cheriecity | cheriecity.co.uk

Lunch at Mare Street Market in Hackney

April 3, 2018 by cheriecity

Easter weekend saw the launch of the hotly-anticipated Mare Street Market in Hackney from locals residents chef Gizzi Erskine and Marc Francis-Baum of BarWorks. This already buzzing dining and shopping spot stands on the street corner next to Netil House, just a short walk from Broadway Market and London Fields.

It’s an ambitious neighbourhood venture that brings together London producers and small businesses (particularly from the Hackney area) all under one roof, and you’re sure to recognise many of them.

Stepping in to the big open-plan market, you’re immediately charmed by the gorgeous blooms at in-house florist Rebel Rebel. Further inside is the bijou record store Stranger than Paradise, which boasts an enviable selection of vinyl and, I’m guessing, is responsible for the market’s well-curated soundtrack.

Pure White Lines has filled the space with stunning antiques and curiosities and there’s also a pop-up shop currently hosting M.C.Overalls (who have designed the staff uniforms) and a Mare Street On Air podcast studio.

The food offering at the market is truly impressive with three restaurants, a sleek central bar and a high-tech open kitchen. The Dining Room and seafood bar and set to open in the next few weeks, so for now, it’s all about The Open Kitchen with its tempting wood-fired and rotisserie menu.

We visited during the soft launch and tried the Rotisserie roast chicken with shoe-string fries, watercress and chicken sauce, which was pure perfection. The chicken breast and thigh pieces were tender and notably high quality with crispy skin and we loved the addition of crunchy golden fries and incredibly rich, flavour-packed chicken sauce.

One of my local favourites, Danish bakery The Bread Station, heads up the pizza menu and I dare say they’re serving up some of the best in Hackney! The Burrata pizza had a light, chewy and nicely-blistered rye biga dough topped with a generous amount of well-seasoned tomato sauce, fresh basil and half a ball of creamy, oozing burrata.

We were so impressed that we stopped by the next evening and tried two more pizzas – one topped with exemplary Fior di latte mozzarella and another with game-changing fennel sausage and buttered leeks. Pizzas range from just £5.50 to £9.50 for a full-on Hackney charcuterie feast, plus they do take-out.

The Deli & Liquor Store feels like a little corner of New York in Hackney, but ingredient-wise it’s a local affair. Take a seat at the marble counter and enjoy roasted meat sandwiches, tartines, ragu of the day and fresh salads. Cured meats, fresh pesto and cheese are also available to buy from the deli – we picked up a delicious Irish Coolea that tastes like Comté on the manager’s recommendation.

Flying Horse Coffee has an on-site roastery and serves a great flat white (matcha lattes coming soon, too). We enjoyed a caffeine fix with a slice of Flourless carrot and pistachio cake by the brilliant Victoria Yum and you can also get signature madeleines and cinnamon buns by The Bread Station.

As if that wasn’t enough, the liquor store has a well-chosen selection of wines as well as Tiosk tea, gourmet granola, bacon jam, sriracha and chocolate by Pump Street Bakery and Land.

In the warmer months, the terrace will be the place to enjoy sundown cocktails and weekends are dedicated to brunch and proper Sunday roasts. The market is also very dog-friendly, so you can bring the whole family.

Mare Street Market is a fun and relaxed place where you can get a real taste of Hackney. I can’t wait to work my way through the menu and see what Gizzi and co. have coming up next.

For more information, visit: www.marestreetmarket.com

All photos by Chérie City

Food, Shopping

Easter with Biscuiteers

March 23, 2018 by cheriecity

Easter is almost here and it’s fair to say that this year’s eggs are more elaborate than ever – from avocado-shaped chocolate eggs to sculptural designer collaborations. However the best Easter treat of all, in my opinion, is the Biscuiteers Easter egg biscuit tin.

I’m a huge fan of Biscuiteers and am always wowed by their seasonal creations, but this tin of biscuits inspired by elegant Fabergé eggs is out of this world.

The beautifully-illustrated tin features nine intricate, hand-decorated iced chocolate biscuits in a colour scheme of regal duck egg blue, vermillion red and deep gold. Each one is an edible objet d’art and has a unique pattern, typical of the imperial eggs commissioned by Russian Emperors in the late 19th century.

Not only are they ever so pretty, but they are really delicious and much easier to share over a pot of tea than chipping away at a chocolate Easter egg. In fact, I think this could just be my favourite Biscuiteers collection yet!

Have you tried Biscuiteers exquisite iced biscuits? Would you swap your regular Easter egg for Biscuiteers?

The Biscuiteers Easter egg biscuit tin is available to buy in the London store and online.

Bologna, Restaurants

Great Places to Eat Out in Bologna, Italy

March 19, 2018 by cheriecity

Mention a city break in Bologna and everyone will tell you how well you’re going to eat. Often in the shadows of nearby Florence, Milan and Venice, Bologna benefits from the rich produce of the Emilia-Romagna region and is filled with traditional trattorias, cavernous osterias and the most insane delis you’ve ever seen.

Its nickname of “la dotta, la grassa e la rossa” (meaning “the learned one, the fat one and the red one”) tells you all you need to know about this left-leaning, food-loving university town. It’s unpretentious, affordable and sure to leave you deliriously satisfied as you feast on tortellini in brodo, mortadella and of course, the famous tagliatelle al ragù.

Here are some place you must try when visiting Bologna…

Quadrilatero

Bologna’s historic Quadrilatero area is pure food heaven, in fact, you won’t be able to believe your eyes! In the Middle Ages, it was the commercial heart for craft guilds such as butchers, fisherman, meat curers and furriers, and now it’s home to colourful outdoor markets and delis.

Baita La Vecchia Malga is adorned with hanging proscuitti and boasts an abundance of cheeses and cured meats from the Emilia Romagna region, as well as hand-crafted fresh pasta, wild mushrooms, artisanal olive oil and Balsamic vinegar.

Tamburini features an elegant counter of regional specialities and also has a casual self-service canteen where you can dine on chefs special at a reasonable price. However, my favourite shop in the Quadrilatero was Paolo Atti & Figli, a family-run bakery and pasta shop founded in 1880. The cakes and tarts in the window will lure you in and I can highly recommend ordering the Crostata all’arancia and a hearty slice of the Torta di riso – a creamy rice cake with aromatic candied orange and almonds.

Mercato di Mezzo is a restored 19th century market that offers Italian street food from a number of vendors. On the first floor is a pizzeria and the ground floor has everything from fresh pasta and seafood to coffee and cake. We tried a fish cutlet burger with the most yummy patates al forno and a mini folded pizza from Rossopomodoro – perfect for a quick lunch bite.

The Quadrilatero is also home to EATALY Ambasciatori – the famous Italian food store set across a three-floor bookstore.

It has two restaurants and a casual bar where you can warm up with thick, authentic Cioccolata calda and mini bomboloni.

Osteria dell’Orsa

Osteria dell’Orsa in the buzzing university quarter is a popular spot for students and academics, plus they also operate the pasta shop and Jukebox Cafe next door. It’s all about the pasta here and the Tagliatelle al ragù is out of this world. Every eatery has a different take on Bologna’s signature pasta dish and Osteria dell’Orsa’s was on the rich side with tender, slow-cooked beef and veal and thick egg tagliatele with an al dente texture.

The serving of pasta is satisfying but modest, so you might like to order some crostini, side dishes or if you’re really hungry a second course of grilled meat. Or, do like the clever couple next to us and order an additional pasta dish to share!

It’s worth noting that from 9.30pm onwards, the whole menu changes to just two daily dishes (one was lasagne), so arrive earlier to have more choice and avoid confusion.

Trattoria Anna Maria

Trattoria Anna Maria is a really charming, homely restaurant with black and white photos of Italian actors adorning the walls and friendly staff, some of whom may have been there since the beginning. The formidable Signora Anna Maria has been serving traditional dishes of the Emilia Romagna region for over 30 years and her trattoria is on every ‘must visit’ list.

Anna Maria’s delicious Tagliatelle al ragù had a light meat sauce punctuated with soft carrots and thin ribbons of fresh pasta and was very generously-sized. The Tortellini in brodo also impressed and we enjoyed tasty sides of Patate al forno and Friggione (a rustic mix of slow-cooked tomatoes and onions). We were also kindly brought a complimentary snack of vegetarian frittata with our basket of bread.

Trattoria Anna Maria may be priced above average for Bologna, but it’s still good value and one that you’ll want to tick off the list. Be sure to book a table, as it gets busy on the weekend.

Nicola’s Pizzeria

It might be surprising that this low-key Neapolitan pizzeria with red-check table cloths and lime green walls is recommended by Vogue, but Nicola’s has a big reputation in Bologna. We braved a snow storm, skidding across the city’s slippery porticos for 25 minutes to try this pizza and it was 100% worth it.

The enormous pizzas were exemplary – a chewy, blistered dough with a coarse base from the signature 00 flour, a juicy and simple crushed tomato sauce and creamy, flavoursome mozzarella. Our toppings of salsiccia, prosciutto crudo and artichokes were also high quality and plentiful.

Best of all, these classic pizzas are just 6 Euros and even the most elaborate gourmet pizzas cost just 12 Euros. You’ll definitely want to spend an evening at this lovely neighbourhood pizzeria, especially if you’ve overspent your Euros on truffles and Balsamico!

FICO EATALY World

The biggest thing to happen in Bologna recently is arguably the opening of FICO EATALY World. Labelled the ‘Disneyworld of Food’, this 25-acre park just outside the city is an ambitious collaboration between the Agri-Food Center of Bologna and EATALY founder Oscar Farinetti, with the purpose of educating visitors on the heritage and production of Italian food.

The sprawling complex features 45 trattorias, starred-restaurants and street food kiosks, 40 on-site factories and a large food marketplace, as well as two hectares of farmland with over 200 animals.

It feels overwhelming on arrival, but its doesn’t take long to get your bearings and the handy bicycles help you get around more quickly. Start by watching how Bologna’s signature Mortadella is made and then see cheese makers at work separating bubbling curds and whey and a robot helping to bake biscuits at the Balocco bakery.

There are plenty of samples to graze on, from truffle honey to the finest Aceto Balsamico, while deciding where to dine. Some of the eateries are surprisingly high-end, but we kept it casual to try a few different places. At Ruliano – Heinz Becker we enjoyed a delicious tasting board of three types of Prosciutto di Parma, aged for 20, 24 and 30 months. Another highlight was Bottega Renzini where we had the most incredible, aromatic Porchetta sandwich with Balsamico and mustard, using cured and matured pork from Norcia.

FICO EATALY World feels a million miles away from Bologna’s age-old delis with its shiny, IKEA-esque structure, and some of the vendors are quite mass-market, however you can get a lot out of it if you appreciate it for what it is.

Where to Stay

Bologna doesn’t have the same kind of design-led hotel scene as nearby Milan and Florence, however we were really impressed with our stay at Starhotels Excelsior. Right next to the railway station, this four star hotel is convenient for arriving in the city and taking the FICO shuttle bus, and is around 20-minutes walk into the historic centre.

By booking direct and joining the I Am Star rewards programme, we were given a free upgrade to a Deluxe Room, which we found spacious and comfortable with a separate walk-in wardrobe, high-end bathroom and a good king-size bed. The staff really stood out for being so friendly and helpful and we loved the breakfast curated by EATALY. Every morning we enjoyed fantastic scrambled eggs and Italian bacon, cured meats and mozzarella, natural yoghurt with fruit compotes and an impressive selection of cakes, crostata and Nutella-filled pastries.

I would definitely stay at Starhotels Excelsior again on a future trip, but might also be tempted to stay at nearby i Portici, which is noted for its restaurant and two delis in town.

Bologna truly lived up to its culinary reputation and I just loved how its youthful, rebellious spirit sat comfortably with a respect for tradition and heritage. No gimmicks or trying too hard, just a joyful sense of the good life. Every foodie should make a pilgrimage to Bologna at least once to discover just how special this city is.

All photos by Chérie City

Hotels, Paris

A Luxury Stay at Parister Hotel, Paris

February 13, 2018 by cheriecity

Paris has no shortage of luxury design hotels, but Parister Hotel offers something quite different to the rest. This new hotel in the hip 9th arrondissement may appear typically Parisian with its Haussmannian facade, but inside it has some striking architectural surprises.

Opened just a few months ago by hotelier Nicolas Nonon, the 45-room Parister Hotel is a forward-thinking five star urban retreat with all the lifestyle amenities that travellers want for a comfortable city break. In particular, what really takes the hotel to the next level is its focus on wellness, going far beyond your average hotel spa facilities with a dedicated high-tech fitness floor.

Design

The building, designed by architectural firm Beckman N’Thépé, comprises two buildings – traditional and new – with a leafy courtyard showcasing its Brutalist splendor as a focal point. As expected, concrete plays a prominent role in the hotel’s look, which interior designer Céline Boullenger cleverly offsets with tactile velvets and touches of opulent brass and dark green marble. The interiors are also complemented by interesting artworks lent by Galerie Kamel Mennour.

The sprawling lobby has plenty of cosy nooks for relaxing or working and in place of the typical hotel restaurant is cocktail bar Les Passerelles (run by Le Distrait), which offers a simple lunch menu and room service. It’s also the place where you can enjoy a Parisian breakfast from the comfort of a cosy banquette or outside on the terrace.

The Suite

Check-in was friendly and efficient and I was shown to a beautiful Junior Suite on the third floor. The generously-sized suite had a contemporary luxury feel with a sleek cream sofa, warm wood features, heavy blue velvet curtains, mood lighting, plush cream carpet and a shimmering blue and green statement wall.

Room features include a 40-inch interactive TV, a cool Marshall bluetooth speaker, complimentary use of a Smartphone, Nespresso machine with espresso capsules and Dammann Frères tea, large bottles of filtered still and sparkling water.

A choice of one king-size bed or a double-twin was offered and I was so impressed with the quality of the bed – firm and high with many layers of support. There were also more pillows and cushions than you could ever ask for, as well as a monogrammed wool throw, giving it that extra touch of indulgence.

The spacious bathroom, covered in calming blue tiles, was truly impressive with a powerful walk-in rain shower, large bathtub, double sink, fluffy bathrobes and stylish black slippers, flip flops for the spa and Zenology ‘Fycus Sycomorus’ botanical bathroom products.

It’s worth mentioning that for its size, Parister Hotel offers a wide range of room categories, from the lead-in Superior Room through to a Duplex with private hammam and Suite with a terrace. This makes it both accessible for a short weekend break and desirable for a real blow-out stay.

The Swimming Pool

My Parisian friend Coralie joined me for a swim and breakfast, so we headed down to the basement in our robes for some relaxation. The mosaic-tiled hammam was pristine and ever so hot and we loved the 18-metre-long pool, which was perfect for swimming laps. It was a lovely chill-out space with loungers, plants and cool French music – you could easily spend an hour or so there.

Parister Hotel has also partnered with Parisian exercise company CYD (Conquer Your Day) to offer six wellness classes per day in the impressive basement gym studio. Classes range from high-energy boxing and cross-training to calming yoga and pilates, plus there is a special programme for children. However, if you prefer to get outdoors and explore the city, you can rent complimentary bicycles directly from the hotel.

Breakfast

We enjoyed a classic high quality Parisian breakfast in Les Passerelles and found it a peaceful and stylish place to plan our day ahead. You can have eggs to order as well as the buffet with hot scrambled eggs and bacon, fresh baguette with artisanal butter, flaky pastries with Alain Milliat jams, cereal, French set yoghurts and fresh berries.

Location

Parister Hotel’s location is a real asset – it’s just 12-minutes walk from the Eurostar terminal at Gare du Nord and Cadet metro stop is just at the top of the street. The famous Folies Bergère, Palais Garnier, Galeries Lafayette and the Musée de la Vie Romantique are all in the neighbourhood.

Foodies are also well-served with some great restaurants on the doorstep such as Abri, Le Yacht Club, Nanashi and Richer, plus stylish cafes like PEONIES and Cafe Marlette. It’s also on the cusp of ‘Veggietown’, the quarter named for its flurry of vegetarian and vegan eateries.

Parister Hotel is the ideal base if you want the privacy of a boutique hotel with extra facilities that really enhance your stay. It’s the kind of unique hotel that makes a trip to Paris that little bit sweeter.

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

Chérie City was a guest of Parister Hotel

All photos by Chérie City

London, Restaurants

A Dim Sum Lunch at Duddell’s London

January 22, 2018 by cheriecity

Dim sum at Duddell’s was a big highlight of my foodie trip to Hong Kong, so I was beyond excited when it opened a second restaurant in London just a few months ago.

The Hong Kong original, in Central’s Shanghai Tang building, boasts two Michelin stars, a members’ library, lush rooftop terrace and an art programme with regular exhibitions. Duddell’s London feels more like a straight-forward restaurant than an ‘art house’, but is equally stylish, breathing new life into the former St. Thomas Church at London Bridge.

Set across two levels, the dining room is bathed in daylight and the church’s historic dark wood features are popped with striking green tiles, a graphic patterned floor and statement brass chandeliers.

Arriving at Duddell’s, we were warmly welcomed and shown to a prime front row table on the mezzanine overlooking the theatre of the restaurant and kitchen below. Happily, I spotted a few similarities to the Hong Kong restaurant, from the beautiful custom-made china and glasses to the cool artwork on the menus.

Chef Daren Liew (previously at Hakkasan) has created a menu of classic Cantonese dishes with a contemporary twist using luxurious ingredients like abalone, lobster, black cod and truffle. Our Saturday lunch was all about the dim sum, which is ordered by ticking boxes on a notepad, however you can also mix it up with a few à la carte dishes.

We started with a pot of the most exquisite Premium jasmine pearls tea, which was continually topped up throughout our meal. Our waitress kindly advised when ordering that the large teapots are refilled with hot water twice, so one to share is more than enough.

The Cantonese dim sum symphony has quickly become an Instagram hit with colourful goldfish-shaped dumplings and visually, they didn’t disappoint. In fact, we were pleasantly surprised at how big they were, since they often look so dainty on photos.

The trio of dumplings were plump and packed full of prawn, jade-leaf king crab and scallop and prawn, finished with crunchy tobiko, a brush of goldleaf or a goji berry in broth.

They were substantial and meaty without any filler and tasted ever so luxurious and fresh. However, the dumplings don’t have strongly-contrasting flavours, so try and eat them near the beginning of the meal when your palette can detect the subtle differences more easily.

We were also tempted by Iberico char siu cheung fun and actually watched the chef preparing it in the kitchen. Small pieces of succulent, slow-roasted char siu pork were marinated in a rich honey-soy sauce and wrapped in silky, glutinous rice noodle roll – absolute food heaven. It’s worth noting that if you’re after that crunchy layer inside, you have to order the Prawn and crispy bean curd cheung fun.

Pan-fried chicken dumplings were incredibly moreish with finely-chopped chicken (rather than minced) mixed with fresh leeks inside a lightly golden flat dumpling.

Iberico char siu buns were fluffy and cloud-like, filled with a generous amount of that yummy char siu. There is also a Crispy char siu bun on the menu, if you want to try both the steamed and baked texture.

Black pepper duck pumpkin dumplings were punchy with tender, well-seasoned duck and a brightly-coloured skin. With so many rich and sweet flavours at play, it was refreshing to try something a little more piquant.

We went in to Duddell’s thinking we could graze on basket after basket of dim sum, but in fact, we ended up too full for dessert (a rarity for me). Those innocent-looking dumplings are deceptively hearty and extravagant, so be sure to pace yourself. Next time, we might balance them out with some of the signature Peking duck, Cantonese soya chicken or Truffle and scallop rice.

Our dim sum lunch at Duddell’s London was flawless and lived up to my huge expectations. The friendly, immaculately-dressed staff commanded the room perfectly and everything was well-curated, from the cool soundtrack to the exquisite tablewear. While London has no shortage of good contemporary Cantonese restaurants, Duddell’s feels rather special and is likely to become even more of a scene spot once its art programme launches later in the year.

For more information and booking, visit: www.duddells.co

All photos by Chérie City

London, Restaurants

Lunch at Henrietta Hotel in Covent Garden

January 15, 2018 by cheriecity

Henrietta Street is quickly turning into one of Covent Garden’s most exciting food quarters and this is partly down to last year’s arrival of the Henrietta Hotel.

Part of the hip Experimental Group, the 18-bedroom boutique hotel boasts whimsical interiors by Parisian designer Dorothée Meilichzon and is seriously photogenic and cosy.

At the helm of its two-tiered restaurant is acclaimed London chef Ollie Dabbous, who made his name with his popular but now-closed restaurants Dabbous and Barnyard.

The restaurant is an intimate spot with cosy nooks, plenty of atmosphere and an open kitchen at the back of the dining room. For lunch and pre-theatre, it offers a good value set menu with three tempting options for each course (£25 for two courses or £30 for three course).

To begin, we grazed a plate of artisan Jambon terroir, which was delightful with a slightly fruity richness and an air-dried texture.

Knowing that my main course would be meaty and indulgent, I went for a light starter of Vegetables a la Grecque, Graceburn cheese and crushed fig leaf oil. This turned out the be the ideal choice, as it was full of harmonious flavours.

The thinly-sliced pickled vegetables were crunchy and tangy while the Graceburn cheese had a mellow, velvety texture and the aromatic rocket and tarragon really elevated the dish.

Pan-fried duck egg on toast, girolles, garlic butter and lemon thyme certainly looked the part and was comforting and satisfying. My friend felt the dish could be amplified with more seasoning and didn’t quite hit the mark, but it was still worth trying.

Barbecued onglet, garlic mayonnaise and fried agria potatoes was absolute food heaven. The lean, lightly charred steak was ever so tender and rolled in fresh oregano and marjoram, plus the chips were some of the best I’ve had recently, especially when dipped in the moreish garlic dip.

Mackerel with celeriac and caraway was also perfectly succulent with crispy skin. The celeriac ribbons finished with creamy emulsion, fresh dill and fragrant caraway seeds brought a touch of freshness.

For dessert, we shared a slice of the Quince tart with crème fraîche – it was the kind you’d expect to find in a really good French patisserie. It was still slightly warm out of the oven and the slivers of jewel-like caramelised quince sat atop a moist frangipane and lovely, buttery pastry.

If you have time to linger for 15 minutes or so, you can also order Freshly-baked madeleines with Chantilly cream. This French classic comes with a £6 supplement on the set menu, which seems a little steep, however they looked generous enough to share.

Service ranged from hurried to utterly charming and while we felt at ease at our comfortable table, there was a slightly frantic air at times (perhaps noticeable due to the narrow shape of the room).

Henrietta Hotel is a unique and special place in Covent Garden and this well-balanced menu offers unpretentious dishes with Ollie Dabbous’ signature flair. I’m keen to go back and try the breakfast or Sunday brunch and start the day with some Eggs benedict, Buckwheat waffles or Parisian croissants.

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

All photos by Chérie City

Paris

Beautiful Famous Film Locations in Paris

January 12, 2018 by cheriecity

Does strolling around Paris ever make you feel like you’re in the movies? The city of lights has been captured on screen countless times, from François Truffaut’s New Wave classic The 400 Blows to the bittersweet Le Weekend.

Last time I was in Paris, we passed by no less than three film sets on the streets and were even asked to appear as extras in a short film! There are so many famous set locations that you could easily pick spots from your favourite films and create your own ‘seen on screen’ tour.

Here are a few unmissable Paris sights for film buffs…

Hôtel Plaza Athénée

Carrie Bradshaw may not have found love in Paris, but she did live like a queen for a few weeks at Hôtel Plaza Athénée.

Even if you can’t make it up to the Carrie Suite with the balcony overlooking the Eiffel Tower, you can have a glass of champagne in the leafy courtyard or tea in the chic salon where she meets Aleksandr Petrovsky and his daughter Chloé. For Sex and the City fans, experiencing Hôtel Plaza Athénée is a real must-see!

Le Nemours

Just a few steps away from the Palais-Royal on Place Colette, Le Nemours is one of Paris’ best-known terrace cafes. Angelina Jolie took her morning coffee here in The Tourist with Johnny Depp and hysteria levels peaked when Brad Pitt joined her on set.

As well as being a prime spot for people-watching, Le Nemours serves a great Croque Madame and Parisian café crème.

Canal Saint-Martin

Arguably, the greatest love letter to Paris is Amélie and while much of the action takes place in Montmartre, it’s worth making a pilgrimage to the Canal Saint-Martin.

This is where young Amélie and her mother set free Cachalot, the suicidal goldfish, and she returns as an adult to skip stones across the water. It’s also a fun spot to go for drinks and dinner or sit and watch the world go by when the weather is warm.

River Seine

Romance is always in the air in Paris but Before Sunset (starring Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke) is far from your typical saccharine love story. Jesse and Celine meander through the streets of Paris passionately discussing life and their journey takes them through the Promenade plantée, the hip Marais neighbourhood and even a boat cruise on the River Seine.

I’ve shared a few more Paris locations from Before Sunset over on Travel Republic for following in the footsteps of Jesse and Celine and possibly finding love in Paris.

Place de la Concorde

Remember the scene in The Devil Wears Prada when Andy can’t handle any more of Miranda Priestly and jumps out of the car? Well, that was at the Place de la Concorde, probably the busiest and craziest traffic spots in central Paris. It’s also one of Paris’ most majestic areas, leading from the Tuileries Garden straight to the Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Élysées.

What are your favourite movies set in Paris? I’m excited to check out more film locations in Paris during my trip at the end of the month.

Post in collaboration with Travel Republic

All photos by Chérie City

Brunch, London

Brunch at I Will Kill Again, Hackney

January 7, 2018 by cheriecity

I always get excited about trying a new brunch spot, especially if it’s right on the doorstep, but we really struck gold with I Will Kill Again in Hackney.

Tucked under a Homerton railway arch, I Will Kill Again is an all-day cafe based inside Dark Arts Coffee, a specialty roaster that’s been open since 2014. It takes inspiration from the Antipodean coffee shops that its Australian and Kiwi owners know so well and manages to have a relaxed vibe even when its packed full.

It’s a cafe that’s hard to define, but their appreciation for metal, the occult and biker culture sits pretty comfortably with good coffee, avocados and vegan pastries. In fact, much of the menu is vegan, but they also offer dishes with pancetta, nduja and smoked salmon from top producers. No need to overthink the concept, just go with an empty belly, because believe me, they will feed you!

For brunch, we both went for the Black molasses cured pancetta and egg toastie with Ballymaloe relish, fried tomato and rosemary potato rosti. We rarely opt for the same dish, but the salmon special had just sold out and in that moment of pressure in the already long queue, it was easier to ask for the ‘same again’.

Just as well, really, because there would’ve been serious food envy when this monster was brought to the table. Calling it simply a ‘toastie’ seems like an understatement as this was sandwich art at its very best!

We were treated to no less than five thick rashers of sticky-sweet, smoky pancetta with a perfect fried egg and an extra-large, herby and golden potato rosti. This was complemented by a juicy tomato coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and a game-changing home-made relish with pickled gooseberries and tangy tomato. It was absolutely heavenly with so many contrasting flavours that elevated it beyond your usual brunch sandwich.

It also went really well with a side of smashed avocado (there’s more than enough to share it), as the cool velvety texture and fresh chives brought a touch of freshness.

As expected, the Flat White was exception – rich roasted, creamy and mellow. Dark Arts Coffee only produces single origin coffee, so it’s a good place to try something different from the more widely-used blends. The loose-leaf Earl Grey tea was top notch too.

Brunch at I Will Kill Again was pretty epic and I liked that it was excellent value with super-friendly staff and a great soundtrack (not actually metal, if you’re wondering). I can’t wait to go back and try some of the vegan dishes and those tempting-looking brownies.

I Will Kill Again at Dark Arts Coffee is open from 10am-4.30pm from Thursdays to Sundays only.

All photos by Chérie City

Florence, Hotels

A Great Stay at Glance Hotel Florence

January 5, 2018 by cheriecity

Florence is one of the world’s most romantic, charming destinations and a real treat for hotel lovers. Whether it’s a luxury villa nestled in the rolling hills, an art hotel overlooking the Ponte Vecchio or a traditional Florentine bed and breakfast, there really is a lot of choice.

For my mother’s special birthday trip to Florence, we made Glance Hotel our Italian home for three nights and it impressed on so many levels.

Location

This stylish, 69-room contemporary boutique hotel is in a prime position in the San Lorenzo quarter, close to the Mercato Centrale, just five minutes walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station and less than ten minutes away from the Duomo di Firenze. We actually spotted the hotel as we passed by on the coach from the airport, so first-time visitors can be reassured there’s literally zero chance of getting lost!

Arrival

The narrow Via Nazionale can be a little tricky with suitcases in tow, so stepping into the tranquil lobby of Glance Hotel brought a welcome sense of calm. Check-in was swift and the lovely receptionist took time to mark some good addresses on the map for us. We followed her recommendation for dinner at Tuscan restaurant Le Fonticine for bowls of warming ribollita and pappa al pomodoro, followed by handmade fresh pasta, and it was absolutely divine.

The Room

Our Comfort Room was spacious yet cosy, designed in earthy mushroom and grey shades with high end furnishing by Lema, natural wood floors, atmospheric lighting and high ceilings. Room features include a large flat screen TV, wide desk, full-length mirror and large open wardrobe, free high-speed wifi and tea and coffee facilities, empty refrigerator and complimentary bottles of still and sparkling water. We were also very kindly welcomed with a lovely bottle of Chianti and a handwritten note.

The twin beds were extremely comfortable and covered with high quality cotton linen, so we slept very well at night. It was also very quiet and peaceful since our room overlooked the private courtyard.

The Bathroom

The bathroom was also sleek and well-appointed with a powerful extra large walk-in shower, Corian sink, luxurious bathrobes and slippers and a full set of bathroom products by Italian perfume house, Labatorio Olfattivo.

It’s worth mentioning that our room was pristine every day and the corridors were bright and nicely fragranced with seating areas and murals of Florence’s most famous Renaissance sculptures.

Breakfast

Breakfast was a real highlight of staying at Hotel Glance (included in the room rate for all hotel guests) and on the first morning, we enjoyed a beautiful breakfast on the outdoor courtyard terrace, shaded by white parasols and tall trees.

The inner kid in me loved the pancake machine that cooks fresh, hot stacks ready to be doused with maple syrup or Nutella within minutes (a trend I hope more hotels will follow). The rest of the buffet selection was plentiful and high quality and we both enjoyed the excellent scrambled eggs with grilled bacon, antipasti, apricot tart, fluffy Italian milk buns fresh from the Mercato Centrale bakery and infusions by local luxury tea brand, La Via del Tè.

Next to the breakfast room is a spacious lounge and bar where you can relax on the plush sofas or make plans for the day using the handy iMac and printer.

EATALY

We weren’t so fortunate with the weather thereafter, as it rained for two days, but as seasoned travellers we simply filled up on breakfast, grabbed our sturdy Hotel Glance umbrellas and got on with exploring the city. Because the hotel is so centrally-located, we were able to come back during the day to warm up and drop off our many shopping bags from nearby EATALY.

Eating Out in Florence

One thing the hotel doesn’t have is a restaurant, but it isn’t missed as there’s a wealth of fabulous restaurants in Florence, particularly right on the doorstep. Along with fresh hand-made pasta at Le Fonticine, you’ll want to check out the heavenly food hall at Mercato Centrale and La Ménagère, a relaxed fine dining restaurant with a cool concept store and florist.

The Swimming Pool

During the warmer months, guests can enjoy a blissful swim in the heated pool or aperitivo at the bar on the rooftop terrace with stunning panoramic views over the city. Florence is known to get very hot and crowded in the summer, so what could be better than taking a dip to cool down after a day of sightseeing.

We had such a memorable stay at Glance Hotel and it made discovering Florence even more magical. If you’re looking for a chic and affordable design hotel with meticulous service and a convenient city centre location, this is the place to call home in Florence.

Rooms rates at Glance Hotel start from 76.44 Euros per room per night including breakfast. For more information and booking, visit: www.glancehotelflorence.com

Chérie City was a guest of Hotel Glance

All photos by Chérie City

Christmas, London

London’s Best Christmas Sweet Treats

December 21, 2017 by cheriecity

Christmas in London is real treat for those with a sweet tooth, when everything becomes spiced, mulled, glazed and packed full of gingerbread. Even better when it’s limited edition and you have an excuse to indulge.

Here are a few top picks of the city’s best festive bites…

Gingerbread croissants at Dominique Ansel Bakery

At Christmas time, Dominique Ansel Bakery in Belgravia releases limited edition pastries and cakes that you just need to try. This season’s, there’s a trio of festive yule logs, delicate Gingerbread pine cone, Rudolph mince pies, luxurious Christmas morning cereal and the most incredible and enormous Gingerbread croissant topped with pecans (my favourite).

Christmas ice cream at Gelupo

Soho gelateria Gelupo has created a range of festive ice cream inspired by traditional flavours from European cities. For the ultimate taste of Christmas, go for a mix of Gingerbread and Caramel, Panettone and Speculoos. There is also Christmas cake, Stollen, Advocaat and for the more adventurous, a savoury Roquefort, pear and walnut inspired by France.

Sleigh Girl, Sleigh at Doughnut Time

It’s hard to resist a glazed doughnut at the best of times, but Doughnut Time’s special edition Sleigh Girl, Sleigh is particularly tempting. The vibrant red glaze doughnut certainly looks the part and is topped with Hershey’s Kisses, snowflake sprinkles, silver leaf and silver balls – delicious!

Have you tried any of these festive sweet treats? What is your favourite indulgence at Christmas time?

Christmas, Shopping

Christmas Gift Guide: For Her

December 16, 2017 by cheriecity

Christmas may be almost here, but there’s still time to find a fabulous gift. Whether it’s a sleek amethyst and rose gold bracelet or a selection of signature fragrances, here are some top picks that are sure to delight…

Shay & Blue Precious Miniatures 5-10ml Spray Fragrances, £75, Harvey Nichols

Discover the world of boutique British perfume house Shay & Blue with a deluxe box of its most popular fragrances including Framboise Noire, English Cherry Blossom and 2018 launch Black Tulip.

Gucci G-Timeless Slim Moonface Watch, £963, Watchshop

I spotted this colourful Gucci watch a few months ago and have been dreaming of it ever since. Oh, to find this under the Christmas tree!

Rococo Chocolates Library collection of 25 artisan bars, £125, Harvey Nichols

Become a chocolate connoisseur with a tasting box filled with bars by London’s favourite Rococo Chocolates.

14k gold cut ruby jacket earrings with princess cut studs, £341, Jewlr

Canadian online jewellery brand Jewlr offers completely customisable pieces for all budgets. What could be more fun than designing a bespoke gift using your loved one’s favourite stone?

Cowshed cracker hand and lip, £12, Cowshed

Pull a cracker and be rewarded with the softest skin courtesy of Cowshed Spa.

Linear Stone Bracelet in Amethyst & 18ct rose gold vermeil, £195, Monica Vinader

Step up your arm candy with a stunning amethyst and rose gold bracelet by Monica Vinader. For an extra touch of luxury, make it personal with complimentary engraving.

Fisherman marl scarf, £55, Oliver Bonas

Go for fluffy millennial pink to get through the cold winter months in style.

Omorovicza Christmas Discovery Kit, £59, SpaceNK

Experience the healing properties of Hungarian thermal water with five must-have products from luxury skincare brand Omorovicza. The kit features everything you need for an effective cleanse, tone and moisturise, including the renowned Queen of Hungary Mist.

Fashion Together by Lou Stoppard, £35.75, Amazon

SHOWstudio editor-at-large Lou Stoppard delves into the fashion industry’s most intriguing partnerships with a series of conversations between luminaries such as Nick Knight and Daphne Guinness, Katie Hillier and Luella Bartley and Carol Lim and Humberto Leon.

Afternoon tea, London

Festive Afternoon Tea at The Langham London

December 8, 2017 by cheriecity

Afternoon tea is always a treat, but it feels even more magical during the festive season, amid twinkling lights and dazzling Christmas trees. It’s also a time when you can really savour it over a few leisurely hours with friends or family.

I’ve always wanted to visit the elegant and timeless Palm Court at The Langham London and a new Festive Afternoon Tea was the perfect occasion. This exquisite restaurant has been serving afternoon tea since 1865 and is said to be the birthplace of the quintessentially British tradition.

Walking through the whimsical iron gate covered with glass gems, Palm Court instantly feels like a dream world with dusky rose jewelled walls, plush furnishings and an elaborate hand-blown sculpture surrounded with copious bottles of Perrier-Jouët Champagne.

We were seated at the circular leather banquette, which afforded us a prime position to watch the live pianist, who performed jazz favourites and show tunes throughout the afternoon.

After selecting our preferred teas and champagne, we were presented with little cups of orange pekoe tea infused with fresh ginger – a lovely, warming welcome drink.

We tried a few different teas and a real highlight was the 1865 Langham Anniversary blend – a delicately spiced infusion of black, green and white tea with no less than 150 ingredients, created specially to celebrate the hotel’s landmark anniversary this year. Another hit was the rich and fragrant Langham blend, which was the perfect match for afternoon tea.

First to arrive, on the most beautiful Wedgwood china, were the festive sandwiches along with an elegant canapé of Smoked salmon with horseradish cream and Lilliput capers. Smoked turkey with marjoram stuffing and watercress on cranberry bread was a delightful taste of Christmas and I loved the creamy, nutty and indulgent Farmhouse Stilton with red onion and port relish on walnut bread.

Cucumber with cream cheese and chives was a classic for tea traditionalists and Duck egg brioche with black truffle mayonnaise and artichoke had an intense hit of truffle.

Warm scones are of course an afternoon tea essential and they don’t come much better than Palm Court’s fluffy, buttery classic and raisin scones served with sumptuous strawberry jam and cool clotted cream. They were perfectly complemented by a chilled, crisp glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne.

We were generously offered additional plates of sandwiches and scones, but tried to resist and pace ourselves for the sweets yet to come (ok, I’ll admit that I couldn’t say no to one more of those wonderful scones).

The Langham’s pastry chefs are renowned for their creative patisserie and this year’s festive collection is not only visually pleasing but also very well balanced. All of the sweets were delightfully bite-size and had a good range of chocolate, fruit and caramel flavours.

St Nicholas was a dainty Santa hat with fruity Passion fruit rolled in a light red sponge with a fun coconut marshmallow trim. Another light pastry was the green-hued Eternally Pistachio – a mini wreath-inspired ‘Paris Brest’ with velvety pistachio cream, cranberry jelly and crunchy choux.

It’s Christmas was the most festive in flavour – a silky Jivara and mandarin sphere with cinnamon cream (chocolate orange heaven). As you’d expect from the name, Gold, frankincense and myrrh was the most decadent with exemplary caramelised puff pastry, smooth salted caramel and vanilla and a Langham-branded shard of milk chocolate.

It’s hard to pick a favourite, but we were both wowed by the Light of the world – a traditional white and dark chocolate candle filled with smooth chestnut cream, blackcurrant and spice.

The Festive Afternoon Tea at Palm Court was imaginative, beautifully-presented and ever so delicious. Service was as refined as you’d expect yet friendly and listening to the sounds of an accomplished pianist while grazing on delectable bites in a stunning setting made for a truly memorable experience. For a special Christmas treat, afternoon tea at The Langham London is unbeatable.

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

Chérie City was a guest of The Langham London

All photos by Chérie City