cheriecity | cheriecity.co.uk

Pierre Hermé Paris New Easter Collection

April 16, 2014 by cheriecity

Pierre Hermé brings a touch of elegance and fun to Easter with his festive chocolate eggs and adorable chocolate bunnies.

Not only is the Easter collection a feast for the eyes, but in typical Pierre Hermé fashion, the chocolate is out of this world.

I was delighted to attend a special chocolate tasting at the Pierre Hermé store in Belgravia this week to try a selection of dark and milk chocolate from around the world, alongside new macarons flavours.

The Oeuf Galets is the ultimate Easter egg made with Pure Origin Peruvian Dark Chocolate and studded with Pierre Hermé’s signature galets in flavours such as yuzu, raspberry, intense chocolate, vanilla, passion fruit and salted caramel. The delectable chocolate is known for its citrus notes and contains 64% cocoa.

Interestingly, we were told to forget the notion that the percentage of cocoa content reflects the quality of the chocolate, as the flavours and notes can also affect the taste.

The Oeuf Mendient is another grown up Easter egg, made with Grand Cru Caraïbes Dark Chocolate (66% cocoa) or Hermé Milk Chocolate (45% cocoa) and covered with layers of chunky hazelnut, almond, pistachio, candied ginger and orange. The Oeuf Dentelle, made using the same choice of chocolate, is chic and delicate with a pretty lace pattern.

Most charming, of course, are the Lapin de Pâques and the Famille Lapin adorned with orange or yellow ribbons. All of the Easter products come garnished with a selection of delicious mini filled easter eggs in colourful foil wrapping.

We also had the chance to try some of the limited edition Fetish Satine collection. Perfect for spring, Satine combines silky cream cheese with juicy orange and tart passion fruit.

The Macaron Satine consist of a soft mousseline cream and an orange and passion fruit compote packed inside a crisp meringue shell. It brings to mind the zesty, indulgent flavours of a fruit cheesecake and ideal for those who can’t decide between a fruity or creamy macaron filling.

The Fetish Satine collection includes a wide range of products such as the Cake Satine, Saint-Honoré Satine, Baba Satine, Brioche Satine, Confiture Satine, Calisson and Thé Satine.

Another exciting new flavour from Pierre Hermé is the Jardin des Huit Trésors macaron, inspired by Hong Kong’s art of tea. The rich, fragrant macaron is a curious mix of lotus seed, red date, wolfberry, rosebud, dried orange peel, dried longan fruit, chrysantheum, osmanthus.

It’s a complex, intriguing flavour that is sure to delight fans of the experimental Pierre Hermé Les Jardins collection. With the jewel-like colours and exotic notes, it’s definitely one of my favourites.

Fetish Satine is available at Pierre Hermé stores and online until 27th April. The Jardin des Huit Trésors macaron is also available until the end of April.

Bars, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, Paris

A Cocktail Tour with Le Bristol Paris

April 13, 2014 by cheriecity

Le Bar du Bristol is a favourite haunt among stylish Parisians and clued-up visitors for a chic apéritif or an evening of creative cocktails.

Opened at the end of 2012, the bar is an intimate, cosy hideaway within the luxurious five star palace hotel Le Bristol, in Paris’ prestigious eighth arrondissement. It has Le Bristol’s signature friendly, unpretentious atmosphere and attracts a well-heeled crowd – perfect for a bit of civilised people-watching.

I had a memorable stay at Le Bristol a few years ago and was thrilled to be invited back for two nights to attend a special masterclass and cocktail tour of Paris hosted by award-winning Head Bartender Maxime Hoerth.

Eurostar

We travelled to Paris by Eurostar and enjoyed the delights of Standard Premier – spacious seating, generous luggage allowance and a tasty meal with drinks and plenty of tea or coffee, plus a selection of complimentary glossy magazines to pass the time.

The Junior Suite

On arrival, I found that the lovely people at Le Bristol had kindly assigned me the very same Junior Suite that I stayed in last time as a surprise. It was wonderful to feel like a regular and I was touched that they had planned this even though the hotel was busy. After checking in, we were granted a private audience with Fa-Raon, the hotel’s famous Birman cat (he is the hotel’s real VIP, after all).

A Cocktail Masterclass at Le Bar du Bristol

The highlight of the trip was a private cocktail masterclass at Le Bar du Bristol with Head Bartender Maxime Hoerth. After a leisurely lunch in Le Jardin Français, we spent a few hours learning all about Le Bristol’s approach to the art of cocktails, even getting behind the bar ourselves.

Designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon and Maja Oetker, Le Bar du Bristol is a chic yet homely space with exquisite frescoes and tapestries, plus quirky touches such as leopard print stools and taxidermy birds and peacocks. There is even a cosy open fireplace where guests can curl up with a fine whisky – that’s if Fa-Raon hasn’t claimed the space for himself.

Hed Bartender Maxime Hoerth

Head Bartender Maxime Hoerth is a well-known personality on the Paris cocktail scene and was awarded the title of ‘Best Craftsman in France 2011’. Not only is he France’s top mixologist (and a really cool, friendly guy), but he knows Paris inside out and is happy to share tips on where to go.

Maxime’s favourite cocktail is an Old Fashioned, so he demonstrated how to make six different versions of the classic drink, including a special Christmas Old Fashion made with a home-made spice syrup, an Irish Old Fashioned using Kahlua and a Bourbon Old Fashioned.

The Chérie Club

Maxime offered to create a special cocktail for each of our websites, based on the types of drinks that we like. I reeled off a number of favourite ingredients and within a matter of moments, the Chérie Club was born.

Based on a classic Clover Club, my new signature drink includes No.3 London Dry Gin, St Germain liqueur, muddled raspberries, lychee flavours, rose syrup, lemon juice and egg white. I loved the fresh, fragrant taste and the romantic presentation with dried rosebuds and a touch of sugar on the rim.

Collaborating with La Maison du Chocolat

An exciting new project from Le Bar du Bristol is the Spirited Cocktails Collection, a collaboration between Maxime Hoerth and La Maison du Chocolat Master Chef Nicolas Cloiseau. The limited edition chocolates are based on Le Bar du Bristol’s unique cocktails flavours, marrying the finest juices, fruits and tea with sumptuous dark and milk chocolate.

The five chocolate flavours include MOF2, Bellini, Faubourg, So Bristol and Peacock and come in coffets of 8 or 27 chocolates bearing the signature colours of Le Bristol.

Le Mary Celeste

Our first stop on the cocktail tour was Le Mary Celeste, a hip nautical-inspired bar in the Marais. Created by the team behind Candelaria and Glass, Le Mary Celeste is a popular spot among Paris’ creative crowd – it even hosted a pop-up raw juice bar during Paris Fashion Week.

Over drinks and bites, Maxime Hoerth introduced us to the Paris cocktail scene, explaining that the arrival of the Experimental Cocktail Club kicked off a trend for artisanal cocktails served in low-key bars in the city’s coolest neighbourhoods.

The well-edited selection of cocktails are exciting and innovative, plus the bar offers a tempting menu of small plates and has a daily oyster happy hour. My chosen cocktail was Valentina – Plantation 3 Stars Rum, violet liqueur, fino sherry and lime (€12). Served in a coupe, the fragrant and tangy cocktail had an attractive pale pink colour and was finished with a sprig of lavender.

We grazed on a selection of gourmet small plates including the most delicious Gratin Japonais (€9), Spiced Cauliflower with almonds and pickled red onions (€8), Crudo of Pollack with with soya sauce, orange and fennel (€11), Aubrac Beef Tartare with rice, pork rinds, fresh herbs and a spicy sauce (€12) and Devilled Eggs with ginger, fried rice and spring onions (€7).

Dishes on the constantly changing menu are so tasty and inventive that it’s worth visiting Le Mary Celeste for dinner rather than just drinks, to experience as many as possible. The bar is also well-placed for a hip bar crawl with neighbours such as Little Red Door, Grazie and wine bar Au Passage.

Sherry Butt

Just a short walk away from Le Mary Celeste, is Sherry Butt, a laid-back, spacious bar that specialises in rare and interesting whiskies. It has a hidden, discreet feel and is designed in a cool industrial loft style with exposed brick walls, high ceilings and leather banquettes.

Cathleen McGarry and Amaury Guyot opened Sherry Butt after honing their skills at Curio Parlour and Prescription Cocktail Club. We were lucky enough to have a large table to ourselves when we visited on a chilled out Wednesday evening, but the bar can get much busier when DJs play on weekends.

Sherry Butt is known for its excellent Whiskey Flights, but we were keen to try the cocktails, all of which are priced between 12 and 13 Euros. After the delicious small plates at Le Mary Celeste, I was in the mood for something sweet, so I tried a Banana Rose – Calvados, Tawny Port, banana flambée syrup, lemon juice and chocolate bitters (€13).

The bar bites at Sherry Butt are simple, delicious and ideal for sharing. We grazed on moreish Pata Negra ham (€20), Taramasolata with Truffle and toasted sourdough (€13), cool and creamy Burrata Tartines with pistachio pesto (€14) and some tasty Sausage Rolls with tomato and Pedro Ximinez chutney (€12).

Sherry Butt is a cool, chilled out place to catch up with friends or bring a date, plus it’s close to the bars of the Marais and within stumbling distance of Saint Paul to catch a cab.

Jefrey’s

The next evening, Maxime took us to Jefrey’s, a small but sophisticated bar in the fashionable Montorgueil neighbourhood, on the same cobbled street as Experimental Cocktail Club (and hipster burger joint Big Fernand for pre or post-cocktail munchies).

The speakeasy bar takes inspiration from the Prohibition era and is furnished with comfy purple velvet and and brown leather armchairs, silver tray tables and dimmed lighting. The mezzanine level features a vintage gramophone and a cabinet storing premium bottles bought by regulars.

Mixing at the bar is Guillaume Bisiaux, formerly at luxury hotels Prince de Galles and Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme. His innovative cocktails (many with American-inspired names) include the the gin-based Colline de Portland, an El Rey made with Tio Pepe sherry and a Bubble Cup made with Mamont vodka, Pimms Cup, raspberry cordial, rose and Champagne.

Another cool touch is Jefrey’s DIY Martini, offering a wide selection of spirits and mixers for a custom drink.

I loved the refreshing, smooth Bonne Poire – Grey Goose La Poire vodka, liqueur de Poire Bierce, Alain Milliat Summer Pear Nectar, lime juice and home-made vanilla syrup. We accompanied our drinks with some light bar plates of scrumptious Pata Negra ham, Cherry Tomato and Mozzarella and Cheese Straws.

Back to Le Bar du Bristol

To round off a splendid evening in Paris, it was then back ‘home’ to Le Bar du Bristol. By night, the bar has a warm glow and buzzing atmosphere with well-heeled guests sipping cocktails on the plush sofas. A cool Parisienne DJ plays sexy French disco and soul and the enormous screen behind the bar shows contemporary art videos by a different artist each month (during our visit, Corsican artist Ange Leccia’s work was shown).

On arrival we were presented with a sweet and fruity welcome cocktail while Maxime talked us through the bar menu. I started with a zingy, aptly aptly named So British – Earl Grey infused Beefeater 24 gin, Monin elderflower syrup, freshly squeezed lime and and fresh grapefruit juice.

The cocktails are creatively presented, particularly the 365 – a limited edition cocktail made to celebrate the bar’s first birthday – served in a tall, elegant coupe and finished with a colourful peacock feather. I also loved the warm, spicy Hot Punch, which was an excellent night cap.

Tapas are by the hotel’s Executive Chef Eric Frechon and we munched 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.

Le Bar du Bristol is open until 1.30am and it is a rare luxury to simply wander back upstairs after a night out in Paris – hotel bars are perfect for that.

Breakfast

The next morning, I enjoyed a leisurely breakfast of Eggs Benedict with shaved black truffle, viennoiserie by Laurent Jeannin, fresh apple juice and a pot of English breakfast tea, served in my room. A stay at Le Bristol isn’t complete without a relaxing swim in the hotel’s glorious rooftop pool with a great view over Paris.

We finished our stay with an indulgent lunch in the hotel’s Michelin star brasserie de luxe, 114 Faubourg. I took a reflective pause in the hotel’s beautiful, peaceful garden before we headed back to Gare du Nord to take the Eurostar back to London without even the slightest hint of a sore head – it must be the magic of Le Bristol.

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.

Chérie City was a guest of Le Bristol and Eurostar

Photos by Chérie City, Le Bristol, Le Mary Celeste & Jefrey’s

Events, London, Market, Restaurants

Fairground Launches in Haggerston

April 11, 2014 by cheriecity

East London’s thriving street food scene shows no signs of slowing down with the arrival of new venture Fairground, kicking off tomorrow for ten weeks.

The pop-up project is headed up by Dominic Cools-Lartigue, founder of the enormously popular Street Feast, and is set to have a unique festival vibe with arts, culture, food and music.

Fairground occupies a disused office block in Haggerston and is set over three floors. Level One is Fairground Live – an event space with live music and installations with music takeovers from London brands such as WAH Nails, Run Dem Crew and Field Day. The launch weekend starts with a pre-Glastonbury party from jewellery and lifestyle brand Love Bullets, best known for their parties at the Shangri-La field.

Level Two is the Grandaad Lounge – a relaxed space for hang outs and creative thinking with weekend events such as inspirational guest speakers, workshops, masterclasses, talks and interviews. The first weekend features events and classes by guests such as English Disco Lovers, Kwame Kwaten, design studio Form and the team behind the Move Your Money campaign.

Level Three is of course the Fairground Diner – a top floor restaurant space with a constantly changing line-up of London’s favourite restaurants and chefs, including the likes of Yum Bun and Baba G. from Street Feast. The bar is curated by Strange Hill, the team behind the bar at the London Edition, the Booking Office Bar at Renaissance St Pancras and Mark Hix’s venues, so expect some thrilling libations.

Busaba Eathai hosts the first takeover, showcasing new recipes for the first time in line with SongKran (Thai New Year). Additionally, Andy Oliver of The Begging Bowl presents his new venture Som Saa, offering authentic Thai dishes using quality British ingredients, and Yum Jungle makes an appearance too.

Other Thai-themed activities include 25-minute Thai cookery classes, Pandan cupcake decorating, an exotic Thai fruit tasting stand, and a Thai massage hut.

Fairground is set to be the place to hang out in east London for weekends to come, offering an experience that goes beyond simply tempting food and cocktails – make it a part of your schedule now.

Fairground runs from 12th April for 10 weeks. For more information, visit: www.fairgroundlondon.com

Open: Saturday from 10am to 3am and Sunday from 10am to midnight.
Price: Free before 7pm, £5 from 7pm to 9pm, £7 after 9pm.
Address: 260-264 Kingsland Road, London, E8 4DG

Accessories, Designers, Fashion, USA

Anndra Neen for The Beverly Hills Hotel

April 9, 2014 by cheriecity

Anndra Neen, winners of the Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize 2011, have created a limited edition collection of jewellery inspired by The Beverly Hills Hotel.

Since presenting their pieces at The Beverly Hills Hotel in 2011, Phoebe and Annette Stephens’ label has become known for its intricate metalwork and is stocked at over 40 stores worldwide.

Their accessories are a firm favourite among fashion editors and have been worn by Michelle Obama, Jessica Alba, Drew Barrymore, Nicole Richie and Anna Paquin.

Their line for The Beverly Hills Hotel is inspired by the hotel’s iconic design elements, from its dreamy shades of pink to the signature banana leaves found on the wallpaper and landscaped gardens across the property.

The striking hand-made necklace, choker and ring feature rose quartz, alpaca and brass materials.

Anndra Neen’s collection for The Beverly Hills Hotel is priced from £185.19 to £389.53 and is available to buy at the hotel’s Logo Shop and online.

Lisbon

Photo Diary: Lisbon, Portugal

April 8, 2014 by cheriecity

Lisbon, Portugal -01.04.14 – 03.04.14

All photos by Chérie City

Beach, Cherie Soleil, Designers, Fashion, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury

Tallulah & Hope for The Luxury Collection Resorts

April 7, 2014 by cheriecity

High end beachwear brand Tallulah & Hope has collaborated with The Luxury Collection Resorts to design a limited edition range of kaftans inspired by four of its Asia Pacific destinations.

The idyllic tropical resorts include The Naka Island in Phuket, Vana Belle in Koh Samui, Laguna Nusa Dua in Bali and The Andaman in Langkawi, Malaysia.

The digitally printed silk kaftans capture the spirit of the exotic landscapes and bring a touch of effortless chic to the poolside, beach or sundown cocktails. Not only are the prints stunning, but the one-size kaftans drape beautifully and are perfect for travelling light.

Behind the British brand are former fashion PR Lisa Ispani and costume designer/stylist Zoe Holborough. The two friends dreamed up the concept for a chic holiday capsule wardrobe while on holiday with friends and went on to launch Tallulah & Hope in 2010.

Lisa worked with Versace and other luxury clients before going freelance to work with her husband’s restaurant group Canteen and his product design studio Very Good & Proper.

Meanwhile Zoe began her career working with Parisienne stylist Camille Bidault-Waddington and has styled for clients such as designer Russell Sage and the Osbournes and was head designer and stylist for London 2012 Summer Olympics.

The design duo’s background in fashion and stylish travel gave them an insight into what was missing from the luxury traveller’s suitcase and their cool collaboration with The Luxury Collection Resorts is a perfect match.

Zoe Holborough spoke to Chérie City about the inspiration behind the new collection and her travels…

How do you define luxury travel?

Space, time and beauty.

Which special items do you always pack in your suitcase for a luxury trip?

I don’t go anywhere without several super-size T&H pareos in both cotton and silk and loads of sunglasses.

What is your favourite memento that you’ve brought back from a trip?

Handmade tan leather clogs with small horseheads embossed on them from Dordogne and handpainted christmas tree decorations from Delhi.

How did each destination inspire your kaftan designs?

Each of the hotels offers the ultimate in refined relaxation. The collection contains motifs and gestures that reference the tropical fauna and flora unique to each hotel. We wanted to capture the romantic beauty of a perfect holiday.

What would you add to a kaftan to go from poolside to glam sundown cocktails?

Amazing earrings and a splash of perfume!

What are your tips for an easy beach chic look?

Scarves in the hair, great sunglasses (Prism, Oliver Goldsmith, vintage Persol), oiled skin and well polished toenails.

Which destination has surprised you the most?

I was in Georgia in Eastern Europe with my family last summer; breathtaking landscapes, incredible food, wine, weather, people, history…I’m hooked.

Which destinations are next on your ‘must see’ list?

For a weekend away with my other half Seville or San Sebastian and for a long-haul family holiday we’re keen to try out The Andaman in Langkawi, Malaysia – one of the destinations which inspired the Luxury Collection kaftan range.

The resort is surrounded by ancient rainforest and coral reefs, where families can take part in The Andaman’s coral nursery programme, guided coral reef walks and snorkelling sessions – as well as enjoy the hotel’s waterslides, hilltop spa and Malay seafood at the beachside restaurant.

Where is your favourite beach in the world?

Tulum, Mexico the beach is natural and unspoilt, it has powder white sands the waters are crystal blue and you can look up from the ocean and wonder at the ancient Mayan ruins — some from as early as A.D. 250 – which dot the cliffs above.

What do you like most about The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts?

Each hotel or resort feels totally unique and really reflects the destination & local culture in terms of decor, cuisine, service and vibe. They are a stylish base to explore a destination from.

The collection has some of the world’s most historic hotels such as the Gritti Palace in Venice, Hotel Imperial Vienna & The Astor in Tianjin and yet also has ultra-contemporary ones like the Frank Gehry designed Marques di Riscal in Spain and Twelve at Hengshan by Mario Botta in Shanghai. Plus some gorgeous beach resorts from Mexico to Malaysia to Thailand too.

The four limited edition silk kaftans are available exclusively at The Luxury Collection Resorts boutiques and online at www.tallulahandhope.com.

Competitions

Flowers and Friendship

April 5, 2014 by cheriecity

In the springtime, I love to take long walks in the park and pick up some blooms from Columbia Road Flower Market to brighten up my home.

Flowers are such an instant mood lifter and it’s such a lovely feeling to give or receive a beautiful bouquet. Peonies are my favourite flowers, but I also adore hydrangeas, vintage roses and sunflowers.

The Flower Council of Holland invited me to take part in their challenge on Facebook to guess a friend’s favourite flower and have the chance to win a bouquet of flowers.

It’s often said that the friendships that you make at university are the ones that really last. I was lucky to have an amazing group of girls around me to experience the best and worst of uni life and among them was my best friend Coralie, who now lives in Paris.

We first met over lunch with friends from my French class at Glasgow University where Coralie was on her Erasmus placement and I was in my second year. Since then we’ve had all sorts of adventures including a fun trip to Barcelona and countless festivals, DJing together at our club night in Glasgow and spending hours just chatting away, whether in a restaurant or simply perched on a park bench.

A trip to Paris never feels complete unless we’ve had a catch up. Luckily for us last month it was over breakfast in the glamorous setting of Le Bristol, one of our favourite Paris hotels.

Here are a few questions I’ve answered about Coralie’s favourite things…

What is my friend’s favourite cafe?

Le Loire dans la Théière in Paris

What’s my friends’ favourite place to shop?

Small and trendy shops in Le Marais

What’s my friend’s favourite city?

New York

What’s my friend’s favourite movie?

Singin’ in the Rain

What’s my friend’s favourite flower?

Viola

What’s my friend’s favourite fragrance?

Frangipani flower

How well do you know your best friend? Could you guess their favourite flower? Enter the Flower Council of Holland Facebook challenge and if you guess correctly, you could win a stunning bouquet of flowers.

I nominate Hungry Becs and Cellophaneland* to do the challenge and see if they can guess their best friend’s favourite blooms.

Sponsored post

All photos by Chérie City

Paris, Restaurants

Terroir Parisien Bourse by Yannick Alléno

March 28, 2014 by cheriecity

Celebrated French chef Yannick Alléno brings a modern touch to traditional Parisian cuisine with the second outpost of his Bistrot Terroir Parisien at the stately Palais Brongniart.

Opened late last year in the Paris Bourse former stock exchange building, the Right Bank restaurant offers reinterpreted classic dishes with a focus on the finest ingredients sourced from producers within Île-de-France – a real ‘farm to table’ experience.

Yannick Alléno made his name in the restaurants of Paris’ most exclusive luxury hotels (notably at Le Meurice where he gained his third Michelin star), but Bistrot Terroir Parisien signals a brave new direction and approach to cooking.

His signature haute cuisine can still be enjoyed at the palatial Hôtel Salomon de Rothschild and Cheval Blanc in Courchevel, but at Bistrot Terroir Parisien, it’s all about hearty, honest food, cooked with emotion to evokes positive memories.

Bistrot Terroir Parisien-Palais Brongniart is informal and lively with a modern yet homely feel. At the front of the restaurant is a small food market with shelves full of tempting produce such as gourmet biscuits, juices, oils, vinegar, dried herbs and lentils.

Foodies will be delighted by the Rillettes Bar, which offers artisanal charcuterie, cheeses and deli items, plus an apéro bag to take out for a decadent picnic.

When I visited with my mother, the restaurant was buzzing with a mix of clued-up tourists and an after-work Parisian crowd. We were greeted warmly and seated at a table close to the central bar with a good view of the open kitchen.

We ordered from the varied menu and then asked our friendly waiter to recommend a light red wine. We were brought glasses of a fruity, smooth and very easy to drink Bourgognes and a basket of fresh, crusty baguette and French butter.

I started with the Poached Langoustines in a Watercress and Herb Jelly (€17). A generous amount of plump, fresh langoustines were covered in a tangy cream sauce with watercress and lots of aromatic tarragon. The tasty sauce perfectly complemented the seafood and I couldn’t resist mopping it up with a few slices of baguette.

All dishes at Bistrot Terroir Parisien are simply presented on modest china, avoiding the grand flourishes and that you’d expect from a Michelin star chef. This may be a surprise for fans of Yannick Alléno, but in the context of the restaurant’s philosophy, it makes sense.

My mum went for a warming Pumpkin Soup with Viltain Farm Fresh Cream (€9). The simple, classic pumpkin soup was slow-cooked and satisfying, served with a little pot of fresh cream on the side.

For my main course, it had to be the French classic of Peppered Beef with Home-made French Fries (€26). This is the kind steak that I always dream of eating in Paris when only a meat fix will do.

The thick, succulent medium-cooked fillet of beef was tender, lean and covered with crush black peppercorns. It was served with a lightly creamy peppercorn sauce mixed with juices from the meat. The beef came with a cone of hot, crispy French fries, seasoned with just the right amount of salt. It was the best steak I’ve eaten in a long time and every mouthful was a true delight.

Happily, my mum ordered Petites Endives au Jambon (€19), which I had been tempted to try. It was a homely, rustic dish with soft, pleasantly bitter oven-grilled chicory and juicy Paris ham smothered in rich béchamel, Gruyère and plenty of ground nutmeg.

The portion size was very generous, particularly for such an indulgent dish, so I was lucky enough to grab a few forkfuls for myself (in exchange for some frites, of course).

For a light end to the meal, I ordered the delectable Île Flottante with Nemours Caramel (€10). Usually in Paris I can’t resist a decadent fondant au chocolat, but this dessert was just so dreamy, sweet and perfectly sized.

The delicate dome of meringue floated on silky, vanilla-scented crème anglaise and was drizzled with a sticky caramel sauce.

My mum’s Nanterre Brioche French Toast with Vanilla Ice Cream (€10) was a much more indulgent, hearty affair. The enormous wedge of moist, buttery brioche was nicely caramelised on the outside with a crunchy sugar crust. Vanilla ice cream on a bed of biscuit crumbs had a delicious home-made taste and was the perfect accompaniment.

When visiting Paris, I’m often torn between a craving for typical French food and checking out more innovative offerings from noted chefs. Bistrot Terroir Parisien bridges the two, offering mouthwatering dishes with the flair of a renowned chef – best of all, at wallet-friendly prices.

Staff were so friendly and efficient and I liked the large open dining room and unpretentious atmosphere. I can see Bistrot Terroir Parisien becoming a modern classic in Paris and I can’t wait to return to try more of Yannick Alléno’s comforting creations.

For more information and booking, visit: www.yannick-alleno.com

Chérie City was invited by Bistro Terroir Parisien

Photos by Chérie City and Bistro Terroir Parisien

Accessories, Shopping

Last-minute Mother’s Day Gifts

March 25, 2014 by cheriecity

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching, so keep it simple with something special that she is sure to love. Here are a few gift ideas for what to buy your rockstar mum…

China Blue Love Cushion, £72, Jan Constantine
Fable Red Tree Accent Plate, £7, Royal Doulton
Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Rose Berry, £19, Selfridges
Smythson Superstar Textured Red Leather Notebook, £45, Net-a-Porter
AERIN Fragrance Coffret, £70, Estee Lauder
Pomegranate 18ct Gold Vermeil Cupcake Chalcedony Stacking Ring, £45, John Lewis
All My Løv Gift Box assortment of 24 tea bags, £15.90, Løv Organic

Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, Istanbul

A Luxury Stay at Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul

March 24, 2014 by cheriecity

Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul is one of the city’s newest five star hotels, bringing a touch of Asian luxury to the European bank.

The elegant hotel occupies a prestigious location next door to Dolmabahce Palace in the converted 1930s Besiktas Tobacco Warehouse.

Location

Within walking distance is the chic Nisantasi shopping district while the Besiktas ferry terminal is just in front of the hotel and the Kabatas funicular and modern tram station is a 10-15 minutes walk. Staying along this peaceful stretch of the Bosphorus is much quieter than busy Taksim and touristic Sultanahmet, yet both are easily accessed by metro or taxi.

The stunning marble lobby is truly dazzling with stately furniture, Chinese vases, shimmering chandeliers, artistic flower arrangements and a grand staircase under a dome-shaped atrium. The also hotel features over 1000 pieces of European and Asian art.

The cosy Lobby Lounge offers afternoon tea and light snacks and Le Bar next door is a hotspot for expertly-mixed cocktails, tapas and mezze.

Arrival

The hotel features 186 guestrooms and suites, including the opulent Shangri-La Suite with three private terraces. Even the glass lift that took us to our suite following a welcoming check-in is feminine and pretty with a Chinese pastel birdcage print on the wall.

The Suite

Our Deluxe Bosphorus Suite was simply breathtaking and ever so elegant, subtly blending Turkish, Asian and French design influences. The reception area leads on to an enormous living room on the corner of the hotel with fantastic floor to ceiling views of the Bosphorus Strait, looking out to the Asian side of Istanbul.

The living room features a dark wood dining table for four, executive writing desk, a comfortable sofa area and a 42-inch LCD satellite TV with in-house movie channels and DVD player. The marble-topped bar area includes a minibar filled with premium spirits, complimentary mineral water, a Nespresso machine and a separate kettle with five mini caddies of Ronnefeldt loose leaf tea.

It was a delight to choose between fine teas such as Princess Grey, jasmine pearl and Morning Dew mango and citrus green tea for different times of the day to truly feel at home. We were also welcomed with welcomed with a pot of Chinese green tea served in a lovely basket with china cups.

The living room was also filled with stunning flowers that perfumed and brightened the room – a thoughtful touch that can sometimes be overlooked in luxury hotels. Another home comfort is complimentary high-speed wifi, which made it easy to plan our days exploring Istanbul.

Following on from the living room is an impressive walk-in wardrobe with two expansive rails, plenty of drawers and storage space (ideal for long-stay guests).

The Bedroom

Our spacious bedroom was serene and bright, designed in a soft palette of cream and beige with teal and grey-blue highlights. It has an enviable view of the Bosphorus, giving the illusion that you could dive right in. Waking up to such an inspiring landscape with the light streaming in each morning was a real treat and made leaving our heavenly king-size bed that little bit easier.

I loved the ornate fabrics in the bedroom, mixing light chinoiserie with metallic and embroidered textures. We found the sumptuous pillows 300-thread count linen absolutely perfect, but there is a pillow menu with hypoallergenic options, if guests have a particular preference.

Turndown

At evening turndown, cotton mats and complimentary bottles of mineral water are placed by the bed with a Shangri-La bookmark next to a copy of James Hilton’s Lost Horizon.

The Bathroom

The seductive black marble bathroom with heated floors boasts a deep soaking tub, rainfall shower, double sink, a mist-free mirror with flat-screen TV and a drawer filled with bathroom essentials. There are plenty of luxurious towels, face cloths and plush embroidered bathrobes and slippers. I loved the brilliant white sliding doors with carved Asian patterns that separate all of the rooms.

The bathroom is generously filled with Bvlgari White Tea bathroom products plus bath salts and a reed diffuser with the Shangri-La signature scent – a warm blend of vanilla, sandal, musk, bergamot and tea spiced with ginger.

Breakfast

Each morning, we headed down for an indulgent breakfast at IST TOO, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant that serves both Asian and Mediterranean cuisine and features a Japanese sushi bar and noodle puller.

Starting the day in IST TOO is a fabulous affair, particularly if you can score a table overlooking The Bosphorus, although the sofa seats are comfortable and luxurious. A number of breakfast stations offer tempting hot dishes, eggs cooked to order, delicious pastries, gourmet cereal, fresh juices, yoghurts, fruit compotes and everything needed for a traditional Turkish breakfast.

I particularly liked the pancakes served with maple syrup and chocolate spread and the blueberry custard pastries.

The hotel also offers Cantonese fine dining with its signature restaurant Shang Palace on the lower ground floor. I dined at Shang Palace at Shangri-La Paris and was wowed by its excellent dim sum, barbecued meats and tasty claypot dishes.

The Swimming Pool and Spa

Spending a few hours enjoying the hotel’s impressive health and leisure facilities is an absolute must when staying at the hotel. Guests can work out at the state-of-the-art gym and swim under hand-painted clouds in the stunning heated indoor pool with tiny mosaics or relax with a herbal tea on the poolside loungers.

The friendly, attentive staff offered us fresh fruit and bottled water and guided us up to CHI Spa to try the spa facilities (separate for men and women). The expansive CHI Spa has a distinctly Asian feel and includes facilities such as a hammam, sauna, Turkish bath, tropical experience shower and relaxation room with plush spa beds.

Treatments inspired by traditional Asian healing philosophies are available and guests can enjoy a complimentary 15 minute reflexology appointment (be sure to book a slot right away, as they fill up quickly).

What really adds character to Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul is the warmth and helpfulness of the staff. Concierge really impressed us when we decided at last minute to have dinner at the very popular Karaköy Lokantasi. Within a few moments, we had a table secured and were on our way there in a taxi.

Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul is a fantastic new addition to design-conscious Istanbul and ideal if you’re looking for a luxurious retreat away from the crowds. With such spectacular views, opulent interiors and fine attention to detail, it’s easy to fall for Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul.

For more information and booking, visit: www.shangri-la.com

Chérie City was a guest of Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul

Photos by Chérie City and Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul

Paris, Patisserie

L’Éclair de Génie, Paris

March 20, 2014 by cheriecity

L’Éclair de Génie is one of Paris’ most exciting addresses where the humble éclair has been elevated into the realms of haute patisserie.

Following the macaron phenomenon, éclairs have become the fashionable pastry of the moment in Paris and French pastry chef Christophe Adam’s creations are as innovative as they come.

Adam opened his petite concept store last year in the heart of the Marais, dedicated primarily to exquisite éclairs (and a selection of chocolate treats).

Christophe Adam’s pastry heritage is unparalleled, beginning his career at London’s Le Gavroche and then moving over to Paris to invent new sweet delights for Hôtel de Crillon, Laurent Jeannin and Fauchon alongside Sebastien Gaudard. He was the guy behind the fantastic digitally printed Mona Lisa and Brigitte Bardot éclairs at Fauchon.

Located on rue Pavée, L’Éclair de Génie is impossible to miss with its striking white exterior and swarm of drooling passersby. Walking through the door, you can’t help but be at the mercy of an intoxicating aroma – freshly-baked éclairs, chocolate and crème patisserie.

The éclairs sparkle like precious jewels behind the glass counter and the friendly staff wait patiently while decisions are made. There is a permanent collection of signature flavours and limited edition éclairs to keep the interest of its regular connoisseurs.

We chose the pretty Rose Bonbon and Rouge Baiser éclairs to take out and strolled over to the Place Georges Pompidou to devour them. The delicate Rose Bonbon éclair was filled with a light pink Madagascan vanilla crème patisserie and topped with vanilla frosting, mini marshmallows, rose petals and dots of chocolate. It was creamy, fragrant, sweet and ever so dreamy.

The seductive Rouge Baiser éclair was completely red and was filled with a mix of crème framboise and chocolat grand cru, topped with a sticky, intense red gloss. The mix of juicy raspberry and rich, bitter chocolate gave it an interesting tartness.

Most of the éclairs are priced between five and seven euros and are much lighter than traditional éclairs. I can’t wait to return and try more flavours such as Pistache Orange, Passione-Framboise and Chocolate Grand Cru.

For more information and locations, visit: www.leclairdegenie.com

All photos by Chérie City

Hotels, Hotels - Design, Hotels - Luxury, London

Dorset Square Hotel in Marylebone

March 17, 2014 by cheriecity

Dorset Square Hotel is a stunning Regency townhouse hotel in leafy Marylebone fitted with designer Kit Kemp’s signature colourful, quirky interiors.

While the design may be familiar, the intimate, discreet hotel is a world apart from Firmdale Hotels’ buzzing, ‘scene’ hotels such as The Soho Hotel and Hamyard Hotel. It has the feel of an urban bolthole and is ideal for getting away from it all while still being close to the action of central London.

I recently visited Dorset Square Hotel and used HotelTonight’s booking app for the first time. Each morning, HotelTonight features a wide range of discounted hotel rooms in cities around the world, from budget design hotels to renowned luxury properties.

The app is very easy to use and it can be addictive checking what’s new each day when planning a trip away or a staycation. I spotted Dorset Square Hotel on HotelTonight for £189 for that evening and booked right away.

Arrival

The hotel overlooks the picturesque Dorset Square private garden and has a charming cricket theme running throughout. The entrance is very understated with only a small plaque to reveal its identity as a hotel. On arrival, we were met by friendly staff, contemporary artworks and a pretty flower display.

The Drawing Room

There is a cosy Drawing Room overlooking the square with lots of interesting artefacts and an honesty bar. On the lower level is The Potting Shed Bar & Restaurant, where guests can enjoy all-day dining and a refined afternoon tea.

Dorset Square Hotel features 38 individually designed rooms set across three floors. Luckily our room was located on its own in between the first and second floor, so it was very quiet and private.

The Room

Our Superior Room was quite small, but beautifully designed with padded denim and white paisley patterned walls and hot pink accents. Room features include a large flat screen LCD TV, Tivoli radio, iPod docking station, free wifi, minibar, a spotted pink chair and a writing desk.

The queen-size bed was extremely comfy and covered in sumptuous Frette linen, a beautiful hand-made white quilt and pink and white patterned cushions.

A Welcome Treat

We started our stay in a typically English way with a large pot of tea served with oat biscuits and a chocolate truffle.

The Bathroom

The medium-sized bathroom was designed in Firmdale’s sleek signature marble with a Lefroy Brooks sink, a fantastic walk-in shower with pleasantly strong water pressure, heated towel rails, a Tivoli radio, bathrobes and slippers and a full set of Miller Harris Citron Citron products.

Location

Dorset Square Hotel is perfectly located to explore the chic stores, cafes and art galleries of Marylebone. Well-heeled Chiltern Street is the place to shop for luxury British basics at Sunspel and exquisite candles at Cire Trudon, enjoy coffee and matcha chiffon cake at The Monocle Cafe and indulge in a mani-pedi at Leticia Haute Coiffure.

Shopping in Marylebone

Nearby Marylebone High Street is a little corner of Paris in London with French delights such as agnès b., Kusmi Tea, perfumers Le Labo and La Patisserie des Rêves par Philippe Conticini. We picked up some giant Madeleines from La Patisserie des Rêves to take back to our room as an evening treat.

Dinner at Brasserie Zédel

Tommi’s Burger Joint on Marylebone High Street was packed full, so instead we walked down to Piccadilly for dinner at Brasserie Zédel. The enormous brasserie is buzzing, elegant and ever so French with speedy service and wallet-friendly prices.

We enjoyed the two-course prix fixe menu (just £8.95) of Steak Haché followed by Tarte aux Poires, washed down with a Monaco (a refreshing mix of beer and grenadine).

Our meal was fantastic and I loved the energy and authenticity of the brasserie – perfect for people-watching. Next time,we will leave time for a cocktail in Zédel’s American Bar or a show at The Crazy Coqs Cabaret.

Turndown

When we returned to the hotel, our room had been turned down with a cotton mat placed next to the bed, a complimentary glass bottle of Evian and a branded Temple Spa Calming Mist to spritz on pillows. In the morning, the The Times was delivered and waiting for us by the door.

There isn’t a dedicated spa at the hotel, however it’s possible to book a relaxing in-room treatment by Soholistic using Temple Spa products.

Dorset Square Hotel is ideal for a stylish London getaway, boasting a tranquil location that’s not far from the city’s bright lights. Keep an eye out for Dorset Square Hotel and other central London Firmdale Hotels on HotelTonight for a competitive deal.

HotelTonight is offering Chérie City readers £15 off their first booking with the promo code: Cherie15. Download the app and become an HT Insider to have first-hand exclusive access to HotelTonight, rewards and opportunities.

This post was created in partnership with HotelTonight. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

All photos by Chérie City