Caravel

Picture this: the sun is setting, a slight breeze is coming in and you are walking by the Canal in North London.

A range of colourful canal boats have settled across the towpath for the evening, when you see a wide beam boat with its doors open.

It’s Caravel ,and it’s calling you in.

WHAT IS IT? Caravel is an intimate restaurant in a converted barge. A family business run by two brothers, Fin and Lorcan Spiteri, who have previously worked at restaurants Quo Vadis and Rochelle Canteen, to name a few.

WHY SHOULD I go? Because dining at Caravel feels special; something you’ve never done before but would like to do more often. Think about it, how many times do you get to see and enter a canal boat? And out of those, how many do you get to enjoy a meal by a renowned chef and a cocktail master? If you like an intimate setting offering a fabulous bistro-style menu, then this is your place.

I assume many of you may be thinking of taking their other half for a date night given the intimacy of the place. However, I would like to point out that the barge is also available for private hire for groups. I was lucky enough to find an available date to celebrate my birthday here (with 20 friends, no less!) and it was pure joy. One big long table, white table cloths, candles everywhere. A tailored 3-course meal and the nicest, most attentive service you could imagine. I couldn’t think of a better place to be.

Pro-tip: If you want to book the entire boat and do not get bankrupt while doing so, we suggest booking on a weeknight. Weekends including Fridays come at a steep price of £4k whereas other dates do not have a minimum spend, so it’s worth reconsidering when to go.

WHAT CAN I GET? Whilst I can tell you what I loved when I was last there, this may not be on offer by the time you visit Caravel. The menu at this floting restaurant is seasonal and therefore changes often, which I love! Our past favorites have included mussels, the pork belly and the sea bream.

A dinner for two, including wine, will probably cost you around £60 per head.

WHERE IS IT exactly? 172 Shepherdess Walk, London N1 7JL

About a 10-minute walk from either Angel, Old Street or Essex Road, the barge is easily spotted but not that easy to access. We suggest meeting on the South side of Packington Bridge, where you’ll find a gated entrance to the Wharf. A few meters passed the gate you will find Caravel (and Bruno).

WHEN can I go? Thursday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, Sunday for lunch only and Wednesday for dinner only.

Take your pick and enjoy the ride.

Bon appetit

TCB xx

Bubala, my veggie middle eastern darling

WHAT?

After many pop ups all over town (mainly East), Bubala has now a permanent spot, and is here to stay. I’ve read that Bubala means ´Darling´ in Yiddish and it could not suit this place better. 

A Middle Eastern restaurant serving a full vegetarian menu may put some people off. The reality is that you won’t even notice that there is no meat in your dish. If you are a fan of Barbary, Palomar and Coal Office, then this will be your new fave in Spitafields/ Shoreditch area. 

WHERE?

65 Commercial St, Spitalfields, London E1 6BD

WHY?

A tiny little spot away from the crowds of Spitafields market yet with a lot of vibes as you step in it. Very sleek and minimal set up (very Hackney if you ask me) with vibrant flavours. Probably one of the best hummus I’ve tried in town (on par with Grilandia, probably); however, every single dish was incroyable…from the honeyed hummus to the pomegranate xx, it was a feast to our tastebuds on our belly. 

WHEN?

Any day except Wednesdays when it’s closed, from 12-3PM for lunch and 6-10.30 for dinner

Enjoy foodie monsters,

TCB xx

Doughnut Time, It's a Sweet Life

The craze of Black Friday and Cyber Monday are over, but I am still hungry for more. I must admit, I am more of a savory person than a sweet tooth, but I do enjoy the occasional donut from time to time. After all, I love to indulge into nice treats! Sweets are not going to be an exception. 

Whilst in the search for the best donut in town, we found some amazing gems for your do-nut care moment. Here our top favorites to date!

PICCADILLY & SHOREDITCH : Doughnut Time

Funky doughnuts have arrived to town! And these include hip names like ‘Caramacklemore’ and ‘Robertd’n’oreo’. These are probably the naughtiest doughnuts I’ve had in the city (and most expensive, sometimes close to a fiver) BUT also some of the yummiest and most filling! They also have vegan options available, which is always a plus.

VICTORIA, SOHO & SHOREDITCH: Crosstown

They have a matcha doughnut. Shall I say more? Started as a little food stall and now is a massive franchise across several locations in town. Needless to say, these are worth every bite. My favorites (matcha aside) include creme brulee, banana chocolate, raspberry and chilli dougnuts! It will be tough for you to only choose one. Vegan options are also available :)

SHOREDITCH: Dum Dum Donutterie

Remember the craze about cronut? Well, for the guys of Dum Dums, it still means business. The first artisan baked donut/ croissant donut brand, made only with natural ingredients and yet still so delish!

BERMONDSEY: St John Bakery

Standalone bakery for the well-known restaurant under the same name, selling fresh bread and cakes every Saturday. And of course their infamous jam doughnut. Not to be missed if you are in the area! But make sure you get there early, as they will serve until stock sells out.


Have a sweet day, careless readers; stay tuned for more

TCB xx

POPHAMS: Once you POP, you can't stop!

And those who have been at Pophams Bakery now it. It is right for them to claim this is not yet another bakery, because it isn't. 

Pophams, located in a residential street (next to Popham St!) in Islington, serves fresh sourdough bread (are you there yet?) and unique and delicious pastries. I have to say I have never seen such a long list of croissant specialties! Their star is the bacon & maple syrup swirl, but their newest addition, the Rosemary & Sea Salt twist, is definitely a game-changer. It's a 30 min walk from my house and I have already been there more than three times. Yes, it is THAT good. 

Place is tiny but if it is a sunny day in London, they also have outdoor seating, which is very nice and appreciated. 

WHERE IS IT AGAIN? 19 Prebend St, N1 8PF

WHEN DOES IT OPEN? 7,30-5,30 everyday!

Bon appetit!

Brunchin' in Hackney

Since the new year started, I've been trying to discover more my pretty neighborhood, Dalston. I have a feeling I am always on the go checking out other areas, missing how amazing Dalston is. And it is awesome!

It is becoming a Saturday ritual to start my weekend morning by shaking off any hangover/ week stress by hitting PopFit for a calorie burn-out. I can't believe it took this long to get a fab workout spot in London Fields! Of course that also means I'm allowed to indulge as much as I can afterwards. Every effort has its rewards, right? Which brings me to my discussion today: BRUNCH! 

There's plenty of choices where it comes to eating out in East London, but I've narrowed it down to three favorites, lately. What will you get? Great food choices, good prices and that little hipster touch that we all deny we like but secretly love. 

L' ATELIER

I have to admit this little french-style spot is becoming my regular, and that is a big thing to say, given that I never repeat restaurants in London. But what can I say, if you do something good great, then the chances of me coming back are higher. 

WHAT WILL YOU GET: Brunch classics made with great fresh produce. A wide variety of croissants, toasties (our fave is the Jambon de Bayon and cheese toastie!) and plenty of avocado on toast and salads for those looking for a healthy choice. Coffee is on point and so are the fresh squeezed juices!
WHERE? 31 Stoke Newington Road, N16 8BJ
WHEN? Eeeeeveryday from 8am til 6pm.

CAFE MIAMI

Feeling that cold chill? Yes, me too. That is why TCB loves visiting Cafe Miami! A warm cafe with plenty of color (mainly pastel) and that american diner vibe that every non-american loves. Food choices here are a bit more naughty than at L'atelier, but you are in for a treat, regardless.

Please note that the kitchen is open-space; so those who hate taking home a smelly-souvenir with them should avoid this spot.

WHAT YOU'LL GET: Tooones of toasties. You can even build your own! Anything with their Fancy bacon is a treat to your belly. We personally loved the waffle burger with chorizo and avocado, but their american pancakes with bacon, maple syrup and blueberries is also a delight for those with a sweet tooth. 
WHERE? 24 Lower Clapton Road, E5 0PD
WHEN? Tuesday-Sunday from 9-5pm

WELL STREET CAFE

I must admit I haven't been to this cutsie little spot yet, but I am doing so as you may be reading this! I've got tones of recommendations from friends about it, and if my entourage loves it, I know I will too. 

WHAT YOU'LL GET HERE: a variety of breakfast baps served with tomato relish & rocket (yum!) along with the brunch classics and other more adventurous dishes such as smoked beef brisket w/ poached eggs or BBQ pork on corn tortillas with sriracha scrambled eggs (MY ADDICTION!)
WHERE? 203 Well St, E9 6QU
WHEN? Eveeerday Hoorraaay! From 8-4pm

ARE YOU GUYS HUNGRY YET? CAUSE I CERTAINLY AM. 

TCB xx

Breddos Tacos Tacos Tacos

It feels like London has finally taken Mexican on board. I mean, REALLY GOOD MEXICAN. Specially when it comes to tacos and quesadillas. Time Out has even made a Top 5 list of 2017, which I think it is pretty accurate to my taste. 

For today, I want to tell you about one of those places: Breddos Tacos.

Where is it? Clerkenwell area, in between Barbican and Old St. More specifically, on 82 Goswell Rd, London EC1V 7DB. Perfect for a quick date before the theatre or if you are heading out East. 

What will I get? Picturesque mexican tapas in the shape of tacos. They come in small, but they are rich in flavour. Of course we asked the peeps at the restaurant what to try, as sometimes the less obvious is the most delicious dish. And it was, because the Ox tongue taco (on their daily menu when we were there) was definitely our favourite and no way Jose would I have picked that on my own. As for the mains, Pollo Asado is a must and if you are have sweet tooth you'll love Leche Asada for desert. Good thing is, the menu keeps changing, which for me keeps a restaurant fresh and wanting me to go back, which is quite rare I must say!

Can I go anytime? Not really, but it is open Monday to Saturday from lunch until 10,30p.m. I would have loved it if they closed a bit later, but then again the area where it is located probably does not help to do so. 

Regardless, Breddo's is a pleasure for your palate, and a must in your London Foodie List. 

Don't miss out, and enjoy your meal. 

TCB xx

Som Saa, Thai's Spice World

I'm sorry guys, it's not a Spice Girls-themed restaurant (we wish?) but rather a VERY spicy thai restaurant: Som Saa. Those who don't like spice should really stop reading, otherwise WELCOME! You've landed at the right place, and you should definitely try this new hotspot in Shoreditch.

I've been meaning to come here for a while but the long-waiting had put me off few times. Just so you know, we arrived here 10 minutes after we opened to get a table and we got it only 10 minutes before 8PM. That is about 1,30-2h wait. But hey, it is TOTALLY worth it. I just thought you should now what you might be facing before you get to enjoy your meal. 

As one of our many girly celebrations, we decided to stick to the waiting line, and thankfully grabbed a spot by the cocktail bar, where we got to enjoy a great bottle of prosecco and some of their snacks. OH MAMA, the snacks are GOOOOOOD! 

Okay, but where is it? 43A Commercial Road (E1 6BD)

What we tried and LOVED: 

• gai yaang - thai style grilled chicken leg with tamarind dipping sauce

• yum makeua yao for the veggies - a delish grilled aubergine salad with egg and prawn floss

• mu parlow - not one but FIVE spice soy braised pork belly with chilli vinegar sauce, DANG SPICY MA'AM!

All accompanied with some jasmine and sticky rice (my fave!) - I wish they had sticky mango rice for dessert! They have it everywhere in America but for some reason I haven't seen it anywhere else...

But never mind, they did have another awesome dessert: salted palm sugar ice cream with fried banana, YUMMM.

Why should I go there, though? As I said before, this is THE place for those who love thai (and spicy) food. The venue is also a plus, it is very well put and its location is prime for east Londoners.

Burn My friends, Burn!

TCB xx

Chick'n'Sours, Mouthwatering Birds

2nd of January, and I am still hangover; what can I say, folks. I am IN SERIOUS NEED of some powerful food (that is fried chicken) and one of my new favorites for that is Chick'n'Sours, which conveniently is only a 15-min walk from my new home in East London.

Where? Its original branch is in East London, more specifically in 390 Kingsland Road E8 4AA. However, if Haggerston is too far for you, they have now another restaurant in Soho, in 1a Earlham St (WC2H 9LL), to be exact :)

What? Free range chicken cooked til its crispy, just how we like it. There are few options for you to try their kitchen: on its own (boneless, drumsticks, thighs, ...) or in a bun. Of course we wanted to try a bit of everything so we had one of each. Now if you are looking for suggestions we highly recommend you the following:

• Pickled watermenlon for starters (I know, it sounds weird but the mix is seriously delicious)

• K-POP Bun if you like spicy food - Gochujang Mayo and chilli vinegar, I mean!

• Tenders (boneless chicken) - if you like spicy continue with their Xian Xian option, otherwise the seaweed tenders are pretty damn good too.

I am always IN for the dessert, I love to get a bit of sweet after a heavy meal. However, I must admit we went a bit overboard when we went so I am afraid there are no recommendations for dessert this time! I've been told their Salted Milk Chocolate Pot is awesome, though.

Also, don't miss out on having a cocktail there! Tequile seems to be a favourite, so have a margarita for us?

Why? Because if you like junk food, you'll die for this. It's a fresher take on anything you've tried before. There's no need of having shame on having a high-calorie meal, but at least have something good, and fresh. 

More over, the service at this place is great. The guys are very helpful, always keen on giving you suggestions on what to have; needless to say the venue is very modern and has a very young vibe! 

Have some wings guys, you'll feel like flying after this meal!

TCB xx

When in The City, Duck and Waffle.

What? Duck and Waffle, I said. Forget Sushi Samba, the place to be is the one next to it.

Where? Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY

Why? This amazing restaurant probably serves you one of the weirdest dishes you've ever heard: Duck and Waffle. Yes, a sweet waffle with some deliciously crispy duck with a fried egg on top.

I was a bit skeptical at first, but once you try it…there's no coming back. You'll be coming here again. I highly recommend another dish on the menu as a starter: BBQ-spiced crispy pig ears. "Eurgh", you might be thinking. But seriously, try them.

Another plus to the restaurant are the views. Located on the 40th floor (that you will get to through a see-through elevator) of the Heron Tower, the restaurant has outstanding views of The City, including the famous Gherkin in the background.

When? Well, whenever you want, really! The restaurant is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

If you are not convinced yet, just have a look at the following pictures.

TCB x

IMG_9453

IMG_9457

IMG_7529