Author Archives: Alexandra Kalinowski

About Alexandra Kalinowski

Alexandra Kalinowski is usually found with one hand on the keyboard being a digital booze guru while the other holds some sort of food slathered in Nutella. When food isn't on the brain, she's contemplating her next trip. Originally from Chicago, she's found her home in London's cafes where she's currently exploring a new one each day for one year. Find her in one, or on social at @akboogie.

Up In My Grill at The King & Co

What started as affordable, flavoursome steaks has now morphed into a wide menu of burgers, crispy lamb belly, aubergine parma mess and short rib. And because old habits die hard, I did try all of the dishes that Up In My Grill will be serving during the two-month residency at The King & Co. Continue reading

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An Evening of Meat at The Vaults

It’s not often I’m handed a scoop of chicken liver atop a savoury cone and watched as I take each bite. I don’t know whether to stare back at her, or if she wants me to smile and look away. She’s about two inches from my face and can hear the crunch as I bite through the cone despite the thumping music. We’re doing a dance, but I’m not dancing. Continue reading

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Olso Takeovers at Oslo Hackney

Mondays just got a whole lot better. DrinkUp.London have partnered with Oslo in Hackney to host what they call Oslo Takeovers. To cut a long story short, that means £6 cocktails. Continue reading

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Minimix at The Megaro

Alexandra Kalinowski gets dragged out for a night at a plush dive near King’s Cross. It’s not often you’ll find me out four nights in a row. But a bar designed as your personal minibar with unlimited help yourself popcorn … Continue reading

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Cocktail Masterclasses at Portobello Star

Alexandra Kalinowski gets crafty with the cocktails at Portobello Star. Continue reading

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5 Festive Things to Do in Essex

There’s nothing quite like getting away for the day, travelling down long winding roads and sipping on (mulled) wine. So if you’re looking to escape the city for something a bit more magical, here are five things worth exploring in Essex to get you in the spirit. Continue reading

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Tower of London Ice Rink

If you fancy ice-skating this winter (until 2nd January) and you’re new to how it works in London, you need to book your place. Yes it’s that popular. Continue reading

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The Ikea House Party

So you can guess I was beyond excited to head to the launch of the four-day Ikea pop-up here in London. Continue reading

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Very Lazy Cooking Course at Food @ 52

I’ve just never loved being in the kitchen. Somehow I become impatient. Chopping up a million things is not my idea of a great time. Somehow the heat gets put on too high. Paprika or cayenne? Sorry what, those are different spices? Continue reading

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HotTug London

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, a HotTug comes to London. Yes, a floating hot tub. It’s basically bathception. Continue reading

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Mimod’s Kitchen Residency Coming to Kensal Rise

I take every excuse I can get to eat breakfast for dinner. Brinner. Because let’s face it, who doesn’t love eggs, waffles, pancakes, sausage, bagels, and granola? Omg and I almost forgot the doughnuts. So get ready London, because there’s going to be a (semi) permanent brinner joint opening in September: Mimod’s Kitchen. Continue reading

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Pop-up India at Proud East

Get ready to take a tour of the world, by staying put in East London. Proud East, the gorgeous venue along the canal in Haggerston, has just launched Pop-up India, freshly painted and redecorated after a fun run of Pop-up Japan. With a colourful makeover of floating flowers, a tuk-tuk photo booth, garlands and art, Proud East has made itself a hot destination for those looking to soak up a bit of Indian culture this summer. Continue reading

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Fiz Sparkling Wine Bar

Fiz is a 10-week pop-up and London’s first sparkling wine bar. Continue reading

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Mazi Mas: Empowering Migrant and Refugee Women in the Kitchen

Mazi Mas: Empowering Migrant and Refugee Women in the Kitchen Continue reading

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Death’s Door #Gindependence Pop-Up Dive Bar

Death’s Door Dive Bar is full of striped red, white and blue, a bit of taxidermy and board games. And yes it’s super fleeting so you best get yourself out of bed stat and on your way over for a full day of fun. Continue reading

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Rubies in the Rubble Surplus Food Pop Up in Selfridges

Alexandra Kalinowski heads to Selfridges to check out Rubies in the Rubble Surplus Food Pop Up. This whole clean/guilt-free eating that’s been popularised in recent years with the rise in health-food bloggers turned cookbook churners is dying a slow death. … Continue reading

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The Great Architectural Bake Off

If I had to pinpoint two things I’ve got from my dad, it’s how to stuff massive amounts of sugar in my gob, and a love of architecture mixed with urban planning. So when I caught wind of The Great Architectural Bake Off, I nearly galloped to Fitzroy Square. Continue reading

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Our/Summer at Our/London Vodka Distillery

Definitely get yourself to Hackney Downs soon to soak up the Our/Summer series each Saturday until 19th August from 12-6pm. Continue reading

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Michael Thompson’s Fodder at Borough Wines & Beer

If you’re like me and find yourself channelling your inner child in a candy store upon entering a wine shop, Borough Wines & Beers won’t disappoint. After shaking off the rain droplets and calming my breath post my mad dash into their Islington shop, I warmed in the rather intimate store. Perusing the shelves lined with British red and whites, I indulged my current natural wine obsession whose flavour ever evolves once the cork has been unscrewed. I’d describe it as a luxurious walk-in closet, which simply adds to the charm and intrigue of what lies below … Continue reading

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New Cocktail Menu at The Cocktail Trading Co

Full disclosure, I’ve got a soft spot for The Cocktail Trading Co. You see, my day job is pretty glamorous. I’m often out and about drinking with bartenders as I interview them for a gin bar blog series. It’s safe to assume I’ve jotted down plenty of stories and have a feel for how each bar operates. But there are two in bars in particular that have stood out. CTC is one of them. Continue reading

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