Tasty and refreshing cocktail from Brazil

Maybe it’s my Spanish heritage but for me, and at this time of year, after a long day in the Amazing PR office, the best way to relax and unwind is to sip on a refreshing cocktail to make me feel myself again :) (remember I have been sitting down for 7 hours now!).

Today I’m going to bring you a tasty and refreshing cocktail straight from Brazil - perfect now that all the shops are filling up with juicy ripe summer fruit. My inspiration came the other day when I was with my friend from Rio who introduced me to her own version of the authentic Caipirinha (and who better to get some secret tips from?) I always thought that a Caipirinha was a combination of lime, mint, soda, and cachaca but I was very intrigued when she started to muddle (well, mash would probably be more accurate) kiwi’s, strawberry’s and passion fruit. I was even more impressed when she opened her cachaca bottle and told me it was infact Abelha Cachaca, an organic cachaca, and I’m told the perfect base to create this fresh concoction.

Here is her very easy recipe:

Pick a selection of your favourite fruit (try to avoid apples or pears, preferably pick something watery like, strawberry, watermelon or kiwi) and chop up into small pieces. Put your fruit into your glass and mash up or ‘muddle’,’ (don’t worry if this isn’t done perfectly, the bigger pieces of fruit will soak up the cachaca for a treat at the end!). Now add 3 teaspoons of brown sugar to sweeten and a healthy measure of Cachaca. Top with crushed ice and enjoy!

What could be healthier, Organic Cachaca, ice, fruit and a bit of sugar? What’s more, being organic, Abelha Cachaca is free from chemicals which many people believe mean less severe hangovers…why not see for yourself? You can nip into Whole Food Market, Harvey Nichols or order online from www.thedrinkshop.com

www.abelha.co.uk

www.lovedrinks.co.uk

Fancy a bit of alfresco?

Despite living in a climate that is rarely conducive to alfresco drinking us Brits seem to love nothing more than getting out in the fresh air (not so much of this in central London...) with our glasses of rose and jugs of Pimms. There is a thoroughly ‘blitz spirit’ attitude to this kind of activity, so although we may be shivering in our coats under an ineffectual patio heater we will stubbornly remain in situ long after those from warmer climes have given up and gone inside. So in homage to this most British of summer pastimes we have compiled a few suggestions of where you can get your alfresco on in style this summer. Chowpatty Beach Bar:

Dishoom has already bought an authentic Bombay dining experience to St Martins Lane and this summer they will be recreating the infamous Chowpatty beach on the South Bank. The original Chowpatty beach is where all of Bombay comes to snack from street vendors stalls and stroll on the seafront, sights, sounds, colours and smells merge to provide a totally unforgettable experience. The Chowpatty Beach Bar has been created, or rather improvised, from all manner of old materials, furnishing and decorations. The result a very authentic interpretation of an Indian street stall, in fact it has been rather charmingly likened to an old Bombay cafe on a mild acid trip. This summer visitors can hit the sand and listen to music while sampling a creative Indian-inspired drinks menu including Bombay Pimm’s Summer Cup, Spiked Colaba Ice Tea and Classic Dishoom Chaijito. With delicious authentic bites also on offer you can kick back and make an evening of it...for as long as the Indian summer remains.

Until end of September

Tom’s Terrace at Somerset House:

Yes we know this is into its second summer now, but it wasn’t voted ‘Best place to eat alfresco in Britain’ by the Times last year for nothing. Take a stylish canopy (see they have come prepared), throw in the stunning surroundings of Somerset House and add views out over the River Thames and you’re hard pressed to find a better place to while away a few hours on a sunny evening. Tom’s Terrace will be hosting DJ nights all through the summer and with an extensive (and inventive) cocktail menu including Elderflower Collins and Red Chilli Martini we know we’re going to be in danger of running up a pretty serious bar tab. The new menu has introduced themed sharing platters meaning it really is the perfect place for a relaxed (well until those Red Chilli Martinis kick in) evening with friends.

Through 25 September

The Goring Beach Bar:

After being headquarters for mission ‘get Kate to the Abbey on time’ last month, The Goring was going to have pull something big out of the bag to avoid the summer feeling like a bit of an anti-climax. Luckily they have thought big...and tropical. Hip and happening Mustique hang-out Basil’s Bar and Restaurant, haunt of Kate Moss, Mick Jagger and the Royal Couple du jour, lands at The Goring in June. The Goring Beach Bar will bring us the authentic beach shack, polished driftwood bar, golden sand and dangerous cocktails, without the transatlantic flight. Basil himself will be instructing the barman on his signature cocktails and delighting the crowds for a few weeks in June, after which the party will roll on until September.

Chowpatty Beach Bar - Queen Elizabeth Hall Terrace, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX

Tom’s Terrace - Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA

The Goring - Beeston Place, London, SW1W 0JW

KM

An old-school Hollywood themed bar and restaurant

Here at Amazing PR we’re having to say goodbye to our lovely intern Mar and wanted to have a farewell lunch. As big fans of  The Summerhouse pop-up seafood restaurant by the Union Canal in Maida Vale last Summer we were very excited to hear a sister restaurant was opening just a short walk away from Amazing HQ and thought Mar’s departure would give us the perfect excuse to check it out.

Recently renovated, The Worlds’s End Distillery is spread over three floors and comprises not just The Summerhouse restaurant but also The Scene and soon-to-open winebar The Cellar. As it was lunchtime we opted for ‘The Scene’ - an old-school Hollywood themed bar and restaurant open all day serving gourmet all-American dishes. Whether you want the all-day breakfast served on weekends, a light lunch or cocktail fuelled dinner The Scene’s large menu is bound to please. We chose a selection of starters to share including a very yummy artichoke and spinach dip with tortilla chips and spicy buffalo chicken wings. For our mains I opted for the soft-shell crab ‘Po-boy’ with other members of the team ordering various burgers and the more health conscious amongst us ordering the crab Louie salad and basil grilled tuna with arugula salad - all of which are highly recommended. There’s also a very enticing pudding menu full of old-school classics including banana splits and ‘pie of the day’  however it seems our eyes maybe bigger than our stomachs and we could only manage a shared baked New York cheese cake which was delicious (mental note for next time -remember to leave room for pudding!)

We also had a sneak peak at ‘The Summerhouse’ upstairs which at the moment is only open for dinner bookings. The light and airy room has a nautical theme reminiscent of a beach house and serves a selection of fresh seafood and fish dishes including the classic fish and chips, native lobster, salmon fishcakes and dressed Cornish crab. There’s also a decked roof terrace – perfect for a pre-dinner drink on a balmy evening.

If that’s not already tempted you, we’re very excited to  check out ‘The Cellar’ situated in the basement which will offer a cosy, candle lit wine bar, ideal for an after work drink when it opens soon.

459 King’s Rd

SW10 OLR

020 3362 3362

www.theworldsend.co

Perfect for a weekend brunch with girlfriends

Brioche French Toast with Blueberry Compote

 This is a clever little fusion of French/American deliciousness - perfect for a weekend brunch with girlfriends. I have taken the original recipe and added a few of my own little tweaks. I can guarantee it was thoroughly tested and very highly rated this weekend by some discerning foodie friends.

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 4 tbsp milk
• 1 tbsp caster sugar
• a drop of vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 4 thick slices brioche from a loaf
• butter for frying
• greek yoghurt or crème fraiche to serve

Blueberry Compote:

• 100g blueberries
• a squeeze of lemon juice

Put the compote ingredients in a pan (the original recipe recommended adding a tbsp of caster sugar; I left this out, but if you need sweetening up go ahead and add it). Heat gently until the blueberries start to pop and release their juice then simmer for 2-3 minutes until jammy.

To make the French toast, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract and cinnamon until the sugar has dissolved. Dip the bread in the egg mix so it is thoroughly coated. Fry slices in the butter until golden brown on both sides. Serve the French toast with the blueberry compote heaped on top and some greek yoghurt or crème fraiche on the side.

If y’all want to go really American you can replace the yoghurt with vanilla ice cream and liberally drizzle with maple syrup...

Made in Clerkenwell

Some real talent is being showcased next weekend at Craft Central’s Made in Clerkenwell summer event. Unearth a little oasis in the city as Craft Central opens the doors to its two fascinating buildings and a hotbed of cutting edge craft and design from 19^th – 22^nd May.

This unique shopping event offers visitors the chance to have a behind the scenes peek into the studios of this community of more than 90 designers, as well as the chance to buy their designs and craft on-site. We fancy a little break from the Oxford/Regent/Bond (in our dreams!) street scrum of a weekend and a ticket to this event allows unlimited shopping over four days, including the Thursday night launch event and Friday’s late night shopping. Get ahead of the curve and pick up distinctive pieces of jewellery, fashion, accessories and interiors ideas, from designers who are at the cutting edge of their disciplines.

The Craft Central studios are renowned for great jewellery design and this is the perfect opportunity to check out the offerings - from Andrew English’s Fingerprint Wedding Bands to the beautifully crafted gemstone pieces from Mark Nuell and the quirky designs (including nipple tassels?!) from Frilly by Lily - there is something for every taste and budget.

Top milliner Katherine Elizabeth, whose clients include Dita Von Teese, Alexa Chung and Lily Allen, will be on hand to help you prepare for those all important summer weddings and events with her vintage inspired creations. One of the Amazing PR team, who is heading off to a awfully smart wedding at Le Manoir in a few weeks is hoping she can get something suitably fabulous whipped up in time. Hetty Rose’s beautiful handmade shoes, created using vintage materials will add a unique finish to any outfit, whether you choose her ready-to-wear collection or splash out on a bespoke pair.

Your home will not miss out on this extravaganza of designer talent with numerous delightful interior textiles, ceramics and paintings also on offer.  After an afternoon of browsing, and maybe a crafty purchase or two, you will be more than ready to make a pit stop at Chop’s Cakes for a refuel. Their range of classic cupcakes include the quintessentially British ‘Eton’, a layered vanilla and strawberry sponge topped with vanilla buttercream and decorated with a homemade meringue, strawberry sauce and half an English strawberry. YUM!!

Why not swerve Topshop for a weekend and buy something really original, which has been designed and created with care and attention? You can also give yourself a pat on the back from us for supporting the talented, niche designers at Craft Central.

Dates:

Special Launch Night on Thurs 19 May, 5-8pm

Late Night Shopping on Fri 20 May, 12noon - 8pm

Avoid the High Street crowds on Sat 21 & Sun 22 May, 12noon - 6pm

Venue:

CRAFT CENTRAL HAS TWO GREAT BUILDINGS

Craft Central, 21 Clerkenwell Green, London EC1R 0DX

AND 33-35 St John’s Square, London EC1M 4DS

Admission: £2.50 per person (under 16’s free) TWO BUILDINGS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!

KM