Palma de Mallorca- A Perfect Getaway

Palma de Majorca was an impromptu decision to travel for me and my best friend. Our whole trip actually materialized in a span of about ten minutes. During our catch over a drink (..or two..or thr…!), yet again the conversation about ‘getting a life’ took over. We never tire of that subject and let our imagination run riot coming up with notions of getting rich and retiring before long! Anyhoo an impromptu plan to take a weekend away turned out to be one of the finest getaways.

Our search on one of the travel sites led us to book a flight and hotel to Palma de Mallorca. We originally searched for self catered apartments but due to unavailability ended up booking a nice hotel (more costly though) called Catalonia Majorica Hotel. It was situated on a hillock with a gorgeous view of the sea line.

       

To be honest even Palma de Mallorca came as a surprise to us. It was trendy, chic but raging with fun and vitality. The island’s capital city overlooks the Mediterranean, delightfully sparkling blue seas. You could actually go on to saying that it can be compared to Barcelona for its architecture.

Along the seafront is the Passeig Maritim where the luxury yachts’ berths. One of the best walks ever. The bikers, skaters and joggers make you want to get off your sun lounger and take in the fresh air of freedom and then there’s the beautiful tree lined promenade of the La Rambla and Passeig des

To the west of the Cathedral is the district of La Llonja. It’s quite quirky and artsy, in a good way! It’s charming medieval street are lines with galleries, boutiques, bars, restaurants and jazz clubs. We ended up going there both nights that we were there. It’s a pleasant walk (if you not walking averse!) to Santa Catalina which again has a great selection of bars, cafés and restaurants. When in Spain be Spanish was our dictum for the trip. It was Spanish Tapas, pitcher full of Sangrias and innumerable bottles of Riojas! Few of the many must tries are Gambas al Aijillo, garlic shrimps (especially for the garlic lovers!); tigres, stuffed and breaded mussels fried; tortilla Espanola, potato omelette; Pulpo Gallego, octopus served with boiled potatoes in sweet paprika and olive oil; calamares a la Romano fried squid rings and the creamy and smooth  Croquetas de Jamón, ham croquettes

       

I loved being in the old Town. We owe this to the concierge who we went to inquire about the nearest beach, he rightfully suggested a beach is a beach anywhere and a sojourn in the old town is a must, almost as if we would offend him otherwise! I have to say it was a day well spent. To me it was the soul of Palma. It was a maze of streets containing traditional old mansions, exquisite courtyards and narrow alleys full of little tapas bars and shops selling trendy clothes and accessories to conventional souvenirs of olive wood, wine and pottery. Remnants of the old city wall infuse a feeling of mystery that there’s something exciting to see around the next crook

     

Avinguda Jaume III and the Passeig des Born are for up-market boutiques however we stuck to the local malls like Centro Comercial Porto. One can get very trendy outfits from local designer stores here at a fraction of the price. Although we did enjoy a couple of glasses of sinfully strong sangrias in Avinguda Jaume III district and a nice man serenading us whilst playing the accordian!

The night life in Majorca is exhilarating, particularly if you are two girls out on your own! We hadn’t come across such generosity before, at least not in London! We ended up club hopping courtesy the bouncers who lure you in with free shots inside and we graciously accepted every one of them offers! A few of the clubs that we recall are ‘Abaco’, ‘Abraxas’, ‘Pachas’ the rest were equally entertaining!

     

We did however go to the beach after all, although hung over! It was perfectly timed with our departures. We checked out of the hotel early and went to a beach somewhere between the city and the airport. It was lovely clean beach called Platja De Palma with hoards of serviced apartments lined up the coast in case you want a whole weekend of fun in the sun.

All in all is  you’re looking for a break with plenty to see and do, as well as a beautiful climate to soak up the sun, then a holiday to Palma de Majorca is perfect.

New Kids On The Block In London- News For Bon Vivants!

London never has the paucity of innovative settings and dishes that’s why some call it the food capital of the world. It’s come a long way from having a dire reputation for English cuisine. It ain’t the 1950’s anymore!

 BLANCHETTE

Blanchette a quaint French Bistro has just opened in Soho. The owners believe that cuisine is not only about eating but pleasure, freshness and hospitality. This comes forth through the gorgeous menu and vibe of the bistro.

The idea is to serve simple, traditional and ingenious small French family dishes based around ‘tapas style’ sharing dishes with charcuterie plates, homemade terrines, oysters, cheese, whole roasted chicken and apple tart featuring on the menu. This goes flawlessly with their French wine selection and organic cider.

The bar really gets your attention, gleaming chalice consecrated with many bottles of wines, elegant crockery, beautiful hand painted tiles and candlelit ambience makes it very welcoming and snug.

9 D’Arblay Street, Soho, W1F 8DR

  BOOM BURGER

A self-confessed ‘burger mad’ started out in an old military tent experimenting with distinctive flavours from Jamaica. You won’t be surprised to see a shredded jerk chicken covered in mango sauce & sided with plantain fries. There is veggie delight too for all the herbivorous folks out there with roasted sweet potatoes & chilli jam. Personally I would like to bear my fangs into the boom burger with beef cheese and bacon jam. 

       

From a pop-up kitchen in a pub in Westbourne Park, to their stint in The Earl of Portobello they have found a permanent dwelling in 272 Portobello Road now which opens on the 18^thof February. Whoopie! Be sure to find this hidden treasure in London’s burger scene

55-­59 Old Compton Street, London W1D 6HR

HOUSE OF HO

Vietnamese food for me, just as is the case with other South East Asian cuisine is about the yin and yang. Well balanced hot and refreshing, sweet and sour (or salty) and the dominant fish sauce!  Love it! Bobby Chin gives his international twist to the traditional Vietnamese specialities. Snuggled in the heart of bustling Soho, seems an appropriate locale to give the vibe of a Ho Chi Minh! This is the third restaurant under Bobby Chin’s belt with an amazing effort at the East meets West vibe. Can absolutely vouch for the seafood Ceviche, under their light & raw section, Apple smoked Pork Belly and braised cabbage and end the saga with the molten Marou chocolate cake. Last but not the least you have to try their wicked cocktails for that extra punch. Cocktail of the month was the ‘Ho’ rny Devil. Lots of vodka (love!) infused with lemon grass and chilli with coconut water and lemongrass syrup.

   

57-59 Old Compton St, Soho, London W1D 6HP

STEAM & RYE

1940’s, America’s Golden age of extravagance, glamour and romanticism, an era I would like to be re born in. The era churned out some of the best crooners like Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. Escapism gone so right! Steam and Rye sums up America’s Golden age of extravagance, glamour and romanticism.

    

It’s actually been built what use to be the old bank of New York. This place is alluringly ‘The Great Gatsby’ meet the ‘wild west’ (cocktails served in cowboy boots). The Main Hall and Station Gardens are modelled on New York’s Grand Central Station with  choo choo (Steam train!) dining carriage, a stage for live performance, a stunningly carved bar and a living clock. This was enough to prompt a trial and so worth it! They serve classic like BBQ spare ribs and clam chowder, dig in! Oh and the best part its open Monday –Saturday from 4pm to 3am.

147 Leadenhall Street, London, EC3V 4QT

Want info on more fun and quirky thing to do In London, give us a holler..

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