Buckle up, buttercups, because I’m about to take you on a whirlwind tour of my recent European escapade. This trip has been a long time coming, and I finally made good on my promise to visit my best friend Dani in London. Dani and I go way back to our wild college days, and she's been living her best life in London for the past two years. So, I kissed the fam goodbye, hopped on a plane, and the adventure began!

Touchdown in London
I landed at Heathrow on a bright Friday around 1 p.m., and after a quick reunion hug with Dani, we were off to St Pancras International. By 5 p.m., we were on the Eurostar, heading to Paris. Talk about a fast-paced start!

Paris: Love at First Bite

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Stay‍

Le Pigalle Hotel: Imagine waking up in a place that's the perfect mix of artsy and cozy. The cocktails were divine, and their breakfast? Absolutely dreamy. This hotel is a little slice of Parisian heaven.

Eat‍

Parcelles: This place felt like a hidden gem. The food was exquisite, with a charming, laid-back vibe.
Au Pied de Cochon: An old-school brasserie that's been around forever. It's bustling and lively, and the food is comfort in every bite.
Racines: A tiny spot with big flavors. The dishes were creative and delicious, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Le Goncourt: This local spot stole my heart. The oysters were fresh, the wine was perfect, and their croque madame? Absolute perfection.
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Drink

Little Red Door: This speakeasy had the coolest vibe. The cocktails were creative and so fun to try.
Maison Proust: Elegant and classy, with a drink menu that makes you want to try everything.
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Experience‍

The Marche Saint Ouen: Think of the ultimate flea market with everything from antiques to vintage clothes. I could’ve spent days here.
E. Dehillerin: For someone who loves to cook, this store was like a candy shop. So many unique kitchen gadgets!
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After two magical days in Paris, we hopped back on the train to London.

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London: From Dim Sum to Dukes

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Back in London, I had four fabulous days to explore and eat my heart out.

Eat‍

Tamil Prince: A cozy spot with fantastic Indian dishes. The flavors were so rich and comforting.
The Barring: A hidden gem with a great atmosphere. The food was top-notch, perfect for a chill night out.
Dim Sum Terrace in Harrods: If you’re in Harrods, make a beeline for this place. The duck eggrolls were crispy and delicious.
Four Seasons: Known for their Peking duck, which did not disappoint. Plus, the king prawn fried rice and crispy pork belly were amazing.
Noble Rot: This spot is a wine lover's dream. The roasted chicken with morels was mouthwatering, and you have to try the pate choux with chicken liver. Trust me on this one.

Drink

Passione Vino: A super cozy wine shop with a great selection. Perfect for winding down after a day of exploring.
Dukes Bar: If you love classic cocktails, this is your spot. The martinis here are legendary.
Swift Soho: A trendy bar with fantastic drinks. The atmosphere was lively and fun.
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Experience

Little Venice: A peaceful area with beautiful canals and charming cafes. It felt like a little escape within the city.
Wilton's Music Hall: The oldest surviving music hall in the world. It’s got so much character and charm.
Leighton House Museum: An artist's house turned museum, filled with stunning artwork and decor.
Columbia Road Flower Market: A bustling market with gorgeous flowers everywhere. Such a vibrant and happy place.

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Edinburgh: A Brief but Beautiful Visit
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After London, Shep joined me, and we flew to Edinburgh for a wedding. We only had 24 hours in the city before heading to the countryside, but it was enough to fall in love with Scotland.

Stay

The Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel: Elegant and comfortable, perfect for a short stay.

Eat‍

Heron: A culinary delight with creative dishes and a cozy ambiance. Hands down one of the meals I've ever had in my life. We did the tasting menu and I had the wine pairing A which is wines off the beaten path. I regret absolutely nothing. I could not recommend this restaurant to you more.

Experiences

Edinburgh Castle: A must-see historical site. Literally looks like Hogwarts if you're Harry Potter Fan.
The Scotch Whiskey Experience: A fun and informative tour and if you get the Gold Pass you get to taste a few different Scotch whiskey and get to see one of the largest collections of whiskeys ever assembled.
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Until Next Time, Europe!

Overall, it was an amazing 10 days filled with fantastic food, unforgettable experiences, and the best company. I've barely scratched the surface of what Scotland has to offer, so I'll definitely be back with more recommendations. Until then, happy travels and bon appétit!

I hope you enjoyed this travelogue! If you’ve got any questions or need more recommendations, drop a comment below. Cheers to more adventures!

Love,
Ryan

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