It has been a busy week and last night we had a great crowd for dinner and caught up with old friends. I love to entertain and have the excuse to try out new recipes and also use beautiful tableware and glass. I tend to collect these from all over the world and on our…
Month: April 2016
Senso-Ji
This is a major tourist attraction but the origins are very intertwined with the local people.The legend is that in AD628 the goddess of compassion Kannon was fished out of the nearby Sumida-gawa by local fishermen. A golden statue was erected on this site in memory of this and in time the temple was built…
Tokyo
When Alasdair announced he had a business trip in Tokyo I was determined to tag along for the ride. Having spent my childhood in this great city I wanted to return and revisit many places which hold really special memories. From the airport we enjoyed a taxi ride through the city where everything is immaculate…
Hashi
Reiko Hashimoto has been teaching Japanese cooking for over 12 years. Born in Kyoto and brought up in a traditional Japanese household. After working in Hong Kong and travelling around the world she has an international interest and understanding of food. She lives in Southwest London where her cookery school HASHI is based. Reiko has also appeared…
Yotam Ottolenghi and Nopi
Yotam Ottolenghi and his team are all greatly admired in our household. We all love his recipes, I have all his books so Sami Tamimi and Ramael Scully cannot go without a mention too. His style of cooking is a middle eastern basis and yet he has given it a western twist and while previously it…
Maitre Choux
London now has an amazing breadth of international cuisine from fine dining to patisserie and even more casual dining experiences. We have had an explosion of cupcakes, doughnuts and macaroons. I think it is safe to say that it is the Parisians who spring to mind when we imagine a pastry of any significance and Joakim…
The Ham Yard Hotel
There is a little haven of tranquility tucked away behind Piccadilly Circus in the very heart of London. I think the courtyard is referred to as Ham Yard Village and here nestled amongest trees and an impressive bronze sculpture centrepiece by Tony Cragg is this Firmdale establishment which I love. There is an urban feel as you…
The Gritti Palace
I would stay in no other place than the Gritti Palace in Venice. Total discretion, immaculate service and great courtesy. This hotel has also recently been refurbished to its former glory. We arrived and were fortunate enough to shown up to the most beautiful suite on the top floor with a spectacular view of the Grand…
Masks and Gondolas
I could not write about Venice without a brief mention of the magnificent and unique transportation. The highlight of any visit must be the river transport. We walked an enormous amount but also used the Vaporetti extensively. Rather than a Gondola ride I much prefer the luxury of taking a taxi to the airport which…
Feasting in Venice
The difficulty in Venice is finding a peaceful spot. I love markets and fresh produce so am always happy to explore and find an authentic place to eat local produce. Staying five minutes from the Rialto Bridge we crossed over to the right side of the Grand Canal to the Rialto Market. Here there are the…
Venice
One of the fortunate aspects of children who are studying overseas is the optimal excuse to visit them. Venice was one such adventure. As the train approaches Venice there is a magnificent view of this magical city. What is slightly alarming is the dominating presence of enormous cruise liners which float like giant amusement parks….
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