JEAULINA CATO

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

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How To Visit Paris: In Less Than 24hrs

Jeaulina Cato Tuesday, 16 May 2017 2 comments

P A R I S

IN LESS THAN 24HRS

M a y 1 0 t h 2 0 1 7

BACK STORY:

preparation

It's been a over and year since I last visited Paris, I never really expected to build such a growing

attachment to this place but with every visit my fondness of this dreamy little/big city deepens.

Each visit has been so different from the rest. I remember visiting as a child with my mother and sister. I remember the Champs Élysées and spectacular view from the Arc De Triomphe and how much larger it was to me. It was special because it was one of my first trips with my own disposable camera and I still have those images to this day.

If you watched my instastorie last Wednesday I was in Paris doing a real time version of this blog.
Firstly the easiest way to visit Paris, especially if you live in the London is via the Eurostar which is a direct train into Paris. Eurostar frequently have offers from £29 each way and if your a youth like me (12-25years) then you may snap a ticket for £28 each way, which can work out cheaper than visiting some places in the UK.

Planning ahead I wrote a list of all the places my friend and I wanted to visit, I then mapped out each location from Gare du Nord (where the Eurostar stops) from closest to furthest location,

I then added restaurants that were close by to each destination. So instead of jumping forwards and backwards on transport it worked out one constant journey going forwards. If your going over a weekend it's not necessary, but i've travelled to Paris for the day two other times and found this method most effective. ( If you need help email/contact me)...

Arriving in Paris I advise getting a day pass which gives full access to the metro and buses.

Picking up a map is handy but using apps like Paris Metro Map and Next Stop Paris will help you get around quicker whether your a first or even second timer. If your on 3 network it worksout even better as you can use your unlimited data at no extra charge as it's listed as one of the many Feel At Home destinations.

DESTINATION:
Notre Dame

Notre Dame is a famous Cathedral in Paris and is true to the French Gothic architecture. Visiting Notre Dame Cathedral is free but you'll need to buy a ticket to visit the tower however, if you are an EU citizen and under 25yrs (for now Brexiters...haha) then show your passport and you can view for free. Inside the Cathedral is beautiful, you can light candles, take time to pray and also view the history & development of Notre Dame over the years.

DESTINATION:
Ponts Des Arts

A short walk (approx 8 minute)

from Notre Dame will take you to Ponts Des Arts also known as '
Love lock bridge'. The bridge crosses over the River Seine and overlooks many beautiful sights in Paris. People from all over the world come to the bridge to attach their locks, some engraved, some inscribed and some like me who totally forgot to bring one and thankfully come across a man selling locks at the bridge.

DESTINATION:
Metro

DESTINATION:
Musée du Louvre

Home to the Mona Lisa and the unmissable glass pyramids, Musée du Louvre is a must see. The grounds are free to enter upon so if the pyramids are what you came for then you won't need to part with any cash. If you plan to see exhibitions and of course the Mona Lisa then you must purchase a ticket.
Yet again if your a EU citizen and under 25yrs it's free on presentation
of your passport.
Aren't we blessed?!

DESTINATION:
Jeaulina

Pictures of me Photographed by Karis Bertin.

DESTINATION:
Carrousel du Louvre - Starbucks

As you may notice when visiting another country the menu may change ever so slightly, to fit and represent the taste of that country. We had was the Iced Shaken Peach Green Tea Lemonade, the perfect refresher after being in a semi-humid building on a hot sunny day. That's not all though, when in France, Paris to be precise and in Starbucks to be exact you must try their Donuts! I love a good doughnut and have always appreciated a well made classic glazed donuts. This had to be one of the best glazed donuts I've had to date, I didn't get a picture as we was

on the GO, plus one bite was enough to say I wasn't going to stop anytime soon.

DESTINATION:
Metro

DESTINATION:
Eiffel Tour

The most famous monument to visit, the Eiffel Tower. It was built back in 1889 for a Paris exposition and as a temporary fixture, but as it became popular and somewhat a symbol to Paris it has remained ever since.

Now if you fancy a challenge try climbing to the top it's only 1,665 steps or if leg day can wait you can take the lift.

You can purchase tickets to the second floor which gives you access to the 2nd and 1st floor. If you want to see the very top then once on the 2nd floor follow signs to purchase tickets to the 3rd floor (top).

If your between 12-24yrs you'll

pay a discounted rate to see the Tower. It's absolutely magical, and a true highlight, if your in the mood you can purchase champagne on the 3rd floor whilst enjoying the spectacular view.

DESTINATION:
Champs Élysées

Like any city you must find the fashion and food district, similarly to London's well known

Oxford Street and Barcelona's

Av Diagonal, Champs Élysées has always been the place to shop & dine. As well as shopping and eating at the very end of Champs Élysées is the famous landmark,

Arc De Triomphe.

It has a museum inside and also 234 steps to the top (wear comfy shoes).

Not to tempt you any further but show your EU passport if your between the ages of 18-25years and enjoy the free admission.

The view at the top truly worth the climb.

DESTINATION:
Ladurée

Ladurée is the place to visit for Macaroons. One of my new found favourites is the Lavender macaroon, I'd also recommend the Vanilla, Pistacio, Rose and the Salted Caramel macaroon. All so different and surprising to your palette, each offers it's own unique flavour. They're memorable in taste and bite. Now your EU passport won't scope you a discount in here but it's worth every euro cent

(no pennies out here Brits).

DESTINATION:
PNY Burger

Paris New York Burger, spread over three locations in Paris is surely somewhere I'd visit again soon.

They recently opened a steak house called Paris Texas which I discovered whilst out their.

Their oxen's are grass fed only without the disruption of corn, cereals and nasty antibiotics!

Onto the buns, why are they so soft and bouncy? A secret recipe from a Grandmother in Ohio passed down her recipe for these tasty clouds.

I ordered the 'Morning California' burger, in the bun you'll find beef, cheddar, fresh avocado and PNY sauce. I also ordered a Ice tea which by taste I could tell was freshly made, not too sweet, just right. I got plain french fries but you can order different variations with toppings.

Before you go there check the time as they're open between 12-3pm and reopen again 7pm -11.30pm.

DESTINATION:
Gare de Nord

Gare du Nord, our final stop.

Before hopping onto our train we visited a local supermarket, located 3 minutes away from the station. They got snacks, drinks, sweets all you need for a cosy journey home and a nice few bits for your friends and family.

Thank you and thanks for stopping by, more food, more fun coming soon.

@jeaulinacato

@healthbyjeau

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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.