A salad so nice, I made it twice (in one weekend). This salad feels special, but really is the perfect combo of creamy, crunchy, sweet, salty, and fresh. We’ve already added it to our Christmas menu. Ina’s French Bistro Salad For the salad: For the dressing: Note: delicious salad that does NOT hold up in…
Month: September 2024
Ina’s Sour Cream Coffee Cake
In an effort to test recipes ahead of Christmas, I’m on a coffee cake recipe tear. Of course I had to start with the Queen herself, and modified her Sour Cream Coffee Cake recipe to a half size. It was moist and delicious, but was lacking a bit of brightness- next time I’ll add orange…
Van Stapele Copycat Cookies
The first cozy morning of fall, the Gentleman so kindly asked me if I’d heard of “Van Stapele” cookies and if not, could I please make them for us. Famous in Amsterdam with lines down the block for the day’s limited sweets, I had to give it a try as they sounded simple enough. The…
Thai Peanut Chicken Salad
Seeking new inspiration in the ‘shredding for the wedding’ department, I landed on a new Thai chicken salad with addictive peanut dressing recipe that was a huge hit and plans to be part of the regular rotation. Without further ado… Thai Chicken Salad Peanut Dressing: Salad: Topping:
Olea Social- London
Amongst the darling side streets of Covent Garden, like a perrenial favorite, Flower Street, hang a right and you’ll run into Olea Social. After much pub grub and cozy fare, we sought something lighter and landed on Olea Social for an attempt at vegetables. I started with a housemade lemonade and the baba ghanoush with…
Ave Mario- London
While we dined at Ave Mario as a pre-theater spot, it was so bustling you would have thought it was 9pm on a Friday rather than 5:30pm on a Tuesday. The place was popping and you had your table for two hours only, as it was clear they needed it. To start we had the…
Apex Temple Court Hotel- London
For a ladies’ weekend who would be bouncing all over the city, we opted for the super central, Apex Temple Court Hotel. Set in a business district, the weekend was quiet with some restaurants closed, but things picked up during the week. A stone’s throw from Covent Garden, the proximity was perfect for getting around…
The Prince Harry
While a pub called “The Prince Harry” might conjure up visions of something not relating to food, one definitely can’t help but think of the ginger topped prince. It turns out the pub was renamed the year of Prince Harry’s wedding in an attempt to garner more fame and fortune. While it can’t be said…
Ina’s Overnight Mac & Cheese
September arrived and with it so did immediately fall. Demanding a cozy meal after a long hike, I decided to give Ina’s Overnight Mac and Cheese a go. Apparent from these terrible photos, it was wonderful, as we couldn’t wait to tuck in or attempt to plate it neatly. The creamy, nutty sauce is topped…
The Stratford- London
There’s a new five star on the block and she’s actually affordable, welcome into the London rotation, The Stratford. While I wasn’t originally keen on staying just outside of the central city, this hotel certainly fits the bill- designy, bustling lobby, comfortable, clean rooms, and a delicious breakfast cooked to order. The neighborhood is full…
Wicked Fish- Stratford
One sunny, London summer evening found us strolling along the canals near Stratford. The destination in mind was the Hackney Wick for a pint or two. Surprised to find that it was closed for the filming of a rom-com, we tried a few other spots before realizing it was time to find some food. Pubs…