Mandarin Kitchen

The reason that God created lobster..is non other than Mandarin Kitchen's lobster noodle. An all time classic, this place never disappoints me. Specialising in seafood, there is a great range of spectacular dishes to chose from, but obviously the lobster noodle is the jewel of the crown. Whether you go for garlic and spring onion, ginger and spring onion (highly recommend it), or black bean sauce and chillies...You are going to leave the restaurant craving for some more. Don't expect too much from the decor and be put off by the Queensway location. Mandarin Kitchen is every hip Londoner's seafood destination and with Tatler, Zagat and Taschen on their guards, who can deny it? Once you are done with your lobster, no matter how full you are, you also have to try the toffee bananas. Enjoy!

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Make Me Melt...

From the minute you walk into this Notting Hill chocolate boutique on Ledbury Road, the magnificent smell of chocolate will make you want to taste and buy literally everything! And the reason for smelling so yummy is that all the chocolates are prepared in the shop's kitchen, just hours before you can buy them.
Using only the finest and natural ingredients, sourced from around the world, the Melt team are obsessed with quality and therefore you won't find any stabilizers or preservatives in their chocolate. Moreover, wanting to make chocolate accessible to all- the shop is open plan where you can "pick your own chocolates" with a  wooden tray and tongs. The "hot chocolate" on a stick is my favorite! Next time you are in Notting Hill give it a go. It is sooo worth it!

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Vinoteca

A dear friend of mine, relatively new in London, had been going on and on about how great a little wine bar and restaurant in Farringdon was. It took us a while, but when we finally visited Vinoteca together, I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised. Small and cosy, wooden tables, candlelit and an impressive wine list from around the world. Moreover, the food is excellent. Head Chef John Murray has joined the Vinoteca team from some of London's top kitchens such as St John Bread & Wine, Petrus, L’Autre Pied and Yauatcha. His style of cooking is inspired by the produce and culinary traditions of Europe’s wine producing regions and with his team creates dishes which perfectly complement the diverse range of wine styles. Simple, hearty dishes made from the highest quality ingredients; the bread is baked freshly on the premises twice a day and the meat comes directly from local Smithfield Market. Make sure you arrive early, as no reservations can be made at dinner time. And this place is always packed.

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Tate Modern Presents: Paul Gauguin

Where does one start about Paul Gauguin; one of the world's most famous and best-loved artists from the early 20^th century. For the first time in the UK in over 50 years, Tate Modern presents an exhibition dedicated to this master French Post-Impressionist, featuring paintings and drawings from around the world. His sumptuous, colourful images of women in Tahiti and beautiful landscape images of Brittany in France are some of the most popular images in Modern art.

Gauguin was the ultimate global traveller, sailing the South Seas, and living in Peru, Martinique, and Paris among other places. This exhibition explores the role of the myths around the man – Gauguin as storyteller, painting himself as a Christ-like figure or even a demon in his own paintings, religious and mythical symbols in his work, and the manipulation of his own artistic identity. It features many of his iconic paintings, including those showing daily village life from the artist's colony of Pont-Aven in Brittany, nude bathers and haystacks in the Breton landscape, and decorative works such as the carved wooden door panels around Gauguin's hut in the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia.
Gauguin sought to escape European civilisation in the South Seas. Inspired by Tahiti's tropical flora, fauna and island life, he immersed himself in its fast-disappearing local culture to invest his art with deeper meaning, ritual and myth.

Tate Modern 30 September 2010 - 16 January 2011

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London Fashion Week: Mary Katrantzou

Greek born, London based our very own girl Mary Katrantzou just rocked the catwalk with her innovative and original collection. Just loved it !

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The Pantechnicon

Situated in Motcomb Street, one of the cutest streets in Belgravia, the Pantechnicon is one my favourite gastropubs in London. Whether it is a comfort meal, Sunday lunch or a just drinks with your friends, this place will definitely leave you satisfied. The  venue is split into two levels, a less formal dining room downstairs (Public House as they call it) and a more formal Dining Room upstairs. Everything on the menu is great but make sure you try their burgers. The meat is excellent and some friends have even claimed that Pantechnicon burgers are the best they ever had.

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London Fashion Week: The Exhibition at Somerset House

In the words of Clements Ribeiro: "London Fashion Week at Somerset House encapsulates fashionable London. At last, a great home for the shows."
Here is a glimpse of Felder Felder Pre Collection as featured in Navy Board Rooms, First Floor. Not to be missed!

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CycleChic

There is only "one" way to get around London these days and this is non other than cycling. Haven't you heard? "Cycle Chic" is the new chic! Eco friendly, good for your health and a must have accessory for every fashionista (just look at the Sartorialist). Even our mayor, Mr. Boris Johnson, has called upon every Londoner to "sign up and become pioneer members" of his Cycle Hire scheme. So no excuses, even if you don't actually own a bicycle, you can now hire one from every corner in town. And journeys under 30 minutes are free! You can find details on www.tfl.gov.uk.
Moreover, to enhance your "Cycle Chic" style, whether you're a boy or a girl, www.cyclechic.co.uk is a web based outfitter in Hoxton, where you can find all cycle chic essentials!

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