As we look back on International Women’s Day 2020, I honestly cannot put into words how proud I am to be a woman… Women can do it all, singlehandedly. My mother is testament to and of that.
My mother has forever been my best friend. I tell her everything, and she is the only human being on this Earth who holds me most accountable!
Celebrating Womens Day:
She has taught me strength, independence, self-sufficiency, honesty, integrity and only ever instilled peace within me…
Mum taught me patience, her love for me is unwavering and unconditional. Growing up, I wasn’t easy to handle (are pubescent, hormonal young people ever ‘easy to handle’!?) – but she managed to raise me & my brother alone mostly.
My mother is my hero. She is what International Women’s Day is all about… Women who are equal. Women who are empowered/empowering. Women who lead. Woman is she, and she is my mum.
In a change to the usual theme of food blog posts recently – burgers, I’m reviewing one of London’s best Italian restaurants, Gloria!
Stepping into Gloria Italian
Stepping in from the hustle and bustle of kitschy/hippie Shoreditch, this restaurant looks grand and very up-market. The decor and ambiance has a very regal vibe!
If you know me, you’ll know I’m a massive fan of gardens and nature in general… Well, Gloria looks like an indoor and outdoor garden. I know what you’re thinking: ‘it looks like Christmas decorations in there…’ Nope, this is what it looks like all year around!
If you’re a lover of wine, the walls in the back room double up as a four-wall in-built wine rack with an array of wine bottles stashed in each compartment… So, if pollen isn’t your thing, alcohol might be!
Let’s discuss the food… We got a very delicious Focaccia Della Nonna for the table to share – which – I sadly didn’t get a photo of, but was delightful! There was a thyme aftertaste to it that is an acquired one for sure, but I ‘acquired’ it (like Facebook does absolutely everything nowadays).
Gloria Italian – Pizza
What did I get for my main course? PIZZA, of course!
Pizzagiana
Think parmigiana (aubergines) – but on a Neapolitan pizza with San Marzano tomato, buffalo mozzarella, mozzarella fior di latte and basil. Honestly, this pizza was one of the best I’ve ever had outside of Italy!
The base: fresh and doughy – just how I like it! The only thing I would say RE: the flavour is that I’d have preferred it to have a little bit of a spicy kick. However, I know not many people like chilli, so I can see why it wasn’t added as a compulsory ingredient. I’m pretty sure it’s optional and something that could be requested.
My final thoughts on Gloria Italian
Do I recommend Gloria Italian? Yes, because it is glorious! This restaurant is the Gloria Gaynor and Gloria Estefan of the catering/restaurant industry!
Le Bun’s opening times are a bit weird, they’re closed on Sundays and Mondays but open from 12pm-10pm on Saturdays, and 12pm-3pm (before opening again from 5pm-10pm) on Tuesdays to Fridays.
If you can’t get to London’s Shoreditch, you could find Le Bun in Smugglers Tavern, Warren St – Fitzrovia or The Sebright Arms, Hoxton.
Aside from raising awareness for the absolute talent that the West End has to offer, it’s also a great opportunity to to take advantage of some great deals, with TodayTix – the place to book for the best plays and musicals – with tickets from just £15, £25 and £35!
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The multi-award winning West End depiction Roald Dahl’s beloved adorable, smart kid with a big imagination and magical powers. How will she navigate around her awful parents and even more awful headteacher?
There are special effects used in this show that will blow your mind!
Cameron Mackintosh has done PL Tavers (writer) and Disney (film) proud with his newest depiction of the ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious‘ children’s classic!
‘I Dreamed A Dream‘ of you booking tickets for this absolutely sensation work of performing arts! Honestly, as far as stage shows go, this has to be the most memorable (probably more-so than Lion King in my opinion).
It’s a heart-wrenching masterpiece that cannot be missed! Bring a box of Kleenex, you’ll need it and prepare to forget you’re in a theatre!
“Now in its 34th glorious year, The Phantom of the Opera continues to mesmerise and entrance audiences at Her Majesty’s Theatre, London and around the world.” – Official website
Andrew Lloyd Webber never disappoints – and no, the Phantom of the Opera ISN’T dead!
“‘The Book of Mormon’ is wickedly funny, risqué and inappropriate in almost every way, the music is punchy and fun but it’s also sassy and sweet – everything a musical should be!” – Manchester Evening News
The Book of Mormon, Prince of Wales Theatre London
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