France - House Of Coco Magazine

Business November 9, 2023

#WomenWorldwide: Anissa Perkins and her colourful vision for Kaftan Dreams

Growing up in Morocco, Anissa Perkins has had plenty of inspiration for her stylish Kaftan business – Kaftan Dreams. Born out ofa love for fashion, and a passion for beautiful colourful Kaftans made in unique prints – Kaftan Dreams takes the traditional ‘Caftan’ and gives it a luxurious flair.

We sat down with Anissa and discussed how her Moroccan culture has influenced her designs, the sustainable and ethical sourcing of her Kaftans- and finally, how her family has become both support network and inspiration throughout her journey.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, what inspired you to start Kaftan Dreams?

Growing up in Morocco, I have always had a love for beautiful, colourful and unique clothing and accessories. This love eventually evolved into a business idea in the form of Kaftan Dreams. My own dream is to create a haven of beautiful creations, vibrant colours, luxurious fabrics — all with my own unique prints.

Before starting Kaftan Dreams, I had a career in fashion that spanned two decades. I had been lucky enough to work for Giorgio Armani in France. I stepped away from fashion for12 years to raise my four children, but my passion was calling me back. This is why I started Kaftan Dreams. Now I can be with my family and manage my own creative business that is all about dressing colourful, strong women!

Why did you decide to focus on kaftans in particular?

Kaftans are part of my culture because I was born in Morocco and was used to seeing beautiful women wearing colourful and feminine kaftans when I was growing up in Casablanca. Kaftan or ‘Caftan’ is a loose long gown type dress that is traditionally worn by women in Middle Eastern countries including Pakistan and Persia as their daily wear.

Today, women love to wear both traditional and western outfits equally regardless where they live. When they want to feel the sun or walk on the seashore , they need something different and cool. A kaftan is the perfect choice for every woman who wants to roam around the beaches freely. Our Modern Kaftans are not only used as beach wear dress or swimwear but can be worn as excellent beach-resort wear too. These are just a few of the reasons why women enjoy wearing kaftans.

Our Kaftan dresses are mostly free-flowing, loose gowns that reach your ankles. There are a lot design features added into the kaftan dresses which include fabulous prints, kimono sleeves, and V-necklines with hand finished embroideries.

Tell us about your bespoke collection?

Our luxurious bespoke collection of silk Kaftans feature exclusive prints inspired by the colours of the Orient. They combine traditional fabrics and craftsmanship with modern cuts and a fresh perspectve, offering a feminine silhouette, that’s both sensual and regal.

Rather than dictating the cuts and fabric combinations, we offer you the chance to select the house-designed silk prints you love most in a wide variety of cuts, creating a naturally elegant outfit that will carry you through each day. We work with many groups of artisans to offer traditional techniques of weaving, embroidery, and prints that are exclusive to Kaftan dreams. All creations are ethically constructed. The respect we have for our collaborative artisans a key priority.

How important is ethical sourcing and sustainability to your brand?

At Kaftan Dreams we want our customers to know where the products come from; as well as how they’re made. As a mum of 4 children, I’m concerned about their future and the planet that they will live in. I choose sustainably sourced fabrics and services because of the impact on the environment, and we also want to make sure that our workers are treated well.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced as an entrepreneur so far?

The biggest challenge I have to face is to wear all the hats myself; from sales, to marketing, to accounting, IT, and innovation. These are all the number of roles that I have to assume as owner of a new business. I also find myself isolated in my own little space trying to get my brand in a fashion world that is own by giants and managing my time while my priority is my family.

What advice do you have for women who would like to become a GirlBoss like yourself?

Stay authentic and creating something you’re really passionate about.

WWW.KAFTANDREAMS.COM

Fashion November 9, 2023

The RealReal has a Passion for Fashion

The RealReal offers gently used luxury fashion, and the whole concept is becoming a real trend. The company is becoming popular among luxury and fashion buyers and consigners who seek out luxury goods at discounted prices.
It is predicted that the total resale retail market may reach up to $41 billion by the year 2022. Other studies have shown the used merchandise market to be one of the fastest-growing sectors with online companies like ThredUp and TheRealReal thriving in the market.
TheRealReal started as an online business and has two physical stores. One location is in New York’s SoHo neighborhood, and the other is in Los Angeles on Melrose Avenue. The reasoning for the physical stores is that luxury shoppers often spend double on consignments than what they spend online. It is an effective marketing strategy because they also receive lots of high-quality consignments as well.
The RealReal’s Passion for Fashion
A lot of the retail consignment market are older affluent customers who enjoy shopping secondhand and have been doing so for years. It’s because they enjoy getting a bargain and appreciate the excellent value in quality goods.
Millennial shoppers also enjoy the treasure hunting experience of secondhand shopping.
The fashion tastes of American shoppers are changing. They are not wanting the same old fashion pieces that everyone else is wearing. Shoppers are embracing originality with clothing and accessories that match their unique style.
With secondhand luxury items, you can mix and match with other more contemporary styles for a more individual and authentic feel. Luxury secondhand goods at affordable prices is where The RealReal delivers. They offer luxury goods at a more affordable price for people looking for value.
They find that most of their shoppers will buy newer items from the website, use them for a few months, and sell them on consignment. They are then free to use the money to purchase other things again.
People have a passion for fashion, and this is the allure of The RealReal. Some people love to collect fashion, while others love to have a few key fashionable pieces in their closet. If they browse the website, chances are they will see items they saw in magazines like Vogue or on the runways of Paris or Milan. The key is that they will want to have that item.
The RealReal’s Top Selling Brands
Some of their top-selling luxury brands include Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier. Some of the more original items that are having a moment include Kanye West’s Yeezy X Adidas shoes, dad-style Hawaiian shirts, fanny packs, and ball caps.
The company’s website has over two million visitors, and many of them spend time browsing through merchandise highly engaged and averaging at least ten pages per visit. It is also interesting to note that most of their traffic comes through organic search with only 8% in paid search traffic. People know what they want to buy when they visit the site.
The site is trendy among affluent millennials, with one-third of visitors ages 24 to 34. The company has been online for about seven years and is enjoying more success due to the younger generation’s love of fashion.
Check out more about them here.
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Fitness November 9, 2023

How to find your zen at the Baraza Resort & Spa Zanzibar

Located on the beautiful stretch of the Bwejuu – Paje beach in the South east coast of the island, named one of the world top 30 islands, Baraza Resort & Spa is like your own private little slice of paradise. There are only 30 palatial villas, each one with its own private plunge pool and an indulgent amount of space for guests to really immerse themselves in the sheer grandeur of it all. Team Coco got the chance to escape the chilly London winter and find some sun (and our zen) with the Baraza Resort & Spa.

We tried their Yoga retreat package, a 6 day retreat that combines a wonderfully inclusive series of Hatha yoga sessions and some truly rejuvenating massage treatments at the world-renowned Frangipani spa. There is no better to find your center than at the Baraza Resort & Spa. So if you’re feeling the need to renew your sense of calm in one of the world’s most beautiful luxury resorts— then here’s how.

700am

Wake up to a light tropical breeze in your own palatial villa, and casually stroll along the resort’s many stunning courtyards, and eventually finding a spot by the beach, where you are serenaded by the gentle crashing of the waves of the Indian Ocean. Here’s where our morning practice begins.

745am

Our yogi, the truly charming Sree greets you with a big smile on his face, and prepares the setup for this morning’s Hatha Yoga Practice. Get ready for some OHM.

845am

Make your way back to the Livingstone Terrace restaurant for a lovely buffet-style breakfast. Everything here is locally sourced, and is a mixture of Swahili and international cuisine. Do try the dried coconuts dipped in honey, and partake in some bespoke smoothies — or maybe even a watermelon juice.

11am

Head over to the world-renowned Frangipani spa, where your lovely therapist will lead you through yet another palatial courtyard and into, what I consider to be the world’s most beautiful relaxation room. The Frangipani spa’s therapists are all impeccable, and you can literally feel all of your worries will melt away.

12PM

Catch some sun and take a dip in your own private plunge pool. After all, you need to make the most of your stunning private villa. So reading your favourite magazine (House of Coco obviously) and playing some tunes is definitely recommended.

1pm

Catch a private Swahili cooking lesson with some of Baraza Resort & Spa’s top chefs. We learned how to cook Chicken Dhansak, following the recipe of one of Zanzibar’s most iconic personalities, Farouk Bulsara, aka Freddy Mercury.

4pm

Finish off the afternoon, with a cup (or five) of Masala Tea. This unique spiced tea was a definite favourite during our visit, and is also a very calming concoction.

7pm

Treat yourself to a glass of Dawa at the Dhababu Bar & Lounge, a local cocktail that mixes gin, cognac, lemon, and honey. The locals call it ‘medicine’ and it surely hits the spot after a serious day of relaxation at the Baraza Resort & Spa. Head over to the Sultan’s Dining Room for a fabulous meal. Here you can enjoy a menu that showcases the best of the island while being serenaded by the music of the Taarab band.

From relaxing Pranayamas to Yoga Shala meditations, you will definitely leave Zanzibarwith a whole new level of calm. One that can only be achieved amidst the breathtaking natural scenery of the Baraza Resort & Spa.

The Yoga Retreat Package at Baraza Resort & Spa is a 6 day all inclusive luxury package that begins a €3569 for single occupancy and €2353 for double occupancy (per person sharing)for a Two Bedroom Garden View Villa in the low season, and €4711 for single occupancy and €3067 for double occupancy during high season. For more information visit www.thezanzibarcollection.com

Chile November 9, 2023

11 Of The Best Foodie Hotspots Around The World

There aren’t many things that make us happier than food and travel. So when we get to put our two true loves together, as you can imagine, we are a bunch of happy folk here at House of Coco.

We’ve put together our roundup of the best foodie hotspots to inspire your inner piglet to hop on a flight…

Denver, Colorado – www.colorado.com
From green chile synonymous with Colorado’s ancient Pueblo communities to buffalo in the Old West, Colorado’s culinary scene has been integrated into the culture of the state for centuries. For those looking for a quirkier dining location, Linger an ‘eatery’, is set in a former mortuary, whilst Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox serves American food in a former brothel.

Taste of Denver: For a real taste of Denver, a three hour walking food tour will give visitors an insight into the ever expanding food scene of this vibrant city. Sample Zoo Ma Ma’s infamous noodles which are inspired by her mother’s home cooking and then wander down to the Wynkoop Brewery for a tipple at the oldest brewery in Denver, finished off with a trip to Milk Box, one of the most popular ice-cream creameries in the city.

Greater Palm Springs, California – www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com

The Greater Palm Springs area is a burgeoning foodie destination plating up for Hollywood A-listers and being home to the largest date growing region in the US. Creative chef-driven restaurants and gourmet stores serving local specialities such as Date Shakes are driving more food lovers to the area. Thanks to the ideal farming conditions in Greater Palm Springs, the popularity of farm-to-table restaurants is increasing, with La Spiga and Workshop Kitchen & Bar offering the freshest dishes, whilst making use of the best local produce.

Desert Tasty tours: Visitors can take a walking food tour through the desert and experience the best food Greater Palm Springs has to offer, whilst also learning unique insights about the history of the area from an expert guide. Choose to explore El Paseo or Palm Canyon Drive over the course of three hours and expect many tasty dishes, from award winning Bill’s Pizza to nationally acclaimed toffee and popcorn shop, Brandini Toffee.

Newport Beach, California – www.visitnewportbeach.com

While Newport Beach is mainly known for its beautiful coastline, there are many tasty restaurants to be found around the area with freshly caught seafood and scenic waterfront dining. As locals in Newport Beach have one of the highest average incomes in the area, the food options tend to match their high standards.

Dock and Dine: Eat like a local and experience a classic Newport Beach dining experience. Choose from over a dozen restaurants and enjoy a dinner cruise whilst docked in the marina, sampling the best food, food truck catering and stunning views on offer. Cannery Seafood of the Pacific is a favourite with the locals and offers visitors a menu packed with freshly caught local seafood to complement their impressive award-winning wine list.

Portland, Oregon – www.travelportland.com

Portland is globally renowned for its gastronomy scene. Home to over 700 street food trucks, food festivals, food specific walking tours, farm to fork concept dining and an ever expanding vegan offering. Portland is the place for foodies to head to this year, as Delta have confirmed a seasonal direct flight from London Heathrow, operating 4th May – 26th October.

Hands-on culinary experiences include:

Tea Tasting Appointment at Smith Teamakers: Coffee or beer might come to mind when you think of Portland’s craft beverage scene, but tea is also on the rise. Founded in 2009, Smith Teamakers blend and pack teas and botanicals in very small batches from the world’s best producing regions. Take a guided tasting in their new tasting room in SE Portland which has unique, artisanal, and highly curated range of products.

Tasting at Teutonic Wines Urban Winery: Local wine geeks have fallen hard for Teutonic’s Swiss-German-style wines since Barnaby and Olga Tuttle debuted their pinot noir in 2008. Since then, Teutonic has sold out vintage after vintage. The Tuttles’ wine is unique, including a few, like silvaner and chasselas, that practically no one else in Oregon makes. The Tuttles aim to introduce their bottles to a wider audience with an urban winery and tasting room in Southeast Portland.

Sacramento, California – www.visitsacramento.com

Sacramento is known as the Farm to Fork capital of the US AKA foodie heaven, with the lower rent prices and ideal climate, the city has seen an influx of Bay Area chefs as it is much easier to set up shop here and with the easy access to all the organic produce they come up with the tastiest menu offerings. 96 percent of the country’s tomatoes come from within 250 miles of Sacramento, as well as 95 percent of California’s sushi rice, exported in mass to huge sushi industries such as Japan.

Get hands on with a local cookery class at Sacramento Natural Food Co-Op: From udon noodles to Indian street food or entertainment with cheese, the Co-Op offers something for everyone with the opportunity to get hands on in the cookery class. They also offer wellness seminars and gardening workshops, helping to make connections about important food, health and environmental issues in support of local family farms.

San Diego, California – www.sandiego.org

Renowned for its unique flavours and a collaboration of chefs from both sides of the border, Mexico’s Baja-Med scene combines California’s emphasis on fresh and local ingredients to create a delicious and unique new menu, fondly known to the locals as ‘Cali-Baja’. Fish tacos and grilled octopus on a tostada are amongst the favourites. This Mexican heritage also influences art, culture, music and architecture.

Taco making at Galaxy Taco: Trey Foshee’s Galaxy Taco is a celebration of the culture and cuisine of Mexico, where you’ll find simple foods done well. A casual Mexican restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, Galaxy Taco grind their own masa from non-GMO heirloom corn to make their tortillas. The lunch menu is an interpretation of Mexican street food, with an emphasis on seafood and tacos and the dinner menu has additional family style offerings.

San Francisco, California – www.sftravel.com

With the huge production of fruits, vegetables, seafood and livestock surrounding San Francisco in California, chefs are able to create fresh authentic meals that are enjoyed by both locals and tourists. San Francisco is home to an array of restaurants offering a wide selection of foods, including the Mission District, the city’s exuberant hipster neighbourhood with Latino roots where restaurants like La Taqueria serving up one of the best burritos in the area. Home to the largest Chinatown outside of Asia, any trip to San Francisco must include a taste of the Asian cuisine, including dumplings from Yank Sing or noodles from M.Y. China, prepared right in front of your eyes.

San Francisco visitors can test their own culinary skills by taking part of one of the many culinary classes within this diverse city. The Wok Shop, located in San Francisco’s Chinatown, host ‘Wok Wednesday’s’ for visitors to develop their Stir Fry Skills learning from advanced ‘wokers’.

Santa Barbara, California – www.santabarbaraca.com

Foodies in Santa Barbara can take a Famers’ Market Foodie Stroll with Bouchon’s executive chef, Greg Murphy, for a true ‘farm to fork’ wine country cuisine experience. After perusing the fresh produce with the chefs at the Santa Barbara Food Market to select ingredients, diners can see the fresh food transformed into a three-course dinner paired with local wines. A market tour and three course dinner with wine costs $95 per person. For budding photographers, Eat This Shoot That! offer food or wine tours with an interactive photography element. The Funk Zone Food & Photo Tour explores the food of Santa Barbara’s newest neighbourhood, with eight tasting locations, spanning 3.5 hours. Visitors can learn foodie photo tips and tricks using a smartphone, with backdrops of hidden graffiti art and galleries. $99 adults, $89 children.

Setouchi, Japan – setouchitrip.com

With the ever increasing popularity of Asian food around the world and the increase in Japanese restaurants throughout the UK, including the opening of Japan Centre in central London, Japanese food has never been so hot. What better way to taste the Japanese delicacies than to travel to Japan’s Inland Sea, Setouchi, and try its fresh produce for yourself.

Udon Taxi Tour: Foodies rejoice, as Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, is the Udon capital of Japan. Here visitors can watch the dough being hand-stretched and noodles boiled over a wood fire. Big time Udon lovers can even hail an Udon Taxi that will take them to explore famous Udon spots across the prefecture – easily spotted thanks to the giant replica of a bowl of Udon attached to the car roofs.

Sonoma County, California – www.sonomacounty.com

Visitors to Sonoma can enjoy an array of culinary experiences, including the Sonoma Marin Cheese Trail or the Farm Trail. A year-round cornucopia of fresh produce is available even in the most remote corners of this fertile region, contributing to an abundance of award-winning restaurants and wineries.

For a hands-on experience, visitors to Sonoma can join a cookery class at Ramekins, where they capture the essence of Wine Country living with fresh foods, fabulous wines and good company. Hands on classes are hosted throughout the year, with a huge range of cookery options on offer. Whether it’s learning to cook a favourite seafood dish or perfecting Italian pasta, these cookery classes will complement every taste bud.

The Islands of Tahiti www.tahititourisme.uk/en-gb/

French Polynesia benefits from amazing weather all year round. It’s a virtual Garden of Eden, where exuberance and abundance go hand in hand. Farmers grow a wide variety of fruits, spices and vegetables, combining aromatic qualities with nutritional benefits.

Guests to The Islands of Tahiti can take their hand in the kitchen and learn the traditional culinary arts, including at some of the large hotels where the chefs organise culinary workshops. Every Tuesday and Thursday, guests at Le Meridien Tahiti are introduced to the techniques used by the chef, to understand the blend of exotic Asian and Western flavours using the freshest and finest of locally grown and caught produce.

Argentina November 9, 2023

Women Worldwide : Not Afraid to Stand out with Camille Defago

Camille Defago might only be 21 years old, but this girl is one to watch. Born and raised in Lima, Peru she is passionate about fashion. Her mission as a designer is to empower creativity in to everyone that wears her clothes and she offers something original, vivid, and extrovert with her designs. Think bold and bright, Camille Defago is the brand that will brighten up even the darkest of days.

Entrepreneurial from a young age, Camille was always destined for greatness. We spent some time with her to find out more about her, the brand and her plans for the future…

Tell us about the journey that lead you to Camille Defago the brand… Oh my god I’ve been through so much, hahaha. When I was 15 I started designing collages but didn’t have the confidence to publish them or show them. When I moved to Buenos Aires I decided to create a Instagram account with a fake name and started posting my collages. I started getting lots of engagement and reactions so I decided to change the name to By Camille Defago. Then I moved back to Lima and printed my collages on big frames, I sold every single one of them. This encouraged me to create my first brand called Viva la Vida, it was a brand of men’s swimwear that were printed with my colorful collages. I had such a terrible experience making my first summer campaign for Viva la Vida (because of the photography and video team) that when I sold every swim short I decided to leave the brand aside and not continue with it. I didn’t want people to know me as a random brand, I wanted people to know me by my name, Camille. This is when I decided to launch myself as a designer and started creating pieces under my name as a designer. You want your customers to feel empowered when wearing your designs, how do you achieve this? I achieve this by offering extrovert, colorful, joyful designs. Each collage has a story and great memories behind them. People highlight from the rest each time they use my clothing because of the color. I don’t want them to feel ashamed about standing out from the croud, from breaking boundaries, for being different and original, I want them to feel empowered, GREAT. Achieving this through strong and bold collages. Bright, colourful and bold, your designs make a statement. Who is your dream customer? My dream customer would definitely be top celebrities. I would love someday to dress Chiara Ferragni, Alexa Chung, Bella Hadid and other jet setters. But my actual dream customer is a girl who is confident of herself, who loves everything about her, LOVES to travel and spend her summer’s in Mykonos or on the beautiful beaches of France. She is confident, strong, bold, she is light and definitely stands from the crowd. She doesn’t care what people think about herself, she is true to herself and to her personal essence.

Only 21, you have achieved so much with the brand already. What has been your proudest moment?

I know I have achieved a lot of things by now but I have so much to go through. I have so many projects, visions and idea to take my brand to the next step. My proudest moment was my first fashion show which was this December 2019. We put on a great show: 20 international and national models, we did it at a huge house which was built 50 years ago so it had a renaissance twist to it, my collages were projected on the walls of the house, 150 guests, it was amazing.

Talk us through an average day at the business?

We have a weekly team meeting every Monday in which we talk about each months objectives and each team member’s tasks. Once a month in a week meeting we brainstorm about new ideas and visions that can be added to the brand. In this way I involve my team members and consider their ideas and opinions. I want them to feel as part of the family, part of The C Team. I want them to be as passionate to the brand as I am.

What are your plans for the future? I have changed my mind many times. I wanted to open physical stores in London, Dubai, Japan, New York and others. But learning about the new consumer now a days I have decided to invest 100% on e-commerce. Our consumers are changing into online consumers, not physical. So now my plans for the future is to focus on keep selling worldwide through fashion e-commerce platforms. I also have in my plans making pop up’s in beaches like Mykonos, Ibiza, Majorca, Sardinia, Santorini, Marbella, Corfu and other top destinations. I want to focus also on creating mind-blowing fashion editorials, amazing marketing campaigns, and taking my brand all around the world! My plans for the future and my main goal right now is to have the opportunity to showcase my collections at any fashion week: Paris, London, NYC, Milan. Anyone of them would be great and huge for the brand. Since launching the brand, what has been your highlight?

Definitely having the possibility of being featured on respected fashion magazines. Literally when I started my brand, my long term goal was to be showcased in Vogue. I had less than a year with the brand and I was featured on the most respected fashion magazines in the world: Vogue, Tatler, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller.

Looking back, is there anything you would do differently? I believe everything I have been through has happened for a reason. I wouldn’t do anything different because it has made me who I am today as a designer, brand and person. I have learned so much in the business, without even studying Fashion Design. (I study communications hahaha). I know all of my experiences will take me somewhere big.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

Definitely, The French Rivera, Mykonos, Amalfi, and Bali.

What quote do you like to read when you are lacking motivation? “You will never influence the world by trying to be like it” For anyone wanting to start their own fashion business, what advice would you offer?

Everything is about taking risks, you got to take risks in order to grow.

Don’t worry about stress, its just part of the process. That’s the beauty of it. Enjoy it.

JUST GO FOR IT.

What are your plans for the business in 2020?

My future for this year is to produce a swimwear collection for summer 2020 (Europe & USA), focus on creating mind-blowing editorials, and creating a beautiful campaign that involves my country, Peru. I will take and empower my collages into the three regions of Peru: Coast, Highlands & Jungle..

Find out more… www.camilledefago.comCamille has recently launched a blog on her website to talk about entrepreneurship, culture, fashion, art, and other factors that have made her and the brand what they are today..Instagram:Brand: @wearcamilledefagoPersonal: @camilledefago

Food & Drink November 9, 2023

Meet the Woman Making Indian Street Food Gourmet

It’s hard to know where to begin if you’re after an Indian meal in London. From busy and bustling chains to central-sitting favourites like the Tandoor Chophouse and back-street family run joints, Indian restaurants sprawl the streets of the capital.

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Dinner is served ?? Yum!! ?: @belle.imaging_food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #thegutsychutney #indiantapas #indiandinner #southindianchef #londonfoodie #keemabruschetta #hungryaf #dinnertime #hungryallthetime #afterworksnacks #afterworkfood #keemacurry #keemanaan #bruschetta #europeantwist #indianfoodwithatwist #redchillies #lovechillies #spicyfood #lovefood #londonfoodie #instafood #instagood #foodphotography #doubletap #followme #likeforlike

A post shared by The Gutsy Chutney (@thegutsychutney) on Sep 30, 2018 at 9:00am PDT

Indian food has, of course, been massively popular for a long while now (chicken tikka masala was actually invented here in the UK, dontcha know), and we’re the last people to complain. It is the food of Saturday nights, feeding us up, tantalising our taste buds and making us feel right at home.

But the thing is, simply stating ‘Indian’ doesn’t quite seem to cut it anymore. Londoners want to know that their seafood dish is inspired by the ports of Kerala and from which street in Gujarat their vegetarian curry is from. In short, we’re getting a bit picky.

Add this desire for detail to an implosion of street food culture and love for tapas-style feasting, and you’ve opened up a whole new gap in the market. That is, Indian street food with a real story.

Recent years have seen eateries which fall under this niche experience an exponential rocketing. Dishoom and the Masala Zone are high-profile examples, as is Soho’s Darjeeling Express – a restaurant founded by Asma Khan which only employs Indian females, recently featured on Netflix’s The Chef’s Table and now has a waiting list for bookings longer than any other restaurant in its vicinity. Impressive, right?

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Just in case you needed reminding ? Food is love! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #southindianfood #indianfood #homemadeindianfood #indiancuisine #indiancooking #loveindian #loveindia #loveindianfood #kerala #keralaindia #indianchef #indianrecipes #traditionalfood #explorenewcultures #trynewfoods #gutsychutney #instagood #londonfoodie #doubletap #foodislove #foodislife #neonsigns #loveneonsigns #neonart

A post shared by The Gutsy Chutney (@thegutsychutney) on Sep 18, 2018 at 10:00am PDT

Move a little out of the spotlight and you’ll see a whole other host of Indian chefs making their mark on the London foodie scene; the latest to jump on the bandwagon is Deepa Nair, host of the Gutsy Chutney.

TGC is yet again different from its Indian counterparts, because it’s a supper club which has been founded to “right the many wrongs” when it came to the way Indian cuisine was being enjoyed and represented in the UK.

Deepa said: “The numerous restaurants serving Indian cuisine never did justice to the phenomenal culinary variety that exists in India, choosing instead to have only the same and more popular dishes on the menu.”

I’m a lover of the informal, homely supper club. Pay a set price, BYOB (often), rock up to a venue (or someone’s home) which you wouldn’t usually visit and enjoy a multiple-course set menu cooked by a passionate cook (who’s also probably spent all day slaving away in an office, a la Deepa). You can’t get much better than that.

It was a rainy Wednesday evening when I went on my way to the latest in TGC’s offerings, and upon arriving at a small pub in the depths of West London, Deepa greeted me warmly.

She had clearly been busy in the kitchen; her scraped back hair and a spice-stained apron which hung from her neck proved that whatever I was about to eat would be a total labour of love.

This latest supper club was to be inspired by the streets of India. How very apt and on-trend. Out in India, every city has its own street food speciality, so Deepa decided to take attendees on a journey.

She started with dahi papdi chaat, a favourite from the state capital Delhi. It is crisp, savoury tarts filled with boiled potato, chickpeas, sauces and sweet yoghurt. It was totally delicious.

Next up Deepa took us over to Eastern Indian with her Momos, a Tibetan take on Chinese dumplings which have now been popularised in Northern and Eastern India as popular street food. They were serving with a seriously fiery chilli sauce, which, as Deepa warned us as it arrived at the table, was very hot. We ate the Momos with chop sticks – a totally authentic experience.

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Feeling for a @calcuttacanteen keema pau and #masalachai in this freezing weather…little one was asked if he wanted less coriander Chutney on his chicken Kati kebab roll: his response – I am Indian, I can take spicy food ?? #proudfoodiemom #soulfood @darjeelingldn

A post shared by The Gutsy Chutney (@thegutsychutney) on Dec 8, 2018 at 2:35am PST

Before enjoying a delicious main meal of chorizo pao (more on that later), we tucked into Kerala bakery egg puffs. This is apparently one of the most popular snacks that you can find in the bakeries of the region. Flaky and buttery pastry is wrapped around boiled eggs with a spicy Kerala onion sauce. Totally different to anything I’ve tried before, but somehow… it worked.

As mentioned, the main was chorizo pao, a spiced up version of the Pao Recheado com Chourico in Portugal, which is bread stuffed with sausages. This is a Goan street food popular during festivals and celebrations, and could be described to be similar to a chorizo burger in a brioche bun. It has the House of Coco stamp of approval.

The evening was concluded with a traditional dessert – Matka kheer, a dish made of creamy vermicelli and served warm or cold. Comfort food at its finest.

READ MORE: The Best of Italian Street Food

Deepa’s evening was totally fabulous; an experience we would recommend endlessly. We’re rather hoping she’ll open up a restaurant at some point in the near future… but in the meantime? Get yourself booked in for her next Gutsy Chutney event on April 26th. It is set to be as mouth-wateringly delicious as ever and will be raising funds for The Hygeine Bank charity. No excuses.

Fashion November 9, 2023

Designer Spotlight : Seneca Jewellery

Designer Sarah Jane Bourque’s foundation is her unyielding commitment to excellence forged over 24 years as a professional designer.

Here, she chats to us at House of Coco and tells us more about her journey…

When did you launch the brand and what was the reason behind it?
I launched Seneca Jewellery in the fall of 2017. Previously, I was the designer for my former jewellery brand for 15 years. I sold the business to start and grow our family. During that time I thought a lot about my future. I couldn’t stop thinking about what I would create if I were to start another collection and that is how Seneca emerged.

What’s your background?
I studied fashion design at SCAD in Savannah, Georgia and at Woodbury University in Los Angeles; after graduating cum laude, I entered into an emersion program, where I studied haute couture in Paris. I then moved to New York City and was a luxury handbag designer for Barry Kieselstein-Cord. It was there that I was drawn into the magical world of jewellery. My mother was also a jewellery designer who definitely influenced my path as well. Following several wonderful years, I scratched an itch and moved to the desert southwest (Phoenix, Arizona) to start my own jewellery collection — Saint by Sarah Jane. Saint became a national brand for over 12 years and was sold at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales. It was a fun ride!

How many people are involved in the company and what are their roles?
I am the sole owner and creative director of Seneca Jewellery. I work with top-notch, local artisans and jewellers to create my pieces. As a startup business, I think it is very important that I understand and know how to do every aspect of the business from the accounting, inventory, stone purchasing, designing, marketing, PR and forecasting. Over time, I may loosen the reigns, but for now I do not want to have any potential blind spots.

If you could start over with the business, would you do anything differently?
Nothing that I can think of — perhaps because 12 years at my previous company taught me so much about how to execute and what mistakes to avoid. Also, luckily, I am surrounded by some sharp people who are not afraid to give me their opinion when asked.

What is the hardest challenge you have faced since you started the company?
The hardest challenge is conveying the how well made the pieces are made – the quality craftsmanship of the collection; trying to build customers’ trust and assure them that the images they are seeing on the website are just as nice and in many cases nicer in person. For now, I embrace the challenge and enjoy the freedom to design for my customers, while not being beholden to corporate America.

Tell us one fact about you that people wouldn’t know?
I walk 12 miles in the morning, 5 days a week.

2019 is almost here, where do you plan on taking the brand?
I have three main goals this year: 1) continue to build out the collections 2) increase my private clientele with custom pieces and 3) gain more brand recognition.

To date, what has been the highlight since launching?
British Vogue’s and Tatler’s interest in featuring my collections. Also, seeing how proud my children are of me.

Which city do you feel most at home in, London, Paris or New York?
Paris. I have so many happy memories there from school and work trips.

Three beauty products you can’t leave the house without?
Dr. Hauschka’s Eye Balm, IS Clinical Pro Heal Serum and Precious Nature Oil for my hair.

Style means….?
So many things! Style is your mood, your essence, who you are and sometimes who you want to be or what you want to say. The way you dress and carry yourself is your calling card through life. At this stage in my life, style is about dressing to suit my lifestyle. My lifestyle is very active and casual, so I really enjoy simple dressing with pops of luxury.

Best thing about London to you?
The people, I loved the people!

Statement shoe or statement bag?
Statement handbag, but I don’t think I should have to choose!

If you had to, what piece of clothing from your wardrobe would you wear every day?
A white t-shirt.

Favourite love song?
“Let’s Stay Together,” Al Green

Best place for a coffee?
Home ☺

Most memorable piece of advice given to you?
You can’t change someone. You can only change yourself.

Guilty pleasure?
20 minute naps.

If you could spent 24 hours in anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I would love to go somewhere in Asia. Perhaps Japan. The Japanese culture intrigues me.

In the future, how do you plan on expanding the company?
One happy customer at a time! As my customer base continues to expand, I will continually re-assess Seneca Jewellery’s growth, with quality and craftsmanship being non-negotiable.

Find out more…

https://senecajewelry.com

Instagram: @senecajewelry

Twitter: @senecajewelry

Facebook:Seneca Jewelry

Argentina November 9, 2023

Best Summer Wines for You

Its summer, it’s hot, and you want to go to the beach and have a nice splash in the sea. Meanwhile, some of us would prefer staying indoors since not every one of us like soaking in the hot and fiery sun. Both would be much more enjoyable with a nice glass of wine in hand, sipping the heat away with our favorite beverage. Most people would opt rosé over red since the weather is starting to heat up, which is understandable.

There is this notion that red wines are more suitable to drink in winter which is understandable. However, if red is your all-time favorite, you shouldn’t choose other wines since there are red wines that are suitable for the summer heat.

In reality, even in summer, as opposed to what a lot of people say, red wines have traits that are suitable even in the hot weather. Red wines are best when chilled at the right temperature, which is excellent if you want to ease the humidity of the air. Along with low tannin and alcohol levels, you could surely indulge a little bit more without getting wasted and missing out on all the fun in the sun.

But still, choosing the best wine would be bothersome and exhausting, after all, there are a lot of them out there, so here are a few suggestions for you to try in Sokolin’s Wine Rating.

Barbera

With black cherry flavors with peppery-licorice flavors, along with a zesty finish, this wine is perfect for outside dining in a summer evening. This wine is also ideal for those people who don’t like fruity wines with a jammy texture.

Beaujolais

Sipping this wine delight is a wonder to behold as its taste would make you think of blueberries, violet atmosphere, with a little bit of loamy sand, enough to make you feel of a luscious garden of berries. Along with an excellent taste and aroma, it could also come as affordable as the average price for a bottle is $20.

Cinsault

Imagine someone throwing in a bunch of red berries in a blender; the outcome would be a red and fruity flavor and texture. The taste of this wine is acidic with a floral aroma that could counter its boisterous cherry flavor.

Frappato

This wine is a real masterpiece that came from Sicily, and still, it is underappreciated. The flavor is a mixture of candied oranges and raspberries with a low tannin level for easy drinking. This wine is a perfect pair for relaxing after having a fun time under the sun.

Nerello Mascalese

Another Sicilian treat with a lot of fruitiness and gritty texture, like the volcano where its grapes grow. This enjoyable delight has a severe tone into it, full with sour cherries, currants, and wild strawberries, this wine would surely be an adventure for you.

Gamay

Typically made from Burgundy, this French wine is used for a well-known autumn wine that is Beaujolais Nouveau. Gamay is light to drink, and it appeals to a lot of aromas such as cherries, black peppercorns, and dried fruit.

Tempranillo

This wine was made from a grape that was once commonly thought as a relative of pinot noir grape. This wonderful grape is often included in the mixture to create Rioja. When used solely to create wine, it produces lean wines and light. Cerro Anon Reserva and Rodei Tinto Rioja are great examples of wine made from the Tempranillo grape.

Nebbiolo

This intensely aromatic wine is created from a wine that is almost exclusively grown in the Piedmont region in Italy. The grape is used to create wines that are rich in flavor and taste like Barolo and also used to create lighter ones with big fruity flavors and spiciness.

Party Malbec

Made by an Argentinian winemaker Matias Riccitelli, this excellent wine was made with an unoaked style that emphasized on violet floral fragrance and black cherry flavors that is perfect with every meal with red meat in it. Summer is no excuse in missing out on the red meats, and what would possibly be a great companion in eating meats but having a great wine of Party Malbec in your glass after an exhausting but fun time on the beach with your friends and family.

Takeaway

Summer is a season of fun and adventure under the hot sun. After all the tiring activities like swimming in the sea, barbecue, road trips or even sunbathing, it would be nice if you have an excellent wineglass in your hand filled with your preferred red wine. Choosing the right wine would require you to do a lot of research and experimentation but at the end of the day, finishing a blissful day filled with fun with a perfect wine in your hands is the best.

Author Bio

Scarlett Wells is a freelance writer and wine enthusiast. She is an active critique examining all levels of wine types so she can produce reviews and articles that will help guide every consumer in selecting the right kind of wine to drink. Aside from that, she wrote a lot of blogs maximizing the real usage of wines. In her free time, she readsa lot about food and beverage pairing in order to help her become an effective mentor inspiring everyone to maintain a fit and fab lifestyle.

Adventures November 9, 2023

Summer Sailing Guide: The Best Places Around Europe

Summer is almost at the doorstep and it’s the time for sizzling barbeque parties, lazy days at the beach, ice-cold drinks and tons of outdoor activities. Summer is also the best time for holidays around Europe. The sunny days and the beautiful weather – it’s the time we look forward to all year long.

One way to explore the azure waters and the coastlines of some of the best places in Europe is by boat. Sailing is a great way to enjoy the natural and cultural richness of Europe through a new perspective.

Before you decide to take the boat out in the open waters, try to map out a route by researching different marinas and create your own unique route. You can also research popular boat trips and follow the plan to make the most out of your trip. And, if you are serious about sailing and are considering buying a new or used boat, check outBoats for sale.

From glamorous to exotic, Europe has some of the best sailing destinations in the world and, with the right guide, you can explore the best of the best. Listed below are some of the top jewels of the Mediterranean Sea.

Cannes Or The South Of France

The first on the list is the ever-so-glamorous and the oh-so-chic – the French Riviera. Warm, sunny, and radiant, the South of France has its own aura and vibe unlike anywhere else in the world.

Lined with charming pretty coastal towns, the French Riviera has some of the best sailing experiences Europe has to offer. Called the millionaire’s playground, you can taste the movie star lifestyle or under-the-radar sailing itineraries depending on what you crave.

Each town has something fascinating to offer – culture, art, history and a lot more. One of the most beautiful coastal lines to sail around is from Saint Tropez to Monaco, or simply known asCote d’Azur.

What can you not do around Cote d’Azur? Home of almost half of all yachts in the world, you can get a first-class seat to the swanky lifestyle in Saint Tropez, indulge in perfect Provencal cuisine in Cannes, and roam around in museums adorning Picasso and Matisse.

The views are nothing short of spectacular. Breathtaking hilltop towns and pristine sandy beaches, your eyes won’t get tired any time soon. if you are feeling more adventurous, you can venture into the Isles d’Hyeres or Isles de Lerins for a fun, relaxing break.

The South of France has it all – gorgeous postcard views with clear water, this fabulous sailing destination can also be your perfect getaway for shopping and dining.

Croatia

One of its coasts known as the ‘the next Riviera’,Croatia has some of the most spectacular coasts of Europe. Enchanting islands, rugged mountains, and magnificent cities – Croatia captures the best of Europe. Rich in culture and history, there’s no better way to explore this country’s spectacular islands than a luxury boat or a yacht.

To give you a scale of how much you can explore around Croatia, the country has almost one thousand islands scattered along its coastline. The Dalmatian island is famous for its sparking bays, far-flung fishing villages, and translucent sea. You can feel the true spirit of the Mediterranean here in its full glory.

Every island has its own character and is waiting to be explored. Not just the islands, the cities are gloriously preserved with ancient monuments and relics sprawled all over, and, not to mention the luscious green national parks that surrounds it all.

The most famous coast-side town in Croatia is Dubrovnik. Its ancient city walls and sleek marble streets still stand witness to a glorious past long gone. You can get a view of the city from the water and explore the islands of Mljet and Korcula, the port town of Trogir and tiny Bisevo and Vis Island.

The best time to sail along the coasts of Croatia is from April to November with July and August bolstering the smoothest water. Don’t venture out in the water in September and October unless you are a seasoned sailor.

Italian Riviera

If you think you are not familiar with the beauty of Italian Riviera, think again! You have surely seen the beautiful villages around Italian Riviera in postcards and heard of the UNESCO listed fishing village of Cinque Terre.

The sparkling turquoise sea and the crescent-shaped Coast of Liguria are unique to the Italian Riviera. The gorgeous landscape, culture, art, andmouth-watering Italian cuisine make this one of the best places to sail in the world.

Narrow medieval streets, brightly colored houses, and the seaside attractions makes the Italian Riviera a fascinating once-in-a-lifetime sailing adventure. You can start sailing from the famous San Remo and sail your way to Portofino. You will come across dazzling bays, cute old ports, and calm beaches.

Don’t forget to weigh down your anchor and explore the quaint, little villages. You will find small amazing alfresco cafes and restaurants alongside shopping boutiques surrounded by alluring art and architecture.

Turkish Riviera

The old meets the new in the Turkish Riviera, it has the most unique and captivating European coastlines. Turkey is a land immersed in rich culture and history. You will find stunning ancient ruins, pebble coves, and traditional fishing villages surrounded by blue waters.

Turkish cuisine is famous all over the world along with the warm inviting Turkish hospitality. You can enjoy the enthralling, sun-soaked shores and indulge in activities such as watersports.

The magic of Turkey remains in its blue water, the people and reliable wind that will take you anywhere your heart desires.

Greek Islands

We can’t end this article without mentioning the fabulous Greek Islands. Another jewel of the Mediterranean, its dazzling blue calm and warm water can alone make you at home with the famous Greek mythology. If there’s one place that has all the charm of the Aegean Sea, it’s Greece. And there’s no better way to discover this land but by the sea in your own boat or yacht.

So, what’s stopping you from taking your boat to the most amazing destinations? When the sea beckons and the wind summons, who are we to say no? Bon Voyage and Happy Sailing!

Fashion November 9, 2023

Designer Spotlight : Anne Poon

Anne Poon’s jewellery presents the concept for how to integrate the new and old materials with a refreshing & simplistic design approach. It is not just about making new beautiful things with new materials, it is more about going back to the wild vintage stores, old bead stores and reviving these forgettable, discontinued but treasurable gems. Simply because for one reason: they arouse imaginations. They deserve better, and she wants to bring these inspirations back to life.

Here, she tells us more…

When did you launch the brand and what was the reason behind it?
I don’t remember exactly when- I just started making jewellery back in 2005 as an outlet to unleash my creativity- at some point I designed so much that I just decided to launch a website to share my passion. And then the response was good and that encouraged me to keep going.

Whats your background?
My background is in Architecture and I am still practicing as an architectural designer. My past experiences have involved different building types, from high rise tower, hotel, villa to now single family custom home. Somehow it seems very different from jewellery design but indeed it shares some similarities, like understanding human scale, proportions, texture and aesthetics. It strikes a very good balance to me.

How many people are involved in the company and what are their roles?
There is no one else- I play every role from design, sourcing, making, styling, photographing, marketing and the packaging. I learn a great deal from every single aspect and I strongly believe this is very important for a designer to understand this entire process. But of course I really hope someday I don’t have to do them all!

If you could start over with the business, would you do anything differently?
I would have started my business without a full time job. Though I am still treating my business like a hobby, I have no regrets on that and intend to keep that vibe going. Or else I won’t be able to stay true to myself.

What is the hardest challenge you have faced since you started the company?
A few…I suck at marketing; this is the biggest challenge to me, I just have a super thin skin. I constantly have to remind myself from switching a designer position to a business woman position.

Tell us one fact about you that people wouldn’t know?
can’t wear my earrings cos I don’t have my ears pierced anymore. They were pierced when I was a kid and found they were super annoying from not getting infected. From time to time, people always have the same reaction when they discover I don’t have my ears pierced.

To date, what has been the highlight since launching?
The highlight has been invited to a jewellery exhibition show in Milan this February and also being interviewed by House of Coco Magazine! The Milan show was a three days exhibition with other 120 designers from everywhere in the world. It was very touching when you see your works being seriously treated like an art work in the gallery. That moment I dropped a tear and thought ‘wow, look at what you did.’

Which city do you feel most at home in, London, Paris or New York?
I don’t think I have spent enough time in the above cities to make that call, though I always crave to go back to know better. A homey feeling is another story. Besides my origin, Hong Kong, I would say San Francisco (currently my residence) feels mostly my home.

Three beauty products you can’t leave the house without?
Powder Blush, eyebrow brush and eye cream.

Style means….?
Style means just being yourself, I also feel to stay true and be able to understand yourself is very important.

Best thing about London to you?
The art & the history, AND Alexander McQueen.

Statement shoe or statement bag?
Neither, I care more a jewellery piece than bags or shoes. Sometimes I feel like I am a dude who just wants to walk out the house with an iphone and a credit card.

If you had to, what piece of clothing from your wardrobe would you wear everyday?
Jumpsuit, that’s a no brainer.

Favourite love song?
Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi. It is not really a love song, but I switch my favourite love song all the time.

Best place for a coffee?
The best coffee will take place at my good friend’s place or just home-made by my hubby.

Most memorable piece of advice given to you?
Don’t listen to people’s advices; all you need to listen is your heart.

Guilty pleasure?
Spend an afternoon on a stack of art/fashion/design magazines, complement with a giant bag of the Japanese Calbee BBQ potato chips, just lie on my couch and do nothing else.

In future, how do you plan on expanding the company?
Since I suck so much in marketing & business development, I need to either find a business partner or beat myself up to work on it.

Find out more…

Website: www.annepoon.com

Instagram: @capoon