Saturday 27 April 2013

Bubbledogs

There's a simple concept to this small, relaxed restaurant in Frizovia, Dogs & champagne.
They describe themselves as a 'champagne bar with a difference' - that is certainly true!
We tried to go last Saturday evening, we were told the wait would be 1 hour 45 we gave up on that particular evening- but it meant it must be good!

We went for lunch and managed to squeeze onto a table.


There's a huge selection of champagne.. I thought it best to order what the waiter recommended!


My bubbles..


Tam went for the Cherry Soda, which was a bit like Dr Pepper.



Bubbledogs seems to be quite an organized place, and our food promptly arrived! 

Tam tucked into her dawgg


Let me introduce you to the Buffalo Dog.

Onions..

Cheese...why didn't I order this beauty?!




I had the Horny dog.. a deep fried pork sausage. ooooo


 hmmmm


Our side order, Tots! ...what are they I hear you ask?

They're mini potato fritters, covered in breadcrumbs. But all you really need to know is they're gorgeous.

Another side we could have ordered were sweet potato chips. The couple beside us had some, I couldn't help eying them up...unfortunately I feel to take a picture of their chips would have been slightly socially unacceptable! damn it


We were given a mini sort of 'guest book' with our bill. Inside we found a few cheeky comments!



Our wonderful artwork..


Another cute comment we came across..


Bubbledogs is EXTREMELY popular at the moment. If you are in groups over 6 you are actually able to book. Otherwise go along one day you think it wont be too busy. We went on a Saturday lunchtime and had to wait 10 minutes which was a great improvement on the 1 hour 45 from last week which we gave up on!  


Check them out here!

Thursday 18 April 2013

The Big Easy Chelsea.

This is our favourite spot on the Kings road. Its relaxed, non pretentious with good food and awesome frozen cocktails!
We went for the Wednesday night special, the fajitas. They come with steak, chicken and shrimp all thrown in with a frozen martini. Yes please.

I apologize for the fuzzy photos, the low light doesn't make them the best.





They gave us some crab bibs, and apart from making us look particularly swarve they really did come in handy, particularly for any messy eaters like me.


Henri had a little trouble tying hers on..



A beautiful platter of meat.. AND it's unlimited!



Looking for good food, cocktails, beer and desserts The Big Easy really is somewhere you should pay a visit!



One of our favourite places in London to eat. On weekends live music is played downstairs and there is constantly a buzzing atmosphere whatever day of the week it may be. Take note any veggies out there... maybe not you're first choice! Ribs, steak and lobster is what the menu revolves around!

Here's a lobster dish we've had in the past..oooommm


Next time I'm going to hit the Monday beer night..
Find them HERE!

After satisfying ourselves with plenty of steak, chicken and shrimp we hopped across the road to meet some friends for a boogie at Raffles. 




Shorting about!

For the last few days the sun has actually shown its bright face to us Londoners, suddenly all the beer drinkers are out after work, you feel slightly too warm on your back in your winter leather jacket and you have spotted someone on the tube in yes, flip flops!
My reaction to this epiphany was to buy some summer shorts.


Spotting them in Topshop I thought they were very appropriate!





Worn with my classic black Mulberry and my Michael Kors watch.





I'm afraid my shoes were a New Look bargain from last year and are no longer on sale!
But find these adorable summer shorts here.

Ella was dressed slightly more sensibly in trousers and a chiffon shirt and her gorgeous new Zara heeled sandals!





Ella is excellent at tracking down a bargain, particularly in Primark! Her necklace is one of them..




Find Ella's shoes here!

I have to say I did wear the shorts last night but wasn't as adventurous and teamed them with black tights and boots instead.

Monday 15 April 2013

Red Velvet Cupcakes

These beauties are a what us Londoners consider a firm 'London thing' just like, sushi, macaroons and strong G&Ts.
Red Velvet cupcakes are my flatmate Tamsin's absolute favourite, in fact I cannot visit Selfridges with her without ending up in the food hall with a Red Velvet and a cup of tea!

I thought it was about time I tackled them myself.


Makes: 12
Preparation time: 20 mins
Cooking time: 20 mins

INGREDIENTS:

60g unsalted butter at room temperature
150g caster sugar
1 egg
20 g cocoa powder
40ml red food colouring
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
120ml buttermilk
150g plain flour
1/2 tsp white vinegar
 For icing :
300g icing sugar
50 g unsalted butter
125g cream cheese, cold.

You will also need a handheld electric whisk,
AND! a 12 hole cupcake tray with cases (preferably pretty ones!)


Here we go-

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C/325°F/gas mark 3.

2. Put the butter and the sugar in a bowl and using the handheld whisk beat on medium speed until light and fluffy and well mixed. Turn the mixer up to high speed, slowly add the egg and beat until everything is well incorporated.

3. In a separate bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, red food colouring and vanilla extract to make a very thick, dark paste.


4.Add to the butter mixture and mix thoroughly until evenly combined and coloured. Turn the mixer down to slow speed and slowly pour in half the buttermilk!

4. Beat until well mixed, then add half the flour and beat until everything is well incorporated. Repeat this process until all the buttermilk and flour have been added. Turn the mixer up to high speed and beat until you have a smooth, even mixture. Turn the mixer down to low speed and add the bicarbonate of soda and vinegar. Beat until well mixed. 


Your mix should look like a red, gooey delicious mess..



5. Spoon the mix into the cases and place in the oven for 20 minutes.


6.To make the icing, beat the icing sugar and the remaining 20g of the unsalted butter together on medium-slow speed until the mixture comes together and is well mixed. Add the cream cheese in one go and beat it until it is completely incorporated. Turn the mixer up to medium-high speed. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy!


7. After 20 minutes test with a skewer to see if they are cooked throughout, leave to cool and spoon the cream cheese icing goodness on top, and sprinkle with some of the sponge crumbs to finish!


These cupcakes are loud and proud. The flamboyant ones out of the cupcake gang!





Inside should be soft and moist with a pow of velvety colour! The cream cheese topping works beautifully. TRUST ME!


Before they were all gobbled up I smuggled away half the batch to take along to a pizza night with friends. 
A perfect way to top off any evening with these jewels!