25.05.2011- Truly Scrumptious

One of my favourite places to visit in London is Covent Garden, and, as regular readers will know, I'm a massive fan of cakes (or anything sweet and edible for that matter!) So, with this in mind, imagine my joy when I found out that those lovely Parisian patisserie connoisseurs at Ladurée were opening a branch in the heart of Covent Garden's famous piazza! To say I was excited is a bit of an understatement.

Ladurée, founded in 1862, are famous for their beautiful pastries, ornate cakes and world-renowned double layer macaroons. The company already has two branches in London, one in Piccadilly's Burlington Arcade and another within the luxurious surroundings of Knightsbridge's Harrods department store, but this more centrally located location looks set to further broaden the appeal of the Ladurée brand. As well as serving the traditional macaroons, cakes and patisserie, the restaurant (which is situated across two floors within the market complex) also offers a range of main courses, all, of course, developed from the finest French cuisine. I for one can't wait to pay a visit and experience a slice of Paris in the heart of London!

You can find Ladurée Covent Garden at Unit One Covent Garden Market, London, WC2 8RF, or alternatively visit www.laduree.fr for more information.

What do you think of Ladurée opening in Covent Garden? Will you be paying a visit?

(Image credit: Google.)

27.09.2010- Tea and (birthday) cake

My 21st birthday is only a few months away now and I'm already planning how to celebrate (if struggling a bit to figure out what presents to ask for!) Last week I received confirmation that myself and my lovely best friend Sarah will be attending a sitting of Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley Hotel in London. I read about this 'afternoon tea with a fashionable twist' absolutely ages ago, and ever since have been waiting for the chance to give it a try; luckily my birthday gives us the perfect excuse for a bit of tea and cake indulgence! The menu changes every six months to accommodate the changing seasons in fashion, so I expect it will be different in December, but the Spring/Summer 2010 Collection sounds divine:

The Spring/Summer 2010 Collection

A selection of loose leaf teas and herbal infusions:

• Loose leaf English breakfast, Earl Grey, Ceylon, Lapsang Souchong, Organic Assam, Vanilla, Pear Caramel, White Peony.
• Herbal infusions Camomile Citron, Wild Blossom and Berries, Chocolate Mint Truffle, African Amber.

A mouth-watering selection of miniature savoury skewers, taster spoons, elegant canapés and tea sandwiches.

A collection of cakes and fancies in in the colours of the fashion season and in the style of the world’s finest designers:

• Anya Hindmarch light apricot sponge summer ‘Halen’ bag wrapped in almond marzipan with playful bow.
• Paul Smith orange papaya and pink lavender bavarois topped with chocolate bowler hat.
• Season’s must-have clog biscuit adorned with chocolate brown studs and white leather glaze.
• Yves Saint Laurent soft romantic white chocolate mousse and raspberry custard, with crunchy meringue scattered with mini strawberries.
• Sonia Rykiel nautical vanilla and raspberry jam layered mousse topped with humorous yellow hat
• Belted Jason Wu poppy-seed cocktail dress biscuit embellished with ruffled purple icing
• Erdem dark silky chocolate cake filled with passion fruit and delicate lace.
• Christopher Kane pale pink almond macaroon filled with white chocolate and elderflower ganache topped with pink checkerboard.
• Jean Paul Gaultier fluorescent cheese cake on almond and oat base, accessorized with a bright yellow sugar twirl.

Pretty special, don't you agree? I really can't wait!

Have you been to The Berkeley for Prêt-à-Portea? If so, what did you think? And have you got any special celebrations coming up soon?

(Image credit: The Berkeley.)