cheriecity | cheriecity.co.uk

42Raw At Royal Academy, Mayfair

June 15, 2012 by cheriecity

Rebecca Brett shakes up lunchtime with the fresh, raw food concept straight from Copenhagen…

Lunchtime in London leaves one spoilt with choice, from huge generously-filled burritos, freshly made baguettes, hot and warming soup, salty beef sandwiches, naughty takeaway burgers and fish finger wraps. But with summer, comes the urgency to look better and feel better, to don a skirt without worrying about the wobbly bits and to opt for a lighter lunch that is both healthy and nutritious.

This is where 42°Raw comes in. Fresh from Copenhagen comes the acclaimed restaurant that specialises in raw food. Not one single thing that leaves the kitchen has been cooked, everything is served in its most natural state. That means no added sugar, no dairy products, no colouring and no nasty preservatives. Just really healthy and natural food. Boring right?

I’m the first person to shun salads for pizza, dollop a huge blob of mayonnaise on my triple-cooked chips and add an extra sugar to my tea. So an invite to 42°Raw was intriguing yet I expected to hate every minute. For moral support and guidance I took along my spirulina-loving, fat shunning, health freak friend Lisa, who I knew would love every minute of the weird and alien (to me) wholesome world.

The 100% plant-based healthy fast food cafe is in the well to do area of Mayfair, on Burlington Gardens, with the likes of Cecconis and The Embassy Club as neighbours.

Set in the beautiful Royal Academy of Arts, the idea is to choose which dish, or dishes in our case, you would like from the extensive menu, hand over your money and then you get a numbered carrot, no wooden spoons here! You then find a table and wait while your lunch or dinner is freshly prepared and bought to the table.

After some recommendations we chose the Lasagna (£7), Mango and Pumpkin Seed Salad (£6) and Tapas (£10) which is trio of mini samplers including the lasagna, Thai noodles and apple and walnut salad.

While we waited for our lunch, we supped on a smoothie each, the Milano with basil, ginger, apple and cucumber for Lisa and the Stockholm with mango, mint, chilli, apple and carrot for me. Packed full of goodness but not heavy or sweetened, I loved the extra chilli kick in mine – good for the metabolism too!

Then these works of art arrived, the presentation of our lunch was stunning. Thinly sliced layers of courgette, tomato and baby spinach with walnuts, parsley and cashew made up the huge portion of lasagna. It was divine. As we were eating, we kept discussing our disbelief that everything was raw, it just tasted so good but the creaminess in the lasagna didn’t come from artery clogging dairy fats but the natural fats from the cashew cream. Genius.

The tapas selection was very large and definitely best to share, we were happy to devour more of the lasagna, the Thai noodles were ribbons of carrot and courgette dressed in curry, red chilli and ginger with coconut oil and a small apple and walnut salad with courgette, avocado, apple, walnuts and a creamy mint and cardamom dressing.

Another huge serving came, this time the mango and pumpkin seed salad, again with courgette (it’s popular here!) avocado, mango pumpkin seeds and a mango and chilli dressing.

The most surprising thing about this huge array of healthy foods was that although it felt light, it was all really filling as well as being good for you, even though sometimes you couldn’t tell!

42°Raw was a complete surprise to me and my senses. Common preconceptions around raw food is that it’s rabbit food for the uber skinny supermodels of the world but the great food we ate completely blew that idea out of the water. The dishes we ate were delicious, especially that beautiful plate of lasagna, as well as being really good for you! A trip to 42°Raw definitely sees to the five-a-day in just one sitting.

I was also thrilled to find out that they serve breakfast too, the organic chia-cocoa pudding and chai latte with almond milk and cinnamon is already on my radar.

Rebecca Brett was a guest of 42°Raw

Rebecca Brett writes the blog, Bon Appetit

Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, Paris, Restaurants

Lunch at Le Dali at Le Meurice Paris

June 11, 2012 by cheriecity

Le Dali at Le Meurice is without a doubt one of Paris’ finest restaurants, with three Michelin star chef Yannick Alléno at the helm.

Luxury palace hotel Le Meurice has a prestigious location on the Rue de Rivoli, nestled in between iconic monuments Le Louvre and Place de la Concorde, overlooking the Tuileries Gardens. A member of The Dorchester Collection, the 19th century hotel contrasts Louis XVI interiors with playful touches of Surrealist artwork.

The French love affair with Surrealism continues at Le Dali, which is the only restaurant authorised to use the name by the Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí. The connection runs deep, as the legendary artist used to stay at Le Meurice for at least one month per year, keeping the staff on their toes with his eccentric demands.

Le Dali is the more casual sister of the rococo style, gastronomic Restaurant Le Meurice, however, its own grandeur cannot be underplayed. The elegant mirror panelled room is punctuated with Surrealist furniture and boasts a spectacular ceiling canvas painted by Philippe Starck’s daughter, Ara Starck. The colour palette of gold, ochre and black, with soft lighting, gives it a decadent, seductive ambiance.

Head Chef Yannick Alléno has overseen the Restaurant Le Meurice and Le Dali since 2003 and has since received the Nation Order of Merit and was elected ‘Best Chef of the Year 2008’ by Chef Magazine. Alléno is widely known as ‘the chef with the rock star looks’ and there is definitely something rock ‘n’ roll about Le Dali.

The main purpose of my Paris trip was an overnight stay chez Le Meurice’s glamorous sister Hôtel Plaza Athénée and a rare visit to the Hermès Atelier, however, the second part was a dedicated girly day of catching up with Parisian friend Coralie.

Already au fait with the city’s finest establishments, Coralie was the perfect partner to try Yannick Alléno’s new menu, La Cuisine de Palace. Often, my restaurant reports are from the perspective of a couple, but this time I was testing the patience of staff when encountered with two friends who are always indecisive and always the last to leave.

On arrival, we ordered a few bite-size snacks from the antipasti menu to accompany our drinks – a sensible Diet Coke and fresh fruit smoothie. The Potato and ham croquettes (€14) were petite, crispy balls filled with strongly-flavoured ham. The Crispy shrimp fritters (€16) were more like tempura shrimp than fritters, but they were succulent and meaty with a crispy, golden coating.

I started with the Ravioli steamed with citrus, soy sauce (€20). The large ravioli were served at room temperature and generously filled with rich, well-seasoned minced pork and fresh herbs. Unlike some ravioli that can be blitzed into sticky submission in the steaming basket, these ones were on the firmer side. The colorful slices of pink grapefruit and orange added a burst of sweet and tart zestiness, lifting the rich flavour of the filling.

Coralie went for the Avocado and shrimp cocktail salad (€30). The salad was made of large fresh green leaves, plump marinated shrimps, thick slices of avocado and wedges of citrus fruit. It was a good size and a refreshing start to the meal.

For the main course, I was tempted by the Spit-roasted free-range chicken (€28) and accompanied it with Home-made French Fries (€6). Anyone who has ever visited the markets on the rue de Martyrs or the rue Mouffetard on the Left Bank will know that Parisians can cook a mean rotisserie chicken.

Yannick Alléno’s spit-roasted chicken was succulent and juicy with the most delicious crispy, sticky, beautifully seasoned skin. It was served in its own jus with roasted cloves of garlic and fresh rosemary. The French Fries were also golden and slim with a slight crunch – just how they should be.

Had I not indulged already at Alain Ducasse au au Plaza Athénée at the beginning of my trip, I might have tried the ‘Best Burger’ of the New York Times, as this is surely worth tasting.

Coralie once again managed to order the healthiest dish on the menu, making me think that there could be some truth in Mireille Guiliano’s book, French Women Never Get Fat. She tried the Sea bass tartar with ponzu (€27) – fresh raw fish marinated in citrusy ponzu and garnished with fresh herbs and lots of dill.

For dessert, it had to be my favourite Paris cake, the Religieuse. Young Pastry Chef Camille Lesecq is another long-term fixture at Le Meurice, beginning his career in the kitchens there in 2004. Voted ‘Pastry Chef of the Year 2010’ by Chef Magazine, Lesecq finds inspiration from tiny pâtisseries that he comes across while rollerblading around Paris.

I tried his delectable Crunchy caramel religieuse pastry (€14). Covered in crunchy caramel spun sugar and filled with salted caramel crème pâtisserie, this was one intensely caramel dessert. The choux pastry had a light, springy texture and the crème pâtisserie was cool, silky and just sweet enough.

Coralie’s Roasted rhubarb with vanilla, rosemary panna cotta (€14) was another triumph. The rosemary-infused panacotta was aromatic and creamy and the gold-leaf strawberries added luscious fruitiness to lift the flavours.

We finished with some fresh mint tea and lingered a little longer, never feeling rushed by the wonderful staff.

Another highlight at Le Dali is the delectable afternoon tea, including a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly-baked scones with jams and cream, a selection of pastries and cakes by Camille Lesecq and a choice of fine tea, coffee or hot chocolate.

Le Dali is a truly special restaurant in Paris, bringing together imaginative, superior quality and exceptional service. Despite its stellar reputation, Le Dali feels like a secret spot among the grandeur of the 1e arrondissement and is the perfect place to revel in Paris’ avant-garde past.

For more information and reservations, visit: www.dorchestercollection.com

Chérie City was a guest of Le Meurice

All photos by Chérie City (except the exterior and Le Dali by Le Meurice)

London, Restaurants

Pret A Diner: Italians Do It Better

June 10, 2012 by cheriecity

London pop up restaurants have to do a lot more to impress these days. To excite jaded Londoners who have seen temporary dining done to death, restaurateurs must go the extra mile and build an aeroplane, fly in chefs from India to cook or find a venue in the shadow of the Olympic stadium.

Berlin-based catering group Kofler & Kompanie first launched the Pret a Diner dining experience in 2005 and has since hosted a number of events in Germany, last year’s Minotaur at The Old Vic Tunnels and most recently On The Grid at Monaco Grand Prix.

Pret a Diner’s latest London venture, Italians Do It Better, located in Mayfair’s stunning grade II-listed 50 St James, is simply magnificent.

Italy’s hottest chefs have been invited for a ten day residency each, including Viviana Varese, Norbert Niederkofler, Accursio Craparo and the Costardi brothers. Each evening, there is a choice of two menus – a classic and more innovative option.

Designed by Benjamin and Philip Wyatt, Italians Do It Better is a visual feast of contemporary art, cutting-edge music, live performance and Michelin Star Italian cuisine with an avant-garde twist.

The palatial building is filled with neon installations, elaborate candelabras and dozens of tea lights – think Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet.

By the entrance is the downstairs cocktail bar, managed by 69 Colebrooke Row and filled with neon installations by Olivia Steele, including the highly appropriate ‘You’ll Miss Me When I’m Gone’. Opposite is an art exhibition by the acclaimed Gazelli Art House, featuring contemporary Italian artists Monica Bonvicini, Aron Demetz, Vittorio Corsini and Giovani Ozzola. The grand staircase is lit up by Corsini’s striking red neon cross and at the top of the staircase is Manet’s Le déjeuner sur l’herbe, covered in the Louis Vuitton monogram.

After dinner, the bar area is transformed into a club and so far, entertainment has come from The Box and DJ sets by Fischer & Kleber and Silvio Pacini.

The rustic wooden tables with Philippe Starck chairs are covered with recycled paper place settings, terracotta side plates, hand-made Italian lace doilies, charcoal slates, printed napkins and a copy of Pret a Diner’s own newspaper, Il Corriere.

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending an exclusive preview tasting of the new menu by Norbert Niederkofler – the two Michelin star chef at Hotel & Spa Rosa Alpina in The Dolomites. It was a perfect opportunity to marvel at the artwork and chat to Norbert, the owners and the team, before the well-heeled Friday night crowd arrived.

On arrival we were met with an aperitivo of Prosecco, which had a delightfully sticky flavour with notes of brioche and bergamot.

We started with an amuse bouche of green apple and cauliflower purée. The tart and crunchy pieces of green apples went extremely well with the chilled, creamy cauliflower – two flavours that I’ve never thought of pairing.

The starter was without a doubt the most innovative on the menu – ‘North and South’ – Angus Beef, Burrata, Rhubarb. Lean, top quality and perfectly seasoned steak tartare was served with a plump ball of milky burrata and accompanied by the most fabulous basil ice cream. The combination of the three components made for an icy, extremely fresh, tongue-tingling, raw masterpiece. The flavours were so clean and the textures so silky – this was a truly exciting dish.

Next up was the primi platti of ‘Water and Terra’ – Salmon, Gnocci, Balsamic Glaze. I’m not a fan of smoked salmon, but these wafer-thin slices had an intense, oaky flavour which complimented the insanely delicious gnocci. I rarely order gnocci because like risotto, it can be so dense and rich that I tire of it quickly. However, this gnocci was light yet satisfying and the balsamic glaze added the necessary sweet acidity to lighten the flavours.

Then a little bit of tradition crept back in for the secondi – ‘Patience and Lust’ – Veal, Caponata, Fig. The plump, medium-cooked veal shoulder was succulent, tender and juicy, with a roasted layer of fat and a rich port reduction. The ‘caponata’ was confusing and appeared to be slightly hard, pickled root vegetable cubes rather than the traditional olive oil smothered concoction of slow-roasted aubergines and capers. This modern interpretation of caponata left me cold, however the roasted figs were much more pleasing.

The tasting ended on a high note with the scrumptious dessert – SweetSourSpicy – Crème Brûlée, Cherries, Black Pepper. This was crème brûlée done the Italian way – creamy with a slight ricotta texture and infused with candied fruit, making it taste like the filling of a cannoli. The sugar crust could have been crunchier and thicker, however the liquor marinated cherries were bursting with intoxicating sweet-sour intensity and the black pepper added an aromatic edge.

Each set menu is priced at £75 and wine starts from £6 per glass. My only criticism is the number of extra fees – a £14 supplement to pimp your main course, £8 cover charge for evenings with live performance and £9 extra for dessert (surely a set menu should include dessert).

Pret a Diner really does live up to its fine reputation and the attention to detail and ambiance is exceptional. Never before have I known Italian food to be so innovative, exciting and incredibly fresh. There are still some tables left on selected dates, so for find out for yourselves if Italians really do do it better.

Pret a Diner will be moving on to Berlin from 28 June until mid-July and arrives in Sao Paulo at the beginning of September.

The Costardi Brothers’ menu begins on 13 June and Pret a Diner is open until 30 June.

Chérie City was a guest of Pret a Diner

All photos by Chérie City

Bars, Competitions, London

WIN A Pair Of Tickets To The Fringe Pop Up Member’s Club, East London

June 8, 2012 by cheriecity

The spotlight may be on the Olympic Games this summer, but just a few steps away is a sanctuary away from the madness. Providing a stylish alternative to the Games, Simon Thompson has created The Fringe, a private pop-up member’s club and live music space located in a fabulous 4-storey Victorian warehouse.

The Fringe is an all-day and late-night venue where members can relax and socialise or enjoy a one-off night out. The Fringe includes five bars, a wifi coffee lounge, gourmet snacks at the ‘Great British Food Market’ and cocktails expertly mixed by London’s leading mixologists.

Renowned artists will perform exclusive concerts on the live stage, the Olympic action will relay on big screens and the club will present DJ sets every night.

The Fringe occupies an ideal spot on the riverside and overlooks the main stadium, just 100 metres away. It will be open the week before the Opening Ceremony and operate throughout the Olympic Games.

Tickets will be available from 8 June, with membership rates starting from £100 per day. For more information, visit: www.thefringe2012.com

Chérie City is offering a pair of day membership tickets to The Fringe, worth £200.

THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED

HOW TO ENTER:

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

The winner will be selected at random and the competition will close at midnight on 8 July 2012.

Terms & Conditions:

– Closing date: 8 July 2012 at midnight.
– Entrants must become (or already be) a follower of Chérie City on Facebook, otherwise entry will be void.
– Entry is limited to one per household.
– Travel to and from The Fringe and London is included in the prize.
– Specific day membership is subject to availability.
– 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.

Art, Philadelphia, USA

The New Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia

June 6, 2012 by cheriecity

The re-opening of The Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia has been one of the most talked about happenings in the international art world for many years. For the grand opening week, in mid-May, I was invited to the press preview to discover the new Barnes Foundation. A controversial relocation and redevelopment has divided critics, art lovers and locals, however, it was a pleasant surprise to see just how good the new campus looks.

The Barnes was founded in 1922 by Dr Albert C. Barnes, a chemist who made his money by co-developing a revolutionary drug, thus selling his company to pursue his passion for art. The institute was originally located in Merrion, a suburb of Philadelphia, with the view to ‘promote the advancement of education and the appreciation of the fine arts and horticulture’.

The uncompromising Dr. Barnes had a profound distaste for the Philadelphia art establishment and rejected the typical ‘museum’ concept, from his unique presentation of artworks to limited access for visitors. Art and education were free and there for all to experience, but effort was required and rewarded.

In the 1990s, The Barnes hit operational difficulty, due to zoning restrictions, and the foundation went to court to overturn Dr. Barnes’ wishes for the collection to remain at Merrion. They succeeded and so began the $150 million transformation of The Barnes into an accessible new gallery in the heart of Philadelphia, on Benjamin Franklin Parkway (also known as ‘museum mile’). The Barnes is now in the close company of the Philadelphia Museum of Modern Art, Franklin Institute, Academy of Natural Sciences, Please Touch Museum, Free Library of Philadelphia and the soon to re-open Rodin Museum.

The stunning new 93,000-square-foot Philadelphia campus was designed by Tod Williams and Billie Tsien. The building features a textured grey and gold Negev limestone exterior on a stainless steel skin with bronze accents. It occupies a four-and-a-half-acre site with landscape design by OLIN. The red maple trees and shallow pools surrounding the walkway give it a sense of calm and tranquillity.

The Barnes is world renowned as having one of the finest collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and Modernist paintings. Dr. Barnes amassed an impressive number of paintings by the great European and American masters such as Matisse, Cézanne, Renoir, Picasso, Modigliani, Glackens and Pippin.

Also in the collection are ancient and African sculptures, Native American ceramics, jewellery and textiles and Pennsylvania German decorative arts (curated alongside the paintings with an admittedly bizarre sense of logic).

In contrast to the minimalist building, the presentation and order of the works has remained reverently untouched. The paintings are still scattered (almost like a Pinterest board) in Dr. Barnes’ meticulous manner on a beige background, rejecting the typical white wall and minimal spacing of a regular gallery. The only exception is that state of the art lighting has been used to bring out the true colours of the artworks, as though they have been cleaned.

The Barnes maintains its horticultural legacy by being a ‘gallery within a garden and a garden within a gallery’. Dr. Barnes believed in the strong interplay between art and nature, so glass-covered internal gardens break up the rooms, partly so that the art doesn’t become overwhelming.

It also continues its commitment to education with comfortable, well-equipped classrooms, seminar rooms, 150-seat auditorium and a library. Special exhibitions will soon feature and a summer programme of events, workshops, lectures and tours has been planned. A talk that caught my attention on 18 July is called “No Thanks!” Artwork That Dr. Barnes Chose Not to Buy or Keep – discussing why he rejected Van Gogh’s Starry Night and why at one time he wanted to trade away Matisse’s Seated Riffian.

In addition to this, Free First Sundays offers free admission to The Barnes every first Sunday of the month from 1pm-6pm (advance reservations are required).

Timed admissions will help to control the number of visitors and maintain The Barnes as a place of contemplation and uninterrupted study. Considering that the original Barnes allowed a maximum of 500 visitors for only two and a half days per week, with telephone reservations required at least two weeks in advance, this is a monumental development.

The Barnes has now developed a more social aspect with visitors being able to dine at The Garden Restaurant and The Coffee Bar and shop for arty gifts at The Barnes Shop. Barnes at Night also sees the gallery open until 10pm on a Friday evening with live music. This seems like the biggest blow to the wishes of Dr. Barnes, but at least the gallery will come alive and reflect the energy and vibrancy of Philadelphia.

The Merrion Campus continues to be home to the Foundation’s education programs and the Archives. The Barnes Arboretum, containing more than 2000 species/varieties of trees, is set to re-open to the public in autumn 2012, following extensive renovation.

Without having seen the original Barnes, it’s difficult to adopt a firm viewpoint on the transformation. It’s a question of whether the public interest and preservation of these historical artworks should outweigh the collector’s life-long wishes. Context aside, The Barnes Foundation is a spectacular building with an enviable art collection. It strengthens Philadelphia’s position as the ‘city of the moment’ for arts and culture.

For more information on Philadelphia’s arts and culture scene, please visit: www.philadelphiaUSA.travel

British Airways offer three nights at the 4* Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Philadelphia from £749 per person based on September 2012 departures. Includes return British Airways flights from Heathrow and accommodation only. For reservations visit ba.com/philadelphia or call 0844 493 0758

Featured, France, Hotels, Paris

A Carrie Bradshaw Moment at Hôtel Plaza Athénée Paris

June 5, 2012 by cheriecity

Hôtel Plaza Athénée is one of Paris’ most stylish and romantic five star hotels with an unrivalled fashion heritage. Located on the chic Avenue Montaigne, this Art Nouveau palace hotel has been epitome Parisian luxury since 1911.

I was recently invited to spend the night at Hôtel Plaza Athénée as part of a luxury trip to the Hermès Atelier and Hermès Left Bank store. Staying at Plaza Athénée has always been a dream and pulling up to the hotel in our taxi, seeing the iconic red awnings was a real ‘wow’ moment.

Sex and the City filming

This is a good point to mention that Hôtel Plaza Athénée was the backdrop for Carrie Bradshaw’s Paris adventures for ‘An American Girl in Paris’, the last two episodes of Sex and the City. The lobby is elegant, intimate and filled with beautiful floral arrangements. It is in fact cosier than in the TV series (a trick of the camera), yet just as spectacular.

Arrival

Throughout the hotel there is a luminous warmth, making you feel enveloped in a cashmere cocoon of luxury. The friendly, attentive staff impressed by learning to pronounce my name perfectly, addressing me as ‘Madame Alimohamadi’ for the duration of my stay. It’s these small touches that keeps Plaza Athénée, a member of the prestigious Dorchester Collection, at the top of its game.

The Room

My Deluxe Room on the first floor overlooking the Avenue Montaigne was simply exquisite. It was designed in a Parisian style with a colour palette of pink, silver grey and light beige. The stunning Louis XVI-style chairs and the heavy silk drapes were made of the finest fabric and I loved the antique lamps and marquetry writing bureau.

A Welcome Treat

I was welcomed with a delicious lemon cake, large bottle of mineral water and fresh fruit.

The spacious room also featured a separate dressing room with two wardrobes, a full-length cupboard and a vanity dresser.

The king-size bed was ever so comfortable and covered with crisp hypo-allergenic linen. There is also a pillow menu, so you choose between de-stressing, osteopathic, beautifying, wheat, synthetic or horsehair. I didn’t have time to select my pillows before dinner, but the pillows selected for me were perfect (I’d like to think they were the beautifying ones).

When I first arrived, it took a while to find the TV. I searched the cupboards and tables for a sign of a screen and eventually discovered that the large gilded mirror turned into a plasma TV!

Other room features include remote-control air conditioning, internet access (for a fee), DVD player, twice daily housekeeping (including evening turn-down), complimentary shoe shine and a minibar stocked with 80 items.

The Bathroom

The marble bathroom was also suitably luxurious with a marble bath, walk-in shower, double sink and embroidered bathrobes and slippers. The chic bathroom amenities resembled Chanel No.5 bottles and were specially developed for the hotel by natural skincare brand, Plantation.

Breakfast

In the morning, we had an early start, so I ordered the American Breakfast – Poached Eggs on Toast with bacon, a selection of Viennoiserie, cereal, red berries, fresh orange juice and English breakfast tea. The breakfast was excellent and beautifully presented on a full-size table with silver service.

The Carrie Bradshaw Suite

We were given a tour of the hotel, starting with the Eiffel Suite, also known as the Carrie Bradshaw suite. The suite has since been redesigned, however, we stood on the balcony where a Sonia Rykiel-clad Carrie screams at the Eiffel Tower.

On this one rare occasion, I felt slightly more fortunate than Carrie Bradshaw, as I had the pleasure of spending my time there with Hermès and fabulous fashion bloggers, rather than Aleksandr Petrovsky! However, wearing her mille-feuille couture gown to dinner would have been most welcome.

Dining at Plaza Athénée is an absolute delight. You can enjoy tea and cake by renowned pastry chef Christophe Michalak in the elegant Galerie des Gobelins (where Carrie met Petrovsky’s daughter Chloé) or summer outdoor dining at La Terrasse Montaigne or the romantic Cour Jardin.

For something more traditional and typically Parisian, try Le Relais Plaza with its steak and seafood focused bistro menu by Alain Ducasse. The interiors are inspired by the Art Deco liner Le Normandie and the entrance is lined with photographs of celebrity guests at Le Relais Plaza.

Dinner at Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée

The jewel of the hotel, however, is the three Michelin star restaurant, Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée. We enjoyed a long, multiple course dinner at The Chef’s Table – an experience for special occasions that cannot be bought.

Le Bar du Plaza Athénée

An apéritif or a cocktail at Le Bar du Plaza Athénée is an absolute must. The hip bar is designed by Patrick Jouin, a former protégé of Philippe Starck and has cool features such as a sculpted glass bar and iPads for ordering cocktails. Recently, the Plaza Athénée mixologist Thierry Hernandez collaborated with perfumer Sophie Labbé on L’ELIXIR DE PRINTEMPS, a unique cocktail and perfume experience. With each cocktail, guests receive a limited edition bottle of L’ELIXIR DE PRINTEMPS perfume.

Dior Institut

Another perk of staying at Hôtel Plaza Athénée is access to the stunning Dior Institut. Opened in 2008, the Dior Institut pays tribute to the long-standing relationship between the hotel and Christian Dior. In 1947, Christian Dior opened his first shop on Avenue Montaigne, so that he could be close to his beloved Plaza Athénée and his well-heeled clients. In fact, Monsieur Dior even named some of his collections ‘Plaza’ and ‘Athénée’.

This stylish, peaceful sanctuary offers a relaxation lounge, tea room, steam baths, saunas and fitness centre. Luxurious Dior Beauté skin and body treatments are offered in private rooms designed to reflect Christian Dior’s iconic geometric lines and signature colours, white and grey.

Hôtel Plaza Athénée continues its strong fashion legacy by hosting the Dorchester Collection Prize 2012. The judging panel, from different sectors of the fashion industry, includes Kenzo Takada, Lorenz Baumer, Bruno Frisoni, Nathalie Rykiel, Chantal Thomass, Alexandra Golovanoff, Harumi Klossowska de Rola and Jean-Jacques Picart.

Staying at Hôtel Plaza Athénée is a dreamy, awe-inspiring experience, where luxury is a fine art. A more stylish Paris address simply cannot be found.

A Deluxe Room is priced at €995 per night. Suites start from €1,255. For more info and booking, visit: www.plaza-athenee-paris.com

Chérie City was a guest of Hôtel Plaza Athénée

All photos by Chérie City

Beauty

Penhaligon’s New Peoneve Rose Perfume

June 3, 2012 by cheriecity

This summer, Penhaligon’s looks to the flower of the moment, the peony, with its stunning new fragrance, Peoneve.

Master Perfumer Olivier Cresp (the man behind last year’s fresh, gin-like Juniper Sling) was inspired by ‘a blooming English garden in the summer’.

Peoneve includes notes of violet leaf, peony, Bulgarian rose, hedione, vetiver, musk and cashmere wood.

Peoneve is pretty, sparkling and refined and has a young, English eccentric appeal. It doesn’t follow the current trend of sweet rose fragrance. Instead, it’s a greener, earthier fragrance with a ‘vintage’ rose scent, which comes from the inclusion of Bulgarian rose. It has a very ‘English’ and really does evoke memories of summer flowers. It takes me back to childhood visits to the walled garden at Wallington Hall in Northumberland, where the heat would bring out the scent of the roses.

Penhaligon’s hosted a preview event with Olivier Cresp on hand to discuss the fragrance over afternoon tea in The Rose Lounge at the Sofitel St James.

The Peoneve cocktail was created by the head bars specially for the launch and included a blend of rose liquor, jasmine syrup and pink Champagne, paying tribute to the notes in the fragrance.

The delightful afternoon tea also reflected the English summer garden theme with an elderflower scented Napoleon cake, rose and raspberry macaroons, geranium and rose strawberry jam.

To celebrate the launch of Peoneve, Harvey Nichols is transforming its 5th floor terrace into a peony-filled English Garden with a cocktail and dessert menu inspired by the notes within the fragrance. Look out for the gin-based Penhaligon’s Peony Punch, served in a five litre Penhaligon’s perfume bottle for six to share. The Penhaligon’s Peoneve terrace will be open from 16 July to 31 August 2012.

Peoneve will be available exclusively at Harvey Nichols (in 50ml and 100ml EDP) from 16 July and in Penhaligon’s boutiques, concessions and online from 13 August.

For more info, visit: www.penhaligons.com

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

Photos by Chérie City

Accessories, Art, Designers, Stores

The Diamond Queen By Chris Levine & Asprey

May 31, 2012 by cheriecity

In celebration of the Diamond Jubilee, luxury goods brand Asprey has collaborated with renowned light artist Chris Levine on a spectacular new work, ‘The Diamond Queen’.

The new piece is based on Levine’s iconic 2004 portrait of the Queen, ‘Equanimity’, originally commissioned by the Island of Jersey to commemorate 800 years of allegiance to the crown by the island.

The Queen’s diamond diadem, worn at her Coronation in 1953, has been recreated with 1000 white diamonds set in platinum, 25 fresh water pearls and 3.74ct yellow diamonds by Asprey craftsmen. It was then overlaid onto the original, three dimensional image of the The Queen to create a new image for the historic occasion.

The creation of the jewelled diadem has taken over a year to complete and also carries the additional Diamond Jubilee mark specially created to commemorate this monumental year.

See The Diamond Queen in the making…

The Diamond Queen is on show until the end of June at the Asprey flagship store, 167 New Bond Street.

For more info, visit: www.asprey.com

Afternoon tea, Hotels, London

Diamond Jubilee Afternoon Tea At The Petersham, Richmond

May 31, 2012 by cheriecity

The Diamond Jubilee is the perfect excuse for indulging in the quintessentially British art of afternoon tea, in fact, I’m sure Her Majesty would actively encourage it!

I recently visited The Petersham Hotel in Richmond to sample its Diamond Jubilee Afternoon Tea as part of an overnight stay. I always enjoy going to Richmond, as it always feels so quiet and refined – a peaceful sanctuary for when the city becomes overwhelming.

The Petersham is housed in a 19th century mansion, nestled between Richmond Hill Common and Petersham Common. It boasts magnificent scenery, stretching across acres of green land and the river.

We were given a suite overlooking this fabulous landscape. The room was very spacious and designed in a traditional style, although it appeared recently renovated. The bathroom was contemporary and well-appointed and I liked the separate sitting room with an extra TV. Highlights included complimentary wifi access, tea and coffee making facilities, bathrobe and slippers and Gilchrist & Soames bathroom amenities. The bed was large and reasonably firm – not like the marshmallow paradises of newer hotels, but still comfortable.

The design of the room probably won’t appeal to the more design-conscious guest, but then again, The Petersham knows its audience, and it’s certainly not jet-setting hipsters.

After settling in, we headed downstairs to The Restaurant at The Petersham for the Champagne Diamond Jubilee Afternoon Tea. The restaurant was already buzzing with the sounds of families, couples and groups of friends all working their way through the afternoon tea.

The restaurant has an informal, energetic atmosphere and features panoramic windows, offering a spectacular view over the river and rolling countryside.

On arrival, we ordered a pot of Earl Grey and English Breakfast tea and a glass each of ‘Petersham Champagne’ (£12.50).

The Champagne Diamond Jubilee Afternoon Tea (£23.50) included a bottom tier of finger sandwiches and a top plate of home-made fruit scones with West Country clotted cream and strawberry preserve. The middle tier featured cakes including blackberry and strawberry tartlets, Battenburg cake, fondant fancy, opera cake, choux swan and fruit cake.

The finger sandwiches were fine and I particularly liked the fresh home-made scones and the boldly fragrant Earl Grey tea. The cakes were of a high standard and were a good choice for a traditional British tea. However, our tea seemed slightly unfinished, as the menu stated more than one of certain cakes and were were expected to split a fondant fancy and a choux swan between us (not an easy task).

Other tables appeared to have the correct amount and Union Jack flags embellishing their cakes, so this inconsistency was disappointing. The supplement of £12.50 per glass of Champagne also seemed a little steep, especially as it wasn’t a premium brand or a superior ‘house’ Champagne.

The Petersham is somewhat rough around the edges and at times I felt like phoning Mary Portas to come and lick it into shape. However, I’m sure it will remain a local favourite due to the spectacular view and enviable location.

The Petersham Diamond Jubilee Afternoon Tea is served until 24 June 2012. £1 from every Diamond Jubilee Afternoon Tea will be donated to the Museum of Richmond.

For more info, visit: www.petershamhotel.co.uk

Chérie City was a guest of The Petersham

All photos by Chérie City

Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, New York, Restaurants, USA

Lunch at Palm Court at The Plaza New York

May 31, 2012 by cheriecity

The Plaza is a New York landmark, immortalised in the pages of American history, literature and film since its opening in 1907. The Plaza has had some great moments – the tea garden was featured in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby (The Beautiful and Damned was based on the author’s exploits at the hotel), Eartha Kitt played The Persian Room, The Beatles stayed during their first trip to the U.S and Truman Capote hosted his legendary Black & White Ball in the Grand Ballroom.

More recently, Sex and the City and Gossip Girl have played a part in maintaining The Plaza’s reputation as the most desirable place in the city to get married, enjoy afternoon tea or a glamorous cocktail hour. Of course, being located in New York’s most prestigious spot, overlooking Central Park and 5th Avenue, certainly helps.

We visited The Plaza for lunch at Palm Court, the renowned restaurant and focal point of the hotel. Entering the spectacular dining room feels like walking into a bygone era, with a stunning stained glass cupola, crystal chandeliers, marble pillars and elegant palms.

Palm Court is ever so civilised and romantic, however the atmosphere is refreshingly informal. The waiters are polite yet warm and friendly, making conversation as though it was an old family establishment.

Afternoon tea is a particular favourite at Palm Court, with four special teas available – The Classic, The New Yorker, Chocolate Tea and Eloise Tea (named after author Kay Thompson’s young character Eloise, who lived at The Plaza).

We ordered from the lunch menu by Executive Chef Willis Loughhead, which features classic American dishes and European brasserie favourites.

We both started with the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake with grilled melon and whole grain mustard aioli ($21). The crab cake was meaty and plump, with crispy golden breadcrumbs on a bed of lamb’s lettuce and juicy grilled melon. The whole grain mustard aioli was potent and piquant and worked perfectly with all of the flavours.

For my main dish, I was tempted by the Braised Beef Short Rib Stroganoff with mixed mushrooms, Harrison Creek Farms grey shallots, wide egg noodles and Dijon ($30). The meat was tender and slow-cooked and fell off the bone. The Stroganoff sauce had a light yet creamy texture and absorbed the flavours of the meat and mushrooms.

The noodles resembled thin fusilli pasta rather than the long ribbons I was expecting, however they were light and tasty. I later found out that in America, the difference between pasta and noodles is whether a wheat or egg dough is used, even if they may look like pasta shapes.

Steven ordered the Beer Braised Barbecue Pork with fresh tomato salsa, avocado, pickled red onion, brioche and house-made potato chips ($22). The pulled pork was moist and well marinated and the fresh garnishes stopped it from being overly rich. The thick-cut house-made potato chips were crunchy, properly seasoned and full of flavour – a welcome change from fries.

My Hazelnut Napoleon with hazelnut meringue and milk chocolate Chantilly ($14) was an absolute delight! I loved the contrasting layers of wafer-thin chocolate, whipped Chantilly cream, dense chocolate ganache, nutty sponge and a decadent, crunchy praline base. Any fans of Nutella or gianduja won’t be able to resist this dessert.

Steven went with the classic French Apple Tarte Tatin with caramelised Granny Smith apples and vanilla ice cream ($14). This was a simple dessert done extremely well, with deeply caramelised soft apples on a flaky pastry base. Pastry Chef Jasmina Bojic certainly brought flair to the dessert course.

We finished with two large pots of fresh mint tea, accompanied by a platter of the most exquisite chocolate truffles. Hand-painted and vibrant, these luxurious white, milk and dark chocolates resembled little meteorites and were filled with interesting combinations. After three delicious courses, we had no room left, so our waiter kindly boxed them up for us to take away.

A popular alternative to the lunch menu and the afternoon tea is the Chef’s Table – a selection of seasonal soup, salads, grilled vegetables, charcuterie, seafood, meats and desserts ($36). This self-service selection at the centre of the room was beautifully-presented and there were plenty of dishes to choose from. This option makes dining at The Plaza more affordable, particularly for families.

Palm Court is a fabulous emblem of ‘old world’ New York and it was a real treat to have dined at The Plaza, in the footsteps of America’s great and good.

For more info, visit: www.fairmont.com/theplaza

Chérie City was a guest of The Plaza

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

Beauty, Hotels, Hotels - Design, Hotels - Luxury, New York, Restaurants, USA

A Stay at The Greenwich Hotel New York

May 30, 2012 by cheriecity

The Greenwich Hotel in New York’s hip Tribeca neighbourhood is more than just one of the city’s coolest hotels, it’s a true home away from home.

Owned and designed by Robert De Niro, The Greenwich Hotel is full of character and charm, with a generous, friendly approach and fine attention to detail.

A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, The Greenwich Hotel has a bohemian-luxe aesthetic and feels like the grand residence of an intrepid explorer, with artefacts from around the globe.

Arrival

The first thing we noticed on arrival is that the urban lodge-style lobby and adjoining private guest lounge are filled with artworks by Robert De Niro, Sr. This prestigious collection of the renowned painter’s works has awarded the hotel ‘gallery status’.

The Suite

We were given a spectacular Studio Suite with a double window view over the picturesque terrace. Each of the 88 rooms and suites are individually designed and our open-plan suite featured a light colour palette with touches of duck egg blue and tan, dark wood and leather touches.

The room was an eclectic mix of heavy American and Asian furniture, oak floors, Tibetan rugs, antiques, objets d’art, coffee table books and original artworks. It’s all about texture, from the butter-soft over-sized leather sofa to the exquisite, hand-carved wooden bed. It was like the apartment of my dreams – tasteful, cultured and quietly luxurious.

A Welcome Treat

We were welcomed with a platter of Italian biscuits and nuts, large bottles of still and sparkling water and a copy of the ever-so-cool Revel In New York guidebook.

As expected from a hotel owned by a legendary movie star, our suite featured state of the art technology, including a large HDTV, DVD player and library, iPad, iPod docking station and free wifi access.

The king-size Duxiana bed with Kearsley linen and gold reading lights was sumptuous, plump and extremely comfortable.

Free Minibar & Snacks

One of the stand-out features was the generous selection of complimentary amenities. We had free access to the soft drinks in the mini bar stocked with full-size Diet Coke, Coca Cola, San Pellegrino cans, Fiji Water, juices and mixers. For a stronger drink, full-size premium spirits are available.

Also provided was a complimentary hamper filled with American treats – some healthy, some more indulgent – including extra dark pretzels, gourmet potato chips, chocolate chip cookies, mixed nuts, caramel pecan popcorn, cranberry oat bars, peanut M&Ms, Goobers, Swedish Fish, Tic-Tacs and many others.

As if that wasn’t enough, there was a sweetie jar filled with chocolate and candy on the table. Something tells me Robert De Niro has a sweet tooth…

The Bathroom

The spacious master bathroom was a real work of art, with hand-laid Moroccan tiles, walk-in shower, double sink and a spectacular free standing soaking tub carved from Italian Carrera marble. There was also a smaller guest bathroom on entering the suite with pretty botanical illustrated wallpaper and a gilt gold mirror.

The bathroom amenities were impressive, with a generous selection of full-size products by Red Flower, a New York organic luxury skin and body care brand with a bijoux boutique in SoHo. We were also offered plenty of fluffy towels, embroidered bathrobes and slippers and a morning Vitamin C drink sachet.

Shibui Spa

Shibui Spa, exclusively for hotel guests, is an Asian sanctuary of calm in the city. The spectacular, lantern-lit pool, under the wood and bamboo roof of a 250-year-old Japanese farmhouse transported from Kyoto and reconstructed by Japanese craftsmen in the spa, is both calming and seductive. The blanket-covered loungers, subtle lounge music and bottles of Voss help set the mood.

The spa has four treatment rooms, including a shiatsu room, a wet room with a shower for wraps and scrubs, a traditional Japanese bathing room with a large tub for bathing rituals and a treatment room for massages and facials. Other facilities include a powerful sauna and steam room in the changing rooms.

A Reviving Massage

To start my New York trip with a sense of tranquility and well-being, I booked in for a Basic Lotus massage ($165) with expert therapist, Dan.

With superhuman speed, Dan kneaded and unknotted the tension all over my body, using soothing organic oils and hot towel compresses. By the end of the one hour treatment, my body felt supple and my spirit was uplifted and revitalised. This is certainly not a snooze-inducing massage and Dan himself told me that he tends to ‘go deep’ to get the best results. However, the divine head massage sent me off into other realms.

Dinner at Locanda Verde

After a late-afternoon of unwinding in Shibui Spa, we had a light supper at Locanda Verde, Andrew Carmellini’s casual Italian taverna at The Greenwich Hotel.

The expansive dining room is rustic chic and was already packed full when we came downstairs to eat on an early weekday evening. The restaurant has real spirit – boisterous and buzzing with a well-heeled downtown crowd.

Instead of the usual bread basket, we started with a delicious trio of focaccia. We were tempted by the mouth-watering selection of pasta dishes on the menu. When a chef of high distinction mentions a secret family recipe, as in ‘My Grandmother’s Ravioli’, you know that you’re on to something good.

I ordered the Paccheri with Sunday night ragu and provolone piccante ($20). The large, thick tubes of pasta were cooked perfectly al dente and were smothered in a rich roasted tomato sauce with succulent pulled pork and flavoursome beef. The provolone piccante added intensity to the dish and torn fresh basil finished it off perfectly.

Orrechiette with fennel sausage, chickpeas, escarole and fiore sardo ($18) was also a triumph. The sauce was fresh and zesty with the added tastiness of meat juices. The combination of chickpeas and dense pasta made it a very filling, indulgent dish.

The Rustic Potatoes with garlic and parmigiano-reggiano ($8) were an excellent accompaniment – crispy, flavoursome and lightly covered in aioli and fresh herbs.

Full from the pasta, we skipped dessert in favour of a walk around Tribeca in the moonlight. If you arrive late at the hotel or are exhausted after a long day exploring the city, 24-hour room service from Locanda Verde is available. It’s also possible order Carmellini’s dishes in the quieter, more intimate private guest lounge.

Morning Wake-Up Call

In the morning, we enjoyed our wake-up call with complimentary tea, served beautifully on a silver tray with Dammann Frères teas, a cute little carafe of milk, Bonne Maman honey and plenty of hot water. We opened the windows to our Juliette balcony and enjoyed our morning tea in the sunshine – what a delightful way to wake up!

Locanda Verde serves a tempting breakfast with dishes such as Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Toasted Hazelnut French Toast and the restaurant’s famous Sheep’s Milk Ricotta with truffle honey and burnt orange toast. Or for a light bite, try one of pastry chef Karen DeMasco’s authentic Italian pastries with a cappuccino.

The Greenwich Hotel is a benchmark for all other luxury hotels and is the kind of place that you fall in love with instantly. From the exemplary service to the overwhelmingly dedicated design touches, The Greenwich Hotel is a downtown jewel that is hard to beat.

The Leading Hotels of the World offers stays at The Greenwich Hotel from $495 per room per night based on two people sharing room only. For more info and booking, visit: www.lhw.com/greenwich

Chérie City was a guest of The Greenwich Hotel and received a $100 gift certificate for Shibui Spa.

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

Beauty, Cherie Soleil, Shopping, Stores

Jo Malone New Covent Garden Boutique

May 28, 2012 by cheriecity

Modern British perfumer Jo Malone opens its largest stand-alone boutique in the heart of Covent Garden. The elegant boutique has a luxurious yet homely feel and is designed in a palette of black, white and cream. This is the first store to have the stunning ‘townhouse’ design, which will soon be extended to other Jo Malone boutiques.

The Jo Malone shopping experience is always enjoyable and stress-free, particularly when you can relax with a complimentary hand and arm massage while discovering your own fragrance combination.

Look out for Jo Malone’s latest limited edition Plum Blossom Cologne (£72/£32). The fragrance is fresh, sparkling and Spring-like, with a delicate blossom scent leading to luscious yellow plum. The base notes of sandalwood and white musk give it a clean, modern finish. The pretty etched glass bottle with a dusky pink ribbon tie and whimsical campaign makes it even more desirable.

It’s a light day fragrance, but if you want to boost the sweetness, combine it with Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom & Honey.

Another favourite for the summer is the soon to be released (in just a few days) Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne Intense (£95). Jo Malone has always been known for its clean florals and sparkling fruity scents, but this cologne fills the heady oud void and is set to be a future classic.

The fragrance is warm, spicy, smoky and seductive with a touch of sweetness. It combines delicate Damask rose with intoxicating oud wood, sticky praline and aromatic clove. It stands alone as a powerful fragrance, perfect for the twilight hours, however it can also be combined with Dark Amber & Ginger Lily or Oud & Bergamot.

The aromatic scent combined with the quintessential Britishness of Jo Malone is an appealing mix and as a rose and oud addict, I can’t think of anything more perfect!

For more info, visit: www.jomalone.co.uk

Jo Malone, 10-11 King Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8HN