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Stand Up to Cancer Bake-Off
One of the lovely things about working where I do is the sheer amount of cake! This week we got to sample these baked beauties as part of the Cancer Research UK’s very own Bake-off, to coincide with the Stand Up To Cancer version currently being broadcast. I didn’t join in with the baking, but I did taste- of course! The bottom one had a lovely, sparkly design, which you can’t pick up that well from the picture. There were quite a selection of cakes- lots more than I’ve shown here. All proceeds went to Stand Up to Cancer, so what’s not to like? Makes me want to start baking…
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About last night…Mexican authenticity
I came across Santo Remedio completely by accident, purely because I’ve walked by it a few times and thought it looked cosy. It was a happy accident though, as Santo Remedio has appeared on several lists of the best Mexican restaurants in London. I adore Mexican food so this is my idea of a good night. Last night we gave it a try and actually managed to get a table (it’s been difficult in the past). Santo Remedio is beautifully lit and highly inviting. The decor is gorgeous as well. So the food…every dish we ate was excellent, from the tacos to the enchiladas and the octopus (an interesting riff…
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Adventures on a “millenial” railcard
Those kind folks at Network Rail have introduced a 26- 30 card, dubbed the “millennial card” to give those aged between the magical ages of 26 to 30, the opportunity to enjoy train travel with a third off the price. I was delighted when I found this out because, by an accident of birth, I qualify for one. Unfortunately, I can only use it for one year as I will be 31 by the time the railcard expires. But hey, let’s not look a gift horse in the mouth and all that. So, for the price of £30, I am now the happy possessor of a 26- 30 railcard. I…
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Meatballs Al Forno
This is probably the ideal lunchtime dish for me. The meatballs were succulent and the sauce was rich and full of flavour. Zizzi, Victoria
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Side Projects
Hey 🙂 it’s Claire- the lesser spotted Claire. I know I haven’t posted anything on here for ages, but that’s because I’ve been busy with work and life admin. I’ve also been busy over the last few months working on two side projects, which have taken up a lot of my time which I’m massively excited to tell you about. One of these projects is an online magazine Little Things That Shine, which can be found here. Little Things That Shine has a range of features, such as book and film reviews, articles on self- acceptance and travel posts. I love it- it’s such fun to write. My other side…
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Sunday Photo
Ladybower Reservoir, The Peak District
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Tapas at Salvador and Amanda
Salvador and Amanda is a beautiful and authentic Spanish restaurant, located in London’s Leicester Square. Although it’s been there for around 15 years, I wasn’t actually aware of it until my team held our Christmas party there last month. The restaurant boasts a surrealist art- deco interior, in which patrons are encased in curtained- off sections. We had the Christmas menu, which is a selection of the normal menu, but I’m pretty sure the standard menu is just as tasty. It was some of the best tapas I had eaten outside of Spain. The meatballs were succulent and the croquettes de queso gained such a fanbase we had to ask…
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Lemon Victoria Sponge, The Yorkshire Bridge
Only crazy (or tough-as-nails) folks go walking in the Peak District on a bitterly cold winter’s day, right? But it is totally and utterly worth it when you can duck into a cosy warm pub afterwards for a hot chocolate and a slab of Lemon Victoria Sponge, like this one: The Yorkshire Bridge, Ladybower Reservoir
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The Barbary, Covent Garden
Being labelled ‘the best restaurant in London’ gives The Barbary in Neal’s Yard a lot to live up to. The little sister of established London eatery The Palomar, the restaurant takes its inspiration from the Barbary coast. Good thing the food is amazing then…read my review on Weekend Notes here
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Tea at Betty’s
It’s a bit cold and wintry outdoors and there is nothing more I like than snuggling up in the warm when it’s chilly outside. Do you want to know another thing I like though? Afternoon tea! Now, my trip to Betty’s tearooms in York for afternoon tea was quite some time ago- August 2017- but I think it’s time for a throwback. Also, I think something as special as afternoon tea at Betty’s deserves a mention. I’ve always wanted to go to York and was delighted when I managed to make a visit there for my 29th birthday. One of the places that you absolutely need to visit in York…
