We Found Gold in Notting Hill

Gold in Notting Hill

Who would have thought there was more to dig in Portobello Market still?

WHAT IS IT?

A three-storey house serving yummy Mediterranean food in the midst of Portobello Road & Market. You would miss it between all those trinkets shots if it weren’t for its crazy eye looking facade!

WHERE IS IT? 

95-97 Portobello Rd, Notting Hill, London W11 2QB

WHY GO?

Because as you step food in here, you are transported far away from the crowds outside. Everybody is gorgeous and you feel gorgeous as a result. A dark area for intimate gatherings and a cozy conservatory on the back for those wanting a relaxed meal with friends. It feels like a jungle out there! The food is an explosion of flavours (our favorite) and the customer service is superb, very attentive. 

On our latest visit we started with a glass of Moet (like any good feast would) and few of the starters on offer, of which we highly recommend the aubergine with ricotta. Oh Mamma. For mains, the rabbit tortellini transport you back to Italy and the grilled chicken with ham, nduja sauce and sourdough bread makes you feel naughty and great. Finish up with the raspberry cream dessert and a coffee and you’ll be done for the day. 

Little peace of advice: if you like long meals with no rush, then this is your place. Book one of the last services for lunch and you’ll make it to dinner time without even realising! That happened to us. 

WHEN TO GO?

If you thought it couldn’t get any better, you wait for it. Gold is open ALL week from midday (noon) to midnight all week! And Friday and Saturdays til 1am! Pleasure to your ears and belly.

Enjoy my dears, 

TCB xx

Villa Mama, a piece of Bahrain in Chelsea

If there is a restaurant that has surprised me over the last few months, it has to be Villa Mamas. 

Villa Mama's is a restaurant in a residential street in the heart of Chelsea, delivering what's possible the best (if not only) Bahraini cuisine in town. 

WHY SHOULD YOU GO? 

To be honest, you know I like trying new restaurants all the time, specially if they have a Middle Eastern touch, so this place would be no exception. What was an exception was how amazing the venue, the customer service and its food was. Villa Mama's has created a space for those who like attention to detail. An outdoor terrace for those more adventurous and a cozy dining area indoors. They also sell their own ingredients, which I find remarkable. 

WHAT SHOULD YOU GET?

Well, that's a tricky one! The whole menu cries: TRY ME, TRY ME! And no dish failed to disappoint when we were there. Of course we follow our gut (and the waiter recommendations) and we had Khubus with Za'tar followed by Kaskhe bademjoon -a so called aubergine explosion- and kofta for starters. 

As this was our first time, we went for the most national dishes as main, which included an aromatic chicken pilaf called Machbous Deyay and their own take on Mac & Cheese called Macaronat Eid Milad, which was made of traditional Bahraini macaroni & spicy minced lamb. Needless to say, everything was delish. 

As two young ladies (including myself) waited for their meal, we also indulge on the cocktail section. We really couldn't leave without trying their infamous #millenialpink cocktail, fuelled with Crystal Head vodka, Tequila Rosé, rose, pomegranate and lemon. I mean, how could you resist such thing?

WHEN SHOULD YOU GO?  Great news! Everyday from 8 til midnight! Isn't this awesome?

WHERE? 25 Elystan St, Chelsea, London SW3 3NT

Urban Farm Girl

Farm Girl

The new place to be seen in West London

Farm girl, baby. Farm girl.

A curated space in the heart of Portobello road; Farm girl is making its way to become THE brunch spot in West London. 

WHERE IS IT? 59A Portobello Rd, London W11 3DB

WHY SHOULD I GO? Well, that's easy. 

First of all, its location. Hidden in a little alley off Portobello Rd, Farm Girl reminded me of being home by the beach, with its cute outdoor area and indoor color hues. Everything at this place is down to detail, and, of course, instagram-worthy. 

Second of all, THE FOOD. I mean, DELICIOUS. Probably the best brunch I've tried in London for a while. I traveled all the way from East to eat here! That's gotta mean something. They have shakshuka on the menu (which to me, is already a winner), plus many other brunch goodies such as avocado on toast and the likes. 

Their drinks menu is vast, with colorful options such as turmeric gold latte, matcha latte or rose petal latte. Very hipster, I know. But how cool, too! 

If you still have room for dessert, their cakes and pastries menu is mouthwatering. We scored some colored croissants while we were there and they were #freakalicious. 

Finally, customer service was great. I mean, what else could we ask for? Plugs. They also have plugs at every table to charge your iphone, ipad, macbook or anything else that is also not apple. Get yourself there, already!

WHEN? It is open everyday from 8,30 to 4,30pm and til 6pm over the weekends. As I mentioned, this place is becoming highly popular and takes no reserveations (ooooof course...) so expect a bit of a waiting line (~40min) before you get seated. It is damn worth it though!

TCB xx