cheriecity | cheriecity.co.uk

Aromatherapy Associates Flower Workshop

December 20, 2016 by cheriecity

At the beginning of the festive season, I was invited by Aromatherapy Associates and Only Roses for an afternoon of flower arranging at Carousel in Marylebone. It’s not often that you get the chance to zone out from daily demands and dedicate a few hours to a creative project, so this afternoon of mindfulness was a real treat.

I joined a small group of lifestyle bloggers in the upstairs events room for Prosecco, delicious canapés, warm madeleines and freshly-baked cookies, as well as a look at the Aromatherapy Associates Christmas collection before sitting down for the masterclass.

Our tutor showed us how to make a stylish Christmas centrepiece and we proceeded to snip away at asparagus ferns, eucalyptus and exquisite white roses, fixing them into an oasis inside a presentation box and finishing with festive baubles.

The last time I tried my hand at flower arranging was with McQueens six years ago and this masterclass was a reminder of how fun it can be. It’s super easy to have a go, although I must admit that my arrangement had a few final tweaks from the tutor to make it look less chaotic. I also liked how everyone’s arrangements looked so different and unique, as we were given free reign with the design.

Saying that, it takes real skill and experience to get that perfect look, so it’s worth investing some time and practicing regularly. Maybe it could be a New Year’s resolution?

To continue the relaxation at home, we were treated to an adorable Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning Bath and Shower Oil and Revive Mini Candle from the Christmas collection. I’ve always been a fan of the brand and I just love the Revive range’s uplifting and zesty citrus aromas. Essential oils of grapefruit, rosemary and juniper invigorate the skin and really help wake you up, reading for the day.

If you’re looking for last-minute Christmas presents, give the gift of mindfulness with Aromatherapy Associates and Only Roses.

All photos by Chérie City

Christmas, Shopping

Christmas Gift Guide: For Foodies

December 18, 2016 by cheriecity

Christmas Day is extravagant enough, but us foodies like to keep the party going for the whole festive season. Treat the foodie in your life to a selection of the best brownies in town, everything to make proper yummy S’Mores or a fab cook book with recipes from top chefs that’s sure to keep them busy in the kitchen through the holidays…

Cook for Syria Recipe Book, curated by Clerkenwell Boy and edited by Serena Guen, £17, Amazon
Bûche Ispahan, €48, Pierre Hermé
Bad Brownie Chef’s Selection Box, £25, Bad Brownie
Cova Pistachio Panettone, £24.95, Lina Stores
T2 Poppin’ Praline Limited Edition Tin, £16, T2 Tea
Spruzzo Set of Three Cheese Knives, £22, Oliver Bonas
Cointreau Noir Liqueur, £39.95, The Whisky Exchange
Toast for Cheese Gift Tin, £13.95, The Fine Cheese Co.
S’Mores Kit, £7.95, Harvey Nichols

Christmas, Shopping

Christmas Gift Guide: For Her

December 18, 2016 by cheriecity

Christmas is almost here, so it’s time to pick up those last-minute gifts. Over the festive period, curl up with a great book, stay cosy in merino cashmere gloves, fill your home with a gorgeous scent and countdown to the new year in style with a cute watch.

Here are some Christmas gifts for her that are sure to impress this Christmas…

Fresh Skincare Treasures, £56, SpaceNK
Earl of East London Atlas Cedar Scented Soy Candle, £20, Triangle
Eva Five Drawer Jewellery Box, £69, Oliver Bonas
Kate Spade Pave Cat Mini Metro Watch, £153, Watch Station at House of Fraser
Merino Cashmere Long Knit Striped Gloves, £34, ME+EM
18ct Gold Vermeil 8mm Peacock Pearl Twinkle Ring, £140, Dower & Hall
Pantone Espresso Mug in Mint, £8, Heal’s
Couture Confessions: Fashion Legends in Their Own Words by Pamela Golbin (Rizzoli), £21.69, Amazon
The Poppy Bag in Navy Saffiano, £150, The Cambridge Satchel Company
Chloé Fleur de Parfum, £47-£82, Harvey Nichols

Hotels, Paris

A Great Stay at La Clef Tour Eiffel Paris

December 12, 2016 by cheriecity

Whenever I go to Paris, I dream of living like a local in a cute little Parisian apartment. Recently, my dream came true when I stayed at La Clef Tour Eiffel, a wonderful collection of luxury serviced apartments by Ascott The Residence.

Location

Located in the elegant 16th arrondissement, La Clef Tour Eiffel is in a prime position on Avenue Kléber, close to the Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro, Palais de Chaillot and the Seine. It’s also quite a cultural hub, surrounded by the city’s best museums and galleries, as well as chic terrace cafes, designer boutiques and quaint boulangeries.

La Clef Tour Eiffel is one of The Ascott group’s two luxury properties in Paris – the other occupies an equally prestigious spot near the Louvre and La Clef Champs-Élysées is set to open in 2018.

Check-In

On arrival, La Clef Tour Eiffel appears grand yet understated and has a secure key card entrance. We were warmly greeted at check in and enjoyed a pot of tea in the sprawling marble lobby lounge before heading up to our Parisian apartment.

The lobby has a relaxed atmosphere with comfy seating, coffee table books and games for that homely feel. Running through the public areas is a fashion and movie theme with interesting artworks and scultpures. There is also a self-service hot drinks machine, so you can stay cosy with complimentary premium tea and coffee 24-hours a day.

The Apartment

Our Deluxe One-Bedroom Apartment on the third floor was absolutely heavenly. It has a chic Parisian style with soft grey wood panelling, parquet floor, high ceilings and signature Haussmannian windows that open on to Avenue Kléber.

The living room boasts contemporary furnishings such as a large LCD TV, dining table with two chairs, writing desk, wool sofa, coffee table and a plush designer rug. The high-tech, gleaming kitchen has just what you need to prepare simple meals, decked out with a large fridge, microwave, cooking utencils, a full set of china, Nespresso machine with espresso capsules and a kettle with plenty of tea.

We were very kindly welcomed with bottles of still and sparkling water, Alain Milliat fresh juices and the most delicious Jean-Paul Hévin chocolate – exactly what my dream Parisian apartment would be stocked with.

We found the bedroom cosy and tranquil with another LCDTV, fitted wardrobes, a luxurious queen bed with high quality linen and lavender pillow mist.

Past a sliding door in the bedroom is the stunning grey mosaic-tiled bathroom with an enormous walk-in shower, double sink, a proper hairdryer, a full set of L’Occitane verbena bathroom products (complete with three mini hand creams in different scents) and bathrobe and slippers.

Exploring Paris

After settling in, we headed to the nearby Avenue Wilson food market to drool over the farm-fresh produce, gourmet delicacies and pretty flowers. Our lunch plan included the famous rotisserie chicken and potatoes, but it was so popular that it had run out by the time we arrived. However, there was no shortage of tasty dishes at this market, so instead, we shared a hearty Beef Bourguignon.

Either side of the market are my favourite institutions in Paris – the Palais de Tokyo and fashion museum the Palais Galliera. The Palais de Tokyo was packed full (it was Saturday, after all), so we had just enough time to pop in to the bookshop before heading back to La Clef for tea time.

Afternoon Tea

A perk of staying at La Clef Tour Eiffel is the amazing tea time, which is complimentary for all guests and is served from 3pm to 5pm in the lounge. We expected a simple treat but the offering was seriously Marie-Antoinette level!

We grazed on dainty mini macarons, home-made candied fruit loaf cake, mini croissants and the most exquisite petits fours including financiers, eclairs, clafoutis and madeleines. While hotel tea time is becoming a trend in Paris, this level of luxury is rare and really, it should be a dealbreaker when choosing where to stay.

After warming up over afternoon tea, we headed back out to Les Villages de Noël. This glorious Christmas market brings a touch of festive sparkle to the Champs-Élysées with wooden huts offering everything from hand-crafted products from regions of France to mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.

We couldn’t resist picking up some authentic Bordelais canelés to munch on later back at our apartment – as if we hadn’t consumed enough baked goods already that day!

The grand Concorde square looked so Christmassy with the historic buildings and ferris wheel illuminated, and we rediscovered romantic Paris with a stroll along the Seine. We usually spend time searching for hidden gems in the city’s hip (and not always so pretty) neighbourhoods, but this time it was fun to remember what made us fall in love with Paris.

Dinner at Cafe Kléber

Of course, a classic day out in Paris should end with a traditional French supper of Steak Frites. We went to Cafe Kléber, a typically Parisian brasserie with a nice family atmosphere and charming old school waiters, conveniently on the corner of our street. The food was pretty good and really hit the spot when liberally doused with a yummy Béarnaise sauce.

If you don’t want to venture too far out for dinner, there are some good choices around Avenue Kléber such as Monsieur Bleu at Palais de Tokyo, flashy hotspot Le Coq and Carette for its tempting cakes. Or right on the doorstep, there’s Hexagone, Chef Mathieu Pacaud’s acclaimed and beautifully-designed gastronomic restaurant.

Breakfast

Even though La Clef is a serviced apartment concept rather than a hotel, guests can enjoy a prepared breakfast in the lounge. The breakfast buffet is generous and very high quality with the usual hot items, fresh baguette, mini pastries, candied fruit muffins, cereal, luxury farm yoghurts, French cheeses, charcuterie and a choice of tiny jams and sauces.

Our time at La Clef Tour Eiffel was truly indulgent and memorable and I’m convinced that it’s one of the most comfortable ways to enjoy a short or extended stay in Paris. From the dedicated staff to the relaxed atmosphere and stylish design, La Clef Tour Eiffel has it all!

For more information and booking, visit: www.the-ascott.com

Cherie City was a guest of La Clef Tour Eiffel

All photos by Cherie City

London, Restaurants

Weekend Brunch at Mustard, London

December 9, 2016 by cheriecity

Usually I tend to stay local for weekend brunch, but venturing out west to Shepherd’s Bush last Sunday was an excellent idea. Not only did we get to stroll around Holland Park, make a wish list of amazing townhouses and scour Daunt Books for new reading material, but we were very well-fed at Mustard.

This cosy spot on Shepherd’s Bush Road is an all-day British brasserie run by the people behind Covent Garden favourite Joe Allen. It has a proper neighbourhood feel and everything is relaxed, from the soft jazz soundtrack to the laid-back staff and comfy window booths.

The weekend brunch menu is varied and interesting, with your typical eggs and breakfast dishes alongside fresh seafood, roast chicken, a healthy quinoa burger and mouthwatering small bites. There are also a few lovely brunch cocktails, however we were in the mood for some warming English breakfast tea, which was nicely served in homely tea pots.

I couldn’t resist going all the way and ordering The Full Mustard. This posh yet hearty all-day breakfast was an absolute treat and perfectly indulgent for the weekend. The poached eggs were well-cooked and buttery with a soft yolk (just like the ones my Grandma used to make) and the plentiful woodland mushrooms were lightly infused with a touch of garlic butter.

The streaky bacon was high quality and I liked the addition of both a roasted and baked beans, as well as golden toasted wholemeal bloomer. Of course, you can’t miss the enormous sausage taking over the plate! It was deliciously smoky and clearly a gourmet sausage, however the sheer amount and its bold flavour slightly overwhelmed the balance of the dish. A herby Lincolnshire sausage at half the size would help avoid feeling all sausaged-out.

Steven’s Prime rib burger with streaky bacon was so, so yummy! Joe Allen is known for its secret off-the-menu burger and Mustard has clearly taken some pointers. The flame-grilled burger was cooked medium-well yet it was still juicy, tender and lean with a smoky taste.

It was packed inside a fluffy glazed brioche bun with caramelised red onion relish, half a roasted tomato, lettuce leaf and a drizzle of signature mustard. The fries were hot, crisp and golden, seasoned with just the right amount of salt.

The dessert menu was a tempting mix of classic British puds and home-made cakes. Lemon cake with yoghurt and poppy seeds was dense and moist with a generous drizzle of lemon curd sauce, tangy icing and super-creamy yoghurt, which made it even more heavenly.

Carrot cake was also a hit, done in the proper American way. It was rich and spicy, packed full of nuts and covered in velvety cream cheese frosting. Every day at teatime, there’s a special coffee and cake deal for £5 and I highly recommend it for a taste of these fabulous cakes.

Mustard is a wonderful spot for a leisurely weekend brunch, whether you’re a ‘Shey-Boo’ local or visit as part of a day out in west London. It’s also very good value for the standard of food with many dishes under a tenner. I can’t wait to go back and try some of those roast chicken croquettes or a cheeky mac and cheese!

Chérie City was a guest of Mustard

Food images by Chérie City (interiors by Mustard)

London, Restaurants

Fried Chicken Dinner at Ma’Plucker London

December 2, 2016 by cheriecity

Southern-style chicken is my ultimate comfort food and its doesn’t come much better than at Ma’Plucker in Soho. This colourful canteen on Beak Street (high five on that one) has acquired quite a reputation as a quality cheap eat and I was completely won over when I visited for a quick chicken fix last week.

Ma’Plucker keeps it simple with its 3-way chicken concept – well, that’s what you’re there for, right? Choose from three types of chicken (or a crispy coated halloumi cheese fan), then add one of three bases and a mouthwatering sauce.

There are also a few main courses to choose from including Chicken Caesar salad, Buttermilk dipped chicken wrap and Sylvia’s Love Bucket – a proper feast to share.

I couldn’t resist the Crispy coated buttermilk dipped chicken breast with a freshly plucked salad and herb dressing. The prime chicken breast strips were covered in crunchy, herby breadcrumbs and were succulent, non-greasy and plentiful.

Seeing the enormous portions sizes of the chicken and maple waffles coming out of the kitchen, I think I made the right choice with the accompanying fresh leaf salad with grated carrot and a tangy, mouthwatering herb dressing. I also loved the onion and garlic dip that came with the chicken and liberally doused it over the chicken.

Steven tried the Hickory spiced pulled slow & low chicken (250g) and paired it with a brioche bun base and Kansas BBQ sauce. The pulled roast chicken was so tender and well-marinated in a sticky, tangy BBQ sauce and the bun was fluffy with a buttery glazed top.

This kind of chicken didn’t really require a sauce, as it was already juicy enough, but the Kansas BBQ sauce came in handy for the side of fries.

The side dishes are very tempting and we were both wowed by the indulgent Crack & Cheeze. The gooey, velvety mac and cheese ball was served piping hot and covered in golden panko breadcrumbs. The cheese and cream flavours were perfectly balanced and avoided being overly rich – I could have greedily devoured it all but it is actually big enough to share.

Fries were just simply fries – not triple-cooked, skin-on, skinny or posh. Saying that, they were hot, crisp, tasty and just what we wanted to go with our chicken.

Desserts at Ma’Plucker are more than simply an after-thought and it’s definitely worth saving some room to try them. Our waitress recommended the Chocolate brownie and it was a slice of heaven – in fact, it reminded me of proper brownies that I’ve had in the US. The brownie was airy and moist with a slightly flaky crust and was drizzled with glossy chocolate sauce. What can be better and more homely than that?

If the brownie was subtle and moreish, then the Mini doughnuts with caramel sauce packed a crazy punch. A sundae glass was filled with freshly-made, sugar-dusted bites of joy that tasted like fairground doughnuts. An insanely sweet and smooth caramel sauce was served in a mini milk bottle and there was even a generous dollop of it at the bottom of the glass. After finishing this dessert, I was on a real sugar high and felt a little delirious walking around Soho.

Ma’Plucker is a real gem among a cluster of more serious and grown-up foodie spots. It’s also pretty accommodating, offering reservations rather than the usual walk-ins only as well as take-away collection and delivery within Soho.

This chicken restaurant really impressed and I actually think it would make a brilliant boutique chain across town. I’m already plotting another visit to indulge in some of those giant waffles with chicken skin gravy and a big ole’ sundae.

Chérie City was a guest of Ma’Plucker

Food images by Chérie City (interiors by Ma’Plucker)

Christmas, Shopping

A Luxury Harrods Christmas Carol Hamper

November 30, 2016 by cheriecity

Now that the festive season is in full swing, it’s time to get gifting! I always find that foodie presents go down a treat and what could be more luxurious than a hamper filled with the finest gourmet treats from Harrods?

The Harrods Christmas Carol Hamper is certainly impressive, arriving in a majestic bright red hat box with a silky ribbon and gold illustrations. While some hampers can include a few wildcard items, this one is classic with a selection of sweet Christmas essentials done properly.

As a tea lover, I was delighted with the cute red caddy of Spiced Black Tea that literally smells like Christmas. The loose leaf black tea is studded with pieces of citrus peel and cloves and it tastes just as fragrant and bold as its aroma. Spiced Coffee is perfect for those cold winter mornings and is full-bodied and richly-roasted.

In this hamper, you’re treated to not one but two packets of delectable biscuits, both topped with golden sparkle sugar for that Christmas party touch. The delicious Honey and Clementine Biscuits are buttery and crumbly with a subtle orange flavour while the Winter Spiced Biscuits pack more of a punch with potent spices, black treacle and sultanas.

Also included is a duo of preserves and they’re so good it’s hard to pick a favourite. Clementine and Sweet Orange Marmalade has an intense, zesty flavour and is packed with slivers of candied orange peel. Spiced Plum and Fig Jam is sticky-sweet and bursting with fruit flavours, and also contains a generous amount of mouthwatering dried plum and seeded fig. I think they go particularly well with scones, brioche and even on top of warming porridge.

The only part of the hamper that I haven’t yet tried is the Christmas Classic Pudding accompanied by Brandy Butter with Courvoisier VS Cognac, but I’m tempted to crack it open this weekend when it’s officially December and I can hang the Harrods shiny red bauble on my tree.

The Christmas Pudding is matured for nine months before Christmas Day and is made to the signature, time-honoured Harrods recipe. It’s full of dried fruit, walnuts and almonds and infused with lashings of cider and brandy – the ultimate boozy festive dessert.

The Harrods Christmas Carol Hamper makes a fabulous gift for everyone that loves good food and especially those who are hard to buy for. It’s also worth noting that the hamper can be sent worldwide, so you can treat overseas loved ones to a taste of London at Christmas.

All photos by Chérie City

Sample

London, Restaurants

Dan Doherty Dumpling Takeover at Mamalan

November 20, 2016 by cheriecity

Good news for east Londoners, Beijing street food cafe Mamalan has just opened in Shoreditch, to accompany its other spots in Dalston and East Village.

To celebrate, founder Ning Ma has collaborated with Dan Doherty, executive chef at nearby Duck and Waffle, on a special limited edition duck dumpling. But to taste it, you need to get a move on, as it’s only available until the end of the month.

I popped along a few days ago to check out the new cafe and of course, try this VIP dumpling. The space is petite and bright with a warm atmosphere and friendly, relaxed staff. It has a really homely, neighbourhood feel, echoing Mamalan’s roots as a low-key supper club six years ago.

We sat at one of the simple wooden tables and ordered a few bites while sipping on home-made rose lemonade and ginger beer (there are also Chinese-style cocktails if you’re in the mood).

The first dish to arrive was Dan Doherty’s duck dumpling – a celebration of his favourite meat, made with duck, salted cabbage, duck broth, roasted chili oil, fresh coriander and spring onion.

The duck was perfectly seasoned and the pan-fried dumplings were kept tender with a subtle and aromatic broth with soft morsels of duck skin and goji berry. The chili added depth without overwhelming the broth and I liked that it was quite gentle in flavour, rather than being too punchy or salty.

It’s hard to pick a favourite, but Pork buns were seriously delicious and I can see myself ordering a plate of them all to myself next time. The Beijing toasted buns are quite different to the fluffy steamed buns that most of us are used to – they’re like lighter versions of English muffins with a crisp, bubbly outside.

They were generously filled with the most juicy slow-cooked pulled pork and accompanied by pickled cucumbers – so satisfying and moreish.

We also enjoyed the Fried vegetable balls, which were served piping hot with a side of sweet chili dipping sauce. The balls were crispy but not at all greasy and filled with shredded, lightly picked vegetables in an airy batter.

Dumplings are a big part of the menu, and what Mamalan is known for, so we ordered a few more plates to give them a good try. Beef and spring onion dumplings were generously filled with hot, slightly oily minced beef and just a hint of spring onion, and the dumpling skin was pleasantly on the thicker, chewier side.

I liked that Mamalan’s hand-made dumplings are quite meaty with simple, pure flavours. The dumplings are so authentic that they’re actually from a family recipe created by Ning Ma’s grandad when he ran a dumpling stall in the street markets of Beijing.

Pork and Chinese leaf dumplings were equally tasty and bold – they went particularly well with the dumpling vinegar at the table. Be sure to order them alongside the beef dumplings for a nice contrast.

The buns were so yummy that we couldn’t resist trying the Prawn buns. The grilled buns were filled with a plump and succulent prawn patty and garnished with slivers of iceberg lettuce and sriracha mayo. They were super-tasty and fresh, but the Pork bun had the slight edge.

The dumplings and buns can be intensely flavoursome and rich, so I highly recommend balancing them with the light and refreshing Seaweed Salad. A plentiful amount of chilled seaweed was doused in a mouthwatering mix of soy sauce, vinegar and sesame oil, topped with toasted sesame seeds. It was so tangy and silky and the portion size was large enough to order it for the table.

Mamalan is perfect for a quick and affordable dumpling fix in east or south London. I know I’ll be back soon for more dumpling takeovers and to try those big bowls of noodle soup…and obviously more buns.

For more information and to see the menu, visit: www.mamalan.co.uk

Chérie City was a guest of Mamalan

All photos by Chérie City

London, Restaurants

Taste of London: The Festive Edition 2016

November 20, 2016 by cheriecity

It always feels like the festive season has begun when Taste of London: The Festive Edition comes to town. Really, what could be better than one big party with delicious small plates from top restaurants, gourmet tasters from producers and copious amounts of mulled wine?

I visited last night to try some tasty bites created by some of the city’s best chefs and pick up some foodie treats for the cold winter nights ahead.

We started at T2 Tea to sample the latest teas, infusions and flavoured matcha while deciding what to eat from the menu. I love how creative and enthusiastic the T2 staff are, mixing up hot spiced chai on the stove and blending different teas to make new flavours.

Action Against Hunger 5 Star Burger Restaurant is always the hot ticket, so we arrived early to get our pick of five burgers by five top chefs. Pascal Aussignac’s Duck’N Roll burger was absolutely outstanding. The well-seasoned minced duck patty was full of aromatic flavours and was elevated by a tangy, spicy sauce and crunchy paille potatoes, packed inside a brioche slider bun.

We also couldn’t resist Sophie Michell’s Classic burger with special burger sauce, melted Ogleshield cheese and fairground onions. The high quality beef was cooked medium-rare and I loved the addition of the pungent, nutty and gooey Olgeshield (a British cheese made with Jersey milk and washed with brine every three days), as well as the sweet and sticky caramelised onions.

The key to a good Taste of London menu is balance, so we opted for an indulgent and shareable veggie dish by Oldroyd. Porcini, truffle and chestnut risotto was just heavenly – insanely rich and punchy. The rice was perfectly-cooked with tender mushrooms and a generous dollop of truffle mascarpone that started melting nicely before we could even get stuck in.

Another highlight was the Chicken schnitzel sub with red pepper relish from Tom’s Kitchen. Last year, I really enjoyed the Truffle Mac and Cheese (which was on the menu again this time) and the schnitzel was just as delicious. The herb-marinated chicken breast was so succulent and finely coated in crisp breadcrumbs and the red pepper relish gave it a touch of zingy sweetness. It was hard to pick a favourite dish, as they were all winners.

Have you been to Taste of London: The Festive Edition? Which were your favourite dishes?

All photos by Chérie City

Beauty

Aveda New Tulasara Skincare Range

November 14, 2016 by cheriecity

I’ve always been curious about ayurveda and how it brings the body, spirit and mind into harmony. It’s a fascinating way of life and its techniques and teachings are at the core of holistic beauty brand Aveda.

For years I’ve been using Aveda, particularly its haircare collection and calming oils, so I was excited to discover its highly-anticipated new skincare range, Tulasara. The name Tulasara means ‘moving towards balance’ in Sanskrit and that’s exactly what the range seeks to achieve.

Aveda consultants Drs. Vinod and Kusum Upadhyay describe balanced skin as ‘the absence of negatives; it is free from stress and looks healthy and beautiful’. The daily demands of life such as stress, anxiety and lack of sleep, not to mention pollution if you live in the city, can really take their toll on the mind, body and skin. Tulasara has therefore been created to restore balance and offer a mindful ritual that you can take pleasure in.

The facial dry brush is the first part of the routine to gently exfoliate dry and dull skin cells. Dry brushing is an ancient Ayurvedic technique known as ‘gharsana’ and it also helps eliminate toxins and impurities from the body.

The brush is so soft and luxurious with contoured bristles, so you can give your skin a deep massage or a quick brush to stimulate circulation. I found it quite easy to incorporate it into my routine, as it really wakes up my skin, prepares it for absorbing the products and doesn’t require a lot of effort.

Tulasara Radiant Oleation Oil is a gorgeous pre-cleansing oil that really nourishes and calms the skin with a blend of six plant oils. I can’t explain it, but the pleasant aroma reminds me of the hot, dry wood of a sauna – perhaps it’s the combination of rosehip, apricot kernel and sweet almond oil.

Leave on the oil for at least four minutes and glide it across the skin with a thorough facial massage to promote radiance (you can even wear it overnight for an intense treatment). It’s suitable for all skin types, however unlike some oils, it doesn’t emulsify when splashed with water, so you will definitely need to follow with a good cleanser.

The collection also features three beauty concentrates – calm, firm and bright. I tested two and was so pleased with the results that it was hard to pick a favourite.

Tulasara Bright Concentrate feels instantly uplifing with a zingy citrus aroma and a very light serum texture. It’s targeted to help even and balance the skin, reducing pigmentation and promote cellular turnover.

So far, I can tell that it has helped brighten my skin and subtly reduce the appearance of pigmentation, dark spots and redness. I also like that it’s easy to wear under moisturiser and make-up, as some serums can feel too sticky.

Tulasara Firm Concentrate is also super-effective, this time for anti-ageing, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. Bio-fermented peptides, almond seed extract and safflower oleosomes deeply hydrate the skin, leaving it feeling plump and healthy.

The texture of this concentrate is also different – more like a silky lotion – and it has an earthy, rich aroma. The concentrate is easily absorbed and feels very hydrating. I often like to use this one at night when my skin is thirsty and I wake up feeling the benefits.

The Aveda Tulasara range is perfect if you love natural skincare that restores balance and leaves you feeling good. For more information and to buy online, visit: www.aveda.co.uk

All photos by Chérie City

Samples

Food, London

How to Cook Japanese Wagyu Beef

November 13, 2016 by cheriecity

Have you ever tried the world’s most luxurious and expensive beef? Japan’s prized Wagyu beef is on most foodies’ bucket lists and once you’ve experienced this melt-in-the-mouth meat, it can be hard to go back to regular fillet steak.

On Friday, I headed to the Japan Livestock Products Export Promotion Council stall at the BBC Good Food Show at Olympia to learn more about Wagyu beef and how to prepare this sought-after delicacy.

So, what is it that makes Wagyu beef so special? Wagyu beef is famous for its high levels of fat marbling, which gives the meat a superior flavour and texture. The ‘Wa’ in Wagyu means Japan while ‘gyu’ refers to cattle and as the name suggests, proper Wagyu beef only comes from Japan. In fact, the Universal Wagyu Mark, established in 2007, proves its authenticity and unrivalled quality.

The difference with Wagyu beef is achieved by nuturing the pedigree cattle from birth to adulthood. Wagyu cows are massaged to improve circulation and fat distribution and avoid stress. They are also hand-fed individually, allowed to graze freely and are even given hand-made jackets for the colder weather. At maturity, the cows tend to weigh around 700kg, following gradual fattenening. The meat is then graded and the highest quality cuts can command a top end price, making it a very exclusive artisanal meat.

The Japan Livestock Products Export Promotion Council stall was quite a hotspot with Wagyu fans and curious gourmands gathering to watch a series of live cookery demonstrations with top chefs.

Benihana Executive Chef Toshio Suzuki kicked off the cooking sessions but I was there in the afternoon to catch Daniele Codini, Head Chef of Percy and Founders, at the stove. A long-time fan of Japanese beef, Chef Daniele showed that Wagyu can also work exceptionally well with British and modern European dishes.

He demonstrated how to cook two different dishes and spoke about the benefits of using Wagyu beef. The first was Beef Tataki with pickled carrots, ponzu jelly and charcoal mayonnaise.

The Wagyu beef was cooked on a very high heat to sear the outside while leaving the inside pink and rare. The pickled carrots added acidity to the richness of the tataki and the ponzu jelly was tangy and sweet. Chef Daniele told us that to get the smoky barbecue grill flavour for the mayo, he dropped a piece of charcoal into hot oil which was then used in the mix (perhaps don’t try it at home though, as it will fill your kitchen with smoke).

I found the Wagyu beef silky and satisfying with a subtle and clean flavour. While the tataki is usually served at room temperature rather than warm, the heat from the tongue and mouth helps melt the fat.

The next dish was a Japanese spin on the classic British Sunday Roast. Chef Daniele had already slow-cooked the large joint of Wagyu beef in a bag and then seared it to finish. The beef was served with baby potatoes cooked in the beef fat (don’t discard it), pickled girolles and horseradish cream.

The tender, juicy Wagyu beef had a pure flavour and the high amount of velvety fat made it ever so indulgent. It was the perfect choice for a special Sunday meat and I could have easily devoured more.

Both dishes can be recreated at home, however if you’d rather have a chef lend their creativity to your Wagyu beef, head to Benihana, Tokimeite, Tokyo Sukiyaki-Tei or Harrods in London.

Are you inspired to try cooking Wagyu beef? What is your favourite dish made with Wagyu beef?

All photos by Chérie City

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Beauty

Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa in London

November 1, 2016 by cheriecity

The Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa arrived in the beauty hall of Debenhams Oxford Street last week and I popped along to check it out. This new spa’s arrival caused quite a buzz with beauty bloggers raving about the treatments, plus you really can’t miss the enormous Red Door billboard outside.

Inspired by the new look Red Door Spa at Union Square, New York, the Elizabeth Arden spa at Debenhams is a relaxing urban retreat with stylish design and innovative treatments. It’s all about ‘beauty on the go’ with a Speed Services menu of effective 15-minute treatments that you can easily squeeze into your lunch break.

Glossy treatment counters are dotted around the beauty hall, where you can enjoy a range of complimentary treatments such as Pampered Hands and Lady Liperty, as well as the Pollution Solution (£15), which is redeemable against any Elizabeth Arden purchase.

I was taken to one of the counters at the launch event to try out an Oxygen Beauty Blast (£15) – the perfect end to a long day. When my therapist told me that the Duchess of Cambridge had this very treatment on the morning of her wedding, I knew it would be something special.

A mist of serum infused with 16 trace minerals, botanicals and hyaluronic acid was sprayed across my skin using a low-key pen device. It was then followed by a blast of pure oxygen that pushes the product into the skin and leaves it feeling cool, refreshed and plump.

Surprisingly, my make-up wasn’t removed for the taster facial, but I was told it didn’t make too much of a difference, as the shot of oxygen drives the product deep into the skin, penetrating through the make-up (and I have the New York CEO’s word on this).

I didn’t feel any product residue on my skin and it instantly made my make-up look fresher, so it’s a great treatment if you’re on your way to a party. My skin also felt really hydrated and nourished for the next few days. Of course, if you have the full 15-minute treatment (for a redeemable £15), the skin is thoroughly cleansed and toned before the oxygen is delivered.

For an even more relaxing experience, there’s the luxury treatment room, offering facials using professional products that are exclusive to Red Door Spas across the US. Treatments include the Ultimate Arden Facial, Elizabeth Arden Essential Facial and the Ceramid Anti-Aging Facial, which I’m particularly excited about as I love some of the products from the Flawless Future Ceramide range.

The treatment room offers that intimate spa atmosphere in the middle of a busy department store and the prices are very reasonable – on average £1 per minute. You can also book online, making it even easier to indulge in a bit of Red Door pampering.

For more information and booking, visit: www.elizabetharden.co.uk