Dishoom Restaurant

Dishoom is a Bombay Café in the new St. Martins Courtyard development Covent Garden. It’s very cool inside with a slick black chequered floor and mirrors lining the walls, which really reminded me of Pastis in New York without the red. However, it’s on a closer look that you begin to notice the amazing 1970’s photographs and magazine covers from India that line the walls. Plus if you take a trip downstairs, past the cavernous booths and on to the toilets, you will notice some wicked retro Indian soap boxes and other amazing toiletries in store!

I am a massive fan of Indian food and, as anyone who has eaten their way round India knows, there’s a whole world of delights out there apart from curries. Dishoom is the first place I have been to in the UK which showcases that so well. The friendly staff helped us out with the menu, which is divided up into breakfast, wraps, soups and salads, small plates, grills, biryanis and breads.

Dishoom Interior

We had a feast. We started with lovely, sweet and sour calamari with lime and chilli, cooked perfectly so each bite was beautifully soft and tender. Next came Dishoom chicken, which was a reminder of just how amazing Tandoori chicken can be. It was mouth wateringly moist and had a lovely kick to it. This was accompanied by Dal Makhani or black dal, a Punjabi classic and my favourite of all the dals. It was very creamy and rich and went down well with the lovely naan breads. Next came grilled masala prawns with lime, tomato and coriander. The spicy prawns were cooked perfectly; juicy and sweet with a slight crunch to them. We finished off with a caramel mango Kulfi, which is like an Indian version of the retro milk pop ice lollies, but way more tasty. The food really interested me and it’s all based on sharing small dishes, which is a style of eating I really enjoy. You never get food envy and you can try more dishes!

Dishoom Food

The whole thing was very cool; the restaurant was wicked and the staff were great as really knew the menu, which helps if you haven’t eaten like this before. The restaurant was completely packed with happy eaters and the prices were very easy on the wallet so you could really explore the menu. All in all successes, I loved it, definitely get yourselves down there!

www.dishoom.com

12 Upper St Martins Lane, London WC2H 9FB

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Anna Wintour, taken during London Fashion Week

Imagine two of the world’s most powerful people under one roof. Who would they be? Last night, in New York City, posh power went political as Anna Wintour, American Vogue editor-in-chief, threw quite the soiree in her Manhattan home, attended by President Barack Obama.

The dinner has been deemed a Democratic fundraiser, and at £19,500 per ticket, some serious funds were most definitely raised. This isn’t the first time Anna Wintour, the “unofficial mayoress” of New York City, has thrown her financial and political weight around. She also backed President Obama for his candidacy in 2008 by co-hosting a party with Calvin Klein, André Leon Talley and Shelby Bryan in honour of then First Lady candidate Michelle Obama. But those ticket prices came in at £1,300 for the reception and £6,400 for the dinner—hardly a comparison to last night’s extravagant dining event.

About 50 people paid the ticket price and sat in the midst of posh and political power. It is rumoured that the gathering included long-time fashion liberals Calvin Klein and Donna Karan. More details on who made the cut to get into Anna Wintour’s home are unlikely since the Obama camp doesn’t let reporters inside events where he “merely mingles with the monied crowd” anymore. ‘Tis a shame indeed.

Obama on The View

What can be seen is President Obama’s appearance on “The View,” which is set to air on ABC today. This was the first time a residing president has appeared on daytime television, and the episode also marked the return of Barbara Walters to the show after her heart surgery in May.

If you want a sneak preview of President Obama on “The View,” watch the video clip. If you want to know what happened in Anna Wintour’s townhouse, too bad.

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Boutique by Jaeger, AW10 collection

For those that find the luxury British brand Jaeger, a bit too frumpy for the average twentysomething woman, take note as it’s all about to change. 

Jaeger is introducing its latest addition to the high-end fashion brand with its pop-up shop Boutique by Jaeger, located off the iconic Carnaby Street at 10 Foubert’s Place. 

A whole new, younger generation of Jaeger fans can look forward to Boutique by Jaeger opening in London’s West End on 7th August 2010 as the boutique-style is slated to be quite different than the traditional Jaeger-style that’s been seen before. The new Boutique by Jaeger collection is hoped to capture the liberated spirit of the Sixties and combine it with a contemporary rock ‘n’ roll appeal for an overall stylish eye-candy look for young women. 

The A-Team Press Conference (l-r) Quinton Jackson, Liam Neeson, Joe Carnahan, Bradley Cooper, Jessica Biel and Shalto Copley

I had the pleasure of heading down to the Dorchester yesterday (28.07.10) to interview the cast of the A-Team for the impending release of the film on Friday (30.07.10).

I’ve got videos of Liam Neeson being interviewed about taking his mother-in-law, Vanessa Redgrave, to watch the film, Bradley Cooper on his character’s vanity, Jessica Biel on some imaginative acting, Sharlto Copley on his famous audition tapes and Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson on hard core drinking with his co-stars.

Click here to watch the first video…

Watch the trailer below:

The A-team Trailer

Sure Natural Minerals Summer Essentials Kits

Win the ultimate summer essentials kit courtesy of Sure Natural Minerals

Whether you’re planning to lounge by the pool, play beach volleyball or do a spot of sightseeing, the last thing you want is to feel hot and bothered.  That’s why we’ve teamed up with Sure Women to give away two Sure Natural Minerals Summer Essentials Kits. The prize includes a designer canvas beach bag filled with the complete Sure Natural Minerals range and other fashion essentials to keep you cool in the sun, including a designer beach towel, pair of sunglasses and stylish beach hat.

Sure Natural Minerals is the first deodorant from Sure Women that combines a tried and tested anti-perspirant formula with natural extracts, and a natural mineral complex. It’s the latest beauty must-have and provides 48-hour protection, that not only allows skin to breathe, but releases freshness all day long. It is this summer’s must-have.

For a chance to win 1 of 2 kits, simply answer the following question:

Sure Natural Minerals is available in both aerosol and roll-on format. Priced from £1.69 RRP and available from leading supermarkets and chemists. Stockists: 0800 085 2639, or visit www.surewomen.co.uk

Terms and Conditions

The complete Sure Women Naturals Minerals range comprises Sure Women Natural Minerals Fresh Aerosol, 250ml; Sure Women Natural Minerals Fresh Aerosol, 150ml; Sure Women Natural Minerals Fresh Roll-on 50ml; Sure Women Natural Minerals Pure Aerosol, 250ml; Sure Women Natural Minerals Pure Aerosol 150ml; Sure Women Natural Minerals Pure Roll-on, 50ml with a recommend retail price (RRP) of £13.94.  Where the specified variant is not available, alternative products from the range will be substituted to the value of the total RRP

Sure Crystal Clear Aqua and the Hannah Marshall Dress

Dress like a star with Hannah Marshall and Sure Crystal!

Sure Crystal, the best selling deodorant for protection against white marks, has partnered with rising British fashion designer Hannah Marshall to mark its best ever reformulation and super-stylish makeover.

To celebrate we’ve teamed up with Sure Crystal to offer one lucky readers the chance to win a beautiful piece from Hannah Marshall’s coveted Spring / Summer 2010 collection, as well as a year’s Sure Crystal deodorant range.

Sure Crystal is the ultimate fashion accessory – providing incredible anti-white marks protection for your clothes. The products contain a combination of cosmetic oils and anti-perspirant ingredients that safeguard clothes against white marks. As with all Sure Women deodorants, you can also expect 48hour protection against sweat, so you can feel fresh and free of white marks in any look you choose for Spring/Summer 2010!

Sure Crystal anti-perspirant deodorants are available in roll-on, stick and aerosol from all leading chemists and supermarkets.  Prices start from RRP £2.29.  For stockists call the Unilever Customer Careline 0800 085 1548. 

For your chance to win, simply answer the following question:

Click here for more competitions… 

Terms and Conditions
1.     The Prize: One luck winner will win one Hannah Marshall dress worth £539.00 plus a years supply of Sure Crystal Anti-Perspirant Deodorant (12)
2. Dress sizes available include 8,10,12
3.     This competition is open to residents of Great Britain aged 18 years or over, except employees of Unilever, BEAUTYANDTHEDIRT.COM, their families, agents and anyone associated with this promotion
4.     Only one entry per person
5.     No bulk or third party entries will be accepted
6.     No cash alternative will be offered

The Rebound Merchandise

THE REBOUND is a fresh, witty, and sexy comedy about bouncing back.

Sandy’s a beautiful, smart, 40-year-old mother (CATHERINE ZETA-JONES CHICAGO). When she discovers her husband is cheating, she leaves him and takes her two children to New York to start over. She employs a male nanny called Aram (JUSTIN BARTHA- THE HANGOVER). Hes 25-years-old. And cute. Its not long before the chemistry clicks and the two of them fall for each other. But is this just a rebound or could it be the real deal?

In Cinemas July 23rd

Bounce back into shape this summer with some great Rebound merchandise. For your chance to win just answer the following question: 

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It's Like That

UMTV is pleased to announce the release of It’s Like That! a brand new 40 track album with a ll your favourite classic summer, dance and party tracks – perfect for those hazy summer nights and bbqs!

The album boasts massive no.1s from the likes of Run DMC vs Jason Nevins, Cornershop, Elvis vs JXL and perhaps the ultimate summer anthem, ‘Summertime’ from Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince.

It’s a non-stop party of feel-good tracks to get every party going with a bang including Outkast’s ‘Hey Ya!’, The Prodigy’s ‘Firestarter’ and House of Pain’s ‘Jump Around’.

The fun continues with classic laid back summer vibes including ‘Tune In, Turn On, Cop Out’ from Freakpower and X-Press2’s ‘Lazy’ before ramping it up a notch with dance anthems from Fatboy Slim, Basement Jaxx and Groove Armada.

Available on 2CD and digital album, It’s Like That will have you on the dancing from sunrise to sunset with 40 of the biggest block rockin’ beats for the summer!

For your chance to win 1 of 5 copies, simply answer the following question:

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BAFTA TV Awards 2010 Goody Bag

As the official Champagne and Wine Partners to BAFTA, Taittinger Champagne and Villa Maria wines from New Zealand are delighted to offer Beauty & The Dirt readers the chance to win an official gift bag, as given to each nominee at the Philips BAFTA TV Awards held last month (June). 

This ‘money can’t buy’ prize includes a whole host of goodies including a special BAFTA bottle of Champagne Taittinger, a selection of M.A.C cosmetics, a Hot Diamonds droplet necklace, a special offer from the Gore and Pelham Hotel, a Mark Hill travel hairdryer, a Bed of Nails acupressure mat, a gift from All Saints, rare and vintage cocoa from Hotel Chocolat, a Brissi luxury scented candle and Philips In-ear headphones and All-In-One men’s body groomer.  In addition, Villa Maria will also be giving one of each of the wines enjoyed by the stars on the night as part of this prize – the deliciously fresh and crisp Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2009 and the rich, velvety Villa Maria Private Bin Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2007.

Adding extra sparkle to the awards, Champagne Taittinger is one of the few premium Champagne houses to remain owned and actively managed by the named family. Taittinger is widely available in all good retailers. Visit www.taittinger.com.

Villa Maria is New Zealand’s most successful family-owned winery and recently celebrated 30 years as the country’s most awarded winery. Villa Maria wines are widely available in all good retailers. Visit www.villamariaestate.co.nz and www.bafta.org for more information.

For your chance to win, simply answer the following question:

Terms & Conditions:  Entrants must be 18 or over. Entrants will have to provide a mainland UK address and telephone number for delivery.

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philosophy: wild blackberry blossom shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath

philosophy: wild blackberry blossom shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath 

This gorgeous gel wash not only looks divine but it smells divine too. They’ve managed to harness the fresh fragrance of wild blackberry blossom and combine it with a refreshing formula, ensuring your day starts fabulously floral! 

£13, available from Selfridges and QVC from August 2010 

Gourmet Shower Pouches

 Original Source Gourmet Shower Pouches 

These nifty little pouches are the perfect complement to your travel essentials kit. They’re the perfect size to fit in your luggage and are squeezy so take very little room up. 

The shower gel comes in three different flavours; Cassis and Cranberry Shower Shot, Chocolate and Mint Shower Melt and Lime and Sweet Chilli Shower Spice. 

I tried the Lime and Chilli one over the weekend and I’m sold. It smelt invigorating and spicy, something I love to wake up to every morning! 

£1.99, www.originalsource.co.uk 

Radox Shower Smoothies

 Radox Shower Smoothie 

If you’re into easing your way into the day then these are the shower gels for you! 

The new smoothie range is made for indulgence rather than an invigorating kick start. You can choose from five luxurious flavours, from chamomile and real cranberry seeds in Soul Searcher to coconut, real almond and myrrh in Tropical Tranquility. 

£2.49, www.boots.com 

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