Restaurant Review: The Criterion Restaurant

What: Restaurant review
Where: The Criterion, 224 Piccadilly, Piccadilly, London W1J 9HP
When: December 2012

The Criterion Restaurant. The name alone conjures up visions of a glorious past. As you sit and lose yourself in the opulence of the neo-Byzantine architecture, it's easy to believe the building is soaked in a fascinating history. With its gold and marble shimmering alongside the mosaics, mirrors and plaques, the restaurant has an almost celestial air. If the walls could talk, they would surely whisper to you their secrets...
They would tell of when Sir Arthur Conan Doyle first imagined the meeting between Dr. Watson and the enigmatic Sherlock Holmes, in the Criterion Long Bar...

...and it here that we found ourselves waiting patiently for a table (I would advise booking, we were lucky!) Since The Criterion is such an elegant and breath takingly beautiful restaurant, it really is a place, in which you don't mind pausing, posing and people watching. We visited the restaurant on a cold, rainy evening and it was such a pleasure to step into the Christmassy, gold ceilinged room and leave the dark and wet behind. A pianist was playing appropriately festive tunes which was a pleasing backdrop to the general happy atmosphere. Service was friendly and relaxed and the couple next to us provided additional entertaining conversation - yes that's how close the tables are.

The food was good but nothing spectacular, certainly not living up to the opulent surroundings but all in all, The Criterian is a beautiful romantic escape from the craziness of Piccadilly Circus and somewhere I certainly would pop in again especially for the very reasonable 2 courses for 23GBP offer.

 

We ate:
Starters:
Roasted white onion soup, confit guinea fowl, brie (V)

Buffalo mozzarella, heritage tomato, pesto, white balsamic jelly (V)

Mains:
Homemade linguini, clams, squid, prawns, mussels, chilli, garlic, rocket salad 

Pan fried Wester Ross salmon, samphire, beetroot & horseradish puree 
  
Originally opened in 1874, the Grade II listed lavish space has undergone a gentle and sympathetic restoration of its spectacular interiors, adding warmth and softness to the space.

Head Chef, Matthew Foxon, has created a Modern European menu that is simple and luxurious, sourcing the finest and freshest ingredients from the British Isles. Live music every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night from 7pm add to the charming ambiance. Come and discover this gem of history and timeless elegance for yourself.

Contact:
The Criterion, 224 Piccadilly, Piccadilly, London W1J 9HP
Reservations:
T 020 7930 0488 F 020 7930 8380
Email: reservations@criterionrestaurant.com
www.criterionrestaurant.com

Photography Exhibition Review: Ansel Adams

What: Photography Exhibition Review
Who: Ansel Adams
Where: Greenwich Maritime Museum
When: until April 28th 2013

  Ansel Adams is the most popular and arguably the most influential photographer in American history. Famous for dramatic and evocative landscapes, he produced iconic and beautiful images of American nature. The forests, mountains and coastlines of the US provided a rich environment for Adams’s pioneering photography, and this exhibition brings together his most powerful and striking pictures of water in all its forms, from awe-inspiring images of epic seascapes, dramatic rapids and geysers, to crashing waterfalls, placid ponds, raging rivers and beautiful ice-locked landscapes. 

"When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence."

A beautifully curated exhibition showcasing over 100 original prints of Adams work. Inspiring and calming, I drifted around the exhibition and sat for some time soaking up the beauty of the moments he witnessed. A large collection of works covering his career creates a captivating photographic exhibition and the recorded interview with the artist at the end, ensured that I wanted to look at all the photos all over again and book flights to the American coast line!
My Verdict: Don't miss this exhibition!

"Those who know Adams will see his art from a fascinating new angle, and those new to his work will be moved by its inspirational and elemental beauty."

Fluid, ephemeral, and unpredictable, water brought dynamic motion and feeling to his pictures. Water provided Adams with a persistent source of inspiration and opportunity for experimentation both in his art and his photographic process. Adams was a true pioneer whose influence continues to be felt to this day.

"A great photograph is one that fully expresses what one feels, in the deepest sense, about what is being photographed."

 For more info check out:
www.anseladams.com/category/blog/ 
www.rmg.co.uk/ansel-adams 

Ansel Adams: Photography from the Mountains to the Sea is generously supported by the Royal Museums Greenwich Foundation.

The exhibition is organized by the Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts, USA with support by David H. Arrington and the Center for Creative Photography, University of Arizona.

Restaurant Review: Caravan Exmouth Market

What: Caravan Restaurant & Bar
Where: 11-13 Exmouth Market, London, EC1R 4QD
When: December 2012

Caravan is a restaurant, bar and coffee roastery located on a busy corner site in Farringdon’s Exmouth Market. With glazed frontage on two sides of the building, overlooking the market and a bustling London intersection, the space has an open and relaxed feel to it. At market level they have created a main dining room seating 48 and a bar seating 18. In warmer months they open the bi-fold doors and let the market in, seating a further 30 outside. The basement houses the kitchen and coffee roastery, and includes the roastery table that is available for private hire for up to 12 guests.
The food at Caravan is well travelled. They like to use seasonal ingredients to create dishes that draw influence and flavours from around the world.

Caravan opened in February 2010 and has continuously enjoyed very positive reviews, to which I am happy to add mine. Visiting with my fabulous group of Secondary School Girl Friends, this was the perfect venue for catching up on all the gossip from ladies I have had the pleasure of knowing almost my whole life. The cocktails and champagne flowed as we celebrated seeing each other again as well as Christmas and the food was delicious. We actually tried the entire small plate winter menu excluding anything including peanuts, which they had no problem removing from a few dishes. The service was friendly and professional and the atmosphere was so lovely we were the last to leave!

We loved it and will certainly be back, thanks for having us Caravan!

What others say:

Top 10 Dishes London 2012

Time Out 

Caravan is diverting, relaxing, keen on everyone having a good time and reasonably priced.

Fay Maschler 

Evening Standard

It’s not just the food that impresses... Caravan fits in superbly with the trendy Exmouth Market vibe, with its cool look that demands attention from the outset (just like the fashionably dressed clientele on our visit).

Contact: Caravan is located at 11-13 Exmouth Market, London, EC1R 4QD. We are on the south west corner of the market.
+442078338115 http://caravanonexmouth.co.uk/contact restaurant@caravanonexmouth.co.uk
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Activity Review: The Smart School of Cookery

What: A Spanish Tapas Cookery Class

Where: The Smart School of Cookery with Ann Hood

When: 15th December 2012 

Over the last few years I have really started to get into cooking. I love to entertain and the launch of my frankfurt girlfriend's Wednesday night 'Dinner Club' has certainly encouraged me to practise the craft. When I saw the Groupon offer, it seemed like the perfect way to pick up some tips and spend a fun morning with my Mum back in my home town of Chelmsford.

The Smart School of Cookery was started by Ann Hood, a past contestant of BBC Masterchef, she started the school in Essex, due to her passion for cooking. In the four years it has been operating it has grown from strength to strength, offering cookery adventures for everyone. Ann now takes classes regularly and will be training prospective franchise owners to run their own cookery schools using the same successful ‘recipe’.

We got straight into the cooking as we had a 6 dishes to get through, the other 'chefs' were a mix of cooking enthusiasts, a chef school graduate! and utter amateurs (like me!)

courses included, Paella, which I prepared, Pincho Diablo - pieces of pork marinated in spanish paprika, chillies and red wine, Calamares Andalucia, Potatas Bravos, Tortilla Espanola and my favourite:

Gambas al Pil Pil
Sizzling hot chilli prawns

Ingredients:
 Oil
 Garlic Paste
 Chilli chopped or sliced
 Prawns , de veined and butterflied
 Salt & pepper
For Serving
 Parsley - chopped
 Lemon wedges
Method:
1. Place the prawns, garlic and chilli into a bowl and toss with oil.
2. Cook in hot pan until pink.
3. Taste, season, take off the heat and serve immediately with parsley and lemon.

The morning was highly enjoyable, informative and relaxed. Any initial apprehension was quickly soothed by the sparkly eyed, Ann, who was very knowledgeable, charming and enthusiastic. She gave straight forward and clear explanations for each dish and her additional tips were invaluable. My mum, who is admitadly is not the keenest cook, really enjoyed herself and will be back with my father for sure! 

Excellent Morning, many thanks to Ann and I wish her great success with all the adventures 2013 will bring.

Book now via www.thesmartschoolofcookery.com classes start again January 4th and locations are growing across the UK, including London Mayfair, Essex and Kent.

Contact: 

The Smart School of Cookery, 62 Main Road, Danbury, Essex CM3 4NG 01245 227 527

2012 Retrospective: My Baker's Dozen Part 2

What: 2012 Retrospective: A Baker's Dozen Part 2
Where: Across Europe
When. 2012

7. Exploring Istanbul in May –What an awesome city! Loved drinking cocktails in the multitude of super stylish restaurants and dancing the night away in the only club to be seen in, Reina www.istanbulview.com/reina/ Hunting for spices and tea in the Grand Bazaar before Bond drove through/over it was pretty inspiring too. The stunning Four Seasons Hotel: Istanbul at the Bosphorus and its pools weren’t bad either! https://twitter.com/FSBosphorus

8. Nova Heart at the Stadel’s Schwarze Romantic event followed by The Yacht Club,  see my review in November for more details. Needless to say the company I kept, the music I heard, and the lively crowd ensured this particular night made my 2012 Baker’s Dozen ;-) See review: stadels-schwarze-romantik.

9. My birthday Party in October - I’m not saying how old so don’t ask! But fun was certainly had at my myths and legends themed costume party. I love to entertain and I love to decorate my home and dress up. On this occasion going so far to make my own Pheonix rising from the flames costume. Robin hood and Merlin look pretty hot too!

10. Shantel performing at The Gibson Club An enigmatic and lively performance, my knees still haven't quite forgiven me! See review:
http://oluremi-imerulo.blogspot.de/Shantel
 
11. Watching Stuttgart play and win  and staying in the same gorgeous hotel as the entire team and seeing them all there chilling out the night before they played.

12. Cocktail drinking at various locations across Europe including The Parlour Bar, in Frankfurt in November – simply delicious and very cool! Particularly the lovely company of my beautiful friend Sarah. http://oluremi-imerulo.blogspot.de/Parlour Bar

A Bakers Dozen 2012 Retrospective means you have to have just one more... 

OK so my final entry is a bit of a cheat because I'm not actually there yet but I will be...

13. Melbourne, Australia, New Years Eve 2012 I've been waiting for 5 years to visit the other side of the world and finally I am ecstatic to report that I will be heading over from 28th December until 25th January 2013, exploring Melbourne -The Great Ocean Road - Cairns - The Barrier Reef - Brisbane - Byron Bay - Sydney. 

Come back each week for my reviews and recommendations of what's really going on across Australia... 

Bis Gleich
xx
A

2012 Retrospective: My Baker's Dozen Part 1

What: 2012 Retrospective: My Baker’s Dozen Part 1 
Where: Across Europe
When: 2012

As the year comes to a close, we all get a bit reflective. I believe it’s important to look back over the year’s highs and lows, the moments you won’t forget, the new people you have met, experiences shared and enjoyed and the lessons learnt. As such I will be compiling a series of posts entitled a Baker’s Dozen* – 13 experiences to be had in different countries, continents and cities across the fields of events, bars & restaurants, fashion and art. 

Hope you enjoy reading my review of 2012 as well as the forthcoming 2013 Baker's Dozen blogs as much I will enjoy organising, researching  and experiencing them!

and so Starting with the essential 2012 Baker’s Dozen retrospective

(in no particular order)

1. The London Olympics in July, August & September – I have never felt so proud to be English or albeit ex-Londoner, The build up and Danny Boyles spectacular opening, the hoards of volunteers and incredible athletes! I had the privilege to wave flags for both England and Germany at multiple events this summer. I took my dad to see the Women’s football final at Wembley, saw a Judo Final, The Men’s Marathon, Women's Team Archery and Beach Volleyball with my husband and some of the Para-Olympic Athletics, Boccia and Fencing with my both my parents at the Olympic Park. Every moment was utterly brilliant mainly due to the overwhelming positive atmosphere each day and at every single event. I raise a toast to London 2012 Olympics… jolly good show!   

2. Soundwaves festival in July – Has to be up there as the best festival I have ever attended and there have been a few (Festival recommendations 2013 to come.) A festival in the middle of the  gorgeous island Tisno on the Croatian coast, blue skies even bluer sea, ridiculously beautiful people and seriously talented musicians. A truly magical experience.

3. Passing my driving test in December. Cannot express my joy at passing both my theory and driving exam first time, especially as it required having to endure over 15hours of driving theory lessons taught only in German (and no at that point I didn’t understand a word!) I am really keen to get started on those road trips! 2013 Auto club here I come…

4. Oktoberfest in September – ok not the proper one in Munich only the Frankfurt version. But being that this was the first time I have ever donned a dirndl or drunken so much of the frothy stuff it was good enough for me. Plus watching the Germans go slightly bonkers dancing to truly odd schlanger music, all being dressed up, standing on tables and singing drinking songs was actually hilarious!

5. A cocktail ring making course at the The London Jewellery school in August- In a drive to reawaken my creativity and thanks to a Groupon voucher I attended a 2.5hour cocktail ring making course at the end of summer. I am really pleased with the results and am looking forward to attending the intermediate and advanced courses next year so I can start sharing the skills! (more info and pictures to follow in 2013) http://www.londonjewelleryschool.co.uk/

6. Celebrating my Fathers 70^th Birthday with my whole family in London in October – Daddy reached a milestone and I was very pleased to be able to celebrate with him on his special day. We enjoyed a family photo-shoot at the fabulous Andaz Hotel in London  london.liverpoolstreet.andaz.hyatt.com followed by lunch with extended family. The picture book we created for him stirred up lots of happy memories too as well as some engaging stories. Happy Birthday Daddy!

 2012 Retrospective continues shortly...

* Definition: A baker's dozen, devil's dozen, long dozen, or long measure is 13, one more than a standard dozen. The oldest known source for the expression "baker's dozen" dates to the 13th century in one of the earliest English statutes, instituted during the reign of Henry III (1216–1272), called the Assize of Bread and Ale. Bakers who were found to have shortchanged customers (some variations say that they would sell hollow bread) could be subject to severe punishment including judicial amputation of a hand. To guard against losing a hand to an axe, a baker would give 13 for the price of 12 in order to be certain of not being known as a cheat. Specifically, the practice of baking 13 items for an intended dozen was insurance against "short measure", on the basis that one of the 13 could be lost, eaten, burnt, or ruined in some way, leaving the baker with the original legal dozen. The practice can be seen in the guild codes of the Worshipful Company of Bakers in London. en.wikipedia.org

Bar Review. Die Rote Bar

Bar Review

Where: Rote Bar, Mainkai 7
When:  Sunday - Thursday 21:00 - 01:00 Uhr, Fr & Sa 21:00 - 02:00 Uhr

With no sign and just a slight red glow through one small window, die Rote Bar is not the easiest place to find, however a group of people patiently ringing a bell and waiting on a doorstep alerted me to the location.

Of course on a Friday night it's also not the place to go in a group unless you've booked in advance or arrived early and even then the seating arrangements aren't exactly generous. However considered to serve the best cocktails in Frankfurt, it's been an overdue visit. The "Hubbard"- a blend of Rum, Lime, Ginger Liqueur and Lemon juice certainly didn't disappoint. Strong yes, but you could still savour all the flavours.

The old fashioned decor and extremely smart bar staff, think bow ties, do create a certain vibe but I can't help but feel that this place needs a feminine touch... perhaps a little  something to soften the look and a few more bar stools wouldn't hurt!

Great concept and yes first class cocktails but a little too frayed around the edges for my taste...

tel. +49 (0) 69 29 35 33
http://www.rotebar.com/

Restaurant review: Club Michel E.V

What: Club Michel E.V
Where: Münchener Straße 12 , 60329 Frankfurt am Main
When: 6th December 2012

It seems to be an essential element of the Frankfurt bar and restaurant culture that the best places have no signage and a "need to know" only location finding policy. This is no bad thing and as the entire venue was full, clearly not a marketing problem either. 

We joined a long, wooden, canteen style table and were quick to browse the set menu for tonight, at just 31,90€ per head, I was intrigued...

Feldslat mit Schwarzwurzel, Ahorn & Walnüssen
(Green salad with Maple and Walnut Salsa)

Rehkeule mit Pilsen, Serviettenknödeln, Rahmwirsing & Rotwein-Schalotten
(Venison with Mushrooms, Dumplings, Creamed Savoy Cabbage and Red Wine Shallots)

Mokka-Parfait mit Nougat & Rumtopfkompott
(Mocha Parfait with Nougat & Rum Kompott)

I prefer red wine and really enjoyed a couple of glasses of:

2010 Bodegas Palacios Remondo, "La Vendimia", Rioja DOCG (Flasche 23€ / Glas 6,90€)

The food when it arrived was absolutely delicious, however, the kitchens timings were seriously off on our visit. I was told, by my friends who had been to Club Michel a few times previously, that this had never been a problem before and as such, I sincerely hope they manage to resolve the issue for the future. Having arrived at 8.30pm we were still waiting at 11.00 for our mains and when it did arrive it was unfortunately luke warm. Delicious, yes, and eaten in seconds but in the kitchen timing is key and you can't keep your paying guests waiting that long.

Despite the delay, the venue atmosphere was great, everyone was chatting and the wine was flowing. I even managed to hold my own in German the whole night! 

Would I go again, absolutely! And if you like to put your stomach and menu choices in the hands of someone else, then Club Michel E.V. really does know what it's doing.

Register and book online via:

http://www.clubmichel.net

What I'm up to tonight: Club Michel dining

Tonight I'll be...

What: Michel Club eV
Where: Münchener Straße 12 , 60329 Frankfurt am Main
When: 6th December 2012

If you can manage to register, be approved and actually get a reservation you could be lucky enough to join in on the Club Michel revolution. I am hugely looking forward to visiting Club Michel this evening with friends as I have only heard good things about this restaurant.

come back to read my review tomorrow ;-)

For more info...
http://www.clubmichel.net

What: Flohmarkt 
Where. Frankfurter Mainsurfer
When: Every other Saturday - this Saturday 8th December

Are you still looking for the perfect christmas present?

If you need something original and environmentally friendly then go no further than the local Antiques market! Frankfurt Museumsurfer offers a huge selection of antique goodies and bric a brac for all tastes! Looking for the perfect tux jacket, a leather bound book, a retro chair or even a turkish rug? Head down to the Flohmarkt and explore the goodies on offer. Bargain basement prices, yes, but with a little bit of imagination and thought, fabulous christmas gifts!

My festive soiree was certainly enhanced by the stunning French crystal glasses I found! So what are you waiting for! 

See you for some bargain hunting this Saturday...

 Prost!

What: Rockmarket Party
Where: Mainzer Landstr. 36 - CONA by GROSS&PARTNER
When: next one 2013!

If you were unlucky enough to miss the 2012 Rockmarket events then don't panic they will be back fresh, excited and pushing the music forward to 2013...

The music was pumping and the people posing (perhaps a little too much) but all in all, the Rockmarket events are definatly worth checking out, if nothing else for the super strong but tasty rum/gin/vodka cocktails and ridiculously good looking bar staff!

Welcome to the jungle we've got fun and games
We got everything you want honey, we know the names
We are the people that can find whatever you may need
If you got the money honey we got your disease

[Chorus]
In the jungle, welcome to the jungle
Watch it bring you to your knnn knne knees, knees
I want to watch you bleed

Welcome to the jungle we take it day by day
If you want it you're gonna bleed but it's the price to pay
And you're a very sexy girl that's very hard to please
You can taste the bright lights but you won't get there for free
In the jungle welcome to the jungle
Feel my, my, my serpentine
Ooh, I want to hear you scream

Welcome to the jungle it gets worse here every day
Ya learn to live like an animal in the jungle where we play
If you hunger for what you see you'll take it eventually
You can have everything you want but you better not take it from me

www.facebook.com/Rockmarket

 

come back in 2013 for more event info!

Bis Spater...