cheriecity | cheriecity.co.uk

The Best American Burgers at Ralph’s, Paris

December 2, 2013 by cheriecity

On my recent trip to Paris for the European launch of Detroit watch brand Shinola, we continued the ‘Americans in Paris’ theme with lunch at Ralph’s on the Left Bank. Really, what could better celebrate ‘Made in America’ than Ralph Lauren?

Ralph’s is housed in the impressive Ralph Lauren flagship store within a renovated 17th century townhouse on the Boulevard Saint-Germain. Opened in 2010, it’s the second Ralph Lauren restaurant, following the RL Restaurant in Chicago.

Ralph’s features a stylish dining room, cosy bar and a pretty courtyard, which is the place to see and be seen in the warmer months.

The design of Ralph’s is New England country club chic with refined Parisian touches. It is full of old world charm with dark wood panelling, oil paintings of animals, equestrian accessories, worn leather banquettes and quirky highlights of leopard print and tartan. On each table are the most exquisite red roses and Ralph Lauren tableware, plus the waiting staff look dapper in striped blue and white shirts and pinstripes.

Ralph’s has been well-received in Paris (Ralph Lauren was awarded the Legion d’Honneur, after all) and it attracts a crowd of well-heeled locals, fashion industry folk and home-sick Americans.

We were seated close to the limestone open fireplace and were swiftly brought bowls of scrumptious deep-fried green olives to snack on.

Ralph’s is known for its authentic American-style burgers and there are six to choose from on the menu. Some of our group went for the spicy Santa Fe Burger (€33) with tobacco onions, sliced jalapenos, Cheddar cheese and BBQ sauce and I went for the classic Ralph’s Burger (€29).

My medium-cooked burger was juicy and lean, packed between fresh red onions, pickles, heirloom tomatoes, lettuce, gooey Cheddar cheese and flavoursome crispy bacon, served on a toasted sesame bun. The substantial burger was served with crunchy American Farmstead Garden Slaw and a generous amount of well-seasoned ranch style fries. Little pots of Heinz ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise in a silver pot were placed on the table without the need to request them.

Unlike the current trend for ‘dirty burgers’ oozing with meat juice, Ralph’s burgers are refined and high end, made with the best quality Black Angus beef sourced from Ralph Lauren’s Colorado ranch.

None of us had room for dessert, however, Stateside delights such as Ralph’s Brownies, Key Lime Pie and Ralph’s Favourites (an American take on a café gourmand) certainly looked tempting.

We finished our lunch with a pot of Fresh Mint Tea, which came served in an engraved silver teapot with pretty blue and white Ralph Lauren china cups.

We were treated to an enormous pot of sticky caramel popcorn to accompany our teas and coffees – a fun alternative to the usual petits fours.

Ralph’s is the perfect spot for delicious American comfort food and a bit of people watching in a stunning setting. It’s certainly pricey (considerably more than Chicago’s RL Restaurant), but for a taste of the East Coast on the Left Bank, it’s worth splashing out. Look out for the next Ralph Lauren restaurant in New York at his upcoming Polo flagship store in 5th Avenue at 55th Street.

For more information, visit: www.ralphlaurenstgermain.com

Chérie City was a guest of Shinola

All photos by Chérie City

Designers, Fashion, Shopping, Websites

Chérie Wish List: Thakoon Dresses at Avenue 32

November 29, 2013 by cheriecity

As the party season approaches, the search for a dress to impress is on and top of my wish list are these stunning designer dresses by Thakoon at Avenue 32.

A favourite of Michelle Obama, Alexa Chung, Diane Kruger and Leighton Meester, Thai-American designer Thakoon Panichgul’s dresses are regularly spotted on well-heeled celebrities at parties, launches and on the red carpet. His dresses are much loved with their femininity, exquisite tailoring, beautiful fabrics and vibrant prints.

I adore Thakoon’s take on the LBD with an eye-catching dandelion print dress, worn by Katy Perry, and a black high collar dress with lace pleats, as seen on Lily Collins.

Rosario Dawson wowed at the launch of the Tanqueray Gin Palace in a cool navy and white dress with split sleeves while Anna Kendrick wore this orange floral pleated dress. Also, Thakoon’s tailored grey wool dress and dusty rose silk pintuck dress can easily take you from day to night with a pair of statement heels.

Black Silk Dandelion Dress, £1,930
Grey Fine Wool Dress, £730
Orange Floral Pleated Dress, £1,150
Dusty Rose Silk Pintuck Dress, £680
Black Lace Insert Pleat Dress, £1,830
Navy Floral Side Draped Dress, £1,220

Which Thakoon dress is your favourite?

Sponsored post

Cafes, London, Patisserie

Krug Kreperie New Pop-Up in Covent Garden

November 28, 2013 by cheriecity

Krug Champagne gets December off to a sparkling start with the arrival of the pop up Krug Kreperie at Covent Garden’s East Piazza.

Created in collaboration with three Michelin star chef Pierre Koffmann, the Krug Kreperie brings a luxury après-ski vibe with French chalet inspired dining pods, complete with sheepskin rugs and wood log banquettes, inside giant Krug crates. A little corner of Chamonix in the heart of Covent Garden.

For an indulgent winter treat, the Krug Kreperie offers six sweet or savoury crepes with flavours including crab, caramel apple crumble and pistachio with caramelised pistachio nuts. Each crepe is paired with a glass of Krug Grande Cuvée for £35.

What could be better than rounding off an afternoon of Covent Garden Christmas shopping (hello Dior beauty boutique, Opening Ceremony and Jo Malone) than with a sizzling hot crepe and a glass of the world’s finest fizz?

The Krug Kreperie is open in Covent Garden from 2nd December to 8th December, before moving to Koffmann’s at The Berkeley from 9th December until mid January. For more information, visit: www.krug.com

All photos by Krug

Cafes, London, Restaurants

A Great Dinner at L’ETO Caffe Kings Road, London

November 27, 2013 by cheriecity

L’ETO Caffe has recently opened its sixth London cafe-restaurant in a prime spot on Chelsea’s Kings Road.

The colourful display of cakes in the window and the cafe’s warm glow are inviting and it already seems to be a hit with the west London crowd.

The two-floor cafe feels bright and airy as you walk in and the downstairs dining room is intimate and pretty, with grey and white wood panelling, an open fire-place and retro bird prints. It’s the kind of cosy place where you could spend a few hours and really make yourself at home.

I visited L’ETO Caffe on its opening night and was wowed by the fabulous display of gourmet salads, roasted meats, cakes and truffles. We feasted on miso salmon, turkey frikadelle, cod fishcakes, mushroom and spinach quiche, broccoli with chili and garlic, grilled aubergine in yoghurt and green bean and potato salad.

We tried a selection of indulgent cakes and particularly enjoyed the Chocolate Cinnamon Cake, Wild Cherry Cake and Orange Polenta Cake.

It was also difficult to resist choosing some hand-made truffles to go with a pot of fresh mint tea. The Green Tea, Raspberry, Jasmine and Sea Salt Caramel truffles are unbelievably tasty and just melt in the mouth. There is even a selection of home-made L’ETO Caffe jams and spreads – the Dark Chocolate and Rasberry Jam is divine.

I went back to L’ETO Caffe a few weeks later to try the a la carte menu, which is also available alongside the salads. When we arrived on a midweek early evening, it was already busy upstairs, so we sat downstairs where it was quieter and cosier.

I started with the Sweet Chilli Ginger Beef with wok-fried vegetables (£16). Thin slices of lean, well-marinated beef were tender and covered in a scrumptious sweet chilli, soy, sesame, ginger and garlic sauce. It was served on a bed of steamed bok choi, wok-fried carrots, cabbage, edamame beans and sliced cucumber (the only vegetable I really dislike, but I was able to remove them easily).

Steven went for the Crab and Avocado Salad with soy and lime dressing (£16). The shredded crabmeat had a fresh, clean taste and was mixed with chunks of cool, creamy avocado, torn coriander and toasted black sesame seeds. Both starters were delicious but rather overpriced considering the portion sizes.

L’ETO Caffe has a tempting selection of soft drinks, so we tried a Rasberry Lemonade and a Caramel Lemonade. Both drinks were refreshing and just sweet enough, served ice cold with fresh mint.

For my main course, I was tempted by the Duck and Chestnut Tortelloni (£16). Five plump parcels were filled with well-seasoned shredded duck and sweet, roasted chestnuts. They were covered in a light butter sauce with pieces of chestnut and scattered lingonberries. The quality of the pasta was exceptionally good and obviously home-made. It was a rich, tasty and comforting dish – if only there were just a few more tortelloni.

Steven ordered the Steamed Sea Bass with lime and ginger broth (£20). The succulent fillet of sea bass was perfectly cooked and served on a bed of steamed bok choy in a light and fragrant lime and ginger broth. It was a tasty, healthy dish with fresh, aromatic flavours.

We accompanied our mains dishes with a side of Crushed Potatoes with Herbs (£4.50). The flavoursome crushed new potatoes were buttery and decadent, mixed with plenty of fresh herbs. The portion size was enormous and best shared between two or more.

Of course, dinner at L’ETO Caffe wouldn’t be complete without tea and cake. My decadent Caramel Layer Cake (£4.50) consisted of layers of pastry densely packed together with sticky, sweet caramel and topped with crushed walnuts. It was substantial and heavenly – a perfect way to end the meal.

Steven went for L’ETO Caffe’s signature Honey Cake (£4.80), another layered dessert made from soft, spiced honey sponge and fresh vanilla cream. Both cakes are big enough to be shared, but you might like to be greedy and keep them all to yourself.

L’ETO Caffe stands out from other high end cafes with its extensive selection of custom-blend teas and infusions, beautifully served in tall glass teapots. I tried the winter special of Rose Leaf Tea with natural vanilla and caramel (£4.95). Made from whole dried rose buds, the tea was fragrant, delicate and sweet from the vanilla and caramel.

Steven ordered a custom-blend Ginger Tea (£4.95), which was punchy and warming – perfect for keeping winter flu at bay.

L’ETO Caffe is a cosy, elegant place to enjoy excellent food or an artisan cake with custom-blend tea. While some of the prices could do with being revised, there is real attention to detail and the stylish surroundings make it a real treat.

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

Chérie City was a guest of L’ETO Caffe

Photos by Chérie City and L’ETO Caffe

Hong Kong, Hotels, Hotels - Design

A Wonderful Stay at Hotel ICON in Hong Kong

November 25, 2013 by cheriecity

Hotel ICON in Hong Kong is the most innovative, forward-thinking five star hotel that I’ve ever visited. With its cool design, thoughtful touches and enthusiastic service, it sets the benchmark for luxury design hotels.

Location

Located in vibrant Tsim Sha Tsui, Hotel ICON is well-placed for exploring Kowloon’s designer shops and restaurants and easily crossing over to Hong Kong island.

Owned by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hotel ICON also acts as a revolutionary teaching hotel, providing on-site internships for hospitality students and a research facility for professors. Many of Hotel ICON’s initiatives have been so successful that other leading hotels have adopted their methods.

Arrival

As soon as I entered Hotel ICON after an overnight flight I felt instantly revived as I walked through a blast of powerful air-conditioning and was greeted by the lively staff, who were dressed in a cool uniform of pastel yellow and light grey.

The lobby is bright and airy with a soaring ceiling, a striking vertical garden (designed by renowned botanist Patrick Blanc) and a fresh aroma.

Our check-in was organised from the comfort of the sofas at the stylish Above & Beyond club lounge on the 28th floor, designed by Conran and Partners. We were also warmly welcomed with a glass of Champagne and a selection of canapés and mini scones with jam and clotted cream.

Club level

Above & Beyond comprises a cosy lounge area, a slick bar and high end dining room. It has the feel of a private members club and offers daily complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails and canapés to club level guests.

The Room

My Club 36 City & Harbour room was large and contemporary, boasting spectacular floor to ceiling views over Victoria Harbour and Kowloon. It is designed in neutral urban colours with dark wood accents and wooden floors and a large blue and grey jigsaw pattern rug.

Room features include a 40″ HDTV with NOW TV channels, Blu-ray disc player, BOSE sound dock, free wifi, a wifi phone with free local calls, a large work desk, a comfy leather armchair and lots of wardrobe space.

Hotel ICON offers an overwhelming number of thoughtful touches. In my room was a well-stocked stationary box, a smart writing set, cool notepads, plenty of Hong Kong tourism guides and maps and a shiny new HP printer.

My king-size bed was heavenly and luxurious, covered in crisp, fine linen. At each evening turndown there was a new treat to be enjoyed – during my stay I was given hand-made chocolates, macarons and chocolate dipped strawberries. I also loved the welcome jars of iced gems and haw strips to nibble on.

To make sure guests are never peckish or thirsty in their rooms, Hotel ICON offers a free mini bar filled with Diet Coke, San Pellegrino, Heineken and bottled mineral water, plus snacks including Pringles, mini Snickers and Twix bars and healthy cereal bars, replenished daily.

As if that wasn’t enough, another welcome home comfort is a Nespresso machine and kettle with a selection of Taylor’s of Harrogate teas.

The slick, expansive charcoal and white bathroom features a deep soaking bathtub with TV and a separate walk-in rainshower. There are plenty of fluffy towels, bathrobe and slippers, plus a handy washbag filled with grooming essentials.

The only thing that didn’t impress was the set of Leonard Paris Eau Fabuleuse bathroom products. I found the quality and scent unappealing and can’t help thinking that such a hip, design-led room warrants a more luxurious brand like (MALIN+GOETZ), L’Occitane or Shanghai Tang.

During my stay, I made use of the complimentary HK100 dry clean/laundry credit, which is a usually over-priced service that I rarely use in hotels. Housekeeping came to pick up my dress in the morning and it was ready hanging in the closet freshly dry cleaned when I returned that evening.

Vivienne Tam Suite

Hotel ICON is made even cooler with its very own ‘fashion suite’ by designer and Hong Kong Polytechnic University alumni, Vivienne Tam. Inspired by her New York apartment, the Designer Suite by Vivienne Tam features smooth wood interiors, floor to ceiling panoramic windows and statement furniture such as a vibrant red sofa and a writing desk carved out of Japanese cherry wood. The suite is filled with Chinese artwork, most notably a portrait of ‘Opera Girl’ made entirely of Swarovski crystals.

Breakfast

Complimentary breakfast for club guests is served in Above & Beyond or The Market on the second floor. I enjoyed waffles and pancakes and yoghurt from the buffet while taking in morning views over the harbour in Above & Beyond.

The breakfast buffet at The Market is impressively extensive and chefs are on hand to cook eggs and hot dishes to order. It’s worth visiting both restaurants for variety, however I did personally like the tranquility, panoramic views and table service at Above & Beyond.

Lunch at Above & Beyond

We were lucky enough to also enjoy a leisurely Sunday Dim Sum lunch at Above & Beyond during our stay. Even though the restaurant is on the club level, it is open to non-residential guests for lunch and dinner.

We feasted on Pan-fried Lobster with Egg White and Black Truffles, Steamed Shrimp Dumplings, Shrimp Siu Mai, BBQ Kagoshima Pork, Crispy Taro Cake with Whole Abalone, Bejing BBQ Duck and my favourite Shanghai-style Xiao Long Bao dumplings.

Executive Chef Joseph Tse invited us into the kitchen to see his team and work and demonstrated how to cook Pork in Sweet and Sour Sauce – a classic dish with his own unique flair.

Another place to dine at Hotel ICON is Green, the inviting ground floor cafe that leads on the from lobby. It’s a bright and airy space where guests can enjoy afternoon tea, light bites or a glass of wine.

Pool & Spa

A real highlight of staying at Hotel ICON is the fabulous outdoor heated pool with its expansive sun deck, pool bar and spectacular skyline views. Our Hong Kong itinerary was jam-packed, but on the last day, we spent a late-afternoon swimming before enjoying a enjoying a spa treatment at the hotel’s stylish Angsana Spa by Banyan Tree.

My wonderful therapist Krishna gave me a such a relaxing Hydrating Facial that I almost drifted off. It was the perfect way to end the trip and unwind before our evening flight.

An innovative feature at Hotel ICON is the private Timeless Lounge, which guests can use before their room is ready or once they have checked out. The comfortable lounge features complimentary Nespresso coffee, Taylors of Harrogate teas, soft drinks, magazines, newspapers and free wifi. It’s even possible to use the swimming pool and spa facilities, so you can stay relaxed and refreshed.

Hotel ICON is without a doubt one of the world’s best design hotels and a stay there is sure to be luxurious and memorable. It’s a fresh, modern take on the hotel experience and one of the most exciting places to stay in Hong Kong.

For more information and booking, visit: www.hotel-icon.com

Cathay Pacific flies five times daily to Hong Kong from London Heathrow. Fly to Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific from £589. To book your flights, visit: www.cathaypacific.co.uk.

Chérie City was a guest of Hotel ICON and Hong Kong Tourism Board

Photos by Chérie City and Hotel ICON

Art, Designers, Exhibitions, Fashion, London

Hello, My Name is Paul Smith – Design Museum

November 21, 2013 by cheriecity

Hello, My Name is Paul Smith at London’s Design Museum takes a personal look at the renowned British designer’s work, life and influences.

The exhibition begins with a recreation of the very first Paul Smith shop in 1970s Nottingham, measuring a tiny 3m x 3m. This leads on to the main hall, which features a vast collection of paintings, photographs, prints, magazine clippings and hand-writted fan letters from Paul Smith’s personal archives.

It shows Paul Smith as an avid collector, with a number of instantly recognisable images and original artworks.

Also recreated for the exhibition is Paul Smith’s personal office – a busy hub of inspiration and creativity. The designer himself held court in the office for a morning of interviews, while his narration throughout the exhibition gives an insight into his mind.

The next room is an artistic replica of the humble beginnings of the Paul Smith label in a Paris hotel room in 1976 (even then the trademark stripes were present). With a collection of just six shirts, two jumpers and two suits laid out on a black felt-covered bed, Paul Smith took his first client order. His first show at a friend’s flat on Paris’ Rue Vaugirard followed and the brand grew from there.

We are also treated to an inside look at the Paul Smith design studio in Covent Garden. This is where the ideas happen – where garments are designed, colours are paired and fabrics are chosen. Sketches and mood boards show the design process behind the collections.

Also on display are campaigns that Paul Smith has shot himself over the years, alongside those by David Bailey, Mario Testino and Sandro Sodano.

The exhibition also touches on Paul Smith’s successful collaborations with brands such as Evian, Thomas Goode, Mini Cooper, Roberts Radio and even HP Sauce. His love of cycling is also referenced with his collection of Rapha cycling jerseys.

Another room features behind-the-scenes footage of Paul Smith at work and his SS14 catwalk show in Paris, filmed by Sony and shown on Sony 4K TVs with impressive picture and sound quality.

Of course, the exhibition wouldn’t be complete without pieces from Paul Smith collections over the years, showing his signature exquisite tailoring, vivid colours and stunning digital prints.

Hello, My Name is Paul Smith is a dedicated, imaginative and personal view of the world of Paul Smith. The tributes to his wife Pauline Denyer Smith are touching and it’s easy to lose a few hours examining the wall of photographs and paintings.

Hello, My Name is Paul Smith runs until 9th March 2014 at Design Museum. For more information, visit: www.designmuseum.org

All photos by Chérie City

London, Restaurants

Dinner at Paesan, London

November 18, 2013 by cheriecity

Paesan brings Italy’s ‘cucina povera’ (peasant cooking) to Clerkenwell’s Exmouth Market with a tempting menu of antipasti, small plates and slow-cooked dishes.

Authentic and affordable, Paesan is all about comforting, home-style dishes using fresh, quality ingredients. With interiors by B3 Designers, the dining room is suitably stripped back and raw with exposed brickwork, rustic wood panelling, school-style chairs and slouchy leather banquettes. There is also a downstairs cocktail bar, which is just as much a destination as the restaurant.

I’ve had many fun nights at Paesan’s former incarnation, Dollar Grills and Martinis, so I was keen to see if it would impress. Luckily, Paesan nailed it with excellent food, charming Italian staff and a gratuitous celebrity sighting – we were sat just a few tables away from Tim Minchin.

He tried to remain incognito by keeping his red locks under a beanie, but his booming voice and off-duty jokes gave it away. For the interest of Tim Minchin fans, he went for a selection of small plates and water, but I digress…

Our friendly Italian waitress explained the menu and shortly after ordering, brought us some pieces of deliciously moist and springy focaccia topped with roasted balsamic onions.

I started with Arancini filled with pumpkin & provolone (£4), one of my favourite Italian appetisers. The two large arancini consisted of slightly firm risotto rice mixed with shreds of roasted pumpkin around a gooey provolone centre, coated in fine, crunchy breadcrumbs.

Steven ordered the Bruschetta with ricotta and peperonata (£6), which also came in two pieces – perfect for sharing. Thick slices of sourdough were charred on grill and topped with cool, creamy ricotta and peppers marinated in olive oil and fresh herbs, with tiny pieces of capers. The portion sizes of both small plates were very generous, so you could easily order a few to share and have a substantial meal.

For the main course, I ordered the Polpette with creamy polenta and salsa pomodoro (£9). The four substantial meatballs were tender and well-seasoned, while the polenta was thick, smooth and slightly creamy. The salsa pomodoro was rich, garlicky and full of flavour – just like a home-made Italian tomato sauce should be.

Steven’s Roasted pork belly with cabbage and apple (£11) was exceptionally tasty. The melt-in-the-mouth, slow-roasted pork was smokey and succulent, served with wilted cabbage coated in a meaty jus.

We shared a side of Potato and pancetta contadina (£4) – a delicious mix of roast potatoes, smokey pancetta, golden breadcrumbs and fresh herbs.

While the chocolate fondant was tempting, and came highly recommended by the staff, I went for a lighter end to the meal – Biscotto and Vin Santo. The sweet, dry Vin Santo was served in a small tumbler and accompanied by two different kinds of Italian biscuits – one flaky and thin and the other thick and crunchy, both infused with fragrant orange and almond. The dessert wine and biscotto complemented each other perfectly and were typically Italian.

Steven’s Tiramisu was rich and creamy, layered with potent, espresso-soaked sponge and topped with crumbled biscotto.

Paesan does rustic Italian food exceptionally well, with high quality ingredient, generous portion sizes and very reasonable prices. With a downstairs cocktail bar and lively atmosphere, it’s an ideal place to spend a fun evening out and worth travelling across town for.

Chérie City was a guest of Paesan London

Photos by Chérie City and Paesan London

Accessories, Fashion, Paris, Stores

Shinola Detroit at Colette Paris

November 15, 2013 by cheriecity

Last week saw the European launch of Detroit-born watch brand Shinola at Parisian lifestyle concept store Colette. I took the Eurostar over to Paris to meet the team behind Shinola and get a preview of the products ahead of an epic launch party on the Place Vendôme.

Established in 2011 by Tom Kartsotis (the founder of Fossil watches), Shinola has helped reinvigorate industry in troubled Detroit (once known as Motor City) and is set to become a worldwide American heritage brand. In fact, it’s the first company in 40 years to offer watches solely assembled in the United States.

Made in Detroit

Based in a factory within Detroit’s College of Creative Studies, Shinola’s small but rapidly growing team of craftsmen create hand-assembled watches, bicycles and leather goods. The lifestyle brand also extends to paper journals, candles and limited edition baseballs and American footballs, plus its very own Shinola Cola.

So, where does the cool brand name come from? Shinola was originally an American shoe polish company and since WWII, it has been immortalised in the saying, ‘you don’t know shit from Shinola’. Tom Kartsotis revived the defunct household brand and as a tribute to its history, Shinola produces an improved formula of the original shoe polish.

To create watches of the finest quality, Shinola brought in luxury watch experts from Switzerland to train its staff and manage production in the factory. Shinola’s USP is that it offers high end, Swiss standard watches but at a much more competitive price, due to being made in America.

Colette launch

On the morning of the launch, Shinola hosted a press breakfast and presentation at the Colette Water Bar and we had a chance to view the product and window displays before shoppers arrived.

The watches

I was able to get up close to Shinola watches and was particularly impressed with the quality of the leather, the precision of the stitching and the sturdiness of the pieces. Many of the watches have a timeless, all-American appeal with the use of classic colourways and traditional round watch face, such as best-seller, The Runwell.

However, some models, like The Birdy and The Gomelsky, are more fashion-led with slim double-wrap straps, rose gold finish and stylish neutral colours.

Each watch comes in a wooden presentation box, complete with a mini tub of Shinola polish. Also, every item by Shinola carries a card of authenticity bearing the name of the craftsman who created it, adding to the personal,human feel of the brand.

Leather goods

Shinola’s leather goods and watch straps are naturally vegetable dyed and are sourced from Horween of Chicago, one of America’s oldest tanneries. The skins are then shipped to Eric Scott leatherworking factory in Missouri, where they are cut, stitched and finished.

Both companies use hand-made, labour-intensive techniques that reflect Shinola’s values of craftsmanship and quality. The smell of the textured, robust leather is intoxicating and I love the contemporary style and rich colours of the leather iPad pouch, wallets and journals.

Bicycles

Most covetable of all are the fabulous Shinola bicycles with luxurious finishes, including branded leather handlebars and saddle, front rack and bell. The bicycle frames and forks come from Waterford Precision Cycles factory in Wisconsin and are custom-assembled by mechanics at the Detroit factory.

A fabulous party

After some cocktails and bites in the stylish bar at Hotel Costes, we walked to the Shinola and Colette Secret Party at 7 Place Vendôme. The party took place in the basement of an old bank vault, which is sometimes used for fashion shows and art exhibitions. The vast concrete space was filled with splashes of neon, graffiti and illuminated visuals of Shinola products.

The evening started with Motown and Northern Soul music, then DJ Jimmy Edgar took the party into the early hours with a Detroit techno set.

Shinola Cola

All night, the Champagne, cocktails and bottles of Shinola Cola were flowing and live cooking stations popped up to feed the crowd of Paris creatives. Another cool touch was the engraving station, where guests were given a leather pouch stamped with their initials.

So, what’s next for one of America’s most promising new brands? Soon Shinola will extend its lifestyle concept with a denim range, footwear and electrical goods. At present, Shinola has a store in Detroit and a flagship in Tribeca, and soon the brand will move into London and Berlin.

Shinola is an innovative brand that not only puts the spotlight on Detroit as a cool, creative city, but makes the ‘Made in America’ mark even more desirable. It is sure to appeal with its affordable investment pieces, uncompromised quality and interesting story – a rose-gold Shinola Gomelsky watch is now high on my wish list.

For more information and to buy online, visit: www.shinola.com and www.colette.fr

Chérie City was a guest of Shinola

All photos by Chérie City

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

Le Gouter Pierre Hermé at The Balcon

November 14, 2013 by cheriecity

Every London luxury hotel has its own take on the quintessentially British afternoon tea, however, Pierre Hermé brings a much-loved French tradition to The Balcon at Sofitel St James with a very decadent ‘Gouter’.

The ‘quatre heures’ is an everyday after-school snack for children, usually consisting of fresh baguette, brioche, jam and chocolate or a pain au chocolat. Le Gouter Pierre Hermé is a much more decadent, grown-up affair, offering signature chocolate delicacies served with the finest tea or hot chocolate.

I visited The Balcon recently and enjoyed a leisurely afternoon gouter in its elegant surroundings. There are two Gouter plates to choose from (both £25) and if you’re visiting with a guest, I recommend ordering one of each to share (it’s impossible to decide between macarons and moelleux au chocolat).

Le Gouter Pierre Hermé includes two slices of fluffy Brioche Mousseline served with a smooth, rich Pâte à Tartiner Infinitement Praline Noisette with whole caramelised hazelnuts (a luxury alternative to childhood Nutella). This is accompanied by four perfectly crumbly and buttery Sablés Infinitement Chocolat and two indulgent Moelleux Quatre heures in different chocolate flavours.

Le Gouter Mogador features the same Brioche Mousseline served with a zesty Confiture Mogador (orange, apricot and pineapple jam). The gouter is nicely rounded off with silky, melt-in-the-mouth milk and dark Chocolate Bonbons and a selection of Pierre Hermé’s world-famous Mogador and Porcelana Chocolate Macarons.

I enjoyed my Gouter with a cup of delicate, fragrant Thé Ispahan – black tea flavoured with rose, lychee and raspberry (£5). As if there wasn’t already enough chocolate, I couldn’t resist finishing with a Chocolat Chaud Infinitement Chocolat (£6). French hot chocolate is hard to beat and this one was as delicious as I expected – velvety, not too sweet and ever so slightly bitter from the high cocoa content.

Also available is a cold chocolate and an iced Sencha Green China tea flavoured with almonds, cardamon and jasmine.

Le Gouter Pierre Hermé at The Balcon is a delightful indulgence that instantly transports you to the grand cafes of Paris. It’s simple and uncomplicated yet incredibly luxurious and satisfying – a perfect afternoon treat.

For more information, visit: www.pierreherme.com

Chérie City was a guest of Pierre Hermé

All photos by Pierre Hermé

Cherie Soleil, Cruises, Sicily, Tours

A Day in Trapani, Sicily

November 12, 2013 by cheriecity

On my recent Silversea Mediterranean cruise, we docked for one day in Trapani, Sicily, and what better way to spend a lazy Sunday than at an olive oil farm in the countryside.

Our Panoramic Trapani and Olive Oil Tasting Tour took us on a short tour around Trapani’s harbour. Our guide explained about the city’s fishing industry and pointed out the Ligny Tower, built by Prince di Ligny in 1671.

We then drove along the salt road towards Paceco to Fontanasalsa, an olive oil farm and charming bed and breakfast owned by Mrs Burgherella.

Walking through the olive trees and bougainvillea, we were greeted in the courtyard by one of our hosts singing traditional Sicilian folk songs with a guitar from a top window.

After short time perking up with an espresso or a glass of chilled mineral water in the orange garden, we were taken on a tour of the olive oil factory and talked through the pressing process.

In the beautiful converted barn dining room, we tasted four different olive oils served with freshly-baked bread and coarse sea salt.

This was followed by a stunning lunch of Sicilian delicacies and local wine. We helped ourselves to plates of traditional lasagne, tomato and basil pasta, local cheeses, rice salad, roasted vegetables, olive tapenade and caponata. All of the dishes were tasty and beautifully-prepared, plus we got to try some ice cream made with olive oil for dessert.

While munching away, we were serenaded with Sicilian folk songs and all ended up having a jolly sing-along. We picked up some bottles of olive oil and tapenade from the small shop before the coach took us back to the port.

I spent a short time wandering around Trapani’s pretty streets and the town’s central beach before boarding the Silverwind. Trapani was very quiet on a Sunday, so the olive oil farm excursion was a great way to spend the day and a perfect, idyllic Sicilian experience.

Silversea’s Silver Wind departs on 9th August 2014 for a 9-day cruise from Venice to Rome and prices start from $4,450 per person. Calling at Venice, Koper, Split, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Sorrento and Rome. For more information and booking, visit:www.silversea.com / tel: 0844 251 0837

Read more about my Silversea Cruise around the Mediterranean:

Chérie City was a guest of Silversea

All photos by Chérie City

London, Market

Night Tales Food Market in Dalston

November 10, 2013 by cheriecity

This weekend saw the launch of Night Tales, the hotly-anticipated food, cocktail and music event set in a Dalston car park and underground bunker.

Hosted by Background Bars, Night Tales brings together London’s best street food vendors, cocktail bars and DJs under one big canopy and twinkling lights.

On arrival, we warmed up from the chill with a Hot Spiced Negroni (£8) from the fabulous Negroni Station while checking out the food stalls.

The potent Hot Spiced Negroni tasted similar to mulled wine but with the usual bitter aftertaste of a Negroni – a winning combination. The bar offers around eight different kinds of Negronis, so it would be tempting to work through the menu.

Meantime Brewing Company serves craft beers on tap, hot apple cider and Hot Toddies while QuiQuiRiQui brings a lethal Mezcal Bar and the Mezcal Confessional, to be absolved of your sins.

I was most looking forward to having Patty & Bun on my doorstep, as I still haven’t made it over to the central London restaurant. We split a delicious Ari Gold burger – aged beef patty with ketchup, lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickled onions, P&B mayo and brioche bun (£7.50).

Served medium-rare, the burger was nicely charred on the outside with a tender centre and meaty juice oozing into the bun. The burger’s USP (because every gourmet London burger has one) was the tangy, vinegary pickled onions and a fluffy, slightly sweet brioche bun.

It was so, so tasty and satisfying – proper burger heaven. For an extra hot kick, try the Jazzy Jeffery with maple cured bacon, smoked cheese, jalapenos and piquillo peppers (£8).

The aromas from nearby BAO brought back memories of travelling in Asia, so I couldn’t resist trying some of their Soya Milk Fried Chicken (£3.50). It is without a doubt the best fried chicken I’ve tasted in London and really addictive.

Four large pieces of succulent chicken breast and thigh were coated in light, crunchy and perfectly seasoned breadcrumbs, drizzled with a serious hot chili sauce. They are fantastic value at just £3.50 and ideal for sharing (although next time, I’d be greedy and order a whole bag to myself).

Since the fried chicken was so good, we went back for some authentic Taiwanese Gua Bao – Steamed Pork Buns. The steamed milk buns were filled with slow-braised pork belly, home pickles, peanut powder and coriander.

The buns were moist, fluffy and ever so slightly sweet while the tender, well-marinated meat was a mixture of shredded and thickly sliced pork. The peanut powder and fresh coriander added extra flavour and went perfectly with the meat (I’m also personally happy that they don’t fill them with cucumber, my biggest food hate).

Of course, I couldn’t leave without a bite from Le Petit Paris – remember their awesome Croque Monsieur? This time it was all about the French Toast (£3.50), which came with a choice of two fillings. I went for the French Toast with banana, bacon and speculoos spread, but without the bacon (I couldn’t handle any more meat by that point).

The French Toast was served piping hot from the grill and had a scrumptious burnt sugar coating. Inside was a gooey mixture of smooth, rich speculoos spread and sweet sliced banana, plus a little cream – so delicious. Look out for owner Nathalie Benezet’s new cookery book, Le Petit Paris: French Finger Food.

Night Tales is the Dalston night out that has everything – great food (also look out for Smokey Tails and Rainbo), strong drinks, awesome music (courtesy of House of Disco and Leisureware) and fire pits to keep warm. It’s currently running alongside Street Feast over at Hawker House in Hackney, but as they’re not far away from each other, go to both and make a big night of it!

Night Tales runs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 14th December at Abbott Street Car Park, Dalston, E8 3DL. Entry is £3 per person. For more information, visit: www.nighttales.co.uk

Chérie City received complimentary entry and two tokens towards food and drink.

All photos by Chérie City

Cruises, Malta

A Morning in Valletta, Malta

November 5, 2013 by cheriecity

The last stop on our Silversea Mediterranean cruise was Malta’s picturesque capital city, Valletta. With just half a day there before catching our flight home, it was a fleeting visit of leisurely strolling and taking in the atmosphere of the city.

From the harbour, there is a steep hill climb to the centre of Valletta, so save yourself some energy and sweat and take the funicular (€1). Bypass the crowd of taxi drivers, as the funicular is so quick and simple, climbing

The funicular takes you right in front of the Upper Barrakka Gardens, which offer breathtaking panoramas over the Grand Harbour. The gardens are filled with beautiful statues, monuments and sculptures, depicting personalities and events in Maltese history. Despite being a tourist hotspot, the gardens remain tranquil and calm – perfect for a quiet rest.

Valletta has the most beautiful Baroque palaces and elegant piazzas with open-air cafes and fountains. Head to Republic Square to see the National Library of Malta and its statue of Queen Victoria, then enjoy a spot of people watching at the famous Cafe Cordina.

Also nearby is the Grandmaster’s Palace, including two museums – the Palace Armoury Museum and the Palace State Rooms. If you don’t have time to explore the museums, watch the changing of the guard and the water fountain display.

Valletta’s dusty, romantic side streets are just as interesting, with their tiny shops and pavement cafes. Step off the main streets and brave the countless steps to discover the quieter, charming side of Valletta.

Valletta is a small, manageable city that you can explore in a day or so. It’s a place that I’d love to visit again, to see inside the city’s museums and try some authentic Maltese food and wine.

Read more about my Silversea Cruise around the Mediterranean:

All photos by Chérie City