Marrakesh, Mon Amour

I just finished helping some friends plan their itinerary while in Marrakesh for a few days. Granted, it's not a very difficult task, but I can't help but get tremendously excited when I talk about Morocco. The colours, smells, smiles and sights are so unique that just thinking about the place takes me away. 

After so many trips there, I've collected a few special memories and must-do's which I would like to share:

1- Exploring Jmaa Al Fnaa

Whether you're there just as a spectator, or are searching for a mystical potion to entrance the object of your affection - you're bound to see and hear unusual and exotic things in this square. 

To your left, storytellers weave together tales of magic and passion, while to your right jugglers make rings of fire look like a perpetual string of light...It's impossible to be bored here.

 

2- Wandering through the Souk

I've got more ceramic pots, tajines, dishes, and ashtrays (even though I don't smoke) than I know what to do with. It's not my fault I have a real weakness when it comes to the azure, ochre and tumeric-hued ceramics. The vendors make them look so beautiful, and just when you think you've had enough, comes a different stall with slightly different objects...and you're sure that the turquoise is just a few shades darker than the previous urn you just bought - so of course you need it. By the way, you can also buy kaftans, djelabas, babouches and beautifully crafted leather and metal objects, oh and did I mention the ceramics?

3- A stroll through the Majorelle Gardens

This is a beautiful garden designed by a French artist names Jacques Majorelle during the colonial period when Morocco was a protectorate of France. Yves St Laurent owned this garden at a certain point and it not only houses his collection of North African textiles (just in case you needed another reason to go) but is also the site of the Islamic art museum. 

Though these are only a few places amongst many, Marrakesh is a magical city which will always surprise and enchant, no matter how many times you've been.

Contrasting Matters

Last night we went to a friend's house for dinner and other than the food being amazing, it was very refreshing to attend a dinner party where the table played just as big a role as the menu. 

Our hostess set a black and white table where everything from the tablecloth and wine glasses all the way to the plates and floral arrangements were contrasting, both in colour and pattern. It immediately set an elegant and luxurious tone (which is always a welcome change on a Sunday night) and I'm sure that each and every guest enjoyed dinner all the more thanks to their surroundings - I know I did...or maybe it was the Shiraz? 

The Mother of all Drinks

Not one to ever say no to a cocktail, I was very happy when we popped open a bottle of champagne rose to celebrate Mother's Day. With a glass of bubbly in hand, I got to thinking about my top three drinks for a brunch or lunch occasion - and this is what I came up with:

1- The Bellini

Made famous in Venice at the renowned Harry's Bar. It's the perfect mix of sweet and tart - prosecco and pureed white peach.

2- The Sgroppino

I had my first one of these at Cipriani in London. It's a blended mix of vodka and lemon sorbet and served immediately in a small glass. One word - yum.

3- The Mimosa

Allegedly invented at the bar in the Ritz in Paris, this drink is simply a mixture of champagne and orange juice. I suppose the great thing about this concoction is that there's no wait - it's all about instant gratification.

With all this, if you can't make up your mind (but are anything like me), a simple glass of champagne will fit the bill beautifully.

A Fabulous Writer's Block

I love stationery. It's as simple as that. Paper goods, pens, files, plastic folders, anything remotely belonging to the category makes me feel better about my life - regardless of how organised (or not) it is.

Smythson must have heard all my secret wishes from so long ago when they came up with a wonderful range of colourful, witty and possibly useful notebooks. Each book comes in a variety of hues, depending on the collection, seasonal colours and purpose. The best part though boils down to one detail - the title. 

Every little jotter comes with subtly gold or silver-pressed words on the cover such as "Recessionista" (for those of us who believe in remaining positive), "Yummy Mummy" (of course I need this one now that I'm a mother myself), "Keep Calm and Carry On" (for those moments of self-doubt) and the essential "Goddess" (for every woman out there who either knows it already, or just needs a gentle reminder). 

Whether for birthday presents, party favours, wedding party gifts, or just a little indulgence for yourself, you cannot go wrong with these little paper gems. 

I can't guarantee that all your problems will disappear once you get your hands on one, but it will certainly put a smile on your face.

www.smythson.com

Ciao Bella

I had lunch today with someone who is not only a dear friend, but also a phenomenal cook. Her devotion to Italian cooking runs so deep that she even spends a good portion of the year in Rome immersing herself in the life, flavours and aromas of Italy. 

It must have been quite amusing for our fellow diners to watch two young ladies such as ourselves squealing with delight when talking about how to cook fish, or make an affogato...what else could be more enthralling?

Stephanie is a talented designer, creator and cook. Her website "Across the Tiber" is bound to inspire. 

...Oh and we talked about shoes too...but that goes without saying.

www.acrossthetiber.com

A Love-ly Find

Even though I don't live in London anymore, I'm always delighted to find great little spots that pride themselves on adorning their shelves with great fashion, accessories or homewares. It's often the small pieces that make such a big difference, particularly when it comes to styling your home or even yourself.

Labour of Love is a "lifestyle store" where you might wander in to look for a great hat, and walk out with a highly original teapot. Either way whether you're browsing around the real boutique or shopping the online store, go take a look - it will be time well spent. 

By the way, their colourful jazz shoes are adorable...now where did I put that bowler hat?

Labour of Love - www.labour-of-love.co.uk

An Ode to Ina

One of my many guilty pleasures is watching the Food channel, particularly when the Barefoot Contessa is on. Other than the sometimes excessive use of butter and cream in her recipes, there is very little that I would not love to dish up as easily as her, especially on a weeknight when you have very little time to indulge in the gastronome within. 

That said, if there's one thing I've learnt about entertaining and cooking dinner for friends during the week it's that making things that you know are good (and don't require any more guinea pig efforts from your spouse) is the best course of action.

Of course using your imagination is a great idea, but keeping things very simple is often best. That's why I always keep a whole chicken for roasting in my fridge, and I can never go without canned tomatoes. Put the two together, sprinkle some fresh herbs (if available - if not, don't even give it a second thought), throw some tender baby spinach in a bowl with an easy vinaigrette and even quickly steam some rice (in a pot - I'm not the rice cooker type)...and voila! 

I know it's not the most refined menu ever, but I'm pretty sure our guests left happy and quite full, which makes the Ina Garten in me beam with pride.

A Speedy Chicken (almost) Cacciatore

When you are ready to cook the chicken, first preheat the oven to 425*F (220*C).Wash the chicken (inside and out) and liberally salt and pepper the inside of the chicken. Cut a lemon in half and place both pieces in the cavity with a bunch of parsley, tarragon and a couple of cloves of smashed garlic. Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wing tips under the body of the chicken (although I must admit that I often skip this step depending on my level of commitment to the bird). Place it on a roasting rack in a pan. Rub the outside of the chicken with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast the chicken for 1.5 hours, or until the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and thigh.While the chicken is roasting, finely chop a medium-sized onion and smash one clove of garlic (feel free to chop the garlic and leave it in - I like to remove mine once the sauce is cooked) and let simmer until onion is soft. Add 1.5 cans of chopped tomatoes as well as one large tomato chopped (for texture) and stir. For seasoning, add 1-2 bay leaves, chopped flat-leaf parsley, chopped oregano, a small teaspoon of vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Once the sauce looks like it's reducing well, add 2.5 cups of white wine (or chicken stock) and let simmer on a low flame. By the time the chicken is out of the oven, the sauce will be done.

Once the chicken is cooked, wait about 10 minutes to carve and place all the pieces into a baking dish and cover with the tomato sauce. Lower the oven temperature to 180-200*C and cook for about 12-15 minutes. 

Perfect Rice

In a pot, drizzle some olive oil and add an amount of rice appropriate for the number of guests (I usually use about 1-1.5 cups for 4 people). I like basmati rice - the other varieties lack the depth of flavour that basmati has. Stir the rice in the olive oil to make sure that each grain is coated. Once done, add twice the amount of chicken stock into the pot, season, and cover with the lid. Bring the stock to boil and then lower the flame to the lowest setting. Cook the rice for 12 minutes and then leave covered for a few minutes before serving. 

My Favourite Things version 1.1

Mariage Freres Candles

Better known for their delectable teas, teapots and tea-drinking accessories, Mariage Freres is a favourite of mine for something completely unrelated to hot beverages (however excellent they may be)...their candles.

With an array of exotic, elegant and perfectly-powered scents, 

Mariage's candles are a refreshing change from the more common scents such as gardenia, spice, lavender, or citrus. Please don't misunderstand me, the aforementioned varieties are lovely and charming, but there's something truly unique about their French counterparts. 

The ones that I love so much I could even enjoy cleaning, watching sports center, and even [insert undesirable activity here], are Rose d'Himalaya, The Bleu, The Blanc, Sorbet de The and Darjeeling. 

This may explain some of my severe excess baggage problems every time I go to Paris. 

www.mariagefreres.com

May 1st ... a few days late.

Growing up in Paris, May 1st was not only a chance to sleep in and play all day, it was also the one day of the year where the entire city - country in fact - bloomed, and lilly of the valley somehow magically appeared overnight absolutely everywhere. Markets, boutiques, and even the usually cold and gray street corners were given new life with the little white buds. 

It is customary to give a sprig of the beautiful flower to good friends, family and loved ones, in order to mark the coming of Spring but also for good luck.

This really is one of my favourite days of the year, if only for the fact that it's a national reason to buy flowers...not that you ever need an excuse...

First Orange Post

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Covering all things beautiful, our aim is to share our finds, creations and wants with you. 

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