Birthday Celebrations at The Mango Tree

Melissa's birthday marks the end of birthday season, and as it came around mid-March, I was a tiny bit relieved. After 23 birthday events, eight cakes, countless bottles of champagne and two hospitalisations, I was looking forward to a time out from celebrating.

Melissa was spending her actual birthday with the new man travelling Asia, so the week before hand, we were headed over to Mango Tree. But before we left it was time to give Melissa her gift. Pippa and I had figured this out months ago, and had been beavering away the last few days to get it finished in time for Melissa's fake birthday. We had bought her 21 presents, one for every year of her life. From Mac, to Starbucks coffee, to a plastic Monsters Inc spoon and bowl, her birthday hamper was filled with everything that reminded us of Melissa. We giggled our way through the unwrapping and a rather emotional Melissa was thrilled with each and every one.

After presents, it was time to get ready, and a quick snap accompanied by some incredible lemon meringue cupcakes, before zipping in a car across to Mango Tree.

We met Jack, Gemma and Harriett in the bar of the 5 star Thai restaurant situation in London's Belgravia, where we welcomed by the friendly and incredibly knowledgeable staff. Both the bar and restaurant ooze Asian sophistication and we were quickly transported into a world far away from London's Victoria. We gladly took cocktail menus and were sufficiently confused and blown away by the extensive list of original and classic mixes. Spying a blue lagoon, I was quickly contented, and we were all happy customers when an array of rainbow liquors arrived for us. Toasting the fabulous 21 years of Melissa, we were quickly and efficiently sat at our table not a minute passed nine, shortly followed by the vast menu. 

We snacked on the most delicious prawn crackers while mulling over our menus. Thai food has never been my favourite, but even I was dazzled by the delicious array of dishes on the menu.

 I eventually settled on a talay pad cha. A classic. 

Ok, so I had never heard of it before either. But wok fried scallops and squid with peppercorns and kachai root? I was sold. 

Our food arrived in perfect timing to soak up the cocktails and wine and we quickly tucked in. My dish was one of the greatest things I ever eaten. And helping myself to Jack's Jasmine rice it was the perfect amount of flavours and textures, if a little too spicy for my usual taste. But this only heightened the taste and we all agreed our food was flawless. We passed on dessert, and were almost the last people in the restaurant by the time we said our goodbyes.

When my group of friends get together it's almost impossible to tear ourselves away. Regardless of how long we have been apart, from a day to a few weeks, we always have so much to talk about and conversation and wine will always flow in equal measures.

But with cupcakes awaiting us at the apartment the girls and I merrily piled into a cab and headed home.

For information and Reservations at The Mango Tree: http://www.mangotree.org.uk

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Dining in the Dark

When Pippa first requested we make reservations at Dans Le Noir for her birthday, it was met with some cynical hesitance on my part. Dans Le Noir, which literally translates as "in black" is a michelin star restaurant in Clerkenwell where you dine totally in the dark. Surely the girls and I could close the curtains, turn the lights off and achieve the exact same effect at home? But never one to turn down an excuse to celebrate, dine out or catch up with the girls I was happy, if a little sceptical, to go along.

Pippa ordered us to choose our menus before hand, although you're not allowed to know what you're actually choosing until after your meal. The girls and I chose an array of the options, with Becky, Fran and I opting for the red menu, Melissa and Pippa chose blue, and Harriett daringly went for the white.

We arrived early to be greeted by the bar staff, who incredibly, are all blind. The continuation of the lack of visibility extends through all the staff in this restaurant, and I was instantly surprised, impressed and eager for dinner. We swiftly worked our way through a bottle of wine before locking our belongings away in lockers in the reception. This had to include anything that would cast even the remotest flicker of light. We begrudgingly put phones, watches and cameras away and shuffled into the corridor. 

Gal, our blind waiter came out to greet us, and after several attempts managed to get all six of us in a single file line. "Hand on the shoulder of the person in front" he ordered. We did as instructed and began our very serious conga through a door, and then two sets of curtains. 

The restaurant is pitch black. More so than any room I've entered before, and suddenly I was thrilled to have one of the girls either side of me. The restaurant was busy, this I could only deduce from the amount of noise. But the room felt small. We later discovered there were only six tables in the whole place. In turn, we were sat by Gal at our chairs, giggling and shuffling awkwardly until we were all in place. With unbelievable ease and precision, Gal handed us our drinks to pour ourselves. A lot more challenging than it sounds when you can literally see nothing. The girls managed well, while still in my alcohol ban, successfully managed to pour water all over my liner plate and the table. 

Across the room, a noisy table broke out into an unexpected chant and laughing with blind confidence, the girls and I quickly joined in. That was until our food arrived. The whole point of eating in the dark is that it aims to enhance all the other senses, especially taste. When our plates arrived, we were informed that there was three separate mini-meals, each complete with its own condiments. We all tucked in, struggling to locate our food in the darkness with a knife and fork. Refusing to allow this to be a problem, Bex dived straight in with her fingers. No one could tell after all. The food tasted incredible, and we devoured each mouthful while us meat eaters animatedly tried to figure out exactly what it was we were eating. Fran and I were determined that beef and lamb were amongst the menu, while Bex argued she had definitely tasted duck. 

It didn't take us long to finish, and our plates were cleared away to make room for dessert. We all had the same dessert, which definitely consisted of a lemon mousse-type dessert with a ginger biscuit. Once dinner was finished we all piled out of the restaurant, stumbling with distorted unease as we re-adjusted to the light. We had been warned of how distorting it is leaving the restaurant, and I had never felt more soberly drunk as I did leaving that restaurant. We were collecting our belongings when the bartender approached us "Would you like to see what was on your plates?". Was that a trick question? We threw open our menu's to see what we had been consuming. The seafood girls were correct in their guesses of salmon, while us meat eaters had correctly guessed beef, Becky had been right on the duck, and our final platter was Guinea fowl. Harriett's surprise was a definite surprise of swordfish and kangaroo. A first for all of us. 

I left feeling full, surprised and totally impressed. While the food is fantastic, it's definitely enhanced by eating in the dark, and for a totally new experience, I'd recommend it every time.

All information on Dans Le Noir can be found here: http://london.danslenoir.com

All images courtesy of Dans Le Noir

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Prêt-à-portea at the Berkeley

Although I was super sad to be saying goodbye to my birthday celebrations, I was excited to hand over the birthday baton to Jack. And luckily before my illness left me bed bound, we managed to squeeze in an extra special treat to officially handover birthday duties.

We have always adored afternoon tea at Laduree, the french favourite I have spoken about countless times, but as a birthday treat were determined to find something new. Enter The Berkeley. The five star hotel in London's Knightsbridge is a stones throw away from Harrods, and a favourite of rockstars and royals alike for its impeccable service and attention to detail. I'd heard great things about their fashionista's afternoon tea and was thrilled to discover they had got a last minute slot. I'd definitely advise booking early to avoid disappointment though as tables can fill up months in advance.

So on a typically wintery Monday afternoon, Jack and I headed over to The Berkeley. We were met by the professional and warm doormen, who directed us to the Caramel room, where afternoon tea is served. The room is beautifully decorated with the expected warm chocolate and caramel hues and big, glass windows looking out onto the street. A hostess took our coats and we sat down to our multicoloured china, vibrant menu's and an electric pink shoe with our reservation name on it. Our friendly waiter explained the menu to us and left us to browse the eclectic range of fruit, herbal and traditional infusions.

The menu begins the excitement before you've even tasted a hint of confectionary. The sweets change every six months and reflect the current trends in fashion. As we were attending in winter, our menu highlighted some of the key designer pieces from AW13, and the way they would be interpreted in the biscuits. Fashion and confectionary? I was sold.

We ordered our teas, Jasmine for Jack and an exotic Watermelon infusion for me, politely declining the offer of champagne considering our heads were still a little hazy from the week before, and chatted excitedly about his impending birthday celebrations.

In perfect timing our afternoon tea arrived. Our beverages first, promptly followed by a delicious selection of home made sandwiches served on separate plates. Seconds later our beaming waiter arrived with a tea stand rivalling a fashionista's closet. The bottom tier was a selection of savouries from watercress veloute to swordfish canapés, and the top two tiers were confectionary creations taken from iconic designers from Vivienne Westwood to Oscar de la Renta. We almost didn't want to touch them, but of course we did. 

After finishing off our sandwiches, Jack and I tucked in to our sweets. The decision making process was tough, they all looked too good to eat. "Don't worry" our waiter smiled when he came to invite us to try another variety of tea "you can have as many more as you can eat". This both delighted and unnerved me. Challenge accepted.

From the Westwood macaroon, to the Burberry trench coat, each fancy seemed more delicious than the last. But the best had to be the Gaultier mousse. They must have known passionfruit was my favourite. 

Unable to squeeze another mouthful in, the waiter kindly wrapped up two of our favourite fancies in the most extravagant miniature handbags for us to take away with us. It was a delicious afternoon for the eyes, tastebuds and the inner fashionista. 

The service is as impeccable as the afternoon tea that is served, well worth it for a special treat to fulfil the inner fashionista dream. 

For more information and reservations: http://www.the-berkeley.co.uk/fashion-afternoon-tea/

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Birthday Treats at Harrods

I warned you I was going to milk my birthday. I'm also going to warn you to look away now if you've carried the January diet into February because this post features an overwhelming amount of calories. But when something tastes so good, I'm willing to overlook it.

And this was the case when my blogger friend Sarah invited me for ice cream one sunny Sunday. We both had an afternoon free and with the promise of the best ice cream in London, I certainly wasn't going to refuse.

With the first glimmers of Spring and the sun shining, I headed off to meet Sarah at Harrods.

Shoes, Office: http://www.office.co.uk

Jeans, Jack Wills: http://www.jackwills.com

Gilet, Ebay: http://www.ebay.co.uk

We met and headed straight to the second floor, deliberately averting our eyes through the leather and travel accessories department, to be met by a queue of around 20 minutes. That's fine we said. It meant an extra twenty minute of drooling over the delicious looking flavours through the glass cabinet, and I wasn't going to scold anyone for that. The bar is all silver and glass, with stools all around the main station where the magic happens. Theres additional seating to the side, and everything from the menu's to the chandeliers sends you somewhere not dissimilar to Willy Wonka's factory.

 The parlour itself is a Morelli's Gelato concession, the only one in London and one of only a handful across the world. It's in its fifth generation of Morelli family ownership and began as a business from a bicycle basket. They've come a long way in their 106 years and are opening their first independent London store this year *hurrah*.

Fifteen minutes later we were seated at the bar browsing the menu. Sarah is somewhat of an expert at the menu, but to a fresh pair of eyes, this was gelato heaven. And an incredibly difficult choice. I eventually went for the Berry Pavlova while Sarah chose a Banoffe favourite.

We watched admirably while an animated bartender (ok so they don't serve alcohol, but ice cream is surely the next best thing) whipped up our concoctions in the largest and most fun looking sundae bowls I had ever seen.

Our ice creams arrived drizzled in sauce. Mine, layers of vanilla and strawberry ice cream with seasonal berries and whipped cream was sweet and delicious and we took well over an hour devouring our ice creams and talking fashion week, birthday week and dreaming of summer.

Our bill came to £32 which, for an afternoon in London's most famous department store, is quite impressive. And totally worth it in our eyes.

All information can be found here http://www.harrods.com/content/the-store/restaurants/ice-cream-parlour/

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Dinner Party Fever

I'm such a birthday person. Ever since I was little, going to a birthday party was my favourite thing to do, and growing up, this really hasn't changed. And then it got even better when I moved to London because my three best London friends and I discovered that all of our birthdays are within five weeks of  each other. So we dubbed it birthday season and look forward to it every year.

It's mine first. And with a week to go, I decided it was time the celebrations began. And having left my Cheshire friends to return to the city a month ago, a dinner party at my family home seemed the perfect excuse to celebrate and catch up on each others news. I'm not much of a cook, so luckily I had mumma on hand to provide advice and culinary expertise. I was also relieved when Laura arrived early afternoon to help prepare and calm my nerves. She had travelled up from Bristol to make it, so I couldn't have been more excited and thankful to see her.

We prepared all the food as much as possible, laid the table in timeless cream and gold, not forgetting the champagne flutes and dashed upstairs to get ready.

With an hour to spare, Tom arrived with endless candles, beautiful flowers and beads to finish off the table, we chatted about our day and our excitement for the evening ahead while dressing our centre pieces.

 So proud of his creations

Everyone filtered in about 8pm and we toasted myself, the other Tom (who celebrates his birthday the day before mine) and Sophie's new job before migrating to the dining room for dinner. I went and put the finishing touches to the goats cheese and caramelised onion tartlets, topped everyone up with a glass of wine and we all tucked in. It's always so nice to catch up on all the news from home. Combine it with great food and wine and I'm in my element. 

 We then moved on to main course, with a hearty home made lasagne on offer, perfectly accompanied with a top up of wine. Last year Tom and I hosted a large soiree at his home to jointly celebrate our birthdays, which quickly escalated with the assistance of cigars, dirty pints and the questionable use of some insect spray. And while that was a total blast, I decided that for turning twenty, something more civilised was required.

Feeling incredibly full, we paused pre-dessert for some light entertainment and a group photo. So many things have changed for me this year, and I am so thankful to every single one of these for being there for me.

Having laughed off enough room to squeeze in dessert, we headed back to the dining room. Mumma had made two of my favourites; banoffe pie and meringues, complete with strawberries and cream. But no eating was to be done until "Happy Birthday" had been sung and sparklers had been lit. (Everyone knows my hatred to birthday candles). We then tucked in, accompanied with dessert wine and animatedly began planning a weekend away at Easter. After the fun of Plas Uchaf (http://lavidalondonista.blogspot.co.uk), a weekend in Abersoch is most definitely going to be welcome.

We spent the rest of the evening making our way through cheese, port and home brewed spirits, drinking our way into the early hours. But not before presents. Both Tom and Sophie had kindly given me wonderful bottles of Lanson and Verve, while I excitedly unwrapped a cigar (from memories of 3am rickshaw rides), a copy of Rush (formula 1 is our favourite) and a bottle of pear grey goose from the other Tom.

We awoke the next morning with fragile heads (some more so than others) to a dreamy hangover breakfast of bacon, eggs and toast before saying our goodbyes. 

First attempt at being a mature twenty-something? Check. 

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Bubbledogging

I'm pretty sure when they opened Bubbledogs on a quiet side street in Fitzrovia, they did not intend for it to be turned into a verb. But that it has for today's post.

Fear not, I have not decided to rewrite the Karma Sutra.

Instead I had a visit from my Aunt and Uncle this weekend. They divide their time between back home and their Spanish apartment, so it was the first opportunity they'd had to come and visit my new place. Growing up they were like second parents to me, my Aunt would always be on hand for advice when I went through the terrible teenage years and my uncle, well he would advise me on everything else. So I was super excited to be able to spend the weekend with them.

We spent the morning browsing Fortnum and Mason's. Nothing more needs to be said about Fortnum's. Think Mr Selfridge. But even older and more fabulous, and you're still not close. But as lunch time drew near we slowly made our way to a restaurant I've been desperate to check out since it came to my attention a couple of months ago.

 We stepped into Bubbledogs and were immediately excited. Although it looks like a normal cafe from outside, inside you're transported into a world that gives you three things. Great humour, great champagne, and great hot dogs. Sounds great to me.

The restaurant was abuzz with city-goers and couples alike all sipping on champagne and tucking into their red baskets. We ordered a bottle of champagne (the cheapest will set you back a little over £30), toasted their arrival and the beginning of my three week birthday, and mulled over the menu. The hot dogs could be either beef, pork or vegetarian, and were all named in relation to their originally designed ingredients.

 Unable to choose, we decided to order four between us. A breakfast dog, which came with a fried egg on top, a sloppy joe, with chilli and cheese, a jose, with jalapeños and avocado, and my personal favourite, the Mac Daddy. Who would have thought a mac and cheese hot dog could be so good?

Not more than 15 minutes after ordering, our hot dogs arrived, our glasses were refilled and we quickly tucked in. And they lived up to my every expectation. Not only are the ingredients chosen specifically, the hot dogs are also made at Bubbledogs. And at only £7 each, it would be rude not to have two.

Feeling entirely satisfied and beginning to see the daylight slowly disappearing, we headed for a post lunch walk along the South Bank. I love returning to Waterloo as it holds so many fond memories. It also holds one of the greatest views of central london, so I couldn't resist a snap of that too!

All information on Bubbledogs can be found on their website: http://www.bubbledogs.co.uk

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Bodo's Schlossed

Its almost time to say goodbye to London for 2013. It has been the most incredible few months and I'm sad, but of course excited, to be returning to Cheshire for the festive season.

But to mark the end of an incredible year together, Jack, Pippa, Mel and I decided that a final goodbye dinner was exactly what we needed. And where better than Bodos Schloss. The Kensington restaurant transports you into the world of the Austrian Alpines with its themed decor, traditional menu and staff kitted out in Ledehosen and Dirndl. A perfect choice to get us in the mood for Christmas.

I opted for a satin Oxblood skort (on trend, festive and elongates the legs... yes please!) and a black sheer blouse, both of which can be found below, while Mel chose a black strap back Cami, similar below.

Skort: http://www.topshop.com/mulberry-luxe-satin-wrap-skort
Blouse: http://www.riverisland.com/Black-long-sleeve-wrap-shirt
Dress: http://www.asos.com/Glamorous/Glamorous-Cami-Dress

We jumped in a cab with Christmas music to sing along too, and headed off for the evening.

The restaurant was busy when we arrived, and we were seated swiftly in the corner table, complete with fur draped over the read leather sofas and enough foliage to truly believe you were dining in the alps.

We toasted the year with a perfectly chilled and very reasonably priced Pinot Grigio and recalled our favourite memories from the last 12 months while browsing the menu. And what a year it has been. I'm dreading doing my goodbye 2013 post, there are far too many memories to choose from. 

In perfect timing the waiter arrived to take our order, I chose the poached hens egg to start, and then mussels (surprise surprise), Jack opted for the steak, Pippa the seabass, and Mel ordered chicken. 

The starter was simple and well presented, with runny yolk, hollandaise and dauphinoise potatoes, and left me feeling content and eager for the main course to arrive... and we were not to be disappointed.

We all received generous portions, presented traditionally and with care. The mussels were especially flavoursome and served in the most delicous sauce I have ever tasted, a bold statement for a seafood lover. I soaked up every last mouthful with the sourdough bread accompany the dish. The others were equally satisfied with their mains and I cannot compliment the food enough. Bodos is centrally known as a cocktail and late night party venue, but the food is entirely recommendable.

 We were all feeling pretty full, but when an apple strudel complete with sparkler arrived (We were celebrating after all), we were all very happy to tuck in.

We ordered ourselves a cocktail from the vast choice on the menu, Jacks arrived in a St Bernard glass (the aptly named St Bernard cocktail) while I selected a champagne and belvedere Corbet's Couloir. And we headed off to party into the night.

 A blurred but very true shot of Jack and I 

Someone was having a good time!

At around 10pm the bar quickly fills up with partygoers and the tables are swiftly cleared away. It's much more of a party venue on the weekend, and I look forward to returning soon to experience it.

It was the perfect festive venue, but if you're looking to be transported out of Kensington and into the Alps anytime of the year, its an absolute must. Drinks are well priced for this type of venue, and a good time is absolutely guaranteed.

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