Strumming 1 Bach Chello Suite No.1

Kimono Cardigan

Some love it, some hate it. I can't get enough of it!

I think the trick to wearing this flawlessly is to find the perfect kimono. 

And what makes the perfect kimono? Here's how to find your perfect kimono for this weeks copy-cat look.

• Choose a length that goes down further than your derriere, and end above the knee. Anything longer or shorter just looks weird.
• Choose a base colour that works well with just about anything in your closet. The point is to make this an accessory. Get it to work with anything for a day to night look.
• As for the pattern, just pick something that reflects your personality.

I have two different kimonos. One is actually a bathing suit cover-up, but I used it out anyways (incidentally ignoring my length rule...but whatever)

 

And of course...I did use them as a bathing suit cover-up.

Something Good to Eat: GOEMON

I walked past this Japanese restaurant various times, but it wasn't until someone mentioned it that I actually noticed it was there. When I went in, I was hesitant, it was quite small and simple and looked like any other sushi place. But then i noticed two full tables of japanese business men eating heartily and laughing loudly over their sake. And if there's one thing I know, if the Japanese are eating at a Japanese restaurant, it's because it's the real deal and very good. This rule goes for all other foods.

The menu is quite simple and specific, divided into lunch and dinner. In fact you should keep in mind their specific schedule too which is as followed.

Monday to Friday
12:30-3:30
7:30-11:30

Saturday
1:00-4:00
7:30-12:00

This place is well-known for their Shabu Shabu and Sukiyaki which are cook-it-yourself meals.
And you can feel free to try it, but I have only gone there for 3 things.
Ramen, sushi and tempura.

The Ramen, which I have only been able to find here, is amazing. A flavorful broth with noodles, egg, pork and seasoned with your choice of miso, soy or salt. I suggest the miso. This soup is so heartwarming and calming, I will openly admit that after a bad break-up I went straight to Goemon, took a seat at the bar and ordered nothing but this soup which soothed my broken heart.

There are a few sushi rolls to choose from, but I only suggest one. Hana Atun Roll.
I'm so embarrassed to say that I can't recall exactñy what's in it besides avocado, but it's covered with the freshest and smoothest tuna I have ever tasted! That's probably why I can't remember the other ingredient, I couldn't get over the tuna. I do enjoy that it DOESN'T come with cream cheese, which has bored me to death in sushi rolls. And this one is so good, I don't even have to dunk it in soy sauce. I really don't suggest any other.

Continuing with freshness, I also suggest the Nigiri mix. This is real sushi rice, unlike other places that use regular rice. And the sashimi slices are just amazing. So smooth and filling.

I also suggest the shrimp tempura. It is costly...but it's the biggest shrimp I have ever seen! Seriously, monster shrimp. Longer than my hand shrimp, and the batter is amazing. I would show a picture...but they were devoured before I could.

Of course, if you want something strong and traditional to go with your food, some warm sake is always the way to go.



So, all in all, the menu seems limited (and it is) and it's also somewhat costly, but if you're looking for something traditional and really good, this is it.



Goemon
Manuel Montt 38, Providencia.
0222351714

Something Good to Eat: TEA CONNECTION

I have found that when I start trying discovering new restaurants I like, i'm not partial to the whole menu, but to very specific items. And in general, it's a sad truth that there are very few restaurants around here that have a full satisfying menu. 

But anyways...this is one of those places with select go-to items. 

Tea Connection is actually a chain restaurant that has locations in Chile, Argentina, Brazil and Mexico. Usually I am hesitant to chain restaurants, but I was attracted to the clean and modern look which is something that is lacking in this country. 

The menu is based on healthy and fresh preparations, and it is reflected in the food. Breakfasts are also available, but when I ordered one it was pretty costly for such small portions. The service is a little slow, but that's Chileans for ya.

So I decided to settle on a sandwich called the Tibio Thai. This is has roasted chicken with cheese, mango chutney, mushrooms and arugula. The bread is also made in the same location and is amazing.

When I first went, I also ordered a side of potatoes wedges called Come to Papa with crispy skin (shows it's fresh and tastes so much better), and a side of smooth cream cheese and chives. I fell in love with the potatoes. And I always ordered on the side, but now they offer it with the sandwich which is a new bonus. (Although, to be honest, I still order a portion of potatoes)

Of course, being called Tea Connection they have a wide variety of teas. Pretty good to. They sell loose tea, but I seriously don't suggest it. It's far too expensive and not worth it. They do have some great iced teas, and smoothies. I personally drink the flavoured waters which come in a beautiful bottle. It may be simple, but it's got a fresh flavour and obviously is healthier.

I also have to make a special mention to the desserts. They have a lovely variety and so delicious. I am partial to their carrot cake which is actually the best I have tried anywhere and gotten much inspiration from. I swear I tried to take a picture, but i ate it too quickly. So I highly suggest it!

In conclusion, go for the sandwiches, extra side of potatoes, fruit water and finish of with any of their great pastries. And if price is something you need to know, you will spend approximately $18.000. And that's for two people. One sandwich with the potatoes is more than enough for two. So all in all, not bad for a relaxing summer date.*wink*

Tea Connection
Av. Pedro de Valdivia 0129
022340047

Monday-Saturday 8:30-11:30
Sunday 12:00-9:00

Something Good to Eat: LA SIGNORIA

It's probably no surprise that I'm a complete foodie. And when I came to Chile, I was surprised by the gastronomic contradiction here. The agriculture here is amazing. The markets have such a great, affordable and vast collection of produce. And yet, I was very disappointed with the limited variety of restaurants and the general lack-luster of the food. Even the high-end, well-reviewed restaurants hardly ever blew me away. So I made it my mini mission to find truly good places to eat. Whether they be hole-in-the-wall or 5 star locations...I just wanted something good to eat.

So here it is, my first review for my first find in Santiago, Chile.

La Signoria

I found this place while I was walking on Loreto making my way to the Chinese supermarket, and noticed a doorway with the word pastry shop in Italian written along the wall and knew I HAD to go in and take a look. I found an empty little place that was decorated completely in white and had room for about 20 people. The single waiter that was there jumped into action to serve us and showed us a plastic menu. Nothing looked interesting until he mentioned the special. Each day, the chef goes into market to find fresh ingredients and makes up approximately 5 new pastas each day. We went straight for it. We also ordered a fruit juice. And not the bottled Watts nonsense they drink here, but an actual fruit juice with pulp and all. And those also change daily.

Before the pasta, we got a surprise entree. Bruschetta with antipasto on top. We were told this also varied each day and in winter soup was given instead of the bruschetta. Either way, it's a complimentary treat given before the pasta. And it was amazing!

And the pasta? I am not a fan of fresh pasta...but this was better than anything I have ever eaten. I had ravioli filled with squash and covered with butter and sage that was so heavenly, I was imagining myself running through a vegetable garden on a warm day of autumn.

I wasn't able to take a picture of my plate because I devoured it, but I did manage to take a picture of my partners plate (who is a more a patient eater than I). He ordered mushroom and ricotta ravioli with sautéed mushrooms on top. Amazing!

I have told so many people about this place, and it seems as though word has really gotten around. They offer a lunch special during the week, but on the weekends I can't get a seat unless I make a reservation. And that plastic menu? Disappeared. And why not? The pasta is so amazing, it is the only reason I would go there...well, unless I'm looking for a good brunch, but I'll leave that for another review.

La Signoria

Bellavista 211, Santiago, Chile

02 2813 6591

The Mean Red

"You know those days when you get the mean reds? Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of!"-Breakfast at Tiffany's

I loved this little bit of the film. Because it's totally true. Some days you just wake up and nothing seems sure or safe. And the only explanation is fear but with no real reason. I, however, have plenty of reasons why I feel this way, or why I feel it's necessary for a drink especially when you've just got off a 12 hour shift at work on a Sunday when it's gorgeous outside and you're locked in a kitchen!

Necessity if the mother of invention, and so...desperately needing a fancy drink, but unable to go out for one, I came up with this magic potion with what I had in the fridge.

And I've adequately baptized it as: The Mean Red

Ingredients on hand: Absolut Raspberry, Grenadine, 

Bauza Ice (chilean version of Smirnoff Ice), and Raspberries.

After a long day of work or a simple when you got the "mean reds" and you feel like all you want to do is lie in bed and cry...mix this little number up and it'll make all the difference! (Granted, it's no trip to Tiffany's, but after a glass of this, it's a close second!)

THE MEAN RED

2 shots Absolute Raspberry

2 Shots Grenadine

Spoonful of crushed raspberries

Top up with Smirnoff Ice or equivalent bubbly drink.

Illustration Inspiration

Fashion inspiration can come from anywhere. And I will prove it. This time, it actually came from a talented illustrator that created a collection of Hey Arnold! characters in there 20's. I'm NOT a fan of this cartoon, but I admired the artists work. And one of the characters had such a cute look, that I decided to create my own version of it.

This is the illustration..

Here's what I did...

Trenchcoat (Basement), Grey Tee Shirt (Mango), Burgundy Skirt (Zara)