Houses I want to live in #2

Alexandra Road Estate. An iconic housing estate that every modernism architecture lover must see. I had a lot of fun visiting this road, and all I wished is that I could have seen the houses inside!

Gourmet Burger Kitchen

Impulse going to GBK for burgers. No, I haven't researched this venue before going. But I've seen it everywhere in London. How risky could it be?
Overall, I must say that it was not my favourite meal in London, far from it. But they do give away free peanuts, which I appreciate a lot!

They call them monkey nuts, not peanuts. Sense of humour, I guess? I went for the Blue Cheese. I really regret choosing this one. The burger was OK, but the cheese was too much of a big chunk. It was too salty and overwhelming, which are common things in a super strong kind of cheese like this, but I believe that there are ways to incorporate strong flavours without them letting overwhelm a dish. This was not the case.

The fries were actually nice, although I like fat pieces of chips, instead of slim ones, but that's more of a personal taste.

In the end, the reasons why I won't be coming back to GBK are simple: 1) There are many many more burger places to try in London and it would be silly to repeat one; 2) They are not really gourmet, but again, maybe it was because I chose the Blue Cheese. The menu had some more interesting options, but I'll never know now!

Gourmet Burger Kitchen

Unit 4, Condor House, 

St Pauls Church Yard

London, EC4M8AL

Golder's Hill Park

It's always nice to take a walk in a distant park. To feel like we're in a different city. To breath fresh air. Wood Green surprised me. I really liked it. I could live there. And Golder's Hill Park is actually very nice.

But then, I saw him. I felt like I was in these enchanted woods. So close, yet so far. Magical. I can say I fell in love with deers. Too bad there was a fence. But I was lost in their beautiful fur. The color and pattern inspired me. Nature can be truly amazing.

They were chillin' like they just don't care, and then an ostrich joined the party. 

 I can't get enough of these pictures.

I also saw some other animals, but the double caging threw me off. I felt too sorry for them. Unlike the deers, these were completely locked. 

I'm sad that I will no longer have a zone 3 oyster card to find gems like these, but I'm sure zone 2 has it's secrets, too. I'll never forget this image, though:

look mom no hands!

Last breakfast with sis and dad. The day I would be all alone. I wanted my dad to have a cool english breakfast, but veggie, since he is a vegetarian. Look mom no hands was the right decision. First, the vibe is great, great for cycling enthusiasts, free wi-fi, lot's of good stuff to chose from.

I have these croissant cravings from time to time, and the ham and cheddar was spot on. The ham was smoked to perfection and the melted cheese complemented the flaky croissant in a way that makes me wanna go there tomorrow. Too bad it was so small. I ordered this massive orange juice with ice, but it came without ice, so it wasn't really fresh... 

My sister opted for bread with butter and jam. Simple but always good. That thing on her plate is half a mushroom.

But my dad's choice was my favorite. Veggie breakfast with amazing scrambled eggs, great mushroom and the best veg sausages I've ever tasted in my life. I could go back just for the sausages. Truly amazing. The bread with the eggs was really satisfying. I'm just not a big fan of those typical beans and there was this massive portion of spinash on the bottom of the plate. Either it was badly placed or just didn't complement the dish that well. Other than that, great!

Gotta go back to this place to try their sweets and just sit down with a cup of coffee while browsing with free wi-fi!

look mom no hands!

49 Old St, 

London 

EC1V 9HX

London London London

Architecture. And this is just a sneek peak of what's coming. I want to remember all of these buildings before leaving. And I don't plan on leaving on the next few years...

It's a hotel but I can't seem to find its name. It's close to Green Park.

Impulse

Being in Canary Wharf and passing by Krispy Kreme. At first, nothing special happens. You've eaten well, you even had an ice cream for dessert so the day was filling and rewarding. But then you think: I've been craving Krispy Kreme Doughnuts since I saw that episode of Oprah. I've been wanting to try the real deal, after years of being addicted to the only doughnuts we had in Portugal. So I said: I'm gonna go there and I'm gonna eat one. I chose the Original Glazed, just to make the whole ceremony more special. The pink ones with the sprinkles were much what I've dreamed about ever since I watch Hollywood movies, but this was a first. And Oprah was still in my mind.

So I bought one.

And I immediately ate it.

Confused look while eating, trying to figure out if I didn't mind if my dad could take my picture or not.

Taking a rest to repair the damage.

Veredict? Honestly, they're not so different from the Portuguese ones. Same flavor, but softer and more moist. I liked it, but the flavor was exactly the same. I don't know why I was expecting something so different from what I'm used to. At least it was really moist... Maybe next time I'll try the pink one!

Camden.

Being hungry. Knowing where the cheap filling food is. I've been here before and it's not my favorite place in London, but it works ok when wanting to eat something that will give you energy for the whole day. Right after finishing our meal we found out about other tents selling much more interesting stuff than normal Thai/Indian food, but I can't complain because I love chickpeas.

I'm thankful for those onion slices I put in my container, because it was just too much rice, too much potatoes and dry lamb! I do like how the guy at the stand gave me a free samosa, so sweet! Just for that the food tasted better. I really, I mean, really love free stuff. Who doesn't?

My sister went Thai, and her vegetables actually looked yummi. The guy at her stand also gave her some fried "chicken"! Yupi!

I guess Camden Town is not so bad... I'll come back for more cheap food! I won't forget about a Greek tent that I missed this day. You're on my radar, Greek tent!

Touristy.

I'm not a fan of the touristy side of London. Too many people. TOO many. And I'm like: yeah the guards are moving, ok, let's go. I'm not judging if you like the guards, but I have much more fun in a street market than in the Buckingham Palace. However, still with my family, we did stop by those typical places, the sun was inviting, and I did have my camera with me that day. 

My sister really enjoying herself.

The Big Ben picture everyone takes.

I believe that the crow has become my favorite bird. I'm simply in love with their style, they are so cool.

The pigeons were around some crows at the park, and I'm like: Get out pigeon.

I know that these pictures don't say much about my touristy day. Again, my mind was still not focused on just taking photos and enjoy. My head was, during this whole trip, drawn to the beginning of my new alone life in London, so I didn't take as many pictures as I should have. When I get to relax, you'll see that these posts will be much more image filled!

Rochelle Canteen

This was the day I truly got upset by not carrying my camera with me. The thing is, and that's the reason not all the pictures are as good as I want, having to walk for hours and hours in London, dealing with issues, going from north to south and east to west in the same day, just doing a lot of stuff at the same time, not exactly the best scenario to be carrying a big Canon camera all the time. Though, I knew beforehand that I would be eating here. And I don't know why, I didn't bring it! Anyways the worst part is that my dad has an Iphone and I let him take all the pictures, I was too relaxed I guess. Lesson learned for an aspiring blogger! 

But now to the subject, I discovered this gem hidden in this beautiful street in Shoreditch. I got to the door and rang the bell. My dad and my sister were surprised by all the mystery. And then we got in. We saw the most beautiful garden and this tasteful little restaurant. And we sat down and ordered. 

It's called Rochelle Canteen and it's it's advisable to book first.  

The menu changes everyday, which is something that I appreciate in a restaurant. I ordered the smoked salmon with potato pancakes and it was impecable. The sauce was tangy and paired well with everything, the salad balanced the strong flavors and the potato pancakes were soft and delicious. I love smoked salmon, so my opinion is biased. 

The food was simple and good, the plate was not too full and we enjoyed ourselves in this calm environment. My dad ordered a pie (can't remember of what), and I love the rustic look of the slice.

My sister went for this homey roasted chicken that tasted really good. 

Now, let's be honest, the prices were a little bit over what I expected, around 14 pounds pp, with no drinks. For what you see above. I really loved it, but it's quite difficult to pay this much. The website didn't show any prices, that's the downside. I like it when the online menu has the price. To know what I'm getting into. But I was so mesmerized by the description of the place, I couldn't resist. I would go back again (of course, when I have a good salary).

Rochelle Canteen

Arnold Circus 

London   

E2 7ES

Houses I want to live in #1

I'm gonna make this one a series of posts, each with a house I would love to live in. In London, architecture is overwhelming, amazing, big windows, balconies. I love it. I'm kinda drawn to more modern buildings now, but couldn't help capturing this amazing house.