I have temporarily hung up my home cooking apron, because for the next 10 days I will be sampling the gastronomic delights of Los Angeles and New York. Having pre-booked a handful of restaurants based on scrupulous research – I take food and the act of eating seriously – I am so looking forward to this edible adventure. 


Our stay in LA will be brief – a quick peak at the place and journey recovery – but the meal my husband and I enjoyed this evening in The Polo Lounge was perfect. Nestled within the cosy confines of The Beverly Hills Hotel, our first sit down meal in this glitzy concrete jungle of a city could not be faulted. Having come off a long, 14 hour haul from Sydney with more than a few bumpy air pockets along the way – I pass 40 and hey, I suddenly develop motion sickness! – I was craving food with a restorative effect. The Polo Lounge came to the rescue with their warm, comfortable fit out, attentive service and beautifully prepared selection of French inspired classics. A bowl of silky French onion soup re-generated my appetite  – my mother is a huge advocate of soup when travelling. This led the way to a fine fillet of fish, sole to be precise, simply panfried “Julia Child style” in a little butter with capers and the tiniest roasted veggies and only-just wilted spinach with smooth potato puree. 

Souffle is a favourite dessert of mine and having gone without cakes or cookies for a month, I couldn’t resist this made-to-order gingerbread souffle with creme anglaise and creme fraiche. Can’t wait to try and recreate this delicate dessert dish at home, minus the impeccably piped chocolate insignia. That’s taking it too far  – TITF in teenage talk – for a family meal, but a very glamorous touch when on holiday. 

I’m particularly looking forward to taking a big delicious bite – many bites to be more accurate – out of the “Big Apple”, when we fly in on Sunday. Although I DO enjoy creating meals from scratch and cooking from my favourite recipe books and magazines, eating out is extremely enjoyable. Especially when the meal is sublime. I love to eat gorgeous food and pour over the meal guessing ingredients, spices, flavours and such and then taking that inspiration into my own kitchen for my family and friends.