Author Archives: Grace

London Triathlon

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If I thought it was hard to wake up yesterday morning (actually nearly afternoon) after a night out, it was even harder to wake up this morning at 5.45am even though I had a relatively early night. Its not often I get up this early on a Sunday but I was making an extra bit of effort to go support Jules in his London Triathlon. It was the least I could do to keep Sandra company whilst he swam 1,500m, cycled 40km and ran 10km ….

This year the triathlon was held over near the ExCel Centre at docklands. Not a particularly inspiring venue I guess logistically it’s one of the more convenient places to hold such a big event.

It was an absolutely glorious day for the event though maybe the athletes would have preferred a day that was a bit cooler temperature wise. Great for Sandra and I though!

You wouldn’t have thunk it but being a spectator at a triathlon is quite a bit of hard work. The swim is not easy to see (all the swimcaps look the same in the water) and the viewing area is not exactly big though I did manage to take advantage of my 12x zoom to grab a snap through the rails.

After the swim we then had to motor over to the bike area to try and catch Jules coming out of transition. As the cycle involves a few laps we were a bit uncertain which lap we would catch him on. Sandra, however, was quite knowledgeable about Jules time so in the end it wasn’t a problem. However it did take some concentration looking out for him. These guys are traveling at some decent speed after all! The sound from the cyclists with filled in back wheels was down right scary.

From the bike we then ran back to the track for the 10km run. We had planned it well and managed to catch Jules three times on the run!

Finally we raced to the finish to see Jules complete the Triathlon in under 2.5 hours. Under his target I think.

Hummingbird Bakery 1.02

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Episode two of cooking from the Hummingbird Bakery was a bit of a wake-up call. Mainly because I hadn’t expected last night to be such a big night. However, there’s nothing more comforting after a night out, next to a greasy breakfast that is, than to be in a kitchen that smells of delicious baking.

Our menu for today had a savoury twist to it with Ham and Mushroom muffins, Spinach and Cheese muffins, Peanut Butter cookies and Ginger cupcakes on offer.

Caro and I learned our lesson from last time to try and balance the sweet so we wouldn’t be overwhelmed! The day went very smoothly and I think it was a combination of a few factors – Caro and I were a bit more organized with our method, Gaspar seemed hungry less often than last time (he still tapped Caro out though! ha ha!) and the biggest factor was the most helpful helper in Meline, Caro’s cousin, who was great with helping out with washing dishes, some chopping, mixing and managing the oven! Thanks Meline for helping out with the day! Nathan too was helpful with babysitting duties. 🙂

The only thing we need to improve is the icing on our cupcakes. Still haven’t managed to get it quite light and fluffy yet ..

Ham and Mushroom muffins and Spinach and Cheese muffins

Peanut Butter cookies

Ginger cupcakes

The finished products:

The day went so well that we even had time to fit in a movie (Confessions of a Shopaholic)! Not Nate’s first choice but with three girls against one guy (two if you count the little one) he was a bit outnumbered. Heh heh.

Gaspar was a little disappointed that he didn’t get to indulge however:

But he’s growing so big so quickly that won’t be long before the little cutey is joining us!

Trainee Results Day – Floridita

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Dios mio I wasn’t planning on tonight’s event resulting in me ending up at home at 2am this morning. All of the trainees got the results of their exams today, or yesterday if you want to be technical about it, including a few who were on their finals such as Boo Boo, D and Catherine. For the most part the results were good with just a few glitches. Traditionally the trainees have a bit of a blow out to celebrate, or drown sorrows if results are not so good, and tonight’s venue was Floridita.

Based on my one and only visit here and of what I know about Floridita I was expecting drinks to be expensive and they were. However the upstairs bar has a happy hour that lasts until 9pm, even on a Friday, which made cocktails almost as reasonable as beer and in some instances cheaper! I think D’s Spanish beer (a 330ml bottle), for example, was £4.25 or something like that and my long Yellow Bird (basically a drink with a LOT of alcohol in it) was £4.

Wongo had reserved a spot for twelve people but Floridita gave us a space that only seemed to fit about eight of us. Ridiculous. As it was I think there were at least twenty of us at any one time if not more anyway! Still, it kind of worked out and the place didn’t really get crowded until much later around ten (the first of us eager to get away from work turning up just before six.)

By the time happy hour was over I had more alcohol I could handle having had about three alcoholic cocktails so I was in a pretty happy place. But I still remember Jenny spinning me around on one of the couches (mainly because I nearly threw up on her), Jenny trying to feed everyone chillis and the toilet woman complimenting me on my shirt!

By about 11pm I was getting pretty hungry so James, a couple of his mates and I went into the tapas section of the upstairs bar for some food. The food came out pretty quickly and I was surprised at how good it tasted. Yes I was hungry and that could have accounted for my liking it so much but still. The only disappointing was the spicy chicken wings which weren’t that spicy and actually tasted a bit strange.

In the meantime, everyone else had headed downstairs to the salsa club. So, after “dinner” we joined them. I wasn’t very impressed with the music. I wasn’t particularly feeling it though plenty of others (not the trainees) were out on the dance floor. The other thing I remember of tonight was accidentally punching this woman in the face and then having my heart nearly stop when I saw her talking to the bouncer! It was an accident I promise! 😀

Naked Boys Singing

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I’m not going to pretend that I came to see Naked Boys Singing for any reason other than what it says on the box – to see nekkid boys … singing! Heh heh. Naked Boys Singing has been a huge off-Broadway hit in New York (apparently its into its 10th year now) and even spawned a movie in 2007 (though I don’t know recall it being publicised much.) I can’t recall exactly when it was brought across to London but it started with a run at the Kings’ Head theatre in Islington and then was transferred to the West End after apparent success.

Unlike the New York version the London version of Naked Boys Singing does not feature naked boys in the show from the get go. All the boys start the show fully clothed and, except for some moments of shirt lifting or shirtless-ness, they remain so until about 50 minutes into the show and then all is revealed and I mean ALL. The show lasts about 70-75 minutes and I’m actually glad that they weren’t naked for the whole show because actually it was more than just about gratuitous nudity, despite the cheeky opening number. I’m not sure how much I would have absorbed if the flesh was revealed early on because, and I can admit it, after the great reveal I did lose my concentration and train of thought for about five minutes so I have no idea what was sung or said in that five minutes (I couldn’t help it – the boys had such different “talents” …) but a while I got the hang of being able to watch AND listen again 😀

Nudity aside I truly enjoyed the musical. It was smart, funny, had engaging show tunes (loved “Nothing But The Radio On” and characters you could genuinely like. For the most part the performances were very engaging and remember at this stage they still had their kit on. The musical starts off with an audition process, then rehearsal, then finally the great reveal. Through the rehearsal we hear the stories of how they all come to like being naked – whether it was the “naked maid”, the Jewish boy who loved the thrill of the brisk, the porn star, or the boy trying to attract his neighbour all stories were witty and fun to listen to. There were five core characters plus the Stage Manager running the auditions and the Piano Player. One of the more moving moments was the romantic piece about the boy getting his man as represented by a ballet piece which required another two of the cast to get very up close and personal.

The show could have been awkward but the clearly the cast are very close-knit and extremely professional so they handled it, so to speak, quite well.

Quite a charming show though note the audience is likely to be 90% male, 5% hen night and 5% random curious others, like Rache and I.

Volt: a year and a half on

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I gave Rache about six options for dinner tonight and do you know why we ended up at Volt? Because of the promise of the Tortino Al cioccolato con Gelato Alla vanigla (Warm Valrhona Chocolate soufflé with vanilla ice cream.) It was kind of a grudge meal against Rita for the fact she was currently sailing around Croatia … and we were stuck in gray London. Heh heh.

Volt hadn’t changed at all from my first visit nearly a year and a half ago. In fact we were on the same offer and, as it turns out, nearly the same food was served! The restaurant physically looked exactly the same except we were seated in the main room (by the window) instead of inside the Crystal room. The door was actually shut for the Crystal room so perhaps they weren’t expecting a full restaurant tonight.

As with previous deals we dined taking advantage of the 50% off the Gourmet Menu. Nothing really had changed at all. The (full) price was still £44.50 for a Chef’s Selection of six different Mezzes (two Salad; two Antipasti; and two Pasta) plus a main course plus a dessert/cheese plus coffee/tea.)

Similarities to my last experience: the Caesar Salad and the Sausage and Orechiette pasta (full title being Orechiette pasta served with sausages, broccoli, sweet onion and pecorino cheese). Our other Chef’s selections were Avocado and Palm heart salad, Carpaccio of beef topped with parmesan cheese and rocket, Baked Aubergine with tomato and Parmesan cheese (absolutely divine – the outstanding dish of the evening for sure) and Tomato, Spinach and Mascarpone Gnocchi (Rache loved this dish but I found it a little on the watery and not particularly intensely tasting side but that could be due to the fact I don’t find gnocchi appealing at all.)

For mains we both opted for the Beef filet with spinach and fondant potato. With the Gorgonzola Sauce that accompanied it the dish was quite tasty and the beef cooked exactly to my medium specifications.

To be honest after the feast that was our starters and main the last thing I felt like was dessert. Although I had planned on trying the chocolate soufflé I didn’t think I could possibly fit such a rich and heavy dessert in. Instead I opted for the cheesecake which, though probably in actual fact was equally rich and heavy, to me didn’t seem as filling as a chocolate based dessert. That didn’t stop Rache from absolutely enjoying her choc dessert though!

We had a lovely time at Volt. We weren’t rushed. Food came out at a relatively good pace. Service was perfectly friendly and at the right level although one waitress was a bit useless if I’m to be honest. I’d forgotten all about the funny toilets too … next time I shall bring a camera into the lavs to show you what they’re like. They were are very funky and it may prove to be a puzzle for some as to how to actually get into a stall.

Nordic Bar

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I can’t remember how the Nordic, London’s first Scandinavian Bar, ended up on my to eat at list but it certainly wasn’t what I was expecting. More bar than restaurant Rehana and I were the only ones here tonight who were having something to eat! Well, at the front of the bar anyway. In fact the bar staff couldn’t even find a menu for us when we first sat down!

It’s a pretty tiny space with about seven or so tables up front seating around 25 people, a bar and then a back area seating probably another 30 or so people it could easily get crowded. On a Wednesday night it was pretty quiet though there seemed to be a steady flow of people moving in and out of the place. You’ll find Christmas lights and evergreen branches/leaves, reindeer antlers, reindeer skin and reindeer pics surrounding you. Like timeout says its kind of kooky.

Drinks are reasonably priced and bar food extremely cheap. There are some Scandinavian food options featuring in the main meatballs, sausages and a load of potatoes. We started with “Deep fried Norwegian Jarlsberg Cheese served with lingonberry jam and soft arctic bread” and then followed with hot dogs each. The fries that came with the hot dog were actually pretty good and I quite enjoyed my hot dog but I can tell you right now that the food at this bar is not low-carb friendly! Surprisingly both of us were absolutely stuffed after our dinner but Rehana couldn’t resist the Snickers cheesecake. It was toooooo good.

Overall don’t come to the Nordic with any sort of expectations. I liked the atmosphere – it was quite relaxed and didn’t feel as hectic as many other London bars I’ve been to. Food isn’t exactly a posh but falls into the guilty pleasures category and is reasonably priced. I was expecting more really from the Scandinavian food above hotdogs, mash and meatballs but I guess you come here for the novelty more than a genuine Scandinavian experience.

Absolut Icebar

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For my birthday Rehana planned a Scandinavian themed evening starting with drinks at the Absolut Icebar. I think its been around in London for a couple of years now and this is the first time I’ve been. I went to one in Cape Town and I was expecting something similar – a bar with and more than a few ice sculptures.

We were given big thermal capes to wear which also came with some attached gloves. Gloves which Rehana really appreciated because she soon got quite cold! It was minus 5 degrees in there apparently so I could understand but of course me and my freakish tolerance for colder temps meant it wasn’t until at the end of our session that I started to feel it.

The space in the Absolute Icebar was surprisingly small and hardly any ice sculptures though there were a few seats carved out or blocked up. We were lucky that there were only about ten of us in the bar so we had plenty of space to spread out. Apparently they re-design the bar every six months (I guess to encourage repeat customers.) The theme tonight was an industrial-type theme with cog wheels and pipes along the walls.

With entry you are given one free drink which you drink from shot glasses made of ice. The glasses are more difficult to drink from than you can imagine. They make the rim quite thick so if you don’t have a big mouth you’re likely to dribble it everywhere! Ha ha.

Its an interesting concept and must be a huge money maker for the bar. Sessions are 40 minutes long so not only do they get the customers for the icebar but then more than likely the customers are going to retire in the bar or have a meal in the restaurant. We however were on the way to the Nordic ….

Royal China Club – Yum-cha

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So just over a week ago Sandra and I went to Royal China Club for dinner. Because of plans that fell through last night (thanks a lot Heathrow!) Pat and I ended up coming to Royal China Club today for yum-cha. Long story but here we were.

We were seated near the windows this time and surprisingly were seated at a table normally suited for four people rather than at the tables for two towards the back of the restaurant or by the aquarium (where we notice one particularly enterprising crab was working on his escape.) We were pleased by our table because this meant more space for our food! Heh heh.

Since the tea at Royal China Club was sooooo expensive I opted to try something different from the norm so tried an iced tea (Mango & Lime Tea) and Patrick tried the Jasmine Peach which ended up being a flower tea. At least they kept topping up his tea with hot water.

I made certain that this time that I got to try the yum-cha dishes that I was keen to try last time – Steamed Lobster Dumplings in Rice Wine Sauce and Fillet of Dover Sole Cheung Fun. The lobster dumplings were tasty though served in Royal China Club sized portions (2 for £6.20.) The dover sole cheung fun was a nice change from the prawn one we normally go for and I liked the touch of colour inside the cheung fun from the peppers. For our other dishes we tried the Deep Fried Crispy Duck Puff which was exquisitely tasty, and Steamed Shanghai Juicy Pork Dumplings with Crab Meat which were just how shanghai dumplings should be – soupy and hot. Of course we also couldn’t go past a serve of steamed pork buns.

Finally we bulked up the meal with a serve of Salt and Pepper Squid (I couldn’t resist) plus some Hokkien fried rice (off menu.) The quality of the food can’t be faulted but the portions were tiny! On the one hand I could understand the higher prices because of the detail in the food but not its like Royal China went one step further and reduced portion sizes too.

Although we nearly double what we normally would for yum-cha it was worth it to try it once.

Skylon

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The main appeal of eating at Skylon was the views it promised to provide over the Thames and over Southbank. We were, unfortunately, not seated by the windows, those tables being reserved for groups of four, but the giant glass windows stretching to the roof did provide some pretty good light into the long restaurant and actually we had some alright views from our table anyway.

Another in the stable of the D&D restaurants Skylon is as classy and modern-esque as any of its stablemates. The restaurant is situated on the upper levels of Royal Festival Hall in a very tall and very long room. One side sits the grill which is separated from the restaurant by the bar. Lots of wait staff mill about with different staff being responsible for different aspects. It’s the kind of restaurant where one wait person holds the tray which holds your food and another serves it to you. It’s also the kind of restaurant which “finishes” your dish in front of you by, for example, pouring the final sauce over your food.

Sandra and I were taking advantage of (yet another) toptable offer so were dining off a special set meal. Choices were fairly limited and both Sandra and I ended up with nearly exactly the same meal with only our starters being different. Sandra opted for the Smoked Mackerel and I went with the Beetroot Salad with Goat’s Cheese.

I can’t speak for the Smoked Mackerel but the Beetroot Salad was divine. The Goat’s Cheese has been breaded and fried and were still perfectly warmed when they served my meal. It makes such a great combination with the beetroot both in flavour and texture.

For our mains we opted for a pork belly dish. Served over cucumber and roasted potatoes and topped with some frothy concoction it was beautifully presented. Surprisingly the pork belly wasn’t tender and actually was a bit tough. Portion-size wasn’t huge by any stretch of the imagination either.

Our dessert was a cherry and white chocolate combination with a cherry mouse, cherry sorbets, cherry of course, and a white chocolate mousse topping a white sponge. In keeping with the whole theme’s evening the dish was very well presented and also small in portions. Ha ha. It was really tasty though

The service at Skylon was impeccable except for one waitress who was a bit grumpy and wasn’t very good at filling up our water. Pleasingly the staff were happy to let Sandra and I sit at our table for as long as we wanted. We noted that other tables, who were eating off the main a la carte menu, were also served amuse bouches at the start and before dessert was served which are the additional touches that Skylon provide. I love looking at the food that other people order – the two dishes that caught my eye was the whole roast baby chicken, foie gras, perigord truffle, pomme puree which is carved at the table (quite a dramatic show) and the baked alaska for dessert which is put on fire by the table!

Overall a pleasant evening.

Ne-Yo: Year of the Gentleman

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Most.Awesome.Concert.Ever.

The tour, named for his latest release, which in turn was named in honour of his artistic influences (1960s Rat Pack) I think is a particularly apt title for this R&B superstar. The Ne-Yo that we saw on stage was the absolute gentleman and from all appearances a true romantic too. We were a bit worried that the concert was going to be cancelled after having heard that he had taken sick during his Thursday performance in Manchester where he reportedly cried himself off stage. He really was devastated to not complete his set there. Thankfully for him and for us he seemed 200% times better at tonight’s concert.

Ne-Yo’s support acts started with esmee. I’ve never actually heard of her but she seemed alright. She came on at 7.30 and did a few songs and a 15 minute set.

After about ten minutes the next support act came on. And it was Miss Keri Hilson! She first came to my attention a couple of years ago when she sang with Timbaland in “The Way I Are” – love that song and it was on my mp3 player for ages! Her first album was released in March this year but I haven’t yet had a chance to listen to it but I’m sure it will be pretty fab.

Her set lasted for about half an hour and damn she’s sexy! Ha ha.

Ne-Yo made his appearance at about 8.50 in a blaze of fireworks and sparkly lights in his trademark hat. Damn – he was pretty sexy too! He does all the right things for a girl – he’s smooth, he’s got a great voice, he moves well and he came across so genuinely likable, sensitive and down to earth. I was truly surprised! And very impressed.

Except for a slight five minute break in the middle Ne-Yo entertained us for over half an hour including a ten minute encore and a tribute to Michael Jackson. Keri Hilson came back to help out on a couple of the Michael Jackson songs. It was pretty impressive that he was able to put a set together pretty quickly.

A standing ovation was fully deserved!