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Bars, Hotels, Hotels - Design, Paris, Restaurants

An Amazing Dinner at Hotel Amour Paris

September 30, 2014 by cheriecity

The restaurant at Hotel Amour is one of my favourite spots in Paris for a fun, stylish night out.

Tucked away on rue Navarin in hip South Pigalle (SoPi), Hotel Amour is an affordable boutique hotel with a popular restaurant and terrace. Co-owned by the inimitable graffiti artist and entrepreneur André Saraiva (Le Baron, La Fidelité, Monsieur A.) and Thierry Costes, the hotel is always buzzing with a cool crowd of Parisian creatives, fashion folk and clued-up travellers.

Many of the rooms are designed by artists such as Pierre Le-Tan, Mark Newson and Sophie Calle and there’s plenty of erotic artwork to live up to the hotel’s name – it is in racy Pigalle, after all.

Sure, new hotels and restaurants open in Paris all the time, but there’s something timeless and sexy about Hotel Amour – it never seems to go out of style.

I knew there was nowhere else I wanted to spend my recent 30th birthday than the restaurant at Hotel Amour.

Not only does it have a great atmopshere, a romantic garden and good food, but there are also tons of great bars nearby (check out Glass, Dirty Dick, Chez Moune, Le Dépanneur and Le Mansart). Also, we were conveniently staying in the neighbourhood at the delightful Hotel Josephine.

We caught up with our Parisian friends Coralie and Sunny, who managed to secure us a fantastic table on the terrace overlooking the lush outdoor garden. The evening started on a high with an unexpected birthday present for me – a very Parisian boho-luxe leather purse (Coralie has excellent taste in accessories).

We began by ordering some cocktails – Coralie and I both went for a deliciously sweet Amaretto Sour topped with toasted almonds while Sunny and Steven went for the stronger, sharper Godfather Sour.

After ordering, we were brought a basket of really good rustic bread served with a pot of French salted butter. The butter covers are printed with the cool Hotel Amour logo and even the wine glasses are engraved with André’s signature scrawl – they sure know a thing or two about branding.

Being indecisive and deep in conversation, it took us a while to decide what to order, but our charming waitresses were so relaxed and patient. As usual, I was tempted by the Cheeseburger (€19), which was cooked perfectly medium and spiked with a jazzy cocktail stick. The lean, well-seasoned beef patty was smothered in gooey cheese and packed in a seeded demi-brioche bun.

Happily, they came with a big bowl of crispy, delicious French fries – in fact the portion size was so generous that I could easily share them with the table. On other occasions, I’ve ordered the Poulet Roti (€19), which is equally moreish and comforting.

Coralie and Steven both ordered the Gratin de Macaronis au jambon blanc (16.50). The long tubes of macaroni were perfectly cooked and baked with thick-carved, flavoursome ham and lots of cream, Emmental and Gruyère. The portion size wasn’t particularly big, but the richness of the dish made it a satisfying choice.

Sunny’s Salade de Légumes (€18) took quite a while to arrive after a Salade Nicoise was mistakenly sent out. Luckily, there were plenty of fries and bread to munch on while he was waiting.

It seemed only fair that Sunny’s Chocolate Ganache (€9.50) dessert was the clear winner. The velvety, decadent milk chocolate ganache was served on a cookie crumb and topped with toasted hazelnuts and a sprinkling of sea salt.

Coralie ordered a classic Café Gourmand (with a Mariage Frère tea instead of coffee), which included a platter of four nicely-presented mini desserts. Steven and I shared a large slice of home-made Crème Caramel. It tasted fantastic but it was comically unattractive – a large slab of bubbly cream sitting in a moat of light caramel sauce, rather than the petite, quivering desserts that I’ve had before in Paris brasseries.

Hotel Amour is great for a spot of people-watching, catching up with friends or enjoying a few cocktails on the terrace. There’s room for improvement, but its charm always wins me over and I know I’ll be lured back there time and time again.

For more information and booking, visit: www.hotelamourparis.fr

Photos by Chérie City & Hotel Amour Paris

Barcelona, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, Restaurants

Blanc at Mandarin Oriental Barcelona

September 28, 2014 by cheriecity

Blanc Brasserie & Gastrobar at Mandarin Oriental Barcelona has to be one of the city’s prettiest restaurants. It was the dreamy design that drew me to the casual all-day restaurant, but also its Mediterranean and Asian menu sounded particularly tempting.

Mandarin Oriental Barcelona occupies a prestigious location on the chic Passeig de Gràcia, nestled between Eixample’s designer boutiques and iconic Gaudí buildings. It feels immediately grand and luxurious as you stroll up the raised walkway towards the lobby, bathed in a soft golden glow.

The intimate lobby has the plush appearance of a high end store rather than the lofty marble reception that you might expect from a five star hotel housed in a former bank building. The hotel’s two Michelin star fine dining restaurant Moments by Chef Carme Ruscalleda attracts a well-heeled crowd and is renowned for its innovative Catalan gastronomy.

Blanc is a more low-key, casual affair with cool interiors and a great ambiance. By day, Blanc is a bright, sleek space but at night, it turns more seductive with dimmed lights and chilled out music. Every table feels private and has comfortable seating, whether it’s a deep sofa, armchair or high-back wicker chair.

The crowd is a mix of hotel guests and locals and when we visited, the restaurant became steadily full. We were warmly greeted by the friendly staff and were served ice cold mineral water.

We began the meal with the chef’s special amuse-bouche of Croqueta with squid ink. The petite croquetas were light and crispy with a punchy seafood flavour and velvety texture, served with creamy garlic aioli. They were a perfect bite-size treat that somehow captured the flavours of traditional Catalan cuisine in one mouthful.

For my starter, I decided to go with the light and flavoursome Ravioli with prawn from Palamós, ceps and shallot (€26). I’d expected the ravioli to be Asian-style dumplings, perhaps served in a dim sum steaming basket. However, when the dish arrived, it was even more exciting and creative than I’d hoped.

Tiny pieces of sautéed ceps and shallot were encased in a ‘ravioli’ of delicate, juicy prawn. I’ve never experienced anything like it – each little bite was heavenly and masterfully prepared. The manager later told us that prawns from Palamós in Girona are world-renowned for their sweetness and unique reddish colour.

While my starter was light and healthy, Steven’s Rigatoni with carbonara stuffing and veal juice (€14) was extremely indulgent. The large tubes of pasta were oozing with rich, smooth carbonara stuffing and covered in a cream sauce and grilled cheese. As it that wasn’t enough, the rigatoni was accompanied by a dark, meaty veal jus. It was a delicious, comforting starter that’s not for the faint-hearted.

For the main course, I went for a typically Catalonian dish of Cod confit, emulsion of ganxet white beans and garlic chips (€22). The succulent, beautifully-cooked cod confit was so fresh and satisfying. It was served on a generous amount of smooth, dense ganxet white bean purée and finished with punchy garlic chips and a colourful, slightly piquant tomato and red pepper jus.

Steven ordered the Candied rack of lamb from Aragon, ratte potatoes and shallots (€23). The tender, lean rack of lamb was well-marinated in a sticky, sweet sauce, which was given a touch of sharpness from the whole shallots. It was a substantial, satisfying dish with rich flavours.

I ended on a light note with an Exotic macaron with fresh mango and lime sorbet (€9). The exquisite macaron was filled with whipped mango cream and topped with crunchy brittle, mango compote and a scoop of refreshing, zesty lime sorbet.

The dessert was finished with perfect pieces of fresh mango and drops of sticky mango gel. It’s an ideal choice if you want to end the meal with something luscious, light as air and reasonably healthy.

Steven chose the winning dessert – an impossibly decadent 100% chocolate with milk tonka and candy ice cream (€11). The heavenly dessert was made of velvety milk chocolate ganache on a praline biscuit base, encased in glossy chocolate. It was topped with a layer or sweet caramel and dark chocolate and served with luxurious candy caramel ice cream.

It was a truly indulgent, memorable dessert that’s substantial enough for two to share (or leave you on a sugar high).

To round off our meal, we ordered a pot of Oolong black tea and Yunnan red tea, which came served in an authentic Asian metal tea pot. The tea menu at Blanc is a real delight, with glass tubes filled with different teas for you to sample the aromas before making a decision.

Our teas were served with dainty, fruity petit fours – an ideal way to finish a fantastic dinner.

Blanc Brasserie & Gastrobar at Mandarin Oriental Barcelona is a stunning restaurant with accomplished cooking and warm, attentive service. It has plenty of atmosphere and a sense of intimacy, making it a great spot for a date or evening out with friends. After dinner, pay a visit to the slick rooftop bar Terrat for creative cocktails, cool beats and impressive views over the city.

As we were leaving, we were kindly given bottles of mineral water for the journey back. That’s just the Mandarin Oriental way.

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

Chérie City was a guest of Blanc at Mandarin Oriental Barcelona

Photos by Chérie City (interiors by Mandarin Oriental Barcelona)

Fashion, London, London Fashion Week, Shopping, Stores

The Jimmy Choo Townhouse in Mayfair

September 24, 2014 by cheriecity

During London Fashion Week, I was treated to a sneak peek of the very first Jimmy Choo Townhouse on Mayfair’s New Bond Street ahead of its launch.

Designed by David Collins Studio, the glamorous three-floor boutique houses the whole world of Jimmy Choo. Inspired by an haute couture atelier, the townhouse comprises a plush VIP room, Champagne Bar, Made to Order service, personal shopping and a room dedicated to the new CHOO.08° collection.

It’s a sleek wonderland of covetable heels, beautifully-crafted handbags and colourful small leather goods. There’s also a fab fragrance and sunglasses station on the ground floor, if you’re after a small pay-day treat.

The chic interiors combine soft hues with shimmering textures in a luxurious palette of satin gold, rosa egeo pink marble and mink velvets.

The elegant marble staircase, glass chandeliers and oyster stone and mother of pearl chevron floor complete the look. It’s impossible to leave without wanting to move in.

At the event, we were spoiled with glossy manicures courtesy of NARS and dainty bites from the new Jimmy Choo Prêt-à-Portea, exclusively served in the Caramel Room at The Berkeley in Knightsbridge. How adorable is the red Jimmy Choo victoria sponge bag!

In celebration of the new townhouse and the brand’s London roots, Jimmy Choo has created a limited edition of its signature Candy bag, printed with a quintessentially British red postbox.

Creative Director Sandra Choi said: “If anything represents the strength of English heritage the red telephone box does. It has become a much loved landmark and it reminds me of our London home whenever I see it”.

Here are some of the gorgeous Autumn/Winter delights to discover at the Jimmy Choo Townhouse (I have my eye on a gold envelope clutch)…

For more information, visit: www.jimmychoo.com

Photos by Chérie City & Jimmy Choo

Barcelona, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury

A Luxury Stay at Hotel Arts Barcelona

September 22, 2014 by cheriecity

Hotel Arts has been on my travel wish list since I first visited Barcelona many years ago. It’s one of the most prominent contemporary luxury hotels in the city, soaring above the Barceloneta beach and Port Olimpic.

Operated by Ritz-Carlton, the five star hotel is most often recognised for its proximity to Frank Gehry’s iconic ‘Peix’ golden fish sculpture, which shimmers majestically on the seafront landscape.

Hotel Arts was built to coincide with the Olympic Games in 1992 and offers unrivalled views over the former Olympic Village across 44 floors. The hotel is truly impressive with 483 rooms and suites, including a Royal and Presidential Suite, private apartments and club level rooms.

As the name suggests, the hotel boasts a significant collection of Spanish contemporary art with carefully-chosen pieces punctuating the hotel spaces.

Arrival

The buzzing lobby is located on the first floor and features a gallery of boutiques including Pretty Ballerinas. There is an elegant, open-plan lounge with a trolley of chilled water and sweets for guests to enjoy.

On arrival, we were warmly welcomed and offered a glass of Champagne or chilled water as we checked in. The staff looked ever so chic in sleek black suits designed exclusively by Spanish fashion designer Cortana.

The Room

Our very spacious Deluxe Room on the 26th floor was bright and airy, designed in a soft palette of neutral colours and finished with luxurious furnishings. The large windows on one side of the room boast spectacular views of the beach and Port Olimpic and there is a padded window seat for taking in the landscape.

Room features include an executive writing desk, a comfy seating area, powerful air-conditioning, double wardrobe, minibar and high-speed wifi. There are some high-tech fixtures such as a Bang & Olufsen audovisual system and a control panel next to the beds to manage the lighting, blinds and music.

Our two twin beds weren’t really ideal for a couple, but they were ever so comfortable and furnished with sumptuous, high quality linen. We had the most fantastic night’s sleep that evening due to the marshmallow-soft beds and the room’s excellent sound-proofing.

The Bathroom

The marble and dark wood bathroom is an absolute delight with a walk-in rainfall shower with a bench, double sink, a deep soaking tub with a large bowl of bath salts, plush bathrobes and thick towels.

The bathroom shelves are filled with grooming essentials and a full set of Asprey Purple Water bathroom products (with even more provided in the shower).

The Swimming Pool

After unpacking and settling into our room, we made our way to the outdoor pool and terrace on the second floor to soak up the sun. The welcoming pool attendants asked if we preferred a lounger in the sun or the shade and then prepared our spot with an extra-large towel, bottles of mineral water and fresh green apples.

Hotel Arts has a great pool scene with hotel guests enjoying a swim or a bite of tapas, gelato and cocktails by the pool, set to a cool soundtrack. It’s a little too easy to skip the city’s sights and give in to the seductive tranquility of the pool all afternoon, which many guests were pleased to do.

Marina Restaurant

Marina, one of the hotel’s casual restaurants, is also just a few steps away from the pool and offers a tempting all-day menu of tapas, wood-baked pizza, gourmet salads and chilled soups.

43 The Spa

We were lucky enough to visit 43 The Spa, which is open to guests booking a treatment. The peaceful duplex spa uses products by Barcelona-based skincare brand Natura Bissé and has eight treatment rooms. Spa facilities include a heavenly hydrotherapy pool, ice fountain, experience shower, steam room and sauna with panoramic views over the beach.

It’s worth leaving some time to unwind over a herbal tea and healthy snacks in the relaxation room, complete with plush individual beds and a private terrace with sun loungers.

A Welcome Treat

In our room waiting for us was a fabulous tray of white and dark hand-made chocolates and crunchy hazelnut pebbles, along with a personalised welcome note. It was a generous and delicious welcome gift that perked us up as we got ready to head out for the evening.

Frank’s Bar

We started our night in the hotel with a round of cocktails at Frank’s Bar, named in tribute to the architect Frank Gehry. The bar is divided into three different areas – the terrace, the sleek main bar and the intimate back room designed in a cool retro style.

As the weather was so balmy and pleasant, we had our cocktails on the terrace with a bowl of paprika crisps to graze on. We both tried cocktails from the Frank Gehry Cocktail Experience, inspired by cities that he has created work for, as well as locations for new projects.

Mine was a juicy, refreshing Panama Mango Cooler made with Bacardi, mango purée, sweet and sour and Fever Tree ginger ale. Steven enjoyed a Los Angeles-inspired Mint Julep with Maker’s Mark, mint, sugar and Fever Tree soda. Both cocktails were expertly-mixed and had a boozy kick that set us up properly for the evening.

Enoteca

We already had dinner plans, but there’s really no need to even leave the hotel, as two of Barcelona’s most highly regarded fine dining restaurants are at the hotel. The beautifully-designed two Michelin starred restaurant Enoteca is overseen by Chef Paco Perez and focuses on seasonal Mediterranean dishes with an emphasis on fish and seafood.

Arola

Renowned restaurant Arola serves innovative tapas, casseroles and fresh produce from the Boqueria Market, overseen by Chef Sergi Arola, who trained with Ferrán Adrià and Pierre Gagnaire.

Breakfast

In the morning, our breakfast at Café Veranda can only be described as epic. It’s a luxurious buffet offering copious amounts of hand-carved jamon Iberico, waffles and crepes made to order, dim sum, eggs and bacon, mini pastries and cakes, bagels, fruit plates, yoghurts and cereals.

As if that isn’t enough, a chef is on hand to pour glasses of Laurent-Perrier Champagne. It’s worth leaving enough time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and start the day with a more than a few treats.

Hotel Arts Barcelona is a stunning hotel with first class service, luxurious rooms and all the facilities you could ever hope for from a five star hotel. Being close to the beach, it has a resort feel and is ideal if you’re looking for a full hotel experience, rather than just a base to explore the city.

Rates at Hotel Arts Barcelona start from £245 per room per night, bed and breakfast. For more information and booking, visit: www.hotelartsbarcelona.com

Chérie City was invited by Hotel Arts Barcelona

Photos by Chérie City and Hotel Arts Barcelona

Barcelona, Bars, Restaurants

Amazing Tapas at Ocaña in Barcelona

September 16, 2014 by cheriecity

Ocaña is a stylish spot on Barcelona’s popular Plaça Reial that stands out from the copious bars and restaurants for its opulent design and cool branding.

The multi-purpose venue is a tribute to daring performance artist Jose Perez Ocaña who lived on the palm tree-lined square and was known for his flamboyant appearance and flower-filled balcony. The interiors evoke the faded glamour of an old theatre with worn red velvet seating, chandeliers and red roses on each table.

On the hot summer’s day that we visited, most people were simply enjoying beers and a few tapas on the terrace, however Ocaña also comprises a gastronomic restaurant, apotheke cocktail bar and a late-night club space. We managed to walk in and grab a table at the front of the restaurant overlooking the terrace.

The menu focuses on ‘urban tapas’ and larger plates, with the dishes printed on creative screen-printed newspapers. Our Iced Teas (€3.50) were brought swiftly and we ordered a small selection of tapas to graze on.

Acorn-fed Ham Croquettes (€5) were crispy and golden, filled with a creamy cheese and garlic sauce punctuated with flaky, flavoursome ham.

Potato and Onion Omelette with Spicy Chorizo (€5.50) was generously sized (big enough for two to share) and packed full of layered potato, onion and chorizo, which was surprisingly very mild. Like most tortilla in Barcelona, it was served cold and topped with smoked paprika, fresh chives and a sprinkling of sea salt.

Lemon Chicken Skewers with Olives (€6.50) featured two plump skewers of succulent chicken thigh, well-marinated in preserved lemon, olives and spices. They were accompanied by tasty home-made fries, making it quite a substantial tapa dish.

Patatas Bravas (€4.80) were delicious and comforting with freshly-fried potatoes smothered in aioli and olive oil. Once again, they weren’t spicy, but still moreish and full of flavour.

The dessert menu is quite simple, so we moved on for a long walk around El Born, taking in the lively atmosphere on the streets for Catalonia Day.

Ocaña is great for a chilled out evening meal or starting a night out in the busy centre of Barcelona. Given the concept and the design, I’d expected it to feel a bit more quirky and found the atmosphere a little subdued (perhaps because it was a bank holiday).

However, service is fine and generally quick, so if you don’t fancy queuing for Les Quinze Nits on the other side of the square, Ocaña is worth a visit.

For more information and booking, visit: www.ocana.cat

All photos by Chérie City

Barcelona, Beach, Cafes, Cherie Soleil

Eyescream and Friends in Barcelona

September 15, 2014 by cheriecity

Eyescream and Friends in Barcelona is one of the coolest ice cream parlours that I’ve ever seen.

Nestled on the Paseo Joan de Borbo – the main street leading down to the Barceloneta beach – Eyescream and Friends is a tiny concept store with minimalist, laboratory-style interiors.

Designed by Estudio m Barcelona, the slick space is brought alive with colourful eyescream monsters and a counter of little pots filled with tempting toppings and sauces.

Eyescream and Friends opened in 2012 and is inspired by the shaved iced desserts that its owners experienced when visiting Taiwan. However, the ice cream served here is based on artisanal Italian gelato and frozen yoghurt.

Ordering is simple – just pick up a stylish, eco-friendly tray and fill it with two topping pots, then choose the ice cream base.

The staff take a block of ice cream and use the high-tech machines to shave the ice cream into slim shards. The ice cream is shaped to look like the characters and is finished with a pair of crunchy meringue eyes.

There are seven flavours to choose from with occasional new ones to try. I ordered the fruity, silky mango ice cream with sides of sweet strawberry sauce and gummy bears. Steven went for a more indulgent cheesecake ice cream with crushed Oreos and nutty chocolate sauce, which tasted like liquid gianduja.

Both ice creams were delicious and generously sized, plus the shaving gave them a light, airy consistency.

There isn’t any seating available inside, but you can make a dash to the beach or one of the many nearby benches to dig in. The clever cardboard packaging comes in handy when the sun is scorching, avoiding any messy melting.

Eyescream and Friends is a fun spot for cooling down by the beach – the only hard part is deciding which flavour to go for.

For more information, visit: www.eyescreamandfriends.com

All photos by Chérie City

London, Restaurants

Dim Sum at Ping Pong Westfield Stratford

September 8, 2014 by cheriecity

Ping Pong has been one of my ‘go to’ places for quick and easy dim sum since living in London, particularly for its decadent Lazy Sumday with unlimited dim sum. Luckily there’s now an outpost on my doorstep at Westfield Stratford.

It’s one of the ‘new look’ Ping Pong branches with colourful Asian-inspired design, a calm yet buzzing atmopshere and an open kitchen at the back of the restaurant. Located on the top floor, it’s a welcome escape from the crowds of shoppers.

We visited on a quiet weekday and had a great table by the large open window looking out to the mall. Ping Pong has an overwhelming menu of tempting dim sum and to make it easy to order, you simply tick off your chosen dishes on the list provided.

We started with Crispy prawn ball (£4.35) – three pieces of juicy king prawn covered in ribbons of crispy shredded pastry and served with fish sauce. They were delicious, fun and slightly messy, as they’re not easy to eat with chopsticks.

Ping Pong offers a tempting selection of Asian-inspired cocktails, mocktails and iced teas to wash down the dim sum. I tried the refreshing, fragrant Lemon and Lychee (£3.25) – a blend of lemon wedges and vanilla sugar muddled with lychee juice.

Steven went for a heavenly, sweet Pear and Elderflower (£3.25) made with nashi pear, lime, elderflower cordial, fresh apple juice and soda. Served tall with just the right amount of ice, they were the perfect accompaniments to our meal, particularly on a hot summer’s day.

We followed with Beef Gyoza Dumpling (£4.15) – griddled wheat flour pastry, shiitake mushroom and beef with chinkiang vinegar. The three gyoza were nicely golden on one side and the minced beef was succulent and well-seasoned.

We loved the Potato and edamame cake (£3.05) – two comforting, tasty croquettes filled with fluffy potato and steamed soya beans, in a crispy panko coating, served with a spicy chili bean sauce.

Another must-order dish is the Char Sui Bun (£3.45). Two cloud-like steamed white buns were filled with sweet, well-marinated honey barbecued pork. They were so addictive that I could have easily devoured both myself.

Chicken and cashew nut dumpling (£3.75) were filled with shredded chicken seasoned with a hint of chili and subtle hoi sin sauce.

Spicy Pork Dumplings (£3.85) were perfect little parcels packed full of slow-cooked pork, mushrooms and chilli. The dumplings were actually surprisingly spicy with a hot chilli kick and strong flavours.

Take a break from the steady stream of dumplings with King prawn and scallop sticky rice (£4.55). Wrapped and steamed in banana leaf, the petite parcels of gooey, slightly sweet glutinous rice were filled with pieces of juicy prawn and scallop alongside fresh carrot and bamboo shoot.

We ended the dim sum on a high note with some delicious Har Gau (£3.95). Delicate transluscent pastry was packed full of plump, succulent king prawn, complimented only the tiniest amount of bamboo shoot filler.

For dessert, I couldn’t resist Yuzu Mochi (£1.95) from the special seasonal menu. The soft rice pastry ball was filled with with yuzu ice cream and was so refreshing and citrusy. It’s the perfect mini dessert to order if you’re feeling full but want to end on a sweet note. Of course you could always order a second mochi in mango or coconut flavours.

Steven tried a classic Macanese Custard Tart (£3.15). The flaky pastry tart with caramelised custard filling was light, creamy and just sweet enough, served warm with indulgent vanilla ice cream.

After travelling in China last year, I’ve become accustomed to pairing dim sum with Chinese tea. My exquisite Flowering jasmine and lily (£3) was delicate and fragrant, served in a tall glass so I could see the colourful flower unfurling as it brewed.

Ping Pong at Westfield Stratford is a great spot for a decadent Chinese banquet with friend or simply a refuel from shopping with a few dim sum baskets and a pot of tea.

It’s essential to try Ping Pong’s legendary Lazy Sumday, but I’m keen to try the Ping Pong Afternoon Tea with dumplings and rice paper rolls replacing finger sandwiches – definitely my kind of afternoon treat.

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

Chérie City was a guest of Ping Pong

Photos by Chérie City (interiors by Ping Pong)

London, Restaurants

Kanada-Ya Ramen Bar Opens in London

September 3, 2014 by cheriecity

London’s ramen craze continues with the opening of Kanada-Ya this week on St Giles High Street.

Opened in Japan in 2009, Kanada Kazuhiro’s popular ramen restaurant also has a branch in Hong Kong. The London restaurant is the brand’s third outpost and judging by the enormous queues during the soft launch, its reputation preceeds it.

We were treated to a special preview this week before the restaurant officially opened. Kanada-Ya is a petite spot with bright, contemporary design and an open hatch. There’s a mix of communal tables and counter seating by the windows with simple wooden stools (perhaps not the kind of seating to make you linger).

At present, there are three kind of ramen – Original Ramen (£10) with chashu pork belly, Moyashi Ramen (£11) with added blanched beansprouts and Chashu Men (£12.50) with deluxe chashu pork collar.

We both went for the Original Ramen, which arrived swiftly, served piping hot in a large bowl. The 18 hour pork bone broth was so creamy, rich and meaty without being overpowering. It’s the result of Kanada-Ya’s unique way of boiling the pork broth and its special secret sauce.

The tonkotsu broth covered a generous amount of excellent springy, thin noodles which were cooked medium-firm – yes, you have a choice between soft, medium and firm.

I’m never usually excited about the pork slices in ramen, but Kanada-Ya’s chashu pork belly is absolutely incredible. The slow-cooked, tender pork belly simply melts in the mouth and has a sweet honey-roasted flavour that blends a little into the broth. Three slices were sufficient, but I would definitely order extra pork next time, as it was just so delicious.

The dish was garnished with fresh wood ear fungus, finely chopped spring onions and a thin sheet of nori. You might be wondering, where is the nitamago (soft boiled egg marinated in soy sauce) and beansprouts – well, they are to be ordered as extras to customise your ramen. I prefer this approach, as I’m not a huge fan of nitamago and sometimes find there are too many ingredients in ramen dishes.

The only side dishes at the moment are different flavours of Onigiri (rice balls wrapped in nori). I tried the original Onigiri (£2 for one piece) and had expected it to taste like sushi rice served chilled, but in fact it was a substantial wedge of warm, salted plain rice covered in nori. It’s not a very flavoursome side on its own, so be sure to order one with a filling of either Umeboshi (pickled plum) or Sake Salmon.

We washed down the ramen with a bottle of Kimura Japanese Lemonade (£2.90), which tasted like a fizzy concoction dreamed up in a sweet shop. The cool bottle cap is something I’ve never seen before, so our waiter kindly offered to crack them open for us. Flavoured iced teas and pots of Japanese tea are also available.

Kanada-Ya is a fantastic new place to dine with friendly staff, a pleasant atmosphere and possibly the best ramen I’ve ever tasted. The ramen dishes are very satisfying and filling without being overwhelming and they’re excellent value, starting from just £10. I can’t wait to go back and slurp some more tasty ramen soon.

For more information, visit: www.kanada-ya.com

Photos by Chérie City (interior by Kanada-Ya)

Chérie City was a guest of Kanada-Ya

books, Fashion, France, Paris

How To Be Parisian Wherever You Are

September 3, 2014 by cheriecity

Ever wondered the secrets behind the life and style of Parisian women? Their cultural DNA has been decoded by a number of books, but none do it as well as How To Be Parisian Wherever You Are.

It’s a light-hearted guide to adding a little je ne sais quois to the everyday and approaching life’s questions with ‘what would a Parisian do’?

The book is written by four successful, bohemian-cool Parisians that make you wish you were in their gang. Audrey Diwan is a scriptwriter and film director as well as editor-at-large for Stylist magazine, while Sophie Mas is a producer with her own film company.

Author Anne Berest wrote a biography of Francoise Sagan this year and writes for television, cinema and theatre. Then there’s model Caroline de Maigret, the epitome of Parisian cool who is not only an ambassador for Chanel and muse to Lancôme, but also studied literature at the Sorbonne.

Anyone who has known a Parisian woman will attest to how awe-inspiring, captivating and stubborn they can be. My Parisian friend Coralie has always intrigued me – she just seems to instinctively know how to live well and make it look effortless, whether it’s the right beauty regime, a chic accessory or being worldly and opinionated. I recognise so much of her in this book.

Every aspect of the Parisian mystique is uncovered in the book, from fashion and beauty to dating, sex and parenthood.

On the fashion side, we learn the essentials of a Parisian’s wardrobe, their distaste for flashy logos, that the colour navy is always chic and the virtues of a signature item that makes you feel great (as long as it’s not Uggs).

Similarly, Parisian beauty is all about au naturel (or at leasting creating the illusion), so go easy on the make-up, don’t bother blow-drying your hair and save the surgery until your forties – even then moderation is key. Oh, and “always be fuckable: when standing in line at the bakery on a Sunday morning, buying champagne in the middle of the night or even picking the kids up from school. You never know.”

Of course, it’s more than just a style guide – there are witty anecdotes and essays on the contradictions and snobbery of Parisian women and how they interact with men, women and the city. There’s the internal anguish over what to eat on a date at Cafe de Flore, making every kiss cinematic and how to make him think you have a lover.

The book also takes a tongue-in-cheek approach to culture, sharing the books that line a Parisienne’s bookshelf (whether she’s actually read them or not), the feminist icons they connect with and the curious art of speaking politics with the mouth and sex with the eyes.

‘Without her girls gang, the Parisienne is incomplete’, but she also values the simple pleasures of being alone, doing exactly what she wants with stolen moments – a true flâneuse.

The book is also peppered with some useful recipes, iconic films to transport you to Paris and little black book addresses (we all agree upon Hotel Amour for a night out).

The illustrations alone are enough to make you want to move to Paris, with photos of the authors and their impossibly cool Parisian friends including Sonia Sieff, Alix Thomsen, Jeanne Damas, Mathilde Warnier and Caroline’s husband Yarol Poupaud, alongside exclusive prints by So-Me.

How To Be Parisian Wherever You Are is witty, beautifully-written book and a reminder of why we can’t help falling in love with all things Parisian.

How To Be Parisian Wherever You Are is available from 4th September (published by Ebury Press, priced £16.99).

Breakfast, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, London

A Luxury Stay at Belgraves Hotel London

September 1, 2014 by cheriecity

Belgraves, a Thompson Hotel is a stunning design hotel in the heart of London’s chic Belgravia.

It’s the only hotel outside of the US and Canada by hip lifestyle brand Thompson Hotels. While many Thompson hotels are all about downtown cool, Belgraves adds a youthful vibe to a sophisticated, well-heeled neighbourhood.

Location

Its surroundings are postcard pretty (think pastel-coloured townhouses and private gardens) and the hotel is just a short walk from Chelsea, Knightbridge and the designer stores of Sloane Street. It’s also in immediate company of high end boutiques such as Anya Hindmarch Bespoke, Emilia Wickstead, Christian Louboutin, Pretty Ballerinas, Pierre Hermé Paris and Rococo Chocolates.

We visited Belgraves for a weekend staycation on a hot summer’s day (stepping into the air-conditioned lobby was a welcome relief). Designed by acclaimed British interior designer Tara Bernerd, the towering hotel is contemporary with rich tones and just a dash of English eccentricity.

The Room

Our King Premium Room on a high floor had a cool loft feel and was long and spacious. It’s designed in shades of grey and cream with purple-burgundy highlights and features a light oak hardwood floor covered with a luxurious patterned rug.

There are typical Thompson signatures such as a stylish metal beaded curtain, cream leather ergonomic chair by the desk and 400-count Sferra bed linen with purple vertical stripes. There is also a stunning bespoke Ralph Lauren mirror above the bed, a large LCD flat-screen TV, minibar and iHome dock and alarm clock.

My favourite part of the room was the bay window with a plush purple-burgundy banquette offering fabulous views over the park and elegant Belgravia. It’s like a peaceful hideaway which you can separate off with sheer curtains. It also features a coffee table and has an electrical plug, so you can work on your laptop or just enjoy some quiet reading time.

Tea and coffee making facilities are on a list of ‘available on request’ complimentary amenities and I highly recommend calling down to receive them. While sachets of Nescafe aren’t particularly exciting, we were delighted by the selection of black and herbal JING Teas.

The king-size bed with a leather headboard was ever so comfortable and was covered in sumptuous Sferra linen and plump pillows.

A Welcome Treat

We were welcomed with a handwritten note and a lovely sweet treat of a handmade marshmallow and chocolate-dipped meringue. Stationary addicts won’t be able to resist the gorgeous bespoke correspondence paper and envelopes provided – a small detail that really sets Belgraves apart.

The Bathroom

The full marble bathroom is stylish and luxurious, with a powerful walk-in rain shower, plenty of high quality towels, oversized Frette terrycloth robes, black Thompson-branded slippers and a full set of bathroom amenities by REN. It has a slightly open-plan feel with sliding wooden doors and only the metal beaded curtain covering the glass-walled shower.

Breakfast at Pont St

In the morning, breakfast is served in Pont St, the hotel’s attractive restaurant overseen by executive chef Sophie Michell. It’s a comfortable spot with a pretty tiled floor, cosy leather banquettes by the windows and counters laden with cakes and macarons.

Health-conscious guests will be tempted by the Belgrave’s superfood, dairy free almond quinoa porridge, Avocado smashed on rye bread toast or a ‘create your own’ fruit and vegetable juice.

For something more indulgent Pont St hits it out of the park with Crab cakes Benedict with jalapeno Hollandaise, Bubble and squeak patties with poached eggs, black pudding, streaky bacon, watercress and home-made chutney and Cinnamon French toast with caramelised apples.

We went for the Continental Buffet, which was done exceedingly well with a generous amount of gourmet treats. Highlights were the delicious spelt banana bread, flaky pain au chocolat and farm-style blueberry yoghurt. I never usually eat cold cuts for breakfast, but the house roasted honey glazed ham infused with juniper flavours was out of this world.

Pont St’s lunch and dinner menus also sound tempting and in the warmer months, there’s a small outdoor terrace. Guests can also get outdoors with an Urban Picnic freshly prepared by Sophie Michell and made up of grazing dishes such as saffron and buttermilk chicken skewers and strawberry and pink peppercorn tarts, rounded off with spritz cocktails.

The Bar

Like other Thompson hotels, there’s a cool lounge scene and the open-plan mezzanine is sectioned into different socialising areas. The snug is an intimate space with an open fireplace, a plush cashmere sofa and Persian carpets, while the Bar has a speakeasy vibe and features an absinthe fountain.

The Terrace

Adjoining the Bar is the Terrace where you can indulge in vintage Cuban cigars, creative cocktails and tempting bar bites such as Lobster Rolls, Sliders and Ice Cream Sandwiches. It has a retractable roof, heaters and wifi connection for the the ultimate comfort, even when the sun’s not shining.

The hotel doesn’t have a spa (only a small fitness room), but guests can take advantage of a special day rate at nearby Grace Belgravia, a chic private club for health and wellbeing.

Belgraves is the kind of hotel that I would happily return to and recommend again and again – not just for the sleek design but for its homely atmosphere. The staff are so friendly and attentive, particularly the charming breakfast staff which can be rare in the hotel world. With such a fabulous location and excellent facilities, Belgraves should be the place you call home for your next stay in London.

Room rates at Belgraves, A Thompson Hotel start from £299 plus VAT per night for a King Superior Room.

Chérie City was a guest of Belgraves, A Thompson Hotel

All photos by Chérie City

Hotels, Hotels - Design, Restaurants

A Great Stay at Salthouse Harbour Hotel, Suffolk

August 27, 2014 by cheriecity

Salthouse Harbour Hotel is a contemporary boutique hotel with lots of character, nestled on the quayside of Ipswich Harbour.

It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing weekend getaway, located just over an hour away from London by train and five minutes from the train station in a taxi. Beyond enjoying the tranquility of the marina, you can explore Suffolk’s rolling countryside and pretty beaches, as well as Ickworth House, St Edmundsbury Cathedral and retro Southwold Pier.

We visited Salthouse Harbour Hotel (part of Gough Hotels) on a sunny Saturday and the hotel was already busy with hotel guests and locals enjoying afternoon tea, lunch on the terrace and lazy drinks in the lounge. The quayside was filled with people taking a weekend stroll in the sun or soaking up the sun on their boats.

On arrival, we were given a warm welcome and check-in was swift and friendly. We were lucky enough to be assigned the Penthouse Suite, which was impressive and sophisticated with a slanted ceiling and floor-to-ceiling views of the marina.

The Suite

The bright and homely suite is designed in neutral colours with vintage furniture and attractive fabrics. The large living room features a gorgeous chaise-longue, leather armchair, coffee tables, stunning lamps made from driftwood, large working desk with a retro silver telephone and a flatscreen TV.

A lovely feature is the complimentary tea and coffee making facilities with fresh cafetiere coffee and cool mugs by graffiti artist Pure Evil. We were even welcomed with a handwritten note and a box of retro gummy bears.

The open-plan bedroom is spacious yet cosy with a very comfortable king-size bed with crisp linen and plenty of cushions. Other room features include a Bose iPod dock, a spacious wardrobe, powerful air-conditioning and free wifi.

The Bathroom

The large bathroom is simply designed with a small freestanding power shower and separate bath, plenty of fluffy towels, over-sized bathrobes and a full set of Temple Spa bathroom products. The restrained white colour palette is offset with a lime green tiled floor flecked with silver glitter – an eccentric touch that is sure to be a talking point (I was mesmerised by it).

Dinner at Eaterie

That evening we dined at the hotel’s lively all-day restaurant Eaterie. It’s clearly a destination restaurant in Ipswich with a mix of hotel guests and dressed-up locals enjoying a Saturday night out.

The exposed brick restaurant has a lofty warehouse feel and has very comfy seating and quirky trinkets dotted around such as Chinese lucky cats and golden robots.

We were brought some fresh home-made bread and olive oil to graze on before our starters arrived. My Spring chicken breast, leg and parma ham ballotine, prune and leek was beautifully-presented and ever so tasty. The roasted chicken was perfectly cooked with golden skin and came with two pieces of meaty, flavoursome ballotine and a rich, sticky sauce.

Steven went for the Pork cheek and terrine wrapped in parma ham, with hazelnut praline, black pudding and fennel. The slow-cooked, flaky pork was well-complimented by the cold, herby terrine and the accompaniments made it a very sophisticated dish.

My main dish of Roast duck with Boulangere potatoes, lardons and peas was French comfort food done exceedingly well. The medium-cooked duck was succulent and tender with a crispy skin and I loved the addition of the buttery boulangere potatoes and roasted, caramelised carrots.

Steven went for a classic Hereford Long Horn rib eye steak with hand-cut chips and slow-roasted tomatoes. The lean, juicy steak was cooked medium on a charcoal grill and had a delicious smoky taste. The thick-cut chips were freshly cooked and well-seasoned, however the dish would have benefited from some béarnaise or peppercorn sauce.

Dessert

For dessert, the Blackberry cake with mint granita and marscapone came highly recommended by our waiter. The moist, home-baked blackberry sponge was accompanied by a small serving of refreshing, aromatic mint granita and the creamy mascarpone sorbet added an indulgent touch.

Steven’s Sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream was an enormous, decadent pudding that dwarfed my delicate little dessert. It was as good as gets with a gooey, dense and spicy sponge doused in a generous amount of sweet, sticky toffee sauce. This is the dessert to order if you have a seriously sweet tooth and plenty of room left.

We enjoyed our desserts with a pleasant glass of Sauternes, which was recommended on the dessert menu, and finished with a pot of fresh mint tea. It was a fantastic meal and the staff were very friendly, although the service was at times a little wobbly and could be a bit more polished to really impress.

The hotel is well-positioned for a lovely evening walk around the marina after dinner, plus there are a number of bars if you want to make a night of it.

Breakfast

After a glorious night’s sleep, we headed back down to The Eaterie for a leisurely breakfast. The menu includes tempting dishes such as Eggs Benedict, a Suffolk Grill and toasted bagel with smoked salmon and a poached egg.

We usually choose different breakfast dishes, but were both tempted by the American style buttermilk pancakes with berry compote and maple syrup. There was a lengthy wait for the pancakes, but it was worth it as they were deliciously hot and fluffy with plenty of stewed berries and lovely maple syrup.

Salthouse Harbour Hotel is a real gem with lots of personality and a great location. Being so close to London, it’s the perfect bolthole for a relaxing short break.

For more information and booking, visit: www.salthouseharbour.co.uk or call 01473 226789.

Chérie City was a guest of Salthouse Harbour Hotel

All photos by Chérie City

Beauty, Salon

Errol Douglas Talks Red Carpet Looks

August 26, 2014 by cheriecity

Loved the red carpet looks at this year’s MTV VMAs and The Emmys? Mane master Errol Douglas MBE shares his favourite looks from the award ceremonies and shares the secrets behind the ‘dos.

Cascading ombre curls seems to have been replaced with sleek, shoulder-skimming tresses for the awards (a sign for autumn perhaps). Ready to have a go at home?

KENDALL JENNER

“Fresh from walking for many designers over the season, Miss Jenner finishes off a rock n roll black outfit with a sharp centre parting dramatic high shine straight look right off the catwalk. In addition to a precision cut, this look relies on a good styling product that hydrates before a directional blow dry, so work a little into the hair and follow with a firm tension barrel brush blow dry. Point the hairdyer nozzle downwards throughout root to end so as not to disturb the cuticle. The quicker and gentler the blow dry, the smoother the finish on this look, so a dryer like my infrared PRO dryer that dries from the inside out will keep the polish and shine by locking in moisture whilst drying speedily. Once dry, finish with a quick root to end smooth through with a straightener before spraying hairspray onto the hands and gently smoothing from crown to ends to tame any stray hairs”.

SOLANGE KNOWLES

“Solange’s Diana Ross inspired locks really grabbed the limelight this year in the absence of her usual pop of colour in outfit choice. Just the right length, not too short and boxy and not so long that her face is overwhelmed, these medium and even curls gently pulled out to sit below the shoulder give drama in the volume and are playful in the bounce! Early preparation is key – hydrate and hydrate some more. Intensive masks in the week prior to the big night, a little oil before blow drying and finish by taking random sections ear to end to wrap around a curling tong. Rake out gently with fingers lightly sprayed with hairspray just to avoid a ringlets finish”.

KERRY WASHINGTON

“Another hair hit from Miss Washington. This time she’s taken her flattering shoulder skimming length, and given it some texture rather than the vintage curled ends she usually opts for on the red carpet, which matches an edgier dress choice from her. Using hairspray on wet hair before the blow dry and rough drying, using fingers to rake in a downwards motion (just to avoid losing all the shape or polish) will build in this more textured finish – casual but occasion enough for the Emmys in my opinion and a great way to for her to mix it up. I also like the switch to a centre parting from a soft just off centre parting, subtle changes for a big difference”.

Which red carpet look is your favourite? What would be your top hair question for Errol Douglas?

All photos via Instagram