The name says it all. This is one of the largest, most comprehensive collections of European paintings in the world. All major traditions are represented. The color-coded layout is as good as a GPS as you wind your way through the crowded galleries to view works by artists such as Van Eyck, Holbein, Titian, Botticelli, […]
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Tate Britain
Younger, shinier Tate Modern gets all the attention, but Tate Britain remains my favorite museum in London because of the Turner-filled Clore Gallery. When JMW Turner died, he bequeathed his works to the nation. The Tate was the largest beneficiary; the haul was 300 oil paintings and 30,000 sketches and watercolors. The current exhibition, “Romantics”, […]
Victoria & Albert Museum
This museum is a perfect destination for a group whose members have divergent tastes since there’s a bit of everything – sculptures, paintings, jewelry, photographs, artifacts, manuscripts, etc. The enormous collection is devoted to the applied arts of all disciplines through all periods and corners of the globe. A healthy sampling of every sort of […]
FishWorks
We were browsing in Marylebone, starving and craving fish and chips, when FishWorks called out to us like a beacon. It was exactly what we were seeking – delicious, fresh seafood, a glass of crisp wine and comfortable seats upon which to rest our weary bodies. FishWorks sources its fish locally from suppliers who practice […]
Afternoon Tea: the Original Snack Time
Afternoon tea has gone the way of social calling cards and is no longer a fixture in British society. That’s too bad, since relaxing with hot tea and a small meal, usually consisting of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and other accoutrements and pastries, is so much better than snacking on a bag of […]
National Portrait Gallery
View striking portraits of all notable Brits here, from Mary, Queen of Scots to Victoria Beckham. This museum is a fascinating walk through British history, and you’ll certainly pick up many tidbits that were not covered in your history books. Start at the top in The Tudor Gallery and work your way down to the […]
Cozy British Pubs
At every turn in London, there is a welcoming pub. The traditional ones do not play music or have televisions and are set up like living rooms, complete with comfortable seating, lamps and a newspaper selection. Whole families, neighbors and passers-by of all ages stop in throughout the day. Here, socializing and relaxing is the […]
New Year’s Eve in London
Happy 2012! Here was the scene as I passed through Trafalgar Square at around 11 pm. This was a modest crowd, as most people headed toward the Thames to see the amazing fireworks display. The 11-minute fireworks display cost £1.9million. More than 12,000 fireworks producing 50,000 projectiles illuminated the sky from Big Ben, the London […]
Macaron
I first had a macaron in Paris years ago, and have since enjoyed them every chance I get! Good thing they’re modest in size, although that isn’t helpful when I consume two, four or more at a time… Anyway, they are pretty easy to find over here. Every patisserie makes gourmet versions and groceries carry […]
Gromperekichelcher
Much to my delight, Gromperekichelcher, or potato pancake, is a favorite Luxembourg winter food. These hearty fried potato-egg-herb concoctions are served with applesauce, although I saw some people eating them with a mayo-like spread.
