Surprising New Year’s Resolutions… One Month Early!

Cartwheeling in Halkidiki, Greece

Get this! It’s only November, but I’ve already set a New Year’s resolution. Yes me, who never usually bothers, knowing there’s no way I’ll stick to it. Oh and guess what, a few weeks in and I’ve actually stuck to it so far.

Last year was all about big, brave adventures in Mexico, Central America and Cuba. Not only was it a break from reality, it was a big change. I went partly to tick off that old cliche and ‘find myself’… but actually what I found was far more exciting!

Pacaya Volcano
Pacaya Volcano, Guatemala

This year has been all about Europe and breaks closer to home. It’s been great to explore countries I’d never stepped foot in before (Lithuania, Estonia and Turkey to name a few) and return to others for further exploration (including Greece, Spain and Morocco).

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REVIEW: SuperStar BBQ, London

Time to check out SuperStar BBQ in London!

Hi. My name’s Chloe and I love BBQs.

I wouldn’t say I’m an addict, but I have a strong appreciation. Argentine BBQs… Aussie BBQs… Brazillian BBQs… Mexican BBQs… even the great British BBQ (usually accompanied by rain and carcinogenic sausages)! They’ve all been delicious experiences. So, when I received an invite to check out Superstar BBQ – London’s newest BBQ experience, I was there in a flash!

SuperStar BBQ is a Korean BBQ, and claims to provide a modern twist on Korean food. With very little knowledge of this particular cuisine, this was going to be a full learning experience.

Located in St Giles, just around the corner from Tottenham Court Road tube station, SuperStar BBQ London sits in good company alongside Brazilian BBQ restaurant Cabana, burger joint Byron and Japanese hotspot Ippudo. It’s an area dominated by Google HQ’s colourful building, and all the restaurants are super modern, predominantly glass, with  quirky lighting, and dare I say it… a few tacky motifs!

SuperStar BBQ - Korean BBQ in London
SuperStar BBQ – Korean BBQ in London
Google HQ London
Google HQ London

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REVIEW: Soho Kitchen and Bar

Soho Kitchen and Bar - Little Bao

Time for dinner at Soho Kitchen and Bar.

Recently I wrote about London’s love of single-ingredient restaurants, after my visit to Balls & Company. But, just when I thought it was all about balls, I discovered a contender for the crown – the bao!

The traditional Chinese steamed buns, filled with a variety of ingredients, have popped up for a special week at Soho Kitchen and Bar. Chef and creator of Little Bao, May Chow, has brought her burger-style steamed buns all the way from Hong Kong where they’ve earned quite a following

For a Monday night in Soho, the restaurant was buzzing, and it seemed I wasn’t the only foodie who was curious to try them. It had the feel of an American diner, but with an Asian twist. Chopsticks lay where a knife and fork usually would, and the ‘Little Bao’ logo was emblazoned on the waiters’ t-shirts, menus, and even the squeezy chilli sauce bottles on the tables.Soho Kitchen and Bar - Little Bao MenuSoho Kitchen and Bao10 For a balanced meal, we were encouraged to choose a bao each, along with a few items to share.

While deciding what to eat we sipped on Chinese inspired cocktails and gazed out at bustling Old Compton Street (it’s a great people watching spot). The Yuzana cocktail (sake, yuzu and prosecco) was a radioactive shade of yellow, with a citrus perfume flavour. Gin & Juice (gin, cucumber, ginger and lime) was refreshing, with a fiery kick of ginger.Soho Kitchen and Bar - Little Bao Cocktail

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REVIEW: Flat Three Restaurant, Holland Park, London

Flat Three Restaurant

Time for dinner at Flat Three Restaurant in Holland Park.

With a Scandi-Japanese-Korean fusion menu, an open kitchen, and a love of foraging, Flat Three is one of London’s intriguing hidden gems.

As I ventured through an understated doorway on Holland Park Avenue, and downstairs to the restaurant, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The room I entered was a sophisticated basement – simple décor, elegant table settings and glassware all working with the original structure of the room. Within the archways were intimate alcoves, perfect for seating small groups. I took my place, and prepared for the main entertainment.

Flat Three Restaurant

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