High Tea at The Ritz

Afternoon tea at the Ritz is held in the gorgeous Palm Court and it is quite the experience. The quintessential destination for afternoon tea in London, five sittings a day, booked up to 6 weeks in advance.

What makes tea at the Ritz so special is hard to pin down. Is it the beautiful silver tea pots and the exquisite porcelain teacups and dishes? The traditional 3-tiered trays of perfectly arrayed no-crust sandwiches - smoked salmon, mature cheddar, chicken, ham, egg cress, and of course cucumber and cream cheese - freshly baked scones and delicate pastries? Or is it simply the impeccable service for which The Ritz is known worldwide? Of course the most sensible answer is that it's not just one factor but the whole package, couple with the reputation of the brand and the legacy itself that makes tea at the Ritz so remarkable.

The service was so refined that the waiter sniffed that I wasn't absolutely thrilled with the first tea that I tried and offered to bring me another, and then another. The first was a traditional Ceylon tea that was nice, but not very perfumey so I wanted to go a bit wilder, with the tea... The L'Opera blew me away on the first cup. It's a green tea infused with red berries and "precious spices". However, after brewing for a bit it assumed a very dry finish and then I wasn't particularly keen on it anymore, and the exceptional waiter noticed this as well. My last and successful tea was the Moroccan Mint (green tea infused with spearmint) and it was divine from first to last cup. Not at all overpowering, and very refreshing.

Surprisingly, the sandwiches got more attention than I expected, not because they aren't deliciously simple and pleasing but because when faced with sandwiches versus cake, millefeuille and other sweet treats I tend to veer in the latter direction. The savory sandwiches though are particularly nice when alternating between the assorted pastries. The mini-millefeuille (aka napoleon) was quite possibly the best I've ever tasted. And then once you've had a head start on both the waiter will then ask if you're ready for the warm apple and raisin scones. All the while clotted cream and preserves are on the table waiting for them to arrive. My first scones and clotted cream experience, and it only took six months in London! What I was waiting for I'll never know...

Qype: The Trafalgar in London

London - Travel & Hotels - Hotels - 5 Star Hotels

I wanted drinks with a view so went with a friend to the roof garden of the Trafalgar hotel after work yesterday. Great view indeed looking out from the 6th floor terrace towards Trafalgar Square. Cocktails were as pricey as you'd expect at an upscale hotel bar (between 10-13quid for most), but what I didn't know in advance was that they charge 5quid pp (on a Monday!) just to get up to the roof garden.

So with some cocktails, a shared jug of Pimms, and a sharing platter of Asian snacks it turned into an expensive outing overall, but I did have a great time, relaxed in the oversized chairs, and enjoyed the mini-escape from the bustling scene just 6 floors down that seemed far far away. The international bar staff were friendly as well and may have convinced me to visit again soon. We'll see!

Check out my review of The Trafalgar - I am CaribQueen - on Qype

A Taste of Edinburgh

Qype has hosted a range of parties, meet-ups, classes and other cool events in London so far this year and when it came time to take the party outside London, Qypers all around the country made their voices heard in determining the location for the first non-London shindig. The outcome of a lengthy discussion thread on the Qype Party Forum was last week's trip to Edinburgh and the Qype Team thoroughly made the most of the 4h30 train ride up by spending an extra day exploring the city.

We met some of Edinburgh's finest Qypers on Thursday night, and took to the streets on Friday night for some good eating, ale drinking, and what was for me a most surreal insider view of Scottish culture being privy to some of the finest fiddling and folk music in the land during our mini pub crawl. I had my first Deuchars in the first pub stop, and all of a sudden I like ALE! Who knew?!

My Qype reviews of the pubs we visited cannot by any measure do justice to the amazing fiddlers, ridiculously smooth guitar pickin', and the incredible mix of funny, sad and touching folk songs belted out by performers and audience members throughout the night. Everyone in the Royal Oak seemed to have an amazing singing voice! Unbelievable all around. And I must give a special mention to Mike Duffy, who can always fall back on singing if the BBC thing doesn't pan out :)

Quite a memorable trip and next time I go to Edinburgh, I'll definitely make it to the castle, and I'm sure I'll be revisiting Sandy Bells to park myself right next to the guy with the 12(?)string guitar.

Qype: Sandy Bell's in Edinburgh

Edinburgh - Pubs & Bars - Pubs - Pubs & Bars - Bars

I really liked this pub and am rating it higher than the Qype boys did as I could have definitely stayed here for a couple hours, happily tapping and bouncing along to the fiddles (at least 4 of them!) and guitars. Truth be told I was overjoyed and got even more of the Scottish experience than I hoped for as soon as the musicians got going.

As it was my very first time in Edinburgh (and in Scotland as a matter of fact!) it's hard to say definitely which was my favourite pub from our Friday night crawl but I did think the music and atmosphere here was more upbeat than in the other spots we visited. I had a great time despite the very crowded bar area, and trust me when I say I *really* don't like tight spaces so that in itself says a whole lot!

Clearly, this is on my must-revisit-in-Edinburgh list.

Check out my review of Sandy Bell's - I am CaribQueen - on Qype

Qype: Chocolate Soup in Edinburgh

Edinburgh - Food & Drink - Sweets & Chocolates - Restaurants - Cafes & Coffee Shops

With all the chocolatey options on the menu I'm still shocked I somehow walked away with a breakfast sandwich! Utterly flabbergasted. The sandwich (egg, cheese, ham on a light and buttery croissant) was exactly what the doc ordered though, after the uncounted number of drinks at the Qype party the night before. Also had a latte and it was good, not remarkable, could have been hotter, but good nonetheless. They have lovely tables out on Hunter Square too and I could easily chill out here with a coffee and something sweet and sinful. The chocoholic in me won't let me not return on my next jaunt to Edinburgh to sample some of their inventive 'soups' though.

Check out my review of Chocolate Soup - I am CaribQueen - on Qype

Qype: Marie's Cafe in London

London - Restaurants - Thai - Restaurants - British - Cafes & Coffee Shops

I have mixed feelings about Marie's Cafe, which I had heard so much about as one of London's tastiest Thai eateries. First the positives: the food was indeed delicious (I had the chilli basil noodle with chicken), the menu was pretty darn long (lots of starters, noodle dishes, mains, and desserts), and the prices were rock-bottom at 4-6 quid a pop (less for starters naturally). That's the good stuff.

Now the less good. The portions are modest. At least for the noodle dishes. And this is very understandable given the price you're paying. Moreover it's not such a bad thing cuz it would mean their starter+main at under 6 quid(!) would be quite do-able, nice and tidy-like.

More importantly though, I feel duty-bound to report that although I wolfed down 80% of my noodles before the ol' faithful Jubilee line arrived (ha!) I was very conscious that I was doing something terribly bad for me at 10pm eating what must have been the oiliest noodles I've ever seen, that were certainly not to be digested before 3am.

And lo but I was correct. Soon after I was getting that familiar grease-driven queasy feeling, not unlike the kind of shaky stomach you'd expect the day after mixing and matching your poisons like Richard Simmons let loose in a lycra store near you. That said, the pros stand a fighting chance at getting me back to Waterloo for cheap Thai, but only if they don't laugh at me mockingly when I ask to go easy on the oil.

Check out my review of Marie's Cafe - I am CaribQueen - on Qype

Qype: I Knit London in London

London - Fashion - Knitwear - Arts & Entertainment

Knitting store, classroom, bookshop and counseling! All together in one location. The folks at I Knit have really got something here. They offer classes for beginners to more advanced. Staff members are really friendly and encouraging. And they even have a little bar stocked with beer, cider and red and white wine. Brilliant!

The shop boasts a large stock of yarns of all varieties, colours, textures and all the accoutrements you need to get going. There's also quite an eclectic library section with all types of books on knitting and you can tell that the accomplished knitters that own the place take pride in keeping up-to-speed on all that's new and interesting in the newly-trendy-again world of knitting.

A fab time was had by all in our group class, with most of us being beginners and a few stars and fast-learners impressing us all into sticking with it, for the greater good. I can see why knitting can become such an addictive hobby!

Check out my review of I Knit London - I am CaribQueen - on Qype

Qype: Ladurée at Harrods in London

London - Food & Drink - Sweets & Chocolates - Food & Drink - Bakeries

I took my first trip to Harrods this past weekend and I was determined to 'do' tea in the Laduree tea rooms on the ground floor. The beautiful selection of pastries, croissants and macaroons that are on display in the center of the tea room/shop further heightened my excitement and was a great distraction during the short wait for a table (very short actually given that it was a Sunday). I was sat in the posh black and silver room and only glimpsed the balcony seating area but it also looked as lovely as you'd expect.

There was a slight damper on the experience in the form of 3 loud 'fidgetybouncy' teenage boys that seemed to have not given any thought to where they were, what they wanted, how they should speak to the waiter or how many people could come and go from their small table without disrupting their neighbors.. i.e. me. I can appreciate the fact that Harrods is for everyone (yada yada) but I hope to never again have tea next to ADD-afflicted teenage boys telling the waiter to "quickly hurry" their milkshakes.

Tea was lovely and I was happy to go a la carte rather than have the full afternoon tea experience. The mini almond & walnut laduree croissant was sublime. And the coffee macaroon, priceless!

Check out my review of Ladurée at Harrods - I am CaribQueen - on Qype

Qype: All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club in London

London - Sport - Tennis

Going to Wimbledon has revived my love of tennis! I used to watch the tournies on tv when I was young (ah the good ol' days) and somehow slacked off in recent years. No more! It was really thrilling to snag a seat in centre court and get swayed along with the crowd's oohing and ahhing, and to have chilled on henman hill as Murray took Gasquet to the cleaners. Great time!

A few quick tips: Bring water, stuff to nibble (unless you'd rather paying an arm and a leg for grub there), and take advantage of the allowed 1 bottle of wine or 2 beers per person if you're so inclined. And better to scoop up any drinks you want to bring beforehand rather than rely on the selection at the nearby Spar.

Check out my review of All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club - I am CaribQueen - on Qype

Tapas Fantisticos; Indeed!

A fun-filled weekend for me, and there was no brunch involved.

On Saturday I attended the first day of "Tapas Fantasticos" organized on behalf of Spain's Rioja wine producers who got the chance to showcase their varieties of Rioja (and more) to London wine enthusiasts (and others). There were some 30-odd wine booths, each with 2-4 offerings, and about 14 tapas stalls scattered around Ely Yard to accompany all the drinking that was going on.

The deal was you spend £2 on a small wine glass that allowed you up to visit 8 booths for samples. Most vendors dutifully stamped each visitor's card but naturally if you were all stamped out it was only in their interest to give you a taste anyways, in the hope that you'd stick around, buy a full glass for £2-6 and make their brand that much more memorable on your next wine buying expedition.

I was honestly surprised that more vendors did not have any type of promotional material available to aid guests to recall their brands after they left the sanctuary of the festive parking lot. I know I certainly could have used more leaflets so that I would have a better idea of all that I'd tried... Most are a bit blurry 2 days later... oh well! Let that be a lesson to you, the organizers and producers.

The tapas were pretty darn entertaining as well, and lots of folks were into the flamenco performances and demonstrations, although I personally found it more useful to spend time checking on which booths were giving bigger tastings :) All in all I had 9 tastings, some as big as half a glass and others just a wee sip. Also had a lovely full glass, one of the first I tasted, but I kept my wits about me with the help of the tapas I tried: bocadito with serrano ham and some sort of cheese (good), bruschetta-type toast with tomatoes, goat cheese and anchovy (great), chorizo rice (not bad), and then (for balance) I had some Malaga ice cream. Don't know what made it 'malaga' per se but it was nice nonetheless given how much warmer the sun felt on Saturday after all the whites, reds and rosés.

Round of applause overall to the organizers. It was well worth the 30 minutes in line to get in.

Qype: Tapa Room @ The Providores in London

London - Restaurants - International

Good brunch in the Tapa Room of the Providores, which is the ground floor level of the restaurant. The breakfast/brunch menu has the standard dishes you'd expect from a celeb chef restaurant like greek yogurt and granola and fry ups with a twist to them, such as one with black pudding and roast apple for a tenner. What's more notable though, are the not-so-standard dishes such as the brown rice porridge, apple, maple, miso porridge or French toast with banana and pecans (still standard there) with vanilla verjus syrup and thick slices of bacon.

There are a few interesting egg dishes as well, one being 'turkish eggs' (poached, with whipped yogurt and hot chilli butter) and poached eggs atop spinach, hot smoked salmon and walnut toast, with yuzu hollandaise. I had the latter and but for the salmon I really enjoyed it. I now know that tea-smoked salmon tastes just like regularly cooked salmon, which i dislike, and not at all like smoked salmon, which I adore... unless they made a big fat booboo here and I got the overcooked end of the stick.

Brunch gets busy, as I can see happening all day at the Tapa Room given the trendy but cozy feel they've managed to attain, and the fact that the all-day menu also sounds delicious for bites big and small. Brunch should run about 10-15 quid with coffee (Monmouth!) unless you also go for a cocktail or one of the blended juices that seem quite popular with the in-the-knows. Worth a visit, and I'll be going back for wine and small bites next.

Check out my review of Tapa Room @ The Providores - I am CaribQueen - on Qype

Sake, shochu and sushi tasting with Qype

Last night a small group of Qypers and London foodie bloggers attended a very exclusive sake, shochu and sushi tasting event that was co-hosted by Akashi-Tai brewery and held at recently opened Tsuru, a recently-opened Japanese restaurant in Southwark near the Tate Modern.

Learning, eating, and drinking. Three of my all-time favourite things! All being done at the same time! Brilliant! I was happy as clam, so happy I could almost hear the Sound of Music soundtrack streaming in the distance…either that or I was subconsciously humming it to myself… possible, and scary in retrospect.

Round 1:

The evening began the way the best evenings usually do. With cocktails! We were given the choice of Tokiwa Rhubarb Fizz (shochu, rhubarb puree I believe, simple syrup, soda and mint) and Kappa Saketini (shochu, sake, and a cucumber slice). The rhubarb fizz was lovely; light-bodied and rose-coloured, with a slight tanginess reminiscent of summer afternoons… on a front porch …overlooking a garden perhaps. It’s so drinkable that it’s dangerous. That I didn’t get the recipe is part blessing, part curse.

Completely different yet just as intriguing was the cucumber-flavoured saketini. I only sampled the saketini (twice) because I’m not the biggest fan of cucumbers, so although it was tasty and as refreshing as you’d expect a cucumber cocktail to be I stuck with the fruitier rhubarb concoction. Servings of chilli-sprinkled and edamame were brought out and devoured at what was surely a record-breaking pace. Great way to start the night.

Round 2:

We then took our seats to hear from both co-sponsors of the event about the good things that were to come next. A pairing of Carpaccio of Seabass with not one, but two chilled sakes. The seabass was exquisite. Fresh, delicate, and just the right temperature to truly appreciate the flavour of the fish (call me crazy but it drives me mad when sushi/sashimi is served too cold!).
This was first paired with Akashi-Tai’s Daiginjo, a cold sake with a light-to-medium flowery start and dry finish. My untrained palette did not pick up on the lemony flavours described by our host Wakana, but once we moved onto the second sake the difference in body and flavour helped to distinguish the first all the more. We were then treated to the award-winning Junmai Daiginjo. This variety’s more pronounced citrus undertones and smoother finish made it a clear favourite of the group. Apparently this second variety is less familiar to the Japanese palette but has been doing very well in exports to the European and North American markets.

Round 3:

Our hosts at Tsuru then served Nasu Dengaku, broiled Japanese eggplant with a sweet miso paste on top, simple and delicious, and well paired with warm Akashi-Tai Honjozo. I realized, however, that I preferred cold sake so I opted for more Junmai Daiginjo.

Round 4:

Genmai aged sake served with free-range chicken yakitori skewers. Akashi-Tai experimented with using brown rice rather than polished white rice for this sake, and when it was originally produced, it was no winner. But that was back in 2002. Fast-forward to 2008 and the years of aging have turned it into something truly innovative and pleasing. The warm honey coloured sake has lingering hints of caramel and cocoa and should be considered comfort food in my book. I can easily imagine pairing it with dessert as an alternative. (Apologies in advance if that breaks any rules of sake drinking!)

Round 5:

Just when I thought we were nearing the end of the tasting we were presented with large sushi platters of hamachi, tuna, shrimp and other assorted pieces. Our last sake experience of the night with this course was the Honjozo Genshu, a distinctly creamier sake that had a sort of oakiness in aroma and taste that I found to be a perfect finale to the evening.

I had not been exposed to sake on many occasions before last night but thanks to the informative host from Akashi-Tai I’m well on my way to becoming an aficionado. I predict a Qype sake group in the making very soon!

Qype: Ichi Riki Sushi House (Sushi House) in London

London - Restaurants - Japanese & Sushi

From the outside I can see how easy it would be to miss this place altogether as I knew pretty much walked right by the doorway without noticing it. This is one of the hidden gem highlights of London eating in my opinion. It's literally a hole in the wall type of place that seats maybe 40 people, maybe, if crammed in there at each table and around the sushi bar.

From the moment I walked in I anxiously waited for the goodness that I knew would come. I ordered a mixed sushi plate with a tuna roll, salmon roll and 3pcs of a california roll, with miso soup, for just £10! The fish was exceptionally fresh, definitely the best I've had in London so far and better than some of my most frequented stops in NYC as well.

Throw in some edamame to start, and a new convert to green tea ice cream and I'd say it was a pretty successful meal! They also have Kirin, Sapporo and Asahi, and a list of cold and warm sakes, and refillable hot tea for a quid if that's more your thing.

Check out my review of Ichi Riki Sushi House (Sushi House) - I am CaribQueen - on Qype

A Day in Oxford

I went to Oxford yesterday and spent the day walking, sightseeing, eating, and doing more walking. It is such a lovely town and it completely fulfilled my expectations. The old buildings, churches, cobble-stone streets, and multitude of colleges that form the University of Oxford, were truly worth visiting, and I fully intend to go back to Oxford to see more, and revisit the places I already want to call my Qype favorite. Whether for another day trip (on a Saturday and NOT Sunday when the Covered Market is closed!) or a full weekend, I already have a list together of all the places I'll be trying to cram in.

In fact, I already started my Guide on Qype of what I plan to do on my next ride up with the Oxford Tube, which was so quick and convenient that I'm still baffled as to why it took me several months to make the trip. I may have to skip any real food in order to fit in all the cookie, cake, and ice cream shops that I'm listing but it would be for a just cause if they all live up to the 5-stars of George and Danver's Ice Cream. (I dare say 'twas the freshest waffle cone ever!)

Still need to investigate 'bunting' so hopefully between that and lots more walking I can somehow work up an appetite every 2-3 hours. Ambitious? Maybe. Greedy? Likely. Impossible? Remains to be seen!

Qype: Le Signore Snack Bar in London

London - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Sandwiches

Perfect stop first thing in the morning after a night of drinking. Even if you're not hungover, the bacon and egg sandwich really hits the spot (just the right amount of ketchup!) and the thick strips of bacon are delicious. And I don't even normally eat bacon! I'm still so used to the skinny/crispy American style of doing bacon that the it was a good surprise and had me doing the happy good-food dance.

Check out my review of Le Signore Snack Bar - I am CaribQueen - on Qype

Qype: The Clarendon in London

London - Pubs & Bars - Pubs

A 3-star pub with potential to be more. Both the interior decor and the exterior of the pub have an unfinished kind of feeling, and I think even just a few more framed posters/pictures would go a long way. Probably was more noticeable as well because there was only one other group there, even though it was peak lunch time. The place is not that hard to find as it's right off Warwick Way but you do sorta need to know where to look.

The veggie burger I had consisted of portobello mushroom, roasted red pepper, some caramelized onions, pesto and a thick layer of goat cheese on a decent bun. It was tasty but at £7.50 I most likely wouldn't order it again. I can think of a lot better lunch options for less. The beef burgers looked a lot nicer, however, so if I do go back here one day I'll give that a go instead.

Check out my review of The Clarendon - I am CaribQueen - on Qype

Paris doesn't last!

So from the lengthy trailers of the now-released Sex and the City movie it's blatantly clear from the first few scenes that life with Mr. Big does not turn out at all like you'd expect after the über-romantic, soul-searching-turned-life-altering-revelation that takes Big to Paris to find Carrie, declare his love and bring her back home to NYC.... (sigh)...

(As an aside: It's funny to me how sitcoms and movies can remind me that I'm still a romantic at heart, not at all as love-jaded as one would believe...)

Given this knowledge that the happy, albeit vague, ending from the series does not last for long, I've toyed with the idea of boycotting the movie altogether and living in a state of tv denial. But naturally I was just kidding myself since there's no way I'm gonna miss any more of the cynical one-liners, outlandish sexual escapades, somewhat-endearing naivete and, the big one, the ebbing and flowing but ever present emotional turmoil that is Carrie Bradshaw. Maybe I'll get my fix of rosy-ness from Samantha and Jared* instead ;)

The (New) Joys of (New) Cooking

Some people cook when they're stressed, finding a form of relief in the kitchen that isn't rivalled in other mind-numbing activities like watching tv, or less creative distractions like reading a good book that takes your mind away from whatever's bugging, temporarily. Other people only cook when they can set aside a good amount of time to be bothered with it, while still others avoid cooking altogether like a chore that is best relegated to those who have chosen to specialize in the field. Those that know me even just a wee bit know that I adore eating out. I relish every bit of the experience... from browsing restaurants online or au pied, to perusing new and interesting menus and hearing about an establishment's daily specials, and through the entire experience of trying something new or an absolute fave dish I can't move beyond.

However! Everything in moderation, as wise women (and men I suppose) have said before me. So I picked up a love of cooking some years ago and I dare say Rachel Ray better watch out now! (I still like ya Rachel, no hard feelings.) I was prompted to blog right now after wolfing down some turkey chili tacos that saw a little this and a little that extra with chick peas, cilantro, chapathi, lime juice, and a wee bit o' beer. Very lovely, and yes I'm boasting. If i could have added some fried plantains or edamame on the side I would have.

Which brings me to the very point of this blog post, finalement! One fine day, down the road, at some place on the map yet to be determined, YOU will have the opportunity to taste the world in one dish, any dish! Because while a career is in the making a love waits patiently in the sidelines, and one day in the hopefully not-too-distant future a restaurant will be born wher every global cuisine will rock out together and make happy music for those that are ready for the journey. And all who partake will know that it is good. And that it is mine ;)

Qype: Mercat de la Boqueria in Barcelona

Barcelona - Shopping - Markets

La Boqueria market is in the heart of Barcelona, and sits right off the popular La Rambla walkway that is frequented by just about every tourist that visits Barcelona. To sum up this market is to call it a foodie paradise. It is actually a sister-market to Borough Market in London, albeit with a somewhat shorter legacy but covers a bigger mass and has just as much variety for foodies to peruse and admire.

Needless to say I bee-lined for the entrance and immediately got lost (on purpose) amid the rows and rows and fresh fruit, produce, meat (lots and lots of ham!), fish of all varieties, gourmet chocolate, nuts, cheese, wine, and small restaurants within the market that use the freshest ingredients that are right at their fingertips. I even saw a small bar where you could grab a seat and sample the wine varieties on offer. With so many options I have to admit I ended up buying a slice of pizza among my other purchases, and what a slice it was! On my second trip (the very next day of course) I went later in the afternoon and the pizza stand was closed... a big disappointment that leads me to recommend going earlier in the day so you don't miss anything this amazing market has to offer.

Check out my review of Mercat de la Boqueria - I am CaribQueen - on Qype

Qype: Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

Barcelona - Arts & Entertainment - Landmarks

La Sagrada Familia is spectacular and a must-see for anyone finding themselves in Barcelona, even if just for the day. It's a Gaudi-designed masterpiece that will be built and completed over a hundred years! It's a key tourist attraction in Barcelona and so in busier periods you have to prepare to wait to get in and to get the lift to the top, however in the early morning there tends to only be a short queue for the lift (and the 2 euro charge is definitely worth it).

The structure is a photographer's playground with the intricately sculpted exterior, while the interior speaks of greater wonders to come. With some 50-something years yet to go before estimated completion, I plan to check out the progress again in a decade or two.

Check out my review of Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia - I am CaribQueen - on Qype

Qype: Electric Brasserie in London

London - Cafes & Coffee Shops - Sandwiches

Heard about the great brunch at this Notting Hill brasserie through word-of-mouth and it more than lived up to expectations.. at least the food did. Had a great eggs florentine and the burgers looked nice and juicy, so much so that I actually debated straying from my usual standbys of benedict or french toast.


The service, however, left a lot to be desired. Our server seemed disgruntled from the get-go and I found it a bit disappointing given that the food was great (well worth the wait to get a table and the longer wait for it to finally arrive). Ever had a server come to your table to pour water or bring food or what have you and simply not look at anyone or say a word and walk away? He barely spoke a word to us the entire time. I found it quite brutish and disliked that the service charge was included... which of course is the very reason this guy probably didn't smile at a single customer all day.

Check out my review of Electric Brasserie - I am CaribQueen - on Qype

Qype: Restaurante Mil.lenari in Barcelona

Barcelona - Restaurants - Spanish

My best meal in Barcelona came on recommendation from a waiter who worked at a MUCH more 'touristy' place nearby. Having already learned my lesson on what not to eat (i.e. Tapas Gaudi, see that review if you're curious), I graciously asked if there was "GOOD" (picture verbalized emphasis here) paella in the area we were in. Not even 5 minutes away I found IT. If you look down the small street from the corner you may just think you've got the wrong street altogether as there isn't any grand entrance or markings but have a little faith and ye will be rewarded.

Restaurante Mil.Lenari is a simple and delightful Catalan restaurant near La Sagrada Familia that makes for the perfect stop after visiting the landmark. Every table was arrayed with fresh tomatoes and some cloves of garlic, and believe you me, when the thick toasty bread emerged from the kitchen it was time to chow down. By the time the paella for 2 arrived I had eaten enough of the olive oil and garlic-rubbed bread with tomatoes and vinegar to be more than satisfied but the paella was also EXCELLENT and had to continue the feast. Lucky enough we were in Spain and there is no rushing lunch, especially when there's a pitcher of sangria involved!

Check out my review of Restaurante Mil.lenari - I am CaribQueen - on Qype

Qype: Brixton Market in London

London - Food & Drink - Farmer's Markets

Took my first trip to Brixton market last weekend and it took everything in my being not to go overboard and buy everything I've been craving for months! It's all fine and well to buy some jerk seasoning and what have you at Tesco... but finding the yams, ripe plantain, green banana, and everything else you can possibly want to cook up come Sunday is another story. I was pretty much on cloud 9 for hours after I arrived at the market, stopping at every stall, going into every store in the area, buying a little something here, and a little more there until I was quite stocked up on all the provisions I'd need to make a proper Sunday dinner. Brixton market was well worth the trip and I'm SO going back whenever I get that nostalgic feeling.

Check out my review of Brixton Market - I am CaribQueen - on Qype

Qype: Sabor Restaurant Ltd in London

London - Restaurants - Latin American

Brunch at this Latin American restaurant is a nice departure from the norm. I checked out Sabor's menu online and it was akin to love at first sight, even before I made my way to Essex road and tasted the delighted Latin eggs benedict. It more than lived up to my expectations, with the texture of the creamy cornmeal (polenta) base providing an excellent contrast to the mildly salty layer of serrano ham topped with two poached eggs and a chipotle-infused hollandaise sauce. I strongly suggest you ask for the hollandaise on the side as it's very rich and *amazing* but could also overwhelm the dish with too much.

I also had the 'white coffee' which was soo good and frothy that I thought the waittress may have given me a cappuccino by accident but it was in fact good quality Colombian coffee with steamed milk. Great stuff. They also make brunch cocktails but they're not on the menu (yet!) so do inquire if that's your kinda thing.

Beyond brunch they do 2 types of ceviche (shrimp and fish) and have a variety of Peruvian, Colombian and other South American dishes that sound amazing, which means I'll probably have to go back several times to try everything that I wanna :)

Check out my review of Sabor Restaurant Ltd - I am CaribQueen - on Qype

Hommina hommina...

Three and a half months in London, every week reminding myself that I had planned to blog about every new and exciting place, food, drink or other experience I have across the pond from NYC. Granted I've been reviewing most of the interesting restaurants, bars, cafes etc that I've visited here in London and in travels to Dublin, Barcelona, Zurich, Athens and the Greek islands so far, but the blog that I mentally write as I'm walking about, waiting for a train or what have you, has not been posted for the www to see until today. And what prompted this first blog post you ask?

My run-ins with a few crazies lately, that's what! Nevermind the beautiful buildings, bridges, and parks or interesting museums, monuments, and food that I've had the delight to experience for months now; clearly these were not enough to get me (physically) blogging. What did it for me was an uncomfortable 7 minutes sitting next to a lunatic on the W4 as he was leaning forward into other peoples ears mumbling what scarily sounded like 'homminahomminahomdinahomdina' and alternately having a jolly good dialogue with himself, indecipherable to ordinary humans you see, but apparently very amusing, upsetting, consoling and disgruntled, in random rotation. I boarded the bus and prayed for said psychopath a) not to get on the same bus, and b) if he did not to sit near me. This after observing him approaching a young bloke on the street and mumbling crazy nothingness a mere 2 inches from dude's face. My prayers were not answered on either count, and I grimaced (internally of course) as he plunked down next to me, his one crutch going tumbling for the 8th time since I first spotted him. I stayed pressed up to the side of the bus as I was on the inside seat, defensive reflexes set to Orange just in case, and finally decided to diplomatically get up early and feign unfamiliarity with my correct stop in order to make my non-offensive escape from someone that may have been looking for any reason to select his next victim.

Ironically, I had been waiting patiently for this bus way up yonder in North London that would take me home to my single room and lots of loud Polish non-arguments, (mentally) blogging about the wonders of London's bus and other public transport systems where everything is properly timed, where promises are made public on LCD screens, and things magically remain on schedule for what seems like 95% of the time. That blog post that was never to be written would have presented a thorough compare and contrast of the London transport system versus the 24-hr but otherwise generally disastrous MTA system in NYC.

Alas, said work of art is destined to remain unborn as I still need to document the other crazyman I encountered on the way to work today, screaming misogynistic, racial, anarchichal and generally unhappy words at the masses of worker bees exiting Victoria tube station. I've found Londoners to be a more reserved and (i dare say) polite lot in comparison to the stereotypically loud and... let's call it 'outspoken' New Yorkers that I love and hate. Needless to say, it was almost comforting to hear the rantings of a somewhat crazy person that I see much more often in NYC, versus the really crazy person from last night that I was worried would pull a rusty spoon from his pocket and try to stab me on a crowded bus. Good thing I had just secured some Spanish table wine by Sainsbury's ("for the table, not the cellar") just before my journey home. But I won't blog about it as much as nurse it until I fly back to NY, next week!!