cheriecity | cheriecity.co.uk

A Great Dinner at Monsieur Le Duck London

December 17, 2018 by cheriecity

London has its fair share of great French restaurants, but how much do you know about the cuisine of Gascony? New Spitalfields bistro Monsieur Le Duck puts the spotlight on this charming region of France, known for its rich gastronomy and use of duck fat.

This casual, cosy restaurant takes inspiration from the South-West’s signature douceur de vivre (the ‘sweetness of living’) with expertly-cooked duck from Gascony farms, authentic side dishes, Armagnac aperitifs and Côtes de Gascogne wine. If you love French bistro classics, what could be more tempting than that?

We visited soon after it opened and were keen to see how well it would translate to east London. On arrival, we were offered a Pousse Rapière (the ‘thrust of the sword’), a refreshing, bittersweet mix of Vin Sauvage fizz with orange and Armagnac liqueur.

The menu is short and focussed with a Prix fixe including a main dish with one side and a house mixed leaf salad for £17. We were, however, treated to Le Grand Jeu for two to share – a rustic wooden board with duck cooked four ways, two sides and two salads for £40.

While waiting for the duck to cook, we enjoyed some warm baguette with silky, moreish duck fat butter and a bowl of fresh house mixed salad with a light dressing that had flavours of duck fat-roasted potatoes. The classic Confit de canard was a generously-sized Moulard duck leg finished in the pan with aromatic garlic and thyme. It had plenty of tender, flaky pink meat and an exemplary crispy, golden skin covering sticky rendered fat.

We also loved the duo of Magret de canard, which comes both pan-roasted and chargrilled. The duck was plump and juicy with a scorched skin and it worked particularly well chargrilled with that hint of smokiness.

For something a little more creative, there’s the Duck burger – Barbary duck leg with prune d’agen mayo, cornichons and baby gem in a brioche bun. The burgers were succulent and delicious with a little sweetness from the prune mayo and the fluffy brioche bun. There’s also a Grilled winter vegetable tarte with tomato, courgette, shallot and thyme, suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Frites were the perfect accompaniment for the duck – hot, crunchy and well-seasoned. We also loved the side of Puy lentils with shallots and carrots, which were a highlight of the meal. I had to ask how they were made to taste so good and was told that the magic ingredient is a little bit of duck fat.

While the desserts are not strictly from Gascony, they’re authentically French and well worth saving some room for. Crème brûlée was velvety and smooth with a touch of fresh vanilla and a typically crunchy layer of burnt sugar. Tarte aux pommes with crème fraîche was just like the ones you’d find in a rustic French bakery with thinly-sliced apple, light crème patisserie and perfect pastry.

Monsieur Le Duck is great value for the high quality and provenance of the food and while its approach is playful, there’s some seriously good cooking there. It’s the perfect spot for satisfying your canard craving, especially in these cold winter months.

Chérie City was a guest of Monsieur Le Duck

Photos by Chérie City (interior by Monsieur Le Duck)

Amsterdam, Hotels

A Grand Stay at The Hoxton Amsterdam

December 14, 2018 by cheriecity

Amsterdam is having a bit of a moment as a shopping and dining destination and there’s nowhere hotter to stay than The Hoxton Amsterdam. Opened in 2015, it was the first Hoxton Hotel outside of London and now the trend-setting group has outposts in Paris, Williamsburg and Portland with more openings in the works.

The Hoxton Amsterdam overlooks the Herengracht canal in the heart of the chic Nine Streets shopping district, one of the city’s most charming and vibrant neighbourhoods. It’s also within walking distance of Anne Frank House, the Floating Flower Market and Dam Square.

The hotel is set across five grand canal houses that once made up the Mayor’s residence in the 17th century. The first thing you’ll see on arrival is a retro photo booth before descending into the buzzing open house area. This warm and cosy space includes the bar with comfy velvet armchairs, a mezzanine lounge at the top of a spiral staircase, Lotti’s restaurant, an art gallery and the long reception desk with a glass cabinet full of Amsterdam trinkets.

Check-In

Our check-in was swift and friendly and within moments we were wandering through the warren-like corridors with jazzy monochrome carpets to our room. The hotel is bigger than most of the city’s canal-side heritage properties with 111 rooms and four different room categories – Shoebox, Cosy, Roomy and Concept (Fruity and Floral are the two grandest rooms).

The Room

Our Roomy room was an absolute dream – spacious and inviting with lots of character. We walked in to hear the Roberts digital radio playing old rock ‘n’ roll (a Hoxton signature) and were also kindly welcomed with a hand-written note and a bar of delicious chocolate by local gourmet brand Stach.

This room has the feel of a modern-retro apartment contrasted with the historic features of the building, with inky blue and white walls, chevron parquet floors, wood-panelled wall, brass lamps and striking hexagonal mirror. It features a very plush king-size bed with a quilted throw, comfy seating area with a brass coffee table, large flatscreen TV, a study desk with a cheeky ‘crap drawer’ of essentials, kettle for making tea and coffee and a mini fridge with complimentary mineral water and bottle of milk.

Other thoughtful amenities include free wifi, an hour of free international landline phone calls and a minibar at reception with regular shop prices. It’s all about the quirky small details at The Hoxton, so there are plenty of surprises around the room to discover and delight.

What’s most interesting about this room, however, is that the bathroom is at the top of a small staircase. It’s a quirky design feature that we rather liked for its privacy, but most of the bathrooms are ground-level, if accessibility is a priority. The monochrome bathroom features white tiles and a curvy brass heated towel rail with a powerful walk-in shower, big fluffy towels and a full set of bathroom products by Pen & Ink designed exclusively for The Hoxton.

Dinner at Lotti’s

That evening, we had dinner at Lotti’s, the hotel’s all-day dining brasserie. There’s nothing more indulgent than just popping downstairs for a great meal and Lotti’s is a hot destination restaurant in its own right. We sat at a cosy sofa table close to the open kitchen and were well looked after by the friendly staff.

I enjoyed a classic Hoxton beef burger with bacon, baby gem, vine tomato, burger sauce, homemade pickles and fries, which was juicy and satisfying – a proper high-end burger. My mum was more adventurous and went for the Butler’s steak – slow and slow braised beef with liquorice, artichoke and carrots. The top quality meat had a rich, mature flavour and went perfectly with the velvety artichoke, sticky molasses sauce and pickled carrots. Dessert was simple and luxurious home-made vanilla and peanut butter ice cream.

Breakfast

After a great night’s sleep, it was time to eat again. Our famous Hoxton Breakfast Bag was delivered at our preferred time in the morning packed with a healthy granola yoghurt pot, banana and really good freshly-squeezed orange juice. Lotti’s also does a mean breakfast if you’re in the mood for something substantial, however we had our eye on Moak Pancakes, an all-day pancake house with a hip hop vibe that the hotel recommended in its handy map guide.

If you want a little extra from your trip to Amsterdam, check out The Hoxton Amsterdam’s programme of cool hosted events and workshops, rent a bicycle to see the city or book a canal boat tour with their suggested operator. For those fortunate to be visiting on a work trip, there’s also The Apartment with its own larder and atrium garden for meetings and private dining.

The Hoxton Amsterdam has everything you need for a fabulous city break – an enviable location, stylish design and lots of atmosphere. With the new Eurostar direct route and speedy one-hour flights from London, it’s easier than ever to hop over to Amsterdam and discover what makes this city so special.

Discover more of the Dutch capital’s top addresses in my guide to Where to Eat Out in Amsterdam.

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

Chérie City was a guest of The Hoxton Amsterdam

All photos by Chérie City

Croatia, Hotels

A Great Stay at Brown Beach House Croatia

November 20, 2018 by cheriecity

My recent trip to Croatia with my mum was a two-part adventure, exploring both the major city of Split and the more low-key, tranquil Trogir. This picturesque part of the Adriatic Coast is perfect for island hopping, but what really lured us to Trogir, beyond the destination, was the stunning Brown Beach House.

Brown Hotels are known for their upscale properties in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem and Brown Beach House is one of their latest offerings, having opened fully just last summer. This stylish boutique hotel occupies a former 20th century tobacco warehouse and has the homely feel of a grand residence overlooking the azure blue sea.

Designed by Amsterdam-based Saar Zafrir, the hotel has 44 rooms and suites and is Trogir’s only luxury lifestyle resort with everything on the doorstep.

Arrival

Brown Beach House is just a 5-minute taxi ride away from Split Airport, so you can be in your room or by the pool within moments of arriving in Croatia. We were warmly welcomed by the friendly reception staff and offered a glass of prosecco in the lobby bar while checking in. The spacious open-plan lounge is a smart mix of contemporary and colonial style with window shutters, ceiling fans, mirrored pillars, blue china vases, bookshelves full of art and fashion books and plenty of potted palms.

The Room

After being accidentally assigned a room that wasn’t prepared, it was a nice touch to be upgraded to a Deluxe Room on the second floor.

Our room was enormous and beautifully-designed in a soft beige palette with dark wood and ochre accents and lots of natural light. Room features include a large flat-screen TV, vanity table, espresso machine and kettle with premium tea and coffee, luxury minibar and a really cool rocking chair. The king-size bed was incredibly plush and one of the most comfortable I’ve ever slept on.

The Bathroom

The grey marble-tiled bathroom was also equally spacious and impressive with a large bathtub, fluffy towels, bathrobes and slippers and a full set of colourful Brown Hotels products by a Croatian brand.

Breakfast

Breakfast is included in all room rates and is served outside on the terrace of Cartina restaurant in the warmer weather, or in the lounge with views of the sea at other times. It’s a leisurely affair with a generous buffet laden with local charcuterie and cheeses, freshly-baked breads, mini muffins and pastries, cereal and natural yoghurt with a choice of nuts, seeds and dried fruits. Another perk is the free-flowing Prosecco with fresh juices and peach purée for making Bellinis.

A made-to-order breakfast dish is also included, for that extra touch of luxury. We loved the Blueberry pancakes and the Eggs Benedict and you can also choose Shakshuka, Eggs Royale or an omelette.

Swimming Pool

The jewel of Brown Beach House is its stunning black and white chequered tile outdoor pool with sunbeds, parasols and beach bar. There is also a private beach club in front of the hotel for guests, as well as a full spa with sauna, steam room and treatments.

Dinner at Cartina

Sadly our pool lounging was cut short by the biggest, most treacherous, storm we’ve ever experienced and so dinner that evening was in the lounge rather than on the leafy, fairy-lit terrace as planned. Cartina restaurant offers creative Mediterranean cuisine as well as a few crowd-pleasing dishes. Our prime rib burger and risotto were generously-sized but very salty and a little underwhelming given the style and farm-to-table concept of the restaurant.

Trogir

The historic city of Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just ten minute walk away along the harbour and over a bridge. It’s a charming medieval island town with Romanesque churches and Renaissance and Baroque buildings from the Venetian period. The maze-like old town has a uniquely local feel with romantic terrace restaurants, ice cream parlours, linen boutiques and Croatian speciality shops – not a global brand name in sight!

Eating Out

It’s all about Croatian and Italian cuisine in Trogir with an abundance of fresh seafood, hearty stews and wood-fired pizza. We enjoyed some fantastic pasta, risotto and generous antipasti sharing platters with Croatian prosciutto and cheeses. I wouldn’t say it’s a cheap town for eating out (as some might expect), but its restaurants are notably accessible with classic dishes alongside the splurge-worth seafood platters and whole catch of the day.

Getting to Split

We really had to be torn away from Brown Beach House, but happily we still had Split to discover. We’d planned to take the 30-minute bus to our next destination, however the receptionist strongly suggested catching the soon-to-depart boat instead. She very kindly phoned the boat company, asking them to wait for us, and a porter helped us with our luggage for a swift exit.

They really went above and beyond to help us and arriving by boat was really special. We cruised for 45 minutes through spectacular turquoise waters, passing pretty islands on the way and making two short stops to pick up other passengers. If you can time it well with the limited schedule, this is the best way to get between Trogir and Split.

Brown Beach House is a real treat if you’re looking for a sunny getaway with style and personality. In the high summer, it seems to have more of a party vibe, but go slightly out of season and you can enjoy a sophisticated, peaceful break. Trogir is also a great base for exploring the Dalmatian Coast and getting away from it all. I can definitely see us returning to this fabulous gem of a hotel.

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

Photos by Chérie City

Food, Recipes

How To Make Dorayaki by Wagashi Bakery

November 15, 2018 by cheriecity

We all love pancakes on the weekend, but have you tried Dorayaki? This sweet ‘pancake sandwich’ is one of my favourite Japanese snacks and there’s no limit to how creative you can get with the fillings.

I’ve always picked up Dorayaki on the go and never considered making them myself, but luckily Wagashi Bakery has shared its secrets to creating perfect, fluffy Dorayaki at home. This family-run bakery was established in London in 1986 and is associated with the popular Tokyo patisserie, Kitaya.

It’s a pretty easy recipe, so give it a try and switch up your American brunch pancakes with matcha, adzuki bean or sesame this weekend:

How to:

Ingredients:
4 eggs
140g caster sugar
2 tablespoons of honey
160g plain flour (you can substitute 10g of this for matcha powder)
2 tablespoons of water
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1 teaspoon of vegetable oil

Method

1. Mix flour and baking soda in a bowl.

2. In another bowl, whisk eggs and add sugar, honey, milk and whisk
3. Combine the dry flour mix and the wet milk mix and whisk until smooth. This is your batter. Pop batter into the fridge for 15 minutes to chill.

4. Heat a large frying pan and add a tiny amount of oil.

5. Spoon a small amount of batter into the pan. Aim for a pancake 3” in diameter.

6. Fry until you start to see some bubbles and the edges are dry. Flip the pancake and cook for another minute or so.

7. Now fill with whatever filling you like.

Here is some inspiration from Wagashi Bakery:

Anko : Traditional sweet adzuki bean
Chocolate Ganache : Rich, creamy chocolate truffle
Cream Cheese Anko : Smooth cream cheese with red adzuki beans
Custard : Creamy creme patisserie
Kuri: Traditional anko with chopped sweet chestnut
Lemon Cheesecake : Luxurious zesty cream cheese
Lemon Custard : Sweet citrus creme patisserie
Matcha Custard : Smooth creme patisserie with green tea
Matcha Mascarpone : Velvety green tea mascarpone with adzuki beans
Red Bean Walnut : Chunky sweet adzuki bean and walnut
Sesame Cream : Smokey sesame cream
Strawberries and Cream : Luxurious strawberry cream

If you want to see how the Dorayaki masters make them before jumping in, you can visit Wagashi Bakery at HYPERJAPAN this weekend. It’s the UK’s largest exhibition celebrating Japanese culture, showcasing unique and never-seen-before exhibits, performances and food and drink.

To make your Dorayaki a full meal, check out the other Japanese food specialists including Minamoto Kitchoan, Don Panko, Miso Hungry, Kome Donburi and Camden Tea Shop. Here are just a few of the exciting things you can do at the show:

Highlights:

Global first: The largest selection of ‘nama’ (live) sake ever assembled in the world, including Japan.
International first: Performance from Utaniwa Collabo’s fusion of gardening and classic opera.
London first: Pride of Japan showcasing historical arts and crafts spanning 400 years.
HYPERJAPAN First: HYPER Auction where collectors can bid on a range of beautiful and rare Japanese products.
A first since 1987: Live screening of the Japan versus England rugby match surrounded by Japanese sights, smells and sounds as a preview to the 2019 World Cup.

Unique Experiences:

The Ramen Experience: Three classic broths to try – Shoyu (Soy), Tonkotsu (Pork) and Paitan (Chicken).
The Sake Experience: Over 100 Japanese rice wines as well as liqueurs, craft beers and rare ‘live’ sake.
Learn Calligraphy: Taught by expert calligrapher Takako Higgs.
Make A Felt Snow Rabbit: Try a typical wintertime activity for children in Japan.

HYPERJAPAN runs from Friday November 16th until Sunday 18th November at Olympia London. For further information, visit: www.hyperjapan.co.uk

London, Restaurants

Berenjak: Soho’s First Iranian Restaurant

October 29, 2018 by cheriecity

It’s been a strong year for new London restaurants, but my own most anticipated opening has been Berenjak. Launched just last week on Soho’s Romilly Street, Berenjak re-imagines the traditional hole-in-the-wall kebab houses of Tehran.

Founder and Chef Kian Samyani spent his childhood in Iran and has taken inspiration from family dinners at home, as well as his experience in the kitchens of JKS Group restaurants Gymkhana and most recently Brigadiers. In fact, Berenjak is supported by the hugely successful restaurateurs who have brought us Trishna, Gymkhana, Brigadiers, Motu Indian Kitchen, Hoppers, Bubbledogs, Lyles and Bao, and it’s easy to predict that this too will be a hit.

I’ve grown up with home-cooked Iranian food and have learned how to make stews and rice dishes from recipes passed down from my grandmother who used to visit from Tehran. Of course, it’s even more exciting to go out and see how these dishes are cooked in restaurants, as there are always a few interesting differences in style.

We visited Berenjak on its second day of opening and already it was running smoothly with Chef Kian behind the open grill. The front of the restaurant features counter seating and cosy booths and we were pleased to be shown to a table in the charming ‘hayat’ (Persian garden). It really looks the part with distressed mosaic tiles, tapestry wall hangings, twinkling lights and a soundtrack of Iranian party music that brings a fun, convivial atmosphere.

The well-edited menu focuses on Mazeh (small plates), Kabab and Khoresht (Persian stew) and everything is sharable. We found the staff very knowledgeable and ready to offer recommendations on which dishes to try.

The drink to order at Berenjak is Sharbat – a non-alcoholic Persian fruit cordial served tall with sparkling water and sabzi (fresh herbs). Black lime and mint was sweet, aromatic and luscious while Blackcurant sekanjabin was sharp with a strong vinegar flavour – a bit like cocktail shrubs. For something stronger, all sharbats can by ‘spiked’ with suggested spirits and complementary fruits, plus there’s a well-chosen house wine and beer.

We started with Hummus and accompanied by Taftoon – a clay tanoor-baked sourdough seeded flatbread. The hummus was super smooth and rich, made with black chickpeas, tahini, walnut and sumac. The scattered crispy onions and spices really made it a star dish.

To get a good overview of the cuisine, it’s definitely worth trying two contrasting kababs and a stew. Jujeh kabab was smoky and satisfying, made with unbelievably succulent and juicy chicken breast marinated in mellow saffron, lemon, yoghurt and tomato.

Chenjeh kabab is known for its superior cut and these lamb rump chunks were substantial and tender, with a slightly punchier marinade than the Jujeh kabab, due to the chilli. Both kababs were clearly made with very high quality meat and served on a platter with a piece of Sangak wholewheat flatbread, scorched tomato, onion and fresh green herbs.

Khoresht Ghaimeh Bademjoon was slow-cooked and surprisingly plentiful with half a roasted aubergine, soft yellow split peas and crispy potato matchsticks on top. This comforting, filling stew was packed full of tangy flavours with a top note of fragrant black lime, served in a typical copper pot. To really take it to the next level, you can also add beef short rib, which I’d love to try next time.

The test of a good Iranian restaurant is its rice and Berenjak’s was excellent with saffron, melting goats butter and tadig (the crispy rice at the bottom of the pan). I wish there had been a little more tadig, as it’s generally everyone’s favourite part of the pollow, but the rice was still very moreish. We were pretty full by that point, but if you’re in the mood for dessert, there’s a rather decadent Baklava ice cream sandwich on the menu.

Berenjak already seems perfectly at home in Soho and what a treat it is to have an Iranian restaurant with exceptional food, style and atmosphere in this foodie part of town. I know I’ll be back again soon to work my way through the menu!

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

Photos by Chérie City and Marcus Cobden/Berenjak

Tours, USA

A Dream Trip to Montana + Giveaway

October 4, 2018 by cheriecity

How much time do you spend making travel wish lists and scrolling through social media and blogs for inspiration? Then, once you’ve visualised your ideal destination, there’s the hours of planning, research and asking for recommendations. Personally I love the development stage of a trip, as it builds excitement and gives you the confidence to hit the ground running, knowing that you’re well-prepared.

After getting married in America two years ago, I’ve felt inspired to discover this vast country more and have been looking into my dream American holiday. While America’s major cities will always fascinate me, I’m increasingly drawn to the most picturesque states.

High on my ‘to see’ list is Montana, the northwest state that is bordered by Idaho, Wyoming, North and South Dakota and the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Known as ‘Big Sky Country’, Montana is the fourth largest and eighth least populated of the 50 U.S states, making it a perfect destination for observing nature at its best.

Montana is home to the Rocky Mountains, renowned national parks, prairie terrain and badlands, but also charming cities and towns. There’s a lot to explore in this state, so let me tell you about a cool travel tool to help plan your USA travels.

On VisittheUSA.co.uk, you can use its new USA Trip Planner to create create a day-by-day itinerary customised to you. Simply input your desired destination, length of stay, the month you want to visit and number of guests, then refine your options by pace and activities. Perhaps you’re looking for a fast-paced outdoors trip focussing on wildlife or a slow and easy tour of Montana’s historic and cultural sites.

I used this tool to tailor my dream 8-day Montana trip to my exact requirements and was pleased with the detail and variation of the results. My trip would start in the town of West Yellowstone to visit the iconic Yellowstone National Park.

Next, I would drive to Bozeman, a city in Gallatin County and spend time at the Museum of The Rockies, the American Computers Museum (appropriate for how much time I spend on them) and finish the day downtown sipping whisky on the patio at the award-winning Bozeman Spirits Distillery. I also wouldn’t want to miss the quaint town of Whitefish in Flathead County, where in April, you can either stroll along City Beach or even ski at the Whitefish Mountain Resort.

On the road again, I would explore the Glacier National Park with its mountain peaks, crystal lakes and alpine meadows. Montana is also a foodie’s dream, known for its locally-reared beef, huckleberries and ice cream. The travel tool also suggested a cute bakery and general store called The Polebridge Mercantile, where you can graze on a bear claw or sticky cinnamon roll.

As if that wasn’t enough, I could also squeeze in a visit to the spectacular Grinnell’s Glacier, Great Falls city in Cascade County, McDonald Creek and Garden Wall. Can you imagine such an inspiring trip, full of natural wonders and picture-perfect views, experiencing a part of America that’s off the beaten track?

Now’s your chance to fulfil your own #WanderlustWish with £200 in TUI Holiday Vouchers by entering the contest!

Competition:

To enter this contest, simply use the Visit The USA holiday planner tool and plan a trip to your top 5 USA destinations. Once your trip has been planned, please write a few words about your itinerary and how you’d spend your time there.

Your entry must be posted in the comment section of this post, with a valid e-mail address associated to your comment and the hashtag #WanderlustWish. Competition closes Friday 19th October.

Terms and Conditions Eligibility:

The Wanderlust Wish Contest is open to entrants aged 18 and over, who are resident in the UK (Mainland).
Employees of the Promoter, its group companies or their family members, or anyone else connected with the Contest are not eligible to enter.
Entrants into the Contest shall be deemed to have accepted these terms and conditions.? Participation is permitted irrespective of purchase of a product/service. No purchase necessary.

How to Enter:

Entries must be submitted between Thursday 4th October and Friday 19th October.
To successfully enter, a person (“Entrant”) must:
Use the Visit USA Holiday planner tool and plan a trip to their top 5 USA destinations.
The Entrant must then write a few words and submit their entry as a comment on this article with the hashtag #WanderlustWish
There is only one entry per person allowed.
There is one prize available for the Contest in this post.
The winner will be required to respond to the notification from the Promoter within 14 days, confirming where their prize should be sent. The winner will receive their prize within 28 days of providing such postal address (mainland UK only). The Promoter accepts no responsibility in the event that a winner does not respond to the Promoter’s notification or where a prize is not received by a winner as a result of that Entrant having provided inaccurate address details when requested.
If the winner fails to provide verification or address information within 14 days of a request from the Promoter or should the Promoter establish that the qualifying criteria was not met, the Promoter reserves the right to award the prize to an alternative winner selected from the remaining entries, with the originally selected winner forfeiting their right to the prize.
The Promoter reserves the right to modify, suspend or cancel the Contest without any prior notice.

Privacy and collection of personal data:

The Entrant’s email address and personal details will be used for no other reason than to notify a participant if they are a winner.
By entering the prize draw, Participants grant the Promoter the right to contact them regarding their entry

General:

The Promoter will not be liable if a winner is unable to receive their prize for any reason beyond the control of the Promoter. Prizes are not transferrable or exchangeable and no cash alternatives will be available.
The Promoter accepts no responsibility for any loss suffered by an Entrant as a result of entering the Contest or accepting the prize. The Promoter further accepts no responsibility for any damage to an Entrant’s or any other person’s computer arising from their participation in the Contest.
The Promoter accepts no responsibility for Entries that fail to meet the entry mechanics, are uploaded outside of the Entry Period or which do not qualify for as an entry for any reason (including where the Entrant does not include hashtag #WanderlustWish).
The decision of the Promoter in all matters is final and binding and no correspondence will be entered into, except with the winners.
The Contest and these terms and conditions will be governed by English law and Entrants submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
The ‘Promoter’ and ‘Administrator’ of this Contest is Brand USA.

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Photos courtesy of VisittheUSA.co.uk

Berlin, Theatre

CIRCA’S PEEPSHOW at Chamaeleon Theatre

October 3, 2018 by cheriecity

Chamaeleon Theatre in Berlin is one of the best venues in the world to watch new circus and its programme is always inspiring and varied. Not only does it attract the very best international circus companies, but its exquisite cabaret-style set up really elevates the atmosphere and sense of anticipation.

I was thrilled to be invited back again to check out its latest show, CIRCA’S PEEPSHOW. I was really looking forward to this show, as many performers and reviewers have spoken so highly of Brisbane-based CIRCA – and they have been named the ‘rock stars of the circus world’, after all.

You might recognise Circa’s PEEPSHOW from its summer residency at London’s Underbelly, however this was an abridged, one-hour festival show in a Spiegeltent. CIRCA’S PEEPSHOW was specially created with the Chamaeleon in mind and it’s clear that this conceptual two-part show needs the time to breath and play out to its full extent.

The Show

While many of the shows I seen at the Chamaeleon have been arty, emotional or raucous, none have been as unashamedly sexy as CIRCA’S PEEPSHOW. But you guessed that already from the name, right? What you might not expect, however, is the psychological meandering of this provocative show, set in two distinctly different parts.

Created by Artistic Director Yaron Lifschitz and Associate Director Libby McDonnell, the show explores the concept of being watched and how human behaviour changes when we are being observed or when we think we are alone. It begins with the performers mirroring each other’s movements and balancing on each other like structures, as well as a fun surprise (which I won’t spoil by revealing).

Part One

This first part is all about voyeurism and the seven artists are playful and keen to show off to the audience. Their bodies are purposely exposed in simple nude lycra underwear and glitzy sequin hotpants. The constant glow of the neon ‘peepshow’ sign and retro fringe curtain also add to the sense of exhibitionism and self-aware performance.

Nathan Knowles’ solo vignette celebrates the splendour of the body seen from pretty much all angles and Giulia Scamaria’s enigmatic rope performance is mesmerising. We were all rather taken with Jessica Connell, who brings a touch of burlesque with a coquettish, ironic ‘striptease’ and a truly impressive hula hoop dance.

Part Two

In the second part, the mood instantly becomes dark and intense as the stage is flooded in red neon light. The audience reciprocation is severed, so we can simply observe the performers as their behaviour becomes more wild, erratic and twitchy.

The scene switches from their private inner torment to letting it all go in a club setting with pulsating music. Many of the shows I’ve seen at Chamaeleon are enhanced by live music, but CIRCA’S PEEPSHOW focuses purely on the high-energy acrobatics and dance. Saying that, the music is perfectly-curated and includes a poignant version of Sweet Dreams for the finale.

CIRCA’S PEEPSHOW is such a high calibre show and very different in style and tone to other new circus performances. It’s seductive, raw and thought-provoking – a real must-see!

Here are a few more spots to check out while in Berlin…

SEE

Hamburger Bahnhof Museum

Hamburger Bahnhof Museum is a stunning contemporary art museum that was originally the terminus of the railway line between Hamburg and Berlin, established in 1846. Its late Neoclassical style was designed by the architect and railway pioneer Friedrich Neuhaus and today, it’s preserved as the city’s only train station remaining from that era.

It closed as a railway station in 1884 and was subsequently used as an exhibition hall before incurring major damages in WWII and laying dormant during the division of Germany. After significant renovation, it reopened in 1996 as a museum of contemporary art for works of the collection of the Nationalgalerie and the Marx Collection.

We saw a few exhibitions there, but the most enjoyable was The Collections with works by Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, Joseph Beuys and Carolee Scheemann.

Urban Spree

If you’re looking for a slower pace on the weekend, head to the outdoor wonderland that is Urban Spree. It’s a 1700 sqm artistic space in Berlin-Friedrichshain dedicated to urban culture with exhibitions, artist residencies, skate park, climbing wall, market and outdoor Biergarten with plenty of rum cocktails, vegan street food and if you’re lucky, sunshine.

Stroll around and take in the creative graffiti, alternative music and chilled-out atmosphere. It’s also conveniently close to the East Side Gallery, so you can really make a day of it.

EAT

Shiso Burger

The Chamaeleon Theatre is conveniently close to Berlin’s cool restaurants and bars around Auguststraße and Shiso Burger has been on my list for a while. It’s a popular, casual burger joint with an Asian twist and we were fortunate to score a walk-in table before the show. We started with some steamed edamame and indulged in delicious burgers – Wagyu beef, marinated tuna and veggie – packed inside fluffy bao-style buns and accompanied by hot, crispy sweet potato fries.

Brammibal’s Donuts

On my free day in Berlin, I explored the pretty, leafy Kreuzberg neighbourhood and just had to stop by Brammibal’s Donuts. This hip all-vegan donut and coffee shop offers dairy-free donuts in creative flavours such as rosehip jam, pumpkin spice & cream cheese, nougat and Boston Cream. I tried the Maple smoked coconut donut, which was suprisingly light and fluffy with excellent salty-sweet glaze. Definitely the best vegan donut I’ve ever had.

The Visit Coffee Roastery

The Visit Coffee Roastery, espresso bar and kitchen is a great new addition to Berlin’s speciality coffee shop scene. Tucked away in a peaceful Kreuzberg mews, The Visit is a sleek, minimalist space where the vibe is chilled and the drinks are taken seriously. They do a great Iced matcha latte and you can get a healthy brunch there on weekends.

STAY

Holiday Inn Berlin – Centre Alexanderplatz

This towering hotel at Alexanderplatz was our base for two nights and I found it comfortable, modern and well-located in a convenient part of town. The bed and shower in my room were of a high standard and the generous buffet breakfast had everything you could want, including freshly-made pancakes with a choice of natural syrups.

Circa’s PEEPSHOW runs at Chamaeleon Theatre until 17th February. 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

For more Berlin travel inspiration, read my review of:

Hamburg

The Best Things To Do in Hamburg

September 30, 2018 by cheriecity

The port city of Hamburg has joined Berlin as a hot destination over the past few years with clued-up travellers heading there for weekend breaks. In fact, you could say that Germany’s second largest city has it all – beautiful beaches and lakes, world-class museums, designer shopping and a thriving restaurant and cafe scene.

With the recent opening of the spectacular Elbphilharmonie concert hall, Chanel’s Métiers d’art Paris-Hamburg 2017/18 Show and many new design hotels, there’s no better time to check out Hamburg.

To tempt you further, here is a mini guide to this stylish Hanseatic city…

SEE

Alster Lake Tour

If you happen to be in Hamburg when the weather is fine, you absolutely MUST take an Alster Lake Tour. Separated into two lakes by the Kennedy and Lombard bridges, the smaller Inner Alster is lined by majestic buildings around the Jungfernstieg. The Outer Alster is surrounded by public parks, upscale hotels and spectacular mansions with impressively-manicured private gardens.

The tour takes you far up the Outer Alster towards Winterhude, where you can marvel at the charming canals and sail alongside paddle boarders and rowers. A particularly good time to visit is in May when the Japanese community of Hamburg hosts the Cherry Blossom Festival, covering the Outer Alster in an abundance of pink blooms.

Deichtorhallen

Hamburg’s Deichtorhallen form one of Europe’s largest exhibition centres for contemporary art and photography, separated into two unique spaces. Located between the city centre and modern HafenCity, the two historic buildings date back to the early 1910s and have been beautifully renovated.

During our visit, we saw the fantastic exhibition, Proof: Francisco Goya, Sergei Eisenstein, Robert Longo, which was expertly curated and worked so well in this breathtaking venue.

Elbphilharmonie

Hamburg’s famous Elbphilharmonie, overlooking the River Elbe from HafenCity, is one of the largest and most acoustically advanced concert halls in the world. Built just last year, it’s the tallest inhabited building in Hamburg and its striking design reflects its maritime location, resembling a hoisted sail or a water wave.

It’s the place to enjoy performances by leading classical artists, from local jazz ensembles to international philharmonic orchestras. It also has panoramic views of the city from an observation deck in the Elbphilharmonie Plaza.

Speicherstadt

HafenCity’s historic Speicherstadt is the largest warehouse district in the world, characterised by its stunning Neo-Gothic, red-brick buildings and tranquil canals. Its regeneration began almost a decade ago and in 2015, it was awarded the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The picturesque quarter is home to museums including the Deutsches Zollmuseum and Miniatur Wunderland, as well as cute cafes and shops.

Reeperbahn

Tell anyone that you’re going to Hamburg and they’ll suggest that you brave the Reeperbahn. The Beatles played in the music bars of this buzzing strip, but it’s most prominently known as Europe’s largest red light district and nightlife hub. Given its musical legacy, you might have visions of a neon-hued, bohemian playground. In reality, within just one block, we’d witnessed a drunken punter have his wallet stolen in plain sight, ageing punks smoking crack, numerous fights and sweaty dad dancing in some pretty uncool disco bars.

However, the next afternoon, the Reeperbahn was a lot calmer and we crossed it without apprehension when strolling through St. Pauli. It’s also worth mentioning that culture can be found on the ‘Kiez’ at a number of theatres, music halls and clubs. If you want to experience the Reeperbahn, simply have your wits about you and plan which part you want to see because it’s a long street to navigate if you’re just there to see the sculptures at Beatles-platz!

EAT

a.mora

The Alster lake is lined with elegant restaurants and lounges on each landing where you can watch the sailboats and enjoy the scenery. a.mora, next to the Atlantic station, is a stylish spot for a light breakfast, freshly-cooked waffles or sundowner cocktails. They do really good traditional German cakes too!

Mutterland

Gourmet delicatessen Mutterland is the place to find the finest German produce in a cosy, chic setting. Refuel with coffee and exquisite pastries or indulge in traditional specialities in the day-time brasserie.

LuiCella’s

I’m not ashamed to say that we queued for over 30 minutes at LuiCella’s and it was definitely worth the wait. The ice cream at this bijou St. Pauli parlour is 100% natural and comes in interesting, seasonal flavours such tonka raspberry, blackcurrant lassi and even avocado.

We loved our scoops of lavender lemonade, strawberry milk and Franzbrötchen (German cinnamon sweetbread), as well as the free rainbow sprinkles.

Brücke 10

The only way to round off a stroll around the Port of Hamburg is with a classic fish sandwich. There are many vendors along the seafront, but most notable is Das Fischbrötchen-Restaurant Brücke 10 right beside the St. Pauli Piers. This popular shack only serves sandwiches with the freshest fish and seafood in crusty bread rolls that are baked on-site throughout the day. Go for peppered mackerel, brown shrimp, North Sea crab, herring or the more adventurous rollmops.

We really enjoyed the simple fried fish with remoulade and the hot smoked salmon – cheap and tasty eats at under 5 Euros each.

Hatari The Corner

If you’re out late in St.Pauli and in the mood for a really good organic burger, head to Hatari The Corner. This local institution is best described as an indie bar meets rustic canteen with a crowd-pleaser menu of flatbread pizzas, Mexican bowls, healthy vegans dishes and morning pancakes and eggs. Best of all, it’s open until 1am every night and good for people spotting in this fun part of town.

Hans im Gluck

We stumbled across Hans im Gluck by accident when looking for a quick Sunday lunch fix near the Rathaus and it turned out to be a good find. This cheerful burger-grill bar brand was established in Munich in 2010 and now has restaurants in most German cities. Its speciality is burgers (including vegetarian and vegan) made using well-sourced ingredients with a choice of sauces, as well as cocktails.

Go for the Hen flame-grilled chicken burger oozing with avocado cream, orange mustard sauce and sprouts with a side of Sweet potato fries – it’s comfort food heaven. Lavender lemonade, served in a glass jar, is delicious and refreshing too.

NENI

On our last night in Hamburg, we enjoyed an indulgent dinner at NENI, the cool ‘Balagan-style’ restaurant by chef Haya Molcho at the 25hours Hotel Hamburg Altes Hafenamt. It’s one of the most popular restaurants in HafenCity and has a relaxed vibe with stylish interiors inspired by a Middle Eastern bazaar.

We feasted on Baba ganoush and rustic Sweet potato with roasted almonds and crème fraîche, followed by the most delicious NENI-style kebab with Har Bracha tahina, parsley, baharat, grilled vegetables and pita bread. We also loved the moreish Jerusalem teller with tender grilled strips of chicken with spices, fresh herbs, humus, Har Bracha tahina, bell pepper, onion and pita bread.

Hamburg is a destination that really surprised me with its elegant architecture, outdoors feel and arty neighbourhoods. I can’t wait to return and explore the idyllic beaches of nearby Blankenese.

Have you been to Hamburg? What would be top of your Hamburg ‘to do’ list?

All photos by Chérie City

Films

Film Review: Anchor and Hope

September 28, 2018 by cheriecity

Anchor and Hope is a cool, modern love story set against the unique backdrop of London’s waterways. Directed by Carlos Marques-Marcet, this beautifully-shot film pays tribute to the city’s lesser-known spots and explores a relationship that doesn’t follow society’s norms.

English rose Eva (Oona Chaplin) and her free-spirited Spanish girlfriend Kat (Natalia Tena) share a blissful, bohemian life on a houseboat on the canals of London. Deeply in love, their lives revolve around each other, maintaining their boat, hanging out with friends and indulging in the odd boozy night. Their jobs are similarly uncomplicated – Eva teaches salsa while Kat has a passion for boat construction but pulls pints in local pub, the Anchor and Hope, to make ends meet.

Kat’s best friend Roger (David Verdaguer) arrives from Barcelona to stay with them and during one tequila-fuelled night on the boat, Eva reveals her desire to have a baby. Wanting to help his friends, the lovable, slightly naive Roger offers to be the sperm donor and Kat agrees, being swept away in the moment.

Once the hangover subsides and all is decided, they begin their experimental process of conceiving with just a turkey baster, rather than the awkwardness of perfunctory sex or expensive IVF. Somehow they manage to pull it off and Eva is pregnant. As the weeks go on, Eva deals with morning sickness and Roger looks after her while charming his way through east London’s women. He develops an attachment to Eva and her baby as the biological father, however she is careful to shut down his involvement.

Kat, meanwhile, becomes increasingly distant, spending more time at the pub, running or repairing the boat. Roger confront her about her emotional detachment and her doubts about being a parent rise to the surface. This monumental life change drives a big wedge between the couple and they need to confront issues about themselves and the life they’ve made together. Notions of a more conventional, stable existence start to play on Eva’s mind. Can their love and friendship with Roger survive?

A formidable force in the film is Geraldine Chaplin (Oona’s real-life mum and daughter of the great Charlie Chaplin), an eccentric older hippy who takes a shine to Roger and seems to be the only family figure in their lives. A tense moment at the dinner table leads Kat to passionately defend their unconventional lifestyle to her, rejecting her concerns and the status quo set by past generations.

Anchor and Hope is a real love letter to London’s waterways, but also a relatable story of the complexity of relationships, pressures of parenthood and eventual personal growth.

Anchor and Hope is out now at selected cinemas. Watch the trailer here:

Brunch, London

Brunch at Monty’s Deli in Hoxton

August 28, 2018 by cheriecity

I’ve often envied New Yorkers who are surrounded by a wealth of delis and able to call a local one their own. The joy of wolfing down a sandwich packed full of hot cured meat at the counter, however, is now a lot closer to home at Monty’s Deli, the east London Jewish deli that opened just last year.

Owner Mark Ogus developed a loyal following on the London’s street food scene at Maltby Street Market and Bermondsey Arch before setting up his dream deli in an old Hoxton bakery with chef Owen Barratt. Named after Mark’s grandfather Monty, this friendly neighbourhood deli is all about authentic, time-honoured Jewish soul food, with more than a dash of Shoreditch cool.

Everything is made from scratch at Monty’s, including the house-cured meats, the boiled-then-baked bagels, meticulously-plaited chocolate babka and even mustard. That’s what makes it particularly special, leading those ‘in the know’ to compare it to New York’s famous Katz’s Deli, 2nd Ave Deli and Canter’s in LA.

Like many Londoners, Brick Lane’s Beigel Bake is my go-to spot for an overflowing salt beef bagel, however there are some gaps in my knowledge of Jewish cuisine. I was keen to try latkes, real-deal chicken soup with matzah balls and dispell the notion that I don’t like pastrami – all of which were ticked off the list in one big brunch.

Monty’s Deli is best-known for its signature sandwiches, including a Reuben, Mensch or Meshuggener, however weekend brunch brings more of a twist to the classics. Eggs feature prominently, as well as French toast, bagel boards and a loaded hot dog.

We started with a bowl of Chicken soup, which was comforting with a meaty, schmaltzy flavour and much less salt than I’d expected. Slow-cooked over two days, the soup was filled with springy yet dense kneidlach made with matzah meal, short silken noodles and chunky carrot, topped with fresh dill. You can also order the Big soup, which is served in a tureen and can easily feed four.

Salt beef, latkes and eggs was a great brunch all-rounder. The house-cured salt beef was flaky, moist and just the right side of fatty with an aromatic juniper flavour. The generously-sized latkes had a golden, crunchy exterior with a soft shredded potato centre and they went perfectly with the orange-yolk free-range eggs and light coleslaw with a drizzle of hot sauce.

Another hit was a New York brunch staple – Pastrami egg & cheese. The pastrami was tender with a smoky, peppery flavour and the egg was fluffy with an oozing centre, all packed inside a soft, glazed challah bun and finished nicely with a slice of Swiss cheese and a slick of punchy mustard. It was so satisfying and flavourful and turned out to be my unexpected favourite dish.

We washed everything down with some really good Iced teas packed with lemon and fresh mint. Of course, it would be mad to leave without a bag of bagels from the take-out counter, as well as slices of the most fantastic babka, plaited with high-quality dark chocolate.

Monty’s Deli is the kind of place that leaves you planning your next visit, whether it’s for an enormous Reuben special or Baked cheesecake and filter coffee. In fact, it will soon be even easier to get your hands on one of their bagels, as Monty’s Deli is set to expand across London and eventually nationwide, following a successful crowd-funding campaign. Now that’s something to be excited about!

All photos by Cherie City

London, Restaurants

Mei Ume at Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square

July 25, 2018 by cheriecity

Last week, light summer eating was cast aside for an evening of indulgence at Mei Ume at Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square. This spectacular City hotel opened just last year in the Grade II listed former headquarters of the Port of London Authority and overlooks the Tower of London.

Walking through the elegant marble lobby and the Rotunda bar with its swinging jazz and elaborate cocktails, we reached the hotel’s two restaurants. On one side is the one Michelin-starred La Dame de Pic by French chef Anne-Sophie Pic and on the other is Mei Ume.

This upscale yet relaxed restaurant brings together two Asian cuisines, offering traditional Chinese and Japanese dishes with a modern approach. In fact, the name Mei Ume is a combination of words in both languages meaning Plum Blossom.

Designed by Hong Kong studio AB Concept (their first UK restaurant project), Mei Ume takes inspiration from the building’s heritage as a gateway for merchants from the east and west. It has a modern luxury feel – the building’s original columns are offset by hand-painted Chinese murals, silk embroidered panels, slick lighting and plush red leather seats.

Mei Ume boasts a stellar team in the kitchen, led by Head Chef Tong Truong (previously at Royal China for 17 years), alongside Sushi Chef Mun Seok Choi (Zuma and Sake no Hana) and Dim Sum Chef Derrick Chen (Hakkasan and Yauatcha). With such talent from London’s top Asian restaurants, we had high expectations for our meal and wanted to try dishes from each culture.

On arrival, we were warmly greeted and the staff called me by my name throughout the meal – a touch of that Four Seasons magic! They also explained that the dishes are served family style and arrive at the table as soon as they’re ready, which is worth noting so you can order well.

To being, we hydrated with some heavenly mocktails. Japanese lemonade with yuzu juice and lemongrass syrup was ever so refreshing and zesty while the Cherry blossom fizz reminded me of the sakura season with a fragrant blend of cherry syrup, fresh lychee juice and soda.

Soft shell crab with peppercorn salt was one of the best I’ve ever tasted – the meaty and substantial crab was coated in a well-seasoned, crispy batter and garnished with piquant fresh red chilli.

We also couldn’t resist trying some sushi and were wowed by the exemplary Salmon, avocado and crabmeat Uramaki with butter miso. All of the elements complemented each other very well, however it was the addition of the sticky, sweet blow-torched butter miso with a crumble topping that took it to the next level.

Our first main dish of Slow-braised Dongpo pork belly with Chinese herbs and seasonal vegetable was even more epic than expected. The generously-sized, melt-in-the-mouth pork belly had an aromatic flavour with subtle star anise and it was ceremoniously chopped into manageable slices by our waiter at the table. The soy-braised broccoli was also a perfect accompaniment.

If there’s black cod on the menu, I’m guaranteed to order it, so our second main dish was Roasted black cod marinated in yuzu soy with karashi kimi. While my ordering was predictable, Mei Ume’s version of this Japanese delicacy was a little different to the others. The black cod was tender and succulent with a rich, buttery flavour balanced with citrusy yuzu and finished with a crispy, caramelised skin, plus scorched peppers and asparagus drizzled with punchy karashi kimi (Japanese yellow mustard).

Stir-fried egg noodle with bean sprout and shiitake mushroom was tasty and light yet much larger than I expected – more of a sharing dish than a typical side dish. The thin, springy noodles were served piping hot into our individual bowls at the table. Steamed jasmine rice also went well with the pork belly and black cod.

All of our dishes were pretty indulgent, but if you’re with a group or really want to celebrate, go for one of the Mei Ume signatures such as the Whole Peking duck, Stir-fried native lobster or Kagoshima wagyu beef. We were feeling rather full by this point, but the dessert menu was so tempting that it was hard to choose.

My favourite tea is jasmine pearl, so we just had to try the Jasmine tea crème brûlée with lemon curd and yuzu sorbet. The smooth cream had a very subtle taste of jasmine and a crunchy sugar crust, however the main notes were really brought out by the luscious yuzu sorbet.

Mango, coconut and strawberry pudding was a light and refreshing end to the meal with three layers of cooling jelly and fruit compote. Another highlight of dining at Mei Ume is the range of fine Japanese and Chinese teas, so we went for something new and tried a pot of Sunset oolong from Taitung, Taiwan. It was a subtle and calming tea with warm notes of burnt orange, wood and hazelnut. I also liked that the tea was accompanied by a cute tower of mini coconut macaroons.

Mei Ume is a stylish, welcoming restaurant that gets everything right, from the sumptuous food and experienced service to the stunning design. With large booths and private rooms, it’s ideal for a decadent celebratory group dinner, or simply a memorable date night – I definitely can’t wait to go back.

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

Chérie City was a guest of Mei Ume

All photos by Chérie City

France

Great Things to do on the French Riviera

July 16, 2018 by cheriecity

The French Riviera is one of the most picturesque and desirable holiday spots in France with so many must-see towns lining the stunning Côte d’Azur. Whether you’re looking for high-octane glamour in Monaco, the best island beaches or tempting Niçoise specialities fresh from the market, this region has something to please everyone.

Spend your holiday hopping from one town to the next, exploring stately villas and museums, chartering a luxury yacht or soaking up the sun in the outdoor pool of a French Riviera mansion. What could be better than a city-beach holiday in one of the world’s most exciting seaside destinations?

Here are some of the best things to see and do when visiting the French Riviera…

Walk the old quarter of Le Suquet in Cannes

Leave the Cannes Film Festival to the stars and explore the old neighbourhood of Le Suquet, the original Roman site of Cannes. Walk the winding cobbled streets and look around the Église Notre-Dame-d’Espérance and the Musée de la Castre housed in an old castle. It’s also a great spot for charming local restaurants where you can spend a leisurely afternoon people-watching over the Bay of Cannes.

Discover the Picassos of Antibes

Explore the life of the great Spanish painter at the Musée Picasso in Antibes. Picasso spent most of his life on the French Riviera and spent a few months painting at the former Château Grimaldi overlooking the sea. The museum opened in 1966 and boasts 250 paintings, drawings and ceramics by Picasso, as well as artworks by Nicolas de Staël and sculptures by Joan Miró and Germaine Richier.

Shop local in Nice

Shopping at the local markets is one of the best things about a trip to the French Riviera. The Cours Saleya in Nice is a vibrant market selling either flowers, fruits and vegetables or antiques, depending on which day you visit. It’s the perfect place to find products specific to the region such as dried lavender, Provençal soap, preserved fruits, olive oil and truffles.

Of course, a trip to the market wouldn’t be complete without grazing on some Mediterranean street food. Go for rotisserie chicken with crispy potatoes or Niçoise specialities pissaladière, beignets and socca (a thin pancake made from chickpea flour and olive oil).

Listen to classical music in Menton

The Menton Music Festival takes place every year in July and August and is the oldest classical music festival in France. For the past sixty years, it has attracted a stellar line-up of orchestras, ensembles and soloists from around the world in a prestigious venue. Also, look out for the annual Menton Lemon Festival with colourful fruit parades, illuminated gardens and night processions with fireworks, dancers and brass bands.

La vie en rose in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Take a tour of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a jewel of the Côte d’Azur in upscale Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. This rose-tinted (and highly Instagrammable) villa was built in the early 20th century for Béatrice de Rothschild and is filled with antiques, old master paintings and rare porcelain. It also features nine perfectly-manicured gardens, each on a different theme including Florentine, Spanish, Japanese and Provençal.

It’s also the location of the summer festival Opera Azuriales and The Painters Day where artists are welcomed to paint in the gardens for one day in June each year.

Learn about perfume in Grasse

This hillside town, just north of Cannes, is known as the perfume capital of the world. It’s surrounded by sprawling fields covered in local flowers (lavender, violet and mimosa) and is home to a number of fragrance houses such as Galimard, Fragonard and Molinard. However, its most exclusive client is Chanel, whose flowers fields yield a harvest of May roses and jasmine flowers, which make up the main notes of its iconic Chanel No.5 fragrance.

To fully immerse yourself in this fragrant wonderland, delve through 3000 years of perfume history at the Museé International de la Parfumerie. Learn about the process from start to finish, including raw materials, manufacturing, trade and design. You can even visit the museum’s peaceful flower garden.

Swim in crystal clear waters in Porquerolles

The tiny untouched Île de Porquerolles, just south of Saint-Tropez, is one of the most idyllic spots on the French Riviera. An antidote to the glitz and glamour of the region, most of the island is a national park and the Plage de Notre-Dame offers calm azure waters, golden sand and inviting aromas of pine tree and eucalyptus.

Musical Fireworks in Monaco

In July and August each year, the Principality of Monaco hosts spectacular international fireworks competition over the Port Hercules. Monaco Art en Ciel takes place over four evenings and features dazzling pyrotechnics set to classical and pop music with free concerts for the public. Indulge with Bouillabaisse and rosé at one of the restaurants lining the port or take a night-time cruise for a prime view.

Eat Tarte Tropézienne in Saint-Tropez

Paris may be renowned for its fine pâtisserie, but Saint-Tropez is the birthplace of the more rustic Tarte Tropézienne. It was created in 1955 by baker Alexandre Micka and named by Brigitte Bardot when she was filming And God Created Woman. This fluffy, cream-filled brioche can be found in pâtisseries all over the coastal town, but the best are said to be at the original La Tarte tropézienne and Marcel et Cavazza.

Have you been to the French Riviera? Where are your favourite hotspots in the south of France?

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Photos by Chérie City, Villa Ephrussi & Semec Kelagopian