The impressive presence of The Alila Hotel rises like a phoenix from the bowels of old Jakarta. There is no doubt that it is an imposing statement of modern architecture set amongst the cacophonous splendour of a city discovering itself. The modern lines of the reception area and the simplistic clean ambiance are instantly welcoming. We understand that in the language of Sanskrit the word Alila means ‘surprise.’ Having spent two wonderful nights in this oasis of tranquillity, we would say that the name is a perfectly apt description.
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At Lussorian, you might be more used to reading about fine dining at the latest swanky establishment. Do not worry, we will continue with our reviews of the top restaurants, but I wanted to let you know of another kind of ‘fine dining’.
How about a healthy eating diet delivered to your door? Nutrichef is an award winning healthy meal delivery service that brings great tasting and more importantly, super healthy meals straight to your door.
In our busy schedules, it is sometimes hard to eat right, to eat foods high in nutrition and goodness. With Nutrichef, you now have no excuses!
There are three different great tasting meal plans that are packed full of all that good stuff you know you should be eating.
Nutrichef’s calorie controlled meal plans are great for healthy weight-loss, lifestyle or sports training, as they can be tailored to suit every individual.
Nutrichef was founded seven years ago by Barbara Cox and her husband after a nine-year stay in Japan where they learnt about the importance of healthy eating. When Barbara returned to the UK, she wanted to devise a healthy meal service that would help the UK population become more aware of balanced nutrition.
Using Nutrichef’s fantastic new website you can now select and tailor your own plan to suit you and your needs.
Over the course of just one month, Nutrichef serves up over fifty different fruits and vegetables and 180 different types of food! The range includes meals such as Thai Red Chicken Curry, Red Pepper Pizza and Mediterranean Spiced Sea Bass.
The meals are effortless, with clearly labelled packaging telling you where to store, how to re-heat and when it’s best to eat!
This healthy diet plan is reasonably priced and even offers discounts for children and additional adults in the same house, so you can get the whole family involved!
For further details see nutrichef.co.uk or call 0845 366 9900.
Hidden in the heart of Solihull lives Hampton Manor, an impressive estate once home to Prime Minister Robert Peel and now a luxury hotel and restaurant. Locals see it as special occasion destination and rightly so; the large gothic manor house surrounded by acres of mature parkland make it the perfect retreat from everyday life- here time stands still and troubles are left behind.
That’s not to accuse Hampton of being stuck in the past, it’s been brought back up to date by the current owners who commissioned award winning designers John Reeves and Sarah Ireland to re-deck and re-vamp the sixteen bedrooms and bathrooms complete with all the latest mod cons (tastefully disguised of course).
There are no drafty corridors and squeaking staircases here, design buffs will love the ‘classic contemporary’ interior; heavy damasks in turquoise, aubergine and chocolate brown, in our bedroom a porcelain bath sat centre stage and black lacquered furniture lined the walls. From our king size bed we could see out across the landscaped gardens, part of which were decked out for a damp but glorious wedding the next morning, in fact the venue serves many a hen party, corporate event and birthday bash due to it’s incredible new restaurant which we had the luxury of experiencing during our stay.
Martyn Pearn, a Michelin star chef who made his name first in France and then the UK now heads the kitchen, his menu changes seasonally and dishes are created using only the highest quality ingredients. I dined on a luxurious starter of king scallops, sea trout and crab before tucking into my equally decadent main of wild salmon in champagne bisque.
His deserts are typically French; small, rich and exquisitely presented and their wine list is extensive; Bruno, the in-house sommelier also trained in France and has created a bespoke list of 150 fine wines and fifteen champagnes for the Hampton menu, so you know you’re in safe hands.
During the last couple of months a range of foodie celebs including Ed Kimber, aka the boy who bakes, has visited them and Masterchef’s Tim Anderson who rustled up a Japanese inspired menu and himself is a good friend of the hotel.
It would be wise to keep an eye on the Hampton website, as on the 10 Feb 2012 Tim Atkins of Saturday Kitchen will be joining Martyn to launch a Wine Dinner menu. Guest can purchase tickets for a five-course meal with matching wines that will be presented by the man himself, just go online or call up to secure your pair.
On the day of our departure the sky had opened up and the rain was lashing down but it didn’t seem to matter for the married couple and their guests, we passed them sipping kir royals in the restaurant festooned with ribbons and roses, all smiles and laughter. Hampton Manor had managed to keep the weather firmly outside, we just wondered if the newly weds needed any more guests….
For more details on the hotel and its Christmas events visit hamptonmanor.eu , tel: 01675 446 080
Yesterday we reported on how a ‘Luxury Cognac Deserves A Luxury Drinks Cabinet’, the magnificent Martell Trunk by Pinel & Pinel. This stunning example of a luxury drinks cabinet is on show in Harrods Brompton road window.
Last night, however, the same Harrods window was the location for an exclusive celebrity dining experience….
This was luxury Cognac Martell’s high end version of ‘Come Dine With Me’, hosted by French gastronomic genius Raymond Blanc.
Blanc created a French themed four course menu for his guests including Sir Terry Wogan, model and TV personality Jodie Kidd, entrepreneurial designer Sir Terence Conran and star of The Apprentice, Karren Brady.
Commenting on the evening, Raymond Blanc said:
“This dinner with Martell showcased and celebrated much of what is beautiful in France that we have come to love; its food, its conviviality, its ‘art de vivre’. ‘Art de vivre’ is an untranslatable expression meaning everything that goes into making life joyous, elegant and expressive…be it the flowers and their complimentary fragrance, the porcelain that makes the food look delicious, the glasses that bring out the bouquet of a particular wine…and of course the fellowship and the celebration around the table. Tonight this dinner party has been a glorious moment to remember…and thanks to Harrods for having the imagination to honour us in staging this unique event in one of the most famous landmarks in the world.”
As you can imagine, this most unique window display caused quite a stir!
The Atelier Martell live dining experience was filmed and ‘fly on the wall’ highlights will be shown on the Martell Facebook page.
Inspiring stuff!
Situated on the borders of Knightsbridge and Belgravia, in the heart of London and with panoramic views of Hyde Park, The Lanesborough has long been considered one of the world’s most luxurious hotels.
The hotel’s recently launched restaurant, Apsleys, a Heinz Beck Restaurant, was awarded its first Michelin star in February 2010.
The hotel is well known for its enviable location, elegant surroundings and exquisite cuisine. It is also home to London’s original cigar bar, The Garden Room.
On Friday 14th October, the Lanesborough holds a fantastic Luxury experience in London. The bar will host a luncheon pairing some of the finest cigars, wines and cognac from around the world with a specifically tailored gastronomic menu.
The luncheon will commence with a selection of canapés and a glass of Krug, followed by a sumptuous three course menu with wine and cigar pairings allowing you to savour a sensational spectrum of flavours designed to enhance each other and the experience.
Cigar connoisseur and The Lanesborough’s Director of Bars, Giuseppe Ruo, will be in attendance to guide guests through this unique occasion.
The Lanesborough will also be auctioning an incredible special edition cigar humidor created for the 165th year of Partagas, where the proceeds will be donated to charity.
This is a luxury experience in London which cannot be missed, just have a look at the menu -
The Luncheon is priced at £475 per person, including VAT & Service, and will take place between 12.30pm and 4.30pm on Friday 14th October 2011. Please note, the maximum capacity for this event is 22 guests. For further information or reservations please contact Hana Gilchrist .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 020 7333 7023 or visit http://www.lanesborough.com.
