Dhaka Tribune | Saturday, August 23, 2014 | Volume 2, Issue 15
That Look Of
Longing
Contents
AvenueT inside...
CR-V trip
Editor’s note
5
Editor
Zafar Sobhan
Executive Editor
Shahriar Karim
8
Managing Editor
Jahangir Hyder
Bedroom
ready
Magazine Editor
Sabrina Fatma Ahmad
14
Asst Magazine Editor
Mahmood Hossain
Lose yourself
Head
turner
Avenue T team
Khan N Moushumi
N Anita Amreen
Sabah Rahman
Tausif Sanzum
Sabiha Akond Rupa
16
Contributors
Agony Aunt
Tahsin Momin
Adila Hoque
Dina Sobhan
Photography
Sabiha Akond Rupa
Graphics
Alamgir Hossain
Md Mahbub Alam
Colour specialist
Shekhar Mondal
Kazi Syras Al Mahmood
Production
Masum Billah
Advertising
Shahidan Khurshed
2 Tuned Going back a generation
12 Trending A girl’s best friend
3 Try out Memories in photos
13 Tailored New season prep
4 Tech Top lot in smartphones
14 TEmpt Keep his eyes on you
5 Tires 2014 Honda CR-V
15 Ticket All the bling
Demise of intimacy?
8 Tucked In Romance in the bedroom
9 Take Care Everlasting bond
10 TrIAL Room Keeping it together
16 TRAVELOGUE A bucket list
6 Tell
Dear Readers,
What makes a relationship survive
insurmountable odds? Why are some loves
meant to last while others are so fleeting?
The questions put love on our minds, and
that’s what you’re getting this week.
We have a selection of autumn romance
for you in Tuned.
In Tell, we discuss mistakes that could
jeopardise your relationships. We’re actually
going an extra mile with a discussion on
making it last.
And because lasting relationships are best
enjoyed when you’re healthy, we have put
together a health plan for the mature
couple.
Lastly, if you want to take a break from
all this couple stuff and fly solo, we have
the perfect travelogue for you.
Here’s wishing you love this week!
Sabrina Fatma Ahmad
Editor, Avenue T
18 Tantalise Platter
19 News
10
Make it work
Circulation
Wahid Murad
Contact us
avenuet@dhakatribune.com
www.dhakatribune.com
This week
This week, we focus on love and longing,
and no one did that longing look better
than the incomparable Suchitra Sen. We’ve
put a contemporary spin on her classic
style
Model: Tasnuva Tisha
Make up: Hairobics
Photo: Miftah Rahman
Shoot Coordinator: Sabah Rahman
Cover Design: Alamgir Hossain
AVE N U E T SATU R DAY, AU G U ST 23 , 20 1 4
2 | Tuned
celeb buzz
Mellow movies
Movies with a romantic angle between older couples are few and far between. However, one
cannot deny the fact that some of the best love stories on screen have been between couples who
are not teens, vampires or werewolves
| Tausif Sanzum
is in French, it proves that love can
transcend any linguistic barrier as the
audience can understand every line
even if he/she does not understand
the foreign language.
Hope Springs
When veterans like Meryl Streep and
Tommy Lee Jones come together for a
film, sparks need to fly for sure. This
2012 romantic dramedy deals with the
characters of Streep and Jones who
after 30 years of marriage undergo
a week long marriage counselling
session to regain the romance which
brought them together in the first
place. Funny man, Steve Carell
playing the role of the counsellor is an
added bonus.
Something’s Gotta Give
This movie broke the myth that movies
with ageing romantic leads do not
work commercially by taking in more
than 260 million at the box office. Jack
Nicholson stars as a music mogul who
has a habit of dating women half his
age. During one of his endeavours, he
ends up meeting the mother (played by
Diana Keaton) of his latest girlfriend.
After a near fatal heart attack, he ends
up spending a lot of time with Keaton
which makes him realise his love for
her. However, the character of Keaton
ends up dating a younger person. So do
these two characters unite or do they
part despite clearly being attracted to
one another is the story which you have
to find out watching this rom-com.
Amour
One of the most haunting love stories
ever made, Michael Haneke’s Amour
is a timeless tribute to selfless love.
The lives of an old couple in their
80s change drastically when the
wife has a series of strokes leaving
her bedridden and vocally impaired.
The husband promises her that he
would not send her away and takes
care of her. Even though the movie
What Women Want
in Dhaka
august 21-23
Life in Photos
Venue: Drik Gallery
AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, AUGUST 23, 2014
this week
August 23
Ebong upen
Venue: Shilpokala Academy
There is a general idea among most
men that women are the most
complicated creation of God. What
if you suddenly get the gift to read
their minds. This is precisely what
happens to Nick Marshall played by
Mel Gibson who (like in his real life)
plays a misogynist pig in this movie.
He works at an ad firm and beds a
lot of women. However, once he
gets this gift, he realises how he has
hurt most women he has slept with
and dumped. He also meets Darcy
McGuire (played by Helen Hunt)
who he eventually falls for. Does
McGuire succeed in changing Nick?
Try Out |
3
diy
I tried it
Not your
regular
couple
photo
| Sabah Rahman
Faded memories
| Adila Hoque
Photographs are a physical manifestation of all the memories we cannot store in our minds. Bear
in mind, they are delicate objects. Many a time, we come across old photographs that we wish were
in better shape. Read on to find out how to restore your old photos to their former glory
There are a lot of things that ruin old photos - starting from the sun to humidity
and, well, age. Try as hard as you might to store them well, sometimes time
gets in the way of that and you’re left with a bunch of oily papers sticking to one
another and you have your aunt’s gap-toothed smile plastered to where your
face should have been. Here are a few simple steps you could follow to restore
them to their previous state.
You’ll be needing:
• A good quality scanner
• A computer with
Photoshop or a good
photo-editing software
installed in it
• A printer
• Glossy paper
What to do:
• Scan the photo.
• Save the file in tiff rather than
jpeg format as jpeg usually
tends to lose detail over time.
• Open the photo-editing
software and repair colour,
brightness and contrast for
washed-out photos.
• Save each version you create
with all the different settings
under different file names
so that you can compare and
pick out the best version of
that photo.
• Fix any scratches by
magnifying that specific
area and using the “dust and
scratch” filter or the Retouch
tool if you’re using Picasa.
• Cut out torn edges by
cropping the photo and tilting
it.
• Print the image you think
looks best on a good-quality
glossy paper.
Bored of the same old photos
of you and your loved one?
You’re in luck! Jatra, a very
popular shop in Dhaka
specialises in a super fun
way to make couple photos
more interesting. You bring
them a picture of the both of
you and they can paint your
faces on Bangladeshi Film
style posters. It’s hilarious,
cute and completely worth
every penny. You can even
be the super villain or vamp,
holding a rifle, warding
random people off. Just talk
to the staff at Jatra and ask
for an appointment with the
artist and you can get your
own masterpiece in a few
weeks.
AVE N U E T SATU R DAY, AU G U ST 23 , 20 1 4
4 | Tech
troubleshooting
The right TV
| Mahmood Hossain
gadgets
Back to school
Photo: Big Stock
| Mahmood Hossain
This one is for the students
We use our televisions for all
sorts of things nowadays, from
direct browsing to playing games.
What we overlook at times are the
certain settings on display when
watching certain programmes.
Here are the right settings for
each category, and it helps if your
TV is fairly new.
Games
Every TV, coming out of the box,
has different modes like Dynamic
or Vivid. This becomes the perfect
setup for video games. However,
it does depend on how well your
room is lit. Most likely you’ll have
to adjust the brightness a little so
the picture isn’t totally washed
out. You also have to consider
the ratio of the display. Tinkering
through the menu settings, you’ll
find screen modes like 16:9, 4:3,
Zoom, or Screen Fit. You’ll want
to choose the Screen Fit for the
full 720p or 1080p HD to actually
come into play.
Movies
Watching movies is all about
watching the deep black levels
and accurate skin tones. You want
to choose Standard or Normal
mode for this. Find a dark scene
in the film you’re watching, and
adjust the brightness levels down
to where the black areas actually
look black. You also have to make
sure to tone down the contrast,
which takes care of the white
levels.
If you’re a university youth
or a parent with a demanding
teenage son or daughter, these
smartphones will suit the needs for
the modern-day student. Whether
you’re starting a new school year
or preparing for another gruelling
semester, you’ll need a reliable
smartphone to assist you along the
way.
this phone is still one heck of
a device. This model remains
the best all-round Android
phone. With its 5-inch
display, quad-core processor,
and 8-megapixel camera, the
5 is a terrific choice. For the
time being, the 16GB costs
around Tk30,000 and the
32GB goes up to Tk35,000.
Motorola Moto G
LG G3
If you’re somewhat on a budget and
looking for something mid-range,
the Moto G is a very wise choice.
The Android 4.4 KitKat device
has a quad-core, and a decent
5-megapixel camera. It
may not be as powerful as
its bigger brother (Moto
X), but the 4.5-inch phone
is worth its price. The
16GB Dual costs about
Tk18,500.
Taking things up a notch,
there’s this beautiful beast - a true
Android flagship. Its jaw-dropping
2560x1400-pixel resolution
(534ppi) display can keep anyone
Nexus 5
Its successor might be
coming out very soon, but
Share your troubleshooting
problems, write to us at
avenuet@dhakatribune.com
AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, AUGUST 23, 2014
iPhone 5S
Did you really think we’d leave this
one off the list? While we won’t
go as far as saying we’ve saved
the best for last, it’s still one of
the best premium smartphones
around. As the iPhone 6 will make
its appearance soon, the price drop
on this model is sure to follow.
You can spoil yourself with this
one, if money is no issue. The
16GB is priced at Tk54,500, 32GB
at Tk64,500, and the 64GB at
Tk74,500, no matter the colour.
apps
Simple vision
| Mahmood Hossain
A more creative way for a presentation
Sports
As football season in the UK and
Europe is underway, the sports
fans out there are going to be
spending plenty of time in front
of the tube. If your TV does not
offer a Sports Mode, you’re better
off keeping things at Standard
or Normal. While the action
on the screen can be fast, and
sometimes blinding, you’ll want
to adjust the noise-reduction
or motion-smoothing settings.
Turn them on and off to see the
difference on screen.
transfixed for a
good period of time.
The 5.5-inch phone
is backed by a quadcore and boasts
a 13-megapixel
camera. 16GB
version of the
phone is around
Tk48,000, while the
32GB version finds
itself sitting around
Tk52,000.
Curator, for the iPad, is a fun and
effective tool for visual thinkers. This
app seems to be in the front line of
minimal design and navigation. The
flat-surface touch design is pleasing
to the eye. The functionality can’t
get any easier. All you have to do is
collect, organise and present.
When you think of jotting down
ideas, it’s a collective process. You
bring the many fragments together
to create a full and clear picture.
Opening up a New Board in Curator
lets you do just that. With an empty
canvas, stacked with boxes, you’re
able to put together your text,
images or websites. This begins the
presentation all on one board.
The second step in the app allows
you to rearrange your ideas and
collected materials. It’s a simple drag
and drop procedure in this section.
Finally, your work can be seen by
switching to full screen mode. Just
swipe from note to note, making your
ideas instantly presentable. From
step 1 to the last, this app is really a
joy to use, and let’s forget how easy
it is. This app can also serve as an
inspiration board or previews into
your future endeavours.
The overall look and feel of the
app is enhanced with the most
updated version of the iPad, so there
is no compromise when it comes to
putting together your own mood
board with high resolution images.
It’s very similar to reading Epub files
on the iPad. One, it’s convenient, and
two, think of all the paper and pins
you’re saving. And last but not least,
it’s completely free to download.
However, for its unlimited access,
you’ll have to toss in some cash for
the in-app purchase. Still worth the
download for all you creative folks out
there.
Tires |
wheels
2014 Honda CR-V
| Tahsin Momin
5
Road rage
Available at :
DHS Motors Ltd.
11, Mohakhali C/A, Dhaka-1212,
Bangladesh
Phone: 9889600
Chicas behind
the wheel
| Tausif Sanzum
Let’s be honest, a lot of us tend to
stare, even if it’s for a second, the
moment we see a woman driving
a car on the streets of Dhaka.
Even though we claim that Dhaka
is one of the fastest developing
cities, it is quite evident that only
a handful of women are behind
the wheels on the road.
A runabout vehicle that continues to excel for its “just-right”
blend of comfort, refinement, and versatility
Now in its fourth generation the
Honda CR-V gave its competitors
a free kick by not offering either
two-wheel drive or diesel power.
It is clear that the Japanese
manufacturer definitely knows
how to set things straight by
providing both options, albeit not
together. Thanks to its typical mix
of efficiency, practicality, and rich
features, it’s no wonder the CR-V
has been a perfect choice of family
vehicle for the last decade.
Exterior
The Honda CR-V retains a few
styling cues from the older
generations, after being completely
redesigned in 2012, that bought
marginal adjustments to its
dimensions. The front end looks
sleeker than before with a jaunty
shape to the headlights and a threepoint horizontal bar grille. The
lower section on the front fender is
pronounced, and includes fog lights.
There is a convex sculpting on the
bonnet with blistered fenders,
giving the CR-V a strong stance.
From the side though, the sculpting
across the doors has been recessed
to give a slightly less Coke bottle
feel.
consists of Honda’s intelligent
Multi-Information Display (i-MID)
that is aided by a reversing camera,
integrated Bluetooth phone and USB
connectivity.
Photo: Big Stock
Performance
Honda never pushed the
performance envelope with the
CR-V, and yet the power-train is
competent and efficient. Shifts on
the gearbox are smooth, and one
would barely notice that there are
only five gears. The 2.0-litre fourcylinder engine no longer features
the dual overhead-camshaft. It
has been replaced with a single
overhead camshaft for better
fuel efficiency. But don’t judge it
just yet. The potent powerhouse
still manages to chunk out 155HP
6200rpm and 163lb-ft of torque at
4400rpm courtesy of its i-VTEC
system.
Safety
The Honda CR-V has gotten a
five-star NCAP safety rating and an
array of electronic safety features
including ABS brakes with electronic
brake-force distribution, stability
and traction control. Airbags such as
front, side and full-length curtain,
they all come with rollover
sensors that measure the tilt of the
vehicle and activate when they
sense an imminent rollover.
The Honda CR-V is nothing
short of a perfect compact SUV.
And with a fresh new style and
a distinct heritage the signs are
certainly promising.
Interior
On the inside, however,
Honda has done some
clever design work that
has managed to make
the fourth-generation
CR-V look small on the
outside but bigger on the inside
than its predecessors. The front
seats are further apart from each
other and hence adding more
shoulder room for the driver
and the front passenger. There
is excellent head and leg room
throughout the rear seats which are
both comfortable and supportive.
Travelling long distances in the rear
can be very comfortable courtesy
of the theatre-style seating and
improved front visibility. The
centre piece on the dashboard
AUTO CORRECT
Why is there water in my
engine oil?
It is most likely that the head gasket has let loose. When this happens, the
car would generally not overheat and run normally. But once the coolant
starts entering into the engine oil, engine damage is occurring. So either
you stop driving the vehicle immediately and get a mechanic to replace
the head gasket before it’s too late or let the engine run its course and then
replace it with a new one.
If we want to trace the reasons
behind this we have to start
from the very beginning. Limana
Solaiman says that when she
got her driving lessons, she had
to opt for an institution like
Macadam where she had to shed
a few extra bucks. The good thing
about institutions like these is
that you get a safe and women
friendly environment. However,
that comes at a price.
Shadma Malik narrates an
incident where her sister had to
pay a lump sum bribe to BRTC
to get her license. Factors like
these hinder the prospect of
more women to enroll in driving
classes. Getting a license will
seem like a cakewalk after you
actually get to drive on the roads.
Comments, stares and weird
gestures are soon to be followed.
Nevertheless, this advice will
help you make your life on the
road a little simpler.
Do not heed the remarks and
inappropriate gestures made by
pedestrians and other drivers. In
case it gets too much for you to
bear just shut the window and
listen to some music.
Try not to engage in quarrels
in case you run into some loud
rickshaw puller. They would just
want to prolong the quarrel and
embarrass you further.
Be extra careful with the traffic
police and traffic rules. Most of
these officers will try to scare you
and get you to pay a huge sum in
case they find any flaw with your
driving.
Got a peeve to share about the state of the
city’s roads and traffic? Sends it to us at
avenuet@dhakatribune.com, or post it on
our Facebook wall.
AVE N U E T SATU R DAY, AU G U ST 23 , 20 1 4
6 | Tell
letters to Mars
Death of intimacy
| Avenue T desk
Q
A
I’ve been married for six months and my wife seems to have
taken an aversion to showers. During the first two months she
would take care of herself, shower and look pretty for our outings.
Recently, as we’re having to go to more and more events she gets
really tired of making the effort to doll up. For five to six days, she
won’t shower and will bank on hair products, or strong roll-ons.
She doesn’t necessarily smell, per say, but just the idea of her not
showering makes me feel disgusted. I don’t want to sound mean
or make her feel unloved, but I really do think this is hampering
our intimacy. How do I break it to her?
MN
Dear MN,
It’s not about whether your wife smells or not, but it is a matter of personal hygiene. You need to tackle this
problem with tact and if that doesn’t work, you must be assertive. Casually discuss showering and try to find
a joint solution to make it more convenient for her to shower. Tell her how beautiful she looks once she has
showered, or emphasise on the benefits of showering without sounding condescending. Perhaps you can even
make her a bath one day. If these kinder approaches don’t work, take a more assertive approach and lovingly
give her an ultimatum.
Photo: Big Stock
Write us your problems
and send them to
avenuet@dhakatribune.com
drama mama
Teenorama
| Dina Sobhan
Tackling a troubled teen
My daughter is 19 years old.
She goes to a well-reputed
school in Dhaka and my
husband and I are very
proud of her. However, a few
days ago we received a very
disturbing phone call from a
stranger who claims that he
knows for sure my daughter
has AIDS. To say the least, my
husband and I were shocked.
I confronted my daughter
about the allegation only
to have her fly into a violent
rage and slam her door in
our face. She didn’t come out
of her room for days and still refuses to talk
to me. I don’t know if she’s upset because
she thinks we don’t trust her, or because
the allegation is true. I’m extremely
worried; what should I do?
Well, I would immediately warn you
to be wary of anonymous phone calls,
which are highly unreliable and should be
dismissed out of hand. Dhaka, especially,
is rife with people whose sole aim in life
is to spread malicious gossip and revel
in other peoples’ misery. Having said
that, however, I also find your daughter’s
behaviour perplexing. Although that may
have had less to do with what you said
and more to do with how it was said.
When you confronted your daughter, did
you sit her down and explain that while
you have no reason to believe a stranger’s
word over hers, that his accusation was
AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, AUGUST 23, 2014
Aries (MAR 21-APR 19)
Aries’ mood may undergo
unexpected changes throughout
the week and you’ll be prone to
provocative behaviour.
Taurus (Apr 20-May 20)
For the next few days try and be
frugal with your finances; it could
be potentially disastrous if you let
them slip out from between your
fingers.
Gemini (May 21-Jun 20)
The first few days this week will be
more suitable for purposeful work,
whereas the second half should
promise unforeseen pleasant
events.
so disturbing that you felt compelled to
discuss it with her? Or did you just flat
out demand to know if she, in fact, does
have AIDS? Either way, your daughter
would be far more willing to discuss
things with you if you approach her from
a position of understanding and caring
than fear and anger. I suggest you try
once again to speak to her and ask her
why someone would make such a peculiar
claim. Moreover, if there is any chance
she has engaged in drug use and/or other
risky behaviours, you should try to have
her come clean about them. If both those
efforts fail, you may have to enlist the help
of a counsellor or psychiatrist to make her
open up and discuss her issues.
Dina Sobhan is a free-lance
writer, a part-time counsellor and
a full-time mom
Cancer (Jun 21-Jul 22)
Concentrate on building your
finances because you are going to
be needing a good base to last the
week.
Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22)
Some very important decisions
are being made this week and
you must be extra careful about
them; these decisions will affect
you for quite a while, so decide
wisely.
Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22)
Some state-changing ideas will
come to you and that should
help expand whatever you’ve
been working on lately. Try and
stay focused; do not let personal
feuds get in the way of your
dreams.
Horos
scope
Tell |
7
letters to Venus
Her or me
Q
My partner isn’t actively having
an affair behind my back, but he’s
extremely close with his best friend.
I have reasons to believe that his
best friend likes him more than a
friend. He doesn’t see it and I can’t
make him see it without coming off
as a jealous girlfriend. He has been
best friends with her longer than
I’ve known him and as much as I
hate to admit it, she is a good person
and I’d hate for them to lose their
friendship over me, even though it
would be extremely bothersome to
have her there beside him all the
time, especially if my relationship
with him should last. What must I
do to get out of this dilemma?
Write us your problems
and send them to
agony.aunt@dhakatribune.com
| Agony Aunt
Photo: Big Stock
A
If you have been following this column, many a time, you must have read my opinion about
couples having a too close relationship with their best friend from the opposite sex. In lots of
cases it ends in tears; we are so fickle minded and in moments of distress we go overboard.
So, what should you do? One possibility is for you to become very close to her, but meet her
without making your partner tag along – over lunch or for a cup of coffee. Invite her only if there
are other people around. When you talk to her, do not share anything about your relationship
with your partner. If things do not improve, tell your boyfriend about your discomfort, but do not
let it come as “It is either her or me.”
Our Agony Aunt is a life coach and a relationship coach as well as a corporate and organisational
consultant. AA lives and works in Bangladesh but travels extensively around the world to attend seminars
and see her clients
tease
Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22)
An emotional irritation might
manifest itself into reckless
behaviour, so try and keep a good
hold over them.
Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21)
Be happy with yourself and
everything around you. Don’t try to
find fault with everything; one day
you might wake up and find out you
are left with no one by your side.
Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21)
You’ll be bursting with energy and
yearning to do new things, so do not
let any emotion get in your way.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19)
You may be feeling a bit blue
because you let someone down,
or didn’t meet up to your own
expectations, but do not let these
thoughts suppress your energy this
week. This is a good time for you
to act out and prove yourself to
everyone.
Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 19)
Your energy is strong this week - use
it effectively and efficiently to attain
your goals. Remember that you
shouldn’t need to fight to have your
voice heard.
Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20)
This week is a good time for you
to listen to others as they might
have some useful ideas for you.
What sounds like criticism could
actually be a helpful idea for you,
so be careful before jumping to
conclusions too easily.
7 dumb relationship
mistakes smart girls make
| Khan N Moushumi
When it comes to love, all logic flies out the window
Dear smarty-pants, you might have nailed
it at witty conversation starters and good
career advice, but here’s what you’re doing
wrong in your relationship.
Overanalysing it. Being too smart for
your own good, you’re reading too much
into things, always trying to figure out
what’s on his mind or if his compliments
have a double meaning – “When he said
he liked my big eyes, did he mean they’re
alien-big?” If you’re confused about
something, instead of beating
around the bush just address it
directly.
he DOESN’T compliment you on your
new haircut. Guys aren’t wired the same
way as girls. They’re not all that meticulous
and it’s not the end of the world it they
don’t notice that half inch hair you just
trimmed off.
Flipping out when he DOES compliment
you on your new haircut. Accusing him
of lying, negatively interpreting his words
and being all melodramatic. Mellow
out for the love of God.
Always trying to be right.
It’s annoying. Learn to see
things from his perspective for
a change, make it a habit and
stick to it.
Expecting him to read your
mind. Expecting him to magically
understand what’s on your mind.
He’s not a psychic you know.
When subtle hints don’t
work, give him the
information he
needs rather
than expecting
him to add up
the clues and
solve the mystery.
Flipping out when
Photo: Big Stock
Playing Nancy Drew on
social media. To hit the
ceiling if it says he’s “single”
on Facebook. Maybe he’s
a private man, maybe
he doesn’t want to be
bombarded with questions
about who he’s dating. It’s
really not a biggie.
BS-ing your way out of
arguments. Bringing emotion
into the mix and making
puppy eyes at him after
being busted for
“catching up”
with your exboyfriend over
lunch behind
his back.
What’s up with
that?
AVE N U E T SATU R DAY, AU G U ST 23 , 20 1 4
8 | Tucked in
Digs & Finds
Cosy and
comfy
Foot stools from Akhtar
Furniture
Mirpur flagship showroom
51 West Shawrapara, Rokeya
Sharani, Mirpur, Dhaka-1216
Phone:+88029027659,
+88029027701, +88029027704,
+8801847004723
Email:spsr@akhtargroup.com.bd
decor
A splash of romantic whimsy
to your bedroom!
| Sabiha Akond Rupa
Bedrooms were never more inviting
Photo: Big Stock
Shangshad Avenue showroom
5/3 Monipuripara, Shangshad
Avenue, Tejgaon, Dhaka-1215
Phone:+88029144235-6,
+8801847004719
Email:sasr@akhtargroup.com.bd
When you walk into your bedroom,
you must feel that you have entered
into the heart of your home. It is
after all your sanctuary and the
essence of harmony in your life. You
can always change your bedroom
appearance even within your small
budget, focusing on the little things
can make all the difference and create
a romantic atmosphere. When you
are sharing your bedroom with your
soul-mate, the decor should make
you feel more inviting and intimate.
Let’s see how little things can change
the whole ambiance of your bedroom.
Create the mood and light up your
fire: If you have a small budget and
don’t want to spend too much on
luxurious shades of lights, then you
can simply opt for candles instead.
Candlelight sure makes the bedroom
all the more romantic, elevating your
senses. Place some big pillar candles
beside your bedside tables as well as
a few small stacks of tea light candles
around the window sill; use the scented
ones for that extra touch of delicacy.
Also, if you can expand your
budget by just a little bit and invest
in gorgeous lamp shades you can
transform your bedroom from okay
to outstanding. Use energy saving or
AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, AUGUST 23, 2014
low wattage bulbs. The bulbs with
yellowish tones are preferred over the
white ones. It will add a soft touch to
the atmosphere of your bedroom.
Art of love: Your bedroom should
reflect who you are and what you
love the most – art pieces are one of
the great elements that can make
your inner emotions flow. Make a big
collage of your wedding and family
photos. But if you don’t want family
photo collages then use a famous
romantic art piece that reveals the
bonding between you and your
partner. Hang them on top of your
bed or make small frames to put them
on the shelves.
Colour your romance: Painting your
A bed for two: The most important
bedroom is always a budget friendly
way to change the entire ambiance.
You want to paint those walls with
something that looks warm and cozy.
For a small bedroom, choose from
lighter shades, while larger rooms
work best with deeper tones.
Wind through your curtains: If
you have a beautiful view from
your bedroom window, then change
the curtains and frame your room
beautifully. You can choose your
favourite curtains from Aarong, Jatra,
Home Tex or any other home decor
shop. You can even get some custom
made from a curtain maker.
part of your bedroom is your
bed. Make sure there’s plenty of
room in it for the two of you with
accompanying bedside tables. People
often say that canopy beds are ideal
for couples, but you can make your
existing bed look more appealing by
changing the bedsheets and pillow
covers and buy new ones in soft
colours. Again, choose your colours
wisely –let it be more natural.
Replace the fabrics to linen, silk or
even cotton, depending on your
mood. Use more pillows and throw
it here and there to make it appear
more comforting. You can also use
a rug underneath your bed to make
your bedroom look more elegant.
Take care |
9
health
Lengthening the years
| N Anita Amreen
The many ways to make growing old together a journey that lasts longer
Photo: Big Stock
An imbalanced diet, low water
intake and the lack of exercise
can take a toll on your digestive
system. Constipation and irritable
bowel syndrome can become more
commonplace. Keep these at bay by:
• Including high fibre foods such
as vegetables and whole grains to
your diet. Cut down on high-fat
meat. Drink at least 10 glasses of
water on a daily basis.
• Never delaying bowel
movement. Ignoring your bowel
needs and constricting them for
too long can lead to constipation.
Maintain urinary
tract health
It gets harder to control our bladder
as we age. This may be the result
of anything from diabetes to
menopause.
From being newly married to new parents to grandparents, the years always seem to roll by in the blink of an eye.
As couples age, they inevitably find themselves lost in the midst of life - raising kids, paying the bills, meeting
responsibilities. Bogged down by the stress of it all, many couples tend to prioritise other responsibilities over
their own health, never realising that the biological clock is constantly ticking away, one unhealthy minute at a
time. Regardless of which age bracket you’re from, it’s vital that you take a few precautionary measures to help
keep health hazards at bay.
Maintain a
healthy heart
With age comes added pressure
on the heart, often leading to
slower heart rate and stiffer
arteries. We become more prone
to cardiovascular problems as well
as hypertension. To maintain a
healthy heart follow this four step
guide:
• Follow a balanced diet. There
is no alternative to following a
balanced diet. Try to pack your
fridge with vegetables, fruits
and protein; that way you will
be less prone to giving in to your
temptations.
• Quit smoking. If you or your
partner haven’t been able to
quit, try going to acounsellor to
really put an end to this lethal
habit.
• Get enough sleep and rest.
Exercise your joints
and muscles
• Reduce stress levels. Try to
manage your stress levels and
don’t give in to the pressure of
everyday life.
Over time our bones weaken and
sometimes even shrink in size.
Some bones may become shorter
while muscles lose their vigour. We
become more prone to fractures
and balance issues. To improve
your bone, joint and muscle health
do the following:
• Make exercising a part of your
daily routine. Be it a 10 minute
brisk walk after meals or a full
fledged work out, make sure you
are working those muscles.
• Get your daily dose of calcium
and Vitamin D. If your diet
doesn’t include enough of them,
ask your physician to provide
you with calcium and Vitamin D
supplements.
Keep your digestive
tract healthy
• Make frequent trips to the
bathroom. Put urinating on an
hourly schedule and then try to
lengthen the time between each
trip to the bathroom.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Tighten your pelvic muscles.
Do Kegel exercises, holding
contractions for five seconds and
releasing them for another five.
Slowly increase the time to 10
seconds.
Sweat it out
together
• Go for evening walks to get
a good work out and some
alone time.
• Make working out
a fun activity
that keeps
both of you
motivated.
• Park a little
further away
from your
destination and
walk the rest
of the way.
Use stairs instead of the lift.
• Try sports such as tennis,
badminton or even
swimming to keep things
interesting.
AVE N U E T SATU R DAY, AU G U ST 23 , 20 1 4
10 | Trial room
Show me love
| Sabah Rahman
AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, AUGUST 23, 2014
11
Trial room |
Happy couples. What is it
about them? What do they
do that maybe the rest of
us have no clue about?
Lasting relationships do
indeed take some work.
Meet Zara Jabeen Mahbub
and Naveed Mahbub,
a couple that has been
married for 16 years and
have kept the magic alive.
Naveed is a professional
stand-up comedian having
performed in the US, UK,
Spain, India, Myanmar,
Indonesia and of course,
Bangladesh. He was the
Best Male Comedian at
the 2007 Original Las
Vegas Comedy Festival
and is the founder of
Naveed’s Comedy Club,
Bangladesh’s first comedy
venue. He is the host
of NTV’s The Naveed
Mahbub Show. Zara is
the Senior Vice President,
Head of Customer
Experience at BRAC Bank.
While accomplished, they
are also the proud parents
of two highly active
daughters. We sat down
with the dynamic duo to
find out how to keep fire
burning bright.
Q
You’ve been married for 16 years
at a time that most couples can
barely make it to 5. What’s your
secret?
Zara: Above everything, we are
friends and believe that there is
nothing that we can’t work past
(Insha’Allah). So I don’t think there’s
any secret. The key is acceptance
and respect.
Naveed: Candor, zero hang-ups,
interdependence, mutual respect,
support, unconditional love,
friendship to the point that we can
just hang out with each other for
hours on end.
Q
Have the dynamics between you
two changed throughout the
years?
Zara: Yes, I have grown up! When
I got married, I was 23 and very
impressionable and I am much
stronger now. But we haven’t
changed much as human beings. The
dynamics remain pretty much the
same – I watch sports, do the civil,
electric and wood work around the
house while Naveed cooks. I love his
cooking and he continues to enjoy
cooking for us, thankfully. It’s been
like that since day one.
Naveed: Fundamentally, no. And
that is the testament of strong
bonding.
Q
Q
Zara: I think the magic is in the
conversations we have. And as for
time, you HAVE to make time for
each other. Every opportunity we get
we sit and spare a few minutes for
each other.
Naveed: The moments together. The
two of us going out on dates though
we immediately start missing the
kids!).
Zara: Most of the time, yes…But then
he is still a husband and I am a wife,
and we are both very strong. So we
do have our serious moments and
explosive arguments. But thankfully
they are very short lived.
Naveed: In general, yes. But, like
most comedians, I am a very serious
and private person when not on
stage or in front of a camera. So the
seriousness is needed to maintain a
good balance.
You have 2 kids and busy
professional lives. How do you
find the time to keep the magic alive?
Q
How do you two like to unwind?
Zara: We have our ‘tea’ time. There
is nothing like talking to each other.
On weekends, we find ourselves
chatting away after lunch well into
tea time. There was a time when we
just sat and talked and talked… for
almost 7 hours straight and the only
way we realized it was we got hungry
and Naveed got up to get something
and we both realized that it was
almost past dinner time. So as most
people might guess, we talk a lot at
home too.
And we also do activities together
like swim, travel or watch movies
with the children. That helps us
unwind a lot too!
Naveed: Adda and silly
conversations.
Does the fact that Naveed is a
comedian help keep things light
and happy?
Q
Have any conflict management
tips for other couples?
Zara: Talk, talk, and talk some
more. If you can’t change something
(which is usually in the past), then
ACCEPT it from the heart. Another
thing you have to do from the heart
is apologise…When you say sorry,
meant it.
Naveed: Accept everything at face
value. Talk it out. Move forward.
Never keep things bottled up – there
will be an explosion. Never go to bed
angry, make-up because tomorrow
may never come.
Q
Who is more stylish?
Naveed: Zara
Zara: Duh!
AVE N U E T SATU R DAY, AU G U ST 23 , 20 1 4
12 | Trending
Beauty Session
With Sabrina Fatma Ahmad
Pimping up
your pastels
How to add some edge to these
soft colours
fashion
Ice, ice baby
| Sabah Rahman
Are diamonds really a woman’s best friend?
Whether you love them, or hate them, most ladies have always seemed to covet diamonds. However, you don’t have to
pull off a hip-hop star look and be dripping in ice like Ludacris. Let’s talk about how to sport some bling with class:
Pastels are soft, soothing, and a
perfect daytime option for our muggy
climate. Unlike Western wear, you
can actually go head-to-toe pastel in
a kameez (particularly chikan) or sari
without looking like an Easter egg.
But as we transition towards cooler
weather, here’s how to add a little
edge to your summer shades to make
them last longer.
Pair it with a dark hue and an edgy
accessory
Got that soft peach kurti? Wear it with
dark jeans, or wine-coloured palazzo
pants. Pair that mint ice-cream kota
sari with a slinky metallic blouse in
teal, or purple. Make a full pastel
salwar kameez set pop with leopard
shoes.
By pairing the soft colours with a
darker hue or a bold accessory, you
can take your daytime look to the
evening without breaking a sweat.
to start experimenting with if
you feel like a novice. Then there
are the diamond studs that will
never, ever go out of style. They
pretty much go with everything
and class up almost every outfit.
Colour me
beautiful
Soft pastels + bold print
Got a soft buttercup yellow maxi
dress? Throw on a dynamic graphic
scarf. Team that baby pink jumpsuit
with an Art Deco inspired crop
jacket. A solid pastel garment, when
paired with another in a bold, bright
print can take your everyday look to
runway chic.
Neon flash
Pairing neons and pastels is a failproof option. A dove-grey dress with
a citrus panel, a powder blue kaftan
with a fuschia floral print, there are
endless combinations you can try, and
they all look amazing.
White heat
The classic white salwar is still a
favourite for pastel cotton kameezes.
The regular salwars, made fancy with
lace borders will never go out of style
whether it’s churidars or pattialas
enjoying the season’s spotlight. Take
your look to night-time with a bright
detail, like a neon shoe or bag, or a
bold red lip, or statement earrings.
AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, AUGUST 16 , 201 4
Don’t succumb
to peer
pressure
Just because your friends like
to chill in the afternoons on
weekdays, wearing every single
rock they possess, it doesn’t mean
you have to do the same. Stay true to
yourself and your own unique sense
of style.
One at a time
Wearing one statement piece at a time
is what usually looks the best. Classic
diamond pendants are the easiest bet
Faking it
You don’t have to stick to plain old
rocks if they don’t complement your
way of dressing. Remember that
famous pink diamond Ben Affleck
gave Jennifer Lopez? Well, the
relationship may not have lasted, but
the trend sure did! There are many
other colours like yellow and blue.
Knock yourself out!
Hey, all of us can’t afford the real
thing. Wear the fakes with pride
if you have to. You don’t have to
announce it to the world, it’s none
of their business. On the other hand,
you can shout it out to the world.
Whatever floats your boat. There are
Cubic Zirconias, Moissanite, Russian
diamonds and a host of others. Bling
up those digits with cocktail rings.
They are still hot!
13
Tailored|
his style
Frequent flyer miles
| Mahmood Hossain
Know how to walk off the plane
in style
hydration” or something similar. Lips
take no back seat when it comes to
taking care of your face. Lip balm
is essential no matter where you’re
traveling to, so carry it at all times.
Have you ever seen all those
handsome celebrities walking out of
airports and asked yourself, “Why
do I look busted coming out of the
terminal?” Well, fret not, gentlemen.
You can easily look as good as them,
if you’re following the right procedure
that is.
Sleepless
Worried about the roller coaster
of a ride sleeping schedule? Many
of us build up fluid, resulting in
unfavourable bags under our eyes.
You can make sure you get the right
amount of sleep or use a simple trick
while in the air. You can simply ask
for a cup of ice cubes that can be used
to rub around your eyes. Or you can
find yourself grooming products like
Garnier’s Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye
Roller.
Fresh take
First things first, you have to look
healthy. It’s all about starting your
grooming session before you head
out for the airport. On the day of your
flight, stay away from salty foods
of any kind that may contribute to
endless belching. More importantly,
keep a bottle of water with you. Drink
plenty of water and make sure you
have some with you on the plane.
Resting through
Hydration continues
While you take care of your insides,
the outside is equally important. Use a
moisturiser that is breathable, nothing
that blocks your pores. Products
in fashion
Photo: Big Stock
that are meant for this occasion will
usually be labelled as “maximum
A travel sized face wash is a musthave. One way or another the grime
will make an appearance. Your hair
isn’t far off, make sure to shampoo
your hair before you take off on your
next flight. Finally, for those red-eye
flights, there’s Visine to the rescue.
Pre-season
warm-up
| Mahmood Hossain
Rain, rain go away so all the
dapper men can come out to
play
When the pouring stops and all is dry,
you’ll need to get back on track with
the classy professional look for the
office. The transitional period can be
tricky business, not knowing which
outfit to take out because of the
weather. What you can prepare for is
the autumn checklist.
Be square
Stock up on those pocket squares.
These won’t break the bank, you’ll be
able to buy a few at one go. The best
things about this accessory is that
you’ll be able to wear it with your suit
to formal venues or the office, and
when you want to dress things down
with a casual blazer. Next time you go
shopping for new dress shirts, make
sure to match them up with your
pocket squares.
Photo: Big Stock
New season staple
The blue and brown combination
is always a winner. This mix goes
well with any guy, no need to have
doubts about if the colours look good
on you. But it’s vital that you keep
the coordination proper. Whether
it’s blue or brown, keep the shades
different and the contrast will fall into
place. If the blue is darker, the brown
should be lighter and vice versa.
Checks and stripes
Bring a bit more flavour to your
wardrobe with stripes and checks
on your shirts, ties, pocket squares
and suits. But remember to balance
things out like you would with any
other pattern. Thicker stripes on the
tie should be mixed with a thinner
striped dress shirt or suit. Larger
checks should have smaller checks as
the backdrop; the same goes the other
way around.
The light and the bright
Lavender is a smoother colour, think
of it as pink’s much cooler brother.
It goes much better with blues and
greys, which leave you with a closet
filled with various combinations.
If you’re feeling a little confident
you can go with louder colours and
patterns, contrasting them with a
more solid, toned down shade. For
instance, a solid navy suit on top of
an orange and light-blue checked
shirt.
style session
with mahmood Hossain
Q
There is this beautiful
casual shirt I bought the
other day from my favourite store, I was actually tempted
to buy another. Are there any
rules against it or does it seem
too indulgent buying the same
item more than once?
A
Indeed, there is a rule
but nothing against
your desires. In fashion,
when there is something you
like or absolutely love, you buy
as many as you can! Stock up on
those suckers. The wise thing
to do, if possible, is to purchase
the particular item in different
colours. This will always be encouraged. You couldn’t imagine
how many of our colleagues buy
one item in bulk - in different
cuts or colours. We’re not crazy,
we just understand the process
in style and fashion so go back to
your favourite store and head to
the checkout counter. Just don’t
break the bank doing it.
Q
Photo: Big Stock
During the weekends I like
wearing shorts, either at
home or when I’m out and
about. But in your previous columns you’ve suggested to
stay away from flip-flops when
going out. What is the proper
footwear to wear with shorts?
A
Flip-flops are fine if
you’re walking around
your home or at the
swimming pool. The reason we
are against flat sandals is that
our streets aren’t the cleanest.
It also depends on what kind of
shorts you’re wearing. Casual
shorts, with a hint of a dressy
feel, should be matched with
the different styles of loafers or
boat shoes. But if you’re wearing
shorts, avoid wearing socks completely. The only time you should
be wearing socks with shorts is
when taking part in athletics or
going hiking. Chukka boots are
also a good choice with your
shorts, there’s a slight get–readyto-get-rugged look to it. Hopefully, your grooming is in sync.
Send in your style inquiries to
avenuet@dhakatribune.com
AVE N U E T SATU R DAY, AU G U ST 23 , 20 1 4
14 | Tempt
beauty
Let’s get it on
| Sabah Rahman
Whether you’ve been with your guy forever, met him recently, or just like him for the time being, some nights call for pulling out all the
stops. No, it doesn’t have to be his birthday, your anniversary or even Valentine’s day. Once in a while a surprise seduction can just be
what you both need. This week, we’ll take you through what can make your special time even more interesting
The face
The hair
The term “bedroom
hair” actually comes
from what your
mane looks like after
a roll in the hay. But
some of us want to
achieve that look before the magic
happens. Insert two large velcro
rollers on the crown of your head
while hair is still damp. Spritz
a styling spray onto the rest of
your hair and divide into four or
six messy sections. Go over your
head with a blow dryer while
twirling the sections with your
fingers, away from your face. End
results? Big, sexy hair.
AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, AUGUST 23, 2014
Photo: Big Stock
The body
Exfoliate the night before and use
a faux tanning lotion on your skin.
Trust us, the bronzing effect masks
most skin imperfections and gets
you glowing from head to toe. A
Neutrogena version is available at
Tropikana in Gulshan DIT 2 Market.
This is not the time to pile a
bunch of gloop on
your face. Take
it easy, woman!
The first thing
you need to do
is to moisturise
so your skin
feels soft to the
touch. Use a
kohl pencil to
put a tight-line
on your eyes
and wear a
couple of coats
of waterproof
mascara. It’s a
real eye opener
and a no make-up look. Avoid the
cakey dark lipstick that will leave
stains all over his face. Opt for a non
transferable tint and a flavoured
balm, as lip gloss can get super sticky.
The no-brainers
Take a shower. Groom yourself,
whether you prefer to wax or shave,
just get it done. Put something sexy
on to get his motor
running. Feeling
embarrassed
about your
wobbly bits?
Relax. Wear
some high-waisted
undergarments and
work it like you’re
channelling a pin-up
girl. Confidence is key
in the bedroom. Don’t
be that insecure person
that points out all your
imperfections to your
guy. He probably won’t
notice unless you keep
asking for it.
15
Ticket|
Bling it on
When words can’t express your true feelings, diamonds will do the trick. We
all want to feel special and appreciated and there are a few things in life which
empower a woman like walking into a room with your neck wrapped in a Gitanjali
diamond encrusted necklace
Pay them a visit at their flagship store in
Suvastu Imam Square
1st Floor, 65 Gulshan Avenue, Dhaka
Photo Caurtesy: Gitanjali Jewellers
AVE N U E T SATU R DAY, AU G U ST 23 , 20 1 4
16 | TRAVELOGUE
The bucket list
Safari, South Africa
Whenever you think of South Africa, Cape Town comes to mind.
However, there is a lot more adventure waiting for you in this
diamond mining country. South Africa gives you the opportunity to
experience a wide diversity of flora and fauna amidst the comfort of
living in five star lodges and indulging in local cuisines and top notch
wines. You can meet the leopard population in the Sabi Sands area,
save another day for visiting the penguins in the Cape Peninsula. You
wouldn’t want to miss out on the lions, rhinos and cheetahs of the
Kalahari Desert.
Hamilton Island,
Australia
If you want to write your love story from
the bottomless blue, this should be your
destination. The Great Barrier Reef is
filled with tropical fish which you have
only seen on the Discovery Channel. A
traveller’s secret – stay at the Reefsleep,
a floating hotel with an underwater
viewing chamber. Make your stay more
memorable by getting an aerial view of
the reef on a helicopter for a minimal
price.
Iguaçu Falls, South America
Located on the borders of Brazil and Argentina, the grandiosity of
Iguaçu makes even Niagara Falls look puny in comparison. From the
Brazilian side, you can view the gigantic Devil’s Throat. Looming at
a height of 250-feet and over 500-metres width and with hundreds
of smaller cascades as its siblings, this giant of a waterfall is a sight to
behold. You can participate in hiking, helicopter rides, bus and railway
sightseeing. You can stay in a fall view hotel and forget to take a trip to
the surrounding National Parks.
AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, AUGUST 23, 2014
17
TRAVELOGUE|
Ray Bradbury once quoted, “We travel for romance, we travel for architecture, and we travel to be lost.”
Take his advice and get packing for the journey of your life to one of these awe-inspiring locations
| Tausif Sanzum
Paris, France
If luxury is your style, then Paris
will make you smile. Cheesy for sure
but one cannot avoid being cheesy
describing one of the most romantic
and beautiful cities in the world. If
you are visiting Paris, the following
places should be on your MUST
visit list: the Eiffel Tower, Notre
Dame Cathedral of Paris, Palace
of Versailles, Musee du Louvre,
the Catacombs of Paris and Sainte
Chapelle.
Bhutan
Bhutan measures its development in terms of Gross National
Happiness and visiting this peaceful nation near home
will definitely make you one happy soul. You can choose
to indulge in adventure sports such as hiking, trekking,
kayaking and mountain biking or you can opt for some rest
and relaxation in retreat and meditation centres or Tshachus
(hot spring therapy). If you time your travel well, you can
be part of local festivals such as Nomad festival, Nimalung,
Paro Tshechu and many more.
AVE N U E T SATU R DAY, AU G U ST 23 , 20 1 4
18 | Tantalise
review
Platter
| N Anita Amreen
Platter’s grand ambition gone wrong
Nowadays new restaurants in Dhaka are quick to make elaborate
promises of providing you with the most decadent meal in the vicinity.
As is the case with such promises, more of than not, we find ourselves
sorely disappointed. In the case of Platter, the matter was different.
An architectural marvel, Platter is designed as a refreshing oasis of
glass, greenery and warm open-air dining. Very sleek and stylish, both
indoor and outdoor seating arrangements are full of the charm of an
eatery that is meant to be both a visual and a palate pleaser. Judging by
the décor, one would imagine that it is practically impossible for them
to serve anything less than spectacular. The Avenue T team went forth
and ordered an elaborate meal of some of their staples to find out if the
cuisine would leave us as impressed as their décor.
Photos: Sabiha Akond Rupa
Calzone pizza Tk900 and Pan fried mushroom Tk350
The calzone pizza was cheesy and tangy and flavourful, and suffers
more from a mislabelling issue than
any flaw in taste. People expect
a certain portion size from a
“pizza for two” and this one
doesn’t match that. More
cheese wouldn’t hurt.
It wasn’t awful, but it
wasn’t great either.
The pan-fried
mushroom was
pretty decent. A great
complement to items
like garlic bread.
-Sabrina Fatma Ahmad
Lasagne del cardinale
Tk550
Platter’s lasagna, to put it
simply, tastes like Gordon
Ramsay’s tears. This one
looked just as bad as it tasted.
Few dry layers of lasagna
sheets stubbornly stuck
together with a lazy dollop of
yesterday’s sauce. There was
no sign of béchamel sauce or
meat sauce. After one bite,
I was too terrified to take
another.
-N Anita Amreen
Tagliatelle alla romana
(TK600)
(tomato sauce, mushroom,
chicken, cheese and butter)
The Tagliatelle alla Romana
was below par. Unfortunately,
the taste wasn’t as good as the
presentation. The sauce was
too thin, almost runny; the
execution was disappointing.
It tasted very similar to a
generic cup of noodles. The
pasta was not as al dente as
I would have liked it. Who
knows? Maybe it was an offnight.
-Mahmood Hossain
AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, AUGUST 23, 2014
Penne al molti formaggi Tk500
(Penne with different cheese)
I would normally easily get hooked on creamy cheese
pasta but then I tried Platter’s Penne al molti formaggi.
Problem solved. Not sure whether to call it Penne al
NO formaggio, I tried to force myself to gulp down the
stringy pasta that tasted undercooked and had no sign
of cheese whatsoever.
-Khan N Moushumi
Tantalise |
19
Seafood pasta Tk650
(spaghetti, calamari,
prawn, fresh basil)
The pasta was well
cooked and the red
sauce tasted pretty
good. There
was enough
calamari in the
pasta and the
portion seemed
satisfactory to
me as well. I was
glad that at least I
chose a meal that
wasn’t as unpalatable
as the others’!
-Sabiha Akond Rupa
Polo Takkina Gredinale Tk850
(chicken breast, white sauce and cheese)
What an abysmal dish! I was expecting a grand meal of a soft
chicken breast smothered in creamy white sauce but what I
got was a poor representation of my worst imagination. The
white sauce was disappointingly bland and the meal was a
disgrace for the Tk850 hole it burned in my pocket.
-Natasha Rahman
Roasted chicken platter Tk850
(roasted chicken, roasted potato, candied lemon, mixed
vegetable and chicken jus?)
Lamb rack platter Tk1,000
Instead of finding a well cooked, flavourful roasted
chicken, I got what you’d expect to find at home – Bengali
style roast chicken. It seemed to go wonderfully with my
sides of undercooked potatoes. Another disappointment.
(served with roasted pumpkin, vegetable and lamb juice)
The lamb rack was served chewy, dry, mostly fatty portions, drenched with
sauce, and close to raw. It was the biggest disappointment. I even asked our
server if it was a popular choice and whether it would be a good one, and he
assured me it would be.
-Fuad Hossain
- Sumi Mahmud
The saving grace
After unanimous agreement regarding the low quality meal,
we were served their signature dessert: Molted Lava cakes
at Tk220. Warm, rich and oozing with hot chocolate, it may
not have made up for the meal, but it certainly sweetened
the deal for us, instantly replacing our sour faces with sated
smiles.
AVE N U E T SATU R DAY, AU G U ST 23 , 20 1 4
20 | news
Weeklong Pasta Promotion at
Dhaka Regency
Bring your taste buds back to the pasta dishes at Dhaka Regency. From August
21 to 27, Dhaka Regency is going to initiate a “Weeklong Pasta Promotion” at
its charming Grandiose Restaurant. The Hotel is all set with wide selections of
homemade pasta and other Italian specialties cooked to perfection. Throughout
this promotion, guests can feast on a variety of pasta special dishes such
as Spaghetti with Chunky Meat Sauce, Penne Pasta Frutti De Mare, Seafood
Tortellini with Lemon Butter, Mixed Taglietteli with Smoked Salmon, Spinach
& Cottage Cheese Ravioli Lemon Butter and many more. This culinary delicacy is
available for lunch and dinner with a live cooking pasta station. To enjoy the ultimate
selection of authentic pasta menu call 01713332661.
Foodpanda
raises another
$60 million
worldwide
Okapia smartphones
Okapia launches an array of stylish smartphones that won’t break the
bank. Take your pick and visit http://www.smartphonesbd.com/brand/
okapia/ for more details.
CP Biggest Eater Contest
CP stands for Charoen Pokphand. CP
is a Thai multinational conglomerate
that deals with agro-industrial goods
and food. As a part of fully integrated
livestock business, CP food business
is complimenting the economically
driven poultry production in
Bangladesh through successful
AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, AUGUST 23, 2014
marketing of meat and poultry
products of impeccable quality that
drives its vision of being “The Kitchen
of Bangladesh.” CP food business
has already made its brand position
among urban middle to higher
income people by offering products
made with Thai technology but local
taste. Currently it has more than 120
CP branded fried chicken shops in
Dhaka and Chittagong. It also has a
strong presence in more than 60 super
shops and chain stores like Agora,
Meenabazar, etc. with its chilled
processed foods and fresh eggs.
CP Bangladesh Limited is the
proud host of the food enthusiast’s
competition for the first time in
On August 11, foodpanda,
together with its affiliated brands
hellofood and Delivery Club,
announced another financing
round of $60 million from a
group of investors, including
various existing investors, Falcon
Edge Capital and Rocket Internet
AG. Since its launch in 2012,
foodpanda/hellofood has raised
over $100 million. Recently, the
company acquired competitor
Delivery Club, making it the
leading food delivery marketplace
in Russia. In 2013, foodpanda
secured more than $20
million funding from
Phenomen Ventures
and Investment AB
Kinnevik, and $8 million
from iMENA Holdings. Another
$20 million from a group of
investors, including Phenomen
Ventures, was collected in
February 2014.
Bangladesh by organising “CP Biggest
Eater Contest” held on August 19 at
BIAM auditorium. Ten crazy CP fried
chicken lovers took the challenge
to eat six sticks of CP chicken ball
within one minute to own the title of
championship to be “CP Biggest Eater.”
The Biggest Eater champion was
awarded with a Samsung Galaxy Tab
and gift pack from CP Bangladesh Co.,
Limited.
AVE N U E T SATU R DAY, AU G U ST 23 , 20 1 4
Beauty session
Q
With Sabah Rahman
Why do I need to buy separate
lotions for my face and body?
Is there any good reason
why I can’t use my hand
cream on my face? The scent is so
intoxicating.
A
You absolutely should not use
your hand cream on your face
at any
time. Here is the reason: the skin on
your face is a lot more delicate and
thinner than that of your hands. You
also need to keep your skin type in
mind and use a moisturiser that is
suitable for you. Your hands, however
have thicker skin and can take the
heavier creams created for them. Think
about how many times you wash your
hands a day. You know it’s a whole lot
more than how many times you wash
your face.
Using these super emollient versions
on your face will clog your pores and
just make it a breeding ground
for blemishes. As for the
fragrance, that’s not going
to do your face any
favour either.
Q
A
What’s the deal with how
many times I should be
washing my hair per week? I
like to wash it everyday.
Experts say that you should
ideally wash that scalp three
times a week. However, if
washing it everyday is what
has always worked for you, go for it.
The trick is to use a gentle shampoo so
you don’t mess with the natural balance
of your scalp. Use more shampoo on
your roots as opposed to concentrating
on your hair and the ends to prevent it
from drying out.
Photo: Big Stock
Photo: Big Stock
news
After receiving award for contribution in the field
of education, Belal Ahmed, Deputy Director, PR,
North South University shared few words about
contribution of NSU. Prof. Shafiq Ahmed Siddiq,
eminent educationist; Prof. S. M. Nazrul Islam, vice
chancellor of BUET; Prof. Rafiqul Haque. vice chancellor
of Bangladesh Agriculture University; Prof. M. Lutfar
Rahman, vice chancellor of Daffodil Int. University;
Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd.) Abu Osman Chowdhury, ED,
BCKT are seen on the podium.
AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, AUGUST 23, 2014
Bangladesh Chhatra
Kalyan Trust
Award for contribution in the field of education is receiving by Belal Ahmed, Deputy
Director, (PR) of North South University (NSU).
Press : 6col X 5in
Is a voluntary organization is working for students’ welfare; along
with Daffodil Int. University recently (August 09,2014) arranged
a discussion & award giving ceremony at Jatio Press Club, Dhaka.
Eminent educationist Prof. Shafiq Ahmed Siddiq was present as
the chief guest and handed over crests. Prof. S. M. Nazrul Islam,
vice chancellor of BUET, Prof. Rafiqul Haque. Vice chancellor
of Bangladesh Agriculture University, Prof. M. Lutfar Rahman,
vice chancellor of Daffodil Int. University delivered speeches.
Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd.) Abu Osman Chowdhury, ED, BCCT preside
over the ceremony. Belal Ahmed, Deputy Director (PR) of North
South University (NSU) was awarded for his contribution in the
field of education as PR & communications personal.