West End Festival

Posted on May 31, 2015 by artsnfaffs

Celebrating its 20^th year in business, the West End Festival has returned to Glasgow with bigger acts than ever before.

Festival Founder Michael Dale said:“The 2015 WEF has a lot of big names, including comedian Elaine C Smith, choir composer Mark Carroll, and (the Gruffalo) author Julia Donaldson.

“There is a real mix of activities scheduled: music, shows, food and drink stalls, galas and guided walks through the city.”

Over 100 Glasgow-based organisations have joined the festival, which showcases arts groups and local talent. The festival does this by presenting national treasures alongside hidden gems.

Dale said: “One of the most exciting local acts at the West End Festival will be a collective of Samba players (from across Scotland). The Samba players will be performing at the end of the parade, on the steps of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, and again at the Kelvingrove bandstand.”

He added: “The bandstand will also be hosting lots of local bands (of different genres) on the last day of the festival.”

Another musical must-sees, Dale said, is the WEF Festival of Choirs. This concert unites Glasgow Phoenix, Govan Gaelic, Dublin Airport, Glasgow Philharmonic Male Voice, and the Govan Schools Combined Choirs, at the Govan Old Parish Church.

He said: “Govan used to be in the same borough as Partick, till about 1914, so the choir concert celebrates this connection to the West End.”

Connecting the West End to the international music scene is Elaine C Smith and Christina Dunwoodie’s show, Torch Song Divas. The show (running at Websters Theatre) will examine eternal themes of love, loss, betrayal in a variety of genres.

Dale added: “Torch Song Divas should be great; it promises lots of big song numbers.”

While the adults are bound to love the gigs, Dale explained there is more to the festival than music.

He said: “The festival appeals to people of all ages, for kids there is a series of children’s author talks, both in and outside of schools.”

Among these talks is Julia and Malcolm Donaldson’s appearance at Maryhill Central Community Hall. Here the authors will be joined by illustrator Nick Sharratt, to recount tales from their books.

Books may not appeal to all kids, and so Dale explained interactive family workshops are also sprinkled through the festival.

He said: “There will be lots of workshops, including those ran by the Children’s Wood group (in North Kelvinside). This group offers nature based workshops exploring things like bugs in the habitat.”

For the less green fingered, there will also be workshops ran by professional artists, making costumes for the parade.

The parade, Dale explained, was one of the founding principles of the festival.

He said: “The first festival was in June 1995 and it occurred to me then that we needed a way to promote the event; so I came up with the idea of having a parade, not that I had a one to hand, but I didn’t think it would be too hard to make.

“I met some people who wanted to start a parade in Glasgow, and make the costumes, so between ourselves we created the first West End Festival.”

Although it is an iconic part of the festival, Dale stressed that there is more to the event than the procession.

He said: “The West End comes alive in a special way during the festival. There are events throughout each day, including: exhibitions, concerts, food and drink. Those who have never been to the area before will be surprised just how much there is to do.”

He concluded: “A lot of the festival is free, with many people taking part on a voluntary basis.

“The West End Festival Website has a search function that you can use to find free events each day.”

Merchant City Festival

Posted on May 13, 2015 by artsnfaffs

Preparations have begun for this year’s Merchant City festival and it promises to be the biggest yet. Running twice the length of previous events, the 2015 bill will span July 25 – August 2.

Festival Executive Producer, Lorenzo Mele, said: “The 2014 Festival was exceptional because it supported the Commonwealth Games, acting as the cultural centre for the programme. Last year’s festival brought the city alive with outdoor content and that will continue this year.”

The outdoor content is expected to include acting, circus performances, and of course music.

Mele said: “The festival will include lots of different art forms, but its central element will be music. We have two outdoor stages every year and this year they will host a variety of artists, playing everything from rock, to RnB, and dance music.”

The Brunswick Street Stage will have a marquee with large screen and bar area; while the Emerging Talent Stage will showcase new bands.

Indoors, the Blackfriars Stage will once again feature music acts, but this year it will also become a comedy hub.

Headline comedy and music events will be cost ticketed, however Mele explained the majority of festival events will be free.

Bargain-seekers can enjoy a variety of performances and workshops throughout the day.

Mele said: “We want the festival’s daytime schedule to appeal to as much as the night; so we are hosting a weekday family zone, in Merchant City Square, from 27 –31 July.

“The festival will have interactive workshops for toddlers and parents; music for adults; and this year – for the first time – a programme for those 55 and older.”

Mele welcomed guests from all ages and walks of life.

He said: “The Merchant City Festival is good at bringing the focus on art, but also at attracting members of the public who wouldn’t usually go to gigs.”

He described plans to attract shoppers with interactive fashion and beauty events.

Mele said: “The team are examining ways to make the fashion element of the festival interactive, with things like upcycling and accessorising workshops.”

He added: “We have a Barcelonan act coming to the festival, called Osadia. This group create fantasy makeovers, taking people from the audience and transforming their look with hair and make- up sculpture.

“Osadia performed at the festival last year and they were hugely popular, so we look forward to having them back.”

Another international act Mele anticipates being a hit, is Dutch musician-come- chef: The Screaming, Cooking Prince; whose act does what it says on the tin.

As well as international acts, the festival will showcase home-grown talent.

Mele explained: “One of the highlights will be a UK dance performance called Fragile; a world Premier show from the Motionhouse dance company. It will involve around 25 performers dancing in, on and around JCB diggers. It should be quite spectacular.”

He concluded: “The Merchant City Festival really does have something for everyone. As well as great acts there will be stalls selling food from around the world.”

The festival’s themes include: Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink, and Glasgow’s Year of Green; these themes provide inspiration for organisations hoping to participate.

Organisations hoping to participate in Merchant City Festival can apply for grants of up to £500, through the Get Involved Fund.

Proposals should include specially planned activities that incorporate city space.

Gluten Free Treats

Posted on March 6, 2015 by artsnfaffs

Ever eaten a pizza only to have joy crushed with stomach cramps? Then you might be gluten sensitive. Gluten – the protein in wheat, barley and rye – has been waging havoc on diners for decades.

For some gluten can be a serious (even life threatening) ingredient. These people have Celiac Disease: an intolerance that can cause digestive, bone and reproductive problems. For others (including those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome) it inflicts bad digestion.

So what can be done if you fit either category? Well avoid these grains and you will avoid symptoms. But this is not as simple as it sounds, with many products disguising grain, such as couscous and semolina.

Add to this the temptation of hot baked goods and gluten free life can be hard.

But fear not! There are plenty of tasty substitutes in home cooking or dining out. So here is some temptation -tackling tips:

Home cooking

The key to gluten cooking is getting a good flour substitute. There are a myriad of options including: corn flour, rice flour and potato flour, all of which you can source at Chinese supermarkets.

Corn flour is great for coating/ deep-frying anything (tempura style). It is also good for thickening sauces.

Rice flour – on the other hand – has a pungent taste, which overpowers much home cooking; so is best avoided unless specifically cited in a recipe. The best rice products are fettuccine noodles,which can be steamed, boiled or deep-fried instead of pasta.

Potato flour is contrastingly versatile, suiting both savoury and sweet recipes. Potatoes can also be used to thicken sauces or baking by adding Smash (dried potato substitute) to the wet mixture.

But the freshest way to bake with potato is by using mash to make a cake. Fresh mash can be made the old fashioned way (peeling, boiling and crushing totties) or can be bought pre-cooked, in the vegetable aisle. To use it instead of flour, take the flour weight equivalent and split it into three parts mashed potato and one part ground almonds; before putting both into your mixture. This will make a fresh moist bake.

Another great baking substitute is egg whites, which can be whipped into peaks to make treats like:

Flourless pancakes can also be made by soaking porridge oats in yogurt overnight and frying. And oats’ uses don’t stop there; their chewy texture also make great biscuits, granola, and flap jacks.

Texture is a challenge in gluten free baking, with many flour substitutes unable to meet wheat’s moist elasticity. So, to stop your bakes from crumbling, add ground nuts and fruit wherever possible.

Dining Out

Possible and probable are two different things; while it is possible to bake a gluten free pizza, it is improbable that the base will hold. So why not leave it to the professionals and dine out in a gf friendly Italian, like Paperinios.

Another chain embracing gfree foodies is La Tasca. This Spanish tapas joint offers both gluten free food and beer! Its stock of Estrella Damm Daura will spark joy in the hearts of lost lager lovers.

Surprising treats can also be found in Dakhin, a Glasgow based Southern Indian restaurant. Here foods like onion badgies are made with garum flour, a gluten-free delight.

But if you are looking to lunch (or even brunch) in Glasgow, the Butterfly and the Pig is best. The Bath Street tearoom offers gfree soups, sarnies and cakes (that would make your stomach grumble).

If this sounds good, but you prefer a takeaway treat then why not visit Tapaorganic (a Glasgow gf friendly bakery). With a store in the West End and another in Dennsitoun, Tapaorganic offers Fairtrade coffee to accompany gfree bakes.

So now you see, you can dine like a king without suffering wheat- hangover. Happy eating!

Gdańsk

Posted on February 25, 2015 by artsnfaffs

One of Europe’s best kept secrets is Gdańsk, Poland’s principle sea port. Bursting with culture and not stag-do in sight; it is literally a breath of fresh air.

On a frozen February 2014 my mum and I visited my Dad (a marine engineer) as he worked in Gdańsk. We stayed in an apartment with views of the river and echoes of clock chimes.

These chimes led us to beautiful buildings, eclectic art and cheap cuisine.

So here’s my recommendation for finding the best of the city.

Art appreciating

To cast your eye over Gdańsk’s heritage there is no better place than the Main Town Hall (Ratusz Głównego Miasta). This public building (restored from WWII bombing) is part art gallery, part domestic museum.

After crossing its threshold a multi lingual guidebook explains its Gothic Renaissance paintings, sculptures and wooden replica ships.

This mix of high and low brow art continues as you move upstairs, into an antiquated household, complete with vintage clothes and kitchen items.

Finally a photo exhibition of Gdańsk, pre and post WWII leads you to the exit.

Old and new meet again in the Amber Museum (Muzeum Bursztynu) as contemporary jewellery showcases with historical. Here visitors can see amber finely carved into items, from around the globe.

Muzeum Bursztynu documents Gdańsk’s connection to the material, sourced in Baltic countries and circulated through its hub of merchants. This attraction is a must see for anyone who appreciates sculpture.

Traveling

Aesthetic treats are not confined to galleries; Gdańsk’s streets are awash art and architecture that deserves a walking tour. Moving through them, visitors can’t miss Neptune’s Fountain (Fontanna Neptuna) an icon of the Greek sea god, holding his trident poised.

Neptune is situated in the heart of the ‘Long Market’ a bustling street of cafes and stalls, flanked by the Golden Gate on one end and the Green Gate at the other. Like most of Gdańsk architecture these Gates have Mannerist and Dutch influence that transports you back to a grander time.

Alternativly, for a working class tour, take the ferry across the river to The Crane. One of Gdańsk’s iconic symbols, the Crane was once used to transfer cargoes, erect ship masts and defend the city gates.

Defending the city from ideological attack was the Solidarity (socialist) movement. This movement, which saw shipyard workers fight for better living conditions, is recalled in the Maritime Museum (just next to the Crane).

While these attractions are a wandering distance from the town centre, further ones can be reached via the town’s metro. With cheap tickets, regular trains and colour co-ordinated maps, the lines are easy to navigate.

Dining

Just as easy to navigate are Gdańsk’s eateries; with cafes and bars on every street, all cheaper than their UK counterparts.

The best bargain my mum and I had was at the service of the Pyra Bar, on Garbary Road. This Ikea chic diner transformed potatoes into masterpieces. Its portions were big and included saucy casseroles, potato pancakes and stews. We ordered two casseroles and three pints of beer, getting change from 56 złotych (a tenner).

Then, for fancier fare, we headed to Goldwasser, a bistro overlooking the river. With outdoor seating, lanterns and a gothic interior, it was the perfect place to fine dine. Named after the famous liqueur (containing gold flakes) the aperitif was the perfect end to a seafood chowder starter and steak main. And if all the rich food is too much, you can walk it off – as we did – along the promenade.

Staying

Directly across the river from Goldwasser was my Dad’s working accommodation, where my mum and I stayed during our trip. However, if you stay on the Goldwasser side of town, and walk into its centre, there is a horde of accommodation to choose from, ranging from hostels to hotels.

With so much to see, eat and drink, Gdańsk really does spoil its visitors.

Paris

Posted on February 14, 2015 by artsnfaffs

Paris is known as the city of love; particularly apt if your love is art. In 2013 I took Parisian mini break with my mum (an ex travel lecturer) and we followed my artist twin’s recommendations of attractions. The result was a whirlwind tour of culture, cuisine and carry-on (my mum got berated for touching a sculpture in the Pompidou; hilarious since she is usually the one doing the berating)! We visited famous and hidden sites; learning that a week wasn’t enough to see all we wanted. Some venues were so huge it was hard to know where to start. So here are my recommendations for the pinnacle of Paris.

Art appreciating

Like most tourists I was dying to visit the Louvre, but nothing prepared me for the size and bustle of the place. After locating and joining Mona Lisa’s paparazzi my mum and I hesitated; what to do next? Luckily we noticed Napoleon’s apartments on the map. That’s right, his whole apartments’ interiors ripped out and relocated in the Louvre! They were stunning; a luscious look at how the other half lived. If you want romance in Paris skip the Eiffel Tower (cold queues) and visit this.

Napoleon raised his head again at the Pompidou Centre; where Picasso’s incomplete portrait of him hung. The Post Modern section beckoned me from the many floors of this gallery. If – like me – you enjoy aesthetically pleasing art then this is the section for you. My favourite pieces included one of a burning book, a Sgt Pepper’s style Adam and Eve and a psychedelic black activist’s portrait (pictured below) . For the full experience we rode the building’s transparent escalator and enjoyed the view from its roof.

Traveling

Parisian streets assault the senses, so unless you really have to don’t waste them on the metro. Walking will give you a unique view of the city’s street art and architecture.

Bus tours are another great option, particularly if you want to see the nocturnal illuminations. We used the Big Bus Tour; enjoying its head-set commentary and chilled approach. For the best experience go from Spring – Winter, when it is darker earlier, and wrap up against the cold.

Daytime sights are best taken by canal, with tour boats boarding near the Eiffel Tower and running the length of the Seine. This is the perfect way to relax, away from the hustle of the streets. Boat tours also give an uninterrupted view of Notre Damn and the Louvre (perfect for photo opportunities). We used Bateaux Parisiens tours, complete with open plan seating and live guide commentary.

Dining

Finding good food at reasonable prices can be a challenge in Paris. However, armed with luck (and ex-pat reviews) we found some gems. Not far from the Scare Coeur, Le Relais Gascon is the perfect place for rustic French food. With pastoral scenes painted on its interior and wooden shuttered windows, this rue des Abbesses venue is charming. I would recommend its Tartiflette (potato, cheese and bacon tart).

Near the Moulin Rouge, Le Dit Vin is a hidden gem. Nestled on a street corner, this petite bistro offers tasty wine, seafood and home baking. Its specials board, friendly staff and open plan seating make it a hub of local life. When dining here I would recommend taking a phrase book and attempting some French; as the waitresses really appreciated it.

Staying

Le Dit Vin was just across the road from our hotel, The Rudyard Kipling. As the name suggests this venue had Post Colonial themed décor, with vintage sofas and books in the lounge. The breakfast room had an impressive cave appearance, with stone walls and chandeliers. Its continental fare boasted prosciutto ham, brie and Nutella among other items. Although the hotel was compact we managed to catch our breath from the bedroom’s Juliet style windows. This also provided a great view of the street (perfect for people watching). I would recommend this hotel for its comfort and its proximity to amenities (shops, bistros and metro).

This is just a snippet of our trip to Paris; why not go and see all it has to offer.

Staycations

Posted on January 14, 2015 by artsnfaffs

January is a trying time of year, with many of us facing little money or annual leave left after Christmas. Team this with seasonal hibernation and you have the perfect recipe for cabin fever. How can this slump be overcome? A staycation.

A staycation can be any length of domestic holiday, from minibreak to camping excursion. It may not have the sun of a foreign trip, but with less travel time you can up and go spontaneously. This spontaneity won’t then be ruined by flight delays and hours spent in an airport.

But, I hear you say, ‘British accommodation is so expensive, I could get a package holiday with this money’. Compared to package hotels UK venues are pricier, but with good reason, our minimum wage is higher than that of many countries.

So while you enjoy a UK break you can bask in the virtue of supporting fair pay, local industry and carbon – reduction (from not flying).

Still not sold? Well let me tell you about some great Scottish staycations I have had.

St Andrews

A beach break led me to Kingsbarns in St Andrews. This picturesque town was the scene of a group camping trip, where eight of us pitched up on white sands. Camping gear, food and drink aside, it was free of charge.

My friend’s past experience led us to a perfect spot with a free car park, public toilets and a quiet strip of beach.

The good weather held out all night, so we enjoyed a BBQ, games and campfire before the rain started the next morning. Word of advice; this trip is best saved for summer.

Dunfermline

Another beach break led my boyfriend and I to Charleston, a seaside town minutes from Dunfermline. We took advantage of a daily deal site and got two nights in The Elgin House Hotel, with wine and chocolates for £90. The hotel provided comfy – if dated – accommodation but its bar, garden and seaside view more than compensated.

The next pleasant surprise came in Dunfermline’s town centre. Trip adviser led us to a beautiful restaurant called Ciao Italia with mood lighting, chic décor and gorgeous food. Once full we went to PJ Malones rock bar and enjoyed some live music. The variety and quality of nightlife was amazing; a real hidden gem.

The next day we blew away our hangovers with walks on beach and through the dramatic Carnegie Park.

Drimsynie

Dramatic views were also had at my favourite staycation: Drimsynie holiday village. This gorgeous Highland retreat features log cabins, outdoor activities, a spa, pub, restaurants and walkways. Prices start at around £200 a weekend (for a two bedroom cabin) but splurging could upgrade you to a hot tub lodge.

The resort hosted my Auntie and Uncles’ Golden wedding celebrations and our extended family all had a ball. My cousin brought her dogs and they joined us for BBQs on the porch and long walks. After the communal fun, I chilled with a massage and swim in the spa.

With a perfect mix of private and public space this staycation would be great for couples or families.

If these tales don’t have your feet itching what will?

Budget festive fun

Posted on December 14, 2014 by artsnfaffs

Christmas is a time of joy, but shopping and parties can leave you skint before the big day. So instead of throwing money at it, why not take Noel back to its humble roots. Here are my five tips for budget festive fun.

Bake it off, I bake it off…

Baking is pretty cheap and an easy way to get your house smelling festive. Among the meagre ingredients of your kitchen there’s bound to be a treat. Only got eggs and sugar, well then you can bake meringues! Or combine cereal and melted chocolate to make crispy cakes. No need for cook books, just enter your ingredients into Supercook website and it will provide the recipe.

Missing some vital tool (like an electric whisk) well why not ask your neighbours if you can borrow theirs, Christmas is a time of sharing after all. You can reward this generosity with some of the aforementioned cake.

Give it away, give it away now…

Christmas is a time for giving, so it’s nice to include a bit of philanthropy. Can’t afford a donation? Then why not round up your old clothes and bric-a brac to give to a charity shop. One man’s junk is another man’s kitsch, so clear out the old and make room for the new. To find a charity shop near you, search your post code on Charity Retail’s search engine.

Singing in the rain…

Carol concerts are a great way to get into the festive spirit; not to mention a cheap night out. From churches to high streets, every town has them and they are usually free to attend. You might not be Christian, you might not even like singing, but there is something magical about a candlelight chorus that’s had to resist.

One venue that runs a schedule of concerts is Glasgow Cathedral and details of these concerts can be found on its website.

Watch me now…

With Christmas films the old ones are the best; so look out the TV guide and get them recorded. It’s a Wonderful Life, The Vicar’s Wife, White Christmas and Meet me in St Louis are just some worth digging out. Don’t have a smart TV? Then download sites, charity shops and libraries are good places to source them. But if you do have a bit of cash to splash why go to the Glasgow Film Theatre, which dedicates some of its December bill to such vintage views.

Read all about it…

Libraries, among other council buildings, host great Christmas events. Not just linear celebrations, but interactive craft and literary workshops. This year Dennistoun Library revamped its interior to look like Narnia’s winter wonderland, a perfect setting for its C.S. Lewis- fest. Admittedly this was aimed at kids, but it shows the free festive events that could be under your nose! For Christmas events in Glasgow, check out Glasgow Life’s website.

So take heed, Yule tide celebrations need not cost the earth. Get out there and deck the halls.

artsnfaffs

Julie Shennan

Category Archives: food