https://www.theboujeestudent.com/blog-1-1 daily 0.75 2023-08-15 https://www.theboujeestudent.com/blog-1-1/blog-post-title-two-t448f-agt2q monthly 0.5 2022-08-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/04370b6d-2d45-4f79-b2bf-2031411881a5/IMG_6860.JPG Dining Out - Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Joleeeeeene - I mean I just love being out in general, eating, drinking, chatting. Most of my happy times are around a table with friends and a bottle of wine. Jake didn’t tell me where we were going, but he led me to this pretty terracotta painted restaurant withe Jolene written on the brick in scrawly lettering. I only knew this micro chain as coffee shops (who serve the most amazing coffee by the way) I did not know they had restaurants too! We were greeted by our server who gave us the option to sit on the pavement and have an aperitif before we ate, and reccomended his favourite which was an apricot cordial with gin and soda. we were off to a good start because 1) I love an aperitif before a meal and 2) it was bloody delicious. Not too sweet, but refreshing and slightly tart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/85a6453a-fec1-4a74-a1b7-8b774b44ec8d/IMG_6861.JPG Dining Out - Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Joleeeeeene - We finished the evening with a couple of espresso’s and a stunning chocolate and apricot cake, thankfully we didn’t get two because it was just so rich. I would highly recommend Jolene for an evening meal, it took us both away from London for the evening, made us relaxed and comfortable with its tipsy swooning atmosphere, candle light and rich smells wafting from the kitchen. I would also recommend their coffee shops too, as the coffee and pastries are delightful. https://www.theboujeestudent.com/blog-1-1/Blog Post Title One-7hcrm monthly 0.5 2022-08-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/1659981067538-9LT7K1WY2NK1CMK7LEFI/68151051274__9F813A6D-EFA5-4B77-8D30-36C421F0CD03.JPG Dining Out - Six by Nico? Sloshed by Nico. Rum, Muscat Noir Doux, Lime Leaf and Lemongrass Syrup with Ginger https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/1a47c1d7-f4b7-412a-8382-44234a53a096/IMG_6832.jpg Dining Out - Six by Nico? Sloshed by Nico. The savoury dishes kept rolling in, as did the glasses of different wines that sometimes paired, sometimes didn’t. It was a really lovely evening. The atmosphere was busy, the staff were personable and attentive, and we just got drunker and drunker. As the night went on we got more and more in to critiquing the food as if we were Jay Rayner and Jonathan Gold. The stand out dish of the night was definitely the cod with coconut and coriander chutney, Vietnamese curry, bok choy and banh da. The combination of flavours were surprisingly delicate and sweet, there was also a freshness from the bok choy which came as a sort of salad; this dish was a sweet memory once the following came, oh my, what a disappointment. The tamarind glazed chicken was the bum note of the night, with dry, flavourless chicken breast in the shape of a spear, nestled amongst an unimaginative sweet potato mash and mango puree, all served with a side of chicken salad!?!? Everything was overly sweet, dry and seemed like they were reaching for ideas. https://www.theboujeestudent.com/blog-1-1/theboujeestudent monthly 0.5 2023-02-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/c59b3624-a8a4-437e-82d0-b2b656372c03/IMG_7696.jpg Dining Out - Battle of the Brat(s) You don’t get any physical menus, and have to just take a picture of the chalkboard that’s shown at the front, boasting different whole fish that you can choose by weight, meats, small plates and oysters as an appetiser. We had two glasses of champagne to start along with oysters dressed with dill and chardonnay vinegar. We then moved on to having the famous anchovy bread, served hot, along with ox tongue smothered in a smoky red pepper sauce, tuna croquettes with a bitter leaf salad, charred romanesco and fennel salad with anchovy dressing and a bottle of Sicilian white wine. YOU NEED TO GO HERE. Not only did I prefer the menu this time, but the atmosphere was relaxed but fun and busy, a bit like a street party. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/92327db0-884b-4b49-9898-7900d84ec4a0/IMG_6867.jpg Dining Out - Battle of the Brat(s) Little did I know that this meal would set off an obsession with the restaurant for both of us. I chose the original venue on Redchurch Street, as it was the one with the Michelin star, and Jake is a fancy queen; from the beginning we were impressed. The venue is quite small and simple, with dark wood interiors and an impressive open kitchen with a roaring wood fire. We chose a selection of small and larger plates which came when they came. The wine was pretty expensive but tasty and paired well with everything, i’m guessing the entire list is planned so whatever you choose will be good with whatever is on offer that week. The star of the show for this meal was definitely the huge mutton chop served with offal sausage, butterbeans and lambs liver. It was rich, tasted of barnyard in the best way possible and was quite frankly STUNNING, but so was the Dover sole which was served whole with a lemony-caper butter. Honestly the food is incredible. You cannot leave without trying the Basque cheesecake which is fluffy but dense, with a black burnt top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/c9a79dcc-cff8-435e-9dec-b4673e9e7125/IMG_7697.jpg Dining Out - Battle of the Brat(s) - We needed a break between the small plates and the main, because although they were small, they were so rich and full of flavour that we wanted to recover a little before the delicate 1.2kg crab came to our table, served alongside smoked roasted potatoes drenched in hay butter (yes you read that right, butter that had been smoked with hay). Not only was the crab bloody massive, but the brown meat in the head was smushed together in to a bisque with wine and lemon, perfect for dipping the tender claw meat in to, or potatoes, or your fingers, or your face. Anything you like really. https://www.theboujeestudent.com/blog-1-1/theboujeestudent-1 monthly 0.5 2023-08-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/6d878a34-4ac2-4a4a-9412-54cf3da7105c/PECKS_LOGO_BLK.png Dining Out - Pecks: Dinner in a conference room anyone? I feel disappointed to be writing my first bad review, but not as disappointed as I felt after the actual meal. Being back home in Cheshire is great, I love spending time with my family, the countryside is gorgeous and its a hell of a lot cheaper to get a pint here than in Soho. But one thing that has been disappointing time and time again has been the restaurant options. Apart from a few decent pub choices with traditional English menu’s, the Cheshire dining scene (not counting Manchester or Liverpool) leaves a lot to be desired. https://www.theboujeestudent.com/recipes daily 0.75 2024-07-03 https://www.theboujeestudent.com/recipes/Blog Post Title One-2jly7 monthly 0.5 2022-08-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/affa664d-f914-45b6-bc2d-30eea82b15ea/IMG_6837+2.JPG Recipes - fennel and green apple salad with lemon chicken and almond dressing - This is something I wanted to make due to my curiosity over fennel. I’ve always loved the flavour, however I’ve never cooked with it before. Although this doesn’t really count as cooking, it was a less intimidating way of seeing how it pairs with some things that I’m more familiar with! Its a great dish for a light lunch, but for dinner I recommend simply pairing it with some waxy new potatoes coated in salty butter. Serving size for this recipe is around 4 https://www.theboujeestudent.com/recipes/blog-post-title-two-dhlh6 monthly 0.5 2022-08-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/4b10b2d2-c12c-49c9-a1b4-2630c747f5e2/IMG_6839.jpg Recipes - a simple pasta pomodoro - My boyfriend and I were treated to a meal at the beautiful River Cafe in Hammersmith for a graduation present. Everything we had was absolutely stunning, but the simplest dish of all was the most impressive. Its ridiculously easy to replicate at home as long as you’re really careful with choosing your ingredients, and that means you don’t have to pay a huge price to sample something the likes of Michael Caine and Stanley Tucci eat on the regular. https://www.theboujeestudent.com/recipes/theboujeestudent monthly 0.5 2022-08-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/2c260aed-e92c-45fe-a2f1-49cc760eea39/IMG_6865.JPG Recipes - slow cooked lamb with Mediterranean vegetables - I’ll admit it, this dish isn’t the most pocket friendly. However if you are lucky enough to have a Lidl near you, you can bag a half lamb leg for only a tenner, which is quite frankly a steal. The vegetables and lamb along with the flavoursome rub you put over the meat create a golden stock that gently cooks the potatoes. Its luxury in a roasting tin! https://www.theboujeestudent.com/recipes/theboujeestudent-1 monthly 0.5 2022-09-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/3f122aed-f833-4713-bc42-cea60c043adb/IMG_6892.JPG Recipes - broccoli and cheddar soup - A milder take on the classic broccoli and stilton; this comforting and thick soup is so delicious and perfect for an autumnal supper. It NEEDS to be served with lots of crusty bread, and the saltiest butter you can find. https://www.theboujeestudent.com/recipes/theboujeestudent-2 monthly 0.5 2022-09-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/cf552ad0-f74d-4c16-bfdf-b6168ff87f48/JPEG+image.jpeg Recipes - steak tartare - This is probably the boujee’st recipe yet. The bistro classic is something I’m obsessed with, but I’m not about to pay 20 quid each time I have a craving for it. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and not particularly fiddly. Serves 2 https://www.theboujeestudent.com/recipes/theboujeestudent-3 monthly 0.5 2022-09-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/3c6a989f-4a5a-4712-88e2-c2dff5412cc4/IMG_6965.jpg Recipes - butternut squash and sage ravioli I made my own pasta for an amuse bouche at a dinner party. Oh my god it was difficult without a pasta machine, but kind of worth it… https://www.theboujeestudent.com/recipes/theboujeestudent-4 monthly 0.5 2022-10-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/310ac8c1-d6fd-44a0-96da-19d259d6de0b/68641005524__976BA732-31F1-458F-9AB6-1F15388795A7.jpg Recipes - latke’s, smoked haddock and parsley basil puree Oooooh baby. I’m not a breakfast girl, but this is a perfect brunch recipe. It’s impressive enough to serve to your mates with more mimosa’s than you can pour down Lisa Rinna’s throat. https://www.theboujeestudent.com/recipes/theboujeestudent-5 monthly 0.5 2024-07-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/1720030183964-HAU1B8Y9I25OEQIWCA5V/IMG_9873.jpg Recipes - liquid gold soup - Feeling a bit fatigued? Drank a little bit too much at the weekend…? This is one of my current favourites that’s in the rotation of things I’ve been making consistently. It’s super anti-inflammatory, utilising fresh ginger, turmeric and a whole head of garlic (because why wouldn’t you use that much garlic?) as well as being bloody delicious and comforting. This is something you a make all year round but it’s perfect for spring/summer. FYI this recipe makes… a lot? You’ll need a big pot https://www.theboujeestudent.com/blogsinglecolumnl daily 0.75 2023-02-01 https://www.theboujeestudent.com/blogsinglecolumnl/Blog Post Title One-5ed5t monthly 0.5 2022-08-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/ab8bc382-3483-44b7-ae75-9b783354570c/A2ECA283-4415-4A2E-A921-88F6839CE805.JPG Lifestyle - Oxford Darling - Arbequina - On Cowley Road, fantastic tapas. The Handle Bar - St. Michael’s St, near the Ashmolean, again, wonderful tapas. The Dashwood Arms - Heyford Rd, Kirtlington, go for the Sunday roast, you get a brisket filled Yorkshire pud. The Woodstock Arms - 6-8 Market St, Woodstock, the food isn’t anything to write home about, but the atmosphere is perfect for a cosy drink. Gees - Banbury Rd, the food is good, but the real star is the beautiful conservatory where you can enjoy brunch Branca - Walton St, if you want a buzzy lunchtime atmosphere with some delicious Italian food, this is it https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/207406a2-a41a-492f-8b66-ef358569502b/df768491-d16c-4f47-b877-87cdbf081059.JPG Lifestyle - Oxford Darling My friend Beth and I sharing a totally candid laugh as we queue for an ice cream van https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/8e32f550-ad97-4885-9186-848611e1a272/ff347d0c-cea9-492a-a95e-95fb1d5b6ac8.JPG Lifestyle - Oxford Darling - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.theboujeestudent.com/blogsinglecolumnl/blog-post-title-two-jeffd monthly 0.5 2022-08-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/d1c0f013-7011-42c0-a6ae-71d290b547de/b3657a85-3ff1-406b-b0d1-c221cd2c6215.JPG Lifestyle - Surviving the heat - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/7c24a5a2-87a6-4bdd-b41e-0d002d329e67/IMG_6852.JPG Lifestyle - Surviving the heat - You forget as an adult how ravenous you get after swimming. So after we walked back home, Jake and I were immediately making lists of what we were making for dinner that night. The summer feel of the day just called for an antipasti/tapas crossover, as we just wanted a bit of everything. We made a feast of home-made pesto and spaghetti, king prawns sautéed in chilli and garlic, melon hunks wrapped in speck and fresh tomato bruschetta on rosemary focaccia. And we inhaled everything, along with an episode of our favourite series of the moment, Stanley Tucci’s Searching for Italy. https://www.theboujeestudent.com/blogsinglecolumnl/theboujeestudent monthly 0.5 2022-09-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/d9e3980e-0a33-47df-ae88-742df5aa9e17/IMG_6963.JPG Lifestyle - A very boujee getaway The next couple of days I was shown around the countryside, visiting the Clandeboye Estate where Jake was performing a poetry reading with a string trio, seeing Holywood (I made it mum!), going on a walk where we made some cow friends, seeing a play at the Lyric, and spending time with a few friends on the Lisburn road. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/10f626e1-eabc-483d-896e-e1bfc077e165/E8B4072B-AE23-4508-B143-74A07690F720+2.jpg Lifestyle - A very boujee getaway We then ventured in to the city for the last couple of days as Jake was working and staying there. We stayed at the Grand Central Hotel, which was lovely. As soon as we got to the room and dropped our bags, we got changed and headed up to the observtory, which is a piano bar on the top floor. I had a glass of champagne and Jake had an orange blossom mocktail because he’s far too sensible. For dinner, Jake recommended the Mourne Seafood Bar. Let me tell you… I will 100% do a review of this place. It was the most enjoyable meal I have had from a restaurant in a long time. I stupidly forgot about the fresh fish possibilities in Belfast, but oh my lord its another level. Jake and I have a system where one of us always “wins” a meal. Its when one of us clearly makes better food choices than the other, this time, I clearly won. https://www.theboujeestudent.com/blogsinglecolumnl/theboujeestudent-1 monthly 0.5 2022-09-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/c297dc1d-741a-497c-97bd-01a4a605cb3a/IMG_7015.jpg Lifestyle - Busy in Budapest I think other people who travel alone whether it’s for business or holiday have a sixth sense for others who are in the same boat. As I have met several people whilst i’ve been out and about, all solo travellers. The conversation usually starts with sussing out why the other is there, then asking what the job is, followed by a joke or two about eating alone, an awkward pause thinking the other is going to ask to join you, swiftly followed by relief when they don’t (unless they’re American, its very nice but i’m too English for that kind of prolonged interaction with a stranger). I’ve seen some very beautiful sights, did some of the tourist stuff, ate a LOT of Hungarian food which is now sitting a little heavy. The food here is beautiful, but incredibly rich. Some of the best dishes i’ve had are as follows… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/d2a17b7d-6569-4304-90a5-3ea57fa5aac7/IMG_7058.jpg Lifestyle - Busy in Budapest Steak tartare with duck liver and fries Foie Gras with toasted brioche, pickled onions and mustard Mangalica pork chop, buttered mashed potatoes, apricot and fig jam with a red wine jus Confit duck leg with spring onion mash, spiced red cabbage and raisins Traditional Hungarian beef goulash These are the Hungarian dishes i’ve enjoyed, but there is a surprising amount of variety, something that i’ve missed out on until now. I ventured out to a restaurant specialising in Jewish/Middle Eastern food the other night, as I wanted a change and had yet to explore the Jewish quarter of the city. The concept was a restored ruin bar, which are all over the place in Budapest, it was trendy but honest, the vibe was really buzzy for a Tuesday evening, and the live jazz was a really great touch. The menu was a welcome change from all of the meat and potatoes I had been eating, and they had an extensive number of cocktails. https://www.theboujeestudent.com/blogsinglecolumnl/theboujeestudent-2 monthly 0.5 2023-02-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/020804a0-14e3-40b4-b963-2c4fafe86c72/IMG_7438.jpg Lifestyle - This is now irrelevant because its been published so late… - I finally went to the Notting Hill bookshop, which was pretty much hell on earth. Listen, the area is charming, but I honestly don’t think its worth hour of shoving through the slew of influencers and tourists to get yourself a tote bag. There are so many cute bookshops around London with the same vibe, fair enough if you’ve never been before like me and just want to see it. Go. But it is quite stressful, and not life changing. Some other book shop recommendations with a 90’s rom-com feel are as follows: Brick Lane Bookshop 166 Brick Ln, London E1 6RU Word on the Water Regent's Canal Towpath, London N1C 4LW Libreria Bookshop 65 Hanbury St, London E1 5JL Bookmongers 439 Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8LN https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/51211806-083b-4ec3-a977-786e44db31ec/IMG_7441.jpg Lifestyle - This is now irrelevant because its been published so late… - Since I haven’t updated this little online journal/messy recipe/restaurant rant page for well over a month, I thought I should spill my recent thoughts and activities in one neat entry. So, since coming back from Budapest, I have been faced with the harsh reality of the actor blues. Taping, sending things off in to the ether and driving myself mad waiting for any feedback, calls or just a “hello, are you doing okay?” from my agent (which, in fairness he is very good at). But career aside, I have been trying my best to distract myself from what has probably been the most emotionally stressful few months of my life. I refuse to write a long essay as to what has gone wrong, as putting it on paper would just be boring, so here is an equation that can sum it all up: good old feminine guilt + family illnesses + scammers + cost of living fuckery = not a very Boujee Student https://www.theboujeestudent.com/home daily 1.0 2022-09-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/ee4384e5-1671-401d-8745-7e2b708e4f1b/IMG_6433.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/526b683d-2642-40f2-8145-58b0720253ba/Image+31-10-2021+at+21.58+%283%29.jpg https://www.theboujeestudent.com/about daily 0.75 2022-08-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62f1441ce8a7287787b704a0/81666269-ba3e-4d9b-b91e-c81b7b6c5a49/IMG_6621.JPG