Le Cafe du Commerce – Montmartre, Paris

After a day of traveling in rising temperatures, cocktails and french fries in a down to earth bar is exactly the remedy. Jess and I had arrived in Paris and wanted to spend our first evening catching up with some good food and drink. I had done a little bit of research and read good things about Le Cafe du Commerce. We wanted something simple in a chilled-out setting and that's exactly what we got. 

First things first: mojitos and moreish salty popcorn (they know how to make their customers stay put). When it's hot and the streets show no sign of slowing down, food and drink tastes about 10 times better. We ordered fries that came piled high on a plate with a fantastic array of condiments on the side.

A few more cocktails later and I ordered some more food because the fries were gone within minutes... yummy mozzarella and tomato skewer with fresh pesto and some french bread. Oh, how I love french bread. We enjoyed all of this on the terrace where we people-watched all night. It was the perfect way to end a week at work and start an adventure in Paris.

 

The food and drink was really great here, and the service was good, too. The staff were so friendly – they could probably tell we were tourists so took the time to come and chat to us, something I've never seen in the UK. Jess even had a photo with one of the waiters. 

If you're in Montmartre I highly recommend a visit to Le Cafe du Commerce. It's a chilled out, unpretentious bar with lots of character and everyone is welcome – at least, that's the feeling we got.
Find out more here or read the review that persuaded me to go in the first place.

The Glad Cafe – Glasgow

I've been on a bit of a blogger's hiatus, and I'm not sure why. No longer do I have work or exams to lay the blame on, or any other major commitments, for that matter. I guess I've just been out of the habit – and I don't really like that word.

A couple of weekends ago, however, I revisited a cafe I like in Glasgow. My first visit there was way back in March with my mum and dad when we had some yummy breakfast on a very cold morning. Going back there with my Grandpa, I felt pushed to start writing again.

My grandpa is a great host. At 85 he still insists on making me breakfast, and when I was ill on one of the days of my visit, he made me toast and brought it to me in bed. I have never seen anyone so sad about someone else not feeling very well – he has a heart of gold. The next day, when I was feeling better I suggested we go to the Glad Cafe. We often go to Moyra Janes for lunch – the absolute best mince and tatties are served there – but we must always go out for coffee, too.

Both times I've been, the cafe had just been opening up and, although quiet, it didn't feel empty, more peaceful and relaxed.

First visit: I ordered the brioche french toast with bacon and maple syrup and a black coffee, my mum picked the brioche french toast with fruit compote and my dad had a 'morning roll' (Scottish speciality – you must try one) with haggis and flat sausage.

Second visit: Cinnamon toast for both Grandpa and me, and two pots of tea – black for Gramps, green for me. We decided the toast needed more cinnamon – we both like it pretty laden with butter and sugary dust, and when my Grandpa gave this feedback to our waiter, he graciously received it – Scots are the nicest people.

The aesthetic of the Glad Cafe reflects its name – it makes me feel glad, like I've come to a friend's house. I'd like to go again later on in the day, even the evening, when there's a band playing – as this place is a music venue, too. I imagine groups of friends go here and play board games til closing time – it's certainly one for the hipsters, but everyone is welcome, as its website so warmly insists.

Find out more about the Glad Cafe here – and if you're in the Shawlands area in Glasgow, make sure you pop in for your morning coffee, it's worth taking half an hour just to absorb this community-driven venue.

Review - Brunch at The Other Place - Edinburgh

Last week I travelled up to Scotland to see one of my oldest and best friends, Jess. She is currently working at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe at Assembly Rooms as a stage manager for The Shawshank Redemption! Another post will be dedicated to that astounding production but for now I have to write about this great place in the new town - 'The Other Place.'

I arrived late afternoon last Wednesday and wandered around the beautiful city before meeting Jess and embarking on an exciting first night. Of course, the next day we were feeling a little fragile so on our way into town we passed this place, doors and windows wide open, a friendly welcoming vibe about the place drew us in and we sat down for some brunch.

I personally think everyone in Scotland is a million times more friendly than anywhere else in Britain, and the service at The Other Place was no excellent. We were promptly served our drinks by a casually dressed, yet smart and friendly waiter and waitress and when we had finished them we were quickly offered top ups. It took us a while to choose what to have to eat; there was a fair amount to choose from and different sized dishes which I liked because I often only have room for something small.

Eventually I settled on a simple but classic BLT. Jess opted for the 'Lonely Dog' one of the hot dogs on the menu with onions as an extra. There was a bit of a wait for the food but as the kitchen is visible from the seating area we could see that everything was being made fresh and to order, and we were in no rush.

Jess's Lonely Dog was a mix of beef and pork and served in a long bun with lots of onions. It was yummay! 

And here is my BLT... *Salivates*

I can't remember the last time I ordered a BLT, but I'm so glad I did because it was AHMAZIN. The bread was perfect - really rustic. The bacon was cooked well, but not too crispy, and the lettuce and tomatoes were fresh and flavoursome - not at all soggy. It was all glued together with the right amount of mayo and served with a side of coleslaw. It gave me that much needed energy for my second day exploring Edinburgh.

'The Other Place' was reasonably priced - Jess's hot dog came to £7.50 and my sandwich £6. For such fresh and good quality food I was very impressed, and I liked the fact that their menu for lunch was the same at dinner time too. A lot of places up the prices come six o'clock which I don't think is fair. 'The Other Place' charge the same amount no matter what time of day and I think that makes them really stand out.

If you've ever visited 'The Other Place' in Edinburgh I'd love to know what you thought. They have a website which you can check out here. Are there are any other places you would recommend to eat? Tweet me @hello_flower or let me know in the comment box below.

Review - Afternoon Tea at The Angel - Abergavenny

To celebrate my degree results my parents, eldest sister, brother and I went for afternoon tea at the gorgeous Angel Hotel in Abergavenny. It was a boiling hot day so we sat in the courtyard where parties were gathered with pitchers of Pimms and glasses of wine. The atmosphere was relaxed yet sophisticated, and as always The Angel delivered exceptionally.

The hotel also has a bar and restaurant, both of which I have been to and been served outstanding food and drink. A little on the pricey side, The Angel is definitely for special occasions like achieving a first in your degree ;)

If you are looking to dine somewhere luxurious in the town centre of Abergavenny, The Angel is the place to go. It is just a five and ten minute walk from the bus and train station and is situated smack bang in the middle of the bustling market town. 

Now, onto my favourite part - the tea!

The range of teas on offer is incredible. There are more than 30 to choose from and my eyes darted straight to the green tea section - big fan; can't go a day without the stuff. I always like to try something new so I chose the 'Flowering Osmanthus.'

Described on the menu as fresh and fruity with hints of apricot and ripe peach as well as jasmine, osmanthus and China lily flowers, I couldn't resist as I loved the sound of all those things. The biggest attraction for me was the fact that it came in a clear glass teapot so I could see the flower blossoming in the pot - beautiful.

My Mum chose her usual cafetiere of strong black coffee, my Dad an English breakfast tea and Sarah and Craig, Vanilla tea. 

The afternoon tea came out in stacks of stunning plates that sat strategically on the wooden table - we did have a minor accident (clumsy me!) but the waiting staff were excellent and cleaned up the spilt coffee and replaced the few cakes that were dropped. 

On the top plate were sliced strawberries topped with cream poured by the lovely waitresses. The second plate underneath held the decadent selection of cakes and pastries: (rum baba, custard slice, chocolate & raspberry swiss roll, carrot cake, strawberry shortcake, profiteroles, banoffee pie). And on the bottom plate were four types of sandwiches: (savoury cheese, smoked salmon, ham and egg). I gave my cheese and egg sandwiches to my Mum and Dad - I wasn't too keen on those fillings but the salmon and ham sandwiches were spot on.

Soon after we had finished nibbling on our sandwiches, fruit and cakes, the waiter and waitresses brought out our scones. They were warm and dusted with icing sugar, served with a bowl of thick cream and strawberry jam. 

Now, I have heard that everyone assembles their scone differently, and I didn't know there was such an art to it until recently, but after a bit of trial and error I found that I prefer to put the jam on first, then the cream. Just, yum.

If you have never heard of, or been to The Angel then I would definitely recommend a visit if you are ever passing Abergavenny. It is such a gem and the afternoon tea I reviewed in this post was actually the winner of the Tea Guild Award of Excellence 2013 which I think is a fantastic achievement. 

To read more about The Angel and to book a room, table or just to have a nosey, check out their website at: www.angelabergavenny.comand let me know your favourite tea room in the comment box below - I am always looking for new ones to visit!