Asian Chic Magazine issue 3

Inside:

Nadeem Shah’s insight into the future of the AHS Foundation Plus we take a walk through The Wicker, Sheffield Venture / Transformed / Beauty / Travel / Motoring

Issue 03

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Asian Lifestyle, Asian Living, Asian Chic

In the recent years we have helped our clients in various business sectors acheive there marketing communication goals.

If you would like to share the same success, feel free to give us a call on 0114 261 0708.

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Contents

Issue

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Editor’s Letter Asian Fashion | Page 26 A look at Chanel’s Asian-inspired Pre-Fall Show

Beauty Beneath Shoot| Page 30 We partner up with resident beauty salon, Beauty Beneath

Editor’s Letter Here at Asian Chic, each month we strive to highlight the most creative, influential and entrepreneurial individuals among Sheffield’s Asian community; we feel that this month we’ve created our best issue yet.

We speak with businessman and founder of the AHS charity foundation, Nadeem Shah, who discusses his continuing work to offer aid and support to Asian families who have suffered at the hands of natural disasters. Weston Park is currently home to an exhibition celebrating China’s global influence and historical significance, we take a closer look at ‘China: Journey to the East’.

Closer to home, we’ve been spending a lot of time this month on the Wicker-one of Sheffield’s most culturally diverse stretches and home to some of the Steel City’s most recognisable eateries – so much for the New Years diet.

Inside:

Nadeem Shah’s insight into the future of the AHS Foundation Plus we take a walk through The Wicker, Sheffield Venture / Transformed / Beauty / Travel / Motoring

Issue 03

Of course we have all of our regular features including a glance in at some of Sheffield’s most promising up-and-coming businesses.

This month the itchy-footed Chic traveller takes a bite out of The Big Apple, hunting down the most exciting spots NYC has to offer. The most chic of the Chic staff give you a sneaky look at Chanel’s Asian-inspired pre-fall show and resident rev-head Tim Barnes-Clay talks us through the seemingly flawless Bentley Continental GT – what more could you ask for?

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Asian Lifestyle, Asian Living, Asian Chic

Local Businesses | Page 06

Your editor

We take a look at new ladies-only gym, Al-Nisa Fitness and the lavish Qureshi Jewellers.

Nadeem Shah | Page 10

Travel | Page 34

Businessman Nadeem Shah speaks to us about his charity foundation the AHS

Chic’s travel guide takes a bite of the Big Apple

Kieran Smith

The Team

Managing Director Hussain Shafique

Editor

Kieran Smith

Design Director Shane Gilmartin

Web Designer Francesca Cirillo

Sales Manager Melanie Jackson

Fashion Editor Rebecca Towler

Contributers

Rebecca Towler, Kate Hobson, Tim Barnes-Clay

Special Thanks To

Insight | Page 14

Motoring | Page 40

Weston Park is for the next few months home to the British Museum’s exhibition China: Journey to the East, we take a closer look

Our resident rev-head Tim Barnes-Clay gives us his take on the new Bentley Continental GT

Venture| Page 22 A quick glance at some of Sheffield’s hottest businesses

Nadeem Shah, Sheffield Museums, Beauty Beneath

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Our policy

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Not connected with any other company or group. All material is copyright of Chic Promotions Marketing LTD and is not to be reproduced without permission. The placing of an order for an insertion of an advert in this publication shall amount to an acceptance of our terms and conditions.

We aim to produce a high quality, up to date magazine for your pleasure.

We strive with every care possible to ensure the information published is correct. However on occasion some material may be altered after the magazine has gone to print. Therefore we cannot accept any responsibility for these changes and can only offer our sincerest apologies in such an event.

Asian Chic Magazine 25 Leigh Street, Sheffield, S9 2PR Tel: 0114 261 07 07 Email: info@asianchic.co.uk

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Local Businesses Sheffield Qureshi Jewellers Tel: 0114 242 62 00 Valuations, estimates and insurance claims undertaken

Established twelve years ago, Qureshi Jewellers is a business built on reputation and loyal clientèle, and that is something only achieved through the highest quality service and wares.

Situated along the busy Firth Park Road, Qureshi specialises in lavish Asian wedding jewellery, as well as offering valuations, estimates and insurance.

“ lavish Asian wedding jewellery“ Middle Eastern civilisations were some of the first to begin making jewellery over five-thousand years ago, beginning a heritage and craftsmanship that remains important to Qureshi to this day; Qureshi’s honed craftsmanship is reserved for only twenty-two and twenty-four carat gold, some of the jeweller’s most beautiful and extravagant pieces. Whilst Qureshi’s speciality is the more luxurious wedding items, Qureshi Jewellers house an abundance of beautiful, affordable bracelets, earrings and necklaces. Get down and prepare to be dazzled by an Aladdin’s Cave of stunning, authentic, hand-crafted marvels.

Qureshi Jewellers 24 Firth Park, Sheffield, S5 6WN Tel: 0114 242 62 00

Al-Nisa Fitness www.al-nisafitness.com

It’s around this time of year when that new year’s gym membership you splashed out for is starting to feel like money wasted. In a fitness obsessed culture it can be difficult juggling work and workouts and gym membership doesn’t come cheap. Al-Nisa Fitness is set to open soon; a women-only gym situated on Attercliffe Road, Al-Nisa will offer women the chance to train in a friendly non-discriminatory environment, whether you’re a three-hour-a-day athlete or a total newcomer.

Boasting the latest training equipment, along with sauna and spa facilities, Al-Nisa’s knowledgeable trainers will always be on hand and keen to help. Classes will run throughout the week, all included in the cost of membershipthat’s right, even Pilates!

“ friendly non-discriminatory environment“ The uninitiated can often find joining a gym an intimidating experience, but being a ladies only gym, Al-Nisa will give members the opportunity to train in comfort and at their own pace, all under the guidance of a supportive team of staff.

Al-Nisa Fitness 614 - 616 Attercliffe Road, S2 4QU Sheffield Tel: 0114 232 42 43

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Pro-X Sports

Soon to open on London Road Sheffield Tel: 0113 3456526

Yorkshire based Sports equipment specialists, Pro-X Sports are soon to open a new branch on London Road. Specializing in mixed martial arts equipment, Pro-X sports operates under the watchful eye of former world class Taekwondo champion, Shabir Akhtar, who runs an experienced, informative team, happy to give advice.

Constantly renewing their stock in order

to supply the latest gear from the best sportswear brands, Pro-X Sports promises great gear at great prices, whatever your game.

For A Reliable, Professional & Dedicated Quality Legal Service Our professional legal team provides solutions for your legal issues:

. Conveyancing - Residential & Commercial ( Sale, Purchase, Mortgage & Re-mortgage ) . Civil & Commercial Litigation . Wills, Trusts & Probate . Insolvency . Employment Law . Immigration Law . Personal Injury . Power of Attorney & Administration of Oaths Benefits of using Wosskow Brown Solicitors:

. Shariah Complaint Islamic Wills . Competitive Rates . Personal Injury - You Keep Maximum Compensation . Multilingual Staff ( Urdu, Punjabi & Kashmiri Spoken ) . Free Parking Wosskow Brown Solicitors The John Banner Centre 620 Attercliffe Road Sheffield S9 3QS (Near Karachi Stores)

Call: 0114 256 1560 Visit us online: www.wosskowbrown.co.uk or email: info@wosskowbrown.co.uk Our firm is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority

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to use it for charity, his money became the feed money for the AHS. What are your plans for 2012 to take the charity forward?

Last year we got the building finished, this year I would like to make it sustainable and for that we need to fund-raise. The first one has been built out of our own pocket, but to expand the charity we need to bring others on board. I feel that at this stage, it can’t just afford to be me surrounded by family and friends, it needs to involve those from all walks of life; some with ideas, some with money, some with time. We want to provide more services; a mother and child health and hygiene program, maternity programs, bringing health and hygiene programs to the schools, we’d like to train midwives for the area and health-workers for the area. We need to educate the people about hygiene to make their lives better. To take this further, we’d like to install in the village some kind of sanitary facilities – at the moment, you can imagine, there is no running hot water, the toilets are out in the fields, so disease is spread quickly.

This should be a minor problem, but there are people dying from sickness and diarrhoea, of which the main cause is poor hygiene. Once we have implemented hygiene programs and made them self-sufficient and sustainable, we want to take the whole thing to another area, and begin all over again.

It is clear that your father was a hugely influential figure to you and you attribute much of your success to his teaching; what advice has he given you and what kind of life philosophy has he instilled in you that is so significant to your charity work?

My father has been a great influence on everything I have done, his influence is still

prevalent in how I run my business today. For him there was no grey, everything was black and white – one of the things he said to me was, “Everybody builds castles for themselves; greater men build castles for others”. That is something that has stuck with me. He was a very principled man and a very straightforward man, he wouldn’t have wanted me to set the charity up in my own home as it would have appeared to be for the wrong reasons.

The way the charity operates now, nobody knows us, or knows anything about us, we just come and do our best to help then go away, there is no personal gain or credit there at all.

It’s a charity in the truest sense.

How can others get involved and help with the AHS Foundation?

I’m sure that there are people with time on their hands, we desperately now need volunteers to help us. We need people who can donate money, all of which goes straight into funding the projects. We need creative people to come up with ideas for further growth and expansion. We need people to fund-raise for us. We would like for other organisations to partner with us.

What kind of fund-raising have you been doing?

We’ve put on some events, all of which have been successful. We can run the Foundation on very little - all of the UK office is paid for by my family, it is run by a volunteer meaning that there is no admin cost for the charity. It’s the same in Islamabad, no admin cost there.

The only paid people in the whole charity are the dispenser, the paramedic, the janitor who looks after it and the general manager who holds the system together for us there, and their wage is only a few hundred pounds a month. It is a charity and not a business.

You build properties around the world but your heart clearly lies with the people in Pakistan, why is this?

My heart lies with anybody who has suffered misfortune in life. I am grateful to the Almighty or whatever power that exists, that he has made me a giver and not a receiver, I believe that the difference between the giver and the receiver is an arm’s length. I am a believer in God, I believe in some supreme power and I believe that somebody must have guided us there. I thank the Lord every day for giving me the opportunity to make somebody’s life a little better. Giving is a great pleasure; to see the smile on a child’s face, or the smile on an old woman’s face when they realise their daughter or granddaughter will be alright. These are things we take for granted here, we think it’s our right.

These people have no expectations, some travel four or five hours on their feet to get to us and may have to sit and wait all day if we have hundreds of patients to see, we never close up without seeing everybody. We profess to deliver hope in every way we can.

You’ve made millions, but you say “It’s not the money, it’s the achievement”. What do you consider your greatest success?

I’ve built tower-blocks, I’ve built houses around the world, I’ve built motorways and highways. I think that if there is genuinely one thing I have achieved in life, it is this - the AHS foundation is what I want to be remembered for. Everybody makes money, it’s not about making money, it’s about making somebody else’s life a little better.

What would you like your legacy to be?

My mission in life would be, that before I leave this earth, I have three or four of these programs running in various villages, I think then I would have achieved my purpose in life.

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Nadeem Shah

On the 8th of October 2005, a devastating earthquake struck Kashmir, Pakistan – so moved was Doncaster businessman Nadeem Shah by the images on his TV screen, he felt compelled to make the journey to his native country to assist in the recovery. So began the AHS Foundation, a charity founded by Nadeem and his wife Maureen, dedicated to saving lives, improving conditions, and rebuilding communities in areas affected by natural disasters. We spoke to Nadeem about the foundation’s work thus far and the charity’s plans for the future.

Mr Shah, Can you explain what the AHS Foundation is and how long you have been established?

The charity operates a health centre in a very remote area of Kashmir called Noon Bagla, a small sort of village sat in a valley, surrounded by other small villages in the mountains.

You can image the terrain; as the crow flies, it might be two minutes to the health centre, but going up and down a mountain it could take up to four hours. We’re the only centre supplying any sort of medical aid in that area, probably about 15,000 people. Other health care is non-existent, the Kashmir government is supposed to have a first aid post but we have never had, or heard of any experience with it. What our health centre does is provide basic healthcare and medicine. Somebody will come to us and we have a paramedic there and a dispenser, the dispenser will look at

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them, assess them and prescribe medicine, the paramedic is there in the event that someone is ill in a very remote area. When it’s a question of life and death and they can’t get to us, our paramedic will get to them, stabilise the patient, and liaise with a doctor, thirty or forty miles away, that’s footwork up and down a mountain, it’s not just a case of getting in an ambulance down the M52. We serve around 800 to 900 people a month, men women and children. Our service is totally free, apart from a five rupee fee for those who can afford it, and this is mainly to ensure that people don’t turn up to abuse the facilities. We’ve been operating for five years and we’ve been tremendously successful, we’ve treated around 47,000 people in that time. We have an excellent record, we conduct regular surveys and people have been very positive.

What made you decide to start the AHS Foundation?

Me, my wife and my father have always worked with with one charity or another, ever since I was a child raising money for People Unite Against Crime. After the disaster on 8th of October 2005, I’ll be honest with you, God only knows why I ended up there, I genuinely believe that somebody up there guided me towards that village; I looked around me and people were devastated, people had been hungry for the last three days and we had ended up in the middle of nowhere. I was there the following morning and started helping, giving them blankets etc., that went on for a couple of weeks, and when we came back here, we decided to formalise it. The foundation is named after my late father, Ahmed Hassan Shah; when my dad died, he left his money to me and my brother with specific instructions

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Beliefs and Festivals segment of the exhibition will shed light on the colourful spring festival (Chinese New Year) and the important MidAutumn Festival, where examples of animated animal outfits from the British collection sit alongside some beautiful Eastern costumes from Sheffield’s own collection.

By the time you’ve explored all of this, you’ll be ready for the Food and Drink section.

We’ve all enjoyed a Chinese takeaway of a Saturday night, but it doesn’t take a food critic to know that The Golden Wok’s Egg Foo Yung isn’t an authentic taste of the east. Whilst learning about the need for provisions in the afterlife, visitors can experience the joys of a preserved, thirteen hundred year old jam tart, food offering from the Tang Dynasty; Mr Kipling doesn’t seem quite so extraodinary now.

“ beautiful object ” Finally Language and Writing; those iconic caligraphic brush strokes that appear so alien to our western eyes. One of the highlights of the entire exhibition is an oracle bone, a mysterious, beautiful object used for divination, inscribed with an early form of Chinese writing. Along with English, Chinese is supposedly one of the most difficult languages to grasp; here you can learn about regional dialect and the fascinating evolution of the Chinese tongue.

Not wanting to neglect China’s modern day achievements, the exhibition has been working alongside the Confucius Institute at the University of Sheffield, to develop two image slideshows of people and landscapes drawn from the entrants of their annual photographic competition, which are then juxtaposed with black and white archival footage to give a sense of the contrasts and continuities between China’s past and present.

Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum has said: “China’s history is one the world needs to know, now more than ever. Through the loan of important objects from the British Museum’s collections and complementary items from regional sources, this exhibition will give UK audiences an insight into China’s cultural achievements over 3000 years, promoting the teaching of China at all levels across the curriculum.” So vast and diverse a nation is China, it would be impossible to condense it all into a museum exhibition; Journey to the East however offers the briefest of glimpses into a magical country, just enough to inspire a search for deeper knowledge.

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China: Journey to the East

One of the oldest continuous civilisations, China is a nation rich in history, its influence on the modern world cannot be overestimated. From the I Ching, through the Forbidden Kingdom to its position as the fastest growing economy in the world, China remains perennially fascinating and increasingly important to the West. In this, the year of the dragon, Sheffield’s Weston Park is playing host to a British Museum exhibition, ‘China: Journey to the East’, a celebration of Chinese culture and history, offering visitors the chance to experience this most influential of civilisations.

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When it opened its doors two hundred and fifty years ago, The British Museum vowed to make its collection as accessible to as wide a world audience as possible. In that spirit, China: Journey to the East, spent 2011 touring up and down the country, now here in Sheffield - its final destination; where it will remain until April 6th. The exhibition will feature objects from Sir Hans Sloane’s founding collection as well as objects which have never been seen outside of The British Museum.

Some three thousand years of Chinese culture will be explored, divided into five categories with broad appeal; Play and Performance, Technology, Belief and Festivals, Food and Drink and finally, Language and Writing.

most significant forms of theatre. The origins of shadow puppetry lay in the Han Dynasty, so the story goes; after concubine of Emperor Wu of Han died from an illness, the heartbroken Emperor summoned his court officers to bring his beloved back to life. The officers made a shape of the concubine using donkey hide, her joints were animated using 11 separate pieces of the leather, and adorned with painted clothes. Using an oil lamp they then made her shadow move, bringing her back to life. Journey to the East will give visitors the chance to experience the thrill of animating their own shadow puppets, reliving the magic Emperor Wu experienced more than two thousand years ago.

China’s theatrical history is a wealth of vibrancy; Play and Performance will explore, amongst other things, the origins of shadow puppetry, one of the nation’s most playful and

“ complex and diverse ”

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The East has for many years now been recognised as the core of international technologi-

cal development. Whilst many would think of Japan as tech-mecca, their northern cousins’ historical influence on technological development has been far reaching; among the exhibits on display at China: Journey to the East, one of the most fascinating is an ornemental abacus, forerunner to the modern calculator. As China’s hold over global economy strenghtens, the government has placed more emphasis on science and technology, leading to increased funding and improved scientific structure, bringing about advancements in agriculture, medicines and genetics.

As one of the earth’s most complex and diverse civilisations, the mythology and belief system of China is perhaps the most compelling of all.

Objects on display will give insight into China’s three main belief systems, Daoism, Buddhism and Confuscianism as well as delving into the beguiling folklore of the nation. The

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Rajas Grill is a long established chain, serving up a vast selection of halal pizzas, burgers and chicken dishes. Priding themselves on their customer service, the Wicker branch has become something of a hang-out spot for the locals, and it’s not hard to see why, the contemporary American-diner décor lends itself to kicking back with friends and enjoying one of the five mellow milkshakes on offer (Ferrero Rocher flavour anyone?). Rajas’ real seller though is its hot and spicy Peri Peri Chicken, served up with fries or for those with more adventurous taste buds, a good helping of trademark spicy rice.

“ adventurous taste buds ” The huge blue lettering above the door marks out Kebabish, the jewel in Wicker’s crown.

Having spent the past twenty years establishing itself as a worldwide brand, Kebabish is one of the largest and fastest growing Asian food chains in the world. Serving up tantalising helpings of fresh, grilled Asian cuisine with a strong Mediterranean influence, their unique dishes are specifically catered to delight even the most discerning of punters.

The restaurant prides itself on its healthy, hearty, grilled dishes using natural lamp wood charcoal for a BBQ flavour, the range of food on offer is vast, from spicy Paneer Tikka to Whole Fish. A warm and friendly establishment, a sense of community and welcoming pervades Kebabish, the staff are always happy to recommend a curry or karahi and keen to give diners an experience to remember.

Kebabish is exactly what the Wicker is about, a melding of different tastes, flavours, influences and, above all, a place to come together.

The recent addition of a bus lane through the Wicker has been the cause of some distress to the restaurateurs, who feel that the decrease in passing cars has been detrimental to business, but our visit suggests otherwise. The Wicker still thrives, in truth the renovations brought on by the bus lane have helped give a new lease of life to the area, which feels as fresh and vibrant as ever. Some 176 years have passed, but the Wicker is still serving the same purpose now as it was in 1838, connecting people and cultures in this city we call home.

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A Walk Through The Wicker

Linking two of Sheffield’s most fascinating and historically significant landmarks, the Wicker runs from Lady’s, Bridge across to the architecturally imposing Wicker Arches. The socio-cultural significance of the Wicker can’t be understated; on Halloween 1838 the street became home to Sheffield’s first Railway Station, linking the city to Rotherham and in turn to the rest of the country. When Sheffield Railway Station was built in 1870, Wicker became a goods only station, serving ninety-five years and surviving two World Wars before closing its gates in 1965.

Whilst the Wicker hasn’t felt the rumble of a passing train for some time now, the thoroughfare hasn’t stopped bringing folk together; now a multicultural melting-pot of international eateries, Wicker is home to the best restaurants, takeaways and cafés the Steel City has to offer.

Occupying a space on the corner where Wicker meets Willey Street is the legendary Imran’s Chicken; if you’re a Sheffield native you’ve probably heard of Imran’s, and if you’ve heard of Imran’s you’ll know the Meal 1, a selection of the finest the establisment has to offer; fries, wedges, chicken kebab, donner meat and, of course, a piece of their mouth-watering southern fried chicken. I know what you’re thinking, a fried chicken take-out, surely that means greasy grub for club closing? The restaurant’s reputation and the constant flow of hungry punters suggest otherwise; friendly,

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hard-working staff serving up succulent halal chicken ensure the newly refurbished Imran’s remains a cut above the rest.

“ multicultural melting pot ” At the corner of Stanley Street a light wooden exterior stands out from the crowd - La Perle is the Wicker’s most baffling eatery, a traditional patisserie amidst the pizza houses and Asian takeaways. Opened in 2009 by Algerian bakers, Youssef Toumiat and Mebrouk Bendaas, La Perle is a real gem, offering cakes, pastries and naughty treats galore to those seeking a little indulgence. The breezy interior provides the perfect setting to enjoy a light lunch and a heavy dessert, the smell of freshly baked bread permeating the building only enhances the experience. La Perle also serves hot food and sandwiches throughout the day, along with some of the finest coffee the Steel

City has to offer. Le Perle’s presence on the Wicker is testament to the diversity the stretch has to offer, and makes an ideal stop for a spot of elevenses.

Just saunter across the road and we’re on the other side of the globe with Marcia’s Caribbean, an unassuming little building withbig taste. Just two doors down from the Sheffield and District African Caribbean Association, Marcia’s can’t afford to be anything but authentic; Jamaican Patties are a speciality, spicy meat filled pastries packed with flavour.

Follow this with one of the traditional rice and peas dishes on offer, all topped off with a chunk of mouthwatering Banana Bread. If you have never tasted Caribbean food before, Marcia’s couldn’t provide a better introduction to a wealth of exotic flavours and vibrancy, just how good grub should be.

Primrose Henna

Tel: 07904811024 primrose-henna@hotmail.co.uk f: Primrose Henna

Henna as a means of body decoration has been around since the bronze age; bridal mehndi is a tradition steeped in history but has only really become fashionable in the West over the past twenty years or so. Primrose Henna is a freelance Sheffield based company offering services in bridal hair and make-up, as well as dupatta setting and, of course, mehndi. Having been certified by Ash Kumar, ‘the world’s fastest mehndi artist’, Primrose delivers only the highest quality.

This month Primrose Henna will be peddling their skills at The Asian Lifestyle and Wedding Exhibition at the Trafford Centre in Manchester in preparation for the wedding season, so be sure to book fast for a friendly, affordable and hugely talented henna artist.

Conrad Blandford Hairdressing 309 - 311 Ecclesall Road, Sheffield, S11 8NX Telephone: 0114 266 66 46 Email: info@conradblandfordhairdressing.com

Stylist to the stars Conrad Blandford has uprooted to a luxurious new salon on Ecclesall Road. Having snipped the likes of Sophie Dahl, Emma Bunton and even Jamie Oliver, Conrad and his first class team have been taking their scissors to the Sheffield public for eight years now.

The lavish new establishment offers the same flawless hair treatment Blandford has made his name with, at the same affordable prices.

Blandford has a unique gift for giving people a look that suits them; his team offer free hair consultations whereby decisions on cutting and colouring are based on a full assessment of each client’s skin tones, face shape, eye colour, hair type and even their lifestyle and personality. Only last year did Conrad Blandford win places in two categories of the regional finals of the Loreal Colour Trophy, the Oscars of the hairdressing world, and having appeared in Glamour magazine and Hairdresser’s Journal, you can expect nothing but the best.

Akbar’s Charity Dinner

www.akbars.co.uk Hosted by BBC Asian Network Tommy Sandhu In aid of the Lord Mayor’s Charity Marie Curie

On the 26th of last month, hundreds of the most influential entrepreneurs from the North’s Asian communities, descended on Bradford’s Hilton Hotel for a charity evening organised by Akbar’s Restaurants. The black tie event was hosted by BBC Asian Network’s Tommy Sandhu and was held in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. A mouthwatering three course meal was served up

by Akbar’s, before a breathtaking fashion show courtesy of award winning designers, Silon’s. The evening’s entertainment came from a host of the most talented, up-and-coming musicians on Asian music scene, including the likes of Imran Kahn, Metx N Trix, Juggy D, Kiran Dhanaa and even former Britian’s Got Talent contestants, the hillarious Signature.

Marie Curie are a nationwide organisation offering support and care to terminally ill cancer sufferers and their families; the event offered the chance for guests and sponsors to give something to those less fortunate and the opportunity to help make a real difference. In total £50,000 was raised on the night.

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Venture About Town Apna Sounds Entertainment

ash.younas@yahoo.co.uk // Tel: 07727 292 253 // f:Apna Sounds

Apna Sounds Entertainment is a Sheffield based company providing experienced DJs and light shows for private functions of any kind. Apna’s DJs use a range of the latest professional equipment and guarantee crystal-clear sound reproduction alongside a vibrant, colourful light show. Priding themselves on their ability to cater for any event, whether it requires a humble two speaker set up or a ground-shaking eight speaker rig. Apna Sounds have established themselves as one of the most dependable and affordable DJ-for-hire outfits operating in the area. As if great grooves weren’t enough, Apna Sounds boast an arsenal of lasers, stunning flame effects, smoke machines and bubble machines, guaranteed to ignite the party atmosphere at any event.

The Apna DJs promise the very best in Asian music, playing an eclectic mix of Bhangra and Bollywood alongside a selection of chart favourites. On top of a stunning selection of tunes, Apna Sounds provide traditional Dhol drummers for an authentic eastern flavour and a chance to bust some of your best moves.

Cake R Us

142 Devonshire Street, Sheffield // 0114 276 03 05 f:cakerus // www.cakerus.co.uk

Mmm – just a hint of freshly whipped cream is all that’s needed to tempt us into the newly opened Cake ‘R’ Us branch on Devonshire Street.

Having taken Sheffield’s cake world by storm with their original store on London Road, the brand has now branched out to new premises slap bang in the city centre.

Offering an array of mouth-watering, beautifully presented sweet treats, as well as a range of coffees, teas and iced teas, the store also plays host to an intriguing selection of Chinese and Oriental food products.

Never ones to miss out on an excuse to eat cake, we popped down to the opening only to be dazzled by a beautifully kitted out café, the pièce de résistance being the luxuriously finished traditional oriental wallpaper – trust us, you need to take a look. Topped off with a mesmerizing Chinese dragon display (and of course a nibble of their uniquely light and exquisitely prepared cake), the opening was a promise of great things to come for the new Cake ‘R’ Us.

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Fashion

Chanel Pre-Fall Show 2012

When Chanel hits the runway one can always expect quite a show, so it was of no great surprise when Karl Lagerfeld’s models took to their lavish set – a circular runway enclosed with extravagant banquets piled high with flowers, candelabras and a silver toy train that delivered liquor to guests, the theme of the show being Paris meets Bombay, and one truly fit for a Raj. A flawless blend of classic Parisian Chanel - think plenty of tweed, statement bags, black and white boots – meets traditional Indian silhouettes – metallic evening gowns were cut to look like saris and tunics, then paired with leggings and intricate Indian inspired jewellery. Impressively authentic for someone who has never even been to India; ‘It’s much more inspiring not to go to places than to go’, said Lagerfeld post-presentation.

Proving that regardless of whether you have made the journey you can still take inspiration from other cultures and trends, let Chanel be your muse this season!

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Rock Chic

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Valentine’s Shoot Special Feature February saw our Asian Chic team partner up with Attercliffe beauty salon, Beauty Beneath, for a tantaslisingly scrumptious Valentine’s shoot. Showcasing different looks to cater for all, no matter what your style, Beauty Beneath inject some much needed passion into our dreary February days with their experienced make-up artists and hair stylists giving us a serious case of head over heels love this month.

Traditional

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For bookings ring: Tel: 0114 242 21 22 620 Attercliffe Road Sheffield, S9 3QS

www.beautybeneathsalon.co.uk

Vixen

Angelic

Classic Beauty

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Glamour-Puss

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Travel Guide

New York

The Big Apple, The City that Never Sleeps, The Capital of the World; call New York city what you like but one thing’s for sure, this megalopolis is a must-see tourist destination. No matter what your preference- a spot of shopping, sight seeing or maybe you just want to enjoy some classic East Coast cuisineNYC has it all. This is the city where even the locals manage to find new and exciting hideouts on a daily basis; a city alive with culture, passion, wealth, romance, glamour and art – take a deep breath, and in we go.

Venturing into the madness of New York can be daunting; with the endless list of hotels and different neighbourhoods, each with a personality of their own, it’s imperative that you do your research before you book, read reviews and make sure the location suits your needs. If ticking all the tourist boxes is your thing then Midtown Manhattan is ideal, neighbourhoods such as Gramercy or the Diamond District have reasonably priced hotels within walking distance from the main attractions such as Times Square and the Empire State Building. For those with expensive taste, Midtown Manhattan is also home to some of the world’s most breathtakingly beautiful luxury hotels with stunning city views. Most notably The Plaza, located opposite Central Park, is probably best known from childhood favourite Home Alone 2. For those of you seeking something with perhaps a little more authenticity, TriBeCa and SoHo in Lower Manhattan

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house New York’s artistically inclined, both are vibrant, exciting areas and are only a short subway ride away from all the key attractions.

“ vibrant, exciting ” New York hums with life, and with a to-do list as long as your arm, plan your days well.

Why not start with that breathtaking skyline we’re all so familiar with? Pay just $20 to see the city from its tallest building, the Empire State. Go for a stroll on a romantic horse and carriage ride through Central Park, absorb the bright lights and billboards of Times Square this is where the magic happens - 24 hours a day, seven days a week; the bright lights, giant screens and relentless flow of excitable crowds perfectly encapsulate the wonder of this immense city. Once there, don’t be afraid to be a tourist; feast at one of many popular eateries

like the Hard Rock Café or enjoy the huge flagship stores done the American way (Toys ‘R’ Us have an indoor Ferris wheel!).

If it’s a shopping trip you want, a shopping trip you’ll get; head on down to ‘the most expensive street in the world’ – Fifth Avenue adorned with designer brands, children’s store FAO Schwartz and favourites Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys, this is a shopaholics dream.

Whilst there, why not take a detour to the Rockefeller Centre at Rockefeller Plaza, home to the world’s most visited Christmas tree!

Take the tour and learn all about one of New York’s most famous, fascinating landmarks.

Continue to saunter down Fifth heading towards Central Park; there you’ll see American billionaire Donald Trump’s favourite hangout, the famous Trump Towers.

Asian - CHIC -

Once you’ve had your fill of Midtown, hop on the subway and make your way to Lower Manhattan to visit the iconic Statue of Liberty at New York’s Harbour; for125 years has Lady Liberty held her torch high, providing an iconic representation of those ambitions and values America holds dear. The Harbour is quiet and serene, a nice break from the constant hustle and bustle of the city.

Further along the Harbour, a 25 minute boat ride from Lower Manhattan to the northern tip of Staten Island is available and worth every penny for its priceless views. Throughout the journey you’ll take in the magnificent vistas of Lower Manhattan and the Harbour.

“ Priceless views ” Nearby you’ll find the Financial District, home to New York’s Stock Exchange and, on a more sombre note, the 9/11 memorial; as the world mourned the 10th anniversary of the Twin Towers tragedy in September, the city of New York opened a memorial to the public - each victim of the attacks has been commemorated.

As your sight-seeing comes to a close why not put your feet up and catch a ball game?

Americans love their sports so take a trip to legendary Yankee Stadium in The Bronx. The stadium has a rich and fascinating history, catch the classic tour or simply grab a hotdog and enjoy the game.

For the more gastronomically inclined of you, New York will never let you go hungry no matter what time of day. Fast food joints are situated on almost every corner but New York has just as many high-end restaurants if you want to splash the cash. Why not build up an appetite by taking a long walk to Katz’s Delicatessen, a popular tourist and local haunt, this deli was featured in When Harry Met Sally; remember that scene?

Once the sun starts to set and you’ve had your fill of shopping and sight seeing, get dolled up and head on over to Broadway; no trip to New York would be complete without stopping to see a show. You’ll find all manner of drama, variety, cabaret and comedy in the Theatre District, many hotels have pamphlets, and discounted tickets are available in Times Square. Here you can see theatre at its best, as they say, nobody does live theatre like NYC. With its heart-stopping views, thrumming streets and a million things to do, you need a holiday after a trip here! Never a dull moment, New York City truly is the American dream.

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You Drink We Drive

Tel: 0114 239-39-39 www.sheffieldcitytaxis.com Sheffield’s No1

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Car Spa

350 Brightside Lane, Sheffield, S9 2TF

0800 883 01 54

Rumour has it...

Car Spa is going to be offering members cards for £4! This is not your average hand car wash, think of it as a beauty oasis for your pride and joy!

Bentley Continental GT www.bentleymotors.com

Max speed: 198 mph 0-62 mph: 4.6 secs Combined mpg: 17.1 Engine: 6-litre twin-turbo W12 petrol Max. power (bhp): 567 at 6000 rpm Max. torque (Ib/ft): 516 at 1700 rpm CO2: 384 g/km Price: £135,760 on the road

Tech Spec

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Motoring Car Review

If automotive opulence is what cranks your engine, the latest Bentley Continental GT will set you back £135,760.

- Bentley Continental GT -

The 4-seat coupé builds on the success of its iconic predecessor, capturing that GT spirit but with even higher standards of design, engineering, luxury, craftsmanship, dynamic performance, everyday practicality and refinement.

On the outside, the beautifully sculptured body gives the car an even crisper, more defined appearance. Inside, the contemporary cabin offers fresh levels of comfort and eyecandy; the seats for example, provide greater support and rear leg-room and a sweeping dashboard offers double-helpings of style and modernity.

“ Beautifully sculptured ” Under the bonnet, the car’s 6-litre, 12-cylinder, twin-turbocharged powertrain delivers 567 bhp and 516 lb ft of torque, this is mated to an innovative QuickShift transmission

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which enables double down-shifts (sixth to fourth gear, for example) and improves acceleration across the entire gear range. The result of this is that the Bentley propels you from 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds and, where legal, up to nearly 200 mph - it really is quite staggering, words cannot describe the adrenaline rush. The Bentley Continental GT coupé is worth every penny for this near spiritual sensation alone.

“ Near spiritual sensation ” The engine is coupled to an all-wheel drive system with a sporty 40:60 rear-torque bias (compared with 50:50 of the original Continental GT), minimising understeer during hard cornering and allowing you, if you feel confident enough, to control the car’s line and balance via precise throttle control.

In my opinion, the new Continental GT offers

superb everyday usability, with remarkable levels of finesse and pace; even at warp-speed the Bentley is hushed and tranquil. It owes this to advanced noise-suppression technology, which includes acoustic glazing, underfloor shields and hidden anti-vibration panels.

“ Hushed and tranquil ” I don’t need to tell you that Bentley is a legend, so why not continue to make history with the brand? Unsurpisingly, money is, the only obstacle for most people, but if you are one of the lucky few who are doing well and whose business has perhaps just won a juicy new contract, why not indulge yourself? Of course, if you can’t afford new, save up and go second-hand – the Continental GT will still look the business many years from now. www.carwriteups.co.uk Twitter: @carwriteups