firststreet denisse

Stepping into Flesh and Buns last week for dinner, I thought I had been transported back to Melbourne for a moment. This modern Asian restaurant has such an urban-cool-feel (which is escalated by its underground location) that I was sure I must have been in a Flinders St back alley. I wasn’t – you’ll find this place in Seven Dials near Covent Garden where the cobblestoned alleys are also pretty cool. I stumbled across this restaurant after doing some Googling for a fun dinner place with a fellow Aussie expat. When I started mentioning my choice to my housemates and was greeted with very positive nods and smiles I figured I had chosen the right spot – we were all right. Step inside and you’re greeted by what can only be called an urban-oriental bunker. On a Wednesday at 8pm this place was absoutely packed so I can only image what it looks like on a weekend. We sat for a drink at the bar while our table was prepped, before pulling up a chair at a communal bench table which seats over 30 ...

Since I’ve moved to London I find myself watching Jamie Oliver a lot… a lot a lot. I sit on the couch with my hastily put together omelette because I’m too busy to cook and I watch him [with a grumbling stomach] as he whips up all manner of divine creations – his Comfort Food series has to be my favourite. Back in Australia I was a huge cook, I loved to whip up dishes whether savoury or sweet but here in London I will say the lifestyle is generally very time-poor, not to mention the kitchens aren't functional and my landlord was anything but generous when he stocked our implements. I literally have two saucepans, an egg pan, a colander and a mixing spoon to work with - no baking trays, cake tins, mixing bowls or beaters – needless to say it’s been an adjustment. But last weekend I thought it was time I put my chef’s hat back on and whip something together. With my basic implements, I decided the only thing I could bake was biscuits, so here we are, inspired by Mr Jamie Oliver himse...

Well we're at the 3-month mark now so I think I can officially call myself a London resident. That of course means claiming everything that goes with the title like knowing my way around the tube without a map, having a list of the best clubs and bars, being asked for directions and actually being able to tell the person the right information, and understanding instinctively how to dress for this crazy weather. I truly believe that London is where I've always been meant to be - I love this city and it seems it loves me too. Here are the top 10 things I love about London... The pinch me moment I get everyday as I go to work, navigate the tube, wander west end or visit the river. I live in London and it's amazing. Maybe there's something in the water because we're all totally poor, battling crowds everyday and contending with truly awful weather yet we wouldn't choose to be anywhere else. The double decker buses, or as I liked to call them when I was little, recka...