Avenue T Volume 1 Issue 43

Dhaka Tribune | Thursday, February 27, 2014 | Volume 1, Issue 43

Going for gold

Contents

inside...

4 BAFTA red carpet

18 Paparazzi status

Editor

Zafar Sobhan

Magazine Editor

Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

Avenue T team

Mahmood Hossain N Anita Amreen Tausif Sanzum

Khan N Moushumi Esha Aurora

Sabah Rahman

Najmal A Nadvi

Photography

Syed Latif Hossain Sadia Marium

Graphics

Sabiha Mahmud Sumi

Colour specialist Shekhar Mondal

Kazi Syras Al Mahmood

Production

Masum Billah

Advertising

Shahidan Khurshed

Circulation

Wahid Murad

Email: avenuet@dhakatribune.com Website: www.dhakatribune.com

This week

4 Tuned The red carpet 5 Try Out Invites to the globes

"This week, Avenue T takes a walk down the red carpet as we count down to the biggest movie event of the year, the 86th Academy Awards. On the cover is our tribute to the legendary Edith Head, who won no less than 35 nominations for the award for costume design, and actually took home a whopping eight of the gold statuettes. You can steal her effortless style by pairing a crisp white button down with a sleek pencil skirt and a sharp blazer, for a look that's timeless and professional."

6 Tech & Turns Movies at home 7 Tires Jags, not only for villains 8 Tell Through marriages 10 Tucked In Host your own Oscars party 11 Take Care The most insane workout 12 Trial Room Multitalented Sharbari 14 Trending Stealing the style of JLaw 15 Tailored Award winning looks 16 Tempt Shine like a star 17 Ticket Sale alert 18 Travel Get your groupie on 20 Tantalise The hot box 21 Tying the knot A ring guide

12

Sharbari Zohra Ahmed

Model Esha Aurora Styling Sabrina Fatma Ahmad Photographer Syed Latif Hossain

AVE N U E T TH U RSDAY, FE B R UARY 27, 20 1 4

4

Tuned in

entertainment

celeb buzz

WATCH

BAFTA Red Carpet

Avenue T’s favourite looks from the BAFTA Red Carpet

August: Osage County

One day, the patriarch of the Weston family, Beverly Weston goes missing.

His wife, Violet Weston calls her three daughters and sister for moral support. As the movie unfolds, the audience is exposed to the dysfunctions in the family. A lot of shocks and surprises are in store, especially in the funeral dinner scene.

The movie is chiefly noted for the acting of its cast, particularly Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts, both of whom are nominated for the Best Actress and the Best Supporting Actress category respectively.

Angelina Jolie in Saint Laurent

Cate Blanchett in Alexander McQueen

See Lupita Nyong'o in Dior Couture Imogen Poots in Givenchy

Naomi Harris in Chanel

in Dhaka 22 - 27

Amar Bhashar Cholochitro 1420 TSC Milonayotan Dhaka University

E BUZZ!

If you want to find out all the latest news in the entertainment world, you have to watch this piping hot show on AXN. The show covers red carpet events, behind the scene snippets, exclusive interviews and gives you a glance into the life of celebrities behind all the glitz and glam. Music lovers should not feel left out as the show also has a segment covering latest music videos. Check out their exclusive Oscar coverage.

this week 3 March

on Fox Movies Premium Live at 6am Encore at 7pm

on Star Movies Live at 6am Encore at 8pm

AVEN U E T TH U RSDAY, F E B R UARY 27, 201 4

Read

Push

This novel by Sapphire was adapted into a major Hollywood movie earning six nominations, winning two.

Claireece Precious Jones is an obese and illiterate 16-year-old AfricanAmerican girl, living with her abusive mother, Mary. She is pregnant with her second child. This is the result of the incestuous rape by her father, just like her first child was conceived. The story tracks how Precious tries to fight against all odds, gets educated and explores her sexuality.

Try Out

5

A grand affair

| Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

The Academy Awards are just around the corner and what better excuse than to throw a bash? Whether you’re watching the ceremony with friends on March 2 or organising a movie marathon, featuring this year’s contenders, here are a few nifty pointers on how to plan a grand themed bash on the occasion The invites

If you’re going with paper invites, you could get a little crafty and have them shaped like movie clapboards or stuff them inside golden envelopes to make them look like the winners announcements. Another cute and quirky option is to have the entire invitation printed out as movie ticket stubs. If you’re going with the ecofriendly option, put a little thought into the design of your e-vites, so that they’re in keeping with the theme.

isn’t a bad idea. This would need some pre-planning, whereby your invitees can throw some money into a pot and submit their predictions to a reliable moderator. On the Oscar night, you guys can tally up the score and the one with the most accurate predictions wins the cash. If you’re doing the movie marathon thing, you can spice it up by throwing in a trivia game during intervals. The winner can get a goodie bag. Which brings us to the next pointer.

Dress code

Party favours

If the turnout at the comicons and Halloween parties are any indication, costume parties are definitely enjoying their heydays in Dhaka. Ask your guests to dress up as characters from their favourite movies and a simple viewing party, suddenly has another dimension.

Activities

If you’re watching the award show together, then having an Oscar ballot

If your guests are on board with the costume thing, a photo booth is a must.

If that seems like too much trouble, just make sure somebody has a decent camera on them and you can hand out cardboard cut outs of monocles, moustaches, top hats, etc. to spice up the photos. Other take-home goodies can be bookmarks with famous movie quotes, golden star-shaped candles and mirrors.

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6

Tech GADGETS

On the big screen

| Mahmood Hossain

Whether they are prestigious award shows or huge blockbusters from all over the world, the best way to watch them are in the comfort of your own home. Sizes may vary, but owning an HDTV at home takes your TV viewing experience to a whole new level.

Picture quality and a home entertainment system can mimic the ambiance of a large theatre.

Here are a few worthy HDTVs to replace the old ones, so go ahead and reserve a spot on that wall of your living room

troubleshooting

How do I extend battery life on my phone? | Mahmood Hossain Whether you’re a light or a heavy user of a smartphone, there are a few tips you can follow to save battery throughout the day Before buying a new phone, do a little research on

smartphones with longer lasting batteries, if you already haven’t.

Samsung is very well known for their battery performance, especially on the higher end devices.

Head to your settings and turn off the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It’s absolutely unnecessary to

have them switched on all the time, even when you’re not using it. Most likely, you are using a data service plan on your phone anyway.

Brightness is also a dead giveaway. Tone things down on your display to not only help protect your eyes but the battery as well.

Keeping multiple apps open not only take up RAM space, it

also uses a good chunk of your battery.

Heavy apps such as Facebook will do a pretty good number on your battery.

Once you’ve used it, remember to always completely swipe them away.

In addition, you can also turn off the notifications for each of your apps.

Only charge the battery when it’s down around to 15%. Regardless the phone or strength in battery, going back and forth to charge it will decrease its lifespan.

Keep things cool and away from unbearable heat. At most, you should only charge it twice a day.

Share your troubleshooting problems, write to us at avenuet@dhakatribune.com

Sony W67 Bravia (Tk99,900)

We are all aware of the quality output of Sony’s products. This 42-inch Bravia Internet LED backlight TV is a beauty. The design and picture project beautifully, which shouldn’t be a surprise, and the build quality is as elegant as a portrait hung at the Louvre.

Sony R45 Bravia (Tk99,000)

You could opt for the slightly smaller 40-inch Sony HDTV. It’s surprisingly light and is packed with attractive features. It also presents a solid experience for movies and video games. If not hung in the drawing room, why not the bedroom?

Samsung 46” 5500 Series (Tk150,000)

Nowadays, the Korean giants can boast their specs against the competitors.

This 46-inch “Smart TV” takes pride in its colours enhancers and eco-friendly engineering.

Samsung 46” EH5300 (Tk160,000)

It’s the most expensive in this lot, but there’s a good reason for that.

It’s been highly rated by both users and critics. This sexy beast is all about the home entertainment experience.

You could aim higher in the Samsung Series family but this one is worth every single inch. For detailed specs, head to any Transcom outlet. You could alternatively log into www.sony-asia. com and www.samsung.com.

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apps

The Academy, a touch away | Mahmood Hossain

With only a couple of days away, these selected apps will prepare you well for the upcoming Academy Awards Awards guide: The Oscars

If you aren’t following online, on your laptops or desktops, this app can be downloaded through the App Store on iPhones and iPads. With this app, you’re able to browse through all the Oscar wins and nominations by the year or award.

You can even head back to its archives, checking out past winners, all the way from its first show in 1929. And of course, you’re able to put in your vote of the most deserving nominees you think will win in this year’s categories.

Oscars 2014 news

Here’s an app for the Android users.

It’s possibly the best Oscars app for Android devices. It does a wonderful job of gathering news, related to the Academy Awards, from the latest U2 performance announcement to the losers of each category receiving a $50,000 gift basket. As you scroll through the newsfeed, you’re able to save certain articles for your “favourites’ list” so you can read and share it later, for your convenience.

The official IMDB app

Most of you might already have this on your phone. It’s also the most obvious choice for the latest movie news, so why not the Academy Awards right?

The good thing about this app is that, it’s available for the iOS, Android and Windows phones. By downloading this app, you’re benefiting from almost everything their official website has to offer. News, trailers and other videos are neatly presented for you movie buffs. This is possibly your best choice of downloads.

Tires

7

wheels

2013 Jaguar XF | Tahsin Momin

Available at

Pacific Motors Ltd. 206/207 Tejgaon Industrial Area, Gulshan-Tejgaon Link Road Dhaka-1208 Phone: 8860104

The Jaguar XF is one of the finest executive cars in the market.

It’s luxurious and comfortable but also offers precise handling and excellent performance. The XF is one of the best looking cars in its class; rivals like the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series are handsome machines, but are quite conservatively styled and are relatively boring to look at. Jaguar has gone for a flamboyant design with the XF and it definitely helps it stand out from the crowd

When smiles work more wonders than screams

The Jaguar XF went through several design changes over time, with the most recent and significant changes being made in 2012. These styling changes gave the XF the front-end it should have always had; sleeker and yet maintaining a graceful line that makes this beauty the best-looking car in its class by some margin. The back end was tweaked, too. Rear lights have been given LEDs and are redesigned so that they extend further into the boot beneath the chrome strip. Even though these little changes in styling are fairly subtle, they add up to a bolder rear end.

Interior

Performance

One of the best things about the XF is how well it manages to combine sporty performance and comfort. The steering is fantastic and offers plenty of feedback. There’s plenty of grip and it corners like a dream. The standard XF comes with two engine choices.

You can have the 2.2-litre diesel engine with 187bhp or the 2.0-litre petrol engine with 200bhp. Both the engines offer plenty of performance and will do 0-100kmph in less than 10 seconds, which is pretty powerful for overtaking on the highway or pulling away briskly at a busy intersection. Fortunately, the pace and handling do not come at the expense of comfort, as the suspension is cushioned enough to soak up bumps.

Safety

The Jaguar was only given a four-star safety rating by Euro NCAP, though, while all its rivals managed to score the maximum five stars. It was mainly let down by a poor score for pedestrian

Silent screams

| N Anita Amreen

Exterior

Jaguar has done a fabulous job crafting the interior of the XF. It features plenty of neat little touches that differentiate XF from its rivals. The interior feels special, with a mixture of leather and wood trim, in addition to ambient lighting and a brilliant rotating gear selector that emerges from the centre console when you turn on the ignition.

It’s a touch theatrical but it’s also very cool.

ROAD RAGE

protection, but it comes with a full complement of airbags, plus electronic stability control as standard and automatic cruise control.

For its part, the XF is still a class act.

The elusive delights of the Jaguar will be more than enough to offset its shortfalls elsewhere. So is all that glitters gold? Yes, all that glitters is gold and all that glitter must roll.

AUTO CORRECT

How often should I change my car’s engine oil? | Tahsin Momin Engine oil is the lifeblood of your car. It keeps hard-working engine parts running clean, smooth and cool. Most manufacturers recommend that you change your oil and oil filter every 7,500km. On the other hand, specialists suggest you do that every 3,000km. The fact is, most of us do a lot of heavy driving and with summer around the corner, the engine is more likely to overheat. So at least, check your oil before heading out the next morning.

To check your oil, let your car run for a few minutes, then park it on someplace even and shut off the engine. Open the hood and locate the oil dipstick. You’re looking for two things here: the level of oil and how the oil looks. If you’re low on oil, you can just simply get a refill. The oil should look brownish yellow and clean on the stick. However, if the oil is of a dark colour or there is a lot of dirt and sludge in it, then you definitely need an oil change and oil filter replacement.

Share your auto correct problems, write to us at avenuet@dhakatribune.com

You neatly maintain your line of traffic, as your car slowly creeps through a snarl up of cars. Looking left, then right, you wonder if and when your car will ever be able to go beyond the 10km/h sign. By the looks of it, never, perhaps? You see an opening to your right, a slim opportunity to take the wrong way and overtake those in front of you.

However, if you miss your chance, not only do you lose your spot in your lane, you also end up blocking traffic on the next lane.

Tick tock, tick tock. Time is running out and you have a quick decision to make. Do you or do you not take that window of opportunity? You let common sense prevail and stick to your lane, remembering all the times you’ve hated being on the receiving end of the same behaviour you now contemplate. As you silently applaud yourself for choosing the path of righteousness, in comes a frantically honking driver. Aggressively nuzzling his front on your behind, he snakes his way towards that very opening.

He misses his chance by seconds, and he’s left in the middle of the road, a limp symbol of idiocy at its best. Angered by his own inability to make it, he madly rushes towards the next imaginary opening, trying to speed on a road that’s packed tighter than a can of sardines.

The restless speeding, the jerking breaks – the budding signs of a road rager makes its presence felt. Unable to make his way out of his own little mess, he spews his anger at his neighbours. The bulbous eyes, the quivering mouth and the threatening shake of the index finger. You happen to be the innocent bystander behind him.

Forced to back out of everyone’s way, fuming, he inches backwards first and then forward. Finally, you fall victim to his rage and before you know it, you feel the burning rush of anger erupting in you. Ready to jump right out of your car to help you give him a well-deserved slap, you take a moment to pause and breathe.

In that moment, you realise there's a far better way to give in to this animosity. With that thought in mind, you walk away with a gentle smile on your lips. And with that one curve of your lips, you say it all by saying nothing at all.

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8

Tell

letters to Mars

An open marriage Q I have always been a very open-minded man. I don’t believe in the social conditioning that everyone is so influenced by. My wife knows what I’m like, although, sometimes she doesn’t approve of it. I love my wife dearly and I know that she has a few needs that I cannot satisfy. Similarly, I have a few needs she cannot meet either. I always believed in an open marriage, where both partners can feel free to date others. Don’t get me wrong – I love my wife a great deal. All I’m saying is that I want her to be able to enjoy qualities I lack which she might find in others, while being married to me. I am not threatened by the idea of this, instead, I know this will give her perspective and she’ll appreciate my efforts to make life as comfortable for her as possible. I have dated other women while I was with her, and often encouraged her to do the same. When I told her about this, she lost her mind and refused to speak to me. How can I explain to her that I really meant no harm, and still really love her?

A

Oh good, I am glad at least of you haswith a sensible head over her shoulders.

Your Start small by striking up a one conversation your husband.

It should be simple - wife’s reaction verybeen reasonable, especially, if sheroof is the a person who what marriage you bothishave living under the same forkind four of years.

Start off byknows sharing is really about:of Sharing joy Ask andabout learning from other.Engage Marriage is a contract the highlights your day. how his each day went. yourselves in between two people whoorwant to learnrevolving from eacharound other, cherish common, small talks discussions current what eventsthey andhave newsinthat made overcoming and accepting each others’ me but I find it difficult to believe the day's headlines; find andifferences. article that Excuse may interest him, pass it on to him and that you really love wife. youWatch truly love somebody, accept thatthat person everything she is, thenyour ask for hisWhen opinion. a film together you or read a book youfor know may including both herDo good bad traits. I bet thelack women that you datebeginning. or have dated in the past also interest him. notand be discouraged by his of interest at the while being married to your wife, have tonswork of unattractive traits if you had lived with, You start with mundane things and slowly your way up to awhich, point where wouldn’t like as much. on I believe you fear commitment and this whole idea of an open marriage you both may connect all levels. is your ticket to a relationship where you get to play the part of a part-time husband as you see fit. Please grow up and you will see how splendid life can be with a full-time companion.

issues

Humour,

not an excuse to put people down I'm a 34-year-old woman hailing from a modest family. My dad passed away four years ago and ever since, I have been supporting my family. I work at a multinational company, but despite being well paid, I have very little disposable income to spend on myself. Most of my friends are married and have high-paying jobs. They shop at designer stores, go on vacations twice a year and are really living it up.

Sometimes, they even joke about how I can't afford to have the same lifestyle as theirs. I know they don't mean any harm, but it makes me feel small and put down. Without offending my friends, how do I subtly ask them to stop making these jokes?

KL

Dear KL,

Opinions are like noses, everybody has one. You sound like a very hard working, independent woman; don't let what others say get to you and sell yourself short. As for your friends, who make you feel small, avoid making comparisons between you and them.

And since they are your friends, you should sit them down and gently explain to them how their jokes make you feel. As for yourself, grow to love and take pride in what you have accomplished and how far you've come in life. Don't let petty words bring you down; good things will come to you, as long as you believe in yourself.

Photo: Big Stock

Our Agony Aunt is a life coach and a relationship coach as well as a corporate and organisational consultant. AA lives and works in Bangladesh but travels extensively around the world to attend seminars and to see her clients.

Write us your problems and send them to avenuet@dhakatribune.com

Aries (MAR-APR 19) This week you may get tangled in petty fights with your partner.

Cheer yourself up by keeping busy doing things you love most.

Taurus (Apr 20-May 20) For some reason, you will be feeling out of place this week. Being unable to put a finger on what’s really wrong, you may get frustrated. Take some time out for reflection.

Gemini (May 21-Jun 20) Ragged nerves, flaring tempers and fiery conversation will be the highlights of your week. Worry not, since this is only a passing phase.

Cancer (Jun 21-Jui 22) Pressure from work and home may leave you feeling frazzled. Instead of giving work more priority, take time to resolve your personal problems first.

Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22) Your generosity will be evident this week, as you go out of your way to help those in need. However, be careful not to make commitments that time won’t allow you to keep in the long run.

Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22) Your financial condition may be strained this week. However, you will be able to muster up enough courage to meet others’ expectations.

AVEN U E T TH U RSDAY, F E B R UARY 27, 201 4

Photo: Big Stock

Horos

oscope

Tell

9

Venus letters to Mars

EMOTIONAL BONDING Q I'm a 26-year-old woman, married to a 32-year-old man. We had an arranged marriage when I was 22. My husband is a good person, who provides and cares for me a great deal. However, sometimes it feels as though our relationship is missing the connection I crave. Even though we spend a lot of time together, the only things that we talk about are his family, work, our household duties and things that need to be arranged. We never really have any heart to heart conversation. I feel that making an issue out of this, will make things even worse.

Without taking up each others' personal space, I want us to be able to talk about anything and everything, and strengthen our emotional bonding. How do I make him want to open up to me?

A

Start small by striking up a conversation with your husband. It should be simple you both have been living under the same roof for four years. Start off by sharing the highlights of your day. Ask about how his day went. Engage yourselves in small talks or discussions revolving around current events and news that made the day's headlines; find an article that may interest him, pass it on to him and then ask for his opinion. Watch a film together or read a book that you know may also interest him. Do not be discouraged by his lack of interest at the beginning.

You start with mundane things and slowly work your way up to a point where you both may connect on every level.

Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22) Love and understanding shall flourish this week. Both you and your partner will go through a healing period with many pending issues being put out of the way.

Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21) You’ll crave for some alone time to reflect on everything that has been happening in your life for the past few days, but your packed schedule won’t allow you to unwind. To keep your cool this week, take an hour or two off, when you feel too stressed.

Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21) This week, mental blocks will have you battling with yourself. If you can’t fix an issue, put it aside and focus on the next task at hand.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19) Emotions will be running high as you try to create a balance between work and your personal priorities.

You will have to make some difficult choices, choose wisely.

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 19) Let this week be all about selfexploration. Do what your heart truly desires - be it reading a book or going out of town.

Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20) An ex flame might make an appearance this week. Your emotional nature will cling to the past and you may want to rekindle lost love.

Our Agony Aunt is a life coach and a relationship coach as well as a corporate and organisational consultant. AA lives and works in Bangladesh but travels extensively around the world to attend seminars and to see her clients.

Photo: Big Stock Write us your problems and send them to avenuet@dhakatribune.com

tease

Four “p’s” to add to your

marriage vocab | N Anita Amreen There will come a time when nothing seems to have your lady love swooning to your tunes.

Upset, irritated or just plain annoyed with your every move, there’s no escaping the wifey’s anger when she has decidedly given up on your ability to romance her. “You just never understand” or “Why do I need to tell you everything?” seems to be more commonplace breakfast conversation than your meal.

Here are four words you can add to your marriage vocab to help bring back that initial spark of intimacy, the wifey so desperately longs for Passion

Keeping the fire of passion burning as you argue about laundry, monthly bills or your driver’s pay, may be a tough job, but it certainly isn’t impossible.

The true key to keeping passion alive when it’s really required is to treat your woman with dedication. Take a genuine interest in things she loves doing and compliment her for qualities you admire. Take time to surprise her in and outside your bedroom. Whether it’s in the way you kiss her goodbye, the way you hold her at night or just the way you look at her - nothing ignites the fire of love quite like passion does.

Play

Regardless of how many years of marriage you have behind you, every couple deserves to take some time off from the realities of life and indulge in some “play time.” Play time can be anything from cuddling beneath the covers to watching a stand-up comedy show. Let play time be restricted to you and her, and just plain, harmless fun.

Privacy

Think of all the time you burned up, trying to pry through her emails or snoop through her phone records.

While it is difficult to silence the suspicions of your inner stalker, it’s always better to choose communication over accusations. If you ever feel the need to make your insecurities public, talk to her about it.

Don’t assume, just ask. Give your wife the space and alone time and she’ll return the favour.

Patience

In the heat of verbal battles, it’s all too easy to lose your cool and it’s easier to forget about the repercussions.

Patience never hurt anyone but a razor sharp tongue surely does. Remember a golden tip: not all problems require solving. Sometimes you must learn to agree to disagree and live with things being that way.

AVE N U E T TH U RSDAY, FE B R UARY 27, 20 1 4

10 Tucked In The host

Placing your

silverware

| Anita Amreen

digs and finds

Satori

Stones and roses flower vase line Price: Tk4,750, Tk3,950 and Tk1,950

A formal placement for an elegant evening

Chairs in black velvet damask

Price: Tk24,695

Vintage chic metal tray with scented candles

Price: Tk695 each

When planning for a formal sit down dinner that includes a full three course meal, it is best to plan out the tableware set up in advance. To avoid awkward cluttering and the unnecessary pauses between meals, identify and list the number of dishes that may be required. For a generic meal that includes starters, a main course and dessert items, a couple of cutlery must be set on the table – a small starter dish, with two forks on its left, the larger one placed inwards.

Once guests are done with starters, the small dish will be replaced with a bigger one. To the right, there shall be a knife placed inwards, with a spoon placed next to it. It’s best to lay the dessert spoon in front of the plate. As for glasses, the water glass shall be placed to the right hand side, right above the knife, with the soft drink glass to its right.

If coffee is being served after the meal, the coffee cup, saucer and the spoon will be placed to the far right, slightly behind the glasses. Remember to align all silverware an inch away from table edge, and not more than two inches if tablemats are being used. If more silverware is required, remember the timeless rule – the piece that is used first is placed the furthest from the centre, for ideal table setting.

AVEN U E T TH U RSDAY, F E B R UARY 27, 201 4

decor

An Oscar themed party | Tausif Sanzum

The night the stars came down

With the biggest award show of the year being telecasted on March 2, it is time for you to host your very own Hollywood themed party.

Glamour should be your central focus throughout the entire planning.

Instead of opting for modern mode of inviting guests, try something vintage. If you have the time, get a few cardboard cut outs of iconic stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn and have them placed near the entrance. You can also hang movie tickets and movie themed banners on the wall. As for invitation cards, create customised ones (check out our Try Out column for inspiration). Finally, place a red carpet in front of your door for your guests to strut in style.

Now that you have set the red carpet, make your guests feel like celebrities. Set out an interview booth where your guests can take turns and ask each other trivia questions about the Oscar entries. Leave small chits with fun questions that you’ve written beforehand.

Make a playlist in advance and ask your guests to choose a song they would like to dance to. Make room for the dancers on the floor. A movie themed party is incomplete without hosting a fun little award ceremony. Why not make up fun award categories, set up a stage and call upon the winners to hand over a replica of the golden Oscar statuette. You could also ask the contestants to prepare an acceptance speech in advance, like they do in the main event.

As for the food, keep it light and

simple; you don't want your guests feeling bloated. You can keep things simple yet glamourous at the same time. Serve cupcakes and pies on cake stands. Taking things a step further, you can tie a red ribbon to the stands.

Even if you are not serving alcoholic drinks, you can always serve beverages

in champagne flutes. To make sure that your guests remember the wonderful time they had, hand them a movie inspired pin up badge, which you can get from any local gift shop.

You can find champagne flutes and cake stands at DCC market in Gulshan 1.

Take Care

fitness

health

Dig deeper

The many benefits of the wonder fruit

| Mahmood Hossain

This is not for the faint-hearted or beginners. It is possibly the most intense workout you will ever have to endure, without stepping inside a gym. How is that possible you ask, without entering a training facility?

Shaun T’s Insanity Workout is what the name suggests. It’s two months of hell. But within a span of 63 days, you are guaranteed to lose a significant amount of weight. In fact, some individuals stop the workout around day 40 because they’ve lost too much weight. Yes, it’s that intense.

Insanity

• 14 different workout videos.

• You work out six days a week, leaving the seventh as your day to rest (no workout at all).

• Days 1 through 30, is Month 1; days 29 through 35 is the Recovery Week; days 36 through 63 is Month 2.

• There’s a Fit Test to take every two weeks to see how much you have progressed.

• Initially, there are 10 different workouts, minus the Fit Test, with three bonus workouts that can be substituted into the programme.

• Month 1 workout sessions last approximately 30-40 minutes, while Month 2 can reach an hour or more per workout.

• In the first month, you’ll find instant results. Your body will the take a beating in the first couple of weeks.

But don’t worry, even the welltrained have struggled. In fact, you’ll see Shaun T himself taking plenty of breaks. It’s all about testing to see how far you can push yourself.

• By the second month, surprisingly, you’ll be in total beast mode. Believe it or not, if you’ve genuinely given effort from day one, you’ll want more of Insanity. Getting your mind into the zone will only push you further so it’s crucial you stay determined.

The workouts are taken to another level but won’t hurt as much as it does in the first month.

Types of workouts • Plyometric Cardio Circuit • Cardio Power & Resistance • Cardio Recovery • Pure Cardio • Cardio Abs • Core Cardio & Balance • Max Interval Circuit • Max Interval Plyo • Max Cardio & Conditioning • Max Recovery • Insane Abs (bonus) • Max Interval Sports Training (bonus) • Upper Body Weight Training (bonus; dumbbells required)

11

| Dilshad Fayeza Haque

Nutrition

1. No junk food allowed, whatsoever.

Okay, that might be a little lie.

Try not to eat fried or oily food in the first month. It’s encouraged that you stick to home cooked meals but you are allowed to have occasional cheat days.

2. You are losing a little over 1,000 calories in each workout; therefore, eating five small meals a day is ideal. You should aim to have about 1,500 to 2,500 calories per day.

3. Break the five meals down: Breakfast, mid-morning snack, lunch time, afternoon snack, dinner.

4. Grilled chicken salad, sushi (any fish really), deli sandwiches, filet or sirloin steak, vegetables, are all good examples of what should enter your tummy.

5. Get the idea of ‘no carbs’ out of your head! The more you exercise, the more carbohydrates you will need. It’s your body’s fuel so that you can, dare I quote Shaun T, “dig deeper.”

6. Protein is absolutely essential in all aspects of your life. Both egg whites and whole eggs, are excellent sources, so don’t only focus on the whites. Fish and seafood, low-fat dairy, lean red meat, skinless white meats, are also fantastic and healthy sources of protein.

7. Avoid soda (fountain drinks), fruit juices, diet sodas, energy drinks and other sweetened beverages.

DAY 1

Tips

• Drink water! This cannot be stressed enough. If you can, increase the intake by nine to 10 glasses of water a day.

• Keep a bottle of water during each workout. You will need it.

• Pace yourself. You’ll hear it from Shaun T constantly, don’t go as hard as they are going, stick to what feels comfortable for you. Gradually, you’ll push yourself harder and pick up the pace.

• Never work out on an empty stomach; it’s dangerous. Don’t exercise after a meal either. Eating something light an hour before the workout is what you should aim for.

• Make sure there is plenty of space to perform the exercises. It’s important to stay safe and keep form.

• Keep in mind, this workout programme will have you losing weight but will also keep you defined. You will have toned muscles without looking overly muscular. The entire idea is getting you completely lean. If you push yourself at 100%, you will have the body that you desire.

• It all depends on how patient, determined and disciplined you are.

If you can get your hands on this workout, and see yourself surviving the entire programme, it’ll be totally worth it. Your end results, that banging body, will be more than satisfactory. And get used to hearing, “dig deeper.” Shaun T tends to repeat that quite often.

DAY 30

DAY 60

Summer is right around the corner and I cannot wait to indulge myself in fresh, succulent juicy fruits. And watermelon is definitely on the top of my list.

Watermelon not only tastes like heaven, but it also delivers an array of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. It is also incredibly hydrating, with up to 92% water and is naturally low in fat. The incredibly delicious looking, bright red, juicy fruit forbids us to take life too seriously and yells ‘’summer!" Following is a list of all the health benefits of this melon

Cardiovascular and bone health

The lycopene in watermelon is beneficial to our cardiovascular health and is now being recognised as an important factor in promoting our bone health. Consuming large amounts of watermelon has also been correlated with improved cardiovascular function because it improves blood flow through the relaxation of blood pressure.

Watermelon is also rich in potassium which helps retain calcium in your body, resulting in stronger bones and joints.

Reduces body fat

Watermelon has been shown to reduce the accumulation of fat in our cell membranes.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support

Watermelon is rich in phenolic compounds, which are particularly beneficial in reducing inflammation and neutralising free radicals.

Watermelon also provides antiinflammatory support. Make sure you pick ripe watermelons, because they contain higher amounts of these beneficial phenolic compounds.

Diuretic and kidney support

Watermelon is a natural diuretic that helps increase the flow of urine, but does not strain the kidneys unlike alcohol and caffeine.

Improves eye health

The rich red hue of watermelon is a good source of beta-carotene, which when consumed, is converted to vitamin A. It helps produce the pigments in the retina of the eye and protects against age-related macular degeneration as well as prevents night blindness. You can reap a lot of other amazing health benefits by making watermelon a part of your daily diet.

AVE N U E T TH U RSDAY, FE B R UARY 27, 20 1 4

12 Trial Room

Women have no other choice but to be layered and so many things at one time. Even our bodies are specifically designed to be both independent entities and condominium complexes, complete with swimming pool, for other humans nine months at a time. Yet, there are people in the world who actually do not believe a woman’s body belongs to her; they believe that her uterus defines her.

Sharbari Zohra Ahmed in "Nine Nine Hundred and Thirty Four Words on Womanhood"

Seven questions with Sharbari Zohra Ahmed | Sabah Rahman and Esha Aurora

Born in Dhaka, Sharbari Zohra Ahmed is an author, columnist, playwright and a short film director.

She spent her childhood years in different parts of the world and subsequently has a very global view of life. Her themes are centrally geared towards the minority and their trials and tribulations. This Oscar season, Avenue T finds out all about her inspirations and aspirations, and her takes on films

AVEN U E T TH U RSDAY, F E B R UARY 27, 201 4

Trial Room 13

What was your surprise entry for the Oscar's this year?

There were no real surprises here. The Oscar buzz starts as soon as the Golden Globes airs.

I was surprised at the ones that didn't get in. "The Butler," for instance didn't get much play.

What was your favourite movie last year?

There are so many films that the Academy doesn't recognise and it seems silly that only five or however many get anointed, whereas hundreds of films are released every year, that are worthy of contention. But if I had to choose, it would be "12 Years a Slave." It was harrowing and real, and the cast was fantastic.

What makes a good movie?

Jeez. There is a lot that goes into making a movie "good," whatever that means - lots of minute details that most people don't even notice. It's so subjective. But I guess it has to start with the story. If the storyline is solid, then the foundation is too, and it gives a filmmaker a lot to work with.

How would you describe your personal style?

Do you mean in fashion or creative style? I am no fashion victim, though I had some unfortunate incidents with leg warmers and cut off sweat shirts, when I was a kid in the 80s. I like to be comfortable, while looking

attractive - how about that?

Creatively, I am irreverent I guess, while trying to tell a story that resonates and perhaps sticks with you.

Who do you think can pull off an out of the box red carpet outfit without resembling Bjork?

Jennifer Lawrence.

What are some themes that interest you when it comes to your work?

Intimacy, how hard it is to attain, displacement, unlikely or unusual connections.

What are your thoughts on women directors and how they are represented in Dhaka and abroad?

I think this is an exciting time for women directors to flourish, but there is still a long way to go.

In general, women filmmakers are underrepresented and unsung. Bangladesh is on the brink of many amazing, creative endeavours and should support Bangladeshi female filmmakers as much as possible. In fact, the support would ensure it stands out and is internationally competitive, if they support and focus on nurturing the women out there, doing their thing, like me. Shameless plug, but I also have friends who are talented and tenacious who will release their films and books this year and deserve our support and love.

AVE N U E T TH U RSDAY, FE B R UARY 27, 20 1 4

14 Trending

copy cat

Lawrence Look Book

| Sabah Rahman

Channel your inner Hollywood attitude and steal Jennifer Lawrence's effortless street style. Pair a simple blazer with navy denim, sky high heels and a stylish carry-all bag

Shopping 101 Check out Astorian in Gulshan 2 for a wide selection of denim jeans. Urban Truth stocks knit blazers in the cooler months. Cats Eye has an extensive selection of heels and handbags. Most eyeglass stores have real as well as faux Ray Ban aviators available.

AVEN U E T TH U RSDAY, F E B R UARY 27, 201 4

Tailored 15

in fashion

Style session

No tux? No problem | Mahmood Hossain Avoiding the fear of looking like a waiter or a valet, we take a look at a suitable replacement for a tuxedo. The style is simple with minor additions to set you apart from the aforementioned staff members. Being a waiter or a valet isn’t a bad thing, except most of you are too afraid to don something anywhere near a tuxedo number. As long as you keep things simple, the distinction will be clearer than most The suit jacket or blazer is actually something that is unnecessary.

But if you wish to throw one on, grab a pocket square (or a patterned and colourful handkerchief), to add that little flair to your outfit. More importantly, no one confuses you for the busboy.

Q

I’m a huge fan of sneakers, I treat them like they’re expensive dress shoes. I’m overprotective of them and I hate when they get dirty. How do I make sure they don’t lose their look over time?

A

No matter which pairs you are sporting, they will get dirty. These are the facts of life. There’s a simple trick to keeping sneakers clean through. Protecting them from dirt is impossible. But what you can do, before you toss it in the washing machine (yes, it’s perfectly acceptable), is douse rubbing alcohol on cotton balls and rub it on the surface of your shoes. It’s sort of a pre-game ritual, if you will. This makes it easier to clean so that the washing machine can get rid of the rest of the dirt thoroughly.

Splash a little colour to the outfit.

Subtle hues are the building steps to differentiate you from the norm. Using accessories effectively, helps with the process. A bold wristwatch or oxblood oxfords will get the job done.

Leather or suede lace-ups are preferred over patent leather shoes and loafers. The idea behind this is a comfortable cool look. You have to make it seem effortless without looking too laid back or casual.

Grab a spread collar shirt - the shorter kind. The days of long collared shirts are over, gentlemen. For goodness’ sake, stop spreading them on top of your jacket’s lapels. A spread collar works best when the tie is missing.

Unbuttoning the top two buttons are all you need. Think George Clooney in Ocean’s 11.

Q

Recently, I’ve graduated from law school and joined a firm abroad. It came to my surprise that the dress code was quite casual. But I love wearing my suits to work. Will I come off pretentious?

A

his style by

On any carpet

| Mahmood Hossain

Who would you rather dress up as, Ananta Jalil or Leonardo DiCaprio?

For a personal stylist, styling a celebrity can seem fabulous and lucrative but it’s also a huge risk. Sometimes, those celebrities that you love so much, venture off on their own and make their own style decisions. Fortunately, you can consider yourself lucky for not constantly being under the spotlight.

There are good and bad ways to show up on the red carpet. Unfortunately, we don’t get too many red carpet events in Dhaka to attend. However, there are movie premieres and other significant events and gatherings being organised every now and then. If you ever find yourself attending one of these star studded events, make sure to tick certain things off from a very short yet important checklist.

| Mahmood Hossain

No peacocking allowed. No matter the event, sticking out like a sore thumb is never acceptable. Dress classy, not trashy; keep it simple. Flashy polyester is never, ever a good idea.

Fitting and grooming is always important. It does not matter how expensensive or reasonable your outfit is. If you have been well-groomed properly and your fitting is up to par, you will look like a movie star.

Arm candy is never a bad thing.

Going with a beautiful woman to any of these events, is a huge plus. She can be your wife, girlfriend, friend, cousin or even your sister; you might think you can’t top the last one. But yes, you can. Do what the actors do at times, bring your mom. Seriously, major points with the ladies.

Photo: Big Stock

As the saying goes, you’re always better off overdressed than underdressed. Certain workplaces do have uniforms, while others are a bit more flexible. It’s true, you might make a few people uncomfortable who don’t come into work with suits. You never want to intimidate your co-workers so it’s important to tone it down a little.

Don’t compromise your style completely though, it’s who you are and that’s what makes you comfortable. Instead of walking in with an entire suit look, try strolling in with everything but the tie. More importantly, make your presence known. Not only through your looks but shine a light on that personality. You want to come off as someone they can get along with, regardless of what you’re wearing.

Send in your style inquiries to avenuet@dhakatribune.com

AVE N U E T TH U RSDAY, FE B R UARY 27, 20 1 4

16 Tempt

beauty

cheat sheet | Sabah Rahman

Copy Amy Adams’ hot but easy to achieve, Oscar worthy makeup, the next time you’re getting ready to paint the town red. The dramatic lips and nails paired with subtle eyes work for every skin tone

Eyes

Perfect skin

Pick a matte shadow that matches your natural skin tone and blend from lid to brow bone. Apply black liquid liner of the upper lid and flick it up slightly at the end. Apply mascara generously to the upper and lower lashes.

The perfect way to ace this glam look is to fake flawless skin. Whip out your concealers, foundation and pressed powder to hide imperfections and create a matte canvas.

Lips

Line lips with a neutral liner to help prevent colour from bleeding and blend with a small brush. Top it off with your favourite shade of red lipstick and pucker up for the camera.

Nails

Trim and file nails into an oval shape and paint them in a red hue that complements your lips. Matching lips and nails perfectly is a thing of the past and not really necessary though.

Shopping 101 All products featured here can be found at all branches of Almas Super Store and Priyo General Store.

They are also available at Bodyline, located on Banani 11. If a certain item has run out of stock, you can sweettalk them into ordering replacements for you.

AVEN U E T TH U RSDAY, F E B R UARY 27, 201 4

Ticket 17

OnlinE sales!

This week Avenue T takes a pick of the hottest online deals, making sure you get your money's worth and more. Order online, pick up a few great pieces while remaining within your means

ASOS has the following deal: Spend $100, get $15 off with code BAG15; Spend $150, get $30 off with code BAG30; Spend $200, get $50 off with code BAG50.

$30 or more. Use code BRUSHES.

Express has the following offer, with code 1125: Take $15 off every $30, $30 off $75 or $60 off $150.

Chinese Laundry is offering 20% off purchases of $45 or more.

Sperry Top Sider will give you an additional 30% off select winter accessories with code WINTER30 for a limited time.

Stila Cosmetics is offering 20% off sitewide with no minimum, plus free shipping/samples with ever $50 purchase. Use code 20OFF. Kiehl’s will give you two free deluxe samples, plus complementary shipping with any eye cream purchase.

Enter code FOREYES at checkout.

brush set for just $3, when you spend

Nine West has some new spring markdowns. Take 25% off select styles.

Aeropostale is offering an extra 30% off your purchase with code EXTRA30.

The Body Shop will give you 40% off sitewide from now through 2/23.

Plus get a free gift with any $50 purchase. No code needed.

e.l.f. Cosmetics will gift you a 11-piece studio

Lord & Taylor has a code that’s good for an extra 20% off regular and sale items.

JCPenney offers an extra 15% off on select apparel items, shoes, accessories, fine jewellery and home purchases in store and online, or save 20% on selected purchases of $100 or more online only. Use code FEBSAVE3.

Puma is offering free shipping on all orders.

AVE N U E T TH U RSDAY, FE B R UARY 27, 20 1 4

18 Travel

Get your groupie on Hollywood style | Tiffany Wells

Penthouse soirees, chilled Dom Perignon, endless self-indulgence and a seductively sleek crowd of notable faces sound all really exciting. This isn’t an episode of Gossip Girl that you are watching in your favourite pair of cheetah print pajamas. You’re mingling at the clandestine lounges, hideouts and speakeasies where the guest list is reserved for the paparazzi shy faces of this week’s hottest celebrities. Celebrity crushes. Get up close and personal, strike up a conversation, and maybe, if you read closely, they’ll buy you a drink. And star-stalking is such a cliché. Consider yourself an enthusiastic pursuer (or even a future suitor). If all else fails, get your groupie on New York

London

Los Angeles

Start with the epicentre of Waste no time and board the red-eye By now, you need a change of scenery unassuming notoriety, New York. to London where the gathering scene and a shot of sunshine. It’s time to Just walk through SoHo and you’ll is a bit exclusive and hard to stumble book it to the City of Angels, Los spot Leo DiCaprio or Tyra Banks out upon, unless you know where to prey…

Angeles. Odds are good, you’ll see for their morning walk. But we don’t oops, we mean casually hangout. Take a few familiar faces sporting an recommend standing in the February the Tube to Mayfair station and stroll au naturel look at the LAX arrivals snow just to catch a glimpse. Start into the ritzy bar at the Dorchester as terminal. Now’s a good time to revamp out at ABC Kitchen aka ‘Always if you go there every day. Share some your style and visit Kitson, a uber chic Bursting with Celebrities.’ Find drinks and have a shouting match with boutique, which caters to the red yourself a seat in the back corner and the rugged footballers who frequent carpet crowd who want a change of watch who comes in for the lunch the lavish bar. Clean yourself up after pace from their usual custom-made rush. Then head to the Spotted Pig the inevitable brawl that ensued after Valentino gowns. Don your new digs and plant yourself at the lively bar you mispronounced their goalkeeper’s and dine at The Ivy for an al fresco to have a drink with Luke Wilson name (David dah-hey-ah). Head to lunch. You’ll be sipping on mimosas or Jay-Z. Then move downtown for the, easy to miss, Shoreditch House and taking selfies with a post-workout, some late-night action. Come early to to scope out a breathtaking Beckham Michael Fassbender. Buy some organic Ph-D at the Dream Downtown Hotel and live out your kinkiest Hogwart’s products at the Studio City Farmer’s or risk getting stuck in an endless fantasy with Emma Watson. If your Market, where you can share your tips line behind the dreaded velvet rope. charm hasn’t worn off by the end of on picking out the ripest jackfruit with This retro, leather-laden rooftop club the night, curtsey your way into the Jennifer Aniston. When the sun goes has some great views of the city, the hyper-exclusive, invites only, Annabel’s down, make your way to Winston’s, Kardashians and rap icon, Russell Club, to kick it with the Royal family a stylish speakeasy. Keep your breath Simmons. Mellow out your night and share dieting tips with Kate Moss. mints handy because this cosy and get a blast from the past when hangout is packed with Hollywood’s stalking TIP you arrive at Jane Ballroom and get most talented actors.

Plan ahead and know where the celeb seated next to the Olsen twins. stalking TIP

watering holes are before you take the plunge. Twitter is a great place to start.

You’ve got to follow their tweets before they follow you home.

AVEN U E T TH U RSDAY, F E B R UARY 27, 201 4

Have your number written down before you need it. You don’t want to have writer’s block when Justin Timberlake asks you to be his senorita.

Travel 19

Playing paparazzi bollywood style | Baizid Haque Joarder

No matter how vacuous the plot of a Bollywood flick is, full house banners are a common sight at the premieres. But what really grasps the audience’s attention are the stars of Bollywood. If Hollywood means Los Angeles, Bollywood definitely equates to Mumbai; more precisely, the Bandra and Juhu region. Read on to take a stroll down these star walks.

If you’re lucky, you may bump into the Bachchans, the Kapoors or even the Khans. (Although you might as well act as if you hadn’t planned on it, while you just happen to have your autograph book and camera ready.)

If you are “planning” to bump into stars, you need to do your homework. The King of Bollywood, Shahrukh Khan, likes to turn up at Vie Deck & Lounge, popular for their scrumptious seafood dishes. But if you aren’t feeling too lucky, do try their Grilled Spanish lobster.

Hakkasan, also located in Bandra, is a branch of the London’s Michelinstar Chinese restaurant, which hosts many celebrities every now and then. Katrina Kaif, Karan Johar, Ranbir Kapoor and Sonakshi Sinha are just some of the many big shots to visit Hakkasan, and if your timing

is right, they might sign a page in that autograph book of yours.

The urban décor of the China House, Grand Hyatt is another place where the celebs like to dine and unwind after a long day of shooting rigorous romantic and action scenes, one after another. One may find the “Chotey Nawab” Saif Ali Khan with his “Begum” Kareena Kapoor dining here. Other star sightings include the likes of the Bachchans, Salman Khan, Bipasha Basu and John Abraham.

If the places mentioned above will take a heavy toll on your wallet, you can always leave things to chances.

Here are a few other thrifty ways you might like to adopt when star-gazing.

The international airport in Mumbai is one place where it is easy to spot silver screen stars. With the ever-increasing demand of romantic and cheesy

songs, shot on the streets of a foreign country, you’re highly likely to spot a few of them at the airport, while flying to their destinations. People are known to pass by the Yash Raj studio in Andheri to catch a glimpse of their favourite stars and stand near the houses of the celebrities (fans wait for hours in front of “Mannat” to see SRK leaving his house or going in). You can also visit the Juhu beach where stars usually go for their early morning walks, but there is no telling that you WILL see them.

Here’s to wishing that you spot and upload a few pictures with your favourite B-town celebs on Facebook or Instagram. Let there be more “likes” on those pictures.

AVE N U E T TH U RSDAY, FE B R UARY 27, 20 1 4

20 Tantalise

tasting

Hotbox

H Fo otbox

the temptress on wheels

| N Anita Amreen

Robinod Stand dro S Sector horoni, 7, Ph: +8 Uttara 80017 16-736 Op 5:30p en from 958 m - 10 :30pm

When it comes to guilty indulgences such as good old junk food – nothing really beats a juicy, meat-packed burger. Just when people were tiring of the old fast food joints packing Uttara’s narrow streets, in came Hotbox, the very first burger cart to steamroll its way into Uttara’s seemingly stagnant food scene.

Ambience Nestled between two kebab bigwigs, Proof of the pudding Hotbox stands as a small, funky food cart quietly stirring up a buzz. As you inch closer, you notice the jovial sign of Patty the Burgerala – the mascot for Hotbox’s first food cart. Most approach the stall with a single handed intention to eat, indulge and repeat.

It’s a kind of tantric spot for burger aficionados; there is no question of pretentious seating arrangement, or fancy lighting. There seems to be only one thing on the mind of customers – to get their hands on those warm buns and wrap their mouth around the juicy goodness of their burgers.

Menu and service

Their colourful menu is short, simple and deliciously to the point. You can choose between the Burger Smash or the Hot Dawg. Both cooked in front of you in the Hotbox lab, they come with onions and a special secret sauce. While some prefer to have their burgers plain and simple, others can choose from the list of their inventive toppings. Mr Beefy is your go-to man if you’re in the mood for some lovingly wrapped beef bacon. Mr Cheesy is a hearty dose of cheese, Mr Frank sausages, Mr Jalakano is the tangy kick of jalapenos and if you still have room, you can try Mr Shroom’s mushrooms.

You can build your own burger, doubling up on the patty or even on the toppings. Despite the fast paced rolling in of orders, service is quick and consistent.

AVEN U E T TH U RSDAY, F E B R UARY 27, 201 4

With your very first bite, you are taken aback by just how juicy and flavourful the patty is. The bun to patty ratio is perfect, as you can comfortably fit each bite in your mouth. The “all burger,” a heavy mix of all the toppings seems to be a special favourite. Despite being stuffed with so many toppings, the bun keeps its integrity, remaining soft and warm. The creamy secret sauce, the savoury melted cheese and beef bacon are in perfect harmony with the lushness of the mushrooms. The jalapenos in particular, give their burgers a tangy spin, add to that the sausages and you have a powerhouse of explosive flavours. It’s easy to just get lost amidst all the chaos, for which case we suggest you go back for another round. To be able to whip up such a brilliantly grilled burger is a rare skill, yet you cannot help but feel taken aback by how a mere burger can be so perfectly orchestrated. Hotbox’s burger kicks any other burgers around town to the curb, and by a few miles at that.

Value for money

Regular burgers cost Tk100 while regular hot dogs cost Tk60. Each topping is priced at a mere Tk20. With the “all burger” priced at Tk180, Hotbox provides ample value for money.

Soon they shall be offering chicken burgers, fries and several other surprise items. To stay tuned with Hotbox's gastronomic journey log onto www. facebook.com/hotboxbd.

calling ‘em out Although I love the fact that they’re a food cart, I wish they can soon open a bigger eatery for people to relax, sit in and enjoy. Karishma Khan, 26, Gulshan Sometimes during the peak hours, it’s very frustrating to place orders since they’re so packed. I have turned back empty handed on several occasions for this reason alone. Nadvi Rahman, 22, Uttara

Tying the knot 21

The Ring Guide

| Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

You’ve popped the question, introduced each other to your respective families, and it is mutually agreed that you will be spending your lives together. Nothing seals the deal like a circlet of precious metal, aka a ring. The engagement ring and wedding ring will be the two most important items of jewellery that you are likely to buy. As if that wasn’t pressure enough, the market is flooded with tonnes of options, and choosing the perfect bands can be quite a nightmare. Lucky for you, it doesn’t have to be that difficult if you know what to look for.

Read on for some handy tips on how to get it right Step 1: Establish a budget

Traditionally, the engagement ring was supposed to cost about three months’ salary’s worth, but these days, these things are negotiable, so sit down and make an estimate of how much you’re willing to spend on the two rings. If you have a firm idea of this, it will be easier for the jeweller to establish a price range and narrow your choices down.

Step 2: Size matters

Unless you want the embarrassment of your spouse-to-be fighting to fit into the ring, it pays to get an estimate of the finger size. If you’re buying together, it’s just a matter of asking your partner the size, referring to a chart, and then informing the ringmaker. If the ring is a surprise, however, you may have to rope in an accomplice to “borrow” a spare ring worn by your other half and use that as a reference.

Step 3: Style considerations

Considering the rings will be worn forever, it’s best to pick a style that will always suit your partner. To gauge this, you must take into account the wearer’s personality, lifestyle and jewellery preferences. He might prefer Art Deco designs. She might be a flashy fashionista for a fondness for gems.

Couples these days are also opting for quirky, unique rings that reflect their passions. Consider the ring with a built-in LED display that one engineer built for his sci-fi loving fiancée, or the many sterling silver LOTR themed rings a lot of fantasy buffs chose for

their engagement. The ones you pick needn’t be so “out there,” but you get the idea.

Step 4: Know your metals

Platinum is super expensive, super durable and hardy, but loses lustre over time. Gold is shinier, easier to polish, but wears down. Palladium is cheaper and lighter than platinum, and has the highest purity. Every metal has its merits, so you need to do your research before you pick the one that your future spouse will love most.

Step 5: A diamond has four C’s

Colour, clarity, cut and carat weight.

All of which should be considered.

Does she, like Rihanna, prefer yellow diamonds? Does he want something in a boxy emerald cut? How big and shiny a rock can you afford? Once again, visiting a few stores and learning about the different combinations of the C’s can narrow down your choices.

Step 6: Get it in writing

Once you know you’ve found The Ring, the perfect style, the right metal and gemstone, all in your price range, make sure you find a jeweller who can certify the ratings of the four C’s for you. Ask for the specifics, like enhancements and treatments, just to ensure you won’t get buyer’s regret later. Bone up on your replacement, repair and insurance policies to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. Once you’ve secured all that, you can now safely make your payment and bring that pretty bauble.

AVE N U E T TH U RSDAY, FE B R UARY 27, 20 1 4

22 News

Menz Klub brings in their new festive collection Festivals and celebrations invariably act as another reason to don a panjabi. With that thought in mind, Menz Klub has introduced their newest collection of panjabis that boast unique patterns and designs.

They have also created a different line of panjabis for formal wear. This line includes both semi-long as well as casual slim fit panjabis. As for their glossy panjabis, they’ve given priority to applique work and embroidery. To find your right fit, visit any of their stores in Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna or Sylhet.

Rang RTV 20-20 Colours Model Search 2014 BBQ Chicken, a Korean franchise has opened its very first branch in Gulshan Avenue last month. Also known as Korea's no.1 chicken restaurant, BBQ Chicken offers customers a unique culinary experience. With all their meals cooked with the finest 100% olive oil, they take into consideration both customer health and the quality of their food. Alongside their interesting choice of ingredients, they also give priority to presentation with most of their dishes being served in bowls made of bread. Try out their sumptuous items at 175/A Gulshan Avenue. Contact +88029858869 or +88001776117788 for more information.

1st Cycle of the Noman Award for Excellence in Design On February 20, BRAC University Department of Architecture, for the very first time, arranged "The Noman Award for Excellence in Architecture" to celebrate the best designs from the graduating batch of 2013. Architect Khaled Noman AIA, was the chief guest whose direct contribution was the key factor of this event. Noman is an architect of Bangladeshi origin, living and practicing in Chicago, USA and has generously sponsored to recognise brilliance in design of BRAC University students.

The award is named after him and will be given once every year to students with the best graduating design project. Six projects were selected from two final year studios completed in 2013. Nominated students were Emil Theodore Halder, Cyrus Sohrab Khan, Mahmudul Islam Chowdhury, Rafid Reasat Hai, Ummea Tasmin and Rubaiya Nasrin. Then a jury panel of high experienced professional architects had reviewed and selected the winning project by Rafid Reasat Hai and they also selected another project as jury commendation by Emil Theodore Halder. Professor Fuad H Mallick, Architect Mahmudul Anwar Riyaad and Architect Md Emran Hossain were the members of the Jury Panel.

Celebrating their 20th anniversary, Rang introduced a modelling competition titled "Rang 20-20 Colours." The competition kicked off among much aplomb, with the grooming session taking place on February 22, at Tejgaon Bengal Studio.

Initially from a pool of participants, 24 male models and 20 female models were chosen. At the end of the session, 20 candidates were chosen. The judge of the competition includes Dewan Shamsur Rakib, head of the programme, model and choreographer Tumpa, model Deepa, dancer and choreographer Evan Shahriar Shohag as well as proprietor of Rang Fashion House Biplop Saha and make-over artist Quazi Qumrul Islam. Produced by Shahriar Islam, the programme will be aired on RTV during the month of February.

35% off on Gitanjali jewelers For the month of February, Gitanjali jewelers are offering up to 35% discount on their specially designed diamond jewellery. Necklace sets, rings, ear rings, nose pins, platinum rings, diamond lockets and several other types of jewellery will be available. For details contact Gitanjali Jewelers, Pink City Shopping Mall, Shop-21, Gulshan-2, Dhaka-1212. Phone: 028881759, 01678737707. You may also visit: www.gitanjalijewellerssbd.com.

AVE N U E T TH U RSDAY, FE B R UARY 27, 20 1 4

AVEN U E T TH U RSDAY, F E B R UARY 27, 201 4