YELP PRESENTS: THE TIME TRAVELLER'S BALL

My first Yelp event!

Thanks to Angela's eagle eyes, we managed to RSVP in time to attend.

 
 

 The event was held at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square - not too shabby ay!

Guests were welcome to go dressed in their desired fancy dress period attire, whether it be from the past, present or future. 

I do love 'the flapper' look of the 'Roaring 20's' - I spent the night before rummaging through the heaps of clothes in my wardrobe and managed to pull together a decent looking outfit.

We arrived nice and early before most of the crowd,and thankfully there was also a cloakroom facility for us to put our stuff away.

And we also had plenty of time for the obligatory selfie...

Here's a few photos that I managed to snap whilst busy nibbling my way around... 

 

 

Pretty display of cakes from The Yummy Yanks...

 

Some delicious savoury food from Roti Chai...

 

The Sunshine Kitchen...

Oh, look it's Mr Kooky Bakes! 
With his supply of tasty (and naughty) treats!

 

Getting a cup of taro bubble tea from Bubbleology...

 

Bea's of Bloomsbury...

 

 

 

And also bumped into Mei and her hubby - great catching up with friends!

A great evening filled with lovely food, drinks and entertainment. There was plenty of sweet treats to go round - the sweet tooth in me was screaming with excitement and delight. 
And best of all was that we were able to experience the whole event for free - who needs money when you can time-travel!

Looking forward to more exciting Yelp events!

The Cheekster, signing out x

BRUNCH AT JACKSON & RYE

Thanks again to my unexpected stroke of luck, I managed to win brunch on the house at Jackson & Rye.

This was my second visit here since they opened last month, and it looked like it has become much busier since then.
We were sat in quite a dimly lit corner before I requested to be moved to a brighter table along the sofas which was also more spacious.

There was a moment of confusion with one of the waitresses when I was trying to explain to her about my 'Brunch on the House' booking - I would have expected it to have been noted on my reservation.
Instead she just blankly stared at me like I was talking gibberish, and didn't even bother to get me a manager or at least someone who could assist better...
Eventually I managed to wave for another waitress who thankfully understood what I was trying to explain... - PANIC OVER...or rather frustration.

 

| Hand Drip Coffee |

| Hot Chocolate |

 

| Slab Bacon | 

I had this on my last visit, which I did enjoy - very much prefer this thick cut version over the usual thin crisp slices of bacon.

| Shrimp & Grits |

- Hot shrimp, chilli, garlic, spring onion -

This was my first time trying grits - ground-corn food that is common in the Southern United States and mainly eaten at breakfast.
The prawns were fresh and succulent, and I did like the hint of chilli.

 

| Angler's |

- Scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, country style potatoes, grilled toast - 

 | Crab Cakes |

- Blue Swimmer crab, apple slaw -

A variety of fish cake, which is another option that is popular in the United States - I really need to get myself on a plane there someday...
Nice crisp batter, and went well with the fresh flavours of the apple slaw.

 

| Blueberry Cobbler |

- Apple, vanilla custard - 

We were quite full so we ordered only ONE dessert to share. Shameful, I know...
It was quite a large portion though, with a lovely pot of warm vanilla custard.

 

The food overall wasn't too bad, although service was a bit hit and miss - certain members of staff should really try a bit harder to look more cheerful instead of wearing such sullen looking faces...
I would probably drop by again, possibly for the pancakes and more dessert - but definitely during a less busy period.

The Cheekster, signing out x

THE CUPCAKE & MACARON TOUR OF LONDON

Cupcakes and macarons...how could I resist!

All the weekend slots were fully booked but I managed to take the afternoon off after work on a sunny Friday.

Little did I know that I was going to be the only person who signed up for that day...guess everyone else was at work!

Thankfully I had a friend who joined me at the last minute...making the walk less awkward. What is usually a 20-person tour, turned out to be more of a chilled walk with just the two of us and our own private tour guide.

The tour included 7 tastings on the go.

| The Cupcake Bakehouse | 

Founded by former model Lorraine Pascal who left the catwalk in pursuit of the perfect cupcake.

I had the cherry crumble which was recommended - crumble and cupcake mmm...

Using mainly British ingredients, there was nice balance of lovely moist sponge and icing.

 

| Ladurée |

One of the top premier sellers of the double-decker macaron, and one of the best known macaron makers in the world.

Stylish and irresistibly plump and moist bite-sized macarons.

 

 

| Sweet Couture |

A boutique bakery that's famous for its mouthwatering handmade cupcakes.

Hand baked and decorated using the finest ingredients and no preservatives, they also have a range of treats free-from wheat and gluten.

 

 

 

| Hummingbird Bakery |

Known as London's Magnolia bakery, the Hummingbird Bakery is an American-style bakery founded in 2004, the Soho branch being 1 of 5 branches in London.

The concept was developed by Tarek Malouf who developed as he saw a lack of places in London to enjoy the taste of the truly authentic American-style baking.

Each branch has its own kitchen and team, serving a full range of American-style baked treats and desserts, freshly baked using the same ingredients and techniques as those used in home baking.

 

| Yauatcha |

Michelin starred and known for its contemporary dim sum.

The macarons were much larger than average - the salted caramel macaron was one of the best that I've tasted with a great balance of sweetness and saltiness.

Forgot to take a quick snap at Patisserie Valerie, for which Madame Valerie opened her first patisserie in Frith Street, Soho in 1926. With more than 50 cafes around England, they serve a delicious variety of hand-made cakes, gateaux and patisseries, made using traditional recipes.

I had the pistachio macaron - much smaller in size compared to other places, and pretty average tasting.

| Fortnum & Mason's |

The final stop, with the most impressive display counter - so many colours and flavours, I wish I could have tasted them all!

I chose the Kir Royal because...it's Kir Royal, and such a pretty bright pink colour! Yes, I am a really girly girl.

 

Happy and high on sugar, it was a pleasant little tour around London's finest culinary artisans and dessert boutiques. 

With no slow walkers and stragglers to slow us down, we finished in less than an hour, giving us some time to wind down in the afternoon. 

I'll definitely be popping back to a few of my favourites for more sweet treats!

The Cheekster, signing out x

 

BRUNCH AT KOPAPA, SEVEN DIALS

The weather may have been wet and dreary, but there's always a reason to brave the wind and rain for a sneaky little brunch!

This was my second visit at Kopapa for brunch - centrally located in Seven Dials and always buzzing with people.

 

| Cappuccino | 

| Mochaccino |

 

| Spiced banana French toast with grilled bacon, orange blossom labne, tamarind raisin relish & orange vanilla syrup |

Tasty without being too greasy.

| Chorizo hash with 2 fried eggs, rocket, sriracha chilli sauce & crispy shallots |

Nice and runny sunny side up eggs, and deliciously spicy chorizo hash. Also loved the extra fragrance from the crispy shallots.

 

| Date scone |

Big enough for two to share.

A lovely casual brunch and cosy shelter from the rain.

I tried the 'Turkish eggs' on my previous visit, which was quite a naughty indulgent treat - recommended to those who love oil and butter!

An all-day cafe, bar and restaurant - I haven't tried their lunch or dinner menu, but I'm sure it tastes as awesome as it sounds.

Also had quite a fruitful day of shopping.

Oh the excitement of finding XS sizes in the sales...

Happy weekend everyone.

The Cheekster, signing out x

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014

First post of the new year!

Had a quiet night in on New Years Eve spending quality time with my dad at home.

With some bubbles, of course.

No big fireworks display or crazy entertainment for me - just some much longed for bonding time between father and daughter.

We also had a low key day on the first day of 2014.

Braving the wind and rain, dad and I went down to Canary Wharf and met up with my BFF Wai Kit for lunch.

There was a bit of a queue, but we eventually got a table at Royal China for some good ol' dim sum. Asian food is always top of the list when dad is around.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The weather may have been horrible, but spending time with those closest to me made the day seem much brighter. 

It's just a shame that this was the last evening that I got to spend with dad before he flies home to Malaysia tomorrow...

Nothing is more heart-breaking than bidding farewell to your loved ones.

I better start planning my annual trip back to Malaysia this year soon!

First resolution of the year: Get organized!

I'm going to keep this short and sweet, so, Happy New Year once again to all you lovely people!
Looking forward to making more beautiful memories this year.

The Cheekster, signing off x