Anifile - Steins;Gate

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Now this is a time machine I can get behind - microwaves and text messages. What a novel idea, but can it carry over an entire series? Masako wraps his head around the complicated world of Steins;Gate.

Anifile - Toriko

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Cooking may not be the manliest of pasttimes, but only Japan can turn the activity on its head and make it extremely masculine. Add fighting, searching for the ultimate goal and wacky characters and you got a winning recipe.

Anifile - Kia Asamiya Month: His Latest Work

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To end Kia Asamiya month, let's summarise the other works that the man has done up to now including his latest work, which involves sexy girls, cars and technical college. Interesting.

Anifile - X-Men

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Marvel and Madhouse go at it again with the third collaborative piece to date. This time, the mutants turn Japanese in their quest to find a lost kindred spirit. Masako reviews X-Men: The Anime.

Anifile - Kia Asamiya Month: Nadesico

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And now, one of Asamiya's greatest works. Masako's favourite anime ever and probably one of the best parodies of the mecha genre, it became a success of its own accord.

Anifile - Kia Asamiya Month: Silent Möbius

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Asamiya is a keen action fan and Silent Mobius has that in spades! Cops, paranormal entities and one of the most complete universes in his repetoire, this series shouldn't be overlooked.

Anifile - Kia Asamiya Month: Steam Detectives

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One of Asamiya's lesser known stories, Steam Detectives encapsulates the steampunk movement which began in earnest in the late 90s.

Anifile - Kia Asamiya Month: Introduction

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It's April and it's Kia Asamiya month on Anifile! Masako showcases the works of one of his favourite manga-ka.

Anifile - Madoka Magica

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To round off the Winter 2011 lineup, Masako has the review that so many of you have requested for. So here are his first impressions on the magical girl show which turns the very concept on its head! It's Puella Magi Madoka Magica.

More like a peck on the cheek...

So I just got back from 2 job interviews today and I had some time in Covent Garden between said sessions. Now I would usually go to Muffinski's for my froyo fix, but I thought I would give the place I had been shunning for ages a try and see whether it justified my reluctance. The place in question is SNOG.


For those unfamiliar, SNOG is the most successful brand on frozen yogurt chains in the UK with 5 permanent 'Snog Shops' set in the London area and an outlet in Dubai of all places! So the reason why I have been quite scathing of this place is due to its ingredient it lauds as healthy - agave nectar. Agave nectar is a plant-derived ingredient used as an alternative to sugar sorta like honey. However, it may have a low-glycemic index but its fructose content is astronomical meaning that your liver can't process most of the calories from it and converts it to fat plus failing to satiate your appetite. When I discovered this, I avoided these like the plague. However, I thought I couldn't keep ignoring this place and would add these to my froyo reviews.

The decor is certainly very...pink; and white. It's quite a simple design and yet quite chic. I certainly didn't feel like my eyes were being insulted. I took to looking at the menu and was asked quite a few times by the server about whether I was gonna order something. I felt a little rushed like I was annoying her - but of course, she didn't blatantly say that. That's unprofessional.

The flavour of yogurt is quite varied with three constants: Natural, Green Tea and Blueberry with the addition of seasonal flavours (in this case, Spiced Apple). The sizes come in Little (125 cal), Classic (187 cal), Big (312 cal) or Massive (561cal). I like that last one - only social etiquette kept me from getting that one! The prices are not that bad - they start at £2.95 for a Little with nothing on it and go all the way to £9.90 for a Massive with 3 toppings. I went for a Big Blueberry at £4.30.

When I looked at this, I was eagerly ready to dig in. This is my control flavour with the topping blended in - how could I lose? Well...it's not all that rosy. The initial taste is very good. It is quite creamy with a slightly coarse note to it which is almost perfect for me - it feels like it has substance which differs it from ice cream. The flavour is tart and tangy but not as in your face like Frae or Itsu, much less the latter. So for the first few seconds I was pleased; however that didn't last. After a few seconds, the flavour vanishes as does the texture. It's like it never happened. So you dig in for some more...and more...and more. It's about now that I experience the agave nectar's fructose foe enacting its wrath. Making me want to eat more and feel unsatiated. I polished it off (this is like 12oz of froyo here!) and felt I could go for another if money allowed it but I thought better of it.

It was nice to try it again as I was a fan of the franchise to begin with before I found its dark secret they don't like to tell you. Granted, I didn't get a sugar rush and energy crash (the low-GI claim holds true in that regard) but a good dessert should make you feel content and pleased for a good while afterwards. This didn't. Its initial hit is good, but it's fleeting. I would much rather go back to Muffinski's and pocket the change. Conclusion - don't be fooled by the health claims of SNOG's agave nectar and go for a more straightforward variety.