the fairytale issue + spill the beans + plant-based restaurant + a nostalgic train trip + a visit to coastal town rye + canalside pub + as above, so below + clapton + the marshes + platinum jubilee + the magic of everyday life
“Ask not what you can do for your country, ask what’s for lunch.” - Orson Welles
PLAYLIST for this edition: Lazy Summer Days - 97SPECIAL
I’m frequently trying to become self-aware of the things I do on autopilot. Then I stop, think, and breathe. I intentionally plan something different to do, focus on, and take action full of lovely intention. An example is below.
I opened my digital inbox and read about Spill the Beans: Global Coffee Culture and Recipes, a book wisely exploring coffee as a loyal companion and energetic facilitator of the everyday, with different recipes and places around the world for a good cup of cappuccino and its variations, a must-have for every caffeine lover (hands up here!).
I suddenly decided to quickly go out before starting my work routine on my laptop, grabbed my cappuccino at Jolene’s and popped in at Waterstones next door, here in Islington Green. The bookshop was empty and the gentle sales assistant apologised for not having the book in stock but directed me to the cookery section, where I had a lovely 20 minutes of reading about one of the things we love the most: food. I discovered a new restaurant, had new ideas for this edition and fell in love with the drawings of many hardcovers. You see, every time we surrender to the synchronicities of the universe, we end up in the right direction.
My enthusiasm to buy the book brought me to another conclusion: how my morning (and afternoon, mid-afternoon…) cappuccino shapes my wellbeing and lifestyle. It’s that little break that makes me ready for my next task. It’s the balance between fun and responsibility, freedom and duty, it’s the pause that matters during my day. Something I look forward to. That gives me a sense of purpose. And, how fortunate I am, it doesn’t cost much.
This brings me to the next topic: I was going to name this edition the fairytale edition. Because I want this issue to be a piece of heaven, a pleasant break in the middle of a hectic day, exactly like my cappuccino is for me, a pause for reflecting, a hedonistic moment where I remember that guilty pleasures are completely ok, encouraging you to indulge yourself in the earthy temptations. “Life is a combination of magic and pasta”, Fellini said. I always have this quote as my mantra. It’s not by chance that he was Italian and I also carry an Italian surname.
The magic of fairy tales, and the things we give significant as such, does not lie in a brief literary escape from reality, but in the gift of hope that good is indeed more powerful than evil and that even the darkest reality can lead to a happy ending. And this gift of hope is fundamental because it has the power to overcome despair in the midst of sadness, light up the darkness in the darkest moments, and whisper “one more time” in the face of failure. Hope is the one that brings dreams to life, making the fairy tale a reality.
And hope can be in form of a coffee, a cup of tea, a hug, a glass of wine, a flight booked, and a chocolate bar. You name it. Astrologically speaking, these things are linked to the physical world, and earth is one of the four elements, the energy which the soul lives its journey in this sphere. It’s not shallow.
Going deeper and literally, fairy tales, fables, legends, and folk tales are one of the most precious heritages that link us to the imagination of our ancestors. Regardless of space or time, fantasy and the need for magical universes are transversal to all human beings. No matter how old we are, we must always believe in magic. So what’s your magic? What sparkles your eyes, your day, your imagination, it is your fuel? Know it, name it, and feed it. It’s called self-care.
It may not be by chance that I ended up talking to a magician on a short bus journey this week, that the door suddenly opened whilst I was playing with my little nephew and he said: “it’s magic!”, even if we still had doubts it was due to the wind like my father suggested, and the reason The Magician is one of my favourite cards of the Tarot deck, as it reminds us that there is more between reality and magic than meets the eyes. If we focus on the action, the magic will find us. In short words, manifestation happens when we decide to be what we desire to manifest.
Talking about maybe the most magic moment for me, travelling, my recent escapade was to Rye, a pleasant surprise near Camber Sands in England. The main road is called (look at this) Mermaid Street, the architecture is from 1400, the houses were blooming with flowers all over the place and I don’t even need to say that I was stunned by this fairytale atmosphere with a seaside soundtrack. Instead of being excited only when I have a longer holiday planned, I can definitely have more magic moments a one-hour-and-a-half away by train. As simple as that.
England is magic because we can go back to Shakespeare and Tudors’ time any time, a fertile period for the theatre of the mind, and Rye is a labyrinth of winding streets and passageways, packed full of medieval inns, eccentric stores and trendy cafes. My favourite places were Merchant & Mills, a warehouse treasure trove, The Fig, a brunch bistro to start the day with avocado smash, Cobbles Tea Room for a slice of cake, Sailors, a tiny shop selling seashells soaps handmade in Dorset, Rae with a sophisticated selection of decorative objects for a coastal break, and Globe Inn Marsh, a joyous restaurant with seafood menu full of prawns and generous options of jugs. See, in the end, food, landscapes and the physical world shape our memories. For me, this is fairytale.
Well, I know I’ve been a lot outside, but when I’m inside, I find the magic in series like My Brilliant Friend. No, I didn’t read the book (I knew you would make this question), but I started watching and got addicted. What’s worth in watching the TV adaptation is observing Napoli and Neapolitans in more challenging times, the dialect, the strong personalities, the shadow sides of solid friendships and the cliches of love having the southern Italian summer in the background. You can’t see Italy in a book. And Italy must be seen. As the 4th and last season is still being filmed, I am reading the book. But missing Lila and Lenu on the screen, if I must say. They are magic for the success of the story.
So this edition is, yes, a celebration of what sparks our days when our life is also bitter. It’s an issue dedicated to the earth's energy of life.
Before I go, for tailor-made recommendations for your zodiac sign, and a little bit of magic, after all, summer is just around the corner and sunny days are all about light, please right this way.
Aries
In this edition, we are exploring more Clapton, which has recently had an upgrade. The Clapton Hart, suggested by my dear friend Stefania and a dedicated reader of this newsletter, is high on my must-go list. Summer in London is never a summer without a pint on a garden terrace of a public house.
Taurus
Earth Taurus love food and drink by nature. Couldn’t think of another sign to suggest Vin-Yard, a mash-up wine and pizza bar by Top Cuvee and Yard Sale Pizza. Expect natural wine, pizza (of course!) and cocktails in the basement bar at 184 Hackney Road.
Gemini
The British Council is supporting initiatives to widen the engagement with visual arts in Pakistan. In partnership with Art South Asia Project, “Inventing the Nation: Making Histories and New Possibilities” will bring Sophia Balagamwala, an artist and curator based in Karachi, exploring the collections and politics of the museums in South Asia and their impact on nation-building. Additionally, Art Murmur will host webinars led by Ambereen Siddiqui to discuss the many ways in which writing can advance artistic practices.
Cancer
When exploring E17 and the surrounding area of Lea River, that same friend Stefania told me that Princess of Wales in Clapton is THE pub to be this summer. It’s a high priority on my list too, as it is in front of the canal and they have a summer terrace to dine and drink al fresco until the sun goes down.
Leo
Leos can have fun this month and feel like royals by stepping aboard the steam train at London Victoria on Tuesdays during the summer to make their way to the historic town of Windsor, famous for the castle, riverside and important weddings of the Crown. On top of the nostalgic experience, you can treat yourself to a champagne brunch on board or bring along your own picnic. Epic!
Virgo
Lodestar Coffee is a small cafe in Lower Clapton, a neighbourhood on the radar of the coolest people in the town. Minimalist decoration, tiny entrance and cosy vibes, just like East Londoners enjoy.
Libra
Libras will love the harmonious aesthetic of Puckhaber, a decorative antique store I found in Rye, that fortunately have a capital branch. You will find an exceptional taste in eau de parfums, nail polishes and hand washes, bringing attention to brands like Frama Apothecary, D.S. & DURGA and Licia Florio.
Scorpio
The Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace holds some of the most significant examples of Japanese art and design in the western world. For the first time, highlights from this outstanding collection are brought together to tell the story of 300 years of diplomatic, artistic and cultural exchange between the British and Japanese royal and imperial families in Japan: Courts and Culture.
Sagittarius
If you follow me, you know I’ve been exploring Walthamstow, a thriving area that keeps things cool and discreet. On a Saturday heatwave, I explored Walthamstow Wetlands, an internationally important nature reserve. From there, you can also continue your adventure towards Walthamstow Marshes, less famous than Hackney Marshes and much much cooler. I can’t imagine where Sagittarians would enjoy most to be this summer. For me, it’s my own sanctuary for companionship and solitude.
Capricorn
Capricornians-about-town will be glad to know that the Barrafina group is expanding their Spanish accent around London and Parrillan Borough Yards is finally open! Launched just next door to the famous Borough Market, it cooks the best of the cuisine in Spain over the flames of a wood-fired grill. Outside on the terrace, the big plus for warmer months, guests can also cook sourced ingredients over their own mini parrillas. Booking a table in 3, 2, 1…
Aquarius
Remember I told you that I went to Waterstones to raise the spirits and found out about an amazing place? I’m talking about Mildreds, a 100% plant-based restaurant in the heart of Soho, a perfect pit-stop when I visit the office, with additional locations in Dalston, Kings Cross and Covent Garden. Their aim is to serve good value, fresh and colourful international vegetarian food. They also have a beautiful book with vegetarian receipts if this is your thing, which I doubt it’s not, as Aquarians have a foot on this food philosophy.
Pisces
2022 heralds the Platinum Jubilee year for Her Majesty The Queen, marking 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth.
St Paul’s Cathedral will hold Jubilee - St Paul's, the Monarch and the Changing World to mark this extraordinary and exciting occasion, exploring the history of Jubilee celebrations in this landmark across three centuries. The exhibition introduces each monarch, their world, and the important part St Paul’s played in them all.
I wish you can connect with your magic, inside and outside. Happy beginning of the summer season! With empathy and love. x, NB