Galvin la Chapelle

Here comes the overdue posts in my drafts , from almost two years ago.

I have many more dining experience to share when I was in London . Unfortunately, I forgot what actually happened because it was too long ago. Now I am trying to recall some of it from here and there from my memory. 

I chose this place for my birthday lunch, since it has good reviews - and also, it is at Shoreditch which is one of my favourite place in London. Have I ever mentioned how much I love Brick Lane?

I chose Galvin La Chapelle. Many people will opt for Galvin at Windows for their beautiful settings. I didn't choose that since we need to make reservations way earlier and we didn't know if we were free on that day. Making plans two months earlier is not for me , especially with random travelling plans around.

I preferred French Restaurants in London, compared to Italian. In Malaysia, there are not many good French Restaurants. 

I really love high ceiling interiors.

Anyone knows which restaurants which gives out good settings like this?

Waiting for food - and god, we were so young. As for me, I was so bloated from all the eating. 

As lazy as we are, we go for the gourmet lunch set where they already minimize the choices for us. I am pretty indecisive when it comes to my main and I can never finish two mains. I gotta leave some room for desserts.

Is it just me or do you guys get excited to see complimentary bread?

Do you guys like different butter flavour or the classic vinegar and olive oil?

Tell you what, 

Sometimes if the bread is yummy, I will just go for the bread itself. 

I can actually eat ANY white bread without anything. 

nope, no olives. 

We promised to cut down on wine, but still going against our own promises. 

Having my favourite Pinot Grigio !

For Starter -

Tartare of Duck Liver , Zucchini , Wasabi Mustard and Coriander  

Nope, not gonna order soup or salad as starters for French. 

For Main ,

Seared fillet of seabream, Mashed Potatoes , coated with light sauce 

This is my first time ordering fish as main. The inner Chinese in me always tell me that, fish should be cooked in the Chinese way. I always thought that fish cooked in the Chinese/classic Asian way tastes the best besides Salmon. The other two choices was steak, or risotto so I chose this. I wasn't feeling either way and I am glad that I picked this. 

It is not exactly great but the fish was flavourful and tender. I cannot deal with mushy texture especially when it comes to fish. The texture was great but the flavour was a little too mild for it. 

For dessert, 

Lemon Crumble Tart , with Lemon Orange crème with White Chocolate Srips

I love this. 

Basically, I love everything with Lemon Cream top - where it leans towards the sour side. I like how the sour taste matches with savory biscuits. 

Sweet biscuits based is a no no.

Complimentary Macarons from the restaurant for my birthday.

I actually thought it was chocolate but it is actually coffee beans used as decorations. I even asked for a spoon -.-

It was a good dining experience with Galvin Restaurants. 

Companion of the day - with the same taste of wine, and matching colours.

Yayoi Kusama in Victoria Miro.

I will argue that this blur selfie which was captured by my shaky hands is pretty artistic. I even chose a colder filter to give out the aesthetic vibes. 

I am lucky to be able to witness Yayoi Kusama's work in Victoria Miro which was held over summer. Her exhibitions are separate into two galleries where one exhibits her sculptures and the other one exhibits her paintings. Unfortunately for me, I could only manage to visit the one with sculptures since I only found out her paintings were located in the other gallery.

Despite being on a weekday, the queue was still there. I queued for almost half an hour or more, and was given time limits for each section of her work. I am not complaining because I've heard that many people missed out. Plus, all of her work belongs to 2016. 

Installation View of Pumpkin , for Victoria Miro Gallery , 2016.

Polka dots has always been her trademark and she always involve them in her work. Even her collaboration with Louis Vuitton back in 2012 has features polka dots all over. 

The sculptures are beautiful and every polka dot on the pumpkin is defined in detailed. 

A picture which is taken in art museums or gallery always have to feature a beautiful art and someone walking all over.

Baby boy, you are too adorable to be true. 

Proud mother taking pictures of her son with Yayoi's work.

All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins, 2016

With different size of pumpkin , which I suppose to made out of plastic and acrylic. However when I read about it, she used wood too. Until now, I couldn't figure out which part of it was made from wood. I'm loving the LED and how the mirrors portrays 'eternal' by its reflection.

I guess this is how she sees them in her imagination. 

She is so good at delivering it.

Chandelier of Grief, 2016

Spinning Chandelier with one way mirror surrounding it. I could walk around the spinning chandelier in the dark room. I feel my heart getting heavy as I do so. Hearing no noise but to only see my own reflection with the limited source of light which is reflecting everywhere. It sounded crazy but I was overwhelmed.

It reminds me so much of a scene from Phantom of the Opera where mirrors were everywhere torturing someone. But instead of feeling tormented, this does makes someone's heart hanging on a thin string. 

it is undeniable that this is beautiful. 

I always see her work on the internet, and I never thought that I could come across chances like this. For this, I am grateful. 

I know that this post isn't something interesting but I thought that I could share my appreciation about being able to witness it. I guess it is true that you will start looking for different kind of art when you start to appreciate them. And it irks me that people only recognize hype pieces which is only shown on social media.

What matters was the process, idea and the moment when it is created - not the hype behind it. 

x

Fera at Claridge's

There is no doubt that there are many good restaurants in London. Talking about Michelin's star restaurants, you will definitely need more than a month to visit them all. I've pick out a few ones which I've read online to try out. 

My favourite one would be - Fera at Claridges. 

Hence, it is right up on my page because I need to share about it. Not to mention, I am having a birthday lunch with a friend whose birthday which is just two days before me. It is a kinda birthday celebration for us and we made the right choice stepping in here. 

This is a flower boutique right down the corner before Claridges and I stopped by to look at how beautiful they are. And, it matches my outfit. 

The perfect colour paletter - and I got to emphasize that I do not always go on pantone. 

This one Michelin star restaurant requires booking in advance - probably a week before but I suggest the earlier the better. And is located in Claridges at Mayfair. 

I found out on that day that Fera means 'wild' in Latin and the famous chef, Chef Simon Rogan did a splendid job of connecting the whole concept of the restaurant to nature. He did mention that this restaurant is his art deco space , which I couldn't agree more. I love the settings and the slow music they play at the background. 

As much as the beautiful settings did sway me away, nothing is more important than quality food which I was expecting a lot. 

Complimentary bread and I am not lying about this is the best bread I've ever had in London. It's freshly baked everyday and they offer different types from time to time. The butter was more to the creamy type which goes perfectly well. 

Pea flour wafers at Fera

I couldn't exactly explain how it taste but this whole thing surprise me. The edible flowers are tasteless but it goes so well with the thin wafers and cream on top. It's savoury and just like how appetizers should be like. I give a thumbs up for this - not because it surprises me with how it taste, but also it's beautifully presented. 

 To start with.

Caramelized cabbage , scallions  , chef special brulee 

First main ;

Marinated chicken thigh,  calcot onions, malted parsley root with brown sauce

Second main ;

Codfish with horseradish, kale and artichoke 

Dessert ;

Celeriac ice cream, salted caramel and hazelnuts with caramelized cherries 

This dessert is a hundred percent perfect palate cleanser because the ice cream, which tasted so much like sorbet, melts in my mouth instantly. Instead of sweet, it's sour which ignites my tastebud after the whole routine of savoury food. The cherries are sweet and the cake was just okay - as it's not as soft as I expected. 

But overall, it's so good - not to mention that it's so cold which is nice. 

Lastly,

mascarpone macaron wafer with apricot-orange jam with thinly scrape white chocolate.

This melts instantly in your mouth like cotton candy. And also, this marks the end of the course meals.

The chicken was great as it is flavorful and not to much. I love how the thighs was soft. The fish was otherwise just okay, or maybe I just wouldn't like fish being served this way. But, I could guarantee that the fish is fresh. I guess the starter and the dessert made the way to my heart compare to the others. 

Fera is special because they change their menu every season. And sometimes, they do have different menu presented to you when you visit them which gives you another surprise. I did check the menu beforehand but was presented to the latest one since it's the beginning of summer.  

I guess one of the reasons of why they have really good reviews is because they constantly update their menus and their staffs are polite and super attentive, and not pushy to promote us anything that we don't want to have. The best part is, the atmosphere is so relaxing - probably perfect for a Sunday lunch date before the whole hectic week starts. 

Look at me, being all happy. 

And probably one of the best dining experience I have in London. 

I couldn't really state the price or confirms anything here since they change it occasionally. So, it is better for anyone of you whom wants to try to check it on their official website.

I think this is a place where you should drop by if you happen to have time in the noon in London. This restaurant may not be as famous as the others but definitely worth a try- and not to mention that it is not one of those that you can come across on social media. It's better to visit before it gets busier. 

x.

Fera at Claridge's by Simon Rogan

Claridge’s, 49 Brook St, Mayfair, London 

Modern Art.

#1

Well, I've talked about contemporary art and now, we will head to my favourite - modern art. This is probably the last post I'll talk about my new passion. I don't think many people care about art since they are no strong influence here. But, having the Andy Warhol Social Circus the last month here is the sign of how the art culture is slowly blossoming which makes me really glad.

Musée D'Orsay

#2

Everyone knows about Louvre Museum for Mona Lisa and it's a must go when you visit Paris. However, the last few years, Orsay Museum is also one of the most visited museums in Paris followed by Centre Pompidou ( which I never visited sadly.).

#3

It's majestic, I swear.

The natural lightnings shining on the sculptures. Everything was amazing and I loved it. However, I kinda have time constraint because I wouldn't want to miss out other things so I head to the reason why I visited this museum. 

#4

Thatched Cottages at Cordeville by Vincent Van Gogh 

#5

Rest from Work 

Call me typical or what - but Van Gogh's work is always one of my favourite in this era. I am not sure if post-impressionism is in the Impressionism era, either but I found this work captivating. Every detail stroke and every brush shows consistency and patience. Not to mention that he was mentally ill and I always wonder what is in his head everytime he paints. Some of the paintings of his are only reference to what he sees and some of it hide meanings that only he understands. He never once explain them and many was based on assumptions. Despite reading many books regarding to him, I still feel skeptical about the truth because the only truth lies within him. 

I'm sorry for being over- enthusiastic but this man right here keeps me wandering all the time. 

And I love love love his work and my favourite would be the Starry Night series and Night cafe. 

#6

Starry Night over the Rhone by Vincent Van Gogh. 

#7

I wish I owned a DSLR at one point. 

Look at how beautiful this art work is. Every detail is so overwhelming. Everytime his brush stroke over shows consistency. I stare at it for a good 15 minutes because it's too beautiful. 

#8

I came here for you, Vincent. 

#9

Self- Portrait. 

I hope you realize he hid his left ear which he cut off. 

#10

Les Cyprès à Cagnes by Henri Edmund- Cross.

This painting is totally french because I can't even find its English name on google. I love the colour palette despite it being all over. You can see its style on his own. 

#11

#12

#13

#14

And finally, Monet. 

Featuring, Blue Water Lilies. 

#15

#16

Monet's Churches. 

#17

Women with Parasol.

#18

And finally,

#19

Monet's masterpiece - Monet's Garden in Giverny. 

They are so beautiful.

#20

'One day, things will be you and I' 

I'm not even lying. This is my kind of romance . Nothing is more romantic than going on art gallery and museum dates. There is no need to talk about the art. Well, we can always look at the pretty paintings and get to know each other better. 

The National Gallery - London .

#21

Sitting in the room full of art is like a dream come true.

Oh god, I have too many cheesy art pick up lines. 

#22

Vase with Fifteen Sunflowers by Van Gogh. 

This will be the most famous piece here because there will always be a swarm of people around it. 

#23

Two Crabs by Van Gogh.

#24

Wheat Field with Cypresses

#25

 the crowd for Van Gogh.

#26

#27

Monet again.

#28

#29

#30

Well, I only put Van Gogh & Monet's work up because they are my favourite. 

#31

#32

I really do miss art museum visits. Now, this simplicity which I've took for granted when I am abroad has become something very impossible back home. 

And, I've always wonder when will be my next museum visit.