cheriecity | cheriecity.co.uk

A Wonderful Brunch at Temple Beijing

June 17, 2013 by cheriecity

Temple Restaurant Beijing is one of the most exciting, stylish restaurants in the city and a real must for design lovers.

The award-winning restaurant is housed in a 600 year old Ming Dynasty Tibetan temple which was renovated in 2008 and given a contemporary new look by Australian architectural and design firm, Hassell.

Temple Restaurant Beijing is tucked away among the hutongs of an unassuming residential Dongcheng street, close to the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park and the National Art Museum of China. It can be tricky to find, particularly as there are no signposts or visible branding. Well-dressed staff were waiting outside to escort us to the restaurant, however, I can imagine it would be a marvellous discovery if you stumbled upon the restaurant by yourself.

The man behind the restaurant is Ignace Lecleir, the Belgian former General Manager of Maison Boulud in Beijing, whose concept for the complex includes several event and gallery spaces and this year’s new opening, The Temple Hotel.

The sleek dining room is in a modern annex that was once a television factory, creating the capital’s first black and white TV. Floor to ceiling windows, vibrantly coloured Scandinavian furniture and striking artworks punctuate the minimalist space. Even the black slate bathrooms are sexy and luxurious, with low lighting and a small Buddha puffing incense smoke out of his mouth.

Service at TRB (as it’s locally known) is exemplary, with waitresses all in elegant teal chiffon dresses and suited waiters darting to the table to deliver each course, top up water and push in our chairs every time we moved.

The menu at TRB is contemporary European and the wine list is predominantly French, boasting some excellent wines, including Bordeaux, Burgundy and my favourite Sauternes.

We were lucky enough to be in town on the weekend and enjoyed a boozy Saturday brunch, including wines paired with each course. The fabulous brunch began with glass of Bollinger Champagne and a sharing plate of freshly-baked, flaky pastries with jams and honey.

The first course of White Wine Poached Shrimps and Avocado was mouth-wateringly delicious. The poached shrimps were very fresh and lightly marinated and were perfectly complemented by the cool, crushed avocado.

Duck Egg en Cocotte, Foie Gras, Artichoke and Bacon was a light and tasty dish. The duck egg was slow-cooked and the artichoke and bacon added plenty of flavour. The long garlic artisan bread twists came in handy for scooping up the yolk.

Sea Bass, Spinach and Curry Oil was a delicate dish with clean flavours. The fish was fresh and succulent and the dash of curry oil added a subtle kick.

The Roast Chicken and Grilled Asparagus was juicy and tender with a crispy, golden layer of skin. The chicken was served on a bed of spinach and a rich jus while the asparagus was nicely charred.

The Lychee Mousse dessert looked pretty with powder pink icing sugar adorning the plate, however, it was a little disappointing. The mousse was unexpectedly frozen and didn’t taste very much like lychee, although I did like the sticky top layer of lychee milk jam.

The meal ended on a high note with a delightful selection of chocolate truffles and assorted fruity marshmallows. We enjoyed a pot of fresh mint tea and relaxed a little longer before hitting the next stop on our itinerary.

As we were leaving, the staff brought us a bottle of Temple Restaurant Beijing branded water each for our travels. We couldn’t resist a few photo opps with the outdoor sculptures of the crouching men, deep in thought.

TRB is a leader of Beijing’s thrilling fine dining restaurant scene and the experience is both memorable and impressive. While the restaurant is undoubtedly high end, the prices can be quite reasonable, particularly for the set lunch menu. Someday, I would love to return for dinner, as the temple locations looks particularly captivating at night.

For menus and booking, visit: www.temple-restaurant.com

Chérie City was a guest of Temple Restaurant Beijing and Shangri-La Hotels

Photos by Chérie City (evening exterior by TBR)

Cherie Soleil, Cyprus, Hotels

A Stay at Nissi Beach Resort Ayia Napa

June 14, 2013 by cheriecity

Nissi Beach Resort is a fabulous base for exploring Ayia Napa and spending lazy days by the sandy beach with crystal clear waters. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens and swaying palm trees, the resort is close enough to the nightlife yet still a quiet retreat, so guests get the best of both worlds.

Arrival

The four-star Nissi Beach Resort comprises three types of comfortable, modern accommodation – the main hotel, bungalows and a two-storey Garden Wing. We stayed in the main hotel and on arrival late at night, we were warmly welcomed with ice cold cloths and glasses of tropical juice.

The Room

My Sea View Twin Room was bright and airy, designed in a colour palette of white, sand and beachy blues with dark wood touches. The room is contemporary and simple, with a stunning view of the sea from the private balcony. Room features include a flatscreen satellite TV, dressing table, mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities and most important of all – excellent air-conditioning.

Unfortunately, wifi in guest rooms is charged, however you can connect for free in the public areas.

The Bathroom

The beige stone tiled bathroom is medium sized and features a circular sink, a bath and powerful shower, magnifying mirror and the hotel’s adequate own brand bathroom amenities (a brand like L’Occitane or Molton Brown would have been better).

Breakfast in the Sun

In the morning, it is a real treat to take breakfast outside on the terrace of the Ambrosia Restaurant, starting the day with views of the gardens and the cool sea breeze. The expansive breakfast buffet offers everything you could want for your morning meal, including freshly-cut fruits, yoghurt, pastries, mini muffins and a full cooked breakfast. The machine coffee and fruit ‘juice drinks’ aren’t great, but there is a very good selection of teas and silver tea pots.

Afternoon Tea in the Orpheus Lounge

We dined in local restaurants during our stay, but there are plenty of different food options in the hotel, particularly in the high season. The seasonal Nissi Taverna serves fresh fish and international dishes while Bacchus Bar and Terrace is a sunny place to enjoy light bites and cocktails under the pretty bougainvillea.

We enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea of fresh mint tea and mini cakes in the Orpheus Lounge and if you can’t bear to be too far from your sunlounger, there are five beach kiosks serving ice cold drinks and snacks.

The Health Club

A perk of staying at Nissi Beach Resort is access to the Health Club, which includes a gym, a small sauna and steam bath, heated indoor swimming pool and whirlpool. Spa treatments are also available, using products by Thalgo and Decleor.

Nissi Beach

If guests want something a little more exhilarating than lounging by the outdoor pool and the beach, the resort has an impressive number of sport activities. These include tennis on four floodlit courts, beach volleyball, table tennis, darts, billiards, archery, aqua aerobics, water polo and boccia (a ball sport similar to boules). Water sports such as water skiing and para-sailing are available, plus there is an internationally accredited diving school.

Nissi Beach Resort is also a popular wedding venue and Marios and his team can arrange everything for the big day. Ceremonies take place in a stylish white gazebo or rondavel with the stunning backdrop of the sea and the exotic gardens – what could be more picture perfect than that!

Nissi Beach Resort is ideal if you want everything from a beautiful beach and relaxing spa treatments to plenty of dining options on your doorstep. Staff are friendly and it has a warm, unpretentious atmosphere, while being a cut above most mid-priced beach resorts.

For more top destination ideas, read my posts on Things to Do in Ayia Napa and Dining in Ayia Napa.

A twin sea view room at Nissi Beach Resort starts from €75 per person, bed and breakfast. Cyprus Airways has flights from London Heathrow to Larnaka twice daily from £221 return.

Chérie City was a guest of Nissi Beach Hotel and Visit Cyprus

Photos by Chérie City and Nissi Beach Hotel

Accessories, Fashion

Chérie Loves: Hemmingford Grey Accessories

June 12, 2013 by cheriecity

Hemmingford Grey is a new British accessories brand and online store that offers handbags and shoes that let the leather and the design do the talking. There are no visible logos or fussy hardware, just stylish staples and elegant statement bags in excellent quality leather.

Hemmingford Grey was founded less than a year ago by retail expert Julia Reynolds, whose long career in high street fashion has included a stint as CEO of figleaves.com. Each bag and pair of shoes is named after a street or location in or just outside London.

Prices range from £30 for a bright and bold Newport Small Patent Bag to £495 for the dazzling Royce Baguette Crystal Clutch Bag. Everyday leather handbags are priced around £200-£250, which is very reasonable considering the high quality and the amount of leather used (designer equivalents would be at least double).

Hemmingford Grey kindly gave me one of their bestsellers, the Belgrave Large Soft Nappa Leather Tote Bag in red and it hasn’t left my side since. The gorgeous, slouchy tote bag is made by Italian craftsmen and features butter-soft, grainy nappa Italian leather.

The handles are sturdy and I can fit an impressive amount of things inside it. The cotton-lined bag includes a large central zip compartment, an inside zip pocket with a discreet leather Hemmingford Grey logo patch and a leather mobile phone pocket.

The bag could perhaps benefit from a magnetic clasp to keep it closed, however, nothing has fallen out of my bag in the time that I’ve been carrying it.

Hemmingford Grey is a great online brand for timeless, beautifully-crafted handbags and accessories that are made to last.

Belgrave Large Soft Nappa Leather Tote Bag c/o Hemmingford Grey

Photos by Chérie City

Cherie Soleil, Hotels

Christchurch Harbour Hotel – Dorset

June 10, 2013 by cheriecity

Christchurch Harbour Hotel in tranquil Dorset is the perfect retreat for some summer sun and relaxation. The hotel overlooks a picturesque harbour and is just a short walk away from the Mudeford Quay Ferry Landing. From there, you can easily access the stunning sandy beach at Hengistbury Head, lined by colourful beach huts.

Christchurch Harbour Hotel is conveniently just over two hours away from London by train and a short 5-10 minute taxi ride from Christchurch railway station.

We arrived just before lunchtime and after an hour’s walk around Mudeford, our room was ready and waiting. Our Deluxe Four Poster Bed Room is one of the hotel’s newest rooms and boasts a postcard view of the harbour. The expansive, beach-chic room is bright and beautifully designed in a soft colour palette of white, oatmeal and nautical blues.

Room features include a 26-inch flatscreen TV with DVD player, Nespresso machine, kettle with a selection of teas and biscuits, fresh fruits, complimentary bottled water, minibar, ironing board and free wifi.

The king-size bed was very comfortable and covered in high quality, crisp linen. With only the gentle sound of the waters, the fresh sea air and luxurious bed, we had the best possible sleep that evening.

The highlight of the room is the fabulous roll top bath. The bath is well positioned for enjoying the view from the window or watching TV – I couldn’t resist watching Woody Allen’s To Rome With Love from the comfort of the tub.

The petite, pristine white bathroom features an over-sized sink, a powerful rainfall shower, luxurious towels and face clothes and bathroom amenities by Gilchrist & Soames. There are also fluffy white bathrobes and slippers for use in the room and the spa.

The room doesn’t have air-conditioning, but a desk fan is provided and the two window open to let in the sea breeze. The room temperature was fine during our visit on a warmish day, but I’m not sure it will be comfortable in high summer.

For dinner we went downstairs to the Upper Deck Bar & Restaurant (the hotel’s other restaurant is The Jetty). The restaurant was already busy with hotel guests and locals and we were shown to one of the best tables in front of the window, overlooking the harbour.

After ordering, our waiter brought a bread basket to the table and served us a few slices of delicious freshly-baked white or brown bread, topped with sea salt. For drinks, I highly recommend a refreshing Virgin Elderflower Mojito, which was served strong and sweet, so that it didn’t become too diluted in the crushed ice.

Being so close to the sea, I had to start with Seared Scallops, Sticky Pork Belly and Cauliflower Mash (£11.50). The scallops were soft, plump and had a fresh sea taste while the pork belly was slow-cooked and tender. The smooth cauliflower mash had a strong, creamy taste and added flavour to the scallops.

Steven went for the Chicken, Crab, Sweetcorn and Ginger Broth with Prawn Toast (£5.95). The broth was thick, fragrant and full of meat, with prominent flavours of lemongrass and ginger. The crunchy, oily prawn toast was a perfect accompaniment.

My 8oz Ribeye Steak From the Plancha (£21.50) was succulent, nicely charred on the outside and cooked medium as requested. The chunky, home-made chips were flavoursome and crispy – I only wish there were more than three of them! The béarnaise sauce was light and filled with torn fresh tarragon and there was an abundance of juicy cherry tomatoes and salad garnish.

Steven ordered the Fillet of Cod with a Crab and Herb Crust, Mashed Potato and Crushed Peas (£21.50). The plump fillet of cod had a clean, fresh taste and the crunchy crust of flaky crab and fresh herbs added extra flavour. The mashed potato was smooth and buttery while the the crushed peas and creamy sauce made the dish more indulgent.

For dessert, it had to be my usual favourite – Dark Chocolate Fondant with Pistachio Ice Cream (£7.95). The dark chocolate fondant had a soft cake texture on the outside and was perfectly goey and molten under the surface. I loved the pistachio ice cream and even the swirl of cream was infused with fresh vanilla. I accompanied the fondant with a glass of Sauternes Garonelles 2008/9 (£7.95), which was sweet yet drier and less sticky than other dessert wines.

Steven’s Sticky Toffee Pudding (£6.50) was a comforting classic – dense, rich, spongy and smothered in a buttery toffee sauce. He paired it with the suggested cocktail, a short and strong Old Fashioned (£8.50).

We finished our meal with a pot of fresh mint tea and brownie petits fours on the terrace, enjoying the stunning views. The terrace of the Upper Deck is rather romantic at night, with soft lighting and lounge music in the background.

In the morning, breakfast is served in the Upper Deck, with a simple continental buffet and a selection of hot dishes to order. We both started the day with the Full English breakfast, served with a pot of strong English Breakfast tea and toast. The cooked breakfast was excellent, with high quality meat and a perfectly-cooked poached egg.

After breakfast, we spent a long morning in the hotel’s excellent spa. The Harbour Spa is beautifully-designed with a cool, urban feel and it was very well maintained. The sauna, salt room and steam room are all powerful and effective while the stylish swimming pool is at just the right temperature for an enjoyable few laps.

The well-equipped gym is also within the spa area and the jacuzzi is super hot, with leg and neck water jets to massage the body. The spa also offers treatments using ESPA and Thalgo products and the prices are very reasonable.

After checking out, we soaked up the rest of the sun with a pot of fresh mint tea on the comfortable loungers on the terrace, before heading back to London.

Christchurch Harbour Hotel is a fabulous haven close to the beach yet with enough facilities at the hotel to keep you entertained. The staff are friendly and accommodating and the Harbour Spa and dinner at the Upper Deck were the highlights of our stay. It’s definitely the place to leave your stresses behind and emerge feeling refreshed and well-rested.

Rooms at Christchurch Harbour Hotel start from £235 for dinner, bed and breakfast per night on weekends, based on two people sharing a double room. For more information and booking, visit: www.christchurch-harbour-hotel.co.uk

Chérie City was a guest of Christchurch Harbour Hotel

Photos by Chérie City (Upper Deck and Harbour Spa by Christchurch Harbour Hotel)

Afternoon tea, Hotels, Newcastle

Afternoon Tea at Hotel du Vin Newcastle

June 7, 2013 by cheriecity

Visiting Hotel du Vin Newcastle with my mum always feels like a real treat and the last time I was back up North, we dropped by for afternoon tea before shopping.

I would have thought that a good roast would draw the Sunday crowds, but the lounge at Hotel du Vin Newcastle was filled with couples and groups of girlfriends enjoying afternoon tea and glasses of Champagne. There was even a little Bichon Frise taking a sneaky nibble at its owner’s cakes in the corner.

We sat on plush leather sofas and were swiftly brought a pot of the most fragrant and lovely loose-leaf Earl Grey Tea. Afternoon tea was then presented on a pretty three tier china stand.

We started with some excellent finger sandwiches that included roast ham, smoked salmon, roast chicken and egg mayonnaise. I’m not usually a fan of tea sandwiches, but the fillings were so delicious and of high quality – the ham and roast chicken were particular favourites.

Freshly-baked scones were served warm on a wooden tray with a thick scoop of clotted cream and strawberry jam. The cakes were beautifully-made and were surprisingly substantial, in fact we had trouble finishing them and took a few home. Rather than lots of mini items, Hotel du Vin’s offering was more focused, with larger portion sizes.

The Red Velvet Cake was dense and moist with a striking hot pink cream cheese frosting. The dome-shaped Carrot Cake was lighter and slightly spiced with a delicate swirl of fresh cream on the top. The indulgent Chocolate Eclairs were smothered in a thick layer of dark chocolate and the exquisite choux pastry was filled with fresh cream.

Afternoon Tea at Hotel du Vin Newcastle is classic with a fun twist and is extremely good value at just £14.50 per person. It’s a perfect treat following a day of shopping or a long walk along the nearby Quayside.

Chérie City was a guest of Hotel du Vin Newcastle

Photos by Chérie City

Hotels, Hotels - Design, New York

Thompson LES, Lower East Side, New York

June 6, 2013 by cheriecity

Thompson LES is the epitome of New York downtown cool with slick, minimalist design and a young, creative crowd.

Located just off the Bowery on Allen Street, the striking 18-storey, 141-guest room hotel towers over the neighbourhood’s tenements, offering up some spectacular views. It stands out from the landscape but is perfectly matched to the Lower East Side’s arty, style-conscious spirit.

Arrival

Inside, Thompson LES has a buzzing vibe and the smartly-dressed staff orchestrated a swift early check-in. Within a few moments we were escorted in the elevator on the way to our room.

The Suite

Our very spacious Studio King Suite had a contemporary, industrial-luxe style with clean lines and Japanese accents. Designed in a colour palette of black, white and grey, the room features exposed concrete columns, black wooden varnished floors, a striped grey carpet, a shiny black mirrored wall and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Room features include a large LCD TV with premium cable and in-room movie library, iPod dock, a minibar filled with Dean & Deluca snacks and plenty of storage space. The plush lounge area is separated by a beaded metal curtain and has a sectional sofa and a coffee table with a stack of fashion magazines.

The king-size bed was incredibly comfortable and luxurious, covered in soft Sferra linen, which is a signature at all Thompson hotels. Above is a stunning illuminated light box headboard by American photographer and artist Lee Friedlander that brings character to the room.

During the day, the room benefits from lots of natural light streaming in and at night it becomes more seductive, with mood lighting and the sultry glow from the city outside. A few nice touch were the bonsai tree by the entrance of the room and the Belgian chocolates on the desk at turndown.

Bathroom

The slate grey open-plan bathroom includes a separate walk-in rainfall shower and toilet behind frosted glass doors, a circular sink and a full set of REN bathroom amenities. The water pressure in the shower was very powerful and the oversized terrycloth bathrobes were perfect for lounging in.

Wifi internet in guest rooms at Thompson LES comes with a charge, but we were told on arrival that there is free wifi in the bar on the first floor. Many guests flock to this lounge section of the bar with laptops to check emails and do business, so it has a sociable feel. The staff tend to leave guests to use the internet in peace, however, drinks and bites are closeby, should you wish to linger.

The Restaurant

The hotel’s popular restaurant Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya on the same level serves its own take on Japanese dishes alongside fried chicken and grilled NY strip steak and the Grand Buffet Brunch on the weekend sounds particularly tempting.

If you’re in the mood for a different type of cuisine, Thompson LES is in a prime spot for sampling some of New York’s most exciting restaurants – we ate at the nearby La Esquina, The Meatball Shop and Pulino’s.

Above Allen

A special perk of staying at Thompson LES is access to Above Allen, the exclusive members terrace lounge with great views over the city. Sadly Above Allen is usually closed on the day that we visited, otherwise we would have visited for a nightcap.

The hotel’s rooftop pool is surely the coolest in New York and it’s a real downtown hotspot when the sun comes out. Guests can swim over an Andy Warhol filmstrip and soak up some rays with a cocktail and light bites on the striking orange loungers.

For further relaxation, there is also a guests-only fitness and renewal centre with a gym, sauna and treatments rooms

Thompson LES is an ideal base to explore downtown New York, matching cool design with a fun atmosphere and surprisingly reasonable prices. The hotel feels cosy and comfortable in the colder months, however to get the most out of the facilities such as the fabulous pool and outdoor dining, summer is the time to visit.

Rooms at Thompson LES start from $200 (approx. £130), per room per night. For more information and booking, visit: www.thompsonhotels.com

Cherie City was a guest of Thompson LES

Photos by Cherie City and Thompson LES

New York, Restaurants

A Great Dinner at Sotto 13, New York

June 5, 2013 by cheriecity

Sotto13 is a friendly neighbourhood restaurant that really wowed on my trip to New York this year. The ‘social Italian’ restaurant has an unexpectedly residential location on the lower floor of a landmark brownstone on a quiet, leafy street in the West Village.

We visited on Friday evening and the restaurant was already buzzing with well-heeled, in-the-know New Yorkers clinking Prosecco glasses and sharing rustic Italian small plates and pizza slices.

The restaurant is expansive with a split-level dining room, designed in earthy olive, espresso and dark wood tones. We sat at a comfy booth and were greeted warmly by the manager Giuseppe, who made some great recommendations that we were more than happy to try out.

We started with some delicious freshly-baked Focaccia served with a dish of high quality olive oil. Cocktails at Sotto 13 are a must, so I ordered a refreshing Mango Margerita (all cocktails $12) and Steven went for a strong and classic Sazerac.

To start, we were tempted by the Chickpea Fries, sun-dried tomato pesto ($7). The moreish fries had a golden, grainy coating and were smooth and creamy on the inside with a hint of aniseed. The sun-dried tomato pesto dip was deliciously rich, zangy and sweet.

The Garlic Shrimp, rosemary-thyme infused olive oil ($11) came highly-recommended and rightly so. The plump, succulent shrimps were perfectly cooked and came with a scrumptious garlicky jus that was so tasty we mopped it all up with the focaccia.

Having heard good things about Sotto 13’s wood-fire oven pizzas, we shared a Brussels Sprout Pizza ($16) that was cut into slices for easy sharing. The thin and crispy base was covered with strongly-flavoured toppings that complemented each other well. The halved sprouts were nicely charred and scattered among chunky pancetta, rich Fontina and thinly-sliced caramelised red onion.

Our favourite, however, was the wonderful Rigatoni Veal Ragu with Caciocavallo cheese ($16). The large tubes of al dente pasta were smothered in a slow-cooked, rustic sauce with well-seasoned minced veal and tiny pieces of carrot. The pasta was comforting and satisfying, plus the portion size was enormous. This is a dish I’d order again and again if only Sotto 13 was a little closer to home.

For dessert, it had to be the Cannoli – a New York classic that I always try to indulge in when in town. Each mini cannolo was filled with cool, creamy ricotta and chocolate chips and the dough was light and crisp.

Steven’s Pear Strudel with cinnamon ice cream was heavenly and also presented in small bites, so we could share. The pear was stewed with raisins and the pastry was fluffy yet crunchy on the outside.

We finished with a round of New Old Fashioned cocktails that were, strong, expertly-mixed and infused with zesty orange.

Sotto 13 is a real hidden gem where you can eat out like a true New Yorker. The ambiance is stylish yet informal and the staff are so brilliant that you’ll leave the restaurant with a smile.

Next time I visit New York, I can’t wait to spend a lazy Sunday over Sotto 13’s bargainous $25 All-You-Can-Drink Boozy Brunch, including tapas or pizza and unlimited brunch cocktails. Another fun touch is the DIY Prosecco Bar where you can customise glasses of Prosecco with a tray of juice mixers, toss-ins and liqueurs ($15 per tray).

For more information and booking, visit: www.sotto13.com

Chérie City was a guest of Sotto 13

For more New York travel ideas, read my review of:

Art, Beijing, Tours

A Great Tour of 798 Art District, Beijing

June 3, 2013 by cheriecity

798 Art District is one of Beijing’s most exciting sights and is a leafy, low-key alternative to the city’s vertiginous skyscrapers and futuristic glass buildings.

Part of the Dashanzi area in Beijing’s Chaoyang District, 798 has a laid-back village atmosphere with quiet tree-lined streets, an abundance of art galleries, intriguing street art, public sculptures, cool terrace cafes and international restaurants. It feels like the perfect place to come on the weekend for brunch and a leisurely stroll in the sun. I’d love to say that it’s a hidden gem, but in fact 798 is the third most visited sight in Beijing.

The Tour

To see the very best of the art district, Bespoke Beijing organised a 4-hour private tour with art expert Sophie McKinnon. We visited a number of prominent art galleries including the expansive 798 Space Gallery, Long March Space and UCCA (China’s largest privately funded art museum). Sophie also pointed out interesting street art and told us the story behind 798 and how it exists today.

History of 798

798 began as an art community in 2001 when artists moved in to the neighbourhood and set up studios in former military factories, including Factory 798 which originally produced electronics. Many of the galleries have preserved the Maoist slogans and the original features of the factories, creating a unique backdrop for the artworks.

Following a boom period in 2007 when 798 became the coolest, most creative place to be, many artists were priced out of their studios and no longer work there. However, a handful of commercially successful artists can still be found working from the art scene that they built up from the ground.

Zhao Bandi

As a special part of the tour, Sophie took us to meet artist Zhao Bandi in his studio. The Beijing-born artist became internationally known for his provocative works featuring China’s national symbol, the panda. Responding to the rise of consumerism in China, Zhao Bandi turned himself into a brand through performance art, blurring the lines between fiction and his own life.

One of his most controversial works was the Bandi Panda Fashion Show at Palais de Toyko in Paris, featuring models dressed in his signature panda designs representing social groups and issues in China, including the mistress, the corrupted government worker, the beggar and the escort service girl. Critics lashed out at Bandi for supposedly airing the country’s dirty laundry in a foreign country and disgracing the proud nation, but he remained undeterred.

Bandi was preparing for the premiere of his new film Let Panda Fly when we visited his studio, Bandi Panda House. Less dividing than his previous work, the film tells the real-life story of creative children encouraged to make their own panda art to raise money for charity.

Meeting Zhao Bandi and discussing the Chinese art scene with him was the highlight of a brilliant art tour. When visiting Beijing, put the 798 Art District at the very top of your itinerary.

For more information on the 798 & Artist Studio Tour by Bespoke Beijing, visit: www.bespoketravelcompany.com

For more Beijing travel ideas, read my reviews of

Beijing, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury

A Stay at China World Summit Wing Beijing

May 30, 2013 by cheriecity

China World Summit Wing by Shangri-La is Beijing’s tallest and most stylish new luxury hotel. The beautifully-designed hotel is located on the top floors of the striking China World Trade Centre, within the China World complex in Beijing’s flourishing business district.

Location

Sights such as Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City are a 15-minute taxi ride away and there is a wealth of shopping opportunities on the hotel’s doorstep with the interconnected China World Mall, featuring the likes of Hermès, Jimmy Choo and Fendi, and the nearby Silk Street Market for a bit of bartering and bargain hunting.

China World Summit Wing features 278 guest rooms and begins on the 64th floor with the impressive Resident’s Lounge, offering guests complimentary tea and bites throughout the day.

Arrival

On arrival from the airport, we were welcomed by a large, friendly group of Shangri-La staff and were swiftly escorted to our rooms where we were checked in from the comfort of our own desk. The lovely, attentive Effie made sure I had everything I needed and was present throughout our stay, asking about our day and plans.

The Room

My Premier Room on the 68th floor was extremely spacious and designed in a chic contemporary style with Asian touches and a colour palette of midnight blue, gold, red and dark wood. Being a corner room, it features floor to ceilings windows boasting incredible views of the Beijing skyline.

Premier Room features include a large writing desk with integrated tech hub and drawers filled with office supplies, an iPod docking station and sound system, free wifi and a 40-inch Samsung LCD TV with movie channels included and a DVD player. The TV conveniently swivels so you can watch it comfortably from any point in the room.

The sumptuous king-size bed covered in crisp 300-thread-count linen is well-suited to imaginative dreams with a mural of the mystical Shangri-La mountains above the head board. Being so far removed from the traffic and bustle of the city made the room completely free from noise.

In a corner of the room is a dark wood cabinet with a Nespresso machine and kettle with a full China tea service, a selection of teas and coffee, minibar and complimentary bottled water.

A Welcome Treat

A delightful Shangri-La signature is a pot of jasmine tea waiting in your room on arrival. I enjoyed a few cups curled up in an armchair and couldn’t resist grazing on a few of the pretty mini financier cakes. A gold and black lacquered box filled with fresh fruits, a granola bar and cookies is replenished daily.

The bedroom leads on to a fabulous walk-in wardrobe with two large fitted wardrobes, drawers and a nook for storing luggage.

The Bathroom

The Marble bathroom has real ‘wow factor’, featuring a deep soaking tub set against a spectacular view of the city. The amazing statement bath is complemented by luxurious features such as a double sink, a large mirror with a concealed 15-inch flat screen LCD TV, separate glass stalls with a rainfall shower and separate toilet. A quirky touch across all Shangri-La hotels is a notepad and pen and a ledge for holding your mobile phone.

I was delighted to find a full set of L’Occitane bathroom amenities in both the shower and by the soaking tub, as well as sachets of bath salts and a drawer full of the usual bathroom extras such as cotton wool, nail files and combs. As if that wasn’t enough to be well-groomed, there was also an embroidered female amenities bag filled with L’Occitane lip balm, facial cleansing wipe, shea butter hand cream, sheer stockings and a hair band.

Turndown

At evening turndown, the room is thoughtful prepared with extra bottles of complimentary Evian and glasses by the bedside, slippers laid out on a cotton mat and a sweet treat presented in a little box on the bed. One night it was a decadent mint milk chocolate and the next was a duo of red bean rice rolls.

Breakfast

Breakfast with spectacular views over the Forbidden City in Grill 79 is the perfect way to begin the day, with everything you could possibly want for breakfast. The breakfast buffet features a generous selection of mini pastries and muffins, granola, fruit and yoghurt parfaits, Chinese rice and noodle dishes, pork congee, dim sum, eggs and bacon.

Alongside the buffet, guests can order freshly-cooked dishes including pancakes, French Toast, Eggs Benedict and scrambled eggs with bacon. Glasses of freshly-squeezed orange juice and pots of English Breakfast Tea completed my morning meal.

The Swimming Pool

The health and leisure facilities at China World Summit Wing are truly impressive. The expansive state-of-the-art gym is sleek and modern while the 25-metre indoor infinity swimming pool gives the unbeatable feeling of swimming in the clouds above Beijing. The herbal steam room, laconium and vitality pool have a cool urban spa design and are perfect for relaxing the muscles, particularly after a long day of sightseeing.

CHI Spa

On our first day in Beijing, we had the pleasure of visiting CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La. We were welcomed with warming green tea and were offered a choice of oils for our one hour Aroma Wellness Massage – I chose rose. The massage focused on my back, neck and shoulders and really helped me unwind after the long flight. In fact, it was so relaxing that I almost drifted off to sleep a few times.

Dining at China World Summit Wing

China World Summit Wing has five restaurants including the fine dining Cantonese restaurant Fook Lam Moon, the stylish and international Grill 79, high end Japanese chain restaurant Nadaman and the more casual Noodle Bar and The Red Chamber. Private dining is also offered in the intimate Chairman Rooms.

Atmosphere, on the 80th floor, is the highest bar in the city and there is always a queue to sip Champagne and cocktails while marveling at the unrivaled views. Chief Bartender Henning Neufeld asked which kind of ingredients I like and made me a bespoke Old Fashioned using Talisker whisky. As the name suggests, the bar has a great ambiance, with guests dancing to the live band into the early hours. Like many bars in Beijing, it can get quite smoky, but it’s worth it for one glam evening.

China World Summit Wing is an exquisite hotel at the pinnacle of luxury with warm, unbeatable Asian hospitality. Service is exemplary – well choreographed yet sincere – and the small touches are what makes the hotel so special. Staying at China World Summit Wing is an experience in itself and the perfect way to discover the finer delights of Beijing.

A double room at China World Summit Wing starts from 2,530 RMB (approx £268) per room per night. Price includes tax and service. (B&B basis).

Chérie City was a guest of China World Summit Wing

For more Beijing travel ideas, read my reviews of

Beauty

Penhaligon’s New Iris Prima Perfume

May 26, 2013 by cheriecity

Penhaligon’s fragrance Iris Prima is one of its most romantic and covetable yet. Created in partnership with English National Ballet, Iris Prima is a modern, luxurious scent that captures the elegance and creativity of London’s leading dancers.

Master perfumer Alberto Morillas absorbed the drama and spirit of the renowned ballet company from the theatre wings and in the rehearsal studio at its South Kensington home, Markova House. To fully immerse himself in their artistic world, he was granted exclusive access to English National Ballet dancers Nathan Young and Lauretta Summerscales.

Far from being girly or overly sweet, Iris Prima is a refined, subtle eau de parfum that also works surprisingly well on men. The glass bottle with a suede embossed label and leather print box give it a tougher edge while referencing the dancers’ ballet shoes.

Iris Prima opens with a crisp burst of Bergamot, Green Amber and punchy Pink Pepper. As the fragrance develops, it becomes more musky and sophisticated with prominent Iris Absolute, Jasmine Sambac and luminous Hedione and Paradisone. The base of the fragrance is powdery and sultry with a heady blend of Leather, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Vetiver and Benzoin.

At the preview of Penhaligon’s Iris Prima, we were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at what and who inspired the new fragrance.

On display were portraits of the dancers, exquisite costumes from ballets including The Nutcracker and a beautiful installation of Bloch ballet shoes and an over-sized bottle of Iris Prima.

Iris Prima is a very special, delicate fragrance that you can wear day or night to transport you to a prima ballerina’s world of endless tulle and pirouettes.

Iris Prima will launch in the UK at Penhaligon’s boutiques, online at www.penhaligons.com and with selected department stores on 9th September 2013. 100ml for £120 and 50ml for £85.

If you’re interested in more Penhaligon’s perfumes, read my reviews of Equinox Bloom, Peoneve, Ostara, Vaara and Blasted Bloom & Blasted Heath.

New York, Restaurants, USA

Luke’s Lobster at The Plaza Food Hall

May 22, 2013 by cheriecity

While in New York, I was determined to find a great place to eat lobster rolls. Our first attempt at visiting Luke’s Lobster in the East Village was ill-fated, as the tiny bar was packed full (it only seats 8!) and it was too chilly for take-out.

Luckily, we stumbled upon Luke’s Lobster again in one of my favourite NYC foodie haunts, The Plaza Foodhall, after a long trek around Central Park.

Lobster rolls may sound like an extravagant indulgence, but a lobster glut on the East Coast last year means that prices have been driven down and happily lots of affordable seafood joints have recently popped up in New York. Luke’s Lobster now has ten locations and has expanded to Washington DC and Philadelphia’s well-heeled Rittenhouse Square.

We ordered a Lobster Roll with soda, chips and a pickle ($17) and a Crab Roll – just the roll ($12) to share. The Maine style lobster roll was substantial with a quarter-pound of plump, chilled lobster meat atop a split toasted and buttered roll spread with mayonnaise, a drizzle of warm lemon butter and scattered ‘secret herbs’.

The lobster was incredibly fresh and succulent and was perfectly complemented by the oozing butter sauce and the ‘secret’ ground herbs (I detected a bit of paprika and oregano). The lobster roll came with a choice of Cape Cod potato chips and a glass bottle of Maine Root Mexicane Cola.

The crab roll was also delicious with a flaky texture and a clean, subtle taste. Both were extremely tasty, but the lobster roll had the slight edge as the lobster meat was more flavoursome. If you’re really peckish, try the Taste of Maine – half lobster roll, half crab roll and half shrimp roll with a soda, chips and a pickle ($20).

Unlike other lobster shacks in NYC, Luke’s Lobster rolls are simply packed full of seafood rather than bulked up with lots of mayo and celery – they’re probably the best value for money too.

Many of the outlets can be small and hard to find a seat when it’s busy, but The Plaza Food Hall has plenty of seated eating areas. In the warmer months, grab a few rolls and head to Central Park for a posh picnic – what could be better!

For more New York dining ideas, read my reviews of:

Bars, Cyprus, Restaurants

Top Places to Eat Out in Ayia Napa

May 21, 2013 by cheriecity

Meze feasts are a highlight of a trip to Cyprus and there are a number of excellent traditional restaurants to be found in Ayia Napa. Cypriot cuisine is very similar to Greek food, however it also features Middle Eastern, Italian and Turkish influences.

Here are some great places to enjoy Cypriot specialities in Ayia Napa…

Tony’s Taverna

This traditional Cypriot restaurant serves mouth-watering meze and regional dishes. Located on Nissi Avenue, among the bars and clubs, the restaurant is quite a hidden gem and very popular among locals and clued up tourists.

Dinners for large groups in Cyprus usually consist of a steady flow of 20 to 25 of the restaurant’s best small dishes. We began each meal with warm, freshly-baked Cypriot bread served with a feta mixed salad and a selection of houmous, tahini, taromasalata, tzatziki and marinated olives.

Some of our favourite dishes included fried halloumi, potato wedges marinated in red wine, keftedes, roasted pork belly and pork strips in Antonio’s secret sauce. We also enjoyed ravani (semolina cake drenched in a sweet syrup) for dessert, followed by glyka (candied bitter orange treats) – a delicious end to the meal. Tony’s Taverna was my favourite restaurant of the trip, as every dish was incredibly tasty and the pretty ‘Mykonos style’ restaurant had lots of character and charm.

Taverna Mousikos

Taverna Mousikos is a popular restaurant located in a converted traditional village house in nearby Sotira Village. Most of the fresh ingredients come from the owner’s farm and there’s a delightful terrace for outdoor summer eating.

Happily, the menu was once again a feast of delicious meze, yet the style of cooking was slightly different to Tony’s Taverna. Moreish dishes included Cypriot Kibbeh, their signature baked halloumi, kolokasi chips, grilled mushrooms, macaroni cheese, courgettes stuffed with minced meat and bechamel, smoked pork tenderloin, snails, lamb kleftikos and pork souvlaki.

Napa Mermaid Hotel

For a pre-dinner apéritif, stop by the pretty Napa Mermaid Hotel for cocktails by the pool or in the Andama Cocktail Lounge. Recently redesigned, this slick design hotel has a cool Miami vibe and the outdoor bars are sure to be the place to chill out in the summer.

The cocktails are very affordable, particularly for a luxury hotel, and my Mai Tai was delicious and expertly-mixed. If you plan to stay for dinner, try the sleek, minimalist Flavours Restaurant – the chef’s carvery looked particularly tasty.

Sotira Village

We were treated to a real taste of Cyprus over lunch at the Sotira Village home of Mrs Rita Ioannidou. Formerly part of the Visit Cyprus team, Rita has created an enviable, idyllic life at her Mykonos-style home surrounded by stunning gardens, lemon trees and vegetable allotments.

Rita and her daughter Sophia prepared lunch while we sipped fresh home-made lemonade on the terrace and foraged for lemons, onions and herbs. The guys in our group were delegated barbecue, salad preparing and potato peeling duties, while the girls chatted over beers – an amusing gender role reversal in the still traditional Cyprus!

Our lunch banquet was epic and full of delicious flavours. We munched on feta salad, artichokes and carrots in a lemon, olive oil and dill sauce, grilled garlic mushrooms, keftedes, spicy sausage and an impressive roast rack of lamb and potatoes.

Not only is Rita a great cook with a beautiful home, she’s a real character and very hospitable. She occasionally offers cooking demonstrations and lunch for visiting groups – perfect if you want to experience a more personal side of Cyprus (just email for her contact details).

Isaac Tavern

This low-key seafront restaurant on Ayia Napa harbour specialises in fresh fish and seafood. It doesn’t look like a destination restaurant but it has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and the food is pretty good.

We ate chargrilled sea bream, red snapper, whitebait, grilled prawns, garlic mussels, seafood rice and Cypriot potatoes (really good home-made chips). For dessert, it was sticky semolina and crushed almonds with rosewater syrup.

Looking for a stylish hotel by the beach in Ayia Napa or nearby Protaras? Read my reviews of the five star luxury Grecian Park Hotel and the peaceful four star Nissi Beach Resort.

All photos by Chérie City (except Napa Mermaid Hotel)

Chérie City was a guest of Visit Cyprus