Ravinder Bhogal
Can you tell us a little bit about your new book, Jikoni?
Jikoni, which means ‘kitchen’ in Swahili, takes inspiration from my mixed heritage and travels. Born in Kenya to Indian parents, I moved to Britain as a child where I reconciled my pining for what we had left behind with the wonder of our new landscape. What emerged were hybrid dishes that were, in part, acts of self-preservation unshackled by rules or cultural accuracy: this food might loosely be called ‘immigrant cuisine’.
What does Diwali mean to you in 2020?
Diwali is about light overcoming darkness. We have had so much sadness and tragedy this year that I think to celebrate and toast your friends and family even if just from afar is a defiant act of hope and faith that no matter how dark it gets, there will always be light.
What is your favourite dish to cook at Diwali?
The Apple Jalebis with Fennel Ice Cream in my new book, Jikoni - although jalebis are much loved by Indians, they actually come from Iran and these ones take some British inspiration with seasonal apples and beautifully fragranced with saffron and rosewater. A sort of Iranian-Indian-British apple fritter hybrid.
Restaurant/Fashion: Cha Cha x Sister Jane
We originally wrote about this before the new lockdown rules were announced but foodies with a fashionista flare, pay attention. Sister Jane is a London-based fashion brand, creating unique, vintage-inspired designs. They combine whimsical eccentricity with a distinctive style and emphasise unique, unexpected details that are colourful, fresh, and trend-led, while carrying a retro nod. In West London sits the Sister Jane Townhouse- part store, part creative studio and also, home to Cha Cha, a sumptuous restaurant led by Zuma’s Antony Gardlando. However, now we aren’t able to visit in person for the next month but fear not, because both are available online until we can meet up IRL once more. The Mediterranean cuisine with a LatAm twist of Cha Cha, runs from brunch through to late night treats so you could kick off your day with an acai bowl, nibble on wagyu empanadas or salt cod croquettes come lunchtime and then finish off your day with beef tartare or octopus skewers, thanks to Deliveroo. Wash it all down with some of their Cha Cha cocktails that you can also have delivered to your door. As you tuck in to all these treats you can peruse the wares of Sister Jane online and invest in some killer outfits to rock once lockdown is over.
Travel: iMBARC
iMBARC was founded in 2016 as a travel platform for worldly wanderers and creative thinkers. Sharing carefully curated content through their tailored lens, their mission was to transform the world of travel by handpicking unique and enriching experiences; ones that aren’t easily stumbled upon along the beaten path. And then 2020 happened… For iMBARC, it’s always been about reimagining travel, but in this changing world, that mission has taken on a whole new meaning. Now, travel means so much more than hopping on a plane and jettisoning off to your next holiday destination; it means discovering those stories that make our world the exciting and diverse place that it is. While their mission remains the same, it now looks pretty different. They’re continuing to reimagine travel but expanding their ways of doing just that. For every city guide on their platform, you’ll find a list of international films that will deepen your appreciation for foreign cinema; for every travel story you see, you’ll also find their favourite podcasts to transport you to far-off destinations from the comfort of your living room. Travel may be changing but one thing certainly won’t; their commitment to unearthing and sharing with you those compelling stories that will help you continue connecting with our big, wide world.
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Gifts: Homemade Christmas
Christmas is around the corner and now we have some extra downtime at home, why not keep ourselves busy by crafting some Christmas presents for our loved ones, making the gifts that little bit more special. First of all head to Sculpd and buy a home pottery kit, you can create a plant pot, figurine, pencil pot, candle holder and more. Pottery reinvented as they say as you do not need a kiln to finish off your creations. Wool and the Gang have knitting kits for all abilities meaning you can make a gorgeous homemade blanket for the winter months. They also do crochet and embroidery kits if something more small scale is more your vibe. Cross stitch isn't just for the elder generation any more, you can get some very funky, provocative, edgy, inspiring patterns to create a design anyone will love. We particularly enjoy ‘Subversive Cross Stitch’ for some naughty cross stitch inspiration and a good excuse to channel any anger about the year we have had into a passive aggressive artistic gem. If plants are more your friends thing then what about a terrarium kit from The Art of Succulents. Nothing says love like assembling tiny plants in a glass receptacle for those special people in your life right? Lastly, the glorious pompom. We can never get bored of a pom pom, they brighten up anything so check out the Sewcial Circle for some pom-tabulous inspiration and get one of their kits to create banners, advent calendars, mobiles and more. Go forth and craft dear Hotlisters!
Viewing: Netflix binge
Unlike Lockdown 1, the weather for Lockdown 2 isn’t going to be as balmy and sun filled. This means frankly that we won't feel so guilty about setting up camp on the sofa with a cup of tea and 3 kit kats, to binge some good tv. Our top Netflix binge list is as follows:
The Crown, Season 4 is released on the 15th which heads into the Thatcher years (played by Gillian Anderson - amazing) and also Emma Corrin playing Diana. This could be the best series yet! Emily in Paris is a definite binge fest, if only for the outfits and ridiculousness of some of it. We do love Lily Collins though. Love & Anarchy, a new Scandi drama, drops on the 4th November and centres around the flirty relationship between a married consultant and a young IT technician. Based on how much we love The Bridge and The Killing we were sold as soon as we read “Scandi Drama”.
4 part Crime Documentary “Carmel: Who Killed Maria Marata” coming out on the 9th will have us all gripped on what has since become one of the most controversial criminal cases in Argentina. For something a little light hearted and for fans of Ru Pauls Drag Race, ‘A Queen is Born’ is released on the 11th and is touted as a Brazilian mix between Drag Race and Queer Eye. Yass Kween. Lastly as the month closes and the reality of Christmas being round the corner draws in, why not stick on Dolly Parton’s Christmas on The Square, released on the 19th of the month- a Christmas Musical featuring 14 NEW Dolly songs. Yes, yes and yes again.
Reading: November book releases
Perhaps tv binges aren't your thing and you’d rather curl up with a good book instead? Or you want the kids to do ANYTHING but stare at the iPad. Well if so all the following are released this month:
For the little’uns, David Walliams latest book ‘Code Name Bananas’ is released on the 5th November. “Eleven-year-old Eric spends his days at the place that makes him most happy: London Zoo. And there’s one animal in particular he loves: Gertrude the gorilla. With bombs falling all over London, Eric must rescue Gertrude. Together with his Uncle Sid, a keeper at the zoo, the three go on the run. But while hiding out at the seaside they uncover a top-secret Nazi plot…” as you do. Epic hilarity as ever from Mr Walliams. Secondly, ‘The Ickabog’ from JK Rowling comes out on the 10th November. Her first children book since that infamous wizard chap, The Ickabog began in Lockdown 1 and is being released now in time for this Number 2. “ A mythical monster, a kingdom in peril, an adventure that will test two children’s bravery to the limit. Discover a brilliantly original fairy tale about the power of hope and friendship to triumph against all odds, from one of the world’s best storytellers.”
For us adults, how about ‘Barack Obama - A Promised Land’ which is released on the 17th November- The highly anticipated first volume of his presidential memoirs, Obama tells the story of his improbable odyssey from a young man searching for his identity to leader of the free world. For something to warm your heart there is ‘All On The Board: Inspirational quotes from the TFL underground duo’ which comes out on the 26th of the month. You must have been under a rock if you haven't seen one of their beautiful quotes that they leave out on a board in the underground for us all to see. “The duo marked momentous occasions, celebrated artists, legends and heroes, raised awareness of mental health and sprinkled thousands of our daily journeys with positivity, humour and love. Their kind words reminded us all that we're in it together and now, with this beautiful collection of quotes, you can let their inspiring words brighten up and bring joy to your day wherever you are”
Would you like a recommendation based on more than just our suggestions? Because “Hamnet” from Maggie O’Farrell is the winner of the Women's Prize for Fiction 2020 so that’s some good backing to encourage you it’s worth a read! The book is a fictional account of Shakespeare’s son Hamnet. His death inspired arguably Shakespeare’s greatest play and O’Farrell imagines the story in her own way, exploring the incredible bond between twins, and of a marriage pushed to the brink by grief. Not so light hearted but an undeniable page turner. If you want a little professional inspo then look no further than Robert Iger’s book “The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney”. Iger is recognised as one of the most innovative and successful CEOs of our era and this book charts how he increased the value of the worlds largest media company five times over in his tenure. He shares the lessons he learned while running Disney and leading its 220,000-plus employees, and he explores the principles that are necessary for true leadership.
Lastly, ‘Dark Tides’ from Hotlist fave Phillipa Gregory, comes out on the 24th November- this new historical novel tracks the rise of the Tidelands family in London, Venice and New England in 1670. A gripping and beguiling read according to all reviews.
Exercise: One Day at a Time
One Day at a Time is a fitness challenge from ONE LDN, the leading boutique gym in Fulham. As per government guidelines they will be closing from Thursday 5th November. However, they have recently launched a new fitness challenge and it's not too late to get involved, from the comforts of home. One Day at a Time is a challenge designed to help people keep on track by building consistency into their daily life, making it easier to stay healthy, physically AND mentally. The best part: ONE LDN and the #ONEdayatatime community will be there to support you. Each day they will be right there with you to help establish a manageable nutrition and exercise program. They know that in these challenging times it's hard to keep motivated, stay focused and, most importantly, stay on track! We have fewer goals to reach and our new, sedentary existence makes us sluggish and saps our motivation, physically and mentally. Well, not any more! Give their Instagram a follow and check out their YouTube channel for all the daily videos and exercise routines to follow. The short videos are easy to follow and are so easy to fit into even the most hectic of schedules. Trust us, you will thank us!
Food: River Café @ home
From Thursday 5th November when lockdown kicks in, the River Cafe chefs will be extending their Shop and cooking and delivering their vegetables, soups, pastas, fish, meats, cheeses and desserts for you to enjoy at home (within London). As they say, “If you can’t come to The River Cafe, The River Cafe will come to you. Sumptuous top-quality food can do nothing but improve our days whilst we can’t get out like normal. You can order by 4pm Monday to Friday for next day delivery or collection after 3pm and treats include Chestnut and Celeriac soup, Artichokes alla Romana, Slow Cooked Florence Fennel, Ossobuco, Radicchio di Treviso with fresh Oregano, Wood-roasted Pumpkin and Walnut and Amaretto Cake. You can also pre-order stunning gift boxes ahead of Christmas- a gastronomic and visually beautiful gift your family and friends will eternally love you for or treat yourself to some home gifts of your own including candles, vases, kitchen products and decanters.
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Charity of the Month: Movember
Movember are the leading charity changing the face of men’s health and since 2003 they have funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world, challenging the status quo, shaking up men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach and support men. Movember fund projects across prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health and suicide prevention. In 2003, 30 friends grew a moustache to raise awareness of these causes and from these humble beginnings, the Movember movement has grown into a truly global one. They have made epic progress in men’s health, and credit goes to the “Mo Bros and Mo Sisters” around the world- a staggering and inspirational five million since 2003. More than ever, this year has put a strain on all our mental health and so will you join the“Mo Bros and Mo Sisters” around the world and grow a moustache this month and raise funds for these impactful and important projects? The conversation needs to increase and what better way than by growing some facial fuzz and joining a movement of millions. Head to the Movember website to find out more.
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App of the Month: Today in History
Today in History provides headlines, quotes and stunning images of important historical events direct to your phone every day. Created for history, trivia and knowledge lovers, with the app you can find facts and images on more than 100,00 historical items or set notifications to receive daily updates based on events that might interest you. If people from history move you, 'Quote of the Day', delivers timeless wisdom curated from amazing historic figures. You can also immerse yourself in the images that capture historical events as they happened and feel the emotion of headlines that made the world stop and take notice. What’s also brilliant is this app is suitable for everyone aged 4 and up so get the kids involved in the daily learning too.