The River Cafe, New York

The River Café, Brooklyn, is one of my favourite restaurants in the whole world! It is also, I think, one of the most romantic restaurants in the world.

On entering the garden, you are hit by the heavenly scent of the rows and rows of flowers and plants surrounding the entrance. The trees are laced with teeny fairy lights, which look beautiful at night (and, yes, we know I am a sucker for the old flowers and fairy lights mix!).

The restaurant itself is accessed by a short bridge to the decking style dining room, complete with parapet ceiling. The view is a huge part of The River Café: the window presents a panoramic view of the East River right from the Statue of Liberty on the left and beyond the Brooklyn Bridge on the right. To enjoy the restaurant at its best, be sure to book a table by the window and ensure that you are seated before sunset. Watching the New York sunset whilst eating Michelin star food is a truly spectacular experience!

Yes, the food....it is seriously delicious!! The wine on offer is also exceptional - I love sweet wine and they have some particularly special ones available, so splash out!!

The River Café also happens to be a wedding venue and I think is the venue for the party scene near the end of the film, 'Two Weeks Notice' [sic]*. A stunning location, beautiful garden, amazing food and wine....what more could you want??

Love, 


AB x


*Seriously? No one thought to get someone to proof-read the title?! 

The 54th BFI London Film Festival - The King's Speech

I originally saw The King's Speech back in September during the BFI film festival. I managed to post about a handful of the films I was lucky enough to see but never got round to posting about this one!!

It really is as good as the hype. Brushing aside the dubious casting of Timothy Spall as Winston Churchill, the film boasts a stellar cast.  Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffrey Rush all give stunning performances. It is also very funny! Catch it quickly while it's still on!

Love,

AB x

Clos Maggiore

 
Clos Maggiore on King Street, Covent Garden, is one of my favourite restaurants in London. It has won numerous awards and is often named London's most romantic restaurant. It is one of the most romantic restaurants I have dined at in the world! (along with The River Cafe in New York - just under the Brooklyn Bridge...but that is for another time, another post!) The ceiling is covered in cherry blossom branches, which are laced with tiny fairy lights - beauuutiful!!


The conservatory (pictured...courtesy of Clos Maggiore's website as it is far too intimate a restaurant to get one's camera out and start snapping for you, my lovely readers!!) is the best place to eat for a date. The smaller room upstairs is darker but cosy, with its fireplace and traditional decor. 


The Head Chef, Marcellin Marc (previously at Michelin 2 star Le Clos de la Violette in Aix-en-Provence) has a delicate yet flavour-enriched, Mediterranean style of cooking that is quite spectacular. There is also an excellent wine list and the restaurant's Sommelier is always happy to assist you in your choice!


Starters are around £7-13, mains about £18+ and desserts are £7. The Prix Fixe menu is £22.50 for three courses or £27.50 with a half bottle of wine.


I cannot fault Clos Maggiore (a rare occurrence for me!). For the perfect evening date or anniversary, go for the Prix Fixe menu before ballet at the Royal Opera House (just around the corner). Your man won't mind because of all the brownie points he'll earn for treating you to such a romantic evening!!


Love, 


 AB x

Naughty vs Nice

NAUGHTY:

 Red crepe structured shoulder jacket, Vanessa Bruno (£350 from Net A Porter)

NICE:

Red jacket, £29.99 from H&M

 

 

Love, AB x

Bob Bob Ricard

If you're wondering where the name came from....Bob (co-founder) owns 2/3 and Ricard owns 1/3! The quirkiness doesn't end there.....each booth has a "press for Champagne" button for those surprise revelations that require a prompt celebratory toast. Isn't that fabulous?

I love the decor at BBR...from the logo to the Prussian Blue leather booths, complete with curtains to completely cut yourself off from neighbouring diners. The bar downstairs is similar in style but with burgundy red leather booths. The attention to detail at this establishment is impeccable - from the logo to the pink & cream place mats.