Earlier this year, Ananda in the Himalayas joined my Breakfast Club’s global network as a Wellness Partner. I have always cherished being connected with this incredible team—their depth of knowledge in wellness and Ayurvedic practices goes far beyond passing trends and fleeting fads. Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Naresh from the Ananda [...]
The St. Regis New York holds a very special place in my heart and was one of the first places I ever had an alcoholic beverage — which may sound ridiculous, but it was actually a very special memory. The hotel, its history, and its very own identity make it a must for those visiting [...]
I first started following EMBARK Beyond in 2020 while locked down in London, and I was immediately inspired by their forward-thinking approach. Fast forward five years, and the company has achieved even more. Julie Danziger, Co-Founder of EMBARK Beyond, is now also a Founding Member of my Breakfast Club, making this journey even more special. [...]
19th January 2000 we landed in Pakistan - our origin that became home officially. I was told that life will change drastically and so it did, but Islamabad will always be home. You can leave Islamabad, but Islamabad doesn’t leave your heart. When my father retired from the Foreign Service, I was fairly young. Born [...]
I met Elizabeth through my amazing Breakfast Club ladies who wanted us to connect and meet. Little did I know, Elizabeth Mullins would turn out to be the most inspiring woman I have met in recent memory. Our worlds seemed to be similar with both of us coming from diplomatic backgrounds, having grown up seeing [...]
.K. Place Paris completely stole my heart. Parisian hotels have a way of doing that, but the French take it to another level when it comes to exceeding expectations in detail, design, and luxury. They just get it. Riccardo Ortigini, the General Manager, shared insights about the hotel and his life in Paris—such a fascinating [...]
Pakistan. Islamabad. Ghar. Truly. A pound now converts to 350 rupees approximately so definitely a great spot for vacationing for us non residents but if you're frequenting the likes of Kohsar, Jinnah and F-6 you may still end up spending 1000 rupees on a coffee and perhaps something like 3k if a fancy pastry is [...]
I’ve been absolutely obsessed with the Frédéric Fekkai salon at The Mark Hotel for as long as I can remember. There’s something about it that just stands out—maybe it’s the sheer glamour, the impeccable service, or the perfect location—but it truly embodies what luxury should be. And of course, Frédéric Fekkai himself is a legend [...]
I was born in post communist Bucharest. Tariq tells me with the fall of communism, Lambada was THE song that would constantly play on TV and radio. I don't remember much about Romania but I do recall the time we were packing to move to Senegal. I have recollections of the heavy snow and us [...]
Le Grand Mazarin will always be a very special hotel to me as they helped me launch my first breakfast club in Paris which was a wonderful success. Le Grand Mazarin is one of the best independent hotels I have recently stayed at and opened my eyes to what more hotels could do when it [...]
I was welcomed with open arms. The way you return home after a long semester at college, and you're homesick and all you need is to ground yourself again. Many people will think it is absolutely delusional to think that New York and Manhattan can ground me or serve as a place to build real [...]
I have recently started realising how important it is to diarise stories that matter in your life. I was rummaging through some old messages and came across a text from a friend where she had discovered a childhood photo of mine in her parents family album. Sarah Kuschner was my best friend in Kazakhstan. I [...]
I came across Clinton St. Baking Co. during 2020's lockdowns. Not being able to visit New York, I resorted to living through some amazing channels, including Insider New York that showed us some of the best spots for pancakes. I became obsessed with Clinton St. Baking and was very keen to get behind the scenes [...]
I met Trish exactly 6 years ago at the Arts Club in London. A friend of mine was a huge fan and she really wanted to say hello. I walked up to Trish's table and told her my friend was a massive fan and we would love to speak to her. I didn't know who [...]
For as long as I can remember, I have loved a party and there is no better party than a great restaurant alive with conversation, clinking glasses, smooth service and delicious food.. Michael is an enigmatic personality. He is what restaurateurs should be like - warm, welcoming and with a presence that all guests recognise. [...]
New luxury is about experiences and being in control. Luxury isn't always traditional. Naomi's career started as an advertising professional hence it is no surprise that her play of words resulted in The Other House. Naomi has had an extensive career as a property developer since then. Her passions and eye for interiors is visible [...]
A friend of mine recommended this spot in New York and at first my reaction was, 'never'! I wouldn't be going for a drink to a pretentious bar at a luxury department store in New York. It just wasn't happening! However, after insistence from him, I landed there for a drink one Sunday afternoon. I [...]
When people talk Times Square, they're usually referring to extremely busy and full of tourists. Very few people want to stay in Times Square because the assumption has always been big hotels, impersonal service and chain restaurants and a very overwhelming atmosphere. I personally enjoy staying in the neighborhood due to many reasons. It is [...]
Parisian definition of luxury blew me away during my trip in March. I thought I had experienced luxury till I stepped in to Le Meurice and was taken aback by their synergy of classic and modern interiors. Here is a round up of some of my favourites. Le Meurice My favourite feature at Le Meurice [...]
The Walker has become a home away from home. It's a wonderful feeling when you revisit a hotel or restaurant, and you're immediately recognised by the staff. It's also wonderful when you're checking out and the staff asks when you'll be back. All these small details make a world of a difference. The Walker Hotel [...]
I discovered Frenchette on Thanksgiving Day last year when everything else was shut down in the area that morning. I stumbled upon Frenchette, nestled in a residential building on Church Street not far from the Walker Hotel Tribeca. As I walked towards the bakery in the residential lobby, I saw a massive a queue, leading [...]
Dreams come true. They really do! I have been dreaming of having that hot chocolate at The Angelina in Paris for many years. I didn't have a British passport till 2 years ago and I didn't want to go through the hassle of visas to travel to Europe. So I waited a whole 13 years [...]
I stumbled upon Devocion when a friend discovered my coffee blog and encouraged me to pay a visit. I wasn't aware that there could be such a thing as the 'freshest coffee available bean to cup' or of the concept of 'sparkling coffee' both of which are available at Devocion. I organised to visit the [...]
I have been visiting The Lowell for years and needless to say, it is a home away from home but rarely did I spend the amount of time I did during this trip, mingling with guests, the team at Jacques and The Club Room and realising how well connected the place can be if you [...]
Nothing beats waking up early in New York to make my way downtown to SoHo. I don't know if it is just me, but SoHo feels like another city. It is chic, bright and the coffee shops are another level of trendy. I had arranged prior to leaving to New York to meet with Maribel, [...]
I was nervous before the big trip. I was flying back to New York after exactly 20 months and it was hard to believe that the time had arrived. Something in me felt like it was just yesterday that I was in Manhattan. However, another part of me knew deeply that a lot of time [...]
I interviewed Ozohu during the pandemic remotely but I had the pleasure to meet her in person this autumn which I am extremely glad about. Meeting Ozohu in person made me realise how much I have missed connecting with female entrepreneurs and leaders. When I met Ozohu in person, we immediately connected over life and [...]
My first trip as an adult to New York was in 2014. It was a hot summer and I was in the city for a brief visit. I treated myself to a special night at The Mark Hotel which was exceptional and swanky. Some industry colleagues told me about it in London and it seemed [...]
I promised myself that even though 2020 restricted us from meeting new people easily I wouldn't stop reaching out to interesting female entrepreneurs who inspired me and had a special story to share. I have always been very careful about the skincare I use. I try to keep my routine as simple as possible and [...]
This year has done unthinkable things to me. I missed New York mentally. I still do. But I began thinking about all the places I missed and how could I recreate those specific desserts at home. An American Pie and Banana Cream Pudding aren't available here. So I had to find a way to curb [...]
In October, during our limited freedom to mingle and meet people, I met Clare Price for an extended brunch in Notting Hill! We were so happy to be able to connect after a very tiresome summer. We still felt the looming anxiety on what was next with the pandemic but we also felt grateful that [...]
Coffee bars at hotels are a special place especially in New York.
There is only one thing I can say with the current uncertainty of travel - thank God I went to Paris when I could even if it was in August. I had the pleasure of visiting the Hugo & Victor Boutique in Paris. It is located between the 6th and 7th arrondissements; the Saint-Germain-des-Prés, in [...]
Paris for the first time... I waited for 11 years for my British Passport. I didn't want to go through the constant hassle of getting visit visas, so when I became a British national in January, I knew this could be it - the doors to freely traveling within the EU and many other countries [...]
'I love that I can walk down almost any Main Street here and know most of the people I pass by. I love that they know my family, that they know my kids, and that we represent the true definition of Community.' I have rarely ventured out of Manhattan and Williamsburg during my visits to [...]
Chapter Coffee was one of the last places I really wanted to visit prior to lockdown, but things closed down so quickly I missed the opportunity. Being stuck at home during the lockdown and trying to motivate myself was difficult. However, brands have become increasingly creative during this time and coffee is one thing I [...]
Lockdown has given me a chance to connect to some very inspiring women and patrons of the arts and hospitality industry. During the lockdown, I have been reading some books from the Reese Witherspoon Bookclub which I have really enjoyed. Whilst researching for recommendations I came across Deborah's book, Finding Mrs. Ford, and realized Deborah [...]
Perfume is a weakness of mine and I was delighted to have discovered this niche perfume brand during lockdown!
We’re a bit of a nutty family. I was born in 1990 but my older siblings ensured we had watched many movies from well before our times. For instance, The Odd Couple. What I love about the Odd Couple is how it depicts New York and some things have not changed! For instance, traditional diners. [...]
This lockdown has only taught me one thing. To not take anything for granted and to ensure as soon as we are out of this, do everything I have wanted to do. This involves a lot of coffee, tequila beverages, and food plus soaking up the best hotel atmospheres. I want to revisit every place [...]
When it comes to experiencing the 'real' New York, there is nothing more authentic than experiencing Eli Zabar's food stores, restaurants, and delis! I passed by Eli's several times during my visits to New York over the years but I didn't really know the extent of the offering until I visited Eli's Market on the [...]
Carol Becker is the President of William Greenberg Desserts. I heard about William Greenberg Desserts through the owner of The Lowell Hotel and Carol is the president of bakery that has several locations across NY and also delivers. William Greenberg is an institution of the Upper East Side and New York in the bakery department! [...]
I met Susan Miller entirely by fate. I was meeting some friends at Fred’s for brunch during a visit and there she was chatting to me whilst I waited for a table at the bar. I had no clue who Susan Miller was back then but our conversation was so meaningful and has been every [...]
I discovered Sant Ambroeus during my first solo (adulthood) visit to New York in 2014. I was recommended by the concierge at the Mark Hotel. I loved everything about it. The understatedness yet quintessential Italian hospitality, the coffee, and ambiance. I met with the Head of Operations, Lorenzo Antonelli, who has worked with the group [...]
Ruya hands down has been one of the most authentic and scenic restaurants I have been to recently in London. The struggle ‘fancy’ restaurants face is that they either miss out on the atmosphere or food – it is very hard to usually find a balance and a location that ticks all boxes. I was pleasantly [...]
Kelly Landesberg's A.O.K Kitchen has a wonderful ethos and concept behind it which will make it a huge success for people looking to relax in Marylebone without any judgment behind what they choose to have and how much of it! When I met Kelly recently she told me about the concept behind A.O.K and what [...]
My first ever solo trip to NY was in the summer of 2014. I was making a list of places to go visit and being a coffeeholic, I was highly recommended City Bakery by a concierge at a hotel. I remember walking in and thinking - this is not a typical bakery or what I [...]
I stumbled upon the Little Pie Company during the summer of 2018 when I was staying at the Cachet Hotel. I take early morning jet lagged walks in the neighborhood and that is how I find the hidden gems of the city one of which was the Little Pie Company. I found myself drooling over [...]
In 1998, my family decided to take a slightly chaotic and very off-brand spiritual journey: a trip to Rome during Ramadan. We boarded a ship from Athens to Ancona — which, if you’ve never done it, is basically like being trapped on a floating buffet where the entertainment makes no sense and your sister is [...]
2000. We are back in Pakistan. This is not fair to me by any means. I am 9, I was born in post communist Bucharest and I only get 9 years of the Foreign Service whilst Tariq and Farzana get to float away in post BSc bliss in London after having been educated in American [...]
When I was five, I went on pilgrimage. Yes, pilgrimage. This was during our move from Senegal to Greece. Spirituality. Clean white clothes. Zamzam water. You get the picture. Except—it wasn’t quite like that. Because we weren’t that kind of family. We went as a group—my parents, my siblings, and I—but very quickly it became [...]
I didn't even realise that I had preserved this memory away from my conscience for many years till recently but it really shaped my love for children and babies - not in a baby fever kind of way at all but in a natural way of bonding with kids and understanding cultures. When I was [...]
We were very obsessed with Greece. It was a country that we had on the highest pedestal. Ironic in hindsight, but we were so in love. We felt we had hit the jackpot being posted there. Athens was the epitome of the diplomatic life for us. I was admitted to the cheaper school as my [...]
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