moro

On a recent trip to London I got to have dinner with a good friend from NYC. It's funny that with our busy travel schedules, sometimes it ends up being easier to get together when we're away from home! She knows London better than I do, and also appreciates really great food, so she suggested we dine at Moro. This place is a true classic (it's been around for 20 years!), and after trying their food, I totally understand why. The chefs focus on the flavors of the Southern Mediterranean- think Spain, Morocco, and the Sahara- which leads to some truly vibrant food. Everything was flavorful and delicious, from the seasonal special we shared to start (which we ate too quickly for a photo!) to the charcoal grilled halibut. I think the highlight, for me personally, was the mixed vegetable mezze- it's everything I want on a plate and truly how I love to eat on a daily basis. Not to mention the fresh bread was baked to perfection!

A few nights later I also got to dine at their sister restaurant, Morito Hackney Road, which was equally impressive and totally up my alley. Think a similar vibe but offered in more a small plates setting. Super tasty and great for a group! I really cannot say enough good things about Moro and Morito, and I definitely look forward to returning to both spots on my next trip to London!

deliciously ella

I've been following Ella Mills (@DeliciouslyElla) for a while now, and was super excited when she opened The MaE Deli (now called Deliciously Ella) along with her husband, Matthew. Now with multiple locations around London, the delis offer natural, seasonal, and delicious food. While I (luckily) don't have any allergies or need to avoid any specific ingredients, all the food at The MaE Deli is free from wheat, dairy, additives, and refined sugar, making it the perfect, healthy spot for breakfast or lunch for just about anyone. On a recent trip to London, I visited twice, and loved all the fresh, colorful options to choose from. I created my own "MaE Bowl", with miso broccolini salad, sweet potato with coriander tahini, cauliflower & broad bean falafel, and grilled vegetables with sorrel pesto, all topped with avocado pesto dip! Talk about a mouthful, but this is my favorite kind of lunch. Veggie-based, full of flavor, and super healthy and satisfying!

You know me- I rarely pass on the sweets, and this occasion was no different. The fudgy brownie tastes sinful and indulgent, but is far from it. I love when a dessert still tastes rich and decadent, but isn't full of a bunch of processed crap! Win-win! And how pretty is the hot pink frosting on that red velvet cupcake?! You can now also buy Ella's energy balls in various stores around London (like Whole Foods!). These bite-sized treats, made from nuts and fruits, are great, quick sources of energy and protein, and delicious to boot! I like keeping a few in my bag for whenever I start to get hangry. Here's hoping a NYC location opens soon!