Category: Food & Drink
Chelsea, London: Live Like a King–or Rock Royalty
Few countries possess a flair for pomp and pageantry quite like Great Britain. While gilded carriages and ermine-trimmed robes are only trotted out for the most magnificent occasions, like the coronation of King Charles III or the late Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, Chelsea–one of the poshest post codes in London–boasts spectacular styles, sleek supercars, and famous personalities in perpetuity.
Musical legends, including The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and Jimi Hendrix, reigned supreme here in the Swinging Sixties, and Chelsea-based designers like the late greats Mary Quant and Vivienne Westwood altered the fashion landscape forever.
Read more about how to roll like the Stones–or blue-blooded royalty–in my story in GoWorldTravel.
Vivienne Westwood is memorialized in a mural on Chelsea’s King’s Road. She gained renown for her punk and “New Romantic” fashions of the 70s and 80s. © Amy Laughinghouse
Brandy and Cheese? Yes, Please!
Billy Bob Thornton and Angelina Jolie, circa 2003. Banana and mayonnaise sandwiches. Burnt orange and avocado green colour schemes. And cheekless chaps…made of corduroy.
This world has borne witness to some cringe-worthy combinations over the years—although it’s possible I invented that last example. (Coming soon to a runway near you?)
But sometimes, unexpected hook-ups are surprisingly satisfying. No, I’m not referring to that no-regrets Tinder night with Mr. Wrong that felt oh so (swipe) right. I’m talking about—brace yourself—brandy and cheese.
Courtesy Clementine Communications
Sure, you’ve probably sipped wine with a rough and ready chunk of cheddar or nibbled pecorino with port. Historically, however, brandy does not fraternize with fromage.
Now, that looks like a well-balanced meal.
But at one memorable Thameside event hosted by spirits experts Neil Ridley and Joel Harrison, my eyes were opened and my palette popped—thanks to St. Rémy’s master blender, Cécile Roudaut, who was there to prove that she isn’t afraid to rock the boat while basting tastebuds. (more…)
Winter in Bavaria, Germany: A Festive Foodie Feast
If your idea of the perfect holiday season escape is like something out of Hansel and Gretel—charming half-timbered cottages and all-you-can eat sweet treats (minus the cannibalistic overtones, obviously)—then buckle up for Bavaria, my friends. Just be prepared to loosen your belt a notch or two, because this trio of festive destinations—Rothenburg, Bayreuth, and Nuremberg—will leave you full to bursting with the Christmas spirit, not to mention gingerbread and glühwein.
A present-laden car and stately nutcracker mark the entrance to the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas shop and museum in Rothenburg. Copyright Amy Laughinghouse.