Spice Up Your Life

A welcome culinary invasion of our delicate palates, it seems that Mexican restaurants are popping up all over the place. Though you could be forgiven for thinking it was all about chimichangas and cheddar-drenched nachos, genuine Mexican cuisine is one of the world’s most diverse. Nowadays, the Americanised version is the most prevalent, but don’t limit yourself to the Taco Bell variety – there’s lots out there to try and no time to waste!

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Our Top 3: London Art Picks

We all made our New Year’s resolutions with the best of intentions…but midway through February, our enthusiasm has waned: the gym membership card lies untouched, the ambitious collection of “books to read” sits resolutely unread, and somehow those chocolate puddings have managed to creep back into the fridge.

But all is not lost! That cultural hotbed, London town, is showcasing some seriously unmissable exhibitions to nudge your virtuosity levels out of the red.

Read on for our top three…

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Le Macaron

The legendary macaron has origins dating back to 1792, when two Carmelite nuns seeking asylum in Nancy during the French Revolution baked and sold macarons in order to support themselves – thus becoming known as the ‘macaron sisters’. However, it wasn’t until the 1900s that Pierre Desfontaines of Parisian pastry shop Ladurée decided to take two of the cookies and fill them with a silky smooth ganache.

In recent years the macaron has become fashionable again, with weird and wonderful fillings cropping up in bakeries. Splendia have tried and tested (maybe one too many of) the crème de la crème of macarons from around the world. Step aside cupcake: the macaron is back – this time with a foie gras and cream cheese filling…

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High in the Sky

One way to truly see the sights of a city is from high up in the sky. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the best places from which to take in spectacular views of 10 of our favourites.

Barcelona
The Christopher Columbus monument stands tall at the bottom of the city’s bustling Las Ramblas, not far from the sea, inviting visitors to ascend to the top and enjoy breathtaking views of the Catalan capital and Cataluña’s coastline. Or, head up one of the towers of the renowned Sagrada Família or to the rooftop terrace of Casa Milà.

Berlin
On a trip to the German capital, be sure to rise to the top of the Fernsehturm, the city’s TV Tower. Have a drink or snack in the revolving restaurant whilst enjoying a 360º vista of Berlin’s magnificent monuments.

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Tour de Shop: London

Book yourself a break away in the British capital and take a tour of some of London’s most iconic shops for your Christmas shopping this year!

Best for traditional gifts

Harrods, the world’s most famous department store, comprises seven floors of luxury and is a tourist attraction in itself. You’ll be sure to find a traditional present that will go down a treat, whether it’s a custom-designed rocking horse or the ever-popular Harrods Christmas pudding. You’ll make someone very happy on Christmas morning with a present from this great British institution.

Best for a sweet tooth

Since the 1700s, Fortnum & Mason has brought the world’s best food into their spectacular Piccadilly store. Indulge in the finest confectionery, caviar and champagne and truly spoil your loved one with a signature Fortum & Mason hamper, or personally design your own and fill it with their favourite truffles and sweets.

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