The first week of a two week trip was spent in London on tour with the Boston Ballet company.  It was an amazing and beautiful way to kick off our 50th Season as Boston's premier Ballet Company.

 I always enjoy going on tour because I love traveling and there is something very special about bringing your art to a different audience and culture.  The tour was a resounding success, the first time in 30 years that the Company has visited London and I think it is safe to say that we will return in the near future:)

Naturally, I always have food on my mind when I am traveling to new places.  London was no different and I experienced many special things about this city through food.  Without a doubt, one of my favorite meals was at Duck and Waffle, a restaurant located on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower.  Talk about a breathtaking view of one of the world's busiest cities! And the menu did not disappoint either.  Apart from their infamous duck leg and waffle dish, my absolute favorite was their oxtail cheek donut.

Perhaps the most surpring find was an incredible little gelato shop - Gelupo in SoHo.  A friend who works nearby took us directly here when I announced my craving for ice cream. I was so effectively blown away by their Black Forest Flavor - a decadent and creamy milk chocolate with big black cherries - that I returned promptly a few days later with my dad who always manages to drop in for our tours:)

The weather in London was uncharacteristically sunny and hot, so on top of the gelato visits, I had to fit in some fro yo ones as well. I considered it my duty to try out as many different chains as possible.  Snog and FRAE were my top fave...on par with Pinkberry and 16 Handles in fact!

Among the recommendations I received from foodie friends, the name Ottolenghi came up often enough that I had to try it.  Although I did not make it to the actual place because of my performance schedule, I did get a box of goodies with their life changing pear tart and peanut butter s'mores cookies.

A trip to London would have been amiss in my mind if I had not gotten some indian street food.  Roti Chai was our place and it did not disappoint.  Our hungry group ordered pretty much everything on the menu and it made for a delicious and beautiful spread.

And of course, pub fare in London is the best way to go for local, traditional fare.  On our last night in London, we happened upon Windsor Castle, a wonderful little place in Notting Hill with a garden in the back.  It is here that you can grab a pitcher of Pimm's to share with friends and  some pub grub.

In a place like this you are quite happy to sit and prolong a meal, an order of Scotch eggs here, some fish and chips there all the while your pitcher of Pimm's is never empty.

I have been to London twice in the past year, each time for a different reason and each time I discover more and more.  It is no doubt a city full of treasures and I cannot wait to return:)