AMEERA ABRAHAM
Talks the Business of Beauty
EDITOR’S NOTE
Ameera Abraham is a beauty entrepreneur. She is the CEO and Spa Director of The Nail Bar, founder of Amali Cosmetics and the lead aesthetician at Dermaesthetics.
You might ask what inspired her to enter the beauty business. It began after she sought solace in spa sessions following the loss of her cousin. The experience ignited her curiosity about the connection between self-care and grief management, leading her to explore the beauty industry professionally in 2010. As an avid spagoer, Abraham noticed a gap in the Abuja market after completing her NYSC. There were limited options for high-quality nail and spa services, and she believed there was a real opportunity to fill that void. Having already completed several relevant aesthetics and beauty therapy courses a few years prior, she felt well-prepared to take this leap. She wanted to create something that fulfilled her dreams and catered to the community’s needs. That’s when the idea for The Nail Bar was born, the first of her beauty businesses.
Read Ameera Abraham’s story on pages 8 to 10.
The past few months in Nigeria have been rather hot, and you will be even hotter if you wear the wrong fabric. Linen is the perfect fabric to manage your temperature in this heat because it is breathable and lightweight. That is why our fashion page this week spotlights linen pants and how to wear them. Scroll on to pages 4 and 5 for this.
Happy Mother’s Day to our friends and family in the United States. Scroll to page 14 for special meals Dad can cook for Mum this weekend.
Until next week, enjoy your read.
Onah
@onahluciaa + 2348033239132
AUSTYN OGANNAH
PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Executive Editor: Onah Nwachukwu @onahluciaa
Writer: Johnson Chukwueke
Design & Layout: Olaniyan John ‘Blake’
Digital Media: Oladimeji Balogun
Consulting Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘SunZA’
www.thewilldowntown.com thewilldowntown thewilldowntown
CONTENTS
Full-Body Workouts You Can do Without Leaving Your Living Room
Boluwatife Adesina @bolugramm - Contributing Writer
Boluwatife Adesina is a media writer and the helmer of the Downtown Review page. He’s probably in a cinema near you.
Dorcas Akintoye @mila_dfa_ - Contributing Writer
Dorcas Akintoye is a dedicated writer with more than 2 years prolific experience in writing articles ranging from food, entertainment, fashion and beauty. She has a National Diploma in Mass Communication from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. She loves writing, listening to music and playing scrabble. She is a highly-skilled, enthusiastic, selfmotivated professional writer.
Sally Chiwuzie @unshakable.is.a.state.of.mind - Contributing Writer
Sally Chiwuzie is a non-practising barrister who owns the brand #Unshakable. She is the author of Silent Symphonies, a fictional love story, and the creator of the podcast Chronicles of #Unshakable Truths.
ADEOLUWA OKUSAGA
6LINEN PANTS
WAYS TO WEAR
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
Linen pants are an essential piece for every wardrobe in fashion that strikes a balance between comfort and style. They are ideal for Nigeria’s hot climate, particularly during the dry season, because they are breathable and lightweight. There are numerous ways to style linen pants to fit the occasion, whether you’re going on a trip, running errands, or attending brunch. Let us show you six stylish and easy ways to rock your linen pants and look effortlessly put together.
PAIR WITH A FITTED CROP TOP OR TANK TOP 1
One of the easiest ways to wear linen pants is with a fitted tank top or crop top. Since linen trousers are often loose, a tight top gives you a good shape and helps balance your ensemble. This ensemble is ideal for shopping trips, park walks, and casual get-togethers. Add a crossbody bag, sunglasses, and a pair of slides or flat sandals to complete the look.
STYLE WITH A BUTTON-DOWN SHIRT 2
Wear your linen pants with a button-down shirt for a sophisticated yet laid-back style. You can tie the ends in front for a slightly flirtatious and fun look or tuck it in for a more polished look. This combination is ideal for semi-formal gatherings, workfrom-home Zoom calls, or a romantic dinner date.
GO MONO 3
Try a monochrome outfit to look instantly stylish with little effort. Wearing the same colour from head to toe gives you a clean, put-together appearance. Throw on a statement necklace or add a colourful bag or shoes to break up the outfit slightly.
LAYER WITH A BLAZER FOR A CHIC OFFICE LOOK 5
You can wear your linen pants to the office and still look sharp. Simply wear them with a blazer, preferably in a neutral or matching tone, and a basic camisole or blouse underneath. This gives you a chic and businesscasual look that is both comfortable and classy. Heeled sandals or mules will add a boss-lady touch to this look. You can keep your accessories minimal and sleek for a professional finish.
MATCH WITH A BRALETTE OR BIKINI TOP 4 6
ROCK IT WITH A GRAPHIC TEE OR SNEAKERS
Wearing sneakers and a graphic T-shirt will give your linen pants a more street-style feel. This is perfect for a youthful, urban look. Even though it’s laid-back, it is still trendy. It’s also great for concerts, casual outings with friends, or even airport travel.
Linen pants are the ideal holiday companion, whether you’re going to the beach, a resort, or just spending a weekend away. Pair them with a tube top, bikini top, or bralette for a more relaxed holiday look. You can wear them with an oversized hat, a light scarf, or a kimono to spice things up.
Linen pants are not only stylish but also super versatile. Whether you want to keep things casual or dress them up for an event, there’s always a way to make linen pants work for you. The key is to know what suits the occasion and balance your outfit with the right tops, shoes, and accessories.
Talks the Business of Beauty AMEERA ABRAHAM
Over the years, the wellness and beauty sector has advanced significantly. What was once considered a luxury has become essential to everyday self-care. Skincare, spa treatments, and beauty rituals have become more focused on health and clean ingredients, and we all can agree that in Nigeria, the industry has seen a big shift, with more brands rising to create products that are made specifically for specific skincare concerns and types. Clean beauty, which is all about safe and non-toxic ingredients, is also gaining ground. More people now care about what they put on their skin, hands, and nails, and Nigerian brands are leading the way by offering safe, thoughtful, and effective products that truly work.
Ameera Abraham, an aesthetician, entrepreneur, author, and wellness advocate, is one woman who has played a big part in this growth. She is the CEO and Spa Director of The Nail Bar, a luxury nail spa and wellness centre, and the founder of Amali Cosmetics.Ameera is also the author of The Full Set, a memoir that shares the real challenges and lessons of running a beauty business. Her journey into skincare and wellness comes from a deeply personal place. After being diagnosed with PCOS, she noticed that many popular skincare products worsened her symptoms. This led her to start Amali Cosmetics, a brand that focuses on clean, safe, and effective beauty. Through her work, she has created a space where beauty meets wellness and women feel seen, understood, and cared for.
In this interview with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Executive Editor, Onah Nwachukwu, Ameera Abraham discusses her journey into the beauty and wellness space, what wellness truly means to her, how Amali Cosmetics was born, and the growing power of clean beauty in Nigeria.
What inspired your journey into the beauty and wellness industry?
My journey began in 2007, rooted in profound grief following a personal loss. Shortly after the tragic passing of my cousin, I sought solace in spa sessions, which offered me a glimpse of relief amidst my pain. This experience ignited my curiosity about the connection between selfcare and grief management, leading me to explore the beauty industry professionally in 2010.
Can you tell us what led to the creation of The Nail Bar?
Absolutely! After completing my NYSC, I found myself reflecting on my career path.
“After
completing my NYSC, I found myself reflecting on my career path. Being an avid spagoer, I noticed a significant gap in the market in Abuja. There were limited options for high-quality nail and spa services, and I believed there was a real opportunity to fill that void.”
Being an avid spagoer, I noticed a significant gap in the market in Abuja. There were limited options for high-quality nail and spa services, and I believed there was a real opportunity to fill that void. Having already completed several relevant courses in aesthetics and beauty therapy a few years prior, I felt well-prepared to take this leap. I didn’t envision a future for myself in the corporate world; it just didn’t resonate with my passions or aspirations. I wanted to create something that not only fulfilled my dreams but also catered to the needs of the community. That’s when the idea for The Nail Bar was born. I envisioned a space that combined quality nail care with a relaxing spa atmosphere—something unique for the federal capital territory. It was important to me to establish the very first nail spa in Abuja, where clients could enjoy a luxurious experience while receiving topnotch services. From the outset, I focused on creating a welcoming environment where clients could escape their daily stresses. I meticulously designed the space, paying attention to every detail, from the decor to the selection of services offered. I wanted The Nail Bar to be more than just a place for nail care; I aimed to create a sanctuary for beauty and relaxation. As we grew, I made it a priority to foster a culture of excellence. This meant not only hiring skilled technicians but also providing ongoing training to ensure we stayed ahead of industry trends and maintained the highest standards of service. Ultimately, my journey to creating The Nail Bar has been about passion, community, and a commitment to quality. I’m proud to have built a space that resonates with so many people, where they can indulge in self-care and leave feeling rejuvenated.
As an aesthetician, how has your expertise shaped the services and standards at The Nail Bar? My expertise has profoundly influenced both the services we offer and the standards we uphold at The Nail Bar. First and foremost, I believe in providing customised treatments. Each client’s skin type and concerns are unique, so I assess their needs to tailor our services for optimal results. I also stay updated on advanced techniques and technologies in the field, which allows us to elevate our offerings—whether it’s through innovative facial treatments or effective skin analysis tools. Education is another cornerstone of our approach. I prioritise training our staff on skincare best practices, ensuring that everyone is well-versed in
the latest products and techniques. This not only enhances the care we provide but also builds trust with our clients. Hygiene and safety are non-negotiable for us. I’ve established rigorous hygiene standards that exceed industry norms, creating a safe and comfortable environment for everyone who walks through our doors. When it comes to product selection, my background helps guide us in choosing highquality, effective products, both for treatments and retail. This commitment to excellence is crucial in fostering a reputation for resultsdriven services. Lastly, I focus on building strong relationships with our clients. Providing personalised advice and follow-up care is essential for cultivating loyalty and ensuring they feel valued. By integrating my aesthetic knowledge with a commitment to quality, I believe we’ve made The Nail Bar a true destination for clients seeking beauty and wellness.
As the CEO and Spa Director of The Nail Bar, what have been the most rewarding and most challenging parts of your entrepreneurial journey so far?
The most rewarding aspect of my journey has been the incredible individuals I’ve met along the way. The impact I’ve had on their lives and my contributions to shaping Nigeria’s beauty industry are truly remarkable. However, navigating the industry alone at the outset was a challenge. Finding the right staff and educating both them and our customers on global best practices required immense time, patience, and sacrifice to effectively communicate my vision when it was not widely understood.
What was the defining moment that made you realise you were on the right path?
A pivotal moment for me was being appointed as the Executive Chair for Nigeria by the Spa and Wellness Association of Africa. My ascent to Director of Communications and recognition across various African countries, alongside my involvement in shaping global health and safety guidelines for COVID-19 with experts from the USA, Europe, and Africa, was incredibly validating. There is nothing quite like receiving a global stamp of approval.
personal struggle with PCOS, where I discovered that certain skincare ingredients exacerbated my symptoms. This experience inspired me to create a line of solution-oriented, effective, and safe products for healthy hands, nails, and feet. While the Nigerian beauty market is rapidly expanding, much of it focuses on maintenance products rather than treatment solutions. Amali Cosmetics aims to bridge that gap.
How do you stay updated with evolving skincare techniques and technologies, and how do you incorporate them into your work?
I firmly believe in the power of continuous education. As an academic, I am passionate about sharing my insights and experiences from the past 14 years. I have invested in various courses—spa management, nail care, aesthetics, and entrepreneurship—over the last 18 years, earning a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most educated industry experts. I relish the opportunity to share this knowledge with my team and the broader community. A testament to this commitment is my book, The Full Set, which also serves as an online course offering essential tools for running a successful beauty business.
Sustainability and clean beauty are growing trends. How does Amali Cosmetics approach these values?
Amali Cosmetics is deeply committed to sustainability and clean beauty, values that are integral to our brand ethos. We prioritise the use of locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that our manufacturing processes support local economies while minimising our carbon footprint. Our formulations are designed to be effective yet safe, focusing on treatment-based solutions rather than just maintenance products. We are transparent about our ingredient listings, allowing consumers to make informed choices about what they apply to their skin. Additionally, we advocate for environmentally responsible practices by offering refillable and recyclable packaging. By educating our customers on the benefits of clean beauty, we aim not only to provide high-quality products but also to foster a community that values health, safety, and environmental stewardship.
“I
firmly believe in the power of continuous education. As an academic, I am passionate about sharing my insights and experiences from the past 14 years. I have invested in various courses— spa management, nail care, aesthetics, and entrepreneurship—over the last 18 years,”
What inspired the launch of Amali Cosmetics, and what gap did you see in the Nigerian beauty industry that you wanted to fill?
Amali Cosmetics emerged from my
Through these efforts, Amali Cosmetics strives to demonstrate that luxurious, effective beauty solutions can indeed come from Nigeria and compete on a global stage.
In your book titled The Full Set, you share business tips, can you share one that you believe every beauty entrepreneur should implement immediately?
One of the most crucial tips I emphasise is the importance of education. I firmly believe that education is paramount; you are only as good as the knowledge you acquire and apply in practice. For beauty entrepreneurs, this means committing to continuous learning and staying updated on industry trends, techniques, and technologies. Investing in education can take many
forms—whether it’s attending workshops, enrolling in certification programs, or participating in industry conferences. Each of these opportunities expands your understanding and equips you with the latest skills necessary to excel in this ever-evolving field. Moreover, I encourage entrepreneurs to foster a culture of learning within their teams. By prioritising training and knowledge-sharing, you empower your staff to provide exceptional service and build credibility with clients. A well-informed team can effectively communicate the benefits of various treatments and products, guiding clients to make informed decisions about their beauty journeys. Ultimately, embracing education not only enhances your own expertise but also elevates the overall quality of your business. It’s an investment in your future and in the satisfaction of your clients. By making education a priority, beauty entrepreneurs can set themselves apart in a competitive market and ensure long-term success.
What misconceptions do people often have about aesthetics and skincare, especially in the Nigerian market? There are definitely some prevalent misconceptions in the Nigerian market when it comes to aesthetics and skincare. One of the biggest myths is that effective skincare has to be expensive. Many people believe that only highend products can deliver results, but the truth is, there are plenty of affordable options that can be just as effective. It’s really about focusing on the right ingredients rather than getting caught up in the price tag. Another common misconception is the idea that all skin is the same. People often think skincare is a one-size-fits-all solution, but in reality, every individual’s skin is unique, shaped by
factors like genetics, environment, and lifestyle. That’s why personalised skincare routines are so important—they cater to specific skin types and concerns for better outcomes. There’s also a perception that aesthetic treatments are only for the wealthy. While some services can be pricey, many treatments, like facials or chemical peels, are accessible and can fit various budgets. The beauty industry is evolving, offering more options for everyone. There also seems to be confusion around aesthetics, with many equating it solely with cosmetic surgery. I have encountered numerous “aesthetic clinics” on social media that focus exclusively on surgical procedures. Aesthetics encompasses medicalgrade skincare treatments, such as lasers and chemical peels, as well as modifications using injectables like fillers and Botox. Additionally, the misuse of the term “organic” in skincare has become synonymous with skin-lightening products of dubious quality. Additionally, some people expect quick fixes for their skin issues. While certain treatments can provide rapid improvements, achieving truly healthy
skin is usually a long-term commitment that involves consistent care and routine. Another misconception is that natural ingredients are always safe. While many natural products can be beneficial, it’s important to remember that some can still cause allergies or irritations. Always patch-test new products, regardless of whether they’re labeled as natural. Lastly, there’s this outdated belief that skincare is only for women. The truth is, men can benefit just as much from tailored skincare routines and aesthetic treatments. While the stigma around men’s grooming is changing, there’s still a need to encourage broader participation.
What advice would you give to aspiring beauty entrepreneurs looking to build a brand that stands the test of time?
To succeed in building an authentic and relatable brand, one must embody passion, authenticity, and education. These three pillars
are essential for sustainable growth and the ability to compete on a global scale. Passion is the driving force behind any successful brand. It fuels creativity and innovation, inspiring not only the entrepreneur but also the team and, ultimately, the customers. When a brand is built on genuine passion, it resonates deeply with its audience. Authenticity is equally crucial. In a world saturated with marketing messages, consumers are increasingly drawn to brands that are genuine and transparent. Authenticity builds trust and credibility, which are vital for long-term relationships with customers. Brands that share their story, values, and mission openly create a sense of community and belonging among their audience. This not only enhances customer loyalty but also attracts new clients who resonate with the brand’s ethos. By being true to their identity and values, brands can cultivate a loyal following that appreciates their transparency and integrity. Education is the third pillar that cannot be overlooked. In an everchanging market, staying informed about industry trends, innovations, and customer needs is essential. Educating both the team and the customers creates a knowledgeable environment that fosters growth. An educated customer base is more likely to appreciate the value of a brand and remain loyal to it. Together, these three pillars create a strong foundation for a brand. Passion inspires action and creativity, authenticity builds trust and community, and education empowers both the team and the customers. When a brand embodies these qualities, it not only stands out in a crowded marketplace but also lays the groundwork for sustainable growth. This holistic approach enables brands to adapt and thrive on a global scale, meeting the diverse needs of their audience while staying true to their core values. Ultimately, it’s about creating a brand that not only succeeds commercially but also makes a positive impact on the lives of its customers.
As someone at the forefront of the industry, what beauty trends or shifts are you most excited about right now?
I am particularly excited about the intersection of AI and beauty technology. This realm is truly revolutionary, and I am eager to explore its potential. AI is transforming the beauty industry in remarkable ways, from personalised skincare recommendations to advanced diagnostic tools that analyse skin conditions. This level of personalisation not only enhances the customer experience but also empowers individuals to make informed choices about their skincare. For me, the convergence of AI and beauty technology holds the promise of creating more inclusive, efficient, and personalised experiences for everyone. I’m excited to be part of this journey and to witness how it will shape the future of the beauty industry.
What do you think still needs to change in Nigeria’s beauty industry, particularly in areas of professional training and standardisation? First and foremost, the industry needs recognition from the government. Beauty should not be categorised under the fashion industry; this distinction is crucial. Additionally, establishing a regulatory body is key to setting industry standards. I am grateful to be part of the first technical committee on beauty and wellness services established by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, dedicated to advancing industry benchmarks.
NAIL SHAPE FOR YOU HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT
BY DORCAS AKINTOYE
Your nails might be short, but your chosen shape can tell a lot about your style. In this article, we will write about five nail shapes and when, why, and how you should choose them. From classy to bold, your nail shapes can change how your hands look and feel. Choosing the right one depends on your finger shape, nail length, and daily activities. The goal is to find a shape that flatters your hands.
SQUARE NAILS
Square nails can be identified by their flat tops with sharp corners. They work best if you have flat and wide nail beds. They are perfect for professional and casual settings because the shape gives a neat and polished look. When they are short, they are stronger and less likely to break. Go for square nails if you want something classic, easy to maintain, and simple. However, square shapes might make your hands look shorter if you have narrow nails or short fingers.
Oval nails are like round nails, but a bit longer with narrower tips. They look good on wide nails, making fingers appear longer and more elegant. Oval nails are great if you want something pretty but not too flashy. They work well for jobs, weddings, or anytime you need to look neat and graceful.
STILETTO NAILS
Stiletto nails are long with sharp points, making a bold and eye-catching look. They’re perfect if you enjoy getting attention and trying fun nail designs. This shape helps you express yourself and make a statement. They work best for fashion events and special parties. Just remember, they aren’t very practical for everyday tasks and can break easily if you’re not careful with them.
ROUND NAILS
Round nails are ideal for short nails because they follow the natural curve of the nail. Since they make the fingers appear longer, they are perfect for people with small hands or short fingers. This shape is soft, practical, and less likely to break or snag. This is the ideal option if you frequently use your hands or want a low-maintenance, natural look.
ALMOND NAILS
Almond nails are narrow on the sides with a rounded point, just like the shape of an almond nut. They give your fingers a gentle, longer look and are popular with fashionable people. You need some length for either your nails or fake ones for this style. Almond nails are great when you want something nice that gets noticed. They work well for dates, parties, and showing off cool nail designs. But be careful, they can break more easily and might not be good if you use your hands a lot for tough jobs.
CONCLUSION
Whether you’re going for soft and simple or sharp and bold, there’s a nail shape that fits your fingers, your lifestyle, and your personality. Try different styles until you find your favourite, because your nails should reflect who you are.
OVAL NAILS
Full-Body Workouts You Can do Without Leaving Your Living Room
Start with jumping jacks to increase your heart rate before moving into high knees, which engage your core and legs. Follow this with burpees, a full-body movement that strengthens your arms, chest, and legs while improving stamina. Next, go into mountain climbers, driving your knees toward your chest in a plank position to build core strength. Finish the set with squat jumps, which power up your legs and glutes while keeping the intensity high.
Yoga is a fantastic option for a low-impact but highly effective full-body workout. Begin with a downward dog stretch to wake up your muscles and improve flexibility. Move into warrior II to build leg strength and balance, followed by tree pose to enhance focus and core stability. The cobra stretch is excellent for opening up the back and relieving tension, while the child’s pose provides a calming finish to your routine.
Begin with push-ups, a classic move that strengthens the chest, shoulders, and arms while engaging the core. Follow up with bodyweight squats, ensuring you sink your hips low for maximum leg activation. Lunges come next, challenging your balance and working your thighs and glutes. Add triceps dips using a sturdy chair to target the arms, and wrap up with a plank hold for a full-core engagement.
BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE
Who says you need a gym to get a great workout? Whether you’re short on time, avoiding crowded spaces, or love the convenience of home workouts, there are plenty of ways to break a sweat without stepping outside. Full-body workouts are one of the best ways to stay fit because they target multiple muscle groups, improve strength, and get your heart pumping in one session. The best part? You don’t need fancy equipment, just your living room, a little motivation, and maybe your favourite playlist to keep you moving.
Start with bicycle crunches, twisting from side to side to target the obliques. Transition into Russian twists to further work the sides of your waist, followed by leg raises to strengthen the lower abs. Add a plank with shoulder taps to engage the core while building upper body stability. Finish with a Superman hold, lifting your arms and legs off the floor to strengthen the lower back and improve posture.
Try a Tabata session if you’re short on time but still want an effective workout. This highintensity interval training method involves short bursts of intense effort followed by brief rests. Start with jump squats to fire up the legs, then drop into push-ups to strengthen the upper body. Plank-to-knee taps will challenge your core and stability, while reverse lunges provide a great lower-body burn. End with burpees for a final all-out effort.
You don’t need a gym or expensive equipment to stay fit—your living room is all you need. The key is consistency, so stay motivated and make home workouts part of your routine. Most importantly, have fun while breaking a sweat.
The Cardio Circuit
The Core Crusher
The Yoga Flow
The Tabata Blaster
The Strength Builder
BON APP É TIT
EASY GOURMET MEALS
Dad Can Make to Impress Mum
BY JOHNSON CHUKWUEKE
There’s something incredibly romantic about cooking for someone you love.
Whether it’s your first dinner together or your hundredth, preparing a meal with intention, style, and a touch of flair can turn an ordinary evening into a memorable date night. Gourmet doesn’t have to mean complicated. With the right recipes and a sprinkle of creativity, you can whip up meals that taste like fine dining without breaking a sweat (or your budget). Let’s help you become the ultimate kitchen charmer with easy gourmet dishes that’ll impress your partner and satisfy both your appetites.
Garlic Butter Steak With Herb Potatoes
If you want to go all out with something that screams “lavishness,” a perfectly seared steak should be at the top of your list for date night with mum.
Choose a good cut like ribeye or sirloin. Sear in a hot pan with garlic, butter, and rosemary until it’s juicy and caramelised. Serve with baby potatoes roasted in olive oil, herbs, and sea salt. It’s a classic combo that’s indulgent yet simple to execute. You will have your partner’s eyes feasting before their mouth tastes it.
Lemon Herb Salmon With Asparagus
Try oven-baked salmon drizzled with lemon juice, dill, and a touch of honey for a lighter but still gourmet option. Pair this with roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach. It’s elegant and nutritious and pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine.
Creamy MushroomTrufflePasta
Pasta can be incredibly delightful, especially when it involves truffle oil and cream. Cook fettuccine and toss it in a sauce made with garlic, mushrooms, heavy cream, and parmesan. Add a drizzle of truffle oil for that fancy, restaurant-style finish. Don’t forget fresh basil for a burst of colour and aroma.
Caprese Stuffed Chicken With Balsamic Glaze
For a hearty and romantic dish, stuff chicken breasts with fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes. Bake until juicy, then drizzle with a balsamic reduction. It’s colourful, cheesy, and swoon-worthy.
Chocolate Lava Cake For Two
No gourmet dinner is complete without dessert. This gooey, decadent chocolate lava cake is surprisingly easy to make. You only need dark chocolate, butter, eggs, sugar, and flour. Serve with vanilla ice cream or fresh strawberries for extra romantic points.
In the end, it’s not just about the food—it’s about the experience. Cooking together (or for each other) is an act of love; when you serve delicious meals with heart, it’s guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. So, tie your apron, pop the wine, and let your kitchen be the stage for your next romantic adventure. Bon appétit.
MOVIE REVIEW:
Thunderbolts
How was Hawkeye in the Avengers? That’s always the old joke, that some guy with a bow and arrow shouldn’t be sharing equal billing with super soldiers and sorcerers. Yet the genius of the original run of Marvel films was how it melded the cosmic and the street level, making characters like Black Widow mortal and yet still invaluable to the team.
That’s where Marvel has struggled in recent years, as the two halves of its identity have increasingly diverged. Thunderbolts*, the 36th film in the franchise and the final chapter in Phase 5, doesn’t try to bridge that divide. Instead, it jumps directly into it, asking how the gun-toting antiheroes of its darker side cope in a universe of gods and monsters.
In the comics, the Thunderbolts have been one of Marvel’s loosest teams: originally a bunch of villains masquerading as heroes, the name was later repurposed for a rehabilitation initiative to get superpowered crooks on the right side of the law. In the script by Eric Pearson (Thor: Ragnarok) and Joanna Calo (TV’s The Bear), the members desperately don’t want to be in a team at all. Well, all save the Red Guardian (David Harbour in fullthroated “gleeful idiot” mode). He has never been happier than with the possibility that he could count U.S. Agent, John Walker (Russell), unstoppable mimic Taskmaster (Kurylenko), the untouchable Ghost (John-Kamen), newly minted Congressman Bucky Barnes (Stan), and of course his adopted daughter, professional assassin Yelena Belova (Pugh), as comrades. Oh, and Bob.
BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA
Who is the delicate and confused Bob (Pullman)? He’s some guy that the not-a-team picks up along the way. They’re all loose cannons, the kind of morally flexible killers sent in to clean up someone else’s mess with bullets and explosives. As Yelena’s late sister Natasha Romanoff would say, they all have a lot of red in their ledger. Natasha worked out how to navigate this superhero life in a way that eludes the increasingly disillusioned Yelena who, like the rest of the Thunderbolts* (that asterisk is very deliberate), have been earning a living as assasins for the new CIA Director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (a delightfully unrestrained Louis-Dreyfus).
Much as the original Avengers film finally brought the big team together after five teasing solo adventures, so Thunderbolts* brings the crew together after solo introductions in everything from Ant-Man and the Wasp to Disney+ series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. That means most of the character development heavy lifting has already been done, so the cast can just jump straight into the sarcastic, brutal fun. Russell, for example, has particular fun in making former Captain America Walker both infuriating and infuriatingly useful, much to the frustration of his definitely-not-teammates. But it’s Pugh as the war-hardened Yelena who provides the brittle soul of the team in her off-target search for redemption.
Speaking of redemption, director Jake Schreier (Robot & Frank, Paper Towns) is the latest director in the indie-to-Marvel pipeline. It’s a selection process that has had its ups, like how Ryan Coogler brought Afrofuturism to the big screen in Black Panther, and its downs, like Nia DaCosta’s muddled The Marvels. In some ways, Schreier’s addition to the MCU is reminiscent of the franchise’s greatest failure, Chloé Zhao’s turgid Eternals, but only in that it adds a new visual language. This time it’s in service to an actually worthwhile plot, and possibly the biggest reorientation of the MCU since Doctor Strange added magic to the equation. It’s also one of the MCU’s most nuanced stories, using worldsaving antics to examine how childhood trauma is processed through guilt and selfpunishment, leading to a final act that is both great action and an emotionally charged trip. The Thunderbolts* may not be the Avengers, but they’re the heroes we need now.
P.S Stick around for the two post-credit scenes. They’re good!
Rating: 8/10
Here’s the paradox that powers all the best showbiz satires: Even when a work is surgically dissecting Hollywood’s mix of idiocy, excess and egotism, its wild tangle of money and fame, that same work will deliver a moment of such spectacular, transcendent movie magic that all will be forgiven.
The Studio, a new limited series streaming on Apple TV+, recognises some of that crazy contradiction, being both a poisonpen letter and a swoony valentine to the film industry.
The show follows Matt Remick (Seth Rogen), newly appointed head of the fictional Continental Studios. Matt, a nice, neurotic and “desperately needy” guy, comes in with a starry-eyed belief in the importance of creative artists and original work, and his first assignment is to make a summer-tentpole, four-quadrant blockbuster based on the Kool-Aid brand.
As Matt’s ideals devolve into a series of compromises, failures and outright screwups, directors Rogen and Evan Goldberg, along with writers Alex Gregory, Peter Huyck and Frida Perez, somehow deliver a clever, hilarious, super-cynical industry takedown that is also unexpectedly earnest and sweet about the possibilities of cinema.
The Studio is slyly self-aware about its own genre. It picks up on many of the tricks and tropes that have made movies-aboutmovies popular with insiders and everyday audiences ever since things kicked off in Hollywood back in the early 1900s.
The eight-episode season is packed with cameos and callbacks. Ron Howard, frequently described as “the nicest guy in Hollywood,” gets to explode that persona in a hilariously mean-spirited, foulmouthed drop-in.
Look for Zoë Kravitz, Olivia Wilde, Anthony Mackie, Aaron Sorkin and Ice Cube. At one absolutely excruciating point, Matt makes the 82-year-old Martin Scorsese weep. There are cineaste in-jokes about “40-take Fincher” and A24 horror movies being seen only by “pansexual mixologists who live in Bed-Stuy.” And there are loads of movie references, from Chinatown to Weekend at Bernie’s
The Studio is also making more serious points. Showbiz satires tend to zero in on the movie
business’s historical stress-points — the end of the silent era, the breakdown of the studio system, the shift toward multi-platforming, multinational corporate conglomerates.
Rogen and Goldberg and the scripters are clearly reacting to today’s issues — the Hollywood hamster-wheel of sequels, franchises and remakes, the bizarre uses of “Intellectual Property,” the creepiness of AI.
But the larger problem looming over The Studio is the threat to the whole theatregoing experience, as streaming services, often owned by giant tech companies, grab an ever-growing share of the attention economy.
That brings up a new showbiz-satire paradox. The Studio laments the death of the movies from the vantage point of Apple TV+. This is a limited series on a streaming service that makes fun
of limited series on streaming services. There are digs at Netflix and jokes about “TV people.”
Even as the characters are getting genuinely nostalgic about old-time movie palaces and the grain of real film, The Studio itself leans — perversely — into the pleasures of the couchbased viewing experience. Its delicious snack-sized, selfcontained weekly episodes clock in around the 30-minute mark, and that’s a big part of the show’s appeal.
So what does that mean for the movies?
Cinema always seems on the verge of ending in showbiz satire, as art and commerce fight to the death. Fortunately, while the genre has been around for almost a century, the movies haven’t ended yet. And there’s some optimism in this series, for all Matt’s disasters, disappointments and Kool-Aid-related moral and creative concessions.
As he says, “When it all comes together and you make a good movie, it’s good forever.” Matt means it, and so does the show.
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