beans (ground or whole) while supping the black stuff.

Swiss Cottage Market Tues – Fri 8am – 4pm

England’s Lane Bookshop

This independent bookshop is one of my escapes from the hectic lives we all live. Although I have never made it to their Book Club, I keep promising myself that I will one day. The members of the club decide bureaucratically on the books (next one is The Paris Wife by Paula McLain).

Next event:  every 2nd Thursday of the month    7-8pm.  Free of charge.

Garuda

Garuda is where pilates and yoga combine to form human art and a revolutionary and holistic way to exercise.  Garuda was conceived and developed by James D’Silva, personal trainer to Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and Trudie Styler and has taken North West London by storm since he launched more than a decade ago.  Expect more toned muscles, better co-ordination and flexibility as well as a long waiting list.

50 & 54 Abbey Gardens   020 7624 5008

 

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May 11, 2012

Abigail James: rumours of her healing hands

The Blurb:

I find women are divided into those who have regular facials and those who don’t. I don’t. The reason for this, is that nothing is worse than a disappointing facial. I tend to feel irritated – mostly about all those things I can’t get done while lying under an electric blanket. However, having heard rumours of healing hands, authoritative skin analysis and outstanding results, I made time for the holistic facialist, Abigail James, and braved the pouring rain to head down to the new Lomax on the Fulham Road.

The Process:

Padding over to me in her beautifully pedicured bare feet, Abigail was already analysing my problem skin and, as she asked stress-level questions, I realised my damp clothes, constantly buzzing blackberry and tense shoulders were already bothering me less. She is a natural beauty, anti-stress aficionado and practices all that she preaches with her hands and in her manner, simultaneously.

It turns out that her hands are as powerful as her reputation indicates. My treatment incorporated her trade-marked skin manipulation techniques, which involve rhythmical massaging, craniosacral therapy and a general stimulation of the facial muscles. Although I could have immediately relaxed, I was more interested in her aim to increase my circulation. Before long, I gave up asking technical questions and allowed the tension to melt away (although I did discover that she isn’t wedded to any one product line – she dips in and out of various organic ranges, but feels most aligned with Dr Alkaitis’ soothing and replenishing potions).

I must just elaborate further on Abigail’s personality, as this is key to her facial. Despite oozing calmness, she is a little strict. My forehead was showing signs of dehydration and my fingers clearly find it hard to leave a blemish alone. Instructions and much-needed advice were given for a new regime going forward and, in honesty, I have dared not disobey.

The Result:

Reluctant to part company with this facial goddess, I struggled to drag myself off her warm bed.  And glancing in the mirror, my skin looked fresh, clear and plump.  Outside the rain had stopped and there was even a glimpse of sun breaking through the grey clouds.

From £100 for one-hour facial.

www.abigailjames.com or Lomax Chelsea 0871 512 0770

 

this article appeared on West London Living.

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May 9, 2012

I.D. Gritty Viewing.

Last night I was transported back to the 80s.  Not in a ‘Walk like an Egyptian’ Bangles sort of 80s way but a grittier, violent flashback to the football ground hooliganism which, at that time, dominated ‘the beautiful game’.   Directed by the incredibly talented, Phil Davis, the cult film I.D. was first released in 1995 in the world of VHS.  But last night I had a sneak preview of the re-mastered version on blu ray (before its release on 14th May) and can confirm that the film will be praised once again for tackling such a hardcore subject and revealing the darker side of football passion.

And I have no doubt, in its new updated format, it will appeal to the non-football fanatic and the die-hard fan alike.  In fact, maybe more so in 2012 when there is a more comfortable distance from the disgraced era of infiltrated riots pitch-side.  I, for one, understood that John (Reece Dinsdale) is an ambitious young policeman seeking authority, a sense of belonging and the sheer thrill of fighting. He leaves his world as a respected member of the community and destroys his relationship as he finds the thugs and their way of life to be irresistible.

I was fascinated to hear Davis talk after the screening.  ‘This is obviously not a celebration of football hooliganism’ he told us as he explained the drug-like feeling his protagonist clearly experienced as he broke the conventional boundaries of behaviour. Adding that the film was not solely about a love of football, he quoted John’s girlfriend response to his objections of mowing the lawn or changing a light bulb:  ‘What’s wrong with being happy?”.  The script is a stark reminder for us all to remember what it is in our lives that makes us happy.

So, in summary, this film tackles an ambitious subject matter: the dark side of our nation’s game as well as the tempting lack of personal control.  The acting is convincing, intense and, be warned, some of the scenes are deeply unsettling.  Perhaps it is an unsavoury contribution to British culture but, nevertheless, a must-see in my view.

I have 3 DVDs of I.D. to give away to my readers.  Subscribe to my blog to be entered into the prize draw!

 

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May 8, 2012

Spring beauty woes

It has been a long, cold winter and typically, our flaky faces, frizzy hair and chipped nails prove it. But now that Spring is finally upon us it’s time to crawl out of hibernation and breathe life back into our neglected beauty regimes.

Turning my immediate attention to my biggest beauty woes (not helped by a week of helmet head and freezing-thawing hands in the French Alps), I have found some wonderfully luxurious solutions worth sharing;

Hapless Hair

The winter weather combined with hats, hoods and ski helmets has been far from kind to our previously luscious locks.  Appreciating that the less than glamorous chinese-takeaway looking packaging might not be an indication of their quality, I indulged in Davines’ Melu shampoo and Love conditioner £13.10 / £14.35.  It might have been the essence of Mediterranean herbs and fruits or, in the case of the conditioner, the fig extract and borage oil, but either way I was delighted to notice that, after only two washes, the shine was already returning to my dulled hair.  Demanding more (of course), I was drawn towards the Indola Glamour range, and specifically the Glamour Precious Oil £15.95.  Claiming to add ‘sparkle’ to your hair, I conditioned and styled with zest before standing back to admire some seriously luxe shine.  And there was cynical old me thinking that only fairies could add sparkle….

For my tips on tatty nails, season-change complexion and some spirit lifting, read the rest of my feature on Beauty and The Dirt.

 

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May 7, 2012

Sunday nights without Homeland

Lewis, Danes & Patinkin - leads of Homeland

Sunday evenings have not been the same since 18th February when, following rave reviews from across the pond, we were first introduced to the addictive viewing that is Homeland (Channel 4).  Usually I feel a little twitchy when fitting a glaringly obvious viewing mould.  This television tension, centred around an ex Al-Qaeda prisoner of war now potential terrorist threat to the US, is highly targeted Sunday night viewing for middle aged parents looking for extra circular excitement while their precious offspring dream of the fast-approaching new school week.

Last night saw the finale of Season 1. Produced by Howard Gordon of 24 fame, we initially had visions of a female-take on Jack Bauer.  But Homeland has been neither a clone nor a one-man show.  As an audience equally fascinated in each of the three leads (Damian Lewis, Claire Danes and Mandy Patinkin) and their layering mysteries, we – the resident suspense junkies – can’t get enough of Brody and the possibility of him having been turned against his country.

So, sofa bound and with baited breath, we weren’t disappointed.  In fact, a sure sign of great viewing: today we are still reeling from the almost-act of terror, some shocking signs of mental illness and the ongoing suspense of this dramatic series.

But the real fear is how we will cope without such drama until Season 2 hits our screens?  It’s been said before;  great television dramas save marriages.   The whine of ‘why don’t we do anything together?’ is answered perfectly by the box set offering.   And it doesn’t need to be Homeland, but it helps.

 

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