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Thursday, 1 January 2026

5 Star Hotel Switzerland | Breakfast, Dinner - White Junior Suite 2026 (with Prices) Is that really EXPENSIVE?

As we approach the new year of 2026, we wish you all a very happy new year! Can you guess our location in this video? We are enjoying breath-taking views of Lake Geneva from our hotel balcony, with snowy mountains, wild birds, and white swans on the lake, embodying the peaceful life we have always desired. It is an unforgettable and perfect holiday!

Every morning, I wake up and have to do some neck exercises since I got neck injury. We have never been to Montreux before; this is our first visit as we opted for a hotel close to the Montreux Christmas market to enjoy the sight of Santa flying in the sky. Therefore, we decided on the Royal Plaza. It’s a five-star hotel with a very helpful reception and an impressive lobby that offers panoramic views of the lake and mountains.

Our room is 204, a white junior suite with a terrace and a lake view, located on the second floor. This room is quite spacious, featuring two very clean bathrooms, allowing you and your partner to each have your own.

A large full-length mirror is positioned near the entrance, allowing you to check your outfit, along with plenty of hangers for your clothes and a drawer for storage.

As you step inside, you'll notice a three-seater sofa accompanied by a lounge table and a coffee table, perfect for brewing your own coffee and tea. We bring our stainless steel travel kettle to prepare our teas.

Additionally, there is another bathroom featuring two washbasins and a bathtub with a standing shower.

The balcony is quite spacious, offering stunning views of the lake and mountains, accompanied by the sounds of birds. People stroll by, creating a serene atmosphere; it truly is a peaceful life.
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.
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A warm greeting from the manager of the Royal Plaza, accompanied by a delightful plate of sweet treats.

As you stroll to the wardrobe, you'll notice two bathrobes and slippers, which are essential for us as a luxury hotel standard.

Returning to the bathroom, the shower, along with the lotion and shampoo, offers a natural essence with a fruity aroma, all crafted in Switzerland.

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I hope you enjoy this room tour!

We noticed on Instagram that the hotel’s restaurants feature stunning food presentations. So, why not give it a try then? if you dine at the hotel restaurant, hotel's guests receive a 10% discount.

The restaurant Café Bellagio at the Royal Plaza Montreux hotel. We took our seats, and the waitress inquired whether we preferred sparkling or still water; we opted for sparkling instead. My favourite tea is jasmine green tea, and a pot allows for two full cups to enjoy. ItalyPaul ordered a glass of beer.

We selected two main seafood dishes: one was pan-seared scallops, and the other was squid. The waiter assisted us with a good video shoot. The squid dish was superior to the scallops, as the scallops were slightly overcooked and overly buttery in flavour. I prefer the natural taste of all ingredients and we don't like salty foods. I would rate these two dishes an 8 out of 10. However, the freshly made bread deserves a perfect 10 out of 10, reminiscent of what I bake at home. It is crunchy on the outside and fluffy soft on the inside, with a natural milky and barley wheat flavour, not overly sweet or salty.

I enjoy this large squid; it's incredibly chewy and tender, with a distinctly natural squid flavour that I find delightful. I love this squid for its non-salty yet authentic taste, while the seaweed is salty. The seaweed is crunchy, but the downside is that it can be overly salty.

A five-star hotel in Montreux, Switzerland, provided us with a full Royal Plaza experience for only £400 Includes accommodation for one night, access to the pool, an express buffet breakfast, and a romantic dinner for two. It was definitely worth it!

The cost of hotel rooms varies by season; we paid just £250 for one night, which is similarly to a 4-star hotel rate.

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As fans of tea, we love sipping it while soaking in the beautiful views and unwinding. It really acts as a luxurious getaway from home, allowing us to appreciate the world's beauty outside and release all our worries. I've learned how to find peace and manage my stress by taking the time to enjoy nature and every little detail, ensuring I fully embrace each moment and not let it pass by.

Thanks, Royal Plaza team! I had a fantastic time at the full plaza in Montreux. I'll definitely be back again.

Oh, that's not the final video. Here’s our morning meal, which is set in the lobby. The lovely Sunset Bar gives you the opportunity to enjoy breakfast, a coffee break, or lunch, whether you prefer to sit inside or out on the terrace, all while soaking in the breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and the Alps.

Express" Buffet Breakfast: 7 am – 10 am --- The breakfast buffet includes a variety of bread, pastries, cereals, fruit juice, and hot drinks.

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Once again, we had a great breakfast with amazing views. We enjoyed it a lot. We picked some fresh red apples and a pear, trying to see if they were better than the ones from the UK. The answer is pretty much the same during apple and pear season. ItalyPaul kept trying to peel the apple in one continuous motion without any cuts, and he did a fantastic job. The waitress was impressed and said she could do it too. The apple was sweet and crunchy, and we decided to peel the pear as well, which is also a cool skill to do without stopping. Really impressive! Why are Swiss fruits so good too?

Can you all guess where our next destination is?

To make things easier and save some time, we opted for an Uber for the 40-minute ride to our next location.

It might cost a bit more, but it's totally worth it.

Taking the train would take an hour and a half, and we'd have to change trains in Aigle, which means tackling a staircase. That would definitely wear us out. So, we opted for Uber for a door-to-door service from our hotel. This way, we can save our energy for more adventures!

A New Song Just for you guys :)
Wishing you all a Happy New Year, my dear friends!

Lyrics
Countdown to the New Year glow
Postcards shine in Swiss snow
Wishing you love that grows
Peaceful days in soft repose

Your heart will dance so light
New year stars burning bright

A very Happy New Year cheer
May joy surround you far and near
Your days ahead so bright and clear
A very Happy New Year dear

Countdown to the dreams we share
Swiss Alps echo in the air
Wishing you smiles so rare
Golden moments everywhere

Your heart will dance so light
New year stars burning bright

A very Happy New Year cheer
May joy surround you far and near
Your days ahead so bright and clear
A very Happy New Year dear

📍 Royal Plaza Montreux Switzerland

Enjoy!


Copyright © Josephine's Recipes. All rights reserved.
No part of this video (including thumbnail images or written recipe) may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the copyright holder.

Recipe Source: Josephine's Recipes

Wednesday, 17 December 2025

We Tried The Best Bakeries in Geneva Switzerland 🇨🇭 Highly Rated of 10/10 World’s NO.1 Best Croissants 🥐


We spent a night at the Ruby Claire Hotel because of its prime location, which provided us with complimentary public transportation and convenient access to the airport as well as various shopping options nearby.

I google searched online for bakeries in the area and captivated by the images of their pastries, decided to visit one that was just a 3-minute walk from our hotel.

The gentleman beside us is exceptionally kind and is more than happy to record a short video for us. He has resided in this area and visits this café 2-3 times weekly. It's wonderful to encounter such pleasant people around.

We ordered a beautifully presented croissant, a hazelnut cake, and two cappuccinos with artistic designs. The cappuccino was warm and delightful, while the croissant was the best I have ever tasted; it was crunchy on the outside and incredibly fluffy on the inside, tasting divine.

The barista was extremely helpful since I was uncertain about which cake would be delightful, and he provided me with a straightforward suggestion! Unfortunately, I couldn't indulge more at that moment as I had already had a substantial dinner the previous night.

The hazelnut cake was also truly delicious, featuring a real hazelnut flavour; it was just right. I can confidently say that this pastry chef is exceptionally skilled, talented and deserves Michelin stars for their pastries.

A pot of Jasmine green tea is truly delightful; it is served very hot and contains two full cups. It is definitely worth the price in Geneva, as it tastes incredibly refreshing and warms my heart!

For such freshly made pastries, the quality justifies the price. I've had pastries at other cafes for the same price, but the taste and quality were not comparable. This is 100% sure to be made freshly-made daily, and the ingredients were of the highest quality; the price is absolutely worth it!

Le Comptoir Woodward Geneva is the best Bakeries in Geneva Switzerland. It’s astonishing! I will definitely return and make sure to come with an empty stomach so I can enjoy many pastries from this bakery and order more to take back to the UK when I visit Geneva again next year!

📍Le Comptoir Woodward Geneva, Switzerland

Enjoy!


Copyright © Josephine's Recipes. All rights reserved.
No part of this video (including thumbnail images or written recipe) may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the copyright holder.

Recipe Source: Josephine's Recipes

Friday, 12 December 2025

Ladurée Paris Champs Elysées 🎂 Everyone It’s My Birthday


Sweet Dreams at Ladurée

Lyric
I walk to see the Arc de Triomphe
Today sweet treats are what I planned
At Ladurée they stand in line
Taste the world's best macarons
At Ladurée Paris they stand in line

Today my birthday shines so bright
Yet everything just feels so right
In vintage hat and emerald hue
The crowd admires my festive view

My love follows where I go
To share the treats I love and know
The dessert house so warm and shine
With singing waitresses so rare

Oh, wrap me up in sugar and thread
Let me dream in macaron red
Till the Arc de Triomphe shadow kisses the street
And the last crumb falls where memories meet

The flavors dance upon my tongue
Each bite like when the church bells rung
A thousand flavors learning to fly
The cake so cute the taste divine
This Paris joy is fully mine

My love follows where I lead
To taste the treats that I most need
The dessert house so warm and fair
With singing waitresses so rare

Oh raspberry so fresh and sweet
The perfect crunchy festive treat
My birthday wish to everyone
Stay young and happy forever

Thanks for watching everyone! Wishing you all a happy everyday!

Any questions, feel free to ask. If you enjoyed my straightforward review of this video, show your support by clicking like and leaving a comment.

Copyright © Josephine's Recipes & Lifestyle. All rights reserved. No part of this video (including thumbnail images or written recipe) may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the copyright holder.

Wednesday, 26 November 2025

Hôtel Splendid Étoile 4* - Paris - Privilege Room With Direct View (4K Room Tour & Vlog)

Our recent stay at the Hotel Splendid Etoile for 1-night at £550, which included bed and breakfast along with city tax, was absolutely splendid! I really enjoyed the breakfast service; it was such a treat to have a full breakfast brought right to our room. The pastries were fresh, and the variety was just right.

A fantastic place to use as a 'home base' for going out and exploring Paris. I’ve been lucky enough to travel to many places around the world, and this visit was one of my all-time favourites. This hotel is simply amazing. The bed and furniture were super comfortable. The location is incredible with so much to do, eat, and see right at your doorstep.

The views from the balcony are definitely a highlight. The staff were generally polite and helpful, and the hotel had a lovely, classic Parisian vibe. Hotel's location is unbeatable, right across from the Arc de Triomphe. Waking up to a view like that was an unforgettable experience. The staff were also very attentive and helpful.

The rooms are not tiny (as you might expect in Paris), but they’re not, they’re very clean, comfortable, and beautifully decorated. Bathrobes and slippers are a must when staying at a 4-star hotel.

If you are celebrating a birthday, it is essential to indulge in a bed and breakfast that offers breath-taking views from the balcony. Additionally, donning a gorgeous wedding dress during honeymoon or anniversary creates lasting memories. Bring tripod, and let take some stunning photographs.

Nothing was too much trouble, the staff were very welcoming, patient, and understanding. If I ever go back to Paris, I will definitely stay at Hôtel Splendid Étoile again!

Any questions, feel free to ask. If you enjoyed my straightforward review of this video, show your support by clicking like and leaving a comment.

Copyright © Josephine's Recipes & Lifestyle. All rights reserved. No part of this video (including thumbnail images or written recipe) may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the copyright holder.

Saturday, 22 November 2025

Easy Fluffy Pancakes | 22 Years Old Secret Recipe!

Wow, looking outside at all the snow, and the snowfall. It's already feels like an early white Christmas now. It's snowing in the UK, right now.

The early morning is quite cold, I'm really hungry, so I've decided to whip up some thick pancake to fuel me up, and then I'll brew nice cortado, with freshly ground coffee beans.

I usually make this for my afternoon snacks, but today I feel like having it right after waking up, maybe being hungry is what got me up early.

I really enjoy eating pancakes, especially when I make them fresh at home. While I'm cooking, I'll sprinkle about a tablespoon of sugar on the thick batter pancake top and make more holes appear.

I like to spread some butter on top. There are three types of salted butter brand that I love in the UK. For a quick filling, I used KP original salted peanuts, which I pour into a grinder to turn into ground powder or peanut butter, depending on how smooth or chunky you want it. I also love to add roasted black sesame seeds, which I grind into fine black sesame powder and mix with granulated sugar to taste.

I'll share the full recipe, including the pancake filling, because this is one of my go-to afternoon snacks or anytime when I'm feeling hungry at home. It's incredibly delicious and nutritious to prepare it yourself at home. Look at the texture, so beautifully done!

Here is my backyard garden in mid-May 2025, which is a testament to the hard work ItalyPaul's put into it. It's filled with tulips and daffodils, resembling a dream garden. The atmosphere is so peaceful and relaxing.

Ingredients:
100g of cake flour
1/2 tsp of baking powder
15g of sugar, which is about 1 tbsp
70g of whole milk
(If you want a really thin and crispy pancake, you can add 80g-90g).
1 free-range egg

Filling:
15g-20g of black sesame seeds, ground into powder
30g of toasted salted peanuts
10g of sugar to mix in, optional
--- Sprinkle some sugar on the pancake while it's cooking.

Method:
1) In a bowl add all the ingredients list on the above.
--- To whip up some light and fluffy pancakes, start by mixing the dry ingredients together. Then, add in the wet ingredients and stir softly until everything is combined, but don’t worry if there are a few lumps in the batter. If you mix too much, it can cause gluten to form, which will make your pancakes tough and chewy instead of light and fluffy!

2) Preheat the pan on medium low heat, then pour in the batter, adjusting the thickness to your preference. If you're not particularly hungry, I recommend to make a thin and crispy version for a light snack.

3) Sprinkle sugar evenly on the batter, and cook it until the bottom turns a nice golden brown, steering clear of any dark or burnt spots. Each piece should take about 5 minutes.

4) You can also add some finely ground black sesame on top for a richer flavour. I really enjoyed it, and it's good for you too! Plus, I've used homemade black sesame paste as a filling. I have a healthy recipe for making black sesame paste and peanut butter the right way, so be sure to check out the link in my video at the end.

It's one of my smart husband's ItalyPaul's favorite snacks at home, especially for afternoon munchies with hot drinks like coffee or milk tea. It brings him so much joy and puts a smile on his face. If you love food art, think about subscribing to the ItalyPaul YouTube channel if you haven't done so yet. He effortlessly crafts cute vegetable and fruit carvings, inspired by his creativity imagination.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask! I'm here to answer all your curiosities. Thanks for watching!

Here's a close-up video showing you all how crispy and thin these pancakes are. They're called crispy peanut pancakes, kind of like crackers, and I'm sure you'll love them. You don't have to put a lid on while cooking this type of pancake; it's a crispier version. (One more tips for you guys, you can swap out peanuts for walnuts, or blend them together for a more unique flavour).

Here's an example of how I grind peanuts into a fine powder or even make peanut butter. It's a tasty method! Check out the video link at the end. I hope you find this video helpful and that you can whip up some delicious pancakes at home too.

Enjoy!


Copyright © Josephine's Recipes. All rights reserved.
No part of this video (including thumbnail images or written recipe) may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the copyright holder.

Recipe Source: Josephine's Recipes

Friday, 21 November 2025

Fluffy Pancake in 5 Minutes - You Will Make This Every Day! Easy Quick APAM BALIK Recipe - Super Yummy!!!


Wow, looking outside at all the snow, and the snowfall. It's already feels like an early white Christmas now. It's snowing in the UK, right now.

The early morning is quite cold, I'm really hungry, so I've decided to whip up some thick pancake to fuel me up, and then I'll brew nice cortado, with freshly ground coffee beans.

I usually make this for my afternoon snacks, but today I feel like having it right after waking up, maybe being hungry is what got me up early.

I really enjoy eating pancakes, especially when I make them fresh at home. While I'm cooking, I'll sprinkle about a tablespoon of sugar on the thick batter pancake top and make more holes appear.

I like to spread some butter on top. There are three types of salted butter brand that I love in the UK. For a quick filling, I used KP original salted peanuts, which I pour into a grinder to turn into ground powder or peanut butter, depending on how smooth or chunky you want it. I also love to add roasted black sesame seeds, which I grind into fine black sesame powder and mix with granulated sugar to taste.

I'll share the full recipe, including the pancake filling, because this is one of my go-to afternoon snacks or anytime when I'm feeling hungry at home. It's incredibly delicious and nutritious to prepare it yourself at home. Look at the texture, so beautifully done!

Here is my backyard garden in mid-May 2025, which is a testament to the hard work ItalyPaul's put into it. It's filled with tulips and daffodils, resembling a dream garden. The atmosphere is so peaceful and relaxing.

Ingredients:
100g of cake flour
1/2 tsp of baking powder
15g of sugar, which is about 1 tbsp
70g of whole milk
(If you want a really thin and crispy pancake, you can add 80g-90g).
1 free-range egg

Filling:
15g-20g of black sesame seeds, ground into powder
30g of toasted salted peanuts
10g of sugar to mix in, optional
--- Sprinkle some sugar on the pancake while it's cooking.

Method:
1) In a bowl add all the ingredients list on the above.
--- To whip up some light and fluffy pancakes, start by mixing the dry ingredients together. Then, add in the wet ingredients and stir softly until everything is combined, but don’t worry if there are a few lumps in the batter. If you mix too much, it can cause gluten to form, which will make your pancakes tough and chewy instead of light and fluffy!

2) Preheat the pan on medium low heat, then pour in the batter, adjusting the thickness to your preference. If you're not particularly hungry, I recommend to make a thin and crispy version for a light snack.

3) Sprinkle sugar evenly on the batter, and cook it until the bottom turns a nice golden brown, steering clear of any dark or burnt spots. Each piece should take about 5 minutes.

4) You can also add some finely ground black sesame on top for a richer flavour. I really enjoyed it, and it's good for you too! Plus, I've used homemade black sesame paste as a filling. I have a healthy recipe for making black sesame paste and peanut butter the right way, so be sure to check out the link in my video at the end.

It's one of my smart husband's ItalyPaul's favorite snacks at home, especially for afternoon munchies with hot drinks like coffee or milk tea. It brings him so much joy and puts a smile on his face. If you love food art, think about subscribing to the ItalyPaul YouTube channel if you haven't done so yet. He effortlessly crafts cute vegetable and fruit carvings, inspired by his creativity imagination.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask! I'm here to answer all your curiosities. Thanks for watching!

Here's a close-up video showing you all how crispy and thin these pancakes are. They're called crispy peanut pancakes, kind of like crackers, and I'm sure you'll love them. You don't have to put a lid on while cooking this type of pancake; it's a crispier version. (One more tips for you guys, you can swap out peanuts for walnuts, or blend them together for a more unique flavour).

Here's an example of how I grind peanuts into a fine powder or even make peanut butter. It's a tasty method! Check out the video link at the end. I hope you find this video helpful and that you can whip up some delicious pancakes at home too.

Enjoy!


Copyright © Josephine's Recipes. All rights reserved.
No part of this video (including thumbnail images or written recipe) may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the copyright holder.

Recipe Source: Josephine's Recipes

Tuesday, 18 November 2025

I Tried the Most LOCAL STEAK FRITES in Paris 🥩🍟 Compare to Le Relais de l’Entrecôte - Which is the best?

We chose to stay at Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel due to its convenience location. Just next door 2-minute walk to Beaugrenelle shopping centre and 5-minute to MONOPRIX groceries store.

So, we decided to have dinner nearby and made a reservation online after seeing the positive reviews for ''Café Beaugrenelle''.

Upon our arrival, we are captivated by the ambiance: an elegant decor, a welcoming atmosphere, and an outstanding reception. The staff greets us with smiles, showing attentiveness, and it is evident that the joy of hosting is a top priority here.

Dishes

1) Grilled chitterling sausage, mustard sauce, sausage made from pork chitterlings.
Not for everyone!

Sausage
Andouillette is a coarse sausage made primarily from pork chitterlings (intestines) and stomachs.

2) Angus Steak and Fries - Sauce au poivre, frites maison
Everyone will loved it!


Sauce
It is commonly served with a pan sauce made from white wine, Dijon mustard, and butter. It is typically grilled or pan-fried and served with a creamy mustard sauce. Accompaniments: It is often served with mashed potatoes, lentils, or a simple salad.

Prosecco x 2
Sparkling Italian white wine

Parisian brasserie with prices that are fair; our dinner cost us EURO 55, which is quite reasonable considering the expensive Parisian vibe.

Parisian brasserie with prices that are fair; which is quite reasonable considering the expensive Parisian vibe. This is the type of establishment where you feel at ease, a place you want to return to frequently – whether for a drink with friends or a dinner in Paris.

We've met some French peoples who subscribed to our YouTube channel. They're super friendly! Cheers to them for having the best festival ever, and happy new year EVERYONE :)

📍 Café Beaugrenelle
89 rue Saint Charles, 75015 Paris France

Any questions, feel free to ask. If you enjoyed my straightforward review of this video, show your support by clicking like and leaving a comment.

Copyright © Josephine's Recipes & Lifestyle. All rights reserved. No part of this video (including thumbnail images or written recipe) may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the copyright holder.