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Lunch at The Meatball Shop LES, New York

April 6, 2013 by cheriecity

The Meatball Shop is a perfect spot for a bit of tasty, low-key comfort food in a rustic New York-Italian diner.

Established by Daniel Holzman and Michael Chernow, it’s quite the New York success story, starting from just one small restaurant on the Lower East Side and quickly expanding to Brooklyn, West Village and Chelsea.

The concept is simple yet clever, focusing purely on five meatballs that you can customise with different sauces, breads and sides. It’s made even easier by just marking down your order with a felt tip pen on a laminated menu.

For the first lunch of our trip, The Meatball Shop was the winning choice – not only were we in the mood for meatballs, but it was conveniently just around the corner from our hotel, Thompson LES.

There can often be a long waiting time for a table at The Meatball Shop (they don’t take reservations and it’s a very popular place), but for a Wednesday late lunch, we were through the door and seated right away. Our fun, charming waiter explained the menu well and made personal recommendations for pairing the balls with sauces.

It would be easy to order lots of sharing dishes, but with dinner plans later that day, we tried to go easy and both ordered a Meatball Smash ($9) with different balls and sauces and split them. The two smashed classic beef meatballs were plump, well-seasoned and hearty, with fresh herbs and breadcrumbs. They went perfectly with the sweet, rich roasted classic tomato sauce and creamy mozzarella.

The large brioche bun was fluffy and glazed yet not too sweet and we enjoyed the simple green salad with a light olive oil vinaigrette dressing, fresh herbs and slices of tart green apple.

The spicy pork balls had a very meaty taste with a touch of fennel and were complemented by the deliciously thick and garlicky Parmesan cream sauce – almost like a bechamel. Both types of meatballs were high quality and very natural-tasting, but didn’t have the same juiciness as others I’ve tried.

We couldn’t resist ordering the only dessert on the menu – an Ice Cream Sandwich ($5 each). My giant scoop of house-made chocolate ice cream was rich and dark while Steven’s vanilla ice cream had a strong natural vanilla flavour and was as decadent as you’d expect.

The freshly-baked Snickerdoodle cookie was soft and laced with cinnamon while the Ginger Snap cookie was chewy and sweet with a potent ginger kick. No matter how filling the meatballs may be, you don’t want to miss out on these simple yet scrumptious treats!

If you want to take a bit of The Meatball Shop home, they have collaborated with brands such as SHUT, Vans and Carhartt on merchandise including a skateboard deck, hi tops and a beanie.

While New York is full of delis serving up meatball parm sandwiches, The Meatball Shop is fun, sociable and better suited to a leisurely lunch or dinner – plus you can drink wine. Prices are reasonable, staff are great and while becoming a small chain, it has personality. I’d definitely go back, but this time for dinner and add some sliders and sides.

For more info and menus, visit: www.themeatballshop.com

New York, Restaurants

Lunch At Cafeteria in Chelsea, New York

April 2, 2013 by cheriecity

Cafeteria is a Chelsea institution, much loved for its tempting comfort food and upbeat atmosphere. For the past 15 years, Cafeteria has been open 24-hours a day, making it a favourite among New Yorkers for a lazy weekend brunch, people spotting over lunch on the terrace or after work cocktails.

Looks familiar? Cafeteria is the stylish backdrop for a number scenes in Sex and the City. As if that wasn’t enough to lure you in, Cafeteria has possibly the coolest branding, with a campaign and menu featuring portraits of Amanda Lepore, Shontelle, Carson Kressley, Little Miss Sunshine actress Georgi James and other well-known New York creatives.

We visited on a busy Friday afternoon without a reservation and managed to get a table within 20 minutes. Cafeteria is a slick operation with a speedy, good-looking, mostly male team commanding the room. Unsurprisingly for the Chelsea location, the crowd seemed to be mostly made up of music industry types, gallerists, PR girls and a scattering of visitors.

After half a week of over-indulgence in the city, we both tried to go lighter with the Soup & a Sammie ($9) – Cup of Soup, 1/2 Cheddar Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Smoked Bacon, Thick Cut Tomato, Homemade Potato Chips.

The piping hot tomato soup, served in a mug, was rich, thick and topped with a large crouton, fresh basil pesto and a dollop of cream. The ‘half’ grilled sandwich was enormous and packed full of oozing melted Cheddar and at least three rashers of high quality crispy smoked bacon. As if that wasn’t filling enough for lunch, the soup came with a little silver pot of crunchy, well-seasoned potato chips.

We couldn’t resist also sharing a side of Truffle Parmesan Fries ($6). The excellent home-made skin-on fries were topped with lots of shaved Parmesan, fresh herbs and a drizzle of truffle oil. They were a decadent alternative to regular fries and the truffle oil made all the difference.

During lunch, we saw massive portions of fried chicken and waffles, sliders, stacks of pancakes and gourmet salads being served. One of the most popular dishes was the indulgent Mac Attack ($12) – a tasting trio of macaroni and cheese dishes, which we are determined to try on our next visit to New York.

The music is super loud, so it’s not exactly the place to come to relax, but it does add to the buzz of the place. For something a little more intimate and luxurious, you can book (PDR), the special private dining space for 24 guests, designed in collaboration with Nema Workshop.

Prices at Cafeteria are very reasonable, especially considering the generous portion sizes, quality of food and the location – you can eat really well for under $15 each. It’s perfect for a fun, uplifting lunch and in the summer, the terrace is sure to be the place to see and be seen in Chelsea.

For more info and menus, visit: www.cafeteriagroup.com

Photos by Chérie City (dining room by Cafeteria)

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

Bars, New York

Amazing Craft Beer At Tørst Bar in Brooklyn

April 1, 2013 by cheriecity

Tørst is one of the most talked-about bars in Brooklyn at the moment and it’s easy to see why – there’s nothing quite like it in New York. It serves only artisan, often obscure and hard-to-find beers from around the world.

The low-key bar on Greenpoint’s Manhattan Avenue is the creation of ‘nomad brewer’ Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø (the guy behind Evil Twin Brewing) and former Noma and Momofuku chef Daniel Burns.

Tørst (‘thirst’ in Danish) is the kind of bar that you might go on a mission to (we certainly did) rather than stumble upon, with a barely visible marble-carved sign above the door – blink and you might miss it. Inside, the reclaimed wood-panelled space is minimal – a little like a bunker – and very Scandinavian, with rows of tidy benches, tables and high stools around the bar.

We visited on a grey, rainy Monday afternoon with just a few people propping up the bar. I imagine in the evening, the atmosphere will be great, particularly with the cosy, sociable set up and the buzz around the bar. The Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas has already been spotted drinking there.

The marble bar is a thing of beauty – the taps feature no branding or logos due to the beers constantly changing. Instead, the 21 taps are colour coded and categorised, from the lightest to the darkest. A cool feature is the ‘flux capacitor’, which allows the bar staff to adjust the nitrogen and carbon dioxide levels, so that the beer is poured perfectly every time.

Tørst may be targeted to the serious beer drinker, but the friendly, clued-up bar staff are happy to recommend a beer or explain the menu to the uninitiated. I went with the bartender’s current favourite, Perennial Saison de Lis – a light and crisp beer that is brewed with camomile for a herbal flavour. The beer was refreshing, easy to drink and zesty.

Steven’s Evil Twin Low Life Pilsner ($4) was slightly stronger and more complex. The beer had a cloudy, honey shade and a distinctive, slightly sour aftertaste. Both beers were served in clear wine glasses with a turquoise geometric pattern. This may seem unusual, but apparently oversized wine glasses are well suited to strong or high gravity beers.

Food at Tørst is currently limited to charcuterie and cheese plates with olives and pickles. However, when the kitchen is fully complete in May, Tørst will also include a tasting menu restaurant called Luksus (translated as ‘luxury’) , seating just 26 guests. Chef Daniel Burns will offer a five-course menu featuring Scandinavian dishes made with local produce and there are plans for events with guest chefs from Denmark.

Tørst is an innovative, exciting neighbourhood bar that lives up to the hype and is certainly one to watch, particularly when the restaurant is up and running. I can see it making all of the ‘best bar’ lists, so visit now before the crowds start flocking.

All photos by Chérie City

New York, Photo Diary

Photo Diary: Central Park, New York

March 29, 2013 by cheriecity

Central Park – 20.03.13

All photos by Chérie City

Afternoon tea, Bars, Cafes, New York, Patisserie

Sweet Revenge – West Village, New York

March 28, 2013 by cheriecity

New York is full of high end, glossy cupcake boutiques but Sweet Revenge on Carmine Street in the West Village offers something a little different. As the name suggests, Sweet Revenge is purely for grown-ups and serves inventive cupcakes paired with wines and beers.

Established by former city slicker Marlo Scott in 2008, Sweet Revenge is a totally unique concept – how many cupcake shops in New York even have a liquor license?

It has a low-key bistro feel with distressed wood chairs, white tiles and a well-stocked bar with glass domes of baked goods displayed between the bottles. When we visited, there were the four signature cupcakes available as well as a selection of artisan flavours, cookies and two savoury cakes – Croque Monsieur and Jamaican Curry.

The artisan flavours are particularly sophisticated with gourmet flavours including Armenian Flower, Spice Islands Carrot, Fleur de Sel, Mayan Chocolate and German Colada.

For a late-afternoon treat, we ordered two signature cupcakes ($3.50 each) to share. The Sweet Revenge® cupcake is the house special, consisting of a dense and moist peanut butter cake, a dark chocolate ganache centre and thick peanut butter fudge frosting. It was sweet and rich without being sickly and the chocolate ganache was a delicious touch.

The Crimson & Cream flavour was a new take on the classic red velvet cake with the addition of fresh raspberries and raspberry sauce atop the cream cheese frosting. The Crimson & Cream cupcake was less sweet than the Sweet Revenge flavour, so it’s ideal for those who prefer something a little less sugary.

To pair our cupcakes with wine, Sweet Revenge suggests a Spanish Malbec and a Raspberry Bellini, however, on a sunny yet crisp day, we couldn’t resist trying the Spiked Spiced Cider ($12). The comforting drink came in a large mug and was fruity, potent and packed full of cinnamon and winter spices. The beer cocktails were also tempting, with different types of Shandy including Monaco, Caribbean, South African, American and Italian.

If you’re in the neighbourhood between 4 and 8pm, don’t miss the Happy Hour for the special glass of Sangria, Pinot Noir or House Chardonnay and a cupcake for just $10. Sweet Revenge also serves a tasty-sounding lunch and brunch, but be sure to leave some room for a cupcake dessert – they’re a real must!

Photos by Chérie City

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

Airlines, London, New York

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Heathrow & JFK

March 14, 2013 by cheriecity

On my trip to New York last year, I was delighted to experience the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at London Heathrow and New York JFK.

The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse is a stylish perk for Upper Class passengers and for Flying Club Gold members. It’s a calm sanctuary with a private member’s club feel, away from the hustle and bustle of the airport.

Guests can refuel over a proper meal, unwind with a spa treatment, relax with a drink at the bar, watch the large screen TV or catch up on work and emails before a long flight. It certainly makes the travel experience much more enjoyable and stress-free.

Virgin Atlantic offers these luxurious lounges in selected airports around the world, but London Heathrow boasts the flagship Clubhouse with the most facilities and complimentary treats.

We started the Clubhouse experience in the restaurant with a hearty Full English Breakfast and a cup of tea. The breakfast was delicious and immaculately presented – an ideal start to the journey. We read the morning newspapers and went over our itinerary at our own comfortable table, enjoying not having to scramble for a seat in the departures lounge.

During breakfast, one of the Clubhouse hosts kindly came over to book us in for a spa treatment, so that we wouldn’t miss out as other passengers arrived. The staff were so friendly and charming, making sure that we were well looked after during our visit.

After breakfast, I enjoyed a relaxing seated back massage (15 minutes) at Cowshed Spa. My lovely therapist used hot stones to smooth out the knots in my back, shoulder and neck, preparing me for the flight. The Cowshed Spa is tucked away neatly in the Clubhouse, so guests have a good amount of privacy to really unwind.

With a newspaper in hand, we left to board the plane and were seated in Premium Economy. It’s all about the small extras in Premium Economy that make a huge difference, particularly the extra leg-room, wider leather seats and the excellent meals served on china dinnerware with stainless steel cutlery. I rarely drink alcohol on flights to avoid dehydration, but if you want to indulge, wines and liqueurs are served.

The movie selection is a real highlight of flying with Virgin Atlantic. I particularly liked that you can stop and start each movie whenever you wish – surprisingly a feature that not all airlines entertainment systems offer.

On the return journey, a series of delays including an unexpected Sunday rail replacement bus and the most epic queue at security added hours of travelling and waiting to an otherwise punctual journey. We managed to step into the JFK Clubhouse for less than 5 minutes before boarding and the staff kindly and swiftly supplied a cold Diet Coke, which was most welcome after the stresses of the journey.

There was sadly no time for a good look around the JFK Clubhouse, however it is just as smart as London Heathrow with sleek dining, entertainment and work spaces. It features the very first Clubhouse spa outside of London with New York brand Bumble & Bumble and Dr Hauschka.

The Virgin Atlantic experience was unbeatable and that’s why I’ve booked to fly with them again for my trip to New York next week. With competitive prices in the winter sale and 2000 Flying Club air miles accrued on my Virgin Atlantic credit card over the year, I got a pretty good deal.

Chérie City was offered a complimentary seat upgrade and Clubhouse access.

Photos by Virgin Atlantic and Chérie City

London, Restaurants

SUDA Thai in Covent Garden, London

March 10, 2013 by cheriecity

SUDA Thai Cafe Restaurant is a perfect spot for classic Thai dishes in a stylish yet casual setting. It’s the sister restaurant of my favourite Thai fine dining restaurant Patara, but with a more informal atmosphere, simpler menu and lower price point.

Tucked away in St Martin’s Courtyard, it’s conveniently located for a break from shopping in Covent Garden or a delicious after-work dinner with friends.

Suda is set over two floors, balancing industrial-chic black and silver design and cool photography with quirky touches such as carved wood donkeys and miniature plants. It also features a small market offering authentic Thai ingredients and fresh spices.

We sat on the ground floor at a rather large table for two, which worked well for sharing dishes easily. The non-alcoholic cocktails sounded healthy and delicious, so I tried the Lemongrass and ginger ice tea (£4.50) – fresh lemongrass shaken with ginger, lemon juice, sugar and topped with Thai tea. The ice tea was subtle and slightly sweet, however the glass was filled with so much ice that the drink was finished a little too quickly.

A more zingy choice was the Apple Press (£4.50) – fresh apple pressed with mint, ginger and honey. The drink was fresh, tart and not overly sweet, with a torn mint leaf foam.

We ordered a selection of starters to share, as they looked so tempting. Pratad Pu Cha (£6.95) – Suda crab and chicken firecrackers were long, thin filled wontons, tied with a string of seaweed and served in glasses with a sweet chili dipping sauce. The chicken and crab fillings were succulent and well-seasoned – a delicious contrast to the crunchiness of the wonton.

Also worth trying is the Satay Gai (£5.25) – chicken satay sticks with peanut sauce. The succulent skewers of chicken were lightly spiced and chargrilled while the peanut dipping sauce was full of flavour yet very mild.

Another fun and tasty starter was Tod Mun Pla Goong (£5.95) – Thai fish and prawn lollipops. The prawn lollipop was like a plump fritter and the fish lollipop was covered in a crispy batter – both were fresh, piping hot and very tasty. These little bites would be perfect for a party or as a bar snack with a cocktail.

For the main course, I was tempted by Pad Thai Goong (£9.50) with rice noodles. The noodles were cooked perfectly with beansprouts and finely sliced red pepper and were dressed in a light crushed peanut and lime sauce.

The Pad Thai Goong is usually served with prawns but Suda kindly offered it with chicken instead when I asked. The portion size was generous and there was plenty of meat, however the chicken was a little dry and didn’t absorb the flavours of the dish.

Steven ordered Gaeng Phed Ped Yang (£10.50) – roast duck red curry. The medium-hot curry was rich, fragrant and aromatic with a generous amount of thinly-sliced duck, cherry tomatoes, red peppers and grapes. The curry sauce was so tasty and addictive, with slow-cooked flavours of coconut, lemongrass and turmeric. Luckily there was so much sauce that I was able to sneak a few spoonfuls to dress my last few bites of Pad Thai Goong.

The Kao Phad Kai (£2.75) – wok-fried rice with eggs was a perfect accompaniment – much lighter and less greasy than any fried rice I’ve tried.

For dessert, I was intrigued by Kao Tum Mud Sai Chocolate (£4.95) – sticky rice roll with bitter chocolate filling. The warm rice, served on top of a banana leaf, was infused with jasmine and the strands stuck lightly together without being gooey. The rich, thick, slightly sharp chocolate sauce and the smooth vanilla ice cream added flavour to the nicely textured rice.

Steven tried Gluay Hom Tod (£4.95) – golden banana fritters with honey and sesame served with vanilla ice cream. The bananas were soft and naturally sweet, covered in a light, crispy batter with little golden pieces of puffed rice and a drizzle of honey and scattered sesame seeds.

We finished with a Fresh Mint Tea and a Fresh Ginger Tea – both were potent, calming and completely natural.

Suda is a great destination restaurant, but like its older sibling Patara, it has the potential to become a boutique chain of eateries. Staff are friendly and polite and service is efficient yet subtle. It’s the kind of place that lets you get on with your meal without interruption.

Prices are reasonable considering the food quality and generous portion sizes, bridging the gap between Thai ‘cheap eats’ and fine dining. The lunch set menu is particularly good value, offering a selection of popular main dishes with fish and prawn lollipops for under £10. I will definitely go back to Suda to try more of the delicious curries and noodles.

Chérie City was a guest of Suda

Photos by Chérie City and Suda

Tech

Travel With The New Samsung Galaxy S III

March 8, 2013 by cheriecity

In a few weeks, I will be jetting off to New York for six nights to take in as much of the city’s sights, sounds and tastes as I can. I have a number of exciting things planned, but for squeezing in as many New York hotspots in the shortest amount of time, the Gossip Girl Sites Tour is top of the list.

I take hundreds of pictures when I’m out and about, so I need a reliable phone with a camera that does justice to the amazing views. For this, I have my eye on the new Samsung Galaxy S III from Carphone Warehouse. I was lucky enough to get a Samsung Tablet from my family for Christmas and I’ve since become a bit of a fan of the Samsung brand.

One of the only downsides of travel is the amount out waiting around, but the Samsung Galaxy S III is sure to keep you entertained while waiting for that flight or train journey.

The slim, sleek phone features cutting edge technology, including a quad core processor that means you can watch HD videos while browsing the internet or sending text messages. The cool pop-up play feature allows you to minimise your video window while navigating the phone, so you can check emails and texts without missing the best bits of your movie.

The HD Super AMOLED technology not only gives superior colour contrast, but offers better battery life, which is essential when you’re out all day exploring the city.

The 8 mega-pixel camera means excellent quality images and videos, however it’s the extra features that make the phone so appealing. Best photo automatically chooses your best side out of 8 continuous photos, so you can spend less time trying to get a complementary shot. Also, Buddy photo share recognises your friends faces and can instantly share the photo with them. These features seem to save a lot of time and effort, which is exactly what you want from a phone. It’s definitely on my tech wish list!

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Beauty, Competitions

WIN Seascape Island Apothecary Bath & Body Products

March 7, 2013 by cheriecity

Seascape Island Apothecary has quickly become part of my body care routine and I adore its luxurious, natural products.

Inspired by the idyllic beaches of Jersey, Seascape uses local produce and extracts from herbs distilled on the island in its soothing premium bath and body products. Whether it’s an invigorating Uplift Body Wash to wake up in the morning or a relaxing Unwind Body Lotion with lavender and Ylang Ylang to promote good sleep, Seascape has a range for every mood.

Seascape is offering one lucky reader the chance to try a luxury set of its natural bath and body products, worth £54. The prize includes:

– Uplift Body Wash
– Unwind Body Lotion
– Soothe Body Butter

HOW TO ENTER:

Follow Chérie City on Facebook and leave a comment on this page below, sharing your favourite island destination…

The winner will be selected at random and the competition will close at 6pm on 7 April 2013.

Terms & Conditions:

– Closing date: 7 April 2013 at 6pm.
– Entrants must become (or already be) a follower of Chérie City on Facebook.
– Entry is limited to one per household.
– Seascape reserves the right to offer alternative products if unavailable.
– The prize is non-transferable and non-redeemable.
– No cash alternatives will be offered.
– The winner must claim the prize within 48 hours of contact, or a new winner will be selected.

Beauty

Superdry Beauty – The Debut Make-Up Collection

March 7, 2013 by cheriecity

British clothing brand Superdry launched its first beauty collection last month and it is definitely one to watch. The colours are vibrant and trend-led and just like the clothing, the products are inspired by Japan.

The well-edited collection includes velvety lip paints, highly-pigmented eye colours, pastel powder blushes, sheer colour lip glazes and bold nail colours with a cute retro design. Superdry also offers eye-catching, light-weight make-up bags, the most adorable neon pink kabuki brush and nail care accessories. I’m a fan of the cheap and cheerful buff and shine block (£3) – it’s easy to use and keeps nails super shiny and smooth for a long time.

Superdry also wins points for the coolest packaging with neon rubber detailing, layered cardboard boxes that resemble ice cream wafers and stackable eyeshadows with built-in magnets. The neon mirrors are so bright you couldn’t possibly lose them in your handbag and the protective silicone covers make them perfect for travelling.

Prices are affordable and range from £2 to £20, so adding a pop of colour isn’t a huge investment. Products are available now in all UK Superdry stores and online.

To see the full collection and to buy online, visit: www.superdry.com

* PR sample

Bars, London, Music, Restaurants

Heliot At The Hippodrome – London

March 3, 2013 by cheriecity

Leicester Square is possibly the last place I’d come to find excellent food in London, however Heliot at The Hippodrome is quite an unexpected gem.

Since opening in 1900, The Hippodrome has been a theatre, circus, music hall and nightclub. Most notably, Charlie Chaplin made his stage debut there. The venue closed for almost two years for extensive renovation and reopened last year as The Hippodrome Casino.

My first and only casino experience was at a soulless member’s only joint with mugshots at the door with heavy surveillance inside. My French friend declared, ‘ugh, it is not like the casino in Monaco’ and we both left feeling decidedly unimpressed. I had higher hopes for The Hippodrome and while it obviously doesn’t attract the glamorous crowd of the South of France gambling institutions, the building is quite spectacular and it buzzes quietly with the sound of fortunes being made (and broken).

Heliot takes its name from the formidale lion tamer Claire Heliot, who was known to feed raw meat to big cats on stage. The bar and a few tables overlook the casino floor, but the main part of Heliot is tucked cosily behind a tier of seats.

The sleek restaurant is all black and red leather with rows of theatrical bright lights. It feels cosy, intimate and private and the clientele ranges from the more well-heeled gamblers and businessmen to a teenage couple presumably on their first date.

Executive Chef Barry Vera’s menu is a mix of brasserie classics and ‘bling comfort food’. After ordering, we were offered an basket of deliciously warm, freshly-baked bread rolls and a pot of fine butter.

With a nod to Heliot’s Chinatown location, I started with the Peking Duck Consommé and wontons (£9). The rich yet light broth, poured into my bowl from a large teapot, was meaty and full of character, with a plum and hoisin flavour. It was filled with plenty of enokitake mushrooms and fresh herbs, but the main feature was a large raviolo packed full of well-seasoned, lean, flaky (not minced) duck breast.

Steven’s French Onion Soup with Gruyère (£8) was a real winner. It was the darkest, thickest onion soup we’ve ever seen, packed full of caramelised onions with a brick of Gruyère atop a toasted crouton. The flavours were intense and rich and the soup had just the right amount of oiliness to feel comforting – quite a meal in itself. It came served with a thin slice of rye toast with an unusually brown-coloured covering, which we determined to be grilled cheese.

Heliot’s signature dish is Millionaires Mac & Cheese (£28, serves 2) with Gruyère and shaved black truffle. To avoid ordering the same dish, I went for the equally high-rolling Lobster Fish Fingers, triple cooked chips and wasabi mayonnaise (£19).

The dish was larger than I expected, with three plump goujons of fresh, succulent lobster enrobed in crispy, golden panko-style breadcrumbs. The triple cooked chunky chips were flavoursome, perfectly seasoned and meticulously presented, alongside a crunchy salad of julienne red, orange and yellow peppers in a light vinaigrette dressing and a deliciously punchy wasabi mayonnaise.

I loved how simple yet decadent this dish was and am confident I’ll be drawn back to Heliot for lobster fish finger cravings.

Steven tried the Twice Cooked Pork Belly with puy lentils and calvados sauce (£16.50). The huge slab of belly was tender and juicy with a layer of soft fat and crispy crackling. It was served with lightly braised puy lentils, a dash of smooth potato puree, a stick of crunchy crackling and a scrumptious calvados and meat juice sauce.

We accompanied our mains with side dishes of Glazed Chantenay Carrots (£3.50) and Cauliflower Gratin (£3.50). I liked the fragrant flavour and the glaze of the carrots, but they were a little too raw and crunchy to enjoy fully. The cauliflower gratin however, was baked to perfection, with a moreish cheese and cream sauce. If the cauliflower gratin was this good, I can just imagine how decadent the Millionaire’s Mac & Cheese would be!

To finish, I was tempted by the Chocolate Mousse, brownie and crème fraiche sorbet (£7.25). The thick slice of silky, thick chocolate mousse (can we really call it a mousse?) had a soft, moist brownie base and was topped with a row of home-made toffee popcorn. The crème fraiche sorbet was a refreshing accompaniment and a welcome surprise was fresh blackberries and sticky blackberry coulis dotted around the plate.

Steven’s classic Sticky Toffee Pudding (£6.25) was dense, gooey and infused with a buttery toffee sauce. Both desserts were deliciously decadent and a perfect end to the meal.

We ordered classic cocktails with dinner – I went for a Negroni (£9) and an Old Fashioned (£9) while Steven tried a Whisky Sour (£9) or two. The cocktails were expertly-mixed and just the right strength.

After dinner, we moved on, with cocktails in hand, to The Matcham Room to end the night with a little live jazz by Jay Phelps Quartet. The purpose-built venue has a capacity of 180, yet that evening it was set up as an intimate club with great acoustics and lighting, plus seamless table service.

Vancouver-born trumpeter Jay Phelps and his ultra cool band played two sets of pieces by jazz legends and compositions from Jay’s debut album. Not only is Jay an incredible musician but he looks dapper in a suit and charms the audience with stories between songs. Now based in London, Jay also hosts the monthly Jay’s Jitter Live swing night, where the venue becomes a dance hall. The lure of live jazz and dancing, along with lobster fish fingers and Negronis is too good to resist!

Watch Jay Phelps Quartet in action…

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

Chérie City was a guest of The Hippodrome

Photos by Chérie City and The Hippodrome

Competitions, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury

WIN A Stress-Free Trip To Stobo Castle, Scotland

February 26, 2013 by cheriecity

I’m a firm believer that a relaxing holiday is great for the body and soul, leaving you refreshed and ready to take on the world on your return. AXA PPP healthcare confirms this with research into reducing every day and work related stress.

According to a recent survey, one in every four adults experiences stress on a daily basis. Major life changes such as bereavement, moving house, divorce and even happy occasions including marriage or a new baby can trigger stress. Sometimes the cause of stress is difficult to pinpoint and can lead to feeling overwhelmed and anxious.

Symptoms of stress can show themselves in a number of ways, from poor sleep and loss of energy to mood swings and a feeling of loss of control. Avoiding and managing stress as it occurs can benefit your long-term health and help re-balance your life. One helpful stress-reliever is to remove yourself from the daily grind and indulge in a little ‘me-time’ with a holiday or short weekend break.

AXA PPP is offering one lucky winner a luxurious stay for two for 2 nights at the five-star Stobo Castle in Scotland – organised by Visit Scotland.

Included in the stay is a complimentary back massage and access to the spa facilities, access to guided country walks, evening activities and optional fitness classes. Meals are also offered, from dinner on the day of arrival to lunch before departure, plus £200 spending money and £200 towards the cost of travel.

To enter the competition to win this relaxing stay, visit Facebook.

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