Lana Del Rey 'Video Games' and 'Blue Jeans' - looking forward to October 9th

http://lanadelrey.com/

Galoupet - An Injection of Life for Beauchamp Place

This Beauchamp Place new-comer is exactly what Knightsbridge needed. Galoupet is a pristine white restaurant adorned with lavender focusing on Mediterranean/Asian fusion cuisine. The menu is tapas style and each dish is presented on the menu with one of Galoupet's accompanying wines. The restaurant is proudly named after the Provencal wine estate Chateâu du Galoupet, and the principles of their wine making are reflected in the dishes and more importantly the produce. The produce is sourced from smaller, artisanal suppliers, as far as possible organic, who have high standards of animal welfare, environmental awareness and sustainability. 

The menu is seasonal and offerings include treats such as Corn Crusted Aubergine, green tomato chutney and goats curd, or the Fig, Fregola, purple basil, orange, konbu and hazelnut salad. The O'Shea's Onglet Steak with mandarin, peanuts and papaya is intricately put together and perfectly executed, and the Norfolk white free range chicken with miso peach and ginger is unusual but mouthwatering. 

The combinations of flavours are ingenious, the chef formerly at Zuma likes to focus on Balance, ensuring each dish is perfectly balanced as well as the combination of the recommended wine and the dish. The outcome is a number of clean, fresh, healthy and beautifully presented dishes which will most definitely ensure you are drawn to returning to Galoupet.

Galoupet has an all day menu, serving breakfast from 8am and a full menu from 12 noon. The kitchen plays host to a Josper Grill, so breakfast comprises of almost Moorish style baked eggs with accompaniments such as sweet potato, peppers and chilli or white pudding, back bacon and apple. Other options include healthy spelt waffles or porridge with coconut, palm sugar and dates. Particularly impressed by Galoupet i will most definitely be returning for brunch this weekend!

Galoupet, 13 Beauchamp Place, London SW3 1NQ - 020 7036 3600
http://www.galoupet.co.uk/#/get/0/ 

Hot Hot Mykonos

Situated a breath away from the picturesque and vibrant town of Mykonos, Ostraco Suites - http://www.ostraco.gr/ -is an ideal holiday destination for those seeking elegance, serenity and unpretentious beauty.

The hotel is much like the quieter boutique hotels one would find in Santorini, and is within minutes of the destination beaches including Nammos beach, Kalua at Paraga Beach and the most renowned restaurants in Mykonos.

The owner is focused on maintaining the traditional architecture of the colorful island of Greece and has designed Ostraco with creativity and imagination, the hotel displays the owners personality throughout in accents of colour, and with the hints of contemporary furniture.

NAMMOS 
http://www.nammos.gr/


The Voile Rouge of Mykonos, this stylish beach club is situated off a beautiful blue cove and acts as a beach and restaurant, serving food throughout the day until closing time at 21:00. This may seem early, however at approximately 18:00, Nammos transforms from a restrained and relaxed environment to the wildest destination on the island.

The most stylish inhabitants and visitors of the island come in hoards to enjoy Nammos, whether it be by yacht, Riva, quad or chauffeur this place is always packed.  The food here is spectacular with the largest selection of fresh seafood imaginable and the most delicious Greek specialties, however lunch is inevitably followed by shots of Mastic, an alcohol made from a derivative of a tree found in nearby Chios which is drunk after meals - and then the dancing, which elevates to the tops of the tables, followed by champagne spraying fights much like those in the early hours of the evening at Nikki Beach in Saint Tropez.

Nammos also boasts one if the most stylish destination boutiques on the island, stocking everything from Missoni to Christian Louboutin, and next to the boutique lies a beautiful Rodial spa and Hot Yoga Centre.

INTERNI
http://www.interni-restaurant.gr/


The words brandished over Interni's menu's say it all - 'Great Food is like Great Sex, the More you Have, the More you Want' - once you have eaten here you will want to return again and again!

This beautiful white washed restaurant is entered through a large white cavernous door, where you are met by a sweeping white staircase leading down to this contemporary Greek restaurant set in amongst hibiscus, olive and orange blossom trees.

The food at Interni is a fusion of Italian and Greek food, however unlike its competitors in Mykonos, the concept and food is refined and original, the menu consists of such delicacies as peach, champagne and prosciutto risotto and langoustines with minted cous cous and coconut cream jus.

In the centre of the restaurant lies a bar which becomes a hub for Mykonos's most stylish set, who sip mojitos and espresso martinis until the early hours. This really is the place to be.

Uno Con Carne 
http://unoconcarne.gr/ 

'The most famous steak house and oyster bar in Mykonos' - and it really does live up to this legend. 

Uno Con Carne is an Argentine steak house that reflects the cosmopolitan scope of Mykonos dining, with features such as an open air movie theatre and outlandish oversized chairs, all white washed with accents of electric colours, it makes for quite an experience.

The steak really is the best and the oysters are hand dived. This is a truley spectacular restaurant, and the bar much like Interni's is a go to destination in it's own right, serving up cuban cocktails and fresh mojitos of all varieties. 

SOLYMAR BEACH RESTAURANT
http://www.solymar.gr/ 

Solymar is on the opposite side of the island from Mykonos town and set just off Kalo Livadi with views of the crystal clear water and a very chilled out vibe.

Even in the first years of Solymar's operation it was THE beach to go to. Solymar combines Cycladean architecture with Mexican colours and the Greek Spirit for a perfect balance.

The food is fresh and locally sourced, the Feta, watermelon and tomato salad is a favourite and the line caught fish of the day is perfectly cooked and adorned with capers olives and zucchini. The Courgette flowers are stuffed with feta and fresh mint and the grilled crab legs are very popular.

LOve LoVe lOvE Tom Ford

Tom Ford once again creates a sexy and provocative ad campaign, this time its for his new Unisex Fragrance called Neroli Portofino - LOVE

http://www.tomford.com/

Best Ad Campaign Ever - Oliver People's 2011

The Culture Hub is in love with the beautiful and provocative ad campaign for Oliver People's sunglasses. Directed by Lisa Eisner at The Rainbow House, by John Lautner, and starring the singer/songwriter and visual artist Devendra Banhart and his real life girlfriend the gorgeous Rebecca Schwartz, this short film captures romance and is an exploration of authentic intimacy and sexuality. The use of light and Banhart's "Brindo" provides a perfect mood for this love story.

Check out the stunning images taken on set and the new collection by Oliver Peoples - http://www.oliverpeoples.com/

Ibiza Relaxation

Atzaro Ibiza, Atzaro Agroturismo - Ctra. Sant Joan KM 15, ibiza - Tel: +34 971 33 88 38

  

Secretly nestled within its own orange grove, is Atzaró, a centuries old family finca which has been lovingly restored and converted into luxurious accommodation. The decor of the hotel has been influenced by Asian, Ibizian, and African designs, and truly is an escape from the stereotypical Ibiza we all know. The hotel boasts a chill out zone with a live DJ, sushi and a cocktail bar, an art lounge and a new fashion lounge, as well as a blissful spa. 

http://www.atzaro.com/agroturismo-ibiza/en/

La Paloma - http://www.palomaibiza.com/ - is one of the most beautiful restaurants The Culture Hub has ever enjoyed an evening at. This family run Italian restaurant serves authentic handmade food made using the very best ingredients locally sourced in Ibiza, for example their mozzarella and award winning Spanish olive oil, or sourced from the owner's native Tuscany. Enjoy Manuka Honey Mojitos under the stars and a selection of the freshest homemade pasta dishes, as well as their infamous Solomillo (steak) with balsamic vinegar and thyme sauce.

La Paloma Bakery is open throughout the morning and for lunch serving homemade breads and fresh salads and then again for dinner, reservations must be made in advance. The Paloma boutique is filled with treasures, whether is be handmade silk bikinis or Indian crafts.

Il Baretto - The Culture Hub's New Favourite Italian

43 Blandford Street, London W1U 7HF, Tel. 0207 486 7340

The Culture Hub recently ate at Il Baretto near Marylebone Hightreet, the food was unrivaled by any Italian competitor in London. 

The selection of starters is endless, with classics such as Buratta, Venetian style Scallops and the freshest Beef Carpaccio. The Culture Hub could not resist from sampling a number of the mouthwatering appetizers. 

For the main course you are also faced by a plethora of Italian specialties. The Culture Hub sampled one of Il Baretto's famed dishes, the Pizza Bismarck - Mozzarella fiordilatte, asparagus, soft egg
& black truffle - a unique tasting experience, delicious! Il Baretto boats a Robata grill serving up perfectly cooked T-Bone steaks and Dover Sole. The pasta is not for the faint-hearted, perfectly 'al dente' pastas including Lobster Linguine and Black ink tagliolini with crab meat & courgette are presented beautifully and hardly leave enough room for pudding.


The Traditional tiramisù is a favourite, andThe Culture Hub would also recommend the Warm rhubarb & Amaretti cake with its sorbet.

Check out the website http://www.ilbaretto.co.uk/

Best for Light Lunches in the Sun - La Petite Maison

53-54 Brook's Mews, London, W1K 4EG, 020 7495 4774


La Petite Maison is The Culture Hub's favourite lunch time spot when the sun is shining, with outdoor seating and a vast array of light appetisers, you can not go wrong.
Don't miss out on the Sea Bream Carpaccio or the Buratta with fresh Camone Tomato relish to start with and the Turbot with Artichokes, Chorizo, White Wine and Olive Oil for the main course. 

The Creme Brulee is The Culture Hub's current favourite La Petite Maison dish. Eat here at lunch when it is light and breezy, the produce is locally sourced and as Fresh as La Petite Maison's sister restaurant in Nice. 


http://www.lpmlondon.co.uk/

Formentera

Gecko Beach Club, Ca Mari, Playa Migjorn, 07860 Formentera, Spain, +34 971 328 024, info@geckobeachclub.com

 

Located on one of Formentera's most beautiful stretches of beach, Playa Migjorn, nestled just off the beach in an abundantly green tropical paradise lies Gecko beach Club or 'paradise'. This privately owned hotel is perfect for a weekend getaway for a couple seeking a romantic holiday or for a family looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the usual summer holiday spots in the Mediterranean. The hotel has 27 double rooms decorated in that 'beach feel' yet chic style, using natural materials and modern lines. All rooms have terraces either facing the beautiful tropical gardens or the crystal clear aquamarine sea.  

 

The Hotel offers morning and evening Yoga sessions in either groups or individually in the form of private classes. There are massages available by the pool in a cabana tucked away near the exquisite shop stocking unusual bikinis and beach accessories sourced all over the world. By the pool one can enjoy fresh fruit juices and feast on Gecko's delicious choice of Thai and traditional Spanish specialties. In the morning rent a quad bike or a scooter and visit Es Calo and Calo de Morts, two breathtaking coves a mere 20 minutes from the hotel, and in the evening visit Formentera's most picturesque town, San Francesc, which is home to arts and crafts boutiques and plenty of traditional Spanish bars, a hippie market and renowned restaurants.  

http://www.geckobeachclub.com/#/home-es
www.formenterayoga.com

For alternative accommodation in Formentera try Dunas Playa - http://www.dunasplaya.com/alo.php

Just 2 kilometers from Gecko Beach Club, perched on a rock face overlooking the spectacular Migjorn Bay, lies 10.7 Formentera - http://www.10punto7.com/ - a beach restaurant and lounge designed by the famous Italian fashion designer Patrizia Pepe. The roof lounge is the perfect setting to have a drink in the evening and watch the sun set.

For dinner in Formentera, there is no question that Can Carlos - http://www.cancarlos.com/  +34971322874 - is the best restaurant, for an island of this size is it unusual to dine at a restaurant of this caliber. The food is primarily Italian inspired, and this is a destination restaurant. Manzoli, the 31 year old Italian chef serves up specialties including Beef Carpaccio adorned with rosemary and Formentera Salt and the Risotto Can Carlos (a fennel, champagne and pecorino risotto - to die for!) as starters followed by an array of fresh fish caught locally and cooked on their grill or a selection of meat cuts which will melt in your mouth. The sprawling terrace basks in the glow of a million twinkling fairy lights, strung from the low-hanging trees, and the whole place is abuzz with the sounds of food and romance, it is no surprise that Manzoli is collaborating with Philip Stark on a group of restaurants in New York. 

Juan y Andrea - http://www.juanyandrea.com/en/index.html / + 34 971 18 71 30  - is the destination restaurant for all yacht owners sailing around the Balearic Islands. Juan Boned, a fisherman from Formentera, fell in love with Andrea, a woman from Soria, while he was still sailing, and together they set up the now sprawling restaurant on Playa Illetas. Here one can enjoy Paella's of all varieties, Fidua, Salt Baked Sea Bream or Dorade and lobster caught locally. The food is impossibly fresh and made with love, which is why you will find such an eclectic mix of clientele, from locals to billionaires.