The Ivy Asia

from Your Stratford City

by Your Media London

Hôtel Royal Savoy, Lausanne

THE IVY ASIA MAYFAIR

From the moment you step into this extraordinary restaurant, you are transported from one of London's most exlusive neighbourhoods to another world. One which is filled with vibrant decor, exciting flavours and the perfect soundtrack.

Blending modern design - including a truly incredible green stone floor - with stunning antiques, the restaurant is an oasis of not only culinary pleasure, but a joy for all of the senses. The distinctive style continues throughout the varied spaces with a standout display of 12 cherry blossom trees to enjoy in the main restaurant, while DJs work their magic late into the night providing the perfect soundtrack for your meal.

There's no better way to start your experience than with one of the stunning, unique cocktails - only available here - which take inspiration from ancient Asian stories, history and art bringing together a menu of beautiful cocktails to excite both your eyes and palate. The Ario-Maru and Dark Passions options are must tries.

Continue on the cocktail train to sample more of the inviting menu, or save yourself for a few post-dinner treats while you enjoy the plethora of delicious dishes on offer on the a la carte menu.

A selection of small plates to share is the perfect way to begin, with dishes such as the delectable 'Volcano' roll with Wagyu beef, fatty tuna and black truffle; and theatrical slow-roasted spiced beef butter lettuce wraps with Thai basil, mint, sesame and pickled daikon on offer to delight your tastebuds. The small plates are split between hot and cold options, so you can sample as much or as little of each as you would like. There are a few sushi and sashimi set menu options available, perfect for a group starter or an indulgent lunch such as The Ivy Asia "Black Shell" which features yellowtail nigiri; fatty tuna sashimi; yellowtail tartare with nori crackers; prawn tempura maki roll; tuna nigiri; crab maki roll; salmon sashimi and finally; prawn nigiri. A feast in its own right, you won't be disappointed with the presentation or the flavours.

Moving on to the larger 'main' dishes, there is a varied selection across meat, fish and vegan options, but standouts such as the Kung Pao monkfish with dried chili, spring onion and cashew are a must try. Complete your meal with a selection of sides - the chilli and ginger stir fried greens are delicious - and compliment it with a wine from the extensive menu which caters for every taste.

The Ivy Asia Mayfair brings style and sophistication in both its interior design and the drinks and dishes presented before you, an event at any time of the day.

CHOTTO MATTE

MARYLEBONE VILLAGE

Soho’s renowned Nikkei cuisine restaurant, Chotto Matte has now opened in Marylebone. Providing a more relaxed location to the buzzy sister restaurant in Soho, Chotto Matte Marylebone has effortlessly slotted into life in the elegant London village.

Renowned as one of London’s most desirable residential districts, while also offering sophisticated shopping destinations, Chotto Matte Marylebone is a welcome addition to the evergrowing dining scene in the area.

The new restaurant has been designed by award-winning architect and long standing brand partner Andy Martin Architecture (AMA) meaning that while different to the Soho location, the unmistakable essence of the brand remains at the forefront.

Natural lava stone surrounds the restaurant and an artistic structure takes centre stage on the ceiling. All key design features are inspired by Tokyo’s contemporary urban culture.

The menu has been created by Group Executive Chef Jordan Sclare with new dishes exclusively available in Marylebone. Sclare has played a fundamental role in the conception of the Chotto Matte culinary identity, constantly pushing the boundaries of traditional Nikkei techniques.

Using a unique blend of Japanese and Peruvian culinary traditions, menu highlights include fatty tuna (O-Toro); Wild Sea Bass Ceviche; Wagyu Gyoza; Argentinian Red Prawn Truffles; Black Cod Aji Miso; and fresh sashimi and sushi.

The best way to sample some of top dishes is by opting for one of the set menus. They offer a great insight into the vibrant flavours of Chotto Matte as a whole.

As to be expected, Chotto Matte’s legendary entertainment is a key feature at the Marylebone location. Customers can enjoy immersive experiences and artistic activations while dining.

The opening of Marylebone has also seen the launch of the highly anticipated Tokyo to Lima cocktail menu. Inspired by the evolution of Nikkei cuisine and designed to complement the unique flavours of the dishes, each of the creations push the boundaries by mixing premium spirits with signature ingredients from the kitchen which are surprising and uncommonly found in cocktails, including coriander, teriyaki, miso, and black pepper.

Other menus include the special Paddington Street collection and of course, classic serves such as the Pisco Sour.

MOPA MOPA

Following the successful launch of Dictador Wixárika - the first edition of the beautiful Totem collection - the historic rum masters are now launching their second, Mopa Mopa. The idea of Totem was to preserve cultural diversity, encourage traditionalism in art, and honour indigenous artisans and their techniques, dating back centuries.

With rare wines and spirits reaching increasingly large values and attracting global investment, Dictador is pioneering aged rum for collecting connoisseurs. Owners of the world’s largest stock of aged rum, up to 45 years old, allows Dictador to release a range of innovative, yet fine and rare editions unrivalled by competitors, creating an entirely new luxury category for prestige rums.

This latest limited edition collection is an exceptional demonstration of the artistry, technique, and thought devoted to the development of these collectible rum bottles. There are only 30 bottles within Mopa Mopa and each has been hand-decorated by Colombian artists. The collection represents this historic, ancient art form but is also a symbol of the love and respect these artisans have for their homeland and its rich culture.

The inspiration for these bottles stems from the ancient tradition of using Mopa Mopa, a native South American phenolic resin, used for centuries in cultural contexts by artisans in the region of Pasto, Colombia, to decorate ceremonial drinking cups known as ‘Qeros.’ The process involves a complex cycle of production whereby sheets of flexible resin are extracted from trees of the genus Elaeagia, which grows in mountainous regions of western South America. This is done without harming the tree during the process.

The trek to collect the resin is always done on foot and typically takes up to 5 hours to reach the destination point. Resin gatherers will then set up campsites in the wilderness for 8 to 15 days as they comb through patches of trees for viable harvest. In total, the resin gatherers will collect between 6-9 kilos of Mopa Mopa which will then be sold to varnish masters at a central location closer to town. Mopa Mopa is sacred because of the beauty it makes possible but also because of the effort involved in sourcing it and the rarity of it - the harvest only happens twice a year between May and November.

Because the artistry of Mopa Mopa is so intricate and timeconsuming, it cannot be automated for mass production. As a result, the people involved are crucial in the making of these limited-edition bottles. Like many indigenous processes, the harvesting of Mopa Mopa and the ancestral knowledge of the Pasto varnish application process is under threat of being lost due to deforestation and agricultural encroachment. It is because of the passion and commitment of these local people that this artform has been kept alive.

Starting at €3,600-€4,800 the limited edition of 360 bottles are available via private concierge and Dictador’s online store. A percentage of all sales will be donated to the Dictador Art Master Foundation, who supports inter alia community of artists essential to the creation of Dictador’s Mopa Mopa.

Ochre

Set within the impressive 20th Century William Wilkins building in central London's iconic National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, Ochre showcases the very best seasonal British ingredients, blending international flavours with modern European cooking.

Comprising of an elegant dining room, lively cocktail bar and lounge, the property also features an intimate private dining room with views of Nelson's Column, and even a DJ booth for late-night events.

Open for lunch through to dinner, with a traditional afternoon tea served daily as well as a weekend brunch with live music, late DJ nights complete the varied offering of the 66 cover restaurant.

The kitchen is led by Executive Chef Alex Drayton, formerly of one Michelin-star restaurant Texture and 28-50 Marylebone Lane, with a focus on celebrating the wide range of ingredients grown, farmed and fished across the UK. Sustainability, seasonality and traceability are key, and founders Charlotte and Sam Miller - the duo behind Muriel’s Kitchen - are keen to work with local suppliers to keep Ochre's carbon footprint to a minimum. Produce is sourced from the likes of family-run fruit and vegetable supplier, EA Williams, based out of New Covent Garden Market, The Butchers Block, whose animals are reared on their own ethical farms in Surrey and a host of other trusted purveyor’s of the finest quality ingredients. The wine list is a mix of New World and European, including a range of natural wines from Tillingham Winery in East Sussex. The menu is designed for sharing, with small plates such as Saddleback

pork & Westcombe cheddar croquette with sage and onion pesto and aged parmesan; fresh Burrata with grilled courgette, broad beans, pea shoots, lemon and pumpkin seeds; Cornish Mackerel and Sea Lettuce Tacos; and Seabass Tartare with black ponzu and bronze fennel. Larger plates include crispy 12 hour Confit Pork Belly; Pan fried monkfish with charred hispi cabbage, romesco sauce and toasted almonds and 21-day aged black faced lamb rack with grilled baby gem, herb bread crumb and lamb jus.

By Royal Appointment manufacturers Kaymet have created bespoke trolleys for Ochre, which are charmingly wheeled around by Boden clad staff serving the ultimate array of British cheeses.

Ochre’s bar, nestled to the side of the main restaurant, serves a host of house-crafted cocktails and traditional libations. Devised by Head Bartender Ian Williams, signature cocktails take inspiration from famous works in the National Gallery such as the Bathers Club, a mix of Little Birds Gin, rhubarb jam and lemon juice - inspired by Bathers at Asnières, Georges Seurat - and the Sunflowers Sour, a blend of Del Maguey Vida mezcal infused with turmeric, apricot liqueur, lime juice, agave syrup and egg white - inspired by Sunflowers, Vincent Van Gough. Ochre’s bar is the perfect spot to finish the day at the Museum, for theatregoers in Soho or for a post work Martini at the bar alongside half a dozen Scottish oysters.

Sea Containers Surrealism Summer Terrace

Sea Containers have partnered with Champagne house Laurent-Perrier to launch a Surrealism-inspired Summer Terrace. Taking inspiration from surrealist art - the 20th Century avant-garde movement in art which sought to release the creative potential of the unconscious mind, through creating irrational juxtaposition of images; the terrace coincides with the landmark 'Surrealism Beyond Borders' exhibition at the Tate Modern.

Bringing Surrealism-inspired artwork to the Southbank, guest can sip Laurent-Perrier Champagne while being surrounded by a variety of pieces that have been created to reflect the Surrealist movement, mirroring the work of famous surrealist artists such as Dali's house in Spain and Rene Magritte 'Son of the Man' Man with the Apple.

Boasting fantastic views of the City and St Paul's, guests can also enjoy an exclusively created Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee cocktail named The Son of Man, which is served in a Magritte inspired glass and is made up of Apple Juice, Elderflower liqueur, and of course, LP Champagne.

Tempting food dishes to complement the offering include; Clay oven roasted mackerel, cucumber, nasturtium; Fruits de mer platter: King Crab legs/soft shell crab, Tiger prawns, ceviche, scallop, oysters mignonette, SeaCobasco, and Mary rose; and a innovative Dessert of dreams, which sees cakes disguised as savoury sandwiches.

The Sea Containers London Surrealism-inspired Summer Terrace in collaboration with Laurent-Perrier is open until September and is a wonderful accompaniment to the ‘Surrealism Beyond Borders’ exhibition at the Tate Modern, which will run through till the end of August.

HOW TO ELEVATE YOUR PICNIC THIS SUMMER

with some delicious and decadent Champagne and picnic pairings

We have had exceptional weather this summer, although we are sure countless others had to shelter indoors from our 38-degree mini heatwave! However, with only weeks left of summer remaining, we must make the most of it before the grey skies and wet weather returns. So why not enjoy the rest of the sunny days with a favourite British pastime: a picnic. Truly what’s better than al-fresco dining? Picnics don’t just have to consist of convenient food-to-go goods - you can make this a real occasion by pairing food with Champagne. Pairing picnic with Champagne? Yes, Champagne is a versatile sparkling wine that can elevate any dining experience. This month, the Comité Champagne (the Champagne trade association) shares its top tips on different styles of Champagne that pair well with popular picnic foods, from cucumber sandwiches to charcuterie and sweet treats.

Beef pastrami with caramelised onions sandwich - Blanc de Noirs Champagne

For meat lovers, choose a Blanc de Noirs Champagne - made from 100% black grapes Pinot Noir or Meunier. With more structure, this style complements bold flavours. Egg mayonnaise and cress sandwich - Blanc de Blancs Champagne

Pair a Blanc de Blancs Champagne with more creamy or rich dishes, in particular with an egg mayonnaise and cress sandwich, as well as buttery pastries. Made from 100% chardonnay, a Blanc de Blancs Champagne is known for its citrus fruit flavours and aromas. This will help balance flavours and cut through any potential heaviness and make everything taste much lighter. Cucumber sandwich with minted cream cheese - Zero Dosage Champagne

A zero dosage Champagne, also known as Extra Brut, is great to pair with a Cucumber sandwich. The delicate flavours pair very well with the no-frills, low-to-no sugar style, which will let the vegetables’ natural sweetness shine through.

Smoked salmon on buttered brown bread or soft prawn rolls - Rosé Champagne

For the seafood aficionado, a pink hued Rosé Champagne is the perfect pairing. An exceptionally versatile style that matches oily fish and shellfish harmoniously. Cheese, Nuts and Fruit - Rosé Champagne

In addition to being the most Instagrammable of them all, Rosé Champagne is a wonderful pairing option with soft goats and ewes’ cheeses. For a fruity wine that screams “summer!”, choose a Rosé Champagne with red fruit flavours of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. On the nose, you might also be treated to heady hazelnut aromas. For those of you who are fond of cheese, try Rosé with focaccia or bruschetta layered with goats’ cheese and topped with delicious figs. Vegan Feast - Vegan Brut Non-Vintage Champagne

The Champagne region offers a wide range of vegan Champagne. There are a large number of producers whose production process is strictly vegan, across a vast range of styles. A Brut Non-Vintage will be the flagship style of the brand you choose, it is effervescent, elegant, and undoubtedly a worthy match for whichever dish you choose. Sweet Treats - Demi-Sec Champagne

Choose a Demi-Sec Champagne to pair with your desserts, which will match with sweet pastries, chocolate and cakes. A lesserknown style currently growing in popularity, Demi-sec Champagne has a slightly sweeter dosage than Brut, that matches well with creamy, sweet, or rich dishes.

The best temperature to serve Champagne is 8-10ºC, which is around the same temperature as the cellar where the Champagne producer would have first stored it. For convenience, for your picnic, the best and quickest way to chill your Champagne is to get a bucket and fill it with water, ice, and a healthy dash of table salt. This mix chills the cooler faster than if you just use ice. It should take around 30 mins to chill to the optimum temperature…now serve!

Images © Jean Cazals

C I C C H E T T I

KNIGHTSBRIDGE

Located directly opposite Harrods on Hans Road, Cicchetti is the latest restaurant from the multi-award winning and family-run San Carlo Group.

Offering elevated authentic Italian dining with just a touch of Venetian bácaro culture, diners can expect an array of small sharing plates (cicchetti), fabulous wines and cocktails served in a sophisticated and effortlessly elegant setting.

Created by Cicchetti’s Executive Chef, Andrea Parente, the menu bursts with freshly prepared regionally inspired plates using ingredients sourced from Italy’s best artisan producers. In keeping with the restaurant’s name, many of the dishes are designed for sharing and feature all the Cicchetti classics (from the Piccadilly, Covent Garden and Manchester restaurants) alongside seasonal specials and brand-new dishes unique to Knightsbridge.

Once seated in the glamorous dining room, beneath the bespoke art deco mirrored ceilings and shimmering chandeliers, start with a refreshing aperitivo like the Bellini Veneziana with white peach juice and exclusively sourced prosecco, or a classic Negroni.

It has to be said that the menu is huge and there is plenty to choose from, not only making it wonderful that you can try everything thanks to the sharing concept but also helpful in that even the fussiest eaters will be satisfied.

To start, nibble on some Bruschetta, Prosciutto San Daniele with gnocco fritto; or burrata with Parma ham and black truffle.

Highlights of the main menu include Tartare of Fresh Tuna; Carpaccio of Beef; Lobster Ravioli; crisp Gamberoni Fritti tempura prawns; Grilled Artichokes with mint sauce; and black salt sea bass with herb and olive oil salmoriglio.

As well as a fantastic fresh fish and meat offering, another must try at Cicchetti are the freshly made pizzas. From the Calabrese with 'Nduja Calabrian soft spicy sausage and Fior di Latte, to the Panzerotto Pugliese, fried pizza dough filled with San Marzano tomato sauce, buffalo Mozzarella and basil - you will be spoilt for choice.

In Venice, cicchetti are traditionally served alongside a glass of wine or two and so it comes as no surprise that the new restaurant’s wine list features some of the finest Italian vintages with small, family-run producers sitting alongside better-known wineries. Gather friends, family and colleagues to journey the length of the country’s vineyards with a crisp glass of wine from Piedmont and Veneto in the north, through to Campania and Sardinia in the south.

Diners can also choose from Italian beers or speciality cocktails, perfect for Aperitivo Hour. A welcome addition to Knightsbridge's evergrowing dining scene.

GALVIN

Brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin are welcoming the start of summertime with a series of menus across their much-loved restaurants in London and Essex. Both brothers are on a mission to offer Michelin-Starred delicacies at affordable prices and this July they launched their latest Taste of Summer offering - a series of tasting menus that spotlight the freshest, seasonal produce from British land to sea.

Available across the entire Galvin restaurant estate, the showstopping set menus will each have their distinctive stamp highlighting the best seasonal British produce: from the sustainable seafood dishes to be enjoyed in the sun-soaked Galvin Bistrot & Bar terrace through to the innovative French flavours to be savoured at Michelin-Starred Galvin La Chapelle. All the head chefs from each restaurant have created their own unique menu individually showcasing their incredible skills.

Situated in Kimpton Fitzroy London Hotel is the new Galvin Bar & Grill. Having opened earlier this year, this stunning art-deco dining room with original features was famously designed by Charles Fitzroy Doll in 1898 and is arguably one of the best British restaurants in central London. This truly spectacular space inspired the first-class dining room on RMS Titanic over a century ago and here the Galvin brothers are taking a modern-day approach to the British bar and grill.

While rooted in British cooking, the menus at the Bar & Grill are not dedicated to traditional dishes but instead draws on other cultures to reflect the diversity of Modern Britain and represents how the Galvin brothers would like to see Britain today: ethical, generous and open.

True to Galvin Bar & Grill’s ethos of serving high-quality and sustainably sourced produce, chef Leonid Semakin has come up with a four-course tasting menu featuring generously sized dishes such as cured mackerel, fermented gooseberries and elderflower; ricotta, sage and hazelnut ravioli and an indulgent charcoal-grilled, corn-fed chicken with leeks and summer truffle.

For al fresco dining head to the fantastic terrace at Galvin Bistrot & Bar located by Old Spitalfields Market just on the doorstep of Shoreditch. Galvin La Chapelle is one of the best French restaurants in London, showcasing impressive interiors and Michelin-star service in the heart of The City. Enjoy Duck Royale ‘Cuba libre’ from their tasting menu.

Offering a completely different experience and spectacular sky-high views of Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace, Galvin at Windows on the 28th floor of London Hilton Park Lane will give you something to remember. General Manager Peter Avis is extremely passionate about what he does and so is his Head Chef. Marc Hardiman has created a dish of Cured Faroe Islands salmon, cauliflower and Baeri caviar with ponzu dressing.

And last, but certainly not least, Galvin Green Man near Chelmsford, Essex has won awards for being the best pub in Britain. Alongside the beautiful light-filled dining room, you can also enjoy outdoor dining on the terrace, or drinks in the expansive garden. For dessert lovers the hazelnut and lemon tart with Italian meringue and fresh raspberries will not disappoint.

Available until 11th September at all Galvin restaurants, price and availability varies at each restaurant from £32 for 4 courses with bubbles to £55 for 5 courses with bubbles. Reservations are essential.