A valid New Years’ resolution: Become a Culture Vulture

Everyone makes New Years’ resolutions, but about 40% or less keep to them – I know I don’t/haven’t… that’s why I decided to make a list of ideas and things that are do-able – not like going to the gym 3 times a week or only eating carbs once a day – things that will make you an all-round better, more cultured individual. Plus, they’re fun!

Dans Le Noir? – Restaurant/Bar, Farringdon.
This restaurant and concept was first founded by Edouard de Broglie and Etienne Boisrond in Paris in 2004, to create awareness for blindness and people with visual disabilities. They have successfully opened restaurants all over the world, with one of the biggest being in London.
The idea is that you eat and drink in complete darkness, with blind waiters serving you. In this way, your sense of touch, taste and smell overpowers your sight, so the food you are being served and the drinks you are consuming have a stronger taste than ever before, and on top of that, you experience the way in which people with sightlessness live their every day lives.
Prices for the meal start at £41 for two ‘surprise’ courses of your choice – vegetarian, seafood and meat.
http://www.danslenoir.com/

Archipelago – Restaurant/Bar, Goodge St.
Ever wanted to try crocodile, kangaroo or ostrich but didn’t want to travel all that way just for that one exotic bite? Try Archipelago. On the menu are all sorts of dishes, even chocolate covered scorpions – yum. The waiters have a story to tell behind every one of the exotic, bizarre dishes, definitely something to try for a special occasion, or if you are just sick of Nando’s.
http://www.archipelago-restaurant.co.uk/

Emma Richardson – Crusin’ For A Bruisin’
Band Of Skulls’ vocalist and bassist has her first solo exhibition at the Londonewcastle Project Space, Redchurch St., from the 2 to the 12TH February.
The art pieces are in response to their debut album Baby Darling Doll Face Honey in 2009 and their upcoming album Sweet Sour, which is set to be released in February.
Her artwork has been used previously for the bands’ album artwork, where it was digitally manipulated. Richardson’s artwork is influenced by artists such as Cy Twombly and Lucien Freud, and is mainly abstract work on canvas, but also focuses on the nature of symmetry and reflection.
So, if you love art, and you’re a fan of Band Of Skulls – head down and check it out!

Florence & The Machine X Karl Lagerfeld
We all know Karl Lagerfeld. And we all love Florence Welch. Karl used Florence as his muse last year, and she performed at his show for Paris Fashion Week in 2011. It gets better – a series of limited edition vinyl releases from Florence & The Machine’s single No Light No Light from their latest album, Ceremonials is being released and presented at The Vinyl Factory, London. Now, here is the best part; Karl Lagerfeld art directed the photographs which are on the cover of the vinyl record sleeves.
The photographs portray the singers’ worldwide stardom and inspiration for the fashion world.
The record itself is the only physical release of No Light No Light, and includes a remix by producer Dave Sitek, from TV On The Radio.
The release date is 16th of January, and you can pre-order at http://www.vfeditions.com/product/view/46 for £50, and/or just drop by The Vinyl Factory and have a look…

Guy Denning & Frank Rannou – ‘We Are All Prostitutes’
Opening to the public on the 27th of January – 11th February at the Signal Gallery in East London, is a first-time collaboration between two brilliant painters. This is their first London show, and consists of dramatic portraits of humans. Something to talk about over coffee in a café nearby.

There you go, just something to start you all off to a culture-filled 2012…

– Nina Hoogstraate