July 29, 2013

LPD New York

I’ve always been about the Team Spirit.

What tends to start off as a solo project or a quiet drink with A friend always revolutionizes into a team effort or a full on group ho-down.


In the name of team spirit Les Plus Dorés, is the latest, for the fashion apt, label to make a huge impact on the scene. Their football jersey-inspired tees rocking the names of creative industry heavy-weights, Karl & Miuccia to name a few [first name basis ofcourse darling!], have officially gone viral and are flying off of shelves, hangers and football players [one can dream] alike.

Find them here: http://lpdnyc.com/

Not only do these tees look great but they’re also super flattering! Throw them on with your finest distressed denim or tuck them into a starchy skater-skirt and heels.

So whether your Team Slimane or Team McQueen- Get your head in the game!



July 28, 2013

The Cambridge Satchel Company

I am a sucker for personalized accessories. 

Anything with initials, quotes or even a personal little touch and I’m sold- hence my overzealous love for The Cambridge Satchel Company, lovingly known as CSC.  

With a seamless ability to maintain a classic aesthetic with lashings of contemporary accents to update their collections, The CSC bags have become a staple in my wardrobe. Whether you fancy sticking to the Vintage Traditional satchel or deviating out into the world of Purple Batchels or Fluoro Backpacks- there’s a style that suits every occasion!

As if that wasn't enough, you can also customize your style of embossing with a choice of black, blind, gold and silver- one in each please!  
Having invested a small fortune into buying a virtual rainbow of Cambridge Satchels, I can definitely guarantee that this is one sturdy investment you will not regret! My bag of choice for this mo
nth happens to be The Classic Satchel in Red adorned with gold embossing- EKB naturally.


In honour of the arrival of Prince George Alexander Louis, The CSC are offering a 10% discount to all Satchel’iers on these delectable Navy & Sweet Pea Satchels- just enter ROYAL10 at the checkout.


My eyes are firmly fixated on the Sweet pea- race you there readers! 

July 26, 2013

Row Row Row your Glass Boat

Being by the sea always calms me.

Whether it’s dipping my toe into The Indian Ocean or swinging my legs off of the barge on The Albert Embankment, there’s something about those waves lapping up that instantly puts me at ease. So you can imagine my excitement when dinner was booked at the glass vessel that glides across London’s best-loved sights aboard The Thames- The Symphony from Bateaux London.

Deciding that only floor length glamorista would be appropriate for such an occasion, I threw on my dress, hair sprayed to within an inch of flammable [boat hair is not attractive], and began my adventure down by the river.

Breathtaking is the only way to describe the view that The Symphony so happily places on your doorstep. Accented by dark wooden flooring, sleek furniture and spacious atmosphere- couples, families and friends all board this boat to soak in the incredible sites that London has to offer-
I boarded it for the food.

A 3 course delight with more than enough options for the carnivores and the herbivores, I was singing at sea before the boat had even left the dock. Accompanied by the most incredibly suave jazz gentleman- the siren was sounded and off we went, leaving all of our problems ashore and setting sail to a metropolis of blue [a bit dramatic for The Thames but I told you- water does this to me!]

You have to choose your entire menu, which I'm not so fond of but hey when in Rome [again- yes I know it’s just The Thames]. For starters I opted for the Confit Rabbit and Duck Leg Terrine accompanied by fruit & nut bread, roasted fig and rocket cress. A carnivores dream. The terrine was smooth and biteable, and set the tone for the rest of the meal.

Soon to follow, post a palette cleansing Apple and Calvados Sorbet...

Pheasant Breast with squash and horseradish cake, roasted chestnuts and cranberries. This wasn’t my favourite course as I felt that the Pheasant could have been seasoned slightly better, but the squash and horseradish cake was delicious!


And finally, the apple of my eye – or banana in this case, dessert. A milk chocolate mousse accompanied by orange sorbet and banana tuile [ which rest be assured, I did receive many top-ups of!] Do not even contemplate ordering anything else, this is a real treat!


Consumed in the plethora of food we completely neglected the most incredible sites that were engulfing us, but at a cruise time of 2 hours and 45 minutes there’s plenty of time for both!



Fed, watered [wine’d] and rested- off we went for a stroll down The Embankment. London- you do me proud!



July 13, 2013

Higher the Heels, Closer to God.

As temperatures soar, nights get longer (ahem funner), hem lines get shorter and suddenly our statement summer shoe of yester year, so articulately labelled 'The Flip Flop', just won’t cut it for those Summer Nights on the town!  

Introducing The Flip Flops wiser, richer, twice doctorate, PHD owning, older cousin- The Heeled Sandal.

Whether you’re meeting the boy for a round of G&T’s or dancing until the sun comes up- these babies will keep your pins looking toned and long- two things that I know every woman prays for (along with a private jet and Leonardo DiCaprio for the weekends- I’m sure that’s not just me.)

Available in virtually every colour under the sun (two toned and jewel encrusted for the footwear enthusiasts), they’re a staple shoe for those Summer Soiree’s.



Mine are a delectable neon number that I picked up from the concessions department at The Oxford Circus Flagship Topshop, but on return to SSDH- Same shoe Different Hue- I found that they’ve discontinued selling them. But fear not ladies, here are a few more options:




Top: Carvela Kurt Geiger £130, River Island £55, Topshop [flagship only] £115
Bottom: Jimmy Choo £495, Nine West £55, Zara £29.99

New shoes, lengthy pins and toned calves-Score!



July 11, 2013

A Tea of Two Cities

On one of my first trips to Paris, I had the pleasure of meeting, 5 times in the space of 5 days, Ladurée .

Staring wide eyed  and open mouthed at the rows and rows of round discs that looked so delectably airy and spanned the entire spectrum of colour, I was 7 how many colours would I have encountered at this stage anyway?!, I was captivated.

A different time and an entirely city later, Ladurée still stands as one of my favourite tea houses in London.  Lets face it- it’s an institution!


Bathed in Parisian glamour, the front half of Ladurée Harrods is seamlessly carved out of a Princess wedding dream. Hues of white, powder pink and mint green swim across the furnishings, and encapsulate you in a regal state of mind that transports you back to the times of Marie Antoinette.



“Let them eat cake?” If you insist Marie.

Needless to say, I was more than a little excited to see the over indulgent list of Afternoon Tea Menu’s. Pages littered with sugary treats whose titles although unpalatable, my French is a little rusty, but key buzzwords such as “Chocolate” and “Brioche” sent my imagination reeling.

The concept is simple; you choose 2 finger sandwiches, 2 Mini Pastries, 2 Full Pastries, a selection of 2 flavoured macaroons and then choose whether you would like to be rolled or shimmied out through the door frame (totally kidding- but it’s more than enough food for one individual!) Its accompanied by a Laduree Coffee, Laduree Tea or hot chocolate. If given the chance, definitely go for the Thé au Caramel- who knew tea could be so tasty!


Although Ladurée Harrods was filled to beyond capacity, I was pleasantly surprised at the speed at which the waiters brought over our food- partly because we were quite visibly drooling over our neighbouring tables selection.

A tower so beautiful arrived, decorated with the finest patisserie delights that a girl could ask for!

My favourites were the Ladurée Plaisir Sucré, a Hazelnut meringue sandwich cake with crushed hazelnuts and praline filled with cream and milk chocolate, and the Ispahan, a rose flavored macaroon biscuit filled with fresh rose petal cream, raspberries and lychees. (Both taste just as beautiful as they sound).




After, quite literally, breathing in the contents of the tower- we thought it wise to order a box of Salted Caramel Macaroons to go and trotted off for a day of mindless wandering around Harrods- oh the joy!

If you haven’t given it a go, or if you’re from across the pond and planning a trip, Ladurée is well  worth stumbling into on a lazy London Afternoon.

You’ll find them here:
Harrods
87-135 Brompton Rd
Greater London
SW1X 7XL

Just FYI you may have to bare a short wait pre-tea, but it is well worth the wait!



July 08, 2013

Slurp-me-up Smoothies

Summer time is my favorite season by far.

Temperatures soar, along with hem-lines, and suddenly everyone is walking around the city with a big grin emblazoned across their face and a sudden spring in their step.

While one of my favorite summer activities is to consume large amounts of Summery Ciders, Rekorderlig’s Limited Edition Passion Fruit for Summer 2013 please, whilst swinging my legs off of The Embankment, it’s important to keep your levels of nutrition high in this sweltering heat (Nutrition yes, but I’m really in it for the promise of glowing skin & hair.)

Enter The Slurp-me-up Smoothies.

Now don’t be put off by the overtly green hue that fills your bottle, because as they say “It may be green, but it’ll keep you lean!” And that’s just what this smoothie promises to do! Not only does it fill you up with the best in antioxidants and every Vitamin from A to Z, it keeps you energized throughout the day- perfect for the season that promises lots of fun in the sun.

To make enough for one bottle you’ll need:
1 Kiwi, Peeled and chopped.
1 Pear
3 handfuls of spinach leaves
Half a Cucumber, Sliced [leave the skin on, that’s where all the goodness lies!]
1 small piece of ginger, peeled.
1 Celery stick
40ml Bio-Active Aloe Vera Juice (now available at some of your nearest supermarkets!)



Brace yourself ladies & gentlemen, the directions for this recipe are extremely complex and are not for the feint hearted so brace yourself...
Chuck all of the above into a blender or juicer, hit the start button and watch the ingredients wiz around until your left with a fluorescent green liquid. It really is that simple!


Pour it into your favourite bottle, add a little straw for cocktail fever delight and Hey Presto! Your Slurp-me-up Smoothie is ready for drinking while bounding around London in the Sunshine!         








July 07, 2013

For the Quack of Dawn...

Having been collected by our knight in shining armour, our Uber London driver of course, and successfully analyzing every detail of the events of his night, the run of the mill 5am hunger pangs began to take over.

After an active cardio session, in the form of dancing around the members only Whisky Mist London, famished was an accurate description. In a city that’s always thriving with life, the lack of "wee hours of the morning" dining facilities has always amazed me.

High on the 40th floor of The City’s Jewel, The Heron tower, sits a poised eatery open for diners 24 hours a day. So whether it’s a late night feast you’re after, or a cheeky night-cap, Duck & waffle promises to not only welcome you with open arms but nestles you in its menu of utterly delicious foods and unique combinations- the perfect cure after a night of liquid indulgence.

Guided through a separate entrance we soared up the 600ft distance to our destination, warning: your ears will pop, and alighted to a rustic wooden walled maze that would lead us to our much awaited treasure:
Good food.


Having previously visited Duck & Waffle for every meal of the day, yes there is a separate menu for brunch, lunch and all meals in between, I have played victim to the routine sharp intake of breath as you turn the final corner of the maze to discover the incredible view that sweeps the entirety of London. However, no matter how many times you visit this establishment the panoramic views never fail to take your breath away.


Settled and raring to order, our maitre de glided over with a much appreciated perkiness for 5.30am, and muttered my favourite ‘AM’ pillow talk words:

“Can I get you anything?”

Oh can you.

“A Round of the signature Duck and Waffles, a steak and eggs Benedict for precautionary measures and a side of trotter-braised beans- please.”

The Duck and Waffle is the restaurants signature dish for a reason.

A crispy duck leg confit cooked so tenderly in a way that ensure the meat is separable from the bone, perched on top of an airy waffle and crowned with a fried duck egg drenched in mustard maple syrup (it comes separately but ask your maitre de to pour it over the top and they will ensure that it is quite literally soaked.) 40 floors up, and one duck and waffle down, heaven was literally right around the corner.

On to the Steak & eggs. My overzealous ordering may have been the cause for this dish, but it was definitely a good thing in this case. I was presented with braised ox cheeks, crunchy charred sourdough bathed in Hollandaise sauce. An absolutely exquisite dish.  

Although the maitre de forgot our side of trotter-braised beans, we were definitely satisfied with our early morning chow-down, and retired to our beds with a head full of fun memories and a stomach completely satisfied.

Definitely worth a visit!



   



July 03, 2013

Old Macdonald and Chalk Farm

Soaring down the moving staircase, onto the cobbled streets of North West One, and hobbling, nude pointed court shoes in hand, towards an Uber London- this was the penultimate event of my night at Gilgamesh.

There is a place.

Adorning the corner unit of The Stables Market, the ornately carved entrance to this Pan-Asian restaurant is breath taking to say the least. Having previously visited Gilgamesh London a few times, particularly for its older boozy sister- The Babylon Club, I was determined to sample their updated menu courtesy of Executive Chef- Ian Pengelley. An email chain, sequence of girl squeals over Kimye’s baby name and four crammed schedules later- a Saturday night was fountain penned in to “Dine, Drink, Dance and socialize at London’s ultimate attraction”. I think it’s safe to say- The quota was fulfilled.

Mounting the escalators that ascend to, what can only be described as a parallel Narnia, you’re met by a plethora of colours, textures and authentic furnishings which add to the vibrant atmosphere that Gilgamesh hosts on a Saturday evening. It took us a total of 3 minutes, as observed by our clever waiter, to decide exactly what we wanted for this three course fanfare.

Roll in course number one: the ‘party in my mouth’ - Duck & Watermelon Salad.
The duck was crisp and succulent, accenting the watermelon incredibly. So what started off as a “dish to share” became more of a strategic movement to wharf down all duck pieces before my beautiful friends had the chance to lift their forks (Sorry ladies!)

The wine continued to flow as we continually glanced over to the kitchen eagerly anticipating our mains, we decided to tide ourselves over with a quick taster of the Salmon Sake.

With considerable oooo ahh” factor- the dish arrived and disappeared almost seconds after touching our hand carved table. Most definitely signs of a good dish.

Due to it being a Saturday night we had a considerable and painstaking wait until our main course arrived, but when it did- OH did it arrive.

Beef Bulgogi. A Fillet of succulent beef smothered in Bulgogi sauce (don’t let the name put you off- it’s essentially the equivalent of Korean BBQ sauce) that prompted my palette to croon the sweetest sounds, ascended upon a heap of Japanese Chive Mash.  

Accompanied with an order of The Prawn Tempura, you know...just in case...


Endless amounts of wine stimulated gossiping later, we shimmied over to The Babylon Club for a night of cocktails and some of the best 90’s music I've heard in a while.

Definitely recommended for a fun Saturday night accompanied by the girls, however do be prepared to wait- especially if you’re famished (as we were). With news of a new tasting menu for the month of July hot of the press, it’s the perfect opportunity to sample some of London’s finest pan-asian food. And what’s more- I hear the roof of the restaurant retracts as the temperature soars; perfect for the summer!



Gilgamesh- it was a pleasure as always... 

July 01, 2013

My New York Affair

It’s finally here ladies and gentlemen!

After years of grimacing about having to fly across the Atlantic Ocean to NYC for the experience of, in my opinion, one of the finest eateries that the island of Manhattan has to offer- I can now enjoy refined French cuisine slapped with some of that New Yorker brashness that makes you want to charge around Wall St batting people out of the way with your copy of The Journal.

I present to you, my fine friends, Balthazar London.

Presumptuously sat on the corner of Russell Street, Balthazar boasts an extensive list of the finest meats, wines and flavours from its North American counterpart. Having run out of excuses as to how the London adaptation wouldn’t quite measure up to my past experiences, I chucked on my Choo’s channelled my inner Carrie Bradshaw, sprinted down New Bond St and attempted my best “Taxi!!”

Greeted by the same signature Red and Yellow mast head, your first step into the restaurant sends you reeling back to the hustling New York equivalent. 

Tables within Alexa Chung’s waist from each other, waiters doubling as circus performers as they try to outdo one another in the ­choosy challenge of who can stack it higher?", the tight lipped hostess who smiles so patronizingly at you as you announce your reservation- It was love at first sight.

Our charming maitre d’ was attentive and helpful with my date’s culinary impairment [he was vegetarian- heartbreaking, I know!], so I decided to leave the fate of my three course dinner in her hands. She recommended the Cured Salmon Ballotine with lemon crème fraiche and watercress for starters.

Not the gutsiest dish on the menu, but it’s definitely a good launching pad for this beast of a main course...



What seemed to be the summit of Mount Spaghetti with the most succulent Lobster in a rich roasted tomato and basil sauce adorning its peak sent my senses into over drive, as you can see...

 Definitely a must order!

After a joint chorus of “I can’t possibly consume another morsel”, the maitre d’ uttered my 8 favourite words:
Would you like to see the dessert menu?”  

Devil.

In came the warm Apple Tart Tatin laced in butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice-cream.

 Although a tad more butterscotch would have guaranteed my skipping out of the solid oak restaurant framed doors, we were left fed and watered to a level of high satisfaction.



An affair to remember indeed...