LOVE IS IN THE AIRthe best things to do

this Valentines

ENTERTAINMENT!free AMC Cinema tickets

and much more

TASTY TREATSgreat recipesfor you to try

BE ON THE COVER! enter our ‘FACE OF GRIT’ competition

JAN / FEB 2012

give bloodfacebook.com/nhsblood @givebloodnhs

Save a life,give blood inBirmingham

Save a life – give bloodVisit blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23 and quote ALR

NBS580 Session Birm A5_Layout 1 16/08/2011 16:24 Page 2

Grit Magazine is published by:Faultless Media Ltd199 Tyburn RoadBirminghamB24 8NB

Tel: 0845 671 8460Fax: 0800 014 8298Email: tim@gritmag.co.ukWeb: www.gritmag.co.uk

Check us out on Facebook!www.facebook.com/Gritmag

CREDITS & CONTRIBUTORSEDITOR: Tim FaultlessSALES MANAGER:Clare FaultlessDESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY: Mix EylandARTICLE PHOTOGRAPHY:PRshotsSALES EXECUTIVES:Tim Gaylard, Steven EylandWEBSITE DESIGNRobert Dickens, Phil Lee

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! So guys its finally hereand 2012 is set to be a great one. This issue as per usual will show you the best things to do, nights out and shopping to brightenup those gloomy days. The fashion will show you the latest trends, keeping you up to date with new year bargains and greatoutfits for this season. The things to do section will keep you on your toes with many offers and discounts for your favourite entertainment venues. The food & drink section has everything from great places to eat and drink to fantastic recipe ideas.We hope you love reading this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together and have a great start to the year!

Tim

The NHS belongs to us all. Let’s use it right.

www.nhs.uk

Another night out in A&E? A&E is for life threatening conditions, not your drunken night out. Make sure your night is memorable for all the right reasons. Stay sensible, drink responsibly and if you do have a minor injury such as grazes or bruises, self-treat at home.

A5_STTUDENT FOR GRITMAG.indd 1 27/10/2011 16:47

are you the face of GRIT?

Fancy yourself as a cover model? Can you picture your face on Grit Magazine?

If so, get out the camera and enter our bi-monthly competition in the search for fantastic Birmingham faces to grace our front cover!

Each issue, we’ll pick the best of the bunch - boy or girl - to be our ‘Face of Grit Magazine’.

Think you have what it takes then please send in high-resolution, minimum A5 size images, showing face and shoulders only. If it’s not a high-quality pic, it can’t be used!

Send images via email to: tim@gritmag.co.ukIncluding your name, age, email and area of Birmingham.(email addresses will not be published)

By submitting a photograph into this competition you are cerifying that you are 18 or over and own the image and the rights to publishing. Entry automatically gives Grit Magazine the rights to use any submitted images, whether winning or not, both digitally and in print. Entry on behalf of another indiviual is not permitted. The competiton is open to Birmingham residents aged 18 or over only.

This issues winner was 20 year old Laura, a student from Selly Oak

GRIT 5

CONTENTSFASHION & BEAUTY

PAGE 7 TO 19

THINGS TO DOPAGE 20 TO 35

I.T & GADGETSPAGE 36 to 39

FOOD & DRINKPAGE 40-46

ACCOMMODATIONPAGE 47-50

FASHION & BEAUTY

With Christmas over and a new year upon us, its time for one of our favourite times of year....THE SALES!! Obviously we are very excited about OFFICE as it gives us a great excuse to buy that perfect pair of new shoes for 2012... or maybe a few pairs. We have checked out the great selection they have available and here are a few of our faves.

NO SNOWWas £85 NOW £45

TEMPERENCE STILETTOWas £70 NOW £35

NO NONSENSEWas £85 NOW £42

ACADEMY AWARDWas £75 NOW £37

NEW ROMANTICWas £95 NOW £42

NOW THEN BOOTEEWas £75 NOW £40

BUFFY BODY BUTTER - £5.50/90gGround rice, almonds and aduki beans make Buffy a triple threat to dead skin and lumpy bumpy bits. They are tough enough to polish away the dead, without being too harsh on your skin. Cocoa butter and shea butter make sure that the skin is left moisturised and dewy soft. Lavender oil is a great oil for soothing the skin and calming the mind.

RO’S ARGAN BODY CONDITIONER£15.50/225gPacked full of ingredients to feed and nourish the skin; argan oil, cocoa butter, cupuaçu butter, brazil nut oil, almond oil and fair trade shea butter.

ULTRABALM - £8.25/45gOrganic jojoba oil, rose wax and candelilla wax are blended together to give you a balm for all reasons. Use it anywhere that needs some moisture; as a hand cream, on your hair to keep static flyaway at bay, as a lip balm, to brighten up your tattoos, on dry knees and elbows.

We all know that the party season can leave you feeling a little flat, so we have found you the yummiest rejuvination products from Lush to pick you back up. Everything from all over butters to bath bombs, so pop down to the new Birmingham store for a relaxed and wonderful you for 2012!

10 GRIT

DREAM STEAM STEAMER TAB£2.50/7gA blend of oils for both mind and skin, skillfully presented in an easy to use tab. Steam clean your face whilst you inhale the mood-adjusting essential oils. Tea tree oil acts as an antibacterial for your skin, whilst rose absolute will calm redness. And, whilst they go about their work, the chamomile and lavender oils will relax and calm the mind.

JACKIE OATES COLOUR SUPPLEMENT£7.95/20gThis is for fairer folk – like those with a typical English Rose complexion or those with ginger hair. These paler skins tend to need gentle care and nurturing. So we’ve made the base of this supplement similar to our Dirty Shaving Cream, full of lots of things - like oatmilk, honey and aloe vera to cool the skin and reduce redness.

THE HAIR DOCTOR - £6.50/95gIf you’ve really got your hair in a bad way, then you need Hair Doctor. If it could dial 999- This is who it would call. Based on seaweeds and mud, this product is for out of sorts hair.

For more great products visit www.lush.co.uk or in store New Street, Birmingham

GRIT 11

a gentleman and a scholar

a. Raleigh Supurbe Men’s- £560b. Daniel Hechter European Traveller Suit-£299. c. Lambretta Dress Shirt- £35. d. Tom Davies for Transitions- Price on Request.e. Energie Masthead Knit.f. Paul Costelloe Suit- £329.g. Herring Shoes Westmister- £75

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h. Paul Costelloe Silk Pocket Square- £19. i. Paul Costelloe Silk Tie- £55. j. Herring Shoes Bolan- £45. k. Herring Shoes Waltz- £195.l. Storm Duke Silver- £89.99. m. Herring Shoes Valet Box- £99.95. n. Gant Footwear Pittsfield- £135. o. Herring Shoes Draycott- £175.

12 GRIT

GRIT MAG A5.indd 1 10/12/2011 14:21:42

GRIT MAG A5.indd 1 10/12/2011 14:21:42

All things bright and beautiful

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Rub the winter sleep from your eyes and prepare to be dazzled by this seasons startling array of colour. It’s easy to love clothes that offer escapism, which is why even the most straight-laced person will struggle to resist the bold blocks of colour and dazzling prints that are scattered across the rails of both the high street and the designer boutiques.This season colours are so bold you’d almost expect them to go out without you

1. Primark. Floral dress £17, Bag £82. Republic. Crafted zip skinny jeans £353. Internacionale. Blue satin vest £14.994. Matalan. SS12 Campaign5. Next. Skinny jeans £326. New Look7. Next. Maxi dress £488. Matalan. Global mix purple duffle £359. New Look10. Internacionale. Red clutch £6.9911. George at ASDA. Yellow top £10

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1. Republic. Crafted Eve of Paradise Tee- £16.992. Matalan. Chino brilliant green- £223. Next. Stripe T-shirt £164. River Island. SS125. Office. Cracker desert shoe- £55.996. Primark. Yellow V neck jumper- £67. Barratts. Navy suede leather brouge detail formal laced shoe- £608. White Stuff. Jamie belt- £259. Matalan. SS1210. White Stuff. Aqualibre sweat burgandy hoody-£5511.Primark. Jumper £6, Shorts £10, Shirt £10

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GRIT 17

Prepare for a night of indulgence at Bullring this Valentine’s Day

It’s one of the most indulgent times of the year and most definitely the most romantic. Ensure you’re prepared for 14th February with a visit to Bullring to find the perfect gift or indulge with a romantic Valentine’s Day meal in one of the new restaurants at Spiceal Street.

This Illamasqua Midnight Decadence Lash and Liner Set £25 available from Selfridges is utterly divine and makes the perfect gift for any party girl and is sure to make her feel special on Valentine’s Day.

Hotel Chocolat (£14) has a scrumptious collection of chocolate hearts each with their own romantic messages. And it comes complete with a card and envelope so you can add your own dreamy message.

Want to give the one you love an irresistable love note?

For your Mr Right who likes to make a statement make his Valentine’s Day with this Peckham Rye Floral Jacquard Tie £60 from Selfridges. It’ll add that extra sparkle to his work or occasion wardrobe and is perfect for your romantic Valentine’s Day dinner.

If you’re looking for the ultimate destination to wine and dine your special someone then where better than visiting a whole street of restaurants. Spiceal Street is your new social and dining hub with the likes of Jamie’s Italian, Browns Bar and Brasserie, ChaoBaby Thai Restaurant and handmade burger Co. all waiting for you to indulge in a romantic meal. Cocktails, delicious food and a great atmosphere, your perfect Valentine’s Day destination. And to avoid disappointment don’t forget to book.

Find more gifts, menus and treats as well as details of how you can book your table at www.browsebullring.co.uk, as well as keeping up to date with the very latest news, events and rewards at Bullring.

GRIT 19

THINGS TO DO

as acts take to the stage and battle it out for equipment, festival slots, studio time and master classes. Other prizes up for grabs include a UK tour, a selection of Blackstar and TC Electronic amps, extensive coverage on MUZU TV and YouTube anda comprehensive consultation package with Future Music including social marketing, image, brand, access to industry contacts plus more!

LIVE & UNSIGNEDThe NEC- 28th JanuaryLive and Unsigned is the UK’s biggest unsigned music competition for original artists and it’s open to all genres. So whether you’re into pop, RnB, punk, Indie, Alternative,rock or acoustic, the competition has it all. Each year the competition prize pool gets bigger and better

SNOW PATROLLG Arena- 4th FebruaryTickets from £22.50 plus feesFollowing the release of their new studio album ‘Fallen Empires’, Snow Patrol will be coming to the LG Arena as part of their latest, nine-date UK arena tour. The band, who formed in 1994, has gained international superstar status since the release of their 2003 album ‘Final Straw’ which sold over 3 million copiesworldwide. The arena tour will see the band perform their new material, including hit single ‘Called Out In The Dark’ and current track ‘This Isn’t Everything You Are’.

22 GRIT

OLLIE MURSLG Arena - 10th FebruaryTickets from £30Cheeky chappy Olly Murs is heading to the LG Arena, as part of his UK arena tour. After a sell-out show at the NIA, back in May, Olly is back in the Midlands to perform to an even bigger crowd. The tour promises to see Olly wowing fans with his trademark charisma, performing hits like ‘Heart Skips A Beat’

JASON DERULOLG Arena - 24th FebruaryTickets from £19.50Even reading his name you can’t help but sing ‘Jason Derulo’ in your head, which is testament alone to how big the US singer has become! The ‘Ridin’ Solo’ star is set to tour the UK early next year and the show will feature some of his chart-topping hits,‘Don’t Wanna Go Home’ and ‘It Girl’.

RAMMSTEINLG Arena - 25th FebruaryTickets from £42.50Metal legends Rammstein are set to bring their live show to the LG Arena, as part of their stadium tour to support their upcoming greatest hits album, ‘Made In Germany 1995-2011’. The new show promises to give you a night to remember, with some of their biggest and best hits from the past 16 years. GRIT 23

m e t r o p o l i s m u s i c p r e s e n t

f o r e x c l u s i v e l i v e a n n o u n c e m e n t s a n d p r i o r i t y b o o k i n g

WEDNESDAY 29 FEBRUARY

BIRMINGHAMTHE LIBRARY

HMV INSTITUTE0844 248 5037 | 0844 811 0051

Book online: www.gigsandtours.comA Metropolis Music presentation by arrangement with Coda

Plus guestsDISCLOSURE

METROPOLIS MUSICIN ARRANGEMENT WITH DECKED OUT!, CORIDA & GENESIS PRESENT

THE NME AWARDS 2012 SHOWS FOR

NEW ALBUM 'AUDIO, VIDEO, DISCO'

OUT NOW

FACEBOOK.COM/ETJUSTICEPOURTOUS

SATURDAY 11 FEBRUARYO2 ACADEMYBIRMINGHAM

0844 477 2000 | 0844 811 0051GIGSANDTOURS.COM

0844 477 2000 | 0844 811 0051gigsandtours.com0844 477 2000 | 0844 811 0051gigsandtours.com

oddfuture.comA Metropolis Music presentation by arrangement with X-ray

28 March O2 AcademyBirmingham

28 March O2 AcademyBirmingham

Saturday 21 January

BIRMINGHAM HMV INSTITUTE0844 248 5037 | 0844 811 0051 gigsandtours.com

A Metropolis Music presentation by arrangement with X-ray

Album 'Hurry Up, We're Dreaming'out now

ilovem83.com

Plus guests

Grit_Page_Layout 1 09/01/2012 14:20 Page 1

ROMANTIC RESTAURANTSNot sure what to do for Valentines, well how about a romantic meal? There are plenty of great restaurants in Birmingham where you can have a slap up dinner for under £30, no matter what sort of food you prefer. We have scoured the streets to find the most romantic but reasonably priced restaurants for you enjoy fantastic food and have the prefect evening.

KINNAREE THAI RESTAURANT22 Waterfront WalkHidden away is this gem of a restaurant, a little Thailand under the bridge by the canals of Birmingham. When you enter the Kinnaree Thai, you enter a world of calm.Average price (3 course meal): £20

CAFE ROUGE174 - 176 Wharfside Street, Mailbox, With a combination of delicious food, great wines and a real ambience, Café Rouge has embodied the style and je ne sais quoi of French dining since it opened way back in 1989.Average price (3 course meal): £25

METRO BAR & GRILL73 Cornwall StreetMetro Bar and Grill offers a fantastic ambience and service for any drinking and dining occasion, whether it’s business, pleasure or a celebration.Average price (3 course meal): £30

THAI

FRENCH

ENGLISH/AMERICAN

26 GRIT

BELLA ITALIA102 New StreetBella Italia in Birmingham is conveniently located close to Birmingham New Street station, offering those heading in and out of the city a superb place to stop for a bite to eat.Average price (3 course meal): £27

CHUNG YING GARDEN17 Thorp StreetSituated in the heart of Birmingham’s Chinatown, Chung Ying Garden has been serving traditional Cantonese food since 1987. Recommended by both the AA and Which Good Food GuidesAverage price (3 course meal): £20

ULYSSES GREEK RESTAURANT42A Bristol StreetSituated in Birmingham City Centre, Ulysses is a bright, vibrant Greek themed restaurant perfect for parties and fun meals with friends. Established in 1986,Average price (3 course meal): £27

LAS IGUANASArcadian Centre, Hurst StreetWalk through the doors of Las Iguanas and find yourself transported to Latin America, full of rich, vibrant colours, quirky features and custom-made wooden mosaic tables made especiallyAverage price (3 course meal): £23

ITALIAN

CHINESE

GREEK

LATIN

GRIT 27

Tuesday 2 February, 6-8pm. FreeJoin us for a glass of wine at the opening of two new exhibitions

at Ikon on Tuesday 2 February between 6 and 8pm.

Portuguese artists João Maria Gusmão and Pedro Paiva present a body of new 16mm films in which they conduct a curious investigation into natural phenomena. Against a background of philosophical debate, their carefully crafted works exude a playful inventiveness

Clare Rojas produces colourful folk-inspired paintings which comment on gender relations and representation with characteristic humour. Patchworks of panels combine to recall a range of cultural sources from Native American craft to street graffiti

Peggy Honeywell PerformsTuesday 2 February, 8.15pm, Free, no need to bookOn the night of her exhibition opening, Clare Rojas performs songs taken from her folk albums Green Mountain, Faint Humms and Honey For Dinner released under the name of her alter-ego Peggy Honeywell.

* Discount is valid on direct bookings made by March 31st 2012, please quote code 150210 at time of booking.

original adventures since 1972

www.trekamerica.co.uk/grit 0844 576 1369

usa, canada, alaska & latin america

Grit MaGazine10%*discount

TA-Grit-full-page.indd 1 03/01/2012 16:48

THURS 12TH IN THE LIVE ROOM: ONE HORSE TOWN + support £3

FRI 13TH JESTER £3

IN THE LOUNGE: ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC FREE

SAT 14TH U2-2 £5

SUN 15TH BERTS 60TH!!! INVITE ONLY

MON 16TH OPEN MIC & JAM NIGHT FREE

TUES 17TH THE VOID PRESENTS

WEDS 18TH ADE WAKELIN £3

THURS 19TH IN THE LIVE ROOM: THE ROAD-KINGS + support £5 IN THE LOUNGE: ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC FREE FRI 20TH HARDRIDE + support £5 SAT 21ST THE POLICE ACADEMY £5

SUN 22ND GLASTONBUDGET 2012 SHOWCASE AUDITIONS £5

MON 23RD OPEN MIC & JAM NIGHT FREE

TUES 24TH IN THE LIVE ROOM: LIVE MUSIC FREE

IN THE LOUNGE: COMEDY & POETRY NIGHT FREE

WEDS 25TH BASEMENTFEST 2012 AUDITIONS FREE

THURS 26TH IN THE LIVE ROOM: FIRST STEP MANAGEMENT PRESENTS: SEX DEPARTMENT/NEVER A HERO

IN THE LOUNGE: ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC FREE FRI 27TH GARY MOORE EXPERIENCE + Daylight Robbery £5

SAT 28TH RADIO CLASH + support £5

SUN 29TH GLASTONBUDGET 2012 SHOWCASE AUDITIONS £5

MON 30TH OPEN MIC & JAM NIGHT FREE

TUES 31ST MARK BENNET BLUES JAM FREE

JANUARYLISTINGS

Live Music, 7 Nights Per Week

FEBRUARYLISTINGS

FRI 3RD HEARTBREAKER £5

SUN 5TH X-CHANGED

FRI 10TH FRED ZEPPELIN £7

FRI 17TH DIRE STREETS + support £5

SAT 18TH THUNDER DAZE £5

guests the Tantics and more

FRI 24TH BALLROOM GLITZ £5

SAT 25TH THE SCHEMERS £5

SUN 26TH MYKAL MOSIAH Y2K BAND

TUES 28TH MARK BENNETT BLUES JAM FREE

WWwww.theroadhousebirmingham.comThe Roadhouse Birmingham, Wharfside Leisure Complex

Lifford Lane, Stirchley, Birmingham, B30 3DZ0121 246 2273

All listings are correct at time of print.All listings are subject to change at anytime so please check the website

or call the Roadhouse team before you travel

TO BOOK TICKETS CALL 0121 246 2273

OR VISITwww.theroadhousebirmingham.com

SUN 19TH ALTERNATIVE NIGHT - Space Ritual with special

SAT 11TH CAPITAL VIBE

OPEN MIC EVERY MONDAY & THURSDAYDRINKS DEALS BETWEEN 4-8PM

THE DARKEST HOUR 3D12A - 1 hr 29 min (Contains moderate horror, violence, threat and language)The Darkest Hour is the story of five young people who find themselves stranded in Moscow, fighting to survive in the wake of a devastating alien attack. The 3D thriller highlights the classic beauty of Moscow alongside mind-blowing special effects.

J. EDGAR 15 - 2 hr 17 min (Contains infrequent strong language)As the face of law enforcement in America for almost fifty years, J. Edgar Hoover was feared and admired, reviled and revered. But behind closed doors, he held secrets that would have destroyed his image, his career and his life. Under the direction of Clint Eastwood, Leonardo DiCaprio stars in the title role of “J. Edgar,” a drama that explores the public and private life of one of the most powerful, controversial and enigmatic figures of the 20th century.

EXTREMELY LOUD & INCREDIBLY CLOSEOskar is convinced that his father, who died in the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, has left a final message for him hidden somewhere in the city. Feeling disconnected from hisgrieving mother and driven by a relentlessly active mind that refuses to believe in things that can’t be observed, Oskar begins searching New York City for the lock that fits a mysterious key he found in his father’s closet. His journey through the five boroughs takes him beyond his own loss to a greater understanding of the observable world around him.

WAR HORSE12A - 2 hr 26 min (Contains infrequent moderate battle violence)Set against a sweeping canvas of rural England and Europe during the First World War, “War Horse” begins with the remark-able friendship between a horse named Joey and a young man called Albert, who tames and

trains him. When they are forcefully parted, the film follows the extraordinary journey of the horse as he moves through the war, changing and inspiring the lives of all those he meets-British cavalry, German soldiers, and a French farmer and his granddaughter-before the story reaches its emotional climax in the heart of No Man’s Land.

£13.50*

a month

See as many movies as you like, from just

* Minimum subscription of 12 months. See subscription form for full terms & conditions. £16.50 per month applies to Cineworld Fulham, Haymarket, Shaftesbury Avenue & Chelsea.

Apply online or ask at the box office for details

Unlimited Ad A5.indd 1 10/11/10 17:16:39

£13.50*

a month

See as many movies as you like, from just

* Minimum subscription of 12 months. See subscription form for full terms & conditions. £16.50 per month applies to Cineworld Fulham, Haymarket, Shaftesbury Avenue & Chelsea.

Apply online or ask at the box office for details

Unlimited Ad A5.indd 1 10/11/10 17:16:39

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GADGETS OF 2012

The next version of Windows is yet another, most anticipated product. Windows 8 offers a number of new features from its all new UI to Windows App Store and improvised security features. It has an interactive UI called the “Metro-style” design, which shows the most important information to you, embodies simplicity, and gives you full control over it. The UI is designed to provide a fluid and intuitive interaction and navigation with touch, or a mouse and keyboard.

WINDOWS 8

Apple fans are also eagerly expecting the release of iPad 3, which now reports indicate that it has been scheduled to be launched in February. The new tablet will feature a new, thinner and sleeker design, down nearly 20 percent in size compared to the iPad 2. It will also support full touchscreen HD display. Apart from that, the iPad 3 will have a lighter battery life, reducing the weight of the tablet. It is also expected it will have a wireless charging technology, which will be able to charge the battery and transfer data wirelessly.

No doubt, the Apple iPhone 5 is one of the most anticipated gadgets. Apple launched the iPhone 4S, which disappointed some fans as although the device has some nice changes, including the addition of voice recognizing Siri and an excellent 8-megapixel camera, the phone looks quite identical to the iPhone 4. The upcoming phone from Apple is expected to sport the latest and greatest A5 processor chip, iCloud service, higher-res camera and a 4-inch screen size.

38 GRIT

iPhone 5

Apple TV has everything, from films, TV shows, photo slideshows and more. It plays wirelessly on your widescreen TV. It features a powerful A4 chip, so it plays everything effortlessly, without frozen screens or stutters. Videos look crisp and clear. And just like watching a DVD, you can fast-forward through opening credits, pause for a popcorn break or replay an hilarious scene until you memorise every line. Its quiet, energy efficient and so small it fits in the palm of your hand. Which makes it perfect for sitting neatly on a TV stand or squeezing into a crowded media cabinet using less power than a night-light. *Edit & pictures curtosy of the techlabs.com*

APPLE TV

Nintendo is set to release the next version of its gaming console called Wii U, which is the direct successor to the Wii. It is the first console from Nintendo to produce 1080p highdefinition graphics, featuring a new controller with an embedded touchscreen. Nintendo showcased a prototype version of Wii U, which features a touch screen over 6 inches wide and contains a built-in microphone, speakers, gyroscope, accelerometer, rumble and camera. The Wii U will also feature internal flash based memory for media storage and game save data, however the system will also support external SD card and USB HDD support allowing users to expand storage capacity. It is expected to be released sometime after March 2012.

With the huge success of PlayStation Portable selling over 71.4 million units worldwide, Sony is all set to release the next version of the PSP called as the PS Vita. The gaming console packs a quad-core graphics processor, which is even impressive than the iPad 2. It looks quite similar to the PSP, however without any doubt the Vita is more impressive and elegantly designed. It sports a 5-inch OLED multi-touch capacitive touchscreen, 24-bit color and has pixel density of 220 ppi. It is also reported that it has both front and rear cameras with supporting features such as face detection, head detection and head tracking that can be used for personalization and customization

WII U

PS VITA

FOOD&

DRINK

Belly says, Takeaway Brain says,

Just-Eat

► Order takeaway Online► Up-tO-date menUs and prices► pay by cash Or credit card

VALENTINES RECIPE IDEAS

remove the skin from 8 Cumberland sausages. Heat 1tbsp oil in a frying pan and cook the skinless sausages, breaking them up as they fry. 2) Cook for about 5 minutes, then add 1 finely chopped clove of garlic and 1 deseeded and finely chopped red chilli. Cook for another few minutes until the chilli is softened and the sausage cooked through. Stir in 100ml low fat crème fraiche and cook for another couple of minutes until hot. 3) Drain the cooked spaghetti and stir into the frying pan along with a small handful basil leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice and a little grated lemon zest.

30 mins cook timeServes 4- £1.13 per serving

INGREDIENTS350g tesco value spaghetti8 Tesco finest cumberland

sausages1tbsp oil

1 clove of garlic1 red chilli

100ml low fat creme fraichesmall handful basil leaves

squeeze of lemon juice and a little grated lemon zest1) Bring a large pan of water to boil and cook

350g spaghetti as instructed on the pack. Meanwhile

Add oregano, cumin and cayenne pepper to the onion and pepper and mix well. 2) Warm the wraps together in a dry, non-stick frying pan over a low heat for 2-3 mins. Alternate, so each gets time directly on the heat. 3) Add the salmon to the onion, pepper and asparagus and mix gently for 2 minutes so it cooks evenly. Add a tablespoon of water, cover and turn off the heat. This will create steam and make a coating on the fish with all the pan juices. 4) Put ¼ of the mix and ¼ of the rocket into each tortilla. Roll up, cut in half and serve.

5 mins prep/10 mins cooking timeServes 4- £2.19 per serving

2tsp olive oil1 medium onion, sliced

1 red pepper, sliced in strips100g asparagus spears, cut into 3cm

pieces1tsp ground cumin

¼tsp cayenne pepper4 large tortilla wraps

200g fresh salmon, skinned and cut into strips

50g wild rocket1) Add the oil to a pan, the onion, pepper and asparagus. Cook for 4 mins, stirring regularly.

Salmon & Asparagus Fajitas

Creamy Chilli & Garlic Sausage Pasta

icing sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Beat the egg whites in a separate, clean mixing bowl until stiff peaks form. Fold the egg whites into the ground almonds mixture and add the rosewater (if available) and red food colouring the the mixture and combine gently. 3) Spoon into piping bags and pipe heart shapes onto the the lined baking trays. Leave the mixture to set on the trays for 15 minutes, then bake for 12-15 minutes until just set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack. 4) Prepare the filling as the macaroon cakes cool. Whisk the cream, mascarpone and icing sugar until smooth. Spread onto the top of one of the macaroon cake halves. Sandwich the other macaroon cake half on top and press down gently to secure and serve.

15 mins prep/40 mins cook timeServes 4- £2.01 per serving

INGREDIENTSFor the macaroon mixture

325g icing sugar (50g for the fill-ing)

150g ground almonds4 egg whites

½tsp rosewater (if available)½tsp red food colouring (1/4tsp

for the filling)For the filling

150ml whipping cream150g mascarpone cheese

1) Pre-heat the oven to 180° C and line a couple of baking trays with greaseproof paper. 2) Combine the ground almonds and

icing sugar to the passionfruit pulp/juice and stir to mix well. 2) Soak the savoiardi fingers in the passionfruit juice and arrange 4 evenly spaced apart in each serving glass. 3) Whip the cream with the rest of the icing sugar in a large mixing bowl until soft peaks form. Fold the passionfruit juice/puree and the seeds in the cream. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle and pipe the cream into the centre space of the glasses.

1) Scoop the insides from the passionfruit halves into a sieve and press through discarding half of the seeds. Add half of the

10 mins prep/15 mins cookServes 4- 95p per serving

INGREDIENTS16 savoiardi

300ml whipping cream100g icing sugar

6 passionfruit, halved

Valentines Day Cake

Individual Passionfruit Charlottes

GRIT 43

GRIT’S TOP 3 EATERIES

URBAN PIETheir pies are certainly worth the hassle. Generous, handmade, all-butter-pastry creations, that you can mix with mash, beans or fresh mushy peas on-the-side to takeaway or eat at communal counters in store. Fresh, honest fast food and note from5pm-8pm Mon-Fri, all pies are half-price!

• Pies £3.95. 124 The Bullring Shopping Centre, 0121 643 0040urbanpie.co.uk

HANDMADE BURGER COThe beef comes from traceable, traditionally reared cows, all food is cooked fresh theres thick, tasty chargrilled hunks, served on substantial sourdough buns with fresh salad, mayo, and chutney.

• Burgers from £5.55. 14 The Water’s Edge, Brindleyplace, 0121 665 6542handmadeburger.co.uk

ASHA’SAt lunchtime (curry, rice, raita and soft drink, £5.95). Sensitively spiced, tomato-based curries packed with vegetables, and arrivewith a veritable mound of perfectly cooked white rice.

• Evening mains from £10. Edmund House, 12-22 Newhall Street, 0121 200 2767 ashasuk.co.uk

44 GRIT

ACCOMMODATION

Here in the West Midlands, we have some of the some of the largest student communities in the country with more than twenty universities and colleges of further and higher education. Student life opens up a whole world of opportunities and freedoms - especially for those living away from home for the very first time. With so many competing pressures, the need to balance a new and exciting social life with a demanding programme of study can be a challenge and with this in mind, personal safety is often far from the minds of newly enrolled students. West Midlands Fire Service is keen to highlight the very simple measures that students can take to stay safe, not only from fire, but when out and about on our busy roads and streets, particularly as the dark and wintry nights are now upon us.Whether you are living in halls of residence or in rented accommodation, you should make sure there is a correctly fitted, working smoke alarm on every level of the property. Smoke alarms provide a vital early warning in the event of a fire and although they might seem a pain when they go off at the mere whiff of burnt toast, think of it as a timely reminder of how quickly and easily smoke fills the room.You should also aim to have a well practised escape plan so that everyone knows what to do if the worst happens. This is particularly important at night time because in the event of fire and thick smoke logging, it will be difficult to find your way around. Simple measures you can take include:· Ensuring you know where your keys are – hang them up in an accessible location, or even leave them on a bedside table;· Clearing hallways of bags and clutter and;· Making sure that doors and windows are accessible. The majority of accidental home fires start in the kitchen and one of the most common causes is pans being left unattended on the cooker. Our Firefighters regularly attend house fires where people have returned home after a night out and started cooking, only to find it ends up going horribly wrong. Any type of food can catch fire if it is left on the heat too long, but if it’s fried food you’re craving, particularly chips, the risk is even greater. Oil burns at a much higher temperature so always ensure you use a thermostatically controlled fryer or better still, buy oven chips or get them on the way home, a viable excuse to head to the kebab shop! Candles, especially scented ones can be particularly attractive, but they too should never be left unattended. If you do use candles, place them in a strong, heat resistant holder away from flowing fabrics such as curtains and remember to blow them out before you go out. The careless disposal of cigarettes is another significant factor in many house fires we attend across the West Midlands. If you, or family and friends visiting your property smoke, always make sure cigarettes are put right out, never leave burning embers and make sure the ashtray you are using is fit for purpose and won’t melt or set on fire. There are also many dangers on the road. If cycling, ensure you have the right protective equipment, including a helmet, and check that correctly fitted lights are fixed to the front and rear of the cycle. If driving, act responsibly. Comply with the law and never use a hand-held mobile phone to take calls or text while driving. If you do choose to have a drink, make sure you ‘know your limits’, check and count your units and ensure that you and everyone travelling with you – is wearing a seatbelt.

Book now with UNITE in Birmingham for the best choice

of rooms and you could save up to £450 on next year’s

room price. Weekly prices start from just £99.

Are you looking for student

accommodation for next year?

For more information, to book a viewing or a room

please visit:

www.unite-students.com/bestchoice

or call 0800 783 4213

Images and photography are indicative of accommodation only. All information was correct at time of going to press. Offer subject to availability. Visit www.unite-students.com/bestchoice for more details and full terms and conditions.

*£1.09 per day price based on purchasing a 2 term Student Regional Travelcard for £235 over a 216 day period (from 22 December 2011 to 25 July 2012). Calculation excludes 25 December.

For students who need to

from

per day£109*

nxwestmidlands.co.uk

Student Regional TravelcardWinter Term On sale NOW!

Simply scan the QR code with yoursmart phone to enter

Win anApple iPhone 4s

New 2 Term Card on SaleUnlimited bus travel until summer

W5288 Student Travel A5.indd 1 20/12/2011 15:44