Global Curry, It starts here

 

 

 

 

 
By Tabatha Lewis

A NEW CURRY HOUSE has opened on Garden Lane specialising in different cuisines from around the world.

Former creator and owner of  Wok and Go and Go Fresco Desmond Pheby, has opened a new take away store called ‘Global Curry’ right in the heart of Chester's student community.

The curry house offers something a little different with cuisines from all over the world. The idea is similar to the successful Wok and Go, where you can swap and change what you like and it shouldn't take any longer to prepare because its all fresh.

Manager of Wok and Go and Global Curry, Shaun Jones, 22 said: "Hopefully this one will take off the same as Wok and Go, this one is more student based. One of my goals and ambitions will be to make connections with the university and the sports teams and the local businesses around there."

At the moment the store only opens from 5pm-11pm but there are plans to open in the day from 12am - 2pm.

Chester Intelligencer Reporter Tabatha Lewis

America votes Chester 'More romantic than Paris'

According to a poll published on the Mail Online last week, Chester has been voted the fifth most romantic destination by Americans.

 Chester’s historical walls and preserved beauty has put the city before Paris, Rome and Venice when American’s are looking for a romantic getaway. But what does this mean to the people of Chester? Do they know, or even care that their city is the envy of loved-up Americans? I took to the streets of the city centre to find out.

[caption id="attachment_717" align="alignright" width="150"] Chester's beauty is obvious to old and young alike.
Picture by: gpmarsh.com[/caption]

Erin, 65, and John Broderick, 68, have lived in Chester all their lives. They said: “We met in Chester, by the walls actually, and so it’s always been close to our hearts. We don’t need anyone, especially Americans telling us how great Chester is!” John added “Personally I’d rather not have a load more tourists here, it’s crowded enough as it is. Especially at weekends.”

Theo Arnold, 21, moved to Chester recently, he is single and said: “No, it’s always good to get good press. Hopefully the romance of the city will rub off on me!”

Hayley Phillips, 25, from Shrewsbury said: “I live about an hour away but my boyfriend lives here in Chester. Although they (Shrewsbury and Chester) are quite similar I prefer coming here. It has everything you’d want and is a perfect combination of a big city and a town.” She laughed when asked about how romantic she found Chester and said: “It doesn’t matter how romantic a place is, it depends who you’re there with!”

Young, engaged couple Danny Hughes, 29 and Harry Miles, 32 said: “We’ve come to Chester for some Christmas shopping. It’s very romantic, especially with all the lights; it’s great that American’s want to come here.”

Lee Brown, 43 and his partner Jake Vass, 42, said: “Being gay and living here is fine. We used to live in London and found the industrial city life wasn’t for us. Here, we are comfortable and happy being ourselves.” Jake added: “I wouldn’t say it was either romantic or non-romantic. It’s nice and if American’s want to come visit then great. I just hope it doesn’t become too commercialised here to accommodate for them.”

The view of the public seems to be that it’s not important to them what other countries think; they love their city and are happy to share it with anyone who wants to appreciate it.

To see the Mail's reporting of this story, go to http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2513697/Americas-preferred-romantic-destination-Chester-UK.html

I'm dreaming of a vintage Christmas

CHRISTMAS MUSIC warmed Hoole Community Hall creating a festive atmosphere as vintage lovers scanned stalls for holiday gifts.

Hoole welcomed the third West Cheshire Vintage Fair with an array of vintage treats available to tempt the eager Christmas shoppers.

My first time at the event was June this year when jewellery, clothes and accessories seemed to be the most prominent items on offer, but this fair saw more of a mix and an extra six stall holders, with irresistible jewellery, handbags and clothing as well as china, furniture and bric-a-brac. There were cosy fur coats and hats to instantly add glamour to any outfit, as well as glittery sequinned party frocks and tops.

Helen Kelly, organiser of the West Cheshire Vintage Fair, Hoole said: ‘‘People are just trying to find a little unusual gift.’’

Dianna Ellson, jewellery up-cycler who runs Designs by Dyannach, had gorgeous gift sets, as well as handbag charms and much more to entice visitors. Her creativity and affordable price tag made her pieces hard to resist. I bought an elegant necklace, earrings and bracelet floral gift set, originally for my grandmother but too devine to give away.

Julia Jones who specialises in high end evening wear offered many Christmassy treats, with a selection of beaded wear, glamorous evening wear and broaches ideal for achieving a truly feminine Christmas outfit or as a stocking filler.

There was competition in the area, with other fairs taking place, but that did not stop some keen buyers.

For all lovers of vintage like myself, these fairs are ideal for finding one off pieces from jewellery to furniture, and with a combination of old and new styles all in one place, there is something that can appeal to everyone.

Overall rating ****

The next fair in Hoole will be taking place on Saturday February 1, 2014. In the meantime visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TheWestCheshireVintageFair

Chester Intelligencer reporter, Alexandra Murdey

[gallery type="slideshow" ids="1016,1019,1018,1017"]

Review: Gone Girl

AUTHOR Gillian Flynn has already enjoyed the success of her third novel 'Gone Girl' being a bestseller in the US and now a star-studded line is are set to make the film a box office hit. 

The gripping novel centers around the disappearance of the beautiful Amy Dunn. The clever, funny and witty Amy is also incredibly wealthy having been the inspiration for a series of books written by her parents about her called 'Amazing Amy.'

When she goes missing in suspicious circumstances on the morning of her fifth wedding anniversary police are quick to point the finger of blame at her down-and-out husband. Handsome and clever but recently fired from his journalist job and with a failing bar paid for with Amy's fortune, Nick seems the obvious suspect.

Written from both Nick and Amy's perspective, Flynn leaves the reader in suspense throughout. Several plot twists make for a hugely enjoyable read despite a fairly 'dry patch' in the middle of the book. Without giving too much away, some readers said to have been left disappointed by the ending with a feeling that certain characters have been cheated out of justice.

As with most books made into film, it seems unlikely that the onscreen version will be able to do the story justice, especially when dealing with Amy's version of events. Despite this, the star-studded line up looks promising and Ben Affleck is set to make an irresistible Nick Dunn. The challenging role of Amy has been awarded to Rosamund Pike in her first leading role.

Flynn’s previous works include ‘Dark Places’ and double CWA Dagger Award winner ‘Sharp Objects.’

It's yet to be seen how the story will look on the big screen but regardless, ‘Gone Girl’ is defiantly worth a read and will make a particularly good holiday book to be read by the pool.

[caption id="attachment_688" align="alignright" width="150"] Flynn's third novel is set to be a box office hit.
Picture by: telegraph.co.uk[/caption]

Rating: 7/10 – For slightly dull middle and disappointing ending

A Christmas Carol on DVD

[caption id="attachment_1231" align="alignright" width="188"] The DVD cover, taken from monstermarketplace.com[/caption]

IF GETTING in the Christmas spirit seems to be impossible, switch on A Christmas Carol, starring Jim Carrey and Colin Firth.

This film is animated and the attention to detail is part of what makes this film so successful and enjoyable to watch.

There are so many versions of the Charles Dickens book, but this one especially is a must watch and it has really given the story a re-birth. The stars listed above play several of characters between them, including Scrooge, his nephew and the ghosts of Christmas. The animation is so accurate to real life that at a first glance, the characters look like real people.

The director has made this version of a family favourite original, with the extended scenes. For example, new characters are introduced, such as Scrooge’s maid and a London choir. This, plus the developed characters makes this film a classic.

Humour plays a huge part in many scenes. When the ghost of past pays Scrooge a visit, there is an element of humour when the ghost dances and flicks his fire cap in his face. Because the film is an animation, it is easy to identify the two actors personalities playing the roles. Jim Carrey is known for his exaggerated, funny facial expressions and this is often portrayed in scrooge and the spirit of the present day. It is entertaining to watch the spirit of the present day as a skeleton laugh, but this could be daunting for children to witness.

Certain scenes may not be appropriate for young children, because of its mild scary content. This keeps the older audience entertained as Scrooge runs away from a dark horse with red eyes through the streets of old London. This film is also available to buy in 3D and when the horse looks closely towards the camera, it brings the viewer into the scene. There are some scenes that might frighten children. In particular, when the door knob turns into a ghost of an old man, there is a build up of tension before he suddenly moves.

The main meaning behind the book is still at the heart of the film. After watching this, it will make viewers feel inspired and happy after seeing the transformation of Scrooge towards the end. After following his journey for 90 minutes, one can’t help but want to put the Christmas tree up after it and spread joy to the world.

Check out the trailer for this version of A Christmas Carol here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZ3lr3urgDU

Chester Intelligencer reporter, Amy Poole

Review: Gravity

NEVER BEFORE HAVE I undergone such an immersive and enveloping experience as I did last night when watching Alfonso Cuarón’s Gravity.

[caption id="attachment_677" align="alignright" width="300"] You might feel a bit lost in space whilst watching Gravity. Credit: Warner Bros.[/caption]

This primarily comes with the fact that last night was the first ever 3D movie I’ve ever seen (You don’t have to tell me how far behind with the times I am, I already know). The word movie won’t do Gravity justice, the only word applicable is experience.

Typically there’s an unstated disconnection when one leaves the dimly lit cinema and returns back to reality. First, there’s the harsh adjustment your eyes have to make as they get used to the shining lights of the theater lobby. Next, there’s the faint audio acclimation your ears undergo as in most cases, the surround sound system of the complex sounds better than real life. But when I left the comfortable confines of my cinema chair last night, something different happened. There was no disconnection. I was still in space.

Leaving the theater still dizzy and feeling rather heavy, weighed down by – wait for it – gravity, was a humbling experience to say the least, and I have the outstanding visuals of Cuarón to thank for that. Never before have I been so physically absorbed in what was happening on the screen, a truly remarkable achievement by Cuarón as he uses unconventional twisting camera angles and special effects to convey the feelings of zero gravity to the viewer.

The film tells the story of first-time space-goer Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and ‘last day on the job’ veteran astronaut Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney) as they are forced to fight for their lives in outer space once disaster strikes when debris from a Russian spaceship destroys their shuttle. What we’re left with is a film that brilliantly conveys how alone one can feel in such a boundless environment.

Any fears about a ninety-minute film having only two actors featured should be completely alleviated as viewers are treated to two typically stellar performances from Bullock and Clooney. I can assure you that what the film lacks in characters, it is more than made up for in intensity, as the movie shifts from one action scene to another with little chance of a rest. The supporting actor for this one is the vast landscape which completely surrounds the audience throughout the film. Each star is beautifully placed and shots of the Earth are completely awe-inspiring, you owe it to yourself to see this one in 3D, if you can.

A few slight holes in the plot may leave some audience members questioning, and at times the movie could be critiqued for perhaps being ‘too Hollywood’, but these are extremely minor flaws in what is a remarkable cinematic experience. Don’t bother buying popcorn for this one, you’ll be too engrossed to enjoy it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiTiKOy59o4

Best Hair Products For Girls This Winter

THE COLD AIR can be damaging for hair and with so many hair products on the market these days, it’s hard to choose one that will help protect hair and keep it healthy this winter.

A conditioner is the most essential hair product to use, according to Sarah who works as a Customer Service Assistant for Boots. When it comes to choosing the right conditioner always go for one specialised for dry or damaged hair and leave it on for 20 minutes every two or three days.

Hairdresser Chloe, from Smile Hairdressing, said conditioner is essential to achieving gorgeous locks in the cold weather.  “Look for conditioners that contain magnesium chloride, because that is what makes hair feel soft and look shiny,” she said.

According to Chloe, the following conditioners are supposed to be the most effective high street conditioners for achieving the look every girl wants.

- Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Hair Healer Leave In Conditioner
- Aussie Miracle Moist
- Herbal Essences Hello Hydration
- Organix Moroccan Argan Oil

I decided to try a few of these products to see if I could get salon-looking hair every day, from home.

Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Hair Healer Leave In Conditioner
3/5
Soft hair indoors, knotty outdoors

Well Charles Worthington didn’t let me down when he guaranteed that I would have softer hair with just one wash. This leave in conditioner made my hair feel silky as soon as I dried and straightened it. But after being outdoors for four hours, it didn’t feel as soft, even after I had brushed it. I doubt this product is the best one to use as the weather gets colder.

Herbal Essences Hello Hydration
2/5
Greasy roots, dry ends

After using Herbal Essences Hello Hydration twice and following the instructions to leave it on for several minutes I wasn’t blown away by the results to say the least. My hair felt quite dry at the ends and greasy at the roots. On the plus side, the smell is nice and it’s inexpensive.

Aussie Miracle Moist
4/5
Smooth and healthy looking hair

This conditioner is perfect if you suffer from fly ends after being outside for a long time. It smooths the hair cuticles so you can get away without taking a brush out with you. I applied plenty of conditioner to the ends of my hair four times for one week. It really was a miracle because my hair didn’t feel as coarse after I had straightened it and been out for a walk. The only down side to this is that you need to apply a lot to really see and feel the results. I used around a third of a bottle in only seven days.

Organix Moroccan Argan Oil
5/5
Smooth, shiny, nourished hair

If there is anything you should buy to add moisture and shine to your hair, this is the one. I couldn’t believe how nourished my hair felt after the first application. I usually wash my hair every other day, but I didn’t need to wash it for three days when I tried Organix’s oil conditioner. My hair looked shiny and even though I often dye my hair, the ends didn’t feel dry. I didn’t even need to brush my hair after I had washed it. My fingers just ran straight through, with no tangles. The cold didn’t dry my hair out at all when I used this. I will definitely buy this product again.

Chester Intelligener reporter, Amy Poole

[caption id="attachment_1219" align="alignright" width="142"] Charles Worthington conditioner, taken from Boots.com[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1221" align="alignright" width="142"] Aussie Miracle Moist conditioner, taken from Boots.com[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1222" align="alignright" width="142"] Herbal Essences conditioner, taken from Boots.com[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1223" align="alignright" width="142"] Organix Oil conditioner, taken from Boots.com[/caption]