London Zest

Cleanse Away 2011 - Glow in 2012

2011-12-21T06:46:00.000-08:00

It's nearly the end of the year - and as expected you're exhausted. Your skin feels gray, drab and it looks almost yellowish. You feel an urge to cleanse away all impurities that have managed to nestle themselves into your pores over the last 12 months. You want to brighten up again and start fresh. There's a simple solution for that - the facial cleanser. Now I know that most of you are attached to your regular go-to's when it comes to cosmetics and beauty products, and that when in doubt, nothing beats an express run to the Duty Free counter at Heathrow airport before catching a flight. I get it, I do it too. But no more. With my thirties fast approaching, I've decided to stop neglecting my skin and making it a priority for 2012.

I've recently been recommended a cleanser by a dear friend of mine whose grooming tastes I blindly trust. I tried it, bought it and never went back. The amazing Shu Uemura Skin Purifier is a rich and delicate oil, which rinses and purifies your skin to leave it looking smooth and glowing. After a long day of stress and makeup, simply use a couple droplets of water to foam up the oil and massage your skin, eyelids and lashes gently with your fingertips, soaking up all the makeup and dirt accumulated during the day. No need for extra makeup remover, no need for cotton swabs. Job done.

Check out Shu Uemura's tutorial here:

Choose the Classic for normal skins, Aloe Vera for normal or ageing skin, and the Fresh for oily or blemish-proned skin.

Visit Space NK, Liberty or the flagship Neal Street boutique to get your Shu Uemura Cleanser, and for £28 you'll be one step closer to a balanced and glowing 2012.

The Staves - The New Wave I Crave

2011-11-04T06:22:00.000-07:00

The Sound of The Staves is nothing short of extraordinary. No joke, it is by far one of the most blissful sounds I've heard on earth - at least in 2011. A combination of the Dixie Chicks, Enya and the Corrs, their vocals are clear, crisp and honey-like. And if you lend your ear to their enchanting harmonies, acoustic loveliness and fairy-like melodies, you'll fall in love with them as well. The three sisters, Jessica, Camilla and Emily from Watford, UK, are bringing Hippie back with their smooth songs like Mexico and Facing West, from their undiscovered 2010 EP - one of my proudest 2011 zesty discoveries.

Check out their Myspace and book your tickets to their UK gigs here!

A Pink Box Full of GGGs (Glossy Girly Goodies)

2011-09-26T13:14:00.000-07:00

The latest Brit-born girly start up, called Glossybox, brings you an innovative and fun subscription service, offering its members a selection of 5 beauty product samples each month, from the most up-market and coveted brands to the most niche and exclusive, and that for only £10 a month. If you're an avid cosmetics consumer, love experimenting with new products but would rather die than to spend the money or time on products that you try once, hate and ultimately throw out, this is your new girly discovery. Or better yet, if you're fed up with the regular Boots run, gag at the sterile smell of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals on your daily lunch Cosmetics trip, you'll want to read on.

Glossybox is a fantastic consumer proposition insofar as it's easily digesteable and user friendly. This is how it works. It's a 3 step process.

1. First sign up to receive your monthly Glossybox and complete your Beautyprofile to allow the experts to carefully match products to your likes and personal beauty.

2. Every month you'll receive a beautifully wrapped pink and purple polkadotted box full of girly goodies in the Royal Mail.

3. Enjoy 5 cherry-picked luxury products each month and avoid the hassle of long queues and the pressure of sales people.

Provide feedback and with every survey, receive 20 points. After collecting 1000 points, your next Glossybox is free. You'll want to do this.

With brands ranging from O.P.I, Nars and Lalique, to All For Eve and batiste shampoos, you'll be able to sample from all sorts of products for nails, skin and hair alike.

Plus enjoy regular style and beauty tips via their online magazine. This week, Glossybox talks you through Olivia Palermo's beauty tips on how to look effortlessly glamorous. You can subscribe to news updates on Facebook and Twitter as well. All of this from the comforts of your cozy living room. What are you waiting for? Check it out here and sign up now, zesties.

The Latest Addition to the Bruton Street Fash Pack

2011-09-07T01:50:00.000-07:00

No, this is not a joke and this is not a tease. Your heard me. It's happening and it's true. The cult Parisian designer Isabel Marant is coming to town and bringing her delicious garments to Mayfair's finest street to reside at 29 Bruton. While no official opening date has yet been announced, you can be sure that there will be buzz, fashion lights and beautiful people populating the new space and strutting their stuff with her latest collection through the streets of London. Marant will move into a 3,5000-square-foot premise, and will become neighbour to Matthew Williamson, Stella McCartney and Diane Von Furstenberg. Yes, dear. I did say the Finest.

Being a hardcore fan myself since 2004, I've never once not seen her catalogues, and never once not bought anything from one season to the next. I've always clung like glue to her ankle boots, floral prints and skin-tight leather trousers. And her knits have a way to make any look seem effortless yet feminine. There's something to be said about laid back French fashion. It's just undeniably cool.

Take a look at her exquisite A/W 11 collection here.

Like Ham & Cheese on Crack

2011-06-23T05:13:00.000-07:00

You've probably been to Pret numerous times on your daily breakfast run and thought to yourself, God, it's that same old thing again; "a yoghurt and raspberry jam parfait, please, take away". Off you go, with a grunt and a softly-dying appetite, at the thought of swallowing down yet another tasteless breakfast this week. It's doesn't have to be that way, zesties. Weekday breakfast can be fun again! This morning, I took the adventurous road down the bakery aisle at Pret and bought myself a melty crispy, goldeny brown Ham & Cheese croissant. I did it. Carbs for breakfast, zestie, it's a fact. So sue me.

It's got all the winner ingredients for a happy breakfast and a splendid start to the day: the ham, the bacon, the cheese, the juicy tomato sauce, the crispy crust - it basically is 352 calories of pure goodness. I can't wait til tomorrow morning. Did I just hear my alarm clock?

In the Pret a Manger near you.

Strong in Body, Peace in Mind

2011-06-12T14:03:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had an itching urge to kick all bad habits, smoking, alcohol, bad food and lack of exercise in a desperate effort to cleanse yourself? It's a spring cleaning thing, I reckon. It happens to me every year around this time. 2010 was the Grape Diet year. For four days straight, I "cleansed" my body with this supposed anti-oxidant miracle remedy. I cut out alcohol and all things toxic a week after wards. I felt light on my feet, strong in my body and re-energised. 2009 was the year of the Master Cleanse. Terrifyingly difficult and torturous, I managed to pull through and I was rocket of energy for days on end. In 2011 however, I'm not so much in the mood to starve and torture myself. In 2011, it's all about feeling strong in body and having peace in mind without taking extreme measures and becoming an anti-social hermit because of it.

Yeotown Main House

Yeotown Suite

Being a bit of a yoga nut, I decided, last weekend, to drag my mother to a yoga retreat - one of the most respected yoga retreats in the country. Well, to be fair, I dragged her, but she treated me. Voted by Tatler as one of the top 10 spas of the world and Harper's Bazaar as one of the top detoxifying destinations in the country, Yeotown Devon truly is the ultimate place for a mind and body cleanse.

Yeotown Yoga Studio

Tree Pose

Choose a yoga or a detox programme and get carried away by the amazing classes, food and natural beauty of the surroundings. It truly is one of the most peaceful places I've ever been to. And let me assure you, two hours of power yoga in the morning plus 2 hours of restorative yoga in the afternoon, a massage and walk in the woods, for 3 days straight, beat the hell out of a grape or master cleanse cure. No pain (not really), no starvation, no anti-social lock ins, you'll find yourself refreshed, empowered and addicted to a healthy lifestyle.

"Artistic" shot of newly pedicured foot on basin of rose petals

Buddha sculpture in front of main house

So fine, if you're short on cash, need a quick and efficient cleanse and you're not afraid of low bouts of energy during work hours and missing out on the pub run with friends, the four day master cleanse is the right choice for you. And again short term gratification is the goal for this type of programme. If you're one to need a solid make-over, a long-term cleansing and empowering solution, then Yeotown is where you should be headed to next weekend.

They Make You Bake

2011-05-19T01:40:00.000-07:00

It's like Colour Me Mine but for foodies or Paint By Numbers with edible ingredients. It's the latest form of microwave-oven dinners. And it's so good and so sinfully easy, you'll never go Dominos again.

Here's the idea: you pick up your "nearly baked" pizza at The Pizza Makers. You glance over the wonderful menu of pizzas available and then, you select your favourite Margherita, Artichoke, Pepperoni or Prosciutto pizza recipe. You put in your order - and in the blink of an eye, your pizza is ready. Well, not quite. You let the pizzaiolos work their magic on the dough and the balanced distribution of ingredients on the beautiful blank canvas. It's the job of your home-oven to finish the masterpiece. And voila! It's DIY Pizza!

They make it, you bake it. Nowadays, who even makes their own pizza anyways? But then again, who enjoys biting into a take-pizza whose dough is half soggy and sticking to the back of your teeth from traveling for God knows how long in the back of a Dominos delivery vespa? That's right, zesties. Nobody. That's why, it's time for a revolution.

Bite into that crispy, thin-crust, fresh and tasty - the one you nearly made from scratch - delicious pizza and enjoy! Okay, so there's a minus. It's in Chiswick. But hang on, I was there last month and compared to Shebu, it's not half bad! Jokes aside, it's an up and coming area full of yummy mummies and upscale boutiques, with a grungy flair. So now you've got yet another reason to visit the neighborhood.

The Pizza Makers

85 Chiswick High Road(corner of Chiswick Lane)
W4 2EF
020 8994 8080

Water: Drink Responsibly

2011-04-28T05:50:00.000-07:00

Are you one of those avid water drinkers? You never leave the house without clutching a water bottle. You always drink between meals and never during. It's two liters of waters per day, not one. Yeah, you know all the rules. You think you're the water expert. There's just one rule you're missing though. By buying and using new water bottles each day, you are going against the basic philosophy of recycling, a philosophy we humans preach but hardly ever exercise; polluting the earth and creating unnecessary waste around us. Yes, okay, I'm guilty, I like my occasional Evian bottle and enjoy the sporadic sip or two when I'm on the go. Sometimes, I even go out of my way to buy my fashionable and yes, delicious, Voss Water. My dear friend works for them in Asia and really believes in the water's nutritional values. I completely buy into it. At restaurants though, I've gotten into the habit of ordering tap water. It's not cool, but it makes me feel a little bit better about myself each time.

Recently I've been introduced to the unbelievably sleek and clever Bobble Water Bottles. Bobble is a £10 portable reusable water bottle invented by world-renowned industrial designer Karim Rashid. Its clever design incorporates a filter, which equates to at least 300 water bottles, substantially reducing the waste otherwise generated by disposable water bottles. Change the filter approximately every two months and wash the bottle every so often. How easy is that?

Available in different colours online and in various Planet Organic Stores throughout London per location below:

Muswell Hill:

111/117 Muswell Hill Road
London
N10 3HS

Notting Hill:

42 Westbourne Grove
London
W2 5SH

Central London:

22 Torrington Place
London
WC1E 7HJ

Islington:

64 Essex Road
London
N1 8LR

Eliza Does A Lot

2011-04-05T01:15:00.000-07:00

If you haven't yet heard Eliza Doolittle's gleeful, lovable, Spring-in-her-step album, no sweat, she is performing it live this Saturday, 9th of April at O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire (London) as part of her global 2011 tour. And if you can't make it to that, she's got a Gold album, 22 years of age and a whole lot of career ahead of her.

Known for her juicy tunes "Skinny Genes" and "Pack Up", and her delicious golden summery voice, she is Britain's, better yet, Pop music's, next it thing and she has definitely won me over. Nevermind that she is Moschino's new mascot and muse, that she has killer legs and a great sense of fashion - London-style. She also has tunes that will blow a breezy wind through your hair on those hot summer days. So hurry up, Zesties, and book these tickets now for she will not be be kept a secret for long.

Eliza Doolittle

@ O2 Shepherds Bush Empire

19:00 - ticket price £16.45

As Close As It Gets to the French Pharmacy

2011-03-31T02:11:00.000-07:00

There is one really huge thing I miss about France these days, aside from, well okay, a lot of things. But lately, what with Springtime being nigh, the sunshine lending us its delicious rays and pollen allergies kicking in, I feel a dire need of a pharmacy run. I generally get my pharma-fix once a year, when visiting family and friends in Paris. I spend about 60 euros (who am I kidding, 100?) on Homeopathics, shampoos and conditionners, body oils, waxing strips, curing creams and gels, and last but not least, my beta-carotene sun capsules (from Oenobiol Solaire). I just find the pharmacy experience that much more pleasant over there. I guess I'm just a bit of a pharma-snob. And judge me all you want, but I'm just not that big of a Boots fan. There is no such thing as an enjoyable Boots run. It's get in and get out. So where to go where Lifestyle Guru Gwyneth shops for her fantastic pharmaceuticals? I found just the place today on my Covent Garden lunch run.

The Garden Pharmacy is as close as it gets to a good-old fashioned, vintage French apothecary and carries all of the essential go-to French products. Here are some of my body and healthcare products of choice:

Oscillococcinum: the homeopathic cure-all for seasonal flus

Caudalie Makeup Remover: gentle and strong at once; no need to use 2 cotton swabs, one is enough

Biotherm Aquathermale Spa Body Scrub: exfoliator and scrub for the body

Avene Eau Thermale: perfect mist of clean, mineral water for irritated and dry skin

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse: For a smoothe and silky skin on those summer nights

Klorane Shampoo and Conditionner: For all hair types; leaves your hair feeling rich and healthy

No need to plan your next Parisian trip around your cosmetics. Find all you'll ever need in terms of delicious cosmetics in the midst of busy Central London, but enjoy your pharmacy run too!

Muffins Are So Yesterday

2011-03-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

#Forget about doughnuts, gelato and choc chip cookies
#Muffins are so yesterday
#At Wafflemeister I lost my heart
#OMG, just discovered WM and I'm in heaven

These are some of the tweets on Wafflemeister's Twitter. That's right, it's all about waffles these days (yes, and about Twitter too, as I've discovered for myself). And guess what? Waffles don't have to be rich in fat, sugar and cholesterol to be a tasty delight. At Wafflemeister, that's not what it's about. The all-natural Waffle dough recipe at the South Ken Waffle Bar is made from organic and fresh ingredients, and topped with all-natural chocolate, berries, nuts, whipped cream and coconut flakes! Have it for breakfast, dessert or for your 5pm snack. Have it as a midnight munch. The place is open til 00:00. You can go for the no-fuss dark or milk chocolate drizzle option or the banana, nuts and fudgetastic waffle spectaculaire. Hey, what other important decisions do you have to make this week?

Check out WM's new Notting Hill spot on Portobello Road.

Zesties. Go. Indulge.

Wafflemeister:

26 Cromwell Place

SW7 2DL

020 7193 8649

137 Portobello Road

London W11 2DY

020 7221 1153

Oh and come follow me on Twitter!

An Ode to Something British: The Jacket Potato

2011-03-09T01:38:00.000-08:00

It's the Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich of the Albion. The Moules Frites of the Brits. The Kung Pao Chicken of Mother England. A carb/fat fest on crack. The good ol' traditional, sloppy, slimey and incredibly salty jacket potato is something I've only recently discovered - not because I wasn't aware of it, but simply because I wasn't ready for it. And quite frightened of it to be perfectly honest. That's right, to enjoy the Jacket Potato moment, you've gotta be ready, you've gotta be open to an indulgent, rich and somewhat surprising culinary experience. Well, it took me ages - two and half years to be exact - but I finally sunk my teeth into the JP with beans and cheese earlier this week. And I wolfed it down.

It's not that I don't see what you see. This looks positively gross. The orange colour from the bean sause looks awfully artificial and the runniness of the melted cheese could tie a stomach in knots for days. Call me crazy but I think that sounds like a recipe for a fabulous Monday work lunch. At the divey Franx cafe in Covent Garden, you couldn't find a cheaper, more delicious and absolutely fantastic JP with beans and cheese. Add a dollop of bacon and you're all set.

I'm pretty much a beginner when it comes to the Jacket Potato in London. If you zesties have got any recommendations, I would love to hear them.

Enjoy the early Spring sunshine!

LondonZest Tries Hollywood Glamour

2011-02-14T01:54:00.000-08:00

How can one think about gowns, jewels and stilettos when the outdoor temperature reaches the zeroes and all you want to do is slap on some mittens and a hoodie just to brave the cold London wind? I am feeling awfully shabby these days, preferring to settle for the jeans and knit sweaters than the cute LBD and accessories combo. But the Hollywood awards season having kicked off already and Spring weddings and exciting travel plans coming up shortly, I am finding myself longing for the occasion to dress up and be glamourous. Done with the winter blues, hello to the bejeweled evenings out and parties. In comes the shopping.

Walking past the Merchant, the posh yet welcoming high end designer Vintage store on Ledbury Road in Notting Hill, I was immediately enamored with the beauty of the window. I saw Chanel, I saw Stella and Dior, I saw Louboutins, Choos and Prada.

I grinned. I immediately had a vision of myself, tall, confident, glamourous, donning a flowy frock and diamond earrings, an Oscar in hand, on stage, thanking my mum, my dad, God, and of course, the academy. I don't know how it happened, but before I knew it, I was inside the treasure trove, trying on dozens of items, garments, shoes and jewelry and forgot about it all, the cold, the wind, the mittens. And then I grinned even wider, the treasure trove sheltered a Golden chest filled with vintage jewels.

And suddenly, the long grey gown I had chosen for my upcoming friend's wedding seemed much less dull. The earrings were on my ears - and there was no taking them off. I smiled to the clerk - and there was not much else to say but thank you. And have a good day.

These are no diamonds but I'll settle for these any day of the week. I wish I could tell you the name of the designer but he remains nameless- honestly the shop assistant had no idea what his name was. You'll have to go check it out for yourself. So off you go, zesties.

The Merchant

36 Ledbury Road

London, W11 2AB

Way Down to Chinatown

2011-01-20T01:59:00.000-08:00

Not since Milk & Honey in New York and the Curio Parlour in Paris have I been able to find a decent place for a yummy, fruity, splashy, fabulous cocktail in London. It's just not that easy to come by. Paris has recently started up on the trend, while New York has been a pioneer of all things spirits and fancy alcoholic recipes for at least a decade now. But look no more, Zesties, the latest and trendiest cocktail bar in all of London has opened its doors in none other than London's Chinatown. The Experimental Cocktail Club London, known by all the Paris loyals as the ECC, is just a month old but is already buzzying with Central London's most fashionable and exquisite people.

One of the main problems with London, I find, is that most pubs and bars inconveniently close between 11 and midnight. And whether we're talking crowds, music or strict door policies, clubs over here- they just don't cut it. Who wants to pay £££ for memberships to places you end up showing up to only fortnightly, and £££ more extra to pay when the tab arrives in your lap, no less. Cocktail bars and lounges aren't really crowding the streets either. Okay so you've got the uber-fancy-old-man-take-a-call-girl-out Connaught Bar in Mayfair- though I can't say it's my weekly go-to option, considering the Euro-Posh customer base and the up-market cocktail prices. In a nutshell, for any wide-eyed and bushy-tailed London expat like myself, that's just not going to cut it.

So when I heard about the ECC's arrival in London last month, after reading rave reviews of its original namesake in Paris, I jumped at the opportunity to book a girls' night out. I was not disappointed. Deliciously decadent, creative and innovative cocktails, like the Spicy Old Cuban and the Experience, coupled with luxurious velvet sofas and gorgeous crowds in a cozy and romantic speak-easy room make for a delightful and unforgettable evening. No membership. No queues at the door. No maxed-out credit cards. Who could ask for more?

The Experimentail Cocktail Club

13A Gerrard Street

W1D 5PS

En Français, Paradis Means Heaven

2011-01-10T06:40:00.000-08:00

If you are a devoted fan of Vanessa's as much as I am; if you've collected all of her albums, and hummed Joe le Taxi, Divinidylle and Sunday Mondays all throughout your teens, and if you've watched her appear in gorgeous Chanel ads and stunning campaigns for years on end, then you'll be delighted to know! Honey-voiced French Pop Princess, actress, fashion icon, face of Chanel and envied wife of Johnny Depp,Vanessa Paradis is popping into town for a once in a lifetime performance of her greatest hits EVER at Koko London in Camden!

Rush now to get tickets as they are selling fast!

Be ready for a bewitching evening on February 2nd at 7pm at:

Koko London

1a Camden High Street
London NW1 7JE
0870 432 5527

A Real Life Fairytale

2010-12-02T01:51:00.000-08:00

Last week, I was in the presence of real life magic. It all started when last Tuesday, I met one of Disney's most popular princesses. Cinderella, my favourite one (she was always the most down to earth - literally a floor washer and scrubber), stopped by my office for an exclusive showcase of her jewelry.

No, I am not talking about the real life Disney Princess, God, get a clue. And no, do not worry about me, Zesties, I'm not going insane - though some Christmas holidays would be very much needed right now. Rachel, the closest thing to the collection's namesake and Brazilian muse, Cinderela, is the mastermind designer behind Cinderela B, a beautifully eclectic and utterly whimsical jewelry collection, which is based right here, in the heart of one of London's hippest area, Spittalfields, E1. And she can even visit your office or a girly night in, if you fancy the VIP experience.

Her line ranges from a colourful set of pearls and beads, necklaces and bracelets, pendants and charms, all made from the real thing and marked with a "made with love" stamp; a wide variety of DIY charm necklaces, for which you have an extensive choice of charms, from cutesy stars and boy and girl kissing, to rock n' rollin skulls and angel wings; and finally chains up the wazoo, gold, silver and bronze, dangly and neck-choking.

It's a miracle Harvey Nichs hasn't whisked her away yet, and an even bigger miracle that I only got myself this adorable rose quartz star-charm bracelet. I wish I had filled up a cart full of goodies before Cinderela flew away in her pumpkin carriage.

If I were you, I'd give it a visit sooner rather than later. The prices are friendly and there is even a sale going on right now. Or, get Prince Charming to go there instead. Christmas is around the corner after all.

Here are some of the places you can spot Cinderela B:

Sunday-Up Market (every Sunday 10am-5pm)
Just off Hanbury Street, Spitalfields, London, E1 6QL
Lucas Bond, 45 Bedford Hill, Balham, London, SW12 9EY
Tickled Pink, 2 Bellevue Rd, London, SW17 7EO

Westfield of Dreams

2010-11-10T00:11:00.001-08:00

The last time I was in a real shopping mall, I was about 12 years old. Walking hand in hand with my American Grandma, in the dead heat of Los Angeles summer, I could think of nothing better than the Thousand Oaks shopping mall to indulge on a Haagen-Dasz ice cream bar, salty popcorn and an air-conditioned movie. Looking back on those fun-filled American old days, I actually remember enjoying these luxurious moments of convenience and practicality. Today, there’s nothing I hate more than an over-crowded, over-heated shopping center. To me, they’ve always come to stand for everything I dislike about American culture, be it sterility or over-consumption. Or so, I thought.

Never in my wildest dreams could I fathom once again setting foot in the prison cell that is the American shopping mall. My London years have led me to erase and forget about the concept of shopping malls all together. It’s just not something I’ve missed or been longing for - at all.

I was taken to Westfield Shopping Center last weekend when I met my friend for a movie at the Vue Cinema in Sheperd’s Bush. Walking towards the designated address, I looked up and was immediately startled by the gargantuan size of this unusual building. I nearly turned my heels in refusal to walk ahead. It was almost organic. But I fought the urge to walk away and I slowly climbed up the steps of the stadium-looking facility, and little by little, entered the chaotic and euphoric - almost magical world of Westfield. My eyes were gorged with micro-tears of fascination and excitement. How could I have missed this modern marvel these past two years without even the simple curiosity to take a peak? I was disappointed with myself and my judgmental attitude.

So I decided to let myself be carried away. The inside of the monster’s chest is even more enchanting than its asymmetrical and origami-shaped outside façade. While the practical aspect of malls has always bothered me, I’ve never witnessed such brilliant engineering inside and outside the walls of a shopping mall. I looked around me; I transport myself next to Ethan Hawke in Gattaca and Tom Cruise in Minority Report. But this is not a movie; this is not the future; this is real; this is now. This is the pure brilliance of modern mankind. And then I remember to keep walking. I am not in Hollywood, I am in Shepherd’s Bush!

I am surrounded left and right, up an down, by Miu Miu, Dior; Prada; Zadig & Voltaire, Whistles, Massimo Dutti and Cos; Habitat, Waitrose, M&S and H&M; all within a few feet of each other. I suddenly love shopping malls! What was I thinking this whole time? It’s suddenly all about convenience and practicality. I go up numerous escalators and flying elevators and am in awe, even more bewildered by the countless choices of lunch spots. From Pho and Wahacca to Tossed and Chipotle, I cannot think of a better place to be than standing in the middle of London’s best fast food joints.

I've finally come to the realisation that gems don’t have to be small and hidden. Sometimes, gems are right there in front you the whole time, before you even realize that you are standing right before one.

Westfield Shopping Center

Ariel Way
London W12 7GF
020 3371 2300

An Ode to Something British: The Sunday Roast

2010-09-25T03:45:00.000-07:00

The Sunday Roast is a deliciously unique British culinary experience. For those of you who have known it your whole lives, you must know and feel a close and intimate bond with the dish itself. I know I've experienced the same feeling with my Dad's monthly langoustine platter. It's a special relationship. But for those of you who are becoming familiarised with the dish, it's a matter of time, you'll see. For me, the Sunday roast represents my experimentation with British food, but more importantly, my eagerness to embrace all things British - including, but not limited to, pubs, two-tiered busses, jacket potatoes, Marmite on toast, fish n' chips, tea and scones, James Bond, Wimbledon, the Queen, bowler hats, Wayne Rooney and last but not least, Yorkshire Pudding. To this day, I still ignore the properties, which make Yorkshire Pudding taste so fluffy and fantastic. But I will continue to test its value, on Sundays, as I continue my quest for London's zesty roasts.

Last Sunday was the first of my many zesty escapades down Sunday Roast lane. Camera in hand and a massive appetite to satiate, I walked into The Albion in Islington. The Albion has been a London Sunday Roast staple for many years and continues to thrive on the one divine British special and simple recipe for success- beer gardens and Sunday Roasts. What's not to like? This was my second visit to the Albion so I was therefore inclined to book a table a week in advance to get the time slot of my choice in the room of my choice. The pub's dining room is a relaxing place to lazy around with your mates in the cold but cozy winter days, while the beer garden is gorgeously green in the spring and summer days.

I ordered the Roast, without even taking a glimpse at the menu. I was not deceived and I was not mistaken. My memory had not failed me, this roast was by far the best one I'd tasted since my early days as a Londoner. I scarfed all of it down, scraped the plate to its very last crumb, to the point where my jeans cut into my belly like a sword. I looked around mischievously to check whether I was the only one with nothing left on her plate. Indeed I was- others were still chewing on crunchy potatoes dipped in gravy and cutting into smooth and red-tastic slices of beef. I was envious. I wish I had lingered a little bit more on my plate, tasted the flavours a little better, let the buttery potatoes and horseradish sauce melt on my tongue a little longer. But hey ho, all the more reason to try this again.

In hindsight, I can't stop thinking what a gorgeous meal that was. And I'm ready for a redo. Anytime, anywhere, you name it, zesties.

The Albion

10 Thornhill Road

N1 1HW

0207 607 7450

Yummy Mummy Heaven

2010-09-13T00:45:00.000-07:00

I'm young. Okay, I'm not that young, but I often daydream about what my life could be like as an adult. I have this vision of life in London a few years from now- lovely rich husband and kids in tow and gorgeous Victorian house in Holland Park, no professional obligation. Country house, beach house, fancy car, walk-in closet, nannies, live-in help, first-class travel, dinner parties. The list goes on. But it's only a fantasy - an artificial dream. Is there a job in my dream? Nope. Are there problems, financial, professional and personal, in my dream? Not likely. I am a Stepford wife in my dream; and then I wake up, and I hate that dream - this isn't what I want!

Certain areas of London sometimes feel like that dream. Not only are the women gorgeous but they just look so relaxed, fulfilled and perky! They go on daily walks around the neighborhood, stop for tea, or - a low-fat, no-foam, extra-hot cappuccino (just so), shop at the Matches around the corner, attend 3pm Pilates classes, and send their nannies to fetch the children at school. Yummy mummies have the best life! But do I really want this?

Yesterday, I took a leisurely stroll down to Holland Park and the dream state kicked in. Holland Park is the hood I sometimes refer to as Stepford Central. What a beautiful area, though. Norland Square has it all, the restaurants, the shops, the spas, the gorgeous people, the best of the best, the cream of the crop, the epitome of English elegance. Wait a minute, I like where this dream is going.

Julie's is one of the highly popular spots for the yummies of Holland Park. It's a lovely place to stop for a nice salad. No, but seriously, in reality, you can cozy up and sink into the delicious velvety sofas and enjoy the wintery feel of the dark-wooded walls in the winter and bask in the sunshine on their outdoor terrace in the summer. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this dream sounds amazing!

The dream doesn't end there. After lunch, comes the shopping! Virginia is one of those gorgeous secret gems only a handful of Londoners know about- and those who know about it covet it like a super exclusive members club. This treasure trove is filled with one-of-a-kind vintage designer dresses, shoes and other mysterious accessories from now back to the 1930s. The prices match the intimidation factor of the shop window and you can be sure to find many elegant fashion-forward yummies, and sometimes even celebs such as Kate, Sienna and Naomi, chatting up the very rude but brilliant shop owner, Virginia herself. I think I like this dream?

After the shopping, comes the spa. If the dream hasn't been tough enough, what with the many coffee breaks and shopping excursions, there is no better way than to really work it hard in Holland Park's luxurious Cowshed spa. Enjoy a freshly squeezed juice or detox green tea to completely indulge yourself after your massage. Invite the ladies, the nannies, but not the kiddies. After consideration, these places sound great. But I like my reality better than my dream. What about you, zesties? Any fantasies of the yummy mummy lifestyle?

Julie's Restaurant & Bar
135 Portland Road
W11 4LW

Virginia Vintage & Second Hand
98 Portland Road
W11 4LQ

Cowshed Spa
119 Portland Road
W11 4LN

Hot Wheels in The City

2010-08-22T23:53:00.000-07:00

I've been on a motorcycle once, maybe twice in my life. I was the passenger, of course, clinging the the coat of the driver and closing my mouth, for fear of losing my tongue in the hard whipping wind. I clung to him for dear life and shut my eyes tight. We were driving from one village in France to another, which took us approximately 7 minutes by bike, instead of taking us around 16 minutes by car. We took the scenic route, he told me. I saw none of it. At the end of our journey, I hopped off, well more like, let myself be carried off, and promised myself never to experience this again.

So when my friend informed me yesterday that Addison Lee's cab services offered a taxibike service, which he had tried last week, I shrieked at the idea of it. "But is it safe?" I asked. "Extremely, they are chauffeured by these expert motorcyclists or something." he answered. "Do they go fast?" "They are twice as fast, and it's awesome, they'll take you anywhere you want for half the time." I couldn't believe my ears. I rely on Addison Lee almost once a week, when too lazy to grab the 390 bus back to Notting Hill from Central London. But this is different. Would I ever consider putting my life in someone else's hands again? Would you, zesties? I'm thinking long and hard about this, still this morning as I write this post. The last time I rode on a motorcycle, I was brought into the harbour safe and sound. What could happen to me now, with one of London's most reliable taxicab and courier services? I mean, yes, motorcycles are dangerous, and they do kill thousands of drivers each year in this country. It's terrifying how you can feel so powerful and yet so vulnerable on these vehicles. But oh, how exhilarating!

Addison Lee Taxibike Services

www.addisonlee.com/services/taxybikes/

020 7255 4269

LondonZest & the Chocolate Factory

2010-07-14T00:41:00.000-07:00

Not being a total chocolate addict like other ~~people~~ women I know, I've never really understood what the fuss is all about. I've always had more of a savoury tooth myself, so it goes without saying that I kind of remained stoic when my friend yanked me by the hand to go check out the Brit-born chocolate shop, Rococo, on King's Road. It's funny. I guess when some of us need that daily choc fix, I get mine from a bag of Kettle S&V crisps. I'm not one to order the chocolate cake for dessert. I'm never one to binge on an entire chocolate bar at the 3pm mark at the office. I enjoy a Ferrero Rocher once in a while but it doesn't send me to the moon. But these are different, she said. Cross my heart, she promised me, once you go Rococo, you never go back. She stared at me, wide-eyed and concerned, as if I were a leper, or missing out on one of life's most heavenly gifts. Perhaps I was.

I walked into the shop with low expectations and no appetite at all, after scarfing down a copious brunch at the diner next door, and walking around all morning in 30 degree heat emanating from the city pavement. But all I had to do was open my eyes to the edible jewels around me, clear my nostrils and breathe in the lovely scent of rich cocoa, surrounding me left, right, and center and I was won over. Chocolates of all kinds found their way into my shopping basket, through no fault of my own; my friend is still in the doghouse for converting me to chocolateism; praline, hazelnut and gianduja; white, milk and dark; rich, light and crunchy, they just kept on creeping up on me.

And then it hit me. Wait a minute, could it be? I like chocolate!? And not any kind of chocolate. Not only is the packaging most delightful and authentic, but the quality is something to write home about. I even purchased an armful of bags of Unsweetened Scorched Almonds as gifts for future hosts, just because they are by far the most scrumpscious drops of low calorie heaven I have ever tasted and I think everyone I know should experience the same kind of joy I felt when biting into one of these. So now, you can have have your chocolate, and eat it too, and not have to worry about those hips. It's a win, win, win!

Rococo Chocolates

Chelsea: 321 Kings Road, SW3 5EP

Belgravia: 5 Motcomb Street, SW1X 8JU

Marylebone:45 Marylebone High Street, W1U 5HG

No Beauty School Dropouts

2010-07-09T00:51:00.000-07:00

Jumping back in time on the page has been the general trend this week so I thought it only natural to reminisce on another girly trend, but this time, on the 1950s: glamourette-style beauty parlours.That's right, Pink Ladies, it's time to puff up your lips, paint your nails and powder your noses. I've had enough already. Enough saving-up and enough self-pampering. I'm tired of counting every pence in my coin purse and I'm tired of using my home as a beauty salon. While I am one to generally lean towards the "do it yourself" treatments at home, you know, for the conscience, I also like to think of myself as a working woman, sometimes, albeit very rarely, who needs some QT with luxury and superficiality.

So this is my new haven of girliness, The Powder Room, by the one and only Powder Puff Girls, who successfully opened shop last year on Columbia Road and who have decided to lend us ladies a good hand by opening a Pop Up location on Marshall Street, in the delightful Newburgh Quarter by Carnaby Street. The little boutique is always buzzying with cheeky girliness, as you listen to side conversations of surprise engagements and wedding proposals at the counter next to yours. The staff is delightfully 1950s, with bleached-blonde chignons and long false lashes. Not to mention adorably dressed in pastel pink uniforms. You'd think you were transported back to Frenchie's Beauty School in Grease, and Frenchie is your stylist though she's no dropout.

So go ahead, indulge. Whether you need a quick fix like the "Busy Bee " manicure, the "Speedy Hairdo" or the "Jiffy makeup" for £15, or a more luxurious experience like the "Late for a Date" expert package for £30, you'll be sure to get exactly what you want. And if you're around on the weekend, you can get yourself the royal treatment by snacking on biscuits and sipping on tea while getting your makeup done. Walk in or book an appointment for yourself or a group of girlfriends. I guarantee you, it's well worth it, and well deserved.

Powder Room

Pop Up Parlour
34 Marshall Street
W1F 7EU

Powder Room
Full-Time Parlour
136 Columbia Road
E2 7RG

A Swell Spectacle

2010-07-06T01:01:00.000-07:00

With the Mad Men's season 4 premiere just around the corner, it's only natural to start daydreaming about the beautiful 1960s fashion: powder-blue pouffy skirts, frilly blouses, big hair, voluptuous red lips, kitten heels, lace garder belts and secretary glasses. Most of all, secretary glasses. How great that a pair of large reading spectacles can make any regular gal look like a sex kitten. I sort of envy women who can accessorize their face daily with more than a dab of makeup. It always seemed to me like it gave them an extra splash of power and confidence.

So forget about the secretary thing. My very good friend C. has recently been gifted with these perfect pair of spectacles. Now is it me or does she look like she means business? Meow. Jokes aside, she's alot of fun. As a matter of fact, she's a total hoot. And guess what? She's no secretary, she's an ad lady too. And an important one at that. If I could allow myself one more observation, I'd say it's because of her glasses.

My very special model is sporting the swell and unique Knightsbridge-based Cutler & Gross eyewear, only suitable for over the top fun gals. If you are an over the top fun lady yourself, you could be the perfect candidate for these super stylish twins. They come in all shapes, colours and sizes, but more importantly whether you're interested in reading lenses or sunglasses, C & G epitomise glam and sophistication without screaming "label" or bling like other eyewear brands. They are imaginative and original, fun and playful, vintage and futuristic and always ones to grab attention.

You can find yourselves a pair of reading glasses or sunnies at the very swell Cutler & Gross boutique located in the heart of Knighstbridge. You'll discover that there is a Betty Draper within everyone, even you.

Cutler & Gross Ltd

16 Knighstbridge Green

Cutler & Gross Vintage

7 Knighstbridge Green

Snob Food Limited

2010-07-02T00:59:00.000-07:00

My unequivocal love for food has made itself quite public through this blog, and I have no shame for it in my heart. I am, and forever will be, a die hard foodie; a closet fat kid if you will. I was once scolded by an English teacher for eating a candy bar in class. It was disturbing my classmates, she said. "It is frowned upon in this school to treat the classroom like a cafeteria." That God awful teacher with a God awful bad ear for foreign languages, and who insisted the sound "the" was pronounced "zhe". Keep in mind, this was the French system, where rules made educators feel more worthy than their students, and most of all - it made them feel powerful. Most of the time, these rules were completely uncalled for or even made up. Since when has eating a candy bar in class disturbed anyone? I don't think so. Ever since I was a little girl, I've tricked my mind into believing that I didn't like sweets - for the sake of keeping my grades up, I guess.

But now that it's no longer a matter of grades and being liked by your teachers, it's a duty of mine to try to enjoy (and share) my guilty pleasures to their fullest potential. Like this new discovery of mine, the awesomely handsome snob food cafe called Napket. No guilty consciences allowed in here. Licking your upper lip like the first time you stepped into a candy store is recommended. Better yet, it's encouraged. Think of that movie Chocolat. Johnny Depp isn't the only delicious thing worth saving your appetite for. Think of a chocolate torsadé or a double chocolate brioche for breakfast. Think of colourful summer salads, made up of puy lentils, bloody beetroot, fresh parsley and feta cheese for lunch. Think of a bowl of freshly cut tropical fruit for dessert and a frothy chocolatey cappuccino to keep you from falling asleep at your desk. No sin here.

The makers of Napket clearly have a passion for design and beautiful things. What with the oak-wood walls, the library-bar look and the romantic lighting, everything about the decor shouts out elegance and taste. And of course, the yummy dishes are as fancy as they are delicious, and are best enjoyed on Napket's regal chairs, reading the latest Metro gossip under a stylish chandelier - no less. Who's teaching who a lesson now? Or should I say "whom"...

You can find Napket in various locations throughout London:
61 Piccadilly, W1J ODY
5 Vigo Street, W1S 3HD
6 Brook Street, W1S 1BB
34 Royal Exchange, EC3V 3 LP
342 Kings Road, SW3 5UR

On Those Summer Nights

2010-06-23T00:47:00.000-07:00

It's not that I'm a night junkie and that I'm one of the those girls who's out on the town every night. I'm not one to party hardy. Not at all. On the contrary, I've been much more of a homebody since living in London than I've ever been; and that has suited me somewhat. Perhaps because I'm a little older and I've been there. You know, done that. Perhaps because recuperating from a rough night is not as easy as it used to be. You feel me? I'm not so keen on those Sunday hangovers anymore, especially when they have the tendency to drag on through to the following Wednesday. I'm also not so keen on waiting in a queue to enter a members' club-only-"hotspot" just so I can say I "got in" and end up coming right out one hour later. These places are, might I say, a little too tired for my taste. I guess I've become a bit of a nightlife snob. Not because I like it posh, but because I like it comfortable and easy. But wait a minute, is that really too hard to ask?

Last weekend was my first encounter with real London nightlife. I know, sad. Forget about the Boujis', the Maddoxes and the Cuckoos of the world. The Paradise in Kilburn is where it all happens. It's the hidden treasure of London nightlife. Don't be fooled by its fanciful name, The Paradise is not a gentleman's club and it's not where your Granny plays Bingo. The Paradise is the real Londoner's night piece of heaven. Though decadent by nature, with its sexy crowds, hanging taxidermy and velvety sofas, The Paradise is nothing but an old-school place for a fun-filled night out with friends.

Competing at the same level as the high and mighty Shoreditch scene, Kilburn's night gem is the latest hot place to be seen at. With the best DJs in the West part of London playing 80s retro hits and 90s funky tunes, several floors to discover, a delicious gastropub serving some classics with a twist and two outdoor gardens, you won't find a better venue to enjoy those endless summer nights.