Hotel Banke

This week has been another big one. I have been to my favourite pizza place twice (Da Carmine.. I have mentioned this lovely Italian hole in the wall in previous entries and I STILL highly recommend it when you are craving an amazing and authentic italian pizza) AND I was able to catch up with a friend over amazing cucumber and gin martinis followed by a fantastic meal. You can find these delightfully refreshing drinks at the Hotel Banke right across from Galleries Lafayette. The hotel itself is beautiful and the bar and restaurant area are relaxing and filled with smiling and friendly staff (this is not something you stumble across too often here…) In fact one of the waiters noticed how short I was compared to the table after sitting on the banquets side of a table and brought me a lovely gold pillow to boost me up higher at the table. Talk about service!!! Aside from the delightful service the food was delicious and the conversation and catch up was beyond satisfying. It was one of those moments that made me realise how far I have come since I have been here and how important some people have been in helping me achieve everything I have thus far. So a big super thanks to my dinner “date” for recommending the location, sharing your delish garlic encrusted filet de boeuf and the always inspiring and genuine conversation.

Derby Hotel - 4**** and definitely worth it - well at least the martinis are : )))

Pizza and Pasta and Tiramisu ... Oh my.....

I am officially on CARBOHYDRATE OVERLOAD. Seriously I  have NEVER in my life eaten so much bread, pasta, pizza and dessert. It is unreal. I feel like I need to take a nap after every meal and I have officially quit elevators and will only take the stairs in fear that when I get home my pants will no longer fit the way they should.... which really gives me a great reason to shop more, but I don't really need to be doing that either!! Unfortunately I have not been able to actually see much of the city, as I am here for work first and play second. After the work day is finished it is already dark and most places close here between 7 and 7:30... so the few quick walks I have been able to take in the evening have been nice, but not enough to really take in the landscape. I get the feeling there is more to this place than I could really give it credit for at this point...... keeping that in mind if you are in the mood to eat - this is a great place to do it. Fresh pasta is just amazing and I am not sure pizza will ever be the same for me. Oh and the fresh parma cheeeeeeeeese... WOW!!!!! I have my fingers crossed that tomorrow in the duty free shop I can grab up a nice wheel of Parmigiana cheese...