Ayo Sue

I went to buy some  books this morning from Waterstone’s . Iv ‘ e found a particularly interesting book titled “‚¿‚á‚Ô‘ä‚̏º˜a”

( low  dining table and showa era).

It’s brief history about  Japanese daily life ( daily Japanese) life.

I didn’t know  that it was only during the late Meiji era when Japanese started using low dining table. Until then, Japanese had used individual trays with legs instead of  tables.

At that time , they usually washed the dishes every three days or three times (thrice) in a month.

Instead  of washing the dishes, they would pour hot water or green tree into them after the meal and drink it so that their dishes became clean.

Then they would put them in their own tray and set it aside.

In the early Showa era, the low dining table widespreaded  in Japan.

Our eating habits have become westernized and the use of oil in greasy meals has increased so the dishes must be washed everyday.

Don’t you think it’s extraordinary?

xxx

Locanda Locatelli

I recently had a  pleasure of dining at Locanda Locatelli which I have had high on my wish list for some time now. I’m not going to bore you with details but suffice to say  that Locanda Locatelli’s is a typically modern and fashionable eatery. It has a warm and engaging atmosphere and it always lively, with the definite penchant for a favoured celebrity hang out. This probably explains why the service can occassionaly be a bit erratic, through overall it’s pretty good.

The modern decor suits the food on offer, it’’s ecaxtly  what you might  excpect from a fashionably chic Italian resturant.

The occassional cacophony of jazz can sometimes feel out of place for such a venue, and even if you are not a jazz fan it is soon forgotten. As you might excpect the food is subline, lovingly prepared by Giorgio Locatelli, what else would it be with a talent like Giorgio’s.

The only downside, as if that  were possible, is that it can be a little bit pricey. But this is overshadowed by the sheer dining experience, with itself can only be described as ’simply divine’ .

Cuisine : Italian

8 Seymour street
London
TEL:  0207  935 9088
Reservations: 2-3 months wait

www.locandalocatelli.com/

Zaffarano

In contrast to Locando’s I’m often going to Zaffarano’s, which is one of my favourite resturants, and always a delight whatever the occassion whether dining with friends or an intimate evening for two. Don’t be put off by its humble exterior.  I’ts even been said that it is so unassuming you could  be forgiven  for walking by and not realising it. However, all these humble pretences are put aside when you walk through its door’s.

Instead you are greeted  by an enchanting oasis of decorum.It has an ambience of savoir-fare  versus italian chic. The staff are pleasant and very attentive without being intrusive which is an art of its own.

Despite Giorgio Locattelli having left to open his own eatery, Zaffarano’s still Michellin starred resturant and likely to remain so too. Which all means the food is expertly prepared and exquisite taste, though it must be said a little more rustic than that served at Locanda Locattelli’s. The wine list naturally compliments the rustic characteristics of the food aswell as having enough scope to cater for any palate.

These two fine resturants both offer a dining experience to remember. If you are looking for a lively, resonant celebrity spotting energetic time, then Locanda Locatteli’ is  your place. If however, you are looking for a more sedate an intimate spot with a serene ambience then Zaffarano’s definitely your choice. Either way you will be served with a meal to remember and leave you with a night full of possibilities.

Cuisine: Italian

15 Lowdens street
Knightsbridge
London
SW1X 9EY
Reservations: 0207 235 5800

xxx

I had been thinking recenlty that it was time that I had  a rejuvinating  fix of culture. But where should I go?

l could venture on down to the Tate Modern, currently holding an exhibition of  Cy Twombly’s work. But then I thought I could visit any children’s nursery  and see more proficient artwork. You make up your own mind!

Or I could take in the National Gallery. 

Or maybe as it turned out I could go to the Tate Britian. Here I decided to see the “Lure of the East” a whole new cultural experience as depicted  by various British artists.

Though I must say any slice of culture good or bad is always welcome especially in such difficult times as these with the credit crunch biting hard. And whilst an exhibition of Cy Twombly’s  work may not exactly get the pulses raging, a trip to the Tate is always an exhilarating experience. Who else but the Tate would hold  such an exhibition?

So whatever your taste in art. Whether it is for abstract expressionism or period renaissance or French impressionism or Dali inspired surrealism you can enjoy the exhibition with me and later I could pose as your special muse -; )

xxx

Ebony Courtesan will be away on the 8th -11th of August.

A bientôt !

Delectable Ayo Sue xxx