JEAULINA CATO : Brunch

Showing posts with label Brunch. Show all posts

NAC, MAYFAIR : BRUNCH

Jeaulina Cato Monday, 5 March 2018 Leave a Comment

NAC MAYFAIR

NORTH AUDLEY CANTINE

F e b r u a r y 25 t h 2 0 18

SUNDAY:
london

Fresh back from my holiday and with my last day before I headed back to work my friend and I decided to have a long overdue catch up over brunch...

No booking? No problem: Strolling up to NAC I was met with a growing queue of eager customers, unlike me, everyone had a pre-booked reservation, lesson learned. I guess on a Sunday in central It’s bound to be busy with pre-shoppers and families spending the last moment of the weekend together. Walking inside the restaurant it appears narrow but they have an upper deck, main floor with a bar and downstairs seating area.

SERVICE:
how was it

Exceptional. On the service alone I cannot wait to return. From the moment of arrival to walking out the doors we received such a great service from the staff. Our waiters were engaging, funny, attentive and charming. It felt like a close-knit team, working well together in the way they communicate and bounce of each other's energy, it all contributes to your time at NAC. One of our waiters was really helpful in recommending what to order from the menu. Through conversation, they remembered me saying how much I loved having speculoos on top of my yoghurt in Nice, France and gave me extra..sweet.

DRINKS:
how was it

I chose the Jasmine Ice Tea, it wasn't sweet like your standard Lemon Ice Tea or anything; it was highly refreshing. It has this clean taste with a fine remnant of Jasmine to it. If you remember my visit to ÉLAN CAFE I tried the Jasmine & Lime iced tea which was a huge favourite during my visit. I do enjoy a slightly sweeter Ice Tea to NAC's but It complemented and balanced out my meal well.

FOOD:
taste like what?

Ummmm, Ohh-maa-gash! Guys listen, I have never been a fan of pancakes, I would happily and easily choose a waffle or french toast over pancakes any day, but this converted me for life. Now let's not get it twisted, I won't be running anywhere to eat pancakes but I most definitely will be coming back NAC to have some of my own.

Okay, so I ordered the French Toast with raspberries, clotted cream, pistachio and speculoos.
My friend ordered the Ricotta Pancakes with dulce de leche and banana.
All I can say is that it was amazing, there were many of times I lost my train of thought down to the gorgeous flavours and textures I was experiences.

HEY NICOLE:
nicole

DECOR:
interior

Beautiful, light travels well through the front windows; I love the different tones and styles that carry throughout the restaurant. The upper deck seating error is very traditional dinner date and an intimate space tucked to the back. The main floor you have gorgeous sphere lampshades, a mix of marble and wood tables and a well-sized bar area. Downstairs, you have this gorgeous velvet blue seating, salmon pink walls and a stunning bar area. I wasn't able to capture downstairs as it was getting busy, but be sure to check their IG or website for a preview.

EXPERIENCE:
final thoughts

From the service to the food, everything was memorable, I can't wait to come back here, I think I may pop in for a cheeky lunch soon because there is a whole other side to the menu that I'm yet to uncover, especially the dinner and dessert menu. Brunch runs on Saturdays and Sundays between
10-4:30pm but fret not they're open from 11:30am on weekdays serving from lunch to dinner.

IT'S ME:
jeaulina (images not taken in NAC)

Jumper: H&M
Headscarf: Gift, please send more

Earrings: ASOS Hammered Metal Drop Earrings
Lips: Urban Cafe - NYX, Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy, 02 Nude - Sephora Outrageous Effect

Volume Lip Gloss

Instagram: @jeaulinacato @healthbyjeau

Spotify Playlist: Western Grove 7: Autumn Falls

0 comments

Dominique Ansel Bakery: It's A Brunch Ting

Jeaulina Cato Wednesday, 24 May 2017 Leave a Comment

DOMINIQUE ANSEL BAKERY

IT'S-A BRUNCH TING

M a y 13 t h 2 0 1 7

SATURDAY:
london

And on this Saturday we Brunched!
After a lovely mid-week to Paris, it was nice to have a chilled start to the weekend in Dominique Ansel Bakery. Dominique Ansel is French-born, pastry chef and has been recently awarded/named World's Best Pastry Chef 2017. The Bakery became well established around 2013 in their innovation of the Cronut, the cronut is a combination of a croissant and doughnut. There are only three DAB bakeries across the world, one being in Tokyo, New York and London!
- So lets g e t t o i t

Dominique Ansel Bakery

MACAROON:
matcha passionfruit & A Mini Madeleine

Mm-

BRUNCH: What did we order?

I've become quite the fan of macaroons as of late. When I was younger I remember my sister bringing them back from her travels and I definitely had a preference for ganache filled macaroons, over the jelly filled macaroons.

Now matcha which is a type of green tea has recently exploded across London, you'll find matcha latte's, pancakes, dessert; and even matcha ice cream, which is sooo good. As an addict of matcha green tea KitKat, I was keen to try their matcha passionfruit macaroon. The macaroon was charming, the passionfruit glides with shooting flavour and the matcha comes through nice and subtly.

SOUP:
pea & ham hock soup Garden peas and confit ham hock with crème Fraiche, broad beans and pea shoots

Ss-

BRUNCH: What did we order?

On my last visit to DAB, I ordered the 'Perfect Little Egg Sandwich' that's served in a tasty brioche bun.

On this occasion, I came across the only soup on the menu and decided to go for it. When it came I was highly impressed by the presentation of it, the smell is enticing and the taste?, Well I fancy some now, let's say that.

It was completed amazing, it wasn't overpowered by the taste of peas nor was it underwhelming, it was warm, well seasoned, comfy and had an edge to it. The ham hock served to the middle of the dish was full of flavour, it was succulent and complimented the soup well. Saving the best for last, the crispy bread was delicious, it had a nice salt to it which brought out the flavours in other parts of the dish.

BRUNCHING WITH:
Eliane Elaine has graduated in film, she's previously featured on my blog when we visited HomeSlice. Check out her Tumblr

QUICHE:
leek & funky cheese quiche Garden peas and confit ham hock with crème Fraiche, broad beans and pea shoots

Qq-

BRUNCH: What did we order?

Eliane ordered the Leek & Funky Cheese Quiche. For her, the quiche was 'packed full of flavour especially because of the Camembert which gave it a strong pungent taste'. I think I'll most likely have this on my next visit, it looked amazing and from the expression on there face, I could tell she'd chosen well.

CHEESECAKE:
cotton-soft cheesecake Signature ricotta mousse cheesecake, lightly brûléed on top

Cc-

BRUNCH: What did we order?

Accompanying her delicious Quiche, Eliane ordered the Cotton-Soft Cheesecake, she described it as being 'soft and spongy with the lovely brûlée on top. DAB offers many surprises and conventional or standard doesn't fit their model so if you enjoy a cookie then I'd highly recommend the 'Chocolate Chip Cookie Shot', it's served with a mouth-watering infused Tahitian vanilla milk, not-to-be-missed. You can enjoy as many as you like, they're completely hangover free!

CRONUT:
the cronut pastry Chef Dominique Ansel’s signature “half croissant, half doughnut” pastry

Cc-

BRUNCH: What did we order?

What's special about the cronuts at the bakery is that they're only available for that month, each month DAB brings out a new, limited edition cronut of the month, and this one happened to be one of my favourites yet. On my last visit in April I had the Mandarin Orange Jam cronut, filled with a Valrhona Jivara Ganache. Something about the way it's made makes it so memorable to me. It was epic and nothing like I'd had before, the quality and weight of pastry is extraordinary and it really impacts each bite; in a luxurious way. This month did not disappoint at all, the flavour of the month was the May Blush Peach & Elderflower cronut, and the name of it was enough for me to know it was going to be something unforgettable. I cannot explain how delicious it was, I defiantly will be back for one before the months up. They tend to sell out each day, so if you can't get there early then try reserving online. On launch day we were able to get nice seats in the gardens and enjoy our cronuts in the afternoon.

Ss-

SERVICE: How was it?

Before we entered the bakery we were taking pictures of the front of the store where we were kindly greeted by a member of the team. The experience was made special as we were well seen too throughout our visit, the DAB team was very helpful, polite and funny. Despite it gradually getting busier as it was the launch day of the new Cronut, their service did not dwindle to the slightest. I'd more than happily go back, not only for the amazing food but the exceptional service too.

Thanks for stopping by, more food and more fun coming soon.

@jeaulinacato

@healthbyjeau

0 comments

Lazy Hunter: It's A Brunch Ting

Jeaulina Cato Thursday, 4 May 2017 Leave a Comment

LAZY HUNTER

CAMDEN

A p r i l 2 8 t h 2 0 1 7

FRIDAY:

london

On this Friday we Brunched!

After spending far too much time (as always) scrolling through Instagram and almost drooling over my phone, I finally and so happily got to experience this hidden gem. Located in North London and roughly a 6-8minute walk from Camden Town Station this new fav of mine is tucked between a stream of restaurants along Kentish Town road. It's not often in London you'll find a reasonably priced restaurant with a great menu, tasty food and sweet vibes. Before I visited I definitely did had quite the list to choose from but what stood out for me was the google ratings (5.0), irresistible pictures and most importantly the menu!

- So lets g e t t o i t

LAzy hUNTER

Bb-

BRUNCH: What did we order?

Lazy Hunter offers a brunch special none as the 'Hunter's Special' this includes a coffee, brunch cocktail and any breakfast on the menu all for £13.95 (omg)! I was shocked and most of the time if they say it's too good to be true, it probably is, but this was truly a m a z i n g, to say the least. Now I have this impartial favouritism for all things sweet and savour and balance is necessary amongst two equals so I and my friend decided to get one sweet and one savoury breakfast and go halves. Not all friends like sharing but thank God we do. I've always said if I owned a brunch spot I'd happily create a halves dish so you could easily enjoy the best of both worlds without sacrificing one for the other.

Tt-

Spill The TEA: Raspberry Jam Tea

As a fond lover of all things tea and being regularly gifted teas I was in the mood to try something different than the classic English breakfast tea. I've always enjoyed trying new teas but I've never really been a fan of fruity teas, I think the most outlandish tea for myself that I ended up loving was 'The Nutty Chocolate' tea from twinnings. A-Moment-Of-Silence for this tea and to all who have slept of such a great tea, I was awoken at this moment! My first sip was mind-blowing, It was fully flavoured, there was no diluted taste of fruits, no wateriness it was complete and utter vibes. I was impressed on how they created such a wowing tea, no loose leaves, no tea bag. I'd recommend this tea highly!

Ff-

BRUNCH: What did we order?

I ordered the Full Hunters Breakfast it comes with an Apple and cider sausage (hidden by bacon), bacon, mushrooms, baked beans, cherry tomatoes, black pudding, eggs (scrambled or fried), toasted bread and fresh butter. Served in a cast iron skilled this bad boy packed a punch, the mushrooms were firm and flavoursome, the beans were well seasoned, the eggs light and bouncy and even the cherry tomatoes were fab. Now bacon tends to be hit and miss with me but this was a HIT it was tender, not salty, juicy and fresh. I really couldn't believe this was my first time here but it certainly won't be my last.

Mm-

Mimosa: DRANK

This mimosa complimented the meal so well, it was perfect not overly sweet at all just right. I'd recommend giving it a good stir to mix all the flavours together.

Ff-

BRUNCH: What did we order?

Did somebody say French Toast? Almost, allow me to reintroduce you too 'Sweet Mary's Favourite' - Sweet brioche with maple syrup and forest fruits and berries. All I can remember of how easily the knife sliced into the brioche and the fork tugged into it with the fresh fruits. It's epic, it really is and it's actually quite a healthy balance as it comes with many great antioxidants, such as kiwi, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and apples....yummy.

Ss-

SERVICE: How did they do?

The service was great, nothing was rushed or too slow it was timely. We were well looked after throughout our visit and it's just another reason why I'm keen to visit again soon. The staff are really friendly and patient with you and will help you choose with the menu if my pictures haven't swayed you enough.