cheriecity | cheriecity.co.uk

Vivo Italian Bakery & Restaurant, Islington

December 28, 2013 by cheriecity

Italian bakery and restaurant Vivo brings a touch of Milanese chic to Islington with authentic regional food and slick, minimalist design.

Vivo is in good company with Upper Street’s Ottolenghi and Fig & Olive, but the all-day dining spot’s concept is quite different, taking inspiration from northern Italy’s high end pasticcerias and designer bakeries.

Owners Will and Ben Thompson travelled extensively through Italy to research their first food venture, plus most of the chefs and staff come from Italy and Sicily, so authenticity is a high priority.

Vivo’s bright and airy interiors are urban-rustic with stone covered walls, granite counters, timber panels, concrete communal tables and soft tan leather seats. The newly-opened heated outdoor terrace with chalet style wood panelling is sure to be a popular spot for a summer spritz or an al fresco lunch.

The stylishly presented salads, pizza al taglio, hearty mains and artisan cakes not only look tempting but are exceptionally tasty. Best of all, the relaxed, counter service concept makes it easy to choose as much or as little as you like, setting your own pace and sharing dishes.

We started with a Spritz Americano (£4.80) – a perfect mix of Martini Rosso, Campari and soda water – which was served with a slice of orange and plenty of ice. The bar also serves a good range of Italian wines, beers and cocktails, all of which are very reasonably priced.

To start, we ordered a slice of Pizza Bianco with Prosciutto, Scamorza, Potato and fresh Rosemary to share. The excellent pizza base had an airy, chewy texture and the toppings were authentic with bold flavours.

My only criticism is that the denser potato-filled pizza slices should be heated in the oven for longer, as it was a little cold in the middle.

I was immediately drawn to the colourful Pumpkin & Ricotta Salad (£4.80), which I was told is a best-seller at Vivo. Crisp lettuce, rocket and radicchio were mixed with chunks of soft, roasted pumpkin, just the right amount of high quality, creamy buffalo ricotta, large pieces of walnut and finished with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

It was a deliciously light yet indulgent salad that works well as a light bite or accompanying a slice of pizza.

For the main course, I was tempted by the Pollo alla Milanese (£9.20), which was served with rosemary potatoes and roasted butternut squash and red onions, plus a half lemon garnish.

The chicken escalope was succulent and generously sized, covered in fine, crunchy breadcrumbs. The flavoursome roasted vegetables were a perfect accompaniment and much lighter than pasta or fries.

Steven’s Beef in Red Wine (£8.60) was rich and satisfying with large pieces of tender, flaky beef in a thick, slow-cooked sauce. It’s an ideal dish to order when you’re craving some comforting home cooking.

Vivo’s eye-catching cakes are hard to resist and there is an overwhelming selection to choose from. The Bavarese was made up of three decadent layers of silky white, milk and dark chocolate mousse, on a thin biscuit base. It’s heaven for chocolate lovers while not being overly sweet and is definitely big enough to share.

The Chocolate Raspberry Dome was filled with dark chocolate mousse and fresh raspberry, covered in a glossy dark chocolate ganache with a layer of biscuit crumbs. The cake was rich and indulgent but the fresh raspberry lifted the flavour and complemented it perfectly.

Vivo is a great addition to Islington and it appears to already be a hit, particularly with Italians, as we noted during our visit. The relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff and reasonable prices make it a fun, buzzing place to come for a quick slice of pizza, evening cocktails with friends or an afternoon treat of coffee and cake. I absolutely loved it and am sure to be lured in again soon by those delicious cakes.

Chérie City was invited by Vivo

Photos by Chérie City and Vivo

Accessories, Christmas, Designers, Fashion, Shopping

Christmas Gift Guide 2013: Accessories

December 19, 2013 by cheriecity

Accessories make perfect Christmas gifts, whether it’s a cosy faux fur snood, a piece of designer jewellery or a fabulous handbag. Hermès bangles are collectible classics while this season’s KENZO bags are unbelievably cool and covetable. Of course, no one can resist a butter-soft Mulberry leather purse and the new bright red colour is particularly festive.

Here are some more ideas for amazing accessories this Christmas…

KENZO Lightning Dix-Huit Leather Satchel, £540, Selfridges
Anton Heunis Spike Opulent Necklace, £239, Cadenzza
Lux Velvet Ear Muffs, £12, Topshop
Colliers de Chiens Enamel Bracelet, £310, Hermès
Shinola ‘The Birdy 34mm’ Watch, €525, Colette
Tree French Purse in Bright Red Shiny Goat, £275, Mulberry
Lily and Lionel for Mr & Mrs Smith See You In Santorini Scarf, £100, Mr & Mrs Smith
Faux Fur Snood, £25, Oliver Bonas
Quilted Gloves, £49 Hobbs

Paris, Restaurants

The Best Burger in Paris at Le Castiglione

December 16, 2013 by cheriecity

Le Castiglione is a cosy, family-run brasserie on Paris’ prestigious rue Saint-Honoré, nestled between the Place Vendôme and the Tuileries.

Le Casti, as it’s affectionately know, is a 1st arrondissement institution and a bi-annual Paris Fashion Week haunt. Sofia Coppola declared Le Casti burger the best in Paris and it’s a favourite of Scott and Garance, weary Vogue editors, fashion buyers and off-duty models (Lara Stone is a fan).

Tho two-floor restaurant and bar is full of Parisian charm with its red velvet banquettes, wood panelling and quirky red and grey leopard print carpet.

On my recent trip to Paris for the European launch of Shinola at Colette, we had a fun dinner with the team behind the brilliant brand, with lots of good wine and indulgent food. You know it’s been a great evening when you’re the last table to leave the restaurant, not that the lovely staff seemed to mind.

Le Casti burger is a Paris food legend that has Parisians and visitors flocking to try it and I was keen to see if it lived up to the hype.

We had a lovely, big table overlooking the rue St-Honore and were served baskets of crusty bread and French butter while scanning the menu. I ordered the Jambon Bellota (19E), as I expected it to be a light starter before indulging in a burger. When it arrived, the portion size was enormous – definitely more than enough for two to share. The Bellota ham was full of flavour and simply melted in the mouth, leaving a tingly, dry sensation.

Le Casti Cheeseburger (24E) is worthy of high praise and definitely one of the tastiest, most satisfying burger that I’ve ever tried in Paris. The medium-cooked and nicely charred beef patty was packed inside a toasted sesame seed bun with layers of gooey Cheddar, optional grilled bacon and the house sauce made from a secret recipe, held together with a posh plastic pin.

The cheeseburger was served with a pot of well-seasoned, crispy French fries and a choice of condiments on request. I liked that the burger itself had a clean, non-greasy taste and the toppings made it rich, decadent and slightly sweet.

Mid-way through dinner, we all decided to go for burgers at Ralph’s the next day, so an accidental ‘battle of the burgers’ thus ensued. They were both completely different, but Le Casti had a slight advantage for its incredible signature sauce and general juiciness.

I couldn’t resist finishing with a French classic of Apple Tart with vanilla ice cream (11E). The thin and crispy pastry base was topped with layers of soft sliced apple and a crunchy, caramelised crust. We also indulged in a delicious dessert wine, which went perfectly with the tart.

Le Castiglione is a delightful, intimate place to eat comforting French classics and enjoy the atmosphere. The staff are utterly charming and patient with large groups, plus the small outdoor terrace is great for a spot of people-watching. I can see why Le Casti is spoken about so fondly and I’m sure it won’t be long before I’m lured back to those red velvet seats for more delicious burgers.

For more information, visit: www.lecastiglione.com

Chérie City was a guest of Shinola

All photos by Chérie City

Accessories, Designers, Fashion, Hotels, New York, Shopping, Stores, Websites

BRIKA x The Coveteur New York Pop-Up

December 16, 2013 by cheriecity

The holidays are a thrilling time to shop in New York with buzzing stores, festive window displays and winter markets.

For a truly unique shopping experience, luxury lifestyle website The Coveteur has teamed up with modern craft online boutique BRIKA to host a holiday gifting shop at The Free & The Brave Pop-Up Shop at the Paramount Hotel.

Founded by three Toronto creatives – designer Erin Kleinberg, stylist Stephanie Mark and photographer Jake Rosenberg – The Coveteur takes an insider’s look inside the closets of stylish celebrities, designers and fashion influencers such as Amber Valletta, Sophia Webster, Pamela Love, Pharrell Williams and the Mulleavy sisters.

Also formed in Toronto by Kena Paranjape and Jen Lee Koss is BRIKA, an online retail site with a carefully-selected range of well-crafted goods by authentic makers, artisans and designers.

Located in the heart of Times Square, the BRIKA x The Coveteur holiday gifting shop features six curated closets with pieces by BRIKA makers alongside luxury products by established and up-and-coming New York designers.

Styled by The Coveteur, the closets are divided into shoppable gift guides for Him, Her, the Home, the Foodie and the Little Ones. Celebrity astrologer (and mum of Sophomore’s Chrissie Miller) Susan Miller also has her own Zodiac Closet, tailoring holiday gifts to match each star sign.

Shoppers can expect to find fabulous gifts from makers such as Otte, Juma, Journelle, Blueprint Cleanse, La Petite Caravane and Babiators. There’s even the chance to pick up a tin or two of Karlie’s Kookies, a collaboration between Momofuku Milk Bar and supermodel Karlie Kloss with a portion of proceeds donated to FEED.

The closets are also shoppable online and gifts are delivered to the customer’s home.

BRIKA x The Coveteur is filled with cool gifts for friends and family, plus you might be tempted to treat yourself to something new. Ending a successful shopping trip with coffee and cake at Paramount Hotel’s Corso Coffee is an added bonus.

The Brika x The Coveteur Pop Up Shop runs until 6th January at The Free & The Brave Pop-Up Shop at the Paramount Hotel, New York.

All images © Jake Rosenberg for The Coveteur

London, Restaurants

Lunch at Rita’s Bar & Dining, Hackney

December 12, 2013 by cheriecity

Rita’s Bar & Dining was the talk of Dalston with its temporary residency at Birthdays and now it has a permanent address on the other side of Hackney. Located halfway up Mare Street, Rita’s occupies an unassuming spot between The Dolphin pub and Bouchon Fourchette.

From the maroon exterior, you wouldn’t imagine that the two-floor restaurant inside has a retro Miami vibe with pastel pink banquettes, diner-style tables, bright white walls and a palm tree in the corner. It features an open kitchen and bar at the back and a private dining space on the lower floor.

Rita’s began as a ‘travelling food and drink collaboration’ and is headed up by Brunswick House’s Jackson Boxer and Gabriel Pryce, Hawksmoor’s Missy Flynn and Deano Jo of Real Gold Collective (The Alibi and FUN).

It made its name with a gourmet approach to American comfort food, but now with a bigger kitchen and premises, the menu extends to more sophisticated, innovative cooking.

There are Asian influences present with Spicy Noodles with Pigs Head Ham and Octopus Dumpling with Braised Shiitake and XO Sauce, plus tempting specials such as Big Soup Jerusalem Artichoke & Black Cabbage with Cep Buerre Noisette & Parmesan and BBQ Lamb Ribs, Smashed Cucumber, Chilli and Mint.

We were instantly greeted by a friendly young chap who sounded like he might be from Manchester (I still get a little excited meeting fellow Northerners in London). On a mid-week lunchtime it was understandably quiet, with only a few tables filled, but it still managed to have a good atmosphere.

We sat close to the window, near enough to see what our neighbours were ordering, and were swiftly brought some lunch menus.

We both ordered a glass of Pink Lemonade (£2), which was tangy, just sweet enough and flavoured with natural vanilla. The prettiness of the bright pink lemonade, powder-shade furnishings and the simple but lovely glass of wild flowers made me smile.

Having heard great things about Rita’s buttermilk chicken, I couldn’t resist the Fried Chicken Roll (£6.50). It came served in a brown paper bag with a Rita’s stamp – a fun, authentic touch that made it even more appealing.

Rita’s signature fried chicken is steeped in buttermilk and covered in a fine, crunchy coating with a touch of cayenne pepper and plenty of seasoning. The juicy, succulent chicken fillet was packed inside a springy glazed bun with a few wisps of lettuce and punchy chipotle mayonnaise.

It was extremely tasty, satisfying and spicy without being overpowered with heat. If I have one criticism, it’s that the chicken fillet was a little thin in parts, so some bites were more about the breadcrumbs and bun than the meat itself.

Steven’s Patty Melt (£6.50) was equally delicious and even more indulgent than the Fried Chicken Roll. The medium-cooked, tender beef patty was packed between fried slices of herby caraway bread and oozed with gooey American cheese and onion jam.

I loved how the bread was crisp on the outside and the meat juices melted into it inside. It was so indulgent and buttery that it actually made the napkin transparent.

We accompanied our meat sandwiches with a side of Green Chili Mac and Cheese (£4.50), which arrived freshly-baked and bubbling hot. Rita’s Mac and Cheese is a simple mix of macaroni pasta, Gruyère, Red Leicester, mustard powder and sliced green chilis.

I adored the gooey, nutty and slightly grainy texture of the sauce and the cooling topping of smooth avocado, lime and coriander. The macaroni was a tiny bit overcooked but the dish was still enjoyable. Luckily, Gabriel Pryce has shared his recipe on Editer.com, so you can recreate the Rita’s Green Chili Mac and Cheese at home.

The Mac and Cheese floored us, so we couldn’t manage dessert – a most unusual occurrence for me – but will definitely be back to try a slice of Rita’s Pie or Beignets with Dulce de Leche.

With a number over-priced, try-hard restaurants creeping into Hackney, Rita’s keeps it affordable and unpretentious, serving the kind of comfort food that is hard to resist. The atmosphere is relaxed, fun and not at all standoffish, plus the soundtrack is typically cool and set at a volume that doesn’t irritate. Best of all, you can book a table online or take a chance with a walk-in, so you don’t need to suffer the indignity of long queues.

I’m thrilled to have Rita’s as a local restaurant and will definitely be back for a lazy weekend brunch – hello, Fried Chicken and Waffles – or dinner and cocktails.

For more info and booking, visit: www.ritasdining.com

All photos by Chérie City

Accessories, Designers, Fashion, Hong Kong, Shopping, Stores

The Best Places to Shop in Hong Kong

December 11, 2013 by cheriecity

My recent trip to Hong Kong was all about the food, with more dim sum than I ever thought I could devour, however there was a small window in the itinerary for a spot of shopping.

Hong Kong is a shopper’s paradise with everything from local, inexpensive Chinese markets and outlet stores to slick concept malls and designer flagship stores that can’t be found in the UK.

K11 Art Mall (Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon)

The world’s first art shopping mall in Tsim Sha Tsui is one of Kowloon’s coolest spots and the perfect place to find unique pieces and gifts. K11 works with the Hong Kong art community to showcase emerging and international artists with regular exhibitions and events. I saw some quirky, unusual artworks during my visit, including a Mona Lisa portrait made entirely of toast.

K11 Design Store features lifestyle and design products while K11 Select hosts individual designer concession stores such as Daydream Nation, Shiny Beetle and kapok TOOLS.

Fashion stores at K11 tend to be fun, young brands including Dr. Martens, Kipling, Y-3, Fiorucci, Paul & Joe Beauté and Melvita.

TIKKA (Sheung Wan, Hong Kong)

After an uphill trek in the blistering heat, I was delighted to stumble across TIKKA on hip Gough Street in Sheung Wan, just a few doors down from agnès b. cafe l.p.g. Doris Qiu’s two-floor boutique stocks international designers such as Loeffler Randall, Daydream Nation, American Retro, Minna Parikka and Monserrat de Lucca, alongside her own label Doris Q.

TIKKA’s offering is well-edited and the clothes and accessories are so eye-catching that it’s difficult to leave empty handed. There is a good range of affordable and investment pieces and the store has a young, edgy vibe.

Harbour City (Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon)

Harbour City in Kowloon is one of Hong Kong’s largest and most impressive shopping destinations, made up of three malls with over 450 shops, around 50 restaurants, three hotels and two cinemas.

Every luxury fashion brand worth its salt has a store at Harbour City, including Balenciaga, Alexander Wang, Chloe, Bottega Veneta, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Hermès. However, it’s not only about high end, as you can also find more affordable stores such as Jack Wills, Hoss Intropia, Levi’s, Muji and Superdry.

Harbour City is also great for dining with stylish Chinese restaurants such as the two Michelin star yè shanghai and House of Jasmine, plus luxurious sweet treats at Pierre Hermé Paris, Ladurée and Jean-Paul Hévin. Be sure to take an afternoon tea pitstop at C’est La B. and relax over a pot of fine tea and a selection of exquisite, creative cakes.

IFC Mall (Central, Hong Kong)

The International Finance Centre Mall is a bright, extensive mall on the waterfront of Hong Kong’s bustling Central district. It’s ever so slightly less dazzling than Harbour City, but offers more interesting niche brands such as Tsumori Chisato, Repetto, Pomellato, Kate Spade New York, Atsuyo Tayama and Santa Maria Novella.

It’s also worth dining at IFC Mall, as there are some great eateries such as agnès b. LE PAIN GRILLÉ, Le Salon de Thé de Joël Robuchon, St. Betty and Petite Amanda patisserie.

Horizon Plaza (Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong)

After visiting The 8th Estate Winery on Ap Lei Chau (a small island just off Aberdeen), our tour guide Frank took us on a mini detour that he knew us girls would appreciate. Horizon Plaza is a discount outlet mega-store with 28th floors of designer and premium high street clothing and homeware shopping.

Brands with their own outlet stores at Horizon Plaza include Yves Saint Laurent, Ralph Lauren, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Shanghai Tang, Joyce and Hugo Boss.

Entering the Lane Crawford outlet shop is like going to fashion heaven, it really is that good. Many of the pieces are past season, but it’s fun to pick up a bargain and spot key collection pieces such as a Christopher Kane aqua gel-filled PVC clutch or the Meadham Kirchhoff sparkle pom pom platforms.

Designer gems that caught my eye were a bright yellow Proenza Schouler PS1 bag, Tabitha Simmons heels, Marni sandals, a Stella McCartney silk tuxedo jacket and a whole rail of Carven delights. There are plenty of wardrobe staples and classics to be found, but those with a fearless sense of style will be in their element at Horizon Plaza.

We had less than half an hour at Horizon Plaza (and literally had to be torn away), but on a return trip to Hong Kong, I would schedule at least half a day to explore it from top to bottom. You can even have a quick bite there at the delighted furniture store Tree with its stylish in-store cafe, or an indulgent cupcake from Sift Patisserie.

Causeway Bay

Causeway Bay is like the Oxford Circus of Hong Kong with everything from four floors of Asian youth fashion brands at the colourful Island Beverly to entry-level designer labels such as Zadig & Voltaire, Vivienne Westwood, Stefanel and Vivienne Tam at Fashion Walk. Times Square is home to a large Lane Crawford store and over 230 store in the mall, which connects conveniently to the Causeway Bay MTR station.

For more shopping ideas in Hong Kong, visit: www.discoverhongkong.com

All photos by Chérie City

Christmas, Shopping, Tech

Christmas Gift Guide 2013: Tech

December 10, 2013 by cheriecity

Impress the tech junkies among your friends and family with some cool gadgets that make life easier and more fun while on the move.

Google Chromecast is an affordable dongle that plugs into your TV’s HDMI port, allowing users to stream from tablets and smartphones, including apps like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus and Chrome.

Logitech’s Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard connects to Windows, Apple and Android devices and can easily switch between your tablet, PC or smartphone with a touch of a button. It also comes with a motion sensor that detects your hands turning the backlight on or off to help you save power when you are not typing.

The Anker Astro E5 Portable Charger is perfect for flights, road trips or just when you can’t get to a power supply. This portable charger can charge your iPhone almost seven times over. It is also compatible with iPad, Samsung Note and Google Nexus.

Here are some more tech gift ideas that will win you some serious Brownie points this Christmas…

Google Chromecast, £38.69, Amazon
Belair X6-12 Trailblazer, £289.00, Lomography
Logitech Bluetooth Illuminated Keyboard K810, £89.99, Logitech
Toshiba STOR.E SLIM, £48.26, PC World
Sony SRS-BTM8 Portable wireless speaker, £79.00, Sony
Anker Astro E5 Portable Charger, £37.99, Amazon

France, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, Paris

A Luxury Stay at Shangri-La Paris

December 9, 2013 by cheriecity

Shangri-La Paris is one of the city’s most refined new luxury hotels, combining French elegance with warm Asian hospitality.

The five star hotel occupies the former home of Napoleon Bonaparte’s grandnephew, Prince Roland Bonaparte, and was previously known as Palais Iéna.

Location

Nestled discreetly in the prestigious, leafy 16th arrondissement, Shangri-La Paris is on the doorstep of cultural delights such as the Trocadero, Palais de Tokyo, Galliera Museum, Musée national des arts asiatiques Guimet and the Avenue Wilson food market.

It’s also conveniently close to the Seine, Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysées and the designer stores on the chic Avenue Montaigne and Avenue George V.

Design

The mansion house has been thoughtfully restored with many of it original features revived and the interiors have been designed by the inimitable Pierre-Yves Rochon. The stately marble lobby is decorated with elegant chandeliers, Ming Dynasty vases, integrated monograms of Prince Roland Bonaparte and elaborate floral displays – during our stay there were large vases of vibrant sunflowers.

The lobby leads seamlessly to the grand staircase and private salons where tea and exquisite cakes and are served in refined surroundings.

If there are no private events being held, it’s worth walking up the staircase for a peek at the opulent Louis XIV style Grand Salon with its gold-leaf appliqué walls, the mahogany panelled Salle à Manger and the feminine Salon de Famille with its ceiling painted with an orb of sphinxes and plants. Close your eyes for a moment and it feels like the Château de Versailles has arrived in the heart of Paris.

The south-facing hotel features 101 rooms and suites, including the impressive Suite Shangri-La with its dazzling interiors and outdoor terrace boasting breath-taking panoramas of the city. This summer, the hotel opened a brand new botanically inspired Garden Wing with 20 rooms and suites overlooking a perfectly landscaped garden and courtyard.

The Room

My beautiful Eiffel Premier room was very spacious and elegant, designed in an ‘Empire meets luxury minimalist’ style, in a palette of blue, white and ecru. Its custom-made furnishings have luxurious textures such as silk-threaded wallpaper, soft velvet seats, crystal hardware and an elaborate patterned carpet.

For true authenticity, Pierre-Yves Rochon researched archive documents and photos of the original Palais Iéna interiors and translated the motifs and fixture for a contemporary luxury hotel.

Room features include a large LCD TV with cable and movie channels, executive writing desk complete with stationary drawer, a comfy seating area and free wifi. At the entrance to the room is a separate drawer unit with a Nespresso machine, a kettle with a selection of fine teas, a well-stocked minibar and refined china cups and saucers.

A Welcome Treat

I was welcomed with a fine bottle of Château Le Borderon Haut-Médoc 2009 and a fruit bowl, placed next to the prettiest flowers that brightened the room.

The Terrace

The highlight of staying in an Eiffel Premier Room is the expansive terrace with sun loungers and a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower. What could be more magical than enjoying a glass of Champagne on the terrace while watching the evening Eiffel Tower light show?

The walk-in wardrobe is a wonderful feature, with extensive storage space, a floor-to-ceiling mirror and a vanity desk. I made use of the complimentary shoe shine service, leaving my shoes in a basket in the wardrobe and returning later to find them looking fresh and renewed.

I found the king-size bed extremely comfortable, covered in sumptuous linen with a silk-trimmed throw and blue cushions. At evening turndown, complimentary bottles of mineral water were placed by the bed with a Shangri-La bookmark and the room was prepared for sleeping.

The Bathroom

The elegant marble bathroom with heated floors features a rainfall shower, deep soaking tub, double sink, a mist-free mirror with flat-screen TV and a drawer filled with bathroom essentials. There are plenty of large, fluffy towels, face cloths and plush embroidered bathrobes and slippers.

The bathroom is stocked with a generous amount of BVLGARI White Tea bathroom amenities plus bath salts and a reed diffuser with the Shangri-La signature scent – a blend of vanilla, sandal, musk, bergamot and tea spiced with ginger.

Breakfast in La Bauhinia

In the morning, we enjoyed breakfast served in La Bauhinia, the hotel’s stunning all-day dining restaurant. To begin the day well, La Bauhinia offers a selection of substantial American, Chinese, healthy and Continental set breakfasts. As this was a real foodie trip, I ordered lightly from the à la carte each morning and loved the fluffy pancakes with maple syrup, crepes with sugar and home-made apple compote topped with fresh berries.

I was kindly offered a newspaper or magazine to read and was brought some bircher muesli and fresh green apple as an amuse-bouche. Breakfast service can often let down even the best of hotels, but at Shangri-La Paris, the efficient staff make it easy to start the day in a good mood.

Swimming Pool

Shangri-La hotels and resorts are known for their superior health and leisure facilities and Shangri-La Paris really wows with its stunning 15x6m indoor pool. Not only does the pool look heavenly with its tiny mosaic tiles, grand pillars and hand-painted blue sky ceiling, but it has a great sense of calm and the water is just the right temperature. I enjoyed a leisurely morning swim and took in some sun on the serene outdoor terrace with a pot of green tea.

CARITA Spa

I was kindly treated to a fantastic facial at the hotel’s chic CARITA spa, which left my skin glowing and deeply hydrated. There is also an excellent fitness centre with state-of-the-art equipment.

Shangri-La Paris features three fabulous restaurants, an indoor and outdoor bar and intimate lounges. La Bauhinia, with its glass cupola and Murano glass chandelier, serves afternoon tea, light bites and a dinner menu of French and Asian specialities.

Shang Palace

The one Michelin star Shang Palace brings the art of Cantonese fine dining to Paris, serving authentic Chinese dishes and excellent set lunch menus with traditional dim sum, barbecued meats and comforting soups.

L’Abeille

The hotel’s gastronomic, two Michelin star restaurant L’Abeille (paying homage to Napoleon’s bee emblem) is one of the city’s hottest fine dining restaurants and during our dinner there, it was a full house. Executive Chef Philippe Labbé creates exciting, innovative dishes using the freshest ingredients and the restaurant’s doors open to the garden in the warmer months.

Bollinger Champagne Bar

Before dining at L’Abeille, we had a Champagne apéritif at the pop up Bollinger Champagne Bar on the first floor outdoor terrace. Le Bar is a cosier spot with expertly-mixed cocktails served in an Empire style room with oil paintings of horses adorning the walls.

Service at Shangri-La Paris is at the typically high level that you can expect from the renowned hotel group and I found the staff friendly, meticulous and polite. Head Concierge Tony Le Goff arranged for us to visit the beautiful Château Vaux le Vicomte and suggested we take a private tour of the Seine on a Venetian water taxi and lunch at the nearby Chalet des Iles.

Shangri-La Paris is an exquisite hotel that brings back to life the opulence of a 19th century palace, balanced with understated contemporary French and Asian design. With a heavenly pool, indulgent food and magnificent views on the doorstep, it’s easy to get lost in the charming world of Shangri-La while the city awaits.

A double room at Shangri-La Hotel, Paris starts from 750 Euros per room per night (room only). Price includes tax and service. To book, visit: www.shangri-la.com or call 0800 028 3337.

Chérie City was invited by Shangri-La Paris

Photos by Chérie City and Shangri-La Paris

Beauty, Christmas, Shopping

Christmas Gift Guide 2013: Beauty

December 6, 2013 by cheriecity

Christmas is the ideal time to pamper friends and family with a luxurious beauty treat. The Aerin Winter Color Palette from the Holiday Collection is perfect for creating party season looks, while ila spa Body Cream for Glowing Radiance brings a touch of spa indulgence at home.

A limited edition Diptyque seasonal candle under the tree is a tried and tested way to bring a smile on Christmas morning and Chloé Roses de Chloé is a stunning modern floral scent that is sure to delight. Here are some more ideas for fabulous beauty gifts…

Aerin Winter Color Palette, £45, John Lewis
ila spa Body Cream for Glowing Radiance, £63, ila spa
Diptyque Indian Incense Scented Candle, £45, Liberty
Penhaligon’s Vanities Collection, £50, Penhaligon’s
Chloé Roses de Chloé eau de toilette, £44.20-£54.40, John Lewis
Superdry Bento Beauty Box, £25, Superdry
Errol Douglas Infra-red Pro Dryer, £49.99, Boots
DOSE Nail Polish Trio, £15, Selfridges
Bourjois Poudre de Riz de Java, £9.99, Boots
LAQA Lip Pencil Bossy Boots, £13, Austique
Chanel Rouge Coco Hydrating Crème Lip Colour in Mademoiselle, £24, House of Fraser
Mandara Spa Tropical Blooms Body Oil, £7.50, Time to Spa

London, Restaurants

Venerdi at JUST EAT

December 5, 2013 by cheriecity

JUST EAT, the online food take-away delivery service, is a real lifesaver when you want something tasty and comforting for dinner but don’t feel like cooking or going out to a restaurant.

JUST EAT makes it easy to find all of the best local take-away restaurants in one easy place. Simply enter your postcode, choose which type of cuisine you fancy and browse the menus of restaurants that deliver to your area. Select your dishes and preferred delivery time and then choose to pay in cash on delivery or by card (handy if your purse is empty). It is even possible to order on your phone using the JUST EAT app.

I’ve always found ordering with JUST EAT a straight-forward experience and have previously enjoyed high end pizza from Firezza, Mexican food from Amigos in Holloway and indulgent, creamy curries from The Samosa.

JUST EAT isn’t only about the usual take-away experience, as there are many standalone restaurants that offer a take-out service. I was tempted to try Venerdi, an Italian restaurant that opened at the beginning of the year on Clapton’s Chatsworth Road. Even though I live nearby in Hackney, I hadn’t found the time to visit and after hearing positive reports, I was keen to see how good it would be.

I placed my order with JUST EAT at 6.49pm and by 7.15pm our food had arrive at the door. The delivery driver was very friendly and the food was still hot when we received it.

We started by sharing a Carta Musica (£6.95) – baked flat bread, rosemary, sausage, pecorino cheese, mushrooms and extra virgin olive oil (£6.95). The crisp flat bread was covered in a generous amount of high quality antipasti mixed with fresh rocket, cherry tomatoes and drizzled in olive oil. It was tasty, substantial and a delicious taste of Italy.

We were impressed with our Caserta pizza (£8.95) – topped with mozzarella, tomato, ham, pepperoni, chorizo and salami (£8.95). The thin, crispy pizza base was covered in a light, home-made tomato sauce with creamy mozzarella and the authentic Italian meats were delicious.

Another tasty dish was the Spaghetti Carbonara (£8.20) – spaghetti served with strips of pancetta, shallots and cream sauce, finished with egg yolk, Parmesan and parsley. The spaghetti was cooked perfectly al dente and the carbonara sauce was done the proper Italian way with plenty of Parmesan, egg yolk and fresh herbs.

The portion size was very large and it was a comforting, indulgent dish. Both pizza and pasta were so tasty that we ordered the very same ones weeks later and found them to be just as tasty.

For dessert, we tried the Profiteroles (£3.95) with large, airy choux pastry, chocolate cream and rich chocolate sauce. I rarely order dessert from take-away restaurants, but these Profiteroles are definitely worth adding to the order.

I found ordering with JUST EAT to be easy and hassle-free and I have my eye on Sorrento, Hana Maria and Trattoria Sapori for more pizza and pasta.

To order from Venerdi and other local take-away restaurants, visit: www.just-eat.co.uk

Chérie City was invited by JUST EAT

All photos by Chérie City

Christmas, Shopping

Christmas Gift Guide 2013: Foodies

December 4, 2013 by cheriecity

The holiday season is already a dream for foodies, but you can never have too much festive indulgence! Whether it’s a set of the finest Kusmi Teas, an ice cream maker to concoct gourmet flavours or a quirky gold burger necklace, these gifts are sure to delight bon viveurs this Christmas….

Pizza Pilgrims: Recipes from the Backstreets of Italy, £12, Amazon
12 Hole Cake Pop Maker, £26.99, Lakeland
Assortment ‘Brunch Teas’, €22, Kusmi Tea
Wahaca Pestle and Mortar, £18.50, Boots
Glenda Lopez Burger Necklace, £69, MyFlashTrash
Maille Supreme Condiment Collection, £29.99, Selfridges
Ice Cream Deluxe, £75, Cuisinart
Cake Ispahan, €20, Pierre Hermé
Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, £42.50, Alexander & James

Designers, Fashion, London, Stores

Mulberry Christmas Windows at Harrods

December 3, 2013 by cheriecity

On Monday morning, Mulberry unveiled its magical festive windows at Harrods. To celebrate, the luxury leather goods brand hosted a special press preview, beginning with a jolly around Knightsbridge in the Harrods routemaster bus.

We started the morning in the comfort of Claridges and perked up from the early rise with a strong cup of tea and a glimpse of the stunning Dolce & Gabbana Christmas tree. Claridges kindly prepared a breakfast of posh bacon butties with a little pot of Heinz ketchup for us to munch on the bus as we headed towards Harrods – now that’s how to travel in style!

Luckily the Knightsbridge streets were quiet before the crowds of Christmas shoppers arrived, so we had a great view of the Mulberry windows while being serenaded with Christmas carols.

Fashion’s favourite set designer Shona Heath transformed five Harrods windows into a Mulberry fairytale, where woodland creatures frolic around their own wonderland filled with Mulberry bags and leather goods. Inspiration came from the magic of the English countryside on Christmas morning.

You can see a swan on a frozen lake, squirrels stealing golden acorns, bunnies playing in the snow and foxes among the Alexas and Bayswaters.

We then moved inside to the new Mulberry pop up space where we were treated to a second breakfast of Ladurée macarons and mini pastries, served with Champagne and juices.

The pop up space offers shoppers the chance to place an order for Mulberry Monogramming to get their initials embossed onto a selection of leather accessories, as well as bespoke fairy tale tags and stickers to personalise gift-wrapping.

As an extra special treat, Downton Abbey’s Allen Leech read a favourite excerpt from the Mulberry Christmas Fairy Tale book.

Fairy tale storytelling will continue in the Mulberry pop up space on each Saturday until Christmas. On 7 December poet Murray Lachlan Young will be reciting a festive poem, and on 14 December Kids Company’s Camila Batmanghelidjh will be reading her own fairy tale creation.

The Mulberry windows at Harrods are truly enchanting, whimsical and a must-see for families and Mulberry girls alike.

For more information, visit: www.mulberry.com

All photos by Chérie City