Jana's reviews
Review of Work Shop
16 Apr 08, 17:17
For the Love of Clay 
You could be forgiven for expecting elves or gnomes to be at the pottery wheel of this adorable little cottage-in-the-wood shop near Victoria Park. But the craftsman potter is Caroline Bousfield, and she's rather tall. And speckled with clay. The place is enchanting; she is very personable; and the pieces of useable art such as mugs and plates and beautiful little pitchers are one-off treasures that make wonderful gifts. I went in for an "I Love Hackney" mug, one of her specialty items. She has a wide selection of museum quality greeting cards, as well, and some fun old-fashioned toys. If you're in the park flying your kite on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday, be sure to pop in. You are bound to find a sweet gift and you can see the artist in action. It's a joy to feel as if she's handing you a piece of work right from the kiln.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Review of The Elderfield Pub
07 Mar 08, 12:28
Warm Welcome
What gives you a sense of welcome when you visit a pub, restaurant or even a friend's house? For me, it has something to do with the little things people do to make me feel like I matter. Like sparkling clean windows and pint glasses, a couple of comfortable leather couches, tables with just the right amount of space between them - cozy but not cramped at all. Someone cares about the Elderfield and the people who stop in for a pint on the way home from work, or spend their Friday nights at a long table in the back celebrating a friend's birthday. This is a local that feels better than going home, especially if your place isn't as clean and fresh. I want to go back there; I want to make it my local. That seems like high praise to me.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.
Review of L'Epicerie @ 56
27 Feb 08, 16:41
why not start with pain au chocolat
A warming cup of cappuccino and a pain au chocolat was just the ticket this morning after a brisk walk around the neighborhood, and L'Epicerie delivered both beautifully. The coffee was strong and hot; the pain au chocolat could have been a tiny bit warmer since room temperature when the place just opened was rather cool. Still, what better reminder of how decadent my breakfast was than to snap my way through the dark chocolate bar in the midst of the butter pastry. There was a certain bustle to the place while the woman opened up (I got there just around opening time at 8:30) and after exercising it was nice to sit in a cracked little leather chair and watch her work while I rested. The only reason I'm limiting the stars is because I want them to keep adding to the wonderful, eclectic stock of gourmet and organic foods stuffed onto the shelves. It manages to look full and rich without feeling cluttered, which is good because it's a tiny place. Can't wait for summer to use the outside tables they so optimistically put out every day. It's fantastic for the area, and just might be worth the trip from elsewhere for a relaxed, delicious treat.
1 out of 1 person found this review helpful.