Archive for the ‘events’ Category
global guide to friday the 13th
mukuji ceremony
Today is Friday 13th and we in the office are attempting to ward off those nasty evil spirits by taking inspiration from the Punu tribe from Gabon for inspiration.
The Punu belong to a collection of tribes known as the Shira, originally from Angola, but now at home on the left bank of the Upper Ngoume River, Gabon. How do they go about dispelling evil spirits? Well, the ‘Mujuki’, that’s how…
The men of the tribe don wooden masks, representing female figures from each of the nine Punu tribes, which they adorn with natural red white and black colourings. Kitted out in raffia costumes, covered with a loincloth and the skin of a genet (a cat-like creature indigenous to Africa) the wearer dances on stilts over two metres high whilst shaking a handful of small branches…Yep it’s hard work this superstitious lark. Meanwhile his fellow revellers will dance around him in concentric circles calling out to the spirits. Now, where did we leave the raffia…
(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading ...beyond the guinness
Ireland is pretty well known for its beer we’d say… But even in beer country like this, it’s good to get away from the Guinnesses and Murphys once in awhile…
franciscan well beer festival
The Franciscan Well in Cork is one of the first microbrewery pubs in Ireland and it does a great job with the copper coloured tanks sat right behind the taps and cheery staff pouring away. On a brief five day jaunt over to Cork recently, I found some proper local brews here. The Easter beer festival was in full swing – a festival that has brought hundreds from all over the world to these Irish shores to taste tipples from several different microbreweries. Ales, stouts, lagers, whatever takes your fancy. Including chocolate flavoured beer…(it was pretty delicious, but no real surprise there).
Outside in the beer garden during the festival, the walls are lined with one after another of the guest breweries with a break in the bars for the giant BBQ. Exactly what a spring beer festival should be
(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...just the tip of copenhagen’s gastronomic iceberg…
copenhagen
copenhagen hues
As the sun slow-baked the industrial courtyards of the Copenhagen’s burgeoning Meatpacking district last weekend, impromptu terraces unpacked in front of the modestly glamorous restaurants that have credited this city with a world heavy-weight title in ageless culinary excellence.
This town is indisputably a design-aficionados dream and the food served amidst this blue-and-white gallery district certainly doesn’t disappoint the eye. At Pate Pate (Slagterboderne 1) we broke the yolk of a perfectly poached egg over a savoury polenta cake cushion and lingered over a main of snails and beef. Yep, it’s not a combination you find too often, but trust me, it works. The desert I managed to shield from the eager spoons of my fellow diners, a molten blueberry soufflé with perfect posture, lives on in my memory of finest non-celebratory suppers…
copenhagen
Copenhagen’s cocktail culture doesn’t lag too far behind its culinary counterparts. At the (deservedly) frequently cited canal-side Ruby (Nybrogade 10) a team of hand-son experts seamlessly blend the offerings from an exceptionally large spirit cabinet amidst ultra laid-back drawing-room surrounds. Across the other side of town, the lesser-known neighbourhood bar Salon39 (Vodroffsvej 39, 1900 Frederiksberg) – partner property to the distinctly un-Danish and therefore locally-esteemed tiki bar Brass Monkey (Enghavevej 31) – takes mixology to a new (spirit) level with an elegant dimly-lit intimate space reached via a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it doorway. No. 39 that is.
Un-surprisingly, the Danish do nourishing brunches exceptionally well too. Ricco’s on Studiestræde 24 was our favourite for a late Saturday morning. The hand-made bolle that came stuffed-to-the-brim with local produce were just as the owner himself had assured us from behind the counter; not savoury nor sweet. On the food journey between my clasped hands and my mouth I pondered yet another sensual balancing act, and then I stopped pondering and took another big bite…
(3 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...ibiza re-opens…
Ibiza coastline
ibiza’s rugged and seductive coast
The new season is beckoning and Ibiza is yawning and stretching to warm itself up for another summer. Cue a chain of excited whispers about the office. Whilst everyone loves a night or ahem…three on the dance floors of DC10 et al or a day recovering on the beach at Cala Jondal, we thought it was a good time to share a couple of out hottest alternative Ibiza tips for 2011.
Firstly, getting to the white isle just became a whole lot easier – we were thrilled to discover that BA have upped the ante, offering up to 8 flights a week from City Airport meaning more flexibility and super convenience.
dreamy balearic sunsets
On arrival, the good news continues – the trendy Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel reopens in May with an amazing opening party hosted by Luciano (Black Tomato’s Sophie’s favourite.) This is a great place to escape the surrounding mayhem when necessary. Alternatively, to keep the party going 24/7 we’d recommend gathering up a whole load of your close friends and heading to Villa Vella up in the hills close to the chi-chi rural village of Santa Gertrudis. This palatial residence has 13 bedrooms, a tennis court and infinity edge pool. Perfect for an early morning swim to clear the head.
The village of Santa Gertrudis itself takes Bohemian chic to a new level; populated by artists and sculptors, this unique little spot offers a rare opportunity to experience a snippet of truly traditional Ibizan life. Try Bacchus, C/ Venda de Parada for a cooling afternoon drink.
For some sophisticated beach action, our Balearic’s guru Alex’s pick of the bunch is Ses Salinas. A classic, but a goodie, these crystal clear waters and laid back vibe offer so pretty unmissable people watching ops. Plus possibly the best restorative pizzas emerge from the ovens at the Jockey Club.
For a dining experience away from the crowds, we’d have to recommend El Bigote near Cala Boix for a tinto de verano and a slice of Serrano with the wildly moustachioed owner.
Adrenaline junkies fear not, there’s more to Ibiza than pounding the dancefloor don’t you know… The island has been officially recognized by PADI as the best spot in Europe for scuba diving, so grab your flippers and take the plunge to see a side of the island that few of us have even considered. Land lubbers fear not, as Kate will tell you, there is some incredible horse riding trails across Ibiza’s untouched northern beaches.
Want to get there? No problem, just drop us a line.
(8 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...the hamptons land in W9 .
summer loving
the summerhouse dining room
After a scorcher of a weekend we (along with most of the country) are hooked on dining al-fresco. Queue a countless number of pop-up eateries bursting onto the London restaurant scene granting us endless balmy days quaffing jugs of Pimms and gourmet delights in the sunshine.
summer days
Bouncing back by popular demand is the Summerhouse perched a la canal in Little Venice. The fresh and airy vibe is reminiscent of a Long Island Beach House with a nautical palette of off creams and crisp blues, swapping the well-heeled New Yorkers for well-heeled Londoners. Feast on seafood treats such as popcorn shrimp and nostalgic desserts like knickerbocker glory, washed down with a signature strawberry and basil mojito.
Just close your eyes and imagine you’re at the seaside, mmmm…..
(5 votes, average: 4.20 out of 5) Loading ...follow us… to tribeca
over the bridge
Grab yourself a cwoffee because this weekend we’re heading to the big apple for our weekly Follow Friday instalment. Nothing beats New York in the spring, the days are getting warmer, New Yorkers are itching to get outside after a long cold winter, the cherry blossoms are blooming in Brooklyn’s Botanical Garden and the weekend markets are awash with vintage delights and charming trinkets. The highlight of this magical season for all film aficionados however has to be the TriBeCa Film Festival.
New York skyline
Founded a decade ago by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff, New York’s Tribeca Film Festival remains one of the leading go-tos for cinematophiles the world over. With awards and screenings of features, shorts and documentaries alike, plus discussions and talks for directors, screenwriters and dedicated screen-lovers there’s plenty for both the emerging and established players out there. And for us mere mortals, there’s also a tight bundle of consumer-side events (including our ol’ favourite: the drive-in) to keep us happy while we wait for Mr or Mrs Dream-Future-Spouse to saunter by…
Fancy a jaunt to New York click here and discover the big apples little secret.
(5 votes, average: 4.20 out of 5) Loading ...air france re-launches madame
Air France: Madame
Air France have just upped the stakes when it comes to in-flight printertainment. On a recent flight we caught the first edition of their new look magazine, Air France Madame (April/May 11), showcasing the very best of contemporary French culture to a captive (and captivated) readership at 30,000ft. With regular features including an exclusive ‘Colette’s selection’, curated by the Parisian boutique, this new elegant re-fit is breaking the mould and staying away from the usual Toblerone/yellow-gold pendants. We like. A lot.
(2 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5) Loading ...wringing in the thai new year
floating markets of bangkok
‘Sawatdee Pi Mai’ to all of our Thai followers out there. For those whose language skills are perhaps a little rusty and are wandering what’s going on…the traditional New Year celebrations kick off in Thailand next week and to celebrate we are racking our brains coming up with the very best ways to enjoy all the delights of Siam.
raining in the new year
The story of the New Year or ‘Sangran Sangran’ (so good they named it twice) begins with the challenge of a Brahma to a wiseman to talk to the animals and discover the source of human fortune. Fast forward 2500 years to today and the festival, beginning on 13th April, has evolved a tad and is now renowned for being the largest, wildest water fight in the world. For those in the know, we recommend heading north to Chiang Mai to experience first hand this aqueous assault whilst soaking in some of the more traditional, religious bits of the New Year rituals. We think the perfect way to unwind after three days of revelry is to head south on our ‘Amazing Thailand’ journey, through Bangkok to the peaceful island of Phuket. Why not pamper yourself with a relaxing massage or head out for some retail therapy at one of the exotic night markets?
To make the most of the London based celebrations we are heading down to south London to Wimbledon’s Bhuddhapadipa Temple. SW19 may usually be synonymous with strawberries, grand slams and Cliff breaking out into verse but come next week you are more likely to board the District Line brandishing your chopsticks and a Super Soaker…enjoy.
Or why not head there yourself? Click here for some of our favourite Thai escapes.
(3 votes, average: 3.67 out of 5) Loading ...go wild outdoor music festival
We’ve sent AP Childs UK photographer and music publicist to the glorious Franco-Swiss Alps to check out Europe’s one of a kind Go Wild Outdoor Music Festival. Watch this space for exclusive music and ski news straight from the slopes to our blog, just how we like it.
keziah jones
The place is Portes du Soleil in the middle of the Franco-Swiss Alps. The summer seems to be arriving a little too soon across the 12 beautiful resorts either side of the French border that have linked up to host the inaugural Go Wild Outdoor Music Festival. For one week, from Abondance and Avoriaz to Morzine and Les Crosets good vibes will be cast across the crazy mountains. The powder maybe turning to slush in places but that isn’t going to stop the fun.
The Go Wild Outdoor Music Festival is like no other major festival in Europe, in that it is not ticketed and all festival goers need to see the concerts is to show is a lift pass.
Saturday afternoon and festivities commence with an opening show in Morzine from London based rock outfit, and appropriately monikered After the Ice. Fronted by the conceptual painter Paul Lisak the band fuse a heady influence of 60’s and 70’s stoner rock with a tinge of keyboard driven indie. Imagine The Cult hopping into bed with Guy Garvey for a night, well, the conclusion of such an event could possibly be found in this four-piece. Considering we’re half way up a mountain the sound is well constructed balanced and contained. A big Chapeau! to the soundman as this I suspect is no easy task. After The Ice thump, lick and swirl their way through a set that not only excites but beguiles the crowd in equal measures. A great start from a promising group.
Keziah Jones takes the main stage
Sunday afternoon moves up a level in the shape of established international artist Keziah Jones. Way up high in the resort of Alvoriaz steam rises from a fast gathering crowd of worked-out winter sports enthusiasts. Jones is a top draw and the cable lifts are bustling and skis and boards are stacked up high around the concert area. Jones makes for a fine afternoon festival slot. His laid back approach to soulful rock infused on occasion with afro-rhythms coupled with the beaming alpine sun perfectly harnesses the chilled out atmosphere. Lovely.
It’s Monday morning and things have changed quite dramatically. Following a night of rain I open the curtains to find the magnificent alpine view obscured by the most wonderful blizzard. It seems the festival gods have spoken and Snow Queen has cast her magic spell. Summer will have to wait a few more days yet as this festival is set to move up a gear.
More bands to follow, more words to follow..
(5 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...time’s ticking: ten for april
As the fuzzy folk bards Simon and Garfunkel once sweetly harmonised ‘AAAA-A-April, come she will’, and boy oh boy did she come around quick this year. Spring has now officially sprung and, now the sun’s out (every now and then at least), we thought it only right to share some worldly wisdom and fill you in on ten of April 2011’s best (and least known) global events.
all fools’ day
someone always takes it one step too far
Roll up hoodwinkers, jokers come forth; April is here and, for one day only, the farceur is King. Eagerly anticipated by troublemakers everywhere, April the First (aka April Fools’ Day) is, as we all know, a day when normality sleeps and would-be jesters lurk round every corner. Cue 24 hours where hoaxes, white lies and practical jokes are not just for the kids. Indeed, it’s now the case that the national media are responsible for some of the tallest stories told on this most mistrusted of days. Famous swindles include the supposed discovery of hotheaded naked ice borers in Antarctica in 1995 and Burger King’s so-called left-handed Whopper in ’98. Rest assured though, we’d never sink so low…
queens day
Queen's Day
Koninginnedag, or Queen’s Day, takes place every year on April 30th, the Dutch Queen’s official birthday. If you’re thinking another nondescript public holiday, then think again. In an all-consuming burst of garish patriotism, Oranjegektel (orange craze) sweeps through Amsterdam, ensuring that, from food to clothes, hats to hair, nothing is left untangoed. Now if only the British Queen’s birthday prompted something similar in London… A flotilla of patriots wailing the national anthem across the Thames… On second thoughts, maybe it’s best we leave it to the Dutch, whose concerts, parties and vrijmarket (a sort of car boot sale) seem far more civilized.
nevis triathlon
nevis say never...
If the words ‘sport in the West Indies’ still conjure little more than images of cricket on the beach and Jamaica’s famous bobsleigh team, then it’s time to pick up the pace and get with the times. Running (swimming and cycling) from the 1st till the 2nd, the Nevis Triathlon is the perfect excuse to experience a different side to the beautiful island from which it takes its name. Broken down into three routes to cater for athletes of all levels, the race can be completed either individually or in relay format, perfect for those of you who like to follow a leisurely spot of holiday competition with a far more leisurely spot of flop on the beach.
hand in hand with love
two hearts make a whole
At the crossroads of East and West, the spectacular city of Istanbul bubbles along like a sun-kissed melting pot of creativity and culture. Hand in Hand with Love is an annual arts fest bringing together the diverse communities of Turkey’s capital throughout April. Facilitating inter-cultural understanding and putting on quite a show in the process, this is the perfect chance to sample local music, cast your eye over the visual arts and the marvel at the literary all sorts among this year’s multiplicity of Turkish delights.
sequences
the conSequences of colour
Iceland, a land frozen in time. Or so you might think. Taking over the capital Reykjavik from April 1st to 10th, Sequences is an annual arts festival whose focus is dynamism and movement – more ‘wow did you see that geyser?’ than ‘oh look, there’s that iceberg, the one we saw last time’. Expect mindblowing photography, performance art and sound and video installations that’ll give you more goosebumps than a northern gale. Expect to be wowed.
saborea
opening the door to the food of puerto rico
FOODIE ALERT. CODE TASTY. It’s not every day a country appears on the menu, but between April 1st and 3rd, you’re invited to ‘Taste Puerto Rico’ at Saborea, the country’s annual food fest. Set on the idyllic Escambrón Beach in Puerta de Tierra, the shining lights of this Caribbean territory’s gastronomic scene gather like seagulls and cook up a storm. Saborea is a big deal, so follow the aroma down to the waterfront and rub shoulders with the celebs during mouthwatering cooking demos and taster sessions.
las palmas international film festival
who'll grab the golden lady?
Sunlight(s), camera, action. Between the 1st and the 9th, Las Palmas, the gorgeous capital of Gran Canaria, plays picture-perfect host to one of our favourite film festivals. Culminating in the Golden Lady Harimaguada award for best film, the festival will showcase features and shorts from around the world.
barcelona guitar festival
buzzing like a strum-ble bee for barcelona
Every April, the Catalonian capital Barcelona tunes up its tuners for the city’s annual Guitar Festival. The country that gave us flamenco virtuoso Paco de Lucía opens its doors to the world’s best strummers, welcoming a groups and musicians from Spain and abroad. Running from the 1st to the 7th, Barcelona’s bars and concert halls are bound to be busy, so get over there quick and, well… Viva la musica!
st. petersburg festival of speed
what's the russian for va-va-voom?
St. Petersburg, Rush-ia. Got a need for speed? Look no further, just buckle up, put your foot down and head East for three days of 007 heaven. From April 1st to 3rd, connoisseurs, collectors and wide-eyed motorheads assemble for a spine-tingling showroom explosion of epic proportions. Drink in the petrol guzzling panorama of vintage Le Mans veterans, supercars, powerboats, custom bikes and high-performance planes, all gathered under an aircraft hangar kitted out for a very glitzy schmooze ‘n’ booze.
rallye aïcha des gazelles
oh damn, it was LEFT at the oasis
Misogynist drivers of the world take heed: Steer clear of the Moroccan desert or prepare to tsk and toot like never before. The Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles is a woman only race-cum-orienteering challenge running 2,500 km across the south of Morocco, and this year’s event is fast approaching its conclusion. With little but dunes and the occasional oasis to negotiate, the chance of a crash is negligible, but we hear Bedouin camel trains are keeping a safe distance nonetheless. Sisters are driving it by themselves. You’ve been warned.
James Snowdon is Editorial Intern at Black Tomato
(5 votes, average: 4.20 out of 5) Loading ...
