Milk Beach

Milk BEACH OUTDOOR TERRACE

Picture this: a hot summer day in London city. The heat is on and the spirits are high. You are now seated al fresco having a cold glass of white wine whilst taking in the passers-by on this pedestrian only street. Is there else you could ask for? Milk Beach will provide.

WHAT IS IT? Milk Beach is where Australian Cafe Culture shines bright. From the moment I stepped foot in this charming eatery, I felt transported to a realm where warmth reigns and good vibes flourish. Needless to say the inviting decor, great (though slow) service, and overall ambience contributed to a great evening.

WHAT WILL YOU GET? A delectable brunch and an unforgettable dinner experience, too. Our recent visit to the restaurant for an Italian Wines evening left us thoroughly impressed. Their Koji marinated chicken ‘schitty’ with chicken salt fries is an absolute must-try and so are the mushroom tacos, the ginger dumplings and the octopus takoyaki. Be sure to leave room for dessert, as both the white chocolate cheesecake and the single origin coffee custard are irresistible. With each bite, your palate will be delighted, and you’ll leave fully satisfied.

WHEN TO GO? Monday to Saturday from 9am to 11pm or Sundays from 9 til 4pm. You choose!

WHERE IS IT EXACTLY? We went to the OG restaurant located in Queen’s Park (19-21 Lonsdale Rd, London NW6 6RD). However, since we made this review a new, more central location, has been opened in Soho (14 Greek St, James Court, London W1D 4AL)

Bon Appetit Careless Readers xx

You Speak...PRADA?

The Craze for Designer Cafes Vol.I: Prada Caffè

Photography by roz alcazar

You will like it or hate it, but the truth is that luxury is thriving.
Even in times of crisis, everybody loves feeling good, feeling pampered, feeling taken care of, feeling high-end. And one thing is for certain: London delivers on this premise.

From Central to West and North to South, there’s a myriad of designer caffes in the city. You can see what our favorite picks are here, but today we come to you to talk about the latest addition to the list: Prada Caffe.

The new café inside Harrods is not the first rodeo of the Milan powerhouse in London, but it is certainly the most exclusive, as you will only be able to enjoy it until January 2024.

I agree it is hard to justify a £14 cake for everyday pleasures, especially when many may be struggling to make ends meet. However, I am a firm believer that any fashion, film, or food lovers out there would enjoy a one-off experience at this luxurious café.

This is a window into Prada life, and an opportunity to dress up for an occasion.

The café is inspired by Prada’s most famous stores, including a black-and-white chequered flooring, and signature pale green furniture and decor that takes over the walls and counter top of the café. The attentionto detail here is impeccable. From the crockery to the takeaway boxes, everything screams Prada, Prada, Prada, and we obviously love it.

As you set foot in this café, one can’t help but wonder if it has entered a Wes Anderson movie set. The geometry of the place, nicely squared, perfect symmetry everywhere…It kind of gives Hotel Budapest, except we are replacing the pink hues by Prada green.

Now down to business: the food. Oh ladies and gents, the food. The food is superb.

Lined up as if they were pieces of art rather than treats, the patisserie on offer is truly a delicacy. Their square mousse cakes are a must, and whilst we didn’t try it personally, we’ve heard great things about the breakfast and lunch on offer. The espressos are sharp and their lattes come with 3D printing.

It’s a must.

TCB xx

Caia

As I stepped foot in Caia, the newest (and hottest) restaurant in Westbourne Park, I knew I was in for a treat. The kitchen was steamy and exhubering yummy smells, the music was loud, and a fantasy of dishes where flowing through dining tables. The restaurant was full. What else would you want as the new kid on the block?

WHY SHOULD YOU GO? To start, it is a culinary adventure. To follow, the service is not only friendly, but top-notch. To conclude, the set up and ambiance of the place is hip but with a classy touch. The venue is set-up amongst two floors. Upstairs, the tables are set up mainly for cozy dinners of 2 or for sitting by the kitchen in high stools, chef’s table style. Downstairs is all about eat-and-play. Bigger tables for groups around a DJ booth and lots of vinyls. Caia not only provides good food, it provides good music vibes.

WHAT TO GET? Everything! For a table of four, you can easily get all the tapas in the menu. If you are a meat eater, the Iberico ribs and the veal sweatbread are an absolute must. For the veggies, the tomato is incredible. And do not miss dessert! Pistachio icecream is delight.

As my friends and I closed the restaurant behind us, we all left with enchanting memories of a great night and a palate full of flavors.

WHEN TO GO? For now, the restaurant is only open for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday, so make sure to book in advance! On Saturday you can also come for lunch.

WHERE IS IT exactly? 46 Golborne Rd, London W10 5PR. Nearest Tube Station is Westbourne Park, which would be a 7-minute walk to destination.

Do not miss out! And bon appetit, careless readers.

TCB xx

Lulu's

I don’t tend to go much to South West London this days, but I would hike up to Herne Hill just to go to Lulu’s again.

WHY? This little wine bar/ restaurant is the sister of Llewelyn’s Kitchen and a beautiful gem in the area. Passersby can indulge on the freshest lunch sandwiches and salads and wine aficionados would love every single dish to match their evening drinks. A small, intimate venue that will make you feel you are in the cutest date, whether it is with friends, family, or your lover.

And for the cherry on top: it is also a deli! You can grab lots of the wine and delicatessen cupboard food (some of which is served as snacks in the eve) to take home.

WHAT to get? The options here are boundless and constantly evolving, presenting a weekly menu that showcases the finest selections from the array of seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients available. When we were there, we had a delicious rabbit ragu with tagliatelle and an onion tart I still dream off sometimes. All food was paired with excellent and affordable wines, even dessert. Needless to say, an exceptional culinary experience awaits for you. Both from a food and wine point of view.

WHERE is it? 291 Railton Rd, London SE24 0JP - You can’t miss it, it’s right by the Herne Hill station!

WHEN to go? Anyday bar Monday, from 8am til 11pm Wed-Sat and 9am til 4pm Sundays and Tuesdays :)

Bon appetit careless readers,

TCB xx

Daphne's, a taste of chic Italia in London

There are rare occasions in which I think of specifically going to South Kensington to have lunch. Going to Daphne’s on Brompton Road is the exception.

Daphne is not only great because of its exceptional Italian cuisine, but because of its clientele, the ambiance and savoir vivre that the restaurant exhumes. A step into this venue transports you into a whole new world. One where seasonal Italian cooking reigns, and happy people shine.

As we walk into the restaurant we are faced with an old-school counter, black and white suited cocktail makers saluting our entrance and welcoming us to a glass of bubbly before lunch. To deny such treat would be rude.

As we swiftly move rooms to grab lunch, we are pointed to the conservatory. A special room with such glass work that you feel you are in Sicilian sunshine, when in fact, you are only meters away from the V&A.

Lunch is served, and it’s a parade of salty, rich, and sensory dishes. There is no right or wrong at Daphne’s, as most dishes are seasonal and fresh. But if I were to suggest something, I would say keep it simple. This is not a place to share. Get your starter, get your primi and or secondi, perhaps share dessert, though you may not want to :)

Last time we visited, we loved the spaghetti alle vongole, and the melanzane alla parmigianna and they were both delicious. For desert, tiramisu. We don’t want our lengthy lunch to finish and when the bill comes, we are already thinking about when to return.

HOW MUCH PER PERSON? Around 50 GBP including a carafe of wine

WHERE IS IT? 112 Draycott Ave, London SW3 3AE

WHEN TO GO? Any day of the week from breakfast (8.30AM) til dinner time (10PM), with the exception of Sundays when they only open 1-5PM