In The Woods

imageAre you looking for different things to do in London? Hhow about a festival in the middle of the wood? The small but perfectly formed In The Woods festival – organised by the perky and freewheeling leftfield London pop quintet Laurel Collective – returns for its ninth consecutive year, stretching out into a two-day affair for 2014. Punters are promised an experience as far removed from “warm pints of foamy Carling in a copoorate mudbath” as it’s possible to get, which can only be a great thing.

Notting Hill Carnival

music-img1Every year the streets of West London come alive, with the sounds and smells of Europe’s biggest street festival. Twenty miles of vibrant colourful costumes surround over 40 static sound systems, hundreds of Caribbean food stalls,(make sure you visit Mama’s Jerk Station, on the corner of Portobello Rd and Oxford Gardens) over 40,000 volunteers and over 1 million Notting Hill carnival revellers.

Coxinha, what is it?

coxinhaThere is perhaps no Brazilian street food more delicious and well-known than the world-wide famous coxinha.  The coxinha is traditionally formed to resemble its main ingredient: chicken.  The golden, crunchy outside of the coxinha surrounds a layer of soft dough filled with moist shredded chicken, tomato, onions, parsley, scallions, and sometimes different cheeses.  The doughy pocket is closed off and deep-fried, creating a crispy, mouth-watering snack that can easily be eaten in three or four bites.  In Brazil, everyone has their own way of eating a coxinha.  Some people prefer to eat coxinha at breakfast.  For others, it is strictly a lunch or dinner snack.  Others won’t eat a coxinha without some red-hot pepper sauce on the side to dip each bite.

Pão de queijo

PãoPão de Queijo.  The words may not mean very much to someone who lives outside Brazil, but to natives of Brazil, the words may as well mean “heaven on a plate”.  This delicious cheese bread is a popular Brazilian breakfast food or snack that is widely sold at coffee shops, snack bars, and bakeries in Brazil.  Pão de Queijo (also called Chipá or Cuñapé) has a long history in Brazil and is one of the most common (and most decadent) accompaniments that you’ll find at restaurants in their country.  Luckily, Pão de Queijo has made its way into the surrounding continents of Europe and the United States and is becoming more and more readily available to hungry fans of Brazilian cooking.

Picanha

picanhaWhen touring through Brazil, you can measure your travels in all the flavors of the delicious foods that you encounter. However, there’s no need to travel to experience the tastes and spices of Brazilian cuisine any more. Our restaurant is bringing the country’s most decadent dishes to you, and among the best, is our picanha. It can be argued that no food is more succulent and flavorful as Brazil’s famous picanha, or barbecue rump steak. Food, flavors, and festivities are staples of Brazilian culture, and no menu would be complete without adding picanha, a cut of beef that roasts up beautifully, soaks up juices, and is grilled to perfection. This meal is succulent, piping hot, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Moqueca de Peixe

moquecaMoqueca de Peixe is a dish that has been celebrated throughout the history of Brazil for hundreds of years, and with good reason.  This hearty and colorful fish stew uses fresh ingredients and zesty flavors while incorporating the delicious taste of palm oil, making this stew a staple Brazilian food.  This stew made with marinated seafood and vegetables is good for the body and the soul, as the ingredients pack high protein and the rich, hot-off-the-stove taste provides relaxation and comfort.

Acai Berry

acaiBerries are an excellent healthy supplement for your mind and your body. There are so many types of berries that are filled with antioxidants and other vitamins and minerals. However, the acai (pronounced: ah-sigh-ee) berry is one of the healthiest that you can add to your diet. This superfood boasts pulp that has a combination of all sorts of vitamins and antioxidants that have quite an array of incredible medicinal properties. The acai berry can be eaten on its own, or it can be enjoyed in smoothies, shakes, yogurts, or any number of delicious varieties. There are a number of ways this berry can fit into any meal, and with all its health benefits, you almost can’t afford not to include this healthy fruit in your diet.