I made my way to the U.K. this weekend to visit one of my dearest friends, Hannah. It was a great retreat and I could not have asked for a better time. I felt at peace being in London, I felt it was a perfect place to be young and to explore a food scene full of various cultures and thrice cooked chips while having a cocktail or a beer. I also knew that we needed to have afternoon tea before the weekend was up and so we did. The Persian pomegranate tea was very refreshing, but I also learned that I don't really like the powerful fruity teas I thought I once did. They are gorgeous and powerful on the palate, but "not my cup of tea" as Hannah would say. I think this means I must go back to England one day for a proper afternoon tea. I promised my mother I would take her there one day because I imagine her fantasies of being one with Downton Abby, a British show she is totally hooked on.

I knew Hannah would know just the right places to spark our interests. India and China have stamped their food imprint in England, so it felt right that I savor their cuisines the one weekend I venture outside of Italy. The Indian Curry and Chinese Custard Fish- that we could not stop thinking about- were the little things that made our time together valuable.

I must tell of the amazing ambiance Tamarind Kitchen had. Every wall had different textures, colors, and decor and I loved all of the hard shadows. The marble tables and the crystal glasses were elegant yet modern. It was gorgeous there and the food was a feast for the eyes. I think I should mention the obvious; the first thing your eye goes to in the picture above. My Lady Martini and her Bombay Anar were tasty cocktails, yes. The color and the stem of the martini glass, and the ice garnish with pomegranate seeds on Hannah's drink were a convincing way to make you crave another.

Red curry with prawns, peanut coconut curry with chicken, two rounds of pilau rice, raita, and two rounds of garlic naan completed the Indian feast. I thought the restaurant was a bit too fancy to self serve the curry from mini copper pots, but I actually liked the classic french addition, when I look back at the pictures. I realized that I'm always cooking and eating from pots at home so I guess it was rather reassuring.

Winston the Beagle was such a sweet delight to stay with over the weekend. I never thought I would be the person to obsess over, and give affection to animals, but I really do love beagles, like this British one. He has so much character and definitely thinks he's a person! I think perhaps I am missing a piece of home where my beagle lives, maybe just a little.

It was fascinating to see the Queens Palace as well as her guards who would march to and fro in their bearskin hats, I suppose so they wouldn't fall asleep on duty. It was just what I needed to see to complete the English experience.