Engagement Pictures

I deviate from the blog to show just a few pics from our engagement session...still trying to convince my obliging fiance that white jeans for men are in right now!!! We took these on a sunny day in Dumbo and I am nostalgic for this warm weather and am also missing Brooklyn today! Thank God for our photographer, Sarah (who usually does magazine shoots) because we needed A LOT of direction! We had so much fun doing these pictures.

Spotlight on:Borough Market

Imagine a farmers market on steroids and you have Borough Market. It is a ten minute walk on the London Bridge to the edge of the South bank right beneath the bridge itself to reach this incredible spot. The stands have anything and everything you could want: fresh butcher, delicious bakeries, unique beers, pimm's cups by the glass, fresh oysters, curry, breads, cheeses, etc. I have gone here for both breakfast and lunch and it's always delicious and cheap!

Spotlight on: The town of Brighton

Since I have arrived, people keep mentioning Brighton as a destination just outside the city that I must visit.  I'm not sure what I was expecting...maybe something like a quiet fishing town with a few pubs and some quaint shops? I was mistaken when I showed up for a friend's joint-stag party...it's the New York equivalent of Coney Island (But perhaps a bit cleaner). We had some delicious cod fish n' chips-maybe the best I've had yet here. We hit a huge gay bar before visiting several more local dive bars (where I saw the 5 and 7 year old children working behind the bar-hilarious and so so wrong).

Where the local royalty used to live

   This town is full of shops with brands you might find in a big mall and a million pubs. This was the perfect place for a stag party. I think it is safe to say Martin and Kris enjoyed themselves and we are all very excited for their wedding in two weeks!

Here are some random pictures from the train ride:

Brian's refreshment for the ride up

The buzzing train station

Spotlight on: A Proper English Wedding

So I don't know if I mentioned but I have a proper English wedding to go to next weekend in the countryside. It is of Marquee style (i.e. tented) and the wedding party will be wearing coattails and all the finishings that go along with it! While at the stag party in Brighton this weekend (see following posting) Kris and Martin informed me I should purchase a smart hat for their beautiful wedding. I am not one to turn down a shopping trip, so I went with my friend, Rocio to a London institution called Harrods. Maybe you have heard of it? What a beautiful place! It features Egyptian hieroglyphics inscribed in gold on the escalators, a stunning upscale super market, a Princess Diana memorial, and an entire shop filled with Christian Louboutin shoes!

I eventually found a gorgeous hat (not a Phillip Treacy like the members of the Royal Wedding wore) but something very classy and not too large for my first English hat. I am also posting a picture of the Alexander McQueen in the window at Harvey Nichols called "Savage Beauty". There is a retrospective at the MET in NYC going on now til July by the way. I wanted to snap more pics but there was way too many people.

Spotlight on: The Stonehouse

First of all, I L-O-V-E Clapham. It reminds me of my old neighborhood in Brooklyn. It is green and filled with parks. The flats are either in old Victorian mansionettes or very modern apartments in up-and-coming locations. You can be on the most peaceful street and happen upon the most unbelievable neighborhood restaurant a la The Stonehouse. While we were looking for the restaurant, we asked a man for directions. He actually walked us back 10 minutes in the opposite direction so that we wouldn't get lost. He wouldn't let us buy him a pint because he said his wife would think he's been out drinking all night with buddies!

Clapham Commons

The Stonehouse

So, getting back to the topic at hand: This was the best meal I've had in London to date(and I eat out a lot). The attractive, and friendly staff/patrons coupled with the crowd-pleasing music set a wonderful atmosphere. My lovely date and I shared the ham hock and chicken croquettes and the bbq brisket with canellini bean salad. Both the starters, pork belly, and the sweet pea and shallot ravioli were packed with flavor. Must pair with one of the local ciders. We were too full for dessert but will be back before long to try!

http://www.thestonhouse.co.uk

Spotlight on: The Commercial Tavern

The magnificent chandelier

This bi-level tavern in Shorditch is the real deal. From the outside it looks like your typical hang-out. When you walk inside, you've got your crusty locals relaxing in the dimly lit space drinking local beers. Upstairs is a whole other story: crazy decor like gold spray-painted boars heads, walls specked with buttons, and various mismatched vintage seating and tables are balanced with huge open shutters as windows that make you feel as if you are sitting outside. Try any of the cocktails with gin or the Australian beer.

Commercial Tavern
142 Commercial Street
City of London, Greater London E1 6NU
020 7377 8455

Spotlight on: Old Spitafields Market

The Spitafield Market is not only huge, but the vendors are very diverse and most sell really fantastic products. Vintage fashion, antique furniture, up-and-coming designers of clothes and accessories, food vendors, and bakeries fill the stalls. My favorites included:

Su London Handbags:
 The brand is of impeccable quality and the bags aren't produced in mass like what you'd find in a department store. The Hanover and Folding Messenger bags were my favourites. The bags have been dyed with vegetable oil and don't rub off on your clothes.
www.sulondon.com

Sphere Gallery:
This contemporary and diverse gallery is the most delightful place. It is full of clever and  art that makes you feel good. Rory & Ben were not only helpful and very charming, but helped us find a local haunt for a proper drink. The piece I liked the best featured Patsy from AbFab drinking vodka while overlooking Central Park in New york City.

www.spheregallery.co.uk

Absolute Vintage:

Wow, this place has it all! Everything is organized by size, so it's a snap to the perfect retro dress and matching heels! I bought a tan skinny leather tie that is so sharp!
www.absolutevintage.co.uk

Chica Boutique:
Have you been searching for the perfect wrap dress like the Issa one Kate Middleton wore? Here it is in navy, red, pink, leopard, polka dot, and on and on.....only for much less! (I bought mine in red-it's just on the cusp of summer in London and I can't wait to show it off!

www.chicaboutiqueonline.com

Elemental Antiques and Vintage Furniture:
These refurbished and rescued pieces are all one-of-a-kind and have been beautifully restored. I can't wait to search for the perfect light fixture or vintage school table once I move into my new place!
www.elemental.uk.com

Spotlight on: The Drunken Monkey

Cheeky decor? Check.

Delicious dim sum? Check.

Cheap buckets(yes, buckets) of Asahi? Check.

This funky Chinese restaurant in Shoreditch has all the makings of a trendy spot that stands out from all of the steakhouses, cafes, and chain restaurants. They have a rotation of dj's and also offer  Cocktail Master Classes and Chick Flick Wednesday. Must try the drunken ribs and mojitos, preferably on a Sunday(where happy hour never ends). What's not to love?

http://www.thedrunkenmonkey.co.uk/