What I’m loving this October

There is something lovely about a cookbook that makes you want to get straight into the kitchen, and Family by Claudine Boulstridge, is full of exactly that kind of inspiration. Packed with fresh, approachable recipes and ideas for everyday cooking, it is all about making good food that everyone around the table can enjoy. The Salmon en Croûte is perfect for a fun Friday night supper when you want to make something a little special… without overcomplicating things. A lovely addition to the kitchen bookshelf, and one I can see myself returning to again and again.

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New York never disappoints when it comes to discovering exciting places to eat, and Estela is a dining experience that has stayed with me. It is the kind of restaurant where the food feels effortlessly creative, with simple ingredients transformed into something really memorable. The chicory salad is absolutely delicious, while the shaved mushroom dish is one to watch. I have a feeling we will be seeing plenty more of this approach to vegetables on menus. You heard it here first. If you are planning a trip to New York, this is one to add to your list.

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Travelling can take its toll, especially after a long flight, and sometimes it is the smallest things that make the biggest difference. Rocco Beauty’s eye patches were a little lifesaver during my recent trip to New York. They are one of those easy additions to a routine that make you feel a little more refreshed when you need it most. Removed a sentence. Definitely worth making a little space for in your travel bag.

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We all hear about new restaurant openings in London each week. But only a select few get people talking before they have even managed to secure a table. But Kid is doing just that. Sometimes the anticipation is all part of the experience, and from what I have seen, this ‘new kid’ on the block is worth joining the waitlist for. I love discovering places that bring fresh energy to the London dining scene, and this is one that has firmly caught my attention. 

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Sometimes the best way to spend an hour is to step away from the noise of everyday life and lose yourself in something extraordinary. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum does exactly that. Featuring 100 breathtaking photographs, it is a beautiful reminder of just how remarkable the natural world really is. I loved having a quiet hour to wander through the exhibition, taking in the detail, patience and extraordinary moments captured by each photographer. If you can spare the time, this is an experience that really stays with you.

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I have always believed that beautiful tableware can make even the simplest meal feel a little more special. I was pleased to see these side plates from Next, they are such a lovely find, full of colour and personality without feeling overly precious. They are the kind of pieces that can instantly lift a table, whether you are hosting friends or simply enjoying supper at home. And if you are already starting to think about Christmas presents, I would happily choose these for a loved one. A thoughtful little gift for anyone who loves a beautifully laid table.

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I am always on the lookout for little ingredients that can make everyday food more interesting, and Bombom’s Kimchi Mayo is exactly that. Rich, punchy and full of flavour, it is the sort of thing that can transform something as simple as a sandwich into a proper treat. My recommendation is to try it on toast with leftover roast chicken. It is such an easy combination, but one that feels far more exciting than the usual leftovers. Definitely one to keep in the fridge for those moments when lunch needs a little something extra.

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Our friends at the Royal Academy always know how to put on a wonderful exhibition, and Peggy Guggenheim in London is no different. In the late 1930s, Peggy Guggenheim launched an art gallery in Mayfair that shocked the conservative tastes of the British art establishment – there is something endlessly fascinating about how she helped shape the art world. The exhibition promises a fascinating look at a remarkable pioneering figure. A little art and inspiration from a legendary woman at the Royal Academy might be just what is needed as it gets colder and darker. 

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Good ingredients do not always need to be complicated, and JUX Food is a lovely reminder of that. Their freeze dried herbs and spices are all about bringing fresh flavour into everyday cooking in a way that feels easy and simple. I love anything that makes it easier to add a little something extra to a dish, especially when time is short, but you still want food to taste delicious. From quick weekday suppers to more adventurous recipes, these are the sort of cupboard staples that make cooking feel that little bit easier.

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