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Join Rick Stein on his latest culinary adventure through the food and culture of the Far East - an ambitious journey, avoiding the beaten track and tourist hot-spots, in search of the authentic food of Southeast Asia.As one of Britain’s most revered chefs and successful authors, Rick Stein sets off on an epic culinary journey to explore the Far East’s most diverse food cultures which have soared to the height of popularity the world over. Featuring new recipes to make your mouth water and breathtaking on-location photography evoking the magic of bustling markets, exotic locations and exciting flavours Rick Stein’s Far Eastern Odyssey is released on DVD from 22nd February, priced £19.99.
Experience a heady mix of Chinese and French influences that characterise Vietnamese food; the distinctive and unusual Khmer cuisine of Cambodia; and the light and fragrant flavours of Bangladesh that helped shape the menu of so many UK curry houses.
From ruby red chillies to an incredible variety of seafood, fresh fruit and exotic vegetables, this is a mouth watering trip bursting with new taste sensations, vibrant flavours and unusual recipes.
Along the way, Rick visits traditional family-run restaurants, street vendors, night markets, fishing villages, and local farmers to learn about the authentic food of the area, and to sample the delicious spectrum of flavours. Rick’s journey also takes him to Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysian and Bali.
This tantalising DVD shares Rick’s new-found knowledge by re-creating food from his travels and captures on the plate the rich and varying cultures of the Far East. It also includes the special Christmas Odyssey episode, in which Rick Stein uses the delicious new ideas he brought back from the Far East to brighten up our festive dishes.
Buy Rick Stein's Far Eastern Odyssey [DVD] from Amazon.co.uk
![Buy Rick Stein's Far Eastern Odyssey [DVD] from Amazon.co.uk](http://www.hotbrandscoolplaces.com/components/com_sh404sef/images/external-black.png)
Hot Brands Verdict
We are great fans of Rick Stein’s television programmes, he has a very natural style of presenting, and this DVD is a great opportunity to own one of his best accounts of his travelling. What we really enjoyed is Rick’s joy of discovery, as he finds out for himself and shares with the viewer, the depth of flavours and day-to-day village life as he travels and meets the local people across South East Asia. We also love the way he takes a traditional recipe and adapts it for ingredients that are available in the UK.
In this DVD there is something for every taste, and as well as sharing the journey, you can also recreate the recipes, and join in the wonderful family atmosphere in the celebratory meals.
This is a wonderful way of experiencing both the cultures of the countries he visits and the mouth watering flavours, a gastronomic delight, perfect for weekend experimentation. Highly Recommended!
Synopsis: Paolo Nutini marked his return last summer with his new LP ‘Sunny Side Up’, which went straight in at No.1. It’s the follow-up to his 2006 debut album ‘These Streets’, which has sold over 2.3 million worldwide including over 1.3 million in the UK.It’s hard to believe that Paolo Nutini is still only 22-years-old, for he has already achieved so much, from his hometown of Paisley (Scotland) to Carnegie Hall, from BRIT award nominations to supporting Led Zeppelin at their infamous O2 reunion show.
Written by Paolo ‘Sunny Side Up’ was recorded in a host of places including Ireland, Wales, New York, LA and Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios in Bath, which is reflected by the Celtic sway and Motown feel to the album. It was produced by Paolo and Ethan Johns (Kings Of Leon).
‘Sunny Side Up’ is a record full of warm sentiments and dazzling sounds, courtesy of Paolo’s band The Vipers, tied together by Paolo’s distinctive vocal, one of the most unique vocals to come out of the UK for many years, a mesmerising soulful voice that has no equal - he has never sounded better.
‘Candy’ is one of the many standout tracks, infectious and beautiful in equal measure. Other highlights include the soulful swing of ‘Coming Up Easy, ‘Pencil Full Of Lead’ sees Paolo’s vocal bounce along at its show stopping best and ‘Worried Man’ is a heart pulling ode enhanced by strings and the tear in Paolo’s voice.
Following extensive tours of the UK, US, Europe, Australia and emphatic performances across the festival circuit, Paolo will play two special consecutive Royal Albert Hall shows, April 8 & 9th.
Latest News
Paolo Nutini Retains No.1 Album Spot
Paolo Nutini has retained the top spot in the album charts with his triple-platinum selling album ‘Sunny Side Up’.
It may be the only thing that is shining brightly at present but ‘Sunny Side Up’ has gotten off to a storming start. The record was in the Top Ten selling albums of 2009 and is carrying on in the same vein in 2010.
Paolo Nutini’s new single ‘10/10’ from his full marks album was released this week and is featured on the Radio One B-List.
Set to be one of the highlights of the year, Paolo plays two special consecutive Royal Albert Hall shows, April 8 & 9th.
www.paolonutini.com
Hot Brands Verdict
This week we are dedicated to trying to find ways of warming you up and if you didn’t buy this fabulous CD in the summer now is a great time to buy it. Paolo Nutini was one of the great successes of 2009. Sunny Side Up is a wonderful collection of heart-warming and soulful songs; we love Paolo’s distinctive voice, and the backing by The Vipers.
As well as the very popular Candy and Coming Up Easy, we loved the infectious Pencil Full of Lead, great for getting out of bed in the morning and dancing to, guaranteed to bring a smile while you clean your teeth.
Highly Recommended!
Synopsis “I love Tracy Anderson’s Method! Her approach to exercise is smart, creative and empowering. I believe that Tracy can transform any woman”
Shakira
Tracy Anderson, personal trainer to the stars, has just released The Tracy Anderson Method: Mat Workout on ITV DVD. The much anticipated workout DVD follows closely in the footsteps of the revolutionary Dance Cardio Workout.
Tracy Anderson, who lists Shakira and Gwyneth Paltrow among her clientele, uses a unique workout method providing unparalleled results to women across the world.
After ten years of extensive research, Tracy has revolutionised workouts for women of all shapes and sizes. She has proved that women from any genetic background can achieve the body of their dreams, by adhering to the correct training.
The Tracy Anderson Method: Mat Workout DVD requires no specialist equipment, with weight exercises for the arms to be performed using a 500ml bottle of water in each hand.
This latest offering from Tracy Anderson and ITV DVD provides the perfect companion to The Tracy Anderson Dance Cardio Workout which remained one of the top three fitness DVD titles throughout 2008 / 2009.
“The Mat Workout is very dear to me as it is an excellent way to re-engineer your muscular structure, waking up your accessory muscles and pulling in your larger muscles - perfect for any woman looking to achieve a lean feminine body type”
Tracy Anderson
Buy The Tracy Anderson Method - Mat Workout [DVD] [2009] from Amazon.co.uk
Hot Brands Verdict
We were impressed when we reviewed The Tracy Anderson Method: Dance Cardio Workout last year and this is another very professional DVD. What we liked about the DVD is that it is a very focused workout, needing little equipment. It covers the following; Warm Up, Standing Legs, Standing Abs, Standing Arms, Arms Workout with weights, Legs Workout on Mat, Abs Workout on Mat, Cool Down. It is quite balletic yet you can feel it working on the different groups of muscles, a great workout to start the new year! Highly Recommended!
Synopsis: Grammy Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Rod Stewart has just released SOULBOOK (RCA Records) a collection of classic Sixties/Seventies-era soul favourites all newly recorded by the quintessential “blue-eyed soul” singer of our generation. Rod Stewart possesses one of the most distinctive and interpretative voices in music-his Grammy-Award winning recordings of the Great American Songbook have sold over 19 million albums and is the biggest selling ongoing series of new music recordings in history. With the same passion Rod approaches some of the greatest soul songs ever written. SOULBOOK includes “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher”“It’s the same old Song” and more. Superstar duets include Mary J. Blige on “You Make Me Feel Brand New” and Jennifer Hudson on “Let it Be Me” Stevie Wonder accompanies Rod on harmonica on his very own massive hit “My Cherie Amour”. Smokey Robinson guests on one of his signature songs, “Tracks of My Tears”
Hot Brands Verdict
This is a fabulous album, having seen Rod recently on television singing some of these tracks; we were delighted when a copy arrived in the office. This is a wonderful combination of some of the best-loved soul tracks of a generation coupled with Rod’s distinctive voice. We absolutely loved this collection; some of our personal favourites are “Rainy Night in Georgia,” "If you don’t know me by Now” and the classic “My Cherie Amour” featuring Stevie Wonder and “Tracks of My Tears” featuring Smokey Robinson.
If you are looking for a perfect Christmas Gift, or a present for yourself, this is a wonderful collection that will bring back memories and have you singing along into a delightfully relaxed laid back Christmas. Highly Recommended!
http://www.rodstewart.com/
Take That/Take One Synopsis:The pop phenomenon that is Take That was formed in Manchester in 1990. Throughout the first half of the '90s the band sold an unbelievable 60 million records, resulting in two of the best-selling albums of the decade: Everything Changes (which was nominated for the 1994 Mercury Prize) and Greatest Hits in 1996. Their rise to the top was well-documented in the media but in Take One they tell, for the first time, their version of this incredible story of superstardom.
Take One gains you exclusive insight into life on tour during those early years, with over 150 never-before-seen photographs. Glimpse at the world inside their hotel rooms, go backstage during their amazing stage shows around the globe, and see from their unique perspective the ever-present, overwhelmingly loyal fans that followed them everywhere - perhaps you'll recognise yourself...
To accompany these exceptional unseen images, a narrative, written by the boys runs throughout, candidly and humorously documenting the highs and lows, the frenzy and hysteria - and the often surreal moments - of the meteoric rise of the world's greatest boy band.
Buy Take One: 1990-1996 from Amazon.co.uk
Take That Take TwoSynopsis When Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange and Mark Owen released 'Patience' on November 20, 2006, over a decade since Take That split up, the world welcomed them back with open arms to their rightful position at the top of the charts. Their return to glory has become one of the most exciting stories in British pop music and in Take Two they tell the amazing story of their comeback for the first time.
With over 150 exclusive and personal images, and accompanied by humorous and revealing commentary written by the boys, relive first-hand the exceptional, and often heart-warming, experiences that make up the second part of the Take That story.
Buy Take Two: 2005-2009 from Amazon.co.uk
Hot Brands Verdict
Take That are enjoying a wonderful year, since their comeback they have rarely been out of the news. These two books, although available separately, provide a combined story of then and now. The main focus are the pictures which capture the spirit of the band, both in the early days and more recent times, together with a personal commentary by the individual band members which accompany some of the photographs.
Highly Recommended for Take That fans who will absolutely love the intimate details, the humour and the personal insights into the band. Together these books would make a great Christmas present.
Betjeman's West CountrySynopsis: John Nettles presents an exploration of the life and landscapes that shaped one of Britain’s best-loved poets Sir John Betjeman, celebrating his lifelong love of the West Country., John Nettles takes the journey to Cornwall, a trip first made by an excited small boy that was destined to be the final pilgrimage as an old man. Sir John Betjeman now rests in a Cornish churchyard by the sea. This journey celebrates his life and work.
Nettles takes the viewer on a journey through this beautiful and moving area, celebrating the life and work of the Poet Laureate featuring interviews with his family and friends, historians, biographers, directors and composers, bringing the beautiful landscapes that Betjeman so loved to life.
John Nettles’ West Country
Synopsis : Acclaimed actor and star of the popular TV series Midsomer Murders, John Nettles goes back to his roots, to St. Austell in Cornwall, and begins a journey that will take him through the landscapes and cultures that make up one of the most beautiful and richly endowed regions in Britain. Throughout his journey over stunning landscapes, the writings of D.H. Lawrence, P.G. Wodehouse, Robert Louis Stephenson and Thomas Hardy are featured alongside numerous interviews with personalities such as actor Michael York, critic Sheridan Morley, cartoonist Peter Loveday, and painter Terry Frost. John Nettles’ West Country is a passionate exploration of a coastline and all it contains - rich and varied in its boundless energy and breathtaking beauty.
Hot Brands Verdict
Pure nostalgia, these two DVDs are a step back in time, as in Betjeman's West Country, John Nettles takes an affectionate look at the life of John Betjeman, against a backdrop of the places he visited in the West Country and his poems. In the second DVD, John Nettles’ West Country, he takes his own journey to Cornwall and reviews the history and rich culture amid the stunning landscapes of the local area. Packed full of local colour, this is a celebration of the culture of Cornwall. Both fascinating documentaries, if you love the West Country and its history and culture, you will love these !
http://www.acornmediauk.com/index.php/catalogsearch/result/?q=John+Betjeman&x=0&y=0
Synopsis: The eccentric but highly acclaimed British Chef Keith Floyd has made himself a household name with TV audiences throughout the world by intuitive cooking in odd locations, interspersed with entertaining comments and conversations.Floyd has branded himself a "gastronaut" to explain his style and approach, and his series consist mainly of travelogues in the realm of food. Since 1985 he has presented 18 series and written 20 top-selling books.
Floyd's mission is to discover the varied tastes and the rich regional diversity of Italian cuisine. The eccentric chef abandons all accepted conventions as he forays into the best restaurants and the most luscious vineyards. Amidst the classic scenery Floyd prepares exquisite dishes including squid ink tagliatelle and Tuscan wild boar.
http://www.deltamusic.co.uk/dvd-product-details.php?delta_product_id=1169&delta_category_id=39
Buy The Keith Floyd Cookery Collection - Floyd On Italy [DVD] from Amazon.co.uk
Hot Brands Verdict
As lovers of Saturday Kitchen with James Martin on BBC 1, we were watching recently and saw a clip of Keith Floyd cooking in Venice. We loved the combination of a stunning location and easy cooking and so we went off in pursuit of the original programme and discovered this DVD. Yes, it is eccentric, and Floyd may have his own opinions on life and the world in general, and some of the recipes may contain ingredients that you make not like; but at a time when many of us may not be travelling as much, this is a wonderful easy DVD to watch as Floyd travels through Italy, cooking local dishes and sharing the fabulous scenery. A gastronomic and travel delight!
Synopsis: Welcome to the Ballet Workout.Whether you are after a firmer bottom, toned legs and abs or wanting to trim the fat, Ballet Workout will help you reach your goals! Ballet Workout takes the best fitness ingredients from the world of classical dance and presents them in a fun new workout designed to achieve impressive and lasting results. Under Joey Bull's guidance a fitter, firmer you is just around the corner.... and you don't have to be a dancer!
Combining easy to follow strength and cardio exercises Ballet Workout has been proven to attain tighter, fitter, stronger and leaner bodies along with improved posture, poise, balance and control.
Here's to a fitter and firmer you!
Hot Brands Verdict
When we reviewed our other Dance DVDs earlier in the year we had not discovered this Ballet workout, but we think it is a worthy addition to that collection. This DVD is filmed in Lanzarote and some of the workout takes place outside which we found uplifting. Joey has a very reassuring and elegant approach to this workout. We really liked her style of guidance and as described in the synopsis you do not have to be a dancer! Just thinking about how ballet dancers stand and move improves your posture, but Joey does much more than that, it’s a well-paced and enjoyable workout. We loved it!
http://www.imcvision.com/category-health-and-fitness.aspx
Buy Ballet Workout - Total Body Toning - Joey Bull [DVD] from Amazon.co.uk
Synopsis Driving in the 1950s wasn’t the traffic fuelled stressful bore that it is now. With fewer cars on the road, driving was less of a means to an end and more of a pastime, with a family drive often being a much looked forward to Sunday treat. The introduction of the motorway in 1958 gave a new efficient and most importantly speedy way of getting from A to B and killed the leisurely Sunday drive off forever.Travel back in time to this golden age of motoring in the wonderful BBC series Britain’s Best Drives. National treasure Richard Wilson (One Foot In The Grave, Merlin) armed only with an old guidebook, takes on six of the nation’s favourite drives from 1958, seeing Britain through a car window. Leaving his modern automatic at home, Wilson hits the road in a variety of classic cars including a Mini, Morris Minor and an Austin A30. As with every road trip Wilson meets a wealth of colourful characters, all with valuable insights as to how the routes have changed and how Britain has changed with it.
Buy Britain's Best Drives: Journeys Back to the Golden Age of Motoring from Amazon.co.uk
Hot Brands Verdict
We have to admit a bias here, one of Richard’s Best Drives is in Cornwall and it is one that we are very familiar with, as he drives down the road into St.Ives that we have walked many times. We love this DVD and despite the fact that many of our roads are clogged up these days Richard and his filming crew manage to create a gentle drive around Great Britain.
The scenery is breath-taking, he meets some delightful people, his commentary is not intrusive and there is more humour than we are perhaps used to from the man who played Victor Meldrew. It is perfect weekend viewing, take a drive around some of the best beauty spots without leaving the comfort of your home, instead stay curled up on the sofa with a cream tea!
Released 16th March 2009 Synopsis: Amazing though it is, the story of how Melody Gardot overcame the effects of a near-fatal accident to become one of the vocal sensations of 2008 is not the most extraordinary thing about the 23-year-old Philadelphia singer-songwriter. It is simply that here is a voice in a million; one that touches the soul.
Melody’s debut album ‘Worrisome Heart’ introduced, in The Sunday Times’ words: “a remarkable talent by any measure”, with songs of quiet, wistful poetry in arrangements that “ooze after-hours sophistication”. Yet the follow-up, for release in March 2009, marks a substantial leap forward. ‘My One And Only Thrill’ is an intensely creative milestone, transcending genre distinctions of jazz and blues to offer a haunting personal musical statement that will appeal to all music-lovers. Here, with the help of Grammy Award-winning producer Larry Klein, Melody captures and holds her audience in the palm of her hand, as with her acclaimed live shows.
These eleven songs, covering a wide range of emotions, are all her own except for an irresistible, Brazilian take on Somewhere Over The Rainbow. It would take a heart of stone to remain unmoved by the poignant title track My One And Only Thrill. And when the album is finished (as Irving Berlin wrote truly) the song is over, but the Melody lingers on . . .
Melody Gardot plays the Union Chapel on Wednesday 11th March.
1. Baby I’m A Fool
2. If The Stars Were Mine
3. Who Will Comfort Me
4. Your Heart Is As Black As Night
5. Lover Undercover
6. Our Love Is Easy
7. Les Etoiles
8. The Rain
9. My One And Only Thrill
10. Deep Within The Corners Of My Mind
11. Over The Rainbow
Produced by Larry Klein.
‘My One And Only Thrill’ is available to pre-order from iTunes on
10th February and is released on 16th March
Hot Brands Verdict
This is a stunning and beautiful album, evocative and haunting, it is perfect late night music. Melody has a wonderful voice, soulful and lingering, and this album gives her opportunity to explore a range of emotions. There are so many fabulous tracks its hard to pick a favourite; we loved the opening Baby I’m A fool , Lover Undercover, Our Love is Easy, The Rain, the title track My One and Only Thrill, and her wonderful interpretation of Over the Rainbow. What we also loved about this album is its originality, this is a perfect for a relaxing weekend, take off your shoes, curl up on the sofa, lie back and enjoy…
http://www.amazon.co.uk
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Homes & Gardens Feature...
 David HarberSUNDIALS, WATER FEATURES. GARDEN SCULPTURE Every David Harber creation is, in essence, a sculpture. Inspired by the interaction of light, landscape and water, David Harber uses contemporary three-dimensional design to celebrate unpredictability, illusion and the passage of time. |
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