Muffins Are So Yesterday

#Forget about doughnuts, gelato and choc chip cookies
#Muffins are so yesterday
#At Wafflemeister I lost my heart
#OMG, just discovered WM and I'm in heaven

These are some of the tweets on Wafflemeister's Twitter. That's right, it's all about waffles these days (yes, and about Twitter too, as I've discovered for myself). And guess what? Waffles don't have to be rich in fat, sugar and cholesterol to be a tasty delight. At Wafflemeister, that's not what it's about. The all-natural Waffle dough recipe at the South Ken Waffle Bar is made from organic and fresh ingredients, and topped with all-natural chocolate, berries, nuts, whipped cream and coconut flakes! Have it for breakfast, dessert or for your 5pm snack. Have it as a midnight munch. The place is open til 00:00. You can go for the no-fuss dark or milk chocolate drizzle option or the banana, nuts and fudgetastic waffle spectaculaire. Hey, what other important decisions do you have to make this week?

Check out WM's new Notting Hill spot on Portobello Road.

Zesties. Go. Indulge.

Wafflemeister:

26 Cromwell Place

SW7 2DL 

020 7193 8649

&

137 Portobello Road

London W11 2DY

020 7221 1153

Oh and come follow me on Twitter!

The London Gelato Fan Club

I have decided to change my blog name to London Gelato Fan Club. Just kidding. No, seriously though. London has a number of things at your disposal, but one thing it lacks in is a half-decent gelateria. I should start a fan club. A place, where like-minded gelato aficionados like myself can gather around and discuss the latest gelato spots of London. Serious topics deserve fan clubs. Like football, cheese and musicians, gelato deserves a Facebook page too. And if there already is one, let me know and I want in. I have had a special thing for gelato ever since living in Rome a few years ago, but I haven't found an equivalent since arriving in London. I've missed a good double scoop of gelato. Back in Rome, almost daily, I would wander down the streets aimlessly, feeling the sunshine on my shoulders, hungry for the sweet kiss of an ice cream cone. Weirdly enough, I have always found the sensation of biting into a rich and creamy scoop of straciatella ice cream to be equally as satisfying as a first kiss. And like kissing, gelato tastes even better when it's the first in a while.

So hold onto your chair, Zesties, as I have had the pleasure of smacking my lips onto one of London's best gelatos, and one of the shops happens to be right around the corner from my flat! Gelato Mio, the ultimate and authentic Italian gelateria, is actually spread four ways throughout West London, and is conveniently located in Notting Hill/Holland Park, St Johns Wood and Fulham. They offer fantastic and original flavours from nutella and caramel, to melon and tiramisu. 

There is something there for everyone, even the football fans! Check out their website or go visit the parlour for a sneek peak at the national teams' flavours, with Italy being represented by Olive Oil, France by Goat Cheese, Brazil by Caipirinha and England by Pimm's! Not sure how I feel about the goat cheese ice cream, but you've gotta applaud the Italians for their creativity and their talent with producing delicious things.

Gelato Mio

138 Holland Park Avenue, Notting Hill

37 Pembridge Road, Notting Hill

138 St. John's Wood High Street, St John's Wood

495 Fulham Palace Road, Fulham

Kelly Graces London

The V&A is one of my all-time favourite museums in London. Firstly because, knowing myself, I think I could spend hours just gazing it. Architecturally, it carries within it that impressive London regal status that only a few other monuments have in London, and it catches my eye every time I pass by it. And secondly, because when I enter the grand doors of the museum, I can't help but think about and be moved by the fantastic love story that took place between Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, and the love they both fostered for art and beautiful objects. I think, yes, I'm in the presence of true love. Last Saturday, I strolled down the long corridors of the true love V&A to catch the 4pm viewing of the Grace Kelly show- a selection of Grace Kelly's most beautiful and desirable gowns and accessories, accompanied by a snippet of her life story as Hollywood actress turned Princess of Monaco.

Not only was I mesmerized by the her fabulous 1960's Haute Couture designer wardrobe, but I also realized how forward-thinking she was - in her dresses, her accessories, in her choice of outfits, in her hair, in her jewelry. I couldn't help but think: "hey, I could wear this!" Or maybe more appropriately, "hey, I would wear this if I could afford it! This Chanel suit is timeless. I think I might just be able to pull it off at my next client meeting."

But there is nothing I could ever do to measure up to this gorgeous woman. What an elegant lady Grace was. As she ducked out of her vintage Rolls Royce, as she floated down the aisle arm in arm with Prince Rainier, and as she gently waved hello to her thousands of adoring fans, she always carried herself like a true Princess. She stood tall next to Jackie O. She could pull her weight for sure. Her sense of old Hollywood glamour mixed with regal floor-length gowns made the conservative touch of Jackie's New England pencil skirts and twinsets nothing but conservative non-fashion.

And there was nothing more beautiful than her glowing smile and golden locks combed backwards and perked sideways beneath her bejeweled ears. She truly was a style icon wrapped up in the tiny yet voluptuous body of a blond siren, of a Grecian Goddess.

I fell in Love with Grace that day. I fell in love with her Chanel Couture, her Balenciaga gowns, her Hermes bag and her dreamy diamonds. I fell in love with her life as a Hollywood actress turned Princess. And I fell in love with her gorgeous smile. But I could not have imagined a more horrible end than dying so young in a tragic accident at the wheel of a car. But her legend still lives as she graces the walls of the Victoria and Albert monumental museum.

Book online (in advance!)
Victoria & Albert Museum
Cromwell Road
SW7 2RL

Lobster & Roses: The Posh Version of the Surf n' Turf

For all of you who haven't noticed it yet, Spring has sprung. Yes it's springtime in London, finally! Gotta love it here when the weather is this bright and cheerful. I love it. I feel great, ready for whatever is to come my way. Bring it on. The spring flowers are beginning to bloom, kids are running and scooting around with Mum & Dad in Hyde Park, pub terrasses are crowding up, I am riding my bicycle everywhere, enjoying the outdoors, breathing in the London spring air. One of the great plusses of spring is the amazing luxury of time that we seem to suddenly have. We sit outdoors for hours and we enjoy - a chilled glass of white wine on the tip of your lips.

The smell of freshly-cut roses and tulips from a neighboring florist. 

  

The sight of a large metal tray packed with fresh, sea-scented, lemony oysters. 

The sound of crackling lobster claws and the feeling of salty meaty juice trickling down your chin.

The smell of fresh spring air. A great place to enjoy all of these magical sensations. The Oyster Bar at the Bibendum on Old Brompton Road offers almost all of the above. All you need is a little company to enjoy the moment with and you're good to go. The special historic Michelin building does not only house the cool and hip Conran Shop but it also offers the best combination of seafood and flowers all in one place. Gorgeous flowers might I add. There are no other places like this, in London, or anywhere. It is what it is: a chance for a delightful Saturday afternoon in the middle of springtime.

This Winter, Ecclecticize!

I've sort of been obsessed with fun bright pieces of jewelry lately, as you've probably noticed. Again, I guess I've probably been craving a little bit of colour in my life.

It's time for you to meet the latest addition to the jewelry scene, Spaniard jewelry and design sensation, Monica Vinader, whose majestic rings and other jewels alike are not only befitting of "Victorian" queens of Spain and England, but also bring the flavours of Mexico, Argentina and Marrakesh right to your fingertips thanks to a splashy selection of candy-coloured stones and perfectly-cut semi-precious drops of personality. 

When it's cold and snowy (more like rainy, yuck) outside, I say, it's all about the colours.

The above and below pieces are available now at the beautifully Christmas-decorated South Kensington Conran Shop, an always enjoyable Liberty's and at its much anticipated launch location (and for that keep your eyes peeled real wide!), the Harrods' Stone Bar!

I've recently been given a ring of hers as a present, and I must say that I'm having trouble putting it to rest at night. 

So enjoy it daytime and nighttime, with a pair of jeans or a dressy outfit! Mix and match and have fun with her pieces! The point is, ecclecticize!

Fancy a Snog?

No I'm not trying to come on to you whoever you are...though I'm sure you're very a fine looking person. And yes, I know, the title of my post is a bit misleading. But let me make this clear I'm not talking about snogging in the way that the urban dictionary would: "Verb: to interface passionately with another being, creating a field of physical obsession and focused arousal, and centered on the lips, mouth and tongue." What the hell are they talking about???? Are the writers of this site on crack? How on earth did they come up with this absurd definition? "creating a field of physical obsession and focused arousal?" What? What the hell is focused arousal anyhow? Who says that?

Anyways, no, my entry is not about sex, sorry kids. I am referring to food, yet again. More specifically frozen yoghurt, a trend well-known to my fellow Americans but not as much by my newly acquired friends here in London. By Snog, I am referring to the delicious and uber-trendy frozen yoghurt place in South Kensington, Soho and Westfield.

Snog is a delightful place, selling delightful "healthy" (we'll see) frozen yoghurt made from all-good  and delightful stuff, with almost no calories. Just like a tic-tac! Grab some green tea or original flavoured yoghurt, and top it off with some Nestle choc chips, fresh fruits or granola! Don't mock the tone. Instead, check out the health benefits below.

I think it says it all. Pinkberry started it all in the States. Snog is just another "Healthy" Frozen Yoghurt chain trying to make it in the UK. But it's good. It's really good. Give it a go, give it a snog, it's truly sensational!

This Ain't No Street Life

I've never been a South Ken kinda girl. Don't get me wrong, there are some delightfully pretty streets and hidden corners in the area, and the superb Michelin Bibendum towering over Old Brompton Road never ceases to amaze me every time I walk by it. The art deco beauty of the monument is a great reminder that London architecture is not all colonial perfection and manicured gardens. But within this fancy and quaint, almost too perfect-for-words residential area, lies a bejeweled street filled with Antique gems, delicious gourmet delis and pip (posh and hip) lounge bars and pubs. 

This wonderfully whimsical street is nothing less than a smaller, less commercial version of the neighboring Knightsbridge Sloane Street. This street is called Walton Street, and it makes for a glamorous Saturday afternoon walk, or even a quick and dirty weekday lunch break.

Start the walk with some fresh and wild Atlantic salmon or a warm and cozy batch of meaty and cheesy lasagna at Jak's . Stay in or take away from this deliciously homey "joint" and you'll want to return every day for the rest of your life. 

For my male zesty readers (I probably lost you at "glamorous"), don't forget to stop by Bentley's Antique shop for an experience yon won't ever forget. You'll want to buy everything on the shelves, from the vintage backgammon boards to the dismantled wooden airplane propellers. You'll even want to bring the smell of old books home with you. 

Of course, you will find the obvious posh Eclipse bar with the obvious banker crowd, but you can also settle for a nice chilled beer at The Enterprise , and especially enjoy it out on their outdoor tables on a warm autumn day.