Date Night and Candle Light at The 1901 Restaurant

I'm a sucker for Romance.

You know that age old story? Boy meets Girl, Girl meets Boy, Boy surprises girl with a well thought out grand romantic gesture [or at least a few smooshy uploads on instagram] - you know that age old tale? So you can imagine my excitement to tell you all about my new found spot for a romantic evening.

But first things first, you've got to get the outfit right: 

The genius, New-York based designer Joseph Altuzarra has entered into a venture with Net-a-Porter to send the best of the big apple straight to us lovely Little Londoners-  shop your own version here 

Wear it with a pair of these bad boys available here and it's fair to say you'll leave your date floored for the evening... 

Now, back to date night...

Running slightly late, as usual, I arrived at the entrance of The Andaz Liverpool Street's 1901 Restaurant with my accomplice for the evening.

"Just this way madame..."

Now I'll let you into a little secret  but you've got to promise me you'll keep it to yourself! Deal? 

On the last Wednesday of every month, The 1901 restaurant becomes transformed with a sea of romantic candles that'll guarantee to give you that breathtaking moment with your loved one...

See what I mean? Stunning.

Gasps and Fluttery hearts later- we were seated. Hours of conversation, pondering over the extensive 350 bottle long wine list [ The 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape ‘Réserve’ will not disappoint] and oggling at the incredibly talented saxaphone player- we were ready to order. 

The menu is fabulous. Straight, to the point, no airs and graces- tell me what's in it so I can devour it [in a romantic, elegant and orderly fashion so not to appear anything less to my date ofcourse!] 

Crab for Starters and Beef Fillet for mains- it all sounded relatively simple... [ Mandatory Disclaimer- mood lighting is fabulous for the ambience not so much for the pictures...]

But don't let that fool you ladies and gentlemen, what arrives to your plate is a host of well thought out flavours and presentations that will undoubtedly be sure to leave you securing a reservation for your next visit before you even step a foot out of the door.

Struggling to breathe we scoured the dessert menu before deciding it wouldn't be as romantic to be rolled out of the restaurant [I'll most definitely start with dessert the next time- I had a pang of food envy from the table next to me as the dessert looked incredible!] 

Filled with what can only be described as wonderful memories from a lovely evening [well that and oodles of Mash Potatoes]- we were floored by the excellent food and service at 1901. 

But don't take my word for it... for your fix of delicious dining in a special setting you can find more details about the Andaz Candlelight's Evening here. 

Everything But The Kitchen Sink- Coya Restaurant, London

I've happened to stumble across a new found love for Peruvian food. There's something about the strange mix of Japanese and Mexican food that gets me excited- who knew that this little South American country, located somewhere between Bolivia and Ecuador, was full of delicious dishes of all sorts! 

After months of having the much treasured by Londoners, Coya, on my 'must visit and eat everything' list, I finally managed to tick it off- and my oh my was it worth the wait. 

Having, for once, decided to plan my time efficiently I arrived at Coya 30 minutes before our reservation and was greeted by the smiley Maître d'who was more than happy to usher me down the bellowing staircase to take a seat in the most prized position in the house- The Bar. 

Twiddling my thumbs got a tad boring- so I decided to preempt my fine friends orders with 3 [large- ahem] glasses of wine which may or may not have all decreased significantly in level by the time they arrived [sorry ladies!] 

"Your table is ready ladies..." 

Thank the lord for that. Now make no qualms about it, Coya is not industrially sized. We sauntered our way through the wine walled walk-way into the main restaurant area... 

And immediately felt at home. The interior has serious flirtations of Aztec throughout with pops of colour that make this place, to put it simply, quite a fun place to dine! 

Having studied the menu intensely prior to arriving, we sang of our dishes like lyrics to an old time classic...

First up, Esparragos Peruanos

Asparagus in a deliciously amarillo chilli sauce... 

Followed by Sea Bass Ceviche 

Rounded off with the most delicate Scallops, which quite frankly made my heart sing. 

And that was just to start... 

Yellow Fin Tuna Ceviche- which I wasn't as big a fan of but went down phenomenally with the rest of the group. There's something about the texture of Tuna Ceviche that weirds me out...

The most delicious Sweet Corn Salad...

A divinely crisp portion of succulent pork belly...

Go on take a closer look... Can't you just hear the crunch?

Crrrrrrunchy goodness!

At this point, we took a few minutes to come up for air after what was 2 hours of constant eating. They always say to hydrate yourself in between physical activities right?

Which is exactly what we did!

And back in we went... 

Mushroom Skewers draped in a stickily sweet yet crisp sauce

Crisp Baby Chicken that lasted all of 3 minutes- just enough time for me to swoop in and take a picture for you all.. 

Prior to me getting my hand batted away by a friends surveillancing fork. 

A round of Patatas Bravas just for good measure... 

And a hit for my vegetarians...

But then came the closing act. The final fanfare, The Pièce de résistance- Her name was Langostino Tigre. 

I'd heard tonnes about her- she was talk of the town. But there are, honestly, little to no words that can explain just how delicious she was...

Perfection. 

Hours of catching up, gossiping conversation and eating the entirety of the restaurant later we got down to desserts- where I usually conduct my best business. 

"What would you recommend Sir?" 

I managed to breathe out in between hysterical wales of laughter. 

"I'll bring you something..." Our ever so mysterious waiter, Pedro, announced as he briskly departed back to the kitchen area... 

A train of Salted Caramel happiness accented with a torte sorbet...

Alongside a beautifully light, oozing fondant...

Good call Pedro. 

Having eaten everything but the kitchen sink on the Coya menu, I'd definitely say this place is worth a visit! Whether your going with old friends, on a romantic date or just fancy a dabble in a different cuisine from the usual haunts- this is the place to be! 

Belvedere Restaurant, Holland Park

As the sun goes up, hemlines get shorter- days get longer and my appetite gets stronger [the rhyming was just a happy addition to what is a phenomenally true statement.] 

When the sun is beaming down on London town there's a place that I like to visit. I celebrated a birthday very recently and received a bunch of these beauties...

And was told to be dressed for 8 as I'd be whisked off to a secret location for a dining experience that wasn't to be forgotten. An understatement you say? Well just a tad. 

As the car pulled up towards Holland Park- I could no longer contain my excitement. 

"Belvedere?!" 

Yes Belvedere indeed. 

Nestled in the heart of Holland Park, Belvedere is truly an oasis in what normally is one of London's most Metropolitan areas. Surrounded by landscaped lawns, picturesque fountains and a brilliant little peacock on the roof- you're immediately engulfed in the suave yet calming atmosphere. 

Enter through the vine laden doors to a smiling maitre de, who points you in the direction of your host waiter for the evening as the piano croons in the background. 

Having extensively studied the menu online prior to arriving, surprises rarely work with me, we took our seats and were ready for feeding time. Believe me when I say- it did not disappoint. 

Finely cooked fish  

slathered in the most delectable sauce

accompanied by my dear friend- triple cooked chips. 

Paired with a deep Merlot that rang slightly heavy on the palette... 

Who am I kidding it was a birthday celebration- straight down the hatchet was the motto! 

 Reeling from what was an absolute symphony of a dish- it was straight on to dessert...

 For me? You shouldn't have!

Go on... take a closer peak... 

Vanilla Pod Cookie Crumble cheesecake topped with Raspberries [one that I'll definitely be replicating in my kitchen...

Followed by a cheeky Triple chocolate layered mousse... 

Hey it's allowed- it was my birthday!

After eating quite literally my weight in dessert- we went trotting around the grounds of Holland Park. I've been coming to Holland Park since I was 4 years old- and there's something so calming about aimlessly walking around on a full stomach and soaking it all in...

Won't you follow me to Belvedere? 

Sun-day means Fun-day; London in the Sun

The temperatures soared in London and a smile has been firmly cemented on my face. 

There's something about the Capital City when sunshine's beating down on it's overly crowded pavements, reflecting on the glass laden buildings of The City and heating up that wonderment of a tin can that zips us around the city underground [OK that part's not so great].

When the sun is blazing there's only one accessory that you can't leave home without- your bestfriend. So that's exactly what I did- I grabbed my partner in all things criminal and fabulous and headed down to start the day at The Reform Social & Grill in Marylebone to test out their much talked about Gentlemen's Afternoon Tea [albeit very VERY early afternoon at this point].

A more boy friendly of this traditionally delicate tradition- I was intrigued as to what the menu would be...

The Savouries were delicious. From Left to right; a steak and snail open sandwich, fish fingers on a bed of mushy peas and the gloriously simple but delicious- sausage roll. [We may or may not have ordered 3 rounds of these]

The Sweet platter included Lemon pound cake, Braeburn Apple turnovers, Norfolk Treacle Tart, Baked Jam Rolly Polly [not only fun to say but delicious to eat], Bananas & Custard and a selection of Traditional fruit scones. 

Now the beverages 

...are unlimited which I warn you- are deadly [good]. Don't let the 'Afternoon Tea' label of this afternoon fool you- we did not see a drop of tea the entire afternoon. 

Fuelled by multiple glasses of champagne, we waltzed out on to the sun blazened streets to Ayoush- our next destination for a touch of Shisha in the Sun...

I love London in the Summertime- there truly is no better place... 

Just Beautiful! 

What's your favourite place in the city when the Sun's shining?