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My Top Five Travels of 2014

December 31, 2014 by cheriecity

2014 feels like it has flown by, but luckily it’s been filled with some unforgettable travel experiences, from European city breaks to a long, relaxing cruise in the Caribbean. Here are some of my favourite moments from over the year…

A Cocktail Masterclass at Le Bristol Paris

My first stay at Le Bristol was one of my most memorable times in Paris, so I was thrilled to be invited back a second time (staying in the very same Junior Suite, no less).

I had the pleasure of meeting Head Barman Maxime Hoerth, who took us on a fabulous tour of the city’s coolest cocktail bars – Le Mary Celeste, Sherry Butt and Jeffrey’s. We learned how to make a variety of Old Fashioned cocktails in a private masterclass in Le Bar du Bristol and Maxime created my very own cocktail, the ‘Chérie Club’.

Happily, most of our time was spent in the hotel, indulging with room service breakfasts, lunch in Le Jardin Francais and 114 Faubourg and exquisite cakes.

Not only was it a dreamy, relaxing trip in the company of a fun group, but I was reunited with Fa-Raon, the hotel’s majestic white Birman cat. I dare say my cocktail making skills have improved too.

A Foodie Trip to Lisbon

Lisbon is a place that I’ve always wanted to visit and I was really impressed by the warm, welcoming Portuguese hospitality wherever we went. We were kindly invited by Four Seasons Lisbon, who went the extra mile to make our trip so special.

We saw the city in style with a private car tour organised by the hotel, taking in the city’s beautiful sights such as the Castle of São Jorge and Church of Santa Engrácia in old Alfama, the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. Trying a couple of Portuguese custard tarts from the famous Pastéis de Belém is an absolute must.

Lisbon is also a haven for foodies and we had the most fantastic meals at José Avillez’s two Michelin star restaurant Belcanto, one Michelin star restaurant Feitoria and lunch at Flores do Bairro and Varanda. I’d love to spend more time in Lisbon and explore the nearby coastal town of Caiscais.

Late Summer in Barcelona

It had been quite a few years since I visited Barcelona, so it was definitely time to revisit the Catalan city. We spent a good amount of time by the Barceloneta, staying at the stylish Hotel Arts Barcelona and munching on Californian-style burgers at SALT Beach Club at W Barcelona.

Visiting during Catalan Day offered an interesting insight into the cultural and political mood in Barcelona and we could feel the energy of this important day when strolling around the MACBA square, El Raval and El Born. As ever, food was high on the agenda with dinner at Blanc at Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, tapas at Ocaña on Plaça Reial and gelato at Eyescream and Friends.

My Birthday in Paris

I have my Parisian friend Coralie to thank for suggesting I spend my 30th birthday in Paris. As we all know, Paris is always a good idea, and where better to spend a monumental birthday with friends?

Steven and I spent the first night in Pigalle with a wonderful birthday dinner on the terrace at Hotel Amour with Coralie and Sunny. We ended the night with a nightcap at Le Mansart, just a few steps away from where we were staying at the atmospheric Hotel Josephine.

Then it was on to the beautiful Pavillon de la Reine in the Marais and an evening at legendary Paris cabaret club, The Crazy Horse (I’ve always wanted to see the show in Paris). Other highlights of the trip were country-style burgers at Big Fernand (arriving soon in London), perfume shopping at Nose and watching the world go by at the Place des Vosges.

A Eastern Caribbean Cruise

This was a trip of firsts – the first time I visited the Caribbean and the first time I’d been let loose alone (well, with Steven) on a cruise ship. The Celebrity Reflection was a destination in itself with copious amounts of food and drink around the clock, a fabulous pool and sundeck and plenty of entertainment.

We explored three very different Caribbean destinations that I never thought I’d have the chance of visiting – San Juan (Puerto Rico), Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas) and Philipsburg and Marigot (St. Maarten). I’ve definitely caught the cruise bug, as they say, and look forward to more sailing with Celebrity Cruises in 2015.

After the cruise, we stayed in Miami for two nights at boutique design hotel The Tides, right on South Beach. We enjoyed a stunning dinner at The Setai, discovered the Wynwood Art District and marvelled at the pretty Art Deco buildings on South Beach. It was a perfect end to the year and led nicely into the run-up to Christmas in London.

What was your travel highlight of 2014? Which destinations are on your wish list for 2015?

All photos by Chérie City

Hotels, Hotels - Design, Hotels - Luxury, Lisbon, Restaurants

A Wonderful Dinner at Feitoria Lisbon

August 13, 2014 by cheriecity

Our first evening in Lisbon was spent in style with a spectacular dinner at one Michelin star restaurant Feitoria at Altis Belém Hotel & Spa.

The sleek five-star design hotel has a picturesque seafront location in historic Belém with stunning views over the Tagus River. Its design is super-minimal and chic with floor-to-ceiling windows and a travel theme inspired by the trade routes from the Far East, Africa and the Americas.

The hotel feels very peaceful and sophisticated – a little bit of zen by the sea. Alongside a Michelin star restaurant, Altis Belém Hotel & Spa features the stylish Cafeteria Mensagem, Bar 38°41′ and BSpa by Karin Herzog.

Feitoria continues the cool design with floor-to-ceiling windows, dark wood panelling, touches of gold and an attractive Asian screen at the entrance.

We arrived just as the restaurant was opening, so the beginning of our meal was almost like private dining. Our table by the window overlooked the sea and we had some great sunset views during our dinner.

Chef João Rodrigues prepared a special five-course tasting menu for us, with a number of amuse-bouches and wine pairing. A member of staff introduced each course, telling the story behind the dish, the chef’s inspiration and the origins of the ingredients. The ceremony and gravitas dedicated to the dishes made each course feel special, like a culinary journey through Lisbon.

The first little bite was an Orange macaron with salmon served inside a plant pot. The savoury macaron was full of intensity with deep flavours and interesting textures from the bursting salmon eggs.

Feitoria’s delicious home-made olive and sun-dried tomato bread was given ceremony with an impressive apparatus of olive oil, sea salt and two different types of butter. It’s so difficult to resist filling up on bread and butter when it’s done as creatively as this.

Marinated red snapper with pomegranate jus was tender and doused in a zingy, sweet and sour jus – a real taste of summer.

Copita brioche and tomato Azeitao cheese crisp was a new take on typical Portuguese specialities. The brioche was sweet and fluffy with a perfect little morsel of Copita cured ham. The Azeitao cheese was smooth and creamy, neatly packed inside a bite-size pastry case and topped with a juicy tomato relish.

‘Fiel Amigo’ – cod fish and tripe was another light and summery dish with moist, flaky fish, sautéed tripe and a flourish of foam. Each course onwards was paired with fantastic red and white wines from Porto, Algarve, Douro, Colares and Alentejo.

Our first main tasting dish was Sautéed scallop, Iberian cured ham, wild mushrooms and crab tempura. Scallops are my favourite dish to order for a starter and Feitoria’s scallops were an absolute triumph.

The plump, nicely seared scallops were accompanied by the most delicious crab tempura, crispy, high quality Iberian ham and subtle wild mushrooms, finished with foam.

This was followed by Ricotta, spinach and egg yolk ravioli oxtail stew and black truffle from Perigord. The silky home-made pasta was cooked perfectly al dente and the creamy filling worked well with the rich, slow-cooked oxtail stew. Shaved black truffle added a luxurious touch and an earthy flavour.

My favourite fish dish on the menu was Sea bass with Alcacer do Sol lobster rice, lime and coriander. The herb-crusted sea bass was a little piece of heaven while the gooey yet firm lobster rice featured a generous chunk of succulent, fresh lobster. The dish was accompanied by delicate asparagus, pea shoots and a saffron foam.

A highlight of the meal was the Black Angus entrecote, stuffed potato, quail egg and creamed turnip greens. I was already feeling very full by this point, but there’s always room to be found for a good piece of steak.

The medium-cooked Black Angus entrecote was so tender, juicy and satisfying. I loved the smoky, sweet stuffed potato and the colourful, flavoursome creamed turnip greens. The dish was finished with a rich, meaty jus and burnt fresh herbs – absolute perfection.

Dessert was a refreshing, uncomplicated Wild berry mille-feuille with raspberry sorbet. Layers of flaky pastry were packed together with silky vanilla creme patisserie and fresh raspberries. It was accompanied by glossy raspberry sorbet, fresh raspberries, mini mounds of meringue and torn fresh mint.

It was a delightfully light yet exquisite end to an indulgent meal. The tasting menu usually ends with tea or coffee and petit fours in the form of whimsical, colourful cake and chocolate pops. We were so full of rich food and wine that we couldn’t quite find room for them and instead walked off the meal on a tour of the hotel.

Feitoria is a stunning restaurant with impressive views, slick design and a calm atmosphere. Chef João Rodrigues’ cooking is sophisticated and interesting with a strong focus on excellent, seasonal ingredients.

Make a day of visiting Belém’s famous monuments and cultural institutions (and of course Pasteis de Belém) and end with fine dining and a glorious sunset at Feitoria.

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

Chérie City was a guest of Feitoria

For more Lisbon travel ideas, read my reviews of:

Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, Lisbon, Restaurants

A Great Lunch at Flores do Bairro Lisbon

August 4, 2014 by cheriecity

Flores do Bairro is a stylish restaurant on the ground floor of Lisbon’s five-star Bairro Alto Hotel. A member of Leading Hotels of the World, Bairro Alto Hotel boasts a prime position on Luís de Camões Square between historic Bairro Alto and hip Chiado.

Its acclaimed restaurant Flores do Bairro has the intimate feel of a neighbourhood restaurant and is one of three dining options at Bairro Alto Hotel. Guests can also enjoy spectacular views over Lisbon and light bites from the fourth floor BA Terrace or a refreshing cocktail at the hotel’s popular Cafe-Bar BA with nightly DJs or live music.

Redesigned earlier this year, the colourful, retro-contemporary restaurant is decorated in shades of warm orange, olive and cream with striped feature walls which reminded me of Missoni. It’s an intimate, bright dining room with comfortable banquette seating and views over the square.

Flores do Bairro takes inspiration from a typical ‘bairro’ kitchen, combining tradition with a modern outlook. Talented Portuguese chef Vasco Lello’s menu combines the city’s signature dishes with Asian influences, using the very best seasonal ingredients.

We visited for a light lunch before exploring Bairro Alto and Chiado. The restaurant was quiet when we dined, but I imagine it to be a popular spot during the high season.

Chef Vasco Lello prepared a selection of sharing plates for us to graze on. To start the meal, we were brought a basket of freshly-baked bread with cute little trays of excellent olive oil, pickled vegetables and the most amazing tomato and olive tapenade, which I found rather addictive.

The first dish to arrive was a colourful Octopus salad with peppers and coriander. The octopus was tender and meaty and was marinated in a tangy, aromatic juice with plenty of olive oil and garlic. The small diced peppers, red onion and fresh torn coriander added some sweetness and gave it a summery feel.

Salmon tataki with soba and sesame was a deliciously fresh and light dish. The high quality salmon was nicely seared with a fleshy centre and the cold soba noodles with ribbon vegetables were lightly dressed with just a touch of soy and sesame oil.

Duck Croquettes with green mango chutney were so moreish and tasty with tender shredded duck covered in crispy, golden breadcrumbs. They went perfectly with the zingy, uplifting green mango chutney.

This was followed by a traditional Portuguese seafood stew. The cast iron pot was filled with an assortment of tender seafood in a strongly-flavoured sauce with crisp toast. It’s not something that I would usually order, but the seafood was very fresh and it’s a signature dish worth trying when in Lisbon.

One of my favourite dishes was the Fresh Fish Flores do Bairro style. Thin slices of cod were deep-fried in very fine breadcrumbs, making the most delicious crispy goujons. They were well-seasoned and full of flavour, served simply with a wedge of lemon – definitely a must-order dish.

The fish was accompanied by a traditional Cockles rice served in its own Le Creuset pot. The soft rice and tender cockles came in a juicy broth made with white wine, garlic and fresh herbs. It was a tasty, rich dish but the portion size was a little overwhelming – we didn’t come close to finishing it.

In Lisbon, it’s impossible to resist dessert or a cheeky Pastel de Nata after almost every meal. At Flores do Bairro, we were served a different Lisbon speciality – Traditional yolk pudding and tangerine ice cream. The dense, set pudding was sweet and not overly creamy with delightful orange and honey flavours.

The heavenly tangerine ice cream was studded with citrus pieces and was served atop crunchy biscuit crumble.

Almond Cake was another delicious dessert that we shared. The freshly-baked, nutty cake was split in two and filled with decadent almond ice cream and topped with toasted almond flakes. Both desserts were exceptionally good, so be sure to leave some room for an indulgent sweet at the end of your meal.

Flores do Bairro is a fantastic restaurant for a light and tasty lunch, or a stylish yet informal dinner in Lisbon’s liveliest neighbourhood. It’s perfectly placed for finishing the meal with a coffee on the terrace at nearby A Brasileira or discovering Bairro Alto’s quirky cocktail bars.

The staff at Flores do Bairro were so hospitable and friendly, asking which dishes were our favourites and offering some local insider tips for cool things to see in Chiado. If you’re exploring Bairro Alto and Chiado, be sure to make a stop at the delightful Flores do Bairro.

For more information and booking, visit: www.lhw.com/bairroalto

Chérie City was a guest of Hotel Bairro Alto

For more Lisbon travel ideas, read my reviews of:

Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, Lisbon, Restaurants

A Stay at Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon

May 5, 2014 by cheriecity

Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon is one of Portugal’s most elegant landmark hotels, perched on a hilltop overlooking the picturesque Parque Eduardo VII, Marques de Pombal and the chic Avenida Liberdade.

The five-star hotel’s1950s modernist facade belies opulent interiors and plenty of old world charm. Arriving at the grand marble lobby, we received a typically warm Four Seasons welcome and instantly forgot the rainy start to our trip.

Arrival

The enormous open-plan lobby has a number of comfy seating areas to relax in and striking artworks from the hotel’s impressive contemporary art collection. It leads on to the cosy Ritz Bar with outdoor terrace, the hotel’s elegant Varanda restaurant and the Almada Negreiros lounge, complete with a trilogy of Centauros tapestries commissioned by the owners in 1956.

The Room

The hotel has 282 rooms and suites and almost all boast a private balcony. Our Deluxe Room was very spacious and homely, designed in a contemporary classic style with neutral tones, dark wood furnishings and blue highlights.

Room features include a large working desk, comfy seating area, large flatscreen TV, CD/DVD player, private bar with premium spirits, complimentary wifi, morning papers and overnight shoe shine. The large private terrace with outdoor furniture is a real treat and offers stunning views over the city.

A Welcome Treat

We were kindly welcomed with a bottle of fine local Port and some delectable Portuguese custard tarts (the first of many) served on a traditional tile with tiny shakers of icing sugar and ground cinnamon to finish. There was also a colourful bowl of fruit and a large bottle of mineral water in the room, which perked us up after an early morning flight.

I adored the king-size bed with sumptuous linen and had a peaceful, uninterrupted sleep each night. At evening turndown, large complimentary bottles of mineral water were placed by the bed, a Four Seasons Lisbon bookmark was placed inside my bedside book and the room was prepared for sleeping with our slippers placed on cotton mats.

The Bathroom

The large marble bathroom features a separate shower, deep soaking tub, double sink and two full sets of L’Occitane bathroom products. There are also plenty of large, fluffy towels, face cloths and plush embroidered Terry bathrobes and slippers.

Breakfast

Each morning, we enjoyed a sumptuous buffet breakfast in the hotel’s elegant Varanda restaurant. Four Seasons hotels are noted for their bountiful breakfasts and this one was a true delight. We were swiftly seated and served large pots of fine English breakfast and freshly-squeezed apple juice.

A la carte dishes are available, but we were tempted by the array of tasty hot items, eggs cooked to order, pancakes and crepes with maple syrup or berry compote, mini pastries, smoked salmon, bagels with a choice of cream cheese and gourmet cereals.

I particularly liked the healthy ‘create your own yoghurt’ station with a choice of plain yoghurt, fresh fruits, granola, muesli and all kinds of seeds to garnish. When in Lisbon, it’s essential to sample at least a few Portuguese custard tarts and luckily we were able to tick that off our list first thing in the morning. What’s not to love about cakes and tarts for breakfast?

A Private Car Tour of Lisbon

On our first full morning, the hotel kindly arranged a private car tour of Lisbon, so we could take in the city’s best sights in ultimate comfort. Our initial plan was to take a motorcycle and sidecar tour, but with rain showers threatening, we went for the safer but equally enjoyable option.

Our wonderful driver and guide knew the city inside out and shared historical and present day facts throughout the four-hour tour. We set off to Lisbon’s oldest district Alfama and briefly stopped at the Castle of São Jorge and Church of Santa Engrácia.

We took lots of photos over the city from a high viewpoint and looked out for authentic Fado bars and colourful tiled buildings. We then drove along the coast and up through vibrant Chiado and Bairro Alto, spotting cool boutiques, bars and stylish terrace cafes.

Belém

We spent an hour in Belém, Lisbon’s historically significant area where the great Portuguese explorers sailed away from on their voyages of discovery. We managed to squeeze in a quick visit to the Berardo Collection Museum, Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower and the famous Pastéis de Belém to pick up some freshly-baked Portuguese custard tarts – regarded as the best in Lisbon.

Lunch at Varanda

After touring the city, we arrived back at our room to find a selection of teas and sweet treats to perk us – a thoughtful and kind surprise. We’d worked up an appetite and after a short rest, we were ready for an indulgent lunch in Varanda.

Chef Pascal Meynard prepares a daily buffet-style lunch in Varanda and it really is a spectacular and luxurious affair. To start, guests can help themselves to seasonal salads, canapes, cured meats, artisan cheeses, fresh sushi, chilled shrimp and lobster (my favourite) and home-made soup.

To follow are delicious main dishes such as medallion of beef with shallots and potatoes, traditional Portuguese salt cod, grilled John Dory with polenta and a carvery leg of lamb.

It’s worth leaving plenty of room for dessert, as the selection of cakes and pastries are out of this world. We enjoyed bite-size servings of crème brûlée, millefeuille, fruit tarts, rice pudding, lemon meringue pie, éclairs, macarons, chocolate truffles, pâte de fruits and the most incredible apple crumble, which the restaurant is famed for.

The Swimming Pool

After lunch, we enjoyed a few hours of pure relaxation in the hotel’s fabulous spa. We made good use of the sauna and steam room and took a dip in the stunning indoor pool. The poolside lounge is the perfect spot to unwind on a lounger with views of the garden and complimentary herbal tea and dried fruits. The hotel also has a fantastic fitness centre and rooftop running track with views over the city.

A Relaxing Massage

Therapists from Four Seasons Bali were in residency at the spa during our visit and I was lucky enough to experience their expert skills with a soothing Harmony Massage. It was the first time I’ve tried an authentic Balinese four-hand massage and it was simply heavenly.

On arrival, one of the friendly, caring therapists washed my feet in warm, scented water and I was given a choice of four different massage oils. The massage was simple yet effective, with repetitive wave movements that lulled me into very deep relaxation. When the treatment was over, I was taken to the tranquil relaxation room to finish my spa journey over a cup of herbal tea.

Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon is perfect for those looking for a luxurious, comfortable stay in a central, upmarket part of Lisbon. The friendly, efficient staff made our stay so enjoyable, particularly Concierge who helped to make our plans run seamlessly.

With fabulous food, a tranquil spa and plush rooms, it’s tempting to linger in this stunning hotel, but of course the delights of Lisbon are not to be missed.

A Deluxe Room at Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon starts from €425 per room per night. For more information and booking, visit: www.fourseasons.com/lisbon/

Chérie City was a guest of Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon

For more Lisbon travel ideas, read my reviews of: