Sugar Bar

So a new hotspot has opened its doors, a bit far from Central I had my reservations on it actually filling up but to my surprise, Friday night it was packed! With the help of Pete Kendel, a master cocktail maker, this new bar at East hotel is super cool... Rad views and the best cocktails in town will keep this super modern bar full of the coolest cats in town! Make sure to go have a look!

A tropical Housewarming

I recently moved flats, and of course had a fabulous tropical themed bash to celebrate our new home which has a rad terrace full with massive bbq and jacuzzi! Its been raining non stop today in HK but these colorful photos make me feel a bit warmer!

This Saturday at Pantry Magic

Liberty Private Works

I recently got taken out for dinner by my friend Laura, and fellow foodie.

As we arrived a little out of breath at this third floor walk up, I didn't know what to expect. Then we came inside... What can I say, from the moment I walked through the door I knew this was my kind of place...

The restaurant, consists of an open kitchen, and a chef's table that sits 14 guests. That's it. With minimalistic deco, and some rad paintings on the wall, we sat down and tucked into a wonderful glass of french white wine while listening to some great chillout tunes softly filling the tiny room.

There were 2 chefs (a Japanese American head Chef) and his Sous Chef, a beautiful South African girl. As for floor staff, 1 impeccably dressed girl with a smile and ease that made me smile and feel at home.

The meal.... There's no menu, and every night there's a set dinner with 6 course. Chef goes to the market in the morning, picks up some of the freshest ingredients he sees and comes back and cooks everything in front of you.

I cannot even begin to tell you how delicious every single dish was- There's something about watching someone who is so comfortable in the kitchen, whip up a succulent meal before your eyes that just makes me happy...

The presentation of each dish was perfect, the clinking glasses and giggles around the table we were all sharing made me realize that this is a place for people with a true love for food.

This meal, is as if someone went into my wildest imagination of what I want in a restaurant, as a chef, future restaurateur, and of course customer.

I really really recommend anyone into food to check this place out next time you're in Hong Kong. Don't forget to book in advance, as they take no bookings...

Buen Provecho!

The details are:

Liberty Private Works

3/F, 12 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong
中環威靈頓街12號3樓

+852 51863282

Cupcake Galore....

So I've realized I set my mind on starting a blog last year, and as I logged on now, I noticed I have 1 post, and that... Was in October last year! While thinking of what should be the first thing I blog about, I realized it should be cupcakes. Cupcakes make me happy, I love eating them, but most of all, I love making them!

I have a catering company called Blackberries and Cream, and although we specialize in Cocktail Parties, and Sit down Soirees, I must say that my cupcakes must be my top selling item....

My mom used to make them for my birthdays, school parties, and any other occasions that we could think of- I of course would always try and take the credit, never having touched a whisk except for licking it when she was done.

At first, I started making them for my friends on their birthdays and they were such a hit that I eventually started selling them.

Now, I've revolutionized my cupcakes having over 25 flavors on my menu. Everything from Zucchini to simple french vanilla bean...

Have a look at a few of my creations, and I hope you get to try them soon!

Morocco

From the moment you set foot in Morocco, the smell of tea and food invade your senses. I was so excited to be in such a colorful place, I didn't know where to look. It was not until I realized I had taken over 100 pictures by the time I reached my riad (typical old houses turned into charm hotels) on the first day, that I knew that this was a place I would not forget... I spent a week in this beautiful country, and I can honestly not say what was my best meal. Each was better than the one before.

Upon arrival, we were very worried because word on the grapevine was that its quite hard to find alcohol in restaurants. We thought we were going to be miserable! But not to fear- Most restaurants are well stocked with enough Moroccan wine to keep you company at dinner- and believe it or not it is surprisingly good!

We were lucky enough to find a cookery school in the town of Essaouira. The beautiful Atelier Mandala, is a perfect oasis for all foodies. Nour; our teacher taught us how to make a wonderful Chicken Tajine with sweet onion and dried raisins. I was so shocked at how easy and how incredibly delicious it was. We spent a wonderful afternoon there, learning all about the different spices used to create these dishes. Nour later took us through the local market, where I packed up a kilo worth of a multitude of wonderful spices-

We spent the rest of the holiday eating delicacies such as couscous, tchakchouka, Moroccan Salads, and Pastilla... When we woke up every morning we had a breakfast of a selection of Moroccan breads served with the most wonderful honey and jam that I've had in a long time... Afternoon chill outs, accompanied by mint tea (served out of a special pot) are not to miss. Locals offer it in all their shops, and its only polite to have some. At first I was a bit taken aback by how sweet it was- But later learned that the sweetness removes the bitterness of the mint leaves, and quenches your thirst within seconds.

If you are not very familiar with Moroccan food, I recommend you get on it. Pronto!!! Jump on the next flight to Marrakesh, or at least visit your closest Moroccan eatery asap.

Message me if you want any of these yummy recipes-so good!

xashton

Blackberries and Cream

Hoooola! Thanks for reading blackberries and cream! In this blog, I'll share with you my favorite culinary experiences- Whether they are from my kitchen or from all the wonderful food I've eaten in my travels.

I was once told that the 2 things we will always remember are the memories of the food we have eaten, and the places we've been. I've tried to live my life with this mantra- With this in mind, I left my native Mexico and have since traveled the world in search for inspiring people, places and above all food.

I hope you check in regularly for new travel stories, food reviews and recipes that I love.

xashton