Number 8 Announced

As with the past two years this eve sees us leaving our holiday destination in the hands of Lady Luck, or more accurately the team of 800 industry experts at San Pelligrino. There are always movers and shakers, Heston's own Fat Duck is down 8 to 13 but Dinner is new in at 9. My beloved Le Chateaubriand has also shimmied down to 15th place, and the restaurant that started this all off Per Se is up to 6th. And to howling woops Noma scores a hat trick at the top spot!

However, the result I was at the edge of my seat for was the number 8 place, which this year (again) is Arzak in San Sebastian. Delights in store look intriguing... Can't wait to sample all from the daughter (who also won best female chef this year) and father duo.

from www.dn-asia.com

FRIDAY

Beanie - Topshop
Sheer dress - H&M
Boots - Acne
Houndstooth / Camou Coat - Kilburn Car boot sale
Jewels - misc

Homemade Baked Beans and Spicy Corn Salad
They are easy, keep well and are delicious. Just spare 4 hours and they are yours, its a combination of diced onion, pre soaked white beans, cubed smoke pork belly (or pancetta,) double sweetness from molasses and brown sugar, some tomato puree, bay, cinnamon stick, cloves and a good dash of Worcestershire sauce and water. This preparing takes about 15 minutes, all the effort is waiting for them to bubble away. I ate these with a hunk of crusty sour dough and a spicy salad of crushed potatoes, corn off the cob, spinach and a lemony chilli dressing.

THURSDAY

Reversible bomber - Topshop
Neon pink top - Gina Tricot
Jersey tapered trousers - H&M
Multi strap and ring heels - Louboutin

Sweet Chilli Prawn Rice Wraps
I feel I have written about something on a similar vein before, but it is a fail safe staple: chopped crunchy veg (carrots, cucumber, peppers or radishes,) a protein, rice noodles (angel hair or vermicelli easily cooked in hot water for 5 minutes,) refreshing herbs like coriander or mint leaves, sweet chilli sauce all encased in rice paper wraps. I urge you to visit your local Chinese supermarket and try it too!

WEDNESDAY

White silk top - via Mum from Apostrophe (too posh for me to have purchased!)
Chinese bed jacket - charity shop
Batik print trousers - from hols in Antigua
Black tipped wedges - thrifted
Necklace - Isabel Marant
Belt - Topshop

Halloumi Veg Medley Salad
No particular rhyme or reason to this lunch apart from  thought the flavours went well and they were all in my fridge to use up. So grilled halloumi, lightly pickled fennel, carrots and spring onion, some wild rice, spinach leaves and toasted cashew nuts - a lot going on but worked, salty cheese, pang from pickled veg and nuttiness from the cashews.

TUESDAY

Fluro Long Sleeve - Topshop
Grey Tank - Alex Wang
Turq jeans - Topshop
Pistol Boots - Acne
Bracelets - misc gifts and trips

Fragrant Coconut Chicken Curry with Spicy Lentils
Back to the faithful freezer stores of a chicken curry with cardamom and clove undertones, mellowed with coconut sauce and to another trusty tupperware for the fiery tomato based lentils. Served with wild rice, natural yoghurt and toasted coconut flakes.

MONDAY

Linen army shirt - Topshop
Oversized grey marl tee - vintage
Leather pinstud skirt - car bootie
Marl socks - Uniqlo
Burgundy boots - Kurt Geiger
Beloved Medor stud watch - Hermès



Saucisson and Fennel Salad
When we were in Paris we came away with a case full of saucisson, cheese, cider and chocolate, have been dipping in our stores sporadically, like now! Chopped saucisson, deliciously savoury and well seasoned, lightly pickled fennel and carrot ribbons, St. John rye bread croutons, mixed salad leaves and lemon vinaigrette.



Monochrome

There's nothing quite like a classic black and white combo, instant impact, bold and infinite possibilities. Striking as is but against colour equally as good. Enjoy my very random selection...