by | May 24, 2014

Banana Republic’s Marimekko collection & a 2-part Thursday

Thursday was very clearly divided into 2 parts.  The first part was a normal blog day.  I popped into Soho to see a media preview screening of Downhill.  I laughed and cried in equal measure during this rather unusual Brit comedy (review coming in another post).

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And then I popped along to Regent Street’s flagship Banana Republic to check out the first day of their limited edition collaboration capsule collection with Finnish fashion and design house, Marimekko.

dress worn by sales assistant - £85

dress worn by sales assistant – £85

As I walked into the shop, I noticed just how much the iconic textile designs smacked of Jacqueline Kennedy and the brand’s printed dresses during the 1960 U.S. presidential campaign.

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I tried on a couple of items before I totally fell for this skirt.  I love the big print retro look and started to think of how perfect it would be paired with a bold colour top and some little pumps in New York next week.

This was all before I GOT THE CALL. 

The call every mum dreads. 

From school. 

Telling me that Small had had an accident in the playground. 

And then part 2 of the day was spent in hospital as the small man had x-rays on his very painful fallen-on arm. Not only was it broken in two places but needed surgery the following day.

This part of the day reminds us all how easily accidents can happen and how best laid plans sometimes need to fall by the wayside.IMG_5086

check out the limited edition Banana Republic Marimekko collection here. 

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by | May 24, 2014

Tan Organic-ly

Self-tanning and I have never really managed to hit it off.  The danger of orange tide marks, a horrid biscuit smell and stained sheets never seem to appeal.  It’s almost easier to be the palest in a crowd and not even TRY to keep up with those who tan beautifully.

But it’s also the danger of bronzing and the potent self-tan ingredients that convince me to remain pasty.

Tan Organic

However, all that pastiness might have just disappeared.  And, in its place, is a slightly naturally glowing me.  I need to tell you about Tan Organic.

This is oil – a blend of aloe vera, Borage seed, argan and orange peel oil –  hydrates your skin while giving it a good dose of anti-oxidants at the same time.  In fact, it is – readers – the world’s first EVER self-tanning oil and… this is the crucial bit…it happens to be really GOOD for your skin as it contains no synthetic colours, fragrances, preservatives nor parabens.

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the mitt comes with the oil. great for pre and post exfoliation.

So I’m a lovely natural toasty colour.

Faux tan just stepped up a whole new level.

Tan Organic £24.99 – the world’s first self-tanning oil – is available from Feel Unique.

 

 

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by | May 21, 2014

Kurobuta. A type of Japanese.

Last night I ate somewhere but I can’t remember the restaurant’s name.  Isn’t that odd?

I keep checking and looking it up and I still can’t remember it.  Either I’m getting alzheimer’s or Kurobuta is a particularly hard name to remember.

But the food is memorable so all is not lost.

wagyu beef sliders at Kurobuta

wagyu beef sliders at Kurobuta

Because if I tell you these two perfectly formed Wagyu beef sliders in brioche buns with umami mayo sat in front of me last night (until we ate them), you definitely won’t believe we were mid-way through a Japanese meal.

But that’s where Kurobuta comes into its own.  Put Nobu and Sushisamba right to the back of your mind.  Scott Hallsworth, the Aussie chef who has worked at Nobu both in London and Melbourne, has created a pub where food is shared and beer is drunk.

Kurobuta, Marble Arch

But, in my opinion, a pub it isn’t.  The recently opened restaurant just off Edgware Road (although it has been a pop-up in Chelsea since October last year) is fitted mostly with chunky communal tables and higher tables with bar stools and the Aussie team is – as you would imagine – chatty, friendly and laid back.

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My guest and I ordered well.  What I mean is – we didn’t over order as we might have done with our Hims.  Beginning with the Yellowtail sashimi (£13.50), closely followed by the beef tillet takaki with onion ponzu and garlic crisps (£11) and grains & greens salad (£7.50) with a cheeky portion of spicy tuna maki (£8.50).

yellowtail sashimi at Kurobuta

yellowtail sashimi at Kurobuta

beef fillet tataki

beef fillet tataki

grains & greens at Kurabuta

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And of course those sliders which were quite extraordinarily delicious.

The crowd was the type I’d expect to see in Mayfair.  Suited and booted while sniffing out this already-renowned Japanese with-a-difference… and clearly not put off by the not-so-cheap prices.

the UK's first ever slush puppy beer! clever!

the UK’s first ever slush puppy beer! clever!

I’d say I’m a fan of whatever it’s called.  The wheel isn’t reinvented often, the Aussies make London a better place and well, those sliders are worth pretending anything is a pub.

Kurobuta 17-20 Kendal Street, W2

 

 

 

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by | May 18, 2014

James Lowe’s Lyle’s, Shoreditch

Shoreditch - perfect for date night

Shoreditch – perfect for date night

Sometimes we are just screaming out for a date night.  Usually following a ridiculously busy couple of weeks where He and I pass like ships in the night.  Last weekend we had planned his low-key birthday dinner but plans had been cancelled due to a Small sickness and over-all family exhaustion.  All in all, last night was MY shout and we were heading for Shoreditch – specifically for James Lowe’s brand new restaurant, Lyle’s.

Lyle's ShoreditchAll the foodies love James Lowe, as one third of the ground-breaking trio, The Young Turks. (You might remember I reviewed Isaac McHale’s Clove Club). And so Lyle’s is James’ big moment.  Backed by the Sethi brothers (think Gymkhana, Trishna, Bubbledogs), this new eaterie (named after James’ mother) is located on the ground floor of the Tea Building on Shoreditch High St right in the thick of this achingly trendy neighbourhood.

Lyle's Shoreditch

Seating 50 with an open kitchen, Lowe has chosen to be an all-day-everything type of place.  He takes coffee options as seriously as his wine and the £39 tasting menu is every bit as dramatic as you might expect.

Lyle's ShoreditchIn complete contrast, the interior is nothing fancier than utilitarian.  I love that polished concrete/painted brick look but He wasn’t convinced.  I had read that Lowe’s design set out to avoid intimidation.  Ironically, it seems to intimidate those who seek a little comfort and some background tunes all the more.

Lyle's Shoreditch

The food is exquisite but I have to say this… a tasting menu rolls out in a way I can’t quite appreciate.  It’s fancy, for sure.  But you can never really relax as you simply don’t know what might pop out next or indeed when the show is over.

8 courses… plus bread and butter. £39 per head. At Lyle's.

8 courses… plus bread and butter. £39 per head. At Lyle’s.

We ate everything from mutton & turnip broth to dover sole to baked riseley (cheese) and neither of us could dispute how fantastic the food was – but there was something missing.  A lack of character?   Seeking warmth?  I don’t think that this can be blamed entirely on the interior either.Shoreditch, London

Back out on the streets, we strolled back to the car … past Andina, Dishoom, Albian Café, Pizza East ….  Shoreditch is now nothing less than a pure food hub for those seeking quite the best nightlife London has to offer.   Note to self:  must make the trip East more often.

Lyle’s The Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch High St, London E1 

 

 

 

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