Milla’s London: ‘Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam’ at the British Museum
Religion is always a touchy subject and I’m slightly hesitant to bring it up on the blog. Despite my hesitation, I simply have to share the ‘Hajj: Journey to the heart of Islam‘ exhibition with you. Firstly though, I must mention that this exhibition is sponsored by Saudi Arabia, who has been heavily criticised by international governments for the huge disparity between the quality of life of the nation and the ruling class, the lack of women’s rights and the severity at which ‘regular’ Saudis are treated should they dare speak up. There has been a lot of press about this and whilst I agree that Saudi Arabia needs to address these issues seriously, I feel we must separate the purpose of this exhibition from the politics.
Somehow, that isn’t so difficult. The exhibition seamlessly transcends the usual politics and propaganda one tends to associate with any form of organised religion and we get a first class education into what Hajj means to Muslims. The curator’s passion really comes through and we get a deep and unapologetic view into the fifth pillar of Islam. I won’t pretend to know much about the history of this age-old religion but what struck me most was the emotion. People connecting with the heart of their beliefs; the intimacy and symbolism of the pilgrimage is unparalleled, and the enthusiasm with which the British Museum presents this makes it arguably the best exhibition they’ve put on. So much so that I did the tour twice, spending almost 3 hours there. I’ve never seen anything like it. As I watched the hypnotic videos of the Hajjis walking around the Ka’bah, a deep sense of peace came over me. That overwhelming belief and connection not only to your faith but to fellow worshippers is awe-inspiring.
As a non-Muslim, I am not permitted to enter Mecca and given the political climate, I think my chances of going to the Middle East, in the way I would like, are sadly pretty slim. I left touched by the spirituality and with an even stronger view that we must take the politics and agenda out of religion and continue to educate ourselves. Religion should not, in my opinion, be about dictating the lives of others but forming and maintaining a spiritual connection with whoever/whatever we believe in.
I searched high and low to find a neutral video about Hajj and voilà, the Financial Times offers a brief but insightful breakdown. The exhibition also introduced me to the work of two amazing artists: Ahmed Mater, whose piece (featured above) titled ‘Magnetism’ is as beautiful as it is unique, and Idris Khan, the artist behind ‘You and Only You’. The exhibition continues until 15th April so if you have a chance to see it, do!
The British Museum
Great Russell Street
London
WC1B 3DG
+44 (0) 20 7323 8299
Milla’s Paris: Afternoon Tea at the Four Seasons Georges V
Give me a monogrammed glass of champagne and I’m all yours!
The legendary Parisian hotel located just off Avenue des Champs-Élysées welcomed us to La Galerie with open arms, stunning flowers and a très française twist on this British woman’s favourite pastime: afternoon tea, but you’ll just have to read my article in The Arbuturian for more delicious details…
I don’t miss life in France but I tell you, what I wouldn’t give for a little more time at the Four Seasons!
Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris
31, Avenue George V
75008 Paris
France
+ 33 (0) 1 49 52 70 00
Au Revoir, Ritz Paris
If ever there was a way to bid farewell to the Ritz Paris as it prepares to close for 27 months of renovations, this is it. My favourite model looks spectacular as she romps around the hotel under the watchful eye of Tim Walker. I love the image with Kate in the red: I recall sitting on that sofa in the Imperial Suite sipping champagne last year, and thinking what a phenomenal place to be, with views on to Place Vendôme. Needless to say, I wasn’t wearing anything quite as extravagant, but it was still a dream! I cannot wait to see the Ritz reformed to the glory it deserves.
Milla’s Paris: Chanel at Les Trois Marches de Catherine B
Every woman loves a bit of Chanel so on my recent trip to Les Trois Marches de Catherine B in Paris, I took time to snap away some of my favourites whilst indulging in my fantasy of buying pretty much everything.
My recent article in The Arbuturian gives a little more insight into Catherine B and her vintage heaven, and stay tuned for the Hermès article, Birkins et al!
1 Rue Guisarde
75006 Paris
+33 (0) 1 43 54 74 18
Sunday Comforts
There’s something so comforting about a steaming bowl of porridge, and that’s just how I started my day. Made with oat milk, cinnamon and maple syrup and topped with sunflower and pumpkin seeds. I always find porridge is really filling so I skipped lunch and made a smoothie with five strawberries, one banana and the juice of one orange late afternoon.
There’s something relaxing about zesting lemons, and combined with a Sunday sugar craving, vegan lemon cupcakes were a must. I used vegetable oil instead of butter but I’m not very happy with how they turned out: a little flat and oily, but taste-wise, delicious. Do you have any recommendations for vegan baking? I added fresh thyme and lemon juice to icing sugar to give oomph to the cupcakes. Served with a pot of green tea and yes, they’re almost finished!
How did you spend your weekend?
Milla’s London: Moët Movies at One Aldwych Hotel
When the offer of an indulgent evening including a private screening of ‘The King’s Speech’ and champagne at one of my favourite London hotels (love the circular suites) in the heart of theatre district, saying no simply wasn’t an option. What a film! I expected some form of drama, but the British humour and depth of the characters surprised me and had us girls giggling throughout. This was just the start of Moët Movies…
Let there be no question about it; watching Colin Firth all suited and booted is enough to make any woman hungry so once the film finished, supper at Axis was a must. The classic combination of beetroot, goat’s cheese and watercress was a delectable way to start my meal. The cheese was creamy and the salad topped with vegetable crisps. My sister went with pheasant and ham hock terrine. I’m not a big meat fan but of course, a taste was a must: strong flavours but it worked. Continuing her carnivorous status, the grilled steak with fondant potatoes was next, and this for a woman who was a vegetarian for over a decade… Look how pink the meat is! Perfection. Kedgeree is one of my all-time favourite dishes – very Scottish and oh so tasty. Hold up, I just realised that some readers may not be familiar with Kedgeree: think smoked haddock, rice, parsley, butter and eggs (though I have without). Sounds like an odd combination but trust me, delicious. Have you ever tried it? Well, mine was served in the form of a fish cake and on a bed of buttered leeks and yes, it was worth every calorie. Definitely the best dish of evening.
My sister chose a deconstructed vanilla cheesecake with mango and passion fruit. I rarely order cheesecake in a restaurant because I enjoying making my own at home, but holy smokes, what a treat! The textures, lightness of the cheese and marriage of sweet, acidic and creaminess worked so well. For my sweet, a light and elegant chocolate delice was served. I could have easily eaten another four of these – so moreish. I feel that it didn’t need the cutesy caramel and popcorn plate decoration; it wasn’t in keeping the style of the meal or venue, but that’s just my personal taste I guess.
A glamorous Saturday night. Put it on your London list!
One Aldwych
London
WC2B 4RH
+44 (0) 20 7300 1000
Not Just Another Milla was a guest of the One Aldwych Hotel.
Milla’s Paris: La Maison Angelina
Angelina Tea Room was founded in 1903 and is somewhat of a Parisian institution loved by locals and tourists alike. It happens to be one of those hyped up places which usually deters me. When a friend hosted her birthday party at the main rue Rivoli branch last October, I took the opportunity to check it out. What a fun afternoon but to be honest, I don’t care for the décor; it’s tired and in need of renovation. The service was very good and our waitress was friendly and seemed interested in our gathering. Due to the Indian Summer of 2011, I didn’t get a chance to try Angelina’s hot chocolate.
Upon hearing news that a branch had opened in my favourite Rive Droite department store – Galeries Lafayette – I promptly took myself off for a wee bit of shopping and dessert. Discreetly nestled amongst high-end designers, the classic Angelina style with a fresher look is much more inviting and yes, I finally tasted the famous chocolat chaud, which is rich, delicious and worth every calorie. If you find yourself in France, don’t even think of leaving without trying it. Well worth the hype. The macarons were also very nice and not too sweet, though they only have a small selection.
Angelina Tea Room
226 Rue de Rivoli
75001 Paris
+33 (0)1 42 60 82 00
Galeries Lafayette
38 Rue de la Chaussée d’Antin
75009 Paris
+33 (0) 1 42 82 34 56
Milla’s Paris: Breakfast at Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée
As if staying at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris isn’t a treat enough, breakfast in the Alain Ducasse restaurant is like being on a film set. I’ve never dined in such a spectacular place. I have a very bad habit of skipping breakfast but with crystal chandeliers glistening above, where better to enjoy my morning pot of tea and obligatory pain au chocolat than at Avenue Montaigne‘s chicest hotel.
I have a weakness for maple syrup so the fluffy pancakes were a must. Served with a fruit platter to make my calorie-laden choice seem somewhat angelic, I relaxed with the morning paper and enjoyed what I consider the most elegant breakfast I’ve ever had. Seriously, breakfast never looked so glamorous. I cannot wait to go back.
Have you ever stayed or dined at Hôtel Plaza Athénée? Do you have a favourite place to have breakfast?
Hôtel Plaza Athénée
25 Avenue Montaigne
Paris
+33 1 53 67 65 35
Not Just Another Milla was a guest of Hotel Plaza Athénée.
Milla’s London: Minamoto Kitchoan
Whenever I miss Tokyo, which seems to be a weekly feeling, this specialist Wagashi (Japanese confectionery) shop is where I go. Not only is it authentic in its produce, the staff are all Japanese and I enjoy the opportunity to practice my Japanese with native speakers, who are polite enough not to mock me…
Served with complimentary green tea, Minamoto Kitchoan offers an array of Japanese treats for every palette. Pictured above is the classic Tsuya (two fluffy pancakes filled with sweetened azuki beans) and Shirogasane (similar pancakes filled with green tea paste). For anybody who has visited Japan, the Mayfair prices will shock you: £2 for 1 piece of mochi! Who on earth eats just 1 piece? Not me, that’s for sure. That said, life is about enjoying yourself and I will happily pay for my favourite Yatsuhashi – less expensive than a return ticket to Kyoto! The Japanese excel at presentation as is evident with the exquisite packaging, making for a lovely present.
Minamoto Kitchoan
44 Piccadilly
London
W1J 0DS
+44 (0) 20 7437 3135
Burberry Prorsum: Autumn/Winter 2012/13
When you hear the word “Burberry”, the famous trench springs to mind. This collection serves up a twist on that great British classic whilst introducing some other traditional styles including herringbone tweeds and baker caps. With emphasise on the luxury country living, this grown-up collection further proves that Burberry is the epitome of British chic.
