My latest food crush is dim sum, I absolutely love it. I've always been big on Chinese cuisine, but never really bothered with the little steamed parcels. That's until I tried them during the Summer, and I've been hooked ever since. Mmm, give me a spicy chicken or black prawn filled dim sum and I'm quite content. My passion for the dumplings is so much that when I was invited to try the new menu at Ping Pong Dim Sum, I couldn't refuse!

The restaurant chain takes its inspiration from an ancient Chinese tradition. Here's the story: Hundreds of years ago, merchants on the Silk Road would stop at tea houses en route to rest their weary feet, relax and drink tea with their fellow travellers and share Dim Sum – baskets and dishes of little sweet and savoury snacks, usually steamed, baked or fried.

Ping Pong restaurants have kept all the best bits of that ancient tradition, providing a relaxed communal place to meet and relax, whilst offering a delicious range of Dim Sum, and fragrant tea. (Only now Cocktails are also on the menu to bring the tradition into the 21st Century).


Friday night, I took my mum out for a girlie catch-up and to convert her from the standard special fried rice (which she always orders) and convince her to try some steamed goodness. We visited the south bank branch sitting opposite the Royal Festival Hall and we sipped delicious Cosmopolitan cocktails whilst sampling a yummy range of dishes.

The new menu features some great additions to traditional dim sum, including a rather tasty Crispy hoi sin duck spring roll. I was also impressed with the Crab spring roll; a mixture of crab meat and prawns, doused in chili and served with Thai fish sauce. Mum was pretty smitten with her starer of Seafood puff; mini puff pastries filled with scallop, prawn and ginger.

The moment came to convince mum that steamed parcels of meat and vegetables are not only healthy but so good to eat. She looked apprehensive but once she tasted Ping Pong's Spicy chicken dumplings, she gave her approval. And so the the Dim Sum marathon commenced; Pork Shu Mal, Har gau prawns, Coriander dumplings and finally the Crunchy golden; A turmeric dumpling filled with stir friend vegetable, shallots and garlic.

The atmosphere at the restaurant, was chilled yet lively; families were out for celebrations and friends were enjoying after work bites. The interior was distinctly modern with hints of Chinese calligraphy, achieving harmony between the old and the new.

There are 12 Ping Pong restaurants in London and each dish costs on average between £3.39 - 3.99. Visit the website for the restaurant most local to you.


Ping Pong Dim Sum
South Bank
Festival Terrace,
Southbank Centre,
Belvedere Road,
London
SE1 8XX

Tel: 020 7960 4160
Web: www.pingpongdimsum.com

Yesterday I blogged about a Kérastase hair treatment that I had at my local Rush Salon. Turns out, off the back of the review, the award-winning salon group would like to offer 50 Pretty Stylish London readers the chance to have a free treatment and blow dry, so now you can try it for yourself! How's that for a treat?

Rush London are at the forefront of hairdressing and now have 47 salons across London and the South East. Renowned for their passion, quality, creativity and professionalism, every Stylist is trained to the highest standards ensuring each client receives the ultimate salon experience and a luxury service.

50 lucky readers will win a fantastic blow dry with one of Rush’s experienced stylists – the perfect treat when you’re in need of pampering or looking to impress on a girls night out. In addition to the fabulous blow dry you will receive complimentary refreshments, a Personal Hair Consultation and a luxury Kérastase Treatment Ritual, which will be individually prescribed for you to ensure your hair glistens and shines. Visit www.rush.co.uk

This exclusive prize is only available for fifty readers only. To be in with a chance of winning you must be following the blog or a subscriber. So if you haven't already, please click the follow button to the right, or subscribe via my mailing list on feedburner further down.

Next you need to answer the following question:
How many salons to Rush have?
Submit your answers using the comment box below.

Good Luck! Competition ends on the 2nd November 09.

Terms and Conditions
UK residents only. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Selected Stylists only. Appointment times and restrictions may apply. Prize must be redeemed within one month of being informed you have won.

At this time of year, the changing elements can take a toll on your hair. If like me you worry about frizz and split ends, I'd recommend trying a professional deep conditioning treatment.

Kérastase is a prescriptive range of hair care products used to prevent damage and give your hair a boost of nourishment. The Kérastase in-salon programme is ideal for getting an expert diagnosis best suited to your hair type and a personalised homecare programme.

There are several salons that use Kérastase, however Rush London salons are my pick of the bunch. You may remember that I've posted about Rush before, my local branch rescued me from a very bad hair day during the summer, and since then I've become a regular client at the award wining salon chain.


Last week I was prescribed the Oléo-Relax treatment from the Kérastase Ritual Collection, ideal for dry, frizzy hair. This taming treatment included an indulgent 15 minute mask complete with head massage.

The Oléo-Relax system works to smooth frizz and protect hair from heat styling and the cold weather. The formula's Patented active ingredients penetrates the core of the hair fibre and restores the natural balance of the scalp for optimal conditioning.

The whole process was uber relaxing and a week later, my hair still feels lovely. I also find that there is less breakage through combing, so it has definitely helped to strengthen the tresses.

Other systems available include Resistance Force; for weak/flyway hair, Reflection; suitable for highlighted/coloured hair and Specifique; used to help thinning and dandruff.

There are 47 Rush hair salons across London and the South, and with over 15 years experience, there's usually a stylist available to handle all hair types, including afro hair. Treatment prices range from £12.50-17.50.

Visit the website for further information on your local branch. www.rush.co.uk

Date: 9th October 09
Time: 7pm

London Restaurant Festival starts on the 8th of October and to celebrate, The May Fair hotel is offering an tempting way to start your weekend. The hotel will be hosting Eat Film; an event celebrating food on film and featuring the 1963 Albert Finney classic Tom Jones.

Showing in the exclusive private theatre that seats a cosy 201 viewers , Tom Jones is an Oscar winning adaptation of Henry Fielding's novel. You'll be able to watch the movie with all it's comedy and amazing display of cuisine, and afterwards sample the food that you saw on film in the gorgeous Crystal Room. Expect a hearty feast – including a variety of poultry and seafood. Tickets for this evening are priced at £48.50 per person.

You're also invited to visit the hotel's Amba Bar & Grill during London Restaurant Week for a taste of fine British cuisine in luxurious surroundings. The price of a two-course meal starts at £25.

For more information on Eat Film and the festival activities visit: www.visitlondon.cm/londonrestaurantfestival

The May Fair Bar
The May Fair Hotel
Stratton Street,
Mayfair,
London, W1J 8LT

Tel: 020 7629 7777
Email: mayfairbar@themayfairhotel.co.uk
Web: www.themayfairhotel.co.uk