summer in europe + moorish architecture + francis road + serious seafood + cordon bleu + best brunch + beer garden + la pizza + holidays from holidays + patisserie positivity
“There is no place in the universe for a thing outside and independent of the Law.” - The Kybalion
I’ve never been that late delivering an edition. Sorry. It’s for a good reason, tho. I’ve been more off-screen than on-screen. Exactly how summers should be?
Yes, I’ve been to Cadiz and nearby beaches in Andaluzia and found exactly what I was looking for. That cava on the beach surrounded by Moorish architecture. According to the dictionary, it means belonging or relating to the group of Muslim people from North Africa who ruled Spain from 711 to 1492. Similar reason why I love Sicily and Palermo’s region so much.
Then headed to Bordeaux and St. Émilion for a twist on the bohemian life in the French été with a glass of wine among intersectional fabulousness beauty. Found so interesting that they serve you Italian water in restaurants and are a lover of the le brunch style. Luck me.
What I didn’t tell you was that I spent one week near the waters of Portugal with my laptop. Went after work to explore Lisbon again, ate pastéis de nata and bacalhau, walked around the beach with a bowl of açaí with plenty of condensed milk and milk powder and was finally able to tan my skin the way it should.
Honestly, living in the UK for almost 10 years, I think was the first time I immersed myself this way in the summer here. Luckily, the weather back in London was lovely and we have a forecast for many days ahead with 28 degrees, which is pretty decent in terms of England.
As if this was not enough, I’m having a week off of work. Seems just the right time to recharge from the holidays. Holidays from holidays. Have you ever tried that?
For me, it means booking a table at the hottest fine-dining restaurant in town right now with your bestie on a Monday afternoon, going to your favourite coffee roastery to write your favourite newsletter and preparing everything for a special day for your mum’s birthday, including buying raspberry macaron cake and delivering a special meal at home.
Give yourself a spa treatment day and eat pizza in the early evening. And, of course, reading about astrology and the transits affecting your life right now with some spare time to refresh your knowledge in German.
During this journey of being here and there, connecting with myself and others, I just realised that I’m not only Brazilian, half-Italian or a Londoner. England’s football squad winning the Euro this year made me feel British when supporting them, missing going to Italy even if visiting the best places in London, France, Portugal and Spain made me feel only Italian and spending time with my friends in Portugal during a barbecue on a Sunday gave me a sense of belonging as if I had a Portuguese family.
Living abroad has its challenges, but indeed the benefit of it is having many roots in many places. And love and being loved by people from different corners around the world. It’s priceless.
Well, before I go, my dear readers, just a quick reminder for this summer. As they say: let July be July and August be August. In short words, carpe diem.
Aries
V&A South Kensington opens Africa Fashion, an exhibition that explores the vitality and global impact of a fashion scene as dynamic and varied as the continent itself, spanning iconic mid-20th century to contemporary creatives through photographs, textiles, music and the visual arts.
Taurus
I’ve been exploring Leytonstone too and found out about Morny, a popular bakery among locals. They are all about Patisserie Positivity with a great selection of French pastries. With the support of the local community through the ‘pay it forward’ fundraising scheme, Natalia and Sophie, the owners, were able to turn the venture idea into reality within just a few months and now the doors are set to remain open for many years to come.
Gemini
Geminis like to talk. And where else to talk, talk, than in a pizzeria? E11 is getting a revamp with venues like Bocca Bocca, one of the best pizzerias in the East End. Using a special, secret blend of different Caputo flours that comes from Napoli, the team brings a menu full of classics like Margherita and Capricciosa and other flavours like Provola e Pepe. Worth giving a try!
Cancer
My dear friend, who is herself a Cancer, suggested to me the new exhibition at the Design Museum: WEIRD SENSATION FEELS GOOD: The World of ASMR. Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response is a physical sensation of euphoria or deep calm, sometimes a tingling in the body, triggered through sound, touch, and movement. Therefore, the expo was made to explore the emerging field of creativity that has grown up around this feeling and the work of designers and content creators who try to trigger it in their viewers.
Leo
Leos are probably celebrating their birthday this month! Watch out for The Water House Project, a fine-dining experience in Bethnal Green, bringing the vibe to a more informal and relaxed environment. Using local seasonal ingredients, expect a set 10-course tasting menu paired with low-intervention wines or house-made non-alcoholic pairings. You can also choose to dine at home.
Virgo
In this edition, I’m exploring E10. Francis Road is worth a visit and brings places like Yardarm, where they sell loaves of bread, cheese, cannelés, wines and… have a secret beer garden. As they say, is a place to sit with a coffee and pastry, a pint or a glass of wine with a cheeseboard and snacks. The space has olive trees and a grapevine and seating for around 20 people. Walk-ins only.
Libra
Easy-going Libras love a good brunch, don’t they? Still bringing suggestions after my short residency in Walthamstow, I have to share that Bühler and Co is the best brunch place in E17. With an imaginative cuisine inspired by food from around the world, it brings classics of one of Londoner’s favourite rituals into an adorable atmosphere we all love. The avocado with chilli and sourdough toast is a must. Coffee is sourced from Climpson & Sons. P.S.: it also has a secret garden on the back for those lovely sunny days.
Scorpio
Scorpios love a hidden gem. Well, let me bring you one. After deeply exploring E17, it’s time to visit a nearby district: E10. I didn’t know that Leytonstone had its own Walthamstow Village. Well, head to Francis Road and get amazed by the number of coffee shops, delicatessens and organic fruit shops with pastel colours.
Sagittarius
Peaky Blinders are coming to Camden! Yes, you read it right. The Shelby Family have arrived in Camden Market for a 360-degree immersive theatre experience that follows Tommy Shelby’s rise to prominence.
Capricorn
Earth signs Capricornians will love this new kid on the block. CORD is nestled in a sophisticated corner at Fleet Street in the financial district and brings Le Cordon Bleu's fine-dining experience to Londoners. The Heirloom tomatoes, chickpea panisses & crisp, tomato syrup, and basil oil is gloriously prepared almost in front of you and a nice choice to start. It matches perfectly with a glass of rosé from joyful Provence.
Aquarius
One of the places I loved the most during my short stay in Walthamstow back in June was Arte & Pasta. Hidden in a street around Wood Street, it’s an artsy space full of colours and an atmosphere like no other where you feel like having dinner in a living room. Exactly like Italians like. The artichoke tapenade is addictive and plates of pasta come in generous portions because share is care.
Pisces
As a water sign, probably you are a seafood lover. I am. Never went to one of Islington’s most kept secrets in St. Paul’s Road near Highbury station, and when I decided to go, oh my. Prawn on the Lawn is one of the best restaurants I’ve been to in town! Stunning food - and I mean it -, a cosy and hidden private dining space and toiletries from Bramley, a favourite bath brand from Somerset. Too many favourites in one place, you know? They are also fishmongers and the fresh seafood comes daily from Cornwall. Expect scallops, crabs, lobster, oysters and a daily changing menu full of small plates and an ocean playground. Just book a table and go. No but’s and don’ts.