no Kitchen Orphan

How to make an Italian fall in love (with London)

Last weekend the "effervescent" Monica came over to see me and Francesco and discuss our foodie project. She had not been in London for the past 9 years and we knew we had to make something special happen.

I truly enjoy putting together itineraries for friends and family coming over. The way I do it, any art & culture, walking or shopping experience is built around a stop at a bar or restaurant. And so with Francesco we decided that the foodie element would have been key to seduce Monica and to thank her for the amazing hospitality back in Bologna (see below images of the fab dinner she put together for us).

Starting with a tour of the Borough Market and walking all the way along the Thames and down to Embankment, our bespoke tour included the Tate Gallery and the Southbank Centre, not to see any particular exhibition but rather to show Monica how these venues are being used by people to meet, have a drink, enjoy the sun (if any...). 

Ending the afternoon with a glass of wine and padron peppers at Fernandez & Wells, followed by some amazing cocktails and dinner at Yauatcha completed the job. 

On Sunday morning all you can think of is coffee. Would have Monica ever thought that the best coffees in town are made by Australians? Of course not, and she loved the one we had at Allpress. 

After a relaxed tour of the Columbia Road Flower Market (always a hit on Sunday m.orning, especially before 11am), we headed to Albion for a brunch. This, I must say, is not my favourite of the moment. Fun atmosphere, nice choice of dishes, but portions are too small and too plain. Anyway, it was fun and it filled us with energies for an afternoon walk that necessarily led us to Fortnum & Mason where to get the most luxurios Jubilee themed Food.

To end the long weekend and as a farewell to Monica, Francesco and Cristiana decided to offer her a delicious dinner at their place, featuring hummus, roasted Nabulsi cheese, falafel, za'atar spice with grilled flatbreads (my favourite!), and Sindhi Biryani (prepared with rabbit on this occasion).

So once again through (non Italian) food another Italian fell in love with London. Monica, we loved having you here and we want you back very soon. xxx