Tag Archives: big
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
The swing thing was oversubscribed and the cocktail nation diluted like American beer, but for the purists the lindy hopping never stops. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, an originator of the LA swing scene, formed in 1992 and quickly became SoCal favourites. BBVD is pure 1940s fun, with a reinterpreted big band sound and a double-shot of Rat Pack attitude and humour tossed in for stage presence. There’s no understanding why a natty dance band would play a sand-filled beach as it cuts down on the dancing but see them anyway.
The Big 5 Boma
Just half an hour outside Johannesburg is the Hartbeespoort dam, an area of breathtaking natural beauty, is the Big Five Boma, a traditional elevated thatch rondawel built around a ‘fire that never dies’. Although open seven days a week, the place really buzzes on a Sunday when there’s live music and traditional Zulu and gum boot dancing and a wonderful carvery feast. As dusk falls the central fire is stoked and diners can bask in the warm glow while watching an idyllic African sun set.
Big Bowl
Noodles continue to be trendy, as this stylish, affordable Asian chain opens its fourth Chicago location. The interior is characteristically smart, with contemporary light-grained wood and bowl-shaped banquettes. The menu features five kinds of fresh noodles and chicken potstickers and dumplings. The emphasis is on fresh flavours – even the peanut sauce is prepared with home-roasted peanuts. At an interactive stir-fry bar patrons choose from an array of vegetables to be wok-cooked with their choice of sauces, and chicken or beef atop noodles or rice.
