Monday, 27 January 2020

January 2020 Favourites List



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
 
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

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/
 
 

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. 

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