Restaurants & Bars - House Of Coco Magazine

Empire of Japan April 3, 2018

Eat like an Emperor and drink like a Billionaire: Sumosan Twiga, Sloane Street

It’s not often that #TeamCoco stumble upon a completely unique dining concept, let alone one that also offers revelling right into the early hours. However, just past Chanel in the lavish Knightsbridge district, you’ll find just that, in a very luxurious setting. Sumosan Twiga is the brainchild of restaurateur Janina Wolkow and business mogul Flavio Briatore who is renowned for his Billionaire’s Club. It’s a glorious mix of indulgent dining, partying to rival Monaco and Italian service to die for. We sent our resident food & travel writer, Jenna, to check out London’s hottest conception.

“Hopping off the Tube at Knightsbridge station, the city was already buzzing. It was early on a Friday evening and we had arrived in the capital for a night of cocktails and distinctive dining with Sumosan Twiga. Arriving at the restaurant, you’d be forgiven for taking it at face value as traditionally Japanese. The interiors are sumptuous and the welcome is warm, aside from the unique frontage. The name to me, sounded far eastern, but once we got chatting to our contact, it all made sense.

Way back in 2002, the original Sumosan opened on the esteemed Albermale Street in Mayfair and fast established itself as a go-to for inspiring Japanese cuisine. Not only that, but Wolkow’s direction turned it into the place to go in Mayfair for not only great food, but a vibrant social scene. Now, enter Twiga. Business mogul Flavio Briatore, who you will have definitely seen on Instagram, was a regular at Wolkow’s Mayfair spot and they soon connected over a common passion. Keen to introduce a Japanese product to Monaco and his Billionaire Lifestyle Group, Briatore invited Wolkow to his restaurant Twiga and whilst looking out over the bay of Monte Carlo, a business decision was made to introduce a Wolkow Sumosan pop-up at Twiga. With instant success, the Sumosan pop-up became permanent with the launch of ‘Twiga Sumosan’. With the success of the unique pairing at Twiga Sumosan in Monaco, Briatore and Wolkow were excited to introduce the concept to London, enabling diners to enjoy exceptional cuisine from two continents under one very sexy roof.

Again, you may even be mistaken for thinking Sumosan Twiga is another fusion restaurant, but it is unapologetically not. What you have at Sumosan Twiga is two completely juxtaposed menus that are not designed to directly complement each other, but to challenge and excite. One half is homegrown Italian and the other half is traditional Japanese, which is a daring yet refreshing combination. The simplest way I can explain it is, you can literally have Wasabi prawns as a starter and homemade ricotta & spinach ravioli as your entrée. Two completely different cuisines, tied together by exceptional cooking and faultless service. The food has a certain Japanese precision and simplicity about it, where the service is inimitable Italian hospitality.

However, before you delve into the eclectic food offering, you have to try the drinks. Settling down at the immaculate bar on the second floor, we browsed through the menu whilst asking for recommendations from their classically trained Bartenders. Their menu is varied and includes an enormous variety of Sake, which is a must try if you’re looking for an Aperitif with a twist. However, as I’m a gin lover and my dinner partner is a firm believer in the classics, we were steered towards some of the simpler serves.

After sipping on our cocktails and getting to know the history behind the venue, we made our way down the unique staircase adorned with African sculptures and Italian artwork to the first floor restaurant. What’s great about Sumosan Twiga is that contiuity and the ‘norm’ of other venues, really doesn’t apply to them. It’s in no way a traditional restauraunt set up, but the service completely hits the spot. Sitting down at a comfortable table, the experience began straight away. Our contact at the restaurant had encouraged us to try it all, and to not be afraid of mixing the two cuisines – so we did exactly that. Our waiter Fabrizio, was exactly what you’d expect from a seasoned Italian waiter. He was courteous, he was knowledgeable and he had a cheeky twinkle in his eye that made it impossible to say no to an extra glass of Prosecco.

Never one to be shy of a little spice, I ordered Wasabi prawns with mango & golden passion fruit salsa and the J’ Secret Mixed Sashimi for good measure. I am not even lying when I tell you that I am almost salivating at the thought of these dishes. I’ve eaten Japanese all over the world, including Mizumi in Las Vegas, and this was the freshest Sashimi I’ve ever tried. The Wasabi prawns had a creaminess to them that kept us coming back for more and our appetite was definitely engaged by the time our Sushi arrived.

Of course, it would have been completely rude not to order the Billionaire Rolls whilst in Flavio Briatore’s house, so we dived right in. Adorned with Truffle and filled with raw Wagyu Beef, it was the sheer indulgence that you’d expect from something so opulently named. Next to this was my good old favourite, Prawn Tempura Rolls that had the warm crunchy centre that is sure to get even the most discerning diners going. Perhaps quite literally, as Prawns are known as a natural aphrodisiac, which goes hand in hand with the sensual surroundings of Sumosan Twiga. As the Prosecco flowed and the restaurant began to fill up with London’s most beautiful residents, we took a little bit of a risk. Yes we knew that the Italian service was amazing, but would the food live up to its hype? Ordering the Veal chop “alla Milanese” and homemade strozzapreti with lamb ragout, we leapt into what was set to be the ultimate in carb loading. Dear Cath, my Personal Trainer, please look away now.

What I totally forgot when I ordered the Veal, was that “alla Milanese” basically means made into an Escalope and deep-fried for crispness. When the waiters arrived with our mains, we realised in our haste we had literally ordered breaded Veal and a whole ton of creamy homemade pasta. After two Sushi rolls and protein-rich starters, this wasn’t going to be easy. The Veal was tender with a deliciously seasoned coating whilst the strozzapreti with lamb ragout was rich and satisfying. However, it’s safe to say that after the mains, we really needed our arms twisting for a dessert. My tip would be to order at Sumosan Twiga as you would a Tapas bar, get a little bit of everything and nibble the night away over a bottle of fizz. If you try to eat traditionally here, your eyes will definitely be bigger than your belly.

After a very lengthy Hiatus and another bottle of Prosecco, the lovely Fabrizio finally managed to seduce us into dessert. Settling on classic Tiramisu and mixed fresh fruit with a decadent white chocolate dipping sauce, two Restrettos were also completely necessary. The Tiramisu was velvety smooth and the addition of chocolate micro-spheres gave crunch as a welcome addition. As for the simplicity but brilliant execution of the mixed fruit (served in a pineapple) with white chocolate ganache, I would love to sit on an Italian beach with somebody attractive feeding that to me. Absolutely divine.

Saying our goodbyes and thanking the team for their brilliant hospitality, we moved back to level two to see how the once quiet bar had metamorphosed into a lively cosmopolitan atmosphere. The bar was busy with the bartenders flaring with pods of well-dressed city slickers filling the space. We unfortunately had to rush away to a hotel review afterwards, but not before one last loving gaze at this wonderful venue. Venturing downstairs, the restaurant’s underground lounge is definitely one to see. Inspired by the Twiga Late Night Lounge born in Monaco, the London lounge, an intimate space designed with references to Briatore’s love affair with Africa, regularly hosts bespoke events as part of its private events’ schedule which is full of big name DJ’s and uber chic live music.

Sumosan Twiga really does offer you the opportunity to eat like an Emperor and party like a Billionaire in an undeniably central London location. If you can’t make it to Briatore’s famous mansion parties this Summer, and your air miles won’t stretch to Japan, you’ve got to check this place out.”

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Open Monday to Sunday
06:30pm to 02:00am

Address : Sumosan Twiga, 165 Sloane Street, London, SW1X 9QB
Phone : +44 203 096 0222
E-mail : reservations@sumosantwiga.com

Empire of Japan March 26, 2018

Tickled Pinxtos: Leeds hotspot launches new basque dining concept

Casual dining is top of #TeamCoco’s to-do-list when we leave HQ for the day. From quirky wine bars with amazing cheeseboards to quick Japanese on the way home, nibbles over drinks is our ultimate in afterwork hangouts. One of our favourite spots is definitely Pintura in central Leeds as not only are their interiors completely Instagrammable, their food is the closest you’ll get to authentic basque dining. We sent our girl Jenna to check out this iconic venue’s newest concept during the course of the restaurant’s third birthday celebrations…

“I’ve always absolutely loved Spanish cuisine. From Gambas Pil Pil in the sunshine whilst in Marbella to my old favourite haunt Bilbao (now La Casita) on Granary Wharf, sociable eats have always been my go-to. In my opinion, the perfect accompaniment to said nibbles is 100% a decent Gin & Tonic and luckily for me, Pintura definitley delivers.

Gin lovers (such as myself) will adore Pintura’s new, seasonal ‘Gin & Tonic Plus’ menu, created by head drinks creator, Matt Coates. Blurring the lines between the traditional G&T and the cocktail, this experimental new menu uses fanciful garnishes, interesting tonics, bitters, tinctures, fresh herbs, juices, jams and even liqueurs – to take the classic ‘spirit and mixer’ to ridiculously delicious new heights. Walking around the new Pinxtos Bar on the basement level, with one their cheeky new concoctions in hand, their new concept is such a great use of the space. When I’d visited Pintura in the past, I always saw downstairs as a little dark and boring – but the reinvention has given it new life. With live music and guests sitting at the bar enjoying little nibbles (Pinxtos) – you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in Barcelona.

The Pintxos Bar menu is inspired by Executive Chef Greg Lewis’ research trips to San Sebastian, known for being the culinary capital of Europe with the highest concentration of Michelin stars in the world. Pintura may not have a Michelin star yet, but the food is absolutely delicious. Each individual pintxos is made using the best of imported Spanish produce and is married with seasonal ingredients to give a British twist on traditional Basque cuisine.

Making ourselves comfy in one of their intimate booths, we were presented with a selection of their newest creations. My personal favourites were Atun (Spanish Tuna in olive oil, shaved red onion & Guindila chillies – A Fuego Negro style) and Pan con Tomate (Spanish tomato bread, olive oil, garlic & Basque salt).

It really is no surprise that their Pinxtos menu was so good, as Pintura have been absolutely nailing the Spanish dining scene in Leeds for sometime now. The launch of the Pintxos Bar marks Pintura’s third anniversary. Having opened its doors in March 2015, Pintura has made a serious mark on the Leeds culinary scene, serving Basque and Spanish dishes with executive chef Greg Lewis’ own unique take on traditional recipes. I remember the first time I sat in Pintura with work friends in 2015 and devoured their charcuterie boards. From then, I was totally sold and it’s great to see the brand still thriving. In November 2017, they launched a new immersive dining experience, Experiencia Gastronomica, which a 5 course tasting menu and Basque cookery masterclass rolled into one. It’s absolutely on my hit-list for this year and feel it would be an amazing date idea. Bravo Pintura, here’s to another 3 successful years – or 30 for that matter!” _________________________________________________________________________________________Pintura – Unit 3.26, The Trinity Centre, Leeds, LS1 6AP0113 4300 915 / info@pinturakitchen.co.uk to book.Pintura’s Pintxos Bar is open from 5pm on Thurs – Sat.

Belgium March 26, 2018

Boracay’s Best Eats

Boracay has been consistently named the Best Beach in the world and for good reason. From its powder white sand, to pristine shorelines, this tropical paradise in the Philippines is a dream destination that also packs a culinary punch. Team Coco rounds up the best restaurants in Boracay, for lush island dining that marries tropical flavours with stunning sea views.

1. Lemoni Café

Located at the centre of Boracay’s bustling commercial center in D’Mall, Lemoni Café has been a favourite of both locals and tourists alike for over thirteen years. Their zesty open air interiors give way to an even zestier menu with a selection of fresh lunch ciabattas and baguettes, along with an all day breakfast that is second to none. From mint-pineapple to watermelon ginger, their refreshing smoothies and shakes also prove to be the best way to beat the scoring island heat.

For dinner, start off with some of the Thai Fishcakes, and follow it up with the absolutely scrumptious tiger Prawn Risotto. Lemon Cafe is known as the best dessert destination on the island with a selection of sweet confectionary sensations from Belgian chocolate flourless cakes, to coconut panacottas. My personal favourite is the Mango Madness – a glorious no bake cake with crumbly wafer crust, vanilla cream, and sweet Philippine mangoes. Not to mention, all of lemon cafe’s delectable cakes and breads are baked on site, so you are guaranteed to indulge in a dessert that’s fresh out of the oven.

2. The Lind Boracay

The Lind Boracay may be one of the island’s newer openings, but has instantly become one of the all around best luxury destinations on Boracay. The Lind’s stunning Infinity Deck overlooks the horizon and their gorgeous Manny Samson designed interiors make the Lind a cut above the rest. Their two restaurants, Tartine & Crust are just a few feet away from the pristine sands of White Beach Station 1, and serve some of the best fusion cuisine on the island.

Boodle Fights at The Lind Hotel Boracay

Sous Vide Beef at The Lind Boracay

If you haven’t heard of a Boodle Fight, it is a gargantuan feast of local Filipino delicacies served on massive banana leaves and eaten with your hands. The Lind’s boodle fight meals are taken a notch higher with a luxury touch and is highly recommended for families or big groups and is great for first time visitors to Boracay. The Chef’s at the Lind also make it a point to only use fresh locally sourced ingredients. In fact, the hotel’s weekly Saturday Buffet Concept is aptly called The Lind Market. The buffet concept brings farm to table and invites guests experience local Filipino ingredients. Finally, The Chef’s Table at the Lind offers breathtaking gastronomic works of art. The Sous vide beef with sweet potato fondant and Asian greens & aromatic jus is gorgeous to look at, but even better to eat and is definitely Team Coco approved.

3. Sands at Discovery Shores Boracay

Discovery Shores Boracay has been Boracay’s go to luxury destination for over a decade. Discovery Shores is heralded as one of the World’s Best Hotels in Asia, and is ranked as one of the top 500 Hotels of the World. Their minimal architecture, ultra luxurious rooms (which feature outdoor jacuzzi’s by the way) make Discovery Shores Boracay a marvel of impeccable service and amenities. With these credentials, it is no wonder that their Sands Restaurant is also one of the best on the island.

Seafood at Sands Restaurant

Featuring stunning views of the ocean, Sands Restaurant captures the spirit of Discovery Shores barefoot elegance. Offering a stunning selection of local cuisines, Sands offers a menu with countless seafood options that are absolutely mouthwatering. As the sunset approaches, Discovery Shores transforms its generous beachfront into a gorgeous happy hour destination. “Platitos” which translates to small plates, are filled with flavourful tapas; and are served up along with your happy hour cocktail of choice.

4. Los Indios Bravos

An unimposing facade hidden in the back streets of Boracay leading to the Kite-board filled Bulabog Beach, Los Indios Bravos serves excellent craft beers and gastropub cuisine that combines a whirlwind of international delicacies with distinct island flavours. The passion project of locals Tantan Rosal and Heather Williams, and with a kitchen led by master chef Norbert Gandler, Los Indios Bravos is definitely of the island’s hidden culinary gems.

During the Spanish occupation “Indio” was a derogatory term used to refer to the island’s natives. During this time, Filipino intellectuals and revolutionaries named themselves “Los Indios Bravos” reversing the narrative and wearing this derogatory name with pride. At the Los Indios Bravos gastropub, they pay homage to these early warrior poets by combining all Filipino handcrafted beers on tap with international gastropub cuisine.

Oysters Rockefeller at Los Indios Bravos

The appetiser menu is already reason enough to pay Los Indios Bravos a visit, the Oysters Rockefeller are a constant favourite, and so is the Kilawin — which is a picked version of raw snapper or mahimahi. Aside from the excellent traditional pub grub on offer, the Golden Paratha, a flaky indian bread stuffed with tomato, yogurt and curried chicken, is a definite must try. And of course, wash it all down with a bottle of local craft beer for a true Boracay dining experience.

Food & Drink March 22, 2018

Take A Cosy Break At The Methuen Arms, Wiltshire

“Corsham”, I say with a dreaminess about my tone when asked where I’m going ‘THIS weekend’ (You’ve got to love being judged for being socially busy!). “Corsham, in Wiltshire, near Bath” I say. I say, not really having a clue where that is, let alone knowing what The Methuen Arms could be a base for. Why am I going?

What would your reason be to stay at The Methuen? I’ll tell you, it’ll either be a wedding nearby, a girl’s trip to the countryside or a quick and dirty weekend away.

We booked a girls trip. Two badass, fierce babes who were going to blow the roof off Corsham. We were going to get there, get ready and paint the town Instagram red, tear through the local bars flirting outrageously with any smooth operator that looked our way and finally collapse in bed with a kebab!

NONE of which happened. Instead, we had a very well needed, super relaxing stay in this beautiful, and historical building. With The Methuen you get a nice cosy village pub feel, mixed with unbelievable dining and super stylish and incredibly cosy rooms. It’s all fireplace and fairy lights, inside and out.

Key players at The Methuen include Ash and Abi the owners. For a fairly young couple they’ve achieved a lot here, building the profile of the venue, making each and every detail instagrammable and creating a great feel with their welcome. They’ll do pretty much everything to make sure you don’t forget The Methuen Arms in a hurry.

Along with their personal efforts, you get 5 star customer service from the bar and restaurant staff and award-winning Head Chef Leigh Evans pleases every sense with his culinary creations.

Use this trip to catch up on the gossip about those dating apps you’re using, find out about your friends potential dates and tell her about the guy you’re kind of into at the moment, eat some memorable food and sit back and look around the bar and take in village life.

Essentially what you get here is very special accommodation that uses the little touches to give you pure, home felt comfort with the level of luxury that a girls trip deserves. It is a base for catching up, having a few drinks and in the end… avoiding flirting with the locals at all costs after all.

You can explore nearby Bath, Bristol and The Cotswolds, continue on to Wales if you’re heading North or Cornwall if you’re heading South… Either way… enjoy your little pit stop at The Methuen Arms.

Rooms start at £140 and take about £60 for your dinner and a few drinks.

Enjoy… We definitely did.

www.themethuenarms.com

Food & Drink March 21, 2018

Kadie’s Cocktail Bar & Club: A Stunning New Cocktail Destination in Mayfair

London has always been a treasure trove of culture; with every kind of epicurean and alcoholic delight on offer almost everywhere you turn. While the city is never lacking in crowded pubs, there are those who crave for a bit more finesse during their after office drinks. Team Coco discovers Kadie’s Cocktail Bar and Club. A luxe art-deco masterpiece that invites guest to leave the hustle and bustle of their busy lives behind for an evening, or even for just one perfect cocktail.

Kadie’s Cocktail Bar & Club is just a stone’s throw away from the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus, with a discrete entrance on the illustrious Swallow Street. The interiors immediately transport you into an alluring oasis filled with exotic greenery and glamorous touches of rose gold, while the staff offers impeccable service that is second to none.

Team Coco had the chance to sample some of the stunningly curated cocktails on the menu. Kadie’s Bellini is a refreshing mix of Cocchi Rosa and pink grapefruit sherbet sprinkled with a touch of Veuve Clicquot Rose champagne; and is the perfect drink to kick off the evening. The All Night Negroni is a gin-lovers delight. It is the perfect mixture of Tanqueray, bocci Americano, Martini Bitter, and lychee. Finally, the Extremely Good Lychee Martini, a delicate concoction of Belvedere with subtle hints of jasmine tea, definitely lives up to its name and becomes an instant favourite. In addition to their extensive cocktail menu, Kadie’s also has an exclusive range of champagnes, a wide array of fine wines, as well as bottle service — making sure to quench the thirst of even the most discerning cocktail connoisseur.

Australia March 4, 2018

More Scran for your Buck: Leeds’ Best Under £10 Eats

With our exotic travels to save up for, #TeamCoco can’t be dining Michelin Star A La Carte every night. No matter how much we’d love to. However, we’ve become pretty good when it comes to chowing down on some pretty tasty dishes, without breaking the bank. Leeds is fast becoming a foodie paradise with more restaurants than ever offering competitively priced alternatives to some of our favourites from around the world. We sent our resident food lover, Jenna, to find out where in the city is offering amazing munch, for a fraction of the price….

“Much to my personal trainer’s dismay – I absolutely love naughty food. Yes I can be good and eat my Tuna & Cous Cous, but the thought of dining out makes me more excited than Christmas. Its a running joke amongst some of my friends that I rarely use my oven as I eat out so much, but in reality, dining out gives me inspiration to cook more adventurously at home. Pan Asian is definitley my favourite style of cooking (and eating) but Leeds offers delicacies from all around the world. From Japan to Italy, here are my top suggestions on where to grab a economic yet totally satisfying meal this week.

1.Zaap Thai Street Food – Khow Moo Krob Jae Ban OR Thai Red Curry

Crispy belly pork and rice with their special Zaap sauce – £8.95

Thai green/red curry with chicken, pork, beef, prawns or tofu – £8.95 / £9.50 (Prawn)

Located in the Grand Arcade in the trendy Northern Quarter of Leeds, Zaap is a little piece of Bangkok in the heart of the city. If you think Belly Pork is out of your price range, think again, as their Khow Moo Krob Jae Ban at just £8.95 is an eastern take on this sought after delicacy. It’s spicy, it’s sweet and it’s completely delicious. Pair it with an ice cold Sigha and you’re onto a winner.

If you’re looking for a Thai classic to warm you up, their Thai Red & Green Curries with fluffy rice is an obvious choice. My favourite combinations are definitely Red with Tofu and Green with Prawns and you’ve gotta add on some of their famous Chicken Toast for dipping!

2.LS6 Cafe – Eggs Royale OR Bacon & Maple Syrup Pancakes

Fit for a King — Lightly toasted Rye topped with Smoked Salmon, soft Poached Eggs and a rich Homemade Hollandaise sauce – £8.00 American-Style Pancakes smothered with Maple Syrup and Crispy Bacon – £5.50

LS6 are arguably the kings of all day brunch in Leeds. They’ve been serving up classics for almost 30 years in the heart of Hyde Park but have seriously stepped their game up in the past few years. If you’re looking to upgrade your usual Coco Pops to something more sophisticated, you’ve got to try the Eggs Royale. With Yorkshire Eggs, sustainably caught smoked Salmon and homemade Hollandaise – it’s a dream on a plate that will definitely impress your Mum if she visits for the weekend.

If your weekend has been a little crazier than a visit from the ‘rents, LS6 have got the ultimate hangover cure. Their pancake menu is extensive with Straight Up Maple, NutNana (Nutella and Banana – DELISH) and the holy grail of Yorkshire Bacon & Maple. Their pancakes are made fresh to order and with a stack of three fluffy ones – you’ll be completely stuffed. Not bad for £5.50.

3.Dough Boys Pizza, Belgrave Music Hall – Silvio OR Sausage Fest

Tomato, buffalo mozzarella, torn basil, smoked sea salt – £2.40 Prosciutto, spianata & Belgrave black pepper sausage, mascarpone, caramelised onions – £3.20

Dough Boys are know as Belgrave’s adventurous in-house pizza slingers, serving hand stretched pizza by the slice. Their ingredients are fresh and where possible sourced from local producers. You can always count on at least six delicious varieties with vegan options always available, but Sausage Fest and Silvio 100% stand out as their best creations. What makes this deal even sweeter is that your first two slices are HALF PRICE SLICE until 7pm, Sunday – Thursday and 5pm Friday and Saturday. An excuse to get atleast 3 slices surely?

4.Wok & Go – Pad Thai Box

Rice stick noodles, chicken and broccoli, all wok-tossed in an original Pad Thai sauce (crushed peanuts optional) – £6.25.

Wok & Go is my absolutely go to for delicious and pretty healthy post-shopping snack. Located right next to the Trinity Shopping Centre, just off Boar Lane, it’s the perfect spot for refuling after spending a years wages in Victoria Secret. You can build your own box, but i’d definitley say their classic Chicken Pad Thai box is the best. At just £6.25, you’ve got so much more money to spend on Lingerie. RESULT.

5.Wasabi Sushi & Bento – Chicken Katsu Curry Bento Box

Chicken katsu, choice of rice, Japanese curry sauce, edamame bean salad – £5.95

Wasabi Sushi & Bento may be available up and down the country, but it’s an incredibly popular lunchtime hotspot in Leeds. Think Subway but for really high quality Japanese food. I’ve eaten Chicken Katsu curries from Wagamamas to Revolution and Wasabi’s is definitely the best. You also get absolutely LOADS for your money and I always end up waddling home after devouring one of their huge Bento boxes.

If you’re a veggie, their Tofu curry is also absolutely unreal. I’m mostly a meat eater, but have been known to choose this dish over their carnivore options many a time.

6. LivinITALY – Italo-English Breakfast: livin’italy savoury special

Tuscan Sausage, crispy pancetta, roasted vine tomatoes, Italian fagioli beans, wild creamy mushrooms & a fried egg – £ 8.50

The first time I realised LivinItaly did a banging breakfast was after a stay in one of the Doubletree by Hilton suites right opposite. English hotel breakfasts usually don’t do it for me, so we headed over to see if the Italians could do it better. It’s official, they can. From Scottish marinated Salmon tartare with scrambled eggs, mascarpone cheese & toasted pan-brioche to their classic Italian Fritatta – they offer so much more than your standard Bacon roll.Not only does this established Italian go-to have an extensive breakfast menu, their take on the full english is outstanding. If you like big mediterranean flavours paired with great Italian coffee, you have to stop by. I’ve also heard their Bloody Mary’s are out of this world – so an all round great city centre brunch location.”

Have we missed a trick? Tweet us your favourite Under £10 Eats at @house_of_coco.

Food & Drink February 24, 2018

Plant based tastes: 5 Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants you have to try in Leeds

With more and more of us going Vegan and Vegetarian these days, there is no surprise that some pretty amazing restaurants are popping up to cater for the demand. From creative meat-free alternatives to 1,001 ways to use a Butternut Squash, I challenge anyone who says the Vegan ‘craze’ is just a ‘phase’. With Leeds being home to five Universities and an increasingly worldly-wise population, the Vegan scene is blowing up. Our Food & Lifestyle writer, Jenna, a ‘Flexitarian’ by design gives us the low down on the best spots for the Herbivores amongst us….

“Now before I get started, I am unfortunatley not a fully-fledged Vegan. I completely understand the health benefits, the environmental benefits and the unnecessary farming that we’ve been doing for years – but I just can’t seem to kick the habit. With research showing that dairy lights up the same areas of the brain as doing hard drugs, it’s no surprise that I’m a total cheese addict attempting to enter recovery. A term that I loosely use to describe myself is definitley ‘Flexitarian’, basically I try to have a plant based diet (soy milk, quorn) when I can, but I won’t say no to a steak when I’m in the mood.

However, as I am a total foodie by both career and lifestyle, the idea of new developments in the culinary scene completely excites me. I’ve been lucky enough to have visited many Vegan & Vegetarian restaurants in my time and the Jackfruit burger at Roots & Fruits is easily one of my most memorable dishes. Here is my run down of the top 5 places to chow down on some plant based goodness.

Humpit – Corn Exchange, Call Lane,Leeds, LS1 7BR & Leeds Uni Campus

I remember a few years back, my friend Kristina and I were stopped in Leeds City Centre whilst shopping and asked if we liked Hummus. Of course the answer was a resounding yes, and the chap we spoke to was incredibly pleased. This guy had just launched Humpit on the strong belief that Hummus is a total all rounder – and I agree.

Humpit is set in the iconic Corn Exchange building and has been serving up the best Hummus in Leeds for a good few years now. Their entire menu is plant-based meaning that you won’t find any hormones or other nasties in anything they serve. It’s all made fresh and is naturally low in saturated fat but jam packed full of protein. All their meals are £4.50 from Loaded Pittas full of Falafel to a classic Hummus bowl with freshly baked Pitta.

Delishhhhhhhh

Roots & Fruits – Grand Arcade, Leeds, LS1 6PG

Roots & Fruits is probably one of the most iconic Vegan & Vegetarian cafes in Leeds. The first time I went, I was an established Carnivore who almost died at the thought of Banana Mayonnaise. But after trying their imaginative Vegetarian options, I was sold. Whether I’m popping in for one of their delicious smoothies or juices on the way back from the gym or sitting down to indulge in a juicy Jackfruit burger, I always leave feeling much healthier than when I arrived.

Oranaise – 1 The Crescent, Hyde Park, Leeds, LS6 2NW

Oranaise Cafe is a classic choice when it comes to fresh food and Vegan alternatives. They have been delivering the best quality since 2002 and have also become the number one choice in Leeds for North African Cuisine. Their Vegan menu is absolutely enormous ranging from Vegan Pizzas & Burgers to traditional Tagines & Kebabs.

What’s also great is that if your significant other is a die-hard Omnivore, they also serve meat and dairy products – it’s perfect for date night. Their interior is also seriously cute with original Morrocan fabrics and low level candlelight.

LS6 Cafe – 16-18 Headingley Lane, Hyde Park, Leeds, LS6 2EB

LS6 is one of the oldest restaurants in Leeds with a collective 30 years service under various different owners. A few years back it had a serious refurbishment and their Flamingo Wallpaper is all over Instagram. This, paired with it’s location right in the heart of Hyde Park, makes it no surprise that it’s a popular student hotspot. They’ve been serving up city-renowned Brunch dishes since most can remember and their Vegan & Vegetarian English Breakfasts have cured thousands of hangovers. Alongside their epic Brunch dishes, they also serve up Tofu & Spicy Aborio Rice & Veggie Burgers in the evening as well as a big range of salads. If you’re popping in for coffee, they’ll swap dairy to Oat, Almond or Soy Milk totally free of charge and their Vegan Las Vegas smoothie is to die for.

Word on the street is that their Vegan offering is about to increase by 10-fold in the spring, so watch this space!

Bundobust – 6 Mill Hill, Leeds, LS1 5DQ

The cheeky fellas at Bundobust have created a very popular hybrid in the form of Indian Street Food, Craft Beers and Vegetarian scran. Now with a second site in Manchester, these guys are making quite the name for themselves.

Bundobust was inspired by the vibrant and varied street foods of India. They serve up dishes with their own modern twist, and offer a roster of the most exciting craft beers from both local and international breweries to drink alongside.

Since opening, these guys have been recommended in the 2017 Michelin Guide, featured in Time Out’s top 10 UK Indian Restaurants and been included in The Sunday Times’ Top 25 Vegetarian Restaurants, amongst plenty of other big-ups!”

Have we missed a gem? Tweet us your favourite Veggie Eateries at @house_of_coco.

Hotels & Spas February 6, 2018

The #TeamCoco Guide to Wynn & Encore Las Vegas

We just can’t seem to keep away from Las Vegas. From the infamous strip to tours of the Gran Canyon and flights over the desert, Sin City is the destination that just keeps giving. With Ceasar’s Palace and The Venetian on most visitors hit lists, our #TeamCoco girl Jenna decided to check out two less stereotypical resorts, The Wynn & Encore. Being entirely cladded in copper tinted glass, the two hotels stood out from a mile away in the Vegas sun, here’s exactly how to make the most of them on your visit…

“After flying Upper Class with Virgin Atlantic (what a dream) and being picked up in a blacked out Chevrolet, we made our way from the airport. Driving up Las Vegas Boulevard, it’s impossible not be overwhelmed by your surroundings. Palm trees and 20ft Billboards adorn the sidewalks advertising shows, private dancers and of course, gambling. The suns shining and we look up in shock at how large the Wynn & Encore really are – Encore has 63 floors, which slightly towers over the Wynn at 60. Their impressive structure makes them incredibly Instagrammable from almost anywhere on the strip.

Where to eat

I don’t know about you, but I always plan my trips around Restaurants and dining experiences. Food is a huge passion of mine and thankfully, you don’t have to stray too far from the Wynn & Encore to find an array of options. A personal favourite was for sure Mizumi. Located just a stones throw away from the Wynn Theatre just through the Esplanade, Mizumi is a Japanese restaurant with the biggest Sake menu i’ve ever seen.

Walking into Mizumi, the interiors just hit you. The entire restaurant looks out over a private Japanese garden, complete with koi pond and a stunning 90-foot waterfall – you can even eat outside right on the edge. The brains behind the concept, Chef Devin Hashimoto, uses his unique and extravagant approach to Japanese cuisine by presenting a choice of dining experiences at Mizumi which are not only cutting edge, but beautifully done. This includes a robatayaki bar, a dedicated teppanyaki room, and ocean-fresh sushi and sashimi. I can honestly say that we were all blown away by the Sushi and Sashimi we had and the Shrimp Tempura and Avocado were to DIE for.

If you’re looking for something a little more traditional (well, as traditional as Vegas can get), Lakeside is your best bet. Located down a curved escalator between the Encore & Wynn, it really is what it says on the tin. Similar to Mizumi, Lakeside has just as stunning views for dinner, this time – backing onto the Lake of Dreams a stunning installation that combines water and video projections. Not only does this restaurant offer a multi-sensory experience with the Lake of Dreams and burnt orange interiors, it offers some of the best fish in the world. Chef David Walzog’s specialties include “ocean-to-table” fish caught from Hawaiian waters, a wide variety of oven roasted lobster and crab, and prime aged steaks. The steaks are honestly enormous, so proceed with caution!

On my visit, I tried the Snapper with Coconut Rice & Seafood Curry and it was honestly incredible. Our server told us that this fish would have been swimming in the sea just 48 hours ago, and you could tell. This Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Award-winning restaurant offers a unique environment that sets the stage for a menu that focuses on fresh, seasonally available preparations. Vegas Seven (a popular and respected publication in the city) describes Lakeside as, “one of the best places in the world for enjoying the bounty of the world’s oceans.”

Tip: If you’re hungover you NEED to visit Charlie’s Dinner which is right next to the Casino floor at Wynn. Their Burgers are massive and you also get that authentic American food experience everyone goes on about!

Where to sleep

Encore is pretty special as it has been awarded the AAA Five Diamond Award every single year since opening, and luckily Encore was going to be where we were staying. Encore and its sister property, Wynn Las Vegas collectively hold more Forbes five-star awards than any other casino-resort in the world which makes it one of the most prestigious hotels in the world. When we checked into our Deluxe Twin Queen Suite on the 61st floor, we knew we’d made the right choice.

Looking out of our window (after asking Amazon Alexa to open the curtains, sweet!) we could see every single iconic hotel. The view was panoramic to say the least and we never got bored of it, we even ate our room-service breakfast right by the window every single day. From the Encore, you can see it’s twin, Wynn, catching the sun or glittering at night. It makes a stunning backdrop to any picture and makes you feel very ‘Vegas’ when you look out over the strip.

The beds are ridiculously comfortable and feature overstuffed pillows and 507 thread count linen, which was like sleeping on a cloud. Very useful for those hungover mornings and drunken nights! The Italian marble bathroom features an incredibly deep bath with separate glass-enclosed shower, his & hers sinks, a TV to watch as much Kardashians as you like and the most UNREAL bathrobes you’ll ever find in a hotel. You can even buy the robes in the Wynn Lifestyle store they’re that sought after, kinda regretting not getting one now!

Tip: Make sure to order breakfast to the room, they bring it on the cutest table and set it right up for you with the best view. The Bagels are awesome!

Where to party

If you’re not off to Hakkasan, Tao or Magic Mike Live….there’s plenty of places to let you hair down on the resort. From the Encore Lobby Bar that serves up the best Lychee Martinis and has waitresses dressed as show girls, to the famous XSclub that backs onto a pool, you can have a chiller or a killer any night of the week. The resort also has two more clubs, Intrigueand Encore Beach Club – which both have incredibly seductive reputations.

A great memory of mine from this trip is definitely sitting at the Allegro Italian bar and drinking Gin & Tonics until 5am with some Canadians. It was super chilled out, but absolutely hilarious and showed me that you don’t have to go to a club every night to get the Vegas experience. It’s everywhere!

Tip: Order the Allegro Truffle & Paramesan fries when you get the munchies, they do NOT disappoint and are served right up until they close.

What to do

If you’re not satisfied with checking out the bars and restaurants Wynn & Encore have to offer, it doesn’t stop there. Of course, there are the vast Casino floors that kept me entertained for hours – but Wynn & Encore offer so much more than that.

For those who like shopping, you have to visit the Esplanades & Wynn Plaza. The Esplanade is a clever invention that connects the two hotels, with luxury shopping. From Hermes to Chanel, you can shop here until late and spend your winnings from the Casinos – very clever invention Mr Wynn, Bravo.

WYNN PLAZA: Louis Vuitton Men’s, Nirav Modi, Saint Laurent, Stefano Ricci. WYNN ESPLANADE: Alexander McQueen Brioni, Cartier, Chanel,Chloé, Chopard, Dior, Givenchy, Graff, Louis Vuitton, Moncler, Prada, Rolex, Salvatore Ferragamo, Watches of Switzerland, Wynn Collection. ENCORE ESPLANADE: Chanel, Hermès, Loro Piana.

If shopping isn’t your thing, you’ve got to check out the shows. Luckily for us, we were staying exactly where we needed to be for what has been voted one of the best shows and productions in Las Vegas. Le Rêve – The Dream welcomed us into a thrilling acrobatic fantasy world, set inside an aqua theater-in-the-round. From a dramatic high dive (I screamed when he dropped!) to a sexy underwater tango, the powerful soundtrack, lighting and effects absolutely blew us away. I’ve never quite seen synchronisation like it and the performers were super talented. Voted “Best Production Show” in Las Vegas for an amazing seven consecutive years, I can completley see why. An absolute MUST SEE if you’re in the city.Tip: Turn up early to the box office to grab your tickets as the queues are huge and you need to have enough time to grab a Wynn Frozen Margarita!“——Wynn Las Vegas & Encore Hotel 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. South Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 770-7000 – (888) 320-7123
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Room Reservations (877) 321-9966 roomreservations@wynnlasvegas.com
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Concierge (702) 770-7070(888) 320-7122 conciergeservices@wynnlasvegas.com —– Show Tickets (702) 770-9966(888) 320-7110 —– Dining Reservations(877) 321-9966(888) 352-3463 dining@wynnlasvegas.com

Food & Drink December 24, 2017

Sleighing Festive Mixology: Our verdict on Dirty Martini’s Christmas Cocktails

As we’ve almost reached the big day, what better way to get in the festive spirit than with Christmas Cocktails! Our new favourite Leeds venue, Dirty Martini, has created some very Instagram-worthy drinks for the festive season so we sent our lifestyle writer Jenna to go try them out to see how they measure up…

“I absolutely adore Christmas. Not only does Leeds look extremely pretty with it’s Christmas lights, the city really comes into it’s own during December. Awash with corporate Christmas parties and venues in full swing, it’s definitley become one of the best cities to celebrate in. After visiting Dirty Martini for it’s launch back in November, I was more than ready to try out their Festive offering. With a night of Tapas and exclusive Christmas parties already planned, I reserved my table for 8pm to try their new Christmas concoctions and although some of the cocktails were not my cup of tea, I was seriously impressed by their creativity. Sitting down at a gorgeous table right in the middle of it all, we kicked ourselves for eating before we came as their festive platter sounded amazing. However, with cocktails on their way, we quickly settled into the atmosphere.

Christmas Cheer

Spec: Bols Genever, Tanqueray Gin, Cherry Heering, Homemade Raspberry Syrup, Luxardo Maraschino, Pomegranate juice & Orange Bitters.

Tastes like: A mince pie

Favourite element: The gold sprayed Maraschino cherries

I’m not overly into Cherry, but the promise of Gin and Homemade Raspberry syrup made it top of my Christmas list. I absolutely loved the gold sprayed Maraschino cherries as they looked very festive, but it was very easy confuse them with Olives after having a few beverages as they had a striking resemblance!

This cocktail was super-sweet but the warmness of the orange bitters and depth of the pomegranate gave me serious Christmas vibes. This cocktail could easily be bottled as a Mince Pie liquer, so if you’re into that, it’ll be the perfect cocktail for Boxing Day.

The Bellringer

Spec: Amaretto Disaronno, Cranberry Juice, Blood Orange Syrup, Prosecco.

Tastes like: Cranberry infused Sparkling Rosé

Favourite element: The inventive desiccated coconut on the outside of the glass to look like snow

100% our favourite of the night – The Bellringer is a total show stopper. As I’m an advocate for anything that includes Sparkling Wine this was an obvious second choice and I can honestly say it’s one of the cutest cocktails I’ve ever drank. We agreed that the only downside was that we didn’t have time to have another!

I would happily sit and drink these until Santa arrives and probably offer him one too, a definite one to recreate on Christmas Day.

Dirty Grinch

Spec: Havana 3yr Rum, Briotette Creme dé Cacao, Creme dé Menthe, Butterscotch Schnapps, double Cream, Dark Chocolate & Fresh Mint Leaves.

Tastes like: Someone poured mouthwash in my Baileys

Favourite element: It looked quite pretty and if you can ignore the punchy mint, it’s a dreamy dessert cocktail

Now this cocktail not only has a slightly unsavoury name, somebody must have dropped a whole bottle of Creme dé Menthe in the Boston Tin! The promise of a creamy dessert cocktail to end the night on got us very excited, but what arrived was a mixology version of the nightmare before Christmas. I understand the premise behind it, but the Butterscotch, Creme dé Cacao and Chocolate was completely lost. However if you absolutley love mint, this ones for you.

Dirty Martini are also offering two more Christmas tipples that are sure to get you in the Festive Spirit. Mince Chai, a tasty, more sophisticated alternative to the humble mince pie, combines Bold London Spirit shaken with Bitter Truth Pimento, gingerbread syrup and pressed apple juice. While for those who prefer a more traditional tipple, The Quince & Walnut Old Fashioned is a twist on the classic. This unique cocktail combines Jim Beam Bourbon stirred with Manzanilla Sherry, Mandarin Napoleon liqueur, quince jelly, muddled walnuts and Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel-Aged Bitters & Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters.

Again, if we’d not already stuffed our faces at Ambienté Tapas before we arrived, we would have definitely indulged in their Christmas Platter at just £30 for four to share. The platter includes Beef & cheese sliders with bloody Mary ketchup, Mini Yorkshire puddings stuffed with turkey & cranberry sauce, Grilled garlic & prawn skewers, Cranberry & brie wontons. A table next to us ordered this and we were seriously jealous as it looked amazing. Unfortunately for us, Dirty Martini is closed tonight and tomorrow, but we’ll definitely be popping in on Boxing Day to get another Bellringer before they’re gone!”

Address

31 King St,
Leeds,
LS1 2HL

Reservations

01134 689 488

leeds@dirtymartini.uk.com

NYE – Martini’s at Midnight

Dress Code: Glitter is the new Black

As glitter is the new black dip yourselves in sequins, sparkles and shimmer to say see ya to 2017 with a martini in hand.

£5 martinis from 11pm -1am
A complimentary glass of Prosecco before 9pm
DJs on the decks until 3am

Price includes entry to the venue from 8pm and a complimentary glass of Prosecco before 9pm.

Cardiff, Manchester & Leeds: £10* all venues