Tag Archives: cafe

Hot on the Highstreet Week 210 – A Day in Marais

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Everyone is talking about the super cool Parisian neighbourhood, Haut-Marais. Last weekend I hunted out the best boutiques, cafes and bars for the perfect day in Marais.

Marche des Enfants Rouges – I stumbled across this atmospheric food market accidentally. The crowds and delicious smells encouraged me to look a little further. After a campaign by locals, this historic area reopened as a deluxe food market in 2000, taking its name from the 16th-century orphanage that used to occupy the site. With a range of Italian, Lebanese, African, Japanese food and a variety of great artisan and organic food stalls you are sure to be distracted for a few hours.

Edited Black, Comme des Garcons – an attractive monochrome edit of clothes and accessories from the Japanese fashion label Comme des Garcons.

Sonia by Sonia Rykiel – Renowned for her revolutionary, inside-out stitching technique and statement knitwear, Parisian designer Sonia Rykiel’s chic garments are the best thing to spend your pennies on in Paris.

Merci – this concept store is unmissable, a mix of industrial style homeware and simple stylish clothes, I could spend hours in this treasure trove. Be sure to also visit Bonton the kids version of Merci, complete with photobooth and nail studio.

Les Prairies de Paris – This designer shop is more like an art installation with beautifully curated clothes hanging delicately on the rails. The wonderfully unique detailing makes the prices almost seem reasonable.

L’art du Basic – This Parisian brand makes perfectly tailored basics for every occasion. I particularly loved the silk dresses and shirts.

Repetto – rainbow display of perfect ballerina shoes, I’d love one of each colour if I could.

Jean Marie Poinot – This artisan jewellery designer makes wacky jewellery from acrylic. It reminded me of Butler & Wilson in London.

Stephane Verdino – irresistably shiny and stylish bags. Wearable and wonderful.

Rose Bakery – Perfect for a weekend brunch or a shopping coffee break, Rose Bakery offers delicious homemade cakes and savoury dishes. Spot the hoards of fashionistas heading in here.

Pink Flamingo – I can’t recommend this pizzeria enough… Started by a young couple they now have several outlets around the city. They make delicious pizzas with inventive toppings.

Pozzetto – best gelato in Paris, the strawberry is absolutely divine.

Fragments – Previously known, in a different location, as Black Market Cafe this little venue is renowned for its faultless coffee.

La Perle – this Marais institution is cheap and cheerful… grab a seat in the sunshine and enjoy a glass of Provencal Rose, the perfect end to a day shopping on the Marais streets.

The Fields Beneath, Kentish Town

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If you find yourself in Kentish Town there is only one place to go for a great coffee.  The Fields Beneath is a charming little cafe under an otherwise uninteresting railway arch by Kentish Town West overground station.

The coffee is made using a variety of the best bean brands including Square Mile coffee. Delicious pastries, sandwiches produced with locally sourced ingredients  are also available. The sausage roll is particularly good (ask them to heat it up for you). Sit amongst the books and trinkets at the communal wooden table whilst enjoying your morning pick me up.

I love the name…The Fields Beneath references a history book about Kentish Town – and is on sale in the cafe. Aside from my deliciously creamy flat white and wonderfully calorific almond croissant, I was impressed by the personable, friendly service making this the ideal neighbourhood cafe. The Fields Beneath is easily a nominee for North London’s best coffee shop.

Follow The Fields Beneath on twitter here.

Brunch at Naamyaa, Angel

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Naamyaa is the first Bangkok cafe in London… an authentic representation of the eateries that feed so much of the Thai population. Well travelled fans of Thailand may be surprised by the split menu which includes some Western familiars as well as the more exotic Eastern favourites. These cafes are most often hidden away in the shopping areas of Thai cities providing sustenance for the hungry locals visiting the blissfully air conditioned centre to shop and eat.

The London restaurant, which comes from Busaba guru Alan Yau, is named after the signature dish on the menu. Naamyaa is a classic Bangkok Breakfast of warm Kanom Jin Noodle served with a plate of pickled morning glory, star fruit, free range soft boiled egg, Thai herb & clear soup. Delicious, comforting and easily personalised according to individual preference.

Occupying a huge space near Angel tube station, the venue could easily be bare and uninteresting but, thanks to the eclectic decor and design, manages to exude character. The central kitchen is very involving and the amazing golden ladies (each and every one is blessed by monks) add some glitz and glamour to the main room.

Naamyaa is now offering a plethora of unique brunch choices, both Eastern and Western inspired. If you want something more familiar try the wonderfully textured corn fritter with crispy bacon, rocket and aioli. If you’re feeling more daring (which I would definitely urge) opt for a more authentic Bangkok dish. We tried the following:

Khao dtom: Thai rice porridge with pork, soft boiled egg, Asian celery, ginger & pork broth.

Changmama’s pan-fried turnip cake with Chinese chive & beansprouts

Rice cake salad with cucumber, ginger, mint & peanut with sweet Thai sauce

Naamyaa with green chicken curry

Morning glory with yellow bean, Thai garlic & red chilli

Satay gai: chicken satay with peanut sauce

Jasmine tea smoked baby back pork ribs

I expected to dislike some of the more curious sounding dishes, but found these to be my favourites. Thai rice porridge with pork is wonderfully warming and light with tender meat. Turnip cake is strangely addictive, soft sweet cubes in a lovely dressing. If you like ribs you will love the Naamyaa jasmine smoked variety, they are melt-in-the-mouth exquisite with a hint of exotic jasmine and a sticky coating.

We experienced a range of the drinks on offer… the freshly infused lemongrass tea with honey was my favourite, a soothing blend ideal for sore throats. Jasmine mango is pretty amazing too, a much thicker fruity drink. There are seven breakfast smoothie options… my guest loved the Maca Peach which uses the ancient Peruvian herb, a superfood for rejuvenating energy levels mixed with white peach, milk and banana, I wasn’t a massive fan.

I was relieved to see an absence of jelly rice type Thai desserts, instead we ordered two subtle ice-cream based dishes. I can particularly recommend the Mascarpone ice-cream with strawberry coulis and Thai basil: refreshing, sweet with extra tasty grated young coconut, it would complement any meal.

Naamyaa got our seal of approval all round. Great for brunch, lunch, breakfast or dinner.

For an Eastern twist on the typically Western tradition of brunch, head to Alan Yau’s Bangkok-inspired cafe.

407 St John St., EC1V 4AB‎; 020 3122 0988

More information here: www.naamyaa.com