Kiwi Berry

My Mum fed me some of these yesterday, they look super cute as they are basically just miniature kiwi's but are a little sweeter than the mature fruit with a smooth skin.  

Apparently, they are the latest 'super food' as they are packed with goodness containing almost 20 vital nutrients. It's also said that they contain twice the amount of Vitamin E of an avocado fruit, with only 60% of its calories!

Trip to London - some foody things I spotted along the way.

Whilst wandering around Soho you couldn't fail to miss this place...

Snog sells 'pure frozen yogurt' that are actually good for you (or so they say). The website states they are '1 of your 5 a day'  high in calcium and contain no fat or artificial sweeteners.

Anyway I love the cool lighting that gently changes colours as you stroll past.

Likely to be the only offer of a snog you should accept in Soho.

On our way to the Saatchi Gallery we passed Bibendum.

One day I really hope to eat oysters here, but until that day I'll just have to do with admiring the building from the outside. Bibendum is not only renowned for excellent food but also it's home, Michelin House, it's a masterpiece of design of the bygone era. For an Atheist I have a weird obsession with stain glass so this building is perfect for me as Sundays are made for roast dinners not church going.

Feast and Frolic...

...is a great section on the CRAFT:Blog, it has a quirky range of crafty ideas for parties, from cool cocktail recipes, cute cupcake toppers and impressive table decorations, plus lots more. To be inspired click here.

A Mojito Float - recipe

Cupcake Cupcake Topper

Vintage Photos Table Runner

The Diner - Camden

We escaped the hustle and bustle of Camden and visited The Diner for a late breakfast. It's cool 50's Americana feel is kitsch without being tacky and as well as a impressive food menu they also have a great cocktail list.

I had the Lumberjack, a short stack of pancakes (3) with my choice of eggs (you can pick from scrambled, fried or poached), bacon and maple syrup.

It gave me the strength to elbow my way through the swarming Camden crowds :-)

Bermondsey Bites

Once considered one of the less desirable areas of London after a vast amount of investment over a decade ago this area has come on leaps and bounds. Situated next the the Thames in ear shot of Tower Bridge it's now known for it's weekly antique market and creative vibe.

We stayed in the Think Apartments just off Bermondsey Street, within walking distance of the famous Borough Market we were also surround with an array of cafes and restaurants, not to mention the Fashion and Textile Museum and the antiques market.

First stop was Borough Market, we arrived quite early to see the stall holder still setting up and most activity taking place in the Monmouth Coffee shop as commuters crammed in to get there caffeine hit. After a wander around we nipped into The Market Porter for a drink, before heading off down the South Bank for a spot of sightseeing.

Borough Market entrance.

The Market Porter beer mat collection.

The next morning we were back in Bermondsey and on the hunt for some breakfast. We nipped into Bermondsey Street Coffee. It's a quirky little place, the food is nothing spectacular but the all day breakfast roll and cuppa did it's job. What I loved most was the interior, they have light fittings made from takeaway coffee cups, cutlery holders made from Lego, a selection of 'posh coffees' and 'chav coffees' and a wonderful array of old posters that are straight from the bedroom walls of the 80's & 90's. My personal highlights were George Michael a la Wham days, Phillip Schofield a la Live and Kicking.

Another highlight of this area is The Garrison, it's a Michelin recommended gastro pub with a really friendly atmosphere and cool shabby chic interior. The food looked and sounded fab, but around here you snooze you lose, and we didn't book in time to get a table but we did bag ourselves two seats at the bar and a bowl of delicious olives.

On the lower ground floor they have another room which can be hired out for private events and then every Sunday night is turned into a Cinema room.

Other places along this one street that you can visit to satisfy your hunger pains are....

Village East, a modern bistro set over two locations, one a glass apartment block,
the other a listed warehouse; there are areas on different levels and the entire package
is topped by an open 'theatre kitchen' in the upstairs dining room.

The Hide Bar, cocktail bar located on the ground floor of the International Wine & Spirit Centre
it also serves food to help soak up some of the alcohol.

Al's Cafe, a proper greasy spoon and proud of it.

Teapod, offering 20 top quality loose leaf teas, fantastic home made cakes and pastries 

Delfina, a studio Café opened as a canteen for artists, but
has now evolved to become a leading restaurant on the Southbank.

Bermondsey Kitchen, an authentic charcoal grill (made to the Turkish 'ocakbasi' design)
holds centre stage in the cool, open-plan dining room.

Zucca, serving modern Italian food it opened in 2010 by chef,
proprietor Sam Harris a former River Café employee

The Woolpack, a cool little pub with decent pub grub to match.

Livin' la Vida Loca

I went to Barcelona for a long weekend to celebrate my friend Lisa's forthcoming wedding. It was a fab hen do, chilling in the sunshine and exploring the city.

So here are my top reasons why any Foody Face should love Barcelona...

1. The Panaderias aka bakeries but panaderias sounds way better!

Along with 'la farmacia' there seems to be a little bakery on every street corner, the selection of cakes and pastries are mouthwatering. 

They have a wide variety of goodness, including cupcakes, croissants, meringues, flans and artisan breads and everything else in between. It kinda begs the question, how do these Spanish senoritas stay looking so slim?!



2. Gelato shops and stalls.

This stall is located on La Ramblas serving a vast selection of ice cream flavours along with waffles and toppings galore, the waffles smelt amazingly sweet.

I was good and didn't have any (ok the truth is I wanted some but wanted to take photo's more and needed to keep my hands free, and yeah the truth is also that I regret that decision!!)



3. Cool Vending Machines

Located on our hotel's ground floor, I was pretty excited when I spotted the full sized Toblerone for €1.50 but then I clocked the mini tins of olives - genius!



4. Camp Nou Cuisine 

You can keep your soggy meat pies and curry sauce the grub available at FC Barcelona is way more sophisticated (and delicious) than anything I've ever seen at stadiums in the UK. This apple tart was yummy and due to the fact it was at least 20% fruit it made a healthy(ish) breakfast :-)



5. Buenas Migas

This cute little cafe is the brain child of two passionate bakers, one from Italy and one from Cornwall who settled on Barcelona as the home for their business venture.

I first spotted the cafe as we walked along the beach front, I loved the signage outside and saw an employee sticking pretty decals on the windows. As we walked back round we decided to stop off for lunch.

It's only a tiny shop (there are about four in total across the city) but they have a great selection of food both savory and sweet, all have strong Italian influences. I plumped for the pesto lasagna (why have I never thought of this combination before!?) and a coffee, followed with some chunky flapjack, served with natural yoghurt.

I know the food isn't strictly Spanish but you'll only find this little delight in Barcelona so if you go you should give it a try :-)



6. La Boqueria - Barcelona's Food Market
Situated just off La Rambla it's one of the oldest markets in Spain, thought to have been in business since the 13th century. It offers everything from live lobsters, fresh fruit and veg to homemade desserts and breads.

I didn't get chance to go this time but it's a very good reason for planning a return trip :-)



7. The Catalan passion for food

All over this cosmopolitan city there are interesting independent restaurants, cafes, bakeries and bars to explore. There's never any reason to go hungry in this city.

 

One worth a special mention is Shoko, we visit here on the Saturday night and whilst it probably wasn't the most amazing food I'd ever eaten (although it was good) the reason I want to mention it is because I loved the interior and atmosphere. 

Situated next to the beach it's a restaurant by day and a club by night. It's interior is described as "a cross between a feng shui, Japanese design and a Buddhist meditative feel" and the menu consist of Japanese-Asia cuisine.

For dinner I had the Thai Green Curry which was full-flavoured and the right balance of spice.

So what are you waiting for?  I love this city, for me it had the same effect as Amsterdam did when I first visited, I felt right at home in the authentic yet modern metropolis where it's easy to get away from the tourist traps and find the real Barcelona and there aways seems to be someone friendly ready to help when you get lost. With so much yet to still explore and experience I know I will be going back one day, soon hopefully.

Wow, I went a bit Judith Chalmers on you then :-)

A Slice of Ice

Spring has sprung and to cure a massive hangover the best remedy seemed to be a walk into beautiful Hampstead and treat ourselves to some nice ice cream from A Slice of Ice.

I went for cookies in a crispy waffle cone and Mat went for toffee but they had a great range of sorbets and unusual flavours such as liquorice.

The Dorchester

As a birthday treat for our housemate Claire's 30th Birthday we did an ultimate girlie day out. Starting with Champagne brunch with eggs benedict, then manicures at Cowshed, personnel shopping at Topshop, cocktails and ending in The Dorchester, Mayfair.

We went for the three course set menu with a glass of champagne and a bottle of white wine. The restaurant is traditional old school glamour to match the hotel. Quilted red chairs with tartan cushions, huge displays of flowers and a brilliant waiter service, everyone was lovely and we were made to feel very special even though we went for the value options.

One of my favourite things were the mini courses in between the main menu. We started with a thimble full of celeriac and fennel soup, this was followed by our main starter of chicken livers and mango puree.

We then went for the pork belly, it was almost too beautiful to eat. The portions were a good size and so rich you wouldn't need anymore.

To cleanse our palette we were treated to a lemon mousse with a posh lemon curd at the bottom.

This was followed with our desserts, I went for poached rhubarb and vanilla custard, Claire went for the chocolate mille-feuille. All were really yummy!

To finish we were given petit fours - a chocolate truffle, jellied sweet, a vanilla sponge, apple tart and my favourite, a macaroon. I would really recommend this place for total luxury and a real treat.