Trend Dec 2007 / Jan 2008 by Trend Productions Ltd.

trend

the only guide to a moder n life in aberdeen

Aberdeen

C O M P L I M E N TA R Y

DECEMBER 07/JANUARY 08

Frock Talk Suits You, Sir Seasonal style party poppers

Through the Keyhole A peak inside a stately home

Win . . .

Man-i-cure

An overnight stay at two boutique hotels Annual membership to a fashionable ďŹ tness club Designer glasses

Health and grooming for men FASHION

BEAUTY

FOOD

PROPERTY

INTERIORS

REVIEWS

CARS

PROFILE

EDITORS ETCHINGS

Editor’s etchings

Apart from cuddling up on the couch, the only thing that endears me to these cold, dark winter nights is that they secretly satisfy my voyeuristic tendencies. As I pass by, I can’t help myself from taking a sneaky peak inside other people’s brightly lit living rooms and appraising their taste in decor. Being nosey is a prerequisite of a career in journalism - which is why I love the feature in this issue on the magniﬁcent Tillycorthie Mansion. This winter, draw the curtains on nosey parkers like me and try your hand at David Littlewood’s pan fried Balmoral venison dish. The Milton’s award-winning chef has revealed his recipe for the ultimate in seasonal comfort food, which combines warming hotch potch potatoes with black pudding, shallots, and braised red cabbage with a cassis jus. Heaven! If you are a lover of ﬁne food, enter our competitions and you could be enjoying an overnight stay with dinner and breakfast in the opulent Cabanel suite in the Carmelite, Aberdeen, or at Scotland’s Boutique Hotel of the Year 2007, The Bonham, in Edinburgh. There’s also the chance to win one of two annual membership passes to Curves, or a pair of designer sunglasses from Duncan and Todd. Glamorous party wear and accessories from Aberdeen’s most exclusive stores are showcased by local models on our fashion pages. And we bring you news of two new exciting fashion stores opening in the city. It’s your city and your magazine. Enjoy! Best wishes, Niki Tennant Editor

PROFILE

EDITORS ETCHINGS

Editor’s etchings

Contents Aberdeen

trend publishEd by Trend Productions Ltd The Bank 292 Rosemount Place Aberdeen AB25 2YA Tel: +44 (0) 1224 631141 Fax: +44 (0) 1224 622280 info@trendmagazine.co.uk www.trendmagazine.co.uk

dirEcTors Gill Buyers - gill@trendmagazine.co.uk Alison Wilson - alison@trendmagazine.co.uk EdiTor Niki Tennant - niki@trendmagazine.co.uk AssisTANT EdiTor Pauline Fraser - pauline@trendmagazine.co.uk AdvErTisiNg & disTribuTioN Gill Buyers - gill@trendmagazine.co.uk FiNANcE & AdmiNisTrATioN Alison Wilson - alison@trendmagazine.co.uk dEsigN & producTioN EQ Design Limited Cover Image - Cindy Zang Photograph by Ray Smith Photography

FASHION 12 After a Fashion 29 Win Designer Glasses from Duncan and Todd 36 Unique Boutique HEALTH AND BEAUTY 10 Skin care for Men 11 Feed Your Face 38 Win Annual Membership of Curves Fitness Club 40 Spa Review 45 Top 10 Health Tips for Men FEATURES 06 You Said It . . . 09 My Scene in Aberdeen 19 Peter Mitchell: Man About Town 34 My Big Break 43 A Feat for Feet FOOD AND DRINK 24 Guest Chef David Littlewood of The Milton at Crathes 26 Decadent Drinking 27 Cocktails of the Unexpected 28 Deli Delights 30 Restaurant Reviews

12 HOMES AND INTERIORS 22 Gifts Showcase 41 Interior Tips from Ambiance 46 Inside Tillycorthie Mansion ART AND CULTURE 48 Band Review 49 Books TRAVEL 39 Something for the Weekend - Win Dinner, Bed & Breakfast at Carmelite 42 Win an Overnight Stay at The Bonham in Edinburgh MOTORING 52 Rally Rider GADGETS 50 Gadget Inspector Undercover SOCIETY 54 Psst…. Aberdeen’s M ost Glamorous Gatherings 58 Take Me, Take Me….

Contents Aberdeen

trend publishEd by Trend Productions Ltd The Bank 292 Rosemount Place Aberdeen AB25 2YA Tel: +44 (0) 1224 631141 Fax: +44 (0) 1224 622280 info@trendmagazine.co.uk www.trendmagazine.co.uk

YOU SAID IT

You said it... WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD? > Interview by Rebecca Curran

THE

MILTON RESTAURANT & MARQU EE

reelika pukk, 28, Estonia Aside from health and happiness, I hope for lots of laughing and a lot of love in my life next year. I would also love to start a family with my boyfriend in Estonia so hopefully by this time next year there will be a baby on the way!

mark mcgairy, 24, Aberdeen My aspirations for next year are to make £65k by March! By July I'd love to move to Orlando and continue to work in the oil industry. I’m also a freelance journalist so I aim to continue with that in my spare time. Aside from work I’m looking to get over my ex-girlfriend and hopefully ﬁnd a new one!

perfect 5 THE

LOCATION...

...FOR THE PERFECT DAY

Situated on the banks of the River Dee, The Milton Marquee offers a stunning location for your special day and provides the perfect backdrop for our exquisite menus and personalised service.

cameron Terrell, 19, germany Next year I aim to start going to university as much as I am supposed to. I also hope to go out less, sort out my overdraft and get myself into third year of my course! Pretty much what any student aspires to in the year ahead! 06

Emma bell, 17, sunderland Next year I hope to travel to New Zealand and Australia in my gap year. Before I do that I guess I should hope I make enough money working in M&S to fund my trip! It would be good to ﬁnd a nice boyfriend for 2008 but I might wait until I’m in Australia to do that!

robbie carbry, 34, Aberdeen Next year I am getting married so I hope all the organising involved goes without a hitch and my ﬁancée has the day she hopes for. I also want to continue doing well in basketball and, of course, I can’t forget looking forward to Celtic winning the league!

ray mackay, 51, Aberdeen Next year I hope to achieve more than this year - I believe things should only get better! I also have the best intentions to ﬁnish the DIY I have started in my house, with my kitchen to be the ﬁrst on the list!

steven chalmers, 28, Aberdeen I just started a new job as an oﬀshore electrician so in 2008 I hope to progress with my job in every way. Outwith work, I wish for health, wealth and happiness and for my family to have a good year.

OUR WEDDING RECEPTION FACILITIES INCLUDE:

• Marquee Site for up to 200 • Restaurant Dining for up to 100 • Private Dining for up to 30 • An extensive Wine Cellar • Menus tailor-made to your requirements

WE CAN ALSO PROVIDE:

• Pipers • Flowers • Wedding Ceremony • Chauffeur Hire

• Live Music/Ceilidhs • Entertainers • Fireworks • Fun Casinos • Event Organiser • Master of Ceremonies • and much more...

www.themilton.co.uk

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

2007

GRAMPIAN CHEF OF THE YEAR

2007

GRAMPIAN YOUNG CHEF OF THE YEAR

2007

THE MI LTON CRATH ES, B A NC HORY A BERD EE NSH IR E A B31 5QH TEL: 0 133 0 844 566 FA X: 013 30 84 4 3 53 07

YOU SAID IT

You said it... WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD? > Interview by Rebecca Curran

THE

MILTON RESTAURANT & MARQU EE

perfect 5 THE

LOCATION...

...FOR THE PERFECT DAY

Situated on the banks of the River Dee, The Milton Marquee offers a stunning location for your special day and provides the perfect backdrop for our exquisite menus and personalised service.

OUR WEDDING RECEPTION FACILITIES INCLUDE:

• Marquee Site for up to 200 • Restaurant Dining for up to 100 • Private Dining for up to 30 • An extensive Wine Cellar • Menus tailor-made to your requirements

WE CAN ALSO PROVIDE:

• Pipers • Flowers • Wedding Ceremony • Chauffeur Hire

• Live Music/Ceilidhs • Entertainers • Fireworks • Fun Casinos • Event Organiser • Master of Ceremonies • and much more...

www.themilton.co.uk

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

2007

GRAMPIAN CHEF OF THE YEAR

2007

GRAMPIAN YOUNG CHEF OF THE YEAR

2007

THE MI LTON CRATH ES, B A NC HORY A BERD EE NSH IR E A B31 5QH TEL: 0 133 0 844 566 FA X: 013 30 84 4 3 53 07

TREND CONTRIBUTORS

Favourite holiday destination and why? Dubai. Great hotels, food, weather and golf. All time favourite movie? All the President’s Men What cd are you listening to? Paolo Nutini - These Streets Favourite indulgence? Spending a weekend at Rocpool Reserve Hotel in Inverness.

Favourite holiday destination and why? Las Vegas. It’s completely surreal, shops are great, tournament poker is entertaining and they have a restaurant that does 35 types of cheesecake. All time favourite movie? Either His Girl Friday or Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. What cd are you listening to? Mainly things that cause other people to kill themselves, the Bad Seeds, Billy Holliday and bad German heavy metal. Favourite indulgence? Veuve Cliquot and buying wholly inappropriate Christmas and birthday presents for the oﬀspring of friends.

Carol Brown

David Mackie Favourite holiday destination and why? London - Love the vibe of the city. It's so cosmopolitan and has all the things I love: great shops, restaurants and nightclubs, galleries and theatre. Can’t beat spending time there! All time favourite movie? I like lots of ﬁlms and have heaps of DVDs, but recently really enjoyed Atonement at the cinema. What cd are you listening to? Loving listening to The Twang - they are great, and I just saw them in concert. Also really enjoying Rosin Murphy's new solo album,Overpowered. Favourite indulgence? Shopping for clothes... love it! And going out and away with my friends.

My scene in Aberdeen Favourite holiday destination and why? South Africa. it has everything, amazing wildlife beautiful scenery and great food and wine. All time favourite movie? The original Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. What cd are you listening to? Travis, because I’m gearing up to see them for the ﬁfth time later this year at Glasgow Barrowlands. Favourite indulgence? Going to live gigs, 20 by the end of this year - would have been more had I got tickets!

Ray Smith

Derek Ironside

Favourite holiday destination and why? New York. I love how you can never run out of things to do or see. All time favourite movie? Dirty Dancing! I could never get bored of it or Patrick Swayze! What cd are you listening to? Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse. 'Valerie' is constantly playing on my ipod. Favourite indulgence? Having a Sunday oﬀ work and lying in bed ‘til one o’clock and watching the Hollyoaks omnibus!

Alison Daniels

Rebecca Curran

Contributors

Favourite holiday destination and why? For interest, Venice. All time favourite movie? Raging Bull or Das Boat. What cd are you listening to? Luciano Pavarotti. Favourite indulgence? Watching my boys play football.

George Tester jointly runs the International Casino in Aberdeen’s Market Street, having moved the business from Queens Road a couple of years ago. Along with his business partner George Stewart, he is well known in the licensed trade. Since 1981 the pair have bought and run a number of hugely successful ventures in the city including Gabriels, Café ICI, Zig Zag nightclub, the Soda Fountain and Café Society. It was widely thought they had made the wrong decision to move their casino to its new premises in a less salubrious part of town but with that area about to undergo a major revamp it appears the astute businessmen are just one step ahead of the crowd. George Tester began his career as a painter at the age of 15 and when he was just 20 he launched his own construction ﬁrm. He is now 53 and one of the city’s most successful businessmen. Where will Trend find you having coffee? Carmelite Hotel Where do you love to lunch? My favourite place was Café Society on Queens Road (but I sold it!). Who’s your favourite designer? Versace

Where do you go to be pampered? Marbella

Where do you buy flowers? Sims of Aberdeen

Where’s your favourite spot to read the Sunday papers? My garden on a sunny day – as good as it gets.

Who’s the Aberdonian you most admire and why? Any person that started oﬀ life with nothing and worked hard for what they got.

Who cuts your hair? Philip at Ishoka

What about the city makes you most proud? The people and the beautiful architectural buildings.

Where do you work out? I’ve gone to the gym ﬁve days a week, two hours a day, for 30 years. I now train at Cannons.

And what would you change? I would like to change people’s attitude towards people that have got oﬀ their a*** and worked hard! 09

TREND CONTRIBUTORS

Carol Brown

Ray Smith

Derek Ironside

Alison Daniels

Rebecca Curran

Contributors

Where do you go to be pampered? Marbella

Where do you buy flowers? Sims of Aberdeen

Where’s your favourite spot to read the Sunday papers? My garden on a sunny day – as good as it gets.

Who’s the Aberdonian you most admire and why? Any person that started oﬀ life with nothing and worked hard for what they got.

Who cuts your hair? Philip at Ishoka

What about the city makes you most proud? The people and the beautiful architectural buildings.

Where do you work out? I’ve gone to the gym ﬁve days a week, two hours a day, for 30 years. I now train at Cannons.

And what would you change? I would like to change people’s attitude towards people that have got oﬀ their a*** and worked hard! 09

MALE SKINCARE

Male skincare -

UberSlick

The Uber range of products, which include UberSlick and UberSassy for men and women respectively, is a new concept in lifestyle grooming products. > REVIEW BY DAVID MACKIE

They have been launched to a phenomenally warm reception and have been endorsed by a number of high proﬁle celebrities. Uber’s universal unisex appeal gives the stylish woman and image conscious man an opportunity to indulge themselves with this new range of innovative treatments, favoured by the likes of Denise Van Outen and Nick Moran. The range has been created with dedication to the philosophy of using the ﬁnest natural ingredients which are specially chosen and formulated to give the hair and skin a more vibrant and healthy look. With this in mind, I was given a number of the UberSlick products to sample. The shower gel gives you an invigorating kick start to the day, leaving you feeling energized and refreshed. The shampoo left my hair thoroughly cleansed and in good condition. I was also given the opportunity to use The Rehab styling mud and A-List Fix facial moisturizer. The styling mud, whilst being of a good consistency, just didn’t seem to give my hair appropriate hold to see me through the day. However, the facial moisturiser is the product that I would most highly recommend as it greatly hydrated the skin, had a refreshing fragrance and non-greasy texture. Overall, I would say that Uber products are worth trying out as they are made from sound natural ingredients that give noticeable results and I am sure this up and coming range will create a lasting impact within the hair and beauty industry. 10

BEAUTY NEWS

Feed your face

Aberdeen already offers a good range of quality skincare products but there is a new skincare regime in town. > WORDS BY FIONA SMITH

BIOTHERM has hit the shelves in Aberdeen with a range of skincare products for both men and women. With the North-east’s harsh winter weather, there couldn’t be a better time of year to try out this new range. At the core of every product is Pure Extract of Thermal Plankton, which is said to come from natural springs in the Pyrenees. The HYDRA-DETOX range (£13.50-£29.50) can detoxify, re-hydrate and revive all skin types.

Or, YSL have a new pressed powder in their Love collection (£31), which has peachy tones and a pink heart in the middle to use as a highlighter or blusher. There is also the Collector’s Edition of the famous Touche Éclat (£25) to help you stay radiant over the coming months.

Trend’s recommended products for men and women can be found at Boots, Bon-Accord Centre (Biotherm products only available at Boots), Aberdeen; John Lewis, George Street, Aberdeen; Debenhams, Trinity Centre, Aberdeen.

doN’T lEAvE homE WiThouT Dior’s Holiday Collection Complete Make-up Pallette (£45). The compact case has six eye shadows, mascara, lip gloss, blush and a shimmer powder. A real handbag must-have!

And for dry skin, try AQUASOURCE Non Stop (£26), which apparently contains the equivalent goodness of 5,000 litres of spring water in each jar. WiNTEr gloW The sun-kissed look is so last season ditch that bronzer now! During the winter we spend most of our time in a cold, blue light which can make a tan appear dull. Enhance your complexion with products like Base Lumiere by Chanel (£20), which is perfect on its own, as an illuminator, or as a base for foundation.

FIONA SMITH Accomplished make-up artist Fiona Smith trained at the Chanel Make-up Academy in London. She has been working fully-trained for three and a half years nationally and internationally, including a spell working in Moscow. fionaes@hotmail.co.uk 11

MALE SKINCARE

Male skincare -

UberSlick

The Uber range of products, which include UberSlick and UberSassy for men and women respectively, is a new concept in lifestyle grooming products. > REVIEW BY DAVID MACKIE

BEAUTY NEWS

Feed your face

Aberdeen already offers a good range of quality skincare products but there is a new skincare regime in town. > WORDS BY FIONA SMITH

< model: cindy Zang mon cherie Black/fushia burnt out silk dress £650

< bernshaw pop Deep purple satin dress £215

After a fashion

< model: cindy Zang mon cherie Black/fushia burnt out silk dress £650

< bernshaw pop Deep purple satin dress £215

After a fashion

> bernshaw roberta Grey silk dress £395 Necklace stylist’s own

STOCKIST Frox, 28 Thistle Street, Aberdeen. Tel: (01224) 622692

After a fashion

> bernshaw roberta Grey silk dress £395 Necklace stylist’s own

STOCKIST Frox, 28 Thistle Street, Aberdeen. Tel: (01224) 622692

After a fashion

> model: michael hart

Super 120 Grey Wool Suit £450 Light Blue Slim Fit Shirt £100

> model: richie byrne

Gold Trim Enzo Black Shirt £85

Super 120 Black Wool Suit £450

After a fashion

> model: michael hart

Super 120 Grey Wool Suit £450 Light Blue Slim Fit Shirt £100

> model: richie byrne

Gold Trim Enzo Black Shirt £85

Super 120 Black Wool Suit £450

After a fashion

Peter Mitchell

A man about town

The unmistakable Fedora hat has become something of a trademark for one of the North-east’s best known and loved writers. > WORDS BY PAULINE FRASER

And then, of course, add to that his favoured psychedelic jackets and Peter Mitchell certainly stands out from the crowd. I think it is fair to say that everybody knows Peter and he does his best to know everything about everyone! For the past six and half years, ‘Mitchell’s Diary’ in the Press & Journal has become something of an institution. However, since Peter turned 65-years-old in September he has gone into semi-retirement and is now only writing a weekly diary and a photo feature on a Saturday.

> michael hart wears . . .

Black Trouser £110 Black Slim Fit Shirt £70 Black Paisley Print Tie £50 > richie byrne wears . . .

Taupe trouser £105 Taupe slim ﬁt shirt £65 Mid Brown Tie £50 All items Hugo Boss Black.

Stockists: CRUISE 247 Union Street, Aberdeen AB11 6BQ Tel: (01224) 588 573 HUGO BOSS 247 Union Street, Aberdeen AB11 6BQ Tel: (01224) 587 487

Thanks to our models, Aberdeen Football Club, Frox, Cruise/Hugo Boss. Hair by Andrew Gray and Harri Garrick from Biyoni and make-up by Fiona Smith.

Peter said: “Doing the diary has been paradise. I was able to bring into play 40 years in the trade, my knowledge of the area and the people and as a result I got terriﬁc feedback.” He recalls writing about an elderly Aberdeen lady living in Cyprus whom a reader had met whilst on holiday, and she had asked him to send her some ‘Aberdeen rowies’. After reading the diary, a baker from Forres hand delivered some of the local delicacies to Cyprus in special packaging to keep them fresh! He continues: “I was always looking for quirky, little stories; Oﬀ-beat stories that people would be talking about. “It was a tall order to get enough material for the

diary every day but my colleagues also gave me snippets of information.” Peter has spent the last 35 years of his career at the P&J. Prior to taking on the diary he was rugby correspondent and worked nightshift as a sub editor and latterly deputy chief sub editor. He says he just fell into journalism initially as a reporter at the Highland News followed by a stint as editor of the Caithness Courier. However, before embarking on his writing career Peter had a colourful life. Graduating with an MA from Edinburgh University in English and French, as well as a pass in Imperial and American history, he took a job teaching English and American history at a private school near New York. During his time in the States he also crossed America in a bus teaching biology. Returning to the UK he tried to become an actor in London. He even auditioned for the part of a Scottish lorry driver in ZCars in January 1966 but never succeeded. For months he worked as a theatre hand in the capital and got one acting part a non-speaking role as a porter! To survive as a budding actor he did odd jobs, including being a gardener for TV

presenter David Frost! Tiring of the bright lights he returned to Scotland to teach in Edinburgh before ﬁnally starting in newspapers. Peter says ‘Mitchell’s Diary’ has been the best job of his career and it has catapulted him into the public eye as a speaker at many North-east events. And everywhere Peter goes, his trademark Fedora follows. He has since lost six of them but now has a collection of various colours to match any outﬁt! Now in semi-retirement he claims to be discovering shopping, cooking and housework. So could the end be in sight for the popular diary? “I would hope that in the future someone would materialise that could carry on the tradition of a personal diary”, Peter said. But the local paper did once have a columnist called George Fraser who wrote until he was 101 - so there could be life in old Pedro yet!

Peter o n Edinburg graduating at h Unive rsity in 1966

After a fashion

Peter Mitchell

A man about town

The unmistakable Fedora hat has become something of a trademark for one of the North-east’s best known and loved writers. > WORDS BY PAULINE FRASER

> michael hart wears . . .

Black Trouser £110 Black Slim Fit Shirt £70 Black Paisley Print Tie £50 > richie byrne wears . . .

Taupe trouser £105 Taupe slim ﬁt shirt £65 Mid Brown Tie £50 All items Hugo Boss Black.

Stockists: CRUISE 247 Union Street, Aberdeen AB11 6BQ Tel: (01224) 588 573 HUGO BOSS 247 Union Street, Aberdeen AB11 6BQ Tel: (01224) 587 487

Thanks to our models, Aberdeen Football Club, Frox, Cruise/Hugo Boss. Hair by Andrew Gray and Harri Garrick from Biyoni and make-up by Fiona Smith.

Peter o n Edinburg graduating at h Unive rsity in 1966

DUNCAN AND TODD OPTICIANS

the clear choice... Duncan and Todd Opticians may have strong North East roots with its first practice opening up over 35 years ago, but todays it’s very much an international concern what with its array of trendy spectacles and sunglasses from designers across the globe. The Belmont Street practice in Aberdeen with its ideal city centre location, stylish exterior and interior could quite happily sit amongst its optical counterparts in the fashionable European cities of Paris and Milan where eyewear is ‘de rigueur’. The shop’s layout and interior represents a fusion of different influences. The shop floor is contemporary but classic with its mix of cool metal and light wood. The frames are displayed in a mix of wooden boxes and customised wrought iron frame displays. The reception area is small and intimate with the main aim to make patients feel at ease and be able to genuinely forge relationships with the personable staff. Manageress Irene Katrantzi and resident Optometrist Kathryn Simpson head the experienced team. Lesley Grazebrook caringly and accurately deals with all reception and administration duties and you are looked after with the respect you would anticipate from an independent opticians. The quality of service combined with the delivery of distinctive product ranges really enhances Duncan and Todd’s eyecare reputation. 20

Prestigious product ranges play a vital part in the success of the Belmont Street practice of Duncan and Todd where the emphasis is placed on the availability of luxury brands. We’re delighted to feature details from the new collections of two brands with exemplarily reputations each expressing both exclusivity and refined luxury. GUCCI Gucci’s new eyewear collection features styles with a sophisticated exclusive allure that offers the perfect expression of a luxurious, distinctive style. The legendary horsebit icon accentuates the new sunglasses, this time constructed in bamboo, a signature material used by the brand since it was first introduced in 1947. The classic detail, celebrated throughout the years across many product categories, customises both the acetate sunglasses with large, rounded lines, and the metal optical frames with a modern, wraparound style. The design of the models, paired with the timelessness of the bamboo, creates a new

eyewear conceived to appeal to those who place great importance on carefully balancing innovation with an effortless sense of glamour. TAG HEUER Avant-garde eyewear is synonymous with Tag Heuer. A must for every sportsperson or design aficionado, Tag Heuer place the same commitment to detail, design and function to their eyewear as they to do their famous watches. Tag Heuer draws from its experience in the world of sports, incorporating high tech materials, integrated design, and outstanding ergonomics to ensure optimal comfort. In relation to style, they create high quality pieces that exude elegance whilst completely being in touch with the requirements of those who value luxury, excellence, and modernity, and are made of high impact resistance and lightweight materials. In addition to the above luxury brands Belmont Street also stock: CHANEL, CHRISTIAN DIOR, BVLGARI, VERSACE, HUGO BOSS, MAXMARA, JUST CAVALLI, HUGO BOSS With a whole range of eyecare services and exceptional customer service individually tailor-made Duncan and Todd Opticians really can help you see more clearly and certainly make you look more stylish.

Aberdeen 4 Belmont St 01224 644927 and throughout the North East

www.duncanandtodd.com

DUNCAN AND TODD OPTICIANS

Aberdeen 4 Belmont St 01224 644927 and throughout the North East

www.duncanandtodd.com

Gifts... SHOPPING SHOWCASE

Not just for Christmas!

What do you get the person who has everything? We all have someone we struggle to ﬁnd gifts for, whether it is for birthdays or celebrations. So Trend has come up with six funky, unusual and sophisticated gift ideas just for you. 01 Kenneth Turner London range, Hand Wash & Hand Lotion Gift Box £30.

ThE giFTroom Too… Shopping Showcase

02 Gianna Rose Atelier French Milled Soaps, hearts £7.75 each, pink/black gift box with two bars £16.95. 03 Culinary Concept silverwear range, pair of champagne ﬂutes £46, heart-shaped toast rack £25. 04 Pilgrim Danish-designed costume jewellery, necklace £89.90. 05 Seda France exquisite candle range, l-r Japanese scented candle in £24.99, Trio of Votive Scented Candles £12.95. stockist The Gift Room Too. . . 39 St Swithin Street, Aberdeen Tel: (01224) 209727

ow do you open a salon? How do you start up a new venture with just an idea? How do you build up a team of highly trained salon professionals who work together like a family and all have great personalities? How do you compete when you are virtually an unknown? And what on earth do you call your salon?

Now in their ﬁfth year, Biyoni is fairly certain that they’ve answered these questions, and quite a few more. For salon director, Andrew Gray, who, over the last 13 years has worked in some of the UK’s top salons, Biyoni began as an idea to provide the best possible standard of contemporary hair styling, combined with great service and expertise. The idea became a vision, the vision became a mission and the mission became Biyoni. Located in Aberdeen city centre, Biyoni is a salon based on the fundamentals of modern hair care and styling, right from the techniques they use to colour and condition the hair, through to the product ranges they stock. Andrew said, “The way we think can be illustrated by how we choose our products. We don’t pay attention to the glossy sales pitch. Before we make a choice on what to stock, we take a product home and test it, compare it and consider every aspect, from packaging to price. Only when we are satisﬁed it delivers good value do we put it on our shelves… as far as our styling service goes, your hairstyle is not for some magazine centrefold, it’s for real life. We live in the north of Scotland, a million miles away from Milan! What

you really want is a comfortable, wearable look that’s still cool, and that’s what we’re best at”. The business is going from strength to strength. In 2006, they opened a second salon in the picturesque town of Edzell. “We wanted to create an intimate, familiar environment, where people could feel relaxed and at home,” says Andrew. What’s more, to accommodate the Aberdeen salon’s ever increasing client base, Biyoni will soon be moving to larger premises. Andrew said, “I am delighted that after such a short time, we are already planning to expand.” The move will take place at the end of January, with doors re-opening at the start of February. “We have always tried to offer our clients a place they can come and chill out, have a coffee and a friendly chat, as well as receive a great service. My hope is that the move will allow us to further improve our customer service and provide an even more comfortable place for people to come and feel pampered.” In celebration of the new move, Biyoni will be holding a launch party in February for both existing and new clients, where the proceeds raised will be donated to Sue Ryder and Macmillan Cancer Relief. Further details of the relocation and launch will be released towards the end of the year. If you want to find out more about the Biyoni team or the service, visit their website at www.biyoni.com or pop into the salon for a chat. 23

Gifts... SHOPPING SHOWCASE

Not just for Christmas!

ThE giFTroom Too… Shopping Showcase

SPECIALITY DISH

MILTON CHEF

SUCCESS ON A PLATE David Littlewood, Head Chef, and Grampian Chef of the Year 2007, The Milton Restaurant, Crathes, Aberdeenshire > interview by Niki Tennant

Pan fried Balmoral venison, hotch potch potatoes with black pudding, shallots, braised red cabbage with a cassis jus. (serves four)

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE CELEBRITY CHEF AND WHY? Ferran Adria, or Heston Blumanthal. What these guys can do with food is astonishing.

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST KITCHEN DISASTER? A few years ago we lost all the power in the hotel where I worked, 10 minutes before service. It was New Year’s Eve.

WHICH KITCHEN UTENSIL DO YOU FIND INDISPENSABLE? A good sharp knife. (I know it’s boring but it’s true.)

WHAT IS YOUR SIGNATURE DISH? I wouldn’t say I have one. I like to keep changing and trying new things.

WHAT IN YOUR CAREER HAS MADE YOU MOST PROUD? Winning awards is always nice, but it doesn’t compare to the pride I take from satisﬁed customers every day.

IF YOU WEREN’T A CHEF, WHAT WOULD YOU BE? Less bald!!! WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE COMFORT FOOD? Lamb shanks and mash.

NAME YOUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANT ON THE PLANET AND WHY? I couldn’t choose a favourite, but one of the best meals I’ve had recently was at Simpsons in Birmingham. WHAT IS THE SCOTTISH CULINARY SCENE’S BIGGEST ACHILLES HEEL? The lack of good young chefs coming into the industry. Tel: 01330 844474 www.themilton.co.uk

VENISON: INGREDIENTS 4 x 6oz pieces of middle cut venison loin. METHOD Season and seal. Bake for 8 -10 minutes, allow to rest. HOTCH POT POTATOES: INGREDIENTS 4 baking potatoes thinly sliced. 12 shallots, peeled and sliced thinly. 4 slices of black pudding. 4 oz grated parmesan cheese. 150 ml double cream. 1 clove of garlic. Salt and pepper. Pinch of freshly ground nutmeg.

METHOD Lay two layers of seasoned potato slices, lay down caramelized shallots, arrange another two layers of potato, crumble over black pudding, then arrange remaining potatoes, boil cream, nutmeg and crushed garlic and pour over the top.

I glove of garlic. 1 tbspns redcurrant jelly. METHOD Sweat cabbage and red onion, pour in vinegar and remaining ingredients. Cover and cook very slowly for 2-2½ hours, stirring occasionally.

Place in oven at 150 degrees for 35-40 mins. When nearly cooked, scatter parmesan cheese all over and glaze in the oven, press the cake with another tray and leave to cool. Cut into squares for reheating. Place in a hot oven for 15 mins and serve.

CASSIS JUS: INGREDIENTS 1 pint of venison stock. ½ pint chicken stock. I25 ml crème de cassis. 125 ml red wine. 2 sprigs thyme. 1 bay leaf. 1 star anis. 2 oz blackcurrants. METHOD Place the red wine and cassis with thyme and bay leaf, reduce by half, then add venison and chicken stock and reduced to a third. Pass syrupy jus through fine sieve, add the blackcurrants and serve.

BRAISED RED CABBAGE: INGREDIENTS 450 grams sliced red cabbage. 100 grams sliced red onion. 125ml balsamic vinegar. 60 grams brown sugar. ½ tspn mixed spice. ½ tspn ground ginger. 1 crushed star anis.