Visitors abound

Its been pretty quiet on the England front in February and March, with perpetually dreary weather, dark days and only thoughts of a warm and sunny summer getting us through the English winter. This explains the lack of blog posts lately. However, as the dark days have started to brighten, so has our desire to get out and explore. Along with the market we went to a couple weeks ago with Pramit, we've had some visitors, which has been good for the mind and soul (just not the wallet). 

Recently, Betchkov and Adrienne visited our place for a little over a week, enjoying two weekends with us and taking in Paris during the week, while we worked (its not fun to imagine your friends frolicking around Paris while stuck in a cube). 

During the weekends they were here we took them to Notting Hill market and showed them our local(s) (The Prince of Wales and the Windsor Castle), and even made it to Aladdin for a meal on Brick Lane. 

We also had a really nice night out in Shepherd's Bush at Alounak followed by pints at Defectors. Another night we took on Soho, eating at a very popular Venetian small plates restaurant called Polpo, which I highly recommend. 

We also went to El Camino and then to Sketch during one of our nights after a meal in China town. Sketch is an interesting club, but given the most interesting part about it is the bathrooms, don't hold your breath.

About a month earlier, Ross was in town en route from Minneapolis to Italy to Shanghai (weird - but you cannot question Ross' travel plans, you just have to go with the flow). We showed him a good night out in Soho as well, following a dinner at Rocket in Mayfair. Rocket is another affordable but stylish Italian spot that has killer pizza and calzones and a good wine list. We also checked out the Borough market for a famous Chorizo sandwich and hit a couple pubs up (of course). 

Having friends come out was a terrific distraction from the long winter/early spring. It was good to talk about the crazy college days and plan for the times to come! Also helped us pass the time until our next trip, which is only a few weeks away!!

Night on the Hill

This past Friday Erin, Kate, Stu and I had a great dinner at Assaggi on Chepstow Place in Notting Hill. Its an unassuming Italian restaurant with about a dozen tables, menu in only Italian, all Italian servers. The place screams character and delivers just that. The only part about our meal that wasn't so memorable was the mains (though Erin's pasta was delicious). But the starters that ranged from fresh mozzarella eggplant to scallops to high quality parma ham were a hit, as was the chesse and dessert courses. The food was great but perhaps the best part was the manager who explained the menu with passion and detail, giving us a better idea than our rough translations would have otherwise. 

After dinner we did what any other rational Notting Hill based-diners would do, go for a post dinner dance at the Notting Hill Arts Club. The theme was caribbean-indie with a hint of turkish influence. Regardless, it was good to dance the 6 courses off!

Going Local

I find moving to a new place, whether it is an apartment, neighborhood or city, inspiring.  An opportunity to rid yourself of all of the clutter accumulated from life - paper, clothes, toileteries, you name it - and start fresh.

However, with that new sense of organization, comes the desire to find new things to make your place comfortable and feel like home.  Thus, the cycle begins again.  We love our new flat, with its big, bright windows and relaxing views of our neighborhood garden across the street.  Wedged between Holland Park tube stop and Shepherd's Bush tube stations, we have the largest shopping mall in Europe a block away, but still get to enjoy living in an area with all the traditional charm and cosiness that one expects in London.  Holland Park doesn't quite have the same reputation as Notting Hill.  However, it is only a 5 minute walk to Notting Hill and the main street is filled with gourmet food stores, the greatest little travel bookshop we have ever visited, and my favourite Italian delicatessen, Specks.  I love walking into the cramped little shop, loaded to the brim with Italian meats, cheese, noodles and their daily hot, homemade takeaway bar.  I'm looking forward to becoming a regular.

Portobello Road market in Notting Hill is one of the most well-known markets in the world, and a must experience, for anyone visiting London.  In 2005, my sister, who was studying abroad at the time, introduced Lou and I to the mayhem.  Portobello Road is literally a long residential street lined with colourful row houses, antique shops, funky independent clothing stores, cafes and food stalls.  You could easily fill a whole day browsing, eating and people watching.

It is best to go early to avoid the crowds.

The smell of slow-cooked pork, meandered through the market on a recent visit and our American hearts, just couldn't resist.