All I wanted to
do was get home. So, when I saw my bus was diverted, I rolled my eyes. When it
stopped outside Bloomberg Arcade, I grumbled. It wasn’t a long walk from
Bloomberg Arcade to Cannon Street, but it was raining. I was grumpy.
As I walked
through the middle of the arcade, I could hear music and this piqued my curiosity.
What was going on? As I walked on, I could see colourful carpet of light, projected
on the ground. Other commuters marched on to Cannon Street, barely registering
this unusual occurrence. But I decided to pause.
What I was
hearing and seeing was “Imminence”: an immersive art work which was displayed
at Bloomberg Arcade from 5 December to 10 January. Designed and conceived to inspire action
on climate change, the artwork consisted of an animated light show by NOVAK with
Hazel Dunn and Ed Carter with sound by Ed Carter.
Many of the moments
in the visuals were sad and poignant. Seeing the bees die out and flowers and
tree disappear was heart tugging. The coral being bleached by pollution was
deeply affecting. Seeing forests being cut down and replaced by grey soulless
buildings, a reminder of how our cities are expanding rapidly and perhaps carelessly.
But the beauty
and colour of some of the images were undeniable. It brought a little bit of
sunshine to a dark and rainy evening in central London. I hung around to watch
the animation, took some pictures and drank in the atmosphere. Hopefully
Bloomberg Philanthropies who commissioned the work will share it and allow it
to be experienced elsewhere.
I hope you like
my photos of “Imminence”. It certainly is street art with a difference;
ephemeral and transient. I have taken a shortcut through Bloomberg Arcade since
the installation disappeared and it is as if it were never there. Like a
strange and colourful dream.
Food writing and articles:
Brilliant travel and food writing by Chef Romy Gill, all
about revisiting northern India. Atmospheric and full of beautiful pictures: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/india-food-cook-himalayas-shimla-romy-gill-a9184406.html
The best pasta restaurants in London: https://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/best-pasta-restaurants-london/
New research has shown “habitual” consumption of GREEN tea
[not black tea, sorry!] is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease
- such as coronary heart disease or stroke: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/regular-tea-drinking-longer-life-health-a9276441.html
Three wines to try this New year - Franciacorta, Bordeaux
and a Pelaponnese:
Braised fish with scorched chillies, Spinach in ginger sauce, Bang bang chicken, Stir-fried okra with black bean and chilli, Dongpo pork: five recipes for a Chinese New Year feast (Saturday 25 January 2020) by Fuchsia Dunlop: https://www.theguardian.com/food/2020/jan/20/five-recipes-chinese-new-year-feast-fuchsia-dunlop
What food trends can we expect in 2020? https://www.foodandwine.com/travel/restaurants/biggest-food-trends-chefs-2020
Colour me sceptical, but apparently this year is going to be
the year not of a Charcuterie board, but a Seacuterie board. Find out more: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/food/a29720861/seacuterie-food-trends-2020/
Recipes:
Sabrina
Ghayour's Turmeric, Spinach & Sweet Potato Fritters from Bazaar, at Kavey
Eats: https://www.kaveyeats.com/2020/01/sabrina-ghayours-turmeric-spinach-sweet-potato-fritters.html
Not
really a "Korma", this Bengali style rich and buttery Chicken Kulma
curry has eggs, and slow cooked onions.
A Sunday
roast isn't a Sunday roast without parsnips. Here's a maple and whisky glazed
roast parsnip recipe for your Sunday lunch!
Diana Henry's Ginger-Roasted Plums with Lime, Rum &
Muscovado Cream - a warming dessert for Wintry days over at @Kavey Eats blog: https://www.kaveyeats.com/2019/12/ginger-roasted-plums-with-lime-rum-muscovado-cream.html
A Buddha Bowl recipe for Meat Free Monday, or Veganuary. Or
for the 5:2 diet, which is what I will be using it for (347 calories: https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/vegan/buddha-bowl-salad/
An Ethiopian Berber soup recipe from Thomasina Miers: https://www.theguardian.com/food/2020/jan/06/thomasina-miers-gluten-free-ethiopian-lentil-spinach-soup-recipe
I've been
looking for 5:2 diet inspiration again. I found this: Chicken & Toasted
Corn Nachos with Lemon & Jalapeno Yogurt Dressing, by Karen Burns-Booth:
In need of packed lunch inspiration? How about a colourful
Soba noodle salad with spicy dressing? https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/healthy/veggie-soba-noodle-pots/
TV:
House Of Cards (original UK version)
Ladhood
Film:
Blinded By The Light
Yesterday
Music:
Chaka Khan - Hello Happiness
Thom Yorke – Anima
Please note: as with every monthly Favourites List, all of
these items have been selected by me simply because I love them. I do not
receive any money, benefits in kind or other incentive for posting these links
or recommendations.
