When it came to choosing a sushi restaurant, the only advice I had received was to go for a place where the dishes were prepared to order. So after googling "Japan Centre restaurant", Toku, with its good reviews and convenient location near Piccadilly Circus, seemed like a good punt.
At first glance, the menu appeared incredibly long and decidedly baffling - sashimi, tapas, tempura, both "dynamic" and "classic" sushi, maki, nigiri, bento... However, with a combination of Will's previous knowledge and the kind assistance of the staff, we managed to cobble together a collection of different dishes. I wanted to try as many different things as possible!
First we went for their 7-piece sashimi set, involving salmon, tuna and yellowtail. I learned that a.) sashimi is the raw slices of fish and b.) it's not slimy and grey, it's delicious! My favourite was the yellowtail, because it had a really good initial flavour and was great with soy sauce.
Next we tried some crab tempura with a spicy dip. So, tempura is battered and deep-fried, and crab is very tasty. I was a little worried that I'd be crunching on bits of shell and pincer, but I wasn't.
We also tried some of their "dynamic sushi" - speciality sushi rolls made using things like seaweed, rice and fish. The "Sunshine" was yellowtail with mayo dressing, which was actually a bit of a let-down. Perhaps because it was all very same-y, perhaps there was a bit too much dressing. However, the "Rainbow" dish was my favourite of the whole night - sesame-coated rolls filled with king prawns, avocado, herbs and a range of fresh fish. Om nom nom!
I really enjoyed going out for sushi; it is really tasty and surprisingly filling. I'm glad that I thre myself into it and tried different dishes. To Will's disbelief, I even tried wasabi peas! I will definitely be eating sushi again. In fact, writing this, I kind of fancy some right now...
This if for you if...
If you're a fan of non-spicy, light food. There might well be hotter, spicier dishes available, but there was so much choice that we didn't come across one and still managed a wide variety of flavours.
Recommendations
Go with someone who has been before and, if in doubt, ask the restaurant staff. To avoid ordering too much food, check if you can order a few dishes at the start and then some more later.
Friday, 30 November 2012
Tuesday, 20 November 2012
Is the seaweed always greener?
What: Sushi
Where: Regents Street, nr Piccadilly Circus
Who: Toku
When: Wednesday, 21st November 2012
With: Will
Why: Sushi seems to be the London lunch. I am reliably informed that my idea of a raw, wriggling, silver scaly fish is inaccurate and that it's actually delicious - so I've decided to find out!
Where: Regents Street, nr Piccadilly Circus
Who: Toku
When: Wednesday, 21st November 2012
With: Will
Why: Sushi seems to be the London lunch. I am reliably informed that my idea of a raw, wriggling, silver scaly fish is inaccurate and that it's actually delicious - so I've decided to find out!
Wednesday, 24 October 2012
American Politics
For this installment, I decided that I wanted to learn about Something New; given the proximity of the American presidential elections, "American Politics 101" seemed a good subject to tackle. And so for one night only, my friend, Ben, became "Professor Shepherd" and his living room the "Arlen Spector Memorial Lecture Theatre".
In attempting some pre-reading, I rediscovered Wikipedia, pretty maps - and the fact that I will always be distracted by cats on YouTube.
To begin with, we started with a brief introduction to the make-up of the American political system. We covered all the basics, such as phrases from the news and books like "congressman", "senator" and "Governator". The bit I found particularly interesting was seeing all the differences between the executive, legislative and judiciary levels of government - including who really has power over whom.
Then we moved on to focusing on the upcoming election. Up until now the only things I had remarked upon were Joe Biden's shiny blue eyes. We worked through Obamacare vs Romneycare, purple states, the electoral college and the Democrat/Republican balance. I wouldn't say that we covered the candidates in an unbiased way, given the Prof's strong affection for BHO, but we did consider the consequences of a "Mitt-ctory".
And how would I rate Professor Shepherd? Well, the PowerPoint was clear and concise, even if the pictures were a little distorted. His explanations were interesting and generally clear, once he stopped using the British political system as a reference (another subject on which I am similarly ignorant) and my simplistic questions were neither scorned nor left unanswered. Plus, he provided crisps and wine, which is a step up from most of my university lecturers!
This is for you if...
If you're after a comprehensive view of American politics, rather than a state-by-state analysis. While this learning will ostensibly help me with my understanding of literary characters, I am also now more interested in the outcome of the election.
Recommendations
After university, it is very easy to stop learning in this kind of way. Having "expert" friends rather than official lecturers cover an interesting topic was really good fun and I would definitely recommend trying it out, if there's something you want to know about!
In attempting some pre-reading, I rediscovered Wikipedia, pretty maps - and the fact that I will always be distracted by cats on YouTube.
To begin with, we started with a brief introduction to the make-up of the American political system. We covered all the basics, such as phrases from the news and books like "congressman", "senator" and "Governator". The bit I found particularly interesting was seeing all the differences between the executive, legislative and judiciary levels of government - including who really has power over whom.
Then we moved on to focusing on the upcoming election. Up until now the only things I had remarked upon were Joe Biden's shiny blue eyes. We worked through Obamacare vs Romneycare, purple states, the electoral college and the Democrat/Republican balance. I wouldn't say that we covered the candidates in an unbiased way, given the Prof's strong affection for BHO, but we did consider the consequences of a "Mitt-ctory".
And how would I rate Professor Shepherd? Well, the PowerPoint was clear and concise, even if the pictures were a little distorted. His explanations were interesting and generally clear, once he stopped using the British political system as a reference (another subject on which I am similarly ignorant) and my simplistic questions were neither scorned nor left unanswered. Plus, he provided crisps and wine, which is a step up from most of my university lecturers!
This is for you if...
If you're after a comprehensive view of American politics, rather than a state-by-state analysis. While this learning will ostensibly help me with my understanding of literary characters, I am also now more interested in the outcome of the election.
Recommendations
After university, it is very easy to stop learning in this kind of way. Having "expert" friends rather than official lecturers cover an interesting topic was really good fun and I would definitely recommend trying it out, if there's something you want to know about!
Monday, 15 October 2012
I didn't do the pre-reading...
What: Learning about American politics
Where: Highbury, in someone's house...
Who: Benjamin Shepherd, Esq.
When: Saturday, 20th October 2012
With: Anyone who's interested!
Why: My knowledge of American politics is generally limited to trivia (Grover Cleveland is the only president to have served non-consecutive terms; four assassinated, four otherwise died in office...) I can't help but feel that a more in-depth knowledge would be beneficial for my understanding of how events in the US might actually affect us this side of the pond.
Where: Highbury, in someone's house...
Who: Benjamin Shepherd, Esq.
When: Saturday, 20th October 2012
With: Anyone who's interested!
Why: My knowledge of American politics is generally limited to trivia (Grover Cleveland is the only president to have served non-consecutive terms; four assassinated, four otherwise died in office...) I can't help but feel that a more in-depth knowledge would be beneficial for my understanding of how events in the US might actually affect us this side of the pond.
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
The Beauty Workshop
I saw this event advertised in Emerald Street, the daily sister-email to the Stylist free magazine. It was taking place in Selfridges from 6-9pm, which I thought was perfect for a bit of after-work entertainment. The ticket cost £10, which could be redeemed against any of the products or services available on the night.
Other than the vague description of a "unique beauty playground" offering "more than 50 brands and exclusive services", we actually knew very little about what we were signing up to. However, the promise of free champagne, cocktails and frozen yoghurt was enough of a convincer.
At the outset, everything was very unorganised. Despite the fact that we had already collected our receipt-tickets, we still had to queue up again for around 15mins, this time to collect wristbands. At the same time, we should have been given tokens to use to claim the £10; we weren't given any, and in the end the redemption was based more on trust than anything else. The place was so busy that you could hardly move, yet they continued to sell tickets to people turning up there and then. And there was no sign of the free champagne.
We perused around for a while, contemplating eyebrow threading, excessive fake lashes and glittery eyeshadows in every colour a psychedelic rainbow-toting lephrechaun could imagine. However, we found ourselves a couple of available manicurists and partook of a Nails Inc. mini manicure - I went for "Baker Street" blue while Tanya opted for a neon pink. This was £9 with our "token" and included a couple of free pink-iced cupcakes. A bit of careful positioning meant we could avail ourselves of some free health drinks, mojitos and tubs of froyo, after which our nails were dry, our fingers ice cold and we were hungry for some dinner - 90 minutes of windowless mayhem was quite enough for us.
In general, it was an enjoyable event, although I wouldn't have wanted to be there on my own, as a large proportion of the fun was derived from circling stalls piled high with small plastic bottles, wondering what on earth it was all for. I think it was let down by the number of people who were there, crammed into a relatively small area. While the nail treatment itself was great, the manicurists had to then rush off to the next customer straight away, meaning I was left to find the till myself (and trusted to pay for it!) Then again, at £10 for a ticket, it wasn't going to be the most exclusive event ever.
This is for you if...
If you cope well in TK Maxx, you should be able to manage events like this - it was a similar sort of manic, overwhelming experience. I wouldn't want to try it on a hot day, that's for sure.
Recommendations
For events like this, turn up early and get involved straight away. The later it got, the longer the queues became. As there were fewer people at the start, we were able to spend our £10 token on a manicure, which is not something either of us would normally get done.
Other than the vague description of a "unique beauty playground" offering "more than 50 brands and exclusive services", we actually knew very little about what we were signing up to. However, the promise of free champagne, cocktails and frozen yoghurt was enough of a convincer.
At the outset, everything was very unorganised. Despite the fact that we had already collected our receipt-tickets, we still had to queue up again for around 15mins, this time to collect wristbands. At the same time, we should have been given tokens to use to claim the £10; we weren't given any, and in the end the redemption was based more on trust than anything else. The place was so busy that you could hardly move, yet they continued to sell tickets to people turning up there and then. And there was no sign of the free champagne.
We perused around for a while, contemplating eyebrow threading, excessive fake lashes and glittery eyeshadows in every colour a psychedelic rainbow-toting lephrechaun could imagine. However, we found ourselves a couple of available manicurists and partook of a Nails Inc. mini manicure - I went for "Baker Street" blue while Tanya opted for a neon pink. This was £9 with our "token" and included a couple of free pink-iced cupcakes. A bit of careful positioning meant we could avail ourselves of some free health drinks, mojitos and tubs of froyo, after which our nails were dry, our fingers ice cold and we were hungry for some dinner - 90 minutes of windowless mayhem was quite enough for us.
In general, it was an enjoyable event, although I wouldn't have wanted to be there on my own, as a large proportion of the fun was derived from circling stalls piled high with small plastic bottles, wondering what on earth it was all for. I think it was let down by the number of people who were there, crammed into a relatively small area. While the nail treatment itself was great, the manicurists had to then rush off to the next customer straight away, meaning I was left to find the till myself (and trusted to pay for it!) Then again, at £10 for a ticket, it wasn't going to be the most exclusive event ever.
This is for you if...
If you cope well in TK Maxx, you should be able to manage events like this - it was a similar sort of manic, overwhelming experience. I wouldn't want to try it on a hot day, that's for sure.
Recommendations
For events like this, turn up early and get involved straight away. The later it got, the longer the queues became. As there were fewer people at the start, we were able to spend our £10 token on a manicure, which is not something either of us would normally get done.
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
Beauty is in the Eye of the Bee Holder
What: The Beauty Workshop
Where: Oxford Street
Who: Selfridges
When: Thursday, 27th September 2012
With: Tanya
Why: Make-up, cocktails and froyo. And to find some "beauty"...
Where: Oxford Street
Who: Selfridges
When: Thursday, 27th September 2012
With: Tanya
Why: Make-up, cocktails and froyo. And to find some "beauty"...
Thursday, 23 August 2012
Flying Trapeze
This Something New was suggested to me by Helen and she accompanied me on the visit to the Gorilla Circus Flying Trapeze School (http://www.gorillacircus.com/) The venue is in Regents Park, closest to St John's Wood tube station, and although I've been the park many times, I had no idea it existed. Its position by the Outer Circle makes it a hot spot for spectators in the form of families out for a stroll, joggers and cyclists - judging from people's reactions to the trapeze gear, this must be the best form of marketing the circus has!
Of the 10 places for the two-hour session we had booked, seven were complete beginners. We thought at first that we'd be spending some time practising on a low bar before getting up on the 30-(ish)-foot high one with the safety net... But after one very brief attempt at hooking legs up over the swing, it was off of the baby bar and onto the main event!
The trick we were learning involved holding onto the bar with your hands, jumping off the platform, hooking knees up over the bar, letting go with hands to hand upside down, then grabbing the bar again before performing a roly-poly dismount. Think that sounds impossible? We certainly did.
Possibly the hardest thing to overcome was the body's reticence to jump off of the platform in the first place! It felt very weird to do, and seemed to result in shaky legs, regardless of success in the rest of the trick. Pulling your legs up and over the bar involved significant amount of shoulder and abs strength. By far the easiest part of the trick, in fact, was the tumbling dismount!
After about an hour of swinging (perhaps 3-4 swings each) those who had successfully managed the trick (every time, oh yeah!) were set up to try with a catcher on a second swing... First up was Helen, who was frustratingly close but couldn't quite get there. I was up next - and I did it! Knees hooked, upside down, arms stretched out and... the catcher caught me! A third of the beginner's then missed the timing, before Helen's second attempt - which ended in success!
Every successful attempt was really great, but achieving the final trick gave such a massive boost of elation. I felt like I was walking on air (rather than swinging through it!)
I haven't yet decided if I'll try this again, although I do know they have more availability in the last few weeks of summer when the outside kit is feasible...
This is for you if...
If you're used to wearing a harness, don't mind heights and are pretty fit. A lot of the effort required to succeed comes from the momentum of the swing, however a significant amount also comes from shoulders & abs - my aching muscles were testimony enough to prove that!
Recommendations
The lower-body clothing-of-choice seemed to be tight 3/4 length lycra bottoms. Don't worry about shoes, cos you don't wear them anyway. And don't worry if you wear glasses - mine didn't fall off ever!
Of the 10 places for the two-hour session we had booked, seven were complete beginners. We thought at first that we'd be spending some time practising on a low bar before getting up on the 30-(ish)-foot high one with the safety net... But after one very brief attempt at hooking legs up over the swing, it was off of the baby bar and onto the main event!
The trick we were learning involved holding onto the bar with your hands, jumping off the platform, hooking knees up over the bar, letting go with hands to hand upside down, then grabbing the bar again before performing a roly-poly dismount. Think that sounds impossible? We certainly did.
Possibly the hardest thing to overcome was the body's reticence to jump off of the platform in the first place! It felt very weird to do, and seemed to result in shaky legs, regardless of success in the rest of the trick. Pulling your legs up and over the bar involved significant amount of shoulder and abs strength. By far the easiest part of the trick, in fact, was the tumbling dismount!
After about an hour of swinging (perhaps 3-4 swings each) those who had successfully managed the trick (every time, oh yeah!) were set up to try with a catcher on a second swing... First up was Helen, who was frustratingly close but couldn't quite get there. I was up next - and I did it! Knees hooked, upside down, arms stretched out and... the catcher caught me! A third of the beginner's then missed the timing, before Helen's second attempt - which ended in success!
Every successful attempt was really great, but achieving the final trick gave such a massive boost of elation. I felt like I was walking on air (rather than swinging through it!)
I haven't yet decided if I'll try this again, although I do know they have more availability in the last few weeks of summer when the outside kit is feasible...
This is for you if...
If you're used to wearing a harness, don't mind heights and are pretty fit. A lot of the effort required to succeed comes from the momentum of the swing, however a significant amount also comes from shoulders & abs - my aching muscles were testimony enough to prove that!
Recommendations
The lower-body clothing-of-choice seemed to be tight 3/4 length lycra bottoms. Don't worry about shoes, cos you don't wear them anyway. And don't worry if you wear glasses - mine didn't fall off ever!
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