cheriecity | cheriecity.co.uk

Gravity & Other Myths: A Simple Space

April 22, 2019 by cheriecity

It’s that time again when Underbelly Festival takes over the Southbank with a dazzling programme of live circus, cabaret, comedy and music. Underbelly always presents best circus talent from around the world, but this season’s debut show was truly spectacular and memorable.

A Simple Space by leading Australian company Gravity & Other Myths (GOM) has won a number of awards and has been performed more than 600 times across 30 countries. Formed in Adelaide in 2009, GOM is renowned for its honest, unpretentious shows that favour acrobatic excellence over high concept.

For this special Underbelly run, the stage set was minimal with just four spotlights that were switched on and off throughout and the performers were dressed casually in natural colours. The show began with the group continually shouting ‘falling’, then tumbling and leaping off each other energetically – a truly captivating introduction.

GOM’s work has a real playfulness and there were plenty of japes and dares, like seeing who could hold their breath the longest, making animal balloons behind their backs and a ‘strip skipping’ competition where Benton Adam-Walker ended up losing all of his clothes (yes, it did get a little racy).

The chemistry between the seven performers was palpable as they climbed and stood on each other’s bodies, formed vertiginous pyramids, held impossible contortion poses and walked on each other’s heads.

Annalise Moore’s acrobatics had everyone’s jaws on the floor in amazement as she somersaulted through the air, balanced upside down and was literally thrown across the stage and caught by the guys in unison with talented flyer Ashleigh Pearce.

In between the high-octane routines were fun moments like when André Augustus solved a Rubik’s cube while standing on his head and the stage became a colourful ball pit with the audience pelting the performers as they posed.

But what really took the show to the next level was the atmospheric electronic soundtrack performed with live drums and programming by Alex Flood. He also had his own solo moment beat boxing and tapping his chest rhythmically until it went red and raw.

The finale was epic with some incredible, high-speed acrobatics and I just didn’t want it to ever end. I really connected with GOM and loved the joyful, confident and stripped back vibe of A Simple Space. It’s definitely one that you won’t want to miss!

Underbelly has a wonderful carnival atmosphere and is bigger and better than ever with its fabulous pop-up spiegeltent, plus drinks and tempting street food from the likes of Nanny Bill’s and Hola Guacamole. The shows are short and sweet at just 60-minutes and most are under £20, making it an affordable night out by the Thames. I can’t wait to see more throughout the summer.

A Simple Space runs at Underbelly Festival until 5th May. For more information and booking, visit: www.underbellyfestival.com

Chérie City was a guest of Underbelly Festival

Photo (c) The Other Richard

London, Restaurants

Number 90 Bar & Kitchen, Hackney Wick

April 19, 2019 by cheriecity

Number 90 Bar & Kitchen in Hackney Wick, east London, recently celebrated its fifth anniversary with an epic weekender of top DJ sets, burgers and booze until 6am.

Founded by two music industry experts and Hackney Wick residents, Number 90 is a buzzing canal-side warehouse venue with a fantastic music and art programme. It’s a landmark of the creative community with a local vibe and can easily be identified among the area’s colourful industrial buildings by its two recently finished 70ft murals by renowned street artists Dale Grimshaw and Zabou.

I visited for dinner on the first night of birthday merriment and feasted on burgers and cocktails with a warm-up soundtrack courtesy of Stranger Than Paradise Records, the independent record store based at Mare Street Market.

The menu is all about comfort food with a twist, featuring some tempting Greek-style kebabs and glazed ribs, loaded burgers, luxury fries and creative vegan dishes.

The rather enormous TNG burger was smokey and flavourful with a high-quality, well-seasoned beef patty in a fluffy, seeded TNG activated charcoal bun. It was taken to the next level with fruity and tangy chutney, moreish baconnaise sauce, smoked cheddar cheese, brie, baby gem, beef tomato, sweet red onion marmalade and smoked bacon.

The Chicken burger had a lovely home-cooked taste and was a real contrast to the TNG burger. The tasty Italian herb bread bun was packed with tender, crispy chicken schnitzel, baby gem, red onion, tomato, subtle aioli and punchy chorizo paste.

It’s hard to pick a favourite dish, but I was wowed by the Slow-cooked duck confit dirty fries. The generous portion of classic skin-on fries were topped with flaky pulled duck confit (just like the kind you’d find in a French bistro), rich cheese sauce and mouthwatering red wine gravy, finished with fresh pomegranate seeds. They were incredibly decadent and a real treat – ideal for sharing along with a burger.

Our second (and thankfully more modest) side of Sweet potato fries was exemplary – definitely some of the best in town.

The cocktail list is a well-edited mix of classics done well. 90’s Elderflower pisco sour was potent and refreshing, made with Macchu Pisco, St Germain, lime, simple syrup, egg white and Angostura Bitters. We also loved the sweet and aromatic Iced 9Tea – Earl grey tea mixed with Martini Rosso, Southern Comfort and lemon.

Number 90 Bar & Kitchen is perfect for a night out in Hackney Wick and I can definitely see myself spending the warmer nights on that glorious terrace overlooking the water.

For more information, menus and booking, visit: www.number90bar.co.uk

Chérie City was a guest of Number 90 Bar & Kitchen

All photos by Chérie City

Berlin, Theatre

Memories of Fools at Chamaeleon Theatre Berlin

April 12, 2019 by cheriecity

For the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of regularly visiting Berlin to catch the latest contemporary circus show at the beautiful Chamaeleon Theatre. This landmark theatre in Mitte’s iconic Hackesche Höfe attracts the world’s leading circus productions while also supporting new local talent, making it a truly influential part of Berlin’s creative scene.

2019 is particularly special for the Chamaeleon as it celebrates 15 years of new circus. It’s also set to welcome its 1,000,000th visitor in its birthday year, which is rather exciting for that special person.

This twice-yearly jaunt has given me the chance to see how truly diverse their programme is and they’ve certainly kept up the high standards with new show Memories of Fools by award-winning Czech company Cirk La Putyka.

Directed by Rostislav Novák Jr, this enchanting show tells the story of a little boy (Vojtech Fülep) dreaming of becoming an astronaut. It opens with archive footage of Neil Armstrong taking his first steps on the moon and three of the nine performers appearing as astronauts and moving as if weightless – a theme that recurs in various forms throughout. It’s also fitting that this year is the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, a historic moment that most of us have etched in our collective memory.

He shares his space ambitions with his pal (Filip Zahradnický) and their friendship is so endearing and innocent, as they mess around with home-made astronaut costumes and juggle with models of the planets. Their playtime soon gets interrupted by bad boys in black hoodies that leap and somersault on the teeterboard, eventually getting them in trouble with their parents.

The young boy might not be the most likely NASA candidate, but he triumphs over his peers and is chosen for the all-important rocket mission. During this time he falls in love with a beautiful blonde astronaut, and his parents benefit from the fame, attempting to become a showbiz duo with some slapstick moments.

The story is moved along with interludes featuring models of the solar system and the space rocket. Cirk La Putyka has a long family legacy of puppetry and the Novák brothers have kept the tradition alive.

The second part of the show becomes much more surreal and zany, as all of the characters take on a different personality. We are introduced to Bugs Bunny with an alienesque voice, a hip-swivelling Elvis, a suave Spanish matador, a candy-dipped Amadeus and the original naked couple Adam and Eve with extra shimmer.

Something I’ve discovered from watching many circus shows is that they all love a good party scene, so true to form, the disco soundtrack is cranked up with Elvis DJ-ing while Amadeus juggles vinyl records and the matador struts his stuff.

Unlike some of the more high-octane circus shows I’ve seen, Memories of Fools purposefully focuses on narrative, however there are still plenty of jaw-dropping tricks and ‘wow’ moments. The complex trapeze number performed by Adam and Eve (Solenne Baily and long-time partner Romuald Solesse) is simply dazzling and Šárka Fülep Bocková perfectly portrays the lack of gravity in space, spinning with such grace and lightness on the hoop. Alexandr Volný’s cyr wheel piece is also mesmerising and impressive.

Memories of Fools is a truly joyful show that will appeal to all generations and leave you feeling uplifted and nostalgic for simpler times. Some of the story is left open to interpretation and requires you to use your imagination and in a space as magical as the Chamaeleon, that isn’t so hard to do.

Memories of Fools runs at Chamaeleon Theatre until 18th August. For more information and booking, visit: www.chamaeleonberlin.com

Thanks to Chamaeleon Theatre, Holiday Inn Berlin – Centre Alexanderplatz and Berlin WelcomeCard for a great trip to Berlin.

All photos by Chérie City

London, Restaurants

A Great Lunch at Kym’s, Bloomberg Arcade

April 3, 2019 by cheriecity

Andrew Wong opened his second modern Chinese restaurant Kym’s late last year and, as expected, it became the hottest ticket in The City’s prominent Bloomberg Arcade.

A favourite among London foodies, the celebrated chef gained a Michelin star for his innovative restaurant A. Wong. In 2012 he took over the Pimlico Cantonese restaurant that belonged to his parents and established a more authentic cuisine with his signature flair, following intensive culinary training across China. In fact, the family spirit lives on at Kym’s – named after the original restaurant and his grandmother who taught him to cook.

This sister restaurant is a more casual, accessible affair with a completely different look and ambiance. Set across two floors, the interiors are slick and seductive with an open kitchen and counter, grey velvet banquettes, crescent-shaped bar and a pretty faux cherry blossom tree.

We visited on a Saturday lunchtime when the Norman Foster-designed complex, that also houses gems like Koya, Brigadiers and Ekte, is much calmer with laid-back weekend crowd.

While A Wong is famed for its exquisite dim sum, Kym’s focusses on the ancient art of roasting meats, meticulously salting, curing and air-drying them for two days before hitting the oven. You can watch observe this process from the open kitchen or sit at the counter to be in the middle of all the action.

To start, we shared the Tiger prawn skewers with sweet chilli, pineapple and cracker (£8.50), which had a rather whimsical fairground look. The tiger prawns were plump and ever so fresh and I loved the crunchy coating, even if it all fell off dramatically and was tricky to eat. The dipping sauce was fruity and luscious rather than sugary and it added lightness to the deep-fried cracker. It was a tasty small plate but the serving of only two prawns didn’t really satisfy and perhaps there are more filling dishes to try instead.

What really had us raving, however, was the Pork & shrimp ‘Bao Bao’ – fried egg, pat chun and crispy chilli (£12). It came in a sizzling skillet with five dumplings generously filled with well-seasoned ground pork and shrimp, nestled among two runny fried eggs. It had a rich, slightly sweet taste from the pat chun (black rice vinegar) and was liberally garnished with golden, piquant crispy chilli, sliced spring onion and sesame seeds.

It’s the perfect brunch dish with a nod to Andrew Wong’s famous dim sum, which doesn’t tend to feature on the menu at Kym’s.

The main event was the fabulous-sounding Three treasure – a majestic trio of slow-roasted meats each with an accompanying dipping sauce. Cantonese crispy pork belly had a layer of silky rendered fat and exemplary crackling, served with a sweet honey mustard sauce. Slow poached soy chicken was succulent with a nicely lacquered skin and a heavenly ginger relish with garlic and spring onion. Iberico pork char siu was just as delicious and moreish as I’d hoped with a caramelised, red-hued edge and a rich honey soy sauce.

It was impossible to pick a favourite as they were all so different and the portion size was more than enough to share. Steamed jasmine rice was the perfect side dish to really let the flavours of the meat and sauces shine. We didn’t stay for dessert, but you can finish with a tempting Pineapple bun or Peanut mochi with mango sorbet.

Lunch at Kym’s was an absolute delight and I’d love to go back and try more of the menu, like the Crispy duck pancakes and Wagyu beef bao. It’s also worth mentioning that Kym’s has recently launched an edited ‘click and collect’ take-out menu, so you can get a complete meal of roasted meat with steamed rice for less than a tenner. What could be better than that?

All photos by Chérie City

London, Restaurants

Lunch at Casa do Frango London Bridge

March 19, 2019 by cheriecity

Since opening last summer, Portuguese restaurant Casa do Frango has quickly gained a reputation as a real good time place and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.

Perched next to the railways arches near Borough Market, Casa do Frango (translated as ‘chicken house’) is one of London’s prettiest restaurants with a menu inspired by the coastal cuisine of southern Portugal. Its three owners created it out of a shared love of Algarvian cuisine and have worked with a pitmaster to ensure the signature piri piri frango – slow-cooked over wood charcoal – is truly authentic.

Before even mentioning the food, Casa do Frango is a beauty of a restaurant with loft-style exposed brick, high arched windows, a large skylight that brightens up the room and lots of verdant plants. When we visited on a Saturday lunchtime, it had a joyful, lively atmosphere and an intoxicating aroma of garlic, smoke and wine – a welcome preview of what’s to come.

There are mostly communal tables with rustic wooden benches for large groups, however we were shown to a nice table for two. The restaurant was calm when we arrived but it filled up quickly and I can’t stress enough the importance of booking a table.

After our drinks arrived, the dishes followed astonishingly quickly. Usually this wouldn’t fill me with much confidence, but it seemed that the kitchen was simply running smoothly before the peak rush and everything could be plated up easily.

Piri Piri garlic prawns with white wine and parsley certainly looked the part and came in a generous portion of four. They were ever so fresh and plump, served in a gorgeous rich seafood jus, which was worthy of mopping up with bread.

Grilled chorizo with black olive mayo and guindilla peppers was meaty and intense with a slightly bitter flavour. It went well with the aromatic black olive mayo and tangy peppers and I liked the liberal garnish of fresh tarragon.

We shared the house signature of Half free-range chicken brushed with piri piri, however you can also choose milder marinades like oregano or lemon and garlic. The high quality chicken was tender, smoky and well-seasoned with punchy piri piri that had just the right amount of heat.

Our reason for sharing was to try a greater range of dishes, but the chicken is definitely the main event and a little on the small side, so I recommend one each if you’re hungry.

Green rice with peas, plantain, pickled peppers and crispy artichoke was a colourful, moreish side dish. The perfectly-cooked rice was garlicky and a little creamy, studded with lovely golden, deep-fried artichokes. It’s an ideal accompaniment if you want something more interesting than fries.

Lunch at Casa do Frango was a real delight, but my only criticism would be the hyper-attentive service. The staff were friendly, but came to take away our dishes too frequently, leaving us feel a little rushed.

Casa do Frango really impresses with its stylish surroundings, modest prices and beautifully-presented dishes with full-on flavour. It’s a tough time for restaurants in London, but this one has the winning formula that will see us all coming back again for more.

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

All photos by Chérie City

Athens, Restaurants

Top Places to Eat Out in Athens, Greece

March 11, 2019 by cheriecity

Athens is famed for being a serious foodie destination, but I wasn’t prepared for just how well we were going to eat there!

The Greek capital has it all covered, from hole-in-the-wall souvlaki spots and bakeries groaning with trays of bougatsa to cosmopolitan terrace cafes and hip restaurants by notable chefs. After all, you’ll need plenty of nourishment to climb up to the Acropolis and ponder those existential questions posed by the ancient Greek philosophers.

Here are a few top addresses to add to your Athens ‘to do’ list…

Il Baretto

Start the day like you’re on holiday with an indulgent breakfast at Il Baretto, the chic Italian restaurant at the five star Perianth Hotel in Monastiraki. As hotel guests we enjoyed a memorable breakfast each morning as part of our room rate and could order anything we wanted from a generous set menu.

The scrambled eggs with cream and olive oil were so incredibly decadent and we loved the freshly-baked mini pastries, Greek yoghurt with luxury granola and slice of milk pie.

If you have plenty of time for a leisurely breakfast, or need to fuel up for a day of exploring ancient monuments, definitely book at table at Il Baretto.

Ermina’s Home-Made Souvlaki

Souvlaki is a must when visiting Athens, whether it’s part of a feast in a traditional taverna or a quick and easy street food wrap.

We loved Ermina’s Home-Made Souvlaki, a tiny grill restaurant with outdoor seats on lively Aiolou, the main street that runs through Plaka towards the Acropolis. The high quality meat comes from farms in northern Greece and is grilled to order, served with chips, salad and sauces or in delicious pita wraps with tomato and spices.

The pita wraps are ridiculously cheap at just 2 Euros each (although this is apparently the regular price in Athens) and we couldn’t resist ordering another, as they were so tasty and moreish.

Hoocut

Another great souvlaki spot nearby is Hoocut, a fast-casual restaurant devised by five noted Athenian chefs. It’s a modern spin on the Greek classic and everything is made in-house in the slick open kitchen with its own bakery, butcher’s shop and grill.

We both went for Hoocut specials, which are like fluffy pita club sandwiches packed full of finely-cut grilled meat, salad and sauces. The pork pita was simple and authentic with tzatziki, tomato and onion while the beef pita had a sweet and smoky (almost Tex-Mex) taste with spicy sauce, BBQ, yoghurt, spring onion and coriander. The chips weren’t as special as I’d hoped, but the pita sandwiches were flavourful, satisfying and a decent size.

Pax Burgers

As if that wasn’t enough grilled meat, you can get a top notch burger fix at Pax Burgers just opposite Ermina’s. It’s an upscale fast-casual restaurant (a bit like Shake Shack) that turned out to be a saviour when arriving in the evening after a long day of travelling.

The substantial Cheese & bacon burger was definitely Greek-style rather than American with well-seasoned, flame-grilled meat, tomato jam, mayo and fresh salad. The fries and giant onion rings were pretty great too – and all at a decent price.

Lukumades

On this foodie trip, I was really excited to try traditional Greek loukoumades – bite-size fried doughnuts that are typically doused in honey and cinnamon. They’re mostly served for dessert at restaurants, but you can get them within minutes and jazzed up with all kinds of toppings or fillings at Lukumades, a tiny cafe and take-away counter in Monastiraki.

We went for the most traditional flavour and they were just as yummy as I’d imagined – light, hot and crispy with a very generous drizzle of sticky honey and cinnamon.

There’s more than enough in each portion to share, however you might like to order the typical honey and cinnamon loukoumades alongside a more creative topping like bougatsa cream or praline.

Cherchez La Femme

Cherchez La Femme, an atmospheric corner bistro in Monastiraki, is a favourite among locals and is the perfect spot for lunch after shopping. It’s chic and buzzing, but not too flashy, and there’s a lovely terrace for dining in the sun.

It’s all about the small plates, so you can take a tour through all of your favourite classic Greek dishes. We really enjoyed the thick and velvety Houmous, indulgent Moussaka, charred Lemon and herb grilled chicken and sweet and tangy Grilled talagani cheese with tomato jam.

On weekends you might have to wait a while for a table, but it’s worth it for such a delightful meal.

Nolan

The highlight of our trip was dinner at Nolan, a small urban bistro on a stylish corner of Syntagma that holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Head Chef Sotiris Contizas draws on his Greek-Asian heritage, offering creative yet unpretentious dishes inspired by each culture.

The concept is all about sharing and Nolan recommends two dishes per person, which are brought out one after the other. Burned cabbage and cauliflower with blue cheese was packed with harmonious flavours. The wilted cabbage was smoky and charred with an umami-rich jus that complemented the creamy, punchy cheese while the sliced apple and pickled carrots cut through with tanginess.

NFC (Nolan Fried Chicken) – the restaurant’s signature dish – was a little heavier than I’d expected with a popcorn-like texture but it was succulent, well-marinated and crisp.

We just missed the last dish of tempting Short ribs, so we went for the Sirloin with charred leeks instead and it didn’t disappoint. The lean, tender strips of medium-rare steak just melted in the mouth and the buttery, flavourful charred leeks were the ideal match for the meat. Steamed rice seemed like it might be simple but it surprised us with its fluffy texture and lovely crunchy bit on top, elevating it from a mere accompaniment.

We had other plans for dessert, but the wonderful manager brought us a shot of local liqueur on the house to finish the meal, which was a really nice touch.

Nolan is the kind of memorable place you always hope to find on a city break, with plenty of soul, great food and warm hospitality. Make sure you book a table in advance, as you don’t want to miss this innovative restaurant.

Have you been to any of these foodie spots in Athens? What is your favourite Greek food?

All photos by Chérie City

Athens, Hotels

A Luxury Stay at COCO-MAT Hotel in Athens

February 6, 2019 by cheriecity

Can you imagine staying at a cool design hotel that’s secretly tucked away inside a mattress store? It’s certainly a quirky concept, but it all makes sense once you know the story behind the fabulous COCO-MAT Hotel Athens.

Greek brand COCO-MAT was established in 1989 and is dedicated to the art of sleep with a range of all-natural beds, mattresses and pillows. All COCO-MAT products are hand-made in a carbon-neutral factory in Xanthi, northern Greece, and can be found in some of the best luxury hotels in the world.

We were invited to stay at COCO-MAT Hotel Athens for one night on our recent trip to Athens and we were curious about the guaranteed promise of a good night’s sleep.

Location

This stylish eco-friendly hotel is located on a main street in Kolonaki, a leafy, upscale neighbourhood in the foothills of Mount Lycabettus. The area has a civilised residential feel with designer boutiques, cafes and patisseries, and thankfully it’s very quiet at night. It’s the perfect spot for a sleep-focussed hotel, rather than somewhere more central like lively Monastiraki.

That’s not to say, however, that COCO-MAT Hotel Athens is out of the way, as it’s still close to all of the action. Evangelismos Metro station, the Museum of Cycladic Art and the Benaki Museum are just five minutes away while Syntagma Square is a short downhill walk away and the Acropolis gate can be accessed on foot.

Arrival

On arrival, we marvelled at the high-end bedding in the showroom and headed downstairs to the reception where we were given a warm welcome from the friendly, laid-back yet meticulous staff. Also on the lower-ground area is the Honesty Bar where you can work or read the newspapers and help yourself to a coffee and selection of cakes and simply sign them to your room.

The Suite

We were assigned a Metropolitan Loft – a stunning duplex suite on the fifth floor that boasts not only a balcony but also a separate terrace with skyline views. It has a sophisticated modern apartment feel and a calming neutral palette with exposed concrete, light wood highlights and pastel furnishings.

The downstairs lounge features a slouchy slate grey linen sofa, smart TV, long counter desk, plenty of storage and a Nespresso machine and kettle. An exciting perk is the complimentary minibar stocked with soft drinks, wine, beer and spirits, plus artisan chocolate and healthy Greek snacks which we took out with us for the climb up to the Acropolis.

The Bathroom

Also on the lower level is a sleek and spacious bathroom with white marble tiles, powerful walk-in shower, a full set of Greek Zealots of Nature bathroom products, luxurious waffle bathrobe and stylish powder blue and orange COCO-MAT cotton slippers with waterproof coco fibre soles.

The Bedroom

A decorative wood staircase leads up to the bright and airy bedroom and expansive decked terrace with those glorious views. We found the COCO-MAT bed was truly impressive with a unique four-layer sleeping system, made from coconut and cactus fibres, seaweed, eucalyptus leaves and natural latex.

It was fully dressed with all the accessories you could imagine – a stylish waffle throw, plush ottoman cushions, organic cotton sheets, an abundance of different pillows (from a 12-item pillow menu) and cute lavender sleep pouches.

The COCO-MAT Proteas bed was very sumptuous and my body felt weightless and wholly supported. All of these carefully-curated elements contributed to the best sleep I’ve ever had in a hotel, which isn’t always easy in unfamiliar surroundings. My dream hotel bed has always been the Sofitel MyBed, but COCO-MAT has now surpassed it.

Breakfast

Breakfast (included in all room rates) is a relaxed affair with a continental buffet laid out on the counter of the Honesty Bar. We particularly liked the ‘make your own’ granola with delicious Greek yoghurt, baked goods like fresh bread and mini cakes and Bougatsa. You can also get eggs cooked to order, but most guests didn’t seem to indulge.

Roof Garden

It’s important not to miss the jewel of the hotel – its stunning roof garden with panoramic vistas to the Acropolis, plant and herb patches and colourful art murals. In the warmer months, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner or a sundown glass of wine, taking in those magical views. Another cool feature is the custom-made wooden bicycles that guests can rent for free to explore the city.

COCO-MAT Athens was such a memorable part of our trip to Greece and we left feeling truly pampered and serene. The COCO-MAT lifestyle is ever so alluring and it’s now our life ambition to add that incredible bed, or at least a few pieces – to our home.

To discover the best places to eat out in Athens, from tiny patisseries and souvlaki spots to neighbourhood bistros and the city’s most creative restaurants, read more here.

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

Chérie City was a guest of COCO-MAT Athens

All photos by Chérie City

Amsterdam, Restaurants

Excellent Places to Eat Out in Amsterdam

January 30, 2019 by cheriecity

Amsterdam is not only one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, but it’s also becoming a serious foodie destination. The picture perfect Nine Streets neighbourhood and leafy Amsterdam Oud-West are full of stylish cafes, buzzing brunch spots and restaurants that you won’t want to miss.

For a true taste of Holland, you can indulge in local specialities like pancakes, stroopwafels and bitterballen and discover the local street food scene. Just be sure to Google the difference between a coffee shop and a koffiehuis before parking up for an afternoon brew.

Here are a few cool places that I discovered on my recent weekend city break in Amsterdam…

Moak Pancakes

Pancakes are a Dutch tradition and should be part of your food itinerary when visiting Amsterdam. However, Moak Pancakes (formerly named Mook Pancakes) does things a little differently to the old guard. This hip hop pancake house is a fun hang-out with concrete interiors, plenty of plants, a cool soundtrack and most importantly, insanely good pancakes.

I took my mum there for her birthday breakfast and we were looked after so well by the super friendly staff. The menu features healthy sweet and savoury pancakes, avocado dishes, salads and fresh market fruit juices.

We both kept it simple and went for The Blue Magic with fresh blueberries, shaved coconut and unlimited Canadian maple syrup. The pancakes were fluffy, light and substantial, plus is there anything better than having your own jug of maple syrup to drench them in?

Cafe Winkel 43

The best apple pie in Amsterdam (and possibly the world) can be found at Cafe Winkel 43 at Noordermarkt. Established in 1983, this charming corner cafe is renowned for its homely, deep-dish apple pie and has been serving up over 1000 slices from early mornings to 1am every night (3am on Fridays and Saturdays).

It’s essential to make a pilgrimage there, however it gets extremely busy on weekends and we were very lucky to score a seat on the terrace under the heaters.

We ordered hot chocolates to warm up and a slice of apple pie with cream each, because frankly it’s too good to share. The enormous wedge of pie had a crispy, golden crust and a thick layer of buttery, cake-like pastry with lots of slow-cooked apples infused with lots of cinnamon and finished with really yummy sweet cream. It was absolutely heavenly and the most memorable apple pie I’ve ever tasted – be sure not to miss it!

Chocolaterie Pompadour

For teatime with a touch of refinement, head to Chocolaterie Pompadour in the Nine Streets neighbourhood. This charming French patisserie and tea room has a dazzling array of cakes, tarts and freshly-made Valrhona chocolates that make excellent gifts.

I loved the traditional, thick and velvety hot chocolate served with a pot of cream and cute little financier on the side.

Pluk

Pluk has become a big Instagram sensation and handily there are two cafes just moments apart in the Nine Streets district. Unfortunately the service was painfully slow and inefficient at both and all of the waiting really cut into our afternoon.

It might not hit the mark on busy weekends, but it’s worth trying if you simply go for tea and cake, take-out or have plenty of time to wait for those pretty pastel unicorn cupcakes.

Cafe George

This New York-style French brasserie, overlooking Leidsegracht in Jordaan, is a stylish but casual spot for a bite at any time of the day. Cafe George is extremely popular for its sparkling atmosphere and romantic design, but most of all its affordable menu, from classic brunch dishes to the more luxurious oysters, lobster linguine and josper-grilled entrecote.

We popped by for a light lunch and really enjoyed the buttery, comforting Croque Madame with hot, crispy frites with mayo to share. There are a few different George eateries across town, so you’ll never be too far away from a good meal.

Foodhallen

Every cosmopolitan city has street food market now, but Foodhallen in Amsterdam Oud-West does it better than most. It’s a major part of De Hallen, a multi-purpose centre for culture, media, fashion, food and crafts, housed in a former tram depot. The space is pretty impressive and has a local, indie spirit with a cinema, library, art galleries, shops, restaurants and a stylish design hotel.

But, what really draws the crowds is Foodhallen, where you can grab a bite from stars of the Amsterdam street food scene and enjoy live music and DJs. Whatever you’re craving you can find it there, with dishes such as bao buns, tacos, ramen, falafel pita, crab cake burgers, grilled meats and dim sum.

We were drawn to L’Entrecôte Mobile, which specialises in French steak sandwiches made with organic beef, freshly cooked to order. The toasted sesame bun was generously filled with tender, smoky medium-cooked steak, fresh lettuce and a mouth-watering sauce made with tarragon, garlic and parsley butter.

I was keen to try bitterballen – a traditional Dutch snack – and where better than DeBallenbar, created by a Michelin-starred chef? Peter Gast, who earned his first star aged just 25 for his restaurant ‘t Schulten Hues in Zutphen, teamed up with his sous chef Jeroen Elijzen to open DeBallenbar at Foodhallen in 2014.

The bitterballen come in a mix of classic and creative flavours such as Dutch shrimp, bouillabaisse or truffle and are served with a choice of sauces. I went for the original meat bitterballen with mustard sauce and liked the crunchy breadcrumb coating and smooth bechamel centre.

In the mood for something sweet, we picked up some heavenly Earl Grey and chocolate tarts from local French pâtisserie Petit Gateau to graze on back in our room.

Lotti’s

The Hoxton Amsterdam is the coolest place to stay in the city and its all-day brasserie Lotti’s is popular among locals and guests alike. It has a cosy, relaxed vibe and the menu is a mix of classic bistro dishes and Dutch specialities.

I went for a classic Hoxton beef burger with bacon, baby gem, vine tomato, burger sauce, homemade pickles and fries – the perfect comfort food on a chilly night. My mum enjoyed a rich and indulgent Butler’s steak – slow and slow braised beef with liquorice, artichoke and carrots. Dessert was simple and luxurious home-made vanilla and peanut butter ice cream – a delightful end to the meal.

Are you inspired to take a foodie trip to the Dutch capital? Where are your favourite restaurants and cafes in Amsterdam?

All photos by Chérie City

London, Restaurants

A Wonderful Lunch at Mariage Frères Covent Garden

January 11, 2019 by cheriecity

Just a few months ago, France’s oldest tea house, Mariage Frères, opened its largest boutique to date in Covent Garden. In 1854, Parisian brothers Henri and Edouard Mariage established their first tea emporium and salon de thé on rue Bourg-Tibourg in the Marais and there are now seven locations in Paris and across Japan.

The elegant five-storey Georgian townhouse on upscale King Street, just a few steps from the Piazza, is home to an enormous tea emporium where you can find the largest collection of teas in the world at an impressive 1000 varieties from 36 different countries, a take-away tea and pâtisserie counter and the first floor salon de thé.

I know Mariage Frères teas well (Wedding Imperial and Marco Polo are favourites), but dining there was high on my wish list, so I was excited to visit for Saturday lunch to start January in style. The soft launch discount of 50% off food was also most welcome, as we were able to order a little more freely.

We were warmly welcomed by the friendly staff and were shown to the bright, modern front room with palms and a patterned floor inspired by the Paris original. This is where you can enjoy a decadent lunch, afternoon tea, weekend brunch or simply tea and cake.

What really makes Mariage Frères stand out is that all dishes and pâtisserie feature the brand’s most iconic teas, chosen to complement and enhance the flavours. With this in mind, the name ‘salon de thé’ feels somewhat modest, as the style of the menu and the standard of Head Chef Felix Richard’s cooking are what you’d expect to find in a restaurant.

We started by sharing Avocado ‘guacamole style’ with Japanese matcha tea, sweet potato crisps and roasted peanuts. The velvety crushed avocado was packed with lots of high quality, verdant matcha and had a strong zesty flavour from the fresh lime. It went perfectly with the curly sweet potato crisps and crunchy peanuts and was ideal for sharing.

I followed with Roasted chicken supreme and smoky black leopard tea jus with roasted shiitakes and button mushrooms, cauliflower and turmeric puree. The presentation was just stunning and there were so many contrasting flavours at play.

The succulent chicken was elevated by the rich jus and well matched with the smooth turmeric purée, soy-infused mushrooms, tangy pickled cauliflower and punchy red currants (only the roasted peanuts seemed a little out of place).

Saumon matcha with sautéed spinach, toasted sesame and fragrant Siam rice with barberry was another hit. The salmon was incredibly fresh and plump with delicate wilted spinach, nutty sesame and an aromatic, creamy matcha sauce. The cute little pot of fluffy steamed rice was a simple yet well-balanced accompaniment.

It was a real joy to then saunter over to the chariot de pâtisseries and be guided through the overwhelming selection of dazzling treats. After much deliberation on whether to go for a tarte, mousse, éclair or seasonal Galette des Rois, I was drawn to the most bold, eye-catching cakes.

The Mille cake was bright red and meticulously layered with joconde sponge and cherry compote, infused with the sweet rooibos Thé Sexy and topped with gold leaf. This dessert was intense like a perfume with refreshing red berry notes and a lingering vanilla taste with every bite.

The Gold cake not only looked incredibly decadent, and was generously-sized, but it had the most wonderful melange of flavours. The buttery, dense chocolate and vanilla pound cake had a centre of heavenly gianduja and candied orange peel and was infused with spiced Christmas tea.

As if that wasn’t enough, it was entirely enrobed in a thick layer of gold-painted milk chocolate. It was the most luxurious teatime cake I’ve ever tasted, however its price was equally gilded at £13 a slice. A word of advice here is to try not to be dazzled by the array of cakes and pay attention when ordering.

An even bigger decision was selecting a tea from the hundreds on the menu, however we were given a helping hand with The French Art of Tea – a compendium of tea handily placed on the table – and precise recommendations from the very knowledgeable tea masters. Tzar Alexandre was a smoky yet mellow tea with a plesantly medicinal flavour while Earl Grey French Blue was light and floral with blue cornflowers and fragrant bergamot.

Our lunch at Mariage Frères was an absolute delight and we were particularly surprised by the artistry of the main dishes. Service was also immaculate yet warm and the staff looked after us so well. It was quite easy for the bill to soar when dining à la carte, however if you’re flexible there are better value options such as the Brunch Parisien, afternoon tea and the prix-fixe Tea Lunch. I can’t wait to go back and work my way through the different teas.

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

All photos by Chérie City

Food, Recipes

by CHLOE. Festive Vegan Recipes

December 21, 2018 by cheriecity

Since arriving in Covent Garden and Tower Bridge this year, vegan fast casual restaurant by CHLOE. has become one of my regular haunts for a plant-based treat.

Everyone has their personal favourite dishes, but mine are the London special of Fish ‘n’ chips with crispy tofu, Mac ‘n’ cheese and Air-baked sweet potato fries dunked in the insanely-moreish beetroot ketchup and chipotle mayo.

To make festive home entertaining easier and tastier, by CHLOE. has shared two delicious recipes for its dairy-free No Egg-Nog and meat-free Royal Roast that you can order in its restaurants. Whether you’re vegan, veggie or just looking for something a little different, give these dishes a try at home…

No Egg-Nog Recipe
960ml almond milk
0.5 grams ground turmeric
0.5 grams teaspoon salt
4.7 grams pumpkin pie spice

To serve one glass
Fill with ice
Fill with eggnog
Add 28.5 ml Rum
Stir well
Sprinkle cinnamon on top
Serve with cocktail straw

Royal Roast Recipe
Ingredients
50g Chia Seeds
200ml Water
1kg Sea Salt
25g Plain Flour
400g Whole Celeriac
100g Cooked Beetroot

Method
1. Mix half of the chia seeds with water until they puff up, drain and place to one side. In a separate bowl mix salt, flour and remaining chia seeds to create crust.
2. Line baking tray with parchment paper to prevent the celeriac from sticking and burning. Place some salt mixture on the parchment, place celeriac on salt base and then cover celeriac with remaining mixture. Cook on 160 C for 90 minutes.
3. Once cooked peel off skin from the celeriac and slice into 1/2cm discs.
4. Grate cooked beetroot and rub in on the discs to add pink colour.
5. Roll the disk edges in puffed chia seeds so that they stick. Add vegetables of choice. Serve.

Have you tried by CHLOE. in London or the US? Will you be cooking any vegan dishes this Christmas?

For more information and menus, visit: www.eatbychloe.com

Photos courtesy of by CHLOE.

Christmas

Christmas Gift Guide: For Her

December 19, 2018 by cheriecity

Christmas gifting should be about treating your loved one to something that will make them feel good. It could be a vibrant silk scarf, something pretty for the home or a new spa product to enjoy using over the festive break. If you’re still looking for some tips, check out these beauties…

Mansur Gavriel Mini Leather Bucket Bag, £395, Liberty London

Look beyond the trends and invest in this modern classic bucket bag in the finest tan Italian leather by New York designers Mansur Gavriel.

Studio Arhoj Pink Pistachio Stash Jar, £34, Goodhood

Ceramics don’t get much cooler or more creative than those by Copenhagen-based Studio Arhoj. I’m crushing on this pretty pink and pistachio stash jar.

Aphrodite 100% Silk Scarf, £90, Pam Weinstock

Pam Weinstock’s exquisite digitally-printed scarves and sarongs are inspired by her travels and photography. Each one is a work of art to be worn and treasured.

Annabelle Lucilla Sacred Star Charm Bracelet, £65, Wolf & Badger

Annabelle’s latest collection takes inspiration from the geometric architecture of the Cambodian Angkor Wat temple. This striking bracelet is handmade at her studio in Hatton Garden, London.

Aromatherapy Associates Essential Bath and Shower Oils, £33, SpaceNK

Give the gift of relaxation over the festive period with this fabulous set of restorative essential bath and shower oils from the best in the business.

Queen of Hungary Limited Editions Set, £69, SpaceNK

This cult beauty mist from Hungarian thermal spa brand Omorovicza refreshes and tones the skin with rose, neroli and sage waters and is given a colourful new look every winter. Collect all three with this smart gift set.

OUAI Hair Oil, £24, SpaceNK

I’ve recently fallen in love OUAI, the transformative haircare brand by LA celebrity stylist Jen Atkin, and can’t get enough of this nourishing hair oil. It keeps my hair soft and managable in the colder months and should be on your radar.

Frangipani Reed Diffuser, £250, Ormonde Jayne

London-based perfume house Ormonde Jayne has recently launched the most luxurious reed diffusers for the home in a range of wonderful scents, including the warm, exotic Frangipani. Check out the website’s Gourmande Jayne page for deliciously aromatic recipes by founder Linda Pilkington – perfect for Christmas entertaining.

Christmas

Christmas Gift Guide: For Foodies

December 18, 2018 by cheriecity

Christmas is just around the corner, so it’s time to pick up those last-minute gifts for the foodie in your life. Whether it’s the latest cookbook, an indulgent sweet treat or something to sip by the fire, here is a selection of gifts that are sure to delight…

The Japanese Larder by Luiz Hara, £14.08, Amazon

Learn how to add Japanese ingredients to your home cooking with chef, author and blogger Luiz Hara’s second book, The Japanese Larder.

Christmas Old Fashioned Cocktail, £25, Melrose & Morgan

Handmade in London, this potent classic cocktail includes premium vodka infused for 12 weeks with cardamon, vanilla, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, mixed spice and bitters. It makes around five cocktails and is best served over ice with a slice of orange.

Midnight in Paris Red Tea Rooibos, €26, Mariage Freres

Part of the Thé Parisien trio, this special Midnight in Paris rooibos tea has gourmand notes of warming vanilla and hibiscus and a deep red hue. Find it at the new Mariage Frères flagship store in Covent Garden with its splendid boutique, restaurant and tea salon.

The 2018 Christmas Collection, £24.95, Cocoa Runners

Cocoa Runners has carefully selected four chocolate bars from around the world for its Christmas Collection. Enjoy a milk chocolate bar by Menakao, dark chocolate from Taza and Pump Street Chocolate and white chocolate from Bertil Akesson.

Il Terzetto, £17.95, Carluccio’s

Give festive dining an extra touch of luxury with this Carluccio’s trio of truffles – tritato for crostini, oil for pasta and honey for cheese.

Lina Stores Panettone Milano, £25.95, Lina Stores

Nothing beats a Christmas pilgrimage to Soho’s iconic deli Lina Stores, with its home-made fresh pasta, Italian meats and cheeses and amazing cannolis. Whether you’re gifting or simply indulging, at the top of your list should be a Lina Stores Panettone Milano tucked inside the signature turquoise box.

Jansz Cuvée, £18.90, The Australian Cellar

Christmas is the perfect time to try new wines and impress guests with a well-chosen bottle. The Australian Cellar offers an interesting selection of New World wines, including this lovely Jansz Cuvée from Tasmania with notes of honeysuckle, citrus, nougat, roasted nuts and strawberry.

Box of 16 Victoria Beckham Hearts, Christmas Edition, £45, Pierre Marcolini

The award for the sweetest collaboration of the year goes to Pierre Marcolini and Victoria Beckham to celebrate the fashion house’s tenth anniversary. The stunning hearts collection continues with this limited edition Christmas collection of iridescent gold chocolates in a luxurious box.