Food

Visiting Seattle’s Pike Place Market

November 16, 2013 by admin Leave a Comment

While exploring in Seattle I decided on going solo for the afternoon. It was time to see Pike Place Market as it was only a few blocks from the hotel. From the pictures I had seen I was expecting a really lively market with a lot of fresh fish stalls, what I did get was close but not what I had pictured in my mind.

It’s still a busy and bustling place with more tourists than I would say locals, with some of the biggest fish I have ever come face to face with. A few steps further you are hit with beautiful and fragrant scents of freshly picked flowers with ladies busily arranging bouquets in assortments too pretty to walk away from.

Right behind the market there are stairs that lead to piers 57 to 59, where you will find pretty little benches for people-watching, foot paths beautifully lined with lamps and curved railings leading to Seattle’s Aquarium. Here you will also find the Seattle Ferris wheel.

You cannot miss it. Its no London Eye but nevertheless statuesque in its stance by the waterfront edge of Pier 57. Offering spectacular views of Seattle’s Skyline, ships in drydock and the Olympic Mountains. For a closer look there are coin-operated telescopes on the side walks allowing you to zoom in on all that Seattle has to offer.

These are so cool! People’s names and DOB on the floor all over the market place.

Kleicha: A Gift From Iraq

June 20, 2013 by admin 1 Comment

Its always nice to receive gifts, especially when feeling little under the weather…

One of my friends has just come back for a visit to the UK, all the way from Iraq. With her, a tasty parcel of the sweet stuff. I have a box with Iraq’s Kleicha; mini pastries with date filling on the inside. I remember my friend making Iraqi pastries when we were at university in Portsmouth. She used to make a lot of these as well as what I call Arabic mini pizzas – these are an Arabic version. She would pack these up for us so we didn’t have to cook during exam session. A life saver when doing all-nighters in the library. I am not sure what they are called in Iraq but the Lebanese version is called Lahm Bl Ajeen. Shown here by Heart n Soul catering.

My Kleicha was freshly baked by my friend’s mum and flew all the way from Baghdad to London! My boyfriend has scoffed down a lot of them(Ok! So I helped too:) They are delicious! Below are some pictures of whats left…

These are great with tea. I found a great post by on how to make these at home. Check it out here

I have such a crazy sweet tooth! Have you tried these before? Or Baklava?

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Bee

Ladies Who Lunch: Afternoon Tea at Kettners

July 17, 2012 by admin Leave a Comment

The rituals of afternoon tea date back to the 1800s when Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford scheduled times for tea and snack to keep the hanger pangs at bay. In 2012 the ritual is still as alive as ever, and in one truly elegant surrounding that is Kettners. Tucked away in Romily Street in the heart of theatre land.

Afternoon Tea is one of the most fashionable ways to catch up with friends. On Saturday we set about to do just that, catching up over endless cups of fragrant teas with heavenly scones and sandwiches that would stop any dieter in her tracks. One would normally associate afternoon tea as a ladies thing but Kettners offers an atmosphere of genteel refinement and caters to all. I could have sworn I saw a few raised pinkies over fine china by a few male guests sitting across our table.

It was a cherished experience partially due to the service of attentive stuff, delightfully friendly surroundings. Its no surprise Kettners, opened in 1867 is still standing. ”Originally a series of four Georgian town houses. Popular with deliciously colourful characters of the time including Oscar Wilde, Edward VII, Lillie Langtry, Agatha Christie and Bing Crosby…” Its renowned for hosting incredible parties. Flawless and fuss free with 8 private rooms, a cocktail and champagne bar so whether you are having a business meeting, special family occassion, or a romantic date or meeting friends over tea like I did, Kettners offers a memorable experience. This of course made the thought of leaving this dreamy place all the more difficult…awakened by the thought of a little window shopping before heading over to Hoxton for the Shoreditch Festival…

Kettners, 29 Romilly Street, London W1D 5HP. Tel: 020 7734 6112.

www.kettners.com

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