Serves: 4
4 slices sourdough bread
Olive oil for brushing
2 small avocados
100g feta, crumbled
Coriander leaves and fresh lime wedges, to serve
1. Preheat a griddle pan or barbecue over a high heat.
2. Brush the bread with oil and cook for 1-2 minutes each side. Smash the avocado onto the toasted bread, and top with the feta and coriander leaves, and squeeze over the lime wedges.
3. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and serve.
Recipe courtesy of Waitrose
This recipe for toasted sourdough with chorizo and roasted red peppers, courtesy of waitrose, is blooming delicious.
Serves: 4 as a starter or snack
2 red peppers
1 tbsp olive oil
6 Unearthed Alfresco Smoked Cooking Chorizo sausages, split lengthways (selected stores)
4 slices sourdough bread
1 clove garlic, peeled
100g ricotta
1 tbsp sherry vinegar
½ x 70g pack wild rocket
1. Preheat the oven to 220°C, gas mark 7. Put the whole peppers on a baking tray and roast for 20-25 minutes until the skin starts to blister; if you have a gas hob or chef’s blowtorch you can char the skins before roasting, which will give them a smoky flavour. Transfer to a large bowl, cover with clingfilm and leave to steam for 10 minutes. Once cool enough to handle, peel and deseed the peppers, tear into thick strips and reserve.
2. Heat a little oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the chorizo sausages, cut side down, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Turn and cook for a further 1-2 minutes, then remove from the pan and drain on kitchen paper.
3. Meanwhile, grill or toast the bread on both sides until golden, and rub one side with the garlic clove. Divide between 4 serving plates and spread with the ricotta.
4. Spoon 1-2 tbsp of the oil from the chorizo pan into a bowl, whisk in the vinegar, and dress the peppers and rocket.
5. Top the slices of sourdough with the peppers. Arrange the chorizo on top and finish with the rocket.
Courtesy of Marco Pierre White, this chunky pumpkin and bean broth is a perfect autumn and winter warmer. Served with hot crusty bread is ideal for lunch or dinner on a cold rainy day.
Recipe serves: 8
Preparation Time: 20 min
Cooking Time: 50 min
150g half-fat crème fraîche
1 lemon, zest and a squeeze of juice
2 tbsp grated horseradish
3 Waitrose Boneless Hot Smoked Mackerel Fillets
4 slices Waitrose Rye And Wheat Dark Sourdough Bread
1-2 tbsp olive oil, for brushing
150g (about 3) cooked beetroot, thinly sliced
Small handful dill sprigs
1. Mix together the crème fraîche, lemon zest and horseradish in a bowl with a squeeze of lemon juice.
2. Flake the smoked mackerel fillets (discard the skin) and stir into the sauce, being careful not to break them up too much. Season and set aside.
3. Preheat the grill. Halve the slices of bread, brush with a little olive oil and toast under the grill, about 1 minute on each side. Arrange the beetroot on the toasts and top with the mackerel and dill.
Recipe courtesy of Waitrose
While the foods one should keep in one’s pantry depend on your preferred cuisine and dietary restrictions, the right tools of the trade are more all encompassing. In fact, there are just a few common items that every chef has to hand and every home cook would benefit from owning. Indeed, no good professional kitchen would be without the five listed below. Here are 5 IDEAL tools that every home cook should have.
You don’t need a knife collection to be a good cook any more than a wall full of martial arts equipment is necessary to be good at karate. When considering practicalities and cost there are reasonably a minimum of three knives you need. First, and most importantly, a good chef’s knife. Bigger isn’t necessarily better since a blade too big to control properly will literally butcher your meal. The next critical blade for your kitchen is a paring knife, used for smaller tasks like peeling and coring. Again, paying more for quality is worth it. You should also buy a serrated knife, for cutting cakes and bread. Only buy a serrated knife with a non-slip handle, since losing control of this blade could cost you a finger. Lastly, it’s vital you have a knife-sharpener to keep your blades at the top of their game. Blunt blades are in fanct much more dangerous than razor sharp ones. Take note.
You should have a separate set of kitchen scissors for use exclusively in the kitchen. These blades will be used to cut open packages of food ingredients as well as food items themselves, such as herbs and edible laminates. Perhaps invest in a second, serrated pair for snipping off fish fins et al.
A stand mixer is a critical home kitchen tool if you want to push your baking game towards the stratosphere. Just because your grandmother may have mixed multiple items from sauces to cake batter by hand, doesn’t mean you have to.
A stand mixer lets you put the ingredients together, set the mixer on the right setting, and the machine does all the work. The best of their breed mix anything from light whipped creams to heavy doughs, rarely needing to have the blades swapped out. The best mixers never tip over, splatter their ingredients, or need as much time to clean as it would have taken you to do the task by hand. If you’re looking for the best stand mixer for baking, Domu has a great selection for all needs and budgets.
A sturdy, heavy chopping board is essential. A a good choice if you are cutting fruit, vegetables or bread is a bamboo board. It won’t warp and is easy to clean. The only caveat is it lacks suitability if you’re cutting up meat or other animal products. If you’re cutting raw meat, you’ll need a granite, glass or heavy duty wooden cutting board so that you don’t end up with raw juices or pieces of meat in the grooves of the board, ready to contaminate anything else you cut.
So small but so useful, many chefs swear by a microplane, citing it as their favourite piece of kitchen equipment. Perfect for zesting, amazing for fine grating of cheese or vegetables and capable of mincing garlic, these little pocket-sized graters are a thing of real convenience and precision.
Being a great cook all boils down to having the right set of skills and equipment. Now that you know what pieces of equipment you need, all you have to do is hone your skills and don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way.
It’s no secret that game meat is becoming more popular helped by its growing prominence in recipe books and on television shows such as Great British Menu and MasterChef. As tastes have become more adventurous in recent years, these traditional ingredients are increasingly fashionable, with diners across the capital seeking out menus with a difference.
To clarify, the word ‘game’ applies to wild animals and birds that are hunted for food, and not typically raised on farms. Game – such as venison, boar, pheasant, partridge, grouse, rabbit and duck – has been enjoyed on dinner tables across the country for hundreds of years, providing an important seasonal source of protein in our diets.
For those of you who are still unsure about breaking away from your usual eating habits (most Brits only eat chicken, lamb, pork and beef), the experts at Young’s and Blackmoor Game give ten reasons to get into game.
Wild game meat has a far lower fat content than traditional farmed meats and hasn’t undergone selective breeding to increase fat content, which domestic animals have. The animals are also more active and eat a natural diet as opposed to grain or corn, which is often fed to domesticated animals.
When you hear Omega-3, most people will think of salmon, however wild game such as venison has an optimum ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acids, making game one of the healthiest sources of good fat on the dining table.
The wild venison population has never been larger in the UK and due to a short hunting season, game is extremely great value for money and widely available this time of year.
It’s not all feathers and feet. People are often put off by the misconception that game is hard to prepare. This is no longer the case as butchers and supermarkets have a great selection of prepared cuts of meat such as venison steaks and fillet, or wild boar sausages. From grouse to pheasant and partridge to mallard there is a very wide selection of oven-ready prepared game birds available, making cooking them a real joy.
As these animals are not intensively farmed and are often locally sourced, the carbon footprint of the game industry is relatively small, with very few miles from ‘farm to fork’.
The wild game industry plays a fundamental role in managing the populations of these animals in the UK; without the work of estates and the game industry, populations would increase to unsustainable levels.
Read: 5 ideal game good pairings
With growing concerns about over-consumption of meat containing antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in the headlines, wild game specialists are proud to support a product that is antibiotic free.
Wild game is truly organic. One misunderstanding about “organic” meat is we assume the animals are allowed to roam free. Sadly, this is not always the case. An organic, free-range chicken, for example, may be fed organic grain and raised in a barn with limited access to outside space.
These wild animals walk, run and fly all day, working their muscles making their meat far more flavoursome than domesticated animals. Traditionally, game is hung and matured like most other meats, but in recent years this hanging time has been reduced to suit current tastes. The result is a wonderful rich flavour unlike any other.
People often shy away from preparing game, as they are unsure on the best recipes. Meat such as duck, rabbit and pheasant can be used in the place of chicken in most dishes, combining perfectly with produce that is also in season such as hedgerow fruit and root vegetables.
*This is an updated blog post
With autumn striding into view like a runway model, it is time to get your seasonal styles war ready. It’s time to fall in line – a new pair of shoes, some eye-catching accessories, and some weather, season appropriate clothes to match your style are a must. Equally, consider re-styling and accesorising uniquely to liven up your summer-worn numbers. We’ve compiled this list of 4 IDEAL fashion tips to get you ready for upcoming autumn.
Boots are a must for the autumn season. Whether you are headed to work, a casual social gathering or an upscale dinner, you’re going to need at least one pair of boots to suit the season. An autumn breeze may catch you off guard, and boots look (and feel) appropriate for this changeable weather. No matter who your favorite designer may be, you’re going to want to make sure you have a pair of boots for any occasion, with this shoe style being flexible to suit the myriad outfits in your closet.
You could pair up those luscious leggings in hazelnut with a cream knit sweater and a pair of knee-high boots in cream suede. This would certainly fit the fall style and could be paired with Sunset Orange earrings, necklace and bracelet, maybe even adding a useful handbag in russet hues. This type of outfit is perfect for casual gatherings, quiet lunches, and even a stroll through the park.
Once you’ve determined what your autumn palette will be, make sure to stock up on some outstanding accessories to set off each outfit. With a variety of accessories out there, you have your pick from lovely feather-style earrings to fall leaf based necklaces and brooches. This season leaves plenty of room for creativity, so make sure you have some fun!
One idea you can try is an accessory collection based on nature, as fall is certainly a season in tune with nature and earthy colours. By putting together a nice collection of earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and even belts, you will have a wide variety of options available to to you for each outfit you gather for your autumn closet.
One of the great aspects of style selection, where you can have some fun and inject some individuality, is the many styles of women’s boots to choose from. Although the majority seem to feel that a great handbag is the true offset to an outfit, you can just as easily use a great pair of shoes to do this. Designers clamor to create styles that will provide personality and creativity, much like the items Christian Louboutin shoes have been producing for years.
A fine example of this type of style pairing can be created by putting together a very mellow outfit in mild russets and tans. You could pair the outfit with a season-defying pair of shoes in fawn and white that really offset the outfit palette and draw attention to your drive to make the season fun.
No matter what you choose for your Fall style, be sure to have fun, get creative, and really let your outfits pop. Do this and you’ll find yourself filled with confidence when you wear your favorite outfits, beloved boots, and reliable accessories to each occasion during this rejuvenating season.
Top down, Springsteen on the radio and nothing but the open highway. Road trips are synonymous with the United States, but did you know that the first ever road trip by car took place in Germany?
Sometimes it pays to look further than the obvious. Europe has some of the most stunning, thrilling roads in the world, with breathtaking views and pit-stops worthy of their own journey alone.
For those who dream of being on the open road, and the sense of freedom that entails, YourParkingSpace has put together some of the best routes for a European road trip, plus what you can see and do in these regions. With less travel time and expenses, and a great variety of culture, it’s a no brainer. With all this in mind, here are our 5 IDEAL European road trips.
If you love alpine views, then the Stelvio Pass in Northern Italy is for you. This is one of the highest and most dramatic mountain passes on the continent. It provides stunning views of the Italian and Swiss Alps – taking your breath away and earning you instant instagram kudos at the same time. Approaching the Stelvio Pass from the North West side allows you to experience Stelvio Pass’s renowned wall of 48 switchback turns. This is great fun as each turn is numbered with stones so you can track your way to the top. If you’re planning on taking this route, make sure to fuel your body on the Northern Italian specialties that you’ll find in this mountainous region like Taroz, Pizzoccheri and Polenta Taragna.
The wild and rocky Scottish Highlands, there’s no other place like it in the world. If you’re looking for spectacular scenery and unspoilt wilderness then this is the place to come. The Old Military Road is widely regarded as the U.K’s best road for driving and takes you through the heart of the Cairngorms National Park in Scottish Highlands and past sights like Balmoral Castle. This route is filled with twisting hair pins, roller coaster-like ups and downs and steep gradients, plus the views are pretty good too. There is a wide variety of different wildlife in the Highlands so keep your eyes peeled for deer, snow rabbits and grouse, to name but a few.
Although it sounds like a treacherous place in The Lord of The Rings, don’t let this put you off as The Black Mountain (A4069) pass is not to be missed for road lovers. Connecting Llandovery with Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, it is generally considered to be one of the best road in Wales, if not the UK. This A-road twists and turns around the Black Mountain, the slaloming continuing through the Brecon Beacons National Park, and features an array of sharp corners, hairpins and switchbacks. One word of warning though, although you won’t come across any orks or trolls, watch out for livestock (especially sheep) that have strayed onto the road particularly after blind corners.
Got mountains in mind for your road trip? The Swiss Alps are arguably the most iconic and stunning mountains in the world and it’s here you’ll find Susten Pass. Often in and amongst it in any ‘best roads in the world’ list, the Susten Pass has captured drivers’ hearts and minds since its inception with its sweeping valley roads, stunning forward views and challenging switchbacks, which take you to the summit of 2,224 meters. The route starts in Wassen, finishes in Innertkirchen and provides plenty of vantage points to stop and take in the spectacular mountain views. The road down to Innertkirchen takes you through forests and across fabulous stone bridges.
Thinking of a cake? The Black Forest (or Schwarzwald) is actually a region in southwestern Germany, famous for its winding roads and is a popular choice for road trips amongst the biker community. Some historians believe the cake got its name from the traditional outfit that was worn by women in the Black Forest. This attire was made up of a black dress, white blouse, and a hat with red pom poms on top, mimicking the chocolate shavings, cream, and cherries on top of the cake.
Any way, this route combines smooth and sweeping fast sections with dense forest trails and tight switchback turns. Near its highest point, around the Hornisgrinde Mountain, there are some great elevated views with plenty of places to park up and take in the scenery . We suggest that you plan your journey to take in the early morning, taking advantage of the reduced traffic in the process. Oh and don’t forget to stop off and eat some cake.
Check out the below infographic from YourparkingSpace for the distances and times of these great European routes.
If you want to do your bit for the planet — not to mention save money each month — then the first place you should turn your attention to is your car. According to research by NASA, vehicles are the largest net contributors to global warming across the world , and reducing your fuel emissions will go a long way to reducing your personal carbon footprint.
If you’re passionate about slowing down the effects of global warming and want to save some money at the same time, simply follow these 5 IDEAL ways you can reduce your fuel emissions.
It’s easy to let your boot, back seat and glove box get cluttered. But, the weight of odds and ends scattered around your car can quickly add up and bring your fuel efficiency down.
A quick win that can lead to serious savings on your fuel bills is clearing out your car. Empty it completely, return the essentials, and then discard or relocate everything else. Every kilo you can drop will lead to better fuel efficiency every time you leave the drive, so make sure you have a clear-out on your quest for better efficiency.
Your tyres have a huge effect on your car’s efficiency. If they’re not inflated to the right pressure, they produce more friction with the road, which means you’ll need to use more fuel to maintain the same speed. Tyres that aren’t at the right pressure will also wear faster, meaning you’ll have to replace them sooner.
This is all bad for the planet and your wallet, but can easily be avoided if you check the pressure of your tyres every few weeks and top them up when needed. Most petrol stations have a tyre inflator on-site, so you can do this when you’re topping up on fuel. If you’re not sure what the right tyre pressure is for your vehicle, simply search Tyre Safe’s car pressure checker to find out.
The way you drive has a huge impact on your fuel efficiency. By nurturing a few simple habits when you’re behind the wheel, you can make every tank of fuel go further. In fact, the AA reports that when 50 of its staff took part in an eco-driving experiment, they saved an average of 10% on their weekly fuel bill, with the best saving coming in at a massive 33%.
To emulate these impressive results, aim to drive smoothly by avoiding sudden acceleration and stops whenever you can. Slow down early and try to keep your car rolling when you’re coming up to a red light, too — maintaining momentum is the key to efficient driving.
Avoid high revs and stick to high gears by changing up at around 2,000 rpm in a diesel and 2,500 in a petrol vehicle. Modern cars are often fitted with a gear change indicator, so follow this for the best results.
Lastly, obey the speed limit. Drive at 80mph and you’ll use 10% more fuel than at 70mph, as reported by The Guardian. Instead, stick to a steady speed on the motorway for maximum efficiency.
Most motorists never think twice about their car’s exhaust. However, this is a big mistake if you’re trying to increase your fuel efficiency. All the carbon dioxide and monoxide your engine produces runs through this vital component, and some of the carbon from these gases fuses to it over time. If your exhaust is neglected and this is left to build up, it will reduce the efficiency of your car.
You can remove carbon build-up from your exhaust tip with some degreaser and elbow grease. You might have to apply a few coats if you haven’t done this before, but it will leave your car running a lot more efficiently.
Spark plugs are another crucial contributor to your car’s performance that often go neglected. In fact, deteriorated spark plugs can decrease fuel efficiency by up to 30%, according to Motoring About. You should renew yours every 60,000 miles if you want to get the best from your vehicle.
Even if you’ve never seen a spark plug before, you’ll still be able to change yours in about an hour if you have access to some basic tools. First, find the right spark plugs for your make and model of car using the spark plug finder on the Autosessive site. Then just follow Thought Co.’s step-by-step guide to replacing your spark plugs and you’ll be done in no time — no technical know-how needed.
By following these five fuel efficient tips, you’ll be on the road to better mileage in no time. If you want to do your bit for the planet, or just reduce your monthly expenses, this is the perfect place to start.
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Still searching for some summer lovin’? As the British summertime begins to draw to a close, it’s time to make the most of those warm, long evenings and explore the city around you before Autumn approaches.
So whether you’re searching for your soul mate or a summer fling, there is something about being outdoors in the sunshine that puts everyone in the mood for a summer romance.
The lidos are open, the beer gardens are buzzing and the parks are jam packed full of people having BBQs, eating ice-cream and sipping on jugs of pimms. Sunny days put everyone in a positive mood and what better way to while away a sunny afternoon than getting to know someone new.
So whether you are a culture vulture, a film buff or a fitness fiend, summer is the perfect time for dating. With the help of local experts at Stay.com, here’s 7 of London’s IDEAL dating venues.
Shabby-chic and refreshingly straightforward, here the burden of choice is lifted, as there’s only one thing on the menu. Yep, you guessed it. There is however a certain charm to this simple concept, plus the service is excellent – the perfect casual dining experience.
A buzzy yet somehow relaxing bar, Refuel is an ethereal experience in the heart of Soho. Its quirky, colourful design is typical of the Firmdale group, stunning with a lightness of touch rarely found in hotel bars.
This karaoke bar in Soho has private rooms for two – practice a little Deano and Frank beforehand and you’re all set. There’s even a button to call the waiting staff, so you won’t have to tear yourself away from the action!
In recent years Covent Garden has undergone something of a renaissance, with a slew of new restaurants popping up. The intention was to attract Londoners as well as tourists, and in this regard, they’ve succeeded. On a sunny day, nothing beats watching street performers on the piazza – pure bliss.
An old classic, in the literal sense – Gordon’s is one of the oldest wine bars in London. It has a cosy, almost cave-like interior that is rather unique. With its candle-light and vintage décor it is a romantic retreat from the hustle and bustle outside.
Sky-high dinner and drinks to impress – this restaurant has a menu like no other, created with sharing in mind. Expect an intimate experience with breath-taking views and exemplary service. For more great restaurants in this part of town, check out our tips on where to eat near the Barbican, City of London.
A touch of minimalist glamour on the edge of Covent Garden – This award winning boutique hotel is a self-declared ‘snob-free zone’. Utterly unpretentious yet still the height of luxury – they have over 300 pieces of original art, each one a quirky masterpiece in its own right. Worth it for the fabulous cocktail bar alone.
Much like you, we love sinking into that hotel bed; plump pillows, the smell of fresh linen and all. Much like you, we also love an incredible view, whether it be the million light-bulb-show of a cityscape at night, an infinite stretch of blue sea and sand, or the rolling hills of somewhere remote. Much like you, we especially love it when these two things are combined; preferably with a cocktail in our hand and a good conversation in our ear.
Where can you find such places you ask? Well Expedia have teamed up with 5 well-informed, well-travelled (and well lucky) bloggers to give us their 5 IDEAL hotel terraces with some of the world’s most incredible and memorable views. Just remember to bring your camera with you – the Nikon D7100 is great for capturing clean landscape images in different light.
Infinity pools are often reason enough to visit, or stay in, a hotel. When the pool has a breath taking view of a mega-metropolis then it’s a no-brainer. Enter the Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore. This hotel houses one of the most famous pools of its kind in the world which boasts the most incredible panorama of the city. Fifty-five storeys high and three times the length of an Olympic pool, it’s luxurious, crystal clean and catered for abundantly as only the Singaporeans can. No wonder Emma from Adventures of a London Kiwi chose this place as her favourite hotel roof terrace.
The Amalfi coast is one of our favourite stretches of sea and sand anywhere in the world, and we’re certainly not alone in this view. Talking of views, the one from the Monastero Santa Rosa is one of our favourites in the world, too. The hotel is set in an old monastery, with all the atmosphere, elegant design and graceful architecture you’d expect. That’s before we even discuss the outside. There are beautifully coiffured gardens overlooking the Tyrrhenian sea, a slim, slinky infinity pool and the serenity that only this part of the world can truly provide. Aperitives and this view – we couldn’t think of anything better, nor could Suze from Luxury Columnist.
Hey, temperamental London weather can sometimes have us running for shelter, but if the sun is shining or the night sky clear, there’s not many better city views than that from the ME. Sabina from Girl vs Globe chose the Radio Rooftop Bar which is on 10th floor of the hotel. This amazing terrace gives sensational views of some of London’s most famous, instagrammable landmarks, from Big Ben to the Shard, the River Thames and more. Moody, gothic architecture and furniture are synergetic, creating an ambience that feels wholly appropriate to the experience.
People travel half way across the world to catch a glimpse of the Acropolis. Imagine more than a glimpse, a longing gaze perhaps, at the famous ancient structure, while you enjoy a cocktail or some exquisite food. The Electra Metropolis Hotel is happy to provide. Athens as a whole is currently one of the hottest destinations around, beloved of trendy young people and history buffs alike. Chosen by Jessica from The Travelista,The Electra Metropolis is the trendiest spot to enjoy the city’s most historic site. We couldn’t ask for much more than that.
Hillside views (maybe not exactly a terrace, but still…), a crystal blue water swimming pool and views of the historic city of Florence, make Il Salviatino pretty unbeatable. The villa’s 15th century architecture and healthy, renaissance art collection give the place a real sense of class and refinement. Florence never fails to impress, and Il Salviatino is the embodiment of this charm. It’s obvious why Angie from SilverSpoon London chose this stunning hotel.
Serves: 4 – 6
50g Waitrose 1 Normandy Salted Butter, softened
275g jar Elsinore Herring In Dill Marinade
½ x 150g pack mixed radishes, finely sliced
½ x 20g pack dill, leaves only, roughly chopped
2 large slices Waitrose 1 White Sourdough Bread
4 tsp Gordons Mustard & Dill Sauce
2 medium Waitrose British Blacktail Free Range Eggs
100g pack asparagus tips, trimmed
1 lemon
2 large slices Waitrose 1 Spelt Sourdough Bread
¼ punnet salad cress
4 smoked streaky bacon rashers
2 large slices Waitrose 1 Wheat & Rye Sourdough Bread
½ x 150g pack Castello Danish Blue or other blue cheese, sliced
¼ Braeburn or other red eating apple, cored and finely sliced
1 tbsp chopped chives
1. For the herring and radish topping: mix the herring fillets with 2 tablespoons of their dill marinade, the radishes and three-quarters of the dill. Set aside.
2. For the asparagus, lemon and egg topping: bring a small pan of salted water to the boil and lower in the eggs. Cook for 7 minutes, adding the asparagus for the final minute of cooking. Drain, then cool under cold running water. Peel the eggs and slice. Finely grate the zest of the lemon. Quarter the lemon and cut about 8 thin slices. Use the rest in another recipe.
3. Meanwhile, for the blue, bacon and apple on rye: cook the bacon in a dry frying pan over a medium heat, turning often, until crisp. Set aside on kitchen paper. Toast the breads, butter and cut in half.
4. Divide the herring and radish mix between the white sourdough toasts, add a drizzle of the mustard and dill sauce to each and top with the reserved dill and season. Top the spelt toasts with the asparagus and egg, season, scatter with the lemon zest, cress and lemon slices. Finally, layer the blue cheese, apple and torn bacon on the wheat and rye toasts, season and top with the chives. Serve immediately
Noma, the multi-award winning, game-changing, ground-breaking Copenhagen restaurant, had its last service in February of this year. In its current guise, that is. Noma 2.0 is mooted to be open in December of this year and we’re seriously excited. Getting a table though, to put it mildly, is going to be even more difficult than landing a coveted spot at the original. But fear not, there are hoards of Noma alumni cooking Scandinavian-inspired food in the Danish capital. With that in mind, here are 5 IDEAL alternatives to Noma, in Copenhagen.
108 only opened last year but has already garnered some serious praise, including a Michelin star. Kristian Baumann, formerly of Noma and Relae (another on our list) is at the helm, and the menu leans heavily on cured, fermented and pickled ingredients. Noma’s modus operandi, of foraging and preserving, is very much alive here. This is by no means a carbon copy or homage though, with a huge, open dining room and plenty of sharing dishes meaning the atmosphere is casual and convivial – the pace set more by the diners than a tasting menu. It’s a wonderful place to eat with leisure and drink in good company.
*Sadly, as of September 2022, 108 is now closed*
Bror is run by two former Noma sous-chefs, but has its own unique style and voice. Housed on a beautiful, narrow and cobbled road in the centre of the city, Bror feels incredibly welcoming and homely, with dim lighting and dark wood furnishings. The restaurant utilises lesser known cuts and has a commendable attitude to waste, but leans on a wider scope of Northern European ingredients than Noma did. The result is warm, humble, delicious food which is far more complex than meets the eye. A real winner in our book.
*Sadly, as of September 2022, Bror is now closed*
Both leaders of front and back of house are from the school of Noma at Relae, currently ranked 39th best restaurant in the world. The vibe is super laid-back, with service unintrusive in the best possible way. Diners are encouraged to pour their own wine and collect their own cutlery, but don’t let this casual approach belie expectations of the food. Confident, no nonsense cooking is king here. Vegetables are celebrated with the same thought and care as meats, and everything is seasoned and balanced to perfection.
*Sadly, as of September 2022, Relae is now closed, but you can still try chef Christian Puglisi making superb pizzas at Baest, one of our favourite pizzerias in the city*
Okay, so it’s not new Nordic, but this place is the bomb. Former Noma pastry chef Rosi Sanchesz opened this taqueria stand two years ago in Torvehallerne when cravings for the food of her homeland, Mexico, got too strong. The place has been so successful that a second branch has opened in Kodbyen and we wouldn’t be surprised if more followed. The Al Pastor taco is fantastic and just the thing when you’re craving fire and verve from your food to thaw the Copenhagen chill.
Website: www.hijadesanchez.dk
Another former Noma sous-chef, another amazing Copenhagen restaurant. Radio is super straight-forward in principle, with the menu listening just three or four ingredients to each dish. The cooking though, is anything but. Flavours are maximised to their full potential through careful sourcing, a dedication to seasonality and superb, grounded technique in cooking them. It’s a reasonably priced proposition too, making it a must on any hungry traveler’s dinner-time itinerary.
Website: restaurantradio.dk
Those going on a hen party have a choice – hit Wetherspoons armed with phallic straws, L-plates and nurses outfits or go for a more personalised, unique experience. While there’s no denying that the former can be heaps of fun, in our opinion the bride-to-be’s big day should be worthy of something a little more tailored, and a lot more classy. With this in mind, here are our 5 IDEAL hen party accessories to make it a night to remember.
A group of friends all wearing customised jewellery, maybe with the bride’s name on for instance, can lead to a real sense of camaraderie and togetherness as the hen’s party. We’re thinking of something similar to the iconic Carrie necklace from Sex and the City. A bracelet or necklace personalised like this isn’t just for one night either – it can serve as a wonderful memento of both the great night out and of the parties’ prevailing friendship.
It’s a common sight to see a stag party all sporting embarrassing slogans or nicknames as they down pints of lager. Well, why can’t hens get in on the fun too? Obviously in a more stylish and sophisticated way though.
National Pen offer a range of personalised hen do T-shirts which are perfect for the big night, and there are so many benefits in choosing their service; not only will matching t-shirts get a team-feeling going and make your evening more fun, but it will also give you the opportunity to get some photos which will stand out from all your other girl’s nights out, really making it a night to remember.
Of course, you will also be able to find anyone who gets lost easily as they will be instantly recognisable. With so many pros, it’s a no-brainer.
Sure, balloons on a hen night can be crude and silly. Equally, statement balloons like wedding rings or diamonds can add that extra little touch of magic to your hen night. They’re great fun to include in all your selfies and will give sparkle to your Instagram account for all to see. Best of all, it’s a loud and proud announcement of the upcoming nuptials.
Many stags have ended with an embarrassing, permanent tattoo on their backside. Hens have the chance to do it all with much more grace and elegance. Metallic tattoos, splendid in their shine and, of course, temporary will add a royal sense of glamour to proceedings. Go for something personal and special to the group or go off piste, choosing that design you’ve always wanted but never had the guts to get.
The morning after the night before is never a pleasant experience, but it can be a lot more bearable with a hangover kit. It’s a great gift for the bride or equally from her to the party guests. Inside you’ll find anything from face masks to fruit, headache tablets to soothing bath salts, and much, much more. It’s the perfect way to see off the effects of indulgence the previous night – through pampering.
You’re happily engaged, and can’t wait to finally marry your husband-to-be, however much he annoys you by leaving the toilet seat up and leaving his dirty boxers in the kitchen. But one thing is missing – the perfect wedding ring.
The choice of the wedding ring was all left to someone else, and sometimes the relinquishing of choice is a weight off the shoulders. Thrust back into the choosing game, it can sometimes be difficult to decide which wedding ring is right for you. There are so many things to consider, not least cut, colour, clarity and carat, and all of this makes for a daunting task ahead. Together with Angelic Diamonds, specialist retailers in bespoke round engagement rings, we provide you with the 5 IDEAL tips when choosing a ring which will look perfect on your finger.
Look a cut above on your wedding day by considering the cut of your ring. The correct cut results in the most dazzling sparkle, meaning the choice of diamond is the one most important factor if you want to shine on your big day.
Without the perfect cut, there is a danger, despite the best colour and clarity, that your diamond will look a little dull. You want your ring to be catching the light and winking in all those Facebook uploads, so be super considerating when contemplating the cut.
Encouraging a radiant, eye-catching sparkle involves selecting a cut which will not be too shallow or too deep, and will allow light to pass through it so that it reflects evenly throughout the diamond.
Following cut, colour is the second most key consideration. Studies have shown that the eye detects the cut first, and is drawn to the colour of the diamond second.
A near-colourless diamond with grade between G-H will strike a balance between budget and being truly eye-catching – and who doesn’t want to maximise the best of both?. Colour in diamonds appears as a pale yellow, so if this is evident anywhere in the ring you are considering,, we would recommend avoiding it, as the naked eye responds better to a colourless finish.
In technical terms, inclusions refers to the small imperfections which are on every diamond. It’s more a question of how small and how many. The less inclusions in the ring, the better the clarity, with a high clarity meaning your wedding ring will shine bright no matter where, and under what light, you are.
By purchasing an SI (slightly included) quality diamond, you’re getting something both visually stunning but without the astronomical cost and extreme rarity of a diamond that contains no inclusions and no imperfections.
Read: 6 alternatives to traditional wedding rings
The fourth C in the bible of wedding ring selection is carat, meaning weight. There are common misconceptions concerning the carat weight of the diamond on your wedding ring, with many believing that the term refers to the diamond’s size, and not its weight. Well, this isn’t the case – so try to keep this in mind when choosing your ideal ring for the wedding. As with all jewellery, precious stones and metal, ‘reassuring weight’ is not just a saying, but a marker of quality.
The cut of the diamond will change how large the carat weight appears, so it’s important to get a good balance of both so that your ring sits well on the finger, but also provides you with the shine and brilliance you need to make heads turn on your wedding day.
It’s really important to keep in mind that the size of your finger will affect the appearance of the diamond. If you’ve got really slender fingers, the diamond will appear large in comparison. It’s important to get the balance right, as correct sizing equals elegance. Also of note, not all ring fittings will fit all diamond carats and shapes, so it’s important to consider what type of diamond shape you’d like before choosing its design.
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