society living magazine issue 004

ISSUE 4 AUGUST 2009

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO LIFE ON THE COAST

SOCIETY Living Gordon Ramsay cooking up

A STORM AL FRESCO DINING PARADISE

FUNKY FERRARI WITH A FEMININE TOUCH

BEACHSIDE BEAUTY AND ELEGANCE

chic haven for visiting

FUN-FILLED SUMMER GALA SEASON

celebrities

LIFESTYLE GLAMOUR PERSONALITIES STYLE LEISURE GASTRONOMY

BOUTIQUE JUST CAVALLI Marina Banús, Edificio 4, Local 21. Puerto Banús.

29660 Marbella.

Tel. +34 952 92 97 98

BOUTIQUE JUST CAVALLI Laguna Village A7 km, 159 – Playa del Padrón.

29680 Estepona Tel. +34 952 80 62 46

BOUTIQUE JUST FAUBOURG 50, rue de Faubourg Saint-Honoré.

75008 PARÍS. Tel. 01 42 66 25 68

EDITORIAL LINES August 2009

Contents 16

GLAMOUR DIGEST Chic style and stunning fashion trends

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TECH WORLD Cutting edge innovation…state-of-the-art gadgets

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CITY LIGHTS Postcard from London – capital of style and celebrity

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BIG SCREEN Behind the scenes in the world of movies

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MUSIC NOTES Rock snippets from around the globe

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CELEBRITY SPOTLIGHT Gordon Ramsay: cooking up a storm

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SOCIETY Costa glamour… mixing business with pleasure

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KRISTINA SZEKELY’S DIARY Queen of Marbella social scene

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ON THE ROAD Ferrari California: fast, furious and feminine

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FASHION FLAIR Beach club glamour for night and day

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CELEBRITY SHAPE-UP Valuable tips from trainer to the stars Nicki Waterman

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LATEST TRENDS Tips, trends and new sensations in makeup and skincare

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TASTES OF SPAIN Delicious desserts to die for

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FINE DINING Relaxing days, elegant nights… and hot new venue

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CHEF’S SELECTION An authentic Thai dining experience

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TABLE TALK Restaurant news and culinary tidbits

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RESTAURANT GUIDE Highly recommended for gastronomic pleasure

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NOTICEBOARD Business and other news from around Spain

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SNAPSHOTS Your view… special moments and occasions

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IN THE STARS Astrologist Russell Grant looks into the future

Summer at its best

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or many of us this is the most enjoyable season of the year. Spring and autumn might have more pleasantly moderate temperatures but summer is the ideal time to take full advantage of the renowned Mediterranean lifestyle. Even those of us who have to work during August can still usually wrangle more appropriate “summer hours” from the boss, and join our family and friends for a fun-filled month of al fresco dining, languid days at a favourite beach club, and elegant evening galas and cocktail parties.

Most readers will need little prompting to get into the festive mood but, just to help us on our way, this bumper August issue – with an extra 16 pages of style and glamour, as the magazine continues to advance onwards and upwards – features an expanded fashion section on stunning items from the leading local boutiques, photographed by Cj Hadlow, modelled by smouldering Spanish beauty Andrea Karolina and shot at two of the Coast’s hottest venues, Nikki Beach and Buddha Beach. We also have our customary valuable tips on health, beauty and fitness from the experts, including trainer to the stars Nicki Waterman; and, for discerning foodies, more reviews and news from the Coast’s top restaurants.

Our cover this month features Russian singer and actress Maria Rzhevskaya, who has been relaxing in Marbella over the summer; while Nicola McGeorge has an exclusive interview with the enfant terrible of Michelin-star cuisine, Gordon Ramsay. Our supercar of the month is the Ferrari California which, in a rare break from tradition at the Prancing Horse stables, has been designed as a more populist model for the 21st century, especially among women.

Finally, a reminder that if you know someone living away from the Coast who would like to stay abreast of local happenings and news, a virtual copy of Society Living can now be read online at www.societylivingmagazine.com.

Publisher Andy Clark andy@societylivingmagazine.com Advertising Director Fay Jones advertising@societylivingmagazine.com Tel. 617 651 732 Advertising Representative Lyndsay Tyer lyndsay@societylivingmagazine.com Lisa Mitten lisa@societylivingmagazine.com Administration info@societylivingmagazine.com Tel. 952 838 000

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Editorial editorial@societylivingmagazine.com Features Editor Jessica White features@societylivingmagazine.com Contributing Editors Samantha Jones, Peter Leonard Contributors Russell Grant, Gillaine Hathaway, Nicola McGeorge, Linda Mindel Carvell, Micky Reynolds, Kristina Szekely, Nicki Waterman Cover photograph Photography by Cj Hadlow Photographers ByShaun, Toni Cochrane, Johnny Gates, CJ Hadlow, Ruth Jones, David Toms

Society Living is published monthly by: Bespoke Media S.L. CIF: B92998483 Unit 8, C.C. La Colonia San Pedro de Alcántara 29600 Marbella. Tel. 952 838 000 www.societylivingmagazine.com Depósito Legal: MU-1588-2009 Production Opus 1 Design design@societylivingmagazine.com The views and opinions expressed by contributors to Society Living may not represent the views and opinions of the publishers.

Bespoke Media takes no responsibility for claims made in advertisements or advertorials in this magazine.

No part of Society Living may be reproduced or copied in any way without the prior written consent of Bespoke Media.

GLAMOUR DIGEST

STYLISHLY APPEALING During the Cannes Film Festival Brad Pitt wore a vintage 1987 pair of Carrera sunglasses and he is just one of many celebrities who favour the designer brand that was inspired by a PanAmericana automobile race. Although famous for racing sunglasses, Carrera creates fashionable, unique ranges that appeal to and suit everyone. These bold and funky frames are great for sports, fashion or everyday use.

CHIC STYLES AND ALLURING IDEAS FROM THE WORLD OF FASHION...

PLUS OTHER IN VOGUE NEWS FOR TREND-SETTERS COMPILED BY JESSICA WHITE

UNIQUELY BEAUTIFUL When seeking style, fashion and glamour there is one particular place to look: Christian Dior.

World renowned for its classic pieces as well as the more edgy items in its collections, the company caters for every aspect of the fashion world. This “Bagatelle” small model ring in pink gold and pink diamonds is beautiful and will add that little something extra to an outfit; while these platform sandals in beige and brown animal printed galuchat with an ivory covered statue heel are unique yet stunning. www.dior.com 16

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GLAMOUR DIGEST FASHIONABLE COLLECTIONS Dorothy Perkins has been providing fashionable, affordable clothing for women for 100 years and has grown to become one of the best high street fashion stores available. This purple animal print swimsuit is bang on trend with its one shoulder strap and funky bright colour – just one of the pieces available in the swimwear collection. For those who would rather shop online, the website also offers style advice ranging from tips about what to wear for your shape and what pieces look good together. www.dorothyperkins.com

INSPIRATIONAL ACCESSORIES Opened in 1984 as part of the accessories section in the growing Monsoon fashion brand, Accessorize has fast become the place to go to buy bags, purses, jewellery, beachwear and much more. The brand, with its “inspirational, globally sourced, well-priced and good quality collection of fashion accessories”, is stylish and affordable and the many collections ensure you will always find exactly what you are looking for. www.accessorize.co.uk

CHIC AND TRENDY Marks and Spencer is well known for its fashionable jewellery collections as much as for its easy-to-wear trendy clothes ranges – and the summer accessories collections are no different.

The jewellery collection is on trend with big, exaggerated necklaces and bracelets, while a variety of stylish shoes fit in well with beach bags, clutches and everyday bags. The Limited Collection gold cuff is perfect for day or evening wear and would look great with white and other summery colours, while the Autograph faux pearl necklace is the ultimate necklace for a glamorous night out. www.marksandspencer.com w w w. s o c i e t y l i v i n g m a g a z i n e . c o m

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TECH WORLD A GADGET FOR ALL GENERATIONS New series of Flip camcorders The Flip camcorder – the first point and shoot hand-held camcorder – revolutionised the way people capture and share video. Flip Video has now launched the second generation Flip Ultra and Flip HD pocket camcorders, which improve and enhance the Flip experience without compromising on simplicity and affordability. An attractive gadget for all generations, the Flip Ultra and Ultra HD are the simplest everyday tools for anyone looking to capture special moments, occasions or events and share them with their social network. The new models comprise various features including an internal memory which has been doubled to 8GB, allowing users to capture up to two hours of footage; an expanded screen to offer superior playback with simple onetouch recording; and a flip-out USB arm which connects directly to any computer. The Flip Ultra is available in black, white, pink and yellow; while the Flip Ultra HD comes in black and white with a striking chrome tint.

CUTTING-EDGE INNOVATION STATE-OF-THE ART GADGETS, HIGH-TECH UPDATES AND CONSUMER ELECTRONICS NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

PROJECTING THE FUTURE Samsung combines projector and mobile phone The MBP200 Pico Projector is Samsung’s latest offering in “convergence” technology – combining half portable media device and half portable projector. The gadget is a compact projector designed to connect directly to mobile phones and laptops to bring presentations on the road. The Pico Projector is ideal for conferences and presentations of any scale and is capable of projecting to a surface as small as a sheet of paper. Weighing just 160 grams, the Pico comprises a 2.2 inch (5.6 cm) screen and 3.5 mm headphone jack and built-in speaker, and conveniently doubles as a portable media player.

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ELEGANT TECHNOLOGY Ulysee Nardin Chairman smart phone World-renowned watchmaker Ulysse Nardin has teamed up with SCI Innovations to create the Chairman hybrid smart phone which fuses the finest watch craftsmanship with the most advanced cell phone technology.

Encapsulating elegance and superb technical specifications, the Chairman model comprises a fingerprint reader for owner identification and phone lock, five megapixel camera, sapphire glass and rose gold or stealth black casing. The Chairman is the first mobile phone to feature a mechanical watch rotor, which is incorporated into the design and charges a built-in battery using the kinetic energy of the moving rotor – enabling the phone to generate power from the natural movement of your body and charge itself automatically when you are on the go.

CITY LIGHTS Naomi Campbell: Why is the beautiful but notoriously bad tempered model seen so often with Sarah Brown?

Selfridges: Sales staff in their Luxury Room can greet well-heeled foreigners in over 40 languages.

POSTCARD from London LINDA MINDEL CARVELL BRINGS US UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE NEWS, TRENDS AND GLAMOUR FROM THE CAPITAL OF STYLE AND CELEBRITY

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ugust is a gloriously wicked month for designer shops, five-star restaurants and five-star hotels in London, with the arrival of serious big-spenders from abroad.

With foreign shoppers flooding the capital, the retail organisation New West End Company is giving detailed guidance on customs and visiting habits of different nationalities.

Sales assistants are advised to: “try and greet people in their language”; “never raise eyebrows, or do a thumbs-up gesture, which

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are no-nos”; “do not ask whom a gift is for”; “give a high-level of service”, etc.

The average spend per London shopping trip for visitors from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates is £2,787 for Russians it’s £1,169; and for Americans it’s £676, according to PMA Research, Visit London and Global Refund.

Selfridges, which has long been known for its forward-thinking fashion, saw profits leap by 30 per cent to £84.1 million last year, thanks to well-heeled foreigners indulging in mega-price

goods from their Luxury Room. “Our shop floor people can greet visitors in over 40 different languages,” says the proud Selfridges PR, who clearly knows which side of the bread her butter’s on!

Over in Knightsbridge, Harrods is doing brisk business selling Tom Ford’s luxe menswear line, which now includes a pair of jeans costing £465. These aren’t just any old jeans, chaps.

Ford’s are made from 13-ounce Japanese selvedge denim, and come with concealed rivets and 18-carat gold-plated buttons.

But down the road at Harvey Nichols the scene isn’t as rosy. The department store saw profits fall from £18 million to £10 million last year, and a re-design of the store begins this month.

It seems that the powers that be at HN now want to target the under-thirties, and make space for “edgier brands”, attracting young trendsetters like the ghastly Geldof sisters, Peaches and Pixie. As those girls live off freebies, I wonder if that’s such a clever marketing move.

I have just heard that the Saudi royals’ £50 million Belgravia super-home has been given the green light by English Heritage. The hi-tech, 20-bedroom project brings together three houses in Wilton Crescent.

The project includes digging to build two storeys underground to create an indoor pool, communications room, servants’ bedrooms, limousine-sized garage and dumb waiter.

Plans for the 50-room house also include a security station, gym and large strong room for valuables. It will be one of the biggest homes of its kind in central London, estimated at more than 12,000 square feet (1,115 square metres).

“Suddenly I feel like a poor relation,” whispered my Belgravia neighbour, a lovely woman from Moscow. “My house is worth only £12 million,” she sighed, sipping her Krug champagne from a priceless Baccarat crystal glass.

George Clooney, Matt Damon and Brat Pitt are just a few of the celebrity owners of the Tesla electric car that cost £100,000. Now, for the first time, the 200 kph electric car is on sale outside of the States. The company has opened a glitzy new showroom in

CITY LIGHTS

Harrods: Pure heaven for fans of Tom Ford’s £465 jeans.

Knightsbridge, hoping to attract London’s wealthy punters.

The white convertible is particularly fetching for beautiful, rich, young friends of the earth.

What on earth is an intelligent woman like Sarah Brown doing hanging out with the likes of Paris Hilton and Naomi Campbell? The PM’s wife seems bewitched by this tacky twosome, and twitters her admiration like a star-struck teenager.

Neither of the dames is A-list material.

Campbell has a reputation and police record for drug offences and violent behaviour. Yet, Sarah tags along with her to the Glastonbury Music Festival, and invites her to 10 Downing Street to meet Michelle Obama.

As for Hilton, my Wardour Street spy told me that the heiress asked her “people” to call the organisers of an exclusive Cannes Film Festival dinner to ask, “How much will you pay for Paris to attend your party?” The reply was, “We’ll pay her not to.”

The $64,000 question is just why Downing Street lets the Prime Minister’s wife be photographed with Hilton and Campbell. If they think it gives street cred to either her or Catherine Zeta Jones: Building a second career with lucrative commercials.

Anna Freil: Elegantly sleek in stage version of Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

her husband they really have gone down the rabbit hole, and beyond the yellow brick road!

Yummy mummy and model Laura Bailey is a devotee of the Taga bike that converts in seconds into a pushchair – just launched in London.

Fresh from Holland, it’s this season’s must-have accessory to take the kids – from babies to young children – shopping, to the park, on the Tube, or just for a chic spin round the block.

It looks great, has a variety of different carrying options, and costs £1,700.

I wonder how long it will be before VIP pedal pushers David Cameron, Elle Macpherson, Helena Bonham Carter and Lord Linley are cycling their kids on the trendiest bike in town!

Bjorn Borg, who won 11 Grand Slam tennis titles in his decade-long career, loves the Italian food at the über-chic Cipriani in Mayfair. “My favourite dinner is mozzarella and tomato salad to start, beef lasagne and saltimbocca to follow, and then tiramisu, with some delicious homemade gelato on the side.”

However, Roger Federer and the likes of Lleyton Hewitt, Serena and Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova and Andy Roddick prefer tucking into a curry at the little-known Indian restaurant Rajdoot, in Wimbledon village.

Federer likes to order a chicken tikka masala costing £8.65 – with a 10 per cent discount. He loves Indian food, but doesn’t like it too spicy.

“He’s a really nice, all-round-good guy; always friendly and smiling and treats everybody with respect,” says restaurant waiter Mo Rhaman, who has struck up a friendship with the personable Roger.

Anna Friel takes to the West End stage next month in a stage version of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, playing the Holly Golightly role that Audrey Hepburn made famous in the 1961 film.

The show is directed by Sean Mathias, and opens at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on 9 September. Friel, who first found fame on the Channel 4 soap Brookside, is “delighted to play one of my all-time favourite characters”. societylivingmagazine.com

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CITY LIGHTS Laura Bailey: Adores the new Taga bike from Holland that converts in seconds into a pushchair.

Truman Capote, who wrote the classic novella in the ‘40s, had Marilyn Monroe in mind to play the role of Holly, a charming, vivacious but elusive good-time girl who everyone falls in love with.

But Blake Edwards, who directed the bittersweet film, which features Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer’s hauntingly beautiful song Moon River, wanted Hepburn, who he felt was classier. So the script was adjusted to suit the enchanting Audrey.

Joseph Cross takes on the role of William “Fred” Parsons, the young writer played in the film by George Peppard.

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I’ve had a peak at some of the black frocks, long gloves and cartwheel hats that Anna will be wearing.

Sleek, sophisticated and elegant. She looks gorgeous.

What do Catherine Zeta Jones, Brad Pitt, Bruce Willis and Charlie Sheen have in common? They’re all major players who have pocketed mega bucks promoting products in Japan, with the understanding that the ads are only to be shown in that country.

Brad Pitt pushes canned coffee, cell phones and Rolex watches; Bruce Willis gets his dosh from Subaru; and Charlie Sheen plugs Toyota and Mobello women’s shoes.

Now, the fragrant Mrs Michael Douglas, who is already paid handsomely as the celebrity face of Elizabeth Arden cosmetics and fragrances, has filmed a sevenminute commercial, only to be shown in cinemas and on television in the Far East, for Unilever’s Lux shampoo, for which she received a staggering £1.55 million in salary and expenses.

My oh my, hasn’t the girl from Swansea, with the long, lustrous, brunette tresses, done well!

The gods have blessed Beyonce Knowles with talent and beauty. She possesses a powerful voice, dances up a storm, looks ravishing on stage, and is a zillion times more talented and likeable than Madonna. Unlike poor Madge, she has no need to stoop to vulgarity to attract publicity, either on or off stage.

I saw her perform at the O2, and was blown away by the sheer scale of her professionalism and charm. Her swizzle-stick figure is incredible, but it was her mane that I was fascinated by. It’s lustrous, bouncy, shiny and absolutely gorgeous.

Beyonce’s mother Tina used to own a beauty parlour in Houston, so it’s hardly surprising that

Brad Pitt: One of the many Hollywood stars who drive a Telsa electric car.

the Texan-born beauty had a head start on looking so perfectly coiffed and made-up.

The 27-year-old Knowles has raised the ante with her outstanding arena shows, albums and videos. She’s a breath of fresh air, and a real superstar. Unlike so many of today’s reality show TV people, who hilariously call themselves “artists”, Beyonce is the real thing.

The girl’s great, and getting better all the time!

Linda Mindel Carvell is a London-based style and celebrity editor, who contributes to glossy magazines round the world. She also does a monthly Postcard From London broadcast for Talk Radio Europe on The Hannah Murray Programme.

Beyonce: A beautifully, talented superstar.

BIG SCREEN

SIX OF THE BEST INTERNATIONAL RELEASES FOR AUGUST G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra – 7 August An elite military unit of special operatives known as G.I. Joe takes on an evil organisation led by a notorious arms dealer. CHANNING TATUM, MARLON WAYANS, SIENNA MILLER, CHRISTOPHER ECCLESTON Imagine That – 14 August (9 October in Spain) EDDIE MURPHY’s latest vehicle… a financial executive whose career is on a slope is invited into his daughter’s imaginary world, where his problems may be sorted out. Meanwhile, a scheming coworker tries to figure out the secret to his newly found success. Also stars THOMAS HADEN CHURCH, YARA SHAHIDI Inglorious Basterds – 21 August (18 September in Spain) For synopsis see Movie of the Month I Love You, Beth Cooper – 21 August (TBA in Spain) Rom-com in which a nerdy valedictorian (PAUL RUST) proclaims his love for the hottest and most popular girl at school (Heroes cheer leader HAYDEN PANETTIERE) during his graduation speech. Later, much to his surprise, she shows up at his door and decides to show him the best night of his life.

Funny People – 28 August (4 September in Spain) A successful stand-up comedian who learns that he has an untreatable blood disorder and has less than a year to live takes a struggling up-and-coming stand-up comedian under his wing. ADAM SANDLER, SETH ROGAN, LESLIE MANN The Final Destination – 28 August (TBA in Spain) The fourth installment of this supernatural thriller/horror franchise finds Death out to collect those who evaded their end after a teen’s premonition of a deadly race-car crash helps save their lives. KRISTA ALLEN, NICK ZANO, SHANTEL VAN STATEN

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Movie lines WHAT’S ON SCREEN THIS MONTH… WHAT’S BEING FILMED AT THE MOMENT… AND WHAT’S IN THE PIPELINE… MICKY REYNOLDS LOOKS INSIDE THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF MOVIES

QUICK CLIPS RYAN REYNOLDS won the four-way battle to wear the ring of the Green Lantern for DC Comics’ adaptation of the comic book, beating JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, BRADLEY COOPER and JARED LETO to the superhero role. A secondgeneration test pilot is given a power ring and battery (lantern) by a dying alien who has been searching for an individual to take his place as Green Lantern: someone who is “utterly honest and born without fear”. REYNOLDS is the first actor to portray a film superhero for both Marvel and DC Comics film adaptations after playing Deadpool in Marvel’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine, a role he will reprise as the character has been commissioned a spin-off

film for the popular franchise. He is currently filming Buried in Barcelona, as a contractor who gets kidnapped in Iraq and wakes up buried in a coffin in the middle of the desert.

The only things he has on him are a cell phone, a candle and a knife.

Before starting work on Spider-Man 4 TOBEY MAGUIRE is up this month for the black comedy The Details. An unhappy married couple (MAGUIRE and ELIZABETH BANKS) find their lives further complicated by ravenous raccoons burrowing in their back yard. A disagreement over how to dispose of the pests creates a chain reaction of mishaps that include a murder. Also stars RAY LIOTTA and ANNA FRIEL.

BIG SCREEN MOVIE OF THE MONTH Inglorious Basterds

The soon to be regenerated Doctor Who star DAVID TENNANT has joined the cast for the comedy St. Trinian’s II: The Legend of Fritton’s Gold in which the pupils and staff of the anarchic girls school hunt for treasure and a battle against a women-hating secret society.

Returning from the first flick are RUPERT EVERETT, COLIN FIRTH, GEMMA ARTERTON, Girls Aloud singer SARAH HARDING and TALULAH RILEY, plus newcomers ELLA SMITH, ZAWE ASHTON and TV’s Ashes To Ashes star MONTSERRATT LOMBARD. BRANDON ROUTH will not be returning for the role of Clark Kent in Superman: The Man of Steel as Warner Brothers want to totally reboot the franchise without any of the Superman Returns actors. He is currently filming Scott Pilgrim vs. the World where a man (MICHAEL CERA) must defeat his new girlfriend’s seven evil ex-boyfriends in order to win her heart.

Marvel Comics icon STAN LEE will portray Larry King in Iron Man 2, appearing as the famous TV interviewer as he questions Tony Stark (ROBERT DOWNEY JR.) on the CNN Channel’ Larry King Live show.

Also Iron Man bound is popular US TV host OLIVIA MUNN; her role is yet to be revealed

but in the meantime she is filming the comedy Date Night in which a regular old date night becomes much more than one couple expected, with STEVE CARRELL, TINA FREY, MILA KUNIS, MARK WAHLBERG, JAMES FRANCO and RAY LIOTTA. ZOOEY DESCHANEL has joined her fellow Real Girls co-star DANNY McBRIDE on the set for the comedy Your Highness. He plays an arrogant, lazy prince who must complete a quest to save his father’s kingdom. She is the virginal bride of his brother (JAMES FRANCO) while NATALIE PORTMAN, who has just landed a major role in Marvel Studios’ future blockbuster Thor, plays the lazy prince’s love interest.

Word around T-Town suggests that the Ocean’s franchise has fizzled out and GEORGE CLOONEY is looking for another wagon to jump on and has expressed interest in a revival of the Jack Ryan character from the TOM CLANCY novels that gave us Clear and Present Danger, Patriot Games and The Sum Of All Fears.

HARRISON FORD and BEN AFFLECK have portrayed the character in the past.

An impressive cast has been summoned for the remake of the cult German psychological thriller The Experiment – a group of ordinary

It’s hard to believe that this is only QUENTIN JEROME TARANTINO’s seventh feature-length film. He made a name for himself as a director in 1992 with the cult classic Reservoir Dogs but his first film was cut some five years before with My Best Friend’s Birthday, a 70-minute black and white project – due to a fire only 36 minutes of the film survived and it has never been officially released.

Inglourious Basterds has been described as an “epic ensemble film”, written and directed by the above-mentioned and based on a 1978 Italian war movie by ENZO G. CASTELLARI, a director who was best known during the 1960s, mainly for spaghetti westerns.

This is a tale of two stories that blend together as the film goes on. In one BRAD PITT is the leader of a World War II Jewish-American commando unit known as the Inglorious Basterds whose mission is to take out as many Nazis as they can in occupied France.

In the other a French-Jewish teenager (MELANIE LAURENT) seeks to avenge the death of her family at the hands of the sinister SS colonel (CHRISTOPH WALTZ) known as “The Jew Hunter” The two parties cross paths in Paris after she gets false papers and takes over a cinema while “The Basterds”, who along with a German actress and undercover agent (DIANE KRUGER) are on a mission to take down the leaders of The Third Reich, find themselves taking refuge in the said cinema. The team looks to complete its mission but she has plans of her own.

Many critics have said this film is heavily influenced by two 1960s classics, The Dirty Dozen and Where Eagles Dare. The big question is: TARANTINO’s last few offerings have not been up to scratch – can he get back on track with this? Also stars SAMUEL L JACKSON, ELI ROTH, MIKE MYERS men are recruited to take on the roles of guards and prisoners as part of a research study and to see how the effects of assigned roles, power and control affected the participants. Oscar winner ADRIEN BRODY (The Pianist in 2002), FOREST WHITAKER, ELIJAH WOOD and CAM GIGANDET are currently filming in Iowa.

DANNY HOUSTON, who once portrayed the legendary Orson Wells, has been handed the crown of King Richard I in RIDLEY SCOTT’s Robin Hood project. Veteran VANESSA REDGRAVE has also been added to the cast as the king’s mother. HOUSTON is also on the Clash of the Titans set playing the Greek mythology god of the sea Poseidon. w w w. s o c i e t y l i v i n g m a g a z i n e . c o m

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Music notes M

ICHAEL JACKSON – RIP What can be written that has already not?

Theories, conspiracies, etc., etc… ZZZzzzzz. The morning after his death I was among the thousands in London for the AC/DC bash at Wembley plus those who were heading for the KILLERS concert in Hyde Park – fans of both rock and indie looked forward to their gigs but, like his music or not, there was a solemn mood around the city and most had something to say about what had happened the night before.

MICHAEL JACKSON – what more can you say?

This scribe was lucky enough to see the man in concert during the summer of 1988 at the Marbella football ground on the Bad tour – he did not disappoint but surprisingly the gig did not sell out. Nevertheless, those present were treated to a professional performance and I, for one, will always remember that night.

Like some of you who are reading this, I grew up with memories of the JACKSON 5 – the cartoons, the music and the

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GIGS, GROUPS, GOSSIP...

MICKY REYNOLDS BRINGS US UP TO DATE WITH ROCK SNIPPETS FROM AROUND THE WORLD solo career that followed throughout the 1980s. Maybe he should have quit after the Bad album – he seemed to change for the worse, the music was not up to scratch and many will remember the allegations that followed during the later years of his life. Despite those dark days, JACKO… I, like many, will never forget you.

Anyway, that’s my tribute paid so let’s get back to the norm – many jokes have hit the net (could fill four pages alone!), some good, some bad, and as those of you who read these pages every month will know I try to include the odd amusing pun to put a smile on your faces. Comedian FRANK SKINNER has been praised for his gag on the excellent UK TV comedy show

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Mock The Week – the rest of the panel’s jokes were a bit close to the bone but he said, “When they found JACKO lying face down next to the bed they didn’t call the ambulance for 50 minutes because they thought he was looking for the other glove.”

On that same show, FRANKIE BOYLE said that his namesake, SUSAN, reminded him of British Prime Minister GORDON BROWN dressed as MRS DOUBTFIRE. Did you know JACKO fans could not pay homage on the Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame on the night of his death because his star is outside the Kodak Theatre (if that awful photo of me is still on this page I was a few metres away above the DAVID BOWIE star) and it

Not much going on along the coast this month but SISTER BLISS (FAITHLESS) and SUDHA are at Puro Beach (Laguna Village) on the 8th, and on the same night Spanish flamencoelectronic band CHAMBAO are at the Plaza de Toros in Estepona.

As mentioned last month all the talk of STATUS QUO playing on the Costa was all just talk – they will actually play in Gibraltar on 10 September.

After sound problems at their Manchester gig last month OASIS offered everyone there a refund. All ticket holders have been sent a Bank of Oasis cheque personally signed by both LIAM and NOEL GALLAGHER. So what will the fans do? Cash it in or keep it as a souvenir? The bruvs got the idea from a certain MICHAEL JACKSON, who after a cancelled US concert in the ‘90s offered everyone their money back – only 10 per cent cashed their cheques.

LILY ALLEN has been told she needs bigger boobs to succeed Stateside. It’s raised a few laughs within the biz as there’s a joke about her being in the wrong queue when body parts were handed out – apparently all mouth and trousers is the word.

After their gig in Barcelona last month, U2 left ¤15,000 lighter as they were fined for breaking noise and rehearsal time limits – yeah, but it was worth it!

GIRLS ALOUD are doing a UK stadium tour this month and will play at St James Park in Newcastle – they are expected to win 3-0. was covered up by the red carpet for the premiere of the new BRUNO film.

JACKO would have been 51 on 29 August and there are rumours of a special gig at London’s O2 Arena on that day featuring a lifelike hologram projected on stage performing parts of his planned set accompanied by the backing dancers he had been rehearsing with before his death. If it materialises, there is talk of his brothers and sisters appearing plus his children for the grand finale, like they did at last month’s Los Angeles memorial.

CAUGHT IN THE ACT: AC/DC The Olympic Stadium (Barcelona) and Wembley Stadium (London) The stage was set: two famous stadiums and one of the greatest live bands to have ever graced a stage in the name of rock ‘n’ roll – AC/DC. Any concert by these demi-gods is an event in its own right; they have always drawn legions of enthusiastic followers and these gigs were no exception.

The house lights went out and the almost full stadiums, which were peppered with the red flashing Angus devil horns that many had purchased, let out a deafening roar as the AC/DC bandwagon rolled into town with a five-minute plus cartoon shown on the giant above-stage video screens featuring Angus aboard a runaway train that after a thunderstriking bang and flash appeared to burst through the main screen and land onstage, where it remained for the rest of the concert – the band then stormed on to the opening chords of Rock ‘n’ Roll Train, then it was business as usual with classic after classic and guitarist Angus Young taking centre stage performing his trademark duck-walk.

Highlights included Angus’ striptease during The Jack, where he removed his famous schoolboy outfit to reveal his AC/DC underwear. There was also a

lowering of a huge bell during Hell’s Bells and a 17-metre high inflatable woman who straddled the still steaming wrecked train during Whole Lotta Rosie.

Anyone who has seen the band live before will know that the end is near when Let There Be Rock rings out and Angus entertains the now weary audience with a lengthy guitar solo that everyone wishes would go on forever. Then, as tradition has it, this is always followed by the moment that all AC/DC fans dread – the opening chords of the final song, the showstopping For Those About To Rock, with its 21-gun salute… and then there was no more. The stadium lights penetrated the night sky and both arenas started to empty with hot and sweaty fans spilling out on to the streets to start the trek home.

Having seen the band on several occasions in the past the only letdown was that these performances lasted just two hours, unlike the three-hour-plus shows of years gone by. Maybe time is finally catching up with these monsters of rock, especially Angus who speeds around stage the same way as he did when he was actually a schoolboy – over 35 years ago. Will he ever burn out?

Let’s hope not!

CELEBRITY SPOTLIGHT

Cooking up a storm IN THIS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW NICOLA MCGEORGE GETS UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH GORDON RAMSAY, BRITAIN’S MOST VOLATILE CHEF

GORDON’S RECOMMENDATION

‘‘

For those humid nights in Spain a smoked chicken, avocado and mango salad is a healthy, fresh and very simple dish to put together, and the combination of such refreshing, clean flavours makes it the perfect summer dish

’’

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ordon Ramsay may be one of only three chefs in the UK to maintain three Michelin stars for their restaurants, but it is his acid tongue that he is most well known for and why I was feeling slightly nervous about this interview. “When things go pear-shaped in the kitchen I do get annoyed,” he says, defending his behaviour. “But when things are running normally I’m fine. I’m just being too honest, that’s all, and that’s what it’s like in each and every restaurant I’ve ever worked in. I don’t think it’s ever going to be any different, but

I don’t go out of my way to use bad language.”

This makes me feel a little better; still, better not to upset him – I am not sure if I could cope with a torrent of abuse from him.

Born in Scotland, but brought up in Stratford-upon-Avon, he was spotted by a scout for Glasgow Rangers, turning pro by the age of 15. If it hadn’t been for a knee injury ending his football career we may never have been dazzled by Gordon’s culinary skills.

At 19 he took his first step to becoming Britain’s most prolific chef. “It may sound a slightly strange thing to hear me say now, but

PHOTO: PAUL RAESIDE

CELEBRITY SPOTLIGHT

I really just fell into cooking. I latched on to the idea of catering college because my options were limited. I looked at joining the Navy and the police but didn’t have enough O Levels for either. I ended up enrolling on a foundation year at a local catering college and it went from there.”

Ramsay’s first years in the kitchen were spent training under gastronomic experts such as Marco Pierre White and Albert Roux in London, after which he moved to France where he worked in the kitchens of Guy Savoy and Joël Robuchon for three years and while there was able to develop his knowledge of traditional French cooking. “Both were incredible training grounds – blood, sweat and tears went into the kitchens,” he recalls. “I was lucky enough to work with some incredible chefs. It was a tough training ground but invaluable in the long run.”

In 1998 he opened his first restaurant, the Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea. One year later the restaurant was awarded three Michelin stars, making him the first Scot to achieve this. “I knew I had made it when we were awarded our third Michelin star at our flagship restaurant. I’d longed for that third star for so long and the hard work had paid off.”

From there his empire rapidly expanded and in 2005 he was awarded an OBE. “It meant a huge amount to me; it was just a little confirmation of how far I have come, that I’m doing okay. There have been incredible highs in my career but also steep learning curves. The last year has been extremely tough but my priority has been to my staff and my company and now we’re back in good shape and are looking forward. Murano was awarded a Michelin star at the beginning of the year and in March our restaurant in Versailles won two stars; a real career high for me.”

His cooking may have made him famous but it was his TV appearances that turned him into a celebrity. Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares sees the chef troubleshooting failing restaurants over a two-week period and is enough to put you off eating out ever again. Hell’s Kitchen, a reality show, has Gordon attempting to train 10 British celebrities to be chefs. Both are addictive viewing but I had to find out what was the worst thing he saw during the filming of Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares. “It was at Bonaparte’s in Yorkshire. It had the worst food ever. I was offered deep-fried scallops topped with Parma ham, finished with hollandaise sauce and sprinkled with paprika, with an accompaniment of black pudding. The owner took me out on to the terrace which she had planned to develop. It overlooked a riverbank full of waste. As we were talking about her planned Med veg grill, I swear I saw a Stuart Little the size of a Yorkshire terrier swimming by sticking two paws up at me.”

In his spare time he can be found training for his next marathon, having just completed his 10th. His other big love is his family. Father to four children and husband to Tana… I had to ask, were they ever allowed to cook at home?

“Yes, and they love it. We really encourage the kids to pitch in, especially on a weekend. Our eldest, Megan, is a real dab hand in the kitchen.

We try to have a proper roast at the weekend.

I start off with a delicious minestrone soup, followed by leg of lamb with all the trimmings, and for dessert a Bakewell tart.”

Is there anything that Tana or maybe his mother can cook better than him? “No! No, they’re both very good cooks and mum’s apple pie is hard to beat. Do I ever get it wrong? I can’t remember the last time a dish I made went really wrong but right at the start of my career I did a stint at a resort in the French Alps. One day the head chef decided to put the fresh bouillabaisse outside in the freezing cold to chill it. By dinner

it had festered and formed a thick froth on top.

It was absolutely disgusting.”

Andalucía being my surrogate home, I felt I should fly the Spanish flag and quiz him about our culinary delights. Had he been? What did he eat and what did he think? “The use of fresh produce and subtle herbs and spices in Andalucía is fantastic. I’ve tried the most amazing Andalucian cured hams – delicious.”

Gordon’s business ventures may recently have attracted some bad press, but things are

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CELEBRITY SPOTLIGHT

‘‘

I absolutely thrive on the pressure of making every moment perfect for customers in all of my restaurants – from the moment they walk in the door until the moment they leave

’’

QUICK QUESTIONS Favourite restaurants?

I love Chez Bruce in Wandsworth and Nobu in Mayfair.

PHOTO: SCOTTISH SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION

Food heaven and hell?

My food hell would have to be microwave ready meals. Heaven is a tricky one; perhaps a beautiful fillet of sea bass.

Next big star?

Angela Hartnett is doing phenomenally well. She opened Murano in August last year and it has already been awarded a Michelin star. She is an incredible talent.

definitely looking up and he has a busy year ahead. Pétrus will open in London in October and The Savoy Grill in 2010. Would he change anything? “I can’t imagine doing anything else.

I’m serious and passionate about cooking – that’s one thing that has never changed since the day I started. I absolutely thrive on the pressure of making every moment perfect for customers in all of my restaurants – from the moment they walk in the door until the moment they leave.”

Pétrus will open in October (1 Kinnerton Street, London SW1; Tel. 020 7592 1609).

Gordon Ramsay is the Scottish Spina Bifida Association’s honorary patron and will be hosting a gala dinner for the Association on 29 October (www.ssba.org.uk/galadinner).

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PHOTO: SCOTTISH SPINA BIFIDA ASSOCIATION

What do you think will be the next big food trend?

Simpler, cleaner plates and a real trip back to the grill rooms of Escoffier. It’s a concept that we’re taking to The Savoy Grill early next year.

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SCENE & HEARD

Glamorous launch party in beachside setting Suite del Mar officially opened for the summer with a party attended by Marbella’s most glamorous party crowd and famous faces including footballer Ryan Giggs. Guests were treated to a fashion show by Puerto Banús boutique Zinia during the event, which unfolded in Suite del Mar’s luxurious beachside setting before Marbella’s emblematic tourist train took guests to The Suite where the party continued with live music and dancing until the early hours.

Photos: Johnny Gates

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Fantastic support for Smokey Mountain charity Young Focus International – the charity which supports impoverished children and families living in Smokey Mountain in The Philippines – hosted a fundraising evening in the beautiful setting of the Tamisa Golf Hotel, where guests were welcomed with a champagne reception before enjoying a delicious dinner. Entertainment was second-to-none during the evening and included memorable performances by the Smokey Mountain Choir, comedian Billy Bean and singer Shaun Walsh, who flew to Spain especially for the occasion. Another highlight of the event was a special raffle which included superb prizes from Twist, Ida Ayu and Espace Beaute among others, and raised funds for the charity’s child care program which sponsors children through education.

Photos: Ruth Jones

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Glamorous launch evening for new Banús boutique The new Puerto Banús boutique Starlet hosted a glamorous launch party at Hotel Puente Romano where over 200 guests were welcomed with a champagne reception before being seated to a delicious dinner in the charming candlelit setting. In addition to superb entertainment, a highlight of the evening was the fashion show featuring Starlet’s collection of stunning yet affordable dresses which offer celebrity style and glamour. Starlet is the creation of former model Louise Dohery who personally designs each piece and plans to present new collections each season.

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Glamorous launch party in beachside setting Suite del Mar officially opened for the summer with a party attended by Marbella’s most glamorous party crowd and famous faces including footballer Ryan Giggs. Guests were treated to a fashion show by Puerto Banús boutique Zinia during the event, which unfolded in Suite del Mar’s luxurious beachside setting before Marbella’s emblematic tourist train took guests to The Suite where the party continued with live music and dancing until the early hours.

Photos: Johnny Gates

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Elegant charity gala in beautiful surroundings The Fischer Car Group and Lions Club Marbella Cosmopolite celebrated their annual charity gala at Hotel Villa Padierna – in conjunction with a fabulous golf tournament at Los Flamingos. The evening began with a cocktail on the hotel’s beautiful terrace where guests enjoyed breathtaking views and a stunning eveningwear showcase designed by Patricia Nahmad. Over 200 guests attended the glamorous event, which also included a superb gala dinner, the tournament prize-giving, an impressive performance by the children’s dance troupe Source Dance and live music from Cuban singer Yanela Brooks. In total, ¤17,000 was raised for selected charities including Concordia, Aspandem and Niños Mariposa.

Photos: Johnny Gates

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DIAMONDS AT THE RIGHT PRICE Anthony’s Diamonds & Pawnbrokers (Est. 1983) Avda. Ramon y Cajal 40 – 29640 Fuengirola – Malaga Tel/Fax: 952 588 795 – Mobile: 609 529 633

email: diamonds@anthonys-diamonds.com

www.anthonys-diamonds.com

SCENE & HEARD

Traditional festivities in an exotic setting One of the Coast’s most exciting San Juan parties was held in the exotic surroundings of Nikki Beach where guests enjoyed delightful cuisine in the palm-covered restaurant before celebrations went into full swing with an array of entertainment including breathtaking fireworks, incredible light shows, traditional San Juan bonfires on the beach and paddling in the sea at midnight.

Photos: Johnny Gates

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Glamorous opening party in exotic setting Puro Beach – the stylish Laguna Village beach club and restaurant – officially launched for the summer with a glamorous party in the venue’s exotic beachside setting, where guests were treated to champagne, cocktails and delicious sushi. DJ Vas, who was accompanied by live percussion, provided superb music during the party, which is set to be followed by a busy line-up of summer events at Puro.

Photos: Johnny Gates

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Sunset launch party for new Marbella beach club Koko Beach – the fashionable new beach club located next to Funny Beach, just minutes from Marbella centre – opened its doors for summer with a well-attended party where guests watched the sun go down in the attractive seaside setting. Koko Beach has a fantastic summer in store and offers a stylish beach club atmosphere with giant beds, a restaurant with bar, and fun activities including water sports and karting.

Photos: Johnny Gates

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Marbella cosmetic surgery clinic hosts champagne reception Ocean Clinic in central Marbella hosted a well-attended drinks reception at their impressive surgery where guests enjoyed champagne and delicious selection of canapés. Ocean Clinic’s Dr. Kai O. Kaye welcomed guests throughout the evening and gave information about the clinic’s list of procedures and treatments, which use the latest techniques in plastic surgery, aesthetic medicine and dental aesthetics.

Photos: Johnny Gates

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SUNSET PARTY EVERY SATURDAY IN AUGUST. TODOS LOS SABADOS EN AGOSTO, 17:00 H PUROBEACH.COM

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SCENE & HEARD

Celebrity golf challenge in aid of children’s charity The annual Max Clifford Celebrity Golf Challenge, held on the Costa del Sol in aid of the Rhys Daniels Trust, opened at La Cala Resort with a welcome dinner where guests were entertained by Bobby Davro, Kenny Lynch, Stan Boardman and Des O’Connor, and celebrity players including Andy Gray, Gary McAllister, Jean-Christophe Novelli and Craig Fairbrass were matched to their golf teams. The two-day event culminated in glamorous style with the Butterfly Ball at Hotel Puente Romano, where over 400 guests, including Chris Eubank, were entertained by Stephen Lloyd Morgan, Austin Drage, Tee Green and Masquerade. The whole weekend raised £160,000 for the Rhys Daniels Trust, which provides “home from home” care to support families of seriously ill children while they receive life-saving treatment many kilometres from their own homes in specialist children’s hospitals around the UK.

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Summer cocktail at luxury sunglasses boutique Eyedonist hosted a special summer reception to present the latest Gucci collection inspired by the design house’s emblematic Flora line. Guests – including famous faces from Marbella’s social scene – enjoyed champagne, delicious canapés and music during the evening, as well as expert advice on Eyedonist’s designs from a professional fashion stylist. The Eyedonist boutique is located on Marbella’s fashionable Ricardo Soriano and stocks a superb range of exclusive eyewear.

Photos: Ruth Jones

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MICRONETICS INC LTD.

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SCENE & HEARD

International tennis spotlight on Marbella Antonio Banderas and Manolo Santana were among the VIP spectators in the Puerto Banús bullring when Spain made it through a tough clash against Germany in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup. The first day’s honours were shared, with Fernando Verdasco defeating Andreas Beck and Tommy Robredo losing to Philipp Kohlschreiber. Feliciano Lopez and Verdasco made it 2-1 with their doubles win on the Saturday against Nicolas Kiefer and Mischa Zverev, but when Philipp Kohlschreiber had a surprise victory over Verdasco on the final day, the match was forced into a tense deciding fifth game. In the end Juan Carlos Ferrero comfortably outgunned Beck in straight sets. According to mayoress Angeles Muñoz, the event generated a direct economic benefit to Marbella of ¤10 million – 15 times more than the final cost to the town hall.

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SOCIAL SCENE

Kristina Szekely’s REAL ESTATE IMPRESARIO, INDEFATIGABLE PARTY-GOER, PATRON OF THE ARTS, GENEROUS CHARITY SUPPORTER… KRISTINA SZEKELY IS THE QUEEN OF MARBELLA SOCIETY

I

don’t think Marbella has ever been so beautiful. The warm nights, the lovely walks on the paséo, lots of people spending their holidays here… in fact, there seem to be more visitors than even during the good times at this same time of the year.

And then of course there was the Davis Cup, which showed Marbella at its best. There were three days of sheer excitement, of really good tennis in the quarter-final between Spain and Germany at the Puerto Banús bullring. The atmosphere was charged: it was quite hot and very colourful with all the fans and flags, the arena was full and it was a total success. After Spain won the final match one was almost exhausted with emotion. Great!

I’ve been to Wimbledon and Roland Garros (for the French Open) but it was completely different.

I almost felt sorry for the Germans as the whole crowd was very vociferous, shouting “Ferrero, Ferrero” as he won the last deciding match, and several times rising to do a Mexican wave, while trumpets played the traditional bullfighting tunes.

In fact, it was funny but it seemed at times as though there were no Germans in the crowd,

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PHOTO TONI COCHRANE

DIARY

though of course there were: just much more subdued than the Spaniards.

Antonio Banderas was there, giving the event even more of a glamorous touch. It was just simply the Marbella we all love. And I’m sure other events will follow suit – possibly even the semi-final in September (the venue was to be announced as Society Living went to press). It was good for the TV coverage, and very welcome publicity for Marbella as it recaptures its image of old.

The other main highlight for me, on a personal level, was the Rotary charity gala dinner at Finca La Concepción – my first as the new Marbella president, after nearly six years as a member.

When I was chosen as president-elect over a year ago it was a big challenge, and a very happy feeling that the members had the confidence in me to become president. It’s a big responsibility and I have to say, in hindsight, I was completely unaware of what was involved when I accepted it, though I will do my absolute best to rise to the challenge.

It really is a true association of professionals.

It’s so nice to have interesting meetings and

conferences, to travel and visit other Rotary clubs, and to welcome visiting Rotarians here in Marbella. Its reach really is unending.

Rotary is a very open club. Visiting Rotarians, and other professionals interested in becoming members, are warmly welcome to attend our Tuesday night meetings, normally held at Puente Romano. The evenings begin with drinks around the bar and the meeting starts at 9pm, then we adjourn upstairs to one of the conference rooms, where a guest, who does not have to be a Rotarian, may give a speech on an interesting subject. It could be a historian or someone with a passion for literature, as we are all keen to learn.

We normally prefer them to speak in Spanish but we can arrange a translation beforehand for members to follow during the speech.

The other main role of Rotary is to help those less fortunate. The international foundation in America is working towards eradicating polio around the world, while here in Marbella we support many local charities, including Cudeca and Concordia. Recently a friend offered to provide food for people in need, as many as necessary, and I have already spoken to a church about putting this generous offer into practice.

There are no meetings in August, but we will resume around mid-September.

In the meantime, I was delighted that almost 500 people attended the Rotary gala dinner at Finca La Concepción. Everybody looked very elegant: the ladies with beautiful dresses and the men in black tie.

It was a fantastic mid-summer evening. The raffle prizes included a day out on a boat given by KS Marine, our company; a Porsche, BMW and Mini for use over the weekend, provided by Guarnieri; a day out at the Ascari racetrack; a helicopter ride; a diamond ring from Antonio Seijo; and a voucher from the San Eduardo jewellers in Madrid; as well as diamond earrings by Imre Müller, an evening dress by Roberto Cavalli, and a big etc… plus hotel stays, dinners, golf fees and many other prizes generously donated. Since I love dancing there was plenty of music, including Cuban singer Yanela performing the newly released “Marbella, Marbella” song – she really gets everybody on the dance floor – singers Pilar and Carlos from Olivia Valère, the white band, the duo Arenal, a fashion show by Carmen Piedra and guitarist Jorge and his friend.

Other great parties included 14th July celebrations at Incosol to mark the French revolution; the summer opening of Suite, a beautiful night; and a fabulous birthday celebration for Felix that his wife Louise organised for him – with all the ladies in white and the gentlemen in red, and live music, lots of fun.

As for business… There used to be a lot of sales between ¤300,000 and ¤400,000, and there still are people looking for smaller properties (these days even as cheap as ¤250,000) but whereas before people used to buy apartments off plan, now they are buying re-sale villas from ¤800,000 to ¤1.5 million. Buyers know it’s a good time to buy; there are very attractive deals and buyers feel that they can let out the properties they acquire and hopefully in two or three years prices will go up, at which time they can sell them on and make a profit.

For example, we have a Sotogrande house with a pool on its own private plot, seaside, for ¤745,000; a house in Nueva Andalucía, freestanding and with a nice design, for ¤875,000; and a frontline beach property in the best development in this area, near Puerto Banús, for ¤1.2 million.

So the market is definitely back on track.

In fact, as I was preparing this Diary, I stopped to take an enquiry from a colleague about one particular pending sale. We had two offers for the property, for the same amount, and I was asked whom we should sell it to.

The one who pays the money first, I replied.

This situation doesn’t happen every day but occasionally it occurs.

I haven’t been away much this summer because I believe it’s important to be here for clients at this time of the year. Marbella has been fortunate to receive a lot of coverage on TV lately – Spanish, British, German and even Swiss – and I have been asked to appear on quite a few programmes to talk about our beautiful homes. This means a lot of people are curious to meet me and I am delighted to have the chance of speaking to them at our office in the Port. These are very valuable connections and obviously good publicity for Marbella. I am certain the Davis Cup was just the start of Marbella’s revival as the place to be. The visitors who are here at the moment all love Marbella. Have a great August!

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Ferrari California

ON THE ROAD

Populist evolution

Fast and furious

B

ack in 1999 an Australian TV crew arrived in Marbella to film an episode on Europe for the Getaway programme. They chose the setting of La Quinta golf club to interview various local people, including a journalist who had settled on the Coast several years before.

During filming, he mentioned that one of Marbella’s greatest claims to fame was that there were more Ferraris per square kilometre than anywhere else in the world.

They liked this comment so much it ended up as the main sound bite – though the rest of the interview with the journalist ended up

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AN INNOVATIVE GRAND TOURER TAKING ITS INSPIRATION FROM THE 250 SPORTS CAR RELEASED IN 1957, THE NEW CALIFORNIA IS THE LATEST ADDITION TO THE PRANCING HORSE STABLE’S HIGHPERFORMANCE EIGHT-CYLINDER RANGE – FLANKING THE FLAGSHIP 12-CYLINDER 612 SCAGLIETTI

on the cutting room floor. Deflated, he hasn’t been the same since, a humiliated and forlorn figure as he aimlessly drives up and down the N340 in a beaten-up old Seat.

But we digress…

The observation, about Ferraris per square metre, may very well have been something of an urban legend but not necessarily all that far from the truth. At the time Ferraris were almost de rigueur among the upwardly mobile elite in Marbella and, even though the emblematic prancing horse remains a common sight, tastes have broadened to a host of other supercar models.

ON THE ROAD

“The Ferrari California is aimed at owners who desire a car which embodies everything the Prancing Horse represents in terms of sporty design and innovation, but also seek a car with greater versatility than ever” – Ferrari

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ON THE ROAD

If Ferrari has its way, however, Marbella’s square kilometres could once again be filled with the traditional Rosso Corsa – as well as a funky Azzurro.

The purists will shudder – especially those who have fond memories of the California Spyder, released back in 1957 – but Ferrari has decided to gamble with a more populist California model for the 21st century. Keen to appeal to more women, for example, its designers have built a car that is less demanding to drive and cheaper to run than the Scuderia’s customary hardcore racing machines, and more roomy – easier to get in and out of the driver’s seat in a cocktail dress and high heels. The new less aggressive shape of the California (without the classic aerodynamic wedge) has even been described as “curvaceously feminine”.

There are other controversial changes. It is, for example, available exclusively as a convertible – the first Ferrari to have a retractable folding hard top – either as a twoseater version with traditional rear bench or the 2+ configuration with a rear bench

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equipped with two seats and two seatbelts.

The entire opening/closing cycle takes 14 seconds, and the boot remains spacious even with the roof down – 240 litres compared with 340 litres when up.

It is also the first V8 in the history of Ferrari road cars to be mid-front mounted (front-engine Ferraris have exclusively been V12s) and the engine, though new, is the same size as that used in the Ferrari F430 mid-engine sports car.

The engine has a total displacement of 4,300 cc and a maximum power output of 460 hp/338 kW at 7,750 rpm. With a specific power of 107 hp/litre, its maximum torque is 485 Nm (49 kgm) at 5,000 rpm, 75 per cent of which is available at just 2,250 rpm. It takes less than four seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h and delivers a 310 km/h top speed, but is the most fuel-efficient Ferrari to date. Its average consumption, according to European tests, is 13 litres/100km, In another break from the past, it is the first Ferrari to have a double-clutch gearbox. The seven-speed gearbox with steering wheel mounted F1-style paddles is coupled with a

dual clutch – one for even-numbered and the other for odd-numbered gears – which essentially means that two hidden clutches (there are no clutch pedals in cars with these gearboxes because they are activated automatically) ensure that the next gear is always ready to go at the flick of a lever. The company says a six-speed manual will be made available – for the traditionalists – but believes the vast majority of Ferrari California buyers will still opt for the automatic.

Released on to the market towards the end of last year, the California has a new suspension system (double wishbones at the front and multilink at the rear) and newevolved F1-Trac traction control system and Brembo brakes with CCM (carbon ceramic material) discs; and an ejectable roll-bar to ensure that the occupants are protected in the event of the car overturning.

The body panels were pressed from graded aluminium at Ferrari’s Scaglietti workshop in Modena and finished with eight coats of paint and lacquer; and the finished car is available in a choice of 16 different pastel and metallic

ON THE ROAD

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ON THE ROAD

TECHNICAL FILE Ferrari California Engine: 90º V8 Direct Injection, 4297 cc, 453 bhp, 4.3 litre Transmission: F1, dual-clutch, 7-speed Top speed: 310 km/h 0-100 km/h: under 4.0 seconds 0-400 metres: 12.2 seconds 0-1,000 metres: 22.1 seconds Fuel consumption: 13.1 lt/100km CO2 emissions: 305 gr/km Fuel tank capacity: 78 lt Boot capacity: 340 lt Price: ¤200,000 (approx.)

“Although the Ferrari California is very much a grand tourer in terms of its usability and high level of interior comfort, it is still surprisingly sporty and fun to drive under any kind of conditions…

(It) is designed for everyday use and for weekends away whilst still guaranteeing all of the emotional impact that only an authentic Ferrari can deliver” – Michael Schumacher, who was closely involved in the car’s track and road development.

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colours, as well as the option of the new Azzurro California shade created specially for the launch.

The California’s mass appeal – if that could be said of any Ferrari – has prompted the company to start building a new factory alongside its current Maranello facility, boosting capacity by 50 per cent. A total of 5,000 will be built in the first two years – all sold out already – and the Italian manufacturer predicts the California will be the first Ferrari for at least half the buyers and will represent over a third of all Ferrari sales.

This means it won’t have anywhere near the same cult status as the California Spyder (only 123 made) but, as one spokesman said, “The California is aimed at a different market – a more mature buyer who would have otherwise had to get a V12. The F430 is more in your face, more aggressive whereas this is more of a grand tourer.” In short, a performance car but with all the artistry and precision of a Ferrari.

ON THE ROAD

Carol Giles – ’74 Mercedes 280SL

Nicky Masters – ’90 Jaguar XJS

GIRL POWER at the Classic Car Club of Andalucía

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he common perception of a classic car owner would perhaps bean elderly gent driving a vintage Bentley. According to members of the Classic Car Club of Andalucía, however, all that has changed. With over 300 members, the club has attracted many female classic car owners, so “Girl Power” has definitely arrived in what is normally considered a traditionally male dominated pastime.

More information about the Classic Car Club of Andalucía can be found at www.cccandalucia.com

Susan Eijffinger – ’61 Alfa Romeo Spider

Linda Hennell – ’62 Chevrolet Corvette 70

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Stephanie Leach – ’58 MGA

Sheila Graveling – ’87 Mazda MX5

ON THE ROAD

Irena Greaves – ’79 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow

Deborah Hudson – ’84 Shelby Cobra

Mary Harboe – ’82 Triumph Dolomite

Jane Culbertson – ’89 Plymouth Prowler

Sandi Davidson – ’86 Mercedes 300SL

Doreen Hill – ’83 Jaguar XJS

Lesley Taylor – ’86 Mercedes 420SL

Loretta Fisher – ’62 Mercedes 190SL w w w. s o c i e t y l i v i n g m a g a z i n e . c o m

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CAMP SPORTS THE FOR IDS OLDER K

Puente Romano Hotel Marbella • Los Naranjos de Marbella email: lisa@costakidsinc.com - www.costakidsinc.com

FASHION FLAIR

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FASHION FLAIR

BEACH CLUB glamour With summer in full swing, the best place to head to is one of the fabulous beach clubs on the Coast. Relax and chill out on one of the luxurious beds during the day, or dress up for parties and cocktails in the evening in some stunning items from the leading local boutiques.

Dress – Just Cavalli ¤1,350 Evening top (worn under dress) – ¤960 Shoes – Just Cavalli ¤430 Bag – Just Cavalli ¤790 w w w. s o c i e t y l i v i n g m a g a z i n e . c o m

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Photography by Cj Hadlow Tel. 952 784 838 Mob. 622 227 006 Alter Ego Productions Hair and makeup by Liza Mayne Tel. 677 633 987 Alter Ego Productions Editorial Coordination: Jessica White Model: Andrea Karolina (Target Models – www.targetmodels.com)

Dress – Aftershock £75 76

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Shot on location at Buddha Beach and Nikki Beach

FASHION FLAIR

Waistcoat – Nina B original price ¤179, sale price ¤90 Jeans – Twist original price ¤199, sale price ¤150 Sunglasses – Gucci by Eyedonist ¤235 w w w. s o c i e t y l i v i n g m a g a z i n e . c o m

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FASHION FLAIR Dress – Starlet ¤75 Sunglasses – Marc Jacobs

by Eyedonist ¤270

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FASHION FLAIR

Bikini top – Agent Provocateur ¤145 Bikini bottoms – Agent Provocateur ¤90 w w w. s o c i e t y l i v i n g m a g a z i n e . c o m

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FASHION FLAIR Dress – Nina B original price ¤149, sale price ¤75 Sunglasses – Marc Jacobs by Eyedonist ¤270

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FASHION FLAIR

Dress – Twist original price ¤65 sale price ¤45 w w w. s o c i e t y l i v i n g m a g a z i n e . c o m

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FASHION FLAIR

Dress – Elle Morgan ¤122.50 82

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FASHION FLAIR Dress – Starlet ¤45 Shoes – Starlet ¤98 Sunglasses – Valentino by Eyedonist ¤198

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FASHION FLAIR

Dress – Nina B original price ¤225, sale price ¤113 Sunglasses – Marc Jacobs

by Eyedonist ¤270 Necklace – Agent Provocateur ¤120 84

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FASHION FLAIR

Bikini – Elle Morgan ¤79 w w w. s o c i e t y l i v i n g m a g a z i n e . c o m

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FASHION FLAIR

Dress – Twist original price ¤99, sale price ¤69 86

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FASHION FLAIR Top – Nina B original price ¤135, sale price ¤68 Shorts – Twist original price ¤29, sale price ¤20 Bag – Aftershock £60

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FASHION FLAIR Dress – Love2shop ¤72 Sandals – Twist ¤39

Kaftan – Ikonia original price ¤118, sale price ¤59 Bikini – Elle Morgan ¤79

Boutique Contacts Aftershock Ocean Village, Gibraltar Tel. 00350 20060100

Just Cavalli Puerto Banús Tel. 952 929 798

Agent Provocateur Muelle Ribero, Puerto Banús Tel. 952 810 171

Love2Shop Centro Comercial, Nueva Andalucia Tel. 952 812 472

Elle Morgan Laguna Village Tel. 647 869 831

Nina B C/ Las Malvas, Nueva Andalucía Tel. 952 907 020

Eyedonist Marbella Tel. 952 858 904

Starlet Puerto Banús Tel. 952 907 601

Helyjo C/Las Malvas, Nueva Andalucía Tel. 952 811 734

Twist CC La Colonia, San Pedro Tel. 952 781 493

Ikonia Boutique Puerto de la Duquesa Tel. 952 892 970

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FASHION FLAIR

Dress – Love2shop ¤97 Sunglasses – Gianfranco Ferre at Twist ¤195

Dress – Helyjo original price ¤890, sale price ¤590 Sunglasses – Dior by Eyedonist ¤285

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SALES STARTS FRIDAY 3rd JULY

MASSIVE REDUCTIONS

HEALTH & FITNESS

Celebrityshape-upwith

Nicki Waterman TOP TRAINER TO THE STARS OFFERS USEFUL ADVICE FOR A HEALTHIER AND FITTER LIFESTYLE – AND VALUABLE TIPS TO LOSE THOSE EXTRA KILOS

WHY DON’T YOU LITERALLY… BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM! hat do Gwyneth Paltrow and David Beckham have in common?

Dashing good looks? Yes. Famous other halves? Indeed. Super-cute little ’uns? Yup. But what else do the unlikely pairing share? A love of Pilates, of course! That’s right, David Beckham is the latest star to rave about the body-bending practice – adored by yummy mummies across the planet. In fact the England star says he is in his best shape in years due to an hour-long daily routine. And according to reports, the fitness regime has reduced Becks’ body fat from 13.7 per cent to a super-toned 8.5 per cent. England boss Fabio Capello has even insisted that ALL his players take up a Pilates routine, in order to get them as fit as possible in time for the football season. And it’s not just footie stars jumping on the Pilates bandwagon. The England cricket squad are all into muscle-bending action too, and even New Zealand’s famously tough All Blacks rugby team are Pilates fans.

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ideal if you’re a bloke hoping to improve his strength, or a lady looking to tone up her silhouette. Pilates has similar health benefits – it increases muscle strength in your “core” (the lower abdomen, pelvis and lower back), which can improve back pain and pulled muscles.

If you’re interested in taking up Pilates, experts recommend that you go to at least one class to learn the correct way to perform the moves, as failing to do so can mean that the exercises won’t be very effective, or can injure your spine.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that, while you’ll have to work on your flexibility and coordination, there are real relaxing benefits to a Pilates routine! The initial aim is to coordinate your breathing as you exercise – this helps to focus the mind and relax the body’s muscles, making them easier to stretch.

Once you’re confident with the moves, you can branch out and practise Pilates at home – just remember to warm up properly and not to cut any corners. It’s also important to make BODY BENEFITS sure you have something to lean on if you’re The benefits of Pilates go much further than just working out at home – the floor won’t cut it, a toned body. One of the incentives to use it is so make sure you have something softer to that it’s mostly equipment-free, so you frequently lean on, such as a yoga mat. work against your own body weight – making it Keeping up a Pilates routine once or twice a week won’t make you lose weight in the same way that jogging or swimming would do, but it’s a great way to build up muscle, which helps the body burn calories even when it’s resting.

Becks isn’t the only one to have taken up a holistic regime – it seems that all the best-

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looking sportsmen are stretching their muscles to improve their physiques. Andy Murray recently took up Bikram yoga (that’s yoga in sauna-like heat), in preparation for this year’s Wimbledon. And the idea that this is only an exercise to keep you skinny can be thrown out of the window, as Andy has built up his skinny limbs into something much stronger (have you seen those muscles recently?).

As well as keeping your body in shape, yoga can help with stress-induced physical ailments such as anxiety, headaches and IBS. This is because yoga encourages slow, deep breathing, which can help lower the heart rate, soothing elements of panic and stress. The heat of Bikram yoga allows the body to stretch a little further than it’s used to, improving flexibility.

Not to mention that it makes you sweat, which can help with the removal of toxins.

It’s probably best not to attempt Bikram yoga in your home – you’ll need the benefit of an instructor to ensure you’re doing the poses correctly every session (plus, think of the central heating bill!).

And if the men in your life dismiss it as “too girly” – it’s their loss!

HEALTH & FITNESS

SWAP… A SLICE OF BANANA CAKE WITH 390 CALORIES AND 18 GRAMS OF FAT FOR… A LARGE BANANA AND 6 ALMONDS WITH 190 CALORIES AND 8 GRAMS OF FAT

10 FOODS THAT BURN CALORIES FASTER Heard about the new miracle drink that promises to speed up your metabolic rate so you burn up 60-100 extra calories a day? Well put your purse away. We’ve found some simpler, and much cheaper, ways to do exactly the same thing…

Here’s some more ways to burn extra calories:

1.

Eat more fruits like apples and berries.

They contain a chemical called pectin, which slows down the body’s capacity to absorb other foods – including fat.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Eating soybeans three times a week will also have the same effect.

Eat more fibrous foods. These will help reduce the amount of fatty cholesterol in your blood and also help to prevent your body from absorbing cholesterol. They fill you up quicker too.

6.

7.

Lettuce, horseradish and radish are rich in magnesium and iron, which actually help speed up the metabolism and also have fat-dissolving properties.

10 OF THE BEST SUMMER ICE LOLLIES 2. Blackcurrant Ribena 3. Refresher 4. Zoom 5. Rowntree’s Fruit Pastille 6. Twister 7. Fab 8. Funny Foot 9. Starburst Tropical Fruit 10. Solero Red Fruits

31 calories 43 calories 47 calories 54 calories 58 calories 76 calories 82 calories 83 calories 94 calories 99 calories

Your body uses up more calories to digest whole foods than it does for highly processed ones. Lean protein from solid foods uses up the most energy – go for chicken or turkey breast, very lean red meat, various types of fish or egg whites. Lean proteins also help decrease your appetite.

(NB: In a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2005, researchers divided a group of 113 overweight subjects who had just finished a calorie-controlled diet into a protein group or a control group for a six-month weight maintenance programme. The protein group was given an extra 30 grams of protein per day on top of their usual diet, yet this group was LESS likely to regain the lost weight. The results were put down to more energy being used in digesting the extra protein, plus a decrease in appetite.)

Brussels sprouts and tomatoes stimulate the pancreas and kidney to flush out the waste matter and thus cleanse body cells.

1. Mini milks

Eat three portions of low-fat dairy foods.

Research form the National Dairy Council has shown that three portions of high-calcium food can speed up your metabolism.

8.

9.

Eat celery to bulk out your meals. It is so low in calories that you actually burn up more crunching your way through it than you gain when it hits your stomach!

Drink iced water. Your body burns up calories heating up the water to body temperature. By drinking eight glasses a day, you should burn around 70 calories.

10. Eat spicy food. Some research shows that spices, especially chilli, can raise the metabolic rate by five to eight per cent for as long as three hours after you’ve eaten.

DID YOU KNOW? Children who shop in supermarkets with their parents have an almost 70 per cent success rate when they pester their parents for chocolate and sweets. Leave them at home, shop online or resolve to ignore their pestering. Once in the trolley, you will end up eating them too.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED Question: Is there anything I can eat to protect my skin from the ageing effects of the sun?

Nicki says: Fruit and vegetables rich in orange, red and yellow pigments help to give protection because they collect in the upper layers of the skin and deflect some of the sun’s harmful rays, acting like a parasol.

Scientists claim that if we eat plenty of these pigments, they can give our skin an SPF of up to three. Sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots, tomatoes, corn and sweet peppers are all great foods for these protective supernutrients.

I’d love to hear from you, so email me your questions, tips and diet success stories to me at www.nickiwaterman.com

PEANUT BUTTER IS THE NEW SUPERFOOD Who would have thought it? After years of munching on goji berries and pumpkin seeds, the humble peanut butter sandwich has surfaced as a life-saving superfood.

A new study has suggested that peanuts have the potential to lower the risk of heart disease, one of the most common in women – according to the British Heart Foundation, it’s more prevalent than breast cancer. As well as being rich in polyunsaturated fats, which can strengthen blood vessels around the heart, there’s evidence that peanuts can lower the risk of strokes as well.

Peanuts are also a great source of the amino acid Arginine, which can improve the immune system and counteract the effects of high blood pressure. The study focused on female sufferers of Type 2 diabetes, as they have one of the highest risks of heart disease.

Participants who ate peanuts or peanut butter were found to have 44 per cent less risk of heart disease.

Peanut butter is a staple of successful dieters, as it is slowly digested, meaning you are less likely to crave sugary snack foods. Whether you prefer crunchy or smooth, just remember to buy a variety of peanut butter with no added salt – you wouldn’t want to counteract all its health benefits!

AND FINALLY… Green tea appears to have a small but similar metabolism-boosting effect (as this month’s top 10 tips) if you drink six cups a day. Drinking carbonated water also helps you to feel fuller than still water. So long as it does not make you feel bloated, between meals, a glass of sparkling water may help you avoid over-snacking. w w w. s o c i e t y l i v i n g m a g a z i n e . c o m

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LATEST TRENDS

health&beauty Whether it’s Nikki Beach, Buddha Beach or even Tarifa the thought of baring all in a skimpy bikini is enough to bring the majority of us out in a cold sweat.

I have one of those annoying friends who looks amazing no matter whether she has just emerged from the sea or is basking in the sun. As for me, I simply appear sweaty and dishevelled. This year I have sworn that, God help me, I will be a beach goddess and poolside princess and, here to help, are some fabulous beauty products guaranteed to make your body glow from head to toe.

COMPILED BY NICOLA McGEORGE PHOTOS CONRAD JONES

BEACHside

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LATEST TRENDS TOP NEW RANGES, TREATMENTS AND NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF MAKEUP, SKINCARE AND FRAGRANCE BODY SHOP

BARE-FACED CHIC Makeup on the beach can be a tricky one so I decided to get advice from Georgina Shaw, makeup artist from Fox Me Up, who has worked on the likes of Claudia Schiffer. “Firstly I recommend Make Up Forever’s High Definition primer.

When our skin is exposed to heat, humidity and sun, it produces more oils, your pores open and the makeup sitting on your skin falls directly into those pores.

This primer acts as a barrier; it also prevents your foundation running, keeping that flawless look longer. I also use my Shiseido Accentuating Colour stick all the time when I am on the beach. It’s a multi purpose colour stick that is light and crease free, glides on the skin and comes in six sexy lovely colours from fruity pink to a bronzed sheen. Unlike other highlighters, it’s sooooo subtle.”

Fox Me Up are style and beauty experts in makeup hair and beauty; the team work together or individually to give you your desired look for any occasion. www.foxmeup.com (Tel. 678 188 063)

SAY BYE BYE TO ORANGE PEEL Everyone has it, even Kate Moss. Yep, you guessed it: I am talking about the bane of a woman’s life – cellulite. I have tried a lot of lotions and potions for tackling this problem but I have to say I am never happy with the amount of caffeine they put into their products. Weleda Birch Cellulite Oil is an incredible natural alternative, a unique combination of plant extracts and natural plant oils. I really love the lemony woodsy scent of this oil. Not only did this smooth out my skin but it tackled all those little dry skin bumps that drive me mad every summer. Use when you get out of the shower as the oil gets absorbed faster. www.weleda.com

PROTECT YOURSELF Your daily weapon against sun damage… light and non-greasy with wheat germ oil for extra conditioning. Body Shop’s Vitamin E SPF15 Moisture Lotion is a bestseller. I also find it easier to blend makeup after I’ve applied the lotion because my face feels softer, smoother and more elastic. If you are feeling particularly dry, break open a capsule of Vitamin E and massage it all over your face and neck area just before you go to bed. www.thebodyshop.com

JUST COOL IT The mixture of sun, sea and sand can play havoc on your eyes and the delicate skin around them. As a child, my parents spent most of our holidays in the pharmacy getting products to soothe my eyes. Now after a day on the beach I use Matis’ Eyes and Lip Mask. Its preventative anti-ageing properties help regenerate the skin around the eyes and lips. Keep in the fridge for a delicious cooling effect. I am also a fan of their After Sun Soothing Milk Face & Body. Light and fluid in texture, this milk takes the ouch out of sunburn. www.matis-uk.com

DE-STRESS YOUR LOCKS THE PERFECT TAN

A couple of days before going to the beach, exfoliate your entire body with a good scrub so that your skin looks smooth. By helping to clear away dead skin cells and stimulating those remaining cells, exfoliation boosts circulation and encourages healthy regeneration of the outer layers of your skin.

Try Marks & Spencer’s Earth Spa Himalayan Rock Salt Body Scrub. Made from a mixture of rock salt and ground rice, it also contains coconut oil to moisturise and condition, giving you a gorgeous even tan. www.marksandspencer.com/soc

I apply hair protectors and even wear a bandana, yet as soon as I hit the beach my hair turns to straw. Time for some drastic action! I headed down to Zoe Woods’ salon where they have a range of intensive, customised Redken treatments for whatever your hair needs. Hair technician Myra Addison took one look at my hair and said, “I cannot believe you have let your hair get like this.” I felt like a naughty schoolgirl. She explained that to repair the damage they would need to pack in as much protein as possible and rebuild my hair. I had the Extreme Shot, Thermal Repair, Colour Extend, All Soft and Real Control. While having straightening irons run through my hair (heat activates the treatment) Myra gave me my prescription list of products to use at home. My favourite had to be the Blonde Glam shampoo and conditioner with UV filters. Once blow-dried I have to say my hair has never looked this shiny; one of the other clients even said I looked like a Timotei advert. Check me out.

Woods Hairdressing Salon: Tel. 952 771 791 / 645 089 399; zoewoods0@gmail.com w w w. s o c i e t y l i v i n g m a g a z i n e . c o m

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Expert Hairdressing • Specialists in Colour, Cutting and Hair Extensions Free WiFi and Free Parking Manola Santana Tennis

Tel: 952 771 791/645 089 399 zoewoods0@gmail.com ‘Le Village’ Local No 12 Ctra. Istan, 29600 Marbella (next to Olivia Valere Nightclub)

Istán Kings Palace

Aloha

‘‘WOOD Le Village’’ San Pedro

Coral Beach

Mosque Olivia Valere

La Trinidad

Puenta Romano Hotel Marbella

Ladies’ pamper packages Pamper parties are available for you and your friends.

We offer a complete range of hair and beauty services designed to suit your needs.

Contact us to find out more.

Full head highlights, hair mask, cut and blow dry, manicure and pedicure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

¤145 Full head colour, cut and blow dry, pedicure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ¤100 SUMMER SPECIAL FOR BOTH OF YOU Men’s facial, manicure, pedicure, cut and style

PLUS

¤150 Facial, hair mask and blow dry, manicure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ¤65 Hair mask, blow dry, manicure and pedicure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ¤60 Ladies’ facial, manicure, pedicure, cut and blow dry . . . . . . . . .

Call Bernice 627 462 475 or Shannon 633 224 130 It makes sense to pamper yourself with the complete package

LOCAL TRENDS

health&beauty

CLINICA DENTAL SORIANO

PUTTING CLIENTS AT EASE IN A RELAXING ATMOSPHERE PHOTOS DAVID TOMS WORDS JESSICA WHITE t’s the ultimate horror story: going to the dentist. But times are changing and now, sitting in the chair with your teeth in someone else’s hands can be a good, even enjoyable, experience. Dentist Leonard Pelzer at Clinica Dental Soriano has considerable experience in the dentistry field and aims to make clients feel comfortable and relaxed when he is carrying out a treatment. Located in the heart of Marbella, with all its hustle and bustle, the clinic feels calming and tranquil when you enter and clients are able to sit and relax in a living room-style waiting area which is decorated with bright colours and fabulous paintings by Leonard’s partner, Robert van Kessel.

The small, private clinic has a pleasant atmosphere and is quiet and inviting, with music relaxing you from the minute you sit in the chair. Leonard uses a screen to show clients exactly what he is doing; while there is a television on the ceiling above the chair so children can watch DVDs or adults can look at a calming scene to take away the tension of being at the dentist.

The equipment used by Leonard is all modern and state-of-the-art – he uses digital radiography and digital photography to show clients what their teeth and gums look like and what treatment, if any, they will need.

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The clinic, which opened a year and a half ago, already has a good reputation and a varied international clientele. Leonard offers a full range of durable, cosmetic dentistry procedures, tailor made for every treatment, and ensures a professional end result while fulfilling clients’ needs and preferences.

“A good dentist is like an artist,” he says. “If you are going to do something, you do it as good as possible.” This is the philosophy he uses with every treatment, ensuring clients leave feeling happy. Leonard, whose charm and friendly personality comes across the minute you meet him, also believes that dentistry is about healthy teeth and gums first, then the aesthetics, and he likes to take his time with each client so he can achieve the best result.

Clinica Dental Soriano Marbella Tel. 952 317 021 info@cdsoriano.com www.cdsoriano.com

TASTES OF SPAIN

DESSERTS TO DIE FOR! AS THE SUMMER HEAT CONTINUES AND WE GO ON ENJOYING LUNCHING AND DINING IN OUR GARDENS OR ON OUR TERRACES, IT IS – SAYS GILLANE HATHAWAY – TIME TO PREPARE SOME DELICIOUS DESSERTS… SOMETHING TO ADD THAT FINAL ZING TO THE PAELLAS AND BARBECUE RECIPES FROM THE PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS… SOMETHING THAT CAN BE PREPARED IN ADVANCE BUT ENJOYED JUST AS MUCH

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ow Spain is not considered by many to be famous for its desserts, perhaps due to the lack of choice in many restaurants, though this is improving. We are all accustomed to being offered flan, crema catalana or tocino de cielo, all based on eggs and milk. These, along with biscuit-type polvorones and yemas, were once made all over Spain by the nuns, who sold their products to help maintain their convents. The wide use of egg yolks was because the nuns received these free from winemakers who needed only the whites to clarify their sherries and red wines. Today, fewer religious orders sell these centuries-old delicacies, though in cities and towns in Andalucía and Castilla y León the tradition is still kept alive.

The variety of Spanish desserts is actually quite impressive. All over the country there are so many specialties that it is worth trying some. Once you have, you will want to go on seeking out new and delightful Spanish desserts.

But back to basics and the classic flan. Flan/crème caramel takes a while to cool, so it is ideal for party entertaining as it can be prepared well in advance and kept in the fridge.

For parties it can also be prepared in a large mold (15 cm x 30 cm) instead of individual ones, as it can then be sliced for serving.

The following basic recipe works well for this and will cook in about the same amount of time. You can also make this dish substituting some or all of the milk for orange juice, as they do in Valencia or Murcia.

The classic Spanish flan (serves 12) Ingredients: 800 ml milk (not semi) 2 strips lemon zest 1 cinnamon stick 5 whole eggs 200 gr granulated sugar Plus 100 gr sugar for caramelised sugar coating Preheat the oven to 150oC and prepare the caramelised sugar coating by spreading the sugar evenly over the bottom of a heavy saucepan. Put the pan over a low to medium heat and after several minutes the sugar will begin to melt. Without stirring, watch as the sugar begins to liquefy at the edges and slowly turns first into a yellow liquid then golden and then brown.

Remove the pan from the heat immediately, and as fast as you can pour the liquid into the flan tin (or into 12 individual molds), tilting to cover the bottom and sides evenly, and then set aside to set.

Pour the milk into a pan, add the lemon zest and cinnamon stick and bring to a boil over a high heat. Then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the seasonings to infuse the milk. Remove from the heat and leave to cool.

Put the eggs and sugar into a bowl and whisk well until light and frothy. Pour the cooled milk mixture into the egg mixture through a fine sieve and whisk well until blended, then pour the mixture into the coated flan.

Put the flan into a large baking pan, pull out the oven rack and put the pan on it and pour boiling water into the pan until it reaches about two to three centimetres.

Slide the pan carefully back into the oven and cook for one and a half hours, until set.

This you do by inserting a thin bladed knife into the centre.

Remove the pan from the oven and carefully take out the custard and set aside to cool completely.

Serve at room temperature or store in the fridge if made in advance. Run a knife around the edge of the flan to loosen and then turn upside down onto a serving dish. www.societylivingmagazine.com

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TASTES OF SPAIN Almonds are an important part of Spanish ingredients so now we move to Mallorca for a delicious almond cake which is said to come from Valldemossa, the town made famous by Chopin and George Sand, who spent a winter there in an abandoned Carthusian monastery. You can serve the cake warm or cold and it is delicious with a generous spoonful of ice cream.

Gató d’Ametlla (serves 8) Ingredients: 8 eggs, separated 300 gr sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 200 gr coarsely ground blanched almonds Preheat the oven to 200oC. Butter a 25centimetre cake pan and then dust with flour, shaking out any excess.

Put the egg yolk and sugar into a large bowl and whisk together until smooth and foamy. Add the lemon zest, cinnamon and vanilla and mix well. Now add the ground almonds, a little at a time, mixing well each time you add them.

Put the egg white into another bowl and beat until the whites form soft peaks.

Scoop a third of the whites onto the egg yolk mixture and fold in to lighten the mixture. Then fold in the remaining whites gently so that the mixture stays light.

Transfer to the prepared pan and bake for around 30 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Remove from the oven and, holding the pan 15 centimetres above the counter, drop the

pan onto it. This dropping action shocks the cake and makes it easier to remove later.

Leave the cake on a wire rack to cool. Then run a knife around the inside of the pan to loosen the sides and invert onto the rack and lift off the pan.

Valencia is famous for its oranges so naturally this part of Spain has many recipes using this lovely fruit. How about trying this recipe for orange cake? It is very easy to prepare, you don’t even have to cook it and it will definitely be a great success when you serve it as a party dessert.

Valencian orange cake (serves 8) Ingredients: 175 gr biscuits, digestive or similar 60 gr butter 700 gr cream cheese 60 gr sugar 75 ml orange juice 250 gr mandarins or preserved oranges chocolate shavings Melt the butter over a low heat and smash up the biscuits. Then mix the two together and place in a loose bottomed tin, greased with butter, and leave in the fridge for about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile in a bowl, beat the cheese, sugar and orange juice until you get an even mixture.

Pour this mixture into the tin and put it back into the fridge for four hours.

Decorate the cake with pieces of mandarin and chocolate shavings.

Time for a tribute to the Spanish nuns for all their hard work over so many years in creating so many delicious sweetmeats. Here is a recipe from a convent in Granada which combines almonds, honey and eggs.

Almond cakes (serves 6 to 8) Ingredients: 4 eggs 250 gr blanched peeled almonds 100 gr sugar zest of 1 lemon 1 generous teaspoon cinnamon 3 tablespoons flaked almonds Preheat the oven to 180oC Grind the peeled almonds in an electric grinder with a little of the sugar to prevent them from going oily.

Put the eggs and the rest of the sugar into a bowl and beat with an electric beater until light and fluffy.

Add the cinnamon and lemon zest and then gently fold in the ground almonds. Grease and dust with flour six to eight individual tart pans; fill them with the mixture and sprinkle over the almonds flakes.

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Cook in the oven for 15 minutes and then remove the biscuits from the tart pan and leave to cool.

When serving offer your guests a glass of that famous Spanish sweet wine Pedro Jimenez and the biscuits will taste even better.

Last but by no means least, a simple Spanish bread pudding, which takes us back to the Spanish housewives cooking with what they had to hand. Torrijas are eaten all over Spain and consist of slices of bread soaked in milk, sugar and egg, fried in olive oil. They are then served with honey or syrup or simply sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. There are so many versions, but this is my favourite.

Torrijas Ingredients: 1 loaf of stale bread (ask for a special “torrijas” loaf or use sliced white bread) 1 glass of honey 2 glasses of water generous sprig of rosemary 1/2 lit of milk 1 tablespoon of sugar, grated rind of 1 lemon.

3 eggs oil for frying nutmeg Melt the honey, rosemary and water in a saucepan and cook for a good five minutes until it becomes a syrup. Remove from the heat and take out the rosemary.

In another pan heat the milk, sugar and grated lemon.

Cut the bread in two-centimetre slices and soak them briefly in the milk mixture.

Dip the bread slices in the beaten egg and fry them in plenty of hot oil until golden brown.

Remove, place on a serving dish, sprinkle with grated nutmeg, pour over the syrup and enjoy!

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FINE DINING

THE BEACH HOUSE

Relaxing days blending into elegant nights WORDS JESSICA WHITE

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PHOTOS DAVID TOMS

pending the day at The Beach House is particularly enjoyable – relaxing on the beach, grabbing a light bite in the chiringuito or savouring sumptuous delights in the restaurant.

The chilled out chiringuito is a great area in the daytime to relax and enjoy a lunch menu which includes paninis, salads such as the classic Caesar, beef carpaccio with horseradish marinade, pine nut dressing, rocket and parmesan, and wraps – Thai beef with crispy Asian salad, basil, chilli and lemongrass dressing, which I was lucky enough to taste and which was fresh and delicious.

The Beach House Frontline beach Elviria Tel. 952 839 458 info@thebeachhousemarbella.com www.thebeachhousemarbella.com 106

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Smoothies and cocktails are also available in the chiringuito, with classics including the mojito or other refreshing combinations such as Sun Blushed – vodka, peach schnapps, pineapple and cranberry.

While the chiringuito provides a great place to eat during the day, in the evening it’s a fabulous place to sit and enjoy cocktails before or after dinner.

The chic restaurant also offers lighter bites during lunch as well as some mouth-watering starters and main courses. Chicken liver brulee with chilli jam and Melba toasts and marinated seared tuna and Asian salad with Thai brunnaise dressing are just two of the delicious starters available; while we were delighted to sample the delectable tempura prawns with vegetable and ginger salad and sweet chilli and lime dressing, which is also available as a main.

Other main dishes include Moroccan spiced salmon, pine nut, date, mint and coriander with aromatic basmati rice and soy, and honey marinated magret of duck with crunchy stir fry vegetables with noodles, as well as the traditional classics – steak, fish and chips and The Beach House beef burger.

Sunday lunches have also proved very popular and the restaurant has built up a good name on the Coast as one of the best places to visit to relax and enjoy good food on a Sunday. In addition to being well known for superb cuisine, the restaurant has also become very popular for its live entertainment. On Mondays and Tuesdays a Paraguayan harpist entertains diners, while on other nights there is a jazz duo, and on Saturday nights and Sunday lunches the popular group New Life sets the scene.

Owners Guy and Lucy like their customers to feel relaxed and enjoy their experience at The Beach House and this is made possible with the help of head chef Martin Underwood, who is an integral part of the business. He gives a fresh, dynamic feel to the food and creates simple yet delicious dishes using quality ingredients. The great atmosphere and friendly staff also add generously to the experience.

FINE DINING

P Cosmopolitan BUBBLES

cuisine at hot new Banús venue WORDS SAM JONES PHOTOS DAVID TOMS

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uerto Banús is home to many a fine restaurant but the recent arrival of Bubbles has everyone talking this summer. Combining a stylish roof terrace overlooking Banús’ bustling Plaza Antonio Banderas, excellent service and fine international cuisine, Bubbles is a must whether you’re planning a special night out or simply want to sample fabulous gastronomy in an attractive setting.

Adjoining the stylish La Terraza open-air cocktail lounge and the popular TIBV nightclub, Bubbles offers guests the opportunity to combine fine dining with après-dinner drinks and dancing, while the versatile layout of the venue also makes the restaurant an ideal location for private parties, corporate events and special occasions.

The exotic Balinese-style design of the restaurant – which includes a thatched centrepiece pagoda, dark wood decking and a giant tented bar with rich, chocolate-coloured draping – blends effortlessly with contemporary touches such as the elegant table settings and ambient lighting which, as dark falls, transforms the restaurant into a chic and relaxed setting.

Equally inviting is Bubbles’ team of multilingual staff who – from the hostess who will greet and seat you at your chosen table, to the attentive waiting team who show a good knowledge of the wine list and menu – are particularly welcoming,

Bubbles is the creation of Styrbjörn Holm, the original mastermind behind the esteemed Magna Café, which was has been regarded as one of the Coast’s finest restaurants for years.

Holm has been joined by members of his former Magna Café team including head chef Edmund Cicans, whose signature stamp of excellence is evident in the delectable menu available at Bubbles.

The menu presents a varied selection of international cuisines – Thai, Japanese, French, Italian and notable Scandinavian touches which you’d expect from a top Swedish restaurateur. The choice of hot or cold starters entices with combinations such as lime and pepper marinated salmon carpaccio with French mustard sauce and dill; West Coast toast with a mix of cold water shrimp, red onion and dill topped with salmon caviar; “Chevre” gently-roasted goat’s cheese with honey and pine nuts; and rice wrap filled with roasted duck, cucumber and spring rolls served with mango chutney.

Main dishes are just as temptingly diverse and include a good choice of pasta, noodle or wok dishes – creamy sweet chilli chicken wok with vegetables and rice; penne pasta in a creamy lobster sauce; or black risotto with tiger shrimps, mussels and cherry tomatoes – as well as interesting meat dishes such as the skewer of beef fillet with red curry and coconut sauce; grilled lamb chops with watercress, rocket and honey-mustard and

grilled entrecote or tournedos with béarnaise or green and black pepper sauce.

But particularly enjoyable for summertime is Bubbles’ choice of light and delicate fresh fish dishes which include steak of tuna fillet served with teriyaki sauce, sesame seeds and asparagus; fillet of sea bass baked “en papillote” with lime, butter, zucchini, lemongrass and a touch of ginger; grilled salmon butterfly with steamed spinach and vegetables; and grilled king size prawns with aioli and Rhode island sauce.

Bubbles is also earning an excellent name for its delightful sushi and sashimi menu, which uses only the freshest fish – including salmon, tuna, scallops, seabass, shrimp and eel – in its choice of nigiri, sashimi and creative maki rolls.

These can be savoured individually or from a special mixed platter to share, while the evening slowly unwinds in Bubbles’ captivating setting with superb food, cocktails and wine, great service and soft lounge music.

Bubbles TIBV Plaza Antonio Banderas Puerto Banús Tel. 606 070 979 www.bubblesmarbella.com Open every evening from 7.30pm

CHEF’S SELECTION THAI GALLERY

An authentic Thai dining experience WORDS SAMANTHA JONES PHOTOS DAVID TOMS

T

hai Gallery prides itself on the “art of fine Thai cuisine” and remains a firm favourite on the Coast’s restaurant scene throughout the year. The soft-lit, gardened courtyard makes a charming place for al fresco dining during summer, while the artistic décor of the interior – which blends dark woods with warm Thai red and orange colours – is an enticing setting during the remainder of the year. Works of art inspired by the Far East adorn the walls and change regularly, showcasing various local artists.

Service at Thai Gallery is among the best you would expect to find and owner Lani and her team tend to each customer with a level of attention equal to that you would receive in Thailand. Diners can enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail expertly mixed at the restaurant’s bar, while something can be recommended from the wine list which includes a good choice of Spanish and French wines to accompany your meal.

The menu at Thai Gallery offers a superb selection of authentic Thai dishes which use

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the freshest ingredients and are finished to perfection with ginger, galangal, lemongrass and coriander; while each dish is accompanied by freshly steamed fragrant rice.

In addition to the generous à la carte, guests are able to sample other delicacies from the chef’s selection of summer dishes, which also gives regular diners the opportunity to try something off the main à la carte.

Special requests can be made to the kitchen and specific dishes, which you might have tried in Thailand, can be especially prepared for your evening or special occasion. A full catering service is available for private parties or functions; and take away is another popular option.

TABLE TALK

•

RESTAURANT ROUND-UP

T

he Costa del Sol might be best known for sun, beaches and glamorous parties but it is also a paradise for discerning foodies who delight in fine cuisine. This month we begin a new section on restaurant and gastronomic news from along the coast.

DA BRUNO Five superb restaurants in Marbella One of the Coast’s most emblematic restaurant chains, Da Bruno now has five establishments in Marbella. Bruno and Giuseppina Filippone opened Pasta Da Bruno in the centre of Marbella in 1994, followed by Da Bruno a Casa in 1999 on the Golden Mile. Then came Da Bruno a Cabopino (2001), Da Bruno Sul Mare (2002) and Da Bruno a San Pedro (2005) – and now they have further expanded their operations with a takeaway service and delicatessen at the Cabopino restaurant. www.dabruno.com

EL LAGO Exclusive tasting at Loewe Guests at a special tasting at the Loewe boutique in Marbella were able to savour one of Diego del Río’s newly-created delicacies this summer: hamburger of baby goat with foie gras, home-made ketchup and mustard leaves. The unusual dish was just one of an exquisite selection of tapas prepared by the Michelin-star El Lago restaurant (in Elviria) for the Loewe cocktail party. Guests also savoured oysters in a balsamic vinegar sauce and pulped tomato dressing; ajo blanco, a typical Málaga garlic and almond-based soup with del Rio’s personal touch of mango, coriander, marinated mackerel and flying fish roe; pickled chicken brine in puff pastry with caramelised apple and foie; codfish with tomato conserve and egg; and marinated tuna with bacon and almond vinaigrette and soy

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foam (or “aire” as it is now delicately referred to in Spanish). Then for dessert del Rio and his team offered sponge cake with spices and brandy and plum icecream; and lemon foam (“aire”!) and honey icecream with crushed mint.

But back to the hamburger… El Lago has introduced goat to the menu as part of its campaign to promote the use of “natural Andalucian products”. From a species known as the “coastal goat”, due to the proximity of the sea, Málaga kid is appreciated for its milk both in Spain and France. Its average age is one month and its weight while still alive is between eight and 10 kilometres. Its meat is tender and flavoursome, with very little fat – even less than beef and lamb. www.restauranteellago.com

ZOZOÏ A special dining experience in Marbella Old Town It’s been a firm favourite on Marbella’s dining scene for years but if you haven’t yet ventured through the Old Town’s cobbled streets to Zozoï – then this is an absolute must. The restaurant (in Plaza Altamirano) attracts a good mix of locals and tourists year round with a fine menu which blends modern European cuisine with a hint of more exotic flavours. Summertime is a particularly pleasant time to visit Zozoï; al fresco seating at the front of the restaurant looks onto the Old Town’s quaint streets, while the gardened courtyard at the back of the restaurant is softly lit with candles and very romantic. Zozoï offers a special dining experience with superb service, and customers often begin their evening with a glass of cava or pre-dinner cocktail. Sumptuous dishes within the menu include pan-fried Thai fish cakes with a mango dressing and herb salad; Zoizoï Tartare – salmon, scallops and foie gras perfumed with nut oil; soy-glazed seared tuna, tempura of vegetables and wasabi mayonnaise; and roasted rack of lamb, Provençal tomato, gratin dauphinoise potatoes and mache salad. These can be enjoyed alongside an excellent choice of Spanish or French wines.

Tel. 952 858 868

S OTO G R A N D E

ESTEPONA

SAN PEDRO

P U E R TO B A N U S

s t n a r u a t s e R

Oriental THAI GALLERY Location: Puerta de Banús Tel. 952 818 392 Creative cuisine with professional service and lively atmosphere.

Open daily for dinner.

International BUDDHA BEACH Location: Urb. Marina Villa (beachside) Tel. 952 813 882 Luxurious Balinese setting with al fresco restaurant serving an appetising selection of dishes FROM TRADITIONAL MEDITERRANEAN TO A WIDE SELECTION OF INTERNATIONAL CUISINE ranging from fresh seafood platters to Thai fusion cuisine, sushi, salads and lighter SOTOGRANDE CASARES WEST OF SAN PEDRO creative dishes. A “snack and wrap” menu can be enjoyed from International International Italian Buddha’s beach beds.

Guide to fine dining

KE BAR

SCHILO

LA PAPPARDELLA

Location: Frontline port Tel. 956 793 333 Chic venue ideal for watching the world pass by with snacks and full meals.

Location: Ctra. de Casares Tel. 952 937 800 www.fincacortesin.com Gourmet Asian-fusion cuisine created by world-class chef Schilo Van Corvorden at the Finca Cortesin hotel and golf resort. Superb service, elegant setting and excellent wine list.

Location: Laguna Village Tel. 952 807 354 Popular Italian restaurant group which made its mark in London and Puerto Banús. Extensive list of dishes made using finest Italian ingredients, and great service. A fine dining experience in chic, luxurious surroundings.

FLAHERTY’S Location: Frontline port Tel. 956 790 390 Lively Irish bar and restaurant with well-priced snacks and full dishes – fun ambience and live music evenings.

BENAHAVIS International TABERNA DEL ALABADERO Location: Crta. de Ronda Km. 167 Tel. 952 812 794 www.alabaderoresort.com Creative inexpensive cuisine, in elegant surroundings including stunning garden setting .

BUBBLES Location: Plaza Antonio Banderas, TIBV Tel. 606 070 979 Superb international cuisine and cocktails in stunning Balinese roof terrace setting (adjoining al fresco lounge bar and stylish nightclub). Menu includes selection of hot and cold starters, creative sushi and sashimi, fresh fish and delicious meat dishes.

Excellent service from multilingual restaurant team.

NUEVA ANDALUCÍA International MAGNA CAFÉ

SAN PEDRO

Location: Magna Marbella Golf, Tel. 952 929 578 www.magnacafe.com Exquisite cuisine in stunning surroundings. Bar and large terrace with breathtaking views.

International

EL GIRASOL

Location: Avda. del Prado Tel. 952 813 859 Superb service and excellent Location: C.C. La Colonia food from award-winning chefs Tel. 952 781 583 Michel and Paul. Attractive www.passioncafe.eu Fresh and creative food served surroundings and pleasant patio throughout the day. Fantastic terrace overlooking golf valley. breakfasts, salads, wok dishes, Open every evening for dinner. fajitas, burgers, wraps and sandwiches. Daily specials and STARZ MARBELLA superb evening menu. Eclectic Location: C.C. Centroplaza décor and pleasant ambience. Tel: 952 816 313 www.starzmarbella.com International food with all-day PUERTO BANÚS breakfast and extensive lunch menu. Open Monday to Italian Saturday 8.30am–5pm. Free wifi.

PASSION CAFÉ

MACCHERONI Location: Jardines del Puerto Tel. 951 703 175 Fashionable pizzeria serving authentic Italian specialities.

Takeaway available. Open every night from 8pm.

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TERRA SANA Location: near Andalucía Plaza Tel. 952 906 205 The in place to be seen.

Renowned for its tasty and healthy dishes.

N U E VA A N D A L U C I A

MARBELLA

EAST OF MARBELLA

FUENGIROLA

BENALMADENA

EVITA BY BUENOS AIRES Italian Location: Avda. del Prado Tel. 952 929 620 Superb Argentinean cuisine.

Friendly and efficient service.

Golf views on a beautiful terrace. Open every night from 7.30pm onwards.

Italian REGINA’S

TERRAZA DUAL

s t n a r u a Rest

Location: Marbella Mar Tel. 952 925 250 www.terrazadual.com Great service and attractive surroundings. Home-made dishes. Take away also available.

DA BRUNO

Location: near Andalucía Plaza Tel. 952 814 529 Elegant surroundings with highquality Italian dishes ranging from traditional to creative. Open for dinner, Monday to Saturday.

Location: (also San Pedro, Marbella and Cabopino) Tel. 952 857 521 Fresh and fabulous Italian food served in lively surroundings.

Open daily for lunch and dinner.

YANX CAFÉ

BAYRES

Location: Centro Plaza Tel. 952 818 861 www.cafeyanx.com A prized location and lively atmosphere make this a great choice all-round.

Location: opp. Marbella Club Tel. 952 863 922 Authentic Argentinean cuisine including meat specialities fresh from the grill. Attractive décor, including cocktail bar.

Oriental

MARBELLA

THAI BANGKOK

International

Location: Plaza de Las Orquídeas Tel. 952 813 603 Traditional Thai and Asian cuisine made from the freshest ingredients.

Open daily for lunch and dinner.

ZOZOÏ

GOLDEN M ILE

Location: Plaza Altamirano Tel. 952 858 868 Old converted house provides perfect atmosphere for cuisine with a difference.

Oriental

SANTIAGO

SUKHOTHAI Location: Marbella Mar Tel. 952 770 550 Fabulous Thai cuisine, with intimate surroundings and cosmopolitan décor.

TAI PAN Location: Puente Romano Tel. 952 777 893 Enjoy cocktails at Polynesian bar before sampling oriental cuisine in beautiful surroundings.

International VILLA TIBERIO Tel. 952 771 799 Highly popular restaurant set within stylish surroundings, al fresco at its best.

VICTOR’S BEACH

Location: Paseo Marítimo Tel. 952 770 078 www.restaurantesantiago.com Considered the “dean” of Marbella restaurants, specialising in fish and seafood from throughout Spain as well as wide range of international dishes.

GARUM Location: Paseo Marítimo Tel. 952 858 858 www.garummarbella.com Great for drinks, snacks and à la carte dining. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner Open seven days.

THE ORANGE TREE Location: Orange Square Tel. 952 924 613 / 680 224 457 Creative contemporary cuisine, with innovative new menu every six weeks. Open daily for dinner from 6.30 till late; early evening menu until 8pm.

Location: El Ancon Playa Tel. 639 553 088 A Costa del Sol institution, popular with visiting celebrities BECKITT’S and residents alike.

Location: C/ Camilo José Cela Tel. 952 868 898 SUITE www.beckittsmarbella.com Location: Hotel Puente Romano Creative cuisine and fine wines in Tel. 952 820 900 a relaxed and friendly atmoStunning restaurant and lounge sphere. Excellent service. Open serving superb Moroccan and daily for dinner from 6.30pm Mediterranean cuisine in with “early bird menu”; seasonal luxurious surroundings. specials and full à la carte.

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S OTO G R A N D E

ESTEPONA

SAN PEDRO

P U E R TO B A N U S

TERRA SANA

BYBLOS

Location: Nueva Andalucía Tel. 952 906 205 Freshly made, lovingly prepared food which uses the best possible ingredients. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Location: Elviria Tel: 952 836 208 Traditional Lebanese cuisine including a wide variety of vegetarian dishes..

Italian

NIKKI BEACH

Location: Hotel Don Carlos (beachside) Nikki’s signature “global” cuisine ZAFFERANO served in luxurious beach club Location: Calle Gloria 12 surroundings either on the palmTel. 952 863 125 Beautiful renovated old town shaded al fresco terrace, or from one of the oversized beach beds. house with modern Italian cuisine in elegant surroundings. An extensive choice of international dishes inspired by Nikki’s Excellent service and worldwide locations including presentation. first-class sushi platters, creative salads and a fine dining menu.

CASA NOSTRA Location: C/ Camilo José Cela Tel. 952 861 108 Oriental Local dining institution since 1988, with extensive selection THAI-CHINA of superb Italian cuisine.

Location: Urb. Calahonda Tel. 952 939 017 Wide-ranging selection of SOL I LUNA traditional and creative Thai and Location: Las Lomas de Chinese cuisine in cosy Marbella Club surroundings with friendly staff.

Tel. 952 866 627 A fusion of fine Italian and Mediterranean cuisine in a MIJAS COSTA tranquil al fresco setting. Special menus, wine tastings and International weekend buffets are a highlight.

French CASANIS

MIJAS PLAYA Location: La Cala seafront Tel. 952 493 749 Popular restaurant overlooking the sea, with entertainment and dancing every evening. Superb food in elegant surroundings.

Location: Calle Ancha 8 Tel. 952 900 450 Exquisite bistro serving menu del día as well as à la carte, aperitifs and cocktails. Open VALPARAISO Monday to Saturday for dinner. Location: Ctra de Mijas Tel. 952 485 996 Excellent Italian and international EAST OF MARBELLA cuisine served in charming and elegant surroundings. Ideal venue International for special occasions.

FUSION Location: Entrance of Urb. El Rosario Tel. 952 839 910 www.fusion.es Comfort food with a modern twist. Innovative dishes served from early morning to late at night. Open every day.

BONO’S BEACH

THE TERRACE Location: Golf Hotel Tamisa Tel. 952 585 988 www.hoteltamisagolf.com Stunning views across Mijas Golf.

Extensive à la carte and moderately priced menu of the week. Ideal for business meetings, weddings, events, fashion shows.

Location: Costabella beachside Tel. 952 839 236 FUENGIROLA www.bonosbeach.com Fine cuisine in a stunning International location on one of the most beautiful beaches in Marbella. PUEBLO LÓPEZ Location: off C/ Valencia Tel. 952 471 929 THE BEACH HOUSE Location: frontline beach Elviria Well-established, family-run restaurant in charming Pueblo Tel. 952 839 458 www.thebeachhousemarbella.com López cobbled courtyard Idyllic location by the sea with offering excellent, well-priced stunning sunsets over one of international cuisine. the Coast’s best beaches. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

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N U E VA A N D A L U C I A

MARBELLA

EAST OF MARBELLA

FUENGIROLA

BENALMADENA

s t n a r u a Rest

LOS BOLICHES

BENALMÁDENA

Vegetarian

Indian

VEGETALIA

NIRVANA

Location: C/ Santa Isabel 8 Tel. 952 586 031 www.restaurantevegetalia.com Salad buffet with hot dishes of the day at lunchtime; a la carte selection in the evenings, fresh juices and homemade desserts.

Closed July and August.

Location: Altos de Higueron Tel. 952 568 564 Wide selection of excellent, moderately priced Indian cuisine in friendly atmosphere.

Oriental THAI LANNA Location: C/ Francisco Cano Tel. 952 587 139Exquisite selection of well-presented Thai dishes in attractive ambience, with friendly and attentive service.

International HAPPY DAYS Location: Edif. Sierra Mijas Tel. 952 664 004 Superb, well-priced Danishstyle dishes, including traditional open sandwiches.

Spanish LA GAMBA DORADA Location: Avda. Jesús Cautivo Tel. 952 477 267 The best seafood in town, in pristine surroundings with professional and friendly service.

MESON BRAVO Location: C/ Francisco Cano Tel. 952 585 417 Wide selection of traditional Spanish and original international cuisine for all tastes.

Oriental

LA CARIHUELA Spanish RÍAS DE GALICIA Location: Paseo Marítimo Tel. 952 385 974 / 629 535 887 www.riasdegalicia.es Basque and Galician cuisine in frontline beach setting.

Extensive à la carte selection and moderately priced menu del día .

EL BOTIJO Location: C/Párroco D. Antonio Tel. 952 058 790 Specialising in meat dishes – including exquisite leg of lamb and grilled steaks – but also with extensive range of fish and vegetable dishes in traditional “meson” surroundings with large terrace for al fresco dining.

BAR PLAYA Location: C/ Bulto Tel. 952 386 235 Cosy, family-run establishment specialising in home-style fish and seafood dishes, and varied tapas… excellent quality and moderately priced.

GIBRALTAR International O’REILLY’S

Location: Ocean Village Tel. + 350 200 67888 Location: Edif. River Playa Authentic Irish bar experience Tel. 952 580 640 offering prime location and www.restaurantemakati.com superb menu served on terrace Superb Japanese cuisine in chic or indoor upper deck. Mix of surroundings with excellent traditional Irish dishes and local service – moderately priced but cuisine, with choice of popular ample dishes. draught beers and good wine list – all at moderate prices. Live sporting fixtures shown on full HD audio and visual systems.

MAKATI TEPPANYAKI

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NEWS UPDATE

Noticeboard

ROUND-UP OF BUSINESS, CHARITY, CULTURAL AND OTHER GENERAL NEWS FROM THE COSTA DEL SOL AND ELSEWHERE IN SPAIN

ARIA MEDICAL GROUP FREE CONSULTATIONS ON COAST AND IN GIBRALTAR

JENSEN BEDS HUGE SAVINGS ON PRE-AUTUMN MODELS Preparing for the introduction of a new collection in autumn, Jensen Beds are offering a 50 per cent discount on current shop floor models. This discount includes all their luxury top-of-the-range models.

The store, in Polígono Nueva Campana 23, Nueva Andalucía (Marbella), is open throughout August.

More information: Tel. 952 908 855 617 423 129; stefan@jensenstore.com

Aria Medical Group, the customer-focused Marbella cosmetic surgery company, is headed by Dr Marco Vricella, one of the most eminent surgeons on the Costa del Sol. He is now operating exclusively with his own cosmetic surgery group, with offices in Madrid and Marbella. Free private consultations in English and Spanish, are now available in Marbella at the group’s prestigious new consulting rooms at Centro Peninsula. In addition, free consultations are available in Gibraltar. More information: Tel. 952 895 088. www.ariamedicalgroup.com

FESTIVAL ARTE-SANO ALTERNATIVE WAYS OF LIFE… IN SAN PEDRO The second edition of the ArteSano healing arts festival will be held on the San Pedro Paseo Marítimo on 22 and 23 August.

Organised in conjunction with Marbella Town Hall and sponsored

by Andalucian Eco Initiative ¡Soy Eco!, the festival “aims to promote alternative ways of living and a better quality of life through natural health, ecology, artistic and cultural expression, and emphasises the importance of improving sustainability and the integration of cultures in Andalucía”. Open from 12 noon to midnight each day, it will include talks and workshops, a marketplace with organic and ecoproduct sellers, alternative therapists, crafts, concerts, dance, drama and a platform to share ideas and exchange experiences. For children, there will be a host of games, workshops and fun activities.

More information: Tel. 951 165 092 (Phil Speirs); festival@lachispa.net

ART DISCOVERY NEW GOYA UNVEILED IN MÁLAGA Spain’s greatest painter, Francisco de Goya, continues to draw public interest, with the unveiling in Málaga of his recently discovered 1818 oil painting “Levantamiento Popular” (“Popular Rising”), depicting the War of Independence between France and Spain. Leading art analyst Paulino Giménez has described in detail the striking similarities between this new discovery and Goya’s best known work housed in Madrid’s Museo Nacional del Prado, “The 3rd of May 1808 in Madrid: Executions on Principe Pio Hill”. Hanging innocently on the living room wall of a Mijas villa, the “Levantamiento Popular” painting is now attracting worldwide interest as it is prepared for sale on the international art market.

(Words & photo: Chris Dove)

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NEWS UPDATE

MARBELLA EXHIBITION NEW COLLECTION

BY CRISTIAN STANCU

SPEED GOLF SPECIAL ELITE SPORTS CHALLENGE IN VALENCIA Four of Valencia’s top sports stars – Sergio García (golf), Anabel Medina (tennis), Carmen Jordá (car racing) and Alex Debón (motorcycle racing) – took part in an entertaining speed challenge at the Ricardo Tormo de Cheste circuit, organised by the Castelló Masters Costa Azahar golf tournament (in October, on the European Tour). The four had three

attempts to win the challenge, with the best time counting. García led the way with a golf shot timed at 268.5 km/h; Debón was second with a speed on his 250cc Formula 1 bike of 225 km/h; Jordá reached 215 km/h in her Formula 3 racing car; and Medina hit a tennis ball at 140 km/h.

(Photo: Luis Corralo)

Artist Cristian Stancu presents his new collection of watercolour and ink drawings this month. The themes are horses and olive trees, a clear influence that southern Spain has had on the artist. A former professor of fine arts at the Faculty of Arts in Bucharest, he moved to Marbella three years ago, developing other art work such as mural painting and wall decoration with gold leaf. To be inaugurated on 1 August, the exhibition will be on show during August in the salon of Garum restaurant on Marbella’s Paseo Marítimo – every day from 8pm to midnight.

More information: Garum Tel. 952 858 858; mobile 638 329 330; www.cristianstancu.com

PET POWER PHOTOGENIC PETS… AND LOOKING FOR A HOME Photographer Toni Cochrane, who conceived the idea of the photogenic pets competition in the launch issue of Society Living, would like to hear from other owners interested in having their pets photographed with a view to being featured in future issues. Contact her on Tel. 952 865 509 or visit www.tcfotografia.com This month we feature a lovely image of Ruben with his cat Luna.

We are pleased to offer space in these pages to Costa associations looking after

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and trying to find homes for abandoned or mistreated animals. If you would like contact details for your association included in this new section, email: editorial@societylivingmagazine.com

Penny (pictured) is a three-month old fox terrier cross who was picked up from the campo. She is a little nervous but, according to the Foundation for Abandoned and Mistreated Animals, will be fine with some

TLC. If you are interested in giving Penny a home contact Pat Coleman on Tel. 620 354 885; or if you are looking to adopt a different dog visit the adoption tab on the www.f-a-m-a.net website. The foundation is always in need of new volunteers to join its small team – anyone who can offer time to help, from a scheduled day or morning/afternoon to any available time.

Other associations: SOS – www.sos-animals.org Triple A – www.aaahelps.com

NEWS UPDATE

QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS DAMEHOOD FOR AMBASSADOR TO SPAIN

SOL I LUNA SPECIAL MENU OFFER AT TOP MARBELLA RESTAURANT The superb Sol i Luna restaurant located in Las Lomas de Marbella Club has introduced two enticing new offers to its menu this month. Every Thursday talented chef Daniel Kozak will prepare a “surprise menu” featuring three courses with wine for just ¤29.50. The restaurant is also offering a complimentary pasta dish with fresh

truffles to any diner who brings the August issue of Society Living Magazine to the restaurant. Sol I Luna offers a tranquil poolside setting amidst charming gardens in the picturesque hills of Marbella – just five minutes drive off the Golden Mile.

Bookings and more information: Tel. 952 866 627

Denise Holt, the British ambassador to Spain, was named a Dame Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George in the Queen’s birthday honours. The award was made in recognition of her “outstanding contribution to the promotion of British interests overseas”.

More information about the embassy’s activities and services: www.fco.gov.uk

IN BRIEF PHOTO EXHIBITION: Gary Edwards will be presenting an exhibition of limited edition photographs at El Campanario Golf & Country House (exit CC Diana Park) from 13 August to 11 September.

More information: www.garyedwards.es CALAHONDA LIONS: THE Presidency of Anne-Marie Savastona same to an end with a delightful evening in the surroundings of the Vista del Mar restaurant at Miraflores. After a successful tenure, she has handed over the chain of office to David Whitfield. Following a brief August respite, the Lions will be looking forward to their next fund-raising event: the annual sponsored walk in October. The Lions are always looking for new members.

More information: www.calahondalions.org LIVE MUSIC: The five-piece Coin Box band will be playing live at Venta El Pescador, Villa Franco, on Friday 14 August from 9 pm, with the entrance fee of ¤5 payable on the door.

The band plays popular rock classics from the last 40 years including tracks from The Who, Bryan Adams, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Nickleback and Gary Moore.

More information: Tel. 607 679 939 (John), 672 137 547 (Al); coinbox@live.com Video feed: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJTJfJApiu4 124

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A PROFESSION FOR LIFE AT SHANTI SOM HEALTH AND BEAUTY ACADEMY The Shanti Som Health and Beauty Academy, set in a fabulous location in Bel Air with tropical gardens, offers a range of courses carrying the internationally recognised ITEC qualification including beauty specialist & massage, and other beauty therapy courses, holistic courses such as reflexology, holistic massage and anatomy & physiology, as well as one-day and weekend courses.Kezia Jacobsen, with her 25 years experience in the health and beauty industry, joined with the renowned Christine Shaw to set up the academy as an expansion of Shanti Som Spa & Sanctuary, to be able to offer courses on the beauty treatments and holistic therapies provided at the spa. In 2008 the academy had a fantastically successful first year, achieving an impressive 100 per cent pass rate with its students in all courses.This year Kezia has added Amanda Parker and James Woods to the team, both with over 15 years experience in the health industry, to help with management and teaching. The Shanti Som Health and Beauty Academy is an ideal study place for those looking for a career in health and beauty, or simply wanting to learn a new therapy for their own self-development.

More information: Tel. 607 597 241; www.shantisombeautyacademy.com

SCENE & HEARD

SNAPSHOTS As it is not always possible to cover every party, launch or general celebration we would like to in our Society pages, the Snapshots section features other events along the coast – and further afield. If you would like your special occasion featured in the magazine, send us a selection of high-resolution photos and a brief write-up about the event (maximum 50 words), by 10 August (for the September issue) to: editorial@societylivingmagazine.com

Inaugural art festival a resounding success An estimated 20,000 people visited the first Festival International Art Marbella (FIAMAR), which featured the work of 100 artists from 24 countries as well as a varied programme of musical entertainment. Organised by Pixie Glore, Caroline Bowley and Eli Martin, the four-day festival was founded with the aim – in the words of Marbella councillor for tourism José Luis Hernández – of “showcasing the town hall’s efforts to encourage endeavours that promote the integration of the different foreign communities into local society”.

More information: www.festivaldeartemarbella.com

First the Belles… now the Pearls Following the screening of an ITV programme on British “Belles” living on the Costa del Sol, a German TV team made a similar programme on German women, filming their daily lives in Marbella in “extraordinary locations” and their private homes. Last month those featured on the show and their friends got together in the German chiringuito at La Cantina Beach to watch the series, “The Pearls of Marbella”, on the VOX channel.

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SCENE & HEARD

British Chamber of Commerce golf event in Marbella More than 100 players took part in the second annual regional golf tournament, held at La Quinta Golf and Country Club under the auspices of the British Chamber of Commerce in Spain, AndalucĂ­a Region, and organised by Golf the Costa.

Cudeca donation by Calahonda Masonic Lodge Members of Calahonda Lodge No 53, which was officially established in 2005, have presented a further cheque for ¤1,500 to the Cudeca cancer hospice.

Stunningly original sculptures on show at country club An exhibition of sculptures by artist Juan Gallardo Cabrera will remain on show at the El Campanario Golf and Country Club until 12 August. With their original shapes, colours and light bulbs, the art pieces are said to make a huge impression on those viewing them for the first time.

Anniversary celebrations for Ladies Club Marbella Members and friends of the Ladies Club Marbella are celebrating their fifth anniversary in the special ambience of El Rosario beach. An informative meeting with speeches, etc., about news from Marbella and its surroundings is being held on the first Tuesday of the month, the next one on 4 August at 8 pm.

More information: Tel. 620 477 500 (president Andrea Nitsche); merkursun@hotmail.com

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IN THE STARS

In the stars ... with Russell Grant LEO July 24th – August 23rd

CELEBRITY STAR Matthew Perry Born 19 August 1969 in Williamstown, Massachusetts; raised in Ottawa (dual Canadian and US nationality; fluent French speaker) Actor who received his big break as Chandler Bing in the TV sitcom Friends, before starring in a string of films – predominantly comic roles – including 17 Again (Warner Bros), due for release this summer.

Spending more time on solitary pleasures proves blissful on the 1st, but may irritate your colleagues. Finding new ways to make money is favoured for the 2nd. Trust your instincts regarding a colleague on the 3rd. A promising relationship reaches an exciting new phase on the 6th; the two of you will be spending lots more quality time together. Chatting up an attractive love interest sends sparks flying on the 8th.

A hidden enemy could be spreading rumours about you on the 11th. Devoting some quality time to your beloved proves blissful on the 13th. Don’t lord your opinions over a business associate, lover or friend on the 14th. The 18th is good for working on creative projects in the privacy of your own home. The 20th invites you to reinvent yourself by updating your look. Sudden expenses could force you to alter your budget on the 21st. Keep a business deal related to art, music or entertainment a secret on the 22nd. The 23rd helps you find new ways to save money. Don’t discuss your angry feelings with a neighbour or relative on the 25th. Bite your tongue when dealing with a passive aggressive man on the 26th. Accept a compliment with good grace on the 28th.

VIRGO August 24th – September 23rd A power struggle could erupt in a romantic relationship on the 1st. Be sure to voice your opinion on the 2nd, as you have very good ideas about communicating with the public.

The 6th brings an end to a mundane job assignment, leaving your schedule clear for bigger and better things. A friend’s compliment is sincere around the 8th; let it sink into your bones. The 11th finds you arguing with a pushy authority figure; be willing to push back.

You’ll have a lot of duties heaped on your plate on the 13th but you’re perfectly capable of handling them all. Don’t overestimate your importance at work on the 14th; you can be replaced! The 17th finds you having a hard talk with a colleague who has been shirking their responsibilities.

Putting an imaginative idea into motion gets you noticed around the 18th. The 20th affords a welcome opportunity to spend more time on solitary pursuits, even while your career is heating up. Resist the urge to criticise a close friend on the 21st; their ideas have more validity than you realise. The 22nd is perfect for attending a social event with the object of your affection. Dreams can come true on the 23rd, provided you stay positive and keep your nose to the grindstone. Don’t lend money to a pushy friend on the 26th. You could earn money by selling handmade items around the 28th.

Horoscopes LIBRA

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

September 24th – October 23rd

October 24th – November 22nd

November 23rd – December 21st

Don’t use your social position to unfair advantage on the 1st. The 2nd is good for solitary pursuits like reading, writing, and meditating. Trust your intuition with regard to a worrisome domestic situation on the 3rd. A creative project comes to a close on the 6th, enabling you to take your artistic skills to the next level. Your ability to work independently attracts favourable attention around the 8th.

Be ready to challenge an expert’s authority on the 11th.

Don’t abandon a friend for a romantic outing on the 14th. Be realistic with regard to a work assignment on the 17th; the more conservative your approach, the better. Plan a glamorous overseas holiday on the 18th. Your expertise won’t carry much weight on the 19th. The 20th is perfect for joining a club or getting involved with a humanitarian organisation. A colleague’s erratic behaviour could undermine your productivity around the 21st. Mastering a software program or piece of electronic equipment will improve your job prospects on the 22nd. Launching a selfimprovement project on the 23rd will have magnificent results. Be ready to fight for a job that should be rightfully yours on the 25th. Be sure to attend a social gathering on the 28th; you will have lots of fun.

It’s important to respect a person’s experience on the 1st, even if you don’t agree with their methods. Getting involved with a humanitarian organisation is favoured on the 2nd. Your words have a tremendous impact on a friend on the 3rd. The 6th brings an end to an emotional family matter, giving you more time for a romantic relationship.

Ask a friend to write you a letter of recommendation around the 8th. It may be difficult to collect money that is owed to you on the 11th.

The 14th warns against being too arrogant at work.

Don’t fall for a relative’s sob story on the 17th. Trust your instincts with regard to a romantic encounter on the 18th. Your jealousy may be unfounded on the 19th. A career opportunity arrives on the 20th; the perks will be significant. A friend becomes irritated by your unreliable behaviour on the 21st. A romantic surprise lifts your spirits on the 22nd. Your strong work ethic brings a team effort to victory around the 23rd. The opportunity to go on an adventurous holiday becomes possible on the 25th. Set strong personal boundaries with an expert on the 26th or they could try to take advantage of you.

Working independently causes your professional star to rise on the 28th.

Resist the urge to reform a friend around the 1st, as your attempts will only cause resentment. The 2nd is good for consulting a career’s advisor or going to a job fair.

Negotiating a pay raise or lucrative job is possible on the 3rd. You could come to an emotional decision on the 6th, allowing you to take a more active role in an intimate relationship. The 8th invites you to put advanced knowledge to work. Don’t bother arguing with a stubborn employer on the 11th.

You’ll make much better progress with your boss around the 13th when your powers of persuasion will be stronger.

Attempts to educate a neighbour or relative will fall flat on the 14th. The 17th is excellent for negotiating a business deal. Encourage a business contact or romantic partner to follow their dreams on the 18th. A relative could embarrass you in front of your romantic partner on the 19th. The 20th is excellent for applying to school or planning a trip abroad.

An impulsive relative won’t listen to reason around the 21st.

An unexpected gift or inheritance allows you to spruce up your home on the 22nd. The 23rd is perfect for vaulting up the ladder to success. Take the initiative with a love interest on the 25th. The 26th could spark an argument over political or religious values; try to remain respectful.

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IN THE STARS

Horoscopes In the stars ... with Russell Grant

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CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

December 22nd – January 20th

January 21st – February 19th

February 20th – March 20th

Putting pressure on a lover will result in disaster on the 1st.

Applying to school or submitting work for publication is favoured for the 2nd. A big cheque arrives on the 6th, allowing you to take on a bigger and better job. If you’re looking for love, you could find it at a bookstore or in a classroom around the 8th. An angry outburst at work could get you in trouble with your boss on the 11th; steer clear of confrontation. Hard work earns you extra money on the 13th. A power struggle over sex and money could erupt around the 14th.

Be realistic about your financial situation on the 17th; this is not a good time to run up debt. You could earn money through your creative talent on the 18th. Let a business or romantic partner lead you through unfamiliar waters on the 19th. Try not to jump to conclusions about a relative or neighbour on the 21st. A spur of the moment outing proves thrilling around the 22nd. The 23rd prompts you to expand your horizons through travel or academics. Take a more assertive stance in a partnership on the 25th. The 26th forces you to strike a more reasonable balance between your personal and professional lives.

Don’t talk down to a colleague on the 1st, or resentment will set in. Exploring intimacy issues will prove revealing on the 2nd. The 3rd is ideal for confronting fears about intimate issues, money and power. You’ll come to a powerful realisation on the 6th, prompting you to make happiness a greater priority. Making a few decorative touches to your workspace will prove inspiring on the 8th.

Don’t bother arguing with a youngster around the 11th; just lay down the law.

The 13th is ideal for exercising your creative talent. Take a partner’s fears seriously on the 14th. A negative outlook could be affecting your love life on the 17th. The 18th invites you to explore a spiritual pursuit. A sudden expense around the 19th forces you to change what you do for fun. Impractical ideas about money could catch up with you on the 21st. You could get paid to make something beautiful or pleasant on the 22nd. You could benefit from an insurance policy, tax refund or inheritance around the 23rd. If you’re out of work, launch a job search on the 25th. The 26th challenges your cultural or religious assumptions. If you’re looking for love, you could find it at a theatre or concert on the 28th.

Don’t cancel plans with a friend for the sake of a lover on the 1st. The 2nd is perfect for signing a contract or forming a business partnership. Getting some business training will prove profitable on the 3rd. You’ll be able to state your feelings more freely on the 6th when a deep, dark secret comes out into the open. A loving email, phone call or note puts a spring in your step on the 8th. Resentments come to a head around the 11th, putting a crimp in your love life. Your optimism prompts you to embark on a wild adventure on the 13th.

Don’t abandon work for play on the 14th. The 17th requires you to take a realistic approach to work. Keep a home decorating project a secret on the 18th so you can later surprise your loved ones. Your unreliable behaviour makes a male relative angry on the 19th. A job offer could be made around the 20th; this position will allow you to spend more time at home. News of an impending birth comes as a pleasant surprise on the 22nd. Encourage a business or romantic partner to overcome a bad habit on the 23rd. Take the lead in a romance on the 25th. Work becomes much more pleasant on the 26th. You could be granted extra job perks around the 28th.

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

March 21st – April 20th

April 21st – May 21st

May 22nd – June 21st

Creature comforts will be few and far between on the 1st.

Think of ways to be more productive at work on the 2nd.

Emphasise your communication skills at a job interview on the 3rd. A group association comes to a close on the 6th, giving you more time to write, compose or draw. The 8th finds you taking better care of your health. Resist quibbling over minor details at work on the 11th. The 13th is ideal for group endeavours of all kinds.

Resist the urge to lecture a friend on the 14th; you need to let them make their own mistakes. Depression could cast a shadow over your life on the 17th; prepare to ride out this storm. Be direct with a creative person who wants your opinion of their work on the 18th. Blurting out a secret on the 19th could have unfortunate consequences.

Unexpected events could derail a work project on the 21st.

A romantic interest could sweep you off your feet on the 22nd. Hard work and determination earn you a place in the winner’s circle on the 23rd. Tread carefully with a male relative on the 25th. Don’t let family interfere with your love life on the 26th. Plan a romantic outing for the 28th.

Resist the urge to flatter your supervisor on the 1st; only hard work will impress them. The 2nd is great for forming a business partnership. Trust your instincts with a love interest on the 3rd; admitting your ignorance will win their respect. A difficult work project finally comes to a close on the 6th putting extra money in your pocket. Let compliments soak into your soul on the 8th; they are well deserved. Trying to buy someone’s affection will blow up in your face on the 11th.

Push extra hard for a pay rise or lucrative job around the13th; your tenacity will pay off. Bossy behaviour won’t go down well at work on the 14th. The 17th requires you to spend quality time with a child. Getting your dream job is a distinct possibility on the 18th, especially if you showcase your creative talent. A money shortage makes you angry on the 19th; channel this energy in a positive direction. The 20th is ideal for buying or selling property. A friend’s erratic behaviour could spoil your good time on the 21st. Listen to a friend’s encouraging words on the 22nd. The 23rd is perfect for having a child or adopting one from a foreign country. Launch a home repair project on the 25th. Beware of angering a colleague on the 26th; you can’t afford to make enemies in the workplace. The 28th is great for getting a medical check up.

You’ll have more money for luxuries on the 1st, but hold off on buying anything expensive for another week, so you can have the fun of finding just the right gift for yourself.

Communications with your family become more productive on the 2nd. You could get a generous loan on the 3rd, allowing you to buy a house or an expensive appliance. A diploma or certificate could be awarded to you on the 6th, allowing you to find jobs in your desired field.

The 13th is perfect for planning a trip or submitting a piece of writing to a publisher. You need to have a serious talk on the 17th with a relative who has hurt your feelings. You won’t be able to get the freedom you desire from your employer on the 19th. Getting a new job that affords more independence is possible on the 20th but you’ll have to fight for it. Money to start your own business could become available on the 22nd.

Paying off a debt feels liberating on the 23rd. You will have to spend money to make money on the 25th.

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CANCER June 22nd – July 23rd Your good looks could make a suitor jealous and possessive on the 1st. Be as detailed as possible when giving instructions on the 2nd. Honest answers to probing questions strengthen a relationship on the 3rd. Opening your own bank account will make a relationship feel less restrictive on the 6th. The 8th provides an opportunity to take compliments gracefully.

Rebelling against stuffy rules could blow up in your face on the 11th. Encourage a friend to take a bold risk on the 13th.

The 14th forces you to come to terms with extravagant spending habits. Speak to a financial manager about creating a budget on the 17th. Role playing could be blissful in the bedroom on the 18th. The 20th attracts a high paying job that allows you to work independently. Resist the urge to contradict an expert on the 21st. Be sure to wear something special to a social gathering on the 22nd, as all eyes will be on you. Overcoming a bad habit is the best gift you can give a loved one on the 23rd. Step up your exercise regime on the 25th. Dealing with family can be stressful on the 26th. The 28th is better for ironing out problems with a female relative.

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