I thought I’d start chronicling some of my chef jobs, and working as a private chef in Provence over the summer was certainly one of my favorites!

People often ask me about being a private chef, what is my day-to-day life like and what I do. It’s a lot of hard work, but creating delicious food in a beautiful setting like the south of France is definitely a dream, especially as I can learn so much whilst I’m there and develop new recipes. The fresh produce was amazing, the clients were delightful and all in all, it was such a wonderful way to spend a few weeks in the summer.

A day in the life of a private chef in Provence

My days started early before it gets too hot. The south of France in the summertime can be steamy, and it really pays to get ahead of the heat. I would discuss that day’s menu with the client the previous evening and have my shopping list ready, so I quickly set up the breakfast table and then hop in the car to get to the grocery store at 8 am when it opened. At first, it took me a long time to find everything I needed in stores, but once I got the hang of where everything was it was a much faster trip.

Breakfast

On the way back, I’d swing by the boulangerie to pick up pastries for breakfast. We would make overnight oats the previous evening for a few guests, but really the only thing that most people wanted was a freshly baked croissant or pain au chocolat which made life easier for me! I’d also pick up bread for lunch and dinner, a few baguettes and other loaves that looked (and smelled) good that day. The cost of a French baguette is actually a highly contentious issue in France as it is considered such a staple in the country. Changes in price get media attention, it’s that major an issue!

Once I got back to the house I’d lay out the breakfast items ready for everyone to wake up and lazily come down. Guests would spend the morning playing tennis, lounging by the pool or they’d perhaps take a slow cycle through the orchards and go into town. I’d have a quick swim and then get on with lunch prep.

Lunch

We kept Mediterranean hours so lunch would be served late. I would always serve 3 dishes with at least one hot option, perhaps an heirloom tomato salad with hot honey and feta with a baked Spanish tortilla omelette, courgette fritters and a trusty French baguette on the side. If it was really hot, I’d make a gazpacho to cool everyone down, I love this cucumber gazpacho, it is so unbelievably refreshing. Sometimes I’d make a dip, or some homemade pineapple habanero hot sauce to go with everything which blew everyone’s heads off but they loved it.

Occasionally we’d throw a pool party for lunch, light up the BBQ and eat next to the swimming pool rather than the dining area in the courtyard. I’d make jugs of Frose (rose wine blended with ice and watermelon) and serve dishes like black garlic BBQ chicken and buttered sweetcorn.

After lunch, it was time to relax and I’d read a book by the pool, do some writing work or catch up with some video editing for my social media channels. TikTok especially loved my content at that time, although I did get trolled for not folding salami in the right way which was apparently highly offensive to some.

Cocktail hour

There was a beautiful vantage point in the garden where you could watch the sunset and play Pétanque, and this is where guests had pre-dinner drinks in the evenings. I’d make some simple canapes like this beetroot and walnut hummus or pick some fresh figs from the trees in the garden and make fig and goat cheese crostini drizzled in local honey. Depending on how complex my dinner menu was, I would sometimes join everyone for a quick drink but often had to scamper back to the kitchen. Things were not helped by a little stray kitten who kept trying to sneak into the kitchen, eventually, we got her rehomed with a local friend and she happily lives with that family now. But there was an entertaining interlude where the police showed up to collect her which was rather alarming. A story for another time, perhaps.

The drink of choice was, of course, locally produced wine from a vineyard near Isle Sur La Sorgue or a simple cocktail. Gin and Tonics also went down well and I even made these vodka greyhound frozen cocktail popsicles once!

Dinner

I served dinner at 9 pm once it was dark and a bit cooler. Dinner was usually just two courses as I’d served canapes during cocktail hour, and sometimes I’d serve dinner family-style with everything on the table and guests help themselves, or I’d plate up in the kitchen and do a more restaurant-style service. I’d make dishes like chicken paella, roast pork loin, or a fresh risotto with mint and prosciutto.

For dessert, everyone loved an Eton Mess with the sweetest most delicious summer berries or prosecco, raspberry and elderflower jelly. Provence was also where this pain au chocolat pudding was created, which works a lot better in winter but it didn’t stop us from enjoying it in the summer. Of course, no meal in France is complete without a cheese platter and I kept a healthy supply in the fridge at all times to bring out after meals.

Menu planning

Menu planning is one of my favorite parts of my job. This family and their guests were also real foodies and generally ate anything so I could really stretch my legs and have fun with local produce. We had a notebook in the kitchen where I’d write my ideas and guests could jot down any particular requests or dietary requirements I needed to be aware of.

The number of guests fluctuated throughout the weeks I was there, ranging from 8 to 18, which also dictated my planning somewhat. When cooking for a smaller group I could play around with plating more, and serve in a restaurant style. But when cheffing for 18, it was a case of keeping the high quality whilst bulk cooking in large quantities and that’s when we ate more in a family-sharing style. I am a huge fan of edible decor though and had fun using food as a tablescape to make the table as pretty as possible.

Grocery shopping

Certain items were specialities to the area, like cantaloupe melons (and rose wine) and often I’d see things in the grocery store that I couldn’t resist like colourful heirloom tomatoes or an amazing new cheese. One strange thing I discovered in le supermarché was that there was one section of fridges with cold meats that were very reasonable in price and one section where they were all astronomically expensive but they all looked the same. I never quite worked out why!

Some meats were more readily available than others too, for example, lamb and beef were extremely expensive, but duck was very well priced as was chicken and pork. However, the cut of chicken was not the same as I was used to in the UK, and I had to be careful to buy the right kind or it was all bones and no meat. Discovering these French grocery shopping quirks were a lot of fun, and as my French is decent but not fluent, google translate was definitely my friend.

Time off

I was lucky in that the family included me in a lot of their trips and excursions, for example to vineyards for wine tastings, or if they decided to go out for a drink before dinner I’d get swept along. We had one particularly enjoyable outing to Ridley Scott’s winery, Mas des Infermières which is near Oppède.

There are props, costumes and memorabilia from his films like Alien, Gladiator and House of Gucci all around the tasting room that you can admire whilst sipping on a delicious glass or two.

In the evenings we would occasionally go over to one of the nearby villages like Gordes, and enjoy a glass of rose in the square. Gordes is perched on the edges of a hill overlooking the Luberon is simply one of the most beautiful places on earth

Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue market

At weekends I would also borrow a bike and cycle into town for the famous Sunday market in Isle-Sur-La-Sorgue to pick up extra ingredients and things for myself. I got to know several market sellers who cater to other private chefs in the area and this was helpful to me as well! It is advisable to go early, at 9 30 am or 10 am to avoid the crowds which build up very fast. I recommend getting there early, speeding around and then stopping for a coffee and a croissant at Café de France in the main square, watching the bustling world go by.

You can buy local specialities like soaps, lavender and linens. I’d cycle back laden with cheese, herbs, spices and gifts for my friends and family which was hard enough, but packing it all into my suitcase was an ordeal in itself.

What is it like being a private chef in Provence?

I had a wonderful experience private cheffing in the south of France, it is a beautiful part of the world and my clients were a dream. I was fortunate in that they were all adults, catering for children’s meal times in addition to grown-ups can be extremely time-consuming, and this meant I got to enjoy my time there a lot more. Working as a holiday private chef is a great way of travelling and seeing the world whilst getting paid, and I’m not sure what can beat that!

Private chef FAQ

Traditional Portuguese food is some of my favourite food to eat. Portugal is well-known for its stunning range of beaches, warm weather and rich history, but those who know it best also know that it’s an amazing foodie destination. Whilst it doesn’t have the worldwide reputation enjoyed by destinations like Paris and Singapore, it’s all the better for it. Its hidden gem status means that you’re actually able to get a seat at local eateries, rather than having to book months in advance, and if you travel off-peak, you’re likely to be able to enjoy your meal in relative peace. I have so many happy memories of holidays to Portugal when I was younger, trying traditional Portuguese food and learning about the flavour profiles. 

There are delicious spots all over the country to explore, but I thought I’d line up some of the best places to visit if you’re planning your own Portugal food and travel adventure!

Porto

Portugal’s second-largest city is a shipping port that sits on the coast, and as such, has always been a destination rich in produce. Porto is perhaps best-known for the Port wine that Portugal is famous for, but it’s also got plenty to offer for foodies as well as oenophiles.

To start off your Portugal food and travel experience here, seek out a francesinha, the ultimate sandwich. A little like the French croque monsieur (but with some hefty additions), it’s made with thick bread, filled with several variations of meat, before being covered with melted cheese. If that’s not enough, it also comes with a tomato and beer sauce, and often a fried egg and fries. You might need a nap or a walk afterwards…

Other traditional Portuguese foods you can find in Porto include a cachorrinho, a hotdog made with thin, crusty bread rather than a traditional American-style bun, topped with cheese and a spicy hot sauce, and cut into bite-size pieces. Perfect for sharing with your travel buddies (or keeping all to yourself) and great fuel for your explorations of the city!

Check out this post for other reasons to go to Porto.

Lisbon

It’s impossible to visit Portugal’s capital without being tempted to try the legendary pastéis de nata. These irresistible little tarts are made with an egg custard encased in buttery, flaky pastry, and it’s easy to stroll around the city with one (or three) in hand to sample as you walk.

They were created in the Jerónimos Monastery, one of Portugal’s 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, in order to use up the egg yolks that were left after starching the nun’s habits with egg whites. Unsurprisingly, the monks realised that they could sell them to gain income. Today, the original recipe still remains a closely guarded secret. My favourite place in Lisbon to get pastéis de nata is the beautiful Pasteis de Belem cafe. Enjoy with a coffee, and pick up some other baked specialities whilst you’re at it. 

Lisbon offers a huge range of cuisines due to the diversity of the people who live there, and is home to multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as a Time Out market. If you’re looking for a food and travel adventure in Portugal, this is truly a must-visit spot. It’s also become a popular destination for digital nomads, and I’m always tempted to go and spend some time running Rosanna ETC from Lisbon as I did in Belize.

Olhão

If you’re visiting the sunny southern shores of the Algarve, you may be reluctant to head into the city. Instead, head to Olhão, which is just six miles from Faro. Home to the Algarve’s largest fishing port, it’s the best place to go for getting hold of some of the freshest seafood around. It’s also a more authentically Portuguese town, less geared towards tourists than other popular destinations.

Saturday is the best time to visit Olhão. Although the markets are open on other days, Saturday is prime time for sardines, octopus and clams, and for window-shopping at the stands that are covered in fresh fish and vegetables. I have a vivid memory of eating an octopus salad in a restaurant near here when I was quite young, I was reluctant at first but ended up loving it. Whilst you’re there, you can also take a boat tour of the Ria Formosa lagoon and national park that departs from the harbour. It’s a beautiful way to see the coastline and local wildlife.

All over the country, there are local spots to find traditional Portuguese food. If you have the time, make sure to head to all the spots listed here for the ultimate Portugal food and travel trip.

When to travel to Portugal?

My favourite time to travel to Portugal is between late April and early October when the weather is warm and sunny. Avoiding school holidays within that time frame will mean fewer crowds and cheaper flights, and who doesn’t love space to roam freely and really explore a destination without huge queues and rows of tourists? If you can, hire a car and go to a few different places to make the most of your time there and try all the traditional Portuguese food ideas in this post. Let me know if you make it! 

As I contemplate the fact that I will one day (hopefully soon) be leaving the UK and moving to the USA, I have made a point of taking in as many of the famous landmarks in the UK as I can. Drinking it all in, and making the most of the beauties on my doorstep. And so I finally took myself off to Eltham Palace, a place I have wanted to visit for a really long time due to its stunning Art Deco interior. I am a huge fan of Art Deco anything and had been keen to see Eltham Palace for years and years but had always put it off. But this summer might be my last as a resident of the UK and so with that in mind, I had to make time to go. And I’m so glad I did! Here’s why…

Eltham Palace is pretty under the radar, and not usually listed amongst the most famous landmarks in the UK like Big Ben, Stone Henge, or the White Cliffs of Dover but if you are visiting England and staying in or near London, you should definitely go. Eltham Palace was a favoured home to the Tudor King Henry VIII and sits within the Royal Borough of Greenwich in southeast London.

You cross over a moat using an ancient bridge to get there, in fact, it is the oldest bridge in the UK. Almost a famous landmark in itself!

Its story as an art deco wonder began when it was taken over by the millionaires Stephen and Virginia Courtauld in 1933. They transformed it into a decadent Art Deco mansion, blending the medieval features with ultra-stylish 1930s design. It was home to extravagant parties (and a pet monkey) and stepping inside it is like stepping back in time to an era of dressing for dinner, billows of cigar smoke, and the tinkle of a piano playing.

You enter into a circular entrance hall with doorways and staircases leading to other rooms and floors, but take your time in this part of the house and admire the wood paneling!

The art deco detailing throughout the house is exquisite, I just couldn’t get enough.

There are so many art deco treasures to discover that have been perfectly preserved by English Heritage and the dining room set for a dinner party was one of my favorites. There was even a notebook left next to Virginia’s place as she apparently always made notes on what had gone wrong so she could tell of the chef and staff afterward.

Virginia’s opulent gold and onyx bathroom simply has to be seen to be believed.

Her beloved pet monkey had run of the house with tunnels and ladders going through ceilings so he could go about as he pleased, and I rather felt that I’d like to be reincarnated as that monkey.

The 19 acres of gardens surrounding it are just as beautiful, with water features, herbaceous borders, and weeping willows that dangle idly into the moat.

What time to visit Eltham Palace?

I would recommend visiting Eltham Palace early when it first opens and giving yourself a few hours to wander around the house and garden.

And then if you’re hungry for lunch and looking for a restaurant near Eltham Palace, try Chapter One.

There is both parking and gift shop at Eltham Palace so this is a very convenient landmark in the UK to visit, and close enough to central London that you can easily make it a half-day trip and still have time to do something else, like perhaps sample a classic afternoon tea back in town!

Frensham Pond in Surrey is one of my favourite spots for a picnic and a swim. There are some beautiful places to go swimming in the UK and on warmer days, it’s the perfect wild swimming spot especially for a beginner. The water is quite shallow though which means that even in colder months, the brave can still give it a go!

I’ve always been a bit frightened of wild swimming as I am NOT a fan of murky water with mysterious objects that might touch your legs and make you scream. However, Frensham Pond in Surrey has lovely clear water and a sandy bottom so you can see exactly what you’re in for and I think it is the best wild swimming location for beginners or first-timers in the South East. The swimming area at Frensham Pond in Surrey is quite small, but it also has a large sandy beach to lie on afterwards, so it is a beautiful place for a day out in summer. Being the foodie that I am, I like to bring a picnic with me.

I thought I’d put together an FAQ so that if you wanted to go wild swimming there too, you have all the information you need.

How to get to Frensham Pond

Frensham Pond in Surrey is between Hindhead and Farnham and it is best to drive there although the number 19 bus from Farnham Station does make a stop nearby. The best postcode to use for Frensham Pond is GU10 2QB.

What is the water like for wild swimming?

The water is quite shallow in the swimming area, with a sandy bottom. You can walk pretty far out and there isn’t a lot of weeds, algae or stones. For a beginner wild swimmer, it is a good option! It also means the water stays relatively warm.

Is there a sandy beach?

Yes, there is a sandy beach! And here’s a top tip, when you first get there you will only see one beach and wild swimming area but if you keep walking all the way past it you will find another beach behind it that is usually less busy as people don’t realise it’s there.

Is there parking at Frensham Pond?

There is a large car park at Frensham Pond although at peak times (like hot sunny days on weekends or during school holidays) it gets very busy and can be full by mid-morning so it is recommended to arrive early. Parking can only be paid for via the parking app Ringo so it is best to download it in advance.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are not allowed on the beach at Frensham Pond, or in the water. There are a few very friendly resident ducks if you are missing animal company!

Can I have a BBQ?

BBQ’s are not allowed but there is a small cafe that serves hot food, ice creams and drinks, and I must say their chips were excellent. The perfect amount of crunch on the outside and light fluffy potato inside. You could also bring a picnic or some snacks, like this broad bean dip recipe that is one of my faves or a Panzanella salad.

What other facilities are there at Frensham Pond?

In addition to the cafe, there are toilets at Frensham Pond too. There is also a little sailing club on the opposite side of the pond which looks like a lovely activity to try some other time.

I loved visiting Frensham Pond and have definitely caught the wild swimming bug. You just feel so free and at one with nature. Let me know if you visit too and be sure to check out some of my other posts with recipes and foodie destinations around the world.

Portugal has long been a favourite holiday destination of mine, and here’s why I think you should go to Porto.

The Algarve has always been a popular choice for a beach break, Lisbon for the capital city vibes and Cascais for surfer chic but out of the many Portugal holidays destinations, Porto is a great choice. It’s chic, relatively small for a city and has beautiful views and things to see.

Why you should go to Porto

Full of stylish boutique hotels and stunning coastline, Portugal works hard to deliver low-impact tourism that scores high for quality. The historic hillside city of Porto is leading the way, with the local authorities investing heavily in electronic mobility and LED technology to reduce Co2 emissions and help fight climate change. How great is that? So Porto (sometimes known as Oporto) is not only a very beautiful Portuguese city but also a very sustainable holiday destination. This article showcases even more of their efforts, which I found extremely impressive.

Where is Porto?

Porto is in Northern Portugal on the banks of the Duoro River near the Atlantic Coast. It is the second-largest city in Portugal and an old outpost of the Roman Empire. Porto is steeped in history and its core was pronounced a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.

Where to stay

Porto is full of charming hotels, use this map of Porto to search by location. I think that city breaks will be the best value this year as the hotels will have been accustomed to business as well as tourism income (both of which has evaporated) and therefore you’ll probably find a lower rate than usual! I am a huge lover of small stylish hotels that deliver an authentic experience and the Torrel Palace Hotel is on my hit list for my next trip.

How to get around

Porto is a small city so you can mainly get around on foot, but it also has a very good public transport system including their beautiful old trams which are a tourist attraction in themselves. You can find out more information about tickets here.

Things to do

Porto’s cobbled streets and tiled roofs are a riot of charm and colour and with 4 Michelin starred restaurants; it’s a dream for a foodie! Find organic, fresh produce, most of which is sourced within 50 kilometres from town, further reducing this Portuguese holiday destination’s carbon footprint.

In addition to the cuisine, you could also visit Clérigos Church with its baroque tower, wander around the museums or take a river tour. If it’s hot and you fancy a swim, go for a dip in Marés Pool, carved into the rocks next to the ocean and designed by famed Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza Vieira.

Arguably the real star of Porto is the Port wine produced there and any trip to this part of the world is incomplete without a cellar tour and tasting. Taylors is one of the best, and you can find out more here on how to visit their cellars.

What is the weather in Porto?

July is the hottest month to visit Porto, with January being the coldest. From April through to October you’ll find pleasant warm sunshine.

Are you planning a holiday to Porto? I think it’s a chic and stylish city and Portugal is one of my favourite countries in the world. The people are friendly, their hospitality is wonderful and the food and wine is delicious. What more could you ask for? If you book a holiday to Porto please let me know below, I’d love to hear your picks.

For more travel inspiration check my other travel blog posts!

Don’t forget to pin this post to come back to it later…

The Afternoon Tea is the quintessentially British way of overindulging but in fabulous style and at London hotels you’ll find some of the best offerings. This is my rundown of where to find the best afternoon tea in London that will serve you a delicious array of cakes and fancies accompanied by a pot of the best tea around, or a glass of champagne if the mood takes you!

In around 1840, the Duchess of Bedford invented this delicious pastime because she kept getting peckish between lunch and dinner. Things escalated somewhat and now, people flock to tearooms in droves for dainty sandwiches, creative cakes and succulent scones smothered in clotted cream and jam. All the best London hotels and bakeries offer Afternoon Tea now, but with so many to choose from, how does one decide where to go?

The best Afternoon Tea

I went on the hunt for intel and spoke to Marisa Davies from Tea From Above who is an authority when it comes to the topic and has been to all the top London venues that offer Afternoon Tea. She has tried them all, casting her discerning eye over menus and tasting offerings all over the capital. Keep reading for her top tips and then a breakdown of exactly where to go when you’re in London and hankering after a scone.

Marisa’s insanely beautiful images show you the most picture-perfect places to nibble on a scone and enjoy a cuppa, and I caught up with her so that you can make your choice based on the best possible advice.

For you, what are the 3 most important things to look for in an afternoon tea?

Friendly – it needs to be a friendly and welcoming atmosphere – not too stuffy!

Flavour – really tasty food – love it when there’s a surprising flavour combination in the pastries.

Tea – good tea, brewed well

Which tea-to-cake/sandwich pairing is your favourite?

I love it when tearooms offer unlimited tea and you can try lots of different blends with the different courses. Black tea is always a good way to start with your sandwiches and then I like to finish with scones and a refreshing White Tea or Jasmine Silver Needle.

If you had to choose one tier of the trolley, which one would it be? (sandwiches, cakes or scones)

The cakes – because I’ve got a seriously sweet tooth and I think it’s where the pastry chefs really show off their skills and imagination.

Cream or jam first? And why?

Scones taste delicious layered either way but I’m cream first – it was how my Nanna taught me and she was always right!

In a city full of afternoon tea offerings, which hotels in London have stood out to you and why?

You’ll find the best, high-end afternoon tea spots in West London, probably due to the tourists that flock there. But during Lockdowns so many of these venues have been offering Afternoon Tea deliveries across London which is such a fab idea – I hope it continues!

Here is the definitive list of Marisa’s favourite Afternoon Tea in London:

1. Claridges

Brook St, London W1K 4HR

This luxury London hotel and celeb favourite pulls out all the stops when it comes to dining and their Afternoon Tea is no different.

Marisa’s verdict: “Classic, delicious and they take the tea seriously here”

Find out more and book here

2. Fortnum & Mason

181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1A 1ER

That blue china! I’d recognize it anywhere. If you do go, don’t miss a wander around the food hall afterwards (if you can stand the sight of more food).

Marisa’s verdict: “Busy and buzzy and very British”

Find out more and book here

3. Browns Hotel

33 Albemarle St, London W1S 4BP

With a lot of variety and in the heart of Mayfair, Browns Hotel is an elegant choice and is right around the corner from Oxford Street.

Marisa’s verdict: “Wonderfully traditional and lots of menus for healthier or gluten-free options”

Find out more and book here

4. The Berkeley

Wilton Pl, London SW1X 7RL

If you want to nibble on Anna Wintour’s face iced onto a biscuit, The Berkeley Hotel is the place for your Afternoon Tea.

Marisa’s verdict: “Fun, fashionable menu for fashionable people.”

Find out more and book here

5. Peggy Porschen

Chelsea parlour 219 King’s Rd, London SW3 5EJ, Belgravia parlour 116 Ebury St, London SW1W 9QQ.

Looking for a pretty Afternoon Tea that will score high on Instagram as well as a veritable feast of edible fancies? Peggy was the pastry chef at The Lanesborough hotel before becoming a famous baker and opening her own patisseries in both Chelsea and Belgravia.

Marisa’s verdict: “The prettiest pink pastries you’ll ever see!”

£53 per person

Find out more and book here

And finally, for those who want to enjoy a fancy London afternoon tea in the comfort of their own home, Marisa recommends The Savoy who will deliver this beautiful experience directly to you. Find out more here.

Are these photos of cakes making you want to book in for afternoon tea? Tell me where you went and your favourite fondant below in the comments.

Travel is a wonderful privilege and I will always be grateful for being able to explore the world, but with every trip comes the need to get over jet lag. As I write this, I am currently suffering myself after flying home to the UK from 6 months abroad and have been doing research on how to handle it! Here is what I have discovered, some helpful tips and suggestions of ways you can get over jet lag more quickly and reduce symptoms.

What is jet lag?

Jet lag happens when you alter your natural circadian rhythm by travelling to a new time zone. Your circadian rhythm is your internal clock that your body uses to manage sleep and wake times, it measures daylight, your temperature, and your hormones and therefore understandably gets out of sync when you travel! Some people are more susceptible to jet lag than others, age can be a factor and how frequently you travel. It can cause fatigue and insomnia and all the delightful symptoms associated with that like mood swings, an inability to concentrate and headaches.

How long does it take to recover from jet lag?

Your body will naturally adjust and the general rule is that it takes a day for each time zone you travel through so as an example if you travel from California to England like I often do, it will take 8 days to fully recover from jet lag. Jet lag is worse when you travel forward in time, from west to east — but it can last longer going the other way. I personally find it a lot easier going back in time from England to California but I’ll wake up really early for a while and even after spending a couple of months there I find it hard to stay up late at night.

How to get over jet lag

1. Adjust to your new time zone

This is more of a mind trick than anything else but if you adjust your watch/phone to your new time zone as soon as you get on the plane it can help you make the shift.

2. Get outside

Travel can play havoc with your internal clock, partly due to a difference in your exposure to light. Exposing yourself to natural daylight after travelling will help wake you up, as it reduces the release of melatonin hormones that make you sleepy.

3. Stay hydrated

If you’re dehydrated, your jet lag symptoms will feel even worse. Make sure you drink enough water before, during and after your flight. You can bring an empty water bottle through airport security with you and then fill it up airside to take on the plane with you or request it in flight. Try and avoid too much in flight bubbly.

4. Manage your sleep

Try and avoid napping upon arrival if it’s during the day, and sleep only according to your new time zone and schedule. Eye masks, earplugs, comfy pillows and sleep aids like melanin capsules or CBD oil can all help you drift off if you’re struggling to get over jet lag.

5. Caffeine!

Caffeine can be handy to keep you alert during waking hours when suffering from jet lag, especially in the morning (or an espresso martini is a great trick a night). Coffee, tea, energy drinks and sodas, and chocolate all contain caffeine but of course watch how much you consume and be cautious of other nasty ingredients that can do you more harm than good.

Can you prevent jet lag?

Sadly, not really. One option to prevent jet lag is to try and change over to your new time zone a few days early but either way, you’re going to lose some time on either side to it where you don’t feel on top form. If you are going forwards in time, try and sleep as much as you can on the plane (see above point on sleep aids!) and then plan your first few days to allow for a slow start.

Do you have any other tips on how to get over jet lag? I’d love to hear them, comment below!

If you’re anything like me, you need a Mexican food fix at least twice a week or you start to get a little hangry. Lucky for me, San Francisco is a real foodie destination nd is known for its Mexican food, and that means regular taco time! I thought I’d do a round-up post of where to find the best tacos in San Francisco so that when you visit, you’ll know where to go. I go to all of these places regularly whenever I am in the Bay Area, and all of them are 100% worth a visit.

Looking for tacos in San Francisco?

San Francisco has a long history with Mexican food with the highest concentration of eateries to be found in the Mission district, but not exclusively. However, for anyone who is a big fan of Mexican food, you can’t go wrong hanging out there and you will not leave unsatisfied. Read on for my round-up of the best tacos in San Francisco…

This is a list I have put together over several trips to the Bay Area over the last two years and includes my absolute favourites and the places for tacos I would recommend to anyone. I will add to this list as time goes on, so for now…enjoy…

At the El Fuego Taco Truck in San Francisco

1. El Fuego food truck

THE place to get your taco fix on the go, the El Fuego food truck moves each day and is often stationed at fun places with outdoor seating. We had the Vampiro, which is a griddled crispy taco with melted cheese on top (a key move as it holds everything together) and then piled high with Al Pastor (marinated pork) and guacamole. And then, of course, the famous Quesabirria, which is stewed beef and panela cheese served on a taco that’s also been dipped into the consommé before being fried, and then served with more of the consommé for you to dip it into again. I mean…if that description alone doesn’t hook you in then, I’m not sure you’re in the right place.

Visit el-Fuego.square.site/ for the full menu and follow them on Instagram to find out where they are and chase your tacos.

2. Hook Fish Co

4542 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122

Are fish tacos more your thing? I hear you. Hook Fish Co is a cheerful neighbourhood fish market & seafood shack serving up some tasty tacos you can eat on wooden benches outside in the sunshine. Try the grilled fish of the day served in a housemade corn tortilla with avocado, pico de gallo, pickled slaw and spicy aioli.

Visit hookfishco.com for more information and find them on Instagram here.

3. Salsalito Taco Shop

1115 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965

This might be over the Golden Gate Bridge, but it’s well worth a visit. Serving up Baja-style Mexican with a California twist since 2002, Salsalito Taco Shop has a cute roadside location with outdoor terrace seating and beautifully tiled tables. Try the Taca de Pescado – lightly battered and deep-fried fish topped with pico de gallo, carrot and cabbage. I then dolloped a bunch of guacamole, too, obviously.

Visit salsalitotacoshop.com/ for more information.

4. Taqueria Cancun

2288 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA

Here’s where it gets messy. The super tacos at Taqueria Cancun, in particular are incredibly decadent and smothered in all kinds of amazing things, and you will end up with it all over your face/hands/arms. This is by no means a bad thing, but you may want to leave your white T-shirts at home. My personal fave is the super taco with Al Pastor marinated pork enjoyed in the sunshine out front on two of their picnic tables (there is other seating indoors too). All orders come with tortilla chips and salsa and to drink, enjoy a Mexican beer or a selection of sodas and juices

$5.99 each for the super tacos with a choice of meats

Closed on Tuesdays

Visit taqueria-cancun.cafes-world.com/ for more information.

5. Tacos El Patron

1500 S Van Ness Ave #100, San Francisco, CA 94110

The first time I went to Tacos El Patron, we ended up sitting next to food writer Amiel Stanek, who was an assistant editor at Bon Appetit at the time, and we were all in raptures over how good it was. He had heard about it and came especially whilst visiting from New York, which is quite the endorsement. The Birria tacos, in particular, were delicious. I’d also highly recommend getting the Choriqueso too which is literally chorizo and melted cheese served with tortillas to dip into it. Pure foodie heaven.

Visit tacos-el-patron.com/ for more information and follow them on Instagram to see more drool-worthy photos to whet the appetite.

And that’s my running list! Have any of your own recommendations to add? Find me on Instagram and we can taco ’bout it. Or if you want to make your own tacos, try my recipe for shredded chicken tacos here

Yesterday, we stumbled across the Pulgas Water Temple in San Mateo County, California. We were driving to Filoli Gardens and suddenly this serene blue pool of water and incredible stone structure reminiscent of ancient Greece jumped out at me from the road and I just had to stop.

The Pulgas Water Temple in San Mateo

We pulled in and got out of the car to explore this mysterious and beautiful place.

I learned that it is, in fact, a water temple!

The Pulgas Water Temple is located at the terminus of the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct and was constructed to commemorate its completion. The Hetch Hetchy Project took 24 years to build through the Great Depression at a cost of $102 million and carries water 160 miles across California from the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the Bay Area. And if you are looking for fun things to do in the Bay Area, this should definitely be one of them, it’s such a beautiful place for a picnic. California is full of beautiful landmarks and this is a lesser known, a very well kept secret.

Designed by architect William Merchant, it was finished in 1938. The Pulgas Water Temple in San Mateo stands overlooking a calm reflecting pool lined with cypress trees on a lush green lawn and is so, so beautiful. What a place to find by accident!

Parking and entrance fee

There is a limited amount of free parking Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. including holidays. At weekends, it is pedestrian access only, so hikers, bikers and equestrians. There is currently no entrance fee for the Pulgas Water Temple so is a wonderful free activity in the Bay Area.

The majestic fluted columns reflect the architecture of ancient Greeks and Romans, whose engineering methods were used to build the new water system. The inscription on the top, carved by Albert Bernasconi reads:

“I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people”

Isaiah 43:20

Enormous in size and situated at the foot of a long and serene turquoise pool, the water temple is an incredible place to sit and ponder life for a while.

If you’re looking for fun and free things to do in the Bay Area you can visit the Pulgas Water Temple in San Mateo yourself. And if you want some other things to do in San Francisco, try this post here with some outdoor activities and my guide to the best tacos in the city here.

The Pulgas Water Temple, San Mateo address is 56 Cañada Rd, Redwood City, CA 94062

For further information, visit sfpuc.org/learning/come-visit/pulgas-water-temple

Paying a visit to the city by the bay but still nervous of Covid? Here are 8 outdoor activities in San Francisco that will keep your risk low but still allow you to see the sights.

We all love to travel and explore new places, but it can be nerve-wracking right now. Being outside in the open air feels like a much safer place to be, and thankfully, there is still so much to see!

Outdoor activities in San Francisco

There are plenty of open spaces to social distance in San Francisco as well as see the sites and explore the city by the bay. Along with incredible food (do you like tacos? check out my list of the best tacos in San Francisco) there is beautiful architecture and gorgeous natural scenery.

Here is my list of where I think you should go if you’re looking for outside activities in San Francisco….

1. Visit the San Francisco Botanical Gardens

Wander around this 55-acre urban oasis that contains over 8000 different types of plant from around the world. The garden is separated into regions to explore Meso America, South Africa, New Zealand and Europe and more all in one place! Plus, meet the resident turtles that bask on rocks by the pond. There are lawns to laze on and secret paths through trees; I can spend hours here.

What does it cost? From $9 for adults, discounts for children, seniors and San Francisco residents

Visit sfbg.org for further information on tickets and opening hours

The view of the Golden Gate Bridge from Baker Beach

2. Go to Baker beach and get a pic of the Golden Gate Bridge

One of the Golden Gate Bridge’s best views is from Baker Beach. The sand stretches out ahead of you, and the famous bridge frames the shot as it reaches over to Marin County. On clear days you can see all the way over the water, or sometimes Karl the Fog will make an appearance, but actually, it can create a very atmospheric shot!

What does it cost? Nothing!

Find parking information and directions here.

The Golden Gate Park Windmills in San Francisco

3. Stand under the Golden Gate Park Windmills

Driving down the Great Highway past Ocean Beach, you will see a peculiar sight. Two majestic windmills stretching out of the treeline in Golden Gate Park. They are known as the South or Murphy windmill, the North, or Dutch windmill, and they have been there since the early 1900s. Nestled in beautiful gardens, they are definitely worth a visit, and you can take a walk along the beach and watch some surfers afterwards. The best time to visit is during March and April when the tulips are all in flower.

What does it cost? Nothing! You can park at Ocean Beach and cross the road into the park.

Want to know more? Read my blog post all about the Golden Gate Park Windmills from when I went to see them.

4. Hike around the coastline

One of my favourite places to walk is around Lands End, starting in Sea Cliff and working my way around to Sutro Heights. Check out the USS San Francisco Memorial and get some sea air.

What does it cost? Nothing!

5. Explore the Japanese Tea Gardens

The Japanese Tea Gardens are a perfectly maintained slice of serenity amongst the city’s buzz. The oldest public Japanese garden in America, it has sculptures, reflecting pools full of Koi and beautiful planting, all designed to create a calm and tranquil environment. Come Spring, queues can be long due to eeeeeveryone wanting to see the cherry blossoms, so plan accordingly! There is also a gorgeous tea room and gift shop. I wrote a blog post on it here too.

What does it cost? From $10 for an adult, discounts for children, seniors and San Francisco residents

Visit japaneseteagardensf.com for further information on tickets and opening hours.

6. Walk around Fisherman’s Wharf and visit the sea lions.

There is a lot to do at Fisherman’s Wharf, both inside and out, but I love to wander around the piers, people watch and, of course, visit the sea lions at Pier 39. Are they loud and smelly? Yes. But are they also adored San Francisco residents that everyone wants to see? Yes. In pre-covid times this area was always a buzz, and it is quieter right now but still as picturesque as ever and has a real vacation vibe to it.

What does it cost? Nothing!

7. Take in the Palace of Fine Arts

The external parts of the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco are an architectural marvel and simply glorious to behold. Meander around later in the day in the golden afternoon light that makes it look like you are literally at the gates of Heaven. There is a small park area next door for a picnic too!

What does it cost? Nothing!

8. Laze on Ocean beach

And finally, it’s time to relax. The weather in San Francisco can be…temperamental…but when it is warm and sunny, Ocean Beach is the place to take a break. An enormous expanse of sand that stretches for miles, you can find a spot and watch kite surfers or brave people swimming (watch out for rip tides).

What does it cost? Nothing!

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my favourite outdoor activities in San Francisco. There is so much to do in the Bay Area, not just the city itself but up in Napa and Sonoma, Berkeley and more. I’ll keep updating rosannaetc.com with more posts so check back for other guides to this amazing part of California.

Do you have a question about visiting San Francisco?

Let me know using the comments section or join me on Instagram to start a conversation.

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Sometimes you just need to unwind in truly serene surroundings. And last week I did just that at the beautiful San Francisco Japanese Tea Garden that’s situated within Golden Gate Park. I have always loved Japanese gardens, they are so meticulously curated and cared for, not a blade of grass (or rather, moss) out of place. When I was little, I wanted to make one myself but after my mother explained how much work would go into creating and maintaining it I lost interest, being the flight child that I was. But one day I hope to have a garden that draws in some elements, that I can go and find some peaceful times in. And in the meantime, there are plenty of amazing Japanese Tea Gardens to visit around the world! Like this one in San Francisco Golden Gate Park. This Japanese Tea Garden is the oldest public Japanese garden in America. It has sculptures, reflecting pools full of Koi and beautiful planting all designed to create a calm and tranquil environment. Find out all you need to know about visiting it yourself here:

How to visit the Japanese Tea Garden

Address: Golden Gate Park, 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA

Hours: 9 am – 5 30 pm 7 days a week (check their website for holiday times)

Price: $12 / $10 per adult peak/off-peak season (view other admission prices here)

Originally created as part of the California Midwinter International Exposition in 1894, the garden was then taken on by Japanese landscape architect Makoto Hagiwara who worked tirelessly into making it what it is today. He expanded it from just one to five acres in size, but in 1942 was evacuated along with his family and sadly they were not allowed to return once the war was over.

We practically had the whole place to ourselves as it was a weekday morning when we went, which was such a treat. It gets much busier at the weekends, and especially in Spring when the blossoms are out. Features include this amazing arched drum bridge (or moon bridge) that would be a bit treacherous to climb over but reflects beautifully in the water.

One of the Buddha sculptures was cast in Japan over 200 years ago and gifted to the garden. It watches over the Tea Garden serenely and gives off a wonderful sense of calm.

A thoroughly lovely outing and the perfect way to slow down and unwind. If you are ever in the city, I highly recommend a visit! I want to come back in Spring when the cherry blossoms are blooming, that is definitely on my list.

I love hiking. And hiking the Kasteelspoort up Table Mountain in South Africa is one of my best travel memories. I’m not a runner, I despise jogging but I can walk and walk for hours.

Right now, I am writing this whilst sitting in South Africa, in a beautiful villa in Camps Bay near Cape Town which is definitely another thing to be grateful for. And this morning I ticked something off my bucket list, which was to hike the Kasteelspoort route up Table Mountain.

NB There are no photos of me in this post. I do not work out prettily, I look like an utter horror and frankly didn’t feel like immortalising myself whilst drenched in sweat. But the scenery is pretty!

The Kasteelspoort route

The Kasteelspoort starts at the Jeep track near Camps Bay (see photo below) and then goes up over the 12 Apostles side of Table Mountain. You get incredible views back over Camps Bay and the Atlantic Ocean and there are beautiful rock formations and even an old cable car ruin to stop for a picnic and photos. It is around 7km in length and will take you 4-5 hours depending on your fitness level and how many times you stop for breaks.

Things you will need

Good shoes, a hat, suncream and a lot of water. To get back down in the cable cars you will need to book tickets, so a method of payment will be useful too.

Important things to know

I would not personally recommend this route for children or those less mobile. My friend who was pregnant met us at the top and went via cable car. That being said, about halfway up we encountered an elderly couple who walk it every single day and seemed a heck of a lot more spritely than we were! It all depends on what you are used to.

As we are in the height of summer we set off early at 8 am and chose a route that stays on the Atlantic side of the mountain so that you are in the shade for the first part as the sun rises from behind it.

We continued all the way to the cable car station as that’s how we wanted to get down again. All in all, it took us 4.5 hours including a few short breaks.

You start on a jeep trail which feels nice and simple…

…before finding yourself on terrain like this. These are my friends impersonating mountain goats.

It was tough. To be completely honest if I had known how tough it would be I probably would have chosen a different route given how unfit I was at the time. It is a steep and rocky terrain and you are clambering up big rocks for sections as well as ladders, it is not for the faint-hearted. And then there is the heat to contend with (WEAR A HAT). But it was a real personal challenge for me to do it and get my head back to a place where I feel active again. When you’re feeling out of control, take it back by doing something you can feel proud of and that pushes you out of your comfort zone. The euphoric feeling afterwards is the best ointment money can buy. Also, it forces you to be present. You have to focus on the task at hand, choosing where your feet go and paying attention to your body as falling over could literally be deadly at some points.

By the time we reached the end, and there were many moments where we thought we were climbing the last peak only to get to the top of it and see 3 others still to go. We were all exhausted but especially me as my fitness level was so far below the others. But it was great to have a bunch of my best and most supportive friends on the hike to encourage me. If there had been someone less fit or able than me I would have spent the whole time worrying about them and feeling guilty as I chose the route. We were a group of six and it meant that at times some could power on ahead whilst we took it slower, and vice versa.

The worst point was where the path took you all the way down a steep valley and back up again. I had a serious sense of humour failure at this point but with no choice other than to keep going, I pressed on. I don’t have photos of that section as I was in a seriously dark mood. But short of calling in a helicopter to rescue you…you’re stuck. Another good analogy: when the going gets tough, keep going!

When we got to the tourist centre at the cable car area with all these people who had ridden up I felt like shouting I WALKED HERE YOU KNOW but to be fair I needn’t have bothered as I resembled a sweaty potato. I fell upon a packet of biltong and a bottle of cold water and slumped into a chair. I kept looking over the edge and thinking, did I really hike up here? Proud moment.

No photos of me though as I was not camera ready. In any way.

We got the cable car back down (Although three of the group chose to run down because they were completely insane) and then went back to our air bnb, ate lunch and flopped. I am now reading by the pool and considering a gin and tonic at any…minute…now…

London is full of abandoned tube stations and I recently found some old photos from the time I got to go and explore one as a potential event venue. The disused tube station at Aldwych in London was a potential event venue for a client I was working with, and going underground to see it was such a fun, yet eerie experience. This abandoned tube station went out of commission back in the 1990s and was even used by the British Museum during the Second World War to store precious artefacts. The idea of mummies being down there, all silent and quiet seriously gave me the creeps. Anyway. Come and have a look around! Apologies for less than great image quality but these were taken on an ancient iPhone when the camera was a lot less high-tech than it is now.

It closed in 1994 and seemed so dated, it had some lovely features though and really felt quite spooky and very special to get to see it. Abandoned tube stations are like frozen moments in time, and exploring them is like travelling back and wandering around a memory.

We had to be let in by a member of staff who unlocked these huge gates, in front of quite a few curious passers-by and tourists. It felt very special and exclusive, although I was also a bit apprehensive!

Then came the exciting bit…the descent down the (many) stairs to see the platforms and tunnels. One of the platforms shut in 1994 when the main station closed but platform 2 was closed in 1917 and is seriously eerie. Both are used in films but platform 2 was also used by the British Museum to store their artefacts during World War II to keep them safe.

I was allowed to wander around this disused Tube station because I was scoping it out for an event venue. In my time as an event planner I worked in some incredible venues with top-class caterers, florists and hosts. It’s what inspired me to start Rosanna ETC and retrain as chef and create a platform for eating, tastemaking and curating.

There were lots of secret tunnels and staircases which we wandered around, luckily with a guide as I didn’t fancy getting lost. We had been considering holding a dinner on the larger platform, all by candlelight and I can imagine it would have been incredibly atmospheric. London has so many hidden gems like this, it’s a shame more people don’t get to see them.

I really wanted to go down the tunnel itself but wasn’t allowed, although to be honest I probably would have been scared as soon as it got dark in case I came across a train (or a ghost). 

The only downside to this abandoned tube station was having to climb back up the stairs as the lift is no longer operational but it was worth it. And that is the reason why we couldn’t hold the event there as well as capacity issues; exit routes. You need to have fire exits and it just would not have been possible.

So it never worked out as our venue but it was so cool to get to explore one of London’s abandoned tube stations. Definitely a major job perk! Want to see more? Check out TFL’s list of disused tube stations.