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Alan Carr: the chatty funny man reveals all. Women’s pages: All the hottest fashion, cosmetic and lifestyle tips 13-16_ The Shoot: Benetton showcases their ultra hip and extensive range 17_19_ Men’s pages: Hair, fashion, scents and interiors tips for the discerning male 21-23_ Review 2009: PURE editor Mary-Anne McNulty casts a backwards glance at the news that made the headlines in 2009 24-25_ Music and film reviews 26-27_ Local talent: We drop in for a chat with Verbal Arts Centre’s artist in residence David Campbell 30-31_ Travel: Why Manchester is the perfect spot for a funfilled weekend break 33_ Santa’s letter: The big man says an exclusive hello to all the children of the North West 34-35_ Mini Viva: PURE gets up close and personal with the latest pop sensation 38-39_ What’s On: An extensive Christmas and New Year going out guide 41-43_ Interiors: All the latest trends 46-47_ Come Dine With Me: Our first brave host Tony McDermott throws a cracker party 48_49 Food reviews 50_ Competitions 51_ My Perfect Christmas: Timberquay owner Colin Harrigan reveals his festive faves
Welcome to the December/January issue of PURE magazine. We’re delighted to be celebrating our six month anniversary and hope you’ve enjoyed having the North West’s only free glossy land on your doormat each month! We’ve splurged a little this month to bring you a special edition with a metallic cover and luscious uncoded stock paper - only the best for our readers! As always, we’d like to thank you for your continued loyalty; the magnificent response we’ve received has enabled us to continously bring you fantastic little prizes as well as offers exclusive to PURE readers. The festive season is well and truly upon us, so besides our regular style, entertainment and lifestyle sections, we’ve injected this issue with a distinctly Christmassy feel. We know that Christmas is a major time for the kids, so we’re pleased and proud to announce we have managed to secure a special message from Santa Claus addressed to all the children of the city. It’s been handwritten personally by the big man himself, so all you
PURE MAGAZINE TEAM 10 Carlisle Road L’Derry BT48 6JN t/ 02871 3777 07 PUBLISHING, EDITORIAL & PR: David Kavanagh, DIRECTOR e/ david@pureinc.co.uk Sinead Melaugh, DIRECTOR e/ Sinead@pureinc.co.uk Mary-Anne Mc Nulty, editor e/ maryanne@pureinc.co.uk Charlene McFeely, contributor e/ info@pureinc.co.uk DESIGN TEAM: Noel Heaney e/noel@pureinc.co.uk Barry McGilloway e/barry@pureinc.co.uk AND NOW FOR THE LEGAL BIT The thoughts, views and opinions expressed within this publication are exclusively those of the author, and neither the publishers nor the editorial team accepts responsibility for them. Pure magazine is published by PURE INC Ltd and all information held within this publication was current at time of going to press. PURE INC Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors, spelling mistakes or amendments to be made. For further information please contact directors@pureinc.co.uk
parents out there should make sure your kids see it! We’ve also got a comprehensive ‘what’s on’ guide to give you all some ideas on where to go and what to do over the next few weeks, plus a round-up of this season’s film and music releases. We haven’t forgotten how much you love your celebrity features, so this issue has got cracking interviews with Channel 4 funny man Alan Carr and pop’s next big thing Mini Viva. We’re also very excited about our first Come Dine With Me feature. This month’s was hosted by Tony McDermott, operations manager of the Waterfoot Hotel, and we have to say we had a ball popping in to Tony’s home during his dinner to take his pic and have a chat with his guests. We even took a sneaky spoonful of his chicken pie when no-one was looking - it was delicious so go to page 46 to read all about it. Enjoy, readers, and have a fantastic Christmas and New Year, David & Sinead x
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INTERVIEW
ALAN CARR Currently entertaining the nation with his show Chatty Man, Alan Carr speaks to PURE about guests, how he learned from the best, and why he ended up seeing his life flash before him while wearing a gimp mask... Have you enjoyed doing Chatty Man so far? Oh, I’ve loved it, it’s been great. I was a bit worried about doing it on my own, without Justin, but it seems to have gone really well. Do you often get worried before performing? It doesn’t come across. I’m a very nervous person anyway. With my stand-up I was never out of the toilet –there was an awful lot of wind backstage. But on Chatty Man once I’d started talking, and I realised people want to talk, it was fine. You worry and
think ‘What if they don’t say anything? What if they don’t like me?’ But I’m talking to professional people who have been in the business ages. So long as you have the right questions. As soon as they realise you’re not trying to catch them out, and you just want to have fun, and you’ll mention their book/film/equestrian range, they’re happy to have fun.
I felt that I wasn’t serious enough to do it. But I think that’s one of the good things about Chatty Man – it’s just chat. I don’t want to see anyone crying, I don’t want to hear about how they were abused as a child, we just want a laugh and a bit of fun, as if they’re a friend and they’ve just come round and sat at my table and we’re having tea and cake or whatever.
Why did you decide to go down the chat show route? It sort of felt like a natural progression. I did my panel show, with Ding Dong, and then I started doing Radio 2, Going Out with Alan Carr, and I was chatting to people a lot on the phone in that. I never thought that chatting was one of my fortes – on the Friday Night Project Justin would be the really noisy bundle of fun, and I’d just come in with a one-liner at the end. I’d just thought ‘Well, it’s not really my bag.’ But I started talking to people and I felt really comfortable. My problem with chat shows was that they’re all a bit serious, and I don’t like that kind of chat show. “Come back after the break and we’ll talk about my miscarriage.” That’s not really my cup of tea. I think that was my problem,
Is that why you serve them a bit of food, or give them a drink when they come on? Yes. And also I think you can interview a guest for an hour and not know about them, but by seeing if they accept a Tia Maria, it says so much more about their personality than any autobiography can do.
Alan carr chatty man is currently airing on channel 4, thursday nights, 10pm
I did warm-up for Jonathan Ross for three years, so I watched the master at work from the studio floor. light can be just as good as hearing about how they once overdosed on heroin. There’s you, Graham Norton and Paul O’Grady, all hosting your own chat shows. Do you think there’s something about gay men that makes them good chat show hosts? I’ve never thought of it like that. I think Paul O’Grady’s a very warm person. I don’t really know Graham that well, but I went to a dinner party, and Graham was there, and he’s so funny and charming. I think, at the heart of it, gay men are very gossipy, and very anecdote-led. We just spent the whole night going ‘Oooh, what do you think of Katie?’ ‘What do you think of Peter?’ ‘Oh my word, what about Madonna.’ I think maybe a straight man wouldn’t want to hear all of that. So maybe it’s because we’re interested in people’s lives, and what makes them tick. I think all of us need to get out more, to be honest. How much research do you do for each guest? If they’re coming on to promote a book, for example, will you read the book? That’s the one thing I definitely do. Even if it’s someone like Kerry Katona or Katie Price, and they haven’t read their own book, I’ll read it for them. I just think it’s a mark of respect, really. I’ve gone on shows where someone’s just gone on Wikipedia, and halfway through the interview they’ll ask me “What’s it like having Lionel Blair as your dad?” And you have to explain that’s not true. So it’s just respectful. I will listen to the CD, and I’ll make sure I go and see the film, and it just makes a better interview, I think. Unless the film’s shit. In that event, do you tell them you thought it was brilliant?
Did you watch any other chat show hosts to pick up tips? I did warm-up for Jonathan Ross for three years, so I watched the master at work from the studio floor. That was a real treat, as you can imagine. He gets amazing guests. I remember sitting there, and U2 would do one song, and the credits would come up, and then Bono would say to the audience “Do you want some more?” And you’d sit right at the front watching U2 play three more songs. Oh my God, it was amazing. Elton John did it. Coldplay did like a mini concert! I had to pinch myself. I get good guests, but he gets the Hollywood A-listers, who are media-trained within an inch of their lives, and he still manages to get something good out of them. He just keeps going and going and going. I watched him, and I thought ‘Oh Alan, just don’t give up. Keep on going.’ He gets so much out of them. But so many of them have had drug problems or been in abusive relationships or whatever, and I think sometimes being a good interviewer doesn’t have to mean getting all that out of them. I think it can be just as good to show a rapper laughing his head off. Showing a celebrity in a different
No, I just say something like “Ooh, look at you! Look at you in a film!” I try not to mention if it’s any good. The only problem I have is when the soap stars come on. Because you can’t wing it. I don’t watch the soaps, and there’s so much background to catch up on. The researcher comes in and says “Well, Peter married Jilly, but Jilly was really seeing Tom. Tom owns the pharmacy up the road that burned down after the fight.” And you’re like “What?” I can’t keep up. Soaps are the ones that get me. Who’s been the best guest that you’ve had on the show?
guests with a nasty surprise. I think I get away with a lot anyway, because I’m quite cheeky, so I do try and push the envelope a little bit. If they’ve been in something a bit crap, I’ll sort of mention it, but there’s a way of doing things, isn’t there? I don’t want anyone to be embarrassed, and I don’t want word to get around that it’s a bad show to go on because guests will be badly treated. Who would be your dream guests? I’d love the Beckhams – I think everyone feels like that. You’ve got series two of Chatty Man going now. Are you going to change anything, or are you taking the attitude that it ain’t broke, so don’t fix it? Definitely the latter. It’s only the second series, I don’t want to fiddle with it too much. Let’s just see we get on by the end.
What’s the most ridiculous stunt you’ve done for the show? They’re not as outrageous stunts as the ones on the Friday Night Project were. But when I wrestled – which was a dream of mine – with Mickey Rourke, that was interesting. He’s been hit ‘round the head so many times he’s a bit shaky now, and forgetful. We’d planned him to do these wrestling moves one at a time, one, two, three. But when I whispered to him ‘Go’ he did all three together. So I did the body-slam, I was pulled over the head, and then he had me in a headlock. All in one go. My life flashed before my eyes, which is hard when you’re wearing a gimp mask. Your audience always seems to be quite raucous. What do you feed them? I don’t know why they’re like that. We’ve got an amazing warm-up guy, Andy, who gets them up doing the Macarena and the conga. He just winds them up and lets them go; he’s the best in the business. I’d like to think it was all about the excitement of seeing me, but it’s not that at all. He’s just very good. When I’m, standing backstage waiting to go on, listening to the audience roaring away, I feel like Russell Crowe in Gladiator waiting to go out into the Circus Maximus.
There have been so many lovely ones. I know David Walliams and Gok Wan – they were brilliant. But I always find the ones that you’re a bit worried about often go really well. Like the Black Eyed Peas. They were so much fun. They were absolutely wonderful. And Samuel L Jackson – I was terrified. He was wonderful! Are there any questions that you wish you hadn’t asked? Have you upset any celebrities by saying the wrong thing?
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I think, because I’ve been on enough chat shows myself, I’m not one of those who will pounce on Alan in his days of the “Friday Night Project.”
Steal her style Splurge, save, steal Benefit cosmetics must-haves Designer focus
Oufit from River Island White dress £44.99, Necklace £34.99, Black patent clutch £29.99 picture courtesy of PR shots.
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WOMENS PAGES
Model, DJ and Matthew Williamson’s muse
Leigh Lezark Grey coat by Dahlia £85, Revolver
Vintage black bag £10, Revolver Black ra ra skirt by Cheap Mondays £50, Revolver
Black dress by Dahlia £75, Revolver
Splurge
Triple-fringed boot, ASOS.com, £88
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Tan flat with fringed ankle, Faith, £45
Steal Stud fringe moccasin boot, Primark, £14
Ladies, did you know that as many as seven out of ten of us is wearing the wrong bra size? It seems some of us are too shy to have a fitting, so PURE’s Charlene McFeely went along to Austins department store in derry to experience it for herself... Bra fitting, I’d always imagined, must be one of the most cringeworthy things a woman has to have done. The first thought that crossed my mind when I was invited to go for a fitting was “I’ll have to strip off in front of a stranger; how embarrassing.” My appointment was booked for 11am with Frances McCafferty from the lingerie department in Austins. Feeling nervous and embarrassed, I took tentative steps as Frances showed me to the fitting room. I was dreading the next part until I heard the heavenly words, “no, just keep your top on.” Turns out taking it all off is not something you do when you’re getting fitted for a bra, something I didn’t know. “Women coming in for the first time to get fitted automatically think you have to take all off, and that’s why, like yourself, they panic and feel embarrassed,” Frances tells me in a very soothing and re-assuring tone. So with a sigh of relief I let Frances do what she does best. She’s worked in the Austins lingerie department for the past 11 years and is an expert at finding the right bra size for you. “I see women walking around town,” she says, “and I can tell right away if they’re wearing the wrong bra size. We usually have around 35 women a week come in to get measured and most of them are wearing the wrong size.” The fitting didn’t take long; I had my back and cup size measured,
and with Frances chatting away I felt relaxed and comfortable. So really, ladies, it’s not as bad as you think. After a quick adjustment to the bra, it turns out I was wearing the right size all along. I was surprised, as I’d never been measured before and usually just guessed my size. Statistics suggest that as many as seven out of ten women in Ireland and the UK are wearing the wrong bra size. If you’re one of those women, it may not be the most debilitating thing in the world, but I have a few friends who have availed of Austins’ fitting service in the past and they have raved to me about how finding the right fit has really improved their self esteem, confidence and physical comfort. Frances’ expertise goes beyond measurements, and she gave me some great advice on which brand of bra to invest in. Her knowledge of her products is encyclopaedic, and she rhymed off brands like Triumph, Chantelle and Fantasy, and discussed the advantages of plunged over strapless, and vice versa, with the ease of someone who knows her job inside out. After finding a good recommended bra I left Austins feeling slightly proud of myself for going through what I wrongly thought would be a horrific ordeal, and I can reassure the next frantic and panicking young woman who thinks they are about to undergo the ‘horror’ that is a bra fitting that it really is a piece of cake!
PERFECT FIT: Charlene gets sized up by Austin’s Frances MCCafferty
In Association with We’re giving one lucky reader the chance to win a Debenham’s VIP shopping spree gift card worth £100. As well as entitling the bearer to spend £100 on Debenham’s own brand products in-store, the card also gets you your very own personal shopper, a beauty consultation and a treat in the restaurant. Go to the competitions page on p50 for details on how to enter.
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Reviews Benefit Crescent Row trio of fragrances 30ml,
£ 29.50 each The leading make-up brand has come up with a fun and whimsical idea for this trio of charming little perfumes. Inspired by the Georgian architecture of Royal Crecent in the historic town of Bath, the Benefit team imagined a scenario of an olden-day Friends, with the three scents representing three female neighbours living in the trendy row of townhouses. The perfumes are bottled in flacons inspired by an American lady’s cocktail shaker excavated from the founders’ grandmother’s belongings from the 1920s, back then when they knew how to party! ‘Laugh With Me Lee Lee’ is a woody floral designed to be fun and feminine. Top notes of cassis, melon and citrus are underscored by aromatic wood, amber and foresty floral scents of violet, lily and jasmine. Definitely for the funloving, confident girl. ‘There’s Something About Sofia’ is for the freespirited girl wwho likes her perfume with a hint of the orient. Consists of top notes of mango and freesia, middle notes of sheer lily, jasmine sambac and peony petal, and a drydown of musk, white caramel and vanilla bean. ‘My Place or Yours Gina’, as the name suggests, is the most provocative of the three. An alluring affair of pink pepper, wild raspberry and patchouli, this one’s for the girl who likes to turn heads and get tongues wagging.
Smokin’ Eyes Sexy Eye and Brow Makeover Kit,
Celebutante Personal Stylist Make-Up Kit,
£ 29.50 This portable kit is packed with everything you need to look like the archetypal Hollywood celebutante. Every inch of your face is catered for in this thoughful collection, which has a range of colours to help you achieve a variety of looks. Being portable, the products are quite small, but that’s an advantage rather than a hindrance when you need to create the perfect face on the go. Highlights include the High Beam luminescent complexion enhancer and the Dallas face powder. Just toss in some mascara and you’re good to go -
£ 26.50 The smoky look is a really hot trend at the minute, and this all-in-one kit has everything you need to achieve the perfect look - there’s even an easy-tofollow complete beauty lesson thrown in if you’re a bit apprehensive about the right application. Smoky is a bold look, and if done wrong there’s a danger of looking like the Bride of Frankenstein, but you can’t go wrong when you’ve got a palette as superior as this. You’ll need the perfect brows to go with, so the kit also has some mini tweezers and brow wax to complete the look.
One Hot Minute Sexy in Seconds Face Powder,
£ 23.50 This loose, rose-gold finishing powder takes ‘one hot minute’, but the fantastic results last much longer. The sheer tint works on all skin colours, adding instant radiance to even the most lacklustre complexion. The brush is soft and provides a nice, subtle coverage, and works particularly well on fair skin.
great value, great products.
DESIGNER FOCUS Independent English design house Corsellis has been going for less than two years, but in that short time they’ve built up a very loyal following, including us gals here at PURE. It’s a relatively small operation, with business partners Zoe Corsellis and Louise Grimes at the helm.
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All collections are inspired by the strapline ‘Enjoy the Attention x’, and the ethos is for the wearer to feel great, stand out and get noticed for all the right reasons. The designs are targeted at the 15-35 age group, particularly those females who want to wear well-made, innovative designs without the massive price tag. We like their clothes because they flatter every figure. Most of the dresses tend to have a
synched-in waist and full skirts with many layers which make the wearer feel instantly fun and girly. Designer Zoe Corsellis has cited Dior as an influence on her pieces, and we feel she’s achieved that sexy, demure and sophisticated look while at the same time incorporating her own unique vision . A big plus is that Corsellis offer a madeto-measure service, so if you opt for that it means you can brag that your dress was made by Zoe Corsellis herself! What we also love is that the Corsellis team are very conscientious and put their clients first. Sinead in the PURE office saw a dress she loved and contacted them to enquire if some modifications could be made. They couldn’t have been more helpful and came back and forth with her in several emails until they were sure she was happy - she was contacting them
as a random client, mind, and not as a representative of the magazine. Corsellis understand that all women’s bodies are different, which is why they invest so much in their made-to-measure service. You know how it is girls; you could be a size 12 all over but you might need just a little more give in the bust, or you might have a little more going on the hip department. Whatever your shape or size, the design team will liaise with you to be sure they get it right. So girls, if you’re looking for something different, have a look at their website: www.corsellis. com. We’ve contacted them on your behalf and are pleased to announce we’ve secured a 20% discount on all sale and non-sale items for PURE readers. The discount code is ‘foreverfabulous’ and there’s no expiry date. Sadly, the discount doesn’t apply to the delivery charge - we’re not perfect, you know!
BOYS AND GIRLS WEAR
TODDLER WEAR
LADIES WEAR
MATERNITY WEAR
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Hair design by Suede Strand Road & Carlisle Road 71 361 123, 71 363 498 Make Up by Urban Decay Debenhams Foyleside United Colours of Benetton Carlisle Road. L’Derry, BT48 6JN 028 71 271210 www.benetton.com
Models: Kids Models: Maddox, Holly and George. female Models : Zoe. & Jill. Maternity Model : Danielle. With Special Thanks To: Converse Models Snappy Snaps Studio The Waterfoot Hotel Anna at smashbox Photography By Barry Mc Gilloway
Outfit From River Island Hat £15, Jumper £75, Shirt £22, Tie £10, Jacket £80, Trousers £25, Brogues £40
Pick of the best: Aveda hair products 007 of lounging Winter warming aftershaves
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Pure handpicks some essentials to get the guys through the winter months.
WINTER WARMERS
Pure recommends the scents that go well with the cold spell. Ed Hardy Original Man, £52 (100ml EDT) Sweet, warm and musky, this is the perfect winter scent. The first impressions are a mixture of citrus and bergamot, but it’s not long before a deeper, lingering aroma of wood, mint and thuja (an ingredient of the mysterious and supposedly mind-altering drink absinthe) take hold. This is a strong, slightly unusual aftershave that’s perfect for the late 20s/ early 30s man who wants to stand out from the crowd. DKNY Red Delicious, £44.04, (100ml EDT) This is a suave and masculine blend of fiery red pepper and spicy resin, with a hint of red berries thrown in for a bit of piquancy. Strong and longlasting, this is as scent that can stand up to the tests of winter in a way that other fruity scents can’t. Complex, warm and inviting. Diesel Fuel For Life, £33.77 (50ml EDT) For starters, the bottle looks ace, but we’re happy to report that the liquid within passes the quality control test as well. This is a formidable, heady mix of woody, grapefruit and star anise, while a late burst of raspberry at the tail end provides a surprising but pleasing twist. Lingers on the skin for hours after application, and ideal for the man who likes his classic scent with a side of zing. Carolina Herrera 212 Sexy, £42.07 (100ml EDT) A seductive scent for the sensual male, 212 Sexy does exactly what it says on the tin. Grown-up and sophisticated aromas of spicy ginger and musky sandalwood blend deliciously to give the wearer an unmistakeably musky, hunky aura.
Spotlight on...HAIR CARE PURE recommends...AVEDA pure-formance (Products Available From Suede Hair Salon.) Pomade The pure-formance pomade adds great strength and hold. The pomade gives you control over your style with an added shine but without the oily residue. This product is water-based and rinses off easily after a stylish day. Shampoo and Conditioner For a fresh, clean feeling, pure-formance shampoo is the product to use. The shampoo gives a deep cleaning of the hair and scalp, while pure-formance conditioner moisturises the scalp leaving you with a healthy shiny look. Using both of these products together is proven to leave a calmer and healthier scalp. Grooming Clay Perfect for short to medium hair. The clay provides a lasting strong hold with no greasy shine. Give thickness to thin hair by adding a small amount of the clay. Strong and effective, this clay gives you the freedom to create your own unique style.
OF LOUNGING Dubbed the 007 of sofas, Spanish manufacturer Koo certainly went to town when designing this little baby. The ‘Doblo’ is the ultimate in lounging for the suave bachelor, with remote control positioning that allows you to change the shape of the sofa according to your needs. Currently the best selling sofa in Europe, this hi tech piece of furniture is only for you guys with a healthy bank balance.
With a price tag of €4,500, this is a sophisticated sofa built for a sophisticated man, but if you can hold fire for a little while, Carpet House and Interiors, Bridgend, will have it available in the January sale at a more affordable €3,600. If your cash is burning a hole in your Gucci pockets, why not have the sofa bespoke to your needs. A full made to measure service is available on this piece.
Plush: the Doblo
FEATURE
THE PERSONAL TOUCH The thought of doing the Debenham’s personal shopper experience, I have to admit, made me slightly uneasy. Up to now, I’ve never had the joy of being personally shopped for. Heidi, my personal shopper, sensed my fear. Me, a red-blooded, football-playing male getting a makeover, eh... I’ll pass! Or so I thought. An hour or so after being put in the capable hands of Heidi and her colleague Eamonn, I think I was converted.
I live in jeans and trainers, and I knew that whatever they came up with, it would be a tough sell.
Determined to spruce himself up for the festive season, PURE’s graphic designer Noel Heaney took himself along to Debenham’s men’s department to try out their free personal shopper experience and to find out if pink really is his colour...
much I hatched a plan to get out of Debenhams without paying for it after I’d changed out of it, but Heidi told me that, yes, she could see I still had the suit on under my original clothes, so that was the end of that. Turns out it cost a very reasonable £165, so I’m going to get it by legitimate means on pay day this month. To be honest, the whole experience was completely pain free. I got everything handed to me and I had two perfect outfits picked, fitted and ready to bag within an hour. I had my very own dressing room, mirrors and sofa, and Heidi and Eamonn made me feel like royalty. I enjoyed the experience completely. It was relaxed,easy, and a pretty cool day
out, and I would recommend it to any girl, fella, or group of people looking to take the stress out of shopping.
Interested? Debenham’s personal shopper experience is completely free, and there’s no obligation to buy. To find out more or to book an appointment call into the store in Foyleside or phone 08445 616161.
The men’s section in Debenhams ranges from casual wear to smart wear, suits, gadgets and everything in between. I’m generally a bit scruffy when it comes to appearance, so I decided to take the opportunity to get suited and booted to ensure the bouncers don’t turn me away when I hit the town this Christmas. Heidi put me at ease straight off the bat. She sensed I was a wee bit uncomfortable, and cracked a few jokes with me to settle me a bit before expertly taking control of proceedings. I told her I wanted something smart/casual that was slightly different to my normal garb, but not so smart that I’d feel awkward in it. She suggested a Red Herring pink jumper, black shirt and tie from Jeff Banks, and a pair of tan Jeff Banks shoes. This ensemble is something I would normally avoid like the plague, but her eyes said ‘trust me, I’m a professional’ so I duly took myself off to the changing room. My faith in Heidi’s instincts paid off, and I felt very smart yet comfortable in my new threads. The shoes were the priciest thing at £80, but they fit me like a glove, and as the jumper was only £19 the outfit balanced out fine pricewise. Next up was the really tricky bit - the suit. I live in jeans and trainers, and I knew that whatever they came up with, it would be a tough sell. But Heidi and Eamonn picked out a Red Herring suit that had a slightly mod-ish feel, and that was perfect for my build. It was clean cut, fitted and very stylish, as were the Red Herring shirt, tie and shoes they picked to go along with it. In fact, I loved the suit so
1 9 Noel before: A bit scruffy
Noel after: Smooth
Noel after: Sharp!
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JANUARY Residents of the Big Apple almost choked on their pretzels at the spectacular sight of a US Airways plane making an impromptu landing on New York’s Hudson River. The plane, containing 150 petrified passengers, struck a flock of geese barey a minute after taking off from La Guardia airport and was forced to ditch in the Hudson after suffering complete engine failure. The fact that the entire body of passengers and crew escaped unscathed was thanks to the coolheaded ingenuity of pilot Chesley Sullenberger, who took the beast of a plane down with the minimum of fuss. Listening to the radio conversation between a completely unfazed Captain Sullenberger and air traffic control, you’d think he was just popping down on the Hudson to pick up a turnover for his teabreak. Respect.
FEBRUARY Hit British film Slumdog Millionaire took Hollywood by storm and scooped up a whopping eight gongs at the Oscars. The brainchild of Trainspotting director Danny Boyle, Slumdog was plot-driven, uncomplicated storytelling at its best, and the performances of the cute-as-hell kids hailing from the real life slums of Mumbai charmed movie-goers the world over. At a time when CGI and explosive effects dominate the cinema industry, it’s heartening to know that a good story, well told, can make such an impact.
MARCH Big Brother’s most notorious contestant Jade Goody passed away after a long battle with cervical cancer. Jade died as she lived, in the full glare of the media spotlight, but though she had previously been savaged by the press for her role in the Shilpa Shetty bullying and race row during Celebrity Big Brother, her image had been starting to improve somewhat just before she received news of her terminal illness. She may not have been everyone’s cup of tea, but as fans of her reality series on Living TV will know, she was a remarkably resilient and straighttalking lady who loved her two sons enormously.
APRIL April was the month of the ‘SuBo’ phenomenon, as Britain’s Got Talent contestant Susan Boyle’s popularity went global when her rendition of ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ became one of the most watched videos ever on YouTube. Predictably, the tabloid press rounded on Simon Cowell for manipulating a person with learning difficulties for financial gain when Susan showed signs of cracking under pressure, but we reckon old SuBo was more formidable than she was given credit for. Without a doubt, the media attention was overwhelming for the soft-spoken singer from Scotland, but her gracious comments to winners Diversity at the grand final proved there was a wise and grounded lady beneath the unkempt appearance and hissy fits.
January- Husdson River plane crash
February - Danny Boyle sweeps the board with Slumdog Millionaire
April -Susan Boyle mania sweeps the nation
‘He did what?!’ Mary-Anne McNulty casts a the stories that made the headlines in 2009.
THE REVIEW OF MAY One of the most side-splitting events of the year was witnessing rapper Eminem’s nose embedded in Sacha Baron Cohen’s bum crack at the MTV Movie Awards. The ‘unsuspecting’ Eminem - it was a hoax, folks - stormed off after Cohen’s alter ego Bruno made a camptastic entrance into the auditorium, wings and all, and flew straight into the singer’s face. The stunt did exactly what it was supposed to do and drummed up bucketloads of publicity for the new Bruno movie which, if you’re fairly broad-minded and don’t offend easily, is a real hoot.
The news channels went into overdrive when pop icon Michael Jackson died suddenly in June. All misgivings regarding Jacko’s ‘fondness’ for children were pushed to the background as music fans across the globe united to mourn the loss of one of pop’s most talented individuals. It’s hard not to be cynical about Jacko’s crackpot persona and dubious personal life, but even his harshest critic would have been hard-pressed not to feel a wave of pity when the TV channels aired the early footage of a cosmetically-unaltered and seriously funky Michael Jackson belting out the pure genius that is ‘Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough’.
September debacle smelling like roses while Katie was treated like something you’d scrape off the bottom of your shoe. You can’t keep a gal like Jordan down, though, so she gave herself another shot at redemption via a return to this season’s I’m a Celebrity. she left early, but let’s see what 2010 brings. Sadly, September saw the death of much-loved actor Patrick Swayze following a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He’s no longer with us, but as long as there’s copies of Dirty Dancing in this world, he’ll always be remembered.
OCTOBER September- Patrick Swayze passes away
August - Usain Bolt smahes the 100m record at the World Championships
an eye over .
JULY
You’re nobody, Dean Martin once sang, ’til somebody loves you. In the fickle world of celebrity, however, it’s more a case of ‘you’re nobody ’til you’ve done a stint in rehab so your agent can get you juicier roles than the All-American sweety type you’re currently famous for’. It didn’t come as a massive surprise, therefore, when OC starlet Mischa Barton made the headlines in July when she was checked into the Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in LA with an ‘undisclosed medical problem’. Sources close to the troubled actress say she had been going dangerously off the rails on a diet of marijuana, booze and general extreme behaviour. Get well soon, Mischa!
AUGUST Triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt sent pulses racing when he smashed the 100m world record at the World Championships in Berlin. The Jamaican wonder athlete destroyed his exisiting record with a jawdropping time of 9.58 seconds - and he still had the energy to do his notorious celebration dance. Elsewhere at the championships, 800m champion Caster Semenya was humiliated when it was leaked that she would be required to undergo a gender test. The South African runner’s boyish appearance led to speculation that she might be in possession of one too many Y chromosones, and therefore ineligible to compete as a woman. Fair enough, but the fact that the word got out before the poor girl even had a chance to receive her gold medal on the podium was disgraceful.
SEPTEMBER
June - The Jackson family mourn the death of Michael at a very public funeral in the Staples Centre in LA
The facade that was the marriage of Peter Andre and Katie Price finally came crashing down as the pair headed to the divorce courts. Having squeezed every last drop of publicity out of the union, the gruesome twosome called time on the relationship that began in a celebrity jungle far, far away in 2004. Unsurprisingly, given the inherent misogyny of the British tabloid press, pint-sized singer Andre came out of the
2009 saw many celebrity deaths, but there were none perhaps as poignant as that of loveable Boyzone singer Stephen Gately. Passing away suddenly as a result of a pulmonary oedama whilst holidaying in Spain, the 33-year-old’s remains were brought back to Dublin by his four visibly-shaken bandmates. His death prompted a very dubious article by Jan Moir in the Daily Mail in which she suggested that Gately’s death had murky undertones because of his homosexuality. This led to over 21,000 complaints to the Press Complaints Commission. Incidentally, the chairman of the PCC’s Editors’ Code of Practice Committee is Paul Dacre, editor of....the Daily Mail.
NOVEMBER The English thought they had it bad when Maradona’s ‘hand of God’ goal dumped them out of the 1986 World Cup, but it was nothing compared to the outrage felt by Republic of Ireland fans up and down the country when France’s Thierry Henry handled the ball not once, but twice, to set up William Gallas for the goal that was to deny Ireland a place at the 2010 World Cup finals. The extra time winner at the Stade de France during the second leg of the crucial qualifier was even more poignant given the heroics of Giovanni Trapattoni’s men for the duration of the game. Written off as no-hopers after conceding an allimportant away goal in the opening leg at Croke Park, the Irish team astounded the French with a skilful and vailiant display that almost secured a fairytale ending. Damien Duff’s wizardry on the wing and captain Robbie Keane’s cool finish led to an equalizer that was magnificent by any standards, and deserved at the very least the chance to take the tie to a penalty shoot-out - sadly, Henry’s cheating antics quashed the dream.
DECEMBER Accomplished comic actress Maggie Jones passed away in December to the dismay of Coronation Street fans everywhere. Maggie, who was superbly acerbic as Deidre Barlow’s nagging mother Blanche, shouldered the bulk of the soap’s comedy element with consummate ease, and her sad demise will leave a gaping hole in the show that won’t be easily filled. Maggie’s impeccable timing and flawless delivery of some of the wittiest lines on television rank her alongside Coronation Street legends such as John Savident, Roy Barraclough and Thelma Barlow, but what’ll we miss most of all is that she’ll no longer be around to keep snobby son-in-law Ken firmly in his place. Farewell to a true comic gem.
FILM REVIEWS
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel (dir: Betty Thomas, starring: Jason Lee, Christina Applegate) Avatar (dir: James Cameron, starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver) Ambitious is an adjective oft associated with James Cameron, but even by the Titanic director’s gargantuan standards his latest project Avatar is a humdinger. Costing a cool $250 million to produce, this futuristic epic has had sci-fi fans waiting with baited breath in anticipation of what the celluloid wizard will serve up. The technologial skill brought to the film through Cameron’s superb use of 3D can, mercifully, be enjoyed by local film fans, as the Omniplex in Derry is screening the film in its 3D format. To say the film is a visual treat is a massive understatement; the viewer is immersed in the panoramic alien landscape meticulously created by Cameron to such a great extent that they’ll feel they can practically touch and smell the lush foliage of the planet Pandora. The romance at the heart of the plot is perhaps not as well-drawn as the effects, and it’s fair to say that Avatar is bound to attract more boys than girls, but when it’s a project as groundbreaking and revolutionary as this, it’s something movie fans of all ages and gender should make it their business to see.
District 9 Released December 28 A provocative science fiction drama that received widespread critical acclaim upon its cinema release, this is perhaps one of the finest films of the genre.
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a good old-fashioned family movie to keep the kids occupied for an hour or two, and you could do worse than take them along to this fun sequel to the 2007 original. Though maybe not as multilayered, humour wise, as the more sophistiacted Pixar animations, this live action/CGI affair is nevertheless a funny and action-packed offering that delivers silly humour and infantile pranks with gusto. Pure bubblegum entertainment, but perfect for the frivolous side of the festive season.
Jennifer’s body Released December 29 Megan Fox smoulders as demonic seductress Jennifer Check in this black comedy that has its fair share of good dialogue and suspense.
The Taking of Pelham 123 Released January 11 Denzel Washington and John Travolta go head-to-head in this decent remake of the 1974 classic thriller about a ruthless subway train hijacker and the heroic employee out to stop him.
Nine (dir: Rob Marshall, starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Judi Dench, Nicole Kidman) Nine is the cinematic adaptation of the Broadway musical that boasts one of the most stellar casts of the decade. Daniel Day-Lewis, Dame Judi Dench, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Sophia Loren, Nicole Kidman. Loosely based on the classic Federico Fellini film 8½, Day-Lewis plays director Guido Contini, who becomes embroiled in a series of complicated romantic relationships as he struggles to rediscover his creativity. Darker and more sophisticated than the tongue-in-cheek playfulness of Chicago, this is a film that music lovers and cinephiles alike will adore.
The final Destination Released December 28 The fourth offering in the Final Destination franchise goes 3D, bringing the exploits of deathy-cheating Nick O’Bannon and friends into even sharper focus.
12 week Blowdry Scheme- Call instore for details GIFT VOUCHERS & CHRISTMAS GIFT SETS AVAILABLE
best of 2009
No matter what taste you have or what style you’re into, it’s been a brilliant year for music.Here, we pick the five albums that enjoyed repeated play on the Pure stereo in 2009...
Filthy Dukes Nonsense in the Dark Described as the new Chemical Brothers, London-based synthpop band Filthy Dukes made a massive impact with debut album Nonsense in the Dark. They played Sandino’s last year and went down a storm with a soldout show, but if you weren’t lucky enough to catch them there, then get your hands on this astounding album. Clearly influenced by bands like Tangerine Dream, Kraftwerk and Daft Punk, tracks such as ‘This Rhythm’ and ‘Tupac Robot Club Rock’ really rocked the techno dancefloor.
Kasabian West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
The third studio album from the Leiceister indie four-piece saw them triumphantly shrug off, once and for all, the ‘Oasis-lite’ moniker and emerge as one of the most exciting bands of the decade. They could have played it safe with an album of sturdy anthemic rock tunes, but instead risked a highly ambitious and experimental journey encompassing electronica, physcodelia and hip-hop. The gamble paid off in spades, with the glorious ‘Fast Fuse’ the standout track on an album packed with innovative and exhilarating songs.
Arctic Monkeys Humbug
The Sheffield songwriting supremos returned with a darker, deeper offering for their third album. Recorded in a studio in the heart of the California desert, Humbug lacks the curt wit and punchy melodicism of their previous work, but goes for a more textured, atmospheric sound that befits a band of such considerable talent as they embark upon a more mature phase of their musical career. The influence of producer Josh Homme (of Queens of the Stone Age fame) is evident, with a punchy,heavier guitar sound and grittier lyrics.
Vampire Weekend have only been around a few short years, but in that time they’ve made their presence felt, if not with the mainstream, then certainly in the thriving indie market. Sporting an Ivy League frat boy look, the New York combo’s witty lyrics and staccato-style Afro-pop melodies have, unsurprisingly, endeared them to the student population, who doubtless considered no Saturday night playlist complete
Muse The Resistance
Post-apocalyptic and melodic in style, Muse have already established their credentials as a massive stadiumfilling band since the formed ten years ago, but though highly regarded for their live prowess, it wasn’t really until the superb 2006 album Black Holes and Revelations that their reputation really surged. Their follow-up The Resistance took the music world by storm in 2009, with the cinematic brilliance of single ‘The Uprising’ just one of many outstanding tracks. Theatrical, orchestral and very, very beautiful.
without quirky favourites such as ‘Oxford Comma’ and A-Punk’, two gems featured on Vampire Weekend’s eponymous debut album. Their follow-up, Contra, is out on January 11, and promises to increase their already sizeable fanbase further. The songs’ lyrics remain highly literate, but not in an alienating way; these guys may be Columbia University graduates but they know how to lay down
Florence and the Machine Lungs
The darlings of the British indie scene, you couldn’t turn on television footage of any music festival in the summer of 2009 without catching a performance from the brilliantly eccentric Florence and the Machine. Their debut album Lungs was why. Every song was a potential single, and every song was suffused with an emotional maturity and unique energy that had the critics justifiably salivating. From the magnificent ‘Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)’ to the sublime cover of ‘You’ve Got the Love’, Lungs was a debut of astounding quality.
a great tune. From the upbeat and immensely catchy ‘Cousins’ to the melodious and uplifting ‘Horchata’, Vampire Weekend’s skill in charming the listener has become expertly-honed, while they’ve tapped into the current trend for voice modulators and 80s-tinged keyboard rifts to great effect. Contra is a deft and assured second album, and merits an ‘B+’ on the Vampire Weekend report card.
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LOCAL TALENT
THE
R E D A S U R C E L CAPAB bell,
p eets David Cam m y lt u cN M e ary-Ann This month, M l Arts Centre. a b er V e th t a ce artist in residen
DAVID CAMPBELL
is very laid back. Very laid back, and very straighforward. Surprisingly straightforward, I’m thinking, for an artist. Not that I want to sterotpye those of the creative ilk, but I work with two graphic designers and they go all prima donna if I as much as ask them to move a logo two millimetres to the right. Something about supressing their expressive autonomy, I believe. David, 35, is very hospitable, genial and – for an artist - resoundingly unpretentious. I meet him at the old fire station in Hawkin Street, where he works as artist in residence for the Verbal Arts Centre. After apoligising for not having any milk in for coffee, he gives me the guided tour. The building has been completely revamped and boasts some very impressive facilities including a computer suite, a fully operational printing press and a lecture room. We take the lift downstairs to the printing press room. “I know it’s a bit lazy,” he jokes, “but I kept spilling the coffee when I was taking it down the stairs so I’ve been using the lift to avoid the inevitable happening three times a day.” David’s area of expertise is illustration, and his style is inspired by comic book art. He provides illustrations for Verbal, the arts centre’s free magazine that comes out every two months that’s devoted to books, authors and the arts in general. He shows me a cracking piece he did to go alongside an article on Norman Mailer’s book The Fight. Like Ali, David’s got game. He genuinely seems to love his job, which he’s been doing since 2006. “I’d been working as a freelance graphic designer,” he says, “then three years ago I spotted an ad for the artist in residence position, and they chanced upon me through pure bad luck.” Besides providing work for Verbal, David does illustrations for any in-house projects and runs comic-themed workshops aimed to encourage and develop the creative skills of anybody interested in the medium. In 2006 he and a few of his colleagues started up the 2D Festival, an annual event hosted dually by the Verbal Arts Centre and Sandino’s that celebrates all things comic book. “The 2D Festival really put us on the map,” he says. “It’s a completely free festival – not commercial at all – that celebrates comic culture and creates a level playing field for emerging creators to promote their work.” The Verbal Arts Centre is just about to enter an exciting new phase in its development. The
new printing press will enable them to publish, on site, any work created by patrons of the centre. David has taken a crash course in how to operate everything – from the binder up to the press itself – and he can’t wait for things to get rolling. He says: “We’re starting to develop our courses, make them a bit more sophisticated, so that they’re specifically designed to cater for people who are interested in developing skills and creating their own publications, which we can then produce here.” As a result, his job definition will doubtless become broader as time goes on, but at heart David is a devout comic book afficianado; always has been, always will be. “I was reared on the likes of 2000AD,” he says. “I appreciated that kind of black humour, though to be honest I read everything; the Beano and the Dandy – even my sister’s Bunty, if it was lying around.” His love of art led him to a foundation course in the subject after finishing at St Columb’s College, then a degree in visual communication. But it was a frustrating time for him, because his leanings towards the comic book form didn’t always go down well with his tutors. “My work was decribed as ‘comic book in style’,” he says, “but in a derogatory rather than a postive way. My tutor didn’t understand where I was coming from, and looking back I regret that there wasn’t a lot of support or guidance for me in my chosen genre, which is why I’m so keen to make sure I can encourage and help develop the skills of the current generation coming through.” Some artists hug their talent close to their chests, and their creative process is a mystery to anybody but themselves. Which is fine, because that’s often how great art is produced. But we also need evangelists, those who are confident in their abilities and passionately want to pass on that skill those who are eager to learn. In a town like Derry it’s essential, and it’s great that we have places like the Verbal Arts Centre where creativity is encouraged and applauded, and where you don’t feel intimidated or alienated when you walk through the door. Like the true artist he is, however, David is claiming a little corner of his talent for himself. “I’m working on a personal project at the minute,” he says, “which will be a book for children based on Irish mythology and legend.” That’s all I can get out of him, so we end on that note and he shows me to the door. “Nice meeting you,” he says. “Go easy on me!”
The Fight Africa (left), No Country For Old Men (below), The Thing (below)
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Timberquay Restaurant & Wine Bar t / 028 7137 0020 (NI) t / 048 7137 0020 (ROI) e / info@timberquay.com w / www.timberquay.com
All our meat, fish and dairy is locally sourced.
NEW YEAR
Tired of hearing the same old New Year resolutions being made? ‘I’m going to stop smoking/ lose weight/exercise more/save money’; everyone starts out with the best of intentions, but for most they fall by the wayside before January. So instead, PURE has come up with some alternative resolutions people could commit to that would make life so much better for everyone else...
Motorists: Use your indicators We’re all drivers in the PURE office and are unanimous in our contempt for motorists who refuse to use their indicators. The biggest culprits are the ones who don’t signal their intention to turn left at a roundabout, meaning we could have got out if it weren’t for the fact we thought they were coming straight on. It may seem like a minor thing, but those of you stuck at the Branch Road roundabout during morning rush hour will understand where we’re coming from. Come on, drivers; it costs pennies to replace your indicator light bulb, so don’t use it sparingly - when you’re turning, turn it on!
Shoppers: Stop misusing the express aisle You can’t really miss the massive signs above the first two checkouts in the supermarkets. They say ‘ten items or less’. They don’t say ‘15 items or less’. And they definitely don’t say ‘a trolleyful of stuff crammed into a basket to make it look like you belong in the express aisle or less’. And, for the record, five packets of the same item doesn’t count as one item. In the same vein, we’d also like to point out that when a new checkout opens up, it’s really bad manners for the person five people back in the adjoining queue to rush in there first.
is enough to rouse even Rip Van Winkle from his sleep.
Boy racers: Stop loitering in car parks If you’ve ever driven up the Strand Road after dark, you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about. There they are, their blacked-out Vectras facing out onto the Strand Road. For hours at a time. And for no discernible reason. Does it really take that long to eat a chicken burger? And why is the music blasting out of their stereos always Scooter? To be fair, they’re not actually doing anyone any harm, but they’re young guys and we think they should be getting more fresh air!
Taxi drivers: stop beeping your horns after 11pm
Simon Cowell: Change your haircut
You know it’s guaranteed to wake up the residents of at least three households in the street you’ve just pulled up on, yet you insist on doing it. We just don’t understand why, especially when most firms now have a ringback service so the person waiting for the taxi has usually opened the front door by the time the honking starts. Is it bitterness at the fact that you’re still out grafting while others are curled up in bed? You don’t need to beep anyway, as the din of an idling diesel Skoda Octavia engine
He’s absolutely minted, yet his barnet looks like it was done by the man who trims his hedges. The nipplehigh trousers and eighties-style teeshirts we can just about forgive, but there’s really no excuse for a haircut so bad it makes Bruce Forsythe’s look respectable. How can a man who takes the time to have the hairs on his hands waxed allow himself to go around with a hairdo that bad?
Fellas: Please stop wearing checked shirts The ubiquitous checked shirt is the white socks and black shoes of the oughties. It’s a wonder David Attenborough doesn’t do a documentary on the Derry men who travel in packs of ten, all kitted out in the same attire. Please guys, get your own sense of sartorial identity. The girls are sick of check and it’s doing your pulling power no favours whatsoever.
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TRAVEL
This vibrant English city often gets overlooked because of the pull of capital city London. But this gem of the north has lots to offer, as PURE’s Sinead Melaugh discovered on a recent trip...
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As a city, Manchester has much to offer. Over the past ten years the place has been transformed into a shopping Mecca with great nightlife and some of the best restaurants in the UK. It will be forever known as the place where dance music was born, the home town of Oasis, Coronation Street and of course, Manchester United. It’s a vibrant city where there’s always
something to do and is home to two of the largest university campuses in the UK. Over 30,000 freshers descend on Manchester every year to begin their studies and to live life the Mancunian way: a culture full of music, great food and throwing a party. Whether its shopping, clubbing or concerts, you’ll never be caught short in Manchester; the streets are literally lined with designer
clothes shops and the nightlife full to busting with celebrity events. It’s known as the ‘capital of the north’ but it can go toe to toe with London, is more compact, easier accessed and much, much cheaper than anywhere in London. So, where to go and what to do ... here’s our top tips on what’s what in Manchester - stick with these and you can’t go far wrong!
Stay
TRAVEL
The Macdonald Manchester hotel & spa - London Road, Manchester We stayed at the 4-star Macdonald due to the proximity to Piccadilly train station and its easy access to all the major motorways. Staying in a huge twin room with views over the city, we were delighted with the hotel. The rooms were stylish and extremely comfortable, the standard that you would expect from a 4-star hotel in a major city. Although we didn’t avail of the food or spa services that the hotel had to offer, the choice was extensive. Had we have stayed longer, I definitely would have opted for the Decleor aroma envelopment treatment at the spa. The hotel is in an excellent location and we were able to walk to all of the bars and restaurants that we frequented during our visit, which was a definite plus as we didn’t need to use taxis on our nights out.
Eat Lounge 10 -10 Tib Lane, Manchester Modern British cuisine in decadent, glamorous surroundings reminiscent of a 19th century Parisian nightclub. With a stylish and indulgent menu and an impeccable wine list, Lounge 10 is our pick of the best. PURE recommends: the baked half lobster with risotto rice. Zouk Teabar & Grill-Unit 5 Quadrangle, Chester Street, Manchester Specialising in traditional Asian cooking, Zouk Teabar has an extensive menu to suit every diner with a contemporary interior to boot. Seafood features widely and amongst these delicacies is black cod gently grilled with delicate spices. PURE recommends: there’s too many to mention!
Drink
Dance
Lammars-Fourways House, 57 Hilton St, Manchester
North Club - 35 Tib Street, Manchester
This ultra-chic watering hole in a converted textile factory is crammed with soft leather sofas, chandeliers and an obscure collection of ornaments, and has quickly become the go-to haunt in Manchester. Great for weekend socialising and people watching or for a relaxed lunch.
North has two rooms and two music styles, usually funky electro and hard dance. There’s also a separate chill-out area with a long bar and plenty of seating for those who can’t stand the pace. A fantastic friendly atmosphere with everyone up for a great night out, North is one of the most popular clubs around.
Odd Bar-30-32 Thomas Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester An independent bohemian style bar slap bang in the Northern quarter, Odd Bar is a fantastic chill-out bar serving beers from around the world and delicious homemade fayre. Eclectic in design with snugs and intimate seating, it offers its patrons a relaxed atmosphere and great live DJs Thursday-Saturday.
Sankeys - Beehive Mill, Radium St, Manchester Ranking high year after year in DJ Magazine’s poll of ‘the best clubs in the world’, Sankeys is a clubber’s paradise. In 2007 it hit the headlines for refusing entry to a group of lads for not being ‘funky enough’ in their attire; they have a strict policy on dress code so make sure to get your glad rags and your dancing shoes on.
Shop The Trafford Centre - Manchester City Centre One of the largest shopping centres in th Uk, the Trafford centre boasts over 230 stores and 55 restaurants, cafes and bars. This really is a one-stop shop where you can shop ‘til you drop, catch a film at the Odeon cinema, pop in for dinner and chill out with a drink in one of its many bars. With everything from high end designer brands to high street brands, there’s a reason over 600,000 people come here on a weekly basis. Afflecks Palace - 52 Church Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester An eclectic mix of shops in the middle of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, Afflecks Palace is a haven for beautiful finds. Vintage jewellery, one-off fashion pieces, quirky homewares; they have it all under one roof. If you’re looking for a unique little treasure this is the shopping emporium for you.
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over
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shops All Clothing ranges available at Richmond centre
December Late Night Shopping Monday - Friday From 9am ’til 10pm Open Sunday From 1 ’til 6 * Richmond Gift Cards Available in Centre (selected stores 10am to 6pm)
www.richmondcentre.co.uk
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DOROTHY PERKINS
A LETTER FROM SANTA Pure magazine caught up with Santa when he was visiting Derry recently, and he was so impressed with the children he met he asked us to publish this special letter.
Hello children, myself, my wife Mrs Claus and all the elves It’s not long now until Christmas, and here at our North Pole headquarters so I hope you’ve all been good girls and have been hard at work getting all your presents ready for Christmas Day six months to make sure they are FIt boys! Rudolph and the rest of the reindeer have been in training for the past weights and jogging 10 miles a day enough to visit your houses to drop off goodies for you all. They’ve been lifting the animal Olympics in Lapland in February! and they’re in such good condition I’m actually thinking of entering them for few months back. I happened to nip down I have to confess, though, that Rudolph was a wee bit of a bad reindeer a happy meals for tea and I caught Rudolph to the North Pole branch of McDonald’s to get me and Mrs Claus a couple of and taken it to the drive-through! I gave in the car park stuffing a Big Mac into his gob - he’d ‘borrowed’ the sleigh of a belly, as all the boys and girls need him a proper telling off, and reminded him that it’s okay for me to have a bit something to hold onto when they visit me in my grotto! all gone to bed. I’ve already met As usual, I’m very excited about coming to Derry on Christmas Eve once you’ve the nicest bunch of children I’ve ever met. quite a few of you at different locations throughout the city, and you are River Foyle as we’re FLying through the This is a beautiful city, and myself and the reindeer have a great view of the glasses of sherry really help keep the night sky. The mince pies you all leave out are absolutely delicious, and the wee cold and frost at bay - no wonder my nose is red! don’t be worried about me forgetting Now, I know the names and addresses of every little boy and girl in Derry, so back about how well-behaved you’ve you. There are too many to mention you all here, but I’ve been getting reports P1 at St Patrick’s Primary School. You’ve been. So I’d like to say well done little Aimee McKee, from Maybrook, who’s in been asking for! And good on you Jack been very good, so don’t be surprised if you get that pink ballerina you’ve have been a good little boy this year, so I Shiels (7) from Lone Moor Road. Your teacher at Greenhaw Primary said you class at Listress Primary. I met you all hope you’ll like your presents! I’d also like to say a big hello to Mrs Coyle’s P2/3 haved you were. out at the Santa Trail at Ness Nurseries and was very impressed at how well-be at work getting all your things hard Anyway, I’m going back to the present factory to make sure the elves are and family over the holidays, wrapped up. Have a lovely Christmas, and remember to be nice to all your friends Love, Santa x
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Vivacious female pop duo Mini Viva have been tipped as the next big thing following their smash top ten single ‘Left My Heart In Tokyo’, and had Irish fans out in force recently when they performed at the Belfast Odyssey. PURE’S David Kavanagh met up with Mini Viva backstage at that concert and spoke exclusively to the girls about what the next 12 months have in store for the act industry experts predict will be huge in 2010.
INTERVIEW
The girls in action at the Odyssey
Frankee and Britt are two girls on a mission. Their mission is to cast a veil of glorious, classic pop gold dust over these bleak times. They want you singing, they want you dancing and they want to welcome you to their Mini Viva universe. ‘Mini’ and ‘Viva’ are the nicknames the girls have for each other. When they put them together it really worked as a band name. “It felt right,” says Frankee. “And now it sounds right,” adds Britt. When not howling with laughter, these girls have a telepathic trick for continuing each other’s sentences. “We’re like sisters,” says Frankee. “She’s Mini,” says Frankee of Britt, “because she reminds me of Minnie Mouse. A bit bonkers, like. She does her own thing”. “And she’s Viva for vivacious” adds Britt “exotic, cool and beautiful, with that face that says butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth.” Don’t be deceived. Together, Mini Viva are here to strut right into the hearts of the massive, giddy demographic that cares about great pop. Currently putting their final touches to the debut album (due early 2010) expect a supersonic pop onslaught from the smartest, most genuine pop darlings we have seen for a long time … So Girls, you have an impressive back office support team including Simon Fuller from 19 management and Zena Mania the team behind Girls Aloud & The Sugababes. How have the last two years been so far? Were just like two normal girls.We met through the audition process and we are truly really living out our dreams, we love every second of it and me and Vic get on so well. It’s just like having fun with your friends 24/7, we’re blessed to have such a great team behind us and we can’t wait until our debut album is out next year! Tell us a bit about it... It’s released in March, 2010. We’ve been working on it ever since we met, along with Zenamania. Each song is totally different and it will hopefully bring in a whole new audience. It’s got a real disco effect to it, and you could dance with every song. We want it to become your favourite record ... the one you’d put on if you were going out
“The future of pop is in the hands of Heat’s new favourite pop twosome” Heat
“’In yer face’ female double-act the likes of which haven’t been heard since Salt-N-Pepa. Very Pop”- Q
All smiles: David meets Frankee (left) and Britt
to party, or the album to get ready to when putting your makeup on for a girls night out. It’s feelgood music, and very special to us. Radio 1 have given you some great profiling on air ... do you think this is more to do with the music or team behind the group? We’re quite different because we aren’t a girl group, we’re a girl duo. We used to perform at underground clubs before we got signed, singing pop music in indie clubs, and then NME picked up on us and wrote a big piece on us, we think we are pop but edgy, and people like us more in that respect. Have you been to Ireland before? This is our first time performing in Belfast, though we have preformed in Dublin last night with the clubland tour. Belfast has been our biggest gig so far on the tour, and its been brilliant. Who’s been your biggest musical influences? We both have different ones. For me (says Brit) it’s Madonna, Blondie, Lady Gaga, a lot of 80’s; that’s my personal taste. I think (says Fran) because we’ve such different styles they fit together, so Brit likes the 80s, but I like Beyonce, Destiny’s child and R n’ B. Together our styles work! How do you feel about all the hype surrounding you both? We’re excited about it but at the same time we’re quite grounded because we don’t want to disappoint ourselves. Everyone says our songs are going to get to the top, and we want that badly, but we know we can’t rely on that, so we just take it as it comes.
“Shaping up to be the biggest British female duo since 80s act Mel and Kim” Gay Times
“Britt Love and Frankee Connolly are as sassy, tough and brilliant as the ‘Babes in their prime” NME
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CHRISTMAS Noel Heaney Graphic Designer
Home Alone
Since I was young enough to remember, and my thumbs opposable enough to hang a stocking, I’ve been obsessed with Home Alone. Every Christmas Eve, as Santa is readying Rudolph and the others, I dust off the old VHS player and prepare to get that ‘Christmas feeling’. I’m at the age now where re-creating scenes from
Baz McGilloway Graphic Designer
Die Hard
When I’m thumbing eagerly through this year’s Christmas TV supplement I will be super disappointed if Die Hard - the original, that is - isn’t scheduled in prime time. The debate is getting pretty heated in the office, specifically between Noel’s Home Alone and my choice, Die Hard. Home Alone might have belly laughs and a soundtrack by John Williams,
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but give me a huge budget and completely ridiculous unneccesary pyrotechnics any day. Christmas wouldnt be Christmas without a white vest, bad attitude and an NYPD badge. The battle of wits between Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman is epic, ridiculously entertaining and in my opinion merits comparison to the boxing’s notorious Ali/ Frazier rivalry. So like I said an ice cold glass of Heineken in one hand and Die Hard on the box...bliss, Kimosabe!
Home Alone with my dad is not socially acceptable. He’s Marv and I’m Kevin, by the way. And yes, it’s relatively easy to make a door handle a red hot poker. And no, the iron-shaped imprint on the forehead does not complement the new Marks and Spencer v-neck on Christmas morning. He always did forgive me though. After all, it’s Christmas. Now, get outta here. And keep the change, ya filthy animals.
CLASSICS Everybody’s got a fave Christmas movie, and the topic sparked some heated debate in the PURE office. Here, the PURE team members reveal their most cherished festive pic...
Mary-Anne McNulty editor
It’s a Wonderful Life
It’s a cliche to pick It’s a Wonderful Life, but I don’t think Christmas would be the same without it. It was made 63 years ago, yet it remains arguably the greatest Christmas movie of all time. James Stewart – for my money one of the most naturally-gifted screen actors in history – gives a pitch perfect performance as George Bailey, a suicidal banker who comes to realise
that life aint so bad following the intervention of guardian angel Clarence. This Frank Capra-directed gem has stood the test of time because it’s beautifullycrafted, but I think its main appeal is that it’s unashamedly sentimental. We can all be cynics for 51 weeks of the year, but Christmas is a time where we’re allowed to get a little bit soppy, and push whatever problems we’re having to one side, and cry out ‘help me Clarence, please. I want to live again’!
Sinead Melaugh, director
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Although not a run of the mill Christmas film, The Nightmare before Christmas has a wonderfully weird storyline that still delivers the warm fuzzy feeling you expect from a tale of Santa and the magic of the festive season. The story and the visuals are darker than you’d expect, but this is the one I watch every year after I put the tree up and have settled on the sofa with a roaring fire and a glass of
David Kavanagh director
Santa Claus The Movie The best Christmas movie ever made is, without a doubt, Santa Claus the Movie. Fair enough, the special effects in it aren’t as realistic as today’s blockbuster hits, but it wins hands down for Christmas
Baileys. Halloweentown’s Jack Skellington, having tired of his old routine, decides to take over Christmas, kidnapping Santa and taking to the night skies drawn by three reindeer skeletons to distribute presents that terrify their recipients. Shot out of the skies for defiling Christmas, he rescues Santa from Halloweentown’s evil Oogie Boogie man just in time to save the day. My advice is ditch the usual Miracle on 34th Street mush and indulge your wicked darker side with this Tim Burton classic.
spirit and the cheese factor. Dudley Moore, the robotic reindeer, elf-dust lollipops, exploding sleighs, hobo kids, floating people, broken toys from the North Pole resulting in industrial Elf action and a corrupt evil toy maker thrown in for good measure – they don’t make ‘em like they used to!
WHATS ON
They performed in October in honour of DJ John Peel and are now back for another unforgettable night. The Undertones will perform some of their latest tracks and of course will be rocking their legendary hit ‘Teenage Kicks”. It’s a night definitely not to be missed.
29th December
Deadmau5: For Lack Of A Better Name album tour, Ulster Hall, Belfast With the success of his new album For Lack of a Better Name Deadmau5he has continuously sold out venues across Northern Ireland. The talented Canadian DJ has had successful hits such as ‘I Remember’ and his latest ‘Ghosts n Stuff’. Deadmau5 is the most talked about DJ of this year and is one that’s a must see before finishing off 2009.
Mum and Dad, if the New Year’s festivities haven’t wrecked your head too much, you might want to take the kids up to Belfast for a rip-roaring evening of fun and thrills courtesy of ice hocky team extraordinaire, the Giants. Expect high speed tackles, clashing sticks and flying pucks galore.
22nd December
Bagatelle, Millennium Forum, Derry
2nd January
LBM Belfast Giants v Cardiff Devils, Odyssey Arena, Belfast
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They’ve been in the limelight of the musical scene in Ireland for more than thirty years and with their well known hits ‘Summer in Dublin’ and ‘Second Violin’, Bagatelle are a band whose songwriting prowess is held in high regard. The trio has sold out venues across the States, UK and Ireland and has won over the crowd with their memorable hits and Irish charm.
Recently voted ‘best live act’ and ‘best album’ at the Irish Music Awards, Japanese Popstars put on a set guaranteed to be a night to remember. While touring Ireland the lads will stop at their hometown of Derry for a Christmas celebration at the Nerve Centre. With tickets sure to sell out make sure you get yours in advance.
26nd December
Japanese Pop Stars, Nerve Centre, Derry
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28th December
The Undertones, Sandino’s, Derry
WHATS ON
An essential guide to the upcoming events not to be missed
They were the hottest band of the 80’s and are still selling out concerts 30 years on. The band first got together in 1976 and throughout the years had hits such as ‘Our House’ and ‘Baggy Trousers’. The band took a five year break but reunited in 1993 and haven’t stopped since. Madness are currently on their Christmas tour selling out venues across the UK.
29th December
Madness, Odyssey Arena, Belfast
New Year Viennese Concert with the Ulster Orchestra, Millennium Forum, Derry
6th January
Start off the New Year off in style with the Ulster Orchestra’s renowned Viennese Concert. Conducting will be the inspirational Christopher Bell, while the featured soprano is the wonderful Celine Byrne who won the 2007 Maria Callas Grand Prix. It’s sure to be a sensational and breathtaking night.
Badger’s (upstairs) Derry 31st December Elusive New Years Eve / Bentley (upstairs) Derry 26th December House Classics / Gweedore Derry December 26th Jaywalkers / Gweedore (upstairs) Derry December 31st DJ Jim Healy / St Columb’s Hall Derry 26th December Purple Rain 80’s night / Masons Derry 26th December ACDC tribute band / Mason’s (upstairs) Derry 31st December Liam Melley / Sandino’s Derry, 23rd December Triggerman, Bonnivilles, Here Come the Landed Gentry/ City Hotel Derry 31st December Phyllis / Waterfront Belfast 14th January Paul Potts / O2 Dublin 19th December David Gray
Studio Sittings from £30 Now Offering Fairy templates SnappySnaps, 1 Carlisle road, L’Derry, BT48 6JJ, Tel: 02871 36 9369 Web: www.snappysnaps-lderry.co.uk
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WHAT’S HOT
1. Mumford and Sons
2. Julian Casablancas
The term ‘folk’ is no longer a dirty word when used to describe hot new bands, and London outfit Mumford and Sons are at the vanguard of the current folk-tinged explosion. Their wellcrafted and heartfelt songs have won them the admiration of music bible NME, who hailed their work as ‘like an entirely secret chapter of mood-altering poetry’. Their debut album Sign No More was released to widespread critical acclaim recently, with lead single ‘Little Lion Man’ becoming one of the most highly-regarded songs of the new folk genre. Their exhilarating and moving sound has already earned them a formidable fanbase, so expect them to pop up regularly on the airwaves in the months ahead.
Fans of New York indie darlings the Strokes will need no introduction to charismatic front man Julian Casablancas. He’s recently gone solo, and his album Phrases for the Young is an absolute corker. A pleasing mix of contemporary electronica and good old-fashioned guitar-driven songwriting, Casablancas has remained faithful to the Strokes’ style while adding a few little twists of his own. The single ‘11th dimension’ is pure electronica while the delightful ‘Ludlow Street’ has a real country/ bluegrass feel. Singers don’t come much cooler than Casablancas, but with the goods to back up the image it’s in no way a case of style over substance.
4. Russell Howard
3. Jamie Oliver 20 minute meals app iPhone and iPod users take note; a nifty little app giving you access to tasty and quick-to-make recipes at the touch of a button is now available courtesy of hip chef Jamie Oliver. The app - www.jamieoliver. com/20-minute-meals/ - has 50 recipes with step-by-step photos that help budding cooks shop for and prepare a delicious meal. And unlike other cookery applications, you can store the info and access it even when you aren’t online. Gone are the days when doorstep-sized cookery books clog up the kitchen counter; apps like these are the future!
5. Robert Sheehan
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Watch out for young Irish actor Robert Sheehan over the next year. The striking 21-year-old has been quietly but confidently been making an impact on British TV screens recently, and can currently be seen as the charismatic, quick-witted and cocky Nathan on E4 series Misfits. Before that, his turn as vulnerable street kid BJ in the hard-hitting Channel 4 trilogy Red Riding really stood out no mean feat when you consider the drama boasted the creme de la creme of the British acting scene. Sheehan’s acting prowess and devastating good looks suggest he’ll be Hollywood-bound before long.
He’s been the unsung hero of topical news quiz Mock the Week Frankie Boyle hogged the limelight - but now cheeky-faced stand-up Russell Howard is starting to get the exposure he so richly deserves. His hilarious comedy show Russell Howard’s Good News has had BBC3 viewers rolling in the aisles for the past few months, while his ‘Dingledodies’ live tour of 2008 proved so popular he was forced to extend it into 2009. With a rubber face born for comedy and a surreal sensibility that celebrates the absurd, Howard has been a natural hit with students. But don’t understimate his appeal; beneath the student-friendly exterior lies a sophisticated cultural observer with cross-generational appeal.
INTERIORS
Trends, Gothic Glamour Feature : Mirrors
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INTERIORS 2. bronze square, €425
1. gilt spiral, €200
3. Black deco, €200
A Touch of
Glass
A selection of stylish mirrors from Carpet House & Interiors’ extensive range
4. mosaic black and white, €700
6. shatters, €495
5. sunburst, €495
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INTERIORS
Gothic Glamour Welcome to the dark side this winter as designers introduce us to sumptuous Victoriana. On the catwalks top designers such as Chanel channelled 19th century ruffles and cuffs. Interior designers have taken their cue from the catwalk and produced luxurious gothic chic without harkening Morticia Adams. Black need not be dark and dreary, think sensual warm lighting, luxurious fabric and fabulous charcoal grey/black patterns to bring a sensual side to your home interiors this winter. Look to sites like ebay for antique black lace panels to vamp up your home.
Black shimmer pendant available at Luxuryfabrics.co.uk
Bed end Barocco available at Maisons Du Monde
Antique black and crystal candelabra ribbon & crystal Lanvin necklace & Black lace Miss Lohan silk ankle booties
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Authentic Italian Dining Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday 5pm-9.30pm Friday-Saturday 5pm-10pm Sunday 5pm-9.30pm 24b Queen’s Quay, Derry | Telephone 028 7136 9983
INTERVIEW
Live music every night
Live bands every weekend
NEW YEARS EVE RETRO DISCO WITH DJ JIM HEALY. DOORS OPEN EARLY 59-63 Waterloo St , Derry, BT48 6HD - tel / 028 71 267295 - Paedarodonnells@hotmail.com - holders of the traditional bar of the year award
HEALTH & LIFESTYLE
PURE is pleased to welome Dr Dan McKenna, specialist in oral surgery and proprietor of Whiterose Dental Clinic in Culmore, to the magazine. Every quarter, he’ll be writing a column focussing on various aspects of dental care and improvement. Here, he kicks things off with a piece on the benefits of implants. There’s a lot of mystery surrounding implants and what the procedure actually entails, but it’s really very straighforward. Simply put, they’re artificial roots that serve as a replacement for missing teeth. They feel, function and look like natural teeth. Unlike a traditional bridge, a single implant restoration replaces a tooth without the need to grind down the adjacent teeth. There’s three parts to it: the implant itself, the abutment and the crown. The crown is the only bit you end up seeing, and once the implant is done, everything’s there to stay and you don’t have to worry about it. As a result of rugby playing
in my younger years, I’ve had a fair few myself, and I can vouch for the fact that they’re infinitely superior to dentures. In fact, implantation is a procedure becoming increasingly popular with the slightly older generation - as well as the young - because it makes such a massive difference to their quality of life. Many of them simply can’t wear dentures, either because they suffer too much discomfort or because they find they can be embarrassing in certain social situations, if they slip etc. Many of my patients tell me they hate the idea of having to put dentures in a glass beside the bed as it makes them feel old, and for them
implants act as a lifeline. The difference they make to the shape of the face and the firmness and texture of the skin is amazing. But really, implants are a great idea for anyone with missing teeth who want something that feels permanent in their mouth, and that won’t detract in any way from their quality of life. It’s an investment in the cosmetic sense, certainly, but also in terms of health. There’s a big connection between gum disease and heart disease, so a healthy mouth and good oral hygiene is really vital. And, for the record, implant surgery is as acceptable as routine dental treatment, so don’t be put off
With a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry, Waterfoot Hotel general manager Tony McDermott had a lot to live up to when he hosted his dinner party at his Buncrana home recently... Tony McDermott is a dab hand at throwing a dinner party. Being general manager of the Waterfoot Hotel in Derry, and having previously spent four years in the same role at the prestigious Ballyliffin Lodge in Donegal, perfectionist Tony is an expert when it comes to good food and presentation. He was more than happy, therefore, to be the first host for our new monthly Come Dine With Me feature. “I really enjoy cooking for friends and opening up my home to them,” he says, “so I didn’t get too flustered when I was arranging this dinner. To me, preparation is key, so I planned a menu that would make sure I could enjoy the craic with my guests. If the dishes are overly complicated, you spend half the night in the kitchen and your home just becomes a restaurant, which misses the whole point of having people round.” Tony’s simple yet sumptuous starter of goat’s cheese, rocket, beetroot and walnut salad boasted the finest seasonal ingredients, and being something of a wine buff he chose an excellent New Zealand sauvignon blanc to cut through it. Its simplicity enabled him to concentrate on his main course, a rich chicken pie that he has perfected over the years.
“it’s 90 percent preparation and 10 percent perspiration fail to prepare and prepare to fail! The other thing is the quality of the ingredients. If you spend a wee bit extra on the produce - and be sure to use fresh herbs - it will make all the difference when it’s on the plate.”
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He says: “Because it’s winter I wanted to give the guests something really hearty. This dish is quite footery when you do it the first time, but after that it’s pretty straightforward. The hard work’s in getting the sauce right, but really the ingredients speak for themselves. It’s got chicken stock, bay leaves, thyme, cream, pancetta, and these lovely little Asian white mushrooms that turn black when you warm them. It’s real comfort food, and judging by the empty plates I think the guests enjoyed it!” The main was accompanied by another fine New Zealand wine a pinot noir - that Tony picked because it married perfectly with his dish. Tony’s experience in the hospitality industry was no doubt priceless when it came to hosting a dinner party, but he believes that anyone can do it well if they follow some basic but essential rules. “As I always say to the staff in the Waterfoot when we’re putting on a party,” he says “it’s 90 percent preparation and 10 percent perspiration - fail to prepare and prepare to fail! The other thing is the quality of the ingredients. If you spend a wee bit extra on the produce - and be sure to use fresh herbs - it will make all the difference when it’s on the plate.” With their bellies full and some top notch wine flowing through their veins, Tony’s satisfied guests left with big smiles on their faces, and no doubt they’ll be back for more before long.”Things went very smoothly in the kitchen,” he says, “so I had plenty of time to sit and enjoy the conversation round the table. I like a very laid back, relaxed vibe, and hopefully I made my guests feel at ease. Because of work and other committments, it had been ages since we’d all gotten together, and for me the best thing about the night was having the opportunity to catch up properly with close friends. Actually, we were gassing so much that I never even got round to serving the port and cheese that was meant to follow the dessert!”
Cathy Meenan “The night was a great success. Tony greeted us with champagne on arrival and had a lovely fire lit. The food was gorgeous and he was very well-prepared. I really enjoyed the goats cheese starter and the chicken pie was perfect for this time of year. It was a really great night.” Score: 9/10
COME DINE
MENU Tony’s Dinner Party Menu Starter organic goat’s cheese rocket, beetroot and walnut salad with honey dressing wine pairing: Oyster Bay sauvignon blanc
Pure’s verdict:
Tony hard at work
We had high expectations for Tony’s dinner party, and we’re pleased to say he delivered. He was super attentive to his guests, made sure their wine and water glasses were topped up regularly, and didn’t spend all his time in the kitchen. The food looked lovely, and though we didn’t want to intrude too much by sitting down to the meal, we did sneak a spoonful of his chicken pie when nobody was looking and it was really delicious. There was a lot of laughter round the dinner table, and unlike some social gatherings, nobody hogged the limelight. Tony was a very unselfish host, and was eager to include all the guests in the conversation and the craic. His timing was spot on when it came to serving the food, and the table settings were lovely. The only small criticisms we could make is that the pastry for the chicken pie was a smidgeon overdone, and he never served the cheese and port at the end; but if the reason for this was that the guests were too busy enjoying themselves, then that’s alright with us. Tony has set a very high standard, so, readers, come and have a go if you think you’re good enough!
Main Course Claridge’s chicken pie containing pancetta, shimeji mushrooms, shallots & dry sherry Served With baby carrots and fine beans pan-fried potatoes with garlic and thyme Wine Pairing: Lawson’s Dry Hill pinot noir Dessert strawberry Eton mess Selection of Irish Cheese & Ruby Port
Score: 9/10
Grainne O’Doherty “This was a very relaxing, well thoughtout dinner party. The food was restaurant standard and Tony was a fabulous host. He presented us with champagne on arrival and talked us through all the wine choices with each course, and why they complemented the food, which was really interesting. The table presentation was lovely and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire evening.” Score: 9.5/10
Andy O’Doherty “Tony’s night was fantastic. The ambience was great, the company well-selected and the food terrific. The highlight for me was the chicken pie, as I’m a sucker for hearty food, and the strawberry dessert was great. I’m not a lover of goat’s cheese, but that’s just a personal thing, and I thought the presentation of the starter was spot-on. The evening was great craic and very memorable.”
Alicia Foster “I thought the night was amazing. The food was unbelievable and the atmosphere was very relaxed. We had the craic long after the food was finished and the whole night was typical Tony perfection!”
Score: 8.5 /10
Score: 10/10
THE REVIEWS
The Railway Tavern
by Mary-Anne McNulty I wrote a review of the Railway Tavern’s Firebox Grill two and a half years ago for the Donegal newspaper I was working for at the time. Of all the restaurtants in Inishowen I’d been to, the Firebox was by far my favourite, and I said so in the review. I’d been living away for a while and hadn’t been back since, so I was curious to see if they’d retained their high standards. The first reassuring thing I noticed was that it was the same chef working at the huge fire grill in the middle of the dining area. By this stage, I thought, he could do the job in his sleep, but for me his virtuoso performance cooking up the various steaks, chops and ribs under his care was as thrilling and theatrical to watch as it was first time around. The second was the Railway Tavern’s dedication to investing in good staff. The waitress Yvonne was great. It doesn’t really do her justice to say she was friendly and on-the-ball about the food, so all I’ll say is that she had an air of accomplishment that is hard to describe, but that you notice straight away when it’s missing. Sadly, this is something that some restaurants in the North West fall down on, and it’s a great shame. For me, eating out isn’t just about the food. It’s about it being a treat, and being a little pampered for a few hours, so the feelgood factor tends to evaporate pretty quickly when the person taking your order throws your plate down on the table as if you’d just insulted her mother. Disinterested or unhelpful waiting staff tend to be the result of poor training and a poor wage, so culprit bosses take note. I’m a creature of habit so ordered the seafood chowder I had the last time, and it was just as good; nice and thick and packed with flaky haddock and fat mussels. You can’t go to the firebox without ordering their acclaimed steaks, so though their
menu had other really tempting mains, I opted for this. I like my steak so blue it moos, and a restaurant absolutely cannot get away with serving meat this rare unless it’s of the highest quality. My fillet was so succulent it was almost like eating - work with me, here - a wonderfully exotic beefy ice cream, and worth every cent. Being a Derry gal, I consider it my civic duty to order garlic potoes whenever they appear on a menu, so as something of a connoisseur of all things potatoey and garlicky, I can proclaim the Firebox’s worthy of the highest praise. My fellow diner’s king prawn and baby lobster starter was simplicity itself, and let the freshness and quality of the ingredients speak for themselves. She was clearly reluctant to let me have any so I can only assume by the empty plate it was good, but I can say for sure that her lamb cutlets main was great because I heisted one off her plate when she turned round to get something out of her handbag. We ended up splitting dessert as the generous portions had left us quite full, but the lovely apple and raspberry crumble with fresh cream easily found a home in our bellies. Virtually nothing has changed about the Railway Tavern since my visit in 2007, but for me - and for their formidable clan of regulars - that’s no bad thing. For some businesses, staying the same is a risky strategy, especially when there’s so many competitors bringing new and innovative ideas into the market. But when your trump card is your reputation - and the Tavern’s Firebox Grill is one of the strongest examples of a business operating on word-of-mouth - then the worst thing you can do is mess around with it. Walking into the Tavern is like pulling on a pair of well-worn but exceedingly comfortable slippers. The decor could even be called shabby, if it weren’t for the fact that this adherence to the classic tavern feel is a key factor in its homely and unpretentious appeal. The bar is like someone’s living-room,
where regulars are greeted like old friends, and I swear, at one point, I was expecting someone to walk in and everyone cry ‘Norm!’, but sadly it never happened. Simply put, this is the place to go if you value good quality food that has the confidence not to hide behind elaborate sauces, and where the term ‘hospitality’ is a word that actually means something and isn’t just part of a corporate slogan. The only drawback is that, if you have to travel back to Derry, someone has to be the sacrificial lamb and go without wine, but so long as it’s not me I’ll definitely be back for more.
Railway Tavern and Firebox Grill Station Road, Fahan, Donegal Tel: 00353 74 9360137
THE REVIEWS
Casa Italia
by Barry Shiels Running around getting the final pieces of work completed before the Christmas break was going to be no easy task, so when my friend invited me out for a bite to eat I jumped at the chance to sit down and unwind after the stressful day. I completed my work, locked up the office and off we went to the newly-opened Casa Italia on Queen’s Quay. I hadn’t heard anything about this place and didn’t know what to expect. We received a warm welcome from the staff and were given our choice of tables. Almost immediately I felt at home with the warm rustic red colours and modern beams in the ceiling. I loved the authentic feeling of the restaurant with the comfortable seating and plenty of space for diners. Nestled overlooking the River Foyle, this beautiful casa boasts picturesque night-time views of the river as the outside world passes by. Like many of the best Italian restaurants throughout the world the house white and red wines are the only wines available by the glass. Premium wines are available by the bottle but I thought this was a little too much indulgence so early before Christmas. The menu we were given was easy to follow and had an impressive range to suit all tastes and palates. We decided to go for the bruschetta for starters, not your usual bruschetta in the fact that it had creamed ricotta, which perfectly complemented the other flavours. For main course my friend ordered the chilli prawn linguini which, to his surprise, came with mussels; an added treat which meant this dish scored higher than he imagined it would. Another highlight was that the pasta was cooked to perfection considering that many other restaurants serving Italian food get it so wrong. I myself went for the Aberdeen Angus ribeye steak which I asked to be cooked medium well, served with a sauce of my choice, and had this with garlic potatoes. I am terribly fussy when it comes to my steak, but this steak rivals some of the best that I have eaten throughout the world - even in Johannesburg! Having spied the dessert menu at the start I began to wonder whether I could manage some dolce delicacies. I looked at the menu and decided almost straight away that I would have
the chocolate orange cheesecake with vanilla and served with balsamic strawberries. This is to die for and should be the signature dessert; the biscuit base is so buttery, the orange taste just strong enough to let you know it’s there and the balsamic strawberries...well I still don’t know what balsamic strawberries are but they are to die for. I wouldn’t tell anyone about Casa Italia, I want to keep it all for myself; but then again that wouldn’t be fair, would it? The Italian music playing softly in the background sets the tone for the evening and you could really lose all track of time in this amazing little Italy of our own here in the heart of the city. My first experience of Casa Italis will definitely not be my last; a great atmosphere combined with excellent food and value for money means that I will be booking another table this weekend. One word...fantastico!
Casa Italia Queen’s Quay, Derry Tel: 02871 369983
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Colin Harrigan’s
Colin Harrigan is looking forward to a hard-earned day off this Christmas. Owner of popular restaurant and wine bar Timber Quay, Colin - or ‘Harry’ to all who know him - has recently celebrated Timber Quay’s three-year anniversary, and he’s in fine form when PURE meets him there for coffee and a chat. A professional chef with almost 20 years’ experience in the business, Harry’s venture into restaurant ownership has been going great guns. Here, he talks about his idea of the perfect Christmas and how he will spend the day.... MY IDEAL GIFT. I suppose what I would really love is to go downstairs on Christmas Day to see a Paul Smith suit waiting for me. I’m not into bling or materialistic stuff, but I think his suits are fantastic and I would love one. MY BEST EVER CHRISTMAS PRESENT was a Grifter bike I got when I was nine years old. At that time Santa was sending second-hand bikes and I got a second-hand Grifter that I loved. It was so cool - it had gears and everything - and I remember being out on it ‘til five in the morning. I ended up wrecking it with all the jumps and turns I put it through.
Foster. George did an amazing job, and the design has worn really well. It was done three years ago, but it still has a really fresh and contemporary feel. MY FAVOURITE AFTERSHAVE is Cacharel. It has a spicy and masculine smell. It’s quite hard to get hold of, but Siobhan gets it for me when it comes into Austins from time to time, or at the duty free when we’re on holiday. MY FAVOURITE CHRITMAS TIPPLE is a Bushmills malt with a cube or two of ice. At some point during Christmas Day I’ll sit back with a Bushmills and no doubt nod off for an hour.
MY WIFE SIOBHAN does all the Christmas shopping - I don’t think she trusts me to do it! We both decorated the house for Christmas, though Siobhan does most of the footery stuff. We got a real tree in, and generally keep things very traditional.
THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS MOVIE has got to be It’s a Wonderful Life. You always manage to catch it on one of the channels, and I’m a real sucker for emotional films like that. I know grown men don’t cry, but I always get a lump in my throat when it’s on.
OUR DAUGHTER FAE is two - we’ve another baby on the way - and Christmas has definitely changed since she came along. She’s just learning how to say ‘Santa’, this year, and myself and Siobhan can’t wait for Christmas to see her face when she gets her presents. We put up the decorations last week and it was a real buzz to see Fae’s reaction when she came down and saw them all.
WE ALWAYS START CHRISTMAS DAY OFF with a breakfast of smoked salmon, scrambled eggs and a glass of champagne. Then we’ll visit my father’s grave and call in to see my mother after that. We’re having dinner this year at Siobhan’s mother’s, and though I’m a chef I’m more than happy to keep my nose out of it. I think she feels the pressure a bit because she’s cooking for a chef, but she shouldn’t worry as she does a brilliant dinner. I love cooking, though, so we’ll have a buffet at our own house the day after. For me, the kitchen is a real comfort zone, so I’m looking forward to preparing it.
I WONT BE OUT ON THE TILES this Christmas. I’ve done a fair bit of partying in my day, but I’ve retired from the scene since I got married, had Fae, and opened up Timber Quay. My idea of partying these days is a relaxing night in a good restaurant with a decent bottle of wine. DECEMBER IS ALWAYS a really busy month for us. We’ve just celebrated Timber Quay’s third anniversary, which I’m really pleased about. The interior was designed by Goerge Brennan, who worked for the famous architect Norman
MY FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS SONG is definitely the Pogues’ ‘Fairytale of New York’. Again, it’s an obvious choice but it’s a real classic and has stood the test of time. As soon as you hear the opening few bars you automatically get that Christmas feeling.
Colin’s Christmas Favourites:
Clockwise From Top: Bushmills Malt Whiskey, Raleigh Grifter Bike, Real Christmas Tree, Traditonal Christmas Turkey, Cacharel Aftershave, Paul Smith suit.
cosmetics
Courtesy of Debenham’s, Foyleside, we’re giving one lucky lady the chance to win all the Benefit cosmetics featured in the women’s product reviews page. To enter, email your name and address to competitions@pure-mag.co.uk and mark your entry ‘Benefit’. Please note that in the interests of safety, we’ll ask the winner to have a free beauty consultation at Debenham’s prior to receiving the prize to ensure there’s no problems with skin allergies etc.
Fragrances Courtesy of Debenham’s Foyleside, we have a bottle of each of the fragrances featured in our male and female product pages to give away. This month we’ve got Ed Hardy Original Man, Diesel Fuel For Life, Carolina Herrera 212 Sexy and DKNY Red Delicious aftershaves and Benefit’s Crescent Row perfumes: ‘Laugh With Me Lee Lee’, ‘There’s Something About Sofia’ and ‘My Place or Yours Gina’. To enter email your name and address to competitions@pure-mag.co.uk. Mark your entry ‘fragrance’ and state your preferred choice of scent.
Music Are you a Beyonce fan? Then you’ll be dying to get your hands on her special edition DVD and two-disc CD Beyonce: I am...yours, which features an intimate performance by the ultimate soul diva at Wynn Las Vegas. This magical concert performance compilation features behind the scenes footage and is a chance to get up close and personal with a true legend. We’ve got two to give away, so email your details to competitions@puremag.co.uk and mark your entry ‘Beyonce’.
Vip Card We’re giving away a £100 VIP shopping spree gift card courtesy of Debenham’s, Foyleside. As well as entitling the bearer to spend £100 on Debenham’s own brand products in-store, the card also gets you your very own personal shopper, a Clarins facial worth £35 and a treat in the restaurant. To enter, email your details to competitions@pure-mag.co.uk and mark your entry ‘Debenham’s VIP card’.
Last month’s winners Dior cosmetics Geraldine Campbell, Derry Urban Decay cosmetics Sharon Concannon, Derry Smashbox cosmetics Gemma Doherty, Derry Jimmy Choo sunglasses (courtesy of Curtis Opticians) Yvonne Porter, Derry Makeover package (courtesy of Suede) Karen Curran, Derry
Sunshine in a Box kits Cheryll McCloskey, Limavady Dean Cairns, Derry Andrew Rodwell, London Fragrances Michael Curran, Derry Louise Kelly, Derry Martin McCauley, Derry Justin Long, Belfast Rory O’Sullivan, Derry Damien Lafferty, Letterkenny True Blood merchandise Natalie Marchant, Glasgow
All beauty products and fragrances courtesy of Debenhams
Terms and conditions The entry deadline for all competitions is noon on Wednesday January 6, 2009. Winners are chosen at random and will be notified via email. The editor’s decision is final. Unless where stated otherwise, all entrants must be aged 16 or over.
COMPETITIONS PAGE