An incredible recipe from by mum’s cookery book …!

Vasilopita  is the highlight of the season’s festivities for me. The special dessert is named after St Basil, a very wealthy and generous man living in Cappadocia in the 4th century who, as the story goes, decided to distribute his fortune to those in need, by making small pies and hiding money or jewellry in each one of them.

On New Year’s Day in Greece and in many European countries,  families cut the Vasilopita (New Year’s white cake) to bless the house and bring good luck for the new year.

This is usually done at the midnight of New Year’s Eve. A coin is hidden in the cake by slipping it into the dough after baking. At midnight the sign of the cross is etched with a knife across the cake. A piece of cake is sliced for each member of the family and any visitors present at the time, as well as for Saints or whomever else the household wants to honour, by order of age from eldest to youngest.

Whoever finds the coin is supposed to have good luck for the rest of the year .

Slices are also cut for various symbolic people or groups, depending on local and family tradition. They may include  the Lord , St. Basil ,the poor, the household and of course our beloved ones. In older times, the coin often was a valuable one, such as a gold sovereign. Nowadays there is often a prearranged gift, money, or otherwise, to be given to the coin recipient.

Many private or public institutions, such as societies, clubs, workplaces, companies, etc., cut their Vasilopita at a convenient time from  New Year’s Day until the end of January.

I love so much this traditional custom , so I always make my own homemade “Vasilopita” according to my mum’s traditional recipe . My family and friends just adore it as it can be an excellent accompaniment for coffee, tea and breakfast time.

Actually it’s  a basic white cake butter added with vanilla and orange. It smells amazingly.

I would like to share this recipe  with you and I hope you are going to love it.

INGREDIENTS

250 gr. Unsalted Butter ( I use Lurpak )

6  extra fresh eggs

3 -4 oranges  (zest & juice from 3 oranges 🍊), ( the juice must be 1 tea cup)

400 gr. white sugar ( 2 tea cups)

1 tea cup of fresh orange juice

1+ 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1/3 cup icing sugar

500 gr self-raised flour  (minus one big spoon)

For the deco:

60 gr dark chocolate (Melted in a heatproof bowl in microwave)

leaves, pomegranate

1 coin, wrapped in foil

Preheat oven to 250C.

Directions..!

Step 1.

Butter a round cake pan, line with parchment paper, dust with flour,  tap out excess and set aside.

Step 2.

Separate the yolks and beat the eggs white. When finished, put in fridge .

Step 3.

Put yolks,  butter , orange zest, and sugar into the bowl of an electric mixer. Mix on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes. Reduce speed to low. Mix in orange juice and vanilla. Add flour , mix until smooth.

Remove the bowl from the mixer & add the egg whites to the mixture  smoothing  with wooden ladle or  an offset spatula.

Step 4.

Bake to 180C, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, for  70 to 80 minutes. Turn cake out onto serving platter , remove parchment, and turn right side up.

Dust generously with icing sugar .

Let cool completely & then melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl in microwave. Make your own design of Happy New Year  sign or simply write the New year’s numbers with the melted chocolate, or with pomegranate & icing sugar , or both.

For your Vasilopita perfect placement , we chose some interesting options.

AERIN – Pieta Platter by Amara

269 euro

Fiammetta V – Scalloped Edge Marble Platter – White

192 euro

Villeroy & Boch – Anmut Gold Round Platter

151 euro

LSA International – Polka Assorted Tea Plates – Set of 4 – Metallic

Set of four,

75 euro

Kartell – Jellies Family Dinner Plate – Light Blue

30 euro

Royal Doulton – Pacific Salad Plate – Set of 4

Set of four ,

25 euro

Villeroy & Boch – Anmut Gold Salad Plate

46 euro

Julia Knight – Peony Cake Serving Set

99 euros

Rory Dobner – Perfect Plates – Bull Terrier

50 euro

Roberto Cavalli – Silk Gold Bread/Butter Plates – Set of 6

306 euros

Broste Copenhagen – Nordic Sand Side Plate – Stoneware – Sand

12 euros

Christofle – Albi Fish Serving Knife

255 euros

Fornasetti – Tema e Variazioni Wall Plate – No. 8 – Black and White

173 euros

Tokyo Design Studio – Flora Japonica Side Plate – Ivy

13 euro

Roberto Cavalli – Zebrage Dessert Plate – Set of 6

Set of six,

225 euro

Rory Dobner – Perfect Plates – Left Eye

50 euro

Sara Miller – Piccadilly Collection Cake Plates – Set of 4 – Design 2

Set of four,

54 euro

Villeroy & Boch – MetroChic Dessert Plate – Design 1

67 euro

Roberto Cavalli – Lizzard Dessert Plates – Set of 6 – Sunrise

Set of six,

569 euros

kate spade new york – Key Court Tidbit Plate – Set of 2 – Love

Set of two,

48 euro

Ralph Lauren Home – Bradfield Dessert Plates – Set of 4

95 euro

Alessi – Dressed Air Side Plate

13 euro

Tokyo Design Studio – Nippon Black Dessert Plate – Raindrop

17 euro

Sara Miller – Tahiti Collection Side Plate – Set of 4 – 20cm

Set of 4

72 euros

Richard Ginori 1735 – Labirinto Dessert Plate – Nero

96 euros

Luxe – Glam Dinner Plate – Set of 4 – Gold

Set of 4,

69 euros

Versace Home – La Scala Del Palazzo Plate – 21cm – Pink

97 euro

Wedgwood – Byzance 15cm Plate – Set of 4

Set of 4,

199 euros

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

By Georgia Papadon & team..!

Enjoy…!

As the international fashion set descends on the capital for London Fashion Week, here’s our  guide to the hottest new places to drink, dine, shop, sleep, and recharge in the city of London.

To Eat: L’oscar Hotel

Lucky for us, one of London’s most exciting new hotels opened its doors only a stone’s throw from The Strand earlier this year. L’oscar (named after dedicated follower of fashion Oscar Wilde) is situated in a Grade II-listed former Baptist church in the heart of Holborn. The boutique hotel is the first in the capital from décorateur Jacques Garcia (of New York’s NoMad, Hôtel Costes in Paris, and La Mamounia in Marrakech) and has been characteristically, impressively restored. The octagon-shaped Baptist Grill, headed up by Michelin-starred chef Tony Fleming, is the place to while away a long lunch or dinner, while Café L’oscar (illuminated by a glowing onyx bar and signature glass birds) is perfect to pop in for a bite, a drink, or a late-night dessert. And the rooms promise a sumptuous night’s sleep.

2-6 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4AA

Book online L’ Oscar Hotel London , here .

COURTESY OF L’OSCAR LONDON

To Drink:  Neptune , at The Principal Hotel

Bloomsbury has been abuzz with good openings this year. Neptune, located in Russell Square’s The Principal hotel, is already a favourite local haunt, despite only a few months in existence. The modern seafood-focused restaurant is great for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But there’s also a drinks bar with an intriguing cocktail list, an oyster bar, and a menu designed by brilliant gastronomy duo Brett Redman and Margaret Crow (who were previously of popular Hackney hangout The Richmond). Drink Nepotisms late into the night.

1-8 Russell Square, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 5BE

Book online The Principal Hotel London here

To Recharge:  Glow Bar

New wellness Glow Bar , captivated attention and a flurry of bookings from the Vogueeditors on launch last month. There are superfood replenishments aplenty at the Glow Bar cafe and its full range of supplements is available to stock up on in the shop. But most notable are the private, infrared sauna pods. 45 minutes in-between shows? Sweat it out here and leave feeling rejuvenated and looking glowing. What’s more, its Mortimer Street locale means that you can combine with a visit to DryBy for a manicured spruce up.

70 Mortimer Street, London W1W 7RY

To Shop:    Matches Fashion Townhouse

Just in time for fashion month, Matches Fashion pulled a trump card in townhouse form. Unveiling its beautifully refurbished bricks-and-mortar in Carlos Place, on the corner of Mayfair’s Mount Street, the brand has uncovered an innovative vision of luxury shopping. Browse the rails yourself (it’s currently home to a covetable Prada takeover), have an appointment with an expert Matches stylist, but – best of all – drop items into your wish list at home or in the office, then 90 minutes later pop in to try your picks. Ideal for those last-minute fashion week buys. There’s even a cafe, hosting a rotation of chefs (currently a Milanese patisserie), to refuel from shopping fatigue.

5 Carlos Place, Mayfair, London W1K 3AP

COURTESY OF MATCHES FASHION

Reservations : Annabel’s 

As  New York Fashion Week is the main topic of discussions recently and as a consequence New York is  the week’s  hottest destination , take a look at these seven discover-worthy locations including a private club with a view of Brooklyn Bridge, a contemporary art installation by James Turrell, and a Japanese-American cocktail bar in Manhattan. With recommendations by the Vogue editors.

Manhatta: a restaurant with a view

With a view onto l’Empire State Building, Manhatta opens its doors onto New York’s financial district. Alight the 60th floor, this new restaurant, headed by famous restaurateur Danny Meyer, combines a breathtaking skyline with a French-inspired menu, designed by chef Jason Pfeifer, for an evening of indulgence.
28 Liberty St 60th floor, New York, NY 10005, USA, +1 212-230-5788
https://www.manhattarestaurant.com/

Dumbo House: the very private club

After the opening of their Little Beach House in Malibu, Soho House are unveiling a new club, Dumbo House, in Brooklyn – named after its famous neighbourhood, Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. The club consists of two floors which hold a cocktail bar, a tapas restaurant, a library, a club and a terrace overlooking Manhattan, all decked out in 70s décor and artwork by Steven Siegel and Zoe Buckman.

55 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA, Tel. +1 718-650-8100
http://dumbohouse.com/

Situated in Queens at the MoMa PS1, this simple art installation by James Turrell, provides an active, medidative experience. Visitors are asked to lie on blankets and gaze upwards toward an unobstructed view of the sky. For 45 minutes, the colors gradually change due to a subtle LED light variation, mimicking the light created by sunrise and sunset. A great way to relax after a long day of shows at Fashion Week.
22-25 Jackson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101, USA, Tel. +1 718-784-2084
http://momaps1.org/

Republic of Booza: for authentic Middle Eastern ice cream

Using an ancient, Middle Eastern technique, Republic of Booza are serving ice cream and sorbets with a uniquely creamy texture. Unlike traditional ice cream, which is usually a base of eggs, cream, milk and sugar, the process of “booza” uses only milk, salep and mastic, which results in an super stretchy consistency. Our favorite flavors are matcha coconut, Schewun white chocolate and Mango-Tajín sprinkled with pistachios.
76 N 4th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA, Tel. +1 718-302-5000  

NYDG: your wellness space

New York Dermatology Group: New York NY, Architect: Brandon Haw Architecture

On Fifth Avenue lies this futuristic oasis founded by Dr. David Colbert(whose celebrity clients include Sienna Miller, Naomi Watts and Robin Wright) providing clients with an experience of improved physical and mental wellbeing. The list of services is extensive, offering: rejuvenating treatments, cryotherapy, vitamin shots, laser treatments and sessions with nutritionist experts to aid with weight-loss.

119 5th Ave 2nd fl, New York, NY 10003, USA, Tel.+1 212-352-3333

https://www.nydg.com/

Katana Kitten: a Japanese-American cocktail bar

A new addition in the West Village, Katana Kitten draws inspiration from both Japan and the US. On one side is an American-style bar where mixologists Masahiro Urushido, James Tune and Greg Boehm whip up a menu of Japanese-style cocktails. On the other is a stunning restaurant serving an array of Japanese street food dishes such as teriyaki sliders, fujimi crispy chicken and nori fries. All of this in a subdued environment reminiscent of the best spots in Shibuya.
531 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014, USA, Tel. +1 212-243-3000
https://www.katanakitten.com/

The Hoxton Williamsburg: a new hotel

1704 The Williamsburg Hotel

The Hoxton collection is opening their first US based hotel inWilliamsburg, New York. Decorated by Studio Ennismore in collaboration with Soho House, the hotel carries 175 rooms decorated in ceramic tiles made by local artists and installed with custom-made beds byDusen Dusen. As for entertainment, the hotel hosts no less than six bars and three American-inspired restaurants. Even more enticing is their calendar of cultural and lifestyle events which will provide local start-ups and artists with a platform, and to fitness classes, workshops and masterclasses.
97 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA, Tel +1 718-215-7100
https://thehoxton.com/fr/new-york/williamsburg/hotels

source: Vogue 

“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea,” wrote Henry James in The Portrait of a Lady. From quintessential scones with jam and cream, accompanied by the perfect English Breakfast, at Claridge’s to modern art-inspired pastries at the Rosewood, follow Vogue‘s definitive guide to the best afternoon tea in London for a nice treat.

From the elegant backdrop and pretty place settings to the fine china in the hotel’s signature stripes presenting a delicate array of sweet and savoury delights, Claridge’s has perfected the art of afternoon tea in the 150 years since it started serving it. Ideal for a special occasion – or just an afternoon treat – this is the place to while away many an indulgent hour.

Claridge’s, W1K 4HR

From £58.

Surprisingly, the five-star setting in the Rosewood’s elegant Mirror Room is not the most extraordinary aspect of its Art Afternoon Tea. Inspired by London’s vibrant art scene, executive pastry chef Mark Perkins has created a menu themed around five famous modern artists – Yayoi Kusama, Damien Hirst, Alexander Calder, Banksy and Mark Rothko. From a Banksy chocolate cube with vanilla cream choux to Calder’s pistachio bavarois with cherry jelly, satisfy your sweet and cultural cravings at the same time.

Rosewood Hotel, 252 High Holborn, WC1V 7EN

From £45.

For such an occasion as afternoon tea, sometimes only the most opulent setting will do and the grand and gilded Oscar Wilde Bar at Café Royal is just that. The sweet and savoury treats are accompanied by a live pianist.

Hotel Café Royal, W1B 4DY

From £42.

Named after the slang term for a cup of tea in 19th-century London society, The Edition’s paradoxical Scandal Water tea is a little more risqué than the classic scones and English Breakfast. Tantalising small plates are paired with exotic teas and – for the slightly more scandalous – a custom-created punch.

The Edition, W1T 3NP

From £35.

When only a classic option will do then The Ritz – where afternoon tea has been served since it opened in 1906 – is the dream. Served in the hotel’s show-stopping Palm Court, the ornate surroundings complement the traditional menu (if it ain’t broke, as the saying goes), which attracts guests from far and wide.

The Ritz, W1J 9BR

From £52.

Undoubtedly the chicest tea in town, Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley Hotel serves fashion-themed delicacies – changing the menu every six months to reflect the new season’s trends. From Dolce & Gabbana patisserie accessories to a Victoria Sponge Valentino bag – fashionable foodies, this is the place to get your fix of both.

The Berkeley, SW1X 7RL

From £45.

A firm favourite of Queen Victoria’s, taking tea in Browns’s award-winning, wood-panelled English Tea Room is a regal affair. Try to nab a table by the fire to enjoy your cucumber and celery salt sandwiches and baked apple cheesecake, among other tantalising morsels.

Browns, Albemarle Street, W1S 4BP

From £55.

With plush scalloped chairs matching the dusty pink hue on the walls – punctuated by humourous illustrations – the eccentric interior of David Shrigley’s Gallery restaurant at Sketch makes for a unique afternoon-tea experience. The menu is quintessentially British, with a twist or two – from Comté cheese paninis (a sophisticated take on the traditional toastie) to hot chocolate and caramel fondants.

Sketch, W1S 2XG

From £45.

source: British Vogue

Big Thanks !

Club del Doge Restaurant, Venice, Italy

Sierra Mar, Big Sur, California

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean with a spectacular view of the California coast, the award winning Sierra Mar Restaurant serves world-class cuisine in an awe-inspiring setting. This Big Sur restaurant features an innovative, four course, prix fixe menu, which changes daily and utilizes organic, seasonal fare. Sierra Mar offers wine selections from one of the most extensive collections in North America.

Indulge in fresh seafood at sunset at Sierra Mar, a cliffside eatery located high above Big Sur.

Contemporary Japanese cuisine is served tapas-style with a modern twist, along with a selection of innovative sake cocktails. Regular deliveries from around the world ensure that Tapasake’s sushi and sashimi meet the highest standards, whilst an innovative flair adds fascinating flavours to a variety of small plate dishes.

Traditional sakes as well as a wine list highlighting an exciting collection of Rieslings and Pinot Noirs complement the food particularly well.

Tapasake’s outdoor area offers an unrivalled atmosphere with four open-air Teppanyaki stations.

 Coral Rock Zanzibar

Coral Rock has been described as the jewel of Jambiani. The hotel’s exquisite location is unrivalled.  Built atop an ancient coral rock that juts out into the ocean and flanked by two striking beaches.  Guests often spend hours staring out at the water where the changing of the tides reveal 100 shades of blue.  Whether in the restaurant, bar or any room in the hotel, visitors can experience the stunning beauty of these same sea views.

Buddha Bar,  Mykonos

Undoubtedly one of the hot spots on the island of Mykonos, guests of Buddha Bar Beach can look forward to a distinctive experience that combines the signature atmosphere of the renowned restaurant with the unparalleled views of the Aegean Sea.

A choice of exceptional Mediterranean & Greek fusion cuisine, together with Buddha Bar specialties will be offered for lunch and daytime hours. When the sun sets with backdrop the majestic blues, Buddha Bar dishes take the lead with utterly delightful tastes and unsurpassed quality to offer an extraordinary experience together with worldly known DJ and exceptional cocktails from established Buddha Bar mixologist.

Perched on the shores of the glittering Aegean, Santa Marina, Mykonos boasts the island’s only private beach, and is just a short speedboat ride away from Mykonos’ vibrant town life.

With a rotating set of menus designed by Buddha Bar’s world-renowned chefs, the restaurant  also showcases Mykonos’ outstanding seafood and fresh produce.

From Instagrammed flat whites to the wave of artisan coffee pop-ups , London has enjoyed something of a love affair with real, good coffee in the past few years. Discover the 10 Best Coffee places, where to get your caffeine fix in the capital, below.

Grind & Co.

The Grind is rapidly taking over London – having started with a sole site in Shoreditch Grind, it has since opened new cafes in Soho, Holborn, London Bridge, Clerkenwell and Royal exchange among others.

Hipster staff, great coffee and offbeat interiors make each cafe a destination in itself, plus evenings see them turn into bars – the espresso martinis (made with their own coffee blend of course) are some of the best we’ve tried. Grindandco.com

Ralph’s Coffee & Bar

Introducing Ralph’s Coffee & Bar, Ralph Lauren’s first dining destination in London and Mayfair’s new hotspot for coffee, cocktails, bar snacks, and shared plates.

 

The equestrian theme is exactly what you’d expect – think saddle leather banquettes, a brass-topped bar and dark wood panelling throughout.

 

The café décor pays homage to Ralph Lauren’s trademark equestrian sensibilities. The interior features a brass-topped bar, saddle-leather banquettes, and equestrian-themed art hung against dark wood paneling and green billiard cloth. An intimate oasis in the heart of Mayfair, the café seats 24, with 12 additional seats at the bar.

 

Kaffeine at 66 Great Titchfield Street, Fitzrovia opened in August 2009 with the idea to provide an Australian style café that focuses quite simply on excellent coffee, great food and hospitable service. The speciality coffee scene in London was just starting to kick off and since then, the Great Titchfield street store has been regarded by the media, public and industry as one of the leading cafes of its kind in the U.K..

Serving Square Mile coffee, alongside beans from a guest roaster from the UK every weekend, Kaffeine’s two W1 cafes offer excellent coffee, expert staff, delicious cakes and beautiful decor .

 

The chef prepares their menu freshly each day, while their produce comes from some of London’s best and most respected suppliers. They  use French trained bakers to supply the  breads and pastries,  their bottled juices are from Chegworth Valley organic farm in Sussex and soft drinks from San Pellegrino. All of this is available to be delivered . The  salad and sandwich menu changes weekly in order to keep everything as seasonal and as fresh as possible. The menu is available each Thursday on the web/blog site.

. Kaffeine.co.uk

Allpress Espresso

Workshop Coffee Co.

Workshop’s original Clerkenwell cafe is not only a favourite brunch spot (they also serve lunch, dinner and drinks), but also the site of the brand’s roastery and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto a rather beautiful living wall. The baristas are knowledgeable and skilled and coffee very good indeed – take away a bag of the Cult of Done Espresso beans to recreate the experience at home or try out Workshop’s Aeropress or French press coffees in the cafe itself. www.workshopcoffee.com

 

Fernandez & Wells

Great food, great wine and great coffee – Fernandez & Wells truly has it all. Vogue loves the Stumpy, F&W’s trademarked mini flat white, served in a small Duralex glass and just the right strength for a mid-afternoon coffee run. Owners Jorge and Rick met while working at Monmouth Coffee, and have transferred their expertise into choosing the best single-origin beans each season from Has Bean Coffee in Stafford for their in-demand espresso-based drinks. Fernandezandwells.com

 

The Monocle Café

Monocle’s chic Chiltern Street Cafe serves Allpress coffee rather than its own blend, but it’s so stylish that it deserves its own place on the list. Impeccable interiors and Scandi-chic ceramicware set the scene, whilst the food is a mix of Japanese and Scandinavian – the cardamom buns (supplied daily by Fabrique bakery in Hoxton) are the best we’ve tried. Cafe.monocle.com

Climpson & Sons

Broadway Market offers an overwhelming wealth of wonderful food and drink options, but Climpson & Sons has stood the test of time. Roasting its own coffee in London Fields, Climpson & Sons offers speedy service in its own cafe as well as supplying beans to venues around the city. Climpsonandsons.com

 

Saint Espresso, Angel

 

Angel’s Saint Espresso is the second location from the team behind the popular Leyas next to Mornington Crescent station. Taking inspiration from their location and its moniker, the owner Leon, has clearly enjoyed putting the cafe together. With an impressive attention to detail, he has created a distinctively austere, almost religious atmosphere, complete with stark, custom-made black shelving. The cafe is framed with piumbing pipes which create intricate wall displays. Communion is taken before a black, customised Strada. A black light fixture hangs dramatically from above, while candlesticks and an undercurrent of bronze reinforce the theme.

 

 

Of course this is just a backdrop, which alongside the simple food menu places the coffee centre stage. Saint roast their own coffee for espresso-based and filter options. The Lalani & Co tea menu looks equally impressive.

 

 

As Saint is owner Leon’s second café, and couldn’t be more different from his first, Leya’s in Camden. Saint is an almost religious homage to the coffee bean. It’s an instagrammer’s dream, with austere, graphic interiors bathed in light streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The food is very nice, but it’s the coffee and teas that take centre stage.