cheriecity | cheriecity.co.uk

Friendship with Monica Vinader

May 26, 2014 by cheriecity

My jewellery collection is one of the most treasured things that I own and each piece tells a story. Whether a piece of jewellery was given to me by a friend, picked up on my travels or worn on a special occasion, it remains dear to me.

One of my favourite jewellery designers Monica Vinader recently extended the hand of friendship with a very special gift. I was sent a beautiful Bali Friendship Bracelet with Chérie City thoughtfully engraved.

The bracelet features a hammered oval in 18ct Gold Plated Vermeil on Sterling Silver with an adjustable cord. The luxurious plaited cord is a deep red for ‘luck’ and can be easily adjusted, so it’s sure to fit however you wear it.

I have already worn my bracelet around town and it’s quite a conversation starter, as everyone wants to know the story behind the engraving.

I sometimes style it up with a few slim bracelets or my Liberty scarf watch, but mostly I like to make it the main feature on my wrist and pair it with my favourite Zoe & Morgan peacock necklace, Jade Jagger arrow necklace, Pilgrim blue flower necklace (a gift from my friend while we were at uni) or my Hermès x Liberty scarf.

Monica Vinader bracelets look fabulous stacked up, so I’m keen to add to my collection with the stunning Baja, Fiji and Esencia bracelets. I also love that the pieces are mostly named after fabulous, exotic destinations, almost as if they are encouraging you to travel and see the world.

A Monica Vinader friendship bracelet is the perfect gift for a friend (or a personal treat) and a grown-up way to renew vows of friendship with your closest girlfriends. Best of all, the engraving service via the website is free on all engravable pieces and you can select a font or really customise it by uploading your own handwriting or doodle.

For more information and to buy online, visit: www.monicavinader.com

All photos by Chérie City

Afternoon tea, London

Wedgwood Taste of History Afternoon Tea

May 19, 2014 by cheriecity

Last week, Soho was in bloom as Wedgwood hosted a fabulous tea party with scones, cakes, beautiful china and peonies in abundance.

An expert on teaware since 1759, the iconic British brand celebrated its heritage with a Taste of History Tea Pairing Menu. Food historian Tasha Marks of Animal Vegetable Mineral Curiosities created a tempting afternoon tea with adaptations of historical sweets from the same year as the tea they were paired with.

The luxurious loose leaf teas are presented in Wedgwood blue tea caddies – each with a print to reflect the era – and have a bold, fragrant aroma. When served in a teapot, they fill the room with delicious, heady notes of fruit, flowers and spices.

The extensive tea collection includes 1780 Encaustic (white tea with apricot pieces, yellow mullein and marigold petals and yellow rose buds), 1814 Chinese Tiger (black tea with ginger pieces) and 1870 Golden Rose (green tea with strawberry pieces and pink rose buds).

I enjoyed a pot of 2010 Pashmina, an Oolong tea with orange blossoms and pieces of dried orange, which was paired with rich, velvety Orange and Marmalade Truffles. I couldn’t resist also tasting the 1777 Tea Party, a black tea with pink and white cornflower petals paired with Cornflower Cracknels.

My tea was served in a fine bone china teacup and saucer from the stunning new Daisy Tea Story. The new design features elements of the iconic Wedgwood Daisy print from the brand’s extensive archives. It’s a sophisticated, timeless design in a rich palette of black, blue, pink and gold.

We also grazed on the most delicious, zesty Apricot and Honey Panforte, Victorian Scones with Strawberry and Rose Jam and White Gingerbread Dragon – a marchpane biscuit with a fragrant blend of almonds, rosewater, sugar and ginger.

Over a delectable afternoon tea, we had the chance to discover Wedgwood’s prettiest tea service collections including the whimsical Butterfly Bloom, Cuckoo, Harlequin and the Alice in Wonderland-inspired Queen of Hearts. They were beautifully styled with peonies peaking out of teapots and balanced on hardback books inside a golden birdcage.

With so many stunning tea stories, it’s hard not to fall in love with Wedgwood and begin a very long wish list.

To see all Wedgwood fine bone china collections, visit: www.wedgwood.co.uk

All photos by Chérie City

Art, Dance, London

Romeo & Juliet by Scottish Ballet

May 17, 2014 by cheriecity

This week, I had the pleasure of attending Scottish Ballet’s performance of Romeo & Juliet at Sadler’s Wells.

Shakespeare’s iconic love story is transported from the romantic Renaissance period to 20th century Italy, spanning from the 1930s through to the nineties. Choreographer Krzysztof Pastor created the exhilarating production for Scottish Ballet in 2008 and it returns to Sadlers Well’s under the guidance of Artist Director Christopher Hampson.

The ballet begins in 1930s metropolitan Italy and has an air of playfulness as the Montagues and Capulets encounter each other on the ritual evening walk. Romeo and Juliet lock eyes at the glamorous Capulet ball and he woos her at her ‘balcony’ which is in fact a simple, unfurnished lift.

The story continues through the second act in the sepia-toned 1950s, against the backdrop of rock ‘n’ roll and la dolce vita Italy. Friar Lawrence marries the star-cross’d lovers, however the tension between the rival families heightens, culminating in a brutal fight scene and the deaths of both Mercutio and Tybalt.

Act three takes place in the less glamorous nineties with Romeo and Juliet spending the night together before Romeo leaves town. The final scene is moving and powerful, as the lovers tragically end their lives.

Sophie Martin perfectly captures Juliet’s innocence and curiosity, torn between family loyalty and pursuing forbidden love. Erik Cavallari is a convincing Romeo with striking Roman features, Italian charm and chemistry with his on-stage lover.

The young lovers are obviously the focus of the performance, however the two feuding families are well-characterised. The raffish Montagues in their linen suits and summer dresses are the kind of gang that you’d expect to zip around on Vespas, stopping for Negronis and flirting by the fountains. The serious-minded Capulets have a fascistic demeanor, dressed in military-style black shirts and black boots with severe, slicked back hair.

Tatyana van Walsum’s costumes cleverly complement the simplicity of the production and capture the spirit of the families in each decade.

Mercutio (Victor Zarallo) charms throughout with his flamboyant moves and mischievous goading of Tybalt (Christopher Harrison). The fact that he receives some of the loudest applause is a testament to his excellent performance.

The orchestra masters Prokofiev’s soaring score and the intense ‘Montagues and Capulets’ theme is matched with Krzysztof Pastor’s strong, confrontational choreography.

Romeo & Juliet by Scottish Ballet is a minimalist triumph with a combination of classic and contemporary expressive dance, stylish costumes and a fresh approach to a much-loved tale.

Romeo & Juliet continues at The Festival Theatre in Edinburgh from 21-24 May. For more information on Scottish Ballet’s upcoming productions, visit: www.scottishballet.co.uk

Chérie City was a guest of Scottish Ballet

Photos by Christina Riley and Andy Ross

London, Restaurants

Pizza Union Opens at Spitalfields, London

May 16, 2014 by cheriecity

Pizza Union brings ‘Superveloce Italiana’ to Spitalfields, offering express Italian pizza at a refreshingly affordable price.

Tucked away on a cobbled street close to Spitalfields Market and Liverpool Street Station, Pizza Union may not be known to passersby, but it already has a loyal following. Open seven days a week, 11 to 11, it’s a great spot for a quick lunch, an easy after-work treat or a morning coffee and cannoli.

The casual restaurant has a lofty, industrial feel with exposed ceiling, communal wood tables and plenty of neon. The focus is solely on Roman-style pizza, but there are plenty of different options, plus the chance to add extra toppings and cheeses for £1.

The concept is simple – order at the counter, take your electronic buzzer and find a seat while your 12″ pizza is being cooked in the traditional stone oven. It only takes around three minutes for the pizzas to be fired up and they are cut into slices and served immediately.

Pizza Union has a good selection of Italian soft drinks, so we went for a San Pellegrino Aranciata Rossa and a Santal Pear Juice. We grazed on some delicious, juicy marinated olives before our pizzas quickly arrived.

I ordered the Stagioni (£6.50) pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, cotto ham, pepperoni, mushrooms, artichoke and black olives. The dough was thin, light and soft with small grains of Neapolitan 00 flour, not overly crispy like some thin pizzas can be. The tomato sauce was simple with a natural sweetness while the creamy mozzarella was generously scattered.

Steven tried the Pollo (£5.95) pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, chicken, mixed peppers and black olives. The large pieces of proper roasted chicken breast were so tasty and the thin slivers of red and yellow pepper added a fresh, sweet flavour.

Following pizza with more pizza might seem like just a little too much, but it would be a big mistake not to leave some room for Pizza Union’s incredible Dolce (£2.95). A baked dough ring was filled with oozing, silky Nutella and mascarpone, topped with icing sugar and cocoa. It’s a heavenly, decadent dessert plus it’s rich and substantial enough to share.

We couldn’t resist also trying one Chocolate and one Vanilla Cannoli (£1 each). The crisp rolls of bubbly pastry were generously packed with a smooth chocolate filling – perfect for a light dessert or afternoon sugar rush.

Pizza Union is a great find if you’re looking for tasty, high quality food served quickly. It’s not the kind of place to linger past finishing your meal, but the staff are very friendly and welcoming, so you don’t feel rushed. With such wallet-friendly prices and delicious Italian food, Pizza Union is somewhere I can see myself gravitating back to again and again, particularly if there’s the promise of a Dolce to split.

Chérie City was invited by Pizza Union

All photos by Chérie City

Paris, Restaurants

Spectacular Dining at Le Bristol Paris

May 11, 2014 by cheriecity

I recently stayed at luxury palace hotel Le Bristol and enjoyed a special masterclass with Head Bartender Maxime Hoerth and a fun cocktail tour of Paris’ best bars.

Le Jardin Français

We had the pleasure of dining mostly in Le Bristol for our two days in Paris, making it a very decadent, relaxed trip. Before our cocktail masterclass with Maxime, we enjoyed a leisurely lunch in Le Jardin Francais, Le Bristol’s elegant, lively lobby restaurant and bar. It’s the perfect spot for people watching and leads on to the hotel’s exquisite garden where guests can dine on the terrace.

Renowned three Michelin star Chef des Cuisines Éric Fréchon oversees all food at Le Bristol and Pastry Chef Laurent Jeannin is the creative force behind the hotel’s dazzling patisserie.

I started with a fantastic King crab salad with grapefruit, avocado and coriander vinaigrette. The plump pieces of chilled king crab were given a citrus zing with juicy segments of grapefruit and a tangy, aromatic coriander vinaigrette. The colourful, uplifting salad also included slices of creamy avocado and the most perfect little gem lettuce leaves, finished with fresh herbs and edible nasturnum.

I couldn’t resist following my virtuous salad with a decadent Cheeseburger with crispy bacon and spicy tomato with fries. At 42 Euros, it’s one of the most pricey burgers I’ve ever ordered but also one of the very best. Two high quality beef patties were smothered in gooey Gruyère with a layer of grilled tomato, rashers of smoky bacon and a spicy tomato tapenade, packed inside a toasted sesame bun.

With such rich flavours and an unexpected double patty, it’s a truly indulgent choice for lunch and may just send you into a momentary burger coma. The fries were classic slim, well-seasoned and plentiful, in fact, I shared more than half of them with the table.

Somehow I found room for dessert when Le Bristol’s magnificent sweet trolley parked up at our table. It was laden with colourful Parisian patisserie created by Pastry Chef Laurent Jeannin. Tempting desserts included a tarte au citron, Mont-Blanc, lemon meringue pie, tarte au framboise, éclair au chocolat and yuzu or pistachio macarons.

Of course, it had to be my all-time favourite patisserie – Pistachio Réligieuse, accompanied by an equally green fresh mint tea. The pistachio and vanilla crème anglaise was so silky and creamy while the choux pastry was exemplary. I loved it that my Pistachio Réligieuse was decorated in Le Bristol’s signature lime green colours – a signature pastry that can only be eaten at Le Bristol.

Laurent Jeannin’s stunning pastries can also be sampled as part of a Parisian-meets-British afternoon tea, or at ‘Fashion Saturdays’, where models present the new collections of designers such as Céline, Givenchy and Chloé in the refined setting of the Castellane room.

We finished with a tray of hand-made salted caramel chocolates and candied orange sticks wrapped in dark chocolate and then rolled into Le Bar du Bristol for our cocktail masterclass.

Le Bar du Bristol

That evening, after drinks at Jefrey’s in hip Montorgueil, we were back at Le Bar du Bristol for artisan cocktails and gourmet bar plates by Eric Frechon.

I loved the fragrant and refreshing So British – Earl Grey infused Beefeater 24 gin, elderflower syrup, freshly squeezed lime and fresh grapefruit juice. The elegant, limited edition 365 cocktail celebrates Le Bar du Bristol’s first birthday and I couldn’t resist trying the Hot Punch as a potent nightcap.

We grazed on a luxurious selection of Gambas Tempura with ginger and coriander mayonnaise, Maki Rolls with king crab and vegetables in spicy ketchup, Pata Negra ham and Crudités. To end the night on a sweet note, we enjoyed a plate of exquisite mini pastries, a selection of macarons and hand-made chocolates.

114 Faubourg

The next day, we were treated to lunch at the hotel’s one Michelin star brasserie de luxe, 114 Faubourg. Located in the hotel’s newer Matignon wing, the chic two-level restaurant is designed in bold shades of orange (which remind me of Hermès) and purple with oversized dahlias adorning the walls.

114 Faubourg is helmed by Head Chef Eric Desbordes, who was mentored by Chef des Cuisines Éric Fréchon. The restaurant is upscale yet with a relaxed atmosphere and the menu is contemporary French with a focus on comforting dishes.

We started with an amuse-bouche of King crab egg, ginger and lemon mayonnaise. The crab was fresh and flaky and covered in a light, zesty mayonnaise, toppd with crisp green apple.

This was followed by an indulgent Artichoke soup with black truffle emulsion. The soup was ever so rich and indulgent and the black truffle emulsion added depth to the flavour. The soup usually comes with pan-seared foie gras, but I ordered it without and still found the dish very satisfying.

For the main course, we enjoyed Roasted scallops, ‘Le Puy’ green lentils with black truffle. Four plump, succulent scallops were cooked perfectly golden on the outside and were served on a bed of flavoursome, comforting lentils with small pieces of mixed vegetables. It was finished with an airy emulsion and shavings of black truffle.

For our last indulgence in Paris, it had to be the Vanilla Bourbon millefeuille with salted butter caramel. 114 Faubourg’s unique take on the Parisian classic was a decadent affair with crisp pastry, silky vanilla creme patisserie and intense salted butter caramel. It was finished with delicious vanilla bean ice cream, gold wafers and gold leaf.

Breakfast in Bed

Breakfast at Le Bristol is a real treat and I had the chance to enjoy it in the comfort of my own room each morning. I loved the Eggs Benedict with shaved black truffles and fluffy pancakes served with an enormous jug of maple syrup and red berries painted with gold leaf.

My daily basket of freshly-baked Viennoiserie had a selection of mini pastries, brioche and bread, plus the most incredible pain au chocolat.

Dining at Le Bristol is a true Parisian delight, from exquisite fine dining to elegant patisserie and evening cocktails and bites. One day, I hope to visit Epicure, Le Bristol’s three Michelin star gastronomic restaurant with innovative dishes by Eric Frechon.

Rates at Le Bristol start from €830 per night on a room only basis. For more information and booking, visit: www.lebristolparis.com

Eurostar operates up to 18 daily services from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare Du Nord with return fares from £69. Eurostar also offers connecting fares from more than 300 stations in the UK. Fastest London-Paris journey time is 2hr 15 minutes. Tickets are available from eurostar.com or 08432 186 186.

Photos by Chérie City and Le Bristol

Chérie City was a guest of Le Bristol and Eurostar

Afternoon tea, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, London

‘Le Tea en Rose’ at Sofitel London St James

May 7, 2014 by cheriecity

In celebration of the 2014 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the Rose Lounge at Sofitel London St James has created ‘Le Tea en Rose’, a new floral afternoon tea for the month of May.

The Rose Lounge is one of my favourite spots in central London for afternoon tea, with its plush pink interiors, subtle aromas of rose and daily live harpist. It’s a cosy, stylish lounge that welcomes both hotel guests and visitors and is well-located for a pre or post-shopping sugar fix.

Drawing on the annual show’s exquisite blooms and beautifully manicured gardens, Head Chef Vincent Manager has devised a special collection of fragrant Parisian pastries. I had the pleasure of tasting the new afternoon tea pastries and all of them were just heavenly.

My favourite was the colourful Chocolate dacquoise with jasmine flower mousse and raspberry macaron. The mousse is delicate with just a hint of jasmine while the chocolate base has an impossibly light brownie texture. Mini macarons are a genius touch and the fresh raspberries add some necessary sharpness.

I also adored the generously-sized White chocolate tartlet with a rose crème chiboust. The creamy, smooth white chocolate ganache inside a thin pastry case is deliciously rich and sweet and the rose crème chiboust is as light as air with a delicate flavour.

Elderflower jelly with lemon cheesecake crumble and Swiss meringue is a new take on lemon meringue pie with the addition of a light, aromatic elderflower jelly at the bottom of the glass.

Dark chocolate and blueberry Napoleon with violet macaron wafer is the most full-bodied of the cakes with a bittersweet flavour from the thick chocolate base. The notes of violet are subtle and don’t overpower the cream, while the ultra-thin macaron wafer and candied violets give the cake some texture.

The new floral pastries are served with a selection of seasonal finger sandwiches and warm scones with Devonshire clotted cream, lemon curd and rose-scented raspberry jam.

A selection of fine Postcard teas are offered with the afternoon tea and while I usually opt for a flavoured black tea, I loved the delicate Mediterranean Rose tea – a heady blend of roses from Provence and Morocco. The teas are presented in patterned china teapots and cups designed by Bernardaud exclusively for Sofitel St James London.

To complement the notes in the afternoon tea, Head Bartender Emilio Moscati has created a refreshing, romantic La Vie en Rose cocktail. Inspired by the iconic Edith Piaf song and the quintessential British rose, the cocktail is a delightful blend of Tanqueray Gin, elderflower syrup, flavours of cucumber and lemon, topped up with rose champagne and finished with delicate rose petals.

‘Le Tea en Rose’ is an elegant, sumptuous afternoon tea that captures the spirit of springtime in London with a touch of Parisian chic. Cosy up in Sofitel London St James’s ‘secret garden’ and enjoy a delicious floral afternoon treat.

The Rose Lounge at Sofitel London St James is serving the celebratory ‘Le Tea en Rose’ daily between 2.30pm-5.30pm, throughout May 2014. Priced at £30, or £34 including the Vie en Rose cocktail. For more information, visit: www.sofitelstjames.com

Beauty

The Best UNITE Haircare Range For Curls

May 6, 2014 by cheriecity

UNITE is a line of luxury haircare products created by LA-based hairstylist Andrew Dale. The high end brand was developed to treat hair concerns that he encountered both in the salon and behind the scenes on photo shoots and at international fashion weeks.

Andrew Dale trained with Vidal Sassoon in London before moving to LA to work in the Sassoon salon on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, where he gained a following of A-list clients (Victoria Beckham, Eva Longoria and Jessica Alba are fans of the UNITE range).

UNITE launched in the UK in 2010 and is sold in salons and at Beauty Retreat at Harrods. For a few weeks now, I’ve been trying the UNITE VOLUMIZING Collection, which was prescribed for my naturally curly, coloured hair.

The UNITE VOLUMIZING Shampoo (£17.40) worked well for me, leaving my hair properly cleansed and soft without any residue or coarseness. Reassuringly, all Unite products are completely free from sulphates, parabens, sodium chloride, DEA and MEA. They are also 100% vegan and contain colour locking antioxidants to keep hair colour looking fresh.

Unlike many synthetic shampoos, the UNITE VOLUMIZING Shampoo sometimes doesn’t lather immediately, so it’s necessary to work it into the hair a bit more, or for best results rinse and repeat.

The UNITE VOLUMIZING Conditioner (£18.80) works extremely well for my hair, giving lots of volume at the roots and plenty of movement. The first time I used Unite products, I was amazed that my hair was ready to go with minimal styling and I attribute this to the conditioner.

It has a creamy, smooth consistency and hydrates the hair without weighing it down. While the VOLUMIZING range is ideal for bringing bounce and movement, I’m interested to see if alternating it with the MOISTURIZING range would help add some extra hydration.

Both the VOLUMIZING Shampoo and Conditioner have the kind of luxurious fragrance that I tend to associate with high end hair salon products. It’s not an overwhelming aroma, but when I take my hair down or swish it around, it has a lovely, fresh scent.

UNITE 7SECONDS Condition (£16.90) is a fantastic pre-styling product. It has a nourishing protein complex and UV protectors that fortify hair fibers and seal the cuticles. The leave-in conditioner comes in a handy spray and is rich and creamy with a light floral scent.

It quickly detangles my curls and leaves them feeling soft, hydrated and ready for styling. I like that it helps lock in colour and helps protects against heat and environmental damage.

UNITE BOOSTA Spray (£16.60) is a super-light mist that adds a bit of extra volume and texture to the hair. Admittedly, I sometimes forget this step as I often let my hair dry naturally, but it’s a great way to add some extra body and protect the hair from heat styling. The fragrance is pure coconut bliss, like the Caribbean in a bottle.

UNITE “BOING” Curling Cream (£16.60) is great for adding definition and hold to natural curls. The lilac-coloured cream has a rich, almost balm-like consistency and an intense tropical watermelon and coconut aroma. Applied to evenly damp hair, the curl cream quickly sets on the hair, giving it a light, flexible hold. I still use a tiny amount of my usual styling glaze to fight the frizz, but the UNITE “BOING” Curl Cream has become my main styling product and a little goes a long way.

UNITE is a truly impressive range that I found produced excellent results. If you like using premium ranges such as Moroccanoil and Kérastase, it’s worth trying UNITE and finding your star products – mine are definitely the VOLUMIZING Shampoo and Conditioner and 7 Second Conditioner. UNITE hair products also come in handy mini sizes (59ml), making them ideal for travel or testing before investing in the larger sizes.

The full UNITE haircare collection is available to buy in salons or online at Urban Retreat Beautique.

Samples

Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, Lisbon, Restaurants

A Stay at Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon

May 5, 2014 by cheriecity

Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon is one of Portugal’s most elegant landmark hotels, perched on a hilltop overlooking the picturesque Parque Eduardo VII, Marques de Pombal and the chic Avenida Liberdade.

The five-star hotel’s1950s modernist facade belies opulent interiors and plenty of old world charm. Arriving at the grand marble lobby, we received a typically warm Four Seasons welcome and instantly forgot the rainy start to our trip.

Arrival

The enormous open-plan lobby has a number of comfy seating areas to relax in and striking artworks from the hotel’s impressive contemporary art collection. It leads on to the cosy Ritz Bar with outdoor terrace, the hotel’s elegant Varanda restaurant and the Almada Negreiros lounge, complete with a trilogy of Centauros tapestries commissioned by the owners in 1956.

The Room

The hotel has 282 rooms and suites and almost all boast a private balcony. Our Deluxe Room was very spacious and homely, designed in a contemporary classic style with neutral tones, dark wood furnishings and blue highlights.

Room features include a large working desk, comfy seating area, large flatscreen TV, CD/DVD player, private bar with premium spirits, complimentary wifi, morning papers and overnight shoe shine. The large private terrace with outdoor furniture is a real treat and offers stunning views over the city.

A Welcome Treat

We were kindly welcomed with a bottle of fine local Port and some delectable Portuguese custard tarts (the first of many) served on a traditional tile with tiny shakers of icing sugar and ground cinnamon to finish. There was also a colourful bowl of fruit and a large bottle of mineral water in the room, which perked us up after an early morning flight.

I adored the king-size bed with sumptuous linen and had a peaceful, uninterrupted sleep each night. At evening turndown, large complimentary bottles of mineral water were placed by the bed, a Four Seasons Lisbon bookmark was placed inside my bedside book and the room was prepared for sleeping with our slippers placed on cotton mats.

The Bathroom

The large marble bathroom features a separate shower, deep soaking tub, double sink and two full sets of L’Occitane bathroom products. There are also plenty of large, fluffy towels, face cloths and plush embroidered Terry bathrobes and slippers.

Breakfast

Each morning, we enjoyed a sumptuous buffet breakfast in the hotel’s elegant Varanda restaurant. Four Seasons hotels are noted for their bountiful breakfasts and this one was a true delight. We were swiftly seated and served large pots of fine English breakfast and freshly-squeezed apple juice.

A la carte dishes are available, but we were tempted by the array of tasty hot items, eggs cooked to order, pancakes and crepes with maple syrup or berry compote, mini pastries, smoked salmon, bagels with a choice of cream cheese and gourmet cereals.

I particularly liked the healthy ‘create your own yoghurt’ station with a choice of plain yoghurt, fresh fruits, granola, muesli and all kinds of seeds to garnish. When in Lisbon, it’s essential to sample at least a few Portuguese custard tarts and luckily we were able to tick that off our list first thing in the morning. What’s not to love about cakes and tarts for breakfast?

A Private Car Tour of Lisbon

On our first full morning, the hotel kindly arranged a private car tour of Lisbon, so we could take in the city’s best sights in ultimate comfort. Our initial plan was to take a motorcycle and sidecar tour, but with rain showers threatening, we went for the safer but equally enjoyable option.

Our wonderful driver and guide knew the city inside out and shared historical and present day facts throughout the four-hour tour. We set off to Lisbon’s oldest district Alfama and briefly stopped at the Castle of São Jorge and Church of Santa Engrácia.

We took lots of photos over the city from a high viewpoint and looked out for authentic Fado bars and colourful tiled buildings. We then drove along the coast and up through vibrant Chiado and Bairro Alto, spotting cool boutiques, bars and stylish terrace cafes.

Belém

We spent an hour in Belém, Lisbon’s historically significant area where the great Portuguese explorers sailed away from on their voyages of discovery. We managed to squeeze in a quick visit to the Berardo Collection Museum, Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower and the famous Pastéis de Belém to pick up some freshly-baked Portuguese custard tarts – regarded as the best in Lisbon.

Lunch at Varanda

After touring the city, we arrived back at our room to find a selection of teas and sweet treats to perk us – a thoughtful and kind surprise. We’d worked up an appetite and after a short rest, we were ready for an indulgent lunch in Varanda.

Chef Pascal Meynard prepares a daily buffet-style lunch in Varanda and it really is a spectacular and luxurious affair. To start, guests can help themselves to seasonal salads, canapes, cured meats, artisan cheeses, fresh sushi, chilled shrimp and lobster (my favourite) and home-made soup.

To follow are delicious main dishes such as medallion of beef with shallots and potatoes, traditional Portuguese salt cod, grilled John Dory with polenta and a carvery leg of lamb.

It’s worth leaving plenty of room for dessert, as the selection of cakes and pastries are out of this world. We enjoyed bite-size servings of crème brûlée, millefeuille, fruit tarts, rice pudding, lemon meringue pie, éclairs, macarons, chocolate truffles, pâte de fruits and the most incredible apple crumble, which the restaurant is famed for.

The Swimming Pool

After lunch, we enjoyed a few hours of pure relaxation in the hotel’s fabulous spa. We made good use of the sauna and steam room and took a dip in the stunning indoor pool. The poolside lounge is the perfect spot to unwind on a lounger with views of the garden and complimentary herbal tea and dried fruits. The hotel also has a fantastic fitness centre and rooftop running track with views over the city.

A Relaxing Massage

Therapists from Four Seasons Bali were in residency at the spa during our visit and I was lucky enough to experience their expert skills with a soothing Harmony Massage. It was the first time I’ve tried an authentic Balinese four-hand massage and it was simply heavenly.

On arrival, one of the friendly, caring therapists washed my feet in warm, scented water and I was given a choice of four different massage oils. The massage was simple yet effective, with repetitive wave movements that lulled me into very deep relaxation. When the treatment was over, I was taken to the tranquil relaxation room to finish my spa journey over a cup of herbal tea.

Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon is perfect for those looking for a luxurious, comfortable stay in a central, upmarket part of Lisbon. The friendly, efficient staff made our stay so enjoyable, particularly Concierge who helped to make our plans run seamlessly.

With fabulous food, a tranquil spa and plush rooms, it’s tempting to linger in this stunning hotel, but of course the delights of Lisbon are not to be missed.

A Deluxe Room at Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon starts from €425 per room per night. For more information and booking, visit: www.fourseasons.com/lisbon/

Chérie City was a guest of Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon

For more Lisbon travel ideas, read my reviews of:

Beauty, Competitions

Win a Set of Surya Brasil Sapien Women Products

April 29, 2014 by cheriecity

Surya Brasil is a fantastic skincare and body brand that has been using the finest natural ingredients from the Amazon Rainforest for almost 20 years.

The eco-friendly brand is based on Ayurvedic principles and is committed not only to beauty and health but also environmental conversation, animal protection and social responsibility.

I first discovered Surya Brasil a few years ago when I picked up the Amazônia Preciosa Brazil Nut Hair Mask on a shopping trip and loved how nourishing and natural it was. I’ve tried a few other Surya Brasil products since and am excited to discover the new Sapien Women collection.

Sapien Women is Surya Brasil’s newest natural, organic and 100% vegan skincare collection for the face and body. Created with a natural coconut, mango, raspberry and vanilla scent and exotic ingredients from the Amazon Rainforest from sustainable organic farming, the collection is ideal for all skin types and is free from sulphates and silicone.

The full Surya Brasil Sapien Women collection is available to buy online in the UK at www.yourtonic.com

Surya Brasil is offering one lucky reader the chance to try a luxury set of its natural skincare and body products. The prize includes:

Surya Brasil Sapien Women Shower Gel – 300ml, £19.50
Surya Brasil Sapien Women Shave Gel – 200ml, £14.99
Surya Brasil Sapien Women Facial Scrub – 100ml, £14

HOW TO ENTER:

Follow Chérie City on Facebook and leave a comment on this page below, sharing your top natural beauty tip…

Terms & Conditions:

– Competition closes: 6pm, 13 May 2014.
– Entrants must become (or already be) a follower of Chérie City on Facebook.
– Open to UK residents only
– The prize is non-transferable and non-redeemable.
– No cash alternatives will be offered.
– The winner must claim the prize within 48 hours of contact, or a new winner will be selected.

Afternoon tea, Art, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, London, Restaurants

Matisse Afternoon Tea at Le Méridien Piccadilly, London

April 28, 2014 by cheriecity

In celebration of the must-see new exhibition Henri-Matisse: The Cut-Outs at Tate Modern, Le Méridien Piccadilly offers its own colourful Matisse Afternoon Tea in the stylish Terrace Grill & Bar.

Chef Michael Dutnall took inspiration from the bright colours and angles of Matisse’s iconic works and his birthplace to produce a delectable afternoon tea that tastes just as exquisite as it looks.

I visited the chic Terrace Grill & Bar to try the new Matisse Afternoon Tea on the Easter weekend when central London was blissfully quiet. The bright and airy Terrace Grill & Bar is split across two levels with a sleek restaurant and a more relaxed bar and lounge. It combines the elegance of Piccadilly’s Regency architecture with contemporary interiors and striking artworks.

On arrival, we were shown to a table with a cosy, hammock-like sofa and ordered pots of JING Earl Grey tea from the extensive tea menu.

We also tried a French Revolution cocktail, chosen to complement the flavours in the afternoon tea. A French twist on the classic Aviation cocktail, the French Revolution includes gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice and rose Champagne. The refreshing, strong cocktail is served in a tall flute and dipped in sugar, referencing Matisse’s cut-outs.

The Matisse Afternoon Tea is presented on a three-tier stand and the layer of cakes and pastries is sprayed with colour to represent Matisse’s iconic Blue Nude (II).

We started with savories inspired by the south of France and absolutely loved the gourmet Jambon de Bayonne and Brie-filled Croissant and a flavoursome Wrap with Marinated Provencal Vegetables and Tapenade.

Keeping with afternoon tea tradition, there is also a tasty Poached Salmon and Herb Crème Fraiche Sandwich and Egg and Cress Sandwich to munch on.

The test of a good afternoon tea is the scones and these plain and raisin scones were freshly-baked, springy and just the right size. They were served with delicious strawberry jam and clotted cream.

The sweets treats were delightfully colourful and tempting. I loved the indulgent Vanilla Pannacotta with Calvados jelly served in a little glass jar and the Battenberg Cake was one of the best I’ve tasted, with a delicate layer of royal icing and not too much marzipan. The Orange Delice was light as air and the asymmetric blue icing referenced Matisse’s blue cut-outs while the Apple Macarons were perfectly bite-size and filled with apple compote.

A Raspberry Tarte included fresh raspberries on top of silky crème patisserie and finished with crumbled macaron and the Lemon Eclair was filled with zesty lemon curd and topped with vibrant pink icing.

During the afternoon tea, we had the chance to create our own cut-out masterpieces with a box full of art supplies. While finishing our cocktails, we started snipping away at the coloured card for our own artistic postcards, ending up with two very different takes on Matisse’s vision. The postcards provided offer 20% discount at Terrace Grill & Bar on your next visit, plus it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon.

The Matisse Afternoon Tea at Le Méridien Piccadilly is a delightful, decadent treat and the perfect complement to the fabulous new exhibition. If you can, book both on the same day and enjoy a whole day of being dazzled by colour.

The Matisse Afternoon Tea is priced at £30 and is available in the Terrace Grill & Bar until 31st May 2014.

Chérie City was a guest of Le Meridien Piccadilly

Photos by Chérie City and Le Meridien Piccadilly

Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, London, Photography, Restaurants

A Stay at Ten Manchester Street Hotel

April 22, 2014 by cheriecity

Ten Manchester Street Hotel is a luxurious urban bolthole in chic Marylebone, just moments away from the hustle and bustle of central London.

The Edwardian boutique hotel feels cosy and refined with 44 guest rooms and a small but welcoming lobby with dramatic red velvet armchairs by Christopher Guy.

I visited Ten Manchester Street for a special preview of the hotel’s latest offering – a photography tour of the local area with professional photographer Ben Fisher.

The photography tour is suitable for guests with a basic working knowledge of a DSLR camera, including aperture and shutter speeds, however Ben can tailor tuition for beginners or more advanced photographers.

Arrival

We kicked off our afternoon of photography in the all-weather cigar terrace over Champagne, tea and home-made biscuits. Ben began the masterclass by showing a selection of his photographs from around the world on a TV screen and explained the composition and methods behind the shots.

He assessed our group’s level of photography skills and took us through the basics of how a DSLR camera works. We then headed out into Marylebone to take some shots and practice changing the aperture, shutter speed and ISO to capture the best images.

A Photography Tour of Marylebone

Our first stop was stylish Chiltern Street where we were encouraged to examine the details of the buildings, where the light was shining and the lines of the terraced buildings. There were plenty of interesting shop fronts to snap, plus a lovely florist that became paparazzi central for a short while!

We then moved on to Manchester Square, where we tried out our new skills on the pretty gardens, trees, flowers and quintessentially English architecture. We took some time to experiment with photographing street signs to see how the camera angle and exposure can affect the text.

Our final stop was Marble Arch to shoot the bronze statue of George IV, water fountains and the beginning of the sunset. We used tripods to capture the movement of the water and extended the shutter speed to achieve a different look.

Dinner in Dieci

After a fun and educational afternoon out in Marylebone, it was back to the hotel for a delicious three-course dinner in Dieci, the hotel’s intimate Italian restaurant.

While replaying what we’d learned in the photography tour, we enjoyed some aperitifs – mine was an enormous Negroni – and grazed on some tasty foccacia served with high quality olive oil and sweet balsamic vinegar.

I started with the most fantastic Pumpkin Ravioli with black Umbrian truffle. The perfectly al dente ravioli was packed full of rich pumpkin with a hint of amaretti and smothered in the most heavenly, flavoursome black truffle and olive oil sauce.

I followed with a light and tasty Grilled Chicken Paillard with Grumolo salad and Italian cherry tomatoes. The large escalope of chicken was succulent and had a smoky taste from the charcoal grill. Hungry from the photography tour, I couldn’t resist ordering a side of well-season fries served in a copper pan with little pots of ketchup and mayonnaise.

For dessert, I went for the light and refreshing Reciotto della Valpolicella wine marinated strawberries with Amalfi lemon sorbet. The strawberries were so juicy and soaked in dessert wine, plus the Amalfi lemon sorbet added some sweet zestiness. We rounded off the meal with pots of tea and some very indulgent chocolate truffles.

The restaurant was quiet that evening with a relaxed atmosphere and I liked it that all of the seats were plush and comfy – many of them even had sofas on one side.

The Cigar Shop

A popular pre or post-dinner spot is the hotel’s unique cigar shop and tasting room, where guests can enjoy fine Cuban cigars. It’s an interesting feature that sets the hotel apart from others, but I would personally prefer the cigar smoking to be confined to the tasting room, as the smoke can easily overwhelm the covered terrace if guests smoke there.

The Room

Following a fun day of exploring Marylebone through a lense and dining in Dieci, I was ready to kick back with a film in my delightful Deluxe Room (the same room category featured in the photography tour package) that had been turned down with complimentary mineral water and cotton mats by the bed.

My medium-sized room was designed in light gold, turquoise and dark red shades and had an attractive feature wall and comfy seating area. Room features included a 32″ flatscreen TV, DVD player, mini bar, free wifi and tea and coffee facilities with lovely individually boxed teas by English Tea Shop.

The queen-size bed was extremely comfortable and covered in sumptuous, high thread count linen. The entire hotel was peaceful and happily my room was very quiet too, leading to a good night’s sleep.

The Bathroom

The bathroom was small and simple but perfectly adequate with a petite sink, rainfall shower, plenty of fluffy towels, seriously plush gold embroidered bathrobe and slippers and a full set of Rituals bathroom products.

Breakfast

After a night of blissful, uninterrupted sleep, we met for a leisurely breakfast in Dieci. The breakfast menu at Ten Manchester Street is full of tempting morning dishes and is reasonably priced for a hotel breakfast.

My Eggs Benedict were so decadent and tasty, made with Italian eggs (the chef swears by them and they are indeed delicious), thick grilled ham, giant English muffins and a buttery, colourful Hollandaise sauce.

To round off our weekend staycation, we took a stroll around Marylebone Farmers Market, marveling at the colourful produce and artisan food on the stalls. A trip to Marylebone wasn’t complete without perusing the wares at The Conran Store, The Designer’s Guild, La Fromagerie, Rococo Chocolates and Daunt Books. I also couldn’t resist picking up some giant Madeleines from La Pâtisserie des Rêves.

Ten Manchester Street is a great place to stay for a more intimate, tranquil London hotel experience and a Photography Tour with Ben Fisher is an ideal way to explore Marylebone and see a new side of the city.

No. Ten Manchester Street’s photography tours with Ben Fisher start from £228 per person based on two sharing. The offer also includes a three-course lunch in Dieci restaurant and an overnight stay in a deluxe room including breakfast. For more information and booking, visit: www.tenmanchesterstreethotel.co.uk, 0207 3175 900.

Chérie City was a guest of Ten Manchester Street Hotel

Photos by Chérie City and Ten Manchester Street Hotel

London, Restaurants

Great Pizza at Sweet Thursday in Hackney

April 20, 2014 by cheriecity

Sweet Thursday is one of my favourite local discoveries – a colourful spot with the most delicious pizza and a chilled out atmosphere.

The charming Italian restaurant is nestled among a row of shops and restaurants on Southgate Road in leafy De Beauvoir just a short walk away from Kingsland Road. If you’re not familiar with De Beauvoir, it’s a pretty part of east London with large Georgian houses and plenty of inviting gastropubs.

Behind Sweet Thursday are siblings Richard Haines and Rosie Wesemann, who grew up in De Beauvoir with Harry Davies and opened The Scolt Head and The De Beauvoir Deli respectively. They were joined by bio-chemist turned pastry chef Bethany Chellingworth and artist Tom Halifax, plus chef Martina Vaccari and Giacomo, their experienced pizzaiolo from Naples.

I visited Sweet Thursday when my mum came to visit and we were looking for somewhere nearby with a tempting menu where we could chat easily.

The medium-sized restaurant has an authentic pizza oven and open kitchen and a market offering gourmet Italian produce at the front. The design is simple and bright with large wooden tables, painted school-style seats and nostalgic prints and maps of Italy.

I like it that the restaurant has a literary connection, inspired by the John Steinbeck novel Sweet Thursday and there’s even a framed edition hanging proudly above the bread station.

We decided on a few starters to share and couldn’t resist some Prawns wrapped in pancetta with chili and garlic (£6.50). The three plump, succulent prawns were served in their shells, yet they were already separated and wrapped in salty, crisp pancetta. They came with a bed of rocket and a light tomato and caper sauce, which was tasty but needed a bolder kick of chili and garlic.

Another tempting starter was the Buffalo Mozzarella with Caponata (£7.50). The mozzarella was so cool, creamy and flavoursome, drizzled with high quality olive oil and topped with fresh herbs. The caponata had a rustic, home-made taste with slow-roasted Mediterranean vegetables and plenty of green olives.

I couldn’t resist try the Pizza Crudo – Prosciutto crudo, rocket, tomato, mozarella, parmesan (£11.50). The enormous pizza was absolutely delicious, with the chewy, bubbly dough that you always hope for with an Italian pizza. It was very generously topped with the most flavoursome Prosciutto, rich parmesan and peppery rocket.

The tomato sauce was simple and made with sweet, sunkissed tomatoes and there was just the right amount of silky mozzarella.

Steven ordered an Italian speciality of Lentils and Tuscan Sausage (£12.50). The succulent, juicy sausages were well-seasoned with hint of fennel and the rich lentil stew was warming and spicy, with soft, chunky vegetables.

My mum tried the Calzone – mozzarella, nduja, rocket, tomato and parmesan (£12). The folded dough was nicely charred and generously filled and she was able to substitute the nduja for tasty marinated artichokes.

For dessert, steven and I shared a slice of Polenta and Orange Cake (£5.50). It was springy and zesty with a firm, dry texture, rather than a drenched polenta cake.

Our slice of cake was a lovely end to the meal, but my mum’s Blood Orange Posset (£5.50) was the real winner. The smooth set cream was cool and light while the blood orange compote added an intensely zingy sweetness and pleasant bitterness. It was served with home-made Italian biscuits and was decadent yet fresh and satisfying.

Sweet Thursday feels slightly below the radar and like a secret haven away from bustling Kingsland Road. The design and branding of the restaurant are cool and uplifting and the vibe is neighbourly and unpretentious. The Italian staff are charming and service is at a relaxed but reasonable pace. I can’t wait to go back and indulge in more delicious Italian comfort food.

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

Photos by Chérie City and Sweet Thursday