Sunday in Portobello Market

We haven't started lectures yet so we're all pretty relaxed. So last Sunday we decided we would make use of our free time and pay a visit to the lovely Portobello Road Market.

There is an excellent Sicilian restaurant in Notting Hill, called Arancina because their specialty is arancini, deep fried balls stuffed with rice and different fillings. They also have thin, crusty, just taken out of the oven pizzas with some delicious looking toppings.

The 'pizzetas' (above, on the left) were filled with either peppers, ham or spinach & ricotta. There was pizza margherita, with assorted vegetables, prosciutto, pepperoni and more.

Their arancini, which you can see in the picture below, basically look a little like spanish croquetas, only a little bigger and rounder. They have a very good flavour; Riana had it filled with Ragu and Regina with ricotta and spinach.

They also have chicken, lasagna and various sorts of pasta - to take away, or to eat in.

The dining room is upstairs, and it's a really cosy place - not too big, with brick walls, decorated with cute little posters, and little antique knick-knacks all over the place.

The clientele was a whole range of different types of people, from South-American tourists to local Brits.

It also has nice views of those cute Notting Hill houses that we'd love to own one day (wishful thinking, as usual).

The houses even come in cute ice-cream flavour colours.

After a few minutes came the food (it really didn't come, you have to take it upstairs to the dining room). It tasted as yummy as it looked and has created some cravings for the oozy cheesy goodness again soon.

Julieta, who's a new Londoner, came with us, and so did our dear friend Tanisha.

Had to zoom in and show you the pizza more closely.

And we must show you the 'arancini' which, as I said, is their specialty.

As you can see we left no food.

Julieta having fun!

We then made our way to the vintage shops in the area. We saw vintage handbags, fur coats and clothing in general. Julieta even tried a black beaded Valentino dress which looked amazing on her. We visited the vintage jewellery boutiques which really are special, though it does take a long time to find one of their many hidden beautiful bargains.

And then there's the cheap street jewellery as well

We stopped at many different little shops throughout the afternoon, like the one you can see below.

We were presented with many temptations during the afternoon, including this one, The Hummingbird Bakery, for example. But guess what? We didn't give in to any of them! Our arancini balls carried us through the day.

If you liked the restaurant, you'll find it at 19 Pembridge Road. It is worth a visit!

More London posts soon.

Regina and Riana xxx.