#best lunch menu london

[whorediaries-09]

i wanna be yours;

pairing- sirius black x barista!reader warning(s)- tooth decaying fluff. (let me know if i should add more) a/n- totally self indulgent.

masterlist for the 'the seven lives'

the slut club

if you like your coffee hot let me be your coffee pot

he doesn’t fancy coffee much, he’s more of a tea person.

much to his dismay, james drags him to the one of the small downtown cafés in london. james likes his sweet coffees, it helps him focus, he insists. sirius thinks it makes him more inattentive; if that were to be possible. he thinks his friend would still be chasing colourful butterflies or pet dogs that curl up near sirius’ legs.

however, the feeling quickly dissipates. when his eyes fall on you. you’ve got your hair up in a messy bun, writing down orders on a piece of paper. a slight smile curved upon your lips. the apron you wear is dirty, and he imagines it smelling like freshly baked cookies and coffee. he feels his heart skip a beat when you turn your head around at the sound of the charms above the door jingling. the smile on your lips broadens, the soft sunlight reflecting your features.

he feels a weird warm sensation calm down over his nerves, as you wave to his friend.

‘hi james, what can i get you today?’ you ask. even your voice is ethereal.

‘just the regular, darlin’- he jolts sirius in his ribcage, causing him to stomp on his foot, ‘-and whatever this dolt likes,’

his hand grips his ribcage as the pain of the soft blow dissipates over his body. he rolls his eyes, and he walks nearer to the counter, behind which you stand, taking in the sight of you. you chuckle softly, and he thinks it’s music to his years. he’s pretending to trail his eyes over the menu, trying to choose what he wants. truth be told, he has no idea about what he’s seeing. cappuccinos espressos, lattes, americano, they all seem fancy, foreign words to him. he chooses the safest option, to not make a fool of himself.

‘i’ll have a masala chai, please,’ he says. james stares at him in silence. he watches his eyes as you walk away back into the kitchen, he knows that look. it’s been years since he’s seen it on his friend’s eyes. but he knows it, he remembers it.

‘okay so one caffé mocha for james and one masala chai for-?’ you speak. sirius thankfully enough, catches up to your words. he leans closer, letting his hips sabotage the counter,

‘for sirius,’ he whispers, as if a secret to be kept between you and him. he doesn’t miss the flush on your skin or the way your eyes cradle over his appearance or way you unconsciously lean slightly closer to listen to him. you nod, everting your eyes.

‘one masala chai for sirius,’

it’s the best one he’s had, he thinks.

*-

you smudge the sticky lip gloss on your lips, fixing stray strands of hair on your head. it’s silly you think, to expect sirius to come back to the café. he wasn’t with james the other day he came in. but still, a part of you heaves hope that he’ll come in.

to maybe, just ask your name.

you’re busy eating your lunch, balancing yourself on a tool while reading a book. it’s not a very lovely book, with weird phrases and graphic descriptions containing nothing very interesting, but you think you’ll survive. it’s just for time pass, you convince yourself, letting the taste of your lunch relish on your tongue. it’s not a very busy day, with only a few customers dropping by, along with james. so, you’d finally convinced him to try something new out of the menu. he’d reluctantly chosen a caramel iced frappe. he was a very picky person, and you remembered how remus had introduced him to coffee, the first time he’d walked into the shop.

you never saw remus again, james became a regular. a picky person thing you supposed, to drink something new from the only shop they knew and liked.

you wondered whether sirius was a picky person too. it was a strange looming feeling, one that echoed into your brain and made you feel like a teenager high on hormones. but who wouldn’t be? the man exuded an aura of charm, his words and voice as smooth as velvet. it was idiotic you supposed, to be enamoured by somebody who didn’t give you more than his name.

still, it makes your stomach turn happily with dopamine, when your hopes turn into reality and the forsaken man that had been on your mind turns up. he carries a very chubby baby in his arms. you silently appreciate the flexing veins on his tattooed biceps as he walks towards you.

‘the chai was fire,’ he says. his eyes wander over to your uniform, trying to catch your name tag. there’s none he realizes, before his eyes fix on your face.

‘maybe you’ll try a coffee today?’ you say, a shy smile on your face.

‘surprise me darling,’ he says. the way the r rolls off his tongue makes you stomach do somersaults.

‘i’ll try my best,’ you say, dashing off into the kitchen.

it’s a hazelnut mocha caffé you bring back. you’re not sure whether he would appreciate the slight nut like taste on the drink, but it’s still worth a try. more cliched than a try really, bringing a cute customer your personal favourite drink.  

you write his name on the cup with as much precision as you can on the curved surface. try to make the dots on the i’s look more carefully drawn along the paper. you silently hope he notices your effort.

‘what have you got, for me now, hot stuff?’ he says, a cheeky grin on his face. he enjoys the tiny flush the appears across your skin and how you bite your lip at the nickname.

‘are you flirting with me because your kiddo has eaten up the cookies on the counter?’ sirius’ eyes wanders to the baby in his arms, and he grabs a tissue to wipe off the dust of his cheeks.

‘he’s not mine, i’m his godfather. it’s james’ kid,’ he explains, letting out a soft chuckle at the baby’s antics.

‘father like son i suppose,’ you drawl, handing him the latte. he looks at the cup, wondering what you’ve got him for a surprise. he hopes it’s not one of the sweet things’ james’ buys. it’ll make him sleepy, and he won’t be able to take care of harry as he’d promised.

‘how much do I owe you -?’ he stops mid-sentence, in a dilemma to use nicknames or not. he wants to know your name, let it simmer on his tongue before he lets it out. thankfully, you get the deal. so you give him your name.

he thinks it’s beautiful.  

*-

‘hi baby, what are you drawing?’ your voice is soft. you hand sirius his masala chai, rutting your hips against harry’s side of the table. he fiddles with his crayons, drawing random scribbles on the piece of paper. his striking green eyes stare at you, before he blabbers, his words not so clear yet,

‘a motohcych!’

‘ouhh,’ you hum, pushing your fingers through the mop of curly hair atop his head. you scratch your nails softly on his scalp, enjoying the sound of his chuckling.

‘is it prehhy?’ he asks, a shy smile on his face as he finishes scribbling on the paper. you’re not able to make out much from the black colours, but the innocence in his voice makes your heart melt. you press a kiss on his chubby cheek, and he giggles,

‘it’s very pretty,’ you say, bopping his nose.

‘whah do you like? i wihh drawh thahh’ he says, struggling with his words. you find it adorable. but when you speak out your answer, it’s more for sirius than harry,

‘flowers maybe? like yellow ones?’

*-

on a particularly busy day when, sirius walks in your café, it’s not a very empty space. and neither are you to be found anywhere. he hopes you’re in the kitchen somewhere, preparing your coffees. over the times he’s come over, he’s learnt you’re a shy thing. he’s not much of an observer, but somehow you make his eyes stop. you make him observe and learn things.

so sirius puts the bunch of flowers he’d bought on the table, alongside a note for you.

when you find them, they’re barely blooming, buds of yellow flowers. it makes your heart flutter when you find his note. a boost of serotonin runs through your body as you sabotage the tissue, searching for his number. it’s dumb, you think, but it’s also a hope that blossoms within you. you however find none.

you’re distracting by your name being shouted across the kitchen, asking for a hand in help.

*-

you’re freezing, as the rain patters over the sidewalk, just barely missing your shoes under the sunroof. you urse yourself for not bringing in your umbrella or a raincoat. now you’re stuck under the rain, with nowhere to go until the rain stops.

you’re saved by an angel with red hair who comes along the way, carrying an extra umbrella, with a toddler curled up in her arms. her eyes are striking similar, an emerald green you could recognise anywhere.

‘harry?’ you ask, looking at the toddler. he flashes you a beautiful grin, throwing grubby hands at you. you pinch his cheeks, smiling.

‘you must be lily,’ you say, turning to the woman. she stares at you flabbergasted, her mind seemingly rendering to her memories,

‘how do you know me, sweetie?’ she says, giving you an extra umbrella.

‘sirius- um well he comes to the café very often. he usually brings your adorable kid around,’

her eyes scan your features, as a look of realization dawns upon her. she squeezes your shoulder, slowly walking away into the rain. it pitters over the plastic of the umbrella, and she smiles, a soft look in her eyes.

‘give the umbrella to sirius, the next time you see him,’  

*-

sirius is jittery when he walks into the café. he hopes to catch you, even though he knows it’s not your shift. but there’s something about the aftermath of rain and petrichor which heightens his hopes. he tousles with his raven dark strands, hoping he doesn’t look too bad. you’ve made him shy. in a way, where he’s too intimidated to speak his feelings out directly. but he’s a man with plans.

his heart threatens to jump out of his chest when he finds you there. it’s the work of gods, or perhaps the work of his faith. he walks towards the counter, and you catch his eye. he thinks your eyes carry the most magnificent twinkle when you see him. your eyes linger on his lips a tad bit longer for it to be just friendly and his heart almost jumps through his ribcage. he’s almost forgetting his plans when you smile so sweetly at him. for a moment, he thinks it’s meant just for him.

‘hi darling,’ he greets, leaning towards the counter. his hips jolt at the metal, and he takes out his phone. you nod, acknowledging him.

‘do you think you can help me with…a crush?’ he says. he watches your breaths stops in your throat, as a dark sadness reflecting in your features.

‘maybe,’ you whisper, a quiet disdain succumbing your voice. you don’t meet his eyes. over the time he’s observed you, he realised that you don’t meet anybody’s eyes when you’re sad or angry. it’s a way of bottling up your emotions and eating them up till your stomach churns.

‘you wanna see a picture?’ he asks, trying to not react to the sadness on your face.

‘sure,’ you say. his heart almost shatters when you keep your head low, not meeting his eyes. he unlocks his phone, sliding it between your face.

your reflection stares back at you, and you jump. with surprise or glee, he can’t decipher. the sadness on your features has dissipated, your eyes glowing with hope and emotion. he stares at his reflection in your eyes, and he thinks he’s the prettiest reflected through the colour of your irises. he bites his lip when you don’t say anything.

he’s waiting in contemplation, wondering what your next move is, when you lean against the counter, closer to his face, breathing him in. he secretly thanks himself for chewing on a gum before he came in.

‘i think you should just ask her out on a date. she’ll be foolish not to say yes to you,’ you say, your eyes full of mischief. you’re grinning, as he counts the wrinkles beside your eyes.

‘you think so?’ he says, leaning closer, and almost brushing his lips against yours. almost letting himself taste you. he thinks if he has a taste, he won’t be able to stop himself from devouring you, from ravaging you apart.

‘i bet so,’ you say, smiling before your hand cradles his face, pushing his lips upon yours. he groans, capturing his lips with yours. he tastes coffee and vanilla on your tongue, melting away into his tastebuds. he loves it, he thinks, when you slide your arms across his neck, pushing yourself deeper into a passionate fury of build-up tension and hormones. his heart flutters with serotonin, and he tangles his fingers into your hair.

he doesn’t fancy coffee much, but he’s never found it more endearing than this moment.

*********************************

taglist - @reggieisfit @siriuslycaptainofthedawntreader @jamespottergf @eternallybipanicking (if you want to be tagged, reply under this post!)

[renaissanceinc]

RENAISSANCE INC HALLOWEEN IN LONDON ...

please see a list of the itinerary & room mates below !

ITINERARY -

28th october: flights arrive, check into corinthia london, a 5 star hotel. free day to explore and settle in. dinner at 8pm in the hotel as a mixer for everyone

29th october: drag me to hell bottomless brunch

30th october: group trip to the London dungeons. late lunch out at the ivy asia with a spooky set menu.

31st october: halloween party at the painted hall in the old royal naval college. wear your best costumes!

1st november: jack the ripper tour combined with a haunted bar crawl in the east end, exploring 3 haunted pubs (the ten bells, the viaduct tavern & the spaniards inn). dinner back at the hotel for 8pm again with drinks and a dj.

2nd november: free day to explore, flights home arranged for the evening.

ROOM MATES -

room one: naomi mcpherson & park jiwon

room two: elias medford & sabrina carpenter

room three: willa chen & parker cannon

room four: noah sebastian & evangeline levesque

room five: fletcher shears & sloane carter

room six: julien baker & lucy dacus

room seven: katie gavin & madison beer

room eight: rosalie cooper & josie jiménez

room nine: domink gutiérrez & kathleen belsten

room ten: sylvie nadin & park seonghwa

[themultifandomgal]

From 2010- Birthday In Sydney

2012

Part 18

13th April 2012

“Happy birthday!” Emma shouts through the phone to me it’s 12:00am In London and 11am here in Sydney.

“Thank you Em” I say putting my hair up into a pony tail

“Have you had any presents yet?”

“I’ve got some presents dad brought with me but I haven’t opened them yet. I haven’t seen the boys yet. They did say they were going to take me out for lunch though”

“Have you spoken to Alex?”

“Yeah we ended the call just before you rang. Said he’s going to try and fly out when we’re in Canada” there’s a knock on my door. I pick up my phone and take it with me to my hotel room door

“Is that the boys?” Emma asks excitedly. I open it up

“Yes”

“Hi!!” Emma screams

“Hi Emma” Harry says smiling

“Ok I’ll let you go. Have a good day I’ll speak to you later”

“Speak to you later” I end the call and look at the boys in front of me

“Are you ready?”

“Let me grab my purse” I turn around to go and get my purse

“Ah ah ah lunch is on us, it’s your birthday after all” Niall says stopping me in my tracks

“You sure?”

“Of course we are. Now come on” Louis says taking my arm and pulling me out

“Hang on I need my key card” I laugh and shake my head. Quickly grabbing my purse anyway and my bag I head out of my room “so where are we going?”

“For lunch”

“Yeah but where?” I ask looking at Harry who’s not looking at me. We walk to the lift and get in

“You’ll find out” he replies.

We arrive at a place called Aria Restaurant Sydney. Looking at the menu I can tell it’s not going to be cheep

“Guys this is way to expensive”

“We can afford it” Niall replies

“No I know, but you really didn’t have to do this”

“Yes we did. It’s your 18th birthday and your stuck with us instead of your boyfriend, best friend and dad” Zayn says

“Oh speaking of” Harry hands me a gift bag “happy birthday YN. This is off all of us”

“You guys” I pout trying not to cry. I open up the bag and find a Louis Vuitton bag “I’m gonna cry thank you all so much”

“You’re welcome”

“Sydney how are we doing tonight?!” Louis yells into the microphone. The fans scream in response “today has been a special day for one person in particular” Louis walks over to me and places his arm around my shoulders “it’s the baby of the groups birthday. Today she’s finally 18. So you all know what that means, Niall bring out the shots”

“Oh god” I moan shaking my head as Niall brings over a tray of 6 shots

“Here ya go” Louis says taking a shot glass off the tray

“Thanks” I sarcastically say

“3, 2, 1” the boys all say and we all take the shots

“Ewww” i scrunch my face up

“We have one more surprise for you YN” Zayn says and out walks Alex holding a birthday cake

“Oh my god. How? I literally spoke to him this morning”

“We know” Harry smiles “now can you all help us sing happy birthday?” The fans all scream

“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday to YN happy birthday to you” I blow out the candles and give Alex a quick peck on the lips.

Once the show is over we all decide to go out to celebrate, not for to long as we still have a show tomorrow.

[chesters-ocs]

couldn't help myself. continuation of the previous 2 posts. a little sorta day in the life. something about the mundane is so fun to write

wc: 852

@the-whispers-of-death pspsps im taking this au and running with it lol

It had been a number of days since Sylvester met his soulmate, which then caused a crash of panic onto him after him and Mārīte got back home.

Ever the curious little thing, his daughter all but demanded to have everything explained, and it was then that he silently cursed himself for never bothering to even tell her about something as simple and universal as a soulmate.

At least it seemed she was majorly interested, her eyes sparkling as she clung to his every word… How naive, he thought, before waving that thought away, not wanting to berate a child for being that: a child, and not understanding the world yet.

Without any further interference from his soulmate, he couldn't help but believe he made a horrific first impression. He won't blame the man, however. His mind was practically mush, and there's precious few who are willing to date someone with children from previous relationships…

As if you can even call it that, it was a glorified fling at best, and destructive at worst… Usually the worst, actually, now that he thought about it in hindsight.

No matter though… With complete radio silence from the stranger, he fell back into his usual routine. Mārīte's at school, and he's on his lunch break at some nameless company he'll forget about a few years from now. Though he supposes there is one good thing about it. Location's pretty good: central London makes it easy to find a grocery store or a bakery. Easy enough that he decided to walk, despite the rain. It's nothing worrying, given the compact umbrella in his backpack.

Sylvester steps out into the street with an expression as neutral as ever, as the man brings up and opens the umbrella. It's a simple, black thing, made of cheap material, but it gets the job done. That's all he needs. And so he trudges down main street, keeping an eye out for anything interesting.

Shops seemed to come and go constantly, rent always rising and sinking at the heart of the city. If he wasn't used to it, he would probably be overwhelmed by the size and quantity. Boutiques here, office buildings there, little family owned businesses sandwiched between both.

And speaking of family owned.. a new bakery had opened nearby, Sylvester noted. There's a couple balloons by the entrance, and the signs say there's an opening week sale. Not thinking too much, he crosses the street over to it, and pushes open the door, and unequipped his raggedy umbrella.

The place is small, but cozy. There's plenty of pastries and snacks-to-go on the display by the cash register, and the young woman in the apron greets him cheerfully.

After a second of taking the place in, the man nods, saying his own greetings. But he doesn't even spare a glance at her name tag, instead looking over the fresh goods, as well as the coffee menu.

"… Hello. Can I have a large latte to-go, as well as the chicken sandwich?"

"Of course, cash or card?"

"Card, please."

He's met with a nod, as the worker punches in the prices, and the total appears on the small card reader. He enters the pin the moment the woman turns around to work the coffee machine. A beep confirms his payment, the check already getting printed.

Within a few moments, he's out, small paper bag in tow. In the few minutes he was inside, the rain had worsened. At least the wind isn't strong today, he thought. That's one thing he didn't miss about his home: the rain tended to come with strong winds, and it did not help his hometown was a coastal one. He was used to trashing umbrellas just after a few uses due to that…

Nevertheless, he still had time to return to his office building, and sit down at his desk there. He carefully unwraps the sandwich and places the paper cup on a coaster, when he gets the urge to check his phone.

Lucky that he did too. A new message, sent moments after he left to buy lunch. He almost groaned, noticing how he forgot to turn on the volume: a nasty habit of his to do.

He swipes to check the notification, not even blinking at the unknown number. The man figured this is just another client needing a quick job.

"Hello, is this Sylvester?"

At least the message was a simple one too. A few taps later, he sends a response, before shutting off the device.

"Yes it is."

A shame he didn't notice how the person on the other side already started typing, as he snacked on his lunch. The taste is a pleasant surprise, and in the moment, he figures he'll have to go there more often. Maybe bring Mārīte there too… She'd probably like the cakes, he muses.

However, he still didn't turn up his volume, already getting distracted by office work, so it's only when he gets back home with his kid, that he'll properly see the barrage of new unread texts. Someone claiming to know his mystery-man soulmate.

[prvtocol]

Does Bri have a comfort food? Is there anything specific she prefers over others? Food she doesn’t like? Allergies?

Not going to say granola bars... but Brianne does have a fondness for soup. Something about a warm bowl to wrap her hands around (also reminiscent of tea that she wraps her hands around too). Soup is such a homey food, best served in winter with freshly baked bread; perhaps that’s why it carries some nostalgia from times past in London.

As far as food preferences, she might be persuaded to order the fish dish over the meat one with most meals following what is known as the "Mediterranean Diet." Granola bars aside, she avoids heavily processed foods or those high in unhealthy fats. Fast food is not something she eats.

While she is a slow and neglectful eater (she works through lunch break), she is not necessarily a picky one. She was raised not to be rude about food, and to try everything at least once, while privileged enough to have her palette introduced to a diversity of cuisine from a young age. She’s eaten nearly everything one could say, at least what one might find on some bougie high-class restaurant menu. Allergy-wise, none she knows of.

Verse-specific, but on Pandora, the food processed for human consumption leaves much to be desired for all RDA personnel. She tries to overlook it (and the ingredients listed on RDA ration packs when in the field). That she misses a diet composed of freshly cooked food and produce is an understatement. Even as a recom with the Resistance, unless she is offered, she continues to eat RDA rations or edible processed foodstuffs because they are "safe" and require no new knowledge on how to gather or cook them properly (and would place her in an unfamiliar and possibly hostile space to do so). But imagine her like Jake biting into that purple fruit for the first time; she might need a moment.

[lookinglass-fic]

Today seems like an excellent day to re-up this sweet, fluffy Ineffable Husbands fic I wrote four (!!) years ago. Happy GO s2 day to all who celebrate!

In the days and months after the Apocalypse-that-wasn’t, things had settled considerably on Earth. Atlantis and its peoples had sunk gently (if alarmingly) back into the sea, the sky had returned to its usual dismal grey, and no flying saucers had been reported in some weeks.1

Indeed, everything that had been disturbed by Adam and the horsemen seemed to have gone right back the way it was. Crowley’s beloved Bentley hadn’t a scratch on it2, and the book shop and all of its contents were once again pristine. It was good. It was all fine, really.

Aziraphale wouldn’t say that he’d fallen, but he’d certainly… tripped. And Crowley was, well, Crowley. They’d just met somewhere in the middle. Just human enough for appearances’ sake, and just bewildering enough to be left alone by the suits upstairs and the slouches in the basement. For the first time in millennia, their affairs were well and truly their own.

Their well-worn routine remained the same at first, as neither one of them hardly dared believe that it could be that easy. But after a time, subtle changes filtered in. Faced with boundless time (and blessed with endless patience), Aziraphale began to extend his business ventures beyond just the collecting (and apparent selling) of books. He started to take on the arduous task of restoring ancient texts, and it soon became clear that there was no more experienced nor knowledgeable a historian/conservator in the whole of Britain, much less in London alone.

Crowley had taken up the occasional competitive card game. He was rather good at them, and no one ever gave his sunglasses a second look.

Through it all were the usual walks in the park, the uproariously drunken debates in the back room of the book shop, and of course, breakfast, brunch, tea time, lunch and dinner. As the months went by, Crowley and Aziraphale steadily worked their way through the hottest eateries in London together, sampling the best that the city had to offer. And offer she did.

They had already worked their way through the Top 50 Restaurants ranked by Londoners (according to the London Evening Standard) and had taken to browsing the streets on foot, looking for anything with an appealing menu.

Tonight’s fare was The Purple Hen, a chic little place in Knightsbridge whose illustrated sign had delighted Aziraphale. They were seated at a rustic barnwood booth. Tasteful tin advertisements covered the walls.

“Evening, dears,” a pleasant older human addressed them both, setting napkins and menus in front of each of them. “Welcome to The Purple Hen! I’m Bonnie, and I’ll be taking care of you this evening.”

Aziraphale smiled politely. “It’s very nice to meet you, Bonnie.”

Bonnie beamed. “You as well! And are we celebrating anything this evening?” she asked. “Any birthdays or anniversaries?”

“No, nothing like that,” Aziraphale replied. “Just out to dinner.”

“Well, welcome in, loves,” Bonnie continued without missing a beat. “What can I bring you to drink?”

“Interesting of her to ask,” Aziraphale said when she’d gone.

When she returned again with their drinks and a basket of fresh bread and jams, Aziraphale wasted no time in spreading butter thoughtfully on a roll.

“Hypothetically speaking, if we were to be celebrating something,” he asked, “What would that… entail? For future reference, of course.”

Bonnie smiled and leaned in conspiratorially. “Free dessert. Anything you like.” She gestured to a standing card on the edge of the table. Crowley picked up the menu and started flicking through it with arched eyebrows. It was full of reasonably priced cocktails and an entire page of various sweets.

“Wonderful,” Aziraphale replied. “We’ll have to remember that for later.”

Crowley muttered as Bonnie walked away, “Probably get sung to. If you say it’s your birthday.”

“Oh dear,” Aziraphale replied.3

When the waitress returned with their meals, he asked, “Is there any singing?”

Bonnie tapped the side of her nose. “No singing for anniversaries.”

With a wink, she left the table. The two were left to finish their meals and pore over the dessert menu together.

--

The next afternoon, they were out to lunch at a posh little place of Crowley’s choosing—all austere white linens and crystal goblets. They’d no sooner been seated at a table than Aziraphale asked the waiter what he could offer by means of celebration. “It’s our anniversary,” Aziraphale confided.

Read the rest on ao3

[strangcbeauty]

who: @attaant​ where: lucky cat cafe

Regardless of what anyone said Belle would argue that Lucky Cat had the best cup of black tea on the whole Isle, making for an even better London Fog. When it came to the baked goods she was a longtime fan of the apple fritter and frequented the cafe for her lunch break. Whether she got a sandwich or a pastry she knew it would be good. Today she had more time than usual and found a table outside for her to enjoy her meal. While she stared at the menu she scooted in her chair for the blonde woman to sit at the table beside her. After giving her a small courteous smile she thought nothing of it until she was deciding between something savory or sweet. “Excuse me, so sorry to bother you but may I ask for your help on the strangest thing,” she said with a soft laugh, turning in her chair. “I simply can’t decide: savory or sweet?”

[now-we-say-c0ral]

November 23, 2023

Arrived in Agadir airport at around 12pm and the taxi man was waiting for us. That was really convenient. I will be doing this the next time. Sucks that Three doesn't support data plans here in Morocco but the hotel will be covering us for the wi-fi anyways.

When we got to the hotel, I was shocked. I mean really, really shocked. We booked a 5-star all-inclusive hotel just for our comfort. I didn't expect the hotel to be so pretty. It was literally so fine. I'm glad we paid extra because we really got the value out of the money. I even wished that we booked the trip for longer because we just booked a 4-day 3-night stay. We had lunch at their mess hall and the food was bountiful. The dessert section was to die for! Literally, I'm really amazed with their hotel. This is the nicest hotel that I've ever visited.

We lounged by their pool in the afternoon and planned out what we were doing for our stay. We decided that we'll ride some camels tomorrow and have a mini-sahara tour the next day. I went to their cute little gym and did some chest exercises and some cardio. Afterwards, we both had a good back massage. It was so good that we scheduled one on Saturday evening. We watched the sun set and it was so magical. This has been the best experience of the day for me. London can't offer me this beauty.

Dinner was even better. They literally revamped the whole menu and offered a whole ton of new choices and despite plenty, the flavor of the meals had so much quality to them. I'll get fat here. Holiday gains don't count, they say. I'll cry when I get back but for now I'll enjoy.

[lailababar]

On the opening of Tim Horton’s in Lahore

I was 8 when McDonald’s opened up in Lahore, 12 when KFC opened in Sialkot, 21 when Burger King entered Karachi, and every single time I was beyond thrilled. It felt like a nod from those in control of this world, like a reassurance that we were indeed developing, like maybe we would live to see pakistan not be the third world. Every time there was concern about pakistan being a failed state someone would say, but see, now we have the scions of western capitalism, we cannot be too far from western development. It felt like a nod from a hard to impress teacher, like your school bully offering you a bite of your own lunch, like maybe, maybe, we were being invited to the owner’s suite. It was a balm to our frayed nerves, how can we be anything other than economically sound if the west is willingly investing here, if they have a stake in our future, then surely our future cannot be grim.

This, of course, was not the case. We were being invited to the table, but not as guests, but rather we were being placed on the menu. It was only after I moved here that I realised how pervasive the operating models for these chains were, open mostly in food deserts, popular in low income areas and neighbourhoods with people of color, they are one of the tools of oppression employed with precision in this capitalist state.

We half heartedly did a research month in AKU once, and our topic was to gather local opinions on the food available at a mall food court, and the public opinion was that western fast food cost more, was western, therefore it must be the healthier option, everyone ranked Pakistani food as most unhealthy. It’s hard to believe that sort of opinion is created in a vacuum, when we are constantly bombarded with white is better, fairness cream ads, fake accents, coloured lens every time someone wants to feel pretty, hair burnt from being bleached so often. Colonialism left us hating our selves and with a deep seated belief that we are less than. The global north perpetrated that belief, every time a drone strike kills hundreds of Pakistanis and none of us even acknowledge it, we accept, our lives are worth less. It’s not that we do not grieve, we are a nation riddled with grief, but the most sinister part of our grief is the acceptance, yes this happened to us, but of course we are not as valuable as them, our lives are cheaper, and so is our craft, therefore it’s less of a tragedy than if it had happened to them.

So I understand the line outside Tim hortins, hell, 10 years ago I’d probably have woken up early, dressed my best, and taken a couple hundred pictures in it myself. But I wish we could acknowledge what this is, the carrot before the inevitable stick. These profits will be shared with a global firm, even the Pakistani investors will want their share to not be in rupees, they’ll take this money and buy an extra investment property in Miami, or London, or maybe Toronto, and we’ll keep being reassured that the rupee may be in free fall, but we are on the path to becoming the west and isn’t that the ultimate goal?

I hope Lahoris lose their fascination with Tim hortons, just like they did with Pizza Hut and with Burger King. Maybe I can also believe that when they lose their fascination, and a hundred local alternatives pop up, we will, in a very small, almost negligible way, be sticking it to the man. Until then, I hope the coffee was at least worth the effort and that they tipped well.

[vegchennaisrilalitha]

Best vegetarian catering london | indian thali restaurant | chennai srilaltiha

Veg Chennai Sri Lalitha provides the best vegetarian Indian thali catering in London! Our philosophy revolves around conveying passion for South Indian cuisine, using exquisite ingredients and technique combined with our deep-seated desire to learn and evolve old traditions and tastes. We have won a Michelin star since opening, which we are very proud of.Our décor and dining experience will tantalize your senses as our culinary expertise delights your palate, giving you a taste of home as you relish our exclusive South-Indian breakfast, lunch & dinner buffet. Our menu is an amazing blend of tradition and passion for the ethnic flavours of Southern India.

[murad273]

Guru Tandoori Restaurant || Best Indian Cuisine

Guru Tandoori is the best Indian & Bangladeshi cuisine and curry house based in North London. Indian curry, indian food, restaurant near me, food and drink, takeaway, online food ordering Guru Tandoori Restaurant, the best Indian /Bangladeshi curry house in North London.

12 Long Ln, Church End, London, United Kingdom

Phone number 020 8346 0306

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Opening hours Hours Open with main hours Monday 17:00–22:30 Tuesday 17:00–22:30 Wednesday 17:00–22:30 Thursday 17:00–22:30 Friday 17:00–22:30 Saturday 17:00–22:30 Sunday 12:00–22:30

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[murad273]

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Guru Tandoori is the best Indian & Bangladeshi cuisine and curry house based in North London. Indian curry, indian food, restaurant near me, food and drink, takeaway, online food ordering Guru Tandoori Restaurant, the best Indian /Bangladeshi curry house in North London.

12 Long Ln, Church End, London, United Kingdom

Phone number 020 8346 0306

Website https://gurutandoorionline.com/

Menu link https://gurutandoorionline.com/order

Reservation: https://gurutandoorionline.com/reservation

FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/gurutandoorilonglane

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k86ZHD1o-Tg&list=PLLC7MTDgL-UpR6I2ZtwUBWbz82Zsgbadk&index=13

Email: contact@gurutandoori.com

Opening hours Hours Open with main hours Monday 17:00–22:30 Tuesday 17:00–22:30 Wednesday 17:00–22:30 Thursday 17:00–22:30 Friday 17:00–22:30 Saturday 17:00–22:30 Sunday 12:00–22:30

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[alyssa-johaan]

LONDON, LATELY - WHERE TO EAT

Its been a while since we last chatted here and I can't believe the year is already coming to an end in a couple of weeks - me and you same. Thought I'd compile some of my recent favourite spots around the city, especially since there are so many travelling to London around this time of the year and it is always a question I get on where to go, what to see and what to eat. I'll break down this segment in two different posts to not make it so lengthy.

So here it is; London lately from the diary of a twenty seven year old girlie girl.

Where To Eat | Restaurants:

Ramo - A Japanese-Filipino ramen spot in the middle of Soho. Not one to usually go for ramen but this hits the spot with a balance of flavours, comfort and spice. Try the Pandesal Garlic Bread for starters.

Fallow - Definitely one of the best spots we went to this year. Straight forward British food menu with a modern, extremely flavourful take. I loved the corn ribs, mushroom parfait, cod's head and veggie burger.

Roe - A sister to Fallow located in Canary Wharf. Similar menu but with a different appeal and ambience - so amazing.

Broadway Market - Our top most visited market this year. We would go at least every two weeks on a Saturday because that is when the good food stalls are out. We've got our standard stalls that we love - Frenchie for Ashwyn's duck burger and fries and for me it is actually the tiny Koya hut tucked in between the market. Koya for their udon bowls and it is extremely comforting on a cold day especially. We recently discovered Benny's, a family own ice cream spot and they've got banana pudding! Inspired by Magnolia Bakery's famous Banana Pudding in NYC, this is the closest to it and trust when I say, it really hits the spot.

Netil Market - Another market we've been frequently visiting this year too as it is just a 5 mins walk from Broadway Market. Less crowded, less food options too but really good ones with what they have - pizza, bagels, noodles and a sandwich stall.

Toba - An Indonesian spot in the middle of St James, Piccadily. An elegant-modern Indonesian ambience with your favourite staples in a more elevated manner.

Alley Cats Pizza - If you are looking for a New York style pizza spot, this is it in Marylebone. Immediately transports you to a different setting with its brick walls, wood-fire pizza scent and evening light.

Bao Noodle Shop - The famous Bao chain around London but their outlet on Redchurch, Shoreditch specialises in noodles while still offering their crowd favourite baos.

Sucre - For a night to celebrate, this Argentinian restaurant has a really romantic ambience and food is nothing too complicated - we loved celebrating our Q1 accomplishments here.

Smoking Goat - For a fun & flavourful Thai cuisine, this Redchurch gem definitely is a favourite. There was something about sitting on the kitchen table as well that made the overall experience even better.

Ria's - A Chicago style Pizza spot in Notting Hill. This spot is the perfect GNO dinner location.

26 Grains - An all time favourite and I love that the menu is seasonal too so there is always something new to try.

Farmer J - A lunch favourite go-to and mostly around business areas in the city. Simple, healthy, fast.

Som Saa - Another amazing Thai spot in Liverpool Street. So flavourful, spicy and just nice to go in a big group to try different things.

Fore more of what I’ve been up to:

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[zeug24]

Industrial designs in Zurich West

The former industrial district of Kreis 5 has come alive with studios, ateliers and shops that are edgy enough to snap at the überstyled heels of London's Shoreditch district.

In just under a decade, Zurich has successfully shed its staid banking image to reveal a fresh and creative sensibility. Gone are the days when most visitors came only to check on their private bank accounts; today the city attracts a variety of world travellers, many lured by the city’s new retail offerings.

Related article: The stranger side of Switzerland

As they have in the past, the mainstream and upmarket shops that pepper the Altstadt (Old Town) still cater to a core of designer label-conscious locals and visitors (just take note of the number of Louis Vuitton bags carried along the main shopping street, the Bahnhofstrasse). But today, the transformed former industrial district of Kreis 5 in Zurich West has come alive with studios, ateliers and shops that are as trendy as those found in Berlin or Barcelona, and are edgy enough to snap at the überstyled heels of London's Shoreditch or New York's Meatpacking districts.

Despite being Switzerland's largest city, Zurich is compact and easy for shoppers to navigate, with an efficient tram, bus and boat service each offering their own glimpses of urban life. But often the best way to shop in Zurich is simply to walk. The area around Kreis 5 can be covered on foot in a day, and there are plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars in which to take a break (or as they say in Zurich, a “kleine Pause”) along the way. 

Where to shop

Many of the stores and ateliers in Kreis 5 are run by independent designers, and thus are open later in the day and have sporadic hours throughout the week. Generally, Wednesdays, Thursday, Fridays and Saturday afternoons are the best times to find open shops – but this route will ensure you make the most of your time.

Start your shopping trip at the Freitag Flagship Store on Geroldstrasse, which opens at 11 am every weekday and 10 am on Saturdays. Like the rest of Zurich, it is closed on Sundays. The business, founded by two brothers, has become a symbol of Zurich's pared down industrial style. And the shop -- full of unique recycled tarpaulin bags in styles ranging from messengers to rucksacks and accessories like mobile phone and tablet covers -- is an architectural oddity made from five stacked freight containers.

Located on either side of Freitag are Bogen 33 and Walter, two vintage furniture stores selling design classics and quirky pieces from the 1950s onwards. Bogen 33, one of the first stores to open in Kreis 5, is a subterranean den with original, colourful pop-art designer chairs, tables, sofas and lights. Walter is a brighter ground level space that contains a number of solid wooden pieces like original sideboards and drinks cabinets that hark back to the Mad Men-era of the late 1950s and early 1960s.

After you have mentally redecorated your home, follow Geroldstrasse past the cluster of techno clubs to Im Viadukt, a group of newly renovated railway arches that now house about 30 independent shops, selling everything from clothing to kitchenware. Fashionslave, with its graphic design-inspired fittings, was one of the city’s first stores to cater to the fashion-conscious male, with personal grooming in one section of the shop and a stylist on hand to help you select the best European designer threads.

Im Viadukt’s food hall, Markthalle, sells fresh local ingredients and speciality foods from Switzerland and abroad. Take a break at Restaurant Markthalle, the food hall’s child-friendly lunch spot, which offers a seasonal menu of wholesome local organic produce, served in a rustic style (and one of the only venues in Zurich to serve all-day brunch on Sundays). Try the mountain lamb chops from the canton of Graubünden, or mixed sliced meat platters called Metzgerei. Vegetarians will have at least a couple of options on the menu, and many of the products are also available to buy from the adjacent food hall. Try to avoid the noon rush, when most Zürchers have lunch.

After lunch, head across the street to Heinrichstrasse 177, where you will find the charming compact and bijou studio of Anne-Martine Perriard, a women's wear designer who specialises in decadent silk and velvet clothes in muted tones. Her recent collection represents a contemporary take on 1940s French fashion, and in keeping with her preference for the most tactile of materials, she recently branched out into creating soft fabric and leather handbags and purses.

Next, turn left down Ottostrasse to Neugasse, where there is a Dada-esque quality about the next destination. Estelle Gassmann's witty artworks comprise of household objects, such as china serving platters or simple wire mesh waste paper bins, that are brought to life with sprawling alien-like tendrils made of plastic, porcelain, glass and clay, transforming them into surprisingly beautiful and quirky objets d'art.

From Neugasse, turn left onto Quellenstrasse to reach Josefstrasse, the main drag for most of the studios and boutiques in Kreis 5. Waldraud sells limited-edition contemporary furniture -- such as chairs, tables and lamps -- and fashion for women and men, all from designers as far afield as the Netherlands, Latvia and South Korea.

If you are in need of refreshment, then the cosy, wood-panelled confines of the nearby bar/restaurant Josef will cocoon you until you are ready to set forth again. The cocktails (alcoholic and non) are very tasty, and the vast gin selection is unsurpassed in Zurich. The restaurant is considered one of the best and most reasonably-priced in the city, as you can order tasting menus with  two to five dishes per person, including dessert from 36 Swiss francs to 70 Swiss francs.  The menu is unashamedly fleshy (highlights include pork belly, beef tartare or scallops) but there is always at least one vegetarian option, and the thyme polenta with chanterelle mushrooms is especially recommended.

Across Josefstrasse from Josef, Lesunja Goldschmiede sells bespoke gold jewellery made from new or old pieces, melted down to create a heady mix of delicate and bold new designs. She also takes your old gold as currency for new items. In a unique feature, you can learn how to make you and your partner's wedding rings in her workshops and one-to-one courses. Drop in, or contact her via the website to arrange a personal consultation visit, as schedules vary from course to course. 

On the opposite side of the street, Manu Propria is a spectacles store founded by two opticians who design and construct their own frames. They have made a name for themselves as the trendiest place in Zurich to go for serious specs and beautiful sunglasses. Their frames come in all materials, from traditional bone to contemporary Perspex, and they can tailor your prescription to any of their styles. They also have a charming little spectacle museum in their shop with vintage examples from different eras.

Just two doors down is the award-winning Senior Design Factory. As the name suggests, this is a collaboration between Zurich's older citizens, who teach skills like knitting, crochet and candle and soap-making to young designers, resulting in exciting design fusions, like knitted lampshades and sculptural soaps. They also hold workshops for the public; current course schedules are available on their website.

At their cafe/restaurant project called the Senior Design Cafe, you can see some of their waresin action; huge embellished tea cosies adorn the tables while customers lean on the embroidered seat cushions and sit on trendy reupholstered chairs. The food is great too – try the fresh all-day Z'Morge (breakfast) platter with fresh pancakes and croissants, plus a choice of cooked local organic eggs, meats and sausages and rösti (a buttery Swiss hashed potato dish).

Shopping tips

Do not expect to find a bargain. There is no such thing as cheap in Zurich.  Quality is king and Zurich's residents are often suspicious of reduced prices.

Your product is usually hand crafted by the designer from beginning to end (rare in these globalised times), so it is worth striking up a conversation with them to learn more about your purchase.

[trendsoflondon]

La Casetta: Your Cozy Italian Escape in London

Located in the bustling neighborhoods of Angel and Clerkenwell, La Casetta offers a delightful blend of authentic Italian cuisine and a welcoming, homely atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping by for a coffee and pastry, a leisurely lunch, or a hearty Italian dinner, La Casetta provides an experience that feels like stepping into a quaint trattoria in the heart of Italy.

A Menu Full of Italian Classics

La Casetta’s menu is a celebration of Italian culinary traditions, crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients and a passion for authenticity. Highlights include:

Handmade Pasta: From creamy carbonara to rich lasagna, the pasta dishes are full of flavor and expertly prepared.

Neapolitan Pizzas: Cooked in traditional wood-fired ovens, these pizzas feature thin, crispy crusts topped with fresh ingredients like mozzarella, basil, and cured meats.

Antipasti and Salads: Light yet satisfying, these options include classic bruschetta, Caprese salad, and prosciutto with melon, perfect for starting your meal on a high note.

Every dish reflects the simplicity and bold flavors that Italian cuisine is known for, making every bite memorable.

Brunch and Coffee Done Right

La Casetta is not just about lunch and dinner—it’s also a popular spot for brunch and coffee. The café offers a selection of freshly brewed espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes, all made with authentic Italian coffee beans. Pair your drink with a warm croissant or an indulgent slice of cake for the perfect mid-morning pick-me-up.

A Sweet Ending

For dessert lovers, La Casetta’s selection of sweets is a must-try. Favorites include:

Tiramisu: A creamy, coffee-infused classic.

Panna Cotta: A silky smooth dessert topped with fresh fruit or caramel sauce.

Homemade Gelato: Available in a variety of flavors, bringing a touch of Italian summer to your table.

An Atmosphere of Warmth and Comfort

With its rustic decor, warm lighting, and cozy seating, La Casetta creates a space where guests can relax and enjoy the best of Italian hospitality. Whether you’re dining alone, with friends, or hosting a special celebration, the atmosphere at La Casetta makes every visit special.

Perfect for Any Occasion

From quick coffee dates to leisurely dinners, La Casetta caters to all occasions. Its intimate setting, combined with attentive service and exceptional food, ensures a memorable experience every time.

Visit La Casetta Today

Whether you’re a local or visiting London, make sure to stop by La Casetta for a true taste of Italy. With its authentic menu, welcoming ambiance, and dedication to quality, La Casetta is more than just a restaurant—it’s a little slice of Italy right in the heart of London.

📍Angel Location: 61 Chapel Market, London N1 9ER, United Kingdom 📍Clerkenwell Location: 160 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5DU, United Kingdom Website: https://lacasettacafe.com/menu/

[terracecatering]

Elevate Your Events with the Best Catering London

For workplace events, office catering London is the perfect way to energise your team and keep them focused. From freshly prepared breakfast options to hearty working lunches, professional caterers provide versatile solutions that blend convenience with quality. Menus often feature fresh, seasonal ingredients and cater to a variety of dietary needs, ensuring every attendee enjoys the offerings.