You are here: Home / Archives for england

Walking the Dog in Baltimore

June 25, 2012 by

I am not a huge beer drinker. However, if there is one beer that I enjoy, it is Newcastle Brown Ale. From the slightly sweet, slightly bitter taste, to the rich color and smooth finish, this English beer is one of the best. I first tried Newcastle many years ago upon my first trip to England. I remember the bartender telling me a bit about the beer and that it was best to drink it from draft opposed to bottled. I also learned that the beer was known affectionately as “the dog” in England, short for “walking the dog”, which is a euphemism for going out for a drink.

Back in the States, it’s a challenge to find Newcastle anywhere (it was everywhere in England) – but especially  on draft. However, on my recent trip to Baltimore, I was excited to see Newcastle on draft at Tir Na Nog, an Irish pub in Baltimore harbor. The following week, while in Orlando, I found Newcastle on draft in downtown Disney at Raglan Road. On both occasions, I had to indulge – or walk the dog – for old times sake.

Who knows, maybe on my next trip, it will be third time’s the charm!

Cheers everyone!

 

Filed Under: Food & Wine Tagged With: , , , , , ,

5 Days at Royal Ascot

June 18, 2012 by

(photo source)

This year marks the 301st year of Royal Ascot, the most valuable and popular horse race meeting in Europe. From June 19 to June 23, over 30 races will take place and £4.5 million in prize money will be at stake. If you are not one of the 300,000 visitors expected to attend this year’s big event outside of London, try celebrating at home. Aside from sporting a fancy hat or fascinator, be sure to follow the new Royal Ascot dress code. You can also try a few of the most popular Royal Ascot refreshments … according to Ascot’s website, during the 5 days in 2011, Royal Ascot attendees consumed:

  • 58,727 bottles of Champagne
  • 110,936 glasses of Pimm’s
  • 156,656 draught pints of beer
  • 40,000 strawberry scones
  • 2,000 kilos of fresh lobsters
  • 52,500 local spears of asparagus
  • 3,300 punets of strawberries

For full racing schedules, runners and riders, style guide, and other information, check out the official Royal Ascot website.

Filed Under: Joie de Vivre Tagged With: , , , , ,

Black-Tie Optional

June 7, 2012 by

(photo source)

Bonjour Everyone!

I am headed to beautiful Baltimore in just a few days where I will be attending a black-tie optional Gala (ooh la la!). I would love to report that the Gala event is in celebration of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee, but alas, it is not. Nonetheless, it is a fancy fundraising affair, and you know what that means? Dress shopping! I honestly have not been shopping for formal attire in over a decade (think sorority formals followed by weddings). Because of this, everything I have in my closet that could be considered formal is either a) meant for a bridesmaid, or b) looks like it’s 10 years old!

Ironically, in doing some research for formal dresses, I came across a story about the Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee and how the Victoria and Albert Museum is featuring an exhibit dedicated to ballgowns from 1950 to today. What I wouldn’t give to see that exhibit! This is actually very similar to a V&A exhibit I saw years ago on British fashion through the ages – what a fantastic exhibit that I was very fortunate to see during one of its very last weeks on display.

Despite my pure excitement over the new exhibit, I became acutely aware that I….

  1. Would never be able to afford anything remotely as glamorous as the dresses they showed;
  2. Only had 4 shopping days to find my own fancy, schmancy ballgown; and
  3. Spend waaay too much time dreaming about life in other countries and not enough time visiting them.

Well, regarding point #3, stayed tuned – this Bistro Chic girl is headed out the country very soon!

Back to dress shopping.

Ciao!

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Queen Elizabeth II and Her Diamond Jubilee

May 31, 2012 by

 

(Photo source)

This weekend, Queen Elizabeth II will celebrate her Diamond Jubilee with 60 years as Queen and Head of State of the United Kingdom and 15 other Commonwealths. At 86 years old, the Queen has celebrated numerous accomplishments and reached significant milestones, including becoming the second longest reigning monarch in British history – the first is Queen Victoria with a 63-year reign. Last year, I gave you 8 little-known facts about Queen Elizabeth. Now, in honor of her Diamond Jubilee, let’s take a look at 8 more:

8 More Facts About Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family

  1. During her reign, the Queen has had 3.3 million pieces of correspondence sent to her.
  2. In 2005, the Queen claimed ownership to 88 swans on the Thames in London.
  3. Despite popular belief, there is no “official” way to approach the Queen, but common courtesy is expected. Those who wish to greet the Queen in a more traditional fashion can do so with a neck bow (men) or a slight curtsy (women).
  4. In addressing the Queen by name, it is proper to use “Your Majesty” first, followed by “Ma’am”.
  5. The Queen has more than 10 Royal Residencies, of which I have seen or visited: Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, Windsor Castle, Palace of Hollyroodhouse, Balmoral Castle, St. James Place, and Clarence House.
  6. Many members of the Royal Family, including Her Majesty, can be contacted by mail. See a list of addresses.
  7. Before 1917, members of the Royal family had no surname, only the name of the house or dynasty to which they belonged. However, Queen Elizabeth and her husband the Duke changed this tradition giving their descendants the surname Mountbatten-Windsor, the surname of the Queen’s husband paired with the name of the Queen’s official house.
  8. During the Diamond Jubilee celebration, you may see the letters “ER” on the Royal Crest. These letters stand for Elizabeth Regina or Elizabeth the Queen.
Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Boat Race: Oxford and Cambridge Rivalry

April 5, 2012 by

(photo source)

A few years ago, my husband and I traveled to London, but did a quick stop in Oxford. I had always wanted to see the university and had heard about the famous “Oxford/Cambridge” Boat Race. While in Oxford, we heard mumblings about the race. We knew race day was getting close and were disappointed to learn that it was taking place the following day – after we’d already left the Oxford.

We returned to London that evening and made plans to tour the city the next day. Thinking the Boat Race was being televised from Oxford later that afternoon, we made our way back to our Inn to watch it on television. Much to our surprise, we quickly learned (after seen many London sites in the background) that the Boat Race was actually taking place in London on the Thames River - a place that we were near just hours before!

The history of the race and how it was started is quite interesting – a bit of a challenge between two friends who were attending rival schools in 1829. Oxford won the first race, and, decades later, the winner still claims bragging rights for the year.

This year will mark the 158th Boat Race between the two schools. The Boat Race will take place on Saturday, April 7, at 2:15PM London time. If you are not one of lucky ones attending the race in person, you can still cheer for your favorite team virtually. The BBC will be airing the race live online and many other TV/radio stations will be televising the event in real time.

You know I’ll be watching!

Ciao!

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: , , , , , ,
%d bloggers like this: