So I do realize that I am slightly behind on the monthly round-up of my January posts, highlights, and things that I have been up to at the start of 2016. EXCITING times…well, sort of.
So without further delay, let’s get started, as I sit comfortably on my yoga mat (mainly used for sitting on whilst painting) with Legally Blonde playing on TV in the background – the perfect way to wind down on a rainy Sunday evening.
Shuang Shuang – Hotpot In Motion
Hot pot, or for those of you who hail from Malaysia/South East Asia like myself, who better know it as ‘steamboat’, refers to a simmering metal pot of soup/stock, into which ingredients are then cooked in it at the table. Those of you who have grown up enjoying this during family gatherings will understand the simply pleasures of this concept of sharing food from the same communal pot… [click here to continue]
Saturday Brunch at Jackson & Rye
Weekends are made for relaxation and doing things that I love in life, and what better way to spend it than enjoying brunch with family. It sure has been a while since my last visit to Jackson and Rye, and I remember my first visit with Wilkes when they first opened where we were both rather fascinated with the slab bacon…[click here to continue]
Barrafina Drury Lane
If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying dinner, then Barrafina would be a good call. All three branches are usually packed during peak hours, so the best time to turn up would be just before 6pm if you want to avoid the long queues. The food is delicious and service is quick and efficient – one of my favourites and top recommendations if you’re looking for some good Spanish tapas.
Cabana Brasilian Barbecue, Brixton
I do love a visit down to Brixton every now and again, especially on the weekend when there’s a lively and buzzy vibe. This was my first visit to Cabana – they have a few branches scattered across London and the Brixton branch opened just a few months ago. The interior is bright and colourful, which suits the vibe and feel of the area, with rustic wooden floors and furniture…[click here to continue]
Sambal Shiok Takeover at SIN
After a tantalizing preview just before New Years, I managed to make another visit on the last day of Sambal Shiok’s two week residency at Salvation in Noodles in Finsbury Park. The menu featured her aromatic bowls of Kari Laksa, fragrant Nasi Lemak and some sides such as those moreish Hainanese Dumplings. This was the second pop-up after a sell-out event at Newman Arms last year – she is currently in the search of a new pop-up venue, so watch this space.
Afternoon Tea at Park Chinois
Park Chinois has been on my list for a while, but I never realized that they did afternoon tea until a friend of mine suggested it. Walking through the heavy red velvet curtains, we are greeted at the front reception desk before being led through another set of doors, above it hung a notice with the words ‘On Air’…[click here to continue]
Dry January at Strada More London
For the month of January, Strada teamed up as the official food partner for Alcohol Concern’s Dry January. We had the opportunity to sample their range of de-alcoholised beers and wines, as well as their new winter food menu.
Dinner at Piquet by Allan Pickett
It has been about half a year since I last visited Allan Pickett’s summer residency at The Sanderson Hotel, prior to the opening of Piquet in Fitzrovia. Food aficionados will already be familiar with the pithivier of Littlebourne snails as pictured above, which tasted just as good as it looks.
A blog post will be published soon…
Family Visits…
Vivienne and Ross popped down from Edinburgh to visit for the weekend, so as honorary Londoner/tourist guide, I brought them round to some of my favourite spots, which included Smoking Goat, Artesian Bar at The Langham Hotel, and some coffee spots…
And last but not least, as part of my New Year’s resolution to myself, I wanted to spend more time doing what I love, which included finger-painting. These are the pieces that I have completed in January where you can read the full descriptions on my art Instagram page @dancexart_cheekster
I will be posting new paintings regularly, and also be accepting requests/orders via email (feliciatys@yahoo.co.uk), so do feel free to follow my journey on Instagram.
Well, it looks like it has been a pretty eventful month, doing all the things that I love in life – a great start to 2016 so far.
There will definitely be plenty more exciting things to come in the coming months, and more paint-stained fingers – just the way I like it.
The Cheekster, signing out x
