Sunday

Last week was an absolute crazy week. I didn't quite see daylight as I was cooped up in the office working until 3am in the morning for days. RIDICULOUS, some might say. However, this made me appreciate the weekends more and catching up with friends and life are priorities! Since moving into the Highbury & Islington area two weeks ago, I finally had a chance to spend Saturday and Sunday exploring my local vicinity. Found this really cute cafe down Hemingford Road called Sunday. I LOVE everything about this place - from the seating area on the outside to the cute interiors where there are hanging bulbs, simple painted floor boards and gorgeous stools adorning beautiful fabrics.

As the weather was rather windy, we did not get a chance to explore the garden but instead sat by the front window and gazed out. The coffee (flat white) served at Sunday was a delight and I managed to stuff myself with the brioche french toast, vanilla creme fraiche, banana and salted caramel for my lunch. If you ever find yourself in the area and feel like a coffee, give me a shout!

Back in 5 minutes

The Blog 'n Bake Collective caught up this week over dinner in Shoreditch at Back in 5 Minutes, a restaurant and private dining room, hidden behind Ante, a clothes shop on Brick Lane. Giulia discovered this place a while back and was curious to check it out. We were in on a Wednesday and our group of seven were sat on a table of ten where we shared our meals with three others. The informality of the evening reminds me of a supperclub. However, we were served our three courses with hardly any explanation or enthusiasm, an indication that this was somewhat different. The potted meat starters were tasty, closely followed by a delicious pork belly serving, albeit a little chewy. My favourite for the night was the braised white beans accompaniment for the pork belly.

#BloggerSaturday at Street Feast London

What a day! The weather was not cooperating on Saturday where we, Blog'n Bake collective set up shop at Street Feast London. It was the first time for us as vendors thus we weren't entirely prepared. There were a few delays due to the poor weather but we managed to get our display going with a few vintage cake stands and chopping board brought by Giulia, Sam & Hannah. The downpour did not dampen our spirits and we went on for about 8 hours before we packed up!  It was fun getting to know the other vendors and try out their food. We also took the opportunity to speak to our customers and explained what Nanaimo bars and paleo baked goods are about. Thank you to Tweat Up for organising the event and who knows… you might just start seeing Blog'n Bake around.

*Credit to Sam - Barbells & Baking for taking the first photo above!

Baking...

This coming Saturday, Street Feast is presenting #BloggerSaturday and I will be there alongside Giulia (Mondomulia), Sam (Barbells & Baking) & Hannah (One little Rosebud) as Blog'nBake Collective selling baked goods. It will be the first time where we are coming together to sell our home baked sweet treats! I have attended many foodie festivities and most of the time, I am the one eating, not the one cooking. I tend to cook on a more domestic scale and have a passion for baking. My inspiration for baking comes in waves and this Saturday for the first time, you will get a chance to try out my baked goods! I will be presenting my favourite tart au citron, vegan-friendly pistachio cookies and home made coconut jam (kaya). If I survive making them all, I might just throw in a surprise!

A couple of weeks back, the same bunch of us were out at Peterley Manor Farm picking raspberries and strawberries. We returned to Sam & Hannah's home after to make this gorgeous raspberry and strawberry tart! (Thanks to Giulia as master baker!)

I hope this whets your appetite to come by on Saturday to say hi! Don't be shy!

Meanwhile, you can follow me on @wendylwarne / @dishpiglets and us @blognbake !