It goes without saying that Sicilian cooking is well known and loved and Zoom East; renowned chef Vittorio Meli’s first London opening, is a little slice of Sicily where classic dishes have been rejuvenated and familiar staples given a unique twist.
Contemporary, vibrant and welcoming and with a dining orangery and courtyard covered in greenery, Zoom East is as pretty as they come as far as restaurants go. We were especially pleased to discover that the Sicilian charm extends to the attentive staff and stunning food.
Strong earthy flavours and locally sourced ingredients are what give the menu at Zoom East their character. Speak to your waiter about choosing a wine to complement the dishes and you’re in for a memorable dining experience.
Kick off your meal with a bowl of fatty bite size slices of the Lipare salame that’s been matured for 50 days and flavored with salt and pistachios. We recommend you order this along with the signature juicy Nocellera olives, smothered in a moorish dill, garlic and chilli marinade. Tear into the breadbasket of focaccia and grissini, and use it to mop up the juices from the olive oil, parsley, rosemary and chilli drenched artichoke confit.
From the small plates on the menu, we guarantee that the deeply cheesy bubbling hot aubergine parmigiana will disappear in seconds. Make up for this by ordering the saffron and blue cheese arancini that oozes with a nutty crunch. It would be remiss to ignore the quintessentially Sicilian sardine rolls stuffed with parmesan, orange raisins and pine nuts.
For your mains, save room for the “Guazetto Di Pesce”, a comforting seafood stew of Cornish hake, olives, potato, capers and pear which is a nod to the influence of North African dishes on Sicilian cuisine. The grilled octopus nestled on a creamy bed of preserved lemon sauce, monk’s beard and crispy chickpeas is also impossible to resist.
For pudding you’ll want to try the overly creamy panna cotta which is as buttery and wobbly as it should be. As for pistachio ice cream? Could well be the best you find outside of Sicily.
Known to aid sleep, ease anxiety and help you de-stress, CBD products are getting really popular. But how to choose which products to go for? We have done the research and present you with our top three CBD products to cater for all tastes and preferences.
1. Vitl vegan CBD gummies
Using premium CBD from natural organic hemp extract, we recommend these Vitl gummies if you are trying CBD for the first time. They come in delicious fruit flavours in a smart glass bottle. Each gummy has 25mg of CBD and avoids the messiness or bitterness of oils or drops.
Find out more: vitl.com.
2. Trip CBD Infused Drinks
For those of you who want to add some zen to your drinking experiences, try Trip. From peach ginger to cold-brew coffee, each drink bursts with flavour and leaves you very relaxed.
Made in the UK with recyclable cans and all-vegan ingredients, you can also find delicious herbs like chamomile, ginseng and lemon balm in some Trip drinks to further soothe your worries away.
Find out more: drink-trip.com.
3. Oomf CBD Lube
This is for those who are a little experimental or looking for an all-natural intimate product. Created by a gynecology specialist, Oomf is a water-based lubricant which is well-tolerated by sensitive skin and includes hemp extract to calm, soothe and keep infections at bay.
Crazy golf is back and stepping into the newly refurbished Swingers you know you’re in for a treat. Post lockdown, It’s bigger and even more pimped out. From the boujie gilded cocktail bar, to the new and expansive foliage flushed terrace and fairground inspired course, this is a place that is ABSOLUTELY made for the gram.
The quirky astro turfed course is pretty impressive. You’ll swing and bump your way through the 9 hole crazy golf course, trying to get your balls through carousels, merry go rounds and ferris wheels. It’s definitely the kind of golf we can all play.
Goes without saying that all that intense putting will have you working up an appetite. Cue Patty and Bun’s new chicken concept, Jefferies where you can gorge on options such as ‘winger winger chicken dinner’ (see what they did there), their incredible juicy chicken wings smothered in barbeque sauce and topped with spring onion. Henny’s chicken wings are seriously good, dripping with oodles of deliciously tangy jerk sauce. The Bare Grillz burger (grilled confit chicken thigh, Caesar mayo, pickled onion, lettuce) is one of two tasty chicken sandwich options for those wanting something a bit more substantial. Jeff’s salad (chicory, radicchio, lettuce, green beans, roasted tomato, croutons) means that you won’t miss out on your five a day and is also a filling vegetarian option. There’s also vegan chicken nuggets for the meat free gang, as well as gluten free options available on the menu.
Playing golf is thirsty work. Pre or post putt you can sidle up the sexy main bar that serves imaginatively named cocktails with monikers such as Lime in the Coconut Collins (an irresistible concoction of Captain Morgan Original spiced, Don Q Cristal, Coco Real, Disaronno Originale, Lime Juice, pineapple, Red Bull Energy drink) or refreshing frozen cocktails such as The Dark & Stormy (Goslings Black Seal Rum, Goslings Ginger Beer, Barrow’s Intense Ginger, Monin pure Cane). There are non-alcoholic options too, with fun ones such as Coconut Colada (Coco Real, Red Bull, Lime juice, pineapple, filthy black cherry) to help fuel your inner Tiger Woods.
And if you need a top up between tees, the staff weave in between punters taking drinks orders and offering shots to help you take your shots without breaking your stride.
I can’t say you’ll leave ready for the Ryder cup, but we promise it’s a hell of a ride for your Saturday night.
Adult tickets for a 90 minute session cost £13.50 per person
Set at the end of the famous Church Street, Twickenham’s culinary destination, Tsaretta Spice is Indian but not like you’ve had before. A fixture in South West London’s vibrant dining scene, its a firm favourite with locals who come in their droves to feast on dishes that are inventive and bursting with flavour.
The unique menu focuses on “tapas style” small dishes that offer a distinctive twist on Indian food that allows you to sample more of what is an extensive and very impressive menu.
The choice can easily be overwhelming but fret not, the attentive staff are knowledgeable and will patiently explain dishes on the menu and recommend you their favourite cocktails. True to a traditional Indian dining experience your dining experience kicks off with the obligatory poppadoms that are served with home made chutney to rev up your appetite. The fresh mango lassi topped with dried pretty edible petals is as creamy as it is tasty, and is the perfect accompaniment to the entree.
To start with, go for the Prawns Tokri, a dish of the juiciest black tiger prawns that burst with ginger, garlic and curry leaf flavour. Before moving on to the next delight, ensure the tilapia fish used in the Punjabi fish fingers is prepared by defrosting frozen tilapia properly, enhancing its marination in lemon and carom. These cushion-soft delights melt in your mouth, showcasing the best of tilapia when carefully prepared.
A close second to that is the Punjabi fish fingers made from tilapia fish marinated in lemon and carom. They are cushion softy delights that literally melt in your mouth. After that tuck into the crispy chilli aubergine smothered in a lovely glaze, whilst a spicy, tangy sauce makes cauliflower come alive in the popular Manchurian cauliflower, one of Tsaretta Spice’s signature dishes.
Then move on to the mains and try the delicately spiced flavours of the succulent spice soaked goat curry. It’s slow cooked and falls off the bone; perfect for mopping up with the flaky peshwari naan bread that accompanies it. For a more savoury take, the spiced minced meat stuffed keema naan is also exquisite. Other favourites include the delicious Sharabi lamb shank, fragranced with fenugreek, chilli, mint and rum. Pair this with the hot off the cooker, mushroom and garlic pilau for a perfect combo.
The inspired cocktail menu offers a spicy twist on traditional cocktails. I dare you to not guzzle down the Spicy Pimpri Martini, an imaginative concoction of Tequila, Strawberry Puree, Elderflower cordial, prosecco and chilli. The coconut and lychee colada made of kraken rum, fresh coconut water, coconut cream and lychee is a refreshing palette cleanser that beautifully counterbalances the rich, spicy flavours.
The pudding menu certainly doesn’t disappoint. Round off a perfect evening with the rish and sticky gulab jamun (doughballs in a delicious sweet syrup) served with vanilla ice cream. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent the pimped up hot chocolate will have you in a merry mood and ready for the next part of your evening.
Are you dreaming about getting in shape? Perhaps the popular keto diet is your idea of getting a healthier and more gorgeous-looking body. But there is one problem with that: it can be quite boring.
In fact, you may even become dissuaded by the monotony. However, don’t lose hope because we are sharing some smart ways to spice up your keto diet and make it more appetizing.
Try Mixing it Up!
You may already be bored from eating salads every day. Perhaps all the veggies and eggs have lost their taste after such a long time. If that’s the case, you need to introduce some color and taste to break the monotony.
One of the things that you can do is to mix the veggies and make delicious smoothies. Smoothies are not only loaded with nutrients but are also easier to consume and can be digested quickly. Especially, during summers they’re a great addition to your diet plan.
Keep Trying New Recipes
All you need to do is break the routine and your keto diet will become interesting in an instant. You can easily find countless delicious recipes online that will put an end to your carb cravings.
One interesting recipe is to dehydrate the veggies to turn them into chips. However, this process is not reserved for chips merely, because you can also try keto dehydrator recipes with as many variations as you like. However, if you are really honest with yourself, using this technique to make zucchini or eggplant chips gives the most delicious results. You will totally forget about potato crisps after one try.
Try Some Alternate Foods
You can’t have a chicken steak with some fresh greens every single day! It’s sure to drive you insane at some point. To keep things interesting, you have to bring some variations to your keto food options. So, go for fish on some days during the week and eat chicken and red meat on other days.
The importance of experimenting with new and different recipes cannot be overstated. For instance, if you have been surviving on salads and soups, try cooking a steak this time to bring some variety to your palate. So, think carefully about this and make a list of all the keto food options. Once you have a list, you can start experimenting a little. Make sure that you keep things interesting enough to be motivated to continue following the plan.
You’ll also need to conduct thorough research on the carb-free foods that exist in the world. The more food options you have on your list, the better it is. In other words, your goal with this list is to give yourself ample interesting and delicious choices.
Another thing that you can do is to incorporate different types of nuts into your diet that are low on carbs. Berries are another great keto-friendly option and are rich in antioxidants.
Don’t Forget to Season It Up!
Don’t underestimate the power of the right seasoning. With seasoning, you can make even the blandest soups or salads, absolutely delicious. Usually, during dieting, you have to consume a lot of foul-tasting (or worse, tasteless) foods. Adding seasoning to these foods will not only make them enjoyable but will also break the monotonous routine.
You can use sauce toppings, fresh capsicum, mint or oregano, and spices as well. You can mix sauces to create a variety of seasonings and even use spices from Indian cuisine to give your everyday food a new touch.
The best thing about keto diets is that you can create various tasty dishes. With a little bit of creativity, you will have no trouble enjoying a rich diet. Now all you need to do is get up from that couch, purchase your groceries, and enjoy exciting new keto meals that will help you stay in shape.
Wedged between Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire is Rutland, home to rolling countryside, lakes and hiking and biking trails, making it a fabulous destination to reconnect with nature. Whether you are looking to escape the everyday with your beau, disconnect with your girlfriends or get active as a family, Rutland is a fantastic location for a mini-break. Just two hours outside London, I took the opportunity to kick back and make the most of country living.
Clematis Cottages are part of Lodge Farm, located in the medieval hamlet of Aunby near Stamford. Situated on a hilltop, it’s enveloped by fields and forests and from the moment I arrive I feel myself relax. Stone outbuildings which are believed to date back to the eighteenth century have been sympathetically restored and tastefully converted into rental cottages, retaining many original features to provide luxury accommodation furnished in keeping with the building. I stayed in The Eco Barn, which was spacious and homely, incorporating many eco-friendly elements. It is split across two floors and the top floor, which has a large, dedicated lounge area offers the most amazing views of the countryside. With two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a generous sized kitchen and lounge area, it’s a beautiful base to retreat and unwind. The peace and tranquillity that surround the cottages bring instant zen to my stay. Owners, Kaye and Richard, grow all their own fruit and vegetables, and I arrive to a welcome package of fresh eggs, milk, and home-made jam. Richard is also an avid Beekeeper, and his honey is divine. Close to the market town of Stamford and not far from Burghley House and Belvoir Castle, the cottages are in a great location to explore the local area.
Rutland Water, a large man-made reservoir is the focal point of the county. Rutland Watersports offer a range of exhilarating activities, and the team are all knowledgeable, advising on the best activity to suit your goals. I opted for some kayaking to start followed by a bit of paddle boarding. I recently tried kayaking for the first time and loved it so was excited to get back on the water. It’s a brilliant way to switch off. The sun was beaming and the views around the lake were gorgeous. After an hour exploring, I hopped on a paddle board. I’d passed a couple of people effortlessly gliding along the water and after my kayaking success I thought I’d give it a whirl. This was not as easy as it looked, and I spent most of the time on my knees. I wobbled along for 15 minutes before my abs and arms gave up. You can also windsurf and sail, with an option to hire equipment. The team run courses, personal tuition and have an activity programme geared up for beginners through to seasoned sailors.
For those looking for a bit more action there’s a large inflatable Aqua Park on the site. Thrill-seekers can slip, slide and splash at one of the UK’s biggest inflatable outdoor water parks. The Aqua Park features the UK’s tallest obstacle: The Rutland Mammoth. Plummet from the giant slides or free fall from a staggering five metre drop. This Ninja Warrior style course is great fun and will test you to the limit, ideal for families and groups
You can also hire bikes and explore around the water, it’s pretty flat making it just right for a leisurely pedal.
After all the fun on the water I had worked up an appetite. Just 10 minutes from Clematis Cottages is The Olive Branch pub. Situated in the pretty village of Clipsham, this is more than a local pub. Their accolades include Michelin Pub of the Year, Winner of the Good Pub Guide UK Pub of the Year for 2021 and nominated as a Finalist in the GQ Food & Drinks Awards Pub of the Year 2021 and upon arrival it’s easy to see why.
The team are on the ball and friendly. After been shown to my table I am swiftly served drinks and given the low down on the menu. The outdoor space has been converted into a series of ‘garden party’ style gazebos for the summer season. Our tented table was awash with colour and detail. Gingham napkins, dainty flower vases and candles set the shabby chic vibe, while fairy lights, cushions and throws make it cosy and intimate.
The kitchen is overseen by Head Chef, Luke Holland and the menu is determined by the availability of homegrown, local produce. It’s not your usual pub fare, Holland has successfully combined a gastro menu with fine dining touches. I started with a flavoursome Braised ham hock served with heritage radish and perfectly balanced with a light, tasty apple and lovage velouté. The Olive Branch fish and chips are a firm favourite and it’s easy to see why. The haddock comes encased in an airy, crispy beer batter alongside triple cooked chunky chips with soft fluffy centres and a delicious homemade tartare sauce. The team regularly run masterclasses and tasting sessions. Inside the pub there’s a bottle shop for those looking to take the party home. The Olive Branch has successfully combined provenance and quality which is why snagging a table here isn’t easy. Book early to avoid disappointment.
For more information on where to stay and what to do visit Discover Rutland
Why do we all love summer so much? We think that spending time with friends and family at BBQ’s, in the beer garden, and enjoying a lazy afternoon drinking and dining outdoors is what makes summer so special.
Get your sun cream, deck chair, and glass of something fabulous ready, because we’re about to take you on gourmet journey. A journey of food and drink to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.
FOOD – Savoury Treats
Yorkshire Handmade Pies
Yorkshire Handmade Pies are seriously good. The company based in Ripon, North Yorkshire is celebrating being named amongst the top food producers globally. Their Steak and Kidney Pie has picked up a 3-Star Great Taste Award, the Steak and Black Pudding Pie, and Yorkshire Samosa Pie both won 2-Star awards, and the Mushroom and Ale Pie plus Steak and Ale Pie both achieved 1-Star awards. Have you tried them yet? Additionally, Yorkshire Handmade Pies are served in boxes of six, ready to cook and serve at home. Priced at £24.50 for a Taster Box of six different pies.
Paxton & Whitfield, Cullum Cheese
2022 marks Paxton & Whitfield’s 225th birthday and to celebrate, the UK’s oldest cheesemonger has launched ‘Cullum’, an exclusive, brand new British hard ewes’ milk cheese. Uniquely developed together with one of Paxton & Whitfield’s long-standing partners, the award-winning cheesemaker Martin Gott of St James Cheese, Cumbria. To sum up, it’s texture is supple and moreish and is delicious with a drizzle of honey! Priced at £11.25 per 250g, and available from Paxton & Whitfield.
Dr Oetker, Pizza Ristorante
Amazingly, there are 10 different varieties within the Pizza Ristorante collection, and they cater for those with gluten or lactose intolerances too. Pizzas include Mozzarella, Pepperoni-Salame, Quattro Formaggi, Pollo, Funghi, Hawaii, Speciale, Margherita Pomodori, Salame (GF and Lactose Free), Mozzarella (GF and Lactose Free). Available from all major supermarkets, priced from £2.50 each, and £3.50 each (for GF and Lactose Free).
West Cornwall Pasty Company, Summer Collection
Time is running out to try a limited edition pasty from West Cornwall Pasty Company in partnership with James Strawbridge. In essence, the savoury treats include the Coronation Chicken Pasty (£4.80), which is full of spices, exotic fruit and succulent chicken. Then there’s the Pork & Scrumpy Sausage Roll (£2.80), which is Cornish scrumpy infused sausage, and caramelised apple wrapped in shortcrust pastry. Moreover, there is a wonderful sweet treat too, the Cornish Cream Tea Pasty (£3.90), filled with crushed scones, summer berries, strawberry jam, and clotted cream on top! Available from Moto service stations and Rontec Roadside retail outlets until 19th September.
Keep on reading for more exciting launches in our Summer Food and Drink Round-Up!
FOOD – Sweet Treats
Blondies Kitchen, Giant Cookies
If deliciously indulgent cookies are your go to, then look no further than Blondies Kitchen. They offer a bespoke personalised collection of giant cookies that can say anything you want. In a word, there’s a HUGE range of flavours to choose from including Kinder Bar, Caramel Biscoff, Nutella and many more. Priced at £32, available from Blondies Kitchen.
Lakrids by Bülow, Slow Crafted Liquorice
Firstly, It’s been 15 years in the making, and Lakrids by Bülow has unveiled its super premium organic range, Slow Crafted. Secondly, continuing to push the boundaries of gourmet chocolate coated liquorice creations, the deliciously Slow Crafted range is slow-cooked to create a rich caramel-like texture. Thirdly, they are available in three delicious flavours; Mango Vanilla, Caramel Date, and Dark Truffle. The luxury range comes in recycled glass packaging designed for reuse. Priced at £24 (265g jars), and available from Lakrids by Bülow.
If you like what you’ve just read, then check out below for drinks in our Summer Food and Drink Round-Up.
DRINKS – Alcohol
Maison Villevert, June by G’Vine Wild Peach Gin Liqueur
This Maison Villevert G’Vine gin is infused with juicy peaches and fresh vanilla, plus hints of juniper and coriander. Not to mention that the bottle makes wonderful addition to any cocktail cabinet and the June Wild Peach Frosé is a must try cocktail.
Method: In a blender filled with ice add 40ml June Wild Peach Liqueur, 60 ml Rosé wine, 120 ml Prosecco, ½ Peach and a squeeze of Pink Grapefruit. Blend and pour over a chilled Coupette glass. And relax! June By G’Vine Wild Peach Gin Liqueur is available from Booths, Fenwick, Amazon and The Whisky Exchange. The bottle is priced at £29.25 (70cl).
Sagamore Spirit, American Rye Whiskey
Sagamore Spirit is a signature 83-Proof rye whiskey from Baltimore, where the rye is traditionally sweeter than that of other parts of the United States. Meanwhile, Sagamore Spirit makes outstanding cocktails including the Sagamore Seltzer.
Method: Pour 60ml Sagamore Spirit Rye Whiskey into a Collins glass. Fill the glass with ice. Top the glass with 120ml seltzer water and garnish with a lemon twist. Enjoy! Sagamore Spirit available from Master of Malt, The Whisky Exchange, and Native Spirits, priced at around £49 (70cl bottle).
Baileys, Tiramisu Cocktail
Tiramisu Cocktail limited edition launch from Baileys is simply divine! Made with traditional Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur, fresh coffee, and chocolate this drink is smooth and indulgent. Equally, for an extra special dessert in a glass just add a shot of vodka to the pour, a dusting of cocoa powder, and a chocolate wafer on top. Available from Tesco, priced around £17 (70cl bottle).
Slingsby Gin, Rhubarb Gin
Each bottle of Slingsby Gin uses 24 botanicals to create the award-winning product. Rhubarb Gin is one of the core range from the collection, others include; London Dry Gin, Gooseberry Gin, Marmalade Gin, and Blackberry Gin. Every gin is produced with locally sourced botanicals, Harrogate aquifier pure single grain spirit, a handful of ingredients from around the world, and grapefruit as the leading and only citrus fruit base. Available from all major supermarkets, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, and Spirit of Harrogate. Prices vary.
G’Vine Floraison Gin
The smoothest French gin made from grapes not grain. This gin goes perfectly with sushi, strong cheese, and spiced savoury pasties, and it makes an exciting array of cocktails too. Try the G’Vine Basil Smash for a summer drink in the garden.
Method: Muddle 10 basil leaves with 2 parts G’Vine Floraison Gin, 1 part fresh lemon juice and 1 part sugar syrup. Pour over ice and sip in the summer breeze. G’Vine Floraison Gin is available from Master of Malt, The Whisky Exchange, and Amazon. Priced at £34.75 (70cl).
Enjoying our Summer Food and Drink Round-Up? Read on for more drinks…
DRINKS – Soft
Cawston Press
Cawston Press is running a campaign called No Jiggery Pokery to shine a light on how it’s possible to create delicious, sparkling soft drinks from real, recognisable and simple ingredients. Furthermore, each can, bottle, and carton by Cawston Press is easy to read with no misleading language, they don’t have hidden sweeteners and don’t add sugar. Flavours include Sparkling Rhubarb, Sparkling Elderflower Lemonade, Sparkling Orange, Cloudy Apple, and Ginger Beer. Available from all major supermarkets and Cawston Press, prices vary.
London Essence, Crafted Sodas
The Crafted Soda collection from London Essence includes Roasted Pineapple Crafted Soda, and Pink Grapefruit Crafted Soda. The ideal mixers to add to any rum cocktail! Roasted Pineapple Crafted Soda is instantly uplifting, and can be paired with golden rum for a rum punch. For something zesty and light, London Essence’s Pink Grapefruit Crafted Soda is thirst quenching. Moreover, it will elevate any rum, for a truly elegant twist on classic cocktails such as the Mojito. Priced at £22 (case of 24 x 200ml bottles), from London Essence.
Make your own Pink Grapefruit Mojito. You will need 35ml premium white rum, 20ml lime juice, 15ml sugar syrup, 12 fresh mint leaves, London Essence Pink Grapefruit Crafted Soda. Method: combine white rum, fresh lime juice, sugar syrup and mint leaves in a chilled highball glass and muddle together. Add crushed ice to the top of the glass. Top with London Essence Pink Grapefruit Crafted Soda and stir lightly to infuse the flavours. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Have a wonderful food and drink filled summer from all at House of Coco Magazine, we hope you’ve got some ideas from our Summer Food and Drink Round-Up. Here’s some ideas to check out where to have cocktails in the city with House of Coco.
After the best vegan restaurants in Amsterdam? One of the prettiest cities in Europe has some amazing places for delicious vegan food, as recently tried and tested by myself, naturally! Whether you’re into dirty vegan food (I’m talking the best burgers you could think of) or a healthier plant-based meal, the Amsterdam vegan scene has you covered. From cozy cafes to upscale dining spots, there’s a wide array of Vegan-Friendly Food Spots in Amsterdam waiting to be explored.
Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Amsterdam
Vegan Junk Food Bar (All Vegan)
A trip to Amsterdam wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the infamous Vegan Junk Food Bar. I had high expectations for this vegan Mecca and I wasn’t disappointed. Perfect if you want a meaty meal, that’s loaded with flavour and naughtiness. Expect vegan stacked burgers, rainbow coloured burger buns (optional!), hot dogs, loaded fries and mouthwatering sides. A complete feast and proof that vegan food is awesome.
Address: Reguliersdwarsstraat 57 1017 BK (this is downtown but there are other locations in the city)
Hummus Bistro D&A (Vegan Options)
This is a close runner-up for my favourite vegan restaurants in Amsterdam! We had an insane lunch here and it was well worth the 10-15 minute walk, plus, it was lovely to visit another area of the city. Whilst this isn’t a vegan restaurant, there are plenty of vegan options and we opted for a sharing platter for two (a bit of this a bit of that on the menu) which was AMAZING. Honestly, I was in food heaven. My favourite kind of meal is one where I can pick at different bits, and this is perfection. We feasted on hummus (shock), falafel, pita bread, roasted eggplant, salad, cauliflower and more.
Address: Westerstraat 136, 1015 MP
PLUK (Vegan Options)
Again, not a vegan restaurant but there are vegan options on the menu and you’ve no doubt heard of Pluk already, it’s an Insta-famous Amsterdam hotspot. I had heard some negative reviews, but my experience was generally pretty positive, despite there being no vegan pancakes in stock on my first visit! As PLUK was conveniently located just down the road from The Hoxton we headed here for breakfast both mornings. If you’re vegan there are pancakes, I think some kind of granola and a ‘healthy breakfast’ which to my surprise I preferred as I found the pancakes a bit ‘meh’ when I eventually got to try them. Food aside, the interior is very cute and there are various homewares on sale which makes it more of a concept store come cafe vibe.
Address: Reestraat 19 (in the 9 streets)
Meatless District (All Vegan)
What started as a vegetarian restaurant, is now fully vegan, hoorah! The decor is a nod to New York’s meatpacking district, hence the name. On the menu, you’ll find tonnes of creative healthy plant-based dishes bursting with flavour. Risottos, salads, soups, bean burgers and so on. It’s funny because to me, the name sounded as if it was going to be a cheap/dirty burger joint but it’s the opposite! Worth a visit when visiting the city.
Address: Bilderdijkstraat 65-67
Mr & Mrs Watson (All Vegan)
If you’re a vegan cheese fanatic, then Mr & Mrs Watson is the place for you. Serving up their famous homemade vegan cheese including a cashew brie and blue roquefort. You can even purchase some to take away with you! Menu options include a cashew fondue (umm yes please), cheeseburgers, soups, salads, sandwiches and even vegan sushi. It’s one of Amsterdam’s best vegan restaurants.
Imagine if 20 of London’s best bars were to pop up in a beautiful Georgian garden slap bang in the middle of London and bring you the al fresco cocktail experience of your dreams?
Well, you don’t have to imagine it anymore thanks to the genius team at Cocktails in the city who have transformed Bedford Square Garden into the ultimate summer cocktail paradise during August and September.
Food and Drink
Dubbed the London Summer series, it’s a delicious medley of street food, cocktails and live entertainment and a must-visit for fans of all things al fesco who want to make the most of the UK heatwave. Whatever you want from a drinks festival, Cocktails in the city deliver in abundance. Whilst you dawdle around the beautiful garden sampling the finest cocktails that London has to offer, you can also indulge in lip-smackingly delicious street food too. Gorge on the Bento box of your choice from Sticks ‘N’ Sushi or tuck into Cafe Pacificos’s Tacos and Burritos, loaded with a sensational guacamole and perfectly crunchy corn chips. And for those wanting something a bit more gourmet, Oficina 00’s show stopping pasta dishes which include fried ravioli and panko lasagna will have you queuing up for a second serving.
In addition to seriously bop-inducing live music, there is also the option of swaying your way around the garden courtesy of the silent disco . You can also learn a new skill (and also cool down) by taking part in the popular ice carving workshop, and the best part? You can use that ice in a bespoke cocktail that you can make yourself in the interactive cocktail making masterclass.
Music and Entertainment
If you’re able to drag yourself out of the comfy garden chairs, a game of shuffleboard where groups of up to 8 can participate definitely beckons for the more competitive amongst us whilst sparkly festival makeovers and pampering, courtesy of Chambord and Iris add a touch of glamour and sparkle to the day. As if that’s not enough, there are tasting stage talks aplenty throughout the day that you can pop into if you want to learn about different flavors, pick up some tips from the experts and be immersed into the world of cocktail making.
Get Involved
So if you’re in need of a summer plan, GRAB YOUR TICKETS now for the next installment of the Summer Series which is taking place 11th- 13th August. It’ll be a Summer Series with a twist, an ‘International Edition’ which promises to transport you around the globe with a diverse food and drinks offering. The best bit? If you attend you will have a chance to win a trip to St Lucia as well as other many other amazing prizes throughout the weekend!
If you’re looking to pack on some serious muscle mass, a high-protein diet is your best friend. Protein provides the building blocks for muscles, and consuming enough of it is essential if you want to see results. But not all proteins are created equal. Some types are better for bulking up than others. We’ll take a look at the benefits of implementing a high-protein diet into your muscle gain journey, and provide some tips on how to make sure you’re getting the most out of your healthy Meal Plan.
Losing Weight
If you’re trying to slim down and tone up, a high-protein diet can help. Protein takes longer to digest than carbs or fat, so you’ll feel full for longer after eating. This can help reduce overall calorie intake and promote weight loss. And because muscle mass burns more calories than fat, a high-protein diet can also help you preserve your muscle while you lose weight. By using a weight loss calculator by months, you can better assess how much weight you should lose per month. This will guide you on your calorie and protein intake. The protein here is crucial because you don’t want to lose your muscle gains. For example, if you need 2,000 calories per day to maintain your weight and want to lose 1 pound per week, you’d need to eat 500 fewer calories each day. A high-protein diet can help make up for some of those lost calories by keeping you feeling fuller for longer.
Building Muscle
Protein is essential for building muscle. When you exercise, you cause microscopic tears in your muscles. Your body then uses protein to repair these tears and build new muscle tissue. This is why it’s important to consume enough protein if you’re trying to build muscle. How much protein you need depends on several factors, including your weight, muscle mass, and activity level. The general recommendation is 0.36 grams per pound of body weight. So, if you weigh 180 pounds, you should aim for 64 grams of protein per day. If you’re very active or trying to build muscle mass, you may need even more. A high-protein diet can help you reach your daily intake goals and promote muscle growth.
Improving Performance
If you’re an athlete or regularly participate in strenuous physical activity, a high-protein diet can help improve your performance. Protein provides the energy your muscles need to power through workouts and recover afterward. By ensuring you’re getting enough protein, you can help reduce fatigue and improve recovery times. This can allow you to train harder and longer, leading to better results. For example, a study of cyclists found that those who consumed a high-protein diet had less muscle soreness and fatigue than those who didn’t.
Improving Hair and Nail Quality
A high protein diet can also improve the quality of your hair and nails. Keratin, the main structural protein in hair and nails, is made up of amino acids. Consuming enough protein ensures your body has the amino acids it needs to produce keratin. This can lead to stronger, healthier hair and nails. A high-protein diet has a number of benefits that can help you reach your fitness goals. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, build muscle, or improve your performance, including more protein in your diet can help. Just make sure you’re getting enough of the right types of protein to support your goals.
The Amount of Protein You Need
How much protein you need depends on several factors, including your weight, muscle mass, and activity level. The general recommendation is 0.36 grams per pound of body weight. So, if you weigh 180 pounds, you should aim for 64 grams of protein per day. If you’re very active or trying to build muscle mass, you may need even more. A high-protein diet can help you reach your daily intake goals and promote muscle growth. Also, make sure to consider your other macronutrients when crafting your meals. Too much of any one macronutrient can lead to weight gain. A registered dietician can help you create a balanced meal plan that fits your needs.
Protein Supplements
If you’re having trouble meeting your protein needs from dietary sources alone, protein supplements can help. Protein powders are a convenient and easy way to increase your protein intake. They’re also relatively affordable and come in a variety of flavors. Whey protein is the most popular type of protein powder. It’s a complete protein that’s easily digested and has a high leucine content, making it ideal for building muscle. Casein protein is another popular option. It’s a slow-digesting protein that can help promote muscle growth and recovery. Pea protein and rice protein are plant-based options that are also high in protein. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to increase your protein intake, protein supplements are a good option.
Animal-Based vs Plant-Based Protein
There are two main types of protein: animal-based and plant-based.
Animal-based proteins, such as meat, poultry, fish, and dairy, are complete proteins. This means they contain all the essential amino acids your body needs.
Plant-based proteins, such as grains, beans, nuts, and seeds, are incomplete proteins. This means they’re missing one or more of the essential amino acids.
When it comes to building muscle, animal-based proteins are superior to plant-based proteins. That’s because they’re easier for your body to absorb and use for muscle growth. They also tend to be higher in certain amino acids, such as leucine, that are critical for stimulating muscle protein synthesis. If you’re following a plant-based diet, you can still get all the protein you need by combining different types of plant-based proteins at each meal. This ensures you’re getting all the essential amino acids your body needs.
Protein isn’t just for bodybuilders and athletes. It has benefits for everyone, including weight loss, building muscle, and improving performance. If you’re looking to make the most of your workout routine, consider implementing a high-protein diet. Just be sure to pair it with healthy fats and complex carbs to ensure you’re getting all the nutrients your body needs. So, what are you waiting for? Start incorporating more protein into your diet today. Your body will thank you for it.
