cheriecity | cheriecity.co.uk

Berlin, Drinks, Hotels, Hotels - Budget, Hotels - Design, London

Fountain of Youth Coconut Water by The Michelberger Berlin

June 22, 2014 by cheriecity

Coconut water is having quite a moment and the best one I’ve tasted has got to be Fountain of Youth.

A lifestyle project from the hip Michelberger Hotel in Berlin, Fountain of Youth is simply 100% natural, fresh coconut water in an illustrated can (how cool is the ‘founder’ Monkey).

The collective behind the hotel fell in love with coconut water on a beach holiday and brought it back to their bar in Berlin.

Named Fountain of Youth for its health benefits, the hydrating coconut water is produced by a collective of small farmers from a region in Thailand known for the natural sweetness of its coconuts. In fact, it’s where the King of Thailand gets his coconut water from.

The Michelberger Hotel is a creative, affordable hotel in a Friedrichshain former factory, designed by Werner Aisslinger. Its courtyard and beer garden in particular is renowned for its all-night parties, gigs and DJ sets.

Open to everyone, it’s the place to sip a few experimental cocktails made with Fountain of Youth coconut water or the hotel’s very own Michelberger Booze.

However, there’s no need to hop on a plane to Berlin (although I am tempted), as Fountain of Youth is now available at various cool places in London. I tried a few cans of Fountain of Youth and am already craving more.

The clear coconut water is so subtly sweet and flavoursome that it’s delicious just on its own. However, I particularly liked blending it up with strawberries, blueberries and banana as a tasty smoothie.

For a simple cocktail in a can, Fountain of Youth suggests adding just a shot of white rum, a squeeze of lime and a straw. It can even be served hot with ginger and lime or in a healthy green juice with pear, avocado, raw kale, agave and fresh ginger.

I’m tempted to try the Monkey Diablo – 35ml of 100% Agave blanco tequila on ice, topped up with Fountain of Youth, drizzled with cassis and garnished with a spritz of lime.

Fountain of Youth coconut water is priced from £2.50 (330ml can) and £3.50 (520ml can). UK stockists include: Dalston Roof Park, Peckham Springs, Rita’s Bar & Dining, The Alibi, The London EDITION and Violet Cakes.

To buy online and read the brilliant story behind Monkey’s coconut water discovery, visit: www.michelbergermonkey.com

Photos by Chérie City and Michelberger Hotel

*samples

London, Restaurants

Dinner at Busaba Hoxton Square, London

June 19, 2014 by cheriecity

When I first moved to London in 2008, I remember being amazed by the queue snaking around the corner to get a seat at Busaba Eathai in Soho. Luckily, the queues have since calmed down, but Busaba Eathai’s central London restaurants still draw in the crowds. While hot new restaurants open every day in the city, Busaba has now reached the status of reliable London classic.

Founded by celebrated restaurateur Alan Yau, the ever-growing casual dining chain is all about authentic Thai food in a stylish, slick setting. The concept is simple – walk-in only (no reservations taken), communal tables and classic dishes served quickly at reasonable prices.

We visited Busaba Hoxton Square for an early dinner mid-week and within half an hour or so, the restaurant – and our square communal table – were almost full. We ordered a refreshing, punchy Lemongrass and Ginger Pressé (£3) each and spent quite some time deciding which dishes to order from the tempting menu.

To start, we shared a few small dishes and were really wowed by the Prawn Pomelo with peanut (£4.80). Little gem lettuce leaves were filled with fresh prawns, fragrant pomelo, crushed peanuts, crispy shallots and fresh herbs. The sweet and sour flavours worked perfectly with the nuts and a touch of chili added a nice kick. The flavours instantly took me back to my trip to Singapore and every mouthful was a delight – I really could eat this dish all summer long.

We couldn’t resist going for more prawns and ordered Goong tohd (£5.90). The four butterflied prawn were coated in golden panko breadcrumbs and were served with a tangy chilli lime sauce. The large prawns were succulent and served piping hot – perfectly light for grazing on before the main dish.

Chicken Satay (£5.50) with peanut sauce was exemplary – tender, lightly spiced, nicely charred on the edges and drizzled in coconut milk. The spicy, rich peanut sauce was ever so moreish and I saved some for the prawns, as it was the tastier of the two sauces.

I could have been a little more adventurous for my main course, but I was keen to try Busaba Ethai’s take on the classic Pad Thai (£8.40). A generous amount of delicate rice noodles were served with plump wok-fried prawns, aromatic dried shrimp, large pieces of crispy tofu, egg, crushed peanut, fresh beansprouts and half a lime.

The noodles were lightly covered in a typical Pad Thai sauce, which was slightly sweet, nutty and not overly oily, with plenty of citrus zing from the lime. It was Asian comfort food at its very best and I managed to finish the dish without tiring of the flavours.

Steven’s main dish was Green Curry Fried Rice with chargrilled chicken (£9.50). Busaba Eathai also offers a regular green curry served with steamed rice on the menu, but this dish was a little different.

Substantial fillets of sumptuous chargrilled chicken were doused in a rich, aromatic green curry sauce packed with chili, creamy coconut milk and lemongrass. It was accompanied by a mound of Jasmine rice mixed with a dash of the green curry sauce and a colourful salad.

At this point in the meal, my camera inexplicably gave up, so please excuse the incongruous photo style, courtesy of my Nokia Lumia.

It’s worth noting that none of the Busaba restaurants offer dessert. Perhaps they previously haven’t proven popular (or never existed at all), but I would like to have finished my meal with an Asian dessert like mango sticky rice, fried bananas or pandan chiffon cake. With so many exotic fruits in Thai cuisine, surely a few tempting desserts could be offered.

However, my sweet tooth was somewhat satisfied with a delicious Guava Collins (£3.50). The pink-hued, freshly-squeezed guava juice was sweet and cooling with a hint of lime, coconut and lime leaf. Of course, there is a way to get a sweet fix, as Busaba Eathai’s three teas – lemongrass, ginger and honey and Genmaicha – are served with a cashew and coconut cookie on the side.

Busaba is a reliable old favourite that in my experience always serves up excellent food without any fuss. This month sees eight new dishes join the menu, inspired by Executive Chef Jude Sangsida’s food discoveries after spending a month back in his home of Thailand.

UPDATE: Busaba Kingston is now open and guess what… it’s serving DESSERTS! Now you can finish your meal on a sweet note with Mango Sticky Rice, Sweet Plantain Fritters with vanilla bean ice cream and other indulgent treats.

Chérie City was invited by Busaba Eathai

Photos by Chérie City (interiors by Busaba Eathai)

Cherie Soleil, Fashion, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury

Jonathan Saunders for Thomson

June 18, 2014 by cheriecity

British fashion designer Jonathan Saunders moves into stylish travel, collaborating with Thomson on his first hotel design project, including a range of beach accessories.

Known for his graphic prints and block colours, Jonathan Saunders was commissioned to design a bespoke pool area for the new five star Thomson Sensatori Resort Jamaica.

The Amber pool and beach area has been accessorised and named exclusively by Jonathan Saunders. It encourages stylish relaxation with Bali beds, cushions and loungers in calming turquoise, yellow and blue.

Jonathan Saunders said: “For the pool and beach area, this was my first interior design project and I drew on my experience of studying design, fashion and textiles to create a relaxing area for guests to make their holiday unique and help them unwind in the sun”.

To celebrate the launch of Thomson Sensatori Resort Jamaica, Saunders has also designed a limited edition range of cool and colourful beachwear, inspired by the vibrant colours and spirit of Jamaica. The collection of sarongs and beach bags are available in four colour palettes and perfectly complement each other.

The eye-catching beach bags are inspired by the graphic print of a Jonathan Saunders dress that the Duchess of Cambridge wore on the Jubilee Tour.

The large, slouchy canvas totes are printed with the chic design and are big enough to fit in poolside essentials such as a towel, sun cream, sunglasses, flip flops and a good book.

There is also a bag designed for men in grey, blue and white with a long strap and short handles.

Guests checking in to Thomson Sensatori Resort Jamaica will receive some of the beach accessories as a gift to make their stay even more stylish.

For those who can’t make it to the Caribbean this summer, a limited number of products will also be available to purchase in selected Thomson stores across the UK with all proceeds going to the NSPCC.

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

Afternoon tea, London, Restaurants

Royal Ascot Afternoon Tea at Bond & Brook

June 17, 2014 by cheriecity

Bond & Brook is one of my favourite places in London for a meeting or a calming pre or post shopping cup of tea.

Part of the Rhubarb group, the second floor restaurant and cafe at Fenwick of Bond Street always feel peaceful and civilised, even when busy – the perfect retreat in the middle of central London.

The design of Bond & brook is ever so stylish with its bright white and oatmeal interiors and slick silver bar. There are a few flashes of colour on its place settings, menus and the now famous pots of Smarties that are served to every table.

Bond & Brook takes inspiration from fashion and features shelves full of glossy coffee table books, a large fashion print and a background of the Fenwick designer womenswear edit. It’s an appropriately concept considering its location, among the boutiques of New Bond Street and a stone throw away from Vogue House.

To celebrate Royal Ascot – the highlight of the social calendar – Bond & Brooks is offering a rather regal afternoon tea. I visited last week to sample the Royal Ascot Afternoon Tea and was excited to finally try the food at Bond & Brook, as my usual order is a pot of fresh mint tea and a few Smarties.

We were seated in a lovely, quiet spot close to the window and were swiftly served our choice of tea – we both went for the Palace Earl Grey. The silver tea service is elegant and refined and we were promised a refill of hot water for the teapot at the beginning of our meal, so we wouldn’t have to try and make our cups of tea last.

We waited a short time for the afternoon tea to be served, which I was happy about as it meant that the food was prepared fresh and set a good pace for the afternoon.

When our afternoon tea arrived, the friendly staff briefly explained the different courses and the inspiration behind it.

The sandwiches were classic with a quirky twist – perfectly suited to Royal Ascot. The stand-out sandwich was the Gin-cured Royal Fillet of Salmon with aromatic, generous pieces of salmon and cool cream cheese on a half bagel.

Eastcote Beef and Horseradish Cream on granary bread included thin slices of lean beef and subtle, peppery flavours from the horseradish cream.

Heritage Cucumber Caviar and Mint was an interesting, fragrant take on the old British afternoon tea staple while the indulgent Eggs Drumkilbo – eggs, lobster and tomato on a brioche bun – was chosen, as it’s a favourite of the royals.

Four substantial, freshly-baked raisin scones kept their warmth inside an enveloped napkin while we finished the savoury course.

The exemplary fluffy and buttery scones were accompanied by a little pot of home-made plum jam and a generous scoop of cool clotted cream.

Instead of the second scone, I would have preferred a slice of Battenburg, mini cake loaf or a brownie square to vary the flavours and add a cake texture to the afternoon tea.

Inspired by the elegance of Royal Ascot, the desserts are delicate and perfectly bite-size. The Edible Ladies Bowler Hat was deliciously sweet and fruity with a bubbly raspberry mousse and silky mango filling with an icing flower atop a giant, thin white chocolate brim.

The Mini Berry Pavlova included a refined, speckled meringue topped with fresh berries, golden honeycomb and a sticky citrus sauce.

Of course it wouldn’t be Royal Ascot with a dash of celebratory booze and the Champagne and Raspberry Tartlet had quite a kick! The sparkling, refreshing Champagne jelly was set inside a thin chocolate pastry case and was topped with fresh raspberries and a white and dark chocolate curl.

The Royal Ascot Afternoon Tea at Bond & Brook is a delightful treat, even if you won’t be sporting a hat at the races. Bond & Brook is chic and comfortable with friendly staff, plus it’s hard to resist a spot of shopping at Fenwick.

The Royal Ascot Afternoon Tea at Bond & Brook is priced at £19.50 and runs until 21st June. For more information and booking, visit: www.rhubarb.net

Chérie City was invited by Bond & Brook

Photos by Chérie City (interiors by Bond & Brook)

Cafes, London, Restaurants

Persian dishes at dindin kitchen, Holborn

June 16, 2014 by cheriecity

dindin kitchen is the new Persian ‘fine fast food’ restaurant in Holborn that I’ve been raving about to anyone who will listen since visiting recently.

Being Persian, I’ve grown up on a diet of slow-cooked stews and Basmati rice studded with vegetable or dried fruit. Typically, I have the Persian obsession with making the perfect rice in my genes, so I was curious to see whether dindin kitchen would be able to serve up great rice in a quick dining environment.

Dubbed as ‘the Persian Itsu’, dindin kitchen is a slick affair with fridges of bright meze pots and healthy juices, clear menus noting the dishes simply in English and arty shots of pomegranates adorning the walls.

The force behind dindin kitchen is Persian entrepreneur Vida Tayebi, who saw a gap in the market for home-cooked Middle Eastern food served quickly. In fact, no one in London is doing what she is to the same professional level.

Before visiting, I carefully planned what to order to get the best overview of dindin kitchen. Little did I know that Vida would bring us a spectacular feast of pretty much everything on the menu – that’s the Persian way.

We started with a rainbow of delicious meze pots served with chewy, airy Persian Flatbread and a fresh, bitter Endive, Pomegranate and Walnut Salad (£2.80). My favourites among the selection were the moreish Aubergine and Lentil Salad (£1.60) and a rich, flavoursome Smoked Aubergine and Tomato Salad (£1.60). Other tasty meze pots include Beetroot and Parsley Yoghurt Dip (£1.60), cooling Baby Spinach, Dill and Yoghurt Dip (£1.50) and a traditional Persian Chicken Salad with mayonnaise, pickles, peas and egg (£1.95).

The meze pots make perfect starters or light bites and it’s best to order a few different ones to share.

To follow, we tried a Sweet and Sour Pomegranate Soup with added meatballs (£3.95). The soup was thick and comforting with tangy, mouthwatering flavours and soft pieces of meatball crumbled in the soup. The Noodle Soup with lentils and fresh vegetables (£3.50), known as Ash-e Reshteh in Farsi, was herby and aromatic with plenty of spinach, mint and parsley.

Chicken and Lemon Saffron Soufflé (£3.80) is a must-try dish, either as a starter, side or accompanied with rice. The large soufflés were packed full of shredded, marinated chicken breast and the saffron gave them a slightly sweet, fragrant taste. ‘Soufflé’ is the best English description for the classic dish known as ‘kookoo’, however the filling is usually the main part and the texture is less airy than a regular soufflé.

Stuffed Meatballs with split peas and barberries (£4.95) were juicy and substantial with sweet dates at the centre. The tomato sauce was deliciously rich and slow-cooked with flavours of zesty dried kaffir lime – I really enjoyed this dish.

The grilled dishes at dindin kitchen are really fantastic and quite a healthy choice. Chicken Skewers (£6.75) were succulent and tender, lightly marinated in yoghurt, lime and saffron and cooked on a charcoal grill. The Lamb Fillet Skewers (£6.95) were also lean, flavoursome and substantial.

Mostly importantly, the accompanying rice was out of this world. The delicate Basmati rice was steamed with saffron and plenty of barberries. Often these little red berries can be very sour and sharp, but dindin kitchen managed to soften the flavour, making the rice ever so slightly sweet and rather addictive.

Both dishes came with some saffron mayo and a side of mild pickles and a tomato, red onion and cucumber salad. The grills were perhaps my favourites of all the dishes we tried – it’s quite hard to beat good charcoal-grilled meat.

We were feeling rather full by this point, but managed to squeeze in a few wraps, which are available on their own or as a daily deal with soup for just £4.95.

The Minced Lamb wrap (£6.25) included a tasty flatbread filled with well-seasoned, smoky meat, sumac, tomatoes, pickles, fresh parsley and saffron mayo. The Beef Falafel wrap (£4) is also worth trying, particularly if you like a wrap with a slightly spicy kick.

For dessert, we were excited to finally try a CroDough (£3.95) from Rinkoff Bakery. There were four flavours to choose from and we went for the raspberry CroDough, filled with jam and topped with fresh raspberries. It was pleasing enough (if a little underwhelming) and is a fun sweet item to offer, but I much preferred the more Persian-influenced Raspberry and Pistachio Cake (£2.35)

The dense, fragrant sponge was studded with chopped pistachios and pieces of dried raspberry and was a delightful end to the meal. We finished with cups of fine Earl Grey tea, however a glass of typical Persian brewed tea would have been a welcome addition.

dindin kitchen is without a doubt my favourite new casual dining opening this year. For me, it’s the ultimate childhood comfort food and for those who haven’t yet tried Persian cuisine, it provides an authentic yet uncomplicated introduction.

The food is excellent, prices are very reasonable and everything is available to take-out and eat on the go. For something completely new in London, dindin kitchen should be top of the list.

All photos by Chérie City

Chérie City was invited by dindin kitchen

Brunch, London, Restaurants

Sunday Jazz Brunch at Chotto Matte, Soho

June 10, 2014 by cheriecity

Chotto Matte is a three-floor Japanese-Peruvian restaurant that opened towards the end of last year in Soho.

The slick, colourful restaurant serves its own take on Nikkei cuisine – an interesting mix of ceviche, tiraditos, gyoza and robata grill dishes. Rather than keeping the two cooking styles separate, the ingredients are woven together in the dishes, creating some unique combinations.

Chotto Matte is the latest project from Kurt Zdesar, former manager at Nobu and founder of the hugely successful Ping Pong chain. While it’s known for its barbecued meat and refreshing cocktails, Chotto Matte has just launched a new Sunday Jazz Brunch with a new menu to match.

We recently visited just after midday on Sunday when Soho felt like it was still waking up after a typical Saturday bender. People were already queuing across the road for a coveted seat at Barrafina and I couldn’t help feeling a little smug that we were already sipping drinks before they could cross through the door.

While Chotto Matte may look like a shiny night-time spot, with its sleek black interiors and anime graffiti walls, it actually works well in the light of day. It was lovely to sit near the window and do some Soho people-watching while listening to glorious live jazz from the excellent trio by the bar.

We started our brunch by ordering some juices. I enjoyed a deliciously fresh and sweet lychee juice while Steven ordered a refreshing pineapple juice. To accompany the brunch is a new selection of healthy fruit and vegetable juices and the essential brunch classic – a Bloody Mary with a twist.

For a Sunday brunch treat, I was tempted by The Chotto Breakfast (£19.50). The large breakfast came with two succulent chicken and apricot sausages, which were juicy, well-seasoned and pleasantly sweet. They were accompanied by slices of succulent but perhaps a little over-done pieces of beef fillet tataki on a bed of spicy cassava puree. The chorizo beans were tasty with thin slivers of punchy chorizo and I liked the addition of grilled flat mushrooms and colourful, fragrant vine tomatoes.

Eggs are cooked however you want them and my poached egg was perfectly cooked and garnished with crispy sage. The BBQ toast sounded interesting but was simply wholemeal toast done on the robata grill.

It’s the kind of dish that didn’t seem like it would be spicy, but I could detect a slight kick from the meats.

Steven went for the Beef Fillet Sanguche (£16.75). The enormous, crispy yet fluffy rolls were packed full of lean, spicy beef fillet marinated in spiced and cooked medium. It was complemented by a fried egg, a piquant smoked panca sauce, mushrooms, red onion and baby gem lettuce.

The hefty sandwich came with a side of thick-cut, home-made cassava fries served in a typically Japanese wooden box (usually used for Sake) with more of the smoked panca dip. They cassava fries were a welcome alternative to potato fries with a slightly earthy flavour and less oil.

Either we hadn’t worked up an appetite yet that day, or the brunch dishes were very filling, as we both couldn’t manage a dessert. I really regret this now, as the desserts sound so decadent and inventive, particularly the Pisco Baba with poached nashi pear and dulce de leche ice cream or the Brulee de la Passion – an almond pyramid with aji amarillo gel and guava sorbet.

We did finish with some lovely, uplifting fresh mint tea, with was served in an attractive Japanese pot.

I’d quite like to revisit Chotto Matte for dinner to try Nikkei cuisine in its purest form, as I can’t help thinking the Japanese element was slightly muted on the brunch menu. Some of the dishes can be a little pricey, but the surroundings are stylish and the staff were so charming and friendly.

Sunday Jazz Brunch at Chotto Matte is a great way to make the weekend last that little bit longer in Soho, particularly if you can handle a bit of spice with your eggs.

For more information and booking, visit: www.chotto-matte.com

Chérie City was invited by Chotto Matte

All photos by Chérie City

Hotels, Hotels - Design, Hotels - Luxury, London

The Rosebery, Clerkenwell

June 10, 2014 by cheriecity

The Rosebery is a contemporary luxury aparthotel set in a beautifully-restored Victorian red brick building in leafy Clerkenwell.

Part of Supercity Aparthotels, it is ideal for medium to long stays in London and offers the extra home comforts and space that most city hotels can’t.

The stylish design and fabulous location attracted me to a staycation at The Rosebery. Since moving to London, Clerkenwell has been high on my list of dream places to live, so staying at The Rosebery gave a taste of what life (albeit a luxurious one) in EC1 might be like.

The Rosebery features 58 suites, ranging from a comfortable studio to a spacious two bedroom suite. All of the suites are fully furnished and benefit from a weekly maid service.

On arrival, the lobby felt serene and welcoming, with a number of interesting artworks surrounding a giant silver blow-fish sculpture. Next door is an inviting wine bar where guests can enjoy a glass of wine and a bite to eat within the apartment complex.

Our one-bedroom suite was very spacious and slick with contemporary furnishings and panoramic windows offering a spectacular view over the City and St Paul’s Cathedral.

The focal point of the apartment is the delightful open-plan living room and fully-fitted kitchen. The living room features a plush sofa with textured cushions, a glass dining table with three chairs, wall-mounted LCD TV, free wifi, a selection of glossy magazines and a bowl of fresh green apples.

The stylish grey kitchen has everything you need for a comfortable stay, including an oven-microwave, hob, washing machine with dryer, dishwasher, fridge, kettle, toaster and a full set of crockery, cutlery and glassware.

A Nespresso machine with a generous amount of espresso capsules and a selection of black and herbal teas are kindly provided. I also loved that there were thoughtful touches such Club biscuits and mini Mars bars to graze on and an Aerolatte milk frother to jazz up our hot drinks. There was also a small bottle of milk and two bottles of mineral water in the fridge to get us started – just what you want on arrival.

The smartly-appointed bedroom has an extremely comfortable king-size bed with sumptuous linen and two large fitted wardrobes with more than enough room (and hangers) for a long stay. The bedroom is simple and uncluttered, making it a tranquil, quiet spot for a good night’s sleep.

The stylish bathroom includes a bath and shower with good water pressure, plus plenty of thick, luxurious towels and a full set of generously-sized Gilchrist and Soames bathroom products. I particularly liked the grainy bathroom tiles with a slight sheen and the wide bathroom mirror, however a bathrobe would be a welcome addition for the ultimate comfort.

Close to the entrance of the apartment is a working desk with an iPod dock, portable phone and branded notebook and pen. The high tech control panel is an impressive feature, which can be used to manage the lights and air-conditioning, plus secure entry system allows you to see who is at the door.

One of the most remarkable things about The Rosebery is how quiet it is, despite being on a busy road and so close to central London. We felt like our apartment was in the heart of buzzing London yet the lack of noise made for a very peaceful and centering experience.

Also, the views from our living room and bedroom were fantastic, with the skyline lit up in bright lights in the late-evening and a clear vision of the City’s imposing glass skyscrapers in the morning.

Other handy perks of staying at The Rosebery include complimentary access to the fitness centre, dry cleaning services, discounts at local restaurants and use of a ‘Zipcar’.

During our stay, we decided to make full use of the kitchen and cook an evening meal, however there are some excellent eateries within walking distance of The Rosebery. Just a few steps away is Exmouth Market with an array of fabulous restaurants and cafes such as Paesan, Bonnie Gull Seafood Shack, Caravan, Moro, Morito, Humus Bros and Gail’s Bakery. You really are spoilt for choice and could eat out in Clerkenwell every evening without getting bored.

The Rosebery is also well-located to visit Smithfield Market, The British Museum, Sadler’s Well, Lincoln’s Inn Fields and the Sir John Soane’s Museum.

The Rosebery is a fantastic accommodation option for those visiting London for a week or more. It has the privacy of a home residence yet the friendly reception staff and concierge are on hand to organise and enhance your visit. My past experiences of serviced apartments have been mixed, but The Rosebery excels in every way, making for a memorable, inspiring stay.

For more information, visit: www.supercityuk.com/the-rosebery.html

Chérie City was a guest of The Rosebery

Photos by Chérie City (exterior by The Rosebery)

Home

Home Decoration Inspiration

June 8, 2014 by cheriecity

This year, I’ve been thinking about how I can make my modern but very white apartment look a lot more exciting and personal. A splash of colour and some interesting furnishings are definitely needed, but where to start?

Here are some of my favourite 2014 interior design trends that are sure to add a bit of sparkle to the home…

Saturated colour

2014 is all about bold, pigmented, jewel-like colours. Be inspired by Firmdale’s new Ham Yard Hotel with interiors by the inimitable Kit Kemp, Mexican Hacienda style and India Mahdavi’s striking designs. Turquoise is a particularly strong trend, along with deep navy and Pantone’s colour of the year, radiant orchid.

Bringing the outdoors indoors

If you’re lucky enough to have some outdoor space, why not break down the boundaries and let your design scheme run throughout. If like me, outdoor space is just a dream, bring a touch of outdoor style to your room with cane furniture, raffia furnishings, oversized floor cushions and slate laminate flooring.

Parisian chic

Timeless and refined, Parisian design is always a desirable home look. Go for painted wood panelling, Christian Dior dove grey walls, Louis XVI-style furniture upholstered in contemporary fabrics and heavy silk curtains.

Tropical patterns

Pineapples, palms and flamingos add a lively hint of the Tropics to the home. I bought some Pineapple printed glasses at the beginning of the year and my dream is to invest in some House of Hackney palm furnishings. The flamingos are a reminder of my trip to Miami at the end of the year and I find them so fun and uplifting.

Statement quilts

Every home should have a fabulous statement quilt to jazz up the bed. As my mum is a professional quilter, I usually receive a new hand-made one each year as a gift, but the high street is also full of gorgeous, intricately stitched quilts to complete your bedroom look.

What is your favourite home decoration trend of 2014? Are you feeling inspired to give your home a make-over?

Sponsored post

London, Restaurants

Benihana Celebrates its 50th Birthday

June 8, 2014 by cheriecity

This week, I attended Benihana Japanese Steakhouse’s 50th anniversary party at its Chelsea restaurant on the King’s Road. It was the first time I’ve visited and it was even more fun and quirky than I’d expected.

Founded by the late Hiroaoki ‘Rocky’ Aoki in 1964 with just four tables, Benihana now has an impressive 120 global locations (three of which are in London).

Entrepreneurial Rocky was quite a character, beginning his career as a wrestler, setting up an ice cream truck in Harlem, launching an adult magazine, breaking a world hot air ballooning record and coming close to death in a powerboat accident. Rocky Aoki is largely credited as bringing Japanese food to the West and his flamboyant personality is ingrained in Benihana today.

We started the evening with delicious lychee and plum wine cocktails and a selection of sushi. Then we took a peek at the VIP room with its own Teppan grill, which has been graced by the likes of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, the Beckhams, Taylor Swift and that cheeky royal Prince Harry.

To toast Benihana’s birthday and to bring good luck, we took part in the traditional Sake Ceremony. Executive Chef Suzuki summoned a few volunteers to don Japanese uniforms and help smash the 18-litre barrel full of Gekkeikan sake in unison. The sake was then served and passed around in Benihana branded wooden cups.

The potent sake prepared us for the next crazy festivity – a food fashion show. Benihana’s waitresses presented the restaurant’s signature dishes on a red carpet catwalk. Not to be outdone by the girls, Executive Chef Suzuki closed the show, throwing some stylish poses that would even make Zoolander jealous.

After all that excitement, we moved into the dining room for Teppanyaki theatrics and freshly-cooked dishes. The four chefs performed some cool tricks with neon batons and chopping knives and made a wall of flames on the 360 degree Teppan grill.

Our Teppan chef Galileo not only sliced and diced the ingredients at lightning speed, but he was quite the joker. He made a beating heart out of fried rice, flipped prawns for us to catch in our mouths and caught eggs in his hat.

Each course was served separately and we grazed on tasty grilled prawns with a ginger sauce, seabass, lean Scottish steak with a creamy mustard sauce and fried rice. The dishes are also healthy, as the chefs use the heat from the grill to quickly cook the ingredients, rather than relying on too much oil.

Benihana is great for birthday nights out, but you don’t need to be in a big group to get the full experience, as the chefs can cook for different parties at the same table. It may not be to everyone’s tastes, but Benihana is definitely an old favourite that doesn’t take itself too seriously, making for a fun evening out.

Watch Galileo perform some Teppan tricks…

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

Paris, Restaurants

Delicious Burgers at Big Fernand in Paris

June 2, 2014 by cheriecity

Big Fernand is a hip burger bar that does things a little differently, bringing a taste of the country to the centre of Paris.

Location

The ‘atelier du hamburger’ first opened on rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, with next door Little Fernand specialising in hot dogs, but I visited the second restaurant in the cool Montorgueil quarter. It’s located on the same street as Experimental Cocktail Club and Jefrey’s, so it’s a perfect destination for before or after a night out on the town.

Big Fernand’s Montorgueil restaurant is small and narrow with a lively atmosphere – a real good time place. We were greeted at the door by a smiling girl in a flat cap, plaid shirt and apron (Big Fernand’s country cool uniform), who explained how it all works. We placed our order and paid at the counter and watched by the open kitchen while our meals were being prepared.

I didn’t realise how quickly it would be served and wandered off in search of a table. A charming, super-friendly chap guided us back over to the pick-up spot to collect our meals. The staff happily and patiently steered us in the right direction with the ordering system like real pros.

It’s possible to build your own burger and customise with a choice of ingredients, but the best way to experience Big Fernand is with their suggested burger combinations as part of a little or big formule.

Le Bartholomé

I went for Le Bartholomé (€12) – an indulgent burger cooked as you wish – mine was medium – and topped with Raclette, smoked bacon, confit onions, chives and BB Fernand sauce (BBQ) and Tata Fernand sauce (cocktail sauce). The patty, made with Charolais or Blonde d’Aquitaine beef, was lean and succulent while the high quality toppings turned up the flavour, particularly the tangy, slightly piquant sauces.

The owner runs the bakery next door to Big Fernand on rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, so the fluffy sesame buns are as fresh as can be. The burger was a little smaller than I’d expected, however it was big on quality and flavour, so it didn’t disappoint.

Le Big Fernand

Steven went for Le Big Fernand (€11), the signature burger with Tomme de Savoie, sundried tomatoes, fresh parsley and Tata Fernand sauce. It’s the one to order if you prefer a simple burger that lets the flavours of the meat come through. I found Le Bartholomé a little more exciting, however they were both delicious and satisfying.

Our ‘little formules’ came with Fernandines and a choice of drink for just an additional €3. Fernandines are slim, home-made French fries covered in punchy, cajun-style seasoning. There’s a good selection of soft drinks (and beer for one extra Euro) – I washed down my burger with a bottle of refreshing Bionade Lychee and Steven had a warming Bionade Ginger & Orange.

As it was only lunchtime, we didn’t quite have room to make it a ‘big formule’, which also includes a dessert such as raspberry cheesecake, apple tartlet or a tempting Franstache – choux pastry filled with pistachio crème patisserie and fresh raspberries.

There are only a handful of communal tables and benches at Big Fernand, so we decided not to linger and walked off our lunch, before the burger sweats kicked in. However, the short time we did spend there was enjoyable, with a fun 80s soundtrack and the staff singing and joking around.

Big Fernand is a must if you’re after a tasty, rustic burger with quality ingredients. Though the burgers may seem pricey alone, a formule makes it a good value meal, particularly when you consider how expensive premium soft drinks are in Paris.

Good news for Londoners – Big Fernand will make its way across the channel, opening its first store outside of France in the autumn, thus making those Bartholomé cravings a whole lot easier to satisfy.

For more information, visit: www.bigfernand.com

All photos by Cherie City

Bars, London, Restaurants

Pavilion Kensington by Adam Simmonds

May 30, 2014 by cheriecity

Pavilion London is a stylish new all-day dining brasserie on Kensington High Street, overseen by Michelin star chef Adam Simmonds.

Opening today, the restaurant is part of the Pavilion (formerly Dryland) business members’ club, with four floors of slick, luxury serviced offices and working spaces. However, with its relaxed, non-corporate feel, Pavilion is sure to be a dining destination in its own right.

Chef Adam Simmonds made his name at the stately Danesfield House in Buckinghamshire and now brings his inventive, modern cooking to London with a new concept.

Pavilion is a visual delight with elegant, contemporary interiors, interesting artwork and a number of different dining spaces. The look of the restaurant is timeless, yet very ‘of the moment’ with painstaking attention to the smallest detail.

Tucked just inside Pavilion is a petite florist, offering flowers, small plants and hand-made bouquets by Paul Morris. I like the idea of walking through a flurry of fragrant blooms on arrival and picking up an extra treat on the way out.

The Carrara marble deli counter offers an eye-catching selection of artisan cheeses, British cured meats by Cannon & Cannon, freshly-baked bread and perfect little pastries.

The gorgeous, 22-seater bar with Marquina marble and a pewter top stocks a carefully edited selection of premium spirits by small, independent producers. The slick leather seats make it comfortable to perch at the bar and there is a separate menu of lighter bar bites including charcuterie plates and a gourmet burger.

We started with some expertly-mixed cocktail at the bar. Steven ordered a classic Whisky Sour done well, while my No Citrus Punch was a deliciously sweet and potent blend of Rumbullion, banana sugar, cassis, apple and palm sugar. The easy to drink concoction was mixed in-house and stored in a bottle, then served on ice.

To accompany our drinks, we enjoyed a small plate of charcuterie. The salty pork shoulder, salami mushroom truffle and chili venison were all moreish and full of flavour, served with slim slices of freshly-baked bread.

I started with Pork Belly – slow-cooked pork belly, homemade black pudding, Scottish langoustine, smoked pineapple, lardo. The succulent slice of pork belly was perfectly cooked and complemented by plump, fresh langoustines, sweet and smoky pineapple and bold, paper-thin lardo.

The large pieces of silky, melt-in-the-mouth black pudding had a nutty flavour with a hint of vanilla and gave richness to the flavoursome, satisfying dish.

Steven went for the fresh and colourful Salmon & Crab – salmon gravadlax, crab salad, pomelo, avocado. The smoked salmon was high quality and plentiful, while the crab salad was deliciously fresh and summery. The pomelo was bursting with juiciness and the avocado gave the dish a subtly, creamy taste, finished with salmon eggs and edible viola.

To follow, I was tempted by the Cod – cod ‘a la plancha’, smoked Boston butt pork, sweet cabbage, roasting juices. The succulent, chunky piece of plancha-grilled cod was moist and flaky and was served with a rectangular piece of smoked, well-seasoned Boston butt pork.

The mixed beans were infused with fresh herb aromas and the gently braised cabbage was pleasantly sweet and flavoursome. The roasting juices were poured at the table and were light with a prominent fish flavour.

Steven tried the Lamb – roast lamb cutlets, smoked aubergine purée, goats’ curd, anchovy salsa verde. The two lamb cutlets were tender and pink and covered with a meaty jus. The aubergine purée added a smoky flavour, while the goats’ curb was subtle and velvety and the anchovy salsa verde had a touch of fresh mint.

To finish, I went for the Buttermilk – buttermilk mousse, orange blossom ‘pain perdu’, orange granité. The light and airy buttermilk mousse was encased in a crunchy sugar and orange curl and the orange blossom ‘pain perdu’ was a moist, comforting, mini version of the French classic. The orange granité with sweet and sour orange powder revealed Adam Simmonds’ Michelin star history and added a zesty intensity to the dessert.

Perhaps the dessert could have been a little bigger, as there wasn’t quite enough buttermilk mousse to proportionally accompany the other elements and the ‘pain perdu’ left me wanting more.

Steven ordered the more indulgent Chocolate – bitter chocolate marquise, mint, aerated chocolate, mint ice cream. The dark chocolate marquise was made with high quality chocolate and had a glossy, silky texture and rich flavour. The mint ice cream and mint purée were so natural and authentic, making the dish as far away from a typical chocolate-mint dessert as can be. The aerated chocolate reminded me of a mint Aero bar, albeit a far superior, deconstructed version.

We finished with two Earl Grey teas, which were served in smart glass teapots and elegant china – a promising sign for Pavilion’s cafe credentials.

Pavilion is a stylish, sophisticated yet unpretentious restaurant with a buzzing atmosphere and tempting food. Adam Simmonds’ dishes are inventive and well-judged, marrying interesting, unexpected flavours.

Service was already excellent when we visited and the staff are clearly passionate about great food and local produce. With reasonable prices for the standard of cooking and a great location on Kensington High Street, I can see Pavilion becoming the new place to see and be seen in west London.

Chérie City was invited by Pavilion London

Photos by Chérie City (interiors by Will Bryce)

Hotels, Hotels - Budget, Hotels - Design, Paris

A Great Stay at Hotel Josephine, Paris

May 27, 2014 by cheriecity

Hotel Josephine is a charming four-star boutique hotel in Paris, inspired by France’s beloved queen of the Jazz Age, Josephine Baker.

Located on the corner of Rue Blanche in the 9th arrondissement, Hotel Josephine is conveniently close to romantic Montmartre, the Sacré-Cœur, lively Pigalle and the legendary Moulin Rouge.

Josephine Baker once sang ‘J’ai deux amours’ at the Moulin Rouge and made her name performing her famous banana dance at the Folies Bergère, so this quartier really was her own territory.

Hotel Josephine is cosy and stylish with 41 rooms (10 of which are superior rooms). The spacious, open-plan lobby and lounge are welcoming and attractive with comfy sofas and fireside armchairs.

There is a bookshelf full of classic and contemporary literature, a chess board and a bar area to really make you feel at home. The handy business centre opposite the lounge offers use of a computer and printer, plus a coffee machine for complimentary hot drinks.

Interior designer Julie Gauthron perfectly captures the bohemian spirit of this historically rebellious neighbourhood with vintage-inspired prints, sepia-toned colours, pretty ornaments and photographs of decadent times gone by.

The Room

Our Standard Double Room on the first floor was petite and homely with lots of character. It’s the kind of quirky room in which Montmartre resident Amélie Poulain might sleep. In fact, I was almost expecting the people in the photographs adorning the walls to come alive and start speaking to us.

The room was designed in bold purple and red shades with attractive clashing prints on the walls, headboard and retro wardrobe and a number of black and white photographs of scenes from Paris cabarets. Room features include an LCD TV, a simple desk with painted wooden chair and a little stool, a vintage-style phone, good air-conditioning, free wifi and a tea and coffee maker (a rare amenity in Paris).

There is also a Haussmannian juliette balcony, so you can open the windows and take in the atmosphere of busy rue Blanche below. A copy of Numéro was provided for stylish bedtime reading and there was a set of Hotel Josephine branded stationery for old fashioned correspondence and note-taking.

The queen-size bed was very comfortable and I had a fantastic, uninterrupted night’s sleep, despite being so close to the street on the first floor. The bed linen and plump pillows were excellent and I loved the lace-effect cushions.

Bathroom

The small bathroom was designed in dark red and maroon shades and the shower lined with tiny irridescent mosaic tiles had impressively powerful water pressure – I found it particularly blissful after a long day of travelling by plane. It took me a while to realise, but the bathroom can be sectioned off by a red opaque sliding door, offering just enough privacy.

The hotel standard bathroom products were uninteresting and there was no conditioner provided – some lovely branded products such as L’Occitane, REN or Molton Brown would be a better fit.

Hotel Josephine doesn’t have a restaurant, but there is a wealth of excellent restaurants and bars in the hip South Pigalle (SoPi) neighbourhood. That evening, we went to the brasserie at nearby Hotel Amour for dinner and enjoyed a late-night Kir on the terrace of Le Mansart, a cool bar just a few steps away from the hotel.

Also worth trying while staying in the area are NYC-Paris ‘gastrotheque’ Buvette, creative cocktail bar Glass and low-key burger bar La Maison Mère.

Breakfast

In the morning, we enjoyed a continental buffet breakfast in Hotel Josephine’s arched vaulted cellar.

The breakfast was plentiful and varied, including scrambled eggs, sausages, croissants, pain au chocolat, brioche, baguette, cold meat, cheeses, cereal, granola, yoghurts, fresh fruit, a selection of Tropicana juices and my favourite French apple compote. I loved the fresh, flaky pastries served with every possible flavour of Bonne Maman jam or marmelade in mini pots – the perfect way to start the day in Paris.

Espresso-based coffees are available on request and tea and coffee are also self-service, so there’s no need to wait for a hot drink.

The weather wasn’t on our side during our stay in Paris, but luckily Hotel Josephine has a stack of branded umbrellas for guests to use in the lobby – a very thoughtful touch. Of course, the bad weather didn’t stop us from exploring Paris, as tempting as it was to cosy up in the lounge.

Hotel Josephine is a delightful, creative hotel that offers a glorious, rose-tinted view of northern Paris. The design and small touches throughout the hotel really revive the glamour of Josephine Baker’s world. Plus, the location is unbeatable if you’re looking for a fun, energetic short break in Paris.

Rooms at Hotel Josephine start at €170 during low and mid season and from €250 during high season. For more information and booking, visit: www.hotel-josephine.com

Chérie City was invited by Hotel Josephine

Photos by Chérie City