Hawkers Bar and Brasserie: finer dining in Kingston – restaurant review
I live only a short bus ride, or an even shorter train ride, from Kingston. I am there very often for retail therapy at the...
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, London – Kingston Upon Thames – review
There is a new stylish hotel in Kingston and it’s a Hilton. But why Kingston Upon Thames? Well, it’s a good location for a decent...
Between Heaven and Earth: Atelier NL – art review
It seemed unlikely. A pottery in a church in Eindhoven. But here it was and it is indeed a divine space in which to sympathetically...
Mezcal Amores – drinks review
Mezcal? Isn’t that a brand of tequila? No – they are slightly different beverages but with great similarities in both taste and production methods. Tequila...
Apple Beet Charoset
From Whole Foods Market Serves 8 A bit of grated beet adds a unique, colorful touch to this classic Passover condiment, a fruit and...
Montcalm Hotel, Finsbury Square – hotel review
London attracts tourists and it has done for generations. The city is still an international financial hub; London has a vibrant creative arts scene and...
Penrhiw Hotel St Davids, Pembrokeshire – hotel review
St Davids will tick so many boxes for those looking for a quiet retreat for a few days. A corner of the UK with natural...
All-butter shortcrust pastry
From Sainsbury’s Basic all-butter shortcrust pastry recipe for pies and quiches. Serves: 4 Preparation time: 10 Minutes Cooking time: 20 Minutes Cooling Time: 30 Minutes...
Blas at Twr y Felin Hotel, Pembrokeshire – restaurant review
This striking and high-end hotel seems contemporary but it has a long history which is camouflaged by its light, modern and immaculate presentation. But part...
Alfresco Dip
From Whole Foods Market Serves 8 (yields about 3 cups) Something between pico de gallo and Insalata Caprese, this fresh, flavorful dip might...
Vietnam Eye – Contemporary Vietnamese Art – book review
This is the most comprehensive tome on contemporary art in Vietnam today. It is a page-turner for any art lover but it also appeals to...
Roch Castle, Pembrokeshire – hotel review
Roch Castle (in Welsh: Castell y Garn) is a 12th-century castle, located at the village of Roch near Haverfordwest, in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Yes, we have...
White Turkey Chili
From Whole Foods Market Serves 6 to 8 We love this non-traditional chili made with tomatillos, green chiles and white beans. The optional toppings...
Eneko at One Aldwych for dinner – restaurant review
One Aldwych is a smart and celebrated hotel and, as its name suggests, occupies the front near-side corner of that sweeping crescent called Aldwych. Eneko...
Turkey Pumpkin Chili
From Whole Foods Market Serves 6 Besides adding a sweet nutty flavor to dishes, pumpkin is a ready source of vitamin A, which boosts...
Trolley in the Lobby Bar at One Aldwych – bar review
The name ‘lobby bar’ might give the impression that this is something of an after-thought. Perhaps a venue through which to pass. A prequel to...
Thai-Style Red Curry with Turkey and Green Beans
From Whole Foods Market Serves 6 Use leftover turkey (and perhaps green beans) from Thanksgiving to make this bright, spicy curry. Or substitute...
The Garden House – a stay with friends – hotel review
The Beaverbrook Estate is vast. The main house (to be completed as a hotel of distinction later in 2017) is baronial. But there is another...
Mainz – arrive by River – travel review
This is a beautiful and cultured city and accessible from the river. One walks a few yards from the Rhine and the history of Mainz...
Risotto! Risotto! by Valentina Harris – review
Many a cookbook reviewer will start their article with statements of impartiality, even-handedness and cool, professional aloofness. Not me. On this occasion, at least. I...