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Fantasy Wine List

Martin Flageul
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Fantasy Wine List

Fantasy Wine List
words | Martin Flageul

Maybe it is not only the wine that brings back memories of what a real “fantasy wine list” might contain. The company you are with, the food served, the location and ambience will all add to the enjoyment of great bottles. I have had the great fortune to share some wonderful experiences with many such people, sadly some no longer with us. So my fantasy wine list would have to include the following wines.

Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Grand Siecle vintage 1990 was served at lunch at Château Louvois, the home of the late Bernard de Nonancourt, past President of Laurent-Perrier and as host of a party from all corners of the world he had invited to see France compete and win the World Cup Final in great style over Brazil in 1998. This champagne was the first production of Grand Siecle to carry a vintage and subsequently only two more vintages of this fantastic cuvée were produced. Always produced with only wines from the finest Grands Crus vineyards Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Grand Siecle is now always a blend of three top vintages. The single vintage which was produced in 1990 was outstanding with tremendous body, structure and backbone yet retaining elegance from the Chardonnay which is the hallmark of Laurent-Perrier’s style; truly one of the greatest champagnes I have ever tasted.

On a visit to meet one of the outstanding names in the world of wine, I dined with Monsieur Louis Latour at his Beaune offices in 1981. Having been the importer of his Burgundy wines since 1961, this was an invitation by Louis Latour to continue our trading partnership for the future. The company Victor Hugo Wines had just been formed and a group of directors and their wives from Ann Street Brewery Company were invited to meet the Latour family. A very memorable bottle of Corton-Pougets 1947 was served at lunch and the memory of this wine still lingers. The fact that it had only travelled a few kilometres from its time on the vine to the time it was enjoyed in the glass might have had something do with it but the wine was so abundantly fruity, with amazing red-berried flavours and still with some soft tannins making it a truly great Burgundy. Today the vintages offered are more recent but the quality of Louis Latour wines, particularly from his own Château Corton Grancey is unsurpassed.

My longest standing friend in the wine trade is John Salvi, Master of Wine; he became my mentor way back in the early 1960s when he introduced me to slightly chilled glass of St Emilion with grilled fillet of bass; fantastic match! Having had the pleasure to visit Bordeaux on many occasions it was in 1981 that we met at the very first Vinexpo wine exhibition and John invited me to Château Palmer in Margaux to taste a range of vintages. The late Peter Sichel, co-owner of Château Palmer, opened a bottle of the 1961 vintage and the amazing complexity of this wine remains with me today; the powerful aromas of blackcurrant, with hints of vanilla and delicate violet scent following through into the mouth were outstanding. Whilst the soft fruit flavours and gentle floral tones were caressing my taste buds a whole powerful explosion of grape and oak tannins were also apparent… this wine will last forever I thought and it is still youthful in its style today… so maybe it will go on forever!

So my “Fantasy Wine List” will remain very much a fantasy but my great friends in the wine trade and their wines will live on in my memory forever.
 

If you can take the heat… Get into the kitchen

Sarah
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If you love food, chances are you’ve fantasized about escaping the rat race and running a cute little beach café somewhere, owning your own vineyard or baking cakes all day.  Who hasn’t, eh?  But what would it be like to live out your fantasy?  Is it really a dream come true, or just a lot of hard work?  Gallery spoke to four local foodie entrepreneurs who’ve turned their culinary passions into their career, and finds the proof is in the pudding…

 

Lesley Garton,
The Chilli Kitchen
Local jam and chutney maker Lesley Garton’s business began in late 2008, when she started making preserves using only local produce. Just over two years later, The Chilli Kitchen has expanded to include a range of more than 30 chutneys, relish, jams, jellies, a cordial, a squash and a hot chilli oil, available at the island’s Farmers’ Markets.

How did it all start?
We have four large Bramley apple trees in the garden of our farm, and there’s only so much apple crumble my family can eat, so I started to look at other ways of using them.  During a visit to Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage, I came across a great recipe for Indian Spiced Apple Chutney and now it’s my best seller and none of our apples go to waste.  It’s been such a success that I completely ran out of apples last season and had to get extra from friends.
What were you doing before?
I worked at Social Security, but left to bring up my two daughters, Lucy who is eleven and ten year-old Beth.
What’s been one of the hardest obstacles to overcome?
The high cost of product insurance almost stopped me from starting but through my Membership of the Genuine Jersey Products Association I now get it free from Islands Insurance who sponsor the Association.
What have been the highs and lows of the business so far?
One couple bought some Twisted Sister Hot Tomato relish while they were here on holiday, and loved it so much they were sneaking it into the hotel restaurant to add to the food!  They ordered more jars as soon as they got home, and have been back to Jersey to pick up even more!  I love the idea that they just can’t live without it.  As a result of that I now regularly send jars to customers in the UK.  And the low point?  It would have to be December last year, when it started snowing on the day I was due to trade from the much sought after Genuine Jersey market spot just off King Street, and we had to pack up early in a blizzard.   
What’s been your biggest achievement so far?
Selling every last jar during La Fête dé Noué’s Christmas Market at Weighbridge Place.  It was a great market and I loved meeting and talking to all the people who came down, the feedback was great and has given me the energy to do it all again this year.
How tough is it to run your own food business?  
It is hard work – when you’re not making or selling your products, you’re thinking about them, but I’ve enjoyed working for myself and getting to know some of the local growers.  
Any advice for wannabe food entrepreneurs?
Keep it local.  Give my husband (John Garton) a call at Genuine Jersey, he’s been a great help to me!
The Chilli Kitchen  
Tel: 737277
Email: thechillikitchen@jerseymail.co.uk
 

Emma Carlton,
Sweet Inspirations
Chef Emma Carlton has always had a passion for puddings, and after spending years in pastry kitchens turning out five-star desserts, she launched her own business “Sweet Inspirations” in 2009, producing a range of patisserie products including her award-winning sticky toffee pudding which you can pick up for yourself in the island’s Co-op and Waitrose stores.

How did you get into dessert making?
From a young age I loved to bake at home in the family kitchen. I’d always dreamed of being a chef, and after catering college my first chef’s position was at a five-star hotel in Newcastle where I was lucky enough to train with a Parisian patisser.  
Was it a straightforward transition to running your own business?
Not really. After spending many years working within the catering industry in different roles, I decided to take a break.  Working for a telecommunications company was a completely different challenge which gave me a new set of skills and also enabled me to take a step back and consider my future.  I had a strong desire to return to my passion, but at the same time, I wanted to work for myself.  
What have been the main obstacles and pitfalls?
The main obstacle was finding the right kitchen premises that would suit the business and still be reasonable enough for a start up.  There have been plenty of pitfalls, but I’d say one of them has been discovering which advice is sound… or not.  The most valuable lesson I’ve learned has been to listen to myself.
Tell us about the highs…
2010 was an amazing first year for the business.  Launching at supermarkets and restaurants across the island, as well as a restaurant in London was incredible.  But I’ll never forget the Good Taste Awards at Fortnum and Mason where the sticky toffee pudding was awarded three gold stars – the highest rating an artisan food product can achieve.  For a first-timer, the result was incredible.  I had to pinch myself the whole evening!
And the lows?
It’s really hard work and at times, absolutely exhausting. Not everyone sees the same potential as you, so I had to knock harder on some doors to achieve results.  Thankfully I’ve had incredible support from friends, family and customers.   
What’s it really like to run your own food business?
It takes a lot of hard work and many hours to achieve results.  But when those rewards come, sometimes unexpectedly, it’s even better than you could have possibly imagined.  
Any advice to wannabe food entrepreneurs?
Believe wholeheartedly in your products and your capabilities.  Take the rough with the smooth, be prepared to learn and most of all enjoy what you do.
Find out more about Emma Carlton’s pudding range at www.sweetinspirationsjersey.com
 

Paul Talbot,
Jersey Coffee Cart
Jersey’s brand new pedal-powered Coffee Cart has become a regular sight around the streets of St Helier, selling piping-hot coffees and even freshly made galettes and crêpes.  But how did it all begin?  

Where did the coffee cart idea come from?
I was visiting my uncle and aunt who live on a barge in St Katherine’s Dock in London, and on my way to London Bridge one morning I spotted a three-wheeled Italian coffee car one morning.  I started researching them online, found my coffee bike and fell in love with it!  Ding ding!
What were you doing before?
Lots of things!  I’ve been a stonemason and a lifeguard, but after studying 3D design at Brighton University, I came back to Jersey and became involved in the Arts Centre where I stayed for three years, organising outdoor events such as the dawn concerts and the summer solstice celebrations. And yes… it was me who brought over the big wheel over!
What have been the obstacles and pitfalls?
Last year’s rainy August was definitely a pitfall – I’m praying for a good summer this year!  Finding good staff is always a challenge, I’ve been lucky so far and it’s all been by word of mouth, so if there’s anyone out there who fancies themselves as a barista and crêpe-maker extraordinaire, then get in touch!  
Tell us about the highs and lows…
The highs are anything from observing the children's faces as they watch you make crêpes to the interesting people you meet.  I met this really interesting Irish couple last summer who lived on a boat in the harbour.  I ended up on their boat a few times over the summer, singing Irish songs and listening to their endless jokes and tales.  One of the best things about the coffee cart business has been the friends I’ve made amongst the other food stall holders.  We all look after each other, and trade goods. The lows – cleaning up after an event!  
Is running your own food business amazing – or just a lot of hard work?
I really enjoy working for myself and once you start so many doors open.  It is very hard work and it is by no means easy, but it’s worth it, I would recommend it to anyone!  
Biggest achievement so far?
The crêpes. I had the idea on a Thursday, went to France on the Friday to buy equipment and by Saturday I was making and selling them at an event.  It’s amazing what you can learn on YouTube!
Any advice to wannabe food entrepreneurs?
Do your market research, find your niche and don't put all your eggs in one basket. Try to keep your overheads down in the beginning, don't be afraid to ask your friends and family to help out.  Speak to Jersey Enterprise they helped me out a lot.  And good luck!
Find out where the Coffee Cart’s going to be next by following it on Facebook or checking the website – www.coffeecart.je
 

Jamie Racjan,
Fungi Delecti
With 15 years of experience growing and supplying the finest ingredients to chefs here and abroad, Fungi Delecti is truly a local success story of turning your passion into your profession.

Fungi Delecti began…
…almost as a challenge as part of a university trial.  Could we grow shiitake mushrooms traditionally – organically and on logs – in the British climate?  When my father Mick started growing a fantastic quality of shiitake mushroom, and all our family and friends were sick of eating them all, it was agreed I’d start taking them to Jersey’s hotels and restaurants. I was armed with a make shift invoice book, an industrial quantity of mushrooms and a “rabbit in the headlights look” that told everyone I didn’t have a clue about what I was doing. I did have a great product though.
And where’s Fungi Delecti now?
We’re still growing shiitake but also producing our own herbs, baby salads, micro vegetables, hens and duck eggs.  We also have a thriving wholesale side to the business sourcing the latest and very best ingredients from around the world.  
What have the obstacles been?
The same as everyone – cost.  Every twist and turn that our business has taken has had to be invested in from scratch.  
The highs and the lows?  
There haven’t been too many lows, just a few things we would have probably done differently now. The highs are too many to mention.  It’s thanks to the fantastic chefs and business people we deal with that we are where we are now.  Another high is to work with John Garton of Genuine Jersey.  It’s through John that we are able to host the students from Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant every year, which is an amazing experience.  
How much work has it taken to get Fungi Delecti to this point – and is it still fun?
It is still a joy to get up and go to work in the morning! After all, there aren’t too many people in Jersey who get to start their days by listening to a request on an answer phone at 3am asking us to source a really good quality Crocodile tail. (Thanks to Danny Moisin from Danny’s Restaurant for that one!)
Biggest achievement so far?
Family!  Without a second’s hesitation, Fungi is and always has been a family business.  We all live on site and Fungi has become our way of life. Think of us as the Jersey version of the Waltons and you won’t be far wrong…
Any advice to wannabe food entrepreneurs?
Wholeheartedly belive in what you are doing. Show your passion and drive on your sleeve and always be willing to work harder and longer than anyone else.
www.fungidelecti.com

A Walk in the Park?

Nicola Eastwood
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A walk in the park?
Not quite with Baby Boot Camp.
words |  Nicola Eastwood

Every Monday and Wednesday morning during the summer months anyone visiting Millbrook Park could be fooled into thinking they were somewhere in the Hollywood Hills or some similar celebrity residence.

The latest trend in Mummy fitness exercise regimes, favoured by the likes of Madonna and Anna Friel has come to Jersey and is proving extremely popular with Island mums. Baby Boot Camp is the brainchild of Boot Camp Jersey founder Hugh Jones and the interactive classes are run by experienced fitness trainers Rachael Tanguy and Claire Dupoy.

The buggy based classes combine a mix of strength training and cardiovascular exercises, which mums and babies can enjoy together. The sessions are varied, catering for all fitness levels and this trendy way of toning up offers mums with little ones from six weeks to pre-school a completely new exercise experience.

No excuses!
The team is really flexible and all sessions are interchangeable so if you’ve had a bad night’s sleep or your baby is unwell it’s no problem, simply miss a week and come along to another session.
Bad weather doesn’t provide an excuse either, mums are asked to bring waterproof buggy covers and during the winter months, sessions take place at St Peter’s Community Centre where working out to music adds to the fun!   If your baby is asleep, needs feeding or changing it’s not a problem, the instructors will work around you and your babies’ needs.    

Qualified Instructors
All Baby Boot Camp instructors are fully qualified in both pre and post natal fitness and will guide you safely and effectively during the workout sessions.

Join up – Free taster session
It really couldn’t be simpler to get started, your baby must be at least six weeks old and you must have had your post natal check up, then just turn up for a FREE 'taster' session.  Baby Boot Camp is a great way to beat the baby blues and get fit.  The fun filled workout helps to:  
– Burn off excess ‘baby fat’
– Improve core stability
– Tighten and tone muscles, including the pelvic floor!  
 
all of which will help you look and feel like a truly yummy mummy!  If you’d like to know a little more email
rachael@ bootcampjersey.com
or call 07797 831484
 

Why Baby Boot Camp
Classes keep you motivated with constant support and encouragement.
There’s no need to worry about child care as baby comes too!
Class sizes are small and personal attention will help keep you on track.
We understand that with a new baby you may not always be able to commit to sessions, so pay as you go or mix and match your Boot Camp classes.
You don’t need any fancy equipment, just bring your buggy.

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Andrew McPhail
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I’ve never been all that big a fan of compiling lists as to which brand new artist is to break in a given new year.  There’s no doubt I’ve picked musicians and producers to watch, but the odd ceremonial coronation of polls like the BBC’s Sound of 2011 seems to generate inorganic hype around artists that may not actually deserve it.  The lists may serve as nice indicator for music fans to either religious subscribe to or reject in outrage that a certain buzz band wasn’t included but the idea of music and the “sound of 2011” is far to fluid a concept to be condensed down into a list of 15 decidedly hit and miss artists.  Still, one can afford a chuckle that the winner of BBC poll this year, Jessie J, has previously written songs for Rihanna and Miley Cyrus, while the runner-up James Blake, has been creating heartbreaking music that sounds like nothing anyone has ever heard before.

 

POP
Rebecca & Fiona – Bullets
Single – Out Now
Scandinavians just have it all don’t they.  Great schools, amazing public transport, booming economies, the right to an internet connection enshrined in law, and a ridiculously high proportion of attractive women.  It’s also been the case that the vast majority of forward thinking pop music has come from Scandinavia (in many cases performed by those attractive women I may have mentioned earlier).  “Bullets” from Rebecca and Fiona is 3 minutes of perfectly packaged pop that puts Britney’s bro-step experiment to shame.  

Christian TV – When She Turns 18
Single – Out Now
Genuinely, what did the Dads of the world out there do to deserve this track?  Ok, so you don’t like your Dad, he didn’t let you go on that date with that boy you’ve totally had a crush on since he smiled at you in math class, but even that horrible man doesn’t deserve a song like “When She Turns 18”.  This Christian TV character creates a story that when that milestone age comes, his girl is obliged to decide between the man who raised her and the one who just took her round the back of the bikes sheds.

HiPHoP

Lil B – Angel Exodus
Mixtape – Out Now
Lil B is a character that I don’t think I’ll ever be able to understand.  After following “The Based God” on twitter, I was able to bear about 20 caps lock typed, nonsensical tweets before clicking the “unfollow” button.  Yet despite his erratic behavior, Lil B’s new mixtape “Angle Exodus” serves up a solid selection of fresh beats to marvel in.  It may not reach the heights of previous mixtapes “I’m Thraxx” or “6 Kiss”, but it proves Lil B still has much to offer.

Ludacris ft. Nicki Minaj – My Chick Bad
Single – February 23rd
Why did Nicki Minaj have to go and tarnish her pretty stellar reputation by appearing on this second rate, two-bit track from a rapper that really should know better.  The rhymes are tacky and obvious and the beats so stale and boring that I advise you to quickly listen to the latest Kanye record after subjecting your ears to “My Chick Bad” –
just to remind you that not all hip hop has to sound this bad. 

indie

The Soft Moon – The Soft Moon
Album – Out Now
On his debut album, Luis Vasquez aka The Soft Moon has created a shadowy, tense and dark atmosphere more akin to the ambience of a future dystopian empire than a recording studio in San Francisco.  From the visceral “Circles” to the haunting “Tiny Spiders”, Vasquez possesses an innate ability at building soundscapes of a post-apocalyptic world.

Brother – Darling Buds of May
Single – Out Now
Roll up, roll up, depressed fans of Oasis, and prepare to be remedied by the second-rate, Brit pop ruffians of Brother.  Despite being able to claim with a straight face that he thinks they will one day be the biggest band in the world (well at least big enough to play Loftus Road), the front man of Brother seems desperate to breathe new life into a dead, rotting corpse of a genre.  It all seems in a rather bad taste to rejuvenate Brit pop again, and judging from the facial expressions of the drummer in TV interviews, we’re not the only one feeling embarrassed.
 

electro

Unkown – Sicko Cell
Single – TBC
Ever since Burial, it’s been a little bit edgy to remain anonymous, if the track’s as good as “Sicko Cell” it can even go on to create buzz that exceeds all expectation.  It’s true that anonymity brings with it a certain added mystery to the music, and the style of this current hype track seems well suited to the producer’s reluctance to reveal his identity.  With hypnotic, pitch-shifted vocals announcing, “I’m the information – cocaine powder”, and the dark blend of samples and opposing bouncy synth line, the track is perfectly suited to shady, inner city basement dance floors.

Fenech-Soler – Demons (Sigma Remix)
Single – February 6th
It’s easy to sit back and denounce dubstep in it’s current form, the “filthy” drops, the “dirty” beats, while sitting in a rocking chair claiming that things where better back in the day.  The reason it’s so easy, is because it’s so true.  The current label of dubstep represents a brutish, loutish culture of moshing to the most repulsive sounding beat and remixes like Sigma’s of “Demons” keep on perpetuating a scene and sound that have been in artistic decline for years, yet somehow are able to draw in the previously mephedroned masses. One can only help that “dubstep” doesn’t stick around for much longer.
 

Ghosts in the Machine

Steve
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Katie Perry, an adult size Scooby Doo costume and swing music from the early 1930s. When it comes to fantasies we each have our own thing. Quite a common fantasy is that of becoming a rock star. The fame, the music and of course the groupies. There’s even Adult Rock n’ Roll Fantasy Camps where you can get taught how to act like a Rock n’ Roll God by the likes of Tommy Lee and Ace Frehley. But what if you don’t have thousands of pounds spare to spend on a weekend with one of the stars of Grand Funk Railroad? This month sees the release of a new local comedy detailing the journey of an indie rock band trying to do things the hard way. From the imagination of writer-director Andrew McGinnigle comes Ghosts of Rome.

The story surrounds Tommy Nero as he desperately tries to hold his band (the titular Ghosts) together amongst clashing egos, a talented new member and a competitive local music scene. Like the best comedies it steps on the borders of tragedy with the laughs coming at the expense of the band. The obvious comparison here is with Spinal Tap but whilst the all time classic mockumentary is cited by Andy as an inspiration there’s no main characters talking to the camera. Other influences include The Office, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Peep Show. Apart from being three of the greatest shows in the history of television these three share a dark vein of rich character-based comedy that Ghosts hopes to emulate.

From the polished look of the finished product it’s hard to believe this is Andy’s first film. He has however been honing the premise for a number of years. With the name first generated on an American road trip a few years back the script has been through a number of drafts before Andy decided he’d reached a shooting draft. Still, not even the greatest of filmmakers can do it all alone and Andy wisely chose to surround himself with some of the island’s top film and music talent. Assisted by producer extraordinaire Toby Chiang WHC Productions managed to find a cast of islanders who don’t just act but who also have the chemistry to be believable as a group. With a grant from Jersey Arts Trust, Fortress Films were brought in to help with the technical side of things. Andy gives much credit to his namesake Andy Evans and the whole Fortress crew for helping him with the steep learning curve associated with any directorial debut. Providing added authenticity and a local flavour The Speedways chipped in to help with the writing and recording of the songs.

Though the local film scene has been going from strength to strength in recent years there has been very little in the way of comedy. I guess that’s because with comedy the fear of failure is greater. Like everyone has a unique fantasy, everyone has a different view on what’s funny. With greater risk what often results is a greater reward. The comedy genre has a greater potential to reach a bigger audience than the more niche offerings that are sometimes found at Branchage. Andy and the rest of the team certainly hope so with a big premiere screening taking place at Cineworld before the film is shipped off to various film festivals.

And what next for the band – the difficult second album? Though he remains tight lipped about future projects Andy will admit there’s potential for the story of the Ghosts to keep going.

Ghosts of Rome 2: When in Rome?

The Ghosts of Rome premiere takes place at Cineworld on the 5th of February. For more information head to www.ghostsofrome.com

The Beaver

Steve
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In recent years Mel Gibson has not so much courted controversy as made a Tom Cruise-about-Katie-Holmes-on-Oprah-like declaration of love toward it. From racism to homophobia to misogyny to directing brutally violent films about the death of Jesus Christ he hasn’t left a stone unturned in his bid to offend pretty much every human being on the planet. You’d think then as his comeback film he’d select some kind of sure fire hit. Maybe a big money adaptation of a beloved property or the next instalment of a hit franchise? He was slated for a cameo in The Hangover 2 but certain comments (take your pick) caused the cast and crew to demand his sacking. Instead, he has opted for The Beaver.

You’d be forgiven for hearing the title and thinking Gibson has taken the Chicken Run route and gone for the safe option with a CGI Kids animation that hides his face from the general public he seems to despise so much. This is not the case. The Beaver is the story of a depressed CEO of a toy company who after finding a Beaver puppet begins to use it as his sole means of communicating with the outside world. This controversial therapy (reminiscent of the magnificent Lars & The Real Girl) allows Gibson’s character to stand outside his rapidly collapsing life thereby enabling him to finally open up to his wife and children and be more creative at work. The real challenge comes when he has to leave The Beaver and live his life for himself.

On every level this is a risky project. Whilst a hugely recognisable star and pretty much an American institution, Jodie Foster has hardly set the world alight in her two previous feature directorial efforts. Despite having topped the 2008 ‘black list’ of unmade screenplays with most potential this is still Kyle Killen’s first produced feature script. Only God knows (maybe Mel could ask him. They seem to have a good relationship) how the producers intend on marketing such a film to a public weaned on a diet of predictable 3D and remakes of things they’ve seen time and time again. Maybe the only area without risk is in the casting of Gibson. Could there be a better fit for the role of a man in search of redemption via the strangest of means?
I’m not preaching forgiveness or acceptance for some of the things Gibson has said and done over the last couple of years. I think in some cases though you have to forget about the persona and instead think of the performance. As his other cast members and Beaver puppet will attest this film should be far more than solely the Mel Gibson recovery project. I guess I just want to live in a world where a film about a man who deals with his problems through talking to a Beaver puppet can be a mainstream success. Take a pen, draw a smiley face on your hand and ask it – isn’t that the kind of world you want to live in too? 

 

With The Oscars coming up it’s a huge month for golden statue contenders. Picking a lead feature would have been a difficult task if it wasn’t for the editor’s dual obsession with Lethal Weapon 3 and semi aquatic rodents. Strangely this also seems to be the month for dropping absolute stinkers on the general public. I guess the movie studios don’t want to leave out those without taste.  

First in line for your attention are the Coen brothers with their remake of John Wayne classic True Grit. Jeff Bridges takes on Wayne’s iconic cowboy in a battle of The Dude vs The Duke. The brothers have stated that they’ll be taking their cue from Charles Portis’ novel rather than the 1969 film and returning the point of view to the character of 14 year old Mattie Ross. To be honest the original film shows its age (Glen Campbell?!) and was always ripe for a remake. Interestingly Bridges and Wayne could be the first two people to win the best actor Oscar for playing the same character.

Grit topped the US Box Office and quickly became the Coen brothers’ biggest grossing film of all time. Joining the brothers in their march into mainstream conscience and award contention is auteur Darren Aronofsky. His film Black Swan has possibly even more of an awards buzz surrounding it. Starring Natalie Portman, this psychological thriller is set in the ultra competitive world of ballet and follows Portman’s White Swan as she is forced to confront her dark side in the form of The Black Swan (Mila Kunis). The film looks to be a flight of dark fantasy featuring switched identities and mind bending visuals. Conversely it is also very much a companion to Aronofsky’s 2009 The Wrestler with both investigating the physical and mental toll of high pressure jobs.  

 

If you’re looking for something on the slightly lighter side than the latest from Pegg and Frost hits this month. They’ve done horror comedy, they’ve done action comedy, sci-fi comedy had to be next. Paul is the story of two sci-fi nerds who meet a real life alien (voiced by Seth Rogen) and end up going on a crazy road trip. Unlike Shaun and Fuzz, Edgar Wright won’t be behind the camera but there is little to worry about as Greg Motolla (Superbad, Adventureland) steps into the director’s chair. That’s not even mentioning the A-list supporting cast including Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader amongst others. The problem with most genre comedies is a lack of knowledge of what they are paying homage to. If you’ve ever seen Spaced then you’ll know for sure that won’t be a problem here.

From The Beaver to The Bieber. I think Justin Bieber: Never Say Never 3D is a far more distressing prospect than Mel Gibson talking to his hand. To be completely honest I don’t know a great deal about The Bieber. From the music video I saw I think he might have been adopted by Usher and mentored by him in a kind of Obi-Wan Kenobi – Luke Skywalker deal. He seems to have a weird obsession with babies too. Still, I’m more excited about catching the Bieber fever than Big Momma’s House: Like Father, Like Son. Surely this is the kind of film straight to DVD was invented for? Just don’t go and see either of these monstrosities. If nothing else I’ve mentioned excites you, then there’s boxing biopic The Fighter and James Cameron-produced Sanctum on offer too. They have to be better than Martin Lawrence vigorously flogging the fat suit dead horse.

Local in London-Scott Nixon

Nina
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Jersey born DJ, pro-snowboarder, skateboarder, graffiti artist, husband and soon to be father of two little girls, Scott Nixon is really a man of many talents. Now living in London with his wife Mags, little girl Minnie and another wee lass on the way, Scott’s concentrating on making music for a living rather than playing it these days. I caught up with Scott to find out what he’s been up to lately.

Let’s start at the beginning – how did you first get into playing music?
I started DJing with a friend of mine Jon Bardsley. He bought some 2010s first, so we started making mix tapes of new, found Acid/Rave music. Shortly after that, I purchased my own set of 2010s, and had them set up in a spare room at my grandparents (I originally took them home and set them up, started mixing and within seconds my Dad said ‘Nooooo way!’ as I’d just sold my guitar and amp!) My first ‘proper’ gig in Jersey was with the CBH crew at La Château St Ouen when they used to do full on jungle nights (this was about 1991-92). A mate of mine Black Nelson introduced me to the boys and they gave me a shot. This led me to setting up a few nights at the Bloc and the Buvette with DJ Purple (Rich Kegg).
And so when did you first get into snowboarding?
A good friend Kerry Manning used to go away for the winter seasons snowboarding and I really wanted to give it a go. I was skateboarding a lot at this time and it looked similar, although you could do airs a lot bigger on a snowboard. My auntie and uncle went skiing every winter and one year they asked me if I wanted to come along and try snowboarding out. It was still a very new sport back then and I kept breaking the boots and bindings. So, I saved up and bought my first Burton AIR6.1 snowboard for the following season. The bug had bitten, so I quit my job at the JEC and went to do my first season with a couple of mates in Meribel 1993. Since then, I have done fourteen winter seasons and about ten summer camp seasons, picking up sponsors such as Vans DC, Airwalk, Gnu, Bent Metal, Sims, Von Zipper, Gotcha, Special Blend, Independent and Arnette. I competed in the early years, but I sacked if off to concentrate on all mountain free riding, which appealed to me more as it wasn’t as stressed out as competing and you could be more creative.
Your snowboarding career led you onto your DJ career in a way, didn’t it?
Well, I took my records everywhere (they’re the best free beer tickets), so I got to DJ at quite a few events, like The Big Day Out, Board X, Air N Style, British Champs etc. I also went to Pakistan with a group of other snowboarders and skiers for an event – I decided as we were going to be at a high altitude of 5000m that I could set the record for the highest DJ set. To cut a long story short, I did play a set and recorded it but I didn’t bother to submit the info as we had a really bad time with altitude sickness. We were stranded at base camp at 5000m for a week due to bad weather and the temperature dropped to -28C and we were only equipped for -15C, not fun!!
When did you sign to the breakbeat label Fingerlickin’?
Through snowboarding I met Justin from Fingerlickin’ Records and at the time I had started making tunes. He was interested in working with me and promote a DJ/ snowboard crossover thing. Around the same time my wife Mags and I had been promoting a night in Chamonix together with Knowledge Mag, inviting DJs such as Beni G from Jack Beats, Aquasky, Darren Jay and Shimon. I became good friends with Shimon and when I moved to London, we started making tunes together for Fingerlickin’. We released five tunes that did well and I started to get booked to DJ at clubs such as Fabric, Ministry of Sound, Heaven, The End etc. I was stoked! More recently I’ve DJed in Paris at the Grand Palais for the Tony Hawk Show, which was madness. I warmed up for French DJ Bob Sinclair; there was about 8000 people, and some sick skateboarding, that was a mental buzz for me and one of my DJ highlights.
I understand you’re making music for computer games now – tell us a bit about that?
Yeah, over the past few years I geared my music towards online/ TV/games. On one hand, making music for companies like Quiksilver and Billabong and in the other music for ESPN – two opposite ends of the spectrum. With Quiksilver for example, I have been creating the music and sound design for their adverts online, check out the Kelly Slater KS10. More recently I’ve been working on the Hubble Google ad, the music for Billabong’s Air N Style and a track on a rugby ad for ESPN. On the gaming front, I’ve created three custom tracks for the new DiRT3 – part of the Colin McRae series. This is out in April some time but I hope to be doing more music for games in the future.
To hear some of the tracks that Scott’s been making of late please check out www.youtube.com/user/scottnixonmusic and to find out when he’s next playing go to www.myspace.com/djscottnixon

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SUBJECT_SEE

Sideshow@ YarnFest, The Social, Little Portland Street – As part of this year’s Yarn Fest, local artist Jason Butler will be exhibiting a collection of images alongside poetry by Will Burns entitled ‘Sideshow’. The exhibition is designed to articulate and illuminate the sensory experiences of the Victorian fairground sideshows. Drawing on the linguistic, visual and cultural folk memory, the collection sits perfectly as part of YarnFest’s storytelling theme and examines how a folk entertainment from our shared past resonates with us still.
www.sideshowstories.wordpress.com

 

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SUBJECT_SEE

Sunday morning at Columbia Road Flower Market – Instead of buying roses from on overpriced florist for Valentine’s Day this year, go down to Columbia Road Flower Market and grab yourself a bargain. Every Sunday the street is transformed into an oasis of foliage and flowers with expert advice from all the stall-holders, some of whom have been in the business for 50 years with their pitch being passed on through the family for even longer. From herbs to banana trees on sale and bedding plants to orchids – it’s every green-fingered lover’s dream.
www.columbiaroad.info 

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SUBJECT_SEE

Magic Lantern at he V&A Museum – Like a moth drawn to the flame, the alluring glow of artist Mat Collishaw’s new installation in the V&A Museum’s uppermost dome, the crown cupola, is currently grabbing the attention of South Kensington passers-by. The Young British Artist’s creation is a light based, site-specific installation consisting of an enormous zoetrope. The work comes alive at dusk each evening, with the hand-crafted, fluttering moths shining like a beacon. A smaller replica zoetrope is also on display in the Madejski Garden for those interested to experience the work up close. On display until 27th March, this commission is not to be missed.
www.vam.ac.uk

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SUBJECT_BUY

Bordello, Great Eastern Street, Shoreditch – Bordello, Great Eastern Street, Shoreditch
Whether you have a weekend away planned for Valentine’s Day this year or just after some luxurious lingerie, you’ll find what you’re looking for in the boutique aptly named Bordello. Decorated like an old movie star’s boudoir with its antique bed and dressing table and draped silk curtains it provokes an atmosphere of Victorian eroticism. The exquisite, delicate lingerie, vintage feather fans, diamante suspenders and sequined nipple tassels for sale, mean these boudoir accessories are no longer props of the burlesque pros. The friendly staff will sell you all you need to become the next Dita Von Teese!
www.bordello-london.com

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SUBJECT_EAT

Saf Restaurant, Shoreditch – Simple Authentic Food, Saf for short, is Shoreditch’s brilliant vegetarian restaurant famous for bringing the Californian raw food phenomenon to London. Using only 100% botanical and organic food with no animal, dairy, refined or processed elements, classic dishes such as fettuccine get a reworking using wafer-thin ribbons of salsify rather than pasta. All dishes are presented in the prettiest and most unusual way plus the botanical cocktail bar uses herbs and edible flowers grown in the kitchen’s garden. The knowledgeable staff are very friendly and helpful providing a warm, welcoming atmosphere bringing green-minded gastronomy to a new level.
www.safrestaurant.co.uk
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A Jersey Girl in Paris

Louise Hannah
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A Jersey Girl in Paris

Each month former Jersey girl Louise Hannah brings you the inside track on where to go, what to see and what to eat and drink in Paris.

Last September I left Jersey’s golden shores for the hustle, bustle and beauty of Paris.  It’s quite rightly referred to as the world’s most stunning city, and even though I’ve been here for five months, I’m still surprised on a daily basis by the sheer gorgeousness of it all: its smell (Paris has its own distinctive perfume – a mixture of strong coffee, cooking food and well-dressed women), vaunting buildings, galleries packed to the rafters with world-renowned art and a skyline peppered with some of history’s best loved landmarks.  With such a feast for all the senses, it’s hard for islanders to know where to start.  This diary aims to give you a couple of ideas that have been tried and tested by a former islander lucky enough to be living the Parisian lifestyle.
On arriving in this great city, your immediate thought should be your belly.  Paris is all about good food – quality, not quantity.  The cakes here are the most beautiful edible creations you’ll ever see, and they taste even better.  My advice is to head to Ladurée, one of Paris’s oldest and choicest purveyors of cakes, on the Champs Élysées.  It’s large, expensive and old school with impeccably dressed staff speaking every language under the sun.  It has a tea room, restaurant and a very sexy cocktail bar, all spread out over two floors.  Head to the tea room for a coffee and plate of macaroons.  Crisp on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside, these divine little desserts come in imaginative flavours such as rose and ginger, blackcurrant violet, liquorice, orange blossom, and caramel with salted butter.  You’ll probably have to queue for fifteen minutes or so, but it’s well worth the wait.  And on your way out, be sure to take a look at the sugary rainbow of cakes and pastries lining the wall of the shop.  If you’re feeling generous, pick up a gift box of treats to take home for friends – they’ll be impressed!
By this point you’ll be raring to do some sight-seeing.  Walk down along the Champs  Elysées, cross over Place de la Concorde and you’ll hit the Orangerie Museum at the foot of the Tuileries Garden.  It was created and arranged by impressionist Claude Monet as a ‘haven of peaceful meditation’ for modern man and his ‘overworked nerves’.  It’s true that it’s beautifully calming.  His famed water lily oil paintings wrap themselves completely around the oval walls.  There’s a bank of seats in the middle where you can sit and gaze for however long you like; there’s enough in these violet, lavender, blue and purple canvases to keep you mesmerized for hours.  And if your eyes are still thirsty, head to the basement where you’ll find more masterpieces by the likes of Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Paul Cézanne.
Having started in the city centre, now’s the time to try out some less touristy spots.  I’d suggest catching the metro to Louis Blanc in the tenth arrondissement and walking towards the canal.  Close by at 200 Quai de Valmy, you’ll come across the Centre de Dynamique Artistes.  It’s a huge, cavernous space housing a bar, restaurant, chill out lounge, concert room, dance studio and exhibition centre.  There’s always something exciting going on here (last time, my friend and I stumbled across a tribal African dance show), and while definitely being hip and cool and cutting edge, it’s not intimidatingly so.  There’s no attitude here, you’re always welcome and it’s definitely a great place to head to in the evening (it’s closed during the day).  
In Paris, people tend to do things much later than you would in Jersey or the UK.  They don’t eat until 10pm for example, and they certainly don’t head home until the early hours of the morning at the weekend.  So after getting your dose of culture at the Centre de Dynamique Artistes, there’s still time to squeeze in a little more action.  Turn right outside of the centre and go for a walk along the Quai de Valmy.  It’s quiet, safe, discreetly lit and very, very romantic if you’re with the right person!  
After around twenty minutes, you’ll hit one of Paris’s most fabled bars: Chez Prune.  It’s not famous for being particularly snazzy; it’s pretty small and simple inside.  But the atmosphere is great.  Very young, very relaxed, very fun.  It’s where Parisians in the trendy tenth arrondissement go to wind down at the end of a day over a beer or bottle of red wine.  Definitely a must if you want to try out an authentic, non-touristy bar.  And definitely a must for girls wanting to be served by very attentive, very hot French barmen!
 

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SUBJECT_FOOD
Laudree – One of Paris’s oldest and choicest purveyors of cakes, on the Champs Élysées.  It’s large, expensive and old school with impeccably dressed staff speaking every language under the sun.  It has a tea room, restaurant and very sexy cocktail bar, all spread out over two floors. 

Ladurée Champs Elysées
75, avenue des Champs Elysées,
8th arrondissement

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SUBJECT_ART

Orangerie –  Created and arranged by impressionist Claude Monet as a ‘haven of peaceful meditation’ for modern man and his ‘overworked nerves’. The top floor showcases his famous Waterlilly paintings then head to the basement where you’ll find more masterpieces by the likes of Picasso, Matisse and Cézanne.

Musée de l’Orangerie,
Jardin des Tuileries, 1st arrondissement

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SUBJECT_BOHEMIA

Centre dynamiques – Also in the 10th: the Centre de Dynamique Artistes.  It’s a huge, cavernous space housing a bar, restaurant, chill out lounge, concert room, dance studio and exhibition centre. There’s always something exciting going on here.

Centre de Dynamiques Artistes
200 Quai de Valmy, 10th arrondissement

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SUBJECT_CULTURE

Chez Prune – One of Paris’s most fabled bars. It’s not famous for being particularly snazzy; it’s pretty small and simple inside. Great atmosphere. Very young, very relaxed, very fun.  It’s where Parisians in the trendy tenth arrondissement go to wind down at the end of a day over a beer or bottle of red wine. 

Chez Prune
36 Rue
Beaurepaire,
10th arrondissement

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A Grand Affair?

Advocate X
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A Grand Affair?

Don’t call it a comeback / I’ve been here for years / Rocking my peers / and putting suckas in fear*. That’s right. There I was, taking advantage of the full range of opportunities available in my hard-earned retirement (translation: drinking rum and watching Sky Sports HD) when the call came in from Gallery Towers.

“Is that Advocate X? We’ve got a new mission for you. A mission only you can fulfil. Well, maybe only you and Lady X – we’ve noticed she’s got excellent taste in pretty much everything apart from men.”
“I see. And does this mission involve men?”
“No.”
“Good. What does it involve, then?”
“Reviewing a hotel.”
“Excellent. We’ll be staying in a suite, then?”
“Er…(silence)…Yes.”
“And there will be Champagne?”
“Yes.”
“And access to a state-of-the-art spa?”
“Yes.”
“And the use of a private cinema?”
“Yes.”
“And dwarves wandering around with silver platters piled with endangered animals served medium rare balanced on their heads?”
“No. But we weren’t joking about the other stuff. And we’ll throw in some more Champagne.”

Wow. And this was in Jersey? I booked us in for an early Valentine’s midweek treat and informed a delighted Lady X that she should drop the adorable, if slightly hyperactive, Baby X at her parents’ house in the afternoon (together with a large supply of nappies, blueberries and digestive biscuits – which, we have discovered, are pretty much all you need to keep a baby alive) so that we could enjoy a proper break.
The day arrived, so I sneaked out of work at 5pm sharp and met up with Lady X in Grand Jersey’s Champagne Lounge. It had been a while since I had been to the Champagne Lounge, and I had forgotten just how many different bottles there were to choose from. I spent a good few minutes happily eyeing the list and, despite being tempted by the Krug and vintage Roederer, plumped for a bottle of NV Taittinger.
Moments later it arrived, accompanied by the manager, who (despite our not having been to the reception desk) i) knew who we were, ii) reminded us what time we were booked in for dinner, iii) passed us a list of films to choose from for later, and iv) let us know our bags were already in our room (with clothes hung up) so we could head upstairs whenever it suited us. Crikey. If every guest gets the same treatment, the man must have a memory like a particularly well-endowed elephant
A couple of glasses later, we went up to our room, and were greeted with what seemed like a full-on apartment, containing a large lounge and balcony with views from Noirmont to Fort Regent. We were then pleasantly surprised to find that the bed was covered in rose petals (although I somehow managed to keep a straight face when Lady X thanked me for being so thoughtful). The décor is sleek and modern, and I must make special mention of the funky lighting behind the bed, which can be set so as to cast a decadent red glow over the bedroom.
Having got changed into our glad rags, we then went back downstairs for dinner. Having been to a few work functions at Grand Jersey, we were impressed by the way the cavernous main dining room had been changed using curtains and artful lighting into an intimate dinner area. The other notable element was the service – again, the staff knew our names and appeared by our table the instant we looked like we might want something.
The menu at Victoria’s wasn’t the longest in the world (we ended up mixing and matching from the à la carte and table d’hôte menus) but we were both pleased with our choices when they arrived. The wine list contained some interesting selections from around the world – although our choice was very traditional (a 1999 Ch. Trotte Vielle – which turned out to be excellent value for money). I’ve mentioned this before in other reviews but it’s always worth saying – some customers (such as me) really like pouring their own wine and water and so it was good to see that Grand Jersey left both the decanter and the carafe within reach.
When dinner had finished, we moved on to the piece de resistance of the evening – use of a private cinema. The bar staff had thoughtfully kept the bottle of Champagne we had started earlier on ice and brought it through, together with a couple of extra complimentary glasses of fizz. Now, if I were once more a young and thrusting lawyer trying to charm my way into the affections of a series of beautiful new acquaintances, then I wouldn’t even be saying this (as I simply wouldn’t want anyone else to know about my secret weapon) – but my God, having your own cinema with total privacy and easy access to alcohol is basically a shaped explosive charge designed to blow off even the sturdiest of chastity belts.
You can choose from a decent list of films or bring your own DVD – you’re shown into a room full of proper comfy cinema seats and provided with said booze and then that’s it – you can do whatever you like. Which (of course) in our case was snuggle up and watch The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. There’s nothing like a bit of Scandinavian murder mystery to get you in the mood for a good night’s sleep.
The next morning, we had a lie-in for what seemed like the first time in years before heading to the spa complex. The spa itself is a subterranean labyrinth with (aside from the treatment rooms) a pool, gym, spacious changing rooms and a very cool ‘chill-out’ room where you can relax before and/or after your treatment. Lady X had chosen a facial while I had gone for a massage – and we had been given a double treatment room. This was just as well, as the spa’s entire staff seemed to comprise of very attractive females and I’m not sure how happy Lady X would have been to leave a mostly-naked me alone to day-dream with any of them.
The treatments over, we were both feeling about six times better than when we had arrived the previous day. I was able to check out and then walk straight to work which drove home a surprising point – we could have been anywhere in the world for the last fifteen hours. You can drive past Grand Jersey every day on the way into work and not think twice but once inside, you certainly don’t feel like you’re in St Helier until you step outside again.
In particular, every single member of staff we had met (and we counted about fifteen) had been as friendly and helpful as was humanly possible and gave every impression that even if we had asked for dwarves with silver platters, they would have arranged it in a heartbeat and taken the risk of imprisonment and possible deportation on the chin. That’s the sort of service you can’t put a price on, and the principal reason that we’re likely to return in the very near future.

 

* If you don’t get this reference, fire up iTunes immediately and download ‘Mama Said Knock You Out’. You can thank me later.

re:Laax*

Russ Atkinson
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0

As we sat, somewhat disheartened, in Jersey Airport where a whole three millimetres of late November slush threatened to thwart our air travel efforts to reach the sunny, snow-capped peaks of Switzerland, I couldn’t help but wonder, given the situation, how Alanis Morissette would feel.

Mother Nature must be a fan of winter holidays though, because she was aware enough of our plight to take pity and halt her snow making efforts over the Channel Isles with just enough time for our flight to escape – just a few hours behind schedule.

Thankfully, we were flying with Blue Islands who kept fresh stocks of coffee flowing, biscuits crunching and newspapers rustling in their fantastic lounge whilst we waited. Before we knew it we’d touched down (via Guernsey to drop off stranded passengers) at a snow-dusted Zurich airport and in typically Swiss fashion, everything was running like clockwork – even the bags beat us to the conveyor belt. How often does that happen?

Only a couple of hours on a train to Chur followed by under an hour on a coach saw us arrive on our doorstep for the week, the Rider’s Palace in Laax, a contemporary concrete chateau clad in mirrored glass and blocks of colour. Baggage suitably disposed of, we exchanged our cavernous concrete abode for a small club packed with seasonaires playing all the classic euro-dance hits, which gained full marks for amusement before retiring ahead of the first snow day of the season.

Laax is an up and coming resort but by no means lacking as it currently stands and it only promises growth as time passes. Small, but perfectly formed and with exquisite attention to architectural detail, it’s sure to be a winner not only with the zealous riders and skiers but also with those who are contemporary culture connoisseurs. Everything centres around the Rocks resort; vast, cubic extrusions clad with the fallen rock of local landslides past that serve as stunning apartments as well as a number of shops, rental depots, pubs and bars, cafes and restaurants.

Suspended below a choice of two lifts from the base stations at the heart of the Rocks resort you’ll find yourself approaching a ‘James Bond villain’-style lift station that would turn Goldfinger green whilst just below in its shadow is Europe’s largest superpipe, surrounded by no less than 220km of pistes, four descents with guaranteed snow and four snow parks, bolstering the total half pipe count and bringing it to two. Even so early on in the season the snow making machinery could be seen floating to new destinations, cradled beneath helicopters to provide a dusting of what we all craved and despite only a sprinkling of lifts being open at such a quiet time in the season there was always some freshly laid terrain up for grabs. There can’t be even one square metre of mountain that couldn’t be ridden which should keep you busy and provide enough encouragement and inspiration to brush aside that hangover from the previous night, get out there early and claim your own patch! Easier said than done, admittedly, but definitely worth it.

Following a bordering-on-epic journey to the top of the Vorab glacier at over 3000m the ride down was sublime, despite being bashed for the novice. Ski school was in full swing and a few more runs were being sculpted, but the selection of refreshments at the top was up to scratch and the ride back down a small, unbashed track along a ridge beat taking the lift back poles down, and provided some laughter when it levelled off and the snowboards ground to a halt briefly. Skiing is definitely experiencing a resurgence.

It doesn’t take long to tumble into a familiar routine in Laax, yet there always seemed somewhere different to go once dusk fell. ‘Il Pup’ for zwei bier and a bit of table football was a favourite and also where we learned quite quickly that people from Poland are mostly phenomenal at table football, literally taking it to another league. Other bars worth a mention are the trendy ‘Indy’, the unfortunately-named lost in translation ‘CrapBar’ and of course the Rider’s Bar back at the hotel. To quell the grumble from your gut choose anything from a burger at Il Pup, Italian at Camino in the Hotel Signina, Asian dishes from Thai to Vietnamese via Japansese at Nooba or more traditional Swiss cuisine at Grandis, which boasts a choice of over 1000 wines to accompany your meal. That’s right – time for ‘eeny meeny miney moe’ people. Of course, that’s not all of your options and don’t forget that the neighbouring resort of Flims is just minutes away by bus.
Still too early for bed? In that case it’s time to hit the bars and clubs again and there’s no shortage of them all within viewing distance of each other, depending on how much you’ve had, all before waking again, bleary eyed and making a beeline to either the Rider’s bar or coffee shop at the Rocks for a breakfast of croissant, coffee and juice before doing it all over again.

The Rider’s Palace club plays host to internationally acclaimed acts throughout the year, and just so you can appreciate the gravity of this claim I’m going to let you into a little secret about who’ll be playing this year; that’s right, none other than the Ger-merican legend David ‘The Hoff’ Hasselhoff. Understandably, this is huge news in Switzerland – those Swiss-Germans just frickin’ love it.

As much as witnessing the Hoff singing in his finest indistinguishable German to a crowd of unhinged fans would have provided almost insuperable amusement it was the Deftones’ turn to play to the hundreds during our stay, which really made it for me. A near-perfect balance of snow and blue skies, a wide and varied choice of places to feed and water, a host of friendly faces and live music on your doorstep didn’t leave much to ask for. Well, nothing entirely realistic, anyway.
Laax still has another trick up its mountainous sleeve though; the brand new for this season ‘Freestyle Academy’. This gem of a facility will be a hit with all ages – perfect for keeping the kids out of trouble whilst you snap up some ‘you time’ but equally valuable for nailing a new trick safely before you hit the parks with it and inevitably hit the ground attempting to get it right, because let’s face it, nobody wants to go home early.

Packed full of trampolines, ramps, foam pits and other soft landings for all of your winter pursuits as well as skate bowls for your little nose miners and the older generations alike to get stuck into you can be just as at home shredding here as you can further up the mountain. With introductory courses as well as a choice of big air ramps leading into the biggest of the foam pits, it’s the ideal tonic for anyone seeking an indoor thrill. If you’ve got kids, think of it as a kind of ‘extreme crèche’, but with far more credibility than anything described as such could ever afford.

Whether or not you believe me, I’m completely sold on Laax and have no doubt that I’ll be back again this year … I’ll be the one in Il Pup swigging a large glass of the native Calandia beer and being woefully beaten at table football (again) after another day of punishing my legs in the best way possible.

It’s pronounced ‘Laarx’ not ‘Lax’ – Just so you don’t sound silly when discussing it with Swiss people.

 

Get going…
We cut out the London nonsense and flew direct to Zurich with Blue Islands (www.blueislands.com) and stayed at The Rider’s Palace (www.riderspalace.ch). With a short transfer it’s a rapid route to the snow. A big thanks to Hayley at Blue Islands and Britta at Laax.

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