sketch

To close out our "foodie" day in London, we experienced the art that is sketch. Every detail to this place was well thought out - intriguing, yet weird... 

The hopscotch once we went through the door.

The "pink" room was elegant and the ambiance was pristine. Again, every detail and dish was accounted for in thought.  

And then we set our sites on the walls. Each frame white with black illustrations. Some comical and others random thoughts without an obvious purpose. It felt almost ironic; this beautiful plush room with the most bizarre art. And alas, I loved it. Who says you have to fit into a square box anyway?

Of course I ordered tea. These pieces were actually on display for purchase in the lobby, across from the egg shaped coat room.

I ordered the pan-fried sirloin Black Angus beef with a red wine sauce. One of the best steaks I've ever had. 

Creamed corn gratin. Amazing.

Jacci's dish. haha.

More of the wall creations.

And just when I thought the environment couldn't get any different, the bathroom stalls were in the shape of eggs. As you walk towards the restroom, there is an enormous white ball with a cut out in the middle with a bar. If you walk up the stairs to the right around the ball, thats for the ladies. The left for the men. It was most definitely a Willy Wonka type experience.

We'll travel to Paris next week! 

Duck & Waffle

One of the days I was in London, we did a complete and total food/drink day. It was fabulous. The first stop was Duck & Waffle. I saw a blogger that I follow on Instagram post about this place and it seemed very unique. If you are planning on traveling to the area, I highly suggest doing brunch there. But make sure to get a reservation!

40 floors up had great views!! Thats the Gherkin and London Bridge.

Pineapple mimosas. These hit the spot.

Jacci and I enjoying our foodie experience.

The maple glazed cornbread... Amazing.

'Nduja seared octopus.

The grand finale: Duck & Waffle. Crispy leg confit, fried duck egg, and mustard maple syrup over a waffle.

The experience that is sketch - London on its way...

Back to London

Ever since June, London has held a unique spot in my being. It reminds me of a couple cities in the United States, but better. It offers so much history, fantactic scones, lovely accents; superb tea and lively markets. I love the fast pace and even the tube. London is a place where I could see myself calling it home. 

I was greeted with this welcome sign by my lovely hosts in Beckenham, Jacci and Karl. Jacci and I went to college together and every time we see each other or talk, its like we never skipped a beat. We have the same views on the world and life, so its wonderful getting to talk to someone who just "gets it" and me. 

We stopped at Jacci's gorgeous place of employment in Paddington, We Work. She works for a premier tutoring and educational services company in the building. The space has modern and contemporary design and character throughout. I would kill to work in an environment like that.

We then ventured to Greenwich for afternoon tea. I'm ALL about afternoon tea and at just eight pounds, inexpensive too. 

What a beautiful place and a great way to start off London.

I loved having an actual, proper scone. They just don't make them in the states like they do in the UK.  Believe me, I smothered that thing in clotted (Devonshire) cream and jam. THE LIFE.

 Then we took a stroll in the park and hiked up to the Royal Observatory and Prime Meridian line of the world. Every place in the earth is measured in terms of its angle east or west from the line.

Me at the meridian line.

View of the National Maritime Museum, including the Queen's House.

Awesome views of London. Shard to the left.

I really wanted to see the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College, but unfortunately it was closed for renovations. I guess I'll just have to go back... ;)

Breakfast one day before our flight to Paris. Pancakes with berries and greek yogurt, which I never thought to use before.

Views from the Shard. London Bridge and the river.

We had some super tasty bellinis, minus the one they accidentally gave us with thyme. 

We took the tube to Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market.

That sky though!

Walking downtown London at night is gorgeous. London will always have a special place in my heart and passport.

My experience at Duck & Waffle (London) coming soon...