Post by Jody on Apr 12, 2012 9:43:20 GMT -5
Why oh why does time pass so quickly in London and Paris? Seems we are slowing down but time is speeding up.Took lots of pictures in London but not many in Paris as I was too busy looking and enjoying myself. My restaurants in London will make you think we were in Italy. Lately we both just want to go to place nearby after using the bus systems all day. And there were lots of street closures in London and rerouting so we missed many stops and did more walking than usual. Also London bus drivers don’t seem to know as much as cabbies. Lots of Pas de Service in Paris too!
Friday March 16-17 flew Virgin Atlantic on FF miles , premium economy for extra leg room and priority boarding. Lousy food but the drinks are free!! Arrived right on time and our Justairport driver was waiting with Joanne on his sign. Glad I was the only Joanne on the plane. It is a long drive in from Gatwick especially at rush hour and no sleep on plane. Arrived at Millennium Gloucester and were warmly greeted by staff. The doorman recognized us from previous visit and took luggage right there . Checked in and the room was ready, purchased club privileges for the internet, breakfast ,snacks , canapés and drinks in the club lounge. It is worth the extra cost. David hit the bed and I hit Boots and the tube station to load up our Oyster cards and get some drugs! Walked around the neighborhood for a bit and then I too pooped out and headed back. Took the bus up to Kensington High St. intending to go to Brasserie Gerard for dinner but it has closed and is being remodeled into another Italian restaurant. Thought we’d go to Cote but as I looked into Foubert I thought I recognized the maitre de so went in there. Deep friend Calamari and zucchini for starters then salmon for D and Saltin=mbocca for me. It was really quite good and I would return . Stopped in the club lounge for another glass of wine and a coffee before hitting the very comfortable beds.
Sunday today is David’s birthday but we are putting off going to La Famiglia until tomorrow as our friend Alvaro doesn’t come in on week-ends anymore. Headed out to Trafalgar to visit the National Gallery, spent a few hours in there , including lunch, then decided to head back to hotel. As we exited the Square was jammed with people, more than I have ever seen there before. Seems the St Patrick’s Day parade is starting there and heading toward the Thames. Since this is the bus route and they have been diverted to who knows where we decided to watch the parade. Lots of folks in the crowd in funny get ups! And I never knew Hare Krishnas and Samba dancers were particularly Irish! Everyone was having fun so we just joined in . Finally the buses started up again so we headed back for a rest and drinks in the lounge. Dinner tonight at Orsini’s , Across from the V&A. It is a favorite of ours . Mr. Orsini greeted us warmly and brought our wine promptly. David had a clam and mussel dish and I had more Calamari and something else but I can’t read my writing. Another early night , we were in bed by 10 !!
Monday 19th- Made an early start to the Covent Garden Monday antiques market and spent a few hours looking but no buying then headed off to Gray’s antique center . Chatted up quite a few dealers but didn’t buy a thing again. BY 4 PM I was ready for a shower and a drink so headed back to hotel. Bused to La Famiglia and were greeted with a complimentary prosecco . Caught up with Juan and Luigi , our regular waiters and David chose swordfish, there fish is always excellent. No mussels tonight which is a first for him but Alvaro said the mussels this season are not up to his standards so he won’t serve them , David did notice how small they were at Orsini’s. I Had my usual first night dinner of thin pounded lamb chops, more fried zucchini and finished off with their famous Torta della Nonna. He has the recipe in his new cookbook so I will try to make it at home. Told Alvaro we were going to Italy and staying in Montecatini in October. He said he would probably be there and we should meet up. Even if he isn’t he can give us lots of good dining advice as this is his home territory!
Tuesday 20.. Special treat today We are meeting Denise from OPF this morning at Paul across from the hotel. Recognized her at once and since Paul was crowded we went back to Hotel lounge for coffee. We both enjoyed meeting and talking with her and I hope we can do it again soon in France or Manchester. After she went back we walked down to the V&A , There was a Cecil Beaton exhibit of the queen’s 60 year reign but I didn’t especially want to see it so just visited s few of the galleries had lunch in the garden, the weather has been wonderful. Only wore a sweater most days at the beginning of trip. Dinner tonight at Carlucci’s . We decided to share more calamari as a starter. Then D followed with venison tortellini and I ordered lamb shanks. The calamari was awful and it wasn’t just our opinion. The lady seated next to me also ordered it and we all complained and it was taken off the bill. It was soggy and undercooked and tough as rubber. First time we’ve ever been disappointed there.
Wednesday 21... Off to theatreland to see a play, One man , 2 guv’ners, It was extremely well acted and we enjoyed the music played between scenes. The story is a bit far fetched but the acting made up for the story. It is opening in NYC shortly, so if you get a chance see it.
Dinner at La famiglia again. I could eat here every night but the budget would be busted!! Calves liver, perfectly cooked for D and roasted sea bream for me. Canolis for dessert.
Thus 22nd..Had a nice chat with a hotel manager this morning , Thorsten, told him we were off to Paris but would be back later and he said he would take good care of us on our return. Gave me his card for future trips too. Today is one of the main things we came to London for The Penman fair at Chelsea Old Town Hall. Always lots to see and nice people to talk with, As we were early we went into Bourbon Hanley mall on Sydney Street to catch up with a dealer we have known for ages. David went across to another shop that specializes in Old Sheffield Plate and saw a muffin stand with a warming base. He could not resist so we have made another purchase. The man will keep it for us to pick up when we return from Paris so I won’t have to lug it along! Since we spent our money already all we did at the
show was look and learn!
Left show for some lunch at Paul then returned and spent the whole day there. Dinner tonight at Racine also across from the V&A. Excellent French food and service. Kidneys for David and beef Bourg. For me. Yummy. Crème brulees for dessert, have to get in practice for Paris
Friday 23 .. The BADA show is the other big antique show we love to attend . Had free tickets too so that helps. As it’s a bit pricy! Spent the whole day, saw so things we would like to have but the prices are sky high! Got reentry tickets and went over to Partridges for lunch , both had Chicken Caesar salads , very good along with some English cider. Left the show around 4 and had a rest before dinner tonight again at Orsini’s. D had their Lasagna, he really likes it because they don’t load it up with too much ricotta. I had sea bass and more fried Zucchini!! No dessert and it is hard to pass up Mrs Orsini”s baking. She does all the pastries for the restaurant. But we were both stuffed!
Two more days in London before we get to Paris, more to follow
Friday March 16-17 flew Virgin Atlantic on FF miles , premium economy for extra leg room and priority boarding. Lousy food but the drinks are free!! Arrived right on time and our Justairport driver was waiting with Joanne on his sign. Glad I was the only Joanne on the plane. It is a long drive in from Gatwick especially at rush hour and no sleep on plane. Arrived at Millennium Gloucester and were warmly greeted by staff. The doorman recognized us from previous visit and took luggage right there . Checked in and the room was ready, purchased club privileges for the internet, breakfast ,snacks , canapés and drinks in the club lounge. It is worth the extra cost. David hit the bed and I hit Boots and the tube station to load up our Oyster cards and get some drugs! Walked around the neighborhood for a bit and then I too pooped out and headed back. Took the bus up to Kensington High St. intending to go to Brasserie Gerard for dinner but it has closed and is being remodeled into another Italian restaurant. Thought we’d go to Cote but as I looked into Foubert I thought I recognized the maitre de so went in there. Deep friend Calamari and zucchini for starters then salmon for D and Saltin=mbocca for me. It was really quite good and I would return . Stopped in the club lounge for another glass of wine and a coffee before hitting the very comfortable beds.
Sunday today is David’s birthday but we are putting off going to La Famiglia until tomorrow as our friend Alvaro doesn’t come in on week-ends anymore. Headed out to Trafalgar to visit the National Gallery, spent a few hours in there , including lunch, then decided to head back to hotel. As we exited the Square was jammed with people, more than I have ever seen there before. Seems the St Patrick’s Day parade is starting there and heading toward the Thames. Since this is the bus route and they have been diverted to who knows where we decided to watch the parade. Lots of folks in the crowd in funny get ups! And I never knew Hare Krishnas and Samba dancers were particularly Irish! Everyone was having fun so we just joined in . Finally the buses started up again so we headed back for a rest and drinks in the lounge. Dinner tonight at Orsini’s , Across from the V&A. It is a favorite of ours . Mr. Orsini greeted us warmly and brought our wine promptly. David had a clam and mussel dish and I had more Calamari and something else but I can’t read my writing. Another early night , we were in bed by 10 !!
Monday 19th- Made an early start to the Covent Garden Monday antiques market and spent a few hours looking but no buying then headed off to Gray’s antique center . Chatted up quite a few dealers but didn’t buy a thing again. BY 4 PM I was ready for a shower and a drink so headed back to hotel. Bused to La Famiglia and were greeted with a complimentary prosecco . Caught up with Juan and Luigi , our regular waiters and David chose swordfish, there fish is always excellent. No mussels tonight which is a first for him but Alvaro said the mussels this season are not up to his standards so he won’t serve them , David did notice how small they were at Orsini’s. I Had my usual first night dinner of thin pounded lamb chops, more fried zucchini and finished off with their famous Torta della Nonna. He has the recipe in his new cookbook so I will try to make it at home. Told Alvaro we were going to Italy and staying in Montecatini in October. He said he would probably be there and we should meet up. Even if he isn’t he can give us lots of good dining advice as this is his home territory!
Tuesday 20.. Special treat today We are meeting Denise from OPF this morning at Paul across from the hotel. Recognized her at once and since Paul was crowded we went back to Hotel lounge for coffee. We both enjoyed meeting and talking with her and I hope we can do it again soon in France or Manchester. After she went back we walked down to the V&A , There was a Cecil Beaton exhibit of the queen’s 60 year reign but I didn’t especially want to see it so just visited s few of the galleries had lunch in the garden, the weather has been wonderful. Only wore a sweater most days at the beginning of trip. Dinner tonight at Carlucci’s . We decided to share more calamari as a starter. Then D followed with venison tortellini and I ordered lamb shanks. The calamari was awful and it wasn’t just our opinion. The lady seated next to me also ordered it and we all complained and it was taken off the bill. It was soggy and undercooked and tough as rubber. First time we’ve ever been disappointed there.
Wednesday 21... Off to theatreland to see a play, One man , 2 guv’ners, It was extremely well acted and we enjoyed the music played between scenes. The story is a bit far fetched but the acting made up for the story. It is opening in NYC shortly, so if you get a chance see it.
Dinner at La famiglia again. I could eat here every night but the budget would be busted!! Calves liver, perfectly cooked for D and roasted sea bream for me. Canolis for dessert.
Thus 22nd..Had a nice chat with a hotel manager this morning , Thorsten, told him we were off to Paris but would be back later and he said he would take good care of us on our return. Gave me his card for future trips too. Today is one of the main things we came to London for The Penman fair at Chelsea Old Town Hall. Always lots to see and nice people to talk with, As we were early we went into Bourbon Hanley mall on Sydney Street to catch up with a dealer we have known for ages. David went across to another shop that specializes in Old Sheffield Plate and saw a muffin stand with a warming base. He could not resist so we have made another purchase. The man will keep it for us to pick up when we return from Paris so I won’t have to lug it along! Since we spent our money already all we did at the
show was look and learn!
Left show for some lunch at Paul then returned and spent the whole day there. Dinner tonight at Racine also across from the V&A. Excellent French food and service. Kidneys for David and beef Bourg. For me. Yummy. Crème brulees for dessert, have to get in practice for Paris
Friday 23 .. The BADA show is the other big antique show we love to attend . Had free tickets too so that helps. As it’s a bit pricy! Spent the whole day, saw so things we would like to have but the prices are sky high! Got reentry tickets and went over to Partridges for lunch , both had Chicken Caesar salads , very good along with some English cider. Left the show around 4 and had a rest before dinner tonight again at Orsini’s. D had their Lasagna, he really likes it because they don’t load it up with too much ricotta. I had sea bass and more fried Zucchini!! No dessert and it is hard to pass up Mrs Orsini”s baking. She does all the pastries for the restaurant. But we were both stuffed!
Two more days in London before we get to Paris, more to follow
;D
hahahha