Jun

Focus!

But focus on what? I am so distracted.

Since the election, I am still finding it hard to actively engaging my thought on anything at length. It feels like I am in a weird bubble or having a cloud over my head, numbing my senses.

Bobby, give me a shot of anesthetic on my head, I joked to my dentist. I thought that I left BBC at home but he had a ceiling mounted TV and it was showing BBC 24!

All the chatter and clatter from the Westminster, ugh! They are just gibberish, aren’t they? How I wish if I could go into hibernation and wake up when everything was sorted for good. Because I have no predilection for watching yet more political cat fights by the usual suspects in the Commons. Have had enough of them already, haven’t we?

Anyway, I was given an all-clear from the dentist and hit the pavement around 10 o’clock, feeling very hungry because I skipped breakfast.

Hmm…, I need something comforting and reassuring…

At Benugo on Great Portland Street, I had a toasted sannie named Londoner. Between the two slices of granary bread I found egg, sausage and bacon. Very very moreish.

After finishing my breakfast, I felt a little happier. This is it, I thought. It is because the time like this, I mustn’t let negativity which are prevalent recently to mar my life. Instead, I should focus on what are in front of me and appreciate them as they are.

Kaori by Kaori Okumura

4 months ago Short URL Comments

Anything UK/Food/London/Myself/News & Trend

benugo/uk politics

May

Empty-handed Saturday

‘We’ll be home in a few hours!’ I shouted as I walked out of our front door with Bella in tow while Hubbie’s bespectacled profile was firmly fixed to the screen of his Mac. Saturday’s weather was not as summery as Fridsy’s, but it was still warm and dry. It was simply too nice to ignore. Therefore, Bella and I went on a short excursion to the West End.

From Old Street, we hopped on a No.55 from Old Street and off we went…

We alighted at Great Titchfield Steet stop and made a beeline to Benugo.

We love this particular branch of Benugo because they have nice benches on which we can sit together and watch the world goes by.

My recent favourite, the Super Green Courgette Fritter Bowl…

‘I’m not looking at it cos I know it’s not for me…’ Don’t worry, Ben Ben. I have your favourite doggie biscuits in my tote.

I just couldn’t have enough of this vegetarian bowl. It was packed with healthy ingredients, such as pomegranate, seeds, edamame, etc, and very tasty. How I wished if there were a Benugo in Angel. *sob*

After lunch, we headed to Smashbox Studio on Mortimer Street. I read an article regarding their Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick recently and was intrigued by their claim of the lipstick’s staying power. Allegedly, the lipstick could survive through a full French course meal without being retouched! Sounds amazing if it’s true, I thought.

As we approached the junction with Mortimer Street and Berners Street, I started to get concerned. Oh no, not many premises are open! Because it was weekend, many businesses, except cafes and restaurants, were closed. And the Smashbox store was no exception. Oh well, I will try again some another day, I sighed.

Bella, do you think I deserve a mug of mocha for compensating my disappointment?

Konditor & Cook’s pink tables with turfed chairs were too tempting to dismiss…

Do you like the furry chair?

I used to work near Borough Market and their shop there was my No.1 favourite to buy delicious sandwiches and cakes.

Funky, modern and original. That’s why I like them…

Also, their mocha is very tasty too!

Kaori by Kaori Okumura

5 months ago Short URL 2 Comments

Family/Food/London

benugo/konditor&cook/smashbox

Jan

Bahhhhh!!!

Martin the electrician’s assistant brought a replacement extractor for one of my loos which was out of action for sometimes and I was overjoyed. However, the initial euphoria was quickly extinguished as I found the new unit remained silent. ‘Well, it must be to do with a transformer then’. He sighed as he climbed down the ladder. There was nothing we could do other than commiserating each other. He promised he would come back with appropriate parts ASAP and off he went. Bah!

Then I was off to West End to run a few errands. A light shower came down but it did not last very long….

The blueness of the cloud-free sky against the redness of the brick walls along South Molton Street.

Then I grabbed a quick lunch at Benugo on Hanover Street. In my opinion, Benugo serves the only flat white worth paying money for amongst all the fast-food outlets in London.
Inside the deli counter, a guy was carving a great looking chunk of roasted pork belly and I was smitten…

Mmmmm… DEEEEELICIOUS!!
The hunk was juicy and the fat melted on my tongue like butter. The apple sauce enhanced the flavour without being too tangy.
A perfect fuel stop for an increasingly wintery afternoon!

Kaori by Kaori Okumura

3 years ago Short URL Comments

Food/London

benugo/sandwich/South Molton Street/west end

Dec

Benugo @ Hanover Street

I was just about to have a large bite out of toasted sandwich at Benugo, off Regent Street.
Next to me, a trio of Italian ladies were seated, chatting animatedly and having a hearty laugh. I wished if I understood Italian so I could participate in their fun!
West End seemed to have calmed down. People on the street were pushing suitcases which must be stuffed with the gifts for loved ones or sauntering with smiles on their faces. No longer, anyone was zooming around with a sense of urgency edged on its forehead. Just quiet expectation and satisfaction were sailing in the air.
My final task in London, apart from packing a suitcase for Japan trip, was a visit to a hair salon. My hair was to be highlighted, tinted & cut, therefore, I must have a proper sustenance before sitting down in front of the mirror or my stomach would ramble like a roaring lion!

Amongst many chain sandwich places in London, I single out Benugo for their more than passable coffee and good quality food. And today, I had egg Florentine and latte…

I love their toasted sandwiches…

They are even more agreeable when the outside is cold and windy.

Once my quick bite was finished, I was off to my hairdresser’s.
Highlighting and tinting took ages. The time was spent with chatting, reading magazines and looking the world went by through the window…