When I worked at Burson-Marsteller (I was a digital strategist) one of my biggest and favourite clients was the Rezidor Hotel Group. Not only do they have gorgeous hotels around the world, stellar customer service and some of the most amazing people I have ever met. They also know a lot about great food.
A couple of years ago I spent the day with them and we cooked up a very typical belgian feest - fromage blanc and radishes 'tartines', stuffed tomatoes with grey shrimps, smoked salmon on potato waffles and duck and pear salad. The best part about these recipes is that they are all super easy, affordable and stress-free.
The four recipes are awfully simple and easy to make. Next time you have people round for lunch or dinner why not try some of these crowd pleasers out.
1. Potato waffles with smoked salmon
Check out my waffle recipe here and substitute the grated cheddar with some pieces of smoked salmon.
2. Stuffed baby tomatoes with grey shrimp
This recipe is super easy and a typical belgian appetizer. Simply, wash the tomatoes, slice the top off and remove the flesh inside then sprinkle with salt and put on skewers. In a bowl mix together the grey shrimp, mayonnaise, half a lemon juice, salt and pepper. Fill the tomatoes with the mixture and sprinkle with parsley.
3. Fromage blanc, radishes and spring onions on toast
Another super easy recipe and favourite in Belgium. Mix the 'fromage blanc' with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper and chopped spring onions. Spread mixture on good bread or toast then add thin slices of washed radishes and/or cucumber.
4. Duck and pear salad
Season the duck breasts with sea salt. Coo breast on medium high heat until duck fat is rendered and sides are crispy then flip over and cook the other side. Cook until medium rare which will take approximately 10-12 minutes. Leave to rest before slicing. In the meantime, put the rocket in a bowl and add the pear slices (you can fry these too if you wanted to) and nuts. Dress the salad with olive oil, salt and pepper. Finally cut the duck breast and add the slices on top.
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]]>The Santa Monica Water Grill was one of our first stops when we arrived in Santa Monica. We had biked all the way from venice beach and we were looking for somewhere to sit down, enjoy the view, do some people watching and eat amazing seafood. We could not have found a better place.
Situated on Ocean Avenue facing the sea and the constant flow of people - both locals and tourists - it offers the best food you could wish for.
There also have a great restaurant - minus the view - in Downtown Los Angeles as well which is worth checking out.
Where
The Santa Monica Water Grill
1401 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica
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* All pictures were taken with the Olympus Pen E-PL7
]]>
We partnered up with Airbnb and found a little beach house on Venice beach which was just perfect. We spent the week wondering Venice beach, going to Santa Monica, Malibu and Beverly Hills.
We either rented bikes or used Uberpool to get around. UberPool actually just launched in LA when we arrived which meant that there were loads of promotional codes and opportunities. The idea behind UberPool is one of convenience, cost efficiency and shareability.
The idea is that you share a ride and split the cost with another Uber customer who just happens to be requesting a ride along a similar route. You still get the on-demand convenience but at a smaller cost. The perfect solution for when we visited Beverly Hills, Malibu beaches or going to and from the airport ...
Forget guidebooks, we used Foursquare to decide where we would eat, drink and shop. Quite frankly, we were very rarely disappointed - just use common sense and you will be fine.
The most incredible thing with doing the whole sharing economy gig is the amount of people you meet along the way - Uber drivers and customers, Airbnb hosts, restaurant and shop owners all with incredible stories to share...
A big thank you to the Airbnb team for this experience and to Megan - our amazing host. We will be back very soon.
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* All pictures were taken with the Olympus Pen E-PL7
The boutique hotel is situated on Ocean Avenue facing the beach - in other words there is only on road separating you from the stunning and vibrant Santa Monica Beach. You are a five minute walk from Santa Monica pier and surrounded by restaurants, bars and shops. Location wise, it really doesn't get much better than this.
The hotel has an amazing story to tell and it shows with the ever-present art deco feel. Some say that it was possibly one of the first 'skyscrapers in Santa Monica. It was actually built more than 80 years ago and still today allows guests to get a sense of that classic hollywood ambiance. I truly loved this hotel because of just how different and historic it is. It's bright turquoise and yellow facade is hard to miss and definitely gives you a sense of what is to come.
A big thank you to the people at the Georgian for their warm welcome and amazing service.
Where
Georgian Hotel
1415 Ocean Avenue,
Santa Monica
CA 90401
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* All pictures were taken with the Olympus Pen E-PL7
I have been spending the last month in LA which has been just amazing. I am actually here because I have started a new job - which is obviously really exciting - and their HQ is in Downtown LA.
Before starting this new job, my partner and I decided to take a week off and spend our time in Venice and Santa Monica. I partnered up with Airbnb to discover a whole new experience of travelling. We rented this amazing beach cottage just a couple of meters away from the beach in venice to get the true local experience. We were not disappointed - more to come but in the meantime I leave you with some pictures that truly embody the spirit and vibe of Venice beach.
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* All pictures were taken with the Olympus Pen E-PL7
// The room //
// The Rooftop bar and swimming pool //
// The view //
This hotel has everything going for it - unique settings, great service, attracts friendly and easy going guests, great location and a perfect rooftop terrace. The terrace has become my go-t to place since being in LA. If you get there early (around 11am) on the weekend then you can grab a great stop that will be in the sun all day. The place will remain calm to about 3pm, then it becomes a great place to do some serious people watching.
During our stay there, the staff was extremely helpful and kind. I would only argue that the price is somewhat over-priced for what they are actually service ( not in terms of the quality or quantity but rather the dishes are fairly simple).
Where
Ace Hotel in Downtown LA
929 South Broadway,
Los Angeles
CA 90015
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* All pictures were taken with the Olympus Pen E-PL7
If you are ever in Downtown LA (or DTLA) as they call it here, then you should definitely stop by the historic Grand Central Market - preferably for breakfast. Gran Central Market is known as a downtown landmark since 1917. It brings together a great diversity of amazing (and delicious) food vendors all representative of LA culture.
I thought I would highlight two of these vendors; G&B coffee and Eggslut. I personally don't drink coffee so I can't really judge G&B's coffee. This being said, I have it on good authority that is it pretty incredible. The iced latte (more up my alley) was delicious with just the right amount of ice vs. coffee. Eggslut, was right up my alley and delivered above and beyond what I had imagined. We tried their iconic 'slut' which is actually a coddled egg on top of a smooth potato purée, poached in a glass jar and served with a demi baguette. Mix well the egg into the purée and dip the baguette - pure bliss. If you are looking for something a little heavier then I would heavily suggest the 'fairfax' which consists of the most amazing and perfectly scrambled eggs, chives, cheddar cheese, caramelised onions and sriracha mayo in a warm brioche bun.
There are loads of incredible vendors that I can't wait to check out.
Where
Grand Central Market
317 S. Broadway
Los Angeles
CA 90013
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YOU WILL NEED (TO MAKE ONE CAKE):
- 8 croissants, cut in half (length ways)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup caster sugar
- 1/3 cup double thick cream
- 250g fresh (or frozen) raspberries
- 200g white chocolate (roughly chopped)
- 2 tablespoons flaked almonds
1. Line your baking pan with baking parchment
2. Preheat oven to 180C
3. Arrange half the croissants, cut side up, in the pan covering the base of the pan completely.
4. Combine the eggs, sugar and cream in a bowl. Whisk until the mixture is homogeneous.
5. Pour half of the mixture over the croissants and press down to allow for the croissants to absorb the mixture properly. Leave to rest for 10 minutes.
6. Sprinkle over half of the raspberries and three quarters of the white chocolate.
7. Top with the remaining croissants and press down to firmly compact the ingredients into the pan.
8. Pour over the remaining mixture and let stand for another 10 minutes.
9. Top with remaining raspberries and white chocolate and sprinkle with flaked almonds.
10. Place in the over and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.
11. Stand the cake for 10 minutes in the pan and then take the cake out of the mould.
To Serve: Dust with icing sugar and serve warm with cream or ice cream, or simply eat as such.
I found this recipe on Melissa's blog and as soon as I saw it I knew I had to try it. This cake is also great with brown chocolate and blueberries (instead of white chocolate and raspberries). You could also add marshmallows with brown chocolate and raspberries for a sweeter twist.
This is a really easy cake to make and the ingredients are straight forward. Perfect for afternoon tea if you ask me.
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* All pictures were taken with the Olympus Pen E-PL7
A simple yet all-time favourite outfit of mine - grey jumper, Levi's denim, a statement watch - Larsson & Jennings in this case and an old pair of converse.
Talking about Larsson & Jennings; they have recently opened up a cute little store in Soho that is definitely worth checking out.
Where
Larsson & Jennings
53, Monmouth Street
WC 2H 9DG
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* All pictures were taken with the Olympus Pen E-PL7
Just like Popelini, L'Eclair de genie is a new addition in Le Marais in Paris. the pastry is similar to Popelini's eclair but I found them much more sweeter - too sweet for my liking. Next time I am in Paris I am going to try the fruitier ones rather that the chocolate, vanilla and caramel based ones.
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]]>I wrote previously about Thisworks' Perfect and In Transit ranges. Now it's time for their sleep range. I am always a bit skeptical about any product that promises to make me sleep like a baby or even a better nights sleep. I tried out the sleep balm and the deep sleep stress less and was pleasantly surprised.
Both products are to be applied on your various pressure points before going to sleep. The sleep balm is a blend of Lavender, Monoi and Coconut oils that will soothe you but also moisturise any dry patches you might have. The Deep sleep stress less is a blend of Eucalyptus and lavender oil that you breathe in to help calm your nerves and ultimately allowing you to sleep better.
I would love to try the Deep sleep bath oil but at 80£ sadly I am not about to try it out any time soon. In the meantime I will make due with the amazing oil I picked up in Marrakech. I am told that the Deep sleep pillow spray is pretty amazing too.
They are sold online on their e-shop, as well as on NAP and Asos.
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]]>This is a recipe I stole from Nigella one day when I was starring at an almost empty fridge and starving yet too lazy to go shopping. This is a nice base for any type of Mexican scrambled eggs - it is great with diced chicken or chorizo.
YOU WILL NEED (TO MAKE ENOUGH FOR 2):
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 soft corn tortillas
- 1 tomato chopped or a handful of baby tomatoes
- 2 spring onion chopped
- 1 red chilli (deseeded and chopped)
- 6 large eggs (beaten
- salt and pepper
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy-based frying pan. Roll up the corn tortillas and then snip them into strips with a pair of scissors.
2. Fry the tortilla strips for a few minutes until crisp and golden, and then remove to a bowl.
3. Add the chopped tomato, spring onion and chopped red chilli to the hot oily pan, turning everything about for a minute or so with a wooden spoon.
4. Beat the eggs and add some pepper.
4. Put the corn tortilla strips back in the pan, and add the beaten eggs and salt. Using the same spoon, move everything about the pan continuously (just like when scrambling eggs).
5. Remove the pan form the heat when the eggs are setting and continue stirring the eggs until they are done to your liking.
I served it with fresh ciabatta bread and a tomato, onion and cucumber salad.
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* All pictures were taken with the Olympus Pen E-PL7
If you are ever in Downtown LA, you should spend at least 30mins visiting and walking around the beautiful Walt Disney Concert Hall. You can have a tour (or a self-guided tour) of the concert hall - these are offered by the Music Centre on most days.
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* All pictures were taken with the Olympus Pen E-PL7
Here is another twist on the classic and delicious french toast. You can follow the recipe here and simply replace the cream cheese and strawberries with loads of Nutella.
Sprinkle with powder sugar and loads of fruit and maple syrup.
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]]>When in LA don't forget to look up - it's where it il all happening. Remember, the amazing rooftop terrace at the Ace Hotel; it could have easily been missed.
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* All pictures were taken with the Olympus Pen E-PL7
I have been trying out a couple of Thisworks products recently from they key product ranges - Perfect, In transit and Sleep.
I travel a lot, both for my job and in my free time so I know a thing of two about packing skincare product in your hand luggage and having the right products that help after long flights or never ending commutes and train rides.
I tried out the In transit camera close-up - a super moisturiser that helps combat redness and dry skin, it also makes your skin look brighter. It is a very dense moisturiser and definitely a great pick-me up. The perfect product for fashion and lifestyle bloggers that spend a lot of time in front of the camera.
The whole range was created with the modern-day traveller in mind - bottles that are the right size to be taken in hand luggage, unspillable, unbreakable and the perfect skincare products.
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]]>Zara knit and boots, River Island black jeans and Oysho lace top. I picked up a couple of black boots during the Zara sale and these were one of them.
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]]>ThisWorks is a relatively new British beauty and skin care brand which was founded and launched in 2003 by International Journalist and Beauty Expert Kathy Phillips. Needles to say she is someone with a lot of experience and knowledge when it comes to health, beauty and skincare products.
This product is from the Perfect bodycare range which they promise will add the "perfect" finishing touches. This product in particular - Perfect legs skin miracle - is one of their bestsellers. It is a very powerful serum with Vitamin C and E which enhances legs and helps combat skin imperfections. It has no synthetic colours of smells - finally a product that doesnt make you smell of look strange and fake.
It looks very shiny - and even a little 'glittery' when first applied but that quickly disappears and gives way to a perfect sun-kissed glow that will last an evening; the perfect quick fix. If you are fair skinned like myself, then this is the product for you. Also, it will wash off as soon as you shower.
The other two ranges that I am discovering as we speak are the In Transit range and the Sleep range. I will talk more about the other ranges in a bit - stay tuned more to come.
I find all they products fairly pricey but I do find that they do indeed do what the 'bottle' say they will do. So far all the products I have tested I have been pretty pleased with. If I had the money, I would be curious to try out every product they have but in the meantime I will have make due with the ones I have. They are sold online on their e-shop, as well as on NAP and Asos.
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]]>The small vases are from H&M Home, I added the fragrance and the sticks myself. For a great and fresh fragrance I would try out Zara Home's white Jasmine.
The watch is from the Full Blooded collection from Swatch and the bracelets come from a little shop in Paris.
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]]>Just like most things in LA, you could easily walk right by the amazing Ace hotel and not even know there is a stunning rooftop terrace with one of the most amazing views of downtown LA - 13-story high. Then again, that is probably what they want and is part of the thrill of finding the place.
The Ace hotel in downtown LA has the same vibe as the Ace hotel in London (at the heart of Shoreditch) but still very unique. Hidden in a corner there is a little lift that will take you all the way to the top of the building - and there, the perfect little hiding place for a drink, a quiet meeting, a quick bite to eat or a dip in the pool.
Not only is the view stunning, the people are kind, the decor is beautiful but the food is also very good. Don't go there for a big lunch but rather go there for a bite to eat to keep you going. I would recommend their flatbreads which I found both full of taste and filling enough.
The actual building itself is both impressive inside and out. It was originally built as the United Artists Building and later known as the Texaco Building. Apparently, it was the tallest building in the city for one year after its completion in 1927, and was the tallest privately owned structure in Los Angeles until 1956.
Where
Ace Hotel in Downtown LA
929 South Broadway,
Los Angeles
CA 90015
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* All pictures were taken with the Olympus Pen E-PL7
Cashmere sweaters are a little luxury and I am delighted to have snapped this little number from Zara. I am pairing it with high-waisted black jeans and dark skinny blue jeans. I also can't seem to get enough of my new Larsson & Jennings watch - a lovely gift from my better half this Christmas. The heels are from H&M.
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]]>YOU WILL NEED (TO MAKE ENOUGH FOR 10 waffles):
1. To make the mashed potatoes
- 500g of potatoes peeled and cut into pieces
- 350g of milk
- One teaspoon of salt
- 15g butter
2. To make the waffles
- One finely chopped onion
- Chives or spring onions
- One cup of grated cheddar
- 1/2 cup flour
- One teaspoon baking powder
- Two eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- Salt and pepper
1. To make the mashed potatoes - add the butterfly to your Thermomix and add the chopped potatoes, milk and salt and cook for 25min, temperature 100 on speed 3. Then add the butter and mix (without the butterfly when using the mashed potatoes to make the waffles) for 30sec on speed 4.
2. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter and once brown whip together with the eggs and the milk.
3. Mix the wet ingredients (3/4 of the mixture) into the mashed potatoes.
4. Mix the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper and then slowly blend into the mashed potato mix. Don't overmix just blend in the flour.
5. Heat the waffle maker and put a bit of butter on the griddle. Drop one large tablespoon of mix into each side and cook until golden.
6. Place the waffles one a resting grill and once ready to eat add some grated cheddar on each waffle and place under the grill (230C) for about 1min.
7. Serve with either bacon, tomato and cucumber salad, sour cream and chive dip and/or with a fried or poached egg.
This is a Thermomix recipe. However, you can do this recipe without using the Thermomix.
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* All pictures were taken with the Olympus Pen E-PL7
Zara XL red jumper and boots, Whistles jeans and H&M hat.
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]]>I have had my Thermomix for just under 6 months and I can easily say it has become part of my every day routines making soups, drinks, ice cream and sorbet, dough, meatballs.... I have also become one of those crazy people raving about something - in this case the Thermomix - at every diner party and really, any occasion I have.
It became obvious that everyday cooking tasks where made easier with Thermomix - think sauces, soups, dips, bread, meats... It has also allowed me to cook more often (because there is just so much less hassle and it is just so quick and easy) and to create fresh, healthy, home-cooked meals whenever I want.
Thermomix is extremely accurate in both time and temperature settings allowing you to get the job done with very little effort giving you time to focus on other things. Thermomix truly removes the hassle from food preparation and lets you enjoy the fun part of cooking.
Cleaning the Thermomix is not a hassle - actually it does clean itself (which in itself is pretty impressive if you ask me) but somehow I am still a bit 'old school' and prefer to wash it by hand or just pop it in the dishwasher. Also, it doesn't take up too much space, the only thing that is big and not that easy to store is the Veroma. But let's face it, the Thermomix is in fact replacing about a dozen other kitchen aids, so you won't hear me complaining about space.
All this being said, if the Thermomix is super easy to use, it does however take a lot of time and testing to be fully comfortable with using it comfortably and creatively. For those of you who like making it up as they go, you will find you have to test and try things out a couple of times with the Thermomix. After 6 months, I started being truly comfortable with the Thermomix and I am now starting to understand the way it works and functions.
But there is little doubt; I cook more than I use to, I am starting to bake and cook things outside of my comfort zone and I am becoming a better cook.
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]]>You will need (to make enough for 14 large cookies):
- 125 g Butter
- 110 g white sugar
- 110 g brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla or 2x tsp of vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 260 g self-raising flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 150 g chocolate, chips (or white chocolate, dried cranberries...)
1. Place butter, sugars and vanilla in TM bowl. Cream together for 1 minute on speed 3-4.
2. Add your egg to the mix through mix on speed 3-4 for another 45 seconds.
3. Now add flour and salt, knead (the little wheat symbol). I added a 100 g and kneaded for 40 seconds, then added another 100 g and kneaded for another 40 seconds and then added the last 60 g and mixed for 30 seconds. Make sure you scrap the bowl with the spatula to get all teh flower mixed in well.
4. Add chocolate chips and mix them in with TM spatula.
5. For large cookies, drop tablespoons of mixture on trays, press down a little (leaving room for the cookies to grow - I tend to do 5 at a time).
6. Bake your cookies at 180 for 13-15 minutes until lightly golden.
This is a Thermomix recipe. However, you can do this recipe without using the Thermomix.
Original recipe found here.
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* All pictures were taken with the Olympus Pen E-PL7
YOU WILL NEED (TO MAKE ENOUGH FOR TWO):
- One bramley apple - peeled and cut into chunks
- 150g fresh cranberries
- 150 g golden caster sugar
- Greek yogurt
- Granola and maple syrup for topings
This is a super easy recipe and makes for a delicious and healthy breakfast. I used ingredients I had left over from Christmas and New Year's eve. Your sauce can also be used to be served with different meats.
1. Add all the ingredients in a saucepan, squeeze the juice from half an orange (optional) and add a splash of water. Put the pan on the heat and bring to the boil. Simmer gently until the cranberries have burst and the apple has softened.
1 bis. For those of you using the Thermomix; simply place all ingredients into mixing bowl and cook for 8 min/100C/speed 2. Then chop for 10 sec/speed 6.
2. Boil down until the mixture thickens slightly, then take off the heat and leave to cool.
3. In individual little pots, add one 1/4 cup yogurt layer and layer with 1/4 cup cranberry sauce and repeat.
4. Heat some granola in a pan with a good drizzle of maple syrup until caramelised and add as toping.
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]]>Another easy and jeans-based outfit - perfect for the holiday season. H&M jeans and a limited edition Fille à Papa cardigan form one of their first collections.
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]]>Some beautiful side lights and a gorgeous chair in the most perfect colour - and I am not a big fan of pink.
1. The first light is from Andreas Martin-Löf (pictures from his e-shop and from Weekday Carnival).
2. The gold light is from Restart Milano.
3. The last image with the pink chair is from Weekday Carnival.
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]]>You will need (to make enough for two):
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 30 grams butter (melted and cooled)
- 300 ml milk
- 225 grams plain flour or self-raising flour for extra fluffiness
- Fruit and maple syrup for the toppings
1. Put all the ingredients into a blender and mix it all together.
2. Heat your griddle or pan on the stove.
3. Add the mix to make medium-size pancakes (two at a time in a large pan) and flip over when the upper side of the pancake starts bubbling.
These are always a nice twist on the traditional crepes and a great start to the day. Stack them up, drizzle maple syrup all over the, add some fruit and sprinkle with icing sugar. The best part is that they take five minutes to make and serve.
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]]>- Leftover turkey (breast and skin)
- Sweet chilli sauce
- Olive oil
- Mayonnaise
- Lime
- Parsley
- Garlic
- One carrot
- 1/3 cucumber
- White cabbage
- Red chilli
- Fresh coriander
- 2 medium baguettes
Christmas has come and gone and you now have enough leftovers to feed a mini army. Please don't through it away - there is so many great things you can do with them.
I wanted to make a 'light' and fresh sandwich for boxing day - and so I opted for the Turkey banh mi. Jamie Oliver has a great recipe for a leftover turkey sandwich with coleslaw, sweet chilli sauce and spicy mayo. There is a good little step-by-step video too that is very useful when you are cooking a new recipe the day after Christmas day. I changed the recipe a little and maybe a bit simpler by ignoring some of the ingredients that I didn't have in my kitchen.
1. Heat the oven at needed temperature to cook the baguettes
2. Heat the pan with some olive oil and heat up the leftover turkey
3. Add the chilli sauce and cook for an additional minute
4. To make the spicy mayo - I simply add one clove of garlic, parsley, coriander and lime.
5. For the coleslaw - I simply grated some cabbage, carrots and cucumber
6. Once the baguettes are done cut them open and let to cool for a couple of minutes, spread a bit of mayo, add the turkey, then the coleslaw, some more spicy mayo and then add some coriander and red chilli.
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]]>We ate so many pancakes and waffles over the last year that I have started adding french toast into the mix more often - as well as some more healthy options of course.
This is your traditional french toast (see recipe here - minus the stuffing part) but instead of adding maple syrup I added a couple of teaspoons of butter brandy and some finely chopped bananas; perfect for a Christmas breakfast.
Brandy butter, for those of you who are not British, is traditional used at christmas time and added to mince pies of Christmas pudding - instead of cream or ice cream. It is delicious and add a nice kick to the sweetness of the french toast. You can buy it a M&S and Waitrose, or you can make it yourself (it is dead easy).
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]]>You might recall my post regarding Bird earlier this year. I haven't yet been back to try other things on the menu. However, I have stopped by a couple of times to grab a coffee and a glazed doughnut (okay maybe a couple) from their 'Doughnut Hatch'. Their doughnuts are truly amazing and unique - no fuss, loads of flavours and the perfect size (i.e. very big).
Every day they have a variety of different flavours such as coconut, cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate... sold in the restaurant or from their' Doughnut Hatch' until they are sold out which they generally are.
Where
Bird
42/44 Kingsland Road
E2 8DA
London
The perfect sunday outfit includes a pair of boyfriend jeans from Asos, a chunky knit from Zara and a pair of high top converse.
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* All pictures were taken with the Olympus Pen E-PL7
This place has it all - great coffee, fantastic location, amazing staff and delicious food - not to mention the incredible sandwiches. We had the pulled pork and coleslaw bun and the Turkey, pastrami and Swiss cheese with spicy mayo bun. Both were absolutely incredible and it was a hard choice because quite frankly the whole menu looked delicious.
Where
Trade
47, Commercial Street
E1 6BD
London
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* All pictures were taken with the Olympus Pen E-PL7
The Musée du Louvre is breath-taking every single time. When ever you go you discover something new.
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]]>The perfect jeans are so hard to find. I have tried so many different brands and I don't often find what I am looking for. Three pairs of jeans that I am currently liking are the Mom jeans from Topshop, the ripped boyfriend jeans from Asos and the skinny grey jeans from HM.
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]]>I really wanted to try out Maison F next time I was going to be in Paris. We got quite late in the afternoon but the staff was kind enough to let us eat (if we picked quickly). If I am going to be honest the food was a little disappointing but was good lunch food nonetheless. We might have just chosen in haste and thus chose badly.
However, we weren't there for the 'food' we were there for the fries. Maison F is the only fries bar in Paris and the fries are actually really good. I would highly suggest you stop by here if you are looking for somewhere to grab a bite before you go out for the evening or in between museums and shopping sprees in Paris.
Where
Maison F
3 Rue Rougemont
75009 Paris, France
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* All pictures were taken with the Olympus Pen E-PL7
I have been slow updating my pictures from my previous trip to Paris but I am delighted to share these pictures of one of our hotels during our stay - l'hotel des Tuileries. Situated at the heart of Paris and just a five minute walk from the famous Tuileries.
This hotel was just renovated and is now an amazing 4 star luxurious hotel at the heart of the fashion and museum district. The hotel is the former home of one of Marie-Antoinette’s lady-in-waiting and you get live streams directly to Versailles. The staff will be delighted to give you a little run-down and historical background to the hotel.
Everything about the hotel is perfect. The only negative point about it would be the non-existent internet connection (well there is one but so slow you can't use it for anything) so don't expect to get any work - blogging - done when you are there.
Where
Hotel Tuileries Paris
10, rue Saint Hyacinthe
75001 Paris - France
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*Thank you to Snaptraveller and the Hotel des Tuileries for the lovely stay
** All pictures were taken with the Olympus Pen E-PL7
First came the Macrons, then the cupcakes and the cronuts and now we have the choux à la crème - which are delicate puff pasties filled with fresh cream. Popelini sells all kinds of flavours - from salted caramel, chocolate to passion fruit, lemon and rose to name just a few.
They are the perfect gift if you are feeling generous and the perfect size for you to taste a couple of different flavours without feeling too much embarrassed. Sadly, unlike the macarons they don't travel well and are best when preserved in a cool fridge so don't attempt to bring them back 'home'.
Where
Popelini
29, Rue Debelleyme
75003 Paris
France
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* All pictures were taken with the Olympus Pen E-PL7
DF / Mexico is the new cool place in town serve some of the best burritos and tortillas I have had in a while.
They serve four kinds of food - NYC tortas, an homage to Mexico and NY fusion, soft corn tortillas perfectly seasoned, seriously perfect burritos and DIY Mexican boards. See the full menu here. All of the above are served and filled with either chicken, steak, fish or pork. There are also loads of sides to chose from - we definitely would suggest the lightly dusted chilli fries with chipotle sauce (which is to die for).
I took the fish tortillas and they were simply perfect. The panko crumbed cod was delicious (and cooked to perfection) and served with crunchy salad/red slaw and extremely good salsa (that chipotle mayo again), topped with a drizzle of lime all tucked into two soft tortillas.
The restaurant is hassle free and has a fast food vibe to whereby you order from a machine, pick up your 'all you can drink' drinks and simply wait for your food to arrive. If there are just two of you I recommend you sit near the window for a good session of 'people watching'.
Where
DF / Mexico
Old Truman Brewery
Hanbury Street
London
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* All pictures were taken with the Olympus Pen E-PL7
My current winter essentials - Leather biker jacket from Topshop, Chunky knit from Zara and small bag from French Connection.
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]]>I love going back to Paris (or Brussels for that matter). It is great to go back to places where you once lived and discover all the news shops, bars and restaurants that have opened since you were last there. We discovered Folks and Sparrow on our most recent trip to Paris. It was just round the corner from our hotel - Les Jardins du Marais.
The place is just perfect; from the decoration, the vide to the unique food found in the Deli corner and the fresh sandwiches, cakes, tarts and cookies. Actually, it all reminded us of London, with a little South of France added to the mix.
The food is delicious and prepared with care and attention. Everything is thought of, right to the very last detail of the packaging. Definitely a must when you are next in Paris - this whole neighbourhood is buzzing with new great places to visit.
Where
Folks and Sparrow
14, Rue Saint Sebastien
75011 Paris
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* All pictures were taken with the Olympus Pen E-PL7
The Hotel Les Jardins du Marais is a 4-star luxury boutique hotel with an elegant contemporary design, in one of my favourites areas of Paris; Le Marais.
The hotel is on a peaceful street yet hides an incredible haven of hundreds of rooms and suites surrounding the most amazing gardens. The restaurant is delightful and the breakfast was a much welcomed feast the next morning.
Les Jardins du Marais is an amazing example of great service and a unique experience provided by a helpful staff. This hotel is also a reminder that 4-start luxury hotels really do offer more than just great design and nice views they offer a unique conciergerie and a 360 staff.
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*Thank you to Snaptraveller and Les Jardins du Marais for the lovely stay
** All pictures were taken with the Olympus Pen E-PL7
A showcase of some of the most weird and wonderful pizza boxes from around the world, presented by world-record holding pizza box collector, author and all-round pizza expert Scott Wiener in association with hungryhouse.co.uk.
A giant lego art expo, what more can you ask for. The expo features "over 75 art sculptures created from more than a million LEGO® bricks by US artist Nathan Sawaya and having already attracted millions of visitors worldwide, The Art of the Brick has been proclaimed by CNN as one of the ‘world’s 10 must-see exhibitions." I have heard mixed things about the expo but if you are in London between now and NY's eve it is probably worth a small detour.
Website: http://artofthebrick.co.uk/
Dr. Oetker Even Better Baking Pop Up Boutique is now open and selling every cake mix you can think off, as well as sprinkles and everything else you need when baking. They are also offering a whole series of masterclasses and demonstrations.
Website: http://evenbetterbaking.oetker.co.uk/
There is a new shop in Shoreditch, just off of Brick Lane, and it is full of Jimbobart illustrations, artwork, stationary and ceramics.
Website: http://www.jimbobart.com/
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]]>- Sourdough bread
- Three eggs
- Cream cheese (I use Philadelphia)
- Caster sugar
- Vanilla sugar or vanilla extract
- Strawberries (or raspberries, bananas, peaches...)
- Almond milk (normal milk works just as well)
This is a great and delicious twist on the more traditional french toast - Pain perdu. The main ingredients are cream cheese and fruit, lots of it. You can use any fruit that comes to mind just remember to put a good dose of cream cheese mixture to hold it all together.
1. Mix four tbs of cream cheese, one tbs of caster sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, 4 tbs of milk, one tbs of sweetener/sugar and a couple of drops of vanilla extract together in a shallow bowl until combined.
3. Spread both pieces of bread with the cream cheese mixture and add the sliced strawberries to one slice of bread leaving a slight space along the edges of the bread and close to make sandwiches.
4. Dip both sides of the stuffed sandwiches in the egg mixture.
5. Heat a frying pan over a moderate heat and Melt the butter in the frying pan. Fry each sandwich gently for 3 to 4 minutes, turning halfway through cooking, until nicely coloured and warmed through.
6. Dust with the icing sugar, drizzple with mapple syrup, cut in half and serve
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]]>- A hand-full of fresh or frozen raspberries
- A frozen banana in pieces (slice the banana up in pieces and freeze)
- A glass of water
- A blender
- Fresh mint leaves raspberries to decorate
1. Put all the ingredients - frozen fruit and glass of water - into the blender and mix
2. Add water if mixture is too thick and serve into two glasses
3. Add some mint leaves and a raspberry to decorate
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]]>I have never been great with makeup so it is no surprise that it took a professional makeup artist at a photo shoot with Never Underdressed for me to lean a thing or two about makeup - including that I have been doing it all wrong.
The makeup up in question was from Lancôme and she did such a stellar job on me that one week later I found myself back in her makeup chair, only this time it was at Selfridges and I was going to leave with the essentials for a perfect every-day face.
This was five months ago and I have been using the products ever since.
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]]>- Puff pastry
- One onion
- One packet of diced pancetta
- Mushrooms (optional)
- Emmental cheese (optional)
- Fromage blanc or créme fraîche
- Salt and pepper
- Nutmeg
Flammekueche, otherwise known in France as tarte flambée is a quick and easy dish to make. Actually depending on the region it can have a variety of names, including Flammekueche, Flàmmeküeche, Flammekuechle in Alsatian and Flammkuchen in German which literally translates to a "flame cake" or in french a tarte flambée which translates to "pie baked in the flames" which can be very misleading.
This has to be one of my all-time favourite dishes for many reasons. First of all, it is an Alsatian speciality which is a typical dish from the region where I was born - Strasbourg. Secondly, it just bring backs loads of memories going back there and always having as many tarte flambées as I could possibly eat. Thirdly, it is such a simple yet delicate and delicious dish, as well as having as many varieties possible - including sweet versions.
The dish is composed of bread dough that is very thinly rolled out. Unlike pizzas a Flammekueche is rectangle. The dough is covered with fromage blanc (or crème fraîche), thinly slices onions and little bacon or pancetta pieces.
1. Preheat the over at 200C and roll out the pastry onto a baking sheet
2. In a pan cook the bacon pieces (don't let them get too crispy as they will continue to cook in the oven), remove and drain.
3. Remove nearly all of the bacon fat from the pan but leave about 1 tbsp then sauté the onion pieces until they starts to brown (they will continue to cook in the over as well) and set aside.
4. Finally put your mushrooms in a pan with some butter and cook until golden and set aside.
5. In a bowl mix together the sour cream and the fromage frais, then stir in the nutmeg, salt and pepper.
6. Spread the dough with a thin layer of the sour cream/fromage frais mix leaving 1cm from the edge with not mixture - this will allow for the dough to rise and create an edge. Then sprinkle the bacon and onions (and any other ingredient) on top.
7. Place your tarte flambée into the oven - mid-level for 15 minutes until the edges are puffed up and golden.
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]]>Crosstown Doughnuts are the new kids on the block when it comes to delicious home made doughnuts.
We headed down to Broadway Market to see what all the fuss was about. We picked up three doughnuts to start of with - the classic vanilla bean glazed ring and two gourmet doughnuts; the crème brulée and the Belgian chocolate custard.
I love the vanilla bean flavour which was both on the glass and inside the crème brulée doughnut. I wasn't blown away by the simple glazed doughnut (and they are usually my favourite) especially at £3 a doughnut but it was definitely a good doughnut. The crème brulée, on the other hand, was an absolute treat. The taste, texture and proportions were just perfect. The Belgian chocolate custard doughnut was very generously filled which is always welcomed, although too much for my tasting it remained delicious.
Now this is one brand that understands the potential of great marketing and clever branding. I had been keeping one of their doughnut bags (picked up from HER one morning) for months before I was able to try the real thing. The bag was unique and clever packaging, the brand was unique, qwerty and stood out. It was undoubtedly these same things that got us curious in the first place. Of course, we are delighted that the product turned out to be as good as the branding. We will definitely be back to try others.
Where
Crosstown (follow their Twitter account to know where they will be next)
Weekdays you can find them at Leather Lane market (EC1)
Tuesday and Wednesday you can find them at 100, Bishopsgate market (EC2)
Saturday you can find they at Broadway market, School yard
Sunday you can find them at Wapping market (E1)
/ The Ambiance /
Fairground was a 10 week pop up spanning three floors of a disused office block in the heart of East London, Fairground will be a showcase of individuals and collectives from across the creative communities and beyond, encompassing the established and emerging faces of authentic London and global culture. Fairground is open every saturday and sunday for ten weeks from 12/13 April until 14/15 June.
If the overall concept remains constant the food, entertainment and even the choice of drinks will vary from one weekend to another - a great way to discover some of the best London Street food trucks and pop ups.
The food was absolutely delicious. The asian buns from Yum Buns didn't disappoint - quite the contrary. My favourite had to be the prawn and green chilli bun - the flavours are just perfect and not too spicy that the chilli overwhelms the taste of the bun and the prawns.
On the third floor you will find Smokestak and their delicious ribs, pulled pork buns, garlic bread and slaw. The pulled pork bun is probably one of the best I have had - the perfect ration of meat, slaw, sauce and bread.
Where
Fairground
260-264 Kingsland Road
London E8 4DG
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