A Fine Autumn Lunch for Two

At the beginning of the month, I had a lunch date with the bestie at Gordan Ramsay's PETRUS. This day was far too exciting for us. Thought nothing much of it; just endless talks of maybe dining there one day. That came sooner than hoped for. I had a random temptation to book us in... and at the spare of the moment, I did! Strolling the backstreets of Knightsbridge in our pretty heels and fancy tops, we finally were at its doorstep.

 

On arrival, they kindly took our coats and led us to our seats; giving us a moment to embrace the luxurious restaurant and elegant settings. Now, let me tell you something, I'm a huge sucker for eating out... fine dining however, I accept as a special thrill. This sublime restaurant had a selection of, what I personally saw as an exquisite variety to eat & drink. However, my friend and I were absolutely clueless by what was on the menu. Confession - we had to end up asking. Oops! After translation, we ordered starters, mains and added a genuine touch with a sweet tasting glass of wine, to feel the part. 

Though it was a rather busy afternoon, the members of staff were still incredibly attentive and charming and our dishes were served in good time. Surprisingly, we were showered with little compliments to assist our meals which was a fabulous treat!

What we found extremely interesting was the final course. Dessert was like magic - presented with a spherical dome of chocolate; then the waiter poured over hot chocolate sauce on top which melted the dome to a marvelous ball of honeycomb and icecream.

Kindly presented with another take away surprise on our way out... cheekily saved for our other halves! It was most definitely a fine dining experience to remember. 

Thank you Ramsay, till next time x

Touch of exotic fusion...

GILGAMESH; I walk pass it all the time, I hear terrific reviews about it all the time, I long to dine in it all the time... oh wait, I did! Finally, after almost four years, to be exact, I got the chance to experience this Pan- Asian showpiece of a restaurant. Another one of Camden's many gems that sits at the heart of Stables Market.

After a stressful day at work, I just couldn't wait to sit and enjoy the remainder of the evening with my other half. At the time, it was fairly empty; we were able sit wherever we wished, which is always a plus. Immediately, we were greeted by our lovely waitress with a much needed glass of wine (yay!) and as we were a tad too excited, we had already chosen our dishes in advanced; she was rather impressed. They were out within no time, one after the other. Delicious is an understatement. I wouldn't waste a minute if you haven't yet eaten here.

Here's a couple of snaps from our delightful evening:

Bon Appetit!

I'M BACK!!!

Bummer! I know I've neglected my blog for far too long. I've missed out on acquainting you, my readers, with the many different things I've been up to - I feel so awful. My followers, my friends... I'm down and dedicated to keep you posted on the perks of my entity. Stay close.

 Let's get blogging!

Tea with my Newbie

Afternoon Tea with my Gemma

With a couple hours spare, I pulled the bestie away from her very busy motherly duties and took her out to her first afternoon tea experience. I found a small, quiet hotel restaurant just off Belgravia. Nowhere too concealed; although... my Gems somehow managed to get swallowed in by the streets of Victoria and get herself lost. Beyond shadow of doubt, she found her way! 

Distant from the daily stresses of life, we sat & enjoyed the moment. Served with unlimited tea, a selection of finger sandwiches, scones and enough sweet nibbles to keep us chit chatting away. A care-free, chic way to begin the week and with my favourite company =)

"A bit of stardust blown from the hands of God"

Saturday 2nd July was a very special day; my precious little wonderful, Alaya Chanel Apan (my best friend's baby) was finally baptised. The day was blessed with lovely, warm weather perfected to set the occasion. Babygirl made her presence into Our Lady of Lourdes Church with her beautiful Sarah Louise ivory silk robe with a laced overlay. It was a quick and pleasant ceremony surrounded with close friends and family. I was most delighted to attend this wonderful Christening day but even more gratified to have been given the honour to be one of the godparents.

The proud parents & godparents of Alaya Chanel

Gemma, Mark & Alaya

Alaya, Sean & I

The reception followed soon after at a nearby hall and as successful as most Filipino party usually are, there was food. Plenty of it! A buffet of Filipino cuisine & desserts; you were certainly spoilt for choice.

It was a great day for the little one indeed. Thank you Gem, Mark & Alaya for letting me be a part of it. I love you guys x

My precious God daughter, Alaya x

"May the Lord give His angel charge over you, to guide you in all your ways" 

-Psalm 91:11

Congratulations

This post I dedicate to all those I know who took on their PGCE course 2010/11. After a full-on year of hard work, stress and commitment, it must be at your relief to finally say, 'its over'. Technically it isn't, as you still have an amazing journey ahead of you; a responsibility of a lifetime. As I've watched many of you through your course experience, all your hard work has definitely paid of - you're all going to make fantastic teachers. A special acknowledgement goes out to my other half, who to passed his course; I couldn't be more proud of you!

On celebrating their wonderful achievements, I pulled together a gathering at Grace Bar & Restaurant in Piccadilly. Brought by some old familiar faces which was a special touch to the occasion. We drank, we ate, we drank some more... it was a great evening indeed =) Again, well done and all the best throughout your teaching careers.

"Striving for success without hard work is like trying to harvest where you haven't planted." 

~ David Bly

Father's Day Fun

Sunday 19th July: Ohhhh "Happy Days"... so much for a fatherly one though hehe. For a long time, I had plans ready for my old man for this time of the year. However, my Dad had an unforeseen duty to whisk my Mum and his sister away for the weekend, somewhere around England. Although, he wasn't with me, I still felt the need to celebrate, especially that I was so looking forward to it. My boyfriend & I went ahead with the plans and I'm so glad we did. Spent Sunday afternoon at the Refuel Restaurant at SoHo Hotel. I was recommended this place by a dear friend of mine, as she often dines there for tea. We, however, opted for the lunch menu, just because our tummies were in a deep pull for a packed out meal. Indecisive with the menu as the choices were all really enticing, it took us quite a while. 

Both dived into our salmon ceviche, spring onion, fennel in soy dressing for starters (Salmon has now become a huge favourite for us, too delicious). Followed by a fancy pork dish for Sean and chicken for me, both complete with roast potatoes & vegetables. Now, desserts were an experience in itself. For those sweet toothed people, their sticky toffee pudding was absolutely divine. But I have to give my credits to the Eton Mess that I had which hit every single taste bud possible.

 

The day did not end so quick as we had reservations for the private cinema at the hotel to watch Thor 3D. I know its a bit late but that is because we waited for this showing. It was fitted with leather seating complete with popcorn ready and waiting to enjoy the movie. I had the greatest time. Stuffed and very very happy. Thor was fantastic too!

Needless to say, my everdearest father still deserved a treat. He works so hard even though he's a retired man and his guidance & support is the source of my life; such a daddy's little girl. Treating him to a much needed spa day topped with a Senseful Creations card =)

SENSEFUL CREATIONS // Father's Day

Handmade card 'Shirt and Tie' inspired idea.