Cape Town Food Break

So I’ve been out of the loop over the Christmas period, away in South Africa avoiding the treacherous weather of home. In fact it was a miracle our flight got out of the airport at all but that’s another story.

Now the best thing about seeking out winter sun is the inevitable summer wardrobe that can be worn 6 months ahead of usual - genius. A

longside this is how tempting the great outdoors become when it’s 30 degrees and the sun in shining. The perfect excuse for exercise, except perhaps when the temperature has dropped just a little. Otherwise you’re sweating like it’s Bikram yoga up in here.

Anyhoo, with all of this activity you need fuel, what better time to source out the best foodie places when you’re abroad. 

Lets have a taster eh?

I’ve travelled to Cape Town previously but am always on the lookout for new places to visit, this year I did a bit of forward planning using Wallpaper and Suitcase magazines, both very cool for travel info.

First up, in the Cape Quarter, a renovated shopping and eating centre in the city, lies the dainty French café La Petite Tarte. Chic interiors add to the decidedly French menu.

My cup of tea. 

Whilst in the Quarter you CANNOT miss out on a visit to Nap, my favourite South African homeware, jewellery and clothing store. Kind of like Anthropology in muted tones. Chic.

I need to decorate my house with everything here and then lounge around in some stone-coloured pyjamas.

Now for lunch?

Yes, well the place to go is Tashas even Cheryl went, so it’s got to be good. 

We only went once which is a tragedy as I want to try everything on the menu but settled on avocado, artichoke and feta on toast with the sister having poached eggs and spinach.

Again, the décor sets it apart as well as the delicacies on show.

Aaand now I'm hungry. Damn.

xxx

From Paris with Love

Paris has got be my favourite city in the world, I think if I bothered to learn French properly I could happily live there forever.

It has a particular magical vibe to it that’s hard to pin down with the Eiffel Tour as a beacon of romance, endless shops that are just a little bit more cool than anywhere else, a hearty attitude to food and drink and endless wonders to gaze at along the streets and riverbanks.

I took a trip back to the City of Lights this October to visit some friends and was just as excited as ever to explore the city.

As it was only for a long weekend plenty of planning was required to make the most of each day, and night, and it definitely paid off. I recommend having a good google and checking out blogs for the best kept city secrets beforehand especially if you need to squeeze in as much shopping time as possible. October is also pretty ideal time to go, not hitting the expensive Christmas season but also just cold enough to wrap up in some delicious coats.

Colette is chic

Yes, Le Meurice

 

H.A.N.D. (Have a nice day) does the BEST HANGOVER BURGERS EVER

 

 

 

Shopping at the fascinating Marché aux Puces

Pont de l’Archevêché

Hotel Costes

Re-fueling at Cafe Angelina

 

The very cool Merci

 

Tips: Café Angelina on Rue de Rivoli is renowned for their chocolat chaud the queues are beyond crazy so either go really early or don’t bother.

Taxi’s are crazy difficult to get at night so if you’re staying out late know how to walk home!

Some nightclubs in Paris are pretty snobby about whether you are actually French or not, so check that before going. Both of these lessons were learnt the hard way…

Top 5:

1.     The Louvre – go early or be prepared to queue

2.     Hotel Costes – sick snails, so worth it

3.     Rue Saint-Honoré – lots of shops what more do you want (including the amazing Colette)

4.     Pont de l’Archevêché – who wouldn’t want to put a padlock on a bridge?

5.     Le Meurice – go have a drink it’s divine, or afternoon tea perhaps

…Or, just stroll along the streets, by the Seine, see the Eiffel Tour at night. It’s beautiful (duh).

xxx