Israel - House Of Coco Magazine

Croatia March 29, 2021

Uncover the best places across the globe to discover spring, once and “flor-al”

Earlier this month we attended a virtual event with our friends at ToursbyLocals, we got to explore Dubrovnik and a few other delightful destinations and it was the exact amount of armchair travel that we needed. As we begin to look ahead to travelling in a post-pandemic world, the new season gives us a sense of hope, positivity and a new lease on life. With a spring in our step and the help of ToursByLocals, the world’s leading online marketplace for private tours, travellers can look forward to discovering the fresh face of travel. Uncover lesser-known locations across the globe, be re-inspired by domestic destinations, or delve deeper into a firm favourite with a local guide. From admiring the stunning flower stalls in cosmopolitan Barcelona to celebrating the Jinhae cherry blossom festival in South Korea this bloom season, the guides on ToursByLocals provide a selection of tours to uncover the best destinations to experience spring. The company enriches the travel experience with 4,800 guides leading tours in 190 countries, and counting.

Capture the spring blooms in Washington DC

Over a century ago, the mayor of Tokyo gifted the Capitol with over 3,000 flowering cherry trees, bringing a piece of Japan to the USA. Each year the blossom gives the city’s monuments a feathery and ethereal pink hue. Peak bloom time is April each year and provides an interesting juxtaposition of nature and the iconic American buildings known all around the world. On the ToursByLocals platform you can access local experts like Ken, who is the author of countless guidebooks and has been living in the capital city for over a decade. Travellers will be able to get off the beaten track, immersing themselves fully in the local culture, street music, art and quirky alcoves which make Washington DC a world-class city. Discover the National Mall and the Old Downtown as well as locally favoured spots such as Barracks Row, charming and postcard-perfect Georgetown and Dupont Circle fountain – a great place to enjoy a picnic.

Book the six-hour Washington Walking Tour priced at £353 per tour for up to eight people on the ToursByLocals website. Includes guiding services.

Celebrate the Jinhae cherry blossom festival in South Korea

Every year, the largest cherry blossom festival in the world takes place in spring in Jinhae, a small and unassuming naval city located in the south of Korea. With the expertise of local guide BK Jung, who has many years of experience tour-guiding in Seoul, take a leisurely stroll under the floral ceiling of pink cherry blossoms as South Korea transitions into spring. Head to one of the cherry blossom hotspots, the Yeojwacheon Stream which features the iconic Romance Bridge made famous by the Korean TV drama, Romance. Situated in the heart of the city, the Jinghae tower symbolises a Korean naval warship and stands at the top of a 365-step staircase overlooking the city and its coastline. The Jinghae museum is located on the first and second floors and is home to a collection of cultural relics relating to Korea’s historical past.

Book the eight-hour Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Tour priced at £312 per tour for up to eight people on the ToursByLocals website. Includes guiding services and private transportation.

Discover the blooms in Barcelona at traditional flower stalls

Barcelona is best known for the spectacular architecture of Antoni Gaudi, its modern art museums, golden shoreline and tapas bars but many do not know about the plentiful flower stalls and markets which align the famous avenue, Las Ramblas. The Flower Rambla was very important during the 19th century as it was the only place in the city where you could buy flowers – it is the only street like this in the world. Explore the city on foot with local guide Mar who has been a tour guide since 1994 and visit the main square Plaça Catalunya and the Boqueria Food Market – home to over 200 stalls from delicious fruits and aromatic spices to freshly-caught seafood. Spend the afternoon soaking up the culture of the vibrant bustling city and explore Barcelona’s old Jewish Quarter and The Gothic Cathedral which was built in 1298, with Mar showcasing endless local knowledge, tips and tricks.

Book the three-hour Barcelona City Tour priced at £213 per tour for up to nine people on the ToursByLocals website. Includes guiding services and free map of Barcelona.

Wander through the lavender fields in Provence and visit a floral distillery

Neighbouring the UK, France is just a short ferry ride and a perfect getaway for those wanting to stay a little bit closer to home. Your guide Nathalie was born in Luberon, a beautiful region located between Aix-en-Provence and Avignon and was an English teacher for 16 years before qualifying as a tour guide. Enjoy a scenic drive through the mountain road of Lourmarin and meet a local producer at a lavender distillery who will share their secrets including the numerous medicinal and practical uses. Stop along the way to photograph the rows of lavender and then follow the country roads to the “capital” of Lavender: the village of Sault. Capture the incredible colours of the lavender blossoms and feel re-energised by the enchanting scent of Provence’s iconic flower.

Book the eight-hour Lavender Luberon-Sault Tour priced at £531 per tour for up to seven people on the ToursByLocals website. Includes guiding services and private transportation.

India March 18, 2021

5 Best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh

The month of January is the peak of the winter cold in the state of Himachal Pradesh, During the winter months, the land of Himachal transforms completely into a mystical land. The natural beauty of the snow-laden mountains and rooftops of the local village houses has an aura of its own.

The winter months of December and January see fewer tourists compared to the summer season. Due to this, you can see less of the tourist crowd and give you more space to be yourself. Although there are plenty of places in Himachal Pradesh to visit, there are some places that are particularly special during the winter months.

For a tranquil little winter vacation with your loved ones, there are several places to visit in Himachal in January. From frozen lakes to winter sports activities, there are plenty of opportunities for you to have fun on your vacation. Snowfall is particularly a special experience for the tourists traveling from the North Indian cities. Tourists from Punjab, Delhi, and Haryana visit Himachal Pradesh to witness the snowfall.

The 5 top destinations to visit in the state of Himachal Pradesh during January winter are:

– Spiti Valley

– Manali

– Shimla

– Kasol

– Dharamshala

We have compiled a list of the best places to visit in Himachal in January. The list will include a destination that you might find to be the most suitable for you. Himachal in January month is a treat to savor. Here are the places that are all worthy of being the best winter destination.

Spiti Valley

Kee Monastery, Spiti, Himachal Pradesh (image source: Wikimedia Commons)

Spiti is so much more than just a secluded cold desert situated at a height of around 3,800 meters. It is more of a spiritual destination for backpacker travelers and motorcyclists. The raw and rugged beauty of the Spiti valley is something indescribable.

Among the Himachal packages that the travel agents offer to the tourists, Spiti valley is clearly among the top 5 destinations. Spiti valley has many attractions that are suited for all types of tourists with different preferences. These attractions include Buddhist monasteries, mountain biking, trekking, and whitewater rafting.

During the cold of January, the destinations such as Tabo, Nako, Kibber village, Kaza, and Dhankar look different compared to the summer season. In recent years, Spiti has been attracting an increasing number of tourists from all over the world. Spiti valley stands in stark contrast compared to the concrete jungle of the modern cities of India.

Tourists traveling from the cities find Spiti valley to be a land of some other world. During the winter, Spiti valley is famous for its snow rains. You can find Tibetan Buddhist houses that look very similar to the houses in Tibet. Did you know that Spiti is also known as Little Tibet?

You can find plenty of homestay options for your accommodation and during the winter season. One thing to note is that the only way to reach Spiti Valle in the winter is by traveling by road. This route starts from Shimla through the National Highway No.22 through Kinnaur.

One gem of an attraction is the Chandratal Lake in January. The beauty of this lake is indescribable during the winter mornings. The other lake is the Suraj Tal lake which is perfect for your Instagram.

Manali

Manali in Winter, Himachal Pradesh (image source: Wikimedia Commons)

Arguably the valleys of Manali are some of the best places to visit in Himachal in January. The destination of Kullu is equally more important for the Indian tourists because of the Hindu temples that are significant during certain months of the year.

Manali is always mentioned in the list of the most popular Himachal honeymoon packages. Among the newly-married couples from North India, Manali is the perfect destination for their vacation.

The charm of Manali is a story on its own during the winter season. Especially in January, witnessing snowfall at the Rohtang Pass is a wonderful experience. In winter, there are winter sports such as snowmobile riding and skiing are very popular among people.

Manali is situated at a height of around 6000 feet, the temperatures can easily drop below 0 degrees Celcius and it is recommended to be prepared well before you travel. The sight-seeing of Manali mostly includes visits to the popular temple such as Hadimba Devi Temple etc.

Trekking during the winters is not for everyone however, it is one of the most sought-after experiences for regular trekkers and backpackers. You can find Paragliding and rafting as well to satiate your thirst for adventure. Manali is a great destination for picturesque views of the mountains surrounded by deodar forests. For the photographers, January is a wonderful time to be in Manali.

Shimla

The Ridge, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh (image source: Wikimedia Commons)

Shimla is lovingly called the ‘Queen of Hills’ because it is majestic because of its location as well as due to the colonial-era architecture. This beautiful hill station is also among the top Himachal honeymoon packages. It is a favorite holiday destination for Indian domestic tourists.

The major attractions of Shimla include The Mall, Gaiety Theatre, and Viceregal Lodge to name a few. Shimla is perfect for trekking and winter sports activities during the winter season. After the snowfall, Shimla transforms into a magical fantasy land from the storybooks. The look of the buildings along with the long stretch of the snow-covered road with people walking has a very charming appeal to Shimla.

The scenic views during the winter is an amazing sight to behold. Shimla is situated at a height of around 2200 meters and provides a panoramic view of the Himalayan range. Shimla was used as a Summer vacation destination by the British Officers during their rule in India. That is the reason the city is embedded in colonial history.

If you wish to see Himachal in January, your most convenient option can be Shimla. This city is conveniently connected by road, train, and air. Also, for budget travelers, Shimla is an ideal vacation destination. For witnessing the snowfall, the most famous spot near Shimla is Kufri which always attracts tourists from North India.

Kasol

Town of Kasol, Himachal Pradesh (image source: Wikimedia Commons)

Among many other places ideal to visit in Himachalin January, Kasol is lesser-known to the domestic Indian tourists. However, it has gained significant popularity among International travelers. It is also somehow known as the ‘Israel of India’.

Kasol is pretty much a laid-back town where people come to relax and also because of the hippie culture that is prevalent among the international tourists. Kasol has some of the most amazing scenic views in Himachal Pradesh. Among the trekker’s community, Kasol has many interesting treks through lush green valleys.

Another popular feature of Kasol is the presence of ‘Hot Springs’ where you can take a dip even during the cold winter months. The hot water in these springs at some places is also used to cook food. The Manikaran Temple is a Sikh temple where the communal food is cooked by submerging the cooking pot in hot boiling water of the spring.

Kasol is one of the best places to visit in Himachal in January because the lush green valleys change dramatically into snow-laden treks leading to Malana and the famous Parvati valley. If your stay in Kasol extends to February, then there is a famous dance called Harlala which is ‘Masked Dance’ by the locals.

As for the adventure enthusiasts, camping, trekking options are available to satisfy you. Trekking to Rasol Pass and Chanderkhani Pass are among the most popular trekking routes along with many beautiful camping sites. Although trekking through these routes is quite challenging during winters, many travelers do these treks in extreme conditions as well.

If you wish to travel to Kasol during winters, you can find much less of a crowd. If you find it challenging to travel to Kasol during winters, then it is better to get assistance from the tour operators or a travel agency. These travel agents offer many Himachal packages which are meant for traveling to Kasol in the winter season.

Dharamshala

Mcleodganj in Winter, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh (image source: Wikimedia Commons)

Buzzing with youthful energy, Dharamshala is located in the lap of the beautiful Kangra Valley. It is surrounded by the majestic Dhauladhar mountain range. Dharamshala has gained a lot of popularity among foreign tourists because of the presence of The Dalai Lama, who is the spiritual leader of the exiled leader of Tibet in India.

The local places to visit in and around Dharamshala are the following:

Mcleodganj
Dharamkot
Sidhbari
Naddi

During the winter months of December and January, the tourists visiting Dharamshala are very low. The snow-covered mountains of the Dhauladhars look magical during the winters.

To witness the snowfall, tourists from north India visit Dharamshala. Especially the Naddi Lake is the site to truly enjoy the view of the snowfall with the background of the forest.

Dharamshala is one of the best places to visitin the Himachal in January because of the various tourist activities and attractions. Trekking to Triund top is one of the best adventure trips you can have. Shopping in the famous town of Mcleodganj and enjoying Tibetan, Indian and Intercontinental cuisines can make your day worthwhile.

Camping, Trekking, and Sightseeing are some of the top experiences to have while in Dharamshala. It is quite interesting to find people from the major cities who have settled in the Dharamshala after quitting their stressful lives in cities like Delhi and Chandigarh.

Conclusion

If you are planning to travel to any of the above-mentioned destinations, it is recommended that you check the weather and road conditions before starting. The temperatures sometimes can fall below the freezing point at night. Also, many adventure sports can become risky if proper preparation is not done. Trekking to certain places is possible but can become a little difficult for beginners.

Other than that, January can bring a new personality to the natural beauty of Himachal Pradesh. Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy witnessing the snowfall at the key destinations. The experiences of the mountains during the Winter season can become beautiful stories to remember.

Author Bio

Rahul Arora likes to explore by interacting with people and learning about their culture and traditions. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define him the best. He loves to explore new terrains in a different corner of the world. He believes in the idea of ‘Live and let live’.

Connect him on LinkedIn and follow him on Twitter for a quick chat

France January 29, 2021

Travel Bucket List: Places to Go and Things to Do After the Pandemic

Thanks to the COVID-19 crisis, many of our travel plans came to a screeching halt. For many, traveling for leisure will surely be a sentimental event once the virus dies and the nations of the world open up again. If you’re a sojourner who loves visiting new places and exploring different countries and cultures, here are some places to go and activities to do to add to your post-pandemic travel bucket list.

Join a year-long dig or volunteer for humanitarian organizations.

If you’re interested in archeology and paleontology, there are plenty of institutions that accept volunteers for paleontological digsand excavations.Many of these programs don’t require specific educational attainments; they just need people who are willing to literally get on the ground and work with their hands. In exchange for sweat and a tuition fee, volunteers will receive hands-on education from experts, as well as the privilege of being part of some of the world’s most important discoveries.

You can also consider going on a volunteer trip with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross, and World Vision, who are always at the forefront of extending help to the most neglected and marginalized people in developing countries. What better way to celebrate the end of the pandemic, your health, and your relative privilege than by spending your resources helping the most vulnerable in the world?

Go on a faith-centered vacation.

After what has been a challenging few years, everyone deserves to take the time to process the collective grief and trauma we all went through. No matter your faith, consider going on a trip that will allow you to re-shape and re-connect with your spirituality. If you’re Catholic, consider visiting the Vatican to hear mass from the Pope himself. If you’re Buddhist, volunteer as an English teacher for monks, or work in a monastery. If you’re Christian, go on a tour of Jerusalem and re-traced Jesus’ steps to give life to the pages of the New Testament.

You can take the time to do some meditative or mindful Christianity too. If you’re Muslim, consider going to Mecca as your first order of business when the pandemic is over. If you’re non-religious, go on a hike on the United States’ most stunning national parks to commune with nature and re-connect with yourself.

If you can plan and make concessions in your financial life to be able to afford this trip, do so. You deserve to heal after the pain and devastation the pandemic and recession brought, and going on a faith-centered trip can help you gain some semblance of wholeness.

Visit the locations of your favorite TV shows and movies.

If all you did for leisure during the pandemic was binge-watch the most popular TV shows and movies, consider it your mission to save up enough money to visit the most stunning locations you saw on your screen. If you enjoyed some Korean dramas, list down the places from those shows that you want to visit next.

If you loved historical TV shows that were filmed in the United Kingdom, explore how you can save up enough to fly to those locations and see them in real life. Adding this goal to your travel bucket list can give you something to look forward to when you find yourself being bored watching the same movies and TV shows at home.

Attend a concert or a music festival.

Being able to see our favorite artists live was one of the things COVID-19 stole from us. When all this is over, consider saving up enough money to be able to go to some of the most well-loved music festivals, likeGlastonbury, Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Tomorrowland. Let our post-pandemic world finally be the push you need to see what all the fuss is about. You never know – you might end up falling in love with amusical act you have never listened to before.

The only way for COVID-19 to die a natural death is if we all do our part in wearing our masks, staying home, keeping a safe distance from others when we’re out, and keeping our hands clean and sanitized. The roll-out of vaccines all over the world will be crucial, but we don’t need to wait for everyone to be vaccinated before we take this virus seriously.

This pandemic will endand our unity and kindness towards others will be key to that.If we do our part now, we might be able to finally put a stop to this virus, and allow the world to move freely once again.

Brunch December 9, 2020

All the London festive dining spots to hit up before Christmas

Now that lockdown 2.0 and #BlackNovember are out of the way, we’re once again filling our evenings — dining with our households or meeting some pals (safely) outdoors of course — and booking some of the best festive dining spots London has to offer.

If you’ve been in a lockdown hole (heck – we all have) and don’t know where to begin, then we’ve put together a hit-list of all our favourite festive feasts in the city no matter what your mood.

London Stock: For a chilled out evening in South London

The newest kid on the block of Wandsworth Ram’s Quarter has reopened its doors in true holiday style with a £65pp 10-course holiday menu that will certainly blow your mind. It begins with two delectable mushroom dishes (one a Mushroom Cep gnochetti and the other a parfait with pickled walnuts and sourdough) and ends with Malt and Miso soufflé bang.

Some other culinary highlights include the Beef Cheek with Jerusalem artichoke, Roast Cod with pickled mussels in a light soy and ginger broth, and Roast Turkey two ways. London Stock’s culinary exodus is completed with a trio of sweet treats which includes a Delica Squash with Yuzu, praline and honey.

London Stock has also given its cocktail menu and wine list a festive makeover – and we’re looking at the ‘In The Woods’ concoction — a mixture of Hayman’s old Tom Gin and Cocci Americano, Mushroom and Blueberry Shrub — as both an aperitif and digestif.

Bookings available via OpenTable or www.londonstockrestaurant.co.uk

Galvin at Windows: A timeless meal with unbeatable views

With 14 years at the (literal) top of London’s food scene, Galvin at Windows’ Christmas menu is certainly taking festive dining to new heights.

Following the lead of Chef Patron Chris Galvin and under the watchful eye of Chef Marc Hardiman, the ‘Taste of Christmas’ menu at Galvin at Windows begins at a very reasonable £59 pp offers four incredible courses and a welcome Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs to start. If the Cured Faroe Island Salad, Cornish Cod, and Native black Angus sirloin isn’t enough to blow you away (which is highly unlikely) than the panoramic views of Hyde Park certainly will.

The Christmas Day lunch menu is priced at £199 pp for four courses and offers a luxurious twist on timeless British classics. So, if you’re looking to reward yourself with an indulgent Christmas meal to end 2020 in true #TeamCoco style — then we highly recommend it.

All of the Galvin at Windows Festive menus can be viewed here.

Ayllu: A festive fusion meal that is out of the ordinary

‘Festive’ may not be the word that comes to mind when you think of Peruvian-Japanese fusion, but Ayllu’s holiday menu certainly packs the festive punch and then some. This contemporary fusion restaurant in Paddington was inspired by the ‘Ayllu’ Incan community and highlights these familial Peruvian traditions with a wonderfully creative selection of small plates.

We recommend dining out on the terrace and enjoying views of the canal while feasting on Ayllu’s Nikkei Tasting menu. The menu is priced at £55 for two people to share and has more than enough to satisfy your festive cravings.

Full menu available to view here & Christmas Day menus here.

Heddon Yokocho: For Ramen Lovers everywhere

This one is for all the ramen lovers looking for a festive meal out this December. Heddon Yokocho is re-opening with a new Christmas menu that packs all of the familiar ramen goodness with a Christmas twist. The menu is priced at only £24.5 per person and offers three courses with a drink.

We recommend the Chicken Karaage and Tokyo Shoyu ramen, and raising a glass of Shochu Sour Berry soju to finish. Also, the restaurant’s casual yet retro Japanese aesthetic will certainly satisfy your desire for escapism even if its just for one evening.

Heddon Yokocho’s Christmas menu is available from 10 to 24 December

Cocktails July 3, 2020

Summer Cocktails – for Summer Days and Nights

Well, finally. The warm weather is set to come out in full force over the weekend and next week (we hope it is here to stay) and if that isn’t reason enough for a summer cocktail, we don’t know what is. Whether it’s a refreshing cocktail for summer days or something to end the night with, there’s plenty of our favourite cocktails that you will learn if you check out Bar and Drink and takes on classic favourites that suit summer so well, it would be rude not to indulge in one or two.

No matter if you’re loyal to the classic mojito or daiquiri or up for finding your new favourite cocktail, the following drink recipes might take your fancy for the summer months to come. Pubs are set to open tomorrow but not all of us will feel easy to visit – so why not bring the bar home and have your own private cocktail club? Make mine a Tequila and Tonic…

Afternoon in the Highlands

With cocktails getting more and more creative, we’re not surprised the standard G&T might not be what you’re always craving. So it was music to our ears, upon hearing that Caorunn Gin had created their own version, tributing the Highlands – from where their spirit hails. A sophisticated take on the traditional classic, this cocktail involves a fermentation process that brings about a taste of acidity mergede with friuty notes – packed full of flavour. Vibrant in both taste and colour; try this version of the cocktail for the summer.

Ingredients

40ml Caorunn
30ml raspberry cordial or raspberry fermentation
25ml lemon juice
40ml tonic water
2ml peat whisky (Caorunn traditionally uses anCnoc Peatheart)
Handful of flowers to garnish (should you wish)

Method

For the raspberry cordial, stir together 500 grams of caster sugar with one litre of water and 200g raspberries in a pan. Bring it to the boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Let it cool down, strain and refrigerate. *Or, if using a raspberry fermentation, weigh 20 grams of raspberries, add 5 grams of salt and wait three to four days. Stir all the ingredients with ice and serve in a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with wildflowers.

Aperol Spritz

If you can’t actually be in Italy right now, make yourself an Aperol Spritz cocktail, close your eyes and be transported there. We can pretend, right? The refreshing and bubbly drink has proved to be a popular one and its bright orange colour couldn’t make it more of a summer cocktail if it tried. The key to loving an Aperol Spritz is adjusting the measures to your taste – depending on how strong, bitter or sweet you like your cocktails.

Ingredients:

50ml Aperol
50ml Prosecco
15ml Soda Water
1 Orange Slice
Ice

Method:

Fill a large glass with ice and combine Prosecco followed by Aperol in equal parts. Add a dash of soda water, stir and garnish with an orange slice. Adjust your Aperol Spritz cocktail to your liking by using less Aperol and adding more Prosecco if you like your drink sweeter and decrease the measures of alcohol and top up with more soda water, if you prefer a less alcoholic drink.

Blackberry and Basil P&T

Another spirit to raise the tonic drink game is white port. Now, I don’t know about you, but you say ‘port’ and I say ‘Santa’ but white port is completely different. Perfect for both drinking neat and mixing into a Port and Tonic or a cocktail, it could be a new contender for ‘drink of the summer’. Light and refreshing in taste, white port is only 19 per cent ABV – about half that of an average spirit. As of Monday, the premium spirit will be stocked in Waitrose.

Ingredients:

50ml Graham’s Blend No5 White Port
15ml Fresh Lemon Juice
4 Blackberries
Basil Leaves
Tonic
Ice

Method:

Pour 50ml Graham’s Blend No5 into a cocktail shaker. Add the lemon juice and the blackberries and muddle until the port is infused. Strain into a glass with ice and top up with tonic. Garnish with the basil leaves.

Blueberry Key Lime Mojito

Why not make your summer cocktail a virgin one? Bird & Blend Tea Co. has a blueberry key lime edition which mixes perfectly with sparkling water to make a refreshing summer drink. This mocktail needs only a few ingredients to transform it into a drink you’ll sip all day long. Only requiring a few extra ingredients to turn it from tea to a virgin cocktail. You can always had a bit of rum later on if you want to spice things up too.

Ingredients:

3 tsp Bird & Bird blueberry key lime tea
1 lime
1/2 tsp sugar
A handful of mint leaves
Ice
Sparkling water
Blueberries

Method:

Brew your blueberry key lime tea in 100ml boiling water and set aside to cool. Add your mint leaves, sugar and half a lime’s juice into a cocktail shaker and mix together. Add your ice and cooled blueberry key lime concentrate and give it a shake. Pour your mix into a glass, top with sparkling water and garnish with mint leaves, a few slices of lime and your blueberries.

Coconut Kiwi Cooler

Who doesn’t love a frozen cocktail in summer? It’s the signature drink that sorts you out on a cool day; whatever form in which it comes. Now you might be more familiar with frozen daiquiris and margaritas but what about the humble gin? Kiwi and coconut scream summer so there’s no complaints from us, blending them with gin and crushed ice. The flavour notes that underpin Brookie’s Gin are from botanicals such as native river mind, macadamia and Byron Sunrise finger limes, adding to the refreshing taste of your summer cocktail.

Ingredients:

45ml Mac. by Brookie’s Gin
2 kiwis
45ml coconut milk
2 dashes of chocolate bitter

Method:

Blend all the ingredients with ice and garnish with a slice of kiwi and edible flowers (should you wish).

Jaffa Cake Negroni

Put your hand up if you’re here for any chocolate or cake in alcoholic beverage form. There was a pause in typing because, us too. An interesting mix us this Jaffa Cake Gin – distilled with oranges, fresh orange peel, cocoa powder and actual Jaffa Cakes – the zingy orange flavour has a rich and earth chocolatey undertone. Master of Malt is selling this Jaffa Cake Negroni bundle on offer for £45.35.

Ingredients:

25ml Jaffa Cake Gin
25ml Campari
25ml Martini Rosso sweet vermouth
Orange Peel
Ice

Method:

Add ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and give a good shake. Strain into an ice-filled tumbler. Garnish with an orange peel or, for an indulgent extra, a Jaffa cake on the edge of your glass like a citrus wheel.

Papa Pimm’s Cup

Pimm’s and summer are almost synonymous – but why not try a Filipino twist on the cocktail of the season? Don Papa rum here to add that extra something to the classic English summer time refresher.

Ingredients:

30ml Don Papa
20ml Pimm’s
125ml Ginger Ale
Squeeze of Lemon
2 Cucumber Ribbons
2 Strawberries
2 Lemon Slices
Handful of Mint

Method:

In a mixing glass or rocks glass gently muddle together the strawberries, mint and lemon to release the flavours and break up the strawberries. Add to large wine glass along with Don Papa 7, Pimm’s and cucumber ribbons. Fill glass with ice and top with ginger ale. Garnish with sliced strawberry and mint sprig.

Sangria

Another one for those not drinking this summer. For those of you who don’t know, NINE ELMS is a non-alcoholic tipple, created not to replace wine but to offer as an alternative for those not drinking alcohol but still desiring a drink to pair well with food. The NINE ELMS sangria recipe incorporates the classic elements of the summer cocktail, but adding light, summer fruits such as watermelon and peaches. Don’t be deceived by this sweet drink though – there’s a twist of spice coming through from the ginger ale, star anise and cinnamon too.

Ingredients:

1 Bottle of NINE ELMS No.18
12-15 Ripe strawberries sliced into thin rounds across the core
1/4 Watermelon (seedless or seeds removed) sliced into small wedges about 5mm thick
1 juicy peach or nectarine – stone removed and thinly sliced
1 cinnamon quill
2 Star Anise
1 Orange, for twisting
200ml Dry Ginger Ale

Method

Place the strawberries, watermelon and peach in a large bowl. Add the cinnamon and star anise. Pour in the whole bottle of NINE ELMS No.18. Twist a strip of orange peel over the bowl and drop its fragrant loveliness into the concoction.Pop the bowl in the fridge to steep for at least an hour, but better left for up to 4 hours. Decant the liquid and fruit into a large jug, filling to just over half-way. Top with dry ginger ale.Stir gently, then serve in punch or wine glasses, making sure to include a good amount of the steeped fruit. Garnish with another orange twist.

T&T (Tequila & Tonic)

If you’re reading this thinking there’s a typo and that it should actually be G&T, you’d be forgiven but wrong. We know a Gin and Tonic is the classic drink to order at the bar but if gin is a tiny bit bitter for you to taste, tequila is the answer. El Rayo tequila is distilled specifically to pair better than most with tonic water. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and you have yourself a refreshing drink. Perfect for anyone who likes a sweeter, warmer taste to their drink. Always thought of the drink to shot after licking some salt and followed by a chaser of lime, it’s time to revamp your vision of drinking tequila.

Ingredients:

25ml El Rayo Tequila
75ml Tonic Water
1 Grapefruit Slice
Ice

Method:

Pour the tequila into a high ball glass and top up with tonic water. Top the glass up with ice. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.

Watermelon Tipples

If a watermelon sugar high is good enough for Harry Styles, it’s good enough for us. With it being one of our favourite fruits, how could we not love it in cocktail form? Aldi is selling a Raspberry & Watermelon Gin Liqueur (£9.99) , as well as a Strawberry & Watermelon Vodka Crush (£11.99) to make the sweetest cocktail spritzes around to enjoy this summer.

Ingredients:

25ml Gin Liqueur or Vodka Crush
Mint Leaves
75ml Lemonade
1 Watermelon Wedge
Ice

Method:

For a refreshing cocktail that’s one in a melon, simply mix a single measure of either the gin liqueur or vodka crush with mint, pour over crushed ice and top with lemonade – add a wedge of watermelon on the side for added style. Or, if you want to be really extra, spoon the insides of a watermelon out and pour a healthy measure of the delicious spirit inside. Simply top with soda and fresh lime for the ultimate summer sipping cocktail!

White Russian

Often an underrated classic cocktail, the White Russian is made up of vodka and coffee liqueur, mixed with cream or milk. Essentially it’s an alcoholic iced coffee and who can argue with that? Come to think of it, we might start ordering more of these when now we are able to dine out for brunch. Perfect for both summer days and nights; the iced coffee element ensures you don’t feel like you’re having too strong a drink early in the day but it also makes for the perfect night cap.

Ingredients:

25ml Black Cow Vodka
25ml Coffee Liqueur
50ml Milk
1 Sprinkle of Cocoa Powder
ice

Method:

Add vodka and coffee liqueur to a rocks glass and stir. Add your milk (or cream if you’re looking for an indulgent alternative) and garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

Food & Drink March 25, 2020

London Restaurant Delivery Through The Crisis

Restaurants across London are rapidly adapting to the changing and unknown current situation. While some have unfortunately had to close their doors, many have also launched delivery and takeaway services to ensure Londoners can still experience quality food to their doors while unable to leave their homes.

Contactless and cashless payments have also been introduced as well as special reductions and gift cards. Many are also offering special discounts for the country’s hardworking and invaluable NHS staff.

Supporting London’s restaurants and independent businesses at this critical time is vital in building resilience for the city and its workers under these exceptional circumstances.
Below is a round-up of the latest from central London restaurants and retailers. Please be aware that as we are being updated about the crisis on a daily basis, so too are the restaurants, cafes, and delis that are offering home delivery. These may change at any given notice, but currently offer the following:

Marylebone Village

www.marylebonevillage.com @ MaryleboneVillage #MaryleboneVillage
OKA Restaurant, W1G 9TZ

Pan-Asian and sushi restaurant, OKA, continues to offer its fresh, seasonal, healthy dishes, made to order, by extending their delivery radius to cover the Marylebone Village area. Using the highest-quality ingredients by their experienced chefs, they serve a selection of homemade hosomaki, uramaki, nigiri, sashimi and tataki sushi, alongside an abundance of traditional mains cooked on their robata grill. Head to https://deliveryokaprimrosehill.com to order their authentic Asian food.
The Good Life Eatery, W1U 2PH
Stay healthy and happy with The Good Life Eatery’s delicious range of vegetarian and gluten-free food and drink, including their all-day breakfast bowls, hearty chilli bowls and cold-press juices. They continue to offer delivery via Deliveroo.

The Ginger Pig, W1U 4EW
The renowned quality butchers continue to offer their exceptional range of high-quality, premium cuts of meat from British livestock, pre-cooked pies, as well as bakery products such as their cult sausage rolls, with their hardworking team ensuring their shop remains open. Aside from their standard nationwide delivery that they normally offer, they are prioritising the most vulnerable and elderly in the community, and ask that anyone with queries email online@thegingerpig.co.uk. They welcome those living inside the M25 to call them on 02038 697802 to arrange for a safe, no-contact delivery to their homes, to help those most in need at this time to cook fresh produce at home.
La Fromagerie, W1U 4EW
La Fromagerie, an award-winning shop showcasing farmhouse and artisanal cheeses, are ensuringthattheirshopsremainwell-stockedwithallyouressentials,includingb read,milk, eggs, flour, pasta, rice, fresh fruits & vegetables, cheese and wine, whilst taking hygiene practices seriously. They are continuing to offer a daily changing menu of seasonal produce on their takeaway menu, including sandwiches, tarts and soups, with their Marylebone store remaining open. They also offer delivery via UberEats and Deliveroo of some of their most popular produce, such as a wide-range of cheeses, biscuits, charcuterie, chocolate, wine and larder products, as well as hot meals and sandwiches, or UK-wide delivery on their online shop at https://www.lafromagerie.co.uk
Paul Rothe & Son, W1U 2NN
With nearly 120 years of serving tasty sandwiches and preserves, head to 35 Marylebone Lane for family-run deli Paul Rothe & Son, who continue to stay open to offer their produce for takeaway. From roast beef sandwiches and creamy brie rolls to their organic honey and jams, there is a varied range of produce on offer.
Aubaine, W1U 4EP
Contemporary French restaurant Aubaine continues to offer their all-day dining menu of hot and cold dishes, freshly baked pastries, and hot drinks, through Deliveroo. Aubaine continues to comply with the highest Health & Safety and hygiene standards to ensure the wellbeing of all customers.
Rococo Chocolates, W1U 4EP
With over thirty-five years of experience providing fine chocolates using high-quality ingredients and strong attention to detail, Rococo Chocolates are selling online with free UK delivery. They are also running 20% off until Sunday with the code SHOPNOW20.

La Brasseria, W1U 5HD
Gift cards are available to purchase from £25 to £100 – the perfect gift for someone to look forward to.

Connaught Village

https://www.connaught-village.co.uk/ @ConanughtVillage #ConnaughtVillage
Connaught Cellars, W2 2BS
Mixing tradition with innovation, Connaught Cellars offers a unique range of carefully selected wines from France and Italy delivered to your doorstep with Deliveroo.
Customers can pay online or via contactless. Their website offers a wide range of divine wines, from prestigious bottles to interesting regional grapes produced by acclaimed winemakers.
Buchanans Cheesemonger, W2 2BS

Artisan cheesemonger based in Porchester Place, London, they source and expertly condition the finest cheese from the best producers in the UK and Europe. They remain open, and are offering 50% off all soft and blue cheese in their shop until further notice. Customers’ health and safety are at the forefront of their business.
Saint Aymes, W2 2BB
Beautiful and flowery cafe Saint Aymes delivers to your doorstep. Expect some great coffee, unicorn lattes, 23ct gold hot chocolate, enchanting cakes and of course, decadent chocolate.

Carnaby

carnaby.co.uk/ @CarnabyLondon #Carnaby
Bread Ahead, W1F 9RR
Bringing their signature sought-after breads, pastries and classic bakes to you, experts in British baking, Bread Ahead, will be live streaming baking tutorials on their Instagram, allowing baking-enthusiasts to master a new skill at home. Tune in on 24 March for a lesson on chocolate brownies, hot cross buns on 29 March, or order some sweet treats on Deliveroo.
PITTABUN, W1F 7RF
A modern twist on traditional Greek Street food, PITTABUN have perfected the well-loved pitta bread by using uniquely sourced raw ingredients. Order a delicious bun straight to your home on Deliveroo or Uber Eats.

Island Poké, W1B 5BQ
Poké bowls are the ever-evolving modern take on the traditional Hawaiian dish of marinated raw fish served over rice with delicious toppings. With the aim to transport diners to an island state of mind with each and every bite of food, the Carnaby branch is providing takeaway orders and online delivery.
Antidote, W1F 7RR
While Antidote’s restaurant is temporarily closed, their fabulous wine shop remains open. The shop houses an impressive selection of around 300 natural, biodynamic and organic wines and is currently offering free delivery to central London residences.
Pizza Pilgrims, W1B 5PW
Pizza Pilgrims, masters of slow proved Neapolitan pizza, are currently offering 50% off pizza to NHS workers (pick up in-store) and have also launched Frying Pan Pizza Kits – a little slice of fun for your home. The kits have everything you need to make two margherita pizzas using only a frying pan and a grill. Bring the authentic taste of Italy to your kitchen in the easiest way ever.
Patty&Bun, W1B 5QD
The go-to spot for mouth-watering burgers, Patty&Bun is offering a lifetime of 10% off burgers with the purchase of £30 or £50 gift vouchers. The burger joint is open for takeaway and also delivering on Deliveroo.
Dishoom, W1B 5QP
Though the much-loved Indian restaurant has closed its branches, Dishoom-lovers can still get their Bombay comfort-food fix via their online click and collect or delivery services.
TheGoodEgg,W1B5 PW
With Tel Aviv inspired flavours taking you from breakfast through to dinner, favourites from The Good Egg such as their award-winning shakshuka, babka French toast, Sabich or salt beef reuben sandwich are available via delivery on Uber Eats.

Soho

thisissoho.co.uk @thisissoho #Soho
Kricket, W1D 7HH
Combining British seasonal ingredients with authentic Indian flavours and recipes, Kricket has created a loyalty voucher, whereby any purchase of a £250+ voucher will earn you an additional 20% on top – a goodwill gesture for helping to support the restaurant. For those looking for an Indian inspired feasting menu at home, Kricket is open to catering.
The Duck & Rice, W1F 0QB
Mixing classic British pub culture and Contonese cuisine, The Duck & Rice’s mouth-watering dishes are still available for order on Deliveroo.

Dominica July 18, 2019

4 things to eat in London this weekend

If eating your way around the globe is up your alley (who’s isn’t it?) get thyself to Islington for the inaugural National Geographic Traveller Food Festival. Taking over the Business Design Centre for two days, take your tastebuds on a world tour with a smorgasbord of suppliers and street food stalls from every corner of the earth, from Dominica to Israel via Thailand. With an additional packed schedule of big-name speakers – from French culinary icon Raymond Blanc OBE, and food personalities Gennaro Contaldo and BBC1 MasterChef’s John Torode – as well as live masterclasses, it’s a foodphile’s dream day out. Just make sure you go with an empty stomach…

Open 10am-6pm Saturday and 10am-4.30pm Sunday. Tickets £22.00 and available from www.foodfestival.natgeotraveller.co.uk

Get a taste of the Amalfi Coast in London as Park Lane’s Mercante has launched its Summer of Limoncello in partnership with premium Limoncello brand Pococello. The new menu brings the zest of Amalfi lemons to nine brand-new dishes, including tuna tartare, with a cucumber limoncello granita and a citrus risotto with asparagus. There’s also a calendar of masterclasses with a Limoncello Sommelier and a Chef’s Table Experience to learn more about the Italian tipple of the summer. The restaurant will also have a bespoke drinks trolley housed with seven varieties of Limoncello, which guests can enjoy whilst reading up on the Limoncello etiquette guide created by Mercante and Pococello. www.mercanterestaurant.com

Up your brunch game at the latest offering from the team behind Park Chinois – though with a very different vibe – the newly-opened Moncks of Dover St. The all-day Mayfair brasserie focuses on produce-led dishes with expertly sourced ingredients, with the menu featuring a signature Truffled Benedict (artichoke and black truffle, organic poached eggs, hollandaise sauce on English muffin) or The Full Vegan, a fresh take on the traditional Full English with vegan “fried eggs” (pictured). Open 9am – midnight Saturday and 10am – 11pm Sunday. www.moncksbrasserie.com.

Pasta is never a bad idea and a trip to the newly-opened Pasta Nostra on Old Street might just be the best idea you have all weekend. It’s the brainchild of two chefs (24-year-old Wilfred Mafham and 27-year-old Luca Cianti) following a series of successful masterclasses at Tooting Broadway Market while the menu may be short, it’s hella sweet. Try the signature Tortello Carbonara – a new take on the classic spaghetti carbonara with crispy cured pork cheek – or the Orecchiette al Pesto with homemade pesto green beans. Portions are generous, prices are reasonable it’s pasta any Nonna would be proud of. Bellisima. Open Saturday 9am-11pm, Sunday 9am-5pm. www.pastanostralondon.com.

Canada May 21, 2019

#WomenWorldwide: Being your true Multi-Hyphenate Self with Artist, Amanda Morie

Here at #TeamCoco, the whole team identify as multi-hyphenates. Not content with just one path, we pursue many; creating a rich and varied (work) life for ourselves. We love interviewing fellow multi-faceted entrepreneurs and our chat today, with artist Amanda Morie is no exception.

The entrepreneur wrote a book, competed in Miss Universe, was creating artworks for galleries around the world…and teaching in an arts based school all in the same year… Read on to find out more about the wonderful Amanda Morie.

HOC: Great to meet you, Amanda! Can you tell us a little about your journey to being an artist?

Amanda: I started doing art when I was really young; I actually sketched from a really young age. I would literally just lie in bed and look at the roof and see all the shadows from my window. When I was little, I found it really hard to sleep at night. Anywhere I moved in the house when I couldn’t sleep – from the couch in the living room or even the floor, I would just look at the shadows from the light streaming in through the windows from the night and sketch them.

I started to take art classes in grade 7 and when I was 12 I actually won best artist of the year for my school! Then I had a travelling exhibition when I was 14 and my artworks travelled across Alberta, Canada. My pieces went to different galleries and museums and I couldn’t believe it that something I didn’t know very well (art) could be something I was successful at!

However, over the next few years at school I pursued music and didn’t keep up with my art classes. I got back into art again later on in high school and a painting of mine won an award from Red Cross Canada and again travelled across Canada. Again, I was amazed but didn’t really start to focus on art until I got to university.

HOC: An amazing origin story! What happened when you got to university?

Amanda: At the time, I really did see myself as a musician and that’s what I went to university for. I’d played in the symphony since I was very young and then when I got to university and started taking music classes, I had to take the other classes as well. I took classes in Art, Music, Drama, Dance… and when I took my first Art 101 class, the professor was like, ‘ holy crap, you’re amazing! Why don’t you go into art?’

I’d never really thought about it as something for me to do seriously as I’d always considered myself as a musician but I thought okay, why not give it a chance. My professor submitted my portfolio for an Art degree and I got in! I ended up with a combined degree in Music and Fine Arts painting and a degree in Elementary Education as well. I also have a degree in event planning which I feel has really helped me with my Art eg. setting up exhibitions and curating artwork for myself for different exhibitions internationally.

HOC: And how did you turn that knowledge into your career as an artist today?

Amanda: After university I started to apply some knowledge from my classes and my professors around what I should paint / how I should paint. This has got to be the worst part of university; you do what you are told to do so that you can get good grades but in the end you should really become the voice that you want to become! I was finding it hard to find that voice as Amanda Morie…

So I started to paint. I painted just anything really and tried different mediums and techniques. I started to challenge my own thoughts. For instance, in my mind, a painting wasn’t good unless it was super detailed and hyper realistic. I also felt that a painting could be magnificent if it was abstract and unique to its own.

After university I started applying to different galleries in Canada, as I was living in Alberta at the time. All the galleries turned me down! They said, ‘okay, yes you had your first solo exhibit travel around Canada when you were 15 but we need something more’. They wanted artists of a higher calibre and this really bothered me as just because I just graduated didn’t mean that I wasn’t a good artist! I started doubting myself and thinking what I’d do next. Even thinking whether I should just give up…

Really at that time, I didn’t have any support from people around me and I stopped painting for a little while. But one day, I said ‘screw it! I’m going to make my own website!’ So I started my site in 2011 and it’s not long now until that was a decade ago! My company has been running since then and I’m so glad that I built my website and also that I learnt all the tricks on how to create a gorgeous website from scratch – including doing all the coding myself!

HOC: And it all went from there?

Amanda: Yes! In 2012 I had my first sold out solo exhibition in NY and NY started to take hold of my artworks. The galleries there saw something in my art that I couldn’t see or understand just yet . I was getting a lot of requests to go to NYC and do shows – it was just amazing!

In 2012 I also published my first book – Along The Lines Of My Thoughts by Amanda Morie. The book travelled to different galleries, museums and creative spaces. For me, it was such an achievement to create a book that showcased the youth of our generation and showed them that you can be something even if you don’t feel like you can.

It doesn’t matter where you start, it matters that you believe in yourself. That’s the initial point – the initial flame – you have to believe in yourself and trust that what you have is precious, beautiful and so unique and that the world needs to see it!

In 2015 I started painting for Saatchi Art and I started showing internationally ; Hong Kong, Paris, London. I even showed at the Eiffel Tower, at the Louvre… I was nominated for a German design award in 2017 and I also did art for Armani for the Burj Khalifa in 2017.

Last year I didn’t do quite as much! I focused more on the Artist Lane Gallery, the main gallery representing me. It’s been incredible so far; I just take it day by day!

HOC: But you aren’t solely a painter and author, are you?

Amanda: Haha, no! Alongside my book tour I was also running for Miss Universe, in the Canada pageant and became a finalist. It was absolutely incredible, especially the experience of working with different charities.

I created a computer lab for SOS children charity in Nicaragua and we raised over $84,000 to create a computer lab for kids who didn’t have any source of technology whatsoever in their lives. At this time I had already graduated with my Elementary Teaching degree and I was working in a school as well as modelling, doing Miss Universe and painting…and writing my book! It was a very stressful time but I ended up creating this connection between the kids in Nicaragua and the kids that I had in my classroom.

It was so cool to see the creativity flow between Canada and Nicaragua. Even though the kids’ lifestyle and energy of their respective lives were completely different, they had the same feelings, the same appreciation for life and for being a creative being.

The school that I was working in was an art based school so each subject was taught around art. So, if you were teaching math, you had to essentially teach addition using some art form: music, dance drama . It was really interesting, as an artist, to be teaching kids these basic necessities of life but through art. It was really life changing for me and I used this experience as my inspiration to become a better artist myself. Through everyday means and matters, I grow and see art in a different way.

HOC: And it’s art and specifically, painting that has your heart?

Amanda: Absolutely! The heart is like a paintbrush when it swipes across a crisp white canvas. Every single emotion that you are feeling comes onto that canvas. Painting is so organic and so becoming of you; that’s why abstract painting in particular for me is so important and so interesting.

Being an artist doesn’t start when you are 12, it starts from the day you were born because you are growing, you are developing your taste and your style. I feel like a lot of people feel that art is easy to do but a true artist is not just developing their style when they are 20, 30, 40 , 50; they are developing it since the day they were born!

There’s this story about Picasso; he was eating in a restaurant and did a quick sketch while he was there. When he left, the waitress asked, ‘Pablo, can I keep this?’.

Do you know what he said?

‘Of course, as long as you pay me $20,000’, or whatever the amount was.

She was shocked and asked why it would cost so much when it hadn’t taken him long.

His response?

‘My dear, it didn’t take me 5 seconds to draw. It took me my whole lifetime’.

HOC: How do you balance the varying demands on your time and still manage to be creative?

Amanda: A lot of time, we as humans, have excuses for everything. Not enough time for this or that, excuse upon excuse! For me, I’m not saying that I’m not victim to the cycle of excuses, however I try to live my life to the fullest extent possible!

Every single moment not living is a moment wasted. We choose how we want to spend our time. It is our choice! I think a lot of people try too hard to make other people happy and they don’t do enough to make themselves happy, to light that fire within them. And this is a mistake. There is a saying “you only live once but, if you do it right, once is enough.”

Even though you could say I have been successful since a young age, I suppressed my dreams for years – it was exhausting! Slowly, over time, I started to listen to that little fire within me. I started to create a list of things that wanted, that I dreamed would happen. Being a musician and playing on a stage, modelling and doing commercials and publishing my own book were all paths that helped me develop a tough skin but it wasn’t until I was a finalist for Miss Universe that I truly developed a very tough skin.

Millions of people watching your every move, social media, photos, skin, the way you walk- everything. Everyone was trying to tell me what to do and how to do it. I said ‘enough!’ and created another list.

I loved to paint, travel, and I loved my business. I couldn’t give any of them up. It wasn’t a question. I loved meeting new people, learning and growing, pushing myself to the limit.

So I did three things:

I let go of all my excuses that kept me stuck
I adopted great habits and behaviours that set me up for success
Lastly, I acquired the skills necessary to make my exponential growth possible.

Art isn’t about finding the time. As artists, the time finds us through all the beautiful things around us and the things we experience. The creativity just flows from there.

HOC: We hear you love to travel; tell us a bit about your travel? Where has been your favourite place in the last year?

Amanda: Yes! I absolutely love to travel! I think I developed this taste of travel from a very young age, traveling around North America as a musician, but the best moments were with my mom and sister. My mom loved to take us on random little road trips and always let us try new things. She is absolutely amazing and I always thank her for this. I thank her for allowing my sister and me to be who we are.

This instinctual urge to travel has taken me all across South America, down to Antarctica, up to the North Pole, Alaska, all the tiny islands in Hawaii. I’ve visited almost the entirety of the South Pacific and 90% of Asia, Africa, Middle East and Europe. Yes, I have been to all seven continents!

One thing I learnt is no matter the culture, religion, language or city, we all function and work in the same way, we all smile big and we all just want to be loved. Every place has this in common and you can see it through and through. It’s amazing.

I think the most interesting places that I went to this year were Petra, Jordan, Israel and Muscat, Oman. These were places that I never thought I would ever go to, but they blew me away. Petra, being one of the 7 wonders of the world. Israel, I loved because it is the up and coming hub of the art world. Muscat because the beaches and mountains are breathtaking yet everything is so lavish and grandiose to perfection.

HOC: Why, in your opinion, is art so important?

Amanda: In my professional opinion, art is extremely important because it is one the first ways of communication; the first form of self expression and culture. Art dates back to cave paintings where we saw all these grand images of how life was. Then we move ahead to China where the first form of printmaking was invented right after paper was invented around 105 AD.

The Chinese created this form of printmaking to communicate between villages and then later on started to use it in terms of an art form. Everyone loves art, it surrounds us. Not everyone can say they appreciate it. I sometimes do meet some people who say they have blank walls with no interest in ever collecting. Regardless, we all have a favourite colour, favourite photograph, pattern etc., basically something that moves us and makes us happy.

So I believe everyone loves art whether they want to admit it or not! It’s in our human nature. Sometimes people collect paintings for investment but, the majority of us, we collect art because it makes us feel something and every time we see it hanging on our wall, we smile, leaving all the stresses of the day at the front door. Artistically speaking, I think art allows people to have a voice, to show the world the micro complexities of the heart, to share something they may not have shared if they didn’t have art.

HOC: For our creative readers, what advice would you have for them to grow their artist practices and get their work seen?

Amanda: I get a lot of messages every day from artists of all kinds asking me this very question! How did you start? How did you do it?

The best form of advice I can give is to be your unapologetic self. Show the world what you’ve got and don’t be afraid, because there are over a billion people in the world and chances are someone is going to love it! Get out of your studio, go to places you have never been to, talk to people, enjoy and cherish every moment. I also suggest supporting other artists, going to opening shows as much as possible, museums and talks. Maybe even doing an artist talk yourself!

Once you have confidence in yourself, it will shine through and people will notice. From there, anything is possible and the sky is the limit.

HOC: What artwork that you’ve created means the most to you and why?

Amanda: My favourite artwork is actually “Lights, Camera, Action” (seen to the left / above) that I created in 2015. Its acrylic on canvas, 24 x36 inches. I used it as part of my Fashion Week Collection of Paintings. It was nominated for an award in Dubai and shown for Armani at the Burj Khalifa in 2017.

I loved it so much because it was the first time I was part of NYFW in 2012. I loved watching all the other models get ready before shows, walking and then watching shows after. It’s a moment I will never forget. This is an image of Karlie Kloss from Oscar de la Renta’s show at NYFW Fall 2012. The way her energy was on the runway was infectious, full of class and yet serene. I had to paint the photo and put a little bit of my artistic flare into it.

HOC: Who / where do you get your inspiration from?

Amanda: Honestly I try not to let anything influence or inspire me. I appreciate the great masters like Monet, Matisse and De Kooning and of course the up and coming artists of our generation, however I want my voice to be my own. When I start an abstract painting I never think about what I want to do. I have no preconceived ideas.

Most of the time I grab whatever colours are closest to me. Even though I have a gorgeous easel imported from Italy, I like to paint on the floor and get messy! So I have a lot of colours lying around me. When I feel like I am “done” I take a step back, look at it for a long time, photograph it and then go back and fix it more if need be.

HOC: Finally, we feel you are going to have some great creative funk smashers…?

Amanda: Creativity is all around us. In the smile of someone walking by, or the perfectly made heart in the foam of a fresh cappuccino or the shine sparkling the waves as they roll onto the beach. It’s up to us if we want to see these beautiful things or not. For me that’s why I am never in a creative funk. I’m constantly learning, observing and trying new things.

If you asked me while I was in university if I would be painting using concrete, like I do now, I would laugh! I try to keep many paintings on the go at once as well, so I can paint some here and then, there to keep the constant flow of energy going.

Good music is a must as well to have playing in the studio, I like singer songwriters on cold rainy or snowy days and dance/ electronic on sunny days. Whatever the mood, music can really help!

Find our more about Amanda Morie and here work over on her website

Amanda is represented by Artists Lane, NY Art Gallery and in partnership with 1stdibs

Dog-friendly May 21, 2019

#CocoCountryside: FISHMORE HALL

While there are many options for a couples retreat, especially over a long luxurious bank holiday, no need to jump on a plane to escape the city, Fishmore Hall is closer to home, allowing you to stay in the UK and make the most of the beautiful English summertime (fingers crossed!). So grab your favourite travel companion and prepare to be pampered.

A privately-owned country house hotel offering 15 bedrooms, the atmosphere at Fishmore Hall is welcoming and relaxed, surrounded by peaceful countryside and a short walk to the centre of the market town of Ludlow. Weekly local markets and an excellent selection of restaurants mean that even if you don’t want to wander far, there is a lot to try. For nature lovers, the Shropshire Hills, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are a short drive away allowing excellent access to an assortment of beautiful hiking trails. Feel free to bring any four-legged friends, as the property is dog friendly.

Situated in a location with such excellent gourmet credentials, the restaurant at Fishmore Hall does not disappoint. Restaurant Forelles offers a diverse and intriguing menu, with the option of either a tasting menu or a la carte. Head chef Joe Gould is at the helm, previously winner of the ‘Chaine des Rotisseurs UK Young Chef of the Year’ in 2015. The use of local produce is a key distinguisher throughout both menus at the restaurant and even extends to the bedrooms in the form of tempting snacks from local producers such as The Ludlow Nut Company. Pre-dinner drinks included an excellent gin selection and a relaxed and intimate setting in which to enjoy them. Dinner itself was outstanding, with delicious concoctions including Jerusalem artichoke custard with nigella seed bread and mushroom salt. In addition the main course of red mullet with mussel ravioli and kohlrabi was a delicious combination. The must try for the evening however was the apple tart tartin for two, ideal for sharing and even if you aren’t hungry, sit back enjoy the views through the French windows and then order it, you won’t regret it.

Rather than lingering for an after dinner drink, if you are keen to recharge, one lovely touch at the property was the bespoke box of Elemis products left in the room for bedtime. This little box of joy included delightful sleep-inducing products such as a bath soak, temple balm and pillow spritz. This gave us all the excuse we needed to try out the generously sized bath tub….it’s a hard knock #robelife! With sleep regimes and winding down before bed trending at the moment, this was ideally placed. It also allowed both myself and my very jet lagged other half a wonderful opportunity for a moment of calm before bedtime, something I have been attempting to recreate at home ever since!

For a couples retreat the spa at Fishmore Hall really is delightful, only moments from the main building and set within beautiful gardens showcasing views over the Shropshire countryside, the SPAshell offers a very private and deceptively extensive relaxation area. Through a light and airy reception was my favourite area of the whole property. Boasting a hot tub, relaxation hammock and chairs perfectly big enough for two, this deliciously private area allows uninterrupted countryside views whilst giving a cosy feeling of an intimate space, not overlooked by the rest of the hotel. This is an area to while away the hours in the sunshine or take some time for peaceful contemplation after a treatment at the spa. The dedicated couple’s treatment rooms allow for maximum privacy and the spa menus is focused around the Elemis product line, also mirrored in the bedroom amenities.

I plumped for one of the Lava Shells® massages, which came highly recommended as an unusual alternative to a hot stone massage, combined with Elemis products. Lava Shells® are the world’s first self-heating massage tool, releasing heat throughout a 60 minute massage, helping to release tensions and relax muscles to allow a more effective massage. The heat was soothing on the neck and shoulder muscle tensions from too many hours at the computer, and the experience was extremely relaxing. On reflection, although soothing, I can’t say I personally felt that the tension relief was significantly more effective with the inclusion of the Lava Shells®.

The whole ambience of Fishmore Hall is relaxation in the heart of the countryside, from the helpful yet unobtrusive nature of the team at the hotel to the peaceful surroundings filled with birdsong and the opportunity for long leisurely walks. An idyllic location to get out of your usual routine, relax, recharge and be surrounded by nature and your perfect plus one.

Food & Drink March 28, 2019

5 last minute ideas for Mother’s Day

Still on the hunt the perfect place to treat your mum this Mother’s Day? From an Indian feast to a four course French banquet, we’ve rounded up five of the best restaurants in London that are sure to make your mums feel like one in a million.

26 Grains

Open all day, 26 Grains focuses on simple, quality and seasonal cooking with a menu featuring sweet and savoury porridge, topped toasts and savoury plates such as yellow dal and warming salads. The perfect healthy treat for mums this Mother’s Day.

Farmer J

Farmer J serves honest food, that rolls with the seasons, is mindfully sourced (from as many, high-welfare British farms as possible), is bursting with flavour and most importantly, is scratch cooked on-site. This health hot spot has launched ‘Build Your Own’ brunch at the recently opened all-day restaurant on King William Street. Known for bringing the best of the fields to the City, Farmer J invites guests to create their own feast from a selection of favourites, enjoyed alongside bottomless bubbles or brunch cocktails.

Orrery

For one day only, Orrery, the French restaurant in the heart of Marylebone, is celebrating Mother’s Day on the 31st March with a four course lunch and dinner menu, specially curated by Chef Patron Igor Tymchyshyn.

The one-time menu includes seafood ravioli with lobster bisque, butternut squash velouté and Dorset crab for starters, followed by the likes of red leg partridge, Loch Duart salmon served with confit potato, Jerusalem artichoke risotto and for dessert, Valrhona Manjari device with salted caramel tuile, apple and cinnamon creme brûlée and passionfruit panna cotta. The menu will be served for both lunch and dinner on the 31st March only and costs £45 pp. Orrery is sure to give your mums the mother of all Mother’s Days!

Jamavar

Located in Mayfair and named after the intricate and vibrant 16th century shawls of Kashmir, Jamavar showcases a wide array of flavors from across India. Founded by the Nair family as part of the Leela Palace Hotel group and run by Samyukta Nair, the menu features dishes from the royal kitchens of the North along with those from the shores of the South. Jamavar was awarded their first Michelin star within a year of opening. This is an indulgent Indian banquet that all Mother’s deserve on their special day.

HoppersLocated in Soho and St Christopher’s Place, Hoppers brings Sri Lankan cuisine to London and it certainly is worth a visit. The menu centres around Hoppers’ namesake dish, a bowl-shaped pancake made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk, and the dosa, made from a fermented batter of ground rice and lentils. These are served alongside a selection of traditional Sri Lankan dishes.