Friday 25 March 2016

PaintNite in Stokes & Moncrieff, Twickenham

PaintNite in Stokes & Moncrieff, Twickenham
Rating; 4.5 out of 5

Went to a new Paintnite event at Stokes & Moncrieff to paint Moonlit Garden
Lovely venue - great lighting, great service and good food



PaintNite- really nice experience (see previous post on PainNite for details). - great social gathering. Wasn't very excited about the painting though. I wish they would pick more famous pieces like Pop up Painting do. however, the instructors are really nice and would definitely go again

Thursday 24 March 2016

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland

So this will be a short review as I will do a longer review in May when I'm back here. 
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and home to the famous Edinburgh castle

Architecturally, I think it's probably the prettiest city in Europe - and I have been to most European countries! 
The gothic architecture gives the city a magical feel. 

Shopping is pretty standard thanks to globalisation but you can pick up some lovely Scottish soveniers along the Royal Mile next to the castle. 

People are soooo friendly compared to London. I went for a morning walk and had people saying "good morning" to me on the street! Never happens in London!
Walking around the city is such a pleasant experience!
More to come on Edinburgh in May!



Wednesday 23 March 2016

The Roxburghe Hotel, Edinburgh

The Roxburghe Hotel, Edinburgh
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

The hotel is pleasant with good service but I found the decor and facilities very dated. 
No power plugs next to the bed - that's just insane in this day and age

Food from room service was presented well but tasted very average

The spa is just a small fitness club - not a relaxing place at all
Shower had no pressure and water was warm not hot 
Finally, room temperature control didn't work very well.
Overall average hotel - would stay if the rooms were updated and good improved! 


Tuesday 22 March 2016

Chicken with asparagus and green beans

The Chicken with asparagus and green beans

Ingredients
2-3 cloves minced garlic
2 tsp curry powder
Juice of 1 lemon
Olive oil 
Salt and pepper
Lemon for garnishing
Asparagus
Green beans 
Baby tomatoes 
Chopped parsley 
Worcestershire sauce
Soy sauce

Method;
1. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, curry powder, parsley, salt and pepper
2. Rub chicken pieces with marinade
3. Lay out chicken in centre of baking dish and cover with lemon slices
4. Place asparagus and green beans in either side of chicken
5. Drizzle everything with olive oil, 1 tsp worcetershire sauce and 1 tsp soy sauce 
6. Bake for 25 min at 190 C
7. Serve with rice



Monday 21 March 2016

No Butter Sponge Cake with Jam

No Butter Sponge Cake with Jam


Ingredients
4 eggs (small)                
150 grams caster (superfine sugar)
150 grams self-raising flour
Raspberry jam
 
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 160*C (fan)/350*F. Grease the tin. Cut a piece of baking paper and push the paper into the tin, smoothing out at the corners.
2. Place the eggs and the caster sugar in a large bowl. Whisk the eggs and sugar until they start to go pale and thicken. When the mixture is ready lift out the whisk, the mixture should trail away in a ribbon.
3. When the egg and sugar mixture is thick enough, sift over the flour.
4. Fold the flour in to mix
5. Bake for 15 min
 
 

Hard Rock Café, London

Hard Rock Café, London
Rating: 4 out of 5


Went there for lunch using Groupon voucher which I highly recommend as you don't need to queue and can get your table booked. It was a lovely meal and the service was great. It was my baby's  first time at Hard Rock Café and she loved it! The food was fantastic with really large portions that we struggled with!