Buying Shoes in Marrakech

I didn't shop that much the first time I visited Marrakech. There wasn't much I needed in the jewelry/scarf/ Moroccan tea set department, and because each store in the Souk had almost identical wares, it all felt a bit touristy. The one store I did love, that I would totally recommend every one go to was  "The Shoe Store".

Marrakech Round (2) - Where we ate

We had three nights in Marrakech. Aside from our first night, which we passed out in our room after ordering room service, we ventured into the Medina each day.

Novikov

Another week, another Friday night, another Mayfair Italian. This week the restaurant in question was Novikov, the new complex on Berkeley Street housing a bar, an Italian restaurant, and a Pan-Asian. As tacky as the concept seems - two restaurants in one - for some reason it works. Most likely because of the location, on Berkeley Street, which means it gets all the people who can’t get reservations/space at the bar at Nobu. To cut a long story short, within a few short months Novikov has become the place to be. 

Dar Sabra (Hotel) - Marrakech

The first time I went to Marrakech, I knew I needed to return soon. Why? Because during our trip I discovered that perfect summer time weather was constantly in Marrakech, and it was only three and a half hours away. Six week later I was back, The Boyfriend in tow with the aim of doing very little except enjoying the sunshine and catching up on some reading.

Comptoir Libanais

I ended up at Comptoir Libanais, pre-Selfridges shopping, for which this place is perfectly located. My dining companion being a vegetarian and my current health-kick put MeatLiquor out of the question, which gave us a perfect chance to try the place I had read so much about. I enjoyed the experience but wasn't particularly inspired by it so this post will be fairly concise.

La Petite Maison - Round 2

Valentine's Day brings out the kind of irritation in me that I normally reserve for special occasions, like Holborn Station in rush hour, or Easy Jet flights. Why Valentine's Day seems to bring out hysteria superseding that seen at Christmas time, I do not know, but The Boyfriend and I are doing our bit to fight the stupidity and the system. We, therefore rebel when it comes to Valentine's Day. No flowers, no cards and certainly no overpriced "special set menu, with pink and heart shape themes, and matching rose wines". Instead we do nothing, except thank Anna Howard Shaw for her contribution to the suffragete movement from the comfort of either one of our homes.

Top 5... London Fashion Week Eats - Somerset House

In preparation for perhaps the funnest part of the year - London Fashion Week - and the only thing that makes February bearable, here are the best places to eat, watch the beautiful people and admire some very brave outfit choices..

Somerset House...

El Pirata Del Tapas -

I've always considered Notting Hill to be a bit of a wasteland, in terms of restaurants. Ledbury aside, I've never really thought of heading there for dinner, just like I've never thought of going shopping in the City, or going to Hull for anything. It is a bit of a trek from Covent Garden once you factor in the distance of most restaurants from the tube station, which puts heels out of the question which in turn puts visits Friday or Saturday nights out of the question. Lonsdale aside, theres almost no quality bars or clubs in the area, which is good I guess as I'm wearing flats at this point anyway, so it's a trek solely for the food. It had to take a lot, two Michelin stars or at least glowing review to get me there flat-less on a Saturday night, and the latter is just what happened and why The Sibling, The Parent 1 and I all ended up at El Pirata de Tapas.

Top 10... First Date Restaurants

First dates are usually stressful enough without having to factor in where to go for dinner. So here goes, Top 10 best first date restaurants in London.

1) La Petite Maison/Aurelia: Food to suit everyone, lighting that makes everyone good, with a hint of glamour, the right amount of background noise. Enough but not over the top. Downside? the cost, sharing is encouraged and not everyone loves that concept. 

Babbo - London, definitely not New York

How the people behind Babbo got away with taking the name of one of the most famous Italian restaurants in NYC's name, I don't know. All I know is that ever since it opened, its been on my list, just like the one in NYC. Deep in the heart of Mayfair, the crowd is surprisingly un-scene - a mix of business people, and older couples - not a flash of a red sole in sight. As per usual, I was optimistic about Babbo, mainly because of a) the name b) this interview here, in which the chef states his favourite restaurant is La Petite Maison. As we already agree on what a good dining experience is - this was clearly going to be the place for me. Sadly, fate just didn't want me and Babbo to have that special connection. Our experience was one of the most disappointing I've had in a while.