Art and chocolate at the Open Houses

Today we hand over to another guest blogger, and what a choctastic one it is! We’re huge fans of the Artists Open Houses here at LoveBrighton and today we’re hearing first hand from one of the infamous cake creators that have become synonymous with a trip to an Open House. (For those of you who don’t know, it’s become a bit of a Brighton & Hove tradition to sell tea and cake at the Open Houses during May!)

The Artists Open Houses are on during the 4 weekends in May, so this weekend is your last chance for 2013!

Over to Ev now, from ‘CHOCADYLLIC’ who tells us how her cake making got started, with details of her stall at Farm Mews Open House in Hove….

A few months ago I offered to make my friend Lynne a 'proper' chocolate cake for her 50th, not just a Victoria sponge cake with added cocoa! And so I experimented with different recipes and learnt how to work with chocolate. This is the result:

I carried on baking for my enjoyment, sharing my cakes with friends and family and before I knew it I was selling regular chocolate indulgence cakes to a tea shop in the Brighton Lanes. Soon after, I started to get commissions:

Then I noticed a small ad for the Brighton Bake Off in the Leader and entered this cake:

I was really pleased to win third prize.

From that came more commissions including a cake for Center Parcs.

I then got the opportunity to run a cake and tea stall at Farm Mews, Farm Road, Hove for the Artists Open Houses. My husband Rob came up with a name and CHOCADYLLIC was born.

There are two pretty Tudor courtyards with 15 artists showing their creations. Lovely people and atmosphere, beautiful arts and the best cake in town! Chocolate indulgence cake, wheat free salted caramel millionaires slices, CHOCADYLLIC banana choc chip, truffles, triple chocolate brownies and lemon drizzled cake.

For the last weekend of the AOH I am creating a CHOCADYLLIC show case cake for raffle. Tickets are £1 only.

My founding principle is that my cakes must taste as great as they look.

The raffle prize cake as with all my basic chocolate indulgence cakes serves between 16 and 24 portions, is made of the best quality ingredients including Belgian chocolate, is moist crumbly and deliciously chocolatey.

CHOCADYLLIC open from 11-6pm Saturday and Sunday 25 and 26 May. You can find us at:

• Farm Mews, Farm Road, Hove - half way up Farm Road which is just off Western Road by Hove Kitchen restaurant. Its the second mews!

We’d love to see you!

Ev

For out more about the Farm Mews Collective Artists or check out the Artists Open Houses website at www.aoh.org.uk. You can also join CHOCADYLLIC on Facebook.

Top picks for the Brighton Festival 4-26 May 2013

Today we hand over to another guest blogger, this time it is about the Brighton Festival which runs from 4-26 May 2013. So here is a personal preview by Elizabeth Hughes...

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the bunting is flying and the streets of Brighton are alive with excitement and anticipation. Brighton Festival started on Saturday 4th May and there’s so much good stuff to see in the next three weeks…

At the city’s regal and most historic venue, Theatre Royal Brighton, there are two amazing and very different shows; Between 14 and 18 May a breathtaking, physical act from Australia – Casus will perform a mixture of traditional and contemporary circus techniques in their new show ‘Knee Deep’. The critics call it “awe inspiring” and it’s one of the must-see shows this year.

Casus

The following week, 21 – 25 May there is a stage adaptation of Khaled Hosseini’s much loved and heartbreaking novel, The Kite Runner. I recommend taking a large box of tissues to dry your tears when you go along to this moving production about friendship and redemption in Afghanistan.

The Kite Runner

Both shows run for several days which is great news for those with a busy or a tight schedule. Hopefully you’ll be able to slot at least one performance into your visit to Brighton.

If you are bringing children to the city this May there is a delightful and inspiring dance-theatre show at the beautiful Old Market in Hove (one of my favourite arts venues!) on 21 and 22 May. Varmints is based on the award-winning book about creatures who love nature and defend one small plant against the encroaching, noisy city. It’s a poignant and thought-provoking story which adults and anyone aged eight or over will enjoy.

Varmints

At the end of Brighton Festival, a fascinating play by acclaimed writer/director Lola Arias has its UK Premiere at Brighton Dome during the closing weekend of 24-26 May. A cast of young actors, who were born during Argentina’s dictatorship in the 70s and 80s, reconstruct the lives of their parents in ‘My Life After’. Political but playful, dark and humorous the show will be performed in Spanish with English subtitles on screens at the side of the stage. Using original clothes and objects owned by the actors’ parents it sounds intriguing and enigmatic.

Lola Arias

That’s Brighton Festival for you; profound, provocative, playful and international… I love it for bringing the best of the arts from around the world to our seaside city. Visit the website http://brightonfestival.org/ for full details then pack your sunglasses and flip flops and enjoy.

Churros and the City

When I was little we had a few family holidays to Lanzarote, and one of the things I particularly remember is the Churros. This is a classic Spanish dessert, which is similar to a doughnut but it comes in long sticks rather than a big squishy ball. This is then served with a pot of warm chocolate and / or sugar to dip the churros in. I loved it!

Last week we were invited to the launch of Bellota, the new tapas and Cava bar on North Street. On the night we got to sample some of the food & drink, and lovely as it was, there was no churros. However m'colleague and I spotted that it was on the menu so the following day we decided to go back and treat ourselves.

Churros at Bellota

We were not disappointed! The churros were delicious and the fact they were served with strawberries too meant that none of the chocolate was wasted. So I left safe in the knowledge that whenever I need a nostalgic sweet treat I won't have too far to go.

Last night I went to the Duke's at Komedia and as we had a bit of time before the film started we decided to enjoy a drink in the bar (on a side note I can highly recommend the Dark Star Espresso beer). I was just debating whether to treat myself to a slice of cake when I spotted churros on the menu, so of course I had to order some - purely in the name of research you understand ;)

Churros at Duke's at Komedia

My friend, who is half Spanish, did point out that traditionally Churros sticks should be straighter and longer.  However these were still very tasty, and I successfully regressed to being a child and making a right mess. But I have to be honest, while both were scrummy the Churros at Bellota did have the edge, although you would hope that the Spanish restaurant would serve the best Spanish dishes.

So if you fancy some churros head to Bellota, but if it's a movie you're after then Duke's at Komedia is your best bet ;) On another side note, it had been a little while since I'd been to either of the Duke's and I had forgotten just how comfy their chairs are - I'm so glad that I'm finally a member!

Charlotte

March's Flickr Winner

Well, we’ve been lucky of late down ‘ere, with two – two! – days of wonderful spring sunshine in a row. Those of you in warmer climates may snigger, but oh, it’s so amazing to stroll along the coast without being buffeted, soaked or chilled to the bone. Ooh, speaking of which, there’s a new display at the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery called Chilled to the Bone: Ice Age Sussex, which is all about, ahem, the ice age, in Sussex. It’s got lots of interesting local finds on show, along with the biggest anthropological hoax of the 20^th century: Piltdown Man. Check out the museum’s website for more info. www.brighton-hove.rpml.org.uk

Back to the matter at hand (I like wandering off on tangents, see) which is of course the all-important winner of March’s Flickr competition! March’s theme was Love Food, LoveBrighton, and we had some iconic shots of Brighton Rock and some yummy looking lollipops.

But our favourite photo just had to be this black and white snap of a chap in a hat, eating his lunch at a café in Kemp Town. We really liked the candid nature of this snapshot of the ordinary lunches had by ordinary folks in Brighton. And it looks pretty tasty to be honest – hearty fry-up? Yum.

To celebrate the great, the good and the downright tasty in Brighton, the winner, Mark_Rennocks, has won vouchers to spend at the equally delicious Riddle & Finns fish restaurant in The Lanes. I did try to pose as the winner to win these, but alas, was foiled before my plan had even begun – those pesky scruples! 


Here's a few words from Mark: 

I used to frequent Figaro's Cafe a lot last year when i was working in Kemp Town. I had taken some time away from work for a rest, and to get around and take some pictures again.
On one of my picture strolls I thought I'd pop in and get a bacon sandwich. This guy asked me for the pepper as his breakfast arrived. Well, I saw the steam coming off it, and there you go, the picture.
I live in Brighton and it can be very satisfying for pictures. I like to walk and get in my zone. Then the pictures come. People, Dogs and moments!

The theme for April is Love Light, LoveBrighton and we know, we know, we know, the theme for December was Love LightS, but we’re thinkin’ the brighter evenings will provide some interesting colours and thus, captures. We do think about these things.

So get out in the sunshine, and capture the light in Brighton & Hove, whatever the time of day or night, and get them uploaded to our LoveBrighton Flickr group: www.flickr.com/groups/lovebrighton

Simple, innit.

S-Dog x

News from the Painting Pottery Cafe

UPDATE:
Since publishing this blog post yesterday we've heard about an exciting new event taking place at the Painting Pottery Cafe. “Just because things break, doesn’t mean they are broken” is the title of an art project launched by young artists Jacob Belbin & Karol Michalec in Brighton this weekend (13/14 April). It will be a cross between an archeological dig and a treasure hunt.

Fragments of painted pottery will be scattered around the city, so if you spot one pick it up and follow the instructions! Jacob and Karol will also be handing out pieces of their painted work in mystery locations. The fragments will be reunited at their exhibition preview on Tuesday 16th April at 6.30pm and with the help of the treasure gatherers will be joined to form a ceramic mural.

So keep your eyes peeled!

Today we welcome another guest blogger. Hazel Stephenson is the curator of the new Painting Pottery Cafe Gallery...

In December 2012 I was given the exciting task of relaunching the vacant downstairs of The Painting Pottery Café into a thriving gallery. As a well established art & craft centre in the heart of Brighton we decided to make the most of our prime location and use it to provide a platform for local and developing artists to exhibit their work. As well as appealing to artists who are already exhibiting work, we are also here to encourage those who have never exhibited their work to give it a go! This central gallery provides a great opportunity to gain confidence and exhibiting experience in a relaxed and friendly environment, whilst improving your links within the art world, and promoting yourself as an up and coming artist!

We're currently exhibiting the work of 'The Light-Hearted' three women with a passion for creative photography, with three main interests: Light, water and reflections (which happens to be the name of their refreshing exhibition). This is the first time Cindy D’Roza-Mortimer, Aya Yoshimura and Fiona Wilson have ever exhibited their work, and they've done a fantastic job. All three have lived in other cities before making Brighton their home, their images often provide subtle clues towards the environments they've encountered and the marks they have left of the way they perceive the world.

Come and see their unique interpretation in this exhibition running from 23rd March -14th April. Interested in exhibiting with us? Email: thepaintingpotterycafe@gmail.com with a selection of images you would like to exhibit.

Hazel Stephenson,
Curator of Café Gallery @ The Painting Pottery Café Brighton. http://cafegallerybrighton.blogspot.co.uk 

The Winner of February’s Flickr Competition

Waddup LoveB luvers,

This little mite would like to wish everyone a very happy St Patrick’s Day for yesterday! I hope there were lots of shamrocks, bodhrans, Taytos, Guinness and of course, loads of craic. I am more than happy to say that I celebrated with my favourite Irish woman, Kimberley. We go way back, and she’s never changed; still two soft ginger biscuits, sandwiching white marshmallow with a sugar surround. Like, the best biscuits, eva?

Anyway, enough of that malarkey, back to the matter at hand, which is of course, the winner of February’s Flickr competition! The theme was Love Landscapes, LoveBrighton, and we had some awesome shots, especially of the wonderful light along the seafront as the days began to brighten. And the winning shot played on the idea of landscapes with a ‘birds-eye-view’ from Brighton Pier.

It shows a gull looking a little bit worse for wear with a broken wing and hole in his foot, but nevertheless eagerly surveying the coast that layeth before him… we love the focus of this photograph, with the high definition of the feathers in direct contrast with the blurriness of the buildings which share the same colour. The light on the bird’s face is also wonderful – if only my own cheekbones could be so brilliantly highlighted!

The photographer, Alex, has this to say about his winning photo:  

I've had a place in Brighton for about the past 6 years and although motor sport is my photographic passion, I've been guilty of not exploring my own neighbourhood with a camera. This was something that I decided to change after the loss of my father last year. 

I'd forgotten the pure joy at being able to take your eyes for a walk to see exactly where I live and what is close. You take the ocean for granted, the downs become a gateway to Brighton but if you only ever drive the A23 through them, you've missed their magnificence. The sheer diversity of people never ceases to astound and famous faces mix with locals around here better than most places I visit, so the chance for a portfolio of landscape, portrait, architecture and wildlife means that you'd never really need to go far in any direction. 

Thanks to some wonderful photographers and friendly comments from the LoveBrighton Group here on Flickr, I've been able to witness all of these things that make even things as mundane as walking the dog a photographic possibility. I am by no means a wildlife or landscape photographer but I feel that through the medium of photography, I have been able to grieve a loss and gain a new perspective which will see the launch of a new business venture of my motor sport photography later this year. And in the meantime, I get to continue to wander around Brighton and the surrounding areas when not at work soaking up all the best that the place has to offer! Even when it is a bruised and battered Gull on the pier. 

Alan MacKenzie had introduced me to the wonder of watching the starlings around the pier and I'd ventured out to grab a few shots when this poor guy landed on the railing. He was unfazed by the hordes of people looking at him and almost had an expression that said, 'look all you like, I'm watching the sunset.' I, like most people, had concern for his wellbeing but just as I was about to see if anyone knew if he may be OK, he decided to take to the air almost with a huff that we had intruded his relaxation - which we probably did! With the latest motor sport season about to start, I'm looking forward to it, re-energised from being in Brighton and also knowing that after many years of living in and around the UK, that I've finally found home.

Alex has won £30 to spend at the beautiful Seattle Hotel at the Brighton Marina, which offers landscape views (see what we did there?) along the coastline toward Brighton & Hove.

The theme for March is Love Food, LoveBrighton to celebrate all the yummy goings-on in the city this month. With the Chocolate Festival and VegFest just passed, make sure you’re all at the Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival from 28 March to 1 April in venues across the city, and live demonstrations and markets in the town centre.

I hope we all have a tasty Easter and keep sharing the LoveBrighton Love (and Kimberley biscuits, obviously).

Laterz,

Siobhan x

The Chilli Pickle comes to you...

Today we are going to hand over to Alun Sperring - Head Chef and owner of the Chilli Pickle restaurant - to tell us about launching their new delivery service, The Chilli Pickle Canteen...

As owners of the Chilli Pickle, an independent regional Indian restaurant on Jubilee Square, Dawn and I realised a long term ambition when a smart car carrying our first delivery drove out into the January night.

Outside the Chilli Pickle

The idea of recreating the inventiveness of an Indian bazaar, backstreets restaurant or railway canteen had been taking shape for some time. We’d also had frequent encouragement to deliver favourite dishes from our regular guests, for those evenings when time or inclination kept them indoors.

As you might imagine, we’re frequent visitors to India, making the trip not only for speciality ingredients and to research dishes, but also to spend time in a culture we love. Last year, we visited the former princely state of Hyderabad to learn the secret of the perfect biryani. In Bangalore, we sampled world-famous rava idli. Even stopping by the roadside for a snack in India’s coastal mountains, we were served freshly-made green chilli pakora. We felt that we’d found dishes made to travel, and the concept of the Chilli Pickle Canteen took on a life of its own.

By the start of this year, it was getting harder and harder to keep our plans a secret. With help from some of Brighton’s best web developers and graphic designers, we felt we could unveil a delivery service as distinctive as the restaurant. The online ordering system was hand-coded to our specifications by a local firm, and local illustrator Geo Parkin brought our story to life with a comic strip. The specially designed boxes enclosing each dish are adorned with rangoli, the geometric patterns used to brighten Indian homes during festivals, as interpreted by a local designer.

As far as the menu is concerned, our new inventions join some touches you might recognise from the restaurant. The Grand Thali is a spread of small dishes, designed to show off the best seasonal produce and the inspirations of our Indian speciality chefs. For a speedier dinner, the Railway Tray offers an express introduction to regional Indian flavours. Finally, we pay homage to our Hyderabadi inspiration with a guest biryani – our current offer is a Persian-style mutton version with dried limes, fresh dates, smoked aubergine and harissa sauce.  You can also find the ice creams we make on the premises – and it goes without saying that our signature homemade pickles and chutneys are available too.

We’ve worked hard to show a distinctive experience of Indian cuisine in the home to Brighton’s discerning diners. To try it out, visit http://thechillipicklecanteen.com/order-now.  For Geo Parkin’s comic, please visit http://thechillipicklecanteen.com/inspirations.