Cooking Experience Days Out

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For those who like to cook (or just eat)

Books for Cooks (London) — I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume and variety of cookbooks on display at this Notting Hill bookstore. Tucked in the back of the store is an on-site test kitchen where recipes are put to the test daily Tuesday - Saturday. The day we visited the featured menu was vegetarian. We were treated to celeriac mustard soup, lentil with beans and sweet potato and a choice of white chocolate raspberry, lemon cake or apple and cranberry crumble. The three-course meal featuring recipes from Books for Cooks own cookbook and the Happy Pear came to £7. The tables were full by noon - arrive by 11:45 am to guarantee a seat and food is served until it is gone.
www.booksforcooks.com ✆ +44 2072 211992
4 Blenheim Crescent, Notting Hill, London, W11 1NN

Ginger Pumpkin Chocolate Fish (Walton on Thames) — For seasonal cooking demonstration done in style, visit Burvale House, a beautiful Regency home in Surrey. The proprietor and chef, Shelagh Klein, has brought her theatrical background into the kitchen. Our private class included instruction for six dishes followed by a sit down lunch complete with wine and dessert. The sticky toffee pudding made in a bundt cake pan was a standout and I learned how easy it is to make fancy parmesan crisps and smoked trout pate. Book early since dates are limited. Sit back and enjoy the show of food being made with such fun!
www.burvale.com ✆ +44 1932 25455
165 Burwood Rd, Walton on Thames, England KT12 4AT

Jamie Oliver Cookery School (London) — While I am not much of a cook (regrettably), I find myself drawn to classes where I am surprisingly cooking, though with welcome help. At our Vietnamese street food class, someone has bought the ingredients, laid them out pre-measured, along with the required kitchen utensils. I was also partnered with someone who would check my work and the staff did the cleanup. Under these ideal circumstances, their motto that ‘anyone can learn to cook and make great food’ while still somewhat far-fetched in my case, encourages me to keep trying.
www.jamieolivercookeryschool.com ✆ +44 2086 685261
57 High Street, Reigate, RH2 9AE

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Valentine's Day

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Three ways to get your chocolate fix

Choccywoccydooah (Multiple) — If you are a chocoholic like me, this is the place to get your fix. The store is literally filled from floor to ceiling with chocolate. For a special treat, book the secret room above their flagship shop in London. I am not exaggerating when I say that they will serve you more candy and chocolate than you can possibly eat in one sitting.
www.choccywoccydoodah.com


Monty Bo Jangles Truffle Bar (Reigate) — There are simply no words to describe these award-winning French cocoa dusted truffles. A limited selection is available from local grocery stores, speciality shops and on-line. The full array can be found at their first and only retail shop and truffle bar in Reigate. In addition to truffle sampler selection (choice of six), they serve up decadent made-to-order truffle hot chocolate, crumpets drizzled with truffles and thin crepe-like pancakes made with melted truffles and topped with whip cream - well worth a trip!
www.montybojangles.com ✆ +44 2086 685261
57 High Street, Reigate, RH2 9AE

W + H — 'Well + Happy is is all about health, happiness and chocolate. They all go hand in hand, and in our opinion should never be separated' - a motto I can get totally behind! They are best known for their raw chocolate bars that are made without refined sugar and are dairy- and gluten-free.  These guilt-free treats can be found on-line, in Selfridges food hall, healthy cafes as well as in fitness studios and spas.
www.wellandhappy.co.uk

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February Fashion Fun

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Three London fashion anniversary events

Diana : Her Fashion Story (Kensington Palace) — Opening February 24th, the exhibition covers the most iconic outfits worn by Diana, the Princess of Wales, from her first public appearances in the 80s to those worn in the 90s. Highlights include the blouse worn for her engagement portrait to the velvet evening gown worn while dancing with John Travolta at the White House. A temporary 'White Garden', including daisies, narcissi, tulips, and white roses will be installed spring and summer 2017 to complement the exhibition and commemorate the 20th anniversary of her passing.
www.hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace ✆ +44 2031 666000
Kensington Palace State Apartments, Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX

London Fashion Weekend Festival (London) — London Fashion Week (LFW) is one of the highest profile fashion events in the world and one of the 'big four' (New York, London, Milan and Paris).  LFW is limited to members of the press, buyers and celebrities.  However, London Fashion Week Festival February 23-26 is open to the public.  Both events have moved to join the 10th edition of London Fashion Week Men's at The Store Studios.  Activities include catwalk shows, pop-up shops and talks.  This year's event even features a limited edition tote bag designed by Dame Vivienne Westwood.
www.londonfashionweekfestival.com
The Store Studios, 180 Strand, WC2R

Prêt-à-Portea (The Berkeley) — Designers and delectables featured in the Autumn/Winter 2016-2017 collection tea include 10 of the best creations from the last 10 years. Burberry’s classic trench coat, Dolce & Gabbana's owl design dress, Manolo Blahnik’s pointy toe stiletto and Moschino’s ‘yellow M’ handbag are just some of the fashions that have been made into biscuits, cakes and other sweets. As part of the the 10th anniversary celebration, a new book Prêt-à-Portea, High-Fashion Bakes & Biscuits has been released. Masterclasses to learn secret recipes and baking techniques behind three of the items from the tea are on offer through the spring with The Berkeley's head pastry chef, Mourad Khiat.
www.the-berkeley.co.uk ✆ +44 2072 356000
Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RL

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Chinese New Year

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Five places to celebrate outside of Chinatown

新年快乐! Xīn Nián Kuài Lè! The year of the rooster begins this Saturday (January 28th) with celebrations going until February 2nd.

Hakkasan (Multiple) — Not your typical Chinese restaurant with its sleek interior and unusual twists on traditional Cantonese dishes (cod with champagne and honey, Peking duck salad with pomelo). Apparently, their recipe for success works. Hakkasan is the only Michelin-rated Chinese restaurant in London and they have grown to 11 locations world-wide. Book one of their London locations to experience where it started.
www.hakkasan.com

Hutong (London) — One of the best ways to enjoy views in The Shard is to book* a table at Hutong located on the 33rd floor. The interior features traditional wooden Chinese chairs and red lanterns looking out floor-to-ceiling windows. We enjoyed a delicious and filling 10-course meal of dim sum and other Northern Chinese dishes.
www.hutong.co.uk ✆ +44 2030 111257
The Shard Level 33, 31 St. Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY

London Hong Kong (Middlesex) — This Chinese restaurant is located near Terminal 4 Heathrow airport. In addition to dim sum, our Chinese New Year’s lunch included lobster noodles, pi pa yai (my parents’ favorite duck dish), perfectly sautéed Chinese vegetables and my all-time favorite, grapefruit and mango tapioca pudding dessert. There was much more and every dish was perfectly prepared.
www.londonhongkong.co.uk ✆ +44 2087 547666
388 Bath Road, West Drayton, Middlesex UB7 0DH

Mandarin Kitchen (London) — Mandarin Kitchen offers delicious Chinese seafood where the main attraction amongst a moderate menu is lobster noodle. It is on the pricey side, but the portion is large and meant to be shared.
www.mandarinkitchen.co.uk ✆ +44 2077 279012
14-16 Queensway, London W2 3RX

Phoenix Palace (London) — We are always on the look out for great dim sum and this place knows what they are doing. They offer traditional menu items, including some with a twist. We had a selection of dumplings (lobster, prawn and pea shoot and wasabi prawn), baby octopus in lime and chili, and scallop-filled chang fen (long noodles).
www.phoenixpalace.co.uk ✆ :+44 2074 863515
5 Glentworth Street, London NW1 5PG

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Surrey Winter Wonderland

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Bursts of color in one of Europe’s largest winter gardens

Despite being skeptical, my curiosity was piqued by the description a friend sent: ‘Don’t be fooled into thinking there’s nothing to see in a garden in winter!’. The Sir Harold Hillier Winter Garden in Hampshire certainly did not disappoint.

Sir Harold was a well-known plant collector devoted to collecting plants, shrubs and trees both in the UK and from around the world. Covering four acres, it is now considered one of the largest Winter Garden in Europe. Down winding paved pathways, the Garden features over 650 different plants that are at their peak from November to March, including:

  • crocus
  • cyclamens
  • daphnes
  • dogwoods
  • snowdrops
  • willows
From tree barks to blossoms to stems – who knew winter could be so colorful?
www3.hants.gov.uk/hilliergardens ✆ +44 1794 369317
Jermyns Lane, Romsey, Hampshire, Surrey SO51 0QA

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Favorite Fireplaces

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Beat the January blues and warm up by a cozy fireplace

Bingham Hotel (Richmond) — This boutique hotel on the River Thames is great for a date night or dinner out with friends. They have a six-course tasting menu that has to be taken by the table. We enjoyed one of the best beef dishes since being on this side of the pond. Afterwards, our party retired to a table with couches by the fireplace to enjoy dessert and drinks. I would also suggest booking a table by a window for market lunch on weekdays, afternoon tea daily or Sunday lunch.
wwww.thebingham.co.uk ✆ +44 2089 400902
61–63 Petersham Road, Richmond-Upon-Thames TW10 6UT

Clos Maggoire (London) — We had been a bit hesitant to give this place a try given its touristy location and high volume of reviews from out-of-town visitors. However, now we wish we had tried it sooner. The reasonably-priced fixe pre-theatre menu served Monday through Thursday 5 pm to 6 pm was delicious and the setting stunning. The fairy-lit cherry blossoms and fireplace combo earn the much deserved 'Most Romantic Restaurant in London' award and recently featured in Architectural Digest as one of the 'Most Romantic Restaurants in the World'.
www.closmaggiore.com ✆ +44 2073 799696
33 King Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8JD

Great Fosters (Egham) — For a truly special tea without going into the city, Great Fosters in Egham is worth the trip. Be sure to walk the grounds either before or after your tea. Although specific tables cannot be booked, if you have a party of 4-5 and arrive at their first seating, you are likely to get the table by the fireplace. Novelties include their tea menu that features summertime Pimm's year-round and take away* boxes that matches specialty 'modern-looking' dishes.
www.greatfosters.co.uk ✆ +44 1784 433822
Stroude Road, Egham, Surrey TW20 9UR

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Give happiness . . .

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'. . . and joy to other people. There is nothing better or greater than that!'
~ Ludwig van Beethoven

If you look closely at this photo featuring a demonstration by one of China's former soccer stars, the expressions range from awe and delight to concern and wonder. The children are from JC Dragon Top Elementary School in Sichuan Province, China. Dragon Top was built by my family in 2003 to honor my grandparents Mr. and Mrs. TC Chao.

The school serves up to 170 rural children annually living with grandparents from farming families with parents working who work in coastal cities. A portion of the proceeds from the London via Surrey book app go to support the school.

During my parents' most recent visit to China, they were fortunate to befriend the retired soccer player. This sparked an impromptu purchase of soccer balls for the children at Dragon Top. My parents were surprised the students had not played with a soccer ball before, let alone, meet a soccer 'star'. Sometimes the best gifts are those unplanned!

Thank you readers and subscribers for spreading happiness and joy!

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