Two of our close friends Casey (aka Kevin) and Taylor had moved to London for work two years ago and we wanted to make sure we had some time to see them. We planned to stay with them on our first night in town before spending the rest of our time in London with my Brother and his wonderful family. After 45 minutes in the customs line we made it to the Heathrow Express to head to Paddington Station. It was a fairly quick ride and within about an hour of clearing customs we were at Kevin and Taylor's door in Notting Hill. They also had two other friends, Erin and Paul from Atlanta in town. We did some quick intros, laid our bags down, did a quick clean up and were ready to head out for dinner.
We arrived at Kurobuta and were quickly sat at a table for six. The restaurant served up Asian Fusion fare and seemed to only have Aussies on staff. We ordered some drinks and a few rounds of delicious food. Highlights were Pork Buns, a lemon chicken dish and the beer with a frozen head. Pleasantly full it was time to head out and check out the town. Our first stop was the German restaurant, Bodos Scholss, that turns into a club later on in the night. It is right off of the Kensington Garden so we were hoping for a royal sighing or two. After about a 15 minute "que up" we decided to cut our loses and check out the piano bar around the corner. This was a great decision as we were let right in upon arrival and had the chance to belt out some classic tunes with the rest of the bar.
After the pianists last song we decided to head back to the house for some more music and dancing. The night went long and we even FaceTimed with another former friend, Rohit, that worked at MediaVest with all of us and now lives in LA.
The next mornings wake up call came way to soon. Ashley and I were headed to my Brother's house to get some much need family time. We opted to take an uber instead of the Tube and it ended up about the same price. Upon the arrival the previous nights activities required me to take a nap before getting ready for play time in the afternoon. We took our bags up to the attic bedroom and got some rest.
Fully rested and showered it was time to join the family Sunday fun. Dolph and Emma live on a short street in North London that is slowly being occupied by more and more families like theirs. They have recently instituted a great ordnance for the street that closes it to all traffic on the first Sunday of each month from 1-4p. The idea being that it creates a few hours each month for the kids to enjoy the neighborhood without the concern of cars. On this Sunday, the sun was shining bright and the kids were out in full force. Everywhere one turned there were scooters, bikes, "artists" creating with chalk, hoola hoops, a few footballs, and even a light saber battle. The air was filled with screaming laughter from the kids and the sound of parents following close behind. As the afternoon wore on the parents settled in and talked on the sidelines whilst (a little of the Queens for yas) keeping an eye on the kids.
A little past 4pm they opened up again and it was time for everyone to get home to start dinner prep. Our group was headed our to Victoria Stakes for a roast instead and we were very excited.
Dolph and Emma have spoken about roasts for many years now, but we had yet to actually experience one. I know that each pub or family does a roast a bit different, but the easiest way to describe it would be Thanksgiving Dinner... every Sunday. The meat can vary from Roast Beef, Turkey, lamb, etc. and will is accompanied with hearty veggies like potatos, turnips, beans.... On this night Ashley and I started with the Carrot and Cardamom soup (amazing), whilst (again) Emma selected the salmon and Dolph ventured for the Beef Cheeks. The main course was beef all around as we had heard it was fresh out the oven. The meal was amazing and so much food. Even the "kids" meals were incredible. Basically the same sides we had with a few less pieces of chicken.
After dinner we went back to the flat, caught up some more and enjoyed a little TV for a few hours.
Monday was the two year anniversary of our wedding day, so I planned a night out in Central London. We woke up early to see the little girls off to school, made some very welcomed green shakes for breakfast (thanks again Emma) and got ready to take the tube into town.
We were staying at a hotel in Soho and arrived around 3p for checkin.
After a quick check of the room we went to explore the area. With some help from the TV in our room we found an interesting restaurant, Jackson & Rye, specializing in American dishes. It was a quick walk from the hotel and we thoroughly enjoyed the Pulled pork Tacos (Ashley) and the Fried Chicken Sandwich.
Unfortunately the weather was wet, but we decided to explore none the less. We ended up in some little shopping areas before stumbling across The Liberty. This former hotel had been transformed into a high end department store near Regent Street. Upon entering the main door the original wood beams and open atrium are quite a sight. We walked round inside but quickly realized the currency exchange rates would bankrupt us (slight exaggeration) if we made any purchases. It was about two hours before dinner so we went back to the hotel to rest and clean up before the 7:30 reservation at Little Social.
Little Social is an offshoot of another restaurant on the small Pollen Street in Soho. The French bistro vibe with leather benches and dark wood was a welcomed sanctuary from the rainy, chilly night. We were sat towards the back of the restaurant and ordered a great artichoke soup and spit the
Aged Ribeye for Two. Dinner was delicious and we even had room for desert. We went with a blackberry and apple crumble that had its moments, but was a bit overpowering on the sweet spectrum.
We headed back to the hotel in the rain and got caught up on some Netflix.
Unfortunately the weather was wet, but we decided to explore none the less. We ended up in some little shopping areas before stumbling across The Liberty. This former hotel had been transformed into a high end department store near Regent Street. Upon entering the main door the original wood beams and open atrium are quite a sight. We walked round inside but quickly realized the currency exchange rates would bankrupt us (slight exaggeration) if we made any purchases. It was about two hours before dinner so we went back to the hotel to rest and clean up before the 7:30 reservation at Little Social.
(Animals made out of chocolate)
Little Social is an offshoot of another restaurant on the small Pollen Street in Soho. The French bistro vibe with leather benches and dark wood was a welcomed sanctuary from the rainy, chilly night. We were sat towards the back of the restaurant and ordered a great artichoke soup and spit the
Aged Ribeye for Two. Dinner was delicious and we even had room for desert. We went with a blackberry and apple crumble that had its moments, but was a bit overpowering on the sweet spectrum.
We headed back to the hotel in the rain and got caught up on some Netflix.
Tuesday morning woke up and checked out of the hotel. Ashely had found a spot for breakfast but when we arrived the line was around the corner. We set out for option two and had a great meal complete with red juices before jumping in the tube to check out the area of Shoreditch. With a little bit better weather we were able to explore a bit more freely and spent a few hours walking around. As we were about to head for the Tube, Ashley "stumbled upon" (I'm still not convinced it wasn't her plan all along) a cat cafe. For those that don't know it's a place that serves coffee and cakes in room (s) that has cats freely roaming around. They started in China and are slowly gaining ground in other countries. The only thing outnumbering the crazy cat ladies are the cats themselves... barely. So for £10 we spent about an hour in Ashley's heaven.
As soon as her sneezes started we began the trek to the tube and back to Dolph and Emma's. We arrived at the house and all the girls were there as the oldest daughter had been sick that day. It was really nice to get some extra time with the two little munchkins (and of course Emma) as we played until dinner time.
After dinner and baths, Dolph was home to put the girls to bed. He and I read stories, really just Dolph though, while Ashley and Emma put together a great meal for the four of us. Throughout dinner we were able to enjoy some time catching up about our days and the trips we have all been on. Dinner over and dishes being done, I was sent to pick up some ice cream for desert and we spent the rest of the night on the couch.
Wednesday was a nice slow start. We made breakfast, watched some TV and then decided the rain wasn't going to keep us from exploring Crouch End. The timing was perfect as Emma pulled up when we were closing the house door. She was kind enough to give us a lift into the area. We walked around for a bit and then grabbed lunch a coffeeshop. Emma picked us up about two hours later so we could surprise the oldest with a pick up from school.
All the kids in tow, we picked up the dinner we would make later and headed back up for some afternoon fun time. We played a few games and eventually settled in to watch The Princess and The Frog.
London, Cat Village - snaps from October 6, 2015 from Ashley Habeck on Vimeo.
After dinner and baths, Dolph was home to put the girls to bed. He and I read stories, really just Dolph though, while Ashley and Emma put together a great meal for the four of us. Throughout dinner we were able to enjoy some time catching up about our days and the trips we have all been on. Dinner over and dishes being done, I was sent to pick up some ice cream for desert and we spent the rest of the night on the couch.
Wednesday was a nice slow start. We made breakfast, watched some TV and then decided the rain wasn't going to keep us from exploring Crouch End. The timing was perfect as Emma pulled up when we were closing the house door. She was kind enough to give us a lift into the area. We walked around for a bit and then grabbed lunch a coffeeshop. Emma picked us up about two hours later so we could surprise the oldest with a pick up from school.
All the kids in tow, we picked up the dinner we would make later and headed back up for some afternoon fun time. We played a few games and eventually settled in to watch The Princess and The Frog.
Dinner came soon after and the girls were in bed by about 7ish I think. Dolph was home soon after and we all sat down to dinner around 8p. A great meal of haduck and sweet potato au graten followed by some trashy English TV.
Those five days were exactly what we needed. Low key, no real plans and surrounded by friends and family. Can't thank you all enough for the recharge and love you showed/ shared with us. We miss seeing you and can't wait to see you all again soon.
Those five days were exactly what we needed. Low key, no real plans and surrounded by friends and family. Can't thank you all enough for the recharge and love you showed/ shared with us. We miss seeing you and can't wait to see you all again soon.
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