Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Food. Show all posts

> A STORY OF INDIA

Southern India
18 Oct - 1 Nov 2019
One of the oldest civilisations in the world, India is a mosaic of multicultural experiences. With a rich heritage and a myriad of attractions, this country is among the most popular tourist destinations in the world. We pack our bags, open our minds and head off - for a once in a lifetime opportunity to get to know the real Story of India!

We enjoyed a truly unforgettable holiday with Carl and Annette. Spectacular scenery, incredible food, amazing experiences and beautiful people. What more could you wish for?

Full itinerary to follow soon.







10 out of 10



> A TRIP TO STOCKHOLM

Stockholm, Sweden
15 - 18 February 2017

Stockholm - spread across 14 islands, this ultra-hip City has so much to offer. Trend-setting design, inventive cuisine, unbeatable museums, great shopping, pretty parks and loads of atmosphere... just ensure you pack good walking shoes, you won't want to miss an inch!

Tuesday 14th February - We travel up to London late afternoon due to our early flight on Wednesday. A hotel on Ealing Broadway is closer to Heathrow and makes for a less hectic start to our break.

Wednesday 15th - a pleasant February morning as we take a stroll to Ealing South tube to catch the train to Heathrow Terminal 5. We take off at 11:15 for the 2 hour flight to Stockhom, Arlanda. Great flight. We catch a bus from Arlanda into Stockholm Central and walk 20 mins to the Island of Skepps Holmen, this is where our hotel, The Hotel Skepps Holmen is situated. Once checked in and unpacked we head off to explore the old town. Situated behind the Kungliga Slottet (Royal Palace) on Gamla Stan, this collection of narrow interconnecting streets are atmospheric and full of bars, restaurants and quirky shops. We enjoy a couple of beers in a cafe in the square opposite the Nobel Museum before heading to the Ebenist restaurant in the same square. Dinner is amazing...

We share: Catch of the day... Cured White fish, dill, lime, micro-herbs, shallots, purple cress, chopped fennel. Baked Mushrooms in small pan with piece of bread, melted cheese, sweet shallots, onion, pickled mushrooms, sour cream, dill, fennel. Meatballs with mash and gravy, juniper berries and pickled cucumber. Roasted Jerusalem artichoke with small fried potato, fennel, very thin slice apple, cream, fried sweet onion.


Hotel Skepps Holmen

Niki de Saint Phalle at Moderna Museet

Ryan Trecartin at Moderna Museet 

Dave and view towards City


Thursday 16th - a chilly, dry morning in Stockholm. Breakfast is delicious at our hotel. Now off to explore the City. We retrace last nights footsteps through the old town as we make our way to the Central Station. Today we walk for hours... We take in the sights and find our bearings... with only a few diversions underground, the streets and environs of Stockholm get our full attention. Exploring takes us through the suburban summer gardens on the larger Island of Sodermalm, a haven and very pretty. The historic streets of the Katarina-Sofia district twist and turn around dark rocky outcrops. Views looking north towards the City from the vantage points along the water are spectacular. Later in the afternoon we enjoy a browse around a couple of the many interior design shops, this city is seriously stylish and the prices reflect the high production values. Time for a bit of culture... Many of the museums here are free, and one of the popular smaller museums is the Hallwylska Museet. Hallwyl House at No 4 Hamngatan was built between 1893-98 to designs by Isak Gustaf Clason, Sweden´s most renowned architect at the time. Step back to the 1900's as you enter this beautiful space, it's period interiors and collection of artefact's, paintings and pottery are charming. Now... It's time to track down one of the government run alcohol super stores, the System Bolaget. We purchase some drinks for the eve and pick up snacks from the local Coop as we make our way back to the hotel. What a day, we have covered over 11 miles on foot... Taken in many wonderful sights and feel like we have started to understand the layout and culture of this City.


Alex and view from Katarina-Sofia

Frost on the ice - Gustaf Fjaestad - Thielska

 
Friday 17th - a sunny cold morning in Stockholm. After breakfast we head out into the chilly air and walk towards the Moderna Museet,  this modern art gallery is on Gamla Stan and well worth a visit. The collection includes Dali, Miro, all the pop greats and a very good selection of local Artists. We enjoy a collection of video installations on the lower level, fun and a good way to loose a few minutes. A coffee break in the cafe sets us up for our next adventure before heading towards the water front to catch a ferry over to the larger green Island known as Djurgården. 5 minuets afloat and we are at the pier, ready to explore another Island. This is the holiday retreat, the playground of the City and home to many museums and galleries. A short tram ride and we are at the first Gallery on our list. Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde is noted to be the 'most beautiful Gallery in Sweden'... True, but unfortunately a portion of this palace is closed for a rehang... But, we do enjoy beautiful works by the owner, Prince Eugen. The seasonal flower arrangements fill the rooms with the first perfume of Spring. There is also a temporary exhibition of work by Miro on loan from the foundation Miro in Barcelona. After our visit we scoff sandwiches in the sunshine before taking a very pleasant walk along the water front to the Thielska Galleriet. The shore is lined with beautiful villas and grand houses, this is obviously the hideaway for the rich and famous. The Thielska is stunning. Beautiful rooms are filled with the most wonderful paintings by Swedish landscape artists. The building was designed by Ferdinand Boberg specifically to house banker and art patron Ernest Thiel’s magnificent art collection and was completed in 1907. The Gallery also served as Ernest Thiel's home from 1907 to 1924 and has remained largely unaltered ever since. The work of Eugène Jansson, Bruno Liljefors and Gustaf Fjaestad. Other artists are present in the collection including Munch, Gauguin, and Toulouse-Lautrec. We stay a while longer in this haven of art and tranquillity to enjoy tea and cake in the sun drenched parlor before wrapping up to continue our wander around the Island. Ice is still on the water ways and lakes as the path leads us back to the mainland. As the sun sets, the temperature drops, we board a bus that takes us to the City centre where we stock up on snacks before heading back to the old town for one last wander. The warm glow of the candle light from the Cultur Bar beckons... we enter and enjoy a couple of beers. Dave perches on a stool behind the DJ, he curates his vinyl collection for the pleasure of our ears, and those of the local crowd. We round off our last evening back at the hotel with some snacks and drinks in our room... Night night!

Saturday 18th -
a frosty bright day as we check out of our hotel pre-breakfast. A brisk walk through the City and we are at the central bus station awaiting our transfer to the airport. We scrimp together enough money for a coffee and share a panini before boarding our 10:10 flight to London Heathrow. A smooth cruise over land and sea before we land in London.

This has been a wonderful visit to Sweden. Stockholm is a vibrant working City with guts and spirit. It's beautiful and interesting... Sturdy and straightforward, just like the locals. It's expensive but you can fill a day with plenty of exciting moments that are free... Walk the City as much as you can, this will help you to get your bearings and you will get under the skin of the City much quicker. Island hoping is easy with the network of trams, buses, and ferries... Get a travel card for a more relaxed and cost effective experience.




10 out of 10.


>A WEEKEND IN AND AROUND MANCHESTER

Manchester
16 - 18 November 2012


Manchester - The City up north that everyone loves. loads of culture, loads of surprises and always loads of fun. This is the City that always comes up trumps. Thanks to Mark, Chris and Max for a wonderful time!

We have just returned from another action packed weekend up in the the fun-time City of the north. The weather was mixed but a bit of rain certainly wasn't going to slow us down!

On Saturday we headed north-east out of Manchester to Holmfirth. We took the spectacular A62 and enjoyed wonderful views of the moors, this has to be one of the country's most memorable drives! First stop - Holmfirth Vineyard - An independent wine producer open since 2008. We enjoy a very interesting guided tour and sample 3 of their fine wines. The restaurant is also getting rave reviews, this place is certainly worth a visit! We then head back into Manchester City centre to have a stroll around the huge German style Christmas Market (Shown above) - This place is fantastic and perfect for picking up those authentic euro-style tree decorations! - we also enjoy a mug or two of the warming Glühwein. We are getting hungry, must be time to head off to the St. Petersburg restaurant - this authentic Russian eatery is bursting with atmosphere. We fill up on delicious pancakes, soups and naughty treats from the sweet trolley... then the cabaret begins... I could not believe my eyes when Mr. Slinky appeared! This guy has to be one of my favourite performance artists. I had a chat with him after the show and he told me that he was in fact from the Moscow State Circus... No wonder he was so good!


Holmfirth Vineyard - wonderful setting

Vines and views

The restaurant

Manchester Christmas Market - treats galore

...and more treats!

The one, the only, Mr Slinky!!! 

On Sunday we made the most of the few hours spare that we had before catching our train back down to London. So we decided to get our culture fix at the Manchester Art Gallery. While at the Gallery we spent a very interesting hour enjoying the 'The First Cut' exhibition. A wonderful opportunity to view the work of 31 international artists who cut, sculpt and manipulate paper, transforming the humble material into fantastical works of art and sculpture. A real treat to see a beautiful large scale piece from Rob Ryan, the master of scalpel art! Su Blackwell also had a couple of pieces on show - just exquisite! Whilst blogging I found this interesting site dedicated to book art - worth taking a peek.

Rob Ryan - The Map of My Entire Life

Su Blackwell - Wuthering Heights



10 out of 10!


>IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!

'Deck the halls' - and all that...
Dec 08


olivemagazine.co.uk

...A quick post showing what we did with two strips of old lights, a tin of olives, heaps of fir cones and a carrot!

We had a laugh making these cheeky lil' olive penguins! They are so easy to put together and are sure to go down a treat at any social soiree! Go get some pitted black olives, cream cheese, a carrot and a hand full of cocktail sticks... Tasty!

Our fab Norwegian Spruce really scrubbed up well... we threw on a couple of sets of lights, some glittery baubles, a few fake Robins - and hey-presto... instant 'Alpine Ski Lodge chic' - in Greenwich! (well, nearly!) ...Cool!


>THE WAPPING PROJECT

Wapping Hydraulic Power Station, London E1W 3SG
17 Dec 08


www.thewappingproject.com
A trip to Wapping proves a tasty treat for all the senses! Great food, fantastic setting and art installations galore!

Australian theatre director and doctor of psychology Jules Wright launched The Wapping Project in October 2000, combining contemporary art, performance and fine dining within the inspiring architecture of Wapping's former hydraulic power station. She has coaxed the industrial shell back to life and added a bright new creative force to the once tired and derelict space. 4 million quid has been well spent and the 'project' is now a gloriously under stated urban dining/creative experience... which for the 4th successive year, has been voted as one of the 100 “coolest brands in Britain”.

We enjoyed our delicious meal sat amongst the old industrial turbines which used to power safety curtains in the West End and the lifts at Claridge's. Our clean lined modernist tables and chairs adding a canteen-esque feel - a clash of styles that, on paper should not work, but in reality - compliment surprisingly well... The food was great too - Jules and her young, enthusiastic team attended table with just the right amount of attitude, never fussing but attentive from afar - perfect!

Images above show: Top left - exterior of the converted Hydraulic Power Station, inset - Jules Wright, the creative force behind the project. Top right - part of the 'Turning the Season' exhibition entitled 'Trophy Wall', an installation of porcelain deer skulls by artist Samuel Spenser. Bottom left - the central dining space is a neo-industrial environment to savour! bottom right - the lower exhibition space showing photo story directed by Jules Wright, shot by fashion photographer Thomas Zanon-Larcher... a really great collection of images and props that takes an artistic look at the social and cultural phenomenon of the 'British Season'.

...I never knew that a cab ride to Wapping could be so rewarding! The Wapping Project is a real gem and well worth a few hours of your time. I had a great conversation with Jules and she really is a dynamic and charming host. (Thanks to Matt, Gurdish and the Guy's and Gal's at Fluent for making this a really memorable festive bash).

8 out of 10

>THE BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW

London Olympia
15 Nov 08



www.londonbbcgoodfoodshow.com

...Food, FOOD, Glorious food! (plus a little drinky or two!)...
And a chance to witness Heston Blumenthal, James Martin and Nigella Lawson in action. Tasty!

We have just enjoyed a very interesting few hours at this years BBC Good Food Show... Managed to do a bit of tasting and sampled some rather nice plonk too! The show featured stalls from an enormous variety of exhibitors selling their wares from London and the rest of the UK as well as some international producers and manufacturers.

...You can literally eat and drink your way around the world. It’s the perfect place to get all your shopping done in one location, and pick up some top bargains and gifts. The Farmers' Market was a particular hit and had a fine selection of exhibitors. Big juicy 'bangers', the finest organic meats and all sorts of fruity treats kept our taste buds busy. We also perused the kitchenware and handy gadgets demonstrations - some very interesting products this year! - These KIN knives were sensational!, very sharp, very beautiful and very expensive!

...Chillies, Chillies and even more CHILLIES! Seeing as it's turned a bit nippy outside, we decided to turn up the temperature a little and splash out on these Chili-tastic treats! We purchased some delicious hand-made chocolate from the South Devon Chili Farm, the tangy orange and chili variety was particularly splendid! - And a pot of 'sizzling' chili marmalade from the producers at Water Splash Lane Pickles and Preserves - wonderfully warm and with just the right amount of kick, this stunning relish will compliment our Boxing Day cold meats and bubble'n'squeak beautifully!... (better hide it now so we have some left...)

...All-in-all a very good show, not quite as big as last year, but still well worth the trek over to West London.

7 out of 10

>ORNAMENTAL KALE + ARCRIMBOLDO

...Our window box, London
(And Mr Arcrimboldo in various Galleries
around the world)
October 08



Brassica Olaracea. Grown by Dave and Alex 2008


www.discoverkale.co.uk
The delicious Brassica Olaracea, a tasty treat for both the eyes and the stomach!, Vs. the very talented and oooh-sooo-clever Giuseppe Arcrimboldo.


As Summer becomes a distant memory and Autumn slowly takes over, our ornamental Kale has really come to life. Planted back in September, this beauty is certainly adding a welcome splash of colour! ...As spectacular as it is now, the heart of our kale will become even more vibrant and showy as the days get shorter and colder. Hurraagghh!

...Whilst thinking about decorative veg, (like you do), I couldn't stop myself from searching for images created by the 15th century Italian painter, Giuseppe Arcrimboldo. Famous for his wonderful portraits constructed from painted representations of fruits, vegetables, fish, insects... and just about anything else he could lay his hands on. We have seen several examples of Arcrimboldo's surreal compositions in Galleries around Europe. Surely the time is right for a major retrospective sometime soon?!? Fingers crossed and all that!


Vertumnus (Rudolph II). Giuseppe Arcrimboldo 1590/1591

Both get a tasty 9 out of 10