cheriecity | cheriecity.co.uk

Sakura at Sake No Hana, London

May 11, 2015 by cheriecity

One of my favourite things about the arrival of Spring is the dreamy cherry blossom that makes the city look even prettier. It may be a fleeting joy, but cherry blossom lasts that little bit longer in Mayfair at Sakura at Sake No Hana.

The ground floor bar area of Hakkasan Group’s Sake No Hana has been transformed into a stunning cherry blossom garden, celebrating the ancient Japanese custom of Hanami.

It’s a unique sensory experience with beautiful flowers by Veevers Carter, heady aromas of Floris Cherry Blossom and a special Spring-inspired set menu.

We began our Sakura Gozen with a delightful Violet Risshun Cocktail, served in two parts on its own wooden tray. Our attentive waiter poured us two glasses of the first cocktail from the carafe into a violet-scented mini coupe as an aperitif.

It had a refreshing, punchy citrus flavours and was made with a blend of Jinzu Gin, green Chartreuse, grapefruit juice, shiso and Burlesque Bitters.

The dark pink cocktail in a petite jug was then mixed in the carafe, creating a sweeter, more fragrant drink. It was a gorgeous, easy-to-drink mix of Belsazar rose vermouth, maraschino cherry, cranberry and lemon juice. I loved the ceremony of the two-part cocktail and that it was created to represent the early beginning of Spring and then the season in full bloom.

We started with a steaming hot bowl of tasty, comforting White Miso Soup with crispy tofu, seaweed, spring onions and a hint of garlic.

This was followed by the most delicious Sesame Spinach, with chilled spinach ribbons doused in a moreish, creamy dressing with plenty of crushed peanuts and topped with paper-thin cassava chips.

The main event was the Sakura crystal bento box filled with colourful, bite-size treats. My favourite pieces of sushi were the flavoursome maki including spicy tuna with thinly-sliced lemongrass and cucumber, sweet and creamy salmon avocado and an indulgent California roll.

The trio of tuna nigiri – o-toro, chu-toro and akami – ranged from lean to fatty and the difference in taste and texture was noticeable. A traditional bamboo box was also filled with three pieces of sashimi – kuro-kanpachi, sea bream and salmon. The sea bream particularly appealed to me, as it had a silky texture and a clean, subtle flavour.

The bento box was finished with pretty decorations such as flower-shaped carrots, wedges of lime and a physalis. I’m still navigating my way through the sushi world (graduating from tempura crab and tofu to the raw fish kind), but I’m pretty certain that Sake No Hana’s ultra-fresh, melt-in-the-mouth sushi is some of the best you can hope to find in London.

Dessert is an additional extra, but it would be madness not to try the beautifully-presented Cotton Cheesecake. This bubbly, light-as-air baked cheesecake was simply delightful with fresh cherries, vanilla-scented cream cheese and cherry sorbet. The texture was a cross between cake and mousse and it reminded me a little of the light chiffon cake I’ve tried a few times in Asia.

A perfect end to the Sakura meal was a plate of Cherry Blossom macarons, whimsically painted with a floral pattern. The delicate vanilla macarons were filled with a thick layer of velvety chocolate cherry blossom tea ganache and were ever so fresh and rather substantial. They can be washed down with a pot a Sakura tea, made from the leaves of cherry blossom trees.

Sakura at Sake No Hana is a must if you’re a fan of cherry blossom and all things fragrant and miniature. It’s the closest thing to having a picnic in a Tokyo cherry blossom park and perfect for a romantic date night.

Sakura Gozen at Sake No Hana is priced at £32 per person and is available until 20th June. Guests are encouraged to take photographs of blossom and Spring flowers and upload them to Instagram using the hashtag #sakura2015 to be in with a chance of receiving Sakura gifts. For more information and booking, visit: www.sakenohana.com

Chérie City was a guest of Sake No Hana

All photos by Chérie City

London, Shopping, Stores

Shinola Detroit – London Soho Store

May 4, 2015 by cheriecity

I fell in love with Detroit-based watch and leather company Shinola when it arrived in Europe two years ago. Ahead of its launch at Colette in Paris, I met up with the Shinola team and found out first hand just how cool and unique the brand is.

Shinola opened its first standalone store outside of the US in London late last year, just off Carnaby on quaint, cobbled Newburgh Street.

This pocket of Soho has become quite the haven for menswear, with neighbours including Fred Perry, Onitsuka Tiger, Peckham Rye, Nixon, Filson and Flying Horse. The location really couldn’t be any more perfect for the all-American modern heritage brand.

If you don’t already know about Shinola, it’s a lifestyle brand with soul and a social conscience, established in 2011 by Tom Kartsotis – the founder of Fossil watches.

Shinola’s range of luxurious watches, leather goods and bicycles are hand-made by craftsmen from its factory within Detroit’s College of Creative Studies. As the brand expands organically, its roots remain firmly in Detroit and they continue to reinvest in the recovering city.

The petite, two-floor Shinola London store features the full collection of watches and quality products including American footballs, baseball jackets, leather-bound journals, pet accessories, candles and home furnishings.

You can also enjoy a bottle of Shinola Cola and of course pick up a tub of the famous Shinola shoe polish.

Part of the store is fitted out like a cabinet of curiosities with watches such as the bestselling Runwell presented in open cases ready to try on. The watch straps are made with American leather and naturally vegetable dyed, then hand-cut, stitched and finished.

There’s also an engraving station, so that pieces can be personalised in-store.

The basement houses the most covetable Shinola bicycles that are hand-assembled in Detroit and available in beautiful bold and pastel colours with luxurious leather details.

Shinola London is a great destination store where you can learn all about the brand and discover new products. I love all of the products but particularly have my eye on the stunning new Accordion Crossbody Bag in red.

For more information, visit: www.shinola.co.uk

All photos by Chérie City

Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, London, Restaurants

Pret a Diner at Hotel Cafe Royal London

April 30, 2015 by cheriecity

Ultra-cool, nomadic collective Pret a Diner has returned to London, bringing a touch of decadence and culture to the city’s dining scene.

Pret a Diner: The Bohemians, from Royals to Rogues, revives the spirit of artistic London and Hotel Cafe Royal is the perfect location, steeped in its own rebellious history. Creative greats such as Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain, Virginia Woolf, Andy Warhol, The Beatles and Madonna have all graced the glamorous Regent Street hotel.

Last week, we visited for KP Kofler’s unique dining experience that has brought two Michelin starred New York-based chefs to the UK. Chef Patti Jackson’s Delaware and Hudson is one of Williamsburg’s hottest prix-fixe restaurants while Ryan Tate has received acclaim as head chef of farm to table restaurant Blenheim in the West Village.

They’ve join Andrew Turner, Executive Chef at Cafe Royal Hotel, to create a special four-course set dinner with dishes cooked by each chef. The menu is modern American with Dutchy Pennsylvanian influence and offers a rare taste of the three restaurants.

Exquisite restaurant The Domino has been transformed into a bohemian den of iniquity with dramatic flowers, crystal-encrusted animal skulls and objets d’art at play with the room’s gilded opulence. We were seated at a table for two and the cool, unpretentious staff took us on a culinary journey, explaining each dish thoroughly.

On arrival, we were presented a delightfully fragrant Bohemian Punch, made with gin and jasmine tea punch. Served in a vintage-style cut glass coupe with a sprig of jasmine clipped to the side, the cocktail was refreshing, elegant and lightly perfumed – my ideal kind of drink.

The drinks menu has been devised by Cafe Royal Bars Manager Tiziano Tasso and Dominic Jacobs of The Running Horse Mayfair and The Whip. DJs Maxology provide a hip soundtrack alongside guest DJs and The Unit London has curated the intriguing artwork.

We started with a sharing plate of snacks with bites from all of the chefs. Pea and Sorrel by Ryan Tate was a delicate orb filled with a lovely chilled pea soup. It melts quickly, so should be scooped up with a spoon and devoured instantly. Baltimore Crab with Pickled Ramps by Patti Jackson was a nice blend of sweet and tart.

My favourite snack was Andrew Turner’s Cheese and Truffle – velvety, cool, truffle-infused cheese packed inside a miniature plant pot, topped with enoki mushrooms, black sesame crumbs and a pesto crisp bread. The snacks were accompanied by some rather lovely molecular olives that burst in the mouth, crispy cheese straws for dipping and Patti Jackson’s tasty Dutchy Pretzels with Cafe Royal butter.

We started with a beautifully-presented Tuna Carpaccio with Gentleman’s Relish by Andrew Turner. The chilled, silky tuna carpaccio was dotted with soy and ginger sauce and complemented by a quail’s egg with caviar, thin slices of mooli, radishes, chunky cucumber and burnt-edge shallots wrapped around smooth gentleman’s relish (sorry to ruin the mystery but it’s a kind of anchovy paste).

I’m not a fan of cucumber, so some parts of this starter weren’t so well suited to my palate, but it’s certainly a fresh and interesting dish.

The main courses however were right up my street and happily there was a choice of two so we could have a taste of both. I went for Patti Jackson’s indulgent Duck with Celery Pecan Gratin and Rhubarb. This was high end American comfort food at its very best and an absolute joy to eat.

The tender, juicy duck was cooked perfectly medium and was elevated by duck confit coated in golden breadcrumbs with strong meat and herb flavours. The celery pecan gratin was lightly creamy with a mature cheese flavour and the roasted rhubarb added a welcome touch of sharpness. It was served with simple whole asparagus and finished with a rich duck jus.

Steven went for the lighter Seabass with Piquillo Pepper, Fennel and Dill by Andrew Turner. The beautifully cooked fish was succulent and flaky with a lovely crispy skin. It went very well with the dill-infused piquillo pepper puree and was punctuated with black olive crumble and olive pearls.

For dessert, we both enjoyed Ryan Tate’s Strawberries, Maple Vacherin and Buttermilk. It was a pleasure to crack open the delicious maple-infused meringue to reveal the fresh sliced strawberries, airy vanilla cream and the slightly tart buttermilk sorbet. I can’t think of a more satisfying, sweet and refreshing dessert to finish the meal with – it was simply divine.

As if that sugar high wasn’t enough, we were treated to a pot of fresh mint tea served with petit fours. We grazed on a box full of bubblegum white chocolate truffles, cola pâtes de fruit, dark chocolate orange sticks and salted caramel popcorn in a miniature plant pot.

To walk off the splendid dinner, we took a stroll around to view the carefully-chosen artworks by Jake Wood-Evans and Ryan Hewett. Look out for the striking John Lennon piece in the bar.

Not only is Pret a Diner a memorable sensory dining experience in a beautiful location, but it offers the chance to try signature dishes straight out of New York. I recommend dining a little later than usual when the atmosphere becomes more lively and taking your time to really take in the experience.

Pret a Diner: The Bohemians runs until 23rd May at The Club at Cafe Royal Hotel. Priced at £75 per person, including a four-course menu, snack sharing plate from three different chefs, petit fours and coffee.

Chérie City was a guest of Pret a Diner

Photos by Pret a Diner

Bars, London

The Natural Philosopher, Hackney

April 28, 2015 by cheriecity

East London has a brand new drinking den with the arrival of The Natural Philosopher on Hackney Road.

Located in a delightfully odd Mac Museum and repair shop, The Natural Philosopher is a fun addition to the Cambridge Heath bar scene and within stumbling distance of Mission, Peg + Patriot, Satan’s Whiskers and The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities Cocktail Bar & Cafe.

Behind this quirky new bar is James Manero and Amechi Ihenacho, owners of Manero’s Private Members Club in Haggerston, who collaborated with MacSmiths owner Paul Davis. I visited on the opening night for a few rounds of cocktails and loved the bar’s rebellious spirit and the expertly-made cocktails.

The entrance has the feel of a grand Victorian office with period features and taxidermy. On the right is the Mac Museum, where guests can sit amongst Paul Davis’s personal collection of Apple products dating back to 1976.

Walk down a few steps to the intimate bar with rich red walls and gold-framed paintings, dimly-lit with oil lamps on each table. Bartenders mix their creations from a sunken bar, slightly out of sight.

The bar sits just 25 people and is table service only for that refined speakeasy vibe. Bar Manager Alban Hajdini’s menu is equally petite with just seven signature cocktails, blending fine spirits with natural botanical and aromatic ingredients.

The cocktails we tried were all excellent and my favourite was the refreshing Baltazar, made with lemon infused Moskovaya vodka mixed with lemongrass, raspberries and topped with lychee juice.

Steven tried the Lord Kelvin, the bar’s own take on a classic gin sour. It was a potent blend of Brokers Gin, lemon thyme-infused sugar syrup, lemon juice with Angostura and lemon bitters.

For something super-strong, try the Zabarella with cardamon-infused Ocho Tequila, lime juice, vanilla sugar syrup and pomegranate juice or the bohemian Parmenides with Hennessey Cognac, yellow Chartreuse, Absinthe bitters, topped with white wine.

If you’re not in the mood for cocktails, there’s also an interesting selection of wines from around the world and local beers.

The Natural Philosopher is a fantastic secret, low-key spot where you can enjoy a really good drink away from the crowds. I’m pleased to have it as my local, but if you don’t live in this part of town, it’s definitely worth a trek over to the east for.

For more information, visit The Natural Philosopher on Facebook.

Photos by The Natural Philosopher

London, Restaurants

Dinner at Holborn Dining Room, Rosewood London

April 27, 2015 by cheriecity

There’s something quite fabulous about going out to a central London restaurant on a Saturday night when everywhere is buzzing and full of the weekend spirit.

A few Saturdays ago, Steven and I dined at Holborn Dining Room, which has been on my foodie wish list for quite some time. It’s one of three exciting restaurants at five star hotel Rosewood London and is overseen by esteemed restauranteur and chef Des McDonald.

Holborn Dining Room is a chic grand brasserie serving seasonal, locally-sourced British classics with a twist. It feels both sprawling yet cosy with plenty of intimate nooks, separate sections a bar and a charcuterie counter. There’s also an adjoining deli and a terrace in the beautiful courtyard, so you can enjoy al fresco dining in the warmer months.

Designed by Martin Brudnizki, the restaurant has attractive features such as plush red leather banquettes, reclaimed oak tables, antique mirrors and tweed detail – even the staff look dapper, sporting braces and waistcoats.

We were shown to a lovely corner table in a central section that soon filled up but didn’t feel overcrowded. The atmosphere is stylish yet informal, helped by a really good indie-rock soundtrack and friendly staff. It’s small touches like these that create an ambiance and make you want to stay longer in restaurants.

We kicked off the evening with some delicious cocktails while deciding what to order. My Sicilian Negroni (£10) was a sunny, uplifting mix of Campari, Limoncello and blood orange juice. It was pleasantly sweet but with that signature bite from the Campari and was an ideal aperitif.

Steven tried a much stronger British Columbia (£10), made with Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey, Fernet Branca, maple syrup and blood orange juice. It had lots of character and depth of flavour – a real treat for fans of Whiskey cocktails.

To start, I was tempted by the Griddled Prawns with lemon garlic butter (£15). The large, partly shelled king prawns looked so perfect and natural and were a joy to eat. The plump, fresh prawns were cooked just right and doused in a moreish, zesty and slightly sweet garlic butter. It was a light yet substantial and satisfying starter that I have since daydreamed about on more than one occasion.

While my starter was all about quality produce cooked exceptionally well, Steven’s Maldon Smoked Salmon with crab and spiced avocado (£15.50) was a stunning marriage of flavours.

The smoked salmon had a deep smoky flavour and was artfully puncuated with flaky, chilled white crabmeat and velvety avocado puree with a touch of piquant chilli. Both dishes were out of this world and I highly recommend ordering both and sharing.

My typical dinner pattern is seafood followed by meat to get the best of both worlds, but the Grilled John Dory (£26.50) with butternut squash and shrimp butter sounded too good to pass up. The two fillets of John Dory were succulent and ever so tasty with crispy, golden edges and nicely scorched skin.

The brown shrimp butter gave a rich seafood flavour and I loved the butternut squash cooked two ways – roasted and pureed. The finishing touch was crispy sage, which ideally complemented the dish. The high quality fish was elevated by the well-chosen accompaniments and the butter sauce made it more indulgent – every mouthful was an absolute pleasure.

Steven couldn’t resist a Saturday night steak and went for the Roast Rib Eye ‘Club Cut’ with pepper sauce and crispy onions (£26.50). The excellent cut of beef had a lovely smokiness from the grill to match its mature flavours and was cooked perfectly medium and tender.

The rich meat juices ran into the subtle pepper sauce and the crispy beer battered onion rings were a tasty extra. My main course didn’t really need anything else, but we still shared a side of Roseval Potatoes (£4.50). The sweet and slightly nutty red-skin potatoes were sauteed with caramelised Lyonnaise onions and were a delicious alternative to fries.

Desserts are as British and retro as they come – think bread and butter pudding, apple crumble, gypsy tart and steamed marmalade sponge.

I was in the mood for a chocolate fix, so I ordered the Warm Chocolate with poached pears and vanilla ice cream (£6.50). The dark chocolate fondant was quaintly served in a tea cup and had a cake-like texture, with the sliced pears baked inside adding moistness and a fragrant flavour. The dessert was dreamy and not at all heavy, so it won’t leave you feeling overwhelmed.

Steven’s Poached Yorkshire Rhubarb with sorbet and set ginger cream (£6.50) was another delightful dish. Served in a Kilner Jar, the dense, silky ginger-infused cream was topped with a refreshing sorbet, crunchy crumble topping and sweet, delicate poached Yorkshire Rhubarb. The long biscuit stick tasted like Speculoos and was perfect for scooping up the cream.

At the end of our glorious meal, we enjoyed pots of lovely, warming Jasmine Tea (£3.25) and Earl Grey Tea (£3.25), which was served with a cute mini bottle of milk on the side. We were left to relax and leisurely sip our tea while chatting and soaking up the atmosphere – what more could you ask for on a Saturday night out?

Our meal at Holborn Dining Room was just so memorable and I can see it becoming one of my favourite spots in central London. I’m sure I’ll be lured back for lunch or breakfast soon and am keen to check out the Weekly Slow Food & Living Market in the courtyard every Sunday.

For more information and booking, visit: www.holborndiningroom.com

Chérie City was a guest of Holborn Dining Room

Photos by Holborn Dining Room and Chérie City

Art, Photography

2015 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition, London

April 26, 2015 by cheriecity

This week, I headed over to Somerset House for an early morning preview of the 2015 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition as a guest of Celebrity Cruises.

The world’s largest photography competition presents its winning and shortlisted images across a number of rooms in Somerset House’s elegant West Wing. We were treated to a fascinating guided tour by Zelda Cheatle, lead curator for the World Photography Organisation, who explained the context and story behind the photographs in each room.

The world’s best and most original images have been chosen from a record-breaking 173,444 entries from 171 countries. The images tell incredible stories, capturing rare moments and offering an insight into communities around the globe.

Across a range of categories, you can view the winners of the Professional, Open, Youth, Student Focus and Mobile Phone competitions, plus the winning series from the awards’ L’Iris d’Or/Photographer of the Year.

One of my favourite photos from the exhibition is from the Burmese Punk Culture series by Olaf Schuelke, exploring how this politically-charged subculture is expressed in Myanmar.

Ruben Salgado Escudero shows another side of Myanmar with rural inhabitants having access to electricity after sunset for the first time through solar power.

Other powerful images include an sheep herding in the winter snow in rural Iran by Saeed Barikani, Giovanni Troilo’s depictions of social decline in Charleroi (The Black City) and the lives of the ethnic Yi people in China’s Great Liangshan Mountains by Fan Li.

Another highlight is a display of familiar and lesser known photographs, films and books by legendary Magnum photographer Elliott Erwitt, also the recipient of the awards’ Outstanding Contribution to Photography award.

Look out for the World Photography Organisation’s Global Encounters Stories, in partnership with Celebrity Cruises. See shortlisted entries and stunning landscape photographs of Maras in the Sacred Valley of Peru by winner Moyan Brenn. These images will also be shown on selected Celebrity Cruise ships throughout the summer.

Also featured is guest exhibition #FutureofCities, shot by leading documentary photographers from Panos Pictures, and exploring how cities are evolving with over 200 images.

2015 Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition runs from now until 10th May at Somerset House. For more information, visit: www.somersethouse.org.uk

Exhibition photos taken by Cherie City

New York, Shopping, Stores, Websites

Hayes and Jarvis New Shop NYC App

April 23, 2015 by cheriecity

New York is famed for its amazing shopping and it’s one of my favourite cities for finding those cool hidden gems.

While I love wandering around the Big Apple and discovering hotspots as I go, it can be easy to take a wrong turn and miss the best shopping streets. Luckily, travel specialists Hayes and Jarvis have created a handy Shop NYC app for the iPhone, so you’ll never miss the best places to drop some dollars.

The App

The innovative app features 100 of New York’s best stores handpicked by retail experts as well as curated shopping guides and reviews of all stores.

The stores are filtered into 10 categories for easy navigation, under sections including American Classics, Beauty Products, New York One-Offs, Classic Department Stores, Homewares and Food & Drink. It couldn’t be easier to plan a day of boutique hopping, or simply whip out the app when you’re in need of a bit of instant inspiration.

Shoppers can find important info such as opening hours, direct links to the store websites and even call stores directly from the app. Even though New York is known as the city that doesn’t sleep, it’s still easy to make a shopping faux pas and arrive to find the shutters closed, wasting valuable holiday time.

Route Planner

One of my favourite features is the route planner, calculating the walking time between stores and noting the spots that you can visit on the way. It’s almost impossible to get lost, as the real-time GPS pinpoints your location and guides you along your route.

My favourite shopping area is Downtown New York, in particular its SoHo and Nolita neighbourhoods. This hip area below Houston Street is filled with designer concept stores, independent boutiques, and American brands that are hard to find in the UK.

Here are a few of my favourite haunts on the SoHo and Nolita shopping scene…

Madewell SoHo

The younger sister of J.Crew, Madewell is the place to find your downtown New York wardrobe with high quality basics, casual dresses and slouchy leather bags. I bought one of my favourite jewellery pieces – a hot pink thread and gold bead necklace – at Madewell last time I was in the US and often stock up on accessories there.

Opening Ceremony

Carol Lim and Humberto Leon launched their first Opening Ceremony store in New York and this SoHo store still leads the way with a well-edited selection of pieces by designers across the world. Look out for cool sneakers, exclusive collaborations and lashings of KENZO.

Nicole Miller

I’m a fan of New York-based designer Nicole Miller’s cool, playful clothes with bold prints and interesting design details. With only one other store in West Hollywood, you’re sure to find a unique dress that no one will be wearing at your next cocktail party.

Proenza Schouler

The SoHo flagship store of New York designer brand Proenza Schouler is a sleek, high-tech space that houses the full collection of womenswear, jewellery, shoes, bags and accessories.

CB2

The hipper offshoot of Crate & Barrel, CB2 offers well-priced contemporary homewares and furnishings to recreate that New York loft vibe at home. You can even have a one-to-one consultation with the resident design expert every Thursday from 6-8pm.

McNally Jackson Books

It would be easy to lose an entire afternoon in this fantastic independent bookshop. Not only does it have an excellent selection of books and a cute cafe, but you can self-publish your very own book right there and then.

Of course, even the most seasoned New York shopper needs a quick refuel, so here are my top places to indulge and really make a day of it…

Charlie Bird

Hot downtown restaurant Charlie Bird takes new spin on Italian-American comfort food with plenty of New York hip hop soul. Tuck into tasty pasta, fresh oysters and seasonal vegetable dishes.

Crosby Street Hotel

Find a little corner of London in New York at Firmdale Hotels’ colourful Crosby Street Hotel in SoHo. Start a day of shopping with delicious Eggs Benedict, refuel with a decadent afternoon tea or numb the pain of weary feet with cocktails and bar bites.

Balthazar

Keith McNally’s French-style bistro is a SoHo institution and still the place to see and be seen. Cosy up on a red leather banquette and review your purchases over Steak Frites and a glass of Champagne.

Dominique Ansel Bakery

Home of the trend-setting Cronut, Cookie Shot and other sweet creations, Dominique Ansel Bakery is perfect for a SoHo sugar fix. Be sure to get there early in the morning if you want to try the world’s most talked-about pastry.

Dean & DeLuca

I always find myself drawn to this gourmet food temple when I’m out and about in SoHo. Its posh deli sandwiches and fresh salads are to die for and don’t forget to share (because they’re enormous) a box of sweet potato fries.

Parm

Rich Torrisi and Mario Carbone’s Italian-New York diner in Nolita is the place to feed the soul with classics such as parmigiana subs, mozzarella-smothered meatballs, baked ziti, club sandwiches and patty melts.

Where are your favourite shops in NYC? Are you more of a Downtown or Uptown shopper?

To get the best out of New York shopping, download the free Hayes and Jarvis Shop NYC app for the iPhone from the App Store.

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London, Patisserie

Melba at The Savoy, London

April 17, 2015 by cheriecity

The Strand just got a little bit sweeter with the opening of bijou patisserie Melba at The Savoy this week.

Located at the corner of Savoy Court, the gourmet counter is perfect for tasting executive pastry chef Ludwig Hely’s daily creations on the go.

Open seven days a week, Melba offers a dazzling selection of fresh sandwiches, savoury croissants, pastries, macarons, cupcakes and chocolates, as well as signature éclairs and exquisite cakes. You can also pick up a coffee, tea or an indulgent hot chocolate with whipped cream.

Melba launches with a dozen éclair flavours, including Crème Brulée, Pistachio & Cherry its namesake Peach Melba, so be prepared for much indecision at the counter.

Ludwig Hely said: “As a child it was only about a simple, coffee éclair and now as a pastry chef I can play with different flavours, some classic and some more unusual, while also being artistic with the presentation. The ultimate goal is to create something that will make people smile.”

I was tempted by the Orange and Hazelnut Éclair, but was eventually swayed by the Violet and Blueberry Tart (£3.50).

The lovely server was super-friendly and packed my cake in a sleek window-panelled box and branded bag to carry it home safely.

The buttery shortcake base was topped with a violet dome filled with Madagascan vanilla cream and a thick layer of blueberry compote. It was fruity, fragrant and light while still being rather decadent.

For such an elegant patisserie by a five star hotel, prices are surprisingly reasonable, ranging from £1.50 to £5.25 (all éclairs are £2.95). I can’t wait to go back and try some éclairs and maybe a posh hot chocolate.

For more information, visit: www.fairmont.com

Photos by Chérie City and The Savoy

Camping, France, Glamping, Spain

Yelloh! Village – the Finest Open-Air Hotels

April 15, 2015 by cheriecity

With the summer quickly approaching, it’s time to start thinking about where to spend the holidays. If you’re visiting a sunny European destination, why not make the most of the warm weather at a Yelloh! Village high-end campsite?

Yelloh! Village operates more than 65 destinations across France, Spain and Portugal and has been the benchmark in top-of-the-range camping for the last 15 years.

Pitch up with beautiful views of the ocean in The Algarve, stay in a stylish Catalonia chalet where you can cook your own tapas or indulge with a five star stay in a premium chalet complete with swimming pool in coastal Aquitaine.

Years ago, one of my close friends from uni arranged a girls’ weekend in Alghero, Sardinia, ahead of her wedding, staying in chalets in a boutique camping site. It was the perfect alternative to a regular hotel with its beach-side location, good facilities and plenty of space for al fresco dinner and plenty of wine under the stars.

Of course, the camping world has evolved since my last outdoor holiday – who could resist a campsite with heated outdoor pools, spa facilities, tennis courts, an on-site bakery and wifi?

My ideal Yelloh! Village stay would be in France’s Provence Alpes Cote d’Azur region at the fabulous Camping Les Tournels in St. Tropez. I would explore the French Riviera and stroll along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, enjoy an aperitif at a seafront cafe in glitzy Monaco and retrace the lives of Picasso and Matisse in Saint-Paul de Vence.

I would also take some time to try out the campsite’s blissful balneotherapy centre, relax on the nearby Pampelonne beach and cook authentic southern French dishes with ingredients from the markets of Provence from the comfort of my kitchen.

Yelloh! Village continually listens to its guests and has made numerous improvements to site facilities, winning it various awards including ‘Best Camping’ in the Michelin Camping Guide.

Yelloh! Village’s qualified, multilingual staff are on hand to make you feel welcome and get you into the holiday spirit. The clear, concise website makes it easy to find your ideal accommodation and there are plenty of outdoor activities and sports to keep you and the family entertained.

Whether you’re wanting to camp France in style or reconnect with nature in the Balearics, make a Yelloh! Village high quality open-air hotel top of your travel wish list.

Have you ever stayed at a Yelloh! Village campsite? Are you tempted to try luxury camping this summer?

Beauty

Penhaligon’s New Ostara Daffodil Perfume

April 14, 2015 by cheriecity

Spring is definitely in the air and what better way to get in the mood for such a glorious season than with Penhaligon’s new fragrance, Ostara.

Named after the Goddess of Spring, Ostara celebrates the season’s quintessential golden flower – the daffodil. Is there anything that signifies Spring, renewal and sunshine than this bold, joyful flower?

Master Perfumer Bertrand Duchaufour took inspiration for the luminous solar floral scent from discovering seas of daffodils during a Spring visit to Kew Gardens with the British heritage brand.

The exquisite aromas reminded him of childhood memories of abundant, sweet narcissus flowers (the fragrant sister of the daffodil) in rural Auvergne, France.

More than simply a note, Ostara feels like a euphoric roll in the daffodils – in fact, it’s the only fragrance I’ve known to be so dedicated to these blooms.

Ostara immediately awakens the senses and represents the natural cycle of a daffodil, from bud to bloom. It opens with a burst of green and yellow with Juniper, Violet Leaf Absolute and Spearmint layered against vivid Aldehydes, Blackcurrant and Clementine.

Elegant Narcissus Absolute leads the floral bouquet alongside Hyacinth, Hawthorn and Cyclamen to evoke the aromas of walking through countryside meadows and floral gardens. Narcissus is at the heart of Ostara to create the illusion of daffodils, since there is no essential oil to extract from daffodils themselves.

The floral notes soon soften and a warmer, more seductive fragrance develops. Benzoin, Vanilla, Stryrax, Amber and White Wood Effects creates the feeling of a balmy, spring afternoon with daffodils leaning towards the sun and swaying in the breeze.

Ostara is a unique, uplifting fragrance that transports you to the idyllic, sun-filled countryside, even if you’re stuck in the city. For a fresh rush of Spring and an instant mood-elevator, give Penhaligon’s Ostara a try.

Penhaligon’s Ostara is available to buy now in-store and online, priced at £65 for 50ml and £85 for 100ml.

If you’re interested in more Penhaligon’s perfumes, read my reviews of Equinox Bloom, Peoneve, Iris Prima, Vaara and Blasted Bloom & Blasted Heath.

All photos by Penhaligon’s

PR sample

Beauty

How to be Safe in the Sun with Ultrasun

April 12, 2015 by cheriecity

The warm weather seems to have just sprung upon us this week, so now is the time to start protecting skin in the sun. On my recent Celebrity Cruise of the Caribbean, I had the chance to try out some Ultrasun sun care products tailored to my skin requirements.

Highly-acclaimed sun protection brand Ultrasun is designed and created by Swiss sun care experts and is a beauty industry favourite. Unlike other sun care brands that require top-ups during the day, Ultrasun’s revolutionary technology allows a safe once-a-day application.

As if that wasn’t enough, the formulas are free from emulsifiers and perfume, reducing the risk of allergy and making them suitable for children and those with sensitive skin.

The Products

Family SPF 30

I tried the Family SPF 30 (150ml/£25), which is the ‘go to’ body sun cream for very sensitive skin (basically everyone can use it). The lotion has a light, non-greasy formula that instantly hydrates the skin and is quickly absorbed. The hygienic airless pump dispenser also prevents product deterioration and contamination, so no pesky sand can find its way in.

Texture is important for me when choosing sun care, as I can’t bear oily or sticky sun creams that sit on the skin. Amazingly, the Ultrasun SPF30 lotion simply feels like a regular body lotion, so you can wear it comfortable in the city as well as the beach. My skin never burned once on my trip, even on my shoulders that are proven to sun damage, and it helped avoid any prickly heat.

Face SPF 30

Equally effective is Face SPF 30 (50ml/£20), which can be used instead of your daily moisturiser for all-day protection. Its anti-ageing formula includes Ectoin to prevent UVA-induced premature photo ageing, Superoxide Dismutase to neutralise free radical activity and Boron Nitride (the Science of Softness) to reduce the appearance of fine lines.

It’s rare for me to find a light, non-comedogenic sun cream for the face that doesn’t make my combination skin break out, but Ultrasun has really nailed it. I will be wearing it everyday from now through the summer in London, as it only needs to be applied once and won’t make my make-up melt off in the heat.

Ultralip SPF 30

For the final touch, try Ultralip SPF 30 (15ml/£6) – a rich, velvety lip protector enriched with blackcurrant seed oil to moisturise and reduce inflammation and chapping. It’s effective in both hot and cold climates and has a long-lasting, luxurious balm texture that feels pleasant on the lips.

I also used it on the aeroplane and it stood well against the arid atmosphere and stifling heat of the dreaded red-eye return flight.

How to Apply

Of course, choosing a good sun cream isn’t enough, it needs to be applied properly for it to be effective. How often have you applied your suncream on the pool lounger or on the beach ((I know I have)? This should be avoided, as it can evaporate when applied in direct sunlight and won’t have as much time to bond with the skin.

Instead, apply sun cream to cool, dry skin 30 minutes before going outside and use one teaspoon for the face and at least one teaspoon for each part of the body.

Ultrasun is at the higher end of the suncare market, but the high quality, effective formula and cutting-edge technology make it worth investing in. It’s also long-lasting with 150ml bottle giving protection for one person for up to two weeks when applied to the whole body.

Want to delve a bit more into the science of sun care? Ultrasun UK Sun Expert Abi Cleeve shares her advice on staying safe in the sun…

How important is using a facial SPF for preventing premature ageing?

Protection is vital for reducing the signs of ageing. Don’t just think in terms of SPF, UVA is actually just as vital. These are the rays that penetrate so deeply they cause loss of elastin, collagen and damage of our DNA. It is this damage that we see as ageing – increased wrinkles, pore size and slackened skin, alongside decreased elasticity, radiance and firmness. The UVA filter percentage is key here. Ultrasun filters them to over 90% of UV rays and protects from UVB (that’s the SPF reading) simultaneously. To give you a benchmark, Australian minimum standard UVA filter is 90%, EU is 33%.

Should it be used all-year round in UK weather?

Absolutely, but pick your protection to suit your needs and environment. Reach for the 50+ in extreme conditions, but on a bright February morning walk Face 30 would be ideal. Think in terms of skin tone, where you are in the world and how much sun exposure you have had to help you make the right decision. 90% of UV rays penetrate through cloud and UVA passes unhindered through glass.

Can Ultrasun help prevent pigmentation and age spots?

Pigmentation is one of those things that you don’t necessarily worry about until you have it, but when you do it can be very distressing. Many people, particularly women find the condition embarrassing so Ultrasun wanted to give their customers something that would both protect and care for their skin, whilst decreasing the visibility of existing pigmentation.

In recent years, the only way to treat pigmentation has been with lasers that are costly and sometimes painful. Thankfully Ultrasun has now developed an anti-ageing sun protection cream with anti-pigmentation technology that is suitable for even the most ultra sensitive of skins.

What are your tips for getting an even, healthy tan?

A good sun protection product does not affect the natural tanning capacity of the skin. Top tips for keeping you safe in the sun at home and away:

1. Understand shade: To avoid the peak potency of the sun, take shade breaks between 11-3pm. Over 90% of UV can penetrate light cloud cover, and this remains a common mistake and reason for sunburn – both in the UK and abroad. Shade given by trees and parasols only gives protection from around 70% of UV rays. Out of the shade, remember a simple shadow rule: The shorter your own shadow, the higher the sun and the greater the risk.

2. Pick the right SPF factor: Skin that is not used to the sun is less able to protect itself. Under the influence of UV rays, the skin begins to thicken and starts producing melanin. These processes take 10-20 days to take place, so use extra protection while your skin is adjusting to the sun. Know your sun account and that there is a difference between an SPF of 50 or 50+. An SPF 50 is tested to be exactly that but a 50+ must achieve at least an SPF 58 to get that all important “+” sign.

3. Rehydrate your skin after sun exposure: After sunbathing, the skin needs a regeneration time of at least 12-14 hours. During this time, some of the damage to cells will be repaired, so ensure you use a good quality aftersun product that will help to accelerate this process by ensuring the skin is rehydrated

4. Remember to drink plenty of water: This will ensure that your skin (and body) stays hydrated throughout the day.

How nourishing is Ultrasun for the skin?

Ultrasun products are free from perfumes, mineral oils and preservatives such as parabens that can cause reactions, discomfort and put your skin under pressure. You want to support and help your skin’s own natural ability to protect itself and balance moisture levels. The skin is a very powerful organ, and because it’s on the outside its ability to deal with the environment by constantly evolving and renewing itself is really quite impressive. Skin can do this job uninterrupted when we choose products that help rather than disrupt.

What is the best way to protect hair in the sun?

Harmful UVA and UVB rays have the power to cause damage from the inner structure of the hair right through to the hair shaft itself, making it brittle and porous. Not only does over exposing your hair and scalp deplete hair of its natural protective oils, it can also cause damage to the cellular structure of the hair causing faded colour, frizziness, split ends and thinning hair.

Prolonged sun exposure without any proper protection can also dry out the hair and disrupt the cells of the hair cuticle which, if left untreated, increases the chance of hair loss, and leaves the hair prone to severe breakage.

The Ultrasun Daily UV Hair Protector provides an innovative complex of anti-oxidants and exclusive UV filters for the hair and scalp. This ground-breaking product offers protection against damaging environmental influences such as UVA, UVB, chlorine and salt water, and prevents fading of natural and colour treated hair.

For more information and to buy online, visit: www.ultrasun.co.uk

PR samples

Photos by Ultrasun and Chérie City

London, Restaurants

A Hamburgé Party at Big Fernand London

April 9, 2015 by cheriecity

After trying Big Fernand in Paris last year, I was counting down the days until it arrived in London. It’s now open in Fitzrovia and set to convert us to its signature ‘hamburgés’.

London can be a tough burger market to crack, since we have so many fantastic home-grown options. So, what makes Big Fernand stand out from the burger-flipping crowd? Le fromage, bien-sûr! Raclette, Tomme de Savoie and Fourme d’Ambert are sourced directly from France and are a cut above most regular burger cheese.

Then there’s the quality of the meat (supplied by HG Walter), the sesame buns baked in London from Monsieur Fernand’s secret recipe and sauces made daily in-house.

Queuing at a burger counter is rarely a hoot, but Big Fernand’s troop of charming Frenchies wearing checked shirts and flat caps are sure to keep you entertained while you wait. Just like the Paris restaurants, they make it feel like a fun place to be.

I visited last week for a burger tasting with a group of London food and lifestyle bloggers. We started the evening pairing Big Fernand’s delicious Raclette and Tomme de Savoie cheeses with red, white and rosé wines from their drinks menu.

We then moved on to the counter to choose our burgers and watch them being cooked to order. If you can brave the winding spiral staircase (hold on to your tray like your life depends on it), you will be rewarded with a more private, chilled out place to hoover down your burger.

It has the feel of a vintage-style apartment with floral print walls, an old school radio, mismatched furniture, wonky lampshades and a super-comfy day bed, in the event of slipping into a burger coma.

Although I’d already tried Le Bartholomé (£9) before in Paris, I couldn’t resist ordering it again. It was just as decadent and delicious as I’d remembered but definitely bigger.

My succulent medium-cooked beef patty had a flavoursome, mature taste and was packed inside a big, tasty sesame seed bun. The thick-cut, country-style bacon was nicely smoked and went perfectly with the gooey, slightly nutty Raclette cheese (bacon and Raclette always remind me of après-ski indulgence in the mountains).

The caramelised onions, plentiful fresh chives and tangy, rich Bébé Fernand (barbecue sauce) are what really elevate the burger to legendary status. I mean, how often do you ever get fresh herbs scattered inside a burger bun?

It’s also worth noting that Big Fernand doesn’t waste any time with burger fillers like lettuce, pickles and raw onion – I’m completely onboard with this. Medium is my cooking comfort zone, but I would probably try medium rare next time – you can even order it blue rare.

Fernandines (£3) are made from fresh, hand-chipped potatoes and the portion size is generous. I personally find the cajun seasoning a little overpowering when sprinkled so liberally, but they are definitely some quality fries. They are however taken to a whole new level when dunked in the home-made house sauces – the smoky, creamy barbecue sauce was really addictive.

I washed it down with a bottle of Elixir d’Archibald Fernand (£2.80), which looks like it should contain something much more lethal than its lovely grapefruit lemonade. After all that delicious meat and cheese, the daybed was looking very tempting!

Big Fernand London flies the Tricolore well for the French hamburger atelier and after ironing out a few kinks since its opening, it has found its rightful place in the city.

For more information, visit: www.bigfernand.co.uk

Chérie City was invited by Big Fernand

Photos by Big Fernand and Chérie City