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Food & Drink

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Food & Drink

What to Eat, See and Do in Cape Town

Caught between a windswept white shoreline and cloud-clung Table Mountain, cosmopolitan Cape Town deserves a spot on every millennial’s must-visit list. Table Mountain may dominate the natural scenery but The Mother City isn’t one to be left dwindling in its shadow, boasting design-savvy boutiques, local art galleries, colourful inner-city suburbs and world-renowned restaurants alongside an inspiringly sobering rich cultural heritage. Better yet, its easy to experience on a relative budget thanks to the continued strength of the pound against the rand. With so much on offer, the only question is where to start – here’s #TeamCoco’s guide to what to eat see and do in this super-cool South African city.

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EAT (and drink, of course)

  • Bree Street: The hip place to drink in town
  • The Secret Gin Bar: Go up to the door of a small confectionery called Honest Chocolate on Wale Street and the security will let you in.
  • The Harbour House Restaurant: The prettiest seaside restaurant in Kalk Bay with some of the best seafood we’ve ever had (also has a branch at the V & A Waterfront
  • The Test Kitchen: Chef Luke Dale Robert’s restaurant has been voted among the best in the Southern Hemisphere and doesn’t disappoint –The Pot Luck Club is their sister restaurant if you struggle to get a booking.
  • Beau Constantia: For wine tasting and sensational views overlooking False Bay close to town.
  • Kloof Street House: A fairy-lit garden, eclectic interiors in an old Victorian house at the foot of vibrant Kloof Street.
  • Reverie Social Table: Social dining around an 18 seat table in the quirky neighbourhood of Observatory.
  • Mzolis: An open-air authentic braai (South African BBQ) located in Gugulethu, a vibrant township 11 miles from Cape Town.
  • The Codfather: A stellar seafood restaurant in Camps Bay where you pick your fish fresh from the counter.
  • The Hussar Grill: For unbelievable steak, if you’re having your own braai you can also buy it here.
  • Company’s Garden: A great spot for lunch in South Africa’s oldest park.

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SEE

  • Boulders Beach: where you can paddle with penguins! #TeamCoco top tip – don’t pay for entry to the park, there are penguins on the surrounding beaches too and you won’t have to do battle with selfie sticks to see them.
  • Camps Bay: The perfect place for sundowners overlooking the beach with views of the Twelve Apostles.
  • Bakoven Beach: A secret local beach hidden away near Camps Bay.
  • Kalk Bay: for seaside cafes and unbelievable seafood
  • Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens: Beautiful botanical gardens right under Table Mountain – they also host summer concerts.
  • V & A Waterfront: Touristy, but a great place to shop.
  • Private Galleries: Check out some of the private galleries in town – exhibition openings with free drinks are usually on Wednesday evenings.
  • Cape Point National Park: Just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, this nature reserve boasts buck, Cape mountain zebra and baboons.
  • Bo-Kaap: A wonderfully colourful Cape Malay neighbourhood to be explored.

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DO

  • Take a trip to the nearby Winelands: Constantia is the closest in the heart of the city
  • Visit Robben Island: One of South Africa’s most important historical sights, the island prison where political prisoners were formerly incarcerated including Nelson Mandela.
  • Climb Table Mountain: A 3-hour hike up Kasteelsport will bring you to the summit on foot (word of warning, this is gruelling but worth it for the views!) – there’s also the option to take the cable car.
  • Hike Little Lions Head: The perfect place to watch the sun rise or set, or simply paraglide off the top – there’s no better way to see the city.
  • Respect water restrictions: The city has recently suffered from the worst drought in its history and water restrictions are still very much in place. While tourists make up a very small percentage of the usage – make sure to respect the restrictions and use water sparingly.
  • Explore Woodstock: The hipster capital of Cape Town – perfect for craft beer or coffee and some cool street art.
  • Visit District 6 Museum: An insight into the Apartheid era

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Flamingo croquet, cronuts and an East London rooftop? It must be the weekend of the Chambord Chapter Eight Games  

Here at #TeamCoco we love a good pop-up…and when cocktails and cronuts are involved then we absolutely have to try it out. So we sent our writer, Rachael Lindsay, along to the opening night of the Chambord Chapter Eight Games to give flamingo croquet a go and to tackle a towering cronut cone…

Climbing the seemingly endless steps to the top of Dalston Roof Park, I’m not sure what to expect when I reach the top. When we finally arrive, the views are stunning – you can just about see the bright lights of Canary Wharf and the City in either direction – and the rooftop is filled with exciting, and slightly mad, things for us to explore.

A word about the theme: it is inspired by the eighth chapter of Alice in Wonderland where the Queen of Hearts plays croquet with live flamingos and yells ‘off with his head’ at all around her – so go expecting an evening verging on the ridiculous; but don’t worry, you’re unlikely to come across any beheadings. Oh, and as Chambord is French, there is also a French twist to it all.

We begin by trying two delicious Chambord cocktails at the bar, one classy Chambord Royale and a fruity martini, complete with floating raspberry. The bar itself is a sight to behold, with canary-yellow phone handsets hanging from the ceiling, and bar staff wearing suitably French Breton stripes.

We try our hand at the Chambord Games, which is a little like crazy golf crossed with croquet, and of course an upturned flamingo adorns each mallet (presumably live flamingos, Queen of Hearts-style, wouldn’t be firm enough to give the ball a proper thwack). I must admit, this is my first time playing croquet, so my aim isn’t always the best. But we’re charmed by the hoops in the shape of ice creams, fluorescent trumpet obstacles and pretty Chambord bottles.

With all that sport, we are ready for some food. Luckily, Le Bun is on hand serving up their indulgent French-American burgers and Cronut kings, Dum Dum Donutterie, have a stall of unspeakably sugary delights.

We devour messy but glorious Double Truffle burgers with aged brisket patties and truffled veal jam. Followed of course by a divine crone tower of fruit, chocolate and ice cream, all topped with a buttercream-filled cronut.

Dubbed by some as offering the best cronuts in London, I will be desperate to go along to Dum Dum Donutteries’ outlet in Shoreditch’s Box Park to try some of their other varieties. At least when I’ve recovered from the intense sugar hit of this Zebra chocolate crone.

My advice to you Londoners out there: get to the Chapter Eight Games in Dalston’s Roof Top Park this weekend, from 3pm onwards on Saturday and Sunday, especially if the sun is shining. Tickets for just £7.50 include a glass of Chambord Royale and a round of flamingo croquet. Make like the Queen of Hearts, mes chéris.

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#CocoVegan: The Montagu Kitchen’s Moving Mountains Burger, London

This one is for all of those brave #veganuary souls out there who have successfully made it through the meat-free month so far… but who might be craving a meaty burger more than ever. Rachael Lindsay is one of the first to try the Moving Mountains Burger at The Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill in their restaurant of classic British fare, The Montagu Kitchen. Let’s see what she made of it.

I am not going to lie, it can sometimes be hard to eat plant-based when you are a big fan of fine dining, as I am. Especially when it comes to restaurants which feature classic British dishes. The vegans tend to be left with a bland veggie sandwich or plain salad. Cue sad face emoji.

However, I am excited to say that this Veganuary has not only brought us new vegan dishes from well-known chains like Greggs and Pizza Hut. But the fine dining restaurants that we know and love here at #TeamCoco are also getting in on the act. The latest contender to put on a vegan menu for the month of January is The Montagu Kitchen with a three-course medley of vegan delights.

Located in Marylebone with dishes inspired by the gardens at Chartwell, the private home of Sir Winston Churchill, the usual menu includes seasonal specials like Devonshire lamb, guinea fowl breast, whole dover sole and dry-aged beef tenderloin. So I was surprised to hear that they were producing a dedicated vegan menu, also inspired by Churchill and his former residence.

We start with a rose lemonade complete with edible rose petals and a tasty Jerusalem artichoke and black truffle soup served with warm herby bread. The soup manages to be both light and earthy, a nice prep for the more hearty main of a Moving Mountains burger with chips.

OK so this is the main event. The burger patty itself is made of 100% plants: coconut oil for fattiness, beetroot juice for a ‘bleed’ at the centre and plant proteins like pea and mushroom for a meaty flavour and texture. To be honest, for someone like me who has been vegan for some time, it is almost creepily similar to meat! My partner who is an avid meat-eater says that he wouldn’t know the difference between this and a beef patty if he closes his eyes. In true Montagu Kitchen style, the burger’s BBQ sauce is made with Churchill’s favourite whisky, Jonnie Walker and slices of grilled courgettes from Chartwell Gardens. It comes with some delicious chunky chips which I devour with ketchup (yes ketchup is vegan!).

Although we certainly don’t have enough room for pudding, we manage to fit in a huge slice of vegan chocolate and coconut cake for dessert. This is a melt-in-the-mouth beauty and I eat all of my generous slice, washed down with some more of that rose lemonade.

The Montagu Kitchen is both a relaxed and elegant space with velvet chairs embossed with floral motifs, reminiscent of the Chartwell Gardens, an open kitchen and attentive and friendly staff. For such high quality food, the new vegan set menu is excellent value at £25 for three courses over lunch or dinner.

For those who need a burger fix and/or a fine dining treat to get through Veganuary, The Montagu Kitchen and its meaty meat-free burger is your answer.

To find out more, visit themontagukitchen.co.uk.

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A Night at the Museum with Westin Maldives Miriandhoo

Last month, we got to spend a night at the museum in celebration of Westin Maldives Miriandhoo. Underneath the Hope the Whale in the Natural History Museum, we got to experience all of the amazing new treats that the Westin Maldives Miriandhoo has to offer. From some fresh seasonal fare, a pop-up massage bar, a tropical flower crown making workshop — and of course, a lot of coconut themed cocktails.

On a rainy November evening, we found ourselves at the Natural History Museum for a night we won’t soon forget. After arriving at the jetty in the fossils of Britain hall and a few cheeky coconut rums at the Fossil Way, we made our way to the museum’s iconic Hintze Hall, which has been utterly transformed into a whimsical tropical paradise by Westin Maldives Miriandhoo.

Located in Maldives only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Westin Maldives is the epitome of Eco-luxury and conversation, and so the beautiful set-up under the Blue Whale couldn’t be more apt.

Each corner of the beautiful Hintze Hall was transformed into different immersive stations that celebrated a different aspect of Westin Maldives’s “Sleep Well, Move Well, Eat Well, Feel Well, Play Well and Work well,” philosophy. We immediately rushed to the mobile massage station, where we ‘Felt well’, jumped into the sleep station where we ‘Slept Well’ and took arial selfies on one of the Westin Maldives actual beds, ‘Ate well’ by sampling a tasting menu of vibrant island themed canapés, ‘Drank well’ as we sipped on some bubbles, ‘Moved well’ into the flower crown making station, and ‘Played well’ to the performance of Riff Shop – a sax, percussion, and DJ Trio that helped us dance the night away.

If you missed this fabulous evening, don’t fret — you can still book a flight to the Westin Maldives Miriandhoo and experience all of its wonders firsthand.

https://www.marriott.com

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Tastes of Tulum and authentic Mexico at Cantina Laredo

If you’ve ever been to Mexico you will know what I mean when I say the food is off the scale. I was lucky enough to spend some time there last year and got to sample some of the best Mexican cuisine. I’ve got to be honest, since then I’ve not eaten much Mexican food as I always end up feeling short changed and disappointed, even something as simple as guacamole has never quite hit the mark. That was until I went to Cantina Laredo, a vibrant Mexican restaurant in the heart of Covent Garden.

Cantina Laredo has a contemporary vibe and sophisticated approach to Mexican food. This is reflected in the minimal décor, snug booths, tall tables and bar seating are all complimented by low lighting. An independent restaurant, it is owned by the Ginsberg family who are dedicated to creating an authentic modern Mexican experience. Tarryn Ginsberg has teamed up with one of Mexico City’s culinary experts, Roberto De la Parra to create an informal sharing menu that takes diners on a journey through Mexico’s diverse regional cuisines.

The menu is full of Mexican staples and bites all bursting with bold intense flavours using high quality ingredients. We went for the bottomless brunch menu, it’s good value and has plenty of choice unlike some brunch menus.

As soon as our drinks arrive our waiter sets up a trolley beside the table and starts mixing from scratch plump Hass avocados with red onion, tomatoes, lime juice and coriander creating their classic guacamole – it’s simple, creamy and fresh and tastes so good, I’m instantly taken back to a Tulum beach bar. Cantina Laredo has their own dedicated guacamole bar, it’s not gimmicky, it’s awesome. Their in-house “Guacamaestro” will create right in front of you a one of a kind guacamole to suit your taste. Some of the combinations on the menu includes Grasshoppers with Grilled Avocados, Creamy Blue Cheese with Almonds and Pineapple with Pomegranate Seeds.

I was tempted to eat my way through the guacamole menu and had to restrain myself, instead I opt for the Crispy Chicken Tacos with chile de arbol cream. These crunchy little morsels were delicious and packed a punch with plenty of filling and flavour. I then went on to try the Brochetas de Arrachera. Fiery, tender skewers of skirt steak bathed in sweet Mexican soy and chile de arbol meant every bite varied in heat. Pudding was a highlight for me, a squidgy, rich chocolate, pecan and walnut brownie served with a sizzling agave vanilla butter and velvety vanilla ice cream.

There’s a buzz about the place, the Tequila bar slowly fills up with groups bustling to sample the signature margaritas and cocktails. Certified ‘Tequilistas’ are on hand to guide you through the unique tequila infusion menu. There’s an array of 100% blue agave tequilas and a range of Mezcals to choose from and the Cantina Laredo ethos, is ‘sip, don’t slam’. I try the Del Maguey Mezcal, at 49% it’s not for the faint hearted and not my thing but the margaritas are to die for.

If you’re after an authentic, modern taste of Mexico then Cantina Laredo is worth a visit.
To book at table visit www.cantinalaredo.co.uk or call 020 7420 0630.

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Beauty

JetAirways: How To Stay Refreshed on Long Haul Flights

Long-haul flights can often leave you feeling worse for wear, but fear not, we’ve enlisted the help of Priyanka Chawla, a Jet Airways flight attendant, to give her top tips on how to survive a marathon-worthy plane journey, ensuring that you look and feel your best when you finally reach your destination.

1. Stay hydrated

Air travel can sometimes be incredibly dehydrating so it’s important to drink as much water as possible. Whilst there’s not a recommended number of litres you should drink whilst onboard, it’s suggested that you should exceed your recommended daily amount. Don’t be afraid to grab your nearest flight attendant and ask for a glass or two!

2. Keep your skin hydrated too

On the subject of hydration, not only is it important to keep your thirst at bay, but you also need to keep your skin full of moisture too. With the air in cabins being recycled, pressurised air can leave your skin feeling rough and dry, so be sure to carry all the essentials, such as hand lotion and lip balm.

3. Avoid coffee

Getting as much sleep as possible on a flight is a sure-fire way to making sure you’re alert and awake when you reach your destination, allowing you to begin exploring as soon as you touch down. Caffeine is a stimulant, not only will it keep you awake, but it can make you irritable, so swap your regular Latte for a Green Tea, which will calm any pre-flight stresses and help make your journey even more enjoyable.

4. Don’t forget noise cancelling headphones

There is nothing worse than the roar of an aeroplane engine, the sound of a crying baby or the chit-chat of passengers around you when you’re trying to get some downtime. To avoid unwanted interruptions to your well-deserved beauty sleep, make sure you bring noise cancelling headphones. While they won’t drown out all noise, they’ll certainly help you on your way to the land of nod.

5. Bring on the eye mask

Although they are not the most attractive accessory, an eye mask will protect your eyes from any unwanted light and help you sleep. Don’t keep it on for the whole flight though, you wouldn’t want to miss a beautiful sunrise or stunning sunset en-route to your destination.

6. Dress for the journey

In the words of Coco Chanel, ‘Every day is a fashion show and the world is the runway’, and selecting the right outfit is key, so plan ahead! Look stylish in the departures lounge without being uncomfortable on the plane by packing your favourite loungewear in your hand luggage. Once on board and ready to relax you can opt for a quick change to make sure your nine-hour flight as comfortable as possible.

7. Go minimal with makeup

As the saying goes, less is more and this certainly applies to your make-up look when flying. Minimal makeup will leave you looking polished whilst feeling fresher for longer onboard. Concealer, tinted lip balm and a swipe of waterproof mascara and you’re good to go.

8. Choose your in-flight meals carefully

You’re four and a half hours into a nine-hour flight and the temptation is there to opt for a rich, carb filled meal, but DON’T! This will make you feel tired, sluggish and full of regret. Instead, opt for a healthier option with minimal salt, your skin will thank you after. Don’t forget your travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste kit to keep your breath minty fresh throughout your journey too.

Jet Airways, India’s premier international airline, flies daily from London Heathrow to Delhi, three times daily to Mumbai. Visit JetAirways online for more info.

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Freakishly Fun October Food & Drink Round-up

As the cosy season brings autumnal vibes it also brings lots of delicious food and drink launches. You’ll find drinks aplenty, hearty food, sweet treats, a cookbook about vegan roasts, and a nod to the forthcoming festivities in our October food and drink round-up.

Buckle up, fill your glass with your favourite tipple, and dish up some snacks. It’s time to see what’s new in the world of food and drink!

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Plenish, Barista M*lks

The new range from Plenish is the UK’s only Barista m*lks range that are free from added oils and additives, and includes Oat, Almond, and Soya m*lks. Available from Tesco and Plenish Drinks, £2.40 – £2.75.

The Turmeric Co., Self-Shots

Exclusive-to-Sainsbury’s ‘self-shot’ bottles contain a week’s worth of shots, allowing households to share the immunity-boosting benefits of The Turmeric Co. Available in Raw Turmeric and Ginger, and Raw Turmeric Vitamin C and D3. From Sainsbury’s, £1.95 (60ml shot).

Booze

O’Donnell Moonshine, Roasted Apple

Specialists in spirits and liqueurs, Manchester’s very own O’Donnell Moonshine has produced a fruity and sweet apple liquor with notes of almond, vanilla and cinnamon. If this doesn’t scream autumnal flavours then I don’t know what does. From O’Donnell Moonshine, £26.90 (700ml).

Flor de Caña, 12-year old Rum

Envelop the essence of joy in every sip as you indulge in this exceptionally smooth and ultra-premium Flor de Caña 12-Year-Old Rum. Crafted with love from an 1890 family-owned estate, it’s made sustainably, distilled with 100% renewable energy, and naturally aged in bourbon barrels without artificial ingredients or sugar. From Waitrose, £37 (70cl).

Savoury Food

Warrendale Wagyu, Wagyu Beef Sausages

The UK’s leading producer of Wagyu beef, Warrendale Wagyu in Yorkshire just launched a rich and decadent gourmet sausage to beat all other sausages. Available in both Original and Horseradish and made with 90% and 86% premium British wagyu Beef, dairy and gluten free. Available from Waitrose, £6 (400g pack).

Pollen & Grace, Festive Stuffing and Winter Veg Wrap

Limited Edition Pollen & Grace wrap with mushroom, onion and sage stuffing, red cabbage slaw, roasted red onion, butternut squash, spinach, and cranberry sauce. Available from 30th October at Sainsbury’s, £4.25.

Sweet Treats

Toblerone, Truffles

Famous for its iconic pyramid shape throughout its 115-year history, Toblerone Truffles marks the first time that the brand is expanding into a new, diamond shape.

The new luxurious chocolate has a smooth, velvety truffle centre, with crunchy bits of nougat and almond. Available at all supermarkets across the UK, £6.09 (180g box).

Crosstown Doughnuts, Halloween Flavours

With spooky season fast approaching, Crosstown has launched its limited-editions for Halloween. Two full-size doughnut flavours have been crafted, both vegan. Bewitching Berry – Black cocoa dough, filled with homemade raspberry jam, topped with dark berry and vanilla glaze, hand-finished with ghoulish decorations.

Dark Chocolate Truffle – vegan sourdough, filled with indulgent dark chocolate truffle, coated in dark chocolate ganache, and finished with a spooky bat decoration. From Crosstown, £27.95 (6 or 12 doughnuts).

Crème London, Christmas Cookies

October sees the release of a new Caramel Salé (salted caramel) & Milk Chocolate cookie, and a new Chestnut Cream & White Chocolate cookie launches in December. Delivered in a collectable iconic red cookie box, Crème London Cookies-on-Demand delivery service is available nationwide now. £24 – £40 (6 or 12 cookies).

Doughlicious, Sweet & Salty Popcorn Dough-Chi

Introducing Sweet and Salty Popcorn Dough·Chi! Striking the perfect balance of flavours, handcrafted melt-in-the-mouth vanilla cookie dough is wrapped around sweet and salty ice cream and rolled in a crunchy popcorn crumb. Available from Tesco, £4.50 (6 x balls per box).

Cookbook

Romy London, The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Roasts

Romina Callwitz, aka Romy has put ingenious roasts back on the table for vegans in her new book. Full of plant-based pot roasts, Wellingtons, meatloaves and more, she also created sauces including Red Wine Gravy, Brandy Peppercorn Sauce, and Lemon and Tarragon Cashew Cream.

Her recipes cleverly pack in vegetables and protein, making them as healthy and delicious as traditional roasts. Available from Amazon, £16.99.

The Nitty Gritty

Want to know what we cover here at House of Coco Magazine? From a food and drink perspective we’ve featured top brunch spots in New York, the most famous restaurant in London, and the best fine dining in Leeds. Plus, so much more.

We are passionate about all things Travel, Fashion, Interiors and Beauty.

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Accessories

Santa Barbara: Why Hollywood is Flocking to The American Riviera

You might be wondering why Hollywood heavyweights like Kevin Costner and Oprah Winfrey choose to live in Santa Barbara County rather than Los Angeles. And even the likes of Harry and Meghan have chosen to call Montecito home. Much like the French Riviera, the small-city, Mayberry coastal setting is an irresistible attraction. It is popular with surfing aficionados, culture vultures and wine enthusiasts. However, paparazzi are rarely spotted in the region. In this article, we examine why Santa Barbara is ready to blossom, not just for celebrities but for the international tourism scene.

World-class hotels

Hollywood royalty adores discreet five-star hotels and it is no surprise you’ll see the likes of Jane Lynch and Michael Keaton falling in love with Hotel Californian. The ornate Spanish colonial revival architecture along with the Moorish interior from celebrity designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard is a magnet for celebrities. The Mirador Rooftop Deck, which offers panoramic 360-degree views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean is a crowning jewel of the hotel. All of the surrounding buildings are three storeys or lower due to changed building laws post-1925. The stunning Majorelle spa is equally popular with Majorelle blue tiles that are often found in Moroccan designs

The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara is the place for celebrity weddings. Hollywood couples who have celebrated their wedding there include Nick Carter and Lauren Kitt, Fergie and Josh Duhamel, and Travis Barker and Shanna Moakler. The hotel is just slightly outside of downtown Santa Barbara and tucked away on 78 acres of land overlooking the Pacific to offer that seclusion and privacy celebrities require. You can appreciate the beauty of the surroundings by going on a nature hike along the Chumash Nature Trail. They have one of the finest steakhouses in the region with Angel Oak and their newest opening, Bacara Wine Tasting Room is attracting countless plaudits.

Funk Zone

The area by the waterfront has risen like a phoenix from the ashes in recent years. Evolving from decrepit warehouses to the trendiest district of Santa Barbara, it is now home to countless wine-tasting rooms, gourmet restaurants and art galleries. Wine appreciation rather than mere wine consumption is the name of the game here. You are very likely to encounter one of the Baldwin brothers at The Society: State & Mason, the newest wine-tasting room in the zone. Exquisite wines are either paired with tapas-style dishes or innovative truffles from Jessica Foster. Madras curry-flavoured milk chocolate anyone?

The trendy restaurants are equally in demand in this part of town. Blackbird Restaurant pays homage to one of Hollywood’s greatest directors, Alfred Hitchcock, with subtle nods including a photo with Alfred Hitchcock and a seagull on one shoulder and a blackbird on the other. The menu passionately supports local produce from Santa Barbara spiny lobster to Hope Ranch mussels. The cocktails from renowned mixologist Devon Espinosa are not to be missed. On the border of the Funk Zone, you’ll find upscale Mexican cuisine at Santo Mezcal and a meat lover’s paradise at the retro-decorated, Rare Society.

Ganna Walska Lotusland

If Willy Wonka was in the botanical industry instead of confectionery, this is precisely what he might have created. 37 acres of the most fantastical gardens and stunning architecture. Ganna Walska, who used to own the estate until she died in 1984 (aged 96), used to call herself the ‘head gardener’ and ‘enemy of the average’. It is one of the top five gardens in the world in terms of comprehensiveness. The attractions range from the immaculately pruned Japanese Garden to the imposing cactus garden to the priceless cycad garden with plants that date back to the Jurassic period. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are known to be regular visitors and live close by.

Eclectic Museums and attractions

For a city of under 89,000 inhabitants, the museum-to-local population ratio is extremely high. One of their finest is the Santa Barbara Museum of Art . With around 25,000 pieces of distinguished artwork that span over 5,000 years of human creativity, it is no surprise over 150,000 visitors flock to the museum every year. They often have special pop-up exhibitions that highlight lesser-known, yet deserving artists such as Joan Tanner. Her outlandish sculptures made of plastic corrugated roofing sheets, re-bar, cast concrete etc. were displayed earlier in the year. The museum even has Oscar links, thanks to Christopher Plummer who famously won a well-deserved Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in “Beginners”. In the film, he played Paul Chadbourne Mills who was the director of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and came out as gay later in life at the age of 75.

For family-orientated experiences, there is MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation. The ultra-immersive installations will get your scientific brain motivated whether you are 8 or 80 and is popular with celebrities like Julie Bowen. A visit to historic Stearns Wharf is a must where you’ll find the equally interactive Sea Center. There you can touch an exotic array of marine life from sharks to rays to sea stars. To explore the rich history of the city, there is the Old Mission dating back to 1786, when the Church was building its presence in the area through these settlements. The graceful charm of the Mission has earned it the nickname “Queen of the Missions”. There is also a historic cemetery and mausoleum, a nine-room museum of classical artwork and artefacts, and numerous lush gardens.

Quirky experiences

With the philanthropic nature of the locals, you will be unsurprised to find a cat therapy cafe in the city centre. You can visit for an hour and play with 15-20 free-roaming rescue cats. They also sell apparel as well as help their resident cats find a forever, loving home. Not far away, you’ll find Salt cave Santa Barbara, the largest in North America. There are numerous therapeutic benefits to resting in their crystal cave rooms lined with pink Himalayan salt.

https://santabarbaraca.com/

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A boutique experience to savour in Athens

A trip to Athens is perfect for those who enjoy artisan shops, independent restaurants and boutique hotels. It is a multi-faceted city where you don’t have to plan your trip but still have plenty to do if you are based in downtown Athens.

They have a dazzling array of shopping experiences from concept stores to historic shops. One place that should be high on your list of places to visit is The Naxos Apothecary. It is the oldest herbal pharmacy in Athens.

The exposed labs will immediately attract your attention. You can observe the preparation of herbal remedies, face creams and fragrances. The Korres products you are likely to find in your home countries. However, the tailor-made face creams and bath products of The Naxos Apothecary product collection are worth purchasing. They feature a set of five fragrances inspired and named after some of the most breathtaking villages of Naxos.

Next door to the apothecary is the newly opened xenodocheio Milos boutique hotel. It is the perfect base for you to explore the city, being a short walk away from Syntagma Square. It’s the Athens equivalent of Trafalgar Square. It is the first luxury hotel from the world-renowned restaurant group, estiatorio Milos. They’ve offered elevated Greek cuisine specialising in seafood since 1979 when it was founded in Montreal.

The hotel oozes effortless elegance from the moment you step out of your car in front of the hotel. It is a 19th-century neo-classical building that was designated a landmark building by the Ministry of Culture in 1979. It is situated opposite the Old Parliament House which is now the National History Museum.

The rooms have a serene minimalist style and soothing wooden panelling that are reminiscent of Nobu Hotels. Even though they have 43 rooms only. It’s sub-divided into nine categories from your entry-level classic room to the neoclassical apartment, that is the Milos signature suite. Most of the rooms enjoy mesmerising views of the Old Parliament House or Lycabettus Hill. The summit of the latter is the highest point in central Athens.

They make exceptional use of the window area by creating a cushioned nook area, which is perfect for reading a book whilst admiring the flow of Athenians in the downtown area.

Only the very best amenities will do at xenodocheio Milos. You’ll find Simmons luxury mattresses, a Nespresso coffee machine, and an Alessi Kettle Machine. You won’t be surprised to find the toiletries are made exclusively for the hotel by The Naxos Apothecary next door. They even provide dental kits which is a rarity at most 5-star hotels.

Even though the mini-bar isn’t complimentary, it is well worth trying out the handpicked treats on display. They include Popy’s gourmet popcorn, luxury Leonidas milk chocolate and a dry “Enotria” red from the Douloufakis Winery.

You can’t talk of their hotel without mentioning their outstanding restaurant. They have branches throughout the world including London, New York and Miami. The clean design of the restaurant works perfectly with the rest of the hotel. It was designed by renowned architects, Divercity Architects.

Prominent in the design is an artist’s interpretation of a fisherman’s net on the ceiling. That is a gentle clue to the main focus of their restaurant: supremely fresh seafood. The menu includes signature dishes such as whole fish baked in sea salt and lobster from Nova Scotia either grilled or served with pasta Athenian style.

Even the breakfast buffet is filled with Greek delights. You are served with fresh juice and a break basket including Koulouri, the iconic Greek sesame bread ring. The buffet station has the signature spanakopita. The eggs of your choice cooked to order are served with local tomatoes, cheese and a smattering of olives.

Service is attentive yet discreet and you never have to wait long for any dishes to arrive. They truly embody the Greek philosophy of ‘philoxenia’, which means an act of hospitableness and welcome. Note the in-room dining is 24 hrs and carried out by the kitchen team from estiatorio Milos.

They do offer an ELEMIS SPA Suite, which is all about ‘evexia’, the Greek word for well-being. Their deeply relaxing aromatherapy massage will unwind any modern-day stresses within 60 minutes. They use Mediterranean essential oils including extracts of bitter orange, cardamon and ginger.

The massage begins with inhalation exercises and ends with a mist of Aloe Vera sprayed over the body. I would strongly recommend booking in advance as they only have one SPA suite.

Alternative dining options in the area are in abundance. Most are independently run restaurants that offer a wide variety of cuisines.
Asian food is particularly well-represented in the area.

You can enjoy comforting ramen at So so so! on Apollonos Street and in fact, most of the neighbouring restaurants offer Asian cuisine. If you want high-quality yet casual-dining sushi, there is Akira Japanese restaurant. If you fancy some aromatic Vietnamese food, there is Hanoi Vietnamese restaurant. And finally, baos are all the rage in Athens. You can enjoy very affordable baos at Thess Bao with unusual combinations like their mushroom ‘gyros’ which is served with cannabis oil.

Athens is a truly vibrant city bursting with individuality. Make sure you check out my recommendations when you are next in Greece.

For more information on the hotel, please visit –

https://www.xenodocheiomilos.com/

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United Kingdom

Galvin at Windows: Dining in the Clouds

London boasts a plethora of dynamic rooftop restaurants in the city centre. One that has stood the test of time is Galvin at Windows. Being situated on the 28th floor of the historic London Hilton on Park Lane, you won’t be surprised to find unimpeded views of London’s fascinating skyline.

Chef Patron is Chris Galvin. Along with his brother Jeff, they’ve dominated the London restaurant scene for years with their Michelin-starred cooking skills at restaurants like Galvin La Chapelle. They famously opened the Wolseley restaurant in 2003 and Chris had already earned his first Michelin star at the Orrery back in the year 2000.

At Galvin at Windows, he has appointed talented Marc Hardiman as head chef. Marc had perfected his skills at the Ritz as Senior Sous Chef. Interestingly, Chris had worked as a commis chef at the Ritz back in the day.

With such power-packed CVs, you wouldn’t be surprised to find the food at Galvin at Windows is remarkably polished. Service is attentive yet discreet from the moment you step into the restaurant.

A great way to experience their menu is to try their Sunday lunch menu. For the quality of food and service and the views on offer, it is very reasonably priced at £59 per person for 3 courses. It is available from 12 pm to 3 pm every Sunday lunch.

Furthermore, they are dishes you readily pay a premium for, as the ingenious combination of ingredients is unlikely to be recreated at home. Think locally sourced Halibut paired with St Austell Museels, yuzu kosho, nori, Champagne and rose. It is rightfully decadent as you would expect dining at a rooftop restaurant in the heart of Park Lane.

Dishes I would recommend trying include a beautifully sweet heritage tomato salad. It has a beautiful zestiness due to the addition of ponzu dressing and has some weighty substance with the presence of moreish goats curd.

Their beef carpaccio was a delightful surprise. It had a real depth of flavour due to the fact it has been dry aged and they used the finest quality black Angus. It was very cleverly paired with artichokes, mustard seeds and a smoked egg yolk for added complexity.

Enhanced flavours were also the order of the day with the main courses. Cornish Brill had an extra umami kick with the inclusion of Porthilly oysters and coastal herbs. The extra ingredients are always given careful consideration on how they can enhance and support the main act.

They had a very healthy take on the classic lasagne. The ‘lasagne’ sheets were made with celeriac whilst the filling was stuffed with meaty confit king oyster mushrooms. There was a hint of truffle used, but it was never overpowering. This is very much unlike less celebrated restaurants, which often use truffles to compensate for a lack of flavour in their dishes.

The highlight of their not-to-be-missed dessert section is the blackcurrant soufflé. Blackcurrants are incredibly underrepresented in fine dining menus. They have high levels of Vitamin C and antioxidants. The soufflé rose to just the right height and it had the perfect smooth consistency inside. It was paired with a delectable cheesecake ice cream and topped with crème de cassis to add to the blackcurrant notes.

Pairing the right ingredients to enhance the flavours is also evident in most of the other desserts on the menu. Case in point is the exquisitely executed white chocolate and blackberry crème brûlée. They’ve included a blackberry sorbet, so the tart and sweet notes come through even stronger. The texture was silky smooth along with the requisite crunchy topping. The dessert was finished off with a muscovado sugar shortbread.

When booking your table, check which side of the restaurant you might be sitting on. For example, when we visited for Sunday lunch recently, it was particularly glaring on the Hyde Park side. I would recommend booking for the Oxford Street side of the restaurant for Sunday lunch. You will still enjoy spectacular views of the London topography.

If you want a great recommendation for an apéritif or digestif, do check out their neighbouring bar, 10 Degrees Sky Bar. They offer some highly innovative cocktails and you can still admire the stunning views from the 28th floor.

For more information on the restaurant, please visit –

https://www.galvinatwindows.com/

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