Food and Drink
The Quiet Revolution Of The Polish Culinary Scene
Poland's culinary scene is experiencing a rising recognition for its unique flavours and growing number of Michelin-recommended restaurants, as Baldwin Ho discovers.
The Polish economy has been flourishing since it joined the European Union in 2004. The country has the highest GDP among Central and Eastern European countries. It is therefore no surprise to discover that the stereotypical, disparaging image of Polish cuisine is very much outdated nowadays. I travelled the length of the country recently to discover what Polish cuisine truly means in 2025.
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House of Hazelwood & Hedonism Wines Launch A 52-Year-Old...
12th November 2024
House of Hazelwood and the purveyors of fine spirits, Hedonism Wines, have come together to create whisky’s answer to the definition of Hedonism: The Pursuit of Pleasure, a 52-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky. In a literal ‘pursuit of pleasure’, the Hedonism team travelled to House of Hazelwood’s Speyside home in search of the perfect blend. Drawing on whisky from deep within the Gordon family’s private collection, a panel of Hedonism’s finest experts spent days with House of Hazelwood whisky makers sampling hundreds of parcels of whisky to find the components to create the ultimate blend. The result is The Pursuit of Pleasure, a 52-year-old Blended Scotch Whisky matured in a combination of American White Oak and European Sherry Casks.
Lift Your Spirits With These Festive Drinks
29th November 2023
Whether you're searching for a luxurious bottle to add an extra sense of celebration to a festive gathering, or a unique gift that will delight every recipient come Christmas morning, The Sybarite has you covered with this extensive guide.
Where To Celebrate Thanksgiving In London
10th November 2023
Thanksgiving dates back over 400 years ago, originating in 1621 when the Pilgrims and Wampanoag Indians gathered at Plymouth to celebrate a successful autumn harvest. A monumental feast was enjoyed, also known as the first dinner. By 1863, president Abraham Lincoln declared this event a national holiday, which was henceforth known as Thanksgiving. While Thanksgiving may historically be an American holiday, it has since garnered international favour for its overarching message of gratitude and blessing for the upcoming harvest season. And, while we don’t resonate directly with the story, the UK still enjoys celebrating it as an opportunity to get together with friends and family while enjoying a delicious meal. There is no shortage of restaurants offering a bespoke Thanksgiving dinner for Brits and visitors from across the pond alike. With menus ranging from traditional (read roast turkey and pecan pie) to more contemporary takes, including pumpkin risotto and braised halibut. Here, The Sybarite’s curated list of the most decadent Thanksgiving meals to enjoy across London come the 23rd of November.
Women Who Launch - Mignon Francois, The Cupcake Collection
28th November 2022
“I always thought I was going to be a surgeon. I even went to Xavier University of New Orleans to become a doctor but I just couldn’t apply the science to the human body. 17 years later, it ended up serving me in the kitchen when I started to learn how to bake and create recipes for The Cupcake Collection.” says Mignon Francois, the founder and CEO of The Cupcake Collection (TCC), an award-winning multi-million-dollar business and one of the top bakeries in the United States. Though Francois first turned to baking at a time when she was struggling financially, the entrepreneur has definitely turned things around. Aside from having queues at the door upon launching a new signature flavour, The Cupcake Collection has evolved into a real destination bakery with fans travelling from across the country to their locations in Nashville and New Orleans, to get a taste of what Francois and her team are cooking up next. For those who are unable to make the trek to their two locations, TCC delivers nationwide in the States as well. Menu items are split into cupcakes, cakes, and even pupcakes for pooches with a sweet tooth. Whilst it’s her sweet potato cupcakes that have been the talk of the town, other yummy delights include the sweet lemonade cupcake, the sprinkle surprise birthday cake, and the toddler favourite, the smash cake.
Featuring The Best Luxury Alcohol Christmas Gift Guide
16th November 2022
Enjoying the festivities with family and friends is always made more comforting with a glass of fizz! A bottle of booze makes the perfect Christmas gift if you're struggling on what to get for who. So, skip the cheap stuff and follow this guide as we provide a list of the best spirits and sparkling wines to gift to the ones you love this year.
Review of The luxury insider Christmas drinks gift guide
26th November 2021
A good bottle of something is the perfect Christmas gift, but with so much choice out there it’s hard to know what to go for. Having some special friends in the drinks industry means I am always introduced to some of the best tasting and impressive looking tipples on the market. If you want to impress and show off your drinks knowledge here’s some super Christmassy suggestions that are sure to put a smile on the faces of your friends and families this festive season.
Featuring El Norte, a New Star in London's Culinary Scene
17th November 2021
A first for London’s Spanish restaurant scene, El Norte has taken its cues from the country’s rich culinary regions, offering a sharing style menu of traditional Spanish dishes with a modern and luxury twist.
Review of Como Garden, A Slice of Italy in Leafy Kensington
3rd November 2021
As soon as you step into the restaurant your eyes are drawn to the foliage displays and hanging plants, intended to mirror the botanical gardens of the Lombardy region.
Featuring Lockdown Stars - Luxury At Home, The Sybarite speaks to...
6th November 2020
While a get-together might be slightly smaller than normal, there is no reason to compromise on the delicious food you have within your bubble, or that you send to someone special on their special day. The Sybarite speaks to India Timmis from Stargrazing Co, a company that makes a delicious range of grazing platters that not only taste good, but put focus on looking beautiful as well.
Meet the plant-based food expert- Bettina Campolucci Bordi
4th November 2020
The United Nations estimated a drop in the production of meat in 2019 and the European Commission is now also predicting a fall in meat consumption in 2020 due to declines in consumer demand brought on by the pandemic. Whilst non-meat eaters are often stereotyped as hippie millennials who eat seitan “chicken” wings or salads three times a day, today’s plant-based landscape is booming with restaurants, products, and leading thought leaders who want to do away with meat substitutes that sacrifice on flavour.
Drink Only The Best This Christmas
28th November 2019
With the Christmas holidays nearly upon us, it’s time to clear out the drinks cabinet and make way for some truly divine festive tipples!
The Best of The Winter Truffles
22nd November 2019
Truffles are usually classified by their colour and the time of year that they are harvested. White winter truffles are harvested from October to December, making them rare and all the more enticing. There aren't many ingredients that come close to the unique smell and flavour of truffles, and when used properly, they can elevate almost any dish. Luxury food writer Ina Yulo scours the capital to find the best dishes that highlight the decadent mushroom.
Featuring Behind London’s Most Eccentric Venues: Meet Charlie Gilkes
30th November 2018
Operating some of the most eclectic, mysterious and fun venues across the city, such as Bunga Bunga, Barts, Cahoots and Mr Fogg’s, Inception Group was founded in 2009 and continues to grow with each new opening, bucking the current market trend which has seen many notable bars and restaurants close their doors for good. The Sybarite sat down with co-founder Charlie Gilkes to chat about how and why Inception Group has found its success.
Where to Spend Thanksgiving in London
15th November 2018
Thanksgiving is a tradition that began as a harvest festival in the 1600s. Though not a national holiday in the UK, it isn’t uncommon to find Londoners gathering around a table come late November to give thanks, be merry, and of course, enjoy a sumptuous spread of hearty autumnal dishes. Whether you’re an American transplant searching for a taste of home, or simply have a craving for a perfectly-bronzed turkey with all the trimmings, we’ve rounded up the top restaurants in London to get into the Thanksgiving spirit.
Shoryu Ramen: Londons Best Minimalist Noodle Bars
24th November 2017
Conveniently located by Old Street station, Shoryu Ramen is the perfect spot to stop off and grab some dinner with a friend after work. The intimately spaced restaurant has a busy city vibe with friendly and efficient customer service. As soon as you walk in you are welcomed with the staff bellowing "Irasshaimase!" whilst banging a drum.
Review of Raasay’s while we wait whisky review
20th November 2017
R&B Distillery, which stands for Raasay and Borders, is creating the concept while waiting for Raasay Distillery to rise beneath Dùn Caan. By working with a Highland distillery the brand has created a single malt demonstrating its whisky making skills and a “tantalising taster representative of what’s to come.” R&B's third batch is bottled at the strength of 46% abv and is naturally colours and non-chill filtered. This is achieved by blending two expressions from one distillery; one peated, one unpeated. The whisky is French oak Tuscan wine casks from three vineyards that produce Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The first release finished in red wine casks for eight weeks, while the second release finished for 18 months. With the third release, the two finishes were combined in order to achieve the perfect balance. The result is a light and interesting, but fledgling flavour. With an amber nectar colour, the taste is quite smoky and wood-like, with a hint of caramel and the warm and round sweetness of vanilla.
Review of Gin lovers unite with ask for Janice and graphic bar...
17th November 2017
So we headed down to find out what the deal was with The Graphic Bar’s residency at Ask For Janice and we were blown away. Ask for Janice are based near Smithfield Market in east London, and pride themselves on their gin selection. With over 50 variations, many of which local, it’s not hard to see why. Graphic bar is permanently located in SoHo and has a counter on their website notifying visitors that they currently have 305 types of gin on their shelves. However, they have also recently taken up residence in the basement of Ask For Janice. When we arrived at Ask For Janice we were greeted and guided down the stairs to the basement bar where the venue just came alive. It was dark and atmospheric with most of the light coming from behind the bar, with the other main light source being the giant neon sign on the wall Spelling out Ask For Janice which was surrounded by tonnes of polaroids of previous customers.
Review of Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve with Chino Latino
9th November 2017
For those deciding to leave the stress of preparing Christmas Dinner (and clearing up afterwards) to someone else, visit this iconic Pan-Asian Restaurant and Latin Bar and let the culinary delights overwhelm your senses. Whilst there is a full A La Carte menu available, it is the traditional Christmas Dinner Menu that grabs our attention, as many would assume that a Christmas dinner in a Pan-Asian restaurant would be far from a ‘traditional British Classic’. However, if you thought that then you would be wrong. Feast on the traditional Roast Turkey breast and indulge on the crispy pigs in blankets, the fluffy roast potatoes and the honey glazed parsnips and carrots; all whilst sipping on the finest Perrier Jouet Brut Champagne, it is Christmas after all! As for New Year’s Eve, an evening traditional with spending time with friends and family and celebrating the start of a new chapter in your life, Chino Latino are offering two different choices, either a sharing menu or a Canapé party in the 12th Floor -Executive Lounge.
Is this London's Best Rooftop Bar?
9th November 2017
Boasting the city's first rooftop ice rink, as well as an ice hockey penalty shootout and a wide range of street food and drinks, Skylight at Wapping's Tobacco Dock is THE place to be this winter.
Review of Hot pot etiquette: The popular way of eating in eastern Asia
7th November 2017
The reason for its popularity is that it's eating in a casual, social and sharing session where friends and family get together around a table of deliciously made broth simmered over a fire at the table, or in most cases an induction stove. A variety of foodstuffs and ingredients are laid out on the table and anyone is allowed to take an ingredient with their chopsticks whilst chit chatting, before scooping it up onto their plate, dipped in their choice of sauce, and eating it. The best part about Hot Pot is that you get to engage with your social setting whilst cooking your own food, ever so simply. It is the act of boiling your own food, getting to see it cooked and sharing it amongst those at your table. It provides that sense of sharing, and in turn that sharing somehow leads to the act of caring and providing comfort to your diners. It becomes a great activity to do with friends as opposed to the conventional dining out, where you wait for food to be served to you.
Review of A game-changing supper club in Mayfair with the Punchbowl
15th November 2016
Secreted away at the top of the building, hosted in The Club private dining room, the Mayfair Supper Club is surrounded by what resembles a Victorian art collector’s dining table. Oh if the walls could talk! One wouldn’t be wrong to assume some of Mayfair’s finest minds and makers in history were once sat here enjoying their dinner whilst discussing important worldly matters. Since 1729, The Punchbowl has been providing its esteemed players and patrons with a place to relax, dine and entertain. Their newly established Supper Club is hosted monthly with a different theme every month. This November, to celebrate game season, we began the evening with a butchery lesson by the incredibly proficient Jose Souto, who made everything look effortless, but do not be fooled fellow Sybarites, from knowing what gives a grouse that lavender hint to where to cut a venison tendon – this was riveting stuff! Luckily, we then got to taste these delicacies supplied by the Lincolnshire Game Company.
Own a private vineyard home and, if you choose, let...
3rd November 2015
Production plots start at 7,000 sq. m. and owners will have the freedom to control the use of their vineyards, whether producing their own wines guided by Casa de Uco’s experienced winemakers or renting out their vineyards for a yearly profit. What we find most appealing about Casa de Uco is that it offers wine connoisseurs the opportunity not only to own a private vineyard in one of the best regions for winemaking, but also to avail themselves of the resort’s expertise. Wine experts will be on hand to guide proprietors through the entire process – from harvesting young grapes to handling the business and profit-making side of things. Owning a Casa de Uco private villa is an idyllic experience: Nestled within the vineyard and surrounded by amazing vegetation and picturesque views of the Andes Mountain, the villa comes with round-the-clock concierge service, offering hotel-like hospitality. Some might consider this a fine way to retire.
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