Bloom - Holywood - December 2012

bloom Magazine www.bloommagazine.co.uk • @bloommag • Find us on Facebook

The latest news direct from the community delivered to your letterbox for free every month.

Food and cookery ranging from easy peasy inspiration to recipes to local restaurant reviews.

Issue 12: December 2012

What’s going on in your own neighbourhood, health, beauty, local legends and much more.

Shop Local : Holywood

Welcome to Holywood’s new local magazine & A Very Merry Christmas!

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Contents

December 2012

Bloom : The local magazine for your community

4

Local News

All the latest headlines and events from Holywood and beyond.

10

Christmas Gifts

A special gift might just be a dander away. Check out the local delights.

Welcome : A very warm and festive welcome to the first

edition of Bloom! Some people may have heard of us before. We have been distributed in East Belfast for the last year and now we wanted to pop down the road and say hello to Holywood. Our objective from the start with Bloom has been to help support local business. We love our community and know it has so much to offer that we wanted to provide a fresh, vibrant new format that was delivered directly to local people and that provided a platform for absolutely every kind of local business to promote what they do. So every month we’ll have news, views, events, launches, local initiatives, profiles, reviews, what’s on, cookery, history... and whatever else we think you need to know about. We also provide a platform for local artists, crafts, designers and young businesses to talk in length about what they are all about. Sometimes there is something wonderful just around the corner, you maybe just don’t know it yet. But along with that content will be our advertisers and in todays climate and with the community being more important than ever, we encourage you to maybe not look farther afield for a product or service and maybe just take a walk down the street or pick up the phone and use a local business. Holywood is a bustling and vibrant town and it’s the people that make it what it is. We hope we can help build on that, bind the community and help contribute to the fantastic ‘Holywood - Buy Local’ campaign.

And if you have something you want Holywood to know about, just let us know and we will gladly pass on the message. That’s what we’re her for. Many thanks and enjoy the first edition!

Stuart, Angela, Juanita

12

Festive Fayre

We chat to local experts to get their food and drink tips for Chrimbo.

14

Christmas Decor

Find out how you can make your own bespoke decorations this Christmas.

19

Cookbook

Stock up on local ingredients and tackle the recipes from Wagamama.

22

Health & Beauty

Our resident expert Deborah Harper on how to get the perfect peepers!

26

Food Focus

The ever changing, vibrant menu of The Bay Tree makes it buzz day and night.

28

Rising Star

A visit to the Guitar Rooms would inspire anyone to take up playing.

30

Local Legend

Robert Stewart, at the helm of Holwood Heel Bar for 30 years

: Bloom Magazine Belfast @bloommag Bloom Magazine 308 Albertbridge Road Belfast BT5 4GX Tel: 07719 104862

Editorial: stuart@bloommagazine.co.uk Advertising: angela@bloommagazine.co.uk Accounts: info@bloommagazine.co.uk Printed by GPS www.gpscolour.co.uk

Any views expressed within are not necessarily endorsed by Bloom Magazine or Newborn Media. Reference to any specific product or service does not constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation by Bloom Magazine. Links and contacts are provided for user convenience and do not constitute or imply endorsement or recommendation by Bloom Magazine. Any reproduction without permission is prohibited.

Holywood is in Bloom www.bloommagazine.co.uk 3

Bloom News

Your local news & views

Run in the Dark a Global Success The Run in the Dark took place just last month not only up the road at Stormont but right across the world. It was organised by the Mark Pollock Trust. As many of you will know, local man Mark Pollock fell from a second story window in 2010. He broke his back and the damage to his spinal cord left him paralysed and cruelly 12 years earlier, he lost his sight. His supporters created Run in the Dark to fuel his ambition to walk again. A spinal cord injured pioneer, he is exploring the frontiers of recovery and most recently Mark became the first individual to own a set of innovative robotic legs, with motors at the hip. The legs detect when Mark puts weight on one foot - then moves the other foot forward. Run in the Dark was a running event held simultaneously in 5 official locations - Dublin, Cork, Belfast, London and New York along with pop up events across the world. You can find more information about the trust at markpollocktrust.org

Crafty Fun Ahoy There’s an Advent Craft Festival to be held at the Holywood Steiner School on Saturday 8th December. Entrance is free and there will be wreath making, beeswax cribs, jewellery making, badge making, candle making, puppet theatre, story telling in a crystal forest, restaurant cafe and much much more! 34 Croft Road.

Tel 028 9042 8029 holywood-steiner.co.uk

Little Citizens Boutique celebrate this Christmas by bringing the best designs from around the world to children everywhere. They seek out independent and small labels from Paris to Hong Kong through the Mojave desert that are designed with brilliance and style. Founder Alicia Peyrano said, ‘Our products aren’t really disposable, because it’s very hard to get rid of something that you love. Our designs have a lovely story and our fair trade ethic means your purchase is helping to sustain the livelihood of a creative person somewhere in the world. Most items are produced to organic standards and biologically tested for the wellbeing of our children and our planet. I put together the Little Citizens Boutique collection for families that enjoy more than one culture: explorers, migrants, expats, multilingual, nomads.

My hope is that children can enjoy their innocence being surrounded by the best ideas that exist on the planet, blurring borders, without prejudice and be filled with curiosity and wonder for all sundry.

When you think of your own childhood a hazy memory of textures and details were impressed on you, it is timeless, so more merino and less plastic please for the little citizens of the world!’

120 High Street. Tel 07736 067529 littlecitizensboutique.com 4 www.bloommagazine.co.uk

The Mews Interiors Interior Design - Antiques - Furniture - Clothing - Jewellery - Gifts - Cards The Mews, Audley Court, 118 High Street, Holywood (beside The Bay Tree)

028 9042 4714 Like us on

Bloom: News Retro School Sports Day Raises £15,000 for Barnardo’s NI Local sporting heroes including Mark Anscombe the Ulster Rugby coach, Terry Neill the former Northern Ireland manager and Arsenal footballer and Jimmy Kirkwood, NI hockey and Olympic Medallist recently teamed up for a retro ‘School Sports Day’ themed lunch in aid of Barnardo’s NI ‘Children in Grief’ Appeal which is raising funds for the charity’s counselling service supporting children who have been bereaved.

Hosted by sports presenter and commentator Adrian Logan the event, held at Campbell College, included a retro school lunch and auction. Pictured: Terry Neill, former Northern Ireland and Arsenal player and Mark Anscombe, Ulster Rugby Coach, sports presenter and commentator Adrian Logan together with Jeanie Rogers from Barnardo’s NI, Barnardo’s Children in Grief Appeal aims to raise £750,000 to ensure the future of its counselling service for bereaved children.

For further info visit www.barnardos.org.uk/northernireland or tel: 028 9067 2366.

Christmas Craft fair in Newtownards 14th December 6-8pm. It is being held in Captain Jack’s Playcentre on Glenford Road. Childrens play area and refreshments available. Over 20 stalls will be there on the night, so plenty of opportunity to do all your Christmas shopping. Stalls include, jewellery, handmade children’s keepsakes, christmas decorations, hampers for all ages, cupcakes, handbags, cosmetics. All proceeds are for Marie Curie Cancer Care Northern Ireland.

Christmas Cards on the Right Track If you’re getting ready to sit down and plan who’s getting a Christmas card this year, why not buy some of these beautifully designed creations and donate to a vital cause. Robin Menary was a strong and healthy 36 year old, looking forward to the birth of much longed for twins, when, without warning, he was diagnosed with a Grade 4 Glioblastoma brain tumour, one of the deadliest forms of cancer. Only 17 months later, on 24th August 2011, Robin died aged just 38. It was always Robin’s intention to raise funds for brain tumour research when he was well again and his family are determined to do this in his memory. Robin’s neice, Hannah Boyd (9) drew the fantastic picture and his little two year old twins Rory and Rachel added the crucial smoke!

You can purchase a pack of 10 cards for £5 and help raise funds for The Robin Menary Foundation for Brain Tumour Research. Email robinmenaryfoundation@gmail.com for how to buy and visit robinmenaryfoundation.com for more on Robin’s story.

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Quality Wines Imported & Craft Beers Spirits & Liqueurs Seasonal Case Offers Case Discounts Food & Wine Pairing WSET Trained Staff Corporate Gifts Case Delivery Service Glass Hire Weddings & Anniversaries, Birthdays & Christmas Parties

www.grangewine.co.uk Tel: 028 9039 7579 Follow us

Bloom: News Festive Fashion at Lulu Blu Lulu Blu, Holywood recently hosted an evening of pre-Christmas fashion in store, where customers could view a wide range of labels suitable for all occasions from party wear dresses and furs to everyday wear including Salsa jeans, knitwear and accessories. Customers enjoyed a glass of fizz and had fun watching the models unveil Lulu Blu’s Festive Fashions. Lulu Blu is a ladies fashion boutique which has been open for two years. They also have two other branches – Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast and Francis Street Newtownards. Holywood offers a wide range of styles and sizes to suit all occasions and they stock a range of labels including, Save the Queen, Salsa Jeans, Desigual, Custo, Siste’s, S12, Zone Bleue and Furs along with funky accessories including bags, scarves, jewellery and belts. A warm and friendly welcome awaits you at Lulu Blu. 39 Church Road, Holywood. Tel: 028 9042 3475. Photos - Top: Gill Forde, Libby Hunter, Hilary Hamilton, Anne Hilditch, Belinda Perry, Jean Anderson and Pat Owens.

Bottom: Fiona McAnespie, Denise Holmes (Owner) There will be a Christmas Choir at the Folk Museum on Wednesday 5th, 12th and Saturday 22nd December. Celebrate the build up to the festive season and let the Christmas buzz fully kick in! Admission is £7 adult and £4.50 for children. Tel: 028 9039 5081 nmni.com/uftm

NI Students Get Set For A ‘Rubbish’ Competition Artistic and creative secondary school pupils across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to get their hands on industrial, electrical, commercial and domestic waste products and turn them into pieces of fashion art as the 2013 Junk Kouture Recycled Fashion competition in association with the European Recycling Platform (ERP) is launched.

Created in 2010 by entrepreneurs Elizabeth O’Donnell and Troy Armour, the Junk Kouture competition has seen thousands of teenagers’ work submitted over the past two years, with some spectacular and awe-inspiring pieces gracing the competition’s regional and national catwalks. Sponsored by ERP, the only pan-European compliance scheme for electronic waste and battery recycling, Junk Kouture is the leading fashion and art competition for secondary school students across Ireland and has a reputation, among many, as being the most creative. The competition is open to all second level students. The competition closes for entries on 31st January 2013. For further information, please log on to junkkouture.com or visit the Facebook page at: Facebook.com/junkkouture

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Early bird menu between 6pm and 7pm throughout December We have a few Christmas bookings still available Save on expensive drinks bills with our bring your own bottle policy

www.bistroiona.co.uk 27 Church Road,Holywood,BT18 9BU T:028 9042 5655 E: info@bistroiona.co.uk

Womens Fashion Boutique

63 High Street Holywood Tel 028 9042 1181

Christmas Gifts Heres a run down on how you could do a whole lot of shopping this year just by taking a dander down the road, pick up an amazing selection of pressies and all the while supporting local business. Its a win win!

Steampunk cufflinks available from The Refound Building - showcasing local artists and designers.

7 Wellington Place. Tel 07811 342444 refoundonline.com Find the Dr Hauschka skin care range just around the corner at Iona. 27 Church Road, Holywood Tel: 028 9042 8597

All from Red Ruby Rouge TXT Totes. Choose from LOL / YOLO or Winky Smiley and wear your emoticon on your bag with these hardened linen totes. £59. Lisa blouse, £69. The Ribbon Hair Ties and Headbands don’t tear your hair, don’t leave a bump and double as a cute bracelet! Smaller sized hair bands/ ties sold in packs of 5 and bigger headbands sold individually.

All items available online at redrubyrouge.com Tel 028 9042 7818

From Little Citizens - The Ready to Send Mobile is a lovely design of dancing girls with pink and red ribbons. Comes flat packed, ready to send in a printed envelope, so all you have to do is write the address and post and hey presto! £19. Bunny & Mouse Wardrobe. Closed, it is a gorgeous valise that children cart from place to place. Opened, it is a world of play and imagination. In it come two gorgeous models, a mouse and a bunny and a great wardrobe full of clothes. For children 3 and older. £48. 120 High Street. Tel 07736 067529 littlecitizensboutique.com

Tell the winter where to go with this beautiful scarf available from ladies fashion boutique Dietrich.

63 High Street.

Tel 028 9042 1181

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Inch Blue sheekskin boots pictured in tan colour. Other colours available.

Orla Kiely bath and body care collection features hand wash, hand lotion, shower gel, body lotion, soap and hand cream. Also, Alessi timer to make sure you time that turkey in style! All available from Urban Orchard. 20 Church Road. Tel: 028 9042 6840

Flowers from The Flower Room, Holywood are guaranteed to do exactly what gorgeous flowers should do – put smiles on faces and warmth in hearts.

As well as beautiful flowers, The Flower Room stocks a handpicked collection of stylish gifts, cards and decorations for all seasons.

14 HIGH STREET, HOLYWOOD. BTI8 9AZ TEL: 028 9042 2630 MOB: 078 5392 4137

www.theflowerroomni.co.uk

Local Festive Fayre

We speak to butchers Warwicks about their advice on the best way to cook the traditonal turkey. We also get the lowdown on the liquid side of things as Tom Bell from Grange Wine Merchants gives us his tips on the best wine to accompany the Christmas meal.

Roast Turkey With Redcurrant Gravy 6kg turkey 200g unsalted butter, room temperature 1 large onion, peeled and quartered 1 lemon quartered 3-4 sprigs of fresh thyme 1 sprig rosemary For the gravy: 200ml red wine or port 600ml turkey or chicken stock 2 tbsp redcurrant jelly • If using frozen turkey, put it in a cool place for two hours per 500g to defrost and then refrigerate, until ready to cook. A 6kg turkey will take 24 hours to defrost. Remove the bird from the fridge three hours before putting in the oven, so it can lose some of the chill. Preheat the oven to 190 C/375 F/gas mark 5.

• Place a large knob of butter, At Christmas time everyone plans their dinner well in advance, but do you spend enough time planning the perfect wine to accompany your dinner? Here are some suggestions from Tom Bell at Grange Wine Merchants in Holywood.

Laroche CHABLIS Saint Martin 2012 £17.99 100% Chardonnay Cuvée Saint Martin is a blend of the best plots of Domaine Laroche in the Chablis appellation. All plots are located on Kimmeridgian soil with a west to northwest orientation.

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the onion, lemon, thyme and rosemary in the cavity. Rub the skin of the turkey with the rest of the butter, then season generously. Tie the legs together with kitchen string to give the bird a neat shape.

• Place the turkey breast -side down, in a roasting tin and put in oven for approximately 40 minutes per kilo. Baste every 30 minutes, after the first 40 minutes of cooking.

• Around 40 minutes before the end of the cooking time, turn the turkey over to brown the breast, being careful not to tear the skin. Check if the bird is cooked by inserting a skewer into a thigh. When the juices run clear, with no hint of pink, it’s done.

• Put the turkey on a warmed plate, cover loosely with foil and put it in a warm place to rest for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour. It will hold the heat well, so if you only have

a single oven, you can start cooking the roast vegetables once the turkey is out of the oven. Serve with cranberry sauce or bread sauce if required.

• To make the gravy, pour off the fat from the roasting tin and then place the tin over a medium heat on the stove.

Add the wine, stirring vigorously to make sure you scrape all the tasty brown bits off the bottom of the tin. Reduce to around six tablespoons of liquid, then gradually whisk in the stock until you have a smooth gravy. Simmer gently for five minutes. Strain then pour into a small pan. Stir in the redcurrant jelly and simmer for around three to five minutes. Taste and season, if necessary. Transfer to a warmed gravy boat or jug to serve.

Thanks to the diverse nuances of these sources, they bring richness and complexity to the final cuvée. This wine is pale gold in colour with aromas or ripe white fruit and spring blossoms. On the palate there is wonderful ripe fruit balanced by zesty acidity with a lingering fruity finish. This wine is perfect for smoked salmon and seafood cocktails.

Domaine Daulny Sancerre Rouge 2009 £16.99 100% Pinot Noir Sancerre’s are normally associated with white wine; however in good vineyards and vintages Pinot Noir is also grown and

produced. Etienne Daulny produces small parcels of Pinot Noir in his Loire vineyards to very high and exacting standards. The result is a beautifully well balanced wine. Plum red in colour with soft black fruit and berry aromas. There is wonderful soft fruit on the palate with hints of mocha and soft spice with a good overall length. This wine can be served slightly chilled and is absolutely perfect with Roast Turkey and Cranberry Sauce.

Warwicks 24 Holywood Rd 028 9065 7086

Grange Wine Merchants 49 Bangor Road, Holywood 028 9039 7579

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Grow your business with Bloom www.bloommagazine.co.uk • @bloommag • Find us on Facebook

Issue 9: September 2012

bloom Magazine The very latest news direct from the community delivered to your letterbox for free every month.

Food and cookery ranging from easy peasy inspiration to recipes to local restaurant reviews.

What’s going on in your own neighbourhood, health, beauty, local legends and much more.

www.bloommagazine.co.uk • @bloommag • Find us on Facebook

Issue 8: July/August 2012

bloom Magazine The very latest news direct from the community delivered to your letterbox for free every month.

Food and cookery ranging from easy peasy inspiration to recipes to local restaurant reviews.

What’s going on in your own neighbourhood, health, beauty, local legends and much more.

Hazy Summer Days...

www.bloommagazine.co.uk • @bloommag • Find us on Facebook

Issue 10: October 2012

bloom Magazine The very latest news direct from the community delivered to your letterbox for free every month.

Food and cookery ranging from easy peasy inspiration to recipes to local restaurant reviews.

What’s going on in your own neighbourhood, health, beauty, local legends and much more.

Autumn Sensation

www.bloommagazine.co.uk • @bloommag • Find us on Facebook

With an array of content including news, what’s on, schools, food, recipes, local legends and much more...

Issue 11: November 2012

bloom Magazine The very latest news direct from the community delivered to your letterbox for free every month.

Food and cookery ranging from easy peasy inspiration to recipes to local restaurant reviews.

What’s going on in your own neighbourhood, health, beauty, local legends and much more.

Get The Kettle On

Rachel Allen has the cake sorted in this months cookboook

Bloom is a FREE magazine that will appeal to a broad demographic meaning as and when it drops through the letterboxes of Belfast, it arrives directly with parents, children, male, female, young and old.

WIN!

Coming Home

The Legend Returns

Shop Local This Season

Whatever the weather East Belfast is in Bloom

You can win the new SD Bells book!

Bloom Faves

Local Legend, Rising Star, Food Focus & much much more

Shop Local

For all advertising enquiries: Angela: angela@bloommagazine.co.uk Juanita: info@bloommagazine.co.uk Tel: 07719 104862

A high quality, monthly publication that will ensure the recipient will hold on to the magazine to read over the course of the month and pick up on the products and services on offer.

Gifts from the Garden

Debora Robertson’s book Gifts from the Garden is an inspirational collection of projects using plants and produce that can be grown easily in your garden. Learn how to make preserves, liqueurs, biscuits, herbal teas, table decorations, body scrubs and more. Here are some cracking tips for a crafty Christmas.

Pine Cone Garland If you have a friend whose festive taste leans more towards the natural than the tinsel, this garland is a beautiful gift which will last for many years. Collect pine cones from the garden or on winter walks, and supplement your bounty with cones bought in from garden centres, craft shops or florists’ suppliers online.

Paper-covered wire, available from garden centres and florists’ suppliers A large quantity of small pine cones, at least 100 Jute garden string Dried orange slices (see page 123), optional Dried apple slices (see page 123), optional Bay leaves, optional Large needle, if you’re adding orange slices and bay leaves Cut the wire into 12cm lengths and wrap a length tightly around the base of each cone, concealing the wire in the microsporophylls (that’s ‘leaves’, to you and me) of the cone. Begin tying the cones into the garden string. Tie them in tightly, bunching them up together, so the string is well covered. Trim off the excess wire.

If you’re interspersing the cones with orange and apple slices and bay leaves, thread the string on the large needle and poke it through the slices and bay leaves. Small bundles of each look better than single specimens.

When you have the length you want, tie a loop at each end of the string to attach the garland to a fireplace, doorframe or stair banister.

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Christmas Wreath ‘Making your own wreath is guaranteed to get you into the Christmas spirit. It’s very simple to do and the results are impressive. I like to use highly scented things to decorate my wreath, such as lemons, cloves and cinnamon, which give a delicious waft of Christmas as you enter the house.’

For the wreath 1 flat-wire wreath, approx. diameter 30–40cm, available from florists, suppliers online or some garden centres Moss, available from garden centres or florists Florist’s wire, thick and fine gauges A selection of thin ribbon for tying bundles and wide ribbon for hanging the wreath To decorate A selection of: apples, berries, cinnamon sticks, cloves, fir branches (which can be off-cuts from your Christmas tree), eucalyptus, ivy, lemons and/or limes, oranges, pine cones, star anise Secateurs Needle and thread Glue gun, or some strong glue Staple gun or tacks First, make the dried orange or apple slices, if you are planning to use them. Slice the fruit very thinly and dry on wire racks in the oven on its lowest setting for several hours or overnight.

To assemble the wreath, begin by covering the wire form generously with moss, then tie it securely using thick florist’s wire. Next, tie in sprigs of fir and/or eucalyptus so that the wreath is densely covered. Then wind ivy around the wreath, securing it at intervals with fine florist’s wire.

You can use the dried apple and orange slices singly or glued together in stacks of three. Cut a length of fine florist’s wire approximately 20cm long and push it through the centre of the apple or orange slice/s, then push it back through about 1cm from the original hole – this will give you a loop of wire to tie the slice/s to the wreath. Cover the wire on the front of the slice/s by gluing on a star anise.

Glue together bundles of cinnamon sticks and wind around a length of fine wire to attach them to the wreath. Cover the wire with ribbon and tie it into a bow. Stud the lemons or limes with cloves

and push a length of thick wire through the centre of each, long enough to tie it to the wreath.

Tie lengths of fine wire to the pine cones, berry sprigs and anything else you want to include. Lay it flat on a table and arrange the various elements around it until you have an arrangement you like, leaving space for the ribbon you’re going to use to attach it to the door. Tie in your decorations securely, hiding any pieces of wire beneath the fir and ivy. Attach a loop of ribbon at the centre-top of the wreath and sew it on securely, leaving enough of a ‘tail’ to attach it to the door. You can hide any stitches with a generous bow. Use staples or tacks to attach the length of ribbon to the top of the door.

Gifts from the Garden by Debora Robertson (Kyle Books, £16.99) Photography: Yuki Sugiura

www.bloommagazine.co.uk 15

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Yaki Soba

Eastern Promise The Wagamama Cookbook

The Wagamama cookbook reveals the secrets behind its success and shows you just how easy it is to enjoy the unique Wagamama experience at home. Many favourites from the menu are featured as well as a host of newly created dishes from mouthwatering appetisers and salads to hearty noodle soups and stir fries plus a range of exotic juices and desserts. It also includes a free 3o minute DVD which shows cooking techniques. Available now priced ÂŁ15.99 www.wagamama.com or at the Belfast restaurant www.bloommagazine.co.uk 19

Yaki Soba

Negima Yakitori

Ingredients 10g (4oz) soba noodles 2 tablespoons yaki soba sauce 1 small onion, peeled and cut into half-moon slices 4 spring onions, trimmed and cut into 2.5cm lengths large handful of bean sprouts 15 small cooked peeled prawns 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips ½ red pepper, trimmed, deseeded and cubed ½ green pepper, trimmed, deseeded and cubed 2 eggs, beaten To serve 25g(1oz) pickled ginger 1 tablespoon dried shallots ½ teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Negima Yakitori Chicken Ramen Ingredients

275 (10oz) boneless, skinless chicken thigh meat 12 spring onions Salt and white pepper Cook the noodles in a large pan 2 tablespoons vegetable oil of boiling water for 2-3 minutes 4 tablespoons yakitori sauce until just tender. Drain and 6 bamboo soaked in cold water refresh under cold running water. for 2 hours Put the yaki soba sauce, the onion, spring onion, bean sprout Cut the chicken into 2.5cm (1in) and prawns in a large bowl and cubes. Trim the green end root mix the noodles. of the spring onion and cut into 2.5cm (1in) chunks from the Heat a work over a medium root up. Thread the chicken and heat for 1-2 minutes or until spring onion pieces alternately completely hot and almost onto the skewers (3 pieces of smoking and add the vegetable chicken, 2 pieces of spring onion oil. Add the chicken and red on each). Season. and green peppers and stir fry for 2 minutes. Add the noodles Heat a heavy-bottomed frying and vegetables to the work and pan or griddle over medium stir fry quickly for 3 minutes heat for 1-2 minutes until hot until warmed through. Add the and almost smoking and add the eggs and continue t stir fry for oil. Cook the skewers, turning a further minute or until the frequently, for 5-6 minutes until eggs are just cooked. Serve with golden brown. Drain on kitchen the pickled ginger, shallots and paper, brush with the yakitori sesame seeds. sauce. Serve immediately.

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Ingredients boneless, skinless chicken breasts Vegetable oil, for oiling Salt and white pepper 250g(9oz)ramen noodles 1 litre chicken or veg stock 2 pak choi, trimmed and roughly chopped(or 2 handfuls of spinach leaves) 12 pieces menma (canned bamboo shoots) drained 4 spring onions, trimmed, sliced Preheat the grill or griddle pan. Lightly oil and season the chicken breasts and grill for 4 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Allow to rest for 5 minutes, slice on the diagonal and set aside.

Cook the noodles in large pan of boiling water for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain, refresh under cold running water and divide between 2 bowls. Heat the noodles and ladle in the stock.

Top with the sliced menma and spring onions.

Ebi Katsu

Chicken Ramen

Cha Han

Ingredients 1 heaped tablespoon flour, seasoned 1 egg, beaten 25g(1oz) panko breadcrumbs 10 raw tiger prawns, peeled, deveined, tail left on 4 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons ebi katsu sauce Put the flour, beaten egg and breadcrumbs into three separate bowls. Dip each prawn first in the flour, then the egg and finally the crumbs. Put on a clean plate lined with kitchen paper and press the crumbs onto the prawns to stop them from falling off, chill until ready to use.

Ebi Katsu

Heat a heavy-bottomed frying pan over a medium heat for 1-2 minutes or until hot and almost smoking and add the vegetable oil. Shallow fry the prawns in 2 batches, until golden on both sides. Arrange on a plate with a small bowl of the ebi katsu sauce and lime halves.

Cha Han Ingredients 200g (7oz) boneless, skinless chicken thigh meat 1 tablespoon yakitori 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 8 cooked, peeled prawns 2 tbsp canned sweet corn 2 tbsp mangetout, finely sliced 4 button mushrooms sliced 2 spring onions, trimmed and cut into 2.5cm lengths 2 eggs, beaten 75g (3oz) cooked Thai fragrant rice Salt 2 tablespoons light soy sauce Miso soup and pickles, to serve Combine the chicken and the yakitori sauce in a bowl. Work

gently with your fingers for a few minutes, turning the meat in the sauce. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (1 hour is even better).

Remove the chicken, reserving the marinade, and cut the meat on the diagonal into thin slices.

Heat a work oven a medium heat for 1-2 minutes or until completely hot and almost smoking and add the vegetable oil. Add the prawns, sweet corn, mangetout, mushrooms and spring onions along with the chicken and stir fry over a medium heat for about 5 minutes until the vegetables just start to wilt and the chicken is cooked. Add the egg and

continue to stir fry until it is just scrambled.

Add the rice. Season with salt and soy sauce and stir fry until everything is mixed evenly and the rice heated through. Divide between 2 bowls and serve with miso soup and pickles.

WIN A COPY OF WAGAMAMA!

You can win a copy of The Wagamama Cookbook. Simply answer this question: How long is the DVD that accompanies the book?

Send your answers along with your name and contact number to info@bloommagazine.co.uk or post to Bloom Magazine, 308 Albertbridge Road, Belfast, BT5 4GX. Closes 31/12/12 www.bloommagazine.co.uk 21

Practically Perfect Peepers!

‘Hold a mirror, face natural day light and look at your eyes. Do your eyebrows frame your face? How would you describe the skin around your eyes? Are your eyelashes defined or are they becoming more and more insignificant? Well, do not fear! There are a few very simple steps that will help you regain beautiful and bright ‘windows to the soul!’

For an immediate lift, splash a little chilled water over your face and eyes! Brightening and refreshing!

Carly Rodgers Photography Makeup by Deborah Harper

Health & Beauty Welcome to the Deborah Harper beauty page. Every month Deborah gives her unique insight into all things beauty inspired. Enjoy!

Shaping the eyebrows is also a very simple process and tinting the eyebrows and eyelashes takes only 30 mins but the results last weeks! Simple steps that have a great effect!

Makeup by Deborah Harper

The Éclat Contour is a Yon-Ka eye treatment. The skin around the eye is gently exfoliated, 3 different eye masques are applied and massaged which tackle dark circles, puffiness, wrinkles and tone. You will not be disappointed - after only 45 minutes you will be able to see a visible difference!

Makeup is like a love affair!

Some days it’s easy and it just works other days you want to throw the makeup bag in the bin and start again! We, at DHMB are your makeup bag councillors! We can teach you how to create an easy, quick day look and then how to turn that into a glam and gorgeous night time look! Our ‘Inspire me’ makeup lesson is only £60 and will give you tricks and tools that you will use for life.

22 www.bloommagazine.co.uk

Carly Rodgers Photography Makeup by Deborah Harper

Or book in for our New Year’s Eve offer: Full Body Spray tan, File & Polish and Makeup £55!

7 Station Square, Helens Bay 028 9185 2859 deborahharperbeauty.co.uk

• • • • • • •

Wide range of crafts & handmade wooden toys Christmas decorations Wholefood & herbal medicines 100% pure beeswax candles & candle holders Dr Hauschka - The best care for your skin Weleda skin care range Christmas gift packs

27 Church Road Holywood Tel: 028 9042 8597

39 Church Road Holywood Tel 02890 423475 Also stores @ 56 Bloomfield Avenue Belfast Tel 02890 450400 20 Frances Street Newtownards Tel 02891 815744 Find us on

C&L LANDSCAPES

FULL LANDSCAPING SERVICE

WE SPECIALISE IN: FENCING • NEW LAWNS WOODEN DECKING GENERAL GARDENING MAINTENANCE

TEL: 028 9045 2019 MOB: 07802 569513

Are you a tradesman who would like to promote your business in Holywood?

Do it here from £35 PHONE 07719 104862

Discount Decorators Reggie Montgomery

Free Estimates • Professional Tradesmen

Tel: 028 9028 0112 Mobile: 07568 109637

WINDOW CLEANING • ONE OFF CLEANS • 4, 8 or 12 WEKLY • FRAMES & SILLS INCLUDED TDH CONTRACTS Cleaning Services

Call Thomas on 07934 825984

Electrical Contractor & Oil Service Engineer • All types of electrical works undertaken • Oil fired boilers serviced & repaired • Fast, reliable & professional service • Emergency breakdown service available REWIRES • FIRE ALARMS • INTRUDER ALARMS • EMERGENCY LIGHTING • COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL • INSPECTION AND TESTING OUTDOOR & DECORATIVE LIGHTING

All enquiries welcome - Competitive prices

Contact Alistair 079 0222 0492 awjthompson@hotmail.com

COOKER DOCTOR For your free quotation:

Cooker Repairs NO FIX - NO FEE TEL: 07914 004435

HANWOOD IRONING SERVICES IRONING • WASHING DRY CLEANING

IRONING

Does not include large items

• 17 items £9 • 34 items £18 • 65p per item • Hangers 6p Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

9am-4pm 8am-7pm 8am-7pm 8am-7pm 9am-4pm 10am-4pm

Delivery/collection from home or work from £2.50

Unit 19 Hanwood Business Park.

028 9041 0297

McClelland

LANDSCAPES, GARDEN & TREE MAINTENANCE SNOW CLEARANCE & GRITTING SERVICE AVAILABLE

Mark McClelland 66 Ardmore Road Holywood BT18 0PJ Telephone 07810 131588

Are you a tradesman who would like to promote your business in Holywood?

Do it here from £35 PHONE 07719 104862

DOWNSHIRE

Auto Repairs

• MOT & PSV Preparation • Mechanical • Headlight alignment • Body Repairs • FREE MOT CHECK 1a Downshire Place Holywood BT18 9LR Tel: 028 90 428 338 Mob: 07967 509339

Food Focus

Constant Reinvention Holywood High Street institution The Bay Tree may have made a name for itself with its legendary cinnamon scones, but there is so much more to this wonderful place.

‘Originally there was a lovely craft shop here and I worked 9-1pm every day making soups, vegetarian dishes and casseroles,’ says owner Sue Farmer who runs The Bay Tree with son William and their team. ‘In 1994 I took over the coffee house business. Cinnamon scones had already been invented by us and were growing in popularity. Then in 2002 we expanded and extended gaining more seats. I also took over the craft shop then.’

Family Connection

Things soon became so busy, queues were forming back into the craft shop so it became a simple decision to then focus purely on food.

William joined in 2006 after a period travelling.

‘I had been in Russia and Serbia teaching English, I wasn’t sure what to do after that, spoke to Mum and she needed a manager to link the kitchen and floor. It was only to be temporary at that time, I was hoping to open my own place in the future.’ William’s impact was instant and he soon felt a real part of it. ‘I realised this is everything I wanted to do, the risk wasn’t there of opening a brand new venture and as long as I could put up with working my mother, which was fine, it was a very easy decision to stay!’

Fresh & Simple

The Bay Tree is open for breakfast, lunch and coffee seven days a week and dinner one night a week on Friday. They can also host private parties or one off events like their recent whiskey night which was very popular. Daytime, there is a core menu that remains in place, but the specials change daily. ‘Recent specials were 26 www.bloommagazine.co.uk

the open roast sirloin sandwich with sun dried tomatoes, blue cheese dressing, onion rings and rocket...or our sticky honey, soy and ginger pork ribs with crunchy paprika potato skins.’ The Friday night menu changes every month and Sue is constantly researching new dishes. ‘I keep up with what people are writing about food, I’m interested in flavour combinations. We’re very honest with what we serve, I make what I would like to eat and have a fantastic team who work brilliantly together. Most importantly we make absolutely everything ourselves here on site.’

On Their Toes

They also operate a take away service called Go! which offers sandwiches, soup, salads and sweets. Plus the legendary scones have taken off elsewhere, as William explains. ‘They have been great for us and we now supply to Belfast City Airport. We get a good steady business from there. We are building a select list of stockists for them too. Many people know us for our cinnamon scones, it would be crazy not to share them further afield!’ Evidently the quest to begin a new culinary chapter daily and monthly with their new dishes not only keeps things fresh on the menus, but keeps everyone in the team on their toes. Simple, honest, fresh food is the foundation for every dish and a combination of loyal regulars and new faces keep this dining room buzzing day and night.

118 High Street Holywood.

Tel: 028 9042 6414. www.baytreeholywood.co.uk

Hannah’s Florist • Massive range of Christmas decorations now in stock.

• Garlands, baubles & bows, pine cones, wreaths, fresh spruce... everything to dress your home.

• Potted & fresh cut Christmas trees now available. We deliver!

13-15 Church Rd Holywood Tel: 028 9042 4102

Rising Stars

String Fellows Speak to anyone and you won’t come across many who don’t have some sort of emotional connection to music. For some it’s on a purely listening basis, but for others who become inspired to play, Vincent Gilbert and Neil Kearney are two music aficionados you might need a word with.

V

incent and Neil’s knowledge of the guitar makes them the first port of call for those wishing to learn this beautiful instrument. So where did the partnership begin? ‘Neil and I started playing together in pubs and clubs many years ago,’ says Vincent. ‘Neil used to own The Guitar Emporium in Belfast and he was looking for a smaller place in Holywood which together we thought would be an ideal spot. That was three years ago and we’ve been here ever since.’ Whether you’re a beginner, professional, young, old or just curious, a visit to the shop is an eye opening experience. From vintage classics to locally produced handmade masterpieces, the diverse range of instruments is an inspiration in itself.

‘Most are of a high quality and people come in, have a coffee and a chat about what we have before making their decision. We have some very knowledgable people and also many beginners coming in, it’s a good mix. We do sell some very special guitars like The Lowden’s and also a range of vintage guitars. The electric guitar is around 60 years old now so they are becoming rare and collectable.

You could be sitting here on a Monday and the next thing someone walks in with a 1965 Stratocaster!

George Lowden is a legend in the business, he became interested in building guitars at the age of ten in 1961 and later began professionally in 1973 in High Street Bangor. He’s based in Downpatrick now and his guitars go worldwide, there’s a six month waiting list to get one. We’re the only stockist in Northern Ireland. We get people in from all over the country and we ship guitars too, most recently to the Isle of Wight, Holland, Spain, all over really.’

Vincent and Neil also run gigs in the shop which can seat up to 40 people. Many are by private invite and they’ve had the likes of Paul Brady, Foy Vance, Gareth Dunlop, Brian Houston to name a few. ‘If they’re here doing something they call in or we give them a call to do a gig. We have videos of most of them on the website.’ On top of this they also offer lessons for all skill levels on the premises and are beginning to also offer more of an insight into all areas of playing like setting up for playing live gigs. ‘It’s fundamental to make sure you sound good. So many people come in here and play, some of the kids are incredible. Some of them have learnt in a year what took me 30 years! But if they want to take it to the next level, we can teach them the technical side of things.’ Vincent and Neil play regularly in the likes of The Dirty Duck in Holywood and The Metro in Belfast so live and breathe guitars 7 days a week and are clearly passionate about what they do. ‘We have guitars here for under £100 and some running into thousands, but we are very particualr about guitars we stock, even our cheapest are very playable, that why we brought them in. After that people come in again as they improve and move up the scale of quality, we have an ongoing relationship with each client that you’ll never get on the internet.’

112 High Street, Holywood - Tel: 02890 424245 theguitarrooms.com 28 www.bloommagazine.co.uk

FIVE STAR REASON TO SELL YOUR HOME WITH JOHN MINNIS...

Everyone knows that selling your home can be one of the most stressful events of your life - we JOHN MINNIS ESTATE AGENTS recognise this and have partnered with The Merchant Hotel, to ensure that the whole experience becomes a little bit more relaxing.

Worries about solicitor’s fees, surveys and getting stuck in a ‘chain’ will wash away with the best pampering possible…

JOHN MINNIS strive to ensure that the house selling (and buying!) process is a stress-free as possible for everyone involved.

Package includes: • Half-day’s indulgent package at The Merchant Hotel, Belfast • Access to the exclusive hydrotherapy area • Relaxing facial • Tranquil body treatment • Tasty lunch.

The sumptuous voucher will provide a well-deserved treat once the transaction has completed and keys have been exchanged.

To speak to us about selling your home contact: Belfast Branch: 028 9065 3333 Holywood / North Down Branch: 028 9042 8888 Bangor / Ards Peninsula Branch: 028 9188 8881

johnminnis.co.uk Ts & Cs: This partnership will run from 18th October 2012 until 18th April 2012 any client registering their property to our books and completing their transaction within this period will be presented with this Merchant Spa Experience voucher on settlement of accounts. No cash alternative. No home completed after the outlined dates will be included in the offer.

Local Legend

Good for the Sole We meet Robert Stewart, the man behind the Holywood Heel Bar who has been in business in the town for over 30 years and has saved many’s a heel and bag.

to help my brother who is a surgical ‘Iused technician,’ says Robert. ‘He used to make

special shoes for children with calipers and built up shoes. He opened a heel bar in the old Clandeboye. I used to help him out, I was a British Telecom engineer at the time. Through the years I used to help out at the weekends and let him have a break.

Then I had an accident at work and had to reconsider what to do. I didn’t want to go into an office again, so I opened up a heel bar on Shore Street in Holywood 30 years ago. I rented a shop there for three years until I got enough money to buy my own premises in High Street and have been here ever since.’

Robert has become so well renowned that people who used to live in Holywood and have since moved elsewhere, still come to have their items mended with him such is is reputation. ‘I’m always busy, people come from everywhere these days to get their shoes fixed such as Randalstown or Ballynahinch and might come past once a week. People here in town have been very supportive and I have very loyal customers. If I go on holiday people keep their shoes then I’m inundated when I come back!’

There have been so many changes in Holywood over the decades Robert has been here. But one thing that has never changed is the spirit of the local people, something Robert is quick to praise. ‘Holywood people

30 www.bloommagazine.co.uk

look after their own town and eachother. I think people like myself love the town and encourage people to shop here. People used to come into me and ask how I made a living out of mending shoes! But I’ve reared my family out of mending shoes. At night I would go home, get the kids fed and to bed then come back down to get work finished up.

You just do it. It takes over your life. I’d even hand sew at home if I needed to.’

Robert mends shoes, stitches handbags, school bags, soles and heels, leather soles, rubber soles and also offers a key cutting service. But he is purely a one man business so will always be behind the counter no matter what! Plus, when he’s in, the door is always open. ‘I never close the door, no matter how cold or wet it is outside, I’ve always been like that. If I’m here, I’m here for work so the door is always open. I have my lunch here too and if someone comes in, I stop and serve them for what they need. The people of Holywood have been very good to me and I’ve always tried to be good to them.

I would like to wish all my customers a very Happy Christmas and thank them kindly for their support over all these years.’

Holywood Heel Bar 93 High Street, Holywood

PAULA ANDERSON HAIRDRESSING 46 High Street, Holywood BT18 9AE Tel: 028 9042 4795

As well as being open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch, The Bay Tree is open every FRIDAY NIGHT for DINNER. We’ve developed a kind of dinner club atmosphere and aim to create interesting menus, serving food we like to eat.

Come and join us!