The Spring Edit: Jose Pizarro's new cookbook, Scandi fitness trends and Tel Aviv's first gin bar
Just in time for a fantastic Easter weekend of friends, family and food, Jose Pizarro is bringing out his new cookbook, Basque (Hardie Grant, £25). Inspired by the gastronomic hub San Sebastian – a hot travel tip for 2016 – and beyond, the London-based chef takes you on an intimate and colourfully photographed journey through Northern Spain, sharing riffs on traditional recipes from bite-size morsels known as pinxtos to hearty sharing feasts and moreish puddings.
A standout recipe and favourite of Pizarro’s to try is the squid meatballs with saffron and almond sauce (read the full recipe here), which is inspired by traditional ‘albondigas’ found in tapas bars in the region. And his recipe for spinach and goats cheese croquetas will sate anyone with a greed for these nuggets of creamy goodness.
Foodies can also book themselves onto a very stylish cooking course at the new Bourne & Hollingsworth Kitchen (bourneandhollingsworth.com) in Clerkenwell. Designed by British Standard in the brand’s winning combination of crisp whites and grass greens, informal classes are taught under the watchful eye of Michelin-starred chef Adam Grey and, of course, B&H’s signature draping foliage. It covers all bases from knife skills to bread-making and how to cook the perfect steak.
Tel Aviv is another destination to add to your 2016 bucket list with a slew of design-led hotels, a red hot food scene and Mediterranean beaches. Sure to please juniper-loving Londoners, the slick Norman hotel (thenorman.com) has recently opened the city’s first gin bar. The boutique hotel, which opened last December, will be boosting its 1920s vibe with the addition of classics such as Tom Collins and Negronis. Or sip on its own concoction, The Crazy Earle (right): a heady mix of Bombay Sapphire, St Germain elderflower liqueur and lime stirred with homemade Earl Grey syrup, chilli and spices – served straight up.
New York’s Soho district is getting an injection of style with the opening of 11 Howard (designhotels.com) in April. The 221-room property has been designed in collaboration with Danish firm Space Copenhagen, which was responsible for the aesthetic behind Michelin-starred restaurant Noma. It will be big on technology – think self check-in and smart room service – and also feature a co-working area as well as hanging space for contemporary artists. 11 Howard is the latest addition to the Design Hotels portfolio, which also launches its new book on April 1.
It’s not just Scandinavian design ideals that we’re following. Fitness is taking a decidedly Nordic turn this spring. The Viking Method (the vikingmethod.com) – where shouting is encouraged by Icelandic founder Svava Sigbertsdottir – already has a cult following, but it’s Toughest (toughest.se/en) that is set to make its mark next. Think Tough Mudder but more stylish, it’s an 8km obstacle course coming to London next month that will require you to engage a Scandi mentality to get through it.
You can continue the stylish theme by investing in a few pieces of slick active wear by new brand ADAY (thisisaday.com) – so stylish you can also wear it to the office. Think jumpsuits, high-waisted leggings and tailored tees in a satisfyingly muted palette of white, black and grey.
It’s a good time to visit Crystal Palace – its Do South Shop (dosouthshop.com) has had a Scandi makeover and is now stocking hard-to-find Danish design house Skagerak. Pick up some beautifully crafted wooden furniture and accessories alongside its existing treasure trove of designer and vintage finds
It’s also time to give your mental wellbeing a boost with Aevi’s spring box (£120, aevibox.com) – its Scandi founders handpick the loveliest products and neatly parcel them up for you. The latest box includes organic face oils made in a sunny Californian kitchen, a toning mist inspired by Moroccan beauty rituals and virtue cards from the School of Life to spark some highly pleasing seasonal positivity.
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The spring edit: Jose Pizarro, Scandi fitness and gin bars in Tel AvivLifestyle LowdownThe EDITThe new season brings a wealth of fresh design, travel, fitness and food trends to break you out of winter hibernation