Quirky Must Try Find Pashmak, Persian Candy Floss!

Embracing the culinary delights of ancient Persia, Pariya Foods bring us this mouthwatering confectionary to enjoy! 'Pashmak' is the Persian word for candy floss (cotton candy in the United States) and comes in four delightful hand made flavours; Rose, Saffron, Pistachio, Orange blossom, Vanilla and Chocolate.

Pashmak originated in the Iranian city of Yazd known for its array of traditional Persian sweets. Pashmak is spun from sesame and sugar, and can be served on its own or alongside fruits, cakes, ice creams, puddings and desserts.

I discovered Pashmak for the first time at the Jumeriah Carlton Towers (London), whilst enjoying their afternoon tea. I was instantly drawn to it's uniqueness, and without doubt it was the item I wanted to try first! If like myself you are looking for something a little different, flavoursome and ever so slightly naughty then Pashmak is for you!

I have subsequently become somewhat addicted, and tried all of the flavours but without doubt my favourite flavour is Pistachio. I heartily recommend you try!

Click here to Buy it online or, if you’re in the UK head over to Selfridges or Harvey Nichols and find Pariya’s pastel-colored packages in the confectionary section. That neon pink stuff you have previously bought at the circus and local fun fairs, alas will not match up!

www.pariya.com

HAVE YOU HEARD? Lolas Limited Edition Tennis cupcakes, London

What better way to celebrate Wimbledon than with a delicious 

cupcake!

The Wimbledon Tennis Championship has started and what better way to celebrate the time-honoured event than with a LOLA’s TENNIS cupcake box. It’ll be game, set and match with a delicious strawberries & cream cupcake combined in a box with a special vanilla pod tennis ball cupcake. LOLA’s strawberry & cream cupcake is a delicious vanilla cupcake base topped with a fresh strawberry buttercream and a whole strawberry to finish. 27,000 kilos of strawberries and 7000 litres of cream are eaten every year at the championships, so nothing says tennis more than this cupcake combination!

Click here for more Lola creations 

HAVE YOU HEARD?: The Royal Horseguards, Wimbledon Afternoon Tea

The Royal Horseguards
Wimbledon Afternoon Tea

With the tennis season in full swing you know the Summer has arrived...we think that is something to celebrate.

For those less sporty types who still want to enjoy Wimbledon 2012. The Royal Horseguards has introduced a quintessentially English Afternoon Tea with a tennis twist - all ‘served' with homemade tennis ball truffles.
Conceived by the hotels pastry chef Joanne Todd, and her dedicated team, guests can treat themselves to The Royal Horseguards selection of life-like filled tennis ball truffles and Wimbledon logo cupcakes!

Whilst enjoying this WImbledon, inspired tea, re-hydrate with a beautifully refreshing strawberry and Pimms consommé, created by carefully simmering fresh strawberries for over four hours, finished with a dash of Pimms.

Menu

A selection of finger sandwiches and English muffin

Chilled Strawberry-Pimms Consomme

Tennis Racquet cupcake

Vacherin of English Strawberry and Vanilla Cream

Almond and English Rose Macaroon

Warm Scones, Preserves and Clotted Cream

A Choice of leaf teas

£32.00 per person

(plus 12.5% service charge)

HAVE YOU HEARD: Wimbledon Strawberry Afternoon Tea, Harvey Nichols London

Wimbledon, the world’s most famous tennis tournament, is a gem in the British sporting calendar, so celebrate it in style at Harvey Nichols Fifth Floor Restaurant.

Afternoon Tea is a cherished experience steeped in British tradition but will be particularly popular in the capital this year as we host an array of events. We are starting the sporting season with a special Wimbledon Afternoon Tea in which you’ll receive a glass of refreshing Pimms, followed by freshly baked scones with strawberries and cream, all perfectly suited to Wimbledon. 

 Wimbledon Strawberry  

Afternoon Tea 

Harvey Nichols Fifth Floor Restaurant is delighted to present you with a stylishly modern version of   

Afternoon tea; inspired by Executive Chef Jonas Karlsson’s favourite treats 

Sandwiches 

Loch Fyne’s smoked salmon, cucumber and pumpernickel bread 

Egg mayonnaise and mustard cress bridge roll 

Prawns and dill bagel, lemon mayonnaise  

Smoked chicken and carrot chutney roulade 

Home made plain and fruit scones, clotted cream and strawberry jam 

Sweets 

Chantilly and strawberry tart 

Strawberry cup cake 

Strawberry and lemon mousse 

Strawberry and pistachio pavlova 

Tea Selection 

Harvey Nichols exclusive blend of black tea and lavender, English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Darjeeling, Assam, 

Spicy Black Chai, Jasmine, Chinese Green, Rose Congou, Passion fruit, Decaffeinated Rooibos, Camomile, 

Fresh Mint, Peppermint,  

£29.50 including a glass of Pimms  

The Wimbledon Afternoon Tea is available in the Fifth Floor Restaurant Monday to Thursday from 3pm until 5.30pm, Friday to Saturday from 3.30pm to 5.30pm and Sunday from 3pm until 5pm and is priced at £29.50, including a glass of Pimms.

To book or for further information please call the Fifth Floor Reception on 020 7235 5250 or emailreception@harveynichols.com

Quirky Must Try Find!: Wimbledon Cocktails, Harvey Nichols Fifth Floor Bar London

The weather’s turning worse which can mean only one thing, Wimbledon’s here! From Monday 25th June to Sunday 8th July, join Harvey Nichols fifth for a Wimbledon style cocktail on The Fifth Floor.

To celebrate this wonderfully British sporting event, The Fifth Floor Bar team have created an exciting range of delicious cocktails. Each of these tasty tipples will be served on a bed of grass with a Champagne strawberry shooter in a white chocolate tennis ball on the side. Whilst enjoying this exclusive collection catch all of the action from the tournament on our screens in the Fifth Floor Bar and Restaurant.

Each cocktail has been created using some of our favourite British spirits and wines. Once you’ve picked your favourite, have a go at making one at home:

Gin and Deuce

Beefeater 24 Gin shaken with fresh mint, lemon, pressed apple and mudded cucumber; delightfully refreshing.

Centre Court

Chase Rhubarb Vodka with fresh raspberries, pressed apple and lemon; perfect for a summer’s evening.

Perfect Serve

Chase Marmalade Vodka with Kentish strawberries, pear juice and lime jam; fun and fruity.

Game, Set and Match

Edgerton Pink Gin is shaken with pressed grapefruit, lemon and rose syrup; light, zesty and fresh.

The menu will be available in The Fifth Floor Bar from Monday 25th June to Sunday 8th July.

Upcoming Event: Taste of London, 21st-24th June, Regent's Park

Food glorious food! For those viewers like myself that would describe themselves as 'foodie' people- this events for you! 

From June 21st-24th 2012 London's Regents Park will be transformed to a fine dinning haven with four glorious days of eating, drinking and entertainment. Taste of London features 40 of the city's best restaurants dishing up their finest in an unmatchable alfresco gourmet delight, alongside 200 producers provide the best food and beverages ensuring that every guest sample and shop for a range of produce in a relaxed atmosphere of a boutique food market. 

As an added treat the AEG Taste Theatre will be returning to Taste of London 2012. The theatre features the capitals culinary superstars taking to the stage and sharing their cooking secrets, whilst showing off their skills with pan rattling demonstrations!

The following Chiefs will be at Taste of London, 2012: 

David Chang: Restaurant Momofuku

Wolfgang Puck: Own chain

Nuno Mendes: Restaurant Corner Room

Atul Kochar: Restaurant Benares

Jamie Oliver: Restaurants Fifteen/Barbecoa/Jamie's Italian

Francesco Mazzei: L'Anima

Theo Randall: Restaurant Theo Randall at The InterContinental

Ben Tish: Restaurant Opera Tavern

Jason Atherton: Restaurant Pollen Street Social

Alexis Gauthier: Restaurant Gauthier Soho

Michel Roux JR- Restaurant Le Gavroche, Roux at The Landau

Bruno Loubet: Restaurant Bistrot Bruno Loubet

Ashley Palmer-Watts: Restaurant Dinner by Heston Blumenthal

Gary Rhodes: Restaurant Rhodes 24

Jacob Kenedy: Restaurant Bocca di Lupo/Gelupo

Taste of London 2012 will take place in 7 sessions across the 4 days. The sessions are follows- 

Thursday 21st June 12pm-4pm, 5.30pm- 9.30pm

Friday 22nd June 12pm-4pm, 5.30pm-9.30pm

Saturday 23rd June 12pm-4pm, 5.30pm -9.30pm

Sunday 24th 12pm-5pm

Ticket Prices as follows: 

Standard: Includes entry into the festival, access to the features (masterclass, theatres, demonstrations) £24 advance, £28 on door.

Child 6-14 years old: Includes entry into the festival, access to features (masterclass, theatres, demonstrations) £12 advance, £14 on the door.

Click here for the Taste Of London

HAVE YOU HEARD? : ENJOY ‘T’ AT AUBAINE WITH THE NEW AFTERNOON TEA MENU AT SELFRIDGES LONDON

Celebrate British afternoon tea at Aubaine, Selfridges London. 

The new ‘T’ at Aubaine menu offers a delicious selection of sweet mini patisserie alongside the option of tea and/or champagne. Why choose just one dessert? Sample a selection of mini treats from the summer-inspired menu, presented on a stylish slate.

Take your pick from the mouth-watering menu:

Vanilla lollipop

Pistachio profiterole

All chocolate profiterole

Passion fruit tart

Scone with vanilla Chantilly

‘T’ at Aubaine will be available from 3pm every day from Thursday 24 May. Find Aubaine in the Shoe Galleries on 2 at Selfridges London.

HAVE YOU HEARD?: THE BIG ROOFTOP TEA & GOLF PARTY AT SELFRIDGES LONDON

This summer Selfridges London has reopened its legendary roof to launch The Big Rooftop Tea & Golf Party, as part of the Big British Bang - our all-encompassing creative homage to all things British. 

Opening on 31 May and running throughout the summer until 2 September, The Big Rooftop Tea & Golf Party transforms the roof into a destination for a round of a crazy golf like no other and a 100% organic tea-shop for the highest afternoon tea on Oxford Street.

THE HIGHEST TEA ON OXFORD STREET

The 100% organic Daylesford Cafe will serve a traditional British afternoon tea, with a twist. Open from 12 noon until 10pm each day, the Selfridges roof will be the destination for a royal lunch, a proper afternoon tea and summer evening drinks and dinner, all six stories above London’s busiest shopping street. Tables are allocated on a first come, first served basis - bookings are not available. Find out more and see the mouth-watering menu here.

Watch our tour of the roof with Bompas & Parr and Jamie Mitchell, CEO of Daylesford, to find out more about this beautifully British adventure. 

Events- Christian Louboutin Exhibition Design Museum, London

 

The Design Museum, located just ten minutes away from the iconic Tower Bridge presents a limited edition exhibition honouring the works of the magnificent French shoe designer; Christian Louboutin. The exhibition features twenty years of Louboutin's designs and inspirations, revealing the artistry and theatricality of his shoe designs from stilettos to lace-up boots, studded sneakers and bejewelled pumps. Embrace the whirlwind journey into style, glamour, power, femininity and elegance.

Shoes, glorious shoes! Kate and I are huge fans like almost every girl, so you can imagine how excited we were when we saw the huge sign outside the Design museum. As we began to head towards the exhibition we saw shoes hanging from hoola hoops attached to the ceiling this just added to the excitement. Once in side we were in paradise when we entered into the Louboutin wonderland, greeted by hundreds of exquisite shoes all different shapes and sizes spanning a grand total of 20 years since Louboutin's first store in the fashion capital Paris opened.

Using funfair carousels and a giant red sole to display these works of art, this exhibition is not to be missed but it should come with a warning as this will seriously damage your credit card as it will have you running to your nearest Louboutin store desperate to get a pair of these beauties!

To finish there is a fantastic video of Christian Louboutin's muse Dita Von Teese, that truly gives you an insight into the inspiration behind the shoes. 

Interestingly Louboutin admitted that he could not single out a favourite shoe saying ‘That’s very hard, every different shoe has a different story behind it. I like high shoes though, the higher the better'.  This exhibition is not one to be missed by any shoe fan! I have included a teaser trailer for you all to enjoy! 

Booking Information:

Tickets for the exhibition can be purchased in advance from Ticketweb (booking fee applies). If the allocation for advanced tickets is sold out on Ticketweb, you can still purchase tickets at the Design Museum on the day. 

Last admission is 30 minutes before the end of the session: 

Morning Session 10am-1.45pm

Afternoon Session 2pm-5.45pm

Saturday Evening Session 6pm-9.45pm

Revive Wednesday 6pm-9.45. Every Wednesday throughout June. 

Please Note: 

Inside the exhibition the Hologram and the Fetish room contain images of partial nudity which may be unsuitable for some visitors. The Hologram appears every twenty minutes, and is three minutes forty-four seconds in duration. Visitors can bypass the Fetish room by taking a corridor which leads directly into The Atelier. Photography is not allowed, 

                              

Click here to book

There is also some great merchandise on sale I picked up this poster, to see what is on sale click here 

Have You Heard? Estée Lauder at Harvey Nichols, London

Launching on Monday 18 June, the Fifth Floor Bar and Restaurant present a cocktail and macaroon offer inspired by the exclusive launch of Estée Lauder’s vibrant and colourful makeup collection, 'Brasil Dream'.

By purchasing two or more products from the Brasil Dream range at the Ground Floor Estée Lauder counter, you can indulge in a complimentary trio of macaroons and a delicious Brazilian cocktail up on The Fifth Floor.

The 'Brasil Dream' Batida cocktail is made with Cachaça, ginger liqueur, coconut cream, coconut water, lime juice and fresh ginger for an exotic Brazilian treat whilst the Berry, Mandarin and Rose flavoured macaroons are inspired by the brightness of the Brasil Dreams Collection.
The Estée Lauder Brasil Dream cocktail and macaroons offer launches on Monday 18 June and will be running until Monday 16 July. It is available between 3pm and 5.30pm in the Fifth Floor Bar and Restaurant and is priced at £15.95.

Quirky Must Try Find! Dubai: Cold Stone Creamery

Cold Stone Ice Cream Experience!

Kate: The Cold Stone Creamery is an ice cream pallor that is completely different to anything you would have experienced before- I promise! The ice cream is incredibly yummy with a wide range of flavours to chose from, combined with a seemingly unlimited choice of mix ins. To top this all off your creations will be made freshly in front of you via an array of tricks you never thought possible, leaving you desperate for your next visit! 

Ice Cream Choices

Cold Stone Creamy first opened in 1988 (America) and since then has been reinventing people's expectations in terms of their ice cream experience. So what is it that makes Cold Stones such a great experience? Firstly only premium ice cream and sorbet is served. The  ice cream and sorbet served is made fresh in store, every day making the taste heavenly. The next reason is the mix-ins, which allows unprecedented choice. Guests can choose from Cold Stones popular signature creations developed by an award winning Tastemasters team, to creating their very own ultimate ice cream fantasy. When I visited the store I created my dream combination: A cake batter and cotton candy ice cream combination with rainbow gummy bears. To give you all an insight into how extensive the Cold Stone range is, according to their website you can customize your ice cream in over 11.5 million ways- wow!  

Finally every creation is mixed together on a cold clean granite worktop. During creation staff are chatty and friendly performing tricks with your ice cream ensuring that waiting for your creation is anything but boring! Chelsie and I visited the store numerous times and each experience was entertaining and different!

DID YOU KNOW? 

Cold Stone Creamery does not only serve delicious ice cream and sorbets the menu also includes: Healthy alternative ice cream flavours, Cakes (Birthday cakes, petite cakes and cupcakes), pies ,ice cream cookie sandwiches, smoothies, milkshakes and finally iced and blended coffees 

Selection can vary depending on the store. 

Kate and Chelsie's Experience- Dubai, Emirates Mall. 

Chelsie: In May 2012, Kate and I visited Cold Stone Creamery for the very first time. The store is welcoming, with staff that simply could not do anymore for you! On my first visit I asked the man behind the counter for advice on what to select as the choice was so extensive. I was allowed to try numerous flavours in my quest to select the best combination, which was a delicious treat and a nice touch. My final selection was chocolate and French Vanilla ice cream with Oreo cookies, during my ice creams creation I actually stood back in owe. My ice cream was literally catapulted across the room and caught in its cup by another staff member- Amazing! 

My ice cream creation was flavoursome and fantastic, and as a result of this we returned several times throughout our holiday. Without doubt the most enjoyable part of the experience is discovering new and exciting combinations! 

I cannot wait to visit again soon! 

Video from You Tube :