tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87875840584703861812024-03-04T21:11:46.959-08:00The Travelling SpoonCuring your wanderlust and cravings for cake.Chloe Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02316490149943969214noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787584058470386181.post-36132043720031250212015-01-23T09:58:00.001-08:002015-01-23T09:58:35.245-08:00CUBA<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
So I took a little break from blogging for the last two months for
a couple of reasons... Firstly I was just way too busy with uni work and
travelling and secondly I didn't really feel any kind of inspiration for a
while. However, it's a New Year and I'm ready to get back into my usual hobby
(with the help from a little travel-inspiration). Over Christmas, I decided to
do something a little different to the usual mince pies, mulled wine and
standard- Christmas carolling agenda. So I set off to Cuba! Really if there's
any time to visit Cuba it is NOW; recent agreements with the US mean the
country is likely to undergo dramatic changes in the next few years and the
Cuba I saw at Christmas could be gone as we know it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A group of us stayed in Varadeo, one of
the most popular beach towns on the island and it became obvious to us why
quickly on arrival. Perfect white sands, warm ocean currents and a breathtaking
sunset view make Varadero peninsula the ideal picture postcard paradise.
Honestly around 90% of my time was spent lying in the sun with a mojito in
hand. In spite of the beauty of Cuba, there are a couple of things to keep in
mind- Cuba is not somewhere you travel to for luxury catering. Mealtimes
consist of very few options which usually consist of rice, canned vegetables
and some kind of mystery meat. In addition to this- shock horror- no wifi in
Cuba, the country still runs on dial-up. Remember dial-up? Looking back on it,
dial-up reminds me of some alternative hipster ringtone. If you can look past
the food and the lack of internet for a week then you will easily have a great
time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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One place I can't recommend enough is
Havana. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Havana is a colourful city of 1950's Cadillac’s
and a beautiful mixture of neo-classical and art deco architecture. We spent
most of the day visiting key sites in Havana; El Capitolio, Plaza Vieja and
Revolution Square, followed by a quick drink in one of Hemmingway's favourite
bars. I really recommend visiting Cuba; its culture and history are rich and
interesting and its capital a beauty in itself. Visit Cuba now or regret it
later. <span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Chloe Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02316490149943969214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787584058470386181.post-8381132251210813942014-11-18T07:13:00.001-08:002014-11-18T07:13:28.792-08:00HAPPY THINGS OF NOVEMBER <img src="https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10347476_10152443320841120_3410778257303093657_n.jpg?oh=fa0303b9d5bae5d9627ae6a1fd4e1b77&oe=54DE715C" /><br />
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1. First snow! This weekend we had the first Canadian snowfall of the year
and since then it hasn't actually stopped! I woke up Monday morning to a
crisp white winter wonderland outside of my window and a scary -10 this morning! Despite the cold, I
love the snow, it reminds me of skiing and Alpine mountains...<br />
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2. Volleyball Practice. This year I've got
into Volleyball at McMaster and so far I'm really enjoying it. I'm not really a
competitive person, I just love the game. We've been playing on an all girls
team so far but next term I'm going into a corec team to keep up playing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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3. Weekly pub quizzes at the local; almost
like being back at the UK. A friend here at Mac has been hosting weekly pub
quizzes for charity at one of our favourite local pub spots. Two weeks ago my team
actually won and we all got free t-shirts. I never win anything, so big
celebrations were had.<o:p></o:p></div>
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4. Taking photos down by the lake. A group of us took
a walk on Sunday around Cootes Paradise, most of the autumn leaves have fallen
off of the trees but the frost and snow had made the lake freeze over in some parts
and the trees glisten. I love taking photos of this kind of stuff- although I
missed a chance to snap up a picture of a deer on the pathway down to the lake!<o:p></o:p></div>
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5. Laying in bed, catching up on The Walking Dead. Not very exciting but it's one of those little pleasures in life.
Studying is kind of constant whilst you're at university but taking the chance
to watch a good TV show is the best kind of break.<o:p></o:p></div>
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6. Skype catch-ups with friends from home.
I've managed to speak to a few friends from home over the last couple of weeks;
ranging from locations in Leeds to Singapore. It's weird thinking coming up to Christmas how
the next time I see most of them it will be hot outside again!<o:p></o:p></div>
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7. Festive things. I'm one of those people
who listens to Christmas music in November ok? I just love it. I got myself an
advent calendar the other day, yes I know I am a child and we watched Home
Alone Sunday evening, what a classic! Can't wait for Christmas, even if mine with be a little unorthadox in Cuba...<o:p></o:p></div>
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8. My new party dress. I've ordered a
stunning silver dress from Topshop for the party season. Can't wait to pair it
with some spiky heels and a bright lipstick! I've got tickets to the Winter
Wonderland Ball for all us International Students, which I see as a good excuse
to wear it eh?<o:p></o:p></div>
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9. Signing up for Dog Sledding. Yes,
that's right, I'm going Dog Sledding early next year and I can't wait! Snow,
puppies, snow, puppies, there's too much good in that one sentence. Not
only that but the accommodation has a hot tub and a sauna, super relaxing
ahhh. <span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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10. Warm soup at Burnt Tongue. I was out shopping the other day for groceries and I stumbled accross this little soup cafe. It serves fresh soup and chilli; the menu changing every day. I had a tasty tomato and yoghurt soup, but there were plenty other flavours, peanut and yam, morrocan chickpea, yum! </div>
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Chloe Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02316490149943969214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787584058470386181.post-89497305194647516762014-11-08T13:26:00.000-08:002014-11-08T13:26:14.310-08:00REVIEW > DETOUR CAFE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's not easy to find a good coffee in Hamilton it turns out. However, the discovery of Detour was really like finding a hidden gem. A small, independent coffee roasters doing both amazing breakfasts and and lunches, it's the perfect place to get your fix of coffee and cake. On my first visit there I had an amazing grilled 3 cheese sandwich with homemade chili jam and a bowl of potato and kale soup (I was hungry ok). The second trip was a pot of jasmine tea and the yummiest white chocolate and pumpkin loaf I wish I had the recipe for- perfect for autumn! But this morning was the peak of my foodie journey there- a full eggs benedict made with a crumbly chive bisuit, spinach, 2 poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. This was washed down with a frothy cappachino which I am craving again! The menu is vegetarian and vegan friendly and is definitely keeping up to date on all the latest food trends; kale and quinoa everywhere! I've got my eye on a red pepper muffin and the shallot and time mac and cheese for my next lunch date. The cafe is pretty small, but has a community feel to it, it's loud and warm and perfect for coming in out of the -2 degree November cold. Saying this, I've never been inside and got a table instantly, 10-30 min wait every time I've been- which I guess demonstrates the reputation it's given itself! If you're not there to induldge in breakfast or lunch, you can easily pick up a coffee or hot cocoa to go- maybe treat yourself to a sweet potato scone or homemade brownie?Chloe Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02316490149943969214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787584058470386181.post-25344734605026381422014-10-22T09:45:00.000-07:002014-10-22T09:47:43.169-07:00HAPPY THINGS OF THE WEEK <br />
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1. I've booked onto the ski trip! This year McMaster University
Ski and Snowboard society are going to Tremblant in Quebec. Ideally I wanted to
go back to Whistler, but I might have been aiming a little high there. So
naturally this is the next best place and I can't come to Canada and not go
skiing, that would be sacrilegious.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2. Clothes shopping (AND RESEARCH) in
Toronto. Ok, so I may have got a little distracted in American Apparel and
Anthropologie but I’m loving Toronto. I visited Koreatown and Chinatown this
weekend for some early research for my dissertation and they're great places. I
walked for over 3 hours around the city and didn't get bored once.<o:p></o:p></div>
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3. A new pair of winter boots! Winter is
coming. You can feel it every day- the subtle drops in temperature, the early
morning frost... I took a trip to the local mall last week and splurged on a
good pair of winter boots- making sure they were insulated and waterproof. I
now love them, they're so comfy and my feet are very snug thanks!<o:p></o:p></div>
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4. Baking autumn/fall goodies. I also
attended a baking event last week! The fact my kitchen doesn't have real ovens
is a bit of a downer for me, I remember baking homemade apple cider doughnuts
last year! However I managed to bake some great stuff this weekend with a few
other keen bakers; everything from apple turnovers to pumpkin roll and butter
tarts.<o:p></o:p></div>
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5. Finding a decent coffee. It's been a
struggle surviving off Starbucks and I miss my dad's coffee maker at home. But
a quick trip to Dundas introduced me to Detour; a cute cafe on the main street
selling quality cappuccinos and healthy soups and sandwiches. The grilled
cheese with chilli chutney is a good choice FYI.<o:p></o:p></div>
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6. Mid-terms are finally over! This is
both a happy and a sad thing. Yes, my mid-term exams are over. But I have three
huge assignments due over the next two weeks, so you win some you lose some.
Anyway I prefer coursework to exams- it means I can sit down with a cup of tea
and plan it- rather than cram information into my head pre-exam day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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7. Postcards and letters from home. I have
such great friends back in the UK and a few of them reminded me of that this
week. I got a couple of cards and postcards which kept me up to date on the
goings on back home as well as some great anecdotes. They were thoughtful and
funny and I'm looking forward to sending some back.<o:p></o:p></div>
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8. Oktoberfest! Ok, I realise we're not in
Germany, but did you realise the second biggest Oktoberfest celebration is in
Kitchener in Ontario? Well it is. We took a trip up there just before
Thanksgiving and had a dance and a drink in a big music hall (ice skating rink?)
along to German music. Lots of people were dressed up in lederhosen and I kind
of regret not having my own...<o:p></o:p></div>
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9. Thanksgiving itself!! I was lucky
enough to be invited to my housemate’s thanksgiving this year and I was so
pleased. I won't be getting a real Christmas dinner (considering I'll be in
Cuba) so I was excited to have an early-turkey dinner! And I wasn't
disappointed; turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and stuffing- you can't
go wrong.<o:p></o:p></div>
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10. Spontaneous wine and cheese nights. I
walked home late from the pub one night and managed to crash my housemates wine
and cheese night. We spent the night mostly drinking the wine and catching the
end of a horror movie...Wine and cheese are possibly some of life's greatest
little pleasures and this is a great way to spend a chilly fall evening.<span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chloe Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02316490149943969214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787584058470386181.post-92126748511670546452014-10-20T17:41:00.000-07:002014-10-20T17:41:12.931-07:00REVIEW > CHUCK'S BURGER BAR<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 18.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
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trip downtown and a little walk away on Locke Street, you'll find yourself at
Chuck's Burger Bar. A no-frills gourmet burger joint with good craft beers and
big portions. It's very low key, with only 5 tables and a bit of bar space. We
crammed 7 of us onto the bar and ordered a round whilst pouring over the menu.
And there's plenty to choose from; venison burgers, lobster poutine and enough
different sauces and toppings to last a lifetime! Peanut butter on your burger
anyone? I went for a (healthy) turkey burger, with caramelised pears and a
cranberry mayo, this was served alongside skin-on fries and a crunchy house
slaw. Although, yes we were eating at 9pm and I was starving, this was easily
one of my favourite indulgent meals in Canada. Finding a good burger is like
finding the perfect little black dress and you just know when it's a good one
from the first bite. You can tell this place is a hit with locals and students
alike as the place was packed with people when we first got there- I would
suggest booking a table or turning up earlier to get a proper seat as this
place get's busy even on a random Tuesday night. But waiting at the bar isn't
so bad either, there's a good selection of Canadian beers and enough Ice Hockey
to watch until you're seat is ready. Next time I go I would love to customise
my burger and pick out something adventurous or ask the waitress for a good
combo! I would also order the maple bacon doughnut bites, not sure why I didn't
do this before for $3 a bag.<span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chloe Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02316490149943969214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787584058470386181.post-72482788195311864272014-10-11T10:06:00.000-07:002014-10-11T10:06:52.632-07:00DINNER ON THE CN TOWER<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">It
was a windy Saturday afternoon and I was ridiculously excited. I was finally going up the
infamous CN tower. I had asked everyone for recommendations of where to go and
what to see in Toronto and nearly every one of them told me to take a trip up
the tower. We decided to try it out and (for a bargain price of $55 try the
lunch menu too!) After checking in, you're ushered into a lift which zooms up into the clouds. It's very odd walking out of the lift into a revolving glass
room. The scene spins around you and you're transported from high rise
skyscraper views to sprawling suburbs to the shimmering sea-like lake. I couldn't stop
snapping photos; every second was a new photo opportunity! Now for the food,
the $55 menu came with 3 courses. For a starter I had the pea and pancetta
spring tart. The pastry was a bit dry and the pancetta was more akin to bacon
lardons but it was 2pm and I was starving so I gobbled it down. My medium rare
steak with mashed potato and peppercorns was however- to DIE FOR. Perfectly
cooked with buttery mash and just enough creamy sauce. Lastly dessert; the final act.
Maybe the best one? You can't say no to a chocolate lava cake with espresso ice
cream and raspberry coulis. Melt in the mouth chocolaty goodness. Hands down
the best meal in Canada so far with the best views! Not only this- but
everything on the menu exhibited the best of Canada! You could try everything
from 'Vancouver Island Sea Salt' to 'Grilled Ontario Calf's Liver' and of
course Maple Blancmange, which is as Canadian as it gets without putting a
beaver on it. After lunch we wandered around the observation deck and they lay
down on the glass floor for some edgy looking pictures. Overall it was a great
afternoon, although service was slow at the start, it picked up and gave us
enough time to enjoy the views! I would love to see Toronto again at night and
try out a few more tasty offerings when I get the chance! </span></div>
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Chloe Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02316490149943969214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787584058470386181.post-78623300222275044912014-09-29T16:49:00.001-07:002014-09-29T16:49:42.228-07:00ALGONQUIN<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">100%
my favourite weekend in Canada so far. Algonquin Provincial Park is about a 4
hour drive from Hamilton and covers over 7000 sqkm. It's located in Central
Ontario between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River and is the oldest Provincial
Park in Canada. We drove up on a sleepy Friday night to stay for a night in
traditional cabins before heading out on the lakes for some canoeing. After a
brisk 7am wake up call, we packed up our gear, got into our groups and headed
out onto the water. In groups of 9, we had four canoes between us. Mostly in
pairs, I was put in the three man and acted as 'princess/team flightless bears
professional photographer'. Algonquin is truly spectacular, the autumn colours
shone through in reds, gold’s and oranges. This combined with a shiny, still
lake meant that the reflections were almost identical to the trees themselves.
We spent the first half of the day paddling through a narrow creek. Not used to
canoeing this was a bit of a struggle and a few of us beached ourselves in the
grass a couple of times. After coming out into a wide, open lake, we spotted a
flat-looking island and headed out for lunch and to soak up the sun. After
lunch it was back on the open water. At one point we even lost a paddle (even
less for me to do). In between getting to all the lakes we had a number of
'portages' or as I liked to call it 'French-canoe-walking'. This is where you
need to hoist the canoe up and carry it on your shoulders to the next available
body of water. Luckily for most of the guys carrying the canoes, the longest
one was just over 500m! Canoes, dear readers, are a bit heavy. However these
portages gave us the opportunity to walk through some of Algonquin's woodland,
see some chipmunks and get out of the sun for a bit. The last hour of our day
was arguably the best. In this hour, I saw a swimming moose and my Canadian
dream was fulfilled. At first we thought it was a really big bird...I know.
Stupid. Then we saw it's antlers and it's one heck of a snout puffing away. My
pictures weren't great but so happy that I got to see a Canadian wildlife icon.
After that we drifted in the lake for a bit soaking up the last of the sun’s
rays and enjoying the peace and quiet. Arriving at camp, we parked the canoes
and jumped straight into the water at sunset for a swim! The water was pretty icy
but refreshing and laying out in the sun after was arguably the best way to end
the day. The evening was spent stargazing. The stars were breathtaking, you
could see the Milky Way and we even spotted a bunch of shooting stars! Despite
a restless night, the next morning we got up and continued our canoeing. This
was an easier day and a shorter one. The lake remained calm and a big pike
nearly jumped in our boat! We encountered one fast moving waterway which
apparently took out a few canoes in its rapids- we decided to avoid it
altogether! Overall Algonquin was amazing, I'm not sure how many times I
muttered 'this is the life' to myself but it's truly a beautiful place. </span></div>
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Chloe Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02316490149943969214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787584058470386181.post-13679324158510576232014-09-26T12:58:00.000-07:002014-09-26T12:58:47.369-07:00Exploring Canada<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Canada is a pretty big place and I've only really been exploring a tiny portion of it. But I want to share with you some of the beautiful places I've been to and show you how even in your backyard, Canada is a beautiful place. The majority of these photos are surprisngly from Hamilton (my current home). Hamilton is a University town and industrial steel city but for many it's gone a bit into decline. I would argue that Hamilton has some of the best hidden gems including over 1000 waterfalls and an emerging art scene. Dundas Peak gives you a great view of Hamilton and the surrounding area (you can even see Toronto) and hiking along the Bruce Trail takes you to some gorgeous waterfalls which you can paddle in. If you continue to hike along the Bruce Trail you will eventually end up at Niagara Falls which as you will know straddles the US/Canada border (the Canada side has better views mkay?).<br />
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Horseshoe falls is probably the most famous of the two and is spectacular when lit up at night. I've also managed a sneaky trip to Toronto, as I mentioned in a previous post. It's a really amazing city- what I would call a 'liveable city'. The waterfront is for many the best view of the city, illuminating the famous CN tower and offering great views of the Rogers Centre Sports Stadium. The best views can be seen from the island, which I haven't been to yet, but I do have a good 7 months left! This weekend I'm travelling to Algonquin National Park. There I'll be canoeing and swimming in the lakes and enjoying the autumnal golds and reds of the surrounding trees- honestly the photos look amazing! The park itself is huge and offers plenty of oppurtunities to see local Canadian wildlife; moose, bears and wolves all live here! Although if I do see a bear I'm not sure if that's good news. The weather is set to be beautiful- 26 degrees and sunny! So I'm pretty excited.<br />
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So a quick overview of the backpacking trip I did last weekend. We woke up bright and early for a breakfast at Pancake House and to pack all of our goods away. This included stuffing a sleeping bag, mat, part of a tent and a few pots and pans into my already over-filled backpack. Heaving the thing on made me feel like a turtle to say the least. After a big pancake and bacon breakfast (with a bucket of strength inducing coffee) we jumped on the bus to Dundas and started the hike. The first part of the hike got some getting used to. Carrying an 80l backpack in 20+ degree heat aint so easy my friends. We walked along an old railway track which eventually led up to our campsite. However after walking for 20 mins or so, we took the high ground which led up to Dundas Peak and some great views. We even spotted a train that had at least 50 + carriages! It was great so see some of the autumnal colours coming through and also see a bit of the surrounding area. After this our walk took us past a golf course and along to see some of the waterfalls.<br />
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Most of the falls were pretty shallow but some you could paddle in. Which leads me onto the second day! After an evening of s'mores, campfire stories and 'interesting' pasta, we woke up in a puddle. It had been raining all morning and we had to pack everything up in torrential rain. It wasn't a great start to the morning and trying to cook bacon has never been so tiresome! The rains cleared up eventually however and this took us on a great path through the woodlands. It was a very peaceful start to the day, sun shining through the trees and a couple of wildlife sightings; snakes yo. Then when we reached some of the bigger waterfalls, paddling and climbing happened. A few of us drenched ourselves in the falls to cool down, others (like me) enjoyed the spray and snapped a few shots. We carried on walking back towards Hamilton and even passed McMaster, seeing it from an almost birds-eye view! Finally we ended up near downtown and caught the bus back to campus. A great trip and a new side to Hamilton I'd never seen!Chloe Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02316490149943969214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787584058470386181.post-89408793454413494122014-09-17T08:44:00.000-07:002014-09-17T08:44:35.457-07:00LIFE IN CANADA (SO FAR)<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
So this is a more of a 'what have I been doing since I left the
country' post. In many ways, I'm still settling in, I've been here for a month
now and I guess I can call it home but despite starting classes last week, it
still sort of feels like an extended holiday! I've done so much so I won't be
able to pack it all in one post. But I've got lots of plans to do some
travelling, backpacking, camping and general sightseeing, so you'll here about
that soon. Plus I've had a lot of meals out, some good, some average. Once I
find somewhere worth blogging about, you will see it up here! I'm also hoping
to do some recipe posts, however; SHOCK AND HORROR, I don't have a real oven
here! The house is only stocked with mini convection ovens and microwave ovens,
luckily I have a friend across the road who's oven I can work out once I need
to start baking when winter comes...which is scarily soon. So here are 10 happy
things that have happened in the last month!<o:p></o:p></div>
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1. Visiting Niagara Falls! The falls
themselves are awe-inspiring and seeing them up close was especially crazy. I
got soaked whilst trying to wrap my poncho around me on the boat so it was a
good thing it was such a hot day. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<img height="426" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/15792_10152313611471120_1157697155061722510_n.jpg?oh=91ef56c9d4d85f20cfc430839070e2fe&oe=549272D5&__gda__=1418968040_9935ffab2a77a0d9b006dc664ea0317c" width="640" /></div>
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2. Toronto! It's such a cool city and one
of those 'liveable' cities where you could see yourself going about your
everyday activities. We stayed in Kensington which was an especially cool area
with loads of street art, vegan bakeries and trendy looking students milling around. Dinner was at a great little
Jewish bistro which served the best blonde beer from Quebec. <o:p></o:p></div>
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3. TIFF or Toronto Film Fest! We saw Adult
Beginners on a rainy Saturday morning. Very funny and very sweet, highly recommend. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfig2-LJI39SPMzAZIJeS2L5CDn4-ye29KYq-OJkwpmSBlwLtfVI5gN_zRerAhWB1OB0tmDTYTMq2D6OGoNQ4wAPgFwOYnBO0JxKiwaoX_dhHiuMs4gM2nnVtFiyx49PwxYbuFLojj3zn/s640/blogger-image--590913904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="523" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfig2-LJI39SPMzAZIJeS2L5CDn4-ye29KYq-OJkwpmSBlwLtfVI5gN_zRerAhWB1OB0tmDTYTMq2D6OGoNQ4wAPgFwOYnBO0JxKiwaoX_dhHiuMs4gM2nnVtFiyx49PwxYbuFLojj3zn/s640/blogger-image--590913904.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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4. Going to Supercrawl, a free festival in
Downtown Hamilton. I saw Charles Bradley play; if you don't know him, he's a
James Brown-esque Jazz singer with a killer voice. I also ate beavertail (deep
fried chocolate and banana covered doughnut dough mmm) and got a pretty
handmade pink and purple patterned purse from an independent craft stall.<o:p></o:p></div>
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5. Eating Canadian Foods! I've been so fat
and I don't care. Poutine has been a revelation; it's a classic Canadian dish
of chips smothered in gravy and cheese. I got some in Niagara at Smokes
Poutinerie which were topped with pulled pork and crispy bacon. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerBD-yln5bCrh-CpomEdN5tLCN2DxnOaj936XsbPExow4irf9817-grp230YvW7uqhQ2qh5n6D4PmY6jtrfxRG7WbbnHyIsB0H5GnrVKEfs6T9lJLEf2140oFEJYV6iMAu72T0pbFFxJe/s640/blogger-image--33801076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerBD-yln5bCrh-CpomEdN5tLCN2DxnOaj936XsbPExow4irf9817-grp230YvW7uqhQ2qh5n6D4PmY6jtrfxRG7WbbnHyIsB0H5GnrVKEfs6T9lJLEf2140oFEJYV6iMAu72T0pbFFxJe/s400/blogger-image--33801076.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiliAyVZuObfYEqZd2GHDGdq5ApfPsl2eL9k0Rvpcu-emxpT2W87_Oa-4f3yygQ5kPwp5j7hYXeF_O5X2EfzC5Rv7nfIzA_2ff9cGbA61Kq4vyvTtGr9V6EU76ttLwAJ40NSzqHE4a0bX4/s640/blogger-image-1710165951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiliAyVZuObfYEqZd2GHDGdq5ApfPsl2eL9k0Rvpcu-emxpT2W87_Oa-4f3yygQ5kPwp5j7hYXeF_O5X2EfzC5Rv7nfIzA_2ff9cGbA61Kq4vyvTtGr9V6EU76ttLwAJ40NSzqHE4a0bX4/s400/blogger-image-1710165951.jpg" width="300" /></a> </div>
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6.The Chinese Supermarket in Jackson
Square. I found this place literally on my first day in the city. It has
EVERYTHING. Fresh dim sum and cheap sushi, raw sugar cane, a wall of exotic
teas... I could spend hours roaming the aisles I swear. <o:p></o:p></div>
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7. Treating myself to a NARS blusher in
Sephora. Oh Britain, why oh why do we not have a Sephora? It's glorious.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXU2ypCMX1rE9QfOc1oDGxJfD7s3FViyWZseVDq4pRf7YIwvYfl5yjtKINJrguBM13UKpY6SlKojxTsqPpAsWlPwQHTs7R_PZRA78Y1BQ1B3G3iPuFrtsh6B1gFEhihrZBpmqVINZX70CT/s640/blogger-image-1211283349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXU2ypCMX1rE9QfOc1oDGxJfD7s3FViyWZseVDq4pRf7YIwvYfl5yjtKINJrguBM13UKpY6SlKojxTsqPpAsWlPwQHTs7R_PZRA78Y1BQ1B3G3iPuFrtsh6B1gFEhihrZBpmqVINZX70CT/s640/blogger-image-1211283349.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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8. School Pride at MAC! McMaster has crazy
enthusiastic school pride. I went to a football game on my second week here and
the stadium was buzzing with cheers and chants. It's such a happy atmosphere
and really infectious- I even bought a McMaster t-shirt myself. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfig2-LJI39SPMzAZIJeS2L5CDn4-ye29KYq-OJkwpmSBlwLtfVI5gN_zRerAhWB1OB0tmDTYTMq2D6OGoNQ4wAPgFwOYnBO0JxKiwaoX_dhHiuMs4gM2nnVtFiyx49PwxYbuFLojj3zn/s640/blogger-image--590913904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="475" src="https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10464059_10152281129506120_1681006363333895252_n.jpg?oh=d4b3649efd2de2e48032c5c67da3f849&oe=5491D219" width="640" /></a><br />
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9. Coffee Breaks at Tim Hortons. Cheap,
good coffee and yummy baked snacks. No wonder Canadians love Tim Hortons. <o:p></o:p></div>
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10. The (first three weeks of) weather. Ok
so it's cooled a bit down now, but until last weekend it was 30 degree heat,
sunshine and smiles. There were a couple of thunderstorms but they brought much
needed coolness when it was a bit too much. Plus the lightning was
incredible! </div>
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Chloe Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02316490149943969214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787584058470386181.post-77689149917595787072014-08-22T10:06:00.002-07:002014-08-22T10:06:19.181-07:00GOODBYE BRITAINJust a quick update! Tomorrow I leave for Canada to start my year abroad at McMaster University. I'm pretty excited/nervous and generally just looking forward to it all starting! The first few weeks will be a bit mad I imagine; a lot of bank account setting up, mingling with other International students and trying to find out where I can find a pack of digestive biscuits. Anyway during this time I doubt I will be able to post as much but I'll try to keep up with anything that needs posting. I'm going to try and take the 'yes' approach to life abroad. Want to go to a toga party? Ok yeh...I guess so. Want to try out this pancake house? YES. Want to go dog sledging with cute husky puppies? OMG YES. Hopefully this will work out for the best and give me plenty of material on stuff to try out, eat and visit in Canada and maybe even across the border...USA West Coast trip anyone? I'll be catching my flight tomorrow morning and flying straight to Toronto- somewhere I will definitely be frequenting! Then straight onto Hamilton to settle in and see what's about. If anyone has any tips for life in Canada please let me know! Will be posting soon, watch this space.<br />
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SEE YA ENGLAND XXXChloe Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02316490149943969214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787584058470386181.post-67304449210948836292014-08-11T05:05:00.000-07:002014-08-11T05:05:19.156-07:00PLACE TO GO > CAMBODIA<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">I
have a mild fascination regarding East Asia, countries such as Palau, Japan and
Vietnam have been on my bucket list for years and apart from a 2 hour stopover
in Singapore, I've never really travelled around that part of the world. I've
mentioned before how much I'd love to see <a href="http://travellingspoonblog.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/normal-0-false-false-false-en-gb-x-none.html">Angkor Wat</a>, but there is so much more
in Cambodia than just that. Cambodia has everything from ancient temples to
rich countryside and iconic city life. Phnom Penh is a chaotic city of bustling
markets, full of exotic street-food and pretty colonial architecture. The city
is still away from the tourist mainstream yet offers days of sightseeing and
activity. Immerse yourself in local culture by taking part in sunrise aerobics
at the Olympic Stadium or alternatively visit the Royal Palace from the back of
a famous rickshaw. A friend of mine who visited Cambodia also recommends Tuol
Sleng, known as the 'Genocide Museum', an interesting but grim visit into
Cambodia's history. The Killing Fields are also an important reminder of
Cambodia's notoriously dark history and are a few km outside of the city
centre. On a lighter side, try a wide range of street food creepy crawlies;
fried spider with a spicy lime sauce? Dried snake with green mango salad? Mmm
crunchy. Or if you're not into that; try a traditional staple of noodle broth
topped with fish paste. Phnom Penh is the cultural heart of Cambodia but there
is still plenty to see in this small country. The Cardamom Mountains are
perfect for exploring jungle life. Coconut Palms and Wild Plum trees welcome
all sorts of wildlife in this protected jungle landscape. The area is preserved
through it's dense canopies which shelter a scattering of villages and
eco-lodges, which are ideal for trekking in-between. There is plenty more to
see across Cambodia which just wouldn't fit in one post; Takeo Province, Tonle
Sap and Siem Reap are also must-see's on my personalised map. </span></div>
Chloe Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02316490149943969214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787584058470386181.post-2080485394879619632014-08-09T05:39:00.000-07:002014-08-09T05:39:22.786-07:00REVIEW > THE DINER<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">The
Diner is an all-occasion restaurant. Equally perfect for Sunday brunch or a
gut-busting dinner. A couple of girlfriends and I made our way to the Covent
Garden branch last week. I'll be honest, we were spoilt for choice! Even after
a good half an hour we were still pulling our hair our trying to choose between
the sweet potato pancakes versus the cobb salad. We finally decided on the
American classic; a round of burgers, fries and milkshakes. I chose a BBQ
chicken burger, served with skinny diner fries, coated in Cajun seasoning. This
was all washed down with a think banana and peanut butter milkshake. The other
girls both picked the 'Juicy Lucy' of Man V Food fame; a moist burger stuffed
with a cheese sauce centre. When the food came out, we were slightly lost for
words; the burgers were stacked high and the chips took up an entire basket themselves!
The meal between the three of us could easily have been enough to feed six or
seven! Despite the sheer size of it, The Diner's food is a perfect slice of
America in the UK, my burger was especially delicious! Next time I return I've
got my eye on the banana and butterscotch pancakes- and I'd love to try a 'Hard
Shake' an alcoholic milkshake which has combos ranging from cherry and amaretto
to alcoholic Oreo flavour! I have some minor complaints; the Cajun seasoning
was arguably too much and one less sprinkle would have done them a favour.
Also, when I order banana and peanut butter I'm expecting big flavours; this
milkshake was lacking in that punch-you-in-the-face flavour I was expecting.
The Diner can be found all across London and has branches in Camden and Soho as
well, so next time you're there, check out the menu- there's enough on it to
cater to every taste! </span></div>
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Chloe Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02316490149943969214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787584058470386181.post-29048285022478946822014-08-05T05:51:00.000-07:002014-08-05T05:51:01.191-07:00HOW TO PACK FOR A YEAR ABROAD <div class="MsoNormal">
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How to pack for a year abroad? You're spending another year at
University, however, said University is in a different country, most likely
thousands of miles away from home. Not only this, but the climate and culture
are completely different. Many of my friends from University are doing years
abroad, ranging from Australia to Singapore and Spain. I am, as I have
mentioned enthusiastically before, doing my year abroad in Canada. Packing is
one of the main things I will be doing for the next couple of weeks,
eliminating this t-shirt here and there, packing that one extra pair of socks
and panicking about whether it's worth bringing my favourite mug. Now although
I can't guarantee that everything I've initially decided on will be needed,
I've come up with a couple of easy to follow guidelines for those spending a
year abroad.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>KNOW YOUR LIMIT</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
I realise this sounds like an alcohol
awareness campaign but the point I'm making is about baggage size and weight.
You need to work out not only what the airline restrictions are but what your
personal carrying capacity is. I know I couldn't lug more than 2 suitcases
around, especially if I have to change flights/make my way on public transport.
An easy way to do this is to pack as lightly as possible or stick to a strict
easy to follow list, for example; 2 pairs of jeans, 10 t-shirts, 1 evening bag
etc etc. I know it's tempting to think; 'oh but I love that pair of shoes!' or
'that might come in handy for fancy dress' but in most cases it's not worth it
and 9/10 of the times you can find something similar or more suitable out
there. For me, that will be a new pair of snow boots. </div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>LESS COSMETICS/MORE DRUGS</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
Tehe. No but really, most countries issue
toothpaste. You don't need to go out and buy 5 reserve bottles of your
favourite shampoo. Is that really what you're going to regret halfway through the
year? Who has ever said 'yeah my year abroad was great, but I couldn't find one
bottle of Herbal Essences in Copenhagen so that just ruined the whole
experience'. However, in comparison to many countries (especially the USA and
Canada) the UK has pretty cheap pharmaceuticals. It's worth taking a couple
extra packets of painkillers and any other over the counter medicines you think
you might need. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>RESEARCH THE CLIMATE</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
Ok so we all know that all the cats down
in Brisbane might as well pack a few extra bikinis and flip flops (thongs in
native tongue). But it's important to be prepared for the climate. Some
countries and cities experience much higher humidity’s and therefore you need
to pack appropriately in order to keep cool. Alternatively in snowier climates
such as Canada and Sweden, you're going to need to take account of thermals,
layers and possibly invest in a thick winter coat. Anyone travelling to the UK?
Pack a waterproof jacket. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>ROLL IT</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
This is simple. Roll your clothes to make
extra space in your bag. You could vacuum pack but I literally have no clue how
to do that. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>GADGET BASICS</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
There are a few electronic devices you
might want to consider packing before you fly off as well. Firstly; adaptors.
Pretty obvious, you can't use anything without an adaptor and again this can be
country-specific. Next; a portable hardrive. Nowadays you can get pretty
compact hardrives for not too expensive prices. It's worth taking one of these
in order to back up both all your important data and memorable photos
(awh). <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>SOMETHING SENTIMENTAL</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
During the year leading up to Canada we
had a number of lectures about acclimatising to our new homes. We were even
given handy little graphs about how our emotions will play out. FYI you will
experience initial euphoria followed by a decline into sadness as you become
homesick. I did have a little giggle at this. But for those moments when you
are missing home and all you want is a proper British biscuit and cup of tea
with friends, take something sentimental. Photos, trinkets, cards, gifts...all
of these things have sentimental value and it's worth having them around you to
remind you of a little bit of home.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<b>AND NOT FORGETING THE DOCUMENTS</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
Saving the boring stuff till last! But
arguably the most important stuff. Remember to pack all your important
documents (and photocopies) in a waterproof folder. This means, passport
copies, visa letters, bank details, emergency contacts etc all in a folder
which can be kept safe. I would actually recommend taking this in your hand
luggage more than anything; it's something which needs to be accessible and
kept on you whilst travelling. I was once on a bus going through Bosnia and a
guy from Vancouver nearly got kicked off because he left his passport in his
hold luggage! <span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chloe Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02316490149943969214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787584058470386181.post-53525113495761146452014-07-30T12:29:00.000-07:002014-07-30T12:29:05.201-07:00RECIPE > LAVENDER SHORTBREAD Near where I live in Kent, the lavender fields are well and truly out. These delicate purple flowers really are the smell of summer, adorning local gardens and fields...and now in my baking! I've had lavender shortbread a number of times but never made it myself. My grandma's shortbread is somewhat famous among family circles so I've never wanted to challenge her as the shortbread queen. However, I thought that adding a bit of lavender to a shortbread mix could make an aromatic change to the normal buttery biscuits. I was also a bit of a cheat and picked up some Barts dried lavender rather than running to the local lavender farm shop (yup there is one!) But wherever you get your lavender from, this is an easy-to-bake treat you should love! Preheat an oven to around <b>180 on fan</b>. Firstly grind up a <b>small handful of dried lavender </b>in a pestle and mortar. Add this to <b>300g of sifted white flour, 80g of caster sugar and a pinch of salt.</b> Then rub together the flour mix with <b>250g of cubed unsalted butter</b> to form a crumb like mixture. Mix in <b>1 egg yolk </b>alongside a <b>teaspoon of vanilla extract </b>and softly combine. Roll the dough onto a floured surface and cut into shapes, circles, whatever you feel at about 1cm thickness (the thinner will need less cooking time). Bake for 10-12 mins, making sure they are turning a lovely golden colour; if they start to crisp at the edges and darken-take them out! Cool for a while and transfer to a wire rack, ready to be enjoyed with a cool glass of lemonade!<div>
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Chloe Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02316490149943969214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787584058470386181.post-1347711636309335892014-07-25T02:38:00.002-07:002014-07-25T02:38:52.852-07:00REVIEW > CHAPTER ONE<span style="font-family: inherit;">So
pre-Croatia, my family went to Chapter One in Orpington, Kent to celebrate my gorgeous mum's
birthday. I'd been to Chapter One about 5 years ago when I was turning sweet 16
and all I can remember is that it was the first time I tried foie gras and felt
questionable about it. Anyway along with a bottle of wine, we treated
ourself to the luxurious sounding Tasting Menu, a full 7 courses of decadence.
The first <span style="line-height: 115%;">course was a simple spring pea veloute; thick and strong with flavour.
We were then treated to what may have been my favourite course of the night;
treacle cured salmon served with charred spring onions and an aromatic
coriander, ginger and sesame dressing. The salmon was sweet and tender and
perfectly complemented the bitterness of the spring onions. My mum's favourite
course was next; a girolle mushroom and chive risotto. The earthy flavours were
served with creamy crème fraiche and parmesan and the whole thing was surprisingly
light. I would have to add that so far, none of the dishes had felt
overwhelming and my appetite was still strong after 3 courses (albeit they were
very small tasters)! Next up is what I would call the main star of the night;
the pressed belly of pork. A well cooked square of pork which was served
alongside a succulent, juicy braised pork cheek, savoy cabbage, smoked potato
and apple puree with a stick of crunchy crackling. We were then treated to a
palette cleanser of raspberry sorbet and foam- MY FAVOURITE FRUIT. This was
refreshing and prepared us for the pure food-porn dessert. Peanut and chocolate
tart with salted caramel and banana sorbet- topped with little pieces of fudge.
How could anyone resist? This was an amazing finish to the night and at this
point (followed by a selection of chocolate and caramel truffles) I was ready
to be carried home. </span></span> <br />
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Chloe Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02316490149943969214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787584058470386181.post-59303241895513673972014-07-19T04:59:00.000-07:002014-07-19T04:59:24.835-07:00CROATIAN CUISINE<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Eating
across Croatia feels like eating in at least 3 different countries. The culinary
influences range from Austrian and Hungarian to Turkish and Middle Eastern with
a spattering of Italian inspired Mediterranean cooking and a smidge of complete
originality. Starting in Zagreb, the city truly exhibited international
flavours from around the world; my first dish was a splendid Schnitzel after
all. Most popular was Italian cooking; with the love of risotto and gnocchi
especially in most restaurants. Gnocchi here was fried with leeks and doused in
cream or mixed with squid ink to make the silky 'black gnocchi' served with
salmon sauce, sampled in the Croatian footballer's owned 'Boban' restaurant.
Cevapi is the national dish, a Balkan, eastern European slash Turkish kebab
style dish. Described to us by our hostel receptionist as 'meat fingers', the
minced lamb sausages were served with onion salad and the popular ajvar salsa
and had a very bold, meaty flavour. Moving down the coast we entered Split,
which had a number of cute and authentic bistros. At Villa Spiza, we sat on
crowded bar stools and watched as our chefs hastily cooked fresh prawn and
courgette pasta for hungry locals. Here I tried pale green stuffed peppers with
a rich tomato sauce washed down with a glass of local red wine. The food was
unpretentious and welcoming; with fresh calamari and octopus salad were also
popular choices on the chalkboard menu. Heading to Hvar, seafood became more pertinent
on the menu's. </span></div>
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Dalmatian lobster was served in every way possible at a hefty
price to yacht-hopping partygoers; think served alongside a saffron sauce,
cooked up in a salad or with a goats cheese gratin. We sat outdoors in a local
restaurant, slightly tipsy from strong frozen cocktails at Hula Hula. I had
tuna with a pea pesto and a gorgeous potato salad, my flatmate gorged on what
she described as 'buttery', 'garlicky' sea bass and our Australian traveller
tucked into freshly fried squid. This was all followed by a shot of free
grappa! Croatia's Adriatic coastline is well known for it's rocky shores and
stunning beaches but the quality of seafood should also shine; mussels and
shrimp were on almost every menu, usually served in a simple garlic butter
sauce or 'Dalmatian' style. Our last stop was Kings Landing aka Dubrovnik, here
the city's dish was the 'black risotto' or the cuttlefish risotto mixed in ink,
herbs and white wine. Nearer the Bosnian border, Turkish food became more
influential with syrupy servings of Baklava and thick Turkish coffee. At
Dubravka, overlooking the Red Keep...I mean the fortress, we enjoyed more sweet
Croatian wine with sea trout and almonds. 360 is the most prestigious
restaurant in Dubrovnik with stunning views of the harbour. I was dying to go
and sample the famed 'The Garden' dish; a curious mix of raw Adriatic
langoustines, Istrian truffles, lemongrass biscuit and Szechuan button flowers
aka the 'electric flower'. However, I ran out of cash and instead had an
Italian feast at Wanda, run by a friendly local who treated me to free prosecco
and complained about Angela Merkel stopping his Istrian cheese from getting
into the city.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
FUN FACT: Pag cheese recently won an award
at the 'world cheese awards'. Pag is an island (one of thousands in Croatia
y'know) off the coast. The cheese is made from the sheep who nibble at the sea
salt-encrusted herbs and flowers on the island. Apparently this provides a very
aromatic flavour according to Igor our Plitvice Lakes tour guide. The cheese is
then wrapped in oil and left to age. Very popular this Pag cheese is.<span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Chloe Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02316490149943969214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787584058470386181.post-17370463136641953362014-07-02T03:52:00.000-07:002014-07-02T03:52:01.421-07:00REVIEW > GRAIN STORE<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RPNdRaZMfdtRn8mNFqDdErnaVu0hIDR_e5ZzUbWFDqoY8h1uMiOimqUmNuCQCgj0ho5CzhWEdUMB_ZGJnt6kQpHgz3vRs-Rmgu4FTafKJytw6dIdPqg6bEHXbGAPW4ymLEPzlnxY1Glv/s640/blogger-image-1679996199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7RPNdRaZMfdtRn8mNFqDdErnaVu0hIDR_e5ZzUbWFDqoY8h1uMiOimqUmNuCQCgj0ho5CzhWEdUMB_ZGJnt6kQpHgz3vRs-Rmgu4FTafKJytw6dIdPqg6bEHXbGAPW4ymLEPzlnxY1Glv/s400/blogger-image-1679996199.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="line-height: 115%;">Last
Monday, a friend and I sprinted through the rain to get to Grain Store; a
vegetable-friendly restaurant located just behind Kings Cross Station in
Granary Square. The place is relatively new and is headed by chef Bruno Loubet,
who I had the brief pleasure of seeing at a Taste of London talk! The menu is
full of unusual combinations and Mediterranean touches; miso aubergine, wasabi
soil, mustard apricots to name a few. The atmosphere of the place is really
relaxed and seems to attract everyone from local art students to family's and
hungry workers; bare brick walls and an open plan table setting gives the place
an unpretentious feel. So onto the food. I ordered the vanilla butter hake with
steamed seaweed sushi, braised pak choi and black garlic. The hake was
delicious; buttery and perfectly cooked, the touch of vanilla really
complemented the fish. The pak choi was crunchy and fresh and the seaweed sushi
really matched the rest of the dish. I was initially confused when I ordered
the dish and the waiter explained that they<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><i>painted<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>black garlic onto the plate. I assumed it was a
miscommunication but when the dish arrived I saw that in fact, yes, black
garlicky brushstrokes had been painted onto the base of the plate. My friend
ordered the veggie cauliflower cous cous, spelt salad with vegetable merguez,
yoghurt and pistachio dressing. Again, when the waiter spoke of a 'sausage' we
were confused, however it turns out that a vegetable merguez is a vegetable
sausage- something I had never heard of before. The dish was colourful,
exciting and unusual, decorated with rose petals and chunks of pistachio. Both
dishes were in fact very pretty; it's safe to assume Grain Store takes pride in
the appearance of it's dishes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAu9XKHetxyZQJubw_4GyFkJDls3j1MfEzafyIBtq7KxleO2Ff9ZX_1ZGpseMgyPiGIrX-xDF7gAxOTNftqibYMkas_3BLYbZCEpTuY1XQOR5uMe99f-cxeQZnxYUaZd3o1pp2eZADd6I/s640/blogger-image-1906698988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfAu9XKHetxyZQJubw_4GyFkJDls3j1MfEzafyIBtq7KxleO2Ff9ZX_1ZGpseMgyPiGIrX-xDF7gAxOTNftqibYMkas_3BLYbZCEpTuY1XQOR5uMe99f-cxeQZnxYUaZd3o1pp2eZADd6I/s400/blogger-image-1906698988.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a>For dessert we both ordered the experimental
coconut and kaffir lime flavoured green tapioca with sweet potatoes and banana
wafers. Sadly I was a bit disappointed with this and I'm not sure that sweet
potatoes are a well balanced accompaniment to green tapioca. The banana wafer
was also a bit disappointing; I wish it had a bit more flavour! Overall Grain
Store was a very different restaurant experience and unfortunately not all of
the elements worked. If I were to go again I would probably pass on the dessert
and order the yummy sounding spiced lentil cake for a starter instead. OH. We cheekily
ordered a side pot of banana ketchup. Easily the best thing on the menu; spicy,
mustardy, much better than normal ketchup I can tell you. </div>
<br />
<br />Chloe Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02316490149943969214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787584058470386181.post-18590560797559092662014-06-26T04:51:00.000-07:002014-06-26T04:51:16.207-07:00TASTE OF LONDON<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">So
I told you how I was going to Taste of London right? Well, that happened last
week and it is safe to say it was amazing. A personal heaven of wine and food
and pimms and more food. Taste of London returned to Regent's Park this year
for its annual celebration of all things yummy. It was a perfect day for Taste;
sunny skies and not a cloud in sight. Makeshift foam caps were even being handed
out! So the currency of Taste are 'crowns' which equal a pound and (slightly
annoyingly) can only be bought in packs of 5. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">I rocked up with my mum, our crown stock already burning a hole in my pocket and headed straight to Flesh
and Buns for a portion of their roast pork belly with mustard miso and green
apple in a steamed bun. It was amazing, a perfect delicate balance of the miso and pork and the bun was light as a feather. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">We wandered round for what seemed like ages, trying to
get a 'flavour' of what's about, Taste of Thai exhibited some of the best Thai
Restaurants in London at the moment, from Blue Elephant to Thai Tho. There was
also a great 'Fruits of Thailand' section with carved watermelons and exotic
fruits to experience. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Lining the walkways of Taste were marquees of various
companies and producers; I swear I got more free food and alcohol from the sample tents
than I did from actual restaurants. We tried Cumbrian beer, sugared Indian
flatbreads, Prosecco, Kimchi, Rose wine, lots of strawberry cheesecake truffles
and a tonne of olives Bodega Olives, which we ended up buying 4 packs of!</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Anyway, on to what I spent my crowns on. The best two dishes I sampled were
from Salt Yard and Andre Garett at Cliveden House. I spent 5 crowns at the
former on the famous deep fried goats cheese stuffed courgette flower drizzled
with honey and at the latter we gorged on the prize winning peanut butter
parfait with salted caramel and raspberry compote.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">This stuffed me for the rest
of the day and was possibly one of the best desserts I have ever eaten! Le
Gavroche was surrounded by pappers trying to get a picture of Mr Roux himself-
as was Maze and Jamie Oliver's Barbecoa, both popular choices for Tasters. Le
Gavroche offered a luxurious sounding Lobster and Truffle Salad, Maze; the
popular Bang Bang Chicken Hand Roll and Barbecoa- amazing sounding white
chocolate Panna Cotta with Champagne strawberries and basil. Not only is there
plenty of food to gorge on; there were sushi classes, a cooking tent and
demonstrations from chefs such as Colin McGurran. I would happily come again to
get involved with the classes! We finished the day off with a number of drinks;
the best of which was a huge Pina Colada from the Mahiki tent served in a
hollowed out pineapple. Nothing says summer better than a hollowed out
pineapple after all. </span></div>
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Chloe Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02316490149943969214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787584058470386181.post-39623888327732497382014-06-19T04:23:00.001-07:002014-06-19T04:23:26.769-07:00RECIPE > COCONUT BREAD<img alt="Coconut loaf yeees" src="http://37.media.tumblr.com/e319ffaa2b81c8ce2e86464815968cc5/tumblr_n7exakNTmc1qbqtmeo1_1280.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
In all
fairness this isn't really bread. It's a loaf cake. But I just used the word
bread m'kay? A relatively simple recipe adapted from the wonderful<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/">smittenkitchen.com</a>. Sift <b>315g of
flour with 2 tsp of cinnamon powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 2 tsp of baking
powder, then mix with 140g of shaved coconut and 200g of golden granulated
sugar. Whisk 2 large eggs, 300ml of milk and a tsp of vanilla extract in a separate
bowl.</b> Then- making a well in the middle of the flour mix, poor the egg mix in
and combine until well mixed. Then add<b> 85g of melted butter</b> into the mix until
smooth and loosened. Line and flour a loaf tin then bake at <b>180 degrees</b> Celsius
for around hour and a half. Keep checking because all ovens are different of
course! The best way to check is to insert a skewer into the loaf, if it comes
out clean- it's cooked! Leave to cool in the tin. When ready to eat, slice and
smother with jam, butter or thick manuka honey (it needs that extra moisture as
coconut can be a tad drying). </div>
Chloe Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02316490149943969214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787584058470386181.post-82568366911432306092014-06-16T05:19:00.000-07:002014-06-16T05:19:41.365-07:00BEST FOR: FOOD FESTIVALSSOUTH: TASTE OF LONDON<br />
<br />
Admittedly I chose Taste of London because I am going there this year and I am so excited! The event takes place in London Regent's Park over 4 days starting THIS Wednesday; let's hope the weather picks up. Taste of London offers food from some of the best global chefs; Noma's Redpezi, the Rouxs, Raymond Blanc to mention a few over the years. Pop up stands and mini restaurants will be giving out tapas sized portions of some of the most exciting food in London today. As well as this there are sushi making classes, champagne tastings and interactive cooking masterclasses. A self proclaimed 'foodie wonderland'.<br />
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<img height="380" src="http://www.thesra.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/TOA-007.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<br />
NORTH: LOCH LOMOND FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL<br />
<br />
Heading North we find ourself at the picturesque Loch Lomond in Scotland. The famous festival lasts only two days from the 6th to the 7th of September but there is plenty to cram in during this time. Both fantastic local Scottish and International produce are showcased at this event; expect haggis pizza, fresh salmon and hog roasts. Not only this but there are street food sellers, live music and a deserved trip around the Brewery to sample some golden liquid. The chilli chocolate sausages are tipped as worth a try? Or stick to the shortbread.<br />
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<img height="320" src="http://www.visitscotland.com/cms-images/2x1/regions/loch-lomond-trossachs-forth-valley/loch-lomond-food-drink-festival" width="640" /><br />
<br />
ABROAD: MAINE LOBSTER FESTIVAL<br />
<br />
Maine Lobster festival is hailed as one of the most popular fishy festivals in the world. The Maine Lobster is the celebrity guest of the seafood world and this event is a must for anyone who loves the pricey crustacean. Running for over 60 years now in Rockland, Maine; the festival boasts 'creative' lobster prepping, lobster crate races and carnival rides. If that doesn't excite you (why wouldn't it), a giant steamer boils lobsters for visitors on the spot, served fresh and tasty. This year the festival is running from July 30th to August 3rd, so er book your flights now kids!<br />
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<img height="338" src="http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/wwtravel/624_330/images/live/p0/0y/k5/p00yk5z6.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<br />Chloe Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02316490149943969214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787584058470386181.post-19479975563614093582014-06-12T08:41:00.000-07:002014-06-12T08:41:11.703-07:00REVIEW > SALVO'S, LEEDS<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I've been to
Salvo's before, but last time I was too excited by the food to take any
pictures, in fact I barely achieved it this time. Salvo's, located in Headingly,
is a favourite of Leeds locals serving fresh, simple Italian food for decades
now. I chose this place for my birthday dinner (I turned 21 this week yo) and
although it's a bit pricey for an average student dinner, I justified it as birthday occasion-worthy! Salvo's has a great selection of pasta, meat and fish and an
excellent wine selection. The menu exhibits some of the best Italian ingredients
cooked to perfection. My favourites are the Pasta Al Forno; a meatball and
salami baked pasta dish smothered in a mozzarella gratin and the Pasta Alla
Pecorara; a pork ragu dish with roasted peppers and smoked ricotta. Other recommendations;
the giant belly-filling Calzone's or the Pollo Braciole; chicken thighs stuffed with sausage
and sage, wrapped in pancetta (my mum is still raving about attempting to
re-create this one). The specials often have a range of mouth-watering pricier options,
which change weekly depending on what's in season, this has ranged from venison
to seafood pasta or roman piglet. What I love most about Salvo's is how
relaxed it is, the friendly atmosphere and fact it's full even on a Monday
evening without feeling cramped. The decor is nice, straying away from pomp and
fancy with pictures of Salvo and family which decorate the walls, highlighting Italian
values of community and family strengthened by a love of food. Makes me feel
a bit Italian. Salvo does also have a cafe and a deli around the corner,
demonstrating how popular the restaurant has become in the neighbourhood. Outstanding
cuisine, excellent service and a meets-all-needs atmosphere makes Salvo's a
long-standing Leeds favourite.<br />
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<br />Chloe Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02316490149943969214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787584058470386181.post-14607844022274099632014-06-06T02:52:00.000-07:002014-06-06T02:52:28.381-07:00REVIEW > THE BOTANIST, LEEDS<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p><span style="line-height: 115%;">Walking
into The Botanist last night was like walking into the most well organised
garden shed ever. Decorated with trowels, watering cans and posters of various
seeds and beans; The Botanist milks its gardening-based brand. The jug of water
we got on the table was stereotypically granny-kitsch in their pink floral
designs, the plates were a mismatch of tea-set patterns and colours and there
was certainly no lack of cladding. The food ethic was good British pub food;
well-cooked, big portions and classic tastes. For starters we ordered; tomato
and basil soup served in a mug, Cumberland pork chipolatas, Welsh rarebit
fondue and a home-made scotch egg with piccalilli. The egg was perfectly cooked
and soft in the middle and the piccalilli just sharp enough to offset the Scotch
egg. The fondue was praised around the table, served with mounds of crusty,
thick bread. For mains it was a case of; steak and ale pie and three portions
of flattened rump steak (I ordered a side of peppercorn sauce with mine).
Although flattened, the rump was still pink and flavoursome and the peppercorn
sauce creamy and spicy. The steak and ale pie came with more gravy than anyone
would ever need- we are in Yorkshire after all. The portions were huge;
although the idea of a banana and coconut kebab for pud was tempting, I was
stuffed after just two portions, you certainly get enough for your money!
Lastly, although pricey the cocktails are worth seeking out even if you don't
have dinner there. A range of fruity and herb-infused flavours, standouts to
try for me are the raspberry amaretto sour, watermelon martini and the cherry
and sage sling. I'd love to try The Botanist again, although I reckon I'll have
to wait for fourth year now! </span></div>
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Chloe Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02316490149943969214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787584058470386181.post-72656555833471527892014-06-02T01:50:00.002-07:002014-06-02T01:52:07.734-07:00PLACE TO GO > ICELAND<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=iceland+reykjavik&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=MTqMU-zaN-HY7AagioHwBw&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ&biw=1093&bih=515#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=K58GJAy0LYYNiM%253A%3BhJhRokncWKrFTM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Ftravelaway.me%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2012%252F08%252FReykjavik-Iceland.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Ftravelaway.me%252Freykjavik-the-stunning-capital-of-iceland%252F%3B1600%3B1056"><img src="http://travelaway.me/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Reykjavik-Iceland.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;">Land
of Fire and Ice? You might mistake it as a place from<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><i>Game
of Thrones<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>but I'm talking about Iceland. Iceland has
everything I personally love; whale watching, midnight sun and a foraged food
culture. Not only this but the capital city of Reykjavik offers circus
festivals, Viking history and classic European nightlife. As the world's most
northern capital city, Reykjavik is 'high' on my list of places to go. No but
really, there's plenty to do both in and around the city. Dill Restaurant is a
pioneer in the foraged foods movement offering unusual Icelandic concoctions. A
room at the Reykjavik Marina- a converted factory, offers stunning views of the
dock. The hotel displays industrial chintz at it's best; fishing net washing
bags and pine covers galore. Directly outside of the city, short excursions can
take you Humpback-whale watching or Puffin sighting. April-October is the best
season for the bigger animals of course. Geothermal pools and spas are famous
in Iceland; the Blue Lagoon is set in an atmospheric black lava field, warming
waters at a toasty 38 degrees C. Locals apply the volcanic silica mud directly
to their skin which is said to have excellent cleansing and exfoliating
results. Alternatively you could talk a walking trip to the isolated island of
Videy or go diving in Icelandic waters for some of the best visibility going
and ship wrecks abound. Granted it might be a bit chilly but that's what the
Geothermal pools are for after. </div>
Chloe Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02316490149943969214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787584058470386181.post-68224842404094732142014-05-23T09:17:00.000-07:002014-05-23T09:17:15.016-07:00RECIPE > OLIVE BREAD ROLLS<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;">So
this post comes in the midst of the two most stressful weeks of my life; exams,
research proposals, visa </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">applications...I could go on. Back in December I
didn't realise how much paperwork would be involved in my move to Canada.
Anyhow, I at least found the time to bake, important stuff I know. I had a
little jar of black olive tapenade in my fridge which I'd nicked from home and
I was wondering what to do with it. BBC GoodFood of course gave me the
incentive to make a cheats version of their Olive Rolls using my tapenade. This
recipe is basically an olivey swiss roll. Firstly mix</span><b style="line-height: 115%;"> 500g of white bread
flour, with a tsp of salt, 1 tbsp, a packet of fast action yeast and 300ml of
warm water.</b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Mix and knead with your hands until ready (10 mins or so). Put the
dough in a clean bowl with oiled Clingfilm covering and leave to rise. Go and
revise for an hour. OR whatever you normal people do. When doubled in size,
roll out onto a well floured surface. Spread your olive paste (bought or homemade) all over the
dough and then roll this up into a swiss roll-shaped thingy. Cut the dough into
even slices (around 10-12) and place these on a lined baking sheet. Generously brush over with
oil and, covering, leave to rise again for another 20mins. When ready, remove
the Clingfilm and put in a pre-heated oven at 220/200C fan. Cook for 25 mins-
they may squish into each other a little bit, don't worry about this. Take out,
leave to cool and enjoy later on whist cramming for stats. </span></div>
Chloe Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02316490149943969214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8787584058470386181.post-16265644480778093792014-05-11T03:22:00.000-07:002014-05-11T03:22:26.795-07:00REVIEW > HANSAS, LEEDS<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5v0UZOcud0OIyjuDfzJEtG5luqSlKTCWwPmw3lBtsfp5Cx4BftA1Of8N7CUyKQWuNQtCvHTeW5fwROAx2ADM5t0Zz0C-RJUcBECjiTLgnB_hxLiL7EiZxqXfVWzibFp2Lrio3F_4_M04/s640/blogger-image-422414174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5v0UZOcud0OIyjuDfzJEtG5luqSlKTCWwPmw3lBtsfp5Cx4BftA1Of8N7CUyKQWuNQtCvHTeW5fwROAx2ADM5t0Zz0C-RJUcBECjiTLgnB_hxLiL7EiZxqXfVWzibFp2Lrio3F_4_M04/s400/blogger-image-422414174.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="line-height: 115%;">I
will put this out there and say this may be the spiciest curry I ever had. So
this week a friend of mine turned 21, bearing in mind that the birthday girl is vegan and we are just entering our pre-exam period, our choices for a relaxed, vegan-friendly meal were
limited. Hansas, however, is a widely celebrated traditional Gujarati Indian restaurant,
serving *no meat*. If you're looking for your average sweet and salty Saturday
night chicken Korma...go somewhere else. Hansas food is traditional Gujarati
cuisine, offering thali's with daal, chapati and sweet mango lassi's. Between
us we ordered a huge range of dishes; the mixed platter came with a spicy
stuffed pepper, vegetable koftas and a mini potato cake. For mains, I ordered a
'lightly spiced' Indian pumpkin dish. The pumpkin was something I'd never had
before, light green in colour and tasting more like a pepper than pumpkin.
'Lightly spiced' was also an understatement. Everyone round the table was
chugging water and wiping eye bag sweat whilst trying to remain cool and
collected. In usual circumstances I am a fan of spice and as good as it tasted
for the first couple of mouthfuls, the heat was a tad too much for me- next
time I'll order a side of raita. The desserts were possibly the most
interesting course. We shared a 'fudge pie', which from a Westernised point of
view, was neither fudge nor pie. The 'Ghari' was a sweet pastry ball, filled
with bright green pistachio and almond from what I can tell... The birthday
girl ordered a sweet carrot dish, flavoured with almonds and sugar. Yes. It
tasted like sweet carrots. Overall my dining experience at Hansas was unusual
but a flavour experience. I arrived not really knowing what to expect and
received just that. I would recommend this anyone who wants to try traditional
Gujarati cuisine (but only if they like spice). I will
hopefully return, next time armed with a pint of milk. </span></div>
<br />Chloe Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02316490149943969214noreply@blogger.com0