Foodie Monsters Special: Barcelona

Foodie Monsters

Barcelona Edition

 

I am lucky to call Barcelona my home. I spent almost my entire life in this beautiful city and despite now being a Londoner (10 years and counting!) I love going back and endure on everything that the city has to offer. And Barcelona has a lot to offer: culture, entertainment, nature and food are some of the things that quickly come to mind.

We get asked a lot about the foodie scene in this cosmopolitan city, so it was only a matter of time that we would deliver on your requests.

A #FoodieMonsters Special like no other. A Foodie Guide for my home town, and you can easily access it on your computer, tablet or on the go on your phone. Don’t miss out!

https://bit.ly/Foodie-Monsters-BCN

Pro-tip: Make sure you scroll through the whole Google Maps List to see all our pinned spots!

Our Selection for Brunch

Our Selection for (Healthy-ish) Lunch

Our Selection for Tapas

Our Selection for (Fancy) Dinner

The Hackney Series: De Beauvoir Town & Haggerston

photography by roz alcazar

With a blink of an eye, September is once again upon us. Where did summer go? Some may say it has just arrived to London, whereas others are already thinking about their costumes for Halloween, myself included.

As I return back to my London home, I can’t help myself thinking how lucky I am to call this beautiful and vibrant city home. I know that the moment I step foot in London, there will be something extraordinary waiting for me to explore, and that’s a feeling I like, a feeling that I crave.

Those of you that have been reading my stories may know that Haggerston in Hackney is my home base. What I may not have told you, is how much the area has changed since I moved here more than 5 years ago.

Oldies like myself will tell you that Haggerston was a passersby neighborhood in between Shoreditch and Dalston. Nowadays, it is a destination on its own. Don’t believe me? Then try it for yourself by spending a day (or a few) visiting the area and trying my favorite spots. All you have to do is pick-and-choose from my favorites below. By the end of the day you’ll feel there so much more to explore.

You can thank me later. For now, enjoy the ride.

The perfect day in this East London outpost starts with a coffee, or with coffee and breakfast.

Coffee lovers out there, you have two main options: Shed and Batch Baby.

Shed is located by Haggerston Overground station, whereas Batch Baby is located in the midst of De Beauvoir Town. Both coffee shops are run locally and serve specialty coffee. Shed usually has more of a coffee-on-the go vibe and serves Caravan coffee, whereas Batch Baby is a multi-roaster cafe ser and has more of sit down and enjoy space. If you wish, you can also co-work in both spaces.

Now, if you are looking for a more substantial meal, then you should try out De Beavoir Deli. Here you’ll find coffee, bagels, pastries, and new york style sandwiches and toasties that will fill you up with a smile on your face. After brekkie, you can also splash the cash with some bougie grocery shopping. Perello olives, a charcuterie counter and Dusty Knuckle bread are on offer her. All pleasure to my ears and my palatte.

Both Haggerston and De Beauvoir Town are residential neighborhood with lovely shops and restaurants around. I would say that it is a beautiful area to have walks, but not necessarily to do historical sightseeing, if that is what you are after. However, you can embark yourselves in lovely long paths by the canal and there are two parks where to relax with friends or alone reading a book: Stonebridge Gardens and Haggerston Park.

If you are seeking to do an activity, The Big London Bake offers a unique ‘British Bake Off’ experience. Sooner than you think, you’ll find yourselves competing to make the best cake of the day.

However, if baking isn’t your jam, there are a few more things you could check out on the activity front:

• Otherworld, an immersive virtual reality experience you can play alon or with others

• Tripspace, a Yoga and Dance space to explore your innerself in a deeper matter

• N1 Garden Center, a plant heaven to explore which new creatures you’ll like to take home and take care of

Got your clothes dirty while baking? Check out The Steam Room, a dry-cleaners turn clothing shop only a few meters away from the venue. All I will say is that it is worth a visit, even if you don’t leave any items in the wask.

Is it time to eat yet? A glass of wine or a pint anyone? We heard you.

Not one but THREE favorite pubs: De Beauvoir Arms for its cozy evenings in leather sofas and delicious and affordable steak and wine, Scolt’s Head for a beautiful afternoon in the garden and the Rosemary Branch for a good roast and a theatre night

A glass of wine is always welcome and for that I’d like to introduce Hector’s and Finleys. Excellent selection in a cute little setting.

If you are more of a cocktail animal, then you’ll be in your element at A bar with shapes for a name, which in less than a year has made it to the Top 50 bars in the world. For the tequila lovers, Hacha and its mirror margarita is a must.

Hold on a minute, we went into ‘eating is cheating’ mode? No, no, no. A good meal is a must.

Berber & Q will be my forever love affair with Middle Easter meets African meets Mediterranean food, in a space under the arches that will make you feel like you are ready to party.

Caravel is a romantic restaurant set up in a barge by the canal and it holds a special place in my heart. Certainly a unique, special place serving delicious continental food.

The Sea & The Sea is the new kid in the block and only for those who’d like to splash the cash. If willing, it’s supposed to be incredible good. Seafood menu and chef’s table style. Only seats a very few so it’s definitely one for special ocassions.

The day its advancing and its time for a boogie. We got you covered for pretty much any day of the week: The Jago for unusual music events on a weekday, Brilliant Corners on a Friday for audiophile lovers and renowned DJs, The Glory on a Saturday for the love of queerness and The Haggerston on Sundays for great Jazz sessions.

Not enough? You can wrap up the night with a night cap at the members-club (not so members-club) at The Kings Head.

Bonsoir careless readers, hope you have fun.

TCB xx

A Day Out Of London At The Grove

I love London. I love it so much that I almost never consider heading out of the city. Except to spend a day out at The Grove, a 5-star luxury countryside that is only 20 minutes away from Central London.

Who could resist?

The history of The Grove dates back to the 1500s when the first home for the bourgeois of the time was made. Fast forward to 2023, The Grove marks its 20th anniversary as a hotel, and it does it in pure style.

A luxurious destination for those in the know, this grand hotel has lots to offer: four excellent restaurants, a delicious spa and championship golf-course. Not to mention that during summer both hotel guests and visitors alike can go to a a Secret Cinema in its gardens.

To celebrate the British Summer (or lack thereof), the hotel has created a little experience near its golfing grounds. A culinary exploration in a hot air ballon! Fear not, you will be staying in the grounds, but it will resemble as if you were headed to the heaven.

We took advantage that our dinner was on a Sunday and arrived early to explore the hotel grounds. We had a cinema session over tea time, cocktail hour at the Library, dinner in our hotel balloons and a night cap by the piano in the lobby lounge.

The exclusive balloon experience extends through the duration of the summer season, offering you an exquisite dinner tasting menu. Attended by servers elegantly dressed in black tie attire, the impeccable service perfectly complements the overall aesthetic, promising a truly delightful and memorable indulgence.

The seven course meal included a whole lobster to share between two and concluded with a delicious lemon tart and petit fours. As the night was coming to an end, the balloon lights lit up, and we sipped our warm drinks to the starlit sky.

Before we knew, it was time to head home before our carriages turned pumpkins. What a fun day. Do not miss out!

TCB xx

10 Things To Do in Miami That Aren't Sunbathing

I am not going to lie, I love sunbathing. I am a sea creature and always have been. The smell of the seaside, the warmth of the sun kissing your skin and the refreshing touch of the seawater is an experience I’d like to have over and over again.

However, I understand this may not be everybody’s taste. There’s a time and place for everything.

And it wasn’t until I recently visited my bestie Pat in Miami that I wondered: what would I do in the city if I weren’t at the beach?

OUR TOP 10-PICKS

1. South Beach Art Deco Walk

Whilst it may sound a bit of a cliche, the reality is that walking through Ocean Drive is pretty damn cool and a must if you are visiting Miami.

We recommend starting your route at the famous Avalon Hotel and follow the beach footpath that will transport you back to the American 1920s. Along the way you will see Muscle Beach (the Florida version of LA’s Venice Beach), Versace’s Villa Casa Casuarina and Mango’s Tropical Cafe, a hot spot if you like a bit of salsa dancing. How long is your walk will depend on how much time you’ve got. We suggest an hour walk up until Collins Park and round up your trail with a drink and a tee souvenir at Sweet Liberty. Pro-tip: If you go there between 4-8pm you have Happy Hour that you can pair with delicious oysters.

2.

LifeGuard
Towers Walk

An alternative walk to the Soutch Beach Art Deco happens at the beach itself.

The lifeguard towers of Miami Beach are also known for its Art Deco and colourful palettes and are a fun walk on an sunny day. Pro-tip: If you’d like to take pictures with nobody around, we suggest an early morning walk, or else you may have plenty of people around you.

Currently there are 31 lifeguard towers, so once again your walk can be as long as you like. We suggest starting on 10th street and walk your way up to The Confidante or Cecconi’s, where you can grab yourself a rewarding drink and a bite. Alternatively, you can have a pitstop at Broken Shaker at the Freehand, a great spot for afterwork drinks as well.

3. SuperBlue Miami Exhibition

If you are into immersive experiences, then don’t look further, SuperBlue is your no.1 place in Miami.

Superblue hosts a series of interactive experiences from renown artists such as James Turrell (whose art featured in Drake’s Hotline Bling Video) and Es Devlin. I could go on to explain what you’ll encounter, but I think it’s best for you to be suprised by it. And you will.

4.
Perez Art Museum Visit

Art lovers out there, you are in for a treat in Miami. The Perez Museum is only one of the many museums available in this city and all of them have great talent to showcase. We liked the Perez because it showcased a lot of contemporary Latinx, African and Caribbean artists, and also Miami based artists, something that perhaps we are not so used to see elsewhere.

5. NBA Game Experience

Even if you are not a basketball fan, coming to a Miami Heat game will be an experience of a lifetime.

The atmosphere, the excitement, the cheerleaders, the play itself. It is a major show, one not to be missed. Pro-tip: avoid being ripped off with drinks in the stadium (20$ for a can of beer!) and have a few before the game. Also make sure you arrive with enough time to go through security (30-min prior) as we cut it a bit short and almost missed the beginning of the show.

6. Dance and Discover Little Havana Nights

Little Havana is Miami’s vibrant Cuban heart, and despite what many may say, it’s a fabulous area to visit. The neighborhood is centered around Calle Ocho (Southwest 8th Street) and it truly comes to live in the evening time. Pro-tip: visit the area on the weekend and make sure you book a table at Cafe La Trova, you can dine whilst listening to incredible live Cuban Music! Then hit the dance floor at Ball & Chain and top the night off with ice cream at Azucar.

7. Wynwood Walls

You could spend a full day in Wynwood (more on this soon), but if you had to pick one thing to do here it has to be Wynwood Walls.

Wynwood use to be a warehouse district and it wasnt until it was filled by street art and up and coming cafes and shops that it became what it is now. Pro-tip: get the ticket with the tour guide, it’s worth getting that extra information about the artists on display. After the tour, hit La Tropical brewery for good vibes and craft beer.

8. See Miami From A Boat

You haven’t experience the full Miami life until you get on a boat, pump up the tunes and drink your day away touring the caribbean sea on a private boat.

Whilst some may think this is an expensive adventure, if you gather a group of friends, say 8-10pax, you could afford a nice yatch for $100 per person for a half day session.

9. Workout In An Unusual Location with StayFit 305

From a bootcamp session at hip Undone basketball court in Wynwood to a running session at The Moxy South beach, Stay Fit 305 always has a fun and entertaining work out ready for you. Stay tuned with their latest by signing up to their newsletter.

10. Feel Like A Princess at Vizcaya

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

A National Historic Landmarket from the 1920s, the Vizcaya Musum & Gardens is one of those places that you’d never think you’d find in Miami. An Estate Home more appropiate for the English than the Americans, this beautiful villa hosts 32 decorated rooms and 10 acres of incredible gardens. A lot of quinceaneras and weddings take place here, so definitely dress the part if you want to take some lovely pics. This place is stunning.

Enjoy careless readers,

TCB xx

London Self-Made Wine Tours

It can be dry or sweet. It can taste as citrusy as a lemon, as buttery as cream or as floral as a box of berries. I am talking about wine, isn’t it sublime?

If there is something I’ve noticed on my 8 years living in London, it is the increase of good quality wine bars and wine stores. It used to be rare to find a specialized wine shop that would have a wide enough range of options to try out. It wouldalso would be rare to find a spokesperson at the forefront of said shop that would be willing and knowledgeable enough to talk about these wines. Don’t you remember when warm white wine at the pub was the only thing on offer? Luckily things change and cities evolve.

Now we are here, it’s a #hotgirlsummer and I, for one, have been enjoying the glorious sunshine in London. And I have been enjoying it even more so, because I’ve got not one but at least six wine stores in less than a 2km radium (walking distance) from my lovely flat in Haggerston. If that isn’t paradise, please tell me what is.

Wine lovers out there, you’ll appreciate this. After having many friends ask me around where to go for vino, I thought this was a necessity for many. A little map that shows you all the goodie goodie wine bars across London. Perfect for a little stroll in the city. And trust me, rain or shine, wine you’ll find.

TCB xx

EAST LONDON

• Female run and female driven wines: Finley’s (Hoxton)

• Urban winery: Renegade (Bethnal Green)

• Affordable and cool: Dan’s (Dalston), Hector’s (De Beauvoir), P Franco (Clapton)

• Upscale: Binch (London Fields), NewComer Wines (Dalston)

NORTH LONDON

• Cheap and cheerful: YieldN16 (Stoke Newington), The Sampler (Islington)

• Affordable and cool: Cadet (Stoke Newington), Top Cuvee (Finsbury), Must & Lees (Islington)

• Frenchie: Authentique Epicerie & Bar (Kentish Town)

CENTRAL LONDON

• An Institution, Upscale: Noble Rot (Clerkenwell & Soho)

• An Institution, Affordable: Gordon’s (Embankment)

• Easy-going: The Drop (King’s Cross)

• Frenchie, friendly and the most affordable in central: Le Beaujolais (Soho)

WEST LONDON

• Pretty and affordable: Mother Vine, Brinkley’s (Chelsea), Franklin’s Wine, Love (Notting Hill)

• Champagne-focused: Amuse Bouche (Fulham)

• Low-key local (italian): Ombretta & Ante’s Winehouse (Fulham)

SOUTH LONDON

• Affordable with a rooftop: Tap & Bottle (Borough), Forza Wine (Peckham)

• Low-lit and upscale: 40 Maltby St (Bermondsey)

• Wine in an Old WC: WC Wine & Charcuterie (Clapham)

• Low-key locals, cheap and cheerful: Unwined (Tooting), Peckham Cellars (Peckham), Le Chevalier (Peckham)

A 2-week Road Trip Through Baja California

It feels as if it was yesterday when we came out of that Madrid-Los Cabos flight and embarked ourselves into new Mexican adventures. Marlene, Alba and I weren’t truly aware of what we were about to experience, or how many friends we would make on this trip, for that matter. Friends that are very dear to us, still to this date.

The year was 2021, Easter Holidays, and the pandemic was still amongst us. Many of our friends or colleagues looked down on us for even traveling at this point, but we were tired. We had been working non-stop for almost two years. We needed a change, time to recharge, time to be together. We logged off our laptops as we boarded on that plane to Mexico on a Friday afternoon and didn’t look back. The holiday mood hadn’t sinked in yet, but we were excited.

12 hours later and a few movies behind us, we landed in Los Cabos. Our 4X4 car was awaiting and it was time for us to shake things off for the better. 2 weeks circuling Baja California Sur, also known as the ‘boot’ of Baja, ahead of us. Oh, the thrill of it. We have heard Baja is charming, full of beautiful sea creatures and desert like surroundings. Gorgeous food and gorgeous people inside out. It was time to get on the road and get this party started.

We would do it all over again. And that’s why we are giving you the tour, so that you can do it, too.

 

First Weekend in Los Cabos (2 nights)

Landing and spending the weekend in Los Cabos was certainly memorable. However, I would not say Cabo San Lucas nor Cabo San Jose are truly representative of the Baja culture, nor even the people.

Los Cabos are a fun weekend destination for those seeking sun, margaritas and partying until til the sunrises. It’s certainly not for the heart fainted, and whilst we enjoyed our time there, it was probably our least favorite of all of our stops in BCS. Having said that, there’s plenty you can do here. Our recommendations:

• Stay at Bahia Hotel Beach House

• Eat & Drink til the sun sets at SUR Beach House

• Grab a Sunset Whale boat Tour with any of the many tour operators in front of SUR (they are there until 5pm)

• Taco your way into the night at La Lupita Taco & Mezcal

• Continue into dangerous fun at Vas que vuelas Mezcaleria

• Dance the night away at many of the clubs available! There are options for all tastes, from low key salsa bars to Ibiza-size clubbing by the beach side

Cabo Pulmo National Park (2 nights)

Cabo Pulmo is Baja’s best kept secret. Many will come to Baja and never even enter it. We advise you against that thought. Much to our surprise, Cabo Pulmo was a haven for wildlife. The biggest and oldest cactus I’ve ever seen where here. The most deserted paradise beaches I’ve ever seen where here. The most incredible shabby chic stay I’ve ever been in was also here. Southern-style bungalows with crystal clear waters and desert like hills. A dream, and our first pinch-me moment of the holidays. Our recommendations here:

• Stay at Baja Bungalows

• Dive at Pulmo Beach Resort Dive Center

• Eat & Drink at Tito’s; though if you have an amazing place to stay, we would recommend you stock up on groceries and just enjoy living the desert life for a few days. Cabo Pulmo is a peaceful place to connect with nature. Sit back and relax.

La Ventana & La Paz (4 nights)

La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur and the biggest city you'‘ll find around BCS. A hub for business wo/men and adventurers alike, la Paz will serve many purposes. I got my diving certification here and I could not speak highly enough of the care and attention I received here. If you don’t have a purpose in mind, we suggest 1-2 nights here whilst visitng nearby beach towns, and 1-2 nights in laid-back La Ventana, a kite-surfers paradise.

Whilst in La Paz:

• Get up early and hike from Playa Escondida to Playa Balandra, one of the most scenic walks and white sand beaches I have ever seen

• Have a Drink at Harker Board afterwork, this is where most travellers and locals go

• Taco your way into the night at Taco Fish La Paz or if you’d like a different cuisine, visit Paciana for an italian pizza and wine kind of night

• Refresh yourself with homemade icecream at Michoacan at any time of the day

• Dive with Cortez Expeditions. Nor only they are attentive, they care about the marine life. Plus they will stop to spot animals any time. We saw so many whales on our expeditions, I still dream of it.

• Swim with Sea Lions at Isla Espiritu Santo. You can also snorkle or dive, if you prefer it. This was by far one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had.

Whilst in La Ventana:

• Kite or windsurf by El Sargento Beach

• Celebrate your water activities with a refreshing beer and delicious asian-mex snacks at La Tuna BCS

• Drink local beer at Joe’s Garage Brewery

• Dine jumbo seafood at Marlin

• Stay at VentusBay

La Ventana is magical place and one of those spots that will make you fell in love with Baja. It’s rugged, laid-back and enchanting. A bit too windy to my taste at times, but nevertheless full of gorgeous people and hip but relaxed places to hang out and let the time go by. After a few days here, it was time for our final destination before heading home.

Todos Santos (2 nights)

Todos Santos was the cherry on top of our trip. Don’t let the modern and perhaps more ‘american’ style fool you, this is a charming if you care to explore it further.

Known as the ‘artists’ town of Baja, Todos Santos where painters and artists alike come to show. There is plenty of great restaurants on offer and we had the best night out of our trip whilst staying here. Our recommendations:

• Caffeine yourself at Doce Cuarenta Casa de Cafe - There’s a few in town but we suggest heading to the roastery for a full-experience

• Shop til you drop in the main street in town, but make sure you stop at Nomad Chic

• Brunch at Bleu, tucked away behind an art gallery

• Dinner at Jazamango

• Drinks at Jardin Alquimia

• Drive to Cerritos Beach and try the Chocolatera clams by the seafront, a local delicacy

• Watch the sunset at The Green Room whilst listening to live music barefoot in the beach

And just like that…it was time to go home. Sad because it wass over, but happy, and above all thankful, because it happened.

TCB xx

Miami LifeGuard Towers

There’s a je ne sais quoi that attracts me to color. The more vibrant the better. Some people say that color resonates with people in many different ways, that it affects your mood. Scientific evidence about this has been anecdotal but I do feel that we have emotional connections to color. At least I do. The color I chose for my daily outfits certainly set the mood for the day. Stricking reds, pink hues and orange tones tend to be associated with danger by most but also with passion for others.

On a regular basis, people tend to avoid strong colors when dressing up. I look for these the most. Not all is lost though. Since Valentino introduced the Hot Pink back into fashion this summer, people have gone on an adventure route. Balenciaga and Bottega’s Neon Green have also taken the London streets.

Anyhow, I am being side tracked here. Colors! Miami! The Lifeguard Towers.

Having a walk through these beautiful 1920s houses was at the top of the list of things to do when visiting Miami. It was wonderful. The sun was shining, the sea was calm and the explosion of colors in front of me made me happier than ever.

Time for a swim.

TCB xx

Postcards from Miami

Firenze, City of Arts

If you want to be inspired by a city, come to Florence.

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I will never forget my first impression of Firenze. It was my first time in the city of arts and I was very excited to explore every corner of it. I only had 72 hours and so much to see and do.

As I was walking towards the Airbnb with my suitcase in hand, I suddenly was paralysed by the beauty in front of me, the Duomo of Firenze, also called Catedrale de Santa Maria Dei Fiore. It appeared as if of nowhere, but there it was, pure magnificence in front of my eyes. It’s been a minute since I was impressed by my surroundings, and this certainly exceeded the mark. An incredible work of art you’ll find hard to look away from. And that was just the beginning to my trip. Joy.

Looking back, I would have loved a couple more days to fully immerse myself in the arts city that is Florence, but if similar to me, you are here only for a long weekend, find below our suggestions on where to stay, eat, drink and do in this vibrant and busy city.

Have fun and stay safe,

TCB xx

DAY 1

08:00AM - 10:00AM: See the sun rising from a different height and visit the Duomo’s Cupola di Brunelleschi, where Dante’s Inferno is painted.

Two warnings here: this activity is not for the heart fainted and requires booking in advance. You’ll have to hike around almost 500 steep steps to get to the top, so if you are not into this, avoid at all costs. Having said that, you won’t get better views of the city than here. In my opinion, certainly worth it. Not to mention the incredible painting that you’ll get to take in midway through the top.

10:00AM - 12:00PM Grab a espresso and a quick Tuscan sandwich and join a walk tour

Immerse yourself in the history of the Medici and their relationship with Florence by joining a walking tour. It is incredible the little details you can learn by buying into these activities and I am a big fan of (fun) facts so this always gets my vote. Plus I find the guides always have great tips for food! Sold. We stoped by Maledetti Toscani for a Salami sandwich beforehand and it was the best snack/ brekkie we could have ever wished for.

12:00PM - 1:30PM In between hours, shopping!

Florence is no Milan or Rome but certainly has some good spots when it comes to fashion. The city where Ferragamo was born and also the home to Luisa Via Roma, one of the biggest multi brand luxury retailers. Other spots that get our vote include Gucci Garden )Really a must), Boutique Nadine and Dixie.

2:00PM - 4:00PM The time we’ve all been waiting for: Lunch!

Have delicious fresh food at Casella 18, a family run restaurant in the heart of the city. Big mamma plates full of flavour and excellent service. I had a pistachio pesto pasta I am still thinking about.

4:00PM - 6:30PM: Give yourself a little rest, drop your shoppings bags, and maybe have a shower before heading out again. Or continue shopping, or wandering through Florence’s Giardinis. Your call.

7:00PM - 9:00PM: The sun is starting to set, so it’s time for a little walk by the river Arno, crossing the famous Ponte Vecchio, or old bridge, dated from the medieval era. There’s plenty of fancy shops and stalls by the bridge now, so if you are into splurging, you have found your place. For aperitivo with a view, head to Golden View. But don’t stay too long here, as you’ll have to walk back to the centre for dinner.

9:30PM: Dine at La Giostra.

If you can only pick a place for dinner, it has to be La Giostra, and you have to book in advance, cause this place is in demand. The restaurant used to be a winter storage place back in the 1700s, so you can imagine all the stories it holds. The owners have managed to keep its historical look and it is rather charming. The sommelier is hard to miss (we won’t say more) and the steak is a must.

DAY 2

09:00AM - 12: 00PM: Start the day with more culture, this time at The Uffizi Galleries.

Now that you’ve got your bearings, it’s time to get cultural. First stop? The Uffizi Galleries. They are to Florence what the Louvre is to Paris. Vast, opulent and full of incredible art. You can easily spend 2 hours just trying to get through the building in its entirety. Split in to two separate allies by a square in the middle, you’ll see pieces dating from the Middle Ages to the Modern period. Don’t leave without seeing Boticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Caravaggio’s Medusa. They are a must.

1:00PM - 3:00PM: Street Markets, Prosecco and Lunch at a B-Roof

Now that was quite tiring wasn’t it! Reward yourself with a refreshing glass of Prosecco at Hotel Baglioni’s B-Roof. They have a steal of 35€ Weekend 3-course meal that is hard to combat. Plus their al-fresco terrace is not only gorgeous but also has incredible views of the city. Make sure you stop by the street market on Via Dei Conti, they have excellent leather goods and super fun recycled denim jackets.

3:30PM - 5:00PM: Time to see David

Book your ticket to Accademia Gallery and see Michelangelo’s David in person. It is incredible big! If you’ve been here before, then alternatively we would suggest visiting Pitti Palance, the Tuscan version of Versailles. Think big and beautiful gardens, opulent state house with plentiful Renaissance art and you are almost there.

7:00PM - 9:00PM: Time for aperitivo and sunset again!

For aperitivo today, we would suggest visiting Hotel Palazzo Guadagni, not without a visit to the Santa Croce Church before hand. Dinner should follow at Gurdulu, across the street from the hotel. This part of town feels much calmer and we loved it here, we finally felt we were part of the city, as opposed to mere tourists, only 48 hours after arriving.

What a weekend.

A boat trip to Albert Bridge

I told you I like my outfits to stand out.

Today, my pink sequins dress is on. It has matching pink tights and I am also wearing a purple fake fur coat with silver heels on. I am running with them.

Running to catch the 18.12 Uber boat to Putney, and I am excited. That kind of excitement that you get when you are about to travel, when you meet somebody for the first time, or are about to experience something brand new.

It is surprisingly a clear night today, despite being very dark outside already. I have hopped on this Tfl boat at London Bridge and I am already mesmerised by the shining water reflections of the river Thames.

Some people in London take this ride as their usual commute to work. In fact, I see hips of people coming back from it, with very serious and tired faces as they come in. I, on the contrary, am feeling as hype as a little kid after school.

Tonight I am headed to Albert Bridge. It may seem silly to you, but visiting this bridge has been on my London bucket list for years, and I never managed to visit it.

Until today.

Some people say it is one of the most beautiful bridges in the city, so inevitably I had to check that out.

As we move along the river, I see few building cranes and plenty of cars in the horizon . I find it hard to believe anybody would chose to ride a car when you can ride a boat. The incessant honking, the traffic, the stress, there’s none of this here. On the boat there’s a bar, there’s plenty of snacks, and there’s Champagne.

A party boat salutes us. Millennium Bridge is lit with rainbow lights and we are quickly facing Big Ben, which is still under refurbishment. You can only see the clock, and it is now marking 18.30 on the dot. The houses of Parliament feel ominous and eerie, with a touch of Hogwarts. I feel goosebumps, I feel bliss. What a gorgeous city London is.

As we progress from Central to West London, something in the air shifts. I spy another party boat, but this time is empty. There isn’t much light in this side of town. It is getting darker and darker by the minute. But then I see it, I see the glimpsing lights, I see Albert Bridge.

We’ve passed 9 bridges to get here and as we started, we are faced with more building cranes, shimmering water and a platform to get on to. It is as good as they said.

TCB xx

Tuscan Traditions: Pasta Making

I love getting my hands dirty. Today’s pleasure, making fresh pasta was particularly special.

It’s day 4 at Potentino. There is a spear of sunshine coming through the kitchen. This morning, Rachel Roddy, food enthusiast and writer behind An A to Z in Pasta, and she  is telling us about how pasta making is all about child's play.

She is cheery. A tall, curly hair, freckled skin, British lady who has spent 16 years of her life in Rome. She is a striking presence at the castle. Her speech is quick, with bursts of Italian. 

She is showing us the flour divide between Northern and Southern Italy. Another rivalry between North and South. Flour is the key ingredient for pasta making. Puglia, Calabria, Campania, they go for semolina flour, or durum wheat flour. A granular, sandy, fine ingredient that slips through your fingers. On the contrary, Toscana, Lombardia, Veneto, they use a velvety, teddy bear like soft flour, the regular all purpose wheat flour we all know.

It really is simple. You add 200 gr of either flour and 100 ml of water for a semolina flour recipe (or 2 eggs for a soft flour recipe), and you’ve got all the ingredients for pasta for two. As Rachel shows us how to proceed, she tells us how her family likes to think of the process, a flour mountain that turns into a volcano, with the water and/ or the eggs as craters. Mix all the ingredients up, and suddenly you find you have playdough in your hands. 

What follows isn’t quite as much fun, but you need to knead. 10 minutes of pushing down, pulling out, folding and turning in. Thankfully, I like to do hands-on work.

The dough, a soft but sturdy ball with all the tenderness of a baby's bottom, is now ready to rest. 30 minutes are key for the gnoccho (the dough) to rise, and as I listen to others talk about what pasta shapes will be made for lunch, I take a moment to observe my surroundings. 

We are in a kitchen that is more than 700 years old. Maids, servers, owners and friends, guests and volunteers have passed through this kitchen over the centuries, and have made this little universe their own. There’s a wooden cabinet that particularly draws my attention, full of mix & match glass and kitchenware. I made a note to myself to speak to Charlotte, the owner of Potentino, to tell me more about this room.

The timer is ringing. It’s time to shape the pasta. We practice our beginner skills by exploring the pleasures of forms, from classics such as the orecchiette (little ears) to experimental freeform. We are quickly drawn back from pleasure to work though, as lunch time is getting closer and today we are cooking for 20 people. 

The shape of choice for lunch is pici. To get this shape, we pinch about 2-3 inches of the dough and turn it into a thick, long and fat hand-rolled type of spaghetti. This shape, Rachel tells us, originated in Siena, Tuscany. All of a sudden, I am transported to traditions in the valley. Traditions of wine making, growing vegetables without fertilizers, weaving wool from the neighboring sheep farm. Traditions that Potentino is resolutely trying to keep alive. 

Our pasta making work is done, and as we wait for the pici to cook, we move from the kitchen to the dining room. There’s an air of excitement and anticipation (and hunger) in the room. We are all hoping the result of our hard work will be good. Is it going to taste as good as it felt when we were preparing it? Will our beginners pasta survive the cooking? Will everybody like it?

Sometimes actions speak louder than words and as guests have a bite of the fresh pasta, paired with roasted tomatoes passata, olive oil and basil, I only need to see their faces to know the answer. Delicioso! 

The hard work we put in this morning has been a success. One that I am hoping to repeat at home. And I hope you will, too. 

TCB xx

Tuscan Traditions: Making Pecorino

True ricotta is a delicacy many Italians sought after. Its limited availability, combined with the benefits of low fat, high protein and multipurpose use, makes ricotta the cherry on top of any  cheese making, and in particular, of our cheese making class today. 

‘Best eaten hot’ Luisa tells us, so I obey orders and eat a few mouthfuls. She’s right, one bite of this warm, rubbery cheese, and I can’t put my spoon down. It’s a very intimate feeling, as if I am inside the sheep’s body, and its fresh milk is now directly in my mouth. The right amount of salty and light that makes you want to come back for more.

There’s a particular beauty in seeing others making something in front of your eyes. 

Luisa is in charge of the cheese making class. She seems nervous at the prospect of explaining to us how the process goes. There is a German beauty in her blue eyes and soft skin, and as she tells us in perfect English the story of the family business, one can tell she is a very kind and friendly soul. Emiliano, her husband, is staring at her in the background. He is a bit shy I feel, mostly because he can’t speak English with us today. 

As I see them both in action, there are so many welcoming thoughts at the idea of making food from scratch. Grandma making croquetas in their flat near Park Guell. Dad and I making a spanish omelette as our Sunday dinner tradition or my uncle’s David famous St Johns Day cake, something that the whole family waits for every year.

Like making tortilla, traditional cheese making is a special craft. One that has been passed through generations. The end result is surprisingly never the same, as cheese made this way never tastes the same twice. 

At this point Luisa also names Giuseppe, her father in-law and the main figure of the family business, a few times. Despite his absence, we sense his presence very clearly. He started the business, and on top of being a fantastic shepherd, he was also a novelist, a poet, and of course, a great Italian lover. 

Emiliano, on the contrary, seems a man of actions more than words. I am proven right as he shows us the first step of cheese making, getting the ravaggiolo, a curdled cheese that kids and adults alike often enjoy for dessert. 

A bite of this silky and sweet cheese takes me back to summer holidays in Costa Brava in Catalonia, where I would find myself eating a very similar dessert called recuit every lunch after our daily family swim. The slippery taste of this dessert makes you feel so light, you would never stop eating it. If you ever are in that part of town, don’t ever leave without trying it, specially with a splash of honey.

As I look away from my treat, I see Luisa and Emiliano are already working on keeping the momentum going. The process of cheese making cannot be stopped and one of them has now started crossing and crushing the remaining cheese in the pot. Crossing the cheese, because in Tuscan tradition, it is blessed in the making. 

The pot is now at forty degrees to shape what will be the final product, a soft pecorino cheese. It is hard to believe one could take such heat in their hands, Luisa jokes whilst she cheekily looks at Emiliano: ´he can handle the heat´. Emiliano is not happy about the induction hob, he prefers gas, but with a smile on his face he tells us that heat makes his skin incredibly soft, so clearly worth the pain.

One would think once the cheese has been shaped, we just need to leave it to rest, but to my surprise there’s one more step to go, making ricotta. As we say in Spanish, there’s never two without three, and the last step is the most precious to Italians. 

As we now leave the cheese to rest, we are guided to our dininng table. 

Now picture you are in a Medieval Tuscan castle.

Imagine the loggia of such Medieval castle. Luisa and Emiliano are finishing making fresh cheese in it. 

There’s  a certain freshness in the air. The seasons are changing, the wind is blowing strongly, and we are happy to be sun kissed and have our lunch al fresco. 

Luisa and Emiliano have prepared a little cheese tasting for us, and as we wait for it with excitement, I hear them talk about the origins of the farm, Caseificio Murceti, with other guests. I can´t wait to visit them at their farm. 

I may not be able to replicate all the steps of cheese making that we learned today, but something became clear to me this morning and is that the best traditions can be kept alive through generations, and we can consider ourselves lucky to ever witness such marvels in front of us.

TCB xx

Potentino, a walk through living traditions

´Italy has given me so much, I ought to do the same’, Charlotte tells me.

She is the owner of Castello di Potentino, an ancient castle dating from the 10th century and hidden within Monte Amiato, in the heart of the Tuscan Valley. 

It was only 30 minutes since I met Charlotte that I knew she was a strong and determined woman. A tall, straight short hair lady with striking blue eye glasses. Very Italian style I would say, despite herself being British. It’s been 30 years since she moved to Italy and she’s been cultivating and nurturing the lay of the Tuscan land ever since.

‘We had a previous home, but we sold it and bought this ruined castle’. It is clear this medieval beast is her biggest passion and personal project. A once crumbled castle now turned into a living palace to restore Etruscan traditions. I couldn’t think of a better idea. 

Potentino is special. 

We arrived here on a dark and eerie night, and we thought we had got lost. Google Drive was telling us we were a minute away from our destination, but there were no signs of Potentino in any direction. Suddenly, there it was. Low lid yet showing its grandeur, rustic stone walls facing us. Cersei and Otto, the house dogs, welcomed us at the entrance and shortly after, somebody opened the door. Hello, you found us! 

We were greeted, and our story began.  

As we walk into this long-lived estate, I get quickly captivated by the amount of art, books and crockery laying around. One can tell that many have passed through Potentino, and the house still captures its passing stories. Publishers, artists, filmmakers and musicians, they all have lived and left a piece of history here. 

Traditions of wine and olive oil making, which were common in the area since almost 3000 years ago, are also alive at Potentino. I’ve been told that thanks to the golden valley that is Monte Amiato, we are in a highly fertile, volcanic area, which has gifted Potentino with a variety of wines. 

One evening before dinner, we are lucky to get a VIP pass. We tried not one but eight different wines from Charlotte’s latest batch. From easy drinking pinot noir rose to dense red San Giovese. It was a kaleidoscopic experience.

And it doesn’t end here, Charlotte is determined to keep the Etruscan heritage alive and she is set on being kind to the planet whilst at it, aiming for zero waste and respecting the local community. 

As days go by in this fairy tale fortress, we experience farmers from the neighboring town make cheese in front of us, cheese that we eat for lunch; polyphonic singers enjoying Potentino wine whilst chanting Etruscan songs and songs from World War I, and acclaimed food writers teaching us how to make and write about pasta and the joys of life. We are enduring the beauty of Tuscany and its unconventional history.

As I write to you, the sun is shining and my body feels heavy, despite a light breeze passing through. I can feel my soft skin burning, and the seasons changing. The leaves are dancing like shining diamonds changing color under a beaming light. Potentino is in the background, and I already feel part of its tales, too. 

Postcards from Sicily

A Road Trip Through Sicily

 

If you are reading this post is because you are thinking about travelling to Italy and are wondering what route is best to do a roadtrip in Sicily. The answer? It doesn’t matter! Whether you head north to Palermo or south to Catania, you are guaranteed going to have a delightful time.

Now, if you are into beautiful beaches, relax and good food, then the northern side of the island will be better suited for you. If you would like to add some culture and history to the mix, then the southern side will be best.

We did our own research before starting our trip and the northern side of the island tends to get more tourism. We are rebels who like to go against the current, so we voted for a southern roadtrip full of culture, history, great food, and great nature (and of course, some beaches too!).

Thinking you would like to do the same roadtrip?

Then check below for our 2-week itinerary here!

24 hours in Palermo

You may have read that if you want to do a Sicilian roadtrip you must choose between visiting the northern side or the southern side as otherwise it is too much to fit in very little time. We agree. However, there are many flights to Catania and when ours got cancelled last minute, we had to act quickly or cancel our holidays all together.

Truth is, things turned out for the best. We ended travelling to Palermo before starting our southern roadtrip and we loved it so much that we would suggest you do this too.

Palermo is the capital of Sicily and it is full of history. From the Romans to the Spanish, to the history of mafia, there’s a lot to talk about in this city. As newbies, we decided to talk a Free Walking tour (this one here) and we couldn’t recommend it enough. The guide was very lively and gave us lots of tips on where to eat and what else to do. Our favorite spot was the Piazza of Quatro cantos and all its symbolism, along with the Cattedrale de Palermo. Do not miss these out.

Our favorite comfort food was eaten at Caffe del Kassaro and the best cocktails were drunk at Galleria delle Vittorie

Our favorite Gelati was eaten at Cappadonia Gelati

Our favorite shop was Coffee Panormus, where you can stock up on beautiful ceramics and handmade Sicilian Coffa Bags.

3 days in Agrigento (2 Nights)

Agrigento is very cute. Tourists tend to spend one night here as there is not much to do other than visiting the Valley of the temples, but we loved giving this old village more time to be explored so we would recommend you doing the same.

We arrived after lunch and decided to visit the Agrigento’s old village. The highlight was the nun’s monastery where you can buy some homemade pistachio and nut cookies that are to die for. You can then head to the Turkish steps, a white cliff beach, for an afternoon dip. Warning: as the rock has started to become lose, the government has blocked entry to this area. However! We saw plenty of Italians passing over the fence and so we followed them and had a pleasant time in what was pretty much a desert beach. Bottom line, be careful, but go ahead and visit the area. We then packed our stuff and had a well deserved Aperol Spritz whilst seeing the sun set at Lounge Beach Bar few steps away.

The next day was all about the Valley of the Temples. You’ll need about 3-4 hours to do it, so make sure you have a hat with you and plenty of water as it gets hot in here! We also recommend getting a guide or the audio guide, it was very explanatory and worth its 5€ cost.

To wrap up, we had an excellent restful time at Masseria Agnello, a farmhouse of dreams (I would get married there!) before heading for another sunset at Giardonello Beach

Best dinner time in Agrigento was at Sal8 and best pizza at Trattoria Terra&Mare but if you want breathtaking views of the Valley of the Temple and a Michelin-guide restaurant, then we recommend Il Re di Girgenti (wow!!).

Our favorite Gelati was eaten at Le Cuspidi

We stayed at B&B Le Terraze di Pirandello and it was central, with a beautiful rooftop and a yummy breakfast (included in the price). If you are ready to splash the Hotel Athena is breathtaking, but you will be far away from the city center!

4 days in Modica (3 Nights)

Modica is a dreamy ancient villa where old is already meeting new. In here, not only you’ll find out about how the Sicilians make chocolate (that is, using a method dating back to the Aztecs), but also incredible home made food, Michelin-star restaurants, cheap and cheerful wine and cocktail bars and the most incredible baroque cathedral in Southern Sicily, Il Duomo di San Giorgio.

We stayed at B&B Il Giardino dei Mandarini and we couldn’t recommend it enough. Affordable prices, a big room and an excellent breakfast overlooking a beautifully green patio, where you’ll chat to an old Italian chap who serves you breakfast every morning. What else could you ask for? Also location is great, near to our favorite wine bar Rappa Enoteca (side note: the food is also great).

On our way from Agrigento to Modica we had a pit stop at Villa Romana del Casale, a Roman villa that keeps the largest and most varied Roman mosaics in the world. It’s a 20-min detour from your route, but so worth it.

On our first full day in Modica, we decided to explore the beach and headed to Marina di Modica, where we had a relaxing lunch at Modica Beach Resort. One our way back, we visited Scicli. Scicli is another town renown for its baroque architecture. Similarly to Modica and Ragusa, its beauty is palpable all over the city, but is at its best in the churches. If you are into fashion and gelati like I am, then you’ll love this town. Probably the best when it comes to Italian fashion in the island and Nivera was a fantastic choice for icecream :)

One our second day in Modica, we decided to venture out to Chiaramonte Gulfi, based on Lonely Planet’s recommendation. However, we didn’t find anything interesting here. The only thing worth noting about this town is its garden overlooking the vast fields and the winery Locanda Gulfi, 10 minutes drive away from the city. The food and service there were excellent, and so was the wine tasting (3 wines for 15€!) and the subsequent stay at the pool overlooking the vineyard.

Ragusa was our last stop on day 4 and definitely the most breathtaking. It is an exceptional town and a MUST on your trip. This village has 18 sites that are UNESCO Heritage and walking around its ancient streets is like re-living its past. We parked the car in the newer part of Ragusa, and started our walking path from Cattedrale di San Giovanni Batista up to Giardini Ibla.

The view of the old Ragusa along this path was spectacular (with some GoT vibes) and the food we proceeded to have for lunch at Camuri even more. Unpretentious and delicious food and 5-star service. Drinks were also top notch, so I can only recommend you going.

2 days in Noto (2 Nights)

Noto has become quite popular thanks to the Netflix show ‘Chef’s Table’ and its infamous Caffe Sicilia. This is a cafe dating from the 1800s serving unpretentious pastries, granita and gelato. We loved it, but we also loved many other spots lesser known in the town for which you didn’t have to cue for.

Our favorite restaurant was Manna and we would suggest you going for dinner as the town lives up après working hours.

Now what we loved the most about Noto wasn’t precisely its baroque town, but rather the nature surrounding it. The Cavagrande canyon is an unspoilt gem, one that only few locals know about and explore. We followed some online instructions we found to get to a set of natural ponds withing the canyon and not only we found them, but we were also alone. Alone in this nature paradise. That memory will stay with us forever.

Another thing we loved about Noto was our stay at Valle degli Dei. A lemon farmhouse 5 minutes drive away from Noto that will make you feel you are the owner of a beautiful villa in Southern Italy. The sunsets at the house were pretty special, and so was the field of lemon trees.

2 days in Ortigia (1 Night)

You may have heard of Ortigia because of its famous candles. Funny thing is, these were not created by an Italian family, but rather an English lady who fell in love with the city and decided to create a soap and fragance empire around it. Ortigia has its shop in town but theirs items are now accessible globally.

Putting this aside, Ortigia is a little island off Siracusa, Sicily’s old capital. Once again its baroque style blooms through its little streets, and the Cathedral, buiilt on top of an old Greek Temple, is worth a visit. Ortigia has paramount options for dinner but surprisingly not so many for a swim, despite being an island.

However, you can take a boat trip around the island and visit its nearby caves, where you’ll be able to hop on and off the boat for a bit of a dip.

Our favorite restaurant in town was The Wine Assassin (we also LOVED the name)

Our favorite gelati was in Il Cucchiaino and our favorite granita in Pasticceria Artale

The last stretch: 3 days in Taormina (2 Nights)

Taormina is just postcard perfect. Some may say it is the most touristy of the southern side cities, and they may be true. That does not deny its beauty though. From the Greco-Roman amphitheatre to the grottos and beatufiul bays by the sea, this ancient villa has lots to offer.

Food is beyond exceptional and the décor gave us lots of Positano vibes; we were instantly enchanted. Calid colours and lots of lemon print everywhere, is this the Italian idea of heaven?

Foodie Monsters must visit Tischi Toschi (a favorite of Ottolenghi’s) for lunch and fashion lovers must have coffee at Bam Bar.

Dinner at Kitse is essential, but not without a glass of Aperol Spritz at the terrace of the Grand Timeo Hotel for sunset. We had a nightcap at Morgana Lounge Bar and it was fabulous.

If weather allows, we would suggest you finishing your trip with a hike to Mt Etna, one of the oldest and most active volcanos in Europe. Unfortunately (or not), the volcano has been quite active lately and so we couldn’t do this activity, but if you can, then we recommend using this tour guide.

Happy travels careless readers, and stay safe!

TCB xx

Mediterranean Paradise: Menorca

If you are a beach lover like us, then you may be already browsing the best places for a new beach home. Travel isn’t as easy as it used to be, but if you are in for the long run, then it is worth all the hassle. Our suggestion for the summer? Menorca.

We had the pleasure to call this little paradise ‘home’ for a whole month last year, and we were so delighted we wanted to share all our tips on where to stay, which beaches to go to and of course, where to eat. Don’t miss out on this blue gem, it is worth every penny.

A WEEK’S STAY IN CIUTADELLA

Ciutadella is a beautiful port city on the west coast of Menorca and its known for its old quarter and medieval streets. Staying in this cute little city is a favorite option for many, however we branched out and stayed at this airbnb 5kms out of the city (and near the beach), which turned out to be the best spot in the island to see the sunset. The first evening we were there we couldn’t believe how gorgeous it was.

There’s plenty of things you can do for a week near Ciutadella, we loved visit the old town and goind for dinner in the evenings and planned days out at different beaches during the day, but also made sure we booked different activities such as boat riding and mountain biking to keep ourselves entertained :)

One of the advantages of being nearby a port city is the paramount of options to book a boat for the day, which is a must do activity in the island. Entering all those little beach bays by the sea is breathtaking (and lots of fun!).

After much research and a lot of haggling, we found Iguana Boats, which is probably the most cheap and cheerful rental boat company in the island. As long as you have a driving license and 200€ to spare for the day, you are good to go. And you don’t even need a skipper!

Ciutadella is definitely the foodie hotspot in the island, and our favorite picks were S’moix, Mon and Rels. Excellent produce, delivery and customer service, all in beautiful settings and at a decent price tag. What else could you ask for?

Favorite Beaches nearby Ciutadella: Cala en Brut, Cala Turqueta, Cala Macarelleta, Cala Mitjaneta, Cala Trebaluger

STAYING OFF THE BEATEN TRACK: FORNELLS

If you are looking for a quieter village where to stay, we recommend wandering off to Fornells, another beautiful fishermen village right in the middle between Ciutadella and Mao.

Despite having less than 1000 inhabitants, Fornells has a lot to offer: great beaches nearby, excellent food and beach bars to hang out, a home made ice cream shop and a few clothing boutiques to browse.

This airbnb was a delight and if you are keen to try on of the local delicacies (Caldereta), Es Cranc is a must. If you are missing a bit of meat in your life, Ca Na Marga is possible the best steakhouse in the island and Isabella a few km away is the place to be seen for sunset cocktails and/ or apres dinner fun times.

The biggest and best silver lining that the pandemic has brought to us is the ability to become digital nomads.

More frequently than not, businesses are allowing employees to work from home, but where is home these days? As long as you have access to good Wi-Fi and a computer, the world is your oyster.

A WEEK’S STAY IN MAO

If you are staying in Menorca for a long period of time, we suggest jazzing things up by setting your home up in the other side of the island. Mao is the largest city and the capital of Menorca, and whilst it is very different from the beautifully old Ciutadella, it is definitely worth a visit.

Here you’ll find great restaurants such as El Rais and Es Musclet, and you will be able to visit Gin Xorigue’s distiller, the island’s very own gin.

Once again, there are a variety of things you can do to spend a week in this part of the island, but five are a must do:

1. Visit the Binifadet Winery. We were unaware of this beautiful spot and so our experience was both a surprise and a delight. You can book a guided tour with a tasting and then have lunch overlooking their beautiful vineyard. They cater for weddings so you can get the drill of how gorgeous this place is. Surprisingly, this was also a cheap and cheerful delight! They have a prix fix menu and their wine is delicious yet affordable. Needless to say we left drunk!

2. Visit Llatzeret Island. There are guided tours to the island running on a regular basis (either in Spanish, Catalan and English), and the 18th century quarantine island’s history is worth knowing. Little fun fact: Though it is no longer used for such purposes, the island belongs to the Spanish Health Ministry and government workers can use its for their summer holidays.

3. Wonder through Alaior. Spend the day by the pool at Menorca Experimental, have a wonder through the streets of Alaior’s village before you head to Coves d’en Xoroi for live music overlooking the sunset (note: you must book in advance as these places are quite famous).

4. Wonder through Binibeca after a day at the beach. This made up town will make you feel you are back in Greece! Plus you can grab a yummy cocktail and asian styl tapas for dinner at Bambu.

5. Spend the day in Es Grau Natural Park. We rented bikes and wondered through its wetlands, skinny dipped in their beaches and washed away all of our worries.

Take care of yourself careless readers, and happy travels! I know these are scary times, but we travel do not travel to escape life, we travel for life not to escape us.

TCB xx

Essex's Road Hot Corner

Islington Screen Print, available on Etsy

If you leave in the Islington borough, you probably despise Essex Road. It feels polluted, full of traffic and there aren’t that many exciting things to get you walking in it. That applies to most of this long road stretch (that goes from Angel all the way to Dalston) with the exception of a corner where all the magic happens, between Cross Street and Pophams Street.

In this little Bermuda Triangle, not only you’ll find a cheap and cheerful butcher (James Elliot) and a wonderful fishmonger (Steve Hatt), selling sushi-grade fish and tuna, amongst many other beautiful fish and shell-fish, but you’ll also be able to have a delicious coffee while you wait (from Devotion Coffee across the road).

If that’s not enough, you can stock up on a great cheese selection at Neal’s Yard next door, and great delicatessen food and veg at Providores. Needless to say that any trip to this area must finish at Pophams, where you can indulge into the most beautiful and tasty pastries around the area. If you can’t find a spot where to sit and enjoy this, we would enjoy walking up to Asteys Row Rock Gardens, literally 5 minutes away by walk.

There you go, your groceries sorted! And they are all in the same corner.

P.S.: Do not miss the amazing street art tucked away in the street next to James Elliot, worth checking out!

Enjoy and stay safe,

TCB xx

Kentish Town Treasures

Its a Sunny Sunday in London and everybody is in a good mood. Inevitable, I felt inspired to write you about our lovely day in North London. One that you could probably enjoy too, in the future.

Going out for long walks and cycling has become the norm, and I must say we quite enjoy it. I do miss wearing heels, but those days will return soon. In the meantime, walking/cycling to a new cafe or restaurant, where we can grab some goodie goodies, is my new favorite pas time. And believe it or not, if the sun is shining, you could spend all day doing that. We tell you how.

09:00 - 11:00AM RELAX - Wake up and enjoy a Cuppa whilst preparing to go out. What are you going to wear? Where are you headed? How are you going to get there? It’s beautiful out there (hopefully)!

12:00 SET OFF - Today’s choice is Panadera, a filipino bakery from the owners of the infamous Mamasons ice cream parlour two doors down. I could go on and on about this place, but it’s better if you read our review here. If you’ve already eaten, just grab the ice cream. It’s totally worth it.

Now if you are not feeling your sweet tooth, you still have got choices around. E.Mono is a staple Turkish grill and kebab restaurant in the area and Franco Manca’s pizzas never fail to disappoint.

13:00 PICNIC - Once you’ve pick up your goodies. Where are you going to eat? If you are walking, we suggest heading to Primrose Hill, whilst if you are cycling, we would suggest heading to The Hill & Pergola Gardens off Hampstead Heath. It’s off the beaten track and it’s a beautiful spot where to sit back and relax.

15:00 TIME TO HEAD BACK

15:30 PIT STOP - Did you think that was it? Surely you still need some more goodies to take home? We are becoming quite the cheese, wine and charcuterie connoisseurs these days and the Autentique Epicerie & Bar in between Kentish Town and Tuffnell Park is a nice stop where to grab some of these. If that isn’t enough, a few blocks down you’ll also encounter the Theatre of Wine, a quirky wine shop that is also a fabulous place to taste some delicious stuff.

Enjoy and stay safe

TCB xx

A Day in Borough & Bermondsey

It is hard to believe you can do many things other than sitting in your couch, joining yet another ZOOM call or workout in your living room. Luckily, we have found a fun alternative for you Londoners.

If there is something we’ve been enjoying this lockdown is waking up early and go for exploring walks. Thanks to that, we recently found out that Borough Market was open, and so we’ve pan out a phenomenal day out in South London for ya.

First things first, grab a coffee to fuel your energy. Our friends at LOTI have come up with a fantastic list, check it out here.

Now you’re all perked up, why not using that energy to cycle to Borough? If you are feeling into it and don’t have a bike, you can grab a Santander Bike or an electric bike from Uber.

Yay! you’ve made it. The market is actually open during the weekdays too (10-5pm) but given that most of us are still working, having it open on Saturdays from 8-5pm is already a pleasure. Grab your groceries bag and tour around the market. You’ll find excellent butchers, fish mongers, vegetables and even wineries! My favorite stall even sells saucisson sec (which is a variant of the Catalan Fuet, a dried pork sausage).

For bread and pastries, head to Flor. They are the sister restaurant of Lyle’s in Shoreditch, so they will not disappoint.

For cheese, Neals Yard is a must. For a cheese toastie though, you need to head to Kappacasein. It’s 7GBP a toastie (ouch!) but it’s OH SO WORTH IT.

This should give you enough energy to continue your morning trail, so step away from more food and let’s head onto Bermondsey Street. It’s a 10 minute walk from Borough and you’ll also find lovely little shops and delis to check out. Lots of coffee options here, too! Our favorite is Fuckoffee.

If you still haven’t had enough, we’ve got one more stop for you. This is our favorite part of the trail as we are headed to the infamous Beer Mile on Maltby Street.

You could literally spend a whole afternoon touring around the beer breweries around here, but I’ve course we’ve got some favourites such as BRNO and The Kernel. And there are also some wine sellers worth noting such as Ancestral wines, a merchant that sells plenty of Catalonian wine (my fave, obvs!).

To finish off the day, check out the flowers at Igloo Flowers. And off you go home, accomplished and full of goodies to indulge into.

Stay safe,

TCB xx