Full of ideas and surprises

port chambly

2011-07-05T00:06:00.000+01:00

Continuing on the subject of Mauritius, I had the pleasure of being invited to a Jazz dinner @ Port Chambly.

Port Chambly @ Day

Inspired by Venice, Port Chambly has a deeply Mediterranean atmosphere, reminiscent of Italy and Southern France with its winding river, narrow stone-paved alleyways, arches, wells and waterfalls as well as a steeple towering over the Place du Campanile overlooking the whole village, the river and the sea

Located north of Mauritius near Baie du Tombeau, the small village offers a great choice of duplex apartments and villas as well as a hotel.

Hotel and clock tower

Situated in the village square, the Place du Campanile, the Mona Lisa restaurant normally offers buffet style and a la carte Italian cuisine. We visited at night to enjoy a special Jazz dinner and the food was amazing!!

Port Chambly @ night

Candle lit Jazz dinner

We were one of the first people to arrive but the setting was beautiful and romantic. The lit candle light glowed and flickered in the wind and created an amazing atmosphere. Slowly the place began to fill and the start of a lovely evening.

The menu for the night

The amazing bread basket

The breads were the best I've had!! There was a selection of garlic, herbs, cheese and breadsticks but the cheesy mini breads were so warm and lovely that I would have happily eaten them all night! We nearly asked for thirds as they were that good!

The dinner was a 3 course meal and the pre-starter was a terrine. Can't quite remember what it was but I recall it was a little sweet and not really to my taste :(

Beef carpaccio

Shrimp cocktail

For starters I had the beef carpaccio which came as a tower and not a sheet of thinly sliced beef covered in rocket and parmesan. The beef was sliced quite thick but me liking my meat rare, it was still good. The other option was shrimp cocktail so I think I made the right choice here :)

For Main, again I went for beef. It was a bit odd to have a beef choice for starter AND main but I went for my beef anyway. It was like thin strips of steak with demi-glace sauce and potato wedges but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The meat was tender and the sauce went well with it. The other option was fish soup which lacked that extra *something*.

For dessert, it was white chocolate mousse with raspberry cream. I'm not a fan of white chocolate but it tasted like vanilla pannacotta and it was gone in seconds!

The evening entertainment was a performance by a famous Mauritan Jazz performer (who sounded like Louis Armstrong) The evening was slightly on the chilly side for me but the evening was different and I did really feel like I was in the South of France! The fun continued well into the morning until about 5am to be precise! lol

Port Chambly, Terre Rouge

tel: (230) 405 3000

l'atelier dumont

2011-06-29T23:59:00.000+01:00

I discovered this lovely restaurant on the inflight guide to Mauritius. The food looked amazing and I had heard some good reviews from friends so one night we decided to check it out since we were only staying 5min away.

L’atelier is located in Cybercity, an unlikely venue for a restaurant like this. The restaurant has a huge kitchen open totally to the main dining room and the bar. The restaurant is modern and rustic at the same time, with its outside terrace and fountain, offering Mediterranean cuisine which is both elegant and fresh.

L'atelier Dumont @ Cybercity

It was a weekday and the place was empty when we arrived but undeterred we started ordering. The bread was average, nothing particularly special but it was nice that it came warm.

For starters I decided on the coeur de palmiste with tomato which was again quite average. Other starters include mille-feuille of tomato and prawn with roast vegetables.

For main, I chose lamb which was cooked just how I like it. The whole grilled lobster was also good but not as fresh as we had hoped...

Still feeling a little peckish, I went for the full 3 courses and coffee. The 70% melting chocolate cake was as the name suggests, very chocolately and rich but the coffee finished the meal nicely.

The ambience at "l'Atelier Dumont" is peaceful, it's the perfect place for business lunches or a leisurely lunch during the day. At evening, it has a warm atmosphere ideal for spending evenings with friends.

1 Cyber City Building,

Cybercity,

Ebene,

(230) 467 2546

rooftop boundary

2011-06-27T22:37:00.002+01:00

On the beautiful sunny Sunday a few of us went to Boundary, a venture between Terence and Vicki Conran in partnership with Peter Prescott. It is located in Shorditch and designed by Conran & Partners. Formly a late Victorian warehouse, it is now transformed into 12 individually designed guest bedrooms plus 5 suites, 3 restaurants and bars, a foodstore and bakery.

Boundary

We were there to enjoy the beautiful weather @ the Rooftop but great minds think alike and there was a queue when we arrived. We waited nearly an hour in the baking sun and was it worth it? Hell yeah!

Rooftop

Boundary Rooftop includes a large bar with seating arranged around an open fireplace, a 48-seat grill restaurant and a garden designed by Nicola Lesbirel. Unlike most London rooftop hangouts, it’s not a members’ club. Boundary Rooftop enjoys 360 degree views from Canary Wharf to the Gherkin. The restaurant is covered with a large canopy and there are plenty of heating, festoon lighting and blankets for the slightly more colder days. The rooftop garden is also home to two 100-plus-year-old olive trees and a unique humidor that was purchased at auction in Cuba.

Landscape designed by Nicola Lesbirel

Rooftop @ night

Also a quick peek at the hotel rooms... Each of the rooms has a different design that has been inspired by legendary designers or design movements that the owners admire. Here are my three favourites...

Eileen Gray Room

Eileen Gray Room - The best of the elegance of the modern movement.

Josef Hoffmann Room

Josef Hoffmann Room - Elegantly modernist.

Modern Italian Suite by Priscilla Carluccio

Modern Italian Suite -Priscilla Carluccio. A very simple, fresh and modern room with a mezzanine bedroom.

Located in East London's thriving gallery scene, the Boundary is a homage to 20th century design. Check out some more amazing design hotels around the world at designhotel.com!

2-4 Boundary Street,

Entrance in Redchurch Street,

Shoreditch,

London E2 7DD

020 7729 1051

info@theboundary.co.uk

trou aux biches

2011-06-27T01:57:00.001+01:00

It's been over 2months since my last post ... how time flies!

Anyway since my last post, I'd actually been on holiday for just over 2weeks to Mauritius!!

The highlight of the holiday was spending time at the newly re-opened 5 star Trou Aux Biches Resort & Spa! Trou Aux Biches is located on one of the best beaches on the north west coast of Mauritius.

Beautiful orchid arrangements at the reception area

The hotel was completely demolished and redesigned with a focus on tropical elegance, modernity, comfort, intimacy and luxury.

So tropical and modern

View from the reception area

Tucked among the lush tropical gardens are the chalet-style Suites built in crescents with a private pool in the middle of each.

Overlooking the private pool

We stayed in a Junior Suite which had a very spacious bedroom and an open shower which was oh so tropical.

Junior Suite

The Tropical Junior Suites have outdoor showers but I was happy with my indoor one :)

My favourite part of the suite

The main pool is situated at the heart of the hotel and designed as a key feature with the bar and several restaurants in its surroundings.

The main pool at the heart of the hotel

The hotel has 6 restaurants ranging from buffet style to Asian to Mediterranean. Breakfast is served at either the L'Oasis or La Caravelle but during the 3nights we stayed we were spolit for choice for dinner but we chose the 3 restaurants below:

L'Oasis restaurant

L’Oasis - main restaurant. Buffet style for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Buffet breakfast and the daily newspaper printout

Mini dinner canapes

Desserts, desserts, desserts!!

We had all three and they were all very good. A good variety to choose from for each meal and the desserts were exotic and very tasty!

La Caravelle restaurant

La Caravelle - offers International cuisine. (sorry no food pics)

Blue ginger restaurant

Trio of starters

Raspberry sorbet with fruit in basil syrup,

Blue Ginger - Thai restaurant. Open only in the evenings.

The days were spent either swimming or sunbathing with the occasional cocktails in between :p

The stay at Trou aux Biches was more than I could have asked for. The service was impeccable, food was fanatstic and the setting was beautiful. It was also nice that the hotel has a completely different feel from day to night. The weather wasn't the best on the first and second day but the sun on the final day made up for it! I will let the photos do the talking, enjoy!

Honeymooners, go to Trou aux Biches! it's highly recommended and very romantic at night :)

Triolet, Mauritius

lounging sunday

2011-04-13T22:24:00.003+01:00

Oh it has been a while...

Anyway, last Sunday it was amazing weather in London. Not too hot but very very sunny. Not wanting to miss the lovely weather the day started relatively early for a Sunday. Originally was planning to go to Brighton but got a bit lazy... so instead it was off to Covent Garden. A quick stroll down Neals Street and it was eerily quite when we got there at around 11ish.

Stopped by at a sandwich shop and ended up having a chilli con carne jacket potato and orange juice for breakfast! lol

Doesn't the juice look tempting in the sun!

Covent Garden is a lovely part of London.

Alfresco-ing in the sun. Oh this photo is so British!

The highlight of Sunday was W Leicester Sq. Decided to pop in and check out the place and it was a definate likey likey :) Just turned 2pm and afternoon tea was on the menu so decided to enjoy some tea and cakes @ the lounge bar.

Can't quite see in the pictures but there's a large black chesterfield sofa snaking around the edge with mountains of cushions in cream, silver and gold.

Don't you just love this designer fireplace, definately the best feature of this bar!

So what did I have here, see below...

I had the 'sweet tea' with scones and cakes.

The scones were lovely! especially the plain one. It was warm, light and crumbly and the icing on the scone was a 'sweet' touch which I actually thought made it taste better. The cornish cream was very light but soooo smooth and creamy. I would come back for these scones alone.

The sandwich was very filling and the chips were so tasty! yum yum

The W lounge bar is a nice escape from the hussle and bussle of central London. This is definately a hangout place to add to my list.

bellissimo bellaria

2011-03-29T22:32:00.000+01:00

“The pleasure of eating the Italian way”

Bellaria was the venue for a birthday and early mothers day meal last Saturday.

Absolutely, charmingly unique. From street level, Bellaria seems like a simple Italian restaurant with bright and simple décor. However, a few steps below and guests are transported to a whole other world.

Romantic candle lit table

Very cosy atmosphere

Dining inside the arches

Bellaria’s basement truly is straight out of an ancient fairytale, its bare stone walls with their arches, nooks and crannies complemented by a warm, cosy atmosphere with candle light.

Our lovely table under the arches

Look what I found in one of the nooks and crannies!

Bellaria's menu makes good use of Italy’s most coveted produce in well-presented and elegantly creative dishes ranging from pastas and risottos to steaks and fish. Surprisingly they had a large and extensive cocktail list.

For starters we all chose different dishes...

Beef carpaccio with rocket salad and pecorino cheese

Fresh calamari lightly fried with courgettes and homemade tartare sauce

Crab and avocado mousse

Asparagus with butter and parmesan au gratin

I had the asparagus for starters and regret not getting the beef carpaccio. The asparagus was lovely but wouldn't have minded an extra few more stems!

For main we all went for different dishes again...

Calamari, prawns and whitebait lightly fried with homemade tartare sauce

Platter of chargrilled veal, lamb cutlet, beef and chicken with baby roast potatoes

Pan-fried veal cotoletta served with tomato and basil tagliolini

Papparadelle with king prawns, fresh chillies; garlic and cherry tomatoes

Rib-eye steak with porcini mushroom sauce

I had the mixed fried seafood. It was good but I got bored of the taste after a while. The whitebait was a tad too salty, it would have been better as a starter. Their homemade pasta was al dente and the tomato was tasty with a kick of chilli. I was told all the other dishes tasted good as well.

By this time, after 2 glasses of red wine, I was pretty full but couldn't resist trying their desserts.

Vanilla pannacotta with red berry sauce

I went for the vanilla pannacotta and this was probably my best choice of the night! Smooth, rich and creamy with a nice amount of vanilla, the berry sauce was sour and contrasted well with the pannacotta but frankly I would have happily eaten the pannacotta on its ow.

Overall it was a lovely meal and the staff were friendly and welcoming and the atmoshpere in the downstairs restaurant was lovely.

Beautiful spring flowers for mummy!

Bellaria Restaurant and Wine Bar
71 Great Titchfield Street
London
W1W 6RB
020 7580 8075
www.bellariarestaurant.co.uk

maison moschino

2011-03-15T23:25:00.001+00:00

Moschino has blended fashion and design to create Maison Moschino situated at number 12 on the Viale Monte Grappa, in a former railway station.

Together with the Moschino creative team and designer Rossella Jardini, Stefano Ugolini has created a totally unique 65-room hotel. Converted from an 1840’s neoclassical railway station in the heart of Milan, the hotel features 63 guestrooms and two junior suites over four floors.

Each room and suite is unique, maintaining the common theme of fairy tales, with every room more magical than the next. The individually-designed rooms feature imaginative designs, including one where silk rose petals dangle from the chandelier as if falling from the sky.

Life is a bed of Roses

It really is a bed of roses!

In another, guests will feel as though they really are sleeping in the enormous ballgown that flowingly transitions from the headboard to the baseboard.

Sleeping in a Ballgown

‘The Forest’ room, ‘Luxurious Attic’ and junior suites on the second floor are inspired by Alice in Wonderland and offer wide spaces and unusual spacious mezzanines.

The Forest Room

Luxurious Attic room

Guests can immerse themselves in a world of imagination and fantasy.

Others include 'Alice's room' with the large cup and saucer table, LOVE IT!!

The 'sweet room' with the delicious looking pillows and cookie chandelier.

Tasty looking cushions

Cookie Chandelie

There are other themes which are equally whimsical such as the 'Ribbon' room and 'Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz' room.

The imaginative and luxurious theme is carried throughout the hotel. The entrance hall features the famous Moschino staple lampshade dress which illuminates the main entrance hall where origami clouds hang from the ceiling.

The Lobby

Iconic dress lampshade

At the signature restaurant, “Clandestino Milano” headed by famous Italian chef Moreno Cedroni, they serve a wide range of pasta, meat, vegetarian and vegan dishes, including ‘Colourful Sushi’ creations. There is also an unusual palate cleansing concoction to round off the meal which includes a sake and mint based ‘mouthwash’.

Table and chairs at the restaurant

For breakfast there is the delicious ‘Mos kit’ that represents a true culinary itinerary. It is offered in a choice of four, six or eight combinations and is served in a precious box that reminds of an elegant shoe box.

Mos Kit

As Moschino describes it, “the hotel interior reflects Moschino’s distinctive style where the ordinary world is painted with a brush of surrealism.”

Maison Moschino

Viale Monte Grappa, 12

20124 Milan

www.maisonmoschino.com

a taste of france

2011-03-15T22:16:00.001+00:00

On Sunday we went to Aubaine for a friend's birthday brunch. It's a place I'd heard about a couple of time but never had the opportunity to visit so it was nice to finally try the place out.

Aubaine on Heddon Street

Contemporary French bistro

Aubaine is a nice, cosy French restaurant on Heddon Street just off Regent Street. Its decor is a contemporary take on a French bistro with its rustic wooden furniture in creamy hues. It wasn’t too obvious but the look of the place was quietly elegant, true French chic.

We were a large group so we were able to book the lower ground floor which is perfect for private parties.

The choice of food was a little limited due to it being brunch but I chose the Egg Royal for starter. The egg was poached to perfection but I must admit that there was may be a little too much of the hollandaise sauce.

Egg Royal - poached eggs, salmon on warm brioche with hollandaise sauce

For main, I chose the wild Seabass which had a nice crispy skin but may have been slightly overcooked. The steamed mussels were a bit random and personally I don't think the tomato sauce went well with the fish.

Wild seabass with steamed mussels, artichoke, rocket with tomato sauce

Others were right in choosing the 35 days matured rib eye which was very juicy, tasty and well marinated. The accompanying chips were thinly cut and equally tasty and it seems that this was overall a much better choice than my fish dish.

35 days matured rib eye with crispy shallots, fries and bearnaise sauce

I knew Aubaine made their own bread so I was looking forward to this and I was not disappointed. The bread basket was full of different types and they were all very good! I particularly liked the white one (bottom left) which had a very dense texture, almost like a loaf cake.

bread tin full of tasty bread

And for dessert, no birthday can end without a big cake!
Made from white chocolate mousse with vanilla, strawberries and moist sponge on the bottom, it was lovely! I'm not a huge fan of white chocolate but this was GOOD!!

White chocolate and strawberry mousse cake

Next time I will be back for coffee and cakes...

Aubaine, a sophisticated, but relaxed re-invention of a French classic.

4 Heddon St
London
W1B 4BS
www.aubaine.co.uk

art in a cup

2011-03-07T23:30:00.000+00:00

On Sunday I had brunch at Le Pain Quotidien @ Covent Garden. I ordered my usual crab and avocado tartine and a cup of Latte and to my surprise it came with a nice Latte Art.

My BOWL of latte

A little faint, but it was a nice surprise!

Latte art is a style of art, consisting of pouring steamed milk into a shot of espresso creating a pattern or design on the surface.

A barista at work

I'm not sure where this art form originated from (probably Italy) but now it’s evolved into an international obsession, including classes, competitions, online galleries, and coffee houses that produce a work of art with every drink.

Hearts were one of the first latte art designs to become popular, and they remain one of the most commonly-seen designs today.

A simple heart

Rosettes or rosettas, the lovely leafy designs below, are another long-standing latte art favorite.

I think my latte was a rosette too?!

Creating such designs in coffee is an art form and makes a latte all the more delightful to enjoy.
Here are some other designs that are truly amazing!

Simple but cute

AMAZING!! and SO CUTE!!

Oh so cute!

Totoro art

Kiki art

I think most of the above were created in Japan and the US so I was quite surprised when I saw mine one at Le Pain Quotidien. Have you had the opportunity to come across Latte Art?

flower power

2011-03-01T01:06:00.000+00:00

We had a warm spell a couple of days ago and although it's gone cold again, it's March and Spring is just around the corner (hopefully real soon!!)

Fresh flowers and green plants add colour to interiors and can be a great source of inspiration for selecting decorating colours and ideas.


Pink wall and matching begonias

Green wall with contrasting flowers

Red accents

Splash of colour

Contrasting colours

Flower against contrasting wall

Green foliage

Get inspired by bright spring colour flowers and fresh green foliage, selecting matching interior colours or contrasting colours to complement and refresh the home.

hip to be square

2011-02-18T22:27:00.001+00:00

W Hotel Leicester Sq finally opened its doors on the 14th Feb, Valentine's Day (oh how romantic!)

It stands 10 stories high on the corner of Leicester Sq and is covered in translucent glass which changes color according to the time of day and the ambience of the area.

This rock-and-roll retreat consists of 192 Britannia-inspired bedrooms and 21 posh suites.

The design concept is inspired by the idea that London has two personalities – calm and restrained by day, and daring and outrageous at night. The exterior of the building will be decorated in white, with colourful artificial lighting to brighten it up after dark. All bedrooms and public areas will have contrasting themes, colours and textures to reflect London's diversity.

Enter into the disco-lounge lobby, with glitter balls hanging from the ceiling. Ride up the lift and down the long corridor leading into the Wyld Bar.

Glitter ball lobby

Wyld Bar

The hotel is also home to the Southeastern Asian inspired restaurant Spice Market, from three Michelin-starred Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

Spice Market

Other extras the hotel offers is a fitness facility with sweeping roof-top views—appropriately titled Sweat and the pampering Away spa.

And not forgetting a state-of-the-art private 3D movie screening room as we are of course slap bang in the middle of London's cinema land!

W London Hotel

10 Wardour Street

London

W1D 6QF

http://www.wlondon.co.uk/

happy valentine's day!

2011-02-14T19:16:00.003+00:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!

My lovely red roses!

This weekend has been total chocolate overload!!

On Saturday, we dived into this box of chocolates from Mr Christian's Notting Hill.

Mr Christian's box of chocolates

This box of chocolates was surprisingly good! The strawberry cheesecake (dark chocolate with pink stripes) was to die for!! best chocolate I've had in ages!!

Sunday was the dusted strawberry truffles from Charbonnel & Walker. The dusted sugar was very sweet but the pink truffles had a subtle starwberry taste and were delicious!! Loving the pink box aswell!!

Dusted strawberry truffles from Charbonnel & Walker

And today... I will be digging into my box of plain chocolate truffles with edible gold leaf!

Plain chocolate truffles

Oh how I love chocolate...

Happy Yummy Valentine's Day!!

sweet love

2011-02-09T01:08:00.000+00:00

Love Hearts or “conversation hearts” as they're known in the US has been a childhood favourite. I bought a pack the other day and realised how much I used to like reading the cute phrases that appeared on the sweets.

Why not personalise them and send to your SWEET Valentine?

pure love

2011-02-08T23:41:00.007+00:00

LOVE IS IN THE AIR @ The White Company

I came across this lovely set of heart shaped plates when I was browsing through the Evening Standard today.

Portobello heart plates £35 for a set of 3

It comes in a set of 3 in graduated sizes and has been exclusively made for The White Company.

The pretty white heart tableware is made from soft matte glaze porcelain. It's both microwave and dishwasher safe.The Portobello heart plates come as a set of three, measuring 28cm, 19cm and 13cm in size, and costs £35 per set.

They also have some other heart shaped items that will be perfect for serving a special Valentine's Day meal.

Portobello heart bowl £20

Why not get the matching Portobello heart bowl to accompany the beautiful set of heart plates. It's made exclusively for The White Company and costs £20

White rose ceramic heart tealight £20 for a set of 4

Perfect for a romantic Valentine's meal, these ceramic tealights will set the mood. Lightly scented with white rose these come in a set of 4 and are £20.

Ceramic hearts £12 for a set of 6

These ceramic hearts are subtly scented for drawers and storage bags but I think these also make cute napkin rings like the image above. These come at a very reasonably price of £12 for a set of 6.

These will be perfect for serving a special Valentine’s Day meal but also for all those romantic meals throughout the year. The portobello heart plates are definately going onto my wishlist!

royal chocolatiers

2011-02-07T20:39:00.005+00:00

LOVE IS IN THE AIR @ PRESTAT

Prestat is one of London’s oldest chocolate houses, and has quite a history. Founded in 1902, Prestat was, By Appointment to Her Majesty, The Queen of England as Purveyors of Chocolates. Aside from a Royal warrant (granted in 1975) it was also a favourite of Roald Dahl, author of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory of course.

The shop is located in Princes Arcade off Piccadilly. Be prepared when you visit because the shop is a kaleidoscope of colours!!

There's a range of different chocolates but here are some that are perfect for Valentines!

The packaging is so, vibrant and over the top and different to any other chocolate company out there. I love the combination of the traditional royal crest positioned together against the quirky illustrations.

Marc de Champagne truffles 175g £9.98

Marc de Champagne truffles You can smell the champagne as soon as you open the box! A dark Marc de Champagne ganache is enrobed in thick milk chocolate. Each chocolate is covered in powdered sugar on the outside. There’s something about champagne truffles that makes them wonderfully special.

Milk chocolate wafers infused with earl grey tea £9.98

Milk chocolate wafers infused with earl grey tea - An unusual but delightful combination that tastes fragrant and rich at the same time. Delicately thin wafer chocolates with a velvety consistency, with subtle hints of earl grey.

If you want something a little different, why not try the Banoffee bliss truffles - white chocolate truffles filled with soft banana caramel and enrobed in coffee infused dark chocolate or the Chocolate wafers infused with chilli and cool lime.

Banoffee bliss truffles 175g £9.98

Chocolate wafer infused with chilli and cool lime £9.98

These are not necessarily for Valentines but I just had to mention the CHOXI + - Through various clever techniques, CHOXI+, is not only truly delicious chocolate but also very healthy chocolate.

Choxi chocolate bars £7.99 for a stack of 4

Prestat market these bars with the slogan ‘positive indulgence’, the reason being that the way they process the cocoa retains a lot of antioxidants. A ten gram piece of the Dark chocolate or a twenty five gram piece of the milk will provide enough antioxidants to help combat free radicals – so the packet says.

Each square is embossed with a 5g mark, so you know exactly how much you've eaten!

They’re a little pricier than ‘ordinary’ chocolate but the tasting justifies the price, and with all of those extra antioxidants this stuff might well help balance out some of one’s other little indulgences.

Heart assortment 185g £15.98

Since it's Valentines and all, I might just indulge myself in this heart assortment (large one of course!)

ADDRESS
Prestat
14 Princess Arcade
SW1Y 6DS
www.prestat.co.uk

talk with flowers

2011-02-07T17:09:00.006+00:00

Giving your loved one a beautiful flower bouquet on Valentine’s Day is part of a very long standing romantic tradition that started in the 1700s by Charles II of Sweden.

This Valentine’s Day why not send your loved ones pretty flowers from an online florist

One of the most popular flower choice is the classic Rose, well known as a symbol of love. But Valentine flowers shouldn't just be restricted to only red roses. It can be pink coloured roses, lilies, tulips or her favourite flowers.

Passionate Embrace £44.95

Simple flower bouquets are absolutely beautiful and timeless.

But if you would like to give a unique or exotic flower arrangement for Valentine’s Day, here are a few suggestions:

Simple, understated elegence with a single rose.

Simply Beautiful £19.95

A bouquet of pink roses for the romantic gesture.

Falling in Love £54.95

Sweet and romantic with sugary sweet colours

Marshmallow £44.95

A Valentine’s Day with a burst of color

Full of Zest £24.95

Daring Aquapack £29.95

Artful arrangements of more exotic stems such as orchids and lilies are always lovely.

Postmodernist Dream £39.95

Majestic Grandeur £54.95

There's a bouquet for every girl, whether it's the classic red rose or the more exotic flower arrangements. I like all flowers but if I had to choose, I'll definately go for the artful arrangements. Which one would you like to receive on Valentine's Day?

a touch of romance

2011-02-07T03:21:00.006+00:00

Some fabulous 'romantic' inspirations...

Accessorise with candles and ornate vases for a stylishly romantic feel

Get creative with flowers, add a flourish to pretty crockery by adding flowers to teapots and teacups.

Create a modern twist to romanticism by injecting a dash of vibrant pink to a white room

Introduce floral with accessories

orchid floral lights

cherry blossom wall stickers

floral artwork made from paper

A simply love the last piece which is by Carol Gearing. Each flower is unique and hand crafted from white paper and arranged together to create this stunning piece of artwork.

a little box of surprises

2011-01-31T00:27:00.002+00:00

Macarons!!

Ah, my love for macarons! They are so morish and so pretty to look at!

Macarons are colourful meringue-based almond treats made from a mixture of egg whites, almond flour, and both granulated and confectionery sugar.

The British craze for macarons began at the Ladurée tearoom in Harrods that opened a few years ago.

Laduree @ Harrods

I have always loved macarons especially the ones from Laduree. It’s only recently that I had the opportunity to try ones from Pierre Herme when they opened a concession in Selfridges in London.

Pierre Herme @ Selfridges London

Selection of macarons

Gift box

I LOVE LOVE laduree macarons but Pierre Herme do offer some fantastically different flavours.

It’s amazing how the flavours work so well together in the most unlikely combinations with the subtlest hints.

White truffle and hazelnut flavoured macaron

Some of the more interesting flavours are Depayse-Matcha green tea, azuki red bean, lime & ginger, White truffle & hazelnut, Metisse-Carrot, orange & cinnamon and Arabella – milk chocolate, banana, passionfruit & candied ginger. The olive oil and mandarin orange flavoured macaron was an unthinkable combination but strangely delicious.

Laduree macarons

In comparison, Laduree’s macaroons are more traditional in flavor; it’s a more subtle, traditional approach.

Pierre Hermé has more inventive flavour pairings but Laduree's macarons have a perfectly egg-shell texture and better singular flavours. Laduree is traditional in every sense whereas Pierre Herme ,known as the enfant terrible of Parisien Patisserie, is more daring, modern and adventurous.

I also love the beautiful boxes Laduree offers!

Adorable Laduree boxes, Louboutin is my fav!

If I had to choose between Laduree and Pierre Herme, I would choose ... Laduree for its subtlety in flavour, texture, presentation and of course their rose petal macarons!!

Valentines is just around the corner, why not get your loved ones something special!

Pierre Herme Valentines display @ Selfridges

Trivia – Did you know March 20 is the Jour du Macaron day in Paris--Macaron Day! Pierre Hermé created the idea over 5 years ago and at Pierre Hermé and a few other patisseries in Paris and around the world, customers will line up for a selection of 3 free macarons. In return, it is customary to give a donation at the door to a selected charity.

ADDRESS

Laduree Burlington Arcade

71 Burlington Arcade

London W1J 0QX

Laduree Harrods

87-135 Brompton Rd

London SW1X 7XL

www.laduree.fr

www.harrods.com

Pierre Herme Selfridges

400 Oxford Street

London W1A 1AB

www.pierreherme.com

www.selfridges.com

the lace maker

2011-01-26T19:13:00.001+00:00

Work in progress

Tord Boontje has been one of my favourite designers for a while now. I spotted one of his earlier pieces in an interiors magazine about 5 or 6 years ago and I have loved all his work ever since.

The Garland Light

Charming, romantic, unforgettable, The Garland Light is mesmerising with its delicately etched floral patterns. The lamp is made from a continuous metal strand that is wrapped around a light bulb.

I purchased one a couple of years ago and I must say, it’s no easy task trying to make it hang like that in the picture. lol
Sad to say that I no longer have it hanging in my home but nonetheless it is a delicate and beautiful piece.

Some other works by Tord Boontje...

Happy Rocker

Chair: Happy Rocker

Made of steel, wood, and Wool. I can see this in a relaxing reading room or in the corner of a large spacious bedroom.

Charming

Jewellery: Charming

Charming collection available in 24K gold plated and silver plated.

These charms/pendants are wearable versions of Boontje's signature flora and fauna motifs. Each charm incorporates a hook so that it may be hung on any chain or cord the wearer pleases.

Here

Now

Forever

Vases: Thinking of You

Thinking of You is a series of 3 vases as memories.

Memories of ancient, ornate, detailed objects are translated into metal covers. These intricate covers contrast with the simplicity of the empty glass jar at the centre.

Here - Now – Forever Vases

Pressed Flowers

Textiles: Pressed Flowers

I like the layered effect of the transparency in this fabric, looking through many layers of pattern when it is bunched up. In the sunlight it gives the most amazing shadows.

Aww, I LOVE them all!! I love how whimsical and beautiful his designs are and how quite a lot of them are affordable!

snappy snaps

2011-01-24T22:48:00.001+00:00

A couple of weeks ago I got a new camera, the Sony NEX-5 digital SLR and it has been my favourite toy ever since. It’s so compact and light that when it first arrived in its box, I thought that they’d forgotten to pack the camera inside! LOL

My baby

One of the features I love on this camera is the 'sweep panorama' mode, in which you just hold down the shutter button as you pan the camera.

The background defocus is also a great touch that I didn’t have before on my old camera.

Testing the defocus

The picture quality is a huge upgrade from a compact digital camera. Looking back at the food pictures taken, they’re making me drool all over again.

Fantastic image quality, superb build and extremely easy for beginners to use.

I have gone from just using a camera on the odd occasion to looking for reasons to use it!

Now, how do we store our new baby... I have been looking on the net to find cases for it and the Sony brand is 1. Too expensive 2. Boring 3. Ugly so I started looking for other alternatives and some of them are simply lovely. Most of them are not too expensive, considering they’re leather, but most of them are only available from Asia. Check these out!

Boring Sony brand case

Ciesta tan leather case


Claysmith black mock croc case

Herringbone red leather case

Claysmith yellow leather case

Some of them come in a multitude of colours but I’m loving the tan colour. They’re smart looking and the leather will age beautifully over time. I particularly like the first one (ciesta tan leather) but which one would you choose?

colour me beautiful

2011-01-24T01:47:00.001+00:00

Haymarket Hotel

This boutique Hotel owned by the Firmdale group can be found in a converted Regency-era building designed by John Nash on a small street off Haymarket. From the outside it just looks like a classical building but once inside, it is a fusion of the old and new.

I was here @ the Brumus bar and restaurant for a quick after dinner birthday drinks. The bar was quite dimly lit but you could see that in daylight it was a sea of pinks and purples. The dogs on the back of the chairs and bar stools added a touch of fun and quirkiness.


Brumus Bar and Restaurant

Dogs on the b ack of chairs

The drinks were on the expensive side at £11 for a cocktail and £7 for a non-alcoholic cocktail.

Selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails

Anyway back to the rest of the hotel...

Kit Kemp has designed the interior to reflect a fresh modern English style. On the ground floor there are three spacious rooms that lead into one another, all with an individual look and style. The striking lobby in black, white and yellow, an elegant airy conservatory in shades of green; and the eclectically furnished library with clashing patterns and colours.

The Lobby


The Conservatory

The Library Room

The lobby is home to a striking collection of contemporary art.

Stainless-steel sculpture by Tony Cragg

London landscapes by John Virtue

Pebble installation by Sue Lawty

Each of the rooms have been given an individual looks, mixing eras, colors and fabrics. There is no stuffiness here.

The Haymarket Hotel is a fine example of Kemp’s trademark design style: bold prints plus bright palette, with a quirky mix of contemporary and classical.

ADDRESS

Haymarket Hotel

1 Suffolk Place
London

SW1Y 4BP

www.firmdale.com

the artisan experience

2011-01-23T22:17:00.001+00:00

Artisan @ The Westbury Hotel

Located just off Bond Street, Artisan restaurant is tucked away inside The Westbury Hotel. Artisan offers an innovative modern British menu created by Executive chef Andrew Jones.

The concept of the Artisan restaurant is based on ‘experience’. The meaning of artisan is ‘made from the hand’ with this in mind, the menu, service and ambience has been designed around these words; Artisan and Experience.

Art Deco style dining room

The dining room reflects the elegant simplicity of the menu with its parquet flooring, oak tables and champagne coloured walls. The beautiful Art Deco dining room had a lovely ambience to it, both formal and relaxed.

3 Course Sunday Lunch

Today we were here to try the 3 course Sunday Lunch. Price was very reasonable especially for Mayfair.

The meal started off with a selection of delicious looking amuse bouche.

Amuse bouche

Aubergine chips

Goat's cheese with tomato confit

Salmon with beetroot

Followed by...

Smoked duck, chips, celeriac and soy in a citrus dressing.

For Starter I had the Parsnip Veloute

The garnish of parsnip and truffle cake was poured over with the warm creamy soup.

Very subtle flavours but it was smooth and frothy and surprisingly light. Liked the idea of the soup in the clear teapot.

It's Sunday lunch so gotta have the Roast beef! Slices of medium rare beef with all the trimmings of Yorkshire pudding, carrots, parsnips, roast potatoes and kale. The beef was succulent and just right sized portion.

Then came the pre-dessert of blackcurrant foam with lemon and vodka ice cream.

For dessert, I had no idea what a ‘nougatine floating island’ was but I was pleasantly surprised. Apparently it’s a French dessert of meringue floating on custard.

The texture was different, something between a mousse and a marshmallow (?). It was not too sweet and the crème anglaise was lovely!!

The food presentation and the quality was very good. Artisan Restaurant certainly delivered cuisine to delight my senses. Friendly, attentive service, I really cannot recommend it enough!

ADDRESS

Artisan
The Westbury
Bond Street
Mayfair, London
W1S 2YF

www.westburymayfair.com

food glorious food

2011-01-21T02:09:00.000+00:00

I started blogging 5 days ago and already it's starting to look like a food blog.
More exciting and wonderful posts to come... I hope!

a chinese on oxford street

2011-01-21T02:02:00.002+00:00

Noodle Oodle is a no-frills Chinese restaurant located near Tottenham Court Road Station on Oxford Street. You may recognise the restaurant from one of Gordon Ramsay’s shows when he went head to head with the head chef who currently holds the world record for the most hand-pulled noodles in three minutes.


Gordon Ramsay attempting to make handmade noodles

Noodle Oodle was apparently the first restaurant in London to bring the hand-pulled noodle technique to town. They are known for their soft textured hand pulled noodles but they also offer rice dishes and also a selection of Dim Sum.

Mix meat platter

King prawn fried rice

My recommendations:

Wonton soup lamien

Wonton soup lamien – The noodle oodle wontons are slightly different to the ones in Chinatown and contains minced pork and vegetables. I like, I like :) It tastes homemade and has a good strong flavour.

Homemade fried tofu

Homemade fried tofu – i love this! Tastes similar to Japanese tofu (egg tofu) and it is just delicious. The sauce may be a little overwhelming to look at but this is a definite hit”

Cold mango and pomelo sago

Mango and pomelo sago dessert - cool, creamy and refreshing!

Great food. Good price. A nice alternative to Chinatown.

ADDRESS

Noodle Oodle

25 Oxford Street,
Soho,
London,
W1D 2DW

the daily bread

2011-01-17T21:01:00.005+00:00

I have known about this place for a while but I decided to try it out with a friend today.

Le Pain Quotidien originated in Belgium, is simply translated as “daily bread”. The story of Le Pain Quotidien begins with simple ingredients - flour, water and salt – transforming it with patience, passion and artisanal skill into a signature organic sourdough. Their philosophy is to use organic ingredients where possible and it clearly shows in their food.

Large communal table made from reclaimed wood

The decor is sort of French country style with long communal wooden tables and wicker basket. The idea of the communal table came about when Alain Coumont opened the firstLe Pain Quotidien in Brussels back in 1990 and had a long seamstresses table to accommodate his café guests. Traditional jams and a variety of spreads can be found on the tables and the whole place has a good atmosphere.

Crab and Avocado with cucumber and spring onions Tartine

I had the Crab and Avocado with cucumber and spring onion Tartine which tasted delicious! The tartine is basically a couple of slices of bread topped with different toppings. It’s simple and light, served on a ceramic tablet which can also be bought from the giftware shelves along with the other condiments.

Also something I didn’t know until today was that Le Pain Quotidien serves coffee, lattes, and cappuccinos in bowls. A bit of a surprise but I like that.

Latte in a bowl!

The food was great and the place had a good vibe, I’ll definitely be going back again soon to test out their pastries!!

ADDRESS:

Le Pain Quotidien

18 Great Marlborough Street

London

W1F 7HT

020 7486 6154

http://www.lepainquotidien.co.uk/