Moving On

Thanks to all who have followed us on this blog. The bad news is that we're moving on, but the good news is that it's onto better things! Come and visit our new luxury gifts blog at www.luxurygiftskuati.com

We hope to see you there,

Tha Kuati Team x

Food - Barbecue it Right - Barbecued Asparagus with Mint and Lemon Oil

While today may actually be a little overcast, the general spring/summer weather here in the UK has been quite simply wonderful thus far.   As is the norm, picnics and barbecues are rife.  The first sign of a clear sky and us Brits take our cue to rush out and stock up on the raw ingredients in preparation for a summery, sizzling supper.

We wanted to share with you a simple, yet sensational, recipe for barbecued Asparagus with Mint and Lemon oil.  Right now, British Asparagus is in season, making it an ideal little side dish to run alongside the meaty principals.  Not only is asparagus rich in antioxidants but it is also rich in fibre, folic acid and potassium.

Ingredients
2 x bundles of fresh British asparagus (most nutritious straight after picking)
4 x tbsp Kuati's extra virgin olive oil w/lemon
2 x tbsp finely chopped mint leaves
50g parmesan shavings
A sprinkling of sesame seeds to serve
Sea salt to season

Method
1. Break the woody ends off the asparagus (the best way to do this is to hold the stalk at the bottom and bend until it breaks naturally separating the tough woody section from the tasty bit)
2. Place on a baking tray and coat with half of the oil and a sprinkling of sea salt
3. Grill the asparagus over the barbecue for approximately 2 minutes on either side (you may wish to skewer a few stalks together as above to keep the portions even)
4.Mix the remaining oil and freshly chopped mint
5.Place the cooked asparagus on the serving dish, drizzle with remaining oil/mint mixture and douse delicately with sesame seeds and parmesan shavings.

Could this recipe be any easier?  Why not mix it up and use our suggested dressing to make your own Halloumi and mixed vegetables skewers and serve with softly sunblush tomoatoes for a mediterannean feel.  Wash all of these delectable delights down with some of our delicious Fentimans Rose Lemonade, Dandelion & Burdock drink or Ginger Beer?

Culture - Musical Bliss Courtesy of Clock Opera, Fleet Foxes, Findlay Brown and Ed Sheran

Summer is encroaching slowly but surely.  We, here at Kuati, very much enjoy, promoting the new, the fresh and ideas that have not yet been over exposed.  Kuati has compiled a sampler, amuse bouche if you will,of four wonderful songs to relax to while enjoying a few our of favourite products.

Summer means festivals! This weekend's Great Escape is Brighton is well underway and paving the path for a season full of japes and jaunts.  This we have selected a band (that I personally have been raving about for well over a year) that have FINALLY started receiving some UK radio airplay and a sprinkle of the credit they deserve.  So that is our first recommendation, Clock Opera - Belongings, (released on Moshi Moshi) as seen above.

Our second sensationally soothing sample comes from Fleet Foxes.  Currently promoting their eagerly awaited second album, Montezuma, Fleet foxes are touring all across the globe, so do try and catch them if you get chance.  If you are not one of the privileged few to have tickets, we recommend you allow yourself to drift away to greener pastures while taking a steamy bath with our Abahna foam blending bath set.

Findlay Brown and Ed Sheran two more artists that has been both been about for quite some time but have only just really made the break through into a slightly more mainstream arena.  Sheran has made several well respected radio DJ's record of the week with his song 'The A Team', which he recently performed on BBC2's Later With Jools Holland.  While Brown has been the subject of much praise across popular Internet blogs.

So, there you have a couple of Kuati's suggestions for helping you unwind.  Delectably scented candles, beautiful bath oils, indulgent lounge wear and, crucially, the perfect soundtrack.  Enjoy!

Lifestyle - Enjoy Your Own Oil

While philanthropy is ALWAYS in fashion, in these times of austerity, it is kind of nice to get something in return.  Of equal importance, is the knowledge surronding the origins of the food that we put into our bodies.  There are, globally, a steadily growing trend that we, here at Kuati, believe to be pure genius.  Adopt-your-own schemes are such innovative ideas that benefit the environment and (of course) make wonderful gifts!

 

http://www.nudo-italia.com/groves

 As is frequently the case, as demand increases for a product, so does the mechanized method utilized when obtaining core ingredients.  For example, when harvesting the olives used to make the extra virgin oil we so happily drizzle all over our fresh, summery salads, the environment is often neglected as the soil erodes leading to a poorer harvest of poorly flavoured oil.  Adopting a tree also encourages traditional methods to be upheld, as generations of olive growers can afford to continue to keep their businesses family run, and pass on the tricks of the trade obtained throughout the years.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil makes the perfect, healthy and delicious staple to have to hand in your kitchen. Not only does the oil embody the spirit of the Mediterranean, but, Nudo oils are also very low in saturated fats and high in monounsaturated fats, making the oil extremely good for your entire body, especially your heart.   The oils are simply ideal for drizzling over fresh salads, dipping your piping hot, fresh ciabatta in, or roasting seasonal vegetables.  You could even reap the benefits externally by making your own nutrient-rich and gentle face or hair masks if you are feeling particularly creative!

With Nudo, the 'adotp and olive tree' scheme costs £67 and includes a plethora of goodies; the most exciting of which is 2 litres of your own, delectable, extra virgin olive oil!  And for those who do not have the spare £67 required by one of our favorite suppliers, you can still encourage the practices preached by Nudo by purchasing one of their delicious oils directly from Kuati along with the perfect accompaniment, tagliatelle!!!

Fabulous Facts for the Royal Wedding!

The hour is almost upon us when Prince William and Catherine (Kate) Middleton are due to share their nuptial vows.  At 11am on April the 29^th the world will be treated to, what promises to be, the most talked about event of the year. 

There is a LOT of dodgy commemorative merchandise available at the moment; believe us, living in London means we are exposed to some of the horrors on the market on a daily basis!

We were certain there must be some royal wedding souvenirs available with a bit of originality and pizazz about them.  Thankfully, we were proven right, someone somewhere had the creativity to come up with some sleek, stylish and super cool souvenirs.  To accompany our pick of the bunch we have some  interesting royal wedding facts, such as...

 Did you know…

 

*Catherine is going to be the oldest bride to walk down the aisle in England.

*Throughout his time at college, Prince William was familiarly known as ‘P Willy’.

 *The state car that will transport Prince William and his new bride away from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace was specifically built for King Edward VII in 1902.  Normally it is drawn open and drawn by six horses.

*Current Prime Minister, David Cameron, camped out all night on the Mall the night before the 1981 wedding between Prince Charles and Princess Diana.

*A whopping 1,900 guests have been invited to the wedding.

How great are these witty Will and Kate teabags? And a proper bargain, costing a mere £5!

This royal wedding memorabilia has been sourced by some of London’s freshest new talents.  New companies ‘Cole of London’ and ‘House That Lars Built’ have come up with seriously sophisticated and elegant souvenirs to commemorate the big day.We love these products because finding original royal wedding souvenirs can be super tricky.

Summoning Springtime

Despite the recent cold snaps here in London, we can still see the signs of springtime breaking through. The crisp blue skies, the rays of sunshine through storefront windows, and the daffodils popping up at local florists are all tell tale signs it's around the corner.

http://www.somuchtotellyou.co.nz/

On the odd day of sunshine I find myself lunching in Green Park with my boyfriend, who lovingly brings along a selection of cheese and crackers, and a sweet treat from Patisserie Valerie. My favorites are the raspberry and apple tarts, at £2.70 and £3.40 each.

Raspberry and Apple tarts by Patisserie Valerie

So with the change in both the weather and my eating habits, it's time to reflect the new season in my wardrobe and around the home. Here at Kuati some of our new spring shipments have arrived, including the fantastic Bougie la Francaise candle range. My top picks would have to be the large Embossed Three Wick Candle, perfect as an outdoor table centerpiece, and the Villa Garden Yogurt Pot, a soft spring scented candle in a gorgeous ceramic pot.


http://www.kuati.com/bougies-la-francaise-embossed-green-candle-with-3-wicks.aspx

http://www.kuati.com/bougies-la-francaise-villa-garden-yogurt-pot-candle.aspx


Another new range this season is Rukhsana Jewellery, a well-priced line that will add sparkle to your springtime outfits. How can you look past these adorable Dragonfly Necklaces, available in three great colours at £15.00 each.

Dragonfly Necklaces £15.00 by Rukhsana Jewellery

So a very big welcome to you Springtime, it's about time you told Winter to take a hike.

Arabian Nights

http://quattrocentista.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!1pABNzOZuV4e1cn_cx0Mu2Jw!1033.entry

There is something alluring about North African lands. It could perhaps be the spicy aroma wafting through a Souk or the glistening ornaments that drag in our wandering eyes and enchant our the contents of our poor purses into the hands of another. Or is it the innately hypnotic, kohl lined eyes darting about the place amongst exquisitely ornate fabrics? Whatever the reason, there are many ways to satisfy our lust for all things Aladdin inspired.

http://www.kuati.com/skoura-silver-moroccan-leather-pouffe.aspx

A favourite haunt of the Kuati team is a divine little treasure chest of a restaurant named Momo. The food is simply delicious (the couscous is the like none I had ever sampled. It is delicate, light, and fluffy to the point where it almost melts in your mouth) and the cocktails (both virgin and alcoholic) absolutely divine.

http://www.quintessentially.com/insider/2010/01/21/momo-londons-glamorous-hotspot/

Momo creates an atmosphere that is both welcoming and warm and manages to perfectly balance a decadent dollop of Algerian charm with a touch West London glamour, all the while avoiding becoming trite.

http://www.kuati.com/skoura-coloured-tea-glasses.aspx

After your food, slouch down in the ottoman inspired, low-slung couches and absorb the ambience with a refreshing hot mint tea while nibbling on a selection of maghrebine pastries.

Aladdin, eat your heart out!!!

http://www.marrakechvillas.co.uk/markets/

Orient Express

Having recently celebrated Chinese new year, we are LOVING all things that embody and embrace an elegant, oriental essence. Lucky for us at Kuati we have this Japanese inspired, East Village Silk Kimono.

For years designers have been musing over the intricate beauty that both Chinese and Japanese style and traditions manages to epitomize. Images from the Orient consistently feature heavily throughout the catwalks. Surely it is only just that we to take a moment or two to admire this fabulously exciting trend. What better place to start than with an example of sheer excellence from the Louis Vutton camp.

Eastern influence has been asource of inspiration and fascination for many years. This comes as no surprise when designers such as Issey Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto are able to utilize the stimuli to such wonderful affect.

The infamous Shanghai Tang piece of exquisite, wearable art that (as Brix Smith-Start highlighted on Gok's fashion fix last week) costs a mere £27,000 is prime example of the fine synergy created when the two worlds do meet.
May the year of the rabbit bring you as much joy as these beautiful pieces have brought us!!!

Not wanting to 'Harp(er)' on about it.

In the shop we have some beautiful Cavallini stamp sets at the moment and it got me thinking back to all things arts and crafts. Both me and the boss have a penchant for old word presses - believe it or not if i just happened to somehow acquire that warehouse home i've always wanted it'd be one of my first purchases in all it's wrought iron loveliness.
Following that - spending what would have to be a huge lottery win at this rate - i would get my somewhat obsessive collection of silk screen prints and lithographs framed - something that started thanks mainly to one man - Charley Harper.






https://charleyharperprints.com/

http://www.charleyharperartstudio.com/

A good old fashioned cake bake - YUM.

It's looming again - Monday morning is on it's way and that sinking Sunday slouch feeling is peeking round the door ready to bowl me over with the realisation that another week has snuck by without so as much as a by your leave... so there's only one thing for it - turn to food or maybe I should be more specific: CAKE.

Having been obsessed for a while with Yotam Ottolenghi (after following his guardian recipes in the colour supplement every week http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/series/thenewvegetarian) and perhaps because rather too conveniently one of their little cafe's being based close by (well a bus ride down the road to Kensington http://www.ottolenghi.co.uk/locations/) from our little Mayfair boutique home my thoughts instantly spring from cake to Yotam - and it seems i'm not alone...

http://www.fannyloveslondon.com/2010/03/04/ottolenghi/

http://www.fannyloveslondon.com/2010/03/04/ottolenghi/

http://www.gourmet.com/magazine/2000s/2009/02/yotam-ottolenghi-profile

And if like me you're feeling like donning an apron and having a go so as to at least be able to claim a little sense of achievement when filling your face - http://www.donutstodelirium.com/ is there to lend a helping hand (figuratively speaking anyway) as a fellow fan there's an ace recipe for the apple and olive oil with maple cream cheese frosting posted on her blog http://www.donutstodelirium.com/2010/04/ottolenghi-apple-and-olive-oil-cake-with-maple-cream-cheese-frosting/

So happy baking and here's to expanding horizons (an waistline's but hey life's too short...)

Though it's nice to know that they're also not immune to or able to rise above the wonders of their own offerings either if it helps.... http://www.ottolenghi.co.uk/blog/2011/10/17/cake-geeks/

http://www.ottolenghi.co.uk/