STAY HOME AND CARRY ON

While we all are staying home and going through an emotional rollercoaster, there are a few things that help me to reduce stress levels and bring a little comfort. First things first, it is OK to feel down and ‘not productive’. You don’t need to use this time to start a new project or finish a house renovation. You are in the middle of the pandemic and you have to be gentle with yourself. I went through weeks that all I could do is ordering a pizza and rewatching old movies, because I couldn’t even follow a new movie story. Luckily, good food is always an answer. Shops are back to be fully stocked and there are plenty of possibilities to try new exciting recipes. But if you’re like me and desperately missing eating out, there are more and more businesses adjusting to a new situation and deliver amazing produce. I’ll start with probably a highlight of my lockdown supply - Dinner from Hakkasan. A real Asian feast with truffled crispy duck, curried king prawns and chilli beef. Can’t recomment it more!

Now some good news for East London’s favourite Angelina restaurant fans. Angelina reopens for Friday dinner deliveries! They serve 7-course menu for only £35 and it is delicious!

For those who wants to have a little break from cooking, but still willing to be involved in some DIY, I tried and can recommend three fantastic options.

DIY falafel wrap making kit from Arabica Restaurant. I’ve never made falafels before, so it was a great fun!

2. DIY gourmet box for making mushroom gnocchi from PlantHub. The box arrives with everything you possibly need including fresh veg, Italian wine and a dessert!

3. DIY pasta delivery from Pasta Evangelists. The delivery fits through a letter box and has everything you need for your delicious pasta fix. Every week they have a new menu and collaborate with the best London restaurants.

Moving to supplies deliveries and I wanted to highlight a few. We all can agree that it was never a better time to support small local businesses. Dishpatch is one of the best services to order from independent businesses. I’ve ordered meats from Cobble Lane Cured through them and it arrived very quick and will last me some time. Next, bread. I might be in a minority who still hasn’t baked their own soughdough these days, but I do like a slice of fresh warm leaf. I’ve ordered from Hobbs House Bakery and love it. It’s a family run business in Cotsworlds and they deliver nationwide. You need to order five loaves at once, it arrives by post in convenient wax packaging with thorough instructions for freezing. It is the only way to keep your bread as fresh as possible if you don’t go through it all in the first day. And lastly, wanted to mention Hackney local - Flour and Flowers. Guys opened a few months before the lockdown and trying to kick off their business by supplying the area with amazing pastries, breads and cakes. Give them a try!

Let’s not forget artisan drinks and desserts. I’m a big fan of Negroni and obviously can mix my own, but mixologist from The Sun Tavern do something unbelievable and their Negroni is something else. Treat yourself on a Friday night and try it alongside with their Banana Daiquiri. You won’t regret! Maybe with a side of Remeo gelato that is now available on Deliveroo. If you’re a fan of chocolate, Doisy & Dam now does home deliveries too and finally Camden Brewery launched their classic Hells in ‘Heroes series’ where all proceedings will go to NHS.