Avocado show experience

I have always wanted to visit avocado show for the pancakes which is sometimes on the menu online and sometimes not.
Before we went, we checked to see if this particular branch had it being visiting.

On arrival, the menu outside had it so we went in.
It turns out that it is only served at brunch but even the menu outside wasn't quite obvious.
You really need an eagle's eye and attention to detail to spot that.
Same with the website, it should have some small print beside the dish with the hours it is available.

Anyway, dined at the Mayfair branch which was disappointing, the staff had difficulty understanding questions asked about the food.
The state of the seats were pretty impressive.
Last but not least the burgers was just a whole avocado with a patty in the middle with some inexpensive tortilla chips.

Overall, the whole menu was disappointing and not very creative compared to this other avocado themed restaurant in London.

Stylish and quick Vietnamese fare at HOP Vietnamese

Discovered HOP Vietnamese while I was at Bond Street so went in to have a look.

I was impressed by the colourful decor and modern vibes with the self ordering, it feels like LEON but with Vietnamese fare in terms of the design, the concept of healthy food and the speed.

Again, the same story, this is another restaurant founded by a banker/financial analyst bored with their job.

I ended up trying the Bond Street restaurant and the one at London Wall.

The Bond Street branch is compact but has everything while the London Wall branch features a 50/50 space of dining and self ordering kiosks.

My first visit was at the Bond Street branch where I had the peach rice pudding for dessert.

To be honest, there is something similar but not like this in Vietnam but I had to have it because it was so English and rice pudding is dying breed in this day and age.

Unfortunately, it was too sweet because it had caramel sauce as well as peach sauce.

It was supposed to come with peanuts but I changed for coconut.

The next day, I visited the London Wall branch for lunch and had the Satay Chicken hop box.

It was a balanced meal so you get equal amounts of salad, rice and chicken.

However, I was still a little hungry even though I had a side as well because I need my carbs.

Anyway, the satay chicken was simply delicious, the sweetness and creaminess was just right and the chicken was tender because it was thigh meat.

The pork ribs were ok but on the sweet side so I was glad I did not get the ribs HOP Box.

Also had the Naked Broth which was vegetarian, it reminded me of chicken bovril as the taste was yeasty and herby while chickeny even though there is no meat in it.

Overall, I was impressed by the food and definitely loved the stylish foil boxes and how the food was laid out.

I may come back to try the coconut curry and when they have something new.

HOP Vietnamese:

London Wall and West One

Meals for a fiver at Little farm, London wall

 

Haagen Daz cafe at John Lewis, Oxford Street

 

African Restaurant Halit Kitchen opens in Purley

 10 High Street.  CR28AA

The Big Christmas Press Show 2023

Autumn is always the best time of the year with Christmas gifts rolling out.

Earlier in the blazing hot summer, I had the pleasure of trying Christmas foods for the supermarkets.

Now, it is time for Christmas gift ideas.

I am glad, the trend in the 1990s is making a come back this year as I managed to get my hands on Nandos colour changing clothing.

At the show, it was good to see Mr Frosty which I have always wanted after seeing the commercials!!
There was so much to see and play.

I was greeted with the NERF booth at the entrance while there was my favourite bath and body brand Baylis and Harding.

Baylis and Harding:

As a tea lover, some of my favourite tea brands were there like Whittard and Bird and Blend.

There were so much indulgent drinks for Christmas, Whittard have this hazelnut free hot chocolate while Bird and Blend have the hazelnut free tea which is really decadent.

Bird and Blend Christmas range:

Our hunger was rewarded with the best grazing cheese platters by Berry and Brie, both vegan and the regular tasted amazing.

Treatbox offers personalized build your own gift boxes with a great range from inspirational quotes, stationery, lifestyle products, jewellery, edible treats, beauty products and exclusive products designed by Treatbox.

On the toys side, I loved the Sesame Street booth and these aquabeads nails which only need water.

There were also new splat heads by Kap Toys!

For group games, Big potato games offer many games that involve everyone.

Nicky Clark was there with their new hair dryer AirStyle PRO! that has four amazing style attachments to style your hair.

Claims to dry your hair quicker in half the time.