Review: The Real Greek, Soho

Last weekend I was kindly invited down to the new Soho branch of The Real Greek restaurant. Dragging my mum along for a girly day out in London, we arrived at the place not really sure what to expect of the menu. We'd only ever been to a cheesy local Taverna where more emphasis is placed on the entertainment than the average food.

After a quick explanation of how the menu worked, we got down to business and picked out favourite things. Boy did we have a feast to get through! To start we opted for Greek flatbread with a creamy, delicately spice hummus and a chunky, chilli greek cheese Htipiti. This was absolutely delicious, I loved the big chunks of feta paired with a mild chilli kick - I could happily have eaten this all afternoon. We also ordered a portion of spinach, leek and feta filo parcels as a side too. These had the perfect crunch and left no greasy after taste.

For our grilled meze course, we went all out! The tender lamb cutlets were a surprise favourite. They were my mum's suggestion and I wasn't too fussed but they soon won me round at the first bite - the supple meat just fell off the bone. We couldn't not order the grilled halloumi could we? The grilled aubergine in a garlic tomato sauce was fit for a King!

Our waitress told us we'd be missing out if we didn't add some seafood into the mix. So obviously we try a few of their delicacies! We were recommended to try the juicy king prawns - which was a superb suggestion! Covered in a tart tomato sauce and rich feta cheese, we were fighting over the last one! The chargrilled grilled octopus was another surprise favourite. It has such a rich, delicious, garlic flavour and was incredibly moreish. Even though we were stuffed, we couldn't stop picking.

 

For dessert I opted for the caramel and pecan cheesecake despite the fact I was fit to burst! The creamy cheesecake, topped with crunchy toasted pecan nuts and sticky caramel on a biscuit and pecan base. I'm still dreaming about it now! Although I did have major dessert envy when my mum ordered the Greek yogurt sundae!

Thanks so much for making our Saturday so enjoyable The Real Greek!

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Why your 20s are an adventure

I'm fast accelerating towards my late twenties and I feel like I'm desperately holding onto my twenties. But I have to admit, your twenties are bloody hard.

You finish university after slogging your guts out for three years before being thrown in head first into a career. But first you spend a year interning, often working seven days a week so you can afford to have a social life. When you finally get that elusive entry-level job, you start at the very bottom and spend the next few years frantically trying to work your way up. You go from buying everything Topshop on payday to scrimping and saving to buy your first house. Like I said, your twenties are bloody hard.

But you know what? Your twenties are also full of adventure. You'll never be this young or as carefree again with relatively no ties. So what if you're not shooting up the career ladder as fast as your friends or that you're still living at home. Your twenties should be about living in the moment. Taking grasp of every opportunity that is thrown your way. Going on your dream holidays and seeing all the places you've only ever seen pictures of. Taking the risks you want in your career. If you want to finally get to Australia instead of buying a house, make sure you apply for that visa. Save the house deposit for another day. Don't worry about what other people are doing, just make sure you spend your twenties with minimum regrets.

Don't be made to feel like you haven't got your shizzle together just because you're not following protocol. Jump abroad the wagon and hold on tight! Save being sensible for when you hit 30.

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OOTD: Grey Biker Jacket

Outfit:
Grey pleather biker jacket: Matalan (similar)
Black jersey midi dress: ASOS (similar)
Grey leather ankle boots: Office (similar)

I spotted this jacket in Matalan during a time -wasting exercise before I had to be somewhere. Bad idea. You will always spot something you need especially if it's a few days after payday. But how can I have regrets about such a beauty eh? The following day I read in a magazine that coloured biker jackets were the next big thing for summer. Such a trendy Wendy! I wanted a lighter jacket for the warmer months as black looks too harsh against pretty summer dresses. The best bit was it was only 25 quid. Bargain!

I'm doing the Race for Life on 30th May - best start trying to run for more than five minutes! I'm not a natural runner if I'm honest. I'd be so grateful if anyone could spare a pound or two for such a great cause. Thank you in advance!

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Review: Honest Burgers

Honest Burgers are my favourite burger joint in town. I've lost number of the amount of times I've scoffed my face in one of their restaurants. When I saw a picture of their newest special on Twitter in conjunction with the Spanish shop Brindisa, I knew I had to make a return trip. If you're planning a visit, hurry up as it's only on sale until 11th May.

The special consisted of a large juicy dry-aged beef patty, pickled garlic, creamy smoked San Simón cheese, a couple of mild Guindilla chillies and Iberico Chorizo Sobrasada made from from Iberico bellota (acorn-fed) ham inside a sturdy brioche bun. All served alongside the incredibly moreish rosemary chips. A superb selection of crispy and soft chips. The bun held together perfectly until the final hurdle and the lashings of cheese provided the perfect contrast to the burger.

It was obviously washed down with a glass of their sweet homemade lemonade. A must if you ever visit!

Have you tried Honest Burger yet?

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Rockford Photo Diary

The final part of my Illinois road trip was Rockford. Rockford is the third largest city in the state. It was a lot more spread out than the previous places we visited, everything was just so big! We were only there for two days but we packed a lot in!

One of my favourite activities we got to do was a visit to the Burpee Museum of Natural History. Here we were given an amazing tour of the dinosaur section of the museum. I'm a sucker for a dinosaur - they're just so magnificent aren't they? The museum is home to the most complete juvenile t-rex - named Jane- in the world.

We were taken back in time to the roaring twenties to the ornate Coronado Theatre. Built in 1927, this glamorous looking atmospheric theatre is a feast for your eyes. With elaborate chandeliers, gaudy gold decoration and exquisite detailing, it truly is like taking a step back in time. If only I could go to a similar movie theatre here at home!

I also had some of the best food of my trip in Rockford. The city is well known for it's Swedish heritage so obviously we had to sample the Swedish pancakes at Stockholm Inn. These thin crepe-style pancakes were absolutely delicious with sweet lingonberries piled high. I'm also still dreaming about the incredible macaroni cheese pizza I scoffed at Alchemy. It's something I'm going to try and recreate back home - you can never go wrong with double carbs right?

Next up will be Luxembourg in June for a weekend - I can't wait to jump back on a plane and explore somewhere new!

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OOTD: Orange Midi Dress

Outfit:
Denim jacket: c/o Fat Face
Burnt orange midi dress: Zara (similar)
Grey leather ankle boots: Office (similar)

Once again I found this dress lingering at the back of my wardrobe during a frustrated rummage where nothing caught my eye. I needed a fairly smart casual outfit to wear out for an early dinner and a trip down the pub. This was the end result. I thought I'd go for a slightly boho look aka desperately try to look like Sienna Miller. It's not my usual style but one that I rather liked when I put it together. I always thought this dress would be hard to dress down but a pair of coloured ankle boots did the trick.

Bank Holiday weekends are the greatest eh? Last night I celebrated three days off with a trip to a 90s garage night. Craig David and So Solid Crew were just the tonic to wash away the working week. Tonight I'm out for as Thai with friends, tomorrow I'm popping into London for a Spanish food festival and a burger and then on Monday, Tom Hardy is waiting for at the cinema. Can we have three day weekends every week please?

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Review: Patty and Bun

Another day, another burger. London shows no signs of giving up the burger trend any time soon. Determined to carb load before watching the London Marathon, we opted to visit one of the originals Patty and Bun. This is my third time to the burger joint and each time is just as good as the last. The Liverpool Street branch is small but cosy and service is uber quick. You don't have to wait long to stuff your face! It's situated just outside the station next to Macdonalds - this is a much better shout if you're in need of a foodie fix. Simply walk up to the counter, give your name and take a seat.

We both opted for the delicious Smokey Robinson. A toasted brioche bun is stuffed with a juicy medium-rare beef patty, gooey cheese, tomato, lettuce, oodles of sweet caramelised onions, crispy bacon, ketchup and a tasty special smoked sauce. It's a beast that requires two hands to bite into. It's also a beast that requires lots of napkins to wipe up the mess it makes! The bun held all the glorious juices and the bacon was the perfect accompaniment to the smokey sauce. The rosemary skin-on chips were extremely moreish and were a good mixture of crispy and soft chips.

It makes my top three burgers in London - no mean feat!

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Fat Face - the wardrobe edit

Fat Face recently got in touch with me and asked me if I wanted to collaborate. They wanted me to style up a couple of pieces going from day to night. I opted for this pretty floral cotton midi skirt and the classic denim jacket. Both brilliant staples for the summer months!

I wanted to keep them both fairly summery so I chose to pick out the white in the skirt to use as a base. The Converse help to bring everything down a notch to make it a bit more suitable for everyday.  A loose cropped tee again gives it a dressed down feel.

I always think a crop top and a pair of heels immediately take a casual outfit to something a bit more dressy. Heels make everything look more immaculate in my opinion! I rolled the sleeves of the jacket up to help make a distinction between day and night. A slick of pink lippie gives it a finishing touch.

Day:

Night:

Which is your favourite look?

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A London bucket list

Living 20 minutes from London means I'm in the big city fairly often. It's fair to say I find it hard to stay away. But I tend to go to the same places and certain boroughs. I like what I know and definitely have my favourite parts that never get old. But London is a big place and I've got a few things on my list that I've never done. Things that I need to do. Here's a list of the things I'd like to tick off my list in the Big Smoke.

1. Climb the o2
I personally think the o2 is amazing - what they've done to it since it was the Millennium Dome is brilliant. It's by far my favourite arena to see something, Wembley Area just seems to dated in comparison. My sister in law climbed to the top not so long ago and it looked incredible. On a clear day, it's said you can see for up to 15 miles. It would equally be amazing to go at sunset and see the city start to light up. We all know I'm a sucker for a good view!

2. Visit an open air cinema
Every year for the past five years I've vowed to visit an open air cinema in the summer. I've yet to make the trip. I've got visions of Grease in my mind and all I need is my very own Danny Zuko.  Ideally I'd like to venture to the courtyard of the beautiful Somerset House. Here's hoping this is the summer I finally catch a film under the stars.

3. Ice skate at The Tower of London
The Tower of London is my favourite building in the whole city. The history draws me in and I adore the myths and legends that go hand in hand. I've always harboured a secret desire to be a Beefeater. It looks stunning during the night all lit up amongst the more modern buildings. In the winter they transform the moat into a giant ice ring. I always wander wistfully past wishing I'd booked myself a ticket. This Christmas I'm hoping to finally get down on that moat.

4. Go to Columbia Road Flower Market
I'm an East London girl. It's my favourite part of town and the bit that closest to my home. But despite exploring most of what it has to offer, I'm still yet to wander around the flower market. Travesty I know! I always look on with such envy when I scroll through my instagram on a Sunday morning. I'm also dying to sample one of Lily Vanilli's cakes!

5. Go to the Ballet
I'm even sure if I'm going to like the ballet but I'd like to give it a shot. I've walked past the Royal Opera House hundreds of times and always fantasised about putting on a fancy dress and high heels for a show. I've got the Nutcracker in my sights.

6. Whisper in St. Pauls Cathedral
Admittedly the price of St Pauls has put me off in the past. But I'd like to visit the whispering gallery in the dome. It's said you can hear whispers from one side to another. Although I'd heard that so many people are whispering that it's too loud!

7. Take a Jack The Ripper tour
I'm a secretly morbid person. I love watching documentaries about serial killers and I get far to excited when I hear Louis Theroux has a new show. I'm fascinated by Jack The Ripper and would love to go on a spooky tour of all his haunts.

8. Hire a Boris bike
Although cycling around London scares the bejezzles out of me, I love the romantic notion of cycling around on a bike with a picnic in my backpack. Although if I'm honest I'll probably stick to the parks where there isn't buses!

What's on your London bucket list?

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