Home_banner_03
All Nicola Jeal's Answers
4 Fashion
59 Food
3 Drink
Mar 09
where can i buy petite jeans on the waist
Mar 09
Answer from Nicola Jeal
you dont say how old you are, or exactly what size you are, but my guess is you are tiny, so head to the shops that tend to cater for a teenage market. Topshop has a fantastic selection of jeans plus they have good petite section in the main oxford circus store. uniqlo also do small sizes.
This Answer has a rating of
5
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Mar 09
Question from janet williams
what is the best lenght and shape of skirt, I'm 5ft tall, and can only wear flat shoes as I have to run around after 2 very active boys!!
Mar 09
Answer from Nicola Jeal
you do not say what size you are, but if you are a slim 5 footer then I would suggest you wear skirts no longer than the knee. a denim skirt (on trend right now) is always a good option, worn with opaque tights and pumps - go as short as your legs can take it. So mini if you have great pins, and knee-length if they are not so good. for spring there are lots of 'swishy' skirt, as named by Vogue (think mini dirndls, skirts with a bit of shape). Your skirt should look as if you are wearing a stiff petticoat underneath it. That is a good shape for shorties BUT it must end above the knee. If you hate that length or shorter do not fall for the swishy, stick to the pencil shape. if you are no a slim 5 footer than dresses are a much better option to skirts. skirts 'shorten' the body, whereas a dress will elongate it. Plain frocks are best but if you love patterns, make it a small print.
This Answer has a rating of
5
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Mar 09
where can i buy petite jeans on the waist
Mar 09
Answer from Nicola Jeal
you dont say how old you are, or exactly what size you are, but my guess is you are tiny, so head to the shops that tend to cater for a teenage market. Topshop has a fantastic selection of jeans plus they have good petite section in the main oxford circus store. uniqlo also do small sizes.
This Answer has a rating of
5
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Mar 09
where can i find a one shoulder cocktail dress
Mar 09
Answer from Nicola Jeal
reiss has a fantastic orange one, new look has a good one too. dont pay too much, this is a one season wonder trend and come september you will be pqacking it away.
This Answer has a rating of
5
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Mar 11
why do i find it so hard to stop eating rubbish food
Mar 17
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
because you have got used to the high salt, high sugar hit you get with junk food. it is addictive - that is why children, brought up on that food, find it really difficult to switch to so-called healthy options.
the first thing you need to do is find a substitute 'hit' to try to wean yourself off the rubbish. try food either dressed or cooked in garlic for starters. always opt for the 'tastiest' option (roast chicken, mackerel) - healthy food that has a strong taste.
This Answer has a rating of
5
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Mar 09
What foods are both low fat and low carb?
Mar 09
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
Are you on a diet? I only as because your question is basically: which foods have virtually no calories. But this is no way to begin a diet. Rather than look at specific foods that are low carb and low fat you need to think in terms of meals. A meal of steamed green vegetables and white steamed fish, for example, is probably the ultimate low fat/low carb meal. BUT, trust me, if you want to lose weight eat less, and exercise more. That's it. eating low fat/low carb foods will not fill you up and will probably lead to binge eating at some stage during your day/week. So eat the foods you love, but less of them and only when you are hungry. Then exercise at least 3 times a week for an hour a pop. You will gradually shed pounds.
This Answer has a rating of
5
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Mar 09
Question from Helen
Can anyone give me a quick and easy recipe for scallops
Mar 09
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
This is so fast and always tasty (courtesy of Nigella).
400g scallops, 110g chorizo sausage. juice of half a lemon and some chopped parsley.
slice the chorizo. fry (use no oil, no nothing) in a hot pan on both sides. Takes a few mins. Remove. fry scallops in chorizo juice/oil for a minute a side. No more. Add chorizo and lemon juice and let heat for a few seconds. Sprinkle over parsley and serve/
This Answer has a rating of
6
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Mar 09
the best diet
Mar 09
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
Forget all diets, they don't work. Follow a few rules: only eat when you are hungry - but never leave it to you are ravenous; never eat at your desk at work or on the go - you need to sit down properly and think about your food; chew every mouthful 20 times. Then do at least an hour of aerobic exercise at least 3 times a week.
This Answer has a rating of
5
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Mar 06
where in Soho is the Italian Coffee Company that you recommend for great pizza and £3 margharetas?
Mar 06
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
It's on Goodge St. They are expanding all over London, and about to slightly change their name so as not to clash with another company. Called the Italian Coffee Company, Ecco or Icco.
This Answer has a rating of
5
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Mar 02
i want to go somewhere romantic in central london but i can only spend around £20 a head max for 2
Mar 02
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
i am assuming you will want a bottle of wine, so that leaves about £23 between you, including bread etc. Unless you fancy taking her/him? to a chain restaurant, your best option is going to a really lovely place where you can opt to sit at the bar and basically have bar food with a really nice bottle of red or white. One of my favourite places is Moro in Exmouth market in Clerkenwell, where you can sit at the lovely bar and order tapas. You can't book bar seats so get there before 7pm and nab two stools. The staff are charming, the tapas is great and you will sit there in the knowledge that you are in one of Britain's best and most original restaurants. £40? It's a bargain!
This Answer has a rating of
5
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Mar 02
Question from Mimi Spencer
Nicola, is there a new undiscovered foodie market in London?Borough is so busy these days
Mar 02
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
Borough is a nightmare if you actually want to buy food to cook rather than hang round and eat 'organic' hamburgers all day. You could go on a friday and miss the tourist crowds or go crack of dawn on a saturday or you could give the 'chelsea triangle' a try. Pimlico farmer's market (Pimlico road) is small but perfect for fresh meats, fish, veg, bread (fantastic eggs, butter and cheese from the Lincoln farmer stall). Then you could 'go posh' and have breakfast at daylesford cafe, bang opposite the market. Then walk 5/ 10 minutes to the Kings Road for the farmer's market on the pedestrianised area by the old barracks. The stalls are of the cooked, takeaway variety (good thai, morcoccan and fresh salads). So you get the best of both worlds and some people watching along the way.
This Answer has a rating of
5
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Mar 02
Question from Mimi Spencer
Nicola, is there a new undiscovered foodie market in London?Borough is so busy these days
Mar 02
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
Borough is a nightmare if you actually want to buy food to cook rather than hang round and eat 'organic' hamburgers all day. You could go on a friday and miss the tourist crowds or go crack of dawn on a saturday or you could give the 'chelsea triangle' a try. Pimlico farmer's market (Pimlico road) is small but perfect for fresh meats, fish, veg, bread (fantastic eggs, butter and cheese from the Lincoln farmer stall). Then you could 'go posh' and have breakfast at daylesford cafe, bang opposite the market. Then walk 5/ 10 minutes to the Kings Road for the farmer's market on the pedestrianised area by the old barracks. The stalls are of the cooked, takeaway variety (good thai, morcoccan and fresh salads). So you get the best of both worlds and some people watching along the way.
This Answer has a rating of
5
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Feb 20
Are there any great new restaurants opening in London soon?
Feb 20
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
Are you a restaurant critic? What an odd question. There is no such thing as a great new restaurant that hasn't opened yet - you never know how good a place will be until the punters, you and me, have visited and decided whether we would return. But hey, I love a hot new opening as much as the next C list celeb, so places to watch and book asap are the new new Quo Vadis in Soho, which is being launched by the men behind Fino (it will have a private club attached as well), followed by Angela Hartnett's new Italian-ish restaurant called Murano on the old Zen site in Mayfair. Both should happen late Spring...although we all know how late those buillders are completing a job. So maybe you are looking at at June treat.
This Answer has a rating of
5
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Feb 16
This is an embarrassingly basic question and I know I don't need to explain myself but I skipped from no cooking at all to following complex recipes so missed out on the extreme basics! What's the best way to get perfectly boiled potatoes? There are so many variations: starting with cold or boiling water, salted or not, covered or not, peeled before or after... Mine always end up a bit wrong so advice from an experienced cook would be much appreciated!
Feb 20
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
this is like the wold boiled egg question - a few years ago a foodie mag (not mine, sadly) rang all the top chefs and asked them for their perfect boiled egg 'recipe'. Each one, from Gordon Ramsay to Delia Smith has a different method, but I am sure that each preferred their own. The answer to your question lies in the palate of the taster - although potato varieties vary massively when cooking
This Answer has a rating of
5
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Feb 15
Question from Mimi Spencer
What is the perfect recipe for crumble topping? Mine always goes doughy, not crispy
Feb 20
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
raymond blanc says he has the best method `- basically you cook the crumble bit first (till golden brown) and then add to the fruit after. That way you get a lovely crispy topping. Obviously that is cheating, but who cares?
This Answer has a rating of
5
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Feb 19
Question from elaine martin
I am going out in London on Friday - can you recommend any Gastropubs. North of the Thames.
Feb 20
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
The best gastropub north of the river is the first pub that sold organic food _ way back 9n 1998. It is in Islington (where else?). The Duke of Cambridge. was set up by a brilliant woman and great cook. It still wins awards and it's the real deal - great food that just happens to be organic.dukeorganic.o.uk
This Answer has a rating of
5
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Feb 11
have you a good light baked cheesecake recipe?
Feb 13
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
Donna Hay's recipes are always v easy and quite light. Her latest recipe books (you can get them in Sainsburys at £9.99 each) are 'Chocolate' and 'Fruit'. In the latter, there are quite a few light fruit cheesecake recipes but my favourite is the Chocolate cheesecake made with chocolate biscuitd and dark chocolate. Worth the calories
This Answer has a rating of
5
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Feb 10
what is the best way to lose weight ?
Feb 13
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
Forget all diets, they don't work. Follow a few rules: only eat when you are hungry - but never leave it to you are ravenous; never eat at your desk at work or on the go - you need to sit down properly and think about your food; chew every mouthful 20 times. Then do at least an hour of aerobic exercise at least 3 times a week.
This Answer has a rating of
8
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Feb 12
Can you recommend a great sea-view restaurant near St Mawes in Cornwall?
Feb 13
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
The are a few good restaurants in Cornwall but there are an awful lot of really bad ones. I would go to Fifteen for the views and the breakfasts and without a doubt Tresanton for lunch (get a table outside). It is a bit like London-on-sea but all the better for it
This Answer has a rating of
7
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Feb 12
My French mate always brings the most fabulous cheeses over with her when she stays, so I'd like to do the same for her with British cheeses. Am I being daft or can you suggest some that will impress and delight ?
Feb 13
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
The are some wonderful British cheeses. I would suggest visiting or ringing Neal Street – it stocks amazing cheese and the staff are very helpful. Or what about Alex James' Little Wallop goats cheese made in his Oxfordshire barn? You can buy the ex-Blur bassist's cheese from Harvey Nichols.
This Answer has a rating of
6
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Feb 12
My French mate always brings the most fabulous cheeses over with her when she stays, so I'd like to do the same for her with British cheeses. Am I being daft or can you suggest some that will impress and delight ?
Feb 13
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
The are some wonderful British cheeses. I would suggest visiting or ringing Neal Street – it stocks amazing cheese and the staff are very helpful. Or what about Alex James' Little Wallop goats cheese made in his Oxfordshire barn? You can buy the ex-Blur bassist's cheese from Harvey Nichols.
This Answer has a rating of
5
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Jan 30
I like the idea of fruit and vegetable boxes. Where can I order one from?
Jan 30
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
Well first and foremost, try Abel and Cole (www.abel-cole.co.uk). They change their boxes on a weekly basis depending on demand and season, and you get a nice little selection. Equally good are Riverford, and again they offer a vareity depending on season and number of people, orderable online (www.riverford.co.uk). Lastly, Graig Farm (www.graigfarm.co.uk) will deliver a cheaper (and almost always unbruised) selection of seasonal fruit and veg, nationwide.
This Answer has a rating of
5
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Jan 24
Where can I buy eco-friendly water?
Jan 24
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
Bottled water has been receiving a lot of bad press of late, so my obvious answer would be "use a tap." But I've recently discovered one reason not to feel too guilty about not using the tap: Thirsty Planet water. This charity-cum-bottled-water-company basically give a whole tonne of money to Pump Aid and have thus have raised far over £300,000 and installed over 1000 pumps. Available to buy at all the big supermarkets nationwide.
This Answer has a rating of
5
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Jan 23
I'm looking to buy butcher-fresh meat, preferably from an online company which doesn't require advance notice?
Jan 24
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
The prolific online company Donald Russell (www.donaldrussell.com) has been causing a stir for some time. Their gourmet meats come from a group of farmers in Aberdeenshire who specialise in grass-fed, traditionally matured, animal welfare approved meat. Being Scotland though, it will take a few days to deliver, but considering the weight of your average leg of lamb, it doesn't cost the earth (at most £7.95 for mainland UK) and they will deliver off the mainland for a small surcharge.

Otherwise, try Arun lamb (www.arun-lamb.co.uk) – fantastic purveyors of Welsh mountain lamb and multi-award winning team from Providence Farm (www.providencefarm.co.uk) who offer a huge organic range of fresh meats, again available nationwide.
This Answer has a rating of
5
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Jan 23
I would like to send my husband on a cookery course for his brithday, but not a bog-standard, London based one. I am willing to pay.
Jan 23
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
Head to Oxford and Raymond Blanc's cookery school at his Michelin-starred Manoir aux Quat'Saisons. Although Raymond doesn't tend to appear before the blackboard, 'students' will get to cook in the Michelin-starred restaurant and will be taught by some of the most culinary-gifted teachers outside of London. There are all sorts of courses available - 'Fusion', 'Nutrition' or the very popular 'Dinner Party' where you can learn to cook a 3 course meal a la Gordon Ramsay's 'Cook along Live'. Book online at www.manoir.com.
This Answer has a rating of
5
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Jan 23
I would like to spend Valentine's Day in London and would like to take my girlfriend out for a meal. I will book now, but I am on a very tight budget. Any ideas?
Jan 23
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
For good food on a budget, particularly on Valentine's Day, I would suggest one of the Little Bay restaurants: I recently discovered their branch in Kilburn. This Zagat-praised chain (although very un-chainy in both its hand-written menu and theatrical-gilt decor) was opened by restaurateur Peter Ilic. He came up with the concept of a perfectly decent, French-inspired three course meal at an astonishingly low price, which is a must if you're not willing to spend over £50 a head on the biggest Hallmark night of the year. Look at the website to find your nearest restaurant, www.littlebay.co.uk.

This Answer has a rating of
5
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Jan 18
Where do the top chefs eat breakfast?
Jan 18
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
Sara Adams at Kensington Square Kitchen is a fan of the West country: "I think the best breakfast I have ever had recently is at Babington House (Frome, Somerset BA11, 01373 812266).

Cass Titcombe recommends fifty-year-old Mario's cafe in Kentish Town, (6 Kelly Street, Kentish Town, London, NW1, 020 7284 2066) "I'd be hard pushed to find somewhere better than this in London."
This Answer has a rating of
5
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Jan 14
Where can I find buy really good fresh fish in London?
Jan 17
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
Cheats will head to Borough market by London Bridge tube where shop/stalls such as Applebee's and Mersea island's sell the freshest of the fresh Italian octopus and oysters, respectively. Otherwise, head to Billingsgate fish market (Poplar, E14), the largest in the UK. They sell everything imaginable at trade-ish prices. The only drawback are its opening hours – tuesday to saturday from 5.00am - 8.30.
This Answer has a rating of
8
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Jan 10
Question from peanutgirl
Can you suggest any very traditional, old fashioned British restaurants that serve food which hasn't been boiled in the bag but which won't break the bank?
Jan 12
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
Canteen (Spitalfields or Royal Festival Hall, 0845 686 1122) serves super-traditional food such as devilled kidneys on toast, kippers, mushy peas and orange jelly, for less than you'd expect, in their ultramodern booth-style restaurant. Very efficient and most mains cost under a tenner.
Otherwise, try The Reliance in Leeds (North Street, 0113 295 6060) – a more-gastro-but-still-pub restaurant which does the usual hearty bangers and mash and pie options, and even has a pub quiz on Sunday nights.
This Answer has a rating of
5
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Jan 08
Question from jeronimo
I want an unusual, personally designed cake for my 4 year old daughter. Where can I get one?
Jan 09
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
Fiona Cairns produces 120,000 cakes a year, selling to Selfridges and Waitrose amongst other places – and although they're not made to order, they are perhaps the most unusually designed flour based treats you'll find in a supermarket. Bestsellers include the sugar flower laden fruit cakes and football themed cupcakes.

Or... Kate of Pat-a-cake-pat-a-cake bakes, designs and sculpts a vast selection of birthday cakes and does so to order, so designs can be tweaked accordingly. Favourites are her girly sandcastles and anemone decorated cakes, as well as her Russian themed stack of cakes (www.patacakepatacake.com).
This Answer has a rating of
7
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Jan 07
Question from peanutgirl
I want authentic pizza cooked in an authentic pizza oven, but I want to avoid Italian-inspired chains such as Pizza Express. Any ideas?
Jan 08
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
In terms of budget and quality, you'd be hard-pushed to beat Soho's Italian Coffee Company (ICCo's) cafe/restaurant. Where they scrimp on decor – the restaurant (if you can call it that) is chilly, stool-seated and made entirely of aluminium – they make up for with their absurdly low prices. Their huge margaritas cost just £3.
Otherwise, the family-run Salvo's in Headingley (reservations: 0113 275 5017) serve astonishingly good pizza-ovened pizzas for slightly over £7.
This Answer has a rating of
5
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Dec 28, 07
Question from marsha6
Is Alex James's cheese any good or is it just a pop boy playing in the country?
Jan 01
Answer from Nicola Jeal Guru
Believe me, Blur's ex-bassist is very serious about the art of cheese-making. He works with one of the best cheesemakers and cheese gurus in Britain. The result is Little Wallop which you can buy at Harvey Nicks, and it's delicious. Trust me.


This Answer has a rating of
5
Arrow_small_999999 Got a better Answer? Arrow_small_999999 Rate this Answer
Dec 18, 07
Question from Mimi Spencer
How can I get a table for 2 when all the Lond