Buzz from Photos
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Tunes
It Up
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Jazz Jukebox
Dave Brubeck Take Five
Duke Ellington Take The A Train
Pushing the limits of jazz to higher notes, Brubeck’s unorthodox measure have paved the way for a more upbeat tone.
With a trumpet solo that is as lively as any bustling city, the song transports you to the yesterdays of the vibrant urban music scene.
Thelonious Monk Round Midnight
In the
ance
Perform
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Getting to know the band New Artist to look out for
Yameen explains that Snarky Puppy is an astounding new artist as they fuse R&B and Jazz in an innovative manner.
Biggest disagreement regarding the music
“Yameen thinks John Mayer is an amazing guitarist and the rest of us could beg to differ,”sighs Rahin.
Greatest challenge in playing a jazz instrument
“Connecting with the audience and getting the right chord; with any instrument changing the chord can alter the feeling evoked from the song,” explains Towfiq.
John Coltrane My Favorite Things
A heart-rending ballad A flawless rendition of what instruments can create the accompanied by perfect harmony. Though predominantly a piano there are a number of playing in the instruments, the solo background; the performance of the simplicity in composition saxophone is never expresses a plethora of overpowered. emotions.
Bento!
Buzz
Let’s go
In the
Tastebuds
Bentos originated from the Japanese cuisine. It used to be prepared by Japanese homemakers who put in their labour of love laying out a full meal of rice, salads, and fish in a box-shaped container for their loved ones. Ashfaque Zaman hunts down the coolest bentos around town
Ichi What we like: For those who would like a taste of eastern Asia but cringe at the sight of uncooked or smoked fish, Ichi provides the ideal Bento Box. It includes a variety of fish with dipping sauces that provide a taste of Japanese cuisine. What’s in the box: Crispy fried shrimp and cuttlefish, sticky rice with sesame, grilled teriyaki cuttlefish, fresh salad, egg, and steamed vegetables with a wasabi mayonnaise. Price: 700 (all inclusive) House 32 2nd Floor, Road 11, Banani, Dhaka
Izumi
Tokyo Express
What we like: A bento that is both vibrant and diverse in colour and taste. It satisfies your meat, vegetable and fish cravings all at one exquisite placing that is nothing short of sumptuous. What’s in the box: Prawn & Spinach starter, boiled edamame beans, fish jelly with sesame sauce, squid & vegetable tempura with tempura sauce, chicken teriyaki, grilled beef tenderloin steak with wasabi sauce, potato croquette, carrots and broccoli, and assorted sushi and maki. Complimentary miso soup and fresh fruits. Price: 1400 ++ House 24/C, Road 113, Gulshan 2, Dhaka
What we like: A bento box with the quintessential Japanese staples, Tokyo express stays true to its name. It also offers a scrumptious variety of the ever so healthy tofu.
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What’s in the box: Fish and seasonal vegetable tempura with a tempura sauce, Osaka spicy beef, Tofu in a teriyaki sauce with sesame seed, sticky rice with spicy cuttlefish, assorted sushi and salmon sandwiches. It’s served with soy tempura sauce and pickled ginger. Price: 990+ House 66, Road 9F, Banani, Dhaka
Photographs by Bayezid (Studio Lorenzo)
Photograph by Chocolight
ICE Becomes the Paparazzi
{ RSVP
{ 26
AHair Affair
Photograph by Chocolight
On September 13, Unilever Bangladesh Limited launched the globally renowned haircare brand TRESemmĂŠ showcasing a dazzling fashion show along with some wonderful musical performances. The event began with musical performances by Nemesis and Elita. A fashion show was organised with grandeur to show the differences between the four seasons. To brighten up this event, former Miss Universe and International Star Sushmita Sen came to Bangladesh to grace this occasion. Along with her, the global hairstylist of TRESemmĂŠ Daniel Bauer also graced this event. Leading artists of the Bangladesh Industry like Bidya Sinha Mim, Mou, Mehazabien were also present in this colorful occasion. Brand Building Director of Unilever Bangladesh Limited, Mr. Zaved Akhtar formally launched the brand on the occasion. 27
Culture Vulture
Living the High Life
Staying within the fringes of mainstream cultures, Aidha Cader, ICE Today’s culture connoisseur has inculcated an appreciation for food, history, travel and art beyond her comfort zone. 30
From space tourism to jewel encrusted water bottles there has been an increase in the sale of ‘non-essential’ goods and experiences, fuelled by a global rise in wealthy consumers. Derived from the Latin word ‘luxus’ meaning excess, the concept of luxury is constantly evolving and subjective to individual and cultural perspectives. Cultural dynamics help inspire ideas that deliver a brand experience in order to indulge, enlighten and influence consumers. Culture informs media and media drives culture. Consumers in different regions have different value perceptions. Understanding value dimensions as motivational drivers of luxury products help us appreciate its diversity. Classifications The ‘rational functionalists’ are consumers who value performance of a luxury brand and are predominantly German and US customers. They associate luxury products with functional value with focus on quality, performance and prestige. “Manufactured in America, Timberland although costly, is still likely to last longer saving money in the long run,” explains American expatriate Anderson living in Dhaka. The French and Italians are ‘luxury lovers’ and believe that high-end goods are exclusive, unique and cannot be mass-produced. “I've always marvelled at the battle between Mercedes and BMW. To me, it's antithetical to be simultaneously exclusive and the most popular at the
same time,” says Benedicte from France. The consumers who focus on brand consciousness and self-satisfaction, regardless of the price or quality are the Chinese and Arabs. Finally, the Spanish who are often categorised as the ‘Satisfied Unpretentious’, emphasises on quality over prestige and are less focused on impressing others. “Flying first class costs more, but I can sleep a full six hours and go to a meeting as soon as I land,” explains Javier from Spain. However, classifications are too simplistic and consumers across regions tend to have a mixed bag of expectations and motivations to buy luxury services or products. The ‘New Rich’ Stigma For the Indian and Bangladeshi consumer, the social is equally important as the individual dimensions. Puja an executive in India
says, “ When I walk into a meeting, I want people to think, ‘wow she looks great’.”At 34, she holds MBAs from both the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, and Cornell University in the US and yet believes that one’s entire ‘getup’ speaks volumes about how you are representing yourself. Gone are the days where only qualifications were sufficient. Many start out by consuming luxury as an indulgence, but come to regard it as a necessity. Buying luxury is more than appreciating fine craftsmanship; it is an affirmation of one's accomplishments to oneself. Asif, young entrepreneur from Dhaka, says, “I am not one to buy brands just to be seen in it, I buy it because I feel I deserve the best.” The working class did not grow up in luxury and Puja’s mother often told her: "You can see but not buy.” Yet she believes in living in the moment. Luxury is, of course, not new to the Indian subcontinent. Royalty and the affluent classes have indulged in it throughout the ages. However, it is no longer the preserved for ‘old money’ and those who have flourished in the last twenty years, after the age of liberalisation, are redefining it. “There is an undertone class struggle among the ‘old rich’ and ‘new rich’ with the former looking down on those who splurge their cash” adds Asif. Yet it is the ‘new rich’ market that is fuelling the growth in luxury goods across the subcontinent. Global Giants Unlike the Indian subcontinent consumers, China doesn’t have a living heritage to influence their tastes. The ‘cultural revolution’ wiped out their imperial past and thereby gave luxury marketers a clean slate. For these consumers a large part of the attraction is also to see the home of the brand and experience the heritage of these sites. As a result Chinese and Russian consumers have come to dominate the global travel trade. Though all luxury brands have large
retail stores back home, a mix of competitive prices, wider selection in Europe and the ‘brag factor’ back home, gives them all the more reason to buy luxury at source. For these consumers, very little beats the story of going to Louis Vuitton in Paris, or to Burberry in London or Valentino in Rome. Asian markets such as Singapore, Japan and Dubai have been trying to woo these customers as a shopping destination for luxury products, yet essentially it still remains a flow from East to West. The Oil Rich The rich gulf Arabs who have come under immense criticisms for not doing their share for the Syrian refugees while they continue to spurge on luxury. Since the oil money started flowing in the 1970s there has been no cramping in living large. As elsewhere, wealthy Arabs like to wear famous brands now. Customised expensive luxury items are in the rage. From custom-made 24-carat gold iPads to a Bengal tiger for decoration at a party to a pygmy goat as a present, luxury can be the ultimate status symbol. The conservativeness of Arab society also drives demand for custom-made entertainment. The rich increasingly want to spend their money on experiences rather than objects. In the Arab luxury market, brands like Beckham can be as valuable as Cartier, Gucci or Rolls Royce. During my recent visit to Iran I was surprised to see roadside billboards advertising from Rolex to Louis Vuitton and the glitzy shopping centres that have sprung up in major cities across the country. After decades of austerity following the Islamic Revolution, middle-class Iranians have developed a taste for high-end designer goods. For Tehran's younger generation, shopping has become the new religion. "Exposure to foreign trends through the internet and satellite television has created a desire for branded products,” says Reza our guide. He also explained that a group of rich young locals have taken to show off their indulgences in luxury on an Instagram page known as ‘Rich Kids of Tehran.’ International banking sanctions placed against Iran over its nuclear program made it extremely difficult for retailers to get their profits out and now with the prospect of these sanctions being lifted with a nuclear deal reached, big brands are waking up to the potential of a barely tapped market. Frugality can get you far, but should you feel guilty for indulging in a luxury that actually improves your life? When money can buy happiness, use it. It may seem frivolous to some, but if it brings you real value, then it's worth it.
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Indulgence
Photo: Internet
The Lure of Luxe
Tamzidur Rahman deciphers the meaning of luxury
An original Roger Vivier design from 1962, this shoe was created for Princess Soraya, who was married to the late Shah of Iran. The price tag was a staggering 19,750 euros (approximately $26,629.06)
Luxury, despite the word’s rather simple origin, encompasses meanings that can be quite difficult to elucidate. While in the common context, it may stand as something priceless and grand, but then one man’s trash really is another man’s treasure. For some the definition of luxury is an expensive supercar (I’m looking at you Lamborghini Veneno), while for others it may simply mean having a quiet dinner at home surrounded by loved ones. People have varied tastes, their situations differ. Thus, it is safe to conclude that luxury, rather than being just about the price, is actually about the value. An exact comprehension of luxury simultaneously calls for an objective, subjective as well as a collective point of view. As a result of studying consumer perceptions, researchers now identify its ‘value’ in the following four dimensions: individual, social, functional and financial. The individual value includes one’s personal enjoyment, social worth covers prestige and status, functional value is pretty much self-explanatory and the financial value guarantees exclusivity. In spite of the fact that a modest 34
cup of cappuccino in the morning may be considered a luxury by some, we’ll focus on the more interesting items that are widely listed as luxurious. Enter the age old question: why buy something that will cost you an arm and a leg when you can purchase a similar product or service for less than a fraction of the price? Yes, even if the said limbs are just loose change to you. For instance, living large in a penthouse in Times Square, New York would most definitely add to one’s social status. Wearing a Bulgari Magsonic Grande Sonnerie is bound to pledge superiority and exclusivity. Goes without saying, either one (or both) of the above will do the polar opposite of brutally murdering a sane human being’s personal enjoyment. Then again, won’t any old apartment afford a roof over your head and will not the simple display of your cell phone tell you the time? So what other function do the extravagant serve? While the classic traits of luxury do hold significance, it is more about personal indulgence than anything else. It isn’t an indication to vanity. The pleasure doesn’t just centre on the price or the uniqueness. Luxury is a little more meaningful and suggestive than just owning a
branded product. It is the need to pamper oneself. A luxury item has a lot to do with the experience rather than just mere ownership. Admittedly, rocking a pair of shiny Jimmy Choos will enhance the wearer’s image in society by leaps and bounds however; the wearer will find that the experience is substantive. Using a product crafted to perfection with the utmost passion and inherent care is unquestionably going to kindle an intimate relationship with it. So, is luxury more than just the social shine and bling? Yes, yes it is - it’s the feeling of love. Luxury isn’t exactly about just leaving a footprint – it stands to serve a purpose. The modern mantra to luxury is self-gratification. Luxury brings a little piece of perfection to one’s life, a dose of another’s love and the feeling of being passionately cared for. That may just be the answer to why you might choose to buy the iPhone 6 or 6 Plus as opposed to the less pricey HTC One M8, regardless of identical qualities and purpose.
Portfolio 1
Passion for Execellence On rare occasions, just the right planets align with only the right stars and make magic. These are the moments worth living for, the shimmering capsules of time worth the price. On these rare occasions, reality is more magical than magic itself. Model: Mashiat Wardrobe: Rina Latif Jewellery: Pearl Oasis Makeup and hair: Farzana Shakil’s Photographs: Abu Naser
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Portfolio 2
Mystique Monologues Let the drapes take you over as you revisit the exaggerated silhouettes enveloping you in a cocoon of grace and glory Model: Samin Wardrobe: Aranya Jewellery: Parineeta Gold Makeup and hair: Farzana Shakil’s Photographs: Riyad Ashraf
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Design Inspiration
Perfection in Every Thread Tawhidur Rashid catches up with Zaeem Jamal, the designer and owner of the eponymous British luxury brand and comes back enthralled Photographs from Zaeem Jamal
What does ‘luxury’ stand for? If you talk about it in its true meaning – it is something that is rare, exclusive, and has some level of craftsmanship that strides for an element of perfection. In one word, it’s a symbol of uniqueness. Luxury doesn’t necessarily mean something ‘bling’ People put the price on the shine first rather than the outcome. If something is rare because it is handcrafted, a labour of love, then additionally because of the amount of effort put into it, it might become expensive. The price tag does not represent the shimmery shine but the perfection of the craft. Masterful craftsmanship is important to create a stunning gown. But somehow your collection seems to have a deeper connect with the customers. What’s the story behind creating a single Zaeem Jamal piece? When it came to establishing the Zaeem Jamal brand, the philosophy was to revive quintessential luxury, combining heritage and traditional
values with modern innovation and excellence. A key aesthetic is intricately weaving the most exquisite hand embroidered craftsmanship into carefully sourced fine satins, chiffons and crepe silks. We have garnered a reputation of rejecting the highest quantity of fabrics in Delhi (where we source our pure silks) because we inspect every inch meticulously and if there is even the slightest
On location at in Jodhpur when Zaeem was invited to showcase his collections at the Palace, hosted by the Maharajah and British Polo Day.
Our focus is that each customer should be delighted and our satisfaction only comes when she feels fantastic in her desired creation
defect, we send it back to the supplier. This is all part of the essence of creating something that is the best it can be, to be worn by the lady who dares to be the best she can be. From the way each piece is designed to the manner in which it is crafted, every team member involved is working with passion and they are doing it with great care, skilfully paying attention to the last detail. As a result, the end creation embodies a fabulous feeling. A mother’s cooking may not be the same as a restaurant chef, but there is always an extra special feeling experienced when eating her food because she put special love and attention into it. It can be exactly the same with fashion or anything that is crafted for that matter – if one creates it with passion, love and care then it becomes ‘extraordinary.’ This is an essential part of our brand ethos. How do you merge your themes of the contemporary and the timeless designs? Every season is a journey of inspiration through global heritage, legends, myths and mysteries, to remind, re-ignite and inspire the very best in us all. Our ancestors were wise and it 48
could be said perhaps that they were especially connected to the great secrets of life. Recent explorations in themes have included Celtic motifs and powerful archetypes of Camelot, to the marvels of the Mayans and the treasures and secret codes of the Ancient Egyptians. Delving in, researching history, learning about beliefs by visiting archaeological sites, analysing elements & spaces in temples and palaces and walking the landscapes all helps to connect the dots and put the pieces together. Taking the example of our Ancient Egyptian inspired collection - modern architects and engineers still cannot figure out how the Great Pyramids were created so it was fascinating for me to discover that one of the tools used in their architecture was the ‘Golden ratio’. Not only was it used to perfect the proportions in buildings but fashion as well, so we have also brought it to life in our collections. Travelling along the mystical monuments along the River Nile, one can see the precise detail in regal ancient dresses in the larger than life carvings of Queens and goddesses. The colour palette reveals itself on hand painted murals adorning the better
Zaeem Jamal
preserved monuments underground. To bring this all into the contemporary world we use modern production techniques whilst understanding and incorporating the style preferences of leading women today. How important is it for you as a designer to implement what your customer desires in their outfit? How difficult is it to meet their expectations? Our focus is that each customer should be delighted and our satisfaction only comes when she feels fantastic in her desired creation. In a world filled with reproductions, repetitions and globalisation which has reduced the individuality of much of the world of fashion, it becomes harder and harder for a lady who wishes to find authentic ways to express her unique individual style. But at Zaeem Jamal we help her find ‘the’ dress – to feel beautiful and feminine, reflecting her vision and preferences, with the ability in our bespoke service to choose any colour, any customisation, and specify every detail. Silks can be dyed to any palette, embroideries and silhouettes sketched and brought to life through care, design
Gold signature clutch; silk cocktail dress
and craftsmanship for all who dare to think outside the box and dare to dream, and finally to bring those dreams into reality. We are happy to source any special additional requirements whether it may be a special crystal gemstone to set in the embroidery or accessories such as flowing capes, gem embellished shoes or handmade bags. As a customer of ours, you are limited only by your own imagination - and even there, our design team shall assist in the creation of your perfect piece. Give us a deeper insight on your brand’s signature lining ‘Flower of Life’ pattern which is present in each of your bags. The ‘Flower of Life’ is a beautiful geometric pattern which has been found in old mosques, churches and other places around the world from more ancient times. There is a belief that it represents ‘regeneration’ which is why I believe it is a lovely element to have, enveloping the treasured possessions that a lady keeps inside her handbag. Whether you believes in that specific symbolism or not, simply look at the way geometric patterns on wallpapers, carvings or in a panel at a mosque or a temple – there is something very calming and balancing about them. The Bangladeshi market for luxury line of clothing and accessories is too few and far in between. Why not introduce Zaeem Jamal to the customers here? Whilst we may not have a physical retail presence here, we already have a select
clientele from Bangladesh who make purchases from our flagship store on the Kings Road in Chelsea, London. Our gowns, clutches, shoes and pashminas have proved to be especially popular. Because of the unlimited potential in our bespoke service with its array of embroidery styles and exclusive crystal work, we have had made several private commissions for fusion styles such as long embellished jackets, as well as ethnic bridal wear including spectacular sarees and lehengas for brides in South Asia. If there is a bride from Bangladesh looking for something completely unique and unusual, crafted in our very special way, it would be a pleasure to customise something exquisite for her. Recently we have also opened our online boutique which means any customer from Bangladesh will be able to place an order online and have it couriered here to the location of her choice. What kind of trends do you think will enrich the Bangladeshi market now regarding couture and customized exquisite ensembles? I have been visiting Dhaka for over fifteen years and it is definitely visible in society that there has been a great evolution in fashion. People are experimenting more; they are wearing different silhouettes and a variety of styles. Travelling globally has been increasing over the last decade which means people have been able to bring in and share different ideas. The expanse of technology and social media has also made
fashion trends and design more accessible, in fact directly to our doorsteps. This will continue to play a part in sparking more variety and curiosity. From my perspective it is also extremely positive to see the variety of shops that have opened up in Dhaka especially over the last year - this is a great beginning for a relatively young country. To have made such a difference in such a short time is a good sign of the things to come and when you see some of the innovative ideas in terms of display and design in new retail openings here, it’s a sign that other South Asian neighbours need to watch out as talented young designers and entrepreneurs from Bangladesh begin to step into the regional limelight. I do hope that as they embark upon this journey, young designers here look to their own rich national heritage and help to support and foster local skilled craftsmanship from hand embroidery through to handloom fabrics.
‘Golden Diva’ couture evening gown
Burnt orange silk tunic dress; Angel canvas tote 49
Your It List Portfolio 3
Poised to Impress Elegance is a journey where she has to burn her hands with the fire of passion and creativity. An ensemble worth swooning over for its shimmer and royal appeal. Model: Isha Wardrobe: StyleSell Jewellery: Nakshatra Gold Makeup and hair: Farzana Shakil’s Photographs: Riyad Ashraf
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Portfolio 4
Suited for Success Walk like you own the show and take whatever life throws at you with an undeniable flamboyance. Have the knack to dress to the nines for your best moments. The world is your oyster, make it large! Model: Nahid Wardrobe: Zurhem Makeup and hair: Farzana Shakil’s Photographs: Riyad Ashraf
OCTOBER 2015
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return of the
Musing
Coffee Houses
Fatima Faheem and Humayra Rahman Mitul relish a cuppa
W Why are coffee houses so important? Historically, they are where great ideas are born. From thinkers to writers to various artists, all of them confided in coffee houses as places of creative inspiration for centuries. No wonder the hike of coffee houses directly coincide with the Age of Enlightenment. Coffee houses in Dhaka played an important role in helping individuals weave the socialisation thread. The coffee house gossip used to be in spotlight decades ago. But other eatery, offering variety of eats and drinks have stolen the spotlight. However, quite recently from pastry shops to ice-cream parlours to donut shops, coffee houses have strived their way and made Dhaka streets busier than ever. The décor is another striking feature that sets coffee houses
apart. It does not aim for posh and elegance, rather convenience and comfort. From mismatched pieces to a specific theme, they have it all. The lighting, music playing in the background and most importantly the thick, coffee aroma sets a unique environment which immediately renders the person to feel alive and set their mind on to whatever they want. Coffee houses are the ideal place to meet up old friends and recall the perfectly imperfect days. Chills run down Humayra’s spine as someone mentions the prank that almost got all of us into troublesomething we would never be brave enough to do again. Looking back, the only picture we get to see is the bold, daring side of us. As the conversation flows, we notice that there’s more to our friendship than just silly pranks. We were there for each other
Photographs by Kazi Ahnaf Aquib
From pastry shops to ice-cream parlours to donut shops, coffee houses have strived their way and made Dhaka streets busier than ever through thick and thin and we are who we are because of these unnecessary yet necessary long conversations. The good things and bad things helped shape our lives in the way it is. Nothing like The Hot Café Latte at Columbus Cofee could ever complement such deep thoughts and emotions. As absurd as it may sound, a few suggest that coffee houses are the best places to study. It’s not as busy as the other eatery and the fresh aroma of roasted coffee beans make up for any noise that is made in the surrounding. Indeed, coffee houses like North End Coffee Roasters and Georges’ Café are filled with students concentrating on books, working on their laptops and even discussing projects. Sipping in the perfectly blended Hazelnut Latte or Cappuchino energizes and refreshes the mind which in turn enhances productivity. Be it a solo or group study sessions, they seem to be as effective, and in some cases even more, in a coffee house as it would have been in a library. Coffee houses played, and still plays a significant role in building our nation. People stumble upon great ideas while discussing business proposals or even start-ups. Coffee houses like Beans and Aroma provide a platform for potential individuals from
different academic background to brainstorm and merge their ideas. Moreover, it gives them a good opportunity to identify the flaws in each other’s ideas so that the final output is picture perfect. Drinks like the Café Mocha and the Cookies and Cream Crushers are delicious companions to a gruelling brainstorming session From business start-up ideas to casual and professional meetings, coffee houses have witnessed them all. Be it a posh coffee house or a street side coffee stall, the scenario is the same. It’s either the gossip, the meet-up, study sessions, planning sessions or business meetings that drags the crowd to grab their favourite cuppa. From college friends hanging out and listening to the radio to today’s generation asking for the Wi-Fi password and taking selfies- the coffee houses have imprints of very many personalities. Although people’s choices and activities may have changed but the the essence of the coffee houses remains the same. It is still that one place where you can curl up in a couch alone with a mug of your favourite coffee without hesitance and it is also a place where you can meet up with long lost friends. The coffee house adapts to cater the coffee lover’s needs; it will be what you want it to be at your time of need!
Math Behind the Machine
The
Gizmo
Irad Mustafa breaks down the specs of OnePlus 2 Last year the OnePlus One knocked socks off with its high-end specifications and relatively cheap price tag. Due to its success, questions were being raised regarding whether the fledgling Chinese brand would be able to deliver again with its successor phone, the OnePlus 2. With their second instalment OnePlus still provides the phone at too-good-to-be-true reasonable price with tempting specs however, the question still remains. Does the phone have enough to justify the “Flagship Killer� tagline? When you see the specifications
OnePlus 2
on paper you’d definitely think it has the chops to justify its bold slogan. The 2 houses a 1.8GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, 4GB of RAM on the 64GB storage version and 3GB of RAM on the 16GB version which makes it smooth and lag-free. However, this does not mean that it’s going to be as fast or as efficient as the Exynos chipset used by the Galaxy S6. Both models of the phone pack an embedded, irremovable 3,300 mAh battery which lets the phone last you a full day from moderate usage. The OnePlus 2 is also the first flagship smartphone to adopt the new reversible USB Type-C charging port, which allows you to plug the cable in either way. This will slowly replace microUSBs and become more common with 2016 flagships as Google builds in USB Type-C support into the upcoming Android 6.0 Marshmallow. However, due to this feature you won't be able to use microUSB cables of other phones for emergency charging options, however this shouldn’t be an issue because of the phone’s beefed up battery pack. Eyebrows were raised when the company opted to go for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor as it has a bad history of causing heating problems in the Sony Xperia Z3+ and the HTC One M9. The OnePlus 2 does get a bit warm without too much provocation, such as heating up around the top and back of the phone just from some light browsing. Since the sides of the phone are metal the phone can be a tad uncomfortable to hold when playing games as the metal conducts the heat. However, OnePlus has stated that their OxygenOS has been optimised to work with the hardware, so it won't overheat which is somewhat true. It never gets flat-out hot from regular usage but if you’re using it outdoors in the Dhaka sun it might throttle like a firecracker. The first OnePlus phone launched with a CyanogenMod which is a custom Android build that isn't issued by Google. With the ‘2’, the company introduces their own OxygenOS which is a custom skin that's eerily close to the stock Android, and is based on Android Lollipop 5.1. What this OS does is that it simply adds to the existing Android experience, rather than making radical changes. It comes with a few nifty features such as customisable icons, a double-tap to wake it up option, and a brand new feature called Shelf which allows you to access your most used apps and contacts with just one swipe.
One of the strongest features of the handset is its camera. The OnePlus 2's camera app is an enhanced version of the default Google camera app only with more accurate colours and details, with objects easily snapping into focus. The front 5-megapixel camera can take full-HD shots while the rear one has the ability to record 4K videos. It easily adjusts to lighting conditions and focuses when you're shooting videos, saving a lot of trouble. The camera’s depths of field effects are quite astounding and while it won’t hold up with a proper DSLR, the OnePlus 2 gets the job done. On the outside, the OnePlus 2 sports a sleek metal frame around its circumference giving it a premium feel. The rear side retains a removable plastic back plate which has the dual SIM slot. All the capacitive keys have been kept upfront though the home button now looks and feels like a regular key. Interestingly though it isn’t really a button at all. It’s more of a shallow depression which doubles as a fingerprint sensor that you can use to wake the phone. On the left side you’ll find a dedicated, 3-step switch which allows you to toggle between an “Alarm Only” mode, a “Priority-only notifications” mode, and a normal mode. On the right, you have your power key and the volume buttons, both of which offer a distinct 'click' when pressed. OnePlus, regardless of their initial success have stuck with their previous invite system which might make acquiring the phone quite bothersome. The invite system means that you can only get the phone if you receive an invite from a OnePlus One user. The company claims that over two million people have already registered for the Two so you could still be in for a long wait. However, vendors in Bangladesh have already started bringing in the phone and pricing it around Tk 40,000 (though the actual market value is a much lower $389) which removes the invite hassle for us, making it easier to get. In conclusion, the OnePlus 2 is a great phone which packs an amazing camera, a superfast octa-core processor and metal construction in a deal that costs way less than what you'd expect. However, it lacks certain features like NFC, a microSD card slot, a removable battery, and quick/wireless charging which means it’s not a flagship killer. In truth, it is simply another high-powered phone that stands out among high-end phones because of its price advantage. It's still an excellent purchase and will give 2015 handsets a run for their money.
OCTOBER 2015
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Portfolio 5
Regal Elegance A hint of shine and a glimmer of love. The deshi form of luxury is a rare privilege for the modern woman. Every ball is a bash and each event a celebration; drape yourself with the bold and the gorgeous at every step of the way; bring the diva out and flaunt your luxe with Êlan! Model: Oshin Wardrobe and accessories: Ahang Makeup and hair: Farzana Shakil’s Photographs: Abir Hossain Noman Location: Lucknow, Banani
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Portfolio 6
Picture Perfect The glory of devotion is granted only to believers. Have a little faith in the colours that nature has to offer and embrace the fruits of divine beauty. Allow the winds of worship to sway you as it pleases. Models: Methela and Shanto Wardrobe: Rang Makeup and hair: Farzana Shakil’s Photographs: Topu Reheman
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Fine Dining
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In the last decade or so, Dhaka has undergone a gastronomic revolution: thanks to the ever-growing number of international chain restaurants and hotels. Le Méridien promises to carry this trend forward with the introduction of their fine dining restaurant Favola, translating to ‘fables’ in English. We take a look to see if they deliver on their promises; whether or not it truly is the answer to the prayers of gourmet food enthusiasts of Dhaka. While in most restaurants the customers loop through an endless maze of items, the refreshingly well, thought-out menu of Favola offers a short and uncomplicated selection of starters, main courses and desserts, along with brief descriptions. Any foodie will find their way through in no time. Added advantage is the exquisite interior and the uber-chic interior of the restaurant - even the chandeliers seem to have stories of their own. To add more, the panoramic vista on the other side of the window through which one can see aeroplanes taking off will give foodies the urge to jump start on his or her much-desired epicurean flight. To cut a long story short, let’s talk about the food that left an impression.
Photographs from Le Méridien
Of Gastronomy and Grandeur
Rashed Iqbal takes a look at Le Méridien’s Italian restaurant Favola
The Inslata di Pollo (Chicken Salad) came as a starter. The white meat of the perfectly roasted chicken breast peeked through the golden brown skin, gleaming from the glistening touch of tomato and olive oil dressing in all its succulent glory. The tender slices gently rested on the leafy, green bed of fresh and crunchy romaine and iceberg lettuce; as the plump and sweet cherry tomatoes lay around. Occasional bites from the golden brown slice of garlic bread added to the texture. The salad dressing of herbs and olive oil emanated the true essence of Italy, binding the salad together with a subtle hint of lemon. Another appetiser that deserves to be mentioned was the Zuppa di Pollo (Cream of Chicken Soup). A rich, creamy soup containing bite size pieces of chicken. Making soup is an art of delicately balancing the ingredients and this was absolutely spot-on. The delectable chicken bites melted in the mouth and blended in seamless harmony with the creamy texture of the soup. The intoxicating smell of the herbs coming from the steaming hot soup prepares you for the main course.
sweet flavour of cheese wasn't overpowered by the bitter coffee soaked ladyfingers. Although the presentation had a modern touch, the taste stayed true to its roots. Favola is the one place every foodie should be making a point of visiting as soon as they can. If this review hasn’t already sold it to you, give it a shot as it’s a risk worth taking!
Le Méridien Dhaka 79/A Commercial Area, Nikunja 2, Khilkhet, Dhaka lemeridien.com/dhaka
From a plethora of sumptuous delicacies, opting for pizza seemed to be the best idea. To be honest what can go wrong with an authentic pizza? Nothing really. The pizza was exactly what you'd expect an authentic Italian pizza to be; handmade, fire-oven baked; it had a crunchy and chewy thin crust with charred edges. To top it off, the pizza was smothered with classic tomato sauce and assorted cheese. The mildly sweet and sour sauce had a playful affair with the crunchy and chewy crust below and salty cheese sitting on top with its meaty goodness of salami and sour olives and avocado. For dessert, the Tiramisu couldn’t be missed. Finding authentic tiramisu in Dhaka could prove to be quite the task for a foodie, and that's where Favola comes in. Getting the mascarpone cheese to be of the right consistency is crucial in the making of Tiramisu, and the pastry chef at Favola has won the heart with his masterpiece of a dessert. It was love at first bite! The tangy,
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Entertainment
Laughter & Illusions Munira Fidai chats up Fuad Moazzam Hossain, or Max Mystel, as he likes to call himself, a rising star in the field of stand-up comedy
Photograph by Rashebehari Das
Stand-up comedy is a slow but steadily rising trend in the field of comedy. While in other parts of the world, this sphere of humour is well known, it can be considered relatively new in the comedy platform of Bangladesh. Every celebrity has some characteristics which show through from childhood.We asked Max what made him stand out as a child. Max considers himself to be an extremely introverted child, like someone who’d be really happy if anyone paid them any attention at all. “I used to sing at the school functions, it wasn’t the greatest. I wasn’t very confident; in fact, the only reason I would take part in them was to bunk classes!” No success story is smooth. Max tells us, what his ride was like… “My dad would throw away packs of cards and I would buy them back again from the two Riyadh stores, in Saudi Arabia, where I grew up.” He recalls that
the first ever show that he did in school at the age of thirteen, was funded by his father on the condition that he’d never do another magic show again! “I lied because I absolutely love magic and the reason back then, for me, was that it got me attention.” His parents are proud of him now, but it took them eleven years to realise this. It never came easy, he feels, belonging to a typical Bangladeshi family, where there are only three professions to choose from- a doctor, lawyer or an engineer, he continued. “Most kids have it lucky they have three choices. I had only onedoctor.” What about before your performances in India and after, we probed. Before India, things were difficult, Max relays. “I would play videogames till ungodly hours in the morning, I wasn’t doing any shows, and I was so depressed I would find reasons to not hang out with my best friends.” he admitted sheepishly. “Let’s put it this way, going to India felt
His parents are proud of him now, but it took them eleven years to realise this.
Photograph by Rohit Parab
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One of the things a performer should never do is let success get to their head like going to rehab and back.” India was surprisingly easy, he exclaimed! “There was this one bar I performed in, where I was told to open for a bad audience, only because I was an underestimated foreigner. Now that’s the worst position to have because the one who opens sets a benchmark for the other comedians. A benchmark I did set, but none of the others could live up to it,” he chuckles. Max’s experience on the silver screen with Sourav Ganguly, on his quiz show, Dadagiri… “I felt amazing that I was able to fool Sourav Ganguly on air,” says Max slyly. As a person I thought he was super cool. And there’s one person I’d like to give a shout-out to, and it’d be wrong if I didn’t- it’s somebody called Shawon Majumder.” Shawon, he explained was the one who showed the director from Mirakkel and Dadagiri, Max’s show reels and he was so impressed that he invited Max to come and participate. What about fan hate? “I’ve had bad shows. I can’t kill it at every show. One criticism I have received is that, all of my jokes have long set ups. I like long set ups because that’s my style. But then again I feel that the style of comedy is subjective. Every comic has their own style. No one can have the last word on what’s funny.” On the hindsight, there are some entertainment industry practices that Max feels, are demoralising. “Comics are underpaid, whereas mostly, the budgets to sign these performers on are huge.” he exclaims. So where does all the money go? “I speak for all the
performers out there who are exploited because they are new out there. Please recognise the fact that you are hiring a specialised service.” What’s the way forward? In Bangladesh, there are not enough people out there who know about standup, says Max. “I don’t want to be a performer who needs to leave the country to be able to perform. I’d rather be here than travel to India. But what’s really sad is that we have so many great artists, but unless there is a ‘bideshi thappa’ or stamp on them, our country fails to recognise their talent, unless, of course, you are very influential.” “When I was in India every single person there knew I was Bangladeshi. I felt proud. I think it’s time my country felt proud that they have us too.” Started from the bottom and now you’re here. Do you let success get to your head? “I started performing on the streets. Over there, motivations were entirely different. If I don’t make people laugh today I don’t get paid. Nor can I pay my rent or eat. It’s nice to receive the attention that I get, since I grew up as a kid who pined for attention, but at the same time, I don’t know what to do with it,” Max nods shyly. “There was a time when being famous was super cool but one of the things that a performer should never do is let success get to their head,” he says. No performer has started famous. “I was homelesseating out of trashcans, sleeping on buses with homeless people before I started making money. I never want to forget my roots.”
Laughing Out Loud Tina Fey
Actress of the popular sitcom 30 Rock, Tina Fey is Saturday Night Live’s first –ever female head writer.
Jimmy Kimmel
While he’s busy poking fun at people on his late night show, little did we know that Kimmel served as an altar boy when he was nine years old.
Amy Poehler
She once threw a "losers party" with Jon Hamm and charged only people who had won awards to get inside.
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Photo Story
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A State of Serenity There’s nothing more divine than the sights and sounds of Dubai. Mishel Green captures the breathtaking beauty of the Burj Khalifa, Khorfan Beach, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and various other landmarks.
The Skyline from Palm Jumeirah is an expanse of unreal beauty and grandiose
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Transport yourself to a world of fantasy at the Miracle Garden in Dubai
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Trouble melts like lemon drops as the cool ocean breeze soothes your soul at UAE’s Khorfakkan Beach
The royal blues and greens make the peacock in Zabeel Palace a majestic sight 85
Fujairah Mosque towers high and yet welcomes the onlooker to discover its mystical charm
When the sun goes down, the Dubai skies paint a vision of glory
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Your It List Portfolio 7
On the lap of nature A fine romance between your passionate laughter and the wilderness calls for a celebration. Let your heart embrace this joy that is life Model: Sabnam Faria Wardrobe and jewellery: Aarong Makeup and hair: Farzana Shakil’s Photographs: Riyad Ashraf
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Portfolio 8
Precious Bonds The eyes speak what the heart cannot. The delicate drapes weave together an indispensable bond of love as these vibrant shades enjoy their moment of glory. Models: Riba and Sunerah Jewellery: Gitanjali Wardrobe: Mansha Makeup and hair: Farzana Shakil’s Photographs: Rafiqul Islam, Raf Click 94
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ICEList The Luxe
The Luxe List kicks off right here right now in extravaganza and splendour. Turn the pages to take your fabulous pick! Glamour
Adornments
Retreat
Exquisite Escapade The Westin Harmony (1 hour 45 minutes) Tk 9,500 Indulge yourself with a 45 minutes body scrub and wrap followed by a relaxing massage for 60 minutes with this package at The Westin Spa. You can choose your favourites from the range of body scrub and wrap and lotion for massage. Enjoy comfort and skincare in one package with The Westin Harmony!
{ Chic retreat }
Photo: Westin
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evive, relieve and rejuvenate your senses with the exotic packages at The Westin Spa. If you’ve been working too hard, this connoisseur’s paradise offers a wide range of treatments to soothe your jangled nerves. Here are a few favourites which will be a sure-fire cure for you! Turmeric Body Scrub and Wrap (for dry to normal skin) Tk 5,500 Mixed with Vitamin C and turmeric, this scrub will give you a glowy skin and improve blood circulation. The rich mousse will help scrub away loose and dead skin leaving a velvety smooth skin. At the end of the massage, you’ll love the skin you’re in!
The Westin Beauty (2 hours 30 minutes) Tk 14,500 This package has ‘skintastic’ written all over it! With a choice of your favourite body scrub and wrap for 30 minutes, followed by a massage and a refreshing facial for 60 minutes each, it’s like going to heaven and back. Embrace this pampering, you’ve earned it! Romantic Reflection (2 hours) Tk 20,500 A weekend getaway with your sweetie never looked better! The package offers you both an Aroma Massage with a milky lotion and a charming white facial for 45 minutes each and to top it all off, a private Jacuzzi for the two of you for 30 minutes. Now that’s romantic! The Westin Dhaka Main Gulshan Avenue, Dhaka
Diamond Cut Set Necklace Tk 7, 10,000 Earrings Tk 150, 000
Polki Uncut Diamond Set Necklace+ earrings Tk 18,54,000
Fatima Faheem is fascinated by Gitanjali Lifestyle’s regal pieces Polki Uncut Diamond Set
(necklace+ earrings) Total Price Tk 1l,93,000
Polki Bangles Tk 9,53,000
Chand Bali Earrings Tk 3,42,000
Kundan Pearl Set
(necklace+ earrings+ tikli) Tk 5, 50,000
Ruby Bangles with Diamond Cut
Price Tk 13,00,000 per piece
65, Suvastu Imam Square, 1st floor , Gulshan Avenue, Dhaka
Emporio Armani EG3161040 Pure Eagle Circles Bracelet – Silver Tk 22,400 Talk about glint and shine! This bracelet is well worth its name. From the makers of Emporio Armani add grandeur to any ensemble with this timeless piece.
Diva's Den Emporio Armani Gold Plated Stainless Steel Stud Tk 18,000 Accessorize your wardrobe with these designer studs from Emporio Armani. Made of stainless steel and platinum, these studs are just what the doctor ordered to glam up your look!
Samira Shakur amps up the luxe factor with an exclusive extravaganza of goodies for the sassy ladies!
Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 Pro – Silver Tk 60,000.00 Enjoy the traits of a powerful tablet and an integrated pico projector in the new Lenovo Yoga Tablet Pro 2! It comes with an innovative kickstand that answers convenience with an unparalleled battery life of 15 hours!
Versace Vanitas eau de parfum Tk 10,553 It speaks of everything chic! With a top note of citrus lime lingering on to floral notes of freesia and tiare, this Versace bottle of elegance is grab-worthy!
Grab your favourite Daraz products in the comfort of your home with a few clicks away at daraz.com.bd Photographs from Daraz
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Disc Blu-ray h c .1 5 ck 90W m – Bla DV N9 Sony B Theatre Syste e ™ Hom 0 h Sony’s 0 ,0 g up wit at boasts an Tk 88 in v li r u th yo Gear up Home Theatre ompatible l C e ! n y t n li a qua t’s 5.1ch picture l ats, wha a n m r io o t f ia ivity d e excep e conn ct e of m t g e n n a r r e t a with llows in it also a more is convenience. d for adde
Emporio Armani ARS1010 Swiss Lizard-Embossed Leather Strap Tk 100,300 Forever contemporary and in vogue – this Emporio Armani designer timepiece will never go out of fashion that’s for sure! Featuring a blue lizard strap and a sleek sub-second display, this analog designer watch is a status symbol.
Allure Homme Sport from the House of Chanel Tk 9,750 Incorporating four essential components- fresh, sensual, woody and spicy this has just about the perfect fragrance to amplify the machismo in you!
Fashion De Paris Men's Cufflinks - Black and Silver Tk 1,240 Whether kissing-cuffs or the barron-style, cufflinks have been linked with suave gentlemen since the history of fashion. Fashion de Paris presents these classy cufflinks in black and silver that is sure to give Don Draper a run for panache!
Emporio Armani EGS1882040 Silicone Studs Bracelet – Black Tk 18,000 When it comes to men’s bracelets, it’s always about power, strength combined with style. Emporio Armani Silicon studs bracelet in black does precisely that with an added vintage value to it – just what your man wants! Grab your favourite Daraz products in the comfort of your home with a few clicks away at daraz.com.bd Photographs from Daraz
et it or regret it
Fatima Faheem dabbles through Stylesell’s collection of chic clutches Let’s face it! Be it casual outings or celebratory nights out, you’re not quite ready unless you’re carrying a cool purse. Stylesell lets you ladies bring back the bling on your ensemble.
Multicolored clutch with stone work (Tk 18,720) Mix and match this with a muted sari or a gown-style kameez and you’re ready for a night out.
White Clutch made of pearls (Tk 6,032) For those of you who prefer light colours, this clutch with pearl embellishments should give you that subtlety you’re looking for.
Metal Clutch with black stones (Tk 30, 680) Be it a sari or formal wear, you can never go wrong with this one. Metal finish and black stones - you’re outfit is certainly on point! 108
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Hot pink clutch with Karchupi work (Tk 9,152) For a more traditional look, the karchupi embroidery with shimmery stones will be a magnificent addition to your outfit
StyleSell
House 2, Road 9, Gulshan 1, Dhaka
Your It List Getaways
Too Good to Be True
Looking for the perfect weekend getaway? The Palace Luxury Resort puts an end to your search. The resort offers you blissful experiences such as hundred and seven spacious rooms as well as twenty-two villas offering modern amenities. ‘Luxury’ happens to be their mantra; hence the resort is fully geared towards pampering you to the fullest. The facilities include Helipads, which will bring you to this grand retreat in a few short hours from the capital city. The Palace also has buggy carts an expansive lake, an amphitheater and an infinity pool on top of a hill to make you feel at the top of the world. The Main Tower Building offers splendid views, easy access to all the resort areas and of course present with all modern amenities. They are designed for luxury and comfort and that is a vacationer's favorite combination. If you want to amp up the comfort factor, the Villas are a treat indeed. Starting from Tk 20000++ to Tk 120000++ for the Presidential Villa, this is certainly what you’d call ‘home away from home.’ The Presidential Villa is easily the jewel in the crown. Cradled within the hills, nature on all sides, the Villas offer breathtaking views of Sylhet's picturesque landscape. Furnished with a giant 3D TV, a Jacuzzi and gaming consoles, here 110
you wish to forget that the other, city part of your life even exists. What are you waiting for? Escape from the urban jungle and lose yourself at The Palace Luxury Resort. Location: Putijuri, Bahubal, Habiganj, Sylhet For more information on The Palace Luxury Resort: Green Planet Resort Limited House # 14, Road # 3, Sector # 6 Uttara, Dhaka-1230, Bangladesh
Recipes
Gourmand, have you eaten?
Aidha Cader explores fine dining in the city and helps you decipher some of their gourmet delights! Photographs by Abu Naser@Station
Tuna Starter Le MĂŠridien
Ingredients 200g fresh tuna 10 cherry tomatoes 10g breadcrumbs 20g capsicum 10g parsley, chopped 10g black olives 5g green chillies 10g radish, sliced
olive oil salt and pepper orange juice balsamic reduction Preparation Marinate tuna with salt, pepper, lemon juice, orange juice, balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Sear the tuna until cooked on the outside. Slice the chuck of grilled tuna into 1-½ inch slices. Place it on a plate and decorate the dish with the remaining items.
Smoked Salmon Starter Le MĂŠridien
Ingredients 200g smoked salmon 10g onion, sliced 5g cappers 5g caviar 5g dill 5g horse radish 5g parsley 5g lemon salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Roll two slices of smoked salmon with sliced onions in the centre. Dip the salmon rolls in caviar and coat well. Arrange it over the smoked salmon slices and garnish with parsley, caper, and dill. Season with lemon, salt and pepper.
Dark Chocolate Mousse with Mango Macaron Le MĂŠridien
Ingredients 8 readymade chocolate cups Crème Anglaise 375g cream 375g milk 150g egg yolks 100g sugar Mousse 640g dark chocolate, melted 20g gelatine, dissolved 800g whipped cream Macaron 150g almond powder 150g icing sugar 22g egg whites 150g sugar 40g water 55g egg whites Macaron Ganache 165g white chocolate, melted 15g whipping cream 20g butter 20g sugar 90g mango puree Preparation Crème Anglaise In a heavy gauge pan bring cream and milk to boil. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with sugar and add to the milk mixture. Cook for a minute until the sauce is thick, stirring continuously on moderate heat. Remove from stove and set aside. Mousse Mix the dark chocolate with the anglaise and gelatine. Set aside to cool. Fold the mousse with the whipped cream and set in a refrigerator.
Macarons Mix almond powder with icing sugar and 55g of egg whites. Dissolve sugar with water and bring it to boil at 115f. Whisk the remaining egg whites until foamy and add the hot sugar syrup slowly. Fold in the almond mixture. Pour into a piping bag and make 2-inch discs on a lined baking tray. Bake at 160f for 18 minutes. Ganache Bring the milk, mango puree and sugar to boil. Remove from stove and stir in the white chocolate and butter. Set aside to cool in a refrigerator. Assembly Fill the chocolate cups with the mousse and bring two halves together. Spread a teaspoon of ganache on the macarons and sandwich it together. Place the chocolate cups over the macarons and garnish with edible gold leaf and chocolate sauce.
Filet de Boeuf with Filo Potato & Truffle Foam Le SoufflĂŠ
Ingredients 170g beef fillet salt and pepper 1 tbsp finely chopped chives clarified butter 2 potatoes, washed and peeled Truffle foam 250ml milk 250ml fresh cream 5ml white truffle oil
Preparation Season the beef with salt and pepper. Heat frying pan with a tablespoon of clarified butter and sear the beef fillet all over to obtain a golden colour. Place the beef fillet on a buttered baking paper and cook for four minutes on rare in a moderately heated oven. Remove from oven and let it rest for five minutes. Using vegetable spiraliser make potato vermicelli. Place the potato vermicelli in to a deep fryer and fry until the potato folios are golden brown. For truffle foam, heat milk, fresh cream and white truffle oil in a saucepan. Use hand-held blender and whisk it to make the foam. Skim from the top with a tablespoon and place the foam over the meat.
Robata Grilled Miso Marinated Salmon Wasabi
Ingredients 3 tbsp mirin (Japanese rice vinegar) 1/2 cup white miso paste 1/3 cup sugar 6 oz skinless salmon fillets, approximately 1 1/2 inches thick vegetable oil, for grilling pickled ginger, for serving 5 potatoes, washed 20 grams wasabi
Preparation In a small saucepan, bring the mirin to a boil. Whisk in the miso until dissolved. Add the sugar and cook over moderate heat, whisk in until dissolved. Transfer the marinade to a large baking dish and let it cool. Add the fish and coat on all sides. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake the potato in their skins for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove it from oven and allow it to cool. Peel and pass through a medium grater. Season it with salt, pepper & wasabi. Take a 4 inch round cake ring, add the potato and press till round and even. Place a pan over an even medium heat, add oil & cook till golden brown remove to side Preheat the oven to 400째C. Heat a grill pan and oil it. Scrape the marinade off the fish. Add the fish and cook over high heat until browned for two minutes. Flip the fish onto a heavy rimmed baking sheet and roast for ten more minutes, until flaky. Transfer to plates and serve with pickled ginger.
Scallop Ceviche with Kaffir lime Espuma O kitchen
Ingredients 120g scallops, cubed cilantro, chopped 30g onion, julienne cut 30g green capsicum, julienne cut 120ml lemon juice 10ml olive oil salt to taste 1 green chilli, finely chopped Kaffir lime Espuma 3 fresh kaffir lime leaves ½ cup water 50g gelatine, dissolved 1 egg white 1 tsp sugar
Preparation Marinate the scallops in the lemon juice for two minutes. Once it has been marinated remove from the juice and reserve the marinade. Mix the marinated scallops’ with onions, capsicum and cilantro. Make vinaigrette with the reserve marinade, olive oil, salt and green chillies. Kaffir Lime Espuma Bring kaffir lime leaves in water and sugar to boil for five minutes. Once it has infused, remove from stove, strain and cool in an ice bath. Add gelatine and egg white into the flavoured water and mix well. Pour the liquid into a charger and charge it with two gas charges. Assembly On to a chilled plate heap the scallop mixture and drizzle the vinaigrette. Top it with the kaffir lime foam.
Photograph by Ashraf Uddin Apu
Game On
Shaer J. reels in on SAFF and the dominance of Bangladesh's youth teams 120
There was a time when football was the dominant sport around, along with the strength to compete with Asian heavyweights. A match between Abahani and Mohammedan would stir up fights between the best of friends. The football scene here, since then, has seen a lot of ups and downs. The performances of the U-16 and U-19 teams in recent SAFF tournaments suggest that there is a lot of talent in the pipeline and the ‘dream’ of Asian dominance isn't far-fetched. Badal Roy, Vice-president of Bangladesh Football Federation talks about the progress made over a cup of tea.
How do feel about SAFF and the impact it has on regional football? SAFF is definitely credit-worthy for organising such tournaments which are usually seen as a test of strength among the SAARC countries. There is healthy competition between the neighbouring countries as the teams strive to prosper in the region and move on to making a mark on the Asian football scene. And it is not only about the main national teams, but also the age-group levels which determine how much potential a country has in its pipeline for the future. Do you take SAFF tournaments as a barometer for development? Yes, SAFF's tournaments are always very competitive, which is a necessity for development. The organisation's focus on youth-level football is a great opportunity for South Asian countries to prove their merits and move on to flourish on the next level, becoming a proud member among the Asian elites in coming years. What is your take on the 2015 U-16 SAFF championships and the success of our boys? The tournament was an eye-opener for us. Not only were we proud about becoming champions but also the overflow of crowd at the games signify that people are ready to come to the stadiums for quality football matches. Most of the delegates at the tournament praised the high standards of the game being played by the youngsters, especially, Bangladesh, Nepal, India and Afghanistan. What are the measures that are being taken to ensure that such
talent is being taken care of ? The team will be under close supervision, and be trained for future endeavours. What are your thoughts about the U-19 team reaching the semi-finals, only to lose in penalties against India? When your country is doing well on different age groups, the confidence rubs off on the other teams as well. I believe the squad played well, but penalties require a bit of luck too. Nevertheless, the team left the field with their heads held high. Even the main national team looked like a different one, drawing against Malaysia at home, while preparing themselves to take on Australia for the upcoming 2018 World cup qualifier. The current football scene in the eyes of Badal Roy? Just like how Bangladesh football has seen glory days, it has also seen some troublesome ones. When football was at its peak of popularity, the organisers failed to capitalise on it. The irregularities on most levels became evident mainly because of bad decisions or ideologies behind them. However, the new management has worked on different sectors with new policies such as ensuring that the game is being played all throughout the season with special emphasis on youth-level and the leagues. The results have been positive so far with more investments being made in football infrastructure. The recent performances serve as an example of these changes. On the other hand, there is still a long way to go, but with such talent, Asian dominance can be achieved. 121
UCB re-launches their logo
Events
UCB has, for the first time since its conception, changed its logo. To commemorate this auspicious event, the bank has organized a logo launching ceremony, that was held on 17th September at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC). UCB has taken great leaps such as
technological innovations by incorporating CBS in their system. M.A Hashem, Chairman of UCB, Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, Chairman of the Executive Committee and Muhammed Ali, Managing Director of UCB respectively was present at the occasion.
Home Fest Dhaka 2015
BRAC Bank Limited and Windmill Initiative, for the first time ever in Bangladesh, is going to organize a home décor expo in Bangladesh titled ‘Home Fest Dhaka 2015’, supported by BRAC Bank Ltd. This grand event is scheduled at International Convention City (ICCB), Gulnoksha, Bashundhara, from November 6 to 7. 122
On this occasion, Reazuddin Mosharaf, Managing Director of Windmill Group, Sabbir Rahman Tanim, CEO of Windmill Advertising Ltd, Firoz Ahmed Khan, Head of Retail Banking, BRAC Bank Limited, Aftab Mahmud Khurshid, CMO of Super Star Group (SSG), Mohammad Abdur Rouf, COO of BRAC-Aarong & AAF, were present along with other senior officials. SSG, Aarong are some of the notable companies that are sponsoring this event. The partners will provide customized product bundles by taking budget, consumer’s taste and trends into consideration. There will be other companies too with their attractive product lines. To participate in the competition and to learn more about the Home Fest Dhaka 2015, interested individuals can visit: www.homefestdhaka.com or www.facebook.com/homefestdhaka
Australian Food Festival At
The Westin Dhaka
T
he Westin Dhaka brings you the true flavours of Australia as we celebrate a weeklong Australian food festival starting from October 27. The Event will be inaugurated by the Australian High Commissioner and in presence of the top management of
The Westin Dhaka and different corporate houses. “We’ll bring renowned Australian Star Chef Bill Marchetti all the way from Australia to provide a food fiesta capturing the essence of Australian food from different part of the country having a number of exotic ingredients, many of which are indigenous to Australia like kangaroo Carpacco, Chrispy Crocodile swag bag, bush herbs and spices, and many more.” This event will be complimented with a performance by Jonny Taylor, the former Australia’s Got Talent finalist on October 27. Give your taste buds a treat with signature delicacies as Bill whips up authentic Australian dishes and specialties. Tickle your taste buds as you savour a zesty assortment of Australian cuisine. This will be an exciting Australian food fiesta for the guests to enjoy.
Sumptuous Thali Dinner at Amari Amari Dhaka has introduced gourmet Thali dinners to their exotic menu at Amaya food gallery. You can enjoy two different Thalis like vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian both at Amaya and Cascade Lounge. Thali vegetarian includes steamed basmati rice, pappadam, dal, vegetables, roti, papad, curd, vegetable bhuna, palak paneer, bengan bharta, raita, local sweet dish to top it off. Rice, naan or chapati is the usual main dish which occupies the central portion of the Thali, while the side dishes like vegetable curries and other aforementioned delicacies are lined circularly along the round Thali. Thali non-veg includes chicken 124
biryani, pappadam, dal, aloo gobi, mutton rogan josh, fish masala, raita, local sweet, and naan or chapatti as a main course. Lobby lounge cascade would be serving only Veg and non-veg thalis. Vegetarian Thali price is BDT 799++ per person and Non-veg Thali price would be BDT 999++ per person.
Riot of Colours
Artist Ronni Ahmmed stunned the art community with his solo painting exhibition Gods and Beasts on 12 September at the Bengal Art Lounge. His exhibition captures religious, mythical and cultural ideas often binding them into one. According to Ronni, founding myths and shared ideas are in a process of individualization- in other words, customization. To be more precise, he believes that we live in an era where material gains are suited to personal requirements, hence spirituality also fits this bill. His paintings depict religious and mythical creatures in a different light. The exhibition is open for viewing till 17 October.
Rupchanda The Daily Star Super Chef 2016 Rupchanda and prominent national daily The Daily Star bring the third season of Super Chef. The cooking reality show started its journey in 2014. This year, several acclaimed judges with international exposure are included in the judging panel. The judge panel will be graced by Shaheda Yesmin, founder of Jewel’s Kitchen, Syed Tazammul Huq Tareq, Executive Chef, Watercress Restaurant and famous actor and food enthusiast Tarik Anam Khan. The judges coming from abroad are not only world famous, they are amongst the best in their field. Emma Dean, the Master Chef Australia season 5 winner, Leslie Gilliams, 2nd runners up Master Chef USA 2014, Fredric Insisienmay, French Chef, Consultant and Culinary Expert, Be your Guest, Thailand and Gerard Wallace, Executive Chef, Bellagio will perform as guest judges in Super Chef 2016. Mahfuz Anam, Editor and Publisher of The Daily Star, Alhaj Mohammad Mosaddek Ali, Chairman and Managing Director, NTV and Shoeb Md. Asaduzzaman, HSM, BEOL lifted the curtain of the show at The Daily Star Center on October 03, 2015. Inam Ahmed, General Manager, BEOL was also present in 126
the program. As per the format of the show, participants have to register for regional rounds by dialing 06912777888. Winners of 13 regional events at Dhaka North, Dhaka South, Rajshahi, Bogra, Rangpur, Feni, Comilla, Sylhet, Khulna, Barishal, Faridpur, Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar will come to Dhaka for the central round. This year’s prize money is 10 lac taka for the champion, a very high stake compared to other cooking shows. In addition, the first runner up will get 5 lac taka and the second runner up will get 2 lac taka. The 4th to 10th place-holders will also get attractive prizes.