Sandy's perfect day
The eponymous owner of Corsican pizzeria Sandy’s describes her perfect Marylebone day
Breakfast
The Providores. I go there with my brother a lot — he also lives locally. I am a simple eater, so I usually only have the porridge, but it is superb. It’s the freshness of everything: it’s hot, the fruit is fresh and seasonal. It’s been there for a long time now, The Providores, but I always love going.
A spot of fresh air
Hyde Park is just on our doorstep — but I do love Paddington Street Gardens. It is so peaceful there, and if the weather is nice you can have lunch on the grass.
Coffee break
I don’t drink coffee — but I do have a sweet tooth, and I love tea. Amanzi Tea has so many variations; my favourite at the moment is the lychee mar-tea-ni. It’s fabulous, especially when the weather is good. My niece and her friends hang out there after school, so it is nice to go along.
A new outfit
I am not that into fashion. I might get a t-shirt from J Crew — but my biggest weakness is glasses. I really can’t walk past without looking, and there are several good shops in Marylebone: Arthur Morrice, Mallon + Taub, CrossEyes.
Culture
The Wallace Collection. It’s been a while since I’ve been inside, but I love looking at the building. I love the church, St James’s on Spanish Place, too. I am not Catholic, I am Jewish, but it is a beautiful place and now and again I like to step inside and have a moment of peace.
Shopping
Ah, Marylebone shops — that is easy. I love stationery, and I love that Ryman’s on Marylebone High Street in particular. Then opposite that there is a fabulous poster shop, selling original movie posters. They are very collectable these days, and I am a big film buff. I bought a huge Italian version of Rebel Without a Cause, and for my 50th birthday my father bought a 1956 Goofy poster, of him playing basketball, because I love Goofy and I was a big basketball player at school.
Pre-dinner drinks
Vinoteca has a fabulous wine selection, and you can buy the wine to take away. It is a nice atmosphere too, very open inside, so for a drink it is superb. If friends are coming I would take them there, or The Grazing Goat which is great too.
Eating out
Relais de Venise L’Entrecôte on Marylebone Lane. I go there for lunch because you don’t have to queue at that time. They serve one dish: steak and frites, and if you are a steak lover you absolutely have to go there. Their sauce is legendary. I don’t know what it is, it’s a secret, but it is addictive. As are their frites.
Staying in
Green Valley. I love their watermelon and papaya. They also do the most amazing take away baby chicken, roasted on a spit, and I get that a lot if I am stuck for something to cook at home. Of course, if I want cheese, it’s La Fromagerie!
Anything else
I tell you what Marylebone lacks to make it the perfect day—a really good ice cream shop. It needs some good gelato, homemade every day with proper ingredients. Marylebone has everything else: that, for me, is all this area is missing.
