Borough Market, London

If you are in London then this fellow foodies is for you. Today, I'm thrilled to take you on a mouthwatering journey to one of London's most cherished culinary gems - Borough Market. Nestled in the beating heart of Southwark, this vibrant market is a treasure trove of flavors, aromas, and traditions. Join me as we explore the rich history, diverse gastronomic delights, and unique experiences that make Borough Market an epicurean's dream.

A Stroll Through History

Imagine strolling through the cobbled lanes of Borough Market, where the whispers of centuries-old trade stories still linger in the air. This market's journey through time is nothing short of an adventure. Born in the 11th century as a humble trading post, it has evolved into a mecca for food connoisseurs, all while holding onto its authentic heritage.

Navigating the Market's Charms

Get ready to immerse yourself in Borough Market's labyrinthine alleys, where every turn promises a new delight:

Fresh Abundance: The market's fresh produce stalls are a kaleidoscope of colors, offering the season's finest bounty. Local farmers and growers proudly showcase their harvest, inviting you to savor the very essence of London's terroir.

Artisanal Magic: Borough Market is renowned for its artisans. Cheeses that whisper of the countryside, charcuterie that melts in your mouth, bread that sings of ancient techniques – it's a paradise for lovers of the artisanal.

Global Flavors: Your taste buds can embark on a world tour through Borough Market's international cuisine stalls. From aromatic Greek gyros to fragrant Indian curries, the flavors here transport you to far-off lands.

Street Food Heaven: Craving a quick, delectable bite? The street food vendors at Borough Market whip up culinary masterpieces, from gourmet burgers to vegan delights, ready to tantalize your taste buds on the go.

Sweet Temptations: Indulge your sweet tooth in a symphony of sugary creations. Handcrafted ice creams, luscious fudges, and pastries that are pure poetry – the sweet treats here are nothing short of divine.

But Borough Market isn't just about devouring delicious bites; it's about the experiences:
Cooking Alchemy: Esteemed chefs often grace Borough Market with their culinary prowess, hosting enchanting cooking demonstrations and workshops. It's your chance to dabble in gourmet magic.

Liquid Elixirs: For wine aficionados and craft beer devotees, the market's selection is a treasure trove. Sip, sample, and savor, or grab a bottle to take home and relive the magic.

Community Embrace: Beyond a marketplace, Borough Market is a thriving community. The vendors here are passionate storytellers, eager to share the tales behind their produce and products.

Festive Revelry: Throughout the year, the market comes alive with themed events, food festivals, and live performances. Check the calendar and join in the festivities.

Borough Market, London, is more than a place to eat; it's a sensory journey through time and tradition. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a casual explorer, Borough Market beckons with its rich history, culinary diversity, and vibrant spirit. So, when you find yourself in London, don't miss the chance to step into this timeless marketplace, where you can truly savor the essence of the city's culinary tapestry. Until next time, happy tasting!

-Melissa

The Blue Train - Cape Town to Pretoria

Picture yourself gliding through some of South Africa's most breathtaking landscapes, all while being pampered in the lap of luxury. The Blue Train offers this and more as it traverses the 994-mile journey between Cape Town and Pretoria. In this blog post, we invite you to step aboard this iconic train and discover what to pack for an unforgettable voyage through the heart of South Africa.

The Blue Train: A Journey Like No Other

The Blue Train is synonymous with opulence and elegance. From the moment you step onto the platform in Cape Town, you're transported to a world of luxury. As you settle into your private suite, you'll find yourself captivated by the ever-changing scenery outside your window.

What to Expect on the Blue Train

Luxurious Suites: The Blue Train boasts elegantly appointed suites with en-suite bathrooms, plush bedding, and panoramic windows for uninterrupted views.

Gourmet Dining: Savor world-class cuisine prepared by onboard chefs, complemented by an extensive selection of South African wines.

Observation Car: The lounge car with oversized windows is perfect for enjoying a drink, socializing, and capturing the stunning landscapes.

Pampering Service: The staff's impeccable service ensures your journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

Off-Train Excursions: En route, you'll have the opportunity to explore off-train attractions like the diamond mines of Kimberley.

What to Pack for the Journey:

Elegant Attire: The Blue Train has a formal dress code for dinner, so pack some smart-casual and formal attire for evening meals.

Comfortable Daywear: For daytime, comfortable clothing is key. Think breathable fabrics, as you'll want to fully enjoy the stunning views from the observation car.

Walking Shoes: If you plan to participate in off-train excursions, comfortable walking shoes are a must.

Layered Clothing: South Africa's climate can vary, so pack layers to adapt to temperature changes.

Swimwear: Some suites have spa baths, and you might want to take a dip.

Toiletries: While the train provides essentials, you might want to bring your favorite toiletries for added comfort.

Camera and Binoculars: The landscapes are breathtaking, and you'll want to capture the beauty. Binoculars are handy for wildlife spotting.

Books and Entertainment: The journey offers ample time for relaxation, so bring books, magazines, or any form of entertainment you enjoy.

Adapters and Chargers: South Africa uses Type D and M plugs, so ensure you have the right adapters and chargers for your devices.

Travel Documents: Don't forget your passport, visa (if required), and any necessary travel insurance documents.

Conclusion: A Voyage of Elegance and Adventure

The Blue Train journey from Cape Town to Pretoria is not just a means of transportation; it's an experience that combines luxury, adventure, and the natural beauty of South Africa. With the right attire and essentials packed, you can fully immerse yourself in the magic of this iconic railway journey, creating memories that will last a lifetime. So, step aboard, relax, and let the Blue Train carry you through a world of elegance and wonder.

Easy vegetable pasta

Comparison is the death of joy and looking at what others are eating, their body shapes and their lives will only make you unhappy and exhausted. It causes you to lose your special shine because you feel less valuable based on a flawed system determining success and worth. You matter, just the way that you are. Gaining health, self worth, good self esteem, energy and happiness in your life is something that you deserve. 

If you want to be healthier then you need to take control of the aspects that you can control. It’s that simple. Don’t overcomplicate things and break your victim mentality through thought swapping. When you hear a negative comparison pop up in your head replace it with something that you are grateful for. If you repeat this three times a day for a week you will start to feel things change. Practice patience with yourself.

Everyone needs a good pasta in their arsenal. Whenever you eat something that is classified as an indulgence such as a pasta, not only can you substitute the pasta with a healthier option, but you can also load it up with as many veggies as possible to keep the balance. Eating more vegetables reduces the risk of chronic diseases and provides the body with vital nutrients to maintain homeostasis.

Serves: 4

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons coconut oil

• 400 g cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 medium-size aubergine, cut into small cubes

• 2 cobs sweetcorn

• 1 cup vegetable stock

• 250 g buckwheat pasta

• salt

• 4 kale leaves, stalks removed and leaves torn

• zest and juice of ½ lemon

• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (or grated Parmesan)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 handful fresh parsley leaves

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Heat the coconut oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cherry tomatoes and sauté for 10 minutes. Add the paprika, oregano and aubergine cubes and stir well.

Remove the kernels from the sweetcorn by slicing down the length with a sharp knife. Add the kernels to the tomato mixture and stir well. Add the vegetable stock and bring to a simmer for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a saucepan of salted water as per the packet instructions. Once ready, drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set the pasta aside.

When the sauce is ready after 20 minutes, add the pasta and gently mix in along with the torn kale leaves, lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of the nutritional yeast. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Serve the pasta in a bowl, drizzled with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice and topped with parsley and the remaining tablespoon of nutritional yeast.