Laters

Categories: Accommodations · Art · Food · TravelTags: · · ·

Goodbye to London for now, till the next one. The Courtauld Gallery is home to a great art collections, located in the historical setting of Somerset House. Now for the food and accommodations. First stop was The Parlour at Fortnum & Mason. First dinner with friends was at Straker’s in Notting Hill. I was walking by Borough Market and came across a long line outside Bao’s take out window (there was no line to eat in!). I recall eating at its Soho location during my last visit. The Bugis Singapore Restaurant in Kensington served good Singaporean classics. LaBombe by Trivet…

Oi, London

Categories: Architecture · Art · England · LondonTags: · · ·

In London for a few days, to meet up with good friends. Took the opportunity to visit some sights and galleries, since it’s been seven years since my last time here. Since 2000, Serpentine has commissioned internationally renowned and emerging architects to create their first completed structure in England. The 2026 Serpentine Pavilion is by Lanza Atelier of Mexico City. I had brunch at Friends of Ours at The Magazine, Serpentine Gallery North moreso to admire the Zaha Hadid designed structure. There is an ongoing Frida Kahlo exhibit at Tate Modern: “Frida, the Making of an Icon” that showcase over…

Cheerio

Categories: Accommodations · England · Europe · Food · London · TravelTags: · ·

Or goodbye, as they say. Another whirlwind of a break, in London this time, for a long weekend. Back to the trusty Michelin Guide for restaurants to try out. A Michelin Bib Gourmand rated casual spot is Polpetto, serving Italian fare. A neighbourhood restaurant serving British dishes is Hereford Road. Located in a converted butcher’s shop, this restaurant serves first rate tasty dishes. I would have not gone for Taiwanese food while in London, but obtaining a Bib Gourmand rating made me want to try out Bao. And I am glad I did! A friend who lives in London recommended…

Artsy London

Categories: Art · England · Europe · London · Photography · TravelTags: · · · · 2 Comments

I made it back to Jolly Old London before Brexit takes place (or not). It has been close to three years since I was last here. One of the main attractions for this trip is to visit the Dale Chihuly exhibit at Kew Gardens, featuring his luminous glass pieces in a spectacular landscape. The other main reason for this long weekend visit is Photo London. Now on its fifth year, this international photography fair features 114 world leading galleries showcasing the work of over 400 artists, both established and emerging.

Blimey!

Categories: Accommodations · England · Food · London · TravelTags: · · ·

British slang for My Goodness!             It goes without saying that London is one of the culinary capitals of the world and I enjoyed my meals tremendously (well, most of them). For a wonderful breakfast/brunch, I would highly recommend Paul Rhodes Bakery. With three Michelin stars under his belt, Paul Rhodes founded a bakery in 2003. One of these shops is located in Notting Hill.   Serving all day food is Caravan King’s Cross, located by Granary Square in King’s Cross. Set in a historical industrial building, they serve what they call “well traveled food”. Caravan is a busy…

London

Categories: England · London · TravelTags: · · · · ·

Jaunt: a short excursion I must be suffering from withdrawal. Although it has been less than three weeks since I returned from Brussels and Paris – I was needing another trip – albeit a very brief one. So I am on my third visit to London for an extra long weekend. It has been close to four years since I was last here. No real pressure on what I need to see or do in this trend-setting city.  London, after all, is inexhaustible – one cannot get enough of it. First stop is the V&A Museum to catch the brilliant Boticelli Reimagined exhibit….